First broadcast 23rd October 2013.
With the help of his old friends Captain Hastings, Miss Lemon and Inspector Japp, Hercule Poirot investigates a series of carefully planned and executed murders.
David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings
Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon
Philip Jackson as Assistant Commissioner Japp
David Yelland as George
Tom Brooke as Tysoe
Nicholas Day as Ingles (as Nick Day)
James Carroll Jordan as Abe Ryland
Patricia Hodge as Madame Olivier
Steven Pacey as Stephen Paynter
Simon Lowe as Dr Quentin
Michael Culkin as Savaranoff
Lou Broadbent as Mabel
Sarah Parish as Flossie Monro
Peter Symonds as Jonathan Whalley
Barbara Kirby as Mrs Andrews
Nicholas Burns as Inspector Meadows
Alex Palmer as Robert Grant
Teresa Banham as Diana Paynter
Jack Farthing as Gerald Paynter
Ian Hallard as Mercutio
Marina as Cat
With the help of his old friends Captain Hastings, Miss Lemon and Inspector Japp, Hercule Poirot investigates a series of carefully planned and executed murders.
David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings
Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon
Philip Jackson as Assistant Commissioner Japp
David Yelland as George
Tom Brooke as Tysoe
Nicholas Day as Ingles (as Nick Day)
James Carroll Jordan as Abe Ryland
Patricia Hodge as Madame Olivier
Steven Pacey as Stephen Paynter
Simon Lowe as Dr Quentin
Michael Culkin as Savaranoff
Lou Broadbent as Mabel
Sarah Parish as Flossie Monro
Peter Symonds as Jonathan Whalley
Barbara Kirby as Mrs Andrews
Nicholas Burns as Inspector Meadows
Alex Palmer as Robert Grant
Teresa Banham as Diana Paynter
Jack Farthing as Gerald Paynter
Ian Hallard as Mercutio
Marina as Cat
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00:00I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
00:00:30Good Lord.
00:00:51Later every morning, that lad, isn't he, Marina?
00:00:55Yes, graceful.
00:01:00Is that the last of them then, sir?
00:01:08I would have been quite happy to...
00:01:09No, I wanted to write them myself.
00:01:14Seems only right.
00:01:17Old French, you see, George.
00:01:20Old French.
00:01:30Extra, extra, rain on about it.
00:01:41Burn up and break it.
00:01:43Old French.
00:01:49Young French.
00:01:50Young French.
00:01:53Young French.
00:02:00A movie.
00:02:01Well, then.
00:02:31It's hard to know what to say, isn't it?
00:02:47Gosh.
00:02:50My friends.
00:02:51To my master.
00:02:54The best of masters.
00:03:06To our dear friend.
00:03:08To Monsieur Hercule Poirot.
00:03:12God rest his soul.
00:03:15God rest his soul.
00:03:27God rest his soul.
00:03:31God rest his soul.
00:03:35God rest his soul.
00:03:47God rest his soul.
00:03:51God rest his soul.
00:03:55God rest his soul.
00:04:05I urge you to believe that I speak the truth.
00:04:09That the world is in the grip of sinister forces bent on tipping it into chaos.
00:04:14Beware.
00:04:15Beware the big four.
00:04:18Secret societies.
00:04:20Sinister plans for world domination.
00:04:22It's all of it.
00:04:24Bulldog Drummond.
00:04:25Don't you think, Mr. Tyson?
00:04:26At first, yeah.
00:04:27I did.
00:04:28But I've had more letters since.
00:04:31I think there's something in it.
00:04:33Remember that locomotive that came off the rails?
00:04:35The Plymouth Express.
00:04:36Of course.
00:04:37My correspondent claims that was the work at the big four.
00:04:41And the riots in India.
00:04:43Local agitators.
00:04:44No according to these.
00:04:45A crank, young man.
00:04:47The idea there's some sort of organizing power controlling the world.
00:04:52It's a very common fantasy amongst paranoias.
00:04:55Mr. Ingalls.
00:04:58I've been doing some research.
00:05:00Mr. Tyson.
00:05:01We stand on the edge of an abyss.
00:05:03Germany.
00:05:04Italy.
00:05:05A storm is gathering.
00:05:07We've enough to worry about.
00:05:08We've enough some far-fetched nonsense like this.
00:05:11Far-fetched?
00:05:12Is it?
00:05:17You could go over to the left of the chessboard, please.
00:05:22Sir.
00:05:37Well, there's a sight for sore eyes.
00:05:40Oh, mille tonnerres.
00:05:42Mon cher inspector Jeff.
00:05:44Hello, Poirot.
00:05:45Mon ami.
00:05:46Mon ami.
00:05:47Mon ami.
00:05:48It has been too long.
00:05:49Far too long.
00:05:50My dear inspector Jeff.
00:05:51Assistant commissioner now, if you don't mind.
00:05:53Oh, pardon.
00:05:54Pardon.
00:05:55I've been following your progress with the interest most keen.
00:05:58Mon ami.
00:06:02You are here in the capacity profession now.
00:06:05I'm not quite a spent force yet, Poirot.
00:06:07They still wheel me out for the occasional important assignment.
00:06:11A lot of foreign bigwigs here tonight.
00:06:14Mr. Ryland over there has requested a discreet police presence with his chess matchup.
00:06:18I must say, it's nice to get out from behind a desk.
00:06:21Stretch the old pins again.
00:06:23Now, there won't be many more assignments like this, I fancy.
00:06:27Well, you know, time it catches up with us all, no?
00:06:30Perhaps also for Poirot, the shadows are lengthening.
00:06:33And the moment it has come to think of the life that is quiet.
00:06:36You?
00:06:37Retire Poirot?
00:06:38Never.
00:06:39You attract mayhem.
00:06:40Always have done.
00:06:45Who's the lady?
00:06:47Ah, that is the great Madame Olivier.
00:06:50Ah, right.
00:06:51One of Ryland's peace party johnnies.
00:06:54Oney allot, isn't she?
00:06:55Come on.
00:06:56Belgian?
00:06:57No.
00:06:58She's French.
00:06:59Not Belgian.
00:07:01But in her field, she is the genius.
00:07:03Her research into the nervous system, it is truly groundbreaking.
00:07:07Hmm.
00:07:08You might say she has the greatest brain in the Western world.
00:07:12The greatest scientific brain, Hindi.
00:07:15Of course.
00:07:18Ah, well, excuse me for a duty court.
00:07:21Assistant Commissioner.
00:07:23Oh, pardon me, sir.
00:07:27Monsieur Poirot.
00:07:28Madame Olivier.
00:07:30May I introduce Stephen Pinter of the British Diplomatic Corps,
00:07:34an invaluable supporter of the peace party?
00:07:37A cause most worthy, Monsieur.
00:07:40And this is to remind me?
00:07:44Dr. Quentin.
00:07:45Mr. Pinter's personal physician.
00:07:47Quite the turn up, Madame.
00:07:48You must be pleased.
00:07:49We have done it together.
00:07:50All of us.
00:07:51Ladies, gentlemen.
00:07:53May I welcome you to our informal little soiree
00:07:57on behalf of our guiding light and founder, Li Chang Yen.
00:08:01Now, ill health prevents him from leaving China.
00:08:05But he is with us in spirit.
00:08:08We're all aware of the international situation.
00:08:11At the gray pass at which the civilized world finds itself.
00:08:15Which is why we in the peace party see it as our mission,
00:08:20our duty to avoid the lamps going out once again.
00:08:24One day, years ago, I woke up and I realized
00:08:31that I hadn't a clue what to do with all my money.
00:08:35Tell us how you got your money, Mr. Ryland.
00:08:39This is an invitation only event, sir.
00:08:41You went on to my telephone calls, Mr. Ryland.
00:08:43How else am I supposed to reach you?
00:08:46This is intolerable.
00:08:47Right?
00:08:48What are you hiding?
00:08:50Who are the big four?
00:08:56Well, it seems that everyone wants to be here tonight.
00:09:00And why wouldn't they?
00:09:03To witness this demonstration of unity between East and West
00:09:07via this ancient and beautiful game.
00:09:11Now, I would like to thank our friend, the Russian ambassador,
00:09:14for coaxing our guest out of retirement.
00:09:18May I introduce to you the illustrious Dr. Ivan Savarinov.
00:09:24Who?
00:09:26Dr. Savarinov.
00:09:28He is the greatest of the Russian grandmasters.
00:09:31You are not a player of chess?
00:09:33No, dominoes is more in my line, Poire.
00:09:41Welcome, sir.
00:09:43He's going on a bit.
00:09:44But he's many years since he's been seen in public, what I mean.
00:09:48I warn you, sir.
00:09:50I may be an amateur, but I won't be beat without a fight.
00:09:54Your push probably did soon.
00:09:56You're drunk, boy.
00:09:58That's always been my motto.
00:10:02Well then, without further ado, let battle commence.
00:10:06Pawn to king four.
00:10:19Pawn to king four.
00:10:22Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:23Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:24Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:25Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:26Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:27Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:28Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:29Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:30Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:31Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:32Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:33Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:34Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:35Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:36Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:37Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:42Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:43Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:44Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:45Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:46Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:47Pawn to king's bishop three.
00:10:48A doctor.
00:10:54Someone call a doctor.
00:10:58Can I help, monsieur?
00:11:00I have some expertise.
00:11:06I'm afraid it's too late.
00:11:09He's gone.
00:11:18I have trouble getting this out of his hand.
00:11:32Ruger mortis, I expect.
00:11:34I expect so.
00:11:38If you please to show Poirot the belongings of the old man.
00:11:44I don't know what you're getting yourself so broody about, Poirot.
00:11:47Well, you only had to look at him to know he wasn't long for this world.
00:11:50Natural causes, dicky ticker.
00:11:52So, so here.
00:11:54Quelque coincidence.
00:11:56What's that?
00:11:57Well, the research is of Madame Olivier concerned the effects of atropine and morphine and so on on the heart and the nervous system.
00:12:03Ah, so that's what she meant by expertise.
00:12:05Why?
00:12:07But alas, it was too late for her to save him.
00:12:10So, after all these years of being a recluse, he agrees to travel halfway round the world for a publicity stunt.
00:12:19I have no doubt that Dr. Savaranov was paid most handsomely.
00:12:22Ah, but why was Ryland prepared to pay so much?
00:12:25You again.
00:12:25Yes, we were never formally introduced, were we?
00:12:28Lawrence Boswell Tyso associated papers.
00:12:30Come on, sir.
00:12:31Come on.
00:12:31Come on, then.
00:12:32What is your interest here, Monsieur Tyso?
00:12:36Something fishy about the old man's death.
00:12:39Dr. Savaranov died of natural causes.
00:12:41Really?
00:12:42Don't tell me the great Hercule Poirot will bother with something like this unless foul plague was suspected.
00:12:48If and when we have something to announce to the press, you'll be the first to know.
00:12:51Don't be so ace, don't you?
00:12:53Are your cards right?
00:12:54Maybe I can supply you with the truth about Abe Ryland.
00:12:58Fill you in on the skeletons he's got hiding in his closet.
00:13:00And what he knows about the Big Four.
00:13:04What is this Big Four?
00:13:07Ring me, Mr. Poirot.
00:13:10You won't regret it.
00:13:12Ring me.
00:13:21Code up, save five, ladies and gentlemen.
00:13:24I'll have a wear this suit.
00:13:25No, there she is.
00:13:26There she comes.
00:13:30Stop it, you terrible boys.
00:13:34Flossie, I say, those boys are just outrageous, aren't they?
00:13:39Mm.
00:13:39Did you ever play Juliette Flossie?
00:13:43Yes.
00:13:44Quite recently, actually.
00:13:46Oh.
00:13:47Right.
00:13:48Oh, you're not reading that rubbish again, are you?
00:13:51Not rubbish.
00:13:52Gives me the horrors, all these rumours about another war.
00:13:56Oh.
00:13:58Almost forgot.
00:13:59Reg asked me to give this to you.
00:14:00Somebody must have left it at stage door.
00:14:02A letter for me?
00:14:03Must be fan mail.
00:14:04Well, we'll open it, then.
00:14:10Oh, even better, a valentine.
00:14:12But it's April.
00:14:14Oh, yes, I do say.
00:14:16Do Flossie, never forgotten until we meet again.
00:14:21Four kisses.
00:14:23Well, who is it from?
00:14:25It doesn't say.
00:14:26Mr. Tassel?
00:14:45Knew you'd come.
00:14:47Can't resist a scoop.
00:14:49Eh?
00:14:50You'd have made a good journalist, Mr. Poirot.
00:14:52I think Poirot has the wrong kind of morality for the work.
00:14:56Well, it's a modest, I'm sure.
00:15:00S'il vous plaît?
00:15:11Mr. Tassel, you spoke of skeletons in the armoire of Monsieur Rang.
00:15:17On what?
00:15:18Oh, I say, in a cupboard.
00:15:19Well, let me tell you.
00:15:24Abe Ryland is not the man everyone thinks he is.
00:15:27Real name's Abram Ryakin.
00:15:30Born in Kursk.
00:15:31He appeared in America about 25 years ago.
00:15:34The outbreak of the Great War.
00:15:36Changed his name.
00:15:38He enforced his whole identity.
00:15:40So my question is, why?
00:15:43What is it that you know?
00:15:46I know how he made his money.
00:15:49Arms dealing.
00:15:51Huh?
00:15:52He made millions.
00:15:53Selling weapons to the Allies and the Kaiser.
00:15:57You have proof of this?
00:15:59Naturally.
00:16:00And maybe he was planning on doing the same thing again.
00:16:03What is this big four that you mentioned?
00:16:06Certain information has been coming my way.
00:16:12Letters.
00:16:12And what do they say, Diva Letters?
00:16:15Well, not so fast, no.
00:16:16Not so fast.
00:16:17I've shared my information on Ryland.
00:16:19It's only fair you show a little reciprocity.
00:16:22Wouldn't you say?
00:16:23What is it you want?
00:16:25Full access to your investigation.
00:16:26I work alongside you.
00:16:28And your copper pal.
00:16:30Monsieur Tyson, you seem to be a man who is ambitious, who is creative.
00:16:34And perhaps even with some level of intelligence.
00:16:37It's supposed to be a compliment.
00:16:38But you are not a man of discretion, monsieur.
00:16:42Were we to share information, what would stop it from appearing in your newspaper?
00:16:49Seems I'll have to play a lone hand in this investigation.
00:16:53Now, that would be foolish, monsieur.
00:16:55You would be wise to reveal what you know.
00:16:57For your own safety, you're for nothing else.
00:16:59I don't respond to threats, Mr. Poirot.
00:17:03Change your mind.
00:17:04You know where to find me.
00:17:05You've let Li Chang'an know what happened last night.
00:17:23I've telegraphed.
00:17:25Then there is nothing more we can do for now.
00:17:28What is troubling you?
00:17:29We have enemies out there, Regine.
00:17:32Those who seek to destroy both us and our work.
00:17:36And I've learned that in this life, you can only trust number one.
00:17:40There are trouble getting this out of his hand.
00:18:04Rigor mortis, Ixford.
00:18:05Larry Lopez.
00:18:18Assistant Commissioner Jacques, s'il vous plaît.
00:18:20Will this take long, gentlemen?
00:18:48I'm a very busy man.
00:18:50Mr. Rylan, do you remember the exact succession of moves made by Dr. Savaranov?
00:19:01Of course.
00:19:02He used the re-Lopez opening.
00:19:03It's the soundest in the game.
00:19:04And Savaranov was reputed to favor this?
00:19:08Yes, so what?
00:19:09If you're pleased to tell us what was the third move of the White Piece in this opening.
00:19:12Bishop to Queen's Knight-Five.
00:19:15Well, the exact move that sealed the fate of Dr. Savaranov.
00:19:17If you're pleased to be patient.
00:19:22This, it is the White Bishop from the chess set.
00:19:26The exact piece that Dr. Savaranov was clutching in his hand when he died.
00:19:30They look identical, none?
00:19:34Two White Bishops from the same chess set.
00:19:36There is a rod of thin metal which passes up through this chess, man.
00:19:49What?
00:19:49And now, observe.
00:20:00Observe.
00:20:00The table, it is electrified.
00:20:11And so when Dr. Savaranov places the White Bishop upon this particular silver square,
00:20:16the electric current passes right through his body, killing him instantly.
00:20:19It was electrocuted.
00:20:20Oui, bien sûr.
00:20:21Regard the table.
00:20:22It is clamped to the floor, so the current passes through it.
00:20:25It is, en effet, the killing machine most elaborate.
00:20:29From where was it attained, may I ask?
00:20:31You'd have to ask one of my staff, monsieur.
00:20:33I don't concern myself with such matters.
00:20:35So you do not concern yourself with the death of a man?
00:20:38He was an old man.
00:20:40Old men tend to die, in my experience.
00:20:42From natural causes, yes.
00:20:43Not usually via electrified chess tables.
00:20:46Now, you just listen to me.
00:20:48If you truly believe Savaranov was murdered, and in this colorful way, monsieur Poirot suggests,
00:20:55that's your prerogative.
00:20:56But if you are even suggesting that I had anything to do with it,
00:21:01then you're going to have to get yourself some proof.
00:21:16Hello, could you put me through to Mr. Taiso, please?
00:21:31He isn't.
00:21:41No, no message.
00:21:46Madame Olivier, to see your son.
00:22:03Please to show her in, Josh.
00:22:05This way, madame.
00:22:06I shall come straight to the point, monsieur.
00:22:10You have seen this?
00:22:13Ah.
00:22:14Does the great detective, monsieur Hécule Poirot,
00:22:17have suspicions regarding the death of Ivan Savaranov?
00:22:21His inquiries currently revolve around Abe Ryland and his mysterious peace party.
00:22:28Calm yourself, madame.
00:22:30It is merely the tittle-tattle.
00:22:31We have no evidence that monsieur Ryland is involved.
00:22:34There are those who seek to discredit all of us in the peace party, monsieur.
00:22:38I implore you, do nothing to aid these people.
00:22:45Excusez-moi, madame.
00:22:53Hercule Poirot speaks.
00:22:54Ryland was meant to meet some German dignitary last night.
00:22:57He never turned up.
00:22:58Comment?
00:22:59We haven't a clue where he's got to.
00:23:01He's gone, Poirot.
00:23:02He's disappeared.
00:23:04Holy, do you see?
00:23:05Today, I'm we need to.
00:23:07No.
00:23:09Bye.
00:23:09Bye.
00:23:10Bye.
00:23:10Bye.
00:23:12Bye.
00:23:18Bye.
00:23:18Bye.
00:23:20Bye.
00:23:24Bye.
00:23:26Bye.
00:23:28Bye.
00:23:29Bye.
00:23:30Bye.
00:23:31Bye.
00:23:32Good.
00:23:33Bye.
00:23:33Good afternoon, sir.
00:24:00You must be Meadows.
00:24:01This is the local man on the case, Poirot.
00:24:04It's an honor, sir, and an honor to meet you too, Mr. Poirot.
00:24:07Although I don't know that there's very much to interest you here.
00:24:10Fairly grubby little murder, if you ask me, and not too much doubt about who's to blame,
00:24:15neither.
00:24:16The victim was Jonathan Wally, something of a recluse, and a, er...
00:24:23Sinophar.
00:24:24Yeah, whatever that is.
00:24:28It means that he was a lover of all things Chinese, mon ami.
00:24:32Ah, and this is the reason for our interest in this case, Inspector Meadows.
00:24:38The late Monsieur Jonathan Wally was the author of this biography.
00:24:41You got the details of the household, Inspector?
00:24:44Well, there are two servants, er, Robert Grant, who's the kind of manservant he lives in, and
00:24:50Betsy Andrews, housekeeper and cook.
00:24:53You have worked for Mr. Wally for some time?
00:24:56Oh, years!
00:24:57He was a queer old cove, kept himself to himself.
00:25:02Had his little obsessions like they all do at that age.
00:25:05Obsessions?
00:25:06Crackers about all things Chinese.
00:25:09Did he ever marry?
00:25:11Oh, no!
00:25:12Oh, can you imagine it?
00:25:14What woman would have him?
00:25:16Woe betide you if you tried to move one of his precious books or tidy up his blooming letters.
00:25:24Were there any other friends or family?
00:25:27Friends?
00:25:28No.
00:25:29He had a sister.
00:25:31But she died.
00:25:33There was a young nephew who came here to stay with him when he was orphaned.
00:25:39That was before my time, though.
00:25:41By all accounts, they didn't get on.
00:25:44Madame Andrews, can you tell to us exactly what occurred this morning, precisely?
00:25:50Uh, Grant went out to get the milk, as he does every day.
00:25:55I popped out to have a natter with Mrs. Stubbs at Laburnum's.
00:26:00She's buried two children, poor soul.
00:26:03And her husband's none too clever at the moment.
00:26:06And which of you returned first?
00:26:08Oh, that would be Grant.
00:26:10He came in by the back door, put the milk in the larder, and then went into his room
00:26:17to read the paper and have a smoke.
00:26:20So it was you who discovered the body, Madame?
00:26:24Just... just there he was.
00:26:27Poor soul.
00:26:28He'd been knocked silly and had his throat slit.
00:26:32Oh.
00:26:33Nasty it was.
00:26:35Very nasty.
00:26:36So, the story about Grant going and fetching milk is true, at least, then?
00:26:53Oui.
00:26:54Good.
00:26:55Ah.
00:26:56What is it, partner?
00:26:57Un chame de mouton.
00:26:58Martin, sir?
00:26:59Oui.
00:27:00Hmm.
00:27:01Still frozen.
00:27:02There's ice on it.
00:27:04You're not suggesting he used a frozen leg of mutton to cosh the old gentleman, are you,
00:27:09sir?
00:27:10And then cut his throat with a wishbone.
00:27:12What is the day, mon ami?
00:27:14The day?
00:27:15Oui.
00:27:16Well, Monday, of course.
00:27:18Oui, oui.
00:27:19To commit a murder on a Monday, it is a mistake most grave.
00:27:23Monsieur Robert Grant, he is in custody, no?
00:27:25We've taken him in for questioning, sir, yes.
00:27:27Grant's story was that he went straight to his bedroom and that it was Betsy Andrews
00:27:31who discovered the body.
00:27:32But you see, then there's the matter of the footprints.
00:27:36Wally kept his most valuable Chinese curios locked in this cabinet here.
00:27:40And is it locked now?
00:27:41Keys in the lock, sir.
00:27:42Mr Wally kept it on his person on his watch chain at all times.
00:27:46But someone has removed it.
00:27:48Mr Wally was fond of boasting that his most prized possession was a set of little ivory
00:27:53figures that he kept in here.
00:27:5518th century, apparently.
00:27:57And they're gone.
00:28:00And this bloody footprint here.
00:28:02Oh, begging your pardon, sir.
00:28:04It's all right, Meadows.
00:28:05We know what you mean.
00:28:06Well, it matches exactly with Grant's boot.
00:28:08And a footprint which, if Monsieur Grant were telling the truth, he could not have made.
00:28:13Quite so, sir.
00:28:14So, you now have the opportunity and the motive.
00:28:17All that you require now is that oh-so-elusive element, the proof.
00:28:21The missing figures?
00:28:22I have no doubt that you will find them hidden in the room of Monsieur Grant.
00:28:25Probably underneath his bed.
00:28:39What have you seen here, Mr Poirot?
00:28:41You seem to be everywhere at once.
00:28:44May Poirot inquire what it is that you do here?
00:28:47The news of this crime, it has not yet been released.
00:28:50I'm here for the same reason you are.
00:28:52Indeed.
00:28:53Wally knew something.
00:28:55Something dangerous, that much is obvious.
00:28:58Has somebody got him out of the way?
00:29:00And it was your source who once again gave to you this tip-off?
00:29:03I'm in possession of certain information, yeah.
00:29:05Well, well, if it isn't a proverbial bad penny.
00:29:08Assistant Commissioner?
00:29:10I presume you can account for your movements at the time of Mr Wally's death.
00:29:13That's I'm called for.
00:29:14Oh, we've got him now, sir.
00:29:21Oh, it's to God I never did it.
00:29:23It's a frame-up, that's what it is.
00:29:25I came back and went straight to my room like I said.
00:29:27I never knew anything till Betsy screamed, so help me God I didn't.
00:29:30If you do not tell the truth, then that is the end of it.
00:29:33But Governor!
00:29:34No, Monsieur!
00:29:35You did go into the drawing room, you did know that your master was dead,
00:29:38and you were preparing to make a boat for him when Madame Andrews made the discovery so terrible!
00:29:43Come now.
00:29:45Is it not so?
00:29:46I say solemnly, to tell to me the truth now, it is your only chance.
00:29:52Yeah.
00:29:55It's just as you say.
00:29:57What?
00:29:58Mr Wally!
00:30:00I came in and went straight over to the master.
00:30:02And there he was, dead on the floor, blood all around.
00:30:05Then I got the wind up proper.
00:30:07They'd ferret out my record, and for a certainty they'd say it was me as I'd done him in.
00:30:11And the figures of Avery?
00:30:13He's gonna blame the murder on me anyway.
00:30:15The master had said that it was worth a lot of loot.
00:30:17I might as well go the whole log.
00:30:19And then before I could make a run for it, Betsy was back and screaming the place down.
00:30:25You expect us to believe all that, Grant?
00:30:27You ought to be ashamed of yourself, telling such barefaced lies to an important man like Mr Poirot here.
00:30:32Monsieur Grant, when were you released from prison?
00:30:36Two months ago.
00:30:37And how did you obtain your position in the household?
00:30:40Through one of them Prisoner's Help Societies.
00:30:43A bloke met me when I came out.
00:30:44You said this before, Poirot.
00:30:46There's no record of any such society placing him with Jonathan Walling.
00:30:50I swear it, sir.
00:30:52There's a pastor, a priest.
00:30:55Do you recall what he looked like, this pastor?
00:30:58No.
00:31:00I'm sorry, sir.
00:31:01He just sorta looked middle-and-eye ordinary, you know?
00:31:05I'm afraid I must go ahead and charge this man, sir.
00:31:07No.
00:31:08If you do, Inspector Meadows, you will charge the wrong man.
00:31:13Monsieur Grant, he's not the killer.
00:31:16Thank you, sir.
00:31:18I knew you'd believe me.
00:31:23Merci.
00:31:25Sir, I've been thinking this over and it doesn't add up.
00:31:28If it's not Grant, well, no one else approached the cottage all morning.
00:31:31The neighbours' curtains twitch like billy-o here in Hopperton.
00:31:34If there had been a stranger coming to the house, well...
00:31:37Well, you're not suggesting Betsy Andrews.
00:31:41Poirot will describe for you the killer of Jonathan Walling.
00:31:46The murderer was a man who was clever.
00:31:49Or very clever.
00:31:51First he posed as a prison visitor.
00:31:54Then he obtained a post for Monsieur Grant.
00:31:57With the deliberate intention of making him the escaping goat.
00:32:00Then he gave to him a pair of boots.
00:32:02One of two pairs that were duplicate.
00:32:04The other he kept for himself.
00:32:06Then he drove up outside the house in a van, leaving it in full view.
00:32:09He entered the house, committed a murder, wearing the boots identical.
00:32:13Then he drove away.
00:32:15This man, he wore a hat of straw.
00:32:16And his clothing was slightly bloodstained.
00:32:20But Poirot, the whole village, would have seen him.
00:32:22My dear, everybody saw him.
00:32:25And nobody saw him.
00:32:27He drove up in the van of a butcher.
00:32:35This leg of mutton would not have remained frozen if it was delivered on Saturday.
00:32:39No.
00:32:40Someone delivered his leg of mutton today.
00:32:42Moreover, someone on whom a trace of blood here and there would attract no attention.
00:32:46Blimey.
00:32:48I'll get around and arrest the butcher straight away.
00:32:50No, no.
00:32:51Do not trouble yourself, Inspector.
00:32:53The real butcher would have made no such delivery today.
00:32:56No.
00:32:58This is a business most dark, Mesemi.
00:33:00And I fear we're only at the beginning of a long, long game.
00:33:04Mr. Tyson!
00:33:21Mr. Tyson!
00:33:23No!
00:33:24You cannot say you have not been warned, Monsieur.
00:33:25I know.
00:33:26That's why I'm here now.
00:33:27I'm putting everything I've got in front of you.
00:33:28I've started with anonymous tip-offs.
00:33:38I know.
00:33:39That's why I'm here now.
00:33:40I'm putting everything I've got in front of you.
00:33:45You cannot say you have not been won, monsieur.
00:33:49I know. That's why I'm here now. I'm putting everything I've got in front of you.
00:33:56It started with anonymous tip-offs.
00:33:59Train crashes, riots.
00:34:01I went to Ingalls at the Foreign Office, dismissed it out of hand.
00:34:05Then the messages started to become more cryptic.
00:34:09Merci.
00:34:11The game will begin shortly.
00:34:13A battle of wits, and then a king shall fall.
00:34:17Beware, beware, the big four.
00:34:21That arrived along with a dossier on Ryland.
00:34:24A king shall fall.
00:34:25Yeah, obviously referring to the chess game.
00:34:28This was next.
00:34:31Death will come to Hopperton Village.
00:34:34The dragon shall feast.
00:34:36Jonathan Wally of Hopperton, he's found dead.
00:34:40Someone on the inside was trying to tip me off.
00:34:42Someone inside the big four turned traitor.
00:34:45Now they've found him out, and he's lying in a morgue with a knife in his back.
00:34:49Have you identified a deceased man, Manami?
00:34:52No, nothing yet.
00:34:52There's someone else.
00:34:54Indeed?
00:34:58This was inside his coat pocket, addressed to me just like all the others.
00:35:01Well, that's where you should have left it.
00:35:03That's evidence.
00:35:04Oh, well.
00:35:07Playing cards.
00:35:10Other kind, oui.
00:35:12But the first one is of the origin Chinese.
00:35:15And on it, there has been scored le numéro un.
00:35:20Li Chang-Yen.
00:35:21Has to be.
00:35:22Brains behind a so-called peace party.
00:35:27Deux.
00:35:28That's a chance card from a Monopoly set.
00:35:31You don't have to be a genius to work that one out.
00:35:34Ryland.
00:35:35Le numéro trois.
00:35:36Why does it say D, not Q?
00:35:40Because this is from a French prequet playing cards, Manami.
00:35:43La dame.
00:35:43Une dame française.
00:35:45Et finalement, from the major arcana of the tarot.
00:35:51Quatre.
00:35:53C'est le mot?
00:35:54Death.
00:35:56Mrs. Jap got dealt one like that on Southend Pier.
00:36:00Gypsy Meg.
00:36:02Three months later, the cat died.
00:36:03One, two, three, four.
00:36:09Whoever the dead man was, he was trying to give me a clue to their identities.
00:36:15What is it, Poirot?
00:36:17Do you not observe, Manami?
00:36:18The edge of his card?
00:36:19It is burnt.
00:36:27A toast to our future.
00:36:29All my love.
00:36:32Four kisses.
00:36:33You're going to Mr. Q if you're not careful, darling.
00:36:42A toast.
00:36:50Arling.
00:36:51We can't wait any longer.
00:36:53Please, ring the gong for dinner.
00:36:54You're asking too much of me, Regine.
00:36:59What are you saying?
00:37:01Remember our dream.
00:37:02Everything we talked about.
00:37:03All we can achieve.
00:37:04I don't think I can go through with it.
00:37:07Stephen.
00:37:07I don't have your certainty.
00:37:09I'm not like you.
00:37:10It's wrong what we're doing.
00:37:12It's all wrong.
00:37:13Still no news of Mr. Ryland, Madame Olivier?
00:37:33Nothing at all.
00:37:35And it is also very damaging to the party.
00:37:39He should be protesting his innocence.
00:37:41The newspapers are full of talk about the big four.
00:37:45No.
00:37:45It is nonsense.
00:37:47Quite.
00:37:49It's true that there is bad blood between America and Russia, though, isn't it?
00:37:52After Zavarinov's death.
00:37:55I've been speaking with the Soviet ambassador, trying to calm things down, but...
00:37:59My husband, the conciliator.
00:38:02What would the world do without you, my dear?
00:38:06Let's hope we'll never find out.
00:38:08I'll drink to that.
00:38:11Oh.
00:38:12They're here.
00:38:14I hoped they'd join us, eventually.
00:38:16He's really not that late, my dear.
00:38:18So sorry.
00:38:20So very, very sorry.
00:38:21Can you ever forgive me, Auntie Di?
00:38:23I was out with the chaps, and time just ran away from me.
00:38:26You're on your own, are you, Gerald?
00:38:28Gerald, I thought you were bringing Miss Struthers with you tonight.
00:38:31Oh, good Lord.
00:38:33So I was.
00:38:34Huh.
00:38:35Well, Amelia will have sorted herself out.
00:38:37I mean, she's probably had a better offer.
00:38:38What?
00:38:39Or did I leave her at that blessed party?
00:38:42Oh, well.
00:38:42Well, you're here now, Gerald.
00:38:43That's all that matters.
00:38:44Why don't you sit down?
00:38:45So sorry.
00:38:47You must be like grand dame, madame.
00:38:49Oh, Uncle Stephen speaks terribly highly of you.
00:38:53You're staying for a few days.
00:38:54That's right.
00:38:55I'm the black sheep of the family.
00:38:58A pleasure to meet you, Gerald.
00:39:01Oh.
00:39:02Ah, yes.
00:39:04Remind me again.
00:39:05Gerald.
00:39:07The name's Quentin.
00:39:08Oh, of course, of course, of course.
00:39:09Uncle Stephen's sore bones.
00:39:10Terribly sorry.
00:39:11Have you eaten, Gerald?
00:39:12Well, Arling's finest curry, rather.
00:39:14Fill up the bowl, my friend.
00:39:16Now, where's the wine?
00:39:17Anyone for a top-up?
00:39:18That's him, poor bugger.
00:39:24Stabbed in the lower back with some force.
00:39:27Kitchen knife.
00:39:27But observe, Mezemi.
00:39:29Despite all the efforts of the staff in this mortuary to wash him down, the dirt, it is deep.
00:39:33It is ingrained.
00:39:34You've been on the run from the big four.
00:39:37You're hardly going to stop and run a tub, are you?
00:39:40And yet you say his clothes, his evening dress, they are of some quality, yes?
00:39:43Very nice, yes.
00:39:44Bit old-fashioned, mate.
00:39:47Well, he would like to see them.
00:39:48Sorry.
00:39:49It's been so kind of Uncle Stephen to take me on, don't you think, madame?
00:39:56Indeed.
00:39:57Prodigal returns and all that.
00:39:59It was the least I could do for my brother's boy.
00:40:01Shh, shh.
00:40:02It's all under the bridge now.
00:40:05Family feud forgiven and forgotten.
00:40:08I'm glad to have been able to make amends in some small way.
00:40:11It's curious, most curious.
00:40:19What is it?
00:40:21In the cloth, it is of the quality most fine.
00:40:23And yet the fashion, it is of since 30 years.
00:40:31No labels?
00:40:34What is it?
00:40:35There's a fragment, that is all.
00:40:37A name?
00:40:38Of a kind, we even.
00:40:39E-R-M-A-N.
00:40:43Herman?
00:40:44German?
00:40:45You think you stole the clothes?
00:40:46Some kind of disguise?
00:40:47Oh, miser me.
00:40:49We must discover the identity of this man and find out his connection with the Big Four.
00:41:03Stephen!
00:41:06Stephen!
00:41:08Stephen!
00:41:10Amï¿½ï¿½ê³ !
00:41:10Unlock the door!
00:41:13Aunt Ling, hurry!
00:41:16Stephen, answer me!
00:41:28Ah!
00:41:30Ah!
00:41:31Ah!
00:41:31Ah!
00:41:32Ah!
00:41:32Ah!
00:41:32Ah!
00:41:34Ah!
00:41:35Ah!
00:41:37Ah!
00:41:38Ah!
00:41:39Ah!
00:41:39Ah!
00:41:39Oh, what a terrible way for a man to die.
00:41:58Ruddy odd, if you ask me.
00:42:00Why the fire?
00:42:02I mean, it makes a face completely unrecognizable.
00:42:04Do you think that was the intention?
00:42:07Well, Poirot here thought of this, but...
00:42:10No, there seems little doubt that the dead person is Monsieur Stephen Painter.
00:42:14So, the killer comes into the room, pulls him off the bed and drags him over to the fire.
00:42:20Not the easiest way to kill him, eh?
00:42:22Counselor?
00:42:22There would have been a struggle tremendous.
00:42:25And screams. Screams which nobody in the house admits to hearing.
00:42:28Who discovered the bunny?
00:42:30Chinese manservant. Chinese, Poirot.
00:42:32And Diana Painter, the wife of 30 years.
00:42:38Smelt the smoke, apparently, from her own bedroom.
00:42:40Hello, Madame Painter. She does not share the bedchamber with her husband.
00:42:44Can you hear me, Poirot? 30 years.
00:42:47To be honest, I think Mrs. Jack would jump at this type of sleeping arrangement, if we had the room.
00:42:52See you, Inspector.
00:42:54The finger.
00:42:55The clue must be zon, eh?
00:42:56Ah, ah. Now, apparently, Mr. Painter kept a notepad, a pen, and a bottle of ink by his bedside.
00:43:03And this is what he wrote last night.
00:43:10Dr. Quentin, you were the personal physician of the late Monsieur Painter?
00:43:14That's correct.
00:43:16Stephen had a heart condition, easily managed with the right medication.
00:43:19But it was thought prudent that there should be someone on hand.
00:43:22What has his state of mind been lately?
00:43:23He'd been anxious. All the stuff in the papers is enough to alarm anyone.
00:43:28And now Ryland's vanished. It's a great blow to the party.
00:43:31When did you last see him alive, Doctor?
00:43:33Around 11.30 last night. He asked to see me before he retired to bed.
00:43:36How did you find him?
00:43:38He was very agitated. I suggested a tonic.
00:43:42But he said he just wanted to get to bed.
00:43:45One final question, if I may, Doctor.
00:43:48Merci.
00:43:50Do you recognize this man?
00:43:51He does look vaguely familiar.
00:43:55For what reason?
00:43:56He has something to do with the Peace Party, I think.
00:43:59I met so many people through Stephen and his work that I really couldn't say for sure.
00:44:06No, I didn't know him.
00:44:07Try to think carefully, madame.
00:44:10Perhaps you met him through your late husband and his work?
00:44:13Stephen rarely thought to include me in his work, Monsieur.
00:44:15I'm sorry I can't be any more help, dear.
00:44:22We do not wish to distress you, Mother.
00:44:26I loved my husband, Monsieur.
00:44:28Dear, but I realized some time ago that my affection was no longer reciprocated.
00:44:38Last night, I learned for certain what I had suspected for some time.
00:44:43That he and Madame Olivier were conducting their love affair.
00:44:55How did you?
00:44:56This Poirot had observed at the chess tournament.
00:44:59I am so sorry, Madame.
00:45:03And did you hear any kind of disturbance in the night, Mr. Painter?
00:45:07Believe me, after the amount of booze I put away, it's a miracle I woke at all this morning.
00:45:13Dead to the world, I was.
00:45:14Oh, dear.
00:45:19Sorry.
00:45:21Are you sure I can't get you anything?
00:45:23A bit early for me, sir.
00:45:25Thank you all the same.
00:45:26It would be for me, too, usually, but, you know.
00:45:29Poor old Uncle Stephen.
00:45:32You hear about these kind of freak accidents happening all the time.
00:45:36Still a shock when it happens to one of your nearest and dearest.
00:45:38You think, then, that this was an accident?
00:45:41Well, what else could it have been?
00:45:45How did you and your uncle get on together?
00:45:47Well, I don't feel I had the chance to get to know him properly.
00:45:51I've only been here a few months.
00:45:53Is that so?
00:45:54Yes, Father and Uncle Stephen fell out, you see.
00:45:56There'd been an incident when I was only a nipper.
00:45:58And do you know the nature of this incident?
00:46:01Well, this.
00:46:02A firework exploded in my face.
00:46:05And Father always blamed Uncle Stephen.
00:46:08I don't even remember it, of course, but they never spoke again.
00:46:14So he gets a tidy sum as a result of Painter's death.
00:46:20And the manner of his death so violent and dramatic.
00:46:23The fire that consumes the face of Monsieur Painter,
00:46:25an echo grotesque of the burning of his own face.
00:46:29And as he lies dying, Monsieur Painter, he dips his finger into the ink
00:46:32and scrolls the letter G onto a notepad, a final, desperate attempt to indicate the identity of his killer.
00:46:38Gerald did it for revenge and for the cash?
00:46:41No, no, mon ami.
00:46:43A false murder with a connection to the Peace Party and the Big Four?
00:46:46No.
00:46:48This is an attempt most crude to frame young Monsieur Gerald.
00:46:52Hmm.
00:46:54Well, I suppose we'd better have the big one in.
00:46:56I shall do all I can to assist you.
00:47:01This is a terrible loss for the world and for me personally.
00:47:05Perhaps you can assist us, madame, with the identity of this man?
00:47:10He's not known to me, Monsieur.
00:47:12Then perhaps you should take a closer look, madame.
00:47:17My eyesight is excellent.
00:47:20I can assure you I do not know who this man is.
00:47:23Madame, we understand that before dinner last night you and Monsieur Painter conversed in private?
00:47:29Yes.
00:47:30We talked of the future of the Peace Party.
00:47:33That's a lie.
00:47:34Mrs. Painter, please.
00:47:36I may not have your world-class brain, madame,
00:47:40but I have sense enough to know when my husband is conducting a love affair behind my back.
00:47:46Diana.
00:47:47He wanted to finish it with you.
00:47:49And your pride couldn't bear it.
00:47:51I heard him.
00:47:52It's all wrong.
00:47:54I can't go on with this.
00:47:55That's what he said.
00:47:57I wouldn't be surprised if you killed him rather than let him come back to me.
00:48:00It is not true.
00:48:02Inspector.
00:48:10Monsieur, surely you cannot believe it.
00:48:13We believe, madame, that we are dealing with an organization so ruthless
00:48:16that it will not hesitate to execute any who stand in its way.
00:48:21If you know anything at all about the Big Four, I implore you to tell it to us.
00:48:26You accuse me, monsieur?
00:48:29There is evidence to suggest, madame Olivier, that one of the members of the Big Four is a woman.
00:48:34A French woman.
00:48:36Gentlemen, I find your accusations contemptible and absurd.
00:48:42You will try and prevent me if I leave.
00:48:45No, I can't do that, madame.
00:48:46You're not under arrest.
00:48:48You have not heard the last of this.
00:48:51Not by any means.
00:48:52We should not have antagonized her.
00:48:59It is not yet the time.
00:49:01I can't go through with this.
00:49:04It's all wrong.
00:49:06Maybe he wasn't referring to their affair, Poirot.
00:49:09He was killed because he wanted no more to do with this organization.
00:49:13So sinister.
00:49:15Where the hell is this going, Poirot?
00:49:16We've got nothing to go on.
00:49:18Nothing.
00:49:18There must be a link, mon ami.
00:49:20A connection, however abstruse, between these cases.
00:49:24Something that we have missed.
00:49:26The link's obvious, Poirot.
00:49:27It's the ruddy peace party.
00:49:29If what Taiso's mysterious source told him is true,
00:49:32then they're exactly the opposite of what they claim to be.
00:49:34Fifth columnist working to start a war, not prevent one.
00:49:38Poirot must think.
00:49:43Think.
00:49:50Assistant Commissioner Japson.
00:50:19Poirot, she's gone.
00:50:21Gone?
00:50:22Who has gone, mon ami?
00:50:23Madame Olivier.
00:50:24She's done a bunk too, just like Abe Ryland.
00:50:26No one's seen Hyden a hair of her since she left Painter's place.
00:50:29And there's something else.
00:50:31We've had the test back from Painter's body.
00:50:33He was drugged.
00:50:35That's why he didn't cry out when his head was put in the fire.
00:50:38The drug was very specific.
00:50:41Gelsamine.
00:50:42Gelsamine?
00:50:44No.
00:50:44What is it?
00:50:46You recall the scientific researches of Madame Olivier?
00:50:49They are concerned principally with the nervous system.
00:50:51In small quantities, gelsamine is used to treat the heart.
00:50:55In large quantities, it induces paralysis and immobilization of the nervous system.
00:50:59Well, that confirms it.
00:51:00She's in on it too.
00:51:01It would appear so.
00:51:03Such an eventuality, it is tragic, no?
00:51:05To think that it is possible that such a woman...
00:51:09Never mind that.
00:51:10We're making progress at last.
00:51:12We've identified number three of the big four.
00:51:15Right.
00:51:15You'll find everything exactly as it was.
00:51:45Until you catch the fellow who done it, I'm not allowed to touch a thing.
00:51:50And there remains no word from the nephew of Monsieur Wally?
00:51:53He does not return to claim his inheritance?
00:51:56No.
00:51:57Not that I'm surprised.
00:51:59I mean, who'd want to live here knowing what had happened?
00:52:02I wish he would show up, though.
00:52:04There's boxes of junk just sitting up there.
00:52:15Madam, you said before that he and his uncle, they did not get on.
00:52:25So I gather.
00:52:26Before my time, as I say.
00:52:28And what became of him, Mother?
00:52:32Lived here till he was in his twenties, I think.
00:52:35And then...
00:52:37Oh, maybe he went off and joined the circus.
00:52:40Just give me a shout when you're done.
00:52:45Merci, ma'am.
00:52:45I'm sorry.
00:53:45Oh, no, not again.
00:53:49Just leave it to me later, Reg.
00:53:51They're for you.
00:53:53How lovely.
00:53:55My darling Flossie, soon our time will come.
00:54:01Four kisses.
00:54:15My darling Flossie, soon our time will come.
00:54:45Of course, there's no grace about the profession these days.
00:54:54These young actors and actresses, they can't project.
00:54:57They're used to speaking into a microphone for the wireless or for the talking pictures.
00:55:01The profession can be a very cruel place, especially when the first bloom of youth has gone.
00:55:06Do you go to the theatre, Mr Poirot?
00:55:10Oh, yes, indeed.
00:55:11Oh, well, then you must have seen me.
00:55:13I got wonderful reviews for my Eliza Doolittle.
00:55:16A confident and dazzling Miss Flossie Munro.
00:55:21No.
00:55:21No?
00:55:22No.
00:55:22Well, I did The Importance of Being Earnest at the Vaudeville in 26.
00:55:26I had a great success with that.
00:55:29Perhaps something more recent.
00:55:31More recent?
00:55:33Well, let me think.
00:55:34Oh, I was at the Duke of York's a few years ago in Cher My Cab, but...
00:55:39Oh, yes, indeed.
00:55:40This Poirot did see.
00:55:42What did you play?
00:55:45The accordion.
00:55:46For some years, you appeared in a repertory theatre company, madame?
00:55:56Moiselle.
00:55:57Oh, pardon.
00:55:58Mademoiselle.
00:55:59The Methuselah Players?
00:56:00Yes!
00:56:01How on earth do you know about that?
00:56:02What?
00:56:03Oh, they were happy times.
00:56:06I have been speaking to some of your fellow actors, and they tell me that this company,
00:56:10it closed down not long after that season.
00:56:12Yes, such a shame.
00:56:13Oh, thank you.
00:56:17Merci.
00:56:22Does the name Albert Wally mean anything to you?
00:56:27Wally?
00:56:28No, no, I don't think so.
00:56:30Why should it?
00:56:31No, it appears that he was a member of the audience, very devoted to the Methuselah Company.
00:56:36In fact, he collected mementos from the repertory season in 1924.
00:56:41Oh, a fan, was he?
00:56:42Oui.
00:56:42Oh, really, Mr. Poirot, you can't expect me to remember all my admirers over all these
00:56:48years.
00:56:48No, mademoiselle.
00:56:50I mean, for instance, only this past few weeks, I've been sent all sorts of things.
00:56:54Cards, flowers, champagne.
00:56:56All from an anonymous admirer.
00:56:58Vraiment?
00:56:59This arrived just the other day.
00:57:03A Valentine in April?
00:57:04Yes, I thought it was queer, too.
00:57:07But you know what some of these fans can be like.
00:57:09You permit Poirot to see?
00:57:11No, yes.
00:57:14Merci, mademoiselle.
00:57:14Until we meet again?
00:57:22Mm-hmm.
00:57:23Mm-hmm.
00:57:24Hercule Poirot speaks.
00:57:53Yes, monsieur.
00:57:55An interview, is it possible?
00:57:59What is your address, monsieur?
00:58:02Oh, well, good.
00:58:03Oh, my God.
00:58:33Oh, my God.
00:59:03Oh, my God.
00:59:33Oh, my God.
01:00:03Oh, my God.
01:00:33Oh, my God.
01:00:35Oh, my God.
01:00:37We could do more like him at this moment.
01:00:40Is there any hope for peace, sir?
01:00:43This Big Four business has the entire international community on edge.
01:00:48Do you have anything concrete to go on, sir?
01:00:50Nothing.
01:00:52Li Chang Yang has put out a statement denying any knowledge of the Big Four.
01:00:56Well, he would, wouldn't he?
01:00:58And Ryland and Madame Olivier are still nowhere to be seen.
01:01:01What about number four?
01:01:02Indeed.
01:01:03How does one track down death himself?
01:01:07Why, O'Neill, if only we could find out what knowledge he took with him to his grave.
01:01:13He always liked things.
01:01:24Just so, didn't he?
01:01:26Quite.
01:01:27He was on to something, wasn't he?
01:01:30He has to be.
01:01:31I only wish I knew what.
01:01:33I've been so wrapped up with all these new leads that have been coming in.
01:01:37Poirot seemed quite content to go off and pursue things on his own.
01:01:41I suppose he must have grown quite used to that.
01:01:44Yes, I suppose so.
01:01:45One thing we know for certain.
01:01:47He was getting too close to the Big Four, so they eliminated him.
01:01:51Yes.
01:01:52Well?
01:01:53Well?
01:01:54Well, hang it all, Jap.
01:01:55What are we going to do next?
01:01:56Eh?
01:01:57We can't let Poirot die in vain.
01:01:59We've got to stop them.
01:01:59Now, hang on, Captain Hastings.
01:02:01We can't be faint-hearted now, man.
01:02:03Are you with me or not?
01:02:05For Poirot's sake, together, we have to stop the Big Four.
01:02:08Listen, these people mean business.
01:02:10They'll stop at nothing.
01:02:12If even Poirot couldn't stop them.
01:02:13Good Lord, man.
01:02:15I never thought I'd hear such conchie talk from you.
01:02:17Well, if you won't do anything to stop these brutes, then I certainly will.
01:02:21And I'll leave no stone unturned.
01:02:23Good day.
01:02:30So.
01:02:32What do I do now, old chap?
01:02:39Good old Hastings.
01:02:40Old soldiers never die, Mr. Jap.
01:02:44Sir.
01:02:45Yes, George, what is it?
01:02:47A telegram has arrived for you, sir.
01:02:49For me?
01:02:50Hey, what is it?
01:02:50What is it?
01:02:51For me?
01:02:51Let's go.
01:02:58Hi.
01:02:59Anybody here?
01:03:24It's Miss Munro, I've come for the audition.
01:03:31It's funny, I was just talking about this place to someone the other day.
01:03:38Strange to be back here after all this time.
01:03:41I'm not late, am I? Your letter did say four.
01:03:54Hello?
01:03:57Oh, oh, hi.
01:04:01Help me, please.
01:04:16What's going on?
01:04:29What do you want with me?
01:04:33Welcome, Miss Munro.
01:04:35Welcome to the lair of the big four.
01:04:38Oh, my God.
01:04:40You've heard of us.
01:04:42How gratifying.
01:04:44Talk to me, Miss Munro.
01:04:46Tell me all you know about the big four.
01:04:50I don't understand, why...
01:04:52Waiting, Miss Munro.
01:04:54You wouldn't want to disappoint me, would you?
01:04:57I only know what I've seen in the papers.
01:05:02What have you read in the papers?
01:05:06Well, it's all run from China, isn't it?
01:05:10Number one.
01:05:12Go on.
01:05:14Then there's that American with all the money.
01:05:17Number two.
01:05:18Continue.
01:05:19Please.
01:05:20Continue.
01:05:21Please.
01:05:22Continue.
01:05:23The French woman.
01:05:24Madame...
01:05:25Madame Olivier.
01:05:26Number three.
01:05:27And number four.
01:05:28Tell me what you know of number four.
01:05:45Nobody knows, do they?
01:05:47You did.
01:05:48Are you number four?
01:05:50No.
01:05:51No.
01:05:52No.
01:05:53No...
01:05:54No.
01:05:55No.
01:05:56No.
01:05:57No.
01:05:58No.
01:05:59No.
01:06:00No.
01:06:01No.
01:06:02No.
01:06:04No.
01:06:07No.
01:06:08No.
01:06:09No.
01:06:10No.
01:06:11No.
01:06:12No.
01:06:13Think back, my darling.
01:06:18It has been some time.
01:06:22Do I know you?
01:06:25All my gifts.
01:06:27The cards.
01:06:28The roses.
01:06:30They didn't bring back any memories.
01:06:33You're my admirer.
01:06:34You're my fan.
01:06:38Think, Flossie.
01:06:40Think back to that season at this old theatre.
01:06:43Fifteen years ago.
01:06:46It is.
01:06:49We performed together on this very stage.
01:06:54Claude.
01:06:58Claude Darrell.
01:07:00Is it really you?
01:07:04It is, my love.
01:07:11What's this all about, Claude?
01:07:13It's just a joke, isn't it?
01:07:14It's just a silly joke.
01:07:16No, my dear.
01:07:16It's serious.
01:07:18Deadly serious.
01:07:23I adore you, Flossie.
01:07:27Don't you realise that?
01:07:28I'd do anything for you.
01:07:34I've done so much already.
01:07:39All for you.
01:07:41Do you remember what you said to me on that day?
01:07:45On what day?
01:07:45It was years ago.
01:07:46Years.
01:07:47I can never forget it, you know.
01:07:49I asked you if I could take you out to dinner, and you said.
01:07:51Oh, Claude, don't be so ridiculous.
01:07:54It's like a fancy someone like you.
01:07:56You're such a funny little shrimp, aren't you?
01:07:59No.
01:08:00I deserve the best, Claude.
01:08:03Someone who's going to make something of himself.
01:08:07Someone the whole world will remember.
01:08:11Someone the whole world would remember.
01:08:20I was young, wasn't I?
01:08:22I mean, I was young and foolish and full of myself.
01:08:23Yeah, well, the whole world will remember me now, won't they?
01:08:27The whole world will remember the big four.
01:08:30Li Cheng Yen, Abe Ryland, Regine Olivier, and me.
01:08:35Claude Darrell.
01:08:37Number four.
01:08:39The Destroyer.
01:08:40Death himself.
01:08:44You mean, you've done all of this?
01:08:47All of this?
01:08:52Just for me?
01:08:54Tell me you love me, Flossie.
01:08:57Tell me you love me.
01:09:01Tell me.
01:09:06I think you're the most remarkable man I've ever met.
01:09:22Let me take you away from here.
01:09:31Just...
01:09:32Just one thing to take care of first.
01:09:35I think not, monsieur.
01:09:37We must you.
01:10:06Despite the best efforts of the big four,
01:10:10Hercule Poirot,
01:10:12he lives.
01:10:18You're dead.
01:10:20Dead and buried.
01:10:21No.
01:10:23It was all smoke and mirrors.
01:10:26Is that not the expression?
01:10:28But now it is time to bring down the curtain on the big four.
01:10:34I rather think that that'll be my decision...
01:10:35All right, Syro.
01:10:36The game's up.
01:10:40You've pulled off some stunts in your time, Poirot.
01:10:42But this beats them all.
01:10:44Oh, I should say.
01:10:45I have much to explain to you, mes amis.
01:10:48But first, if you please, mademoiselle.
01:10:54Flossie.
01:10:55Flossie.
01:11:01Come on.
01:11:09I think you'd better sit down, sir.
01:11:14What about these two?
01:11:16We do something in case they...
01:11:18What's the matter with them?
01:11:19One moment, Monami.
01:11:24What a path in which we find ourselves.
01:11:27The world stands on the brink of a conflict most terrible.
01:11:30And what do we discover is behind it all?
01:11:34Fomenting suspicion on a scale that is global.
01:11:37A cabal most terrifying.
01:11:39Puppet masters who threaten to plunge the world into war.
01:11:44And yet, and yet.
01:11:49What was the first reaction of anyone who was told of the Big Four?
01:11:55That it was like something from a storybook, n'est-ce pas?
01:11:57Bulldog Drummond.
01:11:59Precisement, Monsieur Tyson.
01:12:01Precisement.
01:12:02Because that is all it is, mes amis.
01:12:04Mere theatre.
01:12:10The Big Four are not real.
01:12:13No.
01:12:14They exist only in the crazed imagination of one man.
01:12:19That's not possible.
01:12:20A man who had plunged the world into chaos because of a passion that is unrequited.
01:12:30Albert Wally.
01:12:32Who was later to take on the stage name of Claude Darrell.
01:12:36And who for the past few months has been masquerading as...
01:12:40Dr. Quentin.
01:12:42But what about Li Chang-Yen?
01:12:44And these two?
01:12:46Li Chang-Yen is as innocent as he claims.
01:12:48And these poor unfortunate souls are merely pawns in their game.
01:12:53Kidnapped and kept here.
01:12:55Their disappearance is orchestrated to throw suspicion onto them.
01:12:58But why don't they say anything?
01:13:00Because they are drugged, mon ami.
01:13:01Drugged with gelsamine.
01:13:03Good grief.
01:13:04Oui.
01:13:05The same drug that was used to anesthetize Stephen Painter before he was killed.
01:13:09Oh, they are fully conscious.
01:13:12Their physical paralysis, it is complete.
01:13:14But mercifully, it would appear in this case, the effect, it is only temporary, mon ami.
01:13:23Everyone believed it, though.
01:13:25Didn't they?
01:13:26The big four?
01:13:28Fleet Street?
01:13:29The police?
01:13:30The great British public?
01:13:31Oh, oui, monsieur, for some time.
01:13:33Even Hercule Poirot was taken in by your charade so deadly.
01:13:39With your help, of course, Mr. Tysso.
01:13:41What?
01:13:43I just had to wind you up like a clockwork toy and off you went.
01:13:47You and your little newspaper.
01:13:51Spreading fear, confusion, hate.
01:13:55An emotional soup, pulsing.
01:13:57You really have been a most useful ally.
01:14:02But my informer.
01:14:05The letters.
01:14:06The playing cards.
01:14:08All sent from Monsieur Darrell.
01:14:11So the fellow who turned up with a knife at his back?
01:14:13In reality, a tramp dressed in a theatrical costume.
01:14:16The clues of the playing cards planted upon him.
01:14:19Reality, Monsieur Poirot.
01:14:21Who is to say where fantasy ends and reality begins?
01:14:25Well, let us speak of beginnings, Monsieur.
01:14:28Act one of a drama so very strange.
01:14:34Albert Wally.
01:14:37A boy.
01:14:40An orphan.
01:14:43Poor and unloved.
01:14:46Who was sent away to live with his uncle who was cold and aloof.
01:14:49Albert Wally is a name I haven't used in years.
01:14:56No.
01:14:58But an uncle who disapproved of your fantasies and your desire to tread the boards.
01:15:05All those years of listening to that old fool going on about his precious Chinaman, Li Chang-yen.
01:15:12Then, I began to see possibility.
01:15:15Oi.
01:15:16But then you had a task most difficult, no?
01:15:19To worm your way into the confidences of the members of the Peace Party.
01:15:25Child's play.
01:15:27I forged my references and quietly took up my position as Dr. Quentin.
01:15:32Painter's condition is not really very difficult to research.
01:15:36I'm an actor, Monsieur Poirot, and a bloody good one.
01:15:38Oh, yes, indeed, Monsieur.
01:15:39Your ability to blend in, to pass yourself off in all manner of disguises,
01:15:44which has proven so useful.
01:15:46You have the genius of the character actor.
01:15:50Dr. Quentin.
01:16:05No.
01:16:06No.
01:16:07No.
01:16:08Mr. Tyson.
01:16:32Mr. Tyson.
01:16:37Mr. Tyson.
01:16:37Savaranov was killed to implicate Abraham.
01:16:49Your uncle died to throw suspicion on Lee Chang-Yen.
01:16:52And Stephen Painter, who was innocent, murdered to incriminate Madame Olivier.
01:17:01He was a weak fool.
01:17:03His weakness was his conscience.
01:17:04I merely persuaded him that it wasn't decent for them to continue their silly love affair.
01:17:10That's all it was, then.
01:17:12Diana Painter overheard him ending the affair.
01:17:14It had nothing to do with the big four.
01:17:16Indeed so, Mon Emmy.
01:17:17But why?
01:17:19God's name, what the hell was it all for?
01:17:22For me.
01:17:26Wasn't it, Mr Poirot?
01:17:30Weemon, was it?
01:17:34For the woman who spurned him all those years ago.
01:17:37For therein lies your tragedy, Monsieur Darrell.
01:17:43The very gift that could have turned you into the actor supreme makes you forgettable.
01:17:49The man who blends in.
01:17:51The man whose name nobody ever can quite remember.
01:17:55The man who disappears.
01:17:56Albert Wally.
01:17:57Claude Darrell.
01:17:58Dr Quentin.
01:17:59Number four.
01:18:00Whatever you choose to call yourself, Monsieur.
01:18:01You adore the flourish.
01:18:02That is theatrical.
01:18:03You've got a nerve.
01:18:04Come on.
01:18:05All this.
01:18:06You already worked out where I was.
01:18:07You could have sent the police to arrest me at any time, but instead, you wanted your
01:18:12grand finale.
01:18:13Show everyone just how clever you've been.
01:18:14Show everyone just how clever you've been.
01:18:15Oh, we're more alike than you think were.
01:18:16All right, sit down.
01:18:17Nobody moves.
01:18:18Don't be a fool, Darrell.
01:18:19You'll never get away.
01:18:20My men are surrounding the building.
01:18:22If you're not mad, you'll never get away.
01:18:23You're not mad.
01:18:24You must be more mad.
01:18:25You're not mad.
01:18:26Don't be a fool, Darrell.
01:18:27You will never get away.
01:18:28My men are surrounding the building.
01:18:29If you're not mad, you'll never get away.
01:18:30You are mad.
01:18:31You've got a nerve.
01:18:32Come on.
01:18:33All this.
01:18:34You already worked out where I was.
01:18:35You could have sent the police to arrest me at any time, but instead, you wanted your
01:18:36grand finale.
01:18:37Show everyone just how clever you've been.
01:18:38Oh, we're more alike than you think were.
01:18:39All right, sit down.
01:18:40Nobody moves.
01:18:41Don't be a fool, Darrell.
01:18:42You'll never get away.
01:18:43My men are surrounding the building.
01:18:45If Fussy won't have me
01:18:50Then we're all going to go out
01:18:54In a blaze of glory
01:18:56Oh my God
01:19:01Father
01:19:06We've got to get everybody out of here
01:19:09One minute
01:19:11One minute
01:19:13Before I
01:19:16Bring down the final curtain
01:19:18On the big four
01:19:20Poirot
01:19:23You will not do it monsieur
01:19:24To do all this
01:19:26For the love of one woman
01:19:30You will not send her to her grave
01:19:34Albert Wally
01:19:35You cannot
01:19:37It's all right
01:19:55It's all right
01:20:07It's all right son
01:20:09It's all right
01:20:10You spoiled everything
01:20:13You spoiled it all
01:20:14You insufferable
01:20:15Little man
01:20:16But I am number four
01:20:18Do you hear me
01:20:19The destroyer
01:20:22Death itself
01:20:28He's dead
01:20:54Good afternoon gentlemen
01:21:07It is a source of great relief
01:21:10That after our terrible ordeal
01:21:13We are able to clear
01:21:15Not only our own reputations
01:21:17But that of the party as well
01:21:19Indeed
01:21:20Li Chang Yen wants to reassure
01:21:22Every civilized nation
01:21:23That we will continue to strive
01:21:26For world peace
01:21:27The big four
01:21:28Has proved to be a fiction
01:21:30But still
01:21:32We stand on a precipice
01:21:34The situation remains grim
01:21:37But if war does come
01:21:40The powers of light
01:21:41Will be united as one
01:21:44I will have to eat
01:21:47Some humble pie
01:21:49Naturally
01:21:49But I do have the exclusive story
01:21:52Of number four to write
01:21:53So that's some consolation
01:21:55Thanks for the opportunity
01:21:57To be in at the end
01:21:58Mr. Poirot
01:21:59I hope you've learnt
01:22:00Your lesson mate
01:22:01Check your facts
01:22:02Before you print
01:22:03Incidentally
01:22:05How did you work it all out?
01:22:10Oh
01:22:10It occurred to Poirot
01:22:12For some time
01:22:12That this case
01:22:13Had the flavour
01:22:14Of the theatre
01:22:14And the label
01:22:17Of the costumier
01:22:18Max Berman and Sons
01:22:19Was the first mistake
01:22:21Of M. Claude Darrow
01:22:22His scrapbook
01:22:23Led me towards
01:22:24Mademoiselle Monroe
01:22:26Of course
01:22:28Naturally
01:22:29He kept his eye
01:22:30Most closely upon her
01:22:31But when she met with me
01:22:33Hercule Poirot
01:22:34He panicked
01:22:36Hercule Poirot speaks
01:22:41I understand
01:22:42You've been trying
01:22:42To contact me
01:22:43My name is Claude Darrow
01:22:45Ah yes indeed monsieur
01:22:46In connection with your time
01:22:47At the Matusala theatre
01:22:48An interview
01:22:49It is possible
01:22:50Certainly
01:22:51I can spare you
01:22:52A moment or two
01:22:53Later on this afternoon
01:22:54Bon
01:22:54What is your address monsieur?
01:22:56Flat A
01:22:5741
01:22:58Wilberforce road
01:22:59Islington
01:22:59At what hour?
01:23:01Shall we say
01:23:01Four?
01:23:03Parfait
01:23:03Au revoir
01:23:04Parfait
01:23:05Parfait
01:23:06Parfait
01:23:07Parfait
01:23:08Parfait
01:23:09Parfait
01:23:10Parfait
01:23:11Parfait
01:23:12Parfait
01:23:13Parfait
01:23:14Parfait
01:23:15Parfait
01:23:16Parfait
01:23:17Parfait
01:23:18Parfait
01:23:19Parfait
01:23:20Parfait
01:23:21Parfait
01:23:22Parfait
01:23:23Parfait
01:23:24Parfait
01:23:25Parfait
01:23:26Parfait
01:23:27Parfait
01:23:28Parfait
01:23:29Parfait
01:23:30Parfait
01:23:31Parfait
01:23:32But I hoped that even if for one moment
01:23:48Monsieur Claude Darrell could believe that his plan had succeeded
01:23:51Then the subsequent realization of his failure
01:23:54Would be all the more devastating
01:23:55And Hercule Poirot
01:23:58He was proved correct
01:24:01I still can't quite believe I managed to do it.
01:24:04Convince him I was in love with him.
01:24:06I warned Mademoiselle Monroe that she would need courage
01:24:08and that it might prove to be most dangerous.
01:24:10But when the moment he came, that Claude Darrell
01:24:12were to make contact with her again, as I knew that he would,
01:24:16we must be ready, oui?
01:24:19It was the performance of a lifetime mademoiselle.
01:24:23I had a wonderful director, Mr Poirot.
01:24:26Oh, merci.
01:24:30Well, delightful as this all is,
01:24:34but I need to get on and write my column.
01:24:39I don't suppose you'd be interested in giving me an exclusive interview, would you?
01:24:44The woman who stole the heart of number four?
01:24:48Well, perhaps.
01:24:49Maybe we could discuss it further.
01:24:52Over lunch.
01:24:54Don't mind if I do.
01:24:56Performance of a lifetime certainly gives a girl an appetite.
01:24:58So, what do you fancy?
01:25:01Simpsons is lovely.
01:25:02I've not been there for a while.
01:25:03Or we could go dancing.
01:25:04I do.
01:25:12Miss Amy?
01:25:14Well, Poirot, we're, um, we're pleased.
01:25:16You know, that, uh, you're not, uh, you know, dead.
01:25:21Of course we are, but...
01:25:23But why did you go through with this horrid charade,
01:25:28making us believe you'd been killed?
01:25:31But it was vital, Miss Lemon.
01:25:33Vital that you should believe it.
01:25:35It was necessary for Poirot to disappear,
01:25:37because in this way,
01:25:38the guard of number four would be dropped.
01:25:40Georges?
01:25:46I'm sure you have the best intentions, sir.
01:25:49No man is a hero to his valet.
01:25:54Can you ever forgive me, Miss Amy?
01:25:59It was all for the best.
01:26:02I suppose.
01:26:03But you know this affair of the big four
01:26:08has done some other good, no?
01:26:09Has it not reunited me with all my oldest friends?
01:26:13Almost all.
01:26:15Because where is Hastings?
01:26:17Where is Captain Hastings?
01:26:18Well, there's been no sign of him
01:26:20since he charged off, I'm afraid.
01:26:22Surely.
01:26:23He must have heard the news by now.
01:26:30Good Lord.
01:26:32Poirot.
01:26:32I thought you were dead.
01:26:36Mon ami Hastings.
01:26:40Mon ami, mon ami.
01:26:42It is the most extraordinary thing.
01:26:44I was over the young people
01:26:46when I was home.