The Final Adventure p. 1
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
THE FINAL ADVENTURE
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Adaptation by Glenn Carlson and Scot Crisp
for One Act Audio Theatre
1 INT. NARRATION 1
SFX
MUSIC UP
WATSON
While I have, over the years,
chronicled many cases demonstrating
the singular gifts of my friend,
Sherlock Holmes, I never intended to
relate the events surrounding the
terrible adventure that ended in such
tragedy at Reichenbach Falls. I
choose to do so now, not to defend
Holmes, whose actions need no
defense, but to set straight the
terrible perversion of facts as
perpetrated in the recent
publications of Colonel James
Moriarty, who obviously seeks to
rehabilitate the reputation of his
brother, the criminal mastermind,
Professor Moriarty. I alone know the
absolute truth of what transpired
when Holmes met his arch-enemy face-
to-face, and will now lay the facts
before the public exactly as they
occurred.
WATSON
It may be remembered that after my
marriage Holmes and I saw each other
a fair deal less. He still called
upon me from time to time when he
desired a companion in his
investigations, but these occasions
grew more and more seldom.
WATSON
During the late Winter and early
Spring of '91, I received two notes
from Holmes, who was engaged upon a
matter of some import on behalf of
the French government.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 2
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
1 CONTINUED: 1
WATSON
From these notes I gathered his stay
in France would be a lengthy one, and
so I was quite surprised to see him
walk into my study on the evening of
April 24th.
SFX
MUSIC OUT
2 INT. WATSON'S OFFICE -- EVENING 2
HOLMES
Hello, Watson, old friend.
WATSON
Holmes! What on earth --?
HOLMES
I apologize for calling so late.
WATSON
There is no need. Sit down, you are
looking rather pale.
HOLMES
Yes, I have been using myself up
rather too freely.
WATSON
Some brandy?
HOLMES
Would that be your medical advice,
doctor?
SFX
DECANTER AND GLASS
WATSON
Yes, it is as a matter of fact ...
Pray, take a seat, Holmes.
HOLMES
Have you any objection to my closing
your shutters?
WATSON
None. Is there something wrong?
SFX
SHUTTERS CLOSING
HOLMES
Also, if you would be so
unconventional as to allow me to
leave your house by way of your back
garden, I would be grateful.
WATSON
Holmes, sit, and explain this
peculiar behavior.
SFX
CHAIR PULLED UP
HOLMES
(sighs) Is it so peculiar for a man
who fears for his life, Watson.
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 3
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
2 CONTINUED: 2
WATSON
Certainly not. I am sorry ... I did
not appreciate the serious nature of
this unexpected visit.
HOLMES
I do not wish to bring trouble to
this house, my good man, but where
else am I to turn?
WATSON
There is no trouble so great that I
would turn away my closest and
dearest friend.
HOLMES
You are too kind, Watson. But your
wife ... she --
WATSON
She is away on a visit. I do not
expect her back for a fortnight.
HOLMES
Indeed! You are alone?
WATSON
Quite.
HOLMES
That is fortunate. I am quite sure
that I have not been followed here,
but not certain. I've been ducking
in darkened doorways and creeping
through unlit alleys so that I may
stay hidden.
WATSON
Hidden?! Holmes, when have you ever
taken to hiding from anything?
HOLMES
Yes, I am not accustomed to such
actions ... but in seventy-two hours,
the most challenging and dangerous
case of my career will be complete,
and the terrible threat against my
life a mere memory. Until then I,
and anyone I am in contact with is in
grave danger.
WATSON
From whom?
HOLMES
You have probably never heard of the
mathematician, Professor Moriarty?
WATSON
Never.
HOLMES
That's the genius and wonder of the
thing. The man pervades London and
no one has heard of him.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 4
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
2 CONTINUED: (2) 2
HOLMES
For some time now I have been
conscious of some power, some deep
organizing force at work in our city.
For two years I have endeavored to
break through the veil which shrouded
this mysterious power. At last I
came upon a small clue ... I seized
this thread and followed it, until it
led me, after a thousand cunning
windings, to Professor Moriarty.
WATSON
But how could such a man go
undetected for so long?
HOLMES
Moriarty is the Napoleon of crime,
Watson. He is the organizer of half
that is evil and nearly all that is
undetected in this great city. He is
a genius, a philosopher, an abstract
thinker. He sits motionless, like a
spider in the center of its web, a
web with a thousand radiations, and
he knows well the quiver of each of
its threads.
*
Moriarty does little himself. He
only plans, directing his numerous
agents like pieces on a chessboard.
Should the agent be caught, money
appears for his bail or his defense.
But the central power which uses this
agent is never caught, not so much as
suspected. This was the organization
I deduced, and which I have devoted
all my energy to exposing.
*
You know my powers, Watson, and yet
at the end of three months I was
forced to confess that I had met an
antagonist who was my intellectual
equal. My horror at his crimes was
lost in my admiration of his skill.
He is wily, Watson. Never have I
risen to such heights, and never have
I been so hard pressed by an
opponent.
WATSON
Extraordinary! Go on.
HOLMES
Then at last he made a slip -- just a
little, little slip -- but it is all
I need.
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 5
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
2 CONTINUED: (3) 2
*
Moriarty is planning a seizure of
treasury notes, to be shipped by
train this coming Monday. To thwart
such a crime would be of great public
service, of course, but that would
not net us the mastermind, only more
of his pawns. But I am one step
ahead of him this time, Watson, for I
know that along with the notes in
this shipment are items of even
greater value which will be delivered
directly to Moriarty, for he will
trust them to no one else's keeping.
Once he has exposed himself as
culpable in this matter, the police
will arrest him.
WATSON
You do not wish to confront him?
HOLMES
All my carefully documented research
has been placed in Scotland Yards
hands. They know what must be done,
and that patience above all else is
called for to lure such a sly
opponent into our trap.
WATSON
So you've caught him!
HOLMES
Moriarty knows I am close, Watson,
and if he knew exactly how close, he
would cancel his plans and all my
work will have been for nothing. I
will not jeopardize this opportunity.
No! I must lay low until the trap is
sprung. Besides, he has already
confronted me.
WATSON
Really?
HOLMES
Yes! This morning, after the final
details were discussed with Inspector
Walker, I returned to Baker Street.
I was in my rooms playing the violin,
trying to clear my mind so as not to
dwell on how difficult the next three
days would be -- the waiting and
inaction -- when suddenly the very
man who had been so much in my
thoughts was standing there on my
threshold, peering at me from behind
his hooded eyes.
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 6
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
2 CONTINUED: (4) 2
SFX
MUSIC TRANSITION -- SOLO VIOLIN
3 INT. BAKER STREET SITTING ROOM -- MORNING 3
MORIARTY
You play quite well, Mr. Holmes.
SFX
VIOLIN STOPS
HOLMES
Thank you.
SFX
VIOLIN ON TABLE
MORIARTY
You evidently don't know me.
HOLMES
On the contrary, Professor Moriarty.
Pray take a chair.
MORIARTY
No, thank you.
HOLMES
I can spare you a moment, if you have
anything you wish to say.
MORIARTY
All that I have to say has already
crossed your mind.
HOLMES
Then possibly my answers have crossed
yours.
MORIARTY
Possibly.
HOLMES
If there is nothing else -- careful
there, Professor!
MORIARTY
Merely my notebook, sir. Ah Mr.
Holmes, it is a dangerous habit to
finger loaded firearms in the pocket
of one's dressing-gown.
SFX
GUN ON TABLE
HOLMES
As I said, I do know you, Professor.
MORIARTY
Then you know that I keep meticulous
records. For example, I note that
you crossed my path on the 4th of
January. On the 23rd you incommoded
me. By the middle of February I was
somewhat hampered in my plans. At
the end of March your meddling was
seriously inconveniencing. Now, at
the close of April, I find your
continual persecution places me in a
most impossible situation.
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 7
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
3 CONTINUED: 3
HOLMES
Have you any suggestion to make?
MORIARTY
I am quite sure that a man of your
intellect will see that if you pursue
this matter, there can be but one
outcome.
HOLMES
On that we agree, but as to the
outcome itself, we remain at odds.
MORIARTY
It has been an intellectual treat for
me to see the way in which you have
played our little game of chess. You
hope to beat me ... I tell you that
you will never beat me. You must
drop this, you really must, you know.
HOLMES
Really? Resign the game when I have
you in check?
MORIARTY
You overstate your position, sir. I
see the board clearly, and you have
no other move to make. I will take no
pleasure in your demise, but I tell
you this plainly: You must stand
clear, Mr. Holmes, or be trod
underfoot.
SFX
VIOLIN PICKED UP
HOLMES
I am afraid that our time is up,
Professor. I can no longer neglect
my more important business. You can
see yourself out, I am sure.
MORIARTY
A pity. I have attempted to be
reasonable. If you believe you are
clever enough to bring destruction
upon me, then you know that I can and
will do as much to you.
HOLMES
You have paid me several compliments,
Professor Moriarty. Let me pay you
one in return when I say that if I
were assured of your destruction then
I would gladly accept my own.
MORIARTY
I can promise you the one, but not
the other.
HOLMES
Good day, professor.
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 8
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
3 CONTINUED: (2) 3
MORIARTY
I believe the more proper word here,
Mr. Holmes, is goodbye.
4 INT. WATSON'S OFFICE -- EVENING 4
SFX
CLOCK CHIMES QUARTER HOUR / PIPE
NOISES
HOLMES
That was my singular interview with
Professor Moriarty.
WATSON
A most diabolical business, Holmes.
Such gall! To -- he -- just standing
there!
HOLMES
Yes, Watson. But a man such as
Moriarty does not let grass grow
under his feet. Twice already today
have his men attempted assault upon
me.
WATSON
What?
HOLMES
A two horse van nearly ran me down on
Welbeck Street.
WATSON
I say!
HOLMES
Then on Trendle Lane a brick came
falling from the rooftops above,
shattering not inches from my feet.
WATSON
These are no mere coincidences.
HOLMES
No. So now you better understand why
I closed the shutters upon my arrival
and wished to leave your house by
some less conspicuous way than the
front door.
WATSON
Yes.
HOLMES
Do not look so glum, Watson. Despite
his amazing intellect, Moriarty
believes that he cannot fail. That
is his weakness, and mark my words,
it will be his downfall. Still, until
Monday, I remain in a precarious
position; there are sure to be more
attempts upon my life.
WATSON
I see that hiding is a reasonable
plan of action, Holmes.
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 9
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
4 CONTINUED: 4
HOLMES
As my presence here is not necessary,
I mean to disappear completley for a
few days, then return to assist in
the court convictions.
WATSON
You will leave London!
HOLMES
I will leave England. And I would be
most grateful if you would consider
coming with me.
WATSON
Of course! The practice is quiet ...
I have an accommodating neighbor. I
should be glad to come.
HOLMES
Then we start from Victoria Station
tomorrow morning on the Continental
Express at precisely 7:40. The
second first class coach from the
front is reserved for us.
WATSON
Excellent!
HOLMES
These are your instructions, and I
beg you, my dear Watson, follow them
to the letter. You must send ...
SFX
MUSIC BRIDGE FADE TO
5 INT. VICTORIA STATION -- MORNING 5
SFX
TRAIN STATION WITH CONDUCTOR WHISTLE
PORTER
All aboard! All aboard.
WATSON
Where are you, Holmes?
PORTER
Please board, sir, the train is
departing.
WATSON
Of course. One moment. Has anyone
else boarded this coach?
PORTER
I don't believe so sir.
SFX
CONDUCTOR WHISTLE FOLLOWED BY TRAIN
WHISTLE BLAST
PORTER
All aboard (fade) ...
6 INT. CONTINENTAL EXPRESS COMPARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS 6
Watson enters the train. Slides compartment door back and
takes a seat. He is looking out the window.
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 10
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
6 CONTINUED: 6
WATSON
Come on, Holmes.
In the background we hear a conversation between the
Purser/Conductor and someone speaking broken English with a
French or Italian accent.
PASSENGER
My luggage is checked through to
Paris, yes?
PURSER
Yes, Monsieur/Signore ... here is
your compartment.
PASSENGER
Merci/Grazi
Passenger enters compartment.
PASSENGER
Good day, English sir.
WATSON
Um, yes, good day. Excuse me,
purser, this coach is ... I say ...
ah!!
SFX
COMPARTMENT DOOR CLOSES
PASSENGER
A fine day for train, yes?
WATSON
I am sorry, sir, but I am preoccupied
at the moment.
HOLMES
Oh, my dear Watson, it is no wonder
that our European friends complain of
a lack of English hospitality.
WATSON
Holmes! Good heavens! How you
startled me!
HOLMES
Please lean back away from the
window, my friend. I have reason to
believe they are hot upon our trail.
Ah, there is Moriarty himself.
WATSON
Where?
HOLMES
There. Ah, he must be very concerned
to be here in person.
SFX
TRAIN PULLING AWAY
HOLMES
You see, even with all our
precautions, we have cut it rather
fine. Have you seen the morning
paper, Watson?
WATSON
No.
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 11
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
6 CONTINUED: (2) 6
HOLMES
You haven't heard about Baker Street,
then?
WATSON
Baker Street?
HOLMES
They set fire to our rooms last
night. I hope the damage is not too
great.
WATSON
Good heavens, Holmes! This is
intolerable!
HOLMES
They must have lost my track
completely last night, or they would
not have returned to Baker Street
searching for me. I assume they took
the precaution of watching you,
however, and that is what has brought
Moriarty to Victoria. You could not
have made any slip in coming?
WATSON
I did exactly as you advised. My
luggage was sent, unmarked, by
messenger to the station last night.
This morning I took the third random
cab to Lowther Arcade, passed through
it in a roundabout manner, and found
the carriage waiting at the other end
as you described.
HOLMES
Did you recognize the coachman?
WATSON
No. But as you'd said, he wore a
black overcoat with red tipped
collar.
HOLMES
It was my brother, Mycroft ... but
perhaps they were watching him, too.
Well, no matter. We must plan what
we are to do about Moriarty now.
WATSON
This train is an express with a
direct connection to the boat. I
should think we have shaken him off
quite effectively.
HOLMES
Ah, Watson, did you not realize my
meaning when I said this man is on
the same intellectual plane as
myself. You do not imagine that if I
were the pursuer I would be baffled
by so slight an obstacle?
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 12
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
6 CONTINUED: (3) 6
WATSON
No, not at all. What will he do?
HOLMES
What would I do?
WATSON
Hire a private carriage and engine to
follow.
HOLMES
Precisely, Watson, precisely. This
train stops at Cantebury and after
that we face a least a half hour's
delay with the boat at Dover. He
will have time to catch us.
WATSON
Well, then we must ... what, Holmes?
HOLMES
We shall leave the train at
Cantebury.
SFX
MUSIC TRANSITION AND UNDER
7 INT. NARRATION 7
WATSON
It was as Holmes said: As we
prepared to leave Cantebury Station,
Holmes grasped my arm and drew my
attention to a thin spray of smoke
rising from among the Kentish woods.
A minute later a carriage and engine
could be seen flying along the open
curve which leads to the station. We
hardly had time to dash behind a pile
of luggage when it passed with a
rattle and a roar, beating a blast of
hot air into our faces.
WATSON
We then made our way over-land from
Cantebury to the port of Newhaven and
from there on to Europe -- first to
Brussels, then to Strasburg, through
Interlaken, and finally to the small
Swiss village of Meiringen. It was
there, upon our arrival late Monday
afternoon, that Holmes received a
telegram from Scotland Yard.
SFX
MUSIC OUT
8 INT. MEIRINGEN TELEGRAPH OFFICE -- AFTERNOON 8
SFX
ENVELOPE OPENS
HOLMES
Ahh! I might have known it. He has
escaped arrest!
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 13
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
8 CONTINUED: 8
WATSON
Moriarty was not taken?
HOLMES
No. They secured the whole of
Moriarty's gang with the exception of
him, who is nowhere to be found. I
should not have left England!
WATSON
We should return immediately!
Holmes?
HOLMES
(pause) Perhaps in a day or so,
Watson.
WATSON
Do you not wish to return and find
him ... to present your case against
Moriarty to the courts?
HOLMES
It is beyond all that now. Moriarty
means to destroy me. That is what he
will desire above all else, now that
his occupation is gone. He said as
much in our short interview at Baker
Street. He will come after me
eventually.
WATSON
What do you plan to do, Holmes?
HOLMES
When he makes his move, I will have
him, Watson.
WATSON
Of course!
HOLMES
And as for now, let us find lodging
for the night. Tomorrow I plan to
enjoy a little mountain air.
SFX
MUSIC TRANSITION
9 EXT. REICHENBACH FALLS PATHWAY -- MORNING 9
SFX
RUSHING RIVER AND WATERFALLS
HOLMES
Ah, the innkeeper was right, Watson,
this is indeed a splendid trek! A
place such as this ... it clears the
mind.
WATSON
It has been quite some time since I
was able to take in such a grand
view.
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 14
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
9 CONTINUED: 9
HOLMES
I should think that just beyond this
bend we shall have a clear view of
the top of the falls.
WATSON
Shall we press on, then?
HOLMES
By all means. After you, doctor.
Watson steps further up the path. Holmes slips and falls on
the trail.
HOLMES
Ahhhh!!
WATSON
Holmes! Are you all right?
HOLMES
I believe so.
WATSON
Here. Let me help you up.
HOLMES
Arrgghhhhh!
WATSON
What is it?
HOLMES
Its my ankle. Twisted I am afraid.
WATSON
Ah. Sit back. Allow me to look at
it.
HOLMES
(laugh) I should prefer to consult
you on more serious medical matters.
It is a mere sprain. But I fear I
will have trouble walking on it.
WATSON
You can lean on me ... I will help
you back to the inn.
HOLMES
That would be good of you, Watson,
but given the narrow and precarious
nature of this trail, I should think
it safer to employ the assistance of
another. I recall a farmer's house
near the trail head. I do believe
there you will find a young gentleman
of proper ability.
WATSON
Of course. I shall return with help
before you know it.
HOLMES
You are a good friend, Watson. You
always have been.
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 15
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
9 CONTINUED: (2) 9
WATSON
I shan't be long, Holmes ... (fade)
Now don't go and try to put any
weight on that leg ... you sit still
until I return ...
SFX
FOOTSTEPS DOWN TRAIL
HOLMES
My apologies, Watson, but I cannot
keep the professor waiting.
10 EXT. REICHENBACH FALLS PATHWAY -- CONTINUOUS 10
Holmes rises to his feet and walks up the path.
MORIARTY
Stop there, Mr. Holmes! Ah. I fully
expected you to be accompanied by
that bovine, scribe of your past
adventures.
HOLMES
I am not pleased to deceive Dr.
Watson, but I had no intention of
risking his life. The matter at hand
is between us alone, Moriarty.
MORIARTY
Yes, it is. And where better than
here to mark the fall of the great,
late, Sherlock Holmes.
HOLMES
You've come equipped with a revolver
this time. You place me at a
distinct disadvantage.
MORIARTY
You have intruded into my life for
far too long, and I have not the time
nor the patience to continue playing
chess with you.
WATSON
(off) Holmes?!
MORIARTY
Our game comes to an end.
HOLMES
You would shoot me, unarmed as I am?
WATSON
(off) Holmes where are you?!
Holmes?!
MORIARTY
This is check ... and mate!
HOLMES
No!
Holmes races at Moriarty. Sound of struggle.
SFX
PISTOL SHOT
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 16
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
10 CONTINUED: 10
Sound of struggle continues between Holmes and Moriarty.
WATSON
(off, but closer) Holmes!
SFX
FOOTSTEPS RUNNING UP PATH
HOLMES
I believe ... we play to ... a ...
DRAW -- !!
BOTH
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Sound of Holmes and Moriarty screams fade as the plunge into
the falls.
SFX
MUSIC UP
WATSON
Holmes! Nooooo!!
SFX
MUSIC UNDER & FADE WATERFALL
11 INT. NARRATION 11
WATSON
That is the last I saw of Sherlock
Holmes, locked arm in arm with his
mortal foe, toppling from the side of
the trail and plunging into the
swirling cauldron of Reichenbach
Falls.
WATSON
How I came to witness these terrible
events is easily told. After I had
left Holmes near the top of the
falls, I descended down through the
river gorge towards the valley. I
was fortunate to have quickly met a
pair of young Austrians hiking the
trail. I explained my need of their
assistance and we began to climb back
towards the top.
WATSON
When I came to the place where I had
left Holmes, he was not there, but I
found his cap and pipe. I was not
unduly alarmed until the very next
moment when I heard the pistol shot
ring out. I ran up the trail only to
see my friend topple into the mists,
and fall from view into the turbulent
waters below.
(CONTINUED)
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The Final Adventure p. 17
c. 2002 One Act Audio Theatre
11 CONTINUED: 11
WATSON
When I reached the place where Holmes
had fallen, I saw the muddy
footprints where he and Moriarty had
stood, the ruts and marks of their
struggle, which ended at the very
edge where they had plummeted to
their deaths.
WATSON
There was nothing more to be done.
Local authorities interviewed me and
the case was quickly closed, after
which I returned to London. With
Holmes' meticulous notes, Moriarty's
gang was convicted, but few facts
about their terrible leader came out.
It is my hope that this account will
set the matter straight.
WATSON
These are the last words I shall
recite about Sherlock Holmes, but
each day as I look upon his cap and
pipe, placed on the mantle in my
study, I will fondly recall the best
and the wisest man I have ever known.
SFX
MUSIC UP
END
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