Original subtitles

There's a picture of Avril, Sir Julian.

Cough, please.

Again.

Again.

Oh, now, Sir Arthur, please.

This isn't the last act of "La boheme."

What's the verdict?

Guilty, I'm afraid, Lady Weyre.

Of what?

Well, we call it myocardial degeneration.

You mean I've got a weak heart?

Yes.

I hope that doesn't mean to say I've got to stop flirting.

Well, from what I hear,

your heart seems to stand up to that pretty well.

My advice to you is go slow.

But I can't.

Tell Julian at this moment I've got to take to a bath chair?

Well, I'm not interested in Sir Julian's career,

but in your health.

That's sweet of you.

But not very loyal to the party.

Well, the party needs you as well as him.

I want to preserve you for the party.

Oh, I don't like "preserve."

Oh.

It is kind of you to come.

I thought as you were coming to the garden party,

you might as well kill two birds with one stone.

I don't like "kill."

So I'm to go slow, am I?

You know, I don't think I will take

your very expensive advice at the moment.

You'll find it much more expensive if you don't.

If you don't take my advice, anyway, take this.

Well, I might, if I could read it.

Codolector.

You may find it soothing.

It's a French preparation, very popular in France.

And the French needs soothing so often, don't they?

I must hurry.

Lord Carnforth's in the chair.

He's my latest capture, I mustn't keep him waiting.

Capture?

I thought he was something to run away from.

Oh, but he's so influential.

And Julian's making a big speech on disarmament.

Huh, disarmament.

Julian went to Oxford.

He's got a weakness for lost causes.

Well, you'll find me in the garden,

listening to Lord Carnforth on his liver.

I was hoping he'd be coming here because I...

How do you do, Lady?

Excuse me.

Sir Julian was detained at the House.

Ah, Harding, how are you?

How's Avril?

Well, her heart isn't as good as it might be.

Then it's serious?

No, not if she takes life more easily and

doesn't get excited.

Just at this moment.

You will find me in the study.

I must take a look at my notes.

Right, sir.

Excuse me.

Oh, Herriot, I've given her some stuff to take.

See that she gets it, will you?

Oh, have I got to add that to my secretarial duties?

Ah, what have we here?

Enter Lord Carnforth, saluting the mob.

Well, I must be going.

Oh, no, you don't.

You're going to stay here and look after him.

I'm busy.

I'm not going to be saddled with that man's liver

unless I'm paid for it.

Well, I'll send you a guinea.

Hello, Harding.

Diagnosing the political situation?

Three guineas.

Nonsense.

That's a specialist fee.

Anybody'd know how to treat this case.

I'll let Sir Julian know you are here, sir.

Right.

What was he talking about?

Oh, just a boring case he wants me to take on.

Well, don't you do it.

People are always sponging on you fellows.

Yes.

Er, shall we go into the garden?

Good idea.

I wanted to get you alone for a minute.

Do you know, I've been having a lot of trouble

with my liver lately.

Carnforth's arrived, sir.

Oh?

Who's looking after him?

Is Jodie there?

I don't know, sir, I haven't seen her yet.

Hm, that's unusual.

Is that necessary?

You refused your consent.

Why can't you leave it at that?

That's enough.

Well, you brought it up.

We can't go into all that again now.

People are waiting.

Yes, but I can't.

I've waited long enough.

I can't work, I can't sleep.

I want Jodie.

Why can't I have her?

Because I don't want you as a son-in-Law.

Yes, and I'll tell you why you don't.

Because you still believe those disgraceful charges

against my father

and you're frightened of the bad publicity.

You can't go against the facts.

I've done my best for you.

I've made you my secretary.

Well, haven't I justified it?

But I won't have you as a member of the family,

do you hear?

Well, one day I'll convince you of the truth.

I know just how you feel about it,

but you must learn to control your temper.

Other people mightn't stand for it.

Well, I'm sorry.

I shall have to go at once after my speech.

5:15, St. Pancras?

Did you get your seat on the plane?

Yes, 5:45.

It's the last one for Paris.

So nice of you all to come.

Oh, good afternoon, Lady Weyre.

And such a hot day, too.

The balm is quite charming today, isn't it, dear?

Yes, isn't it?

I say, you never turned up last night.

Didn't I?

Hello, Julian.

We're all waiting for your speech.

I hope you don't send us to sleep.

Well, it's rather long.

I won't promise.

I saw Harding.

How are you, my dear?

I'm dead, but I refuse to lie down.

What did he say?

He made it six months closure with the option of a tonic.

Oh, that's too bad, Lady Weyre.

You will have to appeal.

Er, may I have a word with you, Sir Julian?

Ladies and gentlemen,

this speaker needs very little introduction from me.

He is, after all, your host

and I don't suppose that you are all

what our young people describe as gatecrashers.

Personally, I come of a fighting stock,

but I suppose disarmament's all very well

for people who don't.

Sir Julian Weyre.

Lord Carnforth, my lords, ladies, and gentlemen,

there is one gate that we all want to crash,

the gate to international peace and goodwill.

Hear, hear.

Any luck?

No, I had another row with him.

It's the same old story,

he's frightened of what people will say.

Oh, I see his point, too.

Alan, are you sure that your father was...

What do you mean?

Of course I'm sure.

You didn't know him.

He couldn't have done it, that's all there is to it.

Avril says...

Oh, Avril says whatever suits her book at the moment.

The only thing that is true

is that he went to prison for treason and died there.

Well, I know he was innocent.

And somebody else knows it, too.

Have you found out something?

Well, I'm not sure, but...

I warn you, it's not going to be pleasant

for certain people

and once I start, I'm not going to stop.

So if you wanted to clear yourself out, now is your chance.

Well?

You call that a fair question?

Good luck at Sheffield, Father.

Another speech like that tonight

and they'll make you Foreign Secretary.

Mm, I hope not.

I like my Geneva in a bottle.

Oh, tea, how lovely!

Tired, my dear?

No.

Avril wants to drive herself down to Aunt Phoebe's.

Do you think she ought, after what Sir Arthur said?

And she's right, my dear.

You've got to take care of yourself.

Why not let Lester take you down?

I can get myself to Winchester all right.

I got you to Westminster.

Well, wire me when you arrive.

Oh, don't be silly.

You'll miss your train, sir.

Oh.

All clear about Paris?

Yes, I'll receive your call this evening.

Good.

Goodbye, dear.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Bye, darling.

Boxall, get me a cab, will you?

Very good, sir.

- Bye. - Bye-bye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, dear.

Where shall you be staying, sir?

To Bristol.

Imperial Railways, Victoria.

I wish you a pleasant journey, sir.

Thank you.

I think Alan's much more sensible flying off to Paris.

Oh, Avril.

Mm?

I want to marry Alan.

That's impossible.

I've changed my mind.

Don't go to Victoria, go to Waterloo.

All right, sir.

Why shouldn't I marry Alan?

Emily, put out the white dress and be quick about it.

Thank you.

Guildford, please.

Return?

No, single.

Here, have you heard this one?

"She was only a bookmaker's daughter,

"but she came in with five to four."

You tell one, Mr. Robb.

That's enough of that talk!

And if there's any more of it, I'll close the bar.

Because a man keeps a licensed house,

he's not compelled to be immoral.

Effie!

Martin!

One, two, three.

Martin, you're a pain in the neck at making beds.

Auntie Flo says I make a pretty bed.

Your Aunt Flo never did have high standards.

I dunno.

Uncle Bert is a copper.

Yes, and the only stripes he got was on his pajamas.

Effie, don't you wish we was married

and this was our bed we're making?

I'd take good care you didn't make any beds I slept in.

Oh, all right.

Don't keep pulling that!

Oh, you!

That'll do!

None of that Babylon and Nineveh here.

I don't pay girls for your amusement.

We was only making the bed.

You libertine!

It's a difficult bed to make, Mr. Robb.

Jezebel!

There's nothing wrong with the bed.

It belonged to my grandmother.

You don't say.

And her grandfather bought it at a sale.

Sale!

And long before that, Queen Elizabeth slept in it.

Takes you back, doesn't it?

So clear out, you.

Just because a man keeps a licensed house...

"He ain't compelled to be immoral."

Here, Effie.

Those folks that telephoned.

Did they give their names?

No.

Aye...

Sounds Babylon and Nineveh to me.

Aye.

That's enough.

Get on with your job.

Doesn't pay.

Oh, no, nothing's wrong.

It doesn't pay, I told you.

In the kitchen, you.

Good evening, ma'am.

This way, ma'am.

Oh, leave the big one

and the briefcase down here, will you?

Right, sir.

You don't seem very good at that, do you?

Oh, don't trouble with her, sir.

You'll leave on Saturday.

Well, I only came on Monday.

Martin.

Show the gentleman where to put his car.

Thank you.

Is there anything I can do, sir?

Yes, you can hang these up.

And will you sign the register, sir?

Er, no, my wife will do that.

Is this the kitchen?

Will I show you to your room, ma'am?

I'll wait until my husband comes.

Maybe you wouldn't mind signing the register.

Oh, my husband will do that.

Just a matter of regulations, ma'am.

You can sign for both.

Come on, sir.

Right, sir, right.

Carry on, sir.

Plenty of room for your motor.

In you row, sir.

Get it on, right off.

Man makes regulations

and regulations are made for man,

so regulations must be observed by man.

Yes.

You can fool some of the people some of the time, can't you?

Ah.

Yeah, thank you, ma'am.

I'm taking your case up.

Always better to back the car in,

then you gets her out easier, see?

Oh, really?

Do you lock the shed up?

No, we never locked anything up in these parts.

Except old Robb.

He'd lock up his bacon to keep it from getting at his eggs.

Is there anything you wish,

Mrs. Spencer Maxwell Richardson?

I'll ring when I want you.

Yes, Mrs. Spencer Maxwell Richardson.

You seem to be having a rough time, don't you?

Not at all, Mr. Spencer Maxwell Richardson.

Is there anything you require, Mr. Spencer Max...

Yes, I want a large whiskey and soda.

I'm not allowed in the bar.

Funny, isn't it?

Mr. Robb!

There's no call for shouting.

Gentleman requires whiskey and soda.

Double, Mr. Robb.

Just one moment, sir.

Just a child of nature.

Then nature should be sterilized.

You left your medicine in the car,

Mrs. Spencer Maxwell Richardson.

I'm sorry about the name.

But people called Richardson do get married, don't they?

Your room's on the right, sir, at the top of the stairs.

Thank you.

Oh, by the way, is this, er...

Is this a private room?

Residents only, sir.

You won't be disturbed.

It's my sanctum "santimonium."

It's very old world.

Isn't it?

Dates back to Charles II, ma'am.

Not that his reputation did the place any good.

Defiance!

I'll close the bar!

Time, gentlemen, please.

And you.

You'll leave tomorrow.

You said Saturday.

Tomorrow!

Well, he's closed his bar, all right,

and half an hour early, too.

Then there's something to be said for him.

Somebody might come in, you know.

We're man and wife.

Well, behave like it.

Very good, Mr. Herriot.

Richardson.

Then behave like a Richardson.

I'm going to my room.

Goodnight...

Come on, Bob.

- Goodnight, Mr. Thompson. - So long, Effie.

Hello.

We seem fated to meet, don't we?

I was just going to bed.

What, in here?

It's on my way.

Well, pleasant dreams.

Thanks.

I do have some pretty good ones.

Do you like music?

We always keep it at the same station,

so it's all ready when you turn the knobs.

Nice, isn't it?

Hmm.

I prefer dance music.

It makes me feel happy.

Don't get much dancing here, though.

It's ever so nice in Southampton.

Do you like dancing?

Well, it depends on what your partner's been having.

Effie!

Bed.

Yes, Mr. Robb.

Goodnight, sir.

Goodnight.

Don't be allured by that girl, sir.

She's the worst Cleopatra in the village.

Oh, thanks for the warning.

I'm a moral man myself, sir.

No man can point the finger of scorn at me.

No, no, I should imagine not.

I hope it's the same with you, sir.

You don't want this on, do you?

No.

These modern girls will do anything

to create the right atmosphere for their tricks.

Are you going up now, sir?

Shortly, yes.

Then I'll say goodnight.

Does, er...

Does Mrs. Richardson morning?

I don't know.

I don't know whether she'll want any tomorrow morning.

I'll have a cup sent up in case.

Thank you.

If you want the lights, the switch is here.

Yes, it'll be getting dark soon

There is no darkness for the righteous.

Don't you find it hard on the eyes?

Those whose bellies are laden with sin and laughter

cannot hunger after salvation.

You do take risks, don't you?

Why say that?

Well I'm hardly the first of your little affairs, am I?

Alan, darling.

Supposing somebody gave you away to Julian?

I get loyalty.

Supposing somebody chose just this moment,

when Julian is in the running for Cabinet Minister.

Alan, really...

Supposing other people were to find out about it

and Julian had to divorce you.

What's the point of all this?

I'll tell you.

I want the truth about my father.

You knew him very well, didn't you?

Yes.

You were at that house party, weren't you?

Who told you that?

Oh, I've been finding things out.

I want every detail of the events

that led up to his conviction,

as they were known to you.

Alan, is this the time to sit around and talk scandal?

I've chosen the time and the place very carefully.

You mean you came here to force me

to tell you about your father?

Yes.

I see.

Well, you can't make a fool of me as easily as that.

I shall leave the place at once.

No, no, you won't.

Go out of my room or I'll call the landlord.

Very well, as you won't be reasonable.

And when Jesuits come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it

and she painted her face and tired her head

and looked out of the window...

You don't seem to realize

you're in a very compromising position.

There's the entry in the register in your handwriting.

You've told Julian you were going to your sister's.

What would happen if I told Robb whom you really are?

What do you think I know about your father

that could help you?

He always believed that if you'd chosen,

you could have cleared him.

Yes, but it's so long ago, now.

What does it matter?

Well, for one thing,

it matters enough for Julian to stop me marrying Jodie.

And you want me to persuade him to allow the marriage?

Well, if that's all you want, it might be easy enough.

I'll talk to Julian.

No, Avril, that won't do.

What do you mean?

I want the truth and I want it written down.

Yes, but what's the point?

Why write things?

Don't you trust me?

If you don't write that letter,

I'm going to Julian in the morning.

Alan, darling, I love you.

I came here because I'd risk anything for you.

Yes, you're playing for time, aren't you?

You write that letter at once,

Kiss me.

Well, you want to do as you're told.

Go on, write it.

Can I have my pen?

It's in my bag.

Who's going to see this?

Well, there are only about three people left

who really matter.

And they'll all keep their mouths shut.

Alan, if I can persuade Julian

to allow you to marry Jodie,

will you promise not to show him the letter?

All right, I promise then.

Hello?

Hotel Bristol.

He has not arrived.

Not arrived?

Are you sure?

I have spoken to Monsieur Director

He went to meet the airplane,

but Mr. Herriot was not on board.

You see?

I've done what you wanted.

Thank you.

Don't I mean anything to you?

Oh, Alan, darling, I want you.

You!

Oh, don't you see?

Marry that little fool if you want,

but you do care for me a little, don't you?

Don't you?

No.

Come on, give me that letter.

You mean you agreed to come away with me...

Yes.

With no feelings for me whatever?

No, none whatever.

You fool!

Oh, no, you don't get it now!

Now the whole world knows we've been here.

Go on, get out of here.

Avril, be quiet.

I'll not be quiet!

Have you married to Julian's daughter?

Why, you're no better than your father.

He was a traitor, you're just a rotten blackmailer!

Go on, get out of here before I shout the place down!

All right, then, shout the place down!

O, Adam...

Oh, shut that radio off!

This is the national program from London.

Before starting our program of dance music,

there is an important S.O.S.

Will the gentleman traveling with a lady,

red four-seater sports car,

who called at Hayward's Pharmacy,

High Street Fountain, Surrey,

at approximately 7:30 this evening

to have a bottle of medicine made up

kindly communicate at once with the chemist,

as it is feared that an error has been made

and that the bottle contains poison.

I will repeat that.

Will the gentleman traveling with a lady

in a red four-seater sports car,

who called at Hayward's Pharmacy,

High Street Fountain, Surrey

at approximately 7:30 this evening...

Contains poison.

Avril!

Don't panic, this wasn't your fault.

Get out of here as quick as you can.

There's nothing you can do by staying.

You're supposed to be in Paris.

Get there and prove your alibi.

You can easily do it if you catch the night boat.

Take the car, you can make Southampton in 20 minutes.

You're forgetting what you came for.

Get the letter.

You'd better leave it.

Get away, that's the main thing.

Not forgetting the bottle.

It's a certain clue if they find that.

You must catch that boat.

Ashtrays, hurry up.

And how are the distinguished strangers this morning?

You mind your own business.

Well off, I should say.

And stop saying it.

Here, you.

What's this?

I'm sorry, Mr. Robb, there won't be any milk this morning.

That cow's given milk every morning regular

for the past seven years.

You don't say.

And had a calf every year into the bargain.

Poor sort of a bargain.

You can't sew, you can't milk,

you drop everything you handle.

What are you good for, lassie?

I can't imagine why you keep me on, Mr. Robb.

I'm awful fond of you, Effie.

You don't say.

I do.

Tell you what, Effie,

I'll give you a regular treat Thursday.

I'll take you around the marketplace at Ridley

and an ice cream soda.

And what about the pictures afterwards?

It'll cost you an awful lot of money.

I'm saving six bob for the day and I'll blow the lot.

Whatcha say, will you come?

No.

Funny thing, Mr. Robb.

There weren't no shoes to clean from the Richardsons.

Eh?

Oh, they forgot to put them out.

I am afraid there's no doubt it's Her Ladyship, sir.

Very strange, sir.

She was at an inn in the New Forest

They didn't know who it was

'til they found a visiting card in Her Ladyship's bag, sir.

Was Mr. Herriot...

Oh, he's in Paris.

Get him on the phone.

Yes, sir.

Does Miss Jodie know?

No, sir.

She's out riding, sir.

She'll be back quite soon.

Yes?

Sir Julian says you're to come back at once, sir.

I'm afraid I can't say, sir.

You're to get on the first airplane

and we'll meet you at Croydon, sir.

Thanks very much.

Mr. Herriot's coming on the next airplane, sir.

'Morning, Julian.

Oh, Harding, I've been trying to get a hold of you.

I want you to come down to the country with me at once.

Oho, what about my appointments, I...

Well, cancel them.

What?

It's urgent.

Avril.

What's happened?

Oh, Jodie, please don't ask me now.

Listen, Alan's coming back on the morning plane.

Lester will take you down to Croydon to meet him.

I want you both to come to the forest in Lyndhampton,

in the New Forest.

The forest in Lyndhampton.

But...

Harding, we must go.

Uh-huh.

Come as quickly as you can, my dear, I'll need you both.

But Father...

Harding, we'll call at your place on the way

and pick up what's...

So it was suicide?

No, no, no.

Then it was murder!

No, no, man, heart failure.

What's this, Inspector?

We must take the body away.

Oh, yes, must remove the body.

But the husband's on his way.

Then we'll wait.

Ah, hmm, better wait, then.

Wait on your car.

Now, listen, Mr. Marsh,

I want to get to the bottom of this.

Now, women like that don't die in my house for nothing.

Ah, but the doc here certifies heart failure.

Oh, heart failure, all right.

But there's got to be an inquest.

I want the good name of my house cleared.

An investigation of some sort, assuredly, yes.

Suspicious circumstances.

Circumstances are suspicious, of course.

Wrong names in the register.

Neither of them had any business here.

I got that all here.

A bottle of medicine, name of chemist on bottle

identical with name of last night's broadcast,

making prima facie evidence that it contains poison.

Said bottle now being examined by dispenser of same

to confirm suspicion or the reverse.

Yes, but the bottle hadn't been opened.

That may be, but the circumstances remain suspicious.

Oh, suspicious, of course.

Furthermore, it has since been established

that high words took place between the body

and another party.

The other party makes off

and the bottle is found in the body's hand.

So that's got to be an inquest.

An investigation of some sort.

Oh, yes, an investigation undoubtedly is called for.

Go through here, I suppose.

That'll be Sir Julian.

Sir Julian Weir?

Yes.

Oh, you have my sympathy, Sir Julian.

Thank you.

But there's been queer goings-on here,

so for the good name of my house,

I must formally demand that an inquest be held.

Am I in the right, Inspector?

The doc here certifies heart failure.

Certainly, arteriosclerosis.

Yes, that's right.

Probably accelerated by undue alcoholism.

Hmm.

Is, er, is that your diagnosis?

Undoubtedly.

This is Sir Arthur Harding,

who has been attending Lady Weyre.

Sir Arthur Harding, I...

How do you do?

I've been reading your articles in The Lancet, Sir Arthur.

Oh, thanks.

That's still your diagnosis?

Er, well, er...

Well, as you've been attending Lady Weyre, of course...

Yes.

May I see my wife?

Oh, this way, Sir Julian.

Oh, no, I think it would be best if Doctor...

Rudd.

Yes, if Dr. Rudd alone came with.

Er, certainly, yes.

There's going to be an inquest.

That's for the authority to say.

I shall, of course, pursue my inquiries.

There is but one authority.

The still, small voice of conscience.

Alan, it's terrible.

Avril's disappeared.

Where can she be?

Alan, it's terrible.

Avril's dead.

She went to some inn last night.

With a man, but we don't know who.

Alan, it's terrible.

Avril's been found dead at some inn.

There was a man with her.

Do you know anything about it?

Alan!

We know all about it.

What were you doing there with Avril?

Hello, Lester.

Good morning, sir.

Lester, what's happened?

Don't know exactly, sir.

It's something to do with Her Ladyship.

Oh, don't you know anything?

Alan.

Jodie, darling.

I missed you at the entrance.

Well, what are you doing here?

What's wrong?

I'm so glad you're here.

Something's happened to Avril.

Yes, I know, Lester told me.

But what?

I don't know.

We've got to go down to New Forest at once.

I'll drive, Lester.

But why?

Why the New Forest?

I can't go down there now, I've got things to see to.

Father told me to meet you and take you straight down.

By the way, Alan, where were you last night?

I phoned the Bristol and they said you hadn't arrived.

Oh, they probably got the name wrong.

Oh, no, they said they'd met the plane at the Beauvais,

but you weren't on it.

Well, as a matter of fact, I got held up at the customs.

I missed the hotel bus and took a taxi.

Oh, I see.

If you agree.

Oh, undoubtedly, Sir Arthur.

Well, Julian, as to be expected.

Of course, I confirmed Sir Arthur's opinion.

Arterio...

No, myocardial degeneration

Better put down heart failure, Inspector.

From a medical point of view,

there's no call for an inquest.

Oh, none whatever.

What, no inquiry of any sort?

Not from our point of view.

No, not at all.

Well, where is the innkeeper?

Oh, Robb?

Well, in fact, he's about the place somewhere.

Oi, you!

Yes?

Come here a minute, will you?

Half a mo'.

Where's Mr. Robb?

Gone out in the car.

Where's he gone to?

Ridley.

Where's that?

Oh, it's our market town, two miles off, sir.

What's he gone there for?

Well, he said there's got to be an inquest,

so he was going to see there was one.

Ah, he's gone to see the coroner.

Tiresome fellow.

Yes.

Why didn't you tell me he was going?

You didn't ask.

Hardy, we must stop this.

An inquiry at the moment will be very unfortunate.

Well, the formality of identification is complete.

Sir Julian must learn the position.

But you've got to know sooner or later.

Lady Weyre had a man with her.

If you'll take a look at this here register,

you will see the name of Spencer Maxwell Richardson

written, I believe, by Lady Weyre.

Yes.

Well, that wasn't her name,

so I don't suppose 'twas his.

Go on.

There was, in Lady Weyre's possession,

a bottle of medicine incorrectly dispensed

and now alleged to contain poison.

Why didn't you tell me this?

Well, the bottle was in Lady Weyre's hand

at the time of her death.

Hm.

But you can eliminate it as the cause of death.

It had never been opened.

It appears that Lady Weyre had words with her companion.

Do you think that there was a scene

that upset my wife and brought on the fatal attack?

Precisely.

Well, that's as good as murder.

Not in the law, sir.

But there are good grounds for investigation of some sort.

Harding, get away to Ridley.

Find the coroner and stop this man Robb's mischief.

I won't have a public inquiry.

Of course, I understand.

Could I, Sir Arthur...

Oh, right.

Yes, of course you could.

You know the coroner?

Oh, very well, he's a first rate man.

Yes, of course, good.

Well, now you're clear, you understand Sir Julian's name

mustn't be brought into this.

Oh, quite, quite.

Very presumptuous of Mr. Robb, I think.

Disgusting behavior.

You needn't think that I shall leave things

as they are, Inspector.

Death may have been due to heart failure,

but I shall get at the truth,

privately, my own way, you understand.

What time did she leave home?

Well, I left at five o'clock

and her intention was to leave a few minutes later.

Ah.

Arrived here about nine.

Mr. Robb's gone to Ridley.

Well, you told us that just now.

Father!

What's happened?

Jodie, thank God you've both come.

Inspector Marsh, this is my daughter Jodie.

Mr. Herriot, my secretary.

- How do you do? - How do, miss?

- Hello, sir. - Hello, sir.

Jodie, my dear, I'm afraid I've got bad news for you.

- Avril spent the night here... - Here.

You here, what's your name?

Martin, Martin what's your name?

Smith.

Smith.

You can show me round the yard, will you?

Just take a look outside, sir.

Alan, Avril came here with a man last night.

They quarreled

and this morning he was gone and she was found dead.

Oh, that's terrible.

Well, there's no question of murder,

but circumstances may call for an inquest.

Yes, I suppose there is bound to be an inquest

when there's a question of poison.

I never said anything about poison.

You said it wasn't murder,

so I naturally assumed it was suicide.

Oh, no, no.

Avril died of heart failure.

But it's odd that you should mention poison,

because a bottle of medicine was found in her hand,

which had been wrongly dispensed.

It did contain poison, but it had never been opened.

Oh, I see.

Do you understand why I want to prevent

a public inquiry at all costs?

Avril's good name, my own.

Oh, yes, of course.

Whatever happens, we've got to prevent an inquest.

But you can't let Avril die and doubt who it was.

If you'll excuse me, sir,

I think I'll have a word with the inspector.

Just a moment, Inspector.

Tell me, what makes you think that

this is a matter for the police?

Well...

What grounds have you got for suspecting

that the cause of death was not natural?

Have a cigarette?

You know, Sir Julian's a very important and influential man

and a public inquiry just at the moment

might cause him considerable embarrassment.

Not only that, of course,

he's in the position to make it very uncomfortable

for anybody...

Excuse me a moment, sir.

Excuse me a moment, sir.

Yes?

How did Lady Weyre get here last night?

She left home in her car,

so I suppose she came here in it.

Hey, where is it now?

Oi!

Is there something you require?

The deceased party come here in a car last night.

Correct.

Well, where is it?

Well, it was here last night,

but it wasn't here this morning.

Now, why didn't you tell me?

You didn't ask.

Come here.

Now, Effie Sellers, can you give an exact description

of the party what come here last night with Her Ladyship?

Yes.

Well...

He was a rather short, stout gentleman,

if I remember correct.

Bald, with red sort of carroty hair and,

and big black bushy eyebrows.

Bald, red hair, black eyebrows?

What are you talking about?

Well, of course, that's only how he seemed to me.

Oh, and he had funny sort of green staring eyes

and large tortoise shell spectacles and...

Oh, and a monocle.

Here, that's enough, that's enough.

Spectacles and a monocle.

Nice thing if she had to go into a witness box.

What is the registration number

of Her Ladyship's car, sir?

Oh, Alan, you look after that sort of thing.

Well, I'm not exactly sure, sir, it's P-T-X...

I remember.

P-T-X-5-7-3.

Well, perhaps you were to describe the car

over the phone for me, sir.

Here, I'll go.

Where's this telephone?

Ah, this'll be it, Sir Julian.

Drat these brooms.

Excuse me, but the telephone's that way, in the bar.

Well, why didn't you say so, then?

You didn't ask.

This way, Sir Julian.

Alan.

What's the matter?

Nothing is the matter.

Martin!

Put him away.

I'll not need him again today.

There's another lady and gentleman arrived.

Huh?

And they say it never rains but it pours.

And the Inspector's in the bar.

What?

In the bar between hours?

Well, what are we waiting here for?

We can't do anything.

Why don't we go back to London?

Hello.

Hello.

Mr. Marsh.

Not in the bar, please, between hours.

Well, you shouldn't keep your telephone there.

Jodie, let's go and get Avril's things.

Which is her room?

Upstairs.

Excuse me, Sir Julian,

I'd like a word with you in private.

You must speak to my secretary.

Herriot.

Come on.

Which way?

This way.

How do you know that's the way?

Herriot!

Come on, quick.

Herriot.

Herriot!

Don't answer.

Alan.

It was you.

Yes.

Have you seen Mr. Herriot?

Mr. Herriot?

Stop dithering, lassie.

Come on, where is he?

Where is he?

Oh, you mean the chauffeur.

I'll go and get him.

Darling, don't cry.

You must, you've got to believe me.

About this inquest, Sir Julian...

Yes, we can leave that for a bit.

Can you give Sir Julian and me an exact description

of the party what come here last night with Her Ladyship?

What, Richardson?

So-called.

He was tall, dark haired,

about 30 years of age.

He come in here with Her Ladyship

and called loudly for a large whiskey and soda.

He was an offhand sort of young fellow,

like a lot of these modern young pups.

You must get away at once.

Yes, it's that innkeeper.

He's bound to recognize me.

If only we could get to the car and drive off,

we might think of some excuse later.

What about this and the other little matter, Sir Julian...

Yes, that'll still keep.

Perhaps you can give us a little further help.

Her Ladyship come here last night in a car.

Where is it?

In the shed.

No, it isn't.

What?

I'll take a look outside.

I'll see if they're still downstairs.

What are you doing here?

We thought we'd better collect some of Avril's things.

Well, you don't seem to have done much.

No.

No, on second thoughts,

we were afraid the police might object.

You had no other reason?

No.

Well, leave me alone, please.

Get your coat.

All right, Lester, start the car.

Right away, sir.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

Come on.

Here, what's all this?

Lester.

Yes, sir?

Wasn't that Miss Jodie and Mr. Herriot?

Yes, sir.

Well, what on earth...

I found this in the car shed, sir.

Get me a call to Paris at once.

Fire, eh?

Good idea.

It may have a good effect upon Julian.

Psychologically.

What am I going to say to him?

Oh, Jodie, for goodness sake, say something.

You haven't spoken since we left the pub.

What do you expect me to say?

Tell you how clever you've been?

No, but I did expect for a little understanding or

sympathy.

You expect my sympathy?

You go away alone for the night with Avril.

You take advantage of her infatuation.

You have a violent scene after which you find her dead.

And what do you do?

You run away.

Oh, Jodie...

You expose yourself to the suspicion of

seduction, blackmail, and...

Well, that's what it amounts to, doesn't it?

Listen, do you realize how it's been

not knowing the truth?

Avril knew the truth, I'm convinced.

And I so nearly got it out of her.

You needn't have chosen that way.

I chose the way she showed me.

Good evening, Sir Julian.

I hope you understood why we came up, sir.

Quite.

Boxall.

- Yes, sir. - I shan't dress.

Tell them to serve dinner at once.

Very good, sir.

No, thank you.

White wine, sir?

Sir Julian, on the phone.

You're required on the telephone, sir.

Oh, thank you.

Don't wait, serve the meat.

Take the plates, Boxall.

No, thanks, I won't have anymore.

I think I'll go upstairs.

It's nothing, it's,

it's my headache, so...

I'll get you something.

No, don't bother, Father, please.

Boxall, take away the food and leave us alone.

Come along, my dear.

Clear the plates.

Do you require your plate, sir?

No.

You'll take whiskey, sir?

Please.

That will do, thank you.

Port?

Oh, you've got whiskey.

Well, perhaps you're right.

You get anything done in Paris?

No, I canceled all my engagements when I got your message.

You didn't see anybody yesterday?

No, I had an early night.

I wanted to be fresh for this morning.

Oh, what time did you get there?

Oh, the usual time.

Plane was up to schedule.

And you missed the hotel car?

Yes.

Why, did Jodie tell you?

Jodie?

No, why?

What does she know?

Well, as a matter of fact, she telephoned me last night

and the fool of a hotel clerk said I wasn't in.

Ah, did he?

Aren't you going to smoke, sir?

No, thanks.

So you took a taxi to the Bristol?

Yes.

And had a late dinner at the hotel?

Yes, I thought that...

And what do they charge for dinner there nowadays?

Oh, I don't know, I've forgotten.

Oh, it doesn't matter.

I only asked as a matter of interest.

You can give me the hotel bill.

Can't you?

Well, as a matter of fact, I didn't dine in the hotel.

I went out.

But you just said that you did.

Yes, I know I did, I...

I didn't tell you I went out.

I thought you might misunderstand

and think I'd been out all night.

Oh.

Where did you go?

Oh, one of those little places in the Rue Saint-Germain.

Oh, I didn't know there were any little places

in the Rue Saint-Germain.

Why are you asking all these questions?

I'm sorry if it, er, embarrasses you.

You ask me one.

Go on.

All right.

What was that telephone call?

Have they found anything?

Yes.

They've discovered Avril's car,

abandoned near Southampton Docks.

Southampton?

So it looks as if the man who was with Avril went abroad.

Last night.

Oh, I'm sorry, I'll mop it up.

Here, use this.

Thank you.

That's one of mine.

Yes.

Inspector Marsh found it in the shed,

where Avril presumably left her car.

Of course, you were talking to the inspector in the yard.

You probably dropped it then.

Yes, I suppose I must have done.

Look, you dropped it now.

Yes.

Well, you know that Inspector Marsh found a bottle

in Avril's hand,

which she was holding when she died?

Yes.

And you know they broadcast last night

saying that the prescription was wrongly dispensed

and contained poison?

Yes.

Well, it turns out the bottle in Avril's hand wasn't

the one bought from the chemist at King Fountain at all.

It was just salve lat-terly.

What do you mean?

It was just salve-lat-terly, I say.

Most extraordinary coincidence.

As a matter of fact, Marsh let me bring it away with me.

I wanted to show it to you.

And it's just as well he did, because, er,

I've given it to Jodie for her headache.

You what?

What's the matter?

Where are you going?

You've given her poison!

The bottle in Avril's hand

was the bottle she bought at the chemist's shop.

But I've just told you it wasn't.

But I know it was!

How do you know?

Because I was with her when she got it

and I saw it in her hand afterwards!

Of course it was the bottle.

The police have still got it.

And do you really think I'm going to

let the matter rest here?

I'll have the whole filthy story published

in every paper in the country.

I'll make it so hot

that you won't dare show your face in it again.

Yes, I fell for that pretty easily, didn't I?

But Father, Avril wrote the letter.

She wrote it, I tell you.

I don't believe it.

Where is it?

We don't know.

It's no use, Jodie, he's just rotten

and that's all there is to it.

It's not all there is to it.

If you don't believe him, I do.

I don't think you will once I finish with him.

Show them in.

Very good, sir.

And fetch Mr. Herriot.

This is the first step.

You may regret it.

I think not.

If any letters come for me, that's where I'll...

Excuse me, Mr. Alan.

Sir Julian requires you in the study.

That's him.

That's Richardson.

You sent for me, sir.

Do you identify this man

as having visited your inn the night before last?

I do.

He's your man, right enough.

And you, Mister...

Martin Smith, sir.

Yes, sir, that's the gentleman, sir.

Can Effie and I get along home now, sir?

You speak for yourself.

And you, Miss...

Sellers is the name, sir.

Do you recognize this man?

Oh, yes, sir.

Mr. Robb.

Why didn't you know him yesterday?

I don't think I see very well.

I want to know that I've decided

to give every felicity for the

fullest investigation of this case.

Well, I must say, Sir Julian,

this is all a bit of a volte-face.

Not that I blame you, because I've had one, too.

I've been thinking

and I don't see that an inquiry is gonna do my hotel

any more good than Charles II did.

You understand, Inspector?

I want a thorough investigation

into every aspect of the case.

And now, I presume Mr. Herriot may go.

As you don't believe my story,

you obviously won't believe how

deeply sorry I am for what's happened.

Kindly leave the house.

No doubt the police will get in touch with you.

Keep out of this, Jodie.

Yes, your father's right.

I don't want sympathy, I want justice.

But the letter!

Surely you'll have a proper search made for it.

Alan, don't go.

Inspector Marsh,

Mr. Herriot alleges that Lady Weyre wrote a letter

before she died, which is now missing.

Did you find the letter when you were called to the inn?

No, sir.

You, Mr. Robb?

No correspondence, not of any description whatsoever.

What is it, lassie?

What's the matter?

- Excuse me, but if Mr. - Herriot's name is Alan

and he's looking for a letter,

I've got.

It seemed rather personal to have written to a gentleman,

so I thought I'd give it to the gentleman personal,

soon as I found out who the gentleman was.

I thought it must be for you,

but I didn't have a chance to ask.

Yes, thank you, it is for me.

Give me that letter.

No, it's got nothing to do with the case.

Give it to me!

So it was Avril.

Avril.

Your father went to prison and it was Avril.

You realize what you've done?

The beautiful, fascinating Avril.

She watched Alan's father go to prison

and when Alan wanted to marry me, you said he wasn't fit to.

And all the time you were being fooled.

Fooled and deceived by your own wife.

And you didn't know.

I did know!

I knew when it was too late.

I realized that even then I should have spoken,

though it would have meant the end of my career.

But I couldn't denounce my own wife

and your father was dead.

I did what I could, I made you my secretary.

I meant to assure you of a brilliant future.

Here you are.