Podcast Summary:

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Sherlock Holmes: In Flanders Field (05/14/1945)
Aired: November 21, 2025
Starring: Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson

Episode Overview

This classic radio drama finds Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on a secret mission during World War I, just before the pivotal Battle of the Marne. The pair is summoned to the front lines under mysterious circumstances, where they become entangled in intrigue involving espionage, jealousy, and betrayal. Amidst the gathering storm, Holmes steps into the spotlight—literally—when a famous Shakespearean actor slated to perform for British troops disappears, placing Holmes at the center of a larger plot with deadly consequences.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

Setting the Scene: Arrival at the Front (03:23 – 07:57)

• Holmes and Watson Recalled to Duty: Though retired, both men enlist their services when the war breaks out. They’re sent from Paris to the front lines for a secretive mission.
• Meeting Fellow Passengers: Sharing a car with Maitland Morris, a Shakespearean actor, and his wife, Cynthia. Holmes recognizes them, having seen Morris in London the previous year and knowing of him through his brother, General Sir Stanley Morris (05:00).
• Destination: They arrive at the headquarters, greeted by General Morris, who is pleased to host the couple's performance for the troops (09:40).

Underlying Tensions & Foreshadowing (07:57 – 13:30)

• An Eerie Silence: The General notes the unnatural quiet from the German lines ahead of a planned British attack at dawn, raising suspicion of enemy infiltration (11:46).
• Security: The group is warned that surprise is critical and the presence of spies could jeopardize the coming battle.

The Disappearance of Maitland Morris (14:19 – 15:45)

• Sudden Crisis: Mrs. Morris alerts Holmes and Watson that her husband has vanished right before the evening performance. He was summoned by an alleged message from his brother but has not returned (14:32).
• Holmes Steps Up: Displaying stoic resolve, Holmes decides that "the show must go on," and volunteers to replace Maitland on stage (15:00).

Attempted Assassination and Investigation (16:59 – 19:00)

• Drama on Stage: While Holmes delivers a Shakespearean speech, a shot is fired at him, narrowly missing (17:24).
  • Memorable Moment: Holmes calmly deflects Watson’s concern:

    "Fortunately I started to leave the stage as the shot was fired. The bullet just missed me. I heard it splinter some wood nearby." — Holmes (17:28)

• Clues Found: Holmes quickly identifies the bullet as having been fired from a German Luger pistol, deducing an enemy presence behind the lines (18:27).

The Truth about Maitland Morris (19:00 – 21:46)

• Confrontation: Holmes confronts Mrs. Morris, who eventually confesses her husband's pro-German sympathies and jealousy of his brother’s military knighthood (20:00).
  • Revelatory Quote:

    "Maitland was a disciple of Stuart Houston Chamberlain...when Stanley was knighted it hurt Maitland terribly. He said it was typical if the English would knight a soldier and yet leave a great artist like himself unrecognized." — Mrs. Morris (20:00)

• Escape to the Enemy: Maitland has defected with knowledge of the password and possibly secret information (20:27). He leaves behind a note revealing himself as motivated by “something stronger than love and blood and country.” (21:19)

The General’s Dilemma & Holmes’ Solution (23:13 – 25:38)

• General’s Guilt: General Stanley Morris admits he tried to kill his brother (thinking he was on stage) to protect military secrets (24:03).
  • Dramatic Confession:

    "Yes, and I'm sorry I failed. I'd rather see my brother dead than alive and a traitor to his country." — General Morris (24:06)

• Holmes’ Countermove: Holmes reveals he had suspected Maitland and swapped his identification, ensuring the Germans would believe they’d captured Holmes, not Maitland. Further, Holmes intercepted the signature-filled autograph book, likely containing coded information (24:58; 25:14).
  • Cool Logic:

    "I also slipped in his pocket a slight souvenir of my own...the medal presented to me by the University of Leipzig." — Holmes (25:14)

Resolution & The Band of Brothers (26:05 – 27:21)

• Holmes Takes the Stage: At the General’s behest, Holmes performs the Saint Crispin's Day speech, stirring the troops and echoing the theme of brotherhood amidst betrayal (26:45).
  • Iconic Recitation:

    “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother...” — Holmes (26:45)

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Holmes’ Recognition Skills:

  “Elementary, my dear fellow, I didn't deduce it...His name is Maitland Morris. As for his biography, he's a friend of my brother Mycroft's.” — Holmes (05:00)

• Holmes on Evocative Silence:

  “Thousands upon thousands of Germans...crouched in trenches only a mile or two from here...And yet, beyond that patter of rain there isn't a sound to break the stillness of a September evening. Strange world we live in, old chap.” — Holmes (13:00, 13:59)

• Holmes the Showman:

  “Because the show must go on. I shall take your husband's place.” — Holmes to Mrs. Morris (15:05)

• On Jealousy and Betrayal:

  “When Stanley was knighted it hurt Maitland terribly. He said it was typical if the English would knight a soldier and yet leave a great artist like himself unrecognized…” — Mrs. Morris (20:00)

• General’s Anguish:

  “I'd rather see my brother dead than alive and a traitor to his country.” — General Morris (24:06)

• Holmes’ Deceptive Precaution:

  "I took the liberty...of stealing his autograph book. The one containing the magical signature of Field Marshal von Toknitz. I have it in my pocket now." — Holmes (24:58)

• Holmes Inspires the Troops:

  “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother...” — Sherlock Holmes, reciting Shakespeare (26:45)

• Watson on Holmes’ Philosophy:

  “He did have a narrow escape, didn't he?...Holmes always said there was no such thing as a narrow escape. He said you either escaped or you didn't. If you did, well, why worry? And if you didn't, you couldn't worry. So what?” — Dr. Watson (27:30)

Important Timestamps

• 03:23 – Holmes and Watson begin their journey to the front lines
• 07:57 – Arrival at headquarters, introduction to General Morris
• 14:32 – Mrs. Morris reports Maitland missing
• 16:59 – Holmes’ performance interrupted by gunfire
• 18:27 – Discovery of German bullet and suspicion of espionage
• 20:00 – Mrs. Morris reveals Maitland’s true nature
• 24:06 – General admits attempt to kill brother
• 25:14 – Holmes explains his preemptive security measures
• 26:45 – Holmes delivers Saint Crispin’s speech

Episode Tone & Language

The episode is steeped in wartime tension, loyalty, and the bitter drama of divided allegiances. Holmes remains as poised and analytical as ever, while Watson provides emotional texture and camaraderie. The dialogue is formal, clipped, and evocative of classic British resolve and theatrical tradition.

Final Thoughts & Legacy

This episode showcases Holmes not only as a detective, but also as a symbol of British endurance and cultural pride—even in moments of crisis. The Saint Crispin’s Day speech serves as a stirring rally, drawing parallels between historic battles and the ongoing struggle. There’s poignancy in the story’s exploration of family, betrayal, and sacrifice, delivered through sharp performances and rich, period detail.

For fans of old-time radio detective stories, this episode offers a compelling blend of suspense, character, and wartime atmosphere, all built around Holmes’ unshakeable wit and humanity.