Sherlock Holmes: The Viennese Strangler

Summary

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Choice Classic Radio Detectives — Sherlock Holmes: The Viennese Strangler

Original Air Date: October 17, 2025
Featured Cast: Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes), Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)
Podcast Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to Vienna, 1889, where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson become entangled in a web of blackmail and murder at a lively Viennese boarding house. The case revolves around the strangling of the sinister blackmailer Chandor Apadi, triggering a classic whodunit as Holmes and Watson unravel secrets among a cast of artistic expatriates. The story blends the musical elegance of Vienna with the intrigue and suspense of classic detective fiction.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Setting the Stage in Vienna

[03:18-04:15]

• Holmes and Watson are in Vienna for an official investigation, lodged at a pension (boarding house) home to artists and musicians.
• The mood is set with Holmes struggling over a Mozart sonata, humorously lamenting Watson’s lack of piano skills.

Notable Quote:

"Why with all your other excellent qualities are you not a pianist?"
— Sherlock Holmes [04:37]

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2. Fraulein Uhlenstein’s Plight: The Blackmail

[04:54-06:59]

• The young pianist Fraulein Leona Uhlenstein seeks Holmes’s help: she’s being blackmailed by Chandor Apadi, a painter who has incriminating evidence against her brother.
• Apadi threatens to expose her brother’s whereabouts to the police unless paid.

Notable Quote:

"My music is—"
— Fraulein Uhlenstein, breaking down under the strain [07:03]

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3. Discovery of the Murder

[07:32-09:47]

• Holmes, Watson, and Fraulein Uhlenstein break into Apadi’s studio, discovering him freshly strangled at his desk.
• Evidence includes brutal strangulation marks and Fraulein’s brother’s letter, which they retrieve.

Notable Moment:

"Great Scott. Look at him. Slumped over his desk... He's been strangled."
— Dr. Watson [08:33-08:49]

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4. The Suspects: A House of Secrets

[09:47-17:10]

• The blackmailer’s dispatch box implicates others in the house: the Chinese actor Lai Tung Fo and sculptress Madame Janssen.
• Holmes and Watson methodically interview:
  • Lai Tung Fo (Chinese actor): Claims to barely know Apadi; admits hearing a cry earlier (but is shifty) [12:44-14:09].
  • Signora Violetti (Italian singer): Flirtatious and dismissive of Apadi, claims to have been alone all evening [15:42-17:10].
  • Porter: Reports all arrivals/departures; no one had left since the murder [14:43-15:20].

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5. Clues and Revelations

[17:22-19:13]

• Examination of the crime scene uncovers:
  • Long black hairs and small footprints, leading Holmes to propose the murderer may have had long nails and dark hair.
  • Elements suggest a woman or someone with such features.
• Lai Tung Fo becomes a suspect due to small feet/long hair, but then he’s found strangled, ruling him out as the killer.

Notable Quote:

"Oh, my dear fellow, I'm afraid prayers can do him no good now. He's been strangled—with his own cue."
— Sherlock Holmes, as Lai Tung Fo's body is found [19:31-19:47]

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6. Interrogation of Madame Janssen

[21:02-21:56]

• Madame Janssen is brusque and admits to hating Apadi, who had been blackmailing her.
• Holmes notes her short black hair and clay-covered hands, excluding her as the murderer.

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7. The Final Trap: Revealing the Murderer

[22:14-25:13]

• Holmes deduces the killer must be a woman with long nails, not a pianist or sculptress (their professions would require short nails). Only Signora Violetti fits.
• Holmes sets a trap: disguised as the "ghost" of Lai Tung Fo, he confronts Signora Violetti in the dark, prompting her to confess in a panicked outburst.
• She attacks Holmes but is apprehended.

Dramatic Highlights:

"Oh, you devil, you devil! I kill you once, I kill you once, I kill you again!"
— Signora Violetti, confessing [24:28-24:37]

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8. Denouement & Holmes’s Explanation

[25:06-26:41]

• Holmes explains his reasoning:
  • The killer had long nails; Lai Tung Fo’s death excluded him, and both other women had short nails for their crafts.
  • Violetti was the only suspect left; she killed the blackmailer who was extorting her and Lai Tung Fo, who knew too much.

Notable Quote:

"Elemention, my dear fellow. It was the only woman with long nails."
— Sherlock Holmes [25:13]

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9. A Melodic Conclusion

[26:41-End]

• With the case resolved, Holmes requests Fraulein Uhlenstein accompany him on piano for the Mozart sonata, ending on a harmonious note.

Charming Closer:

“I only wish that all our adventures could end so melodiously.”
— Dr. Watson [27:04]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Why with all your other excellent qualities are you not a pianist?" — Holmes, needling Watson [04:37]
• "He's been strangled... Look at the finger marks on his throat." — Dr. Watson [08:38]
• "You flatter me. But at the moment there are other things on my mind..." — Holmes, fielding Signora Violetti’s flirtations [16:32]
• "The long black hairs in the closet were from his cue." — Holmes, revealing the clue's significance [25:44]
• "It is only by process of elimination, my dear fellow." — Holmes, summing up the deduction [25:13]

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Viennese Introduction & Setup: 03:18–04:54
• Fraulein Uhlenstein Reveals Blackmail: 04:54–06:59
• Discovery of the Murder: 07:32–09:47
• Questioning Suspects: 12:44–17:10
• Investigation & Secondary Murder: 17:22–19:47
• Holmes Lays the Final Trap: 22:14–25:13
• Case Resolution & Musical Close: 26:41–27:47

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Tone and Style

This classic episode blends wit, suspense, and marvellously characterful performances. Holmes is as sharp and sardonic as ever; Watson, avuncular and wry. The podcast lovingly preserves the old-time radio drama’s nuances, immersing listeners in an atmospheric and intricately plotted mystery against the backdrop of musical Vienna.

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A must-listen for fans of vintage radio, clever deduction, and Sherlockian flair—with a delightful touch of Mozart to finish.

Transcript

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Of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by shortwave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Petri Wine brings you Basil Rathbone 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. And say, I want to ask you if you've sent in for that little present we've got for you. You know that swell recipe calendar. It's free, of course, and it's really something. It's a two year calendar for 1945 and 46, and it's beautifully done in full color. But the best part of it is that it's jammed with recipes and ideas for cooking with Petri wine. Then for your free recipe calendar tonight, just send your name and address to Petri Wine. P E T R I Petri Wine San Francisco, 26 California. San Francisco, 26, California. The requests for this swell calendar have been coming in so fast that you better hurry up and get yours before we get snowed under. Write tonight and we'll send you your free recipe calendar at once. And now for our weekly visit with the good Dr. Watson. Let's see if he's waiting for us.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Come in, come in.

[Dr. Watson]

Good evening, Mr. Fox.

[Radio Host / Narrator]

Oh, good evening, doctor. Playing the phonograph, I see.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, my Boy, and that particular melody has some very potent memories for me. Here I'll. I'll turn the thing on. You haven't come here to listen to a Mozart sonata. You want a story, don't you young son of a lad?

[Radio Host / Narrator]

That's right Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, let's sit down. All right, that's better. Now I'll. Now I'll tell you why.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

It began in Vienna in 1889. Many, many years before the insane house painter named Schickel Gruber had converted that gay city into a place of fear and oppression.

[Radio Host / Narrator]

And what were you and Sherlock Holmes doing there, Doctor? Just taking a trip, Mr. Foreman.

[Dr. Watson]

In those early days of our association we didn't have the time or the money for just to taking trips. No, no, no. We were in Vienna because Holmes had been engaged in certain highly important investigations. We were staying in a charming little pension inhabited by students and musicians. And on the night the story began we'd finished dinner and had returned to our room. I was busy making some notes on the investigation we'd just concluded. And Holmes was scraping away at his beloved violin.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Found it. What's wrong? Why can't I get it?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, it sounds very pretty to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Pretty? Really old chap, I'm on a turn. A heavy fingered one at that. Listen to this. Sounds like a fiddler at an Irish wake.

[Dr. Watson]

Take it easy, Holmes, take it easy. There's no need to fling the violin down like that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's an old chap. Why with all your other excellent qualities are you not a pianist?

[Dr. Watson]

What's the piano got to do with it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

In this case, everything. There's a piano in this room and if you could play it, the Mozart sonata I'm struggling with might have some meaning. Come in. Oh, good evening Frulein. Wish to see me?

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

You are Herr Sherlock Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That is my name.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Then, yeah. I wish to see you. I am Leo Uhlenstein. I live here on the sponsion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do? This is my friend Dr. Watson.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

How do you do, Herr Doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

Glad to meet you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Uhlenstein. May I pay my tribute to the brilliance of your piano playing? You have the exact precision of praising that Mozart demands.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

How do you know of me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Both Dr. Watson and I were present at the command performance you gave at the Imperial court a fortnight ago.

[Dr. Watson]

Hey Julius. I knew I'd seen you somewhere before. My friend was just expressing the need of a pianist as you walked in. Young lady. Perhaps.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

I do not play with amateurs.

[Dr. Watson]

Amateurs were.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Really.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

I do not mean to be rude. It's just that my life is dedicated to my professional career.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I quite understand Fraulein. Now please tell me what can I do to help you? I must presume you have come to see me in my professional capacity.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Yeah, well that is correct Herr Holmes. Though I realize to a great detective like you my problem must seem quite trivial. I. I'm being blackmailed by a man in this Ponsian. He is Chando or party, a Hungarian painter who lives in the studio upstairs.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Chandorapadi? Yes, I think I've heard of him.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Since two months now. Ever since he know my secret. He's come to me for money and today he tell me he must have 250 gudens or he will go to the police. I have not that much money here.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Please do tell me what I shall do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just what hold does he have over you, mein Broder?

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Karl? He got into some trouble here and the police were looking for him. But he ran away to Munchen. As you say, Munich and Chandler. Our party knew of this. He was a friend of mine.

[Lai Tung Fo]

So I thought.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

When this trouble come on my brother. I turned to Chandor for help. Schmuck. A car out of the country and he turned on me for blackmail. He's a bad man. I wish he was dead.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, blackmail is a coward at heart. I think Dr. Watson and I will call on the gentleman. By the way, does he have any written evidence of your brother's crime?

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Yeah, he has his address in Munich. I show Sandor a letter from him when he first go there and keep the letter will not give it back to me.

[Dr. Watson]

And if he gave the police your brother's address they'd arrest him, eh?

[Signora Violetti]

They would.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Of course. Herr Holmes, you please to tell me what I should do. I cannot go on this way. My, my music is.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now Pauline, calm yourself. I should be most happy to help you. And if you will lead the way, we'll see how persuasive we can be with Chandorapadi.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

That is the studio, Herr Holmes. At the end of the corridor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. Now remember young lady, you better let me do most of the talking.

[Dr. Watson]

He must be out.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

That is possible.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Locked. I think bearing in mind our pilot's profession, will take the liberty of opening his door.

[Dr. Watson]

That doesn't look a very complicated lock to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I think this skeleton key will do the trick.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

It's very dangerous here Holmes. If Shandor finds you.

[Dr. Watson]

No, no, no, no. Don't you worry about that Frulein. We're perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Uh huh. There we are. Close the door behind you, Willie. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Can't see a thing. I'll strike a match.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Gotten him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Great Scott. Look at him. Thumped over his desk like the. Guess will you, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Right, you are home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There. Judging from his appearance, Fraulein Uhlenstein, I think Sandora Parry had other enemies besides yourself. Less scrupulous enemies.

[Dr. Watson]

He's been strangled. Look at the finger marks on his throat. Is he. Yes. His body is still warm though. I'm afraid he's dead.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

I am glad. That's a batman deserve to die.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson, do you notice that the fingers of the killer have broken the skin and drawn blood?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes. Yes sir. So they have.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Should we not communicate with the police.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Before we do that Forine, we must see if we can find your brother's letter. Help me with the body, will you Watson? Lying across an open dispatch box that might contain the document in question. Come on the floor. That's it. For a painter, the late Mr. Ari was an unusually methodical man. Everything filed here in alphabetical order. Here we are. You Fraulein Leia Uhlenstein. And the letter has the Munich postmark. I think this must be the document in question. Will you examine it please, Fraulein?

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Yeah, yeah. This is the letter. Hey, Holmes, how can I thank you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very little to thank me for. If the blackmailer were still alive, I fear it wouldn't have been so simple a matter. I wonder what other treasures this box contains. Hello, hello.

[Dr. Watson]

What is it? Huh?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Interesting. Extremely interesting. Look at this old fellow.

[Dr. Watson]

Good lord. Information on the case that we've just been working on.

[Sherlock Holmes]

From the names attached to the document, I think we may assume that the dead man did not confine his blackmailing to struggling young pianists. He was after big game too.

[Dr. Watson]

We'd better be careful, Holmes. I don't think that we should go for the police just yet.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No. We'll start by having a little talk with the other residents of this pension Fraulein who lives in the room adjoining this one?

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

I too, Herr Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And the room across the landing?

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Lai Tung Fo, the great Chinese actor. He's performing here in Vienna.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. Then I think we'll start by calling on him. Return to your room, Fraulein, and we will let you know later what we found. In the meantime, say nothing to anyone of what has happened.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

I will do everything you tell me, Herr Holmes. Please. Once again, please let me thank you for what you have done.

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[Dr. Watson]

You know, Holmes, I'm not sure that girl didn't strangle a party herself. A pianist who would have unusual strength in her fingers. And we know that she had the. The motive. Look how unnaturally calm she was when she realized the man was dead.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I disagree with you, old fellow.

[Dr. Watson]

Huh?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think what you refer to as unnatural calmness is really the cold detachment of the two artists.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I have a feeling that we should keep an eye on her just the same.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We will, Watson, we will. And now I suggest we pay a visit. Across the landing to the distance. Distinguished Chinese actor, Mr. Ling Tu Fo. Yes, Please.

[Lai Tung Fo]

You wish to see me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

If you could spare us a moment, sir.

[Lai Tung Fo]

But of course. Gentlemen, please to come in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My name is Sherlock Holmes. This is my colleague, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do, sir? How do you do?

[Lai Tung Fo]

I am greatly flattered to meet you. You are not here to see me in your professional capacity, I hope, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, no, not exactly. I just wanted to ask you a few questions.

[Lai Tung Fo]

Please do ask me anything.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Do you know Shandora Parry, the painter who lives across the hall?

[Lai Tung Fo]

I know him by sight. We nod to each other on the stairs. Nothing more.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. Have you been in your room most of the evening, may I ask?

[Lai Tung Fo]

But yes, I have been sitting here quietly for the past few hours, reading over the Analects of Kant.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Fuchsia.

[Dr. Watson]

May I ask, sir, whether you heard any unusual noises this evening? Sounds of a struggle or a cry? From the direction of Sandor Pardi's room, for instance?

[Lai Tung Fo]

I. I do not think so. Wait. Yes. Yes, I think I did hear laced voices in there. And the sound of a cry.

[Sherlock Holmes]

About how long ago was this?

[Lai Tung Fo]

Oh, an hour ago, perhaps more. Is anything wrong? Has trouble come to Shandor?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Shandor? I thought you said you had only a nodding acquaintance with the gentleman.

[Lai Tung Fo]

Well he is a well known artist. It is only natural I should call him by his false name, Mr. Holmes, even though I do not know him. Has something happened to him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid so, but I can't tell you any more about it at the moment. Thank you for your cooperation. We shall see you again no doubt. Good evening, sir.

[Lai Tung Fo]

Good evening, Cartaman.

[Dr. Watson]

Good evening. Good evening.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good evening.

[Dr. Watson]

That fellow wasn't telling us the truth you know Holmes. He seemed very shifty to me. Well, where are we going now?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Downstairs to the porter's desk. There's only one entrance to this house, you'll remember. The porter may be able to tell us of any unusual comings and goings in the last hour or two. Come on old chap, don't dawdle. There's a great deal of work ahead of us.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh yeah. Herr Holmes, what can I do for you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

How long have you been on duty tonight?

[Lai Tung Fo]

Since five o'.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Clock. Did you notice what people have come in or gone out since then?

[Lai Tung Fo]

No one has gone out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, splendid. And who came in?

[Lai Tung Fo]

Came in just after six. And Upadi, the painter, come in a few minutes later.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That is all. Who lives in the other ground floor apartments? Besides Dr. Watson and myself there are.

[Lai Tung Fo]

Only two other apartments. In the one to the right of the corridor lives Madame Janssen. She's a Swedish lady, a sculptress. And Miova Signora Violetti, the Italian opera singer.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, thank you, thank you very much. I'm much obliged to you.

[Lai Tung Fo]

I'm happy to be of service here. Home.

[Dr. Watson]

Where are we off to now? Back to our rooms.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, we'll call on Madame Violetti if she's at home.

[Dr. Watson]

Sounds as if she's very much at home.

[Signora Violetti]

That is a friend of come to see me. Bravo. Bravissimo. I have so much wish to make your acquaintance. Sit down, sit down.

[Dr. Watson]

I'm afraid we can only stay for a moment, madam. My friend wanted to ask you a few questions.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes Signora. I just wanted to know.

[Signora Violetti]

I know your questions. You play the violin. I have heard you. You want to know whether the great Valeria will will allow you to accompany her in a magnificent soprano aria. Alo so? From Mozarti Le Flotto Magico Violati's answer to your question is.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, ma'.

[Podbean Promoter]

Am.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Forgive me senora, but if you don't mind but that was not one of my questions.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

It was not.

[Signora Violetti]

But I will sing it with you just this day.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You flatter me. But at the moment there are other things on my mind. Senora Violetti, do you know Shandora?

[Signora Violetti]

Paddy by his side, that is all. He make eyes at me, but I no pay attention. I don't like Hungarian.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You haven't seen him this evening?

[Signora Violetti]

No, I've been alone reviewing the score of La Trovio. Seeing it next week here in Vienna. I hope you will both be present. It would be a great treat for you.

[Dr. Watson]

I'm sure it would be, signora. Now, as you excuse us, it is.

[Signora Violetti]

So you must go so soon. But come and see me again and I will sing for you both before you leave of Vienna.

[Dr. Watson]

It's got regards to woman. She's not your murderess, I'm sure. And now I suppose we'll have to question this sculptress woman. And then we'll talk to everyone in the house.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I think before we visit her we'll examine the dead man's room a little more closely. That black tin dispatch box may hold the key to this mystery. Idiot numskull. Why didn't I go through these papers thoroughly at first?

[Dr. Watson]

They certainly tell an interesting story. A party had obviously been blackmailing Madame Janssen. The sculptress?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, and also our friend, the Chinese actor Lai Tung Fo.

[Dr. Watson]

Then Lai Tung Fu was lying when he said that he didn't know a party?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Obviously.

[Dr. Watson]

By George, three of the four people living in this house in his power.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hello.

[Dr. Watson]

What's the matter? What have you found?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Footprints in the cigar ash on the carpet. Prints of a small foot leading us to this closet.

[Dr. Watson]

Somebody must have been hiding in there.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Possibly, huh? Take a look at these, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Strands of hair. Long black hair. Where were they?

[Sherlock Holmes]

On a hook in the cupboard. Someone bracing themselves back so as to be out of sight could easily leave such evidence.

[Dr. Watson]

I've got it, Holmes, I've got it. The long black hair, the long nails that caused the peculiar marks. And a part of his throat and a small footprint. It was a woman.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Possibly. But which one? Roland Olenstein and Signora Violetti both have blonde hair, remember?

[Dr. Watson]

And it must be that scoutless woman.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not necessarily. Who else? Not a woman might have small feet, long nails and long black hair.

[Dr. Watson]

By Jovi, the Chinese actressly.

[Lai Tung Fo]

Come on.

[Dr. Watson]

I hope he's still there.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on, sir. Come on, let's go in.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. Look at him. He's praying. His head's in his hands.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, my dear fellow, I'm afraid prayers can do him no good now. He's been strangled. Strangled with his own cue.

[Radio Host / Narrator]

Dr. Watson's story will continue in just a second. So I'm going to take that second for a fast question. I know you've probably tasted port wine, but have you ever tasted Petri, California port? Have you? Because if you haven't tried Petre port, well, you can just tell yourself right now you don't know how good a port can be. Petre port is rich, red and hearty. But what you want to know is, how does it taste? The answer to that is short and sweet. The taste is terrific. And say, Petri California Muscatel is on the terrific side, too. Petri Muscatel has the flavor and fragrance of real juicy muscat grapes. Both wines are perfect after dinner or anytime you're sitting around talking with your friends. Try them. They're great. They've got to be, because they're Petri. And now back to tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure. The famous pair are staying in Vienna where they've become involved in the mysterious strangling of a notorious blackmailer. As we rejoin our story, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are cross questioning another of the suspects, a Swedish sculptress by the name of Madame Jan.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

What do you want with me? Why have you come in here?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, we just wanted to ask you a few questions, madam.

[Sherlock Holmes]

To admire your figurines. May I ask if you always work in clay?

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Yeah, but what's that to you?

[Signora Violetti]

Do you wish to buy some of my sculpture?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, but I assure you the question was pertinent.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Tell me who you are and stop wasting my time.

[Dr. Watson]

My friend is a private detective, madam.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

A detective? Who sent you here?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No one sent me here. I'm conducting an investigation of the murder of Chandor Appadi.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Chandor?

[Dr. Watson]

Dead?

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Good, I'm glad.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, madam. But we happen to know that you had a motive for killing him. He'd been blackmailing you.

[Signora Violetti]

Get out of here. What right have you to come here and question me?

[Dr. Watson]

No, no, no, no. Look here, madam. If you know what's good for you, you will answer our question.

[Signora Violetti]

And if you know what's good for you, you'll get out of here, both of you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come along, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

But, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You can't bother madam for our intrusion. We meant no rudeness.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

You have been rude.

[Signora Violetti]

Intolerably rude.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Go away.

[Dr. Watson]

Whatever made you back down like that, Holmes? Obviously, she's the killer.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Rubbish.

[Dr. Watson]

But her hair was just black.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, but it was short hair. Didn't you notice the size of her feet? Anyway, she works in clay. If it had been marble, I might have suspected her.

[Dr. Watson]

Pardon my soul, Holmes, I wish you'd tell me what you're driving at.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have the answer to these killings now, Watson, but I'll have to prove it. I'm afraid I must work without you, old chap. Do you mind waiting for me in our room? No, no, no, wait a minute, wait a minute. That may be dangerous. Wait for me in Signora Violetti's room. If you don't mind, I'll join you there as soon as my work is done. Pretend that you have returned because you were so enchanted with her voice.

[Dr. Watson]

Great Scott, Holmes, you can't ask me to be alone with that dreadful woman.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Please do as I say, Watson, and don't question me. There isn't a moment to be lost.

[Signora Violetti]

Of course you know that aria, my dear doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh no madam, I'm afraid I don't.

[Signora Violetti]

You have not heard about great Giuseppe Verdi?

[Dr. Watson]

I heard him of course, but I can't identify his work.

[Signora Violetti]

That was from a Regoletto, you silly man. Tell me your favorite composer. I will sing a song with just for you. I will turn the gas light down. That will be so much more romantic. Now, who is your favorite composer?

[Dr. Watson]

I don't know that I have a name. What's his name? Wagner is very fun, you know.

[Signora Violetti]

Wagner is a heavy, like most German composers. Both a Violetic and a master.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh Lord, here she goes again.

[Signora Violetti]

Come in, come in. I cannot see. It is. Come into the light.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It is I.

[Dr. Watson]

Great heavens. Chinese actor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I am sorry to make commotion, but as we say in my country, those who return from graves speak with double knowledge.

[Signora Violetti]

Oh, you devil, you devil. I kill you once, I kill you once, I kill you again.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you for the confession, Senora Violetti. You can testify to it, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No you don't, senora. Your nails are too sharp for my liking.

[Signora Violetti]

I'll kill you. To both of you.

[Dr. Watson]

She's fainted, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Fainted, eh? What an undramatic exit for a most dramatic lady.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, Holmes, now that you've turned Signora Violetti over to the police, perhaps you tell me what made you certain that she was the murderess?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It was obvious from the beginning that our Pari was strangled by someone with long fingernails. When Lightung Fo was killed, it ruled him out. Then who was the woman with a motive and long nails? Elemention, my dear fellow. Was the woman Fraulein Uhlenstein? No. Being a concert pianist, her nails were naturally short. The sculptress who worked in clay again? No, that would make it Impossible for her to mold her delicate figurines. Therefore, Signora Violetti, by the process of elimination, was the only woman with long nails.

[Dr. Watson]

Why did she strangle a Chinese actor too?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Undoubtedly, he witnessed the first killing. The long black hairs in the closet were from his cue. I presume that later he threatened Signora Violetti and so he himself was strangled.

[Dr. Watson]

I still don't understand why she strangled our party in the first place, Major Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I think you'll find that been blackmailing her too. Remember, he had documents incriminating everyone in the house except her. I think we may assume she killed him and then removed her own papers from the dispatch box. But I'd no proof. And so? Well, I had to frighten her into confession.

[Dr. Watson]

That's why you disguised yourself as Lai Tung Fu.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I borrowed the robes from his room. Lucky that the lights were low as I entered. Yes, and it's also fortunate that to the average European, all Chinese look alike. Come in. Ah, Fraulein Uhlenstein. We'll be coming in to see you in a few minutes.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

I've been waiting so anxiously. Is everything all right?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, from your point of view.

[Radio Host / Narrator]

My.

[Dr. Watson]

My dear young lady.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, there's nothing more for you to worry about.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

Oh, I would like to repay you, Herr Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I. I've done very little for you. But if you really feel that you owe me something. Yeah, well, perhaps just this once you wouldn't mind accompanying an amateur.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

It would be a pleasure. What is it you wish me to play?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A Mozart sonata.

[Fraulein Uhlenstein]

But of course. The Randolph from the E flat.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, that's splendid. Please, roll on.

[Signora Violetti]

You like Mozart here, Doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, very much, young lady, very much. In fact, I. I might say he is my favorite comp. Charming. Perfectly charming. I only wish that. That all our adventures could end so melodiously.

[Radio Host / Narrator]

Tonight's Sherlock Holmes Adventure is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and is based on an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, A case of identity. Mr. Rathbone appears to the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn mayor and Mr. Bruce to the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. This is Bill Foreman saying good night for the Petri family. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.