Sherlock Holmes: The Tankerville Club 04/22/1946 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

Podcast Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: Sherlock Holmes: The Tankerville Club (04/22/1946)

Starring: Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes) & Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)
Original Air Date: April 22, 1946
Podcast Release: March 27, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features a classic Sherlock Holmes radio drama, “The Tankerville Club,” where Holmes and Dr. Watson unravel a case of cheating, dueling, and underhanded intrigue in one of London’s exclusive clubs. The case tests Holmes’s prowess as he aids Captain Harry Prendergast, accused of cheating at cards and facing social and professional ruin, possibly by design of the notorious Colonel Sebastian Moran.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Progression

1. Domestic Beginnings & Social Intrigue

• [02:14] Dr. Watson reminisces about his early married life when he and Holmes saw little of each other.
• Holmes is invited to dinner at Watson’s by Mary Watson, leading into domestic banter, showcasing the personal touch of these radio dramas.
  • “Mrs. Hudson’s cooking, though excellent of its kind, lacks variety. Your dinner has been quite a treat.” — Holmes ([04:01])
• The evening is interrupted by Alicia Wentworth, who needs Holmes’s help regarding her fiancé, Captain Harry Prendergast, who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

2. Prendergast’s Predicament

• [06:46] Harry arrives, revealing he’s been accused of cheating at cards at the Tankerville Club, his honor and career at risk.
• Holmes unpacks the setup: Prendergast was caught with an unopened pack in his pocket after a sealed pack of cards in play was found to be marked.
  • “Last night I was accused of cheating at cards at the Tankerville Club… the cards were proved to be marked.” — Captain Prendergast ([09:01])
• The involvement of Colonel Sebastian Moran, Alicia’s guardian with a nefarious reputation, is established.

3. The Duel and Its Deadly Stakes

• Prendergast confides in Holmes and Watson: he’s been goaded into challenging Moran to a duel with revolvers, a weapon at which Moran is an expert.
  • “He was reputed to be the best shot in England and I'm probably the worst in London.” — Captain Prendergast ([12:16])
• Holmes suspects foul play and hurries to the Tankerville Club to reconstruct the events.

4. The Tankerville Club & Holmes’s Reconstruction

• [13:00] At the club, Holmes, Watson, and Prendergast confront David Harkness, one of the suspicious players from the previous night’s game.
• Holmes requests another sealed deck, restages the game, and exposes Harkness’s technique:
  • “A pinhead or a thumbtack hidden under the bandage. A tiny pressure against a card one wishes to mark as it comes into one's hand.” — Holmes ([17:51])
• Holmes skillfully draws a confession from Harkness, who admits to marking the cards with Moran’s encouragement.

5. Colonel Moran Confronted

• [20:13] Holmes and Watson confront Moran in the club’s gun room. Moran feigns ignorance but is forced to climb down as Harkness writes his confession.
• Holmes exposes Moran’s financial motive: preventing Alicia’s marriage delays a financial accounting of his guardianship, which cannot withstand scrutiny.
  • “You forced Prendergast into a duel because it was the only way you could be certain that he'd never marry your ward, Alicia.” — Holmes ([21:43])

6. Deadly Escalation

• [22:26] Harkness bursts in, threatening Moran, and is shot and killed before witnesses.
• Moran claims self-defense, but Holmes realizes this eliminates the only witness who could directly implicate Moran.

7. Justice and Resolution

• Prendergast refuses to let Moran go unchallenged and demands satisfaction for Moran’s actions. This time, he chooses the weapon: boxing gloves.
  • “We've just come from the gymnasium at the club. Alicia, I'm afraid I really gave him a thrashing.” — Captain Prendergast ([25:02])
• Moran is publicly humiliated; Prendergast is restored to honor and the couple’s engagement is now unopposed.
• Holmes ominously notes that Moran escapes the full force of the law, but justice prevails in a different form.

8. Return to Domesticity

• [24:23] Back at the Watsons’ home, Alicia and Harry are reunited; relief, laughter, and cocoa close the adventure.
  • “I'm a member of the Tankerville Club again… And you'll certainly become Mrs. Prendergast…” — Harry Prendergast ([24:25])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes on Observation:
  “You've been glancing at the clock with mounting anxiety… if it had not been for my unexpected visit, your good husband would already have been walking toward his club.” ([05:02])
• On the Mechanics of the Frame-Up:
  “A pinhead or a thumbtack hidden under the bandage… After several deals, hey presto, a marked pack.” — Holmes ([17:51])
• On Motive:
  “The financial aspect of guardianship is involved here. Financial accounting is due upon her marriage, isn’t it?” — Holmes to Moran ([22:02])
• Moran’s Cold Calculus:
  “Rubbish. I was challenged, therefore I had the choice of weapons. Naturally, I chose the weapon with which I was most familiar.” — Colonel Moran ([21:37])
• Final Showdown:
  “Perhaps you can guess what that choice was. Boxing gloves.” — Dr. Watson ([24:59])

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Important Timestamps

• [04:01] Holmes compliments Mrs. Watson's dinner, setting a light domestic scene.
• [06:46] Prendergast arrives and reveals his predicament.
• [09:01] Cheating at the Tankerville Club is explained.
• [11:05] Holmes investigates the suspects at the club.
• [13:00] Entry to Harkness’s rooms and setup of the restaged card game.
• [17:51] Holmes explains Harkness’s method of marking cards.
• [19:49] Holmes and company go to confront Colonel Moran.
• [22:26] Harkness dies in a confrontation with Moran.
• [24:23] The group returns home; resolution and domestic lightness.
• [25:02] Prendergast reveals the duel ended with boxing gloves, not bullets.

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Summary Tone

The episode maintains a classic, witty, and urbane tone, with moments of domestic charm, flashes of Holmesian brilliance, and a sense of high-stakes melodrama. The interplay between Rathbone and Bruce (Holmes and Watson) is playful and warm, offsetting the tension of the central mystery and its life-or-death implications.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a quintessential example of classic radio drama: intrigue, rich characterization, quick-witted dialogue, and a touch of romance, all packaged in a brisk, engaging narrative. With clever clues and period atmosphere, it showcases Sherlock Holmes’s logical genius and the enduring camaraderie with Dr. Watson.

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Next Week’s Teaser:
Dr. Watson previews “The Waltz of Death,” set in Vienna, promising music and murder. ([27:49])

Transcript

[Harry Bartel]

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] Petri wine brings you Basil

[Announcer]

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 know that Dr. Watson will agree with me when I tell you that the best way to begin a good meal is with a glass of Petri California Sherry. Before you sit down at the table, pour yourself and your family a glass of Petri Sherry. Try it. There are many ways to tell a good wine by its color, its aroma and its flavor. On every count, Petri sherry is outstanding. The color of Petri sherry is a clear, deep amber.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Perfect.

[Announcer]

The aroma. Well, Petri sherry is as fragrant as a bunch of dew covered grapes picked in the early morning. But most important to you and to me is the flavor of Petri Sherry. We want a wine that tastes good. And believe me, you couldn't ask for a more delicious wine than Petri Sherry. And just to make sure you get a wine that's exactly the way you want it. Petri makes two kinds of sherry. The regular and Petri pale dry. If you're not sure which you like better, why not try them both? Don't buy one, buy two. Just be sure you always buy Petri Petri Sherry. And now I'm sure our good friend Dr. Watson's ready for us. Let's go in and join him. Good evening, Dr. Watson. Dogs seem very chipper tonight, Doctor. Have they been getting into any more trouble lately?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, no, my boy. It's been a relatively quiet week for them. One meeting with a dead seal, two visits to my neighbor's chickens, and a losing battle today with a cross eyed Siamese cat.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

You.

[Announcer]

You call that a quiet week?

[Dr. John Watson]

It is for them. But never mind about the dogs. Drop your usual chair and make yourself comfortable. You're just in time to join me in a glass of sherry.

[Announcer]

That'll be very nice, Doctor. Oh, I see you have the old dispatch box out again.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, my boy. As the story I'm going to tell you tonight took place in 1887, I thought I'd better refresh my memory on some of the details of the case. Shortly after my marriage, and as I had bought a practice in the Paddington district, I saw very little of My old friend, Sherlock Holmes.

[Announcer]

How was doctoring in those early days?

[Dr. John Watson]

A struggle, my boy, a distinct struggle. Dr. Farquhar, from whom I had bought the practice, had at one time an excellent clientele, but his age, combined with an unfortunate affliction here that resembles St. Vites dance, had very much thinned it. I had confidence, however, in my in my youth and in my energy and I was convinced in a very few years the practice would be as flourishing as ever. But as I said, I saw very little of Holmes in those days.

[Announcer]

I guess you were too busy to visit Baker Street. Aren't I here?

[Dr. John Watson]

You guessed quite correctly, Mr. Barteau, quite correctly. Holmes seldom went anywhere himself, save on professional business. You can imagine my surprise, therefore, when one day on coming home from a heavy day's work, I found that Holmes had decided to pay us a visit. My wife persuaded him to stay to dinner and as the three of us sat at the table, the flickering candlelight dancing, strange patterns on the walls made it quite like old times. Holmes was in an unusually gay mood and I can remember the twinkle in his eye as he turned to my

[Sherlock Holmes]

wife and said, you're a brave woman, Mrs. Watson. You meet an unexpected guest on the maiden night out. I'm extremely grateful. Mrs. Hudson's cooking, though excellent of its kind, lacks variety. Your dinner has been quite a treat.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

That's a very gracious little speech, Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

I've never known you to be so observant about food.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Perhaps the lack of your company, my dear chap, and the consequent lonely meals have made me conscious of Mrs. Hudson's culinary shortcomings.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

I. I suppose you're taking John out with you tonight on one of your cases?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, Mrs. Watson, though I can understand your suspicions. My visit was purely social.

[Dr. John Watson]

Let's go into the other room and have a pipe, shall we?

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Well, don't you think you'd be more comfortable at the club?

[Dr. John Watson]

So, Maria, I believe you want to get rid of us.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Oh no, dear, it's not that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's just it that your visitor is due at any moment and you had counted on the house being empty by now.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Why, how on earth did you know that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Holmes, past half hour you've been glancing at the clock with mounting anxiety. I feel sure that if it had not been for my unexpected visit, your good husband would already have been walking towards his club.

[Dr. John Watson]

It is my custom to go to the club on Thursdays. But how do you know?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I know your habits, my dear chap, as well, if not better than you do. It's A good thing I'm a bachelor, isn't it, Mrs. Watson?

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Yes, indeed. A wife will keep no secrets from you, Mr. Holmes, I'm sure.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, Mary, dear, who is your visitor and what is the secret that you you've been hiding?

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

It's innocent enough, John, as Thursdays is the maid's night out and you've been going to the club. I've been letting Alicia Wentworth meet her young man here with me as chaperone, of course.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, that's a mystery.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, Watson, love is on the way and I'm sure we're dreadfully on the way. Let's stroll to Baker street, shall we?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, of course. I'll get my coat. Why didn't you tell me, Mary?

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Well, I was afraid you might be angry, John.

[Dr. John Watson]

Angry? Of course, ma'.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Am.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Alyssa is such a sweet girl. And Harry Prendergast is a very charming young man. He comes from an excellent family, has a commission in the infantry. And the children are tremendously in love, but her beastly guardian forbidden them to meet, so I. Oh, there she is now.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, we can pretend that we were just leaving anyway.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I'll get my coat.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Hello, Alicia, dear.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Oh, Mrs. Watson, I'm so glad to

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

see you should come here. Alicia, this is my husband and Mr. Shellac Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do, my dear? It's a shame that we have to go now, but my friend and I have some very important business to attend.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Well, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the detective, aren't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Ms. Wentworth.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Please don't go, Mr. Holmes, please don't. I need help so badly. Why, Alicia, what's wrong?

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

You're as white as a ghost.

[Dr. John Watson]

Let's go into the drawing room, shall we?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's troubling you, Ms. Wentworth?

[Alicia Wentworth]

It's Harry, Captain Prendergast. I don't know exactly what's the matter, but something dreadful has happened to him.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Oh, now sit down here beside me, dear. That's it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ms. Wentworth, what reason do you have to suppose that Captain Prendergast is in trouble?

[Alicia Wentworth]

I've seen friends of yours today. They stop spoke of him almost as if he were dead, and yet they wouldn't tell me why. And just now I went to his club and they told me that Captain Prendergast was not a member. But he is a member. He's been a member for years. Oh, what's happened to him? What has happened to him?

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Yes, there, dear. Mr. Holmes will help you. Now don't you cry.

[Dr. John Watson]

Have you been to the police, Ms. Wentworth?

[Alicia Wentworth]

No, doctor. You see, I went to my guardian but he wouldn't let me go to the police. He said there'd be a scandal. Then he hates him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The Prenegust are a fine family. Why does your garden object to object object to him so strongly?

[Alicia Wentworth]

I don't think he would approve of anyone I choose. He doesn't want me to get married.

[Dr. John Watson]

Sounds like a positive ogre to me. Who is your guardian, my dear?

[Alicia Wentworth]

Colonel Moran. Colonel Sebastian Moran?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed. He's a man who has many entries against him in my ledgers but a man that I've never met. I have long hoped to cross swords with him directly but.

[Alicia Wentworth]

But how could Uncle Sebastian have anything to do with the criminal profession? Mr. Holmes, he's the son of Sir August Moran and he was once British minister to Persia. Oh you must be confusing him with someone else.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No my dear, it's the same man. And furthermore I'm almost certain that your guardian is the right hand man of a certain friend of mine whose name also begins with the three letters M O, R. Good Lord, Moriarty. I have no proof and yet I suspect that Colonel Moran is the second most dangerous man in London.

[Alicia Wentworth]

That's Harry. It must be Harry.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Oh poor girl. I do hope you can help her Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall do my best Mrs. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

If that is her young man at the door, it's more than likely her problem doesn't exist any longer.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I hope you're right Watson. Though with Colonel Moran as a guardian I'm afraid the young lady is destined to have trouble.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Come on Harry.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Good evening, Mrs. Watson.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

I'm so glad to see you. Harry, this is my husband.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

How do you do Doctor?

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do, my boy?

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

And Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do? Captain Prendergast.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

How do you do, sir?

[Alicia Wentworth]

Harry, what's wrong? I can tell by your face that something dreadful has happened.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

It has.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Darling, tell Mr. Holmes about it. He's promised to help us.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Well sir, I'm afraid this is a little outside of your province.

[Dr. John Watson]

You will find that my friend's province is quite extensive, Captain Prendergast.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'd be more than happy to do anything I can to help, sir.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

That's very nice of you Mr. Holmes. Well it's pretty bad. Last night I was accused of cheating at cards at the Tankerville Club.

[Alicia Wentworth]

How dreadful.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Of course I don't have to tell you that I didn't cheat but the evidence was dead against me. I'd been winning heavily and the cards were proved to be marked.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Marked how?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

There were pinpricks on the edges. Pinpricks which indicated the card's value.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How did the pack of cards come into play?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

That's the devil of it. I myself broke open a sealed pack given to me by the club porter. And I swear that was the pack that was later found to be marked.

[Dr. John Watson]

Was everyone searched?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Yes, but they found a new unopened pack in my pocket.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The obvious implication being that you had substituted the marked cards. Of course.

[Alicia Wentworth]

I can see what happened. Somebody deliberately tried to incriminate you by dropping the new pack in your pocket.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Of course, darling. But what I can't understand is how the marked pack was introduced into the game.

[Dr. John Watson]

Were there any other cards found in the room?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

None, Doctor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The Tankerville, eh? Colonel Moran is a member of the club, isn't he?

[Alicia Wentworth]

Yes, he is. Uncle Sebastian uses it all the time.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

He was present at the game last night. Alicia.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Oh, Harry, now we're worse off than ever. If he thinks you cheated at cods, he'll never let us get married.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Now don't worry, Alicia. I'm sure that Mr. Holmes can find a way out of this.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

I'm afraid it'll be too late. I couldn't marry you now, Alicia.

[Alicia Wentworth]

What do you mean? Harry?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

They forced me to resign from the club. That's a bad enough disgrace, but I know there's worse to come. You see, I was expecting my promotion to major any day now. It'll be a miracle if I'm not cashiered from the regiment. What kind of a life can I offer you?

[Alicia Wentworth]

Harry, you're talking absolute nonsense.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think, Captain Prendergast, the next step is obvious. We must remove this apparent stain on your character.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

But how?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Miss Wentworth can stay here with Mrs. Watson. The doctor and I will drive over in a cab with you to the club and see what can be done.

[Dr. John Watson]

What kind of a card game were you playing last night? Pretty girls?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Stud poker. Ever since the American Ambassador introduced it at the club, it's been quite a favorite.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The perfect game for marked cards which requires no elaborate dexterity in the dealings into the knowledge of your opponent's poll card. How many of you were playing?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Half a dozen of us.

[Dr. John Watson]

You? You were winning heavily, you say?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Yes, Doctor. Though one of the others, a fellow named David Harkness, was doing well. Now I come to think of it, Harkness almost seemed to know when I was bluffing. As though he could see the marked card.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, perhaps he was the one who mocked him.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

It's possible. And yet certainly no one could accuse him of tricky dealing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He was so clumsy with his bandaged. Finger, eh?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

How did you know he had a bandaged finger, Mr.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'll tell you that, Captain Prendergast, when you tell me what's really on your mind. There's a great deal more at stake than a card scandal, isn't there?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Yes, there is. I didn't dare to tell Alicia about it. You see, I'm fighting a duel tomorrow.

[Dr. John Watson]

A duel, Lord? With whom?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Colonel Moran. He insulted me last night. He goaded me beyond a man's patience. He taunted me until I couldn't stand it any longer and so I challenged

[Sherlock Holmes]

him and in so doing gave him the choice of weapons.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Yes. Could have found it. Of course, he chose revolvers.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Miranda's a big game hunter of note. He was reputed to be the best

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

shot in England and I'm probably the worst in London. If only I could shoot as well as I can box. I'm regimental champion, you know.

[Dr. John Watson]

Revolver. Good heavens, man, revolvers. A duel with Moran is suicide for you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, it's not suicide. Ah, a tank of all club. Here, cabby, keep the change, will you? Oh, blimey.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you, Governor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Suicide? No. What's not suicide? This is a carefully laid plan for murder. Pray heaven that we are not too late to avert it.

[Taylor (Club Porter)]

It's Mr. Harkness that you want.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And, sir?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Yes? He.

[Taylor (Club Porter)]

He went to his room half an hour ago. Number 108. Up the main stairs and down the corridor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. I want you to follow us in precisely one minute and bring a sealed pack of the club's playing cards to Mr. Harkness room. Do you understand?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Announcer]

And thank you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Did you, did you make the arrangement?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. Come on. Harkness's room.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

The three members have cut me dead since I came in here. The most humiliating experience.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Little patience, Captain Prendergast, and I'm sure your honor will be entirely vindicated.

[Dr. John Watson]

I wish I knew what you were up to, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm going to try and restage the drama that was presented in this club last night. The only difference being that my production will have a cast that's a little different. Now, here we are. Now let me do the talking,

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

yes?

[David Harkness]

Did you want something, Prendergast?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I don't want you in my rooms.

[David Harkness]

I don't know why they allowed you inside the club.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let us in, Mr. Harkness, please.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, I won't take your foot out of the door.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Confounder.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Harkness, there are three of us. I think you better let us in.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

You're going to let us in, Harkness?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, all right.

[David Harkness]

Come in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you for your hospitality, sir.

[David Harkness]

Now, perhaps you fellows will tell me what the devil you think you're up to.

[Sherlock Holmes]

With pleasure. As you very well know, Mr. Harkness, this is probably Captain Prendergast's last day on earth. He has one request to make of you. That you join him in a farewell game of poker with us to show you bear no grudges.

[David Harkness]

It's fantastic. You're all insane.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, by the way, Mr. Harkness, I'm delighted to notice that your sore finger seems to have healed with great rapidity. By an odd coincidence, you'll observe that I seem to have injured mine.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Helms, when do you do that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, in the carriage just now. Mere scratch. Fortunately, I had some first aid materials in my great coat.

[David Harkness]

Come in. Yes, Taylor, what is it?

[Taylor (Club Porter)]

Begging your pardon, Mr. Harkness, but the gentleman asked me to bring this sealed pack of cards here.

[David Harkness]

Put them on the table, Taylor.

[Taylor (Club Porter)]

Very good, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, what's the game? Stud poker, Mr. Harkness. A game with which you're quite familiar, I understand. And the stakes? A man's honor. Possibly another man's freedom. Open the pack, Mr. Harkness, and deal us all a hand. I should think this might be a very unusual game.

[Announcer]

You'll hear the rest of Dr. Watson's story in just a few seconds. Time for me to explain that Petri California Sherry is not only an ideal wine to serve before dinner, but it's also the perfect wine for almost any occasion. Petri sherry is fine after dinner when you're listening to the radio or just sitting around talking. And of course, you couldn't ask for a finer party wine than Petri Sherry. Especially if your party is at cocktail time. If you don't know what wine to buy, you can't go wrong with Petri Sherry. But be sure it's Petri. Look for the letters P, E, T, R, I. They spell the proudest name in the history of American wine, Dr. Watson. That was quite a game of poker you were settling down to. I have a feeling that Sherlock Holmes had an ace or two up his sleeve, didn't he?

[Dr. John Watson]

Figuratively. He did, Mr. Bartell. Though at the time, I must confess that as usual, I was pretty much in the dark. David Harkness opened the new sealed pack of cards and the four of us played a hand of poker. It was easy to see that our unwilling host was far from happy. His ferrety eyes darted from one to the other of us as he played our cards. He knew that he was the victim of a conspiracy and so he was watching every move we made. Finally, as that strange game progressed Captain Pendergast leaned across the table instead.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

I think you're bluffing, Harkness.

[Dr. John Watson]

Do you?

[David Harkness]

Well, it'll cost you exactly the limit to find out.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

How curious are you, Roger?

[Dr. John Watson]

I think you are bluffing, Harkness. I'll see you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He'd be a fool to Watson when he has a straight flush.

[David Harkness]

What do you mean, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Harkness, the markings are quite apparent, I assure you, to someone who knows what he's looking for.

[Dr. John Watson]

Scott, you mean that these cards are marked too?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Examine them for yourself, old chap.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

They are marked. They're pinpricked, just like they were last night.

[Dr. John Watson]

It's impossible. Harkness broke the seals in a new pack just now. We all saw him do it. He couldn't have switched the pack.

[David Harkness]

And why would I do that? Even if I could, I wouldn't try and cheat Mr. Sherlock Holmes, would I?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, Mr. Harkness. I just wanted you to know that I understood the trick.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

What trick, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The same one that was played on you last night, Captain Prendergast. This was a demonstration of how easily a sealed pack of cards may be turned into a marked one by a man with a sore finger.

[Dr. John Watson]

What has the sore finger got to do with it, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, it's very simple, Watson. A pinhead or a thumbtack hidden under the bandage. A tiny pressure against a card one wishes to mark as it comes into one's hand. And after several deals, hey, presto, I'm out. Peck.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

So that's how it was done.

[David Harkness]

You can't prove it, Holmes. You can't prove a thing. You weren't here last night.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, Unfortunately I wasn't, Mr. Harkness. Otherwise I should have had the great pleasure of exposing your trick at the time. As it is, I shall have to rely on a public confession.

[David Harkness]

You'll never get a confession from me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Possibly not. But I'm sure that you'll be interested to know that I've made quite an extensive study of card sharpening. In fact, I've considered giving a little lecture or demonstration here at the club.

[David Harkness]

What are you talking about?

[Sherlock Holmes]

This game that we've just played was in the nature of a rehearsal. I should, of course, stress this particular method as being of great local interest. I'm sure most of the gambling members will recall one man who has had unusually bad luck with his fingers.

[David Harkness]

Holmes, you're trying to ruin me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, you were willing to see Prendergast ruined and killed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But a pistol duel with Colonel Moran is almost equivalent to murder. What?

[David Harkness]

What do you want me to do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

From the direction of your glance, Mr. Harkness, I'm certain that you keep a loaded revolver in your desk drawer. That's very poor solution I assure you. Why not be a man? Write a confession and sign it. It'll free Captain Prendergast from any stigma and it'll help to trap the real culprit, Colonel Sebastian Moran.

[Dr. John Watson]

Moran? Where does he come into the picture, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Harkness knows, don't you?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

And I think I know. Now why don't you tell us Harkness?

[David Harkness]

One thing at a time, Prendergast. I owe it to you to write a confession. I'll do that rather than face a public exposure in the club. But that's as far as I'll go. If you have any ideas about Moran, go and talk to them yourselves.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's a certain honor, you know, even among thieves. Thank you for the implication, Mr. Harkness. You have writing materials here?

[David Harkness]

Yes, I have writing materials, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Splendid. Then while you're telling the truth about last night's episode we'll call on Colonel Sebastian Moran. Have you any idea where we might find him at this time of night?

[David Harkness]

Yes, I have every idea. You'll find him in the gun room. Thinks he has a duel on his hands tomorrow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In the gun room, eh? Thank you Mr. Harkness. We'll go and talk to him. You may expect us back within half an hour.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Who are you fellows? Turn the gas up, can't you?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Colonel Moran, this is Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you, Colonel Moran? I've been wanting to meet you for a very long time.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Sherlock Holmes. I've heard a lot about you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And I. Have you Colonel?

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Harry, what are you doing inside the club?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Mr. Holmes brought me back. We've just left David Harkness room. He's writing a confession that he engineered the swindle last night. That he deliberately tried to involve me.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

So in that case I suppose I need oil this revolver no longer. Harkness is a cheat. Dear me, how shocking.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Aren't you glad that my name will be cleared in this business?

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Of course I am. I'm delighted.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

And you'll apologize for the things that you said last night.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Yes Harry, I'll apologize. But you must realize that this revelation makes no difference to my feelings about your marriage to Alicia.

[Dr. John Watson]

Upon my soul, Colonel Moran, it seems to me that one went.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Dr. Watson, I think the name is Watson?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, My name is Watson.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Dr. Watson, I would suggest that the happiness of my ward is a matter that cannot possibly concern you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now look here, sir, I don't want to go.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Colonel Moran, I think I may be able to change your mind on the question of your ward's marriage.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

How very interesting. And what makes you labor under that delusion?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Would you care to have it known at the club that you had deliberately planned Captain Prendergast's murder?

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

What in thunder are you talking about?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You know, sir, that a revolver duel with you is no duel. It's a cold blooded killing.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Rubbish. I was challenged, therefore I had the choice of weapons. Naturally, I chose the weapon with which I was most familiar.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And you had the choice for a very good reason, Colonel Moran. You forced Prendergast into a duel because it was the only way you could be certain that he'd never marry your ward. Alicia. What do you know about her?

[Dr. John Watson]

More than you think, sir. She's at my wife's house this very minute.

[Sherlock Holmes]

She suspects you of jealousy. I think it's far more likely that the financial aspect of guardianship is involved here. Financial accounting is due upon her marriage, isn't it?

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

That's none of your business.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

And accounting is due, Mr. Holmes. Alicia told me that herself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly. And the accounts were in no state to undergo scrutiny. The answer is obvious, David Harkness. A card shop was in need of money. You induced him to practice his cheating last night in order that you could trap Captain Prendergast into a duel.

[Announcer]

Harkness.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

What the devil do you want?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Put that revolver down, you fool.

[David Harkness]

I don't care about my own disgrace, but you're going to pay for your share in it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Moran, drop that revolver. Hartness, don't you see that you. Moran, you. You shot him.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

You saw that? It was in self defense. Gentlemen. He was waving a loaded revolver at me. It's most unfortunate, but it was in self defense.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, self defense that removed the one dangerous witness who could have testified against you. He's dead, Watson, isn't he?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yeah. Shot right through the heart.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Moran, you're a cold blooded murdering devil.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

I demand satisfaction for that insult. These gentlemen are my witnesses. I apologize for the misunderstanding last night, but this is a different matter. You've insulted me, Harry.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The duel will take place. Colonel Moran and Dr. Watson and myself will act as seconds for Captain Prendergast. Let's make the necessary arrangements, shall we,

[Alicia Wentworth]

Miss Watson?

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Yes, Alicia dear.

[Alicia Wentworth]

It's two o'. Clock. What can have happened to them? They left here just after 8? Well, if.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

If you've been married to John for any length of time, my dear, you wouldn't worry. When your husband goes out with Sherlock Holmes, you're prepared not to see him for a few days.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Mrs. Watson, what are you saying? I haven't got a husband.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hmm?

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Oh. Oh now, Alicia, don't glower at me like that. What did you say the time was?

[Alicia Wentworth]

It's just after 2 and they left here at 8. What can have happened?

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Well, I don't know, but Mr. Holmes was with them, so don't worry, my dear. He's frightfully clever. I wouldn't be surprised.

[Alicia Wentworth]

There's the front door.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now they're back.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Oh dear me. Now I'll have to make cocoa.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Harry. Harry, darling, what's happened?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Oh, lots of things, darling. I'm a member of the Tankerville Club again. I'll probably become a major and you'll certainly become Mrs. Prendergast before very long.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Oh, it all sounds wonderful. What have you two been up to?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, it's the old story, Mary dear. Holmes solved the case and it all ended happily.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Happily? My dear Watson, that's hardly the word to use. Harkness is dead and Colonel Moran is probably in hospital.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Please tell me what happened.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, your guardian challenged Captain Prendergast to a duel. He overlooked the fact that since he was the challenger, the choice of weapons belonged to his opponent.

[Dr. John Watson]

Perhaps you can guess what that choice was. Boxing gloves.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

We've just come from the gymnasium at the club. Alicia, I'm afraid I really gave him a thrashing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And a well deserved one too. I'm only sorry that I couldn't put him where he belongs, behind prison bars.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, Harry, he'll be the laughingstock of London.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

I'm glad of it.

[Alicia Wentworth]

But that means that he'll never consent to our being married.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I disagree, Ms. Wentworth. If we keep his secret, and we've hinted that we might, I'm quite certain that he'll withdraw his objections to the marriage. And somehow he'll make up his deficiencies in his guardianship account, probably by borrowing

[Dr. John Watson]

money from Professor Moriarty.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Oh, I think it's all wonderful, but it's well after 2 o' clock in the morning. Let's go into the kitchen, shall we? I'll make some cocoa.

[Dr. John Watson]

Cocoa butter. Whiskey.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

Harry, you and Alicia stay here. You probably have some plans to make.

[Dr. John Watson]

Cocoa's not a very exciting drink.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Oh, shusha.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, sorry.

[Mrs. Watson (Mary Watson)]

As soon as the cocoa's ready, we'll call you.

[Announcer]

Well, Doctor, that was. That was some story. You know, I'M glad the age of dueling is over. I'd hate to have someone challenge me to a duel.

[Dr. John Watson]

What's the matter, Mr. Bartel? Are you afraid of being hurt?

[Announcer]

Afraid of being hurt? Of course not. If someone challenges me to a duel, I have the right to choose the weapons, don't I?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes. And what weapons would you choose?

[Announcer]

Cream puffs at 30 paces. Nobody's gonna hurt me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Hold on.

[Announcer]

Come to think of it, instead of cream puffs, I'd rather have a piece of cake.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, Why a piece of cake?

[Announcer]

Because it tastes so good with a glass of Petri sherry. Any questions?

[Dr. John Watson]

No questions for a while.

[Announcer]

I'll bet you thought I'd forgotten all

[Dr. John Watson]

about forgotten about it. Not you, Mr. Bartell.

[Announcer]

No, not anybody who's ever tast. Petri wine is the kind of wine you'll always remember. That's because the Petri family really knows how to make good wine. They've been making wine for generations. Winemaking is their heritage. It's an art that's been handed on down in the Petri family from father to son. From father to son. Every drop of Petri wine is clear, fragrant and delicious. As delicious as the luscious sun ripened California grapes from which it's made. Remember, the name Petri on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark. It's the personal assurance of the Petri family that their wine is the kind of wine you like for any occasion. You can't mess with Petri wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Dr. Watson, what new Sherlock Holmes story are you planning to tell us next week?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, now, let me see. Next week. Next week, Mr. Bartel, I'm going to tell you an adventure that took place in the gay vienna of the 90s. Concerns a strange tragedy that occurred on a ballroom floor and a weird series of murders that were punctuated by the sound of music. I call the story the Waltz of Death.

[Announcer]

Tonight, Sherlock Holmes Adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, The Five Orange Pips. Music is by Dean Fossler. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invites you to tune in again next week. Next week, many communities will change time and this program will reach some of our listeners at a different hour. Consult your local newspaper or mutual station for the exact time in your area. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family for a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.