All language subtitles for Partners in Crime s01e02 The Affair of the Pink Pearl.eng

[Cheerful jazz music]

Oi!

[Tense orchestral music]

[Gentle orchestral music]

[She sighs]

Oh, I wish something
would happen.

This craving for vulgar
sensation alarms me.

Six years ago, I'd have sworn

that with enough money to buy

most of the things I want

and with you for a husband,

life would have been
one grand sweet song,

as the poet puts it.

Is it me or the money
that pulls on you?

Pulls isn't the exact word.

I'm just used to my
blessings, that's all.

Hmm. Shall I
neglect you a little?

Take other women
out to nightclubs,

that sort of thing?

Oh, no use, if you did

I'd only meet you
there with other men.

What's the matter
with you, darling?

Oh, think of the times
we had once, Tommy.

You should never have
left the secret service.

Think how thrilling it would be

if there was a mad
rapping at the door

and in staggered a dead man!

If he was dead,
he couldn't stagger.

[Door knocking]

Daily leader.

I beg your pardon?

The paper you wanted, boss.

Oh, yes, of course.

I just made it.

Made what?

The midday edition, Mrs. B.

It was the last one.

Thank you, Albert.

Oh, and could we have
less of a dying gangster

and more of a perfect
English Butler, do you think?

Right-o, guv.

I wish Albert wouldn't
go to the cinema so often.

Hmm, his Rudolph Valentino
is particularly forgettable.

You're not starting
the crossword, are you?

We were having a conversation.

Hmm?

Oh where has your
spirit of adventure gone?

You're getting fat.

And comfortable.

I am not!

Sleek and prosperous
and comfortable.

You see? It's very dangerous
to have everything you want.

I suppose there are always...

Hats!

You've got about
40 hats already!

And they all look the same.

They're not really the same!

There are nuances in them.

I saw a rather nice one
in Violet's yesterday.

[Tommy] Tuppence, if
you've got nothing better to do

than keep on buying hats-

oh, well, that's just it.

If I had something better to do.

Oh, Tommy.

I wish something
exciting would happen.

[Door knocking]

Come in!

Detective inspector
marriott, of Scotland yard.

Thank you, Albert.

Good afternoon, inspector.

Well, it's good to see you both.

How's life in general,
Mrs. Beresford?

In general, satisfactory.

In particular, dull.

Haven't you told her?

I was just about to
when you came in.

Told her what?

Well, it's all set, if
you want to go ahead.

Told her what? [Laughs]

Read that.

International detective
agency, Theodore blunt,

manager, private
inquiries, large staff

of confidential and highly
skilled inquiry agents,

utmost discretion,
consultations free,

28 haleham street.

It's a detective agency!

Obviously!

Though, I can't imagine of
what interest it could be to you.

Unless of course you're
thinking of having me followed?

Too many men do
that already, my sweet.

No, the point is the agency
has been on its last legs

for some time.

And it can be acquired
for a mere sum.

Under new management, naturally.

What about Mr. Theodore blunt?

Mr. Blunt, I'm afraid,

is being detained at
his majesty's expense.

And he won't tell us half
of what we'd like to know.

I see.

At least, I think I see.

I thought I might have
a shot at running it.

On a six month trial.

Inspector marriott
has very kindly

been arranging the
necessary licences and so on.

Which I'm happy to say
has now come through.

The agency is all yours.

And you knew about
this all the time?

Only since I
first thought of it.

Mystery and romance, remember?

- Tommy, darling!
- [Tommy laughs]

Oh, I take it all back!

You're not at all dull,
comfortable, and sleek!

And certainly not fat.

Only a little. [Laughs]

There is just one thing.

The agency is still
in the name of blunt.

However, that could
be an advantage.

In case I don't make
a go of it, you mean?

Oh, not only that.

I fancy that the
somewhat shady Mr. Blunt

and his assistant
might have a little more

freedom of action, shall we say?

Than the altogether more proper

and decorous Mr. and
Mrs. Beresford. [Laughs]

[Tuppence laughs]

[Horn honking]

Well, this is it.

Here we are.

This is where you'll
hang out, Albert.

Reception.

Just the ticket, Mr. B.

Now, there's a
buzzer under here.

[Buzzer ringing]

When a client comes
in, buzz me a warning.

[Buzzer ringing]

Don't let him in until I
buzz you back, right?

Right, chief.

This way to the inner sanctum.

Bring the cases, Albert!

Hmm.

It has scope.

Just what I thought.

Over here by the shelves.

What you got in these,
guv, dead bodies?

Not exactly the ritz.

Oh, no, this is just
for the secretarial staff.

Who's that?

You, my sweet.

What do you want
me to do now, guv?

Whatever the well trained
office boy should do.

Well, there's a gas ring,

should I make a cup of tea?

Good wheeze, Albert.

[Typewriter keys clacking]

Oh!

We've been here for days now

and absolutely no
one's come to see us

except husbands who
want their wives shadowed

and wives who want
their husbands shadowed.

Sometimes I think
the entire population

is composed of middle-aged wives

whose husbands go
away at weekends.

Perhaps we should put
that in the advertisement.

No divorce work.

I second that.

More tea.

Not for me, I'm awash.

I say!

You've transformed this place!

Yes, it is a little
more like home.

What on earth is that?

Do you like it?

It's my disguise tree.

Your what?

What's the first thing you
notice about a woman?

-Well- -her hat, of course.

Now, I may come in here
in a little bond street number,

but that wouldn't do if
I had to go somewhere

with you as your secretary,
miss Robinson, say.

- Quite!
- So. [Gasps]

Miss Robinson.

Like it?

Brilliant.

[They laugh]

Oh, tuppence.

I adore you.

Now, here we are
bursting with talent

and absolutely no
chance to use it.

But I didn't intend
to be beaten.

To begin with, I don't think

that ad in the paper's
very tempting, do you?

You think we should change it?

Oh, you said it
yourself, we're brilliant.

Brilliant.

So, how about international
detective agency,

blunt's brilliant
detective, satisfaction,

no, no, no, no, no,
results, guaranteed.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

When should we
put it in the paper?

Straight away.

Done.

Well, I hope you're right
about this, tuppence.

Results guaranteed?
That's a fairly tall order.

Oh, yes, I know it's
easy in detective stories

because once they
work out the solution,

they can arrange the clues.

I wonder, now.

Hmm?

I'm beginning to have an idea.

It hasn't quite come to me yet,

but it's on its way.

Well, leave the door
open, it might pop in.

I'll get Albert to go
round to the newspapers

with this right away.

Oh, no need, I can
take it, it's on my way.

Not another hat?

It's an extremely nice one.

It should be, at the price.

[Telephone ringing]

Hello, international
detective agency?

An appointment at 11
o'clock tomorrow morning, sir?

Yes, I believe Mr. Blunt
can just fit you in.

Might I inquire the nature
of your business, sir?

To clean the windows.

Right, mate, any time.

[Tommy humming]

[Door knocking]

Come in.

I say, is this the blunt's
international detective agency?

That it is, sir.

[Buzzer ringing]

Ooh!

I know, I know!

Let me see.

Shh!

Get to work!

Start typing!

You wanna speak to
Mr. Blunt himself, sir?

Yes, that was the
idea, can it be done?

Well, we're pretty
busy at the moment.

So I see.

You haven't an
appointment, I suppose?

No, afraid not, should I have?

Oh, it's always wise
to ring up first, sir.

Ah, yes, well.

I dare say I could
call back another day.

- [Buzzer ringing]
- You're in luck, sir.

The boss is free now.

Ah, thank you.

Kindly step this
way, will you sir?

Gentlemen to see you, sir.

Ah, good day.

[Gentleman] Good day.

Do come in.

Well then, you
wish to consult us.

Yes. I want you to find
someone who's missing.

May I know a little more?

It's rather difficult.

Frightfully delicate
and all that.

A young lady.

I see.

Did she disappear
of her own free will

or do you suspect
she's been abducted?

[Gentleman] Well, I don't know.

See, I don't know anything.

[Tommy] Ah.

Well, can we start by
you giving me your name?

My name?

Oh yes, my name is Smith.

Your real name, please.

I say!

You saw through that little...

Ah, yes, it's St. Vincent.

Lawrence St. Vincent.

It's curious how
few people there are

whose real name is Smith.

[Telephone rings]

Could I have a description
of this young lady?

Yes, well, she's awfully pretty.

- Pretty.
- Absolute topper.

Topper.

[Telephone ringing]

Just a moment.

Yes?

The prime minister?

I see.

Right-o.

If you'll, excuse me a moment.

I have an urgent call.

Naturally, yes.

Were you listening?

Of course I was!

Then why did you interrupt?

I think he's the real thing.

He's more than that, look!

Who's who.

St. Vincent, Lawrence, 28,

nephew and heir of
the Earl of cheraton.

You see?

If we pull this off,
we'll get publicity

in all the right places.

Yes.

Well, don't keep interrupting!

So sorry to have kept you.

Ah.

May I introduce

my confidential
secretary, miss Robinson?

- How do you do?
- How do you do?

Was there something,
miss Robinson?

You asked me to come in

and take down the
facts of the case for you.

As you had to go at
once to downing street,

via Scotland yard.

Oh, I say!

Yes, well, I think
the prime minister

would be prepared to
wait a little, don't you?

Oh, I don't think so, Mr. Blunt,

most urgent, he said.

And I'm sure Mr. St. Vincent

won't mind talking to me.

Oh no.

No, not at all.

Very well.

Thank you, miss Robinson.

I apologise, but I leave
you in capable hands.

[Lawrence] I'm sure.

A lady has disappeared,
I understand.

A young lady.

Oh yes.

Look here, miss Robinson,

you really must do something.

I wouldn't have anything
happen to her for the world.

You can depend on Mr. Blunt.

Now, please, may I have her name

and tell me all about her?

Well, her name's Janet.

Second name?

I don't know.

You see, she
works in a hat shop,

madam Violet's in brook street.

I went round there yesterday

and waited for her to come out.

But then I've found she'd not
been at work that day at all.

Did she send a message?

None.

Oh, madame was furious.

And I went round
to Janet's place.

But she hadn't come
home the night before,

nobody seemed to
know where she was.

I was simply
frantic, I can tell you,

I even thought of
going to the police.

Did you?

No.

[Tuppence] And, what
made you come here?

Well, that's the funny part.

She pointed out
your advertisement

to me herself,
only the other day.

May I have a full description?

Yes, well, she's got
the most marvellous hair.

Sort of golden, but deeper.

It's like a sunset.

That's it, a sunset.

Red hair. Height?

Tall-ish.

She has eyes.

Really?

Blue eyes.

Very very blue eyes.

And a sort of decided manner.

Am I to understand that
you're engaged to this lady?

Oh no.

I mean, not exactly.

I never said anything.

But after this, I can tell you,

I need to ask her to marry me

as soon as ever I see her.

If I ever do see her again.

Hmm, it sounds to me

as though you need our
special 24 hour service.

What's that?

It's double fees,

but we put all our
available staff onto it.

If the lady's alive,
Mr. St. Vincent,

we should be able to
tell you where she is

by this time tomorrow.

I don't know what to say,

you must have the
most marvellous staff!

Yes.

We have.

So, two o'clock tomorrow

and we should have
some news for you.

Is that a fact? I can't
thank you enough.

Not at all.

Good day.

Will you thank Mr. Blunt for me?

What have you done?

Done?

Have you gone stark staring mad?

Our special service?

Do you realise we've
guaranteed him results

by this time tomorrow?

I thought it sounded
rather good.

Perhaps we should put
it in our advertisements.

I think you must've taken

- leave of your senses!
- Oh, don't worry.

Leave it to mother.

Mother knows best.

- [Tuppence sings quietly]
- [Cocktail shaker rattling]

It's a filthy night.

[Tuppence] Oh,
you are in a state!

Thanks to you.

Oh, Albert.

Try and dry these out will you?

Waterlogged.

What have you been doing?

Looking for that blasted girl.

Going round the hospitals
with her description.

Any luck?

Not a sausage.

Oh.

Well, I'm glad you're back,

any later and dinner
would've been ruined.

No dinner for me tonight.

[Tuppence] Why on earth not?

Because of you and
your 24 hour service.

If we don't deliver the
goods, young St. Vincent

is going to tell everyone
and we let him down!

Well, you'll have
a drink at least.

No, thank you.

I only came back
to change my socks.

I've a dozen hospitals
to get round yet.

Didn't I tell you
to leave it to me?

That's very kind
of you tuppence,

but even you can't
find that wretched girl,

single-handed before two
o'clock tomorrow morning!

[Tuppence] I have!

What do you mean?

Very simple.

Where is she?

In the spare room.

As a matter of fact,

I've invited her to stay
for a couple of days.

Wait a minute.

Wait a minute!

She's an old friend of mine.

And actually, she
spent last night in a hotel

then came round
here this morning

before we went to the office.

You mean...

She's been here all day?

All the time I've
been hunting for her?

[Tuppence giggles]

She was never
missing in the first place!

You set up the whole
thing between you!

Well, I only bumped
into her recently.

And she told me about
young St. Vincent pursuing her.

So I got her to rub the
advertisement into him

and then disappear!

I don't believe it.

It's wonderful publicity

for blunt's brilliant detectives

and a necessary shove

to get that young
idiot to propose.

So, not only do you
bamboozle our client,

our first client.

But you trap the poor
blighter into marriage!

Oh, stuff.

You can tell at a glance
what his family needs,

some good red blood in it.

Hello!

Ah, Tommy, this is my old pal

from my nursing
days, Janet Smith.

Smith? Is that your real name?

Yes, it is, why?

Ah.

Just wondered.

Tommy doesn't
want his drink, Janet.

Why don't you have it?

Thanks, tuppence.

It's the most immoral
thing I've ever heard.

How do you do?

It'll be the making of
him, won't it, Janet?

It certainly will.

You see, strange as
it may seem to you,

I do love the silly idiot.

She'll get him to cut
down on cocktails,

nightclubs, and lead
a good healthy life.

You see, for months he's
been driving me frantic,

trying to nerve
himself up to propose.

I couldn't stand it any longer.

Blunt's brilliant detectives

have not only played
Sherlock Holmes, but cupid.

Oh.

So, cheer up Tommy, hmm?

And let's all drink to the
international detective agency.

- [Buzzer ringing]
- [Gentle violin music]

Shh, shh, shh! Sherlock!

A client.

[Tommy] Oh!

Female,

dark, mid 20s.

Clothes cheap but
striking, looks worried.

Better have her in.

Right.

Get to work, start typing.

Oh, very well, you can
be doing shorthand notes.

How?

Just do squiggles!

A lady to see you, Mr. Blunt

ah, good morning.

Do take a seat.

My confidential
secretary, miss Robinson.

Now then,

you are in need of
our services, miss?

Kingston Bruce.

Yes.

You must've found
travelling in a bus

rather crowded
at this time of day?

I came in a taxi.

Oh?

Oh, you mean this?

I picked it up outside,

a small neighbour
of ours collects them.

Really?

We live in wimbledon.

Last night, a lady
who's staying with us

lost a pink Pearl,

apparently of some
considerable value.

A Mr. St. Vincent was
also dining with us.

Mr. St. Vincent?

During dinner, he'd
happened to mention your firm.

This morning my mother
sent me along here

to ask if you could look
into the matter for us.

I see.

But you haven't
called in the police?

It would be idiotic
to call them in and,

and find the stupid thing

had rolled the
fireplace or something.

[Tommy] Yes.

So you suspect it
may only be mislaid?

People make such
a fuss about things.

Hmm.

Well,

of course, I am extremely
busy at the moment.

I shan't trouble you anymore,

I quite understand.

Oh, nevertheless,

I think I could manage a
run down to wimbledon.

Could you give me the address?

The laurels, edgeworth road.

We'll expect you, then.

Good morning.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Hmm.

What an odd girl.

[Tuppence] Yes.

I couldn't quite make her out.

Makes you wonder if
she took the thing herself.

Well, here we are.

I'd say we'll find a
house full of snobs.

The father, if there is a father

bound to have a military title.

The daughter falls in
with their way of life,

but despises
herself for doing so.

You're an incurable romantic.

Will you bring the
camera please, darling?

Is that...

Absolutely necessary?

Oh yes.

I shall photograph footprints

and enlarge negatives and,

all that sort of thing.

And if you don't mind,

I think I'll stop
being your secretary

and become your assistant.

Do you think you'll
be able to carry it off?

Mr. Blunt, isn't it?

I'm Kingston Bruce.

Colonel Kingston Bruce.

How'd you do, colonel?

This is miss Robinson.

Mr. Blunt's assistant.

Ah.

Well, thank you, Gladys.

Do sit down.

This is a most
distressing business.

Most distressing.

Yes, it must be, colonel.

I suppose you are certain

that an actual crime
was committed?

No doubt of it,
sir, unfortunately.

May we see where it happened?

Why, it was here, miss...?

- Robinson.
- In this very room.

Your daughter only gave
us the barest details, colonel.

Could you tell us
exactly what happened?

Most certainly, Mr. Blunt.

[Clears his throat]

The fact is we, at
the present moment,

we have a number
of people staying here.

The best sort.

A house party, really.

Well, last night after dinner,

we all returned to
the drawing room.

There was a old and
very dear friend of ours,

lady Laura barton, daughter
of the late Earl of carrow.

I remember she felt
a chill in the room.

She's here with her maid, Elise.

She's French, well, part
maid, part companion, really.

Of course, my
dear wife was there,

and our daughter, Beatrice.

She's very attached
to young St. Vincent.

And of course, there were
two American friends of mine.

Well, friends of
friends, actually.

Hamilton betts the financier,

and his wife, Phyllis,
a charming lady.

A very fine meal, my dear.

Yes, Margaret really delightful.

Oh, thank you, lady Laura.

Charles, Mr. Betts was wondering

if we might play some bridge.

[Colonel] Wants his
revenge, does he? [Laughs]

Now then, colonel, I
admit you and Beatrice

had the cards last night,

but let's see who they smile
on this evening. [Chuckles]

There's just one problem,

there aren't enough
of us for two fours.

Oh, I don't mind skipping it.

I can always sit
out with Lawrence

and talk about this yacht
he's thinking of buying.

Sorry, phyl, you're
the only one here

who understands my bidding.

I trust you'll be my
partner, lady Laura.

No thank you, colonel.

I have a slight
headache this evening.

Oh, I'm so sorry, lady Laura.

It's nothing to worry about.

I'd just as soon watch,
if you don't mind.

Well, if you're not quite sure.

Beatrice?

No, I don't want to play.

Oh, no use looking
at me, colonel.

I've not got enough
of the old grey matter

for four spades and
three trumps and all that.

Never could follow
it, frankly. [Laughs]

It appears you'll have to
be my partner, my dear.

Oh, must I?

Just do your best.

[Hamilton] Now,
that's that style!

Thank you, Gladys.

Would you set up
the card table, please?

And we settled down to a
normal pleasant evening.

Where do the
betts's fit in, colonel?

Well,

just between ourselves,

I'm hoping he'll put some money

into a firm whose board I'm on.

I invited them because
lady Laura is staying.

It's important to show one
mixes with the right people.

Quite.

And,

what about the Pearl?

Yes.

It was strange
how that happened.

How it all began.

[Gentle string music]

We were all setting down,

young St. Vincent
had very kindly offered

to look after the drinks.

Oh, you've no idea
what a pleasure it is

to be in a country
where you can sit down

with friends for a
drink without wondering

if you'll be raided by
the police. [Laughs]

Are you thinking of coming
to the states at all, Lawrence?

Oh, I'd love to, but,

I think I'll wait

'til you've got rid of
prohibition. [Laughs]

Oh.

[Lawrence] Something wrong?

I think the catch on
this thing must've gone.

I told you not to
keep fiddling with it.

Now I'll have to get it fixed.

We'll take it to a
jewellers in the morning.

I want it done right.

Pearls like that doesn't
grow on trees, you know.

It's so pretty.

Just a little thing I got
Phyllis for our anniversary.

[Tense orchestral music]

[Colonel] The game turned
out to be very enjoyable.

Quite tense at times.

We played for about
two hours, two and a half.

[Tommy] Did anyone
leave the room in that time?

[Colonel] No, but there
was another arrival.

[Tommy] Oh? Who was that?

A Mr. Rennie.

He's an acquaintance
of my daughter Beatrice.

He is a teacher
at a local college,

but not the sort
of chap I care for.

A most pestilential fellow.

An errant radical.

It was quite wrong,
of course, of Beatrice

to invite him to call in,

especially with young
St. Vincent here.

Most unfortunate.

Beatrice tells me you're
having a yacht built.

Yes. Nifty little thing.

Nicholson.

Should be able to tool
over the boulogne in her,

perhaps even get
in a spot of racing.

Will you were sail her yourself?

Oh, no, of course not,

she'll have a crew
for that sort of thing.

Naturally.

It always amazes
me how the idle class

think up the most expensive
ways to remain idle.

I gather you didn't
approve, Mr. Rennie?

- I do not.
- John.

Oh dear, why not?

It may have escaped your notice

that there are over a
million unemployed,

thousands of families
on the bread line,

living in squalor, denied
even the opportunity to work.

In these economic conditions,

boat trips to France
and yacht racing

seem to me the
height of immorality.

Ah, but I don't agree.

- No?
- No.

What about the people
who are building her?

The ones who'll sail
her and service her?

I'm not a shipwright,
a sailor or a cook.

Without me, they'd
all be unemployed too.

That puts the united
states one up, colonel.

But I'll give you your
chance at another rubber.

Well I...

Would you mind, lady Laura?

Not at all.

I'm enjoying watching.

Matter of fact, i'm
hoping the yacht

will be ready in time
for my honeymoon.

Honeymoon?

Yes, of course, I haven't
actually asked her yet, but.

Who are you hoping to marry?

Oh, not anybody you'd know.

Nor you, Beatrice.

You'd like her, though.

She's rather your type.

Perhaps, Mr. Rennie,
you and Beatrice

would like to come for a
cruise with us one day?

If it's not against
your principles.

[Colonel] We
finished the rubber,

which luckily
made us all square.

Rennie had left
some time before,

St. Vincent said
goodnight shortly after,

and we all went to bed.

And what about the Pearl?

It was left lying where it was.

We'd all simply
forgotten about it.

When was it found to
be missing then, colonel?

When Gladys, the parlour
maid came in to tidy up.

The necklace and the setting

were still lying on the table.

But the Pearl had gone.

She came and told me at once.

[Tommy] And what happened next?

Well, we had a good look around

and then decided to
search again in the morning.

And what was the betts's
attitude towards all this?

As you would expect,
she was very upset.

He wanted me to call the police.

But you dissuaded him?

To avoid publicity.

My wife and daughter
backed me up.

Then we remembered
young St. Vincent

talking about your firm and
your 24 hour special service.

Yes, well.

I suppose there's no reason

to suspect the
parlour maid, colonel?

Gladys? Oh, she's
been with us for years.

On the other hand,

temptation,

one never knows.

You said there was a
certain amount of tension

over the bridge game, colonel.

Yes.

Yes, a redoubled no
trump hand, I remember.

And also a rather
painful argument

when my dear wife had
the misfortune to revoke.

Really?

Ah, I see what you mean.

You would think it
would've been possible

for him to wrench off the Pearl

while we were
absorbed in the game?

Who exactly do you
mean by him, colonel?

Why, rennie, of course,
he's an unprincipled fellow.

I don't mind telling you,
I don't trust him an inch!

No, no, just, you can't say.

You can't deny it, mother.

She got out of the car

and a silver teaspoon
fell out of her muff.

This is Mr. Blunt, my dear.

And his assistant, miss...?

Robinson.

How do you do, Mr. Blunt?

I hope you'll be
able to clear up

this dreadful case quickly.

I shall certainly try, madam.

Poor lady Laura,
she's most distressed.

Calm yourself, my dear,

Mr. Blunt has
everything in hand.

I'm afraid I will have
to question everyone.

You see?

For a start.

Has anyone left the house today?

Absolutely not, I haven't
allowed anyone to leave.

Except your daughter.

Except me.

But Beatrice.

Beatrice volunteered to go
and lay the case before you.

[Colonel] Well,
what now, Mr. Blunt?

Well, I...

You were going to
take some photographs,

weren't you, sir?

Oh yes, of course.

If you'll excuse me,

I'll just go and fetch
my special camera.

Well, what do you think?

I haven't the faintest idea.

Did you get that about
the daughter Beatrice?

Yes.

Now, she said her mother had
asked her to come to see us.

But now it appears
it was her own idea.

To get out of the
house with the Pearl?

Could be.

And there was another
thing that interested me.

Who was it with a silver
teaspoon in her muff?

He loves the Russians
and the Germans,

what else can you expect?

He never touched it.

I was watching him all the time,

he couldn't possibly
have taken it.

Beatrice!

Ah.

I gather you are the
private inquiry agent.

I am.

And you are Mr. Betts.

Hamilton betts.

I'm told you hustle
things through.

Hustle is my middle
name, Mr. Betts.

Well it better be.

Or I'm sending to the police,

whatever colonel Bruce says.

May I ask you a few
questions about this Pearl?

What do you wanna know?

For example, was it insured?

Unfortunately, it was not.

I only bought it on this trip.

So now it's colonel
Bruce's problem.

How?

Well the theft or
whatever you wanna call it,

took place on his property.

So it's his responsibility.

I don't intend to
be out of pocket.

May I ask how much
a single Pearl is worth?

One like that?

Well, I bought it in Amsterdam,

paid in dollars,
in your currency,

at a conservative estimate,

I'd guess between,
oh, 18, 20,000 pounds.

In appearance you see,

it is just like an
ordinary camera.

What, you mean it
photographs fingerprints

and stuff like that?

If the angle of light and,

refraction and things
are calculated correctly.

Remarkable.

Oh, I thought we
were way ahead of you

in the states, but
this is really amazing!

Oh, nothing at all, really.

So, here you all are.

Aren't you dressed yet, honey?

I was too upset to.

Who is this?

[Hamilton] A private
eye, Mr. Blunt.

This is Phyllis, my wife.

How do you do, Mr. Blunt?

Mrs. Betts.

Are you,

getting anywhere?

Slowly but surely.

So, what's the position?

Well, the position
amounts to this.

Now, either the Pearl
is still in the house,

or it is not still in the house.

Quite so.

Now, if it is not in the house,

it may be anywhere.

But if it is still in the house,

it most probably is
concealed somewhere.

And a search must be made,

this is what I keep saying.

Very well, I give you
carte blanche, Mr. Blunt.

Search the house
from attic to cellar.

Oh but Charles, the
servants, I'm sure they'd leave.

Oh, don't worry Mrs. Bruce,

we'll search
their quarters last.

The thief is sure to
have hidden the Pearl

in the most unlikely place.

I seem to have read
something of the kind.

Well, what sort of place?

Well, the most unlikely place

would be Mrs. Betts' apartment.

Wouldn't that be just too cute?

Well, what are we waiting for?

Come and search.

[Hamilton] I'd better
come with you.

Don't interfere with
the expert, hammie,

Mr. Blunt knows what he's doing.

Aren't you gonna
take your camera?

Oh yes.

I was just coming back for it.

How long have you been
with lady Laura, Elise?

Several years now.

I know what you're thinking,

I know what they are
saying, all these stories.

Stories?

I am very fond of
her, she's very kind.

It's so unfair.

What is?

[Elise speaks in French]

She is a widow, you know?

Her husband was
killed in the war.

Perhaps that is why.

Perhaps something
happened to her then.

What sort of thing?

She cannot help it.

She does not mean
to do it, believe me.

When we go to places,

stay with people,

things are lost, [she
speaks in French].

Not always valuable
things you understand.

A silver teaspoon.

You heard about that?

Yes.

Yes, what was that exactly?

The last time we stayed here,

we had been to tea

with some friends of
colonel and madame Bruce.

They had a set of
antique silver spoons.

Lady Laura carried her fur muff.

Just as we arrived home,

one of the silver
spoons fell out of it.

I took it back for her.

Explained that it must
have got there by accident,

but, I don't think
they believed me.

You did what you could.

Oh, I should not have told you!

[She speaks in French]

Please, believe me.

This time it is different.

My lady could not
have taken the Pearl.

This is all that was left of it.

Oh.

It must've been very upsetting.

Plenty more pearls in the sea.

Worried hammie
more than it did me.

Well, it cost a lot.

Well, he makes a lot.

That's all he ever really
thinks about, making more.

He's hardly ever at home.

You can't think
how lonesome I get.

Yes, I dare say.

Tell me how big was
the Pearl, Mrs. Betts?

And what colour was it?

About a match for these drapes.

Ooh, are you gonna
take a picture?

If you would step
aside, Mrs. Betts.

Phyllis!

If you would to
step aside, Phyllis.

[Phyllis] Where to?

Just aside.

Show me.

-Well- -oh.

You're so tall, Mr. Blunt.

Tell me, just how blunt
are you, Mr. Blunt?

[Door knocking]

Come in.

Oh, excuse me.

This is my assistant,
miss Robinson.

Oh, I was just wondering
if you needed any help.

He might just do at that, honey.

Well, if you're gonna
search, go right ahead.

You won't need me.

Did I interrupt something?

Yes, thank heavens.

Well, are we really
going to search the room?

Well, we've got to do
something to bluff it out.

You and your 24
hour special service,

that Pearl could be anywhere!

Haven't you found out anything?

Only that colonel
Bruce is short of money,

but he's putting a brave
face on it, how about you?

Oh, one or two things.

[Tommy] Such as?

Well,

it couldn't have been the cook

because she leaves
at nine o'clock.

Now, the parlour maid Gladys,

she had the opportunity.

And the motive?

Well, she gets all
of 18 shillings a week

for working here, and
she's the sole supporter

of her aged mother.

[Tommy] Ah.

But I don't think she did it.

Now, the daughter Beatrice.

She's desperate to leave home,

but without enough
money to set up on her own,

there's nothing she can do.

[Tommy] Aha!

And the most
interesting thing of all...

Oh!

Old lady Laura's a kleptomaniac.

Oh.

The teaspoon?

The teaspoon.

She's always
staying with people.

Poor old dear hasn't a bean.

So she's always
accepting invitations

from people to whom a
title's still means something.

Five or six distinct
thefts have occurred

while she's been
staying at various houses.

[Door knocking]

[Elise gasps]

[Tuppence gasps]

Oh, Elise.

This is Elise, Mr. Blunt.

Oh yes, of course.

How'd you do?

[Elise] Monsieur.

Are you busy?

I was just cleaning my
lady's bathroom, monsieur.

Ah, then you won't mind

if we just have a little
look around the room.

It's alright, Elise, all the
rooms are to be searched.

Oh, I've left the water running.

What's the matter?

It must have stuck.

Voila! [She speaks in French]

I wonder why it stuck.

[She speaks in French]

Good, would you give
miss Robinson a hand?

Now, I just want one
photograph of the dressing table.

Mademoiselle Elise,
would you be so kind

as to hold back the curtain?

Just loop it back.

[Tuppence gasps]

There.

Is that all, monsieur?

Ah, yes, thank you.

Oh.

Would you?

Thanks.

Right.

I've just had a thought.

It would be most unfortunate

if lady Laura were
to find us here.

Would you be so kind as
to keep an eye on the stairs

and warn us if she's coming?

Certainly, monsieur.

Thanks.

What are you after?

Can you hang on here for a bit?

Try and get an
interview with lady Laura,

but don't alarm her.

Tell her you suspect the
parlour maid or something.

Whatever you do, don't
let her leave the house.

Right.

But, Tommy!

Tommy, where are you going?

Back to town.

Sorry, darling, haven't
got time to explain.

Listen, there's something
I forgot to tell you

about the daughter Beatrice!

- Oh?
- Well.

She left here at half
past nine this morning.

So it took a two and a half
hours to get to the office.

Well, that's not possible!

- No.
- So,

where did she go before
she came to see us?

Yes, well that's
very interesting.

Follow up any clue
you like, darling,

but don't let lady
Laura leave the house!

- Back in a jiff!
- [Car engine rumbling]

Looking for something?

Mr. Rennie, isn't it?

How do you know me?

Just a hunch.

Can I help you?

I want to speak to Beatrice.

In a moment.

You know I'm from the
international detective agency?

[John] I guessed as much.

Because Beatrice told
you we would be here?

When she came to
see you this morning?

Yes.

I suspected it was you
that she'd come to see.

Why do you think miss
Bruce took the Pearl?

Believe me, Mr. Rennie,

getting the Pearl back
is all we're interested in.

Do forgive me.

I have to take different
pills every few hours.

It's very tedious.

Do you have everything
you want, milady?

Yes thank you, Elise.

You may leave us.

Very good, milady.

She seems very kind.

Yes.

A dear girl.

Oh, I'm growing forgetful.

Please sit down, miss Robinson.

Thank you.

How is your inquiry progressing?

Quite well, thank
you, lady Laura.

Do you think I
could have done it?

Because you see,

I know that I could have.

Oh, lady Laura.

Please.

This is very difficult for me.

For a long while now,

I've not been quite myself.

Lately, it's grown worse.

Sometimes, I take
things, you must realise.

Yes.

[Laura] No doubt
you've already heard.

Yes.

It's shameful.

Shameful.

I have to rely on the
kindness of friends, of Elise.

And I do not know when
these things have happened.

Nor when they will happen.

I do not even have
a sense of guilt

because I'm unaware of them.

I understand.

[Laura] But never before

has it been
anything so valuable.

It's not certain, your ladyship,

that you had anything
to do with this.

You are kind, my dear.

You have searched my room?

[Tuppence] Yes,
but we found nothing.

It will turn up.

Somewhere.

And when it does,

if you're certain
that it was me,

I want you to promise me

that you will come
and tell me yourself.

And then I shall
know what to do.

Oh, Tommy!

- Hello, darling.
- They're all in here.

Yeah, no time for that.

- How indeed?
- Come on!

Oh, so you think it
was lady Laura after all.

- Hmm?
- Oh dear.

I was rather hoping
it wouldn't be.

Still, I've lots to tell you

about Beatrice Kingston
Bruce and her boyfriend.

Inspector marriott!

Good day, ma'am.

I understand you've
been having quite a time.

Ah, there you are.

Um,

will someone kindly
tell me what's going on?

She went quietly.

She's an old hand and she
knows when the game's up.

What about the Pearl?

Well, I rather fancy
we'll find it in here.

Ooh!

An old trick, Mrs. Beresford.

Cut a bar of soap in half,

scoop out a hiding place,

clap it together again

and smooth the join
over with hot water.

If I might?

Vert smart piece of work
on your part, Mr. Beresford.

But.

I say.

I believe so.

But there's lady Laura,
and Beatrice, and Gladys.

Oh, didn't I tell you?

It was Elise.

My dear sir, I can't
thank you enough.

I've really gotta
hand it to you, yes, sir!

Thank you, Mr. Betts.

Oh, thank you,
thank you, thank you.

- Mrs. Bruce.
- Don't leave me out.

- Thank you.
- Mrs. Betts.

I don't know how to
thank you, Mr. Blunt.

I feel as if a great
cloud has been lifted.

Now I can live
the rest of my life

without feeling ashamed.

Thank you, lady Laura.

Thank you all.

Miss Robinson?

I wanted to thank you.

Although I know you
suspected me all the time.

You were terrified that
rennie had taken the Pearl,

he was terrified that you had,

so it meant it couldn't
have been either of you.

But he'll tell you himself.

All's well that ends well, eh?

Home, I fancy.

Not until you tell me
how you knew it was Elise.

Well, it was when she tried
to open the bathroom door,

I've tried to turn a handle
with soap on my hands myself.

Can't be done, your hands slip.

Then she picked up a towel.

Wiped the soap off the handle

and opened the door herself.

Exactly.

It occurred to me that if
you were a professional thief,

it'd be quite useful
to be the maid

of a lady suspected
of kleptomania.

Oh dear.

Poor lady Laura, suspected
of taking all those things.

If you remember,

I took a photograph
of Elise by the window,

induced her to hold
a glass slide for me,

and toddled off to
dear old Scotland yard.

They developed her photograph

and checked her
fingerprints on the glass slide!

Revealing Elise to
be a long lost friend.

Then why didn't you
tell me in the first place?

Because, in the first place,

I suspected Elise was
listening outside the door.

And in the second.

Hmm?

You and your friend, Janet Smith

put one over on me last time.

This makes us all square.

[Tuppence laughs]

[Upbeat jazz music]

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