World's Great Novels: The Moonstone, Part Four (EP4740)

Summary

Summary of "World's Great Novels: The Moonstone, Part Four" (EP4740) The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas

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Introduction

In the final installment of the "World's Great Novels" series, host Adam Graham presents Part Four of "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins, a cornerstone of detective fiction from the Golden Age of Radio. This episode delves into the climactic resolution of the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the titular Moonstone, blending meticulous adaptation with insightful narration.

Radio Drama Adaptation

Setting the Stage

At [02:33], the narrator introduces Wilkie Collins and his acclaimed novel, emphasizing "The Moonstone" as a pioneering work that intertwines dominant motifs with unexpected elements, setting the foundation for the unfolding mystery.

Key Characters and Plot Progression

1. Franklin Blake and Mr. Bruff's Investigation

   • Franklin Blake (played by Charles Mountain) seeks to exonerate himself from the theft of the Moonstone. Under the influence of a drug during an experiment, he unintentionally steals the diamond but has no recollection of his actions ([04:52] - [06:10]).
   • Mr. Bruff (Donald Gallagher), the Verinder family lawyer, proposes a theory: the Moonstone resides with Mr. Septimus Lucre (Jonathan Hole), a dubious moneylender with connections to unsavory characters ([05:40] - [06:03]).
   • They deduce that Lucre's association with three elusive Indians, who previously attempted to seize the Moonstone, implicates him further ([07:06] - [07:49]).

2. Surveillance and the Introduction of Sergeant Cuff

   • To uncover the truth, Blake and Bruff decide to surveil Lucre at his bank. Recognizing the need for experienced assistance, Blake summons Sergeant Cuff (Arthur Sedgwick), a retired but esteemed police officer ([09:06] - [09:30]).
   • Sergeant Cuff agrees to aid in apprehending the Moonstone's thief, motivated by his lingering regret over his failure to recover it previously ([09:15] - [09:43]).

3. The Chase and Initial Setbacks

   • As Lucre visits the bank to retrieve the Moonstone, Blake, Bruff, and Cuff attempt to confront him. However, their efforts are thwarted when a mysterious man in a gray suit intercepts them, leading to a fleeting and failed pursuit ([18:00] - [19:43]).

4. A Breakthrough Through Gooseberry

   • The diligent Gooseberry (Dick York), Bruff’s reliable associate, uncovers critical information about a tall, dark sailor whose interactions suggest deeper involvement ([21:07] - [22:33]).
   • Gooseberry's observations at the Wheel of Fortune tavern reveal the sailor's connection to the Moonstone, culminating in the tragic discovery of a murder orchestrated by the three Indians through a cleverly concealed trap door ([23:05] - [25:09]).

5. The Revelation and Resolution

   • Through a series of confrontations and revelations, it becomes evident that Godfrey Ablewhite, Franklin Blake's cousin, was the true mastermind behind the Moonstone's theft. Under duress and financial desperation, Ablewhite pawned the diamond to Mr. Lucre ([25:25] - [28:35]).
   • The Moonstone ultimately returns to its origin in India, lifting the curse that had plagued those who possessed it ([28:35] - [29:18]).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Franklin Blake on His Dilemma:

  "I was willing to try anything, anything to prove to Rachel that I was not consciously to blame for the disappearance of the moonstone."
  [05:01]

• Mr. Bruff Introducing His Theory:

  "The moonstone is in possession of the bankers of a notorious moneylender, a man who calls himself Mr. Septimus Lucre."
  [05:23]

• Franklin Blake's Despair:

  "This time for good."
  [08:55]

• Climactic Confrontation:

  "What moonstone?"
  [20:28]
  "I think I'm going to. He's fainted."
  [20:53] - [21:07]

• Final Revelation:

  "It is Godfrey, cousin Godfrey Ablewhite."
  [28:18]

Adam Graham's Commentary

Following the dramatization, Adam Graham provides a reflective analysis of the adaptation:

1. Adaptation Success and Fidelity:

   • Closure and Satisfaction: Graham expresses contentment with the episode's conclusion, noting that both Franklin Blake and Sergeant Cuff achieve closure despite the elusive apprehension of the main antagonists ([31:47]).
   • Character Omissions: He highlights the exclusion of Drusilla Clack, a character from the novel whom he deemed unnecessary for the radio adaptation. Graham asserts that her removal does not detract from the core narrative, suggesting her role was a digression in the original text ([31:47] - [32:36]).

2. Production Choices:

   • Character Naming: Commentary on names like Gooseberry and Septimus Lucre, noting their distinctive and somewhat whimsical nature. Graham humorously compares "Septimus Lucre" to names from contemporary pop culture, such as the Transformers cartoon ([32:36] - [33:20]).
   • Casting Highlight: Recognition of Dick York's role as Gooseberry, drawing a connection to his fame from "Bewitched" and his earlier career in Chicago radio, which added a layer of authenticity to the production ([33:20]).

3. Overall Assessment:

   • Faithful Adaptation: Graham commends the production for maintaining the essence of Collins' novel while effectively translating it to the radio format. He emphasizes that critical plot points and character dynamics were preserved, ensuring that the adaptation honors the source material ([31:47] - [33:20]).

Conclusion

The concluding episode of "The Moonstone" adeptly navigates the complexities of collapsing mistresses, familial betrayals, and dark curses, embodying the essence of classic detective storytelling. Adam Graham's insightful commentary further enriches the listener's appreciation, highlighting the strategic adaptations that ensure the narrative remains compelling and faithful to Wilkie Collins' masterpiece.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the enduring legacy of "The Moonstone" and its significance in the detective genre, as well as to anticipate future episodes exploring other literary classics.

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Notable Production Details:

• Adaptation by: Robert Saxon
• Music Composed by: Emil Soderstrom
• Orchestra Directed by: Bernard Berquist
• Directed by: Homer Heck
• Cast:
  • Sergeant Cuff: Arthur Sedgwick
  • Franklin Blake: Charles Mountain
  • Mr. Bruff: Donald Gallagher
  • Gabriel: Sherman Marks
  • Mr. Lucre: Jonathan Hole
  • Gooseberry: Dick York
  • Mr. Murthwaite: Boris Aplon
  • Man in the Gray Suit: Marvin Pisner
  • Landlord: Ted Liz

The production not only brings together a talented ensemble but also successfully encapsulates the suspense and intrigue inherent in Wilkie Collins' original work, making it accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.

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Final Remarks by Adam Graham: Adam Graham wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to engage with the podcast through subscribing, liking, and sharing on various platforms. He also teases upcoming content and acknowledges the support of Patreon contributors, ensuring that the community remains vibrant and engaged.

Key Takeaways

• "The Moonstone" remains a seminal work in detective fiction, and this radio adaptation honors its legacy through meticulous storytelling and character development.
• Strategic omissions and character focus enhance the narrative's pacing and clarity for radio audiences.
• Adam Graham's expertise and passion for old-time radio dramas provide depth and appreciation for classic mysteries.

Listeners new to "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" will find this episode a perfect example of how timeless literature can be revitalized through compelling audio drama, blending nostalgia with engaging mystery-solving.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Foreign welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you the concluding episode of the Moonstone. But first, I do want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I do want to encourage you, if you've not already, to check out my ebooks. All I Needed to Know I Learned from Dragnet and All I Needed to Know, I Learned from Columbo. Each examines the careers and history of seven great fictional detectives and policemen, and life lessons that can be learned from them. They are available wherever fine ebooks are sold or as audiobooks through audible.com or the Apple Store. Now from April 23, 1948 from World's Great Novels, here is the Moonstone Part.

[Narrator]

4 the World's Great Novels before the publication of the Moonstone in the middle of the last century, Wilkie Collins had already won fame as one of the ranking novelists of his day. He is best remembered, however, for the Moonstone, which brought him special recognition as a writer who concentrated on a dominant motif which he developed by the introduction of strange and unexpected elements. The National Broadcasting Company now presents in its series of Books that Live the fourth and final episode of the Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, one of the world's great novels.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I Gabriel Betteridge, house steward to Ms. Rachel Verinder, I myself witnessed the experiment to determine whether Franklin Blake was indeed the person who had stolen the moonstone. In one respect, the experiment had been a success, and in another a complete failure. For under the influence of A drug which had been administered him in the experiment. Franklin Blake had risen from his bed and had taken the piece of crystal supposed to represent the long missing diamond moonstone from the drawer of the Indian cabinet. All this, mind you, was exactly as Ms. Rachel Verander, its owner, had observed him to do the night a year before when the jewel itself had disappeared. But this time, overcome by the effects of the drug, he had dropped the moonstone on the floor and collapsed. The first time, however, he had walked from the room and out of Ms. Rachel's sight, still carrying the moonstone. Well, being drugged, Mr. Blake had no memory of either act. So what he had done with the gem after leaving Ms. Rachel's room on that night a year ago was still a mystery. And it was a harassed, worried Franklin Blake, who met soon after with Mr. Bruff, the Verinder family lawyer.

[Franklin Blake]

Let me.

[Mr. Bruff]

Let me say first of all, Mr. Blake, that I'm sorry the experiment turned out no better than it did.

[Franklin Blake]

I was willing to try anything, anything to prove to Rachel that I was not consciously to blame for the disappearance of the moonstone. At least the experiment was successful, in that Rachel and I are soon to be married.

[Mr. Bruff]

Oh, good.

[Franklin Blake]

I am grateful to Ezra Jennings for his experiment, but I cannot rest until the moonstone is found and all possible suspicion removed from the name.

[Mr. Bruff]

I might as well tell you what I told Ezra Jennings. I have my own theory in regard to the present whereabouts of the moonstone. Oh, you have a theory Supported by fact, or rather by facts which cannot be disputed.

[Franklin Blake]

Go on, Mr. Brock.

[Mr. Bruff]

The moonstone is in possession of the bankers of a notorious moneylender, a man who calls himself Mr. Septimus Luca. Oh, yes.

[Franklin Blake]

Sergeant Cuff spoke of him in connection with the suicide of Rosanna Spearman.

[Mr. Bruff]

He's ostensibly a dealer in gems and objects of art and has long been established in London.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, yes.

[Mr. Bruff]

However, his most successful dealings have been conducted with thieves, swindlers and charlatans.

[Franklin Blake]

But actually, Mr. Brough, what proof have you that the moonstone now reposes in Mr. Lucas Special Bank?

[Mr. Bruff]

Well, now, first, let me point out that he's been the subject of considerable attention on the part of the three Indians who appeared here a year ago in what was obviously an attempt to seize the moonstone.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, yes, I heard about that. Luca complained to the police that they had been hanging about his shop and asked protection against them.

[Mr. Bruff]

Oh, yes, yes, but perhaps you didn't know this, believing that his. That his professional services were in the bond. The worthy Mr. Luca tells me he paid a visit to A strange London address. He was conducted into a handsome apartment by an apparently most respectable gentleman who then withdrew. Then suddenly, Luca was overwhelmed from behind by assailants. Assailants he never even saw and searched.

[Franklin Blake]

But certainly these ruffians, the three Indians or whoever they were, didn't expect to find the moonstone on Mr. Luca's person.

[Mr. Bruff]

I hardly think so. But they did take something from him.

[Franklin Blake]

What was that?

[Mr. Bruff]

A receipt.

[Franklin Blake]

A receipt?

Yes.

[Mr. Bruff]

One which acknowledged that on that very day Mr. Luker had deposited with his private bankers and valuable of great price.

[Franklin Blake]

But if these men took a receipt for this valuable, why didn't they go to the bank and claim it?

[Mr. Bruff]

Because they're too clever, too cunning to expose their hand in such fashion. Oh, no, no, Mr. Blake. These men, and I believe they were the same three Indians merely wish to ascertain the place where the moonstone is being kept.

[Franklin Blake]

What do you think they'll do next?

[Mr. Bruff]

They'll wait. They'll wait until such time as the illustrious Mr. Luca will have to come to the bank and remove the moonstone and hand it over to his client.

[Franklin Blake]

When will that be?

[Mr. Bruff]

Well, the moonstone was stolen a little more than a year ago. And now it's a well established custom that valuables left with private bankers are redeemed before the year has elapsed.

[Franklin Blake]

Then any day now, Luca will go to the bank to get the moonstone. And the three Indians will certainly make another attempt to get it from him.

[Mr. Bruff]

They'll either try to take it from Mr. Luca himself or the person to whom he hands it over. In short, the person who stole the moonstone.

[Franklin Blake]

And if we discover this person, I will have been vindicated and my conscience cleared.

[Mr. Bruff]

Correct, Mr. Blake.

[Franklin Blake]

We must act quickly.

[Mr. Bruff]

Here's what we'll do. We'll have a watch put on Mr. Septimus Luca. Then when he goes to the bank to withdraw the moonstone, we shall be on hand, even though we must reckon with the three Indians themselves.

[Franklin Blake]

I tell you, Gabriel, this is the last desperate throw of the dice. And if we don't play the game boldly, skillfully and with every resource in our command, we will lose. And this time for good.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

No, no, no, no, no, my boy. This is a time for patience, Robinson Crusoe would say.

[Franklin Blake]

I'm sorry, Gabriel, but I'm not much interested in what your Mr. Crusoe would have to say on the subject of patience. I'm tired to death of waiting.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

There's a great deal you could learn from Robinson Crusoe.

[Franklin Blake]

I have an idea I could Learn much more from another person. A living person.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Well, have you anyone particular in mind, Mr. Blake?

[Franklin Blake]

Yes. The finest police officer that England ever had, Sergeant Cuff.

[Mr. Bruff]

Old Sergeant Cuff, yes.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

But he went into retirement when he left us last year. Now his only concern is his garden of roses.

[Franklin Blake]

I know, I know. But I venture he hasn't forgotten the moonstone. I'll wager that he still smarts from his failure to recover it.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

But to get him out of a happy retirement, I do. Mr. Blake, where are you going?

[Franklin Blake]

To send a telegram to Sergeant Cuff asking that he meet me in London immediately.

You ask a great deal, Mr. Blake. Among my beautiful roses I find peace and serenity, whereas before I only knew lies, deception and skullduggery.

Then I cannot induce you to re enter the case, Sergeant Cuff.

What's that you said, Mr. Blake?

Sergeant Cuff, will you help me apprehend the criminal who stole the moonstone?

Yes, Mr. Blake, I will.

Oh, thank you, Sergeant.

It's just occurred to me that I'll enjoy my roses ever so much more. When I finally laid the ghost of the moonstone to rest. I. I think I'll begin with our money lending friend, Mr. Septimus Lucre. May.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

May. Sergeant Cuff, you are most persistent. Tis indeed a pity you've retired from active police work, Mr. Luker.

[Franklin Blake]

I've emerged from retirement. I'm again a police officer.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Oh, Just as you'd begin to cultivate the art of leisure that is so desirable. You know, for the life of me, I can't understand what would induce you to neglect those beautiful roses in dorking.

[Franklin Blake]

The moonstone, Mr. Luker.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Oh, dear. Moonstone again. Well, I just can't comprehend your interest in such a bauble.

[Franklin Blake]

A most valuable bauble, Mr. Lucri.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

But it would seem to me there are other things just as valuable to be sure. Don't you think so, Sergeant? Good heavens, man. You have to sit there eyeing me as if I was some reptile or lizard.

[Franklin Blake]

Well, now you mention it, Mr. Luca. There is a certain resemblance.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Now you're insulting. You know you're insulting, don't you?

[Franklin Blake]

Insulting? Mr. Luker, I'm merely following your advice.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

What are you talking about?

[Franklin Blake]

About cultivating the art of leisure.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Stop whistling that infernal tune. Good gracious. Do you intend to say they'll all die with your mouth puckered up into a whistle? Stop it, Sergeant.

[Franklin Blake]

Stop it.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Please. Sergeant Cuff, please.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, Mr. Lucas?

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Ah. Would like you to stop whistling. That is, if you wouldn't really mind.

[Franklin Blake]

May I ask a few questions, Mr. Luker?

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Well, I'll answer your questions. That is, to the best of my ability.

[Franklin Blake]

That's much better, Mr. Luker. Now, I wish to know how you came into possession of the moonstone.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Well, a certain person. For the time being. I'll call that person X. If that's agreeable to you, sir.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, for the time being.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Well, this is out. Began about a year ago. On the evening of 23rd June, X came to me with a diamond such as I had never seen before. First I was asked would I buy the diamond?

[Franklin Blake]

And your answer?

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

It was no. Then I was asked would I undertake to sell it on the commission and to pay a sum down on the.

[Franklin Blake]

Anticipated result excise for an advance on the sale of the moonstone, sir?

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

That is correct, sir.

[Franklin Blake]

And what was your answer to that proposal?

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Oh, I gave no answer. Instead, I asked a question of my own. I said to X, how did you come by this jewel?

[Franklin Blake]

Yes.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Well, X began a story, a perfectly preposterous story. Oh, oh, that just won't do, I said. I then rang for my servant and instructed him to show my guest to the door.

[Franklin Blake]

What happened then?

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Oh, well, then X sang a different tune and told me what I believed and still believe to be the true story. It seems that X was in grave financial difficulties, that a large sum of money was needed to make restitution and so prevent exposure.

[Franklin Blake]

Ah, yes.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Oh, I could well understand that such a situation is not infrequent among my clients.

[Franklin Blake]

So I imagine.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Yes. Well, therefore I agreed to accept the moonstone in pawn.

[Franklin Blake]

And how much did you advance to.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

X in all sum of £20,000.

[Franklin Blake]

So far, so good, Mr. Luca. And now tell me, how did the moonstone come into the possession of X? Was that information revealed to you?

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Yes, Sergeant Cuff, it was. The moonstone was given to X.

[Franklin Blake]

What? Mr. Luker, in all my years of experience as a police officer, I've never heard such an absurd and utterly ridiculous statement.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Nevertheless, sir, I speak the truth.

[Franklin Blake]

I warn you once and for all, Mr. Luker, that you're in a perilous position. You were trafficking and stolen goods. Admitted, sir.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Again, I repeat, Pete, the moonstone was.

[Franklin Blake]

Given to X. Mr. Luca, I order you to disclose the identity of this person X instantly. Sir.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

Do you hear me, Sergeant Cuff? I would indeed be a great fool if I did not know me rights. I believe that my client ex spoke the truth and I respect the truth. You cannot alter my position. I now challenge your authority to do so. Sergeant Cuff.

[Franklin Blake]

Good day.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

It was a completely bewildered Franklin Blake who faced Sergeant Cuff, in the office of Mr. Bruff, the lawyer. He collapsed weakly in a chair and.

[Franklin Blake]

Said, sergeant, this news you bring now is the sheerest fantasy. Do you mean to say this Luker fellow actually told you that the moonstone was given to this ex. Person?

He did, Mr. Blake, and he convinced me that he believes it to be the truth. I think Mr. Bruff here is well acquainted with Septimus Luker. What's your opinion, sir?

[Mr. Bruff]

I. I know this much about him. He likes to stand on safe ground. And when he does, the devil himself can't shake him.

[Franklin Blake]

There's only one thing left to do, then. Keep up our vigil at the bank. I presume, Mr. Bruff, you have Mr. Luker under the closest observation?

[Mr. Bruff]

I have, Sergeant.

[Franklin Blake]

The man you have watching him, is he dependable?

[Mr. Bruff]

Sergeant Cuff, young Mr. Gooseberry is the most dependable man I know. And he can outsmart the cleverest fox that ever ran the course.

[Gooseberry]

Mr. Bruff. Mr. Bruff, sir.

[Mr. Bruff]

Gentlemen, this is my man, Gooseberry.

[Gooseberry]

How did he.

[Franklin Blake]

Your child.

[Mr. Bruff]

Oh. What is it, gooseberry?

[Gooseberry]

Mr. Luca has just left his home in Lambeth in a cab, sir, and two men were with him, and they're.

[Franklin Blake]

On their way to the bank.

[Gooseberry]

Of that I'm sure. I talked to the cab driver before they came out of the house.

[Franklin Blake]

To the bank, then, gentlemen.

Well, it's a big enough bank, Mr. Bro.

[Mr. Bruff]

Yes, isn't it?

[Franklin Blake]

Hope we don't lose Mr. Luca in the crowd.

[Mr. Bruff]

Sure do I.

[Franklin Blake]

Not a sign of the three engines. Unless they're lurking in one of the bank vaults.

[Gooseberry]

Sergeant Copp, sir.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, gooseberry?

[Gooseberry]

Mr. Luke is still in the bank. Told one of the guards I had a message for the blighter. I did. He said Mr. Luca was still back there in the inner chamber.

[Franklin Blake]

Good lad.

[Gooseberry]

I'll knows about a bit more.

[Mr. Bruff]

Quick as lightning, that boy.

[Franklin Blake]

Sergeant Cuff, look over there.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

That tall, dark sailor.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, yes, I've been observing him.

[Mr. Bruff]

Perhaps the three Indians not daring to venture in the bank are using him as their spy.

[Franklin Blake]

Quite possible, Mr. Bruff. But I'm much more interested in that short, stout fellow over there.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

One in the gray suit.

[Mr. Bruff]

Oh, yes, yes, I see the man. He seems quite nervous, too. I'd wager a gimme he's waiting for Mr. Luker to come out. Yes, gooseberry, what is it?

[Gooseberry]

Mr. Bruff, sir? Mr. Luker's on his way out of the inner chamber.

[Mr. Bruff]

Yes, here he comes. And with the two plain clothesmen, one on each side.

[Franklin Blake]

Look, Sergeant, the man in the Grey suit is moving toward them.

[Mr. Bruff]

Here they come.

[Franklin Blake]

Good. We'll close in on him. Keep a sharp look where you're going, sir.

[Mr. Bruff]

Well, I mean to say.

[Franklin Blake]

Well, that fool got in my way just as I was.

[Mr. Septimus Lucre]

They're leaving the bank.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, and I'm sure I saw Mr. Luca pass something over to the man in the gray suit.

[Mr. Bruff]

I'm sure I did, too.

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, the man in the gray suit is getting away. He's running.

Well, let us through. That us through. Make way. I tell you, I'm an officer of the law.

Stop that man in the gray suit. He's a thief.

[Narrator]

Stop him.

[Franklin Blake]

Stop, thief. Well, it looks as though we've lost our friend in the grey suit.

[Mr. Bruff]

We would have had him, Mr. Blake, if that infernal cart hadn't gotten in our way.

[Franklin Blake]

Slow down, driver. There's little cause for haste now.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Wrong, sir.

[Franklin Blake]

And now we'll never find the moonstone of the man who stole it. Well, it looks to me as though we've finally come to the end, Sergeant Cuff. No happy end, I'd say, sire.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

On catch your main governor.

[Franklin Blake]

Well, cabbie, where?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Over there. There's no one in the great suit. It's going into the chemist shop.

[Franklin Blake]

It certainly is. Stop. The chemist. Whoa.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Whoa, there.

[Franklin Blake]

All right, gentlemen, into that chemist's shop right over.

[Mr. Bruff]

We're right behind you, Sergeant. You lead the way.

[Franklin Blake]

All right, you in the gray suit.

[Gooseberry]

Me? Me, sir?

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, you. Hand it over and be quick about it.

[Gooseberry]

Hand it over.

[Franklin Blake]

Don't play the idiot with us. We want the moonstone. We mean to have it.

[Mr. Bruff]

What moonstone?

[Franklin Blake]

Come, man. We saw Mr. Luker pass you something as you were leaving the bank. Give up the diamond this minute.

[Gooseberry]

But Mr. Luker didn't give me any diamond.

[Mr. Bruff]

He just gave me his card.

[Gooseberry]

I asked him for it.

[Franklin Blake]

Here it is.

[Mr. Bruff]

He's that. Oh, yes.

[Gooseberry]

For some time I've been trying to see him on a very important business matter.

[Mr. Bruff]

I got a chance to see him.

[Gooseberry]

In the buying today, so I approach.

[Franklin Blake]

I don't believe this.

Sergeant, search him.

[Mr. Bruff]

Oh, dear.

[Franklin Blake]

I think I'm going to.

He's fainted.

Sergeant Cuff. Pardon my sending for you so early in the morning. I wanted to thank Both you and Mr. Bruff here for your efforts yesterday.

[Mr. Bruff]

Not at all.

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, we're only sorry our efforts were unsuccessful. Obviously, the man in the gray suit had been planted to mislead us.

It couldn't be helped. But the moonstone is still missing. So long as it is, I cannot fully clear my name. Now, my boy, I took the moonstone. Rachel saw me take it. Then on the night of the experiment, I was seen to go through the act of stealing it again.

You took it? Yes. But you did not steal it.

No, but it's all the same. Though Rachel knows I didn't take it of my own volition. Still, it isn't found. After yesterday's dismal failure at the bank, I've become wholly discouraged. I'm ready to give up the search. I'm going away for a long time.

[Mr. Bruff]

Oh, nonsense, my boy. Gooseberry.

[Gooseberry]

Mr. Bruff, I found our man.

[Mr. Bruff]

Found him, you say? Found who?

[Gooseberry]

Why, the tall dark sailor, of course. The one with the big black beard we saw on the bank yesterday. I followed him while the rest of you were chasing after the little fat man in the gray suit. Because I saw Mr. Luker and something to him.

[Franklin Blake]

There's something in that small skull of yours, Gooseberry, and it isn't cotton wool.

[Gooseberry]

And then the sailor hailed the cab and I held on behind it and let it pull me along. Oh, I had to run dreadfully fast, I did. And then the cab stopped at the Tower Wharf and the sailor went in and spoke to the steward of the Rotherham boat.

[Franklin Blake]

What did the sailor want?

[Gooseberry]

To go aboard and sleep on his berth overnight as the ship was to take off the next morning.

[Franklin Blake]

Ah, go on, Gush.

[Gooseberry]

Well, the steward said he couldn't sleep on that there boat because it was being cleaned. So the sailor stopped at an eating house in the neighborhood for a bite to eat. And while he was inside, I noticed a very strange, peculiar looking man loitering around outside.

[Franklin Blake]

Was this man foreign looking? Would he have been an Indian, for example?

[Gooseberry]

Why, yes, Mr. Coffee. Deadlock. That way.

[Franklin Blake]

Go on, go on.

[Gooseberry]

The sailor came out of the Eatin House and then went to the Wheel of Fortune Tell and asked for a room. He was shown upstairs and immediately retired for the night.

[Franklin Blake]

And then?

[Gooseberry]

Then the man who looked like an Indian came along and soon he went upstairs.

[Franklin Blake]

Did he take a room for the night?

[Gooseberry]

Oh, no, sir. He slipped upstairs and soon there was a most horrible rumpus going on. The landlord collared Mr. Indian, who is now pretending to be drunk, and threw him out on the street.

[Franklin Blake]

This was last night, you think?

[Mr. Bruff]

Yes, sir.

[Franklin Blake]

Gentlemen, I believe the case of the Moonstone is about to come to an end. Come along. We leave for the Wheel of Fortune tavern.

[Mr. Bruff]

You know, it's most peculiar you should be wanting to speak to the sailor, sir. I've been trying to rouse him all morning. His room is just down the hall.

[Franklin Blake]

A Bit. You say he instructed you to call him at 7 this morning?

[Mr. Bruff]

Yes, and it's long past that now. There's the room.

[Franklin Blake]

It's locked from the inside. Fetch a carpenter, Landlord. We'll have to break in. There, there. All right, gentlemen, we may enter now.

[Mr. Bruff]

Lord bless my soul. Look at him. Poor sailor. All stretched out there in the bed like he was having a fit. And his eyes all wide and staring. They're the poor men.

[Franklin Blake]

He's having no fit. He's dead. Send for the police.

[Mr. Bruff]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

What happened? Was he.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, Mr. Blake, it's a murder. Murder by suffocation, I dare say. They used a pillow.

[Mr. Bruff]

They, Sergeant, whom do you mean?

[Franklin Blake]

The three Indians, Mr. Bruff, who else?

[Gooseberry]

But, sir, if their room was locked, how did they get in?

[Franklin Blake]

Look up there.

[Gooseberry]

A trap door in the ceiling. Oh, those clever blighters.

[Franklin Blake]

Well, Mr. Blake, do you recognize the sailor?

Recognize him, Sergeant? Why, no.

Come closer. Stand here beside his bedside. Examine his features carefully.

I don't know him.

You should. He's the man to whom you gave the moonstone.

To whom I ga. Sergeant Cuff, you're mad. I never saw this sailor in my life. I never gave the moonstone to this sailor.

Mr. Blake. I didn't say you gave the moonstone to this sailor. I merely said you gave it to this man.

But a moment ago.

You said I, Mr. Blake, I refer to your cousin, Mr. Godfrey Ablewhite.

But this sailor is not my cousin. And besides, I never gave the moonstone to Godfrey Ablewhite.

Oh, yes, you did. The experiment proved you did. Almost, I should say. For had the experiment been carried but one step forward, we would have learned the truth.

What do you mean?

On the night of the experiment, the drug which had been administered was too strong and overcame you too soon.

I don't understand.

On the night the moonstone disappeared, you went to the Indian cabinet under the influence of the drug and took the moonstone from the drawer.

[Mr. Bruff]

That is right.

[Franklin Blake]

But then you returned to your room, still under the effects of the jug. Godfrey Ablewhite, your cousin, had the room next to yours.

Yes, I remember.

And in your delirium, and because you were oppressed by worry over the responsibility of the moonstone, you must have called to him, he entered your room, you then handed it over to him for safekeeping. A natural enough association of ideas, since your father owned the bank in Frissinghall where you'd originally deposited the diamond. You gave the moonstone to Mr. Ablewhite. No. Now, Mr. Bruff, tells me that recent investigation shows Mr. Ablewhite was leading a double life. And in order to secure funds for his indiscretions, he had mismanaged a trust fund. Desperately needing money to stave off exposure, Godfrey Ablewhite took the moonstone and said nothing.

But Godfrey wouldn't do a thing like that. My own cousin.

And when he realized that no one knew he had the moonstone, he pawned it to Mr. Septimus Lucre.

So Godfrey was X.

Exactly. I'm sure all of this is true, but Luca knows the straight of it. And we'll verify my deductions through reference to him later. Yesterday, your cousin redeemed the moonstone. The three Indians followed him here to this inn, murdered him and made off with the moonstone. As you can see by the empty wooden jewel box that stands by his bed.

Well, yes. But this sailor with the long black beard cannot be my cousin, Godfrey Ablewhite.

But he is Mr. Blake. Shall I strip him of his disguise and his beard and prove it to you? There. Oh, do you believe me now?

It is Godfrey, cousin Godfrey ablewhite.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Mr. Luca did verify Sergeant Cuff's deductions in every particular. And now the moonstone is gone. And with it its evil curse, the yellow diamond, burdening our lives of tragedy will never return again.

[Franklin Blake]

That I know.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

For from Mr. Murthwaite, that eminent authority on Oriental customs, we received news of a strange event recently transpiring in the Katiawa province of India.

[Franklin Blake]

I saw thousands of natives prostrating themselves.

[Mr. Bruff]

In holy reverence before the shrine of their sacred four armed God. Suddenly, like the voice of the wind, moaning at night, a great cry went.

[Franklin Blake]

Up, no expression of sorrow, but rather.

[Mr. Bruff]

One of great exaltation. For on the brow of their sacred.

[Franklin Blake]

Moon God gleamed once again in all its dazzling brilliance, the great yellow diamond.

[Mr. Bruff]

The Moonstone.

[Narrator]

The Moonstone, by Wilkie Collins is one of the world's great novels, brought to you each week by the NBC University of the Air. Listen next week to the first episode of a three part treatment of Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. And remember that your local public library can be a constant source of information and entertainment. To add to your enjoyment of this series, we recommend the Handbook of the World's Great Novels, which you may obtain by sending 25 cents to World's Great Novels, Post Office Box 30, Station J, New York 27. New York Post Office Box 30, Station j, New York 27. The Moonstone was adapted for radio by Robert Saxon. The music was composed by Emil Soderstrom and the Orchestra was directed by Bernard Berquist. The entire production was under the direction of Homer Heck. Arthur Sedgwick was featured as Sergeant Cupped and Charles Mountain as Franklin Blake. Mr. Bruff was played by Donald Gallagher, Gabriel by Sherman Marks, Luker by Jonathan Hole, Gooseberry by Dick York, Mr. Murthwaite by Boris Aplon, the Man in the Gray Suit by Marvin Pisner, and the Landlord by Ted Liz this is John Conrad. This program comes to you from Chicago and is a presentation of the National Broadcasting Company and its affiliated independent stations. Every three minutes someone in this country dies of cancer. This terrible disease strikes one out of every two families. You can help in the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society needs money to finance research, establish clinics and detection centers where cancer can be diagnosed and treated early. Give generously. You may be protecting someone you love. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. If you're curious to hear World's Great novels treatment of kidnap, we are actually playing that over at the Amazing World of Radio as part of our Summer of Robert Louis Stevenson. We have the first two parts posted with the final episode coming out next Wednesday. As to the Moonstone itself, I think that it really wrapped up in a satisfying way. Even if we didn't get an apprehension of the criminals, we did have closure provided and peace of mind to both Franklin Blyk as well as Sergeant Cuff. And I think that as an adaptation, this production did a great job capturing everything that made the novel great, as well as discarding some elements that really would not have carried over as well, such as the caricature of Drusilla Clack, who was a very annoying narrator in the novel for several chapters. And really nothing is lost from the core story by her not being included, which does show that her presence in the novel was just a bit of a digression, albeit a very, very long one. I will say that Wilkie Collins did choose some interesting names for this final section. You got Gooseberry, that's certainly one. Then we have Septimus Lucre, bit on the nose for a money lender, although I'm of the age where that does sound like it might have been a name of a character from the Transformers cartoon. And yes, we did get to hear Dick York, best remembered as the first Darren on Bewitched, but who also spent a few years in Chicago radio at the start of his career, going back to the time when he became the lead on the radio sitcom the that Brewster Boy. But again, I hope you enjoyed this adaptation. Now let's go ahead and thank our Patreon Supporter of the day. And I want to thank patreon supporter since September 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Pat. And that'll do it for today. If you are enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. Next Thursday, we will have one final correction episode. But join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar, where I'll show.

[Doctor]

You and tell you everything I know. Oh, our living quarters are down this corridor. Yeah, I remember after you and Mr. Swam left us yesterday, Leon and I went to work immediately to replace the rocket fuel additive we had lost in the accident. You investigated? Yes. Oh, if only I'd paid attention when he told me about the man he'd seen in Fort Myers the day before. But we were so busy.

[Franklin Blake]

Wait a minute. What man?

[Doctor]

Someone he'd known in Europe during the war. A man he suspected of now working for.

[Franklin Blake]

For.

[Doctor]

Well, for those who'd like to sabotage our.

[Franklin Blake]

Go on, Doctor.

[Doctor]

Look, Mr. Dollar, this is my room. And this right next to it is Leon's room.

[Franklin Blake]

Great Scott.

[Doctor]

Yes, there must have been a terrible struggle. And, Doctor, this looks like blood on the floor.

[Franklin Blake]

Now, what happened?

[Doctor]

Well, it was early this morning, before dawn. I heard voices in here. At first I thought Leon was shouting in his sleep. Yes, but then he began to call for help. And I heard the furniture being knocked about. Well, didn't you come in here? Something had been shoved against my door. This table. I couldn't open it. Then I heard the shot. I heard Leon scream with pain. Then another shot. Oh, terrible, terrible, terrible.

[Franklin Blake]

Come on, Doc.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box [e-mail] follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.