The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes 1947-12-28- New Years Eve Off Scilly Isles

Summary

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Podcast Summary: “The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – New Year's Eve Off Scilly Isles”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: December 28, 2025
Original Broadcast: December 28, 1947
Starring: John Stanley (Sherlock Holmes), Alfred Shirley (Dr. Watson)
Host/Narrator: Mr. Harris

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Episode Overview

Set on New Year’s Eve in 1912, Holmes and Watson are drawn from their post-holiday relaxation into a dramatic race against time to prevent a disaster at sea. Tasked with saving the British luxury liner Gigantic, laden with gold and over 2,000 souls, the pair must foil the plot of an infamous arsonist before catastrophe strikes off the Scilly Isles. The episode blends mystery, high-seas suspense, holiday atmosphere, and vintage radio flair.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. A Festive Start and a Dire Disruption

• Setting: Holmes and Watson are enjoying a cozy breakfast in Baker Street, reflecting on a peaceful New Year’s Eve atmosphere.

• Interruption: The tranquility is shattered by Reginald Pembroke, chairman of Floyds Insurance, who arrives pleading for Holmes’s urgent help.

• Stakes Established: An anonymous tip warns that the steamship Gigantic, currently sailing near the Scilly Isles, is the target of an arson plot that could result in the greatest maritime disaster ever (04:23–07:17).

  Notable Quote:

  “Close to 2,000 lives are at stake. I pray to heaven you'll be able to reach them before it's too late.” — Mr. Pembroke [05:30]

2. The Mystery of the Maritime Catastrophes

• Pattern of Disaster: Pembroke and Holmes review a string of recent, suspicious shipwrecks and fires befalling modern British liners, all carrying significant amounts of gold—suggesting sabotage and a conspiracy to undermine the British economy.

• The Threat of 'Smokey Joe': A notorious arsonist, Smokey Joe, is suspected of planting a device on board before escaping. The likelihood is that the next fire will happen at sea, making rescue near impossible (07:17–09:25).

  Notable Quote:

  “If she goes down, the financial stability of the British Empire goes with her.” — Mr. Pembroke [06:16]

• Mission: Holmes and Watson must intercept the ship before midnight.

3. High Seas Pursuit and Boarding the Gigantic

• Race Against Time: Holmes and Watson are provided a special train and then a yacht, the Albatross, to catch up with the liner, racing through dense fog on New Year's Eve (10:07–13:01).

• Boarding the Ship: They finally intercept the Gigantic and board amidst an atmosphere of tension on the bridge led by Captain Brooks (13:09–13:53).

  Memorable Moment (Humor):

  “I'd climb up the Eiffel Tower on a clothes line if it could get me off this bouncing cocktail.” — Dr. Watson [13:28]

4. The Firetrap: Ship’s Vulnerabilities and the Hunt for a Device

• Discussion: The captain points out the ship’s state-of-the-art fire alarms, but Holmes notes the serious risk posed by luxury liners' abundant woodwork, ventilation that would feed any blaze, and the panic that fire would inspire (13:54–14:28).

• Failures Begin: Suddenly, ship systems malfunction—wireless breaks down, compasses spin, dynamos falter—suggesting sabotage is underway (16:25–17:17).

  Notable Quote:

  “Without dynamos we've no forced draught for the furnaces. We'll never keep up enough steam pressure to drive the ship.” — Captain Brooks [17:07]

5. Discovery in the Bullion Room

• Investigating: Holmes’ attention focuses on the bullion room where the gold is stored. Suspiciously, the seals are not the originals.

• Break-in: Holmes deduces the room was opened and resealed so that sulfuric acid, leaking from a tin, could drip onto coal below—turning furnace fuel into a deadly accelerant (18:17–21:11).

  Key Deduction Quote:

  “These are not the original seals… here in the crack of the door sill are bits of broken seals…” — Sherlock Holmes [19:25]

6. Confrontation and Imprisonment

• Villain Revealed: The ship’s purser, Mr. Brown (aka Ludwig Braun), is unmasked as the saboteur. He pulls a gun, locks Holmes and Watson in the room, and leaves, expecting them to perish once the acid-soaked coal ignites in the furnace (21:07–22:10).

  Notable Exchange:

  “Never argue with a Luger pistol, Watson.” — Sherlock Holmes [21:40]

7. Ingenious Escape

• Quick Thinking: Holmes creates a smoke signal by burning rope under a grating, exploiting the fire alarm system to summon help (22:43–23:54).

• Rescue: Sailors respond to the alarm in time, opening the door and averting disaster by ordering the furnaces and coal piles to be flooded (26:43–27:07).

  Notable Quote:

  “Explanations, Captain. Stop them stoking the furnaces. Flood the coal piles with water. They've been soaked with sulfuric acid.” — Sherlock Holmes [26:51]

8. Resolution and Celebration

• Villains Apprehended: Mr. Brown/Braun and his accomplices are jailed, ending the sinister plot against British shipping.

• Celebration: Holmes and Watson join the New Year’s festivities aboard, sharing a toast and dry wit (27:26–28:10).

  Closing Banter:

  “Happy New Year, old fellow.” — Sherlock Holmes
  “Happy New Year, Holmes. And many of them. But don’t you think you could manage to have them not quite so hair-raising?” — Dr. Watson [27:41–27:48]

• Epilogue: Dr. Watson hints at the next week’s adventure involving a jewel thief and a “fabulous new invention, the gramophone” (29:11–29:28).

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Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “Close to 2,000 lives are at stake.” — Mr. Pembroke [05:30]
• “If she goes down, the financial stability of the British Empire goes with her.” — Mr. Pembroke [06:16]
• “I'd climb up the Eiffel Tower on a clothes line if it could get me off this bouncing cocktail.” — Dr. Watson [13:28]
• “Never argue with a Luger pistol, Watson.” — Sherlock Holmes [21:40]
• “Stop them stoking the furnaces. Flood the coal piles with water. They've been soaked with sulfuric acid.” — Sherlock Holmes [26:51]
• “Happy New Year, Holmes.” — Dr. Watson [27:41]

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Notable Deductions

• Holmes’ suspicion of the “intact” but altered seals.
• Identification of the villain by the scar over the purser’s eye and his suspicious behavior near the ship’s compass (29:00).
• Ingenious use of the ship’s new fire detection system to engineer their rescue.

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Key Segments & Structure (Timestamps)

• Holmes & Watson’s Cozy Morning: [04:02–04:58]
• Pembroke’s Plea & Recap of Ship Disasters: [05:30–08:11]
• Description of Maritime Sabotage Pattern: [08:11–09:26]
• Race to the Ship: [10:07–13:01]
• Boarding the Gigantic and Setup of Suspicions: [13:13–16:18]
• Systems Failures Begin: [16:25–17:17]
• Bullion Room Break-in & Confrontation: [18:17–22:10]
• Locked In, Fire Alarm Ruse: [22:43–24:25]
• Rescue & Climax: [26:18–27:14]
• Resolution, Celebration, & Teaser: [27:26–29:28]

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Conclusion

This episode masterfully weaves a classic Holmes mystery, combining high-stakes danger with clever deductions, timely action, and trademark wit. The adventure captures New Year’s Eve peril and excitement, culminating in the salvation of a ship—and the British economy—just before midnight. The interplay between Holmes and Watson, suspenseful cliffhangers, and period detail make it a shining example of Golden Age radio drama.

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Transcript

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[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

From New York, the makers of clipper craft clothes for men and 924 leading retail stores from coast to coast present the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Our stories are based upon the character of Sherlock Holmes. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes is portrayed by John Stanley, Dr. Watson by Alfred Shirley and the dramatization are by Edith Meiser. Well, here we are once again. On the threshold of Dr. Watson's study. We find Mr. Holmes, genial biographer, strutting up and down in front of his fireplace. Evening, doctor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You look fit.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

The Christmas festivities don't seem to have got you down.

[Dr. Watson]

I am fit, Mr. Harris, very fit. Better than that, I am rather well fitted. A great Scotland. Where are your eyes?

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Why Dr. Watson, don't tell me Santa Claus brought you a clipper bath suit.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, why not? Just because I'm a wee bit venerable doesn't mean I'm antique. I still enjoy making a good impression, don't you know.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Well, in that suit it'll be the girls that go when you walk down the street. Seriously now, doctor, suppose. Tell us what tonight's story is to be about.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, tonight I thought I'd relate how Holmes and I spent New Year's Eve off the silly Isles.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

The Silly Isles? That sounds appropriate, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

The name of these particular islands is.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Spelled S C I L L Y.

[Dr. Watson]

They are located roughly 100 miles southwest of Land's End.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Harris. Oh.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

What in the world were you doing there on New Year's Eve?

[Dr. Watson]

Trying to prevent a great maritime catastrophe. You remember what happened to the Titanic? You know what happened to the Lusitania? Well, the lives of those on the ocean line of gigantic were in even greater danger when Holmes and I went over the side on New Year's Eve in the year 1912. But good heavens, there I go getting ahead of myself again. Suppose I fix us a Tom and Jerry while you tell our listeners how.

[Sherlock Holmes]

To start the year right in a clipper craft's clothes. Fair enough.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Dr. Watson. Millions of men like you will start the new Year in a smart new Clipper craft suit and overcoat. Yes, today more men than ever before wear Clippercraft clothes, for we've sold more Clipper Craft clothes than ever before in our entire history. There's a reason, of course. The wise old American public, with its eye for value, has pronounced Clippercraft the most remarkable clothing buys they've ever seen. The reason for these amazing values is the sensational Clipper Craft plan. Concentrating the buying power of 924 of the nation's leading stores from coast to coast. It accounts for tremendous savings in manufacturing and distribution costs. That's why truly fine Clipper Craft suits are only $40 and $45. Why, Clipper craft topcoats and overcoats are only $40 and sport jackets only $26.50. Clipper craft values are downright amazing. Compare them with clothes selling for many dollars more. Now, Dr. Watson, to return to the New Year's Eve Sherlock Holmes celebrated on the good ship Gigantic.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, here's your Tom and Jerry, Mr. Harris. Oh, careful, don't burn yourself. Yes, it was probably the most hectic New Year's Eve I ever experienced. Nothing is as terrifying to a seafaring man as the thought of fire aboard ship. Panic, the isolation. No, but that's neither here nor there. Yes, let me see. It was the last day of the year 1912. Its inception was sufficiently placid, I must say. A light snow was falling as Holmes and I seated ourselves on either side of a well filled breakfast table. The flames of our sea coal fire reflected themselves cheerfully in the generous coffee pot. The whole house was filled with the pleasant aroma of the stuffing Mrs. Hudson was preparing for our New Year as goose. Suddenly there came a frantic jangle of the front door bell.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, definitely no. No, Walton, whoever it is that's pulling our front doorbell out by the roots. Whatever his problem is, I'm definitely not interested. Yes, Watson, being the world's greatest consulting detective has its disadvantages. People always manage to get in the difficulties of the most inopportune moments.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, you should try being a doctor, Holmes. No female, since Eve has ever decided to become a mother at a convenient time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, come in, confidant.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Mr. Holmes. Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Naturally. Whatever your problem is, I warn you it'll have to wait till after the holidays.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

But it can't, Mr. Holmes. Close to 2,000 lives are at stake. I pray to heaven you'll be able to reach them before it's too late.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Reach whom? Where? And what is this disaster you anticipate with such trepidation?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

The steamship Gigantic, Mr. Holmes. She should be somewhere off the Scilly Isles by midnight. We've been reliably informed that an attempt will be made to set fire to her at that time. If successful, it'll be the greatest disaster in all maritime history.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, in that case, I suppose I shall have to forego the little celebration I'd planned for this evening.

[Dr. Watson]

Have to?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Really, Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

You are a cold blooded fish.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, I'm sorry. I don't believe you've met my colleague, Dr. Watson. Mr. Pembroke.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Reginald Pembroke.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

How do you do, sir?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

I'm chairman of the board of Floyds, the famous insurance company.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh. Then your desire to prevent this disaster isn't entirely humanitarian.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Not entirely. But neither is it altogether mercenary. There's more at stake than the lives of the passengers on board the Gigantic. If she goes down, the financial stability of the British Empire goes with her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Interestingly. Watson. Continue, Mr. Pembroke.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

You may be aware, Mr. Holmes, that during this past year there's been a terrifying number of marine catastrophes.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes knows everything, Mr. Pembroke.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm quite cognizant of the fact that quite a few of the newest and fastest British liners have been destroyed at sea by fire, storm and accident.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Ah, they weren't accidents, Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

I assure you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite. The Egyptian Star was destroyed by fire in the Persian Gulf. 800 lives lost. The Lord Nelson disappeared in a typhoon in Indian Ocean. No survivors. The Southern Cross exploded and sank off the coast of Brazil. 1200 casualties. The Wellington, the Lady Jane Grey and the El Dorado all caught fire in different parts of the Pacific. Total deaths over 2000. The greatest disaster was last April when the Titanic ran into an iceberg. With a loss of over 1500 souls.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

The public's becoming panicky about traveling on British ships. The ships of other nationalities are taking all our trade. Three banks, nearly 10 investment concerns with large marine interests have gone to the wall. Even Floyd is not too secure. But that is not the most serious aspect of the situation.

[Dr. Watson]

Really? Good Lord. Don't tell me there's worse to come.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Much worse, Dr. Watson. Those ships disappeared in many parts of the world. They were sunk by diverse methods. One factor, however, was the same in each disaster. And that was the cargo carried by each ship was gold. English gold. If it ever became known how much British bullion lies at the bottom of the seven seas. British credit would be badly crippled. As a matter of fact, the bank of England has been forced to import a large shipment of gold from Canada.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And it's on the Gigantic. Good Lord.

[Dr. Watson]

No wonder you're upset.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

The whole economic structure of the British Empire is at stake, Mr. Holmes. Nothing must happen to the Gigantic.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What makes you think anything will?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

A cable was sent shortly after the Gigantic left Queenstown. She makes a stop in Ireland on her eastbound voyage and on she sails. Shortly before dawn this morning. The gang planks have been drawn in, the last line have been cast off. And the great propellers have begun to churn. Suddenly the dock master noticed someone sliding down the ship's side on a rope.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Hi.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Look up there, sir. Some fool's climbed over the slide. He's coming down on a rock. Go back, your fool. Go back. He'll be killed. He'll never make the dot. He'll fall in the water, be swept under the ship. No, no. He's pushing the rope away from the ship with his feet. He's swinging out. He's going to jump. He made it. Someone up on the bridge has seen him. He's calling to him. The chat. Picked himself up. He's shouting back. Happy annoyance here. Happy New Year in hell.

[Dr. Watson]

Good Lord.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

I know the mantle. It's Smokey Joe, the firebird. If a Gigantic don't catch fire between here and Southampton, I'm a Dutchman.

[Dr. Watson]

Smokey Joe.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Seems to me we've heard of him before, eh, Watson? Not merely as an expert arsonist, but a dangerous pyromaniac as well. They caught him, I hope, Mr. Pembroke?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

No, no, Mr. Holmes. Unfortunately he was too quick for them. He crawled down a ladder and disappeared among the pilings under the docks.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So the Gigantic is headed for Southampton. With a nice bit of Joe's handiwork aboard.

[Dr. Watson]

You think it's a fire bomb, eh, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not necessarily, Watson. There are many ingenious ways of starting a fire, you know. Whoever hired Joe would prefer to have it happen. Went out to sea, I imagine.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Our thought exactly, Mr. Holmes. We've wireless Captain Brooks to make a search, of course. But on a ship the size of the Gigantic is like looking for a needle in a haystack. You are our one hope, Mr. Holmes. If only you couldn't get on board in time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And how do you suggest I go about that little assignment?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

The chairman of the Great Western Railway has placed the Royal train at your disposal. All other traffic will be cleared off the tracks now. You should reach Land's End shortly after lunch. My yacht, the Albatross, will be waiting for you. Harbors and Ives. Very speedy little craft. And with any luck, you should sight the gigantic around 11 o' clock tonight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, 11 o'. Clock. What was it Smokey Joe called Out. Happy New Year. In hell. It won't be New Year till midnight. If we reach the gigantic by 11. We may just possibly be in time. Six bells. It's eleven o'. Clock. Confound this fog. We've had to reduce our speed to half.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, we'll never catch up to the Gigantic now, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nonsense. She's had to slow down, too. I only hope we don't miss her entire year. This fog.

[Dr. Watson]

I don't really care.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You don't sound very fit, Watson. What's up?

[Dr. Watson]

Do you have to use that unfortunate expression?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't tell me you're feeling squeamish.

[Dr. Watson]

Is this confounded roll? I can stand a good brisk sea.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But this? Bobbing about in a teacup. Pity I didn't bring the mother s seasick pills. Oh, Mother, she's bad.

[Dr. Watson]

There's only one remedy for this sort of thing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's that?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Staying on shore.

[Dr. Watson]

Jolly way to spend New Year's Eve, this is. Who do you suppose is responsible for these confounded sinkings, anyway?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Pembroke seems to feel it's a foreign plot. The Middle East European shipping industries benefit the most, of course.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, did you hear that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

By joke.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Yes.

[Dr. Watson]

Sounds like an ocean liner, right enough.

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[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Honey, this is it. Shot clock winding down. Trailing by two.

[Disclaimer Voice]

When you can't miss the last shot.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And neither can he. Don't take slow for an answer.

[Dr. Watson]

If a shoot.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Did you see it?

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[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

What went through your head on the last shot? It all happened so fast.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Optimum.

[Announcer]

Don't take flow for an answer.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Turn. Supply the optimum.com for details. Yes, we're signaling her, Cotton.

[Dr. Watson]

There she is. A gigantic looming out of the soggy. Looks like a mountain coming at us.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Oh, yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson coming aboard. Let down a ladder.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Ladder coming over. Look out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here's the Watson. Think you can manage it?

[Dr. Watson]

I'd climb up the Eiffel Tower. On a clothes line. If he could get me off this bouncing cocktail.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite an impressive array of instruments you have up here on the bridge, Captain Brooks.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Yes, Mr. Holmes. Homogantic.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We have the latest of everything and.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

None of it's any real use. In case of fire died.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Soon face a typhoon or a shipwreck or a mutiny even dog rattit within a fire on board ship.

[Dr. Watson]

Surely a ship this size should be fairly fireproof.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

That's what you might think, Dr. Watson, but there are three factors that make.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A fire on a luxury liner dangerous. First, there's all the confounded ornamental woodwork that's used in a passenger construction.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Second, there's the fact that once a fire gets a firm hold, it's fed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

By draughts that rush through the ventilating system.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

And third, there is the element of panic. Nothing makes people behave more like wild beasts quicker than the cry of fire.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In case fire, you have of course an alarm system. We have the old fashioned system of bells. And also something rather recent.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

The Gigantic is one of the first.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ships to install it. You see that glass case over there, gentlemen?

[Dr. Watson]

The one with a lot of tubes entering from below. Looks rather like a giant honeycomb, eh Holmes?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Each of those tubes leads to a.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Separate compartment of the ship.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

The instant the fire breaks out anywhere, smoke is immediately drawn into the glass case.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I've stationed a sailor to watch that case.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Believe me gentlemen, the first wisp of.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Smoke we shall know it. Yes, undoubtedly very helpful, Captain Brooks. In the case of an ordinary conflagration, I assure you a fire set by Smokey Joe is not ordinary. He's a master arsonist. Ten seconds after one of his fires breaks out, you're dealing with a raging inferno.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Did they tell me the man deserted the shit at Queenstown?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That news this morning. That's more than 18 hours ago.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

If he'd set fire, it seems to me that we'd be in flames by this time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not necessarily. There are many methods by which a fire can be made to break out long after the pyromaniac has left the scene of his crime. You say you found no time bombs, no inflammable acids? No, Mr. Holmes.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Ever since I received word that we were in danger, I've had my men searching high and low. They found nothing. Absolutely nothing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's been a systematic search, I promise you. Yes, but you've drawn a blank. That's what comes of using system instead of brains and initiative. Oh, and how do you propose to.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Locate whatever it is we can't find?

[Sherlock Holmes]

By using a little Logic. I shall credit Smokey Joe with having the intelligence to place his fire starting device in the place where it'll do the most damage. The man's an amateur, Captain. He knows his business. Then I shall investigate that place and remove his handiwork.

[Dr. Watson]

Grooms, you're bragging again.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not at all, my dear Watson. I think I may promise I shall have discovered the menace instead of half an hour. I only hope Joe's little device doesn't do its nasty job before then.

[Dr. Watson]

Half an hour? It's now 11:30 exactly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You think you can solve this problem by midnight? Yes, Captain. With any luck, I think I can promise you a placid and uneventful New Year.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Captain Brooks.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Mr. Brown? What seems to be the trouble?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

The wireless engineer wishes to report something's.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Wrong with his apparatus.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Both the sending and receiving equipment have suddenly gone out of commission. I don't like that. What does he think is about me? Captain, can you come here a minute?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Excuse me a moment, gentlemen. The wheelsman was calling me.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

What trouble, Jerry? It's the compass. It's spinning like a tongue. I can't figure out what's got into it. Never seen a light except once in some magnetic storm.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Great Scott, this is incredible. Now what is? The engine room calling, Captain. I'll take it. Hello, here's Captain Brooks speaking. The blazes, you say?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Well, do the best you can.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Seems to be the difficulty, Captain. The dynamos are slowing down.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

They can't figure out why. Good Lord, sir, that's why the lights are getting dim.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The places with the lights without dynamos we've no forced draught for the furnaces. We'll never keep up enough steam pressure to drive the ship.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

In no time at all we'll be drifting helplessly in the Atlantic in the.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Middle of the reefs that surround the city isles.

[Dr. Watson]

Jolly way to spend New Year's Eve, eh, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It could be worse, you know how? The ship could be on fire. That's the real menace to which these other threats are but the prelude, I fancy.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

For the love of heaven, what are we to do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Keep calm and use whatever intelligence the Lord has endowed us with. Captain Brooks, I suggest you and as many officers as you can spare join the holiday celebration that's undoubtedly going on in order to keep discipline in case there's any disturbance. Very good, Mr. Holmes. There's a New Year's dance going on in the large ballroom, John C Deck. And meanwhile, if you could spare us someone to guide Watson and myself.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Brown here is our purser. He knows the ship as well as anyone aboard. I'm sure he does. Very well Mr. Brown, if you'll lead the way. I think Dr. Watson and I would like to go below and investigate the engines. No Mr. Brown, even lower than that. What we're looking for is apt to be rather close to the furnaces I imagine.

[Dr. Watson]

No, these iron scares go round and round to make me dizzy. Maybe it's the heat down here.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Yes, we're getting close to the furnace room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If you listen you can hear the.

[Dr. Watson]

Disturbing grim way doing a living.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Stop a minute. Where does that lead Mr. Brown? That small corridor with a heavy metal door at the far end.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

That's the bullion room sir, where gold is kept.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very interesting. Suppose we take a look here Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

I've always wanted to see those gold bars you hear so much about.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

I'm afraid that won't be possible Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why not?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Well as you can see the door.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is locked and sealed.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

It was done by the port authorities before we left New York. That door won't be opened until the port authorities unseal it when we reach Southampton.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You mean that room in there wasn't opened when the captain ordered the ship search for senior material?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

No Mr. Hopes but it's quite impossible for anyone to place a fire bomb or anything of the sort in there. As you can see the seals are still intact.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite. These seals are intact. But are they the ones put on in New York? I doubt it. Let's have a look. Yes, interesting, very interesting. These are not the original seals.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, how can you tell Holmes? They're looking intact to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly. They are intact. But here in the crack of the door sill are bits of broken seals. But these seals are not even chipped by Jovius.

[Dr. Watson]

Of course the original seals were hacked off and then replaced after someone had finished picking the lock and robbing the room inside.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I doubt if robbery was the motive, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Well for what other reason would anyone want to break into a room full of gold bullion?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It all depends what lies directly below that room Mr. Brown.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Let me see. Nothing of any great importance Mr. Holmes, just the coal piles.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The coal piles? Good Lord. I think we shall have to break the seals again Mr. Brown. Here Watson, help me. But the door is locked Mr. Holmes.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Even after the seals have been removed. We shall have to get the key from the captain.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No time for that. Hand me my burglar tools Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Very well.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Good heavens, you actually pick a luck with those things.

[Dr. Watson]

If Holmes ever turned thief Mr. Brown, even the bank of England wouldn't be safe.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes that should do the trick. Now if you'll help me draw the bars, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, with pleasure. There you are, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now let's see. See?

[Dr. Watson]

It's black in there, isn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is there a light inside Mr. Brown?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

No, Mr. Holmes, I'm afraid not.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then we shall have to prop the broken. The light from the corridor will have to do for our investigations. Come on, Watson.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

That smell. Strong and acrid like sulphur, only with more bite.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Seems to be coming from this large tin. Suppose I light a match up? Don't be alarmed. I know better than to light a match around a tin which is leaking sulfuric acid. I only wanted to know how much you knew about Smokey Joe's incendiary device. Mr. Ludwig Brown, spelled B R A U N if not mistaken.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

So you recognize me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, that curing scar over your left eye. It's rather a giveaway, don't you know?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

So you have found how we are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Going to set fire to the ship?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

By having the acid drip through a hole in the floor under the coal beneath. The first shovelful of that acid soaked coal that goes in the furnace and the hold of a ship will be a blazing inferno. Nothing could put out that fire.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't you mean that's how you were going to start the fire? My dear Mr. Holmes, you do not.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Think we will let a small obstacle like the famous Sherlock Holmes stand in our way?

[Dr. Watson]

Listen to me.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Don't raise your fist to me. I'll let you have it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Never argue with a Luger pistol, Watson. What?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

That's the first sensible remark you've made, Mr. Holmes. I'm sorry to leave, but the stokers should reach the sulfuric acid impregnated coal in about 10 minutes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I believe so. I must be going.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

This room will be a roaring oven once it starts. You'll be rather badly overdone, gentlemen. Goodbye then. So sorry I cannot say. I'll feed us in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The door.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

He's bolted it.

[Dr. Watson]

Even you can't open it now, Holmes.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Shut up.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson, help me look for the opening.

[Dr. Watson]

What opening for heaven's sake?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The opening that leads to the tube that ends in the captain's new fire detecting mach. It should be somewhere near the ceiling.

[Dr. Watson]

But Holmes, I can't see a thing in this black hole of Calcutta.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

You can feel, can't you?

[Dr. Watson]

Not a thing. Holmes. The wall on this side of a room. It's a smooth as an egg.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Confounded. If we could see for half a minute it would. Hello? I've got something. Yes? Yes, a small grating here in the upper corner. This must be it. Now if we can make a smudge of some sort. Watson, bring me a piece of paper. Paper? Where would I find a piece of paper? Then bring me anything I can burn. A bit of cloth, a piece of. Yes, by joke. Rope. Bring me a piece of the rope that's tied around one of the boxes that contain the bullion.

[Dr. Watson]

Very well, if I can find a box too.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now what?

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

I found it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Confound it.

[Dr. Watson]

The knots are tied so tight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Blazes with knots. Cut the rope, Watson. Use your pocket knife.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, very well. There you are, Holmes. It's a short length.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid I only want enough for a smudge. Nothing like a bit of hempen rope.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

For heaven's sake, you're not going to.

[Dr. Watson]

Set a match to that thing in here.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

There'll be an explosion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have to take the chance, Watson. With any luck, the sulfuric acid fumes won't be too concentrated up here near the ceiling. Well, here goes. One, two. Now, if we can persuade the rope to smolder here. There she goes.

[Dr. Watson]

Certainly makes plenty of smoke, eh, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The important thing is being drawn up to the grating.

[Dr. Watson]

How long before they come to investigate, do you suppose?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It all depends on the mental acumen of the sailor who's watching that fire detecting machine.

[Dr. Watson]

Let's hope he's brighter than he looks. It may be my imagination, but it seems to me I can feel the metal flooring under my feet beginning to get hot.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Most things in 1948 will cost you a great deal more than you've paid in other years. That's why it's sensational news to know that you can get Clipper craft suits in 1948 for only $40 and $45, Clipper craft topcoats and overcoats for only $40 and sport jackets for only $26.50. And isn't it as good a time as any to decide to get the most for your money? You've every right to expect long hair, correct styling, good taste, comfort and perfect fit. And you get all these to an astounding degree in Clipper Craft clothes. And you get them at incredibly modest prices. It's, of course, American production genius applied to the making of fine clothes that does the trick. It's the unique Clipper Craft plan concentrating the buying power of 924 of the nation's leading independent stores from coast to coast. You get the benefit of this plan at your own locally owned store, the store you can trust selling expensive clothes at inexpensive low prices. At the nation's finest independent stores is the great big idea behind the Clipper Craft plan. That's why men who know insist on Clipper Craft clothes. So be sure to visit Clipper Craft store in your city.

[Sherlock Holmes]

These leading stores in the metropolitan area are proud to add their names to Clipper Craft. And your suit, topcoat and overcoat in Manhattan, Saks 34th Broadway, 34th, John Walamaker Men's Stores, Broadway at 8 and 67 Liberty street in Brooklyn, Abraham & Strauss in Newark, New Jersey Boulevard. Men's Shop, Kresge, Newark. And in Jamaica, the B and b clothes shop. 16408 Jamaica.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Avenue. Now let's rejoin Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson locked in the smoke filled bullion room of the.

[Dr. Watson]

Gigantic. Good Lord. How long did it take for.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Them to get us out of.

[Dr. Watson]

Here? That smoke's.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Suffocating. Calm yourself, Watson. It can't be more than three minutes since we lit this smudge. Yes, I can hear someone running down the iron.

[Dr. Watson]

Stick. I can't hear a blasted.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Thing. How do.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

You. Hello. Hello in.

[Dr. Watson]

There. Get us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Out. We're in.

[Dr. Watson]

Here. Open the door. What a.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Relief. How in Sunday did you two get locked in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here? What's all the smoke hyper? Explanations, Captain. Stop them stoking the furnaces. Flood the coal piles with water. They've been soaked with sulfuric.

[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Acid. Good Lord. Thank God. Gates, stop the firing. Stop the pumps in the engine.

[Dr. Watson]

Room. Well, that's that. Holmes, what do you suppose has become of that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dastardy? Purser, we'll let Captain Brooks take care of him. Watson, unless I'm very much mistaken, Mr. Brown is going to wish he'd never gone to sea. Well, come along. Let's go upstairs and join the festivities. I think we rate a bottle of.

[Dr. Watson]

Champagne. To blazes with the champagne. I need a double brandy. Hey, Bellson. Let's.

[Sherlock Holmes]

See. That'll be midnight, Watson. Happy New Year, old.

[Dr. Watson]

Fellow. Happy New Year, homes. And many of them. But don't you think you could manage to have them? Not quite so hair raising and.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have you getting fat and lethargic? You know that would be unhealthy, not to say.

[Dr. Watson]

Boring. Oh, so now it's for my sake we indulge in all these horrendous escapades, eh? Primet of logic that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is. Elementary, my dear Watson, elementary. But here's the ballroom. Suppose we join the party? Signs, my.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Dear. Well, Dr. Watson, that was an exciting way to spend New Year's.

[Dr. Watson]

Eve. It was a bit too exciting, Mr. Harris, if you ask.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Me. Doctor, did they catch the.

[Dr. Watson]

Purser. Oh, they did indeed. Mr. Brown and five of his accomplices were thrown in the brig. That was the end of the disasters in the British Maritime.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Service. When did Holmes first suspect? The first was the villain of.

[Dr. Watson]

The piece when he came onto the bridge and threw his overcoat on a chair near to the compass, where upon the compass went berserk. Holmes immediately suspected the code contained a powerful magnet of some.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Sort. And Was he right.

[Dr. Watson]

Doctor? My dear Mr. Harris, was Sherlock Holmes ever wrong. But come, fill your mug and let us wish our radio friends a prisoner prosperous, happy and peaceful New.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Year. Indeed we do, doctor. And now, Dr. Watson, would you like to give us a hint about next week's.

[Dr. Watson]

Story? Next week I think I'll tell you how Holmes and I trapped a famous jewel thief right in our own rooms in Baker street by the use of what was then a fabulous new invention, the.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Gramoph. The makers of clipper craft clothes and 924 leading stores from coast to coast have brought you another in the new series of broadcasts featuring the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes is produced and directed by Basil Okran with special music by Albert Berman. If you don't know your clipper craft dealer, Wright Clippercraft, 200 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Be sure to listen next week to Sherlock Holmes in the Maserin Stone. If you'd like to attend the Sherlock Holmes broadcast to New York, see your local clipper craft dealer and he'll.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Tell you how to obtain your.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Tickets. Wishing you a happy and prosperous.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Linear from all of.

[Narrator / Mr. Harris]

Us. This is the world's largest network serving more than 450 radio.

[Announcer]

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[Disclaimer Voice]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

Mobile. You know one of the perks.

[Disclaimer Voice]

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[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

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[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

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[Disclaimer Voice]

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[Mr. Pembroke / Other Characters]

Only. Speed flow after 35 gigabytes of networks busy taxes and fees extra. C.