Original subtitles

(tense music)

(horses neighing) (hooves clomping)

- [Oliver] I've outstayed my welcome.

- Not at all, Doctor Burgess.

- Oh please, please call me Oliver.

- Goodnight, Oliver.

- Senorita Francesca.

(Francesca chuckles)

(relaxing piano music)

- Goodnight, Melvyn.

- Take care, doctor.

- Ole! (laughs)

- Oh, that boring, boring man!

- He thinks you're Carmen.

- (laughs) Carmen?

Of course, and who is my Escamillo?

♪ Senorita Francesca, you're the one for me ♪

♪ Da, da, da, come sit upon my knee ♪

♪ Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do ♪

(tyres screeching)

(body thudding)

(Oliver yells) (car crashes)

(solemn music) (Oliver panting)

(goat bleats)

(dog barking)

(Mary snuffling)

(grass rustling)

(goat bleating)

(car hissing)

(goat bleating)

- Bill, Bill, old fellow.

So I was up at the riding school with Francesca.

I fell under her spell and then finished up in a tree,

down by Mary Mohan, by the goat.

- Do you want a doctor?

- I am a doctor and I shouldn't be drinking this.

- I'll call Frank, he'll tow you out

and we'll all be none the wiser.

- No, no, Bill.

- What?

- I hit something.

(shoes clopping) (bird squawking)

- [Bill] Ah, old Billy's intact, thank the Lord.

A stag, maybe?

(engine rumbling)

- Evening, gentlemen.

- This is kind of you, Frank,

but I really think I ought to call the police.

- Ah, no, it's no problem, Doctor.

Look after our own, don't we, Bill?

- Oh.

- No, no, I hit somebody, I...

(tyres screeching)

(body thudding)

Was it that new fellow, the Irishman?

- Oh, isn't he renting your cottage, Bill?

- Yes, we'll see if he's at home, shall we?

- Oh.

(keys jingle) Thank you.

- [Oliver] I'm respected, Bill,

I can't just sweep this under the carpet.

- [Bill] Easy, old chap.

(car engine rumbling)

- [Joyce] The one that does

that delicious trout with almonds?

- No, they do a pickled egg and a ham roll

and the best pint of ale in the county.

- Does it do crisps?

- [Bill] When he still wasn't back this morning,

that's when you came to mind.

- [Tom] How drunk was the doctor?

- Well, first thing I gave him was a slug of whisky

to help the shock.

- To beat the breathalyser?

- Oh, he'd been up at the riding school with Francesca Ward.

Since she took over the place,

she's had all the males in this village in a bit of a spin.

- Tell me about the Irishman.

- A stranger, he's taken the cottage I own.

But I leave all the letting of it to agents.

- Does he ever come in to the pub?

- Well, once or twice, but he kept himself to himself.

Someone said they thought

he was one of them horse whisperers

and he'd been asking about a job?

- What, up at the riding school?

- Uh huh.

- Morning, Bill.

- Morning.

- Have you got keys to the cottage?

- Yeah, here, but I left it open in the hope he'd be back.

It's about a mile down the lane, Willow Cottage.

And Tom?

No fuss, you know villages.

- I do know villages, Bill, but I am a policeman.

(ducks quacking)

- Mystery solved?

- Back in half an hour.

(ducks quacking)

- What else did you see last night, Mary?

- Nothing.

- Oh, that's lucky.

There's nothing to pass on then,

to friends and neighbours.

- Why should I?

(clock ticking)

- Has your Irish friend, has he been round this morning?

- My friend, he's not my friend.

- Oh right, ah, I'll be going, then.

- Yes, I wish you would!

But as you are here, you can mend that television.

I can't get a picture out of it at all.

(gentle music)

- Yes, Troy, all the hospitals.

Sean O'Connell, Sean O'Connell.

Then get yourself over here to Newton Magna.

(door clicks)

(door creaks)

- You breaking and entering now, Inspector Barnaby?

- Chief Inspector Barnaby.

- Well, I should hope so.

(birds twittering)

Eight years we're talking, ain't it?

- Yeah, and to think you only did 18 months.

- Don't shout it about, you'll frighten the horses.

- You're a friend of Sean O'Connell's, then?

- Who?

- He's the man who lives here.

- Well yeah, yeah, he's some sort of artist, I'm told.

You come to nick him?

What's he done?

- This may seem an obvious question, Melvyn,

but if you're not a friend,

what were you doing in his house?

- I spotted you, riding past the gate,

with my daughter, Julie.

You ever meet Julie?

She'd have been at finishing school.

- Yeah, course.

Miss Stockard.

- Hello.

- Chief Inspector Barnaby,

one of the finest policemen the force has ever thrown up.

- Thank you, Melvyn.

- You trot along now, sweetheart.

(hooves clopping)

It's a picture ain't it, eh?

You got kids?

- Yeah, a daughter, she's a picture too.

- They break your heart, don't they?

- Well you say that.

I've been lucky so far.

- You give 'em everything and they break your bloody heart.

- What are you doing here, Melvyn?

Last I heard you were living the life of Reilly

down at Costa Blanca.

- Yeah well, it's amazing what a triple by-pass operation

will do for a man's view of himself. (tongue clicks)

(leisurely music)

Bloodstock's my business now.

And it's all above board.

See the church?

New roof, I'm paying for that.

Morning, vicar!

- [Reverend Thorne] Good morning, Melvyn.

- I'm on the parish council.

We've saved the mobile library and the bus service.

Now, here's something.

Once the source of all life, now it's full of old bikes.

I'm restoring local pride, Barnaby.

My home, my castle. (hooves clopping)

Bought the old place 18 months ago.

- I know that face.

- Jackie Marsh.

Jackie, do you remember Inspector Barnaby?

- Doesn't he frighten the horses?

- (chuckles) Jackie and his good wife, Lily,

take care of all my needs.

- And how's Mrs. Stockard, then?

- Bubbles, she's thriving.

Got a jewellery shop in Oxford, Bits and Baubles.

(car engine rumbles)

- Am I too early for lunch?

- Right on time, sweet lady.

Meet an old pal of mine, Tom Barnaby.

This is Francesca Ward.

- Hello, Tom.

- Francesca has the riding school where I stable my horses.

Take him away, Jackie.

- Ah, this is my wife, Joyce.

- Melvyn Stockard, delighted to meet you, Mrs. Barnaby.

- How do you do?

- And I am Francesca.

- How do you do?

- Why don't you join us for lunch?

- Oh, I'm sorry Melvyn, we've got another engagement.

But some other time, perhaps?

- Any time you like.

- Adios, Tom.

(Francesca talks in foreign language)

(car engine rumbling)

- [Joyce] Beautiful lady.

- I won't disagree with that.

- Your lunch.

- I'm sorry, we've got some more work to do.

There's some lovely walks round here.

- Gavin joining you?

- Yeah.

- You won't need the car.

- That party, Dr Burgess, were you the last to leave?

- Well yes, I confess I was.

That is, apart from Melvyn Stockard.

I had a feeling he might be staying.

- It's a noisy business towing out a crashed car.

Nobody looked through a window?

- Well, not that I saw.

- There was only Mary Mohan's cottage

and her windows were dark.

- We'll need to check this

before you start any work, alright?

- Yeah, no problem.

- Will I be charged?

- Well, that rather depends, Doctor,

on us finding your victim.

- Wonderful, Lily.

- Daddy, what's the policeman doing here?

- Haven't a clue, sweetheart.

(car engine rumbling)

- So this is where it happened?

- Yes, Troy it was.

Human impact about here.

Car into that stone thing down there.

(goat bleating)

Burgess was coming from that direction,

from the Riding School.

- Pissed as a Lord, was he?

- Most likely.

What have you got for me?

- All hospitals within fifty miles.

No bleeding Irishman answering to Sean O'Connell

or any other name.

- Now why do I not feel surprised by that?

(goat bleating)

There's too many feet but take a look.

(gate clicks)

(dog barking)

Mrs. Mohan?

Hello, I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.

How do you do?

To Mary with love?

- Yes, our lives did briefly entwine.

- Oof, to have danced with Nureyev!

My wife should be here.

- I didn't say I'd danced with him,

but I can still touch the ground

with the palms of my hands, can you?

(Tom laughs) (Tom applauding)

- That's magnificent.

To explain my visit.

- Yes, well, it was the doctor's car, of course.

- And we don't want to get him in any trouble do we?

- What trouble?

- Well I'm hoping you might tell me.

What you heard, what you saw?

- Well, I was asleep.

The dog woke me, I saw the car,

the doctor getting out, apparently unhurt,

so I went back to bed.

- And you weren't disturbed by the activity in the lane,

half an hour later?

The car being towed away?

- Was it?

Well, I was out for the count, I'm afraid.

Dr. Burgess has given me some pills.

Do you want sugar?

- No thanks, not for me.

- Have you found the Irish chap?

- You know him then?

Was he here yesterday evening?

- No, I haven't seen him for a couple of days.

- In the course of your friendship with Mr O'Connell--

- It was casual.

Just the odd cup of tea.

- Did he ever mention Mr. Stockard?

Or the job he was seeking (car engine rumbles)

up at the riding school?

- Are you looking for something?

- Dog's lost his ball.

- (chuckles) Well I can't help you with that, I'm afraid.

(goat bleating)

(dog barking)

- Thanks for the tea.

(cow mooing)

- We're in luck, sir.

But where's the rest of him?

Looks like he crawled away.

- Or someone came by and picked him up?

- We've had a problem.

No, don't put him off, we'll lose the deal.

We're talking 300K here, Damian.

No, as arranged.

We'll be ready.

- Daddy, would you please tell me what's going on?

- I'm selling a horse, sweetheart.

(cheerful music)

- Ah! (Tom and Gavin applauding)

Mr. Barnaby and the young man whose dog lost his ball.

Have you come for a riding lesson?

- This is Detective Sergeant Troy.

We've come to ask for your help, Mrs. Ward.

- Francesca, please.

- Francesca, that's a fine beast.

(Francesca laughs)

- [Gavin] Is that one of Melvyn's?

- Yes, his name's Perry.

- Perry, he looks a winner all the way.

What do you say, Troy?

- Oh, definitely, sir.

(horse whinnies)

- This is all very impressive.

Is Melvyn involved?

- Yes, he's my business partner.

- Ah.

You know Sean O'Connell, don't you?

The horse whisperer?

- Oh, yes he came looking for a job.

I said I would think about it.

- And what did you decide?

- Nothing yet, I've been too busy.

- Last night, Francesca,

you had some people round for drinks.

Doctor Burgess left your house rather late.

- Poor Oliver, is he in trouble?

- Was he the last to leave?

- No, Melvyn was still here.

- Did Melvyn stay the night?

- (laughs) Well now,

can that be, even remotely, your business?

- It would help me to know.

- As it happened, he did.

Are you finished with me now?

(tractor engine rumbles)

(hat slaps)

- It's horrible out there, let me make you some tea.

- I'll make my own.

- We were just going out, Dad.

A couple of pints with Noel then off into Causton.

Try the new French restaurant.

- Who's paying for that?

- Me, Dad, me, right?

- [Joe] And after the nuptials, is she gonna learn to cook?

- Good night, Dad.

Don't wait up.

(pub patrons chattering)

Bloody pelting out there!

- Alright Chris?

Bill, let's get a pint for the groom

and the lady's usual poison.

- And a hairdryer too?

(Bill laughs)

You're still here?

- Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy,

this is Julie Stockard, the squire's daughter.

- Is there something wrong in the village?

- What can you tell me about Sean O'Connell?

The horse whisperer?

- (laughs) In Newton Magna?

Didn't know we had one!

Chris, meet...

- Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.

- Friend of Daddy's.

- Oh right, Chris Megson.

- This is Sergeant Troy.

- Right.

- Noel Wooliscroft, best man.

- Are you two getting married?

- In two weeks, didn't Daddy tell you?

- No, no, he did not.

He'll be a very proud man.

- Yes, he's thrilled.

- Her father is Melvyn Stockard.

Burglary from an early age,

then on to property swindles, intimidation.

Half of North Oxford under his thumb.

- And you pulled him in?

- I certainly did, him and his friend, Jackie Marsh,

for robbery with violence.

But my superiors at the time

couldn't resist fitting him up with other offences.

They had no evidence.

Smart lawyer made mincemeat of them,

and our squire ended up with eighteen months

for an offence which should have carried ten years minimum.

(tense music)

- Sean O'Connell, aged 43, former vet.

Licence revoked after conviction for fraud, deception

and 'conflict of interest, October '96.

His talent was doping show horses to win an event

which put up their selling price,

then he'd act as adviser to the buyer passing them A.1.

He did nine months then emigrated to New Zealand.

- And three weeks after his arrival

in a village where nobody knows him, he disappears.

And all we've got is a blood-stained handkerchief

and Melvyn Stockard.

- Not getting a bit side-tracked

with Mr. Stockard, are we, sir?

- Get in, Troy.

Stockard buys and sells horses.

O'Connell knows a trick with them.

- Right, so they could be pulling a stunt together?

Or, I know, O'Connell's got something on Stockard.

Blackmail?

He's hit by the car, Stockard sees his chance.

- Not so fast, Troy, slow down.

(villagers muttering)

- What's happening?

- [Woman] Do you know him?

(villagers gasping)

(villagers muttering)

- Sean O'Connell, sir?

- No.

- It's Noel's Dad, oh God!

- Ding dong bell, pussy's in the well.

Who put him in?

Little Johnny Flynn.

Who pulled him out?

Little Tommy Stout.

(dog barking) (tense music)

- Hello, Hello.

- For you, Mary.

(pub patrons chatting)

- [Man] Only around for about six weeks.

- [Bill] Robin Wooliscroft got involved with Valerie Megson,

the farmer's wife.

- And Robin was the father of Noel, the best man?

- Aye, which makes it a dreadful business,

worse than dreadful.

The lads are pals from school days.

- When did all this happen, Bill?

- A few weeks back.

Robin and Valerie were planning a new life in New Zealand.

She had family or friends out there.

They thought Megson had got wind of them.

(tractor engine rumbling)

- [Tom] So they just packed up and left?

- More or less the next day.

They were going separately to the airport,

they were so nervous.

But Robin never got there, did he, poor fellow?

- And Valerie flew off without him?

- Well, I hope so, because otherwise...

(static hissing)

- Ah, there, oh that solves your problem.

What's the matter?

Upset about Robin, huh?

Ah, that's a shocking business.

- It was you, wasn't it?

You or Joe Megson!

- I beg your pardon?

- What have you done with Valerie?

- You've got it all wrong, love, mm?

Why should I have anything to do with it?

You let me know if you have any trouble, mm?

- We will find the person responsible, Noel,

but we're going to need your help, and your mother's help.

I'll be in touch.

(Noel sniffles)

- [Dr. Bullard] Two blows to the back of the head.

Death almost immediate.

- Six weeks preserved in a well.

- Yes, we won't get much out of his suit.

But some of his possessions survived.

- [Tom] Passport, an airline ticket to New Zealand?

- You're ahead of me, Tom!

- 12th July, departing Heathrow.

- Credit cards, jade pendant.

- He wasn't robbed, then?.

- No, except for his watch, maybe.

Odd for a man catching a flight not to be wearing a watch.

Just a thought.

- It's a good one.

- [Doctor Bullard] Ah, that was stuffed

in his trouser pocket.

- [Tom] Valerie Megson.

(sad music)

(cows mooing)

- She was booked on a flight, sir, but she didn't show up.

- The departure was at 2.30 on the 12th.

So they must have left separately early that morning.

- On Wednesday the 11th July this year, Mr. Megson,

your wife booked a flight, departing next day,

Heathrow to Auckland.

- Oh, that's where she went then?

- You didn't know anything about it?

Or who she was going with?

This morning, the murdered remains of Robin Wooliscroft

were brought up from the well.

And it's common knowledge--

- Common knowledge?

Is that all you got to go on?

Idle bloody tittle-tattle?

- We're not accusing you, Mr. Megson.

All we're concerned with, at the moment,

is that your wife is safe and well.

- [Gavin] Has she been in touch with you, sir?

- Well, has she, Dad?

Well tell 'em!

- You stay out of this!

- What about you, Chris?

You heard from your mother?

- No.

- What about the letter she left you?

- Well he grabbed it from me before I could read it.

Tore it up!

- Mr. Megson, your wife has got friends,

family in New Zealand?

Just give us an address.

- You'll not get her whereabouts out of me!

Faithless bitch!

And if you're not arresting me,

I'll ask you to leave my house!

- We'll see you again, Mr. Megson.

- Well, what's going on, Dad?

Well, what have you done with her?

And Noel's Dad, I wanna know!

- What, are you saying I killed 'em, you little ponce?

Get out of my sight!

- Why didn't we pull him in, sir?

- What for, Troy?

A show of emotion?

- Is Chris at home?

- He's with his father, Miss Stockard.

I'd leave it a moment.

- But it would help if I could have a word, please?

Hop in.

- Murder, both of them?

It's unthinkable.

- We're far from believing that, Miss Stockard.

- But we are concerned

that Chris hasn't heard from his mother.

- Yes, well so am I, so's Chris!

- [Gavin] Did she have any close friends in the village?

- I don't know, Mary perhaps.

- Mary Mohan?

- Sir!

(solemn music)

- Isn't that Noel's mother, Bridget?

- [Julie] Yes.

[Tom] And Frank Lightbourne?

- He's her brother, Noel's uncle.

He works at the garage.

Look, I must get back to Chris now, please?

(hand banging)

- But I can still touch the ground

with the palms of my hands, can you?

- You've beaten me there, Mary.

So, I'll take care of this.

- Thank you.

- Anything else before I leave?

- That wretched television.

Frank Lightbourne brought it.

It doesn't work either!

- Ah, leave it with me.

And any problems, day or night,

I'm right on the end of that phone.

- You are a very kind man, Mr. Stockard.

- Melvyn, and our little secret,

not a word to a soul, promise?

- Of course.

- Take care.

- The New Zealand connection, sir.

Mrs. Megson and O'Connell.

- Did she send him over to look for Robin?

- Oh, you'd thought of that.

- But that doesn't in the least

detract from your efforts, Troy.

- But it does rather put Mr. Stockard out of the equation.

- Melvyn, what brings you here?

Community care?

- Hit the nail on the head, Tom.

Problem with her telly.

- And she called you out?

- No job too small.

How's your murder inquiry?

- Oh, some progress.

- Good, well, any time.

I know where most of the bodies are buried in this village.

Mary's gone for a nap, by the way.

- Thank you, Melvyn.

- Mrs. Mohan, we are very worried about Sean O'Connell

and about Valerie Megson.

Your good friend?

Have you heard from her?

- No, I haven't.

- Did Mr. O'Connell ever talk about her?

- Yes, well, no, I mean I can't remember.

It was the gossip of the village.

- Do you have her address in New Zealand?

- Yes, well, no, I've lost it.

I mean she was moving about.

Excuse me, I've got a splitting headache.

(tense music)

- What's she holding back, sir?

- I don't know, but whatever it is,

you can bet your last penny Stockard is behind it.

- O'Connell wouldn't be here, would he, sir?

More likely down at the Manor.

- Francesca Ward knows where he is.

Have a look round the back.

(bell ringing)

(Francesca speaks in foreign language)

- Get out!

Isn't your business down in the village?

- In a murder investigation, Mrs. Ward,

we talk to everybody.

Sean O'Connell, the horse whisperer.

Is he your guest?

- Of course not, I hardly know this man!

- We can search the premises.

- Haven't you done that already?

Now I must ask you to go.

I am expecting company.

- It's only fair to warn you,

Sean O'Connell has a criminal record

and if you intend using him,

you'll put your work here in serious jeopardy.

We're sorry to have troubled you.

- Yes, and I'd just like to say, Mrs. Ward...

(dog barking)

- What is it, Skuff?

(tense music)

I know who you are!

You can't touch me now, you beast!

I have friends!

(phone ringing)

- The Stockard residence?

- Yes, Mr. Stockard, please?

- [Lily] Not at home presently.

But can I assist? (tense music)

- I fear that I've neglected them.

Do sit down, Noel will make us some coffee.

- No, not for me, thank you.

- No thanks.

- Well, so how can I help you?

- Mrs. Wooliscroft did you know

that your husband was planning to leave you?

- No, no, it was a bolt from the blue!

- Oh come on, Mother!

Half the bloody village knew!

- Well, that's certainly news to me, Noel.

- Wednesday the 11th July, or Thursday the 12th.

Mrs. Wooliscroft, do you remember the last words

you had with your husband?

- Well, of course, the 11th was an occasion, you see.

The day we got engaged, 25 years ago.

I cooked him his favourite dinner, blanquette of veal.

Afterwards, he was very affectionate.

- So why had he booked his ticket,

to fly off with Valerie Megson?

- And the next morning, Mrs. Wooliscroft,

he went off to work as usual?

And when he got back that night?

- Let me recall that evening.

Yes, it was my yoga class.

- And when you got back from your yoga class?

- The house was empty.

But then sometimes he was called away on business.

- No, he wasn't!

- Why do you keep contradicting me?

Haven't I suffered enough?

(Bridget sobs)

- Robin Wooliscroft's car.

Did he leave his office in it?

And where is it now?

Credit cards, bank statements.

- Mr. Barnaby?

She's lying.

I mean, I know I shouldn't say this about my mother,

but Dad couldn't stand the sight of her!

- So it came as no surprise to you?

- Well no, we knew what was going on, but New Zealand?

We had no clue on that at all!

- It must have been hard for you and Chris.

Your father, his mother, you'd known all your life?

- Well yeah, but her marriage.

Well, you'd best ask Chris on that.

- What about your Uncle Frank?

Frank Lightbourne, Bridget's brother?

What did he say about it?

- "Well that's life and good luck to 'em".

He's an easy come, easy go sort of character.

And he got something from it.

My Dad gave him some money, I think,

to sort out his garage trouble.

- What trouble?

- I don't know, but it seemed pretty serious

a few months back.

- Thank you.

- Mr Barnaby, do you think Joe Megson killed my Dad?

- It's too early to say, Noel.

(solemn music)

Pull up Troy.

Miss Stockard, Mr. Megson?

The horse whisperer.

I'd like the truth this time, please.

- [Julie] We found him here.

- [Tom] What time?

- Just after midnight.

We were coming back from the lake.

- [Chris] Way down there, behind those trees.

- [Tom] Why didn't you tell me?

- He made us promise.

- Chris carried him down to the Manor.

- Take us.

- Here, we got him blankets and whisky.

- But didn't he need a doctor?

- He wouldn't have it.

He said he had a job to finish.

Someone had tried to kill him

and he had to lie low for a bit.

- None of the household saw you?

- No, Daddy was out.

We left him to sleep and in the morning he'd gone.

- All trace of him?

- If you didn't see fit to tell the police,

surely you told your father?

- Why should he be involved?

(tense music)

- So, one dead, two missing,

and Stockard playing village policeman?

- Ah, he's stringing me along,

but I am willing to bet that he is hiding O'Connell.

- Cully's birthday Tuesday week.

- Oh, course it is.

- She wants jewellery.

Causton's hopeless.

- Jewellery?

What are you looking in Causton for?

I know exactly the place!

(tense music)

You coming to the wedding, Bubbles?

- Of course, I am the bride's mother. (laughs)

- You read the papers?

- Don't need to.

Me and Julie got no secrets.

And the boy is a dreamboat.

- Ooh, she's brought him home, has she?

- Ooh, yes, we've all been out dancing! (laughs)

Of course I know what Mel thinks, farm trash.

Where did he come from?

Guttersnipe!

How's he doing?

Lording it, I'm told.

You know, I'm trying to divorce the old swine

and get some money out of him,

but I can't get him on adultery.

He's got medical certificates.

Since his triple bypass, poor old sod can't manage it.

- Yep, it's all fixed.

And you're a good boy, Damian.

I shall mark this down, definitely, in your favour.

What's new, Jackie?

- It's the woman, Mohan.

- What's her problem?

Telly bust again?

- Getting restless.

- Well, I think she needs a little holiday.

(tense music)

- [Joe] I was born in this village

and I mean to die here, in my own bed,

not in some stinking prison.

They've got me cornered.

It's that bitch, Mary Mohan, spreading her filth.

Her and bloody Stockard and his tart of a daughter

with her claws in my boy!

I tell you, for two pins, I'd string up the lot of them!

- Well, you've got my support, you know that.

- I should bloody think so.

The money you've had off me these past months.

- Mr. Megson.

Mr. Lightbourne, our boys have filed their report

on the doctor's car.

So you can go ahead and fix it up now.

- Oh, that is good news, Sergeant.

He's been pestering me for it

and it's been clogging up my garage.

(tense music)

- Come to look round the house, Barnaby?

Got a warrant?

- As a matter of fact, I have.

But before I use it, last Friday night, Melvyn,

which Francesca tells me she spent with you?

- Well, so she did.

- So you couldn't have driven back past the road victim?

- No, otherwise engaged, sorry, pal.

- Melvyn, I've spoken to Bubbles.

- Oh really?

- I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties.

- Yeah, well, there are many ways

of pleasing a woman, Barnaby.

Didn't you know?

Glass of bubbly, six o'clock tomorrow evening?

Having a few friends in, bring the wife.

- Yeah, I will, thank you, thank you, Melvyn.

- Right, okay, thanks.

News on the Honda, sir.

- Make it good, Troy.

- Wooliscroft made a gift of it to Frank Lightbourne

and he sold it three weeks ago

to a Mr. Stewart in Haddenham.

It's all logged up and kosher.

- So that's what Noel meant by helping him out?

- Well, up to a point.

A P reg Honda's worth about eight grand?

- Yeah.

- Frank had debts up to thirty.

He was about to go bust,

and now he's straightened out, by all accounts.

So who coughed up the rest of it?

- Yes, I took it off him, tidied it up and sold it on.

I offered the money to my sister,

but well, distracted as she was, she wouldn't have it.

- And it helped with some,

but not all your financial difficulties?

- Yeah, yeah, it did come in handy.

- If he gave you his car, Mr. Lightbourne,

you must have known what he was planning to do.

- No, actually I didn't.

No, he phoned me from his office, the day he left it.

- [Gavin] On July 11th?

- Oh was that it?

- What time did he drop the car in?

- Oh, well, it would have been sometime after seven,

if I remember rightly.

- So you could have been the last person to see him alive?

- Apart from his killer, yeah.

Are you getting anywhere with this shocking business?

It's a mighty strain on the family.

Young Noel especially, with this wedding coming up.

- You know this village, Frank.

You tell me who did it.

- Oh, you asking me?

Well, now, I don't like ratting on my friends,

but things don't look too good for Joe Megson at present.

(leisurely music)

- Oh, Tom, if only you could afford all this,

and the lovely senorita to go with it?

- Now, behave.

(doorbell ringing)

- Ah, Chief Inspector and Mrs. Barnaby, come in, come in.

We're in the drawing room.

Now, Joyce, let me introduce you.

This is Dr. Burgess, Reverend Thorne, Mrs. Ward,

my lovely daughter Julie and Frank Lightbourne

who keeps all our engines ticking over.

- How do you do?

- [Guests] How do you do?

- Oh, please.

- [Joyce] Oh, thank you.

- We go back a long way, Chief Inspector Barnaby and I.

So, happy days.

- Happy days, Melvyn.

- [Guests] Happy days.

- But our purpose this evening

is to give Tom every assistance

in his effort to solve this terrible tragedy.

- Well, I'm afraid you must do this without me, Melvyn.

There's a patient that I must attend.

- Well that's a shame, Doctor.

- Excuse me, Mr. Barnaby, Mrs. Barnaby, good bye.

Oh, thank you and good luck with your deliberations.

- Yes, well, let's get straight to the point.

With murder, you start with motive and opportunity.

Am I right, Tom?

- That's usually the way round of it, yeah, Melvyn.

- And in this village, there's one person

with an abundance of both.

Though it grieves me to say it,

since he was about to become family.

- No, you can't just accuse him!

- I'm not accusing anyone, sweetheart.

That's Barnaby's job, and the sooner he gets his skates on,

the better for all concerned.

- If I might just throw in a word?

- Oh please, pleas do, Vicar.

- Well, I don't know Joe Megson personally,

since he isn't a worshipper.

- But he is one of your flock.

- He is, yes, indeed he is.

Yes of course he is, yes, quite.

But, well, let me be frank.

He is known by reputation to be--

- What?

Known to be what?

- Well, to be charitable, a man of uncertain temperament.

And it would take such a man,

allied to a brutal physical strength,

to carry out such an appalling deed.

- What did you just say?

- Julie.

- No, he's talking about my future father-in-law!

Daddy, I don't want him to marry me!

- Calm down.

- No, I won't!

This man's a slimy creature who'll do anything you say

to get his bloody roof mended!

- I do most sincerely object!

- Good!

- Melvyn, this is a conversation I do not find useful.

You did invite us here for a social evening?

- Yes, and oh, good heavens, is that the time?

I really must be going, choir practise.

(Julie sobs)

- Darling, it's alright now, it's alright.

This was not clever, Melvyn!

- With the way things are turning out, my girl,

I don't think you'll be requiring anyone to marry you.

(Julie sobs)

(door knocking)

- Police, Detective Sergeant Troy.

I have a warrant to search these premises.

- Here, what do you think you're doing?

- Sean O'Connell, Mrs. Marsh.

Where is he?

- I don't know what you're talking about.

What's your number?

I've got friends, you know!

Influential, they'll have your gizzards!

Now, come on, get out.

I said out, the pair of you!

Bloody nerve!

(dramatic music)

(woman on TV screaming)

- [Woman] Stop!

- [Man] Ooh!

- [Woman] (screams) No, let me go!

- Have I pleased you, master?

Am I forgiven?

(lock rattles)

- You have done well.

- Is that you, Sean?

(door clicks)

(ominous music)

Who is it?

Who's there?

(woman on TV screams)

(sirens wailing)

(solemn music)

(muffled police radio chattering)

(dog whimpering)

- Oh God, I prescribed her the pills!

But she gave no indication, that she was suicidal!

- [Gavin] Can someone get that dog out of here please!

- Yes, Skuff, come, quick. - Thanks.

- This is no suicide.

And it's a clumsy attempt to make it look like one.

- Pills rammed down her throat?

- It would only take a handful of these to do the job.

- Someone not taking any chances.

But did they get what they were looking for?

- A man from the village found her, sir.

He came to mend her television.

Got no answer and saw her through the window.

He's in the toilet at the moment.

- [Doctor Bullard] Time of death, around midnight.

- No sign of breaking or entering, sir.

- Well, she must have opened the door to somebody.

- Or someone had a key.

You start there, Troy.

Letters, Valerie Megson, New Zealand address, anything.

(muffled police radio chattering)

She used to be a dancer, friends with Nureyev.

Do you know, she could still touch the ground

with the palms of her hands?

- I didn't know that.

I'd better be getting back.

- Yeah.

- And where were you, you stupid dog?

- [Julie] What's going on?

- [Bill] Ah.

(tractor engine rumbling)

- Sir!

She was leaving tomorrow for Canada

and there's a letter from her sister in Toronto,

which blows out the suicide, doesn't it?

- Is that the man who found her?

- The TV repair man, yes, sir.

Name's Cullen, he's Stockard's gardener.

- It's the old Bill, sir.

- Not the goat?

- Could I have a word, please Melvyn, in private?

- Alright, Jackie.

Bad business, this, Tom.

Why did she have to go and do that, top herself?

Tragic.

- Well, you tell me, Melvyn.

Especially as she was just about to leave for Canada,

through your good offices?

- Ah.

- What had she done to earn it?

- Only her right to protection.

If the Law won't do the job.

Do you know she had manure put through her letter box?

- You think it was Megson?

- Of course it was bloody Megson!

She was pally with his wife and he wanted to frighten her.

You want this sorted, turn that bloody farm over.

You'll find the evidence.

- You, Melvyn, are the voice of this village.

Its eyes and its ears.

Didn't you know that Sean O'Connell was here

acting for Valerie Megson,

all the way from New Zealand, looking for answers?

Didn't Mary tell you that?

And by your argument,

O'Connell is an equal threat to the murderer,

and he's disappeared.

- Look I'm a bit busy this morning.

So are you by the look of things.

If I hear anything, I'll let you know, alright?

(solemn music)

- Miss Stockard wants a word with you, sir.

- Not here, please.

This is our place, midnight feasts, skinny dips.

All I want is to be here with Chris.

- Daddy's little girl,

getting married in the village he practically owns.

- I know you don't like him, but he has reformed, you know.

And he's got nothing to do with these murders.

- No, he wants us to believe it's Joe Megson,

stop the wedding,

prevent him from ever becoming your father-in-law.

- But what if he's right?

- Well, it wouldn't be your fault, would it?

I mean you and Chris, you've got lives of your own.

- Yeah, well about the horse whisperer.

I didn't quite tell you everything.

Chris went home, I stayed with the man.

Then I heard Daddy coming back.

- [Tom] What, from Francesca?

- It was about one thirty.

(tense music)

Poor chap, he really did need a doctor.

But Daddy said leave it to him and sent me to bed.

I challenged him next day, he said the man was alright.

He was doing a job for him

and if I told you or anyone about it,

he'd cancel the wedding.

- And where is he now, Sean O'Connell?

(tense music)

- Easy now, easy fella, easy, easy.

That's my lovely boy, that's my lovely boy.

(horse whinnying)

Stage fright, is it?

You and me, both, but we can do it.

Show them what we're made of.

They won't harm you, they'll treat you fine

'cause you'll make them richer than they are already.

You'll be famous, doing what you were born to do.

And you'll show them you're the best.

The best that God ever put down on this earth.

(horse whinnies)

Go on, go on fella.

I'll be with you every step of the way.

(horse whinnying)

(hooves clopping)

(horse snorting)

(horse whinnying)

(tense music)

One more.

Easy, fella, easy.

(triumphant music)

(group applauding)

- What do you think?

Well done!

(tense music)

- Look, man. (horse whinnying)

(hooves clomping) Chase him up, come on, gee up!

(horse snorting) Chase him up, chase him up!

Come on! - Go on!

Go on! - Chase him up!

(horse whinnying)

- Easy, old fella, at least get out the bloody gates.

- Just in the nick of time, Mr. O'Connell?

He's missing you already.

(horsebox banging)

- I didn't do it for myself or the money.

Apart from the need to live, that is.

It's about the horses.

Creatures like the rest of us

that crave a bit of attention and understanding.

- Tell me about Valerie Megson.

We just need a contact.

- Ask Mrs. Mohan.

- We can't do that Mr. O'Connell.

She's been murdered. (tense music)

Didn't they tell you that?

- Just, just take me home.

- I wouldn't if I were you, Sean.

All alone in that cottage of yours?

- He's worked his magic for you, Melvyn.

You can let him go now.

- Well, somebody's tried to kill him, haven't they?

Hmm?

Put a body down the well?

And now Mary Mohan.

Anybody, safe in this village?

- Why did you leave him there, sir?

- Can't compel him to leave, Troy.

No point in talking to him with Stockard there.

Oh, Doctor Burgess.

- Yes, I was hoping to have a word with you.

- Get in the car.

- [Melvyn] You did us proud, my friend.

- Yeah, well it was touch and go at times.

We were lucky to get away with it.

- Don't say I don't look after you.

- [Tom] We have you on willfully obstructing the police,

failing to report a traffic accident.

- I did report it!

- No, you didn't, you tried to cover it up.

Bill Pitman reported it.

What else have we got, Sergeant?

- Oh, drunken and dangerous driving,

supplying powerful drugs to a suicidal old lady.

- That's one for the Medical Council.

- Oh, no, not that, please.

No, no, I'm a fool, I'm a fool, I'm a fool.

- Why did you do it, Doctor Burgess?

- Oh good God, you policemen, have you no brains?

It was Stockard.

He knew I hit that fellow.

He had me over a barrel, and he needed my skill.

Have you any idea the state that man was in?

Patching him up was a singular achievement!

- What about the money you earned for your little escapade?

- Oh, please, please, here, take it, have it!

- Troy!

Now you listen to me.

If you want to continue in practise,

you'll bring your patient to Causton police station,

Monday morning, nine o'clock sharp.

- Yes, of course, but how do I get him away?

- Well, you're a doctor, aren't you?

Say it's a hospital appointment.

(tense music)

- [Gavin] Widows and orphans, sir?

(door clicks)

- Hello, Frankie.

- What do you want?

- Come to play.

- Oh no, not now, and not here.

- What's the matter?

Scared, little brother?

No-one can see us.

(phone ringing)

- The doctor, sir, without his patient.

- I tried but he wouldn't budge.

He said he was in danger.

But he wanted you to have this.

- Troy.

(dial tone beeping)

- Will there be a reply?

- No, thank you, Dr. Burgess.

- What time is it in New Zealand, sir?

- Just dial!

(solemn music)

- Ringing.

- Mrs. Matthews?

This is Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby,

calling from England.

Do you have a Valerie Megson with you?

Valerie Megson?

(gentle music)

(pub patrons chattering)

- Mum?

- Does she know what she's come back to?

- Yes, Bill, she does.

Mrs. Megson?

- Oh.

- Get some coffee, Troy.

- [Valerie] What's happened to you?

- Me?

I got run over by the local doctor,

but I'm on the mend, they tell me.

Thanks to the self same gentleman.

- You two met in New Zealand?

- Yes, through some farming friends.

Valerie and I got talking, she told me her situation.

I was on the point of coming back here,

so I offered my help.

- To try to find out what had happened to Robin?

- That's right.

- Why Mary?

Why her, too?

- Yes, poor gracious soul.

- It's probable that the killer thought

that Mary Mohan was on to him.

- Was she?

- No, the truth is we weren't making much headway.

We knew Robin wasn't back with his wife,

that was for sure.

- 12th of July, Mrs. Megson.

The day you left for Heathrow.

You and Robin had planned to leave separately.

- We were meeting at twelve at the check-in,

but he didn't come.

Then I got a message.

- [Announcer] Will Mrs. Megson,

a passenger on Flight NZ001 to Auckland,

please go to the information desk.

Mrs. Megson, to the information desk, immediately.

- Robin had phoned in, they said.

He'd been held up, but I wasn't to worry.

I was to take the flight and he'd be on the next one.

But I couldn't leave without him!

So I booked into an airport hotel.

Called Mary but she knew nothing.

Who else could I call?

His wife?

Not Joe, he'd have killed me!

(sad music)

All next morning I waited,

then finally I walked onto the plane in a daze.

That flight, oh God, I'll never forget it!

- The previous morning, when you left the farm.

How did you get to Heathrow?

- What?

Oh, Mary was driving me into Causton for the London train.

(tense music)

But as we were leaving, Joe saw us.

As if he knew, and was waiting for us.

(dog barking) (Mary yells)

(tyres screeching)

But Mary drove like a mad thing

and she got us away from there.

(phone ringing)

- Can I get something stronger?

A scotch.

- Thanks. - Thank you.

- Did you tell Mr. Stockard

what you were doing in the village?

- Well, there was an evening of whisky, as I partly recall.

I may have let the odd thing slip.

- I found this at the cottage.

Your suspects.

- You don't miss a trick, you fellas.

- MS, Melvyn Stockard, JM, his handyman, Jackie Marsh, FL--

- No.

No, JM, that was Joe Megson.

- Oh.

- Where is she staying?

I'll get her, the bitch!

- Dad!

- Showing her face back here!

- Mr. Megson, please, she's his mother!

(Joe yells)

- What kind of mother walks out on her son

before his wedding, huh?

She's not here for him, girl,

or to wear fancy hats in church.

She's come back for her lover boy,

and what good has that done her?

He's down there, frying in hell!

- Stop, stop, stop it!

- Get her out of here, Chris.

She's not for the likes of you, probably never was.

- Julie!

Don't listen to him, it's us that matters,

not him or Mum, us.

I love you.

- [Julie] I love you!

- Right then, right.

I'll see you in church?

- See you in church.

- You'd better be there.

(tense music)

(clock ticking)

- The watch, I've forgotten the bloody watch!

(glass smashes)

- [Jackie] Oi you!

What's up, you alright?

- Oh Jesus Christ.

(door knocking)

- Jackie Marsh found him in the phone box.

We called Doctor Burgess immediately.

(tense music)

(Sean whispering)

- I do have a search warrant.

- I'll save you the bother.

- [Tom] What's the time?

- Oh, it's--

- Not the real time, you...

- Oh, 11.05 p.m.

July the 11th.

- O'Connell says he remembers Mary showing it to him.

- And then it turned up in Megson's kitchen.

Planted by Stockard?

- Well who else?

Oh, there they are.

(church bells ringing)

(cheerful organ music)

(church bells ringing)

(guests chattering)

(cheerful organ music)

(clarinet tooting) (banjo twanging)

(guests applauding)

(guests cheering)

(gavel banging)

- Ladies and gentlemen.

Pray silence for the father of the bride.

(guests applauding)

(cameras clicking)

- Ladies and gentlemen, my good friends and neighbours.

It's customary at this time for the best man

to make a speech of good humour and bad jokes,

et cetera, et cetera. (guests laughing)

But well for reasons I'm not gonna dwell on,

Noel, our best man, has handed the baton to me today.

Noel Wooliscroft, who I'm sure you'll all agree,

has shown a level of guts

and well, the true meaning of friendship.

(guests applauding)

So you're left with me for the jokes.

(guests laughing)

I first came upon this village, I was ten years old.

And I vowed, one day that I would own this manor

where we are today.

And, well, by God's good grace

and a little bit of luck on the gee gees, I made it!

(guests applauding)

(upbeat swing music)

- You look just like your mother. (lips smooching)

- If you say so, see you later.

- I'm sorry Mr. Lightbourne,

can I ask you to take a seat please.

Mr. Melvyn would like a word.

Take that as well.

Can you just take a seat please.

Mr. Barnaby will help with it.

It's a pleasure.

- A moment, please, Melvyn.

- What's up, my friend?

- Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry to spoil the party

but I must have your attention please.

- This is not the moment, Barnaby.

- No, please, go on!

Sergeant Troy.

- Around 11 p.m. on the night of July 11th in this village,

Robin Wooliscroft met his death.

(Valerie sobs)

Two weeks ago, his remains were brought up from the well.

- Now come on, this is a wedding!

- [Bubbles] Shut up, Melvyn!

- Who put him there?

It's no secret he was planning

a new life for himself with Mrs. Megson.

Letters had been left for Noel and Chris,

flights had been booked.

But Robin Wooliscroft never got to Heathrow.

- At seven o'clock on the evening of July 11th,

he left his office in Causton.

- Now he could have gone home.

Mrs. Wooliscroft was at her yoga

and he probably had some last minute things to do.

But what we do know for certain

is that some time in the evening,

he drove his car to Mr. Lightbourne's garage

and left it there,

because he wouldn't be needing it any more.

(tense music)

He had just a short walk back to his home,

matter of ten, fifteen minutes.

So he could have met someone or two people, perhaps?

- What if he took a taxi?

- Did he, Mr. Lightbourne?

- No.

- There was a taxi ordered for eight o'clock

the following morning.

Mrs. Wooliscroft sent it away.

- Well I didn't know what it was for, did I?

- It was a chilly evening, not many people

out of their homes,

so the one or two people could have been unobserved.

But who were they?

The two people most hurt by his plans, working together?

- No, I had nothing to do with that man!

He should have kept hold of his wife!

- Mum, come on, sit down, sit down.

- But wasn't it much later, Mr. Lightbourne,

that he came by your garage?

You could help clear this up, if you could remember.

- It may have been later.

- After dark?

- I work all hours for the good of this village.

- Yes, you're everyone's friend, aren't you.

- Indeed, Robin Wooliscroft trusted you

with his secret, didn't he?

- What secret?

- He gave you his car,

which you sold to ease your financial burdens?

But that was a drop in the ocean.

Didn't someone else offer to wipe out your whole debt

if you agreed to help in a murder?

But who in this village could afford to do that?

The squire, the farmer or the widow?

- Frank?

- Nothing to do with me, any of it!

- Okay, Barnaby, playtime's over.

Come on, everybody.

(guests gasping)

(guests muttering) - That's awful!

- This was taken from Mr. Wooliscroft

shortly after his death.

It's inscribed V to R.

(Valerie gasps)

It was smashed at 11.05 precisely,

on the night of July 11th.

- No!

- That watch, Mr. O'Connell,

where have you seen it before?

- Mrs. Mohan's cottage.

It was dropped on her doormat in a package,

addressed to Mrs. Megson.

- Five days ago she gave it to Mr. Stockard

for safe keeping.

- Two days, ago Mr. Megson found it amongst his possessions.

And last night he handed it to the police.

- Daddy?

- Last night, also, Mr. O'Connell was attacked with a hammer

in the village phone box.

The person who dealt those blows

was the same person who killed Mary Mohan.

Fortunately, Mr. Stockard's butler, Mr. Marsh,

was passing and courageously scared off

Mr. O'Connell's assailant.

Unfortunately for us, he failed to identify him.

- Yeah, well it were dark, weren't?

- So to go back to the night of July the 11th,

will you now tell us, Mr Lightbourne,

(tense music)

who else was with you in your garage?

Or shall I?

- Yeah, done.

- I know it's not been easy, Frank,

but thanks for being discreet about all this.

(Frank yells)

(tool thuds)

(watch thuds)

(Frank grunts)

(body splashes)

- Is that the way it happened, Mr. Lightbourne?

- You deserved it, you filthy, whoring, stinking slag!

(Bridget and Valerie yelling)

- No, Mum, get off!

Come on!

(cheerful swing music)

- Mary would not have let someone in late at night.

- We found a spare key under a stone, doctor.

Frank must have seen her use it.

- So, it was Bridget paid Frank's debts with the garage?

- Sisterly love, that, Bill.

And for services rendered.

- I thought it was only farmers

who spread the muck round here, Mr. Stockard.

- Well, we're all family now, Megson.

Water under the bridge?

(Joe spits)

- And as for you, woman!

- Don't you touch her, Dad!

(guests cheering) (guests applauding)

(guest whistling)

(guests laughing)

- I didn't know that body was in the well, I swear it.

- No, but you took advantage, didn't you Melvyn?

When did you know it was Frank and not Megson?

- Last night, Jackie saw him running away.

But it was too late by then.

What, you'd planted the watch, had you?

- Well, I was sure he did it and you were pissing around.

But, well as far as the cow dung, that wasn't me.

I'd never do anything like that to a lady.

- No, that was Frank, also pointing the finger at Megson.

- So what happens next?

You gonna arrest me?

- Oh yes, Melvyn,

for conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

(sad music)

- Do you know, I feel quite sorry for him.

All this and three beautiful women,

who I'm sure he loves in his way.

- And to think, I only have two.

(car horn beeps)

(guests cheering)

(car engine rumbling)

(guest whistling)

(spooky music)