A Case for Dr Morelle 57-07-09 (12) Poisoned Air

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "A Case for Dr Morelle 57-07-09 (12) Poisoned Air"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: January 10, 2026 (Original Air Date: July 9, 1957)
Episode Title: Poisoned Air

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Main Theme

This episode of "A Case for Dr. Morelle" centers on the mysterious death of Professor Hugo Russell, a brilliant but absent-minded chemist, on the morning of his wedding. What at first appears to be a tragic accident involving a deadly gas soon unfolds into a complex murder investigation, with Dr. Morelle (Cecil Parker) employing keen observation, psychology, and deduction to uncover the truth behind "poisoned air." Rich with interpersonal drama, subtle clues, and classic radio atmosphere, this story emphasizes deduction, motive, and the psychology of jealousy.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Deadly Experiment (00:04–01:16)

• Professor Russell and his assistant, Kurt Emanuel, test a new gas intended for pest control but "just a whiff of it ... spells sudden death" (Kurt Emanuel, 01:01).
• The gas proves nearly fatal in a lab mishap, highlighting its lethality.

The Call to Dr. Morelle (01:37–05:44)

• Professor Russell asks Dr. Morelle to observe the final demonstration of the gas and to attend early on a Saturday, unknowingly sharing his wedding day.
• Light character banter reveals Russell's absent-mindedness and his impending marriage to his secretary, Bella Goodwin.
• Memorable Quote:
  "Russell really is the popular conception of an absent-minded professor." – Dr. Morelle (04:09)

Romantic Subplots and Tensions (05:56–08:51)

• Kurt Emanuel confesses his love to Bella (the bride-to-be), implying motives of jealousy.
• Bella rebuffs him, underscoring tensions among the lead characters.
• Memorable Quote:
  "I'm only doing it to please Hugo so that he won't suspect that I'm in love with you." – Kurt Emanuel (07:35)

The Morning of the Wedding & Discovery of the Death (10:49–12:26)

• Wedding morning routines are interrupted as Mrs. Atkins (the housekeeper) discovers the professor dead in his bedroom.
• Miss Frail and Dr. Morelle arrive promptly and confirm Russell's death.

The Initial Investigation (13:00–16:07)

• Dr. Morelle observes signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, but there's no gas fire; suspicious glass containers are found in the room.
• Bella Goodwin and Kurt Emanuel seem confused and in shock. Dr. Morelle asks probing questions.
• Miss Goodwin is quick to defend Russell’s professional memory.

Reconstruction of the Timeline & Alibis (16:07–19:32)

• Witness testimonies (Mrs. Atkins, Bella Goodwin, Kurt Emanuel) establish where everyone was that night and support alibis.
• Kurt Emanuel’s late-night return is noted.

The Case is Declared Murder (24:00–26:00)

• Dr. Morelle systematically dismantles theories of an accident or suicide:
  • Memorable Quote:
    "It has already been proved that Professor Russell was taken unawares by the gas which killed him. Thus removing the possibility of either accident or suicide." – Dr. Morelle (24:52)
• The dead insects on the windowsill become key evidence:
  • They were trapped when the window was shut at midnight, matching the time of death, and point toward someone re-entering the house later to stage the murder.

Revelation and Confession (26:00–27:03)

• Dr. Morelle demonstrates that Kurt Emanuel had motive (jealousy over Bella), no alibi for the window of murder, and technical knowledge to commit the crime.
• Kurt, panicking after Dr. Morelle’s logical trap, attempts to flee, confirming his guilt.
• Memorable Quote:
  "It was Kurt who did it. He was determined I shouldn't marry Hugo." – Bella Goodwin (26:43)

Epilogue and Resolution (27:03–28:13)

• Bella notifies police with cleverness; Kurt cannot get far as her car is nearly out of petrol.
• The case concludes with classic radio drama denouement, highlighting the sharpness of Dr. Morelle's observation.

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On the danger of the gas:
  • "Just a whiff of it, that spells sudden death."
    – Kurt Emanuel (01:01)
• Characterization of Prof. Russell:
  • "Russell really is the popular conception of an absent-minded professor."
    – Dr. Morelle (04:09)
• Romantic Conflict:
  • "I'm only doing it to please Hugo so that he won't suspect that I'm in love with you."
    – Kurt Emanuel (07:35)
• Miss Frail’s comic relief:
  • "Shall I use a handkerchief to hold the receiver?"
    – Miss Frail (17:36)
  • "Your head is forever plagued with popular fallacies, Miss Frail."
    – Dr. Morelle (17:50)
• Dr. Morelle's deductive breakthrough:
  • "It has already been proved that Professor Russell was taken unawares by the gas... removing the possibility of either accident or suicide."
    – Dr. Morelle (24:52)
• Bella reveals the killer:
  • "It was Kurt who did it. He was determined I shouldn't marry Hugo."
    – Bella Goodwin (26:43)
• Final twist:
  • "Not very far in my car. Hardly any petrol left in the tank."
    – Bella Goodwin (27:04)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:04–01:16: Laboratory incident with deadly gas
• 01:37–05:44: Arranging Dr. Morelle’s visit and introducing characters
• 05:56–08:51: Romantic rivalry established
• 11:22–12:26: The discovery of Prof. Russell’s body
• 13:00–16:07: Initial investigation & key clues
• 24:00–25:03: Dr. Morelle’s deduction—declares it is murder
• 26:00–26:43: Dr. Morelle’s logic traps the killer; Emanuel tries to flee

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Original Language & Tone

• The dialogue artfully blends suspense, dry wit, and understated British humor typical of the Golden Age of Radio.
• Dr. Morelle is methodical and often a bit sardonic; Miss Frail injects comic relief.
• Character interactions reflect formal yet nuanced relationships, with layers of emotion beneath the surface propriety.

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Conclusion

"Poisoned Air" is a quintessential Dr. Morelle mystery: a seemingly simple scientific mishap reveals layers of personal drama and ambition, ultimately culminating in a classic murder investigation. Dr. Morelle’s deductive prowess unmasks the crime, linking jealousy, opportunity, and a tell-tale detail (dead insects) to bring the perpetrator to justice. With a rich cast, brisk pacing, and atmospheric tension, this vintage radio episode stands as a prime example of mid-century British detective drama.

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Transcript

[Kurt Emanuel]

5 grams and 26 minims.

[Hugo Russell]

I think that's enough. From the X2 container quad.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Have you checked the amount with your notes?

[Hugo Russell]

Yes. 2% x 2 plus 1% x 6. 2% cm plus 3% om.

[Kurt Emanuel]

All right, Hugo, I've got it.

[Hugo Russell]

I'll switch off the burner. That's it. Now what is it, Kurt?

[Dr. Morell]

I can't breathe. Quick, get to the window. Close that pestle.

[Hugo Russell]

Get to the window.

[Kurt Emanuel]

That's better.

[Hugo Russell]

Thanks. Thanks. You all right?

[Mrs. Atkins]

I'm all right, Hugo.

[Hugo Russell]

Breathe in the fresh air. Take deep gulps of it.

[Kurt Emanuel]

I am okay now. But that was the near thing, Hugo.

[Hugo Russell]

Yes? The gas is a killer, all right.

[Kurt Emanuel]

We'll have to go careful with it.

[Hugo Russell]

It's got just what it takes. Just a whiff of it, that spells sudden death.

[Narrator]

The BBC presents a case for Dr. Morel. Another adventure by ernest dudley. With cecil parker as Dr. Morell and sheila sim as his secretary, miss frail. The poisoned air.

[Miss Frail]

Hello, this is Dr. Morell's house.

[Hugo Russell]

Is that Miss Frail? Professor Russell here.

[Miss Frail]

Oh, hello, Professor. Good evening.

[Hugo Russell]

How's Dr. Morrell? Busy.

[Miss Frail]

Well, he is rather busy. He's working with the Dictaphone at the moment. Shall I get him for you?

[Hugo Russell]

I don't want to disturb him. What do you think are the chances that he can come down early tomorrow?

[Miss Frail]

Tomorrow? It's Saturday, Professor.

[Hugo Russell]

Is it? Oh, yes, so it is.

[Miss Frail]

I think you'd better hold on while I get the doctor.

[Hugo Russell]

If you're sure it's not bothering.

[Miss Frail]

Oh, no, no. He'd like to speak to you. I know.

[Dr. Morell]

The old Scandinavian tribes used flies as oracles. And a certain South American tribe buries the murdered victim's corpse and smooths the earth round the grave. The first insect that runs over it shows the direction in which to look for the murderer. Yet another tribe claims to detect a murderer in a similar way. A watch is kept on the victim's grave and the first animal to cross is followed in the belief that it will lead to the murderer.

[Miss Frail]

Oh, Dr. Morrell.

[Dr. Morell]

What is it, Ms. Frame?

[Miss Frail]

It's Professor Russell on the phone.

[Dr. Morell]

Let me switch off the machine.

[Miss Frail]

The professor wants to know if you can go down and see him tomorrow.

[Dr. Morell]

Oh. That suggests that he's concluded his work on his poisonous gas.

[Miss Frail]

Poisonous gas? Oh, how horrid.

[Dr. Morell]

It is intended not for human beings, but other pests. Oh, I'll speak to him. Hello, Professor? Dr. Morel here.

[Hugo Russell]

Who's that?

[Dr. Morell]

Dr. Morel. Oh, you wanted to speak to me, I believe.

[Hugo Russell]

Dr. Morel. Oh, of course. I'm so sorry. My mind was wandering, I'm afraid. I hope I have disturbed you.

[Dr. Morell]

What do you want?

[Hugo Russell]

I wondered if you could pop down. I want to demonstrate this gas. I've really got it to work at last.

[Dr. Morell]

Congratulations. What time would you suggest I come down?

[Hugo Russell]

Could you be here by 9 o' clock in the morning? It's Saturday, you see.

[Dr. Morell]

I realize that and I've got a wedding later on. A wedding?

[Miss Frail]

What's that, Doctor? Somebody getting married?

[Dr. Morell]

Quiet, Ms. Frase.

[Miss Frail]

Oh, I'm so sorry.

[Hugo Russell]

I've got to go to. It's a nuisance and all that but I'm getting married.

[Dr. Morell]

Well, in that case perhaps it would be as well if you are present.

[Hugo Russell]

I'd forgotten until I was reminded just now by my prospective wife.

[Dr. Morell]

Who is she, may I ask? Or have you forgotten? Better.

[Hugo Russell]

Ms. Goodwin, you know my secretary.

[Dr. Morell]

Oh yes.

[Hugo Russell]

Now what about tomorrow? Can you get here?

[Dr. Morell]

Very well by 10 o'?

[Hugo Russell]

Clock? And bring that young woman of yours with you if you like. What's her name? Ms.

[Bella Goodwin]

Frail.

[Dr. Morell]

I'm sure she'd be delighted. Goodbye, Professor. Goodbye.

[Hugo Russell]

I'll see you tomorrow at 9.

[Miss Frail]

What are you smiling at, Doctor? The idea of someone getting married, Professor.

[Dr. Morell]

Russell really is the popular conception of an absent minded professor.

[Miss Frail]

I think he's rather nice. Quite attractive in a kind of way.

[Dr. Morell]

What kind of way, Ms. Frail?

[Miss Frail]

Well, you know.

[Dr. Morell]

I'm afraid I don't. However, I'm sure his secretary Ms. Goodwin does.

[Miss Frail]

What do you mean?

[Dr. Morell]

They are to be married tomorrow.

[Miss Frail]

Oh, how wonderful.

[Dr. Morell]

I imagine it will be wonderful if he remembers to be there. That's what comes of dedicating yourself to.

[Miss Frail]

Your work, Ms. Goodwin. She's awfully attractive.

[Dr. Morell]

I can't resist wondering whether he ever noticed it.

[Miss Frail]

Well he has Dr. Maria, hasn't he? And better lit than never.

[Dr. Morell]

You sound a trifle tense, Ms. Frale. Is anything the matter?

[Miss Frail]

Oh, nothing at all, Doctor, nothing at all.

[Dr. Morell]

For a moment I was beginning to wonder if.

[Sergeant Hammond]

What?

[Dr. Morell]

Nothing at all, Ms. Frale, nothing at all. Professor Russell has invited you to accompany me tomorrow morning.

[Miss Frail]

Weren't you saying that we'd have to be there about 9 o'?

[Mrs. Atkins]

Clock?

[Miss Frail]

Yes, he lives this side of Guildford. We shall have to leave about eight.

[Dr. Morell]

I hadn't forgotten, Ms. Fraille. I'm not absent minded as it happens.

[Miss Frail]

No doctor. I know.

[Dr. Morell]

I wonder.

[Miss Frail]

You wonder what?

[Dr. Morell]

I was thinking about his assistant, the professor. Omitted to mention him.

[Miss Frail]

Oh, you mean that dark, good looking young man from Vienna or wherever it was.

[Dr. Morell]

Kurt Emanuel.

[Miss Frail]

His name is Kurt Emanuel? Yes, that's it. Come to think of It I rather thought he had his eye on Ms. Goodwin.

[Dr. Morell]

Professor Russell is the much more brilliant chemist.

[Miss Frail]

You think that's why she preferred him to Mr. Emmanuel? Because he's a clever chemist?

[Dr. Morell]

My dear Miss Frail, I have no intention of entering into a discussion with you on the subject of what attracts one female member of the human species to the male or vice versa.

[Miss Frail]

No, but why not?

[Dr. Morell]

Because I have more important matters to attend to in the study.

[Miss Frail]

Oh dear. Just for a moment I thought I'd got him going.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Who are you? Telephone, Hugo.

[Hugo Russell]

Oh, hello Bella. I've been talking to Dr. Morrell.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Not to ask him to be best man, I hope.

[Hugo Russell]

Of course not, my dear. We've already asked Kurt.

[Sergeant Hammond]

I'm glad you remembered that anyway.

[Hugo Russell]

I'm sorry, Bella, about being so absent minded.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Did you mention to him you'd forgotten that you and I are being married tomorrow?

[Hugo Russell]

Mention it to who, my dear?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Dr. Morrell, of course. Haven't you just been speaking to him on the phone?

[Dr. Morell]

Yes, yes, I told you.

[Hugo Russell]

I did mention that I'd forgotten about tomorrow. That's why I asked him down early.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Hugo. I suppose you are going through with it, aren't you?

[Hugo Russell]

I'm afraid you're overworked, Bella.

[Dr. Morell]

We're both overworked.

[Hugo Russell]

We've been going at the job non stop for several months now.

[Sergeant Hammond]

You haven't answered my question.

[Hugo Russell]

It hardly requires an answer. You know that I am marrying you tomorrow. You know that I'm going to do my best to make you happy.

[Sergeant Hammond]

I don't think I could take it if you let me down.

[Hugo Russell]

What are you talking about? Whatever put the idea in your head.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Hello, Hugo.

[Hugo Russell]

Ah, Kurt. You just off? Yes.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Aren't you going home, Bella?

[Bella Goodwin]

Haven't you both done enough for today?

[Sergeant Hammond]

He wants these last notes before tomorrow.

[Kurt Emanuel]

I don't know why you're rushing it this way.

[Hugo Russell]

I'd like to have it all cleared.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Up before the wedding. Why not postpone it?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Thank you.

[Hugo Russell]

I'm sure not all of your jokes are in the best taste.

[Bella Goodwin]

Kurt.

[Kurt Emanuel]

I'm sorry.

[Hugo Russell]

I'm going to the laboratory.

[Kurt Emanuel]

See you in the morning then. I shan't be back till the early hours.

[Dr. Morell]

Have a good party. I will.

[Kurt Emanuel]

So long, Hugo.

[Dr. Morell]

So long, Kurt.

[Hugo Russell]

Come along.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Dinner?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Just coming. I hope you won't miss all your sleep, Kurt.

[Bella Goodwin]

Why do you care?

[Sergeant Hammond]

I want you to look your best.

[Mrs. Atkins]

For the wedding tomorrow.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Now who's making jokes in bad taste?

[Sergeant Hammond]

I don't know what you mean.

[Kurt Emanuel]

You know I'd give anything to get out of it. I'm only Doing it to please Hugo so that he won't suspect that I'm in love with you.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Please don't talk like that.

[Kurt Emanuel]

For the last time, won't you listen to me?

[Sergeant Hammond]

There's your arrogance again. Just because you're in love with me, or say you are.

[Kurt Emanuel]

You know I love you more than anything in the world and so I.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Must love you in return. You can't believe I should turn you down for Hugo.

[Kurt Emanuel]

I know he's got money. He can give you security.

[Sergeant Hammond]

That old Viennese charm creeping through. I think perhaps we better not discuss it anymore.

[Kurt Emanuel]

There's something behind this, some motive for what you're doing. Why don't you confide in me? After all, I might be able to save you sacrificing yourself. I can wait.

[Sergeant Hammond]

How dare you talk to me in this horrible way.

[Dr. Morell]

Put on airs if you like, but.

[Kurt Emanuel]

It doesn't fool me. I know you don't really love Hugo. You really love me, you conceited fool. I don't like being called that.

[Sergeant Hammond]

And I don't like having to listen to any more of your rubbish. Good night.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Good night, Bella. All right, the future Mrs. Russell. I'll see about your little game.

[Bella Goodwin]

I'll have to clean the windscreen. I can't see where I'm going. Absolutely plastered with moths and maybugs. That's better. Hello. Who's this wandering all over the road? Why, it's Miss Goodwin. Are you all right, Miss Goodwin?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Oh, hello, Sergeant Hammond.

[Bella Goodwin]

What are you doing out at this time of night? Been to a party?

[Sergeant Hammond]

No, I haven't. I've just left the professor.

[Bella Goodwin]

Working late hours, aren't you?

[Sergeant Hammond]

So are you.

[Bella Goodwin]

Oh, I'm just back from the police dance. Get in, Ms. Squidwin, and I'll see you safely home.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Oh, that is kind of you. I was almost falling asleep.

[Bella Goodwin]

Ah, so that's what it was. I saw you weaving about the road a bit.

[Dr. Morell]

Finn.

[Bella Goodwin]

You'll have to train Professor Russell better than this when you're Mrs. Russell.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Yes, I will.

[Bella Goodwin]

The village full of the wedding tomorrow.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Oh, and nice of them.

[Bella Goodwin]

And I think your future husband's kept you working till past midnight.

[Sergeant Hammond]

He hasn't got very much idea of time.

[Bella Goodwin]

You better sleep late in the morning.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Not much hope of that. I've got a batch of stuff to type.

[Bella Goodwin]

What a slave driver he is. He'll be wanting you to take the typewriter on your honeymoon.

[Sergeant Hammond]

I don't even know if there'll be one.

[Bella Goodwin]

Dear me, dear me.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Ms. Goodwin, this is me, Sergeant Hammond.

[Bella Goodwin]

You can let yourself in all right?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Oh, yes. My landlady's used to me being back late.

[Bella Goodwin]

She's heard her. Says a lot in the window.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Always likes to bolt up after me. Thank you so much for the lift, Sergeant.

[Bella Goodwin]

A pleasure and very best wishes for tomorrow.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Thank you. Good night.

[Bella Goodwin]

Good night, Ms. Goodwin.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Oh, hello, Mr. Emanuel.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Good morning, Mrs. Atkins.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Off for your early morning walk? As per usual, sir.

[Kurt Emanuel]

I'll be out for about half an hour.

[Mrs. Atkins]

It's a lovely morning and just right for the wedding. Real orange blossoms, though, you might say.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Yes, Mrs. Atkins.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Better get the breakfast. If you can call a curtine. A bit of Pooh's breakfast. Oh, half past eight. I must get a move on.

[Miss Frail]

Professor.

[Mrs. Atkins]

I brought your breakfast. Fast asleep. Better go in. Good morning. Here's your breakfast, Professor. Come on now. Wake up.

[Miss Frail]

It's your wedding day.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Wake up.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Professor.

[Miss Frail]

Oh, Professor. Oh, he's dead.

[Mrs. Atkins]

He's dead. What shall I do? Better phone for the doctor. Should I try and catch Mr. Emanuel?

[Miss Frail]

Oh, dear.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Oh, dear.

[Miss Frail]

What shall I do?

[Mrs. Atkins]

Oh, was that someone at the door?

[Miss Frail]

Who could that be at a time like this?

[Mrs. Atkins]

All right, I'm coming.

[Miss Frail]

Oh, dear.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Oh, dear.

[Miss Frail]

Good morning. Professor Russell's expecting us. He's dead. It's Dr. Morell and Miss.

[Bella Goodwin]

What?

[Miss Frail]

He's dead.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Professor Russell's dead.

[Miss Frail]

What are you saying? I just found him.

[Mrs. Atkins]

I'm Mrs. Atkins. The Daily. I just arrived and I took him in his breakfast. Not that he has much. Just a cup of tea and a bit of toast.

[Dr. Morell]

Where is he?

[Miss Frail]

Upstairs in bed, where I found him.

[Dr. Morell]

Come along, Miss Phil.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Yes, Doctor.

[Mrs. Atkins]

I knocked and he didn't reply. I thought he was sleepy. And then it being his wedding day.

[Miss Frail]

And that, I went in.

[Dr. Morell]

The woman was right, I fear.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Ms. Rail, is he dead?

[Dr. Morell]

Yes. He must have been dead several hours. Somewhat curious.

[Miss Frail]

What? Dr. Morel.

[Dr. Morell]

He has the appearance of having succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning.

[Miss Frail]

You mean gas poisoning?

[Dr. Morell]

Yes.

[Miss Frail]

There's no gas fire or anything wrong.

[Dr. Morell]

I had already observed that the window is closed.

[Miss Frail]

And it was a warm night last night.

[Dr. Morell]

And these two glass containers on the table over here.

[Miss Frail]

What a horrid coloured liquid this one is.

[Dr. Morell]

The other one has been emptied.

[Miss Frail]

Dr. Morrell. It's the poisonous gas.

[Dr. Morell]

Possibly, Miss Frale.

[Miss Frail]

Fancy Professor Russell carrying on his experiments up here.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Is he? Is he?

[Sergeant Hammond]

I'm.

[Miss Frail]

I'm afraid Professor Russell's dead.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Oh, dear. Then I might just as well take his breakfast tray away.

[Dr. Morell]

He certainly won't be requiring it.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Not that it was much of a breakfast. Only a cup of tea and a Bit of toast.

[Miss Frail]

What shall we do, Doctor?

[Dr. Morell]

I was wondering where the others were.

[Miss Frail]

Ms. Goodwin.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Oh, Ms. Goodwin will be here any minute now.

[Dr. Morell]

And Mr. Emanuel?

[Mrs. Atkins]

He's out for his usual walk. I met him as I came in.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Where are you, Mrs. Ashton?

[Mrs. Atkins]

That's Ms. Goodwin, sir. She's here. What shall I tell her?

[Dr. Morell]

I'll speak to her. Wait here, Miss Frail.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Oh, you.

[Dr. Morell]

You needn't remain by the bed if you prefer not to.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Well, I.

[Dr. Morell]

Look out at the garden. That'll provide you with a more pleasant street.

[Miss Frail]

Yes, doctor. Oh, poor Miss Goodwin. And she was going to marry him today.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Mrs. Atkins, are you there?

[Mrs. Atkins]

She's on her way, sir.

[Miss Frail]

Upstairs.

[Dr. Morell]

Very well. Miss Goodwin.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Oh, it's you, Dr. Morel.

[Dr. Morell]

I hope I didn't surprise you too much.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Of course. Hugo said you'll be coming down first thing this morning. Have you seen him?

[Dr. Morell]

I have.

[Sergeant Hammond]

What is it? What's. What's the matter?

[Dr. Morell]

I fear, Ms. Goodwin, you must prepare yourself.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Something's happened to him.

[Dr. Morell]

Professor Russell is dead.

[Miss Frail]

But it can't be true.

[Sergeant Hammond]

He was feeling perfectly all right last night when I left him.

[Dr. Morell]

I'm afraid it is true.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Let me see him.

[Dr. Morell]

Ms. Frail is in there. She came down with me.

[Sergeant Hammond]

How did he die? He looks. He looks.

[Dr. Morell]

That remains to be seen. Possibly a heart attack. Although his appearance indicates something else.

[Hugo Russell]

This is a dreadful shock.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Oh, Dr. Morel, won't you? Thanks.

[Miss Frail]

Can I get you something?

[Sergeant Hammond]

No, Ms. Freyer. Doctor, I can't understand it. I was working with him late last night and he was perfectly normal. But you yourself know.

[Miss Frail]

Well, I spoke to the professor when he phoned.

[Dr. Morell]

He sounded in perfectly good health. I agree. You say that you were with him late last night.

[Sergeant Hammond]

There was a last batch of notes to be done and he wanted to get it over with.

[Dr. Morell]

Where is Mr. Emanuel?

[Hugo Russell]

Good.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Well, he'll be out on his morning walk. I'll ask Mrs. Atkins if she's seen.

[Dr. Morell]

Never mind that now.

[Sergeant Hammond]

He'll be back presently.

[Miss Frail]

Doesn't he know about Professor Russell?

[Dr. Morell]

It would appear not.

[Sergeant Hammond]

There's no reason why he should. You see, doctor, he always goes for a walk first thing before starting work for the day.

[Dr. Morell]

That explains it. There is every indication, Ms. Goodwin, that the professor may have had an accident.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Accident?

[Dr. Morell]

The poisonous gas on which he was working.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Glass containers. What are they doing here?

[Dr. Morell]

That question occurred to me.

[Sergeant Hammond]

One's been emptied into the other.

[Miss Frail]

How do you know?

[Sergeant Hammond]

The color of the liquid. That's what produced the poisonous gas.

[Dr. Morell]

That was what? I was wondering. Is it lethal to human beings in Its present form.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Hugo and Kurt were working on it further to make it non fatal to human beings.

[Dr. Morell]

Curtis Emmanuel shared the secret of its manufacture with the professor.

[Sergeant Hammond]

He first brought it to Hugo. That was why he came to live here. So that they could experiment together.

[Dr. Morell]

I understand.

[Sergeant Hammond]

How am I going to break it to him?

[Dr. Morell]

To what do you attribute the presence of these containers here?

[Sergeant Hammond]

I don't know.

[Miss Frail]

He was very absent minded, wasn't he?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Never with his job. I know he forgot about our wedding today, but he wouldn't forget about his work.

[Dr. Morell]

When did you last see these containers?

[Sergeant Hammond]

In the laboratory last night.

[Dr. Morell]

Can you explain their presence here?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Perhaps he brought them up with him to make last minute adjustments.

[Dr. Morell]

Just now you said you couldn't understand it.

[Sergeant Hammond]

I can't. But how else could they have got up here?

[Dr. Morell]

There's no one in the house at night except Professor Russell and Mr. Emanuel.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Kurt went out to a party at Guildford after dinner and told us not to expect him back to the early hours.

[Dr. Morell]

Did the professor invariably sleep with the windows closed?

[Miss Frail]

Yes.

[Sergeant Hammond]

As a matter of fact, I came up here and put on the reading lamp beside his bed. The insects started flying in from the dark, so I closed the windows. When I left, Hugo was on his way up to bed.

[Miss Frail]

That sounds as if someone's outside in the drive. It looks like Mr. Emanuel.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Yes, it is. Court. I, I. Shall I tell him what's happened?

[Dr. Morell]

Why not let him come up and see for himself?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Shock. It might upset him.

[Dr. Morell]

You prefer to break the news, Tim?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Might be better.

[Dr. Morell]

Very well.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Catch him in case he meets Mrs. Atkins.

[Dr. Morell]

Where she be?

[Sergeant Hammond]

In the kitchen.

[Dr. Morell]

But if she hears, I think I might have a word with her.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Oh. Oh, yes, I'll hurry and see.

[Bella Goodwin]

Good.

[Dr. Morell]

Ms. Freya.

[Miss Frail]

Yes, doctor?

[Dr. Morell]

When you finish scrutinizing that dead moth.

[Miss Frail]

On the windowsill, there's a whole lot of in.

[Dr. Morell]

Naturally, they died at the same time that Professor Russell did, Doctor. What do you mean, Ms. Frail? If you'd pick up the telephone and ask for the police.

[Miss Frail]

The police, Dr. Morrell. You mean that.

[Dr. Morell]

Just ask for the police, Ms. Frail.

[Miss Frail]

Yes, doctor. Shall I use a handkerchief to hold the receiver?

[Dr. Morell]

If it amuses you to do so, Ms. Frail.

[Miss Frail]

I meant in case there are fingerprints.

[Dr. Morell]

If there are, they won't prove anything one way or the other. And wrapping a handkerchief around the receiver will merely serve to smudge them.

[Miss Frail]

Oh, but I always thought.

[Dr. Morell]

Your head is forever plagued with popular fallacies, Ms. Frail. Just pick up the phone and get the police.

[Miss Frail]

Yes, Dr. Morell.

[Dr. Morell]

And while you're attending to that Task. I'll have a word with Mrs. Atkins.

[Miss Frail]

Oh, yes, Dr. Morrell. Oh, there's Ms. Goodwin and Mr. Emanuel in the garden.

[Dr. Morell]

So I have observed them.

[Miss Frail]

I suppose she's telling him about poor perfect Russell.

[Dr. Morell]

No doubt she is doing that.

[Kurt Emanuel]

I can't believe this has happened.

[Sergeant Hammond]

I don't know what to believe.

[Kurt Emanuel]

What do you mean?

[Sergeant Hammond]

He was perfectly all right last night. Lonely.

[Kurt Emanuel]

You must keep a grip on yourself.

[Sergeant Hammond]

But how could it have happened? Why should he have got the stuff in his bedroom?

[Kurt Emanuel]

Dr. Morel's up there.

[Bella Goodwin]

Is he?

[Sergeant Hammond]

He went to speak to Mrs. Atkins, but he'll go back upstairs. Miss Braille's there.

[Kurt Emanuel]

What's he want with Mrs. Atkins?

[Sergeant Hammond]

I don't know. He just said he'd like to speak to her.

[Dr. Morell]

I don't see what this has got.

[Kurt Emanuel]

To do with him. He was invited down As a guest, not as Hugo.

[Sergeant Hammond]

What does it matter? He's here and he is a doctor.

[Kurt Emanuel]

I'd better see what's going on.

[Sergeant Hammond]

All right, let's go.

[Bella Goodwin]

Poor Bella.

[Kurt Emanuel]

I'm so dreadfully sorry. Please believe I'll do everything I can.

[Mrs. Atkins]

I didn't get no reply, Doctor. I went in and there the professor was.

[Dr. Morell]

Was there anything about the room that you noticed particularly? The bedside lamp was off.

[Mrs. Atkins]

That's right. And the curtains were drawn open like they always are.

[Dr. Morell]

The windows were closed.

[Mrs. Atkins]

That's right. He all slept with his windows closed winter and summer.

[Dr. Morell]

You invariably called him at the same time?

[Mrs. Atkins]

Yes.

[Dr. Morell]

Where was Mr. Emmanuel when this happened?

[Mrs. Atkins]

Well, I'd seen him just before I went upstairs. He was going out for his usual morning walk.

[Dr. Morell]

You noticed nothing untoward about him?

[Mrs. Atkins]

He looked a bit washed out, like. But that's no wonder, seeing the time he went to bed last night, or rather this morning.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Indeed.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Half past three. It was just before daylight.

[Dr. Morell]

What were you yourself doing at that hour?

[Mrs. Atkins]

It wasn't me. It was my son. He took some girl home from the police dance and dallied. You know what young lads are nowadays.

[Dr. Morell]

Not only nowadays, Mrs. Atkins.

[Miss Frail]

I don't know what they're coming to.

[Dr. Morell]

Your son, sir. Mr. Emanuel returning home?

[Mrs. Atkins]

That's right. Overtook him, he did, in his car. Mr. Emanuel's car, that is. And my son saw him drive in here.

[Dr. Morell]

When you saw him this morning, he appeared not to realize that the professor was dead.

[Mrs. Atkins]

If he did, he didn't say anything to me about it. No, of course he didn't know.

[Dr. Morell]

Well, I mean to say thank you. You've been most helpful.

[Mrs. Atkins]

Oh, that sounds like Mr. Manuel now. Just come in with Ms. Goodwin.

[Dr. Morell]

I heard them.

[Mrs. Atkins]

They're going upstairs.

[Dr. Morell]

I will follow them.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Doctor Morel. It was the gas that killed him. We both knew from our experiments that it was lethal. He nearly got me once in the laboratory. Hugo saved my life by smashing the window.

[Sergeant Hammond]

What was it doing here in his bedroom?

[Kurt Emanuel]

He must have brought it upstairs to try and experiment with it, I suppose.

[Dr. Morell]

Has he ever done this kind of thing before?

[Kurt Emanuel]

He was pretty absent minded. He often worked late on his notes up here.

[Dr. Morell]

Ms. Goodwin said that late last night when she left him, he had completed his work.

[Sergeant Hammond]

I explained we were supposed to be married today and he wanted the job completely tied up.

[Dr. Morell]

You worked very closely with Professor Russell on this experiment, didn't you, Mr. Emmanuel?

[Kurt Emanuel]

It was my idea originally. A form of gas to exterminate agricultural pests, rodents and so forth. But it was Hugo who developed it so that it could be a workable proposition. I knew as much about it as he did. But he was the senior partner, as you might say.

[Dr. Morell]

And when you left him last evening, you had no inkling that this could happen?

[Bella Goodwin]

No.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Why should I have? You are not suggesting it's suicide, are you?

[Dr. Morell]

I'm not in a position to suggest anything. I'm merely asking a few questions so that we may know what to tell the police when they arrive.

[Bella Goodwin]

The police?

[Dr. Morell]

Miss Frail has telephoned for them. Have you not, Ms. Fraille?

[Miss Frail]

Yes, they're on their way.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Is it necessary to bring them in, Doctor?

[Dr. Morell]

It is the duty of the coroner to investigate the death of any person when informed that such death has been sudden, violent or unnatural.

[Sergeant Hammond]

But why should Hugo have committed suicide? He had everything to live for.

[Kurt Emanuel]

That's what I don't understand. He had succeeded in his way.

[Sergeant Hammond]

We were going to be married.

[Dr. Morell]

I never said that it was suicide.

[Sergeant Hammond]

It must have been an accident. That's what it was after I'd gone last night. He must have thought something he wanted to work on and brought the two containers up here.

[Kurt Emanuel]

I'm pretty sure it was something like that.

[Dr. Morell]

How long would the gas remain in the atmosphere?

[Kurt Emanuel]

A matter of a few minutes. That was one of its features which made it convenient for handling.

[Sergeant Hammond]

That'll be Sergeant Hammond. I met him last night.

[Dr. Morell]

Did you, Miss Goodwin?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Yes. He gave me a lift home.

[Dr. Morell]

What time was that? About 12 o'.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Clock.

[Dr. Morell]

I see.

[Sergeant Hammond]

I'll go and let him in.

[Dr. Morell]

Very well, Miss Goodwin. We'll remain up here.

[Bella Goodwin]

I'll have to phone Guildford police about this. Looks like a serious business.

[Kurt Emanuel]

You mean a coroner's inquest?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Dr. Morel has already told us about that.

[Bella Goodwin]

How long Dr. Morell, would you say he's been dead?

[Dr. Morell]

Death was instantaneous and must have ensued somewhere between midnight and the early hours of this morning.

[Bella Goodwin]

Thanks, doctor.

[Sergeant Hammond]

I left him just about 12 o'. Clock. And he was going to bed.

[Bella Goodwin]

That's right, Ms. Goodwin. I saw you and gave you a lift home. And a long day you'd had of it, by the sound of things.

[Dr. Morell]

When you left him, Ms. Goodwin, he appeared normal?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Absolutely.

[Dr. Morell]

There had been no quarrel between you?

[Sergeant Hammond]

Not really. Only that earlier on in the evening I'd snapped at him over his absent mindedness. He'd almost forgotten about the wedding.

[Dr. Morell]

I know, Esme. He mentioned it to me on the telephone.

[Bella Goodwin]

And there was no reason why I should carry out any further experiments with this stuff.

[Miss Frail]

Nothing that I can think of.

[Bella Goodwin]

What ideas have you got, Mr. Emanuel?

[Kurt Emanuel]

Frankly, I wouldn't like to say. He might easily have had a sudden fresh idea and decided to try it out in practice.

[Dr. Morell]

Would he not have conducted any further experiments in his laboratory?

[Kurt Emanuel]

Yes, he would. But something's just occurred to me.

[Bella Goodwin]

What's that?

[Kurt Emanuel]

Those insects lying on the window ledge there.

[Miss Frail]

Yes, I notice them. They're all dead.

[Kurt Emanuel]

That's what I'm getting at. Supposing Hugo spotted them and thought it was a good opportunity to tie out the stuff. He went downstairs, brought it up here and it worked all right. But not only on the insects. On himself as well.

[Miss Frail]

Oh, how awful.

[Bella Goodwin]

You may have got something there, Mr. Emanuel.

[Kurt Emanuel]

It only just occurred to me. I don't say it's what actually happened.

[Dr. Morell]

There is one piece of evidence which proves conclusively that what you suggested did not in fact happen.

[Miss Frail]

What's that?

[Sergeant Hammond]

What do you mean, Doctor?

[Dr. Morell]

The position of the body in bed, the clothes drawn over it in an attitude of sleep. Everything points to the fact that far from his having any part brought about his death, he was taken completely unawares.

[Bella Goodwin]

That's true enough.

[Kurt Emanuel]

I hadn't thought of that.

[Dr. Morell]

Nevertheless, your observation regarding the dead insects is illuminating. I am reminded of some anthological studies I'm making of a certain South American tribe which buries the victim of a murder and then watches the grave for the first ant which crawls when it the direction it takes points to the assassin.

[Sergeant Hammond]

I don't see what all this has got to do with poor Hugo's death.

[Dr. Morell]

Don't you, Ms. Goodwin?

[Kurt Emanuel]

All this mumbo jumbo about detecting a murderer. After all, who said anything about this being murder?

[Dr. Morell]

I am Saying it now, Dr. Morel.

[Bella Goodwin]

What do you mean, Doctor?

[Dr. Morell]

It has already Been proved that Professor Russell was taken unawares by the gas which killed him. Thus removing the possibility of either accident or suicide. Ms. Goodwin is emphatic that when she left him last night at midnight, he was alive and well.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Of course, he was.

[Dr. Morell]

Both glass containers holding the component liquids which, when added together produced the gas were in their proper place in the laboratory.

[Kurt Emanuel]

They were certainly there when I went.

[Dr. Morell]

Who then removed them, brought them up here for the express purpose of murdering Professor Russell. This is horrible. Wherein lies the significance of the dead insects?

[Bella Goodwin]

I still don't get it.

[Dr. Morell]

Ms. Goodin has established an alibi with none other than yourself. You took her home at about midnight.

[Sergeant Hammond]

And I went straight to bed. My landlady can swear to that.

[Dr. Morell]

On the other hand, Mr. Emanuel returned at approximately half past three this morning, just at daybreak.

[Kurt Emanuel]

I don't remember saying it, but it is true.

[Dr. Morell]

Mrs. Atkins son who had attended the local police dance, saw you, Mrs. Atkins.

[Bella Goodwin]

Boy? That's right. I noticed him at the dance myself.

[Dr. Morell]

Now perceive the significance of those dead insects on the windowsill. The insects affected last night by the reading lamp and shut in. Ms. Goodwin closed the window, indicating the murderer in the way. The ant on the victim's grave I mentioned.

[Miss Frail]

I don't see it.

[Dr. Morell]

All right, Ms. Brayden. Oh, Ms. Goodwin's alibi is indisputable. But we have only her word that the professor was in fact alive when she left him.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Of course he was alive. I didn't do it. I did kill him. Why should I? I was in love with him.

[Kurt Emanuel]

Were you, Bella? You were in love with his money?

[Bella Goodwin]

Yes.

[Kurt Emanuel]

But it was really me you love.

[Sergeant Hammond]

How gay. Say, that must be a mess.

[Dr. Morell]

Whereas you, Mr. Emanuel, have an alibi until your return early this morning.

[Miss Frail]

I see. If Professor Russell died the four minutes.

[Bella Goodwin]

Ms. Griffin, and if he died in the early hours, then Mr. Emanuel did it.

[Kurt Emanuel]

This is outrageous.

[Dr. Morell]

And the fact that the insects were at the window when the poisonous gas killed him at the same time as Professor Russell. Because they were attracted to the window by the first slice of daybreak.

[Miss Frail]

Look out, Kurt.

[Kurt Emanuel]

He's making a run for it.

[Narrator]

God.

[Sergeant Hammond]

It was Kurt who did it. He was determined I shouldn't marry Hugo.

[Dr. Morell]

That is a motive. That strings to the mind.

[Sergeant Hammond]

He made himself believe that I loved him and not Hugo.

[Miss Frail]

Your car, Sergeant Hammond. He's getting into your car. We must go after him. Oh, Dr. Morrell. We can go after him in our.

[Dr. Morell]

Car, I fancy, Ms. Fray. We might leave that to the police.

[Bella Goodwin]

Not to worry, Ms. Frale.

[Sergeant Hammond]

What are you doing?

[Bella Goodwin]

Phoning? Guilford to put out a general alarm.

[Miss Frail]

But he'll get away.

[Bella Goodwin]

Not very far in my car. Hardly any petrol left in the tank. I forgot to fill her up before I came out. This.

[Narrator]

That was another adventure in a BBC series featuring ernest dudley's famous character, Dr. Morell, and, of course, his secretary, Ms. Fred. The artists taking part were Dr. Morel, cecil parker, Ms. Frail, sheila sim, bella goodwin, maureen risco, kurt emanuel, david hurst, hugo russell, john horsley, sergeant hammond, hayden jones, Mrs. Atkins, elsa p. This recorded program was produced by leslie bridgmont.

[Sergeant Hammond]

Sam.