The Murdoch Mysteries (2004) s18e16 Episode Script

1
This establishment looks a bit better
than the last shambles
you booked us into.
How did you manage that?
You're welcome, Father.
The owner is a big
supporter of the theatre.
He gave us a good rate.
We should be grateful.
He's the one who should be grateful.
He's getting the cream of the
crop for virtually nothing.
Stop squabbling, you two.
The new program is going
to bring in more audience.
Selections From Shakespeare.
What a great idea, Allen.
People will love it.
God. What a world. (SCOFFS)
People won't even sit
through a whole play anymore!
Times are changing.
People don't want to spend their
leisure hours watching Shakespeare.
They want vaudeville. They
want the moving pictures.
They want a siffleuse.
Nobody wants to hear somebody
standing on the stage whistling.
I mean, none of the things
you suggest will last.
So you say. Need I
remind you, stepfather,
- that we all have a say in what happens.
- I
am still the head of this company,
and I will decide the program.
Please, you are giving me a headache.
We must put our energy into
the performance tonight.
The real problem is you lot.
- None of you deliver The Bard's words
- Oh!
properly. See, everything
depends on the rhythm of the line!
"Tomorrow, and tomorrow
creeps in this petty
pace from day to day."
See, you must pronounce the lines!
- Properly!
- (WOMAN): Yes, dear.
- Oh, my.
- Connie!
You need to speak up!
People can't hear you. How
many times have I told you?
- I've lost count.
- Don't be so hard on her, Donald.
She is young!
She'll learn, and one day,
she'll have the spirit of
The Bard inside her as well.
Now, come on! Get going. Off!
Oh!
- Here, let me help.
- Well, thank you very much.
Mr. Bahn. How are the
ticket sales so far?
Uh, a little slow. But it's early.
How many?
Four. Three groundlings and one seat.
It'll pick up.
As long as we have enough
money to pay for the tent.
Thank you. Enjoy.
Welcome gentlemen. Would
you like to sit or stand?
It's 25 cents for a chair
and ten more cents for a cushion.
- And standing is ?
- Ten cents.
- I'm happy to stand.
- I'm not.
We'll take two seats with cushions.
- Oh.
- Pay the young lady, Murdoch.
(WOMAN CLEARS THROAT)
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
- Selections from Shakespeare.
- Oh.
We aren't seeing an entire play?
We must be just getting the best bits.
Hope we get some Falstaff.
"We have heard the chimes at midnight."
He was a bit of a carouser,
always out late-night drinking.
It's a character you identify with, sir?
We're off duty, Murdoch.
No need to be smart.
(MURDOCH): Not much of a crowd.
Not much culture in Toronto.
Ladies and gentlemen!
Welcome to our show.
Tooley's Troubadours at your service.
And do we have a show for you tonight.
Our first presentation
will be an excerpt
from one of the most
famous plays ever written.
- The tragedy!
- (CROWD GASPS)
of Prince Hamlet of Denmark!
By, of course,
the incomparable William Shakespeare.
Now, I'm sure you're all
familiar with the story,
but just to remind you
Get on with it! We don't have all day.
Oh! Very well.
I didn't realize I was speaking
to so well-educated a group.
Without further ado, as
apparently you all know,
Hamlet has set up a play
to determine whether or not
his uncle has murdered Hamlet's father,
- as the Ghost says he has.
- (COUGHING)
- (APPLE CRUNCHING)
- Let the show begin.
(APPLAUSE)
(DRUM ROLL)
(CONTINUOUS WHISTLE)
(WHISTLE STOPS)
(SOFT MEDIEVAL MUSIC)
Can't hear what they're saying.
That's because there's
no speaking in this part.
- It's all done by mime.
- It's a mime.
Mime? I paid for this?
(DRUM ROLL)
(SOFT MEDIEVAL MUSIC)
(RHYTHMIC DRUMMING)
(DONALD GRUNTS)
(GRUNTS)
Help! Somebody help!
This isn't an act!
Someone call for an ambulance!
Sir! Sir, are you all right?
(GRUNTS) The beard.
Please take care of my beard.
(GRUNTS)
(EXHALES)
Oh.
(GASPING)
(THEME MUSIC)
The liquid poured into Mr. Tooley's
ear was definitely poisonous.
It was saturated with
a tincture of henbane.
He died quite quickly. That's unusual.
Uh, yes, Mr. Tooley was suffering
from a minor tympanic
membrane perforation.
The poison would have entered his
bloodstream quickly with bad results.
Are we saying this was
death by misadventure then?
Uh, it's possible,
but it seems strange that someone
would use real poison for the act.
Surely that seems unnecessary?
As I recall in the play,
the ghost of Hamlet's father
declares that what kills him was hebona.
Sir, someone is taking
the script literally?
Come on, Murdoch.
I think we should have a talk
with Tooley's Troubadours.
Well, that-that's not necessary,
sir. I, I can take care of this.
I know, but I've had enough
sitting behind a bloody desk.
Sound the trumpet, Murdoch!
The old war horse is back in business.
Sir?
Thought you'd like that.
Well, yes. Of course.
Our coroner has confirmed
that Mr. Tooley's death
was caused by the rapid
influx into his system,
by way of his ear, the poison henbane.
And that's what you did, was it not?
Poured something into his ear?
No.
Why, that's ridiculous!
It was all pretext.
We were acting. There
was no poison, no henbane.
Dora, you take care
of the props, tell him.
I filled the vial a
half hour before curtain.
It contained nothing
more dangerous than water.
Who else had access to this vial?
It wasn't locked away,
if that's what you mean.
Why should it be?
Allen had to pick it up
just before his entrance.
I just did what I was supposed to do.
I carried it on stage
and I acted as directed!
We've done it before many times.
Nothing like this ever happened.
The poison likely
wouldn't have been fatal
were it not for Mr.
Tooley's existing condition.
What kind of condition
are you referring to?
He had a perforated eardrum.
Were any of you aware that Mr. Tooley
had a problem with his eardrum?
Oh, he constantly complained about it.
I told him to go and see a physician,
but you know how men are.
So everyone was aware of it?
Painfully aware.
So any one of you lot
could have killed him.
Yes! But none of us did.
This troupe is like a
family, Chief Constable.
We have our disagreements
and squabbles, but
that is normal, is it not?
Of course.
Now would you be kind
enough to leave us?
We've had a terrible loss.
Oh, uh, one more thing.
Um, Mr. Tooley, before his death,
asked that you take care of his beard.
What did he mean by that?
He was referring to one of the props
that we sometimes employ.
Oh.
Right.
I'll be needing that and the vial
that was used the night
of the performance.
That's the thing, sir.
- They are both gone.
- Gone?
The property box disappeared
shortly after the performance.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Ridiculous!
- What's that?
- The new serial Ruth is in,
that's the script for it.
The Adventures of Agnes and Arthur.
And it appears you object to it?
Well, have a look at page eight.
"And then Arthur kisses Agnes
and leads her to the boudoir."
Boudoir?
Ruth is your wife, isn't she?
She certainly is!
And I'm the only one who gets
to do the intimate things.
They are just acting, Henry.
And you're not an actor.
(SCOFFS) Well, I could be.
I mean, how hard could it possibly
be? Hold on.
What if I were to apply
for the part myself.
Then Ruthie and I would be able
to spend more time together.
Right, you lot. Stop fannying
around with the plants.
I've got a job for
you. Higgins, Roberts,
- you're off to the Watling Inn.
- Of course, sir. Uh, why?
You're looking for a missing
theatrical properties box.
Are we looking for
anything in particular?
Yes. A false beard and a glass vial.
Right away, sir.
Seems you've got it all under control.
Not so fast. Uh
We believe one of these people
may have poisoned the
victim with henbane.
I need to know where someone
would find such a thing.
Henbane.
I've an idea.
- Uh, Watts.
- Hm?
Mm-hmm.
No respect.
(KNOCKING) Uh, Toronto Constabulary.
What do you want?
Sorry to bother you, ma'am.
We're looking for a
collection of missing props.
Well, I don't have them.
But please find them.
They are my late husband's
most treasured possessions.
I'm afraid we still need to
have a look around your room.
You don't believe me?
We'll be as brief as possible.
(MYSTERIOUS MUSIC)
Mr. Trivelle?
Ah! Detective Watts.
I'm sorry, your order of sage
and bee balm has yet to arrive.
I'm not here about that.
I was wondering if you sell henbane.
I do indeed. In fact, I sold a
bottle of henbane tincture recently.
Did you sell it to any
one of these people?
No, none of them.
Are you sure?
Mind's still sharp, son.
Can you describe the
person who purchased it?
I'm not sure. He was all muffled
up. Said he had the grippe;
- couldn't talk very well.
- Hm.
You said, "he." It was a man, then?
Let's say he was trying to be a man,
but to my mind, he
was just a young sprat
who wanted to look grown up.
Had some sort of moustache and beard
and tried to make his voice deeper. Ha!
You know how it is, Detective.
We've all gone through it.
- I know I did.
- Right. Uh,
did he say why he wanted it?
Oh, yes. I always ask.
He was getting it for his mother
who was suffering from
a severe toothache.
She's also of a nervous disposition,
and henbane can calm a
person down if need be.
But he would have known it was
a poisonous substance, right?
Of course he would have.
I make sure to give the customer
clear instructions as to
how to use my medicines.
Dosage and so on. I
write it on the label.
- Like this.
- Mm.
Thank you.
How much longer will you be?
Almost finished.
Why do you have this?
Uh, my wife is a moving picture actress.
You are married to Ruth Newsome?
Well, her proper name
is Ruth Higgins-Newsome.
And, uh, why do you have her script?
I intend to play the
role of her husband.
Oh!
Good for you.
Do you have any acting experience?
Why do you need experience?
Believe me. You'll need it.
Let me hear you read. Um
Why don't you
Read this bit.
(CLEARS THROAT)
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more "luffly" and
more temperament-temperate.
Rough winds do shake.
The darling buds of May,
and summer's lease
hath all too short a date.
What do you think?
I charge a very reasonable
rate for lessons.
I don't want to speak out of turn,
but I think you should
take him up on it, Henry.
So, when do we start?
Was I really that bad?
I don't know.
I could understand the words,
but it sounded like you didn't.
Well, I read them, didn't I?
Yeah, but it was like you
didn't know what they meant.
We found anything yet?
Uh, well, still two rooms to go.
But nothing so far, sir.
Nothing. Perhaps you
could look under this desk?
Oh! There it is.
You missed that, Teddy.
All right. (GRUNTS)
Hey!
What are you doing in my room?
I think the better question is
what is this doing in your room?
So, you're a thief then.
Well, you have me dead to rights
on that, so I won't deny it.
I suppose the next question
is are you a murderer as well?
- I'm not!
- Raising your voice
will not persuade us of your innocence.
I was nowhere near Mr.
Tooley when he was killed.
Right. So, in the
middle of the confusion,
you absconded with this box. Why?
Because it was valuable.
(CHUCKLES)
Looks like a bunch of
theatrical junk to me.
Perhaps to the untrained
eye, but it is far from that.
Last year, Donald was
on tour in England.
He met an antique dealer who said he had
in his possession several artifacts
that had belonged to
Shakespeare's own troupe,
The Chamberlain's Men.
And did he try and sell
him London Bridge as well?
(BRACKENREID CHUCKLES)
Well, it all appears to be
here, apart from the beard.
- (MURDOCH): Where is that?
- I don't know.
It wasn't in the box when I took it.
It's the most valuable of all.
Well, then,
if these items are genuine,
then they would be worth a fortune.
I'd say. Especially that beard.
It is said it confers magical powers
when used by an actor.
Right. So you've confessed to the theft,
but not the murder.
Because I didn't kill him.
Who besides you in the troupe
would have reason to do so?
At different times,
everyone, I'd imagine.
Donald could be a proper tyrant.
Right.
And where were you
before the performance
commenced?
I'd rather not say.
Right. Well, then.
You'll remain in our cells.
I was with Connie Courtland.
- In her room.
- (DOOR CLOSES)
The dead man's daughter?
But no one can know.
Getting it on with the boss's daughter.
- That's one way to get ahead.
- Hardly.
Connie and I hope to marry.
Did anyone else know about this?
No. If her mother or
father had found out,
I would have been let go.
Relationships between the
performers were strictly forbidden.
Can I go?
(BOTH): Not yet.
In previous days, in theatre,
actors tended to use big gestures.
For instance, if they wanted to
convey fear, they would do this.
(GASPS)
Surprise like this. (GASPS)
Joy like this.
Hm.
Now you do it. Fear!
Now surprise!
As I said, that was back then.
Now we are tending much
more toward naturalism.
We rely on more subtle
facial expression,
often without words.
You should be able to
convey what you are thinking,
and your audience
should know what that is.
So, give it a try.
I give up.
What are you thinking?
I was thinking about some actor
getting familiar with my wife.
You certainly did not show it.
I suppose I'm not a
very expressive person.
It is an actor's job to share
their emotions with the audience,
to let them feel what you are feeling.
Well, how would they
know what I'm feeling?
By allowing them a piece of your soul.
I've marked a speech in this play.
It's from The Tempest.
The character, Caliban,
is despised, barely seen
as human by his master.
Then, he gets to say the
most astonishing speech.
Before our next session,
I'd like you to start
practicing the lines
that I've underlined.
Uh, this will help me get
into the moving pictures?
Of course. The best
foundation for any acting work
is to master The Bard.
(CLEARS THROAT)
"Be not afeard
The isle is full of noises,
sounds, and sweet airs,
that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand
twangling instruments
will hum about mine ears.
Huh?
That's good for now.
So, could you tell me,
- does Mrs. Newsome - Higgins-Newsome.
Higgins-Newsome.
Does she subscribe to the realist
or expressionistic school of acting?
Oh! Um
Both?
I see.
What's to say that Armin didn't
slip out and poison the vial?
It would take seconds. Or
Connie, for that matter.
They could be colluding.
And why was the beard
the only item missing
out of the properties?
It's arguably the most valuable one.
Someone took it before
Armin stole the rest of them.
- Possibly.
- Someone who actually
believed it had magical properties.
Well, that's bollocks.
Who'd believe that rubbish?
They're actors, sir.
They're not like us.
Take the next left around
this corner here, Constable.
Oh, Miss Kwan. A word.
Of course. Have you
found the missing props?
- Yes, we have.
- Can I have them back?
They're evidence in a
murder investigation.
It's curious that you're
more concerned about them
than the death of Mr. Tooley.
There's not much I can do about
the fact he's dead, is there?
Actually, there is, Miss Kwan.
We've been able to recover
all of the properties
with the exception of
Shakespeare's beard.
Why is that?
How would I know?
Well, taking charge of the properties
is your exclusive
responsibility, is it not?
It is.
But you don't know where the beard is.
Did you steal it?
We do need an answer.
We do have a nice dark
and damp jail cell waiting.
(SIGHS)
Earlier in the day, Connie
asked if she could borrow it.
And where is she now?
I'm not supposed to say.
You are also supposed to answer
a policeman's question when asked.
(SIGHS)
She said she had an audition,
something to do with vaudeville.
(VAUDEVILLE MUSIC)
(WHISTLING)
(PRODUCER): Next!
(MUSIC STOPS)
Miss Courtland.
That was excellent.
Really? No, thank you!
Our show is looking for a host.
Thank you. Next.
A host? I would rather be a performer.
You would have five minutes between acts
to whistle your little heart away.
Many of our hosts move
on to become headliners.
- Could I?
- Mm.
Anything's possible.
It all depends whether or
not the audience likes you.
I told you before! No fire acts!
- Ugh!
- Next!
That's a shame. I would've
liked to have seen that.
(UPBEAT PIANO MUSIC)
Miss Courtland.
- A word please.
- We're in the middle of something here.
Carry on.
What do you want?
We have some questions.
Then ask them.
Not here. We'd prefer for you to come
down to the station house, please.
The station house? Why?
You're under suspicion of
killing your stepfather,
Donald Tooley.
By whose direction found'st
thou out this place?'
By love,
- that first did prompt me to inquire
- Promptly.
He lent me counsel,
and I lent him eyes.
Thou knowest the mask
of night is on my face,
else would a maiden
blush bepaint my cheek
for that which thou hast
heard me speak tonight.
(INHALES SHARPLY)
Dost thou love me?
I know thou wilt say "Ay."
Oi! Enough of the bad
Shakespeare. Knock it off.
Miss Courtland, after you.
(WHISTLING)
Watts, please find the
owner of the apothecary
- and bring him here.
- Anon.
And, Henry, go back to the inn
and conduct a more thorough
search of Miss Courtland's room.
Of course, sir. Uh,
what am I looking for?
The beard.
- Would the
- Shh.
(MYSTERIOUS MUSIC)
Mm-hmm
Don't look like much.
Be not afeard.
The isle is full of noises,
sounds, and sweet airs,
that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand
twangling instruments
will hum about mine ears
I would love to meet with you.
Yes, I am now free of
my previous obligations.
Thank you Mr. Deverill-Deverill.
I can meet with you at
your earliest convenience.
The motion pictures are
of great interest to me.
And I have heard that you
are looking for a leading man
for Ruth Newsome's new serial.
Yes.
Thank you so much.
Wonderful.
Wonderful news. Thank you so much.
(WHISTLING)
Please stop that.
You don't like my whistling?
I like it. You're bloody good.
- Do you know Skye Boat?
- Sir?
Murdoch, sometimes you just
have to enjoy the performance.
Both Detective Watts and
Constable Higgins are back, sir.
Thank the Lord for small mercies.
Skye Boat.
(WHISTLING)
Chief Constable.
Here it is. Uh
There's something odd about it, sir.
Why, yes, Henry.
It possesses magical powers.
Something like that.
Is this the beard then? Hm.
Reminds me of why I got rid
of the old ginger growler,
magic powers or not.
We're all grateful.
- Right.
- Ah, sir. There's one more thing.
You may want to have a
look at this, as well.
- What is it?
- It's a contract of some sort.
I thought it might be important.
Oh! Indeed.
- Ah, keep hold of this.
- Sir.
Mr. Trivelle, we're ready for you.
It's about time.
Right this way.
And this can be used on
plants as well as humans?
- Well?
- I'm not sure.
Please put the beard on.
(SIGHS)
Yes yes.
Sure enough, that is the very
person who bought the henbane.
Well, if I had known it
was a person in disguise,
I certainly wouldn't
have sold it to them.
(MURDOCH): Right. Thank you, sir.
Miss Courtland,
you purchased henbane tincture
from Mr. Trivelle's apothecary.
- I did.
- Why?
- To kill your stepfather?
- No.
I loved my stepfather.
Then why the henbane?
I had heard ingesting henbane
can give you the sensation of flying.
And why would you do that?
Well, I was to play the part
of Ariel in our next play,
and she has to fly on a bat's wing.
So, I wanted to experience in my body
what that would feel like.
And what about the disguise?
Well, I didn't want my
stepfather to find out.
He was strict about us not
using any false stimulants,
as he calls it.
He insisted that our acting
must not come from unnatural sources.
He was a hard taskmaster.
(SCOFFS)
I suppose.
Then what about this?
It's a contract between
yourself and Donald Tooley.
It binds your professional exclusivity
for the next five years,
and you are to remain single.
All the members of the troupe
had to sign the same contract.
But only you and Armin
were in a relationship.
We are not.
- Are you sure?
- Mm-hmm.
Because he seems to believe
that you are to be wed.
Something that had to be kept secret
while your father was alive.
Stepfather.
But with him dead,
you two could pursue your dreams.
You could join the vaudeville,
marry Armin, and bring him along.
Or stay behind and be
part of his dying dream.
All that may be true,
but we did not kill him.
I, I swear! I loved my stepfather!
Even though he stole
your chance at happiness?
Well, he's dead now.
Do I look very happy to you?
So you think Romeo and
Juliet killed the stepfather
so they could be together?
I don't believe she
was involved in that.
- And he seemed sincere.
- Mm.
"One may smile and
smile and be a villain."
- Sir?
- Ah. It's from Hamlet.
It's what Hamlet says when he
discovered who killed his father.
Hamlet's uncle, Claudius,
pretended to be all
sweetness and light, but, eh.
(KNOCKING)
Constable Roberts, what have you?
Pardon me, sir?
What have you found for me?
Right. It's an arrest report
from the Hamilton
police, three years ago.
What's in it?
I believe they call it motive.
You're a cheeky sort,
aren't you, Roberts?
He's fine.
Three years ago,
you had a physical altercation
with your stepfather.
- I did.
- Why?
At the time, I believed
he killed my father.
What do you believe now?
Answer the detective.
I think there are still
questions regarding his death.
Your real father was a
gentleman named John Courtland.
He was.
This file goes into some detail
about your altercation with Mr. Tooley,
but it says nothing of
how your real father died.
What happened?
They say it was an accident.
And you don't believe that?
It was three years ago.
Donald Tooley had
just joined the troupe.
He was an accomplished actor,
and my father believed he
would be of great benefit to us.
My real father was a trusting man.
You feel this trust was misplaced?
Tooley had eyes for my mother.
I could see it, everyone could.
So you think he killed your father
so he could take up with your mother?
Mr. Tooley and my
father went for a walk.
They were going to discuss the
future of my father's troupe.
But they didn't see eye to eye?
Tooley believed in Shakespeare.
But my father had become
increasingly interested
in other forms of entertainment.
And you think Tooley
had eyes for your mother?
I could see the way he looked at her,
on more than one occasion.
My father never returned from that walk.
They found him dead at the
bottom of the Scarborough Bluffs.
You think Tooley pushed him?
We'll never know, will we?
Those two will have to face
each other in another life.
I assume your mother didn't
share your suspicions.
Well, Donald could be very
charming when he wanted to be.
It didn't take long to
sweep her off her feet.
Father had been dead only a
few months when they married.
That must have been hard to live with,
knowing that the man
who killed your father
- was now married to your mother.
- If I wanted to kill him,
I would have killed him then.
And what of your sister?
- You love her, yes?
- Of course.
She wanted out of the
troupe, didn't she?
She wanted to spread her
wings, begin a new life,
and Mr. Tooley wasn't
about to let her do that.
Well, she doesn't have to worry
about that anymore, does she?
No. And neither do you.
You are also going to leave
and, uh, take up the moving pictures.
According to who?
One of our constables
overheard your conversation
with a Mr. Deverill-Deverill,
a moving picture producer.
Ah, you arranged to meet with him.
And now with Tooley's death,
you and your sister can
make your dreams come true.
I'd be tempted to do the same
thing, wouldn't you, Murdoch?
'Tis one thing to be tempted,
another thing to fall.
And I did not fall.
So, what do you think, Murdoch?
Allen, Connie, Armin.
One of those three did it.
But not enough evidence
to charge any of them.
(MRS. TOOLEY): I will speak to him!
Mrs. Tooley.
You are holding my son
and daughter in your cells,
along with another member of my troupe.
I would like them to be released.
Even though one of them more
than likely killed your husband?
None of those three did that!
Charge them or release them,
or I shall have a lawyer charge you.
What happened to, "Let's
kill all the lawyers"?
Sometimes The Bard is wrong.
Sometimes lawyers are
not without their uses.
So, do you intend to charge them?
- Not at this point.
- Then let them out!
We have a show to perform!
You're going to continue?
Well, of course we are.
It is what Donald would have wanted.
I'm next in line to be
in charge of this troupe,
and I intend to honour his legacy.
The Troubadours will not be disbanded.
Not while I live and breathe.
Tell me again, where we are going?
I am telling Allen that
he will not be leading
my wife into the boudoir.
Henry Higgins will not
be played for a fool.
Why do you need me?
Well, to show that I
won't be trifled with.
- (EXPLOSION)
- (GASPS)
Holy snakes!
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
Dear God! Call the fire department. Now!
(MISS KWAN SCREAMING)
Help! I'm stuck! Please help!
I'm stuck! Please!
(SCREAMING)
- Thank you.
- What happened?
I don't know. I could have been killed.
(GASPS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
It's all over.
It's all done.
Perhaps it's for the best.
We never should have come
to this wretched city.
But I will not let our dream die.
- But Mother
- Shakespeare is in our soul,
not our possessions.
I don't know what happened.
I'd gone into the wagon to organize
the backdrops for the next show.
And then before I could get out,
I was surrounded by a wall of fire.
Your constable saved my life.
And you saw no one else out here?
Not a soul. I
Do you require medical attention?
No, no, I'm, I'm fine.
But look at this!
Everything is gone except
for what was left in the tent.
- May I?
- Of course.
- You know who else is gone?
- (KWAN): Have you recovered ?
Mr. Allen Courtland
is nowhere to be found.
- Mm.
- find something.
Do we know how it started?
Bit early in the morning
for that, wouldn't you say?
No, I wouldn't.
Petrol.
Did you set the fire?
'Tis pity 'tis true.
- You don't deny it?
- Mm.
You could have killed someone.
I didn't know that Dora
was inside the wagon.
Look, I swear.
I thank the Lord that your
man got her out in time.
And saved you from a murder charge.
Why did you do it?
I thought that by destroying
the troupe's possessions,
I could make my mother disband us,
and for once and for all,
I could be free to do what I want to do.
But instead, she chose to
honour your father's wishes.
He was not my father!
You're a grown man.
Why didn't you leave?
It would have destroyed her
if she thought that I abandoned her.
And killing her husband
is fine in your books.
I did not kill Tooley.
I did what I was instructed to do.
I didn't know there was
henbane in that vial.
Why should we believe you?
I will admit to crimes I committed,
but not to the ones I didn't.
Do your damnedest, sir.
I don't care anymore.
This world is stale
and unprofitable to me.
That's Hamlet.
This is ridiculous. We have no props,
no sets, no actors, not
even the proper weapons.
The world is our stage, Armin,
and we perform with what is provided.
It is our lot.
(GRUNTING)
Very good. But you look awkward.
(GRUNTING)
What are you doing with my brother?
He admitted to setting
the wagon on fire.
Good Lord. Why?
You're not the only one who
wanted to be free of the troupe.
We'd like to speak with your mother.
- Please do.
- Where is she?
In the tent with Armin practising
the final duel from Hamlet.
Bloody hell.
- What is it?
- Well, the final duel
is between Laertes and Hamlet.
They both die.
Look like you belong!
Look like you're an actor!
And not a clown and a buffoon.
A man who surely does not
deserve the hand of my daughter.
(GRUNTS)
- You knew?
- Of course I knew.
And I cannot allow you to
ruin my daughter's future!
Argh!
(GRUNTING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
My husband's dream is dead.
As mine is as well.
But my daughter's life will not
be destroyed by the likes of you.
I love her.
And she loves me.
She's a child and you're a fool.
Mother, no!
Let me do it! Just please let me do it!
- Are you all right?
- (BRACKENREID): That is enough!
It wasn't just Donald's
dream. It was mine.
If the troupe disbanded, I would lose
both my son and daughter.
And I had already lost their father.
You don't believe your
daughter had the right
to decide her own future?
Not with a man unworthy of her.
No woman deserves that!
But we settle.
We always settle.
How do you mean?
I married a man who was weak.
I thought your daughter purchased this.
She did.
I found it in her room.
Just shortly before the performance.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to our show.
Tooley's Troubadours at your service.
So you intended for this to happen?
I only wanted time.
Time for him to think,
time for him to reconsider.
What do you mean?
He told me he'd come to a decision.
He was going to allow
Allen and Connie to leave.
He was going to disband the troupe.
You told me he was the
one dedicated to this.
Well, he was. I thought he was.
But he was tired.
Tired of half-empty houses,
tired of pursuing his dream
with people who didn't share it!
So you made the decision to kill him?
I expected he would
sleep for a few days.
I didn't know the
henbane would kill him.
I swear, I didn't know!
I will be seeking charges
in the death of your husband.
Well, do what you must.
I have lost my family.
My son and daughter will
scatter in the winds.
And chart their own course.
I'll be petitioning for leniency.
I don't believe your mother
intended to kill your stepfather.
And you say he was going
to grant us our wishes?
Yes. She said that Mr. Tooley
intended to disband the troupe.
Yes.
But we're not.
We have decided to stay together
for the foreseeable future,
form a new troupe.
We will be performing
Shakespeare alongside
other entertainments, like
clowning, jigs, whistling.
(GIGGLING)
- Where will you go?
- We're going to Stratford,
same as The Bard's home.
Isn't that in the
middle of farm country?
How will you find a theatre in
the middle of a load of fields?
- And who'll come?
- Well,
we're planning to build one ourselves.
They'll come.
Until then, we'll satisfy
ourselves with Mr. Bahn's tent.
Head on out. There's
still lots to do here.
- (ENGINE STARTS)
- Mr. Bahn will be joining us.
Ah! So, the innkeeper has
caught the theatre bug?
Perhaps, but I believe it's
Dora who's caught his eye.
We'll be right behind you.
- Ah. Well, best of luck to you all.
- Thanks.
Thanks.
- And ever thanks.
- (WHISTLING)
When that I was a little tiny boy ♪
With a hey, ho the wind and the rain ♪
You've given up your dreams
of the silver screen, Henry?
The motion picture studio
has killed the project.
Why?
They say no one will want
to watch the adventures
of a married couple.
You know, there are many things
that Henry Higgins is
very, very good at, but
I don't think acting is one of them.
Hm.
(SOFT MYSTERIOUS MUSIC)
(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)
(ARMIN): It is said it
confers magical powers
when used by an actor.
(MYSTICAL MUSIC)
Our revels now are ended.
These, our actors,
as I foretold you,
were all spirits,
and are melted into air,
into thin air.
Huh.
(THEME MUSIC)