Original subtitles

OWL HOOTS

GOODFELLOW: They're 20 minutes late, sir.

SULLIVAN: George Kavanagh's a burglar, Sergeant, not a timekeeper.

He and his merry men will be along here in a minute.

Was he really called "Gorgeous George"?

SULLIVAN: Ten years behind bars should've taken the edge off Kavanagh's boyish charms.

Though not his appetite for crime, it seems.

Ooh... Ah!

Oof!

Uh-huh.

You alright, Davs?

You seem tense.

I'm fine.

You sure your source can be trusted, sir?

Davenport?

He's one of the best informants I've ever had.

SULLIVAN SIGHS

Your Inspector exams, Sergeant.

When do you get the results?

Any day now, sir. Why?

Well, an Inspector post may be about to open up here in Kembleford, Sergeant.

How's that, sir?

Top brass have finally agreed to hear the evidence against my venal boss.

Gonna meet 'em at Scotland Yard in two days' time.

As soon as I get that human toxin purged from the force

I'l be back at my desk in a heartbeat.

Leaving you in charge here, hopefully.

DISTANT RINGING

Can you hear that?

I can, sir.

Let's go!

RINGING GROWS LOUDER

RINGING STOPS

"Don't believe everything you're told."

We've been set up, sir.

Davenport...

DAVENPORT: This is Oakley Manor, right?

No. Westfield House.

What?

Boys.

Boss?

We should get out of here.

Don't worry, Davs.

I've just been at Oakley Manor.

All the cops are staked out up there.

Anyone know why?

Davs?

Silly boy.

GUNSHOT - BODY THUDS

MRS DEVINE: There's some there. There's lots there!

BICYCLE BELL RINGS - Come on... Oh!

Hiya! - Good morning, ladies.

Hello, Father! - Mrs D's teaching me how to "forage".

With some success, it would seem. Is that wild garlic?

It's sent from heaven, just in time for tonight's repast.

It's very thoughtful of you

to invite the Chief Inspector to dinner at the Presbytery.

Oh, the idea of him spending his birthday alone...

Why don't you just invite him to your house?

What would people say? - Well, the truth.

That you two clearly have the hots for each other!

Brenda, please... - What?

It's not against the law.

BRENDA GIGGLES

Odd.

The Stevensons are away in Devon this week seeing their daughter.

Those tyre marks are definitely fresh.

FATHER BROWN: Looks like they've had unwelcome visitors.

In nomine Patris, et Filf et Spiritus Sancti.

Amen.

Burglar kills burglar.

But why kill one of your own?

Was it a quarrel?

Or an execution?

And why leave the body here when they knew that you would find it?

How puzzling.

Or was it, perhaps, a warning?

Not that it's any of your business, Father, but the victim was known to us.

His name was Davenport. He was a crook.

But he was also extremely brave.

This is the work of George Kavanagh.

And I will not rest until that man swings.

Sergeant.

A pathetic lowlife, yes.

But I never had you down as a killer, Kavanagh.

Shows how ten years can change a man.

I'm as harmless as I ever was, Sullivan.

Try again.

Harry Davenport.

He gave us chapter and verse about the Highcliffe raid last week.

Told us how you'd blown the entire proceeds at a poker table the following night.

So some things never change.

This Harry must have quite the imagination.

Cos I've never heard of him.

He also told us about the raid you were planning last night.

But you must have got suspicious about Davenport.

So you fed him the wrong property name.

Once you found out about his betrayal, you finished him off, didn't you?

Last night, I was tucked up early with my Eagle comic and a cocoa.

Though I have to say...

if this bloke really is a snake in the grass...

Well, some might say he got what he deserved.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Well?

We've searched his house. We've searched his car.

We've searched his lock-up.

All clean, sir.

So we've got nothing?

No, sir.

Well, I've had better birthdays, Goodfellow.

CLOCK CHIMES

BRENDA: I'm starving.

Can't we just eat?

One more minute. - But why?

He's clearly not coming.

The Chief Inspector has had a difficult day. - I know.

Coppers, eh?

Ruin things when they're there.

Ruin things when they're not there.

CLOCK CHIMES

It's nine o'clock.

We should eat.

Inspector Goodfellow, Kembleford Police.

Oh! Hello, Superintendent.

Oh, yes, sir. Yeah, I have a black tie.

And I'd be delighted to attend, sir, yeah.

Um... Bye.

Sorry to interrupt, Sergeant.

Sorry, sir, I... I didn't hear you come in, sir.

Allow me to introduce Sergeant Francis.

Very pleased to meet you, Sergeant Goodfellow.

Likewise.

Sergeant Francis has been sent from London ahead of my impending return.

That's... very prompt, sir.

Very sensible, Sergeant.

Given the hearing is such a foregone conclusion, and...

Sergeant Francis here is somewhat of a rising star by all accounts.

I don't know about that, sir.

I hear you'll be taking over from the Chief Inspector when he's gone, Sergeant?

If I pass my exams.

Another safe bet.

Which is why he's making himself so comfortable.

At ease, Sergeant.

Now, I have a contact to meet, so while I'm gone

if you could bring Sergeant Francis up to speed?

Yes, sir. - Very good.

Great-grandfather's watch...

HE SIGHS

I don't suppose I could get a glass of water, Sergeant?

Yeah, of course. I'l leave that there.

Where did you get that?

This drawer. I was just looking for blotting paper.

Do you recognise it?

A ring matching that description was stolen last week by a local gang.

So how did it end up in the Chief Inspector's desk?

Oh, don't tell me you two have fallen out already?

This was in your drawer, sir. - Part of the Highcliffe haul.

Someone must have planted it. Probably one of Kavanagh's men.

Well, yes, I...

I can't see any other explanation for it.

Forgive my forwardness, sir, I know I've only just arrived.

But I assume you won't mind if we search your property?

That will not be necessary.

No, it's alright, Goodfellow. I've nothing to hide.

Be my guest.

CHURCH BELL RINGS

My birthday yesterday. I treated myself.

Here, let me help you with that.

If you don't mind, sir.

SULLIVAN: It's just personal stuff.

Passport, birth certificate...

That...

None of that is mine.

Do you recognise any of this, Sergeant Goodfellow?

I believe they may be items taken from recent robberies in the area.

George Kavanagh clearly planted all of this.

And the ring in my desk.

He's out for revenge.

Could I ask you to turn out your pockets, Chief Inspector?

Yes, sir.

Will do, sir.

Thank you.

Well?

London are sending over a senior officer

to take over the investigation into the Chief Inspector.

That is completely unnecessary.

Meantime, Chief Inspector Sullivan, I have been instructed to arrest you

on suspicion of receiving stolen goods.

What? - You are not obliged to say anything.

Anything you do say may be given in evidence.

Father.

The world turned upside down.

Yes.

I updated Father Brown, sir.

I hope you don't mind.

For once, I'm quite happy to see him.

Found a couple of fingerprints on that chest in your bedroom.

George Kavanagh's?

No, sir. And I couldn't put a name to them.

Well... thank you for trying, Sergeant.

Sir. Father.

LOCK RATTLES

About last night... - No need to apologise.

We quite understand.

I do not, for a moment, believe these charges against you.

However, I am curious to understand your apparent need for cash.

I happened to be passing the pawnbroker's earlier today.

There is an innocent explanation.

Albeit an unhappy one.

A month ago, my parents returned from the pub.

Their house in Woolwich was on fire.

Faulty wiring, according to my Met colleagues.

But they lost everything.

So you've been helping them get back on their feet?

I've been pawning practically everything I own of value and sending them the money.

You are certain that it is George Kavanagh that is framing you?

Positive. I just need to prove it.

Like I also need to prove that he murdered Davenport.

And I need to be in London to testify against my boss.

All of which I can't do while I'm stuck in here.

I cannot promise a solution.

However, we can make a start.

Why don't you tell me everything you know about George Kavanagh?

The Chief Inspector is clearly innocent.

I don't know. You spend that long around bent coppers...

Alright! I'm joking.

Sullivan will be fine.

He'll do what people like him always do.

Pull a few strings and walk away.

I didn't see any optimism when I visited him.

Poor man... He needs our help.

I'm going to prove he's been framed.

How?

I have no idea.

Fingerprints.

The fingerprints, in the Chief Inspector's bedroom.

If they're not George Kavanagh's, I bet they're one of his gangs'.

And if we can prove that, then it would show that the Chief Inspector had been framed...

Oh, right.

So all we've got to do is go and find this gang

and get their fingerprints from ‘em.

Chief Inspector says that George Kavanagh is a poker aficionado.

He plays most nights. And he brings his friends with him.

There can't be many places that you can play poker every night?

Well, at borstal, there was rumours of this secret gambling den.

It'd move around the area to evade the police.

We'd need friends in pretty low places to be able to find that.

I understand the Floating Casino is in Hambleston this week.

You look splendid, Miss Palmer.

I don't get why we have to dress up.

It's not like anyone in there is actually gonna recognise us.

MRS DEVINE: We can't take any chances!

We need to be totally unrecognisable.

I'm reviving my Adelaide from Guys and Dolls.

She's funny, outspoken.

Stubborn. Early 30s...

It's too much?

So, are you both happy with the plan?

"You betcha!"

Maybe lose the accent. - You think?

I will be there with my eyes peeled

but I must ask you both to be careful.

"Gorgeous" George Kavanagh is an extremely dangerous man.

Maybe we should have a safe word.

Something we can say to let the others know we're in danger.

"Help"?

Alright...

"Hercules"?

Hercules it is.

This is going to be so much fun!

It can't be here. It looks empty.

Which is perfect for an illicit residency.

DOOR RATTLES

Shall we?

JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS - INDISTINCT CHATTER

Slightly quieter than usual.

See any gorgeous men?

Nothing special.

GEORGE: At least think about it, Boss.

Don't beg, Kavanagh. It's demeaning.

Good luck.

IN AMERICAN ACCENT: Mr Kavanagh?

Yes? - My, my.

Even more handsome in real life than in the papers.

I'm Adelaide.

Nice to meet you, Adelaide.

I'm Bess.

Hello, Bess.

So, you two ladies looking to have some fun?

Actually...

we're looking for some help.

Boys.

This is Bess.

And this is Adelaide. - Hi.

They'd like a poker lesson.

We really want to lear.

Yeah, we... We even brought our own cards.

Make 'em a drink then, Crafty.

Why don't you have a seat, ladies? - Thank you.

Have we met before?

I don't think so, honey.

Oh... sorry, I don't drink.

Yes, you do, Bess.

Shall we play?

Cheers.

OK, ladies. Let's see what you've got.

A pair of kings for Bess.

Oh, and a full house for Adelaide.

She would've cleared us out again, boys!

My mum always told me, "Lucky in cards, lucky in life."

Are you sure you don't wanna join in?

Gambling is against my religion.

Kembleford Players! That's where I've seen you before.

She was in Guys and Dolls!

I think you got the wrong person, honey.

No, no. You were dressed just like that.

You sounded like that.

Come to think of it...

I'm pretty sure you were called Adelaide.

Um...

Maybe... maybe we should go and check on Hercules?

I think Hercules is fine, Bess.

Erm... lam...

just gonna go...

powder my nose.

Oh, my gosh!

Sorry! - Not a problem.

What gives, "Adelaide"?

What's happened?

One of them recognised Mrs Devine.

They're getting suspicious.

We need to get her out of there.

SHE WHISPERS: Hercules!

Hercules!

We haven't got the key. - Yeah, I know.

A friend taught me that in borstal.

Can't believe it actually worked!

I don't suppose they taught you how to start the...?

ENGINE STARTS

GEARBOX GRINDS

ENGINE CLUNKS

Shame they didn't teach you how to drive.

Sergeant Goodfellow has had a search party out since last night.

They may find her.

This is all my fault!

There's no way she would've exposed herself to such a risk if I wasn't cooped up in here.

Have you any idea where George Kavanagh's hideaway could be?

That man, he's...

turned identifying empty properties into an artform.

He'll be camped out in some basement while the owners are away.

But where is anyone's guess.

I established last night...

that Kavanagh answers to a boss.

Did you get a name? - No.

But he uses a stick.

LOCK RATTLES

Sorry to interrupt, sir.

The senior officer from London, he's arrived.

TAPPING SOUND

You?

That's no way to address your superior officer, Chief Inspector.

You're no one's "superior", Alford.

Asking God for miracles already, I see?

Leave us, Father.

Of course.

Now then, what a sorry turn of events this is.

Which all of a sudden makes complete sense.

Meaning?

George Kavanagh fitted me up, with your help.

All to stop me giving evidence against you.

One night in a cell

and madness has already set in.

We found these in your desk at home.

You've wired over £200 in cash in the past two weeks.

To my parents.

Every penny my own.

Stolen jewellery and cash?

We both know how bad this looks, don't we, Sullivan?

Why don't you just come clean?

That's rich, coming from you.

Don't you think this pathetic vendetta has gone on long enough?

Let Sergeant Francis know when you're ready to confess.

You listen here.

Last night, your little chum Kavanagh kidnapped a woman named Isabel Devine.

I demand that you tell him to let her go.

She doesn't deserve to be caught up in any of this.

Mad.

GEORGE: Alright, let's try this again, shall we...

"Adelaide"?

Who you working for?

Right, Sergeant.

As I have just agreed with Sergeant Francis

you have only one priority today

and that is to get Chief Inspector Sullivan to confess his sins.

With respect, sir, we still have Mrs Devine's kidnap

and the murder of Harry Davenport to investigate.

With respect, Sergeant

if this woman really has been kidnapped, then where's the ransom note?

I think it's more likely that she's evading the attentions

of Chief Inspector Sullivan who appears rather soft on her.

And this "murder" you allude to?

Criminal scum disposing of criminal scum.

What we refer to in the Met as a "victimless crime".

We have witnesses who can confirm Mrs Devine's abduction.

And Harry Davenport was bravely assisting us when he lost his life.

Your name again please, Sergeant?

Goodfellow, sir.

I suggest, Goodfellow...

that you try and live up to your name

and do as you're told.

Good morning.

I saw you.

Thick as thieves, the two of ya!

Following orders from a senior officer isn't a crime, Sergeant.

If you're stitching up the Chief Inspector then I'm sorry, but it is.

I'm not stitching anyone up.

The Chief Inspector is a decent, honest man.

And nothing you two can do or say will persuade me otherwise!

I thought you were really good, by the way.

Guys and Dolls.

West End material. And... I wouldn't say that lightly.

Y'know, I'm a very tough critic.

It's Jackson, isn't it? - That's right.

Well, Jackson, you're clearly a man of taste.

Don't judge a book by its cover, that's what I say.

Absolutely.

SHE WHISPERS: Can I ask you a favour?

Depends.

It's about Chief Inspector Sullivan.

What about him?

Chief Inspector Sullivan is an honest...

decent man.

And he doesn't deserve what your boss has done to him.

So I'm asking you to find some compassion

and tell the police he's been framed.

You're in love with him, aren't you?

I am not.

He just doesn't deserve to have his life ruined for something he didn't do.

You're definitely in love with him.

CRAFTY: Boss is here.

He wants to see the girl.

I was expecting something a bit more... conventional.

Well, I didn't expect a corrupt policeman.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

I... 1just found out she's totally smitten with the Chief Inspector.

Well, that seals it then.

This is Mrs Isabel Devine.

And this, gentlemen...

is Sullivan's Achilles heel.

Worth her bloody weight in gold to you then, eh, sir?

So, about that new deal.

High quality babysitting doesn't come cheap these days.

Isn't that right, chaps?

Not now, George. - "Not now, not now." So when?

You're pretty exposed here, Superintendent.

We could make life very difficutt....

GUNSHOT - SHE GASPS

BODY THUDS

Anyone else had enough of babysitting?

LOCK RATTLES

Where is she?

If you or anyone lays a finger on that woman...

Why don't you find her yourself, Chief Inspector?

I'm giving you bail.

What do you want?

Superintendent Alford told me there were rumours that the Chief Inspector was corrupt.

He got me assigned here to look for evidence.

Which I found.

You probably planted the evidence yourself. - No, Sergeant.

I would never do that, because I want to make the police force cleaner.

Forgive me if I find that a little bit hard to believe.

Look...

I looked up to the Superintendent. Trusted him.

But when he told us both not to investigate the kidnap

or the murder, well, it didn't feel right.

So I made some enquiries.

The fire at the Chief Inspector's parents' house

was investigated by a PC named Martha Boston.

So? - I know WPC Boston.

She was accused of doctoring evidence a year ago.

But she was let off with a caution...

by a certain senior officer.

Superintendent Afford.

So the copper who was investigating that fire owed Alford a favour?

THEY GRUNT

What a surprise... - Shut up.

Listen. You've got 30 minutes to confess.

Or what?

It's the last time you see her alive.

We can give you a few extra minutes for this.

Chief Inspector?

What's happened? - One of Kavanagh's goons. He...

I've got till one o'clock to confess to receiving stolen goods

or they'll kill Isabel.

They drove her by in the car, and...

She made the sign of a cross.

Oh... She must be petrified.

At least we know she's still alive.

Please tell me you've made some headway finding the hideout.

Where are you going?

To the station. To confess.

Do you really believe Alford will let her go?

That man needs to be stopped.

Justice must be done.

Yeah, and also, for a copper...

you're not the worst of 'em, so...

don't hand yourself in.

What's that?

Gangster's dandruff. - Eurgh.

That's not dandruff. It's flour.

Oh!

What?

The Jenkins' mill...

and they're away.

You think that's where they're keeping Mrs Devine?

She told you as much.

It's called Whitecross Mill.

Ten minutes for lover-boy to fall on his sword.

CRAFTY MAKES TICKING NOISE

If you do let me go, how do you know I'm not gonna report what I've seen here?

I'm pretty confident you won't breathe a word.

CRAFTY MAKES GUNSHOT NOISE

Well, come on then, you might as well tell me.

Which of you shot Davenport?

Come on.

A dead woman can tell no tale.

JACKSON: It was George.

STICK TAPS - ALFORD: But he was following orders.

One bad apple.

Spoils the whole barrel.

BRENDA: Look... Now what?

We break in. Don't make a sound.

No, nothing's open.

Let's go round the other side. - DOOR OPENS

Well done, Brenda.

DISTANT VOICES

MRS DEVINE: If you do let me go, how do you know

I'm not gonna report what I've seen here?

LOUD KNOCKING

FOOTSTEPS RUN

Nicely done, Father.

Isabel?

Oh...

Is this the cavalry, Sullivan?

I'm so sorry.

It's my fault, not yours.

Alright, this is what's going to happen.

I'm going to walk out of here, I'm going to get in my car and drive away.

And when I'm five miles away, I'm going to let your sweetheart go.

It's not true. He's gonna kill me.

You'll have to shoot all three of us, Alford, before you go anywhere.

And Sergeant Goodfellow's armed flying squad is moments away.

HE GRUNTS

It's the wrong way round.

Nice try.

But I played the lead in Annie Get Your Gun.

Give it to me, Isabel. I want to rid the world of this poison.

No, Edgar. That's not who you are!

THEY GRUNT

ALFORD YELLS

Alan Alford... I'm arresting you for the following offences.

For the murders of George Kavanagh

and Harry Davenport...

Conspiracy to commit burglary throughout England

and for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

You are not obliged to say anything, but anything you do say may be given in evidence.

Goodbye... sir.

They've just picked up Jackson and Crafty, sir.

They were driving at 60 through Stroud.

Good, good. Excellent.

Everything alright, Sergeant?

My Inspector's exams.

I passed. With distinction.

Well, well.

I never doubted it for a moment.

Well done, Goodfellow. - Thank you, sir.

I also have news.

London called.

They want me back at my desk tomorrow.

Congratulations, sir.

Which also means an Inspector's post here is vacant.

My glowing reference will get you the job.

Thank you, sir. I... I don't know what to say.

You'll make a great Inspector, Sergeant Goodfellow.

You must be relieved to be going back to London, Chief Inspector?

Erm... Yes, of course.

It's what I've been waiting for since I got here.

Father.

How is Mrs Devine?

Tired, shaken...

but mostly relieved.

Glad to hear it.

And you'll all be relieved to hear that Kembleford

will be finally shot of me tomorrow.

The Chief Inspector's got his old job back, Father.

Kembleford's loss will be London's gain.

Chief Inspector, may I invite you to spend your last evening

in Kembleford at St Mary's Presbytery?

Mrs Devine will be very keen to tell you all her adventures.

And you cannot leave Kembleford without sampling her marvellous cooking.

I'd be delighted, Father.

CHURCH BELL CHIMES

That was truly...

delicious, Mrs Devine. - Could've used a bit more garlic, but...

No. It was perfect.

Thank you.

In fact, I'd like to thank all of you.

Father, for never questioning my innocence

and being so dogged in proving it.

Brenda, for...

well, putting the past to one side.

And of course, Mrs Devine, for showing such incredible bravery

and selflessness.

GLASS RINGS

May I, Father?

Of course.

Well, it's wonderful news, obviously, that your path to London

has finally been cleared.

But it's fair to say you will leave quite a gap here in Kembleford.

We will all miss you.

Desperately.

To good friends.

Good friends.

Good friends. - Good friends.

Chief Inspector.

What are you most looking forward to about being back in London?

Well...

Can I get back to you on that, Father?

Settling in nicely, I see.

I am, sir.

Goodfellow... HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

Could I possibly have a word?

Chief Inspector?

Oh.

Aren't you supposed to be halfway to London?

Yes.

But I wanted to thank you for last night's dinner. It was...

most convivial.

It was our pleasure.

And I'd like to return the favour by inviting you all for dinner at my house.

Next weekend?

Here in Kembleford?

You're staying?

Yes. Yes, I am.

Why?

Well, Brenda...

having "slain the beast" of Afford

I find the prospect of returning to chase down corrupt police officers

in the city grime somehow less appealing.

And, um...

besides, Kembleford has, well...

some positives.

We'd be delighted to accept your invitation.

Good. Good.

Wonderful. Good day.

ENGINE STARTS

Oh, my goodness. He's staying cos of you!

Don't be daft, Brenda.

What?

Tell her, Father.

Well...

I can't speak for the Chief Inspector

but why on earth would anyone want to leave Kembleford?