Original subtitles

(Charleston music)

(man screams theatrically)

Alright. Hold it there.

Move it out.

Roll the film.

And... fire!

Cut.

Another two seconds

of all-Australian masterpiece.

This is terrible, Phryne.

As soon as I heard he was dead

I thought of you.

I'll take that as a compliment.

The production is in turmoil.

To lose our leading man

is bad enough, but like this?

- What's the name of your film?

- Bride of Babylon.

And is it a talkie?

Not every film has to be

The Jazz Singer.

Surely there's still room

for an historical epic,

free from idle chatter?

Raymond can find a silver lining

in even the darkest cloud.

It's what

I've always liked about him.

I thought

it was my boyish charm.

I should warn you

this is no sight for ladies.

Perhaps Dorothy best wait here.

You needn't worry about Dot.

She's made of stern stuff.

- Miss Fisher.

- Hello, Jack.

For once it seems appropriate

that you should turn up.

Well, of course. I'm the one

who telephoned for you.

After Raymond alerted me

to the situation.

Phryne's one of

the major investors on the film.

Being a detective herself...

I would have telephoned

the police, of course.

Yes, of course.

Don't worry about the Inspector.

He's very discreet.

Raymond is one of

my childhood friends.

Well, I'd be interested to hear

your opinion, Miss Fisher,

as a fellow detective.

I have no doubt you'll make your

opinions known at some point.

Well...

The amount of blood means he was

alive when he was speared.

Doesn't appear

to have been restrained at all.

Drank himself to sleep,

by the smell of it.

A tragic accident, then.

Either he picked the wrong place

to take a kip,

which makes him the unluckiest

drunk in the world,

or else he was placed here.

On purpose?

Well, that depends, Raymond,

on these marks on the floor,

which suggest he was dragged

here in his chair.

That's exactly

what the Inspector thinks.

Collins, make sure no-one

disturbs this

before the police photographer

arrives.

Police photographer? That's all

a bit much, isn't it?

Surely this is just

a terrible accident.

I'm quite sure it isn't,

Raymond.

Did anyone have a reason

to want your leading man dead?

- Do you attend the pictures?

- Not if I can help it.

If you did you would know

that Donald Everton

is one of this country's

most beloved screen idols.

Aunt Prudence adored his

Roderick in The Mallee Soldier,

although that was

some years ago.

He had no enemies,

in the public

or behind the scenes.

A true gentleman.

And yet collapsed in a drunken

stupor at 9,10 in the morning.

Donald was a professional.

He never drank in the morning.

He could have been there

since last night?

- And where were you, Mr Hirsch?

- Me?

- Yes. Last night.

- You think I murdered him?

I had to get my assistant

to kill a spider the other day.

Phryne, tell him.

It's a fair question, Raymond.

I was out to dinner.

I have a house guest.

Donald dying is the worst thing

that could happen right now.

I'm sure he didn't do it

to inconvenience you.

Why would I jeopardize filming?

Everything I own

is riding on this film.

Four of my picture theaters

are mortgaged to the hilt.

You never told me

it was that dire!

If I did

would you still have invested?

Mr Hirsch, I'll have to

speak to your workers.

And at this stage I think it's

best if we avoid the M word.

You reckon

someone knocked him off.

We're not drawing

any conclusions.

Even if someone did do him in,

we've got a film to shoot.

Did anyone see Donald Everton

arrive this morning?

No. I just assumed he was late.

- And you are?

- Clara Whiting. My assistant.

She also looks after

the props, script pages...

Everything, really.

CLARA: If it helps, I did see

Mr Everton last night.

I delivered his script pages

to his dressing room.

What time was that?

Seventeen minutes past eight.

That's very specific.

How can you be so sure?

A few minutes before, I noticed

one of the sparkies leaving.

And he signed out of the book

at...

8,15.

Are you always this observant,

Miss Whiting?

Once I see something,

it stays up here.

Forever. Like a photograph.

What time

did you leave the building?

It was nine.

Apart from Donald, was there

anyone else still here?

I didn't see anyone.

Perhaps you could have

another... look around for me.

The Inspector does know

you're going to snoop around.

Ladies never snoop.

I'm going to discreetly search.

- I think he's got it in for me.

- You always were a scaredy cat.

Because I wouldn't throw

firecrackers at the police?

It was just a bit of fun!

Your fun always led to trouble.

Still does.

I would have, you know.

- Still invested in your film.

- Why?

Let's just say I prefer

the local product to the import.

Not the most spacious of digs.

Donald would have changed in a

broom cupboard if I'd asked him.

He was a real trooper.

Where's the bottle, I wonder?

- One bottle. In all of this.

- I'll help.

No, no! Dottie, Dottie, Dottie!

There's just some things

a man has to do.

There!

What?

No, Dottie,

we don't have time for that.

Picture Stars.

Movie Papers.

Cinema Romance.

Why would someone

throw these out?

Why would anyone read them

in the first place?

It's all romance, no action.

"Rumor has it

the Fatty Finn film Kid Stakes

will be remade

into a talkie next year."

What? Where does it say that?

It doesn't.

That was uncalled for.

What is that?

Ah!

Found it!

PHRYNE: It appears Donald

didn't like to drink alone.

What a shame techniques

in finger prints

don't extend to lips.

Would you call that purple?

Luscious Plum.

That's Miss Lily Luscombe's

favorite shade of lipstick.

Give a girl credit for some

taste. He was twice my age.

But you were

in his dressing room last night.

We were rehearsing.

Until what time?

Oh... really can't remember.

JACK: Must have been

after nine o'clock.

We seem to have come to

the same conclusion.

I knew you'd catch up.

Donald needed to rehearse.

The old ham would roll his eyes

and call it acting.

If he looked bad in a scene,

I looked bad.

And you weren't

about to let that happen.

Unlike certain people,

I've trained on the stage.

I've paid my dues. I have a

reputation as a serious actress.

Did you two often drink together

when you were rehearsing?

It's impossible

not to have a drink with Donald.

All part of his rough charm.

A charm that got rougher

with each sip.

- He made advances?

- The man was an octopus.

But I wasn't about to kill him

for trying to cop a feel.

If he'd made

unwanted advances...

Miss Luscombe strikes me as

someone who can defend herself.

Maybe she did.

The bottle was smashed.

But there were no signs

of a fight on Donald.

No, she was worried

that his performance

would damage her reputation.

Then he'd have to be the first

person killed for bad acting.

I didn't realize film was one

of your interests, Miss Fisher.

I always imagined you

as a more astute investor.

That's how I can invest

in the odd folly.

Raymond's my friend and...

Raymond!

I'm sending everyone home.

Still have to pay them

for this morning though.

- We'll resume tomorrow.

- Without your leading man.

Life was cheap in Babylon,

Inspector.

Film, however, is not.

I'll have to adjust the scripts

but the show will go on.

Maybe you'll find

someone better.

Donald had wonderful

screen presence.

Not the most animated performer.

I'm not going to damn the man

now he'd dead

but action wasn't his strength.

Literally.

He was supposed to enter

carrying Lily

and then throw her on the bed.

(theatrical piano music)

This was the fourth attempt.

We understand this wasn't the

first fight you had with Donald.

I fight with everyone.

That's what a director does.

That's how you

make things better.

The producer dishes up these

pages of rubbish every day.

I spin it into gold,

the actor takes all the credit.

GORDON: Clara. Clara!

Coffee. Now.

What was the fight about?

The old codger

couldn't do the job.

Do you mind telling us where you

went after work last night?

Well, I've already told you

I didn't kill him.

We need more than your word

on that.

Well, does she need to be here?

I mean, she's not a copper.

No but I am bankrolling

a large portion of your salary

so I would advise you to answer

the Inspector's questions.

Sorry to interrupt. That one.

You're very prompt.

I always have some ready.

Mr Thackeray

likes his Greek coffee.

We understand you left

the building at half past seven.

I wonder who told you that.

We'll take that as a yes.

Where did you go?

Didn't Clara mention I like to

have a drink or two after work?

Only we don't finish

until after closing

so anyone who sold me any

alcohol was breaking the law.

JACK:

I need to verify your alibi.

I don't care

who sold you sly grog.

It was the back bar

at the Peacock.

Are you happy now?

You turned me into a lagger,

just like you.

Miss Whiting didn't say a word.

We saw you thump Donald

for ourselves.

Did Raymond show you

the footage?

Why, that little weasel.

He was the one that wanted

to give Donald the boot.

I did threaten

to cancel his contract, yes.

A small detail

you neglected to mention.

I knew how it would look!

- The man's dead!

- It was an empty threat.

I just wanted to give him

a kick up the backside.

I'd like to confirm

your whereabouts last night.

You say you were with

your housemate.

Inspector Robinson,

Miss Phryne Fisher,

may I present

Mr Jefferson Clarke.

Police asking questions.

Should I be worried?

RAYMOND: The film has suffered

a little setback.

Well, something of

a big setback, as it seems.

What did you do, kill someone?

(laughs)

My leading man

was found dead this morning.

You're kidding me.

And they think you killed him?

Cos uh...

correct me if I'm wrong

but Raymond seems a little nervy

to be the gangster type.

Mr Hirsch tells us

that the two of you

dined together last night.

Yeah. So?

What time did you return home?

Would have been, say, nine.

Then Raymond had some associates

over for a little soiree

and we talked business.

- Mostly.

- What business would that be?

Jefferson is vice-president

of Pegasus Studios in Hollywood.

You're a long way from home,

Mr Clarke.

What brings you here?

Not the climate,

that's for sure.

Who attended this soiree

last night?

They'll need to confirm

the time.

You could start with the maid.

She's a sweet girl.

Turns out

she wants to be an actress.

I'm assuming

Jefferson's employers

didn't send him

halfway around the world

to lounge beside your pool.

He's here to wire

the local cinemas for sound.

What happened to the historical

epic free from idle chatter?

There's no reason why talkies

can't exist side by side

with traditional films.

And I suppose a relationship

with an American studio

would add a financial boost

to your future film production.

I'm still considering the deal.

Jefferson's a lovely bloke

but he's not the sharpest.

Spent too long in the

Californian sun if you ask me.

But he reckons if I sign,

when Pegasus Studios

releases a new film,

my cinemas will be

the first ones to play them.

You tell them I want overtime.

- RAYMOND: Trouble?

- Tiny compared to yours.

The studio wants me

to play nursemaid

to some young actor

out here on vacation.

As if I haven't

got enough to do.

Is he uh... any good?

Are you sure

you want to keep these, Dot?

They really are quite fragrant.

And not in a good way.

It just seemed like

such a waste.

And I thought my nephews

might like them.

Really?

Your nephews are interested in

"techniques

of the Hollywood screen kiss?"

Don't be embarrassed, Dot.

There's no harm in educating

oneself in the cinematic arts.

Anyway...

Here's one on Mr Palmer.

"Vernon Palmer Jnr,

up and coming Hollywood star."

Who happens to be

passing through Melbourne.

He really is quite striking.

Hardly someone who would murder

for a role in the antipodes.

Anyway, I think you should

pack these away.

I'm going to put on

my glad rags.

Hollywood's coming to dinner.

Are you quite sure

you won't join us?

I'd much rather admire

from afar, miss.

Good evening, everyone.

Thank you, Mr Butler.

You're looking lovely

this evening, Clara.

He really is very handsome,

isn't he?

I've always thought so.

Oh, Phryne, darling. May I

introduce Vernon Palmer Jnr.

Phryne Fisher.

Welcome to Australia.

Delighted to be here. I take it

you're my leading lady.

Not exactly. Though

I'd happily lead your astray.

Would you mind? Through here

for a second, Phryne.

That's it, kid.

Always make nice with the money.

It's so lovely

to finally meet you.

You were saying you acted

with Mary Pickford?

And you would not meet

a more lovely lady.

Present company excepted,

of course.

I seem to be next to you.

Lucky me.

Do you want to tell me

how you can suddenly afford

an up and coming Hollywood star?

I've taken out a loan

against my house.

- Oh, Ray!

- It's alright.

If I play my cards right I'll

soon have access to more funds.

Do tell.

(whistles Star Spangled Banner)

And how much of your soul

will the American studios

take in exchange?

I remember a time when

you weren't nearly so cynical.

I've learned a lot

about humanity since I was nine.

The president of Pegasus Studios

is a big fan

of historical epics.

Sometimes you strike it lucky.

Are you alright, Clara?

You know, we're supposed to be

modern women.

We're supposed to be able to

get everything that we want.

But I wonder if

all of that's true.

You do know Raymond and I

are just friends.

That's a lovely shade.

Miss Luscombe

gives me her leftovers.

- That's generous of her.

- Mm.

It's so I can do this.

A kiss from Miss Lily Luscombe.

Especially for you.

I'm afraid the conditions here

won't be quite as luxurious

as you're used to in Hollywood.

There's only one luxury I care

about and that's my automobile.

I'm hoping we can

make it something snazzy.

I'm not sure

the budget will

really extend to that but uh...

I think I know just the vehicle.

Almost perfect, Mr Butler.

All you need now is...

the cap.

Like an organ grinder's monkey.

Don't be so glum, Bert.

You're going to be driving

one of Hollywood's

up and coming stars.

All you have to do

is keep an eye on him.

Oh, good evening, Inspector.

Constable Collins.

What's he like?

Vernon... Vernon Palmer Jnr,

Mr Butler. What's he like?

His Wild West films

are amazing, sir.

Did he tell you

how they do those scenes

where he jumps from the freight

train onto his horses?

Not that I've heard, Constable.

We're not here to stargaze,

Mr Butler.

We're here to see Miss Fisher.

Donald Everton's body

contained high concentrations

of a barbiturate.

- He was poisoned?

- The spear still killed him.

Constable Collins

has been gathering statements.

Three of your workers

said Donald Everton

arrived late every day

but you never pulled him up.

- Film sets are full of gossips.

- He argued with the director.

Failed to remember his lines.

And regularly held up filming.

Yes, alright,

Donald was past his prime.

Why didn't you sack him?

One of my other investors,

a bank,

committed funds on the condition

that Donald was the leading man.

Donald had me over a barrel.

So your only option

was to kill him?

Jack!

Your friendship does not exempt

Mr Hirsch from our enquiries.

That's not an enquiry.

That's jumping to a conclusion.

I didn't kill him!

- Who else knew the situation?

- Only me.

Oh, and Clara, of course.

Someone who wears

Luscious Plum lipstick

was in Donald Everton's

dressing room last night.

Yeah, I delivered

his script pages. You know that.

And stayed.

Why didn't you

mention this earlier?

What's happening to Mr Hirsch?

I don't know.

If the police think it was him,

they're wrong.

I did it. I killed Donald.

With what?

White pills in a brown bottle.

I smashed them up and

I dissolved them in his whisky.

Why?

You don't know why

because you didn't do it.

I did it. And what's more,

I can give you the pills.

I'll show you.

The key is underneath

the telephone.

Top drawer.

Phenobarbital.

JEFFERSON: We have a thing

in the States called a warrant.

We can search your office now or

we can come back with a warrant

and do it in front of

all your employees.

- Phryne! Clara!

- I'm sorry, Mr Hirsch.

We also don't say anything

until we talk to a lawyer.

I've confessed.

I drugged Mr Everton.

Oh, Clara.

I don't know what to say.

Are you really

going to stand there

and let her take the blame?

- She's confessed.

- Because she thinks you did it.

Phryne, I swear

I did not drug Donald.

But you have been

drugging somebody.

Haven't you, Raymond?

The fighting between Gordon and

Donald was derailing the film

but I swear,

I only drugged Gordon.

I know how terrible that sounds.

But you've seen him.

I had to do something.

Where did you get

the phenobarbital?

My doctor prescribed it

to help me sleep.

When I gave a small dose

to Gordon it made him... calmer.

And you got Clara

to put it into his coffee.

Four or five doses a day was

enough to keep the peace on set.

So how did your phenobarbital

end up in Donald's whisky?

I honestly have no idea.

You can go now, Mr Hirsch.

You didn't get anything useful?

If you'd let me attend

the interview...

So he could hide

under your skirts?

Raymond is no coward, Jack.

When he was seven years old

he got caught

with a bucket of stolen peaches.

He spent two hours

in the police cells

and his father

whipped him soundly,

but he never told anyone

that I was still up that tree.

Clearly he was

more afraid of you.

The point is he lies.

Oh, God, I'm doomed. Everybody's

gonna think that I did him in.

You didn't even know

Vernon was in the country.

No. But you did.

You were right here

when I found out.

I'm trying to help Raymond.

Trying to save his picture.

- What are you doing?

- RAYMOND: It's over. It's gone.

All of it.

My house, the cinemas.

Pegasus Studios will wire you

the money to keep shooting.

All you gotta do

is sign on the dotted line.

- We can help you out.

- I'm going to bed.

I feel as if my head

were about to explode.

Yeah, well, you rest up, buddy.

Do you mind if I take a look

at that contract?

I left all the paperwork

in Raymond's office.

I'd suggest we go back

down there, just the two of us,

but it wouldn't be appropriate

without Raymond, would it.

Night.

(Charleston music)

Taking an interest

in your investment, I see?

Of course. I spoke with a friend

in Los Angeles last night.

- He made a few enquiries.

- That so?

Seems you're not quite the high

flier you purport to be.

Junior Sales Representative

doesn't have quite the same ring

to it as Vice President.

You got me.

I'm not Vice President

but I sure as hell

ain't the mail boy either.

Where's the harm

in tooting my own horn, huh?

There you are, ladies.

How kind. Thank you.

Alright, let's get this show

on the road. Clear the set.

Roll the film. And... action!

(theatrical piano music)

Cut!

That's a keeper but let's not

get ahead of ourselves, OK?

Let's turn the camera around.

We'll get a close up

of Lily next.

- Wonderful, isn't he?

- DOT: Yeah.

Yeah. He's a true talent.

A word?

- What have you got to lose?

- My career!

It looks so real

at the pictures.

- It's treacle.

- Clara! Coffee!

(whispering) Dottie! Dottie!

The Inspector sent me

to collect more statements.

Is uh...

Vernon Palmer Jnr around?

Oh no, you just missed

his big scene.

But he's coming back

for the close-ups.

Did you ask him about

the freight train and horses?

Yes, I did. He was very humble.

He gave all the credit

to the stand-ins.

He said they do

all the dangerous bits

and he kisses the girls.

Oh.

- Lily, into make-up now.

- I'm on my way.

Get a move on, sweetheart.

It's show time.

GORDON:

Oh! Fix the bloody fuses.

Alright, nobody move.

- Have you seen the Americans?

- No, I missed his scene!

Stay here.

I'm going to find them.

GORDON: OK, Clara.

Go and get the knife.

Alright, we'll take it from

Vernon taking off his robe.

We have Vernon, we have Lily.

Roll the film. Action!

Vernon takes off his robe.

Vernon turns... Cut.

- I'm sorry. Did I get it wrong?

- No.

We need to get this covered up

for this shot.

Stab him in the heart instead.

Look, I'll show you. Here.

Just grab the knife. Two hands.

In the heart.

Like this.

Hugh! Stand back!

CLARA: I don't understand.

That's the one we use

for the stills. The real one.

The prop knife was found

back in the props box.

But I left it out.

I put it on the table,

ready for the close-up.

Any chance you

could have been mistaken?

No.

So when was the last time

you saw the prop knife?

It was just before

the lights went out.

Where were you?

I put the knife back

on the properties table.

I spoke to Dorothy.

Then Gordon asked me

for a coffee.

I went to get the Thermos.

Leaving the properties table

unattended.

Yes. But not for long.

- Who else was near the table?

- Dorothy.

Constable Collins.

- Gordon.

- Anyone else?

I only remember

the things that I see.

So after the lights

went out I...

- How long were the lights out?

- Less than a minute.

Long enough for someone

to swap the knife.

That was meant to kill Vernon,

not Gordon.

Why would anyone want to kill

two leading men?

To scuttle the film?

So how well

do you really know Raymond?

Raymond's always been a dreamer

and his dreams are boundless,

which I'm sure you realize

isn't common in Collingwood.

Maybe the fear of ending up

working at the tannery

with his brothers

forced his hand.

Does your insurance policy

indemnify you

against any loss

the film might make.

No insurance policy

will do that.

Most films lose money.

But you would get a payout

should the film

not be completed.

A very meagre payout,

barely covering costs.

But an opportunity

to cut your losses nonetheless.

This is madness.

I've just hired Vernon.

The film

is going to be completed.

Phryne, tell him.

Phryne?

It was your suggestion

that I go ahead

with making a film of my own

in the first place.

"Why just screen the latest

Hollywood movie?" you said.

Where were you this afternoon?

There's no point in telling you

I was here in my sickbed.

I obviously crept out

and swapped the props knife.

You can hardly blame us.

You haven't exactly been

a paragon of virtue.

I was the one who called you in!

Yet you hid the truth

of the situation with Donald,

you were drugging the director!

What do you want from me?

How can I prove to you that

I also want this killer caught?

If The Bride of Babylon

is to be completed,

it would seem to be

in need of a director.

One who could keep

a close eye on things.

You always did have a knack

for bossing people around.

- Don't you agree, Inspector?

- Yes.

Yes, I believe director would be

the perfect role for you,

Miss Fisher.

You can operate a camera,

can't you?

Of course.

Blindfolded. In the dark.

(door bangs)

Put that down.

Hey, Annie Oakley.

I think you'll find

she uses a rifle.

(laughs)

I'll tell you,

this is one crazy country.

Back home, society dames

are holding tea parties.

Over here

they're packing pistols.

Not that I'm complaining.

I like a woman

with a bit of spark.

Why are you here? Taking

an interest in your investment?

I was about to ask you

the same thing.

We have a quaint custom here.

The person with the gun

asks the questions.

Just calling the boss,

that's all.

Gotta do it

when California's awake.

Permission to stand at ease?

Why are you in Australia?

Like I said. You've got

a lot of movie houses.

The studio

wants me to sign them up

for our

sound synchronization system.

It's pioneer territory.

Chance to be at the forefront of

the new wave of talking cinema.

What's in it for your studio?

We see your country

as an important market.

Spare me the sales pitch.

I can't speak for the studio

but the more I sign up,

the more commissions I earn.

That's all

the motivation I need.

And here's me thinking

you did it for the love of film.

Raymond is a good guy.

I want him to make his movie.

That's why I'm hassling

the studio to help him out.

Guess it doesn't matter

any more, though.

Without a director

the film is sunk, huh?

That's where you're wrong.

That's all, driver.

You're bloody welcome.

Going walkabout, are we?

I followed your movie star

to a flophouse

down the wrong end

of Little Lonsdale.

And I asked around at the Grand.

They've never heard

of Vernon Palmer Jnr.

- Intriguing.

- Um... would you like this?

Ah, not really my style.

Do you have today's scenes?

Yes, they're fresh off

the mimeograph machine.

I was about to deliver

Mr Palmer's.

Allow me.

- She adores you.

- Who? Clara?

She'd walk over

hot coals for you.

Or rewrite a scene

1,000 times for you.

I'm just going to see if

Mr Palmer's in his dressing room

and have a directorial chat.

Yes, of course.

If you see a certain movie star

approaching, just whistle.

(fails to whistle)

Mr Palmer!

Uh... sorry to bother you

but can I have your autograph?

I'll just grab my pen.

- Oh no, I uh...

- It won't take a minute.

- Miss Fisher.

- Sorry, miss.

I was just asking

for an autograph.

Oh, I was just delivering

your scenes.

Thank you.

How are you enjoying your stay

at the Grand?

Nice little place.

It's not a patch on the

Roosevelt on Hollywood Boulevard

but it is uh... pleasant.

Hair out of place.

So I want you to think of Donald

and to think of Gordon.

Miss Fisher.

The staff of a moving picture

are like an army.

And like an army, that staff

marches on its stomach.

With that in mind,

I have three words for you.

Breakfast is served.

I don't want to worry you

but we do have a teensy setback.

You see, the actors playing the

palace guards have walked out.

It's just a small holdup

with the Pegasus Studios money.

That's alright.

I have the perfect replacements.

H--... H--...

- H--...

- Try not to look down the lens.

Going again.

Action.

H--... H--...

Halt! Who dares walk this path?

Yeah, can we

hold it there a minute?

- Stop the camera.

- I'll back you up.

The scene stinks.

The director can have them fired

if you like.

VERNON: No, I mean the scene

doesn't make any sense.

I'm supposed to be the hero,

am I right?

- Of course you are.

- Then why sneak past guards?

You've been stabbed.

Douglas Fairbanks

wouldn't sneak.

You're right.

He'd take out his sword,

kill the guards,

grab a rope and swing them both

out of there.

Brilliant.

Why don't you put your feet up,

give us time to work it out,

and we'll pick it up

tomorrow afternoon.

I've done this before.

Get me a rope up there.

I can walk you through it.

I'm going to need a rope

hanging from this girder.

Well handled.

Why would Vernon Palmer Jnr

be darkening his hair

with boot polish?

Maybe he was going grey.

At his age?

I suppose all those daring

action films

might age one prematurely.

Oh, Mr Palmer

doesn't do the action.

He told me himself. He just

smiles and kisses the girls.

For someone who doesn't do

action, he's awfully good at it.

Who's Jamie Allen?

Where's that feature article?

(phone)

"Tricks of the trade."

"Vernon Palmer Jnr encourages

one of his stand-ins."

The star

and his stand-in.

I beg your pardon, miss, but

Mr Hirsch is on the telephone.

He's somewhat distressed.

That yank says I can't screen my

own picture in my own cinemas.

He can't hold you to that,

can he?

I signed the studio's contract.

I had to sign, Phryne.

I needed the money from Pegasus

to finish our film.

A film which is now

a white elephant.

Under the contract Raymond's

cinemas can only screen

Hollywood films

made by the studio.

- He can't screen his own film?

- Which means he's ruined.

- There are other cinemas.

- They're all signing.

The studios intend to take over

the whole film business.

Wasn't Jefferson the one who

suggested the Hollywood star?

I think Jefferson and Vernon

were in it together.

First they sabotage the film

by drugging Donald Everton,

then in the crisis Jefferson

steps up and offers to help.

But only if Raymond

signs his contract.

They create the problem

then present the solution.

They killed a man

to get control of four cinemas?

I suspect Vernon

had second thoughts.

Jefferson tried to pay him off

but Vernon tore up the check.

I'll bring in Vernon Palmer Jnr.

- He's at the Grand.

- I'm afraid he isn't.

And he isn't Vernon Palmer Jnr.

Very impressive accent, Jamie.

Not bad for a boy

from Murrumbeena.

You were working

as Mr Palmer Jnr's stand-in,

darkening your hair

to pass as his double.

Standing was one of the few

things Vernon could do.

If he had to act

or kiss the girl he was fine.

But then he has to jump off the

water tower or fall off a horse.

That's when

they wheeled me in.

If it was all going so well,

why did you come back?

I had a fall. Busted my leg.

Money ran out quickly and

I was on the first boat home.

Which is where you met

Jefferson Clarke.

Had a few beers with him,

told him my sob story.

Then a few days after we docked,

he tracks me down

at the boarding house.

Says he has

some acting work for me.

Some real acting work.

Only then

he comes to me yesterday

and says

I'm doing too good a job.

He offered you money.

He wanted me to get out of town

just when I was showing everyone

I could act.

- You refused?

- Blood oath I did.

And not long after,

Gordon Thackaway was stabbed

with a knife

that was intended for you.

Reckon he's gone crazy.

Were you in your dressing room

when the fuses blew?

- Was Jefferson with you?

- No.

Then he could have

blown those fuses.

I know a way to work this out.

It's like I told you.

My memory works in pictures.

Yes, I understand, but

can you remember what happened

just before and directly after

the blackout?

If that will help.

I was heading to Gordon

with a cup of coffee.

I saw Dorothy,

Constable Collins,

Jefferson and Lily.

- PHRYNE: What was Lily doing?

- Just heading back to make-up.

She was carrying something.

A glass of water.

Did she still have the glass

when the lights came back on?

Yes. But it was empty.

What was between

the last place you saw Lily

and the make-up chair?

The lights went out.

That's how

she shorted the fuses.

By dowsing the floodlight.

It's entirely possible

that Jefferson had time

to get to the properties table

while Lily shorted the lights.

They're in it together.

I'll go to Raymond's

and pick up Jefferson.

You go to the studio.

JEFFERSON: Just listen to me!

It's not too late, right?

- I can make you a star!

- LILY: I don't believe you!

Vernon's your star now.

You promised me! You said

I'd be the next Mary Pickford!

Sweetheart, come on!

I'll make the calls now.

I will call all the agents.

- She drugged me!

- Stand back.

What are you waiting for?

This film will burn

like wildfire. Shoot!

Why are you doing this, Lily?

He promised me

he was going to take me

back to Hollywood with him.

- If only I'd...

- Sabotage the film?

Yeah but I never told

the crazy bitch to kill anyone.

- OK?

- He gave me the tablets.

I didn't know

what they were and I...

I didn't know Donald

was going to drink that much.

I thought he was dead, I thought

if I just put him behind the set

he might get speared

people would think it was

all just a horrible accident.

- I did all that for you!

- No, you didn't.

You did it because

you want to go to Hollywood.

- But you won't make it there.

- You really are obnoxious.

- I never said to kill anyone.

- What about Gordon?

All I said was blow the fuse

and slow them down a little.

- She's the one who stabbed him.

- It was meant to be Vernon.

Hey!

Lily!

No!

PHRYNE:

Well. I have a present for you.

It seems that Jefferson was a

little lazy with his paperwork.

Hadn't sent

any of his signed contracts

back to the home office.

Won't they just send

more like him?

Then we'll fight the invaders

one by one.

Or beat them at their own game.

- What did you have in mind?

- Jamie Allen.

Australia's new rising star.

And, making her debut

as his leading lady,

and Lily's replacement,

Miss Clara Whiting.

- Well, I do know the role.

- The Bride of Babylon.

The all-talking moving picture.

MR BUTLER: Excuse me, miss?

Miss Fisher?

Yes?

A Mr Hirsch has arrived

with a lot of machinery.

I thought

that was happening tomorrow.

I'm afraid today is tomorrow,

miss.

Coming.

Nearly there.

Halt! Who dares walk this path?

That's it! Thank you.

Well. I'm sure that one line

will make all the difference.

It's made all the difference

to Raymond.

He's achieved his dream.

Did you have a boyhood dream,

Jack?

To tread the boards

or bat for Australia?

To ride the Tour de France.

But then the war happened.

And what were your

girlhood dreams, Miss Fisher?

I'm living them, Inspector.