Original subtitles

Well, thank you. It'll be a most splendid lunch, Rosemary.

We must do it again sometime.

But not without my husband present.

I have my reputation to protect.

Your reputation? What about my reputation?

Now, I'm very late. I really must go. Oh, goodbye.

Bye.

Iris, you look great.

I thought you weren't getting here till tomorrow.

Why didn't you fly? I can't believe you drove all the way across the country.

All the way across the country. How was England?

Smaller than America.

Especially at 55 miles an hour in a rented car.

After six months abroad, I thought I should see what the country looks like.

What were you doing in England?

I'm a translator for the Foreign Service.

Who are you?

Translating American into English? Well, I can see where there might be a need

for that.

Tony Brown.

No, you're not. You're leaving.

I thought you were in such a rush.

Now, you must be Rosemary's sister. She's told me all about you.

Except, of course, how lovely you are.

Well, go on, go on.

I haven't seen her for ages.

Well, pity me. I haven't seen her at all.

But I sincerely hope I'm going to see her again.

Bye -bye.

Bye -bye.

Wonderful.

Mind if I bring in more coffee? Coffee in England always tasted like a high

school chemistry experiment.

I'll get it.

I have to see about dessert, anyway.

Good to see her back to her old self again.

She seems fine to me.

Well, a little pale, maybe.

No, she's been down in the dumps the last few weeks.

You know how she is. Every time she gets depressed, she spends money.

You ought to see the bills.

I'll bet he's been telling you I'm depressed.

Not true.

I have one of those awful viruses that makes you feel like death's warmed over,

and that's all it is.

Besides, the money's mine to spend, so why not?

You haven't said a word about Harold. Last time you were home, he's all you

talked about.

Don't even mention the name to me. I can't wait to tell you what he pulled.

Ooh, I can't wait to hear.

I tell you too, George, but you'd be shocked.

You can hear it later from Rosemary.

Baked Alaska?

How did you guess? For 6 ,000 miles, that's all I thought about.

If it's with chocolate ice cream, I'll kill myself.

Be my guest.

So, tell me the gospel.

How are the newlyweds?

I haven't heard a word from Saunders since the wedding at Christmas time.

Oh, they're all right, I guess.

We don't see that much of them, really.

They'll be at our anniversary party Saturday night, of course.

Do you like Steven any better than you did? As I remember, you thought Sandra

was much too good for him.

I don't know why I still have this.

Cute, isn't he?

Englishman. Sounds so refined, but it's just a cover for the old double -cross.

You want to guess who I caught him with?

Oh, sweetie, I'm dying to hear it, but I've got to go.

We'll have some time first thing in the morning. Is that all right?

Sure. Why not?

You're missing a tale of lust, rage, and betrayal.

But I'm sure it'll wait.

Where are you going?

We'll have tea and cinnamon toast like we used to when we were kids.

Iris was just asking about you and Sandra.

Naughty me.

I said we hardly ever see you these days.

Pour me some champagne, will you, Stephen?

I thought we could celebrate six lovely, illicit months together.

I don't want to celebrate infidelity. What do you think I've been trying to

It's over.

I was crazy to get into it in the first place.

What brought about this little attack of conscience? I discovered I'm in love.

With my wife.

Oh, don't give me that.

You married her to further your political career.

What if I did?

She's beautiful, warm, and loyal.

I never realized how much she meant to me.

Until what?

Until I understood what it would do to her if she ever found out about this.

Well, what do you think I'm going to do? Take out an ad in the Times?

If George found out, he'd kill me.

He'd kill you, too. Hey!

You're serious. I haven't any choice.

I just can't go on with this Wait, don't do this to me

This is not a casual fling with me, you know that I've

never felt this way about anyone before I'm in love with you

I'm sorry.

I Wish it was some other way

I just can't take the risk.

The risk?

Well, I'll tell you the risk you're taking with me.

I have letters from you.

And I'll go straight to Sandra.

You'd really do that, wouldn't you?

Rosemary, I thought I heard you coming.

You caught me.

What's the matter?

Nothing. I'll be all right.

You are depressed.

What's wrong?

Iris, you're the only one who really cares about me.

And you don't even know who I am.

Of course I do.

How could you say that?

You're the only family I've got, and I promise me one thing.

Whatever happens, I just don't want you to think badly of me.

Promise. I couldn't think anything bad about you.

Hey, you're my sister.

You've been everything to me.

I've got to take off.

I'm late already.

Victor should be here soon.

Well, go ahead. I don't mind.

I'm a workaholic like you, so I can get cut up for Monday.

Besides, I like having you indebted to me. Ruth, I couldn't run this place

without you. I wouldn't have a practice, truly.

Call me at Tidderminster's once the paper's assigned.

Sure.

Violet? Hi.

Eric? Hello, Rosemary.

Where's George?

I have some people I wanted to meet. He'll be here shortly. He had to go into

the office. It's war.

It wouldn't take long.

You know Ron Kaufman, don't you? He runs Consolidated Chemicals.

Yes, hi.

Oh, I believe you left off one of the zeros there, didn't you?

No?

I don't think George can twist a few more arms here and raise additional

conclusions for Stephen's campaign.

Well, George can if anybody can.

He's ruthless underneath that civilized exterior.

Excuse me.

How delightful.

Hello. What a surprise.

Very nice to see you.

Now, I do hope you're not rich.

Everybody I've met so far seems to be rolling in bucks.

Disgusting. Well, I'm not rich.

What if I were?

There's nothing wrong with money.

Well, actually, I do have to agree with you.

Money may not buy happiness, but at least one can afford a lot of

help. Good point.

Let me get you a drink.

Now,

Rosemary's husband...

He's the counsel for Mr. Kidd and Mr. Company, isn't he?

So you must know the family quite well.

I was Sandra's maid of honor. We've been friends since then.

Well, in that case, you know everybody here.

Oh, hardly.

I've been away for almost a year.

Speaking of that, who do you know?

How did you get invited to this?

Don't you think my inherent charm would be enough to open every door?

No. Well,

actually, I'm a journalist.

My newspaper in London sent me over here to do a piece on the difference between

English and American business ethics.

And believe me, there's quite a difference.

They sent me up with an introduction to Mr. Kidderminster, and he was kind

enough to invite me to this little affair.

How interesting.

Gripping. Too bad I can't help.

Oh, but you can.

You can tell me who is doing what to whom.

Well...

There we have Eric and Violet Kidderminster, the only people I know

what they want.

Stephen, of course, wants power. I suspect he'll do anything to get it.

And Roseberry.

Bit of a mystery, even to me.

Sandra.

Iris.

Your father looks like he's getting a kick out of all this.

He certainly does.

Oh, Tony Brown, Sandra Faraday. Hello, Tony. How are you? I'm fine. He's having

a ball. He loves American politics.

Down and dirty.

Down and dirty, Michael. But your father's the only honest man I know.

maybe George.

Well, politics brings out the killer instincts from that delicious intrigue

such high stakes.

Sounds like you got the bug, too.

How's marriage?

That's what I want to hear about.

Well, it's surprising.

Ooh, video.

Tell me everything.

Well... Don't hold back on my account.

I thought marriage was down and dirty, too.

You... I'd like to steal him away for just a moment.

You didn't tell me she was so charming.

Oh, but there's lots you haven't told me.

Meaning what?

I have a cousin, Victor Drake.

The black sheep of the family.

I understand you two are old friends.

I don't want that talked about.

Are you sure your name is Tony Brown?

I bet Iris would be amused to know the truth about you.

Knock it off, Rosemary.

I know you've got a mean streak, but I've got one too.

So keep your mouth shut.

I'll do as I please.

Sorry I'm late.

I'm Victor Drake. George here.

No, you had to leave. You waited an hour and a half.

Right. Furious with me.

I hope you're not mad at me. The freeway was backed up all the way to Rosemead.

Truck turned over. Vegetables all over the road.

People running over carrots and turnips. It looked like a stew.

I see.

You don't believe me.

Even when I'm telling the truth, people think I'm just making things up.

Handsome place.

George must be doing well for himself.

And you must be.

Ruth Lessingham, Mr. Barton's secretary.

What a waste.

Why don't we just get those papers signed? I've got a lot of work to do.

I was darling. I've been looking everywhere for you.

Oh, it's Rhonda.

Oh, don't you look delicious. Well, thank you. I hope you don't mind my

again. Not at all. What a nice surprise, Lucilla. This is my aunt Lucilla Drake,

Tony Brown.

How do you do? How do you do?

I've just been trying to persuade Iris here to run away with me.

She put in a good word on my behalf.

Run away with the man. He's awfully cute.

I can't imagine what Rosemary didn't tell you.

George wanted me here next week for the anniversary party, but Violet insisted I

be here today.

So I said, to heck with it. Threw some things in a bag, grabbed a plane, and

here I am.

Hi. Pleasure to have you down here with us.

Stephen?

I miss you, Stephen.

You can still change your mind, you know.

Part of the question.

I really didn't want you to get hurt. How could I not be?

After all we've been through.

I do care.

Sandra would be upset if she found out.

Don't you think?

It's a big mistake to threaten me.

A big mistake.

In the old days, men like me were referred to as, uh, cads and bounders.

George told you about me so far?

That you're an old -fashioned crook.

Oh,

George is very generous.

Too bad George didn't marry you.

Why not?

You're reliable.

Efficient, loyal, exactly what he needs.

Cousin Rosemary's told me all about you. I'm sure it's none of your business.

Oh, very deftly put, but you don't get all snooty and proper with me. You know

what I'm talking about.

I better know exactly how he talks to you.

Handle this.

Handle that.

Handle... Victor?

Let's go have a drink.

Someplace elegant.

Your treat.

Look at it this way. If you don't go have a drink with me, I'm just gonna

to tell everyone we went out anyway.

Okay, if it's the only way to get rid of you.

Let me give Mr. Barton a buzz.

Yes, I am right.

If it weren't for Rosemary, George Barton would marry you.

Just like that.

I always carry my sugar substitute.

I hope you don't lose real sugar. Or those lovely white pieces of yours.

Oh, don't worry. They're not mine.

What's Victor up to these days?

Nothing much. Just the same as usual, I guess. He's off to Argentina or

something. This is my son we're talking about.

Victor Drake?

Yes, you know him.

No, no, no. I just heard the name somewhere. That was all.

George doesn't think I know, but he's drawn up an agreement of some sort. So

much money, and Victor swears to go off somewhere.

George is right, of course, but I think he's so guilty.

Victor's not bad.

He just has no common sense.

I know, but you can't keep picking up the tab for his mistake.

Well, he's a rather expensive child.

He has such a good heart.

And expensive taste.

Tony, you're despising the next.

Well, people without money usually do.

Well, what do you do for a living?

I'm a journalist.

Or so he said.

You'll notice he doesn't carry a tape recorder, or even a pad of paper and

pencil. Oh, but I have a wonderful memory.

Prove it.

The exact quote was, run away with a man, he's awfully cute.

I hope I didn't make a fool of myself.

I thought you were fine.

You're always so gracious, aren't you?

Hardly. No, really.

Sometimes I think I'm a terrible wife, but you always take such good care of

I know I'm not easy to live with.

I've always loved you.

From the very first moment I ever saw you.

You're so sweet.

I don't deserve you.

But I do love you.

In my own confused way.

I only hope you'll forgive me for what I'm going to do.

You do like that.

That's too much.

Excuse me.

Stephen, would you dance with me?

You don't mind?

No, of course not.

Excuse me.

I'll be right back, darling.

Rosemary seems so nervous tonight.

Well, perhaps she's planning a big surprise for George.

It's making her a little tense.

Maybe that's all it is.

Help her.

Excuse me, I'll be right back.

I've got a stinking headache coming on.

I can feel myself getting nasty with people. You don't have any aspirin, do

How many kinds of medication do you take?

Mostly painkillers, as a matter of fact.

The aspirin of the white ones.

I had no idea you were ill.

I'm not.

Different kind of pain.

Watch my purse for me, will you, Ruth?

I'd like to propose a toast to Rosemary, the most beautiful wife a man could

have.

And to six years of marriage.

The happiest in my life.

To Rosemary.

To Rosemary.

Thank you.

Before I do anything else, I would like to propose a toast.

To you, George.

You're much more than I deserve.

I want to thank you for making so many things possible, including tonight.

To George.

George.

Dad.

We'll want statements from any waiters responsible for service at the table.

anything other than the champagne been served when Mrs. Barton collapsed?

No, Captain.

They had not been in the restaurant very long.

In fact, only one bottle of champagne had been opened.

My guess is cyanide. She has large areas of cherry red coloring on the upper

arms and chest, and we're picking up a strong smell of bitter almonds near her

mouth. The extreme rapidity of death would also indicate cyanide poisoning.

Get the lab work done and have it confirmed.

Check this, too.

How'd she ingest it?

Champagne? It looks that way to me. She could have taken some kind of pills, I

suppose, but nobody seems to know anything about it.

All you have to do is figure out whether the cyanide was self -administered or

given to her by somebody else.

You have a very keen grasp of the obvious.

I'm just here to help out.

Hello, Sandra.

Stephen.

I want to talk to you about this later, but for now I think you can both go on

home. Thank you, Captain.

I'll come out to the house tomorrow or the next day.

We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have, but frankly, I don't

any idea what happened.

Well, we'll see.

Say hello to your father for me.

I'll be back as soon as I've closed the office.

I've cancelled all of your appointments for the next few days, but that hearing

on Friday is unavoidable.

That's all right.

Don't worry about it. I'll have to be back in the office by then.

What about Victor?

Well, you said you wanted him to sign that quit claim on Lucilla's house, so

there's really nothing that we can do until he's done that.

But I have made a reservation for him on a plane to Buenos Aires right

afterwards. You made the reservation?

I didn't think we could trust him to do it himself.

You're right.

You would have taken the money and gambled it away.

Thanks.

I'm sorry about the delay, Captain.

Amazing, the things that suddenly have to be dealt with. Yes, I can imagine.

We got the gross results on the autopsy, Mr. Barton. It looks like your wife

died of cyanide poisoning.

Cyanide?

You mean she killed herself?

There's always that possibility.

We haven't ruled out homicide in this case either.

I'm hoping you might give me some information about your wife's mental

prior to last night's party.

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm having a little trouble taking all this in.

I thought you were going to tell me that she died of an aneurysm, something like

that.

Iris tells me that Rosemary had been depressed.

Well, I guess I would have to say that she'd been a little down in the dumps

last few weeks, but the notion that she'd kill herself seems impossible.

And yet, that was the first thing you mentioned just now.

Well, I don't see how she could have been murdered.

That's even more unbelievable.

How so?

I have to tell you, Mr. Barton, that from our reports, she was not

loved. Of course not.

Now, you must understand, Rosemary was complex.

As fond of her as I was, she had a shrewish tongue at times. She could be

when her mood was... But she could be generous and appealing.

Thoughtful, hospitable.

What about her financial affairs? We've been told there was a sizable

inheritance. There's no secret in that.

She had a large trust fund set up for her by Lucilla's ex -husband, Paul

Bennett. Paul and I had no children of our own. He became very attached to my

nieces. He left nothing to you.

Yeah, a token amount.

But I had remarried by then. Mr. Drake and I were very well off.

Victor had been born.

Apparently, Paul felt it made more sense to leave his money to Rosemary.

But not to Iris.

Well, that's the way the trust was set up. I have no idea why.

But on Rosemary's death, Iris inherited everything.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Didn't we have a case like this when we worked together during the war?

Yeah.

But I don't think this one is a suicide.

Well, I've known people who would kill themselves just hoping somebody else

would get blamed.

I'm surprised someone hasn't disposed of her before now.

You know something I don't?

I knew Rosemary Barton.

You shouldn't be doing this, darling. It's too upsetting for you.

Ruth and I can handle it some other time.

It's worse to fear things everywhere.

Anyway, I don't mind it.

There's something to do.

Is there anything that I can do to help you? No, I don't.

We're fine. I can't believe the number of people trooping in and out.

It's almost obscene.

What's George decided about the funeral?

Well, the body won't be released until tomorrow.

So I'll be talking to the funeral home in the morning. I'll let you know after

that.

You've been super.

Thanks.

I'll be by tomorrow with him if I can.

One doesn't have to be psychic to determine that she's been in love with

Barton for years.

Poor woman.

Lucilla, that's terrible.

I'm sorry.

Of course you're right.

Rosemary isn't even buried.

Oh, let's do the rest of this in the morning.

I mean, George has to go to bed in here sometime tonight.

You go on, Aunt Lucilla.

I want to do a thing or two more.

you look exhausted i'm really concerned about you you're taking on far too much

I thought you meant to take me to a bar.

Oh.

Well, in that case, I have another little surprise for you.

Guess what's in here.

It's from Piers.

Mm -hmm.

He has good pâtés.

Shh. Let's not upset the ducks.

Anyway, you're wrong.

Now, isn't that a whole lot better than some boring pâté?

I do love Chardonnay with his disgusting little orange crispy thing.

Thank you.

How are you holding up?

I'm all right.

The funeral yesterday was a bit rough.

But I guess we'll get through it in one piece.

Did you know Rosemary well?

No, no, no. I haven't even been here a couple of weeks.

I got the impression she knew you from someplace.

What paper are you working for now?

Times. London Times.

I used to read that every day when I was in London.

I never noticed a Tony Brown byline.

Well, the first person I've ever met who reads bylines... Big paper.

My articles normally get pushed to the back anyway.

Well, I used to read the whole thing, believe it or not. I don't.

And I'm sure I would have seen at least one of your articles.

Iris, I am a journalist.

Really, I am.

God, you Englishmen with your plummy voices.

It's just the way Harold talked.

I want to trust you.

But you're so evasive.

I don't know if I can.

Iris, believe me.

Whatever happens, I'm on your side.

If you need me, I'm here for you.

Because my money goes to you anyway.

I hope it brings you the happiness I felt so elusive.

In any case, I'd like certain of my things to be disposed of separately.

To Stephen Faraday, that Israeli first edition, which should be an inspiration

to any politician.

To Sandra, the Mary Cassatt oil she so admires.

A nice consolation prize.

Date is Thursday.

That's the night I found her in the study in tears.

The consolation prize to Sandra Faraday. What was that about?

I have no idea.

But Rosemary thought Sandra married beneath her.

That's the only thing I know of.

Well, thanks for bringing this in.

It looks like she may have intended suicide after all.

Yes, I suppose it does.

It's hard for me to believe, but it does look that way.

Well...

I guess I'd better get back to the house.

Bye.

You think it's a fake?

Very convenient for finding what amounts to a suicide note.

Ah, Jim.

What do you think of my funny little speech? I'm afraid I missed that. We've

been trying to run down the source of the cyanide that killed Mrs. Barton.

You use potassium cyanide in your electronics plant, don't you?

Would you mind if I went out to the plant with you to have a look?

What's going on? Do you have a warrant for this?

Mr. Faraday, this is all an informal, preliminary investigation on our part.

Nobody's being accused of anything.

We don't even know what the crime is at this point.

Well, of course, Jim, you're welcome to check anything you like.

But please be aware that potassium cyanide is available from any doctor's

office, commercial supply houses.

Yes, we're aware of that.

We have to start someplace.

Well, excuse us. Surely.

I'll talk to you later. Give me a call. Okay.

Thanks for coming.

Terrific. All righty.

Thank you.

I'm glad you could come, sweetheart. We make a great team together.

I wish the police would make up their minds.

What's the implication?

That father got the cyanide?

Or you, perhaps?

Me?

Why would I do that?

I'm sure you'd know better than I. Now, what's that supposed to mean?

Besides, you were the one that said you gave something to Rosemary for a

headache. Why didn't you tell Kim?

Stephen, all I've got to tell him is that it was aspirin. That's all it was.

Anyway, Kim said it was something in her champagne, and I wasn't even sitting

close to her.

Sandra.

Let's not fight, shall we?

I want to talk.

To explain some things. Save your speeches for your campaign. I don't want

explanation from you.

This thing wasn't cheap. You'll have to thank George for me.

Or will he be in?

Tomorrow. I'll tell him you said farewell.

Goodbye, Victor.

Your plane leaves at nine.

And there's another one at eleven. We've got time to get a drink before you

drive me to the airport.

Now, why would I want to do that?

You've got money.

Take a cab.

Oh, dear.

Something's put you in a bad mood. Now, listen.

You got nothing to complain about. You got it made with Cousin Rosemary gone to

the Angels.

You got a clear shot at him.

You got a nasty mind.

Ruthie, I'm just good at recognizing an opportunity when it comes along. Now,

what's that make me guilty of, hmm?

Now, come on.

Give me a ride to the airport.

Look at it this way. If you don't give me a ride, how will you know if I really

got on the plane?

You're awful.

I know, but I'm cute.

There's still another plane at midnight.

Mr.

Barton, for the time being, we're going to be listing the cause of death in this

case as unknown.

Then you don't think it was suicide?

Well, let's put it this way. We don't think it was accidental. And for the

moment... We don't have sufficient evidence to list it as either a suicide

homicide. You mean the case is closed?

Far from it. We don't close a case until it's solved.

If this is a homicide, we'll pursue it. But you have exhausted your current

leads. For now, yes.

But something could develop.

I'll see myself out.

What if I were to continue the investigation on my own?

I would urge you to do so with caution.

And, of course, to let us know if you discover anything.

Of course.

What was that about?

This came in the mail.

Why didn't you show this to Captain Kemp?

Because I'm going to set a trap.

Why bring this to me?

Call it a safety play.

I want somebody besides Iris to know what I'm up to.

Take my advice, George.

Leave it to the police.

You don't have the wherewithal to investigate a murder.

No background, no equipment, no experience.

But I have money and I have time.

And the police don't.

You're an amateur.

So is the killer. With somebody at the table that night.

In which case, I'm the last person you should confide in.

My daughter and son -in -law were there.

You are a man of honor and you have a conscience. Rubbish.

And very protective of my family. If Rosemary had threatened me or mine,

don't say I'd have killed her.

She'd have felt my wrath. I'm not asking for a loyalty oath, Eric. I have to

trust someone.

It's Iris's birthday a week off.

I'm having a party with the same people at the same place.

Well, that sounds foolish to me.

Well, it may be, but it's the only thing I've come up with so far.

And I'm going to follow it through.

I strongly disapprove.

And I must tell you this.

When it first began to be whispered about that someone had murdered

It occurred to me that you were the most obvious suspect.

Of course I am.

It's all the more reason to get to the bottom of this. What can you hope to

accomplish? Anyone cool enough to put cyanide into Rosemary's drink is hardly

going to break down and burst into tears just because you've returned to the

scene of the crime.

I do have a little more up my sleeve than that. Such as what?

I think I'd better keep that to myself.

So nice to be someone you trust, George.

Surprise is a key element.

I just hope you aren't the one surprised.

Are you serious about this?

I mean, does Captain Kemp know what you're doing?

No, I was afraid he put his foot down.

People seem to think it's a bad idea anyway.

Eric Kitterminster and Iris have both given me a very hard time.

Well, I tend to agree.

But last week you said you thought something like this might be a good

I was just speaking hypothetically.

But you were so right.

And I want you to be there.

I'll need an extra pair of eyes.

And I could use a little moral support to tell you the truth.

Well, of course I'll be there, if you want me.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Where my professional life's concerned, you're irreplaceable.

In business?

Of course.

Stephen, look at this.

It's from George Barton. An invitation to a party.

It does seem a little bit tacky of him.

Tacky? It's revolting. That's what it is.

What's the problem? We'll tell him we've made other plans.

Wonderful. Then it will look like we feel too guilty to attend.

Oh, by the way.

I nearly forgot.

I don't think I can make your birthday party. Oh, Tony.

Don't disappoint me.

I really want you to be there.

Friday night's the only night this fellow will see me, and I must get this

article written.

Tell you what.

I'll take you out to dinner on Saturday.

Just the two of us.

We're much more fun.

Tony.

George thinks someone murdered Rosemary.

He's setting up this party to...

We create the circumstance.

If you don't show it... I'm a murder suspect?

Of course you are. So am I. In fact, I'm probably the biggest.

You're not so big.

Anyway, I'm more of a suspect than you are.

I'm a foreigner. People might suspect me of anything, simply because I'm a

stranger.

You're strange.

That's for sure.

Am I?

Kiss me, anyway.

Please come to my birthday party Friday night.

Persuade me.

I simply wanted to confirm, Miss West, that everything's set for tomorrow

Good. Thanks.

That was Victor again on the phone. He's in Aruba.

Aruba? What's he doing there?

He lost all his money in a casino. Then he signed some IOUs. Now he's afraid for

his life if we don't come up with the funds.

How much?

$3 ,500.

Cable the money.

But don't accept his calls from now on.

Okay.

I get no kick from champagne.

Near alcohol doesn't thrill me at all.

So tell me, why should it be true that I get

a kick out of you?

I get a kick every time.

I get a kick though it's clear to me. You obviously

don't adore me.

I get no kick in a play.

Flying too high with some guy in the sky is my idea of

nothing to do.

have many more.

Happy birthday.

Shall

we

risk it?

May I dance with

George all evening?

You're stuck with me.

Oh, you two, go and dance.

Going to powder my nose.

This all seems very uneventful so far. Somehow I got the impression someone was

supposed to crack under bars.

Oh.

Is it that obvious what I'm up to?

You're entitled to try.

You know, it is possible she killed herself.

Maybe you don't want to face that.

Why would she kill herself?

Poor little rich girl. Maybe there was one thing she wanted that she couldn't

have.

Can you still feel your toes?

I suppose there's one more toast that we should make.

Poor George.

I can't believe he's gone.

He was a wonderful man.

I shall miss him sorely.

I'm going up to bed.

My head is killing me.

Rosemary and George both dead in less than two weeks.

It's a nightmare.

I can't even cry. I don't know what's wrong with me.

I

know

this sounds rotten.

But I have to say this to you.

Well, what is it?

There was nothing wrong before you came here.

Now two people are dead.

Iris, I had nothing to do with it. You must believe that.

Why should I?

I don't really know anything about you.

I mean, for a while I thought you were trying to be sexy and mysterious.

And now I... I'm afraid to drink the bourbon you just poured for me.

You can't believe I'm a killer.

I don't know what to believe. You say you're on my side. You say I can trust

you. But how can I when I don't think you're telling me the truth?

All right.

I should have leveled with you a long time ago.

I'm not a journalist.

I'm a private investigator.

Why didn't you say so in the first place?

How could I? I'm working on a case. I can't go around telling everybody who I

really am.

Besides, I didn't know I was going to fall in love with you.

I really am very, very sorry about Jordan.

I know.

So am I.

Close it.

Take a look at that I Thought you can't run for State Assembly with a murder

charge hanging over you I haven't been charged with anything I've already

received four phone calls people are withdrawing their support your career

sink before it's even launched What am I supposed to do?

I Didn't want to go to that party last night Sandra insisted

Does she know about your relationship with Rosemary Barton?

What relationship?

Don't mince words with me. I'm trying to salvage your political career, which is

currently in ruins. Don't pussyfoot around. Play it straight for once.

I don't know what Sandra knows.

I admit I had an affair, but that does not make me guilty of murder. What kind

of a man do you think I am?

I know exactly what kind of man you are, Stephen.

You're brilliant and aggressive.

Which is why I made you a vice president at the ridiculous age of 29.

I've had my eye on you for a long time, and I think you could be a winning

candidate for just about any office you choose, as long as you are telling me

the truth.

Hello, Tony.

What are you doing here?

Same as you, I would imagine. I wanted to work with someone who was at Le

Chantillon last night.

How'd you find out about Miss Shannon?

Elvis and the fairies told me. How about you? Yeah, we got them working for us,

too. I checked you out with Interpol.

Apparently, you're one of us.

Well, we might as well pool our resources.

Off to you.

Those guys must be busy if you're talking to everybody that was there last

night. Place was packed.

Sugar?

Rune's tea. I'd like honey if you have it.

Your table was close to the Barton's.

Can you tell us what you saw?

Seemed to be having a good time.

Attractive bunch.

I thought I had figured out who was with whom.

Then they all got up to dance and they seemed to switch.

You were with that bunch, as a matter of fact.

No one stayed at the table during that time? Sure. The older woman did.

But she wasn't sitting near the guy that dropped dead.

I think she went to the ladies' room at some point during the evening.

But I don't remember much else.

Did you see the champagne glasses refilled?

Not while they were on the dance floor.

Now, I remember that because I was wondering if they were going to bring a

birthday cake to the table. So I was looking over there.

Forgive me for sounding impertinent, but what is that?

It's a weeping willow.

Oh, I see.

I thought it was a giant squid.

Well, I just took up painting last week. I don't mean to butt in, but could we

get back to the subject?

Yes, I'm sorry.

Did you see anyone go near that table?

Just the busboy. He worked our table, too.

When the girl got up, her purse fell on the floor.

He picked it up, he put it back on the table.

Ah, he could have tapped it with the glasses then.

No. Picked the purse up, he put it back on the table. Then I saw him walk away.

Nobody touched those glasses. That much I guarantee.

What about the man you were with? Could he verify some of this?

He picked me up for the car wash.

It's embarrassing to admit it.

Listen, I was not going to pass up dinner at Le Chantignon.

What was his name?

Pedro Dominguez. I think he sang at the hotel down the street.

He asked me back to his room, but I declined.

Blew a little bit too much smoke for me.

I don't know what he saw.

Well, what do you make of it?

I don't know. It certainly doesn't make any sense.

George proposes a toast to Iris.

Everybody drinks.

Six of us get up to dance.

Lucilla goes to the ladies' room and comes back.

During that time, the champagne glasses were in full view and everybody swears

they were not tampered with.

Yet the minute we sit down again, George proposes a toast, takes a drink of

champagne, and drops dead.

The medical examiner is sure the cyanide was in the champagne. Yes, but how did

it get there? And when?

Beats me. We've got to be missing something somewhere.

When's the funeral?

Tomorrow afternoon.

Two funerals in less than a month.

It's horrible.

I hope you don't intend playing amateur detective yourself.

I'd be afraid to find out what was going on.

Believe me, I don't intend to pursue it the way George did.

But you did speak to Steve?

Yes, I forced him to admit the affair with Rosemary.

Whether he killed her or not, I couldn't say.

Thank you.

What about Sandra?

Well, if she'd found out, I can't imagine what she would have done.

believe she had anything to do with Rosemary's death.

Oh, Eric.

She's very like you.

I love the child dearly, but there are times when she is absolutely ruthless.

She's every bit as ambitious as Stephen.

But our daughter is not a cold -blooded killer.

Two people have died.

We can't just look the other way, no matter who she is or how we feel.

She's all we have.

Then if she's guilty, Eric, we had better know about it.

And find a way to keep her from getting caught.

Let's just run it by one more time, see if we have it straight.

You've been working as a busboy at Le Chantillon for how long? Two months.

And how do you happen to be serving the Barton table that night?

I always have station eight, station nine, and ten, too.

So you walk past the table and you notice this handbag on the floor and you

it up.

Yes, yes, sir.

Did you happen to see what was in the purse? Maybe you were curious.

No, no, sir. I picked the bag up, put it right back on the table. I didn't look

in it. I didn't touch anything and neither did anyone else.

Lucilla thought you'd be up here. She sent you a cup of tea.

Thank you.

Everybody's finally gone.

Thanks. I just couldn't face any more people downstairs.

The funeral's hard enough without everybody coming back to the house.

Look.

This might sound paranoid, but do me a favor.

From now on, I don't want you going out on your own.

Don't answer the door, don't open the mail.

Oh, come on. Now, look, I'm serious.

We don't know what's going on or who may be next.

You look tired.

I'm exhausted.

Iris, this might not be the moment to bring it up.

But you did know that Rosemary was having an affair with Stephen Faraday?

She wasn't.

I'm afraid she was.

It's impossible.

Sandra's my best friend.

Rosemary didn't even like Stephen. She told me so herself.

I tried to get close to your sister when I first arrived.

Hi. You really got around, didn't you?

All right, I deserve that.

She had a bit too much to drink one night.

Which is when she told me about the affair with Stephen.

So what?

She was a big girl. He may have killed her.

What if Rosemary threatened to expose him? Or Sandra found out about it? I

want to talk about it. We have to.

Until we know why George and Rosemary died, we can't be certain that you're

endangering yourself.

I want you to promise me.

It's for Lucilla. It's long distance collect.

Oh, no. Victor again?

Oh, hell. Who's this?

Yes, yes. We'll accept.

Iris!

Just a minute.

I'm terribly sorry.

Really, I didn't mean to scare anyone.

I just thought I should return the dress and accessories.

What in heaven's name?

Uh, this is Chloe West.

It seems she's an actress that George hired for Iris's birthday party.

She was supposed to be the shocker.

Apparently George thought if she walked in, someone might react.

So why didn't you show up that night?

Some man called and told me not to come.

Well, I thought it was Mr. Barton.

I didn't know what was going on anyway.

For all I knew, it could have been a gag from start to finish.

Well, didn't you read about Rosemary's death in the papers?

Sure, I read about it, but I didn't know it was her.

Then I read about Mr.

Barton, and that's why I came.

I'm going to call Captain Kelly.

You sure it was a man who told you not to come?

My judgment may not be very good, but my hearing is just fine.

It was a man.

I'd swear to that.

Good night.

Good night.

Jilly?

Oh, I'm all right.

I just needed some fresh air.

I really can't take much more of this. I'm so confused. It just never seems to

end.

Tony, you know what I'd really like to do?

I'd like to take off. Just get away for a day.

How about tomorrow?

He just told me he sugared the tea.

So bad for you, darling.

For a minute I thought you meant that someone had poisoned the tea.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Poisoned?

Oh, darling.

Well, I'm sure I wouldn't know the first thing about that.

Didn't Mr. Barton once tell me that you had been married to a chemist?

Paul made his money in pharmaceuticals.

Paul Bennett, my first husband.

Perhaps that's what he meant.

Well, surely you must have learned a great deal about drugs from that.

Not at all.

You can be married to an auto mechanic and not know the first thing about

a car.

Don't you think?

You can't keep pretending I don't exist.

I need you.

I've missed you. And Rosemary?

Rosemary meant nothing to me. I don't know how I got caught up with her, but

was wrong. I know that.

You only married me because it was expedient.

You just wanted someone with money.

Powerful friends. That's all right. That's true.

Let's be honest about it for once.

I married you for all the wrong reasons.

But the fact is, I fell in love with you.

That's why I broke with Rosemary.

I couldn't stand the thought of causing you pain.

Sandra, I love you.

Can you forgive me?

Please, let this be a part of the past. Let's start again. I know you love me.

You have no idea what I've been through.

But it's over now.

I thought you were going to leave me for that.

I thought I'd lost everything.

But I would never have left you.

She was nothing to me.

You're the most important person in the world to me.

I wasn't going to stand around and let her destroy that.

You weren't going to leave me?

You never meant to leave me?

Of course not.

Is that what you thought?

That she could tear our marriage apart?

We'll stick together, no matter what's gone on.

You never told me what you have against the rich.

Or is it just the American rich you object to?

Oh, no, I try to be fair.

I don't like the English with money, either.

I don't mind you, of course.

Don't sidestep the issue. Just what is your complaint?

I'll bet you came for money yourself.

Am I right?

Yes. Well, I think it's nice that you have money.

Now I don't have to worry that you're only after me for mine.

No, but I am after you.

You knew that, didn't you?

Be careful. You may catch me.

Well, now perhaps you'll believe me when I say you're in danger.

You realize that someone just tried to kill you?

Yeah. As soon as we get back to Pasadena, I'll get on to camp.

You okay, dearie? Here, put this blanket around you.

I'm fine. I just got a wonderful flood.

Is this one of yours?

Yeah, that's mine.

All right, someone tied up here, got out, and walked up this way about 20

minutes ago. Did you see who that was?

I just got here five minutes ago.

You'll have to talk to my assistant about that, and he's gone for the

Let's get you home.

Maybe Kemp can send someone up to check this out.

You okay? Yeah, yeah.

Iris, Lucilla said somebody tried to run you down with a boat.

She exaggerates.

Well, then why is there a police officer downstairs?

Oh, Tony's managed to convince the police that I am to be victim number

Let's hope they catch the killer before it turns out he's right.

How's the investigation going?

We haven't heard a word from Captain Kemp.

Well, I haven't heard much myself.

I assume the police are working on it.

Well, if they had any real evidence, they'd tell you about it, don't you

Well, I don't know. The police don't like to give out any information.

They haven't told me much at any rate.

But they must have told you the theory they're working on. Who could they

suspect?

They're only six of us left.

They couldn't suspect you.

Why not? I'd benefit financially.

But what about the rest of us? Stephen and I have nothing to gain.

Then you have nothing to worry about.

I do it by not disturbing anything. I dropped by the office. They said you

working at home today.

I find the office too depressing these days.

Please come in.

Thank you.

I'm just sorting through some of Mr. Bartlett's personal papers.

I thought that Iris might like to have them.

She's all right, isn't she?

No, she'll be fine.

I'm going around there later. There's something I can take.

No, I still have his desk to go through. Just tell her I'll drop these by later

this afternoon.

Can I do something for you?

I hope so. Can I get you some coffee? No, thanks.

I was talking to my editor in London last night. He's asked me if I will

these murders for the paper. I wondered if I could ask you a few questions.

Sure, come on in.

It's rather awkward, really, since we're all... Murder suspects.

It sounds ghastly when you put it like that.

Please.

You don't think it was Iris, do you?

I gather she comes into quite some.

It's hard to believe that Iris could do something like that.

But then again, it's hard to believe that any one of us could be murderers.

I do wish Mr. Barton had left it to the police.

Do you have any idea who might have done it?

You know, it's odd that you ask me that.

I do know who George suspected.

He confided in me on the dance floor the night that he died.

Go on.

He thought it was Stephen.

You see, he'd found these letters that Stephen had written to Rosemary.

George was convinced that Rosemary was going to blow the whistle on Stephen.

Well, that would have ruined his marriage and his career, of course.

And you didn't tell the police that?

Actually, no.

You see, the letters are gone. I've looked for them everywhere, but they're

not here.

Without them, there's not a shred of proof.

Hmm.

What did Ruth have to say?

She was cool, friendly.

She didn't like Rosemary, but that's not news.

I think this business about Stephen could be a red herring for all we know.

Or it could be the truth.

The thing that bothers me is these packets, the sign I was in.

I can't believe that they can't be traced somehow.

And why would the killer leave the last one in plain sight?

Tony... I mean, it's almost sheer arrogance.

You're going to kill me.

No, I'm not.

I thought we already established that.

I put the packet under the table after George died.

You did what?

I was crying and I reached into my purse for a handkerchief and there it was.

The empty packet was in my purse. What was I supposed to do? I couldn't just

leave it there.

So you threw it under the table?

Well, it was obviously planted to make me look like the killer.

Who had access to your purse?

I don't know.

I left it at the table whenever we danced, and I took it to the ladies'

twice. Why didn't you tell Kemp about this at the time?

I didn't think he'd believe I was innocent.

How innocent are you, tampering with evidence?

Would it be worse if he finds out from some other source?

Like who? I don't know, but let's go and find him.

Well, I'm glad you told us, but it doesn't matter now.

I've just been talking with Eric, and we can't make heads or tails of the case.

What I don't like is this attempt on your life.

Neither do I.

Which is why I'm very grateful that you could send an officer up to the house.

But isn't it a bit impractical? I mean, you don't really know when you'll have

the case solved, and I can hardly walk around day and night with a police

escort.

Speaking of walking, I'd better get back to the house. I left Lucilla with a

mountain of work.

Look, the three of us will put our heads together, Iris, and see what we can

come up with.

In the meantime, you should be safe enough there at the house. I'll give

ride over later.

Thank you.

I'll see you at the car.

Now, you make sure you go straight home.

Yes, Daddy.

Let me give you a hand with that.

I can manage.

Hello, Lucilla.

We thought we'd spirit our way with us and go to dinner somewhere.

I think she's gone off with Tony a little while ago, but she'll be home

Come inside. I'll make tea. We'll sit.

All right.

Hello, Ruth.

You need a hand, Ruth?

Oh, yeah, thanks.

There are three left.

Kemp here tells me you're an investigator.

I suspect you've been investigating me. Is that correct?

Well, I do hope you understand, sir.

I received a telephone call from England this morning from the Prime Minister.

Apparently, I'm clean.

By the way, I intend to accept the post as soon as things are clear at this end.

Well, congratulations. I'm glad.

You're superbly qualified. I'm quite sure it'll be a... Feather in your cap.

You're too kind.

Now, perhaps the captain can fill us in on what's been happening.

I've got a couple of men up at Lake Piru.

We're still trying to get a description of the person who rented the boat.

Well, that's a long shot.

It's about the only shot we have.

I wonder if we could just review the circumstances of George's death, just

my benefit.

Now, as I understand it, Iris was sitting next to George. Yes.

The drink must have been poisoned right in front of my eyes.

The ideal time to put the cyanide in the glass was during the floor show. While

you were all sitting there. Right.

George proposed a toast to Iris the moment the floor show was over.

I saw him drink. He was fine.

And then everyone got up to dance.

We have witnesses who swear the glasses were not touched while he was gone.

Then George sat down.

The next time he drank, that glass was full of cyanide.

Maybe that's how it works.

Do you have a telephone directory in the house?

Certainly. On my desk.

Could we?

Damn! No, that couldn't be it.

I felt sure I was onto something, but it... It just won't fall into place.

It's always out of reach.

I keep thinking I can visualize it.

It just seems to drift away, if you know what I mean.

What was your idea?

What's happened to this?

Awful stuff.

That, gentlemen, is how George Barton was murdered.

Is there any way we can get Christine Shannon down to the fish?

Send a squad car for her.

Good.

Let's have her look at some mug shots.

Oh, one more thing.

If anything happened to Iris, who would inherit the money in that trust fund?

That Lucilla's, I understand it.

Good heavens, Iris.

Where's Iris? Upstairs. But she's already... It's something

wrong.

Iris!

I smell gas.

Someone tried to kill Iris.

Oh, no.

Oh, good heavens.

You'll be all right.

Just breathe deeply, and you'll be fine.

Now, what happened?

I just... I don't know.

Oh, I think I was hit.

She sure was.

I'll get you some ice.

No, I'm not fine, really.

Oh, my head is pounding.

Will someone tell me?

Just one more piece has to fall into place, and then I'll tell you

Come in as soon as I could.

I don't understand what's happening. It's making me ill. I'm going to my

Just a minute, Miss. I don't think this might concern you.

Thank you, that's all.

Well, it seems the key to everything was Iris' evening bag, though, of course,

none of us realized that at the time.

Iris' bag fell on the floor when she got up to dance.

A busboy picked it up and put it back on the table. Now, that much we've always

known.

What we didn't realize was that... The busboy didn't know which position it had

fallen from, so he inadvertently put it back one position over from where Iris

was actually sitting.

Ah, that was the little game you played on the patio.

Do you have a telephone directory now?

Certainly. On my desk.

Could we?

Yes.

Damn. No, no, that couldn't be it.

I felt sure that I was onto something, but it just won't fall into place.

Well, it's just out of reach.

I keep thinking that I can visualize it, but then it just seems to slip away, if

you know what I mean.

What was your idea?

Oh, what's happened to this?

And that's how we all ended up drinking from someone else's cup.

You had moved my cigarettes in front of your coffee.

Right, you sat by your cigarettes just as Iris sat by her purse in the

restaurant. But that's ridiculous.

I mean, a murderer couldn't count on something like that.

It had nothing to do with the murderer. Round tables each time.

The moment that Iris sat down, everybody sat in relationship to her. One

position, clockwise.

Then George took my seat.

Nobody planned to kill George.

You mean Iris was the target?

At Rosemary before.

Leaving Lucilla in line to inherit.

That's preposterous. I didn't do it. Just a moment, Lucilla.

I'm afraid the fact remains that there were four of you in the house when this

last attempt was made on Iris' life.

You, Ruth, Sandra, and Stephen.

All of you had sufficient motive.

One of you is a killer.

And that person is cunning, highly organized, and ruthless.

What an irony that her name is Ruth Lessing.

You killed Rosemary?

I'm not going to listen to this.

Oh, yes, you are.

Because you were convinced that George would marry you the moment that Rosemary

was out of the picture. It simply isn't true.

I'm afraid it is. After Rosemary died, you realized that George simply wasn't

romantically attracted to you, which made you very vulnerable.

Right at a time when circumstances were bringing you together with Victor Drake.

My son, Victor.

But he was thousands of miles away in Aruba.

Was he, Kim? No.

Well, where was he? In the restaurant, one table away.

Christine Shannon just identified him from a mugshot at the station.

Pedro Dominguez was Victor Drake.

That's impossible.

Not at all.

To begin with, forgive me, Lucinda, but to begin with, I thought perhaps you and

Victor might be in this together.

But then I remembered the long -distance collect call that came in the night

that Chloe West showed up.

Victor? Needed some money. I was descended through Ruth.

Exactly.

And we only had Ruth's word that Victor was out of the country at all.

You made Victor fake that call in order to squeeze a few extra dollars out of

Lucilla. It's pure speculation. You don't know what you're talking about.

But if Victor'd been in that restaurant, I'd have seen him.

Well, you weren't expecting to see him. And besides, he disguised himself just

enough to make sure none of us paid much attention to him.

And you had your back to him.

I didn't notice him either.

When was the last time you saw Victor? Years ago.

He was still a long -haired surfer living in cut -offs and wetsuits.

And then he went to Europe, which is where I came across him.

I was doing an insurance investigation for Lloyd's of London, investigating a

fraudulent claim that Victor had filed.

Victor was just identified from photographs that Kemp's men took up to

Piru. It was he that rented that boat and tried to run Iris down.

Go ahead, pick him up.

You'll never prove it. You'll never make it stick. I wouldn't be too sure of

that. I suspect Victor Drake would implicate just about anyone to save his

skin. Take her down and book her.

Oh, this is awful.

Now, how did Victor put the cyanide into the champagne?

During the floor show.

We all had our attention focused on the singer.

Her waiter was filling our glasses.

We ignored him, and why not?

A black -suited waiter had been circling our table filling glasses all evening.

But this was a different waiter.

This was the man that put cyanide in Iris's glass.

It was Victor.

But why would Victor want to poison me?

Money.

I gather he always resented the fact that you and Rosemary were in line for a

fortune. Tony's theory is that Ruth crawled into bed with Victor, literally

figuratively. It was her best shot.

She was far too much of a realist to let her heart rule her head. And when she

realized that she couldn't have George, she switched her attentions to Victor

instead.

And with you out of the way...

Your sinner would inherit the entire trust fund.

And I would have given him every cent.

Just as I always have.

Oh, Iris, darling, I'm so sorry. It's all right. I feel so badly.

I'm so sorry.

Oh, what a fool I've been.

But Rosemary's suicide note was genuine.

No, no, no. I don't think she ever intended to kill herself.

Now, my guess is... Well, let's just say that she wrote that note in a moment of

despair and never got around to tearing it up.

Ruth was just able to take advantage of it, that was all.

Well, Tony, you did a hell of a job.

And you let me know if I can ever return the favor.

Just keep those two in jail, that's all.

Good night.

Good night.

I'm glad that's cleared up.

Good night, Harry. Good night.

See you.

Good night.

Goodbye.

Take care. Good luck. Thank you.

Well, where were we?