Original subtitles

How could she do this to me?

The regional finals are in two weeks!

She just caught glandular fever, Frederick.

It was hardly done on purpose.

You'll just have to wait till next year.

No, I just need a new partner for this series.

Don't I?

Well, we shall just have to have a look

and see who's available at this short notice.

Um...

Ah, now this one really impressed our talent scout.

And she's local, she's from Kembleford.

So, yep, I think she will do very nicely.

Frederick, meet your new Go Dancing! partner -

Miss Brenda Palmer!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Dress rehearsal in one hour.

BRENDA: Thanks...for coming with me.

Me and Frederick have been practising nonstop,

but this is the first time in the actual venue.

Oh, you're so lucky, Brenda.

To be dancing live on television, in three days!

This is a bit fancier than what I'm used to.

I need the lighting rig complete before the dress rehearsal!

And, Nigel, where are my judge's tables?

Oh.

Hello. Um...

Just a moment, I'll be right down.

Did you know, there are rumours that the guest presenter

for the regionals will be the Dancing Duchess!

You may have mentioned it once or twice, Mrs Devine.

She was so elegant in The Lady Can Waltz.

Maybe she'll be here today!

Ah!

Welcome, Miss Palmer.

And friends.

Sorry, Mr Bestwick.

This is Father Brown and this is...

Mrs Isabel Devine.

Amateur thespian and some-time ballroom dancer.

August Bestwick, producer.

Well! Yours must be the most exciting job in the world.

A multi-date, multi-location, live television dance show?

It's a stomach ulcer on tour.

But at least this leg is local.

My wife Evelyn and I live in Hambleston.

And right now I would rather be at home with her,

and that's saying something!

Don't worry, producers are all the same, Brenda.

Especially this close to show time.

I am sure your fellow competitors will make you feel at home.

You're Freddy's new girl?

The novice.

I'm Brenda.

HE SCOFFS

Colin Byers. This is my wife, Melody.

And I see you've brought your parents with you.

It's very sweet.

I think you'll find that's a different type of Father, Colin.

Brenda, is it? I'm Ron, this is Jane.

We're also your competition. But don't worry, we don't bite.

Much!Ron! Don't tease the poor girl.

I'm sure it's all a bit overwhelming entering the show at this stage.

Right, pleasantries over? Good.

So, when you've finished the group jive,

I want you all to come up here and...

..each man will stand on a mark,

his partner to the left of him.

And then...

Our moment in the spotlight, eh?

Morning, all. Miss me?

Freddy, better late than never.

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about Hayley.

Poor show if you ask me.

But this one is shaping up nicely, considering.

Frederick, I told you very clearly that rehearsals start at ten.

Got a light, old chap? Oh, wait, I've got one...

..somewhere...

Come on, Freddy, we're about to dance.

Is this me, then?

Hang on, that's closest to the judges.

He can't just half-inch the best spot!

Don't let him get to you.

Listen to your girl, Ron.

Besides, I'm sure they'll want the right...

CLICKS FINGERS

..sort of talent front and centre.

MUSIC PLAYS

Posture, Brenda. How many times?!

I'm trying, but they keep staring at me.

She's better than I thought.

They shouldn't even be attempting these steps, they're too advanced.

Focus, darling, remember what's at stake.

Brenda really does have a gift.

Of course, if I were five years younger,

and not engaged to Edgar...

Well, the dance world's loss is the Chief Inspector's gain, Mrs Devine.

Mr White seems to be having difficulties...

SHE CRIES OUT

SHE SOBS

JANE: What if it's broken?

MELODY: I think it's just a sprain.

Will I miss the competition?

Try not to think about that until the doctor's had a proper look.

That's very professional, Mrs Byers. Do you have medical experience?

I'm a competitive dancer, we're forever twisting something.

I'm so sorry, Jane. It was the floor, it was too slippy.

It felt fine to me.

And me.

Hold on, your shoes haven't been roughed up.

Roughed up?

Whenever you put new soles on your dancing shoes,

you have to use a wire brush on them and rough up the suede, for grip.

But...I did them last night.

I swear...

Easy mistake to make.

For someone like you.

You switched them? You wanted to knock me out of the competition.

Oh, please, you really think an ill-bred oaf like you

is a threat to me?

Hey! Hey, hey, hey!

Enough!

Ron, calm yourself down.

Melody, would you please accompany Jane to the hospital.

The rest of you, take an hour's break.

This is supposed to be a dance competition,

not a boxing match!

Bit peckish, Miss Palmer?

It's all free, Father! I think we deserve it after that.

Oh, not for me, Brenda.

I was actually wondering if I should offer my services to Mr Bestwick.

The poor man looked quite overwhelmed.

Your services, Mrs Devine?

Yes. I thought I could dance with Mr White.

You what?!

Oh, not for the actual competition, just until poor Jane is back.

Oh. You don't have any shoes.

I popped them in Hercules, just in case.

A good performer should always be prepared.

I thought that was the Boy Scouts.

Father, I wanted to say sorry for my outburst.

I thought I'd got my temper under control.

I feel awful, especially with you there.

Are you a man of faith, Mr White?

I'm what you might call a recent convert.

Well, I wonder if it isn't me you should be apologising to,

but Mr Thorncastle.

You did give him a proper wallop.

I shouldn't have lost it,

but I know that Little Lord Fauntleroy messed with my shoes.

He deserves everything he gets.

Where's your shoes, then?

Oh, Mr Bestwick was very busy.

I didn't want to bother him.

He said no, then?

I didn't get a chance to ask!

He went into his office and slammed the door in my face.

All producers are the same, Mrs D.

Especially this close to show time.

Frederick.

Is that a fillet steak?!

I can't afford to have a black eye on Friday's show, can I?

Well, that was rather rude.

Ah, Mrs Byers, you're back.

How is Miss Hammill's ankle?

She's still waiting to be seen.

She insisted I leave her

so I wouldn't be late for the group rehearsals.

We need to make sure we all know what we're doing.

Looks like White's found a partner more his level.

You messed with his shoes, didn't you?

You should be concentrating on your form,

not that yob's accusations.

How many times have I told you about your posture?

All right, darlings. Let's assume our first positions.

CREAKING

Watch out!

ALL GASP

Nigel!

This should have been triple-checked.

Are you all right?

Her?! I'm the one that could have been killed, Col!

I've a good mind to contact my solicitor.

Don't you mean your grandmama's solicitor?

All right, all right, let's just all calm down.

This is just a terrible accident.

Sorry to disagree, Mr Bestwick,

but this was pre-meditated.

Someone has just tried to kill Mr Thorncastle.

It's a pleasure to meet you, sir, an absolute honour.

I'm so glad you were able to continue in the competition

after Miss Tate took ill.

Thank heavens for Brenda Palmer, eh?

Now, then, if it's all right with everyone, erm,

can I get some autographs?

Sergeant...

If you've quite finished.

We do have work to do.

It looks as though someone sawed most of the way through

this connecting bolt.

But how did they know the light would fall when it did?

And what is this residue?

It's dance floor wax.

Father Brown reckons someone rigged the light up with it.

As soon as Frederick was in his place and the lights switched on...

The wax melted and the light gave way. Clever.

Where is he, by the way?

It's not like Father Brown to leave me alone at the scene of the crime.

You might be more comfortable back on solid ground, Father.

Someone tried to kill Mr Thorncastle,

and very nearly injured Miss Palmer in the process.

I would like to find out who.

These must be the tools that were used.

The person who did this was a smoker?

Not necessarily.

They would have needed to soften the wax to mould it around the bolt.

There's something stuck, just there...

Mrs Devine!

Purple thread, maybe silk?

It could have snagged as a would-be killer leant over.

Gosh!

It really is a case of the X marks the spot, isn't it?

Ah!

Have you found something else?

No.

I looked down.

And now I'm stuck.

Do you need a hand, Father?

Do you know of anyone who may wish to harm you, Mr Thorncastle?

Yes, him! He attacked me this morning.

That's cobblers.

Found up on the lighting gantry, by Mrs Devine, sir.

I shouldn't be surprised, I suppose.

Well, that's clearly the saw that was used to cut the bolt.

Mr Bestwick, do you know who this bag belongs to?

I have no idea.

Actually, it's mine.

Father Brown?

I thought you might be in need of spiritual guidance

after your arrest.

I didn't do it.

It's like I told that copper,

I popped Frederick in the eye, but that was it.

But that was your tool bag?

I work as a handyman, Father.

Anyone could've half-inched it from the dressing room.

Not that that lot out there will believe me.

Because of your criminal record?

The tattoo on your elbow.

A design much favoured by those unfortunate enough

to be incarcerated in Her Majesty's Prisons.

It's all I've ever known.

Crime.

But on my last stint doing time...

..I found religion, didn't I?

Your "recent conversion".

Exactly.

When I got out last year, I knew something had to change,

so I got a new name and moved here.

That's when I discovered ballroom dancing.

HE SCOFFS

I'd never have dared give it a go back home.

The Lord really does move in mysterious ways.

I've worked too hard to go straight, Father.

There's no way I'd risk losing it all for someone like Frederick.

Can you think of anyone who might want to hurt Mr Thorncastle?

I did hear him and Colin having a right barney before.

Colin was accusing Frederick of cheating.

Posh people, they think the rules don't apply to them.

At least back home we had a code.

So you believe me, Father?

That I'm innocent?

I believe that it takes great strength of character

to turn your back on everything and everyone that you've ever known

and to take the path of righteousness.

So why would you turn from that path?

I will do my best to find out

who wanted Frederick Thorncastle dead.

Have faith, Mr White.

KNOCK ON DOOR

BRENDA: So you don't think Ron did it, Father?

Mr White has a hot temper and is quick to anger.

But this crime was planned.

It was the work of someone cold and calculating.

Then we need to find the culprit before they strike again.

The regional finals are tomorrow!

Ah, don't remind me. We hardly got any practising done yesterday.

Green matches. That's odd.

Yes, it is.

And so is printing the logo on the inside.

Why try and hide it?

And this doesn't narrow it down much.

All the dancers' costumes have purple in them,

even the chorus line.

And when we arrived, the spotlights worked perfectly

because we saw them tested.

Whoever tampered with them must have done so

in the hour's break after Miss Hammill's accident.

And they also had to know which of the lights to target.

The X marked the spot, remember?

Yeah, but the only people who knew where Frederick would be standing

was August and us competitors.

And Mr White mentioned that Mr Byers

argued with Mr Thorncastle yesterday.

I suggest we start there, then.

Well, you'll have to do it without me.

I've only got one day left to practise!

Mrs Byers, is your husband hereabouts?

What do you want with Colin?

Well, I'm given to believe his relationship with Mr Thorncastle

is not as amicable as it first appeared.

This is competitive ballroom dancing, Father.

Behind the smiles,

there's always someone waiting to stab you in the back.

Or drop a spotlight on your head.

I'm sorry, do you think my husband

has something to do with Freddy's accident?

I say, am I a suspect?

Mr Byers.

Where were you yesterday during the break?

In the rehearsal room.

Mel was taking Jane to the hospital,

so I thought I'd run through my choreography.

You can't honestly think I'd try to kill Freddy!

HE SCOFFS

Look, we've been dance rivals for years, why would I bother now?

Because this time you suspected him of cheating.

We didn't suspect, we knew.

Frederick should have withdrawn from the show when Hayley fell ill.

Except August changed the rules.

Got Freddy a new partner.

Talk about playing favourites.

Colin confronted him about it yesterday but he denied everything.

And then we found out the new guest presenter is the Dancing Duchess.

I heard it could be her!

How is that relevant to Mr Thorncastle?

Well, Freddy doesn't like to advertise the fact,

but the Dancing Duchess...

..is his grandmother.

How are you still getting this wrong? Oh, sorry.

And your frame, again!

You look like you were raised in a barn.

Enough!

If she messes up like this tomorrow, I'm holding you responsible.

I think Miss Palmer is doing tremendously well, considering.

This is my chance to show my grandmother what I can do,

on my terms.

I will not lose this thing

because of some under-rehearsed, common-as-muck housekeeper!

He's, um....

He's very passionate about winning.

Are you all right, Miss Palmer?

How dare Frederick speak to you like that!

I've had people speak to me worse.

Yes, at a borstal!

So what did Colin have to say, then?

He thinks Frederick is getting preferential treatment

because he's the grandson of the Dancing Duchess.

The what?!

So you didn't know either?

If Frederick is seeking to establish a reputation

apart from his grandmother's,

why use the family connection to manipulate Mr Bestwick?

So you think there's something else going on with August?

Maybe we should ask him.

I'm sorry, I've really got to practise.

I need to get it right.

Break a leg.

That's odd. It's locked.

Do you think he's hiding something? Well...

Let us find out, Mrs Devine.

Oh, gosh.

It reminds me of Eddie's room when he first took lodgings.

It appears that Mr Bestwick is living in here.

But he said he had a house in town.

"I'll send on the rest once you find an appropriate place to stay. E."

Evelyn. His wife.

Must have thrown him out.

Oh.

I've heard about producers and their casting couch.

Do you think that's what Frederick has over him?

Well, if Mrs Bestwick has indeed commanded him

to leave the marital home, I thinks she probably already knows.

So any attempts to blackmail him would be pointless.

Unless Mr Bestwick has a much more damaging secret to keep.

MR BESTWICK: You should be inside practising for the waltz!

Now go, go!

Allow me, Mr Bestwick.

I was wondering...

..why would a venue hide their insignia?

And then I realised that the place in question was a secret.

I read about a club in Bristol

closed down recently for lewd behaviour.

It was called The Green Dilly Dally.

When did Mr Thorncastle discover that you were a homosexual?

I have no idea what you're talking about.

You reacted very strangely yesterday when he asked you for a light.

I presume he'd found these and made the same connection.

He's not that clever.

He just followed me one night and he assumed, like my wife,

that I was having a fling with a chorus dancer.

Which of course I was.

Just not one of the ladies.

And he took the book of matches from my office just to taunt me.

And forced you into giving him preferential treatment on the show.

What choice did I have?

If the television executives knew of my proclivities,

I was finished.

Imprisoned.

A homosexual in ballroom dancing, it's unthinkable!

I suppose your God would condemn me to hell.

Our Lord will always listen to those who turn to him.

Especially if they want to confess to attempted murder.

That wasn't me!

I went along with all of Frederick's demands.

I even got him a blasted street lamp for his foxtrot!

Why do all that if I was going to kill him anyway?

You're pushing off on the wrong foot.

It's an outside swivel after the open telemark.

See?

Why are you helping me?

You can't stand me.

It's not you, Brenda.

I just don't like the fact that someone with no experience

has been parachuted in at the last minute.

What if something goes wrong?

Someone could end up hurt.

Like Jane.

Trust me, it could be far worse.

There, try it again.

Oh!

What do you mean, "far worse"?

Before I married Colin,

I used to dance with my big brother, Michael.

He was so good, so talented.

But there was an accident.

He was left paralysed.

Oh.

Must have been a pretty bad accident.

What happened?

Sorry, none of my business.

No, it's just...

It was my fault.

It was our first big open.

I insisted we try a new lift.

Michael didn't want to.

We hadn't practised it enough.

But I was adamant.

So it went wrong?

I couldn't hold my position up in the air, I wobbled,

caused him to slip and...

..fell onto him.

I crushed two of his vertebrae.

I became his carer, of course,

but there was a complication with his kidneys.

He passed away...

..three years ago.

Oh, Melody, I'm so sorry.

So you see why I'm helping you.

Yes, you're a rival.

But I want you to be safe.

So, come on.

You can do this.

Miss Palmer. And Mrs Byers.

Now remember, when Freddy heads for the lamppost,

you move away with an open natural turn and...?

An outside swivel.

Got it.

I'll tell you later.

Attention, everyone.

I know it's been a long day,

but Chief Inspector Sullivan has an announcement.

I've just informed Mr Bestwick, Mr Thorncastle,

we have formally charged Ron White with attempted murder.

Please be assured there will be no more unfortunate accidents.

There you go, I suggest you all go home

and get a good night's rest before tomorrow.

Break a leg, everybody!

Chief Inspector, if I may,

we have found two more suspects with equally compelling motives.

Of course you have, Father.

Please, just hear him out, Edgar.

We're not convinced Ron is your man.

He attacked the victim, we found only his fingerprints on that saw

that sabotaged the light, and he has no alibi.

Plus, our Mr White isn't who he says he is.

Ah...

Yes. After some digging, turns out his surname is actually Hudson

and he has a criminal record as long as my arm.

Ah, God...

Of course, you knew that already too, didn't you?

I wanted to give you this, Miss Palmer.

Mrs Goodfellow's sewing circle did it, everyone did a little bit.

Oh, that's really nice!

Thank you.

Just think, this time tomorrow

there'll be hundreds of thousands of people watching you dance, live!

Oh.

Wait, did you just say hundreds of thousands?

Of course. Including most of the village.

The Red Lion have hired a television set.

And we'll all be down there cheering you on.

You're the pride of Kembleford, Miss Palmer.

Oh. Great.

Oh! Oh, Father, you'll never guess what.

Brenda's in the Gazette! I know.

I saw it on the kitchen table.

Along with a Bible. But of Miss Palmer, no sign.

She's gone?

What if the pressure's too much?

You don't think she's run away?

No.

I know exactly where she'll be.

How did you know I was here?

It's not unusual to seek His support in worrying times.

I don't normally pray outside of mass,

just figured I could do with all the help I could get.

Oh, Brenda, it's normal to get opening night flutters.

Easy for you to say.

You're not the "Pride of Kembleford".

What if I mess up?

What if Frederick's right?

Maybe I am just a housekeeper with ideas above her station.

We both know you are more than just a housekeeper.

Exactly.

Don't let a snob like Frederick Thorncastle

make you second guess yourself.

At least I'm getting the hang of the routine, thanks to Melody.

I almost want her and Colin to win

after everything she's been through with her brother.

She deserves it.

Save your sympathy for after the competition, Brenda.

What? We're talking about the grand finals of Go Dancing!

Right. S'pose we should be heading to the Grand then.

We've got plenty of time.

First...

..let us pray.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Ten minutes till broadcast.

Apparently the Dancing Duchess has her own dressing room.

But I wonder if it's around here.

Everything all right, Father?

No.

What I fear is that the would-be killer is still out there.

Surely if it's August or Colin,

they'll be too focused on the broadcast to try anything?

Or this may be their last chance to strike.

Well, as a precaution, I've arranged for additional protection.

Do I look a right wally?

You look breathtaking!

Every inch the star.

Brenda, hurry up. We're on after the opening number.

I scrub up well for a housekeeper, eh?

You'll do. I'm more concerned with

whether you'll mess up the end of the routine.

Why? You worried you'll look like a fool

in front of the Dancing Duchess?

You are nothing but a scared little bully

who wants to impress their granny.

My grandmother has nothing to do with this.

You should be grateful I'm even deigning to dance

with someone like you.

Someone like me?

You're only here because of your cheating.

You should be grateful that I'm deigning to dance

with someone like you.

Well, this is it, people, there is no going back now.

We're on in five, four,

three, two, one...

It's Friday night and we're live at the Hambleston Grand.

Welcome to Goooooooooo Dancing!

I can't breathe.

I might step outside and get some air.

You haven't got time!

Besides, no professional would ever wear their dance shoes outside.

You know it can ruin them.

So I'm a professional now, am I?

You can be whatever you want to be.

Mr Thorncastle, Miss Palmer...

Break a leg!

We best take our seats, Father.

I can't believe we're actually

at the Go Dancing! regional finals, sir.

I tell you, Mrs Goodfellow is green with envy

being stuck watching at the Red Lion!

Sergeant, the only reason why I'm here

is because Isabel - Mrs Devine - insisted that we were.

She's still convinced that

someone might try and hurt Frederick Thorncastle again.

Now, let's meet the first of our South West regional finalists.

Mr Frederick Thorncastle and his partner, Miss Brenda Palmer.

Oh, good, just in time!

You look wonderful.

Where's Father Brown?

LIVELY MUSIC PLAYS

Thank you for the extra coaching, Mrs Byers.

Yes.

Brenda is doing well, Father.

CROWD APPLAUDS

How does it feel seeing Mr Thorncastle out there,

after you tried so hard to kill him?

Me? I wasn't even here

when the spotlight was tampered with.

I was taking Jane to hospital, remember?

That's what we all thought.

But when we saw you in the foyer,

you were still wearing these.

I understand no professional would ever go outside

with their dancing shoes on.

A rule, I imagine, you strictly adhere to, Mrs Byers.

And so you're accusing me of attempted murder?

That's ridiculous.

Well, in that case, you won't mind me having a look at your scarf.

How would that prove anything?

Well, the saboteur needed to erase their fingerprints,

but the fabric they used became snagged on the lamp bracket.

Bit like this.

You've been carrying a terrible burden,

believing yourself to be responsible for your brother's accident.

But then you discovered that it may not have been your fault after all.

When Mr White accused Mr Thorncastle of tampering with his shoes,

you realised he may have done the same to your brother's shoes

all those years ago.

Michael told me the floor had felt extra slippy that day.

I'd always just presumed he was trying to alleviate my guilt.

I had to know for sure if it was Freddy's doing.

You did tamper with Ron's shoes, didn't you?

Don't get so worked up, Mel, we both know he doesn't belong here.

Shame she bore the brunt, but he needed to be taught a lesson.

And what about Michael?

Did he need to be taught a lesson too?

That was years ago.

It was just a prank.

I fell and crushed his neck, Freddy.

And it was because of you that he slipped!

No, it was because you decided to perform some over-the-top lift

you weren't ready for.

You were never going to make it anyway.

Michael was nowhere near as talented as you thought he was.

If he had been, he might still be alive.

I need ice.

This might show up on camera.

Mel? I think our taxi's arrived.

I packed poor Jane off into the taxi.

I decided that if Freddy liked his pranks so much...

..I'd arrange one of my own.

So you took Mr White's tools from the men's dressing room.

And some matches Freddy had on his dressing table to soften the wax.

I'm pretty handy, you know.

I was a Wren engineer towards the end of the war.

Right. Good, so...

Fixing up that light was almost too easy...

My only regret is that it missed him.

Any remorse for Mr White, who faces a long prison sentence?

I thought they'd chalk it up to an accident.

I never meant for Ron to get the blame.

Much like Mr Thorncastle never realised that his actions

would have such terrible consequences.

Don't try to defend him!

He let me blame myself for my brother's death.

Freddy needs to be punished.

But justice is not yours to give, Mrs Byers.

That's where you're wrong.

SHE MOUTHS

This can't be happening.

We're beaming live to the nation!

Will somebody do something about that priest!

Is he part of the routine?

ELECTRICAL BUZZING

Mrs Melody Byers, I am arresting you

for the attempted murder of Frederick Thorncastle.

He's the one who should pay. He killed my brother!

I didn't cause Michael's fall, Colin. It was never my fault!

I know, darling, I know.

I'd have given you full marks, Father.

HE CHUCKLES

Mr Thorncastle.

Relieved to see you emerge unscathed.

Again.

Barely.

I'll be demanding a fast track to the grand finals after this.

And a better class of partner.

Oh, I rather think that

your Go Dancing! adventure is over, Frederick.

The Dancing Duchess.

I would have won, if that mad woman hadn't tried to kill me!

Oh, yes. Mr Bestwick here has been telling me

about some of the methods you used to win, Frederick.

And what about him? There's things you don't know...

Mr Bestwick has told me everything.

And his personal life is none of my concern.

He is the best producer in the business

and he will always have my full support.

Unlike you, Frederick.

I'm cutting you off.

I will not have a cheat as a grandson.

And if you really are so eager to prove yourself,

then do it without my financial help.

Mr Bestwick, I'm so looking forward to seeing you in Blackpool.

Thank you so much, ma'am.

Wait, Grandmama!

What is going to happen with the grand final now?

There's no couple left to represent this region.

Ah.

Well, that's not entirely true.

And now the moment we've all been waiting for.

This is it, the results of the grand final!

She danced so well, surely they're in with a chance.

As we crown the champions of Go Dancing! for 1955,

it's the couple from...

..the South West!

Mr Ron White and his partner, Miss Jane Hammill!

A pair of worthy winners.

Hear, hear!

He's still a convicted criminal. Hush, Edgar.

Yeah, everyone deserves a second chance.

Except perhaps Frederick.

It's still a shame that you and Mr Thorncastle

had to withdraw from the competition.

To tell you the truth, Father,

I didn't want to go to Blackpool anyway.

I've already showed everyone what I can do.

You made Kembleford very proud, Miss Palmer.

Mrs Goodfellow's sewing circle

has asked me to teach them some of my steps.

I'm putting on a class.

She's very excited about it, as are her friends.

See? I can share my love for dancing that way.

Instead of in front of thousands.

Well, I'd certainly be interested in joining those classes, Brenda.

Actually, so would I.

After all, I've already made my television dance debut!