First broadcast 24th February 1991.
During Christmas holidays, Poirot gets a visit from the Egyptian prince whose royal ruby has been stolen by a prostitute.
David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
Frederick Treves as Colonel Lacey
Stephanie Cole as Mrs Lacey
David Howey as Jesmond
Antony Zaki as Prince Farouk (as Tariq Alibai)
Helena Michell as Sarah Lacey
John Vernon as David Welwyn
Nigel Le Vaillant as Desmond Lee-Wortley
Robyn Moore as Gloria
John Dunbar as Peverill
Alessia Gwyther as Bridget
Jonathan R. Scott as Colin (as Jonathan S. Bancroft)
Edward Holmes as Michael
Siobhan Garahy as Annie Bates
Susan Field as Mrs Ross
Gordon Reid as Chocolate Shop Owner (see Dupres)
Christopher Leaver as Parsloe
Peter Aldwyn as Durbridge
Iain Rattray as Head Waiter
James Taylor as Waiter
During Christmas holidays, Poirot gets a visit from the Egyptian prince whose royal ruby has been stolen by a prostitute.
David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
Frederick Treves as Colonel Lacey
Stephanie Cole as Mrs Lacey
David Howey as Jesmond
Antony Zaki as Prince Farouk (as Tariq Alibai)
Helena Michell as Sarah Lacey
John Vernon as David Welwyn
Nigel Le Vaillant as Desmond Lee-Wortley
Robyn Moore as Gloria
John Dunbar as Peverill
Alessia Gwyther as Bridget
Jonathan R. Scott as Colin (as Jonathan S. Bancroft)
Edward Holmes as Michael
Siobhan Garahy as Annie Bates
Susan Field as Mrs Ross
Gordon Reid as Chocolate Shop Owner (see Dupres)
Christopher Leaver as Parsloe
Peter Aldwyn as Durbridge
Iain Rattray as Head Waiter
James Taylor as Waiter
Category
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TVTranscript
00:00One of my father's most valued possessions, from the reign of the pharaoh Rameses.
00:20Some more?
00:21Yes, your highness.
00:22And some coffee for the woman?
00:23Very good, your highness.
00:29Where are you going?
00:30Just going to powder my nose.
00:31Won't be a minute.
00:39He wants another bottle of this.
00:41He's been through it already, him and the tart.
00:48Where is she?
00:49Beg your pardon, your highness?
00:50The woman.
00:51Where is she?
00:52I couldn't say, your highness.
00:53She's got my ruby!
00:54Iris!
00:55Iris!
00:56Iris!
00:57No, you can't come in here, your highness.
01:03I do apologize, ladies.
01:08Your lady friend left, your highness.
01:17She got a taxi and left.
01:19Get Scotland Yard.
01:24Now!
01:34Merci.
01:50Magnifique.
01:54On your own for Christmas, Mr. Poirot?
01:56Yes, indeed.
01:57Miss Lemon, she visits an aunt at Turkey.
02:00And Captain Hastings?
02:01On Ecosse.
02:04Oh, pardon. He is in Scotland.
02:06So, yes, I am quite alone.
02:08Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Mr. Poirot.
02:10No, no, no, no, no. Not at all.
02:12A week of the complete peace and repose.
02:15The demi-kilo of your chocolate's most excellent
02:17is for Poirot the Christmas parfait.
02:21And a happy Christmas.
02:23Merci.
02:37Are you Mr. Hercule Poirot?
02:39Yes, who are you?
02:41Would you get in the car, please, Mr. Poirot?
02:43Mr. Jesmond wants a word with you.
02:45Why?
02:46Just get in the car, please, Mr. Poirot.
02:51He was most insistent, sir.
02:54Did Mr. Jesmond say what he wanted me for?
02:56Only that it's a matter of national importance.
02:59I'm not empowered to say anything more, Mr. Poirot.
03:13Oh, my God.
03:44Why should this concern Poirot?
03:47Why should this concern you?
03:49This foolish young prince, whom you will not name?
03:52He comes to London to collect from Asprey's
03:54the priceless ruby which has been remounted?
03:56Yes.
03:57Foolishly, he becomes acquainted with a young lady?
03:59Well...
04:00And continuing his foolishness,
04:02he permits this young lady to wear the jewel in a restaurant
04:04while they have dinner together.
04:06I think, uh...
04:07No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, Mr. Jesmond.
04:09If you please, I have listened.
04:11You must now do likewise.
04:13This fool, this young prince,
04:16is then surprised when this young lady
04:18disappears with his jewel into the night?
04:20No, no, no, no, no, no.
04:22This is a matter, I think, not for Hercule Poirot.
04:25This is a matter, I think, for the commissioners in Lunacy.
04:29I like this fellow. He's funny.
04:33You are the prince.
04:34Prince Farouk.
04:36Heir to King Fouad of Egypt.
04:42If he gets out,
04:44the Waft-Nashers will use this candle, Poirot.
04:46The Waft want the British out of Egypt completely.
04:49They want total Egyptian control of the Suez Canal now.
04:52My father cannot live for long.
04:54When he dies, I inherit the throne.
04:58Then I will show them.
05:02Now I'm tired. I'm going back to the hotel.
05:12No. No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
05:14And again, no.
05:16Poirot has squandered his talent before.
05:18Many times he has assisted fools in their folly,
05:20but this royal rude arrogant fool?
05:22No. Poirot draws a line.
05:24It is imperative to British interests,
05:26Monsieur Poirot, that the prince should succeed to the throne.
05:28And what about the interests of the Egyptians?
05:30You think he will be a ruler, that he's wise and just?
05:32Monsieur Poirot, I beg of you.
05:35The prince is still young.
05:37How young is he?
05:39Nineteen.
05:57Did anyone else know about the ruby?
05:59No one.
06:01You did not talk about it to anyone?
06:03No.
06:05Well, I may have done.
06:07Perhaps when I was at King's Lacey.
06:09But Colonel Lacey's not in front of my fathers.
06:12An Egyptologist.
06:16He's one of England's most famous archaeologists, Monsieur Poirot.
06:19King's Lacey is a magnet for all sorts of people with interests in Egypt.
06:23Then perhaps it is at King's Lacey that the answer is found.
06:26Was anyone else present?
06:30Am I a crook?
06:32Was anyone else present?
06:34Am I a criminal?
06:36Am I to be questioned like this?
06:38Iris Moffat took the ruby.
06:40We all know this.
06:42Find Iris Moffat.
06:44You'll find the thief.
06:46No, no, no. I think not.
06:49This robbery, it has been planned with the utmost care.
06:52One person alone could not have carried it out.
06:55Tell me, Your Highness.
06:57Was anyone else present when you talked about the jewel to Colonel Lacey?
07:00No. I don't know. Maybe.
07:05Yes. There were children.
07:08And a man with two names.
07:13The Laceys are good friends of mine, Monsieur Poirot.
07:16I may be able to concoct a story that will enable you to spend Christmas there.
07:20Christmas?
07:22I seem to remember my wife telling me they were concerned
07:25about their granddaughter's choice of men friends.
07:28No, no, no, Monsieur Jasmine. I have made other arrangements.
07:33You see, I have my books, my radio.
07:38My demi-kilo of excellent handmade chocolates from Dupre.
07:43My radiators that are nice and warm.
07:46The Laceys are very hospitable people, Monsieur Poirot.
07:50And they have an excellent central heating system.
07:59CAR HORN HONKS
08:11You might do better at auction, you know, Colonel Lacey.
08:14Oh, no, no, no. It's too public.
08:16M mustn't know about this.
08:18Imagine the fuss she'd make.
08:21I don't want to sell anything, David.
08:25I wish we had one item which would cover the whole amount.
08:28Something small, she wouldn't notice.
08:30Haven't you still got that little footstool from the Ammon-Hotep tomb?
08:34I don't want to part with that.
08:36That was almost the first thing to come out of my first dig.
08:39Well, what do you suggest, then?
08:41Oh, I don't know. I don't want to part with any of it.
08:45Tell you what, come and spend Christmas with us.
08:48Have a good look at everything.
08:50I don't like to impose on Mrs Lacey at such short notice.
08:53Oh, nonsense. She'll be delighted.
08:56Sarah's going to be there, too.
09:00And that Lee Wortley fellow, I suppose.
09:02Lee Wortley? Good chap.
09:04Knows a lot about Egypt. Lots of things to talk about.
09:10You're keen on Sarah, aren't you?
09:12Well, yes.
09:14But I think your granddaughter's rather keener on Lee Wortley.
09:18Oh. Well, there you are, then.
09:22You've got three days to get her to see reason.
09:26Come down, Christmas Eve.
09:53Peverell takes ages to get to the door.
09:56Peverell?
09:57The butler.
09:58He's 90, at least.
10:00Who are you?
10:01I am Hercule Poireau. And you, monsieur?
10:04Colin.
10:05I'm Brigid. He's my cousin.
10:07You haven't seen Michael anywhere, have you?
10:09Batty-looking chap with glasses.
10:11No.
10:12Good afternoon, sir.
10:14Good afternoon.
10:15Good afternoon.
10:16Good afternoon.
10:17Good afternoon.
10:18Good afternoon.
10:19Good afternoon.
10:20Good afternoon, sir.
10:22Good afternoon to you, monsieur Peverell.
10:24Come on, Brigid.
10:28This way, please, sir.
10:32Mr Hercule Poireau, madam.
10:35Mr Poireau. How very nice to meet you.
10:38Madame Lacey.
10:40You have a most beautiful house.
10:42Yes, isn't it?
10:44It's this tree I'm worried about at the moment.
10:47Is it vulgar enough yet, do you think?
10:51It's so good of you to come, Mr Poireau.
10:54Oh, do please sit down.
10:56Thank you, madame.
11:02Edwina Jesmond tells me that you were very helpful to some friends of hers in a case very like ours.
11:09But perhaps you don't know what I'm talking about.
11:12I understand that this is a matter rather unfortunate concerning the infatuation of a young girl.
11:17Yes. Yes, my granddaughter, Sarah.
11:20She's got herself mixed up with this dreadful man.
11:24He calls himself Desmond Lee Wortley.
11:27And this man, he has not a good reputation?
11:30Oh, indeed he has not.
11:32But it's no good telling Sarah that.
11:34Never any good telling young girls that a man has a bad reputation, is it?
11:39It is often, I believe, an added attraction.
11:42Yes, well, anyway...
11:44Edwina Jesmond tells me that you might be able to find out something...
11:48How shall I put it?
11:50Something useful about this Desmond Lee Wortley.
11:59How long do I have to do this for?
12:01Oh, you give it a good old stir, sir.
12:03Go on, Desmond, don't be lazy.
12:05The longer you stir, sir, the better your luck will be.
12:08Why do you have two?
12:10Well, the big one's for Christmas Day and the small one's for New Year, silly.
12:14Ah! Oh, yes.
12:16Oh, Mr Poirot, you must have a stir too.
12:19Sarah won't let anyone else have a go.
12:21I need all the luck I can get.
12:22This is Sarah, my granddaughter. Mr Poirot.
12:24How do you do?
12:25Mademoiselle Sarah.
12:26And Mr Lee Wortley.
12:28Monsieur Lee Wortley.
12:30Desmond.
12:31And Gloria Lee Wortley, his sister.
12:33Enchanté, mademoiselle.
12:34How do you do?
12:35This is our maid, Annie.
12:37Mademoiselle Annie.
12:38And I'm David Wellen.
12:40Ah, Monsieur Wellen.
12:41How do you do?
12:42And who, may I ask, is responsible for these puddings most magnificent?
12:46Oh, that would be me, I reckon, sir.
12:48This is Mrs Rouse, our cook.
12:49Madame Rouse, you are truly the artist.
12:52Oh, thank you very much, sir.
12:53Oh, no, no, no.
12:54But to do the whole house, it is redolent with the nutmeg, the ginger, the aspice, the...
12:59the brandy.
13:01To say true, c'est magnifique.
13:03Oh, thank you.
13:04Are you going to have a go downstairs, sir?
13:06It is permitted.
13:07You just go right ahead, sir.
13:09Go on, Mr Poirot.
13:10Merci beaucoup.
13:23We're getting to the glass vase, the blue one.
13:25I noticed it.
13:2618th dynasty?
13:27Yeah.
13:28Boris.
13:30You're looking very furtive.
13:32Stop it.
13:33No, my dear, not at all.
13:34Ah, Mr Poirot.
13:36Boris, come and meet Mr Hercule Poirot.
13:39Not the Hercule Poirot.
13:41There is but one Hercule Poirot, and I am he.
13:44The great detective?
13:45The same.
13:46Let me see.
13:48You are Michael.
13:50How do you do, Monsieur Poirot?
13:52I'm Horace Lacey.
13:54Ah, I am indeed honoured to meet you, Colonel.
13:56Ah, mangoes.
13:58Look damn delicious, don't they?
14:00Indeed they do, Monsieur.
14:01Don't be fooled.
14:02They're absolutely impossible to eat.
14:04Indeed.
14:05They come out of India.
14:07Impossible to get the stone out.
14:08I've spent the best years of my life trying to hack the stone out of mangoes.
14:14If I might demonstrate.
14:21Now, let me see.
14:26With the tip of a sharp knife,
14:30we insert it here until we feel the pit.
14:33Then, we cut around the mango,
14:37feeling the stone all the time with the tip of the knife.
14:43Then, with a spoon,
14:47we insert it here
14:50and go over and across the stone all the way around
14:54all the way around
14:56until the fruit half, it separates.
15:01Then, with a knife,
15:04on the top,
15:08et voilà .
15:10Good God above.
15:11Do you see that, Em?
15:13That's an absolute marvel with a mango.
15:15Where did you learn that?
15:18A duke taught me.
15:25Oh, come all ye faithful
15:30Joyful and triumphant
15:35Oh, come ye
15:38Oh, come ye
15:41To Bethlehem
15:46Come and behold Him
15:50Come and behold Him
15:54Oh, the King of Angels
15:59Oh, come
16:00Shh, just the women.
16:04What's he doing here?
16:05Why did they invite a detective?
16:07I don't know.
16:09He's dangerous, Desmond. He's got to be dealt with.
16:11Yeah, I know.
16:13Where did you put it?
16:21Why don't we put on a show for that old Poirot fellow?
16:24There's but one Hercule Poirot and I am it.
16:27What sort of a show?
16:29We will arrange the murder.
16:31The body, still and cold.
16:33The young, so beautifully good.
16:35Moi, naturellement.
16:37When shall we do it?
16:39Come on, let's go inside and talk about it.
16:50Come on.
17:11Do not eat none of the plum pudding.
17:14One has wishes you well.
17:21Oh, let me have a go.
17:23I haven't even tried yet.
17:24Happy Christmas, Mr. Poirot.
17:26Happy Christmas, Michael.
17:27Merry Christmas.
17:28Merry Christmas, Colin.
17:33What do you think you're doing?
17:35It's rude.
17:36Oh, look at that.
17:37Get off with it.
17:39Come on, now everyone's got to make a wish
17:41before the planes go out.
17:43Well done, Poirot.
17:45Didn't get scorched this year, eh?
17:51Lots for me, please.
17:52And me.
17:53And me.
17:54And me.
17:55And me.
17:56And me.
17:57And me.
17:58And me.
17:59And me.
18:00And me.
18:01And me.
18:02And me.
18:03And me.
18:04And me.
18:05And me.
18:06And me.
18:08I'm so full.
18:11For Mr. Poirot.
18:14Merci, madame.
18:20You don't like Christmas pudding, Mr. Poirot?
18:23Au contraire.
18:24I am inordinately fond of the plum pudding.
18:29Oh, I've got the thimble.
18:31Old maid.
18:32I've got the pig.
18:33There you are.
18:34There's justice for you.
18:35I've got something.
18:37A bit of damn glass.
18:39How did that get in there?
18:44I'd have broken me damn tooth.
18:48You would permit me, madame?
18:54Perhaps it's a ruby.
18:55If it was a ruby, it would be worth thousands.
18:58No, it is not a ruby.
19:01It is simply glass.
19:08I've got a sixpence.
19:16Madame Ross.
19:18Yes, sir?
19:19Oh, no, no, no, no.
19:20Please to be seated.
19:23It is permitted that I congratulate the cook
19:25on a luncheon delicious?
19:28Oh, just plain English cooking, sir.
19:30There is none better.
19:32You will allow me?
19:34Thank you very much, sir.
19:37And the pudding.
19:40Oh, thank you, sir.
19:41As a matter of fact,
19:42I served the wrong pudding today.
19:45How is that, madame Ross?
19:46Well, I used to make two,
19:47one for New Year's Day.
19:49There was a bit of an accident this morning.
19:50One of the boys ran straight in here
19:52and into Annie ears.
19:53She was just putting it into the steamer.
19:55What a disaster.
19:57Oh, you should have seen the mess, sir.
19:59So anyway,
20:00I served the New Year's pudding instead.
20:19I have the pleasure
20:20to inform your highness
20:21that I have been successful.
20:31Where is the thief?
20:34The thief?
20:38No, no, no, no, no, Poirot.
20:41Monsieur Poirot
20:42has done a magnificent job, your highness.
20:44You're supposed to catch the thief.
20:46I'm afraid we do need to know
20:48the real identity of the thief.
20:50We suspect there is a cell of waft sympathizers.
20:52The waft are animals.
20:54My father is too soft with them.
20:56Who are supporting the waft financially.
20:58We must neutralize them.
20:59Neuter them.
21:04I was not informed of this.
21:05I'm sorry.
21:06We assumed that when you retrieved the ruby
21:08you would also apprehend the culprit.
21:10Then we will neutralize her also.
21:14It is in this country's interest too,
21:16Monsieur Poirot.
21:17You really have only completed half the task.
21:24Very well.
21:28What are you doing?
21:31If I am to catch the thief,
21:33I will need the ruby as bait.
21:40Okay.
21:52I must apologize for the prince.
21:54Monsieur Poirot, he is...
21:55Young?
21:56Well, he's never too young to learn the manners.
21:58Indeed, indeed.
21:59Unfortunately, the prince has never seen any reason to do so.
22:03Why not?
22:07You said the 23rd.
22:09You could have milled the part yourself in less time.
22:13Now, are you quite sure about that?
22:16Yes, of course we'll be there.
22:20I'm not sure.
22:21I'm not sure.
22:22I'm not sure.
22:23I'm not sure.
22:24I'm not sure.
22:25I'm not sure.
22:26I'm not sure.
22:27I'm not sure.
22:28I'm not sure.
22:29I'm not sure.
22:30I'm not sure.
22:32Still not ready?
22:33Tomorrow.
22:34Has he had some sort of problem with the power?
22:36Good morning.
22:37Good morning.
22:48Em...
22:49Yes, dear?
22:50That detective fellow.
22:52Mm-hm.
22:55I think he's foreign or something.
22:58I'll tell you why.
23:00When he went up to bed last night, he said bonsoir.
23:04Instead of goodnight, that is.
23:07That's goodnight in French.
23:10Well, at first I thought he was being facetious.
23:13Then I thought back and...
23:15Very amusing, Horace.
23:27Bonsoir, mademoiselle.
23:28Oh, hello, Mr Poirot.
23:30You haven't seen Desmond anywhere, have you?
23:32Yes, he was in the drawing room with his sister, mademoiselle.
23:35I've looked there.
23:58You still won't part with the Amenhotep footstool?
24:00No, no, I can't.
24:02What about the blue vase?
24:04Absolutely not.
24:06It's just not on.
24:08The painted coffin?
24:09No.
24:10Colonel Lacey, I know this is difficult for you,
24:13but you asked me down here to look at your collection
24:15with a view to purchasing one of them.
24:17I know. I know.
24:20Listen to me, David.
24:22Perhaps I don't have to tell you this,
24:24Listen to me, David.
24:26Perhaps I don't really have to tell you anything after all.
24:30What?
24:32Circumstances change, you know.
24:42Oh, Desmond, I've been looking for you everywhere.
24:45Do you want to come and see the obelisk?
24:46Can't we?
24:47No, that'd be nice.
24:48We've got you. You don't have to come.
24:49It'll be lunch soon, anyway.
24:51Obelisks always give me an appetite. Lead on.
24:53Come on.
25:01Simon, you can explain while it's your turn.
25:03No, no, no, no. It's for you children.
25:04Now, Bridget, what about you? I know you've got a good one.
25:06Right.
25:07Come on, see it. Come on.
25:08Now then, what is it?
25:11Is it a book?
25:12Okay, it's a film.
25:16Did I ever tell you?
25:17I used to be a waiter at the Savoy.
25:19Careful, careful.
25:20It's all right. It's all right.
25:21You'd be very unpopular if you dropped it.
25:26Yes, but not with you, though.
25:29Oh, no. Not with me.
25:51It's a book.
25:53Two words.
25:54First word.
25:58Nuts.
25:59Bowl.
26:00Berry.
26:01Tolley.
26:02You're not supposed to use objects.
26:04Six syllable.
26:07Jacket.
26:09Frog.
26:10Holly frock.
26:11Coat.
26:12Towel.
26:13Collar.
26:14Necklace.
26:15Fur.
26:16Holly fur? What's that meant to mean?
26:18I must say, David,
26:19I don't think you've quite grasped the rudiments of this game.
26:26Ring.
26:28Second word.
26:29Turn.
26:30Rinse.
26:31Strangle.
26:32Ring.
26:33Washing.
26:34Drive.
26:35Screw.
26:36Drive.
26:37Holly fur screw?
26:40No, no, no, no, no, no.
26:42It is, I think,
26:44Oliver Twist.
26:45Right.
26:46Holly fur twist.
26:49Oh!
26:52Well done, Mr. Poirot.
26:54You win again.
26:55Now it's your turn.
26:56No, no, no, no, no.
26:57Please forgive me.
26:58All of a sudden I am tired.
27:00I will, I think, retire.
27:04But it's only ten o'clock.
27:06It is perhaps the Christmas pudding that affects me.
27:09I am not used to such Lucallian fare.
27:12I thank you for a most enjoyable Christmas
27:15and I wish you all
27:17good night.
27:19Good night.
27:20Good night.
27:23Come on, Michael.
27:24It's your go.
27:25No, no, I'm not going.
27:49I'm not going.
28:19I'm not going.
28:50Mr. Poirot.
28:51Mr. Poirot.
28:56Bonjour.
28:57Mr. Poirot, can you help us?
28:59Something awful has happened.
29:20It is horrible.
29:21It is like something in the theatre.
29:23Well, that's how we found her, Mr. Poirot.
29:25You boys, you have touched nothing.
29:26No, we haven't been near her.
29:30There are footprints.
29:32The footprints of a man.
29:34They arrive with a girl.
29:39But they depart alone.
29:41Oh!
29:42Oh!
29:43Oh!
29:44Oh!
29:45Oh!
29:46Oh!
29:47Oh!
29:48They depart alone.
29:50You are amused?
29:51It's all right, Bridget.
29:52You can get up now.
29:54I do not understand.
29:56It's all a joke, Mr. Poirot.
30:05This is no joke, mes amis.
30:08The young lady.
30:11She has no pulse.
30:13Bridget!
30:18Help!
30:19Someone help!
30:20Grandma!
30:21Grandma!
30:22Something terrible has happened!
30:23Help!
30:24Help!
30:25What's going on?
30:27Good God!
30:29The boys, they planned a comedy.
30:30It has turned into a tragedy.
30:32She's dead?
30:33I think there can be no doubt.
30:34I can detect no pulse.
30:35You try.
30:37No, no.
30:38Please, just for me.
30:39My hands, they are very cold.
30:40The pulse, it might be very faint.
30:42Well.
30:49No.
30:50Nothing.
30:51Not even a slight flutter?
30:53No.
30:54Look, I think someone better get the police, all right?
30:56I'll go.
30:57You stay here.
30:58Very well, mes amis.
30:59But hurry.
31:00The Miss Criant may try to run away.
31:01I'll be as quick as I can.
31:05Horace?
31:07Horace?
31:09Horace!
31:19Sarah?
31:21Sarah?
31:23Sarah?
31:24Sarah?
31:34I can't wake him, so I went along to find Sarah,
31:36and she's not in her bedroom.
31:37Now, where is she?
31:38Have you seen her?
31:39She's dead.
31:40What?
31:41Mr. Poirot says she hasn't got a pulse.
31:42What do you mean?
31:43Poirot, what on earth's going on?
31:44What's happened to Bridget?
31:45Well, tell her, Mr. Poirot.
31:46Tell her what?
31:47Bridget!
31:49We thought you were dead.
31:51You played a trick on us.
31:53A trick, yes.
31:54But not on you.
31:55You all right, Mademoiselle Bridget?
31:57I'm fine.
31:58But my husband, I can't wake him.
32:00And I can't find Sarah.
32:02If Monsieur Desmond Lee Wortley
32:03intended to leave this country in haste,
32:05where might he go?
32:06He's got his own private aeroplane.
32:08Where does he keep it?
32:09At the aerodrome, near Elstree.
32:11Monsieur Wellin, you have a car?
32:13Yes.
32:14On y va.
32:16But where is Sarah?
32:17I must see Sarah.
32:20So when you were making off
32:21with Farouk's family jewels in London,
32:23I was 50 miles away down here.
32:25The perfect alibi.
32:26We've done it.
32:28In Paris by lunchtime,
32:30a New Year's wedding in Cairo,
32:32a new life.
32:37How far is it to Elstree Aerodrome?
32:39About 12 miles.
32:42You care for Mademoiselle Sarah, yes?
32:45That's why I came down here, really.
32:47There was no other reason?
32:50Yes, all right.
32:52Colonel Lacey's taken a crash on the stock market.
32:54He's having to sell some of his artworks.
32:56But he doesn't want anyone else to know.
32:58I'm afraid he's got a problem.
33:00He's got a problem.
33:01He's got a problem.
33:02He's got a problem.
33:03He's got a problem.
33:04He's got a problem.
33:05He's got a problem.
33:06He's got a problem.
33:07He's got a problem.
33:08He's got a problem.
33:09He's got a problem.
33:10He wants to know.
33:11Not even Mrs. Lacey.
33:14I comprehend, Monsieur Welland.
33:16Poirot shall be discretioned himself.
33:18I only came down here, really, to see Sarah.
33:20I can't make her out, Mr. Poirot.
33:22I can't think why she's run off with this Lee Workley fellow.
33:25She's just infatuated.
33:28You have not lost her yet, mon ami.
33:31But now we must make haste if we are to catch them.
33:41Not far now.
33:52Hold it! Hold it!
33:53Give me a couple of minutes.
33:54Oh, thank you.
33:55Back up a bit, sir.
33:56Give us some room.
33:58Come on.
33:59That's it.
34:00Ready.
34:01Don't worry.
34:02I've got an idea.
34:03Where is it you are going?
34:04Hold tight.
34:11Ooh!
34:16Oh, you can't do that!
34:19What's your hurry?
34:25Put your backs into it, lads.
34:26The lady and gentleman are in a hurry.
34:41Here we are.
34:44We've made it.
34:45Let us hope so, mon ami.
34:47Here, look.
34:50We're too late.
34:53I think not.
35:00Keep quiet!
35:11Right!
35:12Hang on!
35:32Hold it right there, sir.
35:37You have something that does not belong to you.
35:39So you've finally caught up with me, Jesmond, have you?
35:42Well, you're not going to be fermenting trouble for a few years.
35:46Do you think I'm the only person fighting to free Egypt?
35:49I'm a very small cog, I can assure you.
35:52Yes, I'm sure you are.
36:00Thank you, Monsieur Lee Wortley.
36:04Take him away.
36:10Come and give me a hand. Sarah's trapped.
36:15It's his sister.
36:16Where's Sarah?
36:17And how should I know?
36:19And I'm not his sister.
36:23All right, madam, come along.
36:32That's her!
36:33That's Iris Moffat!
36:35Strumpet!
36:36You steal my jewels, eh?
36:37Harlot!
36:38And you, fatty!
36:39Fragile!
36:40Dignity, Your Highness.
36:42Yes, yes, dignity.
36:46Daughter of a licentious camel!
36:50Ah, Poirot.
36:52These girls, eh?
36:54Do you still have the ruby?
36:56We can hardly thank you enough, Monsieur Poirot.
36:59Quite, quite.
37:00We will give you an honour.
37:02Would you like the Order of the Golden Snake?
37:05Your Highness is too kind.
37:06Yes, I will see my father about it.
37:09Mr Poirot.
37:10Where is Sarah, then?
37:12Well, if she's not with Lee Wortley, then...
37:14I'm afraid that I misled you, Monsieur Welling.
37:17Earlier this morning, I sent my wizard, Sarah,
37:20to warn His Highness.
37:24She's a good-looking woman, eh?
37:28Et voilà , the ruby.
37:32Ah.
37:37I am afraid, Mademoiselle Sarah,
37:40that it is evident to me that the flirtations with you
37:42of Monsieur Desmond Lee Wortley
37:44had been most carefully planned.
37:47Just to camouflage, you mean?
37:49Well, I regret.
37:51He was in need of an alibi.
37:53He must not be seen in London
37:55while the woman that you knew only as his sister
37:57stole the jewel.
37:58He then had to wait for her to bring it to him here.
38:00Why didn't he just buzz off as soon as they got it?
38:02Well, that's the problem.
38:03Why didn't he just buzz off as soon as they got it?
38:05Well, that had been their intention, Colonel Lacey,
38:08but unfortunately for them,
38:10the aeroplane developed the engine trouble.
38:12They had to wait for it to be mended.
38:14Why not?
38:15You said the 23rd.
38:18You could have milled the part yourself in less time.
38:21Once I discovered the ruby
38:23in the otherwise most excellent Christmas pudding,
38:26you would permit me, madame?
38:28Perhaps it's a ruby.
38:31I strongly suspected M. Lee Wortley,
38:33but I had no proof.
38:35So you set a cunning trap?
38:37As you say, M. Michael,
38:39I set a cunning trap.
38:41I used to be a waiter at the Savoy.
38:43Careful!
38:44It's all right, it's all right.
38:46It's very unpopular if you drop it.
38:48He knew that I had the jewel,
38:51and it was essential to his plan that he retrieve it.
38:55No, not with me.
38:58But, unfortunately for him,
39:00I was by chance witness to a scene
39:03between himself and Mademoiselle Sarah,
39:05in which he tried to ensure that I could no longer hinder him
39:09by dragging my coffee.
39:12Thus forewarned,
39:14I was able to substitute my coffee
39:17for that of Colonel Lacey.
39:22Horace?
39:24Horace?
39:25Horace?
39:27Horace!
39:28You see? That's why I couldn't wake you up.
39:30Please accept my sincere apologies, Colonel,
39:33but it was necessary to confirm my suspicions.
39:38While I pretended to be asleep,
39:40M. Lee Wortley searched my room.
39:47Believing me to be in a drugged stupor,
39:49he had no fear of being apprehended.
39:56Of course, he found nothing.
39:58Because the ruby?
40:00It was in my hand.
40:03So what did you do then?
40:05He came to see me.
40:07I had heard Colin and Michael making a plot,
40:10so I arranged a little counter-plot of my own.
40:15Why don't we put in a show for that old Poirot fellow?
40:18What sort of a show?
40:19We will arrange the murder.
40:21The body, still and cold.
40:23I turned their deception into a deception of my own.
40:28I thought I'd bathed all in my breath.
40:30I knew she wasn't dead.
40:32No, you didn't.
40:33No, but it was enough that M. Lee Wortley was persuaded of the fact.
40:36He saw his chance to take the ruby and run.
40:39As soon as he ran, I had my proof.
40:42The rest, you know.
40:44Hold on.
40:45Well, you still haven't told us
40:47how this jewel came to be in the pudding in the first place.
40:51M. Lee Wortley and his sister
40:55were in the kitchen stirring the pudding.
40:58They recognized my name
41:00and assumed that I was there in pursuit of the jewel.
41:03And, of course, they panicked.
41:06And hid it in the pudding?
41:08The New Year Day pudding, yes.
41:10But when the Christmas Day pudding was dropped,
41:12the New Year Day pudding was served instead?
41:14Yes, sir.
41:15And the ruby discovered.
41:17Would have broken my tooth.
41:20But there is one thing that Poirot does not understand.
41:29This note.
41:30It was placed in my bed,
41:33and still I do not know who wrote it.
41:36I, Hercule Poirot,
41:38whose business it is to know everything.
41:43Do not eat none of the plum pudding.
41:46One as wishes you well.
41:51Annie?
41:53Excuse me, sir.
41:55I couldn't help but overhear you.
41:57It was me.
41:59But why?
42:00I heard them, sir.
42:02That Mr. Wortley and his sister.
42:08Mr. Lee Wortley and his sister were standing behind me in church.
42:11I couldn't help but hear them talking.
42:14What are you doing here?
42:15Why did they invite a detective?
42:16I don't know.
42:18He's dangerous, Desmond.
42:19He's got to be dealt with.
42:20Yeah, I know.
42:22Where did you put it?
42:24In the pudding.
42:31I thought they meant to poison you, sir.
42:33In the plum pudding.
42:35I didn't know what to do.
42:37I couldn't tell Mrs. Ross.
42:38She wouldn't listen to the likes of me.
42:41So you left a note?
42:43Yes, sir.
42:48Mlle. Annie.
42:53You have the gratitude most sincere of Hercule Faron.
42:59Thank you, sir.
43:01Thank you very much, sir.
43:12Au revoir, Mr. Faron.
43:14Au revoir, sir.
43:15Au revoir, Mr. Faron.
43:17Dear Mr. Faron, you really have made this a most memorable Christmas for us all.
43:21And perhaps, madame, your own little problem is also solved, n'est-ce pas?
43:27It certainly seems so.
43:30Such a nice young man, don't you think?
43:32Yes, indeed.
43:33Au revoir, madame.
43:37Thank you, monsieur Faron.
43:39Au revoir.