Original subtitles

I really don't think we'll be very welcome here, Miss Marple.

I know Mr. Enderby's rich...

...but he's, well, rather eccentric, to say the least.

He may close his door on the world, Mr. Stringer...

...but he must expect it to be knocked on sometimes.

He's never been known to give anything away. Not even to charity.

Well, perhaps the poor man's never been given the chance.

I really must be getting back to the library, Miss Marple.

It's a very worthy cause, no doubt, but my employers...

Surely, you're entitled to your tea?

- Yes, but I haven't had it. - Oh, but you shall.

This will be our last call. After that, you must come back to my cottage.

I've prepared a very special tea to reward us for our labors.

Perhaps I'd better leave him to you, Miss Marple, if you don't mind.

Now, pull yourself together. He can't eat us, can he?

No, I suppose not.

- He must be out. - You know he never goes anywhere.

Mr. Enderby?

Mr. Enderby?

Don't be alarmed, Mr. Enderby. We've just...

Oh, my.

My goodness. What could have happened?

How is he?

Dead, I'm afraid.

- What is it? - Well, it's a piece of mud.

From some recent visitor, apparently.

Who still seems to be here.

- Stay with him. - Miss Marple, you mustn't.

Please be careful.

- What was it? - A cat.

But I thought... I thought he hated cats.

He did.

He was frightened to death of them.

Frightened to death?

Why, Miss Marple, this is an unexpected pleasure.

Oh, good morning, inspector.

Could I have a few words with you? Privately?

Well, yes, of course. Do come in, please. Here.

Well, do sit down, Miss Marple. Please.

Now, what can I do for you?

You're not here to tell me I've overlooked another crime, by any chance?

Well, as a matter of fact I am. A very grave crime.

- One of murder. - Oh, no. Not again. Please.

This time there is no mistake, inspector.

Well, you might as well get it over with. Who murdered who? This time?

As to the murderer, that will naturally require an investigation.

The victim is old Mr. Enderby.

Enderby? What are you talking about? He died of heart failure.

But what caused his heart to fail so unexpectedly?

I read the doctor's report, Miss Marple. It was not unexpected.

He'd had a severe heart condition for many years.

Exactly. A very wealthy man with a chronic heart condition.

Yes, the circumstances are precisely the same.

I don't know what they're the same as, but they don't add up to murder.

But surely, inspector...

...you have read Agatha Christie's remarkable novel The Ninth Life?

I'm afraid I haven't had the pleasure.

That's probably why you failed to make the connection.

Agatha Christie should be compulsory reading for the police force.

Doom came to her victim in the shape of a cat.

Now, look, Miss Marple, enough is enough.

A wealthy old gentleman...

...with a weak heart and a pathological horror of cats.

What easier than for some interested party...

...to slip a cat into the house?

A cat that the old man will come upon unexpectedly.

Yes, old Enderby was frightened to death.

A very ingenious theory...

...but my advice to you, Miss Marple, is to read fewer thrillers.

A nice love story would be much more soothing.

Am I to assume that you are not going to do anything about this?

Nothing whatever.

You see, I'm a policeman, Miss Marple. I'm only interested in facts.

Well, then. There is only one course open to me.

- Now, wait a minute, Miss Marple. - No, inspector, I know my duty.

I shall have to investigate this myself.

Good day.

You will hear from me again when my case is completed.

Oh, my pastry.

They look good.

Oh, dear.

Not one of my failures, as you are thinking.

Deliberate, I assure you.

I cooked the piece of mud we found in old Enderby's house...

...and then filled the hole with plaster.

Lo and behold...

...preserved in plaster forever.

I see. Ingenious, Miss Marple.

'Tis rather, isn't it?

Though I'm bound to say it went against the grain to overcook my pastry.

A perfect match.

- What do you make of this? - The mark of a stirrup iron.

- Then it was mud from a riding boot. - Yes.

And from a boot with a very distinctive scar on it.

That piece of fresh mud was stuck between the sole and heel...

...of someone's riding boot.

Someone who visited Mr. Enderby just before he died.

The murderer, you mean?

Well, we can hardly call him that...

...since it hasn't been officially decided that he was murdered.

True. But when Inspector Craddock has had time to consider your theory...

Inspector Craddock has assured me that that is exactly what he is not going to do.

No, Jim...

...you and I must pursue this trail entirely on our own.

Then where shall we begin?

We must find out who benefits by the death.

Then we'll have to wait till the will is published in the newspapers.

Not necessarily. Not necessarily.

- That's the lot, Fred. - Right. Tea's up. I'll see you inside.

Right.

Fortune favors the brave.

- I beg your pardon? - That dray, under the very window.

This calls for a certain amount of ingenuity.

- We have to get up there. - What if anyone should see us?

We're effectively screened from the high street by the archway.

Come along.

I feel we're taking a grave risk of seeming inquisitive.

A calculated one, Mr. Stringer. On we go.

I trust something pithy will be said, after all this.

Oh, dear. Here we are.

And though it is with some regret...

...that I finally satisfy the greed of my relatives...

...I nevertheless do devise and bequeath that my entire estate...

...be divided equally between my fourth cousin, George Crossfield...

...in order that he no longer need borrow from his clients' funds...

...my niece, Rosamund Shane...

...in order that she may support her husband...

...in the style to which he would like to be accustomed...

...to my nephew, Hector Enderby, in order that he may be able...

...to afford to hunt every day, rather than once a week...

...thereby providing more opportunity for breaking his neck...

...and finally, my sister, Cora Lansquenet...

...out of gratitude that she stayed out of the country...

...for 30 years and didn't bother me.

The money to be given outright to all parties concerned...

...with the hope that it will make them all as miserable as possible.

That is the important part as far as you're concerned, I'm sure.

No, Mr. Trundell, the important part is, how much money am I going to get?

I don't think you should say things like that, even if it's how you feel.

Why not? I want to know.

Of course, we all want to know.

Well, a rough estimate... Mind you, very rough.

Each of your shares should be about 20, 25,000 pounds.

Hector, I don't think you should have used the word "suddenly"...

...in the newspaper announcement of your uncle's death.

- What do you mean, Aunt Cora? - Well, it might make people wonder.

But anyway, it's all been hushed up very nicely, hasn't it?

What are you talking about?

Well, after what he said when he came to see me last month...

...it can't do any good making it public.

It should be kept strictly in the family.

My dear, Mrs. Lansquenet, would you mind saying plainly...

...what you mean by all this?

- But he was murdered, wasn't he? - What?

Really, Aunt Cora, that's a very silly thing to say.

Good morning.

Oh, good morning, inspector.

Thank you.

Miss Marple, when I thought it was you, I thought, "No."

But it is.

- Allow me. - Oh, thank you.

Miss Marple, you do realize if I didn't know you so well...

...I would at this moment be detaining you for loitering with intent.

Loitering with intent to what, conceivably, inspector?

To snoop.

- Snoop? - That is the word I used, Miss Marple.

I'm sure everyone in Milchester is interested to know...

...how much Old Enderby had left, and to whom.

I suppose you wanted to be first.

Well, inspector...

...since you are clearly alleging that I am a tittle-tattling busybody...

...I will bid you good day. Come, Mr. Stringer.

Miss Marple, don't you think you should go to the police...

...tell Inspector Craddock what you overheard and...?

"Tittle-tattling busybody," I believe were his words.

- No, yours. - His meaning.

- Well, perhaps now... - Please, Mr. Stringer...

...after this morning, I prefer not to mention Inspector Craddock.

Well, anyway, no matter what he thinks...

...after what Mrs. Lansquenet said, at least we know we were right.

- Mr. Enderby was murdered. - And we know the motive.

Twenty-five thousand pounds to each of the family.

Yes, and it's a great deal of money.

- And since they all benefit... - They are all suspect, true.

But a motive isn't enough.

Facts are what we want. Otherwise, we're groping in the dark.

No, we must set to work to find out all we can about the entire family.

Mrs. Heyley-Brown?

Yes. Always a good starting place.

Of course, I disapprove of her gossiping...

...but in a desperate situation one must use the means at hand.

- Oh, yes. - What is more...

...I suggest we start at once.

Surely you realize why.

Have you and I ever read a murder thriller that stops at a single killing?

- Then, you mean...? - Yes, the killer may strike again.

I hadn't thought of that. Perhaps, after all, the police...

We will go to the police when our case is complete.

They have their methods, we have ours.

Yes, and moreover I'm told that Cora Lansquenet...

...did not return to Milchester just for the funeral.

After living in France for a number of years...

...two months ago she rented a cottage a few miles from here.

And that's where her brother, Mr. Enderby, visited her.

Yes, and the vicar maintains that he was a recluse.

- He hadn't left the country for 30 years. - Yes, I heard that too.

- And Mrs. Heyley-Brown... - Always a mine of information.

...says Cora Lansquenet needed that inheritance badly...

...because, before he died, her husband ran through all her money...

...buying worthless paintings.

Yes, all very useful.

But it still doesn't tell us why she thinks her brother was murdered.

Perhaps she wasn't telling the truth.

- Why should she lie? - Well, she did marry a Frenchman.

- A painter too. - Yes, and a very bad one.

Still, that doesn't make her completely irresponsible.

No, not completely.

Do you know, I think it's time I had my portrait painted.

Your portrait, Miss Marple?

Yes. I'm going to call on Cora Lansquenet.

Just as an excuse, mind you.

We must find out what her brother said to her that day...

...that makes her so sure he was murdered.

I'll be back to tea.

Perhaps you'll be so kind as to get it ready for us.

Mrs. Lansquenet?

Mrs. Lansquenet, I'm sorry to disturb you...

Mrs. Lansquenet?

- Who are you? What are you doing here? - Well, I was...

And what's the matter with Mrs. Lansquenet?

I'm afraid she's dead.

Dead? But...

You killed her. You killed her.

- My dear woman... - Don't you touch me.

You killed her. I saw you bending over her.

My dear woman, do I look like a murderess?

Well, I don't know what you look like, but I saw you.

What you saw or didn't see isn't of much point at the moment.

We have to call the police. Where's the telephone?

There it is.

But you haven't yet told me who you are.

I'm Mrs. Lansquenet's companion, Miss Milchrest.

Hello?

Yes, I can hear you're talking, but you'll have to stop talking.

Yes, I know it's a party line, but this is an emergency.

I have to call the police.

You needn't be sarcastic, young man.

Indeed I have a crime to report.

Murder. Murder most foul.

- Good afternoon, inspector. - Miss Marple.

Yes, I have some tittle-tattle to convey. Do come in.

- That's about all we need, sir. - Fine, thanks.

Let me have a lab report on that as soon as possible.

All right, sir. Funny weapon to use.

Yes, a woman's weapon.

Or a man's, wishing everyone to think it was a woman's.

I wasn't precluding that possibility, Miss Marple.

The lady says she feels well enough to talk now, sir.

Right, bring her in.

Well, Miss Marple, I won't keep you any longer.

It's quite all right, inspector. I'm entirely at your disposal.

You don't suspect her, do you?

Well, she was here, the weapon was a hatpin...

True, but would anyone make themselves so obvious a suspect?

There have been stupid murderers.

She's a timid woman, inspector, not a stupid one.

By the way, I think you ought to know that this morning...

Not now, Miss Marple, please.

Oh, Miss Milchrest, sit down, won't you?

Oh, dear. I've never had anything to do with the police before.

There's nothing to worry about, my dear. They're really very nice.

Thank you, Miss Marple.

Now, I understand you've been Mrs. Lansquenet's companion...

...for many years now. - Oh, yes, indeed.

I know this must be a great shock to you...

...but there are things we need to know.

- Well, l... I'll do my best. - I'm sure you will.

- Now, when did you see her last? - Just before I went to the library.

- What time was that? - I caught the 2:00 bus.

I'd say she's been dead about two hours.

It's now 4:30. So about 2:30.

The coroner will be able to be a bit more exact.

Isn't it extremely difficult to determine the exact time of death, inspector?

We'll do our best to be as accurate as possible, Miss Marple.

Before you left her, did she seem nervous or upset in any way?

No, she was fine. She was just getting ready to go out.

Miss Milchrest, have you any idea at all who may have killed her?

Aside from your suspicions of Miss Marple, I mean.

Anyone else? Anyone who hated her?

Oh, no, she was kind to everyone.

She was very kind to me.

She told me she was going to leave me her amethyst brooch...

...and one of her own paintings as a remembrance.

She painted very well, don't you think?

Yes. Yes, indeed.

Miss Milchrest, did she have any visitors lately?

No, we live very quietly, really.

But did none of her relatives ever call on her...

...after her return to this country?

Only her brother. Her late brother, I mean.

He called about a month ago.

But in latter years he hardly ever left his home.

Was that for any special reason?

Well, yes. You see, they'd been estranged for a number of years.

After her husband died, she needed help financially.

She wrote to him.

- Were you present when he called? - Oh, no.

Did you by any chance overhear anything they said to each other?

Do you suppose I'm the sort of woman who listens at keyholes? Of course not.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I just wondered if you might have happened to overhear something.

I didn't hear a thing.

Miss Marple, I think I'm capable of asking any relevant questions.

So sorry, inspector.

Thank you, Miss Milchrest.

If you'd be good enough to make a statement to Sergeant Bacon...

...we'll talk again later.

Sergeant, you'd better notify the relatives.

The solicitor should have the addresses.

- Right, sir. - Mrs. Lansquenet told me...

...they were all staying with Mr. Hector Enderby for a few days.

- That's at the Gallop Hotel, isn't it? - Yes.

It is also a riding establishment.

Miss Milchrest, did you or did Mrs. Lansquenet ever ride?

- Ride? - Horses, you know.

- No. - Thank you.

Well, I won't detain you, inspector.

But I suggest that you pay a call on the family as soon as possible.

Oh, you do, do you? And why?

Well, I think you ought to know that at the reading of the will this morning...

...Cora Lansquenet said that her brother had been murdered.

What? How did you know...?

Oh, yes, of course. You happened to overhear, didn't you?

As you say, I overheard.

May I ask why you didn't tell me this before?

Well, I did try to tell you earlier, but you wouldn't let me.

Oh, yes. Yes, of course. So I didn't.

Don't you think it a trifle coincidental...

...that she should have been murdered so soon after making that statement?

Yes.

A little too coincidental.

Unless someone in the family...

...thought that Cora not only knew her brother had been murdered...

...but who murdered him.

Yes.

Moreover, that poor woman is in a very dangerous position.

- Miss Milchrest? - Yes.

You see, if she did overhear what passed between Cora and her brother...

...and the murderer suspected it...

...she's likely to receive the same treatment that Cora did.

Well, I'll have to leave you now, I'm afraid, inspector, to go and pack.

- Pack? - Yes, I'm going on a short holiday.

Good day.

A very good idea, Miss Marple. I hope you have a most enjoyable time.

- Mr. Enderby, Inspector Craddock. - This way, sir.

I'll be in touch with you.

Miss Marple, I'm still not absolutely happy about this.

- I feel if I could be with... - Now, Mr. Stringer...

...we have agreed that a non-rider in a place like this would be conspicuous.

Besides, the police are here.

Purely as a matter of routine, you understand...

...I'd like an account of all your movements...

...between 2:00 and 4:00 yesterday afternoon.

You're not suggesting it was one of the family...

...that put poor Auntie Cora down?

I'm not suggesting anything, sir. I'm merely making inquiries.

Extremely offensive ones, I have to say.

I'm sorry. I find murder offensive too.

Good heavens. Why would any of us do a dreadful thing like that...

...to an old woman?

Well, one suggestion that's been put forward is...

...to keep her quiet.

About what?

Well, it seems she made a statement yesterday morning.

A statement to the effect that your uncle, Mr. Enderby, was murdered.

How on earth did you find that out?

I think that's irrelevant, don't you, sir?

I take it no one is denying Mrs. Lansquenet did say it?

Very well, then. There's one motive. There could be others.

May I start with you, Mr. Shane?

Yes, all right. But I'm afraid I can't give you an alibi...

...if that's what you're looking for.

Yesterday...

Well, I was out riding all afternoon.

- Alone, sir? - Quite alone.

Where?

I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough with the neighborhood to tell you.

But familiar enough with it to find your way back?

The horse did.

And did you meet anyone when you were out?

No, I'm afraid not. I wish I had.

Yes, so do I.

Now what about you, Mr. Crossfield?

Well, I was out riding too, as a matter of fact.

- I see. - I didn't meet anyone either.

Very well, then. And I suppose you were out riding too, Mr. Enderby?

No, I was in here all the afternoon.

Were you, Hector?

I tried the door and it was locked. I thought you were out.

I locked the door. I didn't want to be disturbed.

- What were you doing? - I was doing my accounts.

I see. Very well.

- And you, Mrs. Shane? - We all seem to have pretty feeble alibis.

I was in my room too.

All afternoon?

Yes, except when I went to look for Hector.

I was reading.

Did any of the staff see you when you came here looking for Mr. Enderby?

No.

I must say, inspector, 'tis unusual for an English woman to prefer reading...

...when she could be riding, but it is possible.

- I didn't say it wasn't. - Well, then I hope you're satisfied.

I'm far from satisfied, Mr. Enderby. But we'll leave it for the moment.

I'd appreciate it if you'll all make detailed statements to Sergeant Bacon.

And keep yourselves available.

I'll be with the chief constable for the next hour or so.

- Yes, sir. - Just one moment, inspector.

Does that mean that you want us all to stay here?

I'm afraid so, Mr. Crossfield. At least until after the inquest.

- But I have to go up north tomorrow. - I'm sorry, that isn't possible.

It's an important sale, inspector. Lord Fotherway's picture collection.

Every dealer in the country will be there, and I have a client for the Gainsborough.

You also have a partner, I understand.

Does that mean you've been checking up on me?

Merely routine, Mr. Crossfield.

Your partner can handle the sale, can't he?

- Yes, but... - That's fine. Good day.

Now, sir, perhaps I can deal with you first.

- There's something I want to tell you. - Yes?

Well, ask you, really. I'm trying to run a business here.

It's not very nice having a police car parked outside the front door.

If you find it necessary to come again, you might come a bit more incognito.

- Nothing else? - That enough, isn't it?

Yes, Mr. Enderby, it is. Good morning.

- Do you see that? - Can't really miss it, can you?

It's a Broadbreech side saddle. Broadbreech of Northampton.

- Vintage too. Well, have a look. - What?

Have a look at the date. Behind the stirrup bar.

Well, it says...

No, don't tell me, I'll tell you: 1882.

No, I'm lying to you, 1885.

- Right. - I can tell you who it belongs to too.

I've only glimpsed one of these once in the whole country. Lady Curthbrackle.

No, it...

- It belongs to... - Me, Mr. Enderby.

Morning, inspector. My mama's, of course.

My dear lady, it's magnificent.

I do hope you have an animal to accommodate it and me.

Yes, yes, yes, indeed.

Oh, how nice. I booked in for a week, don't you know.

Well, inspector, how nice to see you again after so long.

- So long? - Yes, it must be months.

- Yes, quite. - I'm delighted, Miss Marple.

I never dreamt that you aspired to be one of us.

Well, I have done some riding in my time, you know.

Junior Silver Spurs, Brockbrook, 1910.

Junior Silver, Brockbrook, 1910? Miss J.T.V. Marple?

- Miss Marple, l... - You... No, please, inspector.

But to think that we've been neighbors for years.

You must let me take you in to lunch. You'll lunch with me.

- Of course. - 1910. What a year that must have been.

You must have seen Harry Devenish in his prime. Yes?

- Mr. Enderby. - So sorry to have kept you waiting.

I said I would wait. I didn't want to disturb you at lunch.

Well, that was kind of you. Won't you come in?

We must find somewhere to bed you down.

- Bed me down? - Get you a room.

- Won't you sit down? - How very kind of you.

Nonsense. You couldn't possibly have stayed in the cottage...

...after what happened.

No, I couldn't. I just couldn't.

That's why I'm so grateful.

It's a pleasure, dear lady.

A shock like this takes weeks to get over.

A few gallops over the downs...

...will have you back in the saddle in no time.

But I don't ride.

You don't ride?

Oh, we'll have to see to that, won't we?

Perhaps whilst I'm here there might be something I could do.

I can arrange the flowers or be a hostess?

Yes, well, we'll talk about that later.

Yes, I mustn't keep you.

I'm sure you're very busy.

Perhaps someone could show me to my room?

- I'll take you myself. - No, don't bother.

I'll get the porter to take my things up.

Oh, Miss Milchrest?

Yes, Mr. Enderby?

There was something I wanted to ask you. What was it now?

Oh, yes, of course.

The day that her brother called on poor Aunt Cora...

...were you at the cottage?

Why, yes, I was.

You've no idea what they were talking about?

Well, no. Naturally, they wanted to be alone.

Oh, it's not important. Thank you.

Oh, Miss Milchrest. Good morning.

How nice to see you again.

Good morning.

Don't look so frightened, my dear.

I've done my quota of murders today.

- Are you staying here? - I am indeed.

Oh, I didn't know that.

A delightful surprise for you, no doubt.

Incidentally, may I ask what brings you here?

Oh, Mr. Hector's been very kind.

He invited me when he heard I had to leave the cottage.

I really had no place to go.

- Mr. Hector invited you? - Yes.

Well, I hope you have a very pleasant stay.

- Thank you. - Oh, by the way...

...I shouldn't tell the family that I was in the cottage yesterday.

It might hinder the inspector's inquiries.

- Oh, yes, of course. - Thank you.

- Can I help you? - Well, I was just admiring your boots.

They're quite beautiful.

I'm really envious.

Thank you. Goodbye.

- My dear lady. Feminine but practical. - Thank you, Mr. Enderby.

When I'm behind one of my lady guests in jodhpurs...

...I think what a shame it is that elegance has disappeared...

...from the equestrian scene.

Oh, how graciously put.

Well, now for your preliminary canter.

Hello, George. What are you staring at?

Come in, Rosamund.

What's so interesting down there, anyway?

That old woman going off with Hector is the one who found uncle's body.

- She arrived here yesterday. - What of it?

I don't like people prying into my affairs.

You are nervous, aren't you?

If you see Michael, will you tell him I was looking for him?

Don't go for a moment, Rosamund.

Unless it makes you nervous to be here alone with me.

And why should it?

Because you know how attractive I find you.

Yes, I know that.

- Still only Michael? - Of course.

And it doesn't bother you that he married you for your expectations?

He didn't marry me. I was the one who decided.

I knew I wanted him from the first moment I saw him.

- Do you always get what you want? - Of course.

I just take it.

You're a dangerous woman, Rosamund.

I hope you never want anything of mine.

You mean, like your money?

I don't, at the moment.

George, why were you so anxious to get it?

Did you want it that desperately?

Let's just say I needed it pretty badly.

Are you in trouble again?

What the devil do you mean?

Clients of yours sometimes give you money to buy pictures, don't they?

What of it?

It wouldn't be the first time you borrowed some of it?

- Shut up. - Don't get so angry.

I don't care.

Oh, George, have you...?

Oh, hello, Rosamund.

I was looking for you.

I was looking for you too, darling.

- I want to go for a drive. - I thought we were going for a walk.

I want to go for a drive.

Well, all right then, we might as well. See you later, George.

Bye, George.

Thank you.

Now, are you comfortable, Miss Marple?

Perfectly, thank you.

I thought Daisy would suit you.

When you get your seat back, we'll put you on something a bit livelier.

Stand, Black Jack, stand. Come on. Come on. Come on.

That's better. Come on. You're nervous today, aren't you?

Careful, sir. He's in an ugly mood.

I can handle him. Don't worry, Hillman.

- He'll throw you if he can, sir. - Nonsense. Are we ready, Miss Marple?

- I am if you are. - Yes.

He's high-spirited, you know, but he's no problem to me.

Are you, old boy? Come on, come on.

We shall have you in shape in no time, Miss Marple.

A few days hacking along the lanes shall have you cantering...

Hello, Hillman.

- You want something, Mr. George? - Yes.

I'd like to have a little chat.

No time for a chat. I've got my work to do.

Now, don't be insolent.

All I want is a little information about Mr. Hector and that old lady.

You'll get no information out of me.

- Why not? Are you hiding something? - No, I'm not.

- Now, let me get on with my work. - Now, calm down, Hillman.

I think that old lady is trying to make trouble for Mr. Hector.

- She'd better not. - She might.

I think it would be worth your while to keep an eye on her.

Whoa, boy, whoa. Steady. Steady.

It's a car coming that seems to be unsettling him.

Can't stand the sound. I don't blame him. They're a menace.

My foot. My foot.

What are you trying to do? That was Hector.

- You trying to kill him? - I wasn't anywhere near him.

Well, you nearly hit him. You did it on purpose, didn't you?

- What's the matter with you, darling? - Look, will you slow down?

There. Is that better?

All right, Rosamund, now what's all this about?

- What's all what about? - You know darn well.

All right, so I lied to the policeman that morning about riding.

What difference does it make?

Depends what you were doing.

Well, I had some business in the city.

Did you? I hope it was to say goodbye to her.

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

Don't you?

Doesn't matter. I know when you're lying.

I'm not lying.

Of course you're lying.

You lied about where you were last week...

...when you went to see uncle on the day he died.

- How did you know that? - I know everything about you.

Now, look here, Rosamund, I don't like having my movements checked up on.

Now, I mean that. Don't push me too far.

But I like to know.

What happened?

Did you think your fatal charm might loosen his purse strings?

Something like that, yes.

- And didn't they? - No.

- And that's all? - Of course that's all.

Then why not mention it?

I thought that after what happened, people might think that I...

That they might think that Aunt Cora was right?

Yes, they might think that.

How's the foot now, Mr. Enderby?

As well as can be expected after a horse has stepped on it.

- I'll help you. - Thank you, that won't be necessary.

But I insist, Mr. Enderby. That boot must come off immediately.

All right, Black Jack. Whoa. Come on, Black Jack.

Easy, boy. Easy, boy. Is he all right?

- Well done. - I can manage quite well now.

I wouldn't dream of such a thing. Come along, leg up.

- Please don't trouble yourself. - I assure you, it's no trouble at all.

The longer you wait, the worse that swelling's going to be.

I propose to stand the whole thing in cold water for an hour or so.

Useless, Mr. Enderby. Boot up.

Now, this may hurt a little when I pull.

But be brave. Be brave.

Come along, now. Take the strain.

Here we go.

Gently, gently.

Nearly off, Mr. Enderby.

There. Well, it wasn't too bad, was it?

Oh, dear. Dear, dear.

- What's the matter? - The colonel's not going to like this.

- The colonel? - They're his boots.

I borrowed them this morning.

Some fool stable girl upset paint all over mine.

Oh, did she?

No idea, of course, how to get it off.

Mr. Enderby, I think you'd be better occupied bathing that foot.

Unless, of course, you want it to swell even more.

Yes, perhaps you're right.

It'll be up like a balloon in the morning anyway.

What the devil are you doing?

Mr. Hillman, how you startled me.

- What are you doing with those boots? - Merely admiring them.

Fine old English leather.

Strong, yet supple.

Well, leave them alone from now on.

Hillman, that's no way to talk to a lady. Now, get on with your work.

Well, I only came to tell you Black Jack was back.

You mustn't worry about Hillman.

He's a surly chap, but he's been with me for years.

Completely trustworthy.

Then his appearance is extremely deceptive, Mr. Enderby.

Well, if you'll forgive me, I really must have a little rest.

Careless of me.

It's a family matter. I don't propose to discuss it in public.

Johnson, will you see we're not disturbed for the next half-hour?

- Right, sir. - Are you going out, Miss Marple?

I always take a constitutional before retiring, Mr. Enderby.

All right, John. Put them in there.

You don't seem to understand.

I don't want anything of uncle's except that picture.

Well, that's just too bad, because I told Hector yesterday that I wanted it.

Why not auction all the stuff, divide what it brings equally...

...and there won't be any more quarrelling.

I'm not quarrelling, darling.

That picture wouldn't fetch two pounds at an auction.

Are you sure, George? You're an art dealer.

Maybe it is valuable and you're the only one who knows it.

It's not valuable. It just happens to appeal to me, that's all.

As Rosamund feels so strongly about this picture, you better let her have it.

After all, "ladies first" and all that sort of thing.

- Not in my book. - Well, it is in mine.

Oh, why don't you toss up for it?

You, none of you, seem to understand. I want it.

That doesn't mean you're going to get it.

But it does.

- You listen to me, Rosa... - Stop it, both of you.

I've had all the unpleasantness that I can take around here.

- Well, Hector. - I mean it, Rosamund.

- Yes, Hector, you may mean it, but... - No "buts." The matter's settled.

This is my house. I make the rules around here.

It's marvelous what a little security does for some people, isn't it?

I don't find that remark very amusing.

I didn't mean it to be amusing.

Anyway, I'm glad it's all settled. Thank you, George.

It's not settled as far as I'm concerned.

Oh, but it is, George.

I think you misunderstood, Rosamund.

It's settled...

...because I'm keeping it.

Oh. Not in bed yet, Miss Marple?

I'm just choosing something to read before retiring.

- Good night. - Good night.

If you're looking for Miss Marple, she's downstairs in the lounge.

I'm sorry to have startled you.

That's all right. I'm still a little nervous, I suppose.

Yes, well, under the circumstances, I'm not surprised.

What do you mean?

Well, if I was the murderer, I'd be very worried...

...in case you heard what Old Enderby said to Cora when he called.

But I didn't.

Personally, I don't blame you for forgetting.

The murderer would hardly leave you running around, now would he?

- Oh, I must... I must... - Go?

Yes, so must I. Good night.

- Is anything wrong, Miss Milchrest? - Yes, I...

- Could I speak to you, please? Alone? - Of course.

- Won't you come to my room? - Thank you.

I hope this means that you no longer think I'm a murderess.

Forgive me for that. It was stupid of me.

Not at all.

A natural conclusion when you found me standing over the body.

- Won't you sit down? - Thank you.

There was something you wanted to say to me?

Oh, Miss Marple, I did overhear Cora...

I mean, Mrs. Lansquenet and her brother that day.

- Yes, I thought so. - I wasn't deliberately eavesdropping.

Naturally not. What did you hear?

Only bits and pieces, really.

But enough to realize he was afraid that someone in the family...

...was going to kill him.

- Which one of them? - I don't know.

He kept sort of hinting, as though he hated to say the word.

Understandable.

Miss Milchrest, have you told this to anyone else?

Oh, no. Because when he died so soon afterwards...

...I began to wonder.

And then, Mrs. Lansquenet...

Oh, Miss Marple, I'm afraid. I'm terribly afraid.

Yes, I think you have reason to be.

They've all asked me, every single one of them.

And they look at me as if they don't believe me.

I'm afraid you're not a very good liar, Miss Milchrest.

Now, we must tell this to Inspector Craddock...

...and to no one else.

- And the sooner the better. - Yes.

Don't let it worry you anymore.

Go to your room and leave the rest to me.

Yes. Thank you very much.

Is that you, inspector? Miss Marple here.

Please forgive the lateness of the hour...

...but, as it happens, I have the evidence I've been looking for.

I know who the killer is.

I hardly think you're in a position to threaten me.

But under the circumstances...

And you surely don't think it will stop me anyway, do you?

Nothing more to say? Good.

Then listen.

Yes, I went to see the old man on the day that he was killed.

We, all of us, went there at one time or another.

And all for the same reason:

To get money out of him.

But you were worse than any of us.

You were greedy enough to kill for it.

Oh, and not just for a quarter of the estate...

...but for a real sum of money.

That picture is worth a fortune.

Ironic, isn't it...

...to think that he must have picked it up 30 years ago in Paris for a song?

Now, I know what that picture is worth...

...and I want it.

If you don't tell me where it is, you know what's going to happen.

So where is it?

- What are you doing? - Let me go. You're hurting me.

Snooping and prying, you old busybody. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

How dare you.

I shall report you to your employer first thing in the morning.

Hey, who's there? Let me out.

Help! Let me out! Let me out of here!

Help! Help!

Stop that infernal row. Turn the engine off.

Come on, Black Jack. Come on, boy. Steady. Steady, boy, steady.

What on earth's going on here? What's happened?

- What's the matter with Black Jack? - Black Jack's all right, sir.

- He's all right. - But there was someone in there.

- What? - There was someone in there.

Who?

Mr. Crossfield, sir. He's dead.

- And where were you, sir? - I was upstairs in my room.

And you, madam?

I was fast asleep, inspector.

So you were all in your rooms?

One of you wasn't.

Whoever locked that stable door and turned that motor on is a murderer.

That is the situation...

...and until I get to the bottom of it, none of you is to leave.

That will be quite impossible, inspector.

I'm afraid I must insist. My men will be here...

...to see those orders are carried out.

Are you trying to ruin me? I can't have police...

You can and you will.

But, good heavens, tonight is our annual dance.

Tonight? You're having a dance here?

It may sound unfeeling...

...to hold a dance under the circumstances...

...but I'm running a business.

I've lost enough guests already.

All right, you can have your dance.

But nothing else changes.

That's all for the moment.

Can I get back to work now, sir? There's a lot to do for tonight.

- I suppose that's permissible? - Of course.

Does that mean we can all go?

As long as you don't leave the grounds.

Inspector, I wonder if I might go to London this afternoon.

- I have an app... - No, I'm sorry, but no one leaves.

- But, insp... - That's all, Mr. Shane.

- Oh, Miss Marple. - Yes, inspector?

Could I have word with you?

I have something rather important to say.

Yes, sure.

About that call last night.

Oh, that. Yes.

You had the evidence and the murderer, I believe you said.

Well, I'm afraid I was a little premature there.

Were you? Who'd you think it was? Crossfield?

As a matter of fact, I did. But only briefly, inspector.

Very briefly. Now, I really know.

- Oh, yes. Yes, I'm sure you do. - But I do.

Only before I can be quite sure...

...I need the expert opinion of an art dealer.

- An art dealer? - That's what I said, inspector.

However, I'll take care of that. But I need your help.

There is Mr. Stringer.

If you'll excuse me, I'll be with you in a moment.

I'm sending him to London on an important mission...

...and when he returns tonight...

...he will have certain information that I need.

After that, we can force the killer out into the open.

- Oh, we can, can we? - Yes, I guarantee it.

How much do you know about first aid, inspector?

First aid? What has that to do with it?

I'm planning to have a heart attack at the dance tonight...

...and I shall be much obliged if you will pretend to take care of me.

If you think for one moment...

And have the doctor confirm the diagnosis.

Just like that. May I ask what you're proposing to do then?

I am proposing to allow myself to be frightened to death.

Good day, inspector.

Come, Mr. Stringer, let's go up to my room.

It's easier to talk there.

You know, I'm not entirely sure about that woman.

George thought she was working for the police, and I do too.

What nonsense. She's a lady. Besides, she's a great horsewoman.

One doesn't necessarily preclude the other, does it, Hector?

I've never heard of a mounted policewoman.

You know her well. Is she working for the police?

Oh, no. At least, I don't think so.

I believe she knows the inspector personally.

What does it matter, darling? You sound like a man with a guilty conscience.

My conscience is perfectly clear, thank you.

In that case, you have nothing to worry about.

Hector, now I can have the picture, can't I?

No.

Nobody else wanted it but George, and he's dead.

I've told you why. I'm keeping it myself.

Now, you are pleased to take this to London to the art dealers.

They will appraise it. Get it back here as quickly as you can.

All right, if it will help.

I'm hopeful it will not only help, but clinch the whole matter, so to speak.

- That means you've made real progress. - Yes. We are near the end. Very near.

- You know who did it? - I think so.

- Oh, good. Who? - I can't tell you that at present.

- Miss Marple, please be careful. - Of course I'll be careful.

And you see you don't get yourself arrested.

That's stolen property.

Stolen prop...?

Mr. Enderby, you quite startled me. Won't you come in?

Thank you. Sorry, I was just going to knock.

- Of course. You know Mr. Stringer? - I don't think I've had the pleasure.

I'm so sorry. Mr. Enderby, Mr. Stringer.

Always delighted to meet any friend of Miss Marple's. How do you do?

How do you do?

Well, goodbye.

You're not leaving on my account, I hope?

No, no, no. An errand in London, you know.

What a shame. I was hoping you'd stay for our little dance.

Now, isn't that a good idea? And you are so fond of dancing.

- I am? - Well, you know you are.

Why don't you return here after going to London?

Yes, yes, perhaps I could do that.

Capital, capital. Perhaps you'd like to leave your parcel?

He'd never be parted from that. Would you?

No, no, no.

Don't you think it's time you got started?

The sooner you go, the sooner you will get back.

True, true. Well, it's been very nice to meet you, Mr. Enderby.

The pleasure was mine.

What a charming man.

Is he by any chance in the same line as my cousin George was?

- And what line would that be? - He's an art dealer.

- What can have put that into your head? - I'm not sure really.

Perhaps it was the parcel he was carrying.

It rather suggested a picture.

Oh, no. Mr. Stringer is custodian of the local library.

- Do you know anything about pictures? - Well, just a little.

I can't tell a good one from a bad one myself.

I'd rather value your opinion on some my uncle left me.

My knowledge of pictures is rather limited.

But surely, just an opinion?

Well, you're welcome to that, but at some other time.

This afternoon I'm afraid I really want to rest.

I'm not feeling very well.

Oh, dear. And here am I, making a nuisance of myself.

- Not at all. - You must rest.

We must have you fit for the dance tonight.

I'm looking forward to a whirl or two with you.

You dance beautifully, Miss Marple.

Why, thank you, Mr. Enderby. So do you.

Well, my foot holds me back a bit, you know, but I manage. I manage.

Indeed you do.

I hope you don't misunderstand about the dance.

It's not that I'm unfeeling about George, but we always have it.

Naturally. You have to consider your guests.

- Care for another whirl? - Of course, Mr. Enderby.

- Perhaps we'd better sit this one out. - Oh, dear.

Dreadful. Not dancing at all.

Still one must be tolerant of the young, Mr. Enderby.

I remember my dear mama was quite horrified...

...when she caught me doing the Charleston in public.

But the Charleston was different. I'm sure you danced it beautifully.

Thank you.

There's Mr. Stringer.

As it happens, this is his favorite dance.

- Mr. Stringer. - Miss Marple, I found out...

I was just telling Mr. Enderby that this is your favorite dance. Shall we?

- Dance, you mean? - Naturally.

You'll excuse us, won't you, Mr. Enderby? Come along.

- Really, Miss Marple, I don't think... - Do your best, Mr. Stringer.

This is the only way I could get you alone.

What did you find out?

You were quite right, Miss Marple. It's worth at least 50,000 pounds.

I knew it. Then it was that picture, after all.

It certainly was.

Excellent. We can now proceed with certainty.

- Proceed where, Miss Marple? - To trap the killer.

Was Inspector Craddock in the foyer as you came through?

Yes.

Well, then. I think perhaps a little livelier.

And don't be alarmed if I suddenly pretend to be ill.

Now then, hot it up.

Help me to a chair.

I shall be quite all right.

- Really, no need to fuss. - No, there's every need.

The doctor warned you after that last heart attack.

Did he?

I think if I could just lie down.

Oughtn't I to get a doctor?

We'll get the police doctor. It'll be quicker. Bacon.

Yes, sir.

She's got to lie down immediately. Where's her room?

- Upstairs at the end of the passage. - She can't manage any stairs.

Isn't there a room on this floor she could use?

Well, there's a small back room, but she'd be all alone there.

Good. That's what she needs. Complete rest and quiet.

Miss Marple, do you think if we helped you...?

- Yes, perhaps. - There we are. Easy.

Why, I am so sorry to give you all this trouble, Mr. Enderby.

Don't be foolish, dear. It's no trouble.

- It's just we're rather worried about you. - Oh, I'll be fine. Fine.

Mr. Stringer, won't you sit down? She'll be all right, I'm sure she will.

- How is she? - Not very good, I'm afraid.

- She'll be all right, won't she? - Doctor, could I see her?

I'm afraid not, Mr. Stringer. She mustn't be disturbed.

I won't even risk moving her to the hospital until the morning.

You haven't answered my question. Will she be all right?

I hope so, but it's a pretty severe attack.

- Now will you see she's not disturbed? - Of course.

- If I could speak to her before we go... - Absolutely not, inspector.

She's to have complete rest and quiet.

I won't disturb her...

...but she wanted to tell me about a painting.

She can tell you in the morning, possibly, if she's any better.

I'm afraid I've got to insist.

You can insist all you like...

...but for the moment, she's my patient, and no one goes near her.

Any disturbance of any kind would probably be fatal.

Now, I suggest you all get to bed. Try and get some sleep. Good night.

Miss Marple, are you awake?

Wake up. Wake up!

It's me, Cora. I've come back.

Yes, Cora, I've been waiting for you.

You've come for your picture, haven't you?

Yes, you stole it.

I only borrowed it, my dear.

I have it right here. Allow me to return it to you...

...Miss Milchrest.

- Then you're not ill? - I never felt better in my life.

Then there's nothing the matter with your heart?

I should have guessed it was a trick.

How foolish of me.

How did you know?

I've seen you before at the reading of the will.

By impersonating Cora...

...you were able to plant the suspicion that Old Enderby had been murdered...

...so that when you killed Cora...

...it would look as if someone in the family did it to keep her quiet.

I fooled them all. Not one of them dreamed I wasn't Cora.

So then you had to kill George Crossfield too.

It was clever me, wasn't it?

And all this for nothing.

No, not all for nothing, Miss Marple.

Because you're the only one left who knows.

Not so clever after all, are you, Miss Marple?

Nor was Cora. The fool.

The picture is worth a fortune, and she didn't even know it.

She was so stupid.

She said I could have it when she died because I admired it one day.

You won't get away with it this time.

Oh, yes, I will.

A few minutes from now and I shall be harmless Miss Milchrest again.

- Inspector, help! - Miss Milchrest.

No, please, don't touch me. I don't... Please, don't touch me.

All right, Bacon.

For goodness sake, why didn't you ring?

The law may have a long arm, inspector. Unfortunately, I haven't.

And now, if you'll forgive me, I must catch up on a little sleep.

Come in.

You asked to see me before I left, Mr. Enderby.

Oh, yes, indeed, Miss Marple. Yes. Yes, indeed.

- May I help you with that? - Oh, that is good of you.

Not at all.

- There we are. - May l...?

Oh, please do.

Is this wise, Mr. Enderby?

Oh, yes. It's the hunt today, you know. It's the Fidget Hunt.

Mr. Enderby, you did want to see me?

Yes, that's true, Miss Marple. That's true.

Well?

Do you know that every chair in this room is stuffed...

...with the hair of the horses that I've loved...

...and I think I may say, have loved me?

- Really? - Human beings, you know...

I've never got on so well with human beings.

They're all right when they're up...

...but when they're down, only two legs, you know.

Yes, I think I follow you, Mr. Enderby.

I knew you would. We're alike. Alike.

Well, I mean, you're a lady in retirement. A single lady, living alone.

Well, I think you know what I'm trying to say.

Are you by any chance proposing to me, Mr. Enderby?

That's right.

I'm proposing that you should keep your saddle here permanently.

- This is where it belongs. - I'm afraid...

Oh, it would be a working arrangement, of course.

You run the hotel, and I'll run the stable.

Well...

You run the stable, and I'll run the hotel.

I'm extremely flattered, Mr. Enderby.

- Well? - But I'm afraid I must say no.

No?

You see, I have so many other interests to occupy my time.

One indeed presses now: The next production at the church hall.

A murder mystery, you know. I do hope you'll come.

I don't think I'd care for it.

Oh, what a pity.

- Well, goodbye. - Goodbye.

- Miss Marple. - Yes?

I would deem it an honor...

...if you'd at least stay the day and be my guest at the hunt.

I'm very sorry, Mr. Enderby, but I disapprove of blood sports.

That was a very narrow escape.