(Air Command theme music) - [Announcer] Produced by KTWU, the Air Command, presents, Theatre of The Mind, radio you can see.

Turn out your lights, move in close to the glow of your radio dial, and come with us to those thrilling days of yesteryear, the golden age of radio and terror on the air with, Sherlock Holmes and the Giant Rat of Sumatra.

- My name is Dr. John H. Watson.

For many years I shared rooms at 221B Baker Street with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the world's first consulting detective, and kept a record of our cases.

Some I wrote up for publication, but others remained secret until they could be told.

This is such a case.

It is the story of, The Giant Rat of Sumatra.

(somber music) (waves, foghorn) It began when a ship came into harbor, with not a soul aboard.

(gull crying) - Albie.

I found a policeman, tell him about the ship.

- Slow down, what's going on here?

- Well sir, you see.

(dog barking) - All right Hector, behave now.

(dog barking) Here, want the ball?

(dog barking) Go get the ball, Hector!

(dog barking) - What's your names?

- Albie.

- Kit.

- What's this all about?

- Well Constable, we was unloading cargo over there-- - Oh, we wasn't smuggling.

- Oh no, sir.

- Oh, we was unloading British cargo.

- What sort of cargo?

- British wine.

- And not French, so no tariffs necessary, me Lord.

- British wine?

- Yes sir.

- Well, I can't imagine it's very good.

(both laugh) - It's bloody awful, sir.

- Oh, but we don't judge.

- You do this at night?

- Ah, best for unloading wine, keeps it's bloom.

- You're smuggling.

- Absolute not.

- Oh no, sir, we'd never.

- All right, fine, fine, fine.

So what's this emergency?

- Well sir, that ship over there.

- The Matilda Briggs.

- It come drifting in, no crew aboard.

- No crew?

- No sir, yer excellency.

- There was a storm.

- So the crew left.

- Sudden like.

- Lifeboats still on it, yer eminence.

- Let's have a look.

(footsteps) - There's an 'ole in the starboard side, yer worship, like they run into somefin'.

(growling) - Dog fight.

- That's Hector.

Hector?

- This way.

(footsteps runnng) - Oh no, Hector.

(footsteps runnng) What happened ole China Plate.

What...?

- Oh my Lord.

He's all-- - Who done this, Hector?

- Hector, look at me boy.

- He's dead, Albie.

(Albie sobbing) - What could do this?

This is a big dog.

- Oh yes, your holiness.

- I'll go telegraph headquarters about the ship.

(footsteps) That dog was tore up bad.

What kind of animal could... (objects rattling) (dramatic noise) Hello?

Who... who's out in the alley way?

Show yourself.

(objects rattling) (growling) Come out now.

(growling) (Constable screams) (suspenseful music) - It says in the Times, this morning, (newspaper rustling) a constable was killed at the Victoria Dock.

- Is that right Watson?

(newspaper rustling) - Holmes, you don't hear a word I'm saying, too busy with your chemicals and your... Good Lord, what is that smell?

(bubbling) Burning hair?

(bubbling) - Silk.

(bubbling) It does smell like burning hair, though.

I'm writing a monograph on fabric ash.

- What's that, bubbling?

- Oh, it shouldn't be boiling.

(bubbling) - What is it?

(bubbling) - Tea.

- Tea?

- Tea?

- Yes, thank you.

(cup and saucer) - Shall I bring it over?

- I'll come to you.

And what's this?

Cannon ball?

It's not very heavy.

- Put it down, Watson.

- What is it?

- A bomb.

- A bomb?

- Gently.

(drops on table) Gently.

(drops on table) It's an Orsini impact bomb.

The cannon ball is the case, quite popular among anarchists.

I'm studying it.

- Will it explode?

- Ah, The case prevents it.

The bomb itself is covered with spring loaded percussion caps, if even one is compressed-- (door bursts open, footsteps) - Mr. 'Olmes.

- Oh.

- He came up this stairs, Mr. 'Omes.

- I've got 'mportant inf'mation, I need to-- - Wiggins, attention.

- Yes sir, sorry sir.

(quick step) - I tried to catch him, but he simply can't be caught.

- A useful talent in his line of work, Mrs. Hudson.

- Have you finished breakfast?

- We have.

- I'll gather the dishes.

(gathers plates) - [Watson] Leave the tea.

(gathers plates) - Tell me Wiggins.

- Lemon and lime at Victoria Docks - [Watson] Lemon and lime?

(gathers plates) - Crime.

- [Watson] Excuse me, Mrs. Hudson?

- Rhyming slang, Dr. Watson.

Lemon and Lime, crime.

- You're a woman of many surprises, Mrs. Hudson.

- Ship drifted in guvnor not a living egg on it and a big 'ole on the side.

- Name of the ship?

- Matilda Briggs.

(knocking at door) - I'll get that.

(door opens) - Where's Holmes?

- Lestrade.

- What a busy morning.

Dr. Watson.

Would you hold me tea tray while I close the door after the police inspector?

- [Watson] Certainly.

(rattling of china) - Can we trust this bloke, Mr. Holmes?

- He's a police inspector.

- 's why I asked.

- Holmes, I've got a case to bring up.

- An abandoned ship at the Victoria Docks.

- Well...

Yes.

I'm on my way there.

We don't know what ship it is yet.

- The Matilda Briggs.

- What?

- Wiggins told me.

- 'Allo Gov.

- This gutter snipe?

- 'Ere now!

- Shouldn't you be out stealing watches?

- Bright an' breezy, garden tool!

- What's that supposed to mean.

- Again, rhyming slang.

Bright and breezy means, take it easy and garden tool means, fool.

You see with rhyming-- - Watson would you make the introductions?

- Certainly.

Here Lestrade, hold the tray.

(rattling china) - What?

What well I-- (rattling china) - Thank you.

(rattling china) Inspector Lestrade, Billy Wiggins, leader of the Baker Street Irregulars.

- My own detective division.

The Irregulars go everywhere, hear everything.

No one suspects a child.

- [Inspector Lestrade] He can't be more than-- - 'Leven years old, grass.

- Grass?

- Well short for grasshopper, which rhymes with copper.

- How'd he know about my case?

- [Sherlock] Wiggins?

- We got spies at the docks.

We tipped the coppers or this jam roll wouldn't know about it.

- Oh, jam roll means, arse-- - Watson - Yes, let me get the door for you, Mrs. Hudson.

- Inspector, are you finished with the breakfast tray?

- (stutters) Oh, well yes, but-- - I'll take it then.

(rattling china) - Thank you.

- You're welcome.

- Now Lestrade, the particulars.

(door opens and closes) - The Matilda Briggs drifted into the Victoria Docks, empty.

- An 'ole in the side o' the boat.

- I was getting to that.

- Taking' yer time.

- Go on, Lestrade.

- A constable was killed, mangled.

- No witnesses?

- None.

Body's been taken for autopsy.

- Whitechapel Mortuary?

- Not that bog house, The London Hospital Mortuary.

Wouldn't take any one to the Whitechapel Mortuary.

- 'E's right, it's a manky load of tosh.

- Thank you, yes it is a manky... Whatever.

- You done with me, Mr. 'Olmes?

- Yes Wiggins, here's for your good work.

(coins clinking) - Very generous, Mr. Holmes.

(coins clinking) Thanks.

(footsteps, door opens & closes) - Watson would you consider examining the constable's body?

- Why certainly, Holmes.

- Lestrade, you and I will investigate the ship, the scene of the crime, the game's afoot.

(seagulls crying) (water splashing) (soft music) (fog horn blaring) - You have the light?

- I do, mind your head coming down, Lestrade.

- Oi!

(hits head) - I told you to mind your head.

- I was minding my head.

(footsteps) I wasn't minding the deck it slammed into.

- Unusual cargo.

- Empty cages.

- You see this one?

- [Inspector Lestrade] A cage for a cat?

- Or a small dog.

- Exploded.

Blown out like a blossom.

- Yeah but not burned, look here.

- Hair.

- Fur, the cuticle cells are larger than human hair, you see?

- Yes, of course.

- I'll take a sample.

Now look up, there's the hole Wiggins mentioned.

We can climb on these crates.

- Ah, all right then.

Some help?

(rattling of crates) - [Sherlock] Here, my hand.

- [Inspector Lestrade] (grunts) Thank you.

- Now what do you see?

- A hole.

- Beneath the hole.

- Splinters, ragged bits of wood.

- Enough to fill the hole?

- No.

- Excellent, Lestrade, we'll make a detective of you yet.

- Now see here-- - Put your head through the hole.

- Very well.

(voice muffled) Now what?

- What do you see on the outside?

- (muffled) Wooden planks.

Broken and bowed.

- Inward?

- Outward...

Wait, they didn't hit anything.

- No, something tore it's way out.

I've seen enough.

Bring the cage.

(objects rattling) - Wait, don't leave me up here.

(seagull crying) - Ah, there you are Lestrade.

- You stranded me.

- The constable was found here, correct?

Just inside this narrow alleyway.

- Correct.

(footsteps) - Now follow along.

Look at the mud, his foot marks going in.

- How'd I miss this, before?

- He's moving to the other end of the passage.

He walks, he walks.

- Dead end.

- Yes and see, something was here, waiting.

- Something?

- Yes, moves toward the constable.

- What kind of tracks are these?

- It moves slowly, slowly.

Then here it begins running.

- How do you know it's running?

(footsteps moving faster) - The spaces between foot marks.

(footsteps moving faster) - Wider.

- Front legs land together, back legs come forward and push off.

Front legs, back legs.

(footsteps, running) Faster, faster.

(footsteps, running) Now come here quickly.

(footsteps, running) - Wait, wait for me.

(footsteps, running) - Now back to the constable's foot marks, he turns and begins running, you see?

Wide space between foot marks.

(footsteps, running) - Yes, I see it now.

(footsteps, running) - Yeah, the creature leaps.

This long smear, where it slides against the wall, the same fur caught in the brickwork.

And here, obviously, is where the constable's body was found.

- Yes, that's amazing, Holmes.

- And merely observation.

- But what animal was it?

- The one from your cage.

- This little cage?

- It burst apart from the inside out.

- But how could-- - And the hole in the ship is much larger than a creature that would've fit the cage.

- But what-- - And the beast that killed the constable was large as a bear and a good deal larger than the hole in the ship.

- A bear?

In London?

- I didn't say it was a bear, Lestrade.

- Then what?

- The constable was torn apart, by a giant rat.

(sting ♪) (knock at door) (door opens) - Welcome to London Hospital.

- Thank you, I've come to-- - John.

(footsteps) John Watson.

(footsteps) - Henry, I didn't know you were at London Hospital.

- They let me use the laboratory sometimes for research.

Oh, John Watson, my attorney, Gabriel Utterson.

- Well, how do you do?

- How do you do?

Henry we'll meet again next week.

- Good.

- Goodbye for now.

Dr. Watson.

- What brings you here, Watson?

- The autopsy on the constable.

(footsteps) - Ah, that's Openshaw's department.

This way.

(footsteps) He's in the mail room around the corner.

We're sorting through the lost post.

In here.

(footsteps) Gentlemen, I give you the renowned Dr. John H. Watson.

- Sherlock Holmes' associate?

- [Henry] The very one.

- A pleasure, Dr. Watson.

Thomas Openshaw.

- You examined the kidney Jack The Ripper sent through the mail.

- I did.

- [Henry] And this is Dr. Frederick Treves.

- We know each other.

How is Joseph?

- Doing well, he'd love to see you while you're here.

- And Victor Savage, our business manager.

- Doctor.

- Oh, that reminds me, a package for you Victor.

Odd looking stamp.

(handling mail) India perhaps.

(handling mail) Hey Watson, you served in India.

(handling mail) - I did.

(handling mail) Hm, yes these are Indian.

(handling mail) - And one for you Henry, from Aberdeen Apothecary.

- Ah, some research.

(handling mail) - A letter for you, Thomas.

(handling mail) - Odd envelope.

(handling mail) Dr. Openshaw, Pathological curator.

London Hospital, Whitechapel.

- Two for me and McKenzie, Ramskill.

And Merrick, Merrick, and Merrick.

- Joseph's made us famous.

(handling mail) London Hospital, home of the Elephant Man.

- He's thankful to have a home.

I'll take these to him.

See you later, Watson.

- What was in your package, Victor?

- This little ivory box.

Strange, it appears the top slides open... Ouch.

- What is it?

- Got a splinter, I think.

- What's inside?

- Nothing.

Empty, see?

- Holmes asked for my opinion on the constable.

- Of course.

I have to look in on a patient but then I can-- - I'll show Watson to the mortuary.

We'll meet you there.

- [Thomas] Ah, excellent.

- [Victor] Come by later and tell me what you've found.

- Of course, Mr. Savage.

- This way.

- Good to meet you all.

- Now, who could have sent this-- - What the devil?

(dramatic sting) This letter, listen.

"Old boss, you was right, it was the left kidney.

I was going to hoperate again close to your hospital just as I was going to draw my knife along of her blooming throat.

Oh good Lord.

"Them cusses of coppers spoilt the game.

But I guess I will be on the job soon and will send you another bit of innards."

Signed, Jack The Ripper.

(music) (Seagull crying, waves lapping) - Found somefin' 'ere, Freddy.

- Whatcha got, Mags?

- A old coin, see?

- Mus' be mos' hunert years old.

- Was mudlarkin,m in me bare feet.

C'mon, I'll show ya.

- Mud's deep 'ere.

- Up to me waist!

(feet squishing in mud) - I likes it better over there (feet squishing in mud) where th' sewer empties (feet squishing in mud) but froo th' tunnels is best.

(feet squishing in mud) Lot of rats though.

(feet squishing in mud) - I found free pence once in the tunnels.

- 'Ere now Mags.

Let's go back b'fore we're too deep.

and can't get out.

- There's somefin' in the mud here.

Somefin' big.

It's moving, rising up.

(creature growling) Look out Freddie, look out.

(mud squishing) - Mags, run for it.

(Mags screaming) (soft music) (footsteps) - Holmes, wait stop.

You can't say a giant rat killed the constable and then walk away.

- And yet I did.

- This is no time for fairy tales.

The facts are hard enough for me to understand.

- Yes, Lestrade.

Facts are hard for you to understand.

- Thank you.

Hey, wait.

- Let's speak to those men on the dock.

Gentleman, a word.

Come Lestrade, we'll see what they know.

- Could we... Oh I'm coming.

(soft music) - Gentleman, I wonder... - Who are you?

- Sherlock Holmes.

- The mutton shunter?

- I've always felt that mutton could take care of itself.

- Wait, what did he call you?

- A mutton shunter, slang for policeman.

It derives from the-- - I know what it "de-rhymes" from.

- Rather charming.

Mr.

Uh-- - Darbyfield.

Kit Darbyfield.

- And Mr. Darbyfield, Lestrade here is a mutton shunter.

- Inspector Mutton Shunter.

- Albie Beachworth.

- And my sympathies regarding your dog, Mr. Beachworth.

- Thank you.

- A dear hound, if I'm not mistaken.

Perhaps three years old.

- [Albie] Yes sir.

- That's a large breed.

- How'd you know about his dog?

- You told me.

- How did you know it was a large dog?

- The stray hairs on his trousers told me.

Res ipsa loquitur, he must be the owner of the dog.

- Those hairs could be from a cat.

(Albie and Kit laughing) - Albie ain't no cat person.

- Cat's climb.

You'll find cat hairs on an owner's upper body.

Also, this hair is rough.

Cat hair is finer.

And note too, the hair comes up to the gentleman's hip.

- Be a large cat, wouldn't it?

- It would in fact be a large dog.

- But how did you know the breed?

- The unusual length and blue gray color are specific to the deer hound.

You see the scratches on Mr. Beachworth's hands.

They're not attack wounds.

Rather the minor wounds of play.

It is a playful breed and after its second year, it becomes mellow.

Though, very protective of its owner.

- That's Hector all right.

Wonderful.

- Amazing.

- [Sherlock] Elementary.

- Somebody's coming.

(carriage arrives) - A carriage, were you expecting company?

- No sir.

- Thank you for your time, Mr. Darbyfield.

My sympathies, Mr. Beachworth.

- Thank you.

- We're done here, Lestrade.

- Well, excuse me.

I'm running this investigation.

Holmes, wait for me.

(soft music) There you are Holmes.

You were lost for a bit.

- I knew exactly where I was.

- Excuse me.

You have something of mine.

- I beg your pardon.

- You may have it, but you can't help what you are.

- Now, see here-- - You arrived in the carriage.

- I did.

- Now what do we have of yours, miss... - Keen, Rebecca Keen.

I'm told you have my cage.

- Well, what was in your cage?

- You wouldn't understand.

After all "peasants cannot be blamed for their supidity".)

- What?

- Fortunately, I'm able to explain things Inspector Lestrade doesn't understand.

- What?

- [Rebecca] And who are you?

- Sherlock Holmes.

- The famous detective.

I will be happy to answer your questions, Mr. Holmes.

You are an educated man.

- What?

- Reasonably.

"I understand you" "Very good" - What?

- There you are, Rebecca.

- Oh and who are you, now?

- Culverton Smith.

- And likely arrived in the carriage with Miss Keen.

- Introductions please, Rebecca.

- Of course.

This is Inspector Lizard.

- Lestrade.

- And this is Sherlock Holmes.

- Mr. Holmes, I'm familiar with your work.

- And I with yours.

- He's a detective.

- A scientist.

- Merely an amateur.

- Mr. Smith keeps a collection of virulent bacteria cultures.

- In London?

- That's my plantation on the island of Sumatra.

- Why?

- Science, he injects them into animal brains.

- With beneficial results.

- You put germs in brains?

- I believe that human intelligence comes from bacteria.

I found it in every brain I've examined.

Even newborn infants.

- Surprising.

- Wait, brains of newborn-- - With the proper mixture we could create human like intelligence in the lower creatures and offer treatment against certain conditions in humans.

- Such as?

- Feeble mindedness.

Nothing personal, Inspector.

- None taken... wait what?

- There are scientific benefits.

- Not to mention financial ones.

- And the cage in question contained?

- A Sumatran rat.

- [Lestrade] A rat.

- Not the kind you imagine.

Assuming you can imagine.

- What?

Its name is Hob and it understands English perfectly.

- Oh, I've never heard of such a thing.

- I'm not surprised.

- Now you see here... - And it's quick, I say, Hob, attention.

Then I say, catch and throw a sweet into the air and Hob will catch it and swallow it down every time.

Not even chewing.

- I so much recklessly filled him with every bacterial mixture I had.

I didn't think he'd live.

- I proved him wrong.

- Lestrade, show them the cage.

- Now, I put it down somewhere.

Oh, here it is.

- It exploded.

- We did not find your rat.

- It escaped?

- And killed a policeman.

- Don't be absurd.

It wouldn't have been much larger than-- - Than a bear, judging by the foot marks.

- [Rebecca] It grew?

- Evolved.

- Rapidly.

- Physical growth as well as mental acuity.

- When will it stop revolving?

- I am stunned.

"A complete surprise".

- Where is he now?

- Oh we'll find him.

- Good.

- And file charges against the owner.

- That would be Cully.

- You're innocent then, Miss Keen.

- If it's useful.

- I must tell Moreau.

- Who?

- The ships owner.

I've been working with him closely.

- We have been working closely with him.

- Rebecca likes to get credit.

- Credit owed.

- You weren't on the ship?

- We had a much nicer boat.

- We left days earlier with Moreau so that once the Matilda Briggs arrived, we could take the animals aboard and weigh anchor.

- Before anyone could ask about them?

- At the last moment, Rebecca decided to go along.

- To see my rat.

- I neglected to tell her that her rat was on the first ship until we were at sea.

- Rascal.

- It appears our four man crew was washed overboard during that storm.

- So the cage is of animals your friend is buying.

- [Culverton] Yes.

- What kind?

- Leopards, bears, apes.

- In London?

- Now London is the best city in the world for exotic beasts, Lestrade.

- There are over a hundred shops here.

- One, they procure lion in London much easier than in Africa.

It is au courant.

- Moreau takes them to his island.

- His island?

- Sumatra's on his route to and from London.

- We join him sometimes.

- He works with bacteria, as well?

- Yes, but his methods are more surgical.

- I'll need to question him.

- He'll be loading the cargo and leaving soon.

- When?

- When the repairs are finished on the ship.

He's seeing a patient before he leaves.

- Unless he lied.

- Do you think he lied?

- I think everyone does.

Among the talented it's an art.

- He was to see a patient?

- At London Hospital.

- Watson's there now.

- Will you be going there, Mr. Smith?

- Briefly.

I have issues with my nephew who is employed there.

- [Sherlock] Issues?

- He stole an inheritance due me.

- Cully is vengeful.

I admire that about him.

His sister willed her fortune to Victor.

- Well of course she'd leave everything to her son.

- He's the son of my other sister.

They're both dead.

- Under suspicious circumstances.

- Rebecca.

- It slipped out.

- Keep your place, Rebecca.

- My place?

How good of you to remind me.

Oh, in addition to some property, Mr Holmes, Victor's aunt left him five thousand pounds a year.

- A large sum.

- I think I would be a good woman for five thousand a year.

- You are in any case, an interesting woman, Miss Keen.

- I mean to be.

- That should have been my money.

- [Rebecca] And yet it isn't.

- There is much I could do with that money.

- And yet you won't.

- Perhaps, perhaps not.

- Intrigue.

Oh, there's a reversion, Mr. Holmes.

- Rebecca.

- What?

It's a matter of record.

- Reversion?

- A legal term.

If the nephew dies... - Cully gets the booty.

- We're done here.

This way, Lestrade.

- Wait for me, Holmes.

I'm in charge here.

- What a fascinating man.

If I could have such a husband as that with such a brain, I would not mind his somewhat hawkish appearance.

- I thought you were committed to me.

- Oh yes, that's right.

I'd forgotten.

(soft music) (talking in unison) - Chestnuts, penny a score.

Chestnuts, roasted perfect.

- Fine russets, penny a lot.

come and look at 'em.

Here's toasters, here's your turnips.

- Well, you got bloaters do you, Mrs. Mayhew?

sprats too, Mrs. Rowlit.

(footsteps) come over here and look.

(footsteps) - I'll bring the chestnuts (footsteps) but it be beyond the bounds of possible to move the fire.

- It'll be there when your get back to it.

- Oh it is quieter here, Mrs. Mayhew.

(cat meowing) - Your cat?

- Well she don't like being held.

Her olfactires can smell them sprats 'n' bloaters.

You behave, old puss.

They ain't for you.

Business good?

- Bang up to the elephant.

I measures them so they think they're a lot over but they're actually a lot under.

- [Mrs. Rowlit] It's how we makes our bread an' bubble.

(cat meows) Oh, don't struggle so, puss.

- I don't mind cheating on measures.

If Prince Albert's ghost turned up, I'd sell 'im a lesser lot just as I would anybody.

- Gotta keep things homo-generous!

(chuckles lightly) (cat meows) Oh, she's loose.

Come back, puss.

- There she goes down the sewer grate.

- Could you fetch her, Mrs. Mayhew?

I'd do it myself but what with the risin' damp, I'm feign to take benefractions where I find 'em.

- [Mrs. Mayhew] Let me get down in there.

(sewer grate scraping) Here, hold me legs so I doesn't fall in.

- Right, like this then?

- Just like that, Mrs. Rowlit.

Now hold tight.

Here puss, puss, puss.

Here puss, puss, puss.

(voice echoes) (cat meowing) (echoes) - You've gained considerable weight lately, Mrs. Mayhew.

- That ain't genteel of you Mrs. Rowlit.

(voice echoes) - Oh, then allow me to extend my expirations, Mrs. Mayhew.

- They's excepted, Mrs. Rowlit.

(voice echoes) I'm very much gratified, I'm sure, Mrs. Mahew.

Can you see her?

- Here puss.

(voice echoes) That's a good pussycat.

(voice echoes) (rat growling) - [Mrs. Rowlit] What the bloody hell was that?

- Get away, get away.

(voice echoes) (cat screaming) (rat growling) Mrs. Rowlit don't let go.

(voice echoes) - I've got your legs.

I won't let go, I won't let go, I got...

I only got your legs.

Just your legs?

(Mrs Rowlit screaming) (soft music) - The mortuary's down this way.

(footsteps) I've seen the constable's body, Watson.

What the devil happened?

(footsteps) - Animal attack, Henry.

(footsteps) The Matilda Briggs came into dock and there was-- - The Matilda Briggs?

(footsteps) - You know it?

(footsteps) - It belongs to Dr. Moreau.

(footsteps) I'm working with him on a project.

- [Watson] A project?

(footsteps) - Watson, imagine if we could eliminate evil.

Think of the boon to humanity.

- You've always been good hearted, Henry.

- That's right, isn't it?

I would never hurt anyone, would I?

- Of course you wouldn't, Henry.

- Watson.

- [Watson] Mr. Treves.

- Yeah, these are Merrick's rooms.

Come visit.

- [Watson] Oh yes.

- You too, Henry.

(footsteps) Just down these steps.

(footsteps) He reads all your stories in Strand Magazine.

- The famous Elephant Man reads my stories.

- I can't stay long.

- Joseph, I brought guests.

- Yes, I must tidy up.

You might have warned me.

I do love guests.

Who are they?

- Come see.

One is our friend Henry.

- Ah, Henry.

- The other is Dr. John H. Watson.

- Doctor... Oh my.

(hobbling footsteps) Dr. Watson, I am humbled in your presence.

I read all your adventures.

(hobbling footsteps) If I had known you were coming (hobbling footsteps) I would've put on a new cravat (hobbling footsteps) and been more presentable.

(hobbling footsteps) - Well, I'm sorry to impose... - Of course I am never truly presentable.

Hello Henry.

- Hello Joseph.

- You see the photograph, Watson?

Show him Joseph.

- Yeah, look.

This is a picture of the Princess of Wales.

She gave it to me.

She smiled at me.

- A lovely woman.

- Yes.

I never saw a woman but only Sycorax my dam and she But she has far surpasseth Sycorax as great'st does least.

- Shakespeare.

- The Tempest.

Caliban, speaking of Amanda.

It is not often a woman smiles at me, I cannot smile.

I can weep, (fist pounding on door) but I cannot smile.

More visitors?

- I'll get that.

(door opens) Yes?

Ah, Moreau.

- Hello Fred.

Henry, I saw you come in.

(door closes) - I haven't forgotten our meeting.

- Who's your friend?

- John Watson.

How do you do?

- Dr. Watson?

Oh even in my isolation, I've read your stories.

- Dr. Moreau lives on an island.

- Which one?

- My own.

Mr. Merrick, how are you?

- I prosper.

- Henry, are you all right?

- It's nothing, momentary.

- We should get on now.

- [Watson] Good to meet you.

- Yes yes, of course.

(door opens) - [Henry] It seems to be happening more often.

(door closes) - He doesn't want to make a good first impression.

- He has called Joseph a monster.

- I am not a monster.

- Of course not.

- Moreau is a monster.

- Appearances often deceive.

- He said he could make me a man.

- You are already a splendid man, Mr. Merrick.

- That is kind.

Henry is a splendid man too but I do not like his friends.

- Besides Moreau?

- Also, Henry's friend Edward.

- He's worse than Moreau.

- I take walks at night when it is dark so I do not frighten people but I see Edward lurking.

- Lurking?

- In Whitechapel, in the shadows.

- Near the hospital too.

He has some hold over Henry.

- He is a bad man.

- He is.

Well, Openshaw's waiting Watson.

- Yes, of course.

Honored to meet you Mr. Merrick.

- And I am honored to meet you Dr. Watson.

- I'll see you out.

(door opens, footsteps) Oh, he'll be talking about this for weeks.

Now, continue going in this direction (door closes) and down that passage and you'll find Openshaw.

- Thank you Mr. Treves.

(soft music) - [Thomas] Watson, that steel bowl.

- [Watson] Yes.

- Hold it there.

(something drops in bowl) Now, put it over with the others.

(bowl clatters) Hmm.

Throat slit.

Hand me the Liston Amputation Knife.

- I don't see a Liston knife.

- Try the draw.

(drawer opens-utenils clatter) - [Watson] No Liston knife.

- That's the third one to disappear.

Ah, look here.

The femur and pelvis are scraped and scratched and pierced.

- Pierced?

Why that would take-- - Thousands of pounds per square inch.

And these slashes, they're too ragged.

Not a knife.

- Claws.

- An animal.

But what animal does this?

- And when will it strike again?

(suspenseful music) (footsteps patter) - Ah, Watson.

(door opens) - Treves, didn't expect to find you back here in the post room.

- Now Joseph wrote you a thank you note.

Asked me to post it.

- How sweet.

I told Victor I'd stop by before I left his offices.

- No, he's not in his office.

Henry came back for his parcel.

Had Moreau with him.

Victor fainted in his arms.

- Fainted?

Working too hard.

I've admitted him.

They took him to a room.

He... (footsteps pattering) well that's odd.

Here comes Edward.

How did he get in?

The doors are locked.

Save for the one here at the end of the hall.

What do you want, Edward?

- Henry's parcel.

- Not without Henry's permission.

- He gave me permission.

- I'm putting it in the safe.

(safe slams shut) Now go before I call a policeman.

- Why you-- - You'd best step away.

- You'll pay, both of you.

- What an unpleasant man.

- Odd, that little box of Victor's is gone.

- Victor took it?

- No, but someone did.

(soft music) - Come back.

Come back ye nimmer!

(footsteps) y' owe me thruppence.

(footsteps) - Wasn't worth a thruppence ya doxy!

- You ain't following the rules.

(footsteps) - Threepenny uprights don't get to make the rules.

- You can't, you can't.

- I can do what I like.

Now go-- (man choking) - Big pardon, sir Dunno how m' knee got misplaced there.

Oh, whazzat?

You wanna pay the lady what she's owed?

Oh, your purse.

Y' want me t' get the money for ya?

Well sure an I'm happy t' oblige.

(coins clinking) There and here's your purse back.

Oh yes and you're another one.

Now on your way.

Here's m' foot in your bum to start ya out.

(kicks man, yelping) (footsteps) Here, your thruppence and a bit more.

- I could've got it myself.

- How long you been on the street?

- Three weeks.

- What's your name?

- Julia Foster.

Got any friends, Julia Foster?

- [Julia] No.

- Well you do now.

I'm Mary Jane Kelly.

Come on, I got a place for you to sleep.

I got enough for my doss.

- Save it.

(soft music) - One last piece of toast Holmes.

Would you like to have it?

- Have what?

- The toast.

- Oh, you have it Watson.

- If you think so.

- What time is it?

- 8:32.

(newspaper rustles) - Thank you.

(newspaper rustles) - In the morning.

- Yes.

(newspaper rustles) - What about the marmalade?

(newspaper rustles) - Now, what about it?

- Do you want it?

(newspaper rustles) - What would I put it on?

You've got the last piece of toast.

- Oh right.

- You have it.

- Something in the morning newspaper certainly has your attention.

- Now Costermonger was arrested last night carrying a pair of severed legs.

- What?

- It doesn't happen often.

- It never happens.

- It happened once.

It's in the newspaper.

- Oh, good point.

- Excellent point.

(door opens) - [Lestrade] Holmes.

- Lestrade, what the devil caused you to rush out bed before sunrise.

- Well, how did you know?

- Elementary.

You've not shaved indicating haste, your vest buttons don't match the corresponding holes.

- So they don't.

- What business do you have at the foreshore of the Thames?

- How did... - Your boots.

The black mud on the soles is typical of the Thames, as the foreshore is so exposed only at low tide, which would've been at 2:05 this morning.

Colorful stains on the shanks reveal you spent some time wandering through London sewer.

- Did you read about the woman carrying severed legs?

- We did.

- Well we found the rest in the sewer and the shredded remains of a man in the riverbank mud.

- Dead?

- That's what remains means, Watson.

- Yes, the Ripper.

- The Ripper doesn't tear his victims to pieces.

He opens them up with surgical precision and steals internal organs.

- Do you mind?

I haven't had breakfast yet.

- I'd offer you toast and marmalade, but Watson made something of a pig of himself.

- Why, I...

I... - The man was a tosher, torn apart near a Whitechapel sewer opening.

- Mudlarking.

- What?

- Looking for treasure on the shore near a sewer outlet.

- A tosher, looks for it in the sewer.

- How unpleasant.

- Indeed, the London sewers are full of dead animals, excrement, viscera.

- I haven't had breakfast yet.

- I'm sorry now that I have.

- Any witnesses.

- Well a young girl said a monster rose from the mud.

- You know what I'm thinking, Lestrade.

- I do.

- What do you say to a giant rat, Watson.

- Is this a riddle?

- But why has no one else seen it?

- It's using the sewers.

- [Lestrade] Of course.

(door knock) (door opens) - John, you've got to come to the hospital.

- What is it, Nora?

- They say Victor's going to die.

(soft music) - And 30 drops of laudanum, nurse, no more.

- Yes, doctor.

- Openshaw.

- Dr. Watson.

- This is my friend Sherlock Holmes.

- My pleasure, sir.

- And mine.

- Is Nora here.

- She's in with Victor.

- Will you excuse me then?

(footsteps) - Of course.

(door opens and closes) - You recently received a letter from Jack the Ripper.

- I did, wish you were on the case.

- [Sherlock] Now, tell me about Victor.

- Victor has contracted Tapanuli fever.

I've never seen it in this part of the world.

- And generally confined to plantation workers in Sumatra.

You've consulted with Culverton Smith?

- Of course, he's the authority on Southeast Asian disease.

- Watson mentioned that Victor received a package.

- A small ivory box, Indian stamps.

Can't say what happened to it.

(door opens) - Ah, Watson, how is Victor.

(door closes) - Delirious, he's babbling.

- Told me he'd seen the ripper in his room.

Thought I should hide.

- He told me to hide as well.

Just kept shouting the word over and over.

- Have others been in his room?

- Henry and Moreau of course and Edward.

- [Sherlock] But they were together?

- Moreau was with Henry, Edward must have come alone.

He and Moreau left together, but I didn't see Henry leave so I can't say how long he stayed.

- Instructive.

Victor, Henry, Moreau, the rat, all connected.

- What?

- And the new element Jack the Ripper.

(soft music) (door opens, bell rings) - Mary Kelly.

(door closes) You can't stay if you don't pay.

(bar patrons talking/laughing) - I can pay.

(bar patrons talking/laughing) Draw me a pint and be quick.

(coin drops on bar) - Business good tonight.

- None of your business.

(pours drink) - It would be if I had six pence.

- Not likely, I got my standards.

- Yeah.

(sets drink on bar) Your friends are over at the corner.

- Which friends?

- McKenzie and a new girl.

Julia something.

Try not to spill your pint.

- I ain't drunk, excuse me, excuse me.

I'm coming.

- Here now, sit down with me a spell Colleen and wind yer neck in.

- Take your hand off of me, y' melter or get a pop in the gob.

I been at sea for a year.

I could use the gentle ministrations of a woman.

- Go away out of that.

You'll get nothing from this woman.

- I was just slaggin' ya.

Maybe yer slaggin' me some.

- Kelly.

- I got friends t' see ya ol' eegit.

- Well I'm here if you change yer mind.

- Y' don't fool me.

- Here Kelly, sit.

(chair scoots) - Thank y' kindly Alice.

how do you fair Julia?

- I got four pence, enough for my doss.

Maybe a bed in Spitalfields.

- Could go to the' spike.

- Not the workhouse.

I'd die before I pick oakum and eat skilly porridge.

- It's better than sleeping rough, nights're cold.

- I'm lookin' out for her.

- You could be sisters.

Ya got hair the same.

- Mary-Jane give some o' what she uses.

- Henna.

- She got a place at Millers Court, she'd letcha sleep there.

- I have, when Barnett ain't there.

- Oh, Joe's gone.

We had a big thump and he left.

- Well he don't like me.

- It don't matter now.

- Well, I'm more worried about that monster animal snatching up people.

- What?

- You ain't heard?

It's big and 'airy and teeth like knives and it jumpin' outta the shadahs and gobbles y' up.

- Just a story for moppets n' puppets like Springfield, Jack.

- Et up one o' the costers nothing left...just 'er legs.

- Oh.

- Where is she?

- Uh-oh.

- Get out.

- Damned if I will.

Where is she?

- Who's that?

- Edward is looking for me.

- I see her.

- And this ain't good.

- You know him?

- Thinks he owns me.

- There you are Missy McKenzie.

- Let go of my arm.

(chair clatters) - I pay for it.

- Let her be Edward or ye'll get such a batty-fang, ye'll wish you'd stayed home.

- Now you're at bricky lollie with yermouth-pie, ain'tcha?

- Y' don't wanna push me no further.

- I ain't afraid o' no bark dollywop.

- And I ain't afraid o' you, nuther.

- You better be, ya baggage.

- And what's all this foostering about?

- You're breakin' my arm.

- Pull up your socks n' get out lively, ya tosspot, before I give ya a good puck in th' gob.

- I will, I will.

- All right then, there.

Now get out boyo.

- I'm goin'.

Not done with ya Kelly.

- Y' will be if ya know what's good for ya.

- Thank you mister.

Able Seaman Altamont of the Gloria Scott at yer service.

- Fair play to ye but I didn't need yer help.

- Just as y'say Colleen.

But I'll be around just in case.

- I'm sorry Alice.

I likely made it worser.

- Edwards a mean bye-blow - I gotta go.

- Y' can't go alone.

- I won't find no trouble.

I was right as a trevit.

(stool scoots) It's a good night to walk.

- It's a foggy night.

- Every night's foggy.

- Take care.

- I will.

- You leavin'?

- Yeah.

- Saucy Jacks out there waiting fer the right bobtail and there's that thing out there.

(dramatic music) - The beast.

- C'mere.

- What?

- Closer.

Lemme whisper.

- All right, what?

- The beast is gonna Getcha!

(Julia screaming) (man laughing) Or not, wait 'n' see.

- Yer awful.

- I know, 'Ave a good evenin'.

(door opens, bell rings door closes) - Fog, Can't see a bloody thing.

Prince Albert Doss House down-- - Hey.

(Julia shrieking) Mckenzie still in there?

- She don't want nothin' 't' do with you Edward.

- Don't git lippish with me, you wobbler.

- You're hurtin' me.

- What's goin' on there?

- Nothin' officer, we was just... - Ye'd best bolt before y'find this club on yer skull.

- Yessir, yessir.

- Find shelter miss.

- I'm going.

- Not a good street for wand'rin'.

(footsteps) - Yes sir.

(footsteps) Going to my doss.

(footsteps) Bloody fog, where am I now?

(footsteps) (rat growling, footsteps) I can't...

So... Now Church Street to the left.

What's that?

Well now ain't there, 'magined it.

Over there,gotta be Christ Church.

(footsteps continue) Fog, I can't... (footsteps continue) Brushfield Street on the right then.

(rat growling) Oh, there it is again.

- Who's there?

Who is it?

(Julia shrieking, running) Somebody.

(rat growling) Somebody help.

Help me somebody, I can't...

I can't... - Stop.

(Julia screaming) Whoa, you nearly knocked me down shooting out of the fog like that.

- It's after me.

- What's after you?

- Well it's gone now.

- What's your name?

- Julia.

- I'm Henry.

I have a carriage back on Church Street.

May I take you somewhere?

- No, no, I'm fine-- - I work at the hospital.

I like to walk part way from there, then take a carriage home.

- You're a doctor.

- I am, let me walk you.

- Oh no, just down the street (footsteps) almost there.

(footsteps) - I'll wait here, just call out.

- [Julia] Thank you.

- End it while you still can Henry.

- You startled me.

- It's time bucko.

(footsteps) - You have no idea with whom you are dealing.

- Ah, but I do.

(footsteps) - Don't follow me.

(footsteps) - Shall I tell the police?

(footsteps) - Stop.

- Can't do it, Boyo.

- This is my carriage.

Driver, the door.

- Yes, sir.

- You gotta tell 'em, boyo.

(carriage door opens) - Let me alone.

(carriage drives away) - Just what do ye know?

- Ah, Mary Kelly appearin' outta the fog.

You're not what yer appearin' t' be.

- Nor are you...Mr. Holmes.

- When first we met, we both employed disguises...Miss.

Adler.

- And fooled everyone except each other.

Did Watson ever write it up?

- No he promises to, with changes of course.

He's going to call it "A Scandal in Bohemia".

And plans to have you married and out of the country.

- Perfect.

- You're still with Scotland Yard Special Branch?

- Yes.

- And the disguise?

- Bait to catch the Ripper.

- Keep an eye on that fellow who just left then.

- [Ms. Adler] He's the Ripper?

- He could lead you to the Ripper.

- Julia was being followed.

- Followed by?

- I couldn't make it out in the fog.

- And what is she to you?

- Call it my mothering instinct.

- The ministry doesn't care about Whitechapel you know.

- I know.

- And will do as little as possible for it.

Whitechapel is dangerous just now...mother and growing more dangerous by the minute.

(soft music) - I'm so sorry, Nora.

- Thank you.

Dr. Openshaw.

- Ah, Mrs. Savage, there you are.

How is Victor?

- Victor has passed.

Mr. Smith.

- I'm sorry.

You know Rebecca Keen my-- - Associate.

- Yes.

- Mr. Smith was instrumental with Victor's disease.

- I'm sure he was.

- And I helped too, didn't I Cully?

- Yes, Rebecca.

Nora, my solicitor, Gabriel Utterson.

- Smith.

- Here he is now.

Utterson, you are late.

- I had business, Henry gave me a letter to hold.

Oh and here's an envelope I received at the office for you.

- Who is it from?

- [Gabriel] No idea.

- Oh, a mysterious billet doux!

- It was delivered by some street urchin.

Mrs. Savage I have some papers you must sign.

- What is this?

- Cully is Victor's uncle, aren't you Cully?

- Victor was wheeled property and money by his aunt.

She stipulated that in the event of his death, everything goes to Mr. Smith.

I'm sorry Mrs. Savage, but-- - Good God, man.

Her husband has just died.

- [Mrs Savage] Leave the papers.

- No, you must sign them now.

- Get out Smith.

Or I'll throw you out.

- May I watch.

- Mrs. Savage sign at your leisure.

- You don't make the rules, Utterson.

You're hired help.

- I'm hired for my knowledge and advice.

I know enough to advise you to go.

- Or wish you had.

- Very well then I'll deal with you later, Utterson.

(footsteps) - That was masterful, Mr. Utterson.

- (stumbles) thank you.

- I've always wanted to study law, perhaps we could-- - Rebecca.

- Well I must run.

- Oh another time.

- I shall see to it.

Coming Cully.

- Thank you both.

- What a horrible man.

- And what an interesting woman.

We're supposed to serve our clients regardless of personal feelings and Smith makes it difficult.

Dark times.

The Ripper, your husband's death and Henry, he's grown erratic, obsessed with his work, it threatens... - What, Mr. Utterson?

- It threatens to destroy him.

(soft music) (knocking at door) - [Watson] Come in.

(door opens & closes) - Sure and yer the only one who can help, Mr. Holmes, they've stolen it.

- I'm not Holmes, I...

Wait, what was stolen?

- Me pot of gold.

- [Watson] Your pot o' gold?

(Holmes chuckling) - Watson you should see your face.

- Holmes!

What a brilliant disguise!

- Yeah, putty, crepe wool, grease paint, a bit of costuming.

- [Watson] You've been out all night?

- Yeah in Whitechapel.

I met an old friend.

- [Watson] Who?

- Irene Adler.

(pebbles hitting window) She's assigned to the Ripper case disguised as an unfortunate named Mary Kelly.

(pebbles hitting window) I also spoke with Henry.

(pebbles hitting window) In Whitechapel.

(pebbles hitting window) What is that constant noise?

(pebbles hitting window) - Someone's throwing pebbles at the window.

- Throwing pebbles at-- - Probably Lestrade.

- I say... (window opens) Lestrade, how did you-- - Tell Holmes to come down.

- And tell him to come up?

- Come up.

- I don't come... (window slams shut) - He wasn't finished shouting.

- I was finished listening.

- [Sherlock] What did he want?

- He didn't say.

- Perhaps he simply wanted to throw pebbles at the window.

- We'll know soon.

(door opens) - Where's Holmes?

I've gotta speak to Holmes.

- Pull your socks up ya bacon-face gobdaw!

- Now, see here... - [Sherlock] Oh, calm down Lestrade.

- Holmes?

- Probably so.

(knock at door - door opens) - [Watson] Oh, who could this be?

- You're an easy man to follow, inspector.

I can't understand why you're a detective.

You have none of the requisite skills.

- Now see here, I-- - Ah, Miss Keen entertaining to see you again.

- Mr. Holmes.

Is that you under those habiliments?

- [Sherlock] It is.

- How charming.

Do you enjoy dressing up and costumes?

- Disguise, Miss Keen, allows me access where I might otherwise not be accepted.

- I can relate to that.

- What may we do for you?

- Cully sailed back to Sumatra with Moreau.

I've been abandoned, an orphan again, Dommage!

- Likely my fault.

I sent him a note regarding Victor Savage's death.

- Ah, you sent that mysterious billet doux!

- Holmes, you must come with me It's-- - I'll go too.

- [Lestrade] No.

- I'll just follow you.

It's so easy.

- There's been a fifth Ripper victim.

- What?

her name was Mary Jane Kelly.

(dramatic music) - Stay back, stay back now.

(crowd, voices) Sorry sir, you'll have ... - Inspector Lestrade, Scotland Yard, this is Sherlock Holmes.

- Holmes?

Yes sir.

Go right through.

Be calm, everyone stay back.

- Miss Keen, you stay out here.

(footsteps) - And miss everything?

(footsteps) - I have no time for argument.

(footsteps) Down this passageway then.

(footsteps) - Openshaw.

(footsteps) What are you doing here?

(footsteps) - They called me in.

(footsteps) Too hashed up to autopsy though.

(footsteps) Miss Keen, I don't think a woman should-- - A woman should.

(footsteps) - Who identified Kelly?

(footsteps) - Joseph Barnett, (footsteps) they live together.

(footsteps) No face left.

(footsteps) He identified her by her hair and night shirt.

- You'll take the body to the hospital?

- No, shortage.

Hospital mortuary is busy.

Remember Henry's friend, Edward?

- Horrible man.

- Suicide, poison.

About 9:00 PM last night.

Utterson found the body.

- I can't say I'm awfully sorry.

- Shall we go in?

- [Thomas] Watch your footing.

Landlord broke the door to bits getting in.

(broken wood rattling) - [Rebecca] I'm coming too.

(broken wood rattling) - I'm sorry.

(broken wood rattling) Police business.

(broken wood rattling) - Oh well, tell me all about it later.

- Oh good Lord.

She's been butchered.

- May I examine the body.

- If you have the stomach for it.

- Not much left.

(footsteps) - Just as I thought.

We're finished.

- That was quick.

- Shall we go?

- Yes, of course.

Thomas.

(wood rattles, footsteps) - Watson.

(footsteps) - Well, did you solve it?

(footsteps) - Yes, we... (footsteps) Holmes, slow down.

(footsteps) - Let's catch up.

(footsteps) Holmes, wait.

(footsteps) - I'm out of breath.

(footsteps) My how exciting.

Mary Kelly was in fact, Irene Adler from Scotland Yard's Special Branch.

- How do you know that?

- She told me.

- I love masquerades.

- But Holmes, Miss Adler-- - That was not Irene Adler.

- What?

- The ears.

I wrote a monograph on it.

No two sets of ears are alike.

- Then who is she?

- A woman named Julia Foster, who henna'd her hair to match Kelly's.

- The Ripper killed the wrong woman?

- The Ripper kills with the skill of a surgeon.

This woman's simply been slashed and torn to pieces.

- Now, I'm sorry I didn't go look.

- Julia Foster was killed by the giant rat of Sumatra.

(soft music) - Should we have some supper before we go out again Holmes?

- We'll supp when we return.

Bring your service revolver.

- How big is the rat by now?

- Did you notice the door frame in Kelly's room?

- No I didn't.

- It was bowed and split.

Hold out your hand, here what's this?

- It looks like the fur we found on the constable.

- This was embedded in the door jam.

Even with the compactable skeleton of a rat.

He'd had trouble getting through that door.

- But if he's growing... - He'll still be able to come and go through the large sewer outlets.

(knock at door) (door opens) - Oh, Miss Adler.

- Hello Watson.

May I come in?

- Of course.

- I can't stay.

(door closes) - No more Mary Kelly?

- Gone before her time.

I've come to say goodbye.

- Where to next, Miss Adler?

- Wherever I'm to go, whomever I'm to be.

- Will we see you again?

- Perhaps?

- Will we know you when we do?

- He will.

- I will.

Goodnight Miss Irene Adler.

- Goodnight.

Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

- Now see her out, would you Watson?

- Of course.

May I get the door for you?

- I've got it.

- Oh.

Excuse me.

(door opens) - Who might you be?

- I don't know yet, good day.

(door closes) - That wasn't Mrs. Holmes was it?

- What are you doing here Ms.

Keen.

- Is Mr. Holmes wealthy?

- What?

- Oh, look at all these chemicals.

What's this, a cannon ball?

- A bomb.

- How glorious.

How does it work?

- You drop it and it goes off.

- I shan't drop it then.

- No.

- I'll put it down.

- We'll try the artillery first.

- Oh, Mr. Holmes.

Sherlock, there you are.

- We're about to leave.

- Miss Keen wants to help us capture the rat.

- Or kill it.

I have absolutely no motherly instinct.

- No, I'm sorry.

(Rebecca sobbing) - Cully's left me.

I have nowhere to go.

You cannot know the journey I've made.

How hard I've struggled.

I could never go back to when I was poor.

And wheedled the grocer for sugar and tea.

- We can't take-- - I'm an orphan, Dr. Watson.

Did you know that?

(knock at door) - Come.

(door opens) - Excuse me, Mr. Holmes.

- Utterson.

(door closes) - I have a letter you should read Mr. Holmes, it will explain much.

- Now Watson, will you entertain our guest while I read this.

It shouldn't take long.

- Mr. Utterson.

- Oh, Ms.

Keen, I didn't expect to find you here.

- Oh, I'm always entirely unexpected.

- A letter.

- From Henry, it was to be opened if he disappeared.

- He's disappeared.

- It's more complicated than that.

- This letter validates my earlier deduction, - Which is?

- That Edward Hyde was the Ripper.

(sting ♪) - And sadly Henry was-- - Henry Jeckle felt the need to leave London.

- Ah, yes, to start a new life.

- Ashamed with his association with Hyde, no doubt.

- [Sherlock] No doubt.

- You're preparing to leave?

- They're going after the rat.

Isn't that brave?

- May I offer my carriage?

- We have transportation.

- You have a carriage?

- I do.

- I'm sure Mrs. Utterson finds it convenient.

- There is no Mrs. Utterson.

- Oh, I wonder if I might have a ride to my hotel.

- Of course.

Mr. Holmes.

Dr. Watson, if I can help in any way.

- Thank you.

- Shall we go, Miss Keen?

- This is so kind of you.

- Not at all.

- You know I haven't eaten today.

I just realized.

(music) Perhaps we could go... (door closes) - Sergeant, you know how to operate a Gardner machine gun?

- Yes sir.

- Good.

- Lestrade.

- Holmes, Watson.

- Inspector.

That's the sewer entrance then?

Yes, quite large.

No problem walking upright.

- And the Gardner gun's arrived, I see.

- Delivered by grenadiers.

The Queen's grenadiers.

- The crown owed me a favor.

- A machine gun on a carriage?

- It was a large favor.

Oh, hold my satchel.

- Very well, you know the queen?

- Not so well that I could borrow money, but yes.

You might mention the bomb.

- Bomb?

- In the satchel.

- Will it explode?

- Only if you drop it.

- Oh, good.

- And what else then.

- I have police lanterns for everyone.

Not from the queen, of course.

- A valuable contribution.

- And we have a guide, Mags.

- Guv' nor.

- Come here.

We can't muck about in the sewers without a guide.

- Wotcher inspector?

- This is Mags, she's a tosher.

- I know sewer's better 'nanybody, 'cept Freddy, but 'e's dead.

- Oh.

- An' I'm good at killin' rats.

- With a gun?

- With a rock.

'ere, see that gull flyin' low?

- Yes.

- Watch me hit it from (grunts) here.

(seagull cawing) - Oh my.

- The rat got Freddy, so I got's me a vengeance.

- Are we ready?

- Ready Holmes.

- Let us begin.

(suspenseful music) - (echo) How long's it been?

(sloshing through muck) - Long enough to get used to the smell.

- Deep place 'ere.

Don't get yer wheels stuck, Mr.

Sergeant.

- [Sergeant] Right you are.

(creaking of carriage wheels) - The tunnel splits here.

Left or right?

- The left.

- [Lestrade] You're guessing.

- I never guess.

- Observe the fork to the right.

T he arch above is covered with grease and filth.

- So?

- Now look at the one to the left.

The arch is worn smooth b y the rat scraping as it passed through.

- He must be gigantic.

(rat growling) - What was that?

- I believe that is our prey.

- An' 'e b'lieves the same about us.

- You'll note that it's coming from the left tunnel, this way.

(soft music) (mud squishing) ( rats shrieking) (echo continues) Listen, you hear that?

- It's getting louder.

- Look, here they come, rats.

-He sent 'em!

- Hundreds of them.

Sergeant.

- Yes sir.

- Fire.

(gun blasting) Cave in!

(wood, rocks crunching) (Lestrade and Watson coughing) - Everyone safe?

- Fine Holmes.

- All cushty, Mr. 'Olmes.

- Sergeant?

- Good sir, on the other side of the rubble.

But the guns under it.

- The gun brought the ceiling down.

- It killed the rats though.

- Go back to headquarters sergeant.

- [Sergeant] Yes sir, very grateful sir.

- Do you see that ladder bolted to the brick work?

We'll need that shortly.

Now let's move forward quietly.

(echo contintues - mud squishing) - Holmes, listen.

- I believe there's a concourse just ahead.

- Yes sir.

Five tunnels comes t'gether.

- Yes, I see it.

The rat will be trapped there.

He's grown too big for the other tunnels.

Now, quiet.

- Right you are.

But I think I... (Lestrade sneezes) (gun blasting) (rat growling) - Back, get back.

- Now ya done it.

- It's too big, it can't reach us.

- Move back, where it can't see us.

- I'm out of bullets.

- I am as well, just drop the satchel.

- Holmes, the bomb with collapse the entire shaft.

- I plan on a buffer.

Mags, you stay, Watson, Lestrade, go.

- Don't be absurd.

- We'll be close behind, go.

- Come Lestrade.

- Don't like this Watson, I don't like this at all.

- Mags, see this.

- Cannon ball.

- And there's a bomb inside, watch.

- That's a good trick.

(unscrews cannon ball - Now take the bomb out.

- You want me t' frow it at the rat?

- I want you to throw it toward the rat and miss.

Can you do that?

- I can do the most accurate miss you ever seed Mr. 'Olmes.

- Good, time to put an end to this.

- Right y'are.

- Let's step into view.

- Hob, attention.

(rat growling) Now Mags, Hobb, catch.

(Mags groans) - 'E swallowed it whole!

- Time to go, quickly Mags.

(echo stops) (manhole cover scrapes) - Mags, up you go.

- 'Olmes is right behind me.

- Quick Lestrade, put the cover in place.

Everyone back.

(manhole cover scraptes (muffled bomb blast) (metal clinking) - What was that?

(debris falling) - The bomb.

- But... - Buffered.

- How?

- Inside the rat.

- Excellent.

(people chatting) - Well the explosions attracted a crowd.

- Certainly has.

- Time t'pay me f' services, copper.

- Oh yes, I've got your money right...

It's gone.

(Mags chuckling) - I got it 'ere.

Picked it off for ya when we set out.

Had it all along.

- What?

- And 'ere's yer han'cuffs and yer gun.

I'm off to Ten Bells for a pint.

- Say, where's my badge?

- We should go, Holmes.

- Now tread carefully Watson, the sewer below remains unstable.

- The ministry will attend to it.

- The ministry doesn't care a fig about the people here.

- As little as possible.

- But surely-- - Forget it Watson, it's Whitechapel.

(soft music) - Holmes did bring Culverton Smith to justice.

I wrote about it in "The Dying Detective".

Miss Keen married Mr. Utterson, for a short while.

Some years later, I saw her in Whitechapel a demi-mundaine, at a gambling club relieving young dandies of their fortunes.

But back at Baker Street, we marked our success with a celebratory dinner.

- And here's the soup course.

- Thank you, Mrs. Hudson.

- A feast to mark the end of a successful case.

Eat.

(spoon scraping bowl) - This is delicious.

(spoon scraping bowl) - What soup is this?

(spoon scraping bowl) Lonzhou Beef, a traditional Chinese soup.

- Mrs. Hudson consulted the Chinese Legation.

- I thought it appropriate.

- Indeed it is.

- I don't understand.

- What year is it, Watson?

- 1888.

- 1888, the Chinese year of...the rat.

- What?

(all laughing) (theme music) - You have been listening to the radio dramatization, Sherlock Holmes and the Giant Rat of Sumatra.

A presentation of the air command produced by KTWU at the Neese Gray Theater.

And now good night (rat growling) and pleasant dreams.

(theme music) (soft piano music) To purchase copies of this program or to view this program online, go to KTWU.org