All language subtitles for Agatha.and.the.Curse.of.Ishtar.2019.720p.BluRay.x264-GHOULS-HI

(SHOVEL DIGS)

(SHOVEL DIGS)

(SHOVEL DIGS)

(ROCKS TUMBLE)

(MAN, IN ARABIC)

(LAUGHS)

MAN'S VOICE: Max...

Max.

Patrick?

(RASPS)

Well, did you call for
the police?

Certainly not!

Little thing like that
wasn't going to scare me.

You ran away?

Well, then, what did you do?

- Do you really want to know?
- Of course.

I said, "Put that away
or I'll chop it off

feed it to the pigeons

and watch you bleed to death
in the gutter."

Hm.

I'm thinking of moving into
refrigerators.

Men have no sense of humour.

- I have no sense of humour.
- Nonsense.

Your books are very funny.

You're too kind.

It's not something I'm often
accused of.

- You're an archaeologist.
- My husband's an archaeologist.

I'm an illustrator,
and a provocateur.

- Who do you provoke?
- Men.

Perhaps you could give me
some advice.

Well, that depends
what you're looking for.

Another husband?

Sex?

Romance.

Isn't that just a prelude
to sex?

It's... longing and passion

desire and fulfilment.

Sounds like sex to me.

I'm trying to write about it.

Look, I like your books
as they are.

I don't want to be
remembered as a woman

who wrote 100 detective novels.

I'm moving on.

To romance?

Seems I have a lot to learn.

Well, I... don't know
the first thing about it

but I am sure I can help.
Leonard!

Yes, dear?

Would you say Iraq is romantic?

Romantic?

My God, it is the very essence
of romance.

Think of Namu and Enlil.

Think of lnanna and Dumuzid.

Think of the sparkling waters
of the Tigris...

That's what I was telling
Agatha.

She wants to visit us,
to do some research

into romance.

LEONARD: Excellent idea.

Come to our death pit.

(LAUGHS)
That is a very kind offer, but.

I don't think one can
research romance.

As you like.

I'm sure you'll find your feet
eventually.

And if you don't

you know where to find us.

(SIGHS)

(DISTANT YELL)

(MUFFLED YELL)

(DISTANT CREAK)
(WOMAN LAUGHS)

(MAN CLEARS HIS THROAT)

KATHARINE: You naughty little
archaeologist.

LEONARD: I am dirty, you're
my favourite little artefact.

KATHARINE: Inspect me...

Give me an inspection.

LEONARD: Let me touch
your little, dirty pot.

KATHARINE: Ooh!

(GIGGLE)

(DISTANT MOANS)

LEONARD: Yes...

KATHARINE: Boo!

(SQUEAL AND GIGGLE)

KATHERINE: Hm, the little spy.

(DISTANT THUD)
(DISTANT MOANS)

LEONARD: Oh, darling, yes!

Yes!
(GIGGLE)

- There!
- (KATHARINE MOANS)

(SIGHS)

(OWL HOOTS)

(CLOCK TICKS)

You hate it.

Of course not.

You like it?

I...

- It's about romance.
- I see.

And passion.

It's not finished.

I should take it elsewhere.
Oh, no.

It's a bold change of direction.

Very...

Unexpected.

So, you'll publish it?

How are things going
with our next detective novel'?

That depends.

It does?
On what?

On whether you'll publish that.

As you say, it's not finished.

But you'll publish it
when it is.

When do you expect that to be?

I don't know. Does it matter?

Well, it needs to be soon.

It mustn't interfere with

with the plans
for our Belgian friend.

Heaven forbid.

When would you want it?

(WHISPER)

Two months.

Two months?

I should say that's more than
enough time for a

"passion project".

After all, one can't
research romance, mm-hm?

(SNORT AND CHUCKLE)

(SEA SPLASHES)
(SEAGULLS CRY)

(MAN, IN ARABIC)

Excuse me?

Have we arrived?

To Ur.

The dig.

(RASPS)

The death pits.

Yes, yes.

The death pits.

Hello?

Hello? Mr Woolley?

It's Agatha Christie.

We met at General Seagrave's
house?

I wired Katharine,
she's expecting me.

- Oh, hello.
- Are you alright?

I was just looking for
something.

You're bleeding,
you need a doctor.

I

I'd take you, but.

I have no idea where we are.

What happened?

Someone shot me.

(MAN GROANS)

(MAN GROANS)
(AGATHA GASPS)

(BELL RINGS)

You need medical assistance?

The person in need of help
is outside in a car?

(SIGHS)

Karim!

(IN ARABIC)

I understand.

The bullet is small.

Hasn't penetrated the bone.

He may have a minor fracture.

He has a thick head.

Would you like me to take a look
at that?

Oh, um...

It's nothing.

Is there anything further
I can do for him?

Call me if he doesn't wake up.

If I may suggest,
should there be a next time

perhaps try a larger gun.

Oh!

Goodnight, madam.

(CALL TO PRAYER)

Can you hear me?

Do I know you?
No, we've never met.

I'm sure we have.

Well, sometimes people think
they've met me

it's an unfortunate consequence
of being a bit famous.

Oh.

You're famous?

That explains it.

Let me guess, you're the wife of
a well-known politician?

No, I'm not famous by marriage.

Then you're a well-known
home economist

like Mrs Beeton?

No, I'm not famous for my
practical housekeeping.

I've got it.

You're an actress.

(LAUGH)

Retired, of course.

My name is Agatha Christie.

I'm a writer.

No, sorry.

Never heard of you.

You found me.

Last night, you saved me.

I offered what assistance
I could.

You'll need to settle your bill

and take your souvenir.

(GROANS)
My leg...

- Feels like I've been run over.
- Really?

Perhaps you fell.

I wonder.

Would you mind driving me back
to my lodge?

I won't be able to work
the clutch.

You do realise someone
tried to kill you?

My advice is that
you go to the police.

You obviously don't know Iraq.

I'm not the one in bed
with a bullet wound.

I'm investigating the murder
of my friend.

No doubt another matter
you kept from the police.

Of course not.

I found him in a sealed tomb
surrounded by stolen artefacts.

The police said he was bitten
by a snake.

When I went back to investigate,
someone shot me.

The person who killed
your friend.

It all adds up
when you think about it.

Unless you're confusing
deduction with speculation.

Really? And you're an expert
in these sorts of things?

I, um.

It's been a difficult few days.

If you could just help me
get back home.

Well, I'm afraid last night's
adventures have severely

delayed me.

My hosts are probably calling
the embassy.

Where are you going?
Perhaps we could go together?

I'm due at Ur.

As the guest of Mr and Mrs
Leonard Woolley.

Kate and Leo?

Oh, what a perfect coincidence!

I'm one of Leonard's
archaeologists.

If you know the Woolleys,
you must have heard of me, I...

I-I live with them.
I'm almost family.

I'm Max.

Max Mallowan.

Oh, you're Max!

- Max Mallowan?
- (CHUCKLES)

They never mentioned you.

AGATHA: Were you expecting the police?

MAX: No.

Just stop here.

KATHARINE: This is murder,
plain and simple!

You should be hunting down
the monster who did this!

Oh, Agatha!

Oh, thank God you're here!

Something terrible has happened.

This is Agatha Christie.

The world's greatest detective.

Now that she's here, Heaven help
the person who killed Ella.

Well, you can bugger off now.

Agatha?

How shall we begin our
investigation?

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

I'm sorry about yesterday.

I behaved appallingly.

I didn't even say thank you.

You're not staying?

Coming here was a mistake.

Why did you come?

For the archaeology.

How well do you know
the Woolleys?

I've met them once.

My decision to come
was a little impulsive.

It's not what I expected.

Well, it can be something
of a madhouse.

Would you like to visit
another dig?

I have a friend excavating
near Kirkuk.

It's much more... normal.

- What will you do?
- Nothing.

I'm used to it.

Used to people trying
to kill you?

- I can handle that.
- What if they try again?

- They won't.
- How do you know?

I'll do some detective work
of my own.

Find them first.

Detective work?

Like the Continental Op?

Like archaeology.

Follow the clues.

Isn't that what got you shot
in the first place?

I'll be more careful.

How do you think
the monkey died?

It spent most of its time biting
people and stealing things

from our rooms.

I suppose someone
finally cracked.

Sure, but...

How?

Not why.

They strung her up.
We all saw that.

Have you ever tried to hang
a monkey?

(SCOFFS)

Well, um.

I suppose it would be quite
difficult.

You'd have to catch it, then

tie a noose round its neck,
then...

Stop it from doing what a monkey
does best and climbing away.

Also the realities of hanging
are quite grim.

The body...

Purges.

Why would anyone fabricate
a monkey's death?

What are you doing here?

Stopping you from getting
yourself killed, I should think.

Well, in that case,
you'll have to stay.

You wouldn't want my death
on your hands.

If I'm going to help,
I'll need to send a telegram.

- Maybe I could...
- (DISTANT CLAMOUR)

(DISTANT MOAN)

I've met them before.

(DISTANT SMACKING)
(LEONARD MOANS)

(KATHARINE GASPS)

KATHARINE: Oh, I like that!
Do that again!

(DISTANT MOANS)

(DISTANT CREAK)
(KATHARINE GASPS)

Their morning constitutionals
are usually quite short.

(DISTANT THUDS)

(KATHARINE GASPS)

(KATHARINE MOANS)
Telegram?

I'll send it right away.

And then I'll make a proper
introduction to our residents.

Or should I say... suspects?

(CHUCKLES)

Who's "Conan-Doyle"?

You're not very well-read,
are you'?

Too busy translating
Sumerian poetry.

Where's our benefactor?

Avoiding me, no doubt.

Have you met the lodge's
resident aristocrat?

Not yet.

Years of inbreeding
have left him mostly harmless.

But somehow still capable of
paying for your lunch.

Is he with Constance?

Sorry, God,
I keep forgetting!

"Sir Constance".

Perhaps your husband
and the good lord

are finding common ground
across the generational divide.

Do the pictures of the men
with pointy hats

go above or below the river?

"The men with pointy hats"
are archers.

If you turn them
in the direction of fire...

No, not seeing it.

Looks like a Ku Klux Klan
convention to me.

(SCOFFS)

Mrs Christie.

It's a real pleasure.

I don't read books,
but if I did

yours would be the books
I'd be reading.

Delighted to meet you,
Lord Ponsonby.

Ah!

They tracked me down
and gave me a title

but I'm about as much of an earl

as Leonard is the king
of California!

(PONSONBY LAUGHS)

Call me Marmaduke. Please.

Now...

After the events of yesterday

you must have a very poor
opinion of the operation

that I run here.

Not at all, I'm sure it's
a great shock to everyone.

Especially the monkey.

(PONSONBY LAUGHS)

Oh, I've been telling Katharine
to get rid of that pest

ever since the day it arrived.

(PONSONBY SIGHS)

It's been nothing but trouble.

Still, events have to be taken
seriously.

PONSONBY: No, you're right.

And what with Patrick's death
and Max's adventures...

How are you doin'?

Grateful to Mrs Christie
for her impeccable timing.

You should be grateful
to the person who shot you

with a girl's gun.

Being stupid is not heroic,
despite what you English think.

And whilst we're on the subject
of lucky escapes

I want to make
a formal complaint

about the total disregard over
greed blasting protocol.

I nearly lost an eye yesterday

thanks to Miss Bernard's
incompetence.

Sorry, I mean "claustrophobia".

Shame it wasn't the one
in the back of your head

although after the recent flood
of artefact theft

maybe that one's already
gone blind.

Well, unless of course
its sole purpose

is other peoples business.

My only interests are other
people's property.

You're not the only one.

If you hadn't have been
creeping around

you wouldn't have got hurt.

These are all important matters.

We must improve the security
and safety of our dig.

This is no laughing matter.

(FORK JABS)

What does monkey taste like?

Bitter almonds, I hope.

Mrs Christie? Telegram for you.

Oh. Assuming we're not eating
the evidence.

I think I might be able to help.

Did you enjoy meeting Marmaduke?

Well, he's certainly
a character.

Are you alright?

Oh, it's just a graze.

I told you it was
the wrong site.

You shouldn't have been there.

The only way to know is to dig.

I'm glad you're OK.

Hello, I'm Agatha.

Pearl Theroux.

I'll get... those things.

What's your role here?

- That depends.
- On what?

On whether my role
is what I was employed to do

or what I find myself doing.

I was employed as a companion
to Katharine

and told I would assist
illustrating the finds.

When I got here

I found Katharine already had
a companion

and my duties were better
described as "dogsbody".

I haven't: Met Katharine's
companion.

She's about two foot tall
and dead.

The monkey?

Perhaps now I'll get
a promotion.

Although, if Katharine preferred
the company of a screeching

kleptomaniac to a young woman,
I'm not sure.

Well, you're an attractive
young woman.

Youth can be threatening.

It can be bloody annoying.

I've a doctorate in medicine
during the reign of Hammurabi.

Max is the same age as me
and he's worked two digs.

I imagine that must be
very difficult.

It's unfair.

Then the funders are all men.

Rich, independent women
able to further the cause

of emancipation by helping to
understand the origins

of civilisation
are hard to come by.

Indeed.

I better be getting back
to my duties.

God help us
if we run out of gin.

You know, in 563 BC,
Amel-Marduk allowed his kingdom

to descend into chaos.

I warned Max this meant
Nebuchadnezzar's

burial records were likely
a fabrication.

He didn't listen.

Men struggle to take advice
from women.

It's threatening?

It's also hard to listen
when you're staring

at someone's tits.

(JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS)

Everything OK?

Are they the new instructions?

Some new clue?

(CLEARS THROAT)

I borrowed one of your books
from Katharine.

The detective was forever
holding back information

that would help solve the crime.

Is that what you're doing?

Are you and Pearl involved?

No.

Whatever gave you that idea?

She's... She's young.

The Acadians believed that
youth was a curse.

I tend to agree.

Why the ridiculous question?

Not sure.

(CLEARS THROAT)

- We need its liver.
- I see.

Where's that?

How should I know?

What does it say?

"Remove the liver."

I know where my kidneys are,
I think.

What does it look like?

Well, like the sort you eat,
I imagine.

Thin and fleshy
and mahogany colour.

Or is that kidneys?

I'm an archaeologist!

Better start digging.

Have you got it?

I think so.

Oh...

Wait a minute.

Oh...

- No...
- Oh.

- Don't know what that is.
- No.

But I've never eaten it.

I'll be right as rain
in a minute.

Ahem.

Who'd have thought?

Got it.

"Dilute sulfuric acid"

at a ratio of... 1:5.

"Add potassium dichromate."

How much?

Just.

I wish you'd tell me what
we were looking for.

It's like you hold back
information for maximum

dramatic effect.

Liver, please.

How long does it take?

Nothing's happening.

Strychnine.

Poison!

The monkey was poisoned.

- Why would you poison a monkey?
- Why indeed?

And then hang it?

The monkey saw something.

Or perhaps it was an accident.

The monkey found the poison
and drank it.

Poison that was meant for
somebody else.

Patrick. I was right,
it wasn't a snake bite!

The black desert cobra does
produce a neurotoxin

but the muscle spasms you
describe in Mr Mulholland

are indicative of strychnine.

The killer of your funder
is living in this lodge!

(LAUGH)

Of course, we-we-we will need
to confirm it.

Where was Mr Mulholland buried?

Uh, I imagine a similar test
will suffice.

I have an appointment
with Sir Constance.

Yes, Mrs Christie. Take a seat.

Mrs Christie?

- I hoped we'd meet at the lodge.
- Thank you for seeing me.

I must say, I'm a great admirer.

When my wife died,
your books kept me from...

Well, I don't know what.

Then we have something
in common.

I had no idea Iraq was such
a hotbed of innovation.

Imagine what it will be like
in 100 years.

Progress gives me a headache.

But then, I'm a reasonable man.

I went surfing
with Bernard Shaw.

- He couldn't stand up.
- (LAUGHS)

Please, do come through.

Ah.

I've only just moved in.
A recent change of duties.

A promotion?

Yes. At my age, unexpected.

Now, why have you come
to see me?

Lucy told me what happened
to Ella.

You're not really looking into
this monkey business?

My writing requires constant
inspiration.

When the opportunity
presents itself

I find it hard to resist.

Well, fire away,
but cards on the table

I hated that monkey.

Even though it posed
no direct threat

to His Majesty's government.

Patrick Mulholland.

From what I hear,
he was a very decent man.

We grew up together.
He was a great friend.

To me and the British Museum.

He was also the brains
in the partnership

with Lord Ponsonby.

He had great plans
for their two digs.

But if you don't mind me asking

what does his death
have to do with you?

I'm helping Mr Mallowan.

It seems his recent encounter
with a bullet is related.

Surely this is a matter
for the police?

Yes, but from what I hear, they
don't seem to be doing anything.

I imagine
it's a complicated affair

with lots of moving parts.

Then you are confident that
Max's would-be killer

will be brought to justice?

(SIGHS)
Not really.

My advice to Mr Mallowan is to
stay away from whatever

hornet's nest he disturbed.

I said the same thing.

But he's very young.

There isn't a thing from
my youth I still hold dear.

If only the young
understood that.

I think Mr Mulholland
was poisoned.

- Yes, by a snake.
- More likely a woman.

Or a man.

I see, and you want my
assistance to find out?

Very well.

But if I help you, I would ask
you do something for me.

Of course.
Whatever I can.

Your husband, Archie.

We divorced. It's a...
It's a matter of public record.

He had an affair.

- She was much younger than he.
- 24.

What is this about?

I'm very sorry,
I'll get to the point.

My wife Lucy is

twenty years younger than me.

She is having an affair with
a person considerably

younger than her.

Betrayal is a horrible thing.

I'm reconciled to it.

The problem is not the affair
but the person

she's having it with.

You expect her to be hurt.

And you'd like that avoided.

With your experience, I thought
you might be able to advise her.

She'll listen to you.

I can't be expected to succeed.

Your best efforts will suffice.

And you'll look into what killed
Mr Mulholland'?

Is this diplomacy?

As much as I enjoy your books

I must say your talents
are wasted.

Shoo.

(SIGHS)
Oh. Hello!

- Are you digging your own grave?
- (LAUGHS)

Sorry. I'm not dressed
for company.

Indeed.

Did Sir Constance help you?

Yes. What are you doing?

The monkey.

I promised Katharine
we'd bury it.

Seems a little big.

She has a coffin.

How old are you?

Twenty-five, almost.

- Same age as Pearl.
- She's 24.

- Marmaduke?
- 27.

- Ezekiel?
- 29.

Why the sudden interest?

Are there any other young people
who spend time at the lodge?

I'm not going to tell you.

Why not?

Because you don't tell me
anything.

Lucy's having an affair with
someone younger than her

and I need to know who.

It's not me.

I went to the embassy today.

Mm. Constance told me.

- Can I ask you a question?
- (INDISTINCT WHISPERS)

In a minute.

I am going to have to say
something now.

Do be careful, darling.

Jesus said

"no-one is good...
except God."

Jesus Christ never met
my monkey!

(SNIFFLES)

(WHISPERS)
Get off.

(KATHARINE SOBS)

Now, what did you want
to ask me?

I'm terribly sorry, but do you
mind consoling Katharine?

She did so love that
awful creature.

Have you, uh

found our monkey murderer?

I'm leaning towards
death by misadventure.

Mm... An accidental hanging?

The hanging was deliberate.

The poisoning wasn't.

Poisoning?

Followed by a panic.

The amateur criminals
often overcompensate.

Oh, so he's a novice?

That's good.

How do we catch him?

"Softly, softly
caught the monkey."

Did you hear that, Lucy?

Our pet killer's a greenhorn.

My mother had a saying.

"Never slap a man
who's chewing tobacco."

You'll have to excuse me.
I have a show to watch.

Cabin fever.

We're pack animals, I suppose.

Sir Constance told me about
your affair.

I thought he might.

He wants me to tell you
it will end badly.

He's right.

Love always does.

I told him you wouldn't listen.

Also true.

The pain will be unbearable.

It will diminish you.

I know.

It won't stop me.

- (DISTANT CLAMOUR)
- (PONSONBY LAUGHS)

(PONSONBY LAUGHS)

I'm beginning to think the
monkey was the best of us.

Is everything alright?

Another day at the zoo.

(BELL RINGS)

Welcome to our dig!

AGATHA: Thank you.

MAX: Agatha!

- Agatha!
- Hello.

It seems I've come at
the wrong time for a tour.

It's perfect timing!
I need to do a stock check.

I'd rather not know if anything
else has been stolen.

If anything is missing, at least
you'll know who to blame.

(DOOR CLANKS)

(EXHALES HEAVILY)

Gosh.

Everything we find ends up here.

What's this?

Part of the creation story.

Which part?

How the Tigris was formed.

It's not very interesting.

Sounds fascinating.

There's a plate here
that's 4,500 years old.

- How was it formed?
- A basic pinch technique.

The Tigris, not the plate.

One of the gods.

Which one?

Enki.

Enki?

Well, how did Enki
form the Tigris?

You don't have to be shy.

I can take a bit of intimacy
with my romance.

Max, just tell me!

He came.

- He what?
- He ejaculated.

And said what?

- He didn't say anything.
- He didn't?

I suppose he might have
made a noise.

- What sort of noise?
- I don't know!

I thought you were an expert.

- Not in this!
- In what?

In the noises gods make when
they produce a river of semen.

(LAUGHS)

(SCOFFS)

(LAUGHS)

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry! I am sorry.

I didn't realise you were
so sensitive.

I'm not sensitive.

I think you are.

You're.

Cold.

Manipulative?

Cruel.

Amazing.

Should I lock it?

Yes.

Sumerian poetry.

(GASPS)

(GASPS)

Someone just tried to kill us.

What's been stolen now?

Someone tried to blow us up.

What are you talking about?

We've all been here
since you left.

Why are you half-dressed?

EZEKIEL: Have you been drinking?

What have you done with Agatha?

Oh...

MAX: Agatha?

Agatha!

A misfire.

Well of course it was a misfire.

- If it wasn't, we'd be dead!
- Where did you get this from?

I didn't get it from anywhere!

Just tell me exactly
what happened.

- Agatha and I were in this room.
- Doing what?

Looking at the artefacts.

EZEKIEL: Was the door open or closed?

- It was locked.
- Locked?

Yes. Remember, you told me
to lock it at all times,

Of course,
but if the door was locked

how did someone
throw dynamite in?

I think

I let my imagination
get the better of me.

What happened to you?

I got lost.

Are you alright?

Oh, dear.

Would someone tell me
what's going on?

Max was showing me his artefacts

and I noticed the dynamite
and I had the ridiculous notion

we were about to be blown
to smithereens.

Another dangerous lapse
in protocol.

But not a murder attempt?

I must say, Agatha, things
are a lot more interesting

- since your arrival.
- I'm very sorry.

Must've been the excitement
of the moment.

I need to repair this before
it gets ground into the dirt.

She's right. Everyone out!

I'll help.
It's the least I can do.

Uh, would you leave it open?

Aren't we supposed to keep
it closed'?

I'm claustrophobic.

Of course. I forgot.

You care a lot for these relics.

More than most people.

Then why assist in their theft?

You were at lunch
when we were attacked.

There has to be someone else.

The woman my husband
was having an affair with

suffered from claustrophobia.

Put her in a lift,
and she fell to pieces.

(LUCY SCREAMS)
No!

(LUCY SOBS)
No!

(POUNDING ON DOOR)

How do you like our artefacts?

They're very impressive.

Romantic?

Perhaps you'll need to do
a bit more research.

(KATHARINE CHUCKLES)

(LUCY GASPS)

How could you do that?

(LUCY GASPS)

Who are you helping?

Is it the person you're having
an affair with?

Despite your feelings for them,
they just tried to kill me.

That's absurd.

Why? Because they would never
do such a thing?

I don't know what
you're talking about.

It's horrible finding out
the truth about people we love.

I doubt you know the first thing
about it.

You'd be surprised.

I mean love.

I'm sure you're an expert
at betrayal.

You know, now that I've met you,
I understand why your husband

left you for another woman.

You're a dried-up martinet.

And you're an accessory
to murder.

Have you thought for a minute
what will happen to you?

My husband likes your books
because they're like him.

Cold, sterile and manipulative.

Have you thought for a minute
what Max will do when

he finds out he's just another
piece on your chessboard?

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

I waited until everyone
went to bed.

We have a lot to talk about.

I don't understand
what happened.

I'm working.

Have I done something?

It's been a long day.

What are you writing?

I want to spend time with you.

- I want to be on my own.
- Why?

What happened?

- I don't know.
- I do.

We found each other.

- It was stupid.
- It wasn't.

It's fantasy.

It's real.

It's ridiculous.

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

I'm sorry to disturb you.

Is something wrong?

Lucy didn't come home
last night.

I was told you were
the last person to see her.

- I was?
- In the artefact room.

- Yes.
- I left after lunch.

Did you mention what we
talked about? Was she alright?

She seemed fine, yes.

I haven't seen her since.

Oh, well...

Thank you.

Oh, um, I'm afraid there was
a mix-up at the morgue.

Patrick's remains were cremated.

No way to check for poison.

Then who did you bury?

An Indian colonel

who found this country.

Ah.

Back to what you do best, I see.

Another thing that comes
with age.

Knowing when you're beaten.

(CLEARS HER THROAT)

Do you mind if I ask you
a question?

What is it?

Are you having an affair
with Lucy?

Of all the stupid, preposterous
things that have been said

to me in this lodge,
that takes the biscuit.

I didn't think so.

Would you like to discuss
funding?

One quick question
before we begin.

Are you having an affair?

(WOMAN SCREAMS)

(DOG BARKS)
(KATHARINE SCREAMS)

(DOG BARKS)
(KATHARINE SOBS)

If... If the monkey's here...
what's in the coffin?

(THUNDER RUMBLES)

Would you like to play?

Draughts was invented here.

If we had a time machine,
and went back 5,000 years

we'd find two people doing much
the same thing.

I'd settle for 24 hours.

To trap Lucy's killer.

It'll be some work to find
a replacement.

I'm not clear what she did.

She logged the finds.

Gathered the paperwork

and prepared everything
for export.

Without her, the operation
will grind to a halt.

So you'll stop excavating?
Heavens, no!

It's far too important.

Nothing short of war
could do that.

I've got some news.

We're shutting the dig.

- You can't!
- You won't.

I'm sorry,
but we all have our limits.

We... have our duty.

You have your duty,
I have my money.

I need to protect it.

- I'll go to the press.
- And say what?

You know.

What, you think anything
that happens

in this backwater is newsworthy?

You won't be able to set foot
in the museum.

Ooh, I'll cry into my soup
about that.

I'm sorry it's come to this.

I've had a blast,
but let me be clear.

You will not set foot
on that dig.

We'll go to Syria, darling.

There aren't any
Americans there.

Hm.

Sir Constance will see you now.

Please do come in, come in.

You haven't unpacked?

Yes, I'm moving again.

Lucy would've enjoyed
my improved circumstances.

I'm very sorry.

Her death must be
a terrible shock.

Our relationship was more of a

more of a transaction
than a love affair.

That doesn't preclude feeling.

No, you're right.

I have some upsetting news.

I wish there was a way
of avoiding it.

Go on.

Lucy was stealing from the dig.

I should ask for proof but
I imagine I'd be wasting time.

You don't strike me as someone
who'd make a mistake like that.

I assume her death is connected?

It will need to be confirmed
but I suspect, like Patrick

she was poisoned.

With strychnine.

Strychnine?

That rings a bell.

It's readily available as a
pesticide but a poor choice

85 a murder weapon.

It's unsubtle.

Easy to detect.

It's much better to use selenium
or ricin or arsenic

but procuring these in Iraq
must be difficult.

No doubt you have oleander.

But someone thinking about
using rat poison

likely wouldn't know Nerium
from Olea europaea.

You know a lot about poisons.

Know the poison,
know the killer.

Have you told the police?

I wanted to avoid alerting her
co-conspirator.

Who is?

Marmaduke.

The man she was having
an affair with.

You found out.

Process of elimination.

As much as I'd like to see
Marmaduke disgraced

the British Museum pays
handsomely for his artefacts.

Why rob Peter to pay Paul?

I assume the black market
pays better.

- You assume?
- I need proof.

What do you need me to do?

Arrange a meeting with him.
At the dig.

Is there something
you would like in return?

No. Justice for Lucy is enough.

But if you're right about
Marmaduke

he's likely responsible
for two murders

and one attempted murder.

What you're suggesting
is dangerous.

Oh, I have no intention of
confronting him on my own.

And you'll keep my name
out of it?

Scandal is as good as death
in my profession.

Of course.

You make sure to take someone
you trust.

(EXHALES DEEPLY)

I'm packing.

Would you like me to help?

I'm very good at packing.

Is there anything
you aren't good at?

Saying sorry.

I see.

Going somewhere?

You are a good detective.

You have a lot of books.

A regular dick.

I am sorry.

- For what?
- For using you.

For what?

For...

- Sex?
- Course not.

I understand.

- You used me for sex.
- I would never...

Why not?

It's not what I want.

What do you want?

You.

(SIGHS)

Leonard asked me to go to Syria
with him.

What's in Syria?

This. Minus the murder.

Hopefully.

I need your help.

You know who killed Lucy.

Yes.

Marmaduke.

You knew?

I told you I could do this.

But how?

- I followed the clues.
- What clues'?

- I read between the lines.
- What lines?

Really, it's not that difficult
when you put your mind to it.

Tell me.

It's not funny.

- Tell me.
- (LAUGH)

Oh, you guessed!

You... bastard, you're as bad as
my readers.

I still need your help.

Do we have to?

No, you don't: Have to do
anything.

But you'll do it anyway?

Always.

It's best you know that now.

I can't let you onto the site.

I know. We need your help.

- With what?
- Has Marmaduke arrived?

A short while ago.

- He's meeting Sir Constance.
- Yes.

What does this have to do
with you?

The meeting is with me.

Marmaduke is responsible
for the thefts.

It's true.

- You have proof?
- We're here to get it.

Well, you should inform
the police.

- We will.
- When we have proof.

Marmaduke?

It won't take long.

- Please?
- I don't believe you.

- But please!
- No.

Hey, hey, hey!

(CAR DOOR SLAMS)

What are you doing here?

I'm waiting for Max.

The dig's shut.

Where is Ezekiel?

He's chasing Max.

- What are you talking about?
- He's trying to stop us.

From doing what?

From talking to you.

Now that I've given up
on the dig, I don't

need to be civil to you.

I suppose not.

Then fuck off.

Last chance.

Alright.

Did you know there's a test
to indicate if a person

has recently handled strychnine?

(DOOR CLOSES)

(WHISTLES)

(MAX PANTS)

What are you doing?

- You'll see.
- What's wrong with you people?

We told you, it's Marmaduke!

Don't you think I know that?

Why didn't you say anything?

Because I'm trying
to find out...

(DISTANT VOICE)

MUFFLED VOICE: Are you up to something?

Is there someone else here?

MUFFLED VOICE: A loaded gun.

MUFFLED VOICE: No... No, no, no!

(DISTANT YELL)

(EXPLOSION)

(COUGHS)

Someone else is involved...

You don't have to see this.

It's my mess!
No.

It isn't.

Max.

It's Marmaduke.

How do you know?

(DISTANT GROAN)

(WOMAN WAILS)

What happened?

I heard an explosion,
what was it?

Marmaduke has been killed.
What are you doing here?

I can't remember.

One minute, I was in the lodge,
the next...

Where did you get this?

I didn't,
I've never seen it before.

Do you recognise this?

It's the tablet Patrick tried to
give me when he died.

What's it doing here?

EZEKIEL: Being prepared for sale.

An export licence.

I can't read the signature
but it looks legitimate.

Where did you get this?

Must've belonged to my attacker.

Surely if you can remember
being attacked, you can recall

how you got here?

Pearl.

KATHARINE: You're sure'?

You saw it?

MAX: And I shouldn't want
to see it again.

It's true?

Yes, it's true.

The man has been blown to bits.

It's karma.

- It's murder!
- And you found the culprit?

Another case solved.

I always thought Pearl
was a suspicious name.

- Louche, somehow.
- (DOOR CLOSES)

Miss Theroux has been
locked in her room.

Baghdad Police are due
in the morning.

Pearl can't have done it.

Oh...

You always did have
a soft spot for her.

I can think of someone else
with a few soft spots.

(KATHARINE GIGGLES)

Oh, very good, darling.

Do you think he'll come back
as a monkey'?

I've had an idea.

I need you to cover up the sound
of a gunshot.

What?

I had no idea rigor mortis
was so... rigorous.

- Max...
- On my mark.

Wait.

- Mark.
- (GUNSHOT)

- (DISTANT DOOR OPENS)
- (FOOTSTEPS APPROACH)

Um...

Sit on the bed
and put that away.

- Did I hear a gunshot?
- Certainly not.

I had an accident.

A romantic accident.

Oh.

How did you know Marmaduke
was stealing artefacts?

It's my job.

Why didn't you tell Leonard?

You think he's involved?

- Of course.
- That's ridiculous!

You have proof?

I know where he hides them.

Where?

The British Museum.

I'm sorry we didn't tell you
what we were doing.

I get paid to hollow out
my country.

Don't stop me making amends.

(DOOR SHUTS)

The bullet from my head.

They're the same.

Marmaduke shot me because
I found the stolen artefacts.

Lucy was his fence
and he killed her

when she threatened
to expose him.

However, he didn't share
the profits with his partners

and when they found out,
they blew him up.

What partners?

It's hard to say.

And Patrick Mulholland?

He found the stash before me.

Do your funders often do
the digging themselves?

Well, no, but he must've
discovered it another way.

Unless his murder had nothing
to do with the thefts'?

And just the place
to hide the body.

The tablet Pearl had,
what is it'?

- It's a curse.
- A curse?

Don't get your hopes up,
it's Assyrian politics

- not Tutankhamun.
- Where is it?

Ezekiel gave it to Leonard.

But it came from the other dig.

(SIGHS)

- Everything leads back there.
- I should go back.

Don't worry. I'll be alright.

What will you do?

Find out what Pearl is hiding.

Um, aren't you forgetting
something?

I thought you were locked up?

Ezekiel doesn't believe I had
anything to do with this.

He wasn't going to let me hang
for a crime I didn't commit.

Then why haven't you run away?

Because I don't want to hang
for a crime I didn't commit.

You're very rational
for a 24-year-old.

When I was your age,
all I thought about

was finding a husband.

Thankfully, times have changed.

And perhaps if they hadn't,
you wouldn't be in this mess.

Because marriage brings an end
to trouble?

When I was 16, my father told me
to avoid emotional attachment

until I was 25.

He said if I experienced love
during those years

I'd always be chasing
those feelings.

My father never had much time
for advice.

He died when I was 11.

Did you listen to him?

I'm 25 in three months.

Imagine I found myself released
from my father's charge

and rotting in a Baghdad jail.

I don't want that.

I discovered Lucy was stealing
from the dig

and I realised I couldn't steal
stolen goods.

I took them to learn, not sell.

It's the only way I could
continue my studies

after Katharine out me out.

You found the secret tunnel?

I wasn't supposed to go
to the dig.

Doesn't take long for a rat
to find the rat-holes.

The Army of Eannatum.

One of the world's first
empires.

Every item
has an export licence.

How is that possible?

I don't know.

- Are they real?
- Yes.

I thought,
by taking these treasures

they'd be saved from some
rich idiot's mantelpiece.

Instead I seem to have
precipitated murder.

Actually, I think quite
the opposite.

(LAUGH)

Well, haven't you ever heard of
the healing power of laughter?

Does it have the capacity
to bring back the dead?

Ahem. My apologies.

We were just blowing up
a bit of steam.

(LAUGH)

I'm sorry...

But ifs not every day
two of life's biggest problems

go up in smoke.

Two?

Marmaduke and the dig site.

The dig site?

- We'll be excavating in a week.
- How so'?

It reverts.

AGATHA: Reverts to whom? You?

With Marmaduke dead.

His lease belongs
to His Majesty's government.

And they'll let you carry on
digging?

Well, I don't suppose they
plan on opening a consulate.

(CHUCKLE)

I think Leonard and I
need an early night.

All this laughing has a curious
effect on me.

Do you have the artefact
Pearl was trying to steal?

A trinket.

KATHARINE: I heard it was a curse.

The curse of Ishtar.

I'd love to hear more about it.
Unless it's

outside your area of expertise?

"My holy Ishtar..."

Your beauty, a sickly curse.

Spout black blood from an earth
which is riven and pockmarked.

Let sour milk flow
from manmade scales

which fight for balance
but fail.

"Then decimate this
unjust world."

I prefer the one where she lies
in honey

and plays 50 rounds of
over and under.

What is it about?

Betrayal.

Whose betrayal?

Dumuzid and Cody.

Think Brutus and Caesar.

(SIGHS)

You're alive!

Yes.

It's a construction site.

Everything's gone.

- But what are they building?
- I've no idea.

They look like...
giant flamingos.

How can you bulldoze
5,000 years of history?

Is any of this even connected?

The flamingos?

How did you know?

Can you get everyone to the dig
before the police come

- to collect Pearl?
- Yes.

And I won't even ask why.

I need to talk to Ezekiel.

(FLIES BUZZ)

What's she doing here?

- (CAR DOOR SHUTS)
- What's he doing here?

Well...

This is a surprise.

Mrs Christie
wants to talk to us.

It won't take long.

I thought you might like
to settle things... privately.

Settle what?

For you,
the ownership of this dig.

I explained that yesterday.
It's ours.

Actually,
you said it was the property

of His Majesty's government.

As I said, ours.

I'll have to excuse myself.

These are not discussions
to have in public.

At least put this woman right
before you go.

Yes, you wouldn't want this
woman to pour oil on the fire.

Very well. Shall we?

Due to the circumstances
surrounding the closure

of this dig,
it has been determined

by His Majesty's government
that our interests

are best served by granting
the land lease to a third party.

A third party?

What are you talking about?

- Whose interests?
- Our country's.

Our country needs this dig.

The history of Mesopotamia
is the history of mankind.

If we don't own
the world's culture

how can we be its centre?

And more importantly

what does this sandbank mean
to anyone else?

Progress.

Which, as Sir Constance
reminded me

is dependent on the actions
of unreasonable men.

Men prepared to do whatever is
necessary to achieve their goals

like murder.

I think you're confusing
goals with duty

and sacrifice.

I think you're confusing duty
and sacrifice with self-interest

and murder with something noble.

I always wondered how
a middle-ranking diplomat

got knighted.

Would you like to explain?

Well, I'd be delighted
to hear it myself.

Your dig... belongs

to the Iraq Petroleum Company.

Which in turn belongs
to the British government.

In a short while, your
excavations will be replaced

with pumpjacks and pipelines.

Instead of artefacts

oil will be coming from
the ground.

I'm sorry you had to learn
this way.

It's an unfortunate
geographical reality.

Rest assured, there's a generous
compensation scheme.

Which comes a little late
for Patrick Mulholland.

He was your friend!

He was an obstacle.

The curse of Ishtar.
You betrayed him!

He was trying to tell me.

The export “senses,

for the stolen artefacts.

The same scrawled signature

as Marmaduke's
now defunct lease.

Yours, presumably.

Before a more lucrative
revenue stream presented itself

you engaged Marmaduke
to filter artefacts

and supply a steady stream
to the black market.

You channelled the official
paperwork through Lucy

who repaid your trust
by starting up an affair

with your untamed peer.

You murdered your wife?

No, that was Marmaduke.

Lucy could implicate him.

And so he killed her
with the same poison procured

for Patrick Mulholland.

This wasn't part
of Sir Constance's plan.

He did leave you with a mess
to clear up.

If blowing someone up
in a confined space

counts as such.

You killed Ella.

No, the monkey found the poison
in Marmaduke's room.

I assume you have the strychnine
on your person.

One doesn't throw away
usable ammunition.

Especially when expecting
to meet an adversary alone.

Take a moment to consider
your best interests.

Reinstating your dig
is within my power.

I believe your eyes
have turned to Syria.

That's Viscount Torrance,
isn't it'? We're old friends.

The decisions I make are for
a future you can't comprehend.

It is my duty to ensure
that in 100 years

our great country
is still great.

Which is laudable ambition for
an opportunistic, petty thief.

I need to search you.

The museum will soon be in need
of a new principal.

Sir Frederic can't go on
forever.

My ambition begins and ends
with the history

you're happy to sell
to the highest bidder!

Very well.

There's no need for
anything undignified.

I warned you.

That scandal was as good
as death in my profession.

Do you have any idea
what you've just done?

My duty.

You have about 15 minutes before
the effects start to manifest.

I would advise leaving.

It won't be something
easily forgotten.

Assuming that's poison
and not water

I'll stay.

No man should die alone.

Everyone dies alone.

I'm not sure that's true.

Everyone dies
with their conscience.

Do you like golf?

I hate it.

Why did you come here?

To research romance.

Did it work?

Yes.

What did you learn?

That it's outside my control.

So, I'm not an artefact

that can be dug up and studied?

Well, in a few thousand years.

What would they find?

- That you had a thick head.
- Is that all?

(LAUGHS)

A well-proportioned brain.

Stupid but pretty.

Just what I was aiming for.

That's the problem
with archaeology.

It doesn't tell the whole story.

I'm sorry that Mr Hutchins
is no longer with you.

The partners thought it best
that he retire.

His tastes were

old-fashioned.

- He didn't like change.
- So I heard.

I would ask for comments
on my "passion project"

but perhaps we can avoid
that dance.

We can.

As promised, the fat,
little detective returns.

That's wonderful.

In addition to this, of course.

Your romance is..

It isn't romance.

- It isn't?
- It's a story

about emotion which,
unlike romance, exists.

I understand.

You'll publish it under the name
of Mary Westmacott.

Oh, a nom de plume?

Very clever.

Keep the storytelling...
separate.

Keep the talk of romance from
damaging our bottom line.

After all, how can a woman
who writes about

an asexual reasoning machine

address matters of the heart?

People would be terrified
I might combine the two.

And I'm not sure that anyone
would believe

that murder and love
could exist side by side.

("LONELY NIGHTS
IN HAWAII" BY ANNETTE HANSHAW)