Alleyn Mysteries (1990) s01e05 Episode Script
Death in a White Tie
Mr and Mrs Jonathan Forbes-Patley and Miss Fanny Forbes-Patley Lady Diana Croft-Pyle and Mr David Talbot-Rice Commander Neame and Lady Lotts-Lincoln Baroness Von Meierling and family Sir Stanley Spencer-Hume They're going to kill you The cigars.
And the port If you won't listen to me as your doctor, Lord Robert, then listen to me as your friend You've got a weak heart.
You've got to start taking care of it So, avoid cigars like the plague And stop drinking And rest, for two hours, every day Do you know, Sir Dan, I was going to take you to lunch Tell me, Miss Troy: what are you going to call it? The Rogues' Gallery? You're not a rogue, are you, Captain Withers? Hello.
What are you doing here? - This exhibition of yours - You can't come, can you? Its just that something's come up.
Its rather tricky Im so sorry Maurice Withers, Roderick Alleyn.
Roderick Alleyn, Maurice Withers How do you do? Not the famous Chief inspector Alleyn? - Hardly - The very one I must go I am sorry - Dinner? - All right Friday? Bridget O'Brien's coming-out ball - Saturday? - Fine Eight o'clock? If you're not too busy Can I help you, sir? So, this is where you live? - Bunchy! - Rory! - Come and sit down - Not being arrested, am I? Now what's up? Im not quite sure how to put this Id like you to take a look at something and signed "M", leave £500 in your purse, behind the clock in the foyer of Comstock House, the night of April the 19th, before 10.
30 Otherwise, this letter may be given to your husband A nasty piece of blackmail - But we were there - Yes Do you know Dorothy Halcut-Hackett? Dorothy Halcut-Hackett? American actress.
Onto her third husband General Halcut-Hackett Oh, yes, I remember Well, she came to us a couple of weeks ago, with that letter, claiming that a friend of hers had received it Not one of her most convincing performances I kept up a polite pretence Anyway, we had a word with the caterer, Mr Colombo Dimitri We told him wed been having thefts at parties and were putting a man in dressed as a waiter To cut a long story short, Mrs H-H, acting on her friends behalf, of course Of course puts the money in the agreed place, and we waited And? Im afraid he must have rumbled us Or the blackmailer is one of Dimitri's staff Good, Bunchy.
Or Dimitri himself At any rate, two days later, Mrs Halcut-Hackett's friend receives this 'Unable to collect payment last Thursday Leave bag with same sum, table, foot of stairs, entrance hall Wiltshire Galleries before five, Wednesday, April the 25th' Well? Its the opening of Troy's one-woman exhibition Well, I can't turn up Bunchy, I need a volunteer Just to keep an eye on things Preferably someone who looks not in the least like a policeman Place your bets, please No more bets Eight, black.
Huit, noir Place your bets, please Oh, Donna, Im so excited! Its going to look absolutely too beautiful It is exquisite - Morning, Evelyn - Morning, Herbert - Bridget - Morning, Bert I understand from Mr Dimitri that the cost of the ball will be £2,000 I do want Bridget to have a memorable season, Herbert Even so - £2,000! The money's coming from my inheritance - from my real father Darling But I do think Paddy meant the money to be used for her coming out No doubt But champagne at the buffet? I don't see why it's necessary to have champagne Is anything wrong? You've gone white as a ghost Im fine Just a little tired.
All the arrangements Im perfectly fine.
Really Try and rest, then It's the Agatha Troy opening today - remember? Home by three It is going to be frightfully exciting Thank you very much Congratulations, Miss Troy I just adore art Thank you How did you get the blighter to stand still? Come, now, Lord Robert 99 per cent of these people are here to look at each other They probably haven't even noticed the paintings let alone the primitivist influence that's creeping into Miss Troy's work The line, texture Lord Robert? Daniel, I was hoping youd be here.
Im at death's door Its like clockwork Five minutes before a bowel movement.
It never fails This throbbing ache It's like a tennis ball I did give Herbert a choice I told him, 'Either Dimitri does the catering for the ball, or else' Damn digger! Got it all sewn up, what? Used him for this one's shindig, too Fortunately, her parents were paying Giving away all our secrets, dear? I was just explaining to General and Mrs Halcut-Hackett about Bridgets ball Excuse me.
Mildred! Im so glad you could come Troy, my dear, this really is marvellous! - Thank you - Now, where's my terrible brother? Oh, he's over there, causing trouble, as usual Well, I suppose it's better than all those dots and blobs If by 'Dots and blobs' you are referring to Kandinsky, Mrs Halcut-Hackett, then I must take issue - Excuse me, Lord Robert - Of course The tingling starts in the fingers, runs up the arm, through the shoulder, and right down through the body down to the foot I think it's some sort of creeping paralysis Don't be away long - Wits - Oh, hello, Don Bit of a scrum, what? Yes Listen, Wits.
About that cheque I can't tell you what an absolute goose I feel Yeah, not now, Don.
Try and sort it out, though, will you? Absolutely.
Count on it, Wits What do you say, Mumsy? Seen enough? Yes, I think so Excellent work, Miss Troy.
Truly inspired I was going to say the same about your food, Mr Dimitri Bunchy Hello, Troy.
Bit of a scrimmage, isnt it? How would you know? You were asleep earlier - Well, I may have been napping a bit - Highly complimentary! I did take a good turn round the room first.
Very fine.
Tea? Id love to Oh, I say! The distinguished artist in person! Oh, have you met my scapegrace of a nephew, Donald Potter? - Of course - Im staying with Uncle Bunch Oh, how lovely! Bunchy's just suggested tea - Oh, a splendid idea! - Frightfully good, Miss Troy Oh, thank you - Bunchy? - What? Oh, yes, yes Fortnum's? Good afternoon, Mrs Halcut-Hackett Sorry to have kept you, Lady Carrados Are you going to bounce every cheque I write? Im afraid that I must Then I shall have to take my custom elsewhere And Ill advise Uncle Lord Robert to do the same Terribly sorry Lady Carrados, hello Hello! I Excuse me Of course - I won't go - Yes, you will You're better away from London, and from this fellow Withers Now, I have never interfered with your friendships, Donald, but I must tell you, the man is a bad 'un I know from my days in the Foreign Office But I want to do my training at St Thomas's I dont want to leave London and go and muck about with a lot of earnest Scots from God knows where The sort of people who go there are just simply the end! I won't go - That's my condition - Then keep your filthy money By God, Ill look after myself Ill borrow from someone who's not a complacent Edwardian relic, and get a job - Don't you see that I? - Oh, shut up! Just shut up As soon as we get you home, brandy and oil of cloves Best thing for a toothache Bridget looks lovely, Evelyn Paddy would have been so proud Thanks Gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous I haven't enjoyed anything so much for ages - Im so glad.
Miss Troy - Thank you so much Mrs Halcut-Hackett The General has suggested that I see you home - How kind - Bunchy, there's Lady Lorrimer - Lucy! How are you feeling? - What? - How are you? - Hungry Oh, Sir Daniel, let's go and get a bite to eat - Oh, well, I was - Come, come, come along - Hello, Bunchy! - Hello! Troy! - How are you? - Troy! - Hello, Evelyn.
How are you? - Lady Carrados, this is a marvellous party Where's Rory? I thought he might have put in an appearance tonight I dont know.
Perhaps he's working late at the Yard No rest for the wicked.
Isnt that so, Lady Carrados? Troy? Mrs H-H.
Any hope of a dance later? I dont think so Oh, no, thank you, Bunchy Excuse me Is she all right? You know, Bunchy, after 18 years, I think she's still as much in love with Paddy O'Brien as she was the day he died I dare say I am hard, modern and beastly, but I can't bear the idea of everything getting squalid and drab because we had to worry about money Horrid little flat, second-rate restaurants, whitewood furniture painted to look fresh Ive seen those sorts of marriages But Im going to earn money, Bridget As a Doctor? Actually, Wits reckons there's not much in medicine nowadays Hello, Donna! Evening, Lady Carrados.
Splendid party Bunchy? Are you all right? Sorry.
I No, no, I must Damn it Stop.
Stop it! My God - Bunchy, Im starving - Im sorry, Troy No matches.
The ashtrays need emptying.
Its a disgrace Well, go on.
Chop chop! I dont know what the worlds coming to Sir Herbert.
Sir Herbert.
Is there a telephone to hand? Yes, room at the end, Lord Robert.
For telephone calls Chief inspector Alleyn - Rory - Bunchy? Im at the Carradoses' show I know who the blackmailer is Its the cakes-and-ale fella, all right I think he's at it here, as well.
Ill tell you what Ill come round about half-three, get out of this shirt first, and pick up my notes from Wednesday All right.
Ill wait for you here Its a nasty bloody crime, Rory He might as well mix his damn brews with poison.
He's working with Oh, hello.
I didnt hear you come in.
Somebody with you, Bunchy? Im always losing the damn thing Thank you so much, Officer Ill make sure there's a reward I can't think where he's gotten to I could be dead and in my grave, and he wouldnt care I told him.
I could feel this fog creeping into my bones It seizes up the joints, you know.
And - Excuse me, Lord Robert - Ah, Sir Daniel Have you seen Mrs Halcut-Hackett? I promised to take her home No, Im sorry.
I haven't My Lord, I think Mrs Halcut-Hackett has just left She asked me if Id seen you - Thank you - Good night, Lord Robert Oh, good night, Sir Daniel.
And good luck Yoo-hoo! Sir Daniel! Poor Devil.
Well, Id better see if I can find her - Good night, My Lord - Good night! Chief inspector Sir Looks to me as if he's had a heart attack or something The cabbie says not Dead, isnt he? Murdered.
Never paid his fare But I knew he was dead the minute I saw him I was an ambulance driver during the war, so I seen dead people And that one is definitely dead.
Mind you, I have been wrong I can see he's dead! - Are you all right, sir? - Erm Im sorry - Shall I get someone else, sir? - No, no - Its a friend of yours, isn't it, sir? - Yes What makes you so certain he was murdered? Well, he's the one that lives in Cheney Walk.
Not the other one - What, there were two people in the cab? - I picked up two, yeah But I know that this is the one that lives in Cheney Walk cos Ive had him before But I didnt realise it was the other one, see, not this one, that got out at Cheney Walk, till I got to Queen's Gate 63 Jobbers Road Which is where I thought that this one, not that one, or the one that I thought was the other one Ive taken a statement from the taxi driver Get over to Marsdon House We have to find out who interrupted Lord Robert's phone call to me Start with Colombo Dimitri I want the report on the postmortem as quickly as possible Right, sir He was a dear, sweet man, Brer He never harmed another human being I want his killer We'll find him, sir Wits! Wits! Wits! - What? - Its Uncle Bunch He's dead Whod want to kill Uncle Bunch? Did he suffer? Probably didnt know what happened Thanks for coming Poor Mildred.
And Donald Donald isn't living there He and Bunchy had the most dreadful row What about? He's run into debt again.
Gambling Do you know where he's living? He gave me a telephone number But he didnt want me to have the address, in case I gave it to Bunchy Its Sloane 8405 I think that's Maurice Withers' number The poor boy will be devastated, Roderick He loved his uncle Mildred, Im going to have to ask you to let me go through Bunchy's things - Papers and so forth - Oh, yes, of course You know where the study is Yes Whod want to kill him, Roderick? Bunchy hadnt an enemy in the world I thought Bunchy Gospell was seeing you home We must have missed each other So, you came home alone? Of course Sir Herbert sent me downstairs for matches I passed Lord Robert on my way Inspector Fox.
Telephone, sir Right, Bailey.
Thank you, er Francois Merci Fox here Brer, what have you got for me? Well, the guests who left alone about the same time as Lord Robert were a Mrs Hallcot, Halcut whatever Hackett, Captain Maurice Withers, Lady Lorrimer, Mr Donald Potter, and Sir Daniel Davidson before Then a Mr Percy Percival shortly after And then no-one for about ten minutes Now, Dimitri was in the hall, and then went into the buffet, where he spoke to Sir Herbert Carrados for some time Any confirmation of that? Well, one of his men remembers Dimitri at the buffet, but he can't say when or for how long - You're keeping an eye on him? - Yes, Barton's outside his flat now I told Dimitri that you wanted him back here at 3.
30 this afternoon Good work, Brer.
Well, finish up there, and then get over to the mortuary At Troy's exhibition, I saw Dimitri take Mrs H-H's handbag She's gone to sleep Ive made you a cup of tea.
I wish youd drink it Last night, when you were with Bunchy, did you notice anything out of the ordinary? Anything at all? I noticed Bunchy didnt like Maurice Withers - In what way? - When he and I were dancing together, he saw Maurice Withers talking to Dorothy Halcut-Hackett He actually stopped still in the middle of the floor and just stared at them He seemed quite put out by it Mrs Halcut-Hackett and Captain Withers - were they having an affair, do you think? If I didnt, Id be the only person in London You look awfully tired What's your relationship with Captain Withers? I beg your pardon? Nothing between you, is there? I mean, you would tell me everything? Im sorry.
I have to ask No, Chief inspector.
Nothing between us Ive been commissioned to paint his portrait, and that's precisely what Im doing Tardieu's ecchymosis on the congested lungs and the heart Signs of fatty degeneration in the heart The mucous membrane in the fore-part of the palette - slightly congested What was the cause of death, Dr Curtis? He was rendered unconscious by an extremely accurate blow to the temple Something about as sharp as the back of a big knife-blade, Id say Then he was suffocated Any idea what with? I found a bit of black wool under his tongue His cloak? I told your man who came here earlier: I haven't the foggiest idea where Don is I asked him to make me a cup of coffee, and never saw him again He was living here? I put him up for a few nights, yes How was the old boy killed, by the way? He was stunned with a blunt edge and then smothered Captain Withers, is that the cigarette case you were carrying last night? It is May I see it, please? A blunt edge Have you seen this cigarette case before? - No - Open it, please No Did you notice Lord Robert as you were leaving Marsdon House this morning? - Can't say I did - Did you take a taxi? I had my car.
And before you ask, no, I didnt go straight home I went to the Matador Club Alone? So, you've no witness as to your driving from Marsdon House to the Matador Club? No Lord Robert, in his diary, expressed an interest as to your activities at 'L' What does L stand for? What sort of activities? He didnt say, but drugs, pornography, black market, gambling You've run the gamut, haven't you? Ill ask again: what does L stand for? It could stand for libel, if you continue on that course, Alleyn Were you in the telephone room at Marsdon House at one o'clock this morning? I might have been Do you remember exactly what Lord Robert was saying on the telephone when you interrupted? Oh, you're talking through your hat, Alleyn! I didnt interrupt any telephone calls Taylor's Medical Jurisprudence? Yes, that's Don's Ah, yes, of course.
Do you mind if I borrow it? There might be something useful about asphyxia If you think I had anything to do with the death of that fat buffoon, you're wasting your time If Mr Potter returns, would you ask him to ring me, please? Nasty piece of work, that one is And what's more, he's got a motive Are we sure about the motive? Well, he knew Lord Robert was onto him for his activities concerning L Or he was trying to get hold of the money that young Donald will come into Or Mrs Halcut-Hackett has told him that she's being blackmailed by Lord Robert, because she and Withers were having an affair - Well, that's three motives - There's a fourth Withers may be the blackmailer Well, it wouldnt be entirely out of character Look We've got his fingerprints on this Pocket See if Bailey can find his dabs on the chapter on asphyxia Sir Forgive me for changing the subject, sir, but Im willing to bet that you've had no breakfast And you were up all night.
You really ought to get yourself a bite to eat You'll do yourself no favours by working this case on your nerves Im not a hothouse flower, Fox - Don't lose him, Robinson - No, sir Where to now, sir? Lord Robert's physician, Sir Daniel Davidson I examined Lord Robert only a few days ago He had a heart condition, but I certainly wouldnt have expected an unprovoked heart attack So, the newspapers are right? It was homicide? Murder, yes.
He was smothered Appearing as a witness in a murder trial will do my practice no end of harm So, I had rather a struggle with my conscience before deciding to come forward Why did you? I find myself in the unenviable position of being one of the last people to see Lord Robert alive In the hall, just before you left? Yes He asked me if Id seen Mrs Halcut-Hackett I was about to tell him that I hadnt, when the the catering man - Colombo Dimitri? - Yes He called to Lord Robert from the stairs He told him that Mrs Halcut-Hackett had just left I said, 'Good night,' and went out through the door The porter was about to call me a taxi, when a woman that Id been trying to avoid all evening drew up She's one of my most lucrative cases, but her chronic hypochondria would try the patience of a saint She rolled down her window to offer me a lift, and I well, I suppose I panicked and said the first thing that came into my head Which was? I said 'Awfully sorry.
Must dash.
The Princess Royal's been taken ill' While she sat there gaping, I ran off into the mist I thought Id get a taxi as I walked, but the few cabs that did come along were engaged So I suppose I have no alibi This really is a wonderful collection Ive always been fascinated by the Renaissance Oh, you'll appreciate the horror of something I saw last night, then, at Marsdon House - What was that? - A Cellini medallion Cellini! Cemented onto a silver cigarette case and surrounded with brilliants Hideous! Benvenuto must be turning in his grave! I couldnt understand how a person with enough taste to choose the other pieces there could Where did you see this cigarette case? On a piecrust table.
In the telephone room The telephone room? What time was that? I had an urgent case that day, and the assistant surgeon rang me to report You can confirm the time with him Good You didnt go there later, at about one o'clock in the morning? No What sort of cigarette case did you carry? One could strike a sharp blow with it Yes But no Traces of plate powder in the tooling.
And there was none present on the bruise Well, that's a relief Now, now! You mustn't get investigation nerves Ah, is that what it is? You've been a great help If you dont mind my saying, Chief inspector, you appear to be under some strain yourself Might I give you some advice? Here we are, sir.
Just what the Doctor ordered Bailey says there were plenty of prints in the telephone room, but nothing conclusive Our lot have gone through the list of guests, and the servants But no-one will admit to having overheard Lord Robert Mr Alleyn? Do you know, Brer, if I hadnt asked Bunchy to help, hed still be alive If you dont mind my saying so, sir, I dont think that's the sort of remark to get you or anyone else much further Lord Robert wouldnt have thanked you for it All right, Brer.
Ill pipe down Now, according to Francois, there were three people who might have overheard Lord Robert Captain Withers, Sir Herbert Carrados, and Donald Potter And there's still no news of young Mr Potter Yes, but anybody could have come upstairs, heard Bunchy, then gone down again, while Francois was getting matches for Sir Herbert There you are.
I told you you needed a sandwich Perhaps you'll oblige me by having a shave He would have sat facing this way, so he wouldnt have seen the murderer come in "The cakes-and-ale fella - I think he's at it here as well' - A second blackmail victim, sir? - What else? - He didnt say who - No "Might as well have mixed his damn brews with poison, and he's working with " With Devilish ingenuity? Or with someone else? Check with Francois See if he noticed that rather vulgar cigarette case, would you? Right, sir Francois knows nothing of any stray cigarette case What was it, Brer? What did Bunchy see that turned his mind from champagne and dancing to blackmail? Mr Dimitri, when you saw Lord Robert leave, you were standing here? For a moment, on my way to the buffet But before you went to the buffet, you noticed Mrs Hackett, Captain Withers, Lady Lorrimer, Mr Potter and Sir Daniel Davidson - Leaving separately and in that order? - Yes Thank you And how long were you here, speaking to Sir Herbert? Not long.
I was hungry, so I had the servants bring me a little light supper - Here? - In the butler's pantry One more room, please, Mr Dimitri Mr Dimitri, did you visit this room shortly before one o'clock this morning? I make it my business to inspect all the rooms, continually And this would have been at the moment when Lord Robert was on the telephone I saw Lord Robert in the lower hall at about 3.
30, asking for Mrs Halcut-Hackett The only other time was in the ballroom, when I returned Lady Carrados's Lady Carrados's bag? Its incredible how careless many of these ladies are with their possessions Really? And would that have been shortly before one o'clock? I suppose so, yes On the evening of the 25th, during Agatha Troy's exhibition, Did you also return a bag to Mrs Halcut-Hackett? Have you cut yourself, Mr Dimitri? Its er it's nothing Im not feeling well.
Perhaps youd excuse me Oh, when you've answered my questions We were speaking of Lady Carrados's bag We're speaking now of Mrs Halcut-Hackett's bag, which you took from a table I refuse to prolong this interview! Ill answer no more questions without the advice of my solicitor As you wish You'll need more than advice, Mr Dimitri He's shaken up a fair treat to see He doesnt know whether he's Mayfair, Soho or Wandsworth Wandsworth would be fine Or Wormwood Scrubs Tonight, Dr Bronowski, the mathematician, who was engaged in the study of bomb damage during the war, and went to Hiroshima and Nagasaki considers the relation of science to liberty Dr Bronowski Im sorry And when it seemed that you didnt trust me at all that you thought I could possibly be romantically involved with Maurice Withers That's ridiculous.
When Im with you, I find myself saying things I dont mean I try to compensate, and it just It wasn't your fault Youd every right to ask the question And I suppose, if the truth were known I was disappointed I know what I done Come on, Fred Its me! Im the murderer.
I did it! I killed him Look, I killed him Im the m-murderer! I killed Uncle Bunchy.
Im the murderer I killed him.
I killed him I killed him But I will earn money, Bridget.
I will Im the murderer You're to stay away from Maurice Withers.
He's a bad 'un You can keep your filthy money, you Edwardian relic! I know who the blackmailer is I noticed Bunchy didn't like Maurice Withers He's a fat buffoon A silver Cellini medallion Taxi! Who'd want to kill Uncle Bunchy? You're to stay away from Maurice Withers.
He's a bad 'un Who'd want to kill Uncle Bunchy? I know who the blackmailer is.
It's the cakes-and-ale fella At the Wiltshire Galleries, I saw the caterer take Mrs H-H's handbag A silver cigarette case I was the last to see Lord Robert alive A silver cigarette case.
One could strike a sharp blow with it No, thank you - Good morning - What time is it? Five past eight Breakfast? no, thank you.
Please don't bother - Something the matter? - Er no Chief inspector, I do believe you're embarrassed Nonsense Morning, Mr Potter Id like to ask you some questions concerning the death of your Uncle, Lord Robert Gospell Where are my shoelaces? When you left Marsdon House, what did you do? I went to the corner to look for a taxi Anyone see you? I shouldnt think so, in that fog Well, we'll just have to find your taxi, then, won't we? I didnt take one There wasn't one at the corner, so I walked home Wait a minute.
You dont think I? You're Lord Robert's heir, Mr Potter You're in debt Lord Robert objected to your friendship with Captain Withers He warned you against him But Im not a murderer What were you saying when you were carried in here last night? 'I killed him.
I killed him' I was drunk.
I mean I felt I felt guilty, I suppose as if I were to blame, because wed rowed But Im not a murderer.
You can't think that.
You can't - Have you lost something, Mr Potter? - My cigarette case Hello? Yes, he is Hang on I have inspector Fox on the telephone I left this number with the Yard.
I hope you dont mind No, not at all - Inspector? - Oh, morning, sir I tried ringing your flat, but there was no reply Was that Miss Troy who answered the phone? Er yes, yes, it was Did you have something for me, inspector? Oh, er yes, sir Lady Lorrimer has confirmed Sir Daniel Davidsons alibi - running off to cure the Princess Royal And young Mr Potter - he surfaced here last night, at Bow Street nick Well, why on earth didnt someone tell me last night? Sorry, sir.
I thought you needed the rest What I need is to find this killer All right, Brer.
All right.
Just Tell young Donald his mother needs him at home, and Oh, and fix that appointment, will you, with Carrados, for ten o'clock? Right, sir - And there's another 50.
Is that all right? - Yes - And Ive got a few outstanding debts here - Show me I shouldn't play with that I did once, and Beastly Bart nearly broke my arm - Beastly Bart? - My stepfather, Sir Herbert I think he would have broken my arm, if the doctor hadnt heard me screaming and come in You must be Bridget He's forbidden me from seeing Donald, you know That's pretty beastly.
Don't you think? He might have had his reasons I think he thinks Donald killed his uncle - which is too ridiculous! - You're the police, aren't you? - Yes, we are Are all detectives as handsome as you? I knew your father Sir Herbert will see you now, sir What I can't get over is the thought that my hospitality was so cruelly abused Now, what was I saying? You stayed in the buffet for some time, smoked a cigar, had a peg of brandy, chinwagged with that fellow Dimitri, then Then went home With Lady Carrados and Miss O'Brien? No, I packed them off earlier.
My wife was absolutely fagged out The chauffeur came back for me later.
I dare say youd like to speak to him Oh, I think we can take that as read, sir I would like to speak to Lady Carrados - No, I can't allow that - Sir, please She's she's sleeping She's taken this whole business dammed hard Even if I did disturb her, Im quite certain shed refuse Yes? Her Ladyship, sir, wishes me to say that, if Mr Alleyn has a few minutes to spare, she would be very pleased to see him - Oh, it's huge, it's - How lovely! Evelyn Oh, Rory, it's so good of you to come What is it? You're being blackmailed, aren't you? A letter came a few days ago There had been others, but I ignored them But this one threatened things that would have hurt Bridget So, you did what the letter said, and you put some money in a bag, and you left it in the telephone room at the ball And Colombo Dimitri returned it to you empty, shortly before one o'clock Do you already know all this? Evelyn, I have to ask you: Does Dimitri have some hold over you? Oh, I dont think so How could he know? Know? Is it something to do with Bridget? Paddy and I We weren't married Not legally Or at least, I should say that we were married, but illegally He'd left a wife in Australia In an institution She was beyond hope, the doctor said She didnt even recognise him She'd become hopelessly insane only six weeks after they were married Paddy hadn't told anybody about the marriage Ah, Im sorry to bother you, Sir Herbert.
May I use your telephone? Oh, yes, of course How could the blackmailer have found out about Paddy's first wife? Well, five months after we were married - Id already started Bridget - I came up to London to stay with my mother and to see the Doctor Paddy stayed in the country And a few days later, he sent a telegram, saying, "Letter arrived from Australia Best possible news.
Driving up to town" On the way, his car hit a bridge in a village called Ripplecote He was taken to the vicarage, and then to the hospital He died without ever recovering consciousness And the best possible news? It had to be that his wife had died But I couldn't find any letter amongst his things.
I never did find it I wrote to the hospital Endless enquiries were made Eventually, I assumed that any letter was lost, and with it my secret Till now You understand, Rory? Id do anything to keep this from Bridget - Yes? - Captain Withers, this is Bertie - Yes? - We've had a bloke down, from the council From the council? On a Sunday? And you let him in? Oh, we've had a call from Robinson, sir He's followed Maurice Withers to a house in the country, near Leatherhead - L? - There are roulette wheels, and a storeroom full of unbonded spirits on the ground floor, and upstairs - well, there are more bedrooms than might be required by the average family Casino and a brothel Whatever tickles your fancy, sir - Wits! - Have you been blabbing? - What? - What did you tell Alleyn? Nothing, Wits.
Nothing.
Nothing at all What's the matter? Just shut up I dont see how the two could possibly be connected.
My friend Mrs Halcut-Hackett, I think we should drop your imaginary friend.
Don't you? We have already spoken to Captain Withers - Has he confessed? - To what? Nothing.
I mean, nothing to do with this Er nothing that matters to anyone but me my friend I didnt mean "confessed".
I meant You meant Withers has confessed to writing a compromising letter to you, which found its way to a blackmailer Captain Withers and I have a business relationship.
Nothing more Really? He has a small commercial venture, in which Im investing, and we naturally require to talk things over, so This "venture" wouldnt have anything to do with a house of ill repute in Leatherhead? No! Ill? No! We believe that after the ball, Withers went to the Matador Club with a lady.
Was that you? Who told you? Not Captain Withers Look, do you want to be cleared of involvement in Lord Robert's death or not? I don't know why you're hounding me like this! Sir What a very pretty case.
The medallion is Cellini, is it not? Rather careless to have left it in the telephone room at Marsdon House How did you Is my husband having me watched? Not to my knowledge When were you in the telephone room? Shortly before one Shortly before one 'To Darling Dodo, from her Mugwump' May I hang on to this? Go right ahead Thank you Now, Mrs Halcut-Hackett These love letters from Captain Withers When did they first go missing? Six months ago, after a charade party Have you any idea who might have taken them? Lord Robert Gospell He was at the party I kept the letters in the drawe of my writing table The catering men turned the room into a buffet for the party, but they were supervised the whole time, so it couldnt have been them Lord Robert must have gone snooping And who supervised the catering men? - Colombo Dimitri himself - Colombo Dimitri Thank you very much, Mrs Halcut-Hackett.
That'll be all for now Mrs Hackett You think I was too hard on her, don't you? - Well, sir - Go on Well, it seems to me, sir, that, if Mrs Hackett is being blackmailed, she's something of a victim in this as well All that woman has to lose is her sham respectability Bunchy lost his life.
Im going to find his killer, even if it costs me the job.
Is that clear? Yes, sir - Sorry, sir - Police Here we are.
No, there doesn't seem to be anything here Look again, Mr Cuthbert, or you'll close Ah, well, there was a party from the Marsdon House ball, about quarter to four Then there was a bit of a lull.
One or two others Ah.
"M Withers and guest".
There we are About 20 past four - Blonde? Mutton dressed as lamb? - American accent - Thank you, Mr Cuthbert - Always delighted to help the police Bridget O'Brien, does your mother know you're being taken to places like this? Mr Alleyn Donald and I were just discussing coming to see you Really? We know who killed Uncle Bunch Yes? Now, what makes you so certain it was Captain Withers? Well, I saw him this morning He was in a rage He thought Id lost my nerve yesterday and gone to the police to tell them About Leatherhead? Yes He told Donald, if he didnt want his throat cut, he should keep quiet And if the police asked me, I was to say that when Wits left Marsdon House, he went to his car and drove to the Matador Club - I was to Id seen him - And had you? No, I left after him Why would he have killed your uncle, do you think? He probably thought his power over me would get him my inheritance And would he have succeeded? No Good for you, Bridget - Chief inspector Alleyn - Lady Carrados Yes, put her through Evelyn No, no, she's fine.
She's here - Where's Donald? Is he with you? - Yes.
He's here too - Ill be right over - Yes, do Ill see you then Is she coming over? - Yes - Golly A nightclub! Im really very cross, Bridget Its simply not done by debutantes - And Im surprised at you, Donald - Oh, Donna Thank you for looking after her Glad I could help Rory Its about Herbert After you left, he asked me such odd questions.
About Bunchy Ive never seen him in such a state, so tormented I was terrified He's always been a bitter man, but Like everyone else, you're probably wondering why I ever married him - Evelyn - It was a mistake.
I can see that now But two years after Paddy died Rory, if you ever get married, don't do it out of gratitude, or habit Habit? He was always the one I turned to, well, the whole family "We need a fourth at bridge.
Herbert" "We need an escort for Mother.
Herbert" "I need a driver to take me to my dying husband" He drove you to the vicarage that night Yes.
Well, we're trying to trace the Reverend Harris He was your vicar some time ago Yes, I know that 18 years is a long time Well, have you any idea where he might have moved to after leaving Ripplecote? Wed be very grateful if you could try - Morning, sir - Morning Good morning, Evelyn Morning, Herbert Why dont we get away from all this? Away? You and me Try to Never mind It isn't where we are Is it? Herbert Thank you very much, madam Sir The Reverend Harris's wife remembers a letter belonging to Paddy O'Brien She says she found it under a couch after O'Brien had been taken to hospital She can't understand how it could have gone missing, cos she says she gave it to the man whod driven Lady Carrados to Ripplecote Harcourt the butler found him "Evelyn, forgive me" Do you think he was capable of blackmailing his own wife? Hed kept hold of that letter for years, and never used it He was a jealous, bitter, lovelorn fool, who knew an old mistake was about to come to light and poison his marriage for ever, but he wasn't a blackmailer, Brer No Somebody else knew the contents of that letter Mind the step - Morning, Barton - Morning, sir Have a look at this Yes, I understand, but can you please tell the Doctor, when he gets back: as quickly as possible She's in a terrible state Thank you Good.
Now, Bridget, take a look at this The day your stepfather twisted your arm for playing with this desk - how long ago was that? About a year ago And since that time, has anybody outside the household been alone in this room? No The caterer, Colombo Dimitri? Yes.
He interviewed us in here about the arrangements for my dance We were going off to Newbury that day, so he had to come in first thing Good.
Thank you, Bridget Sir, Dimitri bought a Times this morning According to the newsagent, he usually takes The Express And Barton says that he paid particular attention to the personal column You seem extraordinarily tense today, Captain Withers Do I? You do If you could just relax, Id be able to finish you off today By the way, where are they going to hang you? It makes quite a difference to the way I frame this, you see - Excuse me - Captain Withers? This way, sir The inspector would like to have a word with you Ah, Mr Dimitri Do sit down I understand you were alone in this room on the morning of March the 19th.
Correct? I can't just remember where I was over a month ago! Oh, well, perhaps I can help you.
It was the day you took a private letter from this secret drawer Are you calling me a thief? Oh, much worse than that, Mr Dimitri Im advising Lady Carrados to charge you with blackmail Then I shall sue her for libel Perhaps I should explain Lord Robert wasn't sleeping at the Wiltshire Galleries He was watching you collect the money He was also watching you at the Marsdon House ball, when you returned Lady Carrados's empty bag to her shortly before one o'clock Lord Robert? I cannot be accused by the dead Well, that's very true But what a motive for murder Now you accuse me of murder! Sit down, Mr Dimitri Have you seen this cigarette case before? - No, never - Open it, please Let me pass! You can't keep me here against my will - Why dont you sit down? - I demand to see my lawyer There's plenty of time for lawyers Sir Daniel Davidson has arrived, sir Sir Daniel Im so sorry.
I think we may have called you out unnecessarily Is Lady Carrados all right? She was absolutely distraught, but a police doctor was here And she's fine I'm so sorry.
Er since you're here, I wonder Do you mind? More questions? - Let me - Oh, thank you I understand you were a witness to a scene that took place in this room about a year ago You were attending to Lady Carrados, and you heard Miss O'Brien scream You came downstairs, and you saw Sir Herbert Carrados and Miss O'Brien together in here - Do you remember? - Yes.
Very well Would you describe exactly what you saw when you came into the room? Sir Herbert was holding Miss O'Brien by the arm Twisting it? - Shouting at her? - Yes - What about? - About? That she must never touch this writing desk? Yes As I recall, yes This is familiar to you, I think That's the cigarette case I mentioned! Its part of the collection at Marsdon House Yes.
It is Cellini I dare say.
Could you tell us again exactly where you saw it? Among a collection of objects d'art on a piecrust table in an upstairs room at Marsdon House - The telephone room? - Yes In your consulting rooms you told us that you saw it at 11.
30 11.
30.
Perhaps earlier Would you swear that it was no later? Of course.
That was the only time I was in that room Im quite ready to swear to it I swear I saw this case on the table in the telephone room, not later than 11.
30 Will that do? There is a slight discrepancy We have a signed statement from the owner, saying she didnt leave it in the room until shortly before one She was mistaken Would you open it, please? Read the cutting aloud "Childe, Darling.
Living in exile.
Longing Only want daughter Daddy" What does it mean? It's a message.
From one blackmailer to another Simple code, using initial letters "Childe, Darling" C - D "Living in exile" L - I- E "Longing.
Only want" L - O - W "Daughter.
Daddy" "CD, lie low.
DD" To Colombo Dimitri, from DD Daniel Davidson Donald Duck You killed a friend of mine.
For nothing We had no idea of your involvement No idea you were abusing a position of trust, to spy out information on your patients for Dimitri to steal No doubt your blackmail would have continued, if it had not been for Lord Robert Gospell As soon as he suspected that Dimitri had his claws into Lady Carrados as well, he telephoned me straightaway at Scotland Yard Im at the Carradoses' show I know who the blackmailer is And you, Sir Daniel, stumbled upon that telephone conversation It's a nasty bloody crime, Rory Mistakenly assuming you were about to be exposed as a blackmailer, you interrupted He's working with Oh, hello.
I didn't hear you come in Yoo-hoo! Sir Daniel! Two hours later, you made your excuses to Lady Lorrimer and disappeared Can I give you a lift? Must dash.
Princess Royal's been taken ill Drive on, Charles Taxi! But you came back, didn't you? Lord Robert! Oh, hello! Would you care for a lift? Thank you And you knew exactly what to do, didnt you Doctor? Just how to render him unconscious Just how to smother him with his own cloak Steady on, sir.
He's not worth a candle What a marvellous flight of fancy, Chief inspector If a trifle over-embellished with sentimentality But how are you going to prove that it's all anything other than conjecture? Mr Dimitri I can charge you with blackmail Or I can charge you with blackmail and conspiracy to murder You got it exactly right, Alleyn.
He's your murderer Ill go to prison for blackmail.
Ill confess But I won't hang for a crime I had no part in Ill tell you everything.
The whole story Snivelling little Filthy murderer! You filthy, filthy.
.
! I kill you! I kill you! Well done, sir Filthy murderer! I want to go to Southampton.
Fast Captain Maurice Withers? Alias Michael Webber.
Alias Mugwump Scotland Yard, sir.
Id like a few questions with you About a house you own.
In Leatherhead He always seemed so charming, Roderick Its a terrible thing to say, but he did wonders for my indigestion Are you sure it was Sir Daniel? Im afraid so Though how he moved from such care to such ruthlessness is beyond me The funeral's on Wednesday morning If you dont mind, Roderick - it would have meant so much to Bunchy to have you there, carrying the coffin Of course Bunchy Bunchy When did you first suspect Sir Daniel? When I asked to see his cigarette case There were traces of plate powder in the tooling It had just been cleaned Traces of plate powder in the tooling? How frightfully observant What else did you notice? Well, I did notice that, whenever Im in trouble I just want to be with you And that, although your eyes are grey, there are little green flecks in them And when you smile, your face goes crooked Bless you
And the port If you won't listen to me as your doctor, Lord Robert, then listen to me as your friend You've got a weak heart.
You've got to start taking care of it So, avoid cigars like the plague And stop drinking And rest, for two hours, every day Do you know, Sir Dan, I was going to take you to lunch Tell me, Miss Troy: what are you going to call it? The Rogues' Gallery? You're not a rogue, are you, Captain Withers? Hello.
What are you doing here? - This exhibition of yours - You can't come, can you? Its just that something's come up.
Its rather tricky Im so sorry Maurice Withers, Roderick Alleyn.
Roderick Alleyn, Maurice Withers How do you do? Not the famous Chief inspector Alleyn? - Hardly - The very one I must go I am sorry - Dinner? - All right Friday? Bridget O'Brien's coming-out ball - Saturday? - Fine Eight o'clock? If you're not too busy Can I help you, sir? So, this is where you live? - Bunchy! - Rory! - Come and sit down - Not being arrested, am I? Now what's up? Im not quite sure how to put this Id like you to take a look at something and signed "M", leave £500 in your purse, behind the clock in the foyer of Comstock House, the night of April the 19th, before 10.
30 Otherwise, this letter may be given to your husband A nasty piece of blackmail - But we were there - Yes Do you know Dorothy Halcut-Hackett? Dorothy Halcut-Hackett? American actress.
Onto her third husband General Halcut-Hackett Oh, yes, I remember Well, she came to us a couple of weeks ago, with that letter, claiming that a friend of hers had received it Not one of her most convincing performances I kept up a polite pretence Anyway, we had a word with the caterer, Mr Colombo Dimitri We told him wed been having thefts at parties and were putting a man in dressed as a waiter To cut a long story short, Mrs H-H, acting on her friends behalf, of course Of course puts the money in the agreed place, and we waited And? Im afraid he must have rumbled us Or the blackmailer is one of Dimitri's staff Good, Bunchy.
Or Dimitri himself At any rate, two days later, Mrs Halcut-Hackett's friend receives this 'Unable to collect payment last Thursday Leave bag with same sum, table, foot of stairs, entrance hall Wiltshire Galleries before five, Wednesday, April the 25th' Well? Its the opening of Troy's one-woman exhibition Well, I can't turn up Bunchy, I need a volunteer Just to keep an eye on things Preferably someone who looks not in the least like a policeman Place your bets, please No more bets Eight, black.
Huit, noir Place your bets, please Oh, Donna, Im so excited! Its going to look absolutely too beautiful It is exquisite - Morning, Evelyn - Morning, Herbert - Bridget - Morning, Bert I understand from Mr Dimitri that the cost of the ball will be £2,000 I do want Bridget to have a memorable season, Herbert Even so - £2,000! The money's coming from my inheritance - from my real father Darling But I do think Paddy meant the money to be used for her coming out No doubt But champagne at the buffet? I don't see why it's necessary to have champagne Is anything wrong? You've gone white as a ghost Im fine Just a little tired.
All the arrangements Im perfectly fine.
Really Try and rest, then It's the Agatha Troy opening today - remember? Home by three It is going to be frightfully exciting Thank you very much Congratulations, Miss Troy I just adore art Thank you How did you get the blighter to stand still? Come, now, Lord Robert 99 per cent of these people are here to look at each other They probably haven't even noticed the paintings let alone the primitivist influence that's creeping into Miss Troy's work The line, texture Lord Robert? Daniel, I was hoping youd be here.
Im at death's door Its like clockwork Five minutes before a bowel movement.
It never fails This throbbing ache It's like a tennis ball I did give Herbert a choice I told him, 'Either Dimitri does the catering for the ball, or else' Damn digger! Got it all sewn up, what? Used him for this one's shindig, too Fortunately, her parents were paying Giving away all our secrets, dear? I was just explaining to General and Mrs Halcut-Hackett about Bridgets ball Excuse me.
Mildred! Im so glad you could come Troy, my dear, this really is marvellous! - Thank you - Now, where's my terrible brother? Oh, he's over there, causing trouble, as usual Well, I suppose it's better than all those dots and blobs If by 'Dots and blobs' you are referring to Kandinsky, Mrs Halcut-Hackett, then I must take issue - Excuse me, Lord Robert - Of course The tingling starts in the fingers, runs up the arm, through the shoulder, and right down through the body down to the foot I think it's some sort of creeping paralysis Don't be away long - Wits - Oh, hello, Don Bit of a scrum, what? Yes Listen, Wits.
About that cheque I can't tell you what an absolute goose I feel Yeah, not now, Don.
Try and sort it out, though, will you? Absolutely.
Count on it, Wits What do you say, Mumsy? Seen enough? Yes, I think so Excellent work, Miss Troy.
Truly inspired I was going to say the same about your food, Mr Dimitri Bunchy Hello, Troy.
Bit of a scrimmage, isnt it? How would you know? You were asleep earlier - Well, I may have been napping a bit - Highly complimentary! I did take a good turn round the room first.
Very fine.
Tea? Id love to Oh, I say! The distinguished artist in person! Oh, have you met my scapegrace of a nephew, Donald Potter? - Of course - Im staying with Uncle Bunch Oh, how lovely! Bunchy's just suggested tea - Oh, a splendid idea! - Frightfully good, Miss Troy Oh, thank you - Bunchy? - What? Oh, yes, yes Fortnum's? Good afternoon, Mrs Halcut-Hackett Sorry to have kept you, Lady Carrados Are you going to bounce every cheque I write? Im afraid that I must Then I shall have to take my custom elsewhere And Ill advise Uncle Lord Robert to do the same Terribly sorry Lady Carrados, hello Hello! I Excuse me Of course - I won't go - Yes, you will You're better away from London, and from this fellow Withers Now, I have never interfered with your friendships, Donald, but I must tell you, the man is a bad 'un I know from my days in the Foreign Office But I want to do my training at St Thomas's I dont want to leave London and go and muck about with a lot of earnest Scots from God knows where The sort of people who go there are just simply the end! I won't go - That's my condition - Then keep your filthy money By God, Ill look after myself Ill borrow from someone who's not a complacent Edwardian relic, and get a job - Don't you see that I? - Oh, shut up! Just shut up As soon as we get you home, brandy and oil of cloves Best thing for a toothache Bridget looks lovely, Evelyn Paddy would have been so proud Thanks Gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous I haven't enjoyed anything so much for ages - Im so glad.
Miss Troy - Thank you so much Mrs Halcut-Hackett The General has suggested that I see you home - How kind - Bunchy, there's Lady Lorrimer - Lucy! How are you feeling? - What? - How are you? - Hungry Oh, Sir Daniel, let's go and get a bite to eat - Oh, well, I was - Come, come, come along - Hello, Bunchy! - Hello! Troy! - How are you? - Troy! - Hello, Evelyn.
How are you? - Lady Carrados, this is a marvellous party Where's Rory? I thought he might have put in an appearance tonight I dont know.
Perhaps he's working late at the Yard No rest for the wicked.
Isnt that so, Lady Carrados? Troy? Mrs H-H.
Any hope of a dance later? I dont think so Oh, no, thank you, Bunchy Excuse me Is she all right? You know, Bunchy, after 18 years, I think she's still as much in love with Paddy O'Brien as she was the day he died I dare say I am hard, modern and beastly, but I can't bear the idea of everything getting squalid and drab because we had to worry about money Horrid little flat, second-rate restaurants, whitewood furniture painted to look fresh Ive seen those sorts of marriages But Im going to earn money, Bridget As a Doctor? Actually, Wits reckons there's not much in medicine nowadays Hello, Donna! Evening, Lady Carrados.
Splendid party Bunchy? Are you all right? Sorry.
I No, no, I must Damn it Stop.
Stop it! My God - Bunchy, Im starving - Im sorry, Troy No matches.
The ashtrays need emptying.
Its a disgrace Well, go on.
Chop chop! I dont know what the worlds coming to Sir Herbert.
Sir Herbert.
Is there a telephone to hand? Yes, room at the end, Lord Robert.
For telephone calls Chief inspector Alleyn - Rory - Bunchy? Im at the Carradoses' show I know who the blackmailer is Its the cakes-and-ale fella, all right I think he's at it here, as well.
Ill tell you what Ill come round about half-three, get out of this shirt first, and pick up my notes from Wednesday All right.
Ill wait for you here Its a nasty bloody crime, Rory He might as well mix his damn brews with poison.
He's working with Oh, hello.
I didnt hear you come in.
Somebody with you, Bunchy? Im always losing the damn thing Thank you so much, Officer Ill make sure there's a reward I can't think where he's gotten to I could be dead and in my grave, and he wouldnt care I told him.
I could feel this fog creeping into my bones It seizes up the joints, you know.
And - Excuse me, Lord Robert - Ah, Sir Daniel Have you seen Mrs Halcut-Hackett? I promised to take her home No, Im sorry.
I haven't My Lord, I think Mrs Halcut-Hackett has just left She asked me if Id seen you - Thank you - Good night, Lord Robert Oh, good night, Sir Daniel.
And good luck Yoo-hoo! Sir Daniel! Poor Devil.
Well, Id better see if I can find her - Good night, My Lord - Good night! Chief inspector Sir Looks to me as if he's had a heart attack or something The cabbie says not Dead, isnt he? Murdered.
Never paid his fare But I knew he was dead the minute I saw him I was an ambulance driver during the war, so I seen dead people And that one is definitely dead.
Mind you, I have been wrong I can see he's dead! - Are you all right, sir? - Erm Im sorry - Shall I get someone else, sir? - No, no - Its a friend of yours, isn't it, sir? - Yes What makes you so certain he was murdered? Well, he's the one that lives in Cheney Walk.
Not the other one - What, there were two people in the cab? - I picked up two, yeah But I know that this is the one that lives in Cheney Walk cos Ive had him before But I didnt realise it was the other one, see, not this one, that got out at Cheney Walk, till I got to Queen's Gate 63 Jobbers Road Which is where I thought that this one, not that one, or the one that I thought was the other one Ive taken a statement from the taxi driver Get over to Marsdon House We have to find out who interrupted Lord Robert's phone call to me Start with Colombo Dimitri I want the report on the postmortem as quickly as possible Right, sir He was a dear, sweet man, Brer He never harmed another human being I want his killer We'll find him, sir Wits! Wits! Wits! - What? - Its Uncle Bunch He's dead Whod want to kill Uncle Bunch? Did he suffer? Probably didnt know what happened Thanks for coming Poor Mildred.
And Donald Donald isn't living there He and Bunchy had the most dreadful row What about? He's run into debt again.
Gambling Do you know where he's living? He gave me a telephone number But he didnt want me to have the address, in case I gave it to Bunchy Its Sloane 8405 I think that's Maurice Withers' number The poor boy will be devastated, Roderick He loved his uncle Mildred, Im going to have to ask you to let me go through Bunchy's things - Papers and so forth - Oh, yes, of course You know where the study is Yes Whod want to kill him, Roderick? Bunchy hadnt an enemy in the world I thought Bunchy Gospell was seeing you home We must have missed each other So, you came home alone? Of course Sir Herbert sent me downstairs for matches I passed Lord Robert on my way Inspector Fox.
Telephone, sir Right, Bailey.
Thank you, er Francois Merci Fox here Brer, what have you got for me? Well, the guests who left alone about the same time as Lord Robert were a Mrs Hallcot, Halcut whatever Hackett, Captain Maurice Withers, Lady Lorrimer, Mr Donald Potter, and Sir Daniel Davidson before Then a Mr Percy Percival shortly after And then no-one for about ten minutes Now, Dimitri was in the hall, and then went into the buffet, where he spoke to Sir Herbert Carrados for some time Any confirmation of that? Well, one of his men remembers Dimitri at the buffet, but he can't say when or for how long - You're keeping an eye on him? - Yes, Barton's outside his flat now I told Dimitri that you wanted him back here at 3.
30 this afternoon Good work, Brer.
Well, finish up there, and then get over to the mortuary At Troy's exhibition, I saw Dimitri take Mrs H-H's handbag She's gone to sleep Ive made you a cup of tea.
I wish youd drink it Last night, when you were with Bunchy, did you notice anything out of the ordinary? Anything at all? I noticed Bunchy didnt like Maurice Withers - In what way? - When he and I were dancing together, he saw Maurice Withers talking to Dorothy Halcut-Hackett He actually stopped still in the middle of the floor and just stared at them He seemed quite put out by it Mrs Halcut-Hackett and Captain Withers - were they having an affair, do you think? If I didnt, Id be the only person in London You look awfully tired What's your relationship with Captain Withers? I beg your pardon? Nothing between you, is there? I mean, you would tell me everything? Im sorry.
I have to ask No, Chief inspector.
Nothing between us Ive been commissioned to paint his portrait, and that's precisely what Im doing Tardieu's ecchymosis on the congested lungs and the heart Signs of fatty degeneration in the heart The mucous membrane in the fore-part of the palette - slightly congested What was the cause of death, Dr Curtis? He was rendered unconscious by an extremely accurate blow to the temple Something about as sharp as the back of a big knife-blade, Id say Then he was suffocated Any idea what with? I found a bit of black wool under his tongue His cloak? I told your man who came here earlier: I haven't the foggiest idea where Don is I asked him to make me a cup of coffee, and never saw him again He was living here? I put him up for a few nights, yes How was the old boy killed, by the way? He was stunned with a blunt edge and then smothered Captain Withers, is that the cigarette case you were carrying last night? It is May I see it, please? A blunt edge Have you seen this cigarette case before? - No - Open it, please No Did you notice Lord Robert as you were leaving Marsdon House this morning? - Can't say I did - Did you take a taxi? I had my car.
And before you ask, no, I didnt go straight home I went to the Matador Club Alone? So, you've no witness as to your driving from Marsdon House to the Matador Club? No Lord Robert, in his diary, expressed an interest as to your activities at 'L' What does L stand for? What sort of activities? He didnt say, but drugs, pornography, black market, gambling You've run the gamut, haven't you? Ill ask again: what does L stand for? It could stand for libel, if you continue on that course, Alleyn Were you in the telephone room at Marsdon House at one o'clock this morning? I might have been Do you remember exactly what Lord Robert was saying on the telephone when you interrupted? Oh, you're talking through your hat, Alleyn! I didnt interrupt any telephone calls Taylor's Medical Jurisprudence? Yes, that's Don's Ah, yes, of course.
Do you mind if I borrow it? There might be something useful about asphyxia If you think I had anything to do with the death of that fat buffoon, you're wasting your time If Mr Potter returns, would you ask him to ring me, please? Nasty piece of work, that one is And what's more, he's got a motive Are we sure about the motive? Well, he knew Lord Robert was onto him for his activities concerning L Or he was trying to get hold of the money that young Donald will come into Or Mrs Halcut-Hackett has told him that she's being blackmailed by Lord Robert, because she and Withers were having an affair - Well, that's three motives - There's a fourth Withers may be the blackmailer Well, it wouldnt be entirely out of character Look We've got his fingerprints on this Pocket See if Bailey can find his dabs on the chapter on asphyxia Sir Forgive me for changing the subject, sir, but Im willing to bet that you've had no breakfast And you were up all night.
You really ought to get yourself a bite to eat You'll do yourself no favours by working this case on your nerves Im not a hothouse flower, Fox - Don't lose him, Robinson - No, sir Where to now, sir? Lord Robert's physician, Sir Daniel Davidson I examined Lord Robert only a few days ago He had a heart condition, but I certainly wouldnt have expected an unprovoked heart attack So, the newspapers are right? It was homicide? Murder, yes.
He was smothered Appearing as a witness in a murder trial will do my practice no end of harm So, I had rather a struggle with my conscience before deciding to come forward Why did you? I find myself in the unenviable position of being one of the last people to see Lord Robert alive In the hall, just before you left? Yes He asked me if Id seen Mrs Halcut-Hackett I was about to tell him that I hadnt, when the the catering man - Colombo Dimitri? - Yes He called to Lord Robert from the stairs He told him that Mrs Halcut-Hackett had just left I said, 'Good night,' and went out through the door The porter was about to call me a taxi, when a woman that Id been trying to avoid all evening drew up She's one of my most lucrative cases, but her chronic hypochondria would try the patience of a saint She rolled down her window to offer me a lift, and I well, I suppose I panicked and said the first thing that came into my head Which was? I said 'Awfully sorry.
Must dash.
The Princess Royal's been taken ill' While she sat there gaping, I ran off into the mist I thought Id get a taxi as I walked, but the few cabs that did come along were engaged So I suppose I have no alibi This really is a wonderful collection Ive always been fascinated by the Renaissance Oh, you'll appreciate the horror of something I saw last night, then, at Marsdon House - What was that? - A Cellini medallion Cellini! Cemented onto a silver cigarette case and surrounded with brilliants Hideous! Benvenuto must be turning in his grave! I couldnt understand how a person with enough taste to choose the other pieces there could Where did you see this cigarette case? On a piecrust table.
In the telephone room The telephone room? What time was that? I had an urgent case that day, and the assistant surgeon rang me to report You can confirm the time with him Good You didnt go there later, at about one o'clock in the morning? No What sort of cigarette case did you carry? One could strike a sharp blow with it Yes But no Traces of plate powder in the tooling.
And there was none present on the bruise Well, that's a relief Now, now! You mustn't get investigation nerves Ah, is that what it is? You've been a great help If you dont mind my saying, Chief inspector, you appear to be under some strain yourself Might I give you some advice? Here we are, sir.
Just what the Doctor ordered Bailey says there were plenty of prints in the telephone room, but nothing conclusive Our lot have gone through the list of guests, and the servants But no-one will admit to having overheard Lord Robert Mr Alleyn? Do you know, Brer, if I hadnt asked Bunchy to help, hed still be alive If you dont mind my saying so, sir, I dont think that's the sort of remark to get you or anyone else much further Lord Robert wouldnt have thanked you for it All right, Brer.
Ill pipe down Now, according to Francois, there were three people who might have overheard Lord Robert Captain Withers, Sir Herbert Carrados, and Donald Potter And there's still no news of young Mr Potter Yes, but anybody could have come upstairs, heard Bunchy, then gone down again, while Francois was getting matches for Sir Herbert There you are.
I told you you needed a sandwich Perhaps you'll oblige me by having a shave He would have sat facing this way, so he wouldnt have seen the murderer come in "The cakes-and-ale fella - I think he's at it here as well' - A second blackmail victim, sir? - What else? - He didnt say who - No "Might as well have mixed his damn brews with poison, and he's working with " With Devilish ingenuity? Or with someone else? Check with Francois See if he noticed that rather vulgar cigarette case, would you? Right, sir Francois knows nothing of any stray cigarette case What was it, Brer? What did Bunchy see that turned his mind from champagne and dancing to blackmail? Mr Dimitri, when you saw Lord Robert leave, you were standing here? For a moment, on my way to the buffet But before you went to the buffet, you noticed Mrs Hackett, Captain Withers, Lady Lorrimer, Mr Potter and Sir Daniel Davidson - Leaving separately and in that order? - Yes Thank you And how long were you here, speaking to Sir Herbert? Not long.
I was hungry, so I had the servants bring me a little light supper - Here? - In the butler's pantry One more room, please, Mr Dimitri Mr Dimitri, did you visit this room shortly before one o'clock this morning? I make it my business to inspect all the rooms, continually And this would have been at the moment when Lord Robert was on the telephone I saw Lord Robert in the lower hall at about 3.
30, asking for Mrs Halcut-Hackett The only other time was in the ballroom, when I returned Lady Carrados's Lady Carrados's bag? Its incredible how careless many of these ladies are with their possessions Really? And would that have been shortly before one o'clock? I suppose so, yes On the evening of the 25th, during Agatha Troy's exhibition, Did you also return a bag to Mrs Halcut-Hackett? Have you cut yourself, Mr Dimitri? Its er it's nothing Im not feeling well.
Perhaps youd excuse me Oh, when you've answered my questions We were speaking of Lady Carrados's bag We're speaking now of Mrs Halcut-Hackett's bag, which you took from a table I refuse to prolong this interview! Ill answer no more questions without the advice of my solicitor As you wish You'll need more than advice, Mr Dimitri He's shaken up a fair treat to see He doesnt know whether he's Mayfair, Soho or Wandsworth Wandsworth would be fine Or Wormwood Scrubs Tonight, Dr Bronowski, the mathematician, who was engaged in the study of bomb damage during the war, and went to Hiroshima and Nagasaki considers the relation of science to liberty Dr Bronowski Im sorry And when it seemed that you didnt trust me at all that you thought I could possibly be romantically involved with Maurice Withers That's ridiculous.
When Im with you, I find myself saying things I dont mean I try to compensate, and it just It wasn't your fault Youd every right to ask the question And I suppose, if the truth were known I was disappointed I know what I done Come on, Fred Its me! Im the murderer.
I did it! I killed him Look, I killed him Im the m-murderer! I killed Uncle Bunchy.
Im the murderer I killed him.
I killed him I killed him But I will earn money, Bridget.
I will Im the murderer You're to stay away from Maurice Withers.
He's a bad 'un You can keep your filthy money, you Edwardian relic! I know who the blackmailer is I noticed Bunchy didn't like Maurice Withers He's a fat buffoon A silver Cellini medallion Taxi! Who'd want to kill Uncle Bunchy? You're to stay away from Maurice Withers.
He's a bad 'un Who'd want to kill Uncle Bunchy? I know who the blackmailer is.
It's the cakes-and-ale fella At the Wiltshire Galleries, I saw the caterer take Mrs H-H's handbag A silver cigarette case I was the last to see Lord Robert alive A silver cigarette case.
One could strike a sharp blow with it No, thank you - Good morning - What time is it? Five past eight Breakfast? no, thank you.
Please don't bother - Something the matter? - Er no Chief inspector, I do believe you're embarrassed Nonsense Morning, Mr Potter Id like to ask you some questions concerning the death of your Uncle, Lord Robert Gospell Where are my shoelaces? When you left Marsdon House, what did you do? I went to the corner to look for a taxi Anyone see you? I shouldnt think so, in that fog Well, we'll just have to find your taxi, then, won't we? I didnt take one There wasn't one at the corner, so I walked home Wait a minute.
You dont think I? You're Lord Robert's heir, Mr Potter You're in debt Lord Robert objected to your friendship with Captain Withers He warned you against him But Im not a murderer What were you saying when you were carried in here last night? 'I killed him.
I killed him' I was drunk.
I mean I felt I felt guilty, I suppose as if I were to blame, because wed rowed But Im not a murderer.
You can't think that.
You can't - Have you lost something, Mr Potter? - My cigarette case Hello? Yes, he is Hang on I have inspector Fox on the telephone I left this number with the Yard.
I hope you dont mind No, not at all - Inspector? - Oh, morning, sir I tried ringing your flat, but there was no reply Was that Miss Troy who answered the phone? Er yes, yes, it was Did you have something for me, inspector? Oh, er yes, sir Lady Lorrimer has confirmed Sir Daniel Davidsons alibi - running off to cure the Princess Royal And young Mr Potter - he surfaced here last night, at Bow Street nick Well, why on earth didnt someone tell me last night? Sorry, sir.
I thought you needed the rest What I need is to find this killer All right, Brer.
All right.
Just Tell young Donald his mother needs him at home, and Oh, and fix that appointment, will you, with Carrados, for ten o'clock? Right, sir - And there's another 50.
Is that all right? - Yes - And Ive got a few outstanding debts here - Show me I shouldn't play with that I did once, and Beastly Bart nearly broke my arm - Beastly Bart? - My stepfather, Sir Herbert I think he would have broken my arm, if the doctor hadnt heard me screaming and come in You must be Bridget He's forbidden me from seeing Donald, you know That's pretty beastly.
Don't you think? He might have had his reasons I think he thinks Donald killed his uncle - which is too ridiculous! - You're the police, aren't you? - Yes, we are Are all detectives as handsome as you? I knew your father Sir Herbert will see you now, sir What I can't get over is the thought that my hospitality was so cruelly abused Now, what was I saying? You stayed in the buffet for some time, smoked a cigar, had a peg of brandy, chinwagged with that fellow Dimitri, then Then went home With Lady Carrados and Miss O'Brien? No, I packed them off earlier.
My wife was absolutely fagged out The chauffeur came back for me later.
I dare say youd like to speak to him Oh, I think we can take that as read, sir I would like to speak to Lady Carrados - No, I can't allow that - Sir, please She's she's sleeping She's taken this whole business dammed hard Even if I did disturb her, Im quite certain shed refuse Yes? Her Ladyship, sir, wishes me to say that, if Mr Alleyn has a few minutes to spare, she would be very pleased to see him - Oh, it's huge, it's - How lovely! Evelyn Oh, Rory, it's so good of you to come What is it? You're being blackmailed, aren't you? A letter came a few days ago There had been others, but I ignored them But this one threatened things that would have hurt Bridget So, you did what the letter said, and you put some money in a bag, and you left it in the telephone room at the ball And Colombo Dimitri returned it to you empty, shortly before one o'clock Do you already know all this? Evelyn, I have to ask you: Does Dimitri have some hold over you? Oh, I dont think so How could he know? Know? Is it something to do with Bridget? Paddy and I We weren't married Not legally Or at least, I should say that we were married, but illegally He'd left a wife in Australia In an institution She was beyond hope, the doctor said She didnt even recognise him She'd become hopelessly insane only six weeks after they were married Paddy hadn't told anybody about the marriage Ah, Im sorry to bother you, Sir Herbert.
May I use your telephone? Oh, yes, of course How could the blackmailer have found out about Paddy's first wife? Well, five months after we were married - Id already started Bridget - I came up to London to stay with my mother and to see the Doctor Paddy stayed in the country And a few days later, he sent a telegram, saying, "Letter arrived from Australia Best possible news.
Driving up to town" On the way, his car hit a bridge in a village called Ripplecote He was taken to the vicarage, and then to the hospital He died without ever recovering consciousness And the best possible news? It had to be that his wife had died But I couldn't find any letter amongst his things.
I never did find it I wrote to the hospital Endless enquiries were made Eventually, I assumed that any letter was lost, and with it my secret Till now You understand, Rory? Id do anything to keep this from Bridget - Yes? - Captain Withers, this is Bertie - Yes? - We've had a bloke down, from the council From the council? On a Sunday? And you let him in? Oh, we've had a call from Robinson, sir He's followed Maurice Withers to a house in the country, near Leatherhead - L? - There are roulette wheels, and a storeroom full of unbonded spirits on the ground floor, and upstairs - well, there are more bedrooms than might be required by the average family Casino and a brothel Whatever tickles your fancy, sir - Wits! - Have you been blabbing? - What? - What did you tell Alleyn? Nothing, Wits.
Nothing.
Nothing at all What's the matter? Just shut up I dont see how the two could possibly be connected.
My friend Mrs Halcut-Hackett, I think we should drop your imaginary friend.
Don't you? We have already spoken to Captain Withers - Has he confessed? - To what? Nothing.
I mean, nothing to do with this Er nothing that matters to anyone but me my friend I didnt mean "confessed".
I meant You meant Withers has confessed to writing a compromising letter to you, which found its way to a blackmailer Captain Withers and I have a business relationship.
Nothing more Really? He has a small commercial venture, in which Im investing, and we naturally require to talk things over, so This "venture" wouldnt have anything to do with a house of ill repute in Leatherhead? No! Ill? No! We believe that after the ball, Withers went to the Matador Club with a lady.
Was that you? Who told you? Not Captain Withers Look, do you want to be cleared of involvement in Lord Robert's death or not? I don't know why you're hounding me like this! Sir What a very pretty case.
The medallion is Cellini, is it not? Rather careless to have left it in the telephone room at Marsdon House How did you Is my husband having me watched? Not to my knowledge When were you in the telephone room? Shortly before one Shortly before one 'To Darling Dodo, from her Mugwump' May I hang on to this? Go right ahead Thank you Now, Mrs Halcut-Hackett These love letters from Captain Withers When did they first go missing? Six months ago, after a charade party Have you any idea who might have taken them? Lord Robert Gospell He was at the party I kept the letters in the drawe of my writing table The catering men turned the room into a buffet for the party, but they were supervised the whole time, so it couldnt have been them Lord Robert must have gone snooping And who supervised the catering men? - Colombo Dimitri himself - Colombo Dimitri Thank you very much, Mrs Halcut-Hackett.
That'll be all for now Mrs Hackett You think I was too hard on her, don't you? - Well, sir - Go on Well, it seems to me, sir, that, if Mrs Hackett is being blackmailed, she's something of a victim in this as well All that woman has to lose is her sham respectability Bunchy lost his life.
Im going to find his killer, even if it costs me the job.
Is that clear? Yes, sir - Sorry, sir - Police Here we are.
No, there doesn't seem to be anything here Look again, Mr Cuthbert, or you'll close Ah, well, there was a party from the Marsdon House ball, about quarter to four Then there was a bit of a lull.
One or two others Ah.
"M Withers and guest".
There we are About 20 past four - Blonde? Mutton dressed as lamb? - American accent - Thank you, Mr Cuthbert - Always delighted to help the police Bridget O'Brien, does your mother know you're being taken to places like this? Mr Alleyn Donald and I were just discussing coming to see you Really? We know who killed Uncle Bunch Yes? Now, what makes you so certain it was Captain Withers? Well, I saw him this morning He was in a rage He thought Id lost my nerve yesterday and gone to the police to tell them About Leatherhead? Yes He told Donald, if he didnt want his throat cut, he should keep quiet And if the police asked me, I was to say that when Wits left Marsdon House, he went to his car and drove to the Matador Club - I was to Id seen him - And had you? No, I left after him Why would he have killed your uncle, do you think? He probably thought his power over me would get him my inheritance And would he have succeeded? No Good for you, Bridget - Chief inspector Alleyn - Lady Carrados Yes, put her through Evelyn No, no, she's fine.
She's here - Where's Donald? Is he with you? - Yes.
He's here too - Ill be right over - Yes, do Ill see you then Is she coming over? - Yes - Golly A nightclub! Im really very cross, Bridget Its simply not done by debutantes - And Im surprised at you, Donald - Oh, Donna Thank you for looking after her Glad I could help Rory Its about Herbert After you left, he asked me such odd questions.
About Bunchy Ive never seen him in such a state, so tormented I was terrified He's always been a bitter man, but Like everyone else, you're probably wondering why I ever married him - Evelyn - It was a mistake.
I can see that now But two years after Paddy died Rory, if you ever get married, don't do it out of gratitude, or habit Habit? He was always the one I turned to, well, the whole family "We need a fourth at bridge.
Herbert" "We need an escort for Mother.
Herbert" "I need a driver to take me to my dying husband" He drove you to the vicarage that night Yes.
Well, we're trying to trace the Reverend Harris He was your vicar some time ago Yes, I know that 18 years is a long time Well, have you any idea where he might have moved to after leaving Ripplecote? Wed be very grateful if you could try - Morning, sir - Morning Good morning, Evelyn Morning, Herbert Why dont we get away from all this? Away? You and me Try to Never mind It isn't where we are Is it? Herbert Thank you very much, madam Sir The Reverend Harris's wife remembers a letter belonging to Paddy O'Brien She says she found it under a couch after O'Brien had been taken to hospital She can't understand how it could have gone missing, cos she says she gave it to the man whod driven Lady Carrados to Ripplecote Harcourt the butler found him "Evelyn, forgive me" Do you think he was capable of blackmailing his own wife? Hed kept hold of that letter for years, and never used it He was a jealous, bitter, lovelorn fool, who knew an old mistake was about to come to light and poison his marriage for ever, but he wasn't a blackmailer, Brer No Somebody else knew the contents of that letter Mind the step - Morning, Barton - Morning, sir Have a look at this Yes, I understand, but can you please tell the Doctor, when he gets back: as quickly as possible She's in a terrible state Thank you Good.
Now, Bridget, take a look at this The day your stepfather twisted your arm for playing with this desk - how long ago was that? About a year ago And since that time, has anybody outside the household been alone in this room? No The caterer, Colombo Dimitri? Yes.
He interviewed us in here about the arrangements for my dance We were going off to Newbury that day, so he had to come in first thing Good.
Thank you, Bridget Sir, Dimitri bought a Times this morning According to the newsagent, he usually takes The Express And Barton says that he paid particular attention to the personal column You seem extraordinarily tense today, Captain Withers Do I? You do If you could just relax, Id be able to finish you off today By the way, where are they going to hang you? It makes quite a difference to the way I frame this, you see - Excuse me - Captain Withers? This way, sir The inspector would like to have a word with you Ah, Mr Dimitri Do sit down I understand you were alone in this room on the morning of March the 19th.
Correct? I can't just remember where I was over a month ago! Oh, well, perhaps I can help you.
It was the day you took a private letter from this secret drawer Are you calling me a thief? Oh, much worse than that, Mr Dimitri Im advising Lady Carrados to charge you with blackmail Then I shall sue her for libel Perhaps I should explain Lord Robert wasn't sleeping at the Wiltshire Galleries He was watching you collect the money He was also watching you at the Marsdon House ball, when you returned Lady Carrados's empty bag to her shortly before one o'clock Lord Robert? I cannot be accused by the dead Well, that's very true But what a motive for murder Now you accuse me of murder! Sit down, Mr Dimitri Have you seen this cigarette case before? - No, never - Open it, please Let me pass! You can't keep me here against my will - Why dont you sit down? - I demand to see my lawyer There's plenty of time for lawyers Sir Daniel Davidson has arrived, sir Sir Daniel Im so sorry.
I think we may have called you out unnecessarily Is Lady Carrados all right? She was absolutely distraught, but a police doctor was here And she's fine I'm so sorry.
Er since you're here, I wonder Do you mind? More questions? - Let me - Oh, thank you I understand you were a witness to a scene that took place in this room about a year ago You were attending to Lady Carrados, and you heard Miss O'Brien scream You came downstairs, and you saw Sir Herbert Carrados and Miss O'Brien together in here - Do you remember? - Yes.
Very well Would you describe exactly what you saw when you came into the room? Sir Herbert was holding Miss O'Brien by the arm Twisting it? - Shouting at her? - Yes - What about? - About? That she must never touch this writing desk? Yes As I recall, yes This is familiar to you, I think That's the cigarette case I mentioned! Its part of the collection at Marsdon House Yes.
It is Cellini I dare say.
Could you tell us again exactly where you saw it? Among a collection of objects d'art on a piecrust table in an upstairs room at Marsdon House - The telephone room? - Yes In your consulting rooms you told us that you saw it at 11.
30 11.
30.
Perhaps earlier Would you swear that it was no later? Of course.
That was the only time I was in that room Im quite ready to swear to it I swear I saw this case on the table in the telephone room, not later than 11.
30 Will that do? There is a slight discrepancy We have a signed statement from the owner, saying she didnt leave it in the room until shortly before one She was mistaken Would you open it, please? Read the cutting aloud "Childe, Darling.
Living in exile.
Longing Only want daughter Daddy" What does it mean? It's a message.
From one blackmailer to another Simple code, using initial letters "Childe, Darling" C - D "Living in exile" L - I- E "Longing.
Only want" L - O - W "Daughter.
Daddy" "CD, lie low.
DD" To Colombo Dimitri, from DD Daniel Davidson Donald Duck You killed a friend of mine.
For nothing We had no idea of your involvement No idea you were abusing a position of trust, to spy out information on your patients for Dimitri to steal No doubt your blackmail would have continued, if it had not been for Lord Robert Gospell As soon as he suspected that Dimitri had his claws into Lady Carrados as well, he telephoned me straightaway at Scotland Yard Im at the Carradoses' show I know who the blackmailer is And you, Sir Daniel, stumbled upon that telephone conversation It's a nasty bloody crime, Rory Mistakenly assuming you were about to be exposed as a blackmailer, you interrupted He's working with Oh, hello.
I didn't hear you come in Yoo-hoo! Sir Daniel! Two hours later, you made your excuses to Lady Lorrimer and disappeared Can I give you a lift? Must dash.
Princess Royal's been taken ill Drive on, Charles Taxi! But you came back, didn't you? Lord Robert! Oh, hello! Would you care for a lift? Thank you And you knew exactly what to do, didnt you Doctor? Just how to render him unconscious Just how to smother him with his own cloak Steady on, sir.
He's not worth a candle What a marvellous flight of fancy, Chief inspector If a trifle over-embellished with sentimentality But how are you going to prove that it's all anything other than conjecture? Mr Dimitri I can charge you with blackmail Or I can charge you with blackmail and conspiracy to murder You got it exactly right, Alleyn.
He's your murderer Ill go to prison for blackmail.
Ill confess But I won't hang for a crime I had no part in Ill tell you everything.
The whole story Snivelling little Filthy murderer! You filthy, filthy.
.
! I kill you! I kill you! Well done, sir Filthy murderer! I want to go to Southampton.
Fast Captain Maurice Withers? Alias Michael Webber.
Alias Mugwump Scotland Yard, sir.
Id like a few questions with you About a house you own.
In Leatherhead He always seemed so charming, Roderick Its a terrible thing to say, but he did wonders for my indigestion Are you sure it was Sir Daniel? Im afraid so Though how he moved from such care to such ruthlessness is beyond me The funeral's on Wednesday morning If you dont mind, Roderick - it would have meant so much to Bunchy to have you there, carrying the coffin Of course Bunchy Bunchy When did you first suspect Sir Daniel? When I asked to see his cigarette case There were traces of plate powder in the tooling It had just been cleaned Traces of plate powder in the tooling? How frightfully observant What else did you notice? Well, I did notice that, whenever Im in trouble I just want to be with you And that, although your eyes are grey, there are little green flecks in them And when you smile, your face goes crooked Bless you