Original subtitles

BIG BAND MUSIC PLAYS

MUSIC STOPS Stop! Stop!

We have to remember our arms, ladies.

And smile! From the top.

I can't believe you roped me into this.

We don't even have anyone to dance with!

That's not important.

Dance could be good for you.

It's excellent for improving poise and grace.

I've heard back, Pauline!

I've got a letter from the television producers!

Oh, Gillian! In six weeks' time,

a talent scout from Go Dancing is coming here to look

for contestants for the show!

Oh, I love that show!

Gillian and Derek are sure to be chosen.

I heard their mother taught them to dance before they could walk.

Well, how's that work, then?

Although the producers are looking for featured dancers,

like myself, of course,

it says they're also interested in chorus line performers.

So, we're going to hold a showcase,

and you will all get the chance to dance for the talent scout.

Oh, maybe I will do a few other classes.

It could be quite fun.

Fun? This is competitive ballroom dancing now, Brenda.

You just wait - you won't know what's hit you.

SWING MUSIC PLAYS ON RADIO

SHOUTING: As you know, I'm a big fan of music...

..but you could hear that from St Mary's!

The talent scout is coming in two days!

I was just getting a feel for the music.

I, too, have been getting "a feel" for it, all morning.

Well, that explains it.

Canon Fox telephoned me, he's been ringing the Presbytery

for the past hour - no-one has answered the telephone!

I'm very sorry, Mrs Devine.

I'll telephone him straight away.

So, are you ready for dance practice?

Of course.

Oh, these aren't my dance shoes.

You've picked up somebody else's bag?

Well, it's not my fault, they all look the same!

Most people check.

And you need to learn the proper steps -

you won't be able to make it up as you go at the showcase.

I'm so sorry Robert, I just... I can't.

Come on, old girl, chin up.

Everybody's watching.

Oh! It's arrived!

SHE GASPS

Oh!

The talent scout won't be able to take his eyes off me.

That's proper fancy.

It was handmade in Paris.

And how much did that cost? Robert!

It's as beautiful as you are.

I know.

Maybe you should be spending less time buying dresses

and more time on the showcase.

Do hush, Derek. I'm serious, Gill.

You're the one who wants to impress the talent scout,

yet you swanned off to Blackpool for weeks.

You should've been here, helping me with the organisation,

and perfecting our routine.

I have been perfecting it - only not with you!

Mia caro Gillian!

Mwah!

I'm not dancing with you.

I'm dancing with Mario!

Poor Derek.

He's worked proper hard on this showcase, and then

Gillian humiliated him in front of everyone.

Yes, that was rather unnecessary.

Although it is Mario Cantoloni!

He's a well-known dancer. He stars in a show at the Blackpool Tower.

It's a real coup to be dancing with him!

I don't suppose I could accompany you,

when you go back to the dance school?

I would like to meet Signor Cantoloni

and practise my Italian.

Well, the more, the merrier.

I, for one, can't wait to see Gillian and Mr Cantoloni dance.

I'm sure it will be a real show-stopper!

THEY CHUCKLE

TANGO MUSIC PLAYS

Well, I can see why she didn't want to do

THAT particular routine with her brother.

This angel, she captured my heart.

SHE GIGGLES

Actually, Gillian, might I have a word?

If you must.

Who knew there'd be so many beautiful ladies

living in Kembleford, eh?

Dio mio! I feel like I'm back in Naples!

Buongiorno, Signor Cantoloni.

Ho sentito che eri italiano e mi piacerebbe parlare con te.

Father? Mrs Highbury!

Mr Cantoloni doesn't like to speak his native tongue.

Oh. Apparently, it's too traumatic for him.

The story goes he had to flee Italy during the war

and barely made it out alive.

Ooh. I thought it was my pronunciation.

Well, who'd have thought that the stalwart of our church

flower committee would be a ballroom dancer?

I teach here, too.

And, as well as competing with my husband, Robert.

It's the joy of our life.

Does Mr Highbury still manage his bank in Gloucester? Yes.

He was actually the one who invested the money to get this place started.

Oh, well, I'm sure Mr and Miss Fletcham

must be very grateful.

GILLIAN SCREAMS

GILLIAN: My dress! It's ruined!

This is what I was called for?

A ripped frock?

It's a very expensive, custom-made ballgown!

The damage to the dress, Chief Inspector, very curious.

Father, you're here.

In a dance school.

Of course you are.

It doesn't look like it was done by a knife...or scissors.

Maybe a razor blade, Father?

Who cares what they used!

Someone is clearly trying to sabotage our chances

with the talent scout.

But who would do such a thing? Who do you think?

Derek is obsessed with this place and Mother's memory.

He doesn't want me to become a famous dancer and leave.

Go and talk to the brother.

Find out what he has to say for himself.

Isabel. Pleasant surprise.

I'm deeply sorry about cancelling the other night -

something came up at work.

Oh, it's fine.

Oh, yeah, just like it was last time.

Oh, and the time before that.

Perhaps I could make it up to you this Friday?

It's the talent showcase.

Perhaps the Chief Inspector would like to accompany me and watch it?

No, thank you, Father.

I was forced to attend policemen's balls when I was a boy.

Tedious things.

Well, I-I certainly wouldn't want to bore you.

GILLIAN: Ooh, God.

Take a seat. Gillian. I nearly fainted.

It's the shock.

Erm, I'll get a glass of water.

Perhaps I could try to mend it for her?

It's in tatters.

I've worked a number of miracles on costumes over the years.

That is stupendo!

Hey, you're our saviour, Miss...

Oh, er...Devine.

Ah, but of course you are...

..bella.

Yours and Derek's late mother, I presume?

You're wearing her bracelet.

It was her most prized possession.

And now it's mine.

I wear it every day.

I understand she was a famous ballroom dancer.

She gave it all up when she had us.

This place was meant to be a tribute to her, of sorts.

Do you really think your brother is capable of such a spiteful act?

I suppose not.

He takes after Mother.

She didn't have what it took to go the whole way.

Not like me.

I know what I want.

And I won't let anything get in my way.

Mario!

I'm still not happy about our slip pivot.

Brenda, I'm sorry we didn't have a chance to go over

your choreography in the end.

Why don't you come in early tomorrow,

I'll go through the steps with you then?

All right.

But we get to play the music proper loud.

Deal.

Derek! Erm, what's happened?

A-Are you all right?

..sanctam unctionem et suam piissimam misericordiam...

I say, why won't you let us in? Gillian!

I'm so sorry.

Perhaps they might be allowed to sit down in the kitchen?

I could make tea, for the shock.

All right, let them through.

But please do not touch anything.

HE CONTINUES PRAYING IN LATIN

A torn dress one day, murder the next.

Someone really didn't want Miss Fletcham dancing

in that showcase.

It looks like a fatal blow to the head, sir.

Presumably with that trophy there.

Chief Inspector...

..do you notice the strange smell on the body?

I can't smell anything, apart from the perfume

and pomade of this place.

And the trophy.

Missing its name plaque,

telling us who won it.

Presumably dislodged when it was used to give the fatal blow.

But I can't see it anywhere.

It looks like it's just been stuck on with paste, though, Father.

Could've fallen off at any point.

Any other observations, before I continue with my case?

Yes.

Miss Fletcham isn't wearing her mother's bracelet.

She told me yesterday it was of the greatest sentimental value,

and that she was never without it.

Maybe the killer took it?

A robbery gone wrong, perhaps?

Or a family feud.

Mr Fletcham, would you kindly turn out your pockets?

I can explain...

I'm sure you can.

I'd never hurt her!

Gillian was all I had left.

Our mother was shunned when she had us out of wedlock.

She was left with nothing.

She knew about plants and sold home-made remedies door-to-door,

but it barely covered the rent.

That must have been hard.

It was, Father.

But Mother would entertain us with these glamorous stories of

when she was a professional dancer.

Is that what sparked your sister's ambitions?

She begged Mum to teach us everything.

She made me practise with her till our feet bled.

Eventually, she won a scholarship to

a posh dance conservatoire in Birmingham.

I might not have liked my sister much at times...

..but I knew why she was so selfish and singled-minded.

She didn't want to go back to that life.

And she worked hard not to.

She deserved to become a star.

And you sister's bracelet?

The one thing Mother always refused to sell from her old life.

Gillian cherished it.

I think she thought of it as a good luck charm.

And yet, she gave it to you?

Last night, Gill locked herself away in her room for hours.

When she came out, she handed me the bracelet.

She said she didn't need it any more.

She'd proven she had what it takes.

What do you think your sister meant by that?

I don't know.

But she's been acting strangely,

more secretive than ever.

In what way?

I saw her hiding something in one of her books in the office.

She clearly didn't want anyone else to see it.

KEYS JINGLE, DOOR OPENS

Have faith.

I will investigate and do all I can to find out the truth.

So, you think Derek is innocent?

A curious thing.

Mr Fletcham's hands were covered with blood,

but the bracelet was clean and unblemished

and the clasp undamaged.

So, he was telling the truth -

Gillian gave it to him.

I think so, yes.

Well, if it wasn't Derek that wanted Gillian dead,

then who?

Anyone at the dance school?

Some other things are bothering me.

The name plaque from the trophy is missing...

..and that curious smell on Miss Fletcham's body.

I've definitely smelt it before.

Maybe it's cabbage.

She's probably on that cabbage soup diet.

The what?

It's good for getting trim for a performance.

Lots of actors and dancers do it nowadays.

It sounds disgusting! It is extreme.

And it can leave you very weak.

That would explain why she nearly fainted the day before she died.

So, now what?

Well, Mr Fletcham told me that he saw his sister hiding something

in her office.

Maybe that will shed some light on proceedings.

Good morning, Mrs Highbury.

You're cancelling the showcase.

What else can I do, after what's happened?

Surely there's an argument for it to go ahead, in Gillian's honour?

Well, the police have finished in there,

but I'm due to do the flowers at St Mary's.

We have no-one experienced available to lead the rehearsals.

Well, I can help, and Brenda.

Oh, well, I'm not sure I know all the steps.

If only you had another expert to hand.

Mr Cantoloni, might I have a word?

Oh, she was so beautiful, even as a girl.

You are meant to be helping us,

not looking at old school photos.

Actually, I'm meant to be helping Pauline and Mario.

Ooh!

It's Mario now, is it?

Hooray for Hollywood.

That doesn't look good.

No.

It seems the dance school was in serious pecuniary trouble.

What does that mean?

It means I need to pay a visit to the bank.

You knew about the dance school's precarious financial position?

I found out last month when I reviewed the yearly accounts.

What went wrong?

Gillian.

She'd been using the business as her own personal piggy bank,

frittering away money on herself and her dancer boyfriends!

Does her brother, Mr Fletcham, know about this?

Heavens no. Why did you invest in the first place?

For my wife.

She's been through a lot over the past few years.

Dancing gives her a form of fulfilment.

If Miss Fletcham continued her spending,

you would not only lose your investment,

but also the place that gave your wife so much pleasure.

Miss Bennion, can you bring my diary in, please?

Thank you.

I was at an early meeting with my tellers.

I didn't do it,

but I won't be shedding too many tears.

That woman used Pauline terribly.

She seemed to enjoy lording it over her.

I don't think Gillian Fletcham knew what true friendship was.

MARIO: Three, four. And one, two, three, four. And one, two, three.

A cha-cha-cha, two, three, a cha-cha-cha, two, three,

a cha-cha-cha, two, three,

a cha-cha-cha, two, three, a cha-cha-cha, two, three,

a cha-cha-cha... Father, what did you find out?

It seems Miss Fletcham and Mrs Highbury's friendship wasn't

as affectionate as it appeared.

Is she here?

No, she's already gone to St Mary's.

No, no, no, no! Stop-a! Stop-a!

How am I supposed to create magic in these conditions? Huh?

Nobody knows how to do a proper check step,

and the floor is too fast-a!

I'm a-slipping everywhere!

So sorry, Mario, I'll see to it now.

Mamma mia! What am I still doing here?

I am not a teacher!

No, I am an artista!

No, I-I give up-a!

I a-give up-a!

Arrivederci!

I give up-a!

Are all Italians that dramatic?

Well, I've only ever really met men of the cloth.

So in a way, yes.

Wax?

It helps with the dancers' grip.

Pauline normally does it,

but with everything that's happened, it's understandable that she forgot.

I'll leave you ladies to your rehearsal.

I'm going to look at some flower arrangements.

Right.

Those are lovely, Mrs Highbury.

I do appreciate the time you lavish on St Mary's.

I didn't want to neglect my parish duties,

but I didn't want to abandon the dance school.

Ah.

I'm afraid there was consternation at the dance school.

It appears you forgot to wax the floor.

I understand you use a grater to apply the wax.

Is that the same grater you used on Miss Fletcham's dress?

I only wanted to take Gillian down a peg or two.

I felt awful afterwards.

I understand your relationship was complicated.

We were close.

We told each other everything.

But Gillian always had to win,

to be on top.

Do you know writing to the Go Dancing producers was my idea?

No, I did not.

I thought it was something positive for Robert and I to strive for.

Then Gillian took over.

She even convinced Mario Cantoloni to dance with her.

She claimed they were old friends from way back.

What rot, he's a professional!

It was the final straw and I just...

..snapped.

Did you return to the dance school this morning?

You think I killed her?

I love dancing...

..but I could never hurt someone because of it.

SHE GROANS

Every bone aches, and my feet...

..they're on fire.

A little discomfort is the price of perfection, Brenda.

I still can't believe Pauline Highbury was the one

who destroyed Gillian's dress.

Are we sure it wasn't her who...you know?

Getting rid of Gillian would pretty much guarantee her and Robert

were chosen for Go Dancing.

Except...

..Mrs Highbury isn't planning on attending the showcase.

Really? After all the time and effort she put in, too,

helping the rest of us shine.

Poor Pauline.

Poor Derek, you mean.

Our only other suspect was Robert,

and he's got a solid alibi.

So, what do we do next?

Ah, morning, Father.

Here about the Fletcham case, I presume?

Yes, indeed, Sergeant.

Am I to assume there has been no luck in locating the name plaque

from the murder weapon?

We've searched everywhere, Father.

Ah, Father, you've heard the news, then?

Derek Fletcham has been formally charged with murder.

His fingerprints matched those found on the murder weapon.

But we saw Derek Fletcham polishing the trophies.

Surely his fingerprints would be on all of them.

We have means, motive, and evidence against him.

Apologies, Chief Inspector, I'll be on my way.

Er, Mrs Devine not with you this morning?

No. I believe she's at the dance school,

preparing for the showcase.

But I'm sure that a few words of encouragement from a close friend

would be most appreciated.

Ooh, Father! Ooh, Father.

Miss Palmer? Mrs Devine?

I thought you were at rehearsals.

We came to find Mr Cantoloni.

He checked out early, Father.

Mrs Spragg isn't happy either.

He's made a right mess of her sheets.

Boot polish, she thinks.

They've been soaking in Reckitt's Blue for nearly an hour.

Who polishes their shoes in bed? Italians!

Mrs Devine, did you say there was a picture of Gillian Fletcham's

school days somewhere?

Is something wrong?

Did Mrs Spragg say when Signor Cantoloni

was leaving for Blackpool?

A taxi is picking him up from the green at a quarter past 12.

Then I might still catch him!

Evesham station, please.

BRAKES SCREECH

You can't leave, Signor Cantoloni!

I have to! It is just too painful now that my love is dead!

Except your love for Miss Fletcham is as fake as your accent.

So, you're not really Italian?

IN BRITISH ACCENT: No. No, I'm afraid not.

And you're from Birmingham?

King's Heath, actually.

How'd you know?

Was it the fact that I refused to speak the language?

I was a bit perplexed, yes.

And, if you're pretending to be an Italian Catholic,

it's a good idea to perform the signum crucis correctly.

But the penny only really dropped when I heard about

the black polish stains on your bed linen.

You must have been using it on your hair.

It's hard to look Mediterranean when you're ginger, Father.

But why pretend in the first place?

I've wanted to be a performer for as long as I can remember.

I've never had any stage presence.

No-one wants to see a shy Brummy dance.

So, you invented a dancer called Mario Cantoloni...

..and moved to Blackpool.

Suddenly, everyone was talking about me.

I was exotic, see.

I even earned a professional contract for a show.

Until Gillian Fletcham spotted you there.

She told Mrs Highbury that you two went "way back" -

she meant that you went to school together.

The Birmingham dance conservatoire.

It's a bit of a transformation, but there you are, middle row,

third from right.

I hadn't seen Gill since I graduated.

When I realised she'd recognised me,

I could've died on the spot.

She could've ruined everything.

Is that why you killed her?

No, I-I'd never!

We agreed I'd come to Kembleford just for a week,

just to help her get noticed by the talent scout.

The showcase! We've got so much to do!

Brenda!

It's a shame you have to hide the real Mr Cann from the world.

I'm going to be so busy organising everything for the talent scout,

I don't think I'll be able to perform.

Oh, well, then I'll go to St Mary's and get Pauline.

You need more help. No, it's fine, I can cope.

Well, I can't! I need you with me in that chorus line -

I still don't know all the steps. Have faith.

Derek said you have something special, and he's right.

Thanks.

But I do still need to go to the presbytery.

Cos I may have left my shoes on the kitchen table. Brenda!

You know that's bad luck, and we hardly need any more!

Right, Hercules and I need to collect the talent scout,

so I'll drop you off on the way, then you can come back

and start sorting the dancers.

WHISPERS: This is it! Ha!

Ah, Father, I thought Mrs Devine

might like a little token of good luck.

How unexpected, Chief Inspector.

Isabel! Oh, I can't stop!

I need to collect the talent scout!

Yes, and I need to find Pauline!

Ah.

ENGINE STARTS

Oh, here he is.

Father Brown's told me everything.

I knew there was something I didn't trust about you.

I understand you're angry with me, Chief Inspector,

especially after I flirted with Mrs Devine.

I don't know what you're implying.

I didn't realise you were stepping out together.

But I promise you, that was just the Mario persona.

The real me is actually quite shy around women.

So, you were never romantically involved with Miss Fletcham?

Oh, no, no, that was just an excuse to explain why I came here.

She was actually courting one of the other dancers in Blackpool,

but that all fell apart just before we came to Kembleford.

She mentioned it the day before she died.

She said she had no choice,

but at least she knew she was stronger than her mother.

Father?

Gillian Fletcham had been pregnant.

What? Wait, had been?

That smell, it wasn't cabbage. It was yarrow.

It's a common weed.

We used to use it in the trenches to stop the flow of blood.

And it can also be used to induce a miscarriage.

By Miss Fletcham herself?

This isn't just a weed patch, this is a physic garden.

Miss Fletcham's mother taught her the medicinal value of plants.

She must have truly believed that having a baby

would completely ruin her life.

How sad.

St Gerard Majella.

What, Father?

Ah, Pauline, I was hoping to find you.

Please come to the showcase. We need you.

I-I'm sorry, I can't.

Brenda, why have you got my bag?

Don't tell me I picked up someone else's bag again. I'll take it.

I don't understand.

This is the missing plaque.

This is from the murder weapon!

I really wish you hadn't found that.

How much further is it?

Don't worry! Hercules will get us there in time.

And I'm sure Brenda will have everything under control.

I told you I'd get you here on time!

Here you are. HE PANTS

I think I need to sit down. Oh, good idea.

Here you go.

Poor chap.

He seems more nervous than we do!

Is Brenda not back yet?

What on earth is keeping her?

SOBBING

SOBBING CONTINUES, BELL RINGS

I see you found our missing plaque.

Well done, Miss Palmer.

She won't talk to me, Father.

She just keeps on crying.

Surely, this isn't over some petty dance rivalry?

No.

You told me the truth yesterday, Mrs Highbury.

You wouldn't kill for that.

But this was never about the showcase, was it?

It must have seemed particularly cruel that Miss Fletcham

got rid of her child...

..when you had a desperate desire for one of your own.

You wear a medallion.

St Gerard of Majella.

Many women pray to him when they are struggling to be blessed with child.

And your husband had an appointment in his diary with St Ignatius'.

A Catholic adoption agency in Bristol, if I'm not mistaken?

The doctor finally told me this week that it's no use.

I can never get pregnant.

All of these years praying, being a good person,

hoping God would bless us.

And then, someone like Gillian falls pregnant,

when she didn't even want it!

We know that mothers give their love freely,

to the innocent souls that depend on them.

And you have not been given the blessing to be able

to give that love,

but there is an innocent soul that depends on you.

Derek Fletcham faces the gallows.

I-I never meant for Derek to be blamed.

I never meant for any of it to happen.

I arrived early that morning.

I felt terrible about damaging Gillian's dress.

I had to confess,

tell her I'd withdraw from the showcase entirely.

But she just laughed in my face.

SHE CACKLES

You really think you stood a chance against me?

Dress or no dress, I'd have wiped the floor with you.

Why are you always so cruel?

We're meant to be friends.

Please.

I only put up with you because your precious Robert writes the cheques.

Th-That's not true. Of course it is.

And I can't tell you how boring it's been, listening to you going on

and on about wanting to have a baby.

You're obviously doing it wrong,

because I managed it without even trying!

You're pregnant?

Not any more.

I wasn't going to let the consequence of some fling

ruin everything I've worked for.

I'm not my mother.

I took steps to deal with it.

How could you?! And I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I mean...

..didn't it feel amazing when you and Robert won this?

It's not a baby,

but we both know you're never going to get one of those...

..are you?

TROPHY IMPACTS, PLAQUE CLATTERS

SHE SNIFFLES I shouldn't have kept the plaque.

But it was a reminder of a time when Robert and I actually won something.

SHE SOBS

Am I going to hell, Father?

You have shown repentance for your sins,

and God forgives all his children.

Unfortunately, however...

..the law does not.

SENTIMENTAL DANCE MUSIC PLAYS

APPLAUSE

It's the chorus line number soon,

Brenda will miss her big moment!

Ooh!

I'm here! Great.

Go and get ready.

SWING MUSIC PLAYS

MUSIC ENDS, APPLAUSE

Very creative, good projection,

and so sharp with your downward leg action.

But remember, if you are to appear on Go Dancing,

you must keep it strictly ballroom.

Derek, you're out!

Just in time to see that amazing performance.

The judge certainly liked what he saw, Miss Palmer.

I didn't do it to get on television, Father.

I just did it to have fun and to prove that I could do it.

Thank you for going ahead.

Gillian would've loved it.

Do you know what will happen to this place now?

I'm going to make a go of it.

But forget official choreography.

From now on, I'm doing it my way.

Brenda's right - dancing should be about fun, not accreditation.

Well, I could teach you a move or two!

THEY CHUCKLE

It's a shame you can't show the talent scout

your skills, Mrs Devine.

The chorus line number has already taken place,

so I'm afraid my light must remain firmly under a bushel.

For now.

But it deserves to shine.

Perhaps you'll do me the honour of dancing with me?

Well, er, now that I know you're not a killer...

Oh, but I am.

QUIETLY: I've killed Mario.

Ah!

Father Brown reminded me that dance is about being your true self,

so from now on, that's what I'm going to be.

Well, in that case, I'd be honoured, Malcolm.

I'll go and get ready.

Thank you, Father, for everything.

You're welcome, Mr Cann.

I wonder if I might ask a small favour from you.

I thought you hated dancing?

I hated my mother forcing me to.

I preferred to stay with my father and discuss cases

with his colleagues.

And now?

Let's just say, someone helped me realise I spend too many hours

on police work and not enough hours with the person I...

..love.

I do love you, Isabel.

I love you too, Edgar.

Now, this is more like it!

The talent scout's impressed.

Does the Inspector know he might end up on the television?

No.

Didn't tell him that bit.