Sherlock Holmes - 32-05-19 (069) The Final Problem

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes - 32-05-19 (069) The Final Problem

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Sherlock Holmes - 32-05-19 (069) The Final Problem
• Release Date: January 17, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a gripping adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic tale, "The Final Problem." Hosted by Harolds Old Time Radio, the episode masterfully intertwines a modern commercial narrative with the suspenseful adventures of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson.

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Plot Overview

The Mysterious Cadaver Thefts at St. Anthony's Hospital

The story unfolds with Dr. John Watson recounting a perplexing case involving a series of cadaver thefts from St. Anthony's Hospital, a prestigious medical school and hospital combination. Dr. Watson receives an urgent plea from his old friend, Sir Lionel Greatlake, the head of the staff at St. Anthony's, imploring him to enlist Sherlock Holmes's expertise.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Watson [01:14]: "Mr. Bell made it. You came up the steps. Where there's a blazing fire and a steaming cup of G. Washington coffee to welcome you."

Investigation Begins

Upon arrival, Holmes and Watson join Sir Lionel in the dissecting laboratory, where they inspect the latest theft attempt. The victim is a recently deceased cadaver, lacking preservation treatment, indicating the thief's preference for fresh bodies. Holmes meticulously examines the scene, uncovering multiple fingerprints and traces of various tobaccos, which overwhelm the investigation with too many potential leads.

Notable Quote:

Sherlock Holmes [08:19]: "Well, 14 sets of fingerprints for instance. And in the dust under that operating table alone I found shreds of five different types of tobacco."

Suspicions and Red Herrings

Holmes narrows down the suspects to two primary individuals: Dr. Hugo Lacey, the head surgeon obsessed with order, and Mrs. Clutch, the hospital's cleaning woman known for her meticulous nature. Initial evidence, including fingerprints and behavior, points suspicion towards Mrs. Clutch. However, a twist reveals that Dr. Lacey himself is implicated, leading Holmes to delve deeper into a web of deceit.

Notable Quote:

Sherlock Holmes [19:02]: "He hated Mrs. So he wanted to implicate her. It was his big mistake."

The Unraveling of Moriarty's Scheme

As the investigation progresses, Holmes uncovers a sinister plot masterminded by Professor Moriarty. Moriarty has been manipulating Dr. Lacey to conduct illegal facial surgeries on cadavers, forging insurance claims, and orchestrating the thefts to cover his illicit activities. The culmination of Holmes's deductions reveals Moriarty's intricate involvement, leading to his downfall.

Notable Quote:

Sherlock Holmes [23:42]: "Professor Moriarty was getting in touch with quite a number of heavily insured businessmen. One after another these men died. But by and by the insurance companies became suspicious. I was told to investigate."

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Key Discussions and Insights

• Deductive Reasoning: The episode highlights Holmes's unparalleled ability to sift through overwhelming evidence to identify the true culprit, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail.

• The Complexity of Human Nature: Through the characters of Dr. Lacey and Mrs. Clutch, the narrative explores themes of obsession, reputation, and the lengths individuals will go to protect their standing.

• Moral Implications of Scientific Advancements: The misuse of medical knowledge for nefarious purposes serves as a cautionary tale about ethical boundaries in scientific research.

Notable Quote:

Sherlock Holmes [20:32]: "The murderer. He's still at large and he isn't exactly fond of you."

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Conclusion

Sherlock Holmes - 32-05-19 (069) The Final Problem delivers a compelling and intricate rendition of one of literature's most beloved detectives. Through a seamless blend of suspenseful storytelling and sharp dialogue, the episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to ponder the deeper moral questions surrounding scientific ethics and personal integrity. As Holmes unravels the complex schemes of Professor Moriarty, audiences are reminded of the timeless appeal of deductive reasoning and the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes.

Notable Quote:

Sherlock Holmes [24:52]: "Elemental, my dear. Once."

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Additional Notes:

• Narrative Integration: The episode cleverly merges product promotions for G. Washington's coffee within the storyline, maintaining an authentic Old Time Radio feel without detracting from the main narrative.

• Cast Performance: Richard Gordon and Lee Lovell's portrayals of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson bring the characters to life, capturing their distinctive personalities and dynamic friendship.

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Listeners who haven't experienced this episode will find themselves engrossed in the classic detective tale, enriched by the engaging performances and meticulous production that honor the spirit of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Mr. Bell]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

It's enough to make anyone lose their cool. That's where Grainger comes in.

[Mr. Bell]

With industrial grade products and dependable, fast.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Delivery, Grainger can help with any challenge.

[Mr. Bell]

From worn out components to everyday necessities. Call clickranger.com or just stop by Ranger.

[Sherlock Holmes]

For the ones who get it done.

[Mr. Bell]

Every week at this time, the makers of G. Washington's coffee bring you a story from the Sherlock Holmes series of mystery dramas. This week's adventure is an adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story entitled the Final Problem. Remember as you listen to it that G. Washington solves your daily coffee problem just as surely as Holmes solves his famous mystery. At the end of the program, we have a brief announcement about Dr. Watson and his friend Sherlock Holmes. Please listen for it. And that opening paragraph, as always, leads us to Dr. Watson's comfortable, hospitable study.

[Dr. Watson]

Where there's a blazing fire and a steaming cup of G. Washington coffee to welcome you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here it is.

[Dr. Watson]

Mr. Bell made it. You came up the steps.

[Mr. Bell]

Thank you, Dr. Watson. You know, a good cup of coffee always seems to me to be the very essence of hospitality.

[Dr. Watson]

You name me a better coffee than G. Washington's, Mr. Bell. Go ahead, name me one.

[Mr. Bell]

Ah, but. Cheers.

[Dr. Watson]

Gee.

[Mr. Bell]

Washington's isn't just another brand of coffee. It's really entirely different. It not only has a perfect flavor, but it's the easiest coffee to fix. Just a teaspoonful in the cup, add hot water. Incidentally, you never make more than you're going to use, so that makes it economical too. Right, Mr. Bell?

[Dr. Watson]

Now I suppose I begin my story.

[Mr. Bell]

Fine. What's it to be this time?

[Dr. Watson]

How about another tussle between Holmes and Professor Moriarty?

[Mr. Bell]

Excellent. Always give me plenty of first class shudders to meet that individual.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, tonight's story deals with Holmes efforts to break up one of his most unpleasant schemes. Racket, you call it today.

[Mr. Bell]

And did he succeed?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, now, Mr. Bell, that's putting the cart before the horse. The affair began with a series of curious disappearances from St. Anthony's Hospital.

[Mr. Bell]

What disappeared, Dr. Watson? People or things.

[Dr. Watson]

They were corpses or perhaps I should say cadavers. Now, before I go any farther, perhaps I should explain that St. Anthony's is a medical school and hospital combined. I myself took My course in anatomy and dissection inside its venerable walls. Sir Lionel Greatlake, the head of the staff, was an old friend of mine. We cursed our internship in the same hospital. To make a long story short, I received a frantic communication from Sir Lionel begging me to persuade Holmes to come straight to the hospital. I remember that night perfectly at the particularly nasty pea souper had settled down over London. Literally feeling our way we crept along the embankment till we sensed rather than saw the gray walls of St. Anthony's looming up. Listen to those folks. I do. Hog horns always have to sound so ruinful.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well Watson, you would insist on coming tonight?

[Dr. Watson]

Should be somewhere along here. Oh, here it is. I stumbled over the doorstep. Where is that infernal bell?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Pull.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, and here we are. I hope the night watchman hasn't gone off in his rounds.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, someone's opening the door.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Matthew Watson. The parlax can't see very clearly.

[Dr. Watson]

No, it's me right enough. Leo. I brought Sherlock Holmes along with me.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Oh, thank heavens. Come in, come in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah.

[Dr. Watson]

This is my old friend Lionel Greatly.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

That is honored and I may say grateful and relieved. This is the sixth theft inside of a month, Mr. Holmes. It's got the place in an uproar. Nurse is having hysterics, Patience insists on going home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I take it you are alluding to the cadavers which have been stolen recently.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Yes, Mr. Holmes. You know how jealous a hospital is of its reputation. At least little breath of scandal.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh cheer up Leo. Maybe it's just a prank of one of the lads. You know what medical students are.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

That's what I thought when we found the first body missing four weeks ago. But now that five have been stolen. Oh no, that's carrying a joke too far. They tried to get away with another this evening.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Really?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

I just happened to drop into the dissecting room and trying to stop it. The minute I opened the door I knew someone was in there. But he slipped out the side way before I could light the gas. But come and see for yourself. Follow me. The laboratory is in this way.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, mausoleum lecture. Really a Leo. Remember when we used to sneak a forbidden snake smoke behind that broom closet?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

I wish to heaven life were as simple nowadays. It faces like a beehive buzzing with suspicion. No wonder we've been able to keep it out of the paper.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here we are.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

One second till I unlock the door. That's it. Now just let me turn up the gas. Well, there we are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite impressive. I see you have all the latest improvements. That gentleman in the corner I take it he was the object of tonight's attempted abduction?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Yes, Mr. Holmes, that's the corpse. Splendid bezel and do face a bit.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The worse for wear. Otherwise a splendid body.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Yes, if we're most anxious not to.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lose him, he must be fairly recent. I see there have been no injections of the preserving fluid.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Quite right, Mr. Holmes. He died only this afternoon.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And the other stolen bodies, they have been duly preserved I suppose?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Well no, now that you mention it, they were all stolen before being treated.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Curious eh, Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

What?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

I don't know.

[Dr. Watson]

I suppose if you're going to be a body snatcher you may as well take fresh ones.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You'll pardon me if I rummage around a bit, Sir Lionel. Of course, of course, yes, I can carry on my interrogations and my investigations at the same time. Okay there. My lens needs politics. Now then, male or female?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

What?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The stolen bodies with a male or female?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Oh, male, all of them, you understand.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Interesting ain't Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

You mean you think the thief's a woman hater?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I wouldn't go so far as I am. What age are they? Missing quarters.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Quite a whole. Middling I should say. Remarkably good lot of bodies though. No marked effects. I mean I hear the lad's been.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Careless about cleaning his instruments.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Oh that'll be Potter. Had some girl on his mind. Can't wait to get washed off and away.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. And you found this specimen out here after the thief was scared off. And I take it the cadavers aren't usually left lying about?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Certainly not. They're kept in that long steel cabinet over there. Can't be too careful you know. Have to be rats in a building as old as this.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm here. How many people have keys to that cabinet, Sir Lionel?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Only Dr. Lacey. You may know him by reputation, Mr. Holmes. Hugo Lacey. He's our head surgeon and has charge of the classes in this evening.

[Dr. Watson]

Of course.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Brilliant. Swallow.

[Dr. Watson]

I say Leo, how's he coming along with his extra experiments in transplanting tissue?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Can't say. Carries on most of his experiments in a little laboratory. He's fixed up in his own lodgings and never lets anything out till it's perfect. One of the cleverest surgeons in the country, Mr. Holmes. Magnificent touch. I could wish however that he was a better professor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No good at teaching, eh?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

No, it isn't that, it's his temper. He can be devilish nasty. And let him catch one of the lads with an instrument bent out of place. It's a phobia with him, Mr. Holmes. A place for everything and Everything in its place, I trust Young Potter sets his things to write before Lazy sees them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, this is the door through which the thief escaped, I take it?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Yes, and I bolted it on the inside, as you can see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, that's that. I think I've seen all there is to see.

[Dr. Watson]

Found anything Harm?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. Yes, there is what you might call an overabundance of clues. Too many to permit of any intelligent deductions.

[Dr. Watson]

What do you mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, 14 sets of fingerprints for instance. And in the dust under that operating table alone I found shreds of five different types of tobacco.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

You haven't played. Mrs. Perhaps is getting careless again. Oh, she's the cleaning woman, Mr. Holmes. Dr. Lacey is always complaining that she is inefficient. Well, Mr. Holmes, if you finished your investigation, perhaps you can advise us how we should act in this matter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now before I do that, suppose we come to an understanding. Would you be satisfied merely to stop the theft? Or do you want to know who is responsible for the missing corpses?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

We must find out everything, Mr. Holmes. Who and what and how and why. A mystery of any kind is most immoralizing for a hospital.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In that case we should do nothing further. We shall do nothing further tonight.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

But aren't you going to set a watch on his?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The criminal wouldn't show up. You may take my word for Lionel. The man who has been stealing your cadavers is thoroughly acquainted with the workings of this hospital.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Look here, Mr. Holmes, if. If we don't set a guard on this room, he may steal this body too.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I sincerely hope so.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Well, no use making things too easy for him. At least we can put the body back in the canopy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Unfortunately that won't be possible. We can't open it. The cabinet has a spring lock. The thief slammed it after him.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Oh dear, dear. What will Lacey say when he finds this corpse out here in the morning?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I don't think there's much danger of that, Sir Lionel.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Really Mr. Holmes, I am disappointed. I must say I hoped you would be more helpful.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, there's one thing we can do for you before we leave, eh Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

No, what?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, we can make up for Mrs. Clutch's deficiencies if you'll get us a couple of old rags to. Lionel. I think Watson and I can go over this room in no time.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Home?

[Dr. Watson]

Have you gone out of your mind?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not at all, my dear Watson, not at all. It's most important that everything should be neat and tidy. Well. Oh, that's a nice brick today. Wind seems to have dissipated all the fog.

[Dr. Watson]

What's the idea of rousing a chap out of his nice warm bed in the streets feel deserted. Depressing if you ask me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The important thing, my dear Watson, is in setting a trap is to collect your catch before anyone else does. No, here's the no one knows. Deliono seems to be having a bit of an argument with someone on the step.

[Mrs. Clutch]

And I'll not be put off the schedule by any two of any sexes. You see, I'm going home now to 6:00 and at his breakfast. But I'll be back and when I do I'm going to clean that.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

No.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But Mrs.

[Mrs. Clutch]

Clutch, I assure you how fine one you are to be put in charge. Everyone knows routine is what keeps an obstacle running.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Oh, what. Mr. Holmes. I didn't see you come in.

[Mrs. Clutch]

Watson. Ethan, he's coming to you. I'd like to know out of me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Wave you but here. I beg your pardon.

[Mrs. Clutch]

I am not to be put off my schedule. I say tell you that my. So what I.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Yes, that. That was Mrs.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Clutch.

[Dr. Watson]

I gallant bit of a term against, eh Neil? Red hair, Fairly blazes.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Come in, come in. Sorry to give you such a stormy welcome, but I. I just caught Mrs. Clutch about to clean up the laboratory. I suppose you want to take another.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Look at the place. If it's convenient.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Yes, of course, of course. Follow me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I wonder why the sudden burst of energy on Mrs. Cutpar.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Dr. Lacy may have been putting the screws on. They get along like cat and dog, those two.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But didn't I just hear her say that she was going home to fix him his breakfast? Yes.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

You see, Dr. Lacy is Mrs. Cut's car not a.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But surely if they get on each other's nerves as they seem to.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Yes, it is a bit difficult to understand, I admit. But I suppose Lacy hesitates to move. He's. He's really very comfortable. He's built in a lot of improvements. Covers and things of that sort. And I've told you how he is and place for everything and everything in its place. Moreover, Mrs. Crutch is a first class cook and Lacy, he's a good feeder.

[Dr. Watson]

However, Lacy. I wouldn't push the old girl too far. I'd be afraid of finding poison in my coffee some bright morning.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Well, here's your laboratory, Mr. Holmes. Doctor. You gentlemen looks about the same as it did last night.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall be able to judge better after I've gone over the place with my microscope.

[Dr. Watson]

But you said yourself there were two many fingerprints and things.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why do you suppose I insisted on those Rags. Last miner.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, of course, I see now, we were rubbing out those prints.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Marvelous, my dear. What's marvelous? The old brain is actually functioning this early in the morning. Now, now let's see what we bag Here. Here. Here's the sweeping stroke of a moth. The very mop that has been standing in this corner here. Here? Yes, yes, here. The imprint of a heavy hand on the edge of the. This table. Note the unusual walls on the left hand, middle finger, like a question mark.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Those must be Mrs. Cuts's fingerprint. She was just about to start dusting the table when I caught her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yeah, the prints on the mop and on the table are identical. Well, well, well, that seems to be all the evidence against Mrs. Clutch.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

I got her out as quickly as I could.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. I say, Holmes, the corpse, it's gone.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I wonder how soon you'll notice that the corpse has been stolen. But what did you expect?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Sorry to contradict you, Mr. Holmes, but the corpse has been put back in the cabin. Yes, matter of fact it slipped my mind. I should have mentioned it sooner. Seems Dr. Lacy dropped in late last night and insisted on putting the cadaver back in the cabinet. Nothing the night watchman could say would dissuade him. I told you about his mania for order last night, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, these are doubtless his fingerprints. Then here on the lock and around this channel of the cabinet. Ah, yes, typical surgeon's hands. Long, sensitive fingers, but strong tips. Slightly specialist.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Yes, that's lazy right enough.

[Dr. Watson]

But Holmes, aren't you going to look inside the cabinet?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I suppose we might as well, if Sir Lionel can provide us with the key.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Certainly, certainly. At least he left his with the night watch. From here we are.

[Dr. Watson]

By Jove, the corpse is missing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I gathered it might be. Well now, now let us see if we can find anything further in the room itself. Ah, here we are. Here we are. Strings, the third set of fingers. Yes, yes, yes. He came in here earlier than Lacy and those the fingerprints of the door. Now, first this individual, then lacy, and finally Mrs. Clutch, all nicely superimposed one over the other.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Say, Holmes, this is fascinating. Almost as exciting as a scientific experiment.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, yes. This third individual and not any true sic. Aha. Here, here. He stumbled and had to put his hand out to brace himself. There's a nice print here on the wall. Seeing he moves over to this jar of alcohol, he removes the COVID then he puts it back again. And here, here he staggers out.

[Dr. Watson]

You mean he was intoxicated? Beautifully, Beautifully, yes, but I don't Understand? Why in thunder did he come poking around here in the middle of the night?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson, have you no recollection of your own green salad days? Didn't you ever sneak a bit of laboratories alcohol to help out a celebration that had suddenly gone dry?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

One of the students any idea which one is the whole?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I think I can make a guess. But I don't intend to. The boy isn't mixed up in this body snatching. The corpse was here when he left. His prints are under laces on the doorknobs.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

What is it, Potter? Oh, I. I just thought I'd slip in and pull a my instruments before those petticoats get. I beg a pardon, sir? Before doctor gets to look at them. I'll come back later.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not all at all. Come right in, come right in. We're just leaving Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

We haven't discovered anything.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What we have. What we have. We know for sure that either Lacy or Mrs. Clutch is involved in this business. Possibly both. Yes, yes I am. I suggest we go to pay the Clutch menage a visit.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Well, I'll be glad to take you over myself. You look a bit pegged this morning. I'm all right, sir. Littleish, that's all. Well, don't let it get you down. Come along, Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, Miss Butter.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Yes sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

They tell me tomato juice is an excellent antidote for raw alcohol.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

That's Mrs. Cuts's place over there. The house with the white shutter.

[Dr. Watson]

Look at that crowd of people standing gawking out in front. I say, looks like something's happened.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, yes. There's my favorite watchdog of the law, Inspector Lerad of Cotton Yard standing in the doorway looking important. Oh, hello. Hello Lestrade. What's up?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Eh, Plenty. Woman by the name of Clutch has just murdered her lodger, Dr. Lay.

[Dr. Watson]

I told you she'd do it Sunday.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Any unusual details?

[Dr. Watson]

No.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Open and shut case. First she stabs him with a kitchen knife. Then she throws the body closing all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Into a vat of nitric acid.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

This lo was keeping in his dressing room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed. Any objections if I come in and take a look around?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

All right. But I tell you this case is open and shut. But come in, come in. Body's in first room, head of the stairs. It's not nice but if you want.

[Sherlock Holmes]

To look, go ahead.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

I got to stay here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, thanks, thanks.

[Dr. Watson]

What a viol chemical smell. Plus something else.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, that'll be the acid. Look out, look out. There's a dark holy spirit.

[Dr. Watson]

You hear that noise? Like something bubbling and prying.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, yes, that's the acid working on the body.

[Dr. Watson]

Of course. That smell is acid and fat dissolving.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Cracking. Must be the room. Oh, morning, Jennifer. Jenkins. Good morning. That's why I sent you here to guard the body, eh?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

This air.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, Jacobs. Jenkins, I think you might open another window, get a draft through here.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Yes, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, Watson, if you bring me that jug labeled olive oil, you may as well stop the action of this acid, right? Yes, I pour it right into the tub. Mrs. Stroud said the remains are not exactly attractive. I wonder, Sir Lionel, if you could bring yourself to identify Dr. Lacey.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Certainly, Mr. Holmes. I'm a medical man. I'm quite used to. Yes, yes, she's rather horrible. Tastes almost entirely eaten away. With the dark hair, what is left of it. And the clothes. And that ring. He never could get it off his little finger. Yes, yes, I think we may safely say that it's lacy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Portable Jack. And how was he killed?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Kitchen knife on the table there, Mrs. Klutz. Fingerprints. Plain as day.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So Lestrade's been persuaded the value of fingerprints, eh? Dear, dear, dear. The world does progress. Yes, yes, yes, these are Mrs. Quest. Prince.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

All right?

[Mrs. Clutch]

I didn't kill him. He was dead when I come in.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

He was dead.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Okay, down to your lip and get going. Just a moment. I'd like to ask this. This lady a few questions.

[Mrs. Clutch]

He was dead when I found him. Is it likely? I'd have called in the police if I did.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I. Oh, you call in the police?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, that she did.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Leaning out the window, screaming. Screaming bloody murder.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Any idea who could have killed Dr. Lacey, Mrs. Quest?

[Mrs. Clutch]

No, sir. I came to be known all night on account of my sister's having a baby. I went straight from Hercules to the hospital.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We had any chance to check up on that lance.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Oh, that's straight enough. But she'd been home at least 20 minutes before she called the police. Time to murder half a dozen doctors.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I didn't do the thing, you know, Lestrade, it's just possible that Mrs. Klutz may be right. You see, it would take several hours for Esther to dissolve the corpse. As far as this.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

What, all of it? Her fingerprints are on the knife. That's enough for me. Hers and no one else.

[Mrs. Clutch]

And why shouldn't me fingerprints be on that knife? It's me own kitchen knife, ain't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, that knife, I suppose you look at it again. Now what? Emblazer.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Good.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Notice the order of the fingerprints. For instance. Thumb and forefinger near the blade, end of the handle. Now suppose. Suppose you take this pocket Knife of mine and. And pretend to stab me with it, obviously. Just a lot of it.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

All right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There now, you see. Notice the way you hold it. Thumb against the outer end, little finger next to the blade. In other words, the grip for using a knife for kitchen work and for stabbing are exactly reversed. Dr. Lacey was not stabbed with this knife at all. It was put here by someone to incriminate Mrs. Clutch. Yes, but if she didn't do it, who did? Someone who wanted to get rid of her. You any idea who that could have been, Mrs. Clutch?

[Mrs. Clutch]

No, sir, that I haven't. The only person mean enough to do a thing like this was that son of a gun legacy. And he said, now, Lord rest. Oh, dear me. It's not bad enough having a murder in me own out and then losing me best love. Yeah, but the police have to go accusing me on top of it all. But if not, I'll never get another tenant of these rooms.

[Sherlock Holmes]

All that is so much Froth, my dear Mrs. Tut, compared to the real danger you're in.

[Mrs. Clutch]

What's that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The murderer. He's still at large and he isn't exactly fond of you. I think I'll just drop him from time to time to make sure you haven't been murdered in your bed.

[Dr. Watson]

Think Mrs. Crutch is in danger?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Obviously. What's not if you come on it. Why didn't she answer the bell if anything's happening? Oh, here. Here she comes.

[Mrs. Clutch]

Oh, good afternoon, gentlemen. Please just step inside. I'd have come to the door sooner, but I was upstairs cleaning out after lady's suite. Would you believe it? I've got a tennis.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No say. No say. Well, does he know its history?

[Mrs. Clutch]

Yes, I bet he does. But he says he's not superstitious.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How fortunate. What's he like?

[Mrs. Clutch]

Well, he's a German professor or something. Come here to carry on some experimenting with Dr. Lacey. Dr. Lacey told me he was expecting him only last week. And so when he come asking for Lacey this morning and I told him what had happened right away, yak of Dr. Lacey's notes and instruments were still here. And when I said yes, he said he'd move right in and carry on with ladies, he left off. Would you mind coming upstairs while I finish my work?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, either way, Mrs. West. Either way.

[Mrs. Clutch]

He's a nice looking man too. Blonde, with a beard. He limps a little. Oh, it'll be a relief. I tell you, after that lately he was getting queerer and queerer. Going out at all hours of the night. I declare, I Was on the verge of telling the police to keep an eye on him more than once. Well, here we are. Just you set on the sofa. Now what in the name of.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, from what I can see out the window, I should say that your new lodger has arrived.

[Mrs. Clutch]

Thanks Preserv. Excuse me gentlemen. When I let him in.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes any. We better be going.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In a moment, Watson. In a moment. Plenty of time.

[Mrs. Clutch]

This way please. Look up and attend the stairs. Oh my, ain't it hot? Oh, Mr. Mister. This is hell. Glad.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Professor Glader, how you doing?

[Dr. Watson]

Delighted. Sorry I'd come all this way and then find a friend dead.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

He is no friend. He is what you call a colleague. Mrs.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Clips, the poor mantle on the bed, please.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I know Mrs. To make you comfortable. I trust you have better luck than Dr. Come Wesson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come, come, we must be going. You see, Professor D. We were the. The detectives on this case. Don't you have found nothing? I'm afraid nothing. These are my notes on the case. I'm really rather ashamed of them. Would you mind if I. If I burn them here in your fireplace?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Oh, not at all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, thank you. Oh dear me, dear me. I don't seem to have a match.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

One moment, I'll get you some here in the drawer of this table.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, here you are. A nice little box. Thank you, Dr. Letty. I thought you would know where to find them. A place for everything and everything in its place. Yes, I was sure you would be drawn back to these rooms.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Me? You think I am Dr. Lacey?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He is dead.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Murdered.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, that wasn't Dr. Lacey in that tub of acid. It was one of the bodies he had stolen from St. Anthony. Now, a rather curious confirmation of the bones of the right foot. I've seen it the night before, so of course I recognized it. Your misfortune, Dr. Lacey.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Not his foot, sir. But it's all this rubbish.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, you see, it came to my attention not long ago that Professor Moriarty was getting in touch with quite a number of heavily insured businessmen. One after another these men died. But by and by the insurance companies became suspicious. I was told to investigate. I discovered that on several occasions Professor Moriarty had called on Dr. Lacey. Dr. Lacey who was experimenting with facial surgery. Dr. Lacey who had access to any number of corpses from St Anthony's and in time I began to suspect that Dr. Lacey was working on these dead bodies and transportation. So they would look like the gentlemen who wish to collect their insurance. Professor Moriarty made a handsome profit, I believe. Unfortunately, though, I. I couldn't prove my theory.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

It is crazy.

[Mr. Bell]

No one would believe it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, so I found. Ah, then what good does it do, you, Honor? Just this. When you're in prison, the whole scheme will fall to the ground. I am not Dr. Lisa. You have no proof There you are wrong, sir. This little matchbox which you just handed me contains all the proof that I need. On it is a set of fingerprints which is identical with some on the cabinet door in the laboratory of St. Anthony's and those fingerprints are known to be Dr. Lacey's home.

[Dr. Watson]

Is magnificent. Phenomenal.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Elemental, my dear. Once.

[Dr. Watson]

That'S the end of the story, Mr. Bell.

[Mr. Bell]

Dr. Watson, didn't the man ever confess?

[Dr. Watson]

He did better than that. He offered to show up Moriarty, but when they came to take down his testimony, he was found dead on his prison cot. Obviously more of Moriarty's work.

[Mr. Bell]

There's one thing I don't understand. Why didn't he take the same way out as the businessman? Surely he could have doctored some corpse up so it looked like himself.

[Dr. Watson]

He could have, Mr. Bell, but that's where human nature comes in. He hated Mrs. So he wanted to implicate her. It was his big mistake.

[Mr. Bell]

Well, that certainly is a fascinating story, Dr. Watson. Now. Now to get back to something where there are never any mistakes.

[Dr. Watson]

I know what you're hinting at now. Not a cup of G. Washington coffee.

[Mr. Bell]

Yes, indeed, Dr. Watson. Have you ever stopped to consider how much the word economy has come to mean to Americans during the last couple of years?

[Dr. Watson]

Come to mean more to me, too. Had to save on a lot of things I never thought about before.

[Mr. Bell]

How do you do it, Dr. Watson? Does it mean giving up all the good things in life and using cheaper quality?

[Dr. Watson]

Not at all, Mr. Bell. I still keep to the good things. If I'm a little more careful how I use them. More satisfaction in being a little careful with good things, you know, than in putting up with poor quality. Oh, by the way.

[Mr. Bell]

What is it, Dr. Watson? You're chuckling over something now, and it's only fair to tell what it is.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, a lot of people have been taking a lesson from Sherlock Holmes, Mr. Bell. They. They've been drawing deductions.

[Mr. Bell]

About what?

[Dr. Watson]

About my book of Sherlock Holmes stories, Mr. Bell. They've been observant enough to notice the little number one on the back of the volume, and they want to know if they're. If they're going to be other books with more stories in them later on.

[Mr. Bell]

I'm afraid I'm not very observant, Dr. Watson. I never noticed that little one. And are there going to be more stories?

[Dr. Watson]

I can't tell for sure, Mr. Bell. I've been talking it over with Mr. Washington. Just in case.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Case There are.

[Dr. Watson]

I want everybody to get volume one right away so they won't be left when the first edition runs out. And be unable to make up their complete set.

[Mr. Bell]

That's right too. We'll have to warn them about that. Especially with that economy we were talking about. It's worthwhile getting a really good book for nothing.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

What about G. Washington?

[Mr. Bell]

Is that economy?

[Dr. Watson]

Of course it is. You know a Sherlock Holmes story about the rich old mustard manufacturer, aren't you?

[Mr. Bell]

I know, Dr. Watson. I can't say that I do.

[Dr. Watson]

What a good story applies to saving money on coffee too. It seems. A smart young man who thought he was smart anyway asked the mustard king if he really made all his money out of the little bit of mustard people use on their food.

[Mr. Bell]

And what did he say?

[Dr. Watson]

He didn't know that he made most of it out of a mustard people leave on their plates. That's just the way it is with coffee. Or ordinary coffee.

[Mr. Bell]

You mean the real expense is not what you drink but what you waste?

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

Exactly.

[Dr. Watson]

And that's where G. Washington saved. There's no way you only make what you want unless you can have all you want.

[Mr. Bell]

Well, that sounds like economy. All right, ladies and gentlemen, Dr. Watson and I want you to test G. Washington economy. Get a 4 ounce can right away. Don't be afraid of the size of the can or the price. G. Washington is economical because it ends waste. And as a special inducement, why, Dr. Watson will give you one of his books of seven Sherlock Holmes stories. Just print your name and address on the back of a Label from your 4 ounce can and send it to Morristown, New Jersey. You will receive without cost a handsome deluxe book with a gold profile of Holmes on the COVID and A picture of Dr. Watson at the front of seat. In that way you'll have the satisfaction of proving to yourself that G. Washington's won't wreck your family budget. And of getting a handsome book of Sherlock Holmes stories for nothing. Please note down the address, Morristown, N.J. and send in that four ounce can label right away so you won't be left without volume one if the good doctor persuades Mr. Washington to wish him volume two.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, doctor.

[Sir Lionel Greatlake]

What.

[Mr. Bell]

What about next week's story?

[Dr. Watson]

Next week I'm going to tell you the story of a man 20 years older than his bride and how death came to Rose Hill.

[Mr. Bell]

And now, in answer to numerous requests, we want to announce that the Sherlock Holmes program has been on the air for three years. The part of Sherlock Holmes is played by Richard Gordon, that of Dr. Watson by Lee Lovell. Neither Mr. Gordon nor Mr. Lovell play the part of a detective and his doctor friend in.