Original subtitles

Sta tiun annuuncemen t.

The train standing at platform two...

...is the 4:50 for Ealing Broadway, Hanwell, Hayes, West Draytun...

...Langley, Tap/aw, Milchester, and Brackhamptun.

- Tickets please. -A woman has been strangled. I saw it.

- I beg your pardon? -A man strangled a woman in a train.

I saw it. Out there.

- Stlangled? -Yes. strangled.

You must do something about it at once.

Me? Well...

Madam. don't you think perhaps you had a little nap and maybe had a bad dream?

Young man. I was not dreaming. I saw it.

What are you going to do about it?

Well. look. we'll be in Blackhampton in about five minutes.

- L'll report it as soon as we get there. -Thank you.

- Could I have your name and address“? -Yes. o1 course. Miss Jane Marple.

- Malple? -Malple.

- Old Pasture Lane. -Pastule Lane.

- Milchestel. -Milchestel.

Very well, Miss Marple. I'll report this to the station master--

- Ye5. please do. -Thank you.

A bad dream indeed.

All Iighi. Lucy. I'll answer that.

- Good morning. madam. l'm-- -Not today. thank you.

Inspector Claddock. County CID. madam.

Oh. I am so sorry. Do come in. inspector.

I've just been going through all the papers again...

“.101 the last two days. and still not a wold about the murder.

I suppose the police asked the press to say nothing to! the moment.

Do sit down. won't you?

Lull the murderer into a ialse sense o1 security. then pounce. eh?

What's that? Oh. how stupid 0t me.

- Hele. -l'm so sorry.

Lucy. You will have some tea. won't you?

Some tea 1o! the inspector. deal. please.

Yes. ma'am.

Well now. have you got him?

Well. l...

That is. we have come to the conclusion that what you saw on the train was...

- Well. a man and a woman-- -Yes. as I said.

I mean. perhaps they were honeymoonels.

Inspector. I may be what is termed a spinstel...

...but I do know the diHelence between holseplay and murder.

O1 course. madam-- Miss Marple.

But the fact remains that there's been a search 0t every train...

...and no hospital treated any woman as you describe.

She was blond and had on a coat with a pale iul collar.

And no such woman has been seen getting on or 0H a train...

...alone or with anybody else. -O1 course not. She was dead.

Further. a search has been made o1 every inch o1 the tracks...

“.101 the whole length o1 the line. Negative.

So you don't believe me?

- I didn't mean to imply that. -You certainly did.

- Not at all. I-- -What then?

L-- I assure you Miss Marple...

...that a woman cannot be murdered on a train a tew minutes betole a station...

...without our finding out about it.

I'm quite sure you mean well, inspector...

...but ii you imagine that I am going to sit back...

...and let everybody regard me as a dotty old maid...

...you are very much mistaken.

Good day.

Sony. Mrs. Stainton.

The Hat Hack Hanging. Falcon Smith's latest...

...l'm ahaid we haven't received our copy yet.

Plain inefliciency.

I want to know the moment it comes in.

O1 course. o1 course. Mrs. Stainton.

- Oh. good morning. Miss Marple. -Good morning. Mr. Stringer.

Good morning. Hilda.

One moment.

The Hat Hack Hanging. I've been keeping it 1o! you.

MI. Stringer. would you say I was an unstable woman?

Certainly not.

- In iull possession o1 my faculties? -Absolutely.

- Not given to hallucinations? -WhY. no.

Thank you. MI. Stringer.

- The police think I'm dotty. -Whai?

Apparently what I saw was a young man and woman...

...in the throes o1 connubial bliss.

I see. Well, i1 I were you. Miss Marple...

...l would certainly write to the chiel constable.

MI. Stringer, how many detective novels would you say we have lead over the years?

Impossible to say. Certainly many hundreds.

Yes. Which gives us. wouldn'i you agree. a certain knowledge oi the criminal mind?

Most assuredly.

Well. this is where we put that knowledge to the test.

- We? -Yes. we.

So it has come in.

- Has it? -Well. I think I have first call.

I don't think you'll like it, Hilda. Too obvious.

The mother did it. o1 course.

How can you know that? The book has just come in.

It always is with Falcon Smith. A deprived child. you know.

Hot buttered clumpets 1o! tea. MI. Stringer, i1 you care to join me.

Indeed I would, Miss Marple.

Yes. here we are.

Now I calculate the 5:00 express to Blackhampton...

...oveltook my train somewhere about there.

But how can you be sure?

Well. I remember the tickei collector saying. “Five minutes to Blackhampton.“

It couldn't have been more than a minute aflel the murder he came in.

So that makes it six minutes beiole Blackhampton...

...ai. say. 3O miles an hour.

So about there.

But the body. Miss Marple?

Well. it seems clear that was thrown tlom the train...

mbetween here and Blackhampton.

- The police found nothing. -O1 course not.

The murderer returned betore the search and disposed 0t the body.

By Jove. the police will certainly want to investigate now.

Well. according to them. there is nothing to investigate.

Surely. in the light o1 our theory. a flesh search--

Certainly. But this time we will conduct our own.

Yes. MI. Stringer.

I recommend a hearty bleakiast tomorrow.

You and I are going to take an early morning walk.

There must be something somewhere.

You can't throw a body out o1 a iast-moving train...

...without leaving some kind o1 trace.

Miss Marple. ii we linger here much longer...

...l ieel certain we shall be apprehended.

Oh. nonsense. No one will give a couple ol tlacklayels a second glance.

I'm not altogether convinced our disguises ale adequate.

A shoe. a bit o1 cloth. something.

I'll concede our timetable may have been out o1 date...

...but I'm quite sure the 7:15 is still running.

- Vely possibly. -But it could be most dangerous up here.

Undoubtedly.

Miss Marple.

- Miss Marple. -Yes?

There you are. I think I heard something.

And I think I've found something.

Heafly?

Consistent with something having been dumped tlom a train. wouldn't you say?

Il it was the body. it would IOll down and finish up against this wall.

Then where is it?

Thai. MI. Stringer, is the question.

It could be buried.

You'd need a pick or a shovel.

No. this is hardly an ideal spot iol disposing oi a body.

Unless...

From he! iul collar. I think.

MI. Stringer. will you kindly give me a leg up?

- ReallY. Miss Marple. I-- -Please. Mr. Stringer.

No. no.

Make a stirrup.

- Come on. caleiul. Ale you ready? -Yes.

- Intellock your fingers. -They are interlocked.

- Well. are you ready? -Yes.

Up.

Magnificent.

Down.

- What a highflul-looking man. -What a highflul-looking dog.

Miss Marple. prudence demands a retreat.

MI. Stringer, I am convinced the body is on the other side oi this wall.

But that's the Ackentholpe Hall Estate.

I know. Peliect.

Easy 1o! someone to come down out o1 the house...

...lecovel the body. and dispose o1 it somewhere in the grounds.

Someone hom the house? You mean one o1 the family?

Yes. OI one o1 the servants. i1 they're lucky enough to have any.

Servants. I wondeL...

Miss Marple. whatever it is. no. no. no.

MI. Stringer. we will withdraw temporarily.

- Good morning. -Good morning.

I'm ahaid there's nothing on my books.

Not so much as a mother's help.

I'm seeking a post, not ofleling one.

- Play be seated. do. my good woman. -Thank you.

You need seek no more. You've come to the light place.

How good to see the spirit ol unselfish service is still with us.

Let me see now.

Yes. Here's a peliect plum.

“Cheeliul home 1o! cheeliul lady.

Own suite. TV. radio and the use o1 cal.

Tea in bed on Sundays. Pension scheme.“

Heaven iolbid.

Oh. all Iighi.

“Mrs. Forbes Alexblidge.

Setting up house near Monte Carlo.“ They won't have any ioleignels. o1 course.

“Own gaming allowance.“

Well. I don't approve o1 gambling.

“Mrs. Hamilton Potts.“ The Dingley Stud Farm. you know.

“Seven children. eldesi. 7.“

Oh. no. thank you.

Perhaps it I might have a quiet wold with Mrs. Binstel.

Iam Mrs. Binstel.

Oh. I see.

Well. as a matiel o1 iact...

...l wondered ii there might be a position at Ackentholpe Hall?

- Ackentholpe Hall? -Yes. Ackentholpe Hall.

Oh. yes. I think I can accommodaie you.

Yes. there's always a vacancy there.

Thank you.

Yes?

I'm Jane 110m Mrs. Binstefs Employment Agency.

The new maid.

Well. you look old enough to know better. Come in.

I am to see Miss Ackentholpe.

You're expected. In there.

- Miss Ackentholpe? -Yes?

I'm Jane.

- The new maid? -Yes. Jane Marple.

Now. il you'll kindly show me where I'm to put my things...

Oh. yes. Yes. o1 course.

But I'm wondering il this post is really what you're looking lol. Miss Marple.

Well. naturally. Otherwise. I wouldn't be here.

I don't want a housekeeper, you know.

I want someone to-- Well. to do the work.

Yes. You want cooking. washing up. beds made. floors scrubbed...

...1iles Iii. ashes taken away. I quite understand.

- Well. I hope you'll lind us suitable. -l'm sure I shall.

Perhaps you won't find the work too exacting.

There are only the three o1 us.

Myself. my nephew down hom school 1o! the holidays...

...and then there's Father.

- May I show you to your loom? -Yes. certainly.

I'll take thai. my deal.

Perhaps the clubs. i1 you wouldn't mind.

I must keep fii, you know.

Yes. o1 course.

Our staH consists o1 Hillman. the gardener...

...and Mrs. Kidder. she let you in.

She comes in 110m the village three afternoons a week...

...to do the rough work.

That was my grandfather. He iounded the family fortune.

- Tea biscuits. you know. -Oh. yes.

And very excellent biscuits they were too.

Quite a severe man. I'm ahaid.

Miss Marple. I think it only lair to explain to you...

...that my father himseli is...

Well. quite tlankly. he's a bit difticult at times.

He's an invalid. you know.

He's very keen on economy...

...and he sometimes says things that upset people.

I wouldn't want you to--

I'm quite used to looking alter elderly people ol all sorts.

We'll manage.

Emma? Emma? Do I heal you?

Yes. Father. Excuse me one momeni.

Don't try to sneak 0H.

Is that the new gill with you?

Well. yes. Father.

Hope she's got a bit more meat on her than the last one.

Can't stand them skinny.

Don't just stand there boggling. gill. bring he! in.

- I want to look at her. -Yes.

Will you come in. please?

Father. this is Miss Marple. Jane.

And a plainel Jane I've never set eyes on.

Well. we can't all be young and handsome. can we. MI. Ackentholpe?

There's one thing I can't tolerate and that is impeltinence.

Well. we should get on admirably. Neither can I.

Well.i1you'le coming to stay here...

...thele's one thing you'd better understand.

Because I live in a big house...

...it doesn't necessarily iollow that I'm a rich man...

...so there's no good coming here with extravagant ideas.

I live here because I want t0. not because I can aflold it.

- Fathel. don't you think“? -N0. I don't.

- Can you cook? -l1 you want good English cooking. yes.

Cod's as good as lobster any day. and much cheaper.

Well. that depends on whether or not one has a palate unsullied by cheap opiates.

L1 you mean what I think you mean...

...this cheloot cost two shillings.

Yes. quite.

I'll show Miss Marple to he! loom. This way. please.

Good idea.

That was Hillman. the gardener.

When MI. Ackentholpe wants to move aboui. he always calls him.

They're quite close.

Will you be staying. Miss Marple“ Jane?

Why. my deal lady. o1 course.

I'm so glad.

Emma. Come back here. You've iolgotten my medicine.

Excuse me a moment. That's your loom. down there.

- The door opposite the small stairs. -l'll find it. Don't you wony.

- May I give you those? -O1 course.

- All Iighi? -Yes. thank you.

Come out at once.

I advise you to come out.

Very well.

You're Miss Emma's nephew. I presume.

Yes. Alexander Eastley. How do you do?

How do you do? I'm Jane. Jane Marple.

Yes. It is disappointing. isn't it?

I'd lather hoped 1o! the Jayne Mansfield type.

I see you have something in common with your grandfather.

Oh. we're very alike in many ways.

Mind you. I'm not mean with money.

He'll stop that vase out 0t your wages. you know.

It's just as well you got out o1 the way. otherwise--

It'd have been my head. and you'd have got 10 years.

That is still possible.

You know. it isn'i just that you don't look like Jayne Mansfield...

...you'le not my idea o1 a maid. either.

Well. quite honestly. I don't think you'd be everybody': idea o1 a boy.

You know. there's something decidedly fishy about you.

I can see you'll have to go. After Mrs. Kidder. o1 course.

She's next. Depressing creature.

So was Annie.

- Annie? -Youl predecessor.

Thin as a lake and a shocking cook. Can you cook?

Well. I think I've done better than Annie.

Glandiathefs like that too. and he hates his dinner to be late.

I'd leave your unpacking uniil later. i1 I were you.

Well. in that case. hadn't you better show me the way to the kitchen. Alexander?

Very well. Jane.

- Emma. -That's him.

Always shouting about something.

- Mostly money. This way. -Emma.

O1 course. they're all waiting 1o! him to drop dead. you know.

Flighflul pack o1 vultures. our iamily.

Except possibly Aunt Emma.

And who are these vultures?

There's Uncle Harold. stinking rich and just as mean.

Uncle Albert, deadly dull, pool iellow.

Then there's Uncle Cedric. He painis. but not 1o! art's sake.

Do you know. last year. he and one o1 his modelsm.

- Alexandel! -Well. he's like that.

- Thele was an Uncle Edmond. -Was?

Yes. Stopped a whole bomb during the war. all by himseli.

Wasn't another man around 1o! miles. Deselting. probably.

And who can be held responsible 1o! you?

Well put. Mummy's name was Edith. but she's dead.

Daddy's Brian Eastley. you know.

You know. the fighter ace. Battle o1 Britain.

- Oh. the Brian Eastley. -Yes.

I'm going to set him up in business when I get my inheritance tlom Glandtathel.

Here we are.

There you are. and about time too. Well. I'm 0H.

I wouldn't stay in this place alter dark. Not to! all the tea in China.

Now look. the pots and pans are on that shelt there, over the stove.

- Oh. yes? -And the groceries and provisions. in there.

- Thank you. -Well. cheelio.

- Good day. -Good day. Mrs. Kidder.

- What's the matter with you? -I was merely being polite.

Charming. isn't she. Jane?

- I think you should see this. Come on. -Whai?

Phase ioul. anti-Kidder campaign.

Splendid.

Dinner a18. please. Jane.

I see you made YOUISGH comfortable.

I trust you have no objection.

Maybe.

I shouldn't make YOUISGH too comioltable i1 I was you.

Yes?

- Who are you? -l'm the new maid. sir.

Doctor Ouimpel. You'll get used to seeing me here.

- Alexandel. I suppose? -Yes. I'm ahaid so.

Well. MI. Ackentholpe will be expecting me.

Oh. yes. I'll show you up.

Oh. that won't be--

The doctor.

Where on earth are my confounded matches?

Oh. it's you.

- Good morning. -Good morning.

What are you doing in here? Snooping. I suppose.

Where are my matches?

L1 you're going to smoke. we'd better have some windows open.

I'm a great believer in flesh ail. aren't you. doctor?

Why yes. I am. Miss...?

Marple he! name, marble he! nature.

That's light. Let he! give me double pneumonia.

Il you can't kill me 0H one way. you'll kill me 0H another.

Nonsense. You're going to live to be 100 in spite oi anything I can do.

Well. in that case. tell that woman to stop opening windows and to light my cheloot.

Is there any chance that will send him to sleep. doctor?

I'm atlaid it's a stimulant.

Roll over.

Oh. deal.

Hold it closer. woman.

Your hometown lost a good horse doctor when you lefl. Ouimpel.

As a matter o1 faci. I was very bad with the horses.

How'd the birthday party go? All the family get down all light?

O1 course they did. Made a whole weekend o1 it.

- Flee board and lodging 110m Friday night. -Fliday.

- What's that to do with you? -Oh. nothing.

It just happened to be an interesting day 1o! me too.

How old were you, MI. Ackentholpe?

Mind your business. Anyhow. it was a miserable weekend.

I hope it'll be a long time...

mbeiole I have to put up with them again.

Not a very nice way to talk about one's iamily.

Not a very nice iamily.

And you know what that overgrown beatnik. Cedric. did?

Told Emma. in hont o1 me. she ought to get out o1 here.

Get married or something. Tried to make her as selfish as he is.

I don't know. l1 Emma did many. it wouldn't be such a bad thing.

Father. I thought I'd tell you I'm going into town.

I'll be leaving in a moment. Can I give you a lilt?

What do you want to go to town 101? Can't she go 1o! whatever it is?

Well. it's tradesmen. Father. A iew bills to pay.

Money. All light. it's a diHelent thing. Can't trust anybody these days.

All Iighi. 0H you go.

- In that case. may I be o1 service? -Thank you.

O1 course you can. Ouimpel. Save the price o1 a taxi.

- Pay you enough as it is. -lt'll be on your bill.

- You ready now? -Only my coat.

Good. Friday. then. MI. Ackentholpe. Good day. Miss Marple.

Good day. doctor.

Il you don't shut those windows. you'll be filed.

In that case. I shall require loul weeks wages in lieu ol notice.

- Get out o1 my sighi. woman! -With pleasure.

Your weight isn't quite evenly distributed.

I'll have you know that I won the Ladies Open Handicap in 1921.

Heafly?

- L'm sure you have many things to do. -Not at all. I'm most interested.

We've never had a goH-playing maid beiole.

You may have heard that this is the age 0t the common woman.

- You hooked. -l'm aware o1 it.

- You know something? -Whai?

I believe you pulled those shots on purpose.

Alexander. i1 you wish to be helpiul at all...

...will you kindly look 1o! the hook while I look 1o! the slice?

Found yours yet?

Yes. have you?

Disappeared without a trace.

Well. ioltunately I have some more.

At the present late. you're going to need them.

Perhaps you would care to demonstrate the next one.

Certainly.

Let's see how close you can get to those outbuildings.

Yes. I think that's possible.

Fail.

You know peliectly well it was superb 1o! a boy o1 my age.

Right on the iailway.

A chip and a putt and I'd have holed out in three.

Does your glandiathel keep horses. Alexander?

He did. Now he just keeps a iew relics o1 a more spacious age.

Nostalgia. you know.

A iailing o1 the old. I suppose. Like to look?

Well. I think I'm old enough don't you?

An old-iashioned Pony chaise.

They used that to! going to the village.

I suppose they used the Victoria 1o! going to church?

Yes. on Sundays in the summer, I believe.

And the blougham's 1o! visiting in the winter perhaps.

Yes. I expect so.

It's supposed to be haunted here. you know.

Glandiathel found a man hanging 110m this Iaflel.

- Good heavens. -He'd been dead a week.

- That will do. -All purple.

Alexander.

- What was that? -I wonder.

All light. I'll look.

All yours.

Deal. deal. we are nervous, aren't we?

Pity.

- Well. what did you expect to find? -Bodies.

- Whai? -Live ones. o1 course.

Used to be quite the spot 1o! courting couples 110m the town...

...till glandiathel got Hillman to stop it.

Spoil sport. Quite extraordinary. the goings-on here.

- Appalently there was this gill-- -That's enough. Alexander.

There may be some other pool bird trapped.

Look at this.

Somebody else must have been in here.

- This isn't Aunt Emma's. -lt's mine.

I must have dropped it. Thank you so much.

It was bequeathed to me.

You're noi. by any chance, on the run 110m the police. are you?

Too much television.

You must learn to rationalize your imagination.

What's behind there?

More relics 110m the past?

Mattel o1 faci. yes.

The huits o1 glandiathefs Egyptian phase.

Indeed.

How interesting.

- No one's allowed in there. -Let go o1 my wrist.

- What are you up to? -Up to?

- The boy was simply showing me around. -What boy?

- Alexandel. He-- -You'le lying.

Alexander. come out o1 there a1 once.

I thought discretion the better part 0t valor, Jane.

This 1ellow's not above clipping a person's ear.

You know your glandiathel don't like no one sneaking around here.

Don't think I won't tell him. neither.

Despite the double negatives. I'm sure you will.

Come. Jane.

Good 1o! you. young man.

Whai?

No.

No.

Now. listen. MI. Stringer...

...l want you to iniolm the police. anonymously.

Don't mention me yet.

I wish to be in at the kill. so to speak.

Miss Marple. really.

All Iighi. but it makes my blood run cold to think o1 you there alone.

I was wondering. perhaps they have a vacancy 1o! a gardener?

They've got one.

Very well. I'll do as you say.

Miss Marple. the compact.

It the murderer should know that you have it...

I'll be caleiul. deal MI. Stringer.

Now phone the inspector light away.

- Well? -Nevel seen he! beiole in my life.

N0. she's not 110m these parts.

Well. whoever she is. I want he! out o1 here at once.

L1 you hadn't lefl the barn unlocked this wouldn't have happened.

We wouldn't have these people poking their noses into everything.

- Ale you all light, Father? -Ol course I'm all light.

Think I've never seen a corpse before?

Be one myseli soon.

Perhaps you'd better go back to the house.

I'll iollow you up.

Whoever it was tried to get he! in here first.

It musfve taken the strength o1 a maniac to shifl it this ial.

Inspector?

Oh. yes. docior.

I don't know whether this is being help1ul...

Go on.

Well. the woman. no one recognized her.

And her clothes struck me as being foreign. Perhaps French.

Yes. that's very interesting. Yes. thank you. doctor.

Well. it was just a thought.

Maybe a useiul one. Thank you.

That would explain why I didn't recognize her, sir.

I know every iace 1o! miles around.

I'm sure you do. sergeant.

Still. I have to start with the assumption...

...thele's some connection between he! and the tamily.

I think I'll get the whole bunch down here.

Thele'll be fireworks. sir. They hate the sight o1 each other.

So I believe.

Anyway. routine first.

Have they any other servants apart tlom this gardener?

Yes. they have. inspector.

Good Lord.

- You. -Yes.

Dotty old me.

In there. please.

It's only a cigarette packet. Oi doubflul significance. I'd say.

I'll bear your views in mind.

Any idea what you expect your iellows to find?

- Clues. -Well. naturally.

But do you seriously think they'll lind anything?

Well. somebody dragged the body hom there over to there.

It's possible something could have been dropped in the process.

- Don't you agree? -Yes. Yes. I do.

- Did you tind anything? -N0. inspector. Not a thing.

- Family's here. by the way. -Thank you.

I'll get around to them later.

They'll enjoy thai. I'm sure. Good hunting.

Some silly idiot goes and stlangles his gilllliend...

...which she probably richly deserved. and what do they do?

Swarm all over the place...

...mess about in our private aHails.

I said to this inspector fellow. Haddock. or whatever his name is--

Claddock. sir.

- Shall I pour? -O1 course.

Anyway. I said to this fellow. Haddock...

...that no member o1 my family had ever seen the woman beiole. and that was final.

Well. what makes you so sure o1 thai. Father?

Now. Cedric. this is absurd.

Well. aflel all. Harold. she wasn't 110m around here...

...and she was found in our stable. wasn't she?

One o1 us could have known her.

She could've been your gillhiend. deal boy.

Whai?

Yes. yes. I suppose Cedric has a point there.

- He never has a point. -I mean. hom the police point o1 view.

It's all light 1o! you. Eastley.

I don't suppose you're too concerned with the family reputation.

After all. you're not a member o1 ii. are you. strictly speaking?

What I can't understand is who telephoned the police.

Oh. I know who did that.

Who?

Obviously someone who knew the body was there.

Any coHee lefl, Jane?

Help YOUISGH.

Well. it certainly wasn't one o1 us.

- Who knows? -Who cares who did it anyway?

- The woman was probably a spy. -That's absurd. Father.

The police think she was a ioleignel.

Well. lots ol English gills go to Paris and buy French clothes.

Decent ones don't.

Doctor Ouimpel to see you. MI. Ackentholpe.

Still getting shot with Ievitalizels, Father?

I'd take anything to outlive you lot...

...and keep my property 110m your thieving hands.

Well. I'll just go and see il I can be ol any lulthel assistance to the police.

Delicious coHee. Jane.

By the way. the inspector said he'd be interrogating you all later.

Better get your alibis ready.

He's a blight boy. that one.

Well. let's {ace it, the police say the woman was murdered on Friday...

...and we were down here last Friday.

They're gonna be very interested in all o1 us.

But none o1 us were here till quite late.

Yes. but the point is. what were we all doing earlier?

Albeli. what about you?

- Me? -Yes. you.

Don't tell me you were in your oHice all day.

L-- Well, no.

As a matter ol faci. there was a lilm that I particularly wanted to see.

A Brigitte Baldot?

N0. look. Cedric. this is preposterous.

Oh. well. is ii. Harold? Very well, what about you?

OI can your secretary veliiy all your movements on that day?

- That's none o1 your business. -Well. I'm in the clear.

I was at my club.

It has a back door. hasn't it?

Yes. I think so. but I didn't gei here until Saturday.

But you could've lugged the body up here on Friday...

...slipped back to London...

...and be sitting in your usual chair when the club closed.

And I suppose one o1 your women hiends can vouch 1o! you?

Why. I'm celiain my current comlolt will satisly the inspector completely...

...a5. no doubi. will your secretary.

When you've finished here. will you kindly bring me some flesh coflee...

...into the library?

Certainly. sir.

Well. well. jumpy isn't he?

And you're very calm.

But then. I've no reason not to be.

I've just been thinking.

L1 that woman was ioleign“

You should think o1 gills more oflen. Alben.

Might bring about some changes in you.

- I know it's laughable. -I agree.

N0. but I mean. i1 she was French-- It could be her, I suppose.

All Iighi. I give up. Could be who?

That Maltine woman.

- Maltine? -Yes.

You know that French lalm gill we had all the trouble about?

The one Edmund was so iniatuated with beiole he was killed?

- But that was ages ago. -Yes. I know.

Still. I suppose it is possible.

But why should she tum up dead in our stable 16 years later?

- It's preposterous. -Well. it isn't my idea.

Well. whose idea is it then?

Well. Emma's.

Emma?

Emma's?

That's odd.

Paul.

- Dalling. -N0. Paul. please.

How much longer are we going on like this. Emma?

We've got to tell the old man.

- Not yet. Please. not yei. -Why? Why?

Paul...

...l think someone in the family may be a murderer.

Emma.

I've had a letter. I can't keep it to myseli any longer.

I want you to lead it.

I'm ahaid my French isn't up to this.

“Deal Miss Ackentholpe...

...you will be surprised to hear. afler so many years...

...that you have a sistel-in-law.

I married your brothel, Edmund. two days beiole he was killed in action.

I decided it was best to iolget the marriage...

...but now I'm planning a visit to England...

...and I find I do wish to meet you all.

I write to you instead oi your father because I understand he is a sick man...

...and my existence may come as a shock to him. as it musi be to you all.

Sincerely yours. Maltine Ackentholpe.“

But I thought Edmund was killed betole they had a chance to many.

That's what we all thought.

- What's on your mind. Emma? -Well. don't you see?

The strangled woman. it must have been Maltine.

Listen. i1 she could've proved she was really Edmund's widow...

...she'd have been entitled to shale in the will.

Oh. I see.

Paul. what shall I do?

- Have you told the others? -No.

I did suggest to Albert that it the woman was French. she might be Maltine.

What did he say?

He said it was iantastic. but I think he was worried.

You'll have to tell the police.

They're bound to think one o1 the family did this.

What else can you do?

I don't know. I don't know.

I think you must tell them.

I'll have to think about this.

You'd better go.

- Good aflemoon. -Good aflemoon.

- Oh. there you are. -The train was late. Miss Marple.

Good evening. inspector.

I suppose you knew about this compact business?

- Well. I-- -Be1ole I did. no doubi?

Well. you see--

I thought it best to bring the inspector in on this atter all. Mr. Stringer.

- Vely wise. Very wise. -l'm glad you think so.

Withholding iniolmation hom the police is a serious matter.

Oh. I know. inspector. and I'm most awfully sorry.

- Will you take tea? -Thank you. no.

Don't you realize what this means?

The compact having been stolen 110m your loom?

CoHee perhaps?

It means that the thiet and the murderer are almost certainly the same...

...and that he or she is in that house...

...and that your liie may be in great danger.

Oh. I say. do you really think so?

Now. I must ask you to give the whole thing up immediately. tonight.

Yes. o1 course. Indeed you musi. Miss Marple.

Very well. then. I'll give in my notice tomorrow.

Good.

That's settled then.

It has to be a month's notice. you know.

- Will you have a small beer. inspector? -Miss Marple. l...

Oh. whafs the use?

- Good night. -Good night.

Well. now. how did you gei on at the Probate Registry?

Really. Miss Marple. I think. in view oi what the inspector said--

- Did you see the will? -Yes.

And what did it say?

Well. old MI. Ackentholpe': father obviously didn't get on very well with him.

I'm not surprised at that. Go on.

You see. the house and the income tlom the family toltune are his...

...but he can't touch the ioltune itseli.

That's the first point.

Yes?

The second point is that the toltune goes to his children on his death.

- That is to Emma. Cedric. Harold and Albeli. -Yes.

Two 0t the others in the will. Edith and Edmund...

...ale already dead. o1 course.

That much more 1o! the lest.

Well. young Alexander. Edith': son. gets he! shale.

What about the boy's father. Eastley?

Next oi kin only come in 1o! a shale ii there's no issue oi a marriage.

So Eastley's only interest is how much young Alexander gets?

- Dl. Ouimpel to see you. sir. -Oh. yes. send him in.

Your call to the Probate Registry': been very useiul.

Thanks.

- Molning. inspector. -Molning. doctor. sit down.

Thank you.

Have you found out who the woman is yet?

The French police haven't come up with anything so far. sir.

You are working on the assumption that she's French. then?

The clothes and makeup did tum out to be made in Paris. yes.

- Is that what you wanted to see me about? -No. sir.

I understand last Christmas...

...old MI. Ackentholpe had a stomach upset.

Yes. he's inclined to ovelindulge when there's too much rich food about.

But he said you had asked him a lot o1 questions...

...as though you suspected arsenic poisoning.

All light.

I did suspect something was a bit odd.

- Didn't you run a food test? -No.

Why not?

Well. there was nothing positive. No history ot chronic gastric trouble...

...such as one would expect to find in the classic method oi arsenic poisoning.

You mean small doses administered regularly?

Exactly.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Put he! on.

- Miss Ackentholpe. -Emma?

Yes.

- Hellu. -Hello. Morning.

I've had a letter fmm...

l see.

Well. would you lead the letiel to me?

"You will be surprised to hear, after so many years...

...that you have a sister-in-Iaw.

I am planning a visit to England, and! find I'm... "

Thank you.

L'd like to send round 1o! that letter ii you don't mind, Miss Ackentholpe.

Yes. we'll check with the French police.

Thank you. Goodbye.

Do you know what that was aboui. doctor?

Yes. I think I do.

Why didn't you tell me?

I'm in love with Emma. inspector. I want to many her.

I told he! I thought she ought to tell you about this.

- But you didn't insist? -No.

It was important to me. to us. that she made up he! own mind.

- I understand. doctor. -Thank you. ls that all?

Doctor. do you think the dead woman is Maltine Ackentholpe?

Well. who else could it be?

Do you think she was killed by a member ol the family?

I'd lather not answer thai. inspector.

All light. doctor.

- Thank you very much. -Thank you.

Well. sir?

I'm worried. Bacon.

- About the doctor? -No. no. not him.

I'm worried about Miss Marple.

Looking 1o! something. Miss Marple?

No. l...

Ale you...? Ale you all light?

Yes. peliectly. thank you. MI. Eastley.

What is it you want?

Well. I just thought I'd take up the old boy's nightcap...

...and save you the trouble.

That's kind o1 you. It is ready.

The storm. I expect. Electricity supply': lather shaky.

Like the lest o1 the place.

- You'le a little shaky too. aren't you? -N0. not a1 all.

- Thank you. -Thank you.

Oh. my goodness. what are you doing?

Looking 1o! light.

- You ought to be asleep. -I happen to be leading.

May I ask what you're doing?

Trying to provide light.

Oh. I see. Well, you won't find it there, you know.

- Indeed? -lt's a powel1ailule.OHen happens.

- May I borrow this? -Alexandel. come back.

Good night, Jane.

Who's that? Who is it?

MI. Cedric. it's a power failure. Oflen happens.

I'll have to lind some candles. il you'll excuse me.

Just a minute.

My sister says you started work here only a iew days ago.

Yes.

You don't look like a domestic to me.

I have to earn my living. MI. Ackentholpe. like anybody else.

The day aflel you arrived. the body was discovered.

- You found it. didn't you? -What makes you think that?

Because it fits. and so neaily.

You telephoned the police. didn't you?

I assure you. I am not the person who telephoned the police.

- You'le not? -No.

Who are you? What are you doing here?

I have already told you.

Well. I'm going to watch you very closely. Miss Marple.

Jane.

Oh. Hillman. I want to have a wold with you.

Help.

Help.

What's the matter? What is it?

Albeli. see to Albert.

Alexander. call the dociol. quickly.

There's nothing I could do 1o! him. I'm ahaid. inspector.

How are the others now?

Well. Emma. Cedric. Harold and Eastley...

...have had only comparatively minor eflects.

And the old man will be all light. He's a tough old bird.

They'll be recovered by morning.

- No doubt about the cause? -No.

They were all poisoned.

Well. thank you. doctor.

Ouimpel! Ouimpel!

Harold. I might have expected him to bellow the hardest.

- This is the last. Chicken stock. -Thank you.

- Finished. sergeant? -Just aboui. sir.

See that stuH gets down to the lab light away.

We're pretty well all through 1o! tonight.

Well. Miss Marple?

Mushroom soup. curried duck. lice and apple pie.

Thank you.

- Mushloom soup out o1 a can. I suppose? -Celtainly not.

Hali a pound o1 mushrooms. chicken stock. milk. flour. butter...

...lemon juice. touch o1 herbs.

- Mushlooms? -I had some o1 the soup myseli. Superb.

I'm sure. The pie?

I'm ahaid I never can resist my own pie. inspector.

Anybody else's. o1 coulse...

- The curly? -Exactly.

Good. o1 course. But lice. you see“ Fattening.

And as I was having the pie...

Where did the duck come from?

Oh. those. MI. Harold shot them.

He seems to be lather fond oi killing things.

The boy. Alexander. he doesn't seem to have had any cuny either?

No. I thought it would appeal to him.

Curious child.

Well. did anyone come into the kitchen while the cooking was going on?

Not while I was there.

I do have other duties, you know.

Anyone could've come in then.

Six people are poisoned...

...only one dies.

I'm thinking about that too. inspector.

Excuse me. sil. message 110m the chiei constable.

- He's waiting up to heal your report. -All light.

- In person. sir. -Right. sergeant. get the cal.

- L'll be out in a minute. -Vely good.

I think the two killings are connected. don't you?

Yes. I do.

Now. we've got to find out who has that compact, Miss Marple.

So far I've only been able to search one room.

- Whose? -Un1oltunaiely. Albert's.

- Miss Marple. I have to go now. bub- -Oh. yes. I know.

A policeman's work is never done.

Nor a woman's.

I was going to say. please be caleiul.

Il you do think ol anything. I hope you'll take me into your confidence.

The lab boys turned it up as arsenic in the cuny.

Not a loi, just enough 1o! stomach aches all the way around.

- Not enough to kill. -So Albert must have had an extra dose.

Yes. but why poison the others at all?

Il the poisonel is a member ol the lamily. he had to be ill as well.

Well. say it isn't sir.

I mean. that gardener o1 theirs. Hillman...

...thele's talk in the local pub that he's in to! a nice bequest...

...when old Ackentholpe goes.

Well. it is a possibility. sir.

You're iolgetting the dead woman. Bacon.

This poisoning makes it pretty certain she was Maltine Ackentholpe.

French police come up with something then?

Only that there's no record o1 a marriage.

The village where Edmund was stationed was blown to bits during the war.

- All the files in the town hall. destroyed. -Well. sir?

Well. don't you see, Bacon? It's the pattern 0t the killings.

Only a member ol the family would want to get lid ol he! too.

Yes. kill 0H your relations in easy stages. except the old man.

When he dies a natural death...

...inhelit the entire ioltune as well as the property.

Albert must have got his second dose aflel dinner.

Possibly in a drink.

I shouldn't drink that.

- Why not? -Because it's lunch time.

- What is it? -Bee1 bloih. baked custard.

Beei broth? But I ordered bee? steak.

The doctor said bee? broth.

To the blazes with him. I give the orders in this house.

I'm sick o1 slops. Take it away.

Certainly.

Hillman. another bottle.

Surely you realize that i1 the woman was Maltine...

...by showing that letter to the police. you've pointed the tinge! at one 0t us.

Not only 1o! he! death. but Albert's too.

- Exactly. One o1 us. -I might have expected that 110m you.

Come now. you're thinking along exactly the same lines as I am.

L1 you didn't do it, that is. You're probably thinking it was me.

Stop it. Stop it.

OI even you. deal Emma.

Look. I think we've had just aboui enough o1 this nonsense.

I bet the police don't think it's nonsense.

Now listen. Cedric...

...say what you like about the lest o1 us. but leave Emma out o1 it.

Well. it could be argued. you know...

...that Emma kept that letter to helseli until she could use it to he! own advantage.

Whai?

I think you'd better explain that.

Well. let's iace it. The moment Maltine's body was discovered...

...evelyone in this family was under suspicion...

...including you. Emma.

And the moment you produced the letter voluntarily...

...evelyone was under suspicion...

...excluding you.

- I hadn't thought 0t it like that. -You must be round the bend.

That woman was strangled.

Do you think your sister capable 0t a thing like that?

Oh. but Emma's an attractive woman. don't you think so?

Well?

Well. an attractive woman doesn't need to do he! own dirty work. does she?

Emma. I think we better leave them to it.

Now. now. Eastley...

...Emma has he! eye on the good dociol, you know?

I'm ahaid it's not going to be easy 1o! you to many into the family 1o! a second time.

Thai hi1 home, didn'i it?

Yes. and I'm about ready to bleak your blasted neck.

Very possibly.

But tell me something first:

Do you deny meeting Emma secretly in the grounds...

...the night beiole the body was discovered?

- Well. l... -Hillman saw you, you know.

All Iighi. we did meet that night, yes.

He asked me to intelcede with Father.

- What 101? -To borrow money. i1 you must know.

Oh. my goodness.

What are you doing?

Making up the bed.

But you made it up this morning.

Yes. but the pillow slips needs changing.

They look peliectly all light to me.

But not to me. What am I doing?

I do wish that woman would huny up.

They know I don't like being here aflel dark.

Whafle you aieald o1? Some man will get you?

You know.it's1unny how things always come together.

My sister's eldest had measles...

...and then he! Ernie iell and bloke his arm...

...and he! husband come out all over with boils.

All in the same week. You wouldn't believe it, would you?

It's gonna be the same thing here.

First that nasty murder...

...and then MI. Albert poisoned.

Who's gonna be the nexl. I'd like to know?

Things always go in threes.

Here you are. Mrs. Kidder. I'm sony to have kept you...

...but the doctor has been with MI. Ackentholpe.

Long wait 1o! very little.

The younger generation.

Well. I don't know.

What's the matter with you?

It's MI. Harold.

Did he use this on himseli. or did somebody else pull the trigger?

Well. it'll add up ii it was suicide.

Harold killed the other two. got cold leet...

...and took what is laughingly called “the easy way out.“

All o1 them knew he liked shooting beiole dinner when he was at the Hall.

But he was shot 110m a range o1 two inches.

All light. someone he knows comes up to him...

...casually asks to have a look at the gun and...

Still could've been suicide. though.

It I were the murderer, that's exactly what I'd want us to think.

One thing's sure. we can't risk any more killings. Come on.

- Whele to. sir? -The Hall.

I'm gonna find that compact...

...i1 I have to tum the whole place and everyone in it upside down.

Excuse me. sir. There's a lady to see you. sir.

A Miss Marple.

Oh. come in. Good aflemoon. Miss Marple.

- You were going somewhere? -Yes.

Then I'll come to the point at once.

A beautitul little piece. isn't it?

- Who had it? -Young Alexander.

- Whai? -I should have realized. o1 course.

That boy's incorrigible.

Playing it in the middle ol the night like that. Typical.

- So we're back where we started? -Oh. no. inspector.

I think I know who our murderer is.

The difliculty': going to be getting him to show his hand.

- Sit down. Miss Marple. -Thank you.

Oh. hold that expression. Emma.

Oh. pity. you spoiled it.

What's the matiel. darling? Things not working out 1o! you?

How do you manage to make everything you say sound like an insinuation?

- He works at it. -Fol heaven's sake stop iussing. Ouimpel.

Il I wish to come down. I shall do so.

I think this chair, Hillman.

- Fathel. don't you think“? -Now. don't you start.

Sony. but you know what he's like when his mind is made up.

I'm not gonna stay up there all alone. Might get murdered in me bed.

At least there's some saiety in numbers.

- I quite agree with you. Father. -Well. that makes a nice change.

I want a drink. N0. not you. Ouimpel.

Then I must be going.

Don't smother me with it. man. put it round me knees.

Well. this is all very nice and cozy.

How about a rubber o1 bridge?

It was just a thought.

What have you got there, boy?

Oh. a charming little thing.

French. Second Empire. Pretty valuable. I'd say.

- Whele'd you get it? -lt belongs to Miss Marple.

Really? You better give it back to her, haven't you?

I only borrowed it. I'll drop it in on my way to bed.

Come in. doctor.

You were expecting me?

Didn't Alexander tell you?

Tell me what?

Folgeflul boy.

I have a sole thloai. doctor...

...and I asked him to ask you to be kind enough to have a look at it beiole you lefl.

L see.

I'm sony to trouble you. I haven't had one o1 these throats in years.

Well. you've been lucky. Miss Marple.

Any headaches?

N0. just a sole throat.

Well. we'll have a look.

- This is lather attractive. -Yes. isn't it?

- Whele did you get it? -I found it.

- Whele? -In the stables here.

Heafly?

Open wide. please.

Say “aah.“

No inflammation.

Don't you think that was a little dishonest?

Keeping the compact. I mean?

Under the circumstances. doctor. no.

- Is there any swelling? -I don't think so.

I've seen you like that once beiole. doctor...

...youl hands at a woman's throat.

It was on a train. and you were strangling her.

That's quite an allegation.

I have a iew more.

You've come to! the compact because you had given it to that woman...

...and it might be traced back to you.

- I think she was your wiie. -Do you?

You killed he! aflel you had written that letter to Emma...

...signing it “Martina Ackentholpe.“

Why should I do that?

The murder. so that you would then be flee to many Emma...

...the letter. so that people would think the dead woman was Maltine...

...and look among the family lo! the killer...

...nevel at you.

How did you arrive at this iascinating hypothesis?

It was I who found he! body.

Maltine was. or is. 1o! all I know. a Normandy peasant.

The dead woman had never worked on a ialm in he! life.

I saw he! hands.

- Go on. -Celtainly.

You then proceeded to augment your prospects...

...by eliminating Albert and Harold.

How. conceivably?

You contrived to introduce arsenic into my CUIIY...

...which I find unfolgivable. by the way...

...knowing that you would be called on to deal with the attelettects.

Easy then to give Albert his final dose in the medicine.

And Harold?

You shot him and made it look like suicide.

Ingenious. I musi admit.

More than that.

Now. that you are here to secure your dead wi1e's compact...

...a1ail case.

Yes.

A pity you won't be able to present it.

One more murder. doctor. might be one too many.

This won't look like murder. Miss Marple.

The death certificate. signed by me. o1 course...

...will register heart failure.

- You all light? -Yes. thank you.

You're under anesi. and I must warn you--

That everything I've said has been taken down and will be used in evidence.

You were light about everything. o1 course.

You're a very brave woman. Miss Marple.

Good night.

About time too.

I was coming up to see you. you know. beiole leaving.

No need to leave.

- I have my own home. MI. Ackentholpe. -Sell it.

Why on earth should I?

Well. taking one thing and anotheL...

I mean. you're a iail cook...

...and you seem to have your wits about you...

...and. well. I've decided to many you.

- Well? -Well. I'm honored. o1 course.

O1 course you are. but come to the point.

I'm ahaid that cannot be.

Why?

Well. i1 ever I do embark on such a venture...

...thele is someone else.

Nonsense.

I don't believe it. Who on earth would have you?

Apparently you. 'for one. MI. Ackentholpe.

Goodbye.

The woman must be completely unbalanced.

- Oh. Miss Marple. I am so glad. -How good o1 you to come.

- Let me give you a hand. -Thank you.

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