June 5, 2025 • 37 mins
Original Release Date: June 5, 2025
Today's Mystery: In the mid-19th Century, a young English woman has inherited a large Indian diamond from her evil uncle. She decides to wear it as a brooch on her eighteenth birthday. What could go wrong?
Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 2, 1948
Originating from Chicago
Starring: Sherman Marks as Gabriel Betterridge; Charles Mountain as Franklin Blake; Geraldine Kaye as Rachel Verinder; Alma Fox; Jane Elliot; Ruth Shane; Sidney Breese; Arthur Peterson; Boris Aplon; Margaret Brayton
Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net
Patreon Supporter of the Day: Harold, Patreon supporter since September 2017
Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net
Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715
Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net
Give us a call at 208-991-4783
Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives
Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: In the mid-19th Century, a young English woman has inherited a large Indian diamond from her evil uncle. She decides to wear it as a brooch on her eighteenth birthday. What could go wrong?
Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 2, 1948
Originating from Chicago
Starring: Sherman Marks as Gabriel Betterridge; Charles Mountain as Franklin Blake; Geraldine Kaye as Rachel Verinder; Alma Fox; Jane Elliot; Ruth Shane; Sidney Breese; Arthur Peterson; Boris Aplon; Margaret Brayton
Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net
Patreon Supporter of the Day: Harold, Patreon supporter since September 2017
Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net
Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715
Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net
Give us a call at 208-991-4783
Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives
Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
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 introduce the first part of a four part
adaptation of the novel The Moonstone. But first, I do
want to encourage you, if you are enjoying the podcast,
(00:50):
to follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if
you've not already, I do want to encourage you to
check out my ebooks. All I needed to Know I
learned from Columbus Oh, and All I need to Know
I Learned from Dragnet. Each examined the careers and histories
of seven great fictional detectives and policemen, and life lessons
that can be learned from them. They are available as
(01:12):
ebooks wherever find e books are sold, or through audible
dot Com or the Apple Store. So we'll talk first
about The Moonstone and second about the series that adapted it.
The Moonstone was written in eighteen sixty eight by Wilkie Collins.
(01:33):
It was an epistolary novel, holding a series of letters
and journal entries by various characters. The novel is really
a landmark in the world of detective fiction. It came
after Edgar Allen Poe's famous short stories in the eighteen forties,
(01:54):
but it established many precedents as a long form peace
and receive very high praise. Dorothy Sayers, famous for creating
Lord Peter Whimsey, praised it as probably the very finest
detective story ever written. G. K. Chesterton, who created Father Brown,
(02:16):
calls it probably the best detective tale in the world. Now,
of course, because it was first, it's a little different
than effective stories we might be used to, but still
it's a landmark story and it's going to be great
to bring it to you again. Now I should mention
that we did actually play a two part adaptation that
(02:41):
was produced in Hollywood for the radio series Suspense. I'm
intrigued by this one because I think it is very
hard to condense a novel like The Moonstone and all
that it has going on in it down to two episodes,
and so this one is going to be four episodes long. Now.
(03:06):
This was part of the series The World's Great Novels.
This series originated in Chicago on station WMAQ and was
syndicated on other NBC stations. The series was part of
nbac's University of the Air and NBC worked in cooperation
(03:27):
with the University of Louisville, the University of Tulsa, and
Washington State University to present these adaptations and then listeners
could sign up for a correspondence course and get college
credit for listening, and they could also buy a study
guide to go along with the adaptation. So we are
(03:49):
back in Chicago for the second time this season, and
I mentioned on the last episode that Chicago based old
time radio is kind of rare in the detective genre
and in general. Back when we did Hot Copy, I
do want to correct one thing I said. While it
(04:10):
is rare, there was a Chicago series in addition to
Hot Copy and the Crime Files of LeMond that we featured,
and that was Crime on the Waterfront. That series starred
Myron Wallace, who is better known as Mike Wallace, who
became the famous newsman on Sixty Minutes. That series was
(04:34):
recorded in Chicago, did not make it beyond the audition stage,
but we did feature it back in season three. So
this is I think our fourth visit to Chicago on
Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. Now, I will say
that this was towards the tail end of the World's
(04:54):
Great novels being produced in Chicago. In the fall, the
series War would be moved to Hollywood as the NBC
University Theater and would feature Hollywood actors, and we played
a few episodes from the NBC University Theater, both on
Great Detectives and on the Amazing World of Radio. Finally,
(05:17):
I do want to caution that the audio quality has
some issues. It's not the greatest, but I think it
is still listenable. As always, we do the best we
can with these, but if you have trouble listenings, I apologize.
But with all that out of the way. From April second,
nineteen forty eight, here is The Moonstone, part one.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
The world's Great novels.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
Many years ago, according to an ancient Hindu legend, a
large yellow diamond set in the forehead of an idol
to represent the moon. A diamond as large as a
plover's egg, was so revered by the holy men who
guard it at night and day that it became known
as the Moonstone. The National Broadcasting Company presents another great novel,
(06:21):
The Moonstone, not only as an outstanding classic, but one
which has contributed greatly to the technique and style of
crime fiction as we know it today and now the
first episode in the four part dramatization of the Moonstone,
another in our series of books that live the world's
great novels.
Speaker 4 (06:53):
Yes, the three Indian priests who guarded the Moonstone, I
shuddered the very mention of the name guarded it well.
But one day war came and the glittering Moonstone was
stolen from the forehead of the idol. It passed through
(07:13):
many hands until finally one day it was seized by
one John Herncastle during the Siege of Syringapatam in seventeen
ninety nine. It had been set into the handle of
a dagger by that time, and in seizing it, Herncastle
killed three engines who had been present in the room
where the dagger had been kept. As he died last,
(07:37):
these engines gasped out.
Speaker 5 (07:39):
The Moonstone will have its ventuance yet on you and yours.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
Now. I am Gibriel Bettich. For many years more than
I care to remember, I have been house stirred to
my mistress, Lady Julia Vallnder, sister of the ruthless John Pencastle,
hit her family seat on the Yorkshire coast near Frissinghall,
and I was present when the Moonstone came into our
(08:17):
immediate family as a legacy to my lady's daughter, Miss
Rachel Vlender, on the occasion of eighteenth birthday. Now, in
telling the story of the Moonstone, I shall be compelled
by circumstances to speak for others who know more of
the Moonstone than I, and whose knowledge has come to
my head. I yes, I will go back to two
(08:45):
years ago when Miss Rachel and young mister Franklin Blake
were painting the door to her sitting room.
Speaker 6 (08:54):
You have a genius for dabbling. You just dabble in everything.
Is this rarely what you call decorative painting?
Speaker 7 (09:01):
And now, cousin, don't knock me, but I'm done with
the painting of this door.
Speaker 8 (09:05):
You'll see how nice it will look.
Speaker 6 (09:07):
And will the new design on the paneling reflect the
places from which you've just returned? Might now let me
see you've been to Germany, to France and to Italy.
Just which of these languages are you painting in? Which language?
Franklin French?
Speaker 7 (09:26):
Now stand aside Rachel. I'll never finish my brushwork if
you keep it my way.
Speaker 6 (09:30):
And so intent upon his brushwork.
Speaker 8 (09:33):
Yes, and if you don't look out I'll paint your nerves.
I will, Franklin, don't know.
Speaker 6 (09:38):
Please, I'll get out of your way better you lit it.
Speaker 8 (09:42):
I'd like to dub your nose a bit. Oh, you
wouldn't dare in the interest of science.
Speaker 7 (09:46):
Of course, that new paint mixture of yours, Rachel, it
is not a new paint mixture. It is a new
mixture to moisten paint with. I call it a vehicle.
Speaker 6 (09:59):
It's smells.
Speaker 7 (10:01):
Nevertheless, it will dry in twelve hours that I maintain
as a record.
Speaker 6 (10:06):
Just imagine only twelve hours to dry. Franklin, Blake, You're wonderful.
Speaker 8 (10:12):
I accept the tribute. You know, this sliff and I'm
painting isn't coming out so well. I'll give him just
a bit more neck of Franklin.
Speaker 6 (10:23):
I can hardly wait for the party tonight. It'll be
such fun. And then, of course I'll be wearing a
moonstone for the first time. Oh, Franklin, wasn't it sweet
of Uncle John to leave it to me?
Speaker 9 (10:37):
My dear?
Speaker 7 (10:38):
The Colonel was anything but a sweet man. Sometimes I
wonder that his motive been leaving.
Speaker 8 (10:43):
It to you? Why whatever do you mean? Well, come, Franklin,
don't frown like that tell me.
Speaker 7 (10:50):
In the first place, I suspect the colonel had no
great love for your mother.
Speaker 6 (10:55):
She was his sister.
Speaker 7 (10:57):
True that even a sister's affection would be somewhat text
and having to deal with a man like John Herncastle
sometimes I think your inheritance of the moonstone is a
monstrous joke played by a spiteful.
Speaker 8 (11:09):
Fellow, oh, frank Lynn.
Speaker 7 (11:11):
And secondly, there are ugly stories connected with the diamond.
Speaker 6 (11:15):
But how fascinating? What are these stories?
Speaker 4 (11:19):
Oh?
Speaker 10 (11:19):
The bound up in an old Hindu superstition is something
to do with three fanatical priests, guardians of the Moonstone,
you might say, who are sworn to recover their treasure during.
Speaker 6 (11:32):
I imagine that it makes cold chills run down your spine.
Speaker 8 (11:36):
So I confess to a goose pimple or two on mind.
Speaker 6 (11:39):
And you will be leaving soon to fetch the moonstone
from the bank at frizzing. Also, I may wear it
at the party tonight.
Speaker 8 (11:45):
Yes, Rachel, I'll be leaving in a few minutes, and I.
Speaker 6 (11:47):
Have a new white dress to show off the moonstone.
Speaker 8 (11:51):
Franklin, do you.
Speaker 6 (11:53):
Think you can fix it for me so that I
may wear it?
Speaker 8 (11:55):
His approach, I think a bit of silver wire will
do the trick.
Speaker 6 (11:59):
Oh, and then when the guests are all assembled at
the table, I'll make a grand dramatic entrance, a great
yellow diamond glittering at my throat.
Speaker 7 (12:08):
For the edification, I suppose of your esteemed cousin, mister
Godfrey Ablewhite. Oh now, Franklin, Ah, Yes, mister Godfrey Ablewhite,
a barrister by profession, a ladies man by temperament, and
the good Samaritan by choice.
Speaker 8 (12:25):
That's what Gabriel says about him. Well, I think you're
both unfair to Godfrey.
Speaker 6 (12:30):
After all, he does engage in charitable works.
Speaker 8 (12:32):
Oh he does. Yes.
Speaker 7 (12:34):
Indeed, female benevolence and female destitution could do nothing without him. Yes,
wherever you will find a committee of good ladies in council,
there you'll find mister Godfrey keeping the temper of the
committee and leading the dear creatures along the fary ways
of business.
Speaker 6 (12:51):
Well that sounds like Gabriel again. Anyhow, you must admit
Godfrey is a very handsome man. Oh, no better than
six feet it's all a beautiful complexion and a head
of lovely flaxen hair.
Speaker 8 (13:04):
Which falls languidly around his nose. Franklin, I think you'll
just be yes, Rosanna, what is it?
Speaker 4 (13:12):
What?
Speaker 6 (13:13):
Don't just stand? They're staring with your mouth open?
Speaker 8 (13:15):
Speak up?
Speaker 6 (13:17):
Oh oh your your pardon, miss Rachel.
Speaker 8 (13:20):
But but your.
Speaker 6 (13:22):
Mother, I mean, I mean, lady Veron'd like to see you.
Thank you, Rosanna, and you can tell her. I'll be
up directly, Rosanna.
Speaker 8 (13:35):
Did you hear me?
Speaker 6 (13:37):
Why are you staring like that? Oh? Oh yes, miss Rachel,
I'm going huh Franklin Blake, I think you've made a
conquest in our poor Rosanna.
Speaker 8 (13:52):
Oh nonsense, Rachel, why hang it all? I'm scarcely ever
looked at the girl.
Speaker 6 (13:56):
Maybe that's it, after all, she's a cripple, shy and
sensitive and hoping to be noticed. Hmm, well, Franklin, I
don't want to keep mother with.
Speaker 8 (14:09):
Yes, yes, of course, Rosa, our girl. I wonder what
she seasonally to surprise her.
Speaker 4 (14:19):
I suppose it's your continental education.
Speaker 8 (14:23):
Oh it's you, Gabriel, Yes, sir, what were you saying?
Speaker 4 (14:27):
Just remarkings to Franklin that there's some which are impressed
with the varnish foreign parts.
Speaker 7 (14:34):
Yes, and at any rate, Gabriel, I'm glad you're here.
There are some matters i'd like to discuss with you.
Such is well, I've I've been rather uneasy these past
few days. I told you that just before I arrived
here from London, I had been under the observation of
a certain dark stranger. Yes, I managed, however, to give
(14:55):
him the slip.
Speaker 4 (14:55):
Yes, yes, I recole. You told me he appeared to
be an engineers.
Speaker 8 (15:00):
Yes, yes he did. And now I understand from your
daughter Penelope that there were three injines about the house today.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
Oh, yes, yes, I've found them standing near the terrace. Well,
I promptly showed them the gate.
Speaker 8 (15:14):
Penelope said they were chocolers and had a little English
boy with them.
Speaker 4 (15:18):
Yes, and it was my impressions that the boys seemed
to be under their influence. He acted as if will
as if bewitched.
Speaker 7 (15:28):
Yes, well, oh, Gabriel off to Frizingal and the bank
to fetch the moonstone.
Speaker 4 (15:34):
I don't like that, mister Franklin. I don't like it.
Any bequest from the wicked colonel is best left alone.
Speaker 7 (15:41):
I feel the same way, But I am acting for
my father, who is the executor for the Colonel's estate.
Speaker 8 (15:47):
I have no other choice. I'll be back shortly.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
Don't take too long, to Franklin. The guests will soon
be here for Miss Rachel's birthday party.
Speaker 8 (15:57):
The guests.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
Yes, Soon after mister Franklin's departure, the guests began arriving.
Speaker 8 (16:05):
Did me see now?
Speaker 4 (16:06):
They were quite a number, yes, twenty four in all
old doctor Candy, the family physician. Then there was mister Mirthwaite,
quite famous as an expert on engine affairs. And of
course the tall and elegant mister Godfrey Abrilwhite came, bringing
with him his two large and lively sisters, whom I call.
Speaker 8 (16:28):
The bouncers.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
They're the kind who just can't be still for a moment.
And there were others, to be sure, too numerous to
name all the guests that assembled in the drawing room.
When mister Franklin returned, I spoke to him in the hall, Eh,
mister Franklin, Yes, have you the diamond secured safely?
Speaker 3 (16:49):
Sir?
Speaker 8 (16:49):
Oh? Yes, Gabriel, have it here in the breast pocket
of my coat.
Speaker 4 (16:54):
Have you seen anything of the engines?
Speaker 8 (16:57):
Not a glimpse of them? I say, where is Lady
Bednder in the drawing room? I'd like to have a
talk with her or we put the moonstone on display.
Speaker 4 (17:07):
And then crossing the hall. About half an hour afterward,
I was brought to a sudden stand still by an
outbreak from the drawing room. I can't say I was
a tall alarmed, for I recognized it as that form
of ketter walling peculiar to the bouncers. I entered the room,
and there at the table stood missus Rachel, like a
(17:29):
person fascinated. She held the kernel's unlucky diamond in her hand.
Speaker 8 (17:34):
Look, Gabriel, Oh Lord, bless me, miss Rachel.
Speaker 4 (17:38):
Such a diamond. Why it's as large as a plover's ache?
Speaker 6 (17:42):
Gabriel, did you ever see such brilliance?
Speaker 4 (17:46):
Never in my life. It's like the light that shines
from the harvest moon.
Speaker 6 (17:51):
And what do you think of it?
Speaker 8 (17:52):
Girls?
Speaker 6 (17:53):
Oh, Rachel, it's out is a vine?
Speaker 8 (17:57):
Oh is it? Godfrey?
Speaker 6 (18:00):
What's your opinion of my lovely moonstone?
Speaker 8 (18:03):
Exquisite?
Speaker 11 (18:04):
Exquisite, my dear Rachel, quite exquisite.
Speaker 8 (18:08):
I think he means to say exquisite, Rachel. Isn't that
what you meant?
Speaker 4 (18:12):
God?
Speaker 6 (18:12):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (18:13):
Yes, Franklin, isn't that what I said?
Speaker 6 (18:16):
And what do you think of it?
Speaker 8 (18:17):
Mother child?
Speaker 6 (18:20):
Yes, it's quite beautiful?
Speaker 4 (18:25):
Well, yes, Penelope, what is it?
Speaker 6 (18:27):
I'd like to talk to you privately in the hall?
Speaker 4 (18:30):
Oh, will come come here?
Speaker 8 (18:35):
Ye?
Speaker 4 (18:36):
Now what is it?
Speaker 8 (18:38):
Well?
Speaker 6 (18:38):
The first I have something special for you, A kiss
for your bald head.
Speaker 4 (18:45):
Did you interrupt me? Just for that?
Speaker 6 (18:47):
Father, I have the most wonderful news. Miss Rachel has
refused him.
Speaker 4 (18:52):
Yes, yes, and who is him?
Speaker 6 (18:55):
Theast by the latest committee? Man, Father, that must life.
Speaker 4 (19:01):
You mean, mister Godfrey, Abel White?
Speaker 6 (19:03):
Of course, Oh how I hate it? But a plant, mister.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Franklin, how do you know all this?
Speaker 6 (19:11):
I saw mister the Worse garden. I know because I
waited behind.
Speaker 4 (19:19):
The hollywy Now do you know she refused him.
Speaker 6 (19:22):
Because they strolled into the garden arm in arm and
they were both laughing.
Speaker 8 (19:27):
Yes.
Speaker 6 (19:28):
When they came back, they walked separately, neither one looking
at the other. Father, I was never so happy in
my life. At least there is one woman in this
world who can resist the precious mister god for the Abel.
Speaker 4 (19:41):
White, well, you seem to know all about it. You're
somewhat like your mother, bless her Everie in that respect.
Speaker 6 (19:50):
Wait a minute, father, that's not all I know.
Speaker 8 (19:54):
But now I've.
Speaker 6 (19:55):
Discovered something about looking house.
Speaker 8 (19:57):
Need what about?
Speaker 12 (20:00):
Well, little about for it fell in love with mister
and at first mind you, I never ceased to marvel.
Speaker 4 (20:24):
No, my dear, excuse me, I must see to the
company for dinner.
Speaker 6 (20:29):
And look at this wonderful broach Franklin made for my
moonstone with only a little strand of silver wire, isn't
it clever? Oh?
Speaker 8 (20:37):
Yes, yes, very thank you Godfrey. Well, mister Mirthwaite, I
understand you passed much of your life and injured. I've
never been there, but they tell me it's quite a
fascinating place. At least it has a fascination for me.
Speaker 6 (20:50):
Oh, I'd love to go there if you ever.
Speaker 11 (20:54):
Do, go to injure, miss Vander, don't take your uncle's
birthdayket with your A Hindu diamond is sometimes a part
of a Hindu religion. I know a certain city and
in that city a certain temple where bessed as you are,
your life would not be worth five minutes purchase.
Speaker 8 (21:15):
Heaven.
Speaker 6 (21:16):
I'm almost tempted to take off for India this very minute, mister.
And what do you think about my moonstone, doctor Candy?
Speaker 8 (21:26):
What's that I say? What do you think.
Speaker 6 (21:28):
About my moonstone, doctor Candy?
Speaker 8 (21:30):
Oh?
Speaker 13 (21:31):
My dear, if you will heed my advice, you will
let me take it home and ban its certain we
would first heed it to do such and such a degree,
and then we would expose it to a current of air.
Speaker 14 (21:51):
And and so little by little, with a puff and puff,
we would evaporate the diamond, and thus spare the world
of anxiety and the safe keeping of so valuable a stone.
Speaker 15 (22:08):
It seems I'm being confronted by all sorts of desperate alternatives.
Speaker 8 (22:14):
What's that?
Speaker 7 (22:15):
By the sound of everything, I'm not a mistaken it's yes,
and it seems to be coming from the terrace just outside.
Speaker 8 (22:25):
Everybody.
Speaker 13 (22:27):
We're all going out to the terras Indian three.
Speaker 8 (22:34):
Of them flows. They're going to do tricks for us.
What a loveless wow.
Speaker 6 (22:41):
And that's a pretty little boy they have with him.
I'm asking it a great big kiss.
Speaker 7 (22:45):
Root, get on the other side of miss Rachel. No, Rachel,
don't go too near them. Stay here, Rachel.
Speaker 8 (22:56):
I wish you hadn't come out here wearing that cursed moonstone.
I'm sure those Indians have seen it.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Mister Franklin. Yes, look look at mister Merthwaite. He's speaking
to the Injins apparently in their native tone.
Speaker 7 (23:12):
Obviously, the leader doesn't seem to like what our friend
Mirthwaite is saying.
Speaker 8 (23:16):
No he doesn't. In fact, the fellow seems quite shaken.
Speaker 4 (23:19):
Yes, yes, he's motioning his companions to leave.
Speaker 6 (23:24):
Now.
Speaker 4 (23:24):
The little boy is passing the head around.
Speaker 8 (23:31):
Glad the beggars are leaving.
Speaker 7 (23:34):
The exhibition is over, Rachel, I think you had better
go inside with the others.
Speaker 8 (23:41):
Why I want to talk to.
Speaker 7 (23:42):
Mirthwait there, Oh, you stay here with me, Gabriel, Yes, sir,
I say, Mirthwaite, here's mister Blake. Mister Mirthwait, just what
was it you said to the jugglers?
Speaker 11 (23:56):
Chugglers? And those three engines are no more jugglers?
Speaker 4 (24:00):
Then you and I are what Why, mister Mirthwaite, did
you ever see those rogues before?
Speaker 11 (24:07):
No, never, Gabriel, I merely know what engine juggling really is.
What you have seen tonight is a very bad and
clumsy imitation.
Speaker 8 (24:16):
Of the genuine article. But Mirthway, what did you say
to the engines?
Speaker 11 (24:21):
I charged them with being disguised? Unless I miss my guess,
those men are high caste Brahmans of the Hindu religion.
You know there's a mystery about their conduct. I can't explain.
What do you mean They've doubly sacrificed their cost first
in crossing the sea to England, secondly in disguising themselves
(24:44):
as jugglers. I'm positive there must be some very serious
motive at the bottom of it, Quite positive.
Speaker 4 (24:53):
Will I think you're right, sir? Yes, Gabriel, what about tonight,
mister Franklin. Suppose the Indians come back?
Speaker 11 (25:01):
They want this coming back tonight? The direct way is hardly, ever,
the way they take to do anything. Gabriel, I'd suggest
you let the dogs loose, eh. Have you a big
dog about the yard?
Speaker 4 (25:13):
Tutor mastiffened bloodhound?
Speaker 11 (25:15):
Excellent? I'd turn them loose if I were you. Turn
them loose. Yes, both breeds have one great merit. They
are not likely to be troubled with your scruples about
the secretary of human life.
Speaker 4 (25:40):
As the dinner got on, I became aware little by
little that this festival was not like others in the past.
Although I apply the whole company well with wine, the
cursed diamonds seemed to have cast a blight upon them.
I do remember, however, how doctor Kenny and mister Franklin
(26:02):
Blake fell to arguing.
Speaker 13 (26:05):
Now, then, Franklin, you acknowledge you sleep very badly at night? Yes, Doctor,
from that, I judge your nerves to be out of order.
Speaker 16 (26:17):
Now, then i'd prescribe the course of medicine value immediately.
Speaker 8 (26:23):
In my opinion, doctor, your course of medicine is just
another name but growthing in the dark.
Speaker 16 (26:29):
Oh, we have a cynic and a scopper within our
midst Oh, Godfrage, Godfrey, tell me what do you think
of Franklin's inability to sleep?
Speaker 4 (26:40):
Why?
Speaker 11 (26:41):
See, he's the one who's growing in the dark for sleep.
But you're quite right, doctor Kendy, he should take some
medicine for his affliction.
Speaker 16 (26:52):
Hell, at least I have one support in my friend
god Rage.
Speaker 8 (26:57):
Hell, it's getting late. I think we should be making
our good nights. It was a fine party, Lady Vernda.
Speaker 11 (27:07):
But I think I just the.
Speaker 6 (27:09):
Others assume doctor.
Speaker 9 (27:12):
Oh, yes, I'm still a practice that requires my attention.
Good night, Rachel, and Rachel, don't forget what I said
about the moon still anytime you want, I'll burn it.
Speaker 8 (27:30):
Up for.
Speaker 6 (27:31):
Good night, Rachel. That reminds me where are you going
to put your diamond for tonight? My mother on my
dressing table, of course, along with the other thing. Oh no,
it's not a very good idea. It might take to
shining in the dark and say that would terrify me.
(27:55):
You better find some other place then.
Speaker 5 (27:59):
I have it.
Speaker 6 (28:00):
How about putting the moonstone in my Indian cabinet in
the cabinet in your sitting room. Yes, that's the one,
my dear. Your Indian cabinet has no lock to it. Well,
good heavens, Mamma, is this a hotel?
Speaker 8 (28:12):
Ah?
Speaker 15 (28:12):
There are thieves in the house. Now, Rachel, be reasonable?
Why not let me keep the diamond for you tonight?
Speaker 6 (28:18):
Now, Mother, I'm eighteen years old and perfectly capable of
taking care of my own property. You may come up
to my sitting room if you wish, right now and
watch me put the diamond.
Speaker 8 (28:30):
In the cabinet.
Speaker 6 (28:31):
Oh very well, my dear.
Speaker 15 (28:32):
We won't discuss it any more, and I think it
would be a good idea of all of us retired
for the night, Godfrey Franklin, Yes, Aunt Julia, I was
just telling Rachel it was time we went to bed.
Speaker 4 (28:43):
Are you and God for ready?
Speaker 8 (28:46):
Suppose I might as well? Though I've been getting precious
little sleep of late, Franklin.
Speaker 11 (28:51):
Why not take my advice and indulge in a little
brandy and water before retiring.
Speaker 8 (28:56):
It would do you a world of good. I'm sure now,
Thank you, gud Fray. I think I would rather do
without it, very well, very well. I was only suggesting
it for your own.
Speaker 6 (29:05):
Good gentlemen, are ready.
Speaker 8 (29:08):
Yes, Julian, I'm ready to go up if everyone else is. Oh,
you'll be sure and let the dogs lose.
Speaker 4 (29:14):
Gabriel, Yes, yes, yes, yes, mister Franklin.
Speaker 6 (29:17):
And Gabriel, you'll take extra precaution about locking up. Will leady,
come mother, We'll go directly to my sitting room and
put the moonstone in the drawer of the Indian cabinet.
Speaker 4 (29:27):
Gabriel, good night, Miss Rachel, good night, good night, good night,
good night. I can't says, I'm sorry to see this
day come to a na.
Speaker 8 (29:41):
Oh.
Speaker 4 (29:42):
It reminds me i'd better relieve the dogs.
Speaker 17 (29:45):
Of the colors Ariel Oh, yes, mister Franklin, Yes, coming, sir, coming,
Where are you?
Speaker 8 (29:56):
I'm up here on the landing.
Speaker 4 (29:57):
Yes, what can I do for you?
Speaker 7 (29:59):
Sir?
Speaker 8 (30:00):
I made my mind about the Brandian water. Perhaps I
may want some in the night. You have some sun
up to my room please.
Speaker 4 (30:05):
Yes, mister Franklin, thank you, Gabriel, good night, Good night, sir,
and sleep well er, sleep well.
Speaker 6 (30:15):
Mm hmmm.
Speaker 4 (30:17):
The worries of the day had been too much for me.
I suppose, at any rate I had a touch of
mister Franklin's malady that night. It was sunrise before I
bent off at last into sleep. About half past seven,
I awoke and opened my window. On a fine, sunshiny day.
I bustled about for a few minutes, and then a
(30:37):
short while later, as the clock was striking eight. I
remember I was on my way downstairs to chain up
the dogs. Then suddenly I stopped short because Penelope came
plying down the stairway after me.
Speaker 6 (30:50):
Heaven six, come upstairs right away.
Speaker 8 (30:52):
The diamond has gone.
Speaker 4 (30:53):
Are you out of your mind?
Speaker 6 (30:55):
Gone gone, I tell you, And nobody knows how I'll
come up and see.
Speaker 4 (30:59):
Yes, yes, child, come, I'm not as young as I
once was a child.
Speaker 6 (31:07):
I see the drawers pulled all the way out by myself.
So Miss Rachel put the diamond into that drawer last.
Speaker 4 (31:14):
Night, Miss Yes, the drawer is empty.
Speaker 8 (31:18):
Miss Rachel.
Speaker 6 (31:19):
Wasn't I here last night when you put the diamond away.
Speaker 4 (31:22):
Is Rachel? Is this true?
Speaker 8 (31:26):
The diamond is gone, That is all she said.
Speaker 4 (31:34):
Then Miss Rachel withdrew into her bedroom and locked the door.
I couldn't understand it.
Speaker 8 (31:42):
The Moonstone had vanished.
Speaker 4 (31:44):
And yet here was the young lady acting as if
it had been not the least bit of a surprise
to her.
Speaker 3 (32:08):
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 second
episode of this four part radio version of The Moonstone,
and remember that your local public library can be a
constant source of entertainment and information. To add to your
(32:29):
enjoyment of this series, we recommend the Handbook of the
World's Great Novels, which you may obtain by sending twenty
five cents to World's Great Novels post Office Box thirty
Station J, New York, twenty seven, New York. That's post
Office box thirty Station J, New York, twenty seven. The
(32:56):
Moonstone was adapted for radio by Robert Saxon. Them was
composed by Amil Soderstrom, and the orchestra was directed by
Bernard Burquist. The entire production was under the direction of
Homer Heck Sherman Marx is featured as Gabriel Betteridge, Charles Mountains,
Franklin Blake, and Geraldine Kay as Rachel Barrender.
Speaker 8 (33:15):
The part of Lady Baronder is played by Arma Platz.
Speaker 3 (33:18):
A Nowopee by Jane Elliott, Rosanna by Ruth Shames, Godfrey,
Abel White by Sidney Breeze, Doctor Candy by Arthur Peterson,
Mister Merthwaite by Boris Applin, and the Bouncers by Margaret
Brayton and Ruth Shames.
Speaker 8 (33:31):
This is John Conrad.
Speaker 3 (33:33):
This program comes to you from Chicago and is a
presentation of the National Broadcasting Company and its affiliated independent stations.
(33:54):
Your help is desperately needed now.
Speaker 8 (33:57):
It's needed more than.
Speaker 3 (33:58):
Ever by the people of yours who are hungry and
cold this winter. Without your health, many thousands of children
and adults face starvation and death by exposure. Care is
ready to help you help them. For ten dollars, you
can send a nonprofit care food or textile package to
anyone you select. Care will hurry your package to Europe.
(34:19):
The amount of your ten dollars is received. Senate took
Care fifty Broad Street, New York for New York. This
is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.
Speaker 1 (34:36):
Welcome Back. A bit different from our typical episode as
we don't have the crime committed until the end, but
there's a lot of atmosphere and scenes setting and establishing
characters that is really important in this story. And because
the world's Great novels had four episodes to do this,
and they did it this way, and I think it
(34:57):
makes sense in many ways. It reminds me of how
the BBC Mattsch used to adapt to Paul ro novel. Overall,
this episode does a good job reflecting the characters and
their attitudes and setting up what's going on in this story.
As always, I love Gabriel betteredge kind of surprised he
(35:19):
hasn't dropped a Robertson Crusoe reference. I mean, that was
his thing in the book, but the adaptation is still
young and kind of him expecting one at any moment
as a plot point. It's weird that if you were
traveling all the way to England to appersonate jugglers that
(35:41):
you wouldn't actually figure out how to do it well.
So a bit of a mark against the mysterious Indian
priests in disguise, but nobody's perfect, I guess, and they
may just have been betting on ignorance, which is usually
a safe bet. All right, well, now it's time to
think our Patreon supporter of the day, and I want
to go ahead and thank Harold, Patreon supporter since September
(36:04):
twenty seventeen, currently supporting the podcast at the Master Detective
level of fifteen dollars more per month. Thank you so
much for your support, Harold, And that will do it
for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us
using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the
podcast on YouTube, be sure to lock the video, subscribe
(36:26):
to the channel, and mark the notification bell. We will
be back next Thursday with part two of the Moonstone.
But join us back here tomorrow for yours truly Johnny
Dollar ware.
Speaker 18 (36:40):
But not belong Durrangle, Durragle. It's Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 6 (36:46):
Kay outside that you young Gorman? This here?
Speaker 18 (36:51):
Nos, Wait a minute, you're not Drango. I came here
to see the wrangle. Army Dollar.
Speaker 4 (36:58):
Oh yeah, well your rend way here?
Speaker 18 (37:01):
Now look you you shut up tactics drive away from here,
you see you shut up? Purty drive away after you've
blown a hole on one of my tires.
Speaker 1 (37:14):
I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime,
send your comments to Box thirteen at Great Detectives dot net,
follow us on Twitter at Radio Detectives, and check us
out on Instagram, Instagram, dot com slash Great Detectives from Boise, Idaho.
This is your host, Adam Graham signing off.
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 introduce the first part of a four part
adaptation of the novel The Moonstone. But first, I do
want to encourage you, if you are enjoying the podcast,
(00:50):
to follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if
you've not already, I do want to encourage you to
check out my ebooks. All I needed to Know I
learned from Columbus Oh, and All I need to Know
I Learned from Dragnet. Each examined the careers and histories
of seven great fictional detectives and policemen, and life lessons
that can be learned from them. They are available as
(01:12):
ebooks wherever find e books are sold, or through audible
dot Com or the Apple Store. So we'll talk first
about The Moonstone and second about the series that adapted it.
The Moonstone was written in eighteen sixty eight by Wilkie Collins.
(01:33):
It was an epistolary novel, holding a series of letters
and journal entries by various characters. The novel is really
a landmark in the world of detective fiction. It came
after Edgar Allen Poe's famous short stories in the eighteen forties,
(01:54):
but it established many precedents as a long form peace
and receive very high praise. Dorothy Sayers, famous for creating
Lord Peter Whimsey, praised it as probably the very finest
detective story ever written. G. K. Chesterton, who created Father Brown,
(02:16):
calls it probably the best detective tale in the world. Now,
of course, because it was first, it's a little different
than effective stories we might be used to, but still
it's a landmark story and it's going to be great
to bring it to you again. Now I should mention
that we did actually play a two part adaptation that
(02:41):
was produced in Hollywood for the radio series Suspense. I'm
intrigued by this one because I think it is very
hard to condense a novel like The Moonstone and all
that it has going on in it down to two episodes,
and so this one is going to be four episodes long. Now.
(03:06):
This was part of the series The World's Great Novels.
This series originated in Chicago on station WMAQ and was
syndicated on other NBC stations. The series was part of
nbac's University of the Air and NBC worked in cooperation
(03:27):
with the University of Louisville, the University of Tulsa, and
Washington State University to present these adaptations and then listeners
could sign up for a correspondence course and get college
credit for listening, and they could also buy a study
guide to go along with the adaptation. So we are
(03:49):
back in Chicago for the second time this season, and
I mentioned on the last episode that Chicago based old
time radio is kind of rare in the detective genre
and in general. Back when we did Hot Copy, I
do want to correct one thing I said. While it
(04:10):
is rare, there was a Chicago series in addition to
Hot Copy and the Crime Files of LeMond that we featured,
and that was Crime on the Waterfront. That series starred
Myron Wallace, who is better known as Mike Wallace, who
became the famous newsman on Sixty Minutes. That series was
(04:34):
recorded in Chicago, did not make it beyond the audition stage,
but we did feature it back in season three. So
this is I think our fourth visit to Chicago on
Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. Now, I will say
that this was towards the tail end of the World's
(04:54):
Great novels being produced in Chicago. In the fall, the
series War would be moved to Hollywood as the NBC
University Theater and would feature Hollywood actors, and we played
a few episodes from the NBC University Theater, both on
Great Detectives and on the Amazing World of Radio. Finally,
(05:17):
I do want to caution that the audio quality has
some issues. It's not the greatest, but I think it
is still listenable. As always, we do the best we
can with these, but if you have trouble listenings, I apologize.
But with all that out of the way. From April second,
nineteen forty eight, here is The Moonstone, part one.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
The world's Great novels.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
Many years ago, according to an ancient Hindu legend, a
large yellow diamond set in the forehead of an idol
to represent the moon. A diamond as large as a
plover's egg, was so revered by the holy men who
guard it at night and day that it became known
as the Moonstone. The National Broadcasting Company presents another great novel,
(06:21):
The Moonstone, not only as an outstanding classic, but one
which has contributed greatly to the technique and style of
crime fiction as we know it today and now the
first episode in the four part dramatization of the Moonstone,
another in our series of books that live the world's
great novels.
Speaker 4 (06:53):
Yes, the three Indian priests who guarded the Moonstone, I
shuddered the very mention of the name guarded it well.
But one day war came and the glittering Moonstone was
stolen from the forehead of the idol. It passed through
(07:13):
many hands until finally one day it was seized by
one John Herncastle during the Siege of Syringapatam in seventeen
ninety nine. It had been set into the handle of
a dagger by that time, and in seizing it, Herncastle
killed three engines who had been present in the room
where the dagger had been kept. As he died last,
(07:37):
these engines gasped out.
Speaker 5 (07:39):
The Moonstone will have its ventuance yet on you and yours.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
Now. I am Gibriel Bettich. For many years more than
I care to remember, I have been house stirred to
my mistress, Lady Julia Vallnder, sister of the ruthless John Pencastle,
hit her family seat on the Yorkshire coast near Frissinghall,
and I was present when the Moonstone came into our
(08:17):
immediate family as a legacy to my lady's daughter, Miss
Rachel Vlender, on the occasion of eighteenth birthday. Now, in
telling the story of the Moonstone, I shall be compelled
by circumstances to speak for others who know more of
the Moonstone than I, and whose knowledge has come to
my head. I yes, I will go back to two
(08:45):
years ago when Miss Rachel and young mister Franklin Blake
were painting the door to her sitting room.
Speaker 6 (08:54):
You have a genius for dabbling. You just dabble in everything.
Is this rarely what you call decorative painting?
Speaker 7 (09:01):
And now, cousin, don't knock me, but I'm done with
the painting of this door.
Speaker 8 (09:05):
You'll see how nice it will look.
Speaker 6 (09:07):
And will the new design on the paneling reflect the
places from which you've just returned? Might now let me
see you've been to Germany, to France and to Italy.
Just which of these languages are you painting in? Which language?
Franklin French?
Speaker 7 (09:26):
Now stand aside Rachel. I'll never finish my brushwork if
you keep it my way.
Speaker 6 (09:30):
And so intent upon his brushwork.
Speaker 8 (09:33):
Yes, and if you don't look out I'll paint your nerves.
I will, Franklin, don't know.
Speaker 6 (09:38):
Please, I'll get out of your way better you lit it.
Speaker 8 (09:42):
I'd like to dub your nose a bit. Oh, you
wouldn't dare in the interest of science.
Speaker 7 (09:46):
Of course, that new paint mixture of yours, Rachel, it
is not a new paint mixture. It is a new
mixture to moisten paint with. I call it a vehicle.
Speaker 6 (09:59):
It's smells.
Speaker 7 (10:01):
Nevertheless, it will dry in twelve hours that I maintain
as a record.
Speaker 6 (10:06):
Just imagine only twelve hours to dry. Franklin, Blake, You're wonderful.
Speaker 8 (10:12):
I accept the tribute. You know, this sliff and I'm
painting isn't coming out so well. I'll give him just
a bit more neck of Franklin.
Speaker 6 (10:23):
I can hardly wait for the party tonight. It'll be
such fun. And then, of course I'll be wearing a
moonstone for the first time. Oh, Franklin, wasn't it sweet
of Uncle John to leave it to me?
Speaker 9 (10:37):
My dear?
Speaker 7 (10:38):
The Colonel was anything but a sweet man. Sometimes I
wonder that his motive been leaving.
Speaker 8 (10:43):
It to you? Why whatever do you mean? Well, come, Franklin,
don't frown like that tell me.
Speaker 7 (10:50):
In the first place, I suspect the colonel had no
great love for your mother.
Speaker 6 (10:55):
She was his sister.
Speaker 7 (10:57):
True that even a sister's affection would be somewhat text
and having to deal with a man like John Herncastle
sometimes I think your inheritance of the moonstone is a
monstrous joke played by a spiteful.
Speaker 8 (11:09):
Fellow, oh, frank Lynn.
Speaker 7 (11:11):
And secondly, there are ugly stories connected with the diamond.
Speaker 6 (11:15):
But how fascinating? What are these stories?
Speaker 4 (11:19):
Oh?
Speaker 10 (11:19):
The bound up in an old Hindu superstition is something
to do with three fanatical priests, guardians of the Moonstone,
you might say, who are sworn to recover their treasure during.
Speaker 6 (11:32):
I imagine that it makes cold chills run down your spine.
Speaker 8 (11:36):
So I confess to a goose pimple or two on mind.
Speaker 6 (11:39):
And you will be leaving soon to fetch the moonstone
from the bank at frizzing. Also, I may wear it
at the party tonight.
Speaker 8 (11:45):
Yes, Rachel, I'll be leaving in a few minutes, and I.
Speaker 6 (11:47):
Have a new white dress to show off the moonstone.
Speaker 8 (11:51):
Franklin, do you.
Speaker 6 (11:53):
Think you can fix it for me so that I
may wear it?
Speaker 8 (11:55):
His approach, I think a bit of silver wire will
do the trick.
Speaker 6 (11:59):
Oh, and then when the guests are all assembled at
the table, I'll make a grand dramatic entrance, a great
yellow diamond glittering at my throat.
Speaker 7 (12:08):
For the edification, I suppose of your esteemed cousin, mister
Godfrey Ablewhite. Oh now, Franklin, Ah, Yes, mister Godfrey Ablewhite,
a barrister by profession, a ladies man by temperament, and
the good Samaritan by choice.
Speaker 8 (12:25):
That's what Gabriel says about him. Well, I think you're
both unfair to Godfrey.
Speaker 6 (12:30):
After all, he does engage in charitable works.
Speaker 8 (12:32):
Oh he does. Yes.
Speaker 7 (12:34):
Indeed, female benevolence and female destitution could do nothing without him. Yes,
wherever you will find a committee of good ladies in council,
there you'll find mister Godfrey keeping the temper of the
committee and leading the dear creatures along the fary ways
of business.
Speaker 6 (12:51):
Well that sounds like Gabriel again. Anyhow, you must admit
Godfrey is a very handsome man. Oh, no better than
six feet it's all a beautiful complexion and a head
of lovely flaxen hair.
Speaker 8 (13:04):
Which falls languidly around his nose. Franklin, I think you'll
just be yes, Rosanna, what is it?
Speaker 4 (13:12):
What?
Speaker 6 (13:13):
Don't just stand? They're staring with your mouth open?
Speaker 8 (13:15):
Speak up?
Speaker 6 (13:17):
Oh oh your your pardon, miss Rachel.
Speaker 8 (13:20):
But but your.
Speaker 6 (13:22):
Mother, I mean, I mean, lady Veron'd like to see you.
Thank you, Rosanna, and you can tell her. I'll be
up directly, Rosanna.
Speaker 8 (13:35):
Did you hear me?
Speaker 6 (13:37):
Why are you staring like that? Oh? Oh yes, miss Rachel,
I'm going huh Franklin Blake, I think you've made a
conquest in our poor Rosanna.
Speaker 8 (13:52):
Oh nonsense, Rachel, why hang it all? I'm scarcely ever
looked at the girl.
Speaker 6 (13:56):
Maybe that's it, after all, she's a cripple, shy and
sensitive and hoping to be noticed. Hmm, well, Franklin, I
don't want to keep mother with.
Speaker 8 (14:09):
Yes, yes, of course, Rosa, our girl. I wonder what
she seasonally to surprise her.
Speaker 4 (14:19):
I suppose it's your continental education.
Speaker 8 (14:23):
Oh it's you, Gabriel, Yes, sir, what were you saying?
Speaker 4 (14:27):
Just remarkings to Franklin that there's some which are impressed
with the varnish foreign parts.
Speaker 7 (14:34):
Yes, and at any rate, Gabriel, I'm glad you're here.
There are some matters i'd like to discuss with you.
Such is well, I've I've been rather uneasy these past
few days. I told you that just before I arrived
here from London, I had been under the observation of
a certain dark stranger. Yes, I managed, however, to give
(14:55):
him the slip.
Speaker 4 (14:55):
Yes, yes, I recole. You told me he appeared to
be an engineers.
Speaker 8 (15:00):
Yes, yes he did. And now I understand from your
daughter Penelope that there were three injines about the house today.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
Oh, yes, yes, I've found them standing near the terrace. Well,
I promptly showed them the gate.
Speaker 8 (15:14):
Penelope said they were chocolers and had a little English
boy with them.
Speaker 4 (15:18):
Yes, and it was my impressions that the boys seemed
to be under their influence. He acted as if will
as if bewitched.
Speaker 7 (15:28):
Yes, well, oh, Gabriel off to Frizingal and the bank
to fetch the moonstone.
Speaker 4 (15:34):
I don't like that, mister Franklin. I don't like it.
Any bequest from the wicked colonel is best left alone.
Speaker 7 (15:41):
I feel the same way, But I am acting for
my father, who is the executor for the Colonel's estate.
Speaker 8 (15:47):
I have no other choice. I'll be back shortly.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
Don't take too long, to Franklin. The guests will soon
be here for Miss Rachel's birthday party.
Speaker 8 (15:57):
The guests.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
Yes, Soon after mister Franklin's departure, the guests began arriving.
Speaker 8 (16:05):
Did me see now?
Speaker 4 (16:06):
They were quite a number, yes, twenty four in all
old doctor Candy, the family physician. Then there was mister Mirthwaite,
quite famous as an expert on engine affairs. And of
course the tall and elegant mister Godfrey Abrilwhite came, bringing
with him his two large and lively sisters, whom I call.
Speaker 8 (16:28):
The bouncers.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
They're the kind who just can't be still for a moment.
And there were others, to be sure, too numerous to
name all the guests that assembled in the drawing room.
When mister Franklin returned, I spoke to him in the hall, Eh,
mister Franklin, Yes, have you the diamond secured safely?
Speaker 3 (16:49):
Sir?
Speaker 8 (16:49):
Oh? Yes, Gabriel, have it here in the breast pocket
of my coat.
Speaker 4 (16:54):
Have you seen anything of the engines?
Speaker 8 (16:57):
Not a glimpse of them? I say, where is Lady
Bednder in the drawing room? I'd like to have a
talk with her or we put the moonstone on display.
Speaker 4 (17:07):
And then crossing the hall. About half an hour afterward,
I was brought to a sudden stand still by an
outbreak from the drawing room. I can't say I was
a tall alarmed, for I recognized it as that form
of ketter walling peculiar to the bouncers. I entered the room,
and there at the table stood missus Rachel, like a
(17:29):
person fascinated. She held the kernel's unlucky diamond in her hand.
Speaker 8 (17:34):
Look, Gabriel, Oh Lord, bless me, miss Rachel.
Speaker 4 (17:38):
Such a diamond. Why it's as large as a plover's ache?
Speaker 6 (17:42):
Gabriel, did you ever see such brilliance?
Speaker 4 (17:46):
Never in my life. It's like the light that shines
from the harvest moon.
Speaker 6 (17:51):
And what do you think of it?
Speaker 8 (17:52):
Girls?
Speaker 6 (17:53):
Oh, Rachel, it's out is a vine?
Speaker 8 (17:57):
Oh is it? Godfrey?
Speaker 6 (18:00):
What's your opinion of my lovely moonstone?
Speaker 8 (18:03):
Exquisite?
Speaker 11 (18:04):
Exquisite, my dear Rachel, quite exquisite.
Speaker 8 (18:08):
I think he means to say exquisite, Rachel. Isn't that
what you meant?
Speaker 4 (18:12):
God?
Speaker 6 (18:12):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (18:13):
Yes, Franklin, isn't that what I said?
Speaker 6 (18:16):
And what do you think of it?
Speaker 8 (18:17):
Mother child?
Speaker 6 (18:20):
Yes, it's quite beautiful?
Speaker 4 (18:25):
Well, yes, Penelope, what is it?
Speaker 6 (18:27):
I'd like to talk to you privately in the hall?
Speaker 4 (18:30):
Oh, will come come here?
Speaker 8 (18:35):
Ye?
Speaker 4 (18:36):
Now what is it?
Speaker 8 (18:38):
Well?
Speaker 6 (18:38):
The first I have something special for you, A kiss
for your bald head.
Speaker 4 (18:45):
Did you interrupt me? Just for that?
Speaker 6 (18:47):
Father, I have the most wonderful news. Miss Rachel has
refused him.
Speaker 4 (18:52):
Yes, yes, and who is him?
Speaker 6 (18:55):
Theast by the latest committee? Man, Father, that must life.
Speaker 4 (19:01):
You mean, mister Godfrey, Abel White?
Speaker 6 (19:03):
Of course, Oh how I hate it? But a plant, mister.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Franklin, how do you know all this?
Speaker 6 (19:11):
I saw mister the Worse garden. I know because I
waited behind.
Speaker 4 (19:19):
The hollywy Now do you know she refused him.
Speaker 6 (19:22):
Because they strolled into the garden arm in arm and
they were both laughing.
Speaker 8 (19:27):
Yes.
Speaker 6 (19:28):
When they came back, they walked separately, neither one looking
at the other. Father, I was never so happy in
my life. At least there is one woman in this
world who can resist the precious mister god for the Abel.
Speaker 4 (19:41):
White, well, you seem to know all about it. You're
somewhat like your mother, bless her Everie in that respect.
Speaker 6 (19:50):
Wait a minute, father, that's not all I know.
Speaker 8 (19:54):
But now I've.
Speaker 6 (19:55):
Discovered something about looking house.
Speaker 8 (19:57):
Need what about?
Speaker 12 (20:00):
Well, little about for it fell in love with mister
and at first mind you, I never ceased to marvel.
Speaker 4 (20:24):
No, my dear, excuse me, I must see to the
company for dinner.
Speaker 6 (20:29):
And look at this wonderful broach Franklin made for my
moonstone with only a little strand of silver wire, isn't
it clever? Oh?
Speaker 8 (20:37):
Yes, yes, very thank you Godfrey. Well, mister Mirthwaite, I
understand you passed much of your life and injured. I've
never been there, but they tell me it's quite a
fascinating place. At least it has a fascination for me.
Speaker 6 (20:50):
Oh, I'd love to go there if you ever.
Speaker 11 (20:54):
Do, go to injure, miss Vander, don't take your uncle's
birthdayket with your A Hindu diamond is sometimes a part
of a Hindu religion. I know a certain city and
in that city a certain temple where bessed as you are,
your life would not be worth five minutes purchase.
Speaker 8 (21:15):
Heaven.
Speaker 6 (21:16):
I'm almost tempted to take off for India this very minute, mister.
And what do you think about my moonstone, doctor Candy?
Speaker 8 (21:26):
What's that I say? What do you think.
Speaker 6 (21:28):
About my moonstone, doctor Candy?
Speaker 8 (21:30):
Oh?
Speaker 13 (21:31):
My dear, if you will heed my advice, you will
let me take it home and ban its certain we
would first heed it to do such and such a degree,
and then we would expose it to a current of air.
Speaker 14 (21:51):
And and so little by little, with a puff and puff,
we would evaporate the diamond, and thus spare the world
of anxiety and the safe keeping of so valuable a stone.
Speaker 15 (22:08):
It seems I'm being confronted by all sorts of desperate alternatives.
Speaker 8 (22:14):
What's that?
Speaker 7 (22:15):
By the sound of everything, I'm not a mistaken it's yes,
and it seems to be coming from the terrace just outside.
Speaker 8 (22:25):
Everybody.
Speaker 13 (22:27):
We're all going out to the terras Indian three.
Speaker 8 (22:34):
Of them flows. They're going to do tricks for us.
What a loveless wow.
Speaker 6 (22:41):
And that's a pretty little boy they have with him.
I'm asking it a great big kiss.
Speaker 7 (22:45):
Root, get on the other side of miss Rachel. No, Rachel,
don't go too near them. Stay here, Rachel.
Speaker 8 (22:56):
I wish you hadn't come out here wearing that cursed moonstone.
I'm sure those Indians have seen it.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Mister Franklin. Yes, look look at mister Merthwaite. He's speaking
to the Injins apparently in their native tone.
Speaker 7 (23:12):
Obviously, the leader doesn't seem to like what our friend
Mirthwaite is saying.
Speaker 8 (23:16):
No he doesn't. In fact, the fellow seems quite shaken.
Speaker 4 (23:19):
Yes, yes, he's motioning his companions to leave.
Speaker 6 (23:24):
Now.
Speaker 4 (23:24):
The little boy is passing the head around.
Speaker 8 (23:31):
Glad the beggars are leaving.
Speaker 7 (23:34):
The exhibition is over, Rachel, I think you had better
go inside with the others.
Speaker 8 (23:41):
Why I want to talk to.
Speaker 7 (23:42):
Mirthwait there, Oh, you stay here with me, Gabriel, Yes, sir,
I say, Mirthwaite, here's mister Blake. Mister Mirthwait, just what
was it you said to the jugglers?
Speaker 11 (23:56):
Chugglers? And those three engines are no more jugglers?
Speaker 4 (24:00):
Then you and I are what Why, mister Mirthwaite, did
you ever see those rogues before?
Speaker 11 (24:07):
No, never, Gabriel, I merely know what engine juggling really is.
What you have seen tonight is a very bad and
clumsy imitation.
Speaker 8 (24:16):
Of the genuine article. But Mirthway, what did you say
to the engines?
Speaker 11 (24:21):
I charged them with being disguised? Unless I miss my guess,
those men are high caste Brahmans of the Hindu religion.
You know there's a mystery about their conduct. I can't explain.
What do you mean They've doubly sacrificed their cost first
in crossing the sea to England, secondly in disguising themselves
(24:44):
as jugglers. I'm positive there must be some very serious
motive at the bottom of it, Quite positive.
Speaker 4 (24:53):
Will I think you're right, sir? Yes, Gabriel, what about tonight,
mister Franklin. Suppose the Indians come back?
Speaker 11 (25:01):
They want this coming back tonight? The direct way is hardly, ever,
the way they take to do anything. Gabriel, I'd suggest
you let the dogs loose, eh. Have you a big
dog about the yard?
Speaker 4 (25:13):
Tutor mastiffened bloodhound?
Speaker 11 (25:15):
Excellent? I'd turn them loose if I were you. Turn
them loose. Yes, both breeds have one great merit. They
are not likely to be troubled with your scruples about
the secretary of human life.
Speaker 4 (25:40):
As the dinner got on, I became aware little by
little that this festival was not like others in the past.
Although I apply the whole company well with wine, the
cursed diamonds seemed to have cast a blight upon them.
I do remember, however, how doctor Kenny and mister Franklin
(26:02):
Blake fell to arguing.
Speaker 13 (26:05):
Now, then, Franklin, you acknowledge you sleep very badly at night? Yes, Doctor,
from that, I judge your nerves to be out of order.
Speaker 16 (26:17):
Now, then i'd prescribe the course of medicine value immediately.
Speaker 8 (26:23):
In my opinion, doctor, your course of medicine is just
another name but growthing in the dark.
Speaker 16 (26:29):
Oh, we have a cynic and a scopper within our
midst Oh, Godfrage, Godfrey, tell me what do you think
of Franklin's inability to sleep?
Speaker 4 (26:40):
Why?
Speaker 11 (26:41):
See, he's the one who's growing in the dark for sleep.
But you're quite right, doctor Kendy, he should take some
medicine for his affliction.
Speaker 16 (26:52):
Hell, at least I have one support in my friend
god Rage.
Speaker 8 (26:57):
Hell, it's getting late. I think we should be making
our good nights. It was a fine party, Lady Vernda.
Speaker 11 (27:07):
But I think I just the.
Speaker 6 (27:09):
Others assume doctor.
Speaker 9 (27:12):
Oh, yes, I'm still a practice that requires my attention.
Good night, Rachel, and Rachel, don't forget what I said
about the moon still anytime you want, I'll burn it.
Speaker 8 (27:30):
Up for.
Speaker 6 (27:31):
Good night, Rachel. That reminds me where are you going
to put your diamond for tonight? My mother on my
dressing table, of course, along with the other thing. Oh no,
it's not a very good idea. It might take to
shining in the dark and say that would terrify me.
(27:55):
You better find some other place then.
Speaker 5 (27:59):
I have it.
Speaker 6 (28:00):
How about putting the moonstone in my Indian cabinet in
the cabinet in your sitting room. Yes, that's the one,
my dear. Your Indian cabinet has no lock to it. Well,
good heavens, Mamma, is this a hotel?
Speaker 8 (28:12):
Ah?
Speaker 15 (28:12):
There are thieves in the house. Now, Rachel, be reasonable?
Why not let me keep the diamond for you tonight?
Speaker 6 (28:18):
Now, Mother, I'm eighteen years old and perfectly capable of
taking care of my own property. You may come up
to my sitting room if you wish, right now and
watch me put the diamond.
Speaker 8 (28:30):
In the cabinet.
Speaker 6 (28:31):
Oh very well, my dear.
Speaker 15 (28:32):
We won't discuss it any more, and I think it
would be a good idea of all of us retired
for the night, Godfrey Franklin, Yes, Aunt Julia, I was
just telling Rachel it was time we went to bed.
Speaker 4 (28:43):
Are you and God for ready?
Speaker 8 (28:46):
Suppose I might as well? Though I've been getting precious
little sleep of late, Franklin.
Speaker 11 (28:51):
Why not take my advice and indulge in a little
brandy and water before retiring.
Speaker 8 (28:56):
It would do you a world of good. I'm sure now,
Thank you, gud Fray. I think I would rather do
without it, very well, very well. I was only suggesting
it for your own.
Speaker 6 (29:05):
Good gentlemen, are ready.
Speaker 8 (29:08):
Yes, Julian, I'm ready to go up if everyone else is. Oh,
you'll be sure and let the dogs lose.
Speaker 4 (29:14):
Gabriel, Yes, yes, yes, yes, mister Franklin.
Speaker 6 (29:17):
And Gabriel, you'll take extra precaution about locking up. Will leady,
come mother, We'll go directly to my sitting room and
put the moonstone in the drawer of the Indian cabinet.
Speaker 4 (29:27):
Gabriel, good night, Miss Rachel, good night, good night, good night,
good night. I can't says, I'm sorry to see this
day come to a na.
Speaker 8 (29:41):
Oh.
Speaker 4 (29:42):
It reminds me i'd better relieve the dogs.
Speaker 17 (29:45):
Of the colors Ariel Oh, yes, mister Franklin, Yes, coming, sir, coming,
Where are you?
Speaker 8 (29:56):
I'm up here on the landing.
Speaker 4 (29:57):
Yes, what can I do for you?
Speaker 7 (29:59):
Sir?
Speaker 8 (30:00):
I made my mind about the Brandian water. Perhaps I
may want some in the night. You have some sun
up to my room please.
Speaker 4 (30:05):
Yes, mister Franklin, thank you, Gabriel, good night, Good night, sir,
and sleep well er, sleep well.
Speaker 6 (30:15):
Mm hmmm.
Speaker 4 (30:17):
The worries of the day had been too much for me.
I suppose, at any rate I had a touch of
mister Franklin's malady that night. It was sunrise before I
bent off at last into sleep. About half past seven,
I awoke and opened my window. On a fine, sunshiny day.
I bustled about for a few minutes, and then a
(30:37):
short while later, as the clock was striking eight. I
remember I was on my way downstairs to chain up
the dogs. Then suddenly I stopped short because Penelope came
plying down the stairway after me.
Speaker 6 (30:50):
Heaven six, come upstairs right away.
Speaker 8 (30:52):
The diamond has gone.
Speaker 4 (30:53):
Are you out of your mind?
Speaker 6 (30:55):
Gone gone, I tell you, And nobody knows how I'll
come up and see.
Speaker 4 (30:59):
Yes, yes, child, come, I'm not as young as I
once was a child.
Speaker 6 (31:07):
I see the drawers pulled all the way out by myself.
So Miss Rachel put the diamond into that drawer last.
Speaker 4 (31:14):
Night, Miss Yes, the drawer is empty.
Speaker 8 (31:18):
Miss Rachel.
Speaker 6 (31:19):
Wasn't I here last night when you put the diamond away.
Speaker 4 (31:22):
Is Rachel? Is this true?
Speaker 8 (31:26):
The diamond is gone, That is all she said.
Speaker 4 (31:34):
Then Miss Rachel withdrew into her bedroom and locked the door.
I couldn't understand it.
Speaker 8 (31:42):
The Moonstone had vanished.
Speaker 4 (31:44):
And yet here was the young lady acting as if
it had been not the least bit of a surprise
to her.
Speaker 3 (32:08):
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 second
episode of this four part radio version of The Moonstone,
and remember that your local public library can be a
constant source of entertainment and information. To add to your
(32:29):
enjoyment of this series, we recommend the Handbook of the
World's Great Novels, which you may obtain by sending twenty
five cents to World's Great Novels post Office Box thirty
Station J, New York, twenty seven, New York. That's post
Office box thirty Station J, New York, twenty seven. The
(32:56):
Moonstone was adapted for radio by Robert Saxon. Them was
composed by Amil Soderstrom, and the orchestra was directed by
Bernard Burquist. The entire production was under the direction of
Homer Heck Sherman Marx is featured as Gabriel Betteridge, Charles Mountains,
Franklin Blake, and Geraldine Kay as Rachel Barrender.
Speaker 8 (33:15):
The part of Lady Baronder is played by Arma Platz.
Speaker 3 (33:18):
A Nowopee by Jane Elliott, Rosanna by Ruth Shames, Godfrey,
Abel White by Sidney Breeze, Doctor Candy by Arthur Peterson,
Mister Merthwaite by Boris Applin, and the Bouncers by Margaret
Brayton and Ruth Shames.
Speaker 8 (33:31):
This is John Conrad.
Speaker 3 (33:33):
This program comes to you from Chicago and is a
presentation of the National Broadcasting Company and its affiliated independent stations.
(33:54):
Your help is desperately needed now.
Speaker 8 (33:57):
It's needed more than.
Speaker 3 (33:58):
Ever by the people of yours who are hungry and
cold this winter. Without your health, many thousands of children
and adults face starvation and death by exposure. Care is
ready to help you help them. For ten dollars, you
can send a nonprofit care food or textile package to
anyone you select. Care will hurry your package to Europe.
(34:19):
The amount of your ten dollars is received. Senate took
Care fifty Broad Street, New York for New York. This
is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.
Speaker 1 (34:36):
Welcome Back. A bit different from our typical episode as
we don't have the crime committed until the end, but
there's a lot of atmosphere and scenes setting and establishing
characters that is really important in this story. And because
the world's Great novels had four episodes to do this,
and they did it this way, and I think it
(34:57):
makes sense in many ways. It reminds me of how
the BBC Mattsch used to adapt to Paul ro novel. Overall,
this episode does a good job reflecting the characters and
their attitudes and setting up what's going on in this story.
As always, I love Gabriel betteredge kind of surprised he
(35:19):
hasn't dropped a Robertson Crusoe reference. I mean, that was
his thing in the book, but the adaptation is still
young and kind of him expecting one at any moment
as a plot point. It's weird that if you were
traveling all the way to England to appersonate jugglers that
(35:41):
you wouldn't actually figure out how to do it well.
So a bit of a mark against the mysterious Indian
priests in disguise, but nobody's perfect, I guess, and they
may just have been betting on ignorance, which is usually
a safe bet. All right, well, now it's time to
think our Patreon supporter of the day, and I want
to go ahead and thank Harold, Patreon supporter since September
(36:04):
twenty seventeen, currently supporting the podcast at the Master Detective
level of fifteen dollars more per month. Thank you so
much for your support, Harold, And that will do it
for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us
using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the
podcast on YouTube, be sure to lock the video, subscribe
(36:26):
to the channel, and mark the notification bell. We will
be back next Thursday with part two of the Moonstone.
But join us back here tomorrow for yours truly Johnny
Dollar ware.
Speaker 18 (36:40):
But not belong Durrangle, Durragle. It's Johnny Dollar.
Speaker 6 (36:46):
Kay outside that you young Gorman? This here?
Speaker 18 (36:51):
Nos, Wait a minute, you're not Drango. I came here
to see the wrangle. Army Dollar.
Speaker 4 (36:58):
Oh yeah, well your rend way here?
Speaker 18 (37:01):
Now look you you shut up tactics drive away from here,
you see you shut up? Purty drive away after you've
blown a hole on one of my tires.
Speaker 1 (37:14):
I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime,
send your comments to Box thirteen at Great Detectives dot net,
follow us on Twitter at Radio Detectives, and check us
out on Instagram, Instagram, dot com slash Great Detectives from Boise, Idaho.
This is your host, Adam Graham signing off.
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