Residents in a quiet Brooklyn street were today reeling from the shock that a wanted criminal, known to police in three continents, was arrested at the home of Abby and Martha Brewster, two sisters well known in the local community for their generosity and charitable works. Jonathan, their nephew, had escaped from an Indiana prison for the criminally insane and had hoped to hide out in his aunts' home whilst his accomplice, a Dr Einstein, carried out facial surgery to conceal his true identity. We can only imagine the terror these two sweet old ladies must have felt when confronted by their nephew and his sinister colleague. Jonathan Brewster was tracked down when police were called out to a disturbance at the Brewster home. Lieutenant Rooney of the Brooklyn Police Department said, 'I recognised Brewster immediately because of his close resemblance to Boris Karloff, just one the many faces given to him by Einstein. I only regret that in the struggle to arrest Jonathan, Einstein escaped. But, don't worry we'll catch up with him.' |
The Reverend Harper, the Brewster sisters' neighbour, was horrified to learn of their ordeal. 'I am well acquainted with their charities and often enjoy afternoon tea with them. Their quince jam is especially good.' Local police officers Brophy and Klein spoke warmly of the sisters' contributions to the Christmas Fund and their kindness to the sick. Teddy Brewster, another nephew, also lived with the sisters until just recently. This reporter understands that it was Teddy's tendency to blow his bugle loudly late at night that had caused the policemen to call. A veil has been drawn over the current whereabouts of Teddy, but Mr Witherspoon, superintendent of the Happy Dale asylum, was seen entering the Brewster home earlier today.
The one happy outcome of this terrifying saga is that Mortimer Brewster, the third of the sisters' nephews, has announced his engagement to Elaine, Reverend Harper's daughter. For a man making such a pleasant announcement however, Mr Brewster did seem somewhat shocked and pale-faced. But we wish him and his fiancée a long and happy marriage.
|
One mysterious note remains. As he was leaving the Brewster sisters' home, Officer Rooney was overheard saying, 'Can you imagine what would happen if that cock-eyed story about thirteen bodies in the cellar got around?' Nobody from the Brewster household or from the Brooklyn police department was available for comment.
Lesley Robins, The Brooklyn Echo, September 15th, 1941
Advertisement
'ARSENIC AND OLD LACE'
By
Joseph Kesselring
An inspired and delightful comic concoction.
In performance at the GWT,
15 to 22 October 2005.
|