Summary of "Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio" Episode: Sherlock Holmes: The Five Orange Pips (Hobbs & Shelley)
Introduction
In this captivating episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, titled Sherlock Holmes: The Five Orange Pips (Hobbs & Shelley), listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, the program delves into one of Sherlock Holmes' most intriguing cases, "The Five Orange Pips," brought to life by actors Carlton Hobbs as Sherlock Holmes and Norman Shelley as Dr. Watson. Released on April 18, 2025, this rendition faithfully adapts Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic story, enriched with engaging dialogues and suspenseful storytelling.
Plot Overview
The episode centers around John Openshaw, a young man haunted by a mysterious curse originating from his family's past. The narrative unfolds with Openshaw seeking the renowned detective Sherlock Holmes to unravel the sinister events plaguing his lineage.
John Openshaw recounts the tragic history of his family, beginning with his uncle, Elias Openshaw, a former Confederate soldier who relocated from America to England. Elias becomes the target of a secret society known as the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), which seeks to eliminate threats to their clandestine operations by sending ominous warnings accompanied by five orange pips.
Key Events:
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The Mysterious Letters: Openshaw receives unsettling letters bearing the letters "KKK" and five orange pips, signaling impending doom.
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Family Tragedies: Following the arrival of these letters, Openshaw's uncle commits suicide under suspicious circumstances, and subsequently, his father dies in a purported accident shortly after receiving similar threats.
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Holmes' Investigation: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson delve into the case, uncovering connections between the cursed family and the KKK's vengeful motives. Their investigation reveals a pattern of warnings sent from various seaports, indicating that the society aims to erase any evidence of their heinous deeds.
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The Final Confrontation: Holmes devises a plan to trap the perpetrators by sending a retaliatory letter to the captain of the ship responsible, the Lone Star, intending to expose and apprehend the KKK members. However, the plan leads to a tragic outcome, highlighting the relentless and unforgiving nature of the secret society.
Key Characters and Their Roles
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Sherlock Holmes (Carlton Hobbs): The brilliant detective renowned for his keen observational skills and deductive reasoning. He leads the investigation into the Openshaw family's curse.
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Dr. John Watson (Norman Shelley): Holmes' loyal friend and chronicler of his adventures, providing medical insights and pragmatic support during the investigation.
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John Openshaw: The distressed young man seeking Holmes' help to lift the curse haunting his family, triggered by the KKK's threatening messages.
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Elias Openshaw: John's uncle, a former Confederate colonel whose possession of incriminating papers against the KKK makes him a target for the society's vengeance.
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Captain James Calhoun (of the Lone Star): The captain of the ship connected to the KKK's threats, representing the imminent danger to Openshaw and his family.
Major Investigative Points and Deductions
Holmes' Analytical Process:
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Decoding the Symbols: Holmes identifies the "KKK" initials not as an individual but as the Ku Klux Klan, linking the orange pips to the society's signature method of signaling forthcoming attacks.
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Pattern Recognition: By examining the postmarks of the threatening letters from Pondicherry, Dundee, and London, Holmes deduces that the KKK operates through maritime channels, using sailing ships to delay and mask their actions.
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Timing Correlation: The interval between the letters' arrival and the subsequent deaths aligns with the travel time of sailing ships, reinforcing the conclusion that the KKK sends warnings via ships to ensure their targets are eliminated before the letters reach them.
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Strategic Retaliation: To counteract the KKK's tactics, Holmes orchestrates a plan to send a counter-message to the Lone Star, intending to expose and trap the society members. This move demonstrates Holmes' proactive approach to neutralizing threats.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Watson (12:34): "Now consider another point. In the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and its fulfillment. In the case of Dundee, it was only some three or four days."
Holmes' deduction showcases his ability to correlate timing with shipping routes, leading to the identification of the KKK's operational patterns.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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John Openshaw (04:20):
"You can't think who the devil's writing to me. Let it wait."
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Sherlock Holmes (22:45):
"Its outrages were usually preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic but generally recognized shape. A sprig of oak leaves, melon seeds or orange pips."
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Dr. Watson (35:10):
"We have, however, allocated me a policeman who may remain in the house with me."
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Sherlock Holmes (52:30):
"It is indeed, Watson. Ah, Watson, you'll excuse my not waiting breakfast for you. I have a busy day ahead of me."
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Narrator (1:15:50):
"The Case of the Five Orange Pips was one of the earliest stories of Sherlock Holmes written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle."
Conclusion and Final Outcome
Despite Holmes' meticulous planning, his attempt to expose the KKK by sending a retaliatory letter to Captain Calhoun results in tragedy. The Lone Star meets a mysterious demise, underscoring the KKK's ruthless determination to extinguish any threats to their secrets. Holmes is left grappling with the personal impact of the case, reflecting on the profound loss and the unyielding nature of the clandestine society.
In the aftermath, Holmes acknowledges the personal toll the case has taken, vowing to continue his pursuit of justice against the KKK's malevolent influence. The episode concludes with a somber reminder of the enduring battle between good and evil, highlighting the intricacies of Holmes' character as both a formidable detective and a deeply affected individual.
Production Notes
The episode concludes with a brief production note, introducing Norman Shelley as himself and acknowledging Carlton Hobbs' portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. The script, penned by Michael Hargrave from London, pays homage to the original work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle while infusing it with contemporary radio dramatization techniques. The production team invites listeners to return for more adventures of Sherlock Holmes, ensuring the legacy of these classic tales endures through engaging performances and high-quality storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Choice Classic Radio Detectives masterfully brings Sherlock Holmes: The Five Orange Pips to life, blending faithful adaptation with compelling radio production. Through rich dialogue, atmospheric soundscapes, and nuanced performances, the episode offers both longtime fans and newcomers an immersive experience into the mysterious and perilous world of Sherlock Holmes. The inclusion of notable quotes with precise timestamps further enhances the narrative, allowing listeners to appreciate the depth and intricacy of the investigation. This episode stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of Sherlock Holmes and the enduring fascination with his legendary detective prowess.