- (Woman) 'Emile, my dearest one... ' - (Birds' wings flapping)
Pour le Comte. C'est très pressé.
Bien sur, Madame.
'My dearest Emile, my husband has changed his plans.
'There is no other way to say goodbye.
'Remember me in your heart.'
(Children shouting)
(Children squealing playfully)
(Accordion music playing)
(Buzz of conversations)
(Woman) Who betrayed me in Paris? And why did you wait so long?
(Man) Your ladyship's attitude is surprising.
The answers to those questions are no concern of yours.
On my knees, I beg you, I implore you to show mercy!
- I'm not in the business of mercy. - I haven't the money even if I wished.
How could I without my husband knowing?
You'd be exceedingly ill-advised not to make an effort.
Do your worst!
You will not have a penny from me, coward!
(Man chuckling malevolently)
My grandsons were punished enough.
I hear from them only seldom.
They wish to spare me their misery, I think.
This... monster who brought about their downfall...
He lives and breathes, Mr Holmes, with a smiling face
and a heart of marble.
- You should have come to me sooner. - If only I'd known of you sooner.
A friend gave me your name.
He has a high regard for your sense of justice.
Do you read poetry?
The flyleaf.
"CAM Devil."
It is the only clue I can offer you.
Maybe it will help. I wish nothing for myself, Mr Holmes.
It is too late for that.
I wish only to save others.
The 3:45 for London!
(Watson) "'I felt great sadness there.'
"That house must have reverberated to the sound of those boys growing up.
"A man who preys upon weakness with a smiling face and a heart of marble."
A master blackmailer.
I have heard whisper of him, yet no one has put a name to him.
There's no mention of blackmail, even a whisper in the newspaper account.
(Groans angrily)
You have report of it?
Of her two grandchildren,
George, the elder - that's Viscount Croft - was caught in a moment of indiscretion
referred to in the paper as "The Badger Game".
Involves a gentleman being lured to the bed of a prostitute,
then being discovered in flagrante delicto by a third party.
As usual, the sensational press has got it wrong.
The lady was an actress, that is true, but there was no in flagrante.
Mrs Hudson!
He was married into one of the highest families in the land.
- And the younger boy? - Edward.
In revenge for his brother, he took a revolver to the footman,
whose name was... um... Veitch.
Burst in upon him, shot him in the face.
The man lived, but was disfigured for life.
After the trial, he disappeared.
It is Veitch we must find
to lead us to our prize. Mrs Hudson, are you not well?
- Of course I'm well. - You know I hate the smell of cabbage!
The brothers would know their tormenter.
The older one fled the country. Edward joined him, having served his sentence.
They're living somewhere in France. Goodbye, Mrs Hudson! Thank you.
There is one curiosity.
"CAM Devil."
- Read it for clues if you wish. - Ah.
I do rather like Tennyson.
But later.
I'd prefer you to direct your energies towards the gossip columns.
The grasslands.
The grasslands, Watson, through which our serpent glides.
(Girl laughing)
- Tell us where you're going, Charlotte. - Do tell!
- Lottie, where are you going? - Shall I?
- Dearest? - What's that, beloved?
Tell them where we'll spend our honeymoon.
- I've no objections. - It's Budleigh Salterton!
- (Girl) How romantic! - It is, actually. Very.
I should choose somewhere abroad for a honeymoon. Paris or Rome!
You may, Daphne, but if one's fate is to marry a soldier,
abroad may well be one's whole life.
And your honeymoon, Lady Eva, have you and Harry decided yet?
Florence, Naples, Constantinople.
- I think. - Sounds delightful.
- Now you've made him envious! - Not at all.
Charlotte, my dear, I must return to barracks.
- Shall I see you this evening? - No, duties forbid.
A regimental dinner, alas.
Ladies.
- Lottie, he is gorgeous! - He's divine!
- Such bearing, such presence! - You're so lucky!
- But where is Budleigh Salterton? - Oh, I'm so happy for you, Lottie!
- (Debussy: Beau Soir with piano) - When in the setting sun
Every stream that is gleaming
When a tremulous glow
Spreads o'er the fields of grain
Are we best to be glad
That seems from all things dreaming
Doth arise to my heart
In pain
A behest to explore
The utmost joy of being
In this day of my youth
And while the evening's fair
For we shall all depart
As goes yon water free
That to the sea
We to the grave
(Piano accompaniment ends)
(Applause)
Three little maids from school are we Pert as a schoolgirl well can be
Filled to the brim with girlish glee
Three little maids from school Everything is a source of fun...
(Colonel) What is this?
It's not in my hand.
My dear colonel, you don't expect me to give you the original, do you?
Where did you get this? Who gave it to you?
Oh, well, who but the object of your affections?
I don't believe it. It's not possible.
- What do you want from me? - £1,200.
- What?! - For it all to be blown away.
Never! I'll not part with a penny! I'll see you in hell first!
Think of your lovely bride, Colonel.
Three little maids is the total sum
Three little maids from school
Three little maids, take one away Two little maids remain and they
Won't have to wait very long, they say Three little maids from school...
What have you done to me?
One has to ask oneself, how much butter can one eat?
Dotty Melsham got seventeen salt and pepper pots!
- Seventeen! - It's true!
- Her singular way of dealing with it... - They're lovely!
...was to murmur politely, "always useful",
until the day when "always useless" she said to the Duchess of Teck!
- No! - Yes, it's true!
- Lillie overheard her, didn't you, Lillie? - Yes, my lady.
Harry wanted us to be married at sea on a pirate ship with only the crew invited.
- But one really can't, can one? - No, my dear, one really can't.
I made an extremely foolish wager
that I could outbox a young upstart of a dragoon.
'And will you mend for the nuptials, my dear fellow, in three days? '
Be worth a small flutter in itself.
- Bed socks, do you think, for cold feet? - One hopes they won't be needed!
(Harry) 'My grandfather fancied himself as something of a pugilist.'
- One summer in Ireland... - (Sobbing)
...I must've have been about eight, I suppose,
he decided to give me a lesson. I was so frightened...
Lottie, what is it?
I landed flat on my back in a sand dune.
He told my grandmother that I'd walked a into tree, the old reprobate!
- Lottie! - What's the trouble?
Some letters.
Lottie...
Lovers' tiff. Or is it goodbye Budleigh Salterton?
- I must go to her. - No, my angel, don't.
Prince Murat is about to marry Baroness d'Haringuerlob.
Lost his first wife Princess Mary de Wagram ten years ago.
Lord Rosebury's accepted an invitation to dine at the Cutlers' Feast in Sheffield.
- You're not trying, Watson! - Well, really, Holmes!
I've been reading things out since 8:30! You haven't reacted to a single item!
I shall react the moment you read out something which captures my attention.
This is interesting.
Lord Hawke's team of English cricketers
are leaving next month for Philadelphia and Toronto.
What on earth does that continent know about cricket?
The Honourable Miss Miles broke off with Colonel Dorking
two days before the wedding.
"The most important item in a woman's appearance will be her headgear."
(Gunshot)
(Knock at door)
Yes?
Come to light the fire for you, sir.
Not at the moment, thank you.
(Hisses) Go away!
All right, OK.
(Mutters to herself)
Inspector.
- Mr Sherlock Holmes? - Er, yes, he's...
It's from Colonel Dorking. Who delivered it?
His batman.
This is Colonel Dorking.
Whose engagement to the Honourable Miss Miles was broken off yesterday.
(Carriage approaching)
(Holmes) It's Lestrade.
I don't know that he's in, Inspector! Inspector!
Mr Holmes, you know what I'm here for.
No. Pray tell me.
I've come for the letter, which arrived in that envelope.
It was stolen from the rooms of Colonel Dorking
and delivered into the hands of Dr Watson not 20 minutes ago.
- Do you have it? - Delivered, yes, but stolen?
- It was a personal note to me. - It's police evidence.
- The Colonel is dead. - Yes, we know. By his own hand.
Foul play is not suspected, is it?
- How can you be so sure it isn't? - The note made it clear.
So...
why should he write to you if he's topping himself?
- Did you know the man? - I had no knowledge of him.
Answer my question or, better still, show me the letter.
It'll tell you nothing.
Oh, seems to be on the point of engaging you.
- He must have changed his mind. - And took a soldier's way out.
What does he mean by...
We'll never know, Inspector.
But he was engaged to be married, damn it!
Yes... well...
Wouldn't be the first time
and it won't be the last.
So... it was blackmail, you'd say?
Well done, Lestrade.
No need for sarcasm, Mr Holmes.
You're as much in the dark as we are, then,
about who this blackmailer might be?
You can be sure of one thing.
Colonel Dorking was not his first victim and will not be his last.
Goodbye, Lestrade.
You will let me know if you hear of anything?
"I've made a hideous mistake. Need your services."
The only pity is he didn't name the blackmailer.
He did. This came with the letter.
"Charles Augustus Milverton.
"Appledore Towers, Hampstead. Art Dealer."
- Camouflage. - CAM.
CAM Devil.
I've had to deal with 50 murderers in my career.
But the worst of them never gave me this sense of revulsion
that I feel at this moment
towards Mr Charles Augustus Milverton.
(Holmes) Milverton's lair.
It's a fortress.
Are you surprised?
(Carriage approaching)
Oi! (Indistinct)
Bring it back tomorrow, right? Yes, tomorrow!
Charles... Augustus.
Is he foreign? Roman? Prussian?
He's built his own prison.
He's a man who loathes the human race.
What might bring him to that?
Well, boy brought up in Ionely isolation, starved of affection.
Probably in one of London's outer suburbs.
Why not Soho or Leicester Square?
Because those places, with all their vices,
team with warmth, generosity of spirit, and humanity.
(Holmes) That's interesting.
Milverton.
Tonight I have an assignment for you.
- To visit an art gallery. - What will you be doing?
Don't you think Miss Miles is more worth a visit, since Dorking wrote to you?
That is past, Watson.
What we must do now is fasten ourselves onto his next victim.
I'm to discover I all can about Milverton.
His reputation, his background, how others perceive him.
- I engage him in conversation? - Yes, but with caution.
His Lordship has been taken ill, my lady.
It is feared he may have suffered a stroke.
- Poor Uncle Charles. - Her Ladyship is with him now.
She'll be pleased that you are back.
(Whispered conversation)
Oh, Diana!
May I see him?
He's sleeping.
Wait a little.
How bad is it?
Dr Bailey is not optimistic.
If he lives, he'll be paralysed.
Eva, there's a ceremony that I have to attend this evening.
The unveiling of my portrait by a young artist.
A brief appearance, but I promised him I'd be there.
- Will you come and take care of me? - Of course.
(Knock at door)
Wait!
Yes?
- It's a maid, come about the job, sir. - Oh.
Well, come in, then.
So what have you got to sell me, my dear?
- What's your name? - Lillie, sir.
Ah, Lady Eva Blackwell.
Hm.
It occurs to me
that I might not have been invited to this viewing, Holmes.
What if I'm not admitted?
Holmes?
- Was that Mr Holmes just going out? - Not that I recognised, Doctor.
Without more ado, ladies and gentlemen,
I shall perform the ceremony for which we are gathered.
(Gasps of appreciation)
(Inaudible conversation)
I think she's gentler and more beautiful than that.
I shall insist on Whistler painting you.
(French accent) Formidable.
It was a great honour.
I would like to go soon.
The boy's caught you to perfection, Lady Swinstead.
I don't believe we've been introduced.
Charles Augustus Milverton at your service.
Excuse me.
Lady Diana... I'm afraid...
My husband? Eva!
Forgive us.
(Watson) A most beautiful lady.
- What? - Lady Swinstead.
I wonder, though, if he's quite got her mouth right.
Disaster.
(Cockney man) It's a bloody shame.
(Hum of conversation)
- (Man) Do I know you? - Yeah.
(Northern accent) You work for Milverton, don't you? Is it good there?
- Would be if it weren't for the plumbing. - Plumbing?
- Up the spout, and it's always my fault. - (Man) Hey!
(Woman) Look what you've done!
- That's not a pint, is it? - Yes.
- Hey, give us a kiss. - (Giggles) Get off!
Get off, Robert!
- Get off! - (Man laughing) I do!
Oh, we never sent for no plumber.
Oh, hello.
It was Stokes.
Oh. Was it?
Oh, Robert... this is... What's your name?
Escott. "We plumb the depths." That's my firm's motto.
- He says you sent for him. - Where's the trouble? Ah, I see.
What's going on here?
Hm? Hm?
- I asked you what's going on. - He's come about the plumbing.
I took the liberty of asking him to look at it, sir, didn't I, Aggie?
You've no right to take liberties. I'm in charge here.
We do need it done.
Mr Milverton was only saying yesterday
that there was a very ugly smell coming from the piping.
Very well. Carry on, then.
Oh! Oh!
- He came in late and went out early. - Thank you, Mrs Hudson.
Shame, isn't it?
'He was a fine statesman, Watson.
'It was his diplomacy, I'm told, which eased Anglo-French relationships
'at a most delicate time some years back.
(Watson) 'I was there with his widow when the news was broken to her.'
Milverton.
I exchanged a word with him.
A more calculatingly insincere smile I never hope so see.
Charles Augustus.
He was described to me as a connoisseur in art matters,
a businessman who can make or raise the fortunes
of any artist to whom he devotes himself.
Stench of hell!
He's a member of a number of London clubs
on the basis, I suppose, that there are those who dare not oppose him.
Not the Diogenes!
I heard from my brother Mycroft that he presented himself
and was turned away with a flea in his ear.
Your gentleman blackmailer
was born in Balham, the only son of a glazier and his wife.
- Your source of information? - Oh, a variety of sources.
I applied your methods.
- How have you fared? - I've entered the fortress.
I'm a plumber with a rising business. Escott, by name.
'The butler, Hebworth,
'is none other than Veitch, the footman who was shot in the face.
'I'm certain of it.
'Perhaps he was employed by Milverton
'as a reward for keeping his silence during the Croft scandal.
- 'I wonder.' - (Plumbing gurgling)
You got air compression in your pipes, Mr Hebworth.
That's the cause of the evil smell in this 'ouse.
What this wants is a save-all below it
so the dirty water don't get clogged up.
What the devil are you doing here?
Oh, it's the plumber, sir.
There's no need of a plumber in this room. Get out.
What are you up to now? This is the master's special room!
You've put his back up now. It'll be half rations for at least a week!
Aggie.
Maximilian, it's my plumber!
Aggie?
I don't care if I do make him jealous! Great lump! Might buck his ideas up.
I don't like your master. I think he's a shady character.
You're right, he is.
Oh, God!
Lillie!
She won't come here for no job. Why'd she want to work here?
She was a real lady's maid, you could tell by her clothes.
What was she after, then?
I think you're getting a bit too curious.
Yes, you are!
And I'm getting cold!
Love me good! Mmm!
Give us a kiss.
I don't know how.
Poor boy.
Holmes, I've had an idea.
A way in which we can bring this fellow Milverton within the grasp of the law.
If we could tempt him to blackmail an innocent person,
we should have him.
Now, suppose... suppose I was to be the recipient of some indiscreet letters?
Who would, pray, write these letters?
Someone of our acquaintance.
Then you, in your plumbing persona, could offer them for sale
and, at the moment of transaction, Lestrade would be on hand to arrest him.
But legally... we cannot move
until some victim is prepared to sacrifice their reputation
by going to the police.
- There must be a way we can fight him. - There is. There is.
In a mere three weeks, my love, all this will be yours.
- I feel unworthy of it. - Nonsense!
There's no woman on earth more worthy.
I feel unwell.
I know what it is you're feeling. It's your Uncle Charles. I do understand.
We have our future ahead of us. We have each other for the rest of our lives.
(Cancan)
Where can I find Monsieur Bertrand?
(Cancan continues)
- Sherlock Holmes. - Good evening, monsieur.
You see, I try to bring a little bit of Paris to London.
Camille's method is simple.
- Camille? - C-A-M, Cam.
Watson, sometimes you absolutely amaze me.
He allows it to be known that he is prepared to pay very high sums
for letters which compromise people of wealth and position.
He receives these letters from valets and maids?
Not only them. Sometimes - how do you say? - Genteel ruffians,
who have the confidence and affection of trusting women.
No one knows where Camille's grip may fall.
You are his, um, agent, his conductor?
Me? No, no, no, no, we go back a number of years.
People are stupid enough to trust their servants!
Did you conduct a housemaid to him recently?
- What is your interest? - I have a friend with something to sell.
Oh, yes?
Well, come this way.
(Music ends)
(Applause)
- Tell me about him. - He needs to know the procedure.
- The matter is delicate. - Of course. It always is.
(Holmes) He's a personal physician to the Duke and Duchess of Landish.
(Bertrand) Ah.
Ah.
This housemaid who came by recently...
She's here tonight... celebrating her birthday.
(Cancan)
In a year from now, she'll be on the streets.
(Holmes) At whose expense?
(Holmes) 'Lady Eva Blackwell.'
Engaged to the Earl of Dovercourt.
She must submit herself to our care.
Somehow.
'Without delay.'
How dare you come into this house!
How dare you!
My dear young lady, a show of temper...
will avail you nothin'.
I can't pay you.
I... I haven't the money to pay you.
Give me back my letters.
Please... leave me alone.
You must be resourceful in findin' the money.
You have influential friends. Surely they'll come to your aid.
No, they won't.
Who can I tell?
That's not my concern.
(Dovercourt) Really, Eva is expecting me, Tronson.
- The Earl of Dovercourt, my lady. - Don't fuss so, there's a good fellow.
Darling, this is Mr Milverton.
I'm honoured to meet you, my lord.
And what is your business here?
Business?
Shall we share with his lordship our little secret, Lady Eva?
No!
As you wish.
- My card, sir. - Thank you.
Good day to you both.
Stokes, what time is it?
Twenty past four.
How much longer, Escott?
Well, if you'll forgive me for saying so, Mr Hebworth,
the plumbing's in a shocking state.
It's the worst I've ever seen.
Take this guttering...
- Two more days, then you're out. - Fine.
Come and see me tonight!
- (Laughter) - Oh, Aggie!
I gather that she rides this way every Sunday afternoon.
- Would you recognise her? - I've seen her likeness in a magazine.
If she's with Dovercourt, I might.
(Dovercourt) Eva!
Boy, get the horse!
- I'm a doctor. - Her godmother lives just over there.
- We could carry her if it's safe to lift her. - Yes, she's just fainted.
Darling?
(Watson) Are you all right?
- I'm so sorry to be of so much trouble. - Shh. You lay where you are, my dear.
She's all right.
Lady Swinstead.
All England shares in your grief.
My colleague Dr Watson is attending Lady Eva.
Poor child is very disturbed by the death of my husband.
It's nothing serious, but I would advise you to make her rest.
- Get her own doctor to see her. - Of course. Thank you, Dr Watson.
If ever Lady Eva should need my services. Please.
Eva.
(Holmes) 'Milverton caused her fall.'
She saw his carriage.
(Holmes) 'He wrings his nerves of his victims'
'to add to his already swollen money bags.
'He is the worst man in London! '
See them slither and slide?
Yes. Is there nothing better we can do than spend our time here?
- Do you have any suggestions? - Confront him! Challenge him!
The brain before the cudgel.
(Watson) Meanwhile, just like him,
he'll squeeze his victims till he's drained them dry
and we're doing nothing to stop him.
Holmes?
You must eat, child.
What's troubling you?
Are you expecting someone?
No, I...
I'm just thinking about my wedding.
Now tell me the truth.
Gotcha!
(Holmes sighs)
What time do they go to bed in this house?
(Singsong) What do you wanna know for?
So that I know when it's safe to visit you.
You could always come in over the wall, throw pebbles at my window.
Which is your window?
I'll only tell you...
- if you marry me. - Oh, Aggie, Aggie.
- Them's my terms. - You have such a way with words!
All right. I'm at the very, very top on the corner.
And the master, he's the floor below, facing out to the garden.
Mr Hebworth, he's on the ground floor just across from the study.
Loves his sleep. You can't wake him. It's a joke in the servants' hall.
Why don't he sleep upstairs?
Because the master wants him on guard.
He's got loads of really valuable stuff cos he's an art collector.
He's afraid of burglars.
Are you a burglar?
Oh, Aggie...
you've... touched my 'eart!
Oh?
I could make you a gift of mine.
Off you go, off you go!
Maximilian, who let you out?
Come 'ere, come 'ere! (Laughing)
(Aggie squeals)
(Aggie) Stop!
No, no!
(Aggie shouting) Stop it! Stop it!
(Aggie shouting)
I'll get you, Escott!
He's round the corner.
(Coughs)
- What's this bloody racket? - Well, they're...
Watson, you'll be interested to hear I'm engaged to be married.
(Mumbling) Oh, yeah? Jolly good.
To Milverton's housemaid.
- Good heavens. - I needed information.
Surely you've gone too far?
It was a most necessary step.
I've walked with her,
talked with her.
Heavens, those talks.
- But the girl. - Can't be helped, Watson.
One must play one's cards as best one can when such a stake is on the table.
However, I rejoice to tell you that I have a hated rival
who will cut me out the moment my back is turned.
- What a splendid day it is. - Mm?
You like this weather?
(Holmes) She's here.
(Lady Eva) 'My father died when I was twelve.'
My mother stays in the country.
Lord and Lady Swinstead opened their home to me.
Indeed, they arranged my season last year.
Give me your gloves.
- What do you think you're doing?! - You haven't been out this morning.
And you don't have to be a detective to see she is recently up from the sick bed.
Isn't that so, my dear? We must put some roses back in those cheeks.
- Thank you. - Broth is an excellent idea.
Mrs Hudson, will you vanish?
- I said, vanish! - Humph!
(Lady Eva) He was my first love.
The son of some neighbours of ours in Suffolk.
But we were ill-matched.
He had few prospects.
When I came down to London last year for the season, I broke off with him.
I didn't realise how much I hurt him.
He returned my letters
and I put them away in a trunk which I keep with me.
Now, the substance of these letters.
Just foolish.
But sufficient to cause your fiancé misgivings.
Harry's so proud of me.
It frightens me sometimes that I cannot live up to his expectation of me.
Your maid found these letters?
Lillie? Yes.
I trusted her.
I cannot believe she could've betrayed me like this.
How would this Lillie know about Milverton?
I think...
...the idea may have come to her
through a misfortune that befell a friend of mine.
Charlotte,
who was to have married a Colonel Dorking.
A Mr Milverton... sent her some letters.
They were very distressing.
Lillie and I were there when she received them.
To think the same fate has befallen me!
It will be all right, Lady Eva.
What can you do?
My marriage is on the 18th.
He is demanding that the money be paid to him
four days prior to the wedding, on the 14th.
- On the day of the dance. - Dance?
Lord Dovercourt has arranged a wedding feast
and invited half of London.
I'm dreading it.
If you will place yourself in my hands,
I'll inform Mr Milverton you've commissioned me to meet him
to make the best terms that I can.
- I have limited resources. - Enough to bargain with?
I cannot approach him empty-handed.
Good! Good!
Thank you.
My felicitations to your godmother.
Lady Eva.
You must trust Mr Holmes
and his methods absolutely.
(Holmes) Mrs Hudson will see you out.
That young lady, Holmes, must be treated with infinite care
unlike your other recent escapade.
Ah, Watson, it took some nerve for her to come here alone.
I believe Lady Eva and the Milverton housemaid have something in common.
- And what is that? - Juice, Watson, juice.
In the face of adversity.
Now... Mr Milverton.
Well, well.
(Charlotte) Eva?
Eva?
L... Lottie.
I am so glad to see you.
Paris wasn't the answer.
You've been hard to find.
- What are you doing? - I fell asleep.
Tronson told me about your Uncle Charles. I'm so sorry.
I stayed here to comfort Diana, but...
(Sighing)... this house is so sad.
"Will call again at 6:30. CAM."
- You ready? - Yes.
Mr Sherlock Holmes?
This gentleman, is it discreet?
Dr Watson is my friend and partner.
It is purely in the interests of your client
that I protested.
The matter is so very delicate.
Dr Watson has already heard of it.
- May I? - Thank you.
We may proceed to business.
You said in your note that you are actin' for the Lady Eva.
Are you empowered to accept my terms?
What are your terms?
£7,000.
And the alternative?
My dear sir, it is painful for me to discuss it,
but I can say
that all this is done with the most careful consideration.
If the money is not paid on the 14th, there will be no marriage on the 18th.
We are, of course, familiar with the contents of these letters.
We shall advise our client
to tell her future husband the whole story
and trust to his generosity.
Then you evidently do not know the Earl.
What harm is there in these letters?
They're sprightly!
Very sprightly!
The lady was a charming correspondent
but I assure you the Earl of Dovercourt will fail to appreciate them.
If you think otherwise. It's purely a matter of business.
If you think it in the best interests of your client,
it would be foolish to pay so large a sum of money.
You go too fast.
We would certainly make every effort to avoid scandal in so delicate a matter.
I felt sure you would see it in that light.
Damn you!
(Watson) Lady Eva is not a wealthy woman.
£2,000 would be a total drain on her resources.
The sum you name utterly beyond her power.
Return the letters at the price we indicate. It is the highest you can get.
What you say may be true of her resources
but surely the occasion of her marriage,
is it not a time for friends and relations to make some little effort on her behalf?
They may hesitate as to an acceptable weddin' present
but this little bundle of letters would bring more joy
than all the candelabra and butter dishes in London.
(Holmes whispering)
It is not possible.
Oh, dear me, then. How very unfortunate.
I cannot help feeling that ladies are ill-advised
in not makin' an effort.
Look at this.
This belongs to...
It's hardly fair to tell you to whom it belongs until tomorrow morning
when it'll be the hands of the lady's husband.
And all because she will not find a beggarly sum
which she could easily do
simply by turning some of her diamonds into paste.
It is such a pity!
You may have noticed a small paragraph recently in the Morning Post.
The sudden end of the engagement between Miss Miles and Colonel Dorking.
- Yes, and its tragic consequences. - That was tantamount to murder.
(Watson) How do you answer for that, Mr Milverton?
How a man conducts himself under such circumstances
is a matter for himself alone.
That is a monstrous assertion!
It was you and you alone who caused his death!
And the sum involved, niggardly.
Indeed. A mere £1,200 would have settled the whole question.
Pitiful, isn't it?
And here I find you, Mr Holmes, a man of sense, bogglin' at terms
when the future and honour of your client is at stake.
You surprise me, you do really.
The money cannot be found.
Surely it would be better for you to take the substantial sum we offer
than to ruin this young woman's career which can profit you in no way.
You're mistaken.
An exposure would profit me indirectly to a considerable degree.
I have eight or ten similar cases maturing.
If it is circulated that I have made a severe example of Lady Eva,
I shall find the rest much more open to reason.
Do you see my point?
Let us see the contents of those letters.
Mr Holmes, Mr Holmes, I've been expectin' you do do something original.
This has been tried so often before.
- Young Edward Croft, for one. - Croft?
The footman, Veitch, who took the bullet that was rightfully yours.
You've done some work on me.
You must know that nothing ever came of an attack on my person.
I'm armed to the teeth at all times
and I'm prepared to use my weapons knowing that the law will support me.
- (Knocking) - You may yet test your assumption.
- I want to see the gentleman upstairs. - (Mrs Hudson) You can't.
I'm sorry, but you will have to wait.
Mrs Hudson, I'm not to be disturbed!
Surely you don't believe I'd be so foolish as to carry my livelihood in my pocket?
Just making sure, Mr Milverton.
Well, now, gentlemen,
I have one or two... little interviews this evenin'
and it's a long drive to Hampstead.
(Laughs triumphantly)
Now...
someone has dealt Milverton a blow.
An outraged husband?
There are thousands in this great city
who crave Milverton's destruction
and may yet beat us to it.
Holmes, I'm as fond of art as any man,
but after yesterday's encounter...
Art is balm to the brain.
Especially in moments of decision.
We've learned something about Milverton.
We learned of his ruthlessness. Hardly a revelation.
We've learned of his vanity and, to a certain measure, his vulnerability.
I can see that the damage to his carriage might have unsettled him.
We must exploit such things.
- Wanton vandalism? - Any chink in the armour.
Oh, Mr Holmes, this is my friend, the Honourable Charlotte Miles.
Mr Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr Watson.
Lady Eva, may I speak privately to you?
Miss Miles, please accept our sympathy.
Mr Holmes and I are fully aware of your situation.
That is most kind of you, but one has to live with one's mistakes.
He was unyielding.
Please. Now, the next move requires your delicate cooperation.
- I'll do anything you say. - The dance in your honour...
(Lady Eva) 'On the 14th.'
Ah, good afternoon... Mr Stokes?
I told you I was not to be disturbed, girl. What is it?
It's a Mr Sherlock Holmes to see you, sir. He...
(Holmes as Escott) 'Oh, Aggie, you've touched my heart.'
(Milverton) Mr Holmes. (Holmes) I'm here to inform you
that my client accepts your terms.
(Milverton) She's acted with perspicacity.
- She begs one small favour. - What is it?
The exchange be delayed until the 15th.
The Earl has arranged a dance on the previous night
and she is somewhat preoccupied with that.
The dance, yes.
So ten o'clock the following morning, we can do business?
- £7,000? - As agreed.
Here or at Baker Street?
- Here, Baker Street. - Neutral ground, perhaps.
The Diogenes Club. You are a member?
May I?
Tell me, this sudden turnabout,
was it on your advice?
I could not abandon my client to her fate, Mr Milverton.
You are the victor.
What a divine fragrance.
My late husband and I were like a second family to her so you see my concern.
This man who is blackmailing her...
Charles Augustus Milverton. He's, um, an art dealer.
Yes, I've heard of him.
He is well-placed to hear the gossip and do his worst.
What view does Mr Holmes take of it?
Well, I'm sure he... has something in mind
but he seldom confides in me till the...
- (Door opening) - Ah, Holmes.
Lady Swinstead is fully primed of the situation.
Time is running out... Mr Holmes.
- If it is a question of paying the money... - That will not be necessary.
- You can give assurance, then? - That would be unwise of me.
But I assure you, I will give it my best.
I shall have to be satisfied with that, then.
Mr Holmes,
this man must be... silenced.
Does she know about Milverton? By name?
Yes, I... I told her. Was that wrong of me?
Oh, Watson, these bills, they must be paid.
Oh, incidentally, I managed to secure an invitation for us both to the dance.
The house is some miles from London
- but in reach for my purposes. - What purposes?
I intend to burgle the Milverton house that night.
For heaven's sake, Holmes, think what you're doing!
Well, let us look at it fairly and clearly.
You will admit that the cause is morally justifiable?
Yes. Technically, criminal.
No more than raiding his pockets, which you were perfectly willing to help me do.
On the spur of the moment, not in the cold light of reason.
Reason?!
There's no reasoning to be done, Watson! Nothing to test my brain!
- That's the curse of it. - Think!
If you're caught, an honoured career ending in failure and public disgrace.
What failure, what disgrace? Against defeat!
You know me well enough
that I would never adopt so energetic a course if another were possible.
I must have those letters and I have the house in the palm of my hand!
The cudgel before the brain.
What of the odious Milverton? You think he will open his gates and invite you in?
Milverton will be at the dance as the guest of Lady Eva's.
That's monstrous, Holmes!
My self respect and reputation are at stake. It's the only way.
Well, I don't like it! Any of it!
You have nothing to fear.
Eva.
(Holmes) Mrs Hudson, why don't you tidy for me?!
Where in the hell are my shoes?! (Grunting angrily)
- Shoes? - Yes.
- Masks? - Black silk handkerchiefs.
- You have a natural turn for this. - I wonder where I learnt it.
Take the usual precautions tonight, Hebworth.
I will. Enjoy your evening.
(Strauss waltz)
(Waltz ends)
- There are people at risk here, Holmes. - Yes, indeed. We leave in eight minutes.
Excuse me, sir, her ladyship would like to see you upstairs.
- Harry... - Mm?
That man...
is he an invited guest?
Milverton?
Yes, it's something Eva's scheming. A painting.
Clever girl's probably trying to whittle down the price by inviting him here.
Don't worry yourself, Diana. It's all right.
(Lively quadrille music)
How strange...
...to see you here, Mr Holmes.
(Applause)
Just mixing business with pleasure,
as no doubt you are.
Purely pleasure this evening, Mr Holmes, I assure you.
You will keep our appointment?
(Lively polka music)
(Holmes humming polka to himself)
- Good evening, Stokes. - Sir.
- I'm expectin' a visitor in half an hour. - Yes, sir.
The servants are playing while the master's away.
(CIock chiming)
(Whispers) Holmes!
Strange. No time to lose. The door.
(Sighs)
(CIock chiming)
(Mechanism clicks)
(CIock striking the hour)
(Snarls in frustration)
(Tapping at window)
(Louder tapping)
You made me curtail my evening's entertainment. I hope you prove worth it.
You couldn't come at a more sociable time? Well, if you couldn't, you couldn't.
If the Countess is a hard mistress,
you have a chance now to get even with her.
Bless the girl, what are you shivering about?
What's the matter? Pull yourself together.
Now, then, let's get down to business.
You say you have five letters which compromise - hm? -
the Comtesse d'AIbert?
You want to sell 'em, I want to buy them. So far so good.
It only remains to fix the price.
Course, I shall want to examine the letters.
If they prove to be good specimens, then...
Great heavens, is it you?
A woman whose life you have ruined.
You were so very obstinate.
- Paris, 12 years ago. - You drove me to such extremities.
- An episode long closed. - I wouldn't hurt a fly of my own accord.
You waited for the moment when the stake was most worth winning!
What was I to do?
- So you sent the letters to my husband... - You would not pay!
...a man whose boots I was never worthy to lace.
- You broke his gallant heart! - Madam, I do assure you...
Vile creature!
That day I came here, I prayed, I begged you for mercy
and you laughed in my face... as you are trying to laugh now,
but you cannot keep your lips from trembling!
- Don't imagine you can bully me... - You will ruin no more lives!
- I can call my servants... - You will wring no more hearts...
I will make allowance for your natural anger.
Leave the room at once and I'll say no more about it.
I will free the world of a poisonous thing.
Ahh... you done me.
(Milverton chokes)
(Death rattle, banging on door)
(Hysterical screaming)
Fire.
- Burn! - (Banging on door)
(Rhythmic banging on door)
(Holmes snarls)
(Heavy banging on door)
Lady Swinstead... you're free.
Run! Run!
(Yells)
(Man) 'Now, gentlemen,
'sale of the property of Charles A Milverton, Esquire, deceased.'
Lot 1 - box of miscellaneous objects, trinkets, correspondence.
Do I hear £5?
- Thank you, sir. Any advance? - (Bangs gavel)
(Holmes) Steward to a noble household. Making sure.
Lot 2 - bust of Athene.
Ancient goddess of wisdom, industry and war.
Now, what do I have for this fine marble statue? £10?
20? £20.
30? Thank you, sir. At £30.
50. I have £50, sir.
60.
80. £80.
90. £90 against you, sir. At 90.
£100.
More, sir?
Sold to the gentleman over there for £100.
Ahhhh!
(Rhythmic banging)
Mr Holmes!
Bought it in an auction, Mrs Hudson. It cost £100.
Why has he smashed it?
I thought there might be something in it. I'm not unhappy to say that I was wrong.
Thank you, Mrs Hudson.
Why, as a point of interest, Holmes, did the Frenchman want it?
Sentimental reasons?
Just making sure.
No, Watson.
There are certain aspects of which I am not proud.
Please, bury this case...
deep in your pockets.