1 00:02:25,792 --> 00:02:26,874 - Poirot! 2 00:02:27,000 --> 00:02:29,208 - Ah! 3 00:02:29,334 --> 00:02:30,249 Hastings! 4 00:02:30,375 --> 00:02:33,124 Oh, mon ami. 5 00:02:33,250 --> 00:02:35,416 - Get a couple of nice handbags out of this. 6 00:02:35,542 --> 00:02:37,874 - I'll take care of that, thank you. 7 00:02:40,125 --> 00:02:41,541 - Who is your friend, Hastings? 8 00:02:41,667 --> 00:02:42,666 - Oh, this is Cedric. 9 00:02:42,792 --> 00:02:43,833 He's a caiman. 10 00:02:43,959 --> 00:02:45,208 I shot him on the Orinoco, 11 00:02:45,334 --> 00:02:47,124 a few miles upstream from La Urbana. 12 00:02:47,250 --> 00:02:49,791 We'd been in portage around white water all day, 13 00:02:49,917 --> 00:02:50,999 and I was pretty exhausted. 14 00:02:51,125 --> 00:02:52,249 I can tell you, it's some distance-- 15 00:02:52,375 --> 00:02:53,374 - Hastings. 16 00:02:53,500 --> 00:02:54,583 - What's that, old chap? 17 00:02:54,709 --> 00:02:55,624 - You must tell me the story 18 00:02:55,750 --> 00:02:57,333 in full detail later. 19 00:02:57,459 --> 00:02:59,833 I think these gentlemen wish to get home to bed. 20 00:02:59,959 --> 00:03:00,999 - Oh, right. 21 00:03:08,584 --> 00:03:10,249 So how have you been these last six months? 22 00:03:10,375 --> 00:03:11,583 Busy? 23 00:03:11,709 --> 00:03:13,083 - No, the little gray cells, 24 00:03:13,209 --> 00:03:14,708 I fear they grow the rust. 25 00:03:14,834 --> 00:03:16,791 When the date approached for your return, 26 00:03:16,917 --> 00:03:19,166 I said to myself "Now something will arise." 27 00:03:19,292 --> 00:03:21,541 We will hunt again together, we two. 28 00:03:21,667 --> 00:03:22,749 - Sorry. 29 00:03:22,875 --> 00:03:24,541 - But it must be no common affair, Hastings. 30 00:03:24,667 --> 00:03:27,499 It must be something recherche, delicate, fine. 31 00:03:27,625 --> 00:03:29,874 - Anyone would think you were ordering dinner at the Ritz. 32 00:03:31,209 --> 00:03:32,291 Sorry. 33 00:03:34,542 --> 00:03:36,624 Where are we going? 34 00:03:46,334 --> 00:03:48,541 I thought we were going to my hotel first. 35 00:03:48,667 --> 00:03:50,166 - There is no hotel, Hastings, 36 00:03:50,292 --> 00:03:52,749 until you can reclaim your apartment, 37 00:03:52,875 --> 00:03:54,666 you stay with Poirot. 38 00:03:54,792 --> 00:03:57,708 - Oh, I say. 39 00:04:05,084 --> 00:04:07,916 This superfine crime of yours hasn't turned up yet, I suppose. 40 00:04:08,042 --> 00:04:09,666 - Pas encore. 41 00:04:09,792 --> 00:04:14,499 At least, I am not sure. 42 00:04:18,084 --> 00:04:19,666 - This is awfully decent of you, Poirot. 43 00:04:19,792 --> 00:04:21,499 - Well, not at all, mon ami. 44 00:04:21,625 --> 00:04:23,791 I need you where I can keep an eye on you, 45 00:04:23,917 --> 00:04:26,999 to protect you from the beauties with the auburn hair, no? 46 00:04:27,125 --> 00:04:30,041 - What did you mean just now when you said you weren't sure, 47 00:04:30,167 --> 00:04:32,083 about the superfine crime? 48 00:04:32,209 --> 00:04:34,291 - Ah. 49 00:04:38,625 --> 00:04:42,541 Hastings... 50 00:04:42,667 --> 00:04:44,958 Ah, Hastings, you've forgotten your crocodile. 51 00:04:45,084 --> 00:04:49,083 I would rather its curious smell was confined to your bedroom. 52 00:04:49,209 --> 00:04:50,833 - Oh. 53 00:04:50,959 --> 00:04:55,833 Well, it was a present for you, actually, Poirot. 54 00:04:55,959 --> 00:04:57,958 - For me, Hastings? 55 00:04:58,084 --> 00:05:00,541 Oh, that is beautiful. 56 00:05:00,667 --> 00:05:02,374 - I mean, if you don't like it... 57 00:05:02,500 --> 00:05:06,333 - No, Hastings, it adds a certain je ne sais quoi, 58 00:05:06,459 --> 00:05:07,708 do you not think? 59 00:05:07,834 --> 00:05:08,791 - Well, I thought so. 60 00:05:08,917 --> 00:05:10,208 The chap who stuffed it for me 61 00:05:10,334 --> 00:05:12,624 said the smell would go away after about a month or so. 62 00:05:12,750 --> 00:05:17,249 - Well, I like the smell, Hastings. 63 00:05:22,167 --> 00:05:24,208 One feels braced. 64 00:05:24,334 --> 00:05:27,124 It brings to London the jungle. 65 00:05:27,250 --> 00:05:28,249 - Good. 66 00:05:28,375 --> 00:05:29,416 For one awful moment, 67 00:05:29,542 --> 00:05:31,083 I thought you might not like old Cedric. 68 00:05:31,209 --> 00:05:32,291 - No. 69 00:05:32,417 --> 00:05:33,666 - He's a caiman. 70 00:05:33,792 --> 00:05:35,749 I shot him when we were still up in Venezuela-- 71 00:05:35,875 --> 00:05:40,624 - Hastings, it is a week since I received this letter. 72 00:05:45,209 --> 00:05:47,874 What do you make of it? 73 00:05:51,292 --> 00:05:53,208 - "Mr. Hercule Poirot, 74 00:05:53,334 --> 00:05:54,874 "You fancy yourself, don't you, 75 00:05:55,000 --> 00:05:56,999 "at solving mysteries that are too difficult 76 00:05:57,125 --> 00:06:00,374 "for our poor, thickheaded British police? 77 00:06:00,500 --> 00:06:02,416 "Let us see, Mr. Clever Poirot, 78 00:06:02,542 --> 00:06:04,624 "just how clever you can be. 79 00:06:04,750 --> 00:06:08,124 "Perhaps you'll find this nut too hard to crack. 80 00:06:08,250 --> 00:06:11,291 "Look out for Andover on the 21st of the month. 81 00:06:11,417 --> 00:06:13,916 Yours sincerely, A.B.C." 82 00:06:14,042 --> 00:06:16,249 A.B.C.? 83 00:06:16,375 --> 00:06:18,833 Typed, thick paper, 84 00:06:18,959 --> 00:06:22,999 postmark London WC1. 85 00:06:23,125 --> 00:06:25,374 - What is your opinion, Hastings? 86 00:06:25,500 --> 00:06:27,749 - Some madman, I suppose. 87 00:06:27,875 --> 00:06:32,166 - A madman is a very dangerous thing, my friend. 88 00:06:32,292 --> 00:06:33,374 - Wait a minute. 89 00:06:33,500 --> 00:06:34,458 Today's the 21st. 90 00:06:34,584 --> 00:06:35,624 What have you done about it? 91 00:06:35,750 --> 00:06:36,874 Did you go to Andover? 92 00:06:37,000 --> 00:06:39,124 - Hastings, as always, the man of action, eh? 93 00:06:39,250 --> 00:06:41,333 What is there to do? 94 00:06:41,459 --> 00:06:44,374 There are no fingerprints. 95 00:06:44,500 --> 00:06:46,124 No clues to the possible writer. 96 00:06:46,250 --> 00:06:48,041 - Well, don't blame me 97 00:06:48,167 --> 00:06:49,958 if there's a story in the papers tomorrow 98 00:06:50,084 --> 00:06:52,708 about a whacking great robbery near Andover. 99 00:06:52,834 --> 00:06:55,458 - What a comfort that would be. 100 00:06:55,584 --> 00:06:57,166 - A comfort? 101 00:06:57,292 --> 00:07:00,708 - It would dispossess my mind of the fear of something else. 102 00:07:00,834 --> 00:07:02,541 - Of what? 103 00:07:07,500 --> 00:07:10,124 - Of murder, my friend. 104 00:07:16,167 --> 00:07:19,374 - Cream, crackers--yes. 105 00:07:21,375 --> 00:07:24,791 Edwards' Desiccated Soup. 106 00:07:24,917 --> 00:07:27,874 Yes. 107 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:30,041 Sausages? 108 00:07:30,167 --> 00:07:33,791 I can't go carrying sausages around all afternoon. 109 00:07:33,917 --> 00:07:36,083 No. 110 00:07:36,209 --> 00:07:38,041 My desk isn't a blooming larder, Emily. 111 00:07:38,167 --> 00:07:39,083 Supposing someone-- 112 00:07:41,459 --> 00:07:42,374 I'll do that, sir. 113 00:07:42,500 --> 00:07:43,791 - Chief Inspector. 114 00:07:43,917 --> 00:07:46,583 - Ah. Morning, Poirot. 115 00:07:46,709 --> 00:07:47,874 Well, well, well. 116 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:49,458 If it isn't Captain Hastings, 117 00:07:49,584 --> 00:07:52,458 back from his holidays in the wilds of whatchamacallit. 118 00:07:52,584 --> 00:07:56,333 Sit down, sit down. 119 00:07:56,459 --> 00:07:58,333 Looking well too. 120 00:07:58,459 --> 00:08:01,083 Getting a bit thin on top, though, eh? 121 00:08:01,209 --> 00:08:02,791 - Well, I don't know. I-- 122 00:08:02,917 --> 00:08:06,249 - You'll be rivaling Monsieur Poirot soon. 123 00:08:06,375 --> 00:08:07,499 - Chief Inspector, 124 00:08:07,625 --> 00:08:08,916 do you know that Captain Hastings 125 00:08:09,042 --> 00:08:11,666 has brought me back as a present a crocodile? 126 00:08:11,792 --> 00:08:12,999 - A caiman, actually. 127 00:08:13,125 --> 00:08:15,041 I bagged him while we were still up in Venezuela. 128 00:08:15,167 --> 00:08:17,291 We'd been in portage around white water all day, and-- 129 00:08:17,417 --> 00:08:20,916 - And to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? 130 00:08:21,042 --> 00:08:23,749 - Well, today is the 22nd, Chief Inspector. 131 00:08:23,875 --> 00:08:25,291 - Yeah. 132 00:08:25,417 --> 00:08:27,374 - You recall the anonymous letter. 133 00:08:27,500 --> 00:08:32,416 - Oh, yes. Beware the 21st. 134 00:08:32,542 --> 00:08:33,958 Andover, wasn't it, you mentioned? 135 00:08:34,084 --> 00:08:35,208 - Oui. 136 00:08:35,334 --> 00:08:37,499 - Just to keep you happy. 137 00:08:37,625 --> 00:08:42,041 Get me Inspector Glen at Andover, will you? 138 00:08:42,167 --> 00:08:44,708 We get these anonymous letters every day of the week. 139 00:08:44,834 --> 00:08:46,166 People with nothing better to do 140 00:08:46,292 --> 00:08:48,666 and a bit weak in the top story, right? 141 00:08:48,792 --> 00:08:50,166 Hello, Dennis? 142 00:08:50,292 --> 00:08:51,249 Japp. 143 00:08:51,375 --> 00:08:52,416 How are you? 144 00:08:52,542 --> 00:08:54,083 Now, listen. 145 00:08:54,209 --> 00:08:57,083 Do you remember that anonymous letter I told you about? 146 00:08:57,209 --> 00:09:00,541 Yeah. 147 00:09:00,667 --> 00:09:02,749 Oh? Really? 148 00:09:04,250 --> 00:09:06,166 Right. 149 00:09:06,292 --> 00:09:08,291 Yes, I better. 150 00:09:08,417 --> 00:09:11,458 Right-o. 151 00:09:12,875 --> 00:09:13,999 - Well? 152 00:09:14,125 --> 00:09:16,291 - Well, I don't suppose it means anything, 153 00:09:16,417 --> 00:09:19,083 but an old woman who kept a tobacco and newspaper shop 154 00:09:19,209 --> 00:09:21,624 in Andover was battered to death last night. 155 00:09:21,750 --> 00:09:23,499 Glen says they think they can lay their hands 156 00:09:23,625 --> 00:09:25,166 on the man who did it, though. 157 00:09:26,542 --> 00:09:30,374 All the same, I'll pop down there and have a dekko. 158 00:09:30,500 --> 00:09:34,124 - What was the name of the woman, Chief Inspector? 159 00:09:34,250 --> 00:09:37,708 - Ascher. Mrs. Alice Ascher. 160 00:09:44,709 --> 00:09:45,916 - No, I mean, the thing is, 161 00:09:46,042 --> 00:09:47,791 there was no money taken out of the till. 162 00:09:47,917 --> 00:09:49,541 So, I mean, one would expect 163 00:09:49,667 --> 00:09:51,333 that they would have been after the money. 164 00:09:51,459 --> 00:09:52,874 - Oh, Poirot. - Chief Inspector. 165 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:54,249 - This is Inspector Glen. 166 00:09:54,375 --> 00:09:55,291 He's in charge of the case. 167 00:09:55,417 --> 00:09:56,791 - How do you do? 168 00:09:56,917 --> 00:09:58,374 - Looks pretty straightforward. 169 00:09:58,500 --> 00:10:01,083 - The victim's Alice Ascher, 60 years old, 170 00:10:01,209 --> 00:10:03,833 struck down behind her counter by a heavy blow to the head. 171 00:10:03,959 --> 00:10:05,208 - And do you suspect the husband? 172 00:10:05,334 --> 00:10:06,458 - We do. 173 00:10:06,584 --> 00:10:08,374 We haven't been able to find anyone yet 174 00:10:08,500 --> 00:10:10,124 who saw Ascher in the neighborhood, 175 00:10:10,250 --> 00:10:12,666 but, of course, it's early days. 176 00:10:12,792 --> 00:10:15,124 - Did Mr. Ascher live with his wife, Inspector? 177 00:10:15,250 --> 00:10:18,083 - No, they separated some years ago. 178 00:10:18,209 --> 00:10:20,208 Ascher's a German. 179 00:10:20,334 --> 00:10:22,583 Used to be a waiter, but he took to drink. 180 00:10:22,709 --> 00:10:26,958 - Well, perhaps you should look at this, Inspector. 181 00:10:27,084 --> 00:10:29,333 - Famous anonymous letter, eh? 182 00:10:38,792 --> 00:10:41,249 - The body was found in this corner, yes? 183 00:10:41,375 --> 00:10:43,833 - Yes, laying sort of huddled. 184 00:10:43,959 --> 00:10:45,624 - This doesn't read like Ascher. 185 00:10:45,750 --> 00:10:46,999 I doubt if he's got the wits for it. 186 00:10:48,792 --> 00:10:50,291 It's odd that the letter should mention 187 00:10:50,417 --> 00:10:52,541 the 21st of the month, though. 188 00:10:52,667 --> 00:10:55,916 Course, might be a coincidence. 189 00:10:56,042 --> 00:10:59,124 - I do not like that kind of coincidence, Inspector. 190 00:11:01,500 --> 00:11:02,874 - Nothing was missing from the shop. 191 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:05,291 - No, money in the till seems undisturbed. 192 00:11:05,417 --> 00:11:07,583 No signs of robbery. 193 00:11:07,709 --> 00:11:09,874 - Something has been added, perhaps. 194 00:11:10,000 --> 00:11:11,083 - Added? 195 00:11:11,209 --> 00:11:15,416 - An ABC railway guide? 196 00:11:15,542 --> 00:11:18,708 She must have been looking up trains from Andover. 197 00:11:18,834 --> 00:11:21,291 Or a customer. 198 00:11:29,542 --> 00:11:31,083 - Fingerprints? 199 00:11:31,209 --> 00:11:34,499 - Only Mrs. Ascher's, as far as we can tell, so far. 200 00:11:35,625 --> 00:11:37,708 - My God, Hastings. 201 00:11:42,334 --> 00:11:43,749 - Wedding picture. 202 00:11:43,875 --> 00:11:45,249 - A beautiful woman, n'est pas? 203 00:11:45,375 --> 00:11:47,583 - Yes. 204 00:11:47,709 --> 00:11:48,999 Look at this room, Poirot. 205 00:11:49,125 --> 00:11:51,041 All that's left of a life: 206 00:11:51,167 --> 00:11:52,916 couple of broken china ornaments, 207 00:11:53,042 --> 00:11:54,374 photograph, 208 00:11:54,500 --> 00:11:55,583 new pair of stockings. 209 00:11:55,709 --> 00:11:56,666 - Hastings. 210 00:11:56,792 --> 00:11:59,041 Let us not become sentimental. 211 00:11:59,167 --> 00:12:01,416 There is nothing more for us here. 212 00:12:01,542 --> 00:12:03,749 Come. 213 00:12:03,875 --> 00:12:06,333 - Dear, oh, dear. 214 00:12:06,459 --> 00:12:08,041 - Something is amiss, Chief Inspector? 215 00:12:08,167 --> 00:12:09,666 - I've been trying to get a list of people 216 00:12:09,792 --> 00:12:11,541 who were seen coming in here. 217 00:12:11,667 --> 00:12:12,958 - And no one's seen anybody? 218 00:12:13,084 --> 00:12:15,541 - Oh, they've seen people, all right. 219 00:12:15,667 --> 00:12:17,833 Three tall men with furtive walks, 220 00:12:17,959 --> 00:12:20,541 four short men with black mustaches, 221 00:12:20,667 --> 00:12:22,333 two men with beards, 222 00:12:22,459 --> 00:12:23,374 three fat men, 223 00:12:23,500 --> 00:12:24,958 one man with a peculiar hat, 224 00:12:25,084 --> 00:12:26,833 and if I am to believe what they say, 225 00:12:26,959 --> 00:12:30,958 every one of them had a sinister expression. 226 00:12:31,084 --> 00:12:33,666 - Does anyone claim to have seen this man, Ascher? 227 00:12:33,792 --> 00:12:36,374 - Oh, no, nothing helpful like that. 228 00:12:44,792 --> 00:12:46,291 - She never knew what hit her. 229 00:12:46,417 --> 00:12:47,833 Struck in the back of the head. 230 00:12:47,959 --> 00:12:49,249 - You can't believe 231 00:12:49,375 --> 00:12:51,791 it's the same woman as in the photograph, can you? 232 00:12:51,917 --> 00:12:53,958 - Well, yes, Hastings, you can see the line of the jaw, 233 00:12:54,084 --> 00:12:58,291 the bones, the structure of the head. 234 00:12:58,417 --> 00:13:00,583 Did she have any children? 235 00:13:00,709 --> 00:13:01,916 - No. 236 00:13:02,042 --> 00:13:02,958 But there's a niece. 237 00:13:03,084 --> 00:13:04,958 Name of Mary Drower. 238 00:13:05,084 --> 00:13:07,874 She's in service out near Overton. 239 00:13:08,000 --> 00:13:12,166 Steady young woman, they say. 240 00:13:12,292 --> 00:13:14,083 - The weapon hasn't been found, of course. 241 00:13:14,209 --> 00:13:17,333 A weighted stick, club, something like that. 242 00:13:17,459 --> 00:13:19,666 - Would there be needed much force to strike such a blow? 243 00:13:19,792 --> 00:13:21,124 - Meaning, I suppose, 244 00:13:21,250 --> 00:13:23,333 would a shaky old man of 70 like Ascher do it? 245 00:13:23,459 --> 00:13:25,249 Perfectly possible, 246 00:13:25,375 --> 00:13:28,624 given sufficient weight in the head of the weapon. 247 00:13:28,750 --> 00:13:30,124 - I haven't done nothing! 248 00:13:30,250 --> 00:13:32,249 It is a shame and a scandal to bring me here! 249 00:13:32,375 --> 00:13:33,791 Let me go! 250 00:13:33,917 --> 00:13:35,083 Schweinhund! 251 00:13:35,209 --> 00:13:36,541 How dare you! 252 00:13:36,667 --> 00:13:37,583 - Stop. 253 00:13:37,709 --> 00:13:39,083 - I haven't done nothing. 254 00:13:39,209 --> 00:13:41,416 - I'm not charging you with anything yet, Ascher, 255 00:13:41,542 --> 00:13:43,041 and you're not obliged to say anything. 256 00:13:43,167 --> 00:13:44,416 - I did not kill her. 257 00:13:44,542 --> 00:13:45,499 It is all lies! 258 00:13:45,625 --> 00:13:47,874 - You threatened to often enough. 259 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:50,791 - No, that was a joke. 260 00:13:50,917 --> 00:13:51,874 - Take him away. 261 00:13:52,000 --> 00:13:53,208 Detained on suspicion. 262 00:13:53,334 --> 00:13:55,666 - I never did go near Alice. 263 00:13:55,792 --> 00:13:57,583 I haven't done anything! 264 00:13:57,709 --> 00:13:59,833 Let me go! 265 00:13:59,959 --> 00:14:01,291 - You perceive, Hastings? 266 00:14:01,417 --> 00:14:03,333 There is already one further point in the favor 267 00:14:03,459 --> 00:14:05,208 of the innocence of Monsieur Ascher. 268 00:14:05,334 --> 00:14:06,624 - Really? - Oh, yes. 269 00:14:06,750 --> 00:14:08,708 If he had been abusing and threatening his wife, 270 00:14:08,834 --> 00:14:11,041 she would have been facing him over the counter. 271 00:14:11,167 --> 00:14:14,166 But instead, she had her back to her assailant. 272 00:14:14,292 --> 00:14:16,583 Obviously, she is reaching for some tobacco 273 00:14:16,709 --> 00:14:18,791 or cigarettes for a customer. 274 00:14:26,000 --> 00:14:27,249 Ah. 275 00:14:27,375 --> 00:14:30,208 I think it is you who are Mademoiselle Mary Drower. 276 00:14:34,584 --> 00:14:37,208 Will you not sit down, mademoiselle? 277 00:14:37,334 --> 00:14:39,666 - No, thank you, sir. 278 00:14:39,792 --> 00:14:41,333 I daresay the mistress wouldn't mind, 279 00:14:41,459 --> 00:14:43,708 but I'd rather not while she's out. 280 00:14:46,167 --> 00:14:49,166 - You were fond of your aunt. 281 00:14:49,292 --> 00:14:51,624 - Oh, it's terrible. 282 00:14:51,750 --> 00:14:56,249 Poor Auntie. Such a hard life she'd had too. 283 00:14:56,375 --> 00:14:59,791 She was always so good to me, Auntie was. 284 00:14:59,917 --> 00:15:02,958 And all the trouble she had with that German devil. 285 00:15:03,084 --> 00:15:05,749 It was awful, the things he used to say, 286 00:15:05,875 --> 00:15:08,166 that he'd cut her throat and such like. 287 00:15:08,292 --> 00:15:11,249 Swearing and cursing too. 288 00:15:13,459 --> 00:15:18,083 It's dreadful to think, sir, what people come to. 289 00:15:19,792 --> 00:15:24,291 - Mademoiselle, if you should need me at any time, 290 00:15:24,417 --> 00:15:27,333 you will be sure to contact me, yes? 291 00:15:27,459 --> 00:15:30,249 - Is there something queer going on, sir? 292 00:15:30,375 --> 00:15:31,499 - Yes, my child. 293 00:15:31,625 --> 00:15:33,833 Something queer is going on. 294 00:15:33,959 --> 00:15:36,624 But later, you may be able to help me perhaps. 295 00:15:36,750 --> 00:15:39,416 - Well, I'll do anything, sir. 296 00:15:39,542 --> 00:15:42,499 It wasn't right, Auntie being killed. 297 00:15:44,375 --> 00:15:45,749 - Well? 298 00:15:45,875 --> 00:15:47,124 - I think that Monsieur Ascher 299 00:15:47,250 --> 00:15:49,041 is a suspect most unlikely, Hastings. 300 00:15:49,167 --> 00:15:50,083 - Ah. 301 00:15:50,209 --> 00:15:51,416 What about the girl then? 302 00:15:51,542 --> 00:15:54,708 - It is always possible, of course, but with what motive? 303 00:15:54,834 --> 00:15:56,833 - I see what you mean. 304 00:15:56,959 --> 00:15:58,124 If only he'd left a clue. 305 00:15:58,250 --> 00:15:59,583 - Ah, the clue. 306 00:15:59,709 --> 00:16:02,624 It is always the clue that attracts you, yes, Hastings? 307 00:16:02,750 --> 00:16:06,291 Alas, our murderer, he did not smoke a cigarette exotique, 308 00:16:06,417 --> 00:16:07,791 leave the ash on the floor, 309 00:16:07,917 --> 00:16:09,166 and then step on the ash 310 00:16:09,292 --> 00:16:13,083 with shoes that have nails of a pattern most curious. 311 00:16:13,209 --> 00:16:15,583 He's most unobliging, our murderer. 312 00:16:15,709 --> 00:16:19,208 But at least, mon ami, you have the railway guide: 313 00:16:19,334 --> 00:16:21,416 The A.B.C. 314 00:16:21,542 --> 00:16:23,041 Now there is a clue for you. 315 00:16:23,167 --> 00:16:25,791 - You mean, you don't think he left it there by mistake? 316 00:16:25,917 --> 00:16:27,833 - No, he left it on purpose. 317 00:16:27,959 --> 00:16:30,041 The fingerprints tell us that. 318 00:16:39,584 --> 00:16:41,666 - But, Poirot, there weren't any fingerprints on it. 319 00:16:41,792 --> 00:16:43,541 - Exactemente, Hastings. 320 00:16:43,667 --> 00:16:48,208 Our murderer, he is in the dark and seeks to remain in the dark. 321 00:16:48,334 --> 00:16:50,083 But in the very nature of things, 322 00:16:50,209 --> 00:16:53,624 he cannot help to throw the light upon himself. 323 00:17:15,459 --> 00:17:17,416 - What do you think, Poirot? 324 00:17:17,542 --> 00:17:20,624 - Excellent, Hastings. 325 00:17:20,750 --> 00:17:22,833 Most artistic. Well done. 326 00:17:22,959 --> 00:17:26,416 - You don't think he's a bit overpowering? 327 00:17:26,542 --> 00:17:29,749 We can find somewhere else for the fruit bowl. 328 00:17:29,875 --> 00:17:30,958 What we could do-- 329 00:17:31,084 --> 00:17:32,208 - There's another letter, Hastings. 330 00:17:32,334 --> 00:17:33,333 - Sorry? 331 00:17:33,459 --> 00:17:35,791 - Another letter from A.B.C. 332 00:17:37,709 --> 00:17:40,291 - "Dear Mr. Poirot, 333 00:17:40,417 --> 00:17:42,958 "Well, the Andover business went with a swing, didn't it? 334 00:17:43,084 --> 00:17:44,874 "First game to me, I think, 335 00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:47,208 "but the fun's only just beginning. 336 00:17:47,334 --> 00:17:49,666 "Let me draw your attention Bexhill-on-Sea. 337 00:17:49,792 --> 00:17:51,958 "Date: the 25th inst. 338 00:17:52,084 --> 00:17:53,958 "What a merry time we are having. 339 00:17:54,084 --> 00:17:56,208 Yours sincerely, A.B.C." 340 00:17:56,334 --> 00:17:59,833 Good God. 341 00:18:02,750 --> 00:18:05,499 - I fear that the death of Madame Ascher 342 00:18:05,625 --> 00:18:07,708 is only the beginning, Hastings. 343 00:18:09,250 --> 00:18:10,916 - There's no doubt that the two letters 344 00:18:11,042 --> 00:18:13,333 were typed on the same machine, I suppose. 345 00:18:13,459 --> 00:18:15,458 - No, and we can fairly assume 346 00:18:15,584 --> 00:18:18,874 that the writer was responsible for your murder in Andover. 347 00:18:19,000 --> 00:18:21,541 Now we have definite warning of a second crime 348 00:18:21,667 --> 00:18:23,124 scheduled to take place 349 00:18:23,250 --> 00:18:26,291 in Superintendent Carter's county on the 25th, 350 00:18:26,417 --> 00:18:27,874 the day after tomorrow 351 00:18:28,000 --> 00:18:30,499 at Bexhill. 352 00:18:30,625 --> 00:18:33,874 What steps do you think the Sussex police can take, 353 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:35,291 Superintendent Carter? 354 00:18:35,417 --> 00:18:36,999 - Well, it's difficult. 355 00:18:37,125 --> 00:18:39,791 There's not the least clue who the victim may be. 356 00:18:39,917 --> 00:18:42,999 - It is possible that the surname of the intended victim 357 00:18:43,125 --> 00:18:47,041 will begin with the letter B. 358 00:18:47,167 --> 00:18:48,833 - That would be something. 359 00:18:48,959 --> 00:18:51,458 - I suggest it as a possibility, no more. 360 00:18:51,584 --> 00:18:53,958 It came to my mind when I read the signature "A.B.C." 361 00:18:54,084 --> 00:18:56,249 on the first letter and again when I heard the name 362 00:18:56,375 --> 00:18:59,624 of the unfortunate woman in Andover. 363 00:18:59,750 --> 00:19:02,166 - You mean, first a Mrs. Ascher in Andover, 364 00:19:02,292 --> 00:19:04,124 then someone beginning with B in Bexhill? 365 00:19:04,250 --> 00:19:05,249 - Oui. 366 00:19:05,375 --> 00:19:06,749 - Well, that's possible, I suppose. 367 00:19:06,875 --> 00:19:08,999 I mean, we are dealing with a madman. 368 00:19:09,125 --> 00:19:11,958 - But so far he hasn't given us any clue as to his motive. 369 00:19:12,084 --> 00:19:14,083 - Does a madman have any motive? 370 00:19:14,209 --> 00:19:16,124 - Perhaps he's gonna murder someone in every town 371 00:19:16,250 --> 00:19:19,708 of the alphabet all the way from Andover to, uh... 372 00:19:19,834 --> 00:19:22,749 - Zennor. 373 00:19:22,875 --> 00:19:26,083 I've thought a lot about it, you see. 374 00:19:26,209 --> 00:19:28,833 - Well, at least we can take some precautions. 375 00:19:28,959 --> 00:19:30,291 Superintendent Carter, 376 00:19:30,417 --> 00:19:31,916 perhaps it would be possible for your men 377 00:19:32,042 --> 00:19:35,208 to make a special note of all the Bs in your area, 378 00:19:35,334 --> 00:19:37,083 especially small shopkeepers, 379 00:19:37,209 --> 00:19:41,124 and, naturally, keep tabs on all strangers as far as possible. 380 00:19:41,250 --> 00:19:44,249 - Bexhill's a seaside resort, man. 381 00:19:44,375 --> 00:19:46,749 It's the middle of the holiday season. 382 00:19:46,875 --> 00:19:49,499 People are flooding in. 383 00:20:07,459 --> 00:20:10,333 - So tomorrow's the big day. 384 00:20:10,459 --> 00:20:13,124 Is it old women in tobacconist's shops, do you think? 385 00:20:13,250 --> 00:20:15,791 - It does not seem likely, Hastings. 386 00:20:15,917 --> 00:20:17,791 Shops, though, perhaps. 387 00:20:17,917 --> 00:20:20,499 Which of us at some time or another has not felt aggrieved 388 00:20:20,625 --> 00:20:22,041 by a shopkeeper? 389 00:20:22,167 --> 00:20:23,333 - Good Lord, yes. 390 00:20:23,459 --> 00:20:25,166 Well, at least we know it can't be Ascher now. 391 00:20:25,292 --> 00:20:28,833 I mean, he's still in custody. 392 00:20:28,959 --> 00:20:30,583 - But what about the girl, Hastings? 393 00:20:30,709 --> 00:20:32,458 - Mary...whatsit, the maid? 394 00:20:32,584 --> 00:20:34,666 No. 395 00:20:50,375 --> 00:20:52,708 - Seats at all prices, ma'am. 396 00:20:52,834 --> 00:20:56,124 Seats at all prices. 397 00:20:56,250 --> 00:20:58,041 - I wouldn't give much for a murderer's chances 398 00:20:58,167 --> 00:21:00,041 with all these men of yours around, Japp. 399 00:21:00,167 --> 00:21:02,291 - He's as good as nabbed. 400 00:21:02,417 --> 00:21:04,208 - The sanity of a town full of men 401 00:21:04,334 --> 00:21:06,874 against the insanity of one man? 402 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:10,708 Remember the long-continued successes of Jack the Ripper. 403 00:21:10,834 --> 00:21:12,083 - Hmm. 404 00:21:12,209 --> 00:21:13,541 We don't need another one of those, 405 00:21:13,667 --> 00:21:15,499 thank you very much. 406 00:21:15,625 --> 00:21:18,791 - I am afraid, my friends. 407 00:21:18,917 --> 00:21:20,999 I am very much afraid. 408 00:21:42,834 --> 00:21:43,999 - Come on. Come on, boy. 409 00:22:29,750 --> 00:22:31,083 - Hastings! 410 00:22:31,209 --> 00:22:33,041 It has happened. 411 00:22:34,875 --> 00:22:36,791 - But today is the 25th. 412 00:22:36,917 --> 00:22:40,249 - The murder took place last night between 12:00 and 1:00. 413 00:22:40,375 --> 00:22:43,166 Our homicidal joker's a man of his word. 414 00:22:43,292 --> 00:22:45,541 If he says the 25th, then the 25th it is, 415 00:22:45,667 --> 00:22:47,458 even if it's only by a few minutes. 416 00:22:47,584 --> 00:22:49,874 - But we're quite sure this is the crime? 417 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:52,583 - An A.B.C. open at the trains to Bexhill 418 00:22:52,709 --> 00:22:55,374 was found actually under the body. 419 00:22:55,500 --> 00:22:57,874 - Do we know who is the dead girl, Chief Inspector? 420 00:22:58,000 --> 00:23:01,416 - She's been identified as a Miss Elizabeth Barnard: 421 00:23:01,542 --> 00:23:02,916 23 years of age, 422 00:23:03,042 --> 00:23:04,874 worked as a waitress at the De La Warr Pavilion. 423 00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:05,958 - Was she pretty? 424 00:23:06,084 --> 00:23:07,833 There he goes again. 425 00:23:07,959 --> 00:23:10,166 - That does not seem to you to be important, eh? 426 00:23:10,292 --> 00:23:12,749 Mais pour une femme, it is of the first importance. 427 00:23:12,875 --> 00:23:14,833 It often decides her destiny. 428 00:23:14,959 --> 00:23:16,999 With what was the girl strangled, Chief Inspector? 429 00:23:17,125 --> 00:23:18,499 - Her own belt. 430 00:23:18,625 --> 00:23:20,958 - Ah, at last, we have a piece of evidence 431 00:23:21,084 --> 00:23:22,374 that is very definite, 432 00:23:22,500 --> 00:23:24,499 and it tells one something, does it not? 433 00:23:24,625 --> 00:23:26,624 - I don't see what. 434 00:23:39,709 --> 00:23:41,708 - I have broken the news to her parents, 435 00:23:41,834 --> 00:23:43,458 but I thought I'd let them recover a bit 436 00:23:43,584 --> 00:23:44,874 before questioning them. 437 00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:46,166 - Right. 438 00:23:46,292 --> 00:23:48,333 - There are other members of the family, yes? 439 00:23:48,459 --> 00:23:50,708 - There's a sister. Typist in London. 440 00:23:50,834 --> 00:23:52,624 She's been communicated with. 441 00:23:52,750 --> 00:23:53,791 And there's a young man. 442 00:23:53,917 --> 00:23:55,749 Girl was supposed to be out with him last night, 443 00:23:55,875 --> 00:23:56,833 I gather. 444 00:23:56,959 --> 00:23:58,874 - Any luck from the A.B.C. guide? 445 00:23:59,000 --> 00:24:01,083 - No. No fingerprints. 446 00:24:01,209 --> 00:24:02,999 Open at the page of Bexhill. 447 00:24:03,125 --> 00:24:05,333 - Yes, that's our man, all right. 448 00:24:05,459 --> 00:24:07,708 - Well, it must mean something. 449 00:24:07,834 --> 00:24:09,166 Something to do with the trains 450 00:24:09,292 --> 00:24:12,499 from Andover and Bexhill, perhaps. 451 00:24:12,625 --> 00:24:14,708 - Yes, that is a point. 452 00:24:23,834 --> 00:24:26,166 - This is most distressing, Chief Inspector, 453 00:24:26,292 --> 00:24:27,374 most distressing. 454 00:24:27,500 --> 00:24:28,916 How will it will affect our business, 455 00:24:29,042 --> 00:24:29,958 I shudder to think. 456 00:24:30,084 --> 00:24:31,541 - You'll have a boom, madam. 457 00:24:31,667 --> 00:24:34,499 You won't be able to dish out the dainty teas quick enough. 458 00:24:34,625 --> 00:24:36,166 - Really? 459 00:24:36,292 --> 00:24:37,624 Oh. 460 00:24:37,750 --> 00:24:39,166 How awful. 461 00:24:39,292 --> 00:24:42,499 People are so awful. 462 00:24:42,625 --> 00:24:43,833 - Mademoiselle Merrion, 463 00:24:43,959 --> 00:24:45,624 how long had Mademoiselle Barnard 464 00:24:45,750 --> 00:24:46,916 been working here? 465 00:24:47,042 --> 00:24:49,958 - This was the second summer. 466 00:24:50,084 --> 00:24:51,874 - She was pretty, yes? 467 00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:55,374 - She was a nice, clean-looking girl. 468 00:24:55,500 --> 00:24:57,166 - What time did she go off-duty last night? 469 00:24:57,292 --> 00:24:59,374 - 8:00. We close at 8:00. 470 00:24:59,500 --> 00:25:03,333 - Did she say what she was going to do after work? 471 00:25:03,459 --> 00:25:06,916 - We were hardly on those sort of terms. 472 00:25:07,042 --> 00:25:08,541 - Nobody came and called for her? 473 00:25:08,667 --> 00:25:09,583 Nothing like that? 474 00:25:09,709 --> 00:25:12,541 - Oh, no. 475 00:25:12,667 --> 00:25:16,208 She had a young man, I believe, 476 00:25:16,334 --> 00:25:19,083 Donald Fraser. 477 00:25:37,500 --> 00:25:38,999 - Weren't you alarmed 478 00:25:39,125 --> 00:25:42,791 when your daughter didn't come home last night? 479 00:25:42,917 --> 00:25:44,916 - We didn't know she hadn't. 480 00:25:45,042 --> 00:25:49,749 Mrs. Barnard and I go to bed early. 481 00:25:49,875 --> 00:25:51,291 We never knew Betty hadn't come home 482 00:25:51,417 --> 00:25:56,166 till the police officer came this morning. 483 00:25:56,292 --> 00:25:59,124 - Was she in the habit of coming home late? 484 00:25:59,250 --> 00:26:04,166 - You know what goes on nowadays, Inspector. 485 00:26:04,292 --> 00:26:08,249 All the same, though, she was usually in by 11:00. 486 00:26:09,917 --> 00:26:11,458 And she had this steady young fellow 487 00:26:11,584 --> 00:26:13,374 she was sort of engaged to. 488 00:26:13,500 --> 00:26:15,583 Donald Fraser, his name is. 489 00:26:18,875 --> 00:26:21,999 It doesn't make any bloody sense. 490 00:26:23,042 --> 00:26:24,166 - No, it doesn't. 491 00:26:29,334 --> 00:26:32,666 - Excuse me, Monsieur Barnard. 492 00:26:32,792 --> 00:26:36,083 Did Betty ever mention any connection with Andover? 493 00:26:36,209 --> 00:26:39,624 Did she have there, perhaps, any friends? 494 00:26:39,750 --> 00:26:42,083 - Andover? 495 00:26:45,459 --> 00:26:47,541 No. 496 00:26:52,667 --> 00:26:55,916 - I'd like to look over Miss Barnard's room, if I may. 497 00:26:56,042 --> 00:26:57,208 There might be something, sir. 498 00:26:57,334 --> 00:26:59,416 Letters, diary... 499 00:26:59,542 --> 00:27:01,624 - All right. It's in here. 500 00:27:10,542 --> 00:27:12,083 - Who are you? 501 00:27:12,209 --> 00:27:13,166 - You're Miss Barnard. 502 00:27:13,292 --> 00:27:14,749 - Yes, I'm Megan Barnard. 503 00:27:14,875 --> 00:27:16,458 I suppose you belong to the police. 504 00:27:16,584 --> 00:27:18,041 - Well, not exactly. 505 00:27:18,167 --> 00:27:19,249 - Well, what are you? 506 00:27:19,375 --> 00:27:20,583 - Well-- - Where's Mum and Dad? 507 00:27:20,709 --> 00:27:21,874 - Your father's in there 508 00:27:22,000 --> 00:27:23,291 showing the police your sister's bedroom, 509 00:27:23,417 --> 00:27:24,458 and your mother's in there. 510 00:27:24,584 --> 00:27:26,666 I wonder if-- 511 00:27:36,750 --> 00:27:38,041 - Are you following me? 512 00:27:38,167 --> 00:27:39,749 What do you want? 513 00:27:42,875 --> 00:27:44,708 - This is Monsieur Hercule Poirot. 514 00:27:44,834 --> 00:27:46,541 - Mademoiselle Barnard. 515 00:27:46,667 --> 00:27:49,041 - I don't see what Monsieur Hercule Poirot's doing 516 00:27:49,167 --> 00:27:51,166 in our humble little crime. 517 00:27:51,292 --> 00:27:53,124 - What you do not see, mademoiselle, 518 00:27:53,250 --> 00:27:54,291 and what I do not see, 519 00:27:54,417 --> 00:27:56,499 it would fill a volume, 520 00:27:56,625 --> 00:27:57,833 but what is important 521 00:27:57,959 --> 00:28:01,333 is something that will not be easy to find. 522 00:28:01,459 --> 00:28:02,541 - What's that? 523 00:28:02,667 --> 00:28:04,083 - The truth. 524 00:28:09,584 --> 00:28:10,749 - I don't know about the truth. 525 00:28:10,875 --> 00:28:12,374 I only know what I feel. 526 00:28:12,500 --> 00:28:14,833 - But that is the most important thing we have, mademoiselle, 527 00:28:14,959 --> 00:28:18,999 in the hunt for the murderer of your sister. 528 00:28:19,125 --> 00:28:20,916 - All right. 529 00:28:21,042 --> 00:28:23,458 It wasn't in Betty's nature to be fond of one person 530 00:28:23,584 --> 00:28:25,458 and not be interested in anyone else. 531 00:28:25,584 --> 00:28:27,708 And working in the De La Warr Pavilion, 532 00:28:27,834 --> 00:28:30,708 she was always running up against nice-looking men. 533 00:28:30,834 --> 00:28:32,208 - I understand, mademoiselle. 534 00:28:32,334 --> 00:28:35,208 - Do you? Her boyfriend didn't. 535 00:28:35,334 --> 00:28:36,874 She was really keen on him. 536 00:28:37,000 --> 00:28:40,249 He couldn't see why she wanted to go out with other people. 537 00:28:40,375 --> 00:28:43,249 Once or twice, they had flaming big rows about it. 538 00:28:43,375 --> 00:28:46,833 Don was so violent. Betty was frightened. 539 00:28:46,959 --> 00:28:50,624 - When was this? 540 00:28:50,750 --> 00:28:53,458 - Last time was about a month ago. 541 00:28:53,584 --> 00:28:56,166 They had an awful scene. 542 00:28:56,292 --> 00:28:59,041 Don was all white and shaking. 543 00:28:59,167 --> 00:29:01,249 Oh, there he is. 544 00:29:01,375 --> 00:29:03,499 - Quick, mademoiselle, run and intercept him. 545 00:29:03,625 --> 00:29:04,999 I wish to speak with him 546 00:29:05,125 --> 00:29:07,374 before the estimable Chief Inspector Japp. 547 00:29:09,834 --> 00:29:11,583 - Don? 548 00:29:12,917 --> 00:29:14,583 - Did Mademoiselle Barnard tell you 549 00:29:14,709 --> 00:29:16,166 where she was going last night? 550 00:29:16,292 --> 00:29:19,083 - She told me she was going to St. Leonard's with a girlfriend. 551 00:29:19,209 --> 00:29:21,791 - And did you believe her? 552 00:29:21,917 --> 00:29:23,958 - Who are you anyway? 553 00:29:24,084 --> 00:29:26,583 You don't belong to the police. 554 00:29:26,709 --> 00:29:28,416 - No, monsieur. 555 00:29:28,542 --> 00:29:30,624 I am better than the police. 556 00:29:33,875 --> 00:29:36,791 - Tell him. 557 00:29:36,917 --> 00:29:40,166 - I believed her when she said it. 558 00:29:40,292 --> 00:29:42,041 But afterwards... 559 00:29:42,167 --> 00:29:45,249 - What did you do? 560 00:29:45,375 --> 00:29:46,416 - I don't know. 561 00:29:46,542 --> 00:29:47,624 I lost my head. 562 00:29:47,750 --> 00:29:49,541 I was convinced she was with some man. 563 00:29:49,667 --> 00:29:53,499 I thought he might have taken her to Eastbourne in a car. 564 00:29:53,625 --> 00:29:55,749 I went on there, 565 00:29:55,875 --> 00:29:59,458 looked in the hotels and restaurants. 566 00:29:59,584 --> 00:30:03,541 They must have thought I was mad. 567 00:30:03,667 --> 00:30:07,624 I hung around cinemas, went on the pier. 568 00:30:07,750 --> 00:30:11,916 In the end, I gave up and came back. 569 00:30:14,417 --> 00:30:16,916 Not much of an alibi, is it? 570 00:30:17,042 --> 00:30:18,874 - No, my friend. 571 00:30:19,000 --> 00:30:21,291 Not much. 572 00:30:25,792 --> 00:30:28,416 - Well, Donald Fraser certainly seemed to have 573 00:30:28,542 --> 00:30:30,208 a perfectly good motive for the murder, 574 00:30:30,334 --> 00:30:31,624 and opportunity. 575 00:30:31,750 --> 00:30:34,333 - For killing Mademoiselle Betty Barnard, yes. 576 00:30:34,459 --> 00:30:37,083 But what was the motive for killing Madame Ascher? 577 00:30:37,209 --> 00:30:39,749 - Well, that we'll have to find out. 578 00:30:39,875 --> 00:30:43,499 They're both women, of course. 579 00:30:43,625 --> 00:30:44,749 - And what was the motive 580 00:30:44,875 --> 00:30:47,166 for writing those letters to me, Hastings? 581 00:30:49,042 --> 00:30:51,416 There's something about those letters, 582 00:30:51,542 --> 00:30:53,624 something that bothers me. 583 00:30:58,334 --> 00:31:00,166 - You've been very careful. 584 00:31:00,292 --> 00:31:02,041 But you made one mistake. 585 00:31:02,167 --> 00:31:03,583 It'll be the first time 586 00:31:03,709 --> 00:31:05,666 that anyone has suggested you as the murderer. 587 00:31:05,792 --> 00:31:06,708 You'll be watched. 588 00:31:06,834 --> 00:31:07,874 You'll be questioned. 589 00:31:08,000 --> 00:31:08,916 You'll be followed. 590 00:31:09,042 --> 00:31:09,999 You'll give yourself away. 591 00:31:10,125 --> 00:31:12,166 And they'll get you. 592 00:31:12,292 --> 00:31:14,791 - I killed her, did I? 593 00:31:14,917 --> 00:31:17,416 Accusing me, are you? 594 00:31:17,542 --> 00:31:19,416 Why don't you run away, Mary? 595 00:31:19,542 --> 00:31:22,124 You would if you can, 596 00:31:22,250 --> 00:31:24,166 but you don't move, Mary. 597 00:31:24,292 --> 00:31:25,999 Why? 598 00:31:26,125 --> 00:31:27,749 - Because... 599 00:31:27,875 --> 00:31:30,166 - Because you know I'm not the killer. 600 00:31:30,292 --> 00:31:31,458 - Yes! 601 00:31:31,584 --> 00:31:34,374 - That's where you're wrong. 602 00:31:34,500 --> 00:31:37,749 I am the Dorset murderer. 603 00:31:40,167 --> 00:31:44,166 I killed Lily James 604 00:31:44,292 --> 00:31:47,374 and all the others, 605 00:31:47,500 --> 00:31:52,083 and now I am going to kill you! 606 00:31:57,417 --> 00:31:59,333 - We've kept the general public in the dark so far 607 00:31:59,459 --> 00:32:01,999 about the A.B.C. link between these murders. 608 00:32:02,125 --> 00:32:03,541 If we continue to keep them in the dark, 609 00:32:03,667 --> 00:32:05,041 then we don't get any cooperation. 610 00:32:05,167 --> 00:32:06,833 - But if you make it public, Chief Inspector, 611 00:32:06,959 --> 00:32:08,249 you're playing the game of the murderer, 612 00:32:08,375 --> 00:32:09,958 which is perhaps why he writes those letters: 613 00:32:10,084 --> 00:32:11,958 for notoriety, publicity. 614 00:32:12,084 --> 00:32:14,833 - Well, I think we should chance it. 615 00:32:14,959 --> 00:32:17,749 Splash it about in the headlines. 616 00:32:28,250 --> 00:32:30,333 - I did not say this before, Hastings, 617 00:32:30,459 --> 00:32:33,374 because, well, perhaps it would have been mistaken 618 00:32:33,500 --> 00:32:34,999 for self-importance, 619 00:32:35,125 --> 00:32:37,916 a characteristic that I dislike more than any other. 620 00:32:42,125 --> 00:32:44,041 - Oh, right. 621 00:32:44,167 --> 00:32:46,708 Delicious soup, this. 622 00:32:48,709 --> 00:32:50,874 - But it is possible 623 00:32:51,000 --> 00:32:52,916 that our murderer is committing his crimes 624 00:32:53,042 --> 00:32:56,541 because of a direct personal hatred against me, 625 00:32:56,667 --> 00:32:58,124 Hercule Poirot. 626 00:32:58,250 --> 00:33:00,208 - Because he writes the letters to you, you mean. 627 00:33:00,334 --> 00:33:01,916 - Exactemente, Hastings. 628 00:33:02,042 --> 00:33:05,583 Or perhaps the animosity of our murderer, 629 00:33:05,709 --> 00:33:07,499 it is impersonal 630 00:33:07,625 --> 00:33:09,583 and merely because I'm a foreigner. 631 00:33:09,709 --> 00:33:11,624 - Yes. 632 00:33:11,750 --> 00:33:14,124 Well, there are people like that. 633 00:33:19,750 --> 00:33:21,541 - It is only the late post, Hastings. 634 00:33:21,667 --> 00:33:23,166 - Yes, I know. 635 00:33:23,292 --> 00:33:25,166 I was expecting Lillywhite's catalog. 636 00:33:25,292 --> 00:33:27,166 I've been thinking of buying some new golf clubs. 637 00:33:27,292 --> 00:33:30,208 I've still only got those old ones that belonged to my father. 638 00:33:30,334 --> 00:33:31,666 Lord. 639 00:33:31,792 --> 00:33:32,958 - What is it, Hastings? 640 00:33:33,084 --> 00:33:36,249 - It's another one. Another A.B.C. letter. 641 00:33:36,375 --> 00:33:38,249 Postmarked London WC1 again. 642 00:33:38,375 --> 00:33:40,416 That's significant, you know, I'm sure it is. 643 00:33:40,542 --> 00:33:43,499 - You open it, Hastings. 644 00:33:43,625 --> 00:33:45,333 Quickly. 645 00:33:47,750 --> 00:33:49,166 - "Dear Mr. Poirot, 646 00:33:49,292 --> 00:33:51,208 "Not too good at these little criminal matters 647 00:33:51,334 --> 00:33:52,833 "as you thought yourself, are you? 648 00:33:52,959 --> 00:33:54,749 "Rather past your prime, perhaps. 649 00:33:54,875 --> 00:33:56,874 "Let us see if you can do better this time. 650 00:33:57,000 --> 00:33:58,249 "This time it's an easy one. 651 00:33:58,375 --> 00:33:59,791 "Churston on the 29th. 652 00:33:59,917 --> 00:34:01,708 "Do try and do something about it. 653 00:34:01,834 --> 00:34:03,874 "It's a bit dull having it all my own way, you know. 654 00:34:04,000 --> 00:34:05,416 "Good hunting. 655 00:34:05,542 --> 00:34:07,666 Yours ever, A.B.C." 656 00:34:07,792 --> 00:34:11,124 I wonder where Churston is. 657 00:34:11,250 --> 00:34:12,499 - Hastings, 658 00:34:12,625 --> 00:34:14,458 you do not realize? 659 00:34:14,584 --> 00:34:16,208 Today is the 29th. 660 00:34:16,334 --> 00:34:17,416 - What? 661 00:34:17,542 --> 00:34:18,791 - When was that letter written? 662 00:34:18,917 --> 00:34:20,999 - 26th. 663 00:34:22,542 --> 00:34:24,083 - Mon Dieu. 664 00:34:24,209 --> 00:34:25,958 Look, Hastings. 665 00:34:26,084 --> 00:34:29,041 You did not notice the wrong address. 666 00:34:29,167 --> 00:34:30,583 - "Monsieur Hercule Poirot, 667 00:34:30,709 --> 00:34:31,624 "White Horse Mansions. 668 00:34:31,750 --> 00:34:33,291 "Not known at White Horse Mansions. 669 00:34:33,417 --> 00:34:34,916 "Not known at White Horse Court. 670 00:34:35,042 --> 00:34:36,541 Try Whitehaven Mansions." 671 00:34:36,667 --> 00:34:39,583 - Does even chance aid this madman? 672 00:34:39,709 --> 00:34:41,833 C'est trop tard. 673 00:34:41,959 --> 00:34:42,874 - You can't be sure of that. 674 00:34:43,000 --> 00:34:44,499 - It's 10:20, Hastings. 675 00:34:44,625 --> 00:34:46,666 - Churston, Devon. 676 00:34:46,792 --> 00:34:50,624 Get in at 7:15, leaves Paddington at midnight. 677 00:35:16,334 --> 00:35:17,499 - Any word from Churston yet? 678 00:35:17,625 --> 00:35:18,749 - Not yet. 679 00:35:18,875 --> 00:35:21,083 We've got men moving in from all over the area. 680 00:35:21,209 --> 00:35:22,291 It's only a village. 681 00:35:22,417 --> 00:35:23,708 Have you got the letter with you? 682 00:35:23,834 --> 00:35:25,499 - Yes. 683 00:35:25,625 --> 00:35:26,833 - White Horse Mansions. 684 00:35:26,959 --> 00:35:28,249 Of all the blessed luck. 685 00:35:28,375 --> 00:35:30,124 - With two letters, he gets the address right. 686 00:35:30,250 --> 00:35:31,666 Why now does he get it wrong? 687 00:35:31,792 --> 00:35:32,999 - Perhaps he did it on purpose. 688 00:35:33,125 --> 00:35:34,958 - No, this fellow's got these barmy rules, 689 00:35:35,084 --> 00:35:36,749 and I think he sticks to them. 690 00:35:36,875 --> 00:35:37,999 - I know. 691 00:35:38,125 --> 00:35:40,083 He drinks White Horse whiskey. 692 00:35:40,209 --> 00:35:42,333 - C'est ingenieux ca! 693 00:35:42,459 --> 00:35:43,541 He types the address, 694 00:35:43,667 --> 00:35:45,583 and the bottle, it is in front of him. 695 00:35:45,709 --> 00:35:48,999 - We've heard of psychology at Scotland Yard too, you know? 696 00:36:06,250 --> 00:36:08,499 - Sir Carmichael always takes his after-dinner walk 697 00:36:08,625 --> 00:36:10,583 along the cliff top, Miss Grey. 698 00:36:10,709 --> 00:36:11,958 When he gets to the headland, 699 00:36:12,084 --> 00:36:15,041 he turns right and comes up past the farm. 700 00:36:15,167 --> 00:36:17,583 But he's always back by 10:00. 701 00:36:17,709 --> 00:36:18,749 Always. 702 00:36:18,875 --> 00:36:21,624 - It's after midnight now. 703 00:36:21,750 --> 00:36:24,749 Suppose he's had an accident or something. 704 00:36:24,875 --> 00:36:26,541 I'm going down to the cliff. 705 00:36:26,667 --> 00:36:28,208 - I'll go to the other side of the field. 706 00:36:28,334 --> 00:36:30,041 Perhaps he's started back. 707 00:36:49,042 --> 00:36:51,958 Miss Grey! Over here! 708 00:37:15,667 --> 00:37:18,083 - They've taken the body up to the house. 709 00:37:18,209 --> 00:37:20,624 Blow to the back of the head, apparently. 710 00:37:20,750 --> 00:37:22,708 Blunt instrument. 711 00:37:22,834 --> 00:37:24,041 This should make people sit up 712 00:37:24,167 --> 00:37:25,874 now that the newspapers are in the know. 713 00:37:26,000 --> 00:37:27,583 Three murders within ten days. 714 00:37:27,709 --> 00:37:29,874 The whole country will be looking for A.B.C. now. 715 00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:32,458 - But what will they be looking for, Hastings? 716 00:37:32,584 --> 00:37:34,833 - Well, a madman. 717 00:37:34,959 --> 00:37:38,458 - And what does a madman look like? 718 00:37:38,584 --> 00:37:40,041 - Well... 719 00:37:40,167 --> 00:37:43,749 - Madame Ascher had no connection with Bexhill-on-Sea, 720 00:37:43,875 --> 00:37:45,249 and Mademoiselle Betty Barnard 721 00:37:45,375 --> 00:37:49,208 had no link with Andover that we can discover. 722 00:37:49,334 --> 00:37:52,249 And we will find that neither apparently had anything to do 723 00:37:52,375 --> 00:37:54,416 with Churston and Sir Carmichael Clarke. 724 00:37:54,542 --> 00:37:58,666 On that, I would place a wager. 725 00:37:58,792 --> 00:38:00,208 Hundreds of miles 726 00:38:00,334 --> 00:38:04,249 and everything about their lives seems to separate them. 727 00:38:08,625 --> 00:38:11,791 What is it that binds them together? 728 00:38:11,917 --> 00:38:14,666 - But why? 729 00:38:14,792 --> 00:38:18,041 I mean, what earthly benefit can accrue from such a crime, 730 00:38:18,167 --> 00:38:20,999 even in the most diseased imagination? 731 00:38:21,125 --> 00:38:22,749 - You go straight to the point, monsieur. 732 00:38:22,875 --> 00:38:24,749 - Ah, Poirot, this is Mr. Franklin Clarke, 733 00:38:24,875 --> 00:38:26,999 Sir Carmichael's brother. 734 00:38:27,125 --> 00:38:29,416 - You have my condolences, Monsieur Clarke. 735 00:38:29,542 --> 00:38:30,999 - Mr. Poirot, Captain Hastings. 736 00:38:31,125 --> 00:38:32,416 - How do you do? 737 00:38:32,542 --> 00:38:35,999 - Now let me have a few facts, would you, Mr. Clarke? 738 00:38:36,125 --> 00:38:37,541 - Certainly. 739 00:38:37,667 --> 00:38:38,833 - Your brother, I take it, 740 00:38:38,959 --> 00:38:41,624 was in his usual health and spirit yesterday? 741 00:38:41,750 --> 00:38:42,916 - Oh, yes, I should say. 742 00:38:43,042 --> 00:38:44,999 He was quite his usual self. 743 00:38:45,125 --> 00:38:46,416 - Not upset or worried at all? 744 00:38:46,542 --> 00:38:47,874 - Excuse me, Chief Inspector. 745 00:38:48,000 --> 00:38:49,499 I didn't say that. 746 00:38:49,625 --> 00:38:53,999 To be upset and worried was my poor brother's normal condition. 747 00:38:54,125 --> 00:38:55,708 - Oh? 748 00:38:55,834 --> 00:38:57,416 - Well, I was shocked at the change in him 749 00:38:57,542 --> 00:38:59,583 when I returned from the east recently. 750 00:38:59,709 --> 00:39:03,916 His wife's illness preyed on his mind terribly. 751 00:39:04,042 --> 00:39:05,333 - Illness? 752 00:39:05,459 --> 00:39:06,916 - Oh, my sister-in-law, Lady Clarke, 753 00:39:07,042 --> 00:39:09,333 is in very bad health. 754 00:39:09,459 --> 00:39:10,624 Between ourselves, 755 00:39:10,750 --> 00:39:13,499 she's suffering from an incurable cancer. 756 00:39:13,625 --> 00:39:16,708 She can't live much longer. 757 00:39:18,959 --> 00:39:20,333 - Sir Carmichael hadn't received 758 00:39:20,459 --> 00:39:23,749 any unexpected or unpleasant letters? 759 00:39:23,875 --> 00:39:27,041 - Not that I was aware of. 760 00:39:29,250 --> 00:39:31,874 - He wasn't short of a bauble or two, was he? 761 00:39:32,000 --> 00:39:34,916 - My brother was a very wealthy man. 762 00:39:35,042 --> 00:39:36,708 - And in possession of a collection 763 00:39:36,834 --> 00:39:38,874 that is extremely beautiful. 764 00:39:39,000 --> 00:39:41,166 - Yes. 765 00:39:41,292 --> 00:39:44,291 It's what he lived for, really. 766 00:39:44,417 --> 00:39:46,333 - Have any strangers come to the house 767 00:39:46,459 --> 00:39:48,708 asking for Sir Carmichael recently? 768 00:39:51,500 --> 00:39:53,124 - The doctor says he's finished, sir. 769 00:39:53,250 --> 00:39:54,333 - Thank you, Deveril. 770 00:39:54,459 --> 00:39:56,499 Uh, Deveril, have any strangers 771 00:39:56,625 --> 00:39:58,916 been inquiring for Sir Carmichael recently? 772 00:39:59,042 --> 00:40:00,874 - No, sir. 773 00:40:12,334 --> 00:40:14,291 - Ah, doctor, anything to tell us? 774 00:40:14,417 --> 00:40:16,041 - Well, nothing we didn't know already. 775 00:40:16,167 --> 00:40:17,416 Death instantaneous. 776 00:40:17,542 --> 00:40:18,916 We've put him in the billiard room. 777 00:40:19,042 --> 00:40:23,958 - I'll just go and have a word with Lady Clarke. 778 00:40:24,084 --> 00:40:28,208 - Ah, this is Miss Thora Grey, gentlemen, 779 00:40:28,334 --> 00:40:29,874 my brother's secretary. 780 00:40:30,000 --> 00:40:31,374 - How do you do? 781 00:40:31,500 --> 00:40:33,208 - I'll talk to you later, Miss Grey, if I may. 782 00:40:33,334 --> 00:40:34,249 - Yes. 783 00:40:34,375 --> 00:40:35,499 - Mademoiselle. 784 00:40:35,625 --> 00:40:37,666 - I'll be in the library, if you want me. 785 00:40:46,584 --> 00:40:48,666 - Hastings. 786 00:40:53,250 --> 00:40:56,083 - It just doesn't stand to reason. 787 00:40:56,209 --> 00:40:59,583 There must be a connection between these victims. 788 00:40:59,709 --> 00:41:01,624 We just haven't found it yet. 789 00:41:01,750 --> 00:41:03,583 - No. 790 00:41:05,042 --> 00:41:07,916 We hit our heads against a stone brick. 791 00:41:10,250 --> 00:41:11,458 There is no connection. 792 00:41:11,584 --> 00:41:13,749 - There must be. 793 00:41:13,875 --> 00:41:15,833 - I say no, Hastings. 794 00:41:15,959 --> 00:41:18,083 There is no connection whatever between these people 795 00:41:18,209 --> 00:41:19,333 except that their names begin 796 00:41:19,459 --> 00:41:21,749 with certain letters of the alphabet. 797 00:41:21,875 --> 00:41:24,041 We have searched the background 798 00:41:24,167 --> 00:41:25,999 of the victims and of the suspects 799 00:41:26,125 --> 00:41:27,624 for any other connection. 800 00:41:27,750 --> 00:41:28,916 Hastings can find nothing. 801 00:41:29,042 --> 00:41:30,958 Scotland Yard can find nothing. 802 00:41:31,084 --> 00:41:32,874 Even I can find nothing. 803 00:41:33,000 --> 00:41:34,958 No, we are wasting our time 804 00:41:35,084 --> 00:41:36,333 because there is nothing to find. 805 00:41:36,459 --> 00:41:37,416 - You mean those people 806 00:41:37,542 --> 00:41:39,791 were complete strangers to the murderer? 807 00:41:39,917 --> 00:41:41,874 - Pr�cisement, Hastings. 808 00:41:42,000 --> 00:41:45,124 Chosen only because of his mania for the alphabet. 809 00:41:52,292 --> 00:41:54,541 - Finished with that? 810 00:41:56,625 --> 00:41:58,708 - Yes. 811 00:42:09,417 --> 00:42:11,166 - Nasty business, eh? 812 00:42:13,917 --> 00:42:16,499 - Yes, very. 813 00:42:17,917 --> 00:42:20,166 - You never know with lunatics, do you? 814 00:42:20,292 --> 00:42:22,374 They don't always look barmy. 815 00:42:22,500 --> 00:42:25,458 Sometimes they can look just like you and me. 816 00:42:28,167 --> 00:42:30,083 - Yes, I suppose they can. 817 00:42:30,209 --> 00:42:33,499 - Now, sometimes it's the war or something, 818 00:42:33,625 --> 00:42:35,249 and they've never been right since. 819 00:42:35,375 --> 00:42:37,749 I don't hold with wars. 820 00:42:40,875 --> 00:42:42,833 - I don't hold with plague and sleeping sickness 821 00:42:42,959 --> 00:42:46,708 and famine and cancer, but they happen all the same. 822 00:42:46,834 --> 00:42:48,916 - Ah, but war's preventable. 823 00:43:00,042 --> 00:43:02,124 - Shh! 824 00:43:07,625 --> 00:43:10,041 - Oh, I'm sorry, sir. 825 00:43:10,167 --> 00:43:11,958 I expect you was in the war. 826 00:43:12,084 --> 00:43:14,291 - Yes, yes. Yes, I was. 827 00:43:14,417 --> 00:43:18,666 And it did... 828 00:43:18,792 --> 00:43:21,083 unsettle me. 829 00:43:43,417 --> 00:43:44,833 - They're all here. - Ah. 830 00:43:44,959 --> 00:43:46,458 - What did you get? - Biscuits. 831 00:43:46,584 --> 00:43:47,624 - Ah. 832 00:43:53,334 --> 00:43:56,249 - And so we all are assembled, eh? 833 00:43:56,375 --> 00:43:58,791 Let us begin with you, Mademoiselle Drower. 834 00:43:58,917 --> 00:44:03,624 When were you last in contact with your aunt? 835 00:44:03,750 --> 00:44:06,249 - I hadn't seen Auntie for a fortnight, sir. 836 00:44:06,375 --> 00:44:09,874 I'd had a letter from her, though, two days previous. 837 00:44:10,000 --> 00:44:11,874 - Ah, now these are just the sort of facts 838 00:44:12,000 --> 00:44:14,333 which could provide a clue that is vital, eh? 839 00:44:14,459 --> 00:44:16,499 Now, I believe that you all may have some information 840 00:44:16,625 --> 00:44:18,833 that you are not aware that you have. 841 00:44:18,959 --> 00:44:20,916 Did you keep that letter? 842 00:44:21,042 --> 00:44:23,958 - No, sir, but I remember what it said. 843 00:44:24,084 --> 00:44:26,208 She said the old devil had been 'round, 844 00:44:26,334 --> 00:44:29,208 and she'd sent him off with a flea in his ear. 845 00:44:29,334 --> 00:44:32,624 And she said she expected me over on the Wednesday-- 846 00:44:32,750 --> 00:44:34,791 that's my day out, sir-- 847 00:44:34,917 --> 00:44:37,583 and said we'd go to the pictures. 848 00:44:37,709 --> 00:44:41,791 It was going to be my birthday, sir. 849 00:44:41,917 --> 00:44:44,749 I'm sorry, sir. 850 00:44:44,875 --> 00:44:47,374 I don't mean to be silly. 851 00:44:47,500 --> 00:44:51,583 It's just the thought of her looking forward to our treat. 852 00:44:53,959 --> 00:44:57,749 - It's always the little things that get one. 853 00:44:57,875 --> 00:45:03,083 Especially anything like a treat or a present. 854 00:45:03,209 --> 00:45:06,583 - Same thing happened when Betty died. 855 00:45:06,709 --> 00:45:09,374 Mum had bought her some stockings as a present. 856 00:45:09,500 --> 00:45:12,208 That very morning, in fact. 857 00:45:12,334 --> 00:45:13,916 Poor mum. 858 00:45:14,042 --> 00:45:16,458 Found her crying over them. 859 00:45:16,584 --> 00:45:18,208 She kept saying, "I bought them for Betty, 860 00:45:18,334 --> 00:45:20,624 and she never even saw them." 861 00:45:21,875 --> 00:45:24,166 - Look, uh... 862 00:45:24,292 --> 00:45:25,958 All of us here have an interest 863 00:45:26,084 --> 00:45:28,624 in bringing the murderer to book. 864 00:45:28,750 --> 00:45:33,999 Suppose we join forces to try and track the fellow down? 865 00:45:34,125 --> 00:45:37,374 - I'm sure Mr. Poirot and the police are quite capable. 866 00:45:37,500 --> 00:45:39,749 - Well, speaking for myself, 867 00:45:39,875 --> 00:45:42,791 I am never too proud to accept a little help. 868 00:45:45,084 --> 00:45:48,499 Mademoiselle Grey, when you return to Devon, 869 00:45:48,625 --> 00:45:49,791 and you think back to the day 870 00:45:49,917 --> 00:45:52,333 that Sir Carmichael Clarke was killed, 871 00:45:52,459 --> 00:45:57,624 you may perhaps remember seeing around the village a stranger. 872 00:45:57,750 --> 00:45:59,583 - No. 873 00:45:59,709 --> 00:46:01,874 I know I didn't. 874 00:46:02,000 --> 00:46:04,833 Anyway, I've left Churston for good. 875 00:46:04,959 --> 00:46:07,666 - Now, Miss Grey kindly stayed on to help me clear things up, 876 00:46:07,792 --> 00:46:12,166 but, naturally, she prefers a post in London. 877 00:46:12,292 --> 00:46:15,166 - I see. 878 00:46:15,292 --> 00:46:17,833 How is Lady Clarke? 879 00:46:17,959 --> 00:46:19,749 - Oh, pretty bad. 880 00:46:19,875 --> 00:46:21,958 By the way, Mr. Poirot, 881 00:46:22,084 --> 00:46:23,958 I wonder if you could see a way to running down 882 00:46:24,084 --> 00:46:25,499 and paying her a visit? 883 00:46:25,625 --> 00:46:29,416 Before I left, she expressed a desire to see you. 884 00:46:29,542 --> 00:46:31,874 - Mais certainement, Monsieur Clarke. 885 00:46:37,292 --> 00:46:40,708 - Do you think their cooperation will lead to anything? 886 00:46:40,834 --> 00:46:43,833 - It is possible. 887 00:46:43,959 --> 00:46:46,791 You know, Hastings, 888 00:46:46,917 --> 00:46:49,624 I cannot rid my mind 889 00:46:49,750 --> 00:46:52,791 of the impression that something was said 890 00:46:52,917 --> 00:46:56,624 this afternoon that was significant. 891 00:46:56,750 --> 00:46:59,666 Ah, it is odd. 892 00:46:59,792 --> 00:47:03,583 I cannot pin it down exactly. 893 00:47:03,709 --> 00:47:06,041 But something passed through my mind 894 00:47:06,167 --> 00:47:08,958 that reminded me of that which I had already seen 895 00:47:09,084 --> 00:47:12,166 or heard or noted. 896 00:47:15,292 --> 00:47:17,124 It will come to me. 897 00:47:21,084 --> 00:47:22,874 Something is the matter, Hastings? 898 00:47:23,000 --> 00:47:25,791 - Eh? No, no, no, no. 899 00:47:25,917 --> 00:47:28,083 I was just thinking about D, as a matter of fact. 900 00:47:28,209 --> 00:47:29,749 - For the next murder? 901 00:47:29,875 --> 00:47:31,374 - Yes. 902 00:47:31,500 --> 00:47:33,999 I mean, is he out there somewhere, 903 00:47:34,125 --> 00:47:36,374 planning it? 904 00:47:36,500 --> 00:47:39,999 Gives you the shivers just to think about it. 905 00:48:17,042 --> 00:48:19,291 - "A.B.C. murders. 906 00:48:19,417 --> 00:48:21,749 Captain Hastings speaks." 907 00:48:21,875 --> 00:48:22,833 - Poirot, I-- 908 00:48:22,959 --> 00:48:24,041 - '"After third murder, 909 00:48:24,167 --> 00:48:25,583 '"the brutal slaying of millionaire 910 00:48:25,709 --> 00:48:26,999 '"Sir Carmichael Clarke, 911 00:48:27,125 --> 00:48:30,791 "Monsieur Poirot takes grave view of situation,' 912 00:48:30,917 --> 00:48:33,541 says Captain Hastings." 913 00:48:33,667 --> 00:48:35,124 - Well-- 914 00:48:35,250 --> 00:48:36,708 - "Andover, Bexhill, Churston... 915 00:48:36,834 --> 00:48:38,874 "Where will A.B.C. strike next? 916 00:48:39,000 --> 00:48:41,874 '"Monsieur Poirot on eve of success,' 917 00:48:42,000 --> 00:48:44,291 says Captain Hastings." 918 00:48:44,417 --> 00:48:48,541 - Okay, Poirot, I didn't say all those things. 919 00:48:48,667 --> 00:48:50,291 - I know, Hastings. 920 00:48:50,417 --> 00:48:52,249 Often, between the spoken word and the written, 921 00:48:52,375 --> 00:48:54,874 there is an astonishing gulf, n'est pas? 922 00:48:55,000 --> 00:48:56,583 - I wouldn't like you to think that I-- 923 00:48:56,709 --> 00:48:58,999 - Do not worry yourself, mon ami. 924 00:48:59,125 --> 00:49:02,166 In fact, these imbecilities, they might even help. 925 00:49:02,292 --> 00:49:03,583 - How? 926 00:49:03,709 --> 00:49:05,583 - Because if our murderer reads 927 00:49:05,709 --> 00:49:08,208 what I am supposed to have said in the daily blood today, 928 00:49:08,334 --> 00:49:12,166 he will lose all respect for me as an opponent. 929 00:49:12,292 --> 00:49:16,874 But after another crime, we will know infinitely more. 930 00:49:17,000 --> 00:49:19,083 Crime is revealing. 931 00:49:35,500 --> 00:49:37,583 - Just a minute. 932 00:49:42,250 --> 00:49:43,999 Lady Clarke. 933 00:49:44,125 --> 00:49:46,749 Monsieur Poirot is here. 934 00:49:46,875 --> 00:49:49,166 - Oh, yes. 935 00:49:49,292 --> 00:49:51,499 Monsieur Poirot. 936 00:49:55,167 --> 00:49:56,791 - Lady Clarke. 937 00:49:56,917 --> 00:49:59,791 May I introduce my friend and associate Captain Hastings? 938 00:49:59,917 --> 00:50:02,166 - How do you do? 939 00:50:02,292 --> 00:50:04,749 So good of you both to come. 940 00:50:04,875 --> 00:50:08,666 - Merci. 941 00:50:08,792 --> 00:50:11,791 - It was about Car, wasn't it? 942 00:50:11,917 --> 00:50:16,208 About Car's death? 943 00:50:16,334 --> 00:50:19,583 You haven't caught him yet? 944 00:50:19,709 --> 00:50:22,416 - Not yet. 945 00:50:22,542 --> 00:50:28,124 - He must have been loitering 'round here that day. 946 00:50:28,250 --> 00:50:32,624 - But no stranger came to the house that day. 947 00:50:32,750 --> 00:50:34,958 - Who says so? 948 00:50:35,084 --> 00:50:37,833 - Well, the servants say so, and Miss Grey said so. 949 00:50:37,959 --> 00:50:39,958 - That girl is a liar. 950 00:50:40,084 --> 00:50:41,333 - Oh, but-- 951 00:50:41,459 --> 00:50:45,291 - And, of course, Car thought the world of her. 952 00:50:45,417 --> 00:50:49,833 He couldn't see it was only his money she was interested in. 953 00:50:49,959 --> 00:50:55,916 Once I was out of the way... 954 00:50:56,042 --> 00:50:58,124 - Lady Clarke, 955 00:50:58,250 --> 00:51:00,791 why do you say that Mademoiselle Grey is a liar? 956 00:51:00,917 --> 00:51:02,499 - Because she is. 957 00:51:02,625 --> 00:51:06,541 She told you no strangers came to the house, didn't she? 958 00:51:06,667 --> 00:51:07,999 - Yes. 959 00:51:08,125 --> 00:51:09,749 - Very well then. 960 00:51:09,875 --> 00:51:12,124 I saw her with my own eyes, 961 00:51:12,250 --> 00:51:17,458 talking to a perfectly strange man, 962 00:51:17,584 --> 00:51:21,624 out of this window. 963 00:51:21,750 --> 00:51:23,541 - May I? - Please. 964 00:51:23,667 --> 00:51:25,749 - Merci. 965 00:51:27,584 --> 00:51:31,958 - At the garden gate. 966 00:51:32,084 --> 00:51:35,708 - When was this, Lady Clarke? 967 00:51:37,209 --> 00:51:41,249 - In the morning of the day Car died, 968 00:51:41,375 --> 00:51:45,833 at about 11:00. 969 00:51:45,959 --> 00:51:50,416 - What was he like, this man? 970 00:51:50,542 --> 00:51:53,958 - Oh, an ordinary sort of man. 971 00:51:54,084 --> 00:51:55,541 - No. Pardon. 972 00:51:55,667 --> 00:51:58,958 A gentleman, a tradesman, perhaps? 973 00:52:01,792 --> 00:52:06,208 - A shabby sort of person. 974 00:52:06,334 --> 00:52:10,374 I... 975 00:52:10,500 --> 00:52:13,374 I can't remember. 976 00:52:16,667 --> 00:52:18,874 - That was an extraordinary story about Miss Grey 977 00:52:19,000 --> 00:52:20,416 and the strange man. 978 00:52:20,542 --> 00:52:22,041 - It is as I tell you, Hastings. 979 00:52:22,167 --> 00:52:24,374 Always there is something to be discovered. 980 00:52:24,500 --> 00:52:27,374 - But why did she lie and say she'd seen no one? 981 00:52:27,500 --> 00:52:29,749 It's monstrous to suppose that a girl like that 982 00:52:29,875 --> 00:52:31,624 should be in league with a madman. 983 00:52:31,750 --> 00:52:33,833 - Which is why I do not suppose it. 984 00:52:36,334 --> 00:52:38,749 - A good-looking girl has a hard time of it. 985 00:52:38,875 --> 00:52:40,749 - Ah, Hastings. 986 00:52:40,875 --> 00:52:42,833 Always you are full of the charitable feelings 987 00:52:42,959 --> 00:52:45,083 to the young ladies who are beautiful, huh? 988 00:52:45,209 --> 00:52:48,458 As for me, I am always full of the charitable feelings 989 00:52:48,584 --> 00:52:51,499 to the old ladies that have the maladies. 990 00:53:17,375 --> 00:53:18,999 - Mr. Poirot. 991 00:53:19,125 --> 00:53:22,583 - Monsieur Fraser. 992 00:53:22,709 --> 00:53:25,958 - I'm sorry. I've got to talk to you. 993 00:53:26,084 --> 00:53:29,124 - Come up to the apartment, Monsieur Fraser. 994 00:53:51,125 --> 00:53:53,499 - Mr. Poirot, 995 00:53:53,625 --> 00:53:56,291 do you know anything about dreams? 996 00:53:56,417 --> 00:53:59,333 - I do. 997 00:53:59,459 --> 00:54:01,791 You have been dreaming? 998 00:54:01,917 --> 00:54:04,083 - I keep dreaming the same dream. 999 00:54:05,959 --> 00:54:08,416 I'm on the beach, looking for Betty, 1000 00:54:08,542 --> 00:54:13,249 and she's lost, and I've got to find her. 1001 00:54:13,375 --> 00:54:19,208 You see, I'm carrying her belt in my hand, 1002 00:54:19,334 --> 00:54:21,124 and then... 1003 00:54:21,250 --> 00:54:23,208 - Yes? 1004 00:54:24,584 --> 00:54:26,541 - She's there, 1005 00:54:26,667 --> 00:54:30,374 sitting on the sand. 1006 00:54:30,500 --> 00:54:32,333 I come up behind her. 1007 00:54:32,459 --> 00:54:36,249 I slip the belt 'round her neck, 1008 00:54:36,375 --> 00:54:39,291 and I pull 1009 00:54:39,417 --> 00:54:40,791 and pull. 1010 00:54:42,667 --> 00:54:44,874 - Go on. 1011 00:54:45,000 --> 00:54:47,291 - She's dead. 1012 00:54:47,417 --> 00:54:50,416 I've strangled her. 1013 00:54:50,542 --> 00:54:54,708 And then her head falls back, 1014 00:54:54,834 --> 00:54:57,291 and I see her face, 1015 00:54:57,417 --> 00:54:59,166 and it's Megan. 1016 00:55:00,959 --> 00:55:02,499 It's not Betty. 1017 00:55:04,917 --> 00:55:07,249 It's awful. 1018 00:55:12,875 --> 00:55:14,958 - Have your drink. 1019 00:55:19,334 --> 00:55:22,249 - I mean, I could have had a blackout. 1020 00:55:22,375 --> 00:55:23,916 - Poirot... 1021 00:55:24,042 --> 00:55:24,958 It's come, 1022 00:55:25,084 --> 00:55:26,124 the fourth letter. 1023 00:55:26,250 --> 00:55:27,166 - Read it, Hastings. 1024 00:55:27,292 --> 00:55:30,333 Quickly. 1025 00:55:30,459 --> 00:55:31,749 - "Mr. Hercule Poirot, 1026 00:55:31,875 --> 00:55:32,874 "Still no success. 1027 00:55:33,000 --> 00:55:34,124 "Fie! Fie! 1028 00:55:34,250 --> 00:55:35,666 "What are you and the police doing? 1029 00:55:35,792 --> 00:55:37,124 "Isn't this fun? 1030 00:55:37,250 --> 00:55:38,916 "And where shall we go next for honey? 1031 00:55:39,042 --> 00:55:40,083 "Poor Mr. Poirot. 1032 00:55:40,209 --> 00:55:41,624 "I'm quite sorry for you. 1033 00:55:41,750 --> 00:55:43,666 "We have a long way to go still. 1034 00:55:43,792 --> 00:55:46,333 "The next little incident will take place at Doncaster 1035 00:55:46,459 --> 00:55:48,416 "on the 9th of September. 1036 00:55:48,542 --> 00:55:50,666 So long, A.B.C." 1037 00:55:57,667 --> 00:56:00,041 - Perhaps our little band of helpers 1038 00:56:00,167 --> 00:56:02,249 will have something to do after all. 1039 00:56:20,959 --> 00:56:23,708 - Where does Mr. Poirot keep his cups? 1040 00:56:23,834 --> 00:56:25,916 - Uh, top cupboard, over there. 1041 00:56:33,042 --> 00:56:35,874 - Saucers? 1042 00:56:36,000 --> 00:56:38,458 - Uh, bottom cupboard, over there. 1043 00:56:38,584 --> 00:56:42,166 Everything's arranged in order of height. 1044 00:56:46,875 --> 00:56:49,166 - By George, Poirot. 1045 00:56:49,292 --> 00:56:50,708 This is a bit of a stewer. 1046 00:56:50,834 --> 00:56:52,833 Doncaster on the 9th? 1047 00:56:54,834 --> 00:56:55,833 - Oh. - I can get it. 1048 00:56:55,959 --> 00:56:58,041 - Thanks. 1049 00:57:01,667 --> 00:57:03,749 - What are you doing here? 1050 00:57:07,584 --> 00:57:08,749 - Ah. 1051 00:57:08,875 --> 00:57:10,249 - What is this, a convention? 1052 00:57:10,375 --> 00:57:12,708 - Good day, Chief Inspector. 1053 00:57:12,834 --> 00:57:14,541 - Maybe. 1054 00:57:16,209 --> 00:57:19,291 - We've formed an association of our own to deal with this, 1055 00:57:19,417 --> 00:57:22,249 a legion of interested parties. 1056 00:57:22,375 --> 00:57:23,624 - Oh, yes? 1057 00:57:23,750 --> 00:57:28,958 - But I rather fancy old A.B.C. has done for you again. 1058 00:57:30,834 --> 00:57:32,166 - Well, as a matter fact, Mr. Clarke, 1059 00:57:32,292 --> 00:57:34,166 I must beg to differ. 1060 00:57:34,292 --> 00:57:35,624 I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, 1061 00:57:35,750 --> 00:57:38,499 but the 9th isn't until Wednesday of next week, is it? 1062 00:57:38,625 --> 00:57:40,416 And that seems to give us plenty of time 1063 00:57:40,542 --> 00:57:42,666 to mount a publicity campaign in the press 1064 00:57:42,792 --> 00:57:44,499 and plenty of time 1065 00:57:44,625 --> 00:57:46,499 to warn the inhabitants of Doncaster, 1066 00:57:46,625 --> 00:57:50,083 particularly those whose names begin with the letter D. 1067 00:57:50,209 --> 00:57:53,166 - Well, it's easy to see you are not a sporting man, 1068 00:57:53,292 --> 00:57:54,374 Chief Inspector. 1069 00:57:54,500 --> 00:57:57,333 - If, however you-- 1070 00:57:57,459 --> 00:57:59,374 What do you mean? 1071 00:57:59,500 --> 00:58:00,999 - Next Wednesday is the day 1072 00:58:01,125 --> 00:58:04,624 the St. Leger is being run at Doncaster. 1073 00:58:04,750 --> 00:58:06,666 - Oh. 1074 00:58:06,792 --> 00:58:09,166 - Yes, I was wondering about that. 1075 00:58:09,292 --> 00:58:11,708 - Tea, Chief Inspector? 1076 00:58:11,834 --> 00:58:13,541 - Merci. 1077 00:58:15,292 --> 00:58:18,124 - I mean, the whole of Doncaster is like a fairground. 1078 00:58:18,250 --> 00:58:20,458 - C'est ingenieux. 1079 00:58:23,792 --> 00:58:27,041 He has planned this most cleverly. 1080 00:58:27,167 --> 00:58:30,916 - It's my belief the murder will take place at the racecourse, 1081 00:58:31,042 --> 00:58:34,041 perhaps actually while the Leger is being run. 1082 00:58:34,167 --> 00:58:35,958 Thank you. 1083 00:58:36,084 --> 00:58:39,583 - Yes, well, of course, the St. Leger is a complication. 1084 00:58:39,709 --> 00:58:43,249 However... 1085 00:58:43,375 --> 00:58:45,458 I better get back to the Yard. 1086 00:58:48,209 --> 00:58:50,291 Thank you very much. 1087 00:59:00,042 --> 00:59:02,124 Everything's under control. 1088 00:59:06,375 --> 00:59:09,333 - We don't know anything about the murderer, 1089 00:59:09,459 --> 00:59:11,874 and that's the problem. 1090 00:59:12,000 --> 00:59:15,041 We've gone over everything we do know again and again. 1091 00:59:15,167 --> 00:59:16,166 We've talked-- 1092 00:59:16,292 --> 00:59:18,333 - Not everything, monsieur. 1093 00:59:18,459 --> 00:59:20,999 For instance, Mademoiselle Grey here 1094 00:59:21,125 --> 00:59:23,958 has told us that she did not see or speak to any stranger 1095 00:59:24,084 --> 00:59:26,583 on the day that Sir Carmichael Clarke was killed. 1096 00:59:26,709 --> 00:59:28,249 - That's right; I didn't. 1097 00:59:28,375 --> 00:59:30,999 - But Lady Clarke tells us, mademoiselle, 1098 00:59:31,125 --> 00:59:33,791 that on that day, from her window, 1099 00:59:33,917 --> 00:59:35,458 she saw you standing at the garden gates 1100 00:59:35,584 --> 00:59:38,416 speaking to a strange man. 1101 00:59:38,542 --> 00:59:41,041 - Lady Clarke made a mistake. 1102 00:59:41,167 --> 00:59:43,124 I never spoke-- 1103 00:59:44,875 --> 00:59:47,624 Oh. 1104 00:59:47,750 --> 00:59:52,083 Oh, I remember now. How stupid... 1105 00:59:52,209 --> 00:59:54,374 Oh, but it wasn't important. 1106 00:59:54,500 --> 00:59:56,916 Just one of those men who come around selling stockings. 1107 00:59:57,042 --> 01:00:00,291 You know, ex-army people. 1108 01:00:00,417 --> 01:00:01,416 They're very persistent, 1109 01:00:01,542 --> 01:00:03,166 but he was quite a harmless sort of person. 1110 01:00:03,292 --> 01:00:05,916 I suppose that's why I forgot about him. 1111 01:00:06,042 --> 01:00:07,791 Stockings. 1112 01:00:07,917 --> 01:00:09,749 Stockings. 1113 01:00:09,875 --> 01:00:11,166 Stockings. Stockings! 1114 01:00:11,292 --> 01:00:12,499 Ca vient! Stockings! 1115 01:00:12,625 --> 01:00:15,166 Stockings! That is the link. 1116 01:00:15,292 --> 01:00:18,458 Do you not remember, Hastings, Andover? 1117 01:00:18,584 --> 01:00:20,541 The room behind the little shop? 1118 01:00:20,667 --> 01:00:24,541 Over the back of the chair, a pair of new silk stockings? 1119 01:00:24,667 --> 01:00:25,666 - Well, yes, but-- 1120 01:00:25,792 --> 01:00:26,833 - Now I remember what it was 1121 01:00:26,959 --> 01:00:28,541 that aroused my attention two days ago. 1122 01:00:28,667 --> 01:00:29,583 It was you, mademoiselle. 1123 01:00:29,709 --> 01:00:31,541 You spoke of your mother who wept 1124 01:00:31,667 --> 01:00:32,916 because, on the very day of the murder, 1125 01:00:33,042 --> 01:00:34,249 she had just bought for your sister 1126 01:00:34,375 --> 01:00:36,458 a pair of new silk stockings. 1127 01:00:36,584 --> 01:00:38,624 - Yes. Yes, she did. 1128 01:00:38,750 --> 01:00:40,874 She said something about feeling sorry 1129 01:00:41,000 --> 01:00:43,666 for those wretched men who go around selling door-to-door. 1130 01:00:46,375 --> 01:00:49,333 - Describe this man. 1131 01:00:49,459 --> 01:00:53,708 - I can't. I don't... 1132 01:00:53,834 --> 01:00:58,874 He had glasses, I think, and a shabby overcoat. 1133 01:00:59,000 --> 01:01:01,666 - Mieux que ca, mademoiselle. 1134 01:01:01,792 --> 01:01:03,083 - He stooped. 1135 01:01:03,209 --> 01:01:04,124 I don't know. 1136 01:01:04,250 --> 01:01:05,666 I hardly looked at him. 1137 01:01:05,792 --> 01:01:07,374 He wasn't the sort of man you'd notice. 1138 01:01:07,500 --> 01:01:09,583 - Ah! 1139 01:01:09,709 --> 01:01:11,708 In those few words, mademoiselle, 1140 01:01:11,834 --> 01:01:14,499 lies the whole secret of these murders. 1141 01:01:14,625 --> 01:01:17,499 He wasn't the sort of man you'd notice. 1142 01:01:17,625 --> 01:01:19,916 Oh, yes, there is no doubt about it. 1143 01:01:20,042 --> 01:01:24,624 You have just described the murderer. 1144 01:01:41,792 --> 01:01:45,333 - I was wondering, Mr. Cust, if you'd finished your... 1145 01:01:45,459 --> 01:01:48,666 You all right, Mr. Cust? 1146 01:01:48,792 --> 01:01:51,249 - I just feel a bit out of sorts. 1147 01:01:51,375 --> 01:01:54,624 - Oh, I'm sorry. 1148 01:01:54,750 --> 01:01:56,583 You won't be going away today then? 1149 01:01:56,709 --> 01:01:58,124 - Oh, yes. 1150 01:02:00,209 --> 01:02:03,291 I have to go. 1151 01:02:03,417 --> 01:02:06,291 I'm going to Cheltenham. 1152 01:02:06,417 --> 01:02:07,499 - Oh, that's nice. 1153 01:02:07,625 --> 01:02:09,499 Cheltenham's nice. 1154 01:02:09,625 --> 01:02:12,624 Got some nice shops. 1155 01:02:12,750 --> 01:02:15,374 Terrible, the news nowadays, isn't it? 1156 01:02:15,500 --> 01:02:17,374 Nothing but this murder business. 1157 01:02:17,500 --> 01:02:18,583 Gives me the creeps. 1158 01:02:18,709 --> 01:02:20,583 I don't read it. - No. 1159 01:02:20,709 --> 01:02:22,583 - Doncaster, he says his next murder's gonna be, 1160 01:02:22,709 --> 01:02:25,541 if you please, and tomorrow. 1161 01:02:25,667 --> 01:02:28,666 If I lived in Doncaster and my name began with a D, 1162 01:02:28,792 --> 01:02:31,791 I'd take the first train out, I would. 1163 01:02:31,917 --> 01:02:34,999 For all the hundreds of police they say they're drafting in... 1164 01:02:37,834 --> 01:02:40,958 Mr. Cust, you do look bad. 1165 01:02:41,084 --> 01:02:45,291 Really, now, you oughtn't to go traveling today. 1166 01:02:45,417 --> 01:02:48,958 - It is necessary, Mrs. Marbury. 1167 01:02:49,084 --> 01:02:51,749 When I undertake to do a thing, 1168 01:02:51,875 --> 01:02:53,874 I follow it through. 1169 01:02:54,000 --> 01:02:55,041 - Oh, well. 1170 01:02:55,167 --> 01:02:57,499 If you say so, Mr. Cust. 1171 01:03:48,209 --> 01:03:50,333 - What a fool I was! 1172 01:03:50,459 --> 01:03:52,624 I've let you all down. 1173 01:03:54,542 --> 01:03:58,583 I never really looked at him. 1174 01:03:58,709 --> 01:04:00,208 Even if I saw him again, 1175 01:04:00,334 --> 01:04:02,333 I probably wouldn't recognize him. 1176 01:04:02,459 --> 01:04:04,249 - Now, now, petite 1177 01:04:04,375 --> 01:04:06,624 Do not upset yourself. 1178 01:04:06,750 --> 01:04:09,166 So far, the luck, it has been on the side of the murderer, yes, 1179 01:04:09,292 --> 01:04:12,374 but sooner or later, I believe it must turn 1180 01:04:12,500 --> 01:04:13,833 and be on our side. 1181 01:04:13,959 --> 01:04:17,416 In fact, I believe that it has turned. 1182 01:04:17,542 --> 01:04:20,666 The clue of the stockings is the beginning. 1183 01:04:58,750 --> 01:05:00,624 - Doncaster. Doncaster. 1184 01:05:00,750 --> 01:05:02,833 This is Doncaster. 1185 01:05:08,334 --> 01:05:11,374 - Brought your private army along, I see, Poirot. 1186 01:05:11,500 --> 01:05:13,041 - Chief Inspector Japp, my dear friend, 1187 01:05:13,167 --> 01:05:15,083 we did not know that you were on this train. 1188 01:05:15,209 --> 01:05:16,958 - Why, you tossed down that as much, 1189 01:05:17,084 --> 01:05:19,874 what's going on down among the workers, I suppose. 1190 01:05:39,084 --> 01:05:40,874 - Meanwhile, Mademoiselle Barnard 1191 01:05:41,000 --> 01:05:44,249 will be patrolling the area around the grandstand, 1192 01:05:44,375 --> 01:05:50,708 and Monsieur Fraser will be by the parade ring. 1193 01:05:50,834 --> 01:05:53,666 - It seems to me highly problematical 1194 01:05:53,792 --> 01:05:56,041 that we can do anything of practical value. 1195 01:05:56,167 --> 01:05:58,624 - Don't be defeatist, Donald. 1196 01:05:58,750 --> 01:06:02,124 - Our weapon is our knowledge, Monsieur Fraser. 1197 01:06:02,250 --> 01:06:03,666 But, remember, it may be a knowledge 1198 01:06:03,792 --> 01:06:06,208 we do not know that we possess. 1199 01:06:06,334 --> 01:06:07,374 Eh, bien. 1200 01:06:07,500 --> 01:06:09,291 That is all we can do for this evening. 1201 01:06:09,417 --> 01:06:11,999 I bid you all good night. 1202 01:06:12,125 --> 01:06:13,583 - Good night, Poirot. 1203 01:06:13,709 --> 01:06:15,041 - Good night, Hastings. 1204 01:06:15,167 --> 01:06:19,999 - Good night. - Good night. 1205 01:06:32,084 --> 01:06:34,374 - Look here, Mr. Poirot. 1206 01:06:34,500 --> 01:06:37,166 When you went down to Churston last week, 1207 01:06:37,292 --> 01:06:40,374 did my sister-in-law sort of, well-- 1208 01:06:40,500 --> 01:06:42,833 I mean, did she hint at all? 1209 01:06:42,959 --> 01:06:44,041 - Comment? 1210 01:06:44,167 --> 01:06:45,958 Did Lady Clarke hint at what? 1211 01:06:46,084 --> 01:06:48,541 - Well, you see, Thora... 1212 01:06:48,667 --> 01:06:54,291 Miss Grey is a rather good-looking girl. 1213 01:06:54,417 --> 01:06:56,874 - Perhaps, yes. 1214 01:06:57,000 --> 01:07:00,166 Please, seat yourself. 1215 01:07:00,292 --> 01:07:02,333 - As my brother always said, 1216 01:07:02,459 --> 01:07:04,124 she was the best secretary he ever had, 1217 01:07:04,250 --> 01:07:07,666 but it was all perfectly straight and above-board. 1218 01:07:07,792 --> 01:07:09,333 - But of course. 1219 01:07:09,459 --> 01:07:11,874 - But my sister-in-law got it into her head 1220 01:07:12,000 --> 01:07:15,666 to be, well, jealous, I suppose. 1221 01:07:15,792 --> 01:07:17,958 Anyway, after Car's death, 1222 01:07:18,084 --> 01:07:21,458 when there was a question of Miss Grey staying on, 1223 01:07:21,584 --> 01:07:24,499 Charlotte cut up rough. 1224 01:07:24,625 --> 01:07:27,208 - Cut up? 1225 01:07:27,334 --> 01:07:29,708 - Rough. 1226 01:07:29,834 --> 01:07:31,458 - Oh. 1227 01:07:31,584 --> 01:07:35,208 - Well, women really are devils, Mr. Poirot. 1228 01:07:35,334 --> 01:07:36,708 - Please, Monsieur Clarke, 1229 01:07:36,834 --> 01:07:38,999 remember that Lady Clarke is ill and in great pain. 1230 01:07:39,125 --> 01:07:40,624 - I know. 1231 01:07:40,750 --> 01:07:43,958 I keep telling myself that. 1232 01:07:44,084 --> 01:07:48,291 Still I didn't want you to get a false impression of Thora 1233 01:07:48,417 --> 01:07:51,166 from anything my sister-in-law may have said. 1234 01:07:51,292 --> 01:07:54,083 - Oh. 1235 01:07:54,209 --> 01:07:56,208 I can assure you, Monsieur Clarke, 1236 01:07:56,334 --> 01:07:58,874 that Poirot never permits himself to get false impressions 1237 01:07:59,000 --> 01:08:00,791 from anything anyone says. 1238 01:08:00,917 --> 01:08:02,791 - Good man. 1239 01:08:02,917 --> 01:08:04,749 Good man. 1240 01:08:04,875 --> 01:08:06,291 Good night, Mr. Poirot. 1241 01:08:06,417 --> 01:08:08,499 - Good night, Monsieur Clarke. 1242 01:08:32,417 --> 01:08:38,041 I cannot impress upon you enough to let your instincts rule. 1243 01:08:38,167 --> 01:08:39,374 If you should see anyone 1244 01:08:39,500 --> 01:08:41,499 who fits the description of the stocking salesman, 1245 01:08:41,625 --> 01:08:44,458 you must report to the police but immediately. 1246 01:08:44,584 --> 01:08:46,374 Even if you see someone who looks familiar 1247 01:08:46,500 --> 01:08:48,499 but you cannot quite place, 1248 01:08:48,625 --> 01:08:51,291 even that is of significance. 1249 01:08:51,417 --> 01:08:53,291 - He'll never attempt it now 1250 01:08:53,417 --> 01:08:55,541 with a racecourse full of police. 1251 01:08:55,667 --> 01:08:57,791 The man would have to be mad. 1252 01:08:57,917 --> 01:09:00,333 - Unfortunately, he is mad. 1253 01:09:00,459 --> 01:09:02,624 - In my opinion, 1254 01:09:02,750 --> 01:09:05,791 the obsession of the murderer is so strong 1255 01:09:05,917 --> 01:09:09,166 that he must attempt to carry out what he promises. 1256 01:09:09,292 --> 01:09:11,749 Failure to do so would be to admit defeat, 1257 01:09:11,875 --> 01:09:16,874 and that, his insane egoism would never permit. 1258 01:09:17,000 --> 01:09:20,249 Ah, Mademoiselle Grey. 1259 01:09:20,375 --> 01:09:22,541 - I'm sorry. - No matter. 1260 01:09:22,667 --> 01:09:26,166 You are only 4 1/2 minutes late. 1261 01:09:28,459 --> 01:09:29,749 Eh, bien. 1262 01:09:29,875 --> 01:09:31,499 It is time for you to take your places. 1263 01:09:31,625 --> 01:09:34,374 I wish you good luck. 1264 01:09:34,500 --> 01:09:36,124 - What about you, Poirot? 1265 01:09:36,250 --> 01:09:38,249 - No, Hastings. 1266 01:09:38,375 --> 01:09:43,583 My force, it is in my brains, not in my feet. 1267 01:09:43,709 --> 01:09:45,666 We will meet at 3:00 as arranged. 1268 01:09:45,792 --> 01:09:47,874 - Very well. 1269 01:11:02,584 --> 01:11:03,833 - 32 yards, 1270 01:11:03,959 --> 01:11:07,499 with winning prize money this year of 10,000 pounds... 1271 01:11:10,042 --> 01:11:12,791 The strongly fancied Rogue Scotland, 1272 01:11:12,917 --> 01:11:14,874 owned by Lord Astor, 1273 01:11:15,000 --> 01:11:19,041 in company with Fearless Fox ridden by F. Smith, 1274 01:11:19,167 --> 01:11:22,708 and Back on the Rails ridden by Gordon Richards. 1275 01:11:22,834 --> 01:11:25,124 And here comes the winner of this year's derby, 1276 01:11:25,250 --> 01:11:29,041 the great half--in the colors of his Royal Highness... 1277 01:11:44,334 --> 01:11:45,583 And they're off! 1278 01:11:45,709 --> 01:11:48,874 His Grace leads very smartly on the inside. 1279 01:11:58,459 --> 01:11:59,833 His Grace settled now in midfield. 1280 01:11:59,959 --> 01:12:01,708 Flying Fox tucked away on the inside... 1281 01:12:05,292 --> 01:12:07,458 He's making it by two legs to one... 1282 01:12:23,084 --> 01:12:27,374 - Hastings! Hastings! 1283 01:12:27,500 --> 01:12:29,541 Excuse me. Hastings! 1284 01:12:29,667 --> 01:12:31,416 - It's all right. Everyone's in position. 1285 01:12:31,542 --> 01:12:33,374 - No, no, no, Hastings, you do not understand. 1286 01:12:33,500 --> 01:12:34,624 Look at the crowds. 1287 01:12:34,750 --> 01:12:36,499 - Well, yes, I know. It's jammed everywhere. 1288 01:12:36,625 --> 01:12:38,374 It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. 1289 01:12:38,500 --> 01:12:39,708 - Yes, Hastings, yes! 1290 01:12:39,834 --> 01:12:42,583 Where is the best place for a man to hide himself? 1291 01:12:42,709 --> 01:12:44,166 - In a crowd of other men? 1292 01:12:44,292 --> 01:12:47,916 - Yes, Hastings, and where's the best place to conceal a murder? 1293 01:12:48,042 --> 01:12:49,624 - A murder? I don't know. 1294 01:12:49,750 --> 01:12:51,708 Among a lot of other murders, I suppose. 1295 01:12:51,834 --> 01:12:53,374 - Pr�cisement, Hastings. 1296 01:12:53,500 --> 01:12:55,458 At Churston, I said that the victims were chosen 1297 01:12:55,584 --> 01:12:57,708 in a manner that was haphazard, 1298 01:12:57,834 --> 01:12:59,916 selected only because of their initials, yes? 1299 01:13:00,042 --> 01:13:01,333 I was wrong, Hastings. 1300 01:13:01,459 --> 01:13:04,416 All of the victims are haphazard, yes, except for one. 1301 01:13:04,542 --> 01:13:07,416 This monster is committing a series of murders 1302 01:13:07,542 --> 01:13:09,249 in order to draw away our attention 1303 01:13:09,375 --> 01:13:11,249 from one murder in particular. 1304 01:14:15,334 --> 01:14:17,416 - Excuse me. 1305 01:14:20,209 --> 01:14:23,958 Excuse me. 1306 01:14:24,084 --> 01:14:26,041 - Now then, sir. 1307 01:14:26,167 --> 01:14:28,416 Show's over. 1308 01:14:28,542 --> 01:14:29,791 I think he's ill. 1309 01:14:29,917 --> 01:14:31,791 Hey, we better, erm... 1310 01:14:35,292 --> 01:14:38,624 By Hank, that looks like blood! 1311 01:14:38,750 --> 01:14:40,833 - Look what's under his seat. 1312 01:14:43,250 --> 01:14:45,333 - It's an A.B.C. 1313 01:15:20,292 --> 01:15:23,999 - What time? 1314 01:15:24,125 --> 01:15:26,541 Right, I'll be right over. 1315 01:16:47,584 --> 01:16:51,749 - Eh, I've washed already in cold. 1316 01:16:54,792 --> 01:16:57,458 Eh, I cut my hand. 1317 01:16:57,584 --> 01:16:59,124 - You all right, sir? 1318 01:17:16,125 --> 01:17:19,083 - Just tell us what happened, please, Mr. Downes. 1319 01:17:21,834 --> 01:17:23,249 - There's a woman to see you, sir. 1320 01:17:23,375 --> 01:17:25,958 Says it's urgent. 1321 01:17:27,209 --> 01:17:28,249 - When was this? 1322 01:17:28,375 --> 01:17:30,249 - Oh, about 4:15. 1323 01:17:30,375 --> 01:17:31,624 - Well, that's three hours ago. 1324 01:17:31,750 --> 01:17:33,333 - Well, I didn't think of it at the time. 1325 01:17:33,459 --> 01:17:35,499 Not until I'd heard there'd been another murder. 1326 01:17:35,625 --> 01:17:37,624 But he said he'd cut his hand. 1327 01:17:37,750 --> 01:17:39,749 - If you please, madam, can you describe this man? 1328 01:17:39,875 --> 01:17:42,374 - Well, he's tall, and he stoops, 1329 01:17:42,500 --> 01:17:43,916 and he wears glasses. 1330 01:17:44,042 --> 01:17:45,666 - And his clothes? 1331 01:17:45,792 --> 01:17:48,291 - A dark suit and overcoat and an homburg hat. 1332 01:17:48,417 --> 01:17:50,499 A bit shabby-looking. 1333 01:17:52,750 --> 01:17:56,833 - Looks like blood, sir. 1334 01:17:56,959 --> 01:17:57,916 - Get it analyzed. 1335 01:17:58,042 --> 01:17:59,999 - Poirot, we found it. 1336 01:18:00,125 --> 01:18:01,624 We found the name in the register. 1337 01:18:01,750 --> 01:18:03,791 - What is it? - Look. 1338 01:18:03,917 --> 01:18:06,374 - A.B. Case. 1339 01:18:06,500 --> 01:18:08,999 - Or is it Cash? 1340 01:18:09,125 --> 01:18:11,041 - Well, It's A.B.C. anyway. 1341 01:18:11,167 --> 01:18:12,916 - Case, Cast... 1342 01:18:13,042 --> 01:18:16,833 - And a London address: 17 Market Street, Southwark. 1343 01:18:16,959 --> 01:18:18,791 - There's a suitcase under the bed, sir. 1344 01:18:18,917 --> 01:18:20,541 - Get it out, and let's have a look. 1345 01:18:27,667 --> 01:18:31,208 Stockings. Silk stockings. 1346 01:18:31,334 --> 01:18:34,166 You were right, Poirot. 1347 01:18:34,292 --> 01:18:37,583 - Something else here, sir, right at the back. 1348 01:18:37,709 --> 01:18:39,249 It's a knife. 1349 01:18:39,375 --> 01:18:40,583 - Don't touch it. 1350 01:18:40,709 --> 01:18:42,791 Get the bed out. 1351 01:18:51,667 --> 01:18:54,041 - It was funny, though. 1352 01:18:54,167 --> 01:18:56,874 The way he said good-bye, 1353 01:18:57,000 --> 01:19:00,708 as if he'd never see us again. 1354 01:19:00,834 --> 01:19:03,708 Told me he was going to Cheltenham. 1355 01:19:03,834 --> 01:19:06,333 Poor Mr. Cust. 1356 01:19:06,459 --> 01:19:08,583 I can't believe it. 1357 01:19:39,959 --> 01:19:42,166 Terrible, the news nowadays, isn't it? 1358 01:19:42,292 --> 01:19:43,666 Nothing but this murder business. 1359 01:19:43,792 --> 01:19:44,874 Gives me the creeps, it does. 1360 01:19:45,000 --> 01:19:45,916 - You'll be watched. 1361 01:19:46,042 --> 01:19:46,999 You'll be questioned. 1362 01:19:47,125 --> 01:19:48,208 You'll be followed. 1363 01:19:48,334 --> 01:19:50,791 You've been very careful. 1364 01:19:50,917 --> 01:19:52,374 - But you never know with lunatics. 1365 01:19:52,500 --> 01:19:54,458 Nasty business, eh? 1366 01:20:02,834 --> 01:20:04,374 - Your fate, it's written. 1367 01:20:04,500 --> 01:20:06,291 It's written in your hand. 1368 01:20:06,417 --> 01:20:08,749 You've got to admit, 1369 01:20:08,875 --> 01:20:13,208 most celebrated man in England. 1370 01:20:13,334 --> 01:20:15,374 I die on the gallows. 1371 01:20:18,209 --> 01:20:21,374 - I killed Lily James, 1372 01:20:21,500 --> 01:20:25,166 and now I am going to kill-- Kill! 1373 01:20:25,292 --> 01:20:26,416 Kill! 1374 01:20:59,042 --> 01:21:02,041 - So that's that. Committed for trial. 1375 01:21:02,167 --> 01:21:04,791 - Chief Inspector, what is your opinion of Monsieur Cust? 1376 01:21:04,917 --> 01:21:07,874 - That he's playing a very crafty game. 1377 01:21:08,000 --> 01:21:10,208 He's an epileptic, the doctors tell me. 1378 01:21:10,334 --> 01:21:12,416 - But is it possible for a man to commit a crime 1379 01:21:12,542 --> 01:21:13,958 without being aware of it? 1380 01:21:14,084 --> 01:21:16,083 - Well, he might try that line of defense 1381 01:21:16,209 --> 01:21:17,458 if it wasn't for the letters. 1382 01:21:17,584 --> 01:21:18,958 They show premeditation. 1383 01:21:19,084 --> 01:21:22,374 - And of those letters, we still have no explanation whatsoever. 1384 01:21:22,500 --> 01:21:25,333 Until I have a reason for those letters being written to me, 1385 01:21:25,459 --> 01:21:29,083 I will not feel that this case is solved. 1386 01:21:35,250 --> 01:21:38,749 There's a Mr. Strange waiting in your office, sir. 1387 01:21:38,875 --> 01:21:40,958 He says it's urgent. 1388 01:21:51,875 --> 01:21:53,499 - Chief Inspector Japp. 1389 01:21:53,625 --> 01:21:55,041 - That's me. 1390 01:21:55,167 --> 01:21:57,249 - It's about that Bexhill murder. 1391 01:22:01,250 --> 01:22:03,249 - He swears by all that's blue 1392 01:22:03,375 --> 01:22:05,541 that he met Cust in the Royal George Hotel 1393 01:22:05,667 --> 01:22:08,416 in Eastbourne on the evening of August the 24th, 1394 01:22:08,542 --> 01:22:10,208 that they had dinner together, 1395 01:22:10,334 --> 01:22:12,583 and then played dominoes until well after midnight. 1396 01:22:12,709 --> 01:22:14,124 - And if he is telling the truth, 1397 01:22:14,250 --> 01:22:16,416 Monsieur Cust could not have been on the beach at Bexhill 1398 01:22:16,542 --> 01:22:17,999 between 12:00 and 1:00, 1399 01:22:18,125 --> 01:22:19,958 strangling Mademoiselle Betty Barnard. 1400 01:22:20,084 --> 01:22:21,999 - Listen, he did the Andover murder. 1401 01:22:22,125 --> 01:22:23,458 He did the Churston murder. 1402 01:22:23,584 --> 01:22:24,999 He did the Doncaster murder. 1403 01:22:25,125 --> 01:22:27,041 He must have done the Bexhill murder. 1404 01:22:27,167 --> 01:22:31,041 - Why? 1405 01:22:31,167 --> 01:22:33,041 I don't know why. 1406 01:22:33,167 --> 01:22:35,874 Because he's barmy, that's why. 1407 01:23:02,167 --> 01:23:04,124 - Excuse me, Monsieur Cust. 1408 01:23:04,250 --> 01:23:06,666 For they shall be comforted. 1409 01:23:06,792 --> 01:23:09,416 - I am Hercule Poirot. 1410 01:23:13,500 --> 01:23:15,874 - Oh, yes. 1411 01:23:16,000 --> 01:23:18,833 - I am the man to whom you wrote those letters. 1412 01:23:18,959 --> 01:23:21,249 - I never wrote to you. 1413 01:23:21,375 --> 01:23:23,374 I told them over and over again. 1414 01:23:23,500 --> 01:23:25,999 - If you did not write those letters, Monsieur Cust, 1415 01:23:26,125 --> 01:23:27,041 who did? 1416 01:23:27,167 --> 01:23:29,708 - I don't know. 1417 01:23:29,834 --> 01:23:32,833 They're all against me. 1418 01:23:32,959 --> 01:23:36,708 They always have been. 1419 01:23:36,834 --> 01:23:40,708 - Even when you were a child? 1420 01:23:48,750 --> 01:23:50,666 - No. 1421 01:23:53,250 --> 01:23:55,874 But my mother was ambitious. 1422 01:23:58,000 --> 01:24:01,916 She gave me these ridiculous names. 1423 01:24:02,042 --> 01:24:05,458 Alexander Bonaparte... 1424 01:24:05,584 --> 01:24:07,333 Cust. 1425 01:24:07,459 --> 01:24:08,833 She had some absurd notion 1426 01:24:08,959 --> 01:24:11,374 that I would cut a figure in the world. 1427 01:24:15,500 --> 01:24:18,583 And what do I end up as? 1428 01:24:18,709 --> 01:24:21,124 A door-to-door stocking salesman. 1429 01:24:29,375 --> 01:24:36,333 - You are aware, are you not... 1430 01:24:36,459 --> 01:24:42,041 that the firm who you say employed you denied the fact? 1431 01:24:42,167 --> 01:24:43,958 - Yes. 1432 01:24:44,084 --> 01:24:46,083 But I've got their letters to me, 1433 01:24:46,209 --> 01:24:49,916 giving the instructions as to what places to go 1434 01:24:50,042 --> 01:24:52,874 and a list of people upon whom to call. 1435 01:24:53,000 --> 01:24:54,333 - But all of the letters, 1436 01:24:54,459 --> 01:24:56,708 they were typed on the machine found in your room. 1437 01:24:56,834 --> 01:24:58,916 - The typewriter was sent to me by the firm 1438 01:24:59,042 --> 01:25:02,374 at the beginning of my job. 1439 01:25:02,500 --> 01:25:05,749 - But the letters were sent after you received the machine. 1440 01:25:05,875 --> 01:25:08,166 So it looks, does it not, 1441 01:25:08,292 --> 01:25:10,249 as though you typed them 1442 01:25:10,375 --> 01:25:12,958 and then posted them to yourself? 1443 01:25:13,084 --> 01:25:15,541 - Yes, I know. I know. 1444 01:25:18,209 --> 01:25:21,791 But I couldn't have done the second murder, though, could I? 1445 01:25:21,917 --> 01:25:24,708 The Bexhill one. 1446 01:25:24,834 --> 01:25:28,874 I was playing dominoes in Eastbourne, wasn't I? 1447 01:25:34,334 --> 01:25:36,624 - It is a game that is very absorbing, 1448 01:25:36,750 --> 01:25:39,124 is it not, Monsieur Cust? 1449 01:25:39,250 --> 01:25:43,791 - Oh, there's a lot of play in it, a lot of play. 1450 01:25:43,917 --> 01:25:45,958 When I was a clerk in the city, 1451 01:25:46,084 --> 01:25:49,499 we used to play every lunch hour. 1452 01:25:49,625 --> 01:25:50,791 You'd be surprised the way 1453 01:25:50,917 --> 01:25:52,541 total strangers can come together 1454 01:25:52,667 --> 01:25:54,583 over a game of dominoes. 1455 01:25:54,709 --> 01:25:56,041 - Oh? 1456 01:25:58,125 --> 01:26:00,874 - Yes. 1457 01:26:01,000 --> 01:26:03,083 I remember one person in particular. 1458 01:26:06,750 --> 01:26:08,541 We just got talking over a cup of coffee 1459 01:26:08,667 --> 01:26:10,249 and started dominoes. 1460 01:26:11,917 --> 01:26:16,666 I've not been able to forget something that he told me. 1461 01:26:16,792 --> 01:26:18,708 - What did he say? 1462 01:26:22,084 --> 01:26:29,583 - Talking about your fate being written in your hand. 1463 01:26:29,709 --> 01:26:34,624 Told me some amazing things. 1464 01:26:34,750 --> 01:26:36,249 Said I was going to be 1465 01:26:36,375 --> 01:26:40,749 the most celebrated man in England before I died. 1466 01:26:40,875 --> 01:26:42,041 But that... 1467 01:26:42,167 --> 01:26:45,416 - Yes? 1468 01:26:45,542 --> 01:26:47,249 - "It almost looks as though 1469 01:26:47,375 --> 01:26:49,916 you're going to die on the gallows." 1470 01:26:50,042 --> 01:26:53,791 That's it. 1471 01:26:53,917 --> 01:26:55,374 Laughed afterwards. 1472 01:26:55,500 --> 01:26:57,583 Said it was only a joke. 1473 01:27:01,875 --> 01:27:05,749 But I suffer quite badly from my head, do you know? 1474 01:27:08,625 --> 01:27:12,666 I mean, there are times when I don't... 1475 01:27:16,042 --> 01:27:19,624 I don't seem to remember what I've done. 1476 01:27:26,375 --> 01:27:30,999 - But you do know that you committed the murders. 1477 01:27:31,125 --> 01:27:34,374 - Yes. 1478 01:27:34,500 --> 01:27:37,041 Yes, I do know that. 1479 01:27:37,167 --> 01:27:40,083 - And I am right, am I not, 1480 01:27:40,209 --> 01:27:45,208 that you do not know why you committed them? 1481 01:27:45,334 --> 01:27:48,083 - No. 1482 01:27:48,209 --> 01:27:50,291 No, I don't. 1483 01:27:59,584 --> 01:28:02,833 - I'm not having that dream anymore. 1484 01:28:02,959 --> 01:28:03,874 - No. 1485 01:28:04,000 --> 01:28:08,374 All that will disappear with time. 1486 01:28:08,500 --> 01:28:11,708 - I don't want to forget Betty, though. 1487 01:28:11,834 --> 01:28:13,708 - No. 1488 01:28:13,834 --> 01:28:15,749 We won't forget her. 1489 01:28:18,292 --> 01:28:20,124 - Here he is. 1490 01:28:20,250 --> 01:28:21,708 - About ruddy time too. 1491 01:28:21,834 --> 01:28:23,916 I don't know what this is in aid of, Poirot. 1492 01:28:24,042 --> 01:28:26,208 The case is over, done with, finished. 1493 01:28:26,334 --> 01:28:27,708 - That is true, Chief Inspector. 1494 01:28:27,834 --> 01:28:28,999 The man, Cust, he is in prison. 1495 01:28:29,125 --> 01:28:31,458 There will be no more killings. Finished. 1496 01:28:31,584 --> 01:28:33,374 But, you see, I know nothing. 1497 01:28:33,500 --> 01:28:36,749 And there is also one small fact that is vexing. 1498 01:28:36,875 --> 01:28:39,458 Monsieur Cust has an alibi for the night of the crime 1499 01:28:39,584 --> 01:28:42,749 that he is alleged to have committed on this beach. 1500 01:28:42,875 --> 01:28:44,083 From the beginning, 1501 01:28:44,209 --> 01:28:45,874 I have felt that there was something wrong 1502 01:28:46,000 --> 01:28:47,374 with those letters that I received. 1503 01:28:47,500 --> 01:28:48,708 And there was. 1504 01:28:48,834 --> 01:28:50,708 I had assumed that they were written by a madman. 1505 01:28:50,834 --> 01:28:52,083 Mais non. 1506 01:28:52,209 --> 01:28:55,333 They were written by a sane man pretending to be mad. 1507 01:29:02,292 --> 01:29:05,541 When do you notice least a pin? 1508 01:29:05,667 --> 01:29:06,874 - Shh! 1509 01:29:07,000 --> 01:29:08,958 Don't clatter so, Millie. 1510 01:29:09,084 --> 01:29:11,124 - When it is in a pincushion. 1511 01:29:11,250 --> 01:29:15,749 When do you notice least an individual murder? 1512 01:29:17,959 --> 01:29:21,499 When it is one of a series of related murders. 1513 01:29:21,625 --> 01:29:23,291 - Hold on a minute. Hold on. 1514 01:29:23,417 --> 01:29:25,541 Cust did the murders. 1515 01:29:25,667 --> 01:29:28,416 He was caught red-handed, more or less. 1516 01:29:28,542 --> 01:29:30,583 Blood on his coat, knife under his bed. 1517 01:29:30,709 --> 01:29:31,916 He even admits to the murders. 1518 01:29:32,042 --> 01:29:33,374 What more do you want? 1519 01:29:33,500 --> 01:29:35,624 - When I first saw Monsieur Cust, Chief Inspector, 1520 01:29:35,750 --> 01:29:38,083 I knew he was not guilty. 1521 01:29:38,209 --> 01:29:40,583 For such a plan, Monsieur Cust had neither the cunning, 1522 01:29:40,709 --> 01:29:44,166 the daring, nor, may I add, the brains. 1523 01:29:46,625 --> 01:29:49,333 The murderer must have flirted with Mademoiselle Betty Barnard. 1524 01:29:49,459 --> 01:29:51,291 Somehow he got her to remove her belt 1525 01:29:51,417 --> 01:29:54,749 with which she was strangled. 1526 01:29:54,875 --> 01:29:56,666 You have seen Monsieur Cust. 1527 01:29:56,792 --> 01:29:59,541 Can you imagine Monsieur Cust, as you English say, 1528 01:29:59,667 --> 01:30:04,624 getting off with a pretty young girl? 1529 01:30:04,750 --> 01:30:07,208 Monsieur Cust making the click? 1530 01:30:07,334 --> 01:30:10,541 - Mr. Poirot, please. 1531 01:30:10,667 --> 01:30:12,083 - All along, 1532 01:30:12,209 --> 01:30:15,499 I was aware of a dual personality of the murderer. 1533 01:30:15,625 --> 01:30:19,499 Now I see wherein it consisted. 1534 01:30:22,042 --> 01:30:24,708 Two people were involved. 1535 01:30:24,834 --> 01:30:29,583 The real murderer: cunning, resourceful, and daring. 1536 01:30:29,709 --> 01:30:31,291 And the pseudo murderer: 1537 01:30:31,417 --> 01:30:34,416 stupid, vacillating, and above all, 1538 01:30:34,542 --> 01:30:37,249 suggestible. 1539 01:30:37,375 --> 01:30:39,874 The murderer had been considering 1540 01:30:40,000 --> 01:30:41,833 already several schemes 1541 01:30:41,959 --> 01:30:47,166 when a chance meeting with Monsieur Cust produced an idea. 1542 01:30:47,292 --> 01:30:50,291 His epileptic seizures, his headaches, 1543 01:30:50,417 --> 01:30:54,041 indeed the whole shrinking personality of Monsieur Cust 1544 01:30:54,167 --> 01:30:57,499 made him, for the murderer, an ideal tool. 1545 01:31:01,375 --> 01:31:03,999 Perhaps his very name of Alexander Bonaparte Cust 1546 01:31:04,125 --> 01:31:09,416 gave to the murderer the idea of the murders alphabetical. 1547 01:31:12,667 --> 01:31:17,374 The arrangements were excellent. 1548 01:31:17,500 --> 01:31:19,374 Some letters were sent to Monsieur Cust, 1549 01:31:19,500 --> 01:31:21,124 as if from a well-known wholesaler, 1550 01:31:21,250 --> 01:31:24,416 offering him employment on salary and commission. 1551 01:31:24,542 --> 01:31:29,583 In fact, the plans were so well laid down beforehand 1552 01:31:29,709 --> 01:31:31,666 by the murderer 1553 01:31:31,792 --> 01:31:34,708 that the letters that were subsequently sent to me 1554 01:31:34,834 --> 01:31:36,624 had already been typed. 1555 01:31:36,750 --> 01:31:41,124 And afterwards, the typewriter that was used for the purpose 1556 01:31:41,250 --> 01:31:47,458 was sent to Monsieur Cust, allegedly to use for business. 1557 01:31:47,584 --> 01:31:53,749 The preliminary plans completed, 1558 01:31:53,875 --> 01:31:56,999 the murder then set to work. 1559 01:31:57,125 --> 01:31:59,583 A list of potential clients in Andover 1560 01:31:59,709 --> 01:32:01,999 is sent to Monsieur Cust, 1561 01:32:02,125 --> 01:32:08,708 and he is instructed to go there on August the 21st. 1562 01:32:08,834 --> 01:32:13,749 Monsieur Cust does as he is directed. 1563 01:32:13,875 --> 01:32:17,416 And later that day, Madam Ascher, 1564 01:32:17,542 --> 01:32:20,791 she is murdered most brutally. 1565 01:32:29,500 --> 01:32:30,666 - A few days later, 1566 01:32:30,792 --> 01:32:33,708 he is instructed to go to Bexhill-on-Sea, 1567 01:32:33,834 --> 01:32:38,416 and on that particular list of clients is Madam Barnard. 1568 01:32:40,250 --> 01:32:42,833 That night, 1569 01:32:42,959 --> 01:32:46,249 Mademoiselle Betty Barnard is strangled with her own belt 1570 01:32:46,375 --> 01:32:49,124 on the beach. 1571 01:32:55,334 --> 01:32:59,041 - At Churston, Lady Clarke observes 1572 01:32:59,167 --> 01:33:01,874 Mademoiselle Grey talking with Monsieur Cust, 1573 01:33:02,000 --> 01:33:06,208 and Sir Carmichael Clarke, he also dies. 1574 01:33:15,834 --> 01:33:17,958 - Three crimes, 1575 01:33:18,084 --> 01:33:23,458 and Monsieur Cust is at the scene of each one of them. 1576 01:33:25,709 --> 01:33:27,791 So... 1577 01:33:27,917 --> 01:33:30,958 I was then forced back to the simple question: 1578 01:33:31,084 --> 01:33:33,041 Cui bono? 1579 01:33:33,167 --> 01:33:37,041 Who stood to gain anything from even one of the murders? 1580 01:33:39,917 --> 01:33:43,083 Madam Ascher had no money, 1581 01:33:43,209 --> 01:33:45,083 so therefore, you, Mademoiselle Drower, 1582 01:33:45,209 --> 01:33:48,374 had nothing to gain from the death of your aunt. 1583 01:33:48,500 --> 01:33:51,708 Mademoiselle Betty Barnard? 1584 01:33:51,834 --> 01:33:52,958 Eh, bien. 1585 01:33:53,084 --> 01:33:54,333 She was not rich 1586 01:33:54,459 --> 01:33:56,791 and lived on the no doubt niggardly salary 1587 01:33:56,917 --> 01:34:00,083 paid to her by the De La Warr Pavilion. 1588 01:34:00,209 --> 01:34:04,958 Sir Carmichael Clarke now... 1589 01:34:05,084 --> 01:34:07,041 Well, as the newspapers endlessly informed us, 1590 01:34:07,167 --> 01:34:11,708 Sir Carmichael Clarke was a millionaire many times over. 1591 01:34:11,834 --> 01:34:13,208 - What are you suggesting? 1592 01:34:13,334 --> 01:34:15,958 - Persons suffering from epilepsy, Mademoiselle Grey, 1593 01:34:16,084 --> 01:34:18,708 often have blanks when they cannot remember 1594 01:34:18,834 --> 01:34:20,541 what they have just done. 1595 01:34:20,667 --> 01:34:24,166 Monsieur Cust suffered from these. 1596 01:34:24,292 --> 01:34:29,208 He was also nervous, highly neurotic, 1597 01:34:29,334 --> 01:34:34,458 and extremely suggestible. 1598 01:34:34,584 --> 01:34:37,041 The Andover crime meant to him at first nothing. 1599 01:34:37,167 --> 01:34:38,291 The Bexhill crime? 1600 01:34:38,417 --> 01:34:40,749 Well, he was there at about the same time. 1601 01:34:40,875 --> 01:34:44,958 And then came Churston. 1602 01:34:46,542 --> 01:34:49,208 So when he receives instructions to go to Doncaster, 1603 01:34:49,334 --> 01:34:50,749 knowing as he does 1604 01:34:50,875 --> 01:34:54,124 that the next A.B.C. murder will take place in that city, 1605 01:34:54,250 --> 01:34:56,624 he loses his nerve. 1606 01:34:56,750 --> 01:34:58,833 He begins to imagine that his landlady 1607 01:34:58,959 --> 01:35:00,916 is looking at him in a manner most suspicious, 1608 01:35:01,042 --> 01:35:03,291 and he tells her that he is going to Cheltenham. 1609 01:35:03,417 --> 01:35:05,958 - Just as you say, Mr. Cust. 1610 01:35:06,084 --> 01:35:08,499 - And this is where the understanding 1611 01:35:08,625 --> 01:35:10,083 of the personality of Monsieur Cust 1612 01:35:10,209 --> 01:35:12,666 by the murderer pays dividends. 1613 01:35:12,792 --> 01:35:14,624 In spite of every inner voice 1614 01:35:14,750 --> 01:35:17,583 telling Monsieur Cust not to go to Doncaster, 1615 01:35:17,709 --> 01:35:19,166 nevertheless, he goes. 1616 01:35:19,292 --> 01:35:20,374 Why does he go? 1617 01:35:20,500 --> 01:35:23,749 Because it is his duty. 1618 01:35:26,209 --> 01:35:28,291 Monsieur Cust goes to a cinema. 1619 01:35:35,834 --> 01:35:38,124 And when the film comes to an end, 1620 01:35:38,250 --> 01:35:42,791 he starts to leave. 1621 01:35:42,917 --> 01:35:45,208 But while his back is turned, 1622 01:35:45,334 --> 01:35:50,749 There occurs the stabbing of the fourth victim. 1623 01:35:59,459 --> 01:36:02,666 - Excuse me. 1624 01:36:02,792 --> 01:36:04,666 - By killing four people, 1625 01:36:04,792 --> 01:36:07,124 our murderer hoped to disguise 1626 01:36:07,250 --> 01:36:09,708 the one murder with a real motive. 1627 01:36:09,834 --> 01:36:13,583 that of your brother, Sir Carmichael Clarke. 1628 01:36:13,709 --> 01:36:17,999 - But who is this murderer you keep talking about? 1629 01:36:22,917 --> 01:36:24,958 You're not implying it's me? 1630 01:36:25,084 --> 01:36:27,249 Well, I couldn't have killed that fellow in the cinema. 1631 01:36:27,375 --> 01:36:30,499 I was at the racecourse with the rest of you. 1632 01:36:30,625 --> 01:36:34,124 - Indeed you were, Monsieur Clarke. 1633 01:36:34,250 --> 01:36:36,374 And the murderer stayed in place at the racecourse 1634 01:36:36,500 --> 01:36:39,374 until the crowds began to gather. 1635 01:36:39,500 --> 01:36:40,874 Soon it would be impossible 1636 01:36:41,000 --> 01:36:44,208 to check on the movements of anyone, 1637 01:36:44,334 --> 01:36:47,916 and our murderer, he quietly slips away. 1638 01:36:50,792 --> 01:36:52,458 In the letter that Monsieur Cust received 1639 01:36:52,584 --> 01:36:54,624 from his soit disant employer, 1640 01:36:54,750 --> 01:36:57,124 he is instructed at which hotel to stay, 1641 01:36:57,250 --> 01:37:00,124 so there is no difficulty in picking him up. 1642 01:37:04,459 --> 01:37:10,708 Our murderer follows Monsieur Cust to the cinema, 1643 01:37:10,834 --> 01:37:11,916 and in the darkness, 1644 01:37:12,042 --> 01:37:15,124 he cold-bloodedly takes his opportunity. 1645 01:37:19,917 --> 01:37:21,749 And when the program comes to an end, 1646 01:37:21,875 --> 01:37:23,916 and Monsieur Cust is leaving, 1647 01:37:24,042 --> 01:37:27,749 he does not realize that the person he passes in the aisle 1648 01:37:27,875 --> 01:37:32,583 also slips into his pocket a knife. 1649 01:37:43,667 --> 01:37:45,874 - This is rot! 1650 01:37:46,000 --> 01:37:48,458 I've never heard such out-and-out rot! 1651 01:37:48,584 --> 01:37:51,083 - No, Monsieur Clarke, 1652 01:37:51,209 --> 01:37:53,624 you were safe enough 1653 01:37:53,750 --> 01:37:56,624 and almost certain to inherit the wealth of your brother 1654 01:37:56,750 --> 01:37:59,374 as long as no one suspected you. 1655 01:37:59,500 --> 01:38:01,833 But as soon as you were suspected, 1656 01:38:01,959 --> 01:38:05,749 the proofs, they were easy to find. 1657 01:38:05,875 --> 01:38:07,583 - Proofs? 1658 01:38:07,709 --> 01:38:09,458 You haven't got any proofs. 1659 01:38:09,584 --> 01:38:10,833 What proofs? 1660 01:38:10,959 --> 01:38:14,124 - Your fingerprints, Monsieur Clarke. 1661 01:38:14,250 --> 01:38:15,874 They were discovered on the typewriter 1662 01:38:16,000 --> 01:38:17,666 that was sent to Monsieur Cust. 1663 01:38:17,792 --> 01:38:20,749 The typewriter, which, if you were innocent, 1664 01:38:20,875 --> 01:38:24,166 you could never have handled. 1665 01:38:24,292 --> 01:38:27,291 - You little... 1666 01:38:27,417 --> 01:38:29,458 jackanapes! 1667 01:39:30,125 --> 01:39:32,999 - There he is! 1668 01:39:33,125 --> 01:39:36,333 Come on. After him! 1669 01:39:36,459 --> 01:39:37,916 Wilkinson! 1670 01:39:38,042 --> 01:39:40,458 Get him! 1671 01:40:05,750 --> 01:40:08,874 - Well, that's that, I suppose. 1672 01:40:11,917 --> 01:40:14,083 - Can't believe it. 1673 01:40:16,250 --> 01:40:19,583 I just can't believe it. 1674 01:40:19,709 --> 01:40:22,374 - He was afraid, Mademoiselle Grey. 1675 01:40:22,500 --> 01:40:26,666 He was afraid that while the cancer took care of Lady Clarke, 1676 01:40:26,792 --> 01:40:28,083 his brother, Sir Carmichael, 1677 01:40:28,209 --> 01:40:29,999 might have turned his attentions towards you, 1678 01:40:30,125 --> 01:40:32,291 might even perhaps have married you. 1679 01:40:32,417 --> 01:40:36,999 Then his hopes of inheritance, it would be lost forever. 1680 01:40:37,125 --> 01:40:38,833 By killing his brother, 1681 01:40:38,959 --> 01:40:40,416 Monsieur Franklin Clarke ensures 1682 01:40:40,542 --> 01:40:43,249 that when the cancer finally overcomes Lady Clarke, 1683 01:40:43,375 --> 01:40:46,916 the family fortune, it will be his. 1684 01:40:47,042 --> 01:40:49,874 - Mr. Poirot... 1685 01:40:50,000 --> 01:40:52,124 I understand why he wrote all those letters, 1686 01:40:52,250 --> 01:40:53,374 because without them, 1687 01:40:53,500 --> 01:40:55,249 the murders wouldn't have seemed connected. 1688 01:40:55,375 --> 01:40:58,208 What I don't understand is why he wrote them to you. 1689 01:40:58,334 --> 01:41:00,291 Why not to Scotland Yard? 1690 01:41:00,417 --> 01:41:02,208 - Because, mon ami, you could not even arrange 1691 01:41:02,334 --> 01:41:04,999 for a letter addressed to Scotland Yard to go astray. 1692 01:41:05,125 --> 01:41:07,624 Even the least-well-oriented postman would know 1693 01:41:07,750 --> 01:41:09,791 where to deliver it. 1694 01:41:09,917 --> 01:41:11,999 - It was the very essence of the plan of Monsieur Clarke 1695 01:41:12,125 --> 01:41:14,374 that the third letter, it should go astray. 1696 01:41:14,500 --> 01:41:17,499 The police were not to be told about the one murder 1697 01:41:17,625 --> 01:41:21,041 with the real motive until it was safely over. 1698 01:41:21,167 --> 01:41:24,666 Alas, it had nothing to do with my undoubted fame. 1699 01:41:24,792 --> 01:41:25,916 No. 1700 01:41:26,042 --> 01:41:29,333 Merely, he needed a private address. 1701 01:41:29,459 --> 01:41:31,499 - It was the fingerprint on the typewriter 1702 01:41:31,625 --> 01:41:33,249 that really clinched things, of course. 1703 01:41:33,375 --> 01:41:35,708 - Ah, the fingerprints, yes. 1704 01:41:35,834 --> 01:41:37,416 They are useful. 1705 01:41:37,542 --> 01:41:40,333 I put that in to please you, Hastings. 1706 01:41:40,459 --> 01:41:42,416 - You mean it wasn't true? 1707 01:41:42,542 --> 01:41:45,374 - Not in the least, mon ami. 1708 01:41:45,500 --> 01:41:48,083 - Good Lord. 1709 01:42:02,917 --> 01:42:04,583 Well, if you don't want it on the sideboard, 1710 01:42:04,709 --> 01:42:08,208 where do you want it? 1711 01:42:08,334 --> 01:42:10,249 - It's the smell, Hastings. 1712 01:42:10,375 --> 01:42:12,333 It does not seem to fade. 1713 01:42:12,459 --> 01:42:13,791 - Oh, it's early days yet, Poirot. 1714 01:42:13,917 --> 01:42:16,999 I gave him a bit of a spray with some cologne yesterday. 1715 01:42:17,125 --> 01:42:18,291 - Whose cologne, Hastings? 1716 01:42:18,417 --> 01:42:20,124 - Well, it was, um... 1717 01:42:21,917 --> 01:42:23,999 I'll just... 1718 01:42:32,750 --> 01:42:34,958 Hello, Chief Inspector. 1719 01:42:35,084 --> 01:42:36,999 - Captain Hastings. 1720 01:42:38,375 --> 01:42:39,333 Morning, Poirot. 1721 01:42:39,459 --> 01:42:40,916 I brought someone to see you. 1722 01:42:41,042 --> 01:42:42,374 - Monsieur Cust! 1723 01:42:42,500 --> 01:42:46,166 - I just had to come and say thank you, Mr. Poirot. 1724 01:42:46,292 --> 01:42:47,624 You are a very great man. 1725 01:42:47,750 --> 01:42:49,749 - Oh, he knows that. 1726 01:42:49,875 --> 01:42:52,874 - Thank you very much, Monsieur Cust. 1727 01:42:53,000 --> 01:42:53,916 Oh! 1728 01:42:54,042 --> 01:42:55,541 Merci! 1729 01:42:55,667 --> 01:42:58,624 - If it hadn't been for you... 1730 01:42:58,750 --> 01:43:01,916 Thank you. 1731 01:43:02,042 --> 01:43:04,833 Do you know a newspaper has offered me 100 pound-- 1732 01:43:04,959 --> 01:43:06,416 100 pound-- 1733 01:43:06,542 --> 01:43:08,874 for a brief account of my life and experiences. 1734 01:43:09,000 --> 01:43:10,999 - Oh. 1735 01:43:11,125 --> 01:43:13,374 Do not accept, Monsieur Cust. 1736 01:43:13,500 --> 01:43:15,916 You must stand firm. 1737 01:43:16,042 --> 01:43:22,124 You must say to them that your price is now 500 pounds. 1738 01:43:22,250 --> 01:43:23,291 - Do you think so? 1739 01:43:23,417 --> 01:43:24,333 - Mais certainement! 1740 01:43:24,459 --> 01:43:25,874 Do you not realize, Monsieur Cust, 1741 01:43:26,000 --> 01:43:29,333 that today, you are the most famous man in England? 1742 01:43:31,209 --> 01:43:33,041 - You're right. 1743 01:43:33,167 --> 01:43:35,791 You're absolutely right. 1744 01:43:35,917 --> 01:43:38,416 Famous. 1745 01:43:38,542 --> 01:43:39,708 Hmm. 1746 01:43:39,834 --> 01:43:43,999 Well, I must say the money will be most agreeable. 1747 01:43:44,125 --> 01:43:47,499 I shall take a short holiday, and... 1748 01:43:47,625 --> 01:43:52,499 I say. 1749 01:43:52,625 --> 01:43:55,458 What a creature! 1750 01:43:55,584 --> 01:43:57,208 - Do you like it? 1751 01:43:57,334 --> 01:43:59,958 - It's magnificent. 1752 01:44:00,084 --> 01:44:03,041 - I shot it, as a matter of fact. 1753 01:44:03,167 --> 01:44:04,999 - You shot it? 1754 01:44:05,125 --> 01:44:07,416 - Yes, when I was in South America. 1755 01:44:07,542 --> 01:44:10,208 - Oh, I should like to hear that story. 1756 01:44:10,334 --> 01:44:11,749 - Oh? 1757 01:44:11,875 --> 01:44:12,833 Right. Well. 1758 01:44:12,959 --> 01:44:15,083 Sit down, Mr. Cust. 1759 01:44:15,209 --> 01:44:16,999 It was when I was up in Venezuela. 1760 01:44:17,125 --> 01:44:19,249 We were a few miles upstream of La Urbana, 1761 01:44:19,375 --> 01:44:21,999 which is actually one of the hottest places in the world. 1762 01:44:22,125 --> 01:44:24,333 The humidity was absolutely unbearable. 1763 01:44:24,459 --> 01:44:27,333 We'd been in portage around white water all day. 1764 01:44:27,459 --> 01:44:29,249 I was pretty exhausted, I can tell you. 1765 01:44:29,375 --> 01:44:31,874 And suddenly, we rounded a bend in the river 1766 01:44:32,000 --> 01:44:34,041 and came upon the most extraordinary sight. 1767 01:44:34,167 --> 01:44:36,624 Just down below the rapids was a native canoe 1768 01:44:36,750 --> 01:44:38,416 obviously in some kind of trouble, 1769 01:44:38,542 --> 01:44:41,166 and I suddenly realized that they were being pursued 1770 01:44:41,292 --> 01:44:43,166 by something rather horrid.