It's not as if I didn't know.
- So we can all play bridge.
- All playing? - Who's going to play bridge? Are they going to play?
Where's Rupert?
- Rupert! - Coming.
- I heard Lady Sylvia spoke out of turn. - You didn't actually see?
So what's going to happen to Elsie?
- She'll be lucky if they don't boot her out before morning. - You should've seen it.
She has been here a long time.
Shall I tell you what that means to them? Bugger all.
Please, Mr. Meredith. There are ladies present.
Where, exactly, is Sir William now?
He's still in the library. He won't be out again tonight.
Oh, Dorothy.
- Mr. Meredith, may I ask what is going on? - Uh, we were just--
George, will you please join me in the drawing room as soon as possible.
- Mr. Probert, kindly take everybody back downstairs. - Certainly.
Dorothy, I'm especially surprised at you.
Come along, ladies. Come along.
Is it true, then? Has Elsie really been sacked?
- Lady Trentham. - Well, luck of the draw.
- Freddie, I'd like to-- - Darling, we've just cut.
- Ivor, darling. - Thank you.
Would it be awful of me to ask you to play something...
to cheer us all up a bit?
- Of course not. - Thank you.
- So sweet. - I've booked the first passage home.
I'll be living on the phone till I set sail. I have to be in London tomorrow.
If you prefer to stay, I can take a train.
- I'll give you a lift in my car. - Oh, thank you.
You're providing a lot of entertainment for nothing.
Morris, I'm used to it.
Excuse me.
- Music moves on. - Funny old evening, hmm?
Somewhere there's another land
- Oh! - Different from this one
You're not going to stand over my shoulder and watch me, please.
- Far more mercifully planned - You'll put me off.
- He's rather a big success, isn't he? - Than the cruel place we know
Huge. It's absolutely ridiculous.
Innocence and peace are there
Do you think he'll be as long as he usually is?
- All is good that is desired - I think he's rather wonderful.
- Hmm? - I think he's rather wonderful.
Faces there are always fair
Love grows never old
- Nor tired - Well, I have only seen one.
We shall never find
That lovely land
Of Might-Have-Been
- I shall never be your king - I thought you weren't drinking anymore.
Nor you shall be my queen
Days may pass and years may pass
And seas may lie between
- We shall never find - I don't think we should be doing this.
- That lovely land - Oh, come on.
Of Might-Have-Been
Sometimes on the rarest nights
Comes the vision
- Calm and clear - I don't know. It's just--
- I mean, how could she let him touch her?
- You sound as if you don't like him. - You'd be surprised.
- All right, surprise me. - Maybe I will.
Winds from that far land are blown
I saw him in The Lodger.
- Whispering with secret breath - But I've never heard him sing.
Hope that plays her tune alone
Love that conquer spain
And death
- Will you, um, excuse me for a minute? - Shall we ever find
- You don't need my help? - No, we're fine.
That lovely land of Might-Have-Been
Shall I ever be your king
- Or you at last my queen - Oh, my Lord.
Days may pass or years may pass
The seas may lie between
Shall we ever find
Our lovely land
- It seems to be much more than just background music, - Of Might-Have-Been
- somehow or other.
Ivor, darling, it was lovely.
- Thank you.
I seem to be the victim
Of a cruel jest
It dogs my footsteps with the girl I love the best
Anthony.
- Shh. It's the commander.
- Oh. - Good evening, sir.
- Excuse me. - Sir.
Uh, carry on.
My car will meet her
And her mother comes too
It'sa two-seater
Still her mother comes too
- What do you want? - I brought you some coffee.
If I wanted coffee, I'd have rung for it.
Leave that. Give me some whiskey.
And her mother comes too
- Asked not to do so
Still her mother comes too
She simply can't take a snub
I go and sulk about
And take a bath at the club
And her brother comes too
And though we've parted
And her mother came too
Three bags I carted
And her mother came too
She fainted just off the tee
- My darling whispered to me
"At last we are free"
But her mother came too
I thought you might need a drink...
and some company.
Well, that's really very kind of you.
Give me just a sec.
Awfully long repertoire.
I can give you the starlight
Love unchanging and true
- We've run out of milk, Mr. Jennings.
- Won't be a moment. - Hmm.
Deep and tender devotion
I can give you the mountains
Desperate for a fag.
Pools of shimmering blue
All that I can be
All you ask of me
Music in spring
Flowers for a king
All these I bring
To you
When I was young
My foolish fancies
- Used to make a great mistake - Where's Mr. Weissman's man?
- He's missing the music. - Shh.
But now a little love
A little living
What are you doing?
Dorothy, get back to work.
Excuse me, but Dorothy's under my jurisdiction as well,
and I say she can listen to a spot of music if she likes.
- Love unspeaking and true
I can give you
- Excuse me. Where's the telephone? - Oh. I'm sorry, sir.
Uh, it's just over there, sir.
I can give you the mountains
Pools of shimmering blue
Call and I can be
All you ask of me
Music in spring
Flowers foraking
All these I bring
To you
Don't. Don't. Don't. Please don't encourage him. He'll just go on and on.
In B.C. 33
Ah, me That's a dash long time ago
There lived a Roman hero
Who had shaken hands with Nero
- Oh, you're still here.
- I thought that-- - Yeah, well, appearances can be deceptive, can't they?
- And crossing in a galley - Elsie.
- With a Norman wench got pally - Good night.
They went and founded me
So if you wonder what a duke should be
Just you take another look at me
I'm doubty, I'm gouty
I'm wonderful to see
All my people 'Pon my soul, it's true
Look on Noah as a parvenu
By god, you can search your family tree
But you'll never find a duke like me
Scotch and soda, please, Jennings.
When old Canute was buying a suit
One day So runs the tale
A young convicted felon
Brought him a juicy melon
And was then released from jail
This noble youth to tell the truth
Sailed right away for sea
And the Duke of Malta's daughter
Brought up his shaving water
And the grand result
Was me
So if you wonder what a duke should be
- Just you take another look at me
I'm doubty, I'm gouty
I'm wonderful to see
All my people 'Pon my soul, it's true
Look on Noah as a parvenu
By god, you can search your family tree
But you'll never find a duke like me
If you wonder what a duke could be
Just you take another look at me
I'm doubty I'm gouty
I'm wonderful to see
All my people 'Pon my soul, it's true
Look on Noah as a parvenu
By god, you can search your family tree
- But you'll never find You'll never find
- You'll never find a duke - He gave you that for your birthday, did he?
- Like me - Hmm?
- He gave you that for your birthday, William did?
Yeah, I've got a call booked for California.
- California.
Music--
- We're both undoubtedly sane - It's never going to stop.
We're not so horribly plain
Something is wrong but who can tell us what
Oh, Freddie, we gave up on you.
There's no accounting for taste
- We waited as long as we could. - It seems a terrible waste
- Do you think William's still in the library? - Where have you been?
- Hmm? I suppose. - Where have you been?
- That's none of your bloody business. - What are we going to do?
Who played the nine?
- Well, I could try and fetch him. - Oh, would you?
- He's always preferred you to me.
Yes, I'd be delighted.
You've got the size of eyes I idolize
- Your arms invite a glamorous night - Today is not my day.
What am I to do
Why isn't it you
If that's what you call a moment,
I'd like to see what happens when you take a real break.
You've got the lips for me The hips for me
The feet for me and the beat for me
Here. Did yours as well. Before the rush starts.
Thank you.
Why isn't it you
Why must we miss a chance like this
When chances are few
- You've got the size of eyes I idolize - Where have you been?
- It's fine, it's fine. - Your arms invite a glamorous night
- William? - What am I to do
Oh, God, Bill.
Why isn't it you
- Come here, you horrid little dirty thing.
- You don't react when I attract - Bill!
What am I to do
You've got the lips for me The hips for me
The feet for me and the beat for me
- So tell me why--
- Dear God! - Oh, my God.
Louisa!
- Isobel? Isobel?
George. Excuse me, sir.
Jennings.
- Oh, my dear.
Darling? Darling? Could you ask Jennings about the salts?
Could somebody get a glass of water, please?
- Keep everybody out of this room. - Yes, sir, certainly.
- Over here. Louisa. - Bill.
- Louisa, just sit and be quiet. - But--
Mummy? Mummy?
- Is she all right? - Everything's fine.
Sylvia.
- Well, tell Mr. Warner-- - Excuse me. I need that telephone.
Excuse me. I'm on the telephone.
I'm on a call to California.
Hello? Yes, would you connect me with the police station?
I'm looking for a kind of realistic Charlie Chan movie.
This isn't out of the question. We should try to do this.
It has to be better. We can't do the same old shit over and over again.
Alan Mowbray-- I like that. I mean, that's a butler.
These people here look like Alan Mowbray.
I mean, they're sort of tall, and they don't say too much.
And they have fucking British accents, right?
They talk like they're from England.
- Good evening. We've been expecting you. - Is Ray Milland British?
- Yes, good evening. This is Constable Dexter-- - You must be the police.
- Yes. How do you do, ma'am? I'm Inspector Thom-- - I'm Lady Sylvia McCordle.
We haven't moved him. I've gathered everyone. Come straight through.
- Certainly, ma'am, yes.
Oh, don't worry about him. He's just an American staying with us.
I'll tell you who we all are. Then we can all go to bed and leave you with poor William.
Yes, indeed. Shall I introduce myself? I'm Inspector Thom--
- This is my aunt, Lady Trentham. - Ah, yes, the Countess of Trentham.
I served with your husband on a--
My brother-in-law Lord Stockbridge. Lady Stockbridge.
- Jennings, please, would you remove that wild animal? - Certainly, milady.
Uh, Mrs. Nesbitt. Mr. Nesbitt.
- Ivor Novello, who I'm sure needs no introduction. - Of course. Mr. Novello, a--
No, wait. Would you like to speak to the servants tonight, Inspector?
- Inspector Thom-- - He ought to speak to Probert, my husband's valet.
Tell him to come up. Now, where was I?
- Isobel McCordle, my daughter. - Charlie Chan is in London.
He's not in California.
They're talking to me about rewrites about the part of the Cockney maid,
and she's running in and saying all these things.
Look, I'm here. They don't talk.
The butlers and maids, they stand, they watch.
They serve. They do things.
What about Claudette Colbert? She's British, isn't she? She sounds British.
Is she, like, affected, or is she British?
Oh, Dorothy, would you take--
Um, well, I--
Go on, spit it out.
- The police would like to see you for a moment. - Me?
No, Mrs. Croft. Mr. Probert.
Me?
Why?
Oh, well,
I-I don't know what I can tell them.
George, would you go and see if anything more is required in the red drawing room?
Yes, sir.
I don't see the point in the rest of you waiting up.
What about me, Mr. Jennings?
You can go as soon as the police release you.
That'll be sometime tomorrow.
Until then, you can stay in your room.
I'm not contagious, you know.
Nobody's going anywhere.
Those of you with remaining duties,
see to them as quickly as you can.
Otherwise... goodnight, everyone.
- Good night, sir. - Goodnight, sir.
- Mr. Jennings. - Yes, Mr. Weissman?
I have a confession to make.
Right, but I think it's clear it's the valet who did it.
No, because the valet has access to everybody.
No, the valet isn't the butler.
No, there's one butler, and there's lots of valets running all over the place.
He takes care of people. He's in their rooms at night.
He could do it. I mean, the valet easily could have done it.
Pull yourself together, Mr. Probert.
Try and be a bit patient. They'll be along in a minute.
Couldn't I just make him a little more comfortable, sir?
- Please? - Have a heart, Inspector.
No, it wouldn't be wise, sir. We shouldn't have to wait too much longer now.
Oh, I don't think it'd do any harm.
Ohh!
Well, you see, this is why we have rules and regulations, isn't it?
What is it, Dexter?
Well, only that there doesn't seem to be much blood, sir.
- Is that everything, milord? - Yes, thank you, Parks.
- I think perhaps you should try and get some sleep. - It's so unfair!
Nobody liked him.
- It's terrible. - Oh, do stop sniveling.
Anyone would think you were Italian.
Christ.
Will you not let me help you with your frock, milady?
No, I can manage.
- Then I'll say good night, milady. - Wait, wait.
Thank you, milady.
What is it?
Please tell me you haven't come with condolences.
No.
- I was just wondering if you wanted some com-- - What?
I said, I was just wondering if you wanted some company.
Well, I suppose life must go on.
Unhook me.
No, there's another one. You'll never get it off like that.
I'm really sorry about everything.
Don't feel sorry for me.
Pity that poor Dorothy.
She's got all the early morning teas to do,
and the breakfast trays.
And she's got to get Miss Isobel to the dining room and see if she can findanything in black.
She's the one who needs your sympathy. I'm well out of it.
I would think Miss Isobel might stay in bed tomorrow.
Unmarried girls don't have breakfast trays. Not in this house.
I wish I could help.
You can't.
George says Mr. Novello was in on it.
- And Sir William.
The point is, that Henry Denton, he's an actor.
An actor?
He's playing a butler in the next Charlie Chan. Wanted to make it authentic.
I'd say the joke was on Lady Sylvia.
I hope he don't model his performance on Mr. Jennings,
or he'll be too squiffy to remember his lines.
Ah, Mrs. Croft, isn't it? I wonder if I could--
Ah, yes. Have a few words with you.
- I'm Inspector Thom-- - Oh, I haven't got time for this now.
I'm doing the breakfast.
It wouldn't take much time. Perhaps you have a room where we could speak.
Oh, I suppose you'd better come to my room.
Bertha, I'm leaving you in charge.
Dorothy, make sure those menus go up on Her Ladyship's tray.
And get that filthy dog out of here.
Honestly, these days the countryside's getting more dangerous than Piccadilly.
But why one of the knives from the silver pantry?
Doesn't make sense.
He must have forgotten to bring one.
When you think of what they have to carry about--
all those jemmies and torches and skeletonkeys--
it's a miracle anyone ever gets burgled at all.
Oh, it's glacial in here.
Get my fur, will you?
Anyway, it wasn't in the silver pantry.
It's been missing since yesterday.
Obviously William had it.
And when the fellow surprised him there it was,
on the table as handy as you like.
Are any of the others getting up for breakfast? The women, I mean.
I think Lady Lavinia may be.
That settles it. Come back at half past 8:00. I'll get dressed.
It's the greatest bore, of course,
but I don't want to miss anything.
When I came back last night,
I found this on my dressing table.
What is it?
"This is your final warning.
If I've not received an offer--"
Freddie. What a stupid idiot.
Well, at least he's off your back now. There's no one to tell.
At least no one's who's gonna give him a job to shut him up.
Oh, now, he's quite the bonnylad, isn't he?
What's he up to these days, this one, eh?
He's dead.
I don't know what I can tell you.
Shouldn't you be looking for signs of a break-in?
Mrs. Croft, I understand no one has served Sir William longer than you have. Is that true?
I'd better be off.
Might not see you again.
I'm only staying till the police give the nod.
But, Elsie,
you're not in any difficulty, are you?
What, apart from having no home and no job?
Nah. There's no worries there.
Yes, I was forgetting.
You were much cleverer than I was.
You'll be fine.
I wonderwhat Lady Sylvia will do now.
If I were her, I'd set up in London as a glamorous widow...
with all the gentlemen chasin' me for my money.
I wouldn't. I grew up in London.
- Is that where the orphanage was? - On the edge. Isleworth.
- And you don't get homesick? - I don't think you get homesick if you've never had a home.
You heard about Mr. Weissman's valet? Turns out he's a fraud.
- He isn't Scottish at all. - No!
I could've told you that.
Who is he, then?
Do you think he's the murderer?
It's worse than that. He's an actor.
Yes, I want you to wake him up.
How else do you suggest I talk to him?
Yes. Right. Well, what'd he say?
What, he's talking about Clara Bow again?
Listen, you tell Sheehan I think Clara Bow is a really nice person,
and she's not coming within ten miles of my picture.
I don't want her in the fucking movie.
There is one thing. The bastard's death may have saved my bacon.
For God's sake, be quiet. What's the matter with you?
Arthur.
- Oh, are these tomatoes? - Yes, milady.
That's exactly what I want.
- Good morning. - Good morning, dear.
Have you heard?
It's too tiresome. That frightful inspector won't let anyone leave.
So we're to be treated to another day of Mr. Weissman shouting down the telephone.
He has some problems with his work in Los Angeles, I'm afraid.
Well, I must say, he conducts his affairs very oddly.
Coming downstairs just now, I thought I'd been transported to a bar in Marseilles.
Jennings? Excuse me. I'm sorry.
I'm expecting a really important telephone call.
- Will you get me the second it comes through? - Very good, sir.
And I'd like, uh, oh, tomato and eggs. Thank you.
Of course, sir, but...
perhaps you would prefer to choose for yourself, sir?
What do you mean, like cafeteria style?
The Englishman is never waited on at breakfast.
Really? Well, that's interesting.
Because an American is. Wow.
I'm going to make a note of that.
Good morning.
I'd like some coffee, Jennings.
There it is.
- You haven't made a lot of friends. - Ah.
Good. Good morning, ladies, gents.
Um, I wonder-- Excuse me.
Uh, will Lady Sylvia be coming down soon?
I shouldn't think so. She has breakfast in her room.
Then she usually goes for a ride.
Yes, but she won't be doing that this morning, will she?
Well, I see.
Well, in that case, I wonder, Lady Trentham,
if you would be kind enough to join us for some questions.
If you wish, Inspector.
I'm afraid I won't be much help,
but I suppose on a day like this we all have to pull our weight.
Mr. Denton made a right chump out of Mr. Jennings.
Never mind that.
Did you hear about Sir William? Apparently he wasn't stabbed after all.
Well, I mean, he was, but that's not why he died.
He was poisoned.
That's what killed him.
The inspector told Mrs. Croft.
They don't know why the killer stabbed him as well, but he must've been dead already.
That's why there was no blood.
Dead bodies don't bleed, you know.
Trust Sir William to be murdered twice.
Of course he wasn't murdered.
Not that sort of murder.
Some ruffian broke in...
thinking the library was empty.
Sir William surprised him and paid the price for it.
And very tragic it is too.
I can't see that, Mr. Jennings.
I don't think ruffians go about poisoning people and then stabbing the corpses.
Apart from anything else,
they're usually in a hurry to get away, aren't they?
What are you suggesting?
- I'm not suggesting anything. It's just-- - Just what?
Well, it looks to me like Sir William was killed deliberately, that's all.
No wonder they're not letting any of us go.
Tough luck on whoever's got any secrets to hide.
Now they've cancelled the shooting,
muggins here has got to pull a luncheon for God knows how many out of the hat.
- Is Her Ladyship back yet? - No.
Then she'll have to take what she gets.
Why would anyone want to kill Sir William?
Well, he wasn't exactly Father Christmas.
Get on with your work.
And take that filthy dog out of here.
He made a few enemies in his time, that's all.
What doy ou mean, enemies? When?
Is this before the war, Mrs. Croft, when you were a factory worker?
I was not a factory worker. I was never a factory worker.
I was a cook in one of his factories.
He had two in Isleworth and two in Twickenham, and all full of girls.
So you can imagine.
Wasn't that risky with factory girls? Suppose they complained?
Who to, exactly?
But what if they got, you know, in trouble?
- What sort of trouble? - Here, take these. Whites only, all right?
Didn't happen very often.
When it did, he arranged to have it adopted.
But what if you didn't want it adopted?
- Say you wanted to keep it. - Then you got kicked out, lost your job.
You can take my word for it, he was a hard-hearted, randy old sod.
Ah, come in, Miss Maceach--
- I'm Inspector Thom-- - This is all too tiresome and absurd.
He's making the most dreadful fuss.
If you don't mind, I would like to ask the young lady some questions.
Well, I'm not leaving, if that's what you think.
Well, does it bother you if Lady Trentham stays?
Why should it?
- Sir, someone's traipsed a load of mud in down here. - Not now, Dexter, please.
I understood there was some...
difficulty between the late Sir William McCordle and your employer.
This is too vulgar to be believed.
I wasn't aware of that, sir. They got on well as far as I could see.
- You were not conscious-- - Inspector, there's a broken coffee cup down here.
Dexter, they have people to clear these things up. You get on with your own job.
So you were not aware of any trouble...
over the matter of an allowance?
An allowance, I might add, that Sir William's death has now made secure.
What sort of an allowance would that be, sir?
Ah, there you are.
Have you got enough light?
Black on black? We don't want you going blind on top of everything else.
They've got to be done, Mr. Jennings,
but the outside staff need them for the funeral.
I'm sorry that this business with Elsie has landed you with so much work.
That's what comes of being so reliable.
- Never mind me. - Hmm.
Mr. Jennings, have you-- have you spoken to the police again?
Not yet, no.
I suppose they have to ask their questions, don't they have to?
Well, yes.
Will they be talking to all of us?
I shouldn't think so, no.
Well, I'll leave you to it, then.
Mr. Jennings.
You know-- You know I'd say anything you want me to.
- What? - Anything at all.
I don't care what I tell them, if it'll help you. Y-Y-You know that, don't you?
You've only to ask.
So, let me, uh, let me pour you a cup of tea, eh?
Yes, thank you. Would you mind putting the milk in afterwards?
Of course. Of course.
Don't know what came over me. I usually put the milk in after, but on that occasion--
- Sir. - Not now, thank you.
So sorry.
Mrs. Inspector Thompson prefers the milk in first, so I get used to pouring it for her.
I don't know why. Some nonsense about bacteria. You know what women are like--
Well, what wives are like.
No, she's a funny old-- Sugar?
No, thank you.
Of course they'll give her a good reference.
Otherwise they'd have to explain why they're giving her a bad one.
- Mr. Parks. - Robert.
Robert, then.
It's just...
Last night when you said you'd surprise me,
you didn't mean anything by it, did you?
Why? Don't you like surprises?
Where shall we begin? Yes, now--
Oh, Mr. Stockbridge.
By now I assume you are all aware...
that, uh, Mr. Denton has been playing a trick on us...
by posing as a valet.
Since Sir William was aware of the plan,
it is not for me or anyone else to criticize it.
However, it does leave us with some adjustments to make for this evening.
Um, Arthur, you will take over dressing Mr. Weissman.
That leaves us the problem of Mr. Novello, and I really don't want to ask you, Mr. Probert.
- I don't mind, Mr. Jennings. - Oh, no, no. You've got enough on your plate.
I'll do him, if you like.
Oh, that's very generous of you, Mr. Stockbridge.
I suppose I could always do it myself, of course.
It's no trouble. It's only for a night or two.
Good. Splendid. That's settled, then.
And I think we can leave Mr. Denton to dress himself.
"The bastard's death may have saved my bacon."
- What do you think he meant by that? - Isn't it obvious?
Is it?
Well, perhaps he meant that the investment that Sir William had agreed...
would probably have to be paid now-- Sir.
What about that low shot that nearly killed him that morning they were out?
- Sir. - What is it?
We haven't dusted those things for fingerprints yet.
Good.
Do you think that shot might have been intended for Sir William?
- Well, it nearly took his ear off. - Hmm.
Mm-hmm. Well, thank you, Mr. Barnes. You've been most helpful.
Perhaps you'd be good enough to ask Commander Meredith to join us just now.
You-You won't tell him what I said, will you, Inspector Thomas?
Thompson. It's Inspector Thom--
Never mind. Just go and fetch him up, please
- Sir.
- We've only got this. - I don't think mine's bothered. She hasn't got any black here.
We've got some new ones.
You're a lech. You know that?
- George? - They're coming in a minute.
The dressing bell's just gone.
I'm going out of my mind. I've read all my magazines twice.
You couldn't pinch something out of the library for me?
I don't care if it's Horse and Hound, as long as I haven't read it.
Well, we are honored.
In case you've forgotten, this is the servants area, sir.
Yours is at the top of the stairs behind that door, sir.
Barnes, it was just a--
- I wanted to explain. - No explanation necessary, Mr. Denton.
If you'll excuse us, some of us have got real work to do. Come on, Arthur.
The accent was a dead give away, you know. We all knew.
Robert, I was just having fun.
Well, then perhaps you'd better enjoy your fun in the drawing room, sir.
They're afraid you'll repeat things, be indiscreet.
But I'm very discreet.
In Hollywood, that's what I'm known for-- my discretion.
Tell Rupert if you like. He won't give you any money.
No, you're completely misunderstanding me.
And Mummy wouldn't pay five pounds to save me--
Oh, my poor darling. Come here. Come on.
Look, please don't think that I'm enjoying this. All I wanted was a job.
My checkbook's downstairs.
I'll give you a check after dinner.
I'm trying to find my man Parks. Have you seen him?
Uh, no. I've been with the police.
You look as if you've had rather a pasting.
They kept on and on about that low shot yesterday.
They wouldn't let it go.
- I told them it was nothing to do with me. - I'm sure you did.
- But another time, Anthony, try to be less greedy. Parks! - What?
Attend to Mr. Novello first. I want a word with Her Ladyship.
Very well, milord.
- What? - I saw you.
Of course it was an accident.
When a man is as short as you, it must be very difficult to gauge the height of the birds.
- Mr. Meredith. - Hmm?
You haven't seen Commander Meredith anywhere, have you?
- No. - He never came downstairs and he's not in his room.
Mr. Jennings, I've washed him and dressed him.
If he can't find his way to the drawing room, it isn't my fault.
If you've finished with that, go and see Mrs. Croft.
Oh, I-I'm so sorry, sir. I didn't mean to disturb you.
No, no, no, please. I'm just trying some of your jam.
I must be in your way.
No, no. No, no. No bother.
What one is that, sir?
Um, it's raspberry.
October 31.
You might like to try the, um...
strawberry one.
Oh, is that strawberry?
Let's see. Ah, yes.
Mmm.
You all right, sir?
Just been with the inspector and...
I feel a little bruised.
Mmm.
Why is it, would you say, that some people seem to get whatever they want in life?
Everything they touch turns to gold.
Whereas others can strive and strive...
and have nothing.
I wonder, do you believe in luck?
Do you think some men are lucky and...
some men just aren't and...
nothing they can do about it?
I believe in love.
Not just getting it. Giving it.
I think as long as you can love somebody, whether or not they love you,
then it's worth it, and--
That's a good answer.
Uh, I think I've got to go.
Must have finished dinner by now.
Thank you.
I thought the wine was frightful tonight. Vile.
Jennings, old boy, I'll have a bourbon.
We don't have bourbon. We have ordinary Scotch or single malt.
Ordinary for me. I'm just an American.
Who cares? Wek now you here.
Look, I understand that this is not an ideal time, but I would like to see you again.
Mabel is so clever to travel light.
Why should one wear a different frock every evening?
We're not in a fashion parade.
No, and I wouldn't want to be. Excuse me.
Difficult color, green.
- What did she say? - Mmm. Very tricky.
- Isobel. - Excuse me.
- It sort of draws you.
I'll have another look at it.
Oh, how this tune used to make me cry.
- Certainly, sir.
Very good.
- I promise you I can pay back every penny. -Just take it.
- Your bid. - I must say,
your guests sleep in much more comfortable beds than your servants.
Excuse me.
- What did Isobel give to you? What did Isobel give to you? - Don't make a scene here.
- Ivor dear. - No more lies, Freddie.
Would it be possible to play something more cheerful?
We'reall quite emotional enough as it is.
- Give it to me. - What?
Excuse me.
Freddie, stop all your lies.
If you don't give it to me, I will scream this house down.
- You don't believe me, try me. - Anthony, there you are.
- Where have you been? - I--
- You know, you've missed dinner. We can organize a tray for you. - I don't want anything.
Try buying yourself a new frock with that.
- We gave up, Louisa dear. - Oh. Right.
I'm so, so sorry.
Mmm, no coffee, George, but I'll have a--
- Aah! - I do apologize, sir. Can't imagine how that happened.
You son of a bitch. You did that on purpose!
Shall I fetch you a towel, sir?
- Oh!
- Arthur. - Oh, dear!
Clean this up, will you.
They were fishin' parts of her body out the Thames from Richmond to Rotherhithe.
- Some more tea, Constable?
I'll take that. Thank you, Bertha.
No head. No hands.
- Unfortunately, the body had no distinguishing marks. - What's the point in that?
- Won't it all be chucked out? - I'll know I've left everything in good order.
That's all I can do for him now.
- Yeah, but he won't-- - Hey, leave him alone.
George has had his revenge on Mr. Denton-- hot coffee in the lap.
- Oh! - Poor Mr. Denton.
Constable, I'm glad I caught you.
I assume the inspector won't keep everyone beyond tomorrow, but I thought I'd better check.
- Well, we haven't spoke to all the servants yet, so-- - Ah, there you are, Dexter.
- Come on, we're going home. - I was just asking how long our guests will be staying.
Mrs. Croft has meals to arrange, and I know one of the housemaids is anxious to get away.
I don't think there's any need to worry about that. I'm not interested in the servants.
Only people with a real connection with the dead man.
I see. Thank you.
- Do you have a light, Inspector? - Yes.
Yes, I think we can let them all go home, to be honest.
I've got their addresses, after all.
Constable Dexter will be here tomorrow morning to confirm that.
Don't you worry. It doesn't end here. Oh, no.
Whoever he is, I'll find him.
I always do.
Inspector. Your matches.
Yes. Thank you.
Life was so gay
Uh, sir, I think you'll find it's this way.
Well, yes, we could use this one.
There is, I think, a way out that way, but, yeah, we'll take your way.
Ohh! Beg your pardon, sir.
Just collecting Mr. Nesbitt's shoes, sir.
I think you'll find these stairs are the easiest way up, sir.
- Thank you, uh-- - George, sir.
George.
You naughty, naughty girl.
Poor bloke.
We were in the ironing room the other night and one of the visiting maids walked in.
Must think I did it on purpose.
- You won't tell, will ya? - I won't tell.
But you're lucky you're in the kitchen and not under Mrs. Wilson.
She'd have sniffed you out without any help from me.
Do you think Sir William was in love with you?
Nah. I was a bit of fun, that's all.
And you?
I didn't love him.
I didn't mind him, but...
I liked the way he'd talk.
He'd only talk to me because he was sick of her, but I liked it.
He used to say to me I could be anything I wanted as long as I wanted it enough.
You're not sorry, then? Even after the way things have turned out?
Nah, I'm not sorry.
It's time for a change.
Who knows? Could be the makin' of me.
What did he used to say? Carpe diem. Seize the day.
What's up?
What did I say? Where are you going?
Who is it?
- What are you doing?
You'd better go back to your room.
You don't want to get caught in here.
You didn't really dislike him, did you?
Not really.
At least not enough to kill him.
You can't have.
You didn't know him.
You'd have to hate him. And why would you?
Can't a man hate his own father?
Sir William McCordle...
was my father.
He didn't know it,
but he was.
You said you were an orphan.
- No, I didn't. I said I grew up in an orphanage.
Not long before I left, a group of us broke in to the warden's office one night...
and took out our files.
I found my birth certificate.
Mother's name, father unknown.
Found this photograph.
And they had my admission form.
I was two days old. Guess who brought me to the door.
- Robert, that doesn't mean that he-- - Yes, it does.
After that, I found out she worked in one of his factories.
She wasn't the only one, apparently.
Either the authorities didn't know, or they didn't want to know.
They took his babies...
and they took his money.
What happened to your mother?
She died.
Is that why you took the job with Lord Stockbridge?
To get to Sir William?
To poison him?
I didn't poison him.
What?
I didn't poison him.
But then you didn't kill him.
Did you stab him?
Even if you did, he was already dead.
And whoever did it must have known that. No one could stab a corpse and not know it.
Really? When was the last time you stabbed a corpse?
You really murdered him, then.
I don't know.
I don't care.
Ooh.
I've been wanting to do that ever since I first set eyes on you.
Mr. Jennings?
Wilson! Mrs. Wilson. Mrs.--
Dorothy. I need your help.
Of course, Mrs. Wilson. Are you all right?
- No one must see him like this. - Ohh.
Help me.
- Mr. Jennings? - Come on, Mr. Jennings.
- Come on. Bedtime.
- All right, bedtime. - No, this way. Come on, Mr. Jennings.
Bedtime, Mr. Jennings. Bedtime now. Come on.
Where is r-r--
Where is my reference?
You'll get your reference. Into bed now.
Into bed.
- Aah! - Watch him. Watch him.
- Take his trousers off, Dorothy.
I couldn't do that, Mrs. Wilson. I couldn't do that.
Take his trousers off. Come on.
- Come on. - Dorothy.
Who is it?
- Oh, I'm ever so sorry, sir. - Sorry for what?
I'm supposed to get the fire lit without waking you.
Why does everyone treat me as if I were one of these stupid snobs?
I spent half the week downstairs with all of you.
You can't be on both teams at once, sir.
It's official. They're off after breakfast.
Thank God for that. What about him?
He's going too, as soon as he's seen Mr. Jennings.
Are you all right, Mrs. Croft? You sound a bit funny.
Oh,just too many fags, that's all.
They'll be the death of me. Here, you finish it.
- Did you tell the police any of that stuff in the end? - I did not.
I'm sorry if I shock you, but the plain fact is, he only got what he deserved.
There. I've said it.
I can't stop thinkin' about those girls.
- The ones that got, you know-- - Well, I'm not surprised, the way you carry on.
Just see it never happens to you, that's all.
It won't.
And even if it did, I know I couldn't part with my baby, not just to hang on to a job.
Well, I'm very glad to hear it.
- Who is it?
No, don't mind me, Mr. Jennings.
Inspector Thompson's just asked me to take one last look around.
- Is the inspector with you? - No, we're working from the station from now on.
See if we can't manage things better from there.
What about the poison? Have you traced that at least?
Hardly.
This house is a poisoner's paradise.
We found the stuff...
in practically ev--
every room.
Unfortunately, no one's got a police record.
Well, except you, of course.
Perhaps the butler did it.
I had a brother who was a conscientious objector.
He did a bit of time too.
Did they know upstairs you refused to fight and were sent to prison?
I'd forget about it if I were you.
Not everyone's cut out to be a soldier.
- Did you remember the other boxes? - Everything's in the car, milady.
Wonderful. Good.
Darling, here I come.
- Do you know, I can't wait to leave this place. - Let's go.
Christ, what are we supposed to do now?
Freddie, do try to stop being so frightened all the time.
- Darling, have I made the most terrible fool of myself? - Maybe.
- Bye. - Anthony.
- Um, Anthony-- - Oh, God.
I wanted to remind you of the conversation we had at dinner the other night.
Um, perhaps this is not the most appropriate moment,
but when you get to the Sudan you're going to need an expert, and I'm your man.
- Well, I want to know-- - Did you ask her?
- No, I didn't. - I think, on reflection, that's a good thing.
According to the servants hall gossip,
she won't get any of her estate till her mother dies.
- Honestly, Jeremy-- - If that's the case, it's too long to wait.
You can do better.
H-Have you checked your room?
You mustn't leave anything behind.
I'm sure Mummy's going to sell the house.
Isobel. Isobel. Isobel!
Sidney Kent's taking over the studio.
He loves Charlie Chan and he hates Winfield Sheehan.
- Sir. - No more rewrites, and I can cast who ever I like.
Well, that was painless, wasn't it?
No, it wasn't.
- Hmm. - Not for me, anyway.
Careful, careful. Watch yourself.
Whoa!
Do they know?
- No. - Don't you think they might notice?
I don't care.
Hey, you there. Where you going?
To the station.
Hey, you want a ride to London?
Sure. Why not?
- Hop in. - Thank you.
There you go.
Well, good luck.
Don't do anything I wouldn't do.
At least I know that gives me room for maneuver.
No, keep your hands to yourself.
You Brits really don't have a sense of humor, do you?
We do if something's funny, sir.
- Mr. Jennings, can-- - Be quick about it.
Honestly, it's getting so expensive,
by the time one does Jennings and leave something for the housemaids,
one might as well have taken a suite at the Ritz.
Tell me, what happened to William's little maid?
I never saw her again after that dinner.
- Elsie? - Mmm.
- She's gone. - Ohh. That's a pity, really.
Thought it was a good idea to have someone in the house who's actually sorry he's dead.
Oh, there you are, dear. Did you have a nice ride?
I'm feeling rather guilty. Apparently everyone's gone, apart from you and Louisa.
- Why don't you stay for lunch? - No, I must be off.
Leave you in peace.
Now, you will-- you will telephone...
about the funeral plans, mmm?
- You don't have to come if it's a bore. - Nonsense. Of course I'm coming.
Have you decided what you're going to do about this place?
Oh, I don't know.
Will you keep it?
It's so difficult.
- I mean, does one really want the bother nowadays? - Mmm.
I suppose I could shut it up...
and make a decision when my head stops spinning.
Mrs. Wilson could manage till you're ready.
Oh, yes, she could manage, all right. Let's not worry about that.
No doubt she'll seize the opportunity to get rid of the wretched Mrs. Croft.
- Why are those two such enemies? - I don't know.
Something to do with when they were both workers in one of William's sweatshops.
Mrs. Croft was the senior then. She was the cook.
And Mrs. Wilson a lowly factory worker.
Now that she's got up in the world, poor old Croftie can't abide it.
The usual rubbish.
- Was there ever a Mr. Wilson? I can't imagine it. - Nor could I.
Although, funnily enough, I think there must have been.
Really? You amaze me.
She might have changed her name,
but when she was working with William she was called something quite different--
Parks or Parker or Parkinson or something like that.
- Come in.
- You're busy. - No, no, I was just checking the linen rotation.
If I'd have left it to the maids,
the same 20 sheets would be used till they fell into rags.
Why did you do it?
How did you know it was him?
Was it the name, or did you see the photograph in his room?
Ah, yes, the photograph.
It's a miracle that survived.
I remember his mother putting it into his blanket.
I suppose she wanted him to have something of hers.
Does he know what happened to her?
They said she died just after he was born.
Well, she didn't die. She gave him away.
He promised the boy would be adopted. He said he knew the family.
Turns out weall clung to that dream,
all us girls.
A better start in life for our children.
And all the time he was dumping them, his own children,
in some god forsaken place.
And I believed him.
I suppose it was easier that way.
My sister certainly never forgave me for it.
Your sister?
Yes, Mrs. Croft. She's my sister. Didn't you know?
She kept hers, you see.
It was very hard for her. She lost her job, and then the baby died anyway.
Scarlet fever.
I made him take her back. She never forgave me for that either.
But even if Robert is your son,
how did you know that he meant to harm his father?
What gift do you think a good servant has that separates them from the others?
It's the gift of anticipation.
And I'm a good servant. I'm better than good. I'm the best.
I'm the perfect servant.
I know when they'll be hungry and the food is ready.
I know when they'll be tired and the bed is turned down.
I know it before they know it themselves.
Are you going to tell him?
Why? What purpose would it possibly serve?
What if they find out what happened?
Not much of a crime to stab a deadman, is it?
They can never touch him. That's what's important-- his life.
And your life?
Didn't you hear me? I'm the perfect servant.
I have no life.
Her Ladyship's leaving now, miss.
Thank you, George.
Well, you should go now, Miss Trentham.
- Here you are, Jennings. - Well, good-bye, Sylvia.
- Good-bye. For you. - Thank you.
Do let us know if there's anything-- anything we can do to help.
Are you going away?
No, not once the shooting's finished.
Thank you for your help last night.
You don't have to thank me.
You know I'd kill for Mr. Jennings if I had to.
Don't cry, Jane. They'll hear you.
Come on.
You did what you felt was best for him at the time.
I see that now.
Lizzie.
I've lost him.
He'll never know me now.
My boy.
Oh, my boy.
Well, at least your boy is alive.
He's alive.
That's what matters.
So, you're leaving.
Yes.
Good-bye then.
- Good-bye. - Parks.
- Good-bye, my dear. - Get in, Bennett.
Chin up, chin up.
- What a relief to be going. - What time is it, Jennings?
It'll take me a month to recover.
- Oh, Mary. - 1235, milady.
Do you think if there's a trial I might have to testify in court?
Or you?
I can't think of anything worse.
Imagine a person being hanged because of something one said in court.
I know.
And what purpose could it possibly serve anyway?
Good-bye.
Somewhere there's another land
Different from this world below
Far more mercifully planned
Than the cruel place wek now
Innocence and peace are there
All is good that is desired
Faces there are always fair
Love grows never old nor tired
We shall never find
That lovely land
Of Might-Have-Been
I can never be your king
Nor you can be my queen
Days may pass and years may pass
And seas may lie between
We shall never find
That lovely land
Of Might-Have-Been