THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER
[ghostofradio.com],
[oldtime.radio] The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Original Broadcast: November 5, 1945
Episode: #191 in this surviving-episode chronology
Running Time: Approximately 29 minutes
Sherlock Holmes: Basil Rathbone
Dr. John Watson: Nigel Bruce
Announcer: Harry Bartell
Sponsor: Petri Wine [archive.org] [youtube.com]
Remember, remember...the Fifth of November!
On Guy Fawkes Day, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson become involved in a bizarre case that seems to recreate Britain's infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
A frightened gentleman named James Stewart arrives at Baker Street convinced that his cousin intends to blow him up and claim an inheritance. And there is frightening evidence to support his story. A neighboring house has been rented, strange work has been taking place in its cellar, and Holmes and Watson discover a tunnel, barrels of gunpowder and a fuse.
It certainly appears that someone intends to celebrate November 5th in spectacularly deadly fashion.
But appearances can be deceiving, particularly when Sherlock Holmes is examining the evidence. One seemingly unimportant clue found in the cellar causes Holmes to reconsider the entire story, leading to a wonderfully clever reversal in which the supposed victim may not be quite what he seems. [oldtime.radio]
It's a terrific example of the original mysteries created specifically for the radio adventures of Holmes and Watson, with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce bringing their familiar chemistry to Baker Street.
THE SPECKLED BAND
[arthur-con...-doyle.com] The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Original Broadcast: November 12, 1945
Episode: #192 in this chronology
Running Time: Approximately 29 minutes
Network: Mutual
Sponsor: Petri Wine
Sherlock Holmes: Basil Rathbone
Dr. John Watson: Nigel Bruce
Announcer: Harry Bartell
Writers/Adaptation: Denis Green and Anthony Boucher
From the story by: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle [arthur-con...-doyle.com], [archive.org]
And now we turn from an original radio mystery to one of the greatest Sherlock Holmes adventures ever written.
A terrified young woman named Helen Stoner comes to Baker Street convinced that her life is in danger.
Her sister died mysteriously at the family's Stoke Moran estate after uttering the strange final words:
"The speckled band."
Now Helen is being forced to sleep in the same room where her sister died. Stranger still, mysterious sounds are being heard during the night. And looming over everything is her violent and intimidating stepfather, Dr. Grimsby Roylott. [oldtime.radio]
When Holmes and Watson investigate the bedroom, several details immediately arouse Holmes's suspicion: a bed fastened in place, a bell rope that doesn't ring a bell, and a ventilator connecting the room to Roylott's adjoining chamber.
Holmes realizes that Helen may be in immediate danger.
What follows is one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most atmospheric Holmes mysteries, culminating in a nighttime vigil at Stoke Moran as Holmes waits for the meaning of those mysterious words to reveal itself. [oldtime.radio]
Originally published in 1892, The Adventure of the Speckled Band was adapted for this November 12, 1945 radio broadcast by Denis Green and Anthony Boucher. [arthur-con...-doyle.com]
ABOUT THE SERIES
The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes brought Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce from their enormously popular Holmes films to American radio as Holmes and Watson. Their partnership became one of the most recognizable interpretations of the detective and his faithful companion during radio's golden age. [en.wikipedia.org]
So settle into Baker Street with Holmes and Watson for two terrific mysteries: THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER and the Conan Doyle classic THE SPECKLED BAND, right here on 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Two great Sherlock Adventures from 1946 radio "The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'
