Sherlock Holmes: Sweeney Todd, Demon Barber 01/28/1946 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

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Sherlock Holmes: "Sweeney Todd, Demon Barber" (01/28/1946)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives
Episode Theme: Holmes investigates whether an actor playing Sweeney Todd is slipping into madness and committing murder offstage.

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Episode Overview

In this atmospheric, theatrical adventure, Dr. Watson recounts to radio listeners a chilling case that begins in the smoky London theater district. Sherlock Holmes and Watson are called backstage by Mark Humphries, a troubled actor-manager who’s convinced he’s transforming into Sweeney Todd—the murderous role he performs nightly. Humphries seeks Holmes’s help to determine whether he’s truly losing his mind or the victim of some devilish plot. The stakes rise as the investigation turns deadly, leading Holmes and Watson into a classic “locked room” drama where life and art seem terrifyingly intertwined.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

At the Theatre: Setting the Stage

• Holmes and Watson at the Play

  • Holmes and Watson attend Mark Humphries’s production of "Sweeney Todd." Holmes enjoys the melodrama; Watson finds the performance "florid" and the villain's beard "impractical."
    • Quote, Watson (04:32): “Upon my soul, Holmes, that fellow Mark Humphries is the most florid actor that I've ever seen on a stage.”
    • Holmes: “I find him enchanting, Watson...a restrained performance of Barber Sweeney Todd would be unthinkable.”

• Humphries’s Note

  • In the midst of the play, Holmes receives a desperate note from Humphries, requesting a backstage meeting, claiming:
    • Quote, Note from Mark Humphries (05:30): "My sanity and even the safety of London perhaps depends on your compliance."

Backstage: Entering the Mystery

• Troubled Actor’s Confession

  • Humphries, in a state of fear, confesses to Holmes and Watson that he believes he is becoming Sweeney Todd. He has found his boots muddy and his razor blood-stained upon waking, but with no memory and no actual evidence of murder.
  • Quote, Humphries (08:29): “I'm going mad...I'm turning into another Sweeney Todd, the character I'm portraying...I've often heard of actors beginning to live their parts off the stage...it's happening to me.”

• Initial Investigation

  • Holmes checks with Scotland Yard (Inspector Gregson) and finds no related murders in recent weeks. Everything points to psychological torment or a sinister trick.

Unraveling at the Edges

• The Physical Evidence

  • Humphries finally produces muddy boots and a blood-stained razor as new evidence. Holmes takes them for chemical analysis.
  • Quote, Watson (11:42): "Blood-stained razor and boots covered with mud."

• Holmes Confronts Mrs. Humphries

  • Holmes privately questions Mrs. Humphries about possible sleepwalking. She denies it, reveals she’s a light sleeper, and admits nothing. Holmes catches her in an apparent affair with the musical director Signor Vignelli, although both are later discounted as primary suspects due to motives and opportunity.
  • Quote, Holmes (15:06): “It doesn't take a great deal of intelligence to deduce that your husband is being deceived.”

• Forensic Revelation

  • Holmes discovers the blood is not human, but likely from a dog—suggesting the entire thing is staged to sow doubt and fear in Humphries.
  • Quote, Holmes (15:51): "This blood is definitely not human blood. It's probably canine...it's obvious that Mark Humphries is the victim of a devilish plot."

The Turning Point: Murder Most Foul

• Humphries Found Dead

  • Holmes and Watson find Humphries dead in his dressing room, throat cut to resemble the suicides/murders of "Sweeney Todd."
  • Holmes immediately suspects murder, not suicide, citing the evenness of the wound.
    • Quote, Holmes (18:21): "Suicide? Rubbish. It's murder."

• The Elaborate Trap

  • Holmes instructs Watson only to tell Inspector Gregson; news of Humphries's death is to be kept secret for the moment. Holmes disguises himself as Humphries and takes the stage, attempting to lure the killer out.

The Climax: The Reveal

• On Stage and Behind the Scenes

  • Holmes, in the makeup and part of Sweeney Todd/Humphries, appears on stage. Watson and Gregson watch in amazement.
  • Quote, Watson (19:54): "Great heavens, it's Holmes!"

• The Murderer Revealed

  • After the play, Holmes returns to Humphries’s dressing room. Derek Lindsay, the business manager, is exposed as the killer, motivated by greed (the theater was mortgaged to him).
  • Lindsay attempts to attack Holmes, believing him to be the revived Mark Humphries, but is apprehended by Holmes, Watson, and Gregson.
  • Quote, Lindsay (to 'Humphries'/Holmes) (23:26): “You devil, Humphreys. How many times do I have to kill you?”

Resolution: Motives and Mischief

• Holmes Explains All

  • Lindsay orchestrated the entire scheme to drive Humphries mad and to make his murder look like suicide, motivated by financial gain.
  • Mrs. Humphries and Vignelli, though intriguing as red herrings, lacked motive and opportunity, especially after being observed and Holmes having confided his suspicions.
  • Quote, Holmes (25:01): “I investigated Derek Lindsay's affairs and found...Lindsay stood to inherit the theater on Humphreys death.”

• Holmes Reflects on Fallibility

  • Holmes admits to Watson, in a rare moment of vulnerability, that he too doubted his own actions as the case strained toward its denouement.
  • Quote, Holmes (26:17): “There were three of us that felt the same way.”
  • He asks Watson to remind him of "Sweeney Todd" in the future if he ever grows "overconfident."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On "Living the Part"
  "I've often heard of actors beginning to live their parts off the stage...it's happening to me."
  — Mark Humphries [08:29]

• Holmes on Stage
  “Great heavens, it's Holmes!”
  — Dr. Watson [19:54]

• Holmes's Humility
  “In the future if it should strike you that I'm a woe getting a little overconfident... Kindly whisper Sweeney Todd in my ear, will you?”
  — Holmes [26:22]

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Important Timestamps

• [02:16] – Dr. Watson introduces the premise and the theater outing
• [05:30] – Holmes receives Humphries’s alarming note
• [08:29] – Mark Humphries confides fears of madness to Holmes and Watson
• [10:08] – Visiting Scotland Yard; ruling out recent murders
• [11:42] – Physical evidence: boots and razor
• [15:51] – Holmes reveals blood/razor evidence is a trick (“canine blood”)
• [16:38] – Discovery of Humphries's body
• [18:21] – Holmes insists on murder, not suicide
• [19:54] – Holmes appears on stage as “the ghost of Sweeney Todd”
• [23:26] – The killer, Derek Lindsay, strikes again and is apprehended
• [24:18] – Baker Street wrap-up and Holmes’s explanation
• [26:17] – Holmes and Watson privately admit their doubts

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Overall Tone

The episode balances classic Sherlockian deduction and gothic melodrama, with flashes of humor (“restrained performance of a barber Sweeney Todd would be unthinkable”) and a self-referential wink at Holmes’s own fallibility. Basil Rathbone’s Holmes is precise, composed, and fallibly human; Nigel Bruce’s Watson is affable, loyal, and prone to befuddlement, bringing warmth and lightness to a macabre tale.

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Summary

This classic radio drama cleverly blends backstage intrigue with the mystique of Sherlock Holmes. The specter of Sweeney Todd haunts not just the stage but the psyche of an actor—and through astute observation, forensic science, and a touch of bravado, Holmes unmasks a killer hiding in plain sight. The case serves as a cautionary tale on the consequences of unchecked ambition and as a gentle reminder of Holmes’s own need for humility.

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Transcript

[Announcer]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] Petri wine brings you.

[Harry Bartel]

Basil.

[Narrator]

Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

[Harry Bartel]

The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And if you will, I hope you listen to me for a second because I want to tell you about a wine that can make waiting for dinner a pleasure. The wine is Petri California sherry. Any evening. Well, let's say tomorrow evening, right before dinner, pour yourself a glass of Petri Sherry. Just look at it. It's clear as crystal and a wonderful deep amber color. One sure sign of a good sherry. And if you need further proof of just how good Petri sherry really is, taste it. What wine that Petri sherry has a flavor that you know comes right from the heart of the grape. And if you like your sherry dry rather than sweet, you'll really like Petri pale dry sherry. There's no doubt about it. Petri sherry is one of the most delicious before dinner wines in this swell country of ours. Oh, and say, when you serve Petri sherry, serve it proudly because those letters P, E, T, R I on the bottle spell the proudest name in the history of American. And now I'm sure our good friend Dr. Watson's waiting for us. Let's go.

[Mark Humphreys]

Enjoy.

[Dr. Watson]

There you are, Mr. Barto.

[Harry Bartel]

Good evening, Doctor. All alone tonight, huh?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, my boy, if you can call a man alone when he's got his pipe, his books and a glass of good port at his elbow. Take the coat off, Fuller, and join me.

[Harry Bartel]

Thanks, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Help yourself to the port. There's some rather special tobacco in the jar over there.

[Harry Bartel]

Fine. And now, Doctor, are you ready to tell us tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventures?

[Dr. Watson]

I am, Mr. Bartell, and I think you'll find it a most unusual story. It began on a Winter's Night in 1896. Holmes and I had gone to a theater in the East End of London to see a performance of a famous old English melodrama called Sweeney Todd. The Demon Bomber of Fleet Street.

[Harry Bartel]

That's a good bloodthirsty title, Bacher.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Demon barber.

[Harry Bartel]

He sounds as though he specialized in close shaves.

[Dr. Watson]

Gracious me, Mr. Bartel, that's almost unforgivable. He was a murderer of voracious appetite who placed his victims, in a specially constructed barber's chair, cut their throats and then pressed the lever that would swing the chair over and decamp the unfortunate victim into a horrible cellar beneath his shot.

[Harry Bartel]

This is only a stage play you're talking about, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

As my story begins, we were seated in a private box watching one of the closing scenes. Holmes was leaning forward in his chair, following the action on the stage with an obvious delight, while I set beside him, equally engrossed. An actor by the name of Mark Humphries was playing the part of Sweeney Todd. And no one could deny that he was playing.

[Signor Vignelli]

Where are you going, Tobias? To the nearest magistrate, Sweeney Todd, to denounce you, the fiendish, cruel, cold blooded murderer. You have pronounced your doom. Into the chair with you, and over and down into the depths below.

[Dr. Watson]

Ha ha ha.

[Mark Humphreys]

There 10 whence comes comes this apparition.

[Signor Vignelli]

Tis the ghost of another customer of mine. The yawning grave yields up his ghastly inmates to prove me guilt. Blood. Who will have blood?

[Dr. Watson]

See, he is there.

[Signor Vignelli]

He comes to accuse me of his murder. Oh, save me. Twas not I that slew you. Let me leave or it will kill me. Let me leave.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, upon my soul, Holmes, that fellow Mark Humphreys is the most florid actor that I've ever seen on a stage.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I find him enchanting, Watson. It seems to me he's really caught the flavor of this murderous monster piece. After all, a restrained performance of a barber Sweeney Todd would be unthinkable.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, I suppose it would. I must say, his makeup seems rather overdone. No barber would wear such an enormous beard. Be most impractical. Probably get in the customer's faces. By the way, I noticed from the program that Mark Humphries, as well as being the principal actor, is also the owner of the company.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, the current trend towards the actor manager is a very healthy sign, I think.

[Signor Vignelli]

Karin.

[Mark Humphreys]

Excuse me, but is one of you.

[Signor Vignelli]

Gentlemen Mr. Sherlock known?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I am. I was asked to give you this note, sir. Thank you.

[Dr. Watson]

Now, who on earth knows that you're at the theatre, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You'll soon find out. Ah, this note is from Mark Humphries, our actor manager.

[Dr. Watson]

What's the. Sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dear Mr. Holmes, I recognize you in your box. Please come to my dressing room after the performance. My sanity and even the safety of London perhaps depends on your compliance.

[Dr. Watson]

No, my sanity and the safety of London. I wonder what on earth he means.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That, my dear fellow, we can only discover by going backstage to meet him. As it is, the curtain's going up in the last scene. I see. For a little longer. We must possess our souls in patience.

[Derek Lindsay]

Mr. Sherlock Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes sir.

[Derek Lindsay]

Oh, my name is Vinzi. Derek Lindsey. I'm the business manager. Mr. Humphries asked me to meet you at the stage door and take you to his dressing room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you very much. This is my colleague Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do?

[Derek Lindsay]

Oh, how are you Doctor?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Will you, will you follow me please? Excuse me asking Mr. Lindsay but surely you must be related to that distinguished actor of some years back. Lytton Lindsay?

[Derek Lindsay]

He was my father, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed. The resemblance is extraordinary.

[Dr. Watson]

Such a heritage Mr. Lindsay. You must love the fairer.

[Derek Lindsay]

It'll probably sound like heresy but I hate it. However, it's the only thing I was trained for and there's good money to be made in it sometimes. And money's a thing I both like and want. Oh Mr. Holmes, I do hope you'll be able to help Mark Humphries. He certainly needs it.

[Dr. Watson]

You know what seems to be his trouble?

[Derek Lindsay]

He'll have to tell you that for himself. But his wife and I think there's Mrs. Humphries now.

[Dr. Watson]

Maria.

[Derek Lindsay]

Maria, this is Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Mrs. Mark Humphreys and you do.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

Oh Mr. Holmes, I'm so grateful that you're going to see Mark. He's in such a dreadful state. There have been times lately when. When Mr. Lindsay and I have been afraid he's going out of his mind. Haven't we dear?

[Derek Lindsay]

Indeed we have. We're both dreadfully worried about him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In that case I hope I can be of service him. Which is his dressing room?

[Mrs. Humphreys]

Number one. Next door to mine. Derek, I think it'll be better if Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson go in alone. I'm sure Mark will speak more freely if we're not in the room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think perhaps that is a good idea Mrs. Humphries. We'll see you later on. Come along fellow.

[Dr. Watson]

That's all.

[Signor Vignelli]

Come in, come in.

[Mark Humphreys]

Thank heaven you're here. Close the door.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Humphries. This is Dr. Watson.

[Mark Humphreys]

Watson, eh? Yes, I. I know of you too.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do, sir.

[Mark Humphreys]

Sit down won't you? Gentlemen. You're wondering why I asked you to come back and see me. Of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Naturally sir.

[Mark Humphreys]

Well I won't beat about the bush and waste your time. I come straight to the point. I'm going mad. I know. I know it sounds fantastic but it's true. I've often heard of actors beginning to live their parts off the stage. They play on it. Well it's happening to me I'm turning into another Sweeney Todd, the character I'm portraying on the stage.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Are you suggesting sir, that you're a potential murderer?

[Mark Humphreys]

Yes, I am.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What reason do you have for holding that belief? Reason?

[Mark Humphreys]

Listen to this. Three times in the past week I've wakened in the morning to find my boots covered with mud and my razor stained with blood.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You've had no recollection of any untoward events during the night?

[Narrator]

None.

[Dr. Watson]

Have you ever been addicted to the unfortunate habit of sleepwalking, sir?

[Mark Humphreys]

Not to my knowledge doctor. And if I had been, surely my wife would have told me about your wife.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Where do you live, Mr. Humphreys?

[Mark Humphreys]

We have a flat here above the theatre.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Above the theatre, eh? And Mr. Humphreys, you say that on three separate occasions on wakening in the morning you have found a blood stained razor and mud covered boots. Can you show us this proof?

[Mark Humphreys]

No, No I can't. I was always so frightened that my wife would see that I. I cleaned them before she had the opportunity of finding them.

[Dr. Watson]

Pretty, sir. They would have been very valuable clues in a case like this.

[Mark Humphreys]

I couldn't risk my wife seeing evidence like that Doctor. She'd know the truth. But at night times while she's asleep, some devilish unconscious urge has overcome me. An urge that causes me to prowl the streets of London, razor in hand, looking for a victim. Mr. Holmes, you've got to help me. I'm certain that without knowing it I've been committing murder. And if you don't help me I'll.

[Signor Vignelli]

Go on and on.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Humphreys, please. I'll undertake the case. It's a very unique assignment. In effect I'm being engaged by a possible murderer to prove him guilty.

[Inspector Gregson]

Well Mr. Holmes, I've been through all the records we have here at Scotland Yard.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You found it, Vicar.

[Inspector Gregson]

Grigson, in the last two months we haven't had one case of an soul killing with a razor.

[Dr. Watson]

Any mysterious disappearances and bless your odd.

[Inspector Gregson]

Doctor, there's never a day that passes without one or two of them. Here's a list of them Mr. Holmes, if it's any use to you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thanks. Come on Watson. In the morning we can go back to the theater and set our friend's mind at rest. I'm much obliged to you Gregson.

[Inspector Gregson]

Glad to be your service, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We examined the homicide records of the Scotland Yard after leaving you last night. Mr. Humphreys, there have been no unsolved razor murders in London during the past.

[Dr. Watson]

Fortnight and therefore I think you may rest easy on that scholar.

[Mark Humphreys]

But it Proves nothing. Remember that in the place Weenie Todd's victims are never found either thanks to.

[Sherlock Holmes]

His singularly horrible ingenuity in disposing of them. But this is real life, Mr. Humpley.

[Mark Humphreys]

Then how do you account for the blooded razors and the muddied boots?

[Dr. Watson]

Well now, are you sure that they aren't just in your imagination, sir? You admit that your wife's never seen them. The whole thing could be or shall we say an overdose of spoony tart.

[Mark Humphreys]

Well I admit that I'm suffering from a surfeit of that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And why not drop the plate from your repertoire. Our manager Derek Lindsay won't let me.

[Mark Humphreys]

He's our best money maker. He's always got a keen eye to business. Mr. Holmes, I can see that you still don't believe my story though I've saved some evidence for you. Evidence that I found this morning.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Look at these.

[Mark Humphreys]

Now what do you say? Do you still think it's my imagination?

[Dr. Watson]

Cutter. Blood stained razor and boots covered with mud.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Splendid. At last some real clues to work.

[Mark Humphreys]

How can you be so calm, Holmes? It happened again last night. Do you realize that I'm a murderer? I'm a menace to society. For heaven's sake lock me up before I do some more damage.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh no, no, no, no sir. Don't get so excited Mr. Humphreys.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I should like to take these objects back to Baker street where I can perform. Perform some chemical tests. You have no objections I hope?

[Mrs. Humphreys]

Objections?

[Mark Humphreys]

Good heavens no.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Excellent. You've told no one of this fresh discovery of yours?

[Mark Humphreys]

No one. Not even Derek Lindsay?

[Dr. Watson]

Derek Lindsay? That's your manager, isn't it?

[Mark Humphreys]

Yes. The best friend I ever had. Except for his father before him. Derek who helped me back on my feet.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Terror too.

[Mark Humphreys]

Yes, Two years ago when I put on that disastrous production of Macbeth. Don't know where I'd be today that meant for him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You lost a great deal of money on that production, sir.

[Mark Humphreys]

Nearly every penny I had.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed. By the way, where is your wife Mr. Humphrey?

[Mark Humphreys]

She's in her dressing room next door. We the mat do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'd like a word with her. What's an old chap? Wait here for me will you? I won't be a moment.

[Dr. Watson]

Right to home.

[Signor Vignelli]

Who is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Shark. Holmes.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

You want to talk to me Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

For a moment? May I come in Mrs. Humphries?

[Mrs. Humphreys]

Well couldn't we talk on the stage? It's empty.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I should prefer to come into your dressing room if you don't mind. What I have to say is confidential.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

Very well then. Come in Mr. Holmes, may I introduce Signor Vignelli, our musical director.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do, sir?

[Signor Vignelli]

It is a great honor to meet.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The so great senior Holmes.

[Signor Vignelli]

I have so admired you often I have envied you. Many times I say to myself, Ms.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nipsey Vanelli, if you don't mind, I wish to speak to Mrs. Humphreys alone.

[Signor Vignelli]

Oh, I quite understand. Excuse me, signor. Adios.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

Mr. Holmes, I'm really awfully glad of this opportunity to talk to you. Tell me truthfully, please, what your opinion of my husband.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I hadn't formed a definite opinion yet. Except that it's possible that he's the victim of a fraud. I just wanted to ask you a couple of questions, if you don't mind.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

Of course not.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Holmes, has your husband ever shown evidence of being a sleepwalker?

[Mrs. Humphreys]

A sleepwalker? Oh, no, never.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. Are you a light sleeper?

[Mrs. Humphreys]

Yes, I am exceptionally, sir. Why?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, they're just curious.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

You're being very mysterious. Can't you tell even me what's going on?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I promised your husband the answer to that question before tonight's performance. I'm afraid I can't tell you anymore until then.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

And now may I ask a question?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Certainly. No, I won't promise to answer it.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

You said just now that my husband might be the victim of a fraud.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What did you mean again? I'm afraid that you must wait for the specific answer to that question. However, there's another fraud being practiced on him that I can speak of now.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

What fraud?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The fraud that you are indulging in, Mrs. Humphries.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

What do you mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course, this particular fraud is none of my business. But when I almost force my way into your dressing room and find your musical director, plenty of rice sprout around one shoulder and suggestions of rouge on his cheek. It doesn't take a great deal of intelligence to deduce that your husband is being deceived.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

Get out of here at once.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's exactly what I propose doing. Good day to you, madam. No doubt I shall see you later on.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, Holmes, what does the microscope tell you about the mud on the boots and the blood stains on the razor on the bank?

[Sherlock Holmes]

On the mud. Old chapter. Common type, found in most parts of London.

[Dr. Watson]

Blood.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm examining that now.

[Dr. Watson]

Strange. A case as ever, I remember, Holmes. Here you are trying to prove a man innocent when he insists that he's guilty.

[Signor Vignelli]

Like George Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here's the answer.

[Dr. Watson]

What?

[Sherlock Holmes]

This blood is definitely not human blood. It's probably canine. Now, a Sweeney Todd madness would hardly drive its victim to Kill. Kill dogs. Therefore it's obvious that Mark Humphries is the victim of a devilish plot.

[Dr. Watson]

And he's not a murderer.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No. Come on old fellow, let's go to the theater at once and give him the good news.

[Dr. Watson]

That doesn't the answer 3/4 of an hour before the curtain time must be.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In his dressing room. I'll knock again. Come on Watson, let's go in.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes.

[Mrs. Humphreys]

Look, look.

[Dr. Watson]

He slumped over his dressing table.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I hope we're not too late. Here, give me a hand with him now.

[Dr. Watson]

Too late. His throat's been cut.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Poor devil. I promised him a solution to his troubles before the night was over. Little did I think that the solution would be death.

[Harry Bartel]

We'll hear the rest of Dr. Watson's story in just a second. So I'm going to ask you if you're one of those people who just eats to live or whether you really enjoy good food. If you love good eating, you've just got to know about Petri wine. Petri wine makes good food taste wonderful. For instance, if you're having steak or a roast or any meat or meat dish, you'll love it served with Petri California Burke Petri Burgundy is the last word in delicious red wine. Now with chicken or fish you can't beat the delicate Petri California Sauterne, a really extraordinary white wine. Just to make sure you don't miss either. Petri wine. Don't buy one, buy two. Buy both. Petri Burgundy and Petri Sauternes. They're both swell because they're Both Petri. Well Dr. Watson, what happened next?

[Dr. Watson]

I think I'll pick up the story exactly where I left off. Holmes and I were standing in Mark Humphrey's vessel room, looking with horror the fleshed throat of the actor manager. There was a bitter self accusing note. Holmes's voice.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I promised him a solution to his troubles before tonight was over. Little did I think that solution would.

[Dr. Watson]

Be dead worry over his supposed madness caused him to commit suicide.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Suicide? Rubbish. All for it's murder.

[Dr. Watson]

The razor clutched in his hand?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Doubt it. Placed there by the murder before rigor mortis had the chance to set in. In any case, scrutinize the wound. Does that look as if it had been done by the hand of a suicide?

[Dr. Watson]

Don't be.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why not look closer old cap. The depth of the wound is even. Whereas a suicide cut always wavers towards the end. No, this is murder, Watson. And I think I know who did it. I. I have little evidence, honestly. A trap?

[Dr. Watson]

What kind of a trap, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have Time to tell you now, fellow. Every moment counts. Off with you to Scotland Guard and get Inspector Gregson. Bring him back here as fast as you can. And Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Tell absolutely no one except Gregson of Mark Humphrey's death. Say that he's still alive and well and that his problems are solved.

[Dr. Watson]

It's the performance of the play.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't you worry about that old job. Off with you to Scotland Yard.

[Inspector Gregson]

I'm sorry it took so long to find me, Dr. Watson. I was out on another case.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, that's all right, Inspector. Performance, if there is one, must be nearly over by now.

[Inspector Gregson]

Here's the stage door, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes. Here we are.

[Signor Vignelli]

Here, here. You can't go on this stage.

[Inspector Gregson]

Who says I can't? I'm Inspector Gregson of Scotland Yard.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, sorry.

[Dr. Watson]

Thomas is going on. I wonder who the devil's claims to be Nick Todd. Come along.

[Inspector Gregson]

Come on.

[Dr. Watson]

Let's stand here in the wind whistling through this cellar.

[Signor Vignelli]

But this is impossible.

[Dr. Watson]

There's Mark Humphreys on the stage. I saw him with his throat cut.

[Inspector Gregson]

I don't believe in ghosts, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Great heavens, it's Holmes. You'll cut their ferns, you.

[Signor Vignelli]

He'll revenge you while you burn down there in hell.

[Dr. Watson]

Dear me.

[Signor Vignelli]

He'll revenge you.

[Dr. Watson]

Here. Here he comes now.

[Harry Bartel]

Gregson.

[Inspector Gregson]

Amazing disguise.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'd never have recognized him. You're both here.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, what are you up to?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Surely that's apparent. I disguised myself as the dead man, hoping to force the murderous hand.

[Inspector Gregson]

You're running a terrible risk, mister.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Out of my profession, Greg. Here comes Signor Vanelli, the musical director. My dear fellow, I had the lady.

[Signor Vignelli]

Orchestra to come and congratulate you. Never have you given a finer performance. Provissimo. Provissimo.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, thank you.

[Signor Vignelli]

But it is true. You hardly seem the same person.

[Dr. Watson]

Your performance.

[Signor Vignelli]

She is incomparable. Keep it up, Mark, keep it up.

[Dr. Watson]

I think he spotted you, Holmes.

[Inspector Gregson]

Yes, sir. I didn't like his look as he said that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, whoever it is, they've got to show their hand soon. Going up in the last scene. Keep your eyes open and suspect everyone.

[Dr. Watson]

Look, my lord. Run.

[Signor Vignelli]

If I lost sight. Do not be fulgrim. Your ram inflows is stained with blood.

[Dr. Watson]

Felix her.

[Signor Vignelli]

What dark deeds. Press it on your frontier as a dark foul deed. But heed not what you hear, Lord.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Judge, nor what you see.

[Dr. Watson]

Still the figure. Sit there.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I fear it come to this.

[Signor Vignelli]

Tis useless to deny my guilt. But any dead rise from their celments to prove Sweeney Todd. Imagine that.

[Harry Bartel]

George.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What an actor he'd have made, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes. What an actor he is. Gregson. I'll be hanged if I know how he remembers the lines though. Even if he has seen the play half a dozen times. Here he comes now. Bravo, Holmes, you did splendidly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But it didn't work, Watson. It didn't work. Confound it. Murderer still hasn't dipped his hand. Have I underestimated him?

[Inspector Gregson]

Looks as if you have, sir. And if you don't mind my saying so, I think you'd have been a lot wiser to let me handle the case as soon as you found his.

[Dr. Watson]

Body instead of going in for all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This dressing up stuff.

[Signor Vignelli]

Oh, but of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now I see it. Only one person could have killed Mark Humphreys.

[Dr. Watson]

Who? Home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Do as I say and I'll show you. I'm going to Humphreys dressing room now, alone. Give me a few moments start and then follow me out of sight but within earshot.

[Inspector Gregson]

Dr. Watson, why does Mr. Holmes always have to be so blooming mysterious? Why can't he just say who the murderer is and take us to him?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I've been with Mr. Holmes on a great many cases, Gregson, and yet I can't answer that question. Come along, he's got a big enough start now.

[Derek Lindsay]

Let's follow him.

[Inspector Gregson]

I'm very fond of Mr. Holmes, you know, Doctor, and yet there are times.

[Dr. Watson]

When I get so angry with him.

[Inspector Gregson]

He shouldn't risk his life like that.

[Dr. Watson]

You know Mr. Holmes. He'll never change.

[Inspector Gregson]

If he don't, one of these days he's going to wake up and find himself dead.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's the door. Someone inside with him.

[Signor Vignelli]

You devil, Humphreys. How many times do I have to kill you?

[Dr. Watson]

Great Scottish Derek Lindsay, the business manager.

[Signor Vignelli]

Come along, Gregson. No, Lindsey.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You succeeded in killing Humphreys, but you won't kill me. Grab his arm.

[Signor Vignelli]

Look out for that bracer.

[Dr. Watson]

Here you.

[Signor Vignelli]

Let go of me.

[Dr. Watson]

Very neat.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Gregson.

[Dr. Watson]

Are you all right home?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Perfectly thanks, old chap. Though I'm a little tired. Gregson, my dear fellow, will you take over from here? I think I've had enough melodrama for one day. Ah, how pleasant. Watson. The deck of Baker street again a cracking fire. My dressing gown and your company combine to make a soothing ending for a somewhat violent day.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, I still don't entirely understand it. The original plot of course was to try and drive Mark Humphries mad by making him think that he was a murderer. That accounted for the boots and the blood stained razor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely, my dear fellow.

[Mark Humphreys]

And the killer, having conditioned his victim.

[Sherlock Holmes]

By this trickery then murdered him trying to make it appear a suicide. Now who had a motive?

[Dr. Watson]

Three people. Mrs. Humphries, her lover, Signor Vanelli, and Derek Lindsay. I must say that I suspect so.

[Derek Lindsay]

Did I for a while.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And yet it was illogical. She knew, and we may therefore presume that her lover knew and that I was suspicious of her.

[Dr. Watson]

And she must have known that you promised her husband a solution to his troubles before the night was out. It seems highly improbable that she or Senior Vanilla would have faked his suicide at that point.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite right, my dear fellow. So I investigated Derek Lindsay's affairs and I found that what Humphreys had referred to as the kindly act of a friend in helping him back onto his feet was in reality the mortgaging of his entire theatrical effects. Lindsay stood to inherit the theater on Humphreys death. Therefore I was convinced that he was the killer.

[Dr. Watson]

And then after he'd murdered him, he saw that he thought to be Mark Humphreys on the stage.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, that's what I was. Slow and stupid, old chap. I couldn't imagine what motive gave the cold clear nerve to suppress all reactions when he saw his supposed victim revived on the stage. Only at that moment did I realize.

[Dr. Watson]

What was the motive that made him hold his hand.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The characteristic that ruled his life, Watson. Avarice, A morbid love of money. You see, if he'd attacked me during the performance he'd have had to refund the money to the audience. His greed conquered all other passions. It made him wait until the performance was finished before he attempted my life.

[Dr. Watson]

You know, Holmes, now that the case is solved, I'll tell you something in confidence.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Please do, old fellow. What is it?

[Dr. Watson]

At the end of the play tonight, I was afraid that you'd made a mistake, that you slipped up on the case. Gregson thought so too.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And I, Watson, will tell you something in confidence.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, what is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There were three of us that felt the same way.

[Dr. Watson]

Now you're being modest.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I assure you I'm not, my dear chap. In fact, in the future if it should strike you that I'm a woe getting a little overconfident of my powers. Or perhaps a giving less pains to a face than it deserves. Kindly whisper Sweeney Todd in my ear, will you? I shall be infinitely obliged to you.

[Harry Bartel]

Doctor. That was a swell story. And a pretty narrow escape for home.

[Dr. Watson]

Yeah. He said he almost solved the case too late. Fortunately it ended well.

[Harry Bartel]

The thing that sticks in my mind is the fact that this was one.

[Narrator]

Of the very rare occasions when Holmes.

[Mark Humphreys]

Almost Made a serious mistake.

[Dr. Watson]

We all make mistakes at times, don't we, Rachel? I said we all make mistakes at times.

[Harry Bartel]

I suppose so.

[Dr. Watson]

You mean to stand there and tell me that you never make a mistake?

[Harry Bartel]

Well, not when it comes to choosing a wine, I don't. Because I always choose Petri.

[Dr. Watson]

You bet me. Again.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Could be.

[Harry Bartel]

But honestly, doctor, when you choose a Petri wine, you know it's a good wine. Because good wine is the only kind.

[Narrator]

Of wine the Petri family makes.

[Harry Bartel]

And it's easy to understand why when you realize that ever since they started the Petri business way back in the 1800s, the Petrie family has handed on down from father to son, from father to son the highly developed fine art of winemaker. Yes, the Petri family's been making wine for generations. That's why no matter what type wine you prefer for any occasion, you can't go wrong with a Petri wine. Because Petri took time to bring you good wine.

[Narrator]

Well, Dr. Watson, do you care to.

[Harry Bartel]

Give us a clue about next week's Sherlock Holmes Adventure?

[Dr. Watson]

Let me see. Next week, Mr. Bartel. Next week. Sweet. Now. Yes. I'm going to tell you a colorful story that took place in a Parisian Circus in 1890. It concerns a very exhausted personage, the lady bareback rider, and faint death that stuck without warning.

[Harry Bartel]

Boy, I. I can't miss that one, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Good. Well, now, before you go, I want to say something to all our friends. I want you just think for a minute. Think of how terrible it is to see helpless little children stricken by infantile paralysis. And then realize that infantile paralysis can be beaten. It can be beaten in very many cases. And your money, your dimes can do it. Join the March of Dimes. Send your dimes to your local March of Dimes headquarters. Let's help little children walk. Let's help them live.

[Harry Bartel]

Tonight.

[Narrator]

Sherlock Holmes Adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in this Arthur Conan Doyle story, the Yellow Face. Music is by Dean Foster. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family for a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.