1 00:01:13,884 --> 00:01:15,374 Can't you understand? 2 00:01:15,467 --> 00:01:18,966 It's our future and Belgium's future that I'm thinking of. 3 00:01:19,259 --> 00:01:22,341 The Catholic Church has narrowed your mind, Marianne, 4 00:01:22,634 --> 00:01:24,441 just as it has my mother's. 5 00:01:24,534 --> 00:01:26,974 But don't you see, Paul? 6 00:01:27,567 --> 00:01:32,399 You keep asking me to choose between you and my faith. 7 00:01:32,592 --> 00:01:35,716 I can't believe what you're saying, Marianne. 8 00:01:35,909 --> 00:01:39,074 You mean fresh ideas have no place in your mind? 9 00:01:39,267 --> 00:01:41,706 My God. We're into a new century, 10 00:01:41,709 --> 00:01:45,298 but you are stuck in the last, just like your damned clergy. 11 00:01:45,300 --> 00:01:47,733 Attacking the church won't help Belgium, Paul. 12 00:01:47,825 --> 00:01:49,341 It'll turn the people against you. 13 00:01:49,434 --> 00:01:50,924 I don't attack it! 14 00:01:51,017 --> 00:01:53,041 I want it to open its eyes. 15 00:01:52,942 --> 00:01:55,581 And as my wife, the wife of a government minister, 16 00:01:55,584 --> 00:01:57,183 you should support me in that. 17 00:01:57,275 --> 00:01:59,873 I married you for love, Paul, 18 00:01:59,875 --> 00:02:02,724 not to advance your political career. 19 00:02:03,167 --> 00:02:05,499 Marianne, come back here! 20 00:02:05,692 --> 00:02:07,574 Marianne! 21 00:02:48,642 --> 00:02:52,366 Well, Poirot, how does it feel being back in Brussels again after so many years? 22 00:02:52,369 --> 00:02:53,731 In the eye of my mind, Chief Inspector, 23 00:02:53,734 --> 00:02:55,833 I have never left. 24 00:02:56,925 --> 00:02:59,091 Place is bound to have changed, though. 25 00:02:59,184 --> 00:03:00,474 Naturellement. 26 00:03:00,567 --> 00:03:03,491 But we are not here for the memory lane of Poirot, mon ami, non? 27 00:03:03,542 --> 00:03:05,414 We come for the paying of the tributes 28 00:03:05,417 --> 00:03:07,374 to your good self. 29 00:03:08,592 --> 00:03:10,506 To be made a Compagnon de la Branche d'Or, 30 00:03:10,509 --> 00:03:13,166 it is the highest honor my country can bestow. 31 00:03:13,169 --> 00:03:14,789 Very kind of Belgium, yes. 32 00:03:14,792 --> 00:03:16,831 But all I've done over the years is my job. 33 00:03:16,834 --> 00:03:18,916 Not at all, Chief Inspector. 34 00:03:19,009 --> 00:03:22,006 Time and again, ever since the Abercrombie forgery case, 35 00:03:22,009 --> 00:03:23,364 you have helped the Belgian police. 36 00:03:23,367 --> 00:03:25,449 And my country, it is grateful. 37 00:03:25,642 --> 00:03:27,366 Pity Emily couldn't come. 38 00:03:27,369 --> 00:03:29,041 Still, I think she's right. 39 00:03:29,044 --> 00:03:31,458 Brussels is a far cry from Isleworth. 40 00:03:31,550 --> 00:03:33,708 Her loss is my gain. 41 00:03:34,300 --> 00:03:38,124 It is an honor to deputize for Madame Japp. 42 00:03:39,042 --> 00:03:40,583 Poirot. 43 00:03:40,975 --> 00:03:42,599 Chantalier. 44 00:03:46,434 --> 00:03:47,723 Ah. 45 00:03:47,725 --> 00:03:51,433 Mon dieu, 20 years, and you look the same. 46 00:03:51,625 --> 00:03:53,242 Is this fair, mon ami, eh? 47 00:03:53,242 --> 00:03:54,574 - Oh. - Oh, pardon. 48 00:03:54,867 --> 00:03:56,992 You know the Chief Inspector Japp, of course. 49 00:03:56,992 --> 00:03:58,381 We work together often. 50 00:03:58,384 --> 00:04:00,114 Congratulations on your new appointment, sir, 51 00:04:00,117 --> 00:04:01,949 Commissaire de Police. 52 00:04:02,142 --> 00:04:04,949 However did you manage, sir, when he went off to England? 53 00:04:05,042 --> 00:04:07,974 He wasn't always so clever, Chief Inspector. 54 00:04:08,784 --> 00:04:10,849 You remember Paul Deroulard? 55 00:04:13,042 --> 00:04:15,866 I remember that it was not I 56 00:04:15,869 --> 00:04:17,891 who made the mistakes in that case. 57 00:04:18,084 --> 00:04:19,966 It was everyone else. 58 00:04:20,509 --> 00:04:22,958 The old modesty lives on. 59 00:04:23,350 --> 00:04:26,366 Paul Deroulard died of natural causes, Hercule. 60 00:04:26,459 --> 00:04:28,991 The verdict of the court is there for all time. 61 00:04:29,184 --> 00:04:30,874 Mm-hmm. 62 00:04:32,950 --> 00:04:35,408 And it is wrong. 63 00:04:36,850 --> 00:04:38,320 Tell you what. 64 00:04:38,320 --> 00:04:40,491 I'm a disinterested party. 65 00:04:40,584 --> 00:04:42,999 Let me be the judge of this. 66 00:04:47,709 --> 00:04:50,949 It was just before the war, Chief Inspector. 67 00:04:51,342 --> 00:04:53,441 His death was reported to the police in the... 68 00:04:53,444 --> 00:04:54,974 Ah. 69 00:04:55,067 --> 00:04:56,983 That was the first mistake. 70 00:04:57,075 --> 00:04:59,166 The Deroulard case began two years earlier, 71 00:04:59,169 --> 00:05:02,149 when his wife Marianne fell down the stairs to her death. 72 00:05:03,492 --> 00:05:05,866 An accident, Poirot. 73 00:05:07,217 --> 00:05:10,570 The Belgian philosopher himself Georges Tabineau once said to me, he said, 74 00:05:10,570 --> 00:05:12,591 "Poirot, 75 00:05:13,684 --> 00:05:17,108 there is no such thing as an accident." 76 00:05:18,300 --> 00:05:20,458 However, we shall let that pass. 77 00:05:21,500 --> 00:05:22,764 On the night of his death, 78 00:05:22,767 --> 00:05:25,791 Paul Deroulard was entertaining some friends. 79 00:05:26,084 --> 00:05:29,041 Seated around the table were Virginie Mesnard. 80 00:05:29,334 --> 00:05:31,666 Next to her, the distinguished friend of Paul, 81 00:05:31,859 --> 00:05:34,641 le Comte du St. Alard. 82 00:05:35,534 --> 00:05:36,733 At the head of the table, 83 00:05:36,735 --> 00:05:40,349 the mother to Paul, Madame Deroulard. 84 00:05:40,642 --> 00:05:43,300 And at her side, her confidant and advisor, 85 00:05:43,300 --> 00:05:47,366 an old family friend, Gaston Beaujeu. 86 00:05:47,559 --> 00:05:49,589 - It's a lovely wine. - Good. 87 00:05:49,592 --> 00:05:51,641 Virginie was cousin to Marianne, 88 00:05:51,642 --> 00:05:53,074 the dead wife of Paul. 89 00:05:53,067 --> 00:05:56,333 New language law, Paul, what exactly does it say? 90 00:05:56,425 --> 00:05:58,433 From now on, all commands in the army 91 00:05:58,435 --> 00:06:01,091 must be given in Flemish as well as French. 92 00:06:01,184 --> 00:06:03,973 All I pray is that you and your friends in government 93 00:06:03,975 --> 00:06:07,766 have no plans for the mass to be said in Flemish, Paul. 94 00:06:09,934 --> 00:06:11,816 Now I see it. 95 00:06:13,642 --> 00:06:16,599 This law is just the tip of the iceberg. 96 00:06:21,042 --> 00:06:23,399 Your late wife always said that one day 97 00:06:23,399 --> 00:06:25,474 you'd get your claws into the church. 98 00:06:25,567 --> 00:06:26,781 Absurd. 99 00:06:26,784 --> 00:06:29,464 Sit down, St. Alard, before you make a fool of yourself. 100 00:06:29,467 --> 00:06:32,499 The press knows you're against the Catholic Church, Paul. 101 00:06:35,659 --> 00:06:39,291 For your own sake, I forbid you to say any more. 102 00:06:39,384 --> 00:06:40,773 And given half the chance, 103 00:06:40,775 --> 00:06:43,733 you'd appease the Kaiser as well. 104 00:06:44,025 --> 00:06:46,908 Then I suppose we'd all be speaking German. 105 00:06:54,500 --> 00:06:57,041 Another chocolate, Monsieur Beaujeu? 106 00:07:01,559 --> 00:07:04,706 After dinner, it was left to Gaston Beaujeu, 107 00:07:04,709 --> 00:07:07,324 in his customary role as mediator, 108 00:07:07,327 --> 00:07:09,624 to soothe the troubled waters. 109 00:07:09,717 --> 00:07:11,633 Thank you. 110 00:07:11,725 --> 00:07:14,700 You and St. Alard have been friends too long 111 00:07:14,700 --> 00:07:16,831 to fall out over politics. 112 00:07:16,834 --> 00:07:18,250 He lives in the past. 113 00:07:18,250 --> 00:07:20,083 A divided Belgium, Gaston, 114 00:07:20,175 --> 00:07:22,841 Flemings to the North, Walloons to the south, 115 00:07:23,034 --> 00:07:25,699 that's our history, not our future. 116 00:07:25,992 --> 00:07:28,324 But if Germany attacks, 117 00:07:28,417 --> 00:07:30,216 where will he stand then? 118 00:07:30,309 --> 00:07:32,541 In the front line, my friend, have no fear. 119 00:07:32,544 --> 00:07:35,341 He would take them on single-handed. 120 00:07:36,250 --> 00:07:39,124 At around midnight, the guests departed. 121 00:07:39,717 --> 00:07:42,773 Madame retired to her nightly devotions, 122 00:07:42,775 --> 00:07:46,316 and the Deroulard household slept. 123 00:07:48,692 --> 00:07:52,816 All except Paul, a slave to insomnia, 124 00:07:52,819 --> 00:07:56,224 who returned to his study in order to work. 125 00:08:13,834 --> 00:08:17,356 Paul had a reputation for his austerity and discipline. 126 00:08:17,359 --> 00:08:19,590 He did, however, have two vices; 127 00:08:19,592 --> 00:08:22,266 the pursuit of his career 128 00:08:22,459 --> 00:08:24,624 and chocolates. 129 00:09:05,884 --> 00:09:08,291 My duties as a junior police officer 130 00:09:08,384 --> 00:09:11,758 involved my regular attendance at the court of the coroner. 131 00:09:13,575 --> 00:09:15,240 The death of Paul Deroulard was treated 132 00:09:15,242 --> 00:09:17,824 by all those concerned as a matter of routine. 133 00:09:17,917 --> 00:09:19,483 Indeed not, Your Honor. 134 00:09:19,675 --> 00:09:20,914 Paul Deroulard... 135 00:09:20,917 --> 00:09:24,424 Those giving evidence saw no reason to question the death of Paul, 136 00:09:24,517 --> 00:09:27,100 and at first, neither did I. 137 00:09:27,100 --> 00:09:29,391 Being the victim of foul play... 138 00:09:29,484 --> 00:09:32,083 The principal witness in the case was my superior, 139 00:09:32,084 --> 00:09:33,741 Superintendent Boucher. 140 00:09:33,734 --> 00:09:36,024 ... foul play might have been the case? 141 00:09:36,117 --> 00:09:37,924 Nothing whatsoever, monsieur. 142 00:09:37,927 --> 00:09:40,633 We searched the house and found nothing untoward. 143 00:09:41,325 --> 00:09:43,524 You may step down. 144 00:09:47,092 --> 00:09:50,156 Ladies and gentlemen, I am more than satisfied 145 00:09:50,159 --> 00:09:54,023 that Paul Deroulard's death, though a tragedy, of course, 146 00:09:54,025 --> 00:09:56,066 was due to heart failure. 147 00:09:56,159 --> 00:09:58,700 And I give my verdict accordingly. 148 00:09:58,700 --> 00:10:00,508 That can't be right! 149 00:10:02,167 --> 00:10:04,883 You have further evidence, Mademoiselle Mesnard? 150 00:10:04,975 --> 00:10:07,099 I tell you, he can't just have died. 151 00:10:07,292 --> 00:10:09,416 Well, why do you take everyone at their word? 152 00:10:09,609 --> 00:10:11,308 I would advise you, mademoiselle, 153 00:10:11,308 --> 00:10:14,424 to guard your remarks when addressing me. 154 00:10:14,517 --> 00:10:15,642 Forgive her, monsieur, 155 00:10:15,642 --> 00:10:17,758 but she is much affected by the death. 156 00:10:17,759 --> 00:10:19,924 We will look after her. 157 00:10:21,859 --> 00:10:23,541 My colleague Chantalier and I 158 00:10:23,634 --> 00:10:26,891 felt that the case was being dismissed too readily. 159 00:10:27,084 --> 00:10:29,331 And although we were only there as observers, 160 00:10:29,334 --> 00:10:30,891 we decided it was our duty 161 00:10:30,984 --> 00:10:33,666 to raise the matter with Superintendent Boucher. 162 00:10:33,759 --> 00:10:35,416 Superintendent Boucher, 163 00:10:35,509 --> 00:10:37,549 one moment, if you please. 164 00:10:37,742 --> 00:10:39,891 Chantalier and myself, we would be very happy 165 00:10:39,892 --> 00:10:42,158 to investigate further the Deroulard case. 166 00:10:43,734 --> 00:10:45,540 What for, may I ask? 167 00:10:45,542 --> 00:10:48,733 Oh, the outburst of the young lady in court. 168 00:10:48,825 --> 00:10:50,633 Can--can we ignore that? 169 00:10:50,825 --> 00:10:52,850 And also, the victim, he was a government minister. 170 00:10:52,850 --> 00:10:55,824 That is precisely why you will put it out of your mind, Poirot. 171 00:10:55,917 --> 00:10:59,974 - Superintendent... - The case is closed, gentlemen. 172 00:11:10,009 --> 00:11:12,966 But it was an invitation most unexpected 173 00:11:13,059 --> 00:11:16,308 which ensured that the case was not closed. 174 00:11:19,234 --> 00:11:21,208 Ah, Hercule. 175 00:11:21,400 --> 00:11:23,764 - Henri, bonjour, ça va? - Mm-hmm. 176 00:11:23,767 --> 00:11:26,508 Why have you kept it a secret from me? 177 00:11:26,600 --> 00:11:27,850 What are you talking about, Henri? 178 00:11:27,850 --> 00:11:29,942 The young lady I spoke to you about, 179 00:11:29,942 --> 00:11:31,033 she's at table five. 180 00:11:31,034 --> 00:11:32,883 Ah. 181 00:11:33,075 --> 00:11:34,324 Merci. 182 00:11:34,717 --> 00:11:36,966 She asked for you specially. 183 00:11:37,059 --> 00:11:38,216 By name? 184 00:11:38,219 --> 00:11:39,841 By mustache. 185 00:11:49,209 --> 00:11:50,249 Hercule Poirot? 186 00:11:50,250 --> 00:11:52,116 At your service, Mademoiselle....? 187 00:11:52,209 --> 00:11:53,416 Virginie Mesnard. 188 00:11:53,609 --> 00:11:55,858 Mademoiselle Mesnard. 189 00:11:56,050 --> 00:11:57,716 Would you take a seat, please? 190 00:11:58,209 --> 00:11:59,708 Merci. 191 00:12:08,759 --> 00:12:09,950 I was in court, mademoiselle, 192 00:12:09,950 --> 00:12:11,416 when you expressed a certain doubt 193 00:12:11,419 --> 00:12:13,490 concerning the death of Monsieur Paul Deroulard. 194 00:12:13,492 --> 00:12:15,533 How can he have died of heart failure? 195 00:12:15,625 --> 00:12:17,958 He was such a robust man. 196 00:12:18,450 --> 00:12:20,623 And that is all upon which you base your doubt, 197 00:12:20,625 --> 00:12:22,708 his apparent good health? 198 00:12:24,234 --> 00:12:27,083 And some feminine instinct, monsieur. 199 00:12:28,509 --> 00:12:30,916 You believe in such a thing? 200 00:12:32,992 --> 00:12:34,441 Perhaps. 201 00:12:38,542 --> 00:12:40,241 Why is it that you come to me? 202 00:12:40,334 --> 00:12:42,656 A friend of mine is a secretary at the local paper. 203 00:12:42,659 --> 00:12:44,708 The editor mentions your name often. 204 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:48,141 "A spark in the otherwise dull embers of the police force," 205 00:12:48,144 --> 00:12:49,666 he says. 206 00:12:50,209 --> 00:12:51,499 Ah. 207 00:12:53,084 --> 00:12:54,699 He's a man of perception. 208 00:13:01,084 --> 00:13:03,533 Will you help me, monsieur? 209 00:13:04,900 --> 00:13:08,549 Et bien, mademoiselle, I have been told that the case, it is closed. 210 00:13:14,350 --> 00:13:16,891 But I am due some leave, 211 00:13:16,984 --> 00:13:18,974 which I shall take. 212 00:13:22,909 --> 00:13:25,658 A difficult smile to resist, eh, Hercule? 213 00:13:26,400 --> 00:13:27,774 Yes, indeed. 214 00:13:29,450 --> 00:13:31,849 Oh, if you think that the young lady 215 00:13:31,849 --> 00:13:34,508 and not the case attracted me, you do me a wrong, Claude. 216 00:13:35,200 --> 00:13:37,533 Yet you still wear the trinket she gave you. 217 00:13:37,625 --> 00:13:38,958 What, this? 218 00:13:43,792 --> 00:13:45,324 Bien sûr. 219 00:13:46,384 --> 00:13:47,383 If you think that Poirot 220 00:13:47,385 --> 00:13:49,414 could not see beyond that smile most bewitching 221 00:13:49,417 --> 00:13:51,674 and that her charm was such that... 222 00:13:53,317 --> 00:13:55,399 Toujours la femme, Chief Inspector. 223 00:13:55,692 --> 00:13:58,399 You have a phrase in English which means the same? 224 00:13:58,592 --> 00:14:01,123 Well, nothing as crisp as yours, sir. 225 00:14:01,125 --> 00:14:02,683 We just tend to say something like, 226 00:14:02,875 --> 00:14:06,258 "Mark my words, there'll be a woman at the bottom of it somewhere." 227 00:14:07,859 --> 00:14:10,774 Hercule, it's the Comte du St. Alard. 228 00:14:11,892 --> 00:14:14,783 Ah, Monsieur le Comte, bonsoir. 229 00:14:14,875 --> 00:14:16,674 Will you join us? 230 00:14:18,675 --> 00:14:22,266 Have you come to interfere in yet more business that doesn't concern you? 231 00:14:22,759 --> 00:14:24,791 To ruin a few more reputations? 232 00:14:27,084 --> 00:14:29,123 As mayor of this city, St. Alard, 233 00:14:29,125 --> 00:14:31,666 your reputation has never been better. 234 00:14:31,859 --> 00:14:34,233 No thanks to this meddling upstart. 235 00:14:41,109 --> 00:14:44,024 I swore to myself, Poirot, 236 00:14:44,217 --> 00:14:46,674 the next time I saw you, 237 00:14:46,867 --> 00:14:49,173 no matter when it was, the very next time, I would... 238 00:14:49,175 --> 00:14:51,258 Monsieur le Comte. 239 00:14:58,784 --> 00:15:00,458 If that's the Belgian aristocracy, 240 00:15:00,458 --> 00:15:02,783 it's about time you had a revolution. 241 00:15:02,875 --> 00:15:05,283 He was not entirely unprovoked, Chief Inspector. 242 00:15:05,375 --> 00:15:07,408 I was there, Poirot. You didn't do anything. 243 00:15:07,500 --> 00:15:09,758 But you were not there all those years ago, mon ami, 244 00:15:09,850 --> 00:15:12,966 when I gave him cause to resent me. 245 00:15:21,817 --> 00:15:25,750 This, um, Compagnon de la Branche d'Or they're awarding me, Poirot... 246 00:15:25,750 --> 00:15:26,431 - Ouiais? 247 00:15:26,434 --> 00:15:28,223 I mean, what exactly is a Branche d'Or? 248 00:15:28,225 --> 00:15:30,908 It is a golden branch of an olive tree, mon ami. 249 00:15:31,100 --> 00:15:33,881 In Greek mythology, he who carried it became invincible. 250 00:15:33,884 --> 00:15:37,133 Very useful in our line of work, n'est-ce pas, Chief Inspector? 251 00:15:37,325 --> 00:15:39,658 Do we know who's presenting it yet? 252 00:15:39,950 --> 00:15:41,748 By tradition, it must be a fellow compagnon, 253 00:15:41,750 --> 00:15:44,374 but who it will be is yet undecided. 254 00:15:44,567 --> 00:15:47,541 The wife wanted royalty, of course, but I'm not fussy. 255 00:15:47,634 --> 00:15:49,258 Ah! 256 00:15:49,450 --> 00:15:51,691 The Deroulard house. 257 00:15:52,567 --> 00:15:54,941 It has changed very little. 258 00:15:58,650 --> 00:16:00,791 The refusal of Superintendent Boucher 259 00:16:00,884 --> 00:16:04,549 to further investigate the death had angered me. 260 00:16:04,742 --> 00:16:06,556 So it was that in the company of Virginie, 261 00:16:06,559 --> 00:16:09,016 I began my own inquiries. 262 00:16:09,309 --> 00:16:10,516 On arriving at the Deroulard house, 263 00:16:10,609 --> 00:16:13,774 I met for the first time Madame Deroulard. 264 00:16:14,067 --> 00:16:16,358 You must introduce the young man, Virginie. 265 00:16:16,450 --> 00:16:18,850 She doesn't bring home many friends, Monsieur... 266 00:16:18,850 --> 00:16:20,390 Hercule Poirot, madame. 267 00:16:20,392 --> 00:16:22,033 I am a policeman. 268 00:16:22,125 --> 00:16:23,900 I've seen too much of the police lately, 269 00:16:23,900 --> 00:16:25,858 Monsieur Poirot. 270 00:16:25,950 --> 00:16:27,858 And all have believed that your son, 271 00:16:27,858 --> 00:16:30,341 he died of heart failure, madame? 272 00:16:30,734 --> 00:16:33,816 I see the work of your hand in this, Virginie. 273 00:16:36,317 --> 00:16:38,173 Forgive me, madame, but for Paul's sake, 274 00:16:38,175 --> 00:16:40,674 I couldn't live with my doubts. 275 00:16:40,767 --> 00:16:43,016 Perhaps I might be able to put her mind at rest, madame, 276 00:16:43,209 --> 00:16:44,748 when perhaps I have seen the study 277 00:16:44,750 --> 00:16:46,399 and spoken with the servants? 278 00:16:57,317 --> 00:17:00,066 Who is this lady, the wife of Monsieur Deroulard? 279 00:17:00,259 --> 00:17:02,841 Yes. Marianne, my cousin. 280 00:17:03,234 --> 00:17:05,691 She died two years ago, 281 00:17:05,694 --> 00:17:08,474 an accident here in the house. 282 00:17:08,567 --> 00:17:10,649 Paul never really got over it. 283 00:17:12,067 --> 00:17:13,983 So he kept her in the desk? 284 00:17:15,225 --> 00:17:17,056 Out of sight, out of mind, perhaps? 285 00:17:17,059 --> 00:17:20,440 Paul and his mother had a permanent tussle. 286 00:17:20,442 --> 00:17:22,374 I never really quite understood. 287 00:17:22,467 --> 00:17:24,916 Paul would hide the photograph in the drawer. 288 00:17:25,009 --> 00:17:27,008 His mother would bring it out again. 289 00:17:29,042 --> 00:17:30,783 Oh, Monsieur Beaujeu, 290 00:17:30,875 --> 00:17:33,708 I'd like you to meet Hercule Poirot. 291 00:17:33,800 --> 00:17:35,533 Gaston is our neighbor. 292 00:17:35,725 --> 00:17:38,816 - Monsieur. - Monsieur. 293 00:17:40,184 --> 00:17:44,108 I would urge you to be mindful of Madame Deroulard's feelings. 294 00:17:44,200 --> 00:17:46,074 She has lost her son. 295 00:17:46,167 --> 00:17:48,624 I shall be discretion itself. 296 00:17:50,034 --> 00:17:52,158 But if a crime has been committed, 297 00:17:52,350 --> 00:17:55,991 you will agree that justice must be served. 298 00:17:56,384 --> 00:17:57,824 Ah. 299 00:17:59,967 --> 00:18:02,131 But these were made by a guest at your table the other night, 300 00:18:02,134 --> 00:18:03,558 le Comte du St. Alard. 301 00:18:03,750 --> 00:18:06,624 Yes, he always brings a box when he visits. 302 00:18:06,917 --> 00:18:09,158 And the night of the death of Paul Deroulard? 303 00:18:10,084 --> 00:18:13,341 Yes, we had some with our coffee. 304 00:18:14,525 --> 00:18:16,691 What color was the box at the table? 305 00:18:20,342 --> 00:18:22,141 - I can't remember. - Pink. 306 00:18:22,884 --> 00:18:24,333 Are you certain, monsieur? 307 00:18:24,525 --> 00:18:25,808 It was not of the two colors, 308 00:18:25,900 --> 00:18:29,141 the pink and the green, comme ça? 309 00:18:29,334 --> 00:18:30,973 Oh, how curious. I wonder... 310 00:18:30,975 --> 00:18:32,516 I just told you. 311 00:18:32,609 --> 00:18:34,608 Both halves were pink. 312 00:18:36,359 --> 00:18:41,358 Then, I suggest that there is somewhere a second box. 313 00:18:44,334 --> 00:18:46,458 One with a green lid 314 00:18:46,550 --> 00:18:48,841 and a pink base. 315 00:18:50,550 --> 00:18:53,424 If anyone knew the whereabouts of the missing chocolate box, 316 00:18:53,517 --> 00:18:55,474 it would be the Deroulard servants. 317 00:18:55,767 --> 00:18:57,366 Virginie took me to meet them. 318 00:18:57,369 --> 00:19:00,391 This is Denise, the cook, and Jeanette, the maid. 319 00:19:00,484 --> 00:19:02,116 Mademoiselle. 320 00:19:02,309 --> 00:19:03,741 Where is Francois, Denise? 321 00:19:03,742 --> 00:19:06,908 I think he's taken the afternoon off, mademoiselle. 322 00:19:07,000 --> 00:19:09,581 The chocolate box comprising the other two halves 323 00:19:09,584 --> 00:19:13,041 had been removed by the 80-year-old butler, Francois. 324 00:19:13,134 --> 00:19:15,508 That's the trouble with going back over crimes. 325 00:19:15,600 --> 00:19:17,008 The evidence gets lost. 326 00:19:17,100 --> 00:19:18,681 I agree that is usually the case, 327 00:19:18,684 --> 00:19:21,548 but not this time, Chief Inspector. 328 00:19:21,550 --> 00:19:24,649 The servant Francois had taken the box of chocolates 329 00:19:24,742 --> 00:19:26,924 to give to a lady friend. 330 00:19:27,017 --> 00:19:28,524 Over here, please, Chief Inspector, 331 00:19:28,617 --> 00:19:30,658 between these two pillars. 332 00:19:30,750 --> 00:19:32,700 - If we must. - Indeed we must. 333 00:19:32,700 --> 00:19:34,324 I have promised most faithfully to Madame Japp 334 00:19:34,327 --> 00:19:35,808 to bring her back the photographs. 335 00:19:35,900 --> 00:19:37,974 Is this all right to take now? 336 00:19:41,775 --> 00:19:43,306 That should do the trick, Poirot. 337 00:19:43,309 --> 00:19:44,199 Bon. 338 00:19:44,250 --> 00:19:45,699 Thank you. 339 00:19:50,659 --> 00:19:52,408 Lady friend? 340 00:19:52,600 --> 00:19:55,383 This Francois, you said he was nearly eighty. 341 00:19:57,659 --> 00:20:00,683 Only an Englishman would see the contradiction there, mon ami. 342 00:20:01,175 --> 00:20:03,883 I found them seated at a café, playing chess, 343 00:20:04,375 --> 00:20:06,999 eating what was left of the chocolates. 344 00:20:08,384 --> 00:20:09,800 And the fact they were still alive 345 00:20:09,800 --> 00:20:11,924 told you their box wasn't poisoned. 346 00:20:12,117 --> 00:20:13,381 Précisément. 347 00:20:13,384 --> 00:20:14,966 Merci, madame. 348 00:20:21,109 --> 00:20:22,481 But this is the same box of chocolates 349 00:20:22,484 --> 00:20:25,441 that you handed around on the night of our tragedy. 350 00:20:25,534 --> 00:20:27,249 The same box. 351 00:20:27,342 --> 00:20:30,174 But with a different lid, n'est-ce pas? 352 00:20:30,267 --> 00:20:32,058 I don't know. 353 00:20:32,058 --> 00:20:33,391 Help yourself. 354 00:20:33,484 --> 00:20:35,641 Ah, non, merci. 355 00:20:38,767 --> 00:20:40,224 Tell me, monsieur, 356 00:20:40,517 --> 00:20:43,616 have you ever had any disagreements with your employer? 357 00:20:44,309 --> 00:20:45,974 Over what? 358 00:20:46,067 --> 00:20:48,099 His easy ideas about religion, 359 00:20:48,099 --> 00:20:50,383 his accommodation of the Flemish language? 360 00:20:51,150 --> 00:20:55,041 I'm too old to quarrel over trivial matters, monsieur. 361 00:20:56,100 --> 00:20:58,273 And yet, there was an argument over dinner, was there not, 362 00:20:58,275 --> 00:21:00,858 between le Comte du St. Alard and his host? 363 00:21:03,325 --> 00:21:04,741 Check. 364 00:21:06,184 --> 00:21:09,808 St. Alard attacked my employer for being a liberal. 365 00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:11,891 And Madame Deroulard? 366 00:21:11,984 --> 00:21:13,983 His mother, she is also a liberal? 367 00:21:14,275 --> 00:21:16,066 Sadly, no. 368 00:21:16,159 --> 00:21:17,824 A good Catholic, monsieur, 369 00:21:17,917 --> 00:21:19,924 devout like St. Alard. 370 00:21:21,584 --> 00:21:22,900 Tell me, Francois, 371 00:21:22,900 --> 00:21:25,524 does any of the household use poisons? 372 00:21:25,717 --> 00:21:28,323 I do battle with the rats from time to time, 373 00:21:28,325 --> 00:21:30,616 but not in the last three months. 374 00:21:30,809 --> 00:21:33,373 And does anyone take the medications perhaps? 375 00:21:34,375 --> 00:21:36,150 There are Madame's eye drops, 376 00:21:36,150 --> 00:21:38,499 but would they be poisonous? 377 00:21:41,575 --> 00:21:43,241 Your move. 378 00:21:53,017 --> 00:21:54,666 Checkmate. 379 00:22:00,300 --> 00:22:03,173 Bonjour, Hélène. Monsieur Ferraud, s'il vous plaît. 380 00:22:03,175 --> 00:22:05,633 Merci. 381 00:22:05,825 --> 00:22:07,783 C'est Monsieur Poirot. 382 00:22:08,592 --> 00:22:09,914 Ah, Hercule. 383 00:22:09,917 --> 00:22:11,199 Jean-Louis, bonjour, ça va? 384 00:22:11,199 --> 00:22:12,666 Tell me this minute, what is between you 385 00:22:12,666 --> 00:22:14,191 and this Virginie Mesnard? 386 00:22:14,384 --> 00:22:16,306 Jean-Louis, your long nose will be the death of you. 387 00:22:16,309 --> 00:22:18,116 Your safety is all that concerns me. 388 00:22:18,209 --> 00:22:19,474 Thank you. 389 00:22:19,567 --> 00:22:21,991 Jean-Louis, inside this envelope are crumbs of chocolate. 390 00:22:22,004 --> 00:22:24,874 I want you to tell me by your analysis exactly what they contain, 391 00:22:24,877 --> 00:22:27,349 and whether or not they contain poison. 392 00:22:28,875 --> 00:22:32,208 Now, you're filling a regular prescription for Madame Deroulard? 393 00:22:32,400 --> 00:22:33,673 For the eye drops? 394 00:22:33,675 --> 00:22:34,781 - Atropine. - Atropine? 395 00:22:34,784 --> 00:22:37,199 Now, could this atropine kill a man? 396 00:22:37,492 --> 00:22:40,116 If drunk by the liter, perhaps. 397 00:22:40,309 --> 00:22:42,239 Ah, the death of Monsieur Deroulard. 398 00:22:42,242 --> 00:22:44,116 Oui. And the servant Francois 399 00:22:44,209 --> 00:22:46,133 brings to you this prescription once a month? 400 00:22:46,225 --> 00:22:47,224 That's right. 401 00:22:47,227 --> 00:22:50,024 Although last week, their neighbor brought it. 402 00:22:51,384 --> 00:22:53,424 Gaston Beaujeu? 403 00:22:53,517 --> 00:22:55,349 Yes. 404 00:22:55,442 --> 00:22:57,691 He required medication of his own. 405 00:23:01,409 --> 00:23:05,674 I waited eagerly for the results of the analysis of Jean-Louis. 406 00:23:05,767 --> 00:23:09,033 This was my first investigation as a private detective. 407 00:23:09,125 --> 00:23:11,849 But my good friend Chantalier was about to remind me 408 00:23:11,849 --> 00:23:14,674 that the day when Poirot would rule his own destiny 409 00:23:14,677 --> 00:23:15,824 was yet to come. 410 00:23:16,117 --> 00:23:17,449 Hercule! 411 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:25,033 I've been looking everywhere for you. 412 00:23:25,325 --> 00:23:26,991 Why? There is a problem? 413 00:23:27,284 --> 00:23:30,241 I give you my word, Hercule, he didn't hear it from me, 414 00:23:30,334 --> 00:23:32,741 but Superintendent Boucher wants to see you. 415 00:23:32,834 --> 00:23:34,224 En voiture. 416 00:23:34,317 --> 00:23:36,358 Will I need earplugs? 417 00:23:40,075 --> 00:23:42,699 I've had Madame Deroulard here. 418 00:23:42,792 --> 00:23:45,599 She has friends in high places, Poirot, 419 00:23:45,992 --> 00:23:48,356 Xavier St. Alard, for one. 420 00:23:48,359 --> 00:23:50,608 He's likely to be the next mayor of Brussels 421 00:23:50,700 --> 00:23:55,074 and, as such, could make my life extremely difficult. 422 00:23:55,167 --> 00:24:00,458 Whereupon I will make yours even more so. 423 00:24:06,542 --> 00:24:09,708 And what exactly have you found out, hmm? 424 00:24:10,717 --> 00:24:12,483 Just so that we know. 425 00:24:12,575 --> 00:24:16,116 It is my belief that Monsieur Paul Deroulard was poisoned, 426 00:24:16,209 --> 00:24:18,912 and poisoned by a chocolate made by 427 00:24:18,912 --> 00:24:21,616 the next mayor of this city. 428 00:24:22,967 --> 00:24:25,383 God in heaven, man. 429 00:24:25,475 --> 00:24:28,141 You don't just harass his friends. 430 00:24:28,534 --> 00:24:30,324 You accuse him of murder. 431 00:24:30,517 --> 00:24:32,074 I accuse no one... 432 00:24:32,167 --> 00:24:33,658 yet. 433 00:24:43,417 --> 00:24:44,874 Tell us, what did Boucher say? 434 00:24:45,167 --> 00:24:46,266 Oh, about my findings? 435 00:24:46,359 --> 00:24:48,839 - He was impressed. - Never. 436 00:24:48,842 --> 00:24:51,033 I did not say favorably impressed. 437 00:24:51,125 --> 00:24:52,906 Hercule, for your own sake, 438 00:24:52,909 --> 00:24:54,491 - you've got to drop this. - Oh. 439 00:24:54,494 --> 00:24:57,874 Please, Virginie, make him see sense. 440 00:25:00,275 --> 00:25:02,733 I hope I haven't made things awkward for you. 441 00:25:02,825 --> 00:25:04,533 Hercule? 442 00:25:06,667 --> 00:25:09,333 Not at all. 443 00:25:09,425 --> 00:25:11,274 Virginie... 444 00:25:12,825 --> 00:25:15,108 Et bien, at 6:00, I have coming to my apartment 445 00:25:15,108 --> 00:25:16,749 a friend of mine who is a chemist, huh? 446 00:25:16,749 --> 00:25:20,199 He is going to tell me exactly what those chocolates contain. 447 00:25:20,292 --> 00:25:23,391 If you are finished, would you come and meet him? 448 00:25:23,394 --> 00:25:26,008 Yes? Bon. 449 00:25:30,150 --> 00:25:31,774 This way. 450 00:26:01,034 --> 00:26:02,949 Hercule. 451 00:26:03,142 --> 00:26:04,183 Ouais? 452 00:26:06,417 --> 00:26:09,283 I haven't told you how grateful I am for your help. 453 00:26:09,375 --> 00:26:10,724 Oh, it is nothing. 454 00:26:10,817 --> 00:26:13,566 But, uh, perhaps... 455 00:26:14,634 --> 00:26:18,633 Perhaps this will say it for me. 456 00:26:23,409 --> 00:26:25,024 Virginie. 457 00:26:30,534 --> 00:26:32,208 Thank you. 458 00:26:38,884 --> 00:26:40,424 Oh. 459 00:26:42,492 --> 00:26:44,783 Virginie, you should not have. 460 00:26:47,025 --> 00:26:50,774 You see, some people might have thought me mad. 461 00:26:51,975 --> 00:26:53,149 Perhaps you did. 462 00:26:53,242 --> 00:26:54,908 No. 463 00:26:55,000 --> 00:27:00,124 But at least you gave me the benefit of the doubt. 464 00:27:08,542 --> 00:27:10,408 Merci beaucoup. 465 00:27:11,325 --> 00:27:12,366 Please. 466 00:27:16,792 --> 00:27:18,024 - Hercule. - Ah. 467 00:27:18,027 --> 00:27:20,633 Hercule, it is exactly as we thought. 468 00:27:20,635 --> 00:27:22,273 - Uh-huh? - The crumbs you gave me... 469 00:27:22,275 --> 00:27:24,341 - Yes? - Oh. 470 00:27:24,434 --> 00:27:26,566 Ah, pardon, Jean-Louis Ferraud, 471 00:27:26,659 --> 00:27:29,639 allow me to introduce you to Mademoiselle Virginie Mesnard. 472 00:27:29,642 --> 00:27:30,949 Enchanté. 473 00:27:30,952 --> 00:27:33,983 Thank you so much for everything you're doing to help me. 474 00:27:36,925 --> 00:27:38,133 Diable. 475 00:27:38,975 --> 00:27:40,216 Wait! 476 00:27:41,584 --> 00:27:42,674 Wait, I am the police! 477 00:27:42,675 --> 00:27:44,108 Wait! 478 00:27:48,300 --> 00:27:49,733 Stop, you! 479 00:28:04,475 --> 00:28:06,248 Monsieur Beaujeu, what's happening? 480 00:28:06,250 --> 00:28:07,508 Explain yourself. 481 00:28:07,508 --> 00:28:09,391 My heart, Poirot. 482 00:28:09,584 --> 00:28:12,541 Pills. The waistcoat pocket. 483 00:28:19,125 --> 00:28:20,374 Do not worry, monsieur. 484 00:28:20,467 --> 00:28:22,633 We will get you to a hospital. 485 00:28:27,934 --> 00:28:30,183 What was he after in your flat? 486 00:28:30,275 --> 00:28:32,533 The envelope containing the crumbs of chocolate. 487 00:28:32,535 --> 00:28:34,608 Which weren't there anyway. 488 00:28:34,700 --> 00:28:37,108 Had your chemist friend done his analysis? 489 00:28:37,200 --> 00:28:38,849 Oh, yes. 490 00:28:46,192 --> 00:28:48,524 The crumbs contained a substance called trinitrin. 491 00:28:48,617 --> 00:28:50,908 It is taken for the high blood pressure. 492 00:28:51,200 --> 00:28:53,191 And Jean-Louis had made up an urgent prescription 493 00:28:53,284 --> 00:28:55,616 for Gaston Beaujeu two days before the murder. 494 00:28:55,619 --> 00:28:56,641 So you'd got him. 495 00:28:56,734 --> 00:28:57,941 And what is more, Chief Inspector, 496 00:28:57,944 --> 00:29:00,006 the taste of those pills is so vile, 497 00:29:00,009 --> 00:29:02,049 that they were made of chocolate. 498 00:29:02,442 --> 00:29:03,899 Wait a minute. 499 00:29:03,992 --> 00:29:05,348 Why did Chantalier say 500 00:29:05,350 --> 00:29:07,724 that you'd made a pig's ear of this one, then? 501 00:29:07,717 --> 00:29:10,841 Because that is what I allowed him to believe. 502 00:29:13,634 --> 00:29:17,441 Perhaps the time has now come to straighten the record. 503 00:29:34,834 --> 00:29:35,958 Bonjour. 504 00:29:49,075 --> 00:29:50,741 Poirot. 505 00:29:51,034 --> 00:29:52,799 So this lot, they're all 506 00:29:52,799 --> 00:29:54,916 Compagnon de la Branche d'Or, are they? 507 00:29:55,209 --> 00:29:57,458 Each and every one a hero. 508 00:29:58,617 --> 00:30:01,574 Not what you'd call young, are they? 509 00:30:04,159 --> 00:30:06,324 Young at heart, perhaps. 510 00:30:07,242 --> 00:30:08,433 Stand up. 511 00:30:29,000 --> 00:30:33,499 Bienvenu Compagnon de la Branche d'Or. 512 00:30:51,725 --> 00:30:53,091 I did not know that Gaston Beaujeu 513 00:30:53,094 --> 00:30:54,499 had been made a Compagnon. 514 00:30:54,592 --> 00:30:55,656 Oh, yes. 515 00:30:55,659 --> 00:30:58,283 I look around this hall today, 516 00:30:58,285 --> 00:31:00,983 and I see nothing but heroes. 517 00:31:01,075 --> 00:31:03,941 Men who have made great sacrifices. 518 00:31:11,242 --> 00:31:14,533 Today we honor an English policeman 519 00:31:14,925 --> 00:31:17,966 for services beyond the call of duty. 520 00:31:18,259 --> 00:31:21,858 And as he joins the ranks of the invincible few, 521 00:31:22,350 --> 00:31:26,681 I proclaim James Harold Japp 522 00:31:26,684 --> 00:31:29,974 a Compagnon de la Branche d'Or. 523 00:31:36,675 --> 00:31:39,216 Vive Compagnon! 524 00:31:39,409 --> 00:31:41,991 Vive le Compagnon. 525 00:31:58,192 --> 00:31:59,408 Good evening. 526 00:31:59,409 --> 00:32:01,024 Nice to see you. 527 00:32:01,217 --> 00:32:03,916 Ah, congratulations, Chief Inspector. 528 00:32:03,919 --> 00:32:06,573 It's an honor to be one of your select company, sir. 529 00:32:06,575 --> 00:32:10,500 Don't forget our reunion dinners are quite something. 530 00:32:10,500 --> 00:32:13,258 And you must tell Madame Japp we expect her here next time. 531 00:32:14,092 --> 00:32:16,549 Non, merci. Ah! 532 00:32:16,642 --> 00:32:19,123 Congratulations, Chief Inspector Japp. 533 00:32:19,125 --> 00:32:22,374 Ah, c'est très élégant. 534 00:32:22,567 --> 00:32:24,733 Come, let us have some food. 535 00:32:24,825 --> 00:32:27,431 I think it's "help yourself" time, Poirot. 536 00:32:27,434 --> 00:32:29,058 Oui. 537 00:32:29,250 --> 00:32:31,583 Merci. 538 00:32:31,775 --> 00:32:34,349 Not a bad chap, that Beaujeu, once you start talking. 539 00:32:34,352 --> 00:32:35,841 No, I am sure of it. 540 00:32:35,934 --> 00:32:38,716 But you had him down as a suspect at one stage. 541 00:32:38,809 --> 00:32:40,081 Well, even the good chaps 542 00:32:40,084 --> 00:32:43,208 can sometimes kill their fellow men, Chief Inspector. 543 00:32:43,500 --> 00:32:47,291 I believe Paul Deroulard was poisoned 544 00:32:47,384 --> 00:32:48,799 with trinitrin. 545 00:32:48,992 --> 00:32:51,491 Pills that you take for high blood pressure. 546 00:32:51,684 --> 00:32:53,789 Someone stole mine, Poirot. 547 00:32:53,792 --> 00:32:56,149 From the house, from my coat, I can't be sure. 548 00:32:56,242 --> 00:32:58,949 I would like to think that you're innocent, monsieur. 549 00:32:58,942 --> 00:33:01,691 But you told to no one that the pills were missing. 550 00:33:01,784 --> 00:33:03,658 And then you broke into my apartment, 551 00:33:03,750 --> 00:33:06,033 presumably to steal the crumbs of chocolate, 552 00:33:06,125 --> 00:33:08,999 evidence which might incriminate you. 553 00:33:10,342 --> 00:33:14,091 I'm going to take you into my confidence, Poirot, 554 00:33:14,184 --> 00:33:17,683 which you must promise to respect. 555 00:33:25,034 --> 00:33:26,741 I give you my word, monsieur. 556 00:33:30,425 --> 00:33:33,674 I work for Belgian intelligence. 557 00:33:34,067 --> 00:33:36,950 And my present job is to find out 558 00:33:36,950 --> 00:33:41,616 just who in the government would collaborate with Germany, 559 00:33:41,709 --> 00:33:43,541 if she wages war. 560 00:33:43,634 --> 00:33:45,916 So Paul Deroulard was not so much a friend 561 00:33:45,919 --> 00:33:47,799 as a mine of information. 562 00:33:47,992 --> 00:33:50,449 Unwittingly, yes. 563 00:33:50,642 --> 00:33:53,049 Then let us hope that for his indiscretions, 564 00:33:53,142 --> 00:33:55,724 he did not pay with his life. 565 00:34:00,325 --> 00:34:02,340 He tells me he is a member of the secret service, 566 00:34:02,342 --> 00:34:05,091 and then he makes me promise to keep secret this whole affair. 567 00:34:05,184 --> 00:34:06,883 You see how he ties my hands? 568 00:34:06,975 --> 00:34:08,141 En voiture. 569 00:34:08,234 --> 00:34:10,866 How do I verify his story without breaking the confidence? 570 00:34:11,059 --> 00:34:14,287 Well, at least he agrees with us that Paul was murdered. 571 00:34:14,287 --> 00:34:14,974 Yes. 572 00:34:14,977 --> 00:34:16,514 Whether or not by him is another matter. 573 00:34:16,517 --> 00:34:18,808 He had the means but not the motive. 574 00:34:19,000 --> 00:34:21,624 That is why we must dig deeper. 575 00:34:21,817 --> 00:34:24,291 You know I would like to visit the château of St. Alard, huh? 576 00:34:24,294 --> 00:34:25,691 But there is a problem. 577 00:34:25,784 --> 00:34:27,833 Monsieur le Comte is always there. 578 00:34:27,925 --> 00:34:30,933 There's one thing he'll always venture out for. 579 00:34:31,125 --> 00:34:32,350 What? 580 00:34:32,350 --> 00:34:34,208 The opera. 581 00:34:41,484 --> 00:34:42,816 Thank you. 582 00:34:58,284 --> 00:35:00,616 Ah, Virginie. 583 00:35:08,150 --> 00:35:10,149 Take care of her, monsieur. 584 00:36:38,450 --> 00:36:42,314 "Trinitrin, three times a day, Monsieur Gaston Beaujeu." 585 00:36:42,317 --> 00:36:44,916 Found in the pocket of Xavier St. Alard. 586 00:36:45,009 --> 00:36:46,583 Hercule, you're a genius. 587 00:36:46,675 --> 00:36:48,549 Maybe so. 588 00:36:48,642 --> 00:36:50,766 But to reopen the case, Superintendent Boucher will need 589 00:36:50,769 --> 00:36:53,341 a confession from St. Alard himself. 590 00:36:53,834 --> 00:36:56,800 Hercule, I'm not sure you'd allow me to do this, 591 00:36:56,800 --> 00:37:01,924 but St. Alard holds me in high regard. 592 00:37:02,017 --> 00:37:04,016 In fact, I... 593 00:37:04,109 --> 00:37:05,914 You mean he's in love with you? 594 00:37:05,917 --> 00:37:08,249 Oh, please don't think I return his affections, Hercule. 595 00:37:08,442 --> 00:37:09,850 Far, far from it. 596 00:37:09,850 --> 00:37:11,308 I believe you, Virginie. 597 00:37:11,400 --> 00:37:13,641 Then why don't I persuade him to talk? 598 00:37:13,734 --> 00:37:14,700 Oh, no. 599 00:37:14,700 --> 00:37:16,683 No, Virginie, this man, he could be a murderer. 600 00:37:16,775 --> 00:37:19,066 If you were there... 601 00:37:21,284 --> 00:37:22,724 Ah. 602 00:37:24,034 --> 00:37:28,141 The audacity of the plan of Virginie appealed to me very much. 603 00:37:28,434 --> 00:37:30,574 That night, Francois had taken Madame Deroulard 604 00:37:30,567 --> 00:37:32,391 to visit some friends. 605 00:37:32,484 --> 00:37:35,233 The maid and the cook were therefore free for the evening. 606 00:37:35,625 --> 00:37:36,499 Virginie had left the door 607 00:37:36,499 --> 00:37:38,491 at the back of the house unlocked. 608 00:37:38,494 --> 00:37:42,566 And the trap, it was ready to be sprung. 609 00:37:58,192 --> 00:37:59,208 In spite of our differences, 610 00:37:59,208 --> 00:38:01,916 Paul could be such an amusing man. 611 00:38:08,217 --> 00:38:10,008 That was thoughtless of me. 612 00:38:10,300 --> 00:38:12,056 I haven't mentioned his death since it happened, 613 00:38:12,059 --> 00:38:13,181 and now is too early to do so. 614 00:38:13,184 --> 00:38:14,158 Forgive me. 615 00:38:14,158 --> 00:38:16,649 No, no, no. Xavier, you misunderstand. 616 00:38:18,459 --> 00:38:20,499 You see, 617 00:38:20,592 --> 00:38:24,258 I can't help thinking that his death was a just punishment. 618 00:38:24,450 --> 00:38:26,116 Virginie, 619 00:38:26,309 --> 00:38:29,141 I know the cause of his death troubles you. 620 00:38:29,234 --> 00:38:32,899 But he died of heart failure. Nothing else. 621 00:38:32,992 --> 00:38:36,399 Some people do anything for their faith, Xavier. 622 00:38:36,892 --> 00:38:39,133 I admire that. 623 00:38:39,225 --> 00:38:42,139 Suppose someone knew that Paul had plans 624 00:38:42,142 --> 00:38:45,266 to limit the church's power in Belgium. 625 00:38:45,359 --> 00:38:47,733 Would it be a sin to remove him? 626 00:38:48,684 --> 00:38:50,591 To murder him? 627 00:38:50,684 --> 00:38:54,166 Oh, but such people would never be seen as common murderers, though, 628 00:38:54,259 --> 00:38:56,341 but as saviors. 629 00:38:56,434 --> 00:38:59,474 Well, at least by the church, don't you agree? 630 00:39:01,200 --> 00:39:05,158 Virginie, you say all this to comfort me, I know. 631 00:39:06,959 --> 00:39:09,741 I had no right to expect such understanding. 632 00:39:14,167 --> 00:39:16,558 Least of all from a member of his family. 633 00:39:16,750 --> 00:39:18,383 What do you mean? 634 00:39:20,800 --> 00:39:23,391 I'm the one responsible for his death, Virginie. 635 00:39:25,959 --> 00:39:27,591 You killed him? 636 00:39:29,150 --> 00:39:32,274 As surely as if I had fired a pistol at his heart. 637 00:39:41,209 --> 00:39:42,908 Monsieur Poirot! 638 00:39:44,609 --> 00:39:47,141 What in God's name are you doing here? 639 00:39:48,517 --> 00:39:51,266 You break into his private apartment. 640 00:39:52,000 --> 00:39:54,433 Now, for most men, that would be enough. 641 00:39:54,525 --> 00:39:56,399 But not Poirot, oh, no. 642 00:39:56,592 --> 00:39:59,624 Poirot then goes on to try to trick him into a confession! 643 00:39:59,717 --> 00:40:03,133 His last words, Superintendent, before the return of Madame Deroulard, were, 644 00:40:03,225 --> 00:40:06,041 "As surely as if I had fired a pistol at his heart." 645 00:40:06,234 --> 00:40:09,391 Yes, Poirot, "As if." 646 00:40:09,484 --> 00:40:12,358 As if, as if! 647 00:40:17,650 --> 00:40:20,333 On the night Paul Deroulard died, 648 00:40:20,425 --> 00:40:22,124 there was an argument at the table. 649 00:40:22,217 --> 00:40:24,583 St. Alard believes that argument 650 00:40:24,575 --> 00:40:26,824 led to the seizure that carried Paul off. 651 00:40:26,917 --> 00:40:30,400 I believe that you yourself should question him further. 652 00:40:30,500 --> 00:40:34,291 I do not need your advice on how to proceed, Poirot. 653 00:40:34,384 --> 00:40:36,633 On the contrary, you need mine. 654 00:40:36,825 --> 00:40:40,033 And you will begin by visiting Madame Deroulard 655 00:40:40,125 --> 00:40:41,883 and apologizing to her 656 00:40:41,975 --> 00:40:44,891 for all the distress you have caused. 657 00:41:03,042 --> 00:41:04,658 Madame Deroulard. 658 00:41:05,734 --> 00:41:08,399 I have come to apologize to you. 659 00:41:08,692 --> 00:41:10,941 I should like you to stay, Virginie. 660 00:41:15,184 --> 00:41:16,633 So... 661 00:41:16,725 --> 00:41:19,341 you think my son was murdered. 662 00:41:20,234 --> 00:41:23,483 I believe that your son was poisoned, madame, 663 00:41:23,675 --> 00:41:25,883 by Xavier St. Alard. 664 00:41:26,175 --> 00:41:27,358 Poisoned? 665 00:41:27,450 --> 00:41:28,814 Would St. Alard use his own chocolates? 666 00:41:28,817 --> 00:41:30,258 Are people so stupid? 667 00:41:30,350 --> 00:41:31,808 Oh, yes, madame. 668 00:41:32,000 --> 00:41:34,083 You would be surprised. 669 00:41:34,175 --> 00:41:35,990 The stonemason, he murders with his hammer, 670 00:41:35,992 --> 00:41:37,323 the cutler with his knife, 671 00:41:37,325 --> 00:41:41,741 the sweet-maker with his soft centers. 672 00:41:46,367 --> 00:41:51,416 I took some crumbs of chocolate from this box, madame. 673 00:41:52,684 --> 00:41:54,141 May I? 674 00:41:54,234 --> 00:41:55,566 Thank you. 675 00:41:58,109 --> 00:42:00,649 They contained a substance called trinitrin, 676 00:42:00,742 --> 00:42:03,824 a drug prescribed to your neighbor Gaston Beaujeu. 677 00:42:04,017 --> 00:42:05,199 And you questioned him? 678 00:42:05,292 --> 00:42:07,241 Oui, madame, and he told me that the pills, 679 00:42:07,244 --> 00:42:08,583 they had been stolen. 680 00:42:08,775 --> 00:42:10,689 And when I searched the château of St. Alard, 681 00:42:10,692 --> 00:42:13,191 I found there the pill bottle, which was empty. 682 00:42:13,584 --> 00:42:15,699 Finding is one thing. 683 00:42:15,792 --> 00:42:17,616 Can you prove all this? 684 00:42:19,709 --> 00:42:22,824 Tomorrow I have an appointment with a minister of justice, 685 00:42:22,917 --> 00:42:24,499 and... 686 00:42:24,392 --> 00:42:28,258 he cannot argue with the scientific analysis of Jean-Louis Ferraud. 687 00:42:28,350 --> 00:42:30,499 And all from one little mistake. 688 00:42:30,592 --> 00:42:31,474 Francois told me. 689 00:42:31,477 --> 00:42:33,966 To do with chocolate boxes, I believe. 690 00:42:34,259 --> 00:42:35,508 Oui, madame. 691 00:42:35,700 --> 00:42:38,216 Having taken a few of the chocolates from one box, 692 00:42:38,309 --> 00:42:41,058 poisoned them, and then put them back into another box, 693 00:42:41,250 --> 00:42:44,374 the murderer replaced the lid incorrectly. 694 00:42:49,559 --> 00:42:51,683 The green lid on the pink box. 695 00:43:00,175 --> 00:43:03,633 Such details are always at the heart of a case, madame. 696 00:43:03,725 --> 00:43:07,541 You said the green lid to the pink box. 697 00:43:07,834 --> 00:43:09,083 Quite so. 698 00:43:13,617 --> 00:43:15,433 Madame Deroulard, 699 00:43:15,725 --> 00:43:18,008 in order that the wrong person does not go to the guillotine, 700 00:43:18,100 --> 00:43:19,816 I beg of you, tell me once again. 701 00:43:19,809 --> 00:43:20,974 What is the color of the lid, 702 00:43:20,977 --> 00:43:23,966 and what is the color of the box? 703 00:43:24,059 --> 00:43:27,474 My eyesight is not what is was, monsieur. 704 00:43:28,959 --> 00:43:30,114 Your prescription for eye drops 705 00:43:30,117 --> 00:43:32,991 should have told me of the great burden you carried. 706 00:43:34,425 --> 00:43:37,383 For it was you, Madame Deroulard, 707 00:43:37,575 --> 00:43:40,616 who killed your son. 708 00:43:41,459 --> 00:43:43,666 Despite your failing eyesight, 709 00:43:43,859 --> 00:43:45,191 you added the liquid trinitrin 710 00:43:45,194 --> 00:43:48,141 from Beaujeu's pills to a sweet filling. 711 00:43:48,734 --> 00:43:53,141 You then put this mixture into the chocolates from the study of Paul. 712 00:43:53,234 --> 00:43:55,806 You replaced the glacé fruit 713 00:43:55,809 --> 00:43:58,933 to conceal the lethal concoction within. 714 00:44:03,725 --> 00:44:06,433 Having poisoned the chocolates which were to kill him, 715 00:44:06,525 --> 00:44:09,083 you then made your only mistake... 716 00:44:12,559 --> 00:44:15,141 The wrong lid 717 00:44:15,334 --> 00:44:17,541 to the wrong box. 718 00:44:18,675 --> 00:44:20,874 Having used the pills of Beaujeu, 719 00:44:20,877 --> 00:44:23,358 you then placed the pill bottle, which was empty, 720 00:44:23,550 --> 00:44:27,008 into the coat pocket of le Comte du St. Alard. 721 00:44:27,100 --> 00:44:28,474 Why, madame? 722 00:44:28,667 --> 00:44:30,349 To get it away from the house? 723 00:44:30,442 --> 00:44:32,108 Don't worry. 724 00:44:32,300 --> 00:44:34,339 I wouldn't let him die for my crime, 725 00:44:34,342 --> 00:44:36,341 much as I dislike the man. 726 00:44:36,534 --> 00:44:38,149 Why madame? 727 00:44:39,284 --> 00:44:41,283 Why kill your own son? 728 00:44:41,475 --> 00:44:44,308 Because of what he was doing to our country, Virginie, 729 00:44:44,500 --> 00:44:46,341 and our church. 730 00:44:48,959 --> 00:44:50,679 I pray, monsieur, 731 00:44:50,979 --> 00:44:54,224 that no woman in the world need ever choose again 732 00:44:54,317 --> 00:44:55,816 between love of God 733 00:44:55,816 --> 00:44:57,516 and the love of her child. 734 00:44:57,609 --> 00:45:00,524 But to take a life is a mortal sin, madame. 735 00:45:00,617 --> 00:45:04,374 How can a woman of such conviction so deny her faith? 736 00:45:04,767 --> 00:45:07,224 Paul was a murderer, monsieur. 737 00:45:08,675 --> 00:45:11,083 She did not die from an accident. 738 00:45:15,834 --> 00:45:17,124 Can't you understand? 739 00:45:17,317 --> 00:45:20,599 It's our future and Belgium's future that I'm thinking of. 740 00:45:20,792 --> 00:45:23,483 I married you for love, Paul, 741 00:45:23,475 --> 00:45:26,391 not to advance your political career. 742 00:45:26,684 --> 00:45:29,474 Marianne, come back here! 743 00:45:29,767 --> 00:45:31,349 Marianne! 744 00:45:40,792 --> 00:45:43,624 He knew I had seen him do it, 745 00:45:43,817 --> 00:45:45,774 but we never spoke of it. 746 00:45:46,067 --> 00:45:47,173 Each of us afraid to admit 747 00:45:47,175 --> 00:45:49,508 he was capable of doing such a thing. 748 00:45:52,309 --> 00:45:56,766 Ah, so instead, you taunt him by displaying the photograph. 749 00:46:00,892 --> 00:46:05,058 Before I died, I had to see justice done. 750 00:46:06,559 --> 00:46:07,589 My doctors tell me 751 00:46:07,592 --> 00:46:11,316 I have no more than six months left in this world. 752 00:46:12,967 --> 00:46:15,966 Will the truth wait six months, monsieur? 753 00:46:20,359 --> 00:46:22,108 Perhaps longer, madame. 754 00:46:23,134 --> 00:46:24,783 No, you must tell it. 755 00:46:25,634 --> 00:46:28,133 Tell all, when I've gone. 756 00:46:32,800 --> 00:46:35,216 Why didn't you? 757 00:46:35,409 --> 00:46:37,366 Why leave it till now? 758 00:46:42,425 --> 00:46:45,174 And why did Virginie say nothing? 759 00:46:48,784 --> 00:46:51,866 She and I agreed that it would be my decision. 760 00:46:52,892 --> 00:46:54,766 Paul Deroulard, he was a murderer. 761 00:46:54,859 --> 00:46:56,864 His mother acted for the greater good of the country. 762 00:46:56,867 --> 00:46:59,866 I admired her sacrifice, her... 763 00:47:00,059 --> 00:47:02,049 moral courage. 764 00:47:03,025 --> 00:47:05,858 Who does anything these days for the greater good? 765 00:47:06,050 --> 00:47:08,841 At least I understand why St. Alard bears a grudge, 766 00:47:09,134 --> 00:47:10,999 you trying to trap him like that. 767 00:47:11,867 --> 00:47:14,491 Did you never make your peace with him? 768 00:47:14,684 --> 00:47:17,214 Well, had I told him the reason why I suspected... 769 00:47:17,217 --> 00:47:19,123 - Monsieur. - Hmm? 770 00:47:19,125 --> 00:47:20,666 Ah, merci. 771 00:47:21,884 --> 00:47:22,799 Non. 772 00:47:22,992 --> 00:47:25,258 Had I told him the reason why I suspected him, 773 00:47:25,450 --> 00:47:27,608 that I found the bottle of trinitrin in his coat pocket, 774 00:47:27,608 --> 00:47:29,099 he might then have asked me who put it there. 775 00:47:29,392 --> 00:47:30,283 Madame Deroulard. 776 00:47:30,334 --> 00:47:32,291 I could not risk his curiosity. 777 00:47:32,384 --> 00:47:35,058 I wrote to him, of course, apologizing for my behavior, 778 00:47:35,060 --> 00:47:37,624 which was foolhardy, irresponsible. 779 00:47:37,717 --> 00:47:39,891 And no doubt he agrees with that to this very day. 780 00:47:39,894 --> 00:47:41,223 Claude, would you sit there, please? 781 00:47:41,225 --> 00:47:42,016 Chief Inspector? 782 00:47:42,017 --> 00:47:44,339 One of those things we have to live with in our profession. 783 00:47:44,342 --> 00:47:45,649 Oui, bien sûr. 784 00:47:46,692 --> 00:47:48,324 Ah! 785 00:47:50,567 --> 00:47:52,306 - Jean-Louis. - Hercule. 786 00:47:52,309 --> 00:47:53,899 Oh, mon ami. 787 00:47:56,442 --> 00:47:58,641 To see you is to be young again. 788 00:47:58,644 --> 00:48:00,591 I have thought about you often down the years. 789 00:48:00,592 --> 00:48:02,066 Oh, moi aussi, moi aussi. 790 00:48:02,159 --> 00:48:03,883 Ah, mon ami, mon ami. 791 00:48:03,975 --> 00:48:07,290 Hercule, Hercule, I would like you to meet my two sons. 792 00:48:07,292 --> 00:48:08,533 Your two so-- 793 00:48:09,300 --> 00:48:11,049 This is Henri. 794 00:48:11,342 --> 00:48:12,133 Henri. 795 00:48:12,184 --> 00:48:14,591 And this brave fellow is Hercule. 796 00:48:16,417 --> 00:48:17,908 Hercule? 797 00:48:18,000 --> 00:48:21,041 You are indeed fortunate to have such fine sons. 798 00:48:22,534 --> 00:48:25,366 Henri, he has a look of someone, yes? 799 00:48:25,559 --> 00:48:27,091 Though, perhaps I am wrong. 800 00:48:27,184 --> 00:48:28,799 No, I am right. Hercule also. 801 00:48:28,799 --> 00:48:31,724 There is a definite resemblance to someone I know. 802 00:48:32,692 --> 00:48:35,566 My wife, perhaps? 803 00:48:37,742 --> 00:48:39,358 Virginie. 804 00:48:50,442 --> 00:48:51,899 Hello, Hercule. 805 00:48:53,500 --> 00:48:54,874 Bonsoir... 806 00:48:55,717 --> 00:48:57,733 Madame Ferraud. 807 00:49:00,717 --> 00:49:04,673 I was just saying to Jean-Louis 808 00:49:04,675 --> 00:49:07,874 that he was always 809 00:49:07,967 --> 00:49:10,458 the most fortunate of men.