Suspense: The Cave of Ali Baba (Encore) (EP4598e)

Summary

Summary of "Suspense: The Cave of Ali Baba (Encore)" – The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
• Host: Adam Graham
• Episode: Suspense: The Cave of Ali Baba (Encore) (EP4598e)
• Release Date: January 12, 2025

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Suspense: The Cave of Ali Baba (Encore)," hosted by Adam Graham, listeners are treated to a gripping adaptation of Dorothy Sayers' renowned detective story featuring Lord Peter Wimsey. This encore presentation celebrates the podcast's milestone of 2,150 episodes, highlighting the enduring appeal of Golden Age radio detective dramas. Adam Graham provides insightful commentary, contextualizing the story within the broader landscape of old-time radio and discussing its significance in the pantheon of British detective fiction.

Plot Summary

Setting the Scene

The episode opens in a grim, narrow house in Lambeth on a cold Saturday afternoon. Joseph Rogers, a seemingly unremarkable man, is introduced as he goes about his routine of eating kippers and reading the newspaper. His calm is abruptly shattered by a mysterious noise at the front door, prompting him to receive a cryptic note:

[05:53] Dorothy Sayers: "Number 21. An extraordinary general meeting will be held tonight at the house of number one at 11:30. You will be absent at your peril. The word is finality. Finality? Yes, I think so."

The Safe and the Hidden Message

Joseph Rogers secludes himself in a secure room to hide the message and instead chooses to communicate discreetly by releasing carrier pigeons with his responses. His actions suggest he's entangled in a clandestine society with its own set of rules and codes.

[07:18] Dorothy Sayers: "There you are, my pretty."

Throughout the evening, Joseph dons a black velvet mask bearing the number 21 and attends a secretive meeting at a villa. The meeting is orchestrated by "Number One," a prominent figure in the society, who addresses the members about recent setbacks and the presence of a traitor within their ranks.

Unveiling the Traitor

As the meeting progresses, Joseph Rogers reveals himself to be Lord Peter Wimsey, a renowned criminologist presumed dead. His revelation shocks the society members, leading to confrontations and accusations. Dorothy Sayers masterfully builds tension as Wimsey uncovers the intricate mechanisms of the society's operations, including a cleverly designed safe inspired by the tale of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves.

[16:20] Dorothy Sayers: "No."

Wimsey exposes the society's vulnerabilities, particularly focusing on the compromised safe that holds critical information about its members. His strategic maneuvers culminate in a dramatic showdown where he leverages his knowledge to outwit the antagonists, ultimately ensuring justice prevails.

Climactic Resolution

The climax sees a tense sequence where the safety of the society's president is jeopardized by Dorothy Sayers' character, leading to a series of rapid developments involving timed explosions and police intervention. Inspector Parker arrives just in time to mitigate further chaos, resulting in the apprehension of the traitorous members and the preservation of the society's integrity.

[29:35] Number One: "Let me see."

The episode concludes with the assurance that order has been restored, and Lord Peter Wimsey's brilliance has once again unraveled the tangled web of deceit.

Notable Quotes

• [05:53] Dorothy Sayers: "Number 21... The word is finality."

• [16:20] Dorothy Sayers: "No."

• [24:22] Dorothy Sayers: "Do you remember the story of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves? ... The words that open the door are open sesame."

• [28:24] Number One: "We must save him."

• [29:08] Dorothy Sayers: "If I can only be conversational. Come on, old thing, show us your paces."

These quotes encapsulate pivotal moments in the narrative, highlighting the suspense and strategic dialogues that drive the story forward.

Production Details

• Directed by: Robert Louis Shehan
• Produced by: William Speer
• Written by: Peter Lyon
• Scored by: Bernard Herman Romney
• Cast:
  • Brent: Peter Wimsey
  • Number One: William Moulton
  • Number Two: Ira Gerald
  • Additional Cast: Kathleen Cordell, Victor Beecroft, Roland Bottomley, J.W. Austin, William Podmore, Ian Martin, William Moulton

The production quality mirrors the classic Golden Age of Radio, with meticulous attention to voice acting, sound effects, and musical scoring, thereby immersing listeners in the suspenseful atmosphere of the story.

Host Commentary

After the dramatization, Adam Graham offers a thoughtful analysis of the episode:

"Listening to the pipes from Morse Code... it's the way that these sort of stories work. And it works pretty well as long as both sides are playing evenly or pretty close to it."

Graham delves into the character of Lord Peter Wimsey, emphasizing his significance in British detective fiction and his portrayal across multiple novels and short stories by Dorothy Sayers. He acknowledges the complexity introduced in this narrative when Wimsey assumes a false identity, sparking debates among fans regarding the chronology of the character's life.

"Peter Wimsey is more than just a character in this single story... He was probably the most beloved character created by Dorothy Sayers."

Graham also touches upon the adaptation history of Sayers' works in radio, noting that while this particular story stands out, other adaptations featured different protagonists, such as Montague Egg from "Murder Clinic."

In conclusion, Adam Graham praises the balanced duel between hero and villain, appreciating the intricate plotting that sustains the suspense throughout the episode.

"It was definitely a very fun story and it works because both the hero and the villain sized are evenly matched by making things as complicated and involved as possible."

Conclusion

"Suspense: The Cave of Ali Baba (Encore)" serves as a testament to the enduring allure of classic detective narratives. Through expert adaptation and stellar production, the episode not only entertains but also pays homage to the intricate storytelling that defines the Golden Age of Radio. Adam Graham's insightful commentary further enriches the listening experience, offering listeners both nostalgic enjoyment and a deeper appreciation for the genre's timeless appeal.

For fans of mystery, detective dramas, or vintage radio shows, this episode is a must-listen, encapsulating the essence of suspense and the brilliance of Lord Peter Wimsey's detective prowess.

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Subscribe and join Adam Graham on a journey through the finest detective series from the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Today we're bringing you another encore of an episode based on a book or short story. A reminder that any offers or information mentioned in these older episodes are not valid unless currently displayed on our Great Detectives website. Now enjoy today's encore. Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, send it to me box 13 at. Follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com radiodetectives well, we're going to bring you a special in celebration of 2150 episodes. It's going to feature one of the most beloved characters in the history of British detective fiction and and I'm not going to tell you who you'll find out in the episode, though you already know if you're a fan of this character's work. The original air date is August 19th of 1942 and this one is the Cave of Alibaba.

[William Speer]

The Columbia Network takes pleasure in bringing you Suspense Suspense. Columbia's play theater of outstanding thrillers produced and directed by William Speer and scored by Bernard Herman. The notable melodramas from fiction and stage and screen from the world's great literature of entertaining excitement, presented each week to bring you to the edge of your chair to keep you in suspense. Tonight's adventure in suspense is from the pen of Dorothy Sayers. She called it the Cave of Alibaba. Like the tale told by Scheherazade, a distinguished ancestress in the storytelling art, Ms. Sayer's thriller deals with 40 thieves and with two magic words for your uneasy listening, then suspense presents the Cave of Alibaba On a Saturday afternoon in January, in a grim and narrow house in Lambeth, a man sat eating kippers and reading the daily paper. He was smallish and spare, with brown hair rather too regularly waved, and a strong, brown pointed beard. His double breasted navy blue suit, his socks, tie, and handkerchief were all scrupulously matched, and his brown boots just a trifle too highly polished. He did not look a gentleman, not even a gentleman's gentleman. Yet there was something about his appearance which suggested that he was accustomed to the manner of life in good families. A superior butler, perhaps, yet not old enough to be retired. A footman who had come into a legacy. Yes. He had just finished eating and he was sipping his coffee when a slight noise at the front door caught his ear. Swiftly, too swiftly for a quiet little man sitting, eating kippers and reading his paper on a Saturday afternoon. He sprang up. He dashed through the small hallway and he flung the door open.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Of course, no one in sight. The society is at least dramatic in its delivery of its correspondence.

[William Speer]

And as if he knew what he would find, he shut the door and turned to the hat stand in the hall. An envelope had been placed there. It was addressed to Joseph Rogers. So Mr. Rogers opened the note.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Number 21. An extraordinary general meeting will be held tonight at the house of number one at 11:30. You will be absent at your peril. The word is finality. Finality? Yes, I think so.

[William Speer]

The man called Joseph Rogers stood for a moment, studying the note. Then he strode to the rear of the house, to a tall safe built in the wall. Carefully, he manipulated a dial. He swung the safe door open, stepped inside into a small, strong room. He opened a drawer marked correspondence, placed the note inside, and then came out again. A moment to reset the lock for a new combination, and then he went back into the living room. He reached for the telephone. He lifted it from the cradle and then reconsidered. Too dangerous. He hurried upstairs and clambered into an attic in the furthest corner. He searched for and found a knothole in the woodwork. He pressed it. A concealed trapdoor swung open and he was on the loft of the adjoining house. He paused before three cages. In each of them, a carrier pigeon. Carefully he wrote a note, slipped it under a pigeon's Wing.

[Dorothy Sayers]

There you are, my pretty.

[Peter Wimsey]

There.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Take it easy now. There you go. Lie straight. 4:30. I'll send another pigeon at 5 and the third at 6. I should have my answer by 9:30 at the lady. Oh, I forgot one thing most important.

[William Speer]

Mr. Rogers moved through the trapdoor back into the attic of his own house. And once again he stood before the tall safe built in the wall. He opened the door, stepped into the strong room, moved for a moment quietly in the dark, and then spoke gently.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Now be good, my sweetheart. I'm depending on you. Open sesame. Come on now, old thing. Open sesame. Open sesame. That's better. That's very much better.

[William Speer]

By 9:30 his answer was back. All the little piece of paper said was a hasty okay. At a quarter before 11, he took his revolver from a locked drawer, inspected it carefully. Yes, loaded it with cartridges from an unbroken packet, and left the house. He walked quickly, keeping well away from the wall. And when he climbed on a bus, he sat next to the conductor where he could watch all who got on and off. By 25 minutes after 11, he was out on lonely Hampstead Heath, pausing in the shadow of a large tree to adjust a black velvet mask on which in white thread was stitched the number 21. Then he stepped briskly to the door of the villa that lay before him. And.

[Number One]

What is it?

[Dorothy Sayers]

Finality.

[Number One]

Come in. Go right on through. Number one will check you in.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Right, 21, sir.

[Peter Wimsey]

Lift your mask. Very well, 21. You may go on to the meeting room.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Thank you, sir.

[William Speer]

The room of the villa in which Mr. Rogers now stood was a large one, a brilliantly lighted room. There was a gramophone in one corner blaring out a jazz tune to its rhythm. Couples, masked men and women, were dancing. Some were in evening dress, some in tweeds and jumpers. In another corner of the room was the bar. Mr. Rogers went up to it and asked the masked man in charge for a double whiskey. He consumed it slowly, leaning on the bar. The room filled. Presently someone moved across to the gramophone and stopped it. Mr. Rogers looked around. Number one. The massive gentleman in evening dress who had checked him in, appeared on the threshold. A tall woman in black stood beside him. Her mask, embroidered with a white number two, covered her hair and her face completely. Only her fine bearing, her white arms and her dark eyes shining through the eyelids, proclaimed her as a woman of power, of physical attraction. The masked dancers were silent now as Number One spoke.

[Peter Wimsey]

Ladies and gentlemen, we are short two members tonight. I need not inform you of the disastrous failure of our plan for obtaining the plans of the court. Windleseam, Heliscoper, our courageous and devoted friends, number 15 and number 38 were betrayed and taken by the police. Some of you might fear that under examination these two would break down and give away our society. There is no need for such a fear. I gave the usual orders and their tongues have been silenced. Their defense will be discreetly compensated in the usual manner. I call upon number 12 and 34 to undertake this agreeable task. They retend me at my office for their instructions after the meeting. Will the numbers I have named kindly signify by raising their hands that I are able and willing to perform this duty. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, please take your partners for the next dance.

[William Speer]

The gramophone struck up again. Mr. Rogers turned to a girl near him in a red dress. She nodded and they slipped into the movement of a foxtrot. The couple's gyrated solemnly and in silence. Their shadows were flung against the blinds. As they turned and stepped to and fro. The girl in red spoke to Mr. Rogers.

[Number One]

What's happened? I'm frightened. Aren't you? I feel as if something awful was about to happen.

[Dorothy Sayers]

It does take one a bit short, number one's way of doing things. But it's safer like that.

[Number Two]

Don't talk in, please. You know the rules.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Sorry.

[William Speer]

In silence, the dance continued. And then it came to an end. And then, when it had finished, the dancers came again to where number one sat and waited with tense eagerness for him to speak.

[Peter Wimsey]

Ladies and gentlemen, you may wonder why this extraordinary meeting has been called. The reason is a serious one. The failure of our recent attempt was no accident. The police were not on the premises that night. By accident. We have a traitor amongst us. This last failure was not the first. You will remember the unfortunate way in which the affair of the Dinglewood pearls turned out. And there were others. However, I am happy to say that our minds can now be easy. All these troubles have been traced to their origin. The offender has been discovered and will be removed. The misguided member who introduced the traitor to our ranks will be placed in a position where his lack of caution will have no further ill effects.

[Number Two]

There is no cause for alarm.

[Peter Wimsey]

Ladies and gentlemen, please take your partners for the next dance.

[William Speer]

Again, the gramophone took up its bizarre monotony. The masked dancers glided and turned and their movements were sharper, more staccato. The girl in red was claimed by a tall mask and evening dress. A hand laid on Mr. Roger Roger's arm made him start. A small, plump woman in a Green jumper slipped a cold hand into his. The dance went on. When it stopped, everyone stood detached, stiffened in expectation. The endless interval was over. Number One raised his voice.

[Peter Wimsey]

Ladies and gentlemen, you will no doubt wish to be relieved of the questions on your mind. I will name the persons involved. Number 37.

[Number Two]

No.

[Peter Wimsey]

No. Silence.

[Number Two]

Whatever unswear silence.

[Peter Wimsey]

You have failed in discretion. You will be dealt with. If you have anything to say in defense of your folly, I'll hear it later. Sit down.

[William Speer]

Number 37 sank down upon a chair. He pushed his handkerchief under the mask to wipe his face. Two tall men closed in upon him. The rest fell back.

[Peter Wimsey]

Ladies and gentlemen, I will now name the traitor. Stand forward. Number 21. Take off your mask, number 37. This man was introduced to our society by you under the name of Joseph Rogers, formerly second footman in the service of the Duke of Denver. Dismissed for petty thievery. Did you take steps to verify the statement?

[Number Two]

I did. I did. As God's my witness, it was all straight. I had him identified by two of the servants. I asked all over about him. The story was true. I'll swear it was.

[Peter Wimsey]

Number 21. Your name has been given as Joseph Rogers. Is that your real name? Answer me. Is that your real name?

[Dorothy Sayers]

No.

[Peter Wimsey]

What is your name?

[Dorothy Sayers]

Peter Death Breden Wimsey.

[Number Two]

Silence.

[Peter Wimsey]

My compliments, your lordship. We thought Lord Wimsey was dead. He was killed, so the paper said. Two winters ago while shooting big game in Africa. Even left a will proved a £500,000.

[Dorothy Sayers]

To his mother, I believe. The Dowager Duchess of Denver, Lord Tita Wimsey.

[Peter Wimsey]

Indeed. Well known book collector, man about town, distinguished criminologist. Took an active part in the solution of several famous mysteries.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Taking an active part, if you don't mind.

[Peter Wimsey]

So you deliberately led us to think you were dead and became Joseph Rogers to gain entrance to our society. What has become of the real Joseph Rogers?

[Dorothy Sayers]

He died abroad. I took his place.

[Peter Wimsey]

And the end of your impersonation to uncover our society.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Precisely.

[Number Two]

I see.

[Peter Wimsey]

The robbery of your own fete, upon which we congratulated ourselves and which you helped to execute, was arranged, obviously. The robbery of the Duchess, your mother, was arranged by you.

[Dorothy Sayers]

It was. It was a very ugly tiara. No real loss to anybody with decent taste.

[Peter Wimsey]

The burglary of the Winthrop Mansion, the theft of the necklace, the Covent Garden, the others as well. You arranged them all?

[Dorothy Sayers]

All. May I spoke, by the way?

[Peter Wimsey]

You may not. Numbers 15, 22, 39. You have watched the prisoner. Has he made any attempt to communicate with anybody?

[Number Two]

None. His letters and parcels have been opened, his telephone tapped and his movements followed. Even the water pipes in his house have been under observation for Morse code signals.

[Peter Wimsey]

You're certain?

[Number Two]

Absolutely.

[Peter Wimsey]

Then we may be sure that he has been alone in this adventure. Well, ladies and gentlemen, please take your. Very well. Take the prisoner away. And be sure you explain carefully to him first the manner of his death. I am sure he'll enjoy it.

[Number Two]

Wait.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Wait. At least you can let me die decently.

[Peter Wimsey]

Take him away.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Stop. I have something to say, something to sell.

[Peter Wimsey]

We make no bonds with traitors. No, but listen.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Do you think I haven't thought of this? I'm not a fool. I've left a letter to the police. If I don't return tomorrow, it'll be opened.

[Number Two]

It's a plot. The prisoner sent no letter. He. He's been strictly watched for months.

[Dorothy Sayers]

I left the letter before I came to Lambeth.

[Number Two]

Then it can't contain no information of any.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Oh, but it does. The combination of my safe.

[Peter Wimsey]

Indeed. Has this man's safe been searched?

[Number Two]

Yes.

[Peter Wimsey]

What did it contain?

[Number Two]

No information of importance, sir. An outline of our organization, the name of the house. Nothing that can't be altered and covered before morning.

[Dorothy Sayers]

And did you investigate the inner compartment of the safe?

[Peter Wimsey]

You hear what he says?

[Number Two]

Did you? He's trying to bluff. There is no inner compartment.

[Dorothy Sayers]

I hate to contradict you, but I'm really afraid you must have overlooked it.

[Peter Wimsey]

And what did you say was in the compartment, if it does exist?

[Dorothy Sayers]

The names of every member of this society with their addresses, photographs and fingerprints.

[Peter Wimsey]

How did you say you contrived to get this information?

[Dorothy Sayers]

By doing a little detective work on my own.

[Peter Wimsey]

But you've been watched.

[Number Two]

True.

[Dorothy Sayers]

The fingerprints of my watches adorn the first page of the collection.

[Peter Wimsey]

That statement can be proved, certainly.

[Dorothy Sayers]

The name of number 40, for example.

[Number One]

Stop.

[Peter Wimsey]

If you mention names here, you will certainly have no hope of mercy. Bring the prisoner to my office. Ladies and gentlemen, take your partners for the next dance.

[Dorothy Sayers]

I've proved that I know your gang from number one through number 25. Do you want me to prove that I know the others as well?

[Peter Wimsey]

My lord, your story fills me with regret that you are not, in fact, a member of our society. What courage and industry are valuable in an association like ours? I fear I cannot persuade you. No, I suppose not.

[Number Two]

Yes.

[Peter Wimsey]

Ask the members kindly to proceed to the supper room. Ladies and gentlemen, I'll not conceal from you the seriousness of the situation. The prisoner has recited to me 25 names and addresses which were thought to be unknown except to their owners and to Me? There has been great carelessness. Fingerprints have been obtained. He showed me some photographs of them. He tells me that the book of names and addresses is to be found in the inner compartment of his safe, together with certain letters and papers stolen from the houses of members and several objects with fingerprints. I believe he tells the truth. He offers the combination of the safe in exchange for a quick death. I think his offer should be accepted. What is your opinion, ladies and gentlemen?

[Number Two]

The combination is known already. True.

[Peter Wimsey]

This man is Lord Peter Wimpsey, a scientist of crime. Do you think he will have forgotten.

[Number Two]

To change the combination?

[Number One]

Oh, I say, give him the promise. Time's getting short.

[Number Two]

You are agreed?

[Peter Wimsey]

It's a bargain. Whimsy. What is the combination?

[Dorothy Sayers]

The word of the combination is unreliability.

[Peter Wimsey]

And the inner door? The inner compartment.

[Dorothy Sayers]

In anticipation of the visit of the police. The inner door is open.

[Number Two]

Good.

[Peter Wimsey]

Number 12 and 36, you will go to the prisoner's house.

[Number Two]

And why should any more? That's right, I agree. Nobody ought to be trusted.

[Peter Wimsey]

And what, ladies and gentlemen, do you suggest?

[Number One]

You go yourself. You're the only one that knows all the names. You go yourself.

[Number Two]

I second that motion.

[Peter Wimsey]

Is the wish of the meeting then, that I should go?

[Number One]

No. I say no. No, don't go. Number one is our president, the head and soul of our society. If anything should happen to him, where should we be? You've all blundered. We have your carelessness to thank for all this. Do you think we should be safe for five minutes if he were not here to repair your folly?

[Number Two]

There's something in that.

[Dorothy Sayers]

If you will pardon my suggesting it. The lady appears to be in a peculiarly favorable for the reception of the president's confidences. The contents of my modest volume will be no news to her. Why should she not go herself?

[Peter Wimsey]

Because I say she must not. If it is the will of the meeting, I'll go. Give me the key of the house.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Here.

[Peter Wimsey]

Is your house watched?

[Dorothy Sayers]

No.

[Peter Wimsey]

If I have not returned in two hours, act for the best to save yourselves and do what you like were the prisoner.

[Number One]

The president has been gone two hours. Traitor. What's happened to him?

[Dorothy Sayers]

How should I know? Perhaps he's looked after himself and gone while the going was good.

[Number One]

Liar. He'd never do that. What have you done with him? Speak, or I'll make you speak.

[Dorothy Sayers]

I can only form a guess, Madam. I'm afraid that your president may quite inadvertently have left the door of the inner compartment closed behind him. In which case.

[Number One]

Yes?

[Dorothy Sayers]

Let me explain the mechanism of my Safe. The inner compartment has two doors. The outermost most opens outward with an ordinary key.

[Number One]

Oh, do you think that the president is so stupid as to be caught in an obvious trap? Undoubtedly, he will have wedged open that inner door.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Undoubtedly, madam. But the sole purpose of that inner door is to appear to be the only one. Hidden behind the hinge of that door is another sliding panel. Also left open. Inside the compartment is the big, heavy ledger containing all the information about this society. This ledger lies on a steel shelf. Do I make myself clear?

[Number One]

Yes, yes, yes, go on.

[Dorothy Sayers]

The steel shelf is balanced on a concealed spring. When the weight of the book, the ledger, is lifted, the shelf rises almost imperceptibly. And in rising, it makes an electrical contact. Now, let me draw a picture. Your president steps into the inner compartment, sees the book, takes it up anxiously to examine to see if it's the right one. The shelf rises, the electrical contact is made, and the steel panel behind him slides into place. He strapped.

[Number One]

You devil. What is the word that opens the inner door? Quick, the word.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Do you remember the story of Ali baba and the 40 thieves? Well, when I had this safe constructed, my mind went back. Well, call me sentimental, if you will. To my childhood, the words that open the door are open sesame.

[Number One]

How long can a man live in this devil's trap of yours?

[Dorothy Sayers]

Oh, I should think he might hold out for a few hours if he didn't use up all the oxygen by hammering and yelling. I imagine if we go there at once, we'll be able to get him out. All right.

[Number One]

I'll go myself.

[Dorothy Sayers]

I think you'd better take me with you.

[Number One]

Why?

[Dorothy Sayers]

Well, I'm the only person who can open the door.

[Number One]

But you've given me the word.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Yes, you have the word. But this door of mine, I'm rather proud of it, you know. It's my own invention. It's the latest thing. It will open to the words open sesame. All right, but to my voice only.

[Number One]

Your voice? I'll choke your voice from my hand. What do you mean, your voice only?

[Dorothy Sayers]

Don't clutch my throat like that. You wreck my voice. And then the door might not recognize it. Ah, there, that's better. The door got stuck for a week once, and when I had a cold.

[Number One]

Is what he says true? Is it possible?

[Number Two]

Perfectly possible, madam. If you'll have a microphone arrangement, could be done also with light vibrations.

[Number One]

We must let him go. Take the ropes off him.

[Number Two]

Let him go. Nothing. He doesn't go to blab to the police. The president's done in. That's all. And we'd all better make traps while we can. It's all up, boys. Right. Chuck this fellow down the cellar and fasten him in. I'll go and destroy the ledgers. 32. You know where the switch is. Give us a quarter of an hour to clear, then you can blow the place to glory.

[Number One]

No, no. You can't leave one to die. He's your president, your leader. I won't let it happen. I won't. I'll free this man myself.

[Number Two]

Yeah, none of that.

[Number One]

Let me go. Let go of me.

[Number Two]

Think not. Just think. It'll be light in an hour or two. The police may be here in any moment.

[Number One]

Police?

[Adam Graham]

Oh, yes.

[Number One]

Yes, you're right. No, we mustn't imperil the safety of all for just one man. He himself would not wish it. Throw this man in the cellar and let's get out of here. Wallerstein.

[Number Two]

Here, this is good enough. Leave him here. Right, let's go.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Hey, you chaps.

[Number Two]

Yeah. Should have got him.

[Dorothy Sayers]

I say, it's lonesome down here in this cellar. You might at least leave the light on.

[Number Two]

Don't worry about the dark. They're taking you. Here is the time, Ch for the bomb that's going to blow out this place. It's all set. You won't have long to wait. Not long.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Who is it? Who's there?

[Number One]

So I can cut the ropes?

[Dorothy Sayers]

Well, if it isn't two. My compliments, madam, on your loyalty to your presence.

[Number One]

Quick.

[Number Two]

Quick.

[Number One]

They've set the time fuse. The house is mined. Follow me as fast as you can. Number One must be saved, and only you can do it.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Well, how did you manage to.

[Number One]

There's no time for questions. Get up and follow me. You will release him. You promise?

[Dorothy Sayers]

I promise. But I warn you, madam, that this house is surrounded. When my safe door closed, it gave a signal to Scotland Yard. All the members of the society are taken.

[Number One]

Never mind them. Here. Outside.

[William Speer]

Quick.

[Number Two]

All right. Who's there?

[Dorothy Sayers]

Is that you, Inspector? Get your fellows away quick. The house is going up in a minute.

[Peter Wimsey]

Whimsy.

[Number Two]

Lord Whimsy. It's Inspector Parker, old man. Are you all right?

[Dorothy Sayers]

I'm a bit winded. What's happened, Inspector?

[Number Two]

About half a dozen of them got blown up. The rest we bagged.

[Number One]

Hurry. We must hurry.

[Number Two]

Who's this?

[Dorothy Sayers]

One of the gang. She's called Number Two.

[Number One]

We must save him.

[Dorothy Sayers]

We must. Golly, I clean forgot the gentleman in the safe. Parker, where's your car?

[Peter Wimsey]

It's down the lane.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Sent one of your men down to get it.

[Number Two]

Right, Johnson, bring that car here. Yes. Off.

[Dorothy Sayers]

I've got the number one of the whole company quietly asphyxiating at home. I promise we'd get back and save him. He's the bloke that we've been wanting. The man at the back of the Morrison case in the Hope Wilmington case and hundreds of others.

[Number Two]

Is this it? Quite a contraption.

[Dorothy Sayers]

Yes. I only hope he hasn't upset the adjustment by something. Please, Harry, I hope you haven't heard my voice.

[Number Two]

You sound all right.

[Dorothy Sayers]

If I can only be conversational. Come on, old thing, show us your paces. Open sesame. Open sesame Confound you. Open sesame Open sesame.

[Number One]

Let me see.

[Dorothy Sayers]

No, he's not. He lived to stand his trial.

[William Speer]

And so all's right with the world. As it always is when Lord Peter Wimsey is involved. The Cave of Ali Baba by Dorothy Sayers was the story which gave us tonight's suspense. Suspense is produced by William Speer. Our guest director for this evening was Robert Louis Shehan. Tonight's radio drama was written by Peter Lyon and scored by Bernard Herman Romney. Brent was Peter Wimsey. William Moulton played number one. And Ira Gerald, the lady in the case. Others in the cast were Kathleen Cordell, Victor Beecroft, Roland Bottomley, J.W. austin, William Podmore, Ian Martin and William Moulton. Next Wednesday, suspense will not be heard. Because of a special All Star Hollywood broadcast. Which Paramount Pictures will present two weeks from tonight. At this time, Columbia will bring you another selected story from the world's great literature of thrills. Another study in suspense.

[Dorothy Sayers]

It's.

[William Speer]

This is Barry Kroeger, and this is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[John Morgan]

Recently, a new client called me and started by saying, Mr. Morgan, I really need your help, but I'm just a nobody. Those words stun me and I immediately called him back. And we're now helping him and his family after a terrible accident. I'm John Morgan of Morgan and Morgan. Everybody who comes to our firm at their time of need is a somebody. I grew up poor, but my grandmother was like a queen to us. At Morgan and Morgan, our goal is to level the playing field for you and your family at your time of need. The insurance company has unlimited money and resources. You need a firm who can fight them toe to toe for right at 30 years. We have fought them in courtrooms throughout America. Our results speak for themselves. And always remember this. Everybody is a somebody, and nobody is a nobody. Visit forthepeople.com to learn about our firm, Morgan and Morgan. For the people injured. Visit forthepeople.com for an office near you.

[William Speer]

Foreign hi, this is andrew from otrwesterns.com I wanted to invite you to come.

[John Morgan]

Take a look at our site where we put out podcasts of Old Time Radio westerns. Check us [e-mail] you're listening to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio with Adam Graham.

[William Speer]

Now let's get back into the show.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, a very different style of telling the story. It feels at times almost like a dramatized reading of a audiobook. Not completely, but a little bit like that more than the traditional radio play. It was definitely a very fun story and it works because both the hero and the villain sized are evenly matched by making things as complicated and involved as possible. I mean, listening to the pipes from Morse Code. But it's the way that these sort of stories work. And it works pretty well as long as both sides are playing evenly or pretty close to it. Of course. Peter Whimsy is more than just a character in this single story. He was probably the most beloved charact created by Dorothy Sayers. He appeared in 11 novels and several short story collections. This story is also a bit of a bone of contention among some Lord Peter Wimsey fans because of the period in which he pretended to be dead. And they've figured out most of the chronology of his life. But there is some debate over that whole pretended to be dead period. Now this was the only Lord Peter Whimsy story that was adapted during the golden age of radio that I found a record of. Ms. Sayers did do several episodes of Murder Clinic. Her stories were used to adapt it. But character that appeared in those was someone named Montague Egg. I'm sorry if I mispronounced that. And she also did stories that were later adapted for future episodes of Suspense that didn't actually feature a big name detective hero. At any rate, that will do it for today. We'll be back tomorrow with Nightbeat. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.net Follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook, Facebook. Com RadioDetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.