Original subtitles

Stop! Stop!

We have to remember our arm, lady.

And smile from the top.

I can't believe you brought me into this.

We don't even have anyone to dance with. That's not important.

Dance could be good for you. It's excellent for improving poise and grace.

I've heard that calling.

I've got a letter from the television producers.

Oh, gee!

Six weeks' time, a talent scout from Go Dancing is coming here to look for

contestants for the show.

Oh, I love that show.

Gillian and Derek are sure to be chosen. I heard their mother taught them to

dance before they could walk.

Well, how's that work, then? Although the producers are looking for feature

dancers, like myself, of course, it says they're also interested in chorus line

performers.

So, we're going to hold a showcase.

And you will all get the chance to dance for the Talent Scout.

Oh, well, maybe I will do a few other classes.

It could be quite fun. Fun?

This is competitive ballroom dancing now, Brenda. If you just wait, you won't

know what's hit you.

of music.

But you could hear that from St Mary's. The talent scout is coming in two days.

I was just getting a feel for the music.

I too have been getting a feel for it.

All morning.

Well, that explains it.

Cannon Fox telephoned me. He's been ringing the presbytery for the past

No one has answered the telephone.

I'm very sorry, Mrs Devine.

I'll telephone him straight away.

Are you ready for dance practice?

Of course.

Oh, these aren't my dance shoes.

You've picked up somebody else's bag.

Well, it's not my fault. They all look the same.

Most people check.

And you need to learn the proper steps.

You won't be able to make it up as you go at the showcase.

Sorry, Robert, I just, I can't. Come on, old girl. Chin up.

Everybody's watching.

It's arrived!

Oh!

Oh!

The talent scout won't be able to take his eyes off me.

That's proper fancy.

It was handmade in Paris.

How much did that cost? Robert!

It's as beautiful as you are. I know.

Maybe you should be spending less time buying dresses and more time on the

showcase. Do hush, Derek. I'm serious, Jill.

You're the one who wanted to impress the talent scout, yet you swanned off to

Blackpool for a week. You should have been here, helping me with the

organisation and perfecting our routine.

I have been perfecting it.

Only not with you.

Mia Carol Gillian.

I'm not dancing with you.

I'm dancing with Mario.

Hi, Derek.

You went abroad on this showcase and then Gillian humiliated him in front of

everyone. Yes, that was rather unnecessary.

Although it is Mario Cantaloni.

He's a well -known dancer. He stars in a show at the Blackpool Tower.

It's a real coup to be dancing with him.

I don't suppose I could accompany you when you go back to the dance school.

I would like to meet the Signor Cantaloni and practice my Italian.

Well, the more the merrier.

I, for one, can't wait to see Gillian and Mr. Cantaloni dance.

I'm sure it'll be a real showstopper.

I can see why she didn't want to do that particular routine with her brother.

This angel, she captured my heart.

Actually, Jillian might have a word.

If you must.

Who knew there'd be so many beautiful ladies living in Campbellford then?

Oh, Dio mio.

I feel like I'm back in Naples.

Buongiorno, Signor Cantaloni.

Father. Mrs. Highbury.

Mr. Cantaloni doesn't like to speak his native tongue.

Apparently it's too traumatic for him.

The story goes he had to flee Italy during the war and barely made it out

Oh, I thought it was my pronunciation.

Well... Who would have thought that the stalwart of our church flower committee

would be a ballroom dancer?

I teach here, too.

And as well as competing with my husband, Robert.

It's the joy of our life.

Does Mr. Highbury still manage his bank in Gloucester?

Yes. He was actually the one that invested the money to get this place

Oh, well, I'm sure Mr.

and Miss Fletcher must be very grateful.

My dress is ruined.

This is what I was called for. A ripped frock. It's a very expensive, custom

-made ball gown.

The damage to the dress, Chief Inspector, very curious.

Father, you're here.

In the dance school.

Of course you are.

Doesn't look like it was done by a knife.

Or scissors.

Maybe a razor blade, Father?

Who cares what they used?

Someone is clearly trying to sabotage our chances with the talent scalp.

But who would do such a thing? Who do you think?

Derek is obsessed with this place and Mother's memory.

He doesn't want me to become a famous dancer and leave.

Go and talk to the brother, find out what he has to say for himself.

Isabel, pleasant surprise.

I'm deeply sorry about cancelling the other night. Something came up at work.

Oh, it's fine.

Oh, yeah, just like it was last time. Oh.

And the time before that.

Perhaps I could make it up to you this Friday?

It's the talent showcase.

Perhaps the chief inspector would like to accompany me and watch.

No, thank you, Father.

I was forced to attend policemen's balls when I was a boy. Tedious things.

Well, I certainly wouldn't want to bore you.

Oh, God.

Take a seat.

It's the shock.

Um, I'll get a glass of water.

Perhaps I could try to mend it for her.

It's in tatters.

I've worked a number of miracles on costumes over the years.

That is a stupendo.

Hey, you're our saviour, Mrs, uh... Oh, uh, divine.

Ah, but of course you are.

Maeve.

Yours and Derek's late mother, I presume.

You're wearing her bracelet.

It was her most prized possession.

Now it's mine.

I wear it every day.

I understand she was a famous ballroom dancer.

She gave it all up when she had her.

This place was meant to be a tribute to her.

Your thoughts?

Do you really think your brother is capable of such a spiteful act?

I suppose not.

He takes after Mother.

She didn't have what it took to go the whole way.

Not like me.

I know what I want.

And I won't let anything get in my way.

Mario!

I've still got...

I'm sorry we didn't have a chance to go over your choreography in the end.

Why don't you come in early tomorrow?

We'll go through the steps of the event.

All right.

But we get to play the music proper loud.

Deal.

What's happened?

Are you all right?

Sorry,

sir. I say, why won't you let us in?

I'm so sorry.

They might be allowed to sit in the kitchen.

I could make tea for the shock.

All right. Let him through. But please do not touch anything.

Torn dress one day, murder the next.

Someone really didn't want Miss Fletcher dancing in that showcase.

It looks like a fatal blow to the head, sir.

Trophy there.

Chief Inspector, you notice the strange smell on the body?

Can't smell anything apart from the perfume and pomade of this place.

And the trophy.

Missing its name plaque.

Telling us who won it.

Presumably dislodged when he was used to give the fatal blow.

But I can't see it anywhere.

Looks like it's just been stuck on with pace, though, Father.

Could have fallen off at any point. Any other observations before I continue

with my case?

Yes. Miss Fletcher wasn't wearing her mother's bracelet.

She told me yesterday it was of the greatest sentimental value and that she

never without it.

Maybe the killer took it.

Robbery gone wrong, perhaps.

Or a family feud.

Mr Fletcher, would you kindly turn out your pockets?

I can explain.

I'm sure you can.

I'd never hurt her.

Gillian was all I had left.

Our mother was shunned when she had us out of wedlock.

She was left with nothing.

She knew about plants and sold her maid remedies door to door, but...

It barely covered the rent.

That must have been hard.

It was, Father.

But Mother would entertain us with these glamorous stories of when she was a

professional dancer.

Is that what sparked your sister's ambition?

She begged Mum to teach us everything.

She made me practice with her till our feet bled.

Eventually she won a scholarship to a posh dance conservatoire in Birmingham.

I might not have liked my sister much at times, but I knew why she was so

selfish and single -minded.

She didn't want to go back to that life.

And she worked hard not to.

She deserved to become a star.

And your sister's bracelet?

The one thing Mother always refused to sell from her old life.

Gillian cherished it.

I think she thought of it as a good luck charm.

And yet she gave it to you.

Last night, Jill locked herself away in her room for hours.

When she came out, she handed me the bracelet. She said she didn't need it

anymore.

She'd proven she had what it takes.

What do you think your sister meant by that?

I don't know.

But she's been acting strangely.

More secretive than ever.

In what way?

I saw her hiding something in one of her books in the office.

She clearly didn't want anyone else to see it.

Have faith.

I will investigate.

and do all I can to find out the truth.

So you think Derek is innocent?

Curious thing.

Mr Fletchham's hands were covered with blood, but the bracelet was clean and

unblemished, and the clasp undamaged. So he was telling the truth.

Julian gave it to him.

I think so, yes.

Well... If it wasn't Derek that wanted Gillian dead, then who?

Anyone at the dance school?

Some other things are bothering me.

The name plaque from the trophy is missing.

And that curious smell on Miss Fletcham's body.

I've definitely smelt it before.

Maybe it's cabbage.

She's probably on that cabbage soup diet.

So what?

It's good for getting trim for a performance. Lots of actors and dancers

nowadays. It sounds disgusting. It is extreme, and it can leave you very weak.

That would explain why she nearly fainted the day before she died.

So now what?

Well, Mr Fletcher told me that he saw his sister hiding something in her

Maybe that will shed some light on the proceedings.

Good morning, Mrs Highbury.

You're cancelling the showcase.

What else can I do after what's happened?

Surely there's an argument for it to go ahead, in Gillian's honour?

Well, the police have finished in there, but I'm due to do the flowers at St

Mary's. We have no one experienced available to lead the rehearsal.

Well, I can help, and Brenda.

Oh, well, I'm not sure I know all the steps.

If only you had another expert.

Mr.

Cantaloni, might I have a word?

Oh, she's so beautiful.

Even as a girl.

You are meant to be helping us, not looking at old school photos.

Actually, I'm meant to be helping Pauline and Mario.

Oh, it's Mario now, is it?

Hooray for Hollywood.

That doesn't look good.

No.

Seems the dance school is in serious pecuniary trouble.

What does that mean?

It means I need to pay a visit to the bank.

You knew about the dance school's precarious financial position.

I found out last month when I reviewed the yearly accounts.

What went wrong?

Gillian.

She'd been using the business as her own personal piggy bank, frittering away

money on herself and her dancer boyfriends.

Does her brother, Mr Fletcher, know about this?

Heavens, no.

Why did you invest in the first place?

For my wife.

She's been through a lot over the past few years.

Dancing gives her a form of fulfilment.

If Miss Fletcher continued her spending, you would not only lose your

investment, but also the place that gave your wife so much pleasure.

Miss Bennion, can you bring my diary in, please?

An early meeting with my talent.

I didn't do it.

But I won't be shedding too many tears.

That woman used Pauline terribly.

She seemed to enjoy lording it over her.

I don't think Gillian Fletcher knew what true friendship was.

Three, four, and...

Four and one.

Two, three, cha -cha -cha. Two, three, cha -cha -cha. Two, three, cha -cha

Two, three, cha -cha -cha. Two, three, cha -cha -cha. Two, three, cha -cha

Oh, Father, what did you find out?

It seems Miss Fletcher and Mrs Highbury's friendship wasn't as

it appeared.

Is she here?

No, she's already gone to the marriage.

No, no, no, no, stop her, stop her!

How am I supposed to create the magic in these conditions?

Nobody knows how to do a proper checker step.

And it flies too fast.

I'm sleeping everywhere. So sorry, Mario. I'll see to it now.

Mamma mia.

What am I still doing here?

I am not a teacher.

No, I am an artista.

No, I give up.

See, I give up.

Arrivederci. I give up!

Are all Italians that dramatic?

Well, I've only ever really met men of the cloth, so in a way, yes.

Oh.

Wow.

It helps the dancer's grip.

Pauline normally does it, but with everything that's happened, it's

understandable that she forgot.

I'll leave you ladies to your rehearsal.

I'm going to look at some flower arrangements.

Those are lovely, Mrs. Highbury.

Do you appreciate the time you lavish on St Mary's?

I didn't want to neglect my parish duties.

But I didn't want to abandon the dance school.

Ah.

I'm afraid there was consternation at the dance school.

It appears you forgot to wax the floor.

I understand you use a grater to apply the wax.

Is that the same grater you used on Miss Fletcham's dress?

I only wanted to take Gillian down a peg or two.

I felt awful afterwards.

I understand your relationship was complicated.

We were close.

We told each other everything.

But Gillian always had to win.

To be on top.

Do you know, writing to the Go Dancing producers was my idea?

No, I did not. I thought it was something positive for Robert and I to

for.

But then Gillian took over.

She even convinced Mario Cantaloni to dance with her.

She claimed they were old friends from way back. I mean, what rot? He's a

professional.

It was the final straw and I just...

Snapped. Did you return to the dance school this morning?

You think I killed her?

I love dancing.

But I could never hurt someone because of it.

Every bone aches.

And me feet.

They're on fire.

A little discomfort is the price of perfection, Brenda.

I still can't believe Pauline Highbury was the one who destroyed Gillian's

dress.

Are we sure it wasn't her who, you know, getting rid of Gillian would pretty

much guarantee her and Robert were chosen for good dancing?

Except...

Mrs Highbury isn't planning on attending the showcase.

Really?

After all the time and effort she put in, too.

Helping the rest of us shine.

Poor Pauline.

Poor Derek, you mean.

Our only other suspect was Robert.

And he's got a solid alibi.

So what do we do next?

Ah, morning, Father.

Hear about the Fletcher case, I presume? Yes, indeed, Sergeant.

Am I to assume there has been no luck in locating the name plaque from the

murder weapon?

We've searched everywhere, Father.

Ah, Father, you've heard the news then.

Derek Fletcher has been formally charged with murder. His fingerprints match

those found on the murder weapon.

But we saw Derek Fletcher polishing the trophies.

Surely his fingerprints would be on all of them.

We have means, motive and evidence against him.

Apologies, Chief Inspector.

I'll be on my way.

Mrs Devine's not with you this morning?

No.

I believe she's at the dance school, preparing for the showcase.

But I'm sure that a few words of encouragement from a close friend would

appreciated.

Miss Palmer, Mrs Devine. Thought you were at rehearsal.

We came to find Mr Cantaloni. He checked out early, Father.

Mrs Bragg isn't happy either.

He'd made a right mess of her sheets.

Boot polish, she thinks.

They'd been soaking in Ricketts Blue for nearly an hour.

Who polishes their shoes in bed?

Italians.

Mrs Devine, did you say there was a picture of Gillian Fletcham's school day

somewhere?

Is something wrong?

Did Mrs. Sprague say when Signor Cantaloni was leaving for Blackpool? A

picking him up from the green at a quarter past twelve.

Then I might still catch him.

Leave some station, please.

You can't leave, Signor Cantaloni.

I have to. It is just too painful now that my love is dead.

Except your love for Miss Fletcher is as fake as your accent.

So you're not really Italian?

No. No, I'm afraid not.

And you're from Birmingham?

King's Heath, actually.

How do you know?

Is it the fact that I refuse to speak the language?

I was a bit perplexed.

Yes.

And if you're pretending to be an Italian Catholic, it's a good idea to

the Sinium Crucis correctly.

But the penny only really dropped when I heard about the black polish stains on

your bed linen. You must have been using it on your hair.

It's hard to look Mediterranean when you're ginger, Father.

But why pretend in the first place?

Look, I've wanted to be a performer for as long as I can remember.

I just... I've never had any stage presence.

No -one wants to see a shy Brummie dance.

So you invented a dancer called Mario Cantaloni.

And moved to Blackpool.

So no -one was talking about me.

I was exotic, see.

I even earned a professional contract for a show.

Until Gillian Fletcher spotted you there.

She told Mrs Highbury that you two went way back. She meant that you went to

school together.

The Birmingham Dance Conservatoire.

It's a bit of a transformation, but there you are. Middle row, third from

I hadn't seen Jill since I graduated.

When I realised she recognised me, I could have died on the spot.

She could have ruined everything.

Is that why you killed her?

No, I never... We agreed I'd come to Kembleford just for a week, just

to help her get noticed by the talent scout.

It's a shame you have to hide the real Mr. Can from the world.

I'm going to be so busy organising everything for the talent scout. I don't

think I'll be able to perform.

Oh, well, then I'll go to St Mary's and get Pauline.

You need more help?

No, it's fine. I can cope.

Well, I can.

I need you with me in that chorus line. I still don't know all the steps. Have

faith.

Derek said you had something special, and he's right.

But I do want you to go to the presbytery, because I may have left my

the kitchen table.

Brenda!

You know that's bad luck, and we hardly need any more.

Right, Hercules and I need to collect the talent scout, so I'll drop you off

the way, then you can come back and start sorting the dance.

Safe.

Ah,

Father.

I thought Mrs Devine might like a little...

Token of good luck.

How unexpected, Chief Inspector.

Isabel? Oh, I can't stop.

I need to check the talent scout.

Yes, and I need to find Pauline.

Oh, here he is.

Father Brown's told me everything. I knew there was something I didn't trust

about you. I understand you're angry with me, Chief Inspector, especially

I flirted with Mrs Devine.

I don't know what you're implying.

I didn't realise you were stepping out together.

But I promise you, that was just the Mario persona.

The real me is actually quite shy around women.

So you were never romantically involved with Miss Fletcher?

Oh, no.

No, that was just an excuse to explain why I came here.

She was actually caught in one of the other dances in Blackpool, but that all

fell apart just before we came to Kembleford. She mentioned it the day

she died.

She said she had no choice, but at least she knew she was stronger than her

mother.

Father.

Gillian Fletcher had been pregnant.

What? Wait, had been?

That smell, it wasn't cabbage, it was yarrow.

It's a common weed.

We used to use it in the trenches to stop the flow of blood.

And it can also be used to induce a miscarriage.

By Miss Fletcher herself?

This isn't just a weed patch. This is a physic garden.

Miss Fletcher's mother taught her the medicinal value of plants.

She must have truly believed that having a baby would completely ruin her life.

How sad.

St. Gerard McGenna.

What, Father?

Oh, Pauline.

I was hoping to find you.

Please come to the showcase.

We need you.

I'm sorry, I can't.

Brenda, why have you got my bag?

Oh, don't tell me I picked up someone else's bag again. I'll take it.

I don't understand.

This is the missing plaque.

This is from the murder weapon.

I really wish you hadn't found that.

How much further is it?

Don't worry.

Hercules will get us there in time.

And I'm sure Brenda will have everything under control.

I told you I'd get you here on time.

Here you are.

I think I need to sit down.

Oh, good idea.

He seems more nervous than we do.

Is Brenda not back yet?

What on earth is keeping her?

You've found our missing plaque.

Well done, Miss Palmer.

She won't talk to me, Father.

She just keeps on crying.

Surely this isn't over some petty dance rivalry.

No.

You told me the truth yesterday, Mrs. Highbury.

You wouldn't kill for that.

But this was never about the showcase, was it?

It must have seemed particularly cruel that Miss Fletcher got rid of her child

when you had a desperate desire for one of your own.

You wear a medallion.

Gerard. of Margiela.

Many women pray to him when they are struggling to be blessed with child.

And your husband had an appointment in his diary with St. Ignatius Catholic

Adoption Agency in Bristol, if I'm not mistaken.

The doctor finally told me this week that it's no use.

I can never get pregnant.

All of these years praying, being a good person, hoping God would bless us.

And then someone like Gillian falls pregnant when she didn't even want it.

We know that mothers give their love freely to the innocent souls that depend

them.

And you have not been given the blessing to be able to give that love.

But there is an innocent soul that depends on you.

Derek Fletcher faces the callow.

I never meant for Derek to be blamed.

I never meant for any of it to happen.

I arrived early that morning.

I felt terrible about damaging Gillian's dress.

I had to confess.

Tell her I had to withdraw from the showcase entirely.

But she just laughed in my face.

You really think you stood a chance against me?

Dress or no dress, I'd have wiped the floor with you.

Why are you always so cruel?

We're meant to be friends, please.

I only put up with you because your precious Robert writes the checks.

That's not true. Of course it is.

And I can't tell you how boring it's been listening to you going on and on

wanting to have a baby.

You're obviously doing it wrong because I managed it without even trying.

You're pregnant.

Not anymore.

I wasn't going to let the consequence of some fling ruin everything I've worked

for.

I'm not my mother.

I took steps to deal with it.

How could you? And I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I mean... Didn't it feel amazing when you and Robert won this?

It's not a baby.

But we both know you're never going to get one of those.

But it was a reminder of a time when Robert and I actually won something.

Am I going to hell,

Father?

You are shown repentance for your sins.

And God forgives all his children.

Unfortunately, however, the Lord does not.

The chorus line number soon. Brenda will miss her big moment.

Very creative, good projection, and so sharp with your downward leg action.

But remember, if you are to appear on Go Dancing, you must keep it strictly

ballroom.

Derek, you're out.

Left in time to see that amazing performance.

The judge certainly liked what he saw, Miss Palmer.

I didn't do it to get on television, Father.

Just did it to have fun.

And to prove that I could do it.

Thank you for going ahead.

Gillian would have loved it.

Do you know what will happen to this place now?

I'm going to make a go of it.

But forget official choreography.

From now on, I'm doing it my way.

Brenda's right.

Dancing should be about fun, not accreditation.

Well, I could teach you a move or two.

It's a shame you can't show the talent scout your skills, Mrs Devine.

The court line number has already taken place, so I'm afraid my light must

remain firmly under a bushel.

For now.

I deserve to shine.

Perhaps you'll do me the honour of dancing with me?

Well, now that I know you're not a killer... Oh, but I am.

Let's kill Mario.

Father Brown reminded me that dance is about being your true self.

So, from now on, that's what I'm going to be.

Well, in that case, I'd be honoured.

Malcolm.

Go and get ready.

Thank you, Father, for everything.

You're welcome, Mr. Cat.

I wonder if I might ask a small favour.

I thought you hated dancing.

I hated my mother forcing me to.

I preferred to stay with my father and discuss cases with his colleagues.

And now?

Just say someone helped me realize I spend too many hours on police work and

enough hours with the person I love.

I do.

Love you, Isabel.

I love you too, Edgar.

Now this is more like it.

Talentscapes impressed.

Does the inspector know he might end up on the television?

No.

Didn't tell him that bit.