Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem (EP3838) – A Detailed Summary

Podcast Title: Sherlock Holmes Presented by the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Adam Graham
Episode Title: Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem (EP3838)
Release Date: August 9, 2022

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into a rare and early adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective, Sherlock Holmes. This particular rendition, titled "The Final Problem," is an adaptation from the Richard Gordon era, marking the beginning of regular weekly Sherlock Holmes broadcasts in the United States. Notably, this production dates back to May 19, 1932, making it one of the earliest radio interpretations of the famed detective duo.

Adam Graham sets the stage by sharing his discovery of this elusive episode, expressing both curiosity and excitement upon verifying its authenticity. He emphasizes the historical significance of the recording, highlighting its place in the lineage of Sherlock Holmes adaptations and its enduring appeal despite the audio quality reflecting its 90-year-old origin.

2. The Adapted Story: "The Final Problem"

The heart of the episode is a dramatized version of "The Final Problem," originally penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. However, this adaptation takes creative liberties to enhance dramatization, introducing elements not present in the original text to cater to the radio format.

Plot Overview:

• Setting: London’s prestigious St. Anthony's Hospital and Medical School.
• Characters Introduced:
  • Dr. Lionel Great Lake: Head of St. Anthony's, an old friend of Dr. Watson.
  • Professor Moriarty: Holmes's arch-nemesis, orchestrating a body-snatching scheme.
  • Mrs. Clutch: The cleaning woman at the hospital.
  • Inspector Lestrade: Scotland Yard detective aiding Holmes.

Key Plot Points:

• Cadaver Disappearances: A series of cadaver thefts from St. Anthony's Hospital instigate the mystery.

  Dr. Watson [07:27]: "How about another tussle between Holmes and Professor Moriarty?"

• Investigation Begins: Dr. Watson receives a plea from Dr. Lionel to enlist Holmes’s expertise in solving the mysterious disappearances.

  Dr. Watson [07:53]: "The affair began with a series of curious disappearances from St. Anthony's Hospital."

• Initial Findings: Holmes and Watson arrive at the hospital, discovering the first stolen cadaver and various clues pointing towards multiple suspects, including fingerprints and peculiar behavior from staff members.

  Sherlock Holmes [12:12]: "The stolen bodies with a male or female?"

• Confronting Mrs. Clutch: Holmes identifies Mrs. Clutch as a key suspect based on fingerprint evidence and her suspicious behavior.

  Sherlock Holmes [18:44]: "That seems to be all the evidence against Mrs. Clutch."

• Unraveling the Scheme: Further investigation reveals that Professor Lacey, the head surgeon, is inadvertently involved. Holmes deduces that Moriarty is manipulating circumstances to implicate individuals like Mrs. Clutch.

  Sherlock Holmes [29:17]: "He could have doctored some corpse up so it looked like himself."

• Climactic Revelation: Holmes confronts Moriarty’s intricate plot, linking him to the body-snatching and insurance fraud orchestrating multiple deaths to benefit financially.

  Sherlock Holmes [29:58]: "This little matchbox which you just handed me contains all the proof that I need."

Notable Quotes:

• Sherlock Holmes [25:10]: "Marvelous, my dear Watson, marvelous."
• Dr. Watson [23:09]: "That's the end of the story."

3. Host Commentary

Following the dramatized episode, Adam Graham offers insightful commentary, reflecting on the performance and historical context of this particular adaptation.

Key Insights:

• Performance Style: Gordon's portrayal of Holmes is influenced by William Gillette’s earlier performances, contrasting with later interpretations like Basil Rathbone’s. This version emphasizes a different characterization, with Holmes exhibiting unique traits that differentiate him from subsequent portrayals.

  Adam Graham [37:40]: "Holmes is just so much fun in this episode."

• Adaptation Challenges: "The Final Problem" is notably exposition-heavy in Doyle’s original work, making it challenging to adapt for radio. This version addresses those challenges by expanding on Holmes’s investigative actions and interactions, thereby enhancing dramatic appeal.

  Adam Graham [37:52]: "The problem with the Final Problem is that it is so exposition based. There's not a whole lot of action or character interaction."

• Canonical Discrepancies: The adaptation takes creative liberties that slightly diverge from the original canon, particularly in Holmes's interactions with Professor Moriarty and the storyline's progression.

  Adam Graham [38:22]: "In terms of the canon, that presents some problems... we can forgive the writer of this episode."

• Historical Context: The episode reflects the early 1930s era of American radio, a time marked by emerging networks and the proliferation of radio dramas, some of which may have infringed on existing popular shows, prompting disclaimers and legal notices.

  Adam Graham [38:50]: "It was 1932, which was still very much a Wild west era for American radio."

4. Special Promotions and Giveaways

A significant portion of the episode revolves around G. Washington Coffee's sponsorship and associated promotions.

Promotional Highlights:

• G. Washington Coffee Endorsement: Throughout the adaptation, G. Washington Coffee is subtly promoted, emphasizing its convenience and quality.

  Narrator [06:56]: "You name me a better coffee than G. Washington's, Mr. Bell. Go ahead, name me one."

• Book Giveaway: Adam announces a special giveaway featuring G. Washington’s edition of Sherlock Holmes stories. This includes seven classic adaptations and an earlier high-end edition of "The Hound of the Baskervilles."

  Adam Graham [37:40]: "So I bought a copy of the book off of eBay and it is going to be a prize in the first ever giveaway I've done on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio."

• Entry Details: Listeners are encouraged to visit giveaway.greatdetectives.net to enter, with multiple prize tiers including hardcover books, apparel, and exclusive merchandise.

  Adam Graham [38:08]: "To enter, go to giveaway.greatdetectives.net. You can get one entry without having to do anything."

Notable Promotional Quotes:

• Narrator [31:18]: "G. Washington is economical because it ends waste."
• Sherlock Holmes [33:19]: "All right."

5. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a blend of nostalgia and forward-looking content. Adam Graham praises the episode's authenticity and the captivating performance by Richard Gordon, contrasting it with later adaptations. He underscores the historical value of such recordings and the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes in radio drama.

Final Remarks:

• Historical Significance: Emphasizing the episode's place in radio history, Adam highlights its contribution to the longevity and popularity of Sherlock Holmes as a timeless literary character.

  Adam Graham [38:16]: "It's a great piece of radio history from the very first long-running Sherlock Holmes series."

• Community Engagement: With the giveaway announcement, listeners are incentivized to engage further with the podcast, fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation for classic radio dramas.

• Upcoming Content: Adam teases future episodes, including previously uncirculated content and new stories, ensuring listeners remain eager for more.

  Adam Graham [37:56]: "Next Tuesday, we'll be bringing you a previously uncirculated episode of Defense Attorney."

Final Notable Quote:

• Adam Graham [35:30]: "I think that's another story."

Key Takeaways

• Historical Adaptation: This 1932 adaptation of "The Final Problem" offers a unique and early portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, differing from later interpretations.
• Enhanced Dramatization: To suit the radio format, the adaptation expands on Holmes’s investigative methods, adding depth and action absent in the original story.
• Promotional Integration: The episode seamlessly integrates sponsorships and promotions, reflecting the commercial dynamics of early radio programming.
• Community Building: Through giveaways and interactive promotions, the podcast fosters a dedicated listener base, celebrating classic detective stories.

Engage with the Podcast

For fans of Sherlock Holmes and vintage radio dramas, this episode is a treasure trove of historical content and engaging storytelling. Don't miss the chance to participate in the exclusive giveaway and explore more classic detective adventures with The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Dr. Watson [07:27]: "How about another tussle between Holmes and Professor Moriarty?"
• Sherlock Holmes [12:12]: "The stolen bodies with a male or female?"
• Adam Graham [37:40]: "Holmes is just so much fun in this episode."
• Narrator [31:18]: "G. Washington is economical because it ends waste."
• Sherlock Holmes [33:19]: "All right."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, blending the dramatized story with the host's insightful analysis and promotional content, ensuring both new listeners and longtime fans gain a thorough understanding of this historic radio adaptation.