1 00:01:13,375 --> 00:01:15,707 Subtitling made possible by Acorn Media 2 00:01:16,500 --> 00:01:18,165 POIROT: The Harlequinade. 3 00:01:18,291 --> 00:01:20,540 Ancestor of the English pantomime. 4 00:01:20,833 --> 00:01:22,082 Six characters, 5 00:01:23,250 --> 00:01:24,707 garish, grotesque, 6 00:01:26,500 --> 00:01:27,874 first brought to life 7 00:01:28,041 --> 00:01:30,374 three centuries ago by the clowns and the actors 8 00:01:30,500 --> 00:01:32,290 of the Italian fairgrounds. 9 00:01:32,750 --> 00:01:35,624 Today, mere costumed characters at a masked ball. 10 00:01:37,583 --> 00:01:39,790 Where now their mystery, their magic, 11 00:01:40,083 --> 00:01:41,332 their comedy... 12 00:01:42,208 --> 00:01:44,999 their tragedy? 13 00:01:50,083 --> 00:01:51,832 CRONSHAW: Ready for the party, Uncle? 14 00:01:51,958 --> 00:01:53,540 Well, where's your mask? 15 00:01:53,958 --> 00:01:55,874 It's not midnight yet, you know, Eustace. 16 00:01:56,000 --> 00:01:57,249 Victory Ball? 17 00:01:59,166 --> 00:02:02,290 You'd think the Hun would remember 1918 as well as we do. 18 00:02:02,625 --> 00:02:04,124 Ah, well, as Coward says, 19 00:02:04,708 --> 00:02:07,290 "What a pity the Hun prefers fighting to fun." 20 00:02:08,958 --> 00:02:09,874 Oh, what's this? 21 00:02:10,000 --> 00:02:12,790 Oh, Uncle Eustace, not more for your collection? 22 00:02:13,583 --> 00:02:15,332 Magnificent set, isn't it? 23 00:02:15,791 --> 00:02:16,915 Just over from Holland. 24 00:02:17,041 --> 00:02:19,165 And Mira's holding it for me till the end of the month. 25 00:02:19,291 --> 00:02:20,999 I can guess why you're telling me. 26 00:02:21,125 --> 00:02:23,374 Your poor uncle doesn't get 6,000 a year 27 00:02:24,458 --> 00:02:25,874 from the Cronshaw Estates, as you do. 28 00:02:26,000 --> 00:02:27,749 - Eustace, please -- - You know I'm cleaned out 29 00:02:27,875 --> 00:02:28,790 after the figurines. 30 00:02:28,916 --> 00:02:30,790 This is a night for old triumphs, 31 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:34,915 not for new quarrels. 32 00:02:37,541 --> 00:02:39,665 BELTAINE: Cronshaw. 33 00:02:50,416 --> 00:02:52,499 MAN: This is the National Programme. 34 00:02:52,625 --> 00:02:53,874 The time is 7:00. 35 00:02:55,000 --> 00:02:57,874 And now we present a play by Desmond Havelock Ellis 36 00:02:58,583 --> 00:03:00,332 entitled "Deadly Alibi," 37 00:03:02,208 --> 00:03:04,624 starring Coco Courtney as Loretta Lampton. 38 00:03:04,750 --> 00:03:06,665 The late Coco Courtney, as usual. 39 00:03:08,541 --> 00:03:11,124 Where the hell is she? 40 00:03:12,791 --> 00:03:14,040 Cue them. 41 00:03:14,875 --> 00:03:18,082 Are you expecting Miss Lampton for dinner tonight, sir? 42 00:03:18,958 --> 00:03:22,040 MAN: Yes. She should be arriving in about half an hour. 43 00:03:22,291 --> 00:03:24,415 I believe that clock is gaining, sir. 44 00:03:24,958 --> 00:03:26,957 I'm quite aware of that, thank you. 45 00:03:27,541 --> 00:03:29,290 Will there be any other guests? 46 00:03:29,625 --> 00:03:30,540 No. 47 00:03:30,666 --> 00:03:31,915 Very good, sir. 48 00:03:33,250 --> 00:03:34,665 [ Telephone rings ] 49 00:03:37,041 --> 00:03:38,290 [ Door opens ] 50 00:03:38,958 --> 00:03:40,207 Good evening, Davis. 51 00:03:40,333 --> 00:03:41,999 I'm afraid I'm a little early. 52 00:03:42,333 --> 00:03:44,124 That's quite all right, miss. 53 00:03:44,791 --> 00:03:46,040 Bloody actresses. 54 00:03:46,166 --> 00:03:48,374 COURTNEY: It was such a fine night, I -- 55 00:03:49,291 --> 00:03:50,582 Hey, is that the time? 56 00:03:50,958 --> 00:03:51,957 Approximately. 57 00:03:52,083 --> 00:03:53,874 Of course. I forgot -- it gains. 58 00:03:54,125 --> 00:03:55,457 Rather fun, really. 59 00:03:56,666 --> 00:03:58,707 You can be early and late at the same time. 60 00:03:58,833 --> 00:04:00,082 MAN: Oh, Letty. 61 00:04:01,750 --> 00:04:03,499 I wasn't expecting you till 8:00. 62 00:04:03,625 --> 00:04:05,874 COURTNEY: Sorry. I never realized. 63 00:04:06,791 --> 00:04:08,124 POIROT: Thank you, Miss Lemon. 64 00:04:08,250 --> 00:04:11,707 I think Captain Hastings was listening to the weather report 65 00:04:12,000 --> 00:04:14,165 to see whether you'd need an umbrella. 66 00:04:14,291 --> 00:04:15,540 Oh. 67 00:04:17,708 --> 00:04:20,457 This urgent package just arrived by messenger. 68 00:04:21,541 --> 00:04:22,790 Can I go now? 69 00:04:24,541 --> 00:04:25,790 Yes, of course. 70 00:04:28,666 --> 00:04:31,707 [ Departing footsteps ] 71 00:04:34,125 --> 00:04:35,374 [ Door opens ] 72 00:04:35,958 --> 00:04:37,665 Just one moment -- Miss Lemon! 73 00:04:37,791 --> 00:04:39,624 Ah. I was wondering where that had got to. 74 00:04:39,750 --> 00:04:41,415 Apparently, we won't need an umbrella. 75 00:04:41,541 --> 00:04:43,665 Oh, you haven't forgotten, have you? 76 00:04:45,750 --> 00:04:46,749 The Victory Ball. 77 00:04:46,875 --> 00:04:48,874 You promised you'd try and make it. 78 00:04:49,125 --> 00:04:51,582 Ackerley was really looking forward to it. 79 00:04:51,875 --> 00:04:53,874 - Ackerley is? - HASTINGS: He's with the BBC. 80 00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:56,124 But he's quite a decent chap. Drives an Alvis. 81 00:04:56,250 --> 00:04:57,415 Well, unfortunately, 82 00:04:57,541 --> 00:05:00,124 I have to rearrange my stamps in order of size. 83 00:05:00,458 --> 00:05:02,915 Please convey my apologies to M. Ackerley. 84 00:05:04,791 --> 00:05:06,332 He'll be very disappointed. 85 00:05:06,458 --> 00:05:07,832 He said that meeting you 86 00:05:07,958 --> 00:05:09,707 is the high spot of his career. 87 00:05:11,875 --> 00:05:16,582 Well, that seems reasonable. 88 00:05:20,333 --> 00:05:22,749 BELTAINE: It's not much to ask, Cronshaw. 89 00:05:23,625 --> 00:05:25,040 A thousand should do it. 90 00:05:25,750 --> 00:05:26,999 Eustace, not now. 91 00:05:27,375 --> 00:05:28,624 Later. 92 00:05:30,166 --> 00:05:31,374 And there she is -- 93 00:05:31,500 --> 00:05:32,790 the belle of the ball. 94 00:05:33,458 --> 00:05:34,707 Cronsh. 95 00:05:37,125 --> 00:05:39,332 Cutting it a bit fine, weren't you, Coco? 96 00:05:39,458 --> 00:05:41,707 I like cutting it fine. Hello, darling. 97 00:05:44,250 --> 00:05:47,249 Coco, you remember my uncle, the Honorable Eustace. 98 00:05:47,875 --> 00:05:49,457 Dishonorable, I heard. 99 00:05:50,083 --> 00:05:51,874 CRONSHAW: Oh, and this is Chris Davidson, 100 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:53,499 one of Coco's old acting cronies. 101 00:05:53,625 --> 00:05:54,874 Hello. 102 00:05:55,333 --> 00:05:56,499 CRONSHAW: Come on, Davidson. 103 00:05:56,625 --> 00:05:58,332 We'd better go and rescue your wife. 104 00:05:58,458 --> 00:05:59,374 She's out in the taxi 105 00:05:59,500 --> 00:06:02,499 with a friend of Uncle's, the infamous Mrs. Mallaby. 106 00:06:03,291 --> 00:06:04,540 Well, about time. 107 00:06:06,208 --> 00:06:08,457 I was beginning to suspect Miss Courtney 108 00:06:08,583 --> 00:06:11,207 was having a clandestine affair with Henry Hall. 109 00:06:11,333 --> 00:06:12,624 And his orchestra. 110 00:06:14,708 --> 00:06:18,874 Good evening, Coco. 111 00:06:21,958 --> 00:06:23,624 Getting chilly, isn't it? 112 00:06:24,791 --> 00:06:27,832 BELTAINE: All aboard for the Victory Ball. 113 00:06:43,291 --> 00:06:45,499 They seek him here, they seek him there. 114 00:06:45,625 --> 00:06:47,999 Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. 115 00:06:48,333 --> 00:06:49,707 What do you think, Poirot? 116 00:06:49,833 --> 00:06:51,249 POIROT: Hastings, you look... 117 00:06:53,750 --> 00:06:56,124 ...incomparable. 118 00:07:07,583 --> 00:07:09,374 I still don't think they'll let you in. 119 00:07:09,500 --> 00:07:10,540 I thought I made it clear 120 00:07:10,666 --> 00:07:12,207 the Victory Ball was a costume do. 121 00:07:12,333 --> 00:07:14,165 Hercule Poirot does not wear costumes. 122 00:07:14,291 --> 00:07:15,207 Everybody does. 123 00:07:15,333 --> 00:07:17,540 The whole idea is to go as someone famous. 124 00:07:17,666 --> 00:07:18,915 Precisely. 125 00:07:19,833 --> 00:07:22,415 Oh. I see. 126 00:07:47,333 --> 00:07:48,749 - James. - Arthur. 127 00:07:49,000 --> 00:07:50,790 May I present M. Hercule Poirot? 128 00:07:51,250 --> 00:07:53,332 I'm so delighted to meet you at last. 129 00:07:55,041 --> 00:07:57,040 The Sheikh of Ackerley, I presume. 130 00:07:57,333 --> 00:07:59,249 [ Laughter ] 131 00:08:07,166 --> 00:08:09,249 Well, here we are, then. 132 00:08:11,208 --> 00:08:13,374 We eat supper first, don't we, Cronshaw? 133 00:08:13,500 --> 00:08:15,415 - No, not till half past 9:00. - Oh. 134 00:08:15,791 --> 00:08:18,165 Couldn't they run to a doorman in this place? 135 00:08:18,291 --> 00:08:20,582 We're so backward in England, Mrs. Mallaby. 136 00:08:20,708 --> 00:08:22,124 We still have door handles. 137 00:08:22,250 --> 00:08:23,999 Oh, well, pardon me for living. 138 00:08:26,166 --> 00:08:27,624 Oh! Sloshed already. 139 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:31,207 Did I hurt you, my dear? 140 00:08:31,333 --> 00:08:33,749 I half expected you to shatter like a vase. 141 00:08:33,875 --> 00:08:35,957 - Come along, Coco. - It's all right. 142 00:08:38,208 --> 00:08:39,874 Are you all right, darling? 143 00:08:41,958 --> 00:08:44,874 I was so afraid I wasn't going to make it here on time, 144 00:08:45,041 --> 00:08:47,165 thanks to the antics of Coco Courtney. 145 00:08:47,291 --> 00:08:49,832 Oh, speaking of which, isn't that her up there? 146 00:08:49,958 --> 00:08:52,415 ACKERLEY: Oh, Lord Cronshaw's party, yes. 147 00:08:54,500 --> 00:08:56,957 She's talked about nothing but the costumes 148 00:08:57,083 --> 00:08:58,374 all through rehearsals. 149 00:08:58,500 --> 00:09:01,082 They're a reproduction of the old Italian comedy. 150 00:09:01,208 --> 00:09:02,124 The what? 151 00:09:02,250 --> 00:09:04,040 Ah, yes, the Commedia dell'Arte. 152 00:09:04,166 --> 00:09:05,624 Harlequin, the magical sprite 153 00:09:05,750 --> 00:09:08,749 who can become invisible, and his lover, Columbine. 154 00:09:09,500 --> 00:09:12,332 Punchinello and Pulcinella, the grotesques. 155 00:09:12,833 --> 00:09:15,582 And, ah, yes, the tragic Pierrot and Pierrette. 156 00:09:17,541 --> 00:09:18,790 Enchanting. 157 00:09:20,958 --> 00:09:23,332 I thought Lord Cronshaw was a younger man. 158 00:09:23,458 --> 00:09:24,915 What? Punchinello? 159 00:09:25,208 --> 00:09:26,124 Oh, no, no. 160 00:09:26,250 --> 00:09:28,915 That's his uncle, the Honorable Eustace Beltaine. 161 00:09:29,041 --> 00:09:32,124 He was the one who bought those rare Meissen figurines 162 00:09:32,666 --> 00:09:34,749 there was all that publicity about. 163 00:09:35,125 --> 00:09:38,582 Apparently, they provided the inspiration for the outfits. 164 00:09:38,833 --> 00:09:41,082 That's Cronshaw in the Harlequin suit. 165 00:09:42,166 --> 00:09:43,165 HASTINGS: Oh, yes. 166 00:09:43,291 --> 00:09:46,165 I read in the paper he's worth an absolute fortune. 167 00:09:46,375 --> 00:09:48,957 POIROT: And who is that lighting the cigarette 168 00:09:49,083 --> 00:09:50,374 of Mlle. Courtney? 169 00:09:50,625 --> 00:09:52,832 ACKERLEY: The Pierrot? Chris Davidson. 170 00:09:52,958 --> 00:09:54,290 Quite a versatile actor. 171 00:09:54,416 --> 00:09:57,290 And that's his wife talking to Cronshaw, I assume. 172 00:09:58,666 --> 00:10:01,249 The other lady is the notorious Mrs. Mallaby. 173 00:10:04,291 --> 00:10:05,540 Ah, yes. 174 00:10:05,750 --> 00:10:08,540 The American widow in search of a new victim, yes? 175 00:10:11,125 --> 00:10:13,540 They say she stalks the aristocracy with a net 176 00:10:13,666 --> 00:10:14,874 and a group of beaters. 177 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:16,790 [ Laughter ] 178 00:10:18,666 --> 00:10:19,832 Oh, you're such a bore. 179 00:10:19,958 --> 00:10:22,665 ACKERLEY: They make a jolly crowd, though, don't they? 180 00:10:22,791 --> 00:10:24,874 Yes, indeed. 181 00:10:27,750 --> 00:10:31,874 And now I think it is time for a little crème de banane. 182 00:10:59,166 --> 00:11:00,915 Thank heavens that's over. 183 00:11:01,791 --> 00:11:04,374 Coco and Cronshaw are being simply appalling. 184 00:11:04,500 --> 00:11:06,707 Ah, there's that shyster Van Meer over there. 185 00:11:06,833 --> 00:11:08,332 MALLABY: Eustace, forget it. 186 00:11:08,458 --> 00:11:11,249 BELTAINE: He held me for ransom on the figurines, 187 00:11:11,583 --> 00:11:13,665 and now he wants to do the same again with that china. 188 00:11:13,791 --> 00:11:15,499 That's the least of our worries this evening. 189 00:11:15,625 --> 00:11:16,790 I'm going to corner the blighter 190 00:11:16,916 --> 00:11:18,374 and demand that he reduces the price. 191 00:11:18,500 --> 00:11:19,749 Eustace! 192 00:11:21,583 --> 00:11:22,790 I'm sorry. 193 00:11:22,916 --> 00:11:25,165 When Eustace wants something for his collection, 194 00:11:25,291 --> 00:11:26,374 he does rather... 195 00:11:26,500 --> 00:11:28,457 BELTAINE: I want to put an end to this right now! 196 00:11:28,583 --> 00:11:30,082 COURTNEY: For God's sake, shut up. 197 00:11:30,208 --> 00:11:32,124 CRONSHAW: Coco, where do you think you're going? 198 00:11:32,250 --> 00:11:33,332 I told you, I've had enough. 199 00:11:33,458 --> 00:11:34,790 Chris, get me a taxi, would you? 200 00:11:34,916 --> 00:11:36,040 I've got a splitting headache. 201 00:11:36,166 --> 00:11:37,082 Coco. 202 00:11:37,208 --> 00:11:38,540 It's all been decided, Cronsh. 203 00:11:38,666 --> 00:11:39,582 Chris is taking me home. 204 00:11:39,708 --> 00:11:41,040 CRONSHAW: The hell he is. 205 00:11:41,166 --> 00:11:42,290 You're staying right here! 206 00:11:42,416 --> 00:11:44,582 I am not prepared to have an argument about it. 207 00:11:44,708 --> 00:11:47,582 Look, why don't we all just sit down for a moment and cool off? 208 00:11:47,708 --> 00:11:48,624 COURTNEY: Cool off? 209 00:11:48,750 --> 00:11:50,499 He's already as cold as an iceberg, 210 00:11:50,625 --> 00:11:51,665 with me as the Titanic. 211 00:11:51,791 --> 00:11:53,040 [ Laughs ] 212 00:11:53,250 --> 00:11:55,832 What the hell do you think you're laughing at? 213 00:11:56,125 --> 00:11:57,374 I'm sorry. 214 00:11:58,333 --> 00:11:59,999 Coco, people are looking. 215 00:12:00,250 --> 00:12:01,457 Come along. 216 00:12:01,583 --> 00:12:05,082 Cronshaw, let's go back inside. 217 00:12:08,041 --> 00:12:10,790 HASTINGS: And yet I feel I took the podium in Josephine. 218 00:12:10,916 --> 00:12:13,457 [ Laughs ] 219 00:12:16,458 --> 00:12:18,749 M. Ackerley, do I understand that you produced 220 00:12:18,875 --> 00:12:21,707 a play on the radio this evening following the weather forecast? 221 00:12:21,833 --> 00:12:23,082 ACKERLEY: Yes. 222 00:12:23,458 --> 00:12:25,207 Tell me -- is not Mlle. Courtney 223 00:12:25,666 --> 00:12:28,124 slightly older than is usual for the part of the ingenue? 224 00:12:28,250 --> 00:12:31,332 A little, perhaps, but, then, that's the joy of radio. 225 00:12:31,791 --> 00:12:34,124 The visual appearance is all in the mind. 226 00:12:34,708 --> 00:12:37,499 It's amazing what we get away with sometimes. 227 00:12:42,000 --> 00:12:43,207 Good night. 228 00:12:48,250 --> 00:12:50,290 HASTINGS: What's all that about? 229 00:12:50,750 --> 00:12:53,290 POIROT: It would appear that Mile. Courtney 230 00:12:53,625 --> 00:12:55,290 and her boyfriend, Lord Cronshaw, 231 00:12:55,416 --> 00:12:57,290 have had a disagreement of some kind. 232 00:12:57,416 --> 00:12:59,415 Just now I heard her ask M. Davidson 233 00:12:59,541 --> 00:13:00,457 to escort her home. 234 00:13:00,583 --> 00:13:01,499 Well, that's a shame. 235 00:13:01,625 --> 00:13:02,582 She'll miss all the fun. 236 00:13:02,708 --> 00:13:04,165 Well, I wondered how long it'd be 237 00:13:04,291 --> 00:13:05,832 before something like that happened. 238 00:13:05,958 --> 00:13:07,374 You are not surprised? 239 00:13:07,666 --> 00:13:09,165 I know actors, M. Poirot. 240 00:13:09,666 --> 00:13:11,249 They never know when to stop. 241 00:13:11,375 --> 00:13:14,457 Well, she has had her moment of drama for this evening. 242 00:13:15,333 --> 00:13:17,999 Let us hope it will be sufficient. 243 00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:21,832 He's arrogant, conceited. 244 00:13:22,750 --> 00:13:24,457 What's all this about, Coco? 245 00:13:24,625 --> 00:13:27,207 What exactly did Cronshaw say to you earlier? 246 00:13:28,583 --> 00:13:30,332 COURTNEY: Chris, not now. 247 00:13:31,541 --> 00:13:32,665 Has our taxi arrived yet? 248 00:13:32,791 --> 00:13:34,915 - Your cab is waiting, sir. - Careful. 249 00:13:35,291 --> 00:13:37,415 MRS. DAVIDSON: Chris? 250 00:13:48,083 --> 00:13:50,707 BELTAINE: We need to have this out here and now. 251 00:13:50,833 --> 00:13:52,374 Look, you're not a poor man. 252 00:13:53,625 --> 00:13:55,624 Surely you can do me this one favor. 253 00:13:56,875 --> 00:13:58,999 You know I'm desperate. 254 00:14:08,458 --> 00:14:09,999 Thanks for everything, Chris. 255 00:14:10,125 --> 00:14:11,999 I think I can handle it from here. 256 00:14:12,250 --> 00:14:13,582 It's time Cronsh realized 257 00:14:13,708 --> 00:14:15,790 I'm not one of his prize racehorses. 258 00:14:17,916 --> 00:14:20,249 CHRIS: Coco, are you sure you'll manage? 259 00:14:21,416 --> 00:14:22,582 I'm sure. 260 00:14:22,708 --> 00:14:24,499 I'd get back there if I were you. 261 00:14:25,250 --> 00:14:27,624 That wife of yours may look like a startled poodle, 262 00:14:27,750 --> 00:14:28,665 but she's no fool. 263 00:14:28,791 --> 00:14:30,790 I'll never make it back before midnight. 264 00:14:30,916 --> 00:14:33,540 Well, then, you'd better go home and wait for her. 265 00:14:33,666 --> 00:14:34,915 Good night, Coco. 266 00:14:36,583 --> 00:14:38,290 COURTNEY: Sleep tight. 267 00:14:38,791 --> 00:14:41,124 I always do. 268 00:14:47,000 --> 00:14:49,082 MAN: Have a nice evening, Miss Courtney? 269 00:14:59,791 --> 00:15:01,832 - Oh! - So sorry. 270 00:15:03,583 --> 00:15:06,332 Oh, thank you. 271 00:15:09,166 --> 00:15:10,415 M. Ackerley, I thank you. 272 00:15:10,541 --> 00:15:11,790 You are very kind. 273 00:15:11,916 --> 00:15:13,165 My pleasure. 274 00:15:13,458 --> 00:15:14,624 Santé. 275 00:15:14,750 --> 00:15:15,957 Cheers. 276 00:15:19,208 --> 00:15:22,082 Are you sure I can't persuade you to recount some of 277 00:15:22,625 --> 00:15:24,499 your juicier cases on the radio? 278 00:15:24,916 --> 00:15:25,832 Alas, no. 279 00:15:25,958 --> 00:15:27,874 You see, murder -- a real murder -- 280 00:15:28,416 --> 00:15:29,915 is not an entertainment. 281 00:15:30,041 --> 00:15:32,707 Look at this place -- people dance, they laugh. 282 00:15:32,875 --> 00:15:35,665 But anywhere, there may be evil beneath the mask. 283 00:15:35,833 --> 00:15:36,832 Pardon me. 284 00:15:36,958 --> 00:15:38,374 I saw you across the room. 285 00:15:39,333 --> 00:15:41,790 Aren't you Hercule Poirot, the detective? 286 00:15:42,291 --> 00:15:43,999 I am indeed, Madame Mallaby. 287 00:15:44,166 --> 00:15:45,415 Ah! 288 00:15:45,958 --> 00:15:48,040 That's amazing. You worked out my name. 289 00:15:48,166 --> 00:15:51,165 I suppose you don't also know where Lord Cronshaw is. 290 00:15:51,375 --> 00:15:52,332 He's a Harlequin. 291 00:15:52,458 --> 00:15:54,665 He's been in a tizzy ever since supper. 292 00:15:54,916 --> 00:15:55,832 Alas, no. 293 00:15:55,958 --> 00:15:57,207 Oh. 294 00:15:57,625 --> 00:16:00,290 He promised me a turn on the floor before 12:00. 295 00:16:01,583 --> 00:16:04,124 Then, madame, you must not be disappointed. 296 00:16:05,916 --> 00:16:09,082 My associate, Captain Hastings, is a dancer consummate. 297 00:16:09,208 --> 00:16:11,332 He would be pleased to accompany you. 298 00:16:11,583 --> 00:16:14,374 My pleasure. 299 00:16:22,333 --> 00:16:24,165 Ah, look, there he is. 300 00:16:25,750 --> 00:16:30,332 Yoo-hoo! Viscount Cronshaw! 301 00:16:33,041 --> 00:16:34,915 Would you excuse me for a moment? 302 00:16:35,583 --> 00:16:38,249 Of course. 303 00:16:44,625 --> 00:16:45,999 ACKERLEY: Been stood up, Arthur? 304 00:16:46,125 --> 00:16:47,499 No title, I'm afraid. 305 00:16:48,041 --> 00:16:49,290 MAN: My lords, 306 00:16:49,916 --> 00:16:51,915 ladies and gentlemen, the time for 307 00:16:54,208 --> 00:16:57,332 the unmasking and the victory celebrations is at hand. 308 00:16:58,291 --> 00:17:00,207 [ Audience gasps and applauds ] 309 00:17:00,333 --> 00:17:02,124 Twelve seconds to midnight. 310 00:17:03,041 --> 00:17:04,290 Ten, nine, 311 00:17:05,250 --> 00:17:06,499 eight, seven, 312 00:17:07,791 --> 00:17:09,040 six, five, four, 313 00:17:11,208 --> 00:17:12,457 three, two, one. 314 00:17:14,708 --> 00:17:15,957 [ Cheering ] 315 00:17:18,458 --> 00:17:19,707 [ Applause ] 316 00:17:19,916 --> 00:17:21,457 [ Balloons pop ] 317 00:17:38,375 --> 00:17:40,582 [ Screams ] 318 00:18:10,208 --> 00:18:11,707 Thank you. 319 00:18:20,333 --> 00:18:24,707 [ Chopin's piano music playing ] 320 00:18:30,333 --> 00:18:32,249 Darling, what is it? 321 00:18:38,333 --> 00:18:39,624 What's happened? 322 00:18:40,750 --> 00:18:43,624 Lord Cronshaw's dead. 323 00:18:55,083 --> 00:18:56,874 Inspector Japp, any comment to make? 324 00:18:57,000 --> 00:18:58,999 Is it true Hercule Poirot missed the killer? 325 00:18:59,125 --> 00:19:00,790 Tell us the truth, Inspector. 326 00:19:04,666 --> 00:19:06,665 JAPP: Here's a fine dish of tea, Poirot. 327 00:19:06,791 --> 00:19:09,040 Peer of the Realm murdered in cold blood 328 00:19:09,166 --> 00:19:10,832 under the noses of 400 revelers. 329 00:19:10,958 --> 00:19:12,207 We'll need the Albert Hall 330 00:19:12,333 --> 00:19:14,332 to gather the suspects on this one. 331 00:19:14,500 --> 00:19:15,749 Perhaps. 332 00:19:16,166 --> 00:19:17,832 It is one of the table knives. 333 00:19:18,166 --> 00:19:19,165 Plenty back here. 334 00:19:19,291 --> 00:19:22,290 We'll check for prints, but I'll lay odds it's clean. 335 00:19:23,458 --> 00:19:25,582 An instrument not very practical, 336 00:19:27,583 --> 00:19:29,082 but in the right hands... 337 00:19:29,250 --> 00:19:31,249 Ah, we also found this on the floor. 338 00:19:32,666 --> 00:19:34,874 The Mallaby woman saw him make some sort of note 339 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:36,290 just before he died. 340 00:19:37,500 --> 00:19:39,082 POIROT: Lowestoft. 341 00:19:39,250 --> 00:19:40,582 Town on the east coast. 342 00:19:42,791 --> 00:19:44,790 Perhaps he was planning a holiday. 343 00:19:45,166 --> 00:19:46,707 I say, Poirot, look at this. 344 00:19:48,000 --> 00:19:49,915 Attention, mon ami. 345 00:20:02,416 --> 00:20:03,415 Monogrammed. 346 00:20:03,541 --> 00:20:05,415 HASTINGS: "C" for Cronshaw. 347 00:20:05,541 --> 00:20:08,207 Very nice. 348 00:20:11,583 --> 00:20:12,499 Idiot! 349 00:20:12,625 --> 00:20:13,582 HASTINGS: What is it? 350 00:20:13,708 --> 00:20:15,124 Such foolishness! 351 00:20:16,166 --> 00:20:18,874 Young people must realize that life is not to be gambled with 352 00:20:19,000 --> 00:20:20,582 like the roulette wheel. 353 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:23,874 It is nothing less than poison. 354 00:20:28,250 --> 00:20:29,499 Cocaine. 355 00:20:30,125 --> 00:20:33,457 Would that account for his strange behavior after supper? 356 00:20:33,708 --> 00:20:37,082 It's not unusual for addicts to become moody and troublesome. 357 00:20:37,208 --> 00:20:39,540 He certainly seems to have put up a fight. 358 00:20:41,250 --> 00:20:42,915 Why do you say that, Hastings? 359 00:20:43,125 --> 00:20:44,457 Hadn't you noticed? 360 00:20:44,791 --> 00:20:45,707 His fist. 361 00:20:45,833 --> 00:20:48,790 It's still clenched. 362 00:20:57,291 --> 00:20:58,499 C'est ça. 363 00:20:58,625 --> 00:21:00,374 Well, I can't see how that helps us. 364 00:21:00,500 --> 00:21:02,290 POIROT: Can you not, Chief Inspector? 365 00:21:02,416 --> 00:21:04,415 Then let me enlighten you further. 366 00:21:05,958 --> 00:21:07,499 Unless I am very mistaken, 367 00:21:08,041 --> 00:21:11,749 there is something very important behind this curtain. 368 00:21:14,166 --> 00:21:15,332 Voilà. 369 00:21:22,083 --> 00:21:23,874 Well, it's just an empty recess. 370 00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:26,749 POIROT: My point exactly. 371 00:21:27,125 --> 00:21:29,124 One more thing, Chief Inspector. 372 00:21:29,666 --> 00:21:32,415 If I were you, I should find Mlle. Coco Courtney. 373 00:21:33,041 --> 00:21:34,290 - Why? - Ask her if 374 00:21:34,958 --> 00:21:38,290 she and Lord Cronshaw had an argument. 375 00:21:45,125 --> 00:21:47,624 "Murderer eludes famous detective." 376 00:21:48,583 --> 00:21:49,832 Idiot. 377 00:21:50,125 --> 00:21:52,582 It's a very good photo of Captain Hastings. 378 00:21:53,041 --> 00:21:54,540 Indeed it is, Miss Lemon. 379 00:21:54,750 --> 00:21:56,874 I'm sure no one will think less of you. 380 00:21:57,416 --> 00:21:59,374 Seen the paper, Poirot? Jolly good photo of me -- 381 00:21:59,500 --> 00:22:00,749 Oh, you've seen it. 382 00:22:01,083 --> 00:22:02,665 I'll go and sort the letters. 383 00:22:03,500 --> 00:22:05,749 I wouldn't take it to heart if I were you. 384 00:22:06,166 --> 00:22:07,457 No, indeed, Hastings. 385 00:22:07,583 --> 00:22:09,790 For the present, it suits my purposes. 386 00:22:10,541 --> 00:22:11,790 Ah. 387 00:22:12,916 --> 00:22:14,457 This is what interests me. 388 00:22:14,625 --> 00:22:15,874 The obituary? 389 00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:17,249 Listen to this. 390 00:22:19,291 --> 00:22:22,124 "The Viscount Cronshaw was chairman of many charities, 391 00:22:22,250 --> 00:22:24,165 including the Widows of British Seamen 392 00:22:24,291 --> 00:22:26,290 and the League Against Drug Addiction." 393 00:22:26,416 --> 00:22:27,332 [ Telephone rings ] 394 00:22:27,458 --> 00:22:29,415 "He is succeeded in his title and estates 395 00:22:29,541 --> 00:22:31,790 by his uncle, the Honorable Eustace Beltaine." 396 00:22:31,916 --> 00:22:33,665 The League Against Drug Addiction. 397 00:22:33,791 --> 00:22:35,749 That's a bit hypocritical, isn't it? 398 00:22:37,625 --> 00:22:39,749 You miss my point, I think, Hastings. 399 00:22:40,333 --> 00:22:42,457 Mr. Poirot. Chief Inspector Japp. 400 00:22:44,083 --> 00:22:47,749 Oh. 401 00:22:49,458 --> 00:22:50,374 Hello? 402 00:22:50,500 --> 00:22:51,415 Ah, Poirot. 403 00:22:51,541 --> 00:22:53,499 We're drawing a blank at this end, I'm afraid. 404 00:22:53,625 --> 00:22:55,249 Miss Courtney doesn't answer her phone, 405 00:22:55,375 --> 00:22:57,207 and there's no reply at her door, either. 406 00:22:57,333 --> 00:22:58,915 POIROT: I implore you to be persistent, 407 00:22:59,041 --> 00:22:59,957 Chief Inspector Japp. 408 00:23:00,083 --> 00:23:02,665 I am now even more convinced that Mlle. Courtney 409 00:23:02,791 --> 00:23:04,749 must be located with all possible speed. 410 00:23:04,875 --> 00:23:06,165 Right. 411 00:23:09,083 --> 00:23:11,332 Mlle. Courtney is proving elusive. 412 00:23:13,875 --> 00:23:16,290 HASTINGS: Probably sleeping the night off. 413 00:23:16,416 --> 00:23:17,707 All of these theatrical types 414 00:23:17,833 --> 00:23:19,624 lie in late if they haven't a performance. 415 00:23:19,750 --> 00:23:21,290 But she does have a performance. 416 00:23:25,333 --> 00:23:27,874 They usually perform the Friday evening play again 417 00:23:28,000 --> 00:23:28,957 on Saturday morning. 418 00:23:29,083 --> 00:23:31,540 My mother listens to it during her morning coffee. 419 00:23:31,666 --> 00:23:34,082 COURTNEY: I do love him in a way, I suppose, 420 00:23:34,625 --> 00:23:37,707 but it was never quite how I imagined it was going to be. 421 00:23:37,875 --> 00:23:39,165 I suppose it never is. 422 00:23:41,125 --> 00:23:43,124 But I'm staring at the clock -- why? 423 00:23:43,416 --> 00:23:44,665 Come, Hastings. 424 00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:47,249 We will make a trip to Broadcasting House. 425 00:23:49,125 --> 00:23:50,790 MAN: Letty, what do you mean? 426 00:23:52,208 --> 00:23:55,124 COURTNEY: I mean... 427 00:24:10,958 --> 00:24:12,374 [ Telephone rings ] 428 00:24:13,125 --> 00:24:15,124 WOMAN: "Hercules Poy-rot." 429 00:24:15,750 --> 00:24:18,624 I'm afraid the variety auditions are on Tuesdays. 430 00:24:20,083 --> 00:24:21,374 That is fortunate. 431 00:24:22,666 --> 00:24:24,374 I am here on a matter of murder, madame. 432 00:24:24,500 --> 00:24:26,957 You're the detective from the newspapers. 433 00:24:28,166 --> 00:24:29,415 Correct. 434 00:24:30,166 --> 00:24:32,290 Don't suppose you want to miss a second one. 435 00:24:35,250 --> 00:24:37,915 COURTNEY: You were never where you said you were that night, 436 00:24:38,041 --> 00:24:38,999 but here all the time. 437 00:24:39,125 --> 00:24:40,374 I was such an idiot. 438 00:24:41,583 --> 00:24:43,790 I never guessed it was the money you wanted. 439 00:24:43,916 --> 00:24:45,124 MAN: Is that what you thought? 440 00:24:45,250 --> 00:24:47,540 ACKERLEY: Luckily we took a recorded transcription 441 00:24:47,666 --> 00:24:49,832 of last night's performance for the archives. 442 00:24:49,958 --> 00:24:52,999 We would have had to ask one of the girls to double up parts. 443 00:24:53,125 --> 00:24:56,082 Did Mlle. Courtney send to you a message this morning 444 00:24:56,208 --> 00:24:57,332 to explain her absence? 445 00:24:57,458 --> 00:24:58,707 Not a sausage. 446 00:24:58,833 --> 00:25:00,124 Three minutes to transmission, 447 00:25:00,250 --> 00:25:02,082 she still wasn't answering her phone, 448 00:25:02,208 --> 00:25:04,332 so I had no choice but to use the transcription 449 00:25:04,458 --> 00:25:05,707 and dismiss the other actors. 450 00:25:05,833 --> 00:25:08,457 Hastings, I'm very much afraid of what has happened. 451 00:25:08,583 --> 00:25:11,165 Would you please telephone the Chief inspector Japp? 452 00:25:11,291 --> 00:25:13,124 Instruct him that he must enter the apartment 453 00:25:13,250 --> 00:25:15,207 of Mile. Courtney by any means necessary. 454 00:25:15,333 --> 00:25:17,249 - Well, of course, but what -- - Hastings, please. 455 00:25:17,375 --> 00:25:19,290 This is a matter of life and death. 456 00:25:19,500 --> 00:25:21,957 MAN: Very clever, Letty, but I suppose you realize 457 00:25:22,083 --> 00:25:23,957 that I can't let you spill the beans. 458 00:25:24,083 --> 00:25:25,832 Is there anything I can do to help? 459 00:25:25,958 --> 00:25:27,332 COURTNEY: Phillip, you can't! 460 00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:42,624 Fourth floor, lads. 461 00:25:53,375 --> 00:25:54,999 Right, the apartment above. 462 00:25:55,125 --> 00:25:56,415 Get down on the balcony. 463 00:25:56,541 --> 00:25:57,790 Fast! 464 00:25:59,083 --> 00:26:01,082 And don't break your necks! 465 00:26:03,541 --> 00:26:06,082 POIROT: Nothing yet? 466 00:26:09,041 --> 00:26:11,540 You and Mlle. Courtney are old friends, huh? 467 00:26:11,666 --> 00:26:12,915 After a fashion. 468 00:26:15,375 --> 00:26:17,374 She likes having people she knows around her 469 00:26:17,500 --> 00:26:18,415 playing minor roles. 470 00:26:18,541 --> 00:26:20,082 Coco and I go back a long way. 471 00:26:22,208 --> 00:26:24,582 She was playing the lead in Rep when I landed my first part. 472 00:26:24,708 --> 00:26:26,499 So you see a great deal of each other. 473 00:26:26,625 --> 00:26:27,874 CHRIS: Look here, Poirot. 474 00:26:28,000 --> 00:26:29,707 I'm a married man, remember? 475 00:26:29,916 --> 00:26:31,415 I'm sorry, M. Davidson. 476 00:26:31,791 --> 00:26:34,582 Forgive me, but... I was just trying to ascertain 477 00:26:36,666 --> 00:26:39,124 whether you could shed any light on the argument last evening 478 00:26:39,250 --> 00:26:41,915 between Mile. Courtney and the Lord Cronshaw. 479 00:26:42,041 --> 00:26:43,040 Not really. 480 00:26:43,166 --> 00:26:45,415 There was a bad atmosphere all evening. 481 00:26:45,750 --> 00:26:47,749 It was as if something was brewing. 482 00:26:48,041 --> 00:26:49,290 We all noticed it. 483 00:26:49,500 --> 00:26:51,749 But they conversed normally at supper? 484 00:26:52,500 --> 00:26:53,499 Hardly a word. 485 00:26:53,625 --> 00:26:55,957 No one had much of a chance to say anything 486 00:26:56,708 --> 00:26:58,540 with Beltaine going on about some china 487 00:26:58,666 --> 00:27:00,374 he wanted to add to his collection. 488 00:27:00,500 --> 00:27:01,665 Of course, it all flared up 489 00:27:01,791 --> 00:27:03,040 after the meal, 490 00:27:03,666 --> 00:27:05,665 and then I ended up taking her home. 491 00:27:05,791 --> 00:27:07,665 And when you were alone together 492 00:27:09,791 --> 00:27:11,040 in the taxi? 493 00:27:13,041 --> 00:27:16,249 Just a lot of nonsense about how she'd make Cronshaw pay. 494 00:27:17,625 --> 00:27:19,082 The usual hysterics. 495 00:27:20,333 --> 00:27:22,457 And then I dropped her off at her flat. 496 00:27:24,416 --> 00:27:25,707 At what time was this? 497 00:27:26,708 --> 00:27:27,790 Nearly midnight. 498 00:27:27,916 --> 00:27:29,790 There was no time to go back to the ball, 499 00:27:29,916 --> 00:27:30,832 so I just headed home. 500 00:27:30,958 --> 00:27:33,540 Ah. 501 00:27:38,666 --> 00:27:40,374 MAN: All right, lower away. 502 00:27:42,083 --> 00:27:44,874 Okay, okay. 503 00:27:46,083 --> 00:27:47,374 [ Glass shatters ] 504 00:27:51,083 --> 00:27:52,832 Sir. 505 00:28:02,916 --> 00:28:05,124 COURTNEY: He made me feel young again, 506 00:28:05,958 --> 00:28:07,249 like a newborn calf. 507 00:28:08,375 --> 00:28:09,374 When I saw him, 508 00:28:09,500 --> 00:28:11,415 it was as if the whole world was fresh. 509 00:28:11,541 --> 00:28:12,874 We'll come down right away. 510 00:28:13,000 --> 00:28:15,749 Even the sky seemed bluer. 511 00:28:20,791 --> 00:28:24,957 Get up there. Come on. 512 00:28:30,125 --> 00:28:31,624 MAN: Let's see her face. 513 00:28:32,416 --> 00:28:33,957 OFFICER: All right, stop that, you lot. 514 00:28:34,083 --> 00:28:35,624 - MAN: Courtney! - OFFICER: Come on. 515 00:28:35,750 --> 00:28:37,665 MAN: Try and get another picture. 516 00:28:37,958 --> 00:28:40,082 OFFICER: Come on, move out of the way. 517 00:28:40,250 --> 00:28:42,457 REPORTER: Could you stop for a minute? 518 00:28:43,708 --> 00:28:45,290 Still looking, Poirot? 519 00:28:46,000 --> 00:28:47,832 Poirot, can you make a statement? 520 00:28:47,958 --> 00:28:50,457 No photographs. No, no, no. 521 00:28:56,833 --> 00:28:57,957 Chief Inspector. 522 00:28:58,083 --> 00:28:59,999 JAPP: We found her in the bedroom. 523 00:29:00,333 --> 00:29:01,499 Overdose of cocaine. 524 00:29:01,625 --> 00:29:04,749 Presumably supplied by her boyfriend, Lord Cronshaw. 525 00:29:05,125 --> 00:29:06,415 How many more must die 526 00:29:06,583 --> 00:29:08,832 before this folly is seen for what it is? 527 00:29:09,333 --> 00:29:11,207 Toxicity finally got too much for her. 528 00:29:11,333 --> 00:29:12,332 Cronshaw must have been 529 00:29:12,458 --> 00:29:14,082 supplying it to her for some time. 530 00:29:14,208 --> 00:29:16,540 Do you not understand, Chief inspector? 531 00:29:16,958 --> 00:29:18,957 Lord Cronshaw was determined to stop 532 00:29:19,083 --> 00:29:21,374 Mlle. Courtney from taking cocaine. 533 00:29:21,541 --> 00:29:23,749 The initial, "C," on the silver case -- 534 00:29:24,708 --> 00:29:26,249 it stood for her name, Coco. 535 00:29:26,875 --> 00:29:28,374 HASTINGS: Of course. 536 00:29:28,666 --> 00:29:30,749 The quarrel after supper was when Cronshaw discovered 537 00:29:30,875 --> 00:29:32,290 what he'd suspected all evening -- 538 00:29:32,416 --> 00:29:33,707 that she had a supply with her. 539 00:29:33,833 --> 00:29:36,457 He took it from her, and that's when she went home. 540 00:29:36,583 --> 00:29:37,749 JAPP: So, to spite him, 541 00:29:37,875 --> 00:29:40,290 she took another dose as soon as she got back. 542 00:29:40,416 --> 00:29:41,665 Messy. 543 00:29:42,916 --> 00:29:43,999 What I don't see is where 544 00:29:44,125 --> 00:29:45,957 Cronshaw's murder fits in with all this. 545 00:29:46,083 --> 00:29:48,540 Because the devil himself dances among us, 546 00:29:50,541 --> 00:29:51,790 but we do not see him. 547 00:29:51,958 --> 00:29:52,999 Eh? 548 00:29:54,708 --> 00:29:55,957 I wonder... 549 00:29:57,333 --> 00:29:58,624 Chief Inspector, 550 00:29:59,166 --> 00:30:01,874 will you permit me a further examination of the body? 551 00:30:02,000 --> 00:30:03,790 Well, I don't know what you expect to find. 552 00:30:03,916 --> 00:30:05,832 The facts on Miss Courtney are indisputable. 553 00:30:05,958 --> 00:30:08,749 I am not talking about the body of Mile. Courtney. 554 00:30:09,541 --> 00:30:12,499 I am talking about the body of Lord Cronshaw. 555 00:30:15,750 --> 00:30:18,832 That newspaper headline sent him dippy, if you ask me. 556 00:30:19,250 --> 00:30:21,874 What's he going to find that we didn't spot last night? 557 00:30:22,000 --> 00:30:23,707 You checked all his pockets? 558 00:30:23,875 --> 00:30:25,207 Pockets, clothing, the lot. 559 00:30:25,333 --> 00:30:26,249 I don't see -- 560 00:30:26,375 --> 00:30:28,332 Indeed you do not see, Chief Inspector. 561 00:30:32,041 --> 00:30:34,374 JAPP: All right, Poirot, what's the trick? 562 00:30:38,041 --> 00:30:39,290 Look at his hand. 563 00:30:40,083 --> 00:30:41,374 What do you observe? 564 00:30:41,750 --> 00:30:42,999 Clenched fist. 565 00:30:43,166 --> 00:30:44,624 POIROT: Hastings. 566 00:30:44,750 --> 00:30:45,665 I agree. 567 00:30:45,791 --> 00:30:48,415 But the fist -- why is it clenched? 568 00:30:54,416 --> 00:30:57,457 [ Crunching ] 569 00:31:00,000 --> 00:31:04,915 Could it be that it hides a secret? 570 00:31:12,416 --> 00:31:13,665 Voici. 571 00:31:13,875 --> 00:31:15,874 Swat me, he was holding something. 572 00:31:16,541 --> 00:31:18,249 POIROT: The pompom. 573 00:31:49,291 --> 00:31:51,707 [ Doorbell rings ] 574 00:31:55,250 --> 00:31:56,457 Mr. Poirot! 575 00:31:56,583 --> 00:31:57,832 Ah, Mme. Mallaby. 576 00:31:59,416 --> 00:32:00,540 Captain Hastings. 577 00:32:00,666 --> 00:32:02,499 We meet again. I wonder, could you -- 578 00:32:02,625 --> 00:32:03,874 - Of course. - Oh! 579 00:32:04,166 --> 00:32:06,249 I couldn't decide on my autumn look. 580 00:32:06,750 --> 00:32:08,624 Anyway, Eustace can afford it. 581 00:32:09,083 --> 00:32:11,165 He's Viscount Cronshaw now. 582 00:32:14,250 --> 00:32:15,499 26 pence. 583 00:32:15,916 --> 00:32:16,999 Oh. 584 00:32:17,125 --> 00:32:19,040 To what do we owe this delegation? 585 00:32:22,166 --> 00:32:24,499 Well, M. Poirot has taken it into his head 586 00:32:24,916 --> 00:32:26,707 to see these famous figurines. 587 00:32:26,833 --> 00:32:28,249 - Oh. - A foolish whim. 588 00:32:28,875 --> 00:32:30,624 Is His Highness at home, Summers? 589 00:32:30,750 --> 00:32:33,415 His... Lordship is in the morning room, madam. 590 00:32:34,208 --> 00:32:35,374 Thank you. 591 00:32:35,500 --> 00:32:38,040 This way, gang. 592 00:32:46,583 --> 00:32:47,707 Summers, be a dear 593 00:32:47,833 --> 00:32:49,415 and take the boxes, will you? 594 00:32:50,958 --> 00:32:52,207 Hi, Eustace. 595 00:32:52,833 --> 00:32:55,915 Ooh, I see you're already enjoying your inheritance. 596 00:32:56,375 --> 00:32:57,624 It's beautiful. 597 00:32:57,750 --> 00:32:59,874 May as well salvage some consolation 598 00:33:00,041 --> 00:33:01,707 out of this awful business. 599 00:33:02,000 --> 00:33:03,082 - Hmm. - Ah. 600 00:33:03,208 --> 00:33:04,624 Poirot, Hastings. 601 00:33:05,916 --> 00:33:06,832 Welcome. 602 00:33:06,958 --> 00:33:08,499 Good afternoon, Viscount. 603 00:33:08,625 --> 00:33:10,624 I say, what a quaint little tea set. 604 00:33:11,166 --> 00:33:13,707 Hastings, this tea set is not only "quaint," 605 00:33:14,083 --> 00:33:15,665 as you call it, but priceless 606 00:33:16,208 --> 00:33:17,915 and very rare, n'est-ce pas? 607 00:33:18,333 --> 00:33:21,124 Had no idea you were interested in china, Poirot. 608 00:33:21,416 --> 00:33:23,624 Mr. Poirot wants to see the figurines. 609 00:33:24,083 --> 00:33:24,999 The Meissens? 610 00:33:25,125 --> 00:33:26,290 Mais oui. 611 00:33:26,416 --> 00:33:28,332 We have all heard so much about them 612 00:33:28,458 --> 00:33:31,165 and of your success in bringing them to this country. 613 00:33:31,291 --> 00:33:33,707 I wonder if I could please make an examination. 614 00:33:33,833 --> 00:33:34,832 Feel free. 615 00:33:34,958 --> 00:33:36,540 Thank you. 616 00:33:40,750 --> 00:33:41,999 Ah. 617 00:33:42,666 --> 00:33:44,124 May I? 618 00:33:48,250 --> 00:33:50,457 I can't imagine what he's looking for. 619 00:33:52,208 --> 00:33:53,874 Tricks of the trade, you know. 620 00:33:54,583 --> 00:33:55,957 POIROT: The costumes last night 621 00:33:56,083 --> 00:33:58,832 at the ball -- they were exact replicas of these? 622 00:34:00,625 --> 00:34:01,874 To the last detail. 623 00:34:02,166 --> 00:34:03,415 Oh. 624 00:34:04,791 --> 00:34:06,915 And this was your apparel, was it not? 625 00:34:07,416 --> 00:34:08,665 Punchinello, 626 00:34:09,750 --> 00:34:11,874 with the elaborate ruff and the hump. 627 00:34:12,833 --> 00:34:14,082 Yes. 628 00:34:15,416 --> 00:34:17,499 I imagine it took some time to change 629 00:34:18,875 --> 00:34:20,165 in and out of this costume. 630 00:34:20,291 --> 00:34:23,832 I had to hold him up while he unfastened it. 631 00:34:25,625 --> 00:34:28,290 As I thought. 632 00:34:32,583 --> 00:34:34,165 Viscount, where were you 633 00:34:34,500 --> 00:34:36,832 after supper last night during the ball? 634 00:34:37,791 --> 00:34:40,082 Trying to beat down the dealer chap over this lot. 635 00:34:40,208 --> 00:34:42,082 Finally managed to corner him. 636 00:34:42,500 --> 00:34:43,749 In the supper room? 637 00:34:44,083 --> 00:34:45,332 That's right. 638 00:34:45,791 --> 00:34:48,832 Again, I thank you. 639 00:34:52,708 --> 00:34:54,082 Well, cheerio. 640 00:35:08,666 --> 00:35:10,207 Ah, there you are, Poirot. 641 00:35:10,666 --> 00:35:12,207 I've been looking for you. 642 00:35:12,916 --> 00:35:13,999 Chief Inspector Japp. 643 00:35:14,125 --> 00:35:15,624 I've been doing some thinking, 644 00:35:15,750 --> 00:35:17,582 and to my mind, that missing pompom 645 00:35:17,708 --> 00:35:19,790 could only have come from one person. 646 00:35:19,916 --> 00:35:21,999 I concur absolutely, Chief Inspector. 647 00:35:22,125 --> 00:35:25,749 Excuse me. 648 00:35:31,333 --> 00:35:32,582 Mrs. Davidson? 649 00:35:32,708 --> 00:35:33,957 Yes. 650 00:35:34,625 --> 00:35:35,915 JAPP: May we come in? 651 00:35:37,708 --> 00:35:38,957 Oh, thank you. 652 00:35:40,833 --> 00:35:42,624 I'm sorry my husband isn't here. 653 00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:45,249 He went out for a drink. 654 00:35:45,666 --> 00:35:48,124 A bit early for that sort of thing, isn't it? 655 00:35:48,291 --> 00:35:49,957 He's the sociable type, is he? 656 00:35:50,541 --> 00:35:51,540 Yes. 657 00:35:51,666 --> 00:35:53,957 Unlike me. 658 00:35:55,500 --> 00:35:58,374 Acting isn't exactly a good, steady job, you know. 659 00:35:59,916 --> 00:36:02,082 You're not in the profession yourself? 660 00:36:02,208 --> 00:36:03,124 No. 661 00:36:03,250 --> 00:36:06,124 I thought I might like to once, but I just couldn't, 662 00:36:06,541 --> 00:36:08,540 not in front of everyone like that. 663 00:36:08,916 --> 00:36:12,249 Why, indeed there are many types of people in this world, madame. 664 00:36:12,375 --> 00:36:14,290 We must each be true to ourselves. 665 00:36:15,125 --> 00:36:16,832 Perhaps. 666 00:36:21,583 --> 00:36:23,124 What exactly did you want? 667 00:36:23,333 --> 00:36:24,999 M. Poirot here has some notion 668 00:36:25,125 --> 00:36:26,832 of staging a reconstruction of the evening. 669 00:36:26,958 --> 00:36:28,457 POIROT: Oui, that is so. 670 00:36:29,208 --> 00:36:30,124 Oh? 671 00:36:30,250 --> 00:36:33,374 Oh, it is just merely a question of detail to be checked. 672 00:36:33,500 --> 00:36:35,499 The precise nature of the costumes 673 00:36:35,750 --> 00:36:38,207 that were made for you for last night's ball. 674 00:36:38,333 --> 00:36:39,249 You understand? 675 00:36:39,375 --> 00:36:40,290 I think so. 676 00:36:40,416 --> 00:36:41,874 JAPP: We'd like to have a look at them 677 00:36:42,000 --> 00:36:43,999 for a moment, if we may. Do you still have them? 678 00:36:44,125 --> 00:36:45,374 I'm afraid not. 679 00:36:47,500 --> 00:36:50,749 My husband sent them to be cleaned. 680 00:36:52,000 --> 00:36:53,582 POIROT: Yes, of course. 681 00:36:53,833 --> 00:36:54,915 Quel dommage. 682 00:36:56,541 --> 00:36:59,374 Well, I'm very sorry to have disturbed you, Mme. Davidson. 683 00:36:59,500 --> 00:37:04,165 We will just finish our tea. 684 00:37:06,791 --> 00:37:08,207 [ Coughs ] 685 00:37:17,166 --> 00:37:19,124 POIROT: Thank you, Hastings. 686 00:37:22,000 --> 00:37:23,499 You were right, Mme. Davidson, 687 00:37:23,625 --> 00:37:25,207 not to consider a career in acting. 688 00:37:25,333 --> 00:37:27,874 Your eyes betrayed what your tongue denied. 689 00:37:29,375 --> 00:37:30,290 Chief Inspector? 690 00:37:30,416 --> 00:37:32,832 There's a pompom missing from the Pierrette costume. 691 00:37:32,958 --> 00:37:33,874 Is there? 692 00:37:34,000 --> 00:37:35,999 JAPP: Perhaps you'd like to tell us 693 00:37:36,625 --> 00:37:38,915 how it came to turn up in the hand of the murdered man. 694 00:37:39,041 --> 00:37:40,290 Oh, yes, I forgot. 695 00:37:40,458 --> 00:37:42,207 It got pulled off after supper, 696 00:37:42,958 --> 00:37:44,957 and I didn't know what to do with it. 697 00:37:45,833 --> 00:37:48,749 I looked for Mr. Beltaine, but he was in the supper room 698 00:37:48,875 --> 00:37:50,665 having some kind of argument, 699 00:37:51,000 --> 00:37:52,957 so I gave it to Lord Cronshaw to look after. 700 00:37:53,083 --> 00:37:55,332 Sorry, I didn't think it was important. 701 00:37:56,375 --> 00:37:58,290 Does that answer your question? 702 00:37:59,083 --> 00:38:00,707 You must understand, Mme. Davidson, 703 00:38:00,833 --> 00:38:03,332 that to conceal information may not only protect the guilty, 704 00:38:03,458 --> 00:38:05,249 but also punish the innocent. 705 00:38:06,875 --> 00:38:08,540 You do understand, do you not? 706 00:38:09,000 --> 00:38:10,249 I understand. 707 00:38:12,000 --> 00:38:13,249 I'm sorry. 708 00:38:17,416 --> 00:38:18,332 BOY: Sunday Standard! 709 00:38:18,458 --> 00:38:20,665 Her story seemed completely plausible. 710 00:38:20,791 --> 00:38:21,874 Except in one respect. 711 00:38:22,000 --> 00:38:23,999 - What's that? - It is a foolish lie. 712 00:38:25,083 --> 00:38:27,082 The threads of the pompom that we discovered 713 00:38:27,208 --> 00:38:28,707 in the hand of Lord Cronshaw -- 714 00:38:28,833 --> 00:38:30,332 they were torn, whereas those 715 00:38:30,458 --> 00:38:32,290 on the costume of Mme. Davidson were cut. 716 00:38:32,416 --> 00:38:33,957 You mean she cut it off herself? 717 00:38:34,083 --> 00:38:34,999 No, no, Hastings. 718 00:38:35,125 --> 00:38:37,207 She did not even notice that the pompom was missing 719 00:38:37,333 --> 00:38:38,290 until we pointed it out. 720 00:38:38,416 --> 00:38:40,624 That is why she made up that story that was ridiculous. 721 00:38:40,750 --> 00:38:42,290 Hers was cut by the murderer. 722 00:38:42,416 --> 00:38:43,457 Why? 723 00:38:43,583 --> 00:38:45,207 To replace the one that Lord Cronshaw 724 00:38:45,333 --> 00:38:47,082 had torn from the costume of his killer. 725 00:38:47,208 --> 00:38:48,915 Well, if it wasn't her, and her husband 726 00:38:49,041 --> 00:38:51,040 wasn't even there when Cronshaw was murdered -- 727 00:38:51,166 --> 00:38:53,124 Have either of you considered the possibility 728 00:38:53,250 --> 00:38:54,165 of a duplicate costume? 729 00:38:54,291 --> 00:38:55,582 Another Pierrot? 730 00:38:55,750 --> 00:38:58,499 Well, what about that note he left -- Lowestoft? 731 00:38:59,250 --> 00:39:00,499 Ah, yes, the note. 732 00:39:02,250 --> 00:39:03,915 May I suggest that you inquire 733 00:39:04,500 --> 00:39:06,332 from the dealer about the dinner service 734 00:39:06,458 --> 00:39:08,499 that has just been purchased by Lord Beltaine? 735 00:39:08,625 --> 00:39:11,874 I think you will discover that it is rare Lowestoft china. 736 00:39:12,708 --> 00:39:13,957 You mean -- 737 00:39:14,875 --> 00:39:16,624 And now it is necessary to restore 738 00:39:16,750 --> 00:39:18,540 the reputation of Hercule Poirot. 739 00:39:45,083 --> 00:39:46,332 [ Radio tuning ] 740 00:39:47,375 --> 00:39:48,624 [ Music plays ] 741 00:39:49,208 --> 00:39:51,332 MAN: This is the National Programme. 742 00:39:52,333 --> 00:39:54,540 In a change to our published schedule, 743 00:39:55,750 --> 00:39:59,082 we now present a special broadcast. 744 00:40:03,416 --> 00:40:05,165 Good evening, everybody. 745 00:40:05,333 --> 00:40:06,832 This is Hercule Poirot. 746 00:40:08,916 --> 00:40:12,374 I have been asked many times to recount my cases for the radio, 747 00:40:12,958 --> 00:40:14,499 but I have always refused. 748 00:40:15,208 --> 00:40:18,124 However, tonight, I have decided to present for you 749 00:40:19,625 --> 00:40:22,540 a reconstruction of the affair at the Victory Ball, 750 00:40:24,125 --> 00:40:26,915 and that is why I have with me tonight in the studio 751 00:40:27,583 --> 00:40:29,582 the principal members of the party 752 00:40:30,000 --> 00:40:32,915 whose lives were altered by that most tragic event. 753 00:40:33,375 --> 00:40:35,624 I thank you all very, very much, indeed, 754 00:40:36,875 --> 00:40:38,749 for accepting my invitation. 755 00:40:39,625 --> 00:40:42,374 And now, I take you back to the Colossus Ballroom 756 00:40:44,458 --> 00:40:46,332 on the night of the Victory Ball. 757 00:40:47,916 --> 00:40:49,290 The lights, they dim. 758 00:40:49,833 --> 00:40:52,249 The music, it plays. 759 00:40:54,666 --> 00:40:57,207 And the shadows of the principal characters 760 00:40:58,166 --> 00:41:02,165 return to gather before us. 761 00:41:05,750 --> 00:41:06,999 Listen. 762 00:41:08,166 --> 00:41:09,665 You can almost hear them. 763 00:41:11,375 --> 00:41:12,582 MAN: Harlequin am I, 764 00:41:12,708 --> 00:41:14,582 in diamond panes of colored hue. 765 00:41:15,541 --> 00:41:17,249 WOMAN: And I his Columbine. 766 00:41:17,625 --> 00:41:18,874 Together, we have 767 00:41:19,500 --> 00:41:21,374 special care for lovers true. 768 00:41:22,458 --> 00:41:24,749 MAN: Punchinello also here appears. 769 00:41:25,541 --> 00:41:27,415 Bombast and buffoon to no avail. 770 00:41:29,041 --> 00:41:30,457 WOMAN: Seeking heart 771 00:41:30,583 --> 00:41:32,582 of Pulcinella, ever shall he fail. 772 00:41:34,000 --> 00:41:36,124 MAN: Heroes' tragic fate is saddest. 773 00:41:37,125 --> 00:41:38,499 See his painted tear. 774 00:41:40,041 --> 00:41:42,249 WOMAN: Sighing for his own Pierrette, 775 00:41:43,791 --> 00:41:45,415 star-crossed lovers. 776 00:41:45,708 --> 00:41:46,957 So completes 777 00:41:47,708 --> 00:41:51,874 our masqueraders gathered once more here. 778 00:41:53,916 --> 00:41:56,249 And so our little evocation is complete. 779 00:41:58,041 --> 00:41:59,582 Our ensemble is before us. 780 00:42:01,458 --> 00:42:03,374 And this, ladies and gentlemen, 781 00:42:04,166 --> 00:42:06,374 I have been told is the wonder of radio, 782 00:42:07,875 --> 00:42:10,332 because what we see is in the eye of our mind. 783 00:42:11,791 --> 00:42:13,540 What is in the eye of your mind, 784 00:42:14,750 --> 00:42:15,999 Mme. Mallaby? 785 00:42:16,166 --> 00:42:18,082 Why, the six characters we heard, 786 00:42:19,208 --> 00:42:20,457 of course. 787 00:42:20,666 --> 00:42:21,915 Viscount? 788 00:42:22,041 --> 00:42:23,290 Oh, just the same. 789 00:42:23,916 --> 00:42:25,832 The six characters as portrayed 790 00:42:26,875 --> 00:42:28,290 by my figurines, but -- 791 00:42:29,291 --> 00:42:30,832 You agree, Mme. Davidson? 792 00:42:34,291 --> 00:42:36,082 Of course we agree, Mr. Poirot. 793 00:42:36,541 --> 00:42:37,457 POIROT: Bon. 794 00:42:37,583 --> 00:42:39,832 But now let us see the reality before us. 795 00:42:42,583 --> 00:42:44,207 Messieurs, mesdames, 796 00:42:44,833 --> 00:42:46,082 the players. 797 00:42:47,666 --> 00:42:48,915 Oh. 798 00:42:50,000 --> 00:42:52,124 I present to you Pierrette, Pierrot, 799 00:42:52,708 --> 00:42:55,499 Pulcinella, Punchinello, and Columbine. 800 00:42:56,291 --> 00:42:57,749 There's one missing. 801 00:42:58,583 --> 00:42:59,832 That's right. 802 00:42:59,958 --> 00:43:01,415 Where's Harlequin? 803 00:43:01,791 --> 00:43:03,749 Have you forgotten, Viscount, 804 00:43:05,458 --> 00:43:09,915 that Harlequin can become invisible? 805 00:43:13,875 --> 00:43:17,957 Let us now reveal the truth. 806 00:43:19,666 --> 00:43:21,582 Are you ready to tell us the truth, 807 00:43:22,458 --> 00:43:23,707 Mme. Davidson, 808 00:43:24,541 --> 00:43:27,207 or shall I? 809 00:43:29,750 --> 00:43:30,874 Very well. 810 00:43:31,000 --> 00:43:32,332 It was all very simple. 811 00:43:35,291 --> 00:43:37,082 The motive behind the murders 812 00:43:37,708 --> 00:43:39,957 of both Lord Cronshaw and Coco Courtney 813 00:43:41,166 --> 00:43:43,832 was the evil drug cocaine. 814 00:43:46,708 --> 00:43:48,332 You're staying right here! 815 00:43:48,458 --> 00:43:50,957 I'm not prepared to have an argument about it. 816 00:43:51,083 --> 00:43:52,499 POIROT: During the Victory Ball, 817 00:43:52,625 --> 00:43:53,957 I witnessed an argument between 818 00:43:54,083 --> 00:43:55,624 Lord Cronshaw and Mlle. Coco. 819 00:43:55,750 --> 00:43:56,957 They were known to be lovers, 820 00:43:57,083 --> 00:43:59,290 but Cronshaw had discovered Coco's secret addiction. 821 00:43:59,416 --> 00:44:01,374 What the hell do you think you're laughing at? 822 00:44:01,500 --> 00:44:04,915 POIROT: The young Lord Cronshaw was a man of high principle. 823 00:44:05,166 --> 00:44:07,915 He seized his lover's cocaine and threatened to 824 00:44:08,583 --> 00:44:11,332 expose the supplier who was destroying her life 825 00:44:12,000 --> 00:44:13,499 along with many others. 826 00:44:14,000 --> 00:44:19,290 But Coco was now hopelessly addicted. 827 00:44:21,958 --> 00:44:23,540 By the time she reached home, 828 00:44:24,166 --> 00:44:27,249 she had obtained a new, fatally strong dose of cocaine 829 00:44:27,541 --> 00:44:29,332 from her supplier, who now knew 830 00:44:29,708 --> 00:44:31,374 the one chance to avoid prison 831 00:44:31,833 --> 00:44:33,082 was murder. 832 00:44:35,166 --> 00:44:36,707 But what of our Harlequin? 833 00:44:38,458 --> 00:44:40,624 When I examined the body of Lord Cronshaw, 834 00:44:40,750 --> 00:44:42,624 I failed to discover the pompom. 835 00:44:43,541 --> 00:44:44,457 Why? 836 00:44:44,583 --> 00:44:47,707 Because the fist was clenched tight with the rigor mortis. 837 00:44:47,833 --> 00:44:50,040 Lord Cronshaw was not killed at 12:00. 838 00:44:50,166 --> 00:44:52,124 He was killed earlier in the evening 839 00:44:52,250 --> 00:44:54,707 and the body hidden in the recess until later. 840 00:44:54,833 --> 00:44:55,832 Voilà. 841 00:44:55,958 --> 00:44:57,165 But that can't be. 842 00:44:57,291 --> 00:44:59,957 I saw him myself a few moments before midnight. 843 00:45:00,875 --> 00:45:02,374 No, no, no, Mme. Mallaby. 844 00:45:03,083 --> 00:45:06,165 The Harlequin that you saw, that very same Harlequin, 845 00:45:06,916 --> 00:45:10,124 is here with us in this room. 846 00:45:13,875 --> 00:45:15,957 The killer had a duplicate costume, 847 00:45:16,791 --> 00:45:19,790 and after the murder, assumed the role of Harlequin, 848 00:45:20,875 --> 00:45:23,874 even scribbling a false clue pointing to M. Beltaine 849 00:45:24,291 --> 00:45:26,832 and his obsession with the Lowestoft china. 850 00:45:27,000 --> 00:45:28,082 Ridiculous, huh? 851 00:45:28,208 --> 00:45:30,665 Since the elaborate costume of M. Beltaine 852 00:45:31,500 --> 00:45:33,915 cannot be changed without assistance. 853 00:45:35,125 --> 00:45:36,374 No. 854 00:45:37,416 --> 00:45:39,749 The murder took place soon after supper, 855 00:45:39,875 --> 00:45:41,249 when the killer contrived 856 00:45:41,375 --> 00:45:43,374 a moment alone with Lord Cronshaw. 857 00:45:43,500 --> 00:45:45,415 It is Cronshaw who knows the truth 858 00:45:45,958 --> 00:45:47,749 about the dealing in cocaine. 859 00:45:48,166 --> 00:45:50,374 To avoid being exposed and to preserve 860 00:45:51,291 --> 00:45:52,332 the evil trade in drugs, 861 00:45:52,458 --> 00:45:54,915 the murderer stabs Lord Cronshaw to death. 862 00:45:55,333 --> 00:45:56,582 At the time, 863 00:45:57,791 --> 00:46:00,915 the killer is unaware that the last act of Lord Cronshaw 864 00:46:01,416 --> 00:46:03,624 is to pull the pompom from the costume. 865 00:46:04,125 --> 00:46:06,207 Then the body is hidden in the alcove 866 00:46:06,708 --> 00:46:08,624 and the plan, it can be completed. 867 00:46:09,125 --> 00:46:11,165 - MALLABY: Yoo-hoo! - POIROT: At last, 868 00:46:11,291 --> 00:46:14,207 having alerted Mme. Mallaby just before midnight, 869 00:46:14,333 --> 00:46:16,249 the final task was to drag the body 870 00:46:17,166 --> 00:46:18,165 from its hiding place 871 00:46:18,291 --> 00:46:19,207 so it would appear 872 00:46:19,333 --> 00:46:21,624 that the murder had only just been committed. 873 00:46:21,750 --> 00:46:23,790 MAN: Twelve seconds to midnight! 874 00:46:25,125 --> 00:46:26,374 Ten, nine, 875 00:46:26,833 --> 00:46:28,124 eight, seven, six, 876 00:46:30,458 --> 00:46:31,707 five, four, 877 00:46:32,208 --> 00:46:33,457 three, two, one! 878 00:46:36,166 --> 00:46:37,665 [ Cheers and applause ] 879 00:46:40,375 --> 00:46:41,832 [ Balloons popping ] 880 00:46:45,125 --> 00:46:47,790 POIROT: The murderer then slips quietly away. 881 00:46:49,500 --> 00:46:50,749 [ Screams ] 882 00:46:51,500 --> 00:46:53,832 POIROT: Knowing that when the discovery 883 00:46:54,041 --> 00:46:55,957 of the body occurs, it is believed 884 00:46:58,625 --> 00:47:00,040 that he is safely at home. 885 00:47:02,416 --> 00:47:04,290 No, it couldn't have been Chris. 886 00:47:05,958 --> 00:47:07,915 POIROT: But it was, Mme. Davidson. 887 00:47:08,041 --> 00:47:08,999 It was your husband who had 888 00:47:09,125 --> 00:47:10,540 a moment alone with Lord Cronshaw! 889 00:47:10,666 --> 00:47:12,249 It was your husband who gave to Coco 890 00:47:12,375 --> 00:47:14,665 when they were alone together in the taxi more cocaine! 891 00:47:14,791 --> 00:47:16,582 And, in spite of what he told us, 892 00:47:17,000 --> 00:47:18,124 it was your husband 893 00:47:18,250 --> 00:47:20,457 who had ample time to return to the ball 894 00:47:21,458 --> 00:47:25,790 to complete his masquerade as Harlequin. 895 00:47:37,375 --> 00:47:38,915 And still you protect him, 896 00:47:40,333 --> 00:47:42,332 even though you later discovered 897 00:47:44,000 --> 00:47:47,082 that he was implicating you, his own wife, in the crime 898 00:47:48,125 --> 00:47:51,207 by replacing the pompom that was torn from his costume 899 00:47:52,083 --> 00:47:53,957 with the one he cut from your own. 900 00:47:55,708 --> 00:47:57,665 CHRIS: Don't listen to him, darling. 901 00:47:57,791 --> 00:47:59,874 Congratulations, Mr. Poirot, 902 00:48:00,333 --> 00:48:03,249 on a most entertaining piece of detective fiction. 903 00:48:04,500 --> 00:48:05,415 POIROT: Mais oui. 904 00:48:05,541 --> 00:48:06,832 I'm afraid that is so. 905 00:48:08,916 --> 00:48:10,457 Half a mo. What do you mean? 906 00:48:11,166 --> 00:48:12,832 Well, because unless Mme. Davidson 907 00:48:12,958 --> 00:48:15,374 is willing to testify that her husband deals in drugs, 908 00:48:15,500 --> 00:48:17,915 I'm afraid that everything that I have told you so far 909 00:48:18,041 --> 00:48:19,332 remains only theory. 910 00:48:19,458 --> 00:48:21,374 Then I take it that the show is over. 911 00:48:21,500 --> 00:48:22,540 POIROT: Oui. 912 00:48:22,666 --> 00:48:24,957 Unless... 913 00:48:28,250 --> 00:48:35,915 Harlequin has one last trick. 914 00:48:39,500 --> 00:48:40,749 Mme. Mallaby. 915 00:48:42,000 --> 00:48:43,915 With which hand did you see Harlequin writing? 916 00:48:49,083 --> 00:48:50,332 Oh, my God. 917 00:48:51,625 --> 00:48:53,540 Cronshaw was right-handed. 918 00:48:53,708 --> 00:48:55,874 JAPP: Christopher Ian Davidson, 919 00:48:57,791 --> 00:49:00,332 I arrest you for the murders of Viscount Cronshaw 920 00:49:00,458 --> 00:49:03,665 and Miss Coco Courtney. 921 00:49:10,625 --> 00:49:13,165 If he had not gone too far and tried to confuse 922 00:49:13,375 --> 00:49:15,832 by writing a clue that pointed to Beltaine, 923 00:49:15,958 --> 00:49:18,040 he would be walking away with us now, 924 00:49:18,208 --> 00:49:20,332 but as you say, M. Ackerley, actors -- 925 00:49:20,750 --> 00:49:22,332 they never know when to stop. 926 00:49:22,625 --> 00:49:24,124 However, I thank you very much indeed 927 00:49:24,250 --> 00:49:25,165 for your cooperation. 928 00:49:25,291 --> 00:49:27,165 I'm honored that you took up my invitation. 929 00:49:27,291 --> 00:49:29,082 I'm sure it was a most enlightening experience 930 00:49:29,208 --> 00:49:30,124 for our listeners. 931 00:49:30,250 --> 00:49:31,957 - Thank you. - RECEPTIONIST: Mr. Ackerley? 932 00:49:32,083 --> 00:49:33,874 They've been trying to find you. 933 00:49:34,333 --> 00:49:36,915 The switchboard's been flooded with callers 934 00:49:37,500 --> 00:49:39,582 complaining about the dreadful accent, 935 00:49:39,708 --> 00:49:41,999 lowering the standard of spoken English, 936 00:49:42,125 --> 00:49:43,457 all that sort of thing. 937 00:49:43,625 --> 00:49:44,790 Oh. 938 00:49:44,916 --> 00:49:47,707 Sir John Reith is waiting to see you in his office. 939 00:49:48,083 --> 00:49:50,832 So sorry. 940 00:49:53,875 --> 00:49:55,624 Don't take it too hard, Poirot. 941 00:49:55,750 --> 00:49:56,874 Indeed not. 942 00:49:57,000 --> 00:49:58,415 I am not at all surprised. 943 00:49:59,083 --> 00:50:00,790 - HASTINGS: You're not? - No. 944 00:50:00,916 --> 00:50:03,540 Chief inspector, you really ought to look to your elocution. 945 00:50:03,666 --> 00:50:05,624 Swat me, there's nothing wrong with my lingo. 946 00:50:05,750 --> 00:50:07,957 You see, that is exactly the kind of expression, 947 00:50:08,083 --> 00:50:08,999 like "half a mo," 948 00:50:09,125 --> 00:50:10,832 that brings the language into disrepute. 949 00:50:10,958 --> 00:50:12,207 Come, Hastings. 950 00:50:12,833 --> 00:50:14,832 I shall lend to the Chief Inspector 951 00:50:16,541 --> 00:50:17,790 my personal copy 952 00:50:18,625 --> 00:50:22,665 of "The English As She Should Be Spoken." 953 00:50:27,583 --> 00:50:28,832 Taxi! 954 00:50:29,875 --> 00:50:32,999 Subtitling made possible by Acorn Media