Original subtitles

[music playing]

You all right?

ALICE: Yes, thank you.

OLD WOMAN 1: What's that supposed to be?

OLD WOMAN 2: Hopeful?

OLD WOMAN 1: What?

OLD WOMAN 2: You put downF-U double L, full, and I

added H-O-P-E, hope, hopeful.

OLD WOMAN 1: Oh, come on.

Come on, you don't spell it with two L's.

Why not?

Well, you just don't.

You stupid woman.

I didn't come here to be insulted.

Ladies, ladies, ladies.

Mind your own business,you interfering old buffer.

Keep calm.

I've had enough of this damn place,

and I've had enough of you.

You are, without doubt, the most unpleasant

person I have ever met.

[music playing]

Oh.

[clicking noise]

[sigh]

That's better.

That's much better.

[music playing]

[gravel crunching]

[footsteps]

Oh.

[screaming]

[music playing]

NURSE: Come along, please.Back to your rooms.

WILLIAM: Nevermind.

[sobbing]

NURSE: George.

Poor George.

Another Indian bites the dust.

Did you know Muriel?

I met her.

That's all.

Ah, not my favorite person inthe world, rather the reverse.

What were you doing, George?

Where were you going?

I, I didn't want to be late for church.

George found her, very upsetting.

George?

Well, her real name is Marjorie.

Everybody calls her George.

Getting battier by the minute.

Well, see you in the morning, nodoubt, if we survive the night.

You think we may not?

At my time of life, one never knows.

[music playing]

[wheels squeaking]

She was in our age, only 81.

They said it was a heart attack.

Oh, rubbish.

Who said that?

One of the nurses told me.

She would, wouldn't she?

Well, that's what they want us to think.

[music playing]

JOYCE: Gavin's here.

Oh, come in.

Look at this.

Isn't it lovely?

Yes, it's very nice.

House warming present.

It's very nice.

Thank you.

So what do you think?

JOYCE: There's a lot still to do.

She worries.

Well, you're not exactly the world's

greatest handyman, are you?

Oh yes, it's beautiful.

I've got a week off.

That's seven whole days.

Go on, look at the kitchen.

I need all that time to getthis place straightened up.

JOYCE: What about the spare room?

Well, I'll set some paint on the walls,

and it'll be transformed in no time.

Hello, Gavin.

How are you?

Oh, fine, thanks.

JOYCE: He's given us this lovely cactus.

Well, it's, um, beautiful.

Thank you very much.

GAVIN: When did you come down?

Last night.

She's getting us organized.

Trying to.

Do you fancy some coffee?

Oh, great.

CULLY: Dad?

No, thanks, I'm going to get some paint,

and I'm going to drop off and see

Auntie Alice on the way home.

My aunt, she's staying at a nursing

home up near Aspern Tallow.

She's been in hospital, poor old darling,

and we need to keep an eye on her.

Good morning.

Good morning.

[tires skidding]

WILLIAM: Dr. Warnford.

Have you met him?

Briefly.

How the hell can he afford a car like that?

60,000, 70,000 quid, more.

Country GP, doesn't make sense.

I don't trust him, never have.

Total creep.

Oh, I'm William Smithers.

Oh, how do you do?

Alice Bly.

So, uh, you're a newcomer.

Yes.

WILLIAM: Sad business.

What is?

Well, setting up.

Didn't it make you feel sad, getting

rid of all those bits andpieces that seemed so important?

I'm not here permanently.

Ah.

I've been rather ill, and the hospital people

thought that I should cometo a convalescent home

just a few weeks.

So what made you choose this place?

Oh, I'm very found of this part of the world,

and I have a nephew who livesclose by, a favorite nephew.

[music playing]

Good morning, sir.

Morning.

Can I help you?

Yes, please.

I'd like some flowers for an elderly lady.

Pot plant or mixed bunch?

Well, what do you think would be best?

It's my Auntie Alice.

She's staying up at the nursing home.

- Oh, Lawnside? - Yeah, do you know it?

Oh, we know it well.

Lots of funerals.

Ah.

Oh, dear, I'm so sorry.

I shouldn't have said that.

I'll make her up a nice bunch.

Thank you.

You all right?

I say, I say, nurse.

Good morning, Mrs. Bly.

Good morning.

WILLIAM: I would like some toast and marmalade

and perhaps a boiled egg.

Is that possible?

You know the rules as well as I do.

Breakfast ends at half past 9:00.

I don't give a damn about the rules.

I pay a great deal of moneyto stay in this hell hole.

The lease you can do is feed me.

Behave yourself, Bill.

Don't be so grouchy.

I do wish you'd stop calling me Bill.

Nobody calls me Bill.

To my friends, I'm William,to my intimates, Willy.

Everybody else calls me Mr. Smithers.

Are you all right, Mrs. Bly?

Yes, thank you.

Bloody woman.

She'll give me a heartattack one of these days.

Bossy and stroppy--

I can tolerate one but not both.

I think I'll take one of my pills.

Now, you be careful with that cup of tea.

I don't want you spilling itover your nice, clean dress.

Spill it?

Why should I spill it?

- You all right. - I am, sir.

Thank you for asking.

How are you, dear?

I'm all right.

I saw you talking to William.

Yes, he's rather nice, isn't he?

Ah, you be careful.

He had his hand up my skirt last week.

What were you saying about that old lady?

What old lady?

The old lady who died last night.

Oh, yes, Muriel.

Bossy old bag.

What about her?

You said it wasn't a heart attack.

What wasn't?

Well, I was told she died of a heart attack,

and you said she didn't.

You said they wanted us to think that she

died of a heart attack.

But who are they?

You think I'm making it up, don't you?

Well, I'm not.

I know they will think I'mgoing soft in the head.

Let them think what they like.

I don't argue.

Makes life easier.

It isn't the first timeit's happened, far from it.

What do you mean?

They get them to change their wills.

Well, I don't know how they do it, but they do.

Who are you talking about?

Miss Richards and Dr. Warnford.

They've got it all worked out.

Nobody suspects anything.

They pretend they're not even friends,

just professional colleagues.

Perhaps they are just colleagues.

Don't you believe it.

I've seen them.

I've seen them together.

NURSE: How's that?

GEORGE: Well, let me try.

I needed some new shoes, and Nurse Bartlett

took me into town.

NURSE: How does that feel?

Yes, yes, I think that's all right.

NURSE: It's not too tightacross the toes now?

Oh no, no, it's very comfortable.

Try walking.

How's that?

Yes, it's fine.

What is it, George?

What's the matter?

She finds it difficult to concentrate.

Ah yes, very comfortable.

I think these will do nicely.

And I'll tell you something else.

What is it?

There was nothing wrong with Muriel's heart.

She saw the specialistonly a couple of weeks ago.

He said she was as fit as a fiddle.

ARTHUR: Doctor, doctor, doctor,I'm sorry to bother you.

What is it now?

I'm sorry to bother you.

You just said that.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Well, what is it?

I have a pain in my shoulder.

It's rather worrying, especially at night.

Mr. Pruitt, you are a hopeless hypochondriac.

You're also a bloody nuisance.

You waste my time.

You waste the nurses' time.

Take an aspirin.

Take two.

Stop thinking about yourself.

[tires skidding]

[music playing]

Good morning, I'm lookingfor Mrs. Bly, Mrs. Alice Bly.

Do you know where she is?

You'll probably find her in the lounge,

through there to your left.

Ah, thank you.

Is she settling in all right?

I don't actually work here.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Don't worry.

I'd rather be mistaken for one of the staff

than one of the residents.

Ah, Mrs. Bennett, here weare, all ready for our trip

to the hospital.

Thank you, Ms. Richards.

How are you feeling today?

Rather well, actually.

Do we really have to go to the hospital?

Well, the doctor wants to seeyou, so I think we ought to go.

I don't suppose we'll be long.

Back in time for supper, I hope.

Well, there's no need to hurry.

We can always get her something on a tray.

PRU: Thank you.

Come along.

Take my arm.

Goodbye. - Goodbye.

- Bye bye. - Goodbye.

Bye.

I'm Miss Richards.

Can I help you?

I'm Tom Barnaby, Mrs. Bly's nephew,

and I was wondering if you knew where she was.

Oh yes, the detective.

She's very proud of you, Mr. Barnaby.

It's through there and then to your left.

Thank you.

[music playing]

You all right?

Yeah, thank you.

Good morning.

Morning.

Morning.

Auntie Alice!

Oh, Tom, my dear.

Oh, what a treat.

TOM: So what's it like here?

ALICE: Well, the food'sgood, my room's comfortable,

and the staff are very friendly.

TOM: So you're quite happy?

Oh, happy-ish, like being back at school.

Oh, I know they're all old, but they

behave like naughty children.

[chuckle]

Must be very difficult being a nurse.

I don't think I'd have the patience.

Somebody died here last night,and old lady called Muriel.

I think there's somethingrather odd about it.

Odd?

Well, they say that she died of a heart attack,

but there was absolutelynothing wrong with her heart.

How do you know?

Well, somebody told me.

Oh, one of the nurses?

No, one of the old ladies, George, or they

call her George.

Well, what did she say?

Well, she said that she thinks Mr. Richards

and Dr. Warnford aretrying to defraud people.

What people?

The people here.

Oh, the residents.

Yes.

Defraud them?

How?

Getting them to change theirwill, well that sort of thing.

And this is what yourfriend-- what's her name?

George told you?

Yes.

How reliable is she?

Well, I don't know her very well,

but she's very nice, very respectable.

That's not what I meant.

Now, you know as well as Ido that old people sometimes

get confused.

Look at my old mum.

She thought everyone was tryingto steal money from her--

milkman, paper boy, even me.

And me.

Well, there you are.

Now, I'm sure your friend Georgeis a very lovely old lady,

but it might not be a good thingto believe everything she says.

All right?

All right.

[music playing]

TOM: Excuse me.

Is Ms. Richards about, please?

No, I'm afraid not.

She won't be back until about 3:00.

Now, perhaps you can help me.

Dr. Warnford, do youhappen to have his address?

[music playing]

[door closing sound]

[birds chirping]

[doorbell rings]

Yes?

Dr. Warnford?

Yes?

My name's Barnaby, DetectiveChief Inspector Barnaby.

What do you want?

Ah, nothing serious.

There's just a couple of questions.

I'm in the middle of my lunch.

It won't take a minute.

Oh, very well.

If it's about thataccident in Fern Bassett,

everything's in my report.

The man was drunk as an owl.

He deserved to get knocked down,his own bloody fault. In here.

This is not an official visit.

DR. WARNFORD: So what is it?

I understand you look after the residents

at Lawnside Nursing Home, yes?

I do.

My aunt has just moved in there, Mrs. Bly.

Yes.

She seems rather worriedabout the death of the old lady

last night.

You mean Mrs. Harrap.

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

There seems to be some confusionabout the cause of death.

No confusion.

She died of acute myocardialinfarction, heart attack.

Somebody told my aunt that there was

nothing wrong with her heart.

Muriel Harrap was nearly 80 years old.

It's true.

There was nothing significantlywrong with her heart,

but at that age things can happen at any time

and without any warning.

Your aunt has probably beentalking to Mrs. Watson.

They call her George.

Lives in a world of her own.

The last time I saw her, she,she said she was expecting

the Queen Mother for tea.

Need I say more?

[tv sounds]

Sorry to have wasted your time.

Ah, see yourself out.

I don't want to miss the next race.

[music playing]

WOMAN 1 [ON TV]: I need that.

WOMAN 2 [ON TV]: I don'tknow how you can eat bacon.

They pump those poor little piggies full of hormones

and antibiotics.

WOMAN 1 [ON TV]: Yeah, but we taste so good.

WOMAN 2 [ON TV]: Eh.

Actually, I better get going to work.

[buzzer sounding]

WOMAN 1 [ON TV]: Now that Lucy's--

Oh God, it's Mr. Caranum.

I'll go.

Tell him if he's been smoking in bed again

we'll have to report him to Miss Richards.

Right.

Would you like some coffee?

Tea.

Coffee will keep me awake.

[tv sounds]

[shattering sound]

What do you want?

Where's Sister Lovelace?

She's not here.

Well, where's she gone?

It's, it's her night off.

Listen, I've got to see her.

I've got to talk to her. - Stop it.

Let go of me.

Tell me where she is.

Let go!

Let go!

Let go of me.

MAN: I'm staying at the Stonor Arms Hotel.

You know who I am.

You tell her.

[door slams]

[music playing]

[clattering noises]

24, 25, 26, 27.

What are you doing today, Cully?

What are my oders?

34.

We need more curtain hooks.

Could you go and see Auntie Alice for me?

See if everything's all right.

OK.

Could you go this morning,have a cup of coffee with her?

Yeah.

[music playing]

[knocking]

Come.

Mrs. Armstrong?

Hmm?

Ah, Mrs. Bly.

Am I disturbing you?

Not in the least.

Do please come in.

How are you today?

I'm rather well,actually, a little tired.

I looked for you at breakfast.

Yes, Bartlett was very sweet.

She said I could have breakfast in bed.

Oo.

What a luxury.

How was it at the hospital?

Well, not entirely what I'd hoped.

Oh dear.

I didn't think there's much they can do.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

I'm worried about Pru.

She was, she was very upset.

Well, of course.

She's got no life of her own.

That's the trouble.

Well, what about you?

What do you feel?

I'm an old lady.

I've had a happy life.

And now, I propose to letnature take its course.

There's nothing else I can do after all.

Ah, let's talk about something else.

Did you, did you hear thatdreadful row last night?

What dreadful row?

Well, Nurse Bartlett, I think, and some man.

One of the residents?

No, no, but I recognized his voice.

Well, if it's the man I think it was,

his name is Mungo Mortimer.

I used to live on the groundfloor next to his mother.

MUNGO: What do you mean you won't sign it?

You've got to sign it.

MUNGO'S MOTHER: It's my money.

I need it, and I'm not dead yet.

MUNGO: If I don't get thismoney by the end of the month,

I'm finished.

MUNGO'S MOTHER: Well, that'syour problem, Mungo, not mine.

MUNGO: God, the sooner you're out of the way,

the happier I shall be.

Did he really say that?

Well, I think so.

That's what it sounded like.

And you thought he was here last night?

I know it.

I saw him.

You've got to say something.

You've got to stop him coming here.

It's nothing to do with me.

He came here to see you.

So what?

I was scared.

I can't help that.

Well, you've got to do something.

Do what?

You've got to stop him coming back here.

Listen to me.

Mungo Mortimer is a dangerous man.

I'm having nothing more to do with him, nothing.

So you're an actress, Miss Barnaby?

Trying to be.

Oh, how exciting.

Tough life.

Very.

She was almost in "Pride and Prejudice."

Oh, isn't that the one about the Russian spy?

"Pride and Prejudice," George.

There are no Russian spiesin "Pride and Prejudice."

Oh, I'm, I'm getting confused.

Really?

You do surprise me.

How long have youlived here, Mr. Smithers?

Oh, five years, soon to be six.

Do call me William.

It's very beautiful.

It's quiet.

Too damn quiet for me.

I prefer the hustle and bustle of city life.

Did you work in the city?

Not exactly.

He was in the army.

Oh, that was when I was young.

I left the army after 15 years, went to London,

became a driver, a chauffeur.

Well, you never told me that.

You never asked me.

Joined Price and Potter.

Marvelous firm, nothing but the best.

Drove quite a lot of theater people--

Jack Buchanan, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh.

Really?

We had top notch cars, the creme de la creme.

Mr. Buchanan always had a RollsRoyce, very stylish gentlemen.

Sometimes I took him down to Brighton.

He preferred a Bentleycontinental for those trips.

Is that why you're so interested in cars?

Oh, of course.

Have you seen the doctor's Aston Martin?

No.

Oh, classic.

I'd give 5,000 pounds tospend an afternoon in that car

if I had 5,000 pounds to spare.

[music playing]

[doorbell rings]

Troy, come on in.

Thank you, sir.

Do you want a beer?

GAVIN: No, thanks.

How's it going?

Ah, it could be worse.

Still a hell of a lot to do.

Sorry to interrupt.

No, no, no, all interruptionsare more than welcome.

What's the problem?

Not really a problem, sir.

Miss Richards phoned the station,

the lady from the nursing home.

She wanted to speak to you, and when I told her

you weren't working this week, she asked

for your home phone number.

Of course, I didn't give it to her.

- Did she say what it was about?- No.

[phone ringing]

Hello, Lawnside.

TOM: Miss Richards?

Oh, Mr. Barnaby, how kind of you to call.

Thank you so much.

You wanted to speak to me?

Yes, I wanted to ask youradvice about something.

Well, look, I'll come up and see you.

Shall I?

Is that the right thing?

No, no, I'd rather youdidn't come here, inspector.

I'll explain why when I see you.

There's a tea shop in Causton near the market place.

[birds chirping]

Are you happy here?

Happy?

Oh, not unhappy.

It's not much fun being old.

You cease to expect happiness.

I'm happy if I don't get indigestion after lunch.

Do you have family?

My wife died years ago, well, 15 years ago.

I have a daughter.

She's married to anaccountant in Shrewsbury.

Frightful prig-- I don't like either of them.

Is that a dreadful thing to say?

Not if it's true.

They don't like me either.

We went through this foolish pretense

of spending Christmas togetheryear after year after year.

Eventually, I wrote to them and said,

quite politely, I didn't see the point.

I'd rather stay here in Lawnside.

I haven't spoken to them since.

And does that upset you?

I wish it were otherwise, but it isn't.

C'est la vie.

Shall I tell you the strangestthing about getting old?

What's that?

You become invisible.

When you're young, you're something--

beautiful, ugly, strong,handsome, threatening, sexy.

When you're old, it stops.

Nobody gives you a second glance.

You become another old fartin a cheap sports jacket.

You become invisible.

[music playing]

I noticed you as soonas I walked into the room.

You're very kind.

Drive carefully.

I will.

[engine starting]

One of our residents died a couple

of nights ago, a Mrs. Harrap.

Muriel Harrap?

Yes, I gather your aunt spoketo you about the circumstances

of her death.

Who told you that?

Dr. Warnford.

Well, she was concerned, upset.

Oh dear.

People worry so much when they get older.

They worry about everything.

Although she wasn't rich,Mrs. Harrap did have a very

good wristwatch, a Cartier.

It was worth a lot of money.

I helped her with the insurance papers.

The point is, it's gone missing.

When was this?

Well, she came to see methe evening before she died,

and she was wearing it then.

Why did she come to see you?

Was there any special reason?

I helped her with her banking affairs.

How?

I checked her bank statements.

I made sure all her bills were paid on time.

She found that side oflife rather overwhelming.

Most of our residents do.

I see.

And you discovered thatthe watch was missing when?

Come along now please.

Back to your rooms now please.

She wasn't wearing it.

I noticed that most particularly.

That watch meant a great deal to her.

If she wasn't wearing it, shekept it on her bedside table

always.

[bell rings]

Something wrong?

The truth is, I would ratherwe hadn't been seen together.

Why do you wish that?

I don't want to cause any gossip.

Could cause real difficulties.

Difficulties how?

Well, any hint of anything being stolen

could be very damaging.

I mean, people might leave.

We just can't afford that sort of scandal.

Look, I'll get my Sergeant tomake some discreet inquiries.

Good afternoon.

Oh, oo, you look very dashing.

Oh, just popping into town.

Got a few errands to do.

Anything you want?

No, I didn't think so.

I do like that Cully.

She's a smashing girl.

Well, she was very impressed by you, too,

and so was I. I had no ideayou'd led such a colorful life.

Ah well, we all have our little secrets.

[sigh]

[bell rings]

Good afternoon, sir.

And how are you today?

Oh, pretty fair, thank you.

Not bad at all.

You'll be glad to know we found

a good home for your cigarettecase, a theater lover,

delighted to possess something that

once belonged to Jack Buchanan.

A former client, as I think I told you.

Sad to part with it.

Um, this belonged to my late wife.

As usual, financial necessityforces me to ignore sentiment.

Ah yes, Cartier, very nice.

We can certainly give youa good price for this, sir.

Hmm.

[crows cawing]

[knocking]

Yes, sir.

Can I help you?

I'd like to see Miss Richards, please.

May I ask what it's about?

Detective Sergeant Troy, Causton CID.

Miss Richards spoke to myboss, Chief Inspector Barnaby.

He asked me to come here.

Oh, oh dear.

Is something wrong?

Perhaps you can just tell her I'm here.

Well, I'm afraid she's out.

We had an emergency with Mr. Cranham.

She's got to see his daughter.

Perhaps there's something I can do.

Well, nothing at the moment, I think.

Tell her I called.

Ask her to give me a ring, Sergeant Troy.

Um, before you go, could I talk

to you for a moment please?

Of course.

We better go in the staff room.

Perhaps I shouldn't tell you about this.

About what?

Well, it's really none of mybusiness, but it is, I suppose.

I'm the one he yelled at after all.

Who are you talking about?

His name's Mortimer, Mungo Mortimer.

His mother was a resident here.

She died about three weeks ago.

Why was he shouting at you?

Well, he was looking for oneof the nurses, Sister Lovelace,

but it was her night off.

He just, he just lost control.

He shouted at me.

He grabbed hold of my arm.

When was this?

Last night.

And this other nurse, Sister what?

Lovelace.

Have told her about this?

She won't talk about it.

What do you mean?

Just that.

She won't talk about it.

She refuses.

Well, is she here now? Shall I speak to her?

No, she's gone to thehospital with Mr. Cranham.

And you've no idea what all this is about?

There is something else.

An old lady called Mrs.Harrap died a few nights ago.

Mr. Mortimer was here.

I don't think he wanted anyone to see him.

It was very strange.

Miss Bartlett, quickly, quickly.

It's old Mrs. Harrap.

[door slams]

[music playing]

Do you have an address for Mr. Mortimer?

He lives in London most of the time.

He said he was stayingat the Stonor Arms Hotel.

Evening, Mungo.

What news?

I went to the bank.

I think everything's going to be all right.

Well, let's hope so, old cock,for your sake as well as mine.

Hop in.

[music playing]

[dance music playing]

Wasn't that fun?

I do love dancing.

George is very good.

What's that?

I was just saying what a good dancer you are.

Oh, all these evenings at the Savoy.

You know you'll catch your death of cold

if you're not careful.

Here, take this.

How kind.

That is kind of you.

You all right?

[music playing]

It was a lovely evening.

Oh, but I'm ready for bed.

Ah, you're super, really super.

Good night, Mrs. Fielding.

Sleep well. - And you.

[necklace rattling]

[sinister music]

Oh, my shawl.

Oh dear.

[music playing]

Madge, are you there? It's Alice.

Could I have my shawl?

Ah, ah god.

Oh nurse!

Nurse!

[squeaking noise]

ALICE: Oh, it was a dreadful shock.

Well, jeez, it must have been.

I'd seen her a few minutes before.

We walked up the corridor together.

She was perfectly well.

She'd had a happy evening.

I just don't understand it.

You should've phoned me last night.

Why didn't you?

Well, I didn't want tomake a nuisance of myself.

Oh, don't be silly.

Now look, I must go, butI'll give you a ring later on.

All right?

Well, Tom, there'ssomething that frightens me.

What's that?

I leant her my shawl.

Madge, well, she waswearing it when she died.

Suppose, well, just suppose she was killed.

Perhaps whoever did itthought he was killing me.

Oh, that's very unlikely.

She died in her own room, not yours.

Nobody would have expected tofind you there, now would they?

I suppose not.

Cerebral hemorrhage, not unexpected.

She'd had a couple of tiny strokes last year.

There's no way it could have been--

What?

There seem to have been a lot of sudden deaths

at Lawnside recently.

As I said to you before, inspector,

with an average age ofabout 85, sudden deaths are

frequent and rarely unexpected.

Oh, I'm terribly sorry.

Do forgive me.

If you're looking for an unsolved murder,

I'm afraid I must disappoint you.

This ain't it.

[bang sound]

Can't put me finger on it.

It's just a feeling.

She's very down to earth, me Auntie Alice,

very level-headed.

And if she thinks there's something wrong,

well, that worries me.

We shouldn't just ignore it.

Is there anything I can do?

Yeah, see if you can finda record of all the people

who've died in Lawnside overthe last, well, couple of years.

See if there's some sort of recurring pattern.

Right.

And don't involve Miss Richards or any

of the other staff, all right?

Go and have tea with the old dears.

No, go on.

You'll find they're sweet.

Listen to what they've go to say.

[music playing]

It must be very excitingbeing a detective.

It can be, yes.

My father once met ConanDoyle, the man who wrote,

oh, you know, those books.

What books?

Detective stories.

No, you mean Sherlock Holmes.

No, Conan Doyle.

I was wondering if any ofyou had seen anything unusual?

Depends what's your mean by usual.

Old Mrs. Tucker said shesaw the Prince of Wales

mowing the lawn.

Oh, she was batty.

I thought you might like to see this.

Oh, thank you.

Anyway, she died weeks ago.

Who did?

Oh, Mrs. What's-her-name,the one who saw

Prince Charles mowing the lawn.

It wasn't Prince Charles.

It was the real one, the one who married Mrs.

Simpson, that Prince of Wales.

Am I intruding?

Not at all.

Come and join us.

You all right?

Well, hello.

Oh, how delicious to meetsomeone so young and energetic

among our ancient bones.

I'm Arthur.

Gavin.

Gavin who?

Troy.

Troy, now that's an interesting name.

It comes the French and froman ancient tribe in Gaul,

I believe.

Or is it Ireland?

Anyway, what are you doing here, Gavin?

He's a policeman.

A policeman?

A detective.

Are you investigating something?

Just making a few general inquiries.

Good.

Well, I wish you luck.

And if you'll forgive me, I've got work to do.

My rooms absolute tip,and it won't wait for me.

[music playing]

Something wrong, Mr. Prewitt?

No, no, it's, it's nothing.

[suspenseful music]

[door creaking]

[footstep clatter]

[sigh]

Don't fancy the idea of getting old, sir.

Not much you can do about it, Troy.

All this talk of healthydiets and living longer,

what's the point?

I mean, who wants to live to be 89?

Someone who's 88.

[laughter]

So none of them hadanything interesting to say?

Ah, it was a bit nightmare, sir.

I couldn't get a straightanswer out of any of them.

There was one thing, sir.

What's that?

One of the old boysbehaved very strangely when

he found out I was a detective. - Strangely?

How?

Jumpy, ill at ease.

He seemed scared.

Huh, what's his name?

Prewitt, Arthur Prewitt,retired schoolmaster, poofter.

Oh for--

Well, that's what he is, a right cream puff.

It was a crime when hewas young, Troy, to be gay.

Maybe that's why he wasill at ease, bad memories

from people like you.

Get out.

Would you like some more coffee?

Oh, please.

Thank you.

Chocolate biscuit?

Where did they come from?

Ask no questions, and I'll tell you no lies.

Oh, you are naughty.

Well, they can bloody well afford it.

The money they squeeze outof us, god, makes me sick.

I asked sister fat face fora biscuit the other day.

This isn't the Ritz, she said.

Bloody nerve.

Anyway, they don't do the job properly.

What about that brokenwindow in the room next door?

Well, that was broken ages ago.

Nobody's done anything about it.

Bloody disgrace.

George thinks that Ms. Richards and Dr.

Warnford are in cahoots.

Oh yeah, she told me that.

Fiddling money and that sort of thing.

Changing wills?

Yes.

Do you think that's possible?

Well, George lives in a world of her own.

She's not exactly the mostreliable person in Lawnside.

No.

Still, she might be right.

Anything is possible.

I'm sorry to interrupt your breakfast,

ladies and gentlemen.

I have some more upsetting news for you.

Mrs. Armstrong, Celia,passed away during the night.

[music playing]

You all right?

[phone ringing]

58632, hello?

Oh, Auntie Alice, how are you?

Mrs. Armstrong's dead.

Well, I'm sure she was killed.

I know who did it.

Who was this lady, the one that died?

Mrs. Armstrong, Celia.

She said she met you.

When was that?

When she was on her way to the hospital.

Oh yes, she was with her daughter.

Oh well, her niece, Mrs.Bennett, nice woman, Pru.

What makes you think she was murdered?

Well, I'm not saying thatshe was murdered definitely.

It just seems possible.

That's all.

Why is it possible?

Well, she was so bright whenI spoke to her a few days ago.

There was no reason for her to die so soon.

I spoke to Dr. Warnford.

He said she was very ill.

Oh, well, I don't trust Dr. Warnford.

I think he's up to no good.

Well, be that as it may,Mrs. Armstrong was old,

and she was ill.

She wasn't ready to die.

Well, you could tell.

You said she was frightened of somebody.

Yes, see, there was this man.

He was arguing with one of the nurses,

and then she saw him lurking in the garden.

She said he was very angry.

She was frightened of him.

Did she describe the man?

Oh, she knew him, funnyname, two M's, Mungo Mortimer.

I know about him, sir.

One of the nurses was complaining

about him, threateningbehavior, that sort of thing.

When was that?

The day before yesterday, whenI came to see Miss Richard's.

You got an address for him?

Yes, sir, he's stayingat the Stonor Arms Hotel.

[music playing]

[door opening]

Wait.

Oh, damn.

Sorry.

- Mr. Mortimer? - Yes.

Could we have a word, please?

A word?

What sort of a word?

I am Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby,

and this is Detective Sergeant Troy.

What's the problem?

I understand you have some connection

with Lawnside Nursing Home.

Oh, I get it.

Nurse Bartlett's been makingan official complaint.

Perhaps you'd be kind enoughto answer my question, sir.

Yes, I do have aconnection with Lawnside.

My mother lived there for 18 months.

She died there three weeks ago.

No, it was four weeks ago.

You were seen there four nights

ago, sir, when one of the residents,

a Mrs. Muriel Harrap, died.

You were also seen there a couple of nights ago.

So?

On this last occasion, sir, you

were observed by anotherresident, Mrs. Celia Armstrong.

She died in the early hours of this morning.

What's all this about?

We'd like to know where youwere between 3:00 and 6:00

this morning.

Well, you don't think I hadanything to do with them dying,

do you?

[laughter]

That is nonsense.

That's just nonsense.

Well, they're old ladies.

They died.

People are always dying at Lawnside.

It's a nursing home for old people.

What do you expect?

One of the staff has complained

that you barged into the nurses' sitting room,

and used abusive language,and threatening behavior.

Well, I was angry.

I lost my temper.

Why?

What about?

I wanted to speak to Sister Lovelace.

Nurse Bartlett was beingofficious and obstructive.

I lost my temper.

I shouldn't have done so.

I shall certainly apologizeto her when I see her next.

You said you wanted tospeak to Sister Lovelace.

What for?

We had a bit of a fracaswhen my mother died.

It was my fault entirely.

It's been an emotionally tough time.

It's odd, actually.

I didn't think I'd feel quite so cut up.

Took me by surprise.

I gather you spend most of your time in London.

When are you going back?

Early next week.

I have to clear up mymother's financial affairs.

Let us know when you leave, won't you?

We'll need your addressand your telephone number.

Don't worry.

I have no plans to run away.

Well, I wouldn't advise that, sir.

Going home now?

No, back to Lawnside.

I want to hear what sister Lovelace

has to say about Mr. Mortimer.

Can't believe he's called Mungo.

What kind of name is that?

[music playing]

Good morning, Mrs. Bennett.

What do you want?

I'm Tom Barnaby, Alice Bly's nephew.

Yeah, I know who you are.

What's the matter?

I was so sorry to hear about--

Yes, yes, thank you.

Must've been a great shock.

Yes, well, no.

She was ill.

She was very ill.

Well, even so, it'salways a great shock when

it actually happens, isn't it?

You're right. It is.

Thank you.

Was there something else?

No, no, no, I came to see my auntie.

Oh, yes, of course.

Excuse me.

- Hello. - Sister Lovelace?

Yes.

I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.

This is Detective Sergeant Troy.

Could you spare us a minute, please?

Of course.

Is there somewhere we can talk?

- Through here. - Thank you.

[clatter]

Jo, if you'd let us havethe room for a few moments.

Is something wrong?

We've been talking to Mr. Mungo Mortimer.

I gather there's some sortof friction between the two

of you.

I don't like him.

Why is that?

I'm not sure I should tell you.

Why not?

I am a nurse.

Mr. Mortimer's mother was my patient.

Are you worried about medical ethics?

I don't think those thingsapply, I mean, in my situation.

Well, what is your, orwhat was your, situation?

Mr. Mortimer has beenhaving financial problems.

He tried to get money from his mother.

They had rows about it.

Were you present when they had these rows?

I heard them arguing, yes.

Well, cant you tell us somemore about the arguments?

Like I said, Mr. Mortimerasked his mother for money.

She wouldn't give it to him.

Large sums of money?

Oh, yes.

She was a sweet woman but very stubborn.

They didn't get on, not at all.

And of course, she was very ill.

The medication was heavy.

She slept most of the time.

[music playing]

MUNGO: How long could she last?

It could be tomorrow.

It could be years.

Sister Lovelace, Idon't want her to linger.

She's in no pain.

Sister Lovelace, I don't think you

know what I'm talking about.

I don't want her to linger unnecessarily.

If your mother comes to any harm, Mr. Mortimer,

I'll know who's responsible,and I won't keep quiet about it.

I knew what he was asking me to do.

He couldn't have made it much clearer.

Four days later, she died.

Did you tell Dr. Warnford about this.

No, sir.

Dr. Warnford and Mr. Mortimer are friends.

I, I didn't know what to do, so I did nothing.

Was that wrong of me?

Well, it's understandable.

Well, thank you, sister.

Thank you.

What do you make of that then, sir?

I think I'll go and havea few reassuring words

with Auntie Alice.

[door slams]

Inspector, I must talk to you alone.

OK, Troy, off you go.

Now, sir, what's the problem?

I've done something dreadful,quite, quite dreadful.

Morning, ladies.

Good morning.

Morning.

Lovely day.

Beautiful.

There's a nice, old pubthe other side of Badger's

Drift, first class grub.

I thought I'd go there for a spot of lunch.

Would you care to join me?

Oh, thank you, William.

I don't really feel in the mood.

Well, it's so sad about Celia Armstrong.

Fair enough.

Another time, perhaps.

I'll come with you if you like.

No, thank you, George.

You'd only start talking aboutyour friend, the Queen Mother,

and I'd be dreadfully embarrassed.

Well, I can't think why.

She's a very nice lady.

See you later.

How are you going to get there?

What? Where?

The pub.

It's a long way to Badger's Drift.

Oh, taxi.

Unexpected dividend, thoughtI'd give myself a little treat.

OLD MAN: I, I do hope Ididn't upset Sergeant Troy.

He's so young, you see,and he wouldn't understand.

Understand what?

Madge Fielding, did you know her?

Oh, that's the old ladythat died the other night?

Yes.

She was so untidy.

You wouldn't believe how untidy she was.

She was the untidiest womanI've ever met, and messy,

incredibly messy.

I couldn't bear to watch her eat.

I've looked at the people, the people here,

and I thought, well, I may be getting on,

but I'm not like that.

Self-respect-- it's as thoughthey've lost all self-respect,

some of them anyway.

And Madge Fielding?

Yes, Madge Fielding.

Her room was just along the corridor.

I used to walk past ithalf a dozen times a day.

It was such an unbelievable mess--

no control, no order, no self-respect.

It really offended me, sosomething had to be done.

I would have to tidy her room myself.

It was the only solution,but there were problems.

It was difficult to see when Iwould be able to gain access.

She was so unpredictable.

And then I heard about the dance.

They were going to have a dance, you

see, downstairs in the lounge.

[dance music]

I waited and waited until Ithought the coast was clear.

As it turned out, I waited too long.

ALICE: Oh, I'm ready for bed.

Oh, you're super, really super.

Good night, Mrs. Fielding.

Sleep well.

And you.

I was so engrossed, I didn't hear it coming.

I was busy trying to tidy the dressing table,

which was a mess of hair brushes, and makeup,

and soiled tissues.

And then the door opened.

[groaning]

So I killed her.

It's as simple as that.

I killed her.

So what happens now?

I'll talk to Miss Richards.

Miss Richards?

She'll find someone to help you.

She'll know the best thing to do.

[birds chirping]

[laughter]

Morning, sir.

What can I get you?

G&T, please, large.

Ice and lemon?

Please.

And something for lunch, I think.

How is that, sir?

All right for you?

Very good indeed, thank you.

I don't think we've had the pleasure

of seeing you here before, sir.

You don't live locally.

Not far, a few miles.

Trouble is, no transport.

Can't afford a car.

Can't afford anything.

I know the feeling, sir.

We're all in the same boat.

Once upon a time, I thoughtI could live quite comfortably.

What a mistake that was.

I'm in what's called aresidential nursing home.

My wife died.

That seemed the best solution.

Bloody expensive.

Are you talking about Lawnside?

Do you know it.

I know of it.

Clive Warnford lives in the village.

Warnford?

Oh, Dr. Warnford.

That's the one.

I think his girlfriend works at Lawnside, too.

I didn't know he had one.

She's not the type I thought he'd go for,

rather frumpish, not inthe first flush of youth.

Oh.

Straight brown hair?

That's her.

I saw her about an hourago, drives a little Fiat.

Who is she?

Sounds like Miss Richards, Chief Warder.

[laughter]

Where is Warnford's house?

Opposite the church.

You can't miss it.

[birds chirping]

[door sqeaking]

[music playing]

DR. WARNFORD: Please.

MISS RICHARDS: You thinkyou know it all, don't you?

DR. WARNFORD: Please, just stop.

Stop.

MISS RICHARDS: You don't know anything.

Stupid.

[crying]

You deserve it.

You think you're so clever, don't you?

You think you know everything.

DR. WARNFORD: No, no, I'm not clever.

I'm a very stupid man.

MISS RICHARDS: Yes, no, youthink you are clever, though,

don't you?But you don't know anything.

DR. WARNFORD: No more, please.

MISS RICHARDS: But you don't.

You don't.

DR. WARNFORD: Very stupid.

MISS RICHARDS: You think youknow everything, but you don't.

DR. WARNFORD: Please, no more.MISS RICHARDS: You don't.

[stair creaks]

[laughter]

[music playing]

[tires screeching]

He runs an upmarketsecond-hand car business,

Classic Cars.

That's where he met Dr. Warnford.

Mortimer sold him the Aston Martin.

His name's Morris, but theway, not Mungo, Morris Winston.

TOM: We had a talk to sister Lovelace.

I suppose she told you I bumped off my mother.

Something like that.

I think it would be a very good idea if you

told us your side of the story.

It all comes down to money.

I borrowed money from Clive Warnford.

Is he rich?

Well, he's loaded.

Well, his wife is, anyway.

I didn't know he was married.

That's why he has to be careful.

About what?

Well, Miss Richards.

They're knocking each other off.

If the wife found out, she'd divorce him,

and the money would dry up.- What about your mother?

My mother, yes, well, shewas a patient at Lawnside.

It's bloody expensive, that place.

She was old, ill, going gaga.

I had no idea how long she'd last.

You think I asked SisterLovelace to finish her off,

don't you?

Listen, don't think it didn't cross my mind.

But when it came to thecrunch, I just couldn't do it.

What happened then?

She died totallyunexpectedly four days later.

But then, of course, I beganto worry about Sister Lovelace.

Well, what if she thought I'd done something?

You know, pills in the Lucozade.

Well, suppose she'd gone to the police?

There'd have to be a post-mortemand god knows what else.

Probate would be delayed.

Look, I needed the money immediately.

I had to do something.

I decided to talk to SisterLovelace, tell her the truth.

I certainly didn't choose a good night.

Miss Bartlett!

Miss Bartlett!

[footsteps]

Well, the next time I cameback to see Sister Lovelace,

it was her bloody night off.

Are you surprised I lost my temper?

I'm staying at the Stonor Arms Hotel.

You know who I am.

Tell her.

Now look, I haven't done anything wrong.

You must believed that.

I may be a bloody fool, but that's not a crime.

Is it?

Not yet, sir, no.

Inspector Barnaby, sir, there's

a telephone call for you.

Mr. Smithers.

Huh?

Mr. Smithers, I'm TomBarnaby, Mrs. Bly's nephew.

Oh, I know who you are,and I know Sergeant Troy.

What do you want?

What on Earth made you do athing like that, Mr. Smithers?

Just put it down to an old man's foolishness.

Tell me what happened.

Well, I stole the car.

He'd left the keys in theignition, stupid clut.

The temptation was too great.

What were you doing there?

Why weren't you at the nursing home?

We're not prisoners, you know.

Sometimes it seemed like it.

I wanted a taste of freedom,lunch the Queen's Arms.

Are you two here officially as policeman?

My aunt was worried about you.

She'd heard some garbledrumors about your adventures,

and she asked me to findout what really happened.

Oh, dear Alice.

She's a very sweet woman.

She also says that you cooked up

some theory about Dr.Warnford and Miss Richards

trying to defraud the residents.

We were barking up the wrong tree.

Their connection is more intimate,

if you follow my drift.

You're going to get intoa lot of trouble for this.

Oh, I know that, and there's something else.

What's that?

My jacket, the wallet in the inside pocket.

Have a look.

Look inside.

Old Muriel Harrap, I flogged her watch.

Miss Bartlett!

Miss Bartlett!

Her room's opposite to mine.

She left the door ajar.

Now, what would have happenedif I hadn't taken it?

It'd have gone to some niece ornephew, pushed into a drawer.

Nobody needed it, but I did.

I needed it to go to the pub once a week,

a couple of G and T's,Plowman's and real cheddar.

These things are important to a chap, to me anyway.

I'll tell you something, whatever happens,

it was worth it.

[music playing]

[door creaking]

Oh, Mrs. Bly.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

I didn't realize.

I was on my way to having a bath,

and I saw the door was open.

I seem to have lost something.

Can I help?

No, it's all right.

Go and have your bath.

It seems so silly having abath at this time of the day,

but there's such a queue in the morning.

Oh, it wasn't an earring, was it?

What?

How did you know it was an earring?

Well, I don't know.

Well, I just saw it on the carpet.

When?

I don't remember.

Well, what sort of an earring?

Well, it was just, just an earring.

That's all.

Well, did you pick it up?

I can't remember.

Oh, yes, I remember.

I think I gave it to one of the nurses.

Which one?

Oh, I can't remember.

Oh, I'm so sorry, but my memory's,

it's in a hopeless state at this point.

I'm, I'm so sorry.

Do forgive me.

[music playing]

Oh.

Ah.

[panting]

[music playing]

Thank you for this.

Thanks for what?

For taking me out to dinner.

Oh, it was the least I could do.

Everything at home's such a mess.

I'm sorry.

What is it?

Hmm?

You've got something on your mind.

No, no, not really.

Tell me.

Well, I'm puzzled and worried.

About Alice?

No, there's a woman called Pru Bennett.

Her aunt's in Lawnside, or she was in Lawnside.

She'd been very ill.

She died last night, the aunt, that is.

And when I said howsorry I was, Mrs. Bennett

reacted very strangely.

Well, I couldn't put my fingeron it at first, but now I can.

She wasn't upset. She was frightened.

Well, what of?

It seems, well, she was frightened of me.

[music playing]

[footsteps]

[gasp]

Oh, my God.

[gasp]

[muttering]

TV NARRATOR: Just becausethey're free doesn't mean

to say they're good, you know?

[phone ringing]

MAN [ON TV]: I like her.

[phone ringing]

5,8, 6,3,2.

It's Alice, Auntie Alice.

I must speak to your father.

He's not here.

Well, where is he?

Well, they've gone outto a restaurant in Causton.

Look, Cutty, you've got to ring him.

I'm in terrible trouble.

Well, what is it?

What's the matter?

I know who killed Celia Armstrong.

[music playing]

[clatter]

There's a telephone call for you, sir.

For me?

It's your daughter.

She's really scared, Dad.

She thinks someone's trying to kill her.

[eerie music]

Thank you, sir.

TOM: Thank you.

Hang on.

I've asked Troy to meet me there.

Don't worry, I'll give you aring when I get to the home.

What's going on?

I don't know.

[music playing]

[phone ringing]

Yes, hello?

TOM: Miss Richards?

Who is it?

It's Tom Barnaby, inspector Barnaby.

I think you have anintruder on the premises.

Oh.

[music playing]

[whimpering]

What's happened? Have you seen anyone?

Your aunt's not in her room.

Shall we look in the other bedrooms?

No, absolutely not.

Sergeant Troy will be herein a very few minutes.

He'll have some other officers with him.

They'll do all the searching.

You stay where you are, and stay together.

Anything I can do to help?

No, not at the moment.

What's on the ground floor?

Dining room, kitchen, TV lounge, staff room.

All right, now, let's have a look.

[music playing] That's how they got in.

Look.

Where's this go?

Oh, the TV lounge.

[suspenseful music]

[door creaking]

You'll want to talk to her.

Miss Richards.

She's terribly upset.

You will be gentle with her, won't you?

[door creaking]

I never intended to do her any harm, your aunt.

I just wanted to tell her the truth,

to beg her to say nothing.

I felt sure she'd understand.

And did she?

I think so.

You know what happened.

You know what I did.

Perhaps you ought to tell me about it.

Celia was the most importantperson in the world to me.

It's as simple as that.

My parents died when I was young.

Celia was my mother's sister.

She brought me up as her daughter.

We were devoted to each other.

Celia's husband died, so we shared a house.

We were very happy.

The cancer first came five years ago.

We thought she was clear, but it came back.

We went to the hospital on Tuesday.

It was the worst possible news.

At first I didn't take it in.

I'd been sitting there I don't know how long,

going over and over what the doctor had told me.

He would do all he could, he said,

but I must face up to the fact that she'd

go downhill pretty quickly.

Oh, would did that mean?

I should should've asked him.

Pain, terrible indignities-- she'd

always been so kind and gentle,so full of sympathy for others.

I knew the cancer was destroying her,

and I couldn't let her suffer and do nothing.

Must have been 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning.

I knew the lock on the diningroom French window was broken.

Celia had complained about it.

She looked so peaceful, so content.

I knew what had to be done.

[muffled screaming]

[music playing]

[gasping]

[crying]

It was much later I realizedI'd lost one of my earrings.

It was a mistake to go and look for it.

[sniffling]

Was it wrong what I did?

Was it murder?

That's not for me to decide, Mrs. Bennett.

Suppose if it had been you, wouldn't you

have done the same thing?

The doctor said two months.

That's all she had left.

I couldn't let her suffer, could I?

Don't you agree?

Please, tell me what you think.

My mother died a few yearsago, and like your auntie,

she was very frail,fragile most of the time.

She seemed to be asleep.

I used to sit by the bed, andthe silence became oppressive,

so I began talking to heras if she were her old self.

I talked to her of childhoodthings, holidays, trips

to the seaside, special treats, no reaction.

And then one day as I wasleaving, I leaned across,

kissed her on the forehead,and I told her I loved her.

She opened her eyes.

She looked directly at me.

I love you too, she said.

Had she heard everything I'd been saying?

Perhaps she wasn't asleep after all.

I don't know.

And that is why I find it impossible to answer

your question.

What do you think will happen to me?

Oo, I'm sure everyonewill be very understanding.

[music playing]

Will she go to prison?

Possibly.

I doubt it.

I'm sure they'll be very lenient, suspended

sentence, perhaps.

Poor woman.

It's quite dreadful.

Yeah.

Presumably, the others died naturally.

That's what the doctor says.- It's all so sad.

More toast.

Yes, yes, please.

JOYCE: Penny for your thoughts.

You what?

You're miles away.

Oh, I was thinking about Alice.

She made a mistake going to Lawnside.

She doesn't need nursing, does she?

She needs some tender, loving care.

Do you want her to come here?

Would you mind?

It's only a couple of weeks after all.

Thanks.

You're a very special kindof girl, you know that?

We aim to please.

Oh, would you like these?

Hmm?

I have read them.

Oh, detective stories, oh no, I can't be

doing with detective stories.

I get confused with all those blue herrings.

Red.

What?

Red herrings, dear, not blue.

Oh well, whatever they are.

No, just not my cup of tea.

[birds chirping]

Yes, that's fine.

I'll put these In the boot.

[music playing]

Mr. Smithers!

Ah.

You're soon back.

Oh, just come to collect my gear.

I'm off to Shrewsbury,place near my daughter's.

She thinks it's a good idea.

I'm not too sure myself.

Oh, listen.

What?

You can hear Miss Richardsheaving a great sigh of relief.

The hospital sent my particularsto Shrewsbury police,

so don't worry.

I shan't escape the long arm of the law.

Take care of yourself, Alice.

[music playing]

You all right?

Yes, thank you, Tom, very all right.

[music playing]