
Sherlock Holmes - 43-46 - Rathbone & Bruce 46-03-04 (205) The Submarine Caves
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Petri wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to spend the next half hour listening to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And I'd like to tell you about something you ought to share with your family before dinner, and that's Petri California sherry. Because Petri sherry can make that time before dinner a high spot in your day at Petry Sherry is a truly fine wine. Its color is a deep amber, rich and inviting. And the wine is wonderfully smooth and full body flavor just swell. Honestly, I mean it when I say the best beginning a good meal ever had is a glass of Petri sherry. Oh, and look, if some of your family like their sherry dry, you know, not sweet, they'll really like Petri Pale Dry sherry. So to be sure you please everyone, don't buy one, buy two. Buy the regular Petri Sherry and Petry Pale Dry Sherry. And be sure you look for those letters, P E, T R I, because they spell the proudest name in the history of American wines, Petri. And now I know our good friend Dr. Watson's expecting us. Let's go in and join him.
C
Come in, come in, come in.
B
Good evening, Doctor.
C
Good evening, Mr. Bartel.
B
Say, how are you feeling, Doctor? All over that attack of flu you had?
C
I'm feeling very much better, thank you, my boy. I'm still a little weak. We old fossils take much longer to get over that sort of thing than the new young fellows.
B
Well, you take good care of yourself, doctor. You've got a lot of friends, you know.
C
Oh, I'm very glad to hear that. Thank you, Mr. Bartell. And now settle yourself down, and I'll get on with tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure.
B
Where did it take place?
C
You may not be familiar with the names of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark, but those are the four principal islands that make up the group known as the Channel Islands.
B
Oh, yes, Doctor, I have heard of them. Somewhere in the English Channel. Aren't they between the southern coast of England and the northern coast of France?
C
That's quite right, my boy. Though I very much doubt if you ever heard of the tiny island on which this story happened. It was the island of Garth, a minute but self contained spot with a population of just under a thousand inhabitants subsisting, and from what I saw of the island in those days, subsisting very well on its dairy products.
B
Was it under the rule of the British government, Doctor?
C
No, Mr. Bartel, not exactly. You see, the island belonged to a family by the name of Horn. The head of the family who's known as the senior of Garth was an independent ruler owing nominal allegiance to the King of England. That allegiance was expressed by one of those traditional ceremonies in which the same year annually presented one pound of freshly churned butter to a representative of the British Crown.
B
Times haven't changed much, have they Doctor? Pound of butter is still worth a king's ransom. But tell me, what were you and the great Sherlock Holmes doing on the island of Garth?
C
Well, just got me to that, my boy. If you give me a minute. It was in the summer of 1896 when to my utter amazement, Holmes informed me that we were going to the island of Garth as the official representatives of the British Crown to accept the annual presentation of butter. At the time I must confess I couldn't see why Holmes wanted to accept such a ridiculous mission. It was only as we approached the island in a small fishing boat that he told me a great deal more was at stake than a pound of butter. Unfortunately, Mr. Bartell, I'm not much of a sailor and as the wind was blowing hard and the sea racing, I'm afraid I wasn't a very intelligent companion.
A
Cheer up, Watson, we'll soon be there.
C
I hope so. I feel I must say the whole trip seems utterly ridiculous to me. Plunging and bobbing about in a little boat in a raging torrent just because somebody wants to give somebody else a pound of butter.
A
Dear old Watson, you don't really think our mission is so innocuous, do you?
C
Then why are we going to the island of Garth?
A
We're going to the island of Garth if the express wish of its present ruler, Martha Horn.
C
Martha Horn? I never heard of her.
A
She's an extremely spirited old lady and the only woman who dared tell a certain resident of Windsor Castle that she looked devilishly dowdy for an empress.
C
Great Scotch. You mean that.
A
I mean, Watson. Martha Horn's behests are not lightly disregarded. Obviously she wishes to see me urgently. Also, my brother Mycroft put pressure on me. He reminded me that a visit to Garth might be closely allied to this emerald tie pin I wear. Of course, you recall the origin of this pin?
C
Well, naturally, that lady at Windsor Castle gave it to you after our little trouble last year over those stolen plans for the Bruce Partington submarine.
A
Exactly, my dear fellow. But remember that the spy Oberstein had put those plans up for auction in all the naval centers of Europe. Some hint of their nature must have leaked. Doubt. It's even possible that other powers may be able by now to duplicate the pride of our submarine fleet. And whoever controls the channel, Watson, controls England.
C
Well, they're dropping anchor and yet we're still a quarter mile out from the island. Why, why do you think they're doing that?
A
Here comes the skipper. He'll tell us. Here is as close to the island.
B
As we may approach. Monsieur, we have already sent signals. A smaller boat is putting out for you.
C
It will be here in a little while.
A
Thank you.
C
A smaller boat? Good Lord. You were hinting at the naval significance of the island of Garth.
A
Yes, Hotel I was.
C
Well, what good would it be as a port if even a small boat like this can only come within half.
A
A mile of it for a surface vessel? No, but we were speaking of submarines. Garth, I learned from the encyclopedia, boasts a magnificent interior cavern accessible only through underwater channels.
C
Great Scott, an ideal natural harbor and dry dock for a submarine fleet.
A
Precisely. And on the control of the island of Garth, Watson may well rest the fate of the British Isles. Now, old chap, perhaps you'll see why might was so anxious for us to collect a pound of butter.
C
Holmes, doesn't it seem wonderful to to be on land again? First the fishing smack and then that wretched little rowing boat. Then the bucket swinging us up the the face of the cliff. Now at last I can stretch my legs. Steady.
A
Old trap, Ste. Let me give you a hand. You'll soon get your land legs back again.
C
Thank you. I'm a bit shaky, I must confess. Hello. Who's that couple walking towards us?
A
Welcoming committee, no doubt.
C
How do you do, Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
B
Permit me to present myself. I am Dr. Hugo Oberwal.
A
How do you do, sir?
C
How do you do, Doctor?
B
And this is Mrs. Reeves, the housekeeper at Horn Castle where you will be staying.
A
How do you do?
C
How do you do, Mrs. Reeves?
D
Welcome to the island of Garth, gentlemen.
B
You are deputed to come and greet you and take you back to the cast we can walk there across the cliff tops. It isn't very far.
A
Ah, splendid. I think my friend will appreciate traveling on Terra Turner once again.
B
Dear me, Herr Daughter, you are not a good sailor. Perhaps?
C
No perhaps about it, sir. I had a miserable crossing.
B
I am sorry to hear it. I trust your short stay at the castle will be some recompense for the journey.
D
The formal presentation of the butter will take place tonight. There will be no reason why you gentlemen cannot return to the mainland tomorrow.
A
Oh, thank you, Mrs. Reeves, but it's more than likely that we shall stay on for a few days.
D
It will be quite unnecessary.
A
I'm afraid that is a matter for Mrs. Horn and ourselves to decide.
D
I'm afraid that Mrs. Horn is incapable of making any further decisions.
C
What do you mean, madam?
B
Obviously you have not heard, but the news is slow in reaching the mainland. Mrs. Horn died yesterday.
A
Died?
C
Good Lord. A natural death, I suppose.
B
But of course, I attended her myself. A simple case of heart failure.
D
The poor lady died in her sleep.
B
Shall we begin our walk to the castle?
C
By Jove, Holmes, this changes things. You suppose it was a natural death?
A
I suppose nothing, old fellow. But in almost 20 years of practice I can recall precisely three clients, actual or potential, who died natural deaths. Come on, let's follow them.
D
Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson. This is Mr. Christopher Horn, grandson of Mrs. Horn and the new ruler of Garth.
C
How do. Hello.
A
It's only nice of you fellows to come over here. Too bad you had to arrive just.
B
As the poor old gal kicked the bucket.
A
Though allow me to offer my condolences on your grandmother's death, sir.
C
Yes, indeed, Mr. Horn.
A
Thank you. It was a ghastly business. I found her, you know, Christopher.
B
Frightful sight.
A
There was an awful. An awful silly grin on the old dear space.
D
And don't you think it would be more to the point if you were to explain the ceremony in connection with tonight's presentation?
A
You're right. Freebie Reeve is a terrible tyrant.
C
But she is efficient.
A
Don't know what I'd do without her.
B
Always ran everything for poor old granny. Why, when the old girl was ill.
D
Christopher, I gave you a schedule of the ceremonies this morning. What did you do with it?
C
Dash it, Rivi, I don't know. Must have lost it.
D
And I have my own copy in the study.
A
I swear I don't know what I'd do without you.
D
Excuse us a moment, gentlemen.
A
I'll be back in a jerky.
C
Holmes. What in thunder's going on here? That boy's completely under the father, Mrs. Reeves. He was trying to tell us something, but that frightful woman kept changing the subject.
A
He spoke of an awful silly grin on the dead woman's face. Didn't that suggest something to you?
C
By Jove, that's one of the characteristic symptoms of strychnine poisoning.
A
Exactly, old fellow. And perhaps if he's going on to mention the equally characteristic arching of the body. We've got to get Mr. Horn to ourselves for a little while. And you've got to examine the body of the dead woman and it's going to be difficult. Another balcony outside the window. Yes, it is. Come along. Let's see what it leads to.
C
The balcony seems to lead right round this particular wing of the castle. Must have served as a lookout in the olden days. I wish the balcony were a little wider. Must be a sheer drop of a couple of hundred feet down to the rocks below. Yeah. Hello.
A
These must be the windows of the room adjoining the one we just came out of. Let's go a little closer, shall we? We may be able to find out something. Can you see anything? Yes, they're in there. Mrs. Reeves and the boy. She's leaving the room. Now's our opportunity. I'll tap on the window. He's seen us. He's coming to open it.
C
What are you two doing out there?
A
Marring the view?
C
Yes, my boy, it's quite beautiful.
A
And Mr. Horn. Yes, Mr. Holmes? I was a great admirer of your grandmother. I was interested in what you were telling me of her death. She had a. A grin on her face, you said? Yes, it was. It was awful.
B
Her.
A
Her body was all hunched up like. Like a croquet hoop. Of course, Dr. Oberw, perfectly all right. But I must say it seemed dashed odd to me.
C
Yes, it was far from all right. I, I assure you.
A
And you started to say something else. What was it? Let me see. You said when she was ill. Oh, yes, that was a silly business. When she was ill she thought she was in danger from poisoning, so she. She made Mrs. Reeves taste all her food and drink. Did she really? Where is your grandmother's body now? In the west wing. The funeral's to be tomorrow morning. I see. Where did Mrs. Reeves go?
D
Here, on the balcony behind you. Gentlemen, listening to your conversation with the greatest interests. Christopher, let me warn you. These men are the emissaries of the British government. They would stuff at nothing to take the island over. These men are trying to influence you against me. Against Rivi, who has looked after you ever since you were born and who tries to protect you, now that your grandmother has gone and you are alone.
B
Yes, I know, really.
D
But after all your pride as the head of the Horn family, the senior of Garth, the Garth that I am trying to save for you. This man is completely unstable, scrupulous. He was about to accuse me of murder. Weren't you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes?
A
The thought had occurred to me, Mrs. Reeves.
D
Of course it had. Because you wish to poison Christopher's mind against me. Well, Mr. Holmes, we have no police on the island of Garth. Our only law is the word of the senior, and Christopher now holds that title. Senior, what do you say? Will you allow an Englishman to blind you by accusing me of being a murderess?
A
Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson, I shall meet you at the ceremony tonight. Beyond that, I. I don't care to speak to you again. Good day.
D
Ashamed to spoil your plans, isn't it, Mr. Holmes?
C
Well, pardon my soul.
A
Magnificent, Watson, magnificent. A murderess who seeks to defeat me by accusing herself. Superst.
C
Superb.
A
It's a new game, my dear fellow, and one that must be played to a finish.
B
We'll hear the rest of Dr. Watson's story in just a second. So I'm just going to remind you that right now is one time you'd really enjoy a glass of Petri. California port. You couldn't ask for a more delicious wine. Pet Report, with its deep, rich red color and its heart of the grape flavor, is one of America's all time favorite wines. Petri port is wonderful after dinner and perfect to serve when company comes. Try it. But just remember that when you want the kind of port I'm talking about, you've got to make sure it's Petri port, because all Petri wines are good wines. Dr. Watson, this is certainly an unusual story you're telling us tonight. What happened after Mrs. Reeves left you and Sherlock Holmes standing on the balcony?
C
We retired to our rooms and had a quiet and lonely lunch. Though the great man said little, I could see that he was deeply excited and that his keen brain was evolving some plan that would enable us to solve the mystery of Mrs. Horne's death. After lunch, we started to descend the stairs leading to the main hall of Garth Castle. As we did so, Holmes said.
A
We'Re in no danger ourselves. Mrs. Reeves knows that we are here as emissaries of the British government.
C
Yes, and if we didn't return with the butter within a few days, there'd be a British dreadnought here looking for us.
A
However, I am in danger of one of my worst defeats. My professional pride is piqued if only I could. Watson.
C
Yes, sir.
A
If at any time today I slip you a note, don't read it at once. But here comes Mrs. Reeves. Precisely, Watson, I entirely agree. If I do not make the test on Mrs. Horne's body within 24 hours of her death, it will be useless. I must make it by 3:00 this afternoon.
D
Mr. Holmes?
A
Oh, oh, yes, Mrs. Reeves.
D
I want to apologize for my behavior before lunch. I was intolerably rude.
A
Oh, please not.
D
Whatever my quarrels may be with British politics, I at least owe to both of you the duties of hospitality.
A
That's very gracious of you, Mrs. Reeves. I wonder, would your hospitality also include a personally conducted tour of the subterranean caverns for which this island has become internationally famous?
D
Would they really interest.
C
Well, I'm afraid that my friend and I won't have the time.
A
Oh, yes, not at all, not at all. We have plenty of time. As long as we're back here by 3 o'.
D
Clock. I'm sure Dr. Overwald would be delighted to join us. He has made quite a study of the unique rock formation.
A
Oh, that's splendid. And it should prove a most interesting excursion.
C
But Holmes, why do we want to go stomping around a lot of damp and smelly cakes?
A
Only exercise will do us good, old fellow. Will you lead the way, Mrs. Reeves? And please remember that it's mostly important that I return here.
D
Remember, Mr. Holmes, you must be back here by 3:00'. Clock. A little further, Mr. Holmes, and we shall reach the giant cavern.
A
Ah, most interesting. Watson and Dr. Overwald seem to have lagged behind us somewhat.
D
They will be here in a moment. There. This is the giant cavern.
A
Ah, magnificent. Truly a miracle of nature. It's a natural submarine. Dry dock, hewn out of the rocks.
D
Yes, Mr. Holmes. And in the olden days, only the smugglers who inhabited this island knew the entrance that leads to this cave. The first senior of G found a cache of untold wells hidden here. Silk stools. There are still the remains of some of the finest Calvados brandy stored upon these rocks.
A
Indeed, an incomparable drink.
D
Would you care for some? It is our custom, whenever visitors honor us with their presence, to offer them a glass.
A
I should be delighted.
D
There's a natural shelf here in the rocks. Perfect hiding place. Here you are, Mr. Holmes. And here is a glass.
A
This is a rare privilege. I imagine that very few people have been offered it.
D
Only our mother. Most distinguished visitors.
A
I assure you this cabin is completely inaccessible from the outer sea, I presume.
D
Completely. Unless, of course, ships could swim under.
A
The sea which as you know as well as I, they can, Mrs. Reeves, even outside the imaginings of Juvent.
D
Indeed. Would you care to explore a little deeper? The others will be with us soon.
C
Dr. Obervo. The others seem to be somewhere ahead of us.
B
Yes, they do, don't they Doctor?
C
Holmes. Holmes, where are you?
B
Dear me. I'm afraid we cannot follow them.
C
What do you mean?
B
The next cavern is already cut off by the rising tide.
C
Great Scott. You mean that they're cut off?
B
I am afraid so. But do not worry here Doctor. In a few hours the tide will recede. They are in no danger. Just, shall I say temporarily Mor.
A
I can't understand it. I. I'm getting confoundedly sleepy.
D
I am so sorry. I'm afraid that we stayed here longer than I intended. I fear that we are cut off by the tides.
A
Cut off for the tide.
D
We're in no danger. In a few hours we shall be able to return. But I'm afraid I cannot get you back at 3 o', clock, which was the time I promised.
A
But it's vital, that's absolutely vital that I could get back. I'm so sleepy. But please keep talking. I must keep awake.
C
That Dr. Oberland. I must get to Sherlock Holmes at once.
B
I am sorry here Doctor, but we are not able to control the forces of nature. We cannot force the water to recede. Your friend is in no danger.
C
Nobody's got a most important test that he must make by 3 o'.
A
Clock.
B
I am afraid that will be impossible.
C
I've got to do something. I should have come to these blasted caves in the first place. Kind of on earth I ought to do.
A
Hunt.
C
Joe. That note that Holmes gave me, he told me to open it if where did I put it? Ah, here it is.
B
A note for Mr. Sherlock Holmes, eh?
C
Vital that you make medical test. Great Scotch. Overruled. It's absolutely necessary for me to return to the castle at once.
A
Indeed.
B
A note from Mr. Sherlock Holmes. And now it is most important that you return to the castle. No, my fine English friend, I am afraid I cannot allow you to.
C
I don't know how you propose to stop me, sir.
B
You see this for a while, bro?
C
And do you see this stick?
B
I warn you here Doctor.
C
Oh no you don't. I'm sorry you can't hear me Dr. Overville, but when Sherlock Holmes gives me orders, I carry him out.
A
Hey Mrs. Reeves, are we still trapped by the tide? What time is it?
D
Five o'. Clock. I'm afraid that you'll Be a trifle late for your important appointment. What a pity.
A
You deliberately trapped me here. You drugged the brandy and kept me a prisoner.
D
Who did I? Now why should I do that, Mr. Holmes?
A
Because you're greedy for power, that's obvious. In your domination of that person to weak young man who is now senor of Garth. I'm sure your beliefs would find support in certain ideologies now arising in Germany. Your choice of a German doctor as an accomplice in your plans would support that theory.
D
And what might my plans be?
A
I should say that you're determined to give Garth as a submarine base to Germany. With this island in their power they could control the channel.
D
Very interesting. And I suppose as well as being a spy I am responsible for Mrs. Horn's murder.
A
You and Dr. Overwald between you she was too strong for you. I had to get her out of the way. You probably made subtle attempts on her life at first, the origin of which you did not realize but which caused her eventually to send to me. My arrival forced your hand and so you and Dr. Oberwald resorted to the quite unsubtle expedient of poisoning her.
D
On pure supposition, Mr. Holmes. The only law on this island is Christopher Horn. Do you suppose he'll believe you?
A
No, I suppose he won't. You've outwitted me, Mrs. Reeves. I walked into your trap just as you intended me to.
D
Then in that case you may collect your pound of butter tonight and return to the mainland tomorrow.
A
Mrs. Reeves, how much longer do we have to wait for the tide before we can make our way back to the castle?
D
We can leave now. We could have left at any time. There's another secret entrance that is above the tide level. I merely had to make you overstay the hour of your test. I could not risk Christopher's seeing definite proof. Come now, I shall lead you back. You fool.
C
Holmes. Holmes. Where have you been all this time?
A
Mind that Watson. Did you open the note?
C
Yes.
A
Followed my instructions?
C
Yes, it was as you suspected.
A
Thank heaven old chap. Then now we can hoist her with her own patach. Here she comes.
D
I am glad to see gentlemen, that you have assembled here in the senior's room. The ceremony of presenting the butter traditionally takes place here. As soon as Christopher arrives we will explain our customs. In this matter. Dr. Watson, I trust that Herr Oberwald proved an interesting companion on your excursion this afternoon.
C
This is indeed most interesting. We had a discussion of the relative merits of the walking stick versus the revolver. I think I was able to make my argument fairly convincing.
D
Where is Dr. Overwalt now?
C
I imagine he's lying down. He had all the symptoms of impending headache when I saw him last.
D
Why are you smiling, Mr. Holmes? What's been going on?
A
I'm afraid, Mrs. Reeves, that your plans have misfired rather badly. As soon as Mr. Horn arrives I expect you will be under arrest for murder and high treason.
D
Christopher would never believe you.
C
Wouldn't I, Mrs. Reeves?
B
You poisoned my grandmother.
D
Christopher, what lies have these men been telling you?
A
You're the one that's been telling me lies. I believed you when you said you'd been tasting the old lady's food. When Dr. Watson showed me the results of his test this afternoon it was as clear as daylight.
D
But the tests could prove nothing after 24 hours had passed. You said so yourself, Mr. Holmes.
A
A deliberate lie, Mrs. Reeves. I'm afraid that I invented that mythical 24 hour test. I knew that as soon as I mentioned it you would attempt to prevent my carrying it out. So I was delighted when you fell into my trap. You thought that you were shanghaiing me, whereas in reality I was shanghaiing you. My job is to prove your guilt to the sen. With your dominant presence away from the household it was easy for Dr. Watson to make his test.
D
You devil. You knew all the time.
A
Of course I did, but I had to deceive you. I'm glad my performance was sufficiently convincing. By the way, Mrs. Reeves, the drug brandy was dreadfully clumsy.
C
You didn't drink at home?
A
Of course I didn't. But it was very unflattering to me that Mrs. Reeves thought I might. Mrs. Reeves, you realize what this means, don't you? I'm going to ask these gentlemen to take you and Dr. Oberfeldt back to the mainland with them tomorrow and stand.
D
Trial in a British court. Never. I was born on the island of Garth. I have lived here all my life and I shall die. Really?
C
What are you up to?
A
Stop her.
C
She's going out on the balcony.
D
One day Garth will belong to Germany. One day the whole world will belong to Germany. Goodbye, you meddling fool. Goodbye.
C
Great Scotch is gone. It must be a couple of hundred feet to the rocks below.
A
What a dreadful thing.
B
I still can't believe she was a.
A
Murderous and a traitor. Now shabby. Finished with shabby business. Mr. Horn, I suggest that we make sure Dr. Oberweil does not escape justice and that we then perform the ritual presentation of the butter. Yes, Mr. Holmes. The island of Garth will still pay tribute to England and I Think it always will.
B
Well, Doctor, that was some story. So Germany didn't get the island of Garth after all.
C
No, Mr. Bartel. In fact, in after years, the island proved to be an invaluable submarine base for England.
B
Say, what about the pound of butter? Did Holmes get it?
C
Oh, yes, yes. But why are you so interested in the butter?
B
Are you kidding? In our house, butter is our second most favorite topic of conversation.
C
Your second most favorite? Well, what's your favorite topic of conversation?
B
Remember us? Me, Petri wine.
C
Oh, as if I didn't know, Doctor.
B
That Petri wine is something to really talk about. You know, the Petri family has been making wine for generations. Why, the art of making fine wine is their heritage handed down from father to son. From father to son. Believe me, when it comes to turning luscious sun ripened California grapes into fragrant, delicious wine, the Petrie family really knows how to. And they're proud of their wine, too. That's why the name Petri on a bottle of wine really means something. It's the personal assurance of the Petri family that every drop of that wine is good wine. It ought to be, because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Dr. Watson, what new Sherlock Holmes adventure do you have lined up for us next week?
C
Next week, Mr. Bartel, I'm going to tell you a story that took place on the Sussex Downs many, many years ago. It concerns a young girl, a painter in watercolors and a very wise old lady. I call it the Adventure of the Living Doll.
B
Tonight, Sherlock Holmes Adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the Advent Adventure of the Bruce Poddington Plan. Music is by Dean Fossler. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invite you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petri family for a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.
Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Sherlock Holmes - 43-46 - Rathbone & Bruce 46-03-04 (205) The Submarine Caves
Original Air Date: March 4, 1946
Podcast Release Date: September 13, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
This episode features a classic radio drama starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson, set in the evocative era before television. The story, "The Submarine Caves," unfolds on the remote Channel island of Garth, blending intrigue, political espionage, and murder. Holmes and Watson, acting as official emissaries of the British Crown, arrive on the island for what is supposed to be a ceremonial collection of butter, only to be rapidly drawn into a sinister plot involving high treason, family secrets, and a hidden submarine base of critical strategic importance.
Notable Quote:
"It was only as we approached the island in a small fishing boat that [Holmes] told me a great deal more was at stake than a pound of butter."
— Dr. Watson [03:53]
Notable Quote:
"Garth...boasts a magnificent interior cavern accessible only through underwater channels...an ideal natural harbor and dry dock for a submarine fleet."
— Sherlock Holmes [06:28]
Notable Quote:
"In almost 20 years of practice I can recall precisely three clients, actual or potential, who died natural deaths."
— Sherlock Holmes [09:04]
Notable Quote:
"A murderess who seeks to defeat me by accusing herself. Superb."
— Sherlock Holmes [14:17]
Notable Quote:
"You drugged the brandy and kept me a prisoner."
— Sherlock Holmes [22:25]
Notable Quotes:
"When Dr. Watson showed me the results of his test this afternoon it was as clear as daylight."
— Christopher Horn [25:28]
"That mythical 24-hour test...I was delighted when you fell into my trap...you thought...you were shanghaiing me, whereas in reality I was shanghaiing you."
— Sherlock Holmes [25:43]
[26:33 - 26:54] Mrs. Reeves, exposed, chooses death, throwing herself from the balcony, declaring, "One day Garth will belong to Germany. One day the whole world will belong to Germany. Goodbye, you meddling fools. Goodbye."
Justice is secured: Oberwald will stand trial, and Garth stays under British rule.
Holmes on Murder Statistics
"In almost 20 years of practice I can recall precisely three clients, actual or potential, who died natural deaths."
— Sherlock Holmes [09:04]
Holmes Explains the Military Stakes
"Whoever controls the channel, Watson, controls England."
— Sherlock Holmes [05:55]
Watson’s Deduction
"That's one of the characteristic symptoms of strychnine poisoning."
— Doctor Watson [10:45]
Mrs. Reeves' Defiance
"One day Garth will belong to Germany. One day the whole world will belong to Germany. Goodbye, you meddling fools. Goodbye."
— Mrs. Reeves [26:44]
Holmes Reveals His Trick
"That mythical 24-hour test...In reality I was shanghaiing you."
— Sherlock Holmes [25:43]
| Timestamp | Plot Event | |---------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:43 - 05:56 | Arrival on Garth, discovery of its strategic significance | | 07:25 - 09:04 | Meeting the cast; learning of Martha Horn’s death | | 12:06 - 13:32 | Symptoms of poisoning; tension builds as Reeves manipulates Christopher | | 17:04 - 20:30 | The caves: Holmes and Watson separately trapped, danger rises | | 21:10 - 22:12 | Watson escapes Oberwald and returns to perform key test | | 24:22 - 26:54 | Final confrontation, Mrs. Reeves unmasked, dramatic suicide | | 27:00 - 28:00 | Aftermath, British control confirmed |
The drama maintains a brisk, suspenseful, yet warmly humorous tone—anchored by Watson's good-natured narration and Holmes' dry wit. Moments of tension and danger are leavened with the camaraderie between Holmes and Watson and period-appropriate dialogue.
In this episode, Holmes and Watson thwart a plot to turn a strategically invaluable island over to a foreign power, demonstrating the detective's hallmark blend of psychological cunning and deductive brilliance. The adventure seamlessly intertwines classic murder mystery with high-stakes geopolitical intrigue, all against the historic and atmospheric backdrop of the Channel Islands.
If you missed the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive, scene-by-scene account of both the dramatic action and the clever deductions, capturing the spirit and suspense of Old Time Radio’s Sherlock Holmes at its best.