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deaddogsdam
  • 15/05/2025
First broadcast 4th March 1990.

The famous Belgian film star Marie Marvelle consults Poirot about a series of letters threatening that her celebrated diamond, 'The Western Star', will soon be stolen.

David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings
Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp
Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon
Barry Woolgar as Inspector Dougall
Struan Rodger as Henrik van Braks (as Straun Rodger)
Rosalind Bennett as Marie Marvelle
Oliver Cotton as Gregorie Rolf
Alister Cameron as Lord Yardly
Caroline Goodall as Lady Yardly
Stephen Hancock as Mullings
Ian Collier as Sergeant
Bruce Montague as Hoffberg
Julian Gartside as Hotel Receptionist
Bill Thomas as Steward
Jill Goldston as Street Seller

Category

📺
TV
Transcript
00:00I
00:30Hope let's go
00:42As of birth and that's our man man Bracks
00:51All right, let off the go inside no call to alarm him
01:00You're arrest on the charge of receiving pinstones knowing them to be stole
01:11Rubbish never you mind about rubbish. You're coming with us
01:30On
01:33The blue and gold plates, I think with perhaps a little flower flower. No, no
01:40Very well, but arranged symmetrically my mother. She is the great artist
01:47Yes, captain Hastings not back from lunch yet. Yeah, what is he thinking of it is a past three
01:55He was munching at his club
02:00I
02:04Missed if I'm Brax, you'll have no objection to being searched. I take it. I
02:10Would have the strongest possible objection chief inspector without the attendance of my lawyer
02:16And why might I ask would you need a lawyer if you're as innocent as you make out?
02:22You are not dealing with some
02:25bumpkin chief inspector I
02:28Am a man not without influence even in your country. Oh, really
02:51What's cooking nothing is cooking Hastings the cook is waiting for you to finish your nice game of billiards at your club
02:57If Marie-Marie is coming to tea who
03:02What's up, you do not know who is Marie-Marie. Can't say I do. No, he's not good poor
03:11Marie-Marie is the greatest film star Belgium has ever produced. I think she's the only film star Belgium's ever produced
03:17You do not remember that on dress or a juice and all the car. I didn't even know they made films in Belgium
03:23evidence
03:24Why is it the fate of the Cooper Oh to live among such philistines?
03:28Hastings Mary Marvell and her husband Gregory Ralph are stars of international renown. They have made
03:35That was miss Marvell she can't come
03:41But can you call on her at her hotel instead
03:53I
03:56Come Hastings
04:06Well, I'll do that sir
04:10Yes
04:14Right
04:17Well, there seems to be some procedural difficulty about this
04:24You can go for now, mr. Pembroke's Thank You chief inspector
04:33What did the commissioner say do you mind what the commissioner said
04:53I
05:06Mean my bell has conquered the world money me and now she wishes to consult the Cooper. Oh, well, it is a natural progression
05:14Because you see Hastings the ladies they always seek for help because for how you understand has this particular sensitivity
05:24I was a mother. I'll keep
05:31Other Hastings
05:39I apologize for not coming to your office
05:42But I did not dare to leave the hotel
05:45After the last of these arrived this afternoon
05:53Cheap paper with a name and address carefully printed
06:01The great diamond which is the left eye of the God must return whence it came second one's exactly the same
06:09But not the third
06:11You have not obeyed
06:13Now the diamond will be taken from you at the full of the moon the two diamonds which are the left and the right eye
06:18of the God shall return
06:21So it is written
06:23strong stuff
06:25These letters they did not come by post. No
06:29They were delivered downstairs
06:31by a gentleman
06:33Well, that is what frightens me
06:35It was from a Chinaman in San Francisco that Gregory bought the stone three years ago
06:39Reputable diamond merchant. No
06:42He approached Gregory in a restaurant
06:44Well, Gregory said he seemed terrified and he only asked about a tenth of its value
06:50He said it was called
06:54The Western star
07:00This story seems of romanticism almost unbelievable
07:05And yet who knows
07:08When is the next full of the moon Friday? I looked it up three days time
07:14Memoiselle
07:15This Bellisto. Ah, it may be a hoax, but it may not
07:20Therefore I counsel you to place the diamond in my keeping until after Friday then we can take what steps we please
07:26That is not possible
07:28We're going to Yardley Chase for the weekend
07:33But surely it is possible for you to go to Yardley Chase without taking the diamond with you I
07:37Want to wear it there
07:39Just remember it was in the Tatlin last week about Lady Yardley having a diamond called the Eastern Star
07:44And how it was meant to be one eye of some Chinese God and the Western Star was the other and it belonged to a
07:50film star
07:52But was there could we be permitted to see the Western Star
08:00Me my husband are in negotiation with Lord Yardley. We want to make a film with Yardley Chase
08:08We should the film in Italian location at the house
08:12You lose a bit and so say yes, it's
08:16something
08:17So you are acquainted already with Lord and Lady Yardley Gregory met them when he was in California a few years ago
08:38Thank you
08:41I do not believe the diamonds are twins. I do not believe the diamond of Lady Yardley
08:49Is as good as mine
08:56The pattern without a floor
09:04You will leave it with Papa Poirot good morning Gregory is here
09:11Darling
09:15So
09:17This is the famous Monsieur Poirot
09:19Enchanté Monsieur, I am Gregory Roy. Enchanté. This is my associate Captain Hastings
09:27Well, so what does Monsieur Poirot think of our little problem this one big joke as I do I
09:34Have advised your wife Monsieur not to take the jewel with her when she visits Yardley Chase on Friday.
09:40I agree Monsieur, but a woman is a woman, you know
09:44She can't bear the idea of another woman outshining her the jewelry department
09:49That's nonsense
09:52My dear lady I have given my advice I can do no more
10:01I've been after him for months. So Monsieur Van Brax is of interest to you
10:10The trouble is I don't lay a finger on him
10:14Is he one of the Van Brax Armaments family?
10:17He is the Van Brax Armaments family and he's got this little hobby more like an obsession
10:22He collects diamonds. How do you know that?
10:25Well, no, not many people do because he's not too particular how they come by if you take my meaning what they call a secret collection
10:33He's mixed up with this dealer called Hoffberg in Hatton Garden. There's something going on. I know there is
10:39If I lay a finger on Van Brax, the Commissioner will be down on me like a ton of bricks
10:44It all sounds too complicated for me
10:49What were you doing at the Magnificent anyway
10:52Just purely the social call
10:55Monsieur Mary Mavel the great Belgian film star she stays there Belgian film star
11:05You're pulling my leg
11:07No chief inspector Bravo does not pull the legs
11:12I'm sure you have much more important business to which you must attend
11:16Take a hint
11:22Monsieur Bennett
11:24After you cut my hair last week. I went home and I measured each sideburn as I suspected the left one was three millimeters longer
11:31That's not right
11:32Let us make the effort. Monsieur Bennett not to make a similar travesty today a
11:36Haircut is a partnership. Monsieur Bennett. It is a joint venture. I bring to it my hair you your undoubted skills
11:53Captain ace
11:55I've got lady Yardley in my office
11:58She wants to see mr. Poirot. Well, we better good lord. He's not back from the barbers yet
12:05No, show her in I'll deal with it
12:19Lady Yardley sir, how do you do? Lady Yardley? I'm Arthur Hastings. I know why you've come here
12:26You know, you've received blackmailing letters about the diamond to sit down
12:36You know how logic lady Yardley if Marie Marvell has had warning letters
12:44Marie Marvell has been here
12:47And if she as holder of one of the twin diamonds has received a series of anonymous letters delivered by a Chinaman threatening to steal
12:53Them at the next full moon it logically follows that you would have received similar missives
13:01That's amazing
13:03ice cold
13:05logic lady Yardley
13:08the deductive process
13:24As a matter of fact I remembered as soon as I saw wrong
13:27When he was out at Hollywood Lord and Lady Yardley were there to the only put money into some film lost a lot
13:33But there was gossip about Lady Yardley and your friend Rolf being seen a lot together
13:37and
13:39The letters of Lady Yardley they were also delivered by the China. No, I asked her about that
13:43They came by post but she said they smelled strongly of jasmine oil
13:48Jasmine oil it's a kind of Chinese scent
13:51Are they symmetrical Hastings or at the sideburns? Yes, I think so
13:58You can be frank with me Hastings I am being Frank
14:20I
14:37Hastings why did Lord Yardley not come to see us? He doesn't take the letter seriously. It appears. Thank you
14:51I
14:53Can't make a tale of this Marie Marvell's been getting these odd letters to you say what does it all mean?
15:00Lord Yardley is what we must discover
15:03But tell me this story of the origins of the diamond. It is true
15:06No, it's all damn nonsense nothing to do with China at all. My grandfather brought it back from India
15:12And this business of making a film at Yardley chase that's all fixed up between you and mr. Rolf
15:17Well, no, it's nothing settled yet. Nice chat mind for an actor
15:22But no definite deal
15:24Look I
15:27Might as well get this straight. I've been an ass in many ways captain Hastings
15:31I'm head over ears in debt, but now we've got the children. I want to get things straightened out
15:36Rolf is offering a lot of money, but not enough to set me on my feet again
15:40So you must sell the star of the East that's it
15:43I've been to see Hoffberg the Hatton garden man about it, and he's trying to find a buyer for me. I comprehend
15:50Look here. Mr. Poirot. Do you think these letters are serious? I
15:54Must confess it sounds like a lot of tosh to me to Poirot also. It sounds like the tosh
16:00But I think there is happening
16:02something mysterious
16:06Perhaps you should be on your guard
16:13Oh
16:25This is mr. Poirot, my dear
16:30How do you do mr. Poirot
16:32enchanté lady
16:33It was yesterday that you were fortunate enough to meet my associate captain Hastings. Hello. Oh, yes
16:40About those silly letters
16:43Perhaps I took them too seriously
16:46It's all damn nonsense. I never heard there were two diamonds before anyway star of the West indeed
16:51Don't forget the signal Harry the diamond of the great Belgian film star Mary Mavel is fully worthy of the name
16:58You've seen it. Oh, yes
17:01Perhaps it would be possible to see its partner. Why not?
17:05Why don't you wear it at dinner tonight?
17:10Oh
17:12It's set in one of the most hideous necklaces you've ever seen
17:16George is always promising to have the stone reset, but it's never been done. You'll have to wind that up again
17:25Thank you money
17:26You ought to know about this. Mr. Poirot. It's from Hofburg. He's sending a man down tonight to have a look at the stone
17:32I wish you wouldn't sell it George. It's been in the family so long
17:36now mort
17:39Alright
17:41Very well
17:42Since it is the last time I shall be able to do so. I shall wear the star of the East at dinner tonight
17:49Excuse me
17:56Who's the fellow who's coming down? Oh sounds foreign. Mr. Henrik van Brax
18:09I
18:24Know for you. Mr. Poirot. I know mercy a Montalado see you play. I believe the aperitif should be a pleasure rather than the penance
18:39Behold the sacrifice
18:41See many feet
18:43No, no, wait till I turn the main light on then you may feast your eyes on the ugliest necklace in England
19:09China what side door? Where is it? Yeah that one?
19:16It's here they didn't get away with it well done captain Hastings they must have dropped it in their panic
19:21No, what?
19:23Look at it carefully Hastings
19:25The star of the East it's gone
19:29That doors always kept locked
19:33Look at this piece of silk from the Chinaman's robe
19:36Mullings to look after her ladyship and call the police
20:06I
20:32Was just about to turn on the other light
20:36When a man sprang on me from behind
20:39Thank you
20:41He tore the necklace from my neck with such force that I was pulled over
20:46As I fell I saw him disappearing through the side door I
20:54Realized by his pigtail and his embroidered robe that he must be Chinese
20:59Got away. I heard something
21:02Oh
21:03Come on. Oh girl had a bit of a shock
21:06Drink that darling
21:08Mr. Van Brax to see you my lord. He says that you expect him. Oh
21:13Good lord. I shall have to explain to him. I suppose. I'll talk to him in the library Mullings. Very good
21:18Oh, no sign of the police yet. Not yet, sir
21:22Will you excuse me a moment my dear? Of course
21:25I
21:27I think I'll just go up to my room and lie down for a while. I'll be all right
21:40Look here Poirot, don't you think we ought to get back to London? You think so Hastings?
21:44Why well the other diamond Marie Marvell's they've got one now. They're bound to go for the other one
21:50Damn, but your brain matches to a marvel mon ami figure to yourself Poirot never thought of that
21:57I
22:05Yes, he's things we must go back to London immediately
22:27I
22:31Thank you so much captain Hastings, thank you
22:44Who is that it's chap
22:47Chap
22:56Why do you lurk chief inspector I've just trailed van Brax down here you're mixed up with this diamond business, aren't you?
23:03Diamond business don't come the old acid. We meet Poirot
23:07Kiss kiss a the old acid chief inspector
23:11Who are you what's going on? I'll ask the question Sonny if you don't mind
23:17I
23:21Scotland Yard twig a voo. Oh
23:26Very sorry, sir
23:28Just doing my job. So we had a report of a diamond stolen. What?
23:33Do you know about this? Yes, it was 20 minutes ago 20 minutes ago
23:38Darn it. Can't have been van Brax then. We'd only just got off the train. No, it was some Chinaman
23:44All right sergeant get on with it, thank you very much sir. Good night, sir. Come on lab
23:53Now what the hell is going on
23:56There is nothing you could do here chief inspector. Come back with us and on the way I will tell you all that I know
24:13I
24:23Have the honor to remain it's all over the papers
24:31Morning the curse of the Eastern Star
24:34Oriental intruder attacks Viscountess informed sources were last night speculating that religious fanatics were responsible. Thank you Hastings
24:41I have already read the newspapers. It beats me. How they get into print so quickly. They make it up Hastings. You think sir?
24:48Well, we go to the Magnificent. We should have been there last night
24:52But one Marie Marvel, I mean obviously her diamonds gonna be next on the list and she will have seen the newspapers Hastings
24:58besides
24:59It is not yet the full of the moon. Well, they didn't wait for the full moon last night
25:06Yes, yes miss lemon, yes, of course put him through
25:12Bonjour chief inspector. Yes
25:19Yes, we will come over immediately
25:23Goodbye
25:25Come Hastings
25:27The Western Star it has been stolen
25:30It's a hotel magnificent. Well, what about the full moon now?
25:34When did this happen?
25:36This morning I understand
25:39If only you'd listen to me Poirot
25:49Here we go again sinister Chinaman little yellow gods threatening letters. No, it's all true. Oh, yes as true as I'm riding this bicycle
25:57Van the Brax is mixed up in somewhere
26:01How was the diamond stolen?
26:03You better come and hear it from the horse's mouth
26:09I
26:15Came on duty at 8 o'clock
26:18We weren't all that busy and I noticed particularly that mr. Rolf left the hotel at about 1150
26:24Why did you go out?
26:26You did not have to go out. I'm gonna be a prisoner in the hotel
26:32Why did you not give the diamond to mr. Powell for safekeeping
26:36Recriminations are not very helpful. Mr. Rolf
26:42At about half-past 11 a gentleman comes in I mean I thought it was mr. Rolf he was dressed like him
26:49He looked like him
26:51He's blind. I tell you blind
26:55Well this man whoever he was asked for madam Rolf's jewel case from the safe
27:00And you gave it to him. Yes. I thought it was mr. Rolf
27:05I gave him the receipt to sign and he signed it
27:09Chief inspector. Do we have the form?
27:12Here we are sir
27:17Sure
27:19Is this your usual signature nothing like he's blind I told you he's blind. All right, mr. Rolf
27:27Well, I looked at the signature and it looked all right to me and
27:31he said
27:32I've been getting threatening letters from a Chinaman and the worst of it is I look rather like one myself
27:39Well, I looked at him. I saw what he meant his eyes slanted up at the corners like an orientals
27:45Well, I never noticed it before. Of course, you've never noticed it before. Do you notice it now?
27:49I'm holding your hotel responsible for this, please. Mr. Rolf. I'm trying to conduct an investigation
27:56And as a matter of interest, where were you at the time of the robbery I
28:00Was nowhere near the hotel
28:02Why should I steal my own diamond? Is this the famous Scotland Yard talking?
28:08It's for you, mr. Poirot a
28:12Word in your ear. Mr. Rolf
28:17Puddle mr. Poirot. She says it's urgent
28:28She seems terribly upset Thank You miss lemon
28:32I
28:35Know it begins
28:46Have you seen the papers
28:54The more lies I tell the more I get enmeshed in them
29:02The Eastern Star was not stolen last night
29:07It was taken from me three years ago
29:10By mr. Gregory
29:14You know, I am a detective lady ugly
29:23When we met in California he was such fun
29:29He was so
29:32I was never more than indiscreet, mr. Poirot. I swear, but I wrote him some letters and he blackmailed you
29:43But you got back the letters
29:47Only in return for the Eastern Star and then your husband throws a hammer into the works when he tells you he wishes to sell
29:53the time I
29:55Was frantic
29:57Gregory had arranged for mr. Hoffberg
30:00To make this paste replica
30:05But I knew that an expert would spot it immediately
30:10What happened then I
30:13Came here two days ago to tell you all this
30:16You came here to tell us that you were being blackmailed
30:20And the buttons you Gregory Rolfe
30:23Why did you not I
30:25Didn't know Marie had already been to see you and when captain Hastings assumed I'd come for the same reason as her I
30:31Just lost my nerve
30:36Well, I assumed
30:41Gregory had concocted a plan
30:44He was to write those mysterious threatening letters and then we were each to stage a robbery which you did last night
30:52But
30:54That was the Chinaman
30:57No, no Hastings there was no Chinaman
31:00Lady Yardley merely turned out the light. She screamed removed the paste stone and threw the necklace along the corridor
31:06But what about the piece of silk from the Chinaman's robe? I'd put that in the door earlier
31:13Gregory Rolfe's diamond was stolen as well. That was the Chinaman
31:18No, no Hastings that was stolen by mr. Gregory Rolfe
31:24With the aid of a little gum at the corner of the eyes good lord
31:27Why would he go to all that trouble? He could have taken it at any time. Well, I had to pay performance
31:32People be suspicious if there wasn't a proper theft and the insurance company too would be quite doubtful. I think
31:42But he won't give it back to me
31:44He says I can claim the insurance on the diamond now, so why should he give it up but it's not insured
31:50so a small problem a
31:53terrible problem as you borrow
32:00May I keep this mother
32:02I
32:12Am an impatient man, mr. Hoffberg the diamond is on the market now. I happen to know come to me. Yes
32:20It will mr. Van Braks have no fear
32:25You have the money I'm ready to move at a moment's notice, don't worry
32:32I
32:48See you
32:50I'm a very busy man
32:53This morning. I had the pleasure of a visit from Lady Abby
32:57So
32:59She told me everything
33:01Are you blackmailed her for the studies?
33:04Are you send the letters to your own wife? I don't know what you are talking about
33:10That woman, you know there is something wrong with her
33:16She chased me all over California. She hasn't stopped chasing me
33:24Do not tell any more lies do not any more black in the name of lady
33:27Yardley you will return the stuff the Easter her immediately
33:33You're as mad as she is
33:57I
34:04May be leaving the hotel at very short notice. Would you have my bill ready waiting for me?
34:24Thank you
34:27And
34:54What can I do for you
34:57You made this for mr. Gregory Rolfe three years ago
35:06I think you know what I want. Mr. Hoffberg
35:10If you do not assist the chief inspector job of Scotland Yard
35:14Will be pleased to hear how you're acting as a dishonest broker between van Braks and mr. Gregory Rolfe
35:20Mr. Rolfe to see you mr. Hoffberg
35:25I'll come out
35:49I
36:06Thanks very much
36:16Wait a moment
36:20I
36:22Thanks, hello, but Brax
36:25It's Gregory Rolfe. Yes
36:28Look, I've got the article in question. I've just seen Hoffberg and well, he's behaving strangely. He doesn't want to handle it
36:35This is nonsense. Why has he changed his mind?
36:38Don't know. I don't know
36:41God what time to waste I've got to get to Croydon Airport. Can you meet me there? I
36:46Should do my best. All right
36:49I
36:54Right, let's go
37:11I thought you were gonna be in there all night
37:13Mr. Rolfe Hastings, where did he go Croydon aerodrome? How do you know? He kept a taxi waiting. I asked the driver good Hastings
37:22The simplicity, huh? Was he alone in the taxi? Yes, I
37:27Must go back to the Hotel Magnificent at once. I have a sad duty to perform taxi
37:32Get me the RV and take it to the flat. Wait for me there
37:40Hotel Magnificent see you play
37:43Taxi
37:55I'd like a taxi now
38:06Croydon Airport quick as you can
38:13Ah
38:38Mr. Parker
38:41May I please come in but of course
38:52Have you any news about the diamond
39:02You do not pack my mother why should I be packing
39:06Oh
39:11You mean to go to the Adelaide yes, we don't go to tomorrow I
39:19Don't know if we should go at all
39:28Moselle
39:32You don't know this novelty for you
39:36I
40:07I
40:15Think it's short
40:20Janice both flights. Yes, wait
40:25180 pounds luggage. No, no lunch. No luggage
40:37Hammersberg flight wait
40:42164 pounds
40:45Thank you
40:49Can you do
40:52Poor from PC
40:56I'm a German cook. I love it. It's a long
41:00He let to Zuri prove it was one to Montrose don't detect a problem
41:06Oh
41:10My god, I'm a diamond
41:15He's a party man
41:19Chapter
41:26Siffing
41:36Oh
41:55How long till we get to the aerodrome only five minutes now gov
42:06Oh
42:36Ah
42:51Lady ugly I
42:54Have news for you. I need good news. Mr. Poirot perhaps Oh
42:59Oh
43:04Mr. Poirot, is it the real one? Yes Hastings. It is the real Eastern Star
43:10However at this moment, mr. Gregory Rolf. He's waiting at Croydon aerodrome believing that the paystone in his pocket is the real one
43:16But where did you get it?
43:18from mr. Hoffberg, I
43:20Ascertained that he was acting as the go-between for van Braks and mr. Gregory Rolf
43:24But I managed to persuade him to refuse to go any further with the business
43:28But while he was examining it to permit and substitute it with the other I
43:34Can never thank you enough
43:38Never
43:58A
44:25Minute you think I'm mad. This is paste
44:28No, don't try that that Brax I took this for my wife's jewelry case myself, it's still paste you've been wasting my time
44:37But I need this money
44:50In the seat up
44:58I
45:11Don't think your friends in high places will be able to get you out of this one. Mr. Van Braks
45:16Really? I'm charged with what carrying my own money and you're going to charge. Mr
45:20Rolf with being in possession of an imitation diamond worth three pounds ten shillings good. I shall enjoy this
45:28Let's go to Scotland Yard. Shall we?
45:31Wait a minute, wait a minute
45:50Really it is good Hastings. Hmm. Oh very good. Yeah
45:54It is marinated in a mixture of white wine brandy and the seeds of the fennel excellent
46:03You know you say you've got this particular sensitivity to women and all that fire
46:08It seems to me that all you've done for Marie Marvell is to lose her husband
46:13Her blackmailing adulterous husband who is also the thief that is such a great loss Hastings
46:19How little you understand the feminine psychology and feminine needs Hastings, well, you're right there
46:30Hastings
46:32Yes, old chap. I have worked hard Hastings to prepare for you the delicious dinner. I
46:37Have searched the shops for the exotic herbs. I have argued with a butcher who is a fool
46:42I have beaten the escalopes with a little mallet until my arm it aches
46:45And you sit there shoveling food in your mouth and writing in your little book
46:49I'm sorry
46:51You're always rorting out me about order and method. So I've started to keep this notebook
46:55I've got two columns. The first is to write down all the things. I don't understand
47:00Then the second is to write down the explanation
47:05What is it that you're right now
47:06Well, the first thing is if Lady Yardley's got the real diamond now and the other one was imitation
47:12Who's got the other eye of the Chinese God?
47:18Hastings
47:21There was no Chinese God there was no connection with China whatsoever
47:28Now close your little book and eat your dinner
47:42You