Raffles 43-04-26 xxx The Case Of The Wemberton Curse

Summary

The Case of the Wemberton Curse: A Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Raffles 43-04-26 xxx The Case Of The Wemberton Curse
• Release Date: January 21, 2025

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Introduction to the Mystery

The episode opens with a serene setting in the English countryside, where the charming duo, Raffles and his companion Doreen, are enjoying a well-deserved rest after a series of exhausting endeavors against the Nazi underground in London. As they dine, the calm is subtly disrupted by a conversation that hints at past mysteries and impending intrigue.

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Encounter with Mrs. Holtz

While finishing their meal, the waiter introduces Mrs. Holtz, the heir to the Wemberton estate, sparking Raffles' keen interest.

• Waiter [02:44]: “The lady standing alone across there. That's Mrs. Holtz, the heir to the Wimbleton estate.”

Raffles reflects on past events, revealing his history with the Wemberton estate and his previous entanglement with the police suspicion over several murders.

• Raffles [03:05]: “I remember the case quite well. As a matter of fact, I think there was a time when the police suspected me of some of the murders there.”

This revelation sets the stage for the unfolding mystery surrounding the Wemberton estate.

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A Suspicious Reunion

Raffles strikes up a conversation with Mrs. Holtz, revealing his familiarity with her family and the estate's dark history.

• Raffles [03:30]: “Would you join me and my friend for a cocktail on the terrace?”

During their interaction, Mrs. Holtz displays a sharp wit and apparent connection to past events, leading to a tense confrontation.

• Raffles [04:19]: “You wouldn't be working for the Nazis while the real Mrs. Holtz slaves in some German concentration camp, would you?”

• Mrs. Holtz [04:24]: “Why, Mr. Raffles, how extremely clever of you... Put up your hands, Raffles.”

This exchange hints at Mrs. Holtz’s true intentions and her possible association with the Nazi Fifth Column, escalating the suspense.

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The Unfolding Conflict

The tension escalates when Mrs. Holtz unexpectedly becomes unconscious, leading to a chaotic situation as Raffles and Doreen attempt to manage the fallout.

• Doreen [05:18]: “But she. She's unconscious. Oh, Raffles, you may have killed her.”

Raffles quickly adapts, deciding to take Mrs. Holtz back to London for further investigation, demonstrating his knack for improvisation even in dire circumstances.

• Raffles [05:27]: “Take her back to London and find out a lot more about her.”

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Inspector Charles Enters the Scene

Inspector Charles reappears, revealing his distrust towards Raffles despite their uneasy alliance. He directs Doreen to impersonate an impostor to infiltrate Wemberton Castle.

• Inspector Charles [05:50]: “Listen carefully. I want you to pack your things for quite a stay in the country... Doreen, you're going to impersonate an impostor.”

This directive propels Raffles and Doreen deeper into the heart of the mystery, setting the stage for their infiltration of the infamous Wemberton Castle.

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Arrival at Wemberton Castle

Upon arriving at the castle, Raffles and Doreen meet Ben Hanson, the caretaker, who provides unsettling information about the estate’s cursed history.

• Waiter [07:43]: “But haven't you heard about the curse of Wemberton Castle?”

As they settle in, the eerie atmosphere of the castle becomes palpable, especially with tales of mysterious deaths and the legendary curse purportedly placed by the late Lord Wemberton.

• Waiter [08:17]: “They say every woman that's ever tried to live here has died...”

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Supernatural Elements and Suspense

The narrative delves into the lore of the Wemberton curse, recounting Lord Wemberton’s tragic love story and his vengeful legacy against women, which allegedly led to numerous unexplained deaths at the estate.

• Waiter [08:35]: “Lord Wemberton... swore his vengeance against all women.”

Raffles remains skeptical of the supernatural claims, preferring to seek logical explanations, while Doreen expresses her discomfort and skepticism.

• Raffles [08:42]: “What's wrong with the place?”

The presence of a large, bloodied dog named Bernard adds a layer of mystery and potential danger, intensifying the suspense.

• Raffles [10:11]: “He thinks there's some...”

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Unveiling the Truth

The plot thickens when Doreen notices uncanny similarities between the caretaker’s dog and Lord Wemberton's portrait, particularly in their unique eye structure and a distinctive jewel belt.

• Doreen [12:27]: “It's... It is. It's the jewel belt Lord Wemberton's wearing in the picture.”

• Raffles [12:18]: “Central motif for the crest is a death head...”

These observations lead Raffles and Doreen to suspect a deeper connection between the caretaker and the cursed legacy of the Wemberton family, suggesting that the curse may not be merely supernatural but tied to real individuals with sinister motives.

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Cliffhanger and Anticipation for the Next Episode

As the episode draws to a close, the realization of the caretaker's resemblance to Lord Wemberton leaves listeners on a cliffhanger, eagerly anticipating the next installment.

• Doreen [13:21]: “The same deep set, dark brown eyes and those heavy jowls. And the belt. Do you see the resemblance to Lord Wemperton?”

The narrator concludes with a promise of more thrilling developments in the ongoing investigation, ensuring that the audience remains hooked for future episodes.

• Narrator [13:46]: “Listen again tomorrow night to another thrilling chapter in the case of the Wemberton Curse...”

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Key Insights and Themes

• Duality of Characters: The complex relationship between Raffles and Inspector Charles highlights themes of trust and betrayal.

• Supernatural vs. Reality: The blend of supernatural lore with real-world espionage creates a compelling narrative tension.

• Legacy and Vengeance: The curse of Wemberton Castle serves as a metaphor for the lingering impact of past grievances and unaddressed injustices.

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Notable Quotes

• Raffles [03:30]: “Would you join me and my friend for a cocktail on the terrace?”

• Mrs. Holtz [04:24]: “With such a brilliant mind for deduction, one would hardly expect you to challenge a person in my position until you had made certain they were unarmed.”

• Waiter [08:17]: “They say every woman that's ever tried to live here has died. Usually in a mysterious way.”

• Doreen [12:27]: “It's the jewel belt Lord Wemperton's wearing in the picture.”

• Narrator [13:46]: “Listen again tomorrow night to another thrilling chapter in the case of the Wemberton Curse.”

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Conclusion

"The Case of the Wemberton Curse" masterfully intertwines elements of mystery, suspense, and historical intrigue, setting up a captivating storyline that promises further twists and revelations. Raffles' relentless pursuit of truth amidst deceptive appearances keeps listeners engaged, while the eerie backdrop of Wemberton Castle adds a chilling dimension to the unfolding drama. As the episode concludes, the stage is set for deeper explorations into the curse's origins and its true implications, ensuring that audiences remain eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

Transcript

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Big Ben tolls the time in London. Time to listen to the case of the Wimberton Cur.

[Raffles]

SA.

[Narrator]

PBS presents the new and exciting case of the Wimberton Curse. Featuring Raffles. The Nazi underground in London has suffered many disappointments of late, largely due to the efforts of Raffles. But even though many fifth columnists are now behind bars thanks to him, Inspector Charles still clings to his belief that a man is once a crook, always a crook. And although he has often had to call on Raffles for help, he still mistrusts him. Raffles and Doreen have determined to begin a long awaited and well earned rest. And they have started by driving up the country for dinner. They are just finishing their meal.

[Waiter]

Could I get you anything more, sir?

[Raffles]

No, thank you.

[Waiter]

I beg pardon sir, but I should like you to know that we are honored here tonight.

[Doreen]

Oh, how's that?

[Waiter]

The lady standing alone across there. That's Mrs. Holtz, the heir to the Wimbleton estate.

[Raffles]

Yes, there used to be quite a.

[Waiter]

Scandal about several murders of women there before old Lord Wemberton died. I understand that Mrs. Holt's grand niece was the only heir.

[Raffles]

Very interesting. Wait a minute. Thank you very much.

[Waiter]

Oh, not at all, sir.

[Raffles]

That's funny.

[Doreen]

What is?

[Raffles]

Mrs. Holt should be here in England now.

[Doreen]

Why?

[Raffles]

I remember the case quite well. As a matter of fact, I think there was a time when the police suspected me of some of the murders there. Well, this niece of Lord Werthington, married a German, left England. I haven't heard of her since.

[Doreen]

Possibly she didn't like Germany. There are several who don't, you know.

[Raffles]

Possibly. Excuse me a moment, will you, darling?

[Doreen]

Certainly.

[Raffles]

I beg your pardon.

[Mrs. Holtz]

Yes.

[Raffles]

You are Mrs. Herbert, aren't you?

[Mrs. Holtz]

I am.

[Raffles]

I met you one time several years ago, before you were married, when you were still Miss Wemberton. My name is Raffles.

[Mrs. Holtz]

Why. Oh, of course, sir. How do you do? You seem to remember a great deal about me.

[Raffles]

The business of the murders at your great uncle's estate caused no end of publicity.

[Mrs. Holtz]

Yes, I know.

[Raffles]

Would you join me and my friend for a cocktail on the terrace?

[Mrs. Holtz]

I will. That is a high.

[Raffles]

I enjoy reminiscing regarding events that seemed at the time of no importance. I'd like to see just how much I can remember. Mrs. Holtz, will you join us?

[Mrs. Holtz]

Thank you. You know, Mr. Raffles, since our little talk, I remember you perfectly. But I count for the life of me remember where it was we met.

[Raffles]

You mean when you were still Miss Remington?

[Mrs. Holtz]

Yes.

[Raffles]

That's possibly because, Mrs. Holtz, you are not the person I met as Miss Boymouthton.

[Mrs. Holtz]

What do you mean?

[Raffles]

You wouldn't be working for the Nazis While the real Mrs. Holtz slaves in some German concentration camp, would you?

[Mrs. Holtz]

Why, Mr. Raffles, how extremely clever of you. With such a brilliant mind for deduction, one would hardly expect you to challenge a person in my position until you had made certain they were unarmed. Put up your hands, Raffles. Quiet, you. I've said about the little girl. That is such a great help to Mr. Raffles.

[Raffles]

Then you really do remember.

[Mrs. Holtz]

Yes. Most of my people are quite well aware of you, Mr. Raffles. All of us have been hoping to catch you. I'm indeed grateful that the honor of ridding my country of your menace has fallen to me. Now, out to the cars, both of.

[Doreen]

You.

[Raffles]

For just a moment. Aren't they apt to be slightly suspicious if the wealthy Mrs. Holt leaves without paying a cheque?

[Mrs. Holtz]

Thank you, Mr. Raffles. You're right. And so you may pay it for me.

[Raffles]

I'm dreadfully sorry. I don't have to have any money with me. I shall have to write a check.

[Mrs. Holtz]

Never mind. Here, I'll give you the money. I have quite a large sum here in my bag.

[Doreen]

Raffles. Raffles. You struck her.

[Raffles]

This is no time to think of chivalry. There's another way.

[Doreen]

But she. She's unconscious. Oh, Raffles, you may have killed her.

[Raffles]

No, she'll be all right. And I think we might say for the moment that we're out of danger. Here, Doreen, help me load her into a car.

[Doreen]

All right.

[Raffles]

You drive mine back to the apartment. Wait. From there.

[Doreen]

William, what are we going to do with her?

[Raffles]

Take her back to London and find out. A lot More about her.

[Doreen]

Oh, Raffles, no.

[Raffles]

We're going to find out why Mrs. Holtz isn't Ms. Wemerton.

[Doreen]

Hello, Doreen.

[Inspector Charles]

Listen carefully. I want you to pack your things for quite a stay in the country.

[Doreen]

Where are we going?

[Inspector Charles]

Wemberton Castle.

[Doreen]

What?

[Inspector Charles]

Yes. Don't you want to see your newly inherited estate, Raffles?

[Doreen]

What do you mean?

[Inspector Charles]

I've checked on our friend Mrs. Holmes. There's no doubt but that she's connected with the Fifth Column. She's never been to the castle. Stuff has been completely changed within the last five years. None of them would know whether she was the real Ms. Weberton or not. I have all her papers, so get packed. Raffles, I. Doreen, you're going to impersonate an impostor.

[Waiter]

Good evening.

[Doreen]

Oh, hello. Are you the caretaker?

[Waiter]

Yes. I'm Ben Hanson. I've been caretaker here for nearly five years.

[Doreen]

How do you do? I'm Margaret Holmes.

[Waiter]

Oh, Mrs. Holmes. Come in, come in. We've been waiting for you to come home for a long time. I'm glad to see you.

[Doreen]

Thank you. This is my attorney, Mr. Wilson.

[Waiter]

How do you do, sir?

[Raffles]

Hello.

[Waiter]

Come in and sit by the fire. You must be cold.

[Raffles]

Thank you, we are a little.

[Waiter]

Come right in here and sit down. Make yourself comfortable. I'll get you some tea and some brandy.

[Raffles]

Thank you.

[Doreen]

Do you think he.

[Raffles]

I'm certain he doesn't suspect a thing. As far as he's concerned, he's just witnessed the long awaited return of the rightful heir of Wilmington Castle, Mrs. Margaret Holtz.

[Doreen]

I hope he stays that way.

[Raffles]

Well, that's up to us. Looks like rather a nice estate you've come into possession of, my dear.

[Doreen]

I'm not so sure that I like it or what goes with it.

[Raffles]

We'll have to wait and see about that. Oh, back so soon? That's fast work.

[Waiter]

I had the kettle hot. Here you are, ma'am.

[Mrs. Holtz]

Thank you.

[Waiter]

And you, sir?

[Raffles]

The brandy.

[Waiter]

Can I get you anything else?

[Doreen]

I think not.

[Waiter]

I'll just stir up the fire a bit.

[Doreen]

Quite comfortable here.

[Waiter]

I'm glad you think so, ma'am. I hope it will remain so.

[Raffles]

What do you mean?

[Waiter]

Well, it's never been a place that you'd call exactly comfortable for a woman to stay in.

[Doreen]

I don't think I understand.

[Waiter]

Surely you've heard about this place?

[Doreen]

Of course. During the court proceedings I got some idea.

[Waiter]

But haven't you heard about the curse of Wemberton Castle?

[Doreen]

Curse?

[Raffles]

Oh, come now, old boy. Don't tell me we have ghosts.

[Waiter]

Call it what you will. Sir, but it's not a pleasant thing.

[Doreen]

Well, what is it?

[Waiter]

Well, I was never one to believe in them sort of things before coming here, but now we'll. I'm not so sure.

[Raffles]

Well out of it. What's wrong with the place?

[Waiter]

Well, there are those that say there's a curse on this house. A curse? Placed on it by old Lord Wimberton.

[Doreen]

Oh, but my great uncle's been dead for nearly 20 years.

[Waiter]

Yes, but the curse isn't dead.

[Raffles]

Very interesting. Tell us more.

[Waiter]

Well, it seems that when Lord Wemberton was quite a young man, he fell madly in love with a very beautiful young woman. Everyone was certain they'd be married. Everyone, including his Lordship. But when the time came for him to ask her, she refused. They say it hit him so hard that he swore his vengeance against all women. He lived on here the rest of his life and no woman that's ever tried to live here has escaped his curse.

[Raffles]

What do you mean?

[Waiter]

Well, every woman that's ever tried to live here has died. Usually in a mysterious way. Before the old man died, everyone thought he murdered them. The police were never able to prove anything. And after he died, there were more deaths until no woman would live here anymore. You're the first one to come here in years, aside from my Sarah.

[Doreen]

Oh, then your wife is here with you?

[Waiter]

Well, not exactly.

[Doreen]

What do you mean, not exactly?

[Waiter]

Sarah passed on last month.

[Doreen]

Oh, I. I'm sorry.

[Waiter]

She's the only woman ever known to die a natural death here. Well, I'll get your rooms ready, handsome.

[Raffles]

Just. Just a minute. That portrait above the mantel, is that the old gentleman?

[Waiter]

That's Lord Wemberton, sir. It all was hung there to.

[Raffles]

What's the place, I presume?

[Waiter]

Impossibly, sir. I'll fix the room.

[Doreen]

Oh, that's my great uncle, is it?

[Raffles]

Stern looking old bird, wasn't it? What old Hanson says is true.

[Doreen]

Raffles. You don't think I'm foolish enough to believe in such things, do you?

[Raffles]

There's probably something to what he says.

[Doreen]

What do you mean?

[Raffles]

Stories like that don't start without any reason. There's a reason back of this one.

[Doreen]

Do you think it has anything to do with the Nazis?

[Raffles]

You just have to wait and see about that. I say, Dorian, have you noticed what deep set eyes your uncle had? I don't believe I've seen anyone with eyes so sunken as his were and so brown.

[Doreen]

They're so dark, they're almost black. Of course, the artist might not have done a good blight, Miss.

[Raffles]

No, the old Boy obviously had money. No reason why he shouldn't have had the best.

[Doreen]

Certainly was a frightening looking old man though, wasn't he?

[Raffles]

Yes. That scowl, those jowls. Looks like he'd been rather sour that night. All right, Raffles, what is it?

[Doreen]

There, look there in the doorway.

[Raffles]

That's only a dog.

[Doreen]

Such an immense dog. He startled me when I looked up and saw him standing there.

[Raffles]

He thinks there's some. Bernard. Come here, fellow. Here, what's your name? Come here, boy. No, come here to me, not Ms. O'Hara. Here to me. Oh, you're not a nerve, Doreen. What's the matter with you?

[Doreen]

Raffles, make him go away. Take him away, Raffles.

[Raffles]

You see, you frighten him.

[Doreen]

Look at his mouth, he's got blood all over it.

[Waiter]

What's the matter? Oh, Count down, Count.

[Doreen]

Quiet.

[Waiter]

Lie down, old boy. Over there. Now what happened?

[Raffles]

Why, the dog simply frightened, Mrs. Holmes. He's got blood all over his mouth.

[Doreen]

Please make him go away.

[Waiter]

Mrs. Holmes. I feel it part of my responsibility to look after your well being. I feel that my job is to see that you are taken care of as well as the property.

[Doreen]

Certainly.

[Waiter]

You remember what I told you, that my Sarah was able to live here where no other woman had been able to.

[Doreen]

Yes.

[Waiter]

Well, if you choose to remain here, you better be kind to that dog.

[Raffles]

What do you mean?

[Doreen]

But his mouth, the blood.

[Waiter]

There are a good many rabbits about. He probably caught one. But I'm certain your life will be much happier if you learn to like the count. And whether you like him or not, you better be good to.

[Doreen]

I don't know why it is, Raffles that you always get me into places that give me the creeps. But you always manage to.

[Raffles]

Takes a special talent to always find places so adaptable to the creeps, my dear.

[Doreen]

Nevertheless, I shall be happier when we're away from it than back in London.

[Raffles]

Speaking of the creeps, have you noticed the crest of the House of Wimbledon that's on everything around here?

[Doreen]

Yes, why?

[Raffles]

Notice anything creepier than it?

[Doreen]

Only that it's on the buckle of that jewel belt my old uncle is wearing in the picture.

[Raffles]

Didn't you notice anything else?

[Doreen]

No, why?

[Raffles]

Central motif for the crest is a death head. Probably some more of the old boy's hatred for women. Coming out.

[Doreen]

Freckles. Here's that dog again.

[Raffles]

Looks like he'd been cleaned up. You better do as the old gentleman says and be nice to him. Any dog that big is better to have as a friend than an enemy.

[Doreen]

All right. Suppose it was Silly of me. Come here, boy. That's it. Come over here.

[Mrs. Holtz]

There.

[Doreen]

There. That's it. Come on. Put your head in my lap and I. Raffles.

[Waiter]

Yeah.

[Doreen]

No, no, it couldn't be. Raffles, come here. What is it, Raffles? Look at the color this dog's wearing.

[Raffles]

What about it?

[Doreen]

It's. It is. It's the jewel belt Lord Wemperton's wearing in the picture.

[Raffles]

By Jove, they're tears.

[Doreen]

But What? There's something else. Raffles. His eyes. Look at his eyes.

[Raffles]

Yes.

[Doreen]

Then look at the picture.

[Inspector Charles]

Well, I'll be it.

[Doreen]

The same deep set, dark brown eyes and those heavy jowls. And the belt.

[Raffles]

An amazing likeness.

[Doreen]

Raffles. This is more than a likeness. The eyes, the face, everything. Do you see the resemblance to Lord Wemperton?

[Narrator]

Listen again tomorrow night to another thrilling chapter in the case of the Wimberton Curse. Presented by cbs. This adventure mystery is presented each evening, Monday through Friday at this same time. Be sure to join us again tomorrow when London's man of mystery returns. These original stories are written by Dwight Hauser and produced by J. Donald Wilson, with music composed and played by Milton Charles. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.