Black Museum – The Walking Stick. ep49, 1952

In the Black Museum, Orson Wells points out an exhibit that tells the story of a walking stick. It comes from Alaska, and belongd to a man who has friends who think he’s only bragging about his travels and exploits.

Dr Martinson claims to be giving the best of medical care to his wife, but his mother inlaw demands to care for her daughter. To get her daughter to eat, mom tries a trick from the woman’s childhood, and eats from the plate. Suddenly mom falls sick, and a group of doctors each diagnose differnt ailments. Amazingly, none figure it’s food poisoning.

The cause of death is labeled apoplexy. A loyal household servant holds a key, as we learn of gossip about the good doctor, his walking stick, and the so called valliant efforts he went to bring food to his wife. A woman who must have been wise to his efforts, ans topped eating anything he brought her, going on a hunger strike. Silvia finally dies, and Doc Martinson shows a proper display of grief.

The inspectors at Scotland Yard are tipped off the the convenient coincidences relating to the doctor. Sure enough, poison is found, and the trail of how it got to the doctors house is followed. The doctors reputation is questioned, anda court of law scrutinizes the deaths. Through aggressive prosecution a motive is uncovered, but will it take more evidence to close the case? Stay tuned to learn what the judge and jury decides. Orson adds commentary on the strange case, and the psychology behind the killings.