Original subtitles

Why didn't they ask... - Sorry?

Why...

didn't they ask... Evans?

Evans? Ask him what?

Good morning, ma'am. - Good morning. Thank you.

Jane! Dear... - Marjorie.

Oh! Goodness, is this Bobby? Well...

Say hello to Miss Marple. - Hello, Miss Marple.

This was at the doorstep. It looks rather important.

You don't have to go. Why do you have to go, Bobby?

Oh Jane, dear, do come in. Roberts, pour Miss Marple's tea.

We're in a bit of a drama, I'm afraid.

The letter, you gave Bobby... - Yes?...

Oh! We've been rather upset recently. Bobby found a body.

Gracious! - On the cliff. A Mr...

Prichard. - Prichard.

An accident, the police said, which is why he doesn't have to go to the inquest.

Then this letter's come out of the blue, and it's not even in the village,

but in Market Dorning, of all places.

- You've told them everything, haven't you? - Yes!

Sorry. - Really, Roberts!

Sorry, Jane, she's new, I'm afraid. - Just came back from my honeymoon.

How lovely! - That's enough, Roberts!

Better be off, then. - Bobby. Bobby!

Bobby? Bobby Atfield!

Frankie. Frankie Derwent.

You came to mommy's dance at Derwent Hall. We played "Persona". You can't remember?

I think I scared you off. - Did you?

Well, this is rather ghastly.

Let's go to first.

So, how's tricks?

Oh, you know. Oldies in the vestry, usual kind of thing.

How are you? - Wild.

Just off to town, meeting up with Pongo.

You know Pongo? Pongo Slim, Such a gas. You should come.

I've got an inquest, actually. - Oh, well, I didn't know...

God, someone you know? - Well...

Someone I found, actually. - Found?! Do tell.

All shut-up.

Decidedly odd.

There's no sign of an inquest.

The letter says... - It's clearly a fake.

But it's perfectly obvious.

Whoever pushed him, knows you found him, but doesn't know if he said anything.

So, just in case, just in case, they made sure you didn't go to the inquest.

Then I need to tell the Police. - What?

- About Evans. - No!

- What? - We'll do this ourselves.

But... I need... - Ah, fine, tell them everything!

Scaredy-cat.

- All right. - What?

Let's do it.

So, there was an inquest really, Inspector?

And who identified him?

His cousin...

Richard, who, sorry?

Trent! Oh, Dick... Dicky Trent.

They were so close. Like brothers. Poor Dickie.

I don't suppose you've got his address?...

I know not meant to, Inspector. It's just that my mother...

Lady Derwent, yes, would so love to drop him a line.

"Why didn't they ask Evans?" Pretty loaded last words, I must say.

Let's pop it in the post, sit back and see what does our Mr. Trent.

The inquest trick didn't work, I wonder what little surprise he'll have up his sleeve this time

Come on!

Would love to see this lad's face when he reads it.

"Dear Mr. Trent, sorry to miss you at the inquest."

Mr. Prichard said something to me before he died, which I feel that I should tell you.

He said: "Why didn't they ask Evans?"

Yours most faithful, Robert Atfield".

Bobby, darling! Is that you?

Remember the time you fell off the orchard wall,

when you broke your arm?

Bobby! - I can still see you,

tittering along the top of it shouting "I'm the Dark Avenger!"

"I'm dancing with death".

It could've been a lot worse. About 9, weren't you?

Bobby, darling!

You never told her. Said I tripped on a wheelbarrow.

- You're doing it again? - What?

Dancing with death.

- Quite good, aren't you? - Thanks.

Any news from Trent, anything? - No, nothing.

Damn! It could be a good sign, though.

Can be working on next move.

Frankie? - What?

You know Miss Marple? - Who?

- Well... - What's that old biddy up to?

I do so love the sea air. Don't you? Hello.

- Any news from Mr. Trent? - Sorry?

I was just wondering how poor Mr. Prichard got here.

Prichard?

That's what I was trying to tell you.

What an enchanting lain!

I can't believe you told her, a senile woman.

- She's not, actually. - Come on, keep up!

Well...

Could be our Mr. Prichard's.

Well, it could be anybody's.

From London. Mayfair.

Lovely view of your house, Bobby.

Reminds me of a film I saw during the war.

These "commandos" in Crete stole a German General's car with a coat hanger.

Is that the time? Marjorie is expecting me for the 11's service.

Tough where they found a wire coat hanger on a Cretan hillside,

I have no idea.

Yes!

- Oh! Anything of interest? - Actually, yes.

Nothing much. Just an old pipe and some tobacco. - And an hotel key.

May I?

Look, He's marked somewhere. Castle Savage.

- That's miles from here. - Castle Savage, I seem to recall...

Right, thanks for your help, Miss Marple. You've been marvellous. Coming, Bobby?

- Right. - Ah, bugger!

Bloody dinner parties. Bloody mothers!

You could come! - Me?

Well... - No. Don't worry.

Probably organized some... man for me, anyway.

Pongo or someone. - Probably.

If you change your mind...

- Anyway... better be going. - Right.

Do that sublime Martini.

Or so I hear. Very funny, we actually should.

Bye-bye, darling. - Bye-bye.

My hero!

We caught him, Miss Marple! - Caught who, dear?

Trent, of course. He tried to wipe up Bobby.

He got our letter with Prichard's last words and they're obviously highly incriminating.

Oh, poor darling. Is it terribly painful? - A bit.

Right, come on. - What?

- Going to Castle Savage. - Castle Savage. Why?

Prichard ringed it on the map. He was obviously going there, or been there, something.

Maybe Trent will be there, or Evans. And, guess what,

daddy knows Jack Savage. The man who owns castle Savage.

Has an enormous tea empire in China or somewhere.

Bad apple, apparently. Anyway, he's dead.

And really sudden, too. Heart attack, so they say, 6 months ago.

This is such a luck! Two dead bodies, and we didn't even get started.

Right, come on, Bobby.

- No. - What?

It's not a lark. Someone tried to kill me.

Which is the proof we need... - Wait.

Wait? I don't wait. - Go on your own, then.

Right. If that's what you want, I will.

Fine hero you turned out to be.

She can do what she wants. I don't care!

Good bloody riddance.. - Quite, dear.

(Castle Savage)

Sorry, seems I...

I got you, Ma'am. You're al right.

This way.

I got you. - Sorry.

I got you. Here.

Will you be al right?

You're safe, ma'am.

It's al right, it's al right.

Who is it, Wilson? - Oh! Dreadfully sorry.

Pranged the Healey. Daddy will be livid. Lord Derwent.

Won't tell him, will'ya? God!

Oh, sorry. Frankie Derwent. How do... - Sylvia Savage.

Wilson, What should you do? - Send for the doctor, milady.

Send for the doctor... yes, that's right. The doctor, Wilson.

Hurry.

Hello.

I'm Alec Nicholson. - What happened?

You're jolly pretty. Are you staying? - Dorothy! I'm so sorry, Lady Derwent.

Oh, Frankie, please. - Hello, Frankie.

Hello. - Dorothy, you're in the way of the doctor.

He's not really a doctor. Are you, doctor? - Dottie!

Out, please, get out! - It's all right.

Going anyway.

Tom?

I saw her, yes.

Now, don't you worry. I used to be a medic during the war.

I still remember most of it.

- So, what do you do now, then? Psychiatry, actually.

I have a clinic over the way.

Tell me... how's that?

So, what's that, then? - What?

Psico... whatsit.

Looking for the truth, I suppose. - Sounds rather terrifying.

Only if you have something to hide.

Right.

I'm going to give you...

one of these little chaps.

And you should definitely stay.

So that we can keep an eye.

There.

Pop it down.

♪ But now I see ♪

♪ What one embrace can do ♪ ♪ Look at me ♪

♪ It's got me loving you ♪ ♪ Madly ♪

♪ That little kiss ♪ ♪ You stole ♪

♪ Held on my heart ♪ ♪ And soul ♪

By God, there you are. I thought you had skedaddled.

Still here, I'm afraid. - Smashed her car, poor darling.

Oh dear! Nothing broken, I hope. - I don't think so.

Anyway "Dr. whatsit" said I ought to stay, so... sorry.

Excellent diagnosis, I'd say.

Roger, Dottie...

Poor Frankie... she's supposed to be resting.

Though she does look better, I must say. And you've met Roger.

A tonic for any girl, aren't you, my darling?

Oh, do play something, Roger? Please.

It's so wonderful to have music in the house. Don't you think so, Frankie?

Oh, wonderful!

Frankie, will you stay to dinner tomorrow? We always have dinner together on Thursdays.

Please, can she, mommy? - Of course she can, my darling.

Thank you. I'd love to.

No one dresses up, apart from Evans, of course.

Oh, God! I'm so sorry.

I'm so, so sorry.

Don't worry.

Wilson will mend it.

He's always mender.

I feel a bit... I think I need to go back to my room, for a while.

I'll take you. I'll take her.

Mommy got Roger into teach me, rather than Tom, to play the piano.

Problem is, he's a hopeless teacher. Tom's a terminal and I can't get my eyes off his trousers.

Who's Evans? - Claude, actually.

But everyone calls him Evans. Worked for Daddy in China.

And that's Daddy. The mighty Jack Savage.

Not so mighty now, obviously.

Ghastly death. Wriggling, and foaming and tonguing.

Weak heart, so they say. But I don't think so.

Don't you? - He didn't have a heart.

You must be Tom?

Hello.

Lost something. Sorry.

Did you find it? - No.

This is Roland. Touch him, if you like.

He won't bite. - I'm a bit funny 'bout snakes.

Would you like to meet Kali? - Kali?

Hindu Goddess of death. My Malayan pit piper.

She's deadly.

Perhaps another time.

Hello? - Guess what.

Frankie? - I'm here. Castle Savage.

Just thought you might like to know. Pretended to crash the car.

Well, did crash the car actually. But it was obviously a clever ruse,

'cause they've taken me in.

They? - Do keep up. The Savages!

Their creepy doctor tried to drug me.

Drug you?! - Lady Savage is strange too.

Her son wanted me to look at his viper.

His viper. - Anyway,

Jack Savage died horribly, apparently, and guess what:

He used to work with a certain Mr. Evans.

He lives nearby. I searched and cracked it. On my own.

What about Trent?

Trent?

Well... obviously... he'll be here too, I imagine.

Frankie... - I've got to go, sorry. Bye.

Bobby! Bobby!

Come and have some nice cake.

I'm feeling a bit better, actually, so I thought I'd head off.

Marjorie, dear, I'm so sorry about this.

A very dear friend of mine has taken ill in London.

I have to visit her for a few days. - Oh, dear!

She sounded so poorly on the phone.

And Marjorie, I wondered, London is so hectic nowadays,

if I might possibly prevail upon Bobby to accompany me?

Bobby?

London train!

London train!

Now you know what to do? - Yes.

You've got the key. - Yes.

You must use your wits now. - I'm not sure I have any.

Oh, yes you have, my dear.

Remember the Dark Avenger!

If you ever, ever do that again... - What have I done?

What exactly was you talking about?

We wanted to meet this young lady.

Peter Peters. How do you do?

Your little motor at the gate, I take it.

Heading for Hereford, I believe. - That's right.

Hello. I am Evans.

Are you al right?

You just reminded me of someone, That's all. - Dreadfully attractive, I trust.

Dreadfully. You worked for Lord Jack in China, I gather.

It was quite a while ago.

Cocktail, madam? - Sure.

Who could that be? Moira? - Hardly.

Sorry to go on. Hereford, did you say.

Really, Peters. - Hereford, that's right.

But your motor, I couldn't help to notice, seemed actually...

headed away from Hereford.

Sorry.

Excuse me, Lady Derwent. Your governess has arrived.

My "what"? - Oh, there she is.

I'm so sorry. Do forgive me for intruding.

I saw the car crashed at the gate, oh dear,

but you've clearly been rescued, thank Heavens.

You must be Lady Savage.

Do forgive me, please. Jane Marple.

Frankie's governess. I've been retired many years, now,

but still keep in touch, which is so lovely.

How do you do? - Yes...

You got here just in the nick of time, Miss Marple. She was about to get arrested.

Heavens! - Commander Peters, ex-CID,

noticed that Lady Derwent's motor was headed away from Hereford.

Don't be tiresome, Dottie! - Nothing escapes your eagle eye, commander?

We weren't meeting in Hereford, but in Little Thisingdan.

At the Rosebush Café. Do you know it?

- The most delicious lemon curd. - Which is that way, of course.

You must've realized you've come too far and turned around.

I did. Far too far, and turned back on the hill to get to Little...

- Thisingdan. - Yes.

There we are, commander. Everything's "tickety-boo".

Whatever you say, my Lady.

Would you... all excuse me. Sorry, I just need to...

Wilson, will see to your arrangements, Miss Marple. Wilson...

A room next to Lady Derwent, if it's not too much trouble.

Like old times, isn't it, Frankie?

Of course. Wilson.

I don't need any help, you know. - Of course you don't, dear.

Bobby is onto the Prichard connection. Remember the key, from the car?

Bobby he's rather missed the boat, I'm afraid. - Yes. Also...

What? - Downstairs. Did you feel it?

I can't quite put my finger on it, but something's not right.

Wouldn't want to be here without a friend.

I found this.

My room reeked of pipe. Prichard must have been there.

(Mr. John Stansfeld Carstairs)

Yes. - I'm in the hotel. In his room.

Yes. - He was not called Prichard.

He's called Carstairs.

John Carstairs. - Well done, Bobby.

And I found his diary. He has "Savage" on the 2nd.

And something on the 8th. A code or something .

Oh, and a photograph... a beautiful girl.

Moira. - What does the code say?

What does the code say, Bobby?

"9 on the 8th, SN, year, P & P."

Another place on the map, probably. - Solicitors.

Could be solicitors. - Just what we're thinking.

He was dead by the 8th, so he never got there.

And by the way, Bobby...

It's a jungle.

- We had such excellent gardeners. - What happened to them?

Jack got rid of them. Just before he died.

Replaced them with those wretched loafing boys.

Why on earth do we keep them? - Because they're cheap.

And much prettier.

Everything's changing, isn't it?

The whole country is getting richer. Apart from us, apparently.

The staff all gone. Tilly, the housemaid, Eddie the kitchen girl, Gerald the pool-boy...

And Florrie, of course...

Mind you, she couldn't really have stayed, poor little thing.

Only Mrs. Perkins and Wilson left.

You keep our bodies and souls alive somehow, don't you, my darling?

Such a struggle...

How about Roger paying his rent? - Roger doesn't pay rent, does he?

No, he's just a pianist, isn't he? - I'm not just a pianist, actually.

Stop, please, darlings! - What are you, then?

Yes, what are you? - Will you all shut up, please!!

Charming chicken, if I may say so.

It's haddock, actually.

I think we all need a bit of jungle in our lives, don't you, Miss Marple?

As long as we can find our way out.

Claude has a little jungle, don't you Claude? Full of poisonous orchids.

Orchids? How lovely. - They're not all poisonous, my darling.

Some of them are quite polite.

Moira!

What are you doing, darling? You said you'd stay at home?

I feel a bit better, I thought I'd come over. Is that al right?

Of course, darling.

Sit by me. It shall dry up best.

Thank you, Wilson.

Actually, I was about to ask.

Frightful long shot, but, I had a friend in these parts recently. Well,

a friend of my father's, really. John Carstairs?

More haddock, madam? - No, thank you.

Carstairs... - Carstairs, yes!

Don't think I... - You remember Carstairs.

Do I? - Asking all those questions.

Of course you remember him, mother. Asking about father's will, wasn't he?

Stop it Dorothy! - He was here, yes, then he vanished.

Vanished?

You can blame me for that.

Told him to get packing. Told him to his face.

- Got the point, I think. Where would I be without Commander Peters?

I could see where he was after. Seen it too many times.

Preying on a grieving widow. - So, where is the money, actually?

It's been six months since dad died. - Quiet! Quiet! Both of you!

I beg your pardon? - Shut up!

Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!

This has nothing to do with you!

Very pretty, isn't she? - Who?

Moira. - Suppose so.

Anyway, didn't you notice?

I just quite brilliantly discovered, if I may say so myself, that Carstairs was here.

And not only that, they all met him.

When he was asking about the will, yes. - But didn't you notice how they all reacted?

The children were rather upset. - Yes, the children.

But you're missing something much more important.

- Am I, dear? - Who didn't react?

Evans, Miss Marple! He just carried on eating his chicken.

Haddock. - Haddock.

And I mentioned Jack's name, just before you arrived and he positively froze.

Oh, sorry. I'm Moira. - Hello dear.

The doctor's wife. We weren't introduced.

Everything went a bit crazy tonight. My fault, I'm afraid.

Your fault? - There... Did you hear it?

"Hark, ha! The nightingale" "What triumph there!"

"What pain!"

Not cold, are you dear? - No, I'm fine, thank you.

You're very lucky, Frankie, to have such a sweet person in your life.

Your husband seems very sweet. - Oh yes, Alex is marvellous.

So... - Trouble is I rely on him so much.

It's is own fault, he has this effect, you see.

It has to do with his great, deep eyes. Women fall for that kind of thing, don't they?

I've got no right to get upset, it's just...

well, he spends so much time with her and I..., silly, really,

end up spying on them, and things.

Coming to dinner uninvited. Don't know why I'm telling you this.

No, it's fine, really.

I know it's been dreadful for her. I know she's in grief, he keeps telling me.

But honestly, why? - Why, dear?

Jack never loved Sylvia. Everyone knew that.

Spent all his time chasing everybody else.

As soon as he saw a woman, He couldn't help himself.

Addicted, Alec says. He just kept on and on.

She knew it. Just wouldn't admit it, that's all.

Did he chase you?

Ever since we arrived.

Did you tell anyone about this? - Your husband?

Evans told him.

Moira, what you're doing? - We were listening to the nightingales.

Finished at the castle, darling? - Yes, all done.

You ought really be inside, you know?

I've got Roger's coat. - Yes, I see.

Come along, then. Good night, ladies.

Thank you, Moira.

Well, it's obvious, isn't it? Jack's a monster. So,

Evans murder him. Carstairs comes along, finds out,

Evans follows him and pushes him over the cliff.

But. But Carstairs recognizes him and said we should ask Evans.

There. Solved.

They weren't quite his words, were they, dear?

Well, near as damn it.

Frankie, dear, you have a very sharp mind. - Thank you.

But you must be aware of distractions.

Distractions?

Come.

I'll get another mallet.

You know what happened, don't you? - Sorry?

With Carstairs. Don't you?

Come on, partner.

Wait a minute.

Just like... - B..

Robert! - Sorry to disturb you, madam,

brought madam's clothes, madam.

Perhaps you'd like to take it to Miss Marple, please, Robert.

Might I inquire where I might find Miss Marple, madam?

I'll show you.

Come on.

Might I inquire if madam might want some help with the mallet, madam?

Missed a bit. It's a nice moustache,..

At least I'm making an effort, unlike some people.

At least I haven't been swanning about in Knightsbridge.

Swanning about?

Come on, Robert. I want to see my face in it.

Practically solved the case, if you want to know.

We're meeting the chief suspect this afternoon, actually.

What are we doing? Going for a spin?

We've been invited to tea, I gather, with Mr. Evans.

Great, let's all go. - Lovely!

Your man can take us. - Good idea. Robert!

Certainly, madam. - He loves orchids.

A bit of a tight fit I'm afraid. - We'll manage fine.

I like your insolence, Robert.

What's this? - Don't touch, darling!

That is discolum septe serpentilingua.

My little serpent orchid. - Kill you in seconds, isn't it, Claude?

Certainly would, my darling.

Where's the Pafio one? That incredibly rare one.

Pafio Pedilium.

From China.

Crushed and imbibed by emperors.

Kept them "primed", so to speak, for a month.

Exhausting.

Jack's favourite.

I wouldn't have thought Jack was a flower lover.

Jack? No.

This was just a business. Commodities. That's all they were for him.

But not for you, are they, Mr. Evans? - No... they're not.

They're my darling children, if you must know. And they're all I have.

Jack was trying to get rid of them, wasn't he? - I thought he was my friend.

But I... was... nothing!

Just a middle man!

Sorry.

Well, it's rather what you are here, isn't it, Mr. Evans?

A middle man, right between the doctor's house and the castle,

wonderful views of each.

My Godfather's, Miss Marple!

You should see what I see. In and out of that clinic.

There's an actress, barrister, three judges,

a politician with a strange proclivity, and that man of "What's my line?"

And other things, Claude. - Other things? Gosh, what?

Well, the terrible rows between Dad and the doctor, for a start.

Moira. - Dottie!

I don't see why we can't talk about it. He's dead, isn't he?

She used to sit there sobbing, little Moira.

Podlit's girl, she didn't know what to do.

Now it's as bad with Alec.

You know how jealous he gets. - She argues back.

I tell her not to...

She'll push him too far-, you know. And one day he'll really...

Really what?

Sorry.

I don't like men... men who... bully women.

It's a glam young chauffeur.

Where is it?

What have you done with the will? - Don't know what you're talking about.

Sorry, Wilson.

You've no idea.

No idea at all.

Brothers?

That is correct, madam.

Lord Jack Savage, recently deceased.

And the first Lord, George, his elder brother.

Milady's first husband.

Wasn't there a tragedy? I seem to remember reading about it, in China.

A tragedy, yes, madam. - Didn't he lose his life there?

Lord George. - More than his life, madam.

George brought me to live here, after we married.

Such happy days.

A time of...

enchantment, really.

Laughter, parties, music...

Just look at them lazing about!

So, when did you meet Jack?

Well, not until China. Not properly, anyway.

In the court of the Emperor, would you believe?

Pu Yi.

Except he wasn't a real Emperor,

just a puppet of the Japanese.

Very handsome, in his Savile Row's suits.

A joke, really.

He gave them China on a plate.

George could see it happening but, he just shouted it at them.

So they killed him. - My dear!

Jack knew it was the Japanese. Jack knew everything.

He was very well connected. Very charismatic and charming.

Jack took us both out. Said that, if we didn't go now...

Well, he'd heard rumours.

What they did to European girls.

I was a child myself.

Jack left you a... very wealthy woman.

I don't know what he did in China and I don't care.

Oh! The way they're grasping for it...

My own children.

They sick me, frankly.

Thank you.

Dr. Nicholson!

Miss Marple!

Look, I found a photo of your wife.

Where did you find that?

Oh, so beautiful here! Perfect place to heal the mind.

You must have been thrilled when Lord Jack offered it to you.

That was Moira, actually.

She had already met Jack.

And charmed him completely, I'm sure.

I am not surprised you fell in love with her.

Yes. Anyway... - Kuala Nerang. That's in Malaya, isn't it?

It looks like a hospital.

That's right.

She was my nurse, actually.

I went as a psychiatrist, but they needed doctors.

Well I was still pretty "au fait"... - You could tie a bandage.

Exactly. - Wield a syringe.

Right. So, Moira and I... - Fell in love. How romantic!

Is that Amber Flash or Amber Queen?

Sorry? - May I?

Amber Queen, I think. It's quite intoxicating, isn't it?

Oh. Please.

♪ Do you recall ♪

♪ When love was all... ♪

♪ ... And we were seventeen ♪

So, how did you... - Wind up here?

Well, I was playing in a club in Soho, actually.

Pretty much on the ropes.

One day, Alec and Moira walk in, out of the blue.

We get talking, you know.

Alec said he knows this millionaire who's absolutely loaded...

And his wife wants their kids to learn the piano.

And I could just live there and just...

Just what, Roger?

You're just waiting for the money, aren't you?

Is that's what she said? Did she?

Well I've this surprise for you, Roger.

I've seen the will and if you think think you'll get...

Well, I've... I've seen the will, if you think you'll getting any,

if you think, well,

I've got certain means. - How dare you?

How dare you? Did you just accuse me of... How dare...?

Is that what you think? Bastard!

I... I'm sorry, Frankie.

You've got to get out. - What?

You heard the poison he was outing. There are bad things here, Frankie.

You've got to leave.

Sorry.

Bugger! Sorry... You've just got to get out.

That's all.

But just say you'll see me again.

But not here.

Somewhere different. Somewhere safe.

Last Will of Jack Savage.

"Quang Ho Orphanage", China.

Robert!

Robert?

Robert?

Robert!

I know you're there! Robert!

Robert!

Wait, it's al right!

Wait! - Don't, please!

It's al right. - I thought you were...

Aah! - Can you move it?

Thank you.

You're probably wondering what I'm doing? - No, I...

They all say "poor little Moira". As if I don't know what's going on, as if I'm a child.

I know what's going on. Why don't he just tell me he doesn't love her,

that he just wants her money.

But he doesn't love me. He doesn't even notice me.

I think you're the most noticeable person I've ever noticed.

I've got to get back.

Here.

I'm Moira, by the way. - I know.

Please.

"All to Isle of Wight, except Florrie".

May I?

So...

Cracked, don't you think?

Sorry? - The doctor.

Evans, actually. - No, actually...

Look, I've been in this case three whole days,

while you've been chasing Moira around.

Chasing Moira? - And I'm positively sure it was Evans.

Evans, Evans, Evans...

Help!

I don't know why you're looking so smug. He still did it.

Commander, would you mind terribly reading the note again, please?

Certainly, Lady Derwent.

"My life of sin is no longer bearable."

"Goodbye, dear Sylvia. Claude." - May I, commander?

Identical handwriting, you see?

Not quite identical, actually. Look at the "L's".

Very inconsistent looping.

I think you'd also have inconsistent looping, young man,

if you were about to stuff yourself with orchids.

Each flower was neatly decapitated.

Why did you do such a cold and cruel thing to - what did he call them?

"His darling children."

If I might be able to dabble for a brief moment in the psychiatrist domain...

I think that you should order an immediate post-mortem, commander.

Madame, Lady Savage has been stressed enough by recent...

Commander. A cruel and unnecessary death occurred,

I do think one should be utterly certain of the circumstances

before the veil is finally drawn, don't you?

Evans kills Jack, then pushes Carstairs over the cliff,

then tries to run you over and tops himself.

It's blindingly obvious.

Silenced before we could ask him. - What?

That Carstairs was silenced when he was pushed over the cliff.

Evans wasn't the killer.

What? - "Why didn't they ask Evans?"

We know his last words, "ask Evans". Obviously, Evans knew something.

Interesting. Our Mr. Trent, or whoever called himself Mr. Trent,

knew Carstairs' last words as well, of course.

Yes, we wrote Trent, but Trent is Evans, and Evans is dead.

What? - I saw him.

Saw what, dear? - Nothing.

What did you see, Bobby?

I simply saw Roger, heading to Evans' house, at exactly the same time.

Doesn't mean he was going to poison him with half his bloody orchids.

And last night you thought it was the doctor. I can't keep up with you!

Roger I'm going to ask you a question, and I'm just going to ask it so we know where we are.

You were seen leaving the castle and heading towards.

Evans' house, last night, just before he died.

- I wasn't going to Evans's house. - Where were you going?

To the doctor's, actually. - Why, Roger?

Why, Roger?

'Cause I was feeling unwell.

You're seeing Moira. - Don't be ridiculous.

You were. You're seeing Moira. - Dottie!

You were, weren't you? You are having an affair, aren't you?

Are you two having an affair? - Al right, yes!

Yes... Yes, we are.

We were. But not any more.

You actually been... - Dottie!

Who saw me? - I did.

The bloody chauffeur? - Not a chauffeur, actually!

I am actually...

Lady Derwent's friend.

And we are investigating the murder of John Carstairs!

Ladies and gentlemen,

I will ask you to... kindly remain in the premisses.

Not now, Peters. - Very good, milady.

Well, they all know now! - He called me a chauffeur!

You are a chauffeur! - I'm not a chauffeur!

Why must you be so bloody impetuous? - I'm sorry. I...

Oh, you're obviously delighted about Roger, proves he's a louse and a cheater. Well done!

Still, Moira is not as innocent as she looks. - You don't even know her!

I think we should keep our voices down. - What's the point? Everything's blown now!

Wilson!

- Sorry Mr Wilson, this is important. - Lady Savage mustn't be disturbed!

Oh, my God!

As I thought. - Hello, Jane.

Mommy!

What're you doing? - Please, miss. Don't come in.

Hello Dottie, darling. I'm so sorry, my darling.

What's the matter, mommy? Why are you talking like that?

What's the matter with her?

You see, Dorothy, my dear. She's not having an affair with the doctor.

There's an affair with Alec... He's obsessed with Moira.

He's just delivering your supplies, isn't he, Lady Savage?

And then it's up to you, isn't it, Mr. Wilson?

Quite an expert, after all these years.

Disgusting! You're disgusting, Wilson!

He had to, my darling.

He had to... It was the...

It was the what? - The pain.

She said it was the pain.

The pain.

If you see Frankie would you tell her that it is over between me and Moira...

No more errands, sorry.

Does Nicholson know about you two?

No, he can't. At least I don't think he can.

Where's she now? - She's in the house.

But Nicholson won't let me in, he's got a patient.

She's in the house with the doctor? - Yes.

All right. - Well, I'm coming too.

Where's Moira, Doctor? - You're the bloody chauffeur!

I'm not a chauffeur! - Where is she, Alec?

I have a patient here, in a very delicate state. This is the 1st time she's spoken in 3 months.

Any sudden noise, any noise at all, any shock, and all my work with her

will be absolutely wasted. So, just go away!! Go away now, please, very quietly now,

please. If you don't... - Don't loose your temper with me, Alec!

I'm not loosing my bloody temper!

Right. Come on.

Commander!

- Ah! The chauffeur detective. - I am not...

- You got to listen to this Peters. - I don't think so, sir.

I am in charge of this investigation now. If you care to follow me, please.

Ah, Miss Marple, just in time.

I'm now able to reveal that a substance of an highly alien and toxic nature

has been located in Mr. Evans' bloodstream. Deadly snake venom.

You'd like to make your mark, wouldn't you, young man?

For once, in your lonely cloistered life. Make a name for yourself?

I know! How about extracting the venom from a Malayan pit viper,

and poison an old flower lover.

Commander, you don't seem to realize... - Quiet, please, sir!

That would make a splash at the Old Bailey, wouldn't it?

The snake murderer of Castle Savage.

The black cap. The march to the scaffold.

You could join the gallery of famous murderers, couldn't you, sir?

Please, commander! Frankie! Miss Marple!

He didn't do it! Tell them, Tom. I know he didn't.

Who was it, then? Was it you, miss?

No, it wasn't me! - I know it wasn't.

It wasn't Tom either.

Because I happen to know that extracting the snake venom of a highly venomous sake

requires certain implements and professional expertise.

That's what we've been trying... - Will you let me please finish, thank you, sir!

Now...

one final question, young man.

How did you first come by this highly venomous snake? - It was a gift.

Who from, sir? - From Dr. Nicholson.

Well, that's what I was trying to...

I wasn't in the "Flying Squad" for 40 years for nothing, Miss Marple.

I can see that, Commander.

She can be in bloody Timbuktu, for all I know! - Where is she?

Oh, just go away!

God, Bobby!

Moira? Moira!

Moira, are you there? Where are you?

Mrs. Nicholson!

Alec Mathew Nicholson,

I'm arresting you on suspicion of murdering Claude Arthur Evans.

It can't be him! It wasn't him!

It wasn't...

Tom, I need to see the will. The one Mr. Carstairs gave you.

He said he'd come back, but he didn't.

Yes, I know. There's something wrong with it, isn't there?

That's why he told you to keep it.

Thank you, Tom.

Last will and test... - He changed it!

Left everything to a bloody orphanage, he hated children.

Why a bloody orphanage in China? - And the day before he died.

That's not his solicitor. Manning was his solicitor.

A Mr. Snape.

And the witnesses. G. Sparks, T. Wilkins? - Never heard of them.

Didn't want Dorothy and me witnessing anything, obviously.

That's why he sent us away. - To the Isle of Wight, wasn't it?

Could have asked Florrie. Why didn't they ask her?

Florrie? - The nursemaid. She could have witnessed it.

Florrie didn't go with you? - Had to stay here to give him his heart drugs.

He just wanted to lech over her. - Well, poor Florrie.

Lord Jack fired the gardeners while you away on the Isle of Wight.

You came home to new gardeners, Mr Sparks and Mr Wilkins, isn't that right?

Yes, that's right. - And Lord Jack already dead?

Yes. Now, I re... - One more question, Mr. Wilson, please.

How were you informed of your trip to the Wight hotel?

A scribbled note, as usual, saying that everything was arranged,

and to get everybody out of his sight. That's how he did things.

Not like his brother, Lord George.

I really don't recall. - Oh, I think you do.

They were different times, weren't they. What did she call them? A time of enchantment...

Of music, of laughter...

That's what George brought to her life, wasn't it?

When they married.

And then, brother Jack leaped in.

It is one of the great human mysteries.

Why are we so prepared to destroy all that is good and decent,

all for a pair of dark eyes?

Then the world intruded, didn't it, Lady Savage?

China. - China...

Jack...

Then the rules no longer applied.

You can't protect her now, Mr. Wilson, from the memories.

They're all coming back, aren't they, my dear?

You knew, didn't you? You knew Jack had his brother murdered.

But it was too much to bear, wasn't it?

You knew you'd lost the man who really loved you.

Knew it in your soul.

You thought you could forget, didn't you? - Forget...

So much to forget... - Please...

Is that why you couldn't love your children?

Because you couldn't forget. Because of the grief.

Is that why you could never be a real mother to them?

They're like... orphans, aren't they? - No, please!

Miss Marple, I beg you.

Your heart goes out to them, doesn't it, Wilson? To poor Tom and Dorothy.

Is it them? Is it, Wilson?

Or is it ...?

Oh! You're going? - Yes.

Well, I just wanted to say... - What?

She's gone now... out of my life.

Lucky you.

Can I help... - No, I'm fine, thank you.

Frankie...

What?

Wait for me.

There's just one thing I got to do first.

It's Sylvia's birthday, actually.

Tomorrow.

I feel like I got to go, really. After, you know, everything, she's gone through.

Then I'll be free.

And then we can be together.

Moira! Poor darling!

I had no idea about Alec. So dreadful!

Thank goodness for this young man.

Yes, thank goodness.

You're going away? - To France, yes.

But it's your birthday tomorrow! - I'd rather forget about it, anyway.

But you always do your birthday. - Oh, little face.

Don't worry about my life.

You've got your own back now, haven't you?

I hope so.

Just...

Well, wanted to thank you.

Ah, well... - Don't forget me.

Flat as well. - Both flat.

You were right about the doctor.

You did all the work. - We both did a little work.

Did you make up with Roger? - He's asked me to wait.

Wait? - 'til after Sylvia's birthday.

I wouldn't ask you to wait.

Wouldn't you?

Anyway, good luck! - Thanks.

Good luck with Moira. - Thanks.

What? - She mentioned it too.

Who? - Moira.

Mentioned what? - Sylvia's birthday.

Hello?

Who is that?

Moira, thank goodness! - Hello, darling.

We've come to celebrate.

But it's not my birthday 'til tomorrow!

Still don't know who we are, do you?

My God!

Please!

Mommy!

You left us for dead, you and dear uncle Jack. Does it all come back?

Hello, mommy.

We're Alice and Michael, darling. We've come home.

Michael was luckier than me. Found a nice English family, who've put him in a home.

But I was not so fortunate. Had to stay to entertain the soldiers.

You know what they made her do? Do you have any idea? Do you have any idea?

It's not quite what you're used to, I'm afraid.

This is mixed with snake venom.

The snake I got Alec to give Tom for his birthday.

Michael.

Wilson!

I heard every word, Miss Alice. Put it down, please!

Well, we're all here...

- Why didn't you go, I let you go? - I did mean it, Frankie. I do mean it.

- Everything I said, I, I re... - Oh, shut up, Michael!

She's a split second from the needle.

Put the gun down, Charles.

Well, that was a waste of time, wasn't it? Are we ready?

Then I'll begin. Michael.

Is that all you're going to do, dear? Just kill her?

Don't you want her to know how you did it?

How you've exquisitely planned this moment for so many years?

I'm sure, once the venom enters her bloodstream, she'll be in far too

much agony to take much of it in.

You seem to know all about it, Miss Marple.

I just observe, dear. - Perhaps you tell what you've observed

and I'll tell you if you're right?

Uh, would you mind putting the needle down?

Please, dear, the sight of a needle, it really makes quite giddy.

Still dread the dentist, always have, just a coward. If you wouldn’t mind.

Thank you so much.

Well... For a start, he had no idea, had he, Dr. Nicholson?

That he was passing on such fatal knowledge.

Men always like answering girl's questions, make them feel superior.

How the venom of the Malayan pit viper, for example, can replicate

the symptoms of a critical cardiac failure, isn't that what it's called?

Poor Jack.

He must have been beside himself, with joy, that evening,

when you dropped around saying that you'd changed your mind about his offer.

Jack.

Jack.

Poisoning Jack was, one can say, child's play to you.

But now, the real drama began.

Your next job was to disguise yourself, wasn't it, Roger?

Michael. - So sorry. Michael.

So good at mimicry and disguises.

I'm sure you were an excellent Mr. Trent, at the inquest about your "cousin",

Mr. Carstairs. You really should've been an actor.

And an excellent forger, too. At least of suicide notes.

And the note to Mr. Wilson,

telling him to take Lady Savage and her family to the Isle of Wight.

And the note to Florrie, the nursemaid, telling her to take the afternoon off,

and, by the way, would she call out the gardeners, before she went?

That is, the new gardeners, of course. The old ones had been fired, hadn't they?

They were needed to witness a will...

Lord Jack Savage's new will. Am I right so far?

Go on. - So, then a solicitor arrived,

not the usual solicitor, no. A new solicitor, a Mr. Snape.

Who let them in, I wonder? The solicitors and the new gardeners?

Well, it should have been Florrie, of course, because it was the one person left in the house,

but she'd been given the afternoon off, so...

clearly, a brand new nursemaid let them in.

And the reason why nobody who knew him could be there,

was because the Jack that Roger created

had just made a rather drastic change to his will.

Not that the new gardeners would've cared. Hadn't even bothered to wash their hands!

Jack's money was left to the Quang Ho Orphanage, in Changhai.

You won't see a penny, will you, Lady Savage?

But that's all right, isn't it? It's a small price to pay.

All his foul, filthy money.

I was happy he was leaving it to the little lost children of China.

I want all the children in all the world to have all the money.

I want... all the children... in all the world,

to smile.

And take away this pain. - You think that takes you off the hook?

You really think that your pathetic guilt...

Sorry, I hadn't quite finished. May I? The story?

The moment it all changes, what do they call it... the twist?

Go on! - Well, it was all getting so well, wasn't it?

You killed Jack, organised the money,

now all that was left was to prepare to this final moment.

And then, oh dear! Mr. Carstairs arrived.

Jack's old "compadre". You had not reckoned with him, had you?

I can't believe that any of you've taken this will seriously.

Sylvia, will you contest the will? You know as well as I do, Jack woul...

He knew something was wrong, travelled all the way from China to investigate.

And he wouldn't let it go, like a terrier, Mr. Carstairs. So many questions.

But I showed him the will.

I wouldn't get a penny. I told him I didn't care.

Give it to the orphanage.

Give it to the children.

But he did care.

He knew it was a forgery, because he knew Jack.

Oh, he was close, so very close. Then, he went on that last fatal journey.

But you never thought to ask why he was there, did you?

So, why was he there? - Looking for Evans, of course.

But Evans was here. - Yes, indeed, Claude Evans was here.

You killed him to frame him, poor man.

But there's another Evans, you see? You still don't know that, do you?

What other Evans? - He was so close...

He just couldn't answer that final question: Why? Why?

Why didn't they ask Evans?

Why didn't they ask Evans what? - To witness the will, of course.

Why to go through all that trouble of sacking and hiring and impersonating,

- When all they had to do was ask Evans? - What Evans? Who's this man Evans?

Ah, you see, now... that's the mistake.

It is, it is such an easy thing to do. Assuming that Evans was a man,

whereas all along it was a woman. A young woman.

A nursemaid, in fact.

Florrie Evans. - So why couldn't they ask her, Miss Marple?

Because, my dear, she would have recognised Roger instantly.

But they needed her there, she had to be there to discover Jack.

To witness the sudden onset of his so called illness.

Darling...

Do it.

Go on.

Do it, please!

No.

No. - I want to die. Do it, darling.

Or... I know...

Let me have. Give it to me.

I'll do it. Wilson and I, we'll do it.

Listen, Wilson, Wilson's very good. Plenty of practice.

For God's sake, get on with it, get it over with. Go on!

- Moira. - Alice! I'm Alice!

Tom, go! Do something!

Go on! Take the gun!

Tom!

I'm so sorry, Miss Alice.

What I still don't get is why was Carstairs looking for Evans here?

Oh, haven't I explained that bit? I'm so sorry.

Mrs. Roberts! - Oh, more cake, is it?

May one call you Florrie?

Florence, actually madam. Florrie was my last job.

When you were Evans? - That's right, it's correct, madam.

Nursemaid to Sir Jack Savage? - Yes. I was...

Not wishing to speak ill of the dead, randy bugger. If you take my meaning.

Oh, quite. - At least you're happy now?

Yes, indeed . Married to Mr. Roberts now.

Treats me like I'm royal princess Margaret, if you pardon my French.

That's all we can ask, isn't it? Someone who treats you right.

Like there's diamond on your souls.

Lady Derwent, what an honour!

Roberts, this is not the correct china. - Ah, it's not Roberts, mother.

It's Florence. - I beg your pardon?

Cliff walk, anyone?

Cue timings corrected. Wrong words, where possible, replaced with what was really said.

AVI movie file (733729948 bytes) a HDTV release of "Why didn't they ask Evans"

Original transcript unknown Tons of corrections, kerremelk