All language subtitles for 01 The Body in the Library

Can't stand speeches, so this won't take
very long.

Frank, I just want to say how very proud
I am.

We both are, your mother and I. Hear,
hear.

You have survived heaven knows what in
the cause of freedom.

Along with Mark here. This is for you
too, old chap.

You have shown courage and fortitude,
which will never, never be... Get a move

on. And, God willing, you will soon all
be free to come home to your beautiful

wives. And life can return to the way it
was before it was so rudely interrupted

by Herr Hitler.

Happy birthday, Frank.

Morning, Mary.

Morning, Sarah.

It's a very neat 235.

Oh, Jane, I'm so glad you've come.

Oh, Dolly, what a terrible thing. I
know.

Rather thrilling, isn't it?

Good morning, Colonel.

Finish your breakfast, Arthur.

What's going on?

No one knows.

I'm afraid nobody's allowed inside,
madam.

Oh, no.

It's jangled, apparently.

She's very young.

Yes, I suppose she is.

It's hard to believe, isn't it?

Thank God you're here.

Thought I'd better come along myself.

No idea who she is?

Never said either in my life.

You'll be all right.

Butlers, servants, as mystified as I am.

Oh, Terence.

Dolly, Terence, are you? Yes, simply
dreadful, isn't it?

Miss Marple. Good morning, Colonel.

Oh, Marples, quick off the blocks.

I've got to get this off my chest.

If you were tied up with this girl, I
shouldn't blame you, you know.

Man of the world and all that.

Damn it, old melted.

I don't know if I'm... Madam.

The question is, then, what the hell is
she doing in your library?

Perhaps she came with a burglar.

After all, the window was forced.

Oh, that's stupid, isn't it?

I think perhaps maybe a party.

We don't have that kind of thing down
here. No.

I got back from the Conservatives
Association about a quarter to twelve. I

turned straight in.

Why so red?

Spotted trouble.

Flapped tire.

I see.

And Donna?

Fast asleep.

More likely is that she came down from
town.

Perhaps with some young fellow.

Certainly not the type you'd see around
here, at least.

Basil Blake.

No. His mother's the nicest woman
imaginable and so generous with her

All the same, there's been a lot of
talk.

He was the most adorable baby in his
bath chain.

No, you couldn't possibly think... That
would be jumping to conclusions.

Then again, he has been extremely rude
to Arthur on more than one occasion.

It's nothing to do with films.

Poisonous young brute needs a good kick
on the backside.

He's taken that ghastly new house on the
Lansham Road and has partied for all

those dubious types shrieking like
banshees. And after the last one, a

woman was found in the bath with
practically nothing on.

And recently, I bet you've heard, he's
been seen with a platinum blonde.

Platinum blonde, eh?

I'd say melted, you don't think?

Basil Blake?

Yeah.

Colonel Melchett, Chief Constable. May
we step inside for a few moments? I

think so.

I understand that last weekend you had a
visitor.

Did I?

A fair -haired young lady.

It's the world coming to. This morning,
the body of a fair -haired young lady

was found murdered.

It's true. In Gottington Hall, in the
library.

Old pantry scarf.

I know her.

Dirty dog.

Can you shed any light on this?

Hello, hello.

What's this then?

You bastard!

A fair -haired young lady.

Why did you leave me?

You were filthy drunk.

I was having a good time.

I'm so sorry, Colonel. Where are my
manners?

Dinah Lee, minor actress.

Major slut!

Slut? What about that Spanish bitch?

We were discussing the film! With your
hand out!

Very much alive, I think you'll agree.

So I suggest you look for Bantry's bit
of fluff elsewhere.

Good morning. This is Miss Marple. And
you must be... Donna.

Donna Lee.

Miss Lee, yes.

I was just about to leave. I'm
collecting for the new organ, and your

kind enough to offer me coffee.

Colonel Melchett's bark, you know, is
much worse than his bite. A result, I

suspect, of having all those men under
him.

Did you, um, design the house yourself?
Well, I did the... Minimalist, I think

is the word.

Yes. Ah.

Most enlightening.

Yes.

Thank you so much.

May I?

Oh!

She was strangled with the waistband of
her dress.

Time of death?

Between ten and half eleven.

Can you get any nearer?

Not before ten, not after half eleven.

And if you were a betting man?

I'm not.

Mr. Bernard, 65, reported missing a week
ago.

Pamela Reeves, 16, missing from her home
since last night. She's been to a girl

guide rally.

Description? Oh, uh, dark brown hair,
pigtails, 5 feet 5.

Then there's a missus Saunders, dark
hair, blue eyes.

Oh, mind you, everyone knows that, well,
except for her husband, that, um, she

ran off with a salesman from Leeds.

Oh,

Colonel Melchick.

Superintendent Harper here.

Harper. What can I do for you?

No, it's what I can do for you, Colonel.

Got a little something you might be
interested in.

Young lady, reported missing.

Yeah.

Miss Ruby Keane.

It's a dance, though, Cecil, somewhere
at the Majestic Hotel.

Didn't come on to do her turn last
night.

Description?

Five foot four, platinum blonde hair,
believed to be wearing a black and white

diamante dress and silver sandals.

Seems her cousin works at the hotel.

I'll bring her over to identify the
body, shall I?

Any chance of a chin?

You think a man did it?

Well, wasn't it?

Any particular man, Miss Turner?

No idea.

So, she was your cousin, was she, Miss
Turner?

That's right.

Poor kid.

I've known her all my life.

Not particularly well, but she was a
dancer, panto, that sort of thing.

And what was she doing in Benworth?

It was because of me.

I'm the dance and bridge hostess at the
Majestic Hotel.

Apart from the bridge, I do a couple of
exhibition dances each evening with

Raymond. Raymond?

Raymond Starr, the tennis and dancing
pro.

Handsome chap.

Got a bit of Argentinian in him.

Anyway, about a month ago, I slipped on
the rocks after having a swim.

Gave my ankle a nasty turn.

That put a stop to the dancing for a
while, and as I didn't want to risk

my job, I suggested to the manager that
we get ruby dance.

She'd been working at the Palais de
Danse in Brixton up in London.

The idea was that I'd carry on with the
hosted thing.

She'd just do the dancing.

Keeps in the family, if you see what I
mean.

Go down well, did she?

Oh, yes.

She doesn't dance as good as me, but
she's... She was quite nice -looking.

Overdid the make -up a bit.

I was always on at her about that.

Doesn't do for a classy place like the
Majestic.

You know what girls are.

She was only 18.

You're all right, Miss Cohen.

When was the last time you saw her?

Last night, when she was dancing with
Raymond.

She'd finished her 10 .30 quick -step
exhibition with Raymond, and then I

noticed her dancing with George
Bartlett, one of the young men staying

hotel.

No beard.

One no trouble.

Sorry.

That's the last time I saw her.

Then just after midnight, Raymond came
over to talk to me.

Excuse me.

Where the hell is she?

Who? Ruby. We're supposed to be on by
now.

Well, I'm sure there's a perfectly
innocent explanation.

Would you excuse me for a moment? I was
vexed, I can tell you.

Just the sort of thing to get the
management's back up.

Ruby?

Ruby? We went up to her room, but she
wasn't there.

I noticed she'd changed, and usually she
kept the same dress on, unless they

were doing a special number.

Special number?

A rumba or a Charleston or something.

Anyway, I had no idea where she'd got
to, so I said I'd do it with her.

He dropped the flamenco and plumped
Britannia.

Not so hard on the ankle, you see.

Mind you, look at it now.

Just think, if I hadn't twisted the
ruddy thing, she'd be here now.

Funny, isn't it?

How things turn out.

Anyway, we stayed up till about two.
There was still no sign of her. Oh, I

furious. And in the morning?

So then you went to the police?

Oh, no. No, I didn't.

And Mr. Jefferson reported it, sir.

He's a guest at the hotel.

Why was that, Miss Turner?

Because I didn't think anything had
happened to her.

I thought she'd be up to no good with
some young man.

But last thing the Majestic wants is the
police poking their noses everywhere.

What?

Tell me, Miss Turner.

Did Ruby know anyone in St Mary Mead?

She may have done.

Lots of young men come into Danemouth
from all over.

Basil Blake, for example?

Blake? Yes, I think I did hear her
mention that name.

Yes, I'm sure I did.

And did she mention Gottington?

What was his first name?

No, there's not a person's house.

Gottington Hall.

No, I never heard her mention that.

The thing is, you see, that's where the
body was found.

Well, that'd turn up.

As if Arthur could have anything to do
with it.

And don't look at me like that. He's
just not that sort of man.

No, dear, of course not. No, really, he
isn't.

He's sometimes a little silly about
pretty girls, but why not?

After all, I've got garden.

She was there on the hearthrug.

I can't understand it. I really can't.
Neither can we.

It does not look out of place.

That's what makes it so very
interesting. There we go.

It brings to mind little Tommy Timpson
and Miss Martin, our new schoolmistress.

She opened a drawer and a frog jumped
out.

Is she all right?

Oh, yes, she's absolutely marvellous.

Oh.

Ah, there. Oh. Oh, darling, you're back.

How are the pigs?

Yeah. You find some soothing in a
crisis, don't you, darling?

Hmm.

Bantry, old man. I'd like to introduce
you to the cousin of the deceased, Miss

Josephine Turner.

Colonel Bantry.

How do you do?

Pleased to meet you, Colonel.

Sorry about your... I'm so very sorry.

You poor girl, it must have been
frightfully worrying for you when she

disappeared. To be honest, I was more
angry than worried.

I never dreamt anything had actually
happened to her.

Then why did you report it to the
police?

Oh, but I didn't.

Sir Jefferson did.

Jefferson? Yes.

One of the guests at the hotel.

He's an invalid.

Gets easily upset.

Conway Jefferson?

That's right.

But he's an old friend of ours.

Did you hear that, Arthur?

Yes, yes, old Jeff. He was staying at
the Majestic. It was he who reported it

the police.

Isn't that a coincidence?

We don't see him very often, but we do
like him, don't we, Arthur? Yes, we like

old Jeff.

Well, he stayed before.

Fancy, and we never knew.

How is he nowadays?

Oh, he's wonderful.

Really quite wonderful, considering.

Always cheerful, ready with a joke.

The family with them?

Yes, they're all there.

Well, the ones who are... Oh, yes, yes,
of course.

Very nice, aren't they? Yes, they are.

They're very nice.

They are?

Really?

And what did you mean by that, they are
really?

Don't you think there was something?

Oh, I do. It was quite unmistakable. Her
manner changed at once when the

Jeffersons were mentioned.

And another thing, when she said she was
angered by the girl's disappearance,

she really looked it.

And one has to ask oneself why.

Do you know, I think a few days at the
seaside might do us both the world of

good.

Is that a story imaginable?

Poor Geoff, such a lovely family, blown
to bits by one of those B2 things.

Lost a lot of them. And his legs.

Oh, my goodness.

I can't tell you how wonderful he's
been.

Such courage, he never complains.

Adelaide, his daughter -in -law, lives
with him.

It's her son Peter from her first
marriage.

And most of the time his son -in -law
Mark is there too.

I suppose when you suffer so much
together that the ties that bind are

break.

The whole thing was the most awful
tragedy.

Now there's another.

Yes, but nothing to do with the
Jeffersons.

Isn't it?

After all, it was Mr. Jefferson who went
to the police.

You know, Jane, that is curious.

Hmm.

May I have your Russian books, please?
Of course.

Oh,

isn't it divine?

It's very nice, yes.

Hot water!

Heaven!

But don't you think it's a little
extravagant?

Oh, you sound just like Arthur, always
banging on about tightening our belts.

We deserve a little bit of pampering,
surely, after all, life's been so

unutterably gloomy.

Oh, bliss!

Not to think you're keeping your hand
in, sir.

What do you mean by that?

Taking the case on personally.

Still, I suppose, with Colonel Bantry
being an old mate and all. I suggest,

Harper, you keep your suppositions to
yourself.

Josie's been very good finding time for
my son Peter after all that's happened.

It's all too good, isn't it?

And Jeff, my father -in -law, he's taken
it very badly.

He was so fond of Ruby.

If he'd rather we didn't... Oh, no, I'm
sure he'd love to see you. Keep him

calm, won't you? His heart's not too
good.

It's a wonder that the shot didn't do
for him.

As bad as that.

It's incredible the way he's rallied.

Shall we?

Did you know her well, Mrs. Jefferson?

It's difficult to say.

She certainly spent a good deal of time
with her.

Jess always enjoyed the company of young
people, but Ruby was a little different

from the usual type, and she seemed to
fascinate him.

Did you see her last night?

Oh, yes.

She joined us, as usual, after dinner.

Jeff,

I'm just going to... I'm going to write
some letters. I slipped away to write

some letters before the bridge started.

Then later, Ruby started her first dance
with Raymond Starr, and we began our

bridge, Josie making a fourth.

We're all there at the table until
midnight.

Mark, Josie, Jeff and I.

One no Trump.

No beer.

No beer.

The last I saw of her was when she went
off to dance with some young man or

other.

Then around midnight, Raymond came over
to us, very angry, wanting to know where

Ruby was.

She was due to do her second dance with
him, you see.

And Josie tried to make light of it.

They went up to Ruby's room, but as
there was still no sign of her, Josie

up having to dance.

Rather plucky of her, considering her
sprained ankle.

Jeff was in a terrible state when there
was no sign of her this morning and

insisted on calling the police.

I hope you don't mind my asking, Mrs.
Jefferson, but have you any idea who

have done such a thing?

None whatsoever.

Ruby never said anything, did she, about
jealousy?

Some man she was afraid of, perhaps, or
intimate with?

I'm afraid she didn't, Miss Marple.

Mr. Jefferson's ready for you, ma 'am.

Thank you.

Shall we?

Ruby was a little on the cheap side,
perhaps, for a hotel of this class, but

nice manner, and she danced well.

Many young men sniffing around.

This isn't a kennel, Superintendent.

Answer the question, sir.

There was some interest from one or two
of the boys, but nothing in the

strangling line, I assure you.

She got on better with the older gents.

There was something of the child about
her which they seemed to like.

Mr Jefferson, for instance.

Yes, he was the one I had in mind.

Mr Jefferson is very fond of young
people. I think that he found her

Why was it him who reported her missing?

Because he was the only one who assumed
that anything was wrong.

Even Miss Turner thought he was
overreacting, but he'd have none of it.

He was in such a state and insisted the
police be told at once.

Miss Turner was very annoyed, but what
could she say?

The Jeffersons, you see, are amongst our
best customers.

Nothing is ever stinted when they're
staying with us.

Such a happy family, weren't we, Dolly?

Yes, you were.

You know, I still reach out for Margaret
in the night.

And other times I think I hear her
voice.

And little Rosamund.

And Frank.

He was a fighter pilot.

Along with his two great friends, Mark,
my son -in -law, and a chap called Mike

Carmody.

Mike was Adelaide's first husband.

The father of young Peter.

Mike was shot down early on.

And later, Adelaide married my son,
Frank.

Now, the year before the war ended,
Frank and Mark were home on leave.

It was the autumn the V2s were targeted
on London.

He was celebrating Frank's birthday.

That night, a rocket hit close by.

Fate plays cruel tricks, don't you
think?

Adelaide and Mark have been very good to
me.

But recently I've realised they have
their own lives to lead.

Problem is, I'm lonely.

And having young people around, well, it
lifts the spirits.

And that's why during this past month I
became friendly with Ruby.

She was a complete original, so
charming, naive, different from anyone

known.

She never complained, worked hard.

Sweet child.

I got more and more fond of her, and

in the end, I decided to adopt her.

What did Mark and Adelaide have to say
about that?

Well, there wasn't much they could say.

I'm sure they didn't like it, but they
behaved well enough.

It's not as though they were dependent
on me.

You see, when my children married, I
turned over a great deal of money to

so Mark and Adelaide were well provided
for when tragedy struck.

So do you mean, Mr. Jefferson, that as
well as adopting her, you also intended

to make full provision?

That's right, yes.

Had you already done so?

Well, the necessary formalities for
legal adoption hadn't been completed,

but I had changed my will.

I see. About ten days ago.

£50 ,000 to be held in trust for Ruby
Keane until she was 25.

£50 ,000?

But you hardly knew her.

It's my money and I can do what I like
with it.

So if she hadn't come along... Then it
would have gone to Mark in Adelaide.

And if anything happened to you now?

Nothing is going to happen to me, Miss
Marple. I may be a cripple, but I'm as

strong as an ox.

But if it did?

Then the money would revert to them.

Little Ruby.

Dear God.

She was found some miles away, you know.

Yes, we know.

Do you?

Well, didn't the police tell you?

Tell me what?

But, Geoff, my dear, that's why we're
here.

The thing is, you see, Ruby Keane was
found at Gossington Hall.

I say, it's an awful to -do, isn't it?
The sort of thing one reads about in the

Sunday papers.

No, well, did you, Mr Bartlett?

No, no, no, not well at all, no.

Hardly at all.

Seems you were the last person to see
her alive.

Gosh, was I?

Sounds awful, doesn't it? She was
absolutely perfectly all right when I

What time was that?

Well, I never really know about time.

It wasn't very late, I don't think.

Danced with her, did you?

Yes. Yes, as a matter of fact. Yes, I
did, quite early on, though, just after

she danced with her.

Latin champion. Must have been 10, half
past.

No, Ben.

Well, we danced.

Not that I'm much of a dancer. How you
dance, Mr Bartlett, is irrelevant.

Yes, that's right. Of course it is.
Well, we danced round and round.

I taught quite a lot and yawned quite a
lot.

As I say, I'm not much of a dancer.

Sorry, I know, not relevant, and girls
tend to give it a miss if you know what

mean. She said she had a headache and I
knew where to get off, so I said, righty

-ho.

That was that.

She never mentioned meeting anyone?

No, she just seemed bored to death,
couldn't stop... Yawning?

Rising, gave me the old, you know.

What happened then, Mr Bartlett?

I strolled around for a bit, had a
drink, then sauntered back to the

noticed that a... what's her name?

Josie was dancing with a Latino who'd
been on the sick list with an ankle or

something. I would fix the time of your
return to the ballroom just after

midnight. Which means you were wandering
around outside for over an hour, Mr

Bartlett.

Yes, well, I was...

Thinking about things.

Lots to think about, eh?

Yes.

Things.

Things, you know.

Are you the detective?

Yes. I'm Peter Carmody.

Grandfather, well, I call him that, but
he isn't really.

Have you forgotten to see you?

Good.

Thank you, Mr Bartlett.

That'll be all for now. For now, mine.

I'm going back to school next week, and
I'll be able to tell everyone that I

knew the Vixen really well.

What did you think of her?

Well, stupid, I'd say. Her mum and Uncle
Mark couldn't stand her.

Why was that?

Oh, I don't know. She was always
chatting on about this and that, and

Grandfather making such a fuss of her. I
expect they're jolly glad she's dead.

Did they say as much?

Not exactly.

Uncle Mark said something like, well,
it's one way out anyway, and Mum said,

yes, but it's such a horrible one. Here
we are.

Better be off.

Good afternoon.

Afternoon. Gentlemen.

50 ,000.

Yes, but you don't think that... Murder
has been done for a good deal less.

But they couldn't have. They were both
playing bridge.

No, I think that this ruby creature had
another chap on the side who found out

about poor old Jeff and went completely
bonkers.

And the fact that she was found in your
library?

That was just a ghastly coincidence.

But it isn't, is it?

The fact that we know the Jeffersons
must have had a bearing.

I can't imagine what the village will be
saying.

They'll have poor Arthur hung, drawn and
quartered all day.

Well, of course, they'll be talking, we
all do. But you must stay calm.

He found it very strange on the phone
just now.

I can't help wondering.

Pretty much she left it, sir.

She was a late riser, so the maid hadn't
been in by the time my lads arrived.

Fingerprints? Nothing we couldn't
account for.

Now, the legs were bare and the body was
found.

She only wore stockings for dancing,
sir.

Used make -up the rest of the time to
save money.

So she came back here to change and then
she went out again.

Question is, where?

to use all this lot.

Fingernail.

Fingernails. Better to have a word with
that dancer, chappy. What was his name?

Starter. Raymond Starter. Yeah, we don't
want to know. She probably let

something slip while they were prancing
about.

Ah, yes, just the chaps. I was...
wanting a word.

Probably not important, but thought I
ought to let you know. The fact is, I

can't find my car.

Oh, you think it's been stolen?

Well, that's just it. I mean, one
doesn't know. I mean, somebody could

buzzed off on it for a bit of a laugh.
When did you last see it? Well, I was

trying to remember, but it's difficult
remembering things, isn't it? I think I

left it in the courtyard.

You think you did?

Well, I thought I did at that time.

But I didn't exactly go out and have a
look, if you get my drift. What's the

make?

I'm in Owen 14.

Let's just get this quite clear.

When was the last time you actually saw
the car?

Probably before lunch yesterday.

And as far as you can remember, the car
was in the courtyard. I've got a jolly

good idea. It probably was.

I'll get one of my boys to take down the
particulars.

Where are you going to be?

Oh, around.

Just thought I ought to let you know.

Good God.

Isn't that the old biddy that was a
-gossing to know? Thank you very much.

Damn. I think I'll leave you to it.

Miss Marble?

Colonel Nelson.

What a surprise.

Dolly thought a change of scene might do
us good.

I was just about to take tea.

Would you, um... Yes.

Lovely. Come along.

This way.

Good afternoon.

If you'll follow me, please.

Here, sir.

He was quite pleasant and rather stupid.

That's about it.

No special men, friends?

No, I don't think so.

Did you know that Mr. Jefferson was
proposing to adopt her?

Well, well.

No fool like an old fool.

She never mentioned it.

No, she didn't.

And Josie?

Oh, I'm sure she'd have known. Probably
planned the whole thing.

Mr. Jefferson, you see, would be feeling
lonely and unwanted and would want some

nice young girl to impress.

Exactly like Mr. Badger.

Mr. Badger? The chemist.

Pebbled glasses and a rather unfortunate
mouth.

He made a lot of fuss over the young
lady in toiletries and even bought her a

diamond bracelet.

You can imagine how that went down with
Mrs. Badger. So she found out a thing or

two. For instance, that the young girl
was carrying on with a very undesirable

young man connected with racehorses who
had actually pawned the bracelet. And

when this was related to Mr. Badger,
that was the end of that.

So you're saying that if Ruby had a
young man, then Jefferson might have

his mind?

I certainly think she'd take care to
keep very quiet about it, and not only

because of Mr. Jefferson.

Josie, you mean?

Oh, yes.

Weren't you struck this morning by how
very angry she seemed?

Yes. No doubt. She was looking forward
to doing very well out of it.

Raymond?

He's not very Argentinian, is he?

My real name's Ramon, but I changed it.

Why?

Because there's so much prejudice in
this country, don't you think?

Could you tell me exactly what happened
last night, Mr. Starr? Ciao, Bella.

Sorry, Superintendent.

Last night?

At 10 .30, Ruby and I did our first
exhibition dance, and then at midnight,

our second number, there was no sign of
us, so I went and asked Josie.

Where the hell is she? Who?

Ruby. We should be on by now.

Well, I'm sure there's a perfectly
innocent explanation.

Would you excuse me for a moment?

Damn little fool.

Who's she with?

Haven't a clue.

The last time I saw her was after our
first number dancing with that chap who

stuttered. She went off with him.

I bet she's with that film bloke.

Film bloke? Yes, I don't know his name.

Long -haired, theatrical type. He's
dined once or twice at the hotel and

with Ruby. But I don't think she really
knew him, which is why I was surprised

when Josie mentioned him.

Ruby?

It looks like she's put on her old black
and white dress.

She should be in her Spanish number.

I suppose I'll have to do it with you.

And I get my hands on her. I'll just go
and change, all right?

So she did.

Won't be a minute.

And then we danced a tango.

She managed pretty well, I must say,
despite her ankle.

And that's about it.

Oh, just one more thing, Mr. Stone.

What were you doing between your first
number with Ruby and Midnight?

I can't remember.

Oh, I'm sure you can, Mr. Starr.

If you put your mind to it.

A little dance and a chat with the
ladies. You know, the sort of thing.

Then I went to change.

Oh, and how long did that take?

I don't know. Ten minutes or so.

Will that be all, Superintendent?

For now.

Arthur, I feel sorry for him.

Shut himself away, poor man, in the hope
that no one will notice him.

He's quite abnormally sensitive, like
most military men.

I never quite thought of him like that.
Yes, it's all his whispering business,

you see, it's like.

For both his and Dolly's sake, we must
find out the truth.

Couldn't agree with you more. That's
exactly what I intended to do.

Thank you.

Miss Marple, for the tea. A pleasure,
Colonel, and I wish you the best of

One of those cases, isn't it, when one
could so easily find oneself barking up

the wrong tree?

What tree might that be?

For example, one might be asking oneself
why the girl was either killed here and

taken to Colonel Bantry's or why she was
taken there first and then killed.

Yes.

But that, of course, would be the wrong
question, wouldn't it?

Would it?

Oh, yes.

And why is that, Miss Marple?

Because it never happened.

You mean that some fellow strangled her,
put her into the car and then decided

to dump her in the first house he came
to? I don't think anything of the kind,

Colonel. What I think is that a very
careful plan was made and that the plan

went wrong.

But please don't let me conclude.

Straight down. Only way.

Tell me, what was this Ruby Keane girl
really like?

Common or garden gold digger?

Well, couldn't you have done something
about it?

Mark thinks I should have seen what was
coming.

Left the old boy alone too much.

Tennis lessons with Raymond Starr.

A jet boy being so level -headed.

Gentlemen, I find, are not always as
level -headed as one might think.

Isn't she marvellous?

Believe it or not, Jane has a mind that
has plumbed the depths of human

iniquity.

Shall we go in?

God knows what he saw in her. A little
holler.

He mustn't say such things.

What did matter?

I mean, let's face it, Addy, if anyone
had any interest in seeing her... Mark,

it really mustn't. 50 grand.

Oh, what I couldn't do with that.

I'd have made the most dreadful farce.

It's difficult, isn't it, when you're
not actually his flesh and blood?

If only it had been some other kind of
girl.

Or Peter.

Well, yes.

Jeff always seemed so fond of him.

It was Josie's fault. She brought her
here.

I thought you liked Josie.

I do.

It's you that finds her a pill.

Surely you don't think that it was
deliberate.

I'm not saying she actually planned it.

But I'm pretty sure she knew which way
the wind was blowing and kept very quiet

about it.

Was she pretty?

I thought you'd seen her. Oh, yes.

We did, but she'd been strangled, you
see, so one couldn't tell. No, she

pretty.

Nice eyes.

She had a kind of furious resemblance to
my wife.

Yeah, perhaps that's what attracted
Jeff.

Terrible business, isn't it?

Hit him very hard.

The awful thing is that Addy and I can't
help but feel rather relieved.

Excuse me, madam. Sir, Mr. Jefferson
would like to see you.

Righto.

See you later. Ladies.

Well, what do you think?

That she's a very devoted mother.

Good evening.

And Mark?

Oh, Mr Gaffer, the most attractive man.

So many of those pilots were.

It's a little unwise, perhaps, to talk
as much as he does.

And there's another very attractive man.

Adelaide tells me he's done wonders for
her lob.

Peter?

Oh, hello, Mrs Bantry.

Shouldn't you be in bed?

We've thought of it.

Josie said she might be able to get me a
treat from the kitchen.

A treat? Ooh.

You are a lucky boy.

I am, rather.

How do you do, Miss Taylor?

Enjoying the last of summer, are you?

Well, actually, we're here to do a bit
of sleuthing.

I expect everyone will be at it once
from the papers.

The hotel manager asked me not to talk
about it.

Questions are bound to be asked and I
won't know what to say.

And I really don't see why it should all
be blamed on me anyway.

Is anyone blaming you, Miss Turner?

Well, Mrs. Jefferson and Mr. Gaskell,
perhaps.

But it wasn't my fault, was it? I mean,
these things happen.

But when it had happened?

We're all entitled to a bit of luck once
in a while.

It gets you down, you know.

The cheap digs.

Dancing with strangers.

A spiteful lot, I reckon.

It'd be nice to get out.

Go somewhere new.

It's time we made something for
ourselves.

We? Miss Turner?

Well, if I'm lucky enough to find
someone.

There's always Uncle Mark.

He's a jolly nice chap.

Don't be silly, Peter.

It's a frightfully good idea.

Fancy an ice cream?

Just found this, sir.

Here, girl, go on.

God! God!

Mr.

Prescott, what on earth is going on?
Another incident, apparently.

A burnt -out car in a quarry. My car? My
poor car?

They're not sure whose it is yet. Was
someone in it?

I'm afraid there was.

Somebody in the car. Mr. Bartlett.
Somebody in the car.

I expect

that

to be the girl guide.

Now, why would you think that? It was on
the wireless last night. Her home's not

far from here. She was last seen at the
rally on Damebury Downs, which is very

close indeed. In fact, she'd have to
pass through Damers to get home. It does

rather fit, doesn't it?

She might have seen or perhaps heard
something she wasn't meant to, and if

A second murder?

If you've committed one, why not
another?

Or even a third?

Mrs. Reeve?

Mummy!

Until tomorrow night.

Peter, what are you doing? I thought I'd
lost you.

Oh, no, my darling, no.

I need a smear.

I've got one of my heads.

All right, all right, you do your bit,
sir.

Thank God she was already dead.

Probably knocked on the head, poor kid.

Or strangled. Do you think there's a
connection?

Oh, definitely, sir.

I mean, she said she was coming into
town after the rally to go to

Took a shortcut, which brought her past
the hotel.

Well, perhaps she was meeting someone no
-one knows about.

How do we explain it was George
Bartlett's car?

He was the last person to see her, after
all.

When he says she went to her room, maybe
she was changing to go out with him.

And when they made the arrangement,
that's what Pamela Reeves overheard.

And his motive for killing Ruby?

I haven't got that far yet.

Either he's very smart and pretending to
be stupid, or else... No, he's stupid,

isn't he?

London contacts?

All negative.

No special friend, nothing.

But more to the point is what we've dug
up about Jefferson's family.

Adelaide Jefferson and Mark Gaskill are
both stony broke.

Adelaide's husband lost everything his
father gave him on bad investment.

Couldn't you have asked Jefferson for
help?

Well, if you never told him.

For the sake of her husband, apparently.

And then there's Gaskell.

He was a gambler, plain and simple.

Got through his wife's money in record
time and now he's up to his eyes in

25 ,000 quid.

That's enough motive for anybody.

Yeah, problem is their alibis are rock
solid.

They're playing bridge from 20 to 11
till after midnight.

I mean, everyone can testify to that.

That's a shoe.

Ruby Keane was killed before this.

I've told you already. She was killed
between ten and half past eleven.

Yes, I know. But couldn't one stretch it
a bit? Don't try tampering with the

medical evidence, Milchit. I say, I
wouldn't quite put it like that. And by

way, she was drugged before she was
strangled.

The strangulation killed her, but she
was drugged first.

Well, that's that.

Well, there is someone else, sir, but
strictly speaking, he's your pigeon.

near Gossington Hall.

Basil Lake.

That's the one.

He dined at the hotel, danced with Ruby
a couple of times.

And according to Raymond Starr, Josie
mentioned...

That film bloke.

Problem is, he was at a party till after
midnight, by which time Ruby was

already dead. That leaves us with, um,

Mr. X, unknown murderer, Mark Gaskell
and Adelaide Jefferson,

who both have a motive but also an
alibi, Basil Blake, who has an alibi but

no motive, and George Bartlett, who has
no alibi but unfortunately no motive

either.

What about your mate Colonel Bantry?

He hasn't got an alibi.

No?

But neither does he have a motive.

And that's the lot.

Except for Raymond Starr.

There's something about that bloke.

I don't know what you mean.

Too much swing in the hips.

Yeah, he's pretty vague about what he
was up to just before midnight.

But I reckon it'd be hard to make a case
against him.

Not to make a case against anyone.

Jane and I were planning a stroll after
lunch, but... Oh, well, I do like her.

Isn't she sweet?

And such refreshingly low opinion of
human nature.

A sherry? Yes, love. Two dry sherrys,
please. Yes, thank you.

Oh, good afternoon, Mr Gaskell. Miss
Marple, I wouldn't have thought you'd be

starting so early.

What can I get you? A lemonade, orange
squash?

That's very kind of you, thank you. A
ginger wine, perhaps.

Oh, quite chilly, hasn't it?

Ginger wine, please.

Just a splash of scotch.

Would you prefer... Oh, look at this.
Look at that.

Rather fun.

It's those police chappies, the way they
look at me.

Number one suspect, I reckon.

Still, I suppose it's my own fault.

Flat broke, you know.

Risk everything, that's my motto.

As you did so bravely during the war.

I wasn't the only one.

No.

Poor old Mike.

He was at his first husband.

He was shot down without ever seeing his
son.

Imagine that.

Never seeing your own kid.

And Frank?

Safe at home, or so he thinks.

And then out of the blue.

And Rosamund.

She was a smashing girl.

I loved her to death.

Did you?

Oh, yes.

More than I ever showed.

Poor thing.

I won't let that happen again.

The woman I love, she'll know, all
right.

It's so important, isn't it, to tell
those dear to us how we feel?

The opportunity can too easily be gone
forever.

There's someone I'd like to tell.

She never gives me the chance.

Josephine Turner, perhaps.

How did you know that?

Just a shot in the dark.

She's a handsome woman.

Very bright.

An expert in romance as well, are you?

I didn't think you were the type.

Don't judge a book by its cover, Mr
Gaskell. I assure you I never do.

Look at me.

One of the heroes.

One of the nation's saviours.

Can't even get a date with a dance host.
That's a joke, isn't it? I don't think

it's a joke.

You know, he's... He's never said as
much, but...

I reckon Jeff has always resented me for
being the fellow who pulled through.

He's been very good to you. He's been
generous to a fault.

Because, in his eyes, I'll always be
Rotterman's husband.

And he will always be Frank's wife.

Suddenly, this summer, something
happened to me.

I didn't want to think of Frank anymore.

I know exactly what you mean.

I sometimes feel exactly the same about
Arthur.

And he's still alive.

Now, don't get me wrong. I mean, the
Swiss still stick. But men do rather

the world revolves around them.

It can get so exhausting pretending
they're right.

The two men in my life, I've hardly had
the chance to know.

Poor thing.

Life can be bitterly cruel.

You deserve a fresh start, you do
really. I thought so too.

So when Ruby came along, I was rather
glad.

It left me free to do what I wanted.

I never dreamed, of course, that Jeff
would become so infatuated.

And when you found out?

I was furious.

It was Peter, you see. His whole future
depends on Jeff.

I thought he looked on him as a
grandson.

And to think he was going to be
disinherited for Ruby Keene.

I'll bet you anything that she went to
meet a man that night.

And Jeff wouldn't have liked that at
all, not one bit.

When he loses it.

A few days ago, for example.

She was looking for something in her
bag.

Who's this?

No idea, Jeffy.

Now then, kitten, you know I don't like
fibbing.

Who is it?

I sort of recognise him.

He's been here once or twice.

Didn't I see you dancing with him the
other evening?

I might have done. I can't remember.

He must have put it in my bag when I
wasn't looking.

These boys are too silly for words.

Honestly, Geoffrey, that's the truth.

Don't look at me like that.

Whose photo was it?

I haven't a clue.

Geoff has to control people. He can't
help himself.

But I can't live in the past forever.

What about Adelaide?

Oh, she's her own woman.

Make no mistake.

You've got your eye on someone, haven't
you?

No?

Of course I haven't.

Yes, you have, and I know exactly who it
is.

Raymond Starr.

Isn't he lovely?

And such reassuring thighs.

It's not Raymond.

Oh?

Promise not to breathe a word. Only I
haven't even told him yet.

I don't.

Mark.

He's the kindest man.

And he was such a good friend to Mike
and Frank.

He's always watched out for me. And just
lately, I've begun to realise how very

special he is.

Who knows?

Maybe third time lucky.

Oh, Addy, I do hope so.

And may I say what very good taste.

He has a disarming twinkle.

You'll have to tell him. After all, he
may be feeling exactly the same.

Yes, I will, but not...

Quite yet.

So I beg you, please, not a word.

I live with you.

Lucky for us that someone strangled the
poor kid.

Not so lucky for her, perhaps.

Because now if old Jeff dies, according
to schedule, Addie and I can divide the

dibs and all will be well.

Wasn't me, no.

Still, I don't expect them to believe
that.

I'm surprised they haven't arrested me
already.

You have an alibi, Mr Gaskell.

Alibi?

No innocent person ever has an alibi.

I'm pretty scared.

Nail clippings? Yes.

Did you happen to find any in Ruby
King's room?

Well, as it happened, we did.

Oh, I see.

And that's that.

What do you want to know about nail
clippings?

It was one of the things that, well,
that seemed wrong. When I looked at the

body, the hands, there was nothing about
them, and I couldn't think what. Then I

realized that a girl who wore so much
makeup would normally have very long

nails, so I presumed that Ruby had
bitten hers. But if you found nail

then maybe...

Ruby broke one, cut the rest to match.

You said one of the things.

Was there something else?

Oh, a dress.

That was quite wrong.

Was it? Well, it was an old dress.

And if Ruby had changed in order to meet
a boyfriend, which I believe is a

current theory, why would she change
into an old dress?

She'd wear her best dress.

Girls of Ruby's class always wear their
best clothes, however unsuitable the

occasion is. So why didn't she stay as
she was?

In her best pink frock.

Do you have an explanation?

No.

Not yet.

I can't help feeling that it's
important.

She does move well, that girl.

Even with her ankle.

She moves well enough.

She's too hard -nosed, she might say.

She has to earn a living, Colonel.

Oh, my God.

Absolutely marvellous.

It was like dancing with a stair.

Oh, look, he's flushing. Isn't that
sweet?

Oh, he was telling me all about
Argentina and the family ranch and the

and the hustling. Oh, do I mean
rustling?

Anyway, apparently he's marvellous on a
horse.

Oh, look, he's flushing again.

Yes, a vodka, if you please.

I'm just going to... Raymond.

You should give Jane a twirl.

I'm sure his dance card's far too full,
isn't it, Mr. Starr?

Thank you.

You appear to apply yourself to your
work most assiduously.

I was taught to believe that whatever
the task, one should do it to the best

one's ability.

An admirable maxim, Mr. Starr.

Tell me, were you brought up in
Argentina?

Until I was 13. Then I was sent here to
school.

Which one?

Meadow House.

Meadow House?

I didn't think they turned out dancers.

My family ran into a few problems. I had
to take what I could get. Such

difficult times we live in.

So, you seem to have landed on your
feet.

Good evening.

Good evening.

I thought you looked a bit forlorn,
Colonel.

Fancy a foxtrot?

Foxtrot?

Shouldn't you be resting the old ankle?

No. Loosening up wonderfully.

Oh, right then.

Do you want to wait?

One never knows what's round the corner,
does one, Mr. Starr? Poor Ruby, for

instance. You must be very upset.

Not particularly.

Didn't you like her?

I hardly knew her.

Just one of those sort of little crimes.
No clues, no motive.

There are two people who certainly had a
motive, aren't there, Superintendent?

Mrs. Jefferson and Mr. Gaskell.

Her death could benefit them to the tune
of 50 ,000 pounds.

But they wouldn't have had anything to
do with it.

That's ridiculous.

No. No, the idea of either of them
strangling a girl in Kirkland.

Money, Mr.

Stark, can make people do the most
surprising things.

As I'm sure you know.

Hello, everyone.

Sorry I'm late.

Good evening, Mrs. Jefferson.

Evening.

If you'll excuse us.

Thick as thieves.

Only as far as Mrs. Jefferson will
allow.

I'm sure he was up to something that
night.

I'm sure he's up to something every
night.

But not murder.

Not him.

Well, what then?

Actually, Miss Markle, I was wondering
if tomorrow you might do

me a little favour.

It was just last week.

We all met at the guide rally on Danbury
Downs.

Pamela behaving quite normal, was she?

She seemed the same as usual.

And what happened afterwards?

She said she'd be going to Woolworth,
Superintendent, and then she'd be going

home.

That's all I can remember, I'm afraid.

Thank you, Beatrice.

That'll be all for now.

Thank you, Superintendent.

I would like to speak to Florence.

You understand, Florence, that it is of
the utmost importance that we know

everything that poor Pamela did on the
day of her death.

To keep back any information is a very
serious offence.

Practically perjury.

And for that you can be sent to prison.

Have you been to the cinema lately,
Florence?

Yes, ma 'am. What have you seen?

Eight. Eight.

Please, in the sun.

Yes, miss.

Not entirely suitable fare for a girl of
your years, is it, Florence?

No, miss.

But some fine performances, nonetheless.

Especially young Mr. Clift.

Such a sensitive soul.

Pamela wasn't really going to
Woolworth's, was she, Florence?

Something to do with films.

Wasn't it?

Yes, Miss.

I thought so.

Details, please.

I've been ever so worried, Miss.

I promised Pam I'd never say a word.

And then when she was found in that
car... Oh, it was horrible. I thought I

should die.

I felt it was all my fault. I ought to
adopt her.

From doing what, Florence?

It was on the way to the rally.

Can you keep a secret?

Yes. Promise not to tell anyone.

Promise? What is it?

I've got a screen test.

What? You mean like films?

Yes. You know when we went to see A
Place in the Sun? Yeah.

Well, after we split up, I met this
producer in the street. He'd just come

from Hollywood and said I was just what
they were looking for. You're kidding.

I'm not. And they want to put me on
camera and have acting lessons and sign

contract. But I mustn't be too
disappointed if I don't get the part.

They won't be all beer and skittles, but
overnight sensations can happen. I

mean, just look at Vivien Leigh. And I
absolutely mustn't breathe a word till

I've done the test.

Hollywood. Well, Lemville Studios,
actually.

Lemville Studios.

Yes, miss.

So, anyway, after the rally, Pam was
going into Danemouth to meet at the

and... After the test, she'd catch her
bus home and say she'd been shopping.

She got through the rally without
turning a hair.

Then when she said she was off to
Woolworth, she just winked at me.

I should have realised a thing like that
couldn't be true.

I feel terrible, just terrible.

There, there, dear.

No -one will blame you.

Any luck?

Oh, no.

No,

I really must get back and marry me.
Would you be kind enough to give me a

to the hotel?

Good day. May I have a minute?

Thank you so much.

Oh, quite warm for this time of year,
isn't it?

Yes. I just called to see if I could
invest your help for our sale of work.

Sale of what? At the vicarage on
Wednesday. I'm afraid anything will do.

Half a crown?

Oh, right. I dare say I can manage that.

No half rug, I see.

That's rather dangerous, you know.
Spark, fly out and singe the carpet.

There was one, but I'm not sure it got
through.

The fluffy woolly kind, I expect.

Yeah, that's right.

Thank you so much.

What name shall I put down?

You know perfectly well.

Miss Dinah Lee.

May I offer you some advice?

I'd rather you didn't.

Nevertheless, I shall. I would advise
you very strongly not to continue using

your maiden name.

What on earth do you mean? In a very
short time, you and your husband may

all the goodwill you can find.

There is a prejudice in such places as
this against people living together.

It is amused you both, no doubt, to
pretend that that is what you are doing,

the time for games is over, Mrs Blake.

How did you know?

Oh, my dear. No, but how?

Things get round in a village. The kind
of quarrels you have, quite unlike an

illicit relationship.

It has been said that you can only
really get under someone's skin if

married. So true, don't you think?

Married or not, we do love each other.

I'd do anything for him, and he would
for me.

I'm sure you would.

So why do we need goodwill all of a
sudden? Because any minute now, your

may be arrested for murder.

You are joking, aren't you?

Haven't you read the papers?

The Majestic?

I've got the June.

She said you're going to be arrested for
the murder of the Majestic.

It's not true, is it?

Is it?

Oh, my God.

What did you do with the hearth rug, Mr
Blake?

Dustbin.

That was very stupid of you.

People simply don't put good hearth rugs
in dustbins.

It had bangles on it from her dress, I
suppose.

What are you talking about?

Tell me.

Well, I mean, ask her. She seems to know
all about it. I can tell you what I

think happened.

Do correct me, Mr Blake, if I go wrong.

After having... around with your wife at
a party and after having had perhaps a

little too much to drink, you drove down
here. I'm not sure at what time.

It was about two o 'clock in the
morning.

You saw a body on the hearth rug, a girl
in a white evening dress.

Strangled. I don't know if you
recognised her.

I couldn't look again after the first
glance. Her face was terribly blue and

swollen.

You panicked, didn't you, Mr Blake?

Yes.

I thought Dinah might turn up at any
minute.

She'd find me there with it.

What the hell would she think? And then
the police and God knows what.

Then I had this idea.

Seemed quite good at the time.

I thought, I'll put the girl in Old
Bantry's library.

I mean, he's always despised me, always
looked down his nose at me.

Artistic type.

It's like the whole damn village.

And I thought, serve him right.

Actually, I thought it would be quite a
good laugh.

The whole bantry with the dead blonde.

I was a bit drunk, see.

Little Tommy Timpson had much the same
idea.

Rather a sensitive boy like yourself.

He thought his teacher was always
picking on him, so he put a frog in her

drawer.

A body, of course, is a somewhat more
serious matter.

I mean, I woke up in the morning and it
hit me. I couldn't believe it. I

couldn't believe I'd been so stupid.

You should have gone to the police, Mr
Blake.

You really think they'd have swallowed
it?

A bit of a prank. No harm done.

I mean, you saw what that chief
constable chap was like with me. Pop his

Beville.

I'm sorry, don't I?

Get on to the solicitor and go and see
Mum.

Tell her about us.

Don't worry, sweetheart. I didn't do it.
You'll be fine.

No.

Your mother. But he didn't do it.

He put her in the library, but he didn't
kill her. He was rather under the

influence of alcohol, you see, and
thought he'd try and implicate Arthur.

It was a sort of joke. I'm not bloody
laughing.

I mean, look at him.

It's absolutely destroying him.

Isn't there anything we can do?

So you're not satisfied with the case
against Basil Blake?

No, Colonel, I'm afraid I'm not.

Then we'd better let him go, then. I am
fully aware that this is not what one

might call orthodox.

Any other cases you're not satisfied
with? Now, Terence, don't be so silly.

Remember your heart.

You mean you know who did it?

Of course I do. That's why I'm here.

You must hear her out, if only for poor
Arthur's sake. He's an absolute shreds

about the whole horrid business.

Very well.

Thank you, Colonel.

The truth is, you see, that most people
believe what's told them, whereas I

never do.

Of course, it's all very confusing that
the body was found in Colonel Bantry's

library, but that's because it wasn't
meant to be there.

I'm quite convinced that the plan had
been to plant the body on Basil Blake, a

much more likely person, and the fact
that he put it in the library delayed

things considerably.

Poor Arthur.

Yes, indeed.

It was a great annoyance to the real
murderer.

Basil Blake, you see, would have been
the first person to be suspected.

He would have found out that he knew
Ruby Keane but was involved with another

girl and would consequently have assumed
that Ruby came to blackmail him or some

such thing and that he'd strangled her
in a fit of rage.

But that, of course, all went wrong.

And interest became focused much too
soon on the Jeffersons.

It's the money angle that I find of
particular interest. And two people

benefit. Not likely murderers at all,
but... One can never tell, can one?

A mind like a sink, you know. There's
Mrs Jefferson.

Passionately devoted to her son, but
restless and tired of the life she's

leading.

And then there's Mark Gaskell.

So brave and fearless during the war,
but now it seems a disillusioned soul.

It was most annoying, I must confess, to
find that both these people had alibis,

but the discovery of Pamela Reeves' body
suddenly rendered them worthless.

I knew there had to be a connection.

All for love and not a little money.

So stupid.

It's stupid of me not to realise, but
it's those fingernails, you see.

Just can't get away from them.

Fingernails? The nail clippings you
discovered in Ruby's wastebasket don't

convince me at all, I'm afraid.

I'm quite certain that the nails of the
dead girl weren't cut, but bitten.

And that can only mean one thing.

That the body in the library wasn't Ruby
Keene at all.

Which leads us straight to the one
person I know to be involved.

Josephine Turner.

She must have known it wasn't Rubio.

And was completely perplexed as to why
the body was where it was because she

knew where it ought to have been.

I can't understand.

I really can't. Neither can we.

In Basil Blake's house, it was Josie who
drew attention to him.

Blake.

Yes, I think I did hear her mention that
name.

Yes, I'm sure I did.

And Josie, I'm sure, who slipped the
snapshot of Basil Blake into Ruby's

handbag.

Who's this?

No idea, Jeffy.

A cool operator, without a doubt, but
still unable to conceal her anger

Ruby after her death.

That's what I mean about believing too
readily.

Why doubt her assertion that the body
was Ruby's, because it doesn't seem she

could have any motive for lying.

That's always been the difficulty.

Ruby's death appears, if anything,
contrary to her interests.

It was not till Dinah Lee said she'd do
anything for love that I made the

connection.

If Josie has a lover, then the whole
thing becomes clear.

Gaskell. My God. That I should live to
see the day.

No.

No, no, Colonel.

Not Gaskell.

Adelaide.

I always suspected it had a woman's
touch.

Bloody hell.

But... Terence, do try to keep calm.

Well, one doesn't come across such
things.

Maybe not a lot in much venom, but there
is a world beyond, you know.

A clever plan.

Complicated, yet simple.

First of all, the selection of the poor
child, Pamela, whose death would provide

them with their alibi.

She fitted the bill perfectly. She was
not dissimilar to Ruby Keene, and what's

more, something of a film fan. So when
Mrs. Jefferson approached her regarding

screen test, she found it irresistible.

But the girl said she was approached by
a film producer.

Inconceivable, though it might seem,
Colonel, one or two women are managing

make their mark on the industry.

Quite a film buff, you know.

So, a date was arranged, and Pamela
Dooley appeared at the hotel, where Mrs.

Jefferson introduced her to her make -up
expert.

For a

child, it makes me quite sick to think
about it.

Now, give us the twelve and... After
having turned Pamela into an

of Ruby, Josie Turner drugged her.

Come here.

There.

Wait until we get you over there. I
can't. I imagine

they then hid her in one of the empty
rooms.

After dinner, Mrs. Jefferson said she
went to write letters.

But that is when she drove the comatose
Pamela to Basil Blake's house

and placed her on the hearth rug.

At that point, the poor girl was not yet
dead.

Mrs. Jefferson thought of that.

She then drove back to the hotel at top
speed, where Ruby Keane was still very

much alive and dancing with Raymond
Starr.

They had provided themselves with the
perfect alibi.

I'm sorry, mate. I had to write the
letter.

After her dance with George Bartlett...

Ruby then went up to her room to change,
following Josie's instructions. No

doubt she was used to doing what Josie
told her.

And waited in Josie's room.

She, too, had been drugged, probably in
her after -dinner coffee. George

Bartlett, if you recall, mentioned her
yawning when he danced with her.

Josie then went up to her room with Mr
Starr on the pretense of looking for

I bet she's with that film link.

Looks like she's put on her old black
and white dress.

She should be in her Spanish number.

I suppose I'll have to deal with you.

I won't be a minute.

Apart from Ruby, nobody but Josie went
into Josie's room.

And that's probably when she finished
the girl off.

She then went down to dance with Mr.
Star.

In the early hours of the morning, she
dressed Ruby in Pamela's clothes.

She was very thorough, even down to the
fingernails, and drove the body in Mr.

Bartlett's car to the quarry, where she
set it alight.

I must admit, she's frightfully good.

Are you absolutely sure about Mrs.
Jefferson?

I don't see how one can't be. Such a
madam.

She even had the gall to try to tell me
some guff about her and Mark Gaskill.

Of course, I wasn't taken in for a
second.

What about our orgy friend?

Oh, I think you'll find he was far too
busy providing his little extras.

Good God.

That place really has gone down the
chute.

Do you see?

Once one accepts that the body in the
library wasn't Ruby Keane's, Mrs.

Jefferson has no alibi.

She slipped away to write in letters,
she claims, whereas Mr. Gaskell stayed

the whole time.

But it's so important, isn't it, to be
quite sure?

Which is where my little plan comes in.

We will have to make it necessary for
them to try to kill Mr. Jefferson.

If Mr. Jefferson would consent.

And because they'll still want Ruby's
death to be blamed on Basil Blake.

The most obvious solution, it seems to
me, would be to make it look like heart

failure.

But hopefully, gentlemen, with your
help, it won't get that far.

Wait. Took it very well. What did you
say?

That I wanted the 50 ,000 I'd left to
Ruby to go to a hostel for young dancing

girls in London, and that I proposed
visiting a solicitor tomorrow.

I'm surprised they swallowed it.

Adelaide was very, very kind to me, you
know.

Helped me through the darkest times.

And Frank, he loved her so much.

Josie, I can just about understand. I
mean, after all, she had nothing to

But Adelaide, what could she have been
thinking of?

Dear Jeff.

Breaks one's heart.

And Peter, poor boy.

I'm sure it was part of their plan.

A new life for the three of them.

Thousands of miles from here.

To think that I could have suspected
Arthur even for a moment.

All the time he was just fretting about
these new taxes.

Those creatures have put us through.

What on earth could they imagine they'd
ever get away with it?

Because when you're in love, you think
you're invincible.

It blinds you.

And you don't seem to care.

Ready?