History Daily: The Return of The Scream Release Date: May 7, 2025

Hosted by Lindsey Graham | Produced by Airship, Noiser, Wondery

Introduction

On this episode of History Daily, host Lindsey Graham delves into one of the most audacious art heists in modern history—the theft and subsequent recovery of Edvard Munch's iconic masterpiece, "The Scream." Through meticulous storytelling, Graham and narrator Leif Lir unravel the intricate web of crime, investigation, and international cooperation that ultimately led to the painting's return.

The Heist: A Chilling Night in Oslo

February 12, 1994, marked a dark day for art enthusiasts worldwide. Outside the National Art Gallery in Oslo, Norway, an elaborate plan was set into motion. Leif Lir recounts the detailed execution of the theft:

"It's early morning on February 12, 1994 outside the National Art Gallery in Oslo, Norway. Snow falls softly onto the face of 18-year-old William Ozheim as he stops walking and stares up at the arched second-floor window of the grand brick building." [00:15]

William Ozheim, alongside his accomplice, meticulously prepares to steal "The Scream." Utilizing a ladder and exploiting a temporarily disabled security system, Ozheim manages to breach the gallery without triggering any alarms. His swift actions and the thoughtful timing, especially with the cleaners' schedules in mind, showcase the level of planning involved.

Despite a nerve-wracking slip caused by the slippery snow:

"William's heart beats faster and faster, but in the falling snow, the rungs of the ladder are becoming slippery. William is not 8ft above the ground when he slips. The soft snow breaks his fall and William is unhurt. His accomplice scowls silently at him." [00:15]

Ozheim successfully removes "The Scream," leaving behind a mocking note: "Thanks for the bad security." This bold statement underscored the audacity of the theft and sent shockwaves through the art community.

Immediate Aftermath and Initial Investigation

The disappearance of "The Scream" didn't go unnoticed. Lindsey Graham introduces us to Leif Lir, Norway's Assistant Chief of Police, who is present at the 1994 Winter Olympics opening ceremony when he receives the urgent call about the theft:

"Leif feels his pager buzz on his belt. Without thinking too much of it, Leif glances down to read the message and then swears under his breath he's been sent an emergency code meaning he'll have to leave the ceremony immediately." [04:11]

Arriving at the crime scene, Leif faces a media frenzy eager for answers. With limited clues—primarily the mocking note and grainy CCTV footage—the investigation seems stymied. Speculations range from anti-abortion activists seeking publicity to mere attention-seekers capitalizing on the Olympic spotlight.

The Prime Suspect: Pal Enger

As the investigation unfolds, Pal Enger emerges as the prime suspect. A former professional footballer turned career criminal, Enger's history of art theft makes him a likely culprit. Notably, he had previously stolen an Edvard Munch painting from the same gallery in 1988:

"Pal is a former professional footballer, and for him, the adulation of fans was never enough. He only truly felt alive when he turned to crime." [04:11]

However, evidence against Enger is circumstantial. Blurry CCTV footage shows him at the gallery, but without concrete proof, the case remains unresolved. The lack of a ransom demand or any sign of the painting on the black market deepens the mystery.

International Collaboration: The London Connection

With the investigation hitting a dead end, Leif decides to seek international expertise. Enter Charlie Hill, an undercover detective from London's Metropolitan Police, assigned to aid the Norwegian force:

"Charlie Hill, a large Englishman in his mid-40s, sits in the hotel restaurant... He is one of them. Charlie is a detective from London's Metropolitan Police... trying to find out as much as he can about the theft of the Scream." [11:31]

Disguised as Chris Roberts, an American art dealer, Charlie orchestrates a sting operation to lure the criminals out. The strategy hinges on posing as a representative from the Getty Museum in California, ready to pay a substantial ransom for the painting's return.

The Sting: Deception and Risk

The sting operation culminates at the Plaza Hotel in Oslo. Charlie negotiates with gang members, carefully managing the interaction to ensure the entire criminal organization is targeted:

"Charlie could simply grab the criminals there and then. But the man doesn't have the painting with him. And Charlie wants to arrest the entire gang, not just one of them." [11:31]

His patience pays off when, the next morning, the gang arrives at a pre-arranged summer house. Amidst mounting tension, Charlie leads the criminals into a cellar where "The Scream" is finally recovered:

"There, in a dusty corner of the cellar, is the Scream. It takes Charlie very little time to authenticate it." [15:07]

Climactic Arrests and Aftermath

With "The Scream" safely in police hands, the operation appears to be a success. However, Pal Enger remains elusive until a tense encounter at a gas station:

"Pal Enge has just filled up his tank and is heading in to pay... With his son still strapped to his chest and crying pitifully, Pal holds up his hands and surrenders." [17:49]

Faced with overwhelming evidence and recognizing the tightening noose around him, Enger chooses to surrender rather than escalate to violence. This pivotal moment leads to his conviction:

"18 months later, on January 18, 1996, Pal Enge is found guilty of conspiring to steal the Scream. He's sent away for six years and three months, the longest prison sentence ever given out for a theft in Norway." [19:46]

Conclusion: A Triumph of International Policing

The recovery of "The Scream" stands as a testament to effective international collaboration between Norwegian and British police forces. The meticulous planning, undercover operations, and unwavering determination of officers like Leif Lir and Charlie Hill ensured that one of art's greatest masterpieces was returned to its rightful place.

"The work of Charlie Hill and Leif Lir won't be over until Pal Enge is anger. The suspected mastermind behind the theft is finally caught and put behind bars." [15:07]

This episode not only recounts a thrilling art heist but also highlights the complexities and triumphs inherent in solving international crimes.

Behind the Scenes

Production Credits:

• Host: Lindsey Graham
• Narrator: Leif Lir
• Audio Editing: Mohamed Shazid
• Sound Design: Matthew Filler
• Music: Thrum
• Writers: Owen Paul Nichols
• Editors: William Simpson
• Managing Producer: Emily Burke
• Executive Producers: William Simpson (Airship) and Pascal Hughes (Noiser)

Notable Quotes

• William Ozheim: "William's heart beats faster and faster, but in the falling snow, the rungs of the ladder are becoming slippery." [00:15]

• Leif Lir: "Leif feels his pager buzz on his belt. Without thinking too much of it, Leif glances down to read the message..." [04:11]

• Charlie Hill: "I would pay a ransom on behalf of the museum in order to save a true work of art." [11:31]

Final Thoughts

"The Return of The Scream" is a captivating narrative that blends art history with the suspense of criminal investigation. By spotlighting the dedication of law enforcement and the intricate dance of undercover operations, History Daily offers listeners a profound appreciation for the lengths taken to preserve cultural treasures.

For those intrigued by this episode, be sure to tune in to History Daily for more enthralling stories that illuminate the events shaping our world, one day at a time.