Experience the complete, original broadcast of the second episode of Crime Classics, the landmark true crime radio series that brought historical murders to life with chilling authenticity. Hosted by Thomas Hyland, this episode presents the bizarre and haunting true story of Thomas Edwin Bartlett, a greengrocer whose peaceful death in his sleep on New Year's Eve 1885 sparked one of England's most puzzling murder investigations.
Set in Pimlico, England, in the late 19th century, this episode reconstructs the strange marital triangle between Thomas Bartlett, his much younger wife Adelaide, and her handsome tutor George Dyson. What begins as a springtime romance and an honorable marriage slowly unravels into a web of manipulation, secret poisoning, and chloroform. The case culminates in a coroner's inquest, a trial for willful murder, and a stunning verdict of not guilty that left Victorian society bewildered. To this day, no one knows for certain how Thomas Edwin Bartlett met his end.
This broadcast is a priceless time capsule of Golden Age radio, featuring a meticulously researched script based on contemporary court reports and newspaper accounts. Created by Elliott Lewis and Morton Fine, Crime Classics became a cult classic, celebrated for its literate writing, atmospheric production, and Thomas Hyland's unforgettable portrayal of the urbane crime connoisseur. This episode is presented as broadcast on the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service, bringing the series to American servicemen and women stationed around the world.
Notable Moments in This Broadcast:
• Thomas Hyland's opening monologue, introducing the audience to the sound of Thomas Edwin Bartlett breathing peacefully in his sleep moments before his death.
• The springtime romance in 1875: Thomas Bartlett's courtship of 16 year old Adelaide Blanche de la Tremoire, featuring a skipping rope as his first gift.
• Adelaide's struggles with algebra and her husband's decision to hire a tutor, George Dyson.
• The blossoming intellectual and romantic relationship between Adelaide and George, set against lessons in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Thomas Bartlett's peculiar acceptance of his wife's affection for her tutor, including encouraging George to kiss her.
• George Dyson's chemistry background and his introduction of chloroform and mercury into the household.
• Bartlett's slow decline: reeling, falling, losing his teeth and beard, all while believing his stomach was improving.
• Adelaide's chilling transformation from child bride to calculating woman.
• The fatal New Year's Eve: five bottles of champagne, a pungent vintage, and Thomas Bartlett's peaceful death at the stroke of midnight.
• The post mortem examination revealing a lethal dose of chloroform in his stomach.
• The trial of Adelaide Bartlett and George Dyson, their protestations of innocence, and the jury's two hour deliberation returning a verdict of not guilty.
• The enduring mystery: the truth of what happened that night remains unknown.
• The ironic final detail: where Bartlett's grocery store once stood, an apothecary now occupies the spot.
• Original musical score composed and conducted by Bernard Herrmann, setting the tone for each scene.
• AFRTS network announcements and credits tailored for military audiences.
Period Details:
• Broadcast Date: June 22, 1953.
• Program: Crime Classics #002.
• Network: CBS Radio Network, distributed by the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS).
• Host/Narrator: Thomas Hyland (portrayed by Lou Merrill).
• Cast: Herb Butterfield (Thomas Edwin Bartlett), Betty Harford (Adelaide Bartlett), Terry Kilburn (George Dyson).
• Creator/Writer: Morton Fine, David Friedkin.
• Director/Producer: Elliott Lewis.
• Music: Bernard Herrmann, composer and conductor.
• Setting: Pimlico, England, circa 1875–1885.
• Source Material: Original court reports, contemporary newspaper accounts, and trial transcripts.
• Adaptation: Based on the infamous Bartlett poisoning case.
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