Thriller. 15. Ring Once for Death.

deaddogsdam

First broadcast 23rd February 1974.  Recently widowed Laura Vallance returns home to England after many years living abroad.  Michael Jayston - Roger Masters Nyree Dawn Porter - Laura Vallance Barry Nelson - Hugo Fane Thorley Walters - Dr. Ledworth Janet Key - Lisa Victor Winding - Det. Sergeant Rainer Clare Sutcliffe - Betty Richard Oldfield - Piers Fane

Transcript

00:00:00The End

00:00:42leaving a position where one has been happy is always sad madam however the

00:00:46splendid references which you've seen fit to sign are at least some consolation

00:00:51I would like to stay I always held the opinion that a man in my position should

00:00:57strive constantly to be extended and I think we would both agree that my work

00:01:02here is finished all that remains is to tidy up

00:01:30so

00:01:36so

00:02:02you're a widow on a foreign land Laura you need the protection of the American embassy

00:02:06you forget I was born here

00:02:08ah yes but you've lived most of your life abroad you married an American you you have no friends

00:02:13here in England no acquaintances you're a stranger here since when did strangers in England need

00:02:17diplomatic shelter charming though my guardian would be not all strangers just a beautiful

00:02:22newly bereaved millionaires I know George would have wanted me to look after you after all he

00:02:28always admitted he was lucky to have seen you six months before I did

00:02:31hugo dear there is no one I'd rather be looked after by if you'll forgive the undiplomatic grammar but it's

00:02:37really too soon I came here to get away away from Washington away from people who knew me from memories

00:02:46anything that might remind me

00:02:48well

00:02:50you're going to be lonely

00:02:53oh Hugo

00:02:55please don't think I'm not delighted to see you

00:02:57I am

00:02:59and I know that later I'll be glad you're here

00:03:01but just now I want to be among strangers

00:03:04anonymous I want to become

00:03:09empty for a while

00:03:11does that make sense

00:03:15very well

00:03:16but you do well to remember what they call me in the service

00:03:19the bulldog hurt

00:03:20you never let go

00:03:22it's rather comforting in a way

00:03:26excuse me madam

00:03:27there's a person in the hall

00:03:29a Mr. Masters

00:03:30says he has an appointment with you

00:03:32an interview for Butler

00:03:33uh yeah show him in Betty

00:03:34yeah well I'll be on my way

00:03:35by the way if this uh

00:03:37fella doesn't work out I'd be a pretty mean hand at butling myself

00:03:41Mr. Masters madam

00:03:42goodbye Laura

00:03:44think about it

00:03:45I will

00:03:52Mr. Roger Masters madam at your service

00:03:54it was noon you suggested I think

00:03:56if you'd care to sit down Mr. Masters

00:03:58thank you madam I'm very well as I am

00:04:00well I've looked through the references you sent me

00:04:03they're most impressive

00:04:06tell me why did you leave your last employer

00:04:08she went abroad for her health madam

00:04:10however she was kind enough to write down her impressions of me before she left

00:04:14yeah so I see

00:04:18look after Mrs. Valance Betty she's quite on her own you know

00:04:21oh I will sir don't you worry about a thing

00:04:28your last post was in the country I see

00:04:31will you like it in town

00:04:32I'm sure I will madam

00:04:33I'm quite accustomed to London

00:04:36well

00:04:37I don't intend to maintain a large establishment

00:04:39if you came there'd be yourself and the maid Betty

00:04:42she also does the cooking and cleaning

00:04:43the advertisement mentioned just yourself in the household madam

00:04:46that is so

00:04:47would it be your intention madam to have frequent house guests

00:04:49that would be very far from my intention

00:04:51that start of two would be perfectly adequate madam

00:04:53I want quiet masters

00:04:55peace and quiet

00:04:57should we agree I'll expect you to remember that

00:04:59I think I can promise to provide that madam

00:05:02is the salary satisfactory

00:05:03perfectly thank you

00:05:06very well the engagement is yours

00:05:08you may bring your things this evening and start tomorrow if you wish

00:05:11I do wish you thank you

00:05:14I assure you you won't live to regret it

00:05:28you got the job then

00:05:29I was appointed to the post of Butler yes

00:05:33I saw your references the other day

00:05:36you move about quite a bit don't you

00:05:37mrs. Vallance found them perfectly satisfactory

00:05:40I never said she didn't did I

00:06:03it went like a dream

00:06:04we're in

00:06:05no problems

00:06:07there's a maid all need watching

00:06:14thank you Betty

00:06:19he's the new butler is he then madam

00:06:21yes I'm sure you'll get on very well with him

00:06:29he uh drives a bit of a flash car for a butler madam

00:06:35well we all have our little weaknesses

00:06:38even butlers

00:06:40yes madam

00:06:45this cigar

00:06:46no thanks dad

00:06:48I uh

00:06:50I ran into Laura Vallance today

00:06:52Laura Vallance?

00:06:53yes

00:06:53remember mrs. Vallance?

00:06:55Laura Vallance

00:06:56yes I mentioned her the other day

00:06:58oh yeah

00:06:59Washington wasn't she

00:07:01married to that guy in the state department

00:07:03that's right you got it

00:07:04just bumped into her did you?

00:07:05yes

00:07:06yes her husband died you know

00:07:08and she's over here on a kind of a sabbatical to get over it

00:07:10and that's how you bumped into her?

00:07:12yes

00:07:13she's taking a house near the park

00:07:14sensible lady

00:07:16and where did this collision take place?

00:07:18what

00:07:18that

00:07:18oh they did

00:07:20yes

00:07:21see what you

00:07:22uh

00:07:22well no she's uh

00:07:24we met over at her house

00:07:26rather too big for her I would have thought

00:07:29still

00:07:29well

00:07:29you know she wants seclusion

00:07:31and

00:07:32pretty shaken up I suppose

00:07:33yes

00:07:34yes

00:07:35well I remember what it was like when your mother died

00:07:37takes a bit of getting used to

00:07:39I should think the best thing for her would be to get married again

00:07:41well she was very happy with what's his name wasn't she?

00:07:45well that's the point

00:07:46it's the people that were happy the first time around

00:07:48who have the best chance of making a go of it again

00:07:51so when's the wedding?

00:07:53what?

00:07:53when are you going to marry Laura Valance?

00:07:56well that's what you were getting around to in about two hours time isn't it?

00:08:00why you cheeky

00:08:01I mentioned her the other day

00:08:03do you realize exactly how many times you've mentioned her recently?

00:08:07oh dear

00:08:10the house is too big for her if you ask me

00:08:14too big and too quiet

00:08:16no friends, no relatives

00:08:18what she wants to do is marry that nice Mr. Hugo

00:08:21and have a life again

00:08:26this is madam's study

00:08:27where she does all the accounts and correspondence and such like

00:08:31she should have a man to do all that for her

00:08:32oh she has now Betty

00:08:35me

00:08:35I mean a husband not a butler

00:08:38what's in here?

00:08:39madam's personal papers

00:08:40bank things

00:08:41checkbooks documents things like that

00:08:43they're none of your concern

00:08:46you've evidently not been in service very long

00:08:47the whole house and all its problems are the concern of the butler

00:08:51is that what it was like achieving manor?

00:08:54what do you know of achieving manor?

00:08:57don't know nothing about it

00:08:58just sew it on your references that's all

00:09:00prying into other people's affairs is one of the little habits you're going to have to get out of now

00:09:03I'm in charge

00:09:29thank you masters the temperature is perfect I think we shall get on very well

00:09:33I shall use my very best endeavors to that end madam

00:09:36you may go

00:09:37thank you madam

00:09:37good night madam

00:09:39good night masters

00:10:09have a cell phone

00:10:09stop

00:10:16Let's go.

00:10:40Let's go.

00:11:18Oh you did give me a turn.

00:11:20What are you doing?

00:11:21On the contrary.

00:11:21What are you doing?

00:11:22I've just been upstairs to see if she wanted anything.

00:11:25That's my responsibility now.

00:11:27Kindly remember your station.

00:11:29My station?

00:11:30Where do you think you are?

00:11:31Bleak house?

00:11:32Queen Victoria's dead you know.

00:11:34Anyway what were you doing in there?

00:11:36I was checking the doors and windows.

00:11:38The security of the house is my concern.

00:11:40The security of the house.

00:11:41Creeping about like Frankenstein.

00:11:43It's enough to give a girl curly hair.

00:12:14Oh you're honest.

00:12:15You're the security of the house.

00:13:50Come in Betty.

00:13:54Betty this is most distressing and I hope you don't...

00:13:57Forgive me madam. I know how embarrassing these matters can be.

00:14:00The fact is that a valuable ring is missing from Mrs. Valence's jewel case.

00:14:04What?

00:14:05It was there when Mrs. Valence went to sleep last night. It is not there now.

00:14:08Since there are only the two of us in the house.

00:14:10Excuse me madam that will be the police.

00:14:12The police? I didn't tell you to send for the police.

00:14:14I'm sorry madam but I am at a disadvantage in this matter.

00:14:17I am the newcomer.

00:14:18I therefore felt it essential in my own interests

00:14:21that the matter be investigated in the proper manner.

00:14:23It really does not necessarily.

00:14:28Madam, I swear...

00:14:41It's absolutely horrible.

00:14:44There are police all over the house.

00:14:46The maid is miserable.

00:14:48I should never have let it get this far.

00:14:50Well it's a rotten thing to have happened but

00:14:52after all you had Betty what two weeks?

00:14:54Masters arrived just yesterday.

00:14:56It's best to get it straightened out.

00:14:57Oh Hugo, I'm so glad you're here.

00:15:00I don't think I could have cooked by myself.

00:15:02Well I thought I'd just drop by on my way to the madhouse

00:15:05see if you care to have lunch with me.

00:15:09Ah, I think we've got it sorted out Mrs. Valence.

00:15:12Is that the ring?

00:15:13Yes.

00:15:15Yes, that's the one.

00:15:17Where did you find it?

00:15:19I dropped it somewhere and not realised.

00:15:21No madam, you hadn't dropped it.

00:15:22Not in that sense.

00:15:23We found it in your maid's bedroom.

00:15:25Roll up in a pair of tights.

00:15:26But she couldn't.

00:15:29But she wouldn't.

00:15:31In any case she's far too sensible.

00:15:33She must have known I'd miss it.

00:15:34You'd be surprised madam how careless lots of ladies are with their jewellery.

00:15:38They don't know whether it's on their hand or their...

00:15:40Well these girls know that.

00:15:41They trade on it.

00:15:43Do you wish us to prefer charges Mrs. Valence?

00:15:46No, no, no, no.

00:15:47Good heavens, no.

00:15:49Oh Hugo, please will you deal with it.

00:15:51I just couldn't face her.

00:15:54Tell masters to give her the customary amount in lieu of notice and deal with it in any way you

00:15:59like.

00:15:59Tell her...

00:16:02I'm sorry.

00:16:20Please don't distress yourself madam.

00:16:22You did the only thing you could.

00:16:23You seem such a straightforward person.

00:16:25She probably has a record of such thefts.

00:16:27The girl was lucky not to find herself prosecuted.

00:16:30That makes me a bit nervous about finding a replacement.

00:16:33Might I suggest madam that you leave it to me.

00:16:35I'm confident of finding a suitable person.

00:16:38Yes.

00:16:40Yes of course masters.

00:16:42Why don't you do that?

00:16:43I'll leave it in your hands.

00:16:44Very good madam.

00:16:46Will madam be at home for lunch?

00:16:47No, no, I shall be lunching out with Mr. Fane.

00:16:49I've also asked him to dine here the day after tomorrow.

00:16:52So if you could arrange something before then.

00:16:53Of course madam.

00:16:54Will that be all madam?

00:16:55Yes, thank you masters.

00:17:27You're a genius.

00:17:28These are the best oeuf and cacau I've had since Brussels.

00:17:32Where'd you find it?

00:17:33I didn't.

00:17:34Masters did it.

00:17:35You know he really is turning out to be quite a prize.

00:17:38No chance for me to do my stuff then, huh?

00:17:41Hugo.

00:17:42Beautiful.

00:17:45My compliments to the chef.

00:17:49But one vital ingredient missing.

00:17:52At the moment.

00:17:54The creamed spinach.

00:17:55I got that out of her when we discussed the menu.

00:17:58She adores spinach.

00:17:59But he never touches it.

00:18:01Wise man.

00:18:13Trolley.

00:18:40Well, congratulations masters.

00:18:42Where did you dig up this goddess of the kitchen?

00:18:44We've worked together before, sir.

00:18:46I remembered her and she happened to be free.

00:18:47I can't think why.

00:18:49If it weren't you, my dear, I'd steal her away myself tomorrow.

00:18:52A little more spinach, madam.

00:18:54Yes, yes, I believe I will.

00:19:38madam? I don't feel very well masters. oh dear I'm sorry to hear that madam. I

00:19:43shouldn't be down to breakfast. I know how richly these little upsets can make one

00:19:46feel. might I suggest madam that you return to bed and I'll instruct Lisa to

00:19:51prepare something simple. I'll bring up the mail and the household checks for you

00:19:54to sign later. I think that's a very good idea. I really do feel most odd. just some

00:19:59coffee and a little dry toast and oh please telephone mr. Fane and ask him if

00:20:04we could meet at one o'clock rather than noon. very good madam.

00:20:18that's enough. we don't want to kill her do we?

00:20:35may I take the train? forgive me madam but I really don't think you should be up. I must

00:20:42make an effort. mr. Fane is expecting me. did you give him my message? I hope you

00:20:47won't be offended madam. I took the liberty of cancelling your appointment with mr.

00:20:50Fane. I really didn't think you would be well enough to go and I informed mr.

00:20:54Fane accordingly. I think you're right. it was very thoughtful of you masters. it's

00:21:00probably gastric flu. it's very prevalent at the moment. if I might venture the

00:21:04only way to deal with it is to retire to bed and to remain there for a day. I've

00:21:10believed you're right again master. I'm always recommending it to other people

00:21:13always reluctant to do it myself. if you'll permit me. no no really really I'm

00:21:17perfectly all right.

00:21:23here we are madam. I'm being spoiled

00:21:26outrageously. I hope you'll feel better soon madam. that will be all Lisa.

00:21:47I hope you'll feel better soon.

00:21:54haha

00:22:14gin. that is the sixth time in a row. I know you're cheating but I can't spot

00:22:21how. just about on schedule.

00:22:29well go on. take it easy. it'd never do to show her I was expecting it would it.

00:22:35I should be in bed and pass to sleep shouldn't I?

00:22:44mint.

00:22:56mr. Roger Masters reporting for duty.

00:23:18I'm sorry madam I sleep like the dead. have you been ringing long? I'm sorry I

00:23:22didn't wish to disturb you masters but I really believe I'm quite ill. I think I'd

00:23:25better have a doctor. well certainly madam I know an excellent man. oh no no no mr.

00:23:29Fane left an embassy list. it's in my address book on the dressing table. there's a

00:23:33doctor's number in there. of course madam.

00:23:37oh

00:24:07I'm sorry to ring you at this late hour. I'm speaking with mrs. Laura Valens. a friend of mr.

00:24:12Hugh Garfane. could I speak to dr. Eastor please?

00:24:17yes I see.

00:24:20yes I see.

00:24:22when will he?

00:24:24not till then.

00:24:27oh thank you. my apologies again for disturbing you.

00:24:30I'm sorry madam apparently dr. Eastor is aware to medical convention in Bermuda.

00:24:34he'll not be back for two weeks. oh no.

00:24:36however as I say I do know an excellent man used by a number of my previous employers.

00:24:40he's a most conscientious doctor. I'm sure you'll be in good hands. may I fetch him?

00:24:44oh yes yes please do. certainly madam. his number's downstairs. I'll telephone him immediately.

00:24:49yes it's a virus infection mrs. Valens. I know that sounds alarming but it's not. it's it's very minor.

00:24:55the symptoms are distressing I know but his bark is worse in spite of you understand me.

00:25:00I'm sorry to be in so much trouble.

00:25:01not at all not at all. I wish all my patients were sensible.

00:25:05hit small things early and they don't develop the big things. that's what I always say.

00:25:08how long will I be?

00:25:09what in bed? depends on you largely. if you're a sensible girl do as you're told.

00:25:14take your medicine four or five days. five days?

00:25:18well it could be much longer if you don't behave yourself.

00:25:20well now then I've written out some descriptions there but I'm leaving with your chap

00:25:25and I'm relying on him to see that you play the game.

00:25:30so when I'm not here he is as it were in loco parentis for me. you understand?

00:25:36and I'm telling him you need lots of rest and lots of quiet

00:25:38and he's to see that you get him. all right?

00:25:41yes doctor. good. now take these they'll help you to sleep.

00:25:45here we are.

00:25:48all right.

00:25:52good. good. fine.

00:25:55well that's it then.

00:25:57there we are.

00:25:58now then. yes. oh yes and remember

00:26:01your butler is the boss.

00:26:04I will remember. right.

00:26:17same as last time I suppose.

00:26:19impossible to detect and gradually in the way that it hits them. it's the only stuff. that's for tonight there'll

00:26:24be more later as usual. there was a time you know. yeah. that's before you got struck off. come off

00:26:29it Ledworth. you haven't lived so well for years. and try and stay at least one quarter sober would you?

00:26:35i may want you again.

00:26:36now don't you push me around. you need me. i own you. don't forget that Ledworth. i picked you up

00:26:44out of your own filth. dusted you off and made you useful again. money. the clothes you stand in. the

00:26:50liquor you pour down your gullet. they're there by the grace of me. i even put a roof over your

00:26:54head. or perhaps you'd like to go back where i found you eh Ledworth. the alcoholic ward.

00:27:00i didn't mean anything. i can't do what you say. of course you will. of course you will.

00:27:13i'll get back to the house.

00:27:23what's the matter with him?

00:27:26i think it's the time of night when bent doctors remember the hippocratic oath.

00:27:34good morning madam. i trust you slept well.

00:27:36oh yes thank you. i'm very thirsty. breakfast will be up in five minutes madam.

00:27:43what are you doing?

00:27:44doctor Ledworth prescribed complete rest and quiet madam. no telephone calls.

00:27:46i don't think that's necessary.

00:27:47he warned me you might be a difficult patient madam. i'm afraid i shall have to be quite heartless.

00:27:55what do you mean no telephone calls?

00:27:57the doctor was quite explicit sir. he said no telephone calls and no visits.

00:28:01he said it was most important that mrs valence had complete rest.

00:28:05what's the matter with it did he say?

00:28:07he said it was a virus.

00:28:08not serious but it could become so if mrs valence did not observe his routine.

00:28:37oh dr eastow. hugo feign.

00:28:40uh doctor this is going to sound rather odd.

00:28:42but uh has a mrs laura valence consulted you?

00:28:45and if so just completely in confidence of course.

00:28:47what the devil's wrong with her?

00:28:50she hasn't consulted you.

00:28:53no no no nothing at all. thank you doctor.

00:29:00i'm hungry masters. you hardly gave me any breakfast either.

00:29:04i'm sorry madam doctor's orders.

00:29:06you know what they say feed a cold and starve a fever.

00:29:08is that what i've got a fever?

00:29:09i'm afraid i know nothing about the art of medicine madam.

00:29:12i do have a great respect for medical men.

00:29:14dr ledworth says it's for your own good.

00:29:16oh did mr feign telephone this morning?

00:29:18no madam.

00:29:20i see thank you.

00:29:34i don't see there's anything odd about it at all dad.

00:29:38oh i recommended our own doctor to her.

00:29:40now she's gone gotten herself ill she's called in somebody else.

00:29:43woman's privilege.

00:29:45she decided not to take your advice.

00:29:48maybe that's what it was sore about is it?

00:29:50i mean after all she couldn't choose her own doctor without starting a congressional debate.

00:29:55yeah i suppose you're right.

00:29:57uh can i borrow your car tonight?

00:30:00hmm?

00:30:01yes.

00:30:02all right.

00:30:05hey!

00:30:07what's wrong with your own?

00:30:09what's wrong with your own?

00:30:10oh.

00:30:11oh.

00:30:13oh.

00:30:19oh.

00:30:23oh.

00:30:26oh.

00:30:29oh.

00:30:30oh.

00:30:31Oh

00:30:49I'm afraid so madam

00:30:57i'm starving i've had hardly anything to eat for the past two days i think that's why i'm feeling

00:31:03so weak i'm sorry madam but i'm only following the doctor's instructions i'm sure it's doing

00:31:09you good i'm sorry sir i'd be wrong to disobey the doctor's and madam's instructions the treatment

00:31:14requires complete rest and no visitors who's looking after he's an american doctor sir

00:31:19he's a friend of madame's who happened to be over here well where can i get in touch with him

00:31:22i'm afraid i don't know sir mrs valence called him herself he seems very strict

00:31:27thank you there we are madam that's better

00:31:33why is mr fain called no i'm afraid not madam will that be all madam yes

00:31:44you go it all seems very unnecessarily complicated to me

00:31:49hugo

00:31:54just tell mrs valence i called

00:31:56certainly sir goodbye sir

00:32:10i'm sorry madam i wasn't able to get away at once

00:32:13was that mr fain

00:32:13yes it was madam i asked him if he'd like to come up but he said he'd spoken to dr

00:32:17ledworth and the doctor had advised against it

00:32:20he came to say goodbye madam

00:32:22goodbye

00:32:23mr fain has been posted back to washington madam

00:32:25his plane leaves at noon he called here on his way to the airport

00:32:27oh no oh hugo it's not like laura to be so uncommunicated i mean

00:32:37well she is ill well that's true but what does it take to pick up a telephone that's what worries

00:32:43me

00:32:43you know i'm beginning to think she's not just ill she's very ill i wouldn't worry too much if i

00:32:47were you

00:32:47you say a butler's pretty confident man he seems to have a grip on things

00:32:53yes he does indeed

00:32:57you see my notes anyway

00:32:58notes

00:32:59yes for this broadcast of mine tomorrow

00:33:02pretty sensitive subject isn't it arab nationalism

00:33:05well somebody's got to speak out

00:33:09i thought they were supposed to be live

00:33:12and unscripted

00:33:13it is

00:33:1520 years in the embassy have taught me that a few notes never want to miss

00:33:43madam what are you doing out of bed you shouldn't you really shouldn't

00:33:47so i have discovered

00:33:49here let me help you back

00:33:51thank you

00:33:54there now there we are i don't know what dr ledworth would say i'm sure

00:33:59supposing you got out on the landing and fallen down the stairs

00:34:02i wouldn't have done that

00:34:03i dare say not madam but where would i have been if you had

00:34:06i was worried about disturbing you but now i'm glad i did

00:34:09oh it's simply some household checks for you to sign madam

00:34:12i'm sorry to trouble you but they have to be attended to

00:34:14yeah if you'd be so kind

00:34:31thank you madam

00:34:35i don't mind telling you you alarmed me just now madam

00:34:39i can see you're not to be trusted i can see i shall have to take precautions

00:34:45or dr ledworth will have my hide

00:34:48there now that's better isn't it keep the light out of your eyes

00:34:50i don't want that

00:34:52try and get some sleep now

00:34:53what time is it what what day is this

00:35:02oh she's a tough girl she's had enough of the stuff to knock her sideways but she keeps fighting

00:35:06back more not yet it won't be long now she's beginning to lose touch

00:35:11she's not too much

00:35:22she's not too much

00:35:53Mr. Hugo Fain.

00:35:56Mr. Hugo Fain has joined us in the studio for our live discussion on Arab nationalism.

00:36:02As former first secretary for many years in both Beirut and Cairo,

00:36:06Mr. Fain is uniquely qualified to discuss Arab aspirations.

00:36:12Mr. Fain?

00:36:15Yes, well, I've come along here this afternoon to...

00:36:19Hugo.

00:36:22You haven't gone away.

00:36:45I'm joking. Some water, please. Quickly.

00:37:22Please answer. Please answer.

00:37:26Hello.

00:37:28This is Laura Valens.

00:37:31Please don't interrupt. Tell Mr. Fain.

00:37:36Hello?

00:37:40This won't do, madam.

00:37:42This really won't do at all. You're not helping yourself, you know.

00:37:46This is exactly what you shouldn't be doing.

00:37:49You said Mr. Fain had gone away.

00:37:52And so he has, madam.

00:37:53No, I heard him on the radio.

00:37:55It was probably recorded, madam, before he went away.

00:37:58No, it was live. They said it was live.

00:38:01And madam probably imagined it was live knowing the voice.

00:38:04You're in a very weak state, you know. It's easy for one's mind to play tricks.

00:38:07There's nothing wrong with my mind.

00:38:08I want another doctor, the second opinion.

00:38:11I'll speak to Dr. Ledworth, madam.

00:38:13He'll be very hurt, I'm sure.

00:38:14But nevertheless, if it's what you wish, I will do so.

00:38:16Yes.

00:38:17Now I suggest you settle down and conserve your energy.

00:38:20You've only to ring if you need me.

00:38:34No food at all today.

00:38:36But the milk's got the stuff in it.

00:38:38Starvation is what she needs now.

00:38:40Hunger's a great little spirit breaker.

00:38:44What did she actually say?

00:38:46That's what she said. That's all she said.

00:38:48Tell Mr. Fain.

00:38:50Then she hung up.

00:38:51Does she sound all right?

00:38:53No.

00:38:54Sound a bit odd.

00:38:56Very odd, in fact.

00:38:58And she said nothing more.

00:39:00Not a thing.

00:39:03Look, I thought I'd better just hang on and tell you in person,

00:39:05but now I've really got to go.

00:39:07You won't forget I'm staying in Oxford overnight, will you?

00:39:09No, sorry, I'll remember.

00:39:11Fine. Bye.

00:39:12Fine.

00:39:23Fine.

00:39:25Fine.

00:39:27Fine.

00:39:30Ah.

00:39:31Mrs. Valance's residence.

00:39:35Oh yes sir.

00:39:38yes she did phone you completely against doctor's orders and then she had a little fainting fit

00:39:44and just what the doctor said might happen if she over exerted herself

00:39:48she just wanted to tell you she was all right sir and to apologize for not being in touch

00:39:54well she's asleep now sir I wouldn't wish to disturb her

00:39:58but I'll certainly tell her you called thank you sir goodbye sir

00:40:35I'll see you next time

00:40:58Now, look, I had enough of your interference.

00:41:00Get out of my way.

00:41:21They made me prisoner and took the phone away and was starving me.

00:41:25It's all right.

00:41:26It's all right now.

00:41:27They told me you'd gone away.

00:41:28No, I haven't gone away, have I?

00:41:30I'm here to look after you, you know?

00:41:32Just sit down a minute.

00:41:35Yes.

00:41:36You need a doctor.

00:41:37Mm-hmm.

00:41:38Yes.

00:41:39And we both need the police.

00:41:49Oh.

00:41:51Oh.

00:41:52Oh.

00:41:53Oh.

00:41:54Oh.

00:41:55Oh.

00:41:59Oh.

00:42:00Oh.

00:42:01Oh.

00:42:03Oh.

00:42:04Oh.

00:42:05Oh.

00:42:08Oh.

00:42:14Oh.

00:42:16Oh.

00:42:17Oh.

00:42:19Oh.

00:42:20Oh.

00:42:21Oh.

00:42:22Oh.

00:42:23Oh.

00:42:24Oh.

00:42:25Oh.

00:42:26Oh.

00:42:29Oh.

00:42:32Oh.

00:42:33Oh.

00:42:35Oh.

00:42:49Come on, Lisa.

00:43:32Come on, Lisa.

00:43:43Come on, Lisa.

00:44:06It's all right.

00:44:08A miscalculation.

00:44:11Another few days and it'll be over.

00:44:13We'll be out of here and on our way.

00:44:16Just another few days.

00:44:19I'm going to have to leave you for a while.

00:44:21I'll be all right.

00:44:22Of course you will.

00:44:25Because you trust me, don't you?

00:44:30Completely trust me.

00:44:34Don't open the door to anyone.

00:44:42No loose ends.

00:44:48Don't open the door.

00:44:50I'll be out of here.

00:44:50I'll be out.

00:44:51I'll be out.

00:44:52I'll be out.

00:44:52And then...

00:45:17Hello, hello, Jeremy, Pierce, you don't have my old man with you, do you?

00:45:23Well, it's just that he didn't sleep here last night, no wonder. Don't be disgusting. Fine, thanks.

00:45:55Hello, Peter? Pierce, look, I don't want to be an alarmist or anything, but Hugo seems

00:46:02to be missing. Yeah, I mean, I know it's nothing, but, well, he was pretty outspoken about Arab

00:46:09affairs yesterday.

00:46:23Getting to be a habit, sir, isn't it? Funny the way it happens, I've not had an inquiry on this

00:46:27patch for over a year and suddenly I'm in and out like the tide. What is it this time?

00:46:30Just a few routine inquiries, sir. Oh, certainly, Sergeant. Please do come in.

00:46:41Going away, are you?

00:46:42My employer's been rather ill. She's gone to Bermuda to recuperate. I am to follow.

00:46:53This is a life, eh, Constable? Butler? Nothing but the best. Best houses, best food.

00:47:05Of course, you are a servant. But then so am I, a servant to the public on tap day and

00:47:12night.

00:47:14I'm inquiring about a Mr. Fane. Mr. Hugo Fane. He's not in his usual haunts.

00:47:23We heard he might have called here last night. Mr. Fane, yes, he did call here last night.

00:47:27He's a friend of Mrs. Vallance. I told him he just missed her. He was very disappointed.

00:47:36Help. Somebody. Please help me.

00:47:42No, he's got nothing right now.

00:47:44Oh, I don't know you very much.

00:48:05And then Mr. Fane got into his car and drove away.

00:48:07He didn't say where he was going, did he, sir?

00:48:10No, I'm afraid not, Sergeant.

00:48:12Oh, thank you kindly, sir.

00:48:14Oh, thank you.

00:48:15See that, Constable?

00:48:16That's what I call the perfect butler.

00:48:19Smart, too.

00:48:20Look at those buttons, almost regimental.

00:48:36He didn't say anything about anyone following him. Nothing like that, sir.

00:48:39He did seem a little strained, but no, he said nothing like that.

00:48:45All right, sir. Thank you very much.

00:48:47Sorry to have bothered you.

00:48:48Not at all.

00:49:07Did your father get any other strange calls after the broadcast, sir?

00:49:10No, Mrs. Vallance was the only one.

00:49:13Well, that one seems to be a dead end with her going away and all.

00:49:17Maybe that's what she was calling to say.

00:49:20Well, why should she hang up so suddenly?

00:49:23Who knows? With women, sir.

00:49:26I'm simply asking you to be sensible, madam.

00:49:28A little business before lunch.

00:49:29I'm not signing any will.

00:49:32I wouldn't dream of asking you to, madam.

00:49:35It's not a will. It's a simple power of attorney.

00:49:37With you like this, someone has to look after your affairs.

00:49:40Sign this and I will be able to do so.

00:49:41I'd be signing my death warrant.

00:49:44Madam is being fanciful.

00:49:46Perhaps we'd better leave you to think it over.

00:49:49My lunch.

00:49:50I need food.

00:49:52You're starving me.

00:49:53All in good time, madam.

00:49:55I don't think you're well enough to eat anything at the moment.

00:49:58We'll see how you feel a bit later.

00:50:00Please.

00:50:02Please.

00:50:05Please.

00:50:07Please.

00:50:14Rog.

00:50:16I wish you wouldn't go.

00:50:17I've told you.

00:50:19I've got to clear up one or two things down at the manor before we leave.

00:50:21We're leaving the manor as well.

00:50:24well this job's got a bit too hot. let's pick up sticks and clear off when we get

00:50:28that signature. when we get it? another 24 hours without food and she'll sign her

00:50:33life away for a dog biscuit. you really enjoy all this ain't you?

00:50:38no it's purely business. now you play it cool and don't go near her no matter how

00:50:43much she rings. got it? yes.

00:50:47I'll be back this evening.

00:51:10oh no. I'm afraid so-so. in a wood in Somerset. in the boot of his car he'd been stabbed.

00:51:19I've just heard from the county police they think it could be political.

00:51:23obviously nothing to do with Mrs. Valance.

00:51:26yeah I suppose you're right. I just can't help thinking.

00:51:33no I guess not. yeah yes I will. thank you sergeant.

00:51:48yeah

00:51:51yeah

00:52:36I walked straight in here.

00:52:38The front door was open and I walked straight in here.

00:52:41All you have to do is stay here, sit tight and make sure no one comes snooping and I walk

00:52:45straight in here!

00:52:46I must have forgotten, Mr. Martin.

00:52:48You are drunk!

00:52:51All those advantages.

00:52:54A good family, the right education, a medical degree and you just fritter them away.

00:53:00Do you know how I was educated, Ledworth?

00:53:02Here and there and not very often.

00:53:04My father was an underporter.

00:53:06He blacked people's boots.

00:53:08He lived for 66 years and all that time all he ever did was black other people's boots.

00:53:14While my mother helped out in the kitchens.

00:53:17That's my heritage, Ledworth.

00:53:19Not like yours.

00:53:21Good start.

00:53:22Solid background in the upper bracket.

00:53:25And yet, look at you now.

00:53:29And look at me.

00:53:35Fetch me a drink, Ledworth.

00:53:37A drink?

00:53:38Scotch!

00:53:39With ice!

00:53:40In a crystal glass.

00:53:42On a silver tray.

00:53:43Oh, go on, Ledworth.

00:53:44Let's obey your orders.

00:53:46Let's obey your orders.

00:54:30Here, Ledworth.

00:54:35No, no, no, you're doing it all wrong, Ledworth.

00:54:37You're catching my eye.

00:54:39Never look directly into the master's eye.

00:54:43Deferential, Ledworth.

00:54:44Deferential.

00:54:44Otherwise, the master might think you were getting above your station.

00:54:47Might think you were regarding yourself as an equal.

00:54:52No, stay where you are.

00:54:58I swear I'll drop you one day.

00:55:00You shot me?

00:55:01No, you wouldn't do that.

00:55:03Bring me down and you go down too.

00:55:06Besides,

00:55:07you know I'd kill you, don't you?

00:55:10Anyway, you won't have to put up with me for much longer.

00:55:13What?

00:55:14The valance woman.

00:55:16Close to the kill now.

00:55:18Then I think

00:55:19Lisa and me will take a little holiday on the Riviera.

00:55:22Relax a bit, catch our breath.

00:55:23And then, when we're both nicely rested,

00:55:26well, there's rich pickings on the Riviera, Ledworth.

00:55:29People crying out for an exemplary butler.

00:55:31What about me?

00:55:32What about you?

00:55:33Well, you can't do it alone.

00:55:34You need me.

00:55:35A doctor.

00:55:36I expect there's a French equivalent to you, Ledworth.

00:55:38The gutters of the world are filled with Ledworths.

00:55:41Oh, no, no, no, you couldn't.

00:55:42You couldn't leave me behind here.

00:55:44No, you're right.

00:55:45I couldn't.

00:55:47Slip out from under my thumb and you'd go to pieces.

00:55:50Start talking.

00:55:51I'll have to think of a happy solution, won't I?

00:55:54To stop you talking.

00:55:58Oh.

00:56:07Just my little joke, Ledworth.

00:56:09Just to show you how easy it could be.

00:56:12You behave yourself and I'll look after you.

00:56:16And behaving yourself means keep the front door locked.

00:56:20Your nose clean and pacing your drinking.

00:56:27I wouldn't leave you behind, Ledworth.

00:56:29I like looking at you.

00:56:31You're the mirror of my success.

00:57:03I like looking at you.

00:57:16Oh, I'm ever so sorry.

00:57:18I didn't know.

00:57:20How could you?

00:57:22Mr. Fane was very nice to me the times I saw him.

00:57:26Oh, dear.

00:57:26Please, sit down.

00:57:30What did you want to see my father about?

00:57:33Well, it's not your problem, really.

00:57:35If you thought my father could help, maybe I can, too.

00:57:39Well, it was about Mrs. Valance, really.

00:57:41What about Mrs. Valance?

00:57:42No, perhaps another time.

00:57:43No, please.

00:57:46What about Mrs. Valance?

00:57:48Well, it was about me being sacked for stealing the ring.

00:57:52Well, I didn't do it.

00:57:54And there was only me and him there, the butler, I mean.

00:57:56So I knew he must have arranged it.

00:57:58You know, tried to get rid of me to get me the sack.

00:58:00Why should he want to do that?

00:58:01Well, that's what I asked myself.

00:58:03So I went down to the village where his last job was, at Chevening Manor.

00:58:06I saw it on his references.

00:58:07Yeah, so you went there.

00:58:08Well, I didn't get any joy at the house.

00:58:10Just an old doctor living there.

00:58:12Doctor?

00:58:12That's what the locals told me.

00:58:14At least he used to be a doctor.

00:58:16Struck off.

00:58:16A drunk.

00:58:17But that isn't all they told me.

00:58:19You see, it seems there was a maid living there, too, when Masters arrived.

00:58:22And one day, some silver went missing, and they found it in her room, so she was sacked.

00:58:26What was the name of his employer there?

00:58:28Oh, that's no good.

00:58:29She went abroad.

00:58:31What?

00:58:32She was ill for a long time.

00:58:33Didn't see anyone.

00:58:34Then she went abroad to recuperate.

00:58:36Well, the village people say she must have left him in charge of the manor.

00:58:39They see him down there sometimes.

00:58:40Right. Call Sergeant Rayner. Tell him to get around to Mrs. Valance's right away.

00:58:47Which police station?

00:58:51Roche?

00:58:58I'm Detective Constable Kane, Rochester Row.

00:59:03Sergeant Rayner, about.

00:59:05Here.

00:59:08I'm here.

00:59:11Sergeant Rayner isn't here.

00:59:13If you'd like to come back later when Mr. Masters the butler's here, I'm sure he...

00:59:16That's funny.

00:59:17The serge said he'd meet me.

00:59:19He said he was coming to collect his notebook.

00:59:21Thinks he left it in your kitchen this morning.

00:59:24Is Mrs. Valance about?

00:59:27No, she's gone away.

00:59:29We told your sergeant this morning.

00:59:31Of course, you're right.

00:59:32He told me.

00:59:34Well, if the sergeant isn't going to show up, perhaps I'd better collect his notebook for him.

00:59:39Which way's the kitchen?

00:59:39It's all right.

00:59:40I'll go and look for it.

00:59:41You stay here.

00:59:42Thank you very much, miss.

01:00:15Mrs. Valens.

01:00:21Poison in food, then starving as signature.

01:00:26It's over.

01:00:27You're getting out of here.

01:00:28Can you stand?

01:00:30I don't know.

01:00:32No.

01:01:20we're in the news. there's a policeman in the house. where is he? I don't know I

01:01:24left him there he said he was looking for sergeant Rayner. that's him that's the

01:01:29man. here's Fane. how nice. the house is about to burn down and your charred

01:01:37remains are gonna be mistaken for mine. the gallant butler burned to a crisp

01:01:41trying to save his mistress. pity really you and your father you did have style.

01:01:49oh but it will sir. fire is your great leveler. makes no distinction between

01:01:55master and bondman. Rog we can't. text the other Kansas. shut up.

01:02:41come on Lisa. roger! reminds me I should have to find a new name. goodbye! it's been fun!

01:02:54oh good evening sir. going out were you? I don't know I despair of the public

01:03:02sometimes. we keep telling them before you go out make sure you left no lighted

01:03:06candles burning down into pools of paraffin. take care of it constable. in the

01:03:14bedroom are they sir? what? they found this button in mr. Fane's hand sir. I

01:03:27remember admiring it when we had our little chat. funny you're not noticing a

01:03:32thing like that sir. you being the perfect butler and all.

01:04:02the

01:04:05the

01:04:11the

01:04:12the

01:04:13the

01:04:15the

01:04:19the

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01:04:44the

01:04:45the

01:04:59the

01:05:01the

01:05:09the

01:05:10the

01:05:21the

01:05:22the

01:05:32the

01:05:33the

01:05:35the

01:05:36the

01:05:40the

01:05:46the

01:06:49All that remains is to tidy up.

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