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  • 24/05/2025
First broadcast 24th January 1993.

Poirot investigates the violent death of Sir Reuben Astwell, a CEO of a chemical company and an uncommonly heartless man, whose list of enemies seems to be without end.

David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings
Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon
Ann Bell as Lady Astwell
Adie Allen as Lily
Denis Lill as Sir Reuben
Jonny Phillips as Charles (as Jonathan Phillips)
Bill Wallis as Horace Trefusis
Ian Gelder as Victor Astwell
Andrew Seear as Humphrey Naylor
Lucy Davidson as Gladys
John Evitts as Parsons
Michael Vaughan as Sergeant
Charles Armstrong as Receptionist

Category

đŸ“ș
TV
Transcript
00:00My dear Horace, we were all disappointed not to see you at our conference in Berlin.
00:30England is in danger of becoming isolated, you know.
00:33Many interesting developments were discussed.
00:36In particular, Sir Robin Astwell's new astro-brain compound.
00:41It's rumored that Farben's over here will manufacture it under license.
00:46But then, you know what gossip scientists can be.
00:59Farben. Farben. Farben. Farben. Farben.
01:22Farben. Farben. Farben.
01:30Farben. Farben. Farben. Farben. Farben. Farben. Farben. Farben.
01:53Farben.
01:59Farben.
02:15You.
02:25Not me!
02:29Farben.
02:52Oh, you're not trying, Mr. Poirot.
02:54Miss Lemon, I am aware that you are fully qualified in the practice of the hypnotics.
02:59I do not dismiss that, but, you know, with a person whose character is so forceful and whose intellect is so powerful...
03:06But think how useful it would be to you in your investigations.
03:10Very well, if it will please you. Proceed.
03:19Relax. Relax.
03:25Your eyes are feeling heavy.
03:30You are going to sleep.
03:38What on earth's going on?
03:40Please, Captain Hastings.
03:47Oh, sorry. I just wanted to know what time you wanted to leave in the morning for the captain's play at Abbott's Cross.
03:52Mr. Poirot didn't tell me about that.
03:56I did tell you, Miss Lemon. You simply forgot to enter it.
03:59Mr. Poirot, I am trying to be helpful.
04:03Miss Lemon, I am very grateful to you, but really I have no need of the hypnotics.
04:07I prefer to use my little gray self.
04:09Hastings, thank you for coming. I thought we might make an early start in the morning.
04:14What's this captain's plate?
04:16Well, it's a golf trophy, of course. A two-day event.
04:19A friend of mine, Charles Leveson, has invited me to partner him.
04:21Surely you're far too busy to attend golf matches, Mr. Poirot.
04:25Yes, I am, Miss Lemon, but there is another invitation I could not resist.
04:30The uncle of Monsieur Leveson is Sir Ruben Astwell, and we have been invited to dine with him.
04:35He has the finest collection of Belgian miniature bronzes in Europe.
04:39And Belgian miniature bronzes, they are the finest in the world.
04:42Why is that?
04:44Because they are the largest.
04:46Truly, Sir Ruben Astwell must be a man of exquisite taste and sensitivity.
04:55I want that letter off to I.G. Farben today.
04:57I've been thinking, Ruben. I'm not sure we're doing the right thing.
05:00I'll do any thinking that's necessary.
05:01As your partner, I'm entitled to my opinion.
05:04As my junior partner, you're entitled to do what I say.
05:07Victor, don't think you can take liberties just because you're my brother.
05:16Well, this is a right mess, isn't it?
05:20I'm afraid so.
05:21Don't tell me it was an accident. More like damn carelessness.
05:24No, sir. It wasn't an accident.
05:29Are you sure it was him?
05:31There's no question, Sir Ruben. I saw his face quite clearly.
05:33Did we know what he was after?
05:35Yes, I put it in your brother's office.
05:46I think this will be safer with me.
06:01Mr. Poirot, you're in room 12.
06:05Mr. Hastings, room 13.
06:07Mr. Poirot, you're in room 12.
06:09Mr. Hastings, room 13.
06:11Mr. Poirot, you're in room 12.
06:13Mr. Hastings, room 13.
06:14Mr. Poirot, you're in room 13.
06:16Thank you, sir.
06:37Looks as though we've got some pretty stiff competition, Charles.
06:40Don't worry, old boy. I've been putting in hours of practice.
06:42And I know these greens like the back of my hand.
06:45Such dedication. Do you play, Mr. Poirot?
06:48Rarely, Monsieur Leveson.
06:50I must confess I owe my presence here more to art than to sport.
06:53Charles, here I am. Good luck.
06:56Thanks, Lily.
06:58Miss Lily Margrave, my aunt's companion.
07:01Let me introduce my partner, Captain Hastings.
07:03How do you do, Miss Margrave?
07:04How do you do?
07:06And this is Mr. Hercule Poirot.
07:08Enchanté, mon voisin.
07:10How do you do, Mr. Poirot?
07:11When Charles told me you were coming to dinner, I was so excited.
07:14Ah.
07:42Did the fire cause much damage, then?
07:44Nothing that can't be repaired.
07:50I've got Trefuses coming down this weekend
07:52to discuss what needs to be done.
07:55He's staying for dinner.
07:57We've already got dinner guests.
08:01Well, that's damned inconvenient.
08:04I did tell you.
08:06They're friends of Charles.
08:08Charles?
08:09Charles takes too much for granted.
08:27Excuse me, sir.
08:29Sir Ruben would like a word with you.
08:31He's in the billiard room.
08:33Thank you, Parsons.
08:39You wanted to see me, Uncle?
08:42Yes.
08:43And you know what about?
08:45You've been all week to think it over.
08:48Well, I did think it over.
08:51But...
08:52Well, I mean, working for the firm,
08:55it's not really my cup of tea, is it?
08:57Oh. Oh.
08:59And what exactly is your cup of tea?
09:02Well, actually, I had some idea of becoming a golf professor.
09:04Playing golf?
09:06That's your idea of a job?
09:07Well, I am really rather good at it.
09:10I mean, earlier on today, I...
09:11Last year, you wanted to become a photographer.
09:29Well, if you'd loaned me the money in the first place,
09:31you would have had all the money you're going to get.
09:38Oh.
09:42Lady Astwell thought she might have left her reading glasses on your desk.
09:49Did she?
09:52Well, she must have made a mistake.
09:56She's not the only one who's mistaken, Miss Margrave.
10:00And this isn't the first time I've caught you in here
10:03messing around with my papers.
10:05I don't know what you're talking about.
10:06No.
10:07Please let go of my arm.
10:10I want you out of this house first thing on Monday morning.
10:14Your services are no longer required.
10:37Lily.
10:39Over here.
10:46I found it.
10:48Where?
10:49It's in his study.
11:07War, Poirot.
11:09That's what I said.
11:11And war is what I mean.
11:13And it's coming soon, you mark my words.
11:16With anyone in particular, Sir Ruben?
11:19Germany, of course.
11:21They're rearming.
11:22They've re-militarized the Rhineland.
11:24They'll be all over Europe before you know it.
11:26Probably start with your place.
11:28Belgium.
11:30Shouldn't take them long.
11:32I've got to go.
11:33Belgium.
11:34Shouldn't take them long.
11:39You will forgive me, Sir Ruben,
11:40if I do not view the prospect with such sang-froid.
11:45I myself have experienced at first hand
11:46the horror and destruction of war with Germany.
11:49I'm not saying that war is a nice business.
11:52But business it is.
11:54War and chemicals go hand in glove.
11:57There are more important things than business.
12:00Business will not be the only beneficiary.
12:02Think of the great strides that science will make.
12:06New fuels.
12:08New alloys.
12:09And it'll do wonders for the economy.
12:12Do you know how many unemployed we have today?
12:14More than a million.
12:17More than a million scrounging on the dole.
12:24War seems a pretty drastic solution.
12:28I think I agree with Victor.
12:29As well you would, Nancy.
12:31Never could face facts.
12:33Always the great actress.
12:45Could we talk about something a little more pleasant?
12:52Exquisite.
12:55Parfait.
13:00Oh, mon dieu.
13:02Hastings, this is undoubtedly the work of Auguste Clouet.
13:05And Auguste Clouet, he is one of the finest craftsmen in the age.
13:08Fascinating.
13:09Magnifique.
13:16C'est incroyable.
13:17A tender man?
13:19A genuine Jules tender man?
13:21With a whole collection, it is magnificent.
13:24Is it?
13:25I got it at a knock-down price.
13:27I'm hoping to sell it.
13:29For a profit.
13:31But how can you bear the sacrifice?
13:34Sacrifice?
13:35Well, as far as I'm concerned, whoever buys them can melt them down for scrap.
13:44Never, Hastings, never have I met a man so obnoxious.
13:48And I swear, that wine he gave to us, he manufactured in his chemical factory.
13:53Not the most pleasant evening, I agree.
13:55Sorry about the bronze.
13:57Such a philistine should have them in his custody.
13:59It is an offence against art and justice.
14:02I say.
14:07I thought I'd walk you back to your hotel.
14:09We'll do it in a spot of fresh air.
14:11All right.
14:13Yes, I think I should retire now.
14:15Thank you for a most enjoyable evening, mademoiselle.
14:18Good night, Mr Truffaut.
14:20Good night.
14:22That'll be all, Parsons.
14:23Very good, Your Ladyship.
14:27Tell me, Monsieur Leveson,
14:29in order to deserve a knighthood,
14:31your uncle must have rendered some service most special in this, pa?
14:35Bought and paid for, like everything else.
14:38The man's a monster.
14:40A bully.
14:42And a liar.
14:44A liar.
14:46And a liar.
14:47And a liar.
14:48A liar.
14:50A liar.
14:51Mr Poirot.
14:57I'm surprised that Lady Astor's putting up with it.
15:00Well, I'm not going to work in his blasted factory.
15:05I'll show him.
15:09I don't want to hear any more of this sentimental, patriotic claptrap.
15:13We're in business to make money, and the Germans are willing to pay it.
15:16No.
15:18What we are selling them will be used for military purposes.
15:22Victor!
15:25Shut up!
15:38About a little.
15:39I've told you, Nancy, she's going, and that's all there is to it.
15:41Don't I have any say in the matter?
15:43A ten a penny. You can get another one.
15:45Oh!
16:16I've just about had as much as I'm going to take.
16:22My God!
16:28No harm done.
16:32Good night.
16:45Good night.
17:16Nothing at all. Clear the ground.
17:18Mind yourself. Clear the ground.
17:45A quick blow to the head saw him off, I'd say.
17:49There's the murder weapon.
18:01If I might ask, sir,
18:03what condition was Mr. Leverson when he left you last night?
18:07In a state of the most regrettable inebriations, why do you ask?
18:10Well, it sounds as though he was the last one to see his uncle alive.
18:14Parsons the butler heard Mr. Leverson having an argument with his uncle.
18:19Couldn't hear exactly what they were saying.
18:21You have, of course, questioned Mr. Leverson himself.
18:23I did, sir. He admitted that they'd had a quarrel.
18:26But he says they patched it up.
18:43Well, I suppose I can say goodbye to the golf tournament.
18:46It would be indecent to do otherwise.
19:14Oh, excuse me, sir. I'll do your room.
19:21If you please, Mr. Haswell.
19:23At what time did you leave the study of Sir Reuben last night?
19:26About 11.15.
19:28We'd been discussing some business matters.
19:32Excuse me, Your Ladyship.
19:34I'm sorry, sir.
19:36It's all right.
19:38It's all right.
19:40It's all right.
19:41Excuse me, Your Ladyship.
19:44But Mr. Leverson's bedroom door appears to be locked.
20:00He's run for it.
20:02He can't have gone far.
20:04Right! In the cars!
20:11Come on!
20:30Come on!
20:36Hold that man! Hold up!
20:42Whoa!
20:46Come on, then!
20:48This way! This way!
21:03Right, grab him!
21:05Come on, be sensible.
21:12Clean up, Nancy.
21:14If you did it in a sudden temper, it would be treated as manslaughter.
21:17But he didn't do it, Victor.
21:20Oh, excuse me.
21:22You don't believe it either, do you, Mr. Poirot?
21:24Believe what, Lady Aswell?
21:26That Charles murdered my husband.
21:28I know. I know all the facts are against him.
21:31But I tell you, Mr. Poirot, I tell you he's innocent.
21:34And the reason for your certainty, Lady Aswell?
21:37Intuition.
21:38Ah, yes, the female intuitions.
21:41Lady Aswell, if you'd be so kind,
21:44the will of your husband and his estate, to whom was it left?
21:49Oh, half to me, half to Victor.
21:53And Mr. Leverson?
21:56Well, his mother, Ruben's sister,
22:00knew that he was a bit scatterbrained,
22:02so she left her estate in Ruben's hands
22:04on condition that he may take it.
22:05So she left her estate in Ruben's hands
22:07on condition that he may Charles a reasonable allowance.
22:09It was almost a deathbed promise.
22:12Which he kept?
22:14Until yesterday.
22:16Well, my husband threatened to cut Charles off without a penny
22:19unless he took a job with the firm.
22:21I see.
22:23Tell me, Lady Aswell,
22:25last night you came to the study
22:27to see your husband about what?
22:31Oh, oh, that was just some domestic matter.
22:33You had a quarrel?
22:40He was making the most absurd allegations against Lily,
22:45accusing her of interfering with his private papers, spying.
22:50Lily's a dear girl.
22:53I regard her as I would a favorite niece.
22:56Charles is very fond of her.
22:58You know she came with excellent references.
23:00But I see these references.
23:03Is that really necessary?
23:05Just to satisfy my curiosity.
23:12I've come to see Mr Naylor.
23:15Mr Naylor appears to be out at the moment, Miss.
23:18I don't know when he'll be back.
23:20Can I take a message?
23:22Oh.
23:24Please give him this when he returns.
23:26He's expecting it.
23:28Certainly, Miss.
23:39I don't know what things are coming to, Gladys.
23:42Policemen and detectives all over the place.
23:46I expect it will be the press next.
23:48Oh, do you think I'll get my picture in the paper, Mr Parsons?
23:52Mr Parsons, a word with you, if I may?
23:55Certainly, sir.
23:57Excuse me.
24:00Mr Parsons,
24:02I understand that last night you heard Mr Leveson having the arguments with Sir Ruben.
24:07Yes, sir. I heard him cry out.
24:10Then there was a heavy thud.
24:12Mr Leveson shouted,
24:14My God!
24:16Did you try to ascertain the reason for this disturbance?
24:20I did, sir.
24:22I went out of my room and
24:24listened at the foot of the back stairs.
24:27I heard Mr Leveson call out,
24:30No harm done.
24:32And then he went off, whistling.
24:34As cheery as you like, sir.
24:36What have you done now, girl?
24:39Cut myself. There's a bit of metal sticking out of the table.
24:41Madame, mademoiselle.
24:52Monsieur Parsons,
24:54have you noticed if any of your cutlery is damaged?
24:58As it happens, one of the knives is missing its point, sir.
25:02I think you'll find it here, embedded in the table.
25:05Thank you, sir. I'll see to it.
25:07Can you get a bandage around that, Gladys?
25:09Yes, Mr Parsons.
25:11Would you like me to get you a handkerchief, sir?
25:13No, no, no, mademoiselle Gladys. Thank you, there is no need.
25:15You are most kind.
25:42Your business discussion last night with Sir Ruben, your brother,
25:45it was friendly?
25:47Why should it have been otherwise?
25:49Because I detected at the dinner table a certain tension.
25:53Yes, well, we did have a disagreement.
25:56A quarrel?
25:58I wouldn't call it that. A heated argument.
26:01It was over this.
26:05We have developed a synthetic rubber.
26:08Astoprene.
26:09Astoprene.
26:11Remarkable stuff, made from oil.
26:14Amazing properties.
26:16Strong as mild steel.
26:18High abrasion factor.
26:20Ideal for motor tyres.
26:25Ruben intended to license its manufacture to IG Farben.
26:30You've heard of them?
26:32Yes, of course. They are the largest chemical manufacturers in Germany.
26:35Do you have the objections?
26:37It's all academic now.
26:40I'm cancelling the transaction.
26:48I will be with you in just a moment, Monsieur Poirot.
26:52Please, Monsieur Trophusis, do not hurry yourself.
26:55We both know how important it is to weigh things most carefully.
26:59I am at your disposal.
27:02Merci.
27:04I am trying to establish where everyone was at the time of the murder of Sir Ruben.
27:08I was sound asleep in bed.
27:11I retired shortly after you left.
27:13And you departed early in the morning?
27:15Yes, before breakfast.
27:18Last night you talked at dinner about your relationship with Mr Poirot.
27:22Yes, I did.
27:23Yes, before breakfast.
27:26Last night you talked at dinner about the scientific developments in Germany.
27:31Did I?
27:33You are fluent in the language?
27:35Well, I should be. I worked and studied in Germany for a number of years.
27:39You have there a number of friends?
27:41Oh, I keep in touch with colleagues.
27:46Well, if you have no further questions, Monsieur Poirot...
27:51Thank you, Monsieur Trophusis.
27:53I am very sorry to have disturbed you.
27:58A vintage year, you would say?
28:10This is the parcel you've been waiting for, sir.
28:13Thank you. I've enjoyed my stay.
28:15My car is just outside.
28:54Exhibition Road, London.
29:01So, you say this missionary took the parcel with him when he left the hotel?
29:04Yes.
29:05Thank you, Hastings.
29:07Is that blood, Poirot?
29:09Yes, Hastings, but it is not mine.
29:11Gladys, the maid, she cut her finger when she found the tip of a knife
29:15embedded in the table where Victor Aswell, he was seated.
29:17You don't suspect him, do you?
29:19It is by no means certain that your friend Charles is the murderer, Hastings.
29:23Indeed, Lady Aswell is deeply convinced that he is not.
29:26I've never known you place much faith in intuition.
29:30Intuition, Hastings, often describes some fact that is so deeply buried in the subconscious
29:37that the subject is not aware of its existence.
29:41What fact?
29:44Eh bien, Hastings, if I knew that, the case, it would be solved.
29:48Lily Margrave's references. Lady Aswell sent them by special delivery.
29:53Thank you, Miss Lemont.
30:05It is indeed most fulsome in its presence.
30:09Il certain amour, that is the crest of the noble Duchess of Perthshire.
30:21How interesting.
30:23Tell the truth, Charles.
30:25What have you got to lose?
30:33Oh.
30:38When I arrived back from the golf club, I went up to his study.
30:43He was in a state of shock.
30:45He was in a state of shock.
30:47He was in a state of shock.
30:49He was in a state of shock.
30:50When I arrived back from the golf club, I went up to his study.
30:55I was in a bit of a temper, and I wanted to have it out with the old devil.
31:02I went into his study, and he was sitting at his desk.
31:06Well, at least, that's how it looked.
31:08I've got about as much as I'm going to take of you.
31:12You swine.
31:15Are you here?
31:17Oh.
31:19You don't like it when someone stands up to you, do you?
31:23You don't like it when someone stands up to you, do you?
31:27Nothing to say.
31:33Oh, my God!
31:35So when you found him, Monsieur Aswell was in fact already dead.
31:40But why on earth did you make a run for it?
31:42Well, when the maid saw the blood, I...
31:47I just panicked.
31:50You see, I knew you wouldn't believe me.
31:53I mean, who would?
31:55Poor old man.
32:13You do realize I can't guarantee any results, Mr. Quarrow?
32:18I have the most complete faith in you, Miss Levenson.
32:24You are sleepy.
32:27Very sleepy.
32:33Your eyelids are heavy.
32:36They are closing, closing.
32:40This really is quite absurd.
32:43Relax.
32:46You are going to sleep.
33:07Lady Aswell, you are now asleep.
33:10You can hear me, and you can answer my questions.
33:15I can hear you. I can answer your questions.
33:22It is the night of the murder.
33:25You are seated at the dining table.
33:29Describe to me what you saw and what you felt.
33:32Describe to me what you saw and what you felt.
33:36I... I'm in great distress.
33:41Worried about Lily.
33:44Victor's looking at Reuben in an angry way.
33:48Tell me about Victor.
33:51Such a dear man.
33:54We love each other very much.
34:02It is later in the evening.
34:05You go to the study.
34:08Is Victor there?
34:11No. He's just coming out.
34:14He looked pale and angry.
34:17He's insatiable.
34:20You enter the study.
34:22You have a terrible scene with your husband, do you not?
34:25Don't I have any say in the matter?
34:28Don't I have any say in the matter?
34:31You can get another one!
34:33Very soon, you will be murdered.
34:36Do you know who murdered your husband, Lady Aswell?
34:40It wasn't Charles.
34:42How do you know?
34:43Because of the curtain.
34:45Don't I have any say in the matter?
34:49Curtain? What about the curtain?
34:54A shape.
34:55A shape?
34:58Is there someone behind the curtain?
35:00Who is behind the curtain, Lady Aswell?
35:01Really, Mr. Poirot, this has gone on long enough.
35:04She's in distress. Can't you see that?
35:06Lady Aswell, the curtain.
35:08Is there someone behind the curtain?
35:11Oh, it's too late. She's coming out of it.
35:16I've been having a nap.
35:17That's it. Just a little nap.
35:20Did I...
35:22Did I say anything?
35:25Not as much as I could have wished.
35:41On the evening of the tragedy,
35:42I understand that you had retired to bed
35:44before Lady Aswell went to the study.
35:46Is that not so?
35:47Yes.
35:55Did you by any chance leave your room again?
35:58No.
36:02Did you go into the study at any time during the evening?
36:05No.
36:06Not at any time.
36:11How curious.
36:12In what way, Mr. Poirot?
36:16As I recall that evening,
36:19you wore a dress of green chiffon.
36:25Such a pity it has been torn.
36:30Where did you find that?
36:31Did you go into the study again after dinner?
36:33No. Yes.
36:36I may have.
36:38Yes, I remember now.
36:40I was in the study the previous evening,
36:42and I was wearing the same dress.
36:45Ah, the same dress.
36:47Ah.
36:51How sad that you appear to have spilt onto it
36:53some of Sir Ruben's most excellent wine.
36:58Or is it blood?
36:59It's a shame.
37:17She's making a run for it, Poirot.
37:19It must have something to do with that puzzle.
37:21I think I know where she's going.
37:23Exhibition Road. She'll catch the 115.
37:26You are sure of the timetable, Hastings?
37:28Absolutely positive.
37:29Then we have just the time.
37:31But you must drive like the winds.
37:33I'm depending on you to navigate.
37:49When's the next train to London?
37:55I don't know.
38:25Exhibition Road, please.
38:56Where is this Exhibition Road, Hastings?
38:58It should be up here on the right.
39:00It's full of museums and colleges.
39:02That's why it's only one that matters.
39:26Be careful.
39:33A hurry departure, Mademoiselle MagrĂšve.
39:36If that is indeed your name.
39:56My real name is Lily Naylor.
40:00Humphrey's my brother.
40:02And you, Monsieur Naylor, are a research fellow here at the Imperial College?
40:06Yes.
40:07In polymer chemistry.
40:09The molecular forms of repeating units...
40:11We are talking about synthetic rubber.
40:14In this instance, yes.
40:19I made a breakthrough with one compound.
40:22I made a breakthrough with one compound.
40:25It wasn't perfect, but it was nearly there.
40:29The trouble was that it needed commercial investment to develop its potential.
40:38So, I approached Astwell Chemicals.
40:42At first, they showed some interest in my work.
40:45Then, after a while, Sir Reuben told me that they had lost interest entirely.
40:50Sorry, Naylor, we're not prepared to go that far.
40:54I believed them at first.
40:56Then, my suspicions became aroused by odd little reports in scientific journals.
41:02They wouldn't have meant much to anyone who wasn't expert in the subject.
41:06Hello, George.
41:07Yes, have you seen the...
41:08I made certain inquiries and became convinced that Astwells were using my basic research.
41:14He was swindling me.
41:16But...
41:18I had no proof.
41:21And you, Mademoiselle Naylor, and your references, they are genuine?
41:27Oh, yes. Completely so.
41:31I was employed by the Duchess of Perthshire.
41:34But the Astwells would have recognised the name Naylor, and so...
41:39I changed my name on the references.
41:41Yes.
41:49And by this subterfuge, you were able to obtain the Astorprint file?
42:12Mr. Astwell, would you be so kind as to tell us about Mr. Naylor?
42:16I understand you and your brother stole his research.
42:19I tried to argue with Reuben, but he said that Naylor's work was unproven.
42:24Our labs took over the whole thing.
42:25Well, I agree there were some problems still to be solved.
42:29Let us, if you please, go back to the night of the murder of Sir Reuben.
42:33Lady Astwell.
42:35I'm sorry.
42:36Let us, if you please, go back to the night of the murder of Sir Reuben.
42:39Lady Astwell.
42:41When you were in the trance of the hypnotics, you said that you saw something behind the curtain.
42:45Not... not the window curtains.
42:49It was that curtain.
42:51Oh, my God.
42:52Calm yourself, Madame.
42:54Captain Hastings.
42:58Perhaps you can tell us who was hiding behind the curtain, Monsieur Naylor.
43:03It wasn't me.
43:06I told you.
43:07After I'd met Lily in the garden, I went back to my hotel.
43:12But there was indeed an intruder.
43:15And on first entering the study, this intruder had no thought of murder.
43:22It was solely for the purpose of making the search.
43:27But suddenly...
43:29There was the sound of approaching voices and footsteps.
43:32And there was to be found only one place to hide.
43:36The small bedroom attached to the study that Monsieur Astwell uses when he works late at night.
43:42I don't want to hear any more of this sentimental...
43:44Monsieur Victor Astwell and Sir Reuben enter the study.
43:47They do not see anybody hiding behind the curtain, and the two men quarrel violently.
43:51What we are selling them will be used for military purposes.
43:55Victor!
43:58Monsieur Victor Astwell leaves in anger.
44:00But for our intruder, there's no way to escape.
44:04What a dilemma.
44:06If Sir Reuben decides to spend the night in the little bedroom, discovery must surely follow.
44:12Lady Astwell enters the study to protest at the dismissal of Mademoiselle Naylor.
44:17Well, don't I have any say in that?
44:18Three companions are ten a penny! You can get another one!
44:22When Lady Astwell leaves, Sir Reuben, he is alone.
44:26When Lady Astwell leaves, Sir Reuben, he is alone.
44:31Now is the only moment for our intruder to escape without detection.
44:37But Sir Reuben hears a noise.
44:42Et voilĂ .
44:45An act of impulse followed by blind panic.
44:49Now our intruder must escape.
44:52But it is not to be. Is there no way out of this accursed room?
44:57Monsieur Charles Leveson enters the study.
45:06And on seeing that Sir Reuben is dead, he leaves.
45:10Then, Mademoiselle Naylor enters the study.
45:14And finding the body of Sir Reuben, seizes her opportunity to take her file that is so important to her brother.
45:21Lily's told you what happened! He was trying to cheat me, but she didn't murder him!
45:29Mesdames et messieurs.
45:32I am a student of the psychology.
45:34And throughout this case, I have been looking not for a man or woman who has the bad temper,
45:40because the bad temper is in itself a safety valve.
45:43No.
45:45I have been looking for a man or woman who has the bad temper,
45:50I have been looking for a person who has the patience,
45:55who has for too long played the part of the underdog,
45:58who crept into the study of Sir Reuben,
46:01who hid behind the curtain,
46:03who became trapped,
46:06and finally committed the act of violence that had been harbored for so long.
46:13It was you who was hiding behind the curtain.
46:17It was you who murdered Sir Reuben Aswell.
46:20Monsieur Trefusis.
46:24You waited until the house was silent and empty.
46:27You then crept back to your bedroom, leaving a dead man on the floor.
46:33This is absolute nonsense.
46:38Why should I want to kill him?
46:41In the Astoprine file,
46:44I noticed a contract that bears your signature.
46:53It would appear that you were instrumental in the development of the invention by Monsieur Naylor.
46:59You would have become a very rich man,
47:02if it was produced by the Aswell Company.
47:05But if the process was to be licensed elsewhere,
47:08as it was told to you by your German colleagues,
47:11of what value then would be your contract?
47:21Of no value at all.
47:28He was a bully,
47:31a liar,
47:34and a swindler.
47:36I think there will be few people who would disagree
47:39with your analysis of the character of Sir Reuben.
47:49So tell me, Mademoiselle Naylor,
47:51your brother, he is happy with the terms offered by Monsieur Victor Aswell?
47:55Well, they really are quite generous.
48:06Captain Hastings, a hole in one, Captain Hastings, a hole in one.
48:12Miss Lemon, Captain Hastings possesses far too much of the intellectual strength...
48:16Quite right, Poirot.
48:36I say!