Sherlock Holmes: “The Notorious Canary Trainer” (April 23, 1945)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Featured Actors: Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes), Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)
Summary by: Choice Classic Radio
Episode Date: November 7, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode presents a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery set in the sleepy fishing village of Kingsgate, Kent, where Holmes and Watson find their intended idyll interrupted by intrigue and an unfolding crime. What begins as a request for help from a frightened young woman snowballs into a tale of deception, murder, and clever deduction involving a notorious criminal known as “the Canary Trainer,” a missing guest, and the mysterious deaths of two pet canaries.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Progression

1. Holmes and Watson Arrive in Kingsgate

• Holmes has been working on a book about bee culture while on holiday at the Fisherman's Arm inn.
• The peaceful scene is set with Holmes and Watson relaxing—until Holmes receives a note from a distressed young woman, Mary Victor.

  “Audacity and romance seem to have passed forever from the criminal world.” – Holmes (03:48)

2. A Frightened Visitor: Mary Victor

• Mary Victor explains that she came to Kingsgate to escape a stalker, but he has followed her.

  “I came down here from London to get away from someone, but I've been followed.” – Mary Victor (05:23)

• She flees mid-conversation, seemingly frightened by someone spotted outside.

3. Suspects Assembled

• Holmes and Watson accost a young man outside, Basil Carter, who jokes about murder but appears suspicious.

  “I was planning a murder… the two canaries in the room next to mine.” – Basil Carter (07:05)

• Mr. Wainwright (real name Wilson), owner of the canaries, is recognized by Holmes as a notorious ex-convict and prison escapee.

  “Mr. Wainwright is in reality Wilson, a notorious canary trainer whom I had the pleasure of sending to prison.” – Holmes (08:33)

4. Strange Events Unfold

• Mary Victor becomes unresponsive and is not seen at meals or in her room.
• Holmes and Watson stroll the pier, where they meet local police and witness a dramatic confrontation: Wilson appears, confesses to murder, and then apparently commits suicide by shooting himself and falling into the sea.

  “You've caught up with me once again, Sherlock Holmes. But this time you're not going to… Send me back to a prison again.” – Wilson (11:01)

5. The Investigation Deepens

• Wilson’s wife, Mrs. Wainwright, reveals little emotion about her husband's death and confesses to disliking his beloved canaries.
• Holmes suspects the “suicide” may be a ruse for Wilson to disappear.
• The canaries are found dead in their cage—an ominous clue.

6. Unraveling Red Herrings

• The search for Mary Victor leads to the discovery she has eloped with an American, Mr. Bunker, who had been sending her ambiguous (and threatening-sounding) letters. The mystery about her safety is resolved at a village wedding.

  “The frightened young lady was merely frightened by her persistent American fiancé.” – Holmes (21:33)

• Basil Carter is cleared by telegram: he was suddenly recalled to the Foreign Office and has a solid alibi.

7. The True Solution

• Holmes gathers Mrs. Wainwright and local police for a reconstruction.
• He reveals that Wilson planned a fake suicide with blanks, but his wife switched the blanks for live rounds, making his death real.

  “Because when Wilson raised that revolver to his head, he was convinced that it contained blank cartridges. Unfortunately for him, his wife had deliberately replaced the blanks with live cartridges.” – Holmes (23:41)

• Holmes tricks Mrs. Wainwright into confessing by claiming new advances allow for fingerprint detection even after the gun was submerged—a total bluff, but she believes it.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Watson’s companionship and silence:

  “Watson, you're really a splendid companion. I can't think of anyone else who would let me smoke my pipe in silence for half an hour without asking me what I'm thinking about.” – Holmes (03:24)

• On the frustrations of rural peace:

  “You’ve spoken of the peace inquired at the country inn, Watson, and yet I find that...” – Holmes (04:54)

• On Holmes’s subtle recall of a criminal face:

  “I never forget a face. Mr. Wainwright is in reality Wilson, a notorious canary trainer…” – Holmes (08:33)

• Holmes’s “trick” to extract a confession:

  “You see, she murdered him.” – Holmes (23:28)
  “There is no such test, my dear Watson. It would be almost impossible to expect clear prints after so much handling and totally impossible after submersion. Fortunately for us though, Mrs. Wilson was gullible enough to believe me and give me a confession.” – Holmes (26:10)

• Watson’s wry realization:

  “And there’s no such person as Dr. John Thorndyke?” – Watson (26:27)

Important Timestamps

• 03:24: Holmes praises Watson’s companionship
• 05:23: Mary Victor describes being followed
• 07:05: Basil Carter jokes about “murdering” the canaries
• 08:33: Holmes recognizes Wainwright as the criminal Wilson
• 11:01: Wilson confesses and apparently commits suicide
• 13:03: Mrs. Wainwright’s cold reaction to her husband’s death
• 15:48: Discovery that the canaries are dead
• 21:33: Holmes learns Mary Victor has married Mr. Bunker
• 23:41: Holmes exposes Mrs. Wainwright as the murderer
• 26:10: Holmes reveals his “bluff” regarding fingerprint evidence

Structure & Tone

• The episode is classic Holmes: witty banter, detailed deduction, and gentle ribbing between Holmes and Watson.
• Tone is brisk, lightly suspenseful, and peppered with dry humor—Holmes is sardonic; Watson is amiable and earnest.

Summary Takeaways

• What began as a routine holiday spiraled into a web of hidden identities, false confessions, and human drama.
• Holmes’s method combines observation, psychology, and ingenuity—solving the case by provoking a confession rather than physical evidence.
• The theme centers around dual identities, misdirection, and the deceptive calm of rural retreats.

Recommended for: Lovers of Golden Age radio, classic detective fans, and anyone who enjoys tightly plotted mysteries with clever reveals and strong character interplay.