The Three Garridebs (TV movie 1937)
First TV adaptation of Sherlock Holmes. It was aired on 27 november 1937 on NBC (USA). 30 minutes long. Black and White.
Adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's short story : The Adventure of the Three Garridebs (1924).
Cast
- Sherlock Holmes : Louis Hector
- Dr. John Watson : William Podmore
- John Garrideb : Arthur Maitland
- Nathan Garribed : James Spottswood
- Mrs. Hudson : Violet Besson
- Mrs. Saunders : Selma Hall
- Inspector Lestrade : Eustace Wyatt
Crew
- Screenplay : Thomas Hutchinson
Script
MUSIC ALL THROUGH OPENING
OPENING SHOT ON TITLE DISPLAY SHOWING DUSTY BOOK SHELF WITH ONE PROMINENT BOOK CENTER, LYING IN A POSITION TO SHOW FRONT COVER. TITLE OF BOOK, "SHERLOCK HOLMES." TITLE MOVES TOWARD CAMERA UNTIL THE BOOK OCCUPIES THE ENTIRE PICTURE. BOOK OPENS REVEALING.
Page One — The National Broadcasting Company Presents
PAGE TURNS
Page Two — The Adventure of the Three Garridebs
PAGE TURNS
Page Three — Adapted for Television by Thos. H. Hutchinson
PAGE TURNS
Page Four — From the story by A. Conan Doyle
PAGE TURNS
Page Five — Cast
Sherlock Holmes ... Louis Hector
Doctor Watson ..... William Podmore
PAGE TURNS
Page Six
John Garrideb ... Arthur Maitland
Nathan Garrideb ... James Spottswood
PAGE TURNS
Page Seven
Mrs. Hudson ... Violet Besson
Mrs. Saunders ... Selma Hall
PAGE TURNS
Page Eight
Inspector Lestrade ... Eustace Wyatt
(FADE OUT TITLE)
(FADE IN)
(LEICA SLIDE OF BIG BEN)
Scene I
(FADE OUT)
(FADE IN)
(MUSIC STOP)
DR. WATSON IS STANDING LOOKING OUT WINDOW. DOOR AT LEFT OPENS, AND HOLMES ENTERS IN DRESSING GOWN WITH FOOLSCAP DOCUMENT IN HIS HAND
HOLMES
Friend Watson. Have you ever heard of Garrideb?
WATSON
Garrideb? What on earth is it?
HOLMES
A name, a man's name — Garrideb. If you can lay your hand on a Garrideb, Watson, there's money in it.
WATSON
In heaven's name, Holmes, what are you talking about?
HOLMES
Crossing down to table center. Fills pipe at tobacco jar on table
Oh, that's a long story — rather a whimsical one too. I don't think in all our explorations of human complexities we have ever come upon anything more singular.
WATSON
Turning to stand right of door
Sounds interesting.
HOLMES
The fellow will he here presently for cross-examinations, so I won't open the matter up until he comes, but meanwhile that's the name we want.
WATSON
Looks through telephone directory on stand as Holmes lights his pipe
Holmes! (Crossing down to Holmes) Here it is in the telephone book.
HOLMES
Taking book from Watson. Reading
Garrideb, N. 136 Little Ryder Street, West. (Putting book back) Sorry to disappoint you, my clear Watson, but this is the man himself. That is the address on his letter. We want another to match him.
WATSON
Match him?
HOLMES
Exactly. (Knock on door center) Come in. (Sits left of table)
MRS. HUDSON
Entering with card
There is a gentleman here to see you, Mr. Holmes.
WATSON
Taking card from tray. Amazed
Why, here he is. But this is a different initial. John Garrideb, counselor-at-law, Moorville, Kansas, U.S.A. (Hands card to Holmes)
HOLMES
I'm afraid you must make another effort, Watson. Show him in, Mrs. Hudson.
MRS. HUDSON
Yes, sir. (Exits center)
WATSON
But why if he's here now —
HOLMES
Rising crosses to right of table
This gentleman is also in the plot already, though I certainly didn't expect to see him this morning. However, he is in a position to tell us some of the things we want to know.
MRS. HUDSON
Entering door center
Mr. John Garrideb.
JOHN
Entering door center and crossing to table
Mr. Holmes? (Mrs. Hudson exits. Looking from one to the other) Oh, yes. (Crossing to left of table) Your pictures are not unlike you, sir, if I may say so.
HOLMES
Thank you.
JOHN
I believe you have had a letter from my namesake Mr. Nathan Garrideb, have you not?
HOLMES
Pray sit down. (Indicating chair left of table) May I introduce my colleague Dr. Watson?
WATSON
How do you do? (Back of table)
JOHN
Sitting left of table
How do you do.
HOLMES
I fancy we have a good deal to discuss. (Looking at letter) You are, of course, the Mr. John Garrideb mentioned in this letter?
JOHN
Yes, I am.
HOLMES
But surely you have been in England some time.
JOHN
Suspiciously
Why do you say that, Mr. Holmes?
HOLMES
Your whole outfit is English.
JOHN
Forcing a laugh
I have read of your tricks, Mr. Holmes, but I never thought that I would be the subject of them. Where do you read that?
HOLMES
The shoulder cut of your coat, the toes of your boots — could anyone doubt it?
JOHN
Well, I had no idea I was so obviously a Britisher. Business brought me over here some time ago, and so, as you say, my outfit is nearly all London made. (Bruskly) However, I guess your time is of value, and we did not meet to talk about the cut of my socks. What about getting down to that paper you hold in your hand?
HOLMES
Dr. Watson would tell you that these digressions of mine sometimes prove in the end to have bearing on the matter in hand. But why did Mr. Nathan Garrideb not come with you?
JOHN
With sudden anger
Why in thunder did he draw you into it at all? A bit of professional business between two gentlemen.
HOLMES
There is no reflection upon you, Mr. Garrideb. He knew that I had means of getting information, and it was only natural that he should apply to me.
JOHN
Forgive me, Mr. Holmes. When I went to see him this morning he told me that he had called in a detective, and I don't want police butting into a private matter. But if you are willing just to help us find the man, I would be very happy to have you.
HOLMES
Thank you. And now, we would like a complete account from your own lips. My friend here knows nothing of the details.
JOHN
Looking at Watson
Does he need to know?
HOLMES
We usually work together.
JOHN
Well, there is no reason it should be kept a secret. I'll give you the facts as concisely as I can. (John sits) If you came from Kansit-sr would not need to explain to you who Alexander Hamilton Garrideb was. He made his money in the wheat pit in Chicago, but he spent it in buying up as much land as would make one of your counties, lying along the Arkansas River, west of Fort Dodge. He had no kith or kin — or if he had, I never heard of them. But he took a kind of pride in the queerness of his name. That was what brought us together. I was practicing law in Topeka, and one day I had a visit from the old man.
HOLMES
Alexander Hamilton Garrideb?
JOHN
Right. He was tickled to death to meet (Holmes moves chair down and to center) another man with his own name. It was his pet fad, and he was dead set to find out if there were any more Garridebs in the world and wanted me to find him another. I told him I was too busy to spend my life hiking around the world in search of Garridebs. But that's just what you will do, he said, if things pan out as I have planned. I thought he was joking, but I soon discovered that he wasn't. He died within a year and left behind him the queerest will that has ever been filed in the state of Kansas. Under its terms, his property was divided into three parts, and I was to have one on condition that I found two Garridebs who would share the remainder. It's five million dollars for each of us if it's a cent, but we can't lay a finger on it until we all three stand in a row.
WATSON
A sort of a fifteen million dollar game of tit-tat-toe.
JOHN
It was so big that I let my legal practice slide and began looking for Garridebs. There's not one in the United States. I went through it with a fine-tooth comb. Then I tried the old country. In the London telephone directory I found a Garrideb. I went to see him two days ago eind explained the whole matter to him. But he is a lone man like myself with some women relatives but no men. It says three adult men in the will, so you see we still have a vacancy; and if you can help to fill it, we will be willing to pay your charges.
HOLMES
Well, Watson, I said it was rather whimsical didn't I? (To John) I should have thought that your obvious course of procedure was to advertise in the paper.
JOHN
I have done that, Mr. Holmes, with no replies.
HOLMES
Well, Mr. Garrideb, it certainly is an interesting little problem. I may take a glance at it. By the way, it's curious that you should have come to me from Topeka. I used to have a correspondent there — he's dead now — old Dr. Lysander Starr. He was a mayor in the nineties.
JOHN
Did you know Dr. Starr? That is a coincidence. He's still talked about in Topeka. (Rising) Well, Mr. Holmes, I suppose all we can do is to report to you and let you know how we progress. I reckon you'll hear within a clay or two.
HOLMES
We will be expecting your call. You can find your way out?
JOHN
Of course. (Crossing to door) Good day, Mr. Holmes. (Exits door center)
WATSON
Well. (Crosses to Holmes who is seated in chair center)
HOLMES
I'm wondering, Watson, just wondering.
WATSON
At what? (Crossing to bark of table)
HOLMES
I'm wondering, Watson, what on earth could be the object of this man in telling us such a rigmarole of lies. I nearly asked him, but I judged it better to let him think he had fooled us.
WATSON
How did you know he was lying? (Sits left of table)
HOLMES
Elemental, my dear Watson, elemental. Here is a man with an English coat frayed at the elbow and trousers bagged at the knee with a year's wear — and yet by this letter and by his own account, he is a provincial American lately landed in London. There have been no advertisements in the paper. I never knew a Dr. Lysander Starr of Topeka. Touch him where you would, he was false. I think the fellow is really an American, but he has worn his accent smooth with years in London.
WATSON
What's his game then, and what motive lies behind this preposterous search for Garridebs? (Rise to window)
HOLMES
That's the question, Watson, and it's worth our attention, for, granting that the man is a rascal, he is certainly a complex and ingenious one. We must now find out if our other correspondent is a fraud also.
WATSON
But how?
HOLMES
Ring him up.
WATSON
Grossing to telephone on table. Getting number from book. Picks up phone
Newgate 6583. — Hello — Mr. Nathan Garrideb? Sherlock Holmes calling. Just a moment please. (To Holmes) He wants to talk to you. (Holmes crosses to phone)
HOLMES
At phone
Yes. Yes, he's been here. Will you be at home this evening, Mr. Garrideb? I suppose your namesake will not be? Very well, we'll come round then, for I'd rather have a chat with you without him. Dr. Watson will come with me. About six. You needn't mention our visit to the American lawyer.
(FADE OUT)
(PROPERTY MEN LAY TABLE CLOTH AND SILVER, ETC., FOR NEXT SCENE)
(FADE IN, FILM)
Scene II
HOLMES AND WATSON RIDING IN HANSOM CAB. CAB COMING TO STOP AT CURB. CLOSE SHOT OF MEN AND CAB AS IT STOPS
HOLMES
Well, Watson, we seem to have arrived.
WATSON
Right. Little Ryder Street West and there is number 136. (Looking at house)
HOLMES
Looking at watch
And right on time. Six o'clock to the minute. (They get out of cab. Watson pays cabby)
WATSON
To driver
You needn't wait.
(CABBY TOUCHES HIS HAT AND DRIVES OFF. SHOT OF HOUSE FROM CURB. HOLMES AND WATSON START INTO HOUSE)
HOLMES
Let's see if our friend Mr. Garrideb is at home.
WATSON
Right.
(THEY ENTER FRONT DOOR)
(AS DOOR CLOSES .
(CUE MEN)
Scene III
HALLWAY OUTSIDE GARRIDEB'S DOOR
WATSON
Apparently we are in the right house. Here's his name plate.
(CLOSE SHOT OF NAME PLATE READING "NATHAN GARRIDEB")
HOLMES
That name plate has been up some years, Watson.
WATSON
I deduced that myself from the condition of the discolored brass surface.
HOLMES
Splendid, Watson. And it's his real name, anyhow. That is something to note. (He rings the door bell)
Scene IV
BELL HEARD RINGING
INTERIOR OF NATHAN GARRIDEB'S ROOM. TO ALL APPEARANCES A SMALL MUSEUM. CUPBOARDS AND CABINETS ON ALL WALLS. CASES OF BUTTERFLIES, STUFFED BIRDS. TABLE CENTER WITH MICROSCOPE. CASE OF ANCIENT COINS. PLASTER SKULLS. FOSSIL BONES AND DEBRIS ON TABLE. CHAIRS RIGHT AND LEFT OF TABLE. DOOR LEFT, LARGE WINDOW CENTER. NATHAN SEATED AT RIGHT OF TABLE CENTER STUDYING OBJECT THROUGH MICROSCOPE. AS BELL RINGS THIRD TIME HE RISES, CROSSES TO DOOR, AND OPENS IT. HALLWAY DOOR IS MOVED TO COMPLETE LESTRADE'S OFFICE. DESK AND TWO CHAIRS ARE PLACED.
DOOR BELL
NATHAN
Yes?
HOLMES
Outside door
Mr. Nathan Garrideb?
NATHAN
Yes, and you are Sherlock Holmes?
HOLMES
I am. And this is Dr. Watson.
NATHAN
Come in, gentlemen. (They come into the room)
HOLMES
Well, Mr. Garrideb, quite an interesting place you have here.
NATHAN
Yes, I have around me all my little interests in life.
HOLMES
Crossing down to back of table and picking up coin
Ah, Syracusan, isn't it?
NATHAN
Coming to his left
Of the best period. They degenerated greatly toward the end. At their best I hold them supreme, though some prefer the Alexandrian school. (Indicating chair right of table) Take that chair, Mr. Holmes, and pray allow me to clear these bones. (To Watson who is examining skull at left of table) You find that interesting, doctor?
WATSON
Very.
NATHAN
If you don't mind, I'll remove that vase, doctor (Indicating vase in chair left of table. Nathan takes — vase from chair and places it on cabinet up left and stands center. Watson sits left)
HOLMES
I take it you spend a great deal of your time in this room, Mr. Garrideb.
NATHAN
I do. My doctor lectures me about never going out, but why should I go out when I have so much to interest me here? I can assure you that the adequate cataloguing of one of these cabinets would take me three good months.
HOLMES
Do you mean to tell me that you never go out?
NATHAN
Very seldom. But you can imagine, Mr. Holmes, what a terrific shock — pleasant but terrific — it was for me when I heard of this unparalleled good fortune. It only needs one more Garrideb to complete the matter, and surely we can find one. I had a brother, but he is dead; but there surely must be others in the world. I had heard that you handled strange cases, and that was why I sent for you.
HOLMES
I think you acted very wisely. But are you anxious to acquire an estate in America?
NATHAN
Certainly not, sir, nothing would induce me to leave my collection. But this gentlemen has assured me that he will buy me out as soon as we have established our claim Five million dollars. There are a dozen specimens in the market which fill gaps in my collection that I am unable to purchase for want of a few hundred pounds. Just think what I could do with five million dollars. Why, I will have the nucleus of a National Collection.
HOLMES
Rising and crossing up center
I merely called to make your acquaintance, as I prefer to establish personal touch with those with whom I do business. I understand that up to this week you were unaware of our American friend's existence. (Watson rises and crosses kft and examines cabinet)
NATHAN
Crossing up center to Holmes
Yes, he called for the first time last Tuesday.
HOLMES
Did he tell you of our interview this morning?
NATHAN
Yes, he came straight back to me. He had been very angry.
HOLMES
Why should he be angry?
NATHAN
He seemed to think that it was some reflection on his honor! But he was quite cheerful again when he returned.
HOLMES
Did he suggest any course of action?
NATHAN
No, sir. He did not.
HOLMES
Has he ever asked for any money from you?
NATHAN
No, sir, never.
HOLMES
You see no possible object he has in view?
NATHAN
None, except what he states.
HOLMES
Did you tell him of our telephone appointment?
NATHAN
Yes, sir, I did.
HOLMES
Looking about room
Have you any articles of great value in your collection?
NATHAN
No, sir, I am not a rich man. It's a good collection but not a very valuable one.
HOLMES
You have no fear of burglars.
NATHAN
Not the least.
HOLMES
How long have you been in these rooms?
NATHAN
Nearly five years.
DOOR BELL. BELL IS HEARD ON DOOR LEFT
Watson crosses extreme right. Nathan crosses to door and opens it. John enters greatly excited with newspaper in his hand. He crosses to center.
JOHN
To Nathan who follows him center
Here you are. I thought I'd be in time. Mr. Nathan Garrideb, my congratulations. You are a rich man. Our business is finished, and all is well. As to you, Mr. Holmes, we can only say we are sorry if we have given you any useless trouble.
NATHAN
But what is it? What do you mean?
JOHN
This. This advertisement in a Birmingham newspaper.
(Holmes, Watson, and Nathan look at paper)
(SWITCH TO CLOSE SHOT OF FOLLOWING NEWSPAPER AD)
HOWARD GARRIDEB
Binders, reapers, steam and hand plows, drills, harrows, farmer's carts, buckboards and all other appliances.
Estimates for Artesian Wells
Apply Grosvenor Building, Aston.
NATHAN
That makes our third man. How did you find it?
(Holmes hands paper to Watson on his right)
JOHN
I had opened up inquiries in I firmingham, and my agent there sent me this advertisument from a local paper. We must hustle and put this thing through. I have written to this man and told him that you will see him in his office tomorrow afternoon at four o'clock.
NATHAN
You want me to see him?
JOHN
What do you say, Mr. Holmes? Don't you think it would be wiser? Here I am, a wandering American with a wonderful tale. Why should he believe what 1 tell him? But you are a Britisher with solid references, and he is bound to take notice of what you say. I could go with you, but I have a very busy day tomorrow, and I could always follow you if you get in any trouble.
NATHAN
I haven't made such a journey in years. (Crosses to chair left of bee owl sits)
JOHN
It's quite simple, Mr. Garrideb; I have figured out your train connections. You leave at twelve and should be there shortly after two. Then you can be back the saine night. All you have to do is to see this man, explain the matter, ami get an aflidavit of his existence. Considering that I have come all the way fr, an the center of America it surely is little enough if you go a hundred miles to put this matter through.
NATHAN
Disconsolately
Well, if you insist, I shall go. It certainly is hard for me to refuse you anything, considering the glory of hope that you have brought into my life.
HOLMES
Then that is all agreed, and no doubt you will let me have a report as soon as you can.
JOHN
I'll see to that. Well, (Looking at watch) I'll have to get on. (Nathan rises. Crosses to door) I'll call tomorrow, Mr. Garrideb, and see you off to Birmingham. (At door) Coming my way, Mr. Holmes?
HOLMES
Not just yet.
JOHN
Well, good-bye then, and we may have good news for you tomorrow night. (Exits door left)
NATHAN
Five million dollars.
HOLMES
I wish I could look over your collection, Mr. Garrideb. In my profession all sorts of odd knowledge is useful, and this room of yours is a storehouse of it.
NATHAN
I have always heard, sir, that you were a very intelligent man. I'd be glad to show it to you now, if you have the time.
HOLMES
Unfortunately I haven't. But these specimens of yours are so well labeled and classified that they hardly need your personal explanation. If I should be able to look in tomorrow, I presume you would have no objection to my glancing over them.
NATHAN
None at all. You are most welcome, Mr. Holmes. The place, of course, will be shut up, but Mrs. Saunders is in the basement up to four o'clock and will let you in with her key.
HOLMES
Thank you. I happen to be clear tomorrow afternoon; and if you would say a word to Mrs. Saunders, I would appreciate it. By the way, who is your house agent?
NATHAN
House agent?
HOLMES
Yes.
HOLMES
Laughing
I am a bit of an archaeologist myseff when it comes to houses. I was wondering if this place was Queen Anne or Georgian.
NATHAN
Georgian, beyond a doubt.
HOLMES
At door left with Nathan
Really, I should have thought a little earlier. Come Watson. (Watson is seated at table examining object through microscope in same attitude as Nathan was in opening scene)
WATSON
Oh, yes, of course. (Grossing to Holmes at door) Excellent microscope you have there, Mr. Garrideb.
NATHAN
Yes, isn't it?
HOLMES
Well, good-bye, Mr. Garrideb, may you have every success in your Birmingham journey. (Opens door. They exit)
NATHAN
One million pounds. (Grossing down to camera for close-up)
(FADE SCENE) (FADE IN MUSIC)
(FADE IN HOLMES' STUDY)
Scene V
TABLE CENTER IS COVERED WITH WHITE TABLECLOTH, HOLMES RIGHT OF TABLE AND WATSON LEFT ARE JUST FINISHING DINNER. MRS. HUDSON IS SERVING DEMITASSE, CHEESE, AND CRACKERS.
CLOCK STRIKES SEVEN
(FADE MUSIC)
MRS. HUDSON
And will you be wantin' anything else, Mr. Holmes?
HOLMES
No thanks, Mrs. Hudson. This repast should satisfy the cravings of the inner man until breakfast time tomorrow morning, eh Watson?
WATSON
Undoubtedly, and if you will permit nie, Mrs. Hudson, I would like to state a deduction I have just made.
MRS. HUDSON
Of course, Dr. Watson.
WATSON
After eating this dinner I am convinced without a doubt that Mrs. Hudson is the best cook in all London.
MRS. HUDSON
Beaming
I think it's a lit of the blarney you're handing me, Dr. Watson. (Exits door center)
HOLMES
Sipping coffee
Well, Watson, our little problem draws to a close. No doubt you have outlined the solution in your own mind.
WATSON
Solution? I can make neither head nor tail of the ease.
HOLMES
The head is surely clear enough, and the tail we should se tomorrow. Did you notice anything curious about that advertisement in the Birmingham paper?
WATSON
I saw that the word plough was misspelled P-L-O-W — instead of P-L-O-U-G-H as it should have been.
HOLMES
Oh, you noticed that, did you? Watson, you improve all the time. Yes, it was bad English but good American. The printer had set it up as received. Then the buckboards. That is American also. And artesian wells are commoner with them than with us. It was a typical American advertisement, but purporting to be from an English firm. What do you make of that?
WATSON
I can only suppose that this American lawyer put it in himself. What his object was I fail to understand.
HOLMES
Well, there are alternative explanations. Anyhow, he wanted to get this good old fossil up to Birmingham. That is very clear. I might have told him that he was clearly going on a wild-goose chase, but, on second thought, it seemed better to clear the stage by letting him go. Tomorrow, Watson — well tomorrow will speak for itself.
(FADE OUT SCENE)
(PROPERTY MEN: SET ROOM FOR NEXT SCENE)
(FADE IN INSPECTOR LESTRADE'S OFFICE)
Scene VI
INSPECTOR SEATED AT DESK. DESK CLOCK SHOWS 9:45
TELEPHONE RINGS AT OPENING OF SCENE
LESTRADE
Picking up phone
Scotland Yard. Yes — Speaking — Yes. I'll send a man over. (Hangs up phone. Door opens and Holmes enters with photograph in his hand. Comes to front of desk and sits) Ah, Holmes, find what you were looking for?
HOLMES
I think so, Inspector.
LESTRADE
Well. that's a nice way to start the day. To have found what you were looking for by ten o'clock in the morning.
HOLMES
I enjoy the early morning hours but I still have some way to go before I find what I'm looking for.
LESTRADE
And that is?
HOLMES
I have been trying to learn something about Mr. John Garrideb, counselor-at-law.
LESTRADE
Never heard of him.
HOLMES
Neither had I until yesterday. But from the gentleman's actions I thought it might be possible that you had met hint under another name.
LESTRADE
And you found this Mr. Garrideb in the Rogues' Gallery.
HOLMES
Either him or his twin brother. What do you think of my chubby faced friend (Passing photograph to Lestrade)
LESTRADE
Looking at it
James Winter, alias Morecroft, alias Killer Evans. (Turning photograph over — reading) Age 44. Native of Chicago. Known to have shot three men in the states. Escaped from penitentiary through political influence. Came to London in 1893. Shot a man over cards in a night club in Waterloo Road. January, 1895. Man died but was shown to have been the agressor. Dead man identified as Roger Prescott famous as forger and coiner in Chicago. Killer Evans released in 1901. Has been under police supervision since but so far as known has led an honest life. Very dangerous man — usually carries arms and is prepared to use them. (To Holmes) You have found that our friend Killer Evans has decided to stop leading an honest life?
HOLMES
I'm not sure, but I must admit that I am rather anxious to find out.
LESTRADE
Well, if we can be of any service, Mr. Holmes —
HOLMES
You have been, Inspector, in letting me look over your Rogues' Gallery.
LESTRADE
If we can be of any further assistance —
HOLMES
Rising
I'll call you. Thank you, Inspector, and good day. (Exits)
(FADE OUT SCENE)
(FURNITURE IN LESTRADE'S OFFICE IS STRUCK. DOOR IS STRUCK. TWO FLATS MOVED TO COMPLETE LOWER LEFT CORNER OF NATHAN'S ROOM, CLEARING VIEW OF CELLAR)
Scene VII
FADE IN HOLMES' STUDY
WATSON ENTERS DOOR CENTER FOLLOWED BY MRS. HUDSON
MRS. HUDSON
Mr. 'Olmes ain't in, doctor. He went out after breakfast and I ain't seen 'ide nor 'air of him since.
WATSON
I'll wait if you don't mind.
MRS. HUDSON
Of course not. You know, doctor, Mr. 'Olmes' 'ome is almost your 'ome.
WATSON
Do you mind, Mrs. Hudson?
MRS. HUDSON
Oh, Dr. Watson.
HOLMES
Entering door center
Oh, doctor, good afternoon. Just in time for luncheon. How about it, Mrs. Hudson?
MRS. HUDSON
I'll have it ready in a jiffy, sir. (Exits)
WATSON
Well?
HOLMES
This is a more serious matter than I had expected, Watson. (Sits up right near window)
WATSON
Then I'll see it through to the finish with you.
HOLMES
I expected that, but there is danger, and you should know it. Sit down. (Watson sits facing him) This morning I paid a visit to Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard and learned that our friend Mr. John Garrideb is pictured in the Rogues' Gallery as Killer Evans.
WATSON
But what's his game?
HOLMES
It begins to define itself. From Scotland Yard I paid a visit to Holloway and Steele, Mr. Nathan Garrideb's agents.
WATSON
Why on earth did you go there?
HOLMES
Another elemental step in the problem, Watson. They confirmed our client's statement that he had occupied his present quarters for the past five years. It was unlet for a year before that. The previous tenant was a gentlemen named Waldron who was well remembered at the office. He had suddenly vanished and nothing more was heard of him. He was a tall bearded man with very dark features. Now our friend, John Garrideb alias Killer Evans, shot a man named Prescott, and Prescott was a tall dark man with a beard. As a working hypothesis I think we may take it that Prescott, an American criminal, used to live in the very room which our innocent friend now devotes to his museum. So at last we get a link.
WATSON
And the next link?
HOLMES
Well, we must go and look for that. (Rises. Takes revolver from table drawer which he hands to Watson)
WATSON
What's this for?
HOLMES
You may need it. I have an old favorite with me. If our wild west. friend tries to live up to his nickname we must be ready for him. We'll have luncheon and perhaps a short siesta, and then, Watson, I think it will be time for our Ryder Street adventure.
(FADE SCENE)
Scene VIII
FADE IN FAIRLY CLOSE SHOT OF MRS. SAUNDERS. SHE IS OBVIOUSLY ANXIOUS TO GET AWAY. SHE HAS HAT AND COAT ON. SHE LOOKS THROUGH MICROSCOPE — SNIFFS DISDAINFULLY — CROSSES UP AND LOOKS OUT WINDOW
MRS. SAUNDERS
So there's the things he spends all his time looking at.
DISTANT CLOCK STRIKES FOUR
Four o'clock and he ain't here yet.
DOOR BELL RINGS
MRS. SAUNDERS
She crosses to door and opens it If you'd been a bit later, sir, you'd have missed me altogether as I'm just this minute through for the day.
HOLMES
Yes, Mr. Garrideb said you left at four o'clock.
MRS. SAUNDERS
If you'll just close the door when you leave, sir, it has a spring lock
HOLMES
I'll be sure to do that, Mrs. Saunders.
MRS. SAUNDERS
Well then, good day to you, sir. (She exits closing door)
WATSON
Now what's the plan?
HOLMES
Moving about the room
I'm definitely certain, Watson, that our American friend was determined to get Mr. Garrideb out of this room, and as the collector never left it, it took some deliberate planning to accomplish it.
WATSON
But what did he want?
HOLMES
That's what we're here to find out. The whole of this Garrideb invention was devised for that one reason. There is a certain devilish ingenuity about it. Even if the queer name of the tenant did give him an opening which he could hardly have expected, he wove his plan with remarkable cunning. Has Mrs. Saunders left the house?
WATSON
At window
Yes, she just went down the street.
HOLMES
Good. Whatever the reason was for him to want to get our client out of this room, I am convinced it had nothing to do with our friend Nathan Garrideb.
WATSON
You mean it is something connected with the man he murdered, the man who used to live here?
HOLMES
Yes, a man who may have been his confederate in crime. There is some guilty secret in this room.
WATSON
But this collector may have something in his collection more valuable than he knows.
HOLMES
No, Watson, I believe that the fact that Roger Prescott lived here points to some deeper reason. (A key is heard in the door. In whisper) Quick, Watson, behind this curtain. (They cross down behind curtain extreme left. They crouch behind curtain down left as John enters door left. He closes door softly, looks around room, and removes overcoat. He feels over wall up left for secret button. Finds it — cupboard up left center swings open. John looks down. Goes to center table — strikes match and lights stub of candle. He exits behind cupboard. Holmes and Watson with drawn revolvers come out from behind curtain and creep slowly toward open door left center and Holmes looks down. Shot of cellar. John is seen descending ship's adder with light entirely from above. Halfway down John suddenly turns as
HOLMES
Out of picture
Where are you going, Mr. Garrideb? (With drawn revolver) Keep your hands up, John Garrideb, alias James Winter, alias Killer Evans. We seem to have you trapped in your lair.
JOHN
Coming up from behind trap door with his hands in the air
Well, I guess you have been one too many for me, Mr. Holmes. You saw through my game, I suppose, and played me for a sucker from the start. Well, sir, I hand it to you; you've beaten me.
HOLMES
Search him, Watson. (Turning to open door. Watson takes candle from John. As Watson turns away, John draws revolver from breast and fires twice. Watson cries out in pain and falls. Holmes strikes John on head with revolver. John crumples in rhair. Holmes takes John's revolver from him and turns to Watson)
HOLMES
You're not hurt, Watson, for God's sake say you're not hurt.
WATSON
It's nothing, Holmes, a mere scratch. (He sits in chair right. Raises coat sleeve) Only seared the flesh.
HOLMES
Examining wound
Yes, it's quite superficial which is particularly fortunate for you, Evans, for if you had killed Watson, you wouldn't have gotten out of this room alive. (Crossing up stage. Looking down trap door) Let's see what's in the cellar. Watson, look. (Holmes covering Evans with revolver looks down through trap with Watson) A printing press — a counterfeiter's outfit.
JOHN
Yes, the greatest counterfeiter London ever saw. That's Prescott's machine, and those bundles on the table are two thousand of Prescott's notes worth a hundred each and fit to pass anywhere. Help yourselves, gentlemen. Call it a deal and let me beat it.
HOLMES
Laughing
We don't do things like that, Mr. Evans. There is no bolthole in this country. You shot this man, Prescott, did you not?
JOHN
Sitting
Yes, sir, and got five years for it. Five years — when I should have had a medal the size of a soup plate. No living man could tell a Prescott from a Bank of England, and if I hadn't put him out, he would have flooded London with them. I was the only man in the world who knew where he made them. Do you wonder that I wanted to get to the place? Do you wonder that when I found this crazy book of a bug-hunter with the queer name squatting right on the top of it and never quitting his room, I had to do the best I could to get him out? It would have been easier if I had put him away, but I'm a soft-hearted guy, Mr. Holmes, and I can't begin shooting unless the other man has a gun. But say, what have I done wrong, anyhow? I haven't used this plant. I didn't hurt the old stiff. Where do you get me?
HOLMES
On John's left
Only for attempted murder, as far as I can see. But that's not our job. They take that up at the next stage.
(Nathan bursts in door right)
NATHAN
Say, what are you all doing here? And Mr. Garrideb? There wasn't any Garrideb in Birmingham at all. You must have made a mistake.
HOLMES
I think he did. Permit me to introduce you to Killer Evans.
NATHAN
Killer Evans. Then he ain't a Garrideb?
HOLMES
No — he's not a Garrideb.
NATHAN
And there ain't no five million dollars?
HOLMES
Yes, there's five million dollars all right. Downstairs in your cellar.
NATHAN
Downstairs?
HOLMES
But it's all counterfeit.
NATHAN
Counterfeit? Why — why — (to John) Why, you crook, you.
HOLMES
Yes, Mr. Garrideb, I'm afraid he is. Watson, give Scotland Yard a call. It won't be entirely unexpected.
MUSIC IN
(FADE PICTURE)
