The Murdoch Mysteries (2004) s15e16 Episode Script
It's a Wonderful Game
Mr.
Crabtree, how fast are we going? I bet 100 miles an hour.
Oh, I can't imagine it's quite that fast.
Sir, what do you think? This train? I'd say 40 miles per hour.
- Only? - At least.
- 40 is pretty standard.
- That's correct.
Now, if the track was in better repair, this train, the 89, a model 260 Mogul, weighing 60 tons, built right here in Canada, - would be capable of speeds - That's all right, sir.
I don't need to know much more than how fast it goes.
- George, a word.
- Yes, of course.
Have you given much thought to which position Harry will play? He's an excellent passer.
He really should be one of the guards.
Uh, Julia, perhaps we should let George make those decisions.
He is the coach, after all.
Yes, but George should be made aware of his full abilities, - don't you think? - Yes, of course.
I'll take your suggestions into serious consideration.
Thank you, George.
I just want to be helpful.
Yes.
(BELTON): Welcome to our fine town, the illustrious Detective Murdoch.
It is an honour.
You must be Dr.
Ogden? Alex McKenzie.
Mayor.
- Pleasure.
- Likewise.
- Pleasure.
- Likewise.
Ah, where's the team? Oh! Our coach is just getting the boys settled.
Most of them have never been outside of Toronto.
(MCKENZIE CHUCKLES) Well, we're very grateful that you could come.
The basketball tournament has been a big draw at a much needed time.
Of course.
The fire must have been devastating for everyone.
(BELTON): It certainly was.
A large part of the main street burned down.
But with the money the tournament has raised, we should be able to restore most of the buildings.
Oh! Here he is now.
Doctor I know who this is.
Dr.
James Naismith.
An honour.
James, let me introduce you, please, to Detective William Murdoch and Dr.
Julia Ogden.
Dr.
Naismith invented the game of basketball.
Invented? Does one invent a game, or does it simply evolve as - William.
- Shall we get started? Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Almonte's basketball tournament.
We've already raised 1,340 dollars and 50 cents! Whoa ho! The fifty cents I'll be keeping to cover my expenses.
(CROWD LAUGHS) And now Almonte's favourite son and the inventor of one of the world's most popular games, - Dr.
James Naismith.
- (CROWD CHEERS) In recognition of the honour that you have brought our town, I'd like to present you with this key to the city.
(APPLAUSE) (NAISMITH): Thank you so much.
Very honoured.
On with the tournament! You can borrow balls from our equipment room.
It also doubles as our weight room.
Ah! Weights.
An activity I'm very familiar with.
Is that so? Yes, it is.
Lads, stay back.
Oh my God.
(SHANLEY): It's the mayor.
Harry! Cripes! (OGDEN): Well, at first glance, the cause of death seems clear.
He overexerted himself? One too many presses and his arms gave out.
It's possible.
(MURDOCH): Well, that's interesting.
(OGDEN): What's that? Both of his heels are scuffed on newly shined shoes.
As if he was dragged? That would be my guess.
Well, if he was asphyxiated due to pressure, he would have bled from his nose and mouth and there'd likely be petechiae in his eyes.
From the exertion of trying to lift the bar.
And there's not.
His skull is damaged.
It's a serious wound.
Likely not from this.
He was hit from behind.
With a heavy, dull object.
And then this bar was placed across his neck to make it look like an accident.
Well, it seems we have a murder on our hands.
Shall we wager that all of the money he was waving around is gone as well? I wouldn't take that bet, William.
(HART): I've checked at least three times.
There's no doubt this is the knife that killed Clara Walker.
Jack's knife.
Yes, sorry to say.
Just because it's Jack's knife it doesn't mean he killed Clara.
Of course it doesn't.
Do you have any further need for the body? - Detective? - What's that? Do you have further need for the body? No.
Then I shall be returning her to her parents.
Of course.
- Here you go, dear.
- Thank you.
Your friend Cassiopeia was by the house today.
- Why? - She didn't say.
I see.
You seem perturbed, dear.
Is she not welcome? This is not any of your business, Arthur.
You can go now.
Good Lord.
Poor Alex.
I'll assume the funds raised by the tournament are also gone.
The reason for the murder, I suppose.
- Could there be any another? - I would think not.
Alex McKenzie was a good man.
I've known him my whole life.
No one would wish him ill.
Someone did kill him.
Of course.
And it's a damn shame.
I apologize for asking this, but could you keep his death quiet until the end of the tournament? The town was devastated by the fire and the game is a huge boost to their morale.
I still need to speak with witnesses, suspects.
I can't make any promises.
I understand.
This is a small town.
I doubt it would stay secret long, anyway.
I wouldn't be so sure of that, Doctor.
Many secrets are buried in a small town.
Dr.
Naismith, I can't help but notice that you aren't wearing your ceremonial key.
I seem to have misplaced it.
I hung it on a hook in my room, but in the morning, wasn't there.
William, I hope you're not suspecting Dr.
Naismith of being involved.
He invented basketball! Speaking of which, our son's game is in an hour.
- There's been a murder.
- There's always a murder.
Julia! But there's only one boy's first game.
Fine.
I'll be along shortly.
But I'm not quite finished with Dr.
Naismith.
(STRANGE): So Mr.
Walker is gone with the wind? I've had no luck finding him.
Well, I am not a policeman, but the conclusion seems clear.
Oh? What's that? He killed his wife, stole his child and ran off.
Although why one would want - to burden themselv - He did nothing of the sort.
Jack Walker is an honourable man.
An honourable man who betrayed you, - married a woman he did not love.
- Enough! Detective.
There's a problem at the Walker house.
On my way.
No need.
They're on their way to the station.
They? Clara Walker's parents.
(WHISTLE) (REFEREE): Here we go! (CROWD AND PLAYER COMMOTION) Someone cover the tall blond! Oh, goodness.
How old is that chap? All right, look remember what you did in the streets.
Do what you did there! - But you said that was illegal, sir.
- I don't mean that, Sid.
I mean in the game.
You can do the behind-the-back drop, the block.
The trip up? Yes! No! No tripping allowed.
And, uh, Harry? I think you should, um I think you should take Fred's place.
Sir? Just get in there and shine, son.
All right, lads, let's go.
Let's go! I thought you wanted us to win? I'll get you in next game, Freddie.
(WHISTLE) (REFEREE): Here we go! - Over there! - He's open! - (HARRY): I'm open! - (COACH): Here! Come on, boys! (GROANS) Wait! That was a foul! Here.
Nice try, squirt.
And you'd never seen this man before? - No.
- He came in looking for the child? - His name is Samuel.
- Yes.
Samuel.
Oh, of course.
He came in looking for Samuel.
Then what happened? We told him we didn't know where Samuel was.
And he didn't believe you? Worse than that.
He nearly killed Franklin.
I'll survive, dear.
Would you be able to provide me with a description? As best I can.
Are you're sure you don't know him? That's what we said.
Why? Well, it seems to me that whoever did this has some sort of connection to your family.
I can understand taking the money, but why kill him? Perhaps Mr.
McKenzie walked in on the thief.
Why would he have had all the money in the exercise room? We don't yet know where the murder took place.
I believe that Mr.
McKenzie's body was moved to the exercise room after his death.
The killer then set the scene to make it appear as though it were an accident.
Certainly devious.
It is.
And would you know anyone in this town capable of something like that? Plumbing for secrets, Detective Murdoch? Comes with the job.
You said you knew some? They might know more.
Daisy Stewart and Robert Shanley.
Who are they to the victim? Alex McKenzie and I grew up with all of them.
We grew apart over the years.
I sense they are deeply resentful of Alex and my successes.
So you might also be a target? I doubt that.
It's sad.
The friends of our youth become our enemies.
Even worse when they become murderers.
I always admired Alex's determination to stay in shape but he was no spring chicken.
You have to acknowledge your limitations, no matter what they are.
Unfortunately, Mr.
Shanley, I don't believe Mr.
McKenzie's death was an accident.
- You mean someone killed him? - I believe so.
The money he'd been holding was stolen.
Dear God.
You'd known him a long time? Yeah.
Since we were children.
And Mr.
McKenzie was well liked? Ha.
As well-liked as any politician.
Why are you asking about enemies? You just said over a thousand dollars had been stolen.
It was.
Well, a fire just destroyed a good part of this town.
There's no shortage of people in need of a thousand dollars.
Other than yourself, who else had access to the exercise facility? Anyone.
You hardly need a key to get into the place.
This is a sketch of a man who was inquiring after the whereabouts of Clara and Jack's child.
He also assaulted Clara's father.
Bad penny, then? I'd say.
Could it be he is also the man you saw prowling around Mrs.
Walker's house? I suppose.
I had assumed it was Mr.
Walker.
- Who else would be prowling around? - And now? Well, it very well could be this other fellow.
Make up your mind, woman.
Do you know who this is? I do not.
I apologize for my detective's outburst.
We appreciate your help.
Thank you, madam.
From now on, Watts, you report to me on this case.
No, Inspector, that's not necessary.
It bloody well is! Your judgement is clouded on this one.
(KNOCK ON DOOR) - Detective.
- Doctor.
Thank you for coming.
How did your team fare today? Ooh.
Not very well.
Well, the Almonte lads are a strong side.
- I have something.
- What is it? It seems that Alex had designated the amount of payouts to each business that was a victim of the fire.
- Strange.
- What's that? (MURDOCH): One business is receiving significantly more than the others.
And the mayor's signature.
Oh.
It's different.
Likely not written in his hand.
Who is Lillian Belton? She's the woman who greeted you, the organizer of the tournament.
She probably just wants to make sure Harry gets in the game.
So we can lose.
Again! And we sure will with a lady coaching us.
Lads, let's just give her a fair shot.
I thought you were supposed to be in charge, Mr.
Crabtree.
- Yeah, Coach.
- Just Wow.
Well, it's just a pity that I can't play for the team.
Now, do you want to learn a little bit about basketball, or do you want to leave the tournament early? If you're so good then how come Harry is so terrible? - Hey! - Because he's yet to receive the benefit of my wisdom.
Now line up.
Harry? Here.
Have a go.
Come.
I noticed in your first game that you're not utilizing the dribble enough.
All right.
Well, try again.
Hard bounce, nose over toes.
All right! And again.
That's why we call it practice.
George, can you gather the balls? All right.
Who's next? Somebody else.
(MURDOCH): Miss Belton.
Ah-ha.
This will all need to be replaced.
An expensive proposition.
Is that why you forged the mayor's signature? What are you talking about? This was you, was it not? Mr.
McKenzie had approved that amount, verbally.
I just wanted it on the record.
With a forged signature.
I am the only woman proprietor on this street.
I don't have a husband's money to fall back on.
I suppose I'll never see that money now.
Oh? I heard it was stolen by whoever killed him.
Well, that doesn't mean you haven't seen it.
If the mayor learned that you forged his signature perhaps that led to an altercation and You think I killed him? For a thousand dollars? You certainly needed the money.
I was at home with my brother all evening.
You can ask him yourself.
And I am hardly the only one in this town in need of money.
All right.
Who else? I don't mean to speak ill, but you should speak to that one there.
Daisy Stewart? I do feel sorry for her, but she's never been able to make a go of anything.
Sometimes, she does other favours, if you get my meaning.
Especially for Alex McKenzie and I don't mean just darning socks.
I see.
Perhaps she expected something from Alex that he wasn't prepared to give.
What do you think? Well, it's certainly something a woman could handle.
Yes, but could she have struck him with it? It's in keeping with the actions of a woman spurned.
I see no traces of blood on them.
There wouldn't have been much.
Perhaps when his head hit the floor? But still, I find it hard to believe that the scuffs on his shoes would have occurred over such a short distance.
Hm.
What do you suppose this is doing in a men's exercise room? Well, that would all depend on what the mayor was up to, wouldn't it? Oh! Dr.
Naismith.
Thank you so much for coming.
- Do you mind, William? - Of course not.
I asked Dr.
Naismith to show us some of the finer points of the game.
- He did invent it, after all.
- Invented.
Yes.
Very good.
Where did you find that? Are you familiar with this, Dr.
Naismith? It's Daisy's.
I gave it to her when we were courting.
You and Daisy Stewart? I wasn't aware.
It was a very long time ago.
And then, for a time, she was due to marry Alex, but he decided against it.
Do you think it's possible that Miss Stewart could have killed Mr.
McKenzie? He did break her heart.
I hear sometimes those never heal.
But the Daisy I knew was the farthest thing from a murderess.
Would it help if I told you it wasn't mine? Dr.
Naismith confirmed that he gave it to you as a gift.
I also have a witness who stated they saw you leaving the charity event last night with the mayor.
That would be Mrs.
Belton.
I'm not at liberty to say.
Well, you don't have to.
I know.
And, yes, I did leave with Mr.
McKenzie and we did share an intimate moment.
So you admit to being at the scene of the crime last night? There was no crime committed while I was there.
Miss Stewart, where is the money? Do you mean the half dollar he so generously offered up for my services? I'm talking about the thousand dollars that was stolen.
(LAUGHS) If I had that, I sure as blazes wouldn't be standing behind this cart now, would I? Mrs.
Hart wants to see my books? - She is a partner in this business.
- A junior partner.
Whose financial contribution was key to getting this place open.
- Is that not so? - It is.
But I sent her my books just two days ago.
She asked me to take another look.
Why? I don't know.
I'm merely an employee.
We're doing quite well, are we not? We are.
But between you and I, my intention is to buy Mrs.
Hart out - the first possible opportunity.
- Oh.
Why's that? Perhaps I don't want someone looking over my shoulder.
If that happens, I'll need the expertise of a man like yourself.
Hurry up, man.
All right.
There.
Keep going the next block over.
That's enough here.
I'll be at the station house.
One.
(GRUNTING) Based on your actions, you may be the man I've been looking for.
Oh, well, today's your lucky day.
'Cause I've been found.
(NAISMITH): So I devised an idea.
Hence, the peach basket.
I nailed a peach basket to the wall and the players had to throw it in.
Two years later, I had the idea to cut the bottom of the basket for easy retrieval.
The ball would just fall through.
It took two years for you to make that idea, sir? Yes.
Well, enough of that.
You'll be my first volunteer.
Give it a try, son.
Boys, I need your attention for a moment.
William, we're in the middle of a practice.
(MURDOCH): This will only take a moment.
I need to know if any of you saw anyone strange lurking about in the locker room? Just that flower lady.
Anyone else? I saw someone.
Who? Him.
Yes.
I was there.
I was trying to dissuade Daisy from having an assignation with the mayor.
She's a good woman and I didn't want to see her degrade herself.
Was it your business? No.
But she meant something to me once.
So, her welfare was important to me.
But I certainly had nothing to do with Alex's murder.
He was a friend.
And I have no need of the town's money.
Almonte is my birthplace.
I would do nothing to harm it.
Thank you.
Finally.
I must admit for a moment there I was concerned that I struck you too hard.
You'd do well to let me go right now.
I'm a police officer.
That's not all you are.
I know all about you and your deviance.
That so? (KIDNAPPER): Where's Jack Walker? I don't know.
(KIDNAPPER): Liar! You and him, you took my son and I want him back.
Your son? Me and Clara's.
Hardly yours.
You walked out on her.
If Mr.
Walker hadn't done the honourable thing There is nothing honourable about men like you.
- Nothing honourable at all.
- All right.
You tell me where Jack Walker is.
And my boy.
If you do that, you'll live.
(WHISTLE) - Pass! Pass! - Let's go, let's go! Pass! Excellent, lads.
- Good stuff.
- You suspect Dr.
Naismith of murder? - I'm not sure.
- Well, it seems unlikely, doesn't it? Stranger things.
And the theft as well? Yes, but not for him.
What do you mean? I believe Dr.
Naismith has a strong affection for Daisy Stewart.
And now with the fire, her life has become even more difficult.
He may be trying to do right by her.
I suppose being a doctor he would be clever enough to stage a murder.
Thank you for reminding me of that.
(WHISTLE) He's not very good, is he? No, he's not.
Ah, Detective.
Um, I need to speak to you.
Mr.
Crabtree, you have to put him on the bench.
- He's useless.
- All right, Freddie.
That is enough.
No, he's right.
I'm useless.
Uh, Harry! (OGDEN): Harry.
Harry! And she hopes to be able to buy you out and take ownership of the club.
She does, does she? She is making a tidy profit.
So, you've done well for her.
(HART): And for myself.
- May I speak? - Of course.
Financially, you are currently in very good stead.
You hardly need the money this club generates.
That is true, but circumstances can always change.
It's best to keep irons in many fires.
- She's a good woman, Mrs.
Hart.
- If that were the case, what is she doing sniffing around into my affairs? Mrs.
Hart.
Oh! Excuse me.
Am I interrupting? No.
- Have you seen Detective Watts? - I haven't.
Is something wrong? He was supposed to bring me up to date on the Walker case.
If you see him, tell him I'm looking for him.
Of course, Inspector.
Right, then.
I'll, uh, I'll leave you to it.
This is the locker Mr.
Naismith was using.
He and Mr.
McKenzie both enjoyed physical exercise and, well, the door was ajar, I noticed.
So, when I went to close it Well Uh, see for yourself.
(MURDOCH): No blood on it.
But he could have hit his head on the floor after he was struck.
Maybe.
My, my.
Look at that.
Dr.
Naismith's key to the city.
The donation box.
Thank you, Mr.
Shanley.
I can't believe this.
How could Mr.
Naismith do this to our town? This is likely the murder weapon.
This key proves that you were at the scene of the crime after the ceremony.
And this cashbox, that up until recently held over a thousand dollars, all were found in a locker that you were using.
They're not placed there by me.
Can you prove that? (NAISMITH): I cannot.
But answer me this.
If I killed my old friend and robbed this fair city, where's the money? You'll not have my boy.
I told you I don't know where he is.
This is all part of your game, isn't it? Take my son and turn him into one of yours.
I don't think that's the way it works.
(KIDNAPPER): You unclean, ungodly sinners! I'm a sinner? You killed your son's mother.
Because she surrendered him to the likes of you.
I told you I don't have the money.
Can we finish this charade so I can get back to my tournament? You're still under suspicion.
But am I not charged? Not at this time.
Ah! There you are.
What is it? Harry's quit the team.
He did? George said he'd try and talk to him, but But what? I think he needs to hear from his father.
Oh, right.
- Where is he now? - The gymnasium.
Strange.
What is? What's Miss Belton doing with Daisy Stewart's flower cart? I'll speak with Miss Belton.
You go talk to your son.
All right.
Everything all right? (HARRY): You heard? I did.
Well now you know everything is not all right.
I do not want to play this game anymore.
I can teach you to get better.
No you can't.
I'm not good.
Well, you certainly never will be if you don't at least try.
What's the point of trying something you're never going to be good at? Well, sometimes practising and getting better is a goal in and of itself.
Yes, but what if you never get good enough? Well For the fun.
Believe me, this is not fun.
(CRABTREE): Sir! Perhaps I could have a word with the boy? You'd be better served minding your own condition than prying into the matters of this town.
I was just curious as to why you've assumed Miss Stewart's business.
I have no business of my own.
So I bought hers.
And why did she sell it to you? She said she was leaving town.
She was fed up with this place.
And she had the money for that? The money I gave her would have been enough for a train ticket.
You know, Harry, when I was a young lad, I wasn't much good at all kinds of things.
Uh, riding horses, playing cards, tying knots.
I would always just end up with a well, a knot, I suppose, but Oh! Croquet.
I once broke two toes playing croquet.
I was dreadful at it.
I was dreadful at all kinds of things.
But you got good at them.
No, I didn't.
And you know what? There's no shame in it.
I know.
I don't feel bad because I'm bad at basketball.
I feel bad because I have to do it.
Well, you know what? You don't.
My parents.
Your parents want what's best for you.
I know that to be true.
- But - But even parents can be wrong, even yours.
Look, stay with the team.
- But I said - Not as a player, but as my assistant.
Seems like you have enough of those already.
(LAUGHS) Yes, it seems I do.
But I suppose one more won't do any harm.
What do you say? Assistant Coach Harry.
Let's go.
Said he was going back to the station.
Well, he never did.
Any idea as to where he's at? I don't know, sir.
- I'll keep looking.
- Good lad.
- Miss Stewart.
- Oh! You're not staying for the final game of the tournament? Oh, no.
I'm afraid not.
Oh.
Dr.
Ogden said I might find you here.
You're taking a trip? Indeed I am.
Might I have a word before you leave? - About what? - Well, for one thing theft.
And for another murder.
I don't know what you are talking about.
Mr.
Shanley.
A word.
Don't let her get on the train.
Oh.
You won't tell me? Fine.
I've had enough of this.
(WATTS): You and me both.
- Oh! - Oi! That's a policeman you're assaulting.
And a fairy.
Who stole my child.
You? You're the father? And Clara Walker's killer.
All right, then.
It's time to pay the piper, Sunshine.
(KIDNAPPER): All right, then.
Stay down! Do you want to take a swing at him? Uh He's not worth it.
- Here.
Finish your bloody pretzel.
- Ah.
Right, you.
Get up! - How about Slim and Fast Freddie? - Yes, that just might work.
- (HARRY): They're good.
- George! George, stop him! Lads! (PLAYER): Nice shot! - Look at all the money! - Holy crow! - Go get it! - Look at all that money! Mr.
Shanley, I'd like a word.
Take your hands off the money.
That's not yours.
Actually, boys, I'll give a ten-dollar reward if you can collect every bill.
Sir, that's very sporting of you.
I didn't mean to kill him.
What happened? I picked the lock on his locker while he was exercising.
He caught me taking the money out of the cash box.
- I panicked.
- What the hell are you doing? Give me that money, you! I grabbed for anything I could find and someone had left a weight bag there and I hit him.
And he fell on the floor.
And hit his head? Yeah.
I went to check on him.
Wasn't breathing.
(MURDOCH): So you decided to make it look like an accident.
I did.
And when that didn't work, you decided to direct suspicion onto Dr.
Naismith.
I knew you would never find him guilty.
I just needed some time.
(MURDOCH)So that you andd Miss Stewart could leave town.
But she didn't know anything about any of this.
On my word.
You killed a man for her and she knew nothing of it? I wanted to give her the life she deserved.
I love her.
I I've always loved her.
I couldn't bear to see Daisy living the life she was living.
I was going to give her the money and we would, we were going to leave town.
You were buying her affections, not much different than Mr.
McKenzie.
I was going to give her the money whether she wanted me or not.
I didn't want any of this to happen! You won't hang for it.
What will, uh, happen to her? If she's truly innocent, nothing.
Thank you.
Right.
Now, I've given this a great deal of thought, Julia.
Obviously.
The key to winning at this game is understanding the underlying scientific principles.
Take, for example, shooting the ball at the basket.
In the basket.
Yes Julia, in the basket.
Now I've done some rough calculations.
The average height of each of the boys on the team is five foot, four inches.
Arms extended overhead increases that average to six foot, ten inches.
Leaving a gap from the tip of their fingers to the top of the basket of three feet, give or take a few inches.
- Obviously.
- (LAUGHTER) (MURDOCH): Sir? Has your team won a game yet? - No.
- You think you two are helping? Well, we are trying.
A word of advice How are you qualified? (NURSE): Well, I've spent my entire life in locker rooms.
You need to let the coach coach the team.
The boys need one voice to listen to.
Let the man lead.
I suppose you're right.
Yeah, I know I'm right.
By the way, what's your team name? Well, we don't have a name yet.
Team needs a name, something fierce.
Like Raptors.
Raptors? Trust me.
It'll catch on one day.
- Who was that man? - Must be from the circus.
At any rate, the distance (CRABTREE): Here we go, lads! Quick passes! Keep passing! Oh! - (WHISTLE) - Foul! Referee! Freddie! Are you all right? Can you play? I don't think so, sir.
We forfeit unless we field a full team.
I'll play.
Are you sure? We're not going to lose by forfeit.
Now, young Harry, - what you need to do here - Ah, Dr.
Naismith, please.
I'm coaching this team.
Harry, just do your best.
William.
I can see.
I can see.
(REFEREE): Here we go! Come on! Nose over toes, nose over toes, nose over toes, nose over toes.
I think he broke his ankle! Julia! (COACH): Somebody get him! Harry, we're running out of time, take the shot! (APPLAUSE) We won a game! (MURDOCH): That's my son.
That's my son.
(CRABTREE): Well done, lads.
Great effort.
Excellent.
- Nice shot, squirt.
- Thanks.
Nicely done, Harry.
It was a one in a million shot.
Well, sometimes, young Murdoch, that's all it takes.
(ALL CHEER) Well done!
Crabtree, how fast are we going? I bet 100 miles an hour.
Oh, I can't imagine it's quite that fast.
Sir, what do you think? This train? I'd say 40 miles per hour.
- Only? - At least.
- 40 is pretty standard.
- That's correct.
Now, if the track was in better repair, this train, the 89, a model 260 Mogul, weighing 60 tons, built right here in Canada, - would be capable of speeds - That's all right, sir.
I don't need to know much more than how fast it goes.
- George, a word.
- Yes, of course.
Have you given much thought to which position Harry will play? He's an excellent passer.
He really should be one of the guards.
Uh, Julia, perhaps we should let George make those decisions.
He is the coach, after all.
Yes, but George should be made aware of his full abilities, - don't you think? - Yes, of course.
I'll take your suggestions into serious consideration.
Thank you, George.
I just want to be helpful.
Yes.
(BELTON): Welcome to our fine town, the illustrious Detective Murdoch.
It is an honour.
You must be Dr.
Ogden? Alex McKenzie.
Mayor.
- Pleasure.
- Likewise.
- Pleasure.
- Likewise.
Ah, where's the team? Oh! Our coach is just getting the boys settled.
Most of them have never been outside of Toronto.
(MCKENZIE CHUCKLES) Well, we're very grateful that you could come.
The basketball tournament has been a big draw at a much needed time.
Of course.
The fire must have been devastating for everyone.
(BELTON): It certainly was.
A large part of the main street burned down.
But with the money the tournament has raised, we should be able to restore most of the buildings.
Oh! Here he is now.
Doctor I know who this is.
Dr.
James Naismith.
An honour.
James, let me introduce you, please, to Detective William Murdoch and Dr.
Julia Ogden.
Dr.
Naismith invented the game of basketball.
Invented? Does one invent a game, or does it simply evolve as - William.
- Shall we get started? Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Almonte's basketball tournament.
We've already raised 1,340 dollars and 50 cents! Whoa ho! The fifty cents I'll be keeping to cover my expenses.
(CROWD LAUGHS) And now Almonte's favourite son and the inventor of one of the world's most popular games, - Dr.
James Naismith.
- (CROWD CHEERS) In recognition of the honour that you have brought our town, I'd like to present you with this key to the city.
(APPLAUSE) (NAISMITH): Thank you so much.
Very honoured.
On with the tournament! You can borrow balls from our equipment room.
It also doubles as our weight room.
Ah! Weights.
An activity I'm very familiar with.
Is that so? Yes, it is.
Lads, stay back.
Oh my God.
(SHANLEY): It's the mayor.
Harry! Cripes! (OGDEN): Well, at first glance, the cause of death seems clear.
He overexerted himself? One too many presses and his arms gave out.
It's possible.
(MURDOCH): Well, that's interesting.
(OGDEN): What's that? Both of his heels are scuffed on newly shined shoes.
As if he was dragged? That would be my guess.
Well, if he was asphyxiated due to pressure, he would have bled from his nose and mouth and there'd likely be petechiae in his eyes.
From the exertion of trying to lift the bar.
And there's not.
His skull is damaged.
It's a serious wound.
Likely not from this.
He was hit from behind.
With a heavy, dull object.
And then this bar was placed across his neck to make it look like an accident.
Well, it seems we have a murder on our hands.
Shall we wager that all of the money he was waving around is gone as well? I wouldn't take that bet, William.
(HART): I've checked at least three times.
There's no doubt this is the knife that killed Clara Walker.
Jack's knife.
Yes, sorry to say.
Just because it's Jack's knife it doesn't mean he killed Clara.
Of course it doesn't.
Do you have any further need for the body? - Detective? - What's that? Do you have further need for the body? No.
Then I shall be returning her to her parents.
Of course.
- Here you go, dear.
- Thank you.
Your friend Cassiopeia was by the house today.
- Why? - She didn't say.
I see.
You seem perturbed, dear.
Is she not welcome? This is not any of your business, Arthur.
You can go now.
Good Lord.
Poor Alex.
I'll assume the funds raised by the tournament are also gone.
The reason for the murder, I suppose.
- Could there be any another? - I would think not.
Alex McKenzie was a good man.
I've known him my whole life.
No one would wish him ill.
Someone did kill him.
Of course.
And it's a damn shame.
I apologize for asking this, but could you keep his death quiet until the end of the tournament? The town was devastated by the fire and the game is a huge boost to their morale.
I still need to speak with witnesses, suspects.
I can't make any promises.
I understand.
This is a small town.
I doubt it would stay secret long, anyway.
I wouldn't be so sure of that, Doctor.
Many secrets are buried in a small town.
Dr.
Naismith, I can't help but notice that you aren't wearing your ceremonial key.
I seem to have misplaced it.
I hung it on a hook in my room, but in the morning, wasn't there.
William, I hope you're not suspecting Dr.
Naismith of being involved.
He invented basketball! Speaking of which, our son's game is in an hour.
- There's been a murder.
- There's always a murder.
Julia! But there's only one boy's first game.
Fine.
I'll be along shortly.
But I'm not quite finished with Dr.
Naismith.
(STRANGE): So Mr.
Walker is gone with the wind? I've had no luck finding him.
Well, I am not a policeman, but the conclusion seems clear.
Oh? What's that? He killed his wife, stole his child and ran off.
Although why one would want - to burden themselv - He did nothing of the sort.
Jack Walker is an honourable man.
An honourable man who betrayed you, - married a woman he did not love.
- Enough! Detective.
There's a problem at the Walker house.
On my way.
No need.
They're on their way to the station.
They? Clara Walker's parents.
(WHISTLE) (REFEREE): Here we go! (CROWD AND PLAYER COMMOTION) Someone cover the tall blond! Oh, goodness.
How old is that chap? All right, look remember what you did in the streets.
Do what you did there! - But you said that was illegal, sir.
- I don't mean that, Sid.
I mean in the game.
You can do the behind-the-back drop, the block.
The trip up? Yes! No! No tripping allowed.
And, uh, Harry? I think you should, um I think you should take Fred's place.
Sir? Just get in there and shine, son.
All right, lads, let's go.
Let's go! I thought you wanted us to win? I'll get you in next game, Freddie.
(WHISTLE) (REFEREE): Here we go! - Over there! - He's open! - (HARRY): I'm open! - (COACH): Here! Come on, boys! (GROANS) Wait! That was a foul! Here.
Nice try, squirt.
And you'd never seen this man before? - No.
- He came in looking for the child? - His name is Samuel.
- Yes.
Samuel.
Oh, of course.
He came in looking for Samuel.
Then what happened? We told him we didn't know where Samuel was.
And he didn't believe you? Worse than that.
He nearly killed Franklin.
I'll survive, dear.
Would you be able to provide me with a description? As best I can.
Are you're sure you don't know him? That's what we said.
Why? Well, it seems to me that whoever did this has some sort of connection to your family.
I can understand taking the money, but why kill him? Perhaps Mr.
McKenzie walked in on the thief.
Why would he have had all the money in the exercise room? We don't yet know where the murder took place.
I believe that Mr.
McKenzie's body was moved to the exercise room after his death.
The killer then set the scene to make it appear as though it were an accident.
Certainly devious.
It is.
And would you know anyone in this town capable of something like that? Plumbing for secrets, Detective Murdoch? Comes with the job.
You said you knew some? They might know more.
Daisy Stewart and Robert Shanley.
Who are they to the victim? Alex McKenzie and I grew up with all of them.
We grew apart over the years.
I sense they are deeply resentful of Alex and my successes.
So you might also be a target? I doubt that.
It's sad.
The friends of our youth become our enemies.
Even worse when they become murderers.
I always admired Alex's determination to stay in shape but he was no spring chicken.
You have to acknowledge your limitations, no matter what they are.
Unfortunately, Mr.
Shanley, I don't believe Mr.
McKenzie's death was an accident.
- You mean someone killed him? - I believe so.
The money he'd been holding was stolen.
Dear God.
You'd known him a long time? Yeah.
Since we were children.
And Mr.
McKenzie was well liked? Ha.
As well-liked as any politician.
Why are you asking about enemies? You just said over a thousand dollars had been stolen.
It was.
Well, a fire just destroyed a good part of this town.
There's no shortage of people in need of a thousand dollars.
Other than yourself, who else had access to the exercise facility? Anyone.
You hardly need a key to get into the place.
This is a sketch of a man who was inquiring after the whereabouts of Clara and Jack's child.
He also assaulted Clara's father.
Bad penny, then? I'd say.
Could it be he is also the man you saw prowling around Mrs.
Walker's house? I suppose.
I had assumed it was Mr.
Walker.
- Who else would be prowling around? - And now? Well, it very well could be this other fellow.
Make up your mind, woman.
Do you know who this is? I do not.
I apologize for my detective's outburst.
We appreciate your help.
Thank you, madam.
From now on, Watts, you report to me on this case.
No, Inspector, that's not necessary.
It bloody well is! Your judgement is clouded on this one.
(KNOCK ON DOOR) - Detective.
- Doctor.
Thank you for coming.
How did your team fare today? Ooh.
Not very well.
Well, the Almonte lads are a strong side.
- I have something.
- What is it? It seems that Alex had designated the amount of payouts to each business that was a victim of the fire.
- Strange.
- What's that? (MURDOCH): One business is receiving significantly more than the others.
And the mayor's signature.
Oh.
It's different.
Likely not written in his hand.
Who is Lillian Belton? She's the woman who greeted you, the organizer of the tournament.
She probably just wants to make sure Harry gets in the game.
So we can lose.
Again! And we sure will with a lady coaching us.
Lads, let's just give her a fair shot.
I thought you were supposed to be in charge, Mr.
Crabtree.
- Yeah, Coach.
- Just Wow.
Well, it's just a pity that I can't play for the team.
Now, do you want to learn a little bit about basketball, or do you want to leave the tournament early? If you're so good then how come Harry is so terrible? - Hey! - Because he's yet to receive the benefit of my wisdom.
Now line up.
Harry? Here.
Have a go.
Come.
I noticed in your first game that you're not utilizing the dribble enough.
All right.
Well, try again.
Hard bounce, nose over toes.
All right! And again.
That's why we call it practice.
George, can you gather the balls? All right.
Who's next? Somebody else.
(MURDOCH): Miss Belton.
Ah-ha.
This will all need to be replaced.
An expensive proposition.
Is that why you forged the mayor's signature? What are you talking about? This was you, was it not? Mr.
McKenzie had approved that amount, verbally.
I just wanted it on the record.
With a forged signature.
I am the only woman proprietor on this street.
I don't have a husband's money to fall back on.
I suppose I'll never see that money now.
Oh? I heard it was stolen by whoever killed him.
Well, that doesn't mean you haven't seen it.
If the mayor learned that you forged his signature perhaps that led to an altercation and You think I killed him? For a thousand dollars? You certainly needed the money.
I was at home with my brother all evening.
You can ask him yourself.
And I am hardly the only one in this town in need of money.
All right.
Who else? I don't mean to speak ill, but you should speak to that one there.
Daisy Stewart? I do feel sorry for her, but she's never been able to make a go of anything.
Sometimes, she does other favours, if you get my meaning.
Especially for Alex McKenzie and I don't mean just darning socks.
I see.
Perhaps she expected something from Alex that he wasn't prepared to give.
What do you think? Well, it's certainly something a woman could handle.
Yes, but could she have struck him with it? It's in keeping with the actions of a woman spurned.
I see no traces of blood on them.
There wouldn't have been much.
Perhaps when his head hit the floor? But still, I find it hard to believe that the scuffs on his shoes would have occurred over such a short distance.
Hm.
What do you suppose this is doing in a men's exercise room? Well, that would all depend on what the mayor was up to, wouldn't it? Oh! Dr.
Naismith.
Thank you so much for coming.
- Do you mind, William? - Of course not.
I asked Dr.
Naismith to show us some of the finer points of the game.
- He did invent it, after all.
- Invented.
Yes.
Very good.
Where did you find that? Are you familiar with this, Dr.
Naismith? It's Daisy's.
I gave it to her when we were courting.
You and Daisy Stewart? I wasn't aware.
It was a very long time ago.
And then, for a time, she was due to marry Alex, but he decided against it.
Do you think it's possible that Miss Stewart could have killed Mr.
McKenzie? He did break her heart.
I hear sometimes those never heal.
But the Daisy I knew was the farthest thing from a murderess.
Would it help if I told you it wasn't mine? Dr.
Naismith confirmed that he gave it to you as a gift.
I also have a witness who stated they saw you leaving the charity event last night with the mayor.
That would be Mrs.
Belton.
I'm not at liberty to say.
Well, you don't have to.
I know.
And, yes, I did leave with Mr.
McKenzie and we did share an intimate moment.
So you admit to being at the scene of the crime last night? There was no crime committed while I was there.
Miss Stewart, where is the money? Do you mean the half dollar he so generously offered up for my services? I'm talking about the thousand dollars that was stolen.
(LAUGHS) If I had that, I sure as blazes wouldn't be standing behind this cart now, would I? Mrs.
Hart wants to see my books? - She is a partner in this business.
- A junior partner.
Whose financial contribution was key to getting this place open.
- Is that not so? - It is.
But I sent her my books just two days ago.
She asked me to take another look.
Why? I don't know.
I'm merely an employee.
We're doing quite well, are we not? We are.
But between you and I, my intention is to buy Mrs.
Hart out - the first possible opportunity.
- Oh.
Why's that? Perhaps I don't want someone looking over my shoulder.
If that happens, I'll need the expertise of a man like yourself.
Hurry up, man.
All right.
There.
Keep going the next block over.
That's enough here.
I'll be at the station house.
One.
(GRUNTING) Based on your actions, you may be the man I've been looking for.
Oh, well, today's your lucky day.
'Cause I've been found.
(NAISMITH): So I devised an idea.
Hence, the peach basket.
I nailed a peach basket to the wall and the players had to throw it in.
Two years later, I had the idea to cut the bottom of the basket for easy retrieval.
The ball would just fall through.
It took two years for you to make that idea, sir? Yes.
Well, enough of that.
You'll be my first volunteer.
Give it a try, son.
Boys, I need your attention for a moment.
William, we're in the middle of a practice.
(MURDOCH): This will only take a moment.
I need to know if any of you saw anyone strange lurking about in the locker room? Just that flower lady.
Anyone else? I saw someone.
Who? Him.
Yes.
I was there.
I was trying to dissuade Daisy from having an assignation with the mayor.
She's a good woman and I didn't want to see her degrade herself.
Was it your business? No.
But she meant something to me once.
So, her welfare was important to me.
But I certainly had nothing to do with Alex's murder.
He was a friend.
And I have no need of the town's money.
Almonte is my birthplace.
I would do nothing to harm it.
Thank you.
Finally.
I must admit for a moment there I was concerned that I struck you too hard.
You'd do well to let me go right now.
I'm a police officer.
That's not all you are.
I know all about you and your deviance.
That so? (KIDNAPPER): Where's Jack Walker? I don't know.
(KIDNAPPER): Liar! You and him, you took my son and I want him back.
Your son? Me and Clara's.
Hardly yours.
You walked out on her.
If Mr.
Walker hadn't done the honourable thing There is nothing honourable about men like you.
- Nothing honourable at all.
- All right.
You tell me where Jack Walker is.
And my boy.
If you do that, you'll live.
(WHISTLE) - Pass! Pass! - Let's go, let's go! Pass! Excellent, lads.
- Good stuff.
- You suspect Dr.
Naismith of murder? - I'm not sure.
- Well, it seems unlikely, doesn't it? Stranger things.
And the theft as well? Yes, but not for him.
What do you mean? I believe Dr.
Naismith has a strong affection for Daisy Stewart.
And now with the fire, her life has become even more difficult.
He may be trying to do right by her.
I suppose being a doctor he would be clever enough to stage a murder.
Thank you for reminding me of that.
(WHISTLE) He's not very good, is he? No, he's not.
Ah, Detective.
Um, I need to speak to you.
Mr.
Crabtree, you have to put him on the bench.
- He's useless.
- All right, Freddie.
That is enough.
No, he's right.
I'm useless.
Uh, Harry! (OGDEN): Harry.
Harry! And she hopes to be able to buy you out and take ownership of the club.
She does, does she? She is making a tidy profit.
So, you've done well for her.
(HART): And for myself.
- May I speak? - Of course.
Financially, you are currently in very good stead.
You hardly need the money this club generates.
That is true, but circumstances can always change.
It's best to keep irons in many fires.
- She's a good woman, Mrs.
Hart.
- If that were the case, what is she doing sniffing around into my affairs? Mrs.
Hart.
Oh! Excuse me.
Am I interrupting? No.
- Have you seen Detective Watts? - I haven't.
Is something wrong? He was supposed to bring me up to date on the Walker case.
If you see him, tell him I'm looking for him.
Of course, Inspector.
Right, then.
I'll, uh, I'll leave you to it.
This is the locker Mr.
Naismith was using.
He and Mr.
McKenzie both enjoyed physical exercise and, well, the door was ajar, I noticed.
So, when I went to close it Well Uh, see for yourself.
(MURDOCH): No blood on it.
But he could have hit his head on the floor after he was struck.
Maybe.
My, my.
Look at that.
Dr.
Naismith's key to the city.
The donation box.
Thank you, Mr.
Shanley.
I can't believe this.
How could Mr.
Naismith do this to our town? This is likely the murder weapon.
This key proves that you were at the scene of the crime after the ceremony.
And this cashbox, that up until recently held over a thousand dollars, all were found in a locker that you were using.
They're not placed there by me.
Can you prove that? (NAISMITH): I cannot.
But answer me this.
If I killed my old friend and robbed this fair city, where's the money? You'll not have my boy.
I told you I don't know where he is.
This is all part of your game, isn't it? Take my son and turn him into one of yours.
I don't think that's the way it works.
(KIDNAPPER): You unclean, ungodly sinners! I'm a sinner? You killed your son's mother.
Because she surrendered him to the likes of you.
I told you I don't have the money.
Can we finish this charade so I can get back to my tournament? You're still under suspicion.
But am I not charged? Not at this time.
Ah! There you are.
What is it? Harry's quit the team.
He did? George said he'd try and talk to him, but But what? I think he needs to hear from his father.
Oh, right.
- Where is he now? - The gymnasium.
Strange.
What is? What's Miss Belton doing with Daisy Stewart's flower cart? I'll speak with Miss Belton.
You go talk to your son.
All right.
Everything all right? (HARRY): You heard? I did.
Well now you know everything is not all right.
I do not want to play this game anymore.
I can teach you to get better.
No you can't.
I'm not good.
Well, you certainly never will be if you don't at least try.
What's the point of trying something you're never going to be good at? Well, sometimes practising and getting better is a goal in and of itself.
Yes, but what if you never get good enough? Well For the fun.
Believe me, this is not fun.
(CRABTREE): Sir! Perhaps I could have a word with the boy? You'd be better served minding your own condition than prying into the matters of this town.
I was just curious as to why you've assumed Miss Stewart's business.
I have no business of my own.
So I bought hers.
And why did she sell it to you? She said she was leaving town.
She was fed up with this place.
And she had the money for that? The money I gave her would have been enough for a train ticket.
You know, Harry, when I was a young lad, I wasn't much good at all kinds of things.
Uh, riding horses, playing cards, tying knots.
I would always just end up with a well, a knot, I suppose, but Oh! Croquet.
I once broke two toes playing croquet.
I was dreadful at it.
I was dreadful at all kinds of things.
But you got good at them.
No, I didn't.
And you know what? There's no shame in it.
I know.
I don't feel bad because I'm bad at basketball.
I feel bad because I have to do it.
Well, you know what? You don't.
My parents.
Your parents want what's best for you.
I know that to be true.
- But - But even parents can be wrong, even yours.
Look, stay with the team.
- But I said - Not as a player, but as my assistant.
Seems like you have enough of those already.
(LAUGHS) Yes, it seems I do.
But I suppose one more won't do any harm.
What do you say? Assistant Coach Harry.
Let's go.
Said he was going back to the station.
Well, he never did.
Any idea as to where he's at? I don't know, sir.
- I'll keep looking.
- Good lad.
- Miss Stewart.
- Oh! You're not staying for the final game of the tournament? Oh, no.
I'm afraid not.
Oh.
Dr.
Ogden said I might find you here.
You're taking a trip? Indeed I am.
Might I have a word before you leave? - About what? - Well, for one thing theft.
And for another murder.
I don't know what you are talking about.
Mr.
Shanley.
A word.
Don't let her get on the train.
Oh.
You won't tell me? Fine.
I've had enough of this.
(WATTS): You and me both.
- Oh! - Oi! That's a policeman you're assaulting.
And a fairy.
Who stole my child.
You? You're the father? And Clara Walker's killer.
All right, then.
It's time to pay the piper, Sunshine.
(KIDNAPPER): All right, then.
Stay down! Do you want to take a swing at him? Uh He's not worth it.
- Here.
Finish your bloody pretzel.
- Ah.
Right, you.
Get up! - How about Slim and Fast Freddie? - Yes, that just might work.
- (HARRY): They're good.
- George! George, stop him! Lads! (PLAYER): Nice shot! - Look at all the money! - Holy crow! - Go get it! - Look at all that money! Mr.
Shanley, I'd like a word.
Take your hands off the money.
That's not yours.
Actually, boys, I'll give a ten-dollar reward if you can collect every bill.
Sir, that's very sporting of you.
I didn't mean to kill him.
What happened? I picked the lock on his locker while he was exercising.
He caught me taking the money out of the cash box.
- I panicked.
- What the hell are you doing? Give me that money, you! I grabbed for anything I could find and someone had left a weight bag there and I hit him.
And he fell on the floor.
And hit his head? Yeah.
I went to check on him.
Wasn't breathing.
(MURDOCH): So you decided to make it look like an accident.
I did.
And when that didn't work, you decided to direct suspicion onto Dr.
Naismith.
I knew you would never find him guilty.
I just needed some time.
(MURDOCH)So that you andd Miss Stewart could leave town.
But she didn't know anything about any of this.
On my word.
You killed a man for her and she knew nothing of it? I wanted to give her the life she deserved.
I love her.
I I've always loved her.
I couldn't bear to see Daisy living the life she was living.
I was going to give her the money and we would, we were going to leave town.
You were buying her affections, not much different than Mr.
McKenzie.
I was going to give her the money whether she wanted me or not.
I didn't want any of this to happen! You won't hang for it.
What will, uh, happen to her? If she's truly innocent, nothing.
Thank you.
Right.
Now, I've given this a great deal of thought, Julia.
Obviously.
The key to winning at this game is understanding the underlying scientific principles.
Take, for example, shooting the ball at the basket.
In the basket.
Yes Julia, in the basket.
Now I've done some rough calculations.
The average height of each of the boys on the team is five foot, four inches.
Arms extended overhead increases that average to six foot, ten inches.
Leaving a gap from the tip of their fingers to the top of the basket of three feet, give or take a few inches.
- Obviously.
- (LAUGHTER) (MURDOCH): Sir? Has your team won a game yet? - No.
- You think you two are helping? Well, we are trying.
A word of advice How are you qualified? (NURSE): Well, I've spent my entire life in locker rooms.
You need to let the coach coach the team.
The boys need one voice to listen to.
Let the man lead.
I suppose you're right.
Yeah, I know I'm right.
By the way, what's your team name? Well, we don't have a name yet.
Team needs a name, something fierce.
Like Raptors.
Raptors? Trust me.
It'll catch on one day.
- Who was that man? - Must be from the circus.
At any rate, the distance (CRABTREE): Here we go, lads! Quick passes! Keep passing! Oh! - (WHISTLE) - Foul! Referee! Freddie! Are you all right? Can you play? I don't think so, sir.
We forfeit unless we field a full team.
I'll play.
Are you sure? We're not going to lose by forfeit.
Now, young Harry, - what you need to do here - Ah, Dr.
Naismith, please.
I'm coaching this team.
Harry, just do your best.
William.
I can see.
I can see.
(REFEREE): Here we go! Come on! Nose over toes, nose over toes, nose over toes, nose over toes.
I think he broke his ankle! Julia! (COACH): Somebody get him! Harry, we're running out of time, take the shot! (APPLAUSE) We won a game! (MURDOCH): That's my son.
That's my son.
(CRABTREE): Well done, lads.
Great effort.
Excellent.
- Nice shot, squirt.
- Thanks.
Nicely done, Harry.
It was a one in a million shot.
Well, sometimes, young Murdoch, that's all it takes.
(ALL CHEER) Well done!