Alleyn Mysteries (1990) s01e01 Episode Script

Two and sixpence, sir - Thank you.
Keep the change - Thank you, guv Charles.
Charles Nigel.
Good man.
So Sir Hubert phoned you? I'm awfully sorry, Charles.
Could you sub me ten bob? I had to leave in a fearful rush and he won't take a cheque Of course I'll go to the bank as soon as we arrive There's no banks where we're going, old chap I'll get the tickets.
See if you can find a porter Come on, van.
Don't do this to me, not today I've made you some sandwiches, Miss Troy It only takes a couple of hours - But you're not expected until teatime - Yes, well, I thought I'd leave early Get to Frantock, see Uncle Hubert before the others arrive - And you'll want to change - What do you mean? Well, for Mr Alleyn Don't be silly, Edith I envy you the war, Charles.
The action, the people I would have thought your gossip column was bloody enough I need a big story if I'm going to get onto the news desk Troy's guest's a detective, I believe He might be someone worth cultivating Bailey, could I possibly ask you to deal with these? I'd like to get away early That's all right, sir.
Lunch doesn't bother me - Good man - Oh, sir Inspector Fox's, I think.
Marked confidential Back copies of the Racing Times And a car at 4.
30 for Liverpool Street, please Have you met Troy's policeman yet, Rosamund? He's a chief inspector, Marjorie And I really don't think they know each other that well Oh, come, now.
Hubert wouldn't invite just anyone, would he, Arthur? His mother, Lady Alleyn, is one of the Devonshires His brother, Sir George, is an ambassador, I believe High time Troy found herself someone suitable Come on, now, Marjorie We're the same age.
Troy and I were at school together Then you'll know what I mean Mother Come in - Chief Inspector Alleyn's office - I'd like to see him this afternoon - He has a meeting at 4.
30, sir - It's urgent.
I'll see him at five Yes.
Yes, of course Assistant commissioner, sir.
Wants to see you at five - Thanks for trying - You'll miss your train, sir And the next one, no doubt - Did you put acid in this? - It's all right - Just needs a stir - Thank you, Sergeant Be very careful with that, and that Arthur.
How are you? Charles, I didn't know you were coming Last-minute decision, old chap Well, we can't all drive in one car Arthur? You're very welcome to sit on my knee - We'll have to make two journeys - No need.
Look, there's Troy How are you, Ros? Never better It's good to see you so happy We're getting engaged, but not a word till after the announcement I always said you'd be first.
Oh! Didn't you say that your chief inspector was going to be on our train? He didn't really know when he could get away You always did know what I'm thinking My favourite niece - How are you, Troy? - I'm very well - And you are? - Bathgate, sir Rankin's cousin, yes.
Glad you could make it - Very pleased to be here, sir - Good, good.
Make yourself at home Hello, Arthur - Charles - Sir Hubert.
Hello Marjorie Hello Ah.
Please, allow me to introduce.
Dr Hans Hoffner Nigel Bathgate Exquisite, huh? Absolutely Even an instrument of execution has its beauty, don't you think? - Are you an expert, doctor? - An art historian, merely I'm here to advise Sir Hubert with his collection, with his passion This chain of art thefts, Alleyn Two Rembrandts, Duraprints, religious statuary, the Botticelli Trip-tyche Triptych, sir.
It's a painting in three parts, in this case Yes, well, whatever it is And now, this morning, a silver chalice from some convent in Norfolk I see.
You think they're connected? They're all owned by VIPs, very unimpressed by our lack of progress And now there's a bishop breathing down the commissioner's neck and he's breathing down mine Sir.
I'll look at the file first thing on Monday morning No, Alleyn.
I want you on this chalice theft tonight I am due to go away for the weekend, sir I've already told the commissioner you're on your way Come in, Fox Sir I've called inspector Fox back from leave I want the best possible team on this job Thank you, sir.
Sorry to see you back again so soon, Breir - Thank you, sir - My apologies, gentlemen But we're all under some pressure here Yes, of course, sir I was beginning to think you weren't coming I would have telephoned, but well, I wanted to see you I'm afraid There would have to be a reason for the serious suit I'm sorry, Troy So, no weekend.
Poor you The infuriating thing is, I'll be quite close to here - I expect you'll be very busy - Yes, I expect I shall Well, good luck Thank you I almost forgot For your birthday Bring him out here, will you? Doctor Made it more worth our while A long way to come for a chalice Chief inspector, this is supposed to be a day of holiness and restoration Some of these people have saved all year to come I'm sure you'll make the situation clear to them, Reverend Mother Yes Yes, of course We'll need a list of everyone here and then we'll take statements That's unthinkable.
They're invalids, holy sisters I'm afraid they still may be called upon to bear witness, Reverend Mother - Well, Doctor? - He died of a broken neck Rather expertly, I'd say.
See the bruising here? I'd suggest a blow delivered by hand, no weapon We'll have to have that confirmed by postmortem, Doctor Yes, of course, inspector And there's slivers of glass, front and back He probably cut his hand taking the chalice.
There's blood on the altar Well Not exactly a man of the cloth Charles I thought we'd never have a moment alone Be patient, darling Why not give the drinks a miss? Besides, I have a little surprise for our host Come on There's still plenty of time My dear friends, as we know, these weekends of mine have acquired a certain reputation for their dramatic quality And in that pleasurable tradition, I propose that this weekend we play murder Over dinner tonight, Walters will pass one of you this red plaque And then he or she will have until this time tomorrow to plan the murder It all sounds rather bloodthirsty The murderer must get the victim alone and say, "You are the corpse" And then we have to investigate who did it and how? Well, there's no lack of weapons in this house, Hubert You must have a convincing motive, my dear, but no weapon Ah.
But I have something which could provide some inspiration I thought it might be of interest It's beautiful Quite incredible Isn't it? How long, sir, have you had this? I saved a man's life.
He gave it to me to show gratitude He'd been left for dead in some sort of brawl About the time we were in Germany, Hubert You were well rewarded, Charles But your ownership, sir, is totally inappropriate This is a rare medieval reliquary Look here.
The gold handle chased with rubies And within it is sealed a fragment of a saint's bone - Must be worth more than I thought - A fortune, certainly But it is its unique religious significance which makes it priceless I I can help you return it to its rightful owner, Mr Rankin Oh.
I can't afford your principles Besides, there must be one or two collectors who would revere the dagger And appropriately, don't you think, Sir Hubert? It would be the prize of anyone's collection Was the chalice always kept in there, Reverend Mother? No.
It had been in the sisters' private chapel I see.
Why was it moved? We hold these healing services every year, Chief inspector The papal chalice has always been associated with miracles It seemed right to use it today Do you mean that you hadn't used it before? No, it was only given to us recently Anonymously For the private use of our order - Cheese, sir? - Rather.
Thank you Bathgate's made a good meal It's so hard to get round rationing in town You should consult Marjorie She seems inventive enough when it comes to clothes I should ask you to step outside for slandering your wife like that, Arthur - It'd be a pleasure, I assure you - He's all talk and no action He's been the same ever since we were boys Conceding gracefully has always been one of Arthur's better qualities - Sir? - No, I do not care for cheese - I wasn't joking, Hubert.
- What? If I get the plaque, I shall give it back Very good, my dear.
Strategic lying is all part of the game And you could always be murdered instead I'm serious, Hubert.
I want no part of it - Marjorie - I'd rather watch Now we know you're play-acting - It's all just a bit of fun, isn't it? - And I'd rather be in the thick of it Always game, Rosamund Madam? No, thank you, Walters All this murderers talk has quite taken away my appetite How dare you order me about! I thought you rather enjoyed it - Arthur's getting suspicious.
- So? Look, you must tell me how things stand between Rosamund and you Rosamund has no reason to know anything How can you be so cruel? - Come here - Let me go! You usually can't have enough God, I hate you One dead monk What's that? Got him, sir.
Our deceased monk's a Corporal Albert Billings who deserted the army in '46 He's got a record to match Breaking and entering.
Robbery with firearms '46? Why desert in peacetime? I say, Troy, I wondered if I might take you out for a drink to celebrate That rather depends on what everybody else is doing Uncle? Oh, whatever you like, my dear A Chief inspector Alleyn, sir - Alleyn? I thought he couldn't make it - Perhaps the case is over Happy birthday Still the serious suit? - I'm afraid so - Alleyn Sir Hubert.
Detective Chief inspector Alleyn - Scotland Yard - Good to meet you at last I'm sorry it has to be over a professional matter, sir, but a man's been found murdered at St Mary Magdalene's Convent Oh, Dear.
And how can I help? Come along, Nigel.
I'll show you the village.
You can buy me that drink All right, Hoffner You were stationed in Hamburg in '46, sir? Yeah, yes, that's right So was the murdered man.
Corporal Billings He was under your command, I believe Billings.
No, I don't think so There were so many.
Oh, morning, Charles Tell me, does the name Corporal Billings ring a bell? Chap's been murdered I'm sorry.
I can't say it does Aber Diesmal, Krantz, ohne Gewalt Versprichst mir So lange du tust was ich sage, geht nichts schiech Wo genau ist der dolch? In Rankins Zimmer Das is gut Don't act the innocent with me, Rankin To get that dagger, you beat Billings within an inch of his life He deserted from a German hospital bed, man For someone who claims not to know him, you know a great deal about him - Shouldn't you have told the inspector? - I've a good mind to Billings told me he was on his way to you with the dagger when I bumped into him You won't get away with this, Rankin Oh, come on, Hubert You're relieved someone got rid of him for you Thank you, Sister Kirsten.
That's been most helpful Excuse me.
Breir Reverend Mother, I'm told the convent has no photographs of the chalice No, I'm afraid not And that you know nothing about its history No records were kept.
That was one of the conditions of the gift Well, I suppose I could speak to the Bishop He knows nothing about it, Chief inspector I'm answerable to a rather higher authority Turn it down a bit, darling Arthur, my Dear chap, I'm terribly sorry Of course, you'd like to be dancing with your wife Not at all.
Please, carry on No, no, I insist You know Arthur can't dance, Charles In which case, it's high time he learnt Don't be an ass, Charles Now, now.
Come on, Arthur.
Don't be shy Charles, please Excellent.
Excellent You're an ungrateful chap, Charles If I didn't know it was useless, I'd call in your debts Sorry, but most of the money's tied up in the household Still, you'll receive your reward in heaven Ros I say, Charles, old chap.
If things If things really are that tight, I'm sure I could help - That's very good of you - The dagger - Yes? What about it? - Well, you know I want it.
I rather think the price went up today, don't you, Sir Hubert? Very well.
We'll talk about it later No, no, no.
Let's talk about it now You've all seen the dagger What do you think? Should I sell it to Sir Hubert? Oh, don't be such a ham, Charles Please, sir, don't even consider it The doctor's right - The dagger's not for sale - Come off it.
What use is it to you? I shall keep it.
For sentimental reasons - Seriously, Charles - Seriously? I'll tell you what I'll do Listen, everyone In the spirit of brothers in arms, the dagger's yours I'll leave it to you Very well.
But put that in writing - Ah, sir - Bailey.
Pull up a chair Hope you like Spam fritters Look what the men found in the convent grounds Well, well So our murderer likes a dash of theatricality, does he? Good.
Anything else? Yes There's something on the corpse, sir The doctor was right.
Her postmortem confirms it was a hand blow to the neck And there was a small compact contusion there - A ring? - Probably My guess, something embossed, worn on the little finger Well, Don't look at me All ready down here, Sir Hubert - Top-floor windows done? - Yes, sir.
Lawrence has seen to it - Good, good - It's rather dark in here We keep the curtains closed to create the right atmosphere for the game Now, one of us now knows that he or she is the murderer Now, remember, when the lights go out and you hear the gong, count to ten to give the killer time to get away from the scene of the crime I refuse to be left alone with anyone - Come on, Troy.
I'm going up to change - Am I forgiven? Then, if I'm done away with, everyone will know it's you Ladies, please allow me to escort you to your rooms Wait, wait.
I'm coming too Here.
Hubert.
You shall see how well the dagger sits in your collection.
For the weekend, at least If you'll excuse me Ros Are you all right? Just a headache - Do you want to talk? - No, I'll be all right It's nothing, Troy.
Honestly Mr Rankin, I wish to apologize for my outburst yesterday My expression, I think, was somewhat clumsy But the fact remains, sir, that you have no moral right to that dagger - Morals be dammed.
It was given to me - Charles Shouldn't you be frightened to be left alone with me, Arthur? On the contrary, Charles.
You're my alibi Ah, yes.
Let's have another drink.
I'm going to be very late for dinner Not for me, thanks.
Marjorie has a thing about punctuality - You finished in here, Bathgate? - Yes, thanks Bring me in some towels, will you, Marjorie? Fetch them yourself, Arthur Stay single, Nigel! You'll get better service! You don't really mean that Mary, before you go down, see if Miss Grant needs a hand - Tell her I'm fetching some aspirin - Yes, Miss Agatha Florence has brought some towels, darling Then perhaps you should send her in Come in Anything else, sir? Oh, thank you Florence, sir Florence I don't suppose you could help me with this damnable tie? I don't like to ask anyone else.
I feel rather a fool - Of course, sir - Arthur, hurry up in there You'll be the last down - Most awfully kind of you It's a pleasure, sir Ah.
Just a minute Arthur, help! Where are you? Where do you think, my dear? - What shall we do now, sir? - Hang on - The lights should come on in a minute - Bathgate.
Let's investigate If you don't, I'll know you're the murderer OK, Arthur.
Hurry up, Uncle Hubert.
The others must be going down Arthur, don't go down without me! Just stay near me, darling Please, we should go down now? But be careful Oh, trust old Charles to make a meal of it He looks so uncomfortable.
Put him out of his misery - Oh, come on, Charles - Wait for us - Put on the light, somebody - I'll do it No Oh, no! My God - Are you all right? - Yes, I think so They've already had a word with Uncle Hubert.
He's terribly shocked Dr Eaton, that should have been left where it was The body's already been moved, Chief inspector - By whom? - Look, Alleyn, I do apologize I had him moved.
It was too distressing for the women I'm very sorry I'll be with you shortly, Sir Hubert Dr Eaton, I apologize He's been dead for a maximum of 40 minutes, Chief inspector This is what did the damage The blade was angled through the third and fourth ribs It had pierced the heart with remarkable, I'd say almost medical, accuracy Death would have been instantaneous Forgive me, but this accuracy, couldn't that have been by chance? It's rather unlikely, inspector.
And one other thing The body had already been examined before I arrived - What? - By one of the guests A Dr Hans Hoffner Disinfectant? Honestly! Sir Hubert didn't waste any time, did he? Well, they missed this Must have been his glass Well looks as if he's had some company I don't know.
Fire on in summer.
Curtains drawn Sergeant, could we have some light on the subject? Miss Troy says when she went to the front door, she found it unlocked Most unusual for this time of evening, apparently I was in my room the whole time, Chief inspector I was singing arias from The Marriage of Figaro - The others must have heard me - Yes I did, doctor, and So did Mary, one of the chambermaids We shall have to take statements from you all, ladies and gentlemen It would help if you could stay until after the inquest in a few days' time Absolutely, and, of course, you must all stay on here.
I insist My wife will be down in a moment.
I'm sure I can speak for us both For me, it would be a great inconvenience Come along, now, Doctor - Very well, then - Thank you It's too ironic, isn't it? I'm sorry, but what do you mean? Such a cruel parody of that wretched game - We were playing murder - The game was about to begin Who was the murderer? I was, Chief inspector Mr Bathgate Do sit down Look, I can see what you think As chief beneficiary, I must have the prime motive But I didn't do it Honestly During the time it took between your going upstairs and the gong being struck, Mr Bathgate, did you stay in your room? Yes.
I was talking to Arthur through the bathroom door He was in the bath.
He'll tell you.
We were sharing the one bathroom - Arthur? - Mr.
Wilde So Mr Wilde was there all the time? That's right.
And his wife.
I could hear them talking a lot Oh, and Florence, the maid, came in What time was that, approximately? I know exactly.
The hall clock was just starting to chime.
Eight o'clock Really? And where did Florence go after that? She stayed Helped me with my bow tie She was still there when the lights went out Was she? Well, then, Mr Bathgate, it would appear that you have an alibi Yes, I suppose I have Walters was bringing Mr Rankin another drink when I went upstairs Then when I was in my bath, I talked to my wife, and Bathgate, too, on the other side Is that when the lights went out? Help! Where are you? Where do you think, my dear? My wife's of a rather er nervous disposition, inspector At that point, you went out onto the landing I thought the blackout must have been a mistake If I could get out in the dark, it would be a good chance to claim my victim For the game I see So, then Sir Hubert had the body moved? No Who touched it first, Mrs Wilde? Me It was me I'm sorry, but when I saw him lying there, I Charles! No! No! Don't leave me! Marjorie Come on.
This won't help Mr Walters, can you explain why the front door was left unlocked this evening? I told you to do that, Mary But I did.
I'm sure What are you saying, the inspector's lying? No, but I Mary, did you meet with Miss Troy upstairs? Yes She told me to go to Miss Grant's room, though it weren't my place to Were you with her when the lights went out? No I stayed there But Miss Grant wasn't in her room, inspector Ros.
Ros, where are you going? To my room - I've nothing to say - But we all have to be interviewed It's too late for talking - Has Miss Grant had a word with you? - Only to say nothing I think they're all playing it pretty close to the chest, including Miss Troy Morning, Vicar - Have we upset the church? - We've kicked out his Sunday school - We each have our cross to bear - Message, sir Once they've finished setting up, get Sergeant Cook back to the convent, you and I'll get back to Frantock Hall, get Bailey to do his stuff.
Thank you Is there a connection between the two murders? We have two dead bodies.
That's all we know Bailey - Troy - The undertaker Oh, yes, of course.
I'm sorry Make-up on the jacket, sir, and scent, too I'll have them tested, but I'm pretty sure the scent's Goya I think that might be Mrs.
Wilde No, sir.
Miss Rosamund Grant Good Lord.
- Troy, does that sound likely? - I really couldn't say All right, let's have a look Bailey, tweezers There you are It's a press stud A full description of the stolen chalice under Hoffner's mattress - My money's been on him from the start.
Look at these lists Well, they're in German, of course, but Paintings, porcelain 16th-century statues.
Late-medieval Italian reliquary.
Icons Must be over a hundred pieces in all Well, could be to do with his research They could be stolen.
Bailey, do you think you could have them photographed and get them back into his room as quickly as possible? Oh, sir.
Found this.
Down the back of the bottom drawer Well, well Looks familiar There.
Well, at last, something fits Hello We were just looking about and this must have fallen from somebody's pocket Does anyone recognize it? Could it be Troy's? Isn't it yours, Marjorie? Didn't you tell me on the train that Charles gave them to you? Yes.
And now I've lost one When was that, Mrs.
Wilde? Since we arrived I'm not sure.
Excuse me Excuse me Why do you let everyone else see how you feel but you won't even talk to me? You're the last person, Arthur So it seems You should hate me How could I? - And him - All I feel is sadness How long had it been going on? It was just a stupid fling It was over, Arthur.
I didn't even know he'd be here Forgive me, darling Are you vain enough to complain? No, of course not I'm flattered that you've found time to draw me - Faint praise indeed - Who's this? Oh, just someone I saw in the pub garden with Dr Hoffner Why? Do you know him? I'm not even sure if I'd recognize him again Perhaps this will help you - Did he give you his name? - No, Chief inspector I did not, either But you bought the man a drink This conviviality of strangers makes your pubs famous, does it not? Can you tell me nothing that might help me trace him? We talked about the weather So, that makes him English, hm? Now, if you'll excuse Alleyn, Hoffner's a touch volatile, but he's straight as a die - How well do you know him, sir? - Hans? We're not close friends More business associates.
He's been helping me to classify my collection He lives absolutely for his work - Who is that? - I was rather hoping you might tell me The middle pages have survived quite well The hall, stairwell, six bedrooms The precise plan of Frantock Hall And this Vier und zwanzig West Garten? 24, Westcourt Gardens, Kensington I'm sorry to disturb you I was hoping to speak to Dr Hoffner I'm afraid he didn't join us for dinner Walters, ask Dr Hoffner if he'd kindly come down, will you? Dr Hoffner left in a taxi mid-afternoon, sir - His room's empty - He never said a word Did he give you any idea where he was going? No, sir Do you have his home address, please, sir? I only ever got in touch with him at hotels in London - Which ones? - They were always different I rather doubt if I've kept a note of them - Could you check, please, sir? - We usually got in touch by telephone - He'd ring me - Dr Hoffner did work for you, sir I find it hard to believe he'd be quite so elusive Believe what you like, Alleyn.
You'll kindly modify your tone Rory! Do you have to be so heavy-handed? It isn't my uncle's fault that Hoffner's bolted - I wasn't suggesting that it was - You shouldn't have let him get away Troy, I shall assume that you're upset Yes, and so's my uncle Getting people to tell the truth isn't always pleasant Have you considered the possibility that you might have got it wrong? So, we're both working late, Chief inspector How can I help you? Reverend Mother, would it shock you to learn that the stolen chalice was itself stolen? Are you sure? We have it on a list of stolen treasures All looted Monasteries, museums, art galleries During the war Reverend Mother, I'd be grateful if you'd take a look at these photographs Have you seen either of these men before? Take your time I don't suppose Sir Hubert knew the chalice was stolen, do you? Oh, no.
I'm sure not.
You've tricked me, Chief inspector I asked you for the truth, Reverend Mother When it wasn't mine to give But it was Sir Hubert who donated the chalice? He made me promise not to tell anyone - Hello - Inspector Fox? - Yes - Miss Nellie Weston at the post office Miss Weston I think I might have some important information for you, inspector - Please go ahead - It's rather delicate - Do you think you could come round? - Yes, of course The role of your unit in Hamburg, Sir Hubert, was to relocate art treasures All the occupying forces did their bit to sort out the chaos But you took a special interest The chalice came my way and I decided to pass it on to the convent on my estate I had no intention of keeping it The plain fact is, you abused a position of trust and responsibility It wasn't like that And looted things you were supposed to be protecting Damn you, Alleyn.
I wasn't doing it for myself Please The chalice and the other things, well, at least I was keeping them safe Things were disappearing, being melted down.
It was dreadful You broke the law, Sir Hubert Yes, I suppose that's how it must seem Tell me about Corporal Billings He was my driver.
He ran certain errands for me - He did damn well out of it - Perhaps he didn't think so Is that why he was trying to steal back the chalice? Perhaps it was more convenient to have him out of the way, dead No! When Rankin refused to give you what you wanted, that gave you a very strong motive for getting rid of him Absolutely not! What do you take me for? A fanatical collector who can't distinguish between right and wrong No Who'll stop at nothing for a piece of art I would never have killed for it.
Never! You'll appreciate, inspector, that the switchboard involves a high degree of confidentiality Oh, understood, ma'am But this morning I accidentally overhead a call from Frantock Hall It sounded most suspicious Who was the call to, do you know? It was a Hampstead number.
A Mrs Sandylands A maid answered, said her mistress was gone till tomorrow Then it went all peculiar "Please destroy parcel in Tonbridge and don't tell a soul" Can you describe this voice from the hall? A lady, nicely spoken Thank you, Miss Weston.
Your help has been invaluable Well, rest assured, inspector, I shall regard it as my duty to oversee all calls in future, in the interests of your investigation Sir Sir.
The address in Hoffner's burnt papers The house belongs to a Mr Dieter Krantz A big wheel in the art world, apparently - You're flattering him, Bailey - Oh, you know him, sir? He's notorious Well, he was the bloke drinking with Hoffner - How do you know? - Miss Troy's sketch She caught him exactly.
Sir, there was a call from Frantock Hall this morning, a woman's voice I was wondering if Miss Troy mightn't be able to help us Like me to have a word with her? Are you telling me I'm losing my objectivity? Oh, no, sir.
But they're her friends and relatives It can't be easy for her I had to push him, Troy How would you feel if it was someone you loved? It's my duty My uncle had nothing to do with this Rory, he just wouldn't I wish you'd speak up about everyone so candidly I'm not sure what you mean I need to know more about her and Charles Rankin - Then you must ask her - She won't talk to me Nor me But why? Please.
Ros is a dear friend Please don't ask me to speculate But you have a duty to help me with what you know Rankin's jacket showed traces of Marjorie's powder and Rosamund's scent I need your help, Troy They were both in love with Charles I only discovered about Marjorie the night we came down here I'd no idea Rankin had been leading them both along God, I hate you The strange thing was, when they left, another person slipped out of the room You think it was Rosamund? I I don't know Did she know about Rankin and Mrs Wilde? She seemed so happy when we first arrived So, a discovery like this would have been a terrible shock to her You're just guessing Enough to make her do something desperate - No, not Ros - How can you be so sure? It's just inconceivable This phone call was made this morning by a woman from this house Marjorie has a dressmaker called Mrs Sandylands - more a friend, really What about Tonbridge? Do the Wildes have a house there? I'm quite sure they don't.
And what could she want destroyed so badly? Walters Oh, good shot Stop that man! Well tackled, Bathgate Well, Walters, explain yourself, or you can think about it in a cell - It was that Dr Hoffner, sir - What about him? Yesterday, before he skipped it, he told me to find out anything I could - Where is Dr Hoffner? - I don't know - He hasn't been in touch since - You unlocked that door, Mr Walters And you just pinned the blame on me Is that true, Walters? Rory, I'm sure that if I could look around Marjorie's flat, I could solve this Tonbridge business Good heavens, Troy, no But I could get in without exciting attention It's out of the question Well, you said you wanted my help.
Chief Inspector Alleyn.
Breir! What news? All arranged, sir Nine o'clock Better say you're joining me for dinner If you insist I'll meet you at the pub - And you're not going in that - Why not? If you're so determined to come, you'll come with me - Collier - Yes, Miss I need to collect some more clothes for Mrs Wilde Thank you so much So, before we get down to business, there is someone you'll be interested to meet - Dr Hoffner - Krantz, are you out of your mind? Chief inspector Alleyn is here to facilitate a business transaction, Hans We shall both require your help Don't look so startled, Doctor Surely as a lover of fine things, you can appreciate a policeman with, what shall we say expensive tastes? In my life, Chief inspector, I've had to face many reassessments Dr Hoffner might feel more reassured once you have presented your credentials, Mr Alleyn By all means What price were you proposing, Mr Alleyn? I'd prefer to talk about an exchange An exchange? - For what? - The papal chalice - That is out of the question - Quiet, Hans - What if I don't have it? - In that case, nothing doing Before we make any hasty decision, Mr Alleyn, I would like Dr Hoffner to authenticate this dagger Of course This is definitely the San Michel dagger The monastery will be overjoyed You're giving it back to them? Of course.
This had been in their custody for centuries.
And I suppose you'll be well paid for it, Doctor.
That's more my preoccupation, Alleyn I'm commissioned to trace and bring back such items And the chalice? Krantz, that is not yours to barter with As you can see, Mr Alleyn, the Doctor is an idealist Please Well, I must congratulate you on this convent job, Herr Krantz Praise indeed A common thief turning up, rather inconvenient, what? A complete amateur.
He didn't stand a chance But, Krantz, you said that He was in the way Well, there you are, you see.
A professional can deal with anything - Unlike you, Dr Hoffner - What are you saying? Well, you rather bungled the theft of the dagger, didn't you? You think that I murdered Rankin? No, no.
Krantz, tell the Chief inspector all about it You fool.
Believe me, Alleyn, if I had got into the house, the dagger would have been stolen cleanly, not left behind A pleasure to do business with you, Herr Krantz Dr Hoffner.
Look this is a terrible mistake - I thought you had more sense - He's nothing to do with me Hoffner Hoffner! He's not a policeman But Alleyn does know him I don't know what this sniveling hack is doing here, but leave him to me I'll see he says nothing Get in there! There's no need for that.
He's not worth it I hope you're not trying to fool me, Alleyn Go on! Pack as much as you can, Hoffner.
You too, Bryant And you, Chief inspector, are going to help me get out of here Well, do something, Bathgate! Hans, no! Rory Letters - Where were they? - I'd got it all wrong I was looking for an address, when all the time it was a box - But what about Tonbridge? - That's the kind of box Tunbridge ware.
it's a sort of wood inlay Of course But I feel awful taking Marjorie's letters Troy, I'm hoping they'll help us get to the truth We still don't know who killed Charles Rankin - in here - Oh, there you are Look, I know it's late, but are you up to driving, Mr Bathgate? Sniveling little hack, don't you mean? If you're asking us to leave, I can drive I'm sure you can And thank you for dinner, Chief inspector No surprises, Chief inspector Charles Rankin left his cousin, Nigel Bathgate, his entire estate, apart from a few minor bequests I see Mr Benningden, did Charles Rankin have any enemies that you know of? He was a popular sort of chap.
Particularly with the ladies, of course Yes.
Did he confide in you? Only recently He consulted me about making a future marriage settlement.
Was it to Miss Rosamund Grant? Yes, but less than a week ago he said his plans were to be temporarily postponed Why? In his own words, he confessed he'd been caught cheating and made an enemy of the woman who still loved him So she might have felt that if she couldn't have him, no-one else would Ros? Ros, where are you going? Let me be, Troy.
I've got to get out for a few hours.
I'm suffocating - I'll come with you - No Why are you doing this, Ros? It looks as if you have something to hide - Troy, I have - Then don't shut me out Chief inspector Alleyn is your friend How can I confide in you? Oh, Ros.
Do you really think our friendship means so little to me? You were in Charles's room just before he died, weren't you? I had to talk to him, Troy.
He'd been deceiving me with Marjorie Oh, my God.
What have I done? And now I don't know if he loved me at all Not the smallest thing in his will, Troy Not a sign.
He couldn't acknowledge me, not even when he was dead So you've finally decided to tell the truth And what would you know about that? Charles was just using you - It was me he loved - He'd finished with you He used to joke about your clothes, called you Madam Pompadour - He'd loved me for years! - No - And that's what you couldn't stand! - Stop it! - No! - You liar! Ros! Ros, stop it! - Is she often violent? - No.
It's so unlike her Ros doesn't usually make a show of her feelings She's obviously very upset Well, she attacked Mrs.
Wilde - I've helped you all I can - On your own terms Rory, these are people I care about Which may mean you're not the best judge of them You've already proved that I'm simply trying to assemble the facts Rosamund Grant does not have an alibi She makes no attempt to provide one and now, it seems, she's every reason to No, you're wrong I know I shouldn't have done this I should have told you before I took this from Rankin's room the morning after the murder It's Rosamund's - This is withholding evidence, Troy - Yes, I know, but Ros told me she was waiting to face Rankin in his room that night You see, this proves it.
She couldn't Miss Grant will have to tell me this herself Well, anything else you haven't told me? Only that Ros couldn't have murdered Charles She really loved him I'm sorry, but in my experience, love is a very powerful motive for murder Excuse me Go downstairs, Marjorie.
Leave this to me All right, Breir, can you hear me? Loud and clear, sir Well, there's nothing wrong with that Now, look here, Chief inspector, I thought you'd finished with our rooms Mr Wilde, when you were in the bath, where was your wife? Here, to start with.
Most of the time in the bedroom - Was she in there all the time? - I don't understand Well, would you have noticed, for instance, if she slipped out? I won't have this.
I'm her alibi, I've told you And Bathgate, too.
He heard her Ah, yes, of course, Mr Bathgate You heard Mrs Wilde talking all the time? Well not exactly But I did, damn you! Forgive me.
We've all been under a lot of strain The point I'm trying to suggest, Mr Wilde, is that your wife actually doesn't have a complete alibi No, stop your investigation now, Chief inspector I killed Rankin How did you do that, Mr Wilde? This is ludicrous, Arthur.
You were in the bath It's very understandable, but aren't you playing rather a foolish game? I'm sorry I'm so sorry Come in I wondered if I might have a word, Sir Hubert Of course, dear boy.
Come in - It's about the dagger, sir - Ah, yes, yes I've had a word with Benningden Charles's bequest is quite legal, he tells me That's what I wanted to talk about Look, Bathgate, I realize that all Charles's things should go to you, but I'm sure we can come to some sort of understanding I hope so, sir I'm prepared to offer you a fair price.
It's a matter of honour No, Sir Hubert, it's not that I was hoping you'd agree to return the dagger to its original owner, the San Michel Monastery Absolutely not! Hello What's going on? Could you all come down for a moment, please? I need some help Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen I need a volunteer Mr Bathgate, perhaps? What for, Chief inspector? I'm trying to establish how it was possible for the murderer to leave his or her room, come down here, kill Mr Rankin, and then return so quietly, unobserved, in a very short space of time Oh, it's horrible Come along, now, Nigel.
We must all help Thank you, Mr Wilde Sir Hubert, would it be possible to make the clock strike eight? What is it, my dear? The dagger.
It's back where it was Well spotted, Mrs Wilde.
Now, from what you've all told me, the murder must have taken place in the time it took the clock to strike eight - But that's not possible, surely - That's what we have to find out Mr Bathgate, I'd like you to go upstairs to the door of your room When you hear the clock start to strike, I want you to run down, grab the dagger, stab Sergeant Bailey, make to switch off the lights and then run back upstairs as fast as you can Have you no feelings, Chief inspector? Charles was his cousin Sing out when you're ready, Mr Bathgate Ready! Dagger Stab him Lights See? Not long enough Thank you, Mr.
Bathgate I suppose there's one other way we could try Mr Wilde, I wonder, would you mind? I doubt if I could manage it any faster This time, carry the dagger up with you I'll tell you what You might try a faster way of coming down the stairs - How do you suggest? - Slide down the banister? I think I'm a bit stiff in the joints for doing that sort of thing Which is why I'm not trying it myself Rather easier for a woman, I imagine - Side saddle - That's it Well, now, Mr Wilde.
Let's see How would you do it? Well, you left Charles Rankin down here, you picked up the dagger and you went upstairs to your bathroom You made sure that Mr Bathgate and your wife knew that you were there Stay single, Nigel! You'll get better service! You don't really mean that Then, having made sure your wife was in her bedroom, you looked for her gloves You found only one You took it and ran out across the landing All the time, your wife hadn't realized you were no longer in the bathroom Arthur, hurry up in there Swiftly, silently, you were down in no time, and you plunged the dagger into Charles Rankin's back You switched off the lights and you ran back upstairs to your bathroom before the clock had done striking Later, quite calmly, you threw the glove onto the fire Well, Mr Wilde, have I left anything out? Damn you, Alleyn That bastard Rankin didn't even try to hide your sordid little affair! And you let him! You tortured me, Marjorie! No! And then you squandered my money just to please him No, Arthur, listen He deserved to die, and you should take the blame That's enough, sir.
Come along, now Thank you very much Rory, those letters from Rankin Marjorie wanted destroyed so badly Wilde had already read them We found his fingerprints on them and matched them to his tooth mug We won't be needing this any longer Thank you I say, we will try again, won't we? I mean, dinner or something? Yes, that'd be nice Perhaps next time you'll leave that serious suit at home