Sherlock Holmes: The Great Gandolfo 10/22/1945 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes: The Great Gandolfo

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Aired: December 19, 2025 (original radio play from October 22, 1945)
Cast: Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes), Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)

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Overview

This episode presents a classic radio detective tale starring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, diving into an adventure that blends espionage, stage magic, and murder just before the outbreak of World War I. The case involves a mysterious female spy and a magician's act, challenging Holmes to solve the mystery with the added rivalry of his brother, Mycroft Holmes.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introducing Mycroft Holmes and the Case

• Setting: London, 1912; Mycroft Holmes' office at the Foreign Office.
• Mycroft Holmes' Personality: Contrasted with Sherlock.
  • [02:53] Dr. Watson: “Mycroft was seven years older than Sherlock. But the difference between them is amazing. While Holmes was lean and consumed with a burning energy, his elder brother was fat and lazy. And yet, Holmes has often told me that Mycroft was his superior in powers of observation and deduction.”
• Case Introduction:
  • Guy Travers, a young Foreign Office worker, is tracking a “most elusive female spy,” believed to be connected to the suicide of his brother.
  • The female spy is traced to a string of seaside towns, which Mycroft immediately recognizes as a theatrical circuit, not merely naval bases.
    • [04:57] Mycroft: “No, no, no. The list you just read me is a recognized theatrical circuit.”
  • The only performing act matching the towns/times is “The Great Gandolfo,” a magician.

2. Passing the Case to Sherlock Holmes

• Mycroft's Reluctance:
  • Denies leaving his office, instead suggesting Guy seek out Sherlock, living quietly on a bee farm near Eastbourne.
  • [06:32] Mycroft: “My young brother Sherlock... might help you. Yes, yes, go and ask Sherlock.”
• Sibling Rivalry:
  • Mycroft challenges Sherlock’s abilities.
  • [06:51] Mycroft: "I will tell him that if he can't solve the case, I'll do it for him. And without leaving London."

3. Investigation at the Theatre

• Sherlock's Reluctance and Motivation:
  • Initially hesitant to get involved, Sherlock is goaded by Mycroft’s challenge.
  • [08:03] Holmes: “Certainly. I can't allow Mycroft's challenge to go unanswered.”
• Music Hall Atmosphere:
  • Colorful, authentic details: music, magic, and stage banter. Watson's good-humored asides about the performers add period flavor.
• The Magic Trick:
  • Holmes and Watson volunteer for Gandolfo’s “Ceiling Cabinet Mystery,” assisting in a staged illusion featuring Gandolfo’s assistant, Ms. Florine LeSueur.
  • Holmes collects a water glass used by the assistant for fingerprint analysis.
    • [14:00] Holmes: “You remember that Ms. LeSueur... handed Gandolfo a glass of water?... Why else should I be carrying a drinking glass with me, old chap?”

4. Revelation: The Twin Plot

• Holmes' Deduction:
  • The stage trick’s secret: identical twin sisters, one in each cabinet.
  • [14:48] Holmes: “The only way Gandolfo's trick could be done is by using twin girls...”
  • Fingerprint records prove the girl on stage is not the suspected spy; the spy is in the cabinet suspended above the stage.

5. The Murder Unfolds (Climax: 16:51+)

• Second Performance:
  • Holmes and company watch from the audience as the trick is repeated.
  • When the cabinet is lowered, Ms. LeSueur is found shot dead—murdered mid-performance.
  • [17:04] Holmes: “I'm afraid she's beyond the help of doctors, Watson. Look at that bullet wound in her head. She's been murdered.”

6. Police and Rivals: Sergeant Buff

• Difficult Relations:
  • The local Sergeant Buff is at first dismissive, seeing Holmes as a rival.
  • [18:42] Sergeant Buff: “The great Sherlock Holmes comes out of retirement to teach our police force how to handle a case.”
• Deduction of the Crime:
  • Ballistics and the body’s wounds show the victim was shot before the cabinet was hoisted, implicating someone with backstage access before the trick.
  • Only the magician or the twin could have committed the crime.
  • [20:39] Holmes: “She must have been shot lying in the box from above. Once the box was in position over the audience...she could have been shot only from below. Therefore the girl had already been killed when the box was hoisted to the ceiling.”

7. Interrogation: The Surviving Twin

• Ms. Florine LeSueur’s Interrogation:
  • Denies having a twin but is forced to admit after being confronted with evidence.
  • [23:14] Holmes: “I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Miss Lasseur. Your sister is dead.”
  • Confesses that Gandolfo, fearful his spy assistant would betray him, killed her after a heated row.
  • [24:47] LeSueur: “The dirty swine killed her because he was afraid she'd give him away. And now he'll kill me too.”
• Holmes Reassures:
  • [24:55] Holmes: “Don't worry, my dear. The great Gandolfo will be beyond the help of magic before this night is out.”

8. Resolution and Mycroft’s “Armchair Genius”

• Gandolfo is arrested (details are not dramatized but referenced afterward).
• Sergeant Buff, now deferential:
  • [25:21] Sergeant Buff: “…Condolfo safely in prison, thanks to you…”
• Mycroft's Telegram:
  • Holmes receives a telegram illustrating Mycroft had solved the case from his office:
  • [26:05] Holmes (reading): "Have just checked on Gandolfo's repertoire of magic tricks. You will find spy in box suspended from ceiling of theater. Elementary, eh, my dear Sherlock?”
• Holmes' Retrospective:
  • [26:34] Holmes: "Well, he indicates the handwriting on the wall. I'm past my prime. I'm too old for alert detection. It's back to my bee farm, old fellow. It's back to my bees."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mycroft’s humility and wit:
  • [04:54] Mycroft: “The list you just read me is a recognized theatrical circuit.”
  • [06:40] Mycroft: “I have never regarded him as one [a great detective]. Though I will admit that for a man with such a shocking excess of physical energy, he possesses a relatively superior mind.”
• Watson’s humor at the theater:
  • [09:17] Dr. Watson: “I must say I love this old music hall flavor.”
• Holmes, on deduction and flair:
  • [14:11] Holmes: “Well, I'm not exactly inept at the practice of leisure domain myself, Mr. Travers.”
  • [14:48] Holmes: “The only way Gandolfo's trick could be done is by using twin girls.”
• Sergeant Buff’s change of attitude:
  • [21:08] Sergeant Buff: “Of course she had. Now I see why you were having her watched, Mr. Holmes. If you'll excuse me saying so, sir, I begin to think it's a good thing you're on this case after all.”
• Holmes’ acceptance of aging:
  • [26:34] Holmes: “He indicates the handwriting on the wall. I'm past my prime. I'm too old for alert detection. It's back to my bee farm, old fellow. It's back to my bees.”

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Episode Flow with Key Timestamps

• [02:19–03:14]: Introduction to Mycroft, setting up the case
• [05:44–06:06]: Identification of the theatrical connection; magician’s act with an assistant matching the spy’s appearance
• [08:24–11:32]: Holmes, Watson, and Travers at the theater; detailed description of stage performance and the “ceiling cabinet mystery”
• [13:30–14:09]: Holmes begins active investigation, takes the water glass for prints
• [14:48–15:29]: Holmes exposes the secret: twins leveraged for stage magic and espionage
• [16:51–17:22]: Second show’s climax; the twin found murdered
• [18:23–21:25]: Holmes and Sergeant Buff’s deductions; confirming details of the murder and setting up the final confrontation
• [22:37–24:55]: Confrontation with the surviving twin, confession about Gandolfo, and assurance of safety
• [25:21–26:34]: Gandolfo apprehended, Mycroft’s victory via telegram, Holmes’ resignation to rural retirement

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Tone and Language

The episode captures classic Holmesian wit, a mix of earnest detection, dry humor, and the atmospheric color of a bygone music hall era. The interchanges between Holmes and his brother Mycroft play with affectionate rivalry, and Watson’s narration adds jovial charm.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

The Great Gandolfo is an entertaining tale blending the world of Edwardian espionage with backstage magic. Sherlock Holmes is drawn from retirement by both fraternal competition and public duty, revealing a story of family rivalry, mistaken identities, and illusions—both magical and criminal. Whether you love classic whodunits or the style of golden age radio, this installment is a clever and satisfying listen.

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Next Episode Teaser:
Dr. Watson hints at a maritime murder mystery, "Murder by Moonlight," set aboard a steamship in the Indian Ocean.

Transcript

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[Choice Classic Radio 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] this episode from the Life.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

Of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by shortwave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Petri Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri 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 I'd like to tell you about something Dr. Watson shared with me the other night. Some Petri California sherry. Do you ever have a glass of Petri Sherry before dinner? Well, that's a swell time for it because that Petri sherry is the best beginning a good meal ever had. What a wine. You don't have to serve it in fancy wine glasses either. Not Petri Sherry. That wine would taste wonderful if you drank it out of a water glass. You can just taste those sun ripened grapes. And incidentally, if you like your sherry dry, you know, not sweet, then just do what I do. As for Petri pale dry sherry, it's a good idea to always have a bottle of Petri Sherry in the house because it's just the thing to serve when company catches you unprepared. And believe me, you can serve that Petri sherry proudly because it's a fact that the name Petri is the proudest name in the history of American wines. And now let's visit with our good friend Dr. Watson. I know he's expecting us.

[Dr. Watson]

Come in, come in, come in. Good evening, Mr. Bartell.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

Evening, Doctor. Oh, you have the old black tin dispatch box out again.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, my boy. I've just been refreshing my memory on one or two points in connection with tonight's story. Draw up a chair.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

Thanks.

[Dr. Watson]

That's it. That's it. The tobacco's in the jar beside you.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

Thanks, Doctor. You know, I'm particularly excited about hearing your story tonight. Last week you told us that Sherlock Holmes brother, Mycroft Holmes took part in the adventure.

[Dr. Watson]

That's quite right, Mr. Bartel.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

I didn't even. Mr. Holmes had a brother. I wish you'd tell me something about him.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, Mycroft was seven years older than Sherlock. But the difference between them is amazing. While Holmes was lean and consumed with a burning energy, his elder brother was fat and lazy. And yet, Holmes has often told me that Mycroft was his superior in powers of observation and deduction.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

Well, now that you've thoroughly whetted my appetite, Doctor, how's about it?

[Dr. Watson]

Very well, my boy. I suppose this story really began in Mycroft Holmes room at the Foreign Office in London. Although I've said he was a lazy man, he did hold a position of considerable importance. In fact, you may remember that on more than one occasion, Holmes has said, Mycroft is the British government. But to get back to my story, it's on a June morning in 1912, just before the First World War, that a young man in the Foreign Office named Guy Travers stood talking to Mycroft Holmes, who sat sprawled in an armchair before him, his feet resting on another chair, his cupped hands cradling his ample stomach.

[Guy Travers]

Mr. Holmes. I say, Mr. Holmes, you haven't gone to sleep, have you, sir?

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

No, Travers, I'm not asleep. I'm just waiting for you to get to the point.

[Guy Travers]

Well, sir, the point is that I'm on the track of a most elusive female spy.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Dear me, how exhausting.

[Guy Travers]

She's dangerous, sir, very dangerous. She's not only a collector of information, but a sort of central clearinghouse of military secrets as well.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

You seem to be a little young, Travers, to be on such a case.

[Guy Travers]

I asked for the assignment, sir.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Why? Female spies aren't as glamorous as they sound, you know.

[Guy Travers]

No one knows that better than I do, sir. You see, my brother got mixed up with this girl two years ago. He was cashiered from his regiment and committed suicide.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

I'm sorry, Traverse. Tell me what you found out about her. You say you've been on her track?

[Guy Travers]

I've traced her to a number of seaside towns, but she keeps slipping through my fingers.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Have you a list of the towns?

[Guy Travers]

Yes, sir. Here you are.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

No, no, no. You read them to me.

[Guy Travers]

Well, I first got on a track at Torquay. From there I trailed at Weymouth, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Bogner, Worthing, Hove, Brighton.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

And I trust you drew the obvious conclusion.

[Guy Travers]

I think I did, sir. Several of those towns are naval bases.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

No, no, no. The list you just read me is a recognized theatrical circuit.

[Guy Travers]

Oh, I. I never Thought of that.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

The simplest way to track down your spy is to find whether she was appearing in either a play or variety act in all of the towns on the dates covered by your inquiries.

[Guy Travers]

Yes, Mr. Holmes, I'll do that at once and then I'll report back to you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, very well.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

If you must close the door quietly, won't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm confoundedly.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Sleep.

[Guy Travers]

Mr. Holmes. Mr. Holmes, you haven't gone to sleep again, have you? Sir?

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Oh, it's you, Travers. Well, what did you find out?

[Guy Travers]

A great deal, sir. The only theatrical show that was appearing at all of those towns was a magician's act called the Great Gandolfo.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

I trust you went and saw the performance?

[Guy Travers]

Yes sir, last night at Hastings. And the magician's assistant was a girl who looked exactly like the one I saw my brother with two years ago.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Did you go backstage and talk to her?

[Guy Travers]

Yes sir. But it's a funny thing. For though she looked exactly like the other girl, I swear she isn't the same one. This girl seemed utterly charming and sincere when she told me she'd never heard of my brother.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Hmm, that's the danger of putting you young fellows on a case of this kind. A beautiful woman and a good actress can fool you nine times out of ten. What's your next move, Travers?

[Guy Travers]

Well sir, I was hoping perhaps. Perhaps you might come down with me and see the actual. It's playing at Eastbourne tomorrow. It's not very far, Sir.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Stir my 20 stone, leave the comforts of my office and club to track a spy?

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

No, my boy.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

However, your mention of Eastbourne gives me an idea.

[Guy Travers]

Yes, sir.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

My young brother Sherlock is living on a bee farm a few miles outside Eastbourne. He might help you.

[Guy Travers]

He's a great detective, isn't he, sir?

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

I have never regarded him as one. Though I will admit that for a man with such a shocking excess of physical energy, he possesses a relatively superior mind. Yes, yes, go and ask Sherlock.

[Guy Travers]

Thank you, sir.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

I will tell him that if he can't solve the case, I'll do it for him. And without leaving London.

[Guy Travers]

And so, Mr. Holmes, I did as your brother suggested and came down here to Eastbourne to tell you about the case.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I quite understand.

[Dr. Watson]

Mr. Traversing Story it is too, my boy. I'm certainly glad that I happen to be staying down here with you. Holmes, you will handle the case, of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm undecided, old fellow. The problem presents some interesting possibilities. And yet my life here among the bees has taken on a pleasant and soothing pattern. I hate to disturb you.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, come, come, come, Holmes. It'll be good for you to get away from your wretched bees for a few days.

[Guy Travers]

I forgot to tell you, Mr. Holmes. As I left your brother he told me that if you couldn't solve the case, he'd do it for you without leaving London.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dear old Mycroft, he meant that as a challenge. Hand me the paper, will you, Watson? Yeah, thanks old chap.

[Dr. Watson]

What are you looking for?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The amusement guide. Ah, here it is. Devonshire Theatre, Eastbourne twice nightly, variety six, 30 and nine. The great Gandolfo, king of magic.

[Guy Travers]

You mean you'll come to the theater with me tonight, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Certainly. I can't allow Mycroft's challenge to go unanswered. And I'm sure that Dr. Watson will accompany us when I tell him Ms. Sissy Gitana is also appearing on the bill singing an old favourite of his. There was I a.

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

Waiting at the church, waiting at the church, waiting at the church I found.

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

He left me in the lurch. Lord, how it did upset me. All at once he sent me round a note. Here's the very note. This is what he wrote. Can't get away to marry you today. My wife won't let me.

[Dr. Watson]

That's a most entertaining woman, Sissy Katana. And that's good looking too. My wife won't let me.

[Guy Travers]

The Great Gandolfo is next, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I was just studying the program. He's not exactly modest in his claims, is he? The Great Gandolfo, the world's staggering illusionist, presenting the Ceiling Cabinet mystery assisted by Ms. Florine La Seur. Oh dear me, how very florid.

[Dr. Watson]

I must say I love this old music hall flavor. I remember going to the Paris theater a few years ago to see a perfectly charming girl who wore a white dress. Made her look like a little white rabbit. That dress did look frightfully becoming, I must say. I sent my card round the stage door with some flowers of course, but to my amazement.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Fascinating story, old fellow, but I'm afraid you'll have to finish it later. The curtain's going up.

[Guy Travers]

There he is. That's the Great Gandolfo.

[Dr. Watson]

By Jove, this assistant's very attractive, isn't she?

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

Listen, ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to be here before you tonight. I may say that the ceiling Cabinet mystery that I am about to present has entertained and perplexed half a dozen of the crown kings of Europe together with their queens.

[Dr. Watson]

Garn. Don't talk so much.

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

Get on with the trick. And I may say I'm hoping that you ladies and gentlemen will give me the same courtesy and attention that was given me by the royalty I have just mentioned. Now before I present my allusion I should like to ask for two volunteers from the audience who will come up here beside me on the stage so that I may be watched. Two volunteers please.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Wait for us here, Mr. Travers.

[Guy Travers]

Very well, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

You mean that we're going up on the stage?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, it's a wonderful opportunity.

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

Do I see two gentlemen rising? Splendid. Two gentlemen are coming up from the audience. Two gentlemen that I have never seen before. Watch the step please. That's it. Over the footlights and onto the stage. That's right. And now sir, have you ever seen me before?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Never.

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

And you sir? Don't be afraid to speak up sir.

[Dr. Watson]

No I haven't.

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

Ms. LeSueur, please see that the gentlemen are seated. I thank you. Now ladies and gentlemen, I want you to watch me closely. You will observe that there is a wooden cabinet on the stage. There is also another cabinet of the same shape and size hanging high above me which you can all, all see. A glass of water please Ms. LeSueur.

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

Oh go on, put a sock in it.

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

What did you say, sir?

[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

You heard. You ain't got claw for yours.

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

We will dispense with the glass of water. Now my assistant, Ms. Florine LeSueur will step into this cabinet on the stage. I want you two gentlemen to watch very closely. Ms. LeSueur is now lying inside the cabinet, is she not?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes she is.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

Very well.

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

I close the lid so I lock it with these bolts. And now I ask one of you gentlemen to attach this padlock to the box. You sir, will you oblige me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well.

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

I thank you. And now ladies and gentlemen, before your eyes you have seen Ms. Lew enter a cabinet on this stage. A cabinet that has been bolted and padlocked. You can still see the duplicate cabinet hanging above me by an attachment of wires and pulleys. I now count a one, a two, a three and fire this revolver at the cabinet above me. Now if you two gentlemen will kindly help me we will lower the ceiling cabinet to the stage. You will notice that this cabinet is also bolted and padlocked. I will ask one of you two gentlemen to unbolt it. I thank you sir. And to this gentleman I shall hand the key of the padlock. Kindly unlock it sir. I thank you. And now if you will both raise the lid of the cabinets. And here ladies and gentlemen, is Ms. Florine Lasseur. I thank you. Ladies and gentlemen. I thank you.

[Dr. Watson]

Why did we have to leave, Holmes? I was. I was having a wonderful time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sorry to drag you away, Watson, but there's work to be done.

[Guy Travers]

Mr. Holmes, if you want to go backstage, I'll introduce you to Miss LeSueur.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, that's a splendid idea.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Before we do that, Mr. Travers, there's one important I want to know.

[Guy Travers]

What is it, sir?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I presume you have a dossier of the available facts concerning this spy?

[Guy Travers]

Yes sir, Everything that we've been able to find out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Among that evidence. Do you by any chance have any fingerprint records?

[Guy Travers]

Yes sir, I do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Splendid. Then let's go at once to the nearest police station and compare the fingerprints on this glass with those in your possession.

[Dr. Watson]

Where did you get that glass, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You remember that Ms. LeSueur, before she entered that cabinet on the stage, handed Gandolfo a glass of water?

[Dr. Watson]

You mean that's the glass?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why else should I be carrying a drinking glass with me, old chap?

[Guy Travers]

Very neat, Mr. Holmes. And right under the nose of a magician too.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I'm not exactly inept at the practice of leisure domain myself, Mr. Travers. Come on, let's have a talk with that local fingerprint expert, shall we? Mr. Holmes, the fingerprints on this glass you brought me are not the same.

[Sergeant Buff]

As the one shown in this record.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You're positive? Oh, absolutely, sir. Just as I thought. I'm much obliged to you. Always glad to help a gentleman like you, Mr. Holmes. Thank you and good night. Come on, Travers. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Wish you'd explain what you're up to, Holmes.

[Guy Travers]

So do I, sir. I'm completely in the dark.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Surely it's obvious. The only way Gandolfo's trick could be done is by using twin girls. Dressed identically of course. One in the cabinet on the stage and the other in the cabinet hanging from the ceiling. I don't know whether you noticed it, Watson, but there were some small holes drilled around the base of the box. Undoubtedly to enable its occupant to breathe.

[Guy Travers]

By George. Of course. That would explain why the girl I spoke to didn't seem to know me or my brother when I spoke of him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly. And in any case, how better could a spy hide herself from a role where her employer, a magician, must, by the very nature of her trick, deny her existence? The question is, which girl is the spy? This fingerprint test has given us the answer.

[Dr. Watson]

You mean it isn't the girl on the stage? The one who assisted Gandolfo?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It certainly is not, old Fellow, your spy will be in the cabinet suspended high above the stage of the Devonshire Theatre at nine o'clock this evening. But this time we will watch the performance from the audience.

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

Now watch me closely, ladies and gentlemen. There is no deception. A one, a two, a three. And now, if you two gentlemen will kindly help me, we will untie the ropes and lower the ceiling cabinet to the stage.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, we must never get away.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't worry, old chap, keep your eyes skinned. You may have a surprise for us.

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

And I will now ask one of you two gentlemen to unbolt the cabinet. I thank you, sir. And now if this gentleman will take the key and unlock the padlock. I thank you, sir. And now if you will both raise the lid of the cabinet. I thank you. And here, ladies and gentlemen, is Ms. Florine Lasseur. Ms. Lesur, step out please. Ms. Lesur, bring down the curtain. It's been an accident.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on, Watson, let's get up on the stage. Right.

[Dr. Watson]

Your Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What happened, sir?

[Great Gandolfo (Magician)]

It's Ms. LeSueur. She's been injured.

[Dr. Watson]

I'm a doctor. Let me look at her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid she's beyond the help of doctors, Watson. Look at that bullet wound in our head. She's been murdered.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

We'll hear the rest of Dr. Watson's story in just a few seconds. So I'm just gonna make a very quick suggestion. If you like good food, who doesn't? You'll find that good food always tastes better when accompanied by a good glass of Petri wine. And Petri makes wonderful mealtime wines. If you like a red wine, you know, to go with any meat or meat dish you really like. Petri, California, Burgundy. And if you prefer a white wine to go with chicken or fish, you couldn't ask for a better one than Petri, California, Sauterne. Remember those two wines, huh? Petrie, Burgundy and Petri Sauternes. They're Petri wines, so you know they're good. And now back to Dr. Watson and tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure, the Great Gandolfo. What happened next, Doctor? You just got to the part where you and Sherlock Holmes on on the stage of a vaudeville theater were examining the dead body of one of the Great Gandolfo's assistants.

[Dr. Watson]

That's right, my boy. As you can imagine, the excitement was intense. The local police were soon at the theater and the officer in charge, a certain Sergeant Buff, seemed to take a very great turn personal dislike to Sherlock Holmes.

[Sergeant Buff]

The great Sherlock Holmes comes out of retirement to teach our police force how to handle a case.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sergeant Buff, you're being ridiculous. I'm not trying to teach the police anything. You follow your own line of investigation and I'll follow mine.

[Sergeant Buff]

And supposing I say I don't want private detectives poking their nose into a police investigation?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then, my good man, I shall report your conduct to the local chief of police and obtain the necessary permission.

[Sergeant Buff]

No need to get uppity about it, Mr. Holmes, but too many cooks spoil the broth, you know.

[Sherlock Holmes]

An extremely profound remark, Sergeant. And now if you'll excuse me, I've work to do.

[Sergeant Buff]

And so have I. And we'll see who gets to the bottom of this first. I'm going to Condolfo's dressing room.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, I'm worried about the dead girl's twin sister. I've been looking for her everywhere and no one seems to have seen her since the tragedy occurred.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Naturally, my dear chap, you'd hardly expect her to reveal the secret of the cabinet trick by exposing the fact that the dead girl had a twin.

[Dr. Watson]

I never thought of that. But we saw her there on the stage when the trick started. Seems to me that she's in great danger.

[Sherlock Holmes]

She is in very great danger. But don't worry, I've taken the precaution of having her guarded.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, how ho.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'll explain that to you later. In the meantime, we have to work fast. It appears that Sergeant Buff is out to try and shore me up by solving the case first. That makes the second challenge I've received today.

[Sergeant Buff]

Well, Mr. Holmes, and how are you getting along?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Splendidly, thanks. And you?

[Sergeant Buff]

I'm beaten. I don't mind admitting it. I thought at first the one man it couldn't be was Gandolfo, because he was on the stage all the time. But then it seemed to me that he might have fired a live bullet when he shot at the box on the ceiling.

[Dr. Watson]

The angle from the stage wouldn't coincide with the bullet hole in the bottom of the box. Sergeant, that shot must have been fired from the audience below.

[Sergeant Buff]

Mr. Holmes, you know who did it, don't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Sergeant, I do.

[Sergeant Buff]

I wish you'd tell me, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It should be obvious. Sergeant Watson, you examined the corpse. Please tell the sergeant your findings.

[Dr. Watson]

The girl was lying on her back in the box. There was a small hole in her forehead and a large one in the nape of her neck.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly. And since the point of entrance of a bullet is smaller than the point of exit, it proves that she must have been shot lying in the box from above. Once the box was in position over the audience. She could have been shot only from below. Therefore the girl had already been killed when the box was hoisted to the ceiling.

[Dr. Watson]

Joe. Yes, and only one person could have done that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Only two.

[Sergeant Buff]

How do you figure that out, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The dead girl's sister had the same opportunity as the great Gandolfo himself.

[Sergeant Buff]

Of course she had. Now I see why you were having her watched, Mr. Holmes. If you'll excuse me saying so, sir, I begin to think it's a good thing you're on this case after all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, that's very generous of you, Sergeant. And now, perhaps if you'll do me the favor of keeping an eye on Mr. Gandolfo yourself.

[Sergeant Buff]

Of course I will, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

Where are we going?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Home, to the Jolly Fisherman Hotel to call on Ms. Lasseur.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you know she's there?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I just received a message from young Travers. He followed her on my instructions as she left the theater. Come on, old chap, there's no time to be. Ah, there you are, Travers. Ms. Lasseur is still here, I trust?

[Guy Travers]

Yes, Mr. Holmes. He's up in her room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I wonder if you'd mind asking her to come down and see me. I'm sure that we can talk privately in the lounge over there.

[Guy Travers]

Right you are, Mr. Holmes. I'll go and get her.

[Dr. Watson]

What are you going to say to Ms. Lasseur, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That depends on her attitude, old chap. Come on, let's go into the lounge, shall we?

[Dr. Watson]

It's a lucky thing that you had her followed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It was an obvious precaution, Watson. You see, I realized from the very nature of the cabinet trick that Ms. Lasseur would have to leave the theatre after escaping through the trap door below the cabinet that was on the stage before her twin sister descended from the cabinet that was suspended from the ceiling.

[Dr. Watson]

And she doesn't know that her sister's been murdered, huh?

[Sherlock Holmes]

If she is innocent, she doesn't. And if she is innocent, then we'll know that our murderer is Gandolfo. Here she comes.

[Guy Travers]

I've told Ms. LeSueur that you want to talk to her privately, Mr. Holmes.

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

If it's the act you want to talk about, Mr. Holmes, I've nothing to say. Magicians have a code of honor, you know.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I quite appreciate that fact, Miss La. Sir. Won't you sit down?

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

What do you want with me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have news for you. News of your twin sister.

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

My, I haven't got a twin sister.

[Dr. Watson]

My friend knows exactly how the cabinet trick is done. My dear young lady.

[Guy Travers]

Yes, you might as well tell the truth, Ms. LeSueur.

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

All right, then. So I have a twin sister. What of it? No crime in that, is there? What are you getting at?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I want you to believe that I'm here to help you, my dear. You're going to need help and courage.

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

What are you getting at? Come on, tell me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Miss Lasseur. Your sister is dead.

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

Dead? I don't believe it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid it's true. She was murdered.

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

You're lying. This is a trick. You're trying to make me give myself away.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm trying to get at the truth. Your sister was found shot through the head when the cabinet was lowered to the stage tonight.

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

I still don't believe it.

[Dr. Watson]

Why should my friend lie to you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

How was your sister the last time you saw her before the commencement of the act?

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

No different from any other time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who was responsible for superintending her entry into the cabinet?

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

Gandolfo or me? She used to go into it before the performance, when the stage was dark and deserted.

[Dr. Watson]

Did you help her enter the box tonight?

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

No. Gandolfo did.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You knew, of course, of your sister's activities.

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

How do you mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That she was engaged in espionage.

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

That's not true.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well, Ms. Lesur. If you won't be honest with me, I'm afraid I'll have to turn you over to the police. I think you'll find their methods are a little more crude than mine, though.

[Ms. Florine LeSueur]

The police? Oh, no, no, don't do that, Mr. Holmes. All right, I'll tell you everything. Gandolfo's got me so frightened of him. I was lying to you. I knew that my sister was working for him. I tried to stop her, but she loved money and Gandolfo gave her plenty of that. They had a row before the show tonight. She knew you were on the stage at the first performance, Mr. Holmes. Gandolfo had spotted you, too. She was frightened. Said she knew you'd catch her and she wanted to run away. Gandolfo told her that she had to appear tonight. And they were still arguing about it when they left the dressing room. The dirty swine killed her because he was afraid she'd give him away. And now he'll kill me too.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't worry, my dear. The great Gandolfo will be beyond the help of magic before this night is out.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes. He'll be behind bars where he belongs.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Travers.

[Guy Travers]

Yes, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And stay here with Miss Lasseur, will you? We'll be back later at the Moment. There is unfinished business awaiting us at the Devonshire Theatre.

[Sergeant Buff]

Well, Mr. Holmes, I can't tell you how grateful I am. Condolfo safely in prison, thanks to you, and now you tells me you don't want no credit in the case.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Sergeant, I'm really a bee farmer, you know. In any case, I want to restore your faith in private detectives. The next time you meet one, I'm. I'm sure you won't be so. So unfriendly.

[Sergeant Buff]

Shall I say I'm humble, sir? I'm very humble. And I thank you very kindly for all you've done. Oh, and by the way, Mr. Holmes, this telegram arrived for you at the theater while you were away. And here you are, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, thank you, Sergeant. Bart?

[Sergeant Buff]

No, sir, it's me that should be thanking you, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

Who on earth knew that you were at the theater tonight?

[Sherlock Holmes]

We'll soon find out.

[Dr. Watson]

What does it say, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's from my brother, Mycroft.

[Dr. Watson]

Mycroft? What's he gonna say?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, really, it's quite humiliating. After all, he said he hadn't. He wouldn't have to. And he never did leave his armchair in London. Listen to this. Have just checked on Gandolfo's repertoire of magic tricks. You will find spy in box suspended from ceiling of theater. Elementary, eh, my dear Sherlock?

[Dr. Watson]

Why, Joe Holmes. He really is amazing, isn't he?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He is also a prophet, old chap.

[Dr. Watson]

Prophet? How do you mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, he indicates the handwriting on the wall. I'm past my prime. I'm too old for alert detection. It's back to me bee farm, old fellow. It's back to me bees.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

Well, doctor, that was a swell story. I bet it was an interesting case to work on.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, it certainly was. I've always had a fancy for the theater, you know.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

What you really mean, Doctor, is you always had an eye for a pretty girl.

[Dr. Watson]

Mr. Bartel, you're a very blunt fellow.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

Why not? I must admit I like to look at a pretty girl myself.

[Dr. Watson]

You, Mr. Bartel?

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

Why shouldn't I like to look at a pretty girl?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, go right ahead and look, my dear fellow. Go right ahead. You just sort of surprised me a bit, that's all. I never thought you gave a moment's consideration to anything but Petri wine.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

Now you're really pulling my leg. I must admit, I do talk a lot about Petri wine. But after all, Doctor, it's worth talking about. What other wine has such tradition, such a story behind it? Petri wine is made by a family. The Petri family. They've owned and run their own business ever since its inception back in the 1800s. The Petri family's been making good wine for generations. And they've been handing on down in the family, from father to son, from father to son, the fine art of turning luscious sun ripened grapes into fragrant, delicious wine. And that sure adds up to a lot of experience. You can just bet your last dollar that no matter what kind of wine you want, when you ask for a Petri wine, you're asking for good wine. Because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Doctor, how's about giving us a clue to next week's Sherlock Holmes Adventure?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, now, next week, Mr. Bartel, I'm going to tell you a most unusual story that took place aboard a small steamship as it plowed through the stormy seas of the Indian Ocean. I call the adventure Murder by Moonlight. Oh, before I say good night, ladies and gentlemen, remember that on Saturday, October 27, the nation will observe Navy Day. This is your opportunity to thank your fleet for its magnificent contribution towards victory. Don't forget, will you.

[Narrator / Harry Bartel]

Tonight, Sherlock Holmes Adventure is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story the second stain. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Picture, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invite you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System. It.