Sherlock Holmes: The Paradol Chamber 05/21/1945 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

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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.

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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?”

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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.”

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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

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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.

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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.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Announcer]

Pet Rewind brings you.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Dazzle.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Rathman and Nigel Bruce in 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 about another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. Of course, I can't be as entertaining as Dr. Watson, but I can tell you something that's really worth knowing. Simply this. The best beginning a good meal ever had is a glass of Petri California Sherry. Petri Sherry is the perfect before dinner wine. While you're waiting for dinner to be put on the table, pour yourself a glass of that clear amber colored Petri Sherry. Now just sit back and sip it slowly. Take your time so you can thoroughly enjoy every single drop of that wonderful Petri flavor. And what a flavor that sherry has comes right from the sun ripened heart of wonderful California grapes. Now you may be a real wine expert and know all about sherry wine, but believe me, until you've tried a Petri Sherry, you're really missing something. No kidding. Serve Petri Sherry alone or serve it with canopies or appetizers. And by all means, serve it proudly. You can, because the letters P E T R I spell the proudest name in the history of American wines. Petri. And now for our weekly visit with the good Dr. Watson. Let's see if he's expecting us.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Come in, come in, come in.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ah, good evening, doctor.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Good evening, Mr. Campbell. It's about time you got here. Drop a Chair and make yourself comfortable.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh thanks. Well you have the old black dispatch box out again I see. I suppose you've been going over your notes on tonight's adventure.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

That's right my boy. This may interest you. Mrs. Watson figured prominently in the story. She did, yes. In fact if it hadn't been for some remarkably quick thinking on her part Holmes and I might have. Well there I go again, telling you the end of the story before I've begun it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well how did it begin Doctor?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

On a winter evening in 1887. I'd been married some months and in consequence I hadn't seen much of my old friend Sherlock Holmes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Still living at Baker Street I suppose?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes my boy, but we couldn't persuade him to come round and see us from time to time. I'd heard some vague accounts of his doings, of his summons to ODESSA in the case of the Trepoff murder and of his clearing up the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers. But to get back to tonight's story my wife and I had just finished an excellent dinner I remember, had settled ourselves down for an evening of pleasant domesticity. She was stitching away on a piece of expert petit point and I was at my desk balancing figures in the family account book. After a few moments my wife looked up to me.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

John dear, don't look so troubled.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh, was I looking trouble?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

You've been scowling at that account book for 10 minutes now. What's the matter dear, don't the figures add up correctly?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh yes, they add up correctly. In fact they tell a very pretty story. After buying my practice and setting up all my outstanding accounts I find that we have nearly 150 pounds left of the diary that Mr. Sholto settled upon you.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

160 isn't it dear? I was doing the same sum this morning.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh well, well, 160. In any case Mary dear, the point I was going to make is that we, we don't need the money just now. My practice is picking up splendidly and I was thinking we might invest it in something really sound. Of course.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Who's been talking to you, John? Dr. Wilson again?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Well as it happens I did bump into him at the hospital today. He can put us onto something very good in Peruvian silver. What do you think of the idea?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Well John, the fact is I'd almost decided to make a business investment within myself. I thought I'd surprise you. Well now let me tell you about it John. Yesterday when you were out on your rounds a most charming man called here, I mean the Ted Barber. He introduced Himself as A friend of Mrs. Cecil Forrester. He said he was certain we'd be interested in his new company. And he talked so convincingly that. Well, I'm afraid I almost promised him I'd buy some stock in the company.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Really? What. What sort of company is it?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Well, I didn't quite understand that part of it, but it sounded wonderful. He left a prospectus. It's in the right hand drawer of the desk. It's something to do with a wonderful new metal that's been discovered by an American chemist called Paradil or Paradis or something.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh, let's have a look to do it, sir. A company formed to exploit the amazing new metal discovered by Dr. Paradis. Paradol preferred Stock. The potentialities of this new Eloia are measurable. 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.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

And now, John, you mustn't be stubborn. I think at least we should investigate. The man said that if we went to the laboratories Dr. Paradies would give us a demonstration himself.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

But Mary, dear, Mary, dear. The fourth dimension, I mean to say, obviously fraud.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

That's what everyone says when a new invention comes out. This might be an opportunity for us to make a lot of money, John.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Mary, I do wish.

[Dr. Paradis]

Just please me dear.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I can't argue with you very long, Mary. All right, all right. I'll take you to the laboratory in the morning. But I warn you, I'll show this Dr. Paradis up for the charlatan that he is.

[Albert / Moriarty]

Doctor Paradis will be with you both in a moment.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Thank you, my man. She's just concluding an experiment.

[Sherlock Holmes]

She?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Dr. Paradis is a woman then?

[Albert / Moriarty]

Oh, yes, madam. And a very brilliant one too.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Excuse me. Well, it's a last straw. The whole thing sounded like an obvious fraud. And now we get here and find that a woman doctor's at the back of it all.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Just because she's a woman, it doesn't.

[Dr. Paradis]

Mean to say that I am Dr. Paradis.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh, how do you do, madam? I am Dr. Watson and this is my wife, Mrs. Watson.

[Dr. Paradis]

Oh, yes. Come into the laboratory, won't you?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Oh, thank you so much, Dr. Paradis.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

We were just wasting your time. We're not really interested in this at all, you know, John.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Don't mutter.

[Dr. Paradis]

Mr. Barber told me that he had called on you, Mrs. Watson, and that you were very interested in my invention.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Oh, yes, I am. That's why I persuaded my husband to come down with me and see A demonstration.

[Dr. Paradis]

I'll be most happy to show you everything I can. Here's a practical example of the application of my work. This chamber you see in front of you is made completely of my new alloy.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

What's the thing do? Just a great metal box with a lot of dials and switches and things. Why is it so big? Do people get inside it?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

They can.

[Dr. Paradis]

Though if they do, they're liable to find themselves transported many miles from here. Come inside, won't you?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh, what a lot of nonsense.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Now, John.

[Dr. Paradis]

John, before I give you a demonstration, I want you both to see that there is no exit from inside this chamber. No trapdoors or anything. The only exit is the door we just came through.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes, it's just like an airtight metal room.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Stuffy in here, isn't it?

[Dr. Paradis]

Now, let's go outside again. I'll show you how the machine operates. Albert.

[Albert / Moriarty]

Yes, Dr. Paradis?

[Dr. Paradis]

I'm going to demonstrate the Paradol chamber to Dr. And Mrs. Watson.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Very well.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

The usual time?

[Dr. Paradis]

Yes, please, Albert. Now, my assistant goes inside the chamber. I close this metal door on him.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

So what are you going to do with him?

[Dr. Paradis]

Within a matter of seconds, he will be seven miles from here.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

It's really, madam, you can't expect us.

[Dr. Paradis]

To believe you're a scientific man. At least give me the opportunity of demonstrating my work.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

[Dr. Paradis]

Now, I adjust these dials, turn on the electrical generator and.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Good Lord, what an amazing business.

[Dr. Paradis]

Now Open the door, Dr. Watson, and look inside, please.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Great Scott. He's gone. I don't believe it. Dr. Paradise. Will you explain this to me?

[Dr. Paradis]

Bradley? My metal paradol is an unnatural alloy. What it is, it causes a dislocation in the warp of space and enables us to enter the fourth dimension. You see, time is a dimension. Any object in the past, present or future can be described precisely in three dimensions of space and one of time.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes, but this machine of yours.

[Dr. Paradis]

The alloy of paradol combined with the great forces of electricity has created a new force. This element is controlled by these dials. And it is possible to move in four dimensions at once. Thus, bodies or other objects can be transported great distances away. All in the twinkling of an eye. I coined a word to describe the process. Teleportation. I call it.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Teleportation. I'm completely confused. All my scientific training tells me this is impossible. And yet. I wonder if you'd give us another demonstration.

[Dr. Paradis]

Certainly. Perhaps you yourself would like to be teleported somewhere.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Certainly not. Good gracious. We know?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

No, no, I think John would be very unhappy in the fourth dimension. He wouldn't be long.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes, you said that any objects could be moved. How about that brown paper parcel on the table over there?

[Dr. Paradis]

Certainly. It only contains some company circulars. I suggest you write your initials on it so that you can identify it later.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Very well. J.H.W. there you are.

[Dr. Paradis]

Where do you want it dispatched to.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Send it to my house. I'll give you the address.

[Dr. Paradis]

That won't be necessary.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mary.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

This is amazing business, isn't it John?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Exciting too.

[Dr. Paradis]

There we are. Now I adjust the dials once more and. Is already at your house.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh, it's impossible. Come along there. Let's get a cab and race back there as fast as we can.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Now dear John, you must admit you're just as excited as I am.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I confess that I'm enormously intrigued. Let me just get my latch front door gear.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here we are.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Dr. Paradis is a devilishly clever woman. Even so, my intelligence tells me it's impossible for the package to have reached here before us. Ah, here we are.

[Dr. Paradis]

There you are, Martha. Mum.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Just in time for lunch. Scare me. Annie. Did the package arrive for her?

[Dr. Paradis]

Yes it did mum. I put it on the old table.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Great Scott. How was it delivered, Annie?

[Dr. Paradis]

Well now that's the funny thing about it, sir. I don't know. I went out to polish the brass on the door knocker a few minutes ago and there was the parson lying on the doorstep.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

No one had rung the bell or anything.

[Dr. Paradis]

I didn't know how it got there.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Thank you Annie. You can go now.

[Dr. Paradis]

Yes, mom.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Well John, what do you say now.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

That a miracle's been performed? I don't believe my eyes. Look, there are my initials on the package. Mary, I think that if you don't.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Mind, after lunch you'll go around to Baker street and tell Shellock Holmes about this.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Do you mind, dear?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Of course not, dear.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Good. It'll be nice to see Holmes again anyway.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Doctor Watson, how nice to see you again.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Hello Mrs. Hudson. How are you my dear?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Oh, I'm just fine.

[Dr. Paradis]

Oh you're looking grand, sir.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Marriage agrees with you, if you don't mind my saying so.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh, thank you Mrs. Hudson. Is Mr. Holmes in?

[Dr. Paradis]

Aye, sir, and I'm very glad you're seeing him.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

He's no been acting like himself lately.

[Dr. Paradis]

Locking his door and only unlocking it for me when I give him a password.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

And he's hardly touched his food for.

[Dr. Paradis]

The last three days. To tell you the truth Dr. Watson.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

I'm awful Worried about him.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Well, I'll go up to him.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

He'll be glad to see you, I'm sure.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who is it?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

It's me, Watson.

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Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

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Could you be more specific?

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When it's cravenient. Okay, like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at AM pm. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at a.m. pM.

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I'm seeing a pattern here.

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Well yeah, we're talking about what I.

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Crave, which is anything from am, pm.

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[Dr. John H. Watson]

Holmes, this is ridiculous. Surely you know my voice after all these years.

[Sherlock Holmes]

John H. Watson. Tell me what your middle initial stand for and I'll let you in.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

It stands for Hamish.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson, my dear fellow, how are you?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I'm fine and delighted to see you again, Holmes. Incidentally, why all this rigmarole about locked doors and passwords?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, Professor Moriarty has decided that it's high time to settle his score with me. 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. You see? Broken.

[Narrator/Announcer]

There.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Lord Holmes, you must be careful.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I am being very careful. That's why I indulged in what you refer to as all this rigmarole. But, well, enough of my problems. What's on your mind? There's a sparkle in your eye and an air of excitement that tells me that you've some news to impart.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Well, I must say there is something.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course there is, my dear fellow. Come on, tell me about it.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

You ever hear of a new metal called Paradol and its inventor, Dr. Paradis?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes, yes, indeed I have. I received a prospectus concerning it the other day.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Well, what, what do you think of the idea?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, obviously it's rubbish. Designed to fool a gullible public into buying shares. Don't tell me that you were taking it?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

No, no, no, of course not, Holmes. Naturally, as a scientific man, I knew it was rubbish. My wife, however, had become a little involved in the concern. And so today, to prove to her that the whole thing was a fraud, we went down to the laboratory and met this Dr. Paradis.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, did you indeed?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

In the first place, let me tell you, this Dr. Paradis, he's a woman. A woman? As you can imagine, I didn't have any difficulty in discrediting her theories. In fact, I'm afraid I made her seem rather stupid. However, we did stay there long enough for her to to give us a demonstration. And that's the way that it was, Holmes. When we got back to our house, the initial package was there waiting for us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Childish trick, obviously. The Paradol chamber contains an ingeniously hidden trap door through which the assistant disappeared. And later the package. A fast cab then took it to your home before you could get there.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh yes, who really Will? Yes, yes, of course. That's exactly how I explained the thing to Mary.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Was she impressed with the feature?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes, she was, but you know how women are. I try to tell her the whole thing was a fraud. She's very obstinate. I was hoping perhaps that you will help me expose the concern.

[Sherlock Holmes]

They seem necessary, old fellow. Such an obvious fraud. However, for your sake, I'll be glad to do anything I can.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I thought we might go down to the laboratory late tonight when nobody's there and take a look at that Paradol chamber a little more closely.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's a rather good idea after being cooped up here for three days. It'll be a pleasure to get some night air and indulge in a little simple burglarizing.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Shall I call for you here?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, wait a minute, dear fellow, it's much too dangerous. I'll be in a hansom cab outside your house about 11:30 tonight. How's that?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Splendid. Quite like old times, isn't it, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

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.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Midnight home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Watson. Time that only confirmed old bachelors like myself should be wandering the streets of London.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh, rubbish, homes. You talk as if Mary was a tyrant.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now don't get angry with me, old job. I was only being facetious. Is this Dr. Parody's laboratory?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes. Like to be seen? I don't imagine it'll be very hard to break in though.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Strike a match Will you? I took the precaution of bringing this lantern.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

There you are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thanks, old fellow.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Is the. Is the door locked?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, but I think the skeleton key will do the trick. Hold this lantern for a second, will you? Yeah. Oh, this is child's play so far. Come on.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

There's the Paradol chamber over there.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Give me the lantern again, old chap, will you? Thanks. Quite an elaborate contraption.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Door's been left open. Let's go in and take a look at the inside of it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, not both of us, Watson. If this is the only entrance and the two of us walked in, it'd be too easy to slam the door shut on us.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I suppose so. You go in and I'll keep watch out here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

All right. Oh, I trust that in a few minutes I won't find myself lying on your doorstep.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Holmes, there are times when your sense of humor is a little strained. Holmes? Holmes. You all right, Watson? What is it, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The body of a dead woman. She's been shot, unless I'm much mistaken.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Let me come and look. 1,000 to 1 it's Dr. Paradis. Yes, yes it is, Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Galaria. Don't you see that.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Good Lord. Someone has slammed the door shut on us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, my dear fellow, we walked into a trap very neatly, I'm afraid that we're imprisoned in what appears to be an airtight metal chamber and the only person who can help us to get out of it again is a corpse.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Doctor Watson's story will continue in just a few seconds. It's time for me to remind you that good food always tastes better when served together with good wine. Did you know that Petri makes two wonderful mealtime wines? Wines especially made to go with food? Well, they do. Petri, California Burgundy and Petri California Sauterne. You want a rich, hearty red wine, a wine that's great with any meat or meat dish. You just try a Petri Burgundy. And if you want a wine that's perfect with chicken or fish, try a delicate golden colored Petri Sauterne. Petri Burgundy if you want a red wine, Petri Sauterne if you want white. But always a Petri wine if you want a good wine. Now back to tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure. It is in the early hours of a Winter's Morning in 1887. The famous pair, while investigating the mysteries of a scientific laboratory in the East End of London, have been trapped in an airtight metal cabinet, their only companion being the dead body of a woman scientist. As we rejoin our story, Sherlock Holmes and his old friend Dr. Watson are listening intently as footsteps approach what appears to be their metal coffin.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

There's someone outside. They're sliding back the mental terminal.

[Albert / Moriarty]

Good evening, gentlemen.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

That voice. It's Dr. Paradine's assistant. Let us out of here.

[Albert / Moriarty]

Or should I be more precise, Mr. Holmes, and say good morning.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hello, Moriarty.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Moriarty. You scoundrel. I can just get my hands on him.

[Albert / Moriarty]

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. I've often felt unhappy that you're not on my side. That slavish admiration of you given your friend Sherlock Holmes must be highly gratified.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Never mind about all that. What do you think you're up to?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's obvious, my dear Watson. The whole scheme was a plan to lure me out of my safe hiding by presenting an intriguing problem. And one that victimized the wife of my old friend. You knew it would get back to my ears, didn't you, Moriarty?

[Albert / Moriarty]

Yes, exactly.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

But why did you murder this Paradies woman?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's equally obvious, my dear Watson. It served her purpose in presenting a most convincing scientific front. As soon as the trap was baited, she was allowed Billy Dave. She might tell tales. And so she was killed. Like so many other of your accomplices, my dear Professor.

[Albert / Moriarty]

Ah, precisely. Now, my dear fellows, I'm afraid that I must close this panel and say goodbye. Quite sorry to have to kill you, but you're becoming dreadfully in my way.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

And how do you plan to kill us, my arter?

[Albert / Moriarty]

By doing nothing more than closing this panel. I could be frightfully dramatic and release deadly gases into the chamber or poisonous snakes, or something equally colorful. But quite frankly, it seems so much simpler just to shut you in. Our oxygen supply won't last very long, you know. And for your benefit, Dr. Watson, I may tell you that Panadol, whatever its other shortcomings as a metal, is bulletproof.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Goodbye, you meddling fool.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, there seems nothing for us to do but look around and ascertain our chances of escape.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Holmes, I don't like this. We're in a very nasty situation.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Watson, sometimes you're a master of understanding. Statement. Uhuh. Just as I thought.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

What have you found, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sliding panel, just behind the dead woman. It leads us a passageway. A passageway that has been ripped up. Only within the last few hours. But long enough, I'm afraid, to make it impassable. No, there's no escape. Here, hold the lantern a little higher, will you? Watch. That's it.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Well, what are we going to do now?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I was just estimating the cubic capacity of this chamber. The air supply should last comfortably for at least another eight hours. I recommend a brief sleep to refresh us and also to conserve our oxygen.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Slime sleep? Who could sleep at a time like this?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can and you can old chap, if you discipline yourself.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Well I'll try Holmes, but I know perfectly well I shan't close my eyes. Wake up Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Wake up.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes, Mary, it's you. We're still in this infernal trap.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid so. Old Chapter.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

What time is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just after seven in the morning.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

How long did you estimate our oxygen supply would last?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Probably about another hour.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Well, it's just possible that some worker will come to the laboratory early and let us out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shouldn't count too much on that if I were you.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

No, I suppose not. I say Holmes, I'm famished as I.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thought you would be my dear chap. So I saved you this half of a bar of chocolate. I ate my own chair just before you were waking.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Thanks, my dear fellow. Did you sleep to Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I didn't. I employed my time in conducting a minute examination of this chamber. I was trying to find some possible way of getting out.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

And you failed there?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid so, Holmes.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

This looks like the end, doesn't it? Well, if it is my time to die, I'm glad that we're together again. Although I blame myself entirely for letting you into the trap.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come now my dear fellow, don't take it as badly as that.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

But you admitted you're defeated and that there's no possible way out to this destiny.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I meant that there's no way out from the inside. So my plan worked.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Good gracious me. What on earth. Lestrade. Lestrade. There you are. Mary. Mary, you dear little thing, you. You must have been frightened to death.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Hello John. Oh, poor dear. You must have spent a miserable night.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Well, well, well, well.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson have been getting themselves in trouble again, sir. This is no time for your heavy handed badinage. There's the body of a murdered woman inside that chamber. She was killed by Professor Moriarty. Professor Moriarty? It's too bad you didn't get my message sooner.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Your message? Oh, bless myself. Holmes, I wish you'd tell me how you got your message to Scotland Yard.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, ever since these recent attacks on my life I've had my delightful band of ragamuffins, the Baker Street Irregulars, watching my house in Fixed watches two at a time. I gave the boys instructions to follow me whenever I went out and if ever I did not reappear within three hours they were to report to our friend Lestrade at Scotland Yard.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Holmes, you're amazing. You. You. You think of everything. Just a minute gentlemen, just a minute. I didn't get no message from any of your Baker street irregulars. Oh you didn't?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No sir. Though I did find a couple of the boys tied up when we came in here just now. If you didn't get a message from them, how did you come here so opportunely?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

That's an easy one, because Mrs. Watts near came and fetched me. You did, Mary? But how on earth.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Go on marm, tell em.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Well it's really very simple. When John came back from seeing you yesterday, Mr. Holmes, he was over elaborately casual in his references to the Paradol chamber. Of cause I knew at once the two of you were going to investigate the matter. I also caught him oiling his revolver after dinner. I didn't know that you slipped out last night, John. But as soon as I woke up this morning I realized what had happened. So I went straight to Scotland Yard for Inspector Lestrade and brought him here with me.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Why Mary, you clever little thing. Isn't she a clever darling? Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mrs. Watson, this has been a salutary experience. Will you allow me to congratulate you on your deductive ability?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Well that's very nice of you Mr. Holmes, but I really don't deserve any compliments. If you don't mind my saying so. It was elementary my dear Mr. Holmes, elementary.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is Bob Campbell saying good night for the Petrie family. This program comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

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