- 7 minutes ago
Step aboard a thrilling journey of mystery and suspense in The Midnight Express Murder (1946), a classic detective thriller inspired by the golden age of crime cinema. When a valuable treasure disappears aboard a speeding night train, a brilliant detective must uncover hidden clues, expose dangerous secrets, and identify the culprit before the train reaches its destination. Packed with suspense, intrigue, and unforgettable characters, this classic mystery keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00THE END
00:38THE END
01:21The Star of Rhodesia is one of the most famous of the Earth's treasures.
01:29The first touched by the fingers of the humble Kaffer, it would have been better had it never been found.
02:06It's in station at 7.30 tonight.
02:08That leaves very little time for the arrangement of the body.
02:12Your mother, is it not?
02:13Yes.
02:14You are taking her to Scotland?
02:15Yes, Edinburgh, her home.
02:19Oh, thank you.
02:23Rather a nuisance.
02:25Traveling by train.
02:29Ain't it?
02:37All right.
02:38Off it, you.
02:43Go on.
02:44Get on about your business.
02:45Go to office.
02:50Okay, let's go.
03:14Go to office.
03:23I'm terribly sorry.
03:32Mr. Holmes?
03:34Hello.
03:35I was afraid you wouldn't get here in time.
03:38I was studying the faces of our fellow passengers.
03:40Fascinating hobby and sometimes most enlightening.
03:44Lady Margaret has bought the train, I presume.
03:46Oh, yes. Mother's expecting you.
03:48I've reserved a compartment for you and your friend, Dr. Watson.
03:51As a matter of fact, it's in this coach here, just ahead of the luggage van.
03:53Day coach?
03:54Yes, the sleepers are all taken.
03:56Mother wasn't interested in her bed so much as she wasn't getting to Edinburgh.
03:59So naturally, it wasn't very difficult to persuade her to travel in a day coach.
04:02Exactly. It had been open to take on additional passengers.
04:04So I observed.
04:06I say, it was awfully decent of you to come,
04:08considering the fact that I was so secretive about it all.
04:10Oh, my dear Mr. Carstairs, there was no need for secrecy. I already knew.
04:14You knew that Mother insisted on bringing the star of Rhodesia with her to London.
04:17And that while here, an attempt had been made to steal it.
04:20Did Scotland Yard tell you that?
04:22Oh, no, my dear Mr. Carstairs.
04:25But the fact that your mother owns the famous diamond is common knowledge.
04:29She came down to London to attend the reception of Buckingham Palace
04:31and quite naturally wore the star of Rhodesia.
04:34You want me to accompany you back to your home in Edinburgh.
04:36Therefore, an attempt must have been made to steal the star of Rhodesia
04:39while you were here in London.
04:40It seems simple the way you explain it, Mr. Holmes.
04:43If you don't mind, I'll wait here for my friend Dr. Watson.
04:45I can't think what's keeping him.
04:46Mother and I will be expecting you.
04:48Oh, could I take this for you?
04:49Oh, I'd be much obliged. Thank you.
04:52We'll be in compartment E.
04:54Yes.
05:01Picket, please.
05:06Here's your carriage, sir.
05:08Well, well, well, look who's here.
05:10Inspector Lestrade.
05:11Why, Mr. Holmes.
05:12Taking your trip, Inspector?
05:13Fishing, eh?
05:14Bit of an holiday.
05:15Ah, that's very nice.
05:17Uh, trout?
05:18Eh?
05:19Oh, yes, yeah, yeah.
05:21Rather large rods for trout, aren't they?
05:23Salmon, perhaps?
05:24Well, as a matter of fact, I'm going mostly for the rest.
05:26As a matter of fact, you're on a job for Scotland Yard, aren't you?
05:31I, uh, trust this is the right carriage?
05:35This is where we take care of the overflow, sir.
05:37Oh, I see.
05:38Porter will take your bags.
05:39I'll carry this myself, if you don't mind.
05:48Ready to go, sir?
05:49Not past seven, eh?
05:50We always leave on time.
06:07On to red, sir.
06:13On to red, sir.
06:24What's up?
06:25Come on, sir.
06:26Coming, Holmes.
06:27Watson.
06:29All right, Holmes.
06:30They're coming.
06:32I think of him.
06:34I think of them.
06:35I think of them.
06:36I think of them.
06:40Wait for them.
06:42Thank you for your timely assistance, sir.
06:45Really, Watson, aren't you a little stuffed, this sort of thing?
06:47Rubbish. Ideal weight for a man of my age.
06:49Ran into an old friend of mine, Duncan Bleak.
06:51Later, the cloth Indian lances,
06:53or Major Duncan Bleak, Mr Sherlock Holmes.
06:55How do you do, sir?
06:55Delighted. I've heard quite a little about you.
06:57India, eh?
06:58Retired 15 years ago.
06:59As a matter of fact, we were reminiscing about India.
07:01Didn't realize how late it was.
07:02It stays light so long these days, we almost missed a train.
07:05Yes, so observed.
07:06In here, sir. Thank you.
07:08Doctor, would you care to join me in a glass of whiskey
07:09and a dash of soda before dinner?
07:11No, ma'am, sir. Good idea.
07:13What's it all about, Holmes?
07:15Did you ever hear of Lady Margaret Castaer's famous diamond,
07:17the star of Rhodesia?
07:18There was something in last week's text
07:19about the old girl being in London with the bauble.
07:21Wasn't there, Holmes?
07:22Yes, there was.
07:25She's on this train.
07:26That's why we're here.
07:27To see that this bauble, as you call it,
07:29gets safely back into its fault at Edinburgh.
07:31Sounds to me...
07:32Pardon me?
07:33Sounds to me like a police routine, John.
07:36That's where you're wrong, old fellow.
07:37An attempt to make away with her in London was unsuccessful.
07:39A second attempt will, in all probability,
07:41be made on this train.
07:42Huh?
07:43What makes you say that?
07:44Well, it seems more than likely
07:45that the people who planned the first attempt
07:47will not be discouraged by one failure
07:49and will stop at nothing
07:50to ensure success the second time.
07:52Sounds like Lestrade's cup of tea to me.
07:54Lestrade? He's on this train.
07:55Oh, is he?
07:56Giving an excellent imitation of Isaac Walton.
07:59And here we are.
08:00Harden Jets.
08:01Mr. Covey, Mr. Holmes.
08:04My friend and colleague, Dr. Watson.
08:05How you do?
08:12I thought it better to engage Mr. Holmes
08:14after what happened in London.
08:15No doubt you're an efficient person.
08:18But I don't think there's any need for a policeman.
08:20A policeman?
08:21How long have you been in possession
08:22of the Star Wars British here, Lady Margaret?
08:2525 years.
08:26You know, it may seem strange to you, but, uh...
08:29I've never actually seen it.
08:31I suppose there's no harm
08:32since we're paying you to guard it.
08:34Mother.
08:35Yes?
08:41May I?
08:42Do, by all means.
08:44Thank you, Honour.
08:46Great Scott.
08:47What a remarkable stone.
08:49My husband gave it to me
08:50on our fifth wedding anniversary.
08:53423 carats, isn't it?
08:54The original diamond was over 700 carats.
08:57Yes.
08:58Your father had it cut.
08:59Less ostentatious.
09:01Ostentatious?
09:02It's as big as a duck, say.
09:03Watson, please.
09:04Oh, sir.
09:06Thank you, Lady Margaret.
09:07We'll be as unobtrusive as possible.
09:09That will be a novelty from a policeman.
09:13Now, if you wouldn't mind telling us where our compartment is.
09:15Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Holmes.
09:17Oh, thank you.
09:18Lady Margaret.
09:20Good night.
09:21Good night.
09:21Good night.
09:24I'm pertinent.
09:25She called us policemen.
09:26And what's wrong with being a policeman?
09:29Oh, hello, Lestrade.
09:30Where are you going?
09:31The inspector's going to Scotland to fish for salmon.
09:33Oh, really?
09:34The season doesn't start for another month.
09:36But you wouldn't know that, would you?
09:37Who says I'm going to fish for salmon?
09:39Who?
09:40Him.
09:41Excuse me, please.
09:56Police.
09:58Police.
09:58Police?
10:00Here?
10:01On the train?
10:03Scotland Yard.
10:04I heard.
10:05I warned you.
10:08Police.
10:11Police?
10:14Oh, Mr. Holmes?
10:15Yes.
10:15Oh, this way, please.
10:20Oh, there you are, Holmes.
10:27Try some of this curry.
10:28It's excellent.
10:30Steak and kitty pudding, please.
10:42Of course, the Bengal curry doesn't compare with that of Madras.
10:45No, it's the quality of the mutton that makes the difference, don't you think?
10:51The meat's unimportant.
10:53It's the spices that make the difference.
10:56Don't you agree with me, Holmes?
10:58What?
10:59I said we were discussing curry.
11:02Oh, yes, curry.
11:02Horrible stuff.
11:04Oh, really?
11:05One man's meat is another man's poison.
11:08Oh.
11:08Oh.
11:18There will be two of us, steward.
11:20My son will be here directly.
11:40Oh, well.
11:40Do you agree with me?
12:32But, my dear fellow, I still insist the unpolished wild rice does make a considerable difference to a good curry.
12:38Well, I still can't agree with you.
12:40Take care of this for me, will you, Watson?
12:42Right, you are all for it.
12:48That was one of them.
12:55Was Young Casters in the dining car with you?
12:57No, Lady Margaret came in alone.
12:59Well, I was in my compartment just now having a bite to eat and I had a question here.
13:03Crash? It's locked.
13:05I knocked and there was no answer.
13:07Sir, you just stood here twiddling your thumbs. Brilliant.
13:09Attendant.
13:10Will you please unlock this door?
13:11I'm sorry, sir. It's okay, sir.
13:12This is Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard.
13:14That's all right. You can open it.
13:15Very good, sir.
13:26Very good, sir.
13:27Well.
13:35Dead.
13:37Murdered.
13:38That's a big quick, isn't it? Even for you.
13:40Oh.
13:42Is this the...
13:44Yes.
13:45Star of Odisha was in this box not 45 minutes ago.
13:48How do you know?
13:49I saw it.
13:50Well, you might be here somewhere.
13:51No, no good looking for it, Mr. Yard. The killer's got it.
13:55Ah, there you are, Holmes.
13:56How about joining us in the...
13:58Take away this body, will you, Watson?
13:59Body?
14:01Good Scott.
14:03How do you know it's murder, Mr. Holmes?
14:05Murder?
14:05Oh, I say.
14:06Who are you?
14:07Major Duncan Preak, a friend of Dr. Watson's.
14:09Hmm.
14:09Well, what makes you so sure it's murder, Mr. Holmes? The door was locked.
14:15Every attendant has a key.
14:17Did you open this door for anyone during the last hour?
14:19No, sir.
14:20Is the key about out of your possession?
14:22It never is.
14:22Sir, it's on a chain.
14:24It's to me like heart failure.
14:27Any marks of violence on the body?
14:29None that I can see.
14:30Seemed to have missed it this time, didn't you, Mr. Holmes?
14:33Possibly.
14:34Still, if it was a natural death, it came at a very convenient time, didn't it?
14:38Hmm?
14:43What does this mean?
14:48Starved issue.
14:50It's gone.
14:51You were supposed to guard it.
14:53My son employed you.
14:55That's why I left it with him.
14:56Where is he?
15:03I'm sorry, Lady Margaret.
15:04It was thoughtless of us to let you come in like this.
15:07Do an empty compartment.
15:08Yes, sir.
15:09Then I think we'd better put on, my Lady Margaret.
15:11Please.
15:17Poor chap's mother, I presume.
15:19Yeah.
15:19Well, let's get to the bottom of this.
15:22Excuse me, Doctor.
15:25Poor chap.
15:25He was so young.
15:26It's such a pity.
15:31I have sent for the conductor to talk to him.
15:34I've asked that no one be allowed to leave this coach.
15:35Oh, thank you, Mr. Holmes.
15:37Shall we use my compartment?
15:38Thanks, sir.
15:39Attendant.
15:39Yes, sir.
15:39Lock that door and let no one go in without my permission.
15:42You understand?
15:42Very good, sir.
15:45Sorry, old man.
15:46Official police business.
15:47That's all right.
15:48I'll catch up with you later.
15:57Are you looking for the Scotland Yard Inspector, sir?
15:59Why, yes.
16:00Right in there, sir.
16:06Come in.
16:33Sorry, sir.
16:34No one's allowed to leave the carriage.
16:36Can't leave the carriage?
16:37Whose ridiculous idea was that?
16:39Scotland Yard.
16:40Scotland?
16:45You see, we don't stop until we reach rugby.
16:48That's right, sir.
16:49Good.
16:49We'll have a thorough search of the train made before that time.
16:51Find the murderer, Inspector, and you'll find the diamond.
16:54But we don't know it was murder.
16:56Consider the facts, Lestrade.
16:58Young Carstairs was dead when the jewel was taken.
17:01Otherwise, he'd have put up a struggle,
17:02and there were no marks of violence on the body.
17:05If, however, he died a natural death,
17:07we must assume that the thief happened to be on hand
17:09just at the right moment.
17:10which is outside the realm of probability, nor Lestrade.
17:14In this case, nothing was left to chance.
17:16That's why I say find the murderer, and you'll find the diamond.
17:18How do we know the thief didn't leave the carriage
17:20before we discovered the body?
17:22The attendant was in the corridor the entire time,
17:24and he's certain that no one passed into the dining car.
17:27The door at the other end leads into the luggage van.
17:29Which is always locked.
17:31Hmm.
17:39You found no marks of any kind on the body, Watson?
17:42No, none of any significance.
17:44Not even a scratch?
17:45Well, there was a small spot of blood on his neck just to be a speck.
17:48That's what I was referring to.
17:50You mean that scratch killed him?
17:52It's possible the poison that went into the wound did.
17:55Poison?
17:56Well, we can't tell that without an autopsy.
17:58Hmm.
18:00Have you got a list of the passengers in this carriage?
18:02Yes, sir.
18:04There you are, sir.
18:06Major Duncan Bleak.
18:08That would be your friend, Doctor.
18:09The next compartment's empty.
18:11Well, we took Lady Margaret after the murder.
18:14You remember Lestrade.
18:17Go on.
18:20Vivian Vedder, Inspector Liston.
18:22That's this one.
18:23Lady Margaret Carstairs and the Honourable Roland Carstairs.
18:27Professor William Kilbane, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Shellcross,
18:30Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson.
18:32That would be you two.
18:35Well, I think I shall ask a few questions.
18:39Vivian Vedder.
18:40We'll start with her, whoever she is.
18:46Vedder, compartment C.
18:49Here we are.
18:58Empty.
19:00Sir, Holmes.
19:02Are you going to let Lestrade handle this thing by himself?
19:04Well, after all, he does represent the official police, you know.
19:07Well, with him doing the questioning and looking under the seat cushions for diamonds,
19:10there won't be any more than we're through than we do now.
19:12I could do it better myself.
19:14Why don't you, old fellow?
19:15Huh?
19:17By Jove, I think I will.
19:18Probably find out just as much as Lestrade would anyway.
19:21I'll do it at once.
19:23Well, that's where we just came from.
19:29Well, that's where the body is.
19:36Well, I'll start with this one.
19:42Yes?
19:43My name's Watson.
19:45Dr. Watson.
19:46Oh?
19:47Well, to what am I indebted for this intrusion?
19:49I'm afraid I've got to ask you one or two questions, what you're doing on the train.
19:53Where you're going, things I get, you know.
19:55Why?
19:55Customary.
19:58There's been a murder committed.
20:01Scotland Yard, Sherlock Holmes.
20:04Sherlock Holmes and I...
20:06What about Sherlock Holmes?
20:08We're cross-examining suspects.
20:11Suspects?
20:12Of what am I suspected?
20:14Oh, the fellow's dead.
20:15Murdered, you know.
20:17Now, let me get this straight.
20:19You say a murder has been committed on this train?
20:22Yes, next compartment.
20:23And because a perfect stranger to me got himself murdered, you come to question me?
20:27We've got to question everybody.
20:29Are you a policeman?
20:31No.
20:32Then by what right do you force your way into my compartment?
20:36Well, I...
20:36What are you doing on this train?
20:38Where are you going?
20:39I'm not going anywhere.
20:40Holmes and I are on the train to watch the...
20:42I know.
20:43It's a diamond or a pearl or something of fabulous value.
20:46This fellow Holmes is always chasing after missing jewels or mysterious females.
21:04What is the meaning of this?
21:08I'm sorry, Miss Vera.
21:09But it was necessary for us to search your compartment.
21:12Indeed.
21:13May I ask what you expected to find?
21:15A valuable jewel has been stolen.
21:17And a man has been murdered.
21:19We are making a routine search of the entire carriage.
21:22And asking a few questions.
21:26Go right ahead.
21:35I understand your journey is rather a sad one.
21:38Your mother...
21:39Yes.
21:43Perhaps we'd better not question Miss Vera just now, let's try it.
21:46Eh?
21:47Excuse us, will you?
21:57What's the idea, Mr. Holmes?
21:58Not of taste, Lestrade.
22:00The young lady is taking her mother to Scotland for burial.
22:03In a coffin?
22:05That is the customary method, I believe.
22:08Lestrade, I think we'll take a look at that coffin.
22:10Might prove interesting.
22:11Hmm.
22:12I was about to suggest everything myself, Mr. Holmes.
22:15Conductor, I'll have a look in the luggage van.
22:17This way, sir.
22:27What I am, Dr. Watson.
22:28Dr. John H. Watson of 221 B Baker Street.
22:31Retired.
22:32My friend Sherlock Holmes can vouch for me.
22:33Your alibi isn't worth a scotch party.
22:36You just told me that this fellow Holmes is a crony of yours.
22:39Naturally, he'd lie.
22:40I resent that, sir.
22:41Sherlock Holmes is a very soul of integrity.
22:43You might even be an accomplice.
22:45Why, if I were a policeman, I'd take you in charge this very moment.
22:49I didn't do it, sir.
22:50I swear I didn't do it.
22:51I can prove it.
22:51Prove what else, sir?
22:52Oh, there you are, Holmes.
22:53Now get out of here and join your silly friends.
22:59Did you discover anything, Watson?
23:01Yes.
23:02He's a very suspicious character.
23:04He tried to put me off the scent.
23:05From the little I heard, he seemed reasonably successful.
23:07Hmm.
23:08Look here.
23:08You're not going to let an old fellow like Professor Kilbane discourage you, are you?
23:12Uh, why don't you try this one?
23:14You think I'd better?
23:15Yes, of course.
23:17All right.
23:18Uh, do you mind if I come in?
23:24You may.
23:26I'm sorry to bother you, but I represent the police.
23:29I knew it.
23:30Alfred, I told you.
23:32Told him what?
23:34Well?
23:35It's quite all right, Inspector.
23:37I confess.
23:39Confess?
23:40You mean you stole it?
23:42You've got it in there?
23:43Yes.
23:44No, no, no.
23:44Leave it where it is.
23:46I'll go and fetch Inspector Lestard at Scotland Yard.
23:49And don't either of you attempt to run away.
23:51Oh, no, Inspector.
23:58Is this door always kept locked, Conductor?
24:00Yes, sir.
24:01Only the guard and myself have keys.
24:03Guard them, Holmes.
24:04Who?
24:04The thieves.
24:05Thieves?
24:05Well, come on, speak of that.
24:06That married couple down there.
24:07Yes, they confessed.
24:09Confessed?
24:10Broke them down.
24:11Gave them the third degree.
24:12And you left them unguarded?
24:13I told them not to run away.
24:15Don't have a talk with them.
24:21Oh, it's you again.
24:24It might interest you to know that I've just caught the thieves.
24:31Excuse me, madam.
24:33You're the police, I know.
24:35I warned them, but no, he had to take it.
24:38I must warn you that anything you say may be used against you.
24:40Anything they say?
24:42They've already admitted everything.
24:43Everything?
24:44Yes.
24:44They've got it in there.
24:45I'd be glad to pay double what it's worth if only they won't prosecute.
24:49It's my first offence.
24:51You chaps always say the same thing.
24:52Come on, hand it over.
24:53Where is it?
24:55I stole it.
24:56I took it from a hotel in London.
24:59Come on, come on.
25:01In my small way, I'm a collector of teapots.
25:08Teapots?
25:09Dr. Watson, does this look like a diamond?
25:12Not very much, not that you mention it.
25:14What's all that about a confession?
25:15Well, when I came in here before, they said that they took it.
25:18Well, you'll please oblige us, doctor, by not meddling in police business.
25:21This time wasn't entirely wasted, Lestrade.
25:23At least you've recovered the teapot.
25:25Thank you, Holmes.
25:27Teapot.
25:28The fellow tries his best.
25:29What's he get?
25:31Humiliation, abuse, and the start of all people.
25:33A good man to chuck up the whole case.
25:36Might be a good idea to let the police do their own work.
25:39You mind your own business.
25:42Oh, there you are, Watson.
25:44How about a spot in my compartment?
25:45Thanks, old man.
25:46I'd serve them right if I got a bit tiddly.
25:59I suppose you realise you'll be turned over to the police as soon as we reach Edinburgh.
26:05Doctor Watson, teapots.
26:08Why, I beg your pardon, Professor Kilbane.
26:10You're in the next compartment, aren't you?
26:11I am.
26:12I'm afraid we'll have to ask you a few questions.
26:14Now, don't tell me that you're going to start.
26:18You mind?
26:18Why, of course I mind.
26:19Come on, in detail.
26:27I know.
26:29A brilliant mind, but there have been times when...
26:33When your scientist's mind has shown him the way.
26:36Exactly.
26:37You take the death of young Castos, for instance.
26:40I knew from the first it was poison.
26:42The scientific approach, of course.
26:45The murderer used a hypodermic.
26:46Some rare poison from South America, probably.
26:50Or India.
26:51Yes, yes, India.
26:53I've been to India.
26:54So have you.
26:55Yes.
26:58Yes, of course.
27:01Oh, no.
27:05You've been here.
27:06I don't like your attitude, Professor Kilbane.
27:08I don't like it at all.
27:10Perhaps not.
27:11But I'm on this train for legitimate reasons.
27:13And I've neither the time nor the inclination to assist you with your work.
27:18You are perfectly within your rights, sir.
27:20And I'm sure that Inspector Lestard appreciates that.
27:23Thank you, sir.
27:24Now, if you have no objection, I have some work to do which requires concentration.
27:29Mathematics?
27:31Yes.
27:32Interesting study.
27:33If you don't mind.
28:01You're looking for something, Lady Margaret?
28:06I came to get my bag. The door's locked.
28:10Naturally. Perhaps I can help you.
28:28Mr. Holmes, I must talk to you about the diamond.
28:31Don't you worry about that, Lady Margaret.
28:33Fifty thousand pounds, would you tell me not to worry?
28:36My son employed this man to guard it,
28:39and it was stolen right under his very nose.
28:43I warn you, I intend to take this matter up with your superiors.
28:47I'm a private agent, Lady Margaret.
28:49Good. I shall report you both to Scotland Yard.
28:55Well, I am Scotland Yard.
29:04I will tell you, Lady Carstairs entered the dining car alone.
29:07You and I were already there.
29:08Holmes came in later,
29:09and I understand that Inspector Lestrade remained in his compartment
29:12with the curtains open,
29:14so that if anyone had gone in or out, he would have seen them.
29:17I see. You've got something there.
29:18Well, let's look at this thing objectively.
29:20Lady Carstairs seemed more concerned,
29:22was more concerned at the loss of the diamond
29:24than at the death of her son.
29:25Right, George, you're right. So she was.
29:28Come in.
29:30Oh, here you are, Watson.
29:32Sit down. Have a drink?
29:35No, thanks. Do you mind if I...
29:37Not at all.
29:38I've been thinking about this case, Holmes. That is, Duncan Bleak and I have.
29:42Yes, I see.
29:43The way we figure it out, the old Trout is the only one without an alibi.
29:47Yes, we feel that you're approaching the whole thing from the wrong angle.
29:50Really, Watson? What's your theory?
29:52Insurance?
29:53A lot of people insure jewellery and then try and collect on it.
29:57Interesting suggestion.
29:58I suppose you go and ask Lady Margaret just how much insurance she carries on the Star of Rhodesia.
30:01No, thank you.
30:02I've already had two tries. Why don't you ask yourself?
30:05For a very simple reason, I already know. You're quite a doofler, sir.
30:08Oh, if you know, would you ask me?
30:09Huh. Try to make a fool of me.
30:29Mr. and Mrs. Shallcross. Teapots. Well, we can eliminate them.
30:36Professor William Kilbane. I've sent a telegram to the Edinburgh police to check up on that mathematics professor.
30:44Interesting.
30:45Now what?
30:47Well, just a coincidence.
30:48What's a coincidence?
30:50The fact that this fellow Kilbane happens to be a professor of mathematics.
30:54Oh.
30:56Come again, Mr. Hobbs?
30:58Mr. Now, did you ever hear of Colonel Sebastian Moran?
31:01Of course I did. What about him?
31:03Well, then, as you know, Colonel Sebastian Moran was the most sinister, ruthless and diabolically clever henchman
31:08of our late but unlamented friend, Professor Moriarty.
31:13I've never seen him,
31:16but I've been unpleasantly conscious of his presence more than once.
31:19As a matter of fact, he was directly responsible
31:22for what very nearly turned out to be my premature death on three separate occasions.
31:26Very pretty, Mr. Holmes. What's all that got to do with all this?
31:29Oh, possibly nothing.
31:31However, his speciality
31:33was spectacular jewel robberies.
31:35And for relaxation, he was addicted to the study of, uh, mathematics.
31:41Are you inferring that this Professor Kilbane is Colonel Sebastian Moran?
31:46That he murdered young Carstairs and stole the diamond?
31:50Well, what about this woman, this, uh, Vivian Vedder? What about her?
31:54No one's above suspicion.
31:57And Lady Margaret.
31:59She might have a motive for wanting the star of Rhodesia stolen.
32:03She wasn't very concerned over the death of her son.
32:08And this friend of Dr. Watson's, this, uh, Major Duncan Bleak.
32:13Might be just as sensible to suspect him.
32:16Now, as far as we know,
32:18only four persons knew the star of Rhodesia was on this train.
32:22Yourself, Dr. Watson, the murdered, the dead lad, and myself.
32:27And Lady Margaret.
32:28And Lady Margaret.
32:31And Lady Margaret.
32:31I'll have another talk with her, Ladyship.
32:41Lady Margaret, do you mind if I, uh, come in?
32:45Anything?
32:51No.
33:16We're home.
33:19Lucky beggar.
33:22Who's a lucky beggar?
33:23Duncan Bleak.
33:24Been playing cards with him.
33:26He won all the way across, I believe the expression is.
33:29Have you been with him all this time?
33:31No. Just left him.
33:33He introduced me to a new fangled game.
33:36Gin Rami, he called it.
33:38American, I believe.
33:39A lot of bookkeeping connected with it.
33:43You, uh...
33:44Ever hear of it?
33:51No.
34:12No!
34:15No!
34:16No!
34:18No!
34:18Oh, my God.
35:00You're still looking for the murderer, Inspector?
35:07Impossible, fellow.
35:16I don't understand it.
35:40I don't understand it.
36:09It's finished in the thin air.
36:20Well, there you are.
36:22Where on earth you've been?
36:28I asked you where you'd been.
36:31Hello?
36:32What's happened?
36:35I'd been observing the landscape from the door at the end of the corridor.
36:38I'd just been along there.
36:39I didn't see you.
36:39The door was shut.
36:42Actually, it was on the outside.
36:44The outside?
36:44Yes.
36:46You must try it sometime.
36:48We'll take a look at that coffin.
36:50If you remember, I was interrupted the last time.
36:53Oh, sire.
37:11I'm Sherlock Holmes.
37:12Do you mind if I'd expect a copy in your feet in Scotland?
37:14No one is allowed in here, Mr. Holmes.
37:15I'll take the response to it.
37:16Excuse me.
37:26Do you mind if we open it?
37:36It's forbidden, sir.
37:37Sorry.
37:38Go on, Watson.
37:40But you can't do that, sir.
37:42We'll have to.
37:44Excuse me, please.
37:53Poor old lady.
37:54As I thought.
37:55Shallow.
37:56Body only comes down to about here.
37:58You think there's a secret compartment underneath?
38:02There has to be.
38:12Empty.
38:14No.
38:15No.
38:16Yes, but it's been recently occupied.
38:18We asked Lestrade to come in here.
38:20He's with Lady Margaret.
38:21Right, sir, Holmes.
38:28Have you let anyone else in here?
38:29No.
38:31Now, that's Maddox, eh?
38:33Here's me something to do.
38:44Come quick.
38:45What is it?
38:46It's the coffin.
38:51Holmes found a false spot a minute.
38:53Enough room for the murderer to hide in.
38:55What?
39:02What is all this, Mr. Holmes?
39:05There's where your murderer's been hiding, Lestrade.
39:09It's just a question of finding him, isn't it, Mr. Holmes?
39:12Not him.
39:13Them.
39:14Eh?
39:14This affair is obviously the work of two men.
39:17The one who planned it,
39:18and the other who hid in the coffin,
39:19and at a prearranged time emerged to commit the murder
39:22and effect the robbery.
39:24What are you talking about?
39:25Colonel Sebastian Moran.
39:27You've got that man on the brain, Mr. Holmes.
39:28My dear Lestrade,
39:29I accepted this case because I was virtually certain
39:31that Colonel Sebastian Moran could not resist
39:34such a tempting morsel as the Star of Rhodesia.
39:36I'm convinced that he's the brains behind this case
39:38and that he's on this train.
39:40Oh, and how would you go about finding out
39:42which one of the passengers is this Colonel Sebastian Moran?
39:46If he is one of the passengers?
39:49Well, I suggest that you start by questioning Miss Weather.
39:51It might prove interesting.
39:52Eh?
39:53Oh.
40:16Who's there?
40:19Miss Weather?
40:20I want to ask you a few questions,
40:21and I must warn you.
40:22Anything you say may be used against you.
40:24Oh?
40:25Now, about your mother.
40:26It isn't your mother after all, is it?
40:27Perhaps if you explain.
40:29That coffin.
40:29We've examined it.
40:30And found the secret compartment.
40:32Oh, come on.
40:33Let's have it.
40:33Have what?
40:34The old story.
40:35If you insist.
40:39The man approached me and asked me to take a coffin to Scotland.
40:43He offered me a hundred pounds.
40:45Were you aware that the coffin had a secret compartment?
40:47I was.
40:48What story did this person tell you to account for a man being concealed in the coffin?
40:52That someone had to leave London.
40:53Foreign agents were watching the train.
40:55Foreign agents.
40:56All right.
40:57Maybe I didn't believe that foreign agent's story.
41:00You realize, of course, this makes you an accomplice.
41:04What was the name of the man who approached you?
41:07I don't remember.
41:10Miss Weather, the man who engaged you to take this coffin to Scotland,
41:14was it by any chance...
41:16This man here?
41:17I say, old man, aren't you making a mistake?
41:19My dear Watson.
41:19Just what do you know about Major Duncan Bleak?
41:21I've known him for years.
41:22He's a member of my club.
41:24I say, is this a joke?
41:27Does the name Colonel Moran mean anything to you, sir?
41:30Colonel Moran?
41:31Yes.
41:31Colonel Sebastian Moran.
41:33Why?
41:34I'm afraid it doesn't.
41:35Good heavens, you don't think that I...
41:37No, no, no.
41:37Of course not.
41:38You have the perfect alibi, Dr. Watson.
41:41Yes, yes, yes.
41:41Of course.
41:42Of course.
41:42Good heavens, gentlemen.
41:43You're at perfect liberty to search my compartment, to search me.
41:46If you find the diamond, I...
41:47That won't be necessary.
41:49The Star of Rhodesia has not been stolen.
41:52What's that, Mr. Holmes?
41:53An imitation was stolen.
41:54I have the real one.
41:56You've got it?
41:57My dear Lestrade.
41:58Surely you didn't think I would allow Lady Margaret to retain the genuine diamond,
42:02when I felt reasonably certain that an attempt would be made to steal it.
42:05I have had it in my possession almost from the moment I bought it the train.
42:09Confound it, Mr. Holmes.
42:09You had no right to do that.
42:10This is a police matter.
42:12Come on, let me have it.
42:13My job is to see that it wasn't stolen.
42:14It wasn't.
42:15Look, I don't know what this is all about, but I do know that I've never seen this gentleman
42:20before in my life.
42:21I shall have to ask you to remain in your compartment until we reach Edinburgh.
42:25Inspector Lestrade.
42:26Huh?
42:26Oh.
42:27A telegram for you, sir.
42:31I'm sorry, old man.
42:32I'm afraid my friend owes you an apology.
42:34Oh, that's all right, Watson.
42:35In a case like this, naturally, everyone is suspected.
42:37Well, we all make mistakes.
42:39Even Holmes is not infallible.
42:41And after all, the killer is still at large, you know.
42:43Yes, he is, isn't he?
42:45Well, good night.
42:46Good night, old boy.
42:46Don't worry.
42:50I think I'll have another little chat with that professor fellow.
42:54Something important, Lestrade?
42:55You have your secrets, Mr. Holmes.
42:56I have mine.
42:58This is Inspector Lestrade.
43:04Look here.
43:05Is this racket going to continue all night?
43:07Professor Kilbane, you told me you were on the staff of the University of Edinburgh.
43:10I said nothing of the kind.
43:11You most certainly did.
43:12I urge you.
43:13Mr. Holmes, you urge you.
43:15Oh.
43:15I merely said that I was a professor of mathematics and that I was returning to my home in Edinburgh.
43:21Well, it might be necessary to talk to you again.
43:24Later.
43:25You come pounding on this door again and I'll have the law on you.
43:29I am the law.
43:30Then stop bartering in and out of my room like a chambermaid.
43:37Where is everybody?
43:41Where is everybody?
44:00Here, pal.
44:02There are no doubt about this.
44:02Doesn't want to open the door probably.
44:05This should help us.
44:27Hello? Who shut that door?
44:33Great scoff of the guard!
44:35The murderer came back and received a call.
44:36I've never seen.
44:38How dramatic!
44:39Look again, old fellow.
44:45Scratch. Just a scratch.
44:47Like the one around the car stairs.
44:49A small dart.
44:51Apparently made of some soluble substance.
44:53It's probably a gelatin preparation that melts in the wound.
44:56That's why you couldn't see anything on car stairs.
44:59The murderer was about to get rid of the body.
45:01We heard the knock and became frightened.
45:02Here, let me have that, will you?
45:11Now look.
45:13...
45:13...
45:18...
45:19...
45:20...
46:22Sherlock Holmes and the fat bloke are in the luggage van now.
46:25How about the guard in the corridor?
46:27He didn't see me.
46:29I fixed him temporarily.
46:31The guard in the van did.
46:34I had to kill him.
46:39Here, you'd better take this.
46:42This isn't the start of Rhodesia.
46:45You wouldn't be trying to double-cross me, would you?
46:48Sherlock Holmes got the diamond to replace it with this invitation.
46:51Now that Scotland Yard inspector has the real star of Rhodesia.
46:56Was he with Holmes and Watson in the luggage van?
46:58No.
46:59Good. Then he's probably in his compartment.
47:02But you'll have to hurry.
47:03I don't like it.
47:05Neither do I.
47:06All you have to do is to relieve him of the diamond.
47:10Scotland Yard inspector, why, that's something different.
47:14Naturally, it'll be more money for you.
47:17You'd like that, wouldn't you?
47:24Come on.
47:41He's in there.
47:59He's got the diamond.
48:18You use this.
48:46No! No, don't shoot!
48:49Shoot!
48:51No, don't shoot!
49:06No, so it's okay with the diamond.
49:10I don't like this.
49:12I don't like this again.
49:15I can't you guarantee it below.
49:25If that, what you are doing, I grew up to every single person.
49:37Hello. That fellow you put on guard isn't there.
49:39That's why I observe.
49:42It's strange.
49:43What is?
49:50Moustraud!
49:50Yeah. Help me to get him up onto the seat.
49:58He's coming too. Hand me that water, will you?
50:05Well, it's nothing very serious. I'll attend to him properly later on.
50:08Hmm.
50:23Poisoned like the others.
50:27It's gone. The diamond's gone.
50:30Gone?
50:31Yeah.
50:31Hadn't we better search for murder at once?
50:33No use, old fellow.
50:34The man who killed him has the star of Rhodesia.
50:38What's that?
50:39It's an air pistol, Lestrade, that fires a poison dart.
50:42It's quite an unusual design.
50:44You were attacked because you had the diamond.
50:47Fortunately, this wasn't used on you.
50:50Hello. We're coming to a stop.
51:23Police.
51:42Please.
51:43Scottish police.
51:47I don't feel up to it, Mr. Holmes. Would you be good enough to talk to them?
51:50Certainly.
51:52You keep quiet, old boy. Be back in a minute.
52:04Mr. Holmes, this is Inspector MacDonald of the Edinburgh Police.
52:08How do you do?
52:09I happen to be in this district on another case, and I've received this telegram from headquarters.
52:13You'll want to talk to Inspector Lestrade.
52:15In due time, but I'm in charge here. This is Scotland. You've crossed the border.
52:19We've had a spot of trouble here, Inspector.
52:22And that's why I'm here. And who are you, might I ask?
52:25Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
52:26On the private inquiry agent, eh? I've heard of you.
52:29Heard of him. Mr. Holmes' inspector has solved this case already.
52:32Watson.
52:32Will you clear the dining car? I'll want to ask a few questions.
52:35Yes, sir.
52:36And see that no one leaves his compartment until I need him for questioning.
52:39Very good, sir.
52:40Inspector Lestrade asked me to sit in with you.
52:42It's a bit unusual, but...
52:44The Scotland Yard think a great deal of Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
52:47They frequently ask his advice.
52:49Scotland Yard, eh?
52:51Where is this Inspector Lestrade?
52:52Now, Watson, will you see if Inspector Lestrade is sufficient to recover to come into the dining car?
52:56Right, you are.
53:00Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I know all about you. And frankly, you're in for it.
53:13All I did was buy a coffin and bring it on the train.
53:15In my opinion, this is a matter for Scotland Yard.
53:19Scotland Yard's jurisdiction ended when you crossed the border, Inspector.
53:22So you say.
53:24That's a matter of opinion.
53:25Miss Fedor is unquestionably in the plot.
53:28But you may not know Colonel Moran, however.
53:30I don't.
53:31Colonel Sebastian Moran? Is he in this?
53:35You know him?
53:37Unfortunately, I do.
53:39You may return to your compartment.
53:46You said unfortunately.
53:48Aye.
53:49I once had an encounter with Colonel Moran.
53:51The only time in my entire career I've been bested.
53:54A cleverest criminal since the late Professor Moriarty.
53:57And then I concur.
53:58Well, where is this Sebastian Moran?
54:00He's travelling on this train under the name of Major Duncan Bleak.
54:04What on earth are you talking about?
54:06Are you serious, Mr. Holmes?
54:08Constable, bring in Duncan Bleak.
54:10Aye, sir.
54:11Duncan Bleak?
54:12But he played for the gentleman at Lord's.
54:21No, sir.
54:21Come in.
54:24Duncan Bleak?
54:25Yes.
54:26Inspector MacDonald would like to see you.
54:28All right.
54:35Colonel Sebastian Moran, eh?
54:36It will give me great pleasure, Mr. Holmes,
54:38to meet up with that scoundrel again.
54:40You wanted to see me?
54:41Yes, Colonel Moran.
54:44You're under arrest.
54:45Oh, so you've managed to convince him that I'm the mythical Colonel Moran.
54:48Not mythical, Colonel. Have you forgotten that affair at Inverness three years ago?
54:52I've never been in Inverness in my life.
54:54Do you mind if I search you?
54:55Go ahead.
55:00For an innocent man, you carry strange things in your pockets.
55:03A retired army officer, India.
55:05But you're in Scotland now, and there's a law against carrying firearms.
55:08Aren't you satisfied?
55:09Not quite, Colonel.
55:24Now I'm satisfied.
55:27This clears things up pretty well.
55:31We'll be coming into Topham in a few minutes.
55:33The train doesn't stop at Topham, I'm afraid.
55:36I'm afraid you're wrong this time, Holmes.
55:39This train will stop at Topham.
55:45You're only delaying the inevitable, Colonel Moran.
55:48You can't get away.
55:49Oh!
56:03Oh!
56:11Out of the way, Inspector.
56:14All right, Inspector McDonald. Here's a man.
56:16Who pulled that cord?
56:17It's all right, Conductor.
56:18We'll get off here with our prisoner.
56:19Constables, take him off.
56:25Quite a struggle, Inspector McDonald.
56:26Good work, Mr. Holmes.
56:28Perhaps I underestimated you.
56:30Was it you who hit me?
56:32Oh, I'm terribly sorry.
56:34You must accept my apologies.
57:03Well, that's that.
57:05Where's Lestrade?
57:07Look under that table over there.
57:10It's not Lestrade.
57:11Great Scottish Duncan Bleak.
57:13I mean Colonel Sebastian Moran.
57:14Come on, old fellow.
57:14Give me a hand.
57:24What's all this about?
57:27Where's Inspector McDonald?
57:28He's just got off the train.
57:30He couldn't have.
57:31He couldn't.
57:32Oh, but he has.
57:34A very clever pluck, Colonel Moran.
57:35Your henchmen, masquerading as policemen, come aboard the train, arrest you, stop the train and take you off.
57:41But this is fantastic.
57:43Yes, it is, isn't it?
57:44And it's a scheme worthy of Colonel Sebastian Moran.
57:46He planned the whole thing, including the coffin of the secret compartment.
57:49And in case anything went wrong, the pseudo policeman to come aboard and take him off the train before it
57:53reached Edinburgh.
57:54Then where is Lestrade?
57:55Well, I imagine at the moment he's pretty well occupied.
58:01Just a minute, MacDonald.
58:02Get over there, all of you.
58:03You're under arrest.
58:05Now, put up your hands.
58:07Driver, take us to the nearest police station.
58:09Come on, get over here.
58:11Then the poke in the eye I received from Sherlock Holmes wasn't an accident after all.
58:15That is a matter of opinion.
58:17Come on, get in.
58:25Send that over as soon as possible, will you?
58:27Very good, sir.
58:29It's a telegram to the real Edinburgh police.
58:31Ask him to meet us when we arrive.
58:33But how did you know this fellow wasn't the real Inspector MacDonald?
58:37Elementary, my dear Watson.
58:38In the first place, he didn't put handcuffs on Colonel Moran, so I had to do it myself.
58:43And in the second place, Inspector MacDonald during the fight was more hindrance than help,
58:48which is not characteristic of a real policeman.
58:50Amazing, Holmes.
58:52I'm covering such a fiendish plot with so little evidence.
58:54Yes, I forgot to mention that I also happen to know the real Inspector MacDonald of the Edinburgh Police.
59:01Oh, was Lestrade in all of this?
59:03Yes, and surprisingly enough, he grasped the situation immediately.
59:06It's very unusual. Let's hope he hasn't overdone it.
59:10Very clever, Holmes.
59:11You've got me, but you haven't got the Star of Rhodesia.
59:14Oh, but I have.
59:16If in the dark I could substitute a big hulk like Lestrade for you, Colonel Moran,
59:20it's no very great feat to, uh...
59:27Switch a little thing like a diamond.
59:28Switch a little thing like a diamond.
59:28The End
59:37¶¶
Comments