Original subtitles

Now, Brenda, you've got to be a very good girl.

And I know that doesn't come naturally, so shoulders back, stand up straight,

and smile.

Hello. Dr. McClurgie, this is Brenda, the evacuee I was telling you about.

Can I see your hands?

I can assure you they're perfectly clean. I wish to rid your fortune.

Ah, yes.

Things have not been easy for you, dragged away from someone who loved you

than life itself.

But if we look into the future, I see that we are going to have...

So much fun.

And you did have fun with Dr McClurgie, didn't you?

It was the best.

We'd spend all day every day having adventures and looking for buried

I mean, sometimes he'd make me do my homework, but I always had a way of

wrapping him around my little finger.

Well, he says ten long years have passed and he'd like to see you again.

Well, I don't know if I'd want to see him.

Seems a strange reaction to someone who opened up his home to you.

I know.

But then one day he said I couldn't stay anymore and he sent me away to a

children's home.

What did he do that for?

I don't know.

But Dr McClurgie says he may not be long for this world, so this may be your

last chance to ask him.

Butterly rise.

Is it how you remember it?

It's like it's been frozen in time.

Maybe it has.

Just waiting for you to come and visit.

I don't know if I can do this.

Why ever not?

Because of the way it all ended.

Except by sending the letter to try to ensure that it was not the end.

Hello. Have you come to read the last rite?

Not today.

Hopefully.

We just received your very touching letter.

What letter?

What are you talking about?

It's me.

Brenda.

Brave as a lion, Brenda.

I don't know what your game is, but you're not going to win.

What did you do that for? That far?

Why did he even write the pigging letter?

Dr. McClergy is frightened of something.

And I'm not even sure he did write the letter.

Hello there.

Oh, look who it is.

I'm Dottie.

Dottie Finglesham.

Father Brown.

Hello.

It's me, Brenda.

I know who you are.

And I have the grey hairs to prove it.

We tried to speak with the doctor.

Dr. Maclare, he does not want to speak to us.

Is he all right?

It's a long story.

And it does require a cup of tea.

Now we have triple tart, apple strudel and some butterfly cake.

Mrs. Fingalstam, this is a gastronomic extravaganza.

Yes, well, living in butterly rise, one does grow very proficient at pastry.

There ain't nothing else to do.

It's lovely, but if you don't have a hobby... Have you the chance of thinking

Dr McClurgy?

I am, really.

He's always kept himself to himself, but these days he's practically a hamlet.

And yet I think he has a very good friend who's looking out for him.

He wrote a letter on his behalf, hoping to summon help.

Gosh.

You're right.

How did you guess?

You had not seen Brenda for ten years, and yet you showed no surprise when she

suddenly turned up.

Of course.

I should have put my own name.

I heard you were working at St Mary's, and I just remembered how close you both

were. I thought he'd see you, and it would just be like old times.

So did I.

I think we must have just left it too long.

So what's it like living in Butterly Rise?

Oh, it's quiet.

Though we do have some exciting news.

As you can see, these cottages are rather old, falling apart in some ways.

But Lord Sprocket has found himself a property developer who's going to knock

them all down and build beautiful new bungalows for us.

Does everyone share your enthusiasm?

There is one fly in the ointment.

The answer's no.

I haven't asked the question yet.

I just thought I'd save you the trouble.

Please, Angus, all we're trying to do is build a better Butterly.

Why don't you have a word with my developer?

Morning, Dr. McClergy.

We understand you rejected our last offer. We have, therefore, made a

one, and I trust...

You will be impressed.

The only thing that would impress me if you take your plans and your genes and

spittle off back to London.

We do know we are going to build this development.

But we could just work around you.

Though there was the danger of subsidence or some unfortunate accident.

Get out of my house!

And if you set foot on my land again...

You will be buried under it.

I tried

to be reasonable.

Oh, dear.

He can be awfully stubborn.

Well, I'm calling a meeting.

Two o 'clock, Butterly Meadow.

I used to come here with Dr McClurgie.

It'd leave messages for the pixie perk, asking when the war was going to end.

Good place.

Paradise.

I don't believe it.

Susan.

Brenda.

Well,

what are you doing?

I'm an illustrator for the British Nature Review.

What are you doing?

I'm just here with my friends.

Father Brown. Hello.

Mrs Devine. This is Susan.

We were evacuated together.

Just admiring your forget -me -nots and ranunculus.

Gosh. You're awfully well informed on plant species.

Ah, well, at St Mary's we have a very enthusiastic group of flower arrangers.

You two must have had such fun living here. We did.

We never knew there was a war on.

Hello there. Oh, hello.

This is awfully intriguing.

Hello, everybody.

Hello.

As you are aware, one local resident is making this development impossible, and

we must therefore resort to plan B.

I have purchased an area of wasteland on the edge of Butterley, and we will be

building there instead.

What?

Where exactly is this wasteland?

As a matter of fact, you're standing on it.

This is not wasteland.

It's the most precious of places.

And it's a natural habitat for pipstrel bats and meadow pipits.

What are they supposed to do?

Fly away.

Mr. Wainbody, I've spent five years painting every single wildflower in this

meadow. Oh, that is good.

Because I'll soon be putting down weed killer.

Will everyone please calm down?

I'm sure we can resolve this.

This is awful.

If only Dr McClurgie wasn't so difficult.

It would be nice to know his point of view.

First time we visited him, I'm not entirely sure he recognised you, Miss

Perhaps you should call on him again.

Oh, Eileen, I miss you.

This world has changed since you left it, and generally not for the better.

But I will continue to fight for all that we hold dear.

And

you?

What do you want?

I want you to remember when you invited a little girl to stay with you.

And every night, you would read her a bedtime story.

And she would ask for another, and another.

And before we knew it, it was morning time.

Of course I did.

Someone has to protect you from the monsters.

Oh, yes.

The monsters are getting close to her all the time. Come in.

Now, somewhere in here, there's a chair.

What's happened to this place?

What do you mean?

Well, I mean the mould.

And the dust ends up... Oh, aye. Well, I got rid of the dust some years ago, but

I came back.

And all these tins, are you getting ready for World War III?

Well, maybe I am.

I mean, who the fuck thinks they can get me out of this house?

They'll have a fight in their hands.

Oh, this is ridiculous.

This house is making you sick.

Why do you want to stay here? Because all my memories are here.

Everyone I loved and lost.

Yeah, around the mildew in the silver thing.

Oh, are you all right? I am, but the person who threw this brick soon won't

All right, then.

Who did it?

Who did what?

Someone threw a brick through Dr McClurgie's window. What are you talking

Oh, dear.

I hope he wasn't horribly hurt.

Well, at his age, any kind of shock could be fatal.

I'm telling you, it was one of those two.

And I don't trust either of them.

Did you ask Dr McClurgie why he sent you away?

Oh, I didn't have the heart.

He's living in this crummy old house and it's making him ill and it's... Why

don't we go back in the morning with a picnic?

Yes.

Yes.

He looked after you so well during the war.

Seems fair to return the favour.

Right.

Chumley!

Chumley!

Look, Spocky, you lost something. My dog Chumley, I think he must have caught

the scent of a badger.

There you are.

Chumley, what have you got there?

That is definitely not a badger.

Patrice de Villiers, Philippe de Saint -Denis. Morning.

Butterly Rises never had a murder until you came to visit.

Did you know the deceased, Father?

Briefly.

He only recently came to the village.

Brought in by Lord Sprocket.

Poor Mr. Wainbody.

We didn't always see eye to eye, but...

I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Come on, Chumley.

Goodness.

What's going on?

There's been a murder.

Lord Sprocket's property developer.

No.

Not in our beautiful meadow.

Morning, Father.

Just like the Lord.

I know you move in mysterious ways, but what exactly are you doing?

This grave was dug for a tall man, and nobody would describe Mr. Waynebody as

that.

And the thief?

Well, I'll be darned.

It's a rat.

Made of gold.

The membership badge of the Grand Order of Water Rats.

A charitable organisation of show business performers.

I'd be very surprised if Edward Waynebody was a member.

Thank you, Father.

Perhaps we should pay Dr McClurdy a visit.

Good idea.

Tell him the awful news.

Dead? I don't miss the gloat, but I can't pretend to be devastated.

Angus? He was a human being.

Was he?

I did not make a medical examination.

Oh, you're impossible.

I'm not going to pretend I liked him, but no -one deserves to die like that.

He came to see you yesterday.

Is that the last time you saw him?

Yes. I keep myself to myself, and I have not left the house for some days.

And I can confirm it.

I've tried to get him involved in village activities, but, oh, dear, oh,

goody aunt.

Can I help you?

So sorry.

I've just noticed all the mould everywhere.

Oh, I know.

I've offered to come round with the scrubbing brush, but you won't allow it.

Mould is a form of life, and it has better manners than some life forms.

Well, when I was living here, you kept this place like a palace.

It was curzy and it was warm and everything was spotless.

Well, yes, because I had a very important visitor.

So why did you get rid of me?

Because one day you just sent me away to a stinking children's home.

I was an old man and the world was dragging on.

Please, I'm feeling tired.

Perhaps it all likes to leave.

Dr McClurgie?

Yes? You said you haven't left the house for some days.

But these boots are covered in fresh mud.

I have been to the back garden to pick radishes.

Is that a crime?

Well,

that doesn't answer my question.

Well, that's got to be something he's not saying.

Indeed.

And if we look at the garden path... Yes.

There are no muddy footprints leading to the back garden, but several leading to

the outside world.

It's a police car.

Is that...? It is Susan.

Thank you, Princeton.

Father, I'm so glad for you.

And I'm sorry to see you here.

I was very impressed with your watercolours of the meadow wildflowers.

Must be a very special place for you.

It is.

Coming from London.

In the Blitz.

It's like a magical land.

I've never seen so many flowers.

And yet it is now the scene of a crime.

The police have found strands of wool from your jumper on the piece of wood

believe was used to murder Mr. Waynebody. No.

I didn't kill him.

Though I did hit him.

Oh. He was working near a log pile yesterday.

And I went to see him.

Mr. Waynebody, I'm sorry I lost my temper.

A place that is so precious.

It's the field.

It's the home.

Teeming with love.

Well, I can see you're very passionate.

Maybe I'll build somewhere else.

Turn this place into a nature reserve.

Really?

No, of course not, you stupid woman.

These creepy crawlies have had their day.

Time for a nice rest under the concrete.

I did attack him, but... I don't think I killed him.

He didn't fall down.

And I certainly didn't bury him.

Miss Payne, I believe that someone else murdered and buried Mr. Waynebody after

you left, and I intend to find out who.

Susan, did you see anyone else on the meadow?

Her.

Only Mrs. Finglesham.

She was having a late evening stroll.

Yes, I was in the meadow.

I go there most evenings to visit my husband.

Thought your husband died in the war.

That's right.

He was in the Royal Flying Corps.

Got shot down over Arras in 1917.

His body was never recovered.

But I have planted thousands of wildflowers in his memory.

Oh, Mrs Fingerton, that is so lovely.

I've planted a dwarf rhododendron in memory of my Ronald.

And when you were out walking in the meadow, did you see Mr Waynebody?

Well, I didn't see him, but I heard him.

As I walked past the marquee...

I heard the most almighty row between Mr.

Waynebody and Lord Sprocket. What were they saying?

Well, I couldn't make out the words, but Lord Sprocket sounded furious.

Standing here now, you can see why this is such a precious place.

Those insects seem to be performing a symphony.

Yesterday,

you said they're living in Butterly.

You didn't know there was a war on.

And yet, Miss Payne went very quiet at that moment.

Well, she were obsessed with the war.

Once, she said she saw a German airman in the woods.

Well, when I went looking, there were no -one there.

Fascinating.

Well, I still want to know what Spockett and Waynebody were arguing about.

Yes.

Shall we?

So this is the epicentre of the development.

Indeed.

I have no shortage of blunt objects.

Oh.

Oh.

With the new bungalows.

They're really rather attractive.

And a sales contract.

Mr. Waynebody bought a hectare of land from Lord Sprocket for 100 guineas.

Oh. How much is a hectare?

About two and a half football pitches.

The size of this meadow.

And worth considerably more than 100 guineas.

Oh.

Well, Lord Sprocket must be a complete nincompoop.

Nincompoop?

Nincompoop?

Sorry, Lord Sprocket. We didn't know you could hear us. Obviously not.

What are you doing in my tent?

Ah, I apologise, Lord Sprocket, for the unauthorised visit.

But we are keen to know more about Mr Waynebody.

So am I.

Strange sort of cove. Seemed nice enough when I first met him. Not so much in

retrospect.

He took me out for lunch last week. It was a rather good lunch with a great

of wine.

And as he topped up my glass, he gave me some...

paper's the sign, and it was only yesterday I realised quite what I'd

away.

Yesterday evening you were heard arguing with him.

May I ask what was said?

I called him a charlatan, and one or two words I wouldn't use in front of the

fair effects.

Oh, don't worry.

We've heard it all.

What happened afterwards?

I headed home for Ovaltine and his sticky bun, and didn't see him again

this morning.

Hmm.

With Mr. Wayne body dead, I presume the sale of the meadow will not be

completed. I hope you're not suggesting I did something sinister.

No one's suggesting that.

But we're all rather relieved that the meadow will be saved.

Yes, although I do still plan to renovate the old cottages. I've just

a new developer, and hopefully this one will get through to old McClurgie.

How dare he take a wrecking ball to everything I hold dear?

You can't make yourself this place.

Yes, but I'll have more and more people hammering on my door trying to take me

out of house and home.

Look, there's no point worrying about it.

I've made us all a picnic.

Well, any kind of food would stick in my craw.

I'm going to barricade the windows and the doors and turn this place into a

fortress.

Well, it does seem a bit extreme.

And it can't be good for you, shutting yourself away from the world.

I managed to avoid the outside world for a month now without any ill effects.

That's not quite true, is it, Dr. McClovey?

Because there are a set of muddy footprints leading from your front door

the meadow.

Indeed.

I did go out the front door and walk down the garden path, but when I got to

gate, I couldn't go any further.

What do you mean?

Well, I mean the outside.

It scared me.

I mean, everything, the daylight, birdsong, it seemed to just keep

my head and, well, I shall remain indoors now.

No, that's not like you.

You always said, look fear in the face and go... Yeah, well, I was a

braver person then and then there was a terrible evil in this village.

No, but Butlery Rise is as safe as houses.

That's why this end is here.

Although there was the story of a German airman living in the woods.

It was more than just a story.

Yes, his plane crashed near Tawny Lake.

But there was no one inside it.

And that's when the rumours began.

It was a giant of a man, hiding out there somewhere.

A giant of a man?

Yes. Is that why you sent me away?

It is.

I kept thinking, what if he's the first and we're about to be invaded?

And is this really a safe place for a child?

And Susan, well, she saw him and... He was never the same again.

Miss Payne.

Yes? I've been thinking about Mr Waynebody's death and burial.

He was buried in a hole considerably larger than he was.

But perhaps this grave was originally dug for a much taller man,

like the German airman you saw during the war.

It was the strangest thing.

I was walking in the woods, and there he was, sort of floating

amongst the trees.

And I ran and got Brenda, but he was gone.

Was that the last time you saw him?

I suspect that all these things are connected.

I did see him again.

Three weeks later.

I was playing on my own because Brenda had been sent away.

And I heard a noise coming from it.

It sounded like an animal in pain.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And there he was.

And he begged me to set him free. So I did.

And then he left me in the dark.

Goodbye, little girl.

Hours and hours. I don't remember.

Do you know whose woodshed it was?

No.

We used to play in everyone's garden.

And this German?

What did he look like?

He was tall, with intense hazel eyes.

And he had a wound in his foot, with stitches in it.

Please, Dr. McLaggy, do you have some more?

Oh, these sorbets are quite delicious. I know they grow them down at Tatton

Farm.

Dr.

McLaggy. Yes?

When did you last practice medicine?

Oh, well, I hung up my stethoscope many moons ago.

Although I suspect during the war you performed minor surgery on a German

airman.

I did.

Everything I told you is the truth, but not the whole truth.

I had a neighbour who found the airman. I decided to keep him as a prisoner.

I said this was madness.

We could be hung for harbouring an enemy alien.

But I was summoned to stitch up his wounds.

He'd been badly injured by his fall.

He survived, and a few weeks later...

Losing pain set him free.

What was the name of the neighbour?

Um... I cannot recall.

Um... Dr McClurgie?

Took some photographs of me the day I arrived here. Oh, you look so innocent.

Well, you know what they say. The camera never lies.

Who's this?

Oh, I don't know.

Ah,

yes.

That's Freddie Singlesham.

Well -known entertainer of this parish.

No, but that was some time ago.

Indeed.

Sometimes the past refuses to remain buried.

Father Brown.

Can I help you?

I do hope so, Dottie.

I'd like to thank you for everything you did during the war, especially looking

after my young friend.

You saw she was a unique spirit, and you found another unique spirit to look

after her.

You're welcome.

But it must have been a most upsetting time.

Bringing back memories of the First War and the loss of your husband.

Oh, it was a terrible time.

Seeing all those young men called up.

Constant fear of invasion.

Oh, terrible feeling of loneliness.

And yet your loneliness came to an end.

When walking in the woods, you saw a German airman.

It was the anniversary of Freddy's death.

I was walking around feeling utterly empty.

And suddenly there he was.

I was confused.

And I should have told the authorities.

But they would only lock him away in some awful prisoner of war cap.

If Freddy had been lost behind enemy lines, I'd like to think that a Hausfrau

would have taken him home to look after him.

So that's what I did.

Good morning.

I hope you had a good night.

Yes, thank you.

I was most comfortable.

I'm just grateful that...

You were able to look past my uniform and did not report me. How could I?

You know, Dottie, I dream that when this war is over, I can

take you to my home village of Valgaard and you can meet my mother and she can

thank you from the bottom of her heart.

I would love that.

But we must... Get this wound seen to.

I know a doctor who could work wonders with it.

Perhaps you can untie my hands and I can wash myself before he comes over.

I don't think so.

But still, maybe.

Whatever happened to your airman?

Susan Payne happened.

She broke in and untied him.

Friedrich ran.

And he was never seen again.

I'm not surprised Friedrich ran.

But he would have needed money to survive.

Earlier today I found an item that must have been buried for years.

With the membership badge of the Water Rats.

I believe your husband was a member.

Did Friedrich break into your home and steal the badge, along with other items

of jewellery?

And did you ensure that he never broke the Eighth Commandment again?

No.

No, no, it wasn't like that.

I... I...

I was fond

of him.

He gave me no choice.

Friedrich, what are you doing?

It's not safe for me.

I'm going to leave the country.

It would be safer to wait till the war is over.

This war will last longer than you think.

Never underestimate the power of Germany.

I think Germany is on its knees at the moment.

But if you're determined to be so reckless, then I'll come with you to

safe.

You really think I could last another minute?

On your pathetic, worthless, muttering... No.

I thought you liked me.

You're even more stupid than you thought.

What did you do with the body?

We have our own beautiful, God -given burial ground.

And he would have remained there.

Except that yesterday Mr. Wainbody announced that because Dr.

McClergy refused to sell, he was going to build on the meadow instead.

A few minutes later, someone threw a brick through Dr. McClergy's window.

I think you know who.

That was a terrible thing to do, I know.

I was just so angry that it... Tabernas was causing all these problems.

The next day, Mr. Waynebody was found dead in an enormous hole.

But, of course, you didn't dig that grave for Waynebody.

You were digging up Friedrich's bones.

And Waynebody caught you.

Please, Father.

man wouldn't leave well alone.

Mrs. Binglesham, what are you doing?

These are human bones.

Suddenly it all makes sense.

Why, you didn't want me to build on the meadow.

So who is it?

I'm guessing it's your husband.

No!

You mustn't tell anyone.

Oh, the police need to know about this.

Everyone needs to know.

And I knew if he told the police, then everybody...

secret has tormented you for years and now you have another secret

you must confess or your soul will never be free

and that is eternal damnation

I've never felt much an old soul.

I knew she was reckless.

I had no idea she was a murderer.

Because you're kind.

And you're caring.

And you always see the best in people.

And we're all so grateful how you looked after Brenda.

No, I have been so guilty of gross negligence.

And now...

I'm going inside to fossilise.

I think there's only one person who can get through to him.

None of this was your fault.

What? All you did was keep a secret for a friend.

How were you supposed to know she was a murderer?

Well, yes, it does cut to the quick.

And you're betrayed by a friend.

And I betrayed you when I sent you away.

No, you did it to protect me.

And, yeah, I had a hard time with it to begin with, but you taught me how to be

strong and how to see the funny side and how to have an adventure.

And that's what's got me through.

Oh, I will.

Maybe I wasn't a complete waste of space.

Well, now, shall we have a wee cup of... Hold

on.

I don't understand.

Why are you staying in a mouldy old shack when they're offering you a brand

place with hot water and electricity?

I brought my Eileen here, and we had 40 wonderful years.

All my memories are here.

No, they live inside you.

I had your voice inside my head all those years I was in that home.

But right now, I need you to be very brave indeed.

So I've spoken to my new developer, and he was quite clear it is not going to

happen.

Where's he?

I had such plans for this place.

I was even going to accommodate people in Sprocket Hall while their homes were

rebuilt, but alas and alack. Good evening, all.

This young lady is very much in need of a nice cup of tea. I'm just glad to

breathe fresh air again.

And thank you, Father, for making that possible.

You're welcome, Miss Payne.

Glad I've got you.

Fortunately, Butterly Meadow has been paved.

My solicitor says the sale was never completed, so we can all breathe a sigh

relief. Thank goodness.

But are you still going to rebuild our cottages?

I'm afraid not.

Apparently, if Dr.

McGurgie won't sell, it's no can do, and there's no persuading him.

Father, seems like Brenda can still wrap him round her little finger.

Hello, everyone.

nice out.

Dr. McClergy, it is so good to see you. Hi.

So, when are you going to start work on my new bungalow? I thought you were dead

against it. Well, I had to talk it through with an old friend.

You glad you came back to Butcherley?

I am.

But I'm also glad that I left.

Really? Why's that?

Well, if I'd have stayed, I never would have met the two most important people

in my life.