Sherlock Holmes: Murder Under the Big Top (Aired 02/04/1946)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Starring: Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes), Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)
Date: February 20, 2026 (re-broadcast)

Episode Overview

In this vintage radio mystery, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson find themselves swept into the thrilling, glamorous, and dangerous world of the Parisian circus, the Cirque Royale. Tasked with protecting a royal client from scandal, Holmes navigates a web of jealousy, romance, and murder under the big top. When a captivating bareback rider is found strangled, Holmes must unmask the killer before scandal or injustice triumphs.

Key Discussion Points & Plot

1. Setting the Stage at the Circus

• [03:17–04:44] Dr. Watson nostalgically recounts his lifelong fascination with the circus; both he and Holmes attend the Cirque Royale in Paris.
• Holmes seems preoccupied; Watson learns their visit is actually business: they are to meet "Mr. Edwards," a distinguished client.

2. The Royal Client and a Femme Fatale

• [04:51–07:53] Mr. Edwards (aka "the Prince") arrives incognito.
• Holmes reveals to Watson that their mission is to protect Mr. Edwards from scandal due to his infatuation with Giselle Gironde, a famed bareback rider and alluring femme fatale.
• Holmes suspects trouble if Giselle knows Mr. Edwards's true identity.
• Holmes enlists Watson, under the alias Sir William Nigel, to court Giselle and evaluate her motives.

3. Backstage Intrigues and Love Triangles

• [09:22–16:01]
  • Watson, introduced as Sir William Nigel, meets Giselle, who is openly flirtatious.
  • Alfio Alfieri (animal trainer) bursts in, furious, and is knocked out by Watson during a scuffle.
  • Inspector Vernet of the French police (and distant relative of Holmes) is also present, keeping watch.
  • Giselle receives a threatening note—from a jealous tightrope walker, Yvette Marat.

4. The Masquerade Ends—And the Murder Strikes

• [16:26–18:22]
  • Watson and Mr. Edwards are both rebuffed by Giselle, who prefers Watson’s lavish gifts (thanks to Holmes's funding).
  • Holmes and Vernet contemplate Giselle's motives; Watson is instructed that the charade is over.
  • While Watson returns to say farewell to Giselle, a commotion erupts: Giselle has been murdered, strangled in her dressing room.

5. Suspicion and Arrest

• [18:22–19:52]
  • Only two men entered Giselle’s dressing room after the note: Mr. Edwards and Watson.
  • Inspector Vernet arrests both on suspicion of murder.

6. Holmes Investigates

• [21:19–22:56]
  • Holmes and Vernet scrutinize the crime scene.
  • Holmes notes: no struggle, no marks except a fine cord, window open, yet no footprints outside.
  • Realizes an acrobat could have entered by window—attention falls on Yvette Marat ("queen of the high wire"), but she has an alibi.

7. The True Murderer Revealed

• [23:58–27:03]
  • Holmes reconstructs the crime: remembers Watson’s phrase about Holmes’s “whip-like mind.”
  • Deduces that Alfieri (the animal trainer) killed Giselle with a whip from outside the window, leaving no footprints.
  • Alfieri lured Giselle to the window, strangled her with his whip, then cut the cord.
  • The weapon matches Alfieri’s gear.

8. Case Closed

• [27:03–28:08]
  • Alfieri is apprehended.
  • Mr. Edwards is grateful for Holmes’s intervention.
  • Dr. Watson, reflecting on his role, claims he’s cured of his love of circuses.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Watson’s Nostalgia for the Circus

“When I was 8 years old I fell just in love with a lady bareback rider, a stunning creature who wore pink silk tights with gold sequins... my mother caught me writing her proposal of marriage.”
— Dr. Watson [03:29]

Holmes’s Plan

“By tempting her with a richer Englishman and one with a title. That, my dear fellow, is why you are Sir William Nigel.”
— Sherlock Holmes [08:44]

Giselle’s Flirtation

“You may call me Giselle. And I shall call you, let me say, I shall call you Sir William. Willie. I shall call you Willie. You do not mind?”
— Giselle Gironde [11:58]

Watson’s Dilemma

“Holmes, you are not suggest... Holmes. If I thought that that were possible I'd confess to the murder myself. My life wouldn't matter if it'd save a scandal like that. Great Scott, it'd shatter the empire.”
— Dr. Watson [24:18]

Holmes’s Epiphany

“On more than one occasion old chap, I've had cause to deplore your rather florid style of writing. Tonight, I was very thankful for it... suddenly I remembered a phrase of yours in which you referred to its whip-like rapidity and accuracy. That of course made me think of Alfieri, the animal trainer.”
— Sherlock Holmes [26:24]

The Whip Demonstration

“With the aid of Vernet, I'll show you. Open the window, Alfieri... Inspector hasn't your skill with a whip but he wants to try a little experiment.”
— Sherlock Holmes [25:25]

Important Timestamps

• [03:17] – Dr. Watson describes the circus and the setup of the adventure.
• [04:47] – Introduction of Giselle Gironde and her backstory.
• [05:51] – Arrival of Mr. Edwards, the disguised prince.
• [08:44] – Holmes enlists Watson to pose as a titled Englishman.
• [11:40] – Watson meets Giselle; flirtation and tension rise.
• [13:12] – Physical altercation between Watson and Alfieri.
• [16:01] – Giselle receives threatening note; suspicion on Yvette.
• [18:23] – Discovery of Giselle's murder.
• [19:01] – Watson and Edwards arrested.
• [21:19] – Holmes investigates the scene, noting oddities.
• [22:54] – Yvette establishes her alibi.
• [25:27] – Holmes demonstrates the murder method using Alfieri’s whip.
• [26:24] – Holmes explains how Watson’s words led to the solution.

Tone and Style

The story gleams with the witty banter and playful camaraderie between Holmes and Watson, tinged with Parisian glamour and circus spectacle. The dialogue is laced with humor, suspense, and the trademark deductive flair of Sherlock Holmes.

Episode Wrap-Up

This episode is a delightful blend of romantic intrigue, theatrical showmanship, and classic deductive prowess. As always, Holmes’s methodical approach triumphs, but the true charm lies in Watson’s warmth and the lively, colorful backdrop of the Parisian circus. For fans of old-time radio, it’s a case with high stakes, dramatic flair, and a clever twist worthy of The Great Detective.