Sherlock Holmes: "The Adventure of the Amateur Mendicant Society" April 2, 1945

This is the April 2, 1945, broadcast of the radio episode "The Adventure of the Amateur Mendicant Society." This was part of the American radio series *The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes*, which famously starred Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson. Episode Details Original Air Date: April 2, 1945 Series: The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Network: Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS) Sponsor: Petri Wine (often remembered for the "Petri Wine" voiceovers by announcer Bill Foreman) Writers: Denis Green and Anthony Boucher Plot Summary The story is based on a passing mention in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story "The Five Orange Pips," where Watson lists the "Amateur Mendicant Society" as one of Holmes's cases from 1887. In this radio dramatization, Watson is summoned to a luxury vault beneath a furniture warehouse. He discovers a secret society of wealthy individuals who dress as beggars (mendicants) for excitement. However, the "hobby" turns deadly when one of their members is murdered, leading Holmes to uncover a dark secret involving espionage and a mechanical trap intended to blow up the building. Key Cast Role Actor Sherlock Holmes: Basil Rathbone Dr. John H. Watson: Nigel Bruce Announcer: Bill Foreman