Craddock and co by Chris Thompson

Oldtuberadio

Episode 1 00:00 The Crompton Canvas  Lucy Greenwood travels from Lancashire to London to work with her Uncle Charles at his Victorian London book shop.  But she soon discovers he has another profession - as a private investigator.  Chris Thompson's mystery series in three parts.  Starring Martin Jarvis.  A violent burglary leads Charles Craddock to a sinister rendezvous.  Charles Craddock …. Martin Jarvis Lucy Greenwood …. Emma Tate Grout …. Struan Rodger Leopold Kransky …. Stephen Thorne Slip …. Lyndham Gregory Peggie McLavety …. John Evitts Captain John Trevail …. Gareth Armstrong  Director: John Taylor.  First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in October 1993.  Episode 2 28:32 The Play's the Thing  1899: Victorian bookseller-cum-detective Charles Craddock and his niece, Lucy, investigate some mysterious backstage dramas at a London theatre.  Starring Martin Jarvis.  Chris Thompson's mystery series.  Charles Craddock …. Martin Jarvis Lucy Greenwood …. Emma Tate Grout …. Struan Rodger James Price …. David Thorpe Rufus Weatherby …. Colin Pinney Rex Radford …. Barry J. Gordon Elizabeth Barnes …. Teresa Gallagher Hamlet …. Michael Onslow  Director: John Taylor.  First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in October 1993.  Episode 3 56:50 My Dear Isabelle  Spring, 1900: The reappearance of a woman from his past, persuades bookseller-cum-detective Charles Craddock to help find her kidnapped husband in France.  But his niece Lucy realises there are some hidden perils...  Starring Martin Jarvis.  Chris Thompson's mystery series.  Charles Craddock …. Martin Jarvis Lucy Greenwood …. Emma Tate Grout …. Struan Rodger Isabelle Vallance …. Frances Jeater Leopold Kransky …. Stephen Thorne Sir Aubrey Blake …. Colin Pinney Monsieur Vallance …. Malcolm Ward Walter Smith …. Michael Onslow  Director: John Taylor.  First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in October 1993.    Do you enjoy the variety on Oldtuberadio? Like, Share and Subscribe to be notified of our new shows #radio #crime #thriller #drama To Support this channel please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldtuberadio https://ko-fi.com/oldtuberadio98 https://www.patreon.com/oldtuberadio https://locals.com/Oldtuberadio

Transcript

00:00:00Craddock & Co. Tales of a Victorian Detective by Chris Thompson

00:00:17with Martin Jarvis as Charles Craddock and Emma Tate as Lucy Greenwood.

00:00:23Today's story, The Crompton Canvas.

00:00:40I shan't ever forget me first sight of London.

00:00:44It were on a foggy October night in 1899.

00:00:47I'd come a long way from Calder Valley,

00:00:50and it's a good job I weren't expecting streets to be paved with gold.

00:00:54From what I could see, they were knee-deep in muck.

00:00:57Aye, and they reckon Rochdale on market day is rough,

00:01:01but it went out like the ragbag of drunks, thugs and tow rags

00:01:05splattered all over pavement outside me uncle's boob shop in Wardour Street.

00:01:10I'm coming, I'm coming.

00:01:24What do you want?

00:01:26You're never Uncle Charles.

00:01:27I beg your pardon?

00:01:29Charles Craddock, me uncle.

00:01:31You're never him.

00:01:32No, I'm not.

00:01:33Me mum says he's a right handsome gent.

00:01:36Mr Charles, don't employ me for my looks.

00:01:39I can see that.

00:01:40Where is he any road?

00:01:42Out.

00:01:42When will he be back?

00:01:44That could be five minutes, or it could be five days.

00:01:47He's expecting me.

00:01:49Is he?

00:01:50Me mum made all arrangements a week since.

00:01:53I'm Lucy Greenwood.

00:01:54Good for you.

00:01:55I've come to work in shop.

00:01:57First I've heard of it.

00:01:58If it's all the same to you, I'll come inside and wait for him.

00:02:01Well, I don't.

00:02:02Oh, aye, aye, aye, I never said you'd come in.

00:02:06I'll just put me back down.

00:02:07Oh, what did you say your name was?

00:02:09Mr Grout?

00:02:10Mr Grout?

00:02:11That's what I answer to.

00:02:13Mr Grout?

00:02:14Message from Mr Craddock.

00:02:15He says get yourself over to Regent's Park quick as you can.

00:02:18Says, I'll show you where.

00:02:20Funny time of night to be in the park.

00:02:22He'll not be there taking a constitutional slip.

00:02:24Go get us a cab quick as you can.

00:02:26Please, sir, Mr Grout.

00:02:27Mr Craddock says you'll give me six months for me travels.

00:02:29Not if you waste any more time.

00:02:30I won't get a move on.

00:02:31Oh, yes, sir, Mr Grout.

00:02:32Now, you'd best stay here, young lady.

00:02:34Well, I heck as like.

00:02:36I've come two hundred miles to see me uncle, and that's what I intend to do.

00:02:40This ain't woman's business.

00:02:42What is woman's business, Mr Grout?

00:02:44Oh, you know as well as I do.

00:02:46I'm cooking and sewing and the like.

00:02:49Oi, cabbie!

00:02:50I'm used to getting me hands dirty.

00:02:52That's as may be.

00:02:55Has anybody ever pointed one of these at you?

00:02:59Well, it could blow your head off.

00:03:02In that case, Mr Grout, I'd rather you pointed it somewhere else.

00:03:07Cab's here, Mr Grout.

00:03:08Right you are, slip.

00:03:09We'd best be off, then.

00:03:10I've no time to argue, miss.

00:03:12Come if you must, but don't say I didn't warn you.

00:03:20What's he up to then, me uncle?

00:03:22I didn't know book-selling were a matter of life and death, Mr Grout.

00:03:28Is he on the trail of a man-eating biography?

00:03:31You'll not be joking for long.

00:03:33Not wrong with a bit of fun.

00:03:35If you must know, your uncle does a good deal more than sell books.

00:03:39Like what?

00:03:40Don't you ever stop asking questions?

00:03:43I just want to know what me uncle's up to.

00:03:45Put it this way, then.

00:03:47He's a man with a mission, you might say.

00:03:50You mean like a vicar?

00:03:52Well, now, he's on the same side, but he uses, well, different methods.

00:03:58He reckons as how all the bad things in the world, all that's evil, doesn't just put itself right.

00:04:06So he does his bit to help?

00:04:08Yes.

00:04:09Now, that's enough questions.

00:04:11Heavy!

00:04:12Get a move on, can't you?

00:04:14You're, uh, you're not from these parts, are you, miss?

00:04:17No, from Lancashire.

00:04:18Oh, where's that, then?

00:04:19Up north.

00:04:20In England?

00:04:21Just about.

00:04:22Oh.

00:04:23Only I went to school once.

00:04:25Once?

00:04:25Yes.

00:04:26It was a Monday, I think.

00:04:27Anyway, they told us about this place called the Frozen North.

00:04:30All ice and snow, polar bears and Eskimos.

00:04:33Is that Lancashire?

00:04:36It feels like it sometimes.

00:04:39This is the place, is it, Slip?

00:04:41Yes, sir, Mr. Grout.

00:04:42How do you get?

00:04:43The pair of you.

00:04:44Wait under that tree while I pet a cabbie.

00:04:45And keep quiet.

00:04:47Yes, sir, Mr. Grout.

00:04:55Dead posh round here, isn't it?

00:04:57Oh, I'll say.

00:04:58Full of toffs is this place.

00:04:59Puts me in mind a southpodge.

00:05:01Slip.

00:05:01Huh?

00:05:01You've found me half to death coming out of the bushes like that.

00:05:05Forgive me.

00:05:06I did not mean to startle you, whoever you are, but I must remain concealed, and so must

00:05:11you.

00:05:12This year, girls from the Frozen North, Mr. Craddock, sir.

00:05:14What?

00:05:15Oh, of course.

00:05:16Lucy.

00:05:17Oh, good, Charles.

00:05:18I'm sorry I was not at the shop to greet you still, no doubt.

00:05:21Grout took good care of you.

00:05:22Oh, aye.

00:05:23He's a proper charmer, isn't he?

00:05:25Well, now you're here, you must do as I say.

00:05:27Grout, did you bring the gun?

00:05:28Yes, sir.

00:05:29Good man.

00:05:29Don't be alarmed, my dear.

00:05:31Why?

00:05:31What's going on?

00:05:33An informant advised me to be here.

00:05:35I've been watching the Earl of Crompton's house for the past two hours.

00:05:37Do you see it, Grout?

00:05:38Those marble columns at the end of the drive of Poplars?

00:05:41Yes, sir.

00:05:42It's been as quiet as this all evening.

00:05:43Almost too quiet.

00:05:46Oh, but, yuck!

00:05:48I spoke too soon.

00:05:50I take it that's not rabbits getting shot, Uncle.

00:05:52No, Lucy, I fear not.

00:05:54What are you going to do?

00:05:55We must go and take a look, but stay close to me.

00:05:57Once we break cover, we can make easy targets.

00:05:59We must proceed with the utmost caution.

00:06:01Don't worry.

00:06:02Come.

00:06:03We must find a way to get into the house without being seen.

00:06:10Are you all right, Lucy?

00:06:12I think so.

00:06:13Well, except I can't see my hand in front of me face.

00:06:16A moment while I light the lamp.

00:06:24There.

00:06:25Oh.

00:06:26What's that?

00:06:27It's coming from over there.

00:06:30The drawing room.

00:06:30The intruders may still be here.

00:06:34Shall we?

00:06:35After you, Uncle.

00:06:36All right.

00:06:45Here, Uncle, in the corner.

00:06:47Oh, my God.

00:06:49Lord Crompton.

00:06:50Looks like he's in a bad way.

00:06:53Shot, I fear.

00:06:55We shall have to do somewhat about the bleeding.

00:06:57Here, give us that bit of cloth around your neck, Uncle.

00:06:59That bit of cloth?

00:07:00Do you mean my silk scarf?

00:07:01Well, he is an aristocrat, isn't he?

00:07:03Oh, very well.

00:07:05Here.

00:07:07Now, Your Old Ship, this might hurt a bit.

00:07:09Pure Indian silk, that you know.

00:07:11And a present from Lady Olga Boona.

00:07:13Stops the bleeding, nice, though.

00:07:14Oh.

00:07:15Doesn't all this blood worry you, Lucy?

00:07:17It's no worse than killing a pig at Christmas.

00:07:20Oh.

00:07:21Begging Your Old Ship's pardon.

00:07:25What?

00:07:26Mr. Craddock, sir.

00:07:27Ah.

00:07:28Crouch.

00:07:29I've had a good look around, sir.

00:07:31Whoever did this nasty business seems to have gone.

00:07:33No thought as much.

00:07:36My Lord.

00:07:37My Lord.

00:07:38Who was it?

00:07:40Who was here tonight?

00:07:44Out like a church candle, poor fellow.

00:07:47Yes, dash it.

00:07:49Best thing for him, a bit of sleep.

00:07:51Hadn't we better get him to a doctor, sir?

00:07:53Presently.

00:07:54He's not going to die, and there are questions that need answering.

00:07:57Why, you won't get much out of him, sir.

00:07:58That's not, Grant.

00:07:59But are we not investigators?

00:08:01There will be signs and clues everywhere.

00:08:03We have only to find them.

00:08:04Oh, back in your part, Mr. Craddock.

00:08:06All I can see is four walls and a grand piano.

00:08:09Even the four walls have something to say to us.

00:08:13What, what, what?

00:08:14Here, for instance, this patch above the fireplace.

00:08:19You see?

00:08:19It's much lighter than the rest.

00:08:21There's been a picture taken down.

00:08:23Indeed, Lucy.

00:08:24The Crompton canvas.

00:08:26The portrait of the first earl.

00:08:28In truth, not a very good one.

00:08:29Practically worthless.

00:08:30Oh, purely sentimental value.

00:08:32Well, why would anyone want to pinch it, then?

00:08:34Exactly.

00:08:35This room is full of silverware, porcelain, priceless antiquities, untouched.

00:08:39What?

00:08:39The way I see it is they broke in, his lordship surprised them, and then he panicked, shot him, and made a run for it with a picture.

00:08:47And they likely think it's worth a fortune.

00:08:50Weren't very bad, were it?

00:08:51No, nothing else seems to be missing.

00:08:54Look carefully, Grout, and you might learn something.

00:08:56If you say so, sir.

00:08:58Aha.

00:08:59Ah, they left through this window, if I'm not mistaken.

00:09:02How can you tell?

00:09:03Oh, see, here.

00:09:04A candlestick on the floor, used to wedge open the window, I want, and a boot print on the sill.

00:09:10And so much else.

00:09:12A bit of paper under the piano.

00:09:15Luke.

00:09:16What?

00:09:17Oh, my word.

00:09:18I hadn't spotted that.

00:09:20Happened it fell out of somebody's pocket.

00:09:22But it's only a scrap.

00:09:23No matter.

00:09:24There's writing on it.

00:09:26Three, two,

00:09:27peg,

00:09:30prop.

00:09:31And a mark.

00:09:32Half the circle.

00:09:33You know, when you put a wet glass down on a piece of paper.

00:09:35Just so, just so.

00:09:37And the word three in capital is like a title, a name.

00:09:41And peg is written like a signature.

00:09:44Aye, so it is.

00:09:46Huh.

00:09:46I'd lay any odds that tonight's intruders have been lying low at the three beggars.

00:09:51Is that what the three stands for?

00:09:52I'm certain of it.

00:09:53The most notorious tavern in London.

00:09:55Silvio.

00:09:55And this clearly is a bill.

00:09:57So what does the tune mean?

00:09:59Two nights, two rooms.

00:10:01Prop.

00:10:02Proprietum.

00:10:02So who's Peg?

00:10:03Peggy McClavity.

00:10:05And who's she?

00:10:06No, he, my dear, he.

00:10:08Peg Leg McClavity, to give him his full name.

00:10:11Scum.

00:10:11That's what he is.

00:10:12Scum.

00:10:13Lost his right leg after a run-in with a madman wielding a woodsman's axe.

00:10:17Poor fella.

00:10:18Spare your sympathy, Lucy.

00:10:19I've never met a man called Peggy before.

00:10:21And I think we should avoid making his acquaintance.

00:10:24Three beggars is a loathsome place.

00:10:25Don't worry, Uncle.

00:10:27Mr. Grouse will look after me.

00:10:29Won't you?

00:10:34We left the Earl at the doctor's and headed towards the river.

00:10:37West India Dock.

00:10:39It put me in mind of one of the Reverend Boswell's sermons.

00:10:42The one about hell.

00:10:43And if the devil were a drinker, I dare say the three beggars would be where you'd find him.

00:10:49Well, if it isn't Mr. Charles Craddock himself.

00:10:55Always a pleasure to see you, sir.

00:10:58I wish I could say the same, McClavity.

00:11:00And I thought we were old friends.

00:11:03Still got your pet, eh, passy?

00:11:05Permission to thump him, sir.

00:11:06Oh, so sensitive, Grout.

00:11:08So delicate.

00:11:09Sir, just one on a nose.

00:11:11Calm, Grout.

00:11:12Deep breaths.

00:11:14And who's this pretty young thing?

00:11:16Romance in the air, is it?

00:11:18Keep a civil tongue in your head.

00:11:19This is my niece.

00:11:20Lucy Greenwood.

00:11:21Do you mind if I ask you something, Mr. McClavity?

00:11:24Anything you like, my beauty.

00:11:25Do you have any bother getting about on that leg?

00:11:28Oh, it's as good as either of yours.

00:11:30Oh, I dare say it's not a shape, eh?

00:11:32I told you to watch your tongue, McClavity.

00:11:35Now, is there somewhere more private we can talk?

00:11:38I'm afraid my old canal office is being refurbished.

00:11:41I can hardly breathe for all this smoke.

00:11:44Nor me.

00:11:45You can stop the deep breaths now, Grout.

00:11:47Oh, thank you, sir.

00:11:48Have you got a yard out the back?

00:11:50Yes, but there's rats out there.

00:11:53Then doubtless you'll feel at home.

00:11:55Want me to help him along, sir?

00:11:57Keep him off me, Mr. Craddock.

00:11:58I'll look after you, Mr. Peggy.

00:12:00Lead the way, McClavity.

00:12:02Keep an eye on the door, Grout.

00:12:06Make sure no one follows us out.

00:12:08Right you are, sir.

00:12:09Now, McClavity, what do you know about tonight's robbery?

00:12:14Robbery?

00:12:14At the Earl of Crompton's.

00:12:16The Earl of Crompton's?

00:12:17We have evidence linking this tavern to the Earl's house.

00:12:19Evidence?

00:12:20If you repeat Mr. Craddock's words once again...

00:12:23Repeat, Mr. Craddock's...

00:12:24Easy, Grout.

00:12:25I know, sir.

00:12:27Deep breaths.

00:12:28Yes, I know.

00:12:29McClavity, you know as well as I do

00:12:31that some of the worst criminals in London come here.

00:12:34Oh, I never knew that, sir.

00:12:36Including whoever shot the Earl and stole a worthless painting.

00:12:40Who would do a thing like that?

00:12:41You tell me.

00:12:42I don't know what you're talking about.

00:12:44Now, if you don't mind, I've got a business to attend to.

00:12:47Would you like me to squeeze his windpipe, Mr. Craddock?

00:12:51Is that what you want, McClavity?

00:12:52It won't do you no good.

00:12:53I've told you.

00:12:54I don't know nothing.

00:12:56Excuse me.

00:12:59What's under here, Mr. McClavity?

00:13:02The cellar, of course.

00:13:03Good hiding places, cellars.

00:13:05It's where I keep me wines and spirits.

00:13:07Would you like to open it, Mr. Grout?

00:13:09I'd rather throttle him.

00:13:10Now, do as she says, Grout.

00:13:15You're wasting your time.

00:13:17Right, let's take a look.

00:13:19You lead the way, McClavity.

00:13:21Me?

00:13:22Certainly.

00:13:23You've got nothing to hide, have you?

00:13:24No, no, it's not that.

00:13:26I can't.

00:13:27It's my leg.

00:13:28Them steps is awful slippery.

00:13:30I thought you said that wooden leg of yours was as good as either of mine.

00:13:34Yes, it is.

00:13:35It's not that.

00:13:36But what's the point?

00:13:37Not afraid of something, are you, Mr. Peggy?

00:13:41I'll go down there with him, Mr. Craddock.

00:13:43Hold his hand.

00:13:44Oh, for pity's sake.

00:13:46I'll go.

00:13:47What?

00:13:47Mr. Dark doesn't bother me.

00:13:49We don't have street lamps around our way, you know.

00:13:51Yeah, that's as may be, Lucy.

00:13:52Besides, you two had best stand guard up here.

00:13:56Give me that lantern, Mr. Grout.

00:14:00Oh, I don't like this.

00:14:01No more do I.

00:14:02If I need your help, Uncle, I'll shout.

00:14:05Very well, but be on your guard.

00:14:07And, McClavity, harm one hair on her head, and I shall personally see to it.

00:14:11Don't worry, Uncle.

00:14:13Now, Mr. McClavity, down those steps.

00:14:16There's nothing down here, I swear it.

00:14:23We may as well go back.

00:14:25We might as well have a proper loop round.

00:14:27Then my uncle will be happy, and we can leave you in peace.

00:14:30Oh, just be quick about it, please.

00:14:33What was that?

00:14:35Oh, just a mouse.

00:14:36A mouse?

00:14:37Or a rat.

00:14:38Oh, get me out of here, for the love of God.

00:14:41My, what a lot of bottles.

00:14:43Yes, well, now you've seen them.

00:14:45We can go back, can't we?

00:14:46There's nothing else down here.

00:14:47Who comes down here?

00:14:49A cellarman, that's all.

00:14:50He's not been here for days.

00:14:52Then whose are those footprints in the dust?

00:14:55They look quite new.

00:14:57I don't know.

00:14:58What does it matter?

00:14:59They lead over here.

00:15:01Oh, come back with that light.

00:15:03Don't leave me in the dark.

00:15:04Where does this door go?

00:15:06That?

00:15:07Oh, it's a passage.

00:15:09Down to the water's edge.

00:15:10No one ever uses it.

00:15:12Well, someone has, Mr. Peggy.

00:15:14And they left something behind.

00:15:16There, on the floor next to you.

00:15:18A scroll.

00:15:20Pick it up, will you?

00:15:23Here.

00:15:24Now, can't we leave?

00:15:26Well, I'll go to her house.

00:15:29Look at this, Mr. Peggy.

00:15:31Her old hot painting.

00:15:33Let's have a look.

00:15:35An old fellow wearing a crimson robe.

00:15:37The first Earl of Quentin, if I'm not mistaken.

00:15:41Well, how on earth did that get there?

00:15:44Where's the frame?

00:15:45Well, how should I know?

00:15:47Who cares?

00:15:47And who stole the picture?

00:15:49I don't know.

00:15:50I don't.

00:15:51That's the truth.

00:15:52Whoever stole this painting and shot the Earl stayed here, in the inn, didn't they?

00:15:57No, no, they didn't.

00:15:59I swear.

00:16:00I can't say any more.

00:16:02I just want to go back to my fireside.

00:16:06I'll just tell you a story.

00:16:08No.

00:16:09Round our way, there was this lead miner.

00:16:13He got stuck underground, a mile down, black as sin.

00:16:18It took him ten days to find him.

00:16:22And when they did, his face, or what was left of it, was a mask of terror.

00:16:29They reckon he spent his last days in mortal fear.

00:16:32Oh, I don't want to know.

00:16:35Mr. Grout?

00:16:36Yes, miss?

00:16:37Shut the trap door.

00:16:39Here, what are you doing?

00:16:41I thought you might like to know what it were like for that miner.

00:16:44In the pitch black.

00:16:46If I blow this lantern out...

00:16:49No, no!

00:16:50Oh!

00:16:52Where are you?

00:16:53I can't see a thing!

00:16:56Oh!

00:16:57Help!

00:16:58Oh, for pity's sake!

00:16:59I can't see her!

00:17:00I can't!

00:17:01Oh, please!

00:17:02Oh, please!

00:17:04Tell me.

00:17:06Two men.

00:17:07They wanted somewhere discreet.

00:17:09No questions asked.

00:17:10Near the river.

00:17:11There was talk of a ship, SS Ivanhoe.

00:17:13They wanted a secret way out.

00:17:15Yonder door?

00:17:16Yes.

00:17:17Oh, please!

00:17:17That's all I know!

00:17:19Names.

00:17:19I don't know!

00:17:21When they found that miner, his bones had been picked clean.

00:17:25I can't tell you!

00:17:25I can't!

00:17:26Rats were scampering through his eyes.

00:17:28All right!

00:17:29All right!

00:17:29Who?

00:17:31Kransky.

00:17:33Kransky?

00:17:35I've just signed my own death warrant.

00:17:39Mr. Grout!

00:17:39Uncle!

00:17:40Open up!

00:17:43Me uncle and me left Peggy whimpering with Mr. Grout and set off for the SS Ivanhoe, along

00:17:50that passage, and a right filthy place it were.

00:17:53Uncle!

00:17:57Yes, Lucy, what is it?

00:18:00This Kransky Peggy talked about, I kept the feeling you know him.

00:18:06Oh, yes.

00:18:07I know Leopold Kransky, probably the most brilliant and ruthless criminal in Europe.

00:18:12A man quite without pity.

00:18:14And yet, we were friends, Lucy.

00:18:18At school together.

00:18:20We were inseparable.

00:18:23I truly believed we would remain loyal to one another for the rest of our days.

00:18:28He saved me from drowning once, when we were fifteen.

00:18:31So what happened to your friendship?

00:18:34If only I knew.

00:18:38After school, we didn't see each other for two years.

00:18:40And then I started hearing his name, in connection with all manner of crimes, robbery, kidnap, murder.

00:18:46Nothing was ever proved, but I knew it was him.

00:18:50Something must have changed him.

00:18:53Perhaps.

00:18:54I once thought I knew what made him good.

00:18:58If I could discover what made him evil.

00:19:02But enough of that.

00:19:04Ah, there's a breeze.

00:19:06We must almost be there.

00:19:09At the dockside, we hid behind some packing cases and had a look at the SS Ivanhoe.

00:19:14A right, mucky, woebegone vessel, it were, and all.

00:19:18It were building up steam to set sail on the morning tide.

00:19:23Do you reckon Gransky's on board?

00:19:25He usually travels in greater luxury.

00:19:28But this is where our trail leads us.

00:19:30Not very fair odds.

00:19:31Us two, against a ship's company, they might be harmed.

00:19:35Perhaps we should contact the police.

00:19:37No.

00:19:38No.

00:19:39There are better solutions.

00:19:41Think.

00:19:43Aye.

00:19:43As me Uncle Jed used to say, there's more than one way to pickle a beetroot.

00:19:48A wise man, you're Uncle Jed.

00:19:50There's something.

00:19:52It might work.

00:19:53Go on.

00:19:54Uncle, have you ever played charades?

00:19:57More than that, Lucy.

00:19:58As a matter of fact, I was something of an actor in my Cambridge days.

00:20:02Oh, even better.

00:20:03I think I could talk my way into the captain's cabin.

00:20:07And here's what we could do.

00:20:08Captain John Travail at your service, Miss, uh...

00:20:13What did you say your name was?

00:20:15Gransky.

00:20:16My name is Gransky.

00:20:17Helena Gransky.

00:20:18Gransky?

00:20:18My Uncle Leopold told me he would help.

00:20:21You must hide me.

00:20:22Oh, yes, of course, but I...

00:20:23The police are already here.

00:20:25What?

00:20:26But why should Mr. Gransky...

00:20:27Please!

00:20:28Oh, very well.

00:20:30Under the bunk.

00:20:35Enter.

00:20:38Uh, Captain Travail.

00:20:40At your service.

00:20:41Chief Inspector Craddock, Scotland Yard.

00:20:43But the customs officer's just disembarked.

00:20:46I'm not interested in petty contraband.

00:20:47I'm on the trail of Leopold Kransky.

00:20:50Oh, that's not a name I know, I'm afraid.

00:20:52I have reason to believe his niece may be aboard this vessel.

00:20:55She may know his whereabouts.

00:20:56I do not allow women on board my ship, Inspector.

00:21:00She may have slipped aboard without your knowledge.

00:21:02I trust you have no objection to my searching?

00:21:04No, no, none whatsoever.

00:21:06I have nothing to hide.

00:21:06You feel free to look whenever you wish.

00:21:08Thank you, Captain.

00:21:09If I may start with the foredeck.

00:21:11Yes, by all means.

00:21:16He's gone, miss.

00:21:19Thank you, Captain.

00:21:22My Uncle Leopold will be most grateful.

00:21:24Yeah, you must go to him as soon as that pompous policeman's left the ship.

00:21:27Mr. Kransky's in great danger.

00:21:29But I cannot go to him.

00:21:30I do not know where he is.

00:21:32But the inspector said...

00:21:33My uncle told me to come here.

00:21:35Oh, he's a clever man, your uncle.

00:21:38The Ivan was a decoy, you might say.

00:21:40Mr. Kransky laid a false trail.

00:21:42Using you, it would seem as a lure.

00:21:44So where is my uncle now, do you think?

00:21:46Well, if I know your uncle, he'll be in his club.

00:21:49Ah, yes.

00:21:49He's told me about it.

00:21:51What's it called?

00:21:52Boutles.

00:21:53Boutles.

00:21:54Yeah, I dare say he'll be enjoying his breakfast there this very minute before he departs for France.

00:21:58I believe he intends to sail.

00:22:00Well done, Lucy.

00:22:01Heard everything.

00:22:02Quite marvellous.

00:22:04Inspector.

00:22:05Thank you, Uncle.

00:22:06Uncle?

00:22:07Yes, well, I don't think there's much else he can tell us, do you?

00:22:10I don't understand.

00:22:11Come, sir.

00:22:12You are outwitted.

00:22:15Bye, yak.

00:22:16I've not had so much fun since I won a piglet at Rochdale Waves.

00:22:19Splendid.

00:22:19And you weren't bad yourself, Inspector Craddock.

00:22:23I'm only a simple seafaring man.

00:22:25Well, I'd better get off to this Boutles before Uncle Leopold heads for France.

00:22:29You?

00:22:30Well, you can't go.

00:22:31Kransky knows who you are.

00:22:32He'd spot you a mile off.

00:22:34Any road, somebody's got to keep an eye on Captain Travail here.

00:22:37I'm due to sail in half an hour.

00:22:38Lucy, I've been impressed by your courage and your resourcefulness, but there are some things you simply can't do.

00:22:44You won't be admitted to a gentleman's club.

00:22:47You're a...

00:22:47Well, you're a girl.

00:22:50Well, not necessarily.

00:22:51You're what?

00:22:52I need Slip's address.

00:22:54Slip?

00:22:54But...

00:22:55Give me his address.

00:22:56Give me a couple of guineas and wait while the police get here.

00:22:58I'm not terribly happy with this, my dear.

00:23:00Don't be daft.

00:23:01I'll be right as ninepence.

00:23:02Soon as the coppers arrive, come and join us.

00:23:05I'll save you a sausage.

00:23:07I got a cab and stopped off at Slip's.

00:23:09I got myself togged up in his Sunday best and sent him off to the police station to get help for Uncle Charles.

00:23:15By the time I got to Boutles, it were morning.

00:23:18There were a fella standing at the door.

00:23:23Excuse me, Your Honour.

00:23:24Yes?

00:23:25Got a message, Your Worship, for one of them gents inside.

00:23:28There's a tradesman's entrance for the likes of you.

00:23:30Got no time for that.

00:23:31This is urgent.

00:23:32Who is it for?

00:23:34Can't tell you that.

00:23:35Not on the front porch.

00:23:36Haven't you heard of discretion?

00:23:37Oh, you insolent pup.

00:23:39No need to be rude.

00:23:40Just go in there and say I've got a message from a Captain John Travelle.

00:23:44Matter of life and death.

00:23:45The gentle know right enough.

00:23:47And mind, be discreet.

00:23:49Cheeky devil!

00:23:51I had a good loop round while I were waiting.

00:23:54This were another world.

00:23:56All silk hats, tailcoats, white gloves.

00:24:01I'd begun to wonder how many Londons there were.

00:24:05You there!

00:24:07Yes, Your Worship?

00:24:08Mr. Jackson will see you in the roof garden.

00:24:10Mr. Jackson?

00:24:12Up the stairs.

00:24:13Right to the top.

00:24:14You have a message for me, boy?

00:24:20I don't know, Mr. Jackson.

00:24:22What do you mean, you don't know?

00:24:23Please, sir.

00:24:24My message was for Mr. Kransky, sir.

00:24:26You can tell me.

00:24:28Please, sir.

00:24:28Tell me.

00:24:30Yes, sir.

00:24:31Captain Travelle sent me.

00:24:33I'm his cabin boy.

00:24:34Someone's after you.

00:24:35After Mr. Kransky, I mean.

00:24:37Who?

00:24:37Mr. Haddock, I think.

00:24:39Craddock?

00:24:40Aye, that were him.

00:24:41Damn him.

00:24:42Captain was trying to hold him up, put him off scent, but says to tell Mr. Kransky to take care.

00:24:48This Craddock could be on his way here.

00:24:49Better he was on his way to hell.

00:24:51Right, boy.

00:24:52Go.

00:24:53Please, sir.

00:24:53What is it?

00:24:54Captain Travelle told me about Mr. Kransky.

00:24:57Did he?

00:24:58Said he was the most brilliant man in the world.

00:25:00Shrewd man, your captain.

00:25:02Please, sir.

00:25:03I want to be like Mr. Kransky when I grow up.

00:25:06You!

00:25:06I don't want to be a cabin boy all my life.

00:25:09Get out.

00:25:10Yes, sir.

00:25:11No, no, wait.

00:25:12Do you know what it takes to be a Kransky?

00:25:15Sir.

00:25:16Do you have a family?

00:25:17I've left my family far behind.

00:25:19Good.

00:25:19Friends?

00:25:20Not anymore.

00:25:21Your very name must inspire fear in all who hear it.

00:25:25Come here, boy.

00:25:26Sir?

00:25:27Here.

00:25:28Now.

00:25:29Yes, sir.

00:25:29You say you want to be like Kransky.

00:25:32Look over the edge.

00:25:33Do you see how far it is to the pavement beneath?

00:25:37Yes, sir.

00:25:38If you made an enemy of Kransky, young as you are, he would throw you over there without

00:25:43so much as a second thought.

00:25:44Then he would spit on your broken body.

00:25:47Could you be so resolute?

00:25:49I suppose I...

00:25:50As cold and resolute as death itself.

00:25:52Yes, sir.

00:25:54Please, sir.

00:25:55No more questions.

00:25:56I must leave.

00:25:56I was just wondering about that leather bag.

00:25:59What's that?

00:26:00It's a right commotion.

00:26:02Craddock!

00:26:02I shouldn't have kept you talking.

00:26:04No, you young fool.

00:26:05I'm your only chance.

00:26:06What?

00:26:06That bag.

00:26:07If you're caught with it, you go to prison, right?

00:26:09Never.

00:26:10Give it here.

00:26:10What?

00:26:11How dare you?

00:26:12Give me that bag.

00:26:12I can save you and the picture frame in here.

00:26:15How do you know there's...

00:26:16Never mind how I know.

00:26:18Let me prove myself to you, Mr. Kransky.

00:26:20How?

00:26:21By escaping.

00:26:21Well, there's only one way up here.

00:26:23Wrong.

00:26:23See that building over there?

00:26:25What of it?

00:26:25I'll jump across to it.

00:26:27Impossible.

00:26:28Imagine the look on Craddock's face when he finds you here alone.

00:26:31I want that frame.

00:26:32I know where to find you.

00:26:34I just need a bit of a run-up.

00:26:36If you trick me...

00:26:37Goodbye, Mr. Kransky!

00:26:43You should have seen his face.

00:26:45He didn't know what to make of me.

00:26:47Yes.

00:26:48You deprived him of his triumph.

00:26:50But you have made yourself a dangerous enemy, Lucy.

00:26:53Oh, he will be long gone now, sir.

00:26:55He'll be back when the dust has settled.

00:26:57We'll milk that cow when we come to it.

00:27:00One of Uncle Jed's sayings.

00:27:01Aye, that's right.

00:27:03You know, I can't get over that picture frame.

00:27:06It were in four bits.

00:27:07And once I started scratching the guilt off...

00:27:09Diamonds.

00:27:10The Crompton Collection.

00:27:12Must be worth a fortune.

00:27:14Priceless, my dear girl.

00:27:15Daft place to keep them.

00:27:17The old fellow must have thought they were safer round a painting of little value than in any vault or strongroom.

00:27:22I reckon he'll have changed his tune.

00:27:25I think so.

00:27:27And now, I dare say you're ready for a good long sleep.

00:27:30What about the shop?

00:27:31Shouldn't it be open now?

00:27:32Well, yes.

00:27:33But in view of all that's happened, I can hardly ask you to start work today.

00:27:36You don't make brass in your sleep.

00:27:38No, I'm here to work in the shop.

00:27:40And that's what I intend to do.

00:27:42Starting now.

00:27:43But aren't you worn out?

00:27:44You should see it round our way when lemming starts.

00:27:47Don't see a bed for days.

00:27:49So come on, Uncle Charles.

00:27:51Let's sell some books.

00:27:53Charles Craddock, Martin Jarvis, Lucy Greenwood, Emma Tate, Grout, Struan Roger, Kransky, Stephen Thorne, Slip, Lyndon Gregory, Peggy McClavity, John Evitz, Captain Trevail, Gareth Armstrong.

00:28:19Craddock & Co. was written by Chris Thompson and directed by John Taylor.

00:28:26Craddock & Co.

00:28:35Craddock & Co.

00:28:40Tales of a Victorian Detective by Chris Thompson

00:28:44With Martin Jarvis as Charles Craddock

00:28:47And Emma Tate as Lucy Greenwood

00:28:50Today's story

00:28:56The Play's The Thing

00:28:58I'd been in London for two weeks now

00:29:03Working in me uncle's boot shop

00:29:04If you could call it work

00:29:06Where I come from work meant

00:29:08Getting up at dawn to milk fifteen cows

00:29:10And carrying on till sunset

00:29:12Boot selling, on the other hand

00:29:14Seemed to consist of a lot of sitting about

00:29:16Boot

00:29:17I was sure things could be livened up a bit

00:29:20I say, Mr Grout

00:29:22What?

00:29:23I've had an idea

00:29:24Oh?

00:29:25Aye

00:29:26A way of getting a few more customers

00:29:28Who says we need more customers?

00:29:30I do, for a start

00:29:31Oh, you've become an expert on the book trade, have you?

00:29:34No, but, well, what I was just thinking

00:29:36In this newspaper, see

00:29:39Advertisements

00:29:40What about them?

00:29:41I reckon as though we could put one in for the boot shop

00:29:44Oh, your uncle would never do that

00:29:46Would you think he'd want the name of his business

00:29:48Alongside pictures of cod liver oil

00:29:51And whale bone corsets?

00:29:53I don't see anything wrong with that

00:29:55Well, that might be how things he's done in Lancashire

00:29:57But not here

00:29:58Your uncle's come in now

00:29:59But I wouldn't mention it if I were you

00:30:02Oh, good morning, sir

00:30:04Morning, Grout

00:30:05Good morning, Lucy

00:30:06Hello, uncle

00:30:07Now, Lucy, tell me

00:30:08How do you like the theatre?

00:30:09The theatre?

00:30:10Yes

00:30:11I take it there are theatres up north?

00:30:13Of course there are

00:30:14Only I've just had a letter from an old friend of mine, James Price

00:30:17Bought his own theatre a year or so ago

00:30:19King's Playhouse down by the river

00:30:21Been a theatre there since Shakespeare's day, apparently

00:30:24Anyway, James has sent me two tickets for Hamlet tonight

00:30:27What do you say?

00:30:28If that's an invite, the answer's yes, please

00:30:30I'd love to

00:30:31Splendid

00:30:32Oh, I'd ask you as well, Grout

00:30:34But there are only two tickets

00:30:35Oh, yes

00:30:36Don't bother about me, sir

00:30:37I'm not a theatrical man

00:30:38All out of the in and out

00:30:40It makes no sense

00:30:42I do say there's a few Cambridge Dons that would take you up on that

00:30:45Yeah, well, that's as may be

00:30:46But I know what I like

00:30:48Of course you do

00:30:49Oh, I say, look

00:30:50What?

00:30:51In the paper

00:30:52An advertisement for James' theatre

00:30:54The Price Players Present

00:30:56Hamlet at the King's Playhouse

00:30:58Advertisements

00:30:59Now there's an idea, don't you think so, Mr Grant?

00:31:02I didn't mention it earlier, Lucy

00:31:05But this trip to the theatre promises to be something of an adventure

00:31:09Oh, in what way, Uncle?

00:31:10Well, my old friend James is a worried man

00:31:12He's had nothing but trouble with this production of Hamlet

00:31:15What kind of trouble?

00:31:16All manner of things

00:31:17The costumes didn't arrive for the dress rehearsal

00:31:19Polonius got run over by a cab on his way to the theatre

00:31:21Oh, dear

00:31:22He'll survive, apparently

00:31:23Unlike his fate in play

00:31:25The swords snapped in the dueling scene

00:31:27What, bad luck?

00:31:28Or worse

00:31:29Poor old James is beginning to wonder whether the production might be jinxed

00:31:32Superstitious lot, aren't they, theatre-folk?

00:31:34Indeed they are

00:31:35But if it's not a jinx, then what?

00:31:39It's almost as if someone's out to ruin him

00:31:41Oh, why would anyone want to do that?

00:31:43That is for us to discover

00:31:45You mean he wants us there in case anything goes wrong tonight?

00:31:48That's about the size of it

00:31:50Do you think you'll be able to tell if the play isn't going as it should?

00:31:53I think so, Uncle

00:32:00James, my dear fellow

00:32:02Charles, I'm so glad you could come

00:32:04Oh, think nothing of it

00:32:06Allow me to introduce my niece, Miss Lucy Greenwood

00:32:09Lucy? Mr. James Price

00:32:11Delighted

00:32:12How do you do?

00:32:13Your uncle has told you about our current difficulties

00:32:16Yes, he has as a matter of fact

00:32:18Something about a jinx, wasn't it?

00:32:20I thought that we're only Macbeth

00:32:23I mean the Scottish play that's cursed

00:32:26Yes

00:32:27How did you know that?

00:32:29You will learn to be surprised at nothing, my niece says James

00:32:33Oh, we best take a seat, haven't we?

00:32:35Yes, and be on the lookout

00:32:36After all, the play's the thing

00:32:38Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king

00:32:41The first two acts went right well

00:32:44I was really beginning to enjoy meself

00:32:47You are keen, my lord

00:32:50You are keen

00:32:52It would cost you a groaning to take off mine age

00:32:58It would cost you a groaning to take off mine age

00:33:03Still... still better and...

00:33:07The lady Ophelia

00:33:13She has... well... she has gone into a swoon

00:33:18Aha!

00:33:19I don't think that's in the play

00:33:20There is Ophelia

00:33:22She must be taken from hence

00:33:24Transporting...

00:33:25Give me some light away!

00:33:27Night!

00:33:28Night!

00:33:29Night!

00:33:30Night!

00:33:31Night!

00:33:32Night!

00:33:34They carried Ophelia off stage

00:33:35And managed to stagger through

00:33:37Almost to the end of the scene

00:33:39It is now the very witching time of night

00:33:42When Churchyard's yawn and Hell itself

00:33:44Breathes out a contagion to this world

00:33:47Now, could I drink...

00:33:51My God, what's happened, where's you gone?

00:33:55The trap door opened, that's what happens

00:33:58Ladies & gentlemen

00:34:00Ladies and gentlemen, I am sorry to have to inform you that there has been a most unfortunate accident.

00:34:08As a result, tonight's performance has been abandoned.

00:34:12Your money will, of course, be refunded.

00:34:16Oh, dear.

00:34:17Your pal James needs a better help.

00:34:20Come on, Uncle Charles.

00:34:25Charles, I don't know what to say.

00:34:27Where is he? Hamlet?

00:34:28He's over here on the chaise lawn.

00:34:30Moving him wasn't a very clever idea.

00:34:32Right, let's have a look at him.

00:34:35Careful, Uncle.

00:34:38Well, his left leg's broken, that's for certain.

00:34:41He's probably cracked a couple of ribs as well. Have you sent for a doctor, James?

00:34:44No.

00:34:45The sooner he gets to hospital, the better.

00:34:46Yes, yes, of course.

00:34:48Now, where's your lass?

00:34:49She's over there. The poor thing sounds most distressed.

00:34:52It's no wonder.

00:34:53Here.

00:34:56Hello.

00:34:58You're Elizabeth Barnes, aren't you?

00:35:00Yes.

00:35:01Are you feeling any better?

00:35:03A little better, thank you.

00:35:05I have no idea what came over me.

00:35:07I just...

00:35:08I feel so foolish.

00:35:10There's no need.

00:35:12Anyone can faint.

00:35:13But in front of all those people.

00:35:15I've been feeling a little odd all evening.

00:35:17I had my pot of tarteling tea, as usual, about an hour before curtain up.

00:35:22Oh, very nice.

00:35:24And shortly afterwards, I began to feel rather queasy.

00:35:27I see.

00:35:29I felt somehow oppressed, stifled.

00:35:32Well, it didn't show in your performance.

00:35:34I thought you were doing very well.

00:35:36Oh, do you think so?

00:35:37Oh, I.

00:35:38Oh, thank you.

00:35:40I do so want to do well, but...

00:35:42To be truthful, this production has not been easy.

00:35:45It all began...

00:35:46What's that?

00:35:47No.

00:35:48No.

00:35:49Oh.

00:35:50Oh.

00:35:51What's the matter?

00:35:52What on earth's going on?

00:35:53Oh, look, my dear Miss Barnes.

00:35:55It was there.

00:35:55At the window.

00:35:56What was?

00:35:57A face.

00:35:58A horrible, hideous face.

00:35:59It was terrible.

00:36:01There's nothing there now.

00:36:03I'll take a look outside.

00:36:04This has been the worst night of my life.

00:36:07Oh, I am most terribly sorry.

00:36:09Oh, so am I, Mr. Price.

00:36:11So am I.

00:36:12Sorry that I shall have to leave.

00:36:15What?

00:36:16This entire production has been doomed from the very beginning.

00:36:19I have tried.

00:36:21And I do so want to be a successful actress.

00:36:24But not in this production.

00:36:26I suppose I can hardly blame you.

00:36:29I'll find a cab to take Miss Barnes home.

00:36:35Here you are, James, old man.

00:36:37This will make you feel better.

00:36:38Thank you, Charles.

00:36:40But I fear I need more than a large brandy.

00:36:42Things will look better in the morning.

00:36:44With all due respect, Lucy, I can see tomorrow bringing nothing but more trouble.

00:36:49I mean, dash it all.

00:36:50I've lost two of my principal players.

00:36:52I can see no alternative but to cancel the rest of the performances.

00:36:55Well, that may be no bad thing.

00:36:56You can concentrate on the next play.

00:36:58There will be no next play, Charles.

00:37:00What do you mean?

00:37:01Well, if Hamlet stops, I stop with it.

00:37:04I have invested every penny I have in the theatre.

00:37:07I'm already stretched to the limit.

00:37:08I haven't even money to pay for understudies.

00:37:10I was relying on a sizable return from Hamlet.

00:37:13And by heaven, I believe it would have been a great success.

00:37:16You can't just give in.

00:37:17I fear I have no choice.

00:37:21You know, legend has it that this theatre is haunted.

00:37:25Of course, I've always scoffed at the idea.

00:37:27But now I begin to wonder if I haven't disturbed some malevolent spirit.

00:37:32There are more things in heaven and earth than I dreamt of in your philosophy, eh, Mr. Price?

00:37:36Quite so, Lucy.

00:37:38Quite so.

00:37:38Aye, but that was Denmark in a play.

00:37:41This is London in real life.

00:37:43No, I reckon all this to do is the work of a man, not a ghost.

00:37:47Oh, I wish I could be so sure, Lucy.

00:37:50Ask yourself a few questions.

00:37:52Such as?

00:37:53Well, have you got any enemies?

00:37:55None that I know of.

00:37:56I've always tried to behave like a decent sort of chap.

00:37:59I can vouch for that, Lucy.

00:38:00I know of no one here who is better liked than James.

00:38:03That's very kind of you, Charles.

00:38:04No, no, it's the truth.

00:38:05All the same, you might have just done something to someone once upon a time,

00:38:10without realising it.

00:38:11Think on.

00:38:12Yes, I will.

00:38:14In the meantime, we'd best get on with planning tomorrow night's performance.

00:38:18How?

00:38:19Well, for starters, I could play Ophelia.

00:38:23What?

00:38:24But, I mean, do you think you can?

00:38:28Aye, Elsa wouldn't have offered.

00:38:29Well, I must say, and please don't be offended, my dear Lucy,

00:38:34I have been rather surprised by your knowledge of the Bard.

00:38:37I suppose you think we're all white folks and Wordsworth, communing with rocks.

00:38:40No, no, I didn't mean that.

00:38:42Listen, Uncle, the answer lies in Miss Murgatroyd.

00:38:45Who?

00:38:46The village schoolmistress.

00:38:47As fine a teacher as you could meet anywhere.

00:38:50She used to make us learn speeches.

00:38:52Hmm.

00:38:54You're not right convinced, are you?

00:38:58Listen.

00:38:58There's fennel for you, and Columbine.

00:39:04There's rue for you, and here's some for me.

00:39:07We may call it a Herber Grace for Sundays.

00:39:10Oh, you must wear your rue with a difference.

00:39:13There's a daisy.

00:39:14I would give you some violets, but they withered all when my father died.

00:39:19They say I made a good end.

00:39:21It's the song next.

00:39:22Shall I sing it?

00:39:24I am quite sure you sing like an angel.

00:39:27Well, what do you think, James?

00:39:30Well, it was very good.

00:39:32Now, look, if Lucy is prepared to play Ophelia, then I shall tackle Hamlet.

00:39:39I played the part at Cambridge, remember?

00:39:41Oh, how could I forget?

00:39:42You were brilliant.

00:39:43Well, I suppose you're very kind.

00:39:46And I seem to recall that you tried to persuade me to join you in the thespian life,

00:39:50but that was some years ago.

00:39:52I reckon you could do it, Uncle.

00:39:54Thank you, my dear.

00:39:55You take heart from Lucy's spirit, old friend.

00:39:58I do.

00:39:59Mr. Price, do you have any alternative?

00:40:01Well, no.

00:40:02I don't think I do.

00:40:03Right.

00:40:04Now, if I were you, I'd get off to Fleet Street.

00:40:07Get tonight's calamity in tomorrow's papers.

00:40:09Disaster strikes, but show goes on.

00:40:11It'll have them flocking in.

00:40:13You mean they'll come expecting another mishap?

00:40:15Does it matter?

00:40:17What have you got to lose?

00:40:18Tendering it thus, you'll tender me a fool.

00:40:33My lord, he hath importuned me with love in honourable fashion.

00:40:36Ay, fashion you may call...

00:40:38Oh, blimey.

00:40:40Blimey?

00:40:41I've just seen the speech.

00:40:42They see a Pelloni fella's got coming.

00:40:44Look how long it is.

00:40:45Oh, that's all right, Mr. Grout.

00:40:47You don't have to read it all.

00:40:49Just give me my cue.

00:40:50Cue?

00:40:51I say, Lucy, have you finished with Grout?

00:40:52I could do with a hand with my lines.

00:40:55Yes, certainly, Uncle.

00:40:56I think I've just about learned mine.

00:40:57Wish I could say the same.

00:40:58Such a long time since I've acted,

00:41:00I keep getting to be or not to be confused with

00:41:02now is the winter of our discontent.

00:41:04Do you think the audience will know the difference?

00:41:07Well, I'm afraid the Times Theatre critic will.

00:41:08We'll be as right as rain, you'll see.

00:41:11We must look upon it as a challenge, my dear.

00:41:13And you, Mr. Grout, had best be in the audience.

00:41:15Well, me?

00:41:16Aye, me and Uncle Charles are going to be a bit busy.

00:41:19You'll have to be on look-out.

00:41:20Oh, now, do I have to?

00:41:21I mean, watch your play.

00:41:22I'm afraid so, old chap.

00:41:24Oh.

00:41:27Oh, it is true.

00:41:29How smart a lash that speech does give my conscience.

00:41:33The harlot's cheek, beautied with clustering heart,

00:41:36is not more than...

00:41:37So far so good, Charles, old chap.

00:41:38Then is my deed...

00:41:40Yes, I think it's going rather well.

00:41:42Oh, heavy burden.

00:41:43I hear him coming.

00:41:45Let's withdraw thy...

00:41:47Excuse me, James.

00:41:54To be or not to be?

00:41:58That is the question.

00:42:00Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the...

00:42:06Soft you now, the fair Ophelia.

00:42:17Nymph, in thy orisons be all my sins remembered.

00:42:21Good my lord, how does your honour this many a day?

00:42:24This is rubbish.

00:42:25I've never seen such devil.

00:42:27I humbly thank you.

00:42:30Well, well, well...

00:42:32My lord, I have...

00:42:33Get off stage!

00:42:35Now, look here, you.

00:42:38As far as I can see, most of the folks in here want to watch this play without you making a nuisance of yourselves.

00:42:44So, if you don't like it, I suggest you clear off and let us get on with it.

00:42:50Yes, yes, yes, well...

00:42:53My lord, I have remembrances of yours that I have long and long...

00:42:58Oh, my goodness.

00:43:02Oh, my goodness.

00:43:04Bravo!

00:43:05That was splendid.

00:43:08Well done, both of you.

00:43:09How can I ever thank you?

00:43:11Oh, no.

00:43:13No thanks necessary, I assure you.

00:43:15No, I right enjoyed myself.

00:43:17It beats the Hadrian Bridge on your pants, oh.

00:43:20Mr. Craddock, sir.

00:43:21Mr. Craddock.

00:43:22Ah, Craddock.

00:43:23How was your first experience of Shakespeare?

00:43:25Well, to be honest, sir, I missed the second half.

00:43:30What?

00:43:30But I told you...

00:43:31I'm begging your pardon, sir.

00:43:32After Miss Lucy had seen off those two loudmouth ruffians, I thought I'd best follow her.

00:43:37Oh, good thinking, Mr. Craddock.

00:43:39Go on.

00:43:40Well, sir, they went to a tavern about a mile from here, the Turk's head.

00:43:44And they met up with a tall, grand-looking general, at least ways he might have been grand once.

00:43:48Looked a bit down on his luck, if you know what I mean.

00:43:50Yes, continue, Craddock, do.

00:43:52Well, they got into a tight little ladle, so I was able to get up close.

00:43:55And I couldn't hear much, but I did hear one of the rogues call him Mr. Weatherby.

00:44:01And I noticed his handkerchief.

00:44:05Monogrammed, it was.

00:44:06R. W.

00:44:08Rufus Weatherby.

00:44:09You know him, James?

00:44:10Well, I know of him, as do most people in the theatre.

00:44:14Rather a sad story, actually.

00:44:15He showed considerable promise as a young actor.

00:44:18It was said he would be the next Henry Irving, but it never happened.

00:44:22It must be years since he had a decent part.

00:44:24And I take it you're one of those hard-hearted theatre managers who have turned him down.

00:44:28Well, that's just it.

00:44:28I'm not.

00:44:29I've not been in business here long enough for him to find his way to my door.

00:44:32All the same.

00:44:33Sounds like he's our man.

00:44:34Good work, Crout.

00:44:35Well, I suppose I'd better put the matter in the hands of the police.

00:44:38Oh, no, you mustn't do that.

00:44:40Why not?

00:44:40Well, for a start, what's he actually done?

00:44:42What can you prove?

00:44:43No, no, no.

00:44:44That is not the way.

00:44:45Besides, from what you've said, I can't see Mr. Weatherby himself being behind this.

00:44:49But chances are he's working for someone.

00:44:52I agree, Uncle.

00:44:53And if I fancy, he'll be back and try something different next time.

00:44:58If we can catch him in the act, we shall have him trussed up like a Christmas goose.

00:45:03Then we might discover who's behind all this.

00:45:05Well, how do you propose we catch him?

00:45:07Well, me Uncle Jed.

00:45:09Oh, yes.

00:45:10Whenever he had a problem with poachers, used to sit and watch all night.

00:45:15A vigil, he called it.

00:45:16And that's what I shall have tonight.

00:45:19A vigil.

00:45:19What, here?

00:45:21In the theatre?

00:45:21Aye.

00:45:22Lucy, my dear girl, I really am most terribly grateful for what you're proposing to do.

00:45:28But I must counsel against it.

00:45:30Oh, aye, why's that?

00:45:32Well, I know you rather dismissed the idea of there being a ghost.

00:45:35But this place becomes quite fearsome after dark.

00:45:38The very witching hour, as Hamlet puts it.

00:45:40I beg you, don't jest.

00:45:41Oh, don't worry, I'm very serious.

00:45:43Tell me, Mr. Price, will Weatherby know about this legend of the ghost?

00:45:49I imagine most actors know about it, yes.

00:45:51Right.

00:45:52I reckon I could use that to my advantage.

00:45:55Do I smell a plot, Lucy?

00:45:56You know me, Uncle.

00:46:02I wonder if he's ever going to come.

00:46:04I was just thinking the same.

00:46:06It must be well past midnight.

00:46:08I'm right glad you're here, Uncle.

00:46:10No, it's not so much the dark.

00:46:13But I'm used to the sound of the woods at night.

00:46:15This is different.

00:46:16Yes.

00:46:17The atmosphere.

00:46:18Yes!

00:46:20Uncle.

00:46:21Link's almost coming through the stalls.

00:46:23Our friend Weatherby, no doubt.

00:46:26He's getting up onto the stage.

00:46:29Good heavens.

00:46:31He's cutting the scenery to ribbons.

00:46:33We'd best get started, then.

00:46:36Yes, right.

00:46:41What's that?

00:46:43Who's that?

00:46:44This is not my doing.

00:46:54I was made to.

00:46:57I made no harm.

00:46:59It was Radford.

00:47:03It was Rick Radford.

00:47:05He told me to do it.

00:47:07Told me to put the theatre out of business.

00:47:10For pity's sake.

00:47:15For pity's sake.

00:47:18I think he's told us all he knows.

00:47:20Right, Uncle.

00:47:21I think he's had about enough.

00:47:22Let me deal with it.

00:47:25Mr. Weatherby.

00:47:26What?

00:47:27Who are you?

00:47:28Let's just say I'm a friend of Mr. Price's.

00:47:31The man you've been trying to ruin.

00:47:32So you mean all this?

00:47:34The noises?

00:47:35A trick?

00:47:36How dare you?

00:47:37No point getting angry, Mr. Weatherby.

00:47:39That won't do any good.

00:47:40Not after what you've just told us.

00:47:42Damn you, girl.

00:47:43Damn you.

00:47:43I suggest you calm down and listen.

00:47:45Unless you want to go to prison, that is.

00:47:47For ripping some scenery.

00:47:49I think you've done a sight more than that.

00:47:51Causing Hamlet to break his leg.

00:47:53Drugging Miss Barnes's tea.

00:47:54Running over Polonius in a cab.

00:47:56I think that would get you quite a long sentence, Mr. Weatherby.

00:48:00Prison?

00:48:01Not me, surely not.

00:48:02In the eyes of a judge, you're no different from any other rogue.

00:48:06Very well, very well.

00:48:07What do you want from me?

00:48:08I want you to go to this Radford fella.

00:48:11Tell him Mr. Price is prepared to sell this theatre.

00:48:13And he'll meet Mr. Radford here at five o'clock tomorrow.

00:48:17Have you got that?

00:48:17Yes.

00:48:18And not a word about what's happened here tonight.

00:48:20Don't worry.

00:48:21I shall do as you say.

00:48:22Now may I go?

00:48:23Aye.

00:48:24And if I were you, in future, I'd stay clear of the likes of Mr. Rex Radford.

00:48:31Tell me, Mr. Crowe, what do you know about the library at the British Museum?

00:48:35Oh, enough.

00:48:37It depends what you're looking for.

00:48:38If it's something to read you want, Lucy, help yourself to anything from the shop.

00:48:41I don't think you've got what's in need, Uncle.

00:48:43And what might that be?

00:48:44There has to be a reason for all the doings down at the theatre.

00:48:48Well, I assumed Mr. Radford would explain his motives this afternoon.

00:48:51Happen he will.

00:48:52But how will we know if he's telling the truth?

00:48:55Ah, you've got a point there.

00:48:57Besides, my Uncle Jed says if you want to stop a fox eating your chickens, you've got to get to the coop before he does.

00:49:03You know, I'm getting just a bit tired of Uncle Jed, Lucy.

00:49:06I've got a theory.

00:49:08I want to test it.

00:49:09Very well.

00:49:10They know me down at the British Museum.

00:49:11I'll give you a letter of introduction.

00:49:13Oh, thank you, Uncle.

00:49:14I made my way by cab to the British Museum.

00:49:17They were right impressed when they heard I was related to Uncle Charles and said I could look at anything I wanted.

00:49:23But first off, I had to get my bearings.

00:49:26I'd never seen so many books.

00:49:28It took me a good two hours to find what I was looking for.

00:49:31But find it, I did.

00:49:34We got to the theatre just in time.

00:49:37Mr. Price stood on the stage to wait for Radford.

00:49:39I hid in the wings and Uncle Charles was near the entrance, ready to lock the door once our visitor was inside.

00:49:45After a few minutes, he arrived.

00:49:48He looked slowly round the auditorium and made his way without hurry towards Mr. Price.

00:49:55Mr. Radford?

00:49:57Price.

00:49:59I received your message.

00:50:01How much do you want?

00:50:03Before we discuss business, I have one or two questions.

00:50:05I owe you no explanation.

00:50:07You have tried to ruin me, sir.

00:50:10My friends have been hurt.

00:50:12Casualties of war.

00:50:13What?

00:50:14This theatre is rightfully mine.

00:50:16Not yours.

00:50:16But that's absurd.

00:50:18Not absurd.

00:50:19I shall waste no more time.

00:50:22Name your son.

00:50:23I have changed my mind.

00:50:25The theatre is no longer for sale.

00:50:27Don't guest with me.

00:50:28I'm not.

00:50:29In that case, I must take what is mine.

00:50:32Put that down.

00:50:33You have betrayed me.

00:50:34Look out, Mr. Price.

00:50:36Ah!

00:50:37How could you do that?

00:50:39Be silent!

00:50:40James?

00:50:41It's all right, Charles.

00:50:42Keep away from him, Lucy.

00:50:44You might have killed him.

00:50:45Don't provoke me.

00:50:46I understand you.

00:50:47You are dust or nothing.

00:50:49Let go of her.

00:50:50Stay back.

00:50:51Or she dies.

00:50:53If you harm her, I shall do what I must.

00:50:57You can't escape, you know.

00:50:59Perhaps I do not want to.

00:51:01Uncle!

00:51:01Keep back or I'll shoot!

00:51:04Where are you taking me?

00:51:06A chamber.

00:51:07Deep beneath the theatre.

00:51:09Uncle!

00:51:10Be quiet!

00:51:13There's the chamber.

00:51:15Here.

00:51:16Inside.

00:51:16I can't see a thing.

00:51:18Inside!

00:51:20Are you going to leave that open?

00:51:23No one can find us here.

00:51:24Are we going to die?

00:51:28Is that what you want?

00:51:29If I cannot liberate my ancestors, I must join them.

00:51:33What about me?

00:51:36What about me?

00:51:37They reach out to me.

00:51:41Listen.

00:51:43I do know about this place.

00:51:45What?

00:51:46How can you?

00:51:48The King's Theatre.

00:51:50Believed to be on the side of an ancient burial ground.

00:51:53You know that?

00:51:55Your ancestors?

00:51:57Yes.

00:51:58Yes.

00:51:59Grabbed.

00:52:01Desincrated.

00:52:02They cannot rest.

00:52:03I must bring them peace.

00:52:06If not...

00:52:07Yes?

00:52:08All is lost.

00:52:11And I suppose...

00:52:13Death.

00:52:15I did not...

00:52:16I did not choose this task, but it has fallen to me.

00:52:19And I must do as I am bidden.

00:52:22There is no other way.

00:52:23There might be.

00:52:24No!

00:52:28Mr. Atford, listen.

00:52:31There's a place near us.

00:52:34On Wolston Top.

00:52:35A stone circle.

00:52:37If you go there of an evening, just as the sun goes down, it goes right still.

00:52:44The spirits of the dead.

00:52:47The spirits of the dead.

00:52:48At peace.

00:52:49Aye.

00:52:51But what I feel in here, it's...

00:52:53It's not peaceful.

00:52:56Souls in torment.

00:52:57I don't know what you mean.

00:53:01About the dead wanting to be left in peace.

00:53:04But if there's more killing now, how's that going to help?

00:53:09Two bullets.

00:53:11Look, I know you want to help them, but if you're dead, how can you?

00:53:16I don't know.

00:53:19What else can I do?

00:53:22You can help me to live.

00:53:25I don't want to die.

00:53:28Are you telling me you could sit there calm as you like and shoot me?

00:53:34Are you?

00:53:36No.

00:53:37I do not wish to kill you.

00:53:39It'll solve nothing.

00:53:42But as for me...

00:53:43Please don't.

00:53:45Lucy.

00:53:47Lucy.

00:53:48Can you hear me?

00:53:51My uncle.

00:53:54Let's open the door, shall we?

00:53:56I have failed.

00:53:58No.

00:53:58You've found a better way.

00:54:03Shall I call him?

00:54:06Very well.

00:54:11Uncle Charles?

00:54:13Over here.

00:54:15We shall sort something out.

00:54:18You'll see.

00:54:23Well, Mr Price, it looks like you'll be able to stay in business now.

00:54:27Yes.

00:54:27Thanks to you.

00:54:29And to you, Charles.

00:54:31I wonder what will happen to poor Mr Radford.

00:54:33Poor Mr Radford.

00:54:35He might have killed you.

00:54:36Aye.

00:54:37But I can't help feeling sorry for him.

00:54:39He thought he was doing what he had to do.

00:54:41I suppose so.

00:54:43He's profoundly disturbed.

00:54:44The doctors say he may never return to normal.

00:54:47I hope you don't mind, Mr Price.

00:54:49But I took the liberty of visiting my new chums at the British Museum this morning.

00:54:53But why should I mind?

00:54:54Well, it seems they'd like to do some excavating under your theatre.

00:54:58With your permission, of course.

00:55:00They reckon they can get access from that chamber to a series of tunnels.

00:55:04What?

00:55:05And find some of Radford's ancestors?

00:55:07Yes.

00:55:08I thought if they did find something, it might put his mind at rest.

00:55:11In the circumstances, I think that might be the right thing to do.

00:55:15Thank you, Mr Price.

00:55:17Don't mention it.

00:55:19But there is something you might do for me in return.

00:55:22Oh, aye?

00:55:23Yes.

00:55:24Your Ophelia and your Uncle Samnit have received a good deal of attention.

00:55:28And I might add a number of favourable comments.

00:55:32I wondered if you might like to see out the rest of the run.

00:55:35Oh, I say.

00:55:37Well, that sounds like fun.

00:55:40What do you think, Lucy?

00:55:41There's good reason why Christmas comes but once a year.

00:55:45And why's that?

00:55:46That way it stays special.

00:55:48Besides, Uncle, you know as well as I do, the way you lead your life,

00:55:52we never know where we'll be from one day to the next.

00:55:55So I'm afraid the answer's no, Mr Price.

00:55:58Oh.

00:55:59Well, that's a pity.

00:56:01And mind you, if you ever think of doing Romeo and Juliet,

00:56:05I've always had a fancy to play Juliet.

00:56:11I've always had a fancy to play Juliet.

00:56:41Craddock & Co. was produced by John Taylor

00:56:44and written and directed by Chris Thompson.

00:56:56Craddock & Co.

00:56:58Tales of a Victorian Detective by Chris Thompson.

00:57:03With Martin Jarvis as Charles Craddock

00:57:06and Emma Tate as Lucy Greenwood.

00:57:11Today's story,

00:57:14My Dear Isabelle.

00:57:21After three months that we're feeling almost comfortable in London,

00:57:25home seemed a long way away.

00:57:28Mind you,

00:57:28if I thought that was to be the limit of my travels,

00:57:31I were wrong.

00:57:32Good morning, Miss.

00:57:36Can I help you?

00:57:37I hope so, yes.

00:57:39I am looking for Mr Craddock.

00:57:42Is she in?

00:57:43Uh, yes, Miss.

00:57:45I'll just get him for you.

00:57:48Uncle Charles!

00:57:50Ah, so you are Mr Charles' niece.

00:57:52Yes, Miss.

00:57:54You are very pretty.

00:57:55Oh, thank you, Miss.

00:57:56Yes, Lucy.

00:58:01Isabel.

00:58:03My dear Isabel.

00:58:06Hello, Charles.

00:58:09It is so good to see you.

00:58:13My dear,

00:58:14dear Isabel.

00:58:16Um,

00:58:20why don't we go through to the drawing room?

00:58:23I'll make a nice cup of tea.

00:58:26Yes.

00:58:27Thank you, Lucy.

00:58:33Pretty, you say?

00:58:34More than that, Mr Grout.

00:58:36She's downright beautiful.

00:58:38And her name's Isabel?

00:58:40Yeah.

00:58:41Yeah.

00:58:42That'll be her, then.

00:58:44About 15 years ago, it would be.

00:58:46He was like a lovesick puppy.

00:58:48Wondered about in a trance for weeks.

00:58:51You mean Uncle Charles was in love with her?

00:58:53Well, that'd be a way of putting it, I dare say.

00:58:56And did she love him?

00:58:57Yeah, so it seemed.

00:58:59Then why did they never marry?

00:59:01Well,

00:59:02well, the master's never talked about this, you understand,

00:59:05but from what I gather,

00:59:07she went back to marry some important French gent.

00:59:10It was a matter of honour, you see.

00:59:14They set a deal of store by honour,

00:59:16them kind of people.

00:59:17How sad.

00:59:19Yeah, it was.

00:59:20I wonder what's brought her back.

00:59:23Well, if you take them tea things in,

00:59:25you might find out.

00:59:28Shall I pour it out?

00:59:30Thank you, Lucy.

00:59:32Lucy, I have a favour to ask of you.

00:59:35Oh, aye.

00:59:36It is my intention to travel to Dover

00:59:38just as soon as I can pack some things

00:59:40and to catch the first available sale into Calais.

00:59:42I shall, of course, take Grout with me

00:59:44and we may be gone a few days.

00:59:46I have to go to Paris with Madame Valence.

00:59:50In my absence,

00:59:50I should like you to look after the shop.

00:59:52Begging your pardon, Uncle,

00:59:54but I don't think that's very fair.

00:59:56You know,

00:59:56I have every confidence in your ability

00:59:57to run the business, my dear.

00:59:59Oh, aye, so have I.

01:00:00It's not that that's bothering me.

01:00:02Well, then.

01:00:02Well, it's just,

01:00:04I wouldn't mind a visit to Paris myself.

01:00:07It is not going to be a holiday, Lucy.

01:00:09I didn't imagine it would be.

01:00:10And I need you here.

01:00:12Mais ce n'est pas juste, mon oncle.

01:00:15Je voudrais beaucoup rendre une visite à Paris.

01:00:18Vous parlez très bien français, Lucy.

01:00:21Merci, Madame.

01:00:22Vous êtes très gentille.

01:00:23Do I detect the hand of the estimable

01:00:25Miss Murgatroyd, Lucy?

01:00:27Oui, I mean yes, Uncle.

01:00:29Miss Murgatroyd?

01:00:30Lucy's village schoolmistress,

01:00:32and evidently a considerable woman.

01:00:34I think that's a niece's skills

01:00:36we may find useful, Charles.

01:00:37Yes, she usually has.

01:00:39Does that mean I can come?

01:00:41Very well.

01:00:42Tell Grout to pack for three.

01:00:44I dare say we can shut up shop for a few days.

01:00:46Oh, thank you, Uncle.

01:00:48And don't worry,

01:00:49I'll do my own packing.

01:00:54Are you warm enough, Lucy?

01:00:55Yes, thank you, Uncle.

01:00:57And how is Madame Valence?

01:00:58She's having a rest in her cabin.

01:01:00And don't you wish to do the same?

01:01:01Oh, no, not me.

01:01:03I'm far too excited.

01:01:06I expect you'd like me to tell you

01:01:08what this is all about.

01:01:09Only if you've a mind to.

01:01:11I'm not one to pry.

01:01:12You're not prying, Lucy,

01:01:14and I'd like to tell you.

01:01:17Isabelle's husband,

01:01:19Monsieur Alain Valence,

01:01:21has been kidnapped.

01:01:22Oh, no!

01:01:23The poor woman.

01:01:24She must be worried sick.

01:01:26She is very brave.

01:01:28But underneath...

01:01:29Not knowing where he is,

01:01:30how he's been treated,

01:01:31it could even be...

01:01:33Exactly.

01:01:35Isabelle has received a demand for ransom.

01:01:38A huge sum,

01:01:39one she cannot possibly pay.

01:01:41Why, Uncle?

01:01:42Why him?

01:01:43Who knows?

01:01:44Her husband is a diplomat.

01:01:45He arranges state visits,

01:01:47that kind of thing.

01:01:48Perhaps they believe him to be a wealthy man.

01:01:50What about the gendarmes?

01:01:51Can't they do anything?

01:01:52Isabelle dare not tell the authorities

01:01:54for fear of what the kidnappers might do.

01:01:56I see.

01:01:58Well, if you ask me,

01:02:01she's turned to the right man.

01:02:03I don't know, Lucy.

01:02:05I only hope I can repay the trust

01:02:08that she is showing in me.

01:02:09You'll think of something, Uncle.

01:02:11I'm sure you will.

01:02:13Bonjour, madame.

01:02:18Bonjour, Lucy.

01:02:20I'm surprised you have been out and about so early.

01:02:23Are you not tired after the journey?

01:02:25Oh, no, not when there's so much to see.

01:02:28I've been up since six exploring.

01:02:30I've come back for a bit of summer to eat

01:02:32and then I'm off out again.

01:02:33Madame Verdrier will give you

01:02:35whatever you want for breakfast.

01:02:37Oh, do you know what I saw

01:02:39in the Jardin du Luxembourg?

01:02:40Like hot air balloons, masses of them.

01:02:43It is something of a national obsession.

01:02:47There is at present a very big gathering in Paris.

01:02:50Balloonists from all over the world.

01:02:52Oh, I wish I could go up in one.

01:02:55Perhaps you shall.

01:02:56Good morning, Isabelle.

01:02:58Lucy.

01:02:59Bonjour, Charles.

01:03:00Hello, Uncle.

01:03:01My dear, I have decided how we should proceed.

01:03:04Oh.

01:03:05Yes, I fear we have little option but to pay the ransom.

01:03:08I do not wish to see your husband in danger

01:03:10for a minute longer than is necessary.

01:03:12That is very gallant, Charles,

01:03:13but as I have told you,

01:03:14I do not have that amount of money.

01:03:15I believe I can raise the sum.

01:03:18While I have no great personal wealth,

01:03:20I do have many friends who've had cause

01:03:21to be grateful to me over the years.

01:03:23Including me?

01:03:25I had better begin.

01:03:26There is much to do.

01:03:27I intend to spend the morning in the telegraph office

01:03:29contacting my friends.

01:03:31Then I shall return

01:03:32and await instructions from the kidnappers.

01:03:34Please!

01:03:36Do nothing that will cause you any danger.

01:03:39I fear some danger is inevitable

01:03:41for I intend to pursue the fellow who collects the ransom.

01:03:45I shall do all I can to protect your...

01:03:47your husband.

01:03:48But if I can bring these cowards to justice,

01:03:51then I shall.

01:03:52I have faith in your judgment.

01:03:56I shall endeavour to merit that faith.

01:04:00Right.

01:04:00Well, I think I'll go and see Madame Verdrier

01:04:03about one of them croissants.

01:04:06When I had my breakfast,

01:04:07I left my uncle with Madame Valance

01:04:09and took myself off to the British Embassy.

01:04:12Sir Aubrey Black?

01:04:13Yes.

01:04:14Very good of you to see me, sir,

01:04:15especially at such short notice.

01:04:17Miss, uh...

01:04:18Greenwood.

01:04:19Lucy Greenwood.

01:04:20I understand.

01:04:21You're some kind of student.

01:04:23That's right, sir.

01:04:24I'm over at the Subban for a year.

01:04:26Really?

01:04:27What can I do for you?

01:04:28Well, I'm making a study of French political life.

01:04:31Fascinating people, the French, you know.

01:04:33Well-versed in what you might call the political arts.

01:04:36Oh, aye.

01:04:37I've met one of their top fellas.

01:04:39What's his name?

01:04:40Um, Monsieur Valance.

01:04:41Do you know him?

01:04:42Well, yes, I know him, of course,

01:04:45but I'd hardly call him a top fella.

01:04:48Oh, dash, nice chap and all that.

01:04:49Not a bad bridge player, as a matter of fact,

01:04:51but there's bigger fish in the pond, believe me.

01:04:54Oh.

01:04:55It's just that I thought, well,

01:04:57with him organising the state visit...

01:04:59Well, how do you know about that?

01:05:02I thought everybody knew.

01:05:03It's supposed to be a state secret.

01:05:05You know Paris, Sir Aubrey.

01:05:06Can't keep a secret here.

01:05:08Apparently not.

01:05:08So, if this Mr. Valance weren't around,

01:05:12the visit would carry on regardless?

01:05:14But of course it would.

01:05:15Valance can make no difference to the success of the visit.

01:05:18The only person who is crucial

01:05:20is the honoured guest, the Crown Prince himself.

01:05:24Hmm.

01:05:25I see.

01:05:28Very well.

01:05:28I have the money,

01:05:29and I have the instructions from the kidnappers.

01:05:31Where do you have to go, Uncle?

01:05:32I'm to take the money

01:05:33and wait in front of the Cathedral of Notre Dame,

01:05:36where I will be met by a courier.

01:05:38How will they know you?

01:05:39I'm to wear a silk scarf and carry an ebony cane.

01:05:41You are very brave.

01:05:43I do what I must.

01:05:44You'll let me come, won't you, Mr. Charles?

01:05:46No, Grout.

01:05:47Your place must be here with Madame Valance.

01:05:50It will be a comfort to me to know you are with her.

01:05:53Does that mean you won't need me either?

01:05:55Lucy, I know you have proved your worth in the past,

01:05:58but this time, thank you, no.

01:06:01No.

01:06:03And now, I must prepare to leave.

01:06:06Right.

01:06:07In that case, I'll carry on looking round Paris.

01:06:10Yes, Lucy.

01:06:12That is the best thing you can do.

01:06:15I told a bit of a fib, actually, about sightseeing.

01:06:19I mean, I hadn't seen Notre Dame yet,

01:06:22so following me uncle there gave me the chance.

01:06:26Something didn't seem quite right.

01:06:29Uncle Charles got to Notre Dame on time.

01:06:31He waited, and he waited,

01:06:33but no one came.

01:06:36I decided it was time to do something.

01:06:42Uncle Charles!

01:06:44Uncle Charles!

01:06:46Lucy!

01:06:47What are you doing here?

01:06:48Well, I had to see Notre Dame, didn't I?

01:06:50It's on my list.

01:06:51Besides, I thought you'd be long gone.

01:06:54Yes, so did I.

01:06:56It's lovely, isn't it?

01:06:58What?

01:06:59The cathedral.

01:07:00It's lovely.

01:07:02Oh, yes.

01:07:03Yes, it is.

01:07:05I don't think they're coming, do you?

01:07:07The kidnappers?

01:07:09I fear not.

01:07:11But why?

01:07:12What does it mean?

01:07:15Uncle,

01:07:16I think we best get back to Madame Galantz.

01:07:20Come on.

01:07:22Yes.

01:07:23Yes, you're right, Lucy.

01:07:28Isabel.

01:07:31Isabel.

01:07:33What's that?

01:07:34Listen.

01:07:37Through here.

01:07:39What?

01:07:39Good grief, Grant.

01:07:42Lucy, remove the gag while I cut the rope.

01:07:46Oh, thank you, miss.

01:07:49Where is Madame Galantz?

01:07:50Grant, where in heaven's name is she?

01:07:53I'm sorry, sir.

01:07:54I couldn't do nothing.

01:07:55It all happened so quick.

01:07:56What?

01:07:57Well, two men, they rushed in.

01:07:58I didn't know what hit me.

01:07:59What about Isabel?

01:08:01I'm sorry, sir, but they took her away.

01:08:05You damned fool!

01:08:06I left you in charge.

01:08:07I'm sure Mr. Grote did his best on me.

01:08:09Well, his best wasn't good enough, was it,

01:08:11if anything should happen to Isabel.

01:08:12They left you this note, sir.

01:08:14Give it to me.

01:08:18What does it say, Uncle?

01:08:20Never mind what it says.

01:08:23I have to go out.

01:08:24At once.

01:08:25Mr. Craddock, sir.

01:08:26Yes?

01:08:27I want you to know how sorry I am.

01:08:30It's too late to be sorry now, Grote.

01:08:35I'd do anything with the master, you know, miss.

01:08:37I know, Mr. Grote.

01:08:38I'd die for him.

01:08:40I'm sure it won't come to that.

01:08:41I'd throw myself under a runaway coach and fall.

01:08:44I'd jump on.

01:08:44Send for Madame Vergier.

01:08:47Now then, Mr. Grote, the best thing you can do is to help get Madame Valance back home safe and sound.

01:08:53I don't see how I can do that.

01:08:55Did you get a good look at them?

01:08:57Well, depends what you mean by a good look.

01:09:01Did you ring, Mademoiselle?

01:09:04Oh, yes, Madame Vergier.

01:09:05Do you think you could bring a pot of strong coffee for Mr. Grote here?

01:09:09Oh, and some brandy.

01:09:10Ring, Mademoiselle.

01:09:11No, Mr. Grote.

01:09:13We were talking about descriptions.

01:09:15Oh, I don't know, aren't I?

01:09:16Think, Mr. Grote, think.

01:09:18Well, they were both French.

01:09:20Yes.

01:09:21And one was tall.

01:09:23And the other, well, he wasn't quite so tall.

01:09:28Can you be more exact, Mr. Grote?

01:09:30Well, I'll tell you what I did notice about them.

01:09:33Yes?

01:09:34They were a right cocky pair of devils.

01:09:36What do you mean?

01:09:37Well, once they got me all tied up and blown me if they didn't stop and have a bite to eat.

01:09:42What?

01:09:43Yeah, while one of them's writing a note for Mr. Charles, the other one digs out a piece of linen like a napkin

01:09:48and takes some bread and cheese from it.

01:09:50And then they sit there like they're having a picnic, munching away and grinning like a pair of treasured cats.

01:09:55Is this the cloth on the table here?

01:09:57Yeah, yeah, that's the one.

01:10:00Hmm, I can smell cheese all right.

01:10:05A sight stronger than Lancashire, I can tell you.

01:10:07Yeah, I don't know how they eat the stuff.

01:10:10If you want my opinion of French food, yeah.

01:10:12Gofie a grand, mademoiselle.

01:10:13Oh, thank you, madame.

01:10:15We'll have it on the table here if you don't mind.

01:10:18Will there be anything else?

01:10:19There is one thing.

01:10:21Mademoiselle?

01:10:22This cloth.

01:10:23Would you mind smelling it?

01:10:24As you wish.

01:10:28Do you recognize that smell?

01:10:31Oui, bien sûr.

01:10:32And?

01:10:33C'est du fromage.

01:10:34Well, yes, I know it's fromage, but does it have a name?

01:10:38Oui, naturellement.

01:10:40Bleu de Montfort.

01:10:41Oh, it is a farmhouse cheese made only in Montfort-les-Arbres, about 20 kilometres north of Paris.

01:10:48I was brought up near there.

01:10:50It is one of the smells of my childhood.

01:10:53And the village is the only place you can buy it?

01:10:55Oui.

01:10:56Not enough is made for sale anywhere else.

01:10:59Beside it is what you call...

01:11:00An acquired taste.

01:11:02Yeah, well, I'm not surprised.

01:11:04Thank you, madame.

01:11:05You've been right helpful.

01:11:06Je vous en prie.

01:11:08Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Mr. Grote?

01:11:14No, absolutely not.

01:11:15But don't you at least want to hear what I found out?

01:11:18I think I know where Madame Valance is being kept.

01:11:21Don't you understand plain English?

01:11:23You are not to concern yourself with this.

01:11:25In fact, you have to forget all about it.

01:11:27And that goes for you too, Grote.

01:11:28Yes, sir.

01:11:29Why won't you let me help you?

01:11:30For the last time, I want nothing from you.

01:11:33Nothing at all.

01:11:34I have everything in hand.

01:11:37Is that understood?

01:11:38Yes, sir.

01:11:39Lucy?

01:11:40Plain as porridge, Uncle.

01:11:42Good.

01:11:43Now, I'm going to my room.

01:11:46And I do not wish to be disturbed.

01:11:49Phew.

01:11:50I've not seen Uncle Charles like that before.

01:11:53That's what the note was about earlier, don't you see?

01:11:56Right now, miss, I don't see nothing.

01:11:59It's as plain as day.

01:12:00Either he's being threatened, or more likely, they've threatened to harm Madame Isabel.

01:12:05But you heard what Mr. Craddock said.

01:12:07I mean, do nothing.

01:12:08That's never been my way, Mr. Grote.

01:12:10You know, I've got this feeling that all this is to do with that there state visit.

01:12:15But I don't know how.

01:12:18How do you fancy a trip to Montfort-la-Zarbe?

01:12:21We could set off tomorrow.

01:12:23Crack of dawn.

01:12:23Yeah.

01:12:24Yeah, well, I don't think we should.

01:12:27We must do something, Mr. Grote.

01:12:29We were up and away at sunrise, rattling through the streets of the city, then out into the country.

01:12:39The fields were wrapped in mist, cattle and horses dead still like statues.

01:12:45As we drew near Montfort, we had a bit of a shock.

01:12:48Whoa, steady on there.

01:12:53Don't worry, Mr. Grote, it's our terror balloon.

01:12:55I nearly lost control of the horse just then.

01:12:57Oh, you must admit, though, it's lovely.

01:13:00Coming into land over there, a loop.

01:13:04Just like the ones I saw in Paris.

01:13:06Damn nuisance.

01:13:07Any road, this is it.

01:13:09Montfort-la-Zarbe.

01:13:10Yeah.

01:13:11Not much of it, is there?

01:13:13I think I'll go ask a few questions in the boulangerie.

01:13:16The where?

01:13:17The baker's.

01:13:19Can't you smell that delicious bread?

01:13:21Well, I can now you mention it.

01:13:25Er, Miss, if you're going in there, do you think you might get me a couple of them crescent thingies, you know?

01:13:33I'm a bit peckish, and what with the, you know, the early start and all.

01:13:36I thought you had a pretty low opinion of French food, Mr. Grote.

01:13:40Yeah, well, bread's different, isn't it?

01:13:43Enjoying that, are you, Mr. Grote?

01:13:49Yes, Miss.

01:13:51Well, you can eat it as we walk.

01:13:52Come on.

01:13:53Where are we going?

01:13:56A chateau on the edge of the village.

01:13:59We passed it on our way in.

01:14:01According to the baker, it was rented two weeks since.

01:14:04Oh, I see what you're getting at.

01:14:07Did she say who'd rented it?

01:14:09She wasn't too sure.

01:14:11Whoever it is keeps himself to himself.

01:14:13Sounds like a good place to start.

01:14:16Right.

01:14:25I'm just going to try the front door.

01:14:30We're in luck.

01:14:35Place going to be with a good clean.

01:14:36Yes, but look.

01:14:38In the dust.

01:14:40What?

01:14:40See, there.

01:14:42Footprints.

01:14:43Leading upstairs.

01:14:45I'll go first.

01:14:56They end here.

01:15:00I reckon there's someone behind that door.

01:15:06Locked.

01:15:07Yes, Gila?

01:15:09Madame Veloz.

01:15:10It's me, Madame.

01:15:12Lucy.

01:15:13Lucy, what happened?

01:15:14I'll explain later.

01:15:16We need to get you out as quickly as possible.

01:15:19I could put my shoulder to the door, Miss.

01:15:21No, it'll make too much noise.

01:15:23Oh, well, there.

01:15:24There is another way.

01:15:25What?

01:15:26If I could borrow one of your hairpins, Miss.

01:15:29Why, did you learn to pick locks?

01:15:32I'd rather not say, Miss.

01:15:34I promise I won't tell Uncle Charles.

01:15:36Don't worry, Miss.

01:15:38He knows all about my history.

01:15:41If it wasn't for Mr. Charles, I'll be breaking rocks on Dartmoor.

01:15:44So you've got a miracle past.

01:15:46Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, you can say that, Miss.

01:15:53Yes, that does it.

01:15:57Madame.

01:15:57Lucy, my dear girl.

01:15:59I'm going out.

01:16:00Madame.

01:16:01How did you get here?

01:16:02Never mind that now.

01:16:03He's a belle, chérie.

01:16:04Je ne comprends.

01:16:04Respond, Kiana.

01:16:06My husband is very weak.

01:16:07He has not been well treated.

01:16:08Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, sir.

01:16:10But we'll soon have you out of here.

01:16:11I think we should leave as soon as possible.

01:16:13I don't know exactly, but I fear that your uncle is in great danger.

01:16:16Who's behind all this?

01:16:18Who brought you here?

01:16:19We heard one of the men say his name.

01:16:20What was it?

01:16:21Monsieur.

01:16:22Monsieur.

01:16:24Monsieur Kransky, Madame.

01:16:27Leopold Kransky.

01:16:29Mr. Craddock's deadliest enemy, Madame.

01:16:32I might have known.

01:16:34Mr. Grunt, isn't it?

01:16:36Craddock's lackey?

01:16:37The name's Grout.

01:16:39Permission to grab him, Miss.

01:16:40Don't be foolish. My men are outside.

01:16:42Besides, I mean you no harm.

01:16:43How can you say that?

01:16:44You lock us in here, deprive us of food.

01:16:46Your stay here has fulfilled its purpose, Madame.

01:16:49You are free to go.

01:16:50How can we believe you?

01:16:52You can't, Madame.

01:16:53He ain't to be trusted.

01:16:54The door is open.

01:16:56Your carriage is below.

01:16:57Then I must return to Paris.

01:16:59Look at the time, Isabelle.

01:17:01The reception.

01:17:01Return to Paris by all means.

01:17:04It's a shame you'll be too late.

01:17:05Has this got something to do with me, Uncle?

01:17:07Your Uncle?

01:17:08Charles Craddock.

01:17:09Ah, your uncle.

01:17:12Well, well, well.

01:17:14Yes.

01:17:15As it happens, he is, um...

01:17:18Oh, he's taking care of some business for me.

01:17:21Business?

01:17:21He wouldn't do nothing for the likes of you.

01:17:24Is he in some kind of danger?

01:17:26Mortal danger, I'm afraid.

01:17:28You don't mean to kill him?

01:17:30On the contrary.

01:17:31It's your uncle who will be doing the killing.

01:17:33He will never do such a thing.

01:17:35Not kill somebody.

01:17:36Not knowingly, perhaps.

01:17:38It's the Crown Prince.

01:17:40That's who you're after.

01:17:41Very good, my dear.

01:17:44At twelve noon, your uncle will be presented to the Crown Prince.

01:17:47He will hand him an elaborate wooden box.

01:17:50Inside the box is a pair of opera glasses.

01:17:54The what?

01:17:54His enemies believe the Prince to be a pleasure seeker, more interested in the theatre and the

01:17:59bordello than in affairs of state.

01:18:02The insult will not be lost on him.

01:18:04He will be outraged.

01:18:06Does Uncle Charles know about these glasses?

01:18:08Oh, yes.

01:18:09But he is a man of honour.

01:18:10He is also a man of flesh and blood.

01:18:12He believes that unless he delivers this little present, that I will have you killed, madame.

01:18:18You scoundrel!

01:18:20Mr. Craddock would do anything for your wife, monsieur.

01:18:25I thought you wanted to kill the Prince, not insult him.

01:18:28As his face fills with anger at the sight of his gift and he glares at Craddock, full of

01:18:33shame at what he's done, the box will explode.

01:18:37The Crown Prince will certainly be killed.

01:18:39And my uncle?

01:18:40If the bomb does not finish him, the guillotine will.

01:18:43How can you do such a thing?

01:18:45I'm being paid for it, madame.

01:18:47Handsomely rewarded.

01:18:49But the greatest reward will be the death of Craddock.

01:18:52Now, if you will excuse me.

01:18:54Oh, mon dieu, this is terrible.

01:18:56My poor, poor Charles.

01:18:57No then, madame Ballant, don't get yourself aware, later.

01:19:00But we cannot possibly reach Paris in time.

01:19:02I'm not so sure about that.

01:19:04Are you strong enough to travel, monsieur Valence?

01:19:07I do not think I could walk to Paris.

01:19:09I don't think we'll be walking.

01:19:11Look, Mr. Grout, which way are them trees bending?

01:19:14Well.

01:19:15South and slightly east, I reckon.

01:19:19Come on, everyone.

01:19:21Monsieur!

01:19:22Monsieur!

01:19:23I always said I wanted a ride in one.

01:19:26Oui, vous!

01:19:30I don't think you've any need to parley, France.

01:19:32You say?

01:19:33Aye.

01:19:33Come, you're a northern lass, aren't you?

01:19:35I am!

01:19:36Lucy Greenwood from Rochdale!

01:19:38Pleased to meet you, Lucy.

01:19:39I'm Walter Smith from West Riding.

01:19:41Me and my friends need to get to Paris.

01:19:43It's a matter of life and death.

01:19:45Well, that's where I'm headed.

01:19:46Come aboard.

01:19:49What time is it, Mr. Grout?

01:19:52Oh, about 10.30, miss.

01:19:55How long will it take to get to Paris, Mr. Smith?

01:19:57Well, I'm not right sure.

01:19:58With this wind, an hour, hour and a half.

01:20:00We might just be in time.

01:20:03Come on, madame.

01:20:04You'll be all right.

01:20:05You'll enjoy it.

01:20:06If you say so.

01:20:08Just sit yourself there, in the corner.

01:20:11Yes.

01:20:12Right-o.

01:20:13Here goes.

01:20:15Anchors away!

01:20:16Paris, here we go.

01:20:22It was beautiful.

01:20:24But as Paris drew nearer and the clock ticked towards noon,

01:20:28my mood changed.

01:20:32Where did you say this meeting was, Mr. Balanz?

01:20:34In the grounds of the Élysée Palace.

01:20:36Over there.

01:20:37See?

01:20:37Could we land there?

01:20:39If we go too near, the guards, they might fire at us.

01:20:41What about that patch of grass there?

01:20:43By the Champs-Élysées.

01:20:45Could you land there, Mr. Smith?

01:20:46It might be tricky.

01:20:47Please try.

01:20:48Do your best.

01:20:49What time is it, Mr. Grout?

01:20:51Quarter to twelve, miss.

01:20:52When we're down, you must come with me, Monsieur Balanz.

01:20:55Else I shall never get in.

01:20:56Of course.

01:20:56Hold on to your hands.

01:20:57We're going down.

01:21:04Where is he?

01:21:05I can't see him.

01:21:06The Crown Prince will be on the steps of the palace.

01:21:08Over there?

01:21:09Yes.

01:21:10In that fancy uniform?

01:21:11That's his highness.

01:21:12And there's a queue of people waiting to be presented.

01:21:15Oh, whack.

01:21:16Uncle Charles is next in line.

01:21:18Uncle Charles!

01:21:23Allow me to introduce myself, your highness.

01:21:26Mr. Charles Craddock, from England.

01:21:28And I have something for you.

01:21:30Uncle Charles!

01:21:31Uncle Charles!

01:21:32Lucy, what?

01:21:33Do you know who this is?

01:21:34Oh, I'm sorry, your highness.

01:21:35Uncle, that box.

01:21:36What?

01:21:37Here, give it me.

01:21:38It's going to explode again, isn't it?

01:21:40Lucy!

01:21:40Lucy, the whale!

01:21:41The whale!

01:21:42Right!

01:21:42Look out!

01:21:50My country owes you a great debt of gratitude, Lucy.

01:21:53Oh, fiddlesticks.

01:21:54None of us wanted anybody to get hurt, did we?

01:21:57And you, Mr. Craddock.

01:21:58Look, I am deeply honoured that you would risk your life for the sake of my wife.

01:22:03That, too, was a matter of honour, sir.

01:22:06How can I ever repay such kindness?

01:22:09It requires no thanks, madame.

01:22:13Um, I think we best make a move if we want to be on that boat.

01:22:17Yes.

01:22:18Yes, you're right, Lucy.

01:22:21I will say goodbye, Monsieur Valence.

01:22:24Monsieur Craddock.

01:22:26Isabelle.

01:22:27Oh, well, Charles.

01:22:30Will...

01:22:31Will we see you again?

01:22:33Ah.

01:22:35Who knows what lies ahead.

01:22:42Penny for your thoughts, Uncle?

01:22:44What?

01:22:46Oh, Lucy, it's you.

01:22:48Mr. Craddock says they're serving luncheon in the restaurant.

01:22:50Thank you, Lucy.

01:22:51I'm not hungry.

01:22:52No, me neither.

01:22:53Still, it all worked out for the best, didn't it?

01:22:58Yes, I suppose so.

01:23:00Oh, it did?

01:23:01You could have been dead.

01:23:03I would have paid that price for Isabelle.

01:23:05I know you would.

01:23:07And I think she'd have done the same for you.

01:23:09I would never ask that of her.

01:23:10No more would she ask it of you.

01:23:12And I know for certain she'd rather you were alive than dead.

01:23:16Heh.

01:23:17But what's the point if we can never be...

01:23:20I'm sorry.

01:23:22Forgive my melancholy mood.

01:23:24You'll soon cheer up.

01:23:26One thing I've learned from you.

01:23:28You never know what tomorrow might bring.

01:23:30I know it will bring more of your courage, your spirit, and your resourcefulness.

01:23:41You're not so bad yourself, Uncle.

01:23:44Life is to be lived, eh, Lucy?

01:23:46Not merely to be endured.

01:23:49Deep matters, these, Uncle.

01:23:52Deep as the ocean.

01:23:55Too deep for me.

01:23:57I think not, Lucy.

01:23:58I think not.

01:24:28Craddock and Co was produced by John Taylor

01:24:39and written and directed by Chris Thompson.

01:24:43The House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House of the House

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