Original subtitles

[music]

>> Lady Penelope Ormscock.

Lady Emily Dalrymple.

>> Interesting air, you say, my lord?

>> Precisely. At the very moment of being

presented at court, it was nothing less

than an affront to their majesties.

>> But is it not possible that the Lady

Emily went to to her room and changed?

>> Well-bred girl, one of the most

auspicious moments of her life, she'd

rather die.

>> Otherwise, contempt of court. What?

>> [laughter]

>> I quite see your point, sir.

>> I wonder if you do, sir. Three young

ladies have mysteriously disappeared.

Norman blood, every one of them best

families in the land.

I shudder to think what may have

happened.

We must find the criminals without delay

and bring them to prosecution.

>> With respect, my lord, we can hardly

prosecute until we know for certain that

an offense has been committed. After

all, people disappear for the most part.

Not just people.

>> Damn it, sir, it could be a Bolshevik

plot.

>> I hesitate to interrupt you when you are

browsing through the pages of the

Tatler, Miss Lettow, but would you

kindly get me the other ledger?

>> Ledger, Mr. Reed?

>> On the shelf in your office, Miss

Lettow.

>> Oh, sorry. Yes, of course.

>> And do leave the magazine. I haven't

seen the latest issue.

>> Yes.

>> Thank you.

Lady Sellars enjoying a jest with Major

Terrance Forsythe-Smythe at the

Northumbrian Hunt Ball.

Oh, silly girl.

>> I am surprised that you are interested

in society affairs, Mr. Reed.

>> Not in Lady Sellars' social life, I

assure you.

She's been indiscreetly photographed

wearing the Boroli diamonds, as every

jewel thief in the country will have

noticed.

>> Do jewel thieves also read the Tatler?

>> As avidly as stockbrokers read the

financial papers.

>> Did you know that Lady Sellars and Major

Forsythe-Smythe are both keen collectors

of antique horse brasses? It could mean

marriage, you know.

>> Do you make a practice of like that kind

of information, Miss Letchworth?

>> Yes,

I'm fascinated by everything to do with

the aristocracy.

>> Seems a rather trivial occupation for

such an intelligent young woman.

I [clears throat]

see that you don't agree, Miss

Letchworth.

Scotland Yard are working full out on

the case, and they will coordinate their

investigations with your own.

Got to get to the bottom of this, Tubby.

No stone unturned.

>> Naturally, my lord, we shall do

everything in our power, but I am

somewhat mystified by

>> My dear man, everybody is mystified.

That is why the case must be given

absolute priority.

It's a royal command.

>> We will

do our duty.

>> Very good, then.

Good day.

>> Uh my loyal respects to the

>> Good day to you, sir.

>> And to you, sir.

Confounded Frankie! Reader!

>> I'll have to fix him a pellet.

COME HERE, FRANKIE.

>> READER!

>> PELLETS. PELLETS, FRANKIE.

>> PELLETS.

>> Very ingenious, I must say, sir.

But I venture to say that Mr. Petrowski

has shot his bolt.

>> Yeah?

>> Uh Petrowski's are you asked me to look

into his share dealings.

>> Oh, the financier. I put those witchy

things down, Reader.

>> I'll take it, sir.

Well,

at a conservative estimate, our friend

seems successfully to have defrauded his

investors of several million pounds

sterling. I think we have enough

evidence to prosecute.

>> Later, Reader.

>> Later.

>> The widows and orphans and the retired

elderly gentlemen

>> It's the young gentleman that concern me

at the moment. Tell me, Reader,

what do you know about the aristocracy?

>> Crime is no respecter of class, it

isn't. Some spectacular malefactors have

been ex-public schoolboys.

Harrow, I believe, has rather an

interesting record in this respect.

>> Why do you ask, sir?

>> Either a colossal practical joke has

been pulled

or something very sinister is afoot and

unless we get to the bottom of it

quickly someone may have to go into

sudden and premature retirement.

>> [music]

>> Miss Letworth

>> Yes Mr. Reader.

>> I should like Debrett's and a copy of

the Almanach de Gotha.

>> I'll fetch them from the library at

once, sir.

>> If I can draw on your admirable

knowledge of the aristocracy

>> Certainly, sir. But but I thought you

said that

>> Yes, Miss Letworth. I know I was

somewhat hasty in my judgment.

In fact, your interest in the social

activities of the nobility may prove to

be quite useful.

>> I should be thrilled to be of some help,

Mr. Reader.

>> I can trust you to observe the strictest

discretion.

>> Oh, I I shan't tell a living soul. You

may depend upon it, Mr. Reader.

>> Thank you very much, Miss Letworth.

Now

have you ever heard of a young lady

named Cynthia Bardon Douglas?

>> Lady Cynthia,

uh she came out last year.

>> Not for very long, unfortunately.

Last seen at Cape Maddox nightclub with

a party of friends.

Then there is a rather odd case of the

Honorable Susan Randall.

>> Um

loves Pomeranian dogs, fast motor cars,

and the foxtrot.

>> I beg

I beg your pardon?

>> Oh, everybody does it, Mr. Reader. Well

nearly everybody.

Has she also disappeared?

>> From the luxury yacht in the harbor of

Portofino.

>> Oh, awful. Did she drown?

>> I rather doubt it.

And now there is Lady Emily Dalrymple

from the palace of all places.

Quite an epidemic.

Have you any theories, Miss Letworth?

>> Oh, I should think it's love, Mr.

Reader.

Quite a few society girls elope, you

know.

>> Love?

Mhm.

>> Not in Lady Cynthia's case, of Of

>> How is

>> She was already engaged.

>> You're a damn fool, Clive. Always were.

>> I say. So, that's a bit thick. Allowing

Cynthia to run off like that.

Where the devil did she go?

>> I wish I knew, Father. I mean, it's

jolly inconsiderate of her.

>> Never could look after your property.

Remember that filly I gave you on your

16th birthday? Lamed her in a week. And

what about your debts?

>> Well, I do have my army pay.

>> Army pay is scarcely cover your tailor's

bills.

>> Well, my tailor doesn't even give me

credit. Not anymore. So, why fuss with

Gervase? He's the heir.

>> Nobody gives a damn for the youngest son

of the 37th Earl of Colebrook.

>> Well, well, I'll have to talk to your

mother about that.

>> Mater, Peter?

>> Some damn fool notion she had that if

she drank rose hip syrup, you'd be a

female.

Didn't work out, though, did it?

Anyway, look at your Uncle Charles. He

was the youngest of nine.

Not much he could do about that, poor

fellow.

But at least he became

a bishop.

>> I wouldn't make a good churchman, Peter.

I mean, it's

it's awfully hard for me to resist

temptation.

>> Uh,

well, I dare say there's something wise

I ought to be able to say about that.

Can't think of a damn thing, though.

Well, if the church is out, what else is

there?

Empire's not what it was. Not much

future there.

I don't know how long the army will put

up with you.

No, you've got to face it, young fellow.

Cynthia is your lifeline.

Great whiskey distilling family, the

Bardolph Douglases.

And she'll inherit.

Got to find the girl.

>> Only we could find one of them or

establish a single motive.

>> It stands to reason nobody can disappear

into thin air, Pine.

>> In our records department at Scotland

Yard, we have a whole section on people

who have.

>> What puzzles me most is the case of Lady

Amelia Dalrymple.

How can anybody get in or out of the

palace without being detected?

>> We've questioned everybody. Court

officials,

servants, officers of the guard. No one

saw her leave.

>> But naturally, Chief Inspector.

>> What do you mean?

>> One tends only to notice the unusual,

sir.

If Lady Amelia been carried out

screaming, her departure might have

attracted some attention.

The fact that it did not indicates she

left in a perfectly normal manner.

>> Ah.

>> We may have something there, Reader.

The girl could have been smuggled out

through the servants' quarters disguised

as a royal housemaid.

>> Well, no, said Jason.

>> Huh?

>> Look at it this way.

The missing young ladies all have

certain things in common. They're all

aged between 18 and 23, all are listed

in the Debrett, all belong to the same

exclusive social set, go to the same

parties, share the same escorts.

>> all that. What point are you making?

>> May I ask what regiment was on palace

duty on the day in question?

>> Household Cavalry.

>> Mhm.

Officered largely by the sons of dukes,

earls, and other peers of the realm. Uh

vulgarly they're known as Debs'

Delights, I believe.

>> Reader, are you suggesting that the Lady

Amelia was kidnapped by the Household

Cavalry?

>> I'm suggesting she left willingly or

unwillingly in the company of a young

officer with whom she was socially

acquainted.

>> I'm not convinced, Reader, but any

theory's better than none. We're looking

into it right away.

>> Well, I have already made some

tentative inquiries, Chief Inspector.

Here is a provisional list of five men.

>> Household Cavalry officers?

>> Only two.

But on every social occasion that the

young lady has disappeared, these five

were included among the guests.

>> Yeah. It's uh Oliver Twistley.

How perfect is this boy?

The honorable Cedric Farcical,

Lord Bindle last, Captain the honorable

Clive Wits Commons,

Count Orlando Vigarretti.

He country he must be a foreigner.

>> Uh an Italian gentleman.

The title is honorific, a people count.

>> You'll be seeing him, of course.

>> With your With your permission, sir, I

intend to see all of them.

>> Bathurst always had trouble with that

boy.

>> If you would rather, sir.

>> Huh? Oh, I may have to deal with the

young puppy myself, right?

>> Common ground, sir? Knight to knight?

>> Dashed all of them, I must say, popping

off one after the other. But don't you

worry.

>> Oliver, are you serious, Oliver? Does it

not distress you to lose your friends

like

>> Oh, frightfully, of course. But if one

bird flies off, there's always half a

dozen others. There's a shortage of

chaps, you know, the twenties and all

that.

>> The cream of British manhood.

>> I say, may I have another?

>> You were on board the yacht when the

honorable Susan Randall disappeared.

>> Confidentially, old boy, I wasn't a bit

surprised.

>> May we know why?

>> Little Susie was an absolute tizzy over

Orlando.

>> Count Vigarretti.

>> He was flirting with Emily. They had a

tip about it up on deck. Orlando came

down to the bar, and then the next thing

we knew, she'd gone.

>> Am I correct in assuming that Emily is

Lady Emily Dalrymple?

>> Yeah, we were just talking about her.

>> The palace.

>> Yes, I expect she got into a huff with

Orlando, too. Impetuous cove, lots of

Latin temperament, always falling for a

new girl.

>> I see.

Can you now tell me about the night that

Lady Cynthia Bardoff Douglas vanished at

Cape Medics Club?

>> That was an extraordinary thing. There

was this Chinese magician.

>> [laughter]

[cheering]

[laughter]

>> Thank you very much.

For my first illusion, I need the

assistance of a volunteer. Would any

pretty lady care to volunteer? Cynthia,

my darling, WHAT ABOUT YOU?

>> VOLUNTEER? I'D FEEL A FOOL.

>> GO ON, CYNTHIA. Be a sport.

>> He's only going to saw you in half, my

precious. We want to see if you're as

charming inside as you are on the

outside.

>> [laughter]

>> I will transport you to the temple of

immortal bliss in far-off

cafe. Come.

>> I don't know, Cynthia. It would be such

fun. But all right.

Ta-ta, everybody. See you in THE NEXT

WORLD.

>> [applause]

>> GREATLY HONORED, PRETTY LADY. Your most

unworthy servant will now place you in

my magic box.

Fold your arms, so.

And now,

please

step inside.

>> [laughter]

>> Honored ladies and gentlemen,

>> [laughter]

>> if you will please maintain absolute

silence, I will weave a sorcerer's

spell. It was handed down to me by my

ancient ancestors.

>> [applause]

>> And now you will be asking, "Where is

the pretty lady?"

Has [applause] she gone forever into the

garden of delight? Alas, no. I must

bring her back.

But she will be changed. She will have

seen with her own eyes the colors of

paradise.

>> And she will be sad to see them no more.

>> [applause]

>> And what would you like me to serve, Mr.

Reader?

>> Uh just some tea. That would do

splendidly.

>> Ugh, you can hardly offer an earl's son

nothing but a cup of tea, even from the

good silver teapot.

>> My dear Mrs. Ugen, I cannot understand

this veneration of the descendant of a

bloodthirsty 11th-century brigand who

enriched himself by seizing other

people's property.

>> Fancy that, just like the old Scottish

gentry.

>> Rufus de Cormoran,

ancestor of the Cormorans,

was known, if you will forgive the

vulgarity,

as the Red Bastard.

>> Mr. Reader.

>> A cormoran, in old French, was a

gluttonous bird, a sea crow.

From all accounts, the name was well

earned.

>> It's wonderful how you keep all that

knowledge in your head, Mr. Reader.

>> There is the young man himself, I

imagine.

>> Oh.

It's Captain the Honorable Clive

Fitzcormoran.

>> How do you do, Captain Fitzcormoran?

>> How do you do?

>> If you gentlemen will excuse me, I'll

just go and prepare the

>> Tea, Mrs. Ugen.

>> Oh.

>> Uh oh.

Won't you sit down?

>> Thanks.

>> Very good.

>> Awfully nice place you have here.

>> It suits my simple requirements.

>> Yes.

I expect you're wondering why I've asked

to see you privately, sir.

>> It happens to be rather convenient,

Captain. You see, uh

you were the next on my list.

>> Oh.

Well, actually, I I do have a small

confession to make.

>> Indeed, sir.

>> Mr. Weeda, I'm frightfully worried in

case my governor should get to hear

about this. The old man's just a

stickler, honor of the family and all

that.

Well, he doesn't think much of me. Never

did.

>> I do understand, Captain Scobber.

Please go on.

>> Well, Cynthia and me, Lady

Battle-Douglas.

Well, to cut a long story short,

she wouldn't have me. Wanted to break it

off.

>> When did this occur?

>> It came to a head at the nightclub. She

threatened to make an announcement in

front of everybody there.

>> Must have been very distressing.

>> Well, I said I'd murder her if she did.

>> Did you?

>> Oh, good lord, you don't really think I

would. I mean I mean I'm frightfully

fond of Cynthia, whatever she's done.

>> I take it's uh another man was involved.

>> Yes.

>> May I ask who?

>> Orlando Vigoretti, who else?

>> Do you suppose the count has something

to do with the disappearance of Lady

Cynthia?

>> Well, your guess is as good as mine, Mr.

Weeda.

She didn't mention it in her letter.

>> You have a letter from her?

>> Yes, it it came yesterday.

Oh, yes, here.

I'm sure I brought it. Oh, yes, here we

are.

>> May I see it?

>> Uh yes, yes, of course. Thank you.

>> Dear Clive,

I've gone away for a while. Don't try to

find me. We're not playing one of your

nursery games of hide-and-seek.

Honestly, Clive, I'm tired of being

engaged to a jealous little boy. I'm

sure you'll find some other playmate.

Cynthia.

>> I don't know how she could be so

beastly.

>> Have you got the envelope?

>> Yes.

>> Posted on board the SS Singapore.

The Orient Line.

>> I know you won't mind, Mr. Reader, but I

thought Captain Fitz Cormorant might

fancy a bite to eat.

>> Oh, thanks awfully, Margot, but actually

I I I do have to rush. Charity ball.

>> Oh, thank heaven you've come, Mr.

Reader. Sir Jason's been shouting for

you. He's got Chief Inspector Pine with

him.

>> Uh,

thank you,

Miss Edwards.

>> Well, Reader, what have you got to say

about it?

>> Tell me the worst, Sir Jason. I am

braced for the shock.

>> Another one's gone. The Marquess of

Kyle's daughter, the Lady Catherine.

>> Where did this occur, sir?

>> Claridge's during a charity ball.

>> She was escorted either by Captain Fitz

Cormorant or Count Orlando Vigoretti.

>> Vigoretti, actually. So, you did know

about it.

>> As a regular reader of the Tatler, Chief

Inspector, I know all the young lady's

friends.

>> Come. We've got full list of people at

the ball, guests at the hotel, mixed

bag, Hollywood actors, South American

millionaires, French aristocrats,

even a Chinese mandarin and his six

wives.

>> How many wives did you say?

>> Well, six, why?

>> Have you seen the afternoon paper, sir?

Here is a picture of the person leaving

Claridge's with his entourage.

Would you care to count the number of

wives?

>> By God, seven.

You think the mandarin's seventh wife is

the missing Lady Catherine?

>> I fear that is probable.

What is less probable is that the

mandarin is in fact a mandarin.

They no longer exist outside the pages

of your average fiction.

I understand they've been replaced by

Chinese warlords.

>> Now, come on, Reader. You're not telling

us the girl's been kidnapped by a

warlord.

>> Indeed not, Chief Inspector. More likely

a Chinese cook or a seaman or a

laundryman, one of the denizens of

Limehouse.

I'm afraid, gentlemen,

that we may have stumbled on a fiendish

white slave trafficking the finest

flower of English maidenhood.

>> Good heavens.

>> But first of all, we must ask ourselves

this question.

Who or what is this Count Orlando

Vigretti?

>> Oh, do come Orlando. Don't you like

hunting?

>> Alas, my darling, I do not.

>> Why, it's spiffing fun.

>> I'm so jealous of your horse, the way

you stroke his long, sleek neck.

I have a better sport to suggest, my

lovely Helen.

>> You're such a wicked flirt.

>> [music]

>> Miss Letworth.

>> Mhm.

>> What can your sociological observations

about society tell us about Lady Helen

Angleside?

>> Um no, she's one of the Sussex

Anglesides, uh second cousin of the Duke

of Ipswich, and a collateral descendant

of Mary Queen of Scots.

>> Oh, splendid. Any other relevant facts?

>> Well, her seat's marvelous. She rides

with the Quorn and Meynell Hunt.

Mr. Palmer is here, sir.

>> Ah, Chief Inspector, do come in.

>> Rita, your hunch was right. I've just

got the information through from Rome.

Vigretti is a phony. Real name, Orlando

Becaccia, a Neapolitan. Father runs a

bar in the red light district of Naples.

>> Most interesting, Chief Inspector. Thank

you.

>> Ah,

>> I'll a couple of men around to his

place. Bring him in.

>> Uh please um

not quite yet, Mr. Pyne.

Besides, I think perhaps Count Orlando

has gone hunting.

>> Shan't be long, Orlando. Miss Smith.

>> I shall count the seconds until you come

back safely to me, MY LOVE.

>> I HAVE AN UNEASY PREMONITION, MR. PYNE.

We should have caught an earlier train.

>> What do you mean, disappeared?

>> I've been hunting 40 years, and I've

never seen anything like it, sir. There

she was, leading the field, then with a

last cry of tallyho, she galloped over

the dip and whoosh, disappeared like the

steam of a kettle.

Funny thing is, she was nowhere near the

fox.

>> She was probably nearer than you think.

And her horse?

>> Oh, thank heaven he's all right. Finest

bloodstock in the country. Tragic if

anything had happened to him.

>> Where's Figuretti? I suppose he's gone.

>> Not very far, Mr. Pyne.

>> Are you

busy, Count Orlando?

>> We were admiring the architecture. 17th

century. I love old barns.

>> Not exclusively, I see.

Now, there are one or two questions.

>> This is intolerable, Reeder. My most

trusted assistant, and you've let me

down. I will not listen to feeble

excuses. What am I to say to the Home

Secretary? The aristocracy is in a

panic. They're hiring private

bodyguards.

>> All enforcement is subject to to delays,

as we all know, so Jason

>> about this fellow Orlando Figuereti or

the catch here whatever his wretched

name is?

Why don't you instruct the police to

arrest him?

>> For a plebeian to call himself a count

is not in itself a criminal offense Sir

Jason.

>> But you know damn well he's mixed up in

the affair.

>> Our Neapolitan friend is not alone.

I have reason to believe he is merely an

instrument in the hands of a far more

depraved criminal.

>> It can't go on like this. Everywhere I

must look behind my shoulder. I'm sick

with my stomach from nerves.

Please, it's my turn to disappear out of

the country.

Eh, what do you mean there's nothing to

be afraid of? This terrible little man

Reader.

Harmless? He has the cold eye of a mass

murderer.

You will attend to him?

All right.

Good.

>> It's very [music] kind of you to agree

to accompany me in this venture.

I only hope the evening's entertainment

won't be too bizarre for your tastes.

>> Oh, no, on the contrary. I'm very

excited about it.

I'm rather surprised that you should

want to come to a place like this Mr.

Reader. It doesn't seem quite your your

cup of tea.

>> All my life I've been unable to resist

curiosity. As you have so often heard me

say, I have a criminal mind. And to a

man of my temperament there is nothing

more intriguing than a mysterious

invitation.

>> Mr. J. J. Reader

is invited to an intriguing display of

oriental conjuring.

>> Is there not a single lady who will

volunteer for this tremendous,

absolutely unique illusion?

>> Do you think I could?

>> No, I do not.

>> Oh,

after all, it's only a conjuring trick.

>> Please, just one moment.

Oh, I beg of you.

Perfect.

May I ask if your Temple of Immortal

Bliss is exclusively reserved for

persons of the feminine gender?

>> Not exclusively, honored sir. Beauty's

companion, wisdom, can also be

accommodated. Do you wish to volunteer?

>> I would not forego the experience for

anything.

>> A folder, and so

Now, please, step inside the magic box.

Honored ladies and gentlemen, if you

will please maintain absolute silence, I

will call up the spirits of my

ancestors, the court magicians to the

Ming emperors of ancient China.

>> [laughter]

[applause]

>> Now, you will be asking, "Where is the

honored gentleman?"

I take on forever in the garden of

delight,

unless

I must bring him back.

>> What happened then, Miss Belman?

>> The opened the magic box and

and it was empty.

>> And Mr. Reeder had gone.

>> Yes.

But then suddenly the whole place was

plunged into darkness and and then when

the lights came on again the magician

himself had disappeared.

>> Can't understand how Reeder could have

allowed himself to fall into such an

obvious trap.

>> I'm sure it was only with the very best

of intentions.

>> Oh, no doubt.

>> I've brought some ham sandwiches and tea

and some of Mr. Reeder's favorite seed

cake.

>> You're very kind, Mrs. Whochin.

>> I would do the same for anybody.

Oh dear.

I'm so worried I forgot the milk.

He always liked the milk to go in first.

>> No need to look on the black side yet,

Mrs. Whochin.

>> I cannot help it.

Poor Mr. Reeder.

A kinder, gentler, more

understanding gentleman you couldn't

wish to meet.

And him without his overcoat on such a

frosty night.

>> I'm going to sit over here.

>> Oh, thank you.

>> Mrs. Whochin's taking it very badly.

>> Well, she is utterly devoted to Mr.

Reader's welfare.

>> I can see why he remained a bachelor.

Uh,

do you [clears throat]

happen to know by any chance of any

next of kin?

>> I hope you don't think

>> Yes. Yes.

I see.

And what about Limehouse?

Put some more men on the job.

Damn it, I know it's like looking for a

needle in a haystack, just keep

searching.

Frankly, ladies, I fear the worst.

>> [snorts]

>> Mr. Reader.

>> Oh, you're soaked to the skin.

[laughter]

>> Good evening, everybody.

Should I say good morning? I fear my

my watch is somewhat

waterlogged.

>> You poor man. I'll get you a hot bath

and some dry clothes immediately.

>> I should be all right, thank you, Mrs.

Houchins, but would you be kind enough

to pour me a glass of brandy?

>> I'm sure Mr. Payne will do that. I'll

run your hot bath for you. Uh, the

brandy is on the sideboard, Mr. Payne.

>> What on earth happened?

>> Well, I I suspect I was drugged and

dumped into the Thames in a laundry

basket.

>> In a laundry basket?

>> My my assailants must have miscalculated

the strength of the drug. The cold water

must have shocked me into consciousness.

Oh,

thank you,

Chief Inspector.

>> I'm glad to see you're still fighting

fit.

Well, they're waiting for me back at the

yard.

Must rush off.

>> Oh.

Oh.

>> Goodnight, Mr. Reader.

>> Goodnight, Inspector Payne.

>> Goodnight, there.

>> Now, you're to keep this wrapped around

you.

>> Are you really? Shouldn't

shouldn't worry, Mrs. Houchins.

>> Nonsense. I'm not wanting you going down

with pneumonia.

>> I'm uh

sorry to have spoiled evening, Miss

Belman.

>> Oh, Mr. Reed, how can you say that?

Oh, why did they try to kill you?

>> I suppose they were

finding my investigation a little

annoying. I will give anything,

anything, Miss Belman, to expose these

degenerates who traffic in young females

if

if I can only catch them red-handed.

>> I

I have an idea.

>> Pray, what is that?

>> Will you let me help you?

>> In what way?

>> Well,

I could

I could act as bait.

>> Oh, Miss Belman,

I do appreciate your youthful gallantry,

but it is it is quite out of the

question.

>> Why?

>> Well, because I

I could not allow it, Miss Belman.

>> But I could pretend to have a title.

>> With or without a title, Miss Belman, I

absolutely forbid it.

I

I have too warm a regard for you to

allow you to do anything so dangerous.

>> But Mr. Reed

>> Let it let it let it Let

Say no more.

Besides, I I think I've discovered a

rather interesting clue.

I found this in the laundry basket.

And if my assumption is correct,

this may well be the key to the whole

mystery.

>> Don't move, I'll blow your head off.

What the devil do you mean by

trespassing on my property?

>> Have I the honor of addressing the Earl

of Coburn?

>> Don't quibble, man. I came to see your

>> son, my lord.

>> In that case, I'll thank you to get off

my land.

>> I'll pay your accounts.

>> You can send in your damn bills like any

other tradesman.

My son may be a useless, incompetent

spendthrift,

>> still a gentleman.

>> You appear to be under a

misapprehension.

>> Huh?

>> I'm investigating the disappearance of

Mr. Fitzcormond's fiance.

>> Who got

Country's going to the dogs, but I never

knew we had such weedy policemen.

You better come in.

Thank you, my lord.

I think he's somewhere about with that

Italian fellow.

Dave!

HEY!

DAVE!

DAVE!

YES, FATHER. WHAT IS IT?

May I speak to your son alone, sir? I

don't think you'll get much sense out of

him.

Looks as though he's seen a ghost.

You seem startled.

Did my unexpected appearance alarm you?

No, no, not at all.

Only I am I hope you didn't mention to

my governor about

Well, about me and Cynthia.

Breaking it off, I mean. On that score,

you have no need to worry.

As a matter of fact, I I called to see

Count Orlando.

His housekeeper told me he was spending

a few days here.

You want to see Orlando?

Why? I prefer not to comment at this

stage.

Is he mixed up in this?

In what, Captain Fitzwilliam? You know

what I mean. Has he Has he done

something to Cynthia? But sir, you

received a letter from your fiance. You

showed it to me. Oh.

But he could have forced her to write

it.

My god, if he has hurt her.

Has he? Really, sir, it would be most

improper of me to discuss that matter.

I'll kill him.

I don't think you have far to look for

your quarry.

Now, I say, Orlando, it's a bit thick.

I apologize for disturbing you,

Signor Buccatini.

>> How dare you? I am Count Orlando

Vegatti.

>> No?

>> All right, it is what do you say? A fair

cop?

>> Believe me, I'm very glad.

It's been a strain on my nerves.

>> I'm sure it has.

Signor, there is one question I would

like to ask you.

How is your Chinese?

>> I beg your pardon.

I do not understand. What is it?

>> The Fragrant Garden of Delight Laundry.

Forgive me if my translation is somewhat

imperfect.

Do you know the place?

>> I have never heard of it.

Never.

>> [laughter]

[laughter]

[laughter]

[laughter]

[laughter]

[laughter]

[snorts]

[music]

>> Good morning, Mr. Fetcher.

>> Oh, good morning, Mr. Reader. Uh Sir

Jason's already in. He seems rather

cross.

>> Yes, I can well imagine that.

>> Incidentally, this letter arrived for

you yesterday while you were at the

autopsy.

>> Oh, would you open it, please?

>> Yes.

>> Thank you.

Lady Ottoline Prendergast presents her

compliments to Mr. Reader and

begs leave to inform him that tonight

he's attending a ball in aid of

distressed gentlefolk at the Duchess of

Portside's residence in Park Lane.

Who brought this message, Mr. Edgeworth?

>> A post office messenger, Mr. Reader.

>> Very strange.

>> Reader!

>> Very strange indeed.

GOOD GRACIOUS.

>> READER!

WELL, I DON'T KNOW. I DON'T KNOW.

READER, I HAVE

I hope you're satisfied.

>> Moderately so, Edgeworth.

>> What do you mean? You've made the

DEPARTMENT LOOK ABSOLUTELY

RIDICULOUS.

>> WITH RESPECT, SIR, I consider that

somewhat unfair.

>> The body of a MURDERED SUSPECT IS DUMPED

IN YOUR ROOM AND YOU CONSIDER MY

criticism unfair?

>> I suppose your invaluable Mrs. Houchin

thought the odd body to be beneath her

notice.

>> She'd already retired to bed, sir.

Besides

>> Inspector Pyne is here, sir.

>> You'll forgive me bursting in,

Edgeworth, but it's time we stopped

theorizing and had some action.

>> Quite. That will do, Miss

Miss

Look here, Pyne. What do you suggest we

do?

>> Send a man down to that laundry, arrest

every there. One of them will

probably be the murderer.

>> I must reluctantly disagree, Inspector.

>> What are you talking about, man? You saw

him go into those premises. Next thing

he turns up in your room of all places

with a Chinese dagger in his back.

>> Which can be obtained in any curio shop.

>> Who the devil do you think did it then?

>> His friend.

Captain Fitzcormorant.

>> You sure of that?

>> Moderately certain.

>> What would be his motive? Revenge?

>> We'll deal with that later, sir. I'll

I'll get someone at Coldbrook Hall and

have him detained right away.

>> Good man. Pyne.

>> Pyne is not there, sir. And nobody knows

where he's gone.

>> Well, we'll have to find him then.

>> May I suggest it might be wiser to wait?

I don't think I quite follow you,

Reader. A murder has been committed. WE

CAN'T JUST IGNORE IT.

>> WE ARE DEALING with a crime far worse

than murder, Edgeworth.

The transportation of English virgins to

the vice dens of the Far East.

>> God, Pyne is right.

It makes one's blood boil.

>> I'd prefer to consider the matter more

logically. Who was used to lure the

victims? Orlando Bocaccio, alias Count

Vigoretti. Now he's dead. That means for

the time being there'll be no more

missing young society ladies.

>> I'm sure there will be.

In fact, I would be most disappointed if

there were not.

>> Disappointed?

You've taken leave of your senses.

>> Not at all, sir.

We are dealing with a daring and a droit

criminal, but he has one weakness.

Overconfidence.

He is about to go one step too far.

>> You sure you're not just a tiny bit

overconfident yourself?

>> Who?

Are you expecting a call from the

Duchess of Portside?

How extraordinary.

Uh Mr. Rader speaking.

I see.

And the lady vanished.

Thank you, Your Grace. You have been

most helpful.

>> What's Rader? Was that?

>> The Duchess held a ball last night in

aid of distressed gentlefolk.

It seems that our old friend the Chinese

magician generously donated his cabaret

performance.

And as usual, a young lady volunteered

to assist.

>> And disappeared.

>> Inevitably.

Fortunately, she left a note with the

Duchess asking her to contact me in such

an eventuality.

>> Well, what was her name?

>> Lady Ottoline Prendergast.

But I have reason to believe there is no

such person.

She never existed.

>> SEE HERE, RADER.

>> Excuse me, sir.

I have no time to waste.

The life of someone very dear to me is

at stake.

>> The place is surrounded.

We're all ready to go.

>> So sorry, sir. This is private.

>> I have reason to believe that certain

offenses have been committed on these

premises.

>> Undoubtedly, Mr. Reader is making a

mistake.

>> It's no use. I know who you are.

>> Everybody in Limehouse know Chinese

laundry man.

>> Yes, but not as Captain the Honorable

Clive Percival Montmorency Fitz

Cormorant.

>> You're a very sharp little chap, Reader.

Too clever by half.

>> It is no use.

There are police officers all around the

place.

As you can see.

What have you done to the girls?

>> I suppose you won't believe me, Reader,

but I've never harmed a hair of those

girls' heads.

It goes against the grain.

Besides,

they're worth so much more in mint

condition.

Would you call your bloodhounds off a

moment?

>> Release him.

>> Thank you.

Oh, Mr. Reader, oh, thank heaven.

>> Well, Miss Belman, you are

you are far too impulsive for my peace

of mind.

>> I knew you would rescue me.

>> But I fear too late to save the others.

>> Quite so, Rita.

By now, they are on the high seas bound

for China, beyond your jurisdiction.

>> But not beyond the jurisdiction of the

British Navy.

>> I warned you not to underestimate him.

>> Your confidence flatters me, Miss

Belman.

>> I must admit I thought I had you fooled.

How did you guess?

>> The letter from your fiance aroused my

suspicion, sir.

It could not have been posted on board

the SS Singapore.

She was late from sailing for essential

repairs, according to the Shipping

Gazette.

Besides, Captain Fitzwilliam,

you really

should send your shirts to another

laundry.

I found this in a pile of dirty linen

here with your

family crest on the pocket.

>> Perhaps my father's right.

I was doomed to be a failure.

I hope you realize, Rita, that I am

nothing but a victim of society.

>> In what way?

>> The youngest son of a nobleman today has

breeding, but no prospects.

What else can he do but turn to crime?

>> Chief Inspector Pyne is hoping to bring

up further charge in a few days, sir.

For Cartja's murder.

>> For Vella?

>> Yes, indeed. For Nasti Enza.

>> No, young Fitzwilliam. That Italian

devil obviously led him into crime.

>> I think not, sir.

Fitzwilliam discovered that the Italian

was an impostor and blackmailed him into

becoming his accomplice.

Then when suspicion began to center on

the man

>> You mean when I told you of my

suspicion?

>> Uh yes, Edison. I later found his

behavior more and more suspect.

All those young ladies.

>> Ladies, man, Rita. No, I mean that

Exactly what I thought, sir.

And then I began to notice he was using

his reputation as a great lover as his

alibi each time. And there were so many

young ladies.

Even Mr. Rudolph Valentino himself would

have been sorely tried to compete.

>> You mean Fitzcormant was afraid he might

give the game away?

>> Exactly, sir.

So, he conceived the idea of removing

him in such a way as to suggest that he,

Fitzcormant, murdered him merely to

avenge the kidnapping of his fiancee.

>> And then he hoped to slip out of the

country and live on the immoral earnings

of his unfortunate victims.

>> Precisely, sir.

>> Well, it was a devilish scheme.

>> And do you know what he had the

effrontery to suggest, sir?

>> No idea.

>> That he was performing a service to the

young ladies by rescuing them from the

boredom of an effete existence.

>> [music]

[music]

>> Hey.