In this issue: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Re: Phantom of Opera heist Re: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Re: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply repeating mail messages re: Knightsbridge Mystery The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply [Fwd: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply] The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply -----------------------------THE POSTS----------------------------- Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 06:14:05 -0800
From: Robert Birchard <bbirchard(at)earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: Phantom of Opera heist
Richard L. King wrote:
>
> Robert Champ wrote:
>
> > Last week thieves in Hartford, Connecticut walked off with some of
> > the scenery from the musical _Phantom of the Opera_. Part of
> > the take involved a replica of the proscenium arch at the Paris
>
> Maybe...they are going to make a movie and needed some props!
>
> Richard
I think insurance fraud is a more likely motivation.
- --
Bob Birchard
bbirchard(at)earthlink.net
http://www.mdle.com/ClassicFilms/Guest/birchard.htm
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Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 10:20:42 -0500 (EST) From: Donna Goldthwaite <dgold(at)javanet.com> Subject: Re: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Greetings, Richard asked: >I wonder what guilty felons *really* do when they think they are suspects. Any >police officers on Gaslight who can tell us how people *actually* act? Do they >"doth protest too much?" What are the subtle psychological behaviors that >alert >a detective or officer that This is a Guilty Perp? (Let me know so I won't >ever >do them, heh, heh--I *was* once told by a police officer that one should >*never* take a lie detector test without an attorney present, which is my only >knowledge of police-criminal dynamics.) I remember reading that one giveaway is the reaction of a suspect upon being arrested/held for questioning. If he's left alone for awhile, he'll fall asleep. An innocent person, on the other hand, will stay alert. Has to do, I understand, with physiological responses after the planning and execution of the crime. The actual criminal would be exhausted, physically, emotionally and psychologically. For the innocent one, his ordeal has just begun. I presume that this occurs when the suspect is arrested just after the commission of the crime --- not some time later. Donna Goldthwaite dgold(at)javanet.com
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 13:52:39 -0600 From: R John Hayes <liardrg(at)telusplanet.net> Subject: Re: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Eveready bunny has nothing on this one. Every time I open my mailbox, there are more of them! - -- R John Hayes Devon, Alberta, Canada liardrg(at)telusplanet.net
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Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 13:56:16 -0700 From: Scott Leslie <sleslie(at)mtroyal.ab.ca> Subject: repeating mail messages re: Knightsbridge Mystery Hi Gaslighters, this is Scott Leslie from Mount Royal College. I provide technical support for Stephen and this list. We have determined conclusively that the proble is not with majordomo but with the mailserver at hudson.org where Sam's account is. We are actively working to shut down receipt of anymore mail messages from this server. Hopefully this will happen very soon. In the meantime I apologize for the bloated mail boxes but hope that you understand that there was little we could do before we found out about the problem. Cheers, Scott Leslie. - ------------------------ Scott Leslie (sleslie(at)mtroyal.ab.ca) Webmaster, Information systems, Mount Royal College 403-240-6730
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 16:04:20 -0500 From: "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> Subject: [Fwd: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply] This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - --------------A9DC0EA0D3B8867190507FF1 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit - --------------A9DC0EA0D3B8867190507FF1 Content-Type: message/rfc822 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: inline Message-ID: <36703119.18A460B0(at)indian.vinu.edu> Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 15:37:46 -0500 From: "Richard L. King" <rking(at)indian.vinu.edu> X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.04 [en] (Win95; I) MIME-Version: 1.0 To: Robert Champ <rchamp(at)polaris.umuc.edu> Subject: Re: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply References: <FEE8C9535DD4CB52052566D60002214A.000221E1052566D6(at)vinu.edu> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Nor Richard to be so astute! Richard King Robert Champ wrote: > I have never known Sam to be so repetitive! > > Bob C. > > _________________________________________________ > (at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at) > > Robert L. Champ > rchamp(at)polaris.umuc.edu > Editor, teacher, anglophile, human curiosity > > Those who are alive receive a mandate from those > who are silent forever. They can fulfill their > duties only by trying to reconstruct precisely > things as they were and by wresting the past > from fictions and legends. > --Czeslaw Milosz > > rchamp7927(at)aol.com robertchamp(at)netscape.net > _________________________________________________ > (at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at)(at) - --------------A9DC0EA0D3B8867190507FF1--
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu ------------------------------ End of Gaslight Digest V1 #30 *****************************