Sherlock Holmes: The Viennese Strangler (Rathbone & Bruce) 04/09/1945

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives
Episode: Sherlock Holmes: The Viennese Strangler (Rathbone & Bruce)
Original Air Date: April 9, 1945
Summary Date: October 31, 2025

Main Theme:
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, staying in a pension in Vienna, become embroiled in the murder investigation of a notorious blackmailer, Chandor Apardy. As the great detective unravels the web of suspects—each with motive, and opportunity—the case pivots on artistic personalities, long-held secrets, and ultimately, a deadly confrontation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Scene in Vienna

• [02:23] Dr. Watson reminisces about the case’s setting:
  “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.”
• Holmes and Watson, in Vienna for "important investigations," are surrounded by students and artists at their pension.

Introduction of the Case

• [03:49] Fräulein Léo Uhlenstein, a gifted pianist, seeks Holmes’s help. She reveals she’s being blackmailed by fellow resident, Chandor Apardy, who possesses an incriminating letter about her brother.
• Holmes assures her:
  “Most blackmailers are cowards at heart. I think Dr. Watson and I will call on the gentleman.” [05:49]

Entry to Apardy’s Studio and Discovery of Murder

• Holmes, Watson, and Léo find Apardy’s studio door locked; they enter to discover him strangled at his desk.
• Holmes instantly deduces:
  “Judging from his appearance... I think Sandora Paradi had other enemies besides yourself. Less scrupulous enemies.” [07:46]
• Watson notes the violence:
  “He’s been strangled. Look at the finger marks on his throat.” [07:53]

Unraveling Blackmail and Initial Suspicions

• The search of Apardy’s effects reveals blackmail material targeting several residents, including Fräulein Uhlenstein, Madame Janssen (sculptress), and Lai Tung Fo (Chinese actor).
• Watson casts initial suspicion on Uhlenstein:
  “A pianist would have unusual strength in her fingers. And look how unnaturally calm she was when she realized the man was dead.” [10:13]

Interviewing the Suspects

Lai Tung Fo (Chinese Actor)

• Claims to know Apardy only by sight, but slips up on Apardy’s first name—Holmes notices the inconsistency [11:54].
• Hints he heard angry voices and a cry "about an hour ago" [11:34].

The Porter

• Reveals that aside from the known guests, only Madame Janssen and Signora Violetti (opera singer) are present in the boarding house, and no one has left during the time frame [13:07].

Signora Violetti (Opera Singer)

• Over-the-top and flirtatious, Violetti laughs off Apardy’s advances and claims to be uninvolved [14:43].
• Her dramatic personality amuses Watson, but Holmes notes her black hair and visible vanity.

Key Discoveries in Apardy’s Room

• Holmes notices footprints in cigar ash leading to a closet and finds long black hairs on a hook—strengthening the theory the killer hid there [16:18].
• Watson reasons:
  “The long black hair, the long nails that caused the peculiar marks... It was a woman!” [16:44]
• Holmes narrows suspects: piano players and sculptors have short hair and nails—attention focuses on Violetti.

The Plot Thickens: Another Murder

• Holmes and Watson return to Lai Tung Fo’s room to find him strangled—"with his own cue" [17:33].
• Holmes realizes the killer is eliminating witnesses, confirming the murderer must still be in the house.

Confrontation & Confession

• Holmes sets a trap in Violetti’s room, instructing Watson to act as bait, enduring her repeated singing [20:16-21:07].
• Holmes disguises himself as Lai Tung Fo; when he enters, Violetti, in panic, confesses in front of Watson.
  Signora Violetti: “You devil. I kill you once. I kill you again.” [22:32]
  Holmes: “Thank you for the confession, Signora Violetti. You can testify to it, Watson.” [22:38]
• Violetti faints as Holmes disarms her [22:52].

Holmes’s Explanation

• Deduction process:
  • Only someone with long nails and black hair could’ve left the evidence and strangled two victims.
  • Uhlenstein and Janssen are excluded by profession; Violetti is left.
  • Lai Tung Fo was murdered as the only eye-witness: “The long black hairs in the closet were from his cue.” [23:44]
• Motive: Blackmail—Apardy possessed incriminating documents on all but Violetti, which she removed after his murder [24:00].
• Holmes orchestrated the confession with a last clever disguise [24:18].

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes exasperated at the violin:
  “Sounds like a fiddler at an Irish wake.” (Holmes) [03:23]
• Watson, sarcastic as ever:
  “Great Scot, Holmes, you can’t ask me to be alone with that dreadful woman.” [20:34]
• Holmes, on deduction:
  “Elementary, my dear fellow.” [23:44]
• Violetti’s dramatic confession:
  “You devil. I kill you once. I kill you again.” [22:32]
• Holmes, wrapping up:
  “I only wish that all our adventures could end so melodiously.” [25:06]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:23] – Dr. Watson introduces Vienna and the setting
• [03:49] – Fräulein Uhlenstein requests Sherlock’s help
• [07:46] – Discovery of Apardy’s body
• [10:13] – Watson suspects Fräulein Uhlenstein
• [11:54] – Holmes catches Lai Tung Fo’s contradiction
• [13:07] – Porter account of house residents
• [14:43] – Violetti’s dismissive attitude toward Apardy
• [16:18] – Holmes finds evidence: black hair, footprints
• [17:33] – Discovery of Lai Tung Fo’s murder
• [20:16] – Holmes sets the final trap
• [22:32] – Violetti’s confession
• [23:44] – Holmes’s summary and explanation
• [25:06] – Holmes asks for a Mozart sonata to close the case

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Closing

The episode highlights classic Holmes logic, Watson’s stalwart support, and a dramatically satisfying unmasking of the murderer. Packed with clever interrogations, atmospheric music, and tongue-in-cheek banter, "The Viennese Strangler" is a true relic of the Golden Age of Radio—and a showcase of the iconic Rathbone-Bruce partnership.

Transcript

[A]

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] this episode from the life.

[B]

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. Petrie 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.

[C]

The good Dr. Watson.

[B]

See if he's waiting for it.

[D]

Come in, come in.

[E]

Good evening, Mr. Folk.

[B]

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

[E]

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 pull him a lad.

[B]

That's right, doctor.

[E]

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

[C]

Thank you, Doctor.

[E]

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.

[B]

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

[E]

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.

[C]

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

[E]

Oh, it sounds very pretty to me.

[C]

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

[E]

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

[C]

Listen, old chap. Why, with all your other excellent qualities, are you not a pianist?

[E]

What's a piano got to do with it?

[C]

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?

[D]

You are Herr Sherlock Holmes?

[C]

That is my name.

[D]

Then you are. I wish to see you. I am Leo Uhlenstein. I live here in this pension.

[C]

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

[D]

How do you do, Herr Doctor?

[E]

Very glad to meet you, my dear.

[C]

Fraulein Uhlenstein, may I pay my tribute to the brilliance of your piano playing? You have the exact precision of praising that Mozart demands.

[D]

How do you know of me?

[C]

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

[E]

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.

[D]

Perhaps I do not play with amateurs.

[E]

Amateurs were really.

[D]

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

[C]

I quite understand, Frulein. And now please tell me, what can I do to help you? I must presume you have come to see me in my professional capacity.

[D]

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 pension. He is chandor party, a Hungarian painter who lives in the studio upstairs.

[C]

Yes, I think I've heard of him.

[D]

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 guten or he will go to the police. I have not that much money here. Holmes, please to tell me what I shall do.

[C]

Just what hold does he have over.

[D]

You, mein broder 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. So I thought. When this trouble come on my brother. I turned to Schandor 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.

[C]

Most blackmailers are cowards 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?

[D]

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.

[E]

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

[D]

They would of course. Herr Holmes, will you please to tell me what I should do? I cannot go on this way. My music is.

[C]

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.

[D]

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

[C]

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

[E]

He must be out.

[D]

That is possible.

[C]

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

[E]

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

[C]

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

[D]

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

[E]

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

[C]

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

[E]

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

[D]

Gotten him Grace.

[C]

God, look at him.

[E]

Thumped over his desk.

[C]

Light the gas will you Watson?

[E]

Right you are home.

[C]

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

[E]

He's been strangled. Look at the finger marks on his throat.

[D]

Is he?

[E]

Yes. His body is still warm though. I'm afraid he's dead.

[D]

I am glad. He was a bad man deserve to die.

[C]

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

[E]

Yes, yes sir, they have.

[D]

Should we not communicate with the police?

[C]

Before we do that Pauline, 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 along the floor. That's it. For a painter the late Mr. Ardi 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?

[D]

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

[C]

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

[E]

What is it, Herm?

[C]

Interesting. Extremely interesting. Look at this old fellow.

[E]

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

[C]

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.

[E]

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

[C]

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.

[D]

I too, Herr Holmes.

[C]

And the room across the landing?

[D]

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

[C]

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.

[D]

I will do everything you tell me, Herr Holmes.

[E]

Please.

[D]

Once again, please let me thank you for what you have done.

[E]

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

[C]

I disagree with you, old fellow. I think what you refer to as unnatural calmness is really the cold detachment of the two artists.

[E]

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

[C]

We will, Watson, we will. And now I suggest we pay a visit across the landing to the distinguished Chinese. To Mr. Ling Tu Fo. Yes, Please.

[F]

You wish to see me?

[C]

If you could spare us a moment, sir.

[F]

But of course. Gentlemen, please to come in.

[C]

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

[E]

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

[F]

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

[C]

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

[F]

Please do ask me anything.

[C]

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

[F]

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

[C]

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

[F]

Paches, I have been sitting here quietly for the past few hours reading over the analects of Koufusa.

[E]

May I ask 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?

[F]

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

[C]

About how long ago was this?

[F]

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

[C]

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

[F]

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?

[C]

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.

[F]

Good evening, gentlemen.

[E]

Good evening. Good evening.

[C]

Good evening.

[E]

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

[C]

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. A great deal of work ahead of us.

[E]

What can I do for you?

[C]

How long have you been on duty tonight?

[G]

Since five o'.

[E]

Clock.

[C]

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

[G]

No one has gone out.

[C]

Ah, splendid. And who came in?

[G]

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

[C]

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

[G]

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

[C]

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

[G]

I'm happy to be of service here.

[C]

Home.

[E]

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

[C]

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

[E]

It sounds as if she's very much at home.

[H]

That is a friend of come to see me.

[I]

Bravo.

[H]

Bravissimo. I have so much wish to make your acquaintance. Sit down, sit down.

[E]

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

[C]

Yes, signora. I just wanted to know.

[H]

I know your questions. You play the violin. I have heard you. You want to know whether the great Valeria will allow you to accrue company. Are in a magnificent soprano area. Al so from Mozarto Magico. Violati's answer to your question is.

[E]

Yes, madam.

[C]

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

[D]

It was not.

[H]

But I will sing it with you just this day.

[C]

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

[H]

That is all. He make eyes at me, but I no pay attention. I do not like Hungarian.

[C]

You haven't seen him this evening?

[H]

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

[C]

I'm sure it would be, Signora.

[E]

Now to excuse us.

[H]

It is so hard you must go so soon. But come and see me again and I will sing for you both before you leave. Aviana.

[E]

Great Scot with a ghastly woman. She's not your murderess, I'm sure. And now I suppose we'll have to question this sculptless woman. And then we'll talk to everyone in the house.

[C]

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.

[B]

Idiot.

[C]

Numskull. Why didn't I go through these papers thoroughly at first?

[E]

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

[C]

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

[E]

Then Lai Tung Fo was lying when he said that he didn't know Apardy.

[C]

Obviously.

[E]

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

[C]

Hello.

[E]

What's the matter? What have you found?

[C]

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

[E]

Somebody must have been hiding in there.

[C]

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

[E]

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

[C]

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

[E]

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

[C]

Possibly, but which one? Ron Poin and Seora Violetti both have blonde hair, remember?

[E]

And it must be that sculpt woman.

[C]

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

[E]

By Jovi, the Chinese actressly.

[F]

Come on.

[E]

I hope he's still there.

[C]

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

[E]

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

[C]

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

[B]

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 friend. 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 Young.

[D]

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

[E]

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

[C]

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

[D]

Yeah, but what's that to you? Do you wish to buy some of my sculptor?

[C]

No, but I assure you the question was pertinent.

[D]

Tell me who you are and stop wasting my time.

[E]

My friend is a private detective, madam.

[D]

A detective? Who sent you here?

[C]

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

[D]

Chandor?

[E]

Dead.

[D]

Good. I'm glad.

[E]

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

[D]

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

[E]

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

[D]

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

[C]

Come along, Watson.

[E]

But Holmes, you can't possibly.

[C]

Forgive me, madam, for our intrusion. We meant no rudeness.

[D]

You have been rude, intolerably rude. Go away.

[E]

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

[C]

Rubbish.

[E]

But her hair was just black.

[C]

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.

[E]

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

[C]

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. Would 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.

[E]

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

[C]

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

[H]

Of course you know that aria, my dear doctor?

[E]

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

[H]

You have not heard about great Giuseppe Verdi?

[E]

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

[H]

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

[E]

I don't know that I have any favorite. What's his name? Wagner's where you find.

[H]

You know, Wagner is a heavy like most German composers, but Violetic and a master him.

[E]

Oh Lord, here she goes again.

[H]

Come in, come in.

[D]

I don't know the se.

[H]

It is. Come into the light.

[C]

It is I.

[E]

Great heavens. Chinese actor.

[C]

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

[D]

Oh, you devil.

[I]

You devil. I kill you once. I kill you once. I kill you again.

[C]

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

[E]

Holmes.

[C]

No you don't, senor. That your nails are too sharp for my liking.

[I]

I'll kill you. To both of you.

[E]

She's painted, Holmes.

[C]

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

[E]

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?

[C]

It was obvious from the beginning that our party 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? Elementary, my dear fellow. Was the woman Fraulein Uhlenstein? No. Being a concert pianist, her nails were naturally short. The sculptors 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.

[E]

Why did she strangle a Chinese actor too?

[C]

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.

[E]

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

[C]

Well, I think you'll find that he'd 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 had no proof, and so? Well, I had to frighten her into confession.

[E]

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

[C]

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.

[D]

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

[E]

Well, from your point of view, my. My dear young lady, yes, there's nothing.

[C]

More for you to worry about.

[D]

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

[C]

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.

[D]

It would be a pleasure.

[H]

What is it you wish me to play?

[C]

A Mozart sonata.

[D]

But of course, there are no from the E flat. I see.

[C]

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

[H]

You like Mozart here, Doctor?

[E]

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.

[B]

Tonight. 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.