Podcast Summary

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Sherlock Holmes: The Double Zero 11/19/1945 (Rathbone & Bruce)
Date: January 2, 2026
Main Cast: Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson
Setting: South of France, 1900

Episode Overview

This episode unfolds in the glamorous yet dangerous world of the French Riviera’s gambling casinos. Holmes and Watson, fresh from a delicate royal mission, become embroiled in a case involving a double tragedy at a casino in Frejas. Beneath the glittering surroundings and games of chance, suspicion, misfortune, and ultimately murder take center stage. The case revolves around the apparent suicide of a German gambler after heavy losses and the suspicious death of a young American who tries to fake his own suicide as a joke, only to end up murdered.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Arrival at the Casino & The Double Zero

• [02:15] Watson explains the allure of the Riviera and introduces the setting at a less fashionable casino near Cannes.
• [04:02] Watson is caught up in games of chance, while Holmes is skeptical:

  “I'm a little dubious as to the integrity of this particular casino.” – Holmes
  Holmes points out that the roulette wheel has a double zero, increasing the house’s edge.

2. Casino Tension & The First Tragedy

• [05:04] Heated exchanges at the roulette table between Herr Schnehmann (a German gambler) and Roger Gilbert (American), each blaming the other for their luck.
• [08:35] Schnehmann, devastated by his losses, is found dead in the garden, an apparent suicide. Watson confirms the death; Holmes notes, “Powder burns on the shirt front...revolver clutched...the angle of the wound settles it. Obviously self-inflicted.”

3. The Mystery of the Money

• [09:44] Holmes finds a wad of banknotes in Schnehmann’s pocket, contradicting his wife's claim that he lost everything.

  “Then how do you account for this sheaf of banknotes in his breast pocket?” – Holmes

• [11:17] Holmes theorizes the money was placed after death, to prevent casino scandal:

  “The money was placed there after he had shot himself…To prevent the casino from getting a bad name.” – Holmes

4. Roger Gilbert’s Joke & The Second Tragedy

• [12:13-13:14] Over drinks, Gilbert jokes about faking his own suicide to get the casino to stuff money in his pockets.
• [15:02-16:11] Later, Frau Schnehmann discovers a body in the garden – it's Roger Gilbert, seemingly mimicking his earlier plan.
• [16:11] Watson tries to rouse him:

  “Roger, get up. The joke’s spoiled. Roger, get up.” – Mrs. Gilbert
  Holmes: “I’m afraid that’s impossible, Mrs. Gilbert. He’s dead.”
  The joke has turned into real murder.

5. Investigation & Deductions

• [18:00] Inspector Ganivet arrives; Holmes asserts that this was not a suicide, based on the bullet’s angle and the presence of both blood and (staged) red ink stains.
• [18:42] Holmes identifies a bullet hole through the banknotes – placed before Gilbert was shot.

6. The Suspect Pool & Elimination

• [21:02-22:13] Holmes interviews Frau Schnehmann and Helen Gilbert, noting both have poor alibis.
• [22:13] Holmes questions Casino Director Monsieur Chevre. Chevre confirms the casino’s practice of planting money on “suicides” but claims he did not do so for Gilbert.

7. The Reveal – The Murderer Unmasked

• [23:33] Chevre attempts to exonerate Helen Gilbert by providing her an alibi for an unspecified time (which Holmes disputes, as no one knew the murder time).
• [23:43] Holmes exposes the flaw:

  “Our investigations have never established what time the murder was committed, Monsieur Chevre. I’m afraid you’ve walked into my trap. You’ve given yourself away.”

• [23:52] Chevre confesses, revealing jealousy and passion as his motives:

  “Because I am in love with his wife. She is young, beautiful and rich...Mr. Gilbert gave me the perfect opportunity.”

• Chevre threatens suicide. Holmes laments:

  “It’s a coward’s way out.”

• Chevre:

  “No, no, all my life I have been a gambler. I gambled tonight for the highest stakes of all and I lost. I am not afraid to pay for my losses. Au revoir.” – Chevre [24:45] (Chevre takes his own life).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes on gambling:

  “I can tell you a really infallible way of making money at roulette. Own the gambling house and operate the tables yourself. The odds would be all in your favor.” – Holmes [13:33]

• On the double zero roulette wheel:

  “Most continental wheels have only a single [zero] – would indicate that this house is extremely concerned with its percentage.” – Holmes [04:26]

• Dr. Watson's humor:

  “...the fellow who told me about it said it couldn't miss. It's just a matter of doubling the stakes each time you lose.” – Watson [13:21]
  Holmes quips, “Your infallible system appears to be extremely fallible.”

• Holmes’ final explanation:

  “Roger Gilbert had been losing heavily and had planned this hoax. He obviously had no money on him. Therefore the money was planted in his pocket by Chevre after he shot him.” – Holmes [25:45] “No, my dear fellow, before. The bullet hole through the banknotes proved that…” – Holmes [25:47]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:15] – Casino introduction, roulette’s double zero discussion
• [05:04] – Escalating tensions at the table
• [08:35] – Schnehmann’s suicide discovered
• [09:44] – Discovery of money, Holmes’ suspicions arise
• [13:14] – Discussion of gambling “systems”
• [15:02] – Roger Gilbert’s possible prank is discovered as real death
• [18:00] – Holmes explains why Gilbert’s death is murder
• [21:02] – Interview with the widows
• [22:13] – Chevre questioned
• [23:43] – Holmes traps Chevre; confession and denouement
• [24:45] – Chevre’s final words and suicide

Episode Tone and Style

The episode maintains the classic radio style—witty banter between Holmes and Watson, melodramatic yet engaging supporting characters, and the “drawing room” explanation scene. Holmes is studiously rational, with dry wit, while Watson provides everyman reactions and light comic relief.

Conclusion

“The Double Zero” delivers an atmospheric and cleverly constructed whodunit set against the beguiling background of the Riviera casino world. The episode explores themes of superstition, luck, passion, and the psychological perils of gambling, filtered through Holmes’ acute logic and Watson’s warm, relatable narration. The narrative pivots from a simple suicide to a layered crime of passion, concluding with a classic trap and confession. This is a quintessential Sherlock Holmes adventure blending suspenseful storytelling, period color, and sharp deductions in timeless radio style.