Podcast Summary: "Sherlock Holmes: The Six Napoleons (Hobbs & Shelley)"
Introduction
In this captivating episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, titled "Sherlock Holmes: The Six Napoleons (Hobbs & Shelley)", listeners are transported to the iconic 221B Baker Street, where the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Carlton Hobbs, and his steadfast companion Dr. John Watson, voiced by Norman Shelley, delve into a perplexing case involving the vandalism of Napoleon busts. Originally based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short story, this adaptation masterfully blends classic detective work with engaging storytelling.
Initial Crimes: Vandalism of Napoleon Busts
The episode commences with Inspector Lestrade from Scotland Yard seeking Holmes's expertise on a series of unusual burglaries involving the deliberate smashing of plaster Napoleon busts. The first incident occurred at Morse Hudson's shop on Kennington Road, where a plaster bust of Napoleon was found shattered on the counter. Lestrade describes the scene:
"There's a doctor named Barnicot... he found his house had been burgled in the night. But only one thing had been taken. The plaster cast. Yes, it had been carried outside and smashed against the garden wall."
— Lestrade [04:15]
A second similar burglary took place at Dr. Barnicot's residence, where another identical bust was destroyed. Holmes quickly discerns that the perpetrator is not driven by a general hatred of Napoleon, given the specificity of the targeted molds:
"It's too much to suppose that any promiscuous iconoclast should begin by selecting three specimens of the same bust."
— Holmes [12:30]
Escalation to Murder
The plot thickens when a new development turns the case from a series of vandalisms into a matter of murder. Mr. Horace Harker, a journalist and collector of Napoleon memorabilia, becomes the latest victim. Harker recounts his harrowing experience:
"I grabbed the poker and went downstairs... I found the window wide open and the bust was gone... then I nearly fell over. A dead man."
— Mr. Harker [22:50]
His murder is intricately linked to the ongoing destruction of Napoleon busts, prompting Holmes and Watson to intensify their investigation.
Investigation and Clues
Holmes and Watson begin to trace the provenance of the stolen busts, uncovering that three were sold by Harding Brothers to different individuals, including Mr. Harker. Their inquiry leads them to identify Beppo, an Italian criminal with a violent past, as a key suspect. Inspector Lestrade assists by providing access to sales records and a photograph of Beppo.
"What you doing? Examining the fragments of the bust."
— Holmes [45:20]
Through meticulous examination, Holmes deduces that Beppo had hidden a valuable pearl within one of the busts during its creation. After being imprisoned, Beppo sought to retrieve the pearl by tracking down and destroying each bust, leading to the series of burglaries and ultimately, murder when his plans were thwarted.
Holmes' Deduction and Conclusion
Holmes articulates his reasoning, connecting the seemingly disparate incidents into a cohesive narrative:
"He inserted the pearl and covered up the faces. By the time he emerged from prison a year later... he had to track them down one by one and smash them open to find it."
— Holmes [58:10]
In a climactic sequence, Holmes and Lestrade apprehend Beppo as he attempts to steal the final, untouched bust. Through strategic planning and quick thinking, they successfully thwart his scheme, ensuring the pearl's safety.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Holmes reflecting on the ingenuity of the criminal's methods and Lestrade acknowledging the brilliance of Holmes's deductive skills:
"I don't know that I ever knew a more workmanlike one than that."
— Lestrade [1:05:30]
Holmes' ability to unravel complex puzzles is once again on display, reaffirming his status as the premier detective of his time. The case of "The Six Napoleons" not only showcases thrilling investigative work but also highlights themes of obsession and the lengths to which an individual will go to reclaim what was lost.
Final Thoughts
Choice Classic Radio Detectives delivers a richly detailed and engaging adaptation of one of Sherlock Holmes's classic adventures. Through stellar voice acting and faithful adherence to Conan Doyle's narrative, this episode provides both longtime fans and newcomers with an enthralling listening experience. Whether you're revisiting the Golden Age of Radio or discovering it for the first time, "Sherlock Holmes: The Six Napoleons (Hobbs & Shelley)" is a testament to the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes.