Original subtitles

[Upbeat music]

[Blowing dust]

[Coughing]

Something interesting?

[Tommy] Mm.

Well don't keep me in suspense.

Hmm?

Oh, well done, darling!

The very word I was looking for.

I don't follow.

Uses pens for hanging matter.

I still didn't follow.

Suspense, it's an anagram of uses pens.

You're doing the crossword?

Trying to, I was stuck.

Oh, all the pointless.

Albert, have you seen the duster for the...

Dictaphone?

Your top draw, miss.

A mule that loses its footing.

Haven't you anything better to do?

[Tommy sneezes]

As titular head of a detective agency

in the midst of an apparent, and I hope,

temporary fall in the crime rate,

the answer, my darling wife, is

no, I haven't anything better to do.

You sound like Lloyd George

answering questions in parliament.

[Tommy laughing]

The eloquence was there, I Grant you

but not the Welsh accent.

What's the matter?

I'm not in a good mood today.

Oh, poor old thing.

Why not?

It was this morning that Janet and I

were supposed to go to the wordsworth gallery

and well, I was looking forward to that.

Oh yes, the exhibition.

There was something about that in the paper.

Oh, have they found them?

No, not yet.

Oh, here we are.

"A Scotland yard spokesman

"said that the 18th century watercolours

"by Matthew herrick,

"stolen early this week

"from the wordsworth gallery in albemarle street,

"are believed now to be in Paris.

"In the hands of unscrupulous private collectors."

Hmm, is that all it says?

Yes.

Well, apart from the fact

that the gallery's offering a 5,000 pound reward.

So what are we waiting for?

- Go to Paris, you mean? - Mm hmm.

Find the paintings and bring them back?

Mm hmm.

A Blaze of publicity for blunt's brilliant detectives?

Exactly.

No, my sweet.

I mean have you any idea

how many private art collectors there probably are in Paris?

No, no, it's out of the question,

you leave me to keep the grey matter ticking over

by finishing the crossword.

And what am I supposed to do?

To impress our clients, you're supposed to be practising

how to be the perfect secretary.

And how do I do that?

By carrying out lesson number one.

Which is?

Learning how to sit on my knee.

That's the first good idea you've had all week.

[Mysterious music]

[Mimics sword swishing]

I say!

Ah,

lucky you wasn't an intruder.

Why's that?

These hands,

deadly.

Touche [mimics sword swishing].

Now sir, was there something?

Ah, this is blunt's brilliant detectives, isn't it?

It was the last time I looked.

Yes it is, sir.

Splendid.

Then might I see Mr.

Blunt?

Have you an appointment, sir?

Well not really, no.

But I just thought I'd toddle in and...

No go, is it?

Mr. Blunt is engaged

in a very important conference at present, sir.

Oh, Mr. Blunt.

Oh, miss Robinson.

Oh, what a pity.

There could be a chance, sir.

Might only take a few minutes.

Oh, if I really was the perfect secretary,

do you know what I'd do now?

No, what?

[Buzzer buzzing]

[Mischievous music]

[Gasps]

A client!

[Gasps]

- Lipstick! - What?

[Buzzer buzzing]

Ah, you're in luck, sir.

The conference seems to be over.

Oh,

jolly good.

Step this way, sir.

Oh, certainly major general, goodbye.

[Albert] Mr. Montgomery Jones, sir.

Oh, good day, Mr. Montgomery Jones.

Thank you Albert.

Do I take it you are Mr. Blunt?

You do

take it.

A seat?

Thank you.

Now, what can I have the pleasure of doing for you?

Oh.

My confidential secretary, miss Robinson,

you may speak quite freely before her.

I take it that this is a delicate matter.

In a way.

You're not in any trouble of any kind yourself, I hope?

Oh, rather not, no, no.

Well, perhaps you will state the facts in your own words.

I don't know how to set about it.

It's a dashed odd sort of thing, really.

Just,

well,

a silly sort of joke, that's all.

Someone has played a joke on you

of a mysterious nature?

Well, not exactly.

No.

Well,

take your time.

You see,

it was a dinner.

I sat next to a girl.

[Tommy] Yes?

But she was...

I really can't describe her,

but she was simply one of the most...

She's an Australian,

been over here for some time.

She's simply game for anything.

I absolutely can't tell you the effect she had on me.

We can imagine Mr. Jones.

I mean, I'd known her vaguely for some time,

the same circles and all that

but,

well,

the whole thing came as an absolute shock to me.

I mean,

I sat beside her at dinner,

and slap out of the blue.

Your whole world changed?

Well that's absolutely what it was like.

You put it awfully well.

And you know, I fancy she didn't think much of me.

You may not think it

but I'm not terribly clever.

You mustn't be too modest.

Oh, I do realise i'm not much of a chap.

That's why I feel I've got to pull this thing through.

It's my only chance.

I'm sure we wish you the very best of luck.

Thank you, miss Robinson.

You see, she is such a good sport

that she would never go back on her word.

Oh, naturally.

Well, I don't see exactly what you want us to do.

Oh lord, haven't I explained?

No, you haven't.

Ah, well it was like this.

Una,

that's her name, una Drake.

I'd been trying all sorts of ploys to,

you know,

catch her interest.

Absolutely no success.

And then somehow we got onto the subject

of detective stories.

And I found out

that she was just as keen about them as I am.

Oh is that so?

Rather.

And we got to talking about one story in particular.

And I said,

no, she said,

no, I said.

Now which of us was it?

[Laughing] Oh, nevermind which.

All right.

-Well, -[tuppence laughing]

This story all hinges on an alibi.

So we got to talking about alibis and faking them.

And I said that faking...

No, no, no she said.

- No, no, it really was me. - [Tuppence laughing]

I said that faking alibis

would be a jolly difficult thing to do.

Una disagreed.

It would only take a bit of brain work.

Rather more than that I think.

Well it's obvious monty.

Not at all.

In the book, the chap thinks he's got away with it.

But he had to ask other people to lie for him.

They got caught out, that always happens.

Well not necessarily,

not if they believe they're telling the truth.

Come again?

Well you catch someone who backs up a story

unless he knows he's lying.

All right.

Well I mean, I'm sorry, una,

but it's too difficult to fake a convincing alibi.

It just can't be done.

I'm sure I could do it.

Oh I say.

I'll make you a sporting offer.

What do you bet that I can produce an alibi

that nobody can shake?

Anything you like.

[Laughs] If I were you, I wouldn't risk too much,

it's an odds on chance for me.

Oh, don't be so sure of that.

Supposing you lose and I ask you something, will you pay up?

I come from a gambling family, I don't Welsh on my bets.

Well if I win, I'll ask you to marry me.

[Laughs] Very well, you're on.

And if I win, we'll never see each other again.

So you see,

it's up to me.

It's the only chance I have with her.

You're sure that she'll stick to her end of it.

Completely.

It is a very curious proposition.

Well you must be doing this sort of thing all the time.

Investigating fake alibis and seeing where they fall out.

Oh,

yes.

Oh yes, we do,

a lot.

I know you're very busy but,

well I am prepared to pay all necessary what-nots.

What?

Nots.

What-nots.

That'll be all right.

I'm sure Mr. Blunt will take on the case.

Well,

perhaps we can fit it in.

But what precisely am I to investigate?

Here it is.

This is what she sent me.

"I am sending you proof

"I was in two distinct places at one and the same time.

"According to one story,

"I had dinner alone at the bon tonne restaurant in soho,

went to the Duke's theatre,

then had supper with a friend,

Mr. Le marchant,

at the savoy.

"But I was also staying at the castle hotel

"in torquay that evening.

"And only returned to London on the following morning.

"You have to find which of the two stories is the true one

"and how I managed the other."

You see?

Yes, it's a very refreshing little problem.

Very

naive.

Here is una's photograph, you'll want that.

Oh thank you.

May I have the lady's full name and address?

Una Drake.

She lives at 180 Claudia street.

It's such a relief that you've taken it on.

How will you set about it?

Well I'm sure. Mr. Blunt will want me to check everything

and it's nearly lunchtime,

so I could start at the bon tonne restaurant.

I say, that's quick.

I'd love to see how you work.

Why don't I take you to lunch, miss Robinson?

What a lovely idea, Mr. Jones.

Monty, everyone calls me monty.

Thank you, monty.

Jolly good.

Yes, thank you, we'd be delighted to accept.

Oh,

jolly good.

[People chattering]

How very cosy.

Very French, I've always wanted to try this place.

Yes.

Quite fashionable really.

A lot of youngers that come here.

How are you Henri?

Ah, monsieur monty, bonjour.

Bonjour to you, too.

How nice to see you again.

And you monsieur beresford, [Speaks in French],

welcome back.

Maddemoiselle.

Beresford?

I thought your name was blunt.

Beresford's a sort of alias I use sometimes,

when I'm on a case.

I say.

And I thought you've never been here before.

Oh yes but not for some time.

I used to pop in now and then, in my salad days.

That can't be too long ago.

Your boss is a bit of a dark horse, Ms. Robinson.

I'd wager he's one for the ladies.

You should keep an eye on him.

I intend to.

All over

and done with.

You can't fool us.

I should have thought.

Well maybe there's someone

you'd like to have invited to join us.

No.

No, I assure you, no one at all.

Oh, what a pity Mr. Blunt.

That would have been fascinating.

[Jones] Rather.

Let's get back to business, shall we?

Henri.

Monsieur?

Could you spare us a moment?

Do you recognise this young lady?

Maybe maddemousile Drake.

[Waiter speaking in foreign language]

Then perhaps you remember

if she dined here last Tuesday evening by herself?

She's not often by herself but sometimes she is.

Let me think,

last Tuesday.

[Slow piano music]

On Tuesday, dining alone.

I think perhaps she was, but she is here often,

I cannot be certain.

Perhaps one of your waiters might remember.

No, I always serve her myself.

Tuesday, yes, I think maybe she was here

but on the other hand, maybe not.

That wasn't very conclusive.

No.

You said she lives in Claudia street.

Yes, she shares a flat with another girl,

Marjorie

something.

Oh, well that's it, then.

As soon as we've eaten, I'll pop around

and have a word with miss Drake myself.

Oh no.

Well, that's the one thing you mustn't do.

If she found out that you and Mr. Blunt were helping me...

After all, it's my brain power that's being tested.

So she might call the whole do-da off.

[Tuppence] Oh, yes.

Where did she go from here?

Oh just a minute.

She enclosed the counterfoil of the ticket.

The Duke's theatre.

Isn't that where that musical delphiniums blue is playing.

I want to see that.

Do you really well?

Well, it won't be much help.

Anybody could buy theatre ticket.

And she could've seen the show at any time.

So we wouldn't trip her up on the plot

or anything like that.

So you think the London end is the false one?

I'd say the whole thing was fairly weak.

I think the girls simply went to torquay

and this London thing is fake.

Yes, but after the theatre

she said she had supper with someone at the savoy.

Peter le marchant.

Well he's obviously the one we should talk to.

What's he like?

Site too thick with una, if you asked me.

He's an import-export.

A bit on the fascist side,

not really hurstled at tall.

With a splash?

Just a touch.

Thank you.

Now then,

what's this about una?

We understand that you had supper with Ms. Drake

at the savoy on Tuesday, the 19th,

Mr. Le marchant.

Yes, I did.

Soda?

No thanks.

What's wrong with that?

We just wanted to check.

She's not in any kind of trouble, is she?

Oh no, nothing at all now.

No, we're trying to verify the alibi of one of our clients,

as a matter of fact.

He says that he was at the savoy that very same evening,

but the only person he remembers noticing there

is Ms. Drake.

I see.

So why don't you ask her about it herself?

Ooh, much better to have a corroborative

by a third party.

Otherwise we could never be sure she wasn't

just saying it to help him.

[Laughs] Yes, of course.

What fascinating work you do!

Much more interesting than sitting in a dull office.

But business seems to be flourishing, Mr. Le marchant.

I have a plan.

It's booming market for imports just now.

I'm always on the lookout for bright people

to join the firm.

Could you tell us something about Ms. Drake?

What there is?

She arrived here a couple of years ago.

Very bright.

Independent minded

like many of these Australian girls seem to be.

I met her at sandown races.

Gambling is a passion of hers.

So we understand.

But her real interest is in the arts.

She landed a job with

brush and paintball or whatever it's called here,

art magazine.

Pen and palette.

[Laughs] Yes, hat's the one.

She's their features editor now.

Doing nicely for herself.

You know her well?

Not as well as I'd like to.

If you follow me.

She never lets anyone get too close.

Now personally, I'm all for little togetherness.

So you're quite sure Ms. Drake was with you that evening?

[Sighs] Yes.

I told you.

What a suspicious lot you are!

You think she might have asked me to say that?

Well, not necessarily,

but did anybody else see you both out together?

Some people called oglander

were sitting in the next table.

Do they name Ms. Drake?

Oh yes.

They're not bosom friends or anything,

but they know her.

Look here, it is una you're interested in, isn't it?

She got some little game on.

Perhaps.

Something quite harmless.

You never know what that kid's up to.

Do you happen to know where she'd been

before she met you?

At some musical show, I believe.

Yes, one at the Duke's theatre.

She hadn't enjoyed it much.

Come to think of it, there was something rather on.

Yes.

I'd paid her some compliment.

How attractive she was.

What a pleasure to be with.

And she said, what was it?

"You think I'm sitting here having supper with you,

"but really I'm 200 miles away

"in Devonshire."

But the really funny thing was

that a few days later

dicky rice told me he'd seen her before.

Dicky rice?

Oh, just a friend.

He'd been down visiting an aunt in torquay,

and he said,

"I saw that Australian girl, there."

I asked him, "when was that?"

And he said, "well, Tuesday, about tea time."

Actually I told him he must've been mistaken.

Then I remember what she'd said.

Now wasn't that odd?

Now, from her own account,

una Drake caught the 12 o'clock train

from London on Tuesday.

She would've arrived in torquay

just in time for tea.

And just in time to be seen by dicky rice.

She books into the hotel,

unpacks,

and gets the next train back to London arriving in time

to see Peter le marchant at the savoy.

Yes.

Now,

she could've caught the

4:40.

It's a slow train, gets into Paddington

at ten past nine.

Well, there we are then.

But after that it gets rather more tricky.

How's that?

Well, there's a...

There's a midnight train from Paddington down again,

but,

now that would've been too early.

I suppose she could have always come down later by car.

That's getting on 200 miles?

Australians, I've been told, drive very recklessly.

Well,

let's suppose that she's a rarely fast driver.

She could have caught back before breakfast,

say seven o'clock?

Mm hmm.

And supposing she did nip into bed at the castle hotel

without being seen.

Or arrived there

explaining that shed been out all night and

could she have her bill, please.

Hmm.

Oh Tommy, we're idiots.

Or she wouldn't even have gone back to torquay at all.

But she sent James the receipted bill.

Look, she need only have got a friend

to go to the hotel, collect her luggage, settle up,

then she would've had a receipt for the proper daytime.

Nothing easier.

Oh, well that's it, then.

I think on the whole

we've managed a sound hypothesis.

Well done, us.

You really think it could be that simple?

Well, the best answers usually are the trick.

Just how to spot them.

She also sent monty her bill for lunch on the train

monty.

We could just see it,

she was actually on board.

Not, I hope, my darling.

Why not?

Because the odds against these

being the same dining car attendance,

let alone this being the same train,

astronomical.

How disappointing!

Are you ready to order dinner, sir?

Yes.

Salmon sounds nice.

Fresh today, miss,

Scott salmon.

And the roast beef?

Sirloin off the joints, just perfectness.

And we offer a choice of roast or boiled potatoes,

carrots, peas, beans and cauliflower.

No, I don't think we'll have anything.

Hey!

We'll dine at the other end.

Just to Jim fizzies, please.

Yes, sir.

Excuse me.

You don't by any chance happen to remember

if this lady had lunch on the train Tuesday last?

Oh yes, the young lady from Australia.

You remember her?

Oh, very clearly, sir.

It's a good likeness.

Are you sure it was Tuesday?

I couldn't really forget it, sir,

she drew my attention to it herself.

Would you like some coffee, miss?

Yes, please.

Oh!

Really sorry, miss.

That nearly went on your dress.

Oh, it wouldn't have.

Not today.

Tuesday is the luckiest day of the week for me.

I'm really sorry, miss.

Don't give it another thought.

I told you, Tuesday's lucky for me.

10 years in this business,

that's the first time I nearly scolded someone.

Forget it, sir.

I'll fix your drink, sir.

Fancy his remembering!

Yes,

what extraordinary piece of luck

to land on the very attendant who served her.

And it isn't even Tuesday [giggles].

At least we've established

that she did go down to torquay.

Yes, but since we know she was in London that evening,

what we now have to discover

is how she got back again in time.

Yes.

Oh, Tommy.

I am famished!

Much better if we dine at the hotel.

We can question the waiters, discretely.

Kill two birds with one stone.

[Cutlery clinking]

You mean we're too late?

Out of seasoning,

dinners over at nine,

I'm sorry.

Couldn't we have anything at all?

I could maybe ask the chamber maid

to bring some sandwiches up to your room

if that would be all right.

- Sandwiches? - That'll do nicely,

thank you.

If you'd like to sign the register please, Mr. Blunt.

Oh,

certainly.

By the way,

I understand you had a friend of ours

staying here on Tuesday.

Ms. Una Drake.

Oh yes, I remember her.

Australian, wasn't she?

This is a rather charming photograph of her,

don't you think?

[Gasps] Why, yes it is.

It's caught her expression exactly.

Did she stay here long?

Only the one night.

She caught the express the next morning, back to London.

The next morning?

It did seem rather a long way to go

just for one night.

Still I imagine Australian ladies don't think anything

of travelling such distance.

No, no.

Well, she's a very

adventurous girl.

She's always setting off on adventures.

[Laughs]

It was here, wasn't it?

That she was invited out to dine with friends,

went for a drive,

drove her car into a ditch

and didn't get back till morning?

Oh,

no.

Ms. Drake had dinner here at the hotel.

Oh, are you sure?

I mean, how do you know?

Well I saw her?

Really?

I only asked because we understood

that she had dined with some friends in torquay.

Well no, sir,

she had dinner here at the hotel.

I remember because she wore the most sweet frag.

I felt quite envious.

It was black bugle beaded chiffon.

With a skirt all over pansies.

Very stylish.

Yes it was.

Well, I'll fetch your keys, sir.

[Bell rings]

I'll have your luggage sent up.

And I'll see to the sandwiches,

I'll take care of it myself.

That would be most kind.

Perhaps you should see the headwaiter about Ms. Drake.

He should still be in the dining room,

through the residence lounge.

He's sure to remember her.

Thank you very much.

Oh, I'm sorry, sir,

madam, we're closed.

Yes we know.

But a friend of mine was staying here last Tuesday

and said how ravishing the dining room was.

Oh, perhaps you remember her?

She was wearing a black, bugle beaded dress

with a skirt all over pansies,

I believe.

This lady.

Oh,

Ms. Drake, yes [laughs]

Australian.

So she did dine here.

Last Tuesday, we got talking.

Yes?

She asked me if there was anything

to do afterwards in town.

I told her the theatres are brilliant.

So after dinner she did go out.

No.

No, in the end she decided not to.

She stayed here listening to Mrs. Purvis on the piano.

She plays Monday to Friday.

Saturdays, we have the string ensemble.

Ah.

You don't remember what time she came down for dinner?

Well, it was well after eight o'clock,

there was practically nobody else here.

And what time did she leave?

Let me see.

Sous gougere,

fillet steak,

marmalade tart,

cheese and coffee.

For a slip of a thing, she could surely tuck it away.

It must've been well past 9:00.

She does often liven things up though.

She had Mrs. Purvis playing waltzing Matilda.

And how she laughed!

Oh, it did your heart good to hear it.

Damn castle, blast!

Doubled.

It's all going wrong and it seemed clear and definite.

Well we knew it wouldn't all be plain sane.

Well, it's getting decidedly stormy.

And I still haven't forgiven you

for not letting us have dinner on the train.

When I think of that fresh salmon

and roast sirloin.

I'd forgotten the hotel was out of season.

That's all.

And then when we got here,

you started making sheep's eyes

at that giggling female in reception.

I did not!

Smarming over her.

That is quite uncalled for, tuppence.

And what about you?

Me?

Yes, you.

Your friend, monty,

supposed to be devastated by this Drake girl.

He couldn't keep his eyes off you.

That's different.

Then there was le marchant, even worse.

I mean, he was practically seducing you

in front of my very eyes.

Ladies are used to such attention.

We do not encourage them.

Well tell that to the receptionist.

[Bell ringing]

I'm sorry, darling.

We're both tired and hungry.

And who's fault is that?

The point is this whole investigation's going wrong?

Yes.

Oh, I'm sorry, Tommy.

Yes.

So am I.

[Tommy laughs]

Where's that blasted chamber maid with our sandwiches?

Oh, she's our last hope.

Isn't there any train

that una Drake could have got after nine o'clock?

Not one that would have landed her in London

in time to get to the savoy.

[Knocking on the door]

Ah huh.

That's most welcome.

Good evening, sir.

Good evening, madam.

Put it here, shall I?

Yes, yes, that's fine.

There's ham,

cheese and tomato,

and sardine.

Would you like me to pour?

No, no thanks...

Oh yes,

please.

I wonder if you'd recognise this photograph

of a friend of mine.

I'm afraid not, madam.

I don't know the young lady.

Oh [laughing], how silly of me.

I meant this one.

Oh,

that's the young lady from Australia.

She was in the room two doors along.

She's a friend of yours, madam?

It's because of her we're here.

Fancy.

She's very nice.

Very friendly and talkative.

That's a nice picture of her, that.

Very nice.

So you talked to her?

Oh quite a lot, sir.

She was very interesting.

That evening,

Tuesday evening,

I come in to turn down the bed.

I'm gonna hurry on or I'll be late for dinner.

You're all right, miss.

Just gone eight o'clock.

I wonder if you'd mind helping me.

I can't quite.

There.

Thank you.

Ever such a lovely dress, miss.

Oh, thank you.

You don't mind my asking, but,

you're not English, are you?

Not exactly.

But I'm British,

like gumtrees and kangaroos.

I was born in Melbourne in the state of Victoria.

Where Nellie melba comes from.

The opera singer?

That's her, dame Nellie.

She took her name from there,

melba from Melbourne.

Just fancy.

[Una laughs]

Told me ever such a lot about Australia.

You didn't happen to see her later though.

Well yes, I did.

Because she rang down about 10:00 for a hot water bottle.

And then the next morning she asked for a call at 7:30

with coffee instead of tea.

Now I've worked here for 18 years

and it's very unusual, coffee.

I suppose her being Australian.

And you did call her

and she was in bed.

Oh yes, ma'am, of course.

Only...

Well, I just wondered

if she was doing her exercises or anything.

[Laughs] She often does first thing in the morning.

No, madam, I woke her.

Will that be all?

More than enough.

Thank you.

Good night, then.

Good night.

Well,

that just about tears it.

Into shreds.

Oh, I don't even feel hungry anymore.

No.

Nellie melba.

Waltzing Matilda,

Tuesday's her lucky day,

she's cocking a snook at us.

Oh, at monty Jones, you mean.

Well, one thing's certain.

She now spent Tuesday night

here at the castle hotel.

Oh, no doubt about it.

Which makes your friend, Peter le marchant,

the most accomplished liar

I've ever met.

Though we've yet to check his story

with the people at the table next to him.

The oglanders, yes.

I bet she's banking on us not being able to find them.

Well, we certainly can't, stuck down here.

And there's not...

[both] Another train till morning.

I was rather afraid she'd baffled you.

And we can prove beyond doubt, that she was in torquay.

Oh yes, yes.

She booked-in in person into the castle hotel at about

4:30.

Dined there, slept there,

and did not leave

until she called the express back to town

on Wednesday morning.

I say.

And we can absolutely prove that she wasn't in London.

As soon as Albert returns

from interviewing those people at the next table,

- ogles something... - Oglanders.

Thank you, Mrs. Robinson.

And confirms that Peter le marchant's story

is a complete fabrication.

The case will be closed.

Top hill.

You'll call me at once.

Talk of the devil.

Now I can scoot along and tell una

I have proof she spent the night in torquay.

I wouldn't do that if I was you, sir.

Why not?

Because she was in London.

London?

Without a doubt.

It's not possible.

I mean, she couldn't be in two places at once,

could she?

No.

Well,

what are we going to do about it?

I haven't the faintest idea.

I don't understand.

Neither do I, Mr. Jones.

I think if you'll excuse us,

we should have a professional conference.

Albert.

Yes, yes, of course.

But what am I to say to una?

Oh, nothing for the moment,

we'll be in touch.

I don't like to mention it,

but your advertisement did say,

"results in 24 hours."

We may have to apply for extension.

Good day.

London!

I've just come from Mrs. Oglander.

She spoke to una Drake at 10:40 at savoy.

And she's certain she was still sitting

with Peter le marchant into midnight.

But that's when we could prove

that she was safely tucked up in bed

at the castle hotel.

- Exactly. - Exactly.

Oh, shut up.

It puts us right back where we started.

Further back.

Because now we've verified both stories,

we have nowhere left to turn.

There's just one chance.

Marjorie Lester, una Drake's flatmate.

If you talk to her, Mrs. B,

won't it give the whole game away?

Well, that's a risk we'll have to take.

I'll come with you.

Oh, better not, darling.

It may call for the feminine touch.

[Albert chuckles]

So what did you find out?

[Tuppence] As far as she's concerned,

the Drake gal was there last Tuesday.

In their flat?

Slept there.

And the other thing is that una Drake

does seem to be under some sort of strain.

[Tommy] I'm not surprised.

[Sighs] Well, somebody must be lying.

But who?

The odd thing is it strikes me that nobody was lying.

I know they all seem so straightforward and truthful.

It's just a physical impossibility

for one person to be in two places at the same time.

I suppose there's nothing in the theory of astral bodies.

Astral bodies?

Oh, it couldn't be.

[Tommy] Tuppence.

I've just thought of something.

[Indistinct]

No, I'm not going to tell you.

I'm going to send the cable first.

See you in drift, darling.

Good morning, Albert.

[Albert] Good morning, miss.

Oh what a beautiful day!

Is it?

Where have you been all morning?

Out and about.

Chasing after astral bodies?

Yes, as a matter of fact,

done finding one.

Monty has gone to collect it.

You'll see.

I promise.

Well, if you're so clever,

you can give me a hand with this.

[Tuppence] Oh, you know I'm no good at crosswords.

Just try.

Nine letters.

The pert saw 10,000 of them.

[Tuppence] Daffodils.

I beg your pardon.

10,000, so I had to glance.

A host of golden daffodils.

Wordsworth.

I thought you weren't any good at crosswords.

[Tuppence giggles]

No news of those stolen paintings, is there?

No, not yet.

Good lord!

What?

Star press.

"The body of businessman Peter le marchant

"was found early this morning in his office in the city."

"Death appears to have been caused by a blunt instrument."

"Police suspect fowl play."

You don't suppose.

I'm trying not to.

It couldn't have anything to do with our case, could it?

No, no, it wouldn't.

Una Drake could be very upset.

I think if you're planning to spring something on her,

it might be better to wait.

Oh yes.

Yes.

But I think I better have another word with her flatmate.

You wanted to speak to Marjorie.

I'd hope to.

I'm afraid she's not here.

When will she be back?

She won't be, she doesn't live here anymore.

She doesn't.

Well, it's a small apartment and it's mine.

We've been discussing it for some time.

She decided to move out.

Well, it's just that she didn't mention it yesterday.

You're the reporter who called?

Yes.

I also called last Tuesday.

Well, you wouldn't have caught me,

I spent the night in torquay,

but Marjorie said that you were here.

She was mistaken.

[Chuckles] But you said she saw you in bed in the morning.

Well, you know how it is when you expect to see something,

you see it.

She probably saw an unmade bed and assumed I was in it.

Not that it matters.

No, of course not, Ms. Drake.

Well, Ms...

Robinson.

Robinson,

how can I help you?

I'm writing an article on women in the professions

for society illustrated

and

well, as Marjorie is unavailable,

perhaps you could help me.

As an editor of an arts magazine

and notable in London society,

I'm sure my readers would find it fascinating, Ms. Drake.

[Exhales] I see.

Well, I'm afraid it's only a very small magazine

and I'm only on the outer fringes of society.

Your readers may not find my life too glamorous.

Naturally, I don't want to disturb you

so soon after the death of your friend,

Peter le marchant.

Peter le marchant?

Yes, it was a shock.

We weren't really close friends.

I hadn't seen him for several weeks.

But it was upsetting.

Look, I'm sure you'd understand.

I don't feel like giving an interview just now.

I

Quite understand.

Well I wish I did.

You mean she now denies being in London at all on Tuesday?

Yes.

She claimed she was in torquay.

But why go to the length

of setting up to elaborate alibis

and then throw one away?

I know.

And why is she so desperate now,

to prove that she wasn't with Peter le marchant

last Tuesday.

And nothing happened to him last Tuesday?

I know.

[People chattering]

Sorry about this stuff.

I called the press association as soon as you'd gone.

There's no such paper as society illustrated.

So I decided to follow you.

Ms. Drake...

You two have been hired by that idiot monty Jones,

haven't you?

There seems little point in denying it,

Ms. Drake.

I might've expected him to go running for help.

Well you can tell him the bet's off.

I can appreciate how you feel.

I doubt it.

And I'd appreciate it

if you and monty would stay out of my affairs from now on.

Just for the record, Ms. Drake.

Which of the alibis was the true one?

Torquay, but it's of no importance, now.

It is important, Ms. Drake,

because you're lying and we want to know why.

How dare you!

You were in London.

I can prove it.

What proof?

Nothing but circumstantial evidence and hearsay.

Oh no, something a little more positive than that.

Why don't you want anyone to know

that you were with Peter le marchant that evening?

You're bluffing.

I assure you, we're not.

It would be better for you, if you weren't so clever.

I want both of you to stay out of my affairs.

Give me the gun.

You're not going to use it.

_ don't be so sure.

You won't use it because that would be foolish.

And you're not a fool.

Get back over there!

Shooting us won't do any good, una.

You've lost the bet.

Not anyone that knows that.

I'm in so far already.

She's on her way here.

I don't believe you.

She'll be here any minute.

Well, that's a chance I'll have to take.

[Knocking on door]

Don't answer!

Una,

- I've brought... - Vera.

Una.

- Are you all right? - What are you doing here?

You were to stay away,

you've spoiled everything.

I was worried about you.

They said you're in trouble.

[Una gasps]

You better let me have that.

Astral bodies.

[Una crying]

Gemini.

Twins.

Don't cry, it's all right.

When she got off the channel steamer,

I couldn't believe it.

It was the only thing left.

That cable I sent to Melbourne.

The answer I received was that

una Drake's twin sister Vera arrived in London last Monday.

And Vera was the one in torquay.

Una had to stay in London because she was alone.

Vera agreed to help her.

And then left for Italy the next day

to go on with her tour.

But how did you know where to find her?

Luckily she'd left a forwarding address

at her Australia house.

And I found the consulting room.

Will someone tell me what's going on?

What's wrong?

We were hoping that your sister would tell us that, Vera.

We'd like to be able to help her.

No one can.

Is it something to do with Peter le marchant?

I thought I loved him.

It was partly because of him I wanted to be rid of monty.

So I set up the alibis.

I knew Vera was coming over and she would join in.

I didn't think anyone could solve them,

but today you tried to pretend

that you hadn't seen Peter le marchant for some time.

Was it because you were afraid?

Were you with him last night?

Yes, I saw him.

I went to his office.

We had an argument.

I killed him.

[Gasps] Una!

You better tell us about it.

I had gambling debts.

I'd hit a losing streak

and plunged deeper trying to settle them.

I couldn't clear them up.

And then Peter said he could suggest a way for us both

to make money with no risk.

Something criminal?

I have many contacts in museums and art galleries.

I was to check out their security

and tell him of any objects of special value.

He would arrange to have them stolen

and export them to buyers abroad.

But you didn't let yourself

get involved in something like that.

Yes.

Oh, una!

The paintings from the wordsworth gallery.

That was to be the last.

I was only doing it because I was desperate.

The herrick paintings

were the most valuable we'd ever handled

and with my share I could pay off the bookmakers

and be free of them for good.

But I couldn't get my share out of Peter.

Always made an excuse for not seeing me.

But last night, I knew he was working late.

So I went to his office.

[Mysterious music]

[Hammer and nails clanking]

Peter.

Una, who let you in?

Peter, I wait any longer.

You're gonna have to, my dear.

I must have that money.

Do you think I keep amounts like that in the office?

Peter, I'm nearly frantic.

You could do with a drink.

It's not like you to be so emotional.

Some of the bookers that have started threatening me.

They won't wait forever.

We ought to start planning our next job.

I told you I'm finished with that.

Don't be crazy.

How else are you gonna make that kind of money?

Oh, I only did it to get myself out of this mess.

I hated myself for it, I can't go on with it.

You're serious.

That's a pity.

Well,

I could let you have maybe

500 pounds.

I need more than that.

Better take it.

What do you mean?

That's your share?

But you got over 30,000 for those paintings.

I'm in for a third of that.

You were in,

but now,

unless you change your mind about the next job.

That's all I'm prepared to give you.

Peter.

Perhaps it's as well with splitting up.

I don't like private detectives coming round here,

asking questions about you.

Oh, I explained that monty must've hired them

you know something, you played this all wrong.

Instead of cooking up that alibi business to get rid of him,

you should have asked him for the money.

Asked him?

He'd have settled your debts.

He's stupid enough.

How can you even suggest such a thing?

I thought you cared about me.

You were useful.

And you're pretty.

I was useful to you?

That's all you wanted me for?

Well all right, it's over.

But I'm not leaving here

until you hand over what you owe me.

Or what?

You'll go to the police.

[Peter laughs]

You better take the 500.

Before I change my mind and throw you out [laughs].

- You [smacks una]. - [Una screams]

Now get out.

And you'll keep your mouth shut

if you know what's good for you.

[Tense music]

Peter.

Peter.

Peter.

[Una crying]

Una.

Oh, you heard her.

She didn't mean it, it was an accident.

Are you going to call the police?

I'm afraid we have to.

I'm sorry, Vera.

Tuppence, could you take them into your office?

You can sit with her until they arrive.

Thank you.

She'll get off, won't she?

Possibly.

If she tells it like that.

She'll still have to stand trial for the arts theft.

She'll need a good lawyer.

I'll make sure she has the best there is.

It's very decent of you, Mr. Jones.

I mean,

I know she probably still won't look at me,

but...

Is there anything else one can do?

Yes.

Perhaps you get rid of this.

I don't think we need mention it.

You're pretty decent too, Mr. Blunt.

Well.

Quite by chance

we seem to have solved three cases at once.

Dear sir, is this a record?

Tell me, have you realised

that we'll be offered the reward from the art gallery?

It had occurred to me.

Hardly seems right.

After all it just fell into our laps.

I suppose we could always give it back.

Well certainly not.

I could think of all sorts of things we can do with it.

How about a weekend in torquay?

[Both laughing]

[Cheerful music]