sherlock holmes – “speckled band” monday, november 12, …...

Sherlock Holmes – “Speckled Band”

Monday, November 12, 1945

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Announcer: This episode from the life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and

women overseas by short wave and through the worldwide facilities of the

Armed Forces Radio Service. Petri Wine brings you…

MUSIC: Sting – Cue # ___

Announcer: Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in "The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes."

MUSIC: Sting Up and Out – Cue # ___

Announcer: The Petri family -- the family that took time to bring you good wine -- invites you

to listen to Doc Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old

friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And if you don’t mind, I’d like to

suggest something that you might share with your friends; and that something is

a glass of Sherry before dinner. Naturally a glass of Petri California Sherry. I say

Petri Sherry because it’s the perfect before dinner wine. You couldn’t think of a

better way to begin a meal. A Petri Sherry has a beautiful, inviting color like …like

dark amber. And for flavor, well you heard Sherry described many times as

having a rich nut-like flavor but if you want to learn for the first time what those

words, rich and nut-like, really mean, you just taste Petri Sherry. It’s wonderful.

Serve Petri Sherry by itself, or serve it with hors d’oeuvres, or those little cocktail

sandwiches. And incidentally, if you prefer Sherry dry, you know not sweet, just

ask your wine merchant for Petri Pale Dry Sherry… Well, the important thing to

remember is if you want Sherry, you want Petri Sherry because that means good

Sherry.

MUSIC: Sherlock Organ Theme – Cue # ___

Announcer: And now let’s look in on our genial friend and good host, Doctor Watson…

Good evening, Doctor.

Watson: {Coming on Mic} Good Evening Mr. Bartell. {On Mic} Punctual to the minute, as

usual.

Announcer: Never Keep a Doctor waiting I always say; Particularly Dr. Watson.

Watson: Ha, ha, ha. Draw up a chair ol’ boy.



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Announcer: Thank you.

SFX: Chair move on floor

Watson: That’s it. That’s it. That’s it.

Announcer: All ready to tell us the Sherlock Holmes adventure of the Speckled Band, Doctor?

Watson: Yes, I’m already, Mr. Bartell.

Announcer: Say Doctor, just what does this Speckled Band mean?

Watson: Ha, ha. If you wait until I’ve told you the story young fellow, my lad. You’ll find

out for yourself.

Announcer: Sorry. The floor is all yours Doctor.

Watson: The Adventure of the Speckled Band began on a rainy April morning in eighteen

hundred and eighty three. An urgent call from one of my patients had kept me

up most of the night before. And in consequence, I came down to my breakfast

rather later than usual to find that Holmes already left the house some hours

earlier. As I sat there reading the morning paper, consuming my two lightly,

boiled eggs, there was a knock at the door. It opened, to disclose a typical

example of the British working man; a bag of tools in one hand, and a grimy cap

in the other. As he spoke to me from the doorway…

SFX: Foot steps

Holmes: {Cockney Accent} You sent for me Mr. Holmes?

Watson: I am not Mr. Holmes.

Holmes: {Cockney Accent} Oh beg your pardon governor. But I came to fix the gas bracket

over the mantel piece.

Watson: Oh, what’s wrong with it?

Holmes: {Cockney Accent} It’s got a leak in it.



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Watson: Oh. A leak? Then go on with your work.

Holmes: {Cockney Accent} Yes sir. Hope I won’t be disturbing you, sir.

Watson: No, no, no. That’s all right, my man. Don’t mind me, don’t mind me.

Holmes: {Cockney Accent} Oh dear. Very untidy man Mr. Holmes, sir.

Watson: What do you mean by that?

Holmes: {Cockney Accent} Well, you can’t help noticing the mess this room’s in. I heard it

say he was tidy as anybody when it started. But he learned bad habits from a

bloke what lived with him… eh, Doctor Watson I think his name is.

Watson: You impertinent fellow.

SFX: Chair move

Watson: How dare you to talk to me like that. I got a good mind to… oh… where’d he go…

SFX: Foot steps

Watson: Here, you come out of there. That’s Mr. Holmes’ room.

Holmes: {As himself} Don’t be angry with me Watson.

Watson: What?

Holmes: Slipping out of these grimy rags into a dressing gown.

Watson: Good gracious me. It’s only you, Holmes. Well, Ha, ha, ha... the problem is, well,

a, I never recognized you, but, Ha, ha, ha... why the disguise?

Holmes: A case my dear Watson, a case. One of those small problems which a trusting

public occasionally confides to my investigation… Ah, ha. The British workman

ol’ chap … all doors are open. His costume is unostentatious and his habits are

sociable. Tool bag is an excellent passport, and the tawny mustache, will obscure

the, ha, ha, cooperation of aides.



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Watson: But what’s the case?

Holmes: A modest little drama of the life in a kitchen. One of those in seemly

inconsequential affairs, and yet Watson, the honor of a Duchess is at stake.

Watson: Duchess?

Holmes: A Mad World My Masters, a Mad World. Ah… now I feel a little more

comfortable. Let’s return to the sitting room, shall we? A strong cup of tea

would be acceptable.

Watson: Oh, I wish you’d tell me about the Duchess and life in the kitchen?

Holmes: Some other time ol’ fellow, some other time. At the moment, suppose you tell

me what you know about Miss Helen Stoner. I received a letter from her this

morning in which she informed me that she’d be calling here at eleven and also

that she was a friend of yours.

Watson: Miss Helen Stoner … Oh yes, yes. Charming girl indeed.

Holmes: Well, pour me a cup of tea Watson and tell me about her.

SFX: Tea Cup placed on saucer

Watson: Well… I befriended her at the time of the tragic death of her sister two years ago.

I told you about the case, do you remember? The sudden death of Violet Stoner

at an old house in Stoke Moran.

Holmes: Oh, yes, yes, yes. It all comes back to me now. There was a, there was an

inquest wasn’t there, with a string of stupid ineffective witnesses.

Watson: Huh, what, Uh, I was one of them.

Holmes: Oh, I’m sorry old fellow. Then you were the exception, of course. Wait a minute,

wait a minute.

SFX: Foot steps



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Holmes: Let me see. I docketed the evidence on the case. Where is it? Uh, my scrap

book. Ah, here we are, here we are.

SFX: Foot steps. Footsteps stop. Flipping through pages of note book.

Holmes: Let me see… “S”, “S”, “S”. Slasberry hatchet murder, Lords and Simon. Here we

are, here we are. Stoke Moran. Yes. I remember the affair well now. The villain

of the piece was Doctor Grimesby Roylott wasn’t he?

Watson: Yes, a dreadful fellow. He’s the step father of the girls; Violet the one that died

so mysteriously… Helen, the one who’s coming here to see you.

Holmes: Doctor Roylott has a pretty record. Fifty five years of age. Killed his butler -

Calcutta, India. Once in an insane asylum. Married money. Wife died.

Distinguished surgeon. Well Watson, hmm. I wonder what the distinguished

surgeon has been up to now?

Watson: Some deviltry I fear.

Holmes: Why do you say that?

Watson: You remember that Violet’s Stoner’s death followed close upon the

announcement of her engagement.

Holmes: Yes.

Watson: Well, I met Miss Helen Stoner on the streets a few weeks ago. She told me that

she’d just become engaged to a young fellow in the Army who’s leaving for the

Far East. She was very upset at the thought of being alone with her step father at

Stoke Moran.

Holmes: Who naturally was… hmmm. Doctor Roylott stands to lose a considerable sum of

money in the event of his step daughter’s marriage.

Watson: Yes. They both had a trust fund which he administered only as long as the girls

were unmarried. That fact was brought out at the corners inquest two years ago.

But if Roylott did poison the other step daughter, and I’m pretty convinced that



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he did, it seems unlikely that he’d try it again. Two sudden deaths in the same

household would hardly pass the corner.

Holmes: Oh my dear Watson. You’re making the mistake of putting your normal brain

into Roylott’s abnormal being.

SFX: Victorian Door Bell

Watson: Oh, that, that must be Miss Stoner now.

Holmes: Yes. Let me see. It’s precisely eleven o’clock. Well, let’s see what we can do for

her.

Watson: Well, I hope you can help her Holmes, she’s an extremely nice girl.

SFX: Knock on door.

Holmes: Come in.

SFX: Door open

Holmes: Yes Mrs. Hudson?

Mrs. Hudson: There is a Miss Helen Stoner to see you Sir. She says she has an appointment.

Holmes: Show her in please, Mrs. Hudson.

Mrs. Hudson: Aye, Sir.

SFX: Foot steps

Mrs. Hudson: Come in my Dear.

Helen: Thank you.

Watson: Oh, oh Miss Stoner, I’m, I’m so glad to see you again.

SFX: Foot steps. Door Close.

Helen: How do you do Doctor Watson, and this must be your friend.



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Holmes: Yes Miss Stoner, I’m Sherlock Holmes. Sit down by the fire, won’t you.

Watson: Yes, yes. Please do my dear. Hello, you’re… you’re trembling with cold.

Helen: It’s not cold that makes me shiver… Tell me Mr. Holmes, has my step father,

Doctor Grimesby Roylott been here?

Holmes: No he hasn’t.

Helen: He saw me in the street. I dashed by him in a Hansom cab, but he saw me. Our

eyes met and he waved me to stop but I came here as fast as I could.

Holmes: Very sensible move. Doctor Watson has already given me several hinters to your

present problem as well has having refreshed my memorious to the

circumstances to your sister’s death.

Helen: My problem is a simple enough one, Mr. Holmes. I’m … I’m waiting to be

murdered now.

Watson: Now, now, now, my dear girl…

Holmes: You’ll have to be more explicit Miss Stoner.

Helen: Very well, Mr. Holmes. My fiancé is leaving for the Far East today. When he

leaves, I shall be alone with my step father at Stoke Moran. He plans to murder

me just as he murdered my sister.

Holmes: Shhh. What makes you say that Miss Stoner?

Helen: {fighting back tears} Many strange things have happened recently. For instance,

he’s just moved me into the bedroom in which my sister died.

Watson: What reason did he give for changing your room?

Helen: That my old one needed repainting. It didn’t need it. But Doctor Roylott did

mean to put me in that horrible room. And other things have happened…. I.. I’ve

heard the music again.

Holmes: Music? What music?



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Helen: My sister first heard it a few days before she died. I heard it myself on that

dreadful night she breathed her last. {break down crying} Oh Mr. Holmes I’m

terrified!

Holmes: Oh, my, my, my dear, please don’t worry any more. You’ve got friends to help

you. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

Helen: {pause - trying to hold back tears} No… ‘Course not.

Holmes: Now this music. Does it seem to come from inside the house or outside?

Helen: Well it… it’s hard to say. It..It sounds so faint.

Holmes: What’s it like?

Helen: A sort of soft droning sound.

Holmes: Like a flute or a pipe?

Helen: Yes. It, it reminds me of native music I heard during my childhood in India.

Watson: India? Hey, oh.

Helen: Yet another thing that puzzles me, Mr. Holmes.

Holmes: Oh, what’s that?

Helen: My sister’s dying words. As she lay in my arms, she gasped out two words…

Holmes: Oh? What were they?

Helen: Band and Speckled. You remember that evidence from the inquest, do you

Doctor Watson?

Watson: Yes, yes, yes, yes, I do. Couldn’t make head or tail of it.

Holmes: Ah… Band, speckled… Indian music. Miss Stoner, do you sleep with your door

and windows fastened?



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Helen: Yes, Mr. Holmes, but so did poor Violet. It didn’t save her though.

Holmes: What did you gather from your sister’s dying illusion to the band… the speckled

band?

Helen: Well … sometimes I thought it was merely the wild talk of delirium. And

sometimes that it referred to a band of people.

Holmes: Oh, yes.

Helen: I remember that there were some gypsies encamped quiet near us at the time of

Violet’s death.

Holmes: Gypsies, eh?

Helen: Yes. And it occurred to me that they spotted gaily colored kerchiefs, which so

many of them wear over their heads, might have suggested the unusual

adjective which my sister used.

Watson: Miss Stoner, how long is it since you’ve heard this strange music that you told us

about?

Helen: I heard it last night.

Watson: What?

Holmes: So your fiancé leaves today, you say?

Helen: Yes, Mr. Holmes.

Holmes: Well Miss Stoner, I shall do everything I can to help you. If we could come to

Stoke Moran today, would it be possible to see all your rooms without the

knowledge of your step father?

Helen: I, I think so. He told me this morning that he intended to take a late train home

tonight.

Holmes: Ah, that’s splendid. Watson, out with the timetable old fellow and look up the

trains to Stoke Moran.



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Watson: Right you are, Holmes.

SFX: Victorian Door Bell

Helen: {gasps} Ahhhh… That’s my stepfather. I know it is!

SFX: Foot steps

Helen: {elevated panic level} Oh yes! Yes, there he is on the door step! Oh, Mr. Holmes

he’s followed me! What should I do if he finds me here? …

Holmes: Don’t worry, Miss Stoner. Please don’t worry. There’s a private exit through that

room there… Watson, show her the way, would you?

Watson: Come along with me, my young Lady.

SFX: Foot steps – then stop

Helen: And, and you will come down today won’t you Mr. Holmes?

Holmes: Certainly, my dear Miss Stoner. I’ll telegraph you the time of our arrival. Good

bye and courage my Dear.

Helen: Good Bye, Mr. Holmes and Thank You.

Watson: Come along Miss Stoner, quickly!

SFX: Foot steps. Private Exit Door opens and closes.

SFX: Knocking on Door

Holmes: Come in.

SFX: Door opens.

Holmes: Yes Mrs. Hudson?

Mrs. Hudson: It’s … It’s a gentleman sir. I told him you wouldn’t see anyone without an

appointment but he …



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Roylott: {loud, mad} Out of the way, woman!

Mrs. Hudson: {to Roylott} Don’t push me like that! … I’m sorry, Mr. Homes.

Holmes: That’s alright Mrs. Hudson, you can leave us.

Mrs. Hudson: What kind of gentleman does he call himself pushing an old lady.

SFX: Door closes

Roylott: So you’re Sherlock Holmes!

Holmes: You have the advantage of me sir, your name is ah …

Roylott: My name sir is Roylott! Doctor Grimesby Roylott of Stoke Moran!

Holmes: Oh, yes, yes, of course. A charming place I hear, and obviously good for the

lungs.

Roylott: You won’t trifle with me, if know what’s good for you!

Holmes: Ah.

SFX: Door opens. Foot steps

Holmes: Oh Watson, there you are.

SFX: Door Closes. Foot steps

Holmes: And how was the, uh… the uh, experiment?

Watson: Very successful Holmes. Good day to you Doctor Roylott. I haven’t seen you

since I gave evidence at your step daughter’s inquest.

Roylott: Yes. Yes. I remember you Doctor Watson… Now listen to me you two. My step

daughter’s been here. I chased her. What’s she been saying to you?

Holmes: A little cold for this time of year, isn’t it?

Roylott: You answer me!



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Holmes: I hear that the crocuses promise well.

Roylott: You dear try to put me off do you? I know you, you scoundrel! You’re Holmes,

the meddler!

Holmes: Am I?

Roylott: Holmes, the busy body!

Holmes: I believe that a man should occupy his time.

Roylott: Holmes, the Scotland Yard, Jack-in-Office!

Holmes: Ah, when you go out, close the door won’t you? There’s a draft.

Roylott: I’ll go when I had my say. Keep your nose out of my affairs, you hear!

Holmes: Oh yes. My hearing is excellent, thank you; and your diction and delivery, most

forceful. But time flies, my dear Doctor. Time flies. And life has its duties as well

as its pleasures. Good Bye.

Roylott: Insolent rascal! Here!

SFX: Foot steps. Pulls Coal poker out

Roylott: See this poker?

Holmes: {laughing} Oh, the fire doesn’t need poking, thank you Doctor. But, I should be

obliged if you’d put some more coal on for me.

Roylott: You laugh at me! You don’t know my strength! … Look! {Noise Bending Poker}

Argh … There! Your poker’s bent double!

SFX: Throws Poker on Floor

Roylott: That’s what I’ll do to both of you … if you don’t keep out of my affairs!

SFX: Door Opens and Slams Shut



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Holmes: I had a presentment that he’d slam the door.

Watson: shoo... He’s an ugly customer, Holmes.

Holmes: Literally as well as figuratively. Watson, I’d be much obliged if you’d get your

revolver. It may prove to be an excellent argument with the gentleman who

twists iron pokers into knots.

Watson: The fellow is amazing strong. Just look at it!

Holmes: I don’t want to appear flamboyant, but, uh, {Noise Bending Poker} Argh, ahh…

there we are.

Watson: Great Scott, Holmes! You’ve straightened the poker out again.

Holmes: Yes, it was absolutely useless in its former shape. And now Watson, the time

table. We’ll catch the next fast train to Stoke Moran.

MUSIC: Bridge Organ music – Cue # ___

Helen: Oh, Mr. Holmes, Doctor Watson; I’m so relieved that you come. But don’t you

think that my step father might have followed you down here?

Holmes: We’ll have to take that chance Miss Stoner. A few hours delay might make the

difference between life and death. It is imperative that we examine this room of

yours before Doctor Roylott returns.

Watson: Anyway my Dear, you mustn’t worry anymore. We’re here in your house and we

are going to take good care of you. No matter what harm befalls you.

Helen: Thank you Doctor Watson.

Holmes: So this is the room in which your sister died… Is it? Hmmm. As much as I

pictured it.

Watson: Uh, Doctor Roylott’s room adjoins this one, you say Miss Stoner?

Helen: Yes Doctor, on that side. The room just adjoined on the other side is my regular

bedroom.



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Holmes: The one that’s being so conveniently painted, eh?

Helen: Yes.

Holmes: Well, let’s examine this room. No trap doors or no sliding panels I suppose.

SFX: Knocking on Wooden Walls

Watson: It sounds solid enough Holmes.

Holmes: Yes, I think it is. Hello. What’s this?

SFX: Metal Bed Springs – try moving bed up/down

Holmes: Are you aware this bed is clamped to the floor Miss Stoner?

Helen: Why no, no Mr. Holmes, I did not know that?

Watson: What an extraordinary thing.

Holmes: Was the bed in your other room anchored also?

Helen: Why no, I don’t think it was.

Holmes: Very illuminating. And this bell-pull hanging against the wall above your bed.

Helen: Oh, that. It doesn’t work.

Watson: What do you do if you want to ring?

Helen: There’s another one on the other wall, over there.

Holmes: Then why this one?

Helen: Well, I… I don’t know. My step father made a number of changes after we came

here.

Holmes: Yes. Quite a burst of activity apparently… And it took some strange shapes.

SFX: Foot steps. Metal Bed Springs from standing on bed.



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Watson: Why you standing on the bed Holmes?

Holmes: I’m curious my dear fellow. Ah, ha! It may interest you to know that this bell

rope is fastened to a brass hook with no wire attachment. It’s a dummy.

Watson: A dummy? Why?

Holmes: There’s a small screen above it. It’s a ventilator I suppose.


SFX: Step down on floor. Foot steps

Holmes: Yes… A ventilator leading into your step father’s room… Curious. I noticed

there’s no means of opening the ventilator on this side. It can only be operated

from your step father’s room next door. I wonder if you mind taking us in there.

Helen: Why of course, Mr. Holmes. Follow me.

SFX: Foot steps

Watson: What do you make of it Holmes?

Holmes: There’s devil’s work afoot, old Chap.

Helen: Here we are Mr. Holmes.

SFX: Foot steps. Door opens. Foot steps.

Watson: Well, it’s much the same as the other room. A bit bigger perhaps.

Holmes: That large safe against the wall seems to be an unusual piece of bedroom

furniture. What is it Miss Stoner?

Helen: Um, my step father’s business papers.

Holmes: Oh, yes.



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Watson: You’ve seen inside it then.

Helen: Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of documents.

Holmes: What’s this saucer of milk doing on top of it? Does Doctor Roylott keep a cat?

Helen: No, but he does have a Cheetah and a Baboon as pets. He brought them with

him from India.

Watson: Well Holmes, a Cheetah is just a big cat.

Holmes: True. But I doubt that a saucer of milk would go very far in satisfying the

appetite of a Cheetah. Well, I think I’ve seen enough. This matter is too serious

for hesitation… Your life may depend upon your following of my instructions,

Miss Stoner.

Helen: I’ll do anything you say, Mr. Holmes. Anything!

Holmes: Hmm. Is that the village inn I see through the trees from this window?

Helen: Yes, the Queen’s Arms.

Holmes: And your bedroom windows would be visible from there?


Holmes: Very well then. Watson and I will go there now and obtain accommodations.

When your step father returns, you must confine yourself to your room on the

pretense of a headache… You follow me?

Helen: Perfectly.

Holmes: When Doctor Roylott retires for the night, you must open your bedroom window

and put your lamp on the sill as a signal to us at the inn. Then, withdrawal

quietly to your usual bedroom; the one that’s being painted. I’m sure that you

can manage that for one night.

Helen: Of course. But what will you do?



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Holmes: When we get your signal, Doctor Watson and I will come here and spend the

night in your dead sister’s room. We are going to solve this mystery of the

dummy pull-rope and the unusual ventilator and the strange music in the night.


Announcer: You’ll hear the remainder of Doctor Watson’s story in just a second. So, I’m just

going to point out that at any really important dinner, you know, like when

Diplomats get together, you’ll find wine on the table. Because for years it’s been

a known fact that good wine makes good food taste better… Prove that to

yourself tomorrow night by having your dinner together with a glass of Petri

wine. If you prefer a red wine for any meat or meat dish, try a Petri California

Burgundy. That rich, hearty red Petri Burgundy is really out of this world... Now,

if you would rather have a subtle, intriguing white wine, let’s say to go with

chicken or fish, then, try Petri California Sauterne. But Sauterne or Burgundy, to

make sure it’s good, make sure it’s Petri, won’t you?

Announcer: Well Doctor, it’s a rattling good story so far. What happened next? You went to

the local inn I guess and waited for that lantern to appear in the bedroom

window at Doctor Roylott’s house?

Watson: That’s right, Mr. Bartell. We had an early dinner at the Queen’s Arms then,

retired to our upstairs bedroom. And sat there side by side, puffing away at our

pipes. Our eyes staining through the darkness for that telltale lantern to give us

the signal, that there was dangerous work ahead for us. As we sat there

discussing the various aspects of the case, I remember that Holmes was very

concerned about my own safety.

Holmes: You know Watson, I… I really have some scruples about taking you with me

tonight. This is an infernally dangerous business.

Watson: Yeah, well what about that poor girl, alone in the house with that fiend, Roylott?

Holmes: I’ll handle the case by myself, old Chap.

Watson: I’m coming with you Holmes. You speak of danger. Evidently you’ve seen more

in those rooms than was visible to me?



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Holmes: No, but possibly I deduced a little more, and I image you saw all that I did.

Watson: I so nothing remarkable except the bell-rope and what purpose that could

answer I confess is more than I could image.

Holmes: You saw the ventilator too.

Watson: Yes, but I don’t think it’s such an unusual thing to have an opening between two

rooms. It’s so small that a mouse could hardly pass through it.

Holmes: True. But at least you will admit that there was a curious sequence of

coincidences. A ventilator is constructed, a bell cord is hung from it, a lady sleeps

in a bed directly below the ventilator... A bed that is anchored to the floor; a

lady dies.

Watson: Oh, I’m beginning to see what you are driving at Holmes… Look, look, look, look!

There’s a lantern in Miss Stoner’s window.

Holmes: That’s our signal alright. Come on Watson, our night’s vigil begins.


SFX: Wind. Footsteps in grass. Both continue under next lines.

Watson: Bleh. What a foul night.

Holmes: A foul night for a foul business, Watson. Come on through these laurel bushes.

It’s only another fifty yards to the house.

Watson: The lantern still burning away in the bedroom window.

Holmes: Yes. All the other lights are out.

Watson: Including the one in Doc Roylott’s room. He must have gone to sleep

Holmes: To bed, possibly Watson, but not I think to sleep.

SFX: Monster baboon sound – Cue # ___



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Watson: Good heavens Holmes! Look at that frightful foot creature leaping about in the

moon light.

SFX: Louder baboon sound – Cue # ___

Watson: It looks like some hideous child.

Holmes: That’s Doctor Roylott’s pet baboon.

Watson: It looks positively human.

Holmes: Yes, probably a great deal more so than its master… Shh, Shhhhh. {quietly } We

are directly below the window now. This ivy provides a most convenient ladder.

I’ll go up first.

SFX: Sherlock Climbing in Vines

Watson: {quietly – grunting climbing up ivy} Careful Holmes. Careful now. Wait a minute.

I hope the thing’s strong enough to hold us both. We’ll look pretty stupid, flat on

our backs in the mud. Get a hold of me Holmes. I can’t quite get my leg up over

this window ledge. Thanks old boy. Woo. Say. Shoo.

Holmes: Now to close the window shutters.

SFX: Shutters being closed

Watson: This room looks exactly the same as it did this afternoon.

Holmes: Shh, Shhhh... {speaks quietly } These sounds would be fatal to our plans. Keep

the lamp covered, so if the ventilator is open from Doctor Roylott’s room, no

light will show from in there. .. That’s it.

Watson: {whisper} Why you carrying that stick, Holmes?

Holmes: {whisper} I’m prepared for a visitor that I expect before the night is over. A visitor

who’ll herald his entrance with faint music from an Indian pipe.

Watson: {whisper} You mean the music is the signal?



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Holmes: {whisper} Exactly old fellow. The signal to an accomplice who can enter a room

with locked doors. An accomplice who kills and leaves no trace.

Watson: {whisper} You mean that …

Holmes: {whisper} Shh, Shhhh … No more talking Watson… I’ll sit on the edge of the bed

here. You sit on that chair… Have your revolver ready in case you … you should

need it.

Watson: {whisper} I shall.

Holmes: {whisper} Have a lantern ready too. When I shout now, turn the light to fall on

the top of the bell rope. Understand?

Watson: {whisper} Yes, perfectly.

Holmes: {whisper} Good… Now we must wait. Perhaps for some time. If you’re going to

sleep, don’t go to sleep. Your very life may depend upon it.


SFX: Grandfather Clock Bells strike three – Cue # ___

Holmes: {whisper} Watson?

Watson: {whisper} Yes?

Holmes: {whisper} You’re not smoking are you?

Watson: {whisper} No, Holmes.

Holmes: {whisper} I smell tobacco smoke.

Watson: {whisper} It must be drifting through the ventilator.

Holmes: {whisper} Exactly. Doctor Roylott’s up.

SFX: Bed spring noise.



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Watson: {whisper} Look, look, look. There’s a tiny shaft of light, shining up through the

ventilator.

MUSIC: Flute music – Cue # ___

Holmes: {whisper} Shhhh.

Watson: {whisper} Listen. There’s the music.

Holmes: {whisper} Yes. Heralding a messenger of death. Have your lantern ready

Watson.

MUSIC: Flute music louder

Holmes: {pauses} Now Watson, Now!

SFX: Running footsteps

Watson: Great heavens! It’s a snake slithering down the bell rope.

SFX: Stick hitting on bed multiple times

Holmes: Argh! …. Argh!

Watson: You can’t get it with that stick, Holmes. Move out of the way; let me get a shot at

it.

Holmes: I’m just trying to get it back to where it came! Get out! Argh!

Watson: There is goes, back through the ventilator! … Woo... What a fiendish plan!

MUSIC: Flute music Stop

Roylott: {bitten, screams} Argh! Whaaaa! Owwwww!

SFX: Body Falls

Watson: Look out. What’s that?



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Holmes: I think the devil has turned on its master. Come on Watson, into Doctor

Roylott’s room.

SFX: Door Open. Running Foot Steps. Door Open.

Holmes: Doctor Roylott! Doctor Roylott! Doctor! Doctor …

Watson: Good Lord, Holmes! Look at him sprawled on the bed. Look at his eyes!

Holmes: Yes. And see what is coiled around his forehead.

Watson: It’s the snake!

Holmes: Yes. The band…the speckled band.

Watson: He’s dead Holmes.

Holmes: Yes. He’s been bitten by the deadliest snake in the world, the Indian Swamp

Adder. The deadly fangs produce death within ten seconds. Well Watson…

Violence does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls into the pit

which he digs for another.

Watson: What should we do now, Holmes?

Holmes: We must remove the macabre headgear from the dead doctor and return the

snake to its den. Ah… and I suggest that we tell Miss Stoner there’s no more

danger under this roof… After that, we can turn the matter over to the local

police. Our work is done.


Helen: Oh Mr. Holmes, Doctor Watson. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you

brought me back to Baker Street.

Holmes: Ah, Miss Stoner, it would have been inhuman to leave you in the house of horror

and death. We have a spare bedroom, and Mrs. Hudson is motherly and

understanding woman. And I can assure you that Doctor Watson and I would be

delighted to have you stay with us here, until you decided on your future plans.



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Watson: Yes. Of course we will my dear. As a matter of fact, it will be rather refreshing to

have a touch of youth about the place. Ha, ha.ha.

Helen: You’re both so kind. Mr. Holmes, I think it’s wonderful how you foiled my step

father’s devilish plans.

Watson: Yes, wasn’t it remarkable example of logical deduction.

Holmes: No it wasn’t old fellow. At first, um … your mention of the gypsies, Miss Stoner,

and use of the word band put me on an entirely wrong scent. However, when

we examined the fatal room, I drew the obvious conclusions.

Watson: The dummy bell-rope, the ventilator and the immovable bed.

Holmes: Yes, old fellow. It instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was there as a

bridge for something coming through the ventilator and traveling to the bed. I at

once thought of a snake. When I saw the saucer of milk on top of the safe, my

suspicions crystallized into certainty.

Helen: Aw, it was a fiendish plot.

Watson: Yes, and an extremely clever one too.

Holmes: Exactly.

Helen: My step father must have trained the snake to return to him when he played the

music.

Holmes: Yes. He put it through the ventilator with the certainty that it would crawl down

the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the occupant. Perhaps

she might have escaped every night for a week, but sooner or later, she must fall

a victim.

Helen: Thank heaven I came to you, Mr. Holmes.

Holmes: Amen to that, Miss Stoner.



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Watson: You know Holmes, if you hadn’t lashed at the snake with your stick; I bet it

wouldn’t have turned back on its owner.

Holmes: True old chap. In that way, I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Doctor

Grimesby Roylott’s death. Ha, ha … But, I, I can’t say it’s a fact that will likely

weigh too heavily upon my conscious.

MUSIC: Closing Organ music – Cue # ___

Announcer: Doctor that was quite a fascinating story. You know something, I’m not exactly a

coward, but no kidding, my toes really curl when I get mixed up with snakes…

{shiver} Ooh.

Watson: Oh, you’re not alone in that respect. I must admit, that I like to have a revolver

and at least twenty feet between me and any snake that wants to cross my

path… ha, ha.

Announcer: Well, if you want a revolver and twenty feet, I’ll take a canon and twenty miles.

Watson: Ha, ha. It’s fortunate that you’re a wine expert Mr. Bartell and not a detective.

I’m afraid you wouldn’t, ah, shall we say, find detecting to your liking.

Announcer: We certainly shall say it… he, he.

Watson: Ha, ha.

Announcer: And incidentally, I’m not a wine expert, Doctor. All I know about wine is that it

either tastes good or it doesn’t. And I also know that Petri wine always tastes

good. The Petri family sees to that. The name Petri on the label is the personal

assurance of the Petri family that every drop of wine in that bottle is good wine.

And they know how to make it good because they’ve been making fine wine for

generations. Handing down from father to son -- from father to son – every

secret, every skill of the wine maker’s art. Yes, the Petri family took time to bring

you good wine. That’s why, no matter what type of wine you wish, you can’t go

wrong with a Petri wine…

Well, Doctor Watson what new Sherlock Holmes’ story you planning to tell us

next week?



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Watson: Well now, let me see now. Next week Mr. Bartell, I … I think I’ll tell you an

adventure that took place at a gambling casino in the South of France. It’s a

strange story of sudden tragedy and … death. I call it, “The Adventure of the

Double Zero”.

Announcer: Sounds swell. We’ll all be listening.

Watson: Good Night, Mr. Bartell. But before I go, I want to say that every one of our

friends bought war bonds to help our boys win the war. Now let’s all buy Victory

Bonds to help bring our boys back home again. Yes. And let’s buy Victory Bonds

to make sure that the men that were wounded will get the finest possible care.

Those same Victory Bonds will help makes the GI bill of rights a success too. It

will help provide for the families of those men who gave everything… including

their lives. The men of our armed forces finished their job, now let’s finish ours.

Buy Victory Bonds.

MUSIC: Organ music Up and Under – Cue # ___

Announcer: Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Denis Green and Anthony

Boucher, and is an adaptation of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story "The

Adventure of the Speckled Band." Music is by Dean Fosler. Mr. Rathbone

appears through the courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Mr. Bruce through

the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock

Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California invites you

to tune in again next week -- same time, same station.

MUSIC: Out

Announcer: Heard in today’s program was:

________________ as Dr. John H. Watson,

________________ as Sherlock Holmes,

________________ as Mrs. Hudson(Scottish accent),

________________ as Helen Stoner,



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________________ as Doctor Roylott.

Sounds effects were by ______________________,

Music and other effects by _______________________.

Announcer: This is Harry Bartell __________________ saying "Good night" for the Petri

family. {PAUSE} "Sherlock Holmes" comes to you from our Hollywood studios.

Announcer: This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

sherlock holmes – “speckled band” monday, november 12, …...

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