The Black Ruby

Originally Aired: June 18, 1957 A Case For Doctor Morelle #9, "The Black Ruby," Mr. Hampton seeks Dr. Morelle's help after surviving a harrowing plane crash over the Indian Ocean. Hampton recently purchased a legendary Burmese ruby known as the Black Ruby in Bombay, despite warnings from the jeweler who authenticated it. Now safely back in London, Hampton faces a new crisis: his wife Sonia is convinced the cursed gem will bring disaster to their household and desperately wants him to dispose of it. Hampton fears his neurotic wife may do something drastic if he refuses. Dr. Morelle suspects Sonia's anxiety stems from deeper marital problems rather than superstition, particularly Hampton's frequent travels without her in pursuit of precious stones. When the doctor and Miss Frayle accept an invitation to dinner at the Hampton residence to meet Sonia and view the infamous ruby, a chandelier suddenly crashes from the ceiling, nearly killing the couple. Sonia becomes even more convinced the Black Ruby's deadly reputation is real, while mysterious admirers and questionable friends complicate the household tensions surrounding the cursed gem.