Original subtitles

DISHES CLATTER - CHURCH BELL RINGS

Are you alright, dear?

Just a little nervous.

Now, you're sure you still want to go through with it?

Yes... it's what I want.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR.

POLICE OFFICER: Open up, it's the police...

"Were there brought unto him little children

that he should put his hands on them and pray.

And the disciples rebuked them.

But Jesus said, suffer little children

and forbid them not to come unto me

for of such is the kingdom of Heaven

The Lord has made clear his love for all of us...

Maude? - Don't worry they haven't got any evidence.

On the contrary...

I've persuaded a couple of your victims to confess.

They're not victims. It's a woman's right what she does with her own body!

Well, it appears the thought of eternal damnation

is stronger than your left-wing propaganda.

You mean you've put the fear of God into them!

She could go down for years!

Back off! Back off!

Or I'll arrest you, as well.

Get off.

You're a dead man. Do you hear me?

Dead!

Morning Father, Mrs M.

Morning Bunty!

I'll be driving to the finishing school for the fundraiser later.

Would you like a lift?

Finishing school?

Yes!

I have some errands to attend to, I'll make my own way.

Oh, I'll see you there.

Apparently there's going to be lots of top totty

from the gentlemen's college attending.

Well, isn't that typical.

No wonder you didn't last long at your finishing school.

Well those places just teach you to be a subservient little debutante, anyway.

Isn't that right, Father?

Well, I think you could learn a thing or two from those nice, young ladies.

Isn't that so, Father?

Well from what I hear, one of "those nice young ladies"

has had a baby to a married man.

A married man?

The school's handyman... Jimbo.

Chm!

GIRLS SING: # What shall we have that killed the deer #

# His leather skin and horns to wear #

# Then sing him home, the rest shall bear #

# The rest shall bare his burden #

# Take thou no scorn to wear the horn #

# It was a crest ere thou wast born... #

MISS ROSEWOOD: Louder! And pronounce those vowels.

GIRLS SING: # The horn, the horn, the lusty horn #

# ls not a thing to laugh to scorn... #

# The horn, the horn, the lusty horn #

# ls not a thing to... # - MISS ROSEWOOD: Cecilia!

That is not how a young lady conducts herself.

But Miss Rosewood...

you said that to stand out from other debutantes

we need to have a competitive spirit.

Yes, but when one is being competitive

one must do it with decorum.

Always with decorum.

Cecelia! I need to speak to you.

There's a surprise.

I'm very disappointed in you.

You've been reading those disgusting, ungodly novels again.

I found this in your room.

So, you've been rummaging through my drawers again?

Enough of your wise-cracks, young lady.

I'm trying to help you be a better person.

Perhaps I need to be disciplined.

At boarding school...

I was forever being put over someone's knee.

Sometimes...

physical pain is the only language sinful behaviour understands.

GIRLS CONTINUE SINGING IN THE BACKGROUND

You do know that Daddy is a high court judge?

GIRLS SING: # The horn, the horn, the lusty horn #

# ls not a thing to laugh to scorn... #

HE SNIFFS DEEPLY

HE GRUNTS

GIRLS SING: # What shall we have that killed the deer #

# His leather skin and horns to wear... #

JIMBO: Alright?

I should get banged up more often. Never seen you so passionate.

I can't believe they've let you out.

Let me look at you...

Take me home.

Thank you for coming, Father.

This is Mrs McCarthy.

Parish Secretary.

So, how is the little chap?

He's just perfect, Father. You should see him.

It's a wonder the poor mite was born at all.

Well, that's all in the past.

I'm sure Nell hasn't asked us here to be lectured to.

I know you don't approve of what I tried to do.

But, at the time, I didn't feel I had a choice.

No matter what, the taking of a child's life

can never be the answer.

Have you thought about dates for baptism?

That's not actually the reason I asked you here, Father.

I've been disowned by my family.

And Rosewood's won't take me back.

So you have nowhere to live?

No. And if I don't find somewhere before I'm discharged...

they'll take my baby away.

Well, there is always the mother and baby home.

No... No I've heard what happens in those places.

Children always end up being adopted.

And would that be such a bad thing?

You need to think about what is best for your child.

Father, please, help me.

BABIES CRY IN THE DISTANCE

I will talk to the bishop...

and contact some charitable institutions.

SHE SIGHS IN RELIEF

Thank you.

And what about the father?

Can he not be called on to help?

Exactly ten to a row.

Miss Rosewood, may I have a word about the girls?

How many more times, they are young ladies.

Indeed. As their religious instructor...

my concerns have been growing.

Please don't rake up Nell's pregnancy again.

That "pregnancy" has recently become a baby!

Fathered by one of our ex-employees.

An isolated incident.

But is it only a matter of time before it happens again?

Some of our girls-- - Ladies.

...seem a little obsessed by...

by... sexual matters.

And I think that is partly down to what is being taught.

How dare you! - For example...

that, uh, maypole song, "the lusty horn" -

it sounds rather obscene to me.

Reverend Willard, are you questioning the morality of the Bard?

Who the hell is the Bard?

It is a song from, "As You Like It" by William Shakespeare.

Nevertheless-- - Now, as an American

I don't expect you to know such things.

But what I do expect is for you to trust in my judgment.

Please don't take that tone.

As business partners, I hoped we'd have some kind of

special relationship by now...

If you'll excuse me. The guests will be arriving shortly.

I suggest you pray for some better weather.

Miss Rosewood!

For the welfare of the students, can't we at least try to be friends?

Reverend Willard...

I am very grateful to you

for your financial contribution to my school...

"Our" school.

But if it's friendship you want...

I suggest you buy a dog.

GIRLS LAUGH IN THE BACKGROUND

HE SIGHS

"The lusty horn..."

"Tis not a thing to laugh to scorn".

Filthy, little strumpet.

Forgive me.

Smite the offending hand, Lord.

HE GRUNTS IN PAIN

Smite the offending hand!

HE BREATHES ERRATICALLY

JIMBO AND MAUDE GIGGLE

JIMBO: Which is true, really. - MAUDE: Absolutely.

Now you're free, I hope it's gonna be a new start?

What do you mean?

Well, you know what I'm talking about. - Jimbo...

I can't just abandon everything I believe in.

Women in this country are treated like cattle.

But they'll put you away again. - Then so be it.

So many have their lives ruined by unwanted pregnancies.

JIMBO GROANS - I'm not gonna stop.

Maude... - I thought you understood?

I do, but... - Then don't ask me to change.

I'm sorry...

Wait here. - What are you doing?

Bluebells. Your favourite.

FATHER BROWN: Maude!

IMPACT THUD

No! - CAR CRASHES

LIQUID POURS - ICE CLINKS

VOICE OVER TANNOY: Here at the Rosewood Finishing School

we focus on teaching social graces and cultural rites

as preparation for the entry into society

with Englishness and patriotism at the heart of everything we do.

Here, our young ladies demonstrate...

MISS ROSEWOOD: Oh, I'm so glad Father Brown can make it.

I was hoping he would give some spiritual guidance to my students.

Well, what about the Reverend?

MISS ROSEWOOD: Well, he does his best.

But he's no substitute for an English clergyman.

VOICE OVER TANNOY: ...demonstrations of cocktail making

cake decorating, and flower arranging.

MRS MCCARTHY: Well, I must say, your young ladies

have done themselves, and you, proud.

That was a wonderful demonstration.

That's most kind of you. Would you excuse me a moment, Mrs McCarthy.

You're not seriously impressed?

Why wouldn't I be?

All that posing and prancing... it's so demeaning!

They're like pampered pooches.

Bunty!

Bunty... - How divine to see you after so long.

We went to the same boarding school together for a term.

Before you were expelled, no doubt.

Yes... thanks to you!

Oh, you're not still sore about that? It was just high jinks.

Oh, like when you put a spider down my dress.

I'm sorry, I was a little wild back then.

Would you like a drink? - Stiff one.

Oh, there's no alcohol, I'm afraid.

Oh! I'm terribly sorry.

You did that on purpose!

Now, why would I do that?

Because you're a spoilt little brat.

MRS MCCARTHY: Oh, Penelope...

CECILIA GASPS

You wouldn't dare.

Oh, wouldn't I?

GASPING Oh!

MRS MCCARTHY: Oh!

CAMERA CLICKS

There was nothing you could do.

MALLORY: We've got all we need from you, Padre

so don't overstay your welcome.

So you were in the woods...

Yeah.

I was getting flowers for Maude.

Do you think it's an accident?

More than likely.

Just spoken to the owner of the van, sir.

A Mrs Kempton...

She owns the farm shop at the top of the hill.

Forgot to put the handbrake on, did she?

Apparently not.

She insists she checked and she left it in gear.

So it wasn't an accidental death.

And neither will yours be if you don't sling your cassock!

And until we know all the facts

don't go blabbing to anyone about what's happened.

GIRLS SING: # And did those feet in ancient time #

# Walk upon England's mountains green... #

MRS MCCARTHY: Father...

you will not believe what Penelope just did.

I was provoked! - Oh...

I've just seen Maude Riley die.

Suspected murder.

Murder?

But who on earth would do such a thing?

FATHER BROWN: What time did you get here?

Around quarter past eleven.

Who was here when you arrived?

Father Brown...

Say nothing about Maude yet.

MISS ROSEWOOD: I'm so glad you could make it.

FATHER BROWN: Well, I'm sorry I missed the start

but I've been visiting an ex-student of yours...

Nell Winford. - Yes.

A most unfortunate business. I wish I could do more to help.

Well, she's about to be made homeless.

I don't suppose you would consider...

taking her back?

With a baby?

Father, it would destroy the school's reputation.

I am, after all, preparing young ladies to become debutantes...

to be presented at court.

So outdated.

Well, perhaps she could stay with you for a few days?

Oh no chance! My parents are coming to stay and I'm on final warning.

POLICE CAR BELL RINGS - ENGINE ROARS

GLASS CLINKS

HE EXHALES DEEPLY

METAL CLINKING

GUN CLICKS

MISS ROSEWOOD: Surely you don't think Maude's killer is someone from here?

Well, since she used to be the school nurse, I need to speak to certain people.

Starting with you.

Well, it was no secret that I couldn't stand the woman.

Maude was immoral...

Evil.

Misguided, yes, but not evil.

I rather liked her.

How did you get here so quickly?

Shortcut through the woods.

Well, stay out of my way.

We'll continue this inside. Reverend...

Sergeant, how long did it take to drive here from the scene of the crime?

About twenty minutes.

About the same time as my shortcut.

I witnessed Maude's death at 11 o'clock...

What are you blathering on about, Padre?

Well, Mrs McCarthy saw the Reverend here when she arrived at 11:15.

And I saw Miss Rosewood and Cecelia at about the same time.

So the killer can't be one of them, sir.

Carry on like that, sergeant, and I'll promote you to the DBO.

DBO?

Department for the bleedin' obvious!

BABY CRIES

TELEPHONE RINGS IN THE BACKGROUND

So you're absolutely sure when you arrived?

Positive.

Reverend Willard!

GIRLS SCREAM - THEY ALL GASP

You killed my wife.

YOU!

She meant everything to me.

That's not what I'd heard...

JIMBO: Shut up! Shut your mouth!

You better start praying. - Jimbo, stop.

I'll radio for assistance, sir.

You stay where you are.

Please. Put the rifle down.

I can't, Father.

You pull that trigger, lad...

and you'll end up dangling from the end of a rope.

Then maybe I should shoot you, as well.

Seeing as you helped put her away, didn't you?

I'd leave it to Father Brown.

FATHER BROWN: Jimbo, listen.

Listen!

The Reverend was here when Maude was killed.

There are witnesses.

I know he's killed her.

Why? - Has to be him. He hated her.

Ever since she rejected his advances.

That's a damned lie!

But what if you're wrong?

Jimbo...

I'll do a deal with you.

Put the rifle down...

and I'll find out what happened.

JIMBO WHIMPERS How?

I don't know.

But I'll get to the truth.

And I will bring Maude's killer to justice.

You have my word.

HE EXHALES DEEPLY

I promise.

GUN FIRES - GASPING

BUNTY SCREAMS No!

FATHER BROWN: Mrs McCarthy!

Get after him, Sergeant!

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

MALLORY: There it is, on the left. Pull over by the woods.

I can't believe you let him get away.

There's no sign of him, sir.

Obviously! But he can't have got far.

DOOR SLAMS: - DAIRY DRIVER: Oi, can I go now?

Yes! Thank you.

Now, will you stop fussing. I fainted, that's all.

Mrs M, you were hit by a bullet.

Oh, for goodness sake, it grazed my shoulder.

Nothing more.

Grazed or not, Mrs McCarthy, you are in hospital

being treated for a gunshot wound.

I'm very thankful you're still with us.

Me too.

WOMAN'S VOICE: Give me my baby. I want my baby!

BABY CRIES

You can't take him, he's mine.

Is there something wrong?

They're discharging me tomorrow morning

so I ran away before they could take him.

Did you manage to speak to the Bishop?

He won't let an unmarried mother stay at the presbytery.

Come along.

But I will find somewhere for you and the baby to stay.

INDISTINCT CHATTER

Please. There's no need to leave.

Uh, we still have a full afternoon of events.

Uh, in a short while

the students from the Trundell's Gentleman's College

will perform a morris dance

and, of course, we have plenty of refreshments.

DUCKS QUACK

WATER SPLASHES

Jimbo! - Sorry.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I'm sorry.

What are you doing back here? The police will find you.

Listen.

Listen to me. I never meant to hurt Mrs McCarthy.

I know.

I'm in the old boathouse.

I'm gonna need some food and water.

What makes you think I'll help?

Because you've always liked me.

Or at least I thought you have.

You've scratched yourself.

Wait here.

I won't be long.

Thank you.

FATHER BROWN: Mrs McCarthy, while you're here...

would you mind having a word with Nell?

What could I possibly have to say to that girl?

She has the morals of an alley cat.

Well, she knew Maude quite well.

She might have some new information.

I'll see what I can do. - And while we're at it...

we should find out if anyone bore a grudge against Maude at the school.

You mean apart from the Reverend?

Penelope...

I am not going back to finishing school.

What. ...?

Father...

How's Mrs McCarthy?

She's doing very well. Thank you.

SHE SIGHS IN RELIEF

After what's happened, do you think I should cancel the rest of the day?

Not at all.

I have always admired your steadfast compartment, Miss Rosewood.

Well, I suppose my upper lip has always been somewhat stiffer than most.

SHE SIGHS. - Yes?

Despite what people think...

my intention is not just to teach etiquette and social graces

but to give young ladies a sense of purpose... of pride.

And you feel you've failed in that respect?

After what happened with Nell, I don't know anymore.

Mrs McCarthy said you'd like me to be a moral mentor to the students?

Nothing official. Just a... a little...

help from time to time.

I'd be honoured to.

Thank you.

FATHER BROWN: I'm a little worried about Bunty.

MISS ROSEWOOD: I can see why.

I'm trying to persuade her to go back to finishing school.

I don't suppose you'd...

Accept her as a student?

FATHER BROWN: Just for the weekend. To show her what she's missing.

Leave it with me, Father.

Er, Cecelia?

MALLORY: There's no point struggling.

Thanks for the tip-off.

REVEREND: "The evil finally delivered to the righteous"!

MISS ROSEWOOD: Inspector, e-e-escort this man from the premises pronto!

SHE SIGHS Cecelia...

CECILIA: Umm...

Would you show Miss Windermere the dormitories?

She needs a school uniform.

Ladies and gentleman.

Our very own Reverend Willard will now lead the morris dance.

You can sleep in Figgy Erquart's bed.

She's away skiing in the Alps.

Don't try and be nice. I know it's an act.

Bunty... a woman's been murdered.

So our rivalry seems rather silly now, don't you think?

Yes.

I'll find you a uniform.

SCRATCHY MUSIC PLAYS

BELLS JINGLE

REVEREND LAUGHS CRAZILY

One of England's most underrated traditions...

dating back to the 15th century.

Originally, it was performed at court...

SOMEONE COUGHS AND CHOKES HEAVILY

HE CHOKES

Get the Inspector!

CECILIA: Inspector, it's the Reverend.

MALLORY: Watch him.

Stay back from the body!

And nobody leave the premises.

MISS ROSEWOOD: Ladies and gentlemen. - Father?

MISS ROSEWOOD: If you could all kindly retire to the house

and I will serve you some refreshments.

The Reverend's jacket?

He hung it here before he did the morris dance.

What are you up to, Padre?

Reverend Willard's snuff has a slight odour of garlic.

Stop tampering with evidence.

I remember the smell from the trenches.

They used it to get rid of vermin.

Rat poison?

Don't touch anything else.

Any suspects Inspector?

You don't need suspects when the killer has already been arrested.

Jimbo.

He'd already threatened the Reverend twice.

And you think he killed his wife, as well?

Enough of the questions, Padre!

Who do you think you are... a ruddy quiz master?

Has she got fleas or something?

They're letting me go home later today

so I thought I'd pop in and see how you are doing?

I'm not that much of a fool, Mrs McCarthy.

Sorry?

It was Father Brown's idea, wasn't it?

To look out for me.

Well-- - I know what you think of me.

Please... I'd rather you were honest.

Very well.

I think you have been rather selfish...

with all the opportunities in life that you have been given

to throw them all away like that...

I never meant to.

Whatever were you thinking of?

Well, that's just it...

I wasn't.

And what's that supposed to mean?

I... I... I didn't even know...

what was going on...

until it was over.

Are you telling me that you...

that you really were that naive?

Lull

I was... taken advantage of

by an older man from the school.

And a married man.

Jimbo was a married man.

It wasn't him.

But there are no other men in the school...

except...

except...

What on earth are these uniform's made of?

Judging by her reaction, I'd say Cecelia's rather fond of Jimbo.

I... I have to take this off!

I can't stand it.

Oh! That girl is beyond hope, Father!

I've changed my mind. Please, take her away.

Miss Windermere!

SHE WRETCHES

Not again!

What I don't understand is why everyone thought Jimbo was the father?

It was Reverend Willard who started the rumours...

so no one would suspect him.

And you never thought to tell anyone the truth?

The Reverend can be quite frightening.

And anyway, he's "a man of God".

No one would believe it.

Will Miss Rosewood die?

Well, she has the same symptoms as the Reverend

so I doubt she'll last long.

FATHER BROWN: "Ruta Graveolens".

Common rue plant.

You put this in my uniform.

Miss Windermere... didn't recognise you with your clothes on.

It's her fault.

Spare me the cat-fight.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have more pressing matters.

Goodfellow...

You scheming, little harpy!

Bunty...

Cecelia, where did you find the plant?

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

Liar!

Does the Inspector know that you are fond of Jimbo?

Because if he did, he might think that you've been helping him.

I'll go and tell the Inspector, shall I?

CECILIA: It grows by the lake.

Thank you.

This isn't over.

Mind your legs.

HE HUFFS

Ruta Graveolens.

Nice boat.

Yes.

I know that look...

I still don't understand why the rue plant is important?

Do you think it might have been used to poison Miss Rosewood?

No, it's merely a skin irritant.

She was probably poisoned by the same substance

that killed Reverend Willard.

Oh Father, they're letting me go home at last.

FATHER BROWN: Excellent.

Now there's something I have to tell you about...

about Nell.

It seems it wasn't Jimbo that got her pregnant.

It was the Reverend.

Really?

I know, she must really hate him, but--

You don't think that she killed him?

I wonder if you would both wait here for me for a moment.

I won't be long.

Father Brown.

Miss Rosewood.

They have diluted the poison in your system.

Yes.

But somehow a small amount got into your blood stream.

May I...

Please.

The itchy rash on your legs...

What of it?

Bunty had the same rash.

Rue leaves.

Really?

You must have broken the skin... scratching.

But you had a small residue of rat poison...

on your fingers...

from filling Reverend Willard's snuff box.

How dare you.

SHE SCOFFS

You killed him.

And Maude.

Father, this is absurd.

You, yourself, said that Maude was killed at 11 o'clock.

Yet Bunty and Mrs McCarthy saw me at the school at a quarter past.

That's true.

I could not have driven back so soon.

No. But you could have rowed...

The distance across the lake is much shorter.

And I saw the rowing boat you used...

by a patch of rue leaves.

Why did you hate her so much?

You didn't hear what she said, Father!

It was pure evil!

I was on my way to the farm shop...

And there she was.

Free.

I couldn't believe my ears.

"So many have their lives ruined by unwanted pregnancies".

"I'm not going to stop," she said.

HER VOICE SHUDDERS No.

I had no choice.

I released the handbrake...

knocked it out of gear...

and left it in God's hands.

FATHER BROWN: Maude!

IMPACT THUD

Those poor, little children.

How many more would have died?

Murdering innocents like they meant nothing.

I had to stop her.

FATHER BROWN: But you are a Christian.

You must have known what you did was wrong.

It was God's will

working through me to save the souls of the unborn.

Do you really believe that?

Father, is it wrong to take a life if it saves many more?

You, yourself, went to war.

I did.

But that was different.

No.

Like our brave boys fighting the Nazis...

and the Christians during the crusades.

God was on my side.

The God I know would never sanction murder.

Standing up against evil isn't murder.

"Fight the good fight".

And the Reverend Willard?

Was he evil, too?

He was ungodly and lecherous.

He destroyed Nell's life.

You knew?

I read the letter she sent him, begging for help.

So you poisoned him...

He would have gone on to corrupt others...

forcing himself on them!

Miss Rosewood...

I had to protect my students.

Jesus understands!

Miss Rosewood, you have become deeply misguided.

SHE GASPS AND SNIFFLES - Deranged.

You must repent. You must confess.

You must clear your mind.

No!

SHE SNIFFLES

All I need is God's healing hand.

FATHER BROWN: Miss Rosewood, you are still very ill.

Miss Rosewood, please come back to the ward!

Find a doctor.

SHE BREATHES HEAVILY

SH E BREATHES ERRATICALLY

Miss Rosewood...

you need medical attention.

God works through me.

He will take away the poison.

SHE EXHALES DEEPLY - Miss Rosewood...

you are ill and you need to confess.

I am not a sinner.

Miss Rosewood...

And when the time comes...

I will be admitted into the Garden of Paradise!

AUDIO DISTORTS

BIRDS TWEET - Oh! Oh!

FAINT, ANGELIC SINGING

GIRLS SING FAINTLY # ...in an English country garden #

# Daffodils, heart's ease and flox... #

Father Brown!

I always knew Jesus was an Englishman.

I'm afraid this place is not for you.

CROW SQUAWKS

What do you mean?

FIRE RUMBLES

TENSE MUSIC BUILDS

God has forsaken you!

HIS VOICE ECHOES He has forsaken you!

MAUDE AND REVEREND: Forsaken you!

MAUDE AND REVEREND: Forsaken you! - MISS ROSEWOOD SCREAMS

God has forsaken me, Father!

I'm going to Hell.

No... you are not going to Hell.

Help me. Please!

God is merciful.

He will not turn his back on you in your hour of need.

SHE EXHALES DEEPLY

FATHER BROWN: He is here.

By your side.

I'm ready...

to confess.

SHE SCREAMS

SHE GRIMACES IN ANGER

SHE LAUGHS Yes!

DOG BARKS

Thanks for everything, Father.

I'm glad you've been released.

If you could tell Mrs McCarthy how sorry I am.

Of course.

BELL TOLLS

I'm sorry for your loss.

Must be hard to bare.

Thanks, Father.

CAR DOOR SLAMS

SHE EXHALES DEEPLY

Shall we see how the patient's getting on?

BUNTY: Just checking how you are, Mrs M?

Oh! Fit as a fiddle.

MRS MCCARTHY: Father, any news on Miss Rosewood?

She's expected to make a full recovery.

And she's still under arrest.

And Nell?

A charitable home in Evesham has agreed to take her

but there isn't a place for six weeks.

But if she's homeless until then won't she have to give up the baby?

What?

Well, I...

Mrs M, you haven't? - She has.

Well, only until the move.

She had nowhere else to go.

You said you didn't like her.

"Hate the sin, love the sinner".

You said she was selfish.

No...

And that she had the "morals of an alley cat".

I'm sure I never said any such thing!

You did.

Nell is a delightful girl.

And... I've always said so.

BABY MURMURS

Oh, you'll have to excuse me.

The baby needs feeding.

BABY CRIES

Unbelievable! She is just so--

Generous? Kind-hearted to a fault?

Not the words I was thinking of, Father.

BABY CONTINUES CRYING

SHE SIGHS AND CHUCKLES