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