Sherlock Holmes: "The Fifth of November" (Originally Aired 11/05/1945)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Starring: Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes) and Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)

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Episode Overview

This classic detective episode places Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson at the center of a melodramatic plot on Guy Fawkes Day, November 5th—a date forever linked to the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Holmes and Watson are drawn into a modern echo of that historical event when a terrified gentleman named James Stewart claims his cousin, Guy Falconby, plans to blow him up in a Guy Fawkes–themed murder. The case, layered with homage to the original conspiracy, challenges the great detective’s keen eye for historical allusions and the sinister creativity of criminals.

Main Discussion Points & Case Breakdown

1. Background and Setting: Guy Fawkes Day

• [03:23] Dr. Watson contextualizes the story by explaining Guy Fawkes Day—its history, traditions, and how it’s celebrated similarly to Halloween, setting a tone of mischief and treachery.

  "The children parade them in the streets chanting rhymes. Well now, let me see. 'Please to remember the 5th of November. Guy Fawkes, Guy, hit him in the eye.'"

2. The Frantic Client: James Stewart’s Terrifying Claim

• [07:10] James Stewart arrives at Baker Street, wild-eyed and gasping, certain his life is at risk.

  "I'm walking about in mortal fear of my life. You've got to help me." (07:10, James Stewart)

• Reveals his supposed royal ancestry and fascination with falconry (“my greatest hobby is the breeding and the training of falcons”) and describes threats from cousin Guy Falconby.

3. The Plot Unfolds: Echoes of the Gunpowder Plot

• Stewart’s story eerily mirrors the original Gunpowder Plot:
  • Stewart (James Stewart) is threatened by Guy Falconby (similar to Guy Fawkes).
  • The plot: blowing up Stewart with gunpowder during Guy Fawkes Day festivities.

"He warned me the celebrations... would make a rare cloak for his activities." (10:04, James Stewart)

• Holmes and Watson, skeptical, nonetheless agree to investigate the cellar of the neighboring house, which Stewart claims is undergoing suspicious excavation.

4. Holmes and Watson Go Undercover

• [11:36] Holmes & Watson don disguises as plumbing inspectors to explore the cellar, finding new woodwork, a tunnel, barrels (gunpowder), and fuses—confirming Stewart’s fears might be grounded.

"The complete equipment for another Gunpowder Plot." (13:57, Sherlock Holmes)

5. Suspicious Details and Allusions

• Discovery of a “jess” (a falcon’s leash) is the crucial clue linking Stewart to the setup:

“A jess? The last piece of evidence necessary to confirm the conclusion.” (14:37, Sherlock Holmes)

• Holmes notes the tenants’ names—Winter, Rokewood, Keynes—are exact matches to historical accomplices in the original Gunpowder Plot, a detail that piques Holmes’ suspicion of artifice.

6. The Confrontation & The Truth Revealed

• [21:58] Holmes returns with the Baker Street Irregulars to protect Stewart.
• A “Guy Fawkes dummy” is delivered under suspicious circumstances—Holmes surmises it might be a disguise.
• The confrontation explodes as Guy Falconby enters, dressed as a Guy Fawkes dummy; Stewart attempts to shoot him, but the gun is unloaded.

“You've just witnessed an attempted murder, Watson.” (22:48, Sherlock Holmes)

• Holmes explains: all evidence points to Stewart himself as the mastermind. The apparent plot was meant to build a self-defense narrative, with Stewart as both victim and would-be assassin.
  • Falconry clue (the jess), tenants’ names, costumes, and the dagger hidden in the lantern all implicate Stewart.

7. The Chase & Climax: Rooftop Pursuit and Resolution

• Stewart, feigning a heart attack, escapes into the festival crowds, swaps places with a dummy, and flees to the rooftop.

“From the gyrations that the figure performed as it fell, my dear Watson, I'm convinced that Mr. Stewart threw the stone dummy to try and put us off the track.” (26:55, Sherlock Holmes)

• Holmes and Watson pursue Stewart to the rooftop. Stewart’s heart finally gives out—he collapses and dies, foiled by his own elaborate scheme and physical frailty.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The Gunpowder Plot offers very promising material to the speculative mind.” – Sherlock Holmes [05:39]
• “All your evidence appears to depend on conversations held between you and this cousin of yours. You have no facts, sir, to substantiate your claims.” – Sherlock Holmes [10:11]
• “Thomas Winter, Ambrose Rokewood, and Robert Keyes were the three men executed with Guy Fawkes in the original Gunpowder Plot in 1605.” – Sherlock Holmes [17:52]
• “Exactly, my dear fellow. Had we believed him, he could have shot you just now, Mr. Falconby, in apparent self-defense.” – Sherlock Holmes [24:08]
• “Yes, old chap. And one that should long make us remember the 5th of November.” – Sherlock Holmes [28:23]

Key Timestamps for Critical Segments

| Time | Segment Description | |---------|--------------------------------------------------| | 03:15 | Setting and history of Guy Fawkes Day | | 07:10 | James Stewart’s plea for help | | 09:04 | Stewart’s accusation and details of the plot | | 11:36 | Holmes and Watson’s cellar investigation | | 13:57 | Discovery of gunpowder barrels, “jess” clue | | 17:52 | Holmes connects names to Gunpowder Plot history | | 21:58 | Holmes and Irregulars prepare the trap | | 22:48 | Stewart’s truth revealed—Holmes explains the plot | | 26:36 | Rooftop chase, Stewart’s death | | 28:23 | Holmes’ closing reflection |

Summary & Takeaways

• The episode cleverly intertwines real English history with a fictional mystery, making strong use of atmosphere, allusion, and wit.
• Sherlock Holmes’ methodical skepticism and encyclopedic knowledge are pivotal as a plot full of red herrings is unraveled.
• The climactic reveal: The apparent victim, Stewart, is the would-be killer, constructing a convoluted murder plot referencing the Gunpowder Treason, only to be undone by Holmes’ logic and his own weak heart.
• The case ends not only with justice served but also a reminder, in Holmes’ words, “to remember the 5th of November.”

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