Choice Classic Radio Detectives: Sherlock Holmes – “The Paradol Chamber” (05/21/1945)

Main Theme:
A mysterious new metal, a scientific illusion, and a murder plot draw Dr. Watson, his wife Mary, and the inimitable Sherlock Holmes into a deadly game orchestrated by their old adversary, Professor Moriarty. The episode explores deception, scientific pseudo-wonders, and the importance of quick-witted deduction.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Domestic Bliss Interrupted (03:00–05:00)

• Dr. Watson narrates, reflecting on life with Mary and their healthy finances—a rare period of stability following Watson’s marriage.
• Mary brings up an enticing investment prospect involving a new company and a miraculous metal (“Paradol”), based on the pitch from a Mr. Barber.

2. The Paradol Chamber – A Scientific Marvel or a Hoax? (05:22–12:07)

• Mary convinces a skeptical Watson to investigate the Paradol opportunity firsthand.
• At the lab, they meet Dr. Paradis—a woman, to Watson’s surprise.
• Dr. Paradis demonstrates the “Paradol Chamber,” claiming to transport objects (and people) instantly across distance by exploiting the “fourth dimension.”
  • Notable Quote:
    Dr. Paradis (10:45): “I coined a word to describe the process: teleportation, I call it.”
• Watson’s initials on a parcel are dispatched to their home via the chamber, and it indeed arrives before them, to both his and Mary’s astonishment.

3. Consulting Holmes – Skepticism and Investigation (13:24–18:21)

• Watson visits Holmes, finding him reclusive and guarded due to recent threats from Professor Moriarty.
  • Notable Quote:
    Holmes (15:23): “Professor Moriarty has decided that it's high time to settle his score with me. ... That's why I indulged in what you refer to as all this rigmarole.”
• Holmes dismisses the Paradol Chamber as “rubbish” and agrees the demonstration must be some conjurer’s trick, speculating about trapdoors and decoys.
• The two resolve to investigate the laboratory that night, “indulging in a little simple burglarizing.”

4. Nighttime Intrigue – From Simple Burglary to Deadly Trap (18:48–22:33)

• Holmes and Watson break into Dr. Paradis’ lab and inspect the Paradol Chamber.
• Inside, Holmes discovers the body of Dr. Paradis—she’s been murdered.
  • Notable Moment:
    Watson (20:22): “Let me come and look. 1,000 to 1 it's Dr. Paradis. Yes, yes it is, Watson. ... Good Lord. Someone has slammed the door shut on us.”
• The chamber door slams, trapping them with the corpse.

5. Moriarty Revealed – The Genius Behind the Plot (22:15–24:12)

• Dr. Paradis’ assistant, revealed as Professor Moriarty, addresses them through a sliding panel.
  • Notable Exchange:
    • Holmes (22:33): “Hello, Moriarty.”
    • Moriarty (22:38): “Dr. Watson, I wish you could get over your dislike for me…”
  • Moriarty explains the scheme: luring Holmes with a “convincing scientific front” and disposing of Dr. Paradis once her usefulness ended.
  • They are left to suffocate—“just shutting you in”—since Paradol is bulletproof.

6. Near-Death and Quick Thinking (24:12–28:41)

• Holmes and Watson search for an exit but find none; Holmes suggests conserving oxygen by sleeping.
• Morning comes, and just as time runs out, they are rescued by Inspector Lestrade and Mary Watson.
• Holmes explains he had backup in place: his Baker Street Irregulars were to alert Lestrade if he went missing.
• However, this time it was Mary—having deduced their plan—who woke up, noticed signs of Watson’s nighttime adventure, and brought Lestrade to the rescue.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Mary Watson (28:02): “When John came back from seeing you yesterday, Mr. Holmes, he was over elaborately casual in his references to the Paradol chamber… I realized what had happened. So I went straight to Scotland Yard for Inspector Lestrade and brought him here.”
    • Holmes (28:35): “Mrs. Watson, this has been a salutary experience. Will you allow me to congratulate you on your deductive ability?”

Notable Quotes & Moments With Timestamps

• Dr. Watson & Mary, on marital finances and investment

  • Watson (04:32): “After buying my practice...we have nearly 150 pounds left...”
  • Mary (04:47): “160 isn’t it, dear? I was doing the same sum this morning.”

• On the Paradol Chamber’s claim

  • Dr. Watson (06:13): “The fourth dimension has been conquered. What? Spite your dislocation is an accomplished fact. Good gracious me, my dear child. This prospectus is absolute poppycock.”

• The “miracle” demonstration

  • Dr. John H. Watson (12:54): “That a miracle’s been performed? I don’t believe my eyes. Look, there are my initials on the package.”

• Holmes on Moriarty’s threat

  • Holmes (15:23): “There have been several attempts on my life lately. Twice I’ve been attacked in the streets, and only yesterday a shot was fired at me through the window.”

• Holmes on the fraud behind the Paradol Chamber

  • Holmes (17:21): “Childish trick, obviously. The Paradol chamber contains an ingeniously hidden trap door...”

• Holmes’ and Watson’s camaraderie

  • Dr. Watson (18:17): “Splendid. Quite like old times, isn’t it, Holmes?”
  • Holmes (18:21): “Yes, it is, old chap. Though I think that this time for Mrs. Watson’s sake, I must try and keep you out of trouble.”

• Moriarty’s taunting

  • Moriarty (22:38): “Dr. Watson, I wish you could get over your dislike for me. For my own part, I’m genuinely sorry that my trap had to catch you too.”

• Mary’s deductive rescue

  • Mary (28:02): “I realized what had happened. So I went straight to Scotland Yard for Inspector Lestrade and brought him here.”
  • Holmes (28:35): “Mrs. Watson, this has been a salutary experience. ... It was elementary my dear Mr. Holmes, elementary.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• Domestic prelude & investment talk: 03:00–05:22
• Lab demonstration: 06:13–12:07
• Holmes at Baker Street: 13:24–18:21
• Breaking into the lab & the trap: 18:48–22:33
• Moriarty reveals himself: 22:15–24:12
• Rescue and denouement: 27:12–29:06

Engaging Episode Highlights

• The episode dramatizes the tension between scientific skepticism and the allure of pseudo-scientific wonders, with Watson’s scientific background clashing with dramatic evidence—until Holmes’ rationalism restores order.
• Mary Watson shines as a participant and eventual savior, outwitting criminals and even her own husband.
• Professor Moriarty’s cold, methodical villainy provides the real threat, using science as a lure.
• Holmes’ usual foresight is nearly his undoing—were it not for Mary's “elementary” deduction.

For Sherlock Holmes fans and newcomers alike, “The Paradol Chamber” delivers an engaging blend of science, intrigue, and the classic wit and warmth that made the Golden Age of Radio so memorable.