1 00:00:34,120 --> 00:00:36,111 (Snoring) 2 00:00:39,760 --> 00:00:41,751 (Clock ticking) 3 00:01:06,560 --> 00:01:08,551 (Laughter) 4 00:01:11,080 --> 00:01:15,153 George! My dear old chap! 5 00:01:15,200 --> 00:01:17,839 Oh, good to see you. I say, I'm not late, am I? 6 00:01:17,880 --> 00:01:20,348 Wimsey, what makes you want to belong to this morgue? 7 00:01:20,400 --> 00:01:24,632 Morgue? Oh, I wouldn't call it that. Funeral parlour, to say the very least. 8 00:01:24,680 --> 00:01:27,114 I mean, look at the marble. Look at the furnishings. 9 00:01:27,160 --> 00:01:30,755 Look at the palm, and that chaste bronze nude in the corner. 10 00:01:30,800 --> 00:01:34,679 - Yes, and look at the corpses. - (Chuckles) Dry martini? 11 00:01:34,720 --> 00:01:37,632 - Thank you. Yes. - Evening, Fred. Two dry martinis, please. 12 00:01:37,680 --> 00:01:40,797 Look at that one. He's been snoring away ever since I arrived. 13 00:01:40,840 --> 00:01:43,035 Earl Ormsby? Oh, bless him. 14 00:01:43,080 --> 00:01:46,117 Do you know, I don't believe I've seen him awake for six months. 15 00:01:46,160 --> 00:01:50,995 A particularly relaxing chair, that one, George. You ought to try it sometime. 16 00:01:51,040 --> 00:01:54,112 I come once a year on Armistice Day for Colonel Marchbanks' party, 17 00:01:54,160 --> 00:01:55,957 and that's quite enough. 18 00:01:56,000 --> 00:01:59,197 Besides, I haven't the money to belong to a place like this. 19 00:01:59,240 --> 00:02:01,390 Mmm. Well, your grandfather belongs. 20 00:02:01,440 --> 00:02:05,433 That's different. My revered grandpa hasn't anyone else to go to. 21 00:02:05,480 --> 00:02:08,358 Oh, the Bellona Club - it's company to him. 22 00:02:08,400 --> 00:02:10,470 Warmth and conversation. 23 00:02:10,520 --> 00:02:15,071 He dodders in here at ten every day, collects the morning post in the armchair nearest the fire, 24 00:02:15,120 --> 00:02:18,590 and becomes a part of the furniture till the evening. 25 00:02:18,640 --> 00:02:22,030 But I'm a married man, as you know, Peter. 26 00:02:22,080 --> 00:02:25,390 Comic figure - the married man kept by his wife. 27 00:02:25,440 --> 00:02:30,070 We all have to be kept by somebody, you know. Better one's wife than a person of low character. 28 00:02:30,120 --> 00:02:33,590 Anyway, I wouldn't want to belong to a morgue like this. Look at it. 29 00:02:33,640 --> 00:02:36,996 Corpses everywhere. Do you know what it reminds me of? 30 00:02:37,040 --> 00:02:41,431 That old joke in Punch. "Waiter, take away Lord Whatshisname. He's been dead two days." 31 00:02:41,480 --> 00:02:44,631 Huh? Everyone dead, and nobody notices. 32 00:02:47,080 --> 00:02:49,674 Huh. I'm talking too much, am I? 33 00:02:49,720 --> 00:02:51,915 Too much and too loud. 34 00:02:51,960 --> 00:02:53,996 I don't know why I come to this damn dinner. 35 00:02:54,040 --> 00:02:57,669 Ah, all this Remembrance Day business gets on your nerves, don't it? 36 00:02:57,720 --> 00:03:01,429 It's my belief that most people would chuck all these community hysterics, 37 00:03:01,480 --> 00:03:04,597 if only the beastly newspapers didn't run it for all it's worth. 38 00:03:04,640 --> 00:03:06,915 However, it don't do to say so. 39 00:03:06,960 --> 00:03:09,428 They'd hoof me out. Bung-ho. 40 00:03:10,480 --> 00:03:13,040 I don't want to be reminded of the war. 41 00:03:13,080 --> 00:03:14,957 I wish it had done for me. 42 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:17,673 Nerves all to pieces. Insides sewn together. 43 00:03:17,720 --> 00:03:19,676 No job. No money. 44 00:03:19,720 --> 00:03:22,029 Might as well have finished me off properly. 45 00:03:22,080 --> 00:03:25,038 - I think perhaps Sheila would have missed you. - Money! 46 00:03:25,960 --> 00:03:28,394 I never thought of money before the war. 47 00:03:28,440 --> 00:03:31,671 I swear, I'd commit any damn crime to get hold of a decent income. 48 00:03:31,720 --> 00:03:33,551 - Oh, I shouldn't... - Sssh! 49 00:03:33,600 --> 00:03:35,272 I'm so sorry. 50 00:03:35,320 --> 00:03:37,072 I shouldn't say that. 51 00:03:37,120 --> 00:03:41,591 Most people are so incompetent, that even a comparative imbecile like me can be a sleuth. 52 00:03:41,640 --> 00:03:44,313 - You detect your friends? - I detect anybody. 53 00:03:44,360 --> 00:03:48,831 So, if you're thinking of putting on a false beard and murdering a millionaire, don't do it. 54 00:03:48,880 --> 00:03:53,635 That disgusting habit you have of smoking your cigarettes to the last millimetre will betray you. 55 00:03:54,840 --> 00:03:57,149 I wonder anyone cares to know you. 56 00:03:57,200 --> 00:03:59,191 Ah, evening, Penberthy. Will you join us? 57 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:01,549 Oh, thank you, Wimsey. Whisky, I think, please. 58 00:04:01,600 --> 00:04:03,636 Whisky, please, Fred. 59 00:04:03,680 --> 00:04:05,910 And...two more martinis. 60 00:04:06,880 --> 00:04:09,030 I'm so sorry. Do you know George Fentiman? 61 00:04:09,080 --> 00:04:11,833 - Fentiman? Any relation to... - Grandson. 62 00:04:11,880 --> 00:04:14,678 - Indeed? - George was with us at Hill 60, 63 00:04:14,720 --> 00:04:16,676 when young Julian Marchbanks was killed. 64 00:04:16,720 --> 00:04:18,073 His father, the Colonel, 65 00:04:18,120 --> 00:04:21,510 gives a dinner here every year on Armistice Night for Julian's friends. 66 00:04:21,560 --> 00:04:23,312 Those of us, that is, who... 67 00:04:23,360 --> 00:04:25,351 Survived, I think, is the word. 68 00:04:26,400 --> 00:04:28,595 Dr Penberthy is practically the club doctor. 69 00:04:28,640 --> 00:04:31,234 More than half the membership seem to be his patients. 70 00:04:31,280 --> 00:04:34,511 I know your grandfather well. In fact, you could say I've been... 71 00:04:34,560 --> 00:04:36,710 Keeping him alive. Yes, I know. 72 00:04:36,760 --> 00:04:40,196 Since there's a small sum to inherit, don't expect me to be grateful. 73 00:04:40,240 --> 00:04:43,152 (Footsteps) - Ah, here is the Colonel. 74 00:04:43,200 --> 00:04:46,875 Evening, Peter, George, Penberthy. No-one else arrived yet? 75 00:04:46,920 --> 00:04:50,071 Really! Your generation has no idea about punctuality. 76 00:04:50,120 --> 00:04:52,190 Whisky, please, Fred. 77 00:04:52,240 --> 00:04:57,109 I've just been upstairs, having a yarn with one of your patients, Penberthy - old Granger. 78 00:04:57,160 --> 00:04:58,957 Seems to be in a bad sort of way. 79 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:01,514 - Oh, he'll last the winter. - Miraculous! 80 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:03,915 You're a miracle-worker, Penberthy. 81 00:05:03,960 --> 00:05:05,757 Look at your grandfather, George. 82 00:05:05,800 --> 00:05:08,837 Must be 90, if he's a day, and Penberthy keeps him going. 83 00:05:08,880 --> 00:05:11,075 - Well, down the hatch. WIMSEY: Cheers. 84 00:05:11,120 --> 00:05:12,997 We're all grateful. 85 00:05:13,040 --> 00:05:16,271 Er...I think I'll go and have a word with the old boy. 86 00:05:16,320 --> 00:05:18,311 Please excuse me. No hurry. 87 00:05:19,240 --> 00:05:24,109 I had no idea that your grandfather, the General, was coming into the club today. 88 00:05:24,160 --> 00:05:26,037 Oh, he's here every day. 89 00:05:26,080 --> 00:05:29,231 The last trump will find him in that armchair. 90 00:05:29,280 --> 00:05:32,750 Do you know what they used to call him? Old Mossy Face. 91 00:05:32,800 --> 00:05:35,678 When he talks about "the war", he means the Crimea. 92 00:05:39,240 --> 00:05:41,231 Excuse me. 93 00:05:41,280 --> 00:05:43,350 I'll come with you. 94 00:05:44,880 --> 00:05:47,997 I'm afraid something rather unpleasant has happened. 95 00:06:07,560 --> 00:06:10,836 (Laughs maniacally) Take him away! 96 00:06:10,880 --> 00:06:13,553 Take him away! He's been dead two days! 97 00:06:13,600 --> 00:06:15,670 - Now, look here... - So are you! 98 00:06:15,720 --> 00:06:18,837 So am I. We're all dead! 99 00:06:18,880 --> 00:06:20,836 (Sobs) And none of us notice! 100 00:06:20,880 --> 00:06:23,792 All right, old lad. All right, all right, all right. 101 00:06:23,840 --> 00:06:25,831 I'll join you in a moment. 102 00:06:34,120 --> 00:06:37,157 - Poor devil. - Yes... 103 00:06:38,160 --> 00:06:40,276 Known for his imagination, is George. 104 00:06:41,440 --> 00:06:43,431 Unhappy quality. 105 00:06:44,440 --> 00:06:46,954 - Well, Doctor? - He's been dead some time. 106 00:06:47,960 --> 00:06:50,315 Rigor mortis is well established. 107 00:06:50,360 --> 00:06:52,351 It's just beginning to pass off. 108 00:06:54,800 --> 00:06:57,951 I thought this might happen. His heart was very weak. 109 00:06:58,000 --> 00:07:00,514 He could have died at any moment. 110 00:07:00,560 --> 00:07:02,994 Does anybody remember speaking to him today? 111 00:07:03,040 --> 00:07:05,918 I saw him after lunch. Usual damn place, taking up the fire. 112 00:07:05,960 --> 00:07:08,474 I didn't speak. Thought he was asleep. 113 00:07:08,520 --> 00:07:10,795 Well, someone had better tell his people. 114 00:07:10,840 --> 00:07:13,673 Well, Captain Fentiman knows. There's the other grandson. 115 00:07:13,720 --> 00:07:16,109 - Robert? - Oh, he's staying at the club. 116 00:07:16,160 --> 00:07:18,435 Bound to be in later. I'll have a word with him. 117 00:07:18,480 --> 00:07:21,438 After that, there's the old man's sister, Lady Dormer. 118 00:07:21,480 --> 00:07:25,029 She lives round the corner, but they weren't on speaking terms. 119 00:07:25,080 --> 00:07:28,072 Should be told, nevertheless. I'll see to it. 120 00:07:28,120 --> 00:07:31,157 You can't use the telephone by the library. It's out of order. 121 00:07:31,200 --> 00:07:34,237 I wanted to use it this morning. A great notice up. 122 00:07:34,280 --> 00:07:38,910 Disgraceful! I mean, if one can't expect to use a telephone when one... 123 00:07:38,960 --> 00:07:42,919 Hello? It's gone now. I suppose the phone's all right. They might let one know. 124 00:07:42,960 --> 00:07:45,474 Thank you, Wetheridge. 125 00:07:45,520 --> 00:07:48,398 Oh, well, if you don't need my assistance... 126 00:07:48,440 --> 00:07:51,637 - Passing off? What, the rigor? - Yes. 127 00:07:52,600 --> 00:07:55,239 The fire would have helped a bit. 128 00:07:55,280 --> 00:07:58,317 Say, five hours for him to stiffen up and then... 129 00:07:58,360 --> 00:08:02,069 He probably came in at his usual time, sat down and died straightaway. 130 00:08:02,120 --> 00:08:04,475 Say, nine hours altogether. 131 00:08:04,520 --> 00:08:06,795 Anyway, the time of death is unimportant. 132 00:08:06,840 --> 00:08:09,513 He obviously died in his sleep. 133 00:08:09,560 --> 00:08:11,630 I'd better get him moved, I imagine. 134 00:08:11,680 --> 00:08:13,591 One of the upstairs bedrooms will do. 135 00:08:13,640 --> 00:08:18,236 I'll arrange for somebody to lay him out as soon as the rigor's passed completely. 136 00:08:26,080 --> 00:08:29,629 - Have you told Lady Dormer? - Lady Dormer's dead. 137 00:08:29,680 --> 00:08:33,355 Her maid tells me she passed quietly away at half-past ten this morning. 138 00:08:37,520 --> 00:08:40,671 - General Fentiman? - The Mistress's brother. 139 00:08:40,720 --> 00:08:43,871 - He's dead? - This morning. 140 00:08:43,920 --> 00:08:46,480 Suddenly, at his club. 141 00:08:46,520 --> 00:08:49,080 They just telephoned to say. 142 00:08:49,120 --> 00:08:54,274 - I'm sorry. - Well, he didn't look well. Not in himself. 143 00:08:54,320 --> 00:08:57,278 - No, he didn't. - Poorly. 144 00:08:57,320 --> 00:08:59,311 Distinctly poorly. 145 00:09:00,360 --> 00:09:01,952 Thank you, Mason. 146 00:09:07,760 --> 00:09:09,955 Very strange, miss. 147 00:09:10,000 --> 00:09:13,834 Both of them passing away, so close together. 148 00:09:13,880 --> 00:09:15,996 They were old. It's not strange at all. 149 00:09:17,320 --> 00:09:20,710 Will you tell Mrs Mitchum I'll have my dinner up here on a tray? 150 00:09:34,600 --> 00:09:36,716 Langham 0929, please. 151 00:09:39,360 --> 00:09:41,271 Oh, hello. It's Ann. 152 00:09:41,320 --> 00:09:43,311 Ann Dorland. 153 00:09:43,360 --> 00:09:46,830 They just telephoned that the General died this morning. 154 00:09:46,880 --> 00:09:48,472 Suddenly, at his club. 155 00:09:51,120 --> 00:09:53,236 He's dead, Sheila. 156 00:09:57,240 --> 00:09:59,515 I'm afraid I made rather a fool of myself. 157 00:10:03,080 --> 00:10:04,877 - We'll get something? - Yes. 158 00:10:04,920 --> 00:10:07,480 - Enough? - To pay off the debt. Not enough to count. 159 00:10:09,480 --> 00:10:11,391 I meant the debt. 160 00:10:11,440 --> 00:10:13,431 I know you did. 161 00:10:21,640 --> 00:10:23,631 (Gasps) 162 00:10:25,200 --> 00:10:27,191 (Sobs) 163 00:10:31,880 --> 00:10:34,394 I don't think I like going out to work. 164 00:10:35,840 --> 00:10:38,308 Sitting at that damn cash desk all day. 165 00:10:39,360 --> 00:10:42,830 - Dear...dear love. George... - I'm sorry. I'm sorry. 166 00:10:43,920 --> 00:10:47,196 I've been feeling... I've been feeling a bit odd all day. 167 00:10:48,800 --> 00:10:51,439 I've been feeling dashed odd, Sheel. 168 00:10:51,480 --> 00:10:54,278 - Have you taken one of your pills? - No. 169 00:10:54,320 --> 00:10:56,231 I'll get you one. 170 00:10:56,280 --> 00:10:59,317 We'll have some cocoa, and you'll take one of your pills. 171 00:11:00,240 --> 00:11:02,800 Not yet, eh? Hold on a bit. 172 00:11:04,600 --> 00:11:08,593 You're a better prescription for me than anything the quacks can give. 173 00:11:11,720 --> 00:11:14,518 As long as you don't get tired of coping. 174 00:11:15,760 --> 00:11:17,751 SHEILA: I shan't get tired. 175 00:11:20,520 --> 00:11:22,317 And we will get something. 176 00:11:22,360 --> 00:11:24,351 177 00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:53,877 Mr Murbles, my lord. 178 00:11:53,920 --> 00:11:56,309 - Ah! - I'm not disturbing you, Lord Peter? 179 00:11:56,360 --> 00:12:00,239 Good Lord, no! Delighted to see you. Bunter, a glass for Mr Murbles. 180 00:12:00,280 --> 00:12:02,271 - You'll take a glass of sherry? - Well... 181 00:12:02,320 --> 00:12:05,278 It's a Manzanilla from Sanlúcar de Barrameda. 182 00:12:05,320 --> 00:12:08,676 Always tastes much better in company. Discerning company, that is. 183 00:12:08,720 --> 00:12:11,757 - I should enjoy a glass of sherry. - Splendid. Sit down. 184 00:12:11,800 --> 00:12:13,074 Thank you. 185 00:12:13,120 --> 00:12:16,874 You know, I once knew a johnny who requested dry Madeira before lunch. 186 00:12:16,920 --> 00:12:20,754 He wasn't asked again. Eight months later, he committed suicide. 187 00:12:20,800 --> 00:12:24,873 I don't say that it was on that account, but he was earmarked for a bad end - what? 188 00:12:24,920 --> 00:12:27,912 Oh, thank you, Bunter. You're quite well, I trust? 189 00:12:27,960 --> 00:12:31,794 - In excellent health, sir. I'm obliged to you. - Been doing any photography? 190 00:12:31,840 --> 00:12:36,630 A certain amount, sir, but merely of a pictorial description, if I may venture to call it so. 191 00:12:36,680 --> 00:12:39,433 Criminological material has been deficient of late. 192 00:12:39,480 --> 00:12:41,675 Perhaps Mr Murbles has brought us something. 193 00:12:41,720 --> 00:12:44,473 No, no, I don't think so. Sorry to disappoint, Bunter, 194 00:12:44,520 --> 00:12:46,988 but nothing of an undesirable nature is involved. 195 00:12:48,600 --> 00:12:50,795 The fact is, a curious question has arisen 196 00:12:50,840 --> 00:12:54,913 with regard to the sad death of General Fentiman ten days ago at the Bellona Club, 197 00:12:54,960 --> 00:12:57,190 to which, I understand, you were a witness. 198 00:12:57,240 --> 00:12:59,629 If you understand that, you understand more than I. 199 00:12:59,680 --> 00:13:02,035 - No, thank you. - I didn't witness his death. 200 00:13:02,080 --> 00:13:06,232 I witnessed the discovery of his death, which is a very different thing, by a long chalk. 201 00:13:06,280 --> 00:13:08,714 How long a chalk, one wonders. 202 00:13:08,760 --> 00:13:13,390 Does one? Well, perhaps you'd better tell me a little more about your "curious question". 203 00:13:13,440 --> 00:13:17,319 How much do you know of the late General Fentiman's family affairs? 204 00:13:17,360 --> 00:13:19,828 Oh, very little. He was a widower, I understand. 205 00:13:19,880 --> 00:13:22,030 His wife died in early life. 206 00:13:22,080 --> 00:13:26,392 She was never strong, and rendered less so by the military regularity 207 00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:30,149 with which the General required her to perform her maternal functions. 208 00:13:30,200 --> 00:13:33,715 There are two surviving grandsons - Captain George Fentiman... 209 00:13:33,760 --> 00:13:35,876 - George I know. - And Major Robert. 210 00:13:35,920 --> 00:13:40,198 Robert I've met. Regular army. Distressingly hearty and all that. 211 00:13:40,240 --> 00:13:42,071 Yes, he's of the old Fentiman stock. 212 00:13:42,120 --> 00:13:45,669 Poor George inherited a weakly strain from his grandmother, I'm afraid. 213 00:13:45,720 --> 00:13:47,995 - Weakly? - Nervous. 214 00:13:48,040 --> 00:13:50,713 George and I were brother officers, you know, Murbles. 215 00:13:50,760 --> 00:13:53,911 He was very badly gassed, shot up and hung about on the barbed wire, 216 00:13:53,960 --> 00:13:58,112 watching his best friend, Julian Marchbanks, bleed to death not 15 yards away. 217 00:13:58,160 --> 00:14:00,310 He was appallingly shell-shocked, 218 00:14:00,360 --> 00:14:03,272 and suffered a breakdown from which he's not yet recovered. 219 00:14:03,320 --> 00:14:07,950 I too, as I think you know, suffered a nervous breakdown at the end of the war. 220 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:11,673 Perhaps er...simply to continue would be best. 221 00:14:12,960 --> 00:14:14,916 Let me get you some more sherry. 222 00:14:14,960 --> 00:14:16,951 No, no, no. Thank you. 223 00:14:18,000 --> 00:14:20,992 We were speaking of General Fentiman's family. 224 00:14:21,040 --> 00:14:24,316 He had, in fact, one other surviving relative - a sister. 225 00:14:24,360 --> 00:14:26,555 Yes, I know. She died too, I understand. 226 00:14:26,600 --> 00:14:29,831 At half-past ten on the morning of November the 11th. 227 00:14:29,880 --> 00:14:33,873 And the General - found dead in his usual armchair at the Bellona Club that evening. 228 00:14:33,920 --> 00:14:37,993 But as to when he died, you see, one can't be certain. 229 00:14:38,040 --> 00:14:40,031 There's a matter of a will, I take it. 230 00:14:40,080 --> 00:14:43,436 Very perceptive, Lord Peter. I hope I'm not boring you, by the way. 231 00:14:43,480 --> 00:14:46,677 I'm bearing up, waiting for the point where the money comes in. 232 00:14:46,720 --> 00:14:51,953 There's a steely, legal glitter in your eye, which suggests that the thrill cannot be far off. 233 00:14:52,000 --> 00:14:54,468 Quite. The sister, Lady Dormer, 234 00:14:54,520 --> 00:14:57,751 had not for many years been on speaking terms with her family. 235 00:14:57,800 --> 00:15:02,191 Not, I hasten to say, by her choice. She'd made a most unfortunate marriage. 236 00:15:02,240 --> 00:15:03,753 Unfortunate? 237 00:15:03,800 --> 00:15:06,598 To a man in trade. Button-maker, to be precise. 238 00:15:07,960 --> 00:15:10,633 And to make matters worse, she and he were extremely happy. 239 00:15:10,680 --> 00:15:12,557 Quite unforgivable. 240 00:15:12,600 --> 00:15:14,909 So, the quarrel was never made up? 241 00:15:14,960 --> 00:15:18,270 And her husband, who already had some money and made a great deal more, 242 00:15:18,320 --> 00:15:20,151 was consequently knighted... 243 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:24,034 And so on and so on. The Fentimans, I take it, had very little money? 244 00:15:24,080 --> 00:15:28,392 One or two minor bequests apart, the General has left a mere £2,000, 245 00:15:28,440 --> 00:15:30,749 which will go to his younger grandson George. 246 00:15:30,800 --> 00:15:33,155 - And Robert knew? - Oh, and approves. 247 00:15:33,200 --> 00:15:36,112 Robert's executor and residuary legatee. 248 00:15:36,160 --> 00:15:39,835 After George has been paid the £2,000, anything left will go to Robert. 249 00:15:39,880 --> 00:15:43,873 - Plain sailing, ain't it? - Lady Dormer left a will. 250 00:15:43,920 --> 00:15:45,990 Aha. 251 00:15:46,040 --> 00:15:49,271 Everything to go to the General, if she were to die before him. 252 00:15:49,320 --> 00:15:51,311 I'm ahead of you, I think. 253 00:15:52,440 --> 00:15:55,000 If she did die first, George gets... 254 00:15:55,040 --> 00:15:57,634 - The 2,000 he would have got, anyway. - And Robert? 255 00:15:57,680 --> 00:16:02,196 The remainder. Something in excess of...half a million pounds. 256 00:16:02,240 --> 00:16:03,912 (Whistles) 257 00:16:03,960 --> 00:16:08,431 The situation is further complicated by the involvement of one other party. 258 00:16:09,480 --> 00:16:11,311 Miss Ann Dorland. A niece. 259 00:16:11,360 --> 00:16:14,272 She lived with Lady Dormer. Has a studio in the house. 260 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:16,311 She stands to inherit, as well? 261 00:16:16,360 --> 00:16:19,079 In a nutshell, Lord Peter, the position is this. 262 00:16:19,120 --> 00:16:21,475 If Lady Dormer died before the General, 263 00:16:21,520 --> 00:16:26,196 Miss Dorland, as you suggest, does stand to inherit some £12,000. 264 00:16:26,240 --> 00:16:29,710 - George gets his 2,000? - And Robert his half-million. 265 00:16:29,760 --> 00:16:32,433 lf, however, the good lady died after the General, 266 00:16:32,480 --> 00:16:35,438 then a secondary provision of Lady Dormer's will applies. 267 00:16:35,480 --> 00:16:37,994 The bulk of the money, instead of going to Robert... 268 00:16:38,040 --> 00:16:41,157 - ..will go to Miss Dorland? - Exactly. 269 00:16:41,200 --> 00:16:44,033 - Interesting. - A most awkward situation. 270 00:16:44,080 --> 00:16:46,150 Uncommonly awkward. 271 00:16:46,200 --> 00:16:50,034 So, everything depends entirely on when the General actually died? 272 00:16:50,080 --> 00:16:55,791 Precisely. I act for the Fentimans, Miss Dorland has other representations. 273 00:16:55,840 --> 00:16:57,910 What do you want me to do about it? 274 00:16:57,960 --> 00:17:02,476 You're a member of the Bellona Club. You know the persons and places involved. 275 00:17:02,520 --> 00:17:06,035 You're exceptionally well fitted to make the necessary investigations 276 00:17:06,080 --> 00:17:09,277 without...creating a scandal. 277 00:17:09,320 --> 00:17:12,118 If I were you, I'd get the parties to come to an agreement. 278 00:17:12,160 --> 00:17:14,594 There are certain er...obstacles. 279 00:17:14,640 --> 00:17:16,631 - Someone being greedy? - Mm. 280 00:17:16,680 --> 00:17:18,477 Well, well, well. 281 00:17:19,400 --> 00:17:23,518 When you were a small boy, Murbles, did you ever go around poking sticks 282 00:17:23,560 --> 00:17:27,235 into peaceful and mysterious-looking ponds, to see what was at the bottom? 283 00:17:27,280 --> 00:17:30,238 Frequently. I was extremely fond of natural history. 284 00:17:30,280 --> 00:17:32,919 I had a remarkable collection of pond fauna. 285 00:17:32,960 --> 00:17:35,793 Did you ever stir up a deuce of a stink in your researches? 286 00:17:35,840 --> 00:17:37,717 Well... 287 00:17:37,760 --> 00:17:39,910 What are you suggesting? 288 00:17:39,960 --> 00:17:42,918 Just a general warning. I'll start tomorrow. 289 00:17:44,960 --> 00:17:47,030 I shall enjoy it. 290 00:17:47,080 --> 00:17:49,071 (Resumes playing) 291 00:17:51,760 --> 00:17:53,557 (Final flourish) 292 00:17:53,680 --> 00:17:56,990 He's a rogue. They're all rogues, regular army. 293 00:17:57,040 --> 00:18:01,079 You can't trust soldiers. They're paid to kill people. No wonder they lie. 294 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:04,958 I'm not going to compromise. Why should I? 295 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:07,150 The money belongs to me. 296 00:18:07,200 --> 00:18:11,273 I don't see why I should give away more than £600,000, simply because... 297 00:18:13,720 --> 00:18:15,915 All right. 298 00:18:15,960 --> 00:18:18,633 All right, my darling. Yes. 299 00:18:29,840 --> 00:18:31,432 (Crackling) 300 00:18:31,480 --> 00:18:33,471 301 00:18:34,400 --> 00:18:39,793 302 00:18:39,840 --> 00:18:45,437 303 00:18:45,480 --> 00:18:51,157 304 00:18:51,200 --> 00:18:56,149 305 00:18:59,680 --> 00:19:05,994 306 00:19:07,000 --> 00:19:11,278 Are you quite sure this suit's all right, Bunter? You know, I hate new clothes. 307 00:19:11,320 --> 00:19:14,153 I want to look approachable, but on no account loud. 308 00:19:14,200 --> 00:19:16,191 - Approachable. - I can't help wondering 309 00:19:16,240 --> 00:19:18,470 if the stripe of invisible green 310 00:19:18,520 --> 00:19:21,398 wouldn't have looked better if it had been a remote purple. 311 00:19:21,440 --> 00:19:24,591 No, my lord. Purple would not be an improvement. 312 00:19:24,640 --> 00:19:28,519 Interesting, yes, but if I may so express myself, decidedly less affable. 313 00:19:28,560 --> 00:19:31,028 Well, I'm sure you're right, Bunter. You always are. 314 00:19:31,080 --> 00:19:33,878 Anyway, it would have been a bore to get it changed now. 315 00:19:33,920 --> 00:19:38,232 Thank you. And I'll take the cane with the foot rule marked on it. 316 00:19:38,280 --> 00:19:43,434 I will go on ahead, and I would like you to follow with the thingumajig in about an hour's time. 317 00:19:43,480 --> 00:19:47,473 I'll have a word with the secretary. I'm perfectly sure it will be all right. 318 00:19:47,520 --> 00:19:49,272 Where is my lens, Bunter? 319 00:19:49,320 --> 00:19:51,515 - Here, my lord. - Oh, thank you. 320 00:19:51,560 --> 00:19:54,870 And the fingerprint powder is in Your Lordship's jacket pocket. 321 00:19:54,920 --> 00:19:57,309 And speaking of matters sartorial, 322 00:19:57,360 --> 00:20:00,750 you know, you haven't got quite the air of devil-may-care seediness 323 00:20:00,800 --> 00:20:02,916 that marks the giants of Fleet Street. 324 00:20:02,960 --> 00:20:05,679 - My lord? - Stick some of your slides into one pocket, 325 00:20:05,720 --> 00:20:08,473 and a few odd lenses and doodahs into the other. 326 00:20:08,520 --> 00:20:12,149 To take photographs without arousing suspicion, you must be a reporter - 327 00:20:12,200 --> 00:20:14,316 from one of the illustrated magazines. 328 00:20:14,360 --> 00:20:17,716 - Oh, I am prepared for it, my lord. - Oh, but you're not, old lad. 329 00:20:17,760 --> 00:20:21,753 Do you mind ruffling your manly locks and spilling some cigarette ash down the lapel? 330 00:20:21,800 --> 00:20:24,109 - Ash? - Yes, right down the lapel. 331 00:20:24,160 --> 00:20:29,234 Then egg on the waistcoat and dandruff on the collar. Use desiccated coconut. 332 00:20:29,280 --> 00:20:32,397 The members of the Bellona Club are advanced in years. 333 00:20:32,440 --> 00:20:37,036 They will see what they expect to see. They will expect to see dandruff. 334 00:20:37,080 --> 00:20:39,071 Very good, my lord. 335 00:20:42,680 --> 00:20:44,477 Boiled egg, my lord? 336 00:20:45,520 --> 00:20:47,431 Fried egg, Bunter. 337 00:20:47,480 --> 00:20:50,916 No, no, my dear Cully. Nor do I want to make a fuss. 338 00:20:50,960 --> 00:20:54,839 Au contraire, as the man said in the Bay of Biscay, when they asked if he'd dined. 339 00:20:54,880 --> 00:20:56,711 A few photographs - that's all I want. 340 00:20:56,760 --> 00:21:00,070 Just to keep the lie of the land under my hawklike optic - what? 341 00:21:00,120 --> 00:21:04,238 So, do you mind pretending he's from the Daily Twaddle or Picture News or something, 342 00:21:04,280 --> 00:21:06,271 while he totters around? 343 00:21:06,320 --> 00:21:09,710 Well, it's all fair and above board, I suppose. Nothing unpleasant? 344 00:21:09,760 --> 00:21:14,436 No, no, no, of course not. Strictest confidence. Any sum up to £50,000. 345 00:21:14,480 --> 00:21:18,393 Your note of hand alone, delivered in a plain van. No references needed. 346 00:21:18,440 --> 00:21:20,556 - Oh, my dear Wimsey... - See, as I said, 347 00:21:20,600 --> 00:21:24,354 there's been a bit of a muddle as to when old Fentiman actually died, 348 00:21:24,400 --> 00:21:27,631 and I've been asked by the family to barge round and ask questions. 349 00:21:27,680 --> 00:21:31,070 You're not the only one. I've had complaints about some dashed lawyer 350 00:21:31,120 --> 00:21:33,429 worming his way in and questioning the members. 351 00:21:33,480 --> 00:21:35,755 Have you, by Jove? 352 00:21:35,800 --> 00:21:37,756 Well, I wonder who that could be. 353 00:21:37,800 --> 00:21:40,360 Not my Mr Murbles, obviously. 354 00:21:40,400 --> 00:21:44,598 Anyway, Bunter, what I want you to do is to just toddle around, taking whatshernames. 355 00:21:44,640 --> 00:21:48,315 - Photographic studies, my lord? - Yeah, that...that's the idea. Yes. 356 00:21:48,360 --> 00:21:51,511 Notably, of the smoking room, both from the entrance 357 00:21:51,560 --> 00:21:55,314 and from the door of the library here, including the telephone cabinet. 358 00:21:55,360 --> 00:21:57,237 Ah, yes. That's another thing. 359 00:21:57,280 --> 00:22:00,829 Complaints about the telephone being out of order. Well, it hasn't been. 360 00:22:00,880 --> 00:22:02,598 Who'd be a club secretary? 361 00:22:02,640 --> 00:22:06,599 My dear fellow, once one starts an investigation, it's mysteries all the way. 362 00:22:06,640 --> 00:22:09,552 And one of the fireplace, Bunter, 363 00:22:09,600 --> 00:22:12,910 showing the old boy's usual chair, a couple of snaps of the hall, 364 00:22:12,960 --> 00:22:16,111 and one of the cloakroom, with the peg he used, and anything else... 365 00:22:16,160 --> 00:22:18,151 Oh...never mind. 366 00:22:19,400 --> 00:22:22,437 ..anything else that takes your fancy. Just... 367 00:22:22,480 --> 00:22:25,552 to add artistic verisimilitude... 368 00:22:25,600 --> 00:22:29,195 to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative. 369 00:22:31,200 --> 00:22:34,829 - All right, old lad. Off you go. - Very good, my lord. 370 00:22:34,880 --> 00:22:38,190 I'll hang on here for a while, Culyer. 371 00:22:38,240 --> 00:22:41,118 I've left a message asking Dr Penberthy to drop in. 372 00:22:41,160 --> 00:22:44,835 Then I'll have a word with the porter. That sort of thing. All honest work. 373 00:22:44,880 --> 00:22:47,633 Oh, by the way, is George... 374 00:22:47,680 --> 00:22:50,797 I beg your pardon. Is Robert Fentiman still staying in the club? 375 00:22:50,840 --> 00:22:52,796 No, he has rooms in Richmond. 376 00:22:52,840 --> 00:22:56,071 He's been in his grandfather's flat since all this unpleasantness. 377 00:22:56,120 --> 00:22:58,634 He has to look after things, as head of the family. 378 00:22:58,680 --> 00:23:03,117 But he was staying here - Robert, that is - on the night before... 379 00:23:03,160 --> 00:23:06,596 Stuck in town. He stopped over. We see a fair amount of him. 380 00:23:06,640 --> 00:23:10,519 Yes, and so must I. He shall be my next call. 381 00:23:10,560 --> 00:23:13,074 Bunter shall do a photographic study. 382 00:23:13,120 --> 00:23:15,190 - You wanted to see me? - Ah, Penberthy. 383 00:23:15,240 --> 00:23:18,198 Good of you to drop in. Morning and all that. Thank you, Cully. 384 00:23:18,240 --> 00:23:22,711 He's quite different when he's on the detective trail. Positively masterful. 385 00:23:28,280 --> 00:23:31,397 You're after the time of death, I imagine. 386 00:23:31,440 --> 00:23:35,433 - You're very quick. - No, it's clear there's a question. 387 00:23:35,480 --> 00:23:39,792 I had a lawyer fellow round the other day, asking questions, acting for the niece. 388 00:23:39,840 --> 00:23:42,195 - Ann Dorland? - Tried to pin me down. 389 00:23:42,240 --> 00:23:44,037 - Did he succeed? - No. 390 00:23:44,080 --> 00:23:48,551 He seemed to think you can say to a minute when a man died, simply by looking at his teeth. 391 00:23:48,600 --> 00:23:50,477 Still, you can get a general idea. 392 00:23:50,520 --> 00:23:55,036 For instance, I've seen a good few corpses in my life, and do you know what I'd have said? 393 00:23:55,080 --> 00:23:57,674 - Well, I imagine you'll tell me. - (Chuckles) 394 00:23:57,720 --> 00:24:01,633 Well, I would have said the old boy had been dead for at least 24 hours. 395 00:24:01,680 --> 00:24:04,353 Well, you know that he couldn't have been. 396 00:24:04,400 --> 00:24:08,598 But you said yourself rigor mortis was well established, and it usually lasts for 24 hours. 397 00:24:08,640 --> 00:24:11,632 It can do. Sometimes it passes off quickly. 398 00:24:11,680 --> 00:24:14,717 Quick come, quick go, as a rule. 399 00:24:14,760 --> 00:24:16,751 Besides, there was a good fire. 400 00:24:17,800 --> 00:24:22,715 Nevertheless, I agree with you that, in the absence of any other evidence, 401 00:24:22,760 --> 00:24:27,880 I should have put the death... at rather earlier than ten o'clock. 402 00:24:27,920 --> 00:24:29,911 Remind me about the other evidence. 403 00:24:31,440 --> 00:24:33,396 You're not a very good detective, Wimsey. 404 00:24:33,440 --> 00:24:37,877 Everybody knows that the General used to arrive here every morning at ten o'clock. 405 00:24:37,920 --> 00:24:41,230 Yes. You knew the old boy's constitution pretty well, I take it. 406 00:24:41,280 --> 00:24:42,952 Well, he was my patient. 407 00:24:43,000 --> 00:24:47,551 He was very frail. The heart begins to wear out a bit when you're over 90. 408 00:24:47,600 --> 00:24:50,558 He could have died at any moment, and he'd had a bit of a shock. 409 00:24:50,600 --> 00:24:54,229 - Shock? - After seeing his sister the afternoon before. 410 00:24:55,160 --> 00:24:59,278 They must have told you about that, since you seem to know so much about it. 411 00:24:59,320 --> 00:25:01,629 No, nobody told me about that. 412 00:25:01,680 --> 00:25:05,355 She was ill, dying. Asked to see him. 413 00:25:05,400 --> 00:25:08,870 They hadn't spoken to each other for 50 years. 414 00:25:08,920 --> 00:25:11,354 He came to Harley Street afterwards and saw me. 415 00:25:11,400 --> 00:25:14,597 - Go on. - Well, he was excited. 416 00:25:14,640 --> 00:25:20,192 His arteries were strained, his pulse erratic. I told him to go to bed and keep quiet. 417 00:25:20,240 --> 00:25:23,516 - But he came here the next morning? - Too soon, I agree. 418 00:25:24,560 --> 00:25:27,711 I suppose you're perfectly satisfied about all this? 419 00:25:28,760 --> 00:25:33,276 Well, I shouldn't have given a certificate if I hadn't been satisfied. His heart gave out. 420 00:25:33,320 --> 00:25:36,073 Nothing about the body struck you as being odd? 421 00:25:37,000 --> 00:25:38,638 What sort of thing? 422 00:25:39,680 --> 00:25:41,671 You know what I mean as well as I do. 423 00:25:42,560 --> 00:25:44,232 You mean the leg? 424 00:25:45,160 --> 00:25:46,957 I mean the leg. 425 00:25:47,040 --> 00:25:49,235 (Pop of camera flash) 426 00:25:49,280 --> 00:25:51,748 That fellow's got egg on his waistcoat! 427 00:25:51,800 --> 00:25:56,555 And dandruff on his collar. He's a journalist, doing a photographic feature. 428 00:25:56,600 --> 00:25:59,478 The whole country is going to the bloody bow-wows. 429 00:26:00,480 --> 00:26:03,517 I wonder if anybody else noticed the leg. 430 00:26:03,560 --> 00:26:05,676 I doubt it. I did... 431 00:26:05,720 --> 00:26:08,678 but then, I make that sort of thing a hobby of mine. 432 00:26:08,720 --> 00:26:12,395 However, not knowing what it meant, and as you didn't draw attention to it, 433 00:26:12,440 --> 00:26:14,431 I didn't put myself forward. 434 00:26:14,480 --> 00:26:18,917 Well, I wanted to think it over. It seemed to suggest something rather... 435 00:26:18,960 --> 00:26:21,269 Unpleasant? (Chuckles) 436 00:26:21,320 --> 00:26:24,596 If you knew how many times I've heard that word in the last few days! 437 00:26:25,600 --> 00:26:29,195 Once rigor mortis sets in, it stays in. 438 00:26:29,240 --> 00:26:32,915 Then, when it starts to pass off, it usually begins... 439 00:26:32,960 --> 00:26:36,430 With the face and jaw, and not suddenly in one knee joint. 440 00:26:36,480 --> 00:26:39,392 The General's face and jaw were as rigid as wood, 441 00:26:39,440 --> 00:26:42,034 but his right leg swung loose from the knee. 442 00:26:43,760 --> 00:26:46,832 It's extremely puzzling. I can't explain it. 443 00:26:46,880 --> 00:26:50,714 If it had been loosened by somebody after rigor mortis had set in, 444 00:26:50,760 --> 00:26:53,593 it would have remained loose, not stiffened up again. 445 00:26:53,640 --> 00:26:56,837 - What somebody? - Ah, well, that's rather the point, isn't it? 446 00:26:56,880 --> 00:27:01,158 I mean, one can't imagine a waiter finding the old boy stiff as a poker in the best armchair, 447 00:27:01,200 --> 00:27:03,509 giving him a knee jerk and just leaving him there. 448 00:27:03,560 --> 00:27:06,233 One can't imagine anybody, unless... 449 00:27:06,280 --> 00:27:07,793 Yes? 450 00:27:09,160 --> 00:27:12,277 Well, somebody who knew him, 451 00:27:12,320 --> 00:27:14,311 who knew of him, perhaps... 452 00:27:15,320 --> 00:27:17,311 ..finding the body and then... 453 00:27:18,400 --> 00:27:21,358 ..attempting to make the corpse more seemly, 454 00:27:21,400 --> 00:27:23,391 to help in some way. 455 00:27:24,720 --> 00:27:27,757 And then when they made matters worse... 456 00:27:29,040 --> 00:27:31,315 ..losing their heads. 457 00:27:31,360 --> 00:27:33,715 A very lucid speculation. 458 00:27:33,760 --> 00:27:35,955 So, just let sleeping dogs lie, eh? 459 00:27:36,960 --> 00:27:40,157 Do you know, I find that I hardly ever do that. 460 00:27:40,200 --> 00:27:44,955 By the way, you said at the time that rigor mortis was just passing off when we found the body. 461 00:27:45,000 --> 00:27:48,310 Was that camouflage, or does it still hold good? 462 00:27:48,360 --> 00:27:53,673 The rigor was just beginning to pass off in the face and jaw, as a matter of fact. 463 00:27:53,720 --> 00:27:56,996 It had passed away completely by midnight. 464 00:27:57,040 --> 00:28:00,112 Oh, thank you. That's another fact. 465 00:28:00,160 --> 00:28:04,597 I like facts, and there are remarkably few of them in this case. 466 00:28:05,600 --> 00:28:07,238 Shall we wander? 467 00:28:10,960 --> 00:28:13,793 If you would care to remain where you are, sir, without moving, 468 00:28:13,840 --> 00:28:16,149 a human element in the foreground 469 00:28:16,200 --> 00:28:18,395 lends interest, sir, to a photographic study. 470 00:28:18,440 --> 00:28:21,238 - Bah! - Without movement of any kind, please, sir. 471 00:28:27,280 --> 00:28:31,512 (Pop of camera flash) - Thank you very much, sir. That will do nicely. 472 00:28:36,720 --> 00:28:39,314 - Is that the General's walking stick? - Yes, sir. 473 00:28:39,360 --> 00:28:41,590 - May I see it? - Allow me. 474 00:28:42,520 --> 00:28:45,432 Careful, you see, Woodward, not to touch the handle. 475 00:28:45,480 --> 00:28:47,948 We criminologists have our own little ways. 476 00:28:49,000 --> 00:28:52,197 Yes, I shall require a photograph of this, please, Bunter. 477 00:28:52,240 --> 00:28:54,913 - Of course, my lord. - Now, which were the shoes he wore 478 00:28:54,960 --> 00:28:56,837 on the day of his death? 479 00:28:56,880 --> 00:29:00,475 - These, my lord. - Have they been cleaned since? 480 00:29:00,520 --> 00:29:03,717 Not to say cleaned, my lord. I just wiped them over with a duster. 481 00:29:03,760 --> 00:29:06,832 They weren't very dirty, and somehow I hadn't the heart. 482 00:29:06,880 --> 00:29:09,155 Oh, well, that's...very fortunate. 483 00:29:09,200 --> 00:29:11,919 - Fortunate, my lord? - Fortunate. 484 00:29:11,960 --> 00:29:13,951 Aha! (Chuckles) 485 00:29:18,320 --> 00:29:20,629 Label it, please, Bunter. 486 00:29:23,680 --> 00:29:26,717 - I would like to keep this shoe, if I may. - Yes, sir. 487 00:29:26,760 --> 00:29:29,718 - Better wrap it up. - Paper? 488 00:29:29,760 --> 00:29:33,992 Yesterday's Morning Post. It's on the occasional table in the sitting room. 489 00:29:34,040 --> 00:29:36,998 I'd like to see the clothes he was wearing on that day, if I may. 490 00:29:37,040 --> 00:29:39,395 - Yes... - Just the outer garments. You know. 491 00:29:39,440 --> 00:29:43,638 The hat, suit, overcoat - that sort of thing. Have they been brushed? 492 00:29:43,680 --> 00:29:47,309 - No, my lord. Just shaken out. - That's very fortunate. 493 00:29:47,360 --> 00:29:51,512 (Front door opens) - That'll be Major Fentiman, my lord. 494 00:29:51,560 --> 00:29:55,348 Well, never mind. My man will see to him. Pray, continue with the clothes. 495 00:29:58,320 --> 00:30:02,996 - Who the devil are you? - Er...just wrapping this shoe, sir. 496 00:30:03,040 --> 00:30:05,031 It is yesterday's paper. 497 00:30:06,440 --> 00:30:10,513 You see, we may get a clue from the dust on the clothing. 498 00:30:10,560 --> 00:30:12,676 I mean, suppose we found sawdust. 499 00:30:12,720 --> 00:30:16,952 Then we would know that our man had been visiting a carpenter. Dead leaf- a garden. 500 00:30:17,000 --> 00:30:21,516 Whereas a cobweb might indicate a wine cellar, or even... 501 00:30:23,600 --> 00:30:25,318 Hello? 502 00:30:26,320 --> 00:30:29,278 You don't happen to remember noticing that small tear? 503 00:30:29,320 --> 00:30:30,753 No, my lord. 504 00:30:30,800 --> 00:30:33,155 He could have caught it on a nail. So, it's fresh? 505 00:30:33,200 --> 00:30:35,191 One would suppose so, my lord. 506 00:30:35,240 --> 00:30:37,800 One would...and one does. 507 00:30:39,160 --> 00:30:42,630 - Has anything been removed from the clothes? - No, my lord. 508 00:30:42,680 --> 00:30:45,148 - The pockets have been emptied? - Yes, my lord. 509 00:30:45,200 --> 00:30:46,997 Nothing unusual in 'em? 510 00:30:47,040 --> 00:30:50,510 - (Clears throat) - Ah, Robert Fentiman, I think. 511 00:30:50,560 --> 00:30:54,758 We have met. Peter Wimsey. I'm a friend of your brother's. I won't keep you one moment. 512 00:30:54,800 --> 00:30:57,394 - Unusual, Woodward? - You're a cool customer. 513 00:30:57,440 --> 00:31:01,035 Nothing but what the General always took out with him, my lord. 514 00:31:01,080 --> 00:31:03,389 Handkerchief, keys, money, cigar case. 515 00:31:03,440 --> 00:31:06,716 - Fountain pen? - No, my lord. The General did very little writing. 516 00:31:06,760 --> 00:31:09,558 His hand wasn't very steady. 517 00:31:09,600 --> 00:31:13,354 I was accustomed to write any necessary letters to tradespeople, and so on. 518 00:31:13,400 --> 00:31:16,392 Any other letters he'd write at his club. 519 00:31:16,440 --> 00:31:18,317 Just one final question... 520 00:31:18,360 --> 00:31:20,794 I'm so sorry. You're absolutely right. 521 00:31:20,840 --> 00:31:23,912 Infernally cool of me, barging in here, questioning your man. 522 00:31:23,960 --> 00:31:26,030 - Oh, carry on, please. - Thank you so much. 523 00:31:26,080 --> 00:31:30,198 Now, I would like to know exactly when the General left here the morning he died. 524 00:31:30,240 --> 00:31:34,279 It's not absolutely clear, you see, when he arrived at the club, and if... 525 00:31:35,240 --> 00:31:38,516 - Yes? - That's the snag, you see. He didn't leave. 526 00:31:40,280 --> 00:31:43,716 - I'm not sure I follow you. - We don't know what time he left for the club, 527 00:31:43,760 --> 00:31:45,876 because he didn't spend the night at home. 528 00:31:45,920 --> 00:31:48,673 The night before he died...he wasn't here at all. 529 00:31:50,920 --> 00:31:54,230 - Go on, Woodward. - Well, my lord... 530 00:31:54,280 --> 00:31:57,192 They telephoned that day from Lady Dormer's. 531 00:31:57,240 --> 00:31:59,913 At three in the afternoon, it was. 532 00:31:59,960 --> 00:32:02,793 They telephoned to say Her Ladyship was very ill, 533 00:32:02,840 --> 00:32:06,879 and would General Fentiman please go at once, if he wanted to see her alive? 534 00:32:06,920 --> 00:32:10,708 - Three o'clock? He'd have been at the club. - Exactly, my lord. 535 00:32:10,760 --> 00:32:15,550 And I didn't like to telephone, because... the General was a little hard of hearing, 536 00:32:15,600 --> 00:32:18,319 and he never responded well to machinery. 537 00:32:19,600 --> 00:32:21,591 So, I went to the club myself. 538 00:32:23,880 --> 00:32:26,872 I gave him the message, very careful, like, 539 00:32:26,920 --> 00:32:30,959 breaking it to him gently, as you might say, to avoid excitement. 540 00:32:31,000 --> 00:32:32,831 And what he said... 541 00:32:32,880 --> 00:32:35,952 He gave it consideration. He said... 542 00:32:36,000 --> 00:32:38,878 Very well, Woodward. I will go. 543 00:32:44,560 --> 00:32:46,915 It is certainly my duty to go. 544 00:32:46,960 --> 00:32:49,633 I'll get your coat, sir, and call a taxi. 545 00:32:49,680 --> 00:32:52,478 Yes. You needn't come with me, Woodward. 546 00:32:53,640 --> 00:32:56,074 I don't quite know how long I shall stay there. 547 00:32:59,680 --> 00:33:02,990 They'll see that I get home quite safely. 548 00:33:07,640 --> 00:33:11,394 WOODWARD: And that was the last time I saw him alive, my lord. 549 00:33:13,440 --> 00:33:16,432 The telephone rang about nine o'clock that night. 550 00:33:16,480 --> 00:33:19,995 It was a gentleman speaking. "Is that Woodward?" he said. 551 00:33:20,040 --> 00:33:23,430 - He asked for you by name? - "General Fentiman wishes me to tell you 552 00:33:23,480 --> 00:33:26,358 not to wait up for him, as he's staying the night with me." 553 00:33:26,400 --> 00:33:31,110 So, I said, "Excuse me, sir. Who is that speaking, please?" 554 00:33:31,160 --> 00:33:34,550 "Mr Oliver," he said. "I'm an old friend of the General's, 555 00:33:34,600 --> 00:33:39,435 and he's staying the night with me, because we have some business to talk over." 556 00:33:39,480 --> 00:33:44,474 So, I said I hoped the General was in good health... 557 00:33:44,520 --> 00:33:46,750 and not...tiring himself. 558 00:33:48,000 --> 00:33:51,197 - Mr Oliver laughed. - Laughed? 559 00:33:51,240 --> 00:33:55,836 Oh, in a good-humoured way, sir, and he said he'd take good care of the General. 560 00:33:55,880 --> 00:33:59,236 And I was just about to ask him where he lived, when he rang off. 561 00:33:59,280 --> 00:34:01,999 There, now. What do you think of that? 562 00:34:02,040 --> 00:34:04,998 Odd...and most unfortunate. 563 00:34:06,120 --> 00:34:09,590 Next day, they telephoned from the club and said... 564 00:34:09,640 --> 00:34:11,631 and told me... 565 00:34:13,160 --> 00:34:16,038 Did the General often stay out at night? 566 00:34:16,080 --> 00:34:19,550 Never, my lord. I can't recollect such a thing. 567 00:34:19,600 --> 00:34:22,114 - And you'd never heard of Mr Oliver? - No, my lord. 568 00:34:22,160 --> 00:34:25,550 - His voice wasn't familiar? - It's very difficult to say, my lord. 569 00:34:25,600 --> 00:34:29,275 I thought at the time it might be one of the gentlemen from the club. 570 00:34:29,320 --> 00:34:32,039 - Do you know anything about the fella? - Oh, I met him. 571 00:34:32,080 --> 00:34:36,358 At least, I think so. Ran across him at some public dinner. Said he knew my grandfather. 572 00:34:36,400 --> 00:34:38,834 I've seen him lunching, you know, at Gatty's. 573 00:34:38,880 --> 00:34:40,950 What's he like? 574 00:34:41,000 --> 00:34:43,195 Tall, thin. Grey hair. 575 00:34:43,240 --> 00:34:47,279 Spectacles. You know the sort of thing. Like all those fellows. 576 00:34:47,320 --> 00:34:50,198 Thank you. A most helpful description. 577 00:34:50,240 --> 00:34:53,391 - Age? - 60s. Might be older. 578 00:34:53,440 --> 00:34:58,958 You know, I've got an idea that he was retired. Lived in some suburb. I can't remember which. 579 00:34:59,000 --> 00:35:02,549 You know, on occasions like this, I think there's a lot to be said for women. 580 00:35:02,600 --> 00:35:04,716 - What? - Well, you say you've met the fella. 581 00:35:04,760 --> 00:35:07,672 You've seen him around. He's a friend of your grandfather's. 582 00:35:07,720 --> 00:35:10,029 And yet you don't know a thing about him! 583 00:35:10,080 --> 00:35:14,039 A woman, given your opportunities, would have discovered his address, occupation; 584 00:35:14,080 --> 00:35:17,993 whether he was married; how many children he had, with names and sexes; 585 00:35:18,040 --> 00:35:20,349 who his favourite author was; what food he liked; 586 00:35:20,400 --> 00:35:22,960 and the name of his dentist, tailor and boot-maker. 587 00:35:23,000 --> 00:35:25,514 So she would. That's why I've never married. 588 00:35:25,560 --> 00:35:30,031 All the same, I think I'd try and remember a little bit more about Mr Oliver, if I were you, 589 00:35:30,080 --> 00:35:33,231 because it could make a difference of half a million pounds to you. 590 00:35:33,280 --> 00:35:36,033 You've looked through your grandfather's address book? 591 00:35:36,080 --> 00:35:39,629 - Yes. No good, though. - Then let's go through the telephone directory. 592 00:35:39,680 --> 00:35:43,912 If he rang you here, we may assume that he's on the telephone himself. 593 00:35:43,960 --> 00:35:47,714 Tell you what I'll do. I'll keep having lunch at Gatty's. 594 00:35:47,760 --> 00:35:50,991 Well, I might see him there again. I'll ask the waiters. 595 00:35:51,040 --> 00:35:53,998 Well, I'd keep off the Bardolino. It's abominable. 596 00:35:54,040 --> 00:35:56,429 Now, Woodward, may we take your fingerprints? 597 00:35:56,480 --> 00:35:59,597 - Fingerprints? - You're not trying to fasten anything on him? 598 00:35:59,640 --> 00:36:02,438 I am not trying to fasten anything on anybody. 599 00:36:02,480 --> 00:36:06,268 I want the General's fingerprints to compare with others I've got at the club. 600 00:36:06,320 --> 00:36:11,917 There's a very excellent set on his walking stick. I want to make sure they're not Woodward's. 601 00:36:11,960 --> 00:36:15,839 Or even yours, for that matter. So, perhaps you wouldn't mind... 602 00:36:15,880 --> 00:36:18,519 What? Oh, very well. 603 00:36:18,560 --> 00:36:20,915 Quite the Scotland Yard touch. How do you do it? 604 00:36:20,960 --> 00:36:23,633 I don't do it. Bunter does it. 605 00:36:23,680 --> 00:36:26,911 Woodward, you are certain you removed nothing from the clothes, 606 00:36:26,960 --> 00:36:28,598 save what was in the pockets? 607 00:36:28,640 --> 00:36:30,790 Positive, my lord. 608 00:36:30,840 --> 00:36:32,592 How very odd. 609 00:36:32,640 --> 00:36:37,111 I'm not sure it isn't the oddest thing about this case. Odder even than Mr Oliver. 610 00:36:37,160 --> 00:36:39,310 What's odd about it? 611 00:36:39,360 --> 00:36:41,828 Oh, just a little thing struck me. 612 00:36:41,880 --> 00:36:45,919 I expected to find something amongst those clothes which ain't there. That's all. 613 00:36:50,800 --> 00:36:52,791 (Door bell) 614 00:36:53,040 --> 00:36:55,110 It's Peter Wimsey. 615 00:36:55,160 --> 00:36:58,516 Well, we've nothing to offer him, and there's no whisky. 616 00:36:58,560 --> 00:37:00,551 Well, I'd better let him in. 617 00:37:01,840 --> 00:37:04,593 George...why has he come? 618 00:37:04,640 --> 00:37:06,631 We'd better find out, hadn't we? 619 00:37:10,920 --> 00:37:13,798 GEORGE: Wimsey! Well, I say, what a surprise! 620 00:37:13,840 --> 00:37:15,876 Well, just popped in, you know, in passing. 621 00:37:15,920 --> 00:37:18,388 Jolly good of you to penetrate to this ghastly hole. 622 00:37:18,440 --> 00:37:20,396 Sheila! Look who's here. 623 00:37:20,440 --> 00:37:24,035 Oh, how nice of you to come round, Lord Peter. Have you had dinner? 624 00:37:24,080 --> 00:37:26,799 - Yes, I have, actually. - Well, do sit down. 625 00:37:26,840 --> 00:37:29,115 Oh, thank you. 626 00:37:29,160 --> 00:37:31,879 - You'd like a whisky, I expect. - No, thanks, old lad. 627 00:37:31,920 --> 00:37:35,515 No, I've had a brandy already. Never mix the grape and the grain. 628 00:37:35,560 --> 00:37:39,348 I...I don't think we have any brandy, have we, George? 629 00:37:39,400 --> 00:37:42,836 - You know damn well we haven't. - No, really, I don't want any more. 630 00:37:43,800 --> 00:37:46,439 Miserable fire - I'm sorry. 631 00:37:46,480 --> 00:37:49,711 I do wish you'd tell that char of yours to fill the scuttle properly. 632 00:37:49,760 --> 00:37:53,673 Well, she doesn't like being spoken to. I'm always afraid she'll give warning. 633 00:37:53,720 --> 00:37:55,836 And I'm generally gone before she gets here. 634 00:37:55,880 --> 00:37:58,678 You don't need to tell Wimsey you work - he knows. 635 00:37:58,720 --> 00:38:00,711 Don't be so silly, George. 636 00:38:01,840 --> 00:38:06,038 Why is it that men are always so cowardly about speaking to servants? Now, George... 637 00:38:06,080 --> 00:38:08,230 (Sharply) It's a woman's job to speak to them. 638 00:38:09,480 --> 00:38:12,358 Well, I'm really rather lucky in that respect. 639 00:38:12,400 --> 00:38:16,871 I have an extraordinarily faithful and intelligent man, who looks after me like a mother. 640 00:38:16,920 --> 00:38:20,469 Is that the man who takes photographs for you when you're on a crime hunt? 641 00:38:20,520 --> 00:38:24,399 (Chuckles) Yes. He's retired into photographic life this evening, in fact. 642 00:38:24,440 --> 00:38:26,590 I've more or less been ordered out of the flat. 643 00:38:26,640 --> 00:38:31,031 Well, I'm sorry you're driven to seek asylum in our poverty-stricken hovel. 644 00:38:32,400 --> 00:38:34,675 You needn't answer that. 645 00:38:34,720 --> 00:38:36,711 There is no answer. 646 00:38:38,360 --> 00:38:40,635 You are investigating something at the moment? 647 00:38:42,400 --> 00:38:46,313 I have been asked to look into this business of your grandfather's death. 648 00:38:46,360 --> 00:38:49,477 - Look into it? - That's why I'm here. 649 00:38:50,400 --> 00:38:52,914 You make it sound as if... 650 00:38:52,960 --> 00:38:56,396 Surely, there's no question of...foul play? 651 00:38:56,440 --> 00:38:59,352 - Foul play! - Oh, don't keep getting at me, George. 652 00:38:59,400 --> 00:39:01,277 - Who's getting at you? - Please... 653 00:39:01,320 --> 00:39:03,550 - (Angrily) I'm not getting at you! (Clattering) 654 00:39:03,600 --> 00:39:07,957 I can't be in company nowadays, without her saying I'm getting at her! 655 00:39:08,000 --> 00:39:10,230 To look into the time that he died. 656 00:39:11,160 --> 00:39:13,151 (Ornament shatters) 657 00:39:16,040 --> 00:39:18,031 (Door slams) 658 00:39:19,920 --> 00:39:22,559 Having one of his bad fits? 659 00:39:22,600 --> 00:39:25,194 - Yes. - I'm sorry. Look, I... 660 00:39:26,240 --> 00:39:28,470 I didn't really mean fits. 661 00:39:28,520 --> 00:39:30,431 Well, they are fits. 662 00:39:30,480 --> 00:39:34,234 Rages. It's a form of epilepsy, they think. 663 00:39:34,280 --> 00:39:37,795 - Do they give him anything for it? - Pills, but he doesn't always take them. 664 00:39:37,840 --> 00:39:41,879 The old man's death - is that bothering him? 665 00:39:41,920 --> 00:39:44,434 - The money. - Ah. 666 00:39:44,480 --> 00:39:48,189 Well, there's not much money, I'm afraid. Not for him. 667 00:39:48,240 --> 00:39:50,959 £2,000. 668 00:39:51,000 --> 00:39:53,514 I know it must seem a lot. 669 00:39:53,560 --> 00:39:55,949 We've been desperate. 670 00:39:56,000 --> 00:39:58,514 When the old man died, we thought we'd get something, 671 00:39:58,560 --> 00:40:00,790 but they won't pay out until things are settled. 672 00:40:00,840 --> 00:40:02,876 WIMSEY: Debts? 673 00:40:02,920 --> 00:40:05,354 Much? 674 00:40:05,400 --> 00:40:07,277 Three years ago, 675 00:40:07,320 --> 00:40:11,552 it didn't look as if George would ever be able to hold down a job again. 676 00:40:11,600 --> 00:40:16,116 I borrowed £350 to set up a teashop in Kensington. 677 00:40:16,160 --> 00:40:18,151 How much do you owe now? 678 00:40:19,120 --> 00:40:21,429 1500. 679 00:40:21,480 --> 00:40:24,677 We had to pay 60 per cent interest on the money, you see, 680 00:40:24,720 --> 00:40:26,711 and we got behind. 681 00:40:27,760 --> 00:40:31,389 I think the shop would have failed, even without having to pay the interest. 682 00:40:32,280 --> 00:40:36,876 Give me the name and address of the people concerned. They won't bother you any more. 683 00:40:43,480 --> 00:40:46,790 You never spoke to Lady Dormer about this? 684 00:40:46,840 --> 00:40:50,150 Oh, no. George wouldn't have much to do with her. 685 00:40:50,200 --> 00:40:54,637 She was so rich, you see - he didn't want her to think that he was just after her money. 686 00:40:54,680 --> 00:40:58,036 And then he didn't like that niece of hers - the companion. 687 00:40:58,080 --> 00:41:00,310 Ann Dorland? Why not? 688 00:41:00,360 --> 00:41:04,148 She's one of those ugly, modern, Chelsea women, he says. 689 00:41:04,200 --> 00:41:05,997 Hardly seems enough. 690 00:41:07,200 --> 00:41:09,350 She paints things. 691 00:41:09,400 --> 00:41:12,472 Green prostitutes, he says, with no clothes on. 692 00:41:12,520 --> 00:41:14,875 I'm not allowed to know her. 693 00:41:14,920 --> 00:41:17,354 George says a man can't get a decent job these days, 694 00:41:17,400 --> 00:41:21,075 with all these hard-faced, cigarette-smoking females all over the place, 695 00:41:21,120 --> 00:41:23,111 pretending to be businesswomen. 696 00:41:25,040 --> 00:41:27,759 George is rather old-fashioned, in some ways. 697 00:41:27,800 --> 00:41:29,791 George is a fool. 698 00:41:30,920 --> 00:41:32,512 But a sick fool. 699 00:41:33,840 --> 00:41:35,876 Don't worry too much. 700 00:41:43,440 --> 00:41:45,749 - Goodbye. - Thank you, Lord Peter. 701 00:41:57,720 --> 00:42:01,599 As I said before, I strongly advise your client to settle. 702 00:42:01,640 --> 00:42:04,916 But she won't settle. The Dorland woman won't settle. 703 00:42:04,960 --> 00:42:08,555 - Well, perhaps she knows something. - What can she know that we don't? 704 00:42:08,600 --> 00:42:14,470 After all, Lord Peter, there are only 37 minutes in question. His sister died at 10:37. 705 00:42:14,520 --> 00:42:17,830 And whatever one thinks about the rigor mortis passing off so quickly, 706 00:42:17,880 --> 00:42:21,873 we know that General Fentiman didn't arrive in the club until 10am. We know that. 707 00:42:21,920 --> 00:42:23,717 - But do we? - What? 708 00:42:23,760 --> 00:42:26,228 We know he usually arrived at 10am, 709 00:42:26,280 --> 00:42:30,068 but on the morning of November the 11th, nobody actually saw him arrive. 710 00:42:30,120 --> 00:42:33,396 There was a new hall porter on duty. He didn't know him. 711 00:42:33,440 --> 00:42:38,230 - And the cloakroom attendant, Bunter? - Saw the General's hat and coat on his peg, 712 00:42:38,280 --> 00:42:40,794 but didn't see the General put them there. 713 00:42:40,840 --> 00:42:44,549 And most interesting of all...the missing poppy. 714 00:42:45,600 --> 00:42:49,036 - Do I follow you? - No, but you shall. 715 00:42:49,080 --> 00:42:52,390 I've seen the clothes that the General was wearing on that day. 716 00:42:52,440 --> 00:42:56,831 I've spoken to his man, and I know what was and what was not removed from those clothes. 717 00:42:56,880 --> 00:43:01,396 And on the morning of Armistice Day, when every member of the club wore a poppy, 718 00:43:01,440 --> 00:43:04,591 gallant, true-blue General Fentiman did not. 719 00:43:04,640 --> 00:43:09,430 Though he had walked to the club through streets filled with patriotic poppy-sellers. 720 00:43:09,480 --> 00:43:11,471 Don't you find that interesting? 721 00:43:12,360 --> 00:43:17,992 It seems that he spent the night before his death in the company of an old friend, a Mr Oliver. 722 00:43:18,040 --> 00:43:22,556 But nobody knows, you see, Murbles, where the mysterious Mr Oliver lives, 723 00:43:22,600 --> 00:43:24,397 or what he looks like. 724 00:43:24,440 --> 00:43:27,989 So, I think we'd better find him. Don't you?