- 6 days ago
The British version of this episode of the classic British thriller series "Thriller", ep. also known as "Death in Small Doses" (the American version). Recently widowed Laura Vallance returns home to England after many years living abroad. She knows few people in England, but she desires rest and seclusion in her time of grief. However, she is more alone than she bargained for when she hires Roger Masters as her butler. With small doses of poison, the ruthless butler plans to keeps his wealthy employer incapacitated... permanently. Starring Michael Jayston, Nyree Dawn Porter, Barry Nelsonm Thorley Walters, Janet Key.
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00:00:28Transcription by CastingWords
00:00:56Transcription by CastingWords
00:01:00I would like to stay
00:01:02but I've always held the opinion
00:01:04that a man in my position
00:01:05should strive constantly to be extended
00:01:08and I think we would both agree
00:01:09that my work here is finished
00:01:12all that remains
00:01:13is to tidy up
00:01:36and I think we should go
00:01:45and we should go
00:01:45and I'll hold it
00:01:45in the next couple of weeks
00:02:13You're a widow
00:02:14in a foreign land, Laura.
00:02:16You need the protection
00:02:17of the American embassy.
00:02:18You forget I was born here.
00:02:20Ah, yes, but you've lived
00:02:21most of your life abroad.
00:02:22You married an American.
00:02:23You have no friends here in England,
00:02:25no acquaintances.
00:02:26You're a stranger here.
00:02:27Since when did strangers
00:02:28in England need diplomatic shelter?
00:02:30Charming though,
00:02:31my guardian would be.
00:02:32Oh, not all strangers.
00:02:33Just a beautiful,
00:02:35newly bereaved millionaires.
00:02:36I know George would have
00:02:38wanted me to look after you.
00:02:39After all, he always admitted
00:02:41he was lucky to have seen you
00:02:42six months before I did.
00:02:43Oh, Hugo, dear.
00:02:45There is no one
00:02:46I'd rather be looked after by
00:02:48if you'll forgive
00:02:48the undiplomatic grammar.
00:02:50But it's really too soon.
00:02:53I came here to get away.
00:02:55Away from Washington.
00:02:57Away from people
00:02:57who knew me from memories.
00:02:59Anything that might remind me.
00:03:02Well, you're going to be lonely.
00:03:06Oh, Hugo.
00:03:07Oh, please don't think
00:03:09I'm not delighted to see you.
00:03:11I am.
00:03:13And I know that later
00:03:14I'll be glad you're here.
00:03:15But just now
00:03:16I want to be among strangers.
00:03:18Anonymous.
00:03:19I want to become
00:03:23empty for a while.
00:03:25Does that make sense?
00:03:29Very well.
00:03:30But you do well
00:03:31to remember
00:03:32what they call me
00:03:33in the service.
00:03:34The bulldog.
00:03:35You never let go.
00:03:37It's rather comforting
00:03:38in a way.
00:03:41Excuse me, madam.
00:03:42There's a person
00:03:43in the hall.
00:03:44A Mr. Masters.
00:03:45Says he has an appointment
00:03:46with you.
00:03:47An interview for Butler?
00:03:48Uh, yeah, sure.
00:03:49I'm in, Betty.
00:03:50Yeah, well, I'll be on my way.
00:03:51By the way,
00:03:52if this fellow
00:03:53doesn't work out,
00:03:54I'd be a pretty mean hand
00:03:55at butting myself.
00:03:57Mr. Masters, madam.
00:03:58Goodbye, Laura.
00:04:00Think about it.
00:04:00I will.
00:04:08Mr. Roger Masters, madam,
00:04:10at your service.
00:04:11It was noon,
00:04:11you suggested, I think.
00:04:12If you'd care to sit down,
00:04:13Mr. Masters.
00:04:14Thank you, madam.
00:04:14I'm very well as I am.
00:04:17Well, I've looked
00:04:18through the references
00:04:18you sent me.
00:04:20They're most impressive.
00:04:22Tell me,
00:04:23why did you leave
00:04:23your last employer?
00:04:24She went abroad
00:04:25for her health, madam.
00:04:27However,
00:04:27she was kind enough
00:04:28to write down
00:04:28her impressions of me
00:04:30before she left.
00:04:31Yeah, so I see.
00:04:35Look after Mrs. Valance, Betty.
00:04:36She's quite on her own,
00:04:37you know.
00:04:38Oh, I will, sir.
00:04:39Don't you worry
00:04:40about a thing.
00:04:46Your last post
00:04:47was in the country,
00:04:48I see.
00:04:49Will you like it in town?
00:04:50I'm sure I will, madam.
00:04:51I'm quite accustomed
00:04:52to London.
00:04:53Well,
00:04:54I don't intend
00:04:55to maintain
00:04:56a large establishment.
00:04:57If you came,
00:04:58there'd be yourself
00:04:59and the maid,
00:05:00Betty.
00:05:00She also does
00:05:01the cooking and cleaning.
00:05:02The advertisement
00:05:02mentioned just yourself
00:05:03in the household, madam.
00:05:04That is so.
00:05:05Would it be your intention,
00:05:06madam,
00:05:06to have frequent house guests?
00:05:07That would be
00:05:08very far from my intention.
00:05:09The staff of two
00:05:10would be perfectly adequate, madam.
00:05:12I want quiet, masters.
00:05:14Peace and quiet.
00:05:16Should we agree,
00:05:16I'll expect you
00:05:17to remember that.
00:05:18I think I can promise
00:05:19to provide that, madam.
00:05:21Is the salary satisfactory?
00:05:23Perfectly, thank you.
00:05:25Very well,
00:05:26the engagement is yours.
00:05:27You may bring your things
00:05:28this evening
00:05:29and start tomorrow,
00:05:29if you wish.
00:05:30I do wish it, thank you.
00:05:33I assure you,
00:05:34you won't live
00:05:34to regret it.
00:05:48You got the job, then?
00:05:50I was appointed
00:05:51to the post of bottling, yes.
00:05:53I saw your references
00:05:54the other day.
00:05:56You move about
00:05:57quite a bit, don't you?
00:05:58Mrs. Vallance
00:05:59found them perfectly satisfactory.
00:06:00I never said
00:06:01you didn't, did I?
00:06:24It went like a dream.
00:06:26We're in.
00:06:27No problems?
00:06:29There's a maid
00:06:30who'll need watching.
00:06:36Thank you, Betty.
00:06:41He's the new butler,
00:06:42is he then, madam?
00:06:43Yes, I'm sure
00:06:44you'll get on very well
00:06:45with him.
00:06:51He, uh,
00:06:52drives a bit of a
00:06:53flash car for a butler, madam.
00:06:56Well,
00:06:58we all have our
00:07:00little weaknesses,
00:07:01even butlers.
00:07:03Yes, madam.
00:07:08A cigar?
00:07:09No, thanks, Dad.
00:07:12I, uh,
00:07:13I ran into
00:07:14Laura Vallance today.
00:07:15Laura Vallance?
00:07:16Yes.
00:07:17Remember Mrs. Vallance?
00:07:19Laura Vallance.
00:07:20Yes, I mentioned her
00:07:21the other day.
00:07:22Oh, yeah.
00:07:24Washington, wasn't she?
00:07:25Married to that guy
00:07:26in the State Department.
00:07:27That's right.
00:07:27You got it.
00:07:28Just bumped into her,
00:07:29did you?
00:07:29Yes.
00:07:30Yes, her husband
00:07:31died, you know,
00:07:32and she's over here
00:07:33on a kind of a sabbatical
00:07:34to get over it.
00:07:35And that's how
00:07:35you bumped into her?
00:07:36Yes, yes.
00:07:37She's taken a house
00:07:38near the park.
00:07:39Sensible lady.
00:07:40And where did
00:07:41this collision take place?
00:07:42What?
00:07:43Oh, they,
00:07:45yes,
00:07:45I see what you,
00:07:47uh, well, no,
00:07:48she's, uh,
00:07:49we met over at her house.
00:07:51Rather too big for her,
00:07:52I would have thought.
00:07:54But still, well,
00:07:55you know,
00:07:55she wants seclusion.
00:07:57Pretty shaken up,
00:07:57I suppose.
00:07:58Yes, yes.
00:08:01Well, I remember
00:08:02what it was like
00:08:02when your mother died.
00:08:03Takes a bit of
00:08:04getting used to.
00:08:05I should think
00:08:05the best thing for her
00:08:06would be to get married again.
00:08:07Well, she was very happy
00:08:09with what's-his-name,
00:08:10wasn't she?
00:08:11Well, that's the point.
00:08:12It's the people
00:08:12that were happy
00:08:13the first time around
00:08:14who have the best chance
00:08:16of making a go of it again.
00:08:17So when's the wedding?
00:08:19What?
00:08:20When are you going
00:08:21to marry Laura Valance?
00:08:22Well, that's what
00:08:23you were getting around to
00:08:24in about two hours' time,
00:08:26isn't it?
00:08:26Why, you.
00:08:27I mentioned her
00:08:29the other day.
00:08:29Do you realize
00:08:30exactly how many times
00:08:32you've mentioned her recently?
00:08:34Oh, dear.
00:08:37The house was too big
00:08:39for her,
00:08:39if you ask me.
00:08:41Too big and too quiet.
00:08:43No friends,
00:08:44no relatives.
00:08:46What she wants to do
00:08:47is marry that nice
00:08:47Mr. Hugo
00:08:48and have a life again.
00:08:53This is Madam's study
00:08:55where she does
00:08:56all the accounts
00:08:56and correspondence
00:08:57and such like.
00:08:58She should have a man
00:08:59to do all that for her.
00:09:01Oh, she has now, Betty.
00:09:02Me.
00:09:03I mean a husband,
00:09:05not a butler.
00:09:06What's in here?
00:09:07Madam's personal papers.
00:09:09Bank things,
00:09:10checkbooks,
00:09:10documents,
00:09:11things like that.
00:09:12They're none of your concern.
00:09:14You've evidently
00:09:15not been in service
00:09:15very long.
00:09:16The whole house
00:09:16and all its problems
00:09:17are the concern
00:09:18of the butler.
00:09:20Is that what it was like
00:09:21at Chevening Manor?
00:09:23What do you know
00:09:24of Chevening Manor?
00:09:26Don't know nothing about it.
00:09:27Just sew it on your references,
00:09:28that's all.
00:09:29Prying into other people's affairs
00:09:30is one of the little habits
00:09:31you're going to have to get out of
00:09:32now I'm in charge.
00:10:00Thank you, Masters.
00:10:01The temperature is perfect.
00:10:02I think we shall get on very well.
00:10:04I shall use my very best endeavors
00:10:06to that end, Madam.
00:10:07You may go.
00:10:08Thank you, Madam.
00:10:08Good night, Madam.
00:10:09Good night, Masters.
00:10:36Good night, Madam.
00:10:37Good night, Madam.
00:10:41Good night, Madam.
00:10:51Good night, Madam.
00:10:53Good night, Madam.
00:10:54Good night, Madam.
00:10:54Good night, Madam.
00:10:55Good night, Madam.
00:10:56Good night, Madam.
00:10:57Good night, Madam.
00:11:00Good night, Madam.
00:11:01Oh, my God.
00:11:53Oh, you did give me a turn.
00:11:54What are you doing?
00:11:56On the contrary, what are you doing?
00:11:58I've just been upstairs to see if she wanted anything.
00:12:00Well, that's my responsibility now.
00:12:02Kindly remember your station.
00:12:04My station?
00:12:05Where do you think you are?
00:12:06Bleak house?
00:12:07Queen Victoria's dead, you know.
00:12:09Anyway, what were you doing in there?
00:12:11I was checking the doors and windows.
00:12:13The security of the house is my concern.
00:12:15The security of the house.
00:12:17Creeping about like Frankenstein.
00:12:19It's enough to give a girl curly hair.
00:12:50That's a good thing.
00:13:05ORGAN PLAYS
00:13:27ORGAN PLAYS
00:14:06ORGAN PLAYS
00:14:29ORGAN PLAYS
00:14:32come in Betty
00:14:36Betty this is most distressing and I hope you don't...
00:14:38forgive me madam I know how embarrassing these matters can be
00:14:42the fact is that a valuable ring is missing from mrs valence's jewel case
00:14:46what? it was there when mrs valence went to sleep last night it is not there now
00:14:50since there are only the two of us in the house
00:14:52excuse me madam that will be the police
00:14:54the police? I didn't tell you to send for the police
00:14:57I'm sorry madam but I am at a disadvantage in this matter
00:15:00I am the newcomer and I therefore felt it essential in my own interests
00:15:03that the matter be investigated in the proper manner
00:15:06if you are forgiven
00:15:25it's absolutely horrible
00:15:27there are police all over the house
00:15:29a maid is miserable
00:15:32I should never have let it get this far
00:15:34well it's a rotten thing to have happened
00:15:36but after all you had betty what two weeks
00:15:38masters arrived just yesterday
00:15:40it's best to get it straightened out
00:15:42oh hugo I'm so glad you're here
00:15:43I don't think I could have cooked by myself
00:15:46well I thought I'd just drop by on my way to the madhouse
00:15:49see if you care to have lunch with me
00:15:53I think we got it sorted out mrs valence
00:15:56is that the ring?
00:15:58yes
00:16:00yes that's the one
00:16:02where did you find it?
00:16:04I dropped it somewhere and not realized
00:16:06no madam you hadn't dropped it
00:16:07not in that sense
00:16:08we found it in your maid's bedroom
00:16:10roll up in a pair of tights
00:16:12but she couldn't
00:16:14well she wouldn't
00:16:17in any case she's far too sensible
00:16:19she must have known I'd miss it
00:16:20you'd be surprised madam how careless lots of ladies are with their jewelry
00:16:23they don't know whether it's on their hand or their
00:16:26well these girls know that they tread on it
00:16:29do you wish us to prefer charges mrs valence?
00:16:32no no no no good heavens no um
00:16:35oh hugo please will you deal with it
00:16:38I just couldn't face her
00:16:41tell masters to give her the customary amount in lieu of notice
00:16:44and deal with it in any way you like
00:16:46tell her
00:16:49I'm sorry
00:17:08please don't distress yourself madam you did the only thing you could
00:17:10you seem such a straightforward person
00:17:13she probably has a record of such thefts
00:17:15the girl was lucky not to find herself prosecuted
00:17:18that makes me a bit nervous about finding a replacement
00:17:21might I suggest madam that you leave it to me
00:17:24I'm confident of finding a suitable person
00:17:27yes
00:17:29yes of course masters
00:17:30why don't you do that
00:17:32I'll leave it in your hands
00:17:33very good madam
00:17:34will madam be at home for lunch
00:17:35no no I shall be lunching out with mr fane
00:17:38I've also asked him to dine here the day after tomorrow
00:17:41so if you could arrange something before then
00:17:42of course madam
00:17:43will that be all madam
00:17:44yes thank you masters
00:17:46yes
00:17:46yes
00:17:46yes
00:17:57yes
00:17:57yes
00:18:18you're a genius these are the best of uncle God I've had since Brussels where'd you find it
00:18:24I didn't Masters did it you know he really is turning out to be quite a prize no
00:18:29chance for me to do my stuff then huh beautiful my compliments to the chef
00:18:40but one vital ingredient missing at the moment the cream spinach I got that out of
00:18:48her when we discussed the menu she adores spinach he never touches it
00:18:53wise man
00:19:05trolley
00:19:35congratulations Masters where did you dig up this goddess of the kitchen we've worked together before
00:19:39sir I remembered her and she happened to be free I can't think why if it weren't you my dear
00:19:44I'd
00:19:44steal her away myself tomorrow a little more spinach madam yes yes I believe I will
00:19:59thank you
00:20:01thank you
00:20:02thank you
00:20:26thank you
00:20:28thank you
00:20:53thank you
00:20:58thank you
00:20:58thank you
00:20:58thank you
00:20:58mr. Austin
00:20:58oh please telephone mr Fane and ask him if we could meet at 1 o'clock rather than noon
00:21:03very good madam
00:21:16That's enough. We don't want to kill her, do we?
00:21:33May I take the train?
00:21:38Forgive me madam but I really don't think you should be up.
00:21:40I must make an effort. Mr Fain is expecting me.
00:21:44Did you give him my message?
00:21:45I hope you won't be offended madam.
00:21:47I took the liberty of cancelling your appointment with Mr Fain.
00:21:50I really didn't think you were well enough to go and I informed Mr Fain accordingly.
00:21:56I think you're right.
00:21:58It was very thoughtful of you masters.
00:22:00It's probably gastric flu. It's very prevalent at the moment.
00:22:03If I might venture, the only way to deal with it is to retire to bed and to remain there
00:22:06for a day.
00:22:07I've always found it works wonders.
00:22:09I believe you're right again masters.
00:22:12I'm always recommending it to other people, always reluctant to do it myself.
00:22:15If you'll permit me.
00:22:17No no really really I'm perfectly all right.
00:22:24Here we are madam.
00:22:26I'm being spoiled outrageously.
00:22:28I hope you'll feel better soon madam.
00:22:30That will be all Lisa.
00:23:12Thanks for listening.
00:23:17Gin.
00:23:19That is the sixth time in a row.
00:23:21I know you're cheating but I can't spot how.
00:23:28Just about on schedule.
00:23:33Well go on.
00:23:35Take it easy.
00:23:36It'd never do to show her I was expecting it would it?
00:23:39I should be in bed and pass asleep shouldn't I?
00:23:48Mint.
00:24:01Mr. Roger Masters reporting the duty.
00:24:13Sorry madam I sleep like the dead. Have you been ringing long?
00:24:15I'm sorry I didn't wish to disturb you Masters but
00:24:18I really believe I'm quite ill. I think I better have a doctor.
00:24:21Well certainly madam I know an excellent man.
00:24:23No no no. Mr. Fane left an embassy list.
00:24:26It's in my address book on the dressing table.
00:24:29There's a doctor's number in there.
00:24:31Of course madam.
00:24:32ok.
00:24:33Oh.
00:24:37Oof.
00:24:42Oof.
00:25:04I'm sorry to ring you at this late hour. I'm speaking with mrs. Laura Valens a friend of
00:25:09Hugo Fain. could I speak to Dr. Eastor please?
00:25:15I see.
00:25:18yes I see. when will he? not till then. oh thank you. my apologies again for
00:25:26disturbing you. I'm sorry madam apparently Dr. Eastor is aware at a
00:25:31medical convention in Bermuda. he'll not be back for two weeks. oh no. however as I
00:25:35say I do know an excellent man used by a number of my previous employees. he's a
00:25:39most conscientious doctor. I'm sure you'll be in good hands. may I fetch him? oh yes yes
00:25:43please do. certainly madam. his number's downstairs. I'll telephone him immediately.
00:25:47yes it's a virus infection mrs. Valens. I know that sounds alarming but it's not.
00:25:52it's it's very minor. the symptoms are distressing I know but his bark is worse
00:25:57in spite of you understand me. I'm sorry to be in so much trouble. not at all not at
00:26:02all. I wish all my patients were sensible. hit small things early and they don't
00:26:05develop the big things. that's what I always say. how long will I be? what in
00:26:09bed depends on you largely. if you're a sensible girl do as you're told. take your
00:26:15medicine four or five days. five days? well it could be much longer if you don't
00:26:20behave yourself. now then I've written out some
00:26:24descriptions there but I'm leaving with your chap and I'm relying on him to see
00:26:28that you play the game. so when I'm not here he is as it were in loco parentis for me
00:26:35you
00:26:35understand? and I'm telling him you need lots of rest and lots of quiet and he's
00:26:40to see that you get him. all right? now good. now take these they'll help you to sleep.
00:26:46here we are. all right? all right? good. good. fine. well that's it then. there we are. now then yes
00:27:02oh yes and
00:27:03remember your butler is the boss. I will remember. right.
00:27:19ah same as last time I suppose. impossible to detect and gradually in
00:27:23the way that it hits them. it's the only stuff. as for tonight there'll be more
00:27:27later as usual. well there was a time you know. yeah that's before you got struck
00:27:31off. come off it Ledworth. you haven't lived so well for years. and try and stay at
00:27:37least one quarter sober would you. I may want you again. now don't you push me
00:27:41around. you need me. I own you. don't forget that Ledworth. I picked you up out of your
00:27:48own filth. dusted you up and made you useful again. money. the clothes you stand in.
00:27:54the liquor you pour down your gullet. they're there by the grace of me. I even put a
00:27:58roof over your head. oh perhaps you'd like to go back where I found you eh Ledworth. the alcoholic ward.
00:28:04all right all right. I didn't mean anything. don't you say. of course you will. of course
00:28:14you will. and get back to the house.
00:28:29what's the matter with him? I think it's the time of night when bent doctors
00:28:33remember the Hippocratic Oath.
00:28:40good morning madam. I trust you slept well. oh yes thank you. I'm very thirsty.
00:28:45breakfast will be up in five minutes madam.
00:28:49what are you doing? doctor Ledworth prescribed compete rest and quiet madam. no telephone call.
00:28:53I don't think that's necessary. he warned me you might be a difficult patient madam.
00:28:55I'm afraid I shall have to be quite heartless.
00:29:02what do you mean no telephone calls? the doctor was quite explicit sir.
00:29:06he said no telephone calls and no visits. he said it was most important that mrs.
00:29:10valence had complete rest. what's the matter with it did he say? he said it was a virus.
00:29:16not serious but it could become so if mrs. valence did not observe his routine.
00:29:45oh dr. eastow. here go fang.
00:29:48uh doctor this is going to sound rather odd but uh has a mrs. laura valence consulted you?
00:29:54and if so and just completely in confidence of course. what the devil's wrong with her?
00:29:59she hasn't consulted you? no no no no nothing at all. thank you doctor.
00:30:10I'm hungry masters. you hardly gave me any breakfast either.
00:30:14I'm sorry madam doctor's orders. you know what they say feed a cold and starve a fever.
00:30:18is that what I've got a fever?
00:30:19I'm afraid I know nothing about the art of medicine madam.
00:30:22but I do have a great respect for medical men.
00:30:24doctor letterworth says it's for your own good.
00:30:27oh did mr. fane telephone this morning?
00:30:29no madam. i see thank you.
00:30:45i don't see there's anything odd about it at all dad.
00:30:49well i recommended our own doctor to her now she's gone gotten herself ill she's called in somebody else.
00:30:54woman's privilege. she decided not to take your advice. maybe that's what you're sore about is it?
00:31:02i mean after all she couldn't choose her own doctor without starting a congressional debate.
00:31:07yeah i suppose you're right.
00:31:09uh can i borrow your car tonight?
00:31:12hmm? yes.
00:31:17hey!
00:31:19what's wrong with your own?
00:32:02is this all?
00:32:04I'm afraid so madam.
00:32:12starving.
00:32:13i've had hardly anything to eat for the past two days.
00:32:17i think that's why i'm feeling so weak.
00:32:19i'm sorry madam but i'm only following the doctor's instructions.
00:32:22i'm sure it's doing you good.
00:32:25i'm sorry sir. i'd be wrong to disobey the doctor's and madam's instructions.
00:32:29the treatment requires complete rest and no visitors.
00:32:32who's looking after?
00:32:33he's an american doctor sir.
00:32:35he's a friend of madam's who happened to be over here.
00:32:37well where can i get in touch with him?
00:32:38i'm afraid i don't know sir.
00:32:40mrs valence called him herself.
00:32:42he seems very strict.
00:32:43thank you. there we are madam.
00:32:45that's better.
00:32:49why is mr fain called?
00:32:50no i'm afraid not madam.
00:32:53will that be all madam?
00:32:54yes.
00:33:01hugo.
00:33:02it all seems very unnecessarily complicated to me.
00:33:06hugo.
00:33:11just tell mrs valence i called.
00:33:13certainly sir.
00:33:14goodbye sir.
00:33:28i'm sorry madam i was unable to get away at once.
00:33:30was that mr fain?
00:33:31yes he was madam.
00:33:33i asked him if he'd like to come up but he said he'd spoken to dr ledworth and the doctor
00:33:36had advised against it.
00:33:38he came to say goodbye madam.
00:33:40goodbye?
00:33:41mr fain has been posted back to washington madam.
00:33:43his plane leaves at noon. he called here on his way to the airport.
00:33:46oh no.
00:33:49oh hugo.
00:33:51it's not like laura.
00:33:53to be so uncommunicative i mean.
00:33:56well she is ill.
00:33:58well that's true but what does it take to pick up a telephone?
00:34:01that's what worries me.
00:34:02you know i'm beginning to think she's not just ill she's very ill.
00:34:05i wouldn't worry too much if i were you.
00:34:07you say a butler's pretty confident man.
00:34:10he seems to have a grip on things.
00:34:12yes he does indeed.
00:34:16you see my notes anyway.
00:34:18notes?
00:34:19yes for this broadcast of mine tomorrow.
00:34:22pretty sensitive subject isn't it?
00:34:24arab nationalism.
00:34:25well somebody's got to speak out.
00:34:29i thought they were supposed to be live.
00:34:32and unscripted.
00:34:33it it?
00:34:34it is.
00:34:3520 years in the embassy have taught me that a few notes never want to miss.
00:34:41yes.
00:34:48oh.
00:35:04madam what are you doing out of bed you shouldn't really shouldn't I have
00:35:10discovered here let me help you back there now there we are I don't know what dr.
00:35:20Ledworth would say I'm sure supposing you got out on the landing and fallen down
00:35:24the stairs I wouldn't have done that I dare say not madam but where would I have
00:35:28been if you had I was worried about disturbing you but now I'm glad I did
00:35:32there were simply some household checks for you to sign madam I'm sorry to
00:35:36trouble you but they have to be attended to if you'd be so kind
00:35:54thank you madam I don't mind telling you you alarmed me just now madam I can see
00:36:04you're not to be trusted I can see I shall have to take precautions or dr.
00:36:10Ledworth will have my hide oh now that's better isn't it keep the light out of
00:36:14your eyes I don't want that try and get some sleep now what time is it what day is this
00:36:27she's a tough girl she's had enough of the stuff to knock her sideways but she
00:36:31keeps fighting back more not yet won't be long now she's beginning to lose touch
00:37:20Mr. Hugo Fain Mr. Hugo Fain has joined us in the studio for our live discussion on Arab nationalism
00:37:29as former first secretary for many years in both Beirut and Cairo
00:37:34Mr. Fain is uniquely qualified to discuss Arab aspirations
00:37:40Mr. Fain
00:37:43yes well I've come along here this afternoon to
00:37:47Hugo
00:37:50you haven't gone away
00:38:14my throat I'm choking some water please quickly
00:38:54Please answer. Please answer.
00:39:00This is Laura Valens.
00:39:02Please don't interrupt. Tell Mr. Fane.
00:39:08Hello?
00:39:11This won't do madam.
00:39:14This really won't do at all. You're not helping yourself you know.
00:39:18This is exactly what you shouldn't be doing.
00:39:21You said Mr. Fane had gone away.
00:39:24And so he has madam.
00:39:26No. I heard him on the radio.
00:39:28It was probably recorded madam before he went away.
00:39:30No. It was live. They said it was live.
00:39:34And madam probably imagined it was live knowing the voice.
00:39:37You're in a very weak state you know. It's easy for one's mind to play a train.
00:39:40There's nothing wrong with my mind. I want another doctor.
00:39:43A second opinion.
00:39:44I'll speak to Dr. Ledworth madam.
00:39:46He'll be very hurt I'm sure but nevertheless if it's what you wish I will do so.
00:39:50Yes.
00:39:51Now I suggest you settle down and conserve your energy.
00:39:53You've only to ring if you need me.
00:40:08No food at all today.
00:40:10But the milk's got the stuff in it.
00:40:12Salvation is what she needs now.
00:40:14Hunger's a great little spirit breaker.
00:40:19What did she actually say?
00:40:21That's what she said. That's all she said.
00:40:23Tell Mr. Fane.
00:40:24Then she hung up.
00:40:26Does she sound all right?
00:40:28No.
00:40:29Sound a bit odd.
00:40:31Very odd in fact.
00:40:33And she said nothing more?
00:40:35Not a thing.
00:40:38Look I thought I better just hang on and tell you in person.
00:40:41But now I've really got to go.
00:40:43You won't forget I'm staying in Oxford overnight will you?
00:40:45No.
00:40:45Sorry I'll remember.
00:40:46Fine.
00:40:47Bye.
00:41:08Mrs. Valens is residence.
00:41:12Oh yes sir.
00:41:15Yes she did phone you.
00:41:17Completely against doctors orders.
00:41:19And then she had a little fainting fit.
00:41:21And just what the doctor said might happen if she overexerted herself.
00:41:25She just wanted to tell you she was all right sir and to apologize for not being in touch.
00:41:32Well she's asleep now sir. I wouldn't wish to disturb her.
00:41:36But I'll certainly tell you you called.
00:41:38Thank you sir.
00:41:40Goodbye sir.
00:41:45I'll see you later.
00:41:48How about you?
00:41:49Right here.
00:41:49You have to know.
00:41:49Oh no good.
00:42:03And I'll be waiting for you.
00:42:05How about you?
00:42:24¶¶
00:42:38Now, look, I had enough of your interference. Now, get out of my way.
00:42:48Hugo!
00:42:53Hugo!
00:43:02They made me prisoner. They took the phone away. They were starving me.
00:43:07It's all right. It's all right now.
00:43:08They told me you'd gone away.
00:43:10I haven't gone away, have I? I'm here to look after you.
00:43:13Now, get out of my way. Just sit down a minute.
00:43:16Yes. You need a doctor. Yes. And we both need the police.
00:43:44No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
00:44:22Come on, Lisa.
00:44:38Come on, Lisa.
00:45:06Come on, Lisa.
00:45:42It's all right.
00:45:44A miscalculation.
00:45:47Another few days and it'll be over.
00:45:49We'll be out of here and on our way.
00:45:52Just another few days.
00:45:55I'm going to have to leave you for a while.
00:45:58I'll be all right.
00:45:59Of course you will.
00:46:02Because you trust me, don't you?
00:46:07Completely trust me.
00:46:11Don't open the door to anyone.
00:46:19No loose ends.
00:46:41Don't open the door.
00:46:45I'm going to have to leave you for a while.
00:46:56hello hello Jeremy Pierce look you don't have my old man with you do you well it's just that he
00:47:04didn't sleep here last night no wonder don't be disgusting fine thanks
00:47:36hello Peter Piers look I don't want to be an alarmist or anything but Hugo seems to be
00:47:44missing yeah I mean I know it's nothing but well he was pretty outspoken about
00:47:50Arab affairs yesterday
00:48:05getting to be a habit sir isn't it funny the way it happens I've not had an
00:48:08inquiry on this patch for over a year and suddenly I'm in and out like they're
00:48:11tired what is it this time just a few routine inquiries sir oh certainly
00:48:15sergeant please do come in
00:48:23going away are you? my employer has been rather ill she's gone to Bermuda to
00:48:27recuperate I am to follow
00:48:37this is a life eh constable butler nothing but the best best houses best food
00:48:49of course you are a servant but then so am I servant to the public on tap day and night
00:48:58I'm inquiring about a mr. fane mr. hugo fane he's not in his usual haunts
00:49:08we heard he might have called here last night mr. fane yes he did call here last night he's a
00:49:12friend of mrs. valence I told him he just missed her he was very disappointed
00:49:17help somebody please help me
00:49:25help
00:49:51and then Mr Fane got into his car and drove away.
00:49:54he didn't say where he was going did he sir?
00:49:56no I'm afraid not Sergeant.
00:49:58oh thank you kindly sir.
00:50:00oh thank you.
00:50:01see that constable?
00:50:03that's what I call the perfect butler.
00:50:05smart too.
00:50:07look at those buttons almost regimental.
00:50:23he didn't say anything about anyone following him nothing like that sir.
00:50:26he did seem a little strained but no he said nothing like that.
00:50:33all right sir thank you very much.
00:50:35sorry to have bothered you.
00:50:36not at all.
00:50:56did your father get any other strange calls after the broadcaster?
00:50:59no mrs valence was the only one.
00:51:02that one seems to be a dead end with her going away and all.
00:51:06maybe that's what she was calling to say.
00:51:10well why should she hang up so suddenly?
00:51:12who knows with women sir.
00:51:15I'm simply asking you to be sensible madam.
00:51:18a little business before lunch.
00:51:19I'm not signing any will.
00:51:22I wouldn't dream of asking you to madam.
00:51:25it's not a will it's a simple power of attorney.
00:51:27with you like this someone has to look after your affairs.
00:51:30sign this and I will be able to do so.
00:51:32I'd be signing my death warrant.
00:51:35madam is being fanciful.
00:51:37perhaps we'd better leave you to think it over.
00:51:40my lunch.
00:51:41I need food.
00:51:43you're starving me.
00:51:44all in good time madam.
00:51:46I don't think you're well enough to eat anything at the moment.
00:51:49we'll see how you feel a bit later.
00:51:51please.
00:51:53please.
00:51:56please.
00:52:06Rog.
00:52:08I wish you wouldn't go.
00:52:09I've told you I've got to clear up one or two things down at the manor before we leave.
00:52:13we're leaving the manor as well.
00:52:16this job's got a bit too hot.
00:52:18let's pick up sticks and clear off when we get that signature.
00:52:22when we get it.
00:52:23another 24 hours without food and she'll sign her life away for a dog biscuit.
00:52:27you really enjoy all this don't you?
00:52:31no it's purely business.
00:52:33now you play it cool and don't go near her no matter how much she rings. got it?
00:52:37yes.
00:52:40I'll be back this evening.
00:53:06I'm afraid so-so. in a wooden somerset.
00:53:10in the boot of his car he'd been stabbed.
00:53:14I've just heard from the county police they think it could be political.
00:53:18obviously nothing to do with mrs. valence.
00:53:21uh...
00:53:21yeah I suppose you're right.
00:53:24I just can't help thinking.
00:53:28no I guess not.
00:53:31uh... yeah yes I will.
00:53:34thank you sergeant.
00:53:48uh...
00:53:49uh...
00:53:51uh...
00:53:54uh...
00:54:03uh...
00:54:07uh...
00:54:08uh...
00:54:13uh...
00:54:34I walked straight in here the front door was open and I walked straight in here
00:54:39all you have to do is stay here sit tight and make sure no one comes snooping and
00:54:43I walked straight in here all those advantages a good family the right
00:54:54education a medical degree and you just fritter them away do you know I was
00:55:00educated Ledworth here and there and not very often my father was an under porter
00:55:05he black people's boots he lived for 66 years and all that time all he ever did
00:55:11was black other people's boots while my mother helped out in the kitchens that's
00:55:17my heritage Ledworth not like yours good start solid background in the upper
00:55:24bracket and yet look at you now look at me
00:55:35fetch me a drink Ledworth a drink scotch with ice in a crystal glass on a silver
00:55:43tray well go on Ledworth obey your orders
00:56:37you're catching my eye
00:56:42never look directly into the master's eye deferential Ledworth deferential
00:56:47otherwise the master might think you were getting above your station might
00:56:51think you were regarding yourself as an equal no stay where you are
00:57:01I swear I'll drop you one day you shot me you wouldn't do that bring me down and
00:57:08you go down to besides you know I'd kill you don't you anyway you won't have to
00:57:16put up with me for much longer what the valance woman close to the kill now then
00:57:22I think Lisa and me I'll take a little holiday on the Riviera relax a bit catch
00:57:27our breath and then when we're both nicely rested the world there's rich pickings on
00:57:33the Riviera Ledworth people crying out for an exemplary butler what about me what
00:57:38about you well you can't do it alone you need me a doctor I expect there's a
00:57:42French equivalent to you Ledworth the gutters of the world are filled with
00:57:46Ledworth's oh you couldn't you couldn't leave me behind here no you're right I
00:57:52couldn't slip out from under my thumb and you'd go to pieces start talking just
00:57:58have to think of a happy solution won't I to stop you talking
00:58:14that's my little joke Ledworth just to show you how easy it could be you behave
00:58:20yourself and I'll look after you and behaving yourself means keep the front
00:58:26door locked your nose clean and pacing your drinking I wouldn't leave you behind
00:58:36Ledworth I like looking at you you're the mirror of my success
00:58:41what
00:58:43I
00:58:52I
00:58:54I
00:58:59I
00:59:00I
00:59:02I
00:59:02I
00:59:03I
00:59:03I
00:59:09I
00:59:26oh I'm ever so sorry I didn't know how could you mr. Fane was very nice to me
00:59:34the times I saw him oh dear please sit down what did you want to see my father
00:59:43about well it's not your problem really if you thought my father could help maybe
00:59:48I can too well it was about mrs. Valance really what about mrs. Valance no
00:59:53perhaps another time no please what about mrs. Valance well well it was about me
01:00:01being sacked for stealing the ring well I didn't do it and there was only me and
01:00:06him there the butler I mean so I knew he must have arranged it you know tried to
01:00:10get rid of me to get me the sack why should he want to do that well that's
01:00:13what I asked myself so I went down to the village where his last job was at
01:00:17Chevening Manor I saw it on his references yeah so you went there well I didn't get
01:00:21any joy at the house just an old doctor living there doctor that's what the
01:00:25locals told me least he used to be a doctor struck off a drunk but that isn't
01:00:30all they told me you see it seems there was a maid living there too when masters
01:00:34arrived and one day some silver went missing and they found it in her room so
01:00:38she was sacked what was the name of his employer there oh that's no good she went
01:00:42abroad what she was ill for a long time didn't see anyone then she went abroad to
01:00:48recuperate the village people say she must have left him in charge of the manor
01:00:52they see him down there sometimes right call sergeant Rayner tell him to get around to
01:00:56mrs. valance's right away which police station
01:01:04rot
01:01:11I'm detective constable Kane Rochester row
01:01:18sergeant Rayner about here I'm here
01:01:26sergeant Rayner isn't here if you'd like to come back later when mr. masters the butler's here I'm sure he'll...
01:01:31that's funny the serge said he'd meet me he said he was coming to collect his notebook
01:01:36thinks he left it in your kitchen this morning
01:01:40mrs. valance about no she's gone away we told your sergeant this morning of course you're
01:01:47right he told me well if the serge isn't gonna show up perhaps I'd better collect his notebook for him
01:01:54which way's kitchen it's all right I'll go and look for it you stay here thank you very much miss
01:02:32mrs. valance
01:02:38poison in food then starving his signature
01:02:42it's over you're getting out of here can you stand
01:02:48no
01:02:48no
01:02:51no
01:03:40we're in the news. there's a policeman in the house. where is he? I don't know I
01:03:44left him there he said he was looking for sergeant Rayner. that's him that's the
01:03:50man. here's Fane. how nice. the house is about to burn down and your charred
01:03:58remains are gonna be mistaken for mine. the gallant butler burned to a crisp
01:04:02trying to save his mistress. pity really you and your father you did have style.
01:04:11oh but it will sir. fire is your great leveler. makes no distinction between
01:04:16master and bondman. Rog we can't. text the other Kansas. shut up.
01:05:05come on Lisa. roger. reminds me I should have to find a new name. goodbye. it's been fun.
01:05:19oh good evening sir. going out were you? I don't know I despair of the public sometimes.
01:05:28we keep telling them before you go out make sure you left no lighted candles burning
01:05:31down into pools of paraffin. take care of it constable. in the bedroom are they sir?
01:05:46what? they found this button in mr. Fane's hand sir.
01:05:53I remember admiring it when we had our little chat.
01:05:57funny you're not noticing a thing like that sir. you being the perfect butler and all.
01:06:01Oh
01:06:06Oh
01:06:07Oh
01:06:07Oh
01:06:07¶¶
01:06:55¶¶
01:07:07¶¶
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