The Murdoch Mysteries (2004) s15e12 Episode Script
There's Something About Mary
Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary
Let's not let's not
mix business and pleasure.
This isn't Amsterdam.
Does does everyone have a glass? 'Cause I'd like to say a few words, please, before you all get too rowdy in here.
Goodbye, Toronto.
Hello, New York.
I know you'll all join me in wishing Mary the very best of luck, even though she won't need it.
D.
W.
Griffith will make her the star she deserves to be.
- Here, here! - To Mary.
To Mary.
Hmm.
Cheers.
- Bon voyage, Mary.
- Oh, thanks, John.
I'm going to miss you.
Sure you will.
But I'll be dining out on the time that I was leading man to the great Mary Pickford.
Come on, let's dance! - They look like dancing trees.
- Yes, they do.
- Well done, Charlotte.
- Hmm.
Mary would be nowhere without you.
- Well, the film deal's all Mary.
- Switch partners! - My daughter is as bold as she is beautiful.
- Hmm.
Berger has a bee in his bonnet.
Again.
- Most unattractive.
- Mm-hmm.
- You were dazzling in rehearsal today.
- Oh, John! Do you think Mr.
Scantage would put our names - onto the the theatre marquee? - Why not? - We're playing the leads.
- Oh! - Come on, Mary, a quiet chat.
No histrionics, I promise.
- What's the point, Blake? Here's to the magnificent Mary Pickford! Off to cheapen herself in the flickers where she belongs.
Good riddance to her! - And her loathsome mother.
- Oh! - That's enough, Mr.
Leavey.
- Bon voyage, Mary! Mary, darling, don't listen to him.
How are you feeling this morning? Honestly? Terrible.
If I stop eating, I feel ill, but food is completely unappealing.
Well you could always stay home.
William, I'm going to work.
- Right.
But rest is important.
- I'm going to work.
All right.
Should we tell everyone? Let's not just yet.
People are probably starting to suspect something.
I'm running out of creative ways of hiding it.
You could always become a professional sign holder.
William! It's locked.
Blake had a skinful last night, but he still has a job to do.
- Did you check the stage door? - Hmm.
Ah, thank God.
Mr.
Scantage.
We found Blake.
Who is he? Blake Berger.
The theatre stage manager.
We had a party for Mary Pickford last night.
Blake stayed behind to lock up.
- Had Berger been drinking at the party? - He had a few.
Well, more than a few, to be honest.
Maybe he just took a bit of a nasty tumble.
Not everyone can hold their liquor like your father, son.
Sir the fall was no accident.
- Mrs.
Hart? - Ah.
I believe he sustained a broken neck.
And the bloody nose? I will have some definitive answers for you as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Sir.
We've rounded up all the party-goers.
Higgins is taking their fingermarks.
All right.
Let's see what they have to say.
Did the two of you leave the theatre together? - Yes.
- We walked back to our hotel at a quarter past ten.
Did the concierge see you? No.
The front desk was already closed.
If that's all there is, Detective? - Yes.
- Thank you.
- Ah.
- Ahem.
Blake was my right hand, the glue holding the theatre together.
He was drunk last night.
Was that common? More and more of late.
What time did you leave the theatre? Ten p.
m.
I walked home to my room.
Did anyone see you? No.
My landlady was already asleep.
Miss Halliday, did you leave the theatre - at the same time as the others? - Um shortly before.
I went straight home.
Did anyone see you? No.
No, the woman I share my flat with is visiting her mother in Peterborough.
- Who was this uninvited guest? - Percy Leavey.
He was a director at the theatre until Mary's mother - had him fired a couple months ago.
- What prompted that? Charlotte thought that he insulted Mary's acting; took it to Scantage.
Said it was either Mary or Leavey.
Scantage chose Mary.
- Mm-hmm.
- Anything else? Yes.
When I escorted Leavey out, there was a man hanging around.
Asked if Mary was still in the theatre.
- What did he look like? - Like an actor.
Nice suit, fancy blue hat.
If you're mixed up in something that's connected to this murder, John, now's the time to tell me.
- There's nothing.
- Are you sure about that, son? After what happened with Bobby, your mother can't handle any more upset.
I swear.
Not an alibi amongst the lot of them, Murdoch.
If one of them is the killer, they returned when Berger was locking up.
We need to find this Percy Leavey.
I'll get Higgins to chase up the man with the blue hat.
Ah, speak of the devil.
Higgins, did you get everyone's fingermarks? Yes, sir, and I searched the victim's locker.
I found this rent receipt made out to Berger - for a warehouse on Front Street.
- Mm.
- Very good, Henry.
- Hmm.
Sir.
Thank you.
Seems like Mr.
Berger was more than a stage manager.
It certainly does.
This camera's been heavily modified.
Looks like this is all filmed here in the studio.
Oh.
Miss Bright.
I see you've persisted in staying here.
- I have indeed.
- Hmm.
And I shall have a station as high as yours.
I doubt that.
Come with me.
I know it needs a lot of work, but I believe it could be wonderful.
I want to bring in all Black musicians, poets, dancers, you name it.
From all across North America.
Maybe even from around the world.
- A salon? - Yes.
But for people like us.
It took most of my savings to pay the lease and buy some furniture.
Toronto's not going to know what hit it.
They sure aren't.
You have a lot of work ahead of you.
I'm not afraid of that.
I do hope to see you at the grand opening.
You and your husband are people of great prominence.
It would mean a lot.
My husband doesn't go out much anymore.
I heard quite the opposite.
I heard he's something of a bon vivant.
He used to be.
I'm happy my life is of such keen interest to you.
Good luck, Miss Bright.
Ugh.
Look at our son.
Such a handsome leading man.
- He's a Brackenreid.
- Oh.
I've had several requests for copies.
I was thinking of charging, though maybe they'll be free to fully paid-up members of John's circle of fans! Ah! Circle of fans? What do you mean, like a sewing circle? Yes.
Except instead of gossiping about each other, - they'll talk about John.
- What's the point of that? You think it's a terrible idea.
No, no, no! Margaret, Margaret.
I'm sure John will appreciate the effort.
I think it's a lovely thing you're doing for him.
Ah.
He's got my jaw.
No, he doesn't.
Any luck? Unfortunately, no.
The fingermarks on the handrail were Berger's.
Anything noteworthy amongst all these gadgets from Berger's studio? Well, sir, look at this.
This camera was specifically designed to operate at low light levels, and all of the moving parts are kept inside of this sound-muffling case.
Perfect for clandestine purposes.
A Peeping Tom camera.
Maybe Berger filmed something he shouldn't have - and that's why he's dead.
- My thoughts exactly.
Perhaps some of the spare film will shed some light on what he's been up to.
- Like a needle in a haystack.
- Hmm.
Anything to see? Allow me, sir.
Detective Murdoch.
Sir, I think I've found our man.
His hat was noticed by the staff at the Queen's Hotel.
He checked in as a Mr.
Smith.
- It's likely a pseudonym.
Very good, Henry.
He's not in his room now, but I'll keep an eye on the place in case he comes back, sir.
Thank you.
Thank you very much for your time, Miss Pickford.
Any final words for our readers? Just that I credit my mother for everything.
As my drama coach, she took me to see the finest actors, but she always taught me to be myself.
Pish.
- Mary's hard work is why she's a success.
- Hmm.
Well, bon voyage, Miss Pickford.
Pleasure.
Constable.
What are you doing here? I could ask the same of you.
I was assigned to write a piece about some actress.
A piece about what? - About her.
- Oh.
Well, all right.
A girl, a boy and a chase.
Why do people watch this drivel, Murdoch? Absolutely no idea.
I must admit, Pickford has a certain charisma.
I wish I'd seen her on stage.
You don't attend John's plays, sir? I leave that to Margaret.
Oh.
Take a look at this, sir.
I believe that's Mary Pickford.
Was that taken with the Peeping Tom camera? I think so.
Mary Pickford might not have known what he was up to.
Or she found out and killed him for it.
No, I never.
We kissed, but that was all.
I swear.
You're barely dressed.
- It's the costume from the play.
- It hardly matters.
If there's a film of this, the public will assume the worst! Blake Berger filmed this? It was found in his studio.
Where's this appalling film? - Who has it? - We don't yet know.
These frames were among Mr.
Berger's discards.
This needs to be handled with absolute discretion.
It cannot get out that this film exists.
The man in the photograph with you, Miss Pickford? Out of propriety, I'd prefer not to say.
It could aid in our investigation.
This is improper and embarrassing enough.
I won't expose anyone else to the shame.
You appeared in all of Mr.
Berger's films, Miss Pickford.
- Clearly, you knew him well.
- Very well.
We were planning to start our own film studio, owned by the artists themselves.
- No producers or financiers.
- So why didn't you? With the movie business just starting out, it would take years to turn a profit.
I needed money to support my family.
So when Mr.
Griffith offered me a contract, I took it.
How did Mr.
Berger react? Not well.
Did you speak to him again? He wanted to talk the night of the party, but I didn't see the point.
That was the last you saw him? Yes.
I can't believe he would do this.
If there's nothing further, Detective? Ladies.
Suspicious that she wouldn't say who was in the film with her.
Well, I can understand her embarrassment.
She seemed genuinely shocked.
She's a skilled actress; pretending is her stock in trade.
She could've killed Berger, destroyed the film and then still put in that performance.
Indeed, sir.
Or someone could have killed on Miss Pickford's behalf.
Yes, just take those two pills a day and you'll be fine.
Come on.
Julia? - Oh! Louise.
- Do you have a moment? Uh, a brief moment.
I'm due at the clinic.
You're hiding something.
I'm not.
I know about the dead man at the Marquis Theatre, and now I've just seen Mary Pickford leaving the police station.
There's a connection, isn't there? Oh.
Uh I I suppose there could be.
There's something you're not telling me.
I know it.
Detective.
Mr.
Berger died from a broken neck sustained in the fall, and he had a high level of alcohol in his bloodstream.
And take a look at this.
Oh, this facial bruising is new.
Yes.
Blood in the underlying tissue was diffuse, which means the blood vessels were broken while the body still had blood pressure.
He was hit in the face.
Shortly before he died.
- Time of death? - Between 10 p.
m.
and 12 a.
m.
If there's nothing else? Thank you.
I'm sorry.
What are you doing? There is no liquor licence registered with the city.
No licence, no liquor.
No, I did apply, but I can still open and not serve alcohol until the licence comes through, can I not? You could if you didn't also have these notices.
Personal surety: $50.
Inspection cost: $10.
Food-service licence, water and sewage, signage and a few more there.
I have musicians - coming from out of town - Then you should've followed the rules.
What are you doing here? I wanted to see how things are progressing.
Well, now you've seen.
Happy? Well, it's not that bad.
All you have to do is submit the proper paperwork - and pay for the permits.
- And how do you propose I do that? Not all of us have a wealthy meal ticket to pay our way.
- That is not exactly the case - I'm sorry, but I'm very busy.
Obviously someone broke in and tossed the place.
Perhaps a motion-picture aficionado.
They were definitely determined to find - whatever it was they were looking for.
- Mm.
I've got an idea about what that might be.
- And there were no witnesses? - No.
But I've got an idea about that, as well.
I had to find it.
You have no idea how much that film compromises Mary.
You know an awful lot about the film.
How is that? Because I've seen it.
Go on.
A few days ago, I received an anonymous note regarding Mary's "best interests.
" - Do you have the note? - No.
I threw it away.
I was told to go to an office at King and Sherbourne.
And? I walked in, and there was a chair and a sheet hanging from the wall.
I sat down and the film was projected.
- Did you see anyone? - No.
And the projector was hidden away, or I would've destroyed that film then and there.
Did you see who was in the film with Mary? Well, his face wasn't on camera, but I know who he is.
It was Owen Moore.
- Who's he? - American actor Mary screen-tested with.
She hasn't stopped talking about him since.
What happened next? I received a blackmail note: "Pay up, or the film goes public.
" - Where did you leave the payment? - Where I was told to.
That night, I took it to the Adelaide Street post office, box 45.
Thank you.
Thanks.
- Mr.
Smith? - What do you want? Toronto Constabulary.
You're coming with me.
You really think I'm blackmailing Mary Pickford? You cops up here must be crazy.
What are you doing in Toronto, Mr.
Moore? I came here to see my gal.
I'm going to ask her to marry me.
And you say this isn't you in the photograph with Mary Pickford? We haven't been that intimate.
Yet.
When did you arrive in Toronto? Two days before Mary's farewell performance.
And I'd never been here before.
Your story will be checked, Mr.
Moore.
Go right ahead.
We're still searching for Mr.
Leavey, sir.
And there was no film in Mr.
Moore's hotel room.
- So where the hell is it? - The blackmailer likely has it.
- Well, I suppose we can let Moore go, then.
- Sir.
Anything useful, Murdoch? Sir, if the film is intended for blackmail, then perhaps the man in the photos with Miss Pickford is Berger's partner.
If it's not Moore, then who is it? Well there isn't much to identify him by.
He seems to be casting off a costume of some sort.
Costume? Let me see that.
Excuse me.
Bloody hell.
Sir? Margaret's photograph.
I know that costume.
The man with Mary Pickford is John.
Why the hell didn't you tell me about this, John? - Why would I? - What? You didn't think a fling with Mary Pickford - had any bearing in the case? - We kissed.
- You're in your long johns! - I must've been getting changed! The kiss was as far as it went.
I didn't realize we were being filmed.
Otherwise, I would've said something.
When did this happen? Two months ago? - Where'd it take place? - In the green room.
- Do you know what kind of a mess you're in? - I do now.
If you weren't my son, you'd be a suspect in a murder! Keep your head down and, for your mother's sake, stay out of bloody trouble! - May I go? - Yes.
Hey, lover boy.
- You the one who's trying to steal my gal? - Who's asking? Ah! What the heck?! Oy! Oy! Oy! Oy! Pack it in, the pair a ya! Idiots! I thought I told you to stay outta trouble? Get inside! Go on! And you, I want you on the first train back to New York.
I don't want to see you in Toronto ever again.
Understood? - Mr.
Moore.
- Who are you? Louise Cherry, Toronto Telegraph.
Can I offer you a cup of tea? I don't know what to do, Murdoch.
I'm worried that John's going down the same road as Bobby.
If that happens, God help us.
It'll be the end of Margaret.
John's a decent young man, sir.
Young women certainly take a shine to him.
Huh.
The natural Brackenreid charm is sometimes a heavy burden to carry, Murdoch.
I pity you, sir.
I gather dalliances are not uncommon amongst these theatre types.
I take it you've spoken to John of your concerns? - Well - Right.
Given the angle of the frame the camera would've been roughly here.
Oh.
So Berger filmed John and Mary from the room next door.
Huh.
Seems to be a storage room of some sort.
Oh.
Uh I'm sorry to interrupt.
Oh, Miss Halliday.
Rehearsals finished for the day? Oh, yes.
Yes, I was just picking up my things.
What can you tell us about the room next door? How do you mean? Is it the accent? Well, it used to be the director Mr.
Leavey's office, and now it's a storage room.
Props and such.
Well, good day, gentlemen.
Leavey.
Mr.
Leavey was the fellow that Charlotte fired.
That's a strong motive for blackmail.
Perhaps he struck up a partnership with Mr.
Berger.
Maybe the partners had a falling out.
What are you doing here? Something I rarely do: offering assistance.
I don't want your charity.
And I'm not offering it.
I will help you finance the opening of your salon for 25% ownership.
I will just open illegally.
And then you'll get shut down and you'll lose everything.
- At least I'll have one night of glory.
- Don't be foolish.
Perhaps you're right.
Things have been easier for me now that I have a benefactor.
I'm offering you the same.
And why only 25%? It'll make the loss easier to swallow.
Ah! Look at this, Thomas! - This about Mary Pickford? - It mentions John! What does it say? That he's connected with the murder! - That's all? - That's all? His career will be ruined! These things can blow over as quick as they blew up in the first place.
How can you be so cavalier? - This is our son we're talking about.
- Margaret, please.
- Our supposedly good son! - That's enough.
One of us has to fix this, Thomas.
Oh, John, John, John, John What would you like me to do? Speak to Louise Cherry.
She's like a dog with a bone.
She won't let up on this Mary Pickford story.
Thank goodness she didn't mention the film.
If Margaret were to read that in the papers, huh! Well, I hardly have influence over Miss Cherry's behaviour.
And besides, she's not the only journalist in Toronto.
She's the one with the source.
John's mixed up in this.
It could ruin him.
You're her friend.
If you've got a favour to cash in, now's the time.
Oh.
Mar Margaret's not very well.
Still no word from Bobby? John's all she has.
Oh, sir! Mr.
Leavey is in the interview room waiting for you.
- You found him? - He was in Station 5's drunk tank, sir.
- Oh.
Well done.
- Hmm.
- Mr.
Leavey.
- Ahem.
Yeah.
We know that you were fired from the Marquis Theatre two months ago, and you blame Charlotte Hennessey for your dismissal.
It wasn't a question of blame.
She forced the issue.
She has far too much sway over Scantage.
Mr.
Scantage chose Mary Pickford over you, and you wanted revenge.
Revenge is a bit strong.
Let's say redress.
Either way, you partnered with Mr.
Berger to make a compromising film for the purpose of blackmail.
Well, you must be kidding! Oh, sure, I hated those two, but I didn't have anything to do with blackmail.
Where did you go after you were escorted out of Mary Pickford's party? I joined friends at a private club.
I can provide names, if you insist.
I don't know why you're accusing me.
Scantage has far more to lose.
How so? He had a handshake deal with Charlotte for Mary's exclusive appearance at the Marquis.
He was furious when she broke the deal and signed with Griffith.
He made no secret of the fact that he wanted revenge.
Right then, Scantage what are you hiding? Murdoch, the main drawer's locked.
Allow me.
Look at this.
Screenplay.
It's the blackmail film.
And I bet this fits box 45 at the Adelaide Street Post Office.
If Scantage was Berger's partner Then he's more than likely the killer.
What in God's name are you doing here? Mr.
Scantage, you're under arrest for the murder of Blake Berger.
We've got you back to rights, Scantage, for murder and the blackmail.
I admit I was blackmailing Charlotte, but I was never partners with Blake Berger.
I swear I didn't kill him.
How did you even come to have the film? I'd heard that Blake and Mary were making films together, and I wanted to see what they were up to, so I broke into Blake's studio.
- When was this? - A few days ago.
It was in an envelope addressed to D.
W.
Griffith in New York.
I figured Blake was sending a reel of his work to try and find a job in the movies, like Mary.
You couldn't resist a little peek.
With that film in my pocket, I could force Charlotte to pay me a share of Mary's earnings forever after.
I wasn't greedy about it.
I only asked for 10%.
- Generous.
- I'd earned a cut, believe me.
How do you figure that? I spent the last 10 years building Mary's career.
She would be nowhere without me.
I made Mary Pickford! So you stole the film, sent the blackmail note, and then showed the film to Charlotte.
Yes.
Berger figured out you had stolen it and that's why you argued at the party.
He wanted the film back.
He wanted to send it to Griffith in order to ruin Miss Pickford.
But you refused to hand it over.
You fought on the fire escape and then you pushed him down the stairs.
That's not what happened.
You have yet to convince us otherwise.
- Mrs.
Hart.
- May I introduce you to Mr.
Steele.
It's a pleasure.
Mr.
Steele takes care of all of our finances, both at the home and the restaurant.
He also knows what palms need to be greased.
He'll get you open, legally.
- Is that so? - Yes.
And he also has carte blanche to dip into my account to help you.
- I'm not sure I - Please.
I want to.
Besides, what other alternative do you have? Mr.
Steele, please, do what needs to be done.
What does your husband say about this? Don't worry about my husband.
I don't.
Here are your permits.
You'll want to display those properly and prominently.
People like us need to follow the law to the letter.
You've done all this? Of course.
You're opening this weekend, are you not? - Yes, but I didn't - I'll need to see your inventory.
Food, liquor, refreshments.
I don't have an inventory.
For the short term, we'll get what we need from Mr.
Carmichael's restaurant.
Have you been working for Mr.
Carmichael long? I don't work for Mr.
Carmichael.
I work for Mrs.
Hart.
- I see.
- Well, we best get to it.
The worst thing a salon could have is thirsty patrons.
Wouldn't you agree? Yes.
Um, so I I understand that this Mary Pickford story is a real scoop Then why did you ask me to drop it? It was the briefest of encounters and it wasn't even that intimate! Not that that should matter.
Women in the limelight are very vulnerable.
Men can brag about their conquests, but a woman can be ruined by the merest hint of scandal.
It's a double standard.
That's for my readers to decide.
It would be a a personal favour.
As a friend? All right.
Oh, thank you.
What were you hiding from me? What what do you mean? First I thought it had something to do with the story, but it didn't.
You are lying to me about something, and I want to know what it is, as a friend.
If you must know I'm expecting.
Oh! Sorry.
Julia, congratulations.
Thank you.
You could've just told me.
I I feared you might write about it.
Write about it? I would never.
You're not that famous.
William.
Oh.
This is the film, I take it? Indeed.
I'm about to watch it.
Oh, dear.
Well, it is evidence.
I don't need to see any of my son's performance.
Well, sir, we need at least two people to attest to its contents.
Well, I'll leave you and the good doctor to it, then.
Enjoy.
Oh.
Ah.
All right.
Right, then.
Not exactly scandalous.
Scintillating.
Oh, my! There's something eminently distasteful about the filming of people in amorous congress.
Mm.
This is definitely more intimate than they claimed.
Yeah.
Oh! Oh.
Is there much more? I Hmm, um Well, that was particularly unpleasant.
I'd like to watch it again.
William! Oh, n-not that part.
Before John enters, there's a jump in the frame.
A jump? Yes.
Ahem.
- There.
Did you see that? - Yeah.
- Huh! - Yes.
A a and then, after that, we never quite see Mary's face clearly again.
Meaning what? Meaning I believe John Brackenreid hasn't been entirely honest with us.
Well, this is very embarrassing.
- So this is you with Mary Pickford, then.
- Yes.
- Is there a chance - Wait.
No.
No, we never went this far.
It's not Mary.
Her ankle Mary has a scar on her ankle from a childhood bicycling accident.
If it's not Mary, John, then who is it? Um, Susan.
Mary's understudy.
Miss Halliday served as the understudy in the green room, as well? I may have had a more intimate dalliance with Susan.
A number of times.
Oh.
So Mr.
Berger filmed you and Susan Halliday, then added clips of Mary Pickford in the same costume.
That photo you showed me earlier, that must've been Susan, as well.
So Berger took advantage of Susan Halliday and created a fake blackmail film of Mary Pickford.
Oh.
I suppose my father will hear about this? Your father will hear that you were very helpful, John.
Ahem.
Blake Berger secretly filmed Susan Halliday, compromising her considerably.
Well, that's motive for murder right there.
If I can prove that she's seen the film, then she's added to the list of suspects.
I've identified four sets of fingermarks on the canister.
Including myself, there's Blake Berger, Edwin Scantage and Susan Halliday.
What he did was criminal.
How could he defile me filming me like that? Blake's known me since I was a child.
When did you find Mr.
Berger's film? After everyone left, I went to Mr.
Scantage's office to peek at the script for a new play he's producing.
That's where I found the film.
Why didn't you simply take it? Blake walked in.
I was so angry, I dropped it.
And you knew he was the one who had made it? Who else? He's the filmmaker.
I flew at him.
Hit him, slapped him.
How could he do that to me? You chased him out onto the fire escape - and pushed him down the stairs.
- No.
I was angry.
I hit him.
But he lost his balance and he he started to fall backwards.
I grabbed his jacket to try and save him, but it-it ripped, and I couldn't stop him from falling.
I did not push him down those stairs.
I swear on my mother's grave, it was an accident! But after using me like that he had it coming.
Mrs.
Hennessey? I'm Margaret Brackenreid.
Uh, John's mother.
- Oh! Yes.
- Yes.
Uh, our children were scandalized by that awful article.
Awful? Oh, I think it was terrific publicity.
The public loves to read about the private lives of actors.
Well, I had a publicity idea of my own.
A circle of fans who pay for photos and news.
A a club of sorts.
A circle of fans? It's a fascinating idea.
- You think so? - Yes.
It's terrific.
I'm going to make a start of it as soon as we get to New York.
Oh, goodness.
Thank you.
- Thank you, Margaret.
- Good luck, Mary.
You're going places.
I just know it.
I don't know where I'd be without you, John.
Take care of yourself.
- See you in the movies.
- Mm.
I spoke to the Crown.
He thinks that, under the circumstances, they'll be lenient with Miss Halliday's sentence.
- That's good news.
- Mm.
She didn't deserve any of this.
- Your mother seems happy.
- Yes.
I'm glad she's taking interest in my career.
Although now she wants me signing photos of myself.
Just go with it, John.
Peace in the valley and all that.
Do you understand what I'm saying? I suppose.
And let's not mention anything about all this to her.
- It's for the best.
- Yes, for the best.
Thank you.
"See you in the movies.
" That's my boy.
Julia, shall we? Just one moment.
Inspector.
Thomas.
Ah.
What can I do for you, Doctor? Julia.
William and I have some news we'd like to share with you.
We do? Are-are you quite sure? I'm sure.
You tell him.
Well, sir, it's rather exciting news.
Well, get on with it, Murdoch.
I've got work to do.
We're having a baby.
- Really? - Really.
I thought you'd just been eating more than usual.
That's the happiest news of all, William! Congratulations! - Oh, thank you.
- We wanted you to be the first to know.
I'm honoured.
I couldn't be happier for both of you.
Oh.
Now, then, this is one occasion that deserves Scotch.
- I don't think I can - Been having any cravings, Doctor? Pickles.
Lots of pickles.
Difficult to find at night.
Oh, right.
- A roaring success.
- Yes, so far! - And all thanks to you.
- My pleasure.
- And Mr.
Steele, as well.
- Yes.
And thank you, Mr.
Carmichael.
- It's lovely to meet you.
- You, as well.
I was thinking you were a rumour.
We do let him out from time to time.
Now, remember, it's Toronto.
No dancing after 10.
- Oh, right.
- And you are the owner, are you not? - Yes.
- No serving drinks.
You are the hostess.
The lady of the house.
Arthur, behind the bar, please.
Of course.
Miss, may I? Thank you.
- Thank you, Arthur.
- My pleasure.
Mr.
Steele, would you like to join us? Uh, I'd be pleased.
Well, would you look at that.
Pleasure all around.
What a wonderful start to the evening.
This isn't Amsterdam.
Does does everyone have a glass? 'Cause I'd like to say a few words, please, before you all get too rowdy in here.
Goodbye, Toronto.
Hello, New York.
I know you'll all join me in wishing Mary the very best of luck, even though she won't need it.
D.
W.
Griffith will make her the star she deserves to be.
- Here, here! - To Mary.
To Mary.
Hmm.
Cheers.
- Bon voyage, Mary.
- Oh, thanks, John.
I'm going to miss you.
Sure you will.
But I'll be dining out on the time that I was leading man to the great Mary Pickford.
Come on, let's dance! - They look like dancing trees.
- Yes, they do.
- Well done, Charlotte.
- Hmm.
Mary would be nowhere without you.
- Well, the film deal's all Mary.
- Switch partners! - My daughter is as bold as she is beautiful.
- Hmm.
Berger has a bee in his bonnet.
Again.
- Most unattractive.
- Mm-hmm.
- You were dazzling in rehearsal today.
- Oh, John! Do you think Mr.
Scantage would put our names - onto the the theatre marquee? - Why not? - We're playing the leads.
- Oh! - Come on, Mary, a quiet chat.
No histrionics, I promise.
- What's the point, Blake? Here's to the magnificent Mary Pickford! Off to cheapen herself in the flickers where she belongs.
Good riddance to her! - And her loathsome mother.
- Oh! - That's enough, Mr.
Leavey.
- Bon voyage, Mary! Mary, darling, don't listen to him.
How are you feeling this morning? Honestly? Terrible.
If I stop eating, I feel ill, but food is completely unappealing.
Well you could always stay home.
William, I'm going to work.
- Right.
But rest is important.
- I'm going to work.
All right.
Should we tell everyone? Let's not just yet.
People are probably starting to suspect something.
I'm running out of creative ways of hiding it.
You could always become a professional sign holder.
William! It's locked.
Blake had a skinful last night, but he still has a job to do.
- Did you check the stage door? - Hmm.
Ah, thank God.
Mr.
Scantage.
We found Blake.
Who is he? Blake Berger.
The theatre stage manager.
We had a party for Mary Pickford last night.
Blake stayed behind to lock up.
- Had Berger been drinking at the party? - He had a few.
Well, more than a few, to be honest.
Maybe he just took a bit of a nasty tumble.
Not everyone can hold their liquor like your father, son.
Sir the fall was no accident.
- Mrs.
Hart? - Ah.
I believe he sustained a broken neck.
And the bloody nose? I will have some definitive answers for you as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Sir.
We've rounded up all the party-goers.
Higgins is taking their fingermarks.
All right.
Let's see what they have to say.
Did the two of you leave the theatre together? - Yes.
- We walked back to our hotel at a quarter past ten.
Did the concierge see you? No.
The front desk was already closed.
If that's all there is, Detective? - Yes.
- Thank you.
- Ah.
- Ahem.
Blake was my right hand, the glue holding the theatre together.
He was drunk last night.
Was that common? More and more of late.
What time did you leave the theatre? Ten p.
m.
I walked home to my room.
Did anyone see you? No.
My landlady was already asleep.
Miss Halliday, did you leave the theatre - at the same time as the others? - Um shortly before.
I went straight home.
Did anyone see you? No.
No, the woman I share my flat with is visiting her mother in Peterborough.
- Who was this uninvited guest? - Percy Leavey.
He was a director at the theatre until Mary's mother - had him fired a couple months ago.
- What prompted that? Charlotte thought that he insulted Mary's acting; took it to Scantage.
Said it was either Mary or Leavey.
Scantage chose Mary.
- Mm-hmm.
- Anything else? Yes.
When I escorted Leavey out, there was a man hanging around.
Asked if Mary was still in the theatre.
- What did he look like? - Like an actor.
Nice suit, fancy blue hat.
If you're mixed up in something that's connected to this murder, John, now's the time to tell me.
- There's nothing.
- Are you sure about that, son? After what happened with Bobby, your mother can't handle any more upset.
I swear.
Not an alibi amongst the lot of them, Murdoch.
If one of them is the killer, they returned when Berger was locking up.
We need to find this Percy Leavey.
I'll get Higgins to chase up the man with the blue hat.
Ah, speak of the devil.
Higgins, did you get everyone's fingermarks? Yes, sir, and I searched the victim's locker.
I found this rent receipt made out to Berger - for a warehouse on Front Street.
- Mm.
- Very good, Henry.
- Hmm.
Sir.
Thank you.
Seems like Mr.
Berger was more than a stage manager.
It certainly does.
This camera's been heavily modified.
Looks like this is all filmed here in the studio.
Oh.
Miss Bright.
I see you've persisted in staying here.
- I have indeed.
- Hmm.
And I shall have a station as high as yours.
I doubt that.
Come with me.
I know it needs a lot of work, but I believe it could be wonderful.
I want to bring in all Black musicians, poets, dancers, you name it.
From all across North America.
Maybe even from around the world.
- A salon? - Yes.
But for people like us.
It took most of my savings to pay the lease and buy some furniture.
Toronto's not going to know what hit it.
They sure aren't.
You have a lot of work ahead of you.
I'm not afraid of that.
I do hope to see you at the grand opening.
You and your husband are people of great prominence.
It would mean a lot.
My husband doesn't go out much anymore.
I heard quite the opposite.
I heard he's something of a bon vivant.
He used to be.
I'm happy my life is of such keen interest to you.
Good luck, Miss Bright.
Ugh.
Look at our son.
Such a handsome leading man.
- He's a Brackenreid.
- Oh.
I've had several requests for copies.
I was thinking of charging, though maybe they'll be free to fully paid-up members of John's circle of fans! Ah! Circle of fans? What do you mean, like a sewing circle? Yes.
Except instead of gossiping about each other, - they'll talk about John.
- What's the point of that? You think it's a terrible idea.
No, no, no! Margaret, Margaret.
I'm sure John will appreciate the effort.
I think it's a lovely thing you're doing for him.
Ah.
He's got my jaw.
No, he doesn't.
Any luck? Unfortunately, no.
The fingermarks on the handrail were Berger's.
Anything noteworthy amongst all these gadgets from Berger's studio? Well, sir, look at this.
This camera was specifically designed to operate at low light levels, and all of the moving parts are kept inside of this sound-muffling case.
Perfect for clandestine purposes.
A Peeping Tom camera.
Maybe Berger filmed something he shouldn't have - and that's why he's dead.
- My thoughts exactly.
Perhaps some of the spare film will shed some light on what he's been up to.
- Like a needle in a haystack.
- Hmm.
Anything to see? Allow me, sir.
Detective Murdoch.
Sir, I think I've found our man.
His hat was noticed by the staff at the Queen's Hotel.
He checked in as a Mr.
Smith.
- It's likely a pseudonym.
Very good, Henry.
He's not in his room now, but I'll keep an eye on the place in case he comes back, sir.
Thank you.
Thank you very much for your time, Miss Pickford.
Any final words for our readers? Just that I credit my mother for everything.
As my drama coach, she took me to see the finest actors, but she always taught me to be myself.
Pish.
- Mary's hard work is why she's a success.
- Hmm.
Well, bon voyage, Miss Pickford.
Pleasure.
Constable.
What are you doing here? I could ask the same of you.
I was assigned to write a piece about some actress.
A piece about what? - About her.
- Oh.
Well, all right.
A girl, a boy and a chase.
Why do people watch this drivel, Murdoch? Absolutely no idea.
I must admit, Pickford has a certain charisma.
I wish I'd seen her on stage.
You don't attend John's plays, sir? I leave that to Margaret.
Oh.
Take a look at this, sir.
I believe that's Mary Pickford.
Was that taken with the Peeping Tom camera? I think so.
Mary Pickford might not have known what he was up to.
Or she found out and killed him for it.
No, I never.
We kissed, but that was all.
I swear.
You're barely dressed.
- It's the costume from the play.
- It hardly matters.
If there's a film of this, the public will assume the worst! Blake Berger filmed this? It was found in his studio.
Where's this appalling film? - Who has it? - We don't yet know.
These frames were among Mr.
Berger's discards.
This needs to be handled with absolute discretion.
It cannot get out that this film exists.
The man in the photograph with you, Miss Pickford? Out of propriety, I'd prefer not to say.
It could aid in our investigation.
This is improper and embarrassing enough.
I won't expose anyone else to the shame.
You appeared in all of Mr.
Berger's films, Miss Pickford.
- Clearly, you knew him well.
- Very well.
We were planning to start our own film studio, owned by the artists themselves.
- No producers or financiers.
- So why didn't you? With the movie business just starting out, it would take years to turn a profit.
I needed money to support my family.
So when Mr.
Griffith offered me a contract, I took it.
How did Mr.
Berger react? Not well.
Did you speak to him again? He wanted to talk the night of the party, but I didn't see the point.
That was the last you saw him? Yes.
I can't believe he would do this.
If there's nothing further, Detective? Ladies.
Suspicious that she wouldn't say who was in the film with her.
Well, I can understand her embarrassment.
She seemed genuinely shocked.
She's a skilled actress; pretending is her stock in trade.
She could've killed Berger, destroyed the film and then still put in that performance.
Indeed, sir.
Or someone could have killed on Miss Pickford's behalf.
Yes, just take those two pills a day and you'll be fine.
Come on.
Julia? - Oh! Louise.
- Do you have a moment? Uh, a brief moment.
I'm due at the clinic.
You're hiding something.
I'm not.
I know about the dead man at the Marquis Theatre, and now I've just seen Mary Pickford leaving the police station.
There's a connection, isn't there? Oh.
Uh I I suppose there could be.
There's something you're not telling me.
I know it.
Detective.
Mr.
Berger died from a broken neck sustained in the fall, and he had a high level of alcohol in his bloodstream.
And take a look at this.
Oh, this facial bruising is new.
Yes.
Blood in the underlying tissue was diffuse, which means the blood vessels were broken while the body still had blood pressure.
He was hit in the face.
Shortly before he died.
- Time of death? - Between 10 p.
m.
and 12 a.
m.
If there's nothing else? Thank you.
I'm sorry.
What are you doing? There is no liquor licence registered with the city.
No licence, no liquor.
No, I did apply, but I can still open and not serve alcohol until the licence comes through, can I not? You could if you didn't also have these notices.
Personal surety: $50.
Inspection cost: $10.
Food-service licence, water and sewage, signage and a few more there.
I have musicians - coming from out of town - Then you should've followed the rules.
What are you doing here? I wanted to see how things are progressing.
Well, now you've seen.
Happy? Well, it's not that bad.
All you have to do is submit the proper paperwork - and pay for the permits.
- And how do you propose I do that? Not all of us have a wealthy meal ticket to pay our way.
- That is not exactly the case - I'm sorry, but I'm very busy.
Obviously someone broke in and tossed the place.
Perhaps a motion-picture aficionado.
They were definitely determined to find - whatever it was they were looking for.
- Mm.
I've got an idea about what that might be.
- And there were no witnesses? - No.
But I've got an idea about that, as well.
I had to find it.
You have no idea how much that film compromises Mary.
You know an awful lot about the film.
How is that? Because I've seen it.
Go on.
A few days ago, I received an anonymous note regarding Mary's "best interests.
" - Do you have the note? - No.
I threw it away.
I was told to go to an office at King and Sherbourne.
And? I walked in, and there was a chair and a sheet hanging from the wall.
I sat down and the film was projected.
- Did you see anyone? - No.
And the projector was hidden away, or I would've destroyed that film then and there.
Did you see who was in the film with Mary? Well, his face wasn't on camera, but I know who he is.
It was Owen Moore.
- Who's he? - American actor Mary screen-tested with.
She hasn't stopped talking about him since.
What happened next? I received a blackmail note: "Pay up, or the film goes public.
" - Where did you leave the payment? - Where I was told to.
That night, I took it to the Adelaide Street post office, box 45.
Thank you.
Thanks.
- Mr.
Smith? - What do you want? Toronto Constabulary.
You're coming with me.
You really think I'm blackmailing Mary Pickford? You cops up here must be crazy.
What are you doing in Toronto, Mr.
Moore? I came here to see my gal.
I'm going to ask her to marry me.
And you say this isn't you in the photograph with Mary Pickford? We haven't been that intimate.
Yet.
When did you arrive in Toronto? Two days before Mary's farewell performance.
And I'd never been here before.
Your story will be checked, Mr.
Moore.
Go right ahead.
We're still searching for Mr.
Leavey, sir.
And there was no film in Mr.
Moore's hotel room.
- So where the hell is it? - The blackmailer likely has it.
- Well, I suppose we can let Moore go, then.
- Sir.
Anything useful, Murdoch? Sir, if the film is intended for blackmail, then perhaps the man in the photos with Miss Pickford is Berger's partner.
If it's not Moore, then who is it? Well there isn't much to identify him by.
He seems to be casting off a costume of some sort.
Costume? Let me see that.
Excuse me.
Bloody hell.
Sir? Margaret's photograph.
I know that costume.
The man with Mary Pickford is John.
Why the hell didn't you tell me about this, John? - Why would I? - What? You didn't think a fling with Mary Pickford - had any bearing in the case? - We kissed.
- You're in your long johns! - I must've been getting changed! The kiss was as far as it went.
I didn't realize we were being filmed.
Otherwise, I would've said something.
When did this happen? Two months ago? - Where'd it take place? - In the green room.
- Do you know what kind of a mess you're in? - I do now.
If you weren't my son, you'd be a suspect in a murder! Keep your head down and, for your mother's sake, stay out of bloody trouble! - May I go? - Yes.
Hey, lover boy.
- You the one who's trying to steal my gal? - Who's asking? Ah! What the heck?! Oy! Oy! Oy! Oy! Pack it in, the pair a ya! Idiots! I thought I told you to stay outta trouble? Get inside! Go on! And you, I want you on the first train back to New York.
I don't want to see you in Toronto ever again.
Understood? - Mr.
Moore.
- Who are you? Louise Cherry, Toronto Telegraph.
Can I offer you a cup of tea? I don't know what to do, Murdoch.
I'm worried that John's going down the same road as Bobby.
If that happens, God help us.
It'll be the end of Margaret.
John's a decent young man, sir.
Young women certainly take a shine to him.
Huh.
The natural Brackenreid charm is sometimes a heavy burden to carry, Murdoch.
I pity you, sir.
I gather dalliances are not uncommon amongst these theatre types.
I take it you've spoken to John of your concerns? - Well - Right.
Given the angle of the frame the camera would've been roughly here.
Oh.
So Berger filmed John and Mary from the room next door.
Huh.
Seems to be a storage room of some sort.
Oh.
Uh I'm sorry to interrupt.
Oh, Miss Halliday.
Rehearsals finished for the day? Oh, yes.
Yes, I was just picking up my things.
What can you tell us about the room next door? How do you mean? Is it the accent? Well, it used to be the director Mr.
Leavey's office, and now it's a storage room.
Props and such.
Well, good day, gentlemen.
Leavey.
Mr.
Leavey was the fellow that Charlotte fired.
That's a strong motive for blackmail.
Perhaps he struck up a partnership with Mr.
Berger.
Maybe the partners had a falling out.
What are you doing here? Something I rarely do: offering assistance.
I don't want your charity.
And I'm not offering it.
I will help you finance the opening of your salon for 25% ownership.
I will just open illegally.
And then you'll get shut down and you'll lose everything.
- At least I'll have one night of glory.
- Don't be foolish.
Perhaps you're right.
Things have been easier for me now that I have a benefactor.
I'm offering you the same.
And why only 25%? It'll make the loss easier to swallow.
Ah! Look at this, Thomas! - This about Mary Pickford? - It mentions John! What does it say? That he's connected with the murder! - That's all? - That's all? His career will be ruined! These things can blow over as quick as they blew up in the first place.
How can you be so cavalier? - This is our son we're talking about.
- Margaret, please.
- Our supposedly good son! - That's enough.
One of us has to fix this, Thomas.
Oh, John, John, John, John What would you like me to do? Speak to Louise Cherry.
She's like a dog with a bone.
She won't let up on this Mary Pickford story.
Thank goodness she didn't mention the film.
If Margaret were to read that in the papers, huh! Well, I hardly have influence over Miss Cherry's behaviour.
And besides, she's not the only journalist in Toronto.
She's the one with the source.
John's mixed up in this.
It could ruin him.
You're her friend.
If you've got a favour to cash in, now's the time.
Oh.
Mar Margaret's not very well.
Still no word from Bobby? John's all she has.
Oh, sir! Mr.
Leavey is in the interview room waiting for you.
- You found him? - He was in Station 5's drunk tank, sir.
- Oh.
Well done.
- Hmm.
- Mr.
Leavey.
- Ahem.
Yeah.
We know that you were fired from the Marquis Theatre two months ago, and you blame Charlotte Hennessey for your dismissal.
It wasn't a question of blame.
She forced the issue.
She has far too much sway over Scantage.
Mr.
Scantage chose Mary Pickford over you, and you wanted revenge.
Revenge is a bit strong.
Let's say redress.
Either way, you partnered with Mr.
Berger to make a compromising film for the purpose of blackmail.
Well, you must be kidding! Oh, sure, I hated those two, but I didn't have anything to do with blackmail.
Where did you go after you were escorted out of Mary Pickford's party? I joined friends at a private club.
I can provide names, if you insist.
I don't know why you're accusing me.
Scantage has far more to lose.
How so? He had a handshake deal with Charlotte for Mary's exclusive appearance at the Marquis.
He was furious when she broke the deal and signed with Griffith.
He made no secret of the fact that he wanted revenge.
Right then, Scantage what are you hiding? Murdoch, the main drawer's locked.
Allow me.
Look at this.
Screenplay.
It's the blackmail film.
And I bet this fits box 45 at the Adelaide Street Post Office.
If Scantage was Berger's partner Then he's more than likely the killer.
What in God's name are you doing here? Mr.
Scantage, you're under arrest for the murder of Blake Berger.
We've got you back to rights, Scantage, for murder and the blackmail.
I admit I was blackmailing Charlotte, but I was never partners with Blake Berger.
I swear I didn't kill him.
How did you even come to have the film? I'd heard that Blake and Mary were making films together, and I wanted to see what they were up to, so I broke into Blake's studio.
- When was this? - A few days ago.
It was in an envelope addressed to D.
W.
Griffith in New York.
I figured Blake was sending a reel of his work to try and find a job in the movies, like Mary.
You couldn't resist a little peek.
With that film in my pocket, I could force Charlotte to pay me a share of Mary's earnings forever after.
I wasn't greedy about it.
I only asked for 10%.
- Generous.
- I'd earned a cut, believe me.
How do you figure that? I spent the last 10 years building Mary's career.
She would be nowhere without me.
I made Mary Pickford! So you stole the film, sent the blackmail note, and then showed the film to Charlotte.
Yes.
Berger figured out you had stolen it and that's why you argued at the party.
He wanted the film back.
He wanted to send it to Griffith in order to ruin Miss Pickford.
But you refused to hand it over.
You fought on the fire escape and then you pushed him down the stairs.
That's not what happened.
You have yet to convince us otherwise.
- Mrs.
Hart.
- May I introduce you to Mr.
Steele.
It's a pleasure.
Mr.
Steele takes care of all of our finances, both at the home and the restaurant.
He also knows what palms need to be greased.
He'll get you open, legally.
- Is that so? - Yes.
And he also has carte blanche to dip into my account to help you.
- I'm not sure I - Please.
I want to.
Besides, what other alternative do you have? Mr.
Steele, please, do what needs to be done.
What does your husband say about this? Don't worry about my husband.
I don't.
Here are your permits.
You'll want to display those properly and prominently.
People like us need to follow the law to the letter.
You've done all this? Of course.
You're opening this weekend, are you not? - Yes, but I didn't - I'll need to see your inventory.
Food, liquor, refreshments.
I don't have an inventory.
For the short term, we'll get what we need from Mr.
Carmichael's restaurant.
Have you been working for Mr.
Carmichael long? I don't work for Mr.
Carmichael.
I work for Mrs.
Hart.
- I see.
- Well, we best get to it.
The worst thing a salon could have is thirsty patrons.
Wouldn't you agree? Yes.
Um, so I I understand that this Mary Pickford story is a real scoop Then why did you ask me to drop it? It was the briefest of encounters and it wasn't even that intimate! Not that that should matter.
Women in the limelight are very vulnerable.
Men can brag about their conquests, but a woman can be ruined by the merest hint of scandal.
It's a double standard.
That's for my readers to decide.
It would be a a personal favour.
As a friend? All right.
Oh, thank you.
What were you hiding from me? What what do you mean? First I thought it had something to do with the story, but it didn't.
You are lying to me about something, and I want to know what it is, as a friend.
If you must know I'm expecting.
Oh! Sorry.
Julia, congratulations.
Thank you.
You could've just told me.
I I feared you might write about it.
Write about it? I would never.
You're not that famous.
William.
Oh.
This is the film, I take it? Indeed.
I'm about to watch it.
Oh, dear.
Well, it is evidence.
I don't need to see any of my son's performance.
Well, sir, we need at least two people to attest to its contents.
Well, I'll leave you and the good doctor to it, then.
Enjoy.
Oh.
Ah.
All right.
Right, then.
Not exactly scandalous.
Scintillating.
Oh, my! There's something eminently distasteful about the filming of people in amorous congress.
Mm.
This is definitely more intimate than they claimed.
Yeah.
Oh! Oh.
Is there much more? I Hmm, um Well, that was particularly unpleasant.
I'd like to watch it again.
William! Oh, n-not that part.
Before John enters, there's a jump in the frame.
A jump? Yes.
Ahem.
- There.
Did you see that? - Yeah.
- Huh! - Yes.
A a and then, after that, we never quite see Mary's face clearly again.
Meaning what? Meaning I believe John Brackenreid hasn't been entirely honest with us.
Well, this is very embarrassing.
- So this is you with Mary Pickford, then.
- Yes.
- Is there a chance - Wait.
No.
No, we never went this far.
It's not Mary.
Her ankle Mary has a scar on her ankle from a childhood bicycling accident.
If it's not Mary, John, then who is it? Um, Susan.
Mary's understudy.
Miss Halliday served as the understudy in the green room, as well? I may have had a more intimate dalliance with Susan.
A number of times.
Oh.
So Mr.
Berger filmed you and Susan Halliday, then added clips of Mary Pickford in the same costume.
That photo you showed me earlier, that must've been Susan, as well.
So Berger took advantage of Susan Halliday and created a fake blackmail film of Mary Pickford.
Oh.
I suppose my father will hear about this? Your father will hear that you were very helpful, John.
Ahem.
Blake Berger secretly filmed Susan Halliday, compromising her considerably.
Well, that's motive for murder right there.
If I can prove that she's seen the film, then she's added to the list of suspects.
I've identified four sets of fingermarks on the canister.
Including myself, there's Blake Berger, Edwin Scantage and Susan Halliday.
What he did was criminal.
How could he defile me filming me like that? Blake's known me since I was a child.
When did you find Mr.
Berger's film? After everyone left, I went to Mr.
Scantage's office to peek at the script for a new play he's producing.
That's where I found the film.
Why didn't you simply take it? Blake walked in.
I was so angry, I dropped it.
And you knew he was the one who had made it? Who else? He's the filmmaker.
I flew at him.
Hit him, slapped him.
How could he do that to me? You chased him out onto the fire escape - and pushed him down the stairs.
- No.
I was angry.
I hit him.
But he lost his balance and he he started to fall backwards.
I grabbed his jacket to try and save him, but it-it ripped, and I couldn't stop him from falling.
I did not push him down those stairs.
I swear on my mother's grave, it was an accident! But after using me like that he had it coming.
Mrs.
Hennessey? I'm Margaret Brackenreid.
Uh, John's mother.
- Oh! Yes.
- Yes.
Uh, our children were scandalized by that awful article.
Awful? Oh, I think it was terrific publicity.
The public loves to read about the private lives of actors.
Well, I had a publicity idea of my own.
A circle of fans who pay for photos and news.
A a club of sorts.
A circle of fans? It's a fascinating idea.
- You think so? - Yes.
It's terrific.
I'm going to make a start of it as soon as we get to New York.
Oh, goodness.
Thank you.
- Thank you, Margaret.
- Good luck, Mary.
You're going places.
I just know it.
I don't know where I'd be without you, John.
Take care of yourself.
- See you in the movies.
- Mm.
I spoke to the Crown.
He thinks that, under the circumstances, they'll be lenient with Miss Halliday's sentence.
- That's good news.
- Mm.
She didn't deserve any of this.
- Your mother seems happy.
- Yes.
I'm glad she's taking interest in my career.
Although now she wants me signing photos of myself.
Just go with it, John.
Peace in the valley and all that.
Do you understand what I'm saying? I suppose.
And let's not mention anything about all this to her.
- It's for the best.
- Yes, for the best.
Thank you.
"See you in the movies.
" That's my boy.
Julia, shall we? Just one moment.
Inspector.
Thomas.
Ah.
What can I do for you, Doctor? Julia.
William and I have some news we'd like to share with you.
We do? Are-are you quite sure? I'm sure.
You tell him.
Well, sir, it's rather exciting news.
Well, get on with it, Murdoch.
I've got work to do.
We're having a baby.
- Really? - Really.
I thought you'd just been eating more than usual.
That's the happiest news of all, William! Congratulations! - Oh, thank you.
- We wanted you to be the first to know.
I'm honoured.
I couldn't be happier for both of you.
Oh.
Now, then, this is one occasion that deserves Scotch.
- I don't think I can - Been having any cravings, Doctor? Pickles.
Lots of pickles.
Difficult to find at night.
Oh, right.
- A roaring success.
- Yes, so far! - And all thanks to you.
- My pleasure.
- And Mr.
Steele, as well.
- Yes.
And thank you, Mr.
Carmichael.
- It's lovely to meet you.
- You, as well.
I was thinking you were a rumour.
We do let him out from time to time.
Now, remember, it's Toronto.
No dancing after 10.
- Oh, right.
- And you are the owner, are you not? - Yes.
- No serving drinks.
You are the hostess.
The lady of the house.
Arthur, behind the bar, please.
Of course.
Miss, may I? Thank you.
- Thank you, Arthur.
- My pleasure.
Mr.
Steele, would you like to join us? Uh, I'd be pleased.
Well, would you look at that.
Pleasure all around.
What a wonderful start to the evening.