Sherlock Holmes: The Waltz of Death 04/29/1946 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

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Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Sherlock Holmes: The Waltz of Death (Aired 04/29/1946)

Starring: Basil Rathbone (Holmes), Nigel Bruce (Watson)
Original Air Date: April 29, 1946
Episode Summary Date: March 27, 2026

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Episode Overview

This classic installment presents one of Sherlock Holmes’ most baffling cases: a string of mysterious murders in Vienna, all linked to the haunting debut of a new waltz. Holmes and Watson, under imperial command, must uncover the murderer behind a growing trail of beautiful women killed to the music of the so-called “Death Waltz.” The episode features intrigue among Viennese aristocracy, a composer tormented by infamy, and a shocking revelation that strikes at the heart of the police.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Setting the Stage in Vienna (03:00–07:13)

• Backdrop: Holmes and Watson are in Vienna at the request of Emperor Franz Joseph.
• Ball at Princess Stephanie’s Palace: The detectives, along with police chief Count Anatole Refrano and composer Janus Horvat, attend a gala at the palace of Princess Stephanie von Kram for the debut of Horvat’s new waltz.
• Introduction of Characters:
  • Princess Stephanie von Kram
  • Count Anatole Refrano: The Princess’s fiancé
  • Janus Horvat: Hungarian composer, debuting his new waltz

The First Murder: Princess Shot During the Waltz (07:13–08:48)

• Dramatic Turn: As the first dance to the new waltz begins, Princess Stephanie is suddenly shot dead on the dance floor.
• Memorable Quote:
  • Dr. Watson (07:23): “That was a revolver shot. It’s the Princess, she’s been shot. Come on, Watson. Out of the way please. Out of the way.”
  • Dr. Watson (07:36): “There’s nothing I can do, I’m afraid. She was shot through the brain. She died instantly.”
• Immediate Aftermath: Chaos ensues and Holmes quickly begins the investigation.

Conducting the Investigation (08:02–10:35)

• Clue Found: A revolver is found hidden in a potted plant. Holmes notes the tell-tale soil under a suspect’s fingernails.
• Suspects Questioned:
  • Several guests are questioned on the fit of their evening clothes – Holmes suspects the killer may have rented his suit.
  • Eventually, Groening confesses to the killing as a political act.
• Groening’s Motive:
  • Groening (10:42): “She was an aristocrat. She was an oppressor of the poor. I’m glad I killed her.”
• Count Refrano Nearly Retaliates: Stopped from killing Groening in vengeance.

The Curse of the Death Waltz (12:24–14:28)

• Holmes and Watson Leave Vienna Temporarily: During their absence, the newly-dubbed “Horvat Waltz” becomes infamous as more murders occur—six women are killed during its performance.
• Count Refrano’s Despair:
  • Count Rafano (14:15): “Six deaths in four weeks…All beautiful women and all killed to the music of the Horvat Waltz. There’s a homicidal madman at large in Vienna.”
• Imperial Decree: The waltz is forbidden from being played.

Holmes Returns—The Pattern Deepens (15:00–17:28)

• Composer’s Plight: Horvat begs Holmes to clear his name; the widespread mourning has made his waltz notorious.
• Surprise Development: Groening, the confessed killer, is released after newspaper pressure, but further murders occur while he is in custody—proving another murderer is at large.
• Royal Reception: Emperor Franz Joseph asks Horvat to play, and Holmes fears the melody may again “invoke murder.”

The Final Murders and Holmes’ Trap (19:08–25:06)

• A Body is Found: Immediately after the waltz, another woman is found shot, demonstrating the melody’s supposed “curse.”
  • Holmes (20:24): “Watson, you were wrong. The Death Waltz is infallible. But I swear to you that the killer has struck for the last time.”
• Setting the Trap: Holmes arranges a gathering at Vienna’s top restaurant, inviting Horvat, Groening, and American guest Ms. Barbara Banks. Ms. Banks bribes the orchestra to play the forbidden waltz to draw out the killer.
• Emotional Climax: The tension escalates as no one dares dance to the waltz—except Ms. Banks, who, after several refusals, is partnered by Groening.

Revelation and Resolution (25:06–27:09)

• The Real Killer Unmasked: Count Refrano, traumatized by his fiancée’s murder, is revealed as the madman who killed the women while the waltz played.
  • He attempts suicide as Holmes and Watson close in.
• Holmes’ Analysis:
  • Holmes (25:46): “He loved the Princess Stephanie dearly. Her death in his arms was a psychological shock that was more than his mentality could stand. When he heard that music it reminded him of the dead princess; forced him to kill.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes on Human Nature:
  • Holmes (04:27): “The criminal is not confined to class or environment.”
• Count Refrano’s Grief:
  • Count Rafano (11:20): “My life? Now that she is dead, my life is empty. What right do love and beauty have to exist in a world that no longer holds Stephanie?”
• Holmes’ Reluctance:
  • Holmes (19:24): “Perhaps because I feel that my visit here is incomplete until I’ve solved the Death Waltz murders.”
• Watson’s Reflection:
  • Dr. Watson (26:31): “It’s shocking to think that seven innocent women have been murdered before this case is solved.”
• Ms. Barbara Banks’ Quip:
  • Ms. Banks (27:00): “One of the guests blows his brains out and the other, the only man who danced with me turns out to be a murderer. I see now why father sent me to Europe. An evening like this could never happen in Wyoming.”

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Turning Points & Insights

• Holmes’ Deduction: Realizes only someone emotionally devastated by the Princess’s death—and always carrying a revolver—could be the murderer; focuses on Count Refrano.
• Public Psychosis: The episode explores grief triggering homicidal madness, and how notoriety distorts art and reputation.
• Public Fear: The “Death Waltz” comes to symbolize doom so powerfully that the public shuns it, only breaking the cycle with Holmes’ bold plan.

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Timeline of Important Segments & Timestamps

• [03:00] – Holmes & Watson arrive at the Vienna ball
• [07:13] – Princess Stephanie is shot
• [08:04] – Holmes investigates, clues emerge
• [10:09] – Groening admits to the initial murder
• [12:24] – Series of murders linked to the waltz while Holmes is away
• [15:00] – Holmes returns, Horvat pleads for help
• [17:28] – The waltz is played at the palace, a new murder occurs
• [20:19] – Discovery of another victim on the palace stairs
• [21:32] – Holmes convenes all suspects at a restaurant for a final trap
• [25:03] – Count Refrano revealed as the true killer, commits suicide
• [26:04] – Holmes' psychological explanation of the case
• [27:09] – Celebration and redemption of the cursed waltz

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Conclusion & Aftermath

Holmes’ investigation ultimately reveals a tragic psychological twist: Count Refrano, undone by the shock of his beloved’s murder, becomes an unstoppable killer, triggered by the very waltz that was to celebrate his engagement. The composer’s music, finally freed of its dark reputation, becomes a symbol of hope as Vienna toasts to life and love.

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Final Summary for New Listeners:
This gripping radio drama weaves suspense, psychology, and period flavor, climaxing in classic Holmesian fashion. What begins as a tale of aristocratic celebration transforms into a story of mourning, mass hysteria, and, ultimately, human frailty, providing a striking case of how trauma can turn even the most trusted into monsters—and how reason, compassion, and courage can break a reign of terror.

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Transcript

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Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] Petri wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to Dr. Watson as he tells you another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And as for me, well, I'm going to tell you about a swell idea. The idea of serving Petri California Sherry before dinner tomorrow night. Just before dinner, instead of that last minute rush.

[Count Rafano]

Take it easy.

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[Dr. Watson]

Good evening, Mr. Bartel.

[Classic Radio Announcer]

All set for tonight's story?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, my boy, I'm all set, Mr. Fullis. It began in Vienna in 1889. The old Vienna of bright light, lovely ladies and lilting music.

[Classic Radio Announcer]

What were you and the great Sherlock Holmes doing there, Dr. Martell?

[Dr. Watson]

What were we doing there? Yes, sir.

[Classic Radio Announcer]

Were you just taking a trip?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, in those early days of our association we didn't have either the time or the money for trips. No, we were in Vienna at the express command of the Emperor Franz Joseph. It was in October, I remember, that we arrived in the city and for several days we were forced to cool our heels awaiting the imperial pleasure. On one of those idle evenings at the good services of our friend the chief of police, Count Lofrano secured us an invitation. The Resplendent ball was being held at the palace of Princess Stephanie von Kram. It was an incredibly colorful spectacle, Mr. Bartel. A string orchestra high in the gallery of the palace ballroom played a haunting strass waltz while on the floor below the cream of Viennese aristocracy swayed and glided gaily with a loathing music. I can remember the picture so well, Mr. Bartel. But Holmes and I stood there talking to the chief of police, Count Capra.

[Count Rafano]

The colorful scene, is it not gentlemen?

[Dr. Watson]

By George, yes. Counterparlo. It must be a real holiday for you and Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What makes you say that, Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, it's hard to think of the criminal world when one looks at such a gathering.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And yet Count Profano knows as well as I do that the criminal is not confined to class or environment.

[Count Rafano]

Indeed no, Mr. Holmes. I can assure you that every guest here tonight has been scrutinized as he entered.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, I imagine that many plain clothes men are present in this room now, aren't they, Count Fofana?

[Count Rafano]

Oh yes, we take no chances.

[Dr. Watson]

I suppose you can't afford to. There's enough jewelry being worn here tonight for a king's ransom. I should say.

[Count Rafano]

The vault is finished. Now I can present you to our hostess, Princess von Kram. Stephanie, my pigeon.

[Dr. Watson]

My pigeon must know the princess pretty well.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I'm glad to see that in Vienna the profession of criminal detection carries no social stigma.

[Count Rafano]

Allow me to present you Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Dr. Watson. The Princess Stephanie Van Kam.

[Dr. Watson]

I'm very honored to meet you, your highness.

[Princess Stephanie von Kram]

I'm most happy to meet you. Gentlemen, permit me to introduce my protege, Janus Horvat, the Hungarian composer.

[Count Rafano]

This ball tonight, Mr. Holmes, will mark a rare occasion. A signal honor is to be conferred on Herr Hobart and myself before tonight is full. Next waltz is a new composition of his. Tonight will be its debut Indeed, how very interesting.

[Janus Horvat]

It is a great honor the Princess has conferred on me. A new composition could not possibly be presented under more auspicious circumstances.

[Dr. Watson]

Counter Frana, you spoke of an honor in connection with yourself.

[Count Rafano]

May I tell them our secret, Stephanie?

[Princess Stephanie von Kram]

No, I will tell them myself. Anadol, after your waltz has been played, Janusz and Anatole and I shall be the first to have the privilege of dancing to it. My father is to make a public announcement. He is to announce my engagement to Count Anatole Refon.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, indeed. My congratulations to you both. Very lucky fellow.

[Count Rafano]

Am I not the luckiest of men? Is she not exquisite? I, the gay man of Vienna, the cavalier who swore that no one woman would ever capture him. I confess a gentleman. I'm in love. Oh, but I pity you. Even the great waltzes of old Vienna could hardly be worthy of this moment.

[Princess Stephanie von Kram]

You are a born flatterer. Oh come, the vault is about to begin. I shall see you gentlemen later.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The orchestra is tuning up there. Hobart, I imagine this is a great moment for you.

[Janus Horvat]

A very frightening one. I assure you, my friend, in a few minutes I shall know whether my new work is to be crowned with success or failure.

[Dr. Watson]

Francofrona is leading the princess to the center of the floor. The conductor is raising his battle.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This is your moment, Herr Horvath. Good luck.

[Janus Horvat]

Pray for me, gentlemen, pray for me.

[Dr. Watson]

Here they go, the Princess and Count Rufrano. They're starting the waltz.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, they make a striking pair, don't they?

[Dr. Watson]

Here come the other couples, out on the floor. Charming. Quite charming. It reminds me of Great doctor. That was a revolver shot. It's the Princess, she's been shot. Come on, Watson. Out of the way please. Out of the way.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Count Fotrano, what happens?

[Count Rafano]

Stephanie? Dr. Watson, see what you can do for her.

[Dr. Watson]

Counterfrano. There's. There's nothing I can do, I'm afraid. She was shot through the brain. She died instantly.

[Count Rafano]

Stephanie is dead.

[Dr. Watson]

Stop that devilish music. Lock all the doors, there's a murderer to be found.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Count Raflano, have you found any clues?

[Count Rafano]

One of my men found a revolver had been thrust into the earth of a potted palm.

[Sherlock Holmes]

May I see? Please. Court here rammed into the soft earth. Confound it, Count Rafano, your fiance was an extremely beautiful woman. You must have had rivals.

[Count Rafano]

Yes, several. But none of them are present tonight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who will inherit her estate?

[Count Rafano]

A six month old nephew who's his guardian? The Emperor Franz Joseph himself. No, no, Mr. Holmes, I know of no obvious motive for someone wishing poor Stephanie dead.

[Dr. Watson]

Perhaps it was a political crime. She was a wealthy aristocrat and a prominent one.

[Count Rafano]

Yes, that's very possible. Many nihilist assassins have been active in my country recently.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Meanwhile, we have a ballroom full of suspects waiting for us.

[Dr. Watson]

Just going to suggest we went back there? We can't find out very much by staying here in the library.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's a delicate matter.

[Count Rafano]

Almost everyone present tonight is known to me personally.

[Sherlock Holmes]

May I suggest that you go back to the ballroom and have the male guests file past you. Detained for questioning anyone whose evening clothes do not fit perfectly.

[Dr. Watson]

Clothes don't. What's the cut of a man's clothes got to do with this?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Anyone invited to such a ball as this would naturally have his own tailor. I think, Count Rafano, if you found a man who had to hire his costume, he might be an impostor and may well prove to be your assassin.

[Count Rafano]

Well, Mr. Holmes, your plan has not been effective so far. We find one Englishman who was unusually badly dressed and what do we discover is an English milord whose luggage was lost on the train.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, and the second suspect proved to be a perfectly respectful Viennese doctor whose nasty little child had taken a last minute snip in his tail cut with a pair of scissors.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And the third was poor Horvat, the composer. Who cannot yet afford a good dress suit, eh? Well, Count Raflano, why not have the next suspect shown in?

[Count Rafano]

Yes, of course. Bring in the next man.

[Dr. Watson]

Come here. I'm better, Ein. Better. What a frightful looking fellow.

[Count Rafano]

Your name, please?

[Groening]

My name is Groening. What do you wish with me?

[Count Rafano]

Groening? Your name was not on the list of invitations.

[Sherlock Holmes]

One moment, please. Let me see your right hand.

[Count Rafano]

Herr Groening.

[Groening]

You have no right to touch me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Where did you get these fresh earth stains? Your right thumb is pitted and the nail is full of dirt.

[Groening]

What does that pooh policeman, that a

[Sherlock Holmes]

short while ago you tried to hide your revolver by ramming it into an earth filled flower pot. Give me that revolver. Please, Count Refrano. It will be easy to compare the samples of earth.

[Groening]

It will not be necessary.

[Dr. Watson]

You admit that you murdered the princess tonight, then?

[Groening]

Certainly I admit it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why did you kill her?

[Groening]

She was an aristocrat. She was an oppressor of the poor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm glad I killed her.

[Groening]

One day I and my party will

[Dr. Watson]

kill all of you filthy aristocrats.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

Counterprano.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Put down that revolver.

[Count Rafano]

Shoot him like the darkies.

[Dr. Watson]

No, no, no, no, no. Count Refrano, even you can't take the law into. Why do you not Shoot me.

[Groening]

I'm not afraid to die.

[Count Rafano]

I'm taking away Shobat. Thank you for stopping my hand just now, doctor. But when you spoke of Stephanie that way, I could have killed him just as he killed her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very understandable impulse, sir, but one that would have ruined your life.

[Count Rafano]

My life? Now that she is dead, my life is empty. What right do love and beauty have to exist in a world that no longer holds Stephanie? She was all light and life loveliness now. But I am hardly displaying my Viennese blood, am I? The murder is caught, thanks to you, Mr. Holmes. And my life, such as it is, must go on somehow.

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[Dr. Watson]

That's how the story began, Mr. Bartel.

[Classic Radio Announcer]

Began. It sounds like the end of a story to me, doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Far from it, my boy. The next day Holmes and I had our interview with his Imperial Majesty and learned the nature of the services expected of us. Services that required our leaving the city. And that's why, my boy, we were gone from Vienna for some weeks. We didn't know that during our absence Herr Hobert's waltz, which had had such a tragic debut, is beginning to make a sort of morbid history. The Horvat Waltz.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We have had many requests for it.

[Dr. Watson]

Gladly, we will play it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Herberon,

[Princess Stephanie von Kram]

Isn't that the Horvat Waltz they are playing?

[Groening]

Yes, my dear. And see who is working out at a plot to dance to it. Leah Mollenstein, the actress.

[Count Rafano]

A beautiful creature.

[Princess Stephanie von Kram]

Are you trying to make me jealous?

[Dr. Watson]

Hans him Olstein. She's been shot.

[Princess Stephanie von Kram]

A new ballet. And to the music of the Horvath Wall.

[Dr. Watson]

Magnificent.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Never has Krasnova danced better.

[Princess Stephanie von Kram]

Have you ever seen such exquisite pirouettes?

[Count Rafano]

Six deaths and four weeks. Showba. All beautiful women and all killed to the music of the Horvat Waltz. There's a homicidal madman at Lorch in Vienna. There's only one thing to be done. We must forbid absolutely the playing that waltz.

[Dr. Watson]

By imperial decree we are all of this, Mr. Bartel, until we return to

[Classic Radio Announcer]

Vienna and then I suppose Sherlock Holmes was drawn into the case again, doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, my boy. Holmes immediately made a close study of the newspaper reports on the tragedies and it was with great difficulty that I tore him away from his investigations to attend the reception at which the emperor was to thank us for our services on the mission that we just completed. As we arrived at the Imperial palace, almost the first person we ran into was the Hungarian composer Janus Hogarth.

[Janus Horvat]

Dr. Watson, you have heard of the tragedies connected with my waltz?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, we have indeed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I was making a close study of the newspaper reports on them just before I came here.

[Janus Horvat]

You must do something, Mr. Holmes. People will hardly listen to other music. They want my waltz. But that is forbidden. I'm losing a reputation and a fortune while that waltz remains unplayed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Or perhaps, Herr Hobart, you are laying an excellent foundation for a later reputation, unfortunately.

[Janus Horvat]

What do you mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

All this publicity, however distasteful to you at the moment must in the long run prove invaluable. Ah, there you are, my dear. Counterfano.

[Count Rafano]

Mr. Holmes. Dr. Watson. I'm. I'm glad to see you back in Vienna. You've heard of Demertus?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, we were just discussing him.

[Count Rafano]

I need your help again, my good friend. For over a month now the murder has been at launch and I cannot seem to get on this page.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I'm groaning. The first killer, what have you done with him?

[Count Rafano]

Released him.

[Dr. Watson]

What? Released him? Greg Scott.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

Why?

[Count Rafano]

At the hearing it was obvious the man was an egomaniac. He boasted of the murder of Stephanie, apparently out of pure vanity. The liberal newspaper editors made quite an issue of the case. They brought pressure to bear and we had to let him go.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Confound it, I wish I hadn't left Vienna.

[Dr. Watson]

The fellow's at large again. Counterfrana. It's pretty obvious that he's the murderer of the other women too.

[Count Rafano]

And the contrary, doctor, he was imprisoned until yesterday. The last of the murders was committed three days ago. Here comes his Imperial Highness Franchise.

[Emperor Franz Joseph]

Good evening, gentlemen.

[Janus Horvat]

Your Highness.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your Highness.

[Emperor Franz Joseph]

Well, then, I see we have very distinguished company tonight. Not only the masterful Sherlock Holmes and his colleague Dr. Watson are English friends that we are honoring. But I see that we have a distinguished representative from our Hungarian empire. Janoz Povat. It was a successor. I'm told there's a breed of composers for whom Vienna is famous.

[Janus Horvat]

Your Linus is most kind.

[Emperor Franz Joseph]

There's a pipe organ in here. It's in excellent condition, I am told. Will you not play as one of your compositions here, Hobart?

[Janus Horvat]

I Shall be most honored, your highness.

[Count Rafano]

Thank you.

[Janus Horvat]

What shall I play, your imperial Highness?

[Dr. Watson]

Anything you wish, young man.

[Emperor Franz Joseph]

Anything you wish.

[Janus Horvat]

Thank you, your highness. With your permission, I choose to play.

[Dr. Watson]

Great heavens. He's playing the Death waltz.

[Sherlock Holmes]

On your guard, Watson. Even in the Imperial palace itself this twirling tune may invoke murder.

[Classic Radio Announcer]

You'll hear the rest of Dr. Watson's story in just a second. Which just gives me time to remind you that if any one wine could be called the perfect wine for almost any occasion, that one wine would be Petri, California sherry. Petri sherry is not only a fine before dinner wine, but it's wonderful after dinner too. And of course when you're entertaining or when guests drop in, whether in the afternoon or evening, there's nothing better than a glass of Petri sherry. And it's comforting to know that you can serve Petri sherry proudly. Because the name Petri is the proudest name in the history of American wines. Dr. Watson, you certainly left me hanging on a cliff that time. You broke off your story just as the Hungarian composer started to play his ill fated waltz to the Emperor Franz Joseph.

[Dr. Watson]

What happened at the time, my boy? Fortunately nothing happened. Her completed his composition without apparent incident. And shortly afterwards we attended a banquet that was given in our honor. A banquet that concluded with a rather curious ceremony which the Emperor presented Sherlock Holmes with a medal to commemorate his services. Don't mind about that. Finally, shortly after 10:00', clock I remember, Holmes and I, together with Count Refrano, left the royal chambers and started to descend the spiral staircase leading to the main hall.

[Count Rafano]

You were greatly honored tonight, Mr. Holmes. I only known His Imperial Highness to make three such presentations before and they were all to my own country.

[Dr. Watson]

He might have made another while he was about.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The Emperor was most kind. I can't help feeling that he over evaluated myself.

[Dr. Watson]

Being unusually modest, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Perhaps because I feel that my visit here is incomplete until I've solved the death whilst murders.

[Count Rafano]

I hope you'll be able to stay in Vienna long enough to do that. I confess I am at my wit's end.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I've been giving the matter a great deal of thought, Count Roughano. I have a plan for trapping the killer. It's in rather an embryonic stage at the moment, but over a few pipes at the hotel tonight I expect to develop it thoroughly. I shall call at your office in the morning and explain it to you.

[Count Rafano]

I shall be awaiting your visit eagerly. One more of these murders in a newspaper outcry might become so loud that I should have to resign. My post as chief of police.

[Dr. Watson]

When Hobert made that daring gesture and played the Death Waltz tonight, it proved one thing. It's not infallible. The death of a beautiful woman doesn't always follow the playing of the melody.

[Count Rafano]

Very true, Doctor, but What?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Strike a match, will you?

[Count Rafano]

Huh?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's a figure here slumped on the landing.

[Dr. Watson]

They scotted body of a girl.

[Count Rafano]

A very beautiful girl too.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dropped through the forehead. You were wrong, Watson. The Death Waltz is infallible. But I swear to you that the killer has struck for the last time. There you are, my dear Council Plano.

[Count Rafano]

Yes, I followed the instructions you gave me this morning, Mr. Holmes. Chain bombs is at the moment the smartest restaurant in Vienna. I preserved the best table for you and I've invited the guests that you named.

[Dr. Watson]

A strangely assorted couple, I must say. Janus Horvath, the composer. And that groaning fellow, the one that admitted shooting your. Your fiance, Caldrofano.

[Count Rafano]

Just as much as I could do to keep my hands off him when he arrived here, Doctor. But Mr. Holmes insisted that I ask him just the same. I wish he would tell me his plan. I'm completely in the dark.

[Dr. Watson]

Completely in the dark. I can sympathize with you, Count Refrano. Holmes never tells me a thing either.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ms. John, I guess. Shall we? In a very few minutes I'm sure that my plan will be perfectly apparent. Good evening, Herr Hobert.

[Janus Horvat]

Oh, good evening, Mr. Holmes. Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do, Herr Hobert?

[Sherlock Holmes]

And how are you tonight, Herr Groening?

[Groening]

Angry at having to come here against my will. My party does not approve of these aristocratic patted pigsties. But counter, Afrano informed me that if I did not come here tonight I could expect to find myself back in prison. How could I resist such a persuasive invitation?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, here comes the third guest for our table. I met her at the hotel a few hours ago. Ms. Banks, I'm so glad that you were able to come.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

Hello, Mr. Holmes. I didn't know this was going to be a party, but I couldn't be happy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Allow me to present you count Ripano. Dr. Watson. Herr Horvath, Ms. Barbara Banks from the United States of America.

[Dr. Watson]

How are you doing, Holmes? I wish I knew what you're up to.

[Groening]

And how can a young American girl afford to come to Vienna, may I ask?

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

Of course you can ask. My father made a lot of money and he wanted me to have the advantages he never had.

[Groening]

Your father made money because he ground the faces of the poor.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

My father never ground a poor face in his life.

[Groening]

He was a capitalist.

[Count Rafano]

I spit on him.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

All that's rather unfriendly. And also geographically speaking, something of a problem. You see, he's living in Wyoming.

[Dr. Watson]

You make fun of me.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

Only because you made fun of me. Mr. Holmes. I did as you asked me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm very grateful, Ms. Banks.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

The orchestra leader didn't want to play it.

[Princess Stephanie von Kram]

He.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

He seemed scared. But I waved a lot of money in front of him and I promised to pay the fine as well.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Splendid.

[Dr. Watson]

Great Scott. I see it all now.

[Count Rafano]

So do I. You persuaded Ms. Banks to bribe the ox to lead at the.

[Janus Horvat]

My waltz. My forbidden waltz.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Herr Hollard. I felt that if the request came from a young American it might seem quite reasonable.

[Groening]

Particularly if the requests were accompanied by American tallers crowned out of the faces of the poor.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

You are being unpleasant to me, aren't you?

[Dr. Watson]

We're playing at your waltz, however. The Deft Waltz.

[Count Rafano]

Mr. Holmes, this is against the law. The Horvat waltz is forbidden by imperial decree.

[Sherlock Holmes]

True. Nonetheless, my dear Count, I implore you not to arrest the orchestra leader until after the waltz is complete.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

In which case, since I requested it and it's still playing, I'd like a partner. Will you dance with me, Count refrano?

[Count Rafano]

I'm sorry, Ms. Banks, but with this melody I shall never dance again.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

Oh, well, how about you, Dr. Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

Looks my dear, but I'm afraid I'm not as light on my. On my feet as I used to be. In any case, I was never much of a hand at the waltz. Polka's more in my line.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

Even me, I'm getting an inferiority compliment.

[Count Rafano]

Oh, please do not, Ms. Banks. You'll observe that the general public seems singularly unwilling to dance too. Not one couple has ventured onto the floor.

[Janus Horvat]

Can you blame them? The walls with Horvat may mean death. How can you blame them?

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

I'm not afraid. After all, Herr Horvath, it's your own music. I'll dance with you.

[Janus Horvat]

You're most kind, Ms. Banks, and courageous. But to be a partner of the only woman on the floor would mean ruin an admission of failure.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

My third refusal. I'm a wallflower.

[Groening]

No, my dear Ms. Banks. The aristocrats they have played.

[Classic Radio Announcer]

But I.

[Groening]

Plain simple groaning. I will dance with you, Miss Millions.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

Bless you, Herr Groening. And I assure you my father does not grind the faces of the poor.

[Groening]

He does grind the faces of the poor.

[Janus Horvat]

Stop. How? It's suicide.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think not, Herr Horat.

[Groening]

I think so.

[Janus Horvat]

And I'll not stay here. To Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Where the devil's he off to?

[Count Rafano]

Do not worry Doctor, I shall keep an eye on him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, and we'll keep an eye on both of them.

[Count Rafano]

Come on Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How much is his leaving the room?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Whereas Count Raf has deserted his trail and has slipped behind one of those pillows.

[Dr. Watson]

Good Lord, he, he's drawing a revolver.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly Watson, he's our man. Put down that revolver Count Rafano. Put it down I say.

[Dr. Watson]

He's turning it on himself, Count. I still can't believe it Holmes. Not the fact that counter Frano blew his brains out but the fact that he was a murderer.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I was slow to believe it too old chef, and I blame myself for consequence. Two things should have been instantly apparent about the madman who killed beautiful women when he heard the Horvath waltz. Firstly, he must have had some motivation which drove him to such an act.

[Dr. Watson]

Secondly, he must have carried a revolver with him at all times since he was invariably armed when the occasion presented itself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly. And that factor made me think of the police official. Then of course I saw of Frano's motivation. He loved the Princess Stephanie dearly. Her death in his arms was a psychological shock that was more than his mentality could stand.

[Dr. Watson]

When he heard that music it reminded him of the dead princess, forced him to kill.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's right old fellow. You will recall that when he said to us after his fiance's death, what right do love and beauty have to exist in a world that no longer holds Stephanie? When he heard the music he couldn't bear to think that other loveliness existed and so he destroyed it.

[Dr. Watson]

But who killed the Princess Stephanie?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The man who was first arrested for it. Her groaning. He admitted it after a little persuasion when the police arrived. Taken back to prison in the carriage that just took count for body.

[Dr. Watson]

It's shocking to think that seven innocent women have been murdered before this case is solved.

[Count Rafano]

Yes, a fact that will be a

[Sherlock Holmes]

constant reproach to me, I assure you.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh I didn't mean that my dear fellow. We weren't even in Vienna when five of the killings took place.

[Classic Radio Announcer]

Hello, hello.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here comes Ms. Banks.

[Princess Stephanie von Kram]

Mr. Holmes.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

What happened to that funny little man who danced with me half grinning?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He went to prison Ms. Banks.

[Dr. Watson]

He was a murderer.

[Ms. Barbara Banks]

Well I must say this is a strange kind of a party you asked me to, Mr. Holmes. One of the guests blows his brains out and the other, the only man who danced with me turns out to be a murderer. I see now why father sent me to Europe. An evening like this could never happen in Wyoming.

[Dr. Watson]

Look, look, look. Helva's walking out in front of the orchestra.

[Janus Horvat]

Ladies and gentlemen.

[Emperor Franz Joseph]

Listen.

[Janus Horvat]

Ladies and gentlemen, I almost thought of that wish to assure you, upon the word of the great English detective Sherlock Holmes, that never again shall my new Walt be an accompaniment for murder. Henceforth its melody will be for life and love and laughter. I have ordered the bottle of the finest poke sent to each of your tables. Raise your glasses and pledge me as I now conduct my walk, free at last from the kiss of death.

[Classic Radio Announcer]

Say, Doctor, I. I really like that story. That was a baffling, wasn't it?

[Dr. Watson]

A highly placed police official is the last person in the world you'd think guilty of murder. I must confess I wasn't of so much help to Holmes solving that case.

[Classic Radio Announcer]

Oh, don't let that worry you, Doctor. After all, Holmes almost missed solving it himself.

[Dr. Watson]

Thank you. My word. But it certainly was one of the most interesting cases that I was ever connected with.

[Classic Radio Announcer]

I know what you mean. You know, I came across quite an interesting case myself the other day.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, you don't say.

[Classic Radio Announcer]

Well, right in my own house.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, that's interesting. What kind of case?

[Classic Radio Announcer]

Sherry. That's right. A case of Petri, California sherry. You see, I buy it by the case, doctor, because that Petri wine is really extraordinary. But all Petri wine is unusual wine. Unusually good because the Petri family has been making wine for generations. Because this is so and because the Petri business has been owned and operated by the Petri family ever since its beginning and is today the largest independent family owned wine company in America. Naturally, the name Petri on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark. It's the personal assurance of the Petri family that every drop of wine in that bottle is good wine. Naturally, good wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine. 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 Adventure of the Illustrious Client. Music is by Dean Fostler. 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, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family. This is the world's largest network, the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Howie Mandel]

The Global Gaming League is presented by Atlas Earth, the fun cashback app. Hey, it's Howie Mandel and I am inviting you to witness history as me and my How We do it gaming team take on Gilly the King and Wallow $267 million gaming in an epic gaming league video game showdown. Plus a halftime performance by multi platinum artist Travy McCoy. Watch all the action and see who wins and advances to the championship match right [e-mail] that's globalgamingleague.com in partnership with Level Up Expo.