1 00:00:43,240 --> 00:00:48,553 A man may labour and toil to attain a certain kind of leisure in retirement, 2 00:00:48,640 --> 00:00:54,033 and then find that, after all, he yearns for the old busy days 3 00:00:54,672 --> 00:00:58,516 and the old occupations he had thought himself so glad to leave. 4 00:00:59,520 --> 00:01:02,794 I had already begun to miss the daily toil of my previous employment 5 00:01:02,829 --> 00:01:05,578 when I was flung back into the midst 6 00:01:05,613 --> 00:01:09,828 of the most perversely fascinating work that there is in the world, 7 00:01:09,920 --> 00:01:12,275 the study of human nature. 8 00:01:15,400 --> 00:01:17,595 A journal came into my possession 9 00:01:17,680 --> 00:01:22,834 in which a murderer had taken the trouble to record for posterity 10 00:01:22,920 --> 00:01:27,596 the thoughts that had accompanied a crime most dastardly. 11 00:01:29,920 --> 00:01:32,514 Rarely have I come across such bitterness, 12 00:01:32,600 --> 00:01:34,909 such envy and contempt of others, 13 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:37,753 such haughtiness misplaced. 14 00:01:42,520 --> 00:01:48,231 Our village, Kings Abbott, is, I imagine, very much like any other English village. 15 00:01:48,320 --> 00:01:53,872 A chilly medieval church stands at the top of a single street of stone-built cottages. 16 00:01:54,920 --> 00:01:57,832 At the bottom of the street, a bridge crosses a stream 17 00:01:57,920 --> 00:02:00,753 where the snotty-nosed offspring of the poor 18 00:02:00,840 --> 00:02:04,071 perfect the most advanced skill they will ever possess. 19 00:02:04,486 --> 00:02:08,272 Although to the casual observer Kings Abbott is a friendly place, 20 00:02:08,307 --> 00:02:10,756 everything is not as it seems. 21 00:02:10,840 --> 00:02:12,931 Just scratch the surface 22 00:02:12,966 --> 00:02:17,562 and you will find more jealousies and rivalries than Ancient Rome. 23 00:02:18,200 --> 00:02:21,510 - Parker. - I'm calling next door at Mr Poirot's 24 00:02:21,600 --> 00:02:25,912 My little book is about the murder of Roger Ackroyd - 25 00:02:26,000 --> 00:02:29,879 the events leading up to it, the subsequent numbskull investigation, 26 00:02:29,960 --> 00:02:35,960 and the final revelation to you alone, dear reader, of the guilty party. 27 00:02:46,240 --> 00:02:47,878 Hello? 28 00:03:14,040 --> 00:03:18,875 Now I give up on you. You shall torment me no longer. 29 00:03:18,960 --> 00:03:22,157 I will kill you! 30 00:03:29,800 --> 00:03:31,916 Sacr? 31 00:03:32,000 --> 00:03:37,028 My dear doctor! I beg of you a thousand pardons! 32 00:03:37,120 --> 00:03:41,304 But these vegetable marrows have driven me to the edges of barbarity! 33 00:03:41,339 --> 00:03:44,434 Please to forgive me. I am ashamed. I prostrate myself. 34 00:03:44,520 --> 00:03:46,909 What's the trouble, Poirot? 35 00:03:47,000 --> 00:03:48,252 Ah, you know, Doctor, 36 00:03:48,287 --> 00:03:52,834 it is my desire to grow a vegetable marrow of proportions gigantesque. 37 00:03:52,920 --> 00:03:54,182 And you have seen how I nurse her. 38 00:03:54,217 --> 00:03:58,828 Each day I give to her water, each day I weed her with my best tweezers. 39 00:03:58,920 --> 00:04:03,232 And when those little flowers of hers they show themselves, I remove them all, 40 00:04:03,320 --> 00:04:06,073 but one, so that her strength may be conserved. 41 00:04:06,160 --> 00:04:09,072 Does she appreciate this cosseting? No. 42 00:04:09,160 --> 00:04:12,675 She grows to a size that is merely conventional, then rests upon her laurels. 43 00:04:12,760 --> 00:04:15,832 You mustn't upset yourself, Poirot. 44 00:04:15,920 --> 00:04:18,354 No. No, you are correct. 45 00:04:18,440 --> 00:04:20,749 But you can fiugure at yourself, James. 46 00:04:20,840 --> 00:04:25,675 When one retires, one hurls oneself into new pursuits. 47 00:04:27,440 --> 00:04:30,079 Oh. Pardon, Monsieur Parker. 48 00:04:30,160 --> 00:04:33,470 - What can I do for you? - I've come to take you to the factory, sir. 49 00:04:33,560 --> 00:04:36,275 But it is just struck ten o'clock. 50 00:04:36,310 --> 00:04:38,991 My appointment was not until eleven. 51 00:04:39,080 --> 00:04:42,311 Yes, but Mr Ackroyd hoped you wouldn't mind it being earlier. 52 00:04:42,400 --> 00:04:44,356 He's got a bit of a busy day. 53 00:04:48,160 --> 00:04:52,472 Our only captain of industry is the vulgarian, Mr Roger Ackroyd. 54 00:04:53,104 --> 00:04:56,908 The factory from which Ackroyd's ill-gotten wealth emanates 55 00:04:56,943 --> 00:05:00,712 encapsulates the life we lead here - ferment and turmoil. 56 00:05:05,448 --> 00:05:07,876 - Have you got a penny, Poirot? - Oui. 57 00:05:09,160 --> 00:05:10,878 Thank you. 58 00:05:10,960 --> 00:05:14,316 Show Monsieur Poirot what your acid can do, Ted. 59 00:05:19,800 --> 00:05:24,351 It is here that he lines his pockets by combining unlikely chemicals 60 00:05:24,440 --> 00:05:26,367 to make unnecessary products, 61 00:05:26,402 --> 00:05:29,956 while befouling the very air we breathe. 62 00:05:29,991 --> 00:05:33,510 He likes to think of himself as a scientist. 63 00:05:34,437 --> 00:05:37,678 I'm afraid the noise was a bit too much for you, Poirot. 64 00:05:37,760 --> 00:05:39,478 Not at all. 65 00:05:39,560 --> 00:05:42,233 I envy you, mon ami. 66 00:05:42,320 --> 00:05:46,000 Who would have thought those experiments at the back of your little shop would lead to this? 67 00:05:46,035 --> 00:05:49,714 Your country house but a mile or two away, and yet here, 68 00:05:49,749 --> 00:05:53,394 we have the challenges and triumphs of great industry. 69 00:05:53,480 --> 00:05:57,632 I'm eternally grateful to you for that first loan, Poirot. 70 00:05:57,720 --> 00:06:00,236 And you can't say you're not without your own triumphs. 71 00:06:00,271 --> 00:06:04,712 And now you've got your reward - the peace and quiet of the country, your garden. 72 00:06:06,550 --> 00:06:10,040 - You don't regret retiring down here, then? - Oh, no, no. Not at all. 73 00:06:10,075 --> 00:06:13,517 For 30 years I was exposed to the dark side of life. 74 00:06:14,161 --> 00:06:16,657 - It takes its toll, you know. - I'm sure it does. 75 00:06:16,692 --> 00:06:20,391 And now, as you say, I have my reward. 76 00:06:22,280 --> 00:06:24,947 - Excuse me, Mr Ackroyd. - What is it, Raymond? 77 00:06:24,982 --> 00:06:27,478 - Mr Paton is here, sir. - Mr Paton? 78 00:06:28,760 --> 00:06:29,604 Your stepson, sir. 79 00:06:29,639 --> 00:06:33,278 I know who Mr Paton is, thank you, Mr Raymond. Let him in! 80 00:06:33,978 --> 00:06:36,398 Why is it I can't stand that fellow? 81 00:06:36,831 --> 00:06:41,903 Eh bien. Now I must return to Kings Abbott. 82 00:06:41,938 --> 00:06:46,116 Thank you very much, my friend, for showing to me your factory magnifique. 83 00:06:46,151 --> 00:06:50,606 I can't understand why you haven't been before. You've been here nearly a year now. 84 00:06:50,641 --> 00:06:54,037 But all in all, this has been a good week for me. 85 00:06:54,349 --> 00:06:58,515 Read your newspaper on Saturday morning, Poirot, under Forthcoming Marriages. 86 00:06:58,550 --> 00:07:01,229 You mean your stepson and Mademoiselle Flora? 87 00:07:01,320 --> 00:07:04,198 Please to accept my congratulations. 88 00:07:06,621 --> 00:07:09,605 Ah, Ralph, my dear boy. You remember Monsieur Poirot? 89 00:07:09,640 --> 00:07:13,282 - Yes, of course. How are you, Mr Poirot? - I am well, thank you. 90 00:07:13,317 --> 00:07:16,754 - I regret I am on the point of departure. - I'll get Parker to run you home. 91 00:07:16,789 --> 00:07:19,240 - See to it, Raymond, will you? - Merci. 92 00:07:19,275 --> 00:07:21,199 - Au revoir. - Goodbye. 93 00:07:27,156 --> 00:07:29,113 What are you doing here? 94 00:07:31,000 --> 00:07:33,309 With his ill-gotten gains, 95 00:07:33,400 --> 00:07:36,900 Ackroyd has built himself a truly ostentatious house, 96 00:07:36,935 --> 00:07:41,076 spending a fortune on architects' and surveyors' fees, no doubt. 97 00:07:45,887 --> 00:07:50,221 He lives there with the former wife of his deceased brother, Mrs Vera Ackroyd, 98 00:07:50,520 --> 00:07:52,476 and her daughter, Flora - 99 00:07:52,560 --> 00:07:55,358 vultures, eagerly awaiting his demise. 100 00:07:55,440 --> 00:07:57,749 - Shall I pour, Mrs Ackroyd? - Yes. 101 00:07:57,840 --> 00:08:00,912 Oh, tea. Wonderful. Hello, Ursula. 102 00:08:01,000 --> 00:08:03,594 - Shall I pour for you, Miss Flora? - Yes, thank you. 103 00:08:03,680 --> 00:08:05,875 - Isn't this exciting? - Tea? 104 00:08:06,429 --> 00:08:10,750 No, you goose. The forthcoming announcement. And not before its time, either. 105 00:08:11,372 --> 00:08:14,800 Oh! Sorry. I'll um I'll get a cloth. 106 00:08:15,443 --> 00:08:18,111 I really don't know where Roger finds these girls. 107 00:08:18,688 --> 00:08:20,111 Have you spoken to Ralph? 108 00:08:20,646 --> 00:08:22,839 No, Mummy. He's in London. 109 00:08:22,920 --> 00:08:26,230 You'd think he might telephone on the occasion of his engagement. 110 00:08:27,680 --> 00:08:29,591 I er came down last night. 111 00:08:29,680 --> 00:08:31,113 I'm staying at the White Hart. 112 00:08:31,200 --> 00:08:32,644 Look, er Father... 113 00:08:32,679 --> 00:08:34,950 What's wrong with Fernly Park all of a sudden? 114 00:08:35,040 --> 00:08:36,951 There's nothing wrong with Fernly Park. 115 00:08:37,040 --> 00:08:39,474 Look, I heard you're announcing the engagement. 116 00:08:39,560 --> 00:08:41,039 Flora's all for it. 117 00:08:42,080 --> 00:08:43,593 Well, yes. Perhaps she is. 118 00:08:44,167 --> 00:08:46,990 You've been putting it off and putting it off for three months now, nearly. 119 00:08:47,080 --> 00:08:48,957 I've been trying to find a job, Father. 120 00:08:49,040 --> 00:08:53,318 I always told your late mother that I would look after you as if you were my own son. 121 00:08:53,400 --> 00:08:55,290 - I know, but - No buts. We... 122 00:08:56,400 --> 00:08:58,960 Didn't I say I did not want to be disturbed? 123 00:08:59,040 --> 00:09:01,838 Mrs Ferrars is on the telephone, sir. 124 00:09:01,920 --> 00:09:03,319 Oh. 125 00:09:08,360 --> 00:09:11,830 - Hello? - Roger? It's Dotty. 126 00:09:11,920 --> 00:09:13,876 I've got to see you. 127 00:09:13,960 --> 00:09:16,997 There's something I've got to tell you. 128 00:09:23,080 --> 00:09:25,674 Ralph! 129 00:09:30,560 --> 00:09:33,074 I'll try to come round late this afternoon. 130 00:09:33,160 --> 00:09:37,119 All right, all right! I'll definitely come round late this afternoon. I'll be there. 131 00:09:39,162 --> 00:09:42,199 The highly-strung and unpredictable Dorothy Ferrars 132 00:09:42,280 --> 00:09:45,033 is something of an enigma to the villagers. 133 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:49,875 She lives alone, in considerable comfort, 134 00:09:49,960 --> 00:09:52,918 thanks to the wealth she inherited from her late husband - 135 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:56,754 a sot who died in suspicious circumstances last year. 136 00:11:24,880 --> 00:11:26,836 Dr Sheppard. 137 00:11:28,680 --> 00:11:30,636 Oh! 138 00:11:30,720 --> 00:11:33,109 In ten minutes. 139 00:11:36,400 --> 00:11:37,833 Who was that? 140 00:11:38,920 --> 00:11:40,797 Inspector Davis. 141 00:11:45,937 --> 00:11:48,150 Now, tell me, Mary, my girl, 142 00:11:48,631 --> 00:11:51,038 why did you come to wake her so early? 143 00:11:51,719 --> 00:11:53,509 Friday was her morning to go riding. 144 00:11:54,065 --> 00:11:56,672 She liked to be out of the house before six o'clock. 145 00:11:58,664 --> 00:12:00,598 All right, Mary. Thank you. 146 00:12:00,680 --> 00:12:02,636 Go and get yourself a cup of tea, eh? 147 00:12:11,379 --> 00:12:12,836 Veronal. 148 00:12:16,920 --> 00:12:18,512 You think it's suicide? 149 00:12:18,600 --> 00:12:20,556 Ask me after the inquest. 150 00:12:22,000 --> 00:12:25,470 - It's a year since her husband died, isn't it? - Almost exactly. 151 00:12:26,680 --> 00:12:28,750 Did you find a note? 152 00:12:29,960 --> 00:12:31,552 Not yet. 153 00:12:56,280 --> 00:12:58,669 Sheppard. I want to talk to you. 154 00:12:58,760 --> 00:13:02,309 - You've heard about Mrs Ferrars. - Yes. I only saw her yesterday afternoon. 155 00:13:02,400 --> 00:13:04,868 Come to Fernly Park tonight. 7:30. 156 00:13:09,948 --> 00:13:12,634 - I've been thinking about Dotty Ferrars. - Oh, yes? 157 00:13:12,720 --> 00:13:16,315 She must have taken the Veronal on purpose. Remorse. 158 00:13:17,116 --> 00:13:18,679 Remorse? 159 00:13:18,760 --> 00:13:22,799 You never would listen to me last year when I told you she'd poisoned that awful husband of hers. 160 00:13:22,880 --> 00:13:24,199 This proves it. 161 00:13:24,280 --> 00:13:26,430 Oh. 162 00:13:32,560 --> 00:13:34,630 - Oh, hello. Please do come in. - Thank you. 163 00:13:35,680 --> 00:13:37,636 We have a visitor, James. 164 00:13:38,622 --> 00:13:42,310 - Oh, pardon. You are at your luncheon. - No, no. We've just finished. 165 00:13:42,400 --> 00:13:45,119 Hercule's come round with a little job for you. 166 00:13:45,200 --> 00:13:49,239 - Oui. Ma pendule de voyage. - Pendule? 167 00:13:50,800 --> 00:13:52,677 Ah! A carriage clock. 168 00:13:52,760 --> 00:13:54,159 How say you, James? 169 00:13:54,240 --> 00:13:56,959 - Perhaps I have overwound her? - No. 170 00:13:57,040 --> 00:14:00,157 It looks as if she just needs a good clean. 171 00:14:00,240 --> 00:14:01,719 Ah. 172 00:14:01,800 --> 00:14:03,472 I'll do what I can with it. 173 00:14:03,560 --> 00:14:05,755 It is good, I think, to have the hobby, no? 174 00:14:06,960 --> 00:14:09,315 You've got your garden, Poirot. 175 00:14:10,400 --> 00:14:12,356 Yes. 176 00:14:19,000 --> 00:14:20,274 - Good morning. - Morning. 177 00:14:20,360 --> 00:14:24,239 - Just a little more time. You've got to be patient. - Oh, for heaven's sake! 178 00:14:24,320 --> 00:14:27,910 My dear girl, it's quite on the cards the old fellow will cut me off with a shilling. 179 00:14:27,945 --> 00:14:28,932 Of course he won't! 180 00:14:28,967 --> 00:14:32,433 He's pretty fed up with me. A little more would do it. 181 00:14:32,520 --> 00:14:34,272 And we need the dibs. 182 00:14:34,360 --> 00:14:36,874 I'll be a very rich man when the old fellow pops off. 183 00:14:36,960 --> 00:14:38,837 So we don't want him to alter his will. 184 00:14:38,920 --> 00:14:43,436 - Then why stay here, not at Fernly Park? - Look, leave this to me. 185 00:14:43,520 --> 00:14:47,149 - Don't worry. - Worry! It's all very well for you. 186 00:14:49,960 --> 00:14:53,396 - You'll feel more comfortable in a day or two. - Thank you, Doctor. 187 00:14:54,480 --> 00:14:56,596 James, I Oh. 188 00:14:56,680 --> 00:14:58,079 Oh, I am sorry. 189 00:14:58,160 --> 00:14:59,559 Goodbye. 190 00:15:10,640 --> 00:15:14,110 - He wasn't on your panel. - No, my dear sister. Cash. 191 00:15:15,800 --> 00:15:17,791 I saw something quite peculiar just now. 192 00:15:17,880 --> 00:15:18,915 Really? 193 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:22,675 First of all, Ralph Paton is here and staying at the White Hart. 194 00:15:22,760 --> 00:15:23,829 Staying there? 195 00:15:23,920 --> 00:15:27,071 Staying there. And he was talking to a girl. 196 00:15:27,160 --> 00:15:30,675 I couldn't quite see who she was. Presumably it was Flora. 197 00:15:30,760 --> 00:15:32,716 But that doesn't make any sense. 198 00:15:32,800 --> 00:15:36,679 Mind you, it makes even less sense if it wasn't. 199 00:15:56,880 --> 00:16:00,998 There is evil in this village, Poirot. Downright evil! 200 00:16:01,080 --> 00:16:03,389 Well, tell me what has happened, mon ami. 201 00:16:04,060 --> 00:16:06,471 You didn't know Ashley Ferrars, did you? 202 00:16:06,560 --> 00:16:09,757 No. I believe that he died before I arrived here. 203 00:16:09,840 --> 00:16:11,796 Yes, I thought so. 204 00:16:11,880 --> 00:16:15,031 After he died, there were all sorts of rumours flying about. 205 00:16:16,200 --> 00:16:18,794 Well, this sometimes happens in a small town. 206 00:16:18,880 --> 00:16:24,637 Anyway, the coroner said gastritis exacerbated by acute alcoholism, 207 00:16:24,720 --> 00:16:27,757 then peritonitis, and that was that. 208 00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:30,035 Until yesterday. 209 00:16:30,120 --> 00:16:32,236 Yesterday I found out he was poisoned. 210 00:16:33,320 --> 00:16:34,355 Poisoned? 211 00:16:34,440 --> 00:16:37,352 Look, I might as well tell you this, Poirot. 212 00:16:38,286 --> 00:16:40,191 I've been 213 00:16:40,226 --> 00:16:44,519 well, in love with Dorothy Ferrars for years. 214 00:16:44,600 --> 00:16:46,636 She telephoned me yesterday. 215 00:16:46,720 --> 00:16:49,314 Very upset. Wanted to see me. 216 00:16:49,400 --> 00:16:50,913 She broke down completely. 217 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:52,956 She told me everything. 218 00:16:53,740 --> 00:16:56,231 Her hatred of that brute of a husband, 219 00:16:56,320 --> 00:16:58,276 her growing feelings for me 220 00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:02,230 and the dreadful means she'd taken to. 221 00:17:03,351 --> 00:17:04,874 Poison! 222 00:17:06,160 --> 00:17:09,391 Murder! Cold-blooded murder! 223 00:17:09,480 --> 00:17:10,879 I see. 224 00:17:10,960 --> 00:17:14,157 The terrible thing is, she must have seen the shock in my face. 225 00:17:14,240 --> 00:17:15,753 I mean, I couldn't disguise it. 226 00:17:18,400 --> 00:17:20,277 I drove her to suicide. 227 00:17:20,360 --> 00:17:23,193 But it was reported that her death was accidental. 228 00:17:24,560 --> 00:17:27,518 You must not blame yourself, mon ami. 229 00:17:27,600 --> 00:17:29,955 I know, but she also told me something else. 230 00:17:31,000 --> 00:17:34,879 It seemed that there was one person who'd known about the murder all along 231 00:17:34,960 --> 00:17:38,714 and was blackmailing her for huge sums. 232 00:17:38,800 --> 00:17:41,155 And do you know who was this person? 233 00:17:41,240 --> 00:17:43,117 She wouldn't tell me his name. 234 00:17:43,200 --> 00:17:45,953 As a matter of fact, she didn't even say it was a man, but 235 00:17:46,626 --> 00:17:49,832 Well, they're not going to get away with it! 236 00:17:49,920 --> 00:17:53,469 You intend to hunt down this blackmailer? 237 00:17:53,560 --> 00:17:55,994 If only Dotty had left a note. 238 00:17:56,080 --> 00:17:58,514 She might have given a name. 239 00:17:58,600 --> 00:18:00,556 Roger 240 00:18:02,320 --> 00:18:03,673 you must be careful. 241 00:18:05,880 --> 00:18:07,836 Thank you, Ursula. 242 00:18:11,880 --> 00:18:13,313 Ah, Sheppard. Good evening. 243 00:18:13,400 --> 00:18:15,595 Good evening. Evening, Poirot. 244 00:18:15,680 --> 00:18:18,558 - Good evening, James. - I'm just seeing Monsieur Poirot out. 245 00:18:18,640 --> 00:18:21,473 - Go on into the sitting room, will you? - Thank you. 246 00:18:25,600 --> 00:18:27,636 Thank you, Monsieur Parker. 247 00:18:29,440 --> 00:18:31,396 Ah. 248 00:18:31,480 --> 00:18:34,836 Hello, Dr Sheppard. I didn't know you were coming this evening. 249 00:18:36,000 --> 00:18:38,266 - You know, you've got to congratulate me. - Indeed? 250 00:18:38,301 --> 00:18:41,354 Look. I'm going to marry Ralph. 251 00:18:41,440 --> 00:18:44,750 I know you'll both be very happy, Flora. 252 00:18:44,840 --> 00:18:48,594 We've been engaged for three months now, but it's announced officially tomorrow. 253 00:18:50,447 --> 00:18:51,671 Why, Dr Sheppard! 254 00:18:52,920 --> 00:18:54,876 Good evening, Mrs Ackroyd. 255 00:18:56,555 --> 00:18:58,997 Is it true about poor Mrs Ferrars? 256 00:18:59,080 --> 00:19:01,116 She died last night. Yes. 257 00:19:01,200 --> 00:19:02,633 Did she... 258 00:19:02,720 --> 00:19:05,154 Was it suicide? 259 00:19:05,240 --> 00:19:07,470 We don't know yet. 260 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:09,516 Poor woman. 261 00:19:09,600 --> 00:19:10,953 Oh, well. 262 00:19:12,320 --> 00:19:14,231 Life must go on, I suppose. 263 00:19:18,840 --> 00:19:22,071 I wish you'd tell me about these antique things, Dr Sheppard. 264 00:19:22,160 --> 00:19:24,878 I'm sure you know what they all are. 265 00:19:24,913 --> 00:19:27,597 Just because I'm an antique myself. 266 00:19:29,653 --> 00:19:31,831 Ah, Sheppard. There you are. 267 00:19:31,920 --> 00:19:35,959 Look, you're staying to dinner, aren't you? We can talk later. 268 00:20:19,960 --> 00:20:21,188 Fernly Park. 269 00:20:21,280 --> 00:20:24,955 - Is Monsieur Roger Ackroyd available? - No. He's at dinner, Mr Poirot. 270 00:20:25,040 --> 00:20:26,393 - At dinner? - Yes. 271 00:20:26,480 --> 00:20:29,756 Could I leave a message for him to call me back? I'm at my cottage. 272 00:20:29,840 --> 00:20:31,432 I'll ask him to call you. 273 00:20:31,520 --> 00:20:34,273 And will you be sure to give him the message now? 274 00:20:34,360 --> 00:20:36,316 Certainly, sir. 275 00:20:44,200 --> 00:20:48,910 So I said, just because you're breaking eggs, it doesn't mean you're making an omelette. 276 00:20:50,160 --> 00:20:52,879 My late husband detested omelettes. 277 00:20:52,960 --> 00:20:56,111 Mr Poirot telephoned, sir. I told him you were at dinner. 278 00:20:56,200 --> 00:20:58,634 Thank you, Parker. I'll phone him later. 279 00:20:58,720 --> 00:21:04,158 In fact, my late husband disliked anything even remotely to do with chickens. 280 00:21:10,360 --> 00:21:13,113 - Last post. Feels like it, too. - Thanks, Barney. 281 00:21:23,200 --> 00:21:25,156 The evening post, sir. 282 00:21:25,240 --> 00:21:28,596 Put the other letters on the table, Parker, thank you. 283 00:21:28,680 --> 00:21:30,238 Yes, sir. 284 00:21:39,520 --> 00:21:43,229 "My dear, my very dear Roger" 285 00:21:46,480 --> 00:21:50,155 There is one thing a murderer may rely on for protection. 286 00:21:50,240 --> 00:21:52,515 That the account of every witness 287 00:21:52,600 --> 00:21:55,592 will be radically different from the account of every other, 288 00:21:55,680 --> 00:21:58,956 even though all were present on the same occasion. 289 00:21:59,040 --> 00:22:01,395 I trust you enjoyed your dinner, Dr Sheppard. 290 00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:03,675 Indeed, I did. Thank you, Parker. 291 00:22:03,760 --> 00:22:07,116 - Oh, I'll just go and say good night to the ladies. - Yes, sir. 292 00:22:12,360 --> 00:22:15,830 - Good night, ladies. - Oh. Do you have to go, Doctor? 293 00:22:15,920 --> 00:22:19,071 Oh, unfortunately, I do. Good night. 294 00:22:19,160 --> 00:22:21,754 And once again, congratulations, Flora. 295 00:22:21,840 --> 00:22:24,354 Thank you, Dr Sheppard. Good night. 296 00:23:02,240 --> 00:23:06,392 However, I regret to say that the calls on my purse have been so frequent 297 00:23:06,480 --> 00:23:09,472 that it it impossible for me to accede to your request. 298 00:23:09,560 --> 00:23:11,516 As you will appreciate 299 00:23:45,520 --> 00:23:49,115 Parker, Mr Ackroyd says he doesn't want to be disturbed tonight. 300 00:23:49,200 --> 00:23:51,919 Oh. Very well, Miss Flora. 301 00:23:57,480 --> 00:24:00,278 It doesn't sound like a very interesting evening, I must say. 302 00:24:00,360 --> 00:24:02,555 Didn't you hear anything about Ralph, even? 303 00:24:02,640 --> 00:24:06,474 Well, yes. I heard he got officially engaged to Flora at last. 304 00:24:06,560 --> 00:24:10,269 Then what was that I heard him saying to her this afternoon at the White Hart? 305 00:24:10,360 --> 00:24:12,669 Who can say, my dear? 306 00:24:12,760 --> 00:24:15,274 Why do people always choose bedtime to get ill? 307 00:24:16,440 --> 00:24:17,759 Doctor Sheppard. 308 00:24:18,800 --> 00:24:19,994 What? 309 00:24:21,040 --> 00:24:22,553 What? 310 00:24:22,640 --> 00:24:24,551 Yes, I'll come at once. 311 00:24:25,600 --> 00:24:27,079 What is it? 312 00:24:27,160 --> 00:24:30,391 - What is it, James? - It's Parker. From Fernly. 313 00:24:32,040 --> 00:24:35,112 They've just found Roger Ackroyd murdered. 314 00:24:48,040 --> 00:24:49,234 - Yes, sir? - Where is he? 315 00:24:49,320 --> 00:24:50,639 Beg your pardon, sir? 316 00:24:50,680 --> 00:24:52,989 - Have you called the police? - The police, sir? 317 00:24:53,080 --> 00:24:56,675 What's the matter with you, Parker? Your master has been found murdered. 318 00:24:57,689 --> 00:24:58,478 Murdered, sir? 319 00:24:58,560 --> 00:25:02,633 Didn't you telephone me five minutes ago and tell me Mr Ackroyd was murdered? 320 00:25:02,720 --> 00:25:04,711 No, indeed, sir. I wouldn't dream. 321 00:25:04,800 --> 00:25:06,995 Do you mean to say it's all a hoax? 322 00:25:08,240 --> 00:25:10,629 Oh, thank God! 323 00:25:11,760 --> 00:25:14,069 Though I should like to strangle the joker. 324 00:25:14,160 --> 00:25:16,549 I can check, sir. See if everything's all right. 325 00:25:16,640 --> 00:25:18,551 No, no, there's no point in that. 326 00:25:18,640 --> 00:25:21,473 - Let me just go and see, sir. - Where's everybody else? 327 00:25:21,560 --> 00:25:24,677 The ladies have gone to bed, sir. I believe Mr Raymond is still up. 328 00:25:27,920 --> 00:25:29,478 It seems to be locked. 329 00:25:29,560 --> 00:25:30,993 Perhaps he's gone up to bed. 330 00:25:31,080 --> 00:25:33,799 I've never known him to lock this door before. 331 00:25:37,880 --> 00:25:39,950 The key's in the lock on the other side. 332 00:25:45,400 --> 00:25:47,356 Ackroyd? 333 00:25:48,600 --> 00:25:50,909 - Ackroyd! - He may have fallen asleep. 334 00:25:56,360 --> 00:25:58,271 - I'm sorry, Parker. - Dr Sheppard, sir! 335 00:25:58,360 --> 00:25:59,509 Out of the way! 336 00:26:02,680 --> 00:26:06,559 No. The fewer people disturb this room, the better. 337 00:26:16,920 --> 00:26:19,388 Ring the police station, Parker. 338 00:26:29,960 --> 00:26:33,999 Yes. Right away. Mr Ackroyd's been murdered. 339 00:26:34,080 --> 00:26:35,832 What did you say? 340 00:26:37,080 --> 00:26:39,878 It's Mr Ackroyd, sir. He's dead. 341 00:26:39,960 --> 00:26:41,916 In the study. 342 00:26:43,680 --> 00:26:45,159 Oh, my God! 343 00:26:50,000 --> 00:26:53,788 What are you doing here? Oh, I'm sorry, Mr Poirot. You'd better come in. 344 00:26:53,880 --> 00:26:55,836 Thank you. 345 00:26:56,880 --> 00:26:58,518 I was just telephoning the police. 346 00:26:58,600 --> 00:27:01,956 - What has happened, Monsieur Parker? - Mr Ackroyd's been killed, sir. 347 00:27:02,040 --> 00:27:03,996 Murdered. 348 00:27:08,680 --> 00:27:10,477 Who would do such a terrible thing? 349 00:27:10,560 --> 00:27:13,870 Oh, Poirot. Thank God! Nobody's been in here. 350 00:27:20,440 --> 00:27:22,670 What do you think, Poirot? 351 00:27:30,440 --> 00:27:32,396 I have failed my friend. 352 00:27:41,680 --> 00:27:46,151 Our local police are a constant source of harmless amusement. 353 00:27:47,160 --> 00:27:51,119 A year ago, they could not even see that the death of Ashley Ferrars was murder. 354 00:27:52,200 --> 00:27:56,716 This time, they will probably claim that Ackroyd committed suicide. 355 00:28:00,880 --> 00:28:03,519 Ackroyd was in such a strange mood all day. 356 00:28:03,600 --> 00:28:06,160 Mrs Ferrars dying hit him badly. 357 00:28:06,240 --> 00:28:08,196 Evening, gentlemen. 358 00:28:11,960 --> 00:28:13,712 Has this been moved at all? 359 00:28:13,800 --> 00:28:16,678 I ascertained that life was extinct, nothing more. 360 00:28:17,720 --> 00:28:18,994 Who found the body? 361 00:28:19,080 --> 00:28:22,277 Parker and myself. I'd been here to dinner, 362 00:28:22,360 --> 00:28:25,113 but I was back at home when I got a telephone call from Parker 363 00:28:25,200 --> 00:28:27,668 telling me Mr Ackroyd had been murdered. 364 00:28:27,760 --> 00:28:29,398 Parker had already found the body? 365 00:28:29,480 --> 00:28:32,790 No, sir. I didn't make any phone call, sir. 366 00:28:32,880 --> 00:28:35,075 Wait a minute. Dr Sheppard says... 367 00:28:35,160 --> 00:28:37,435 I didn't phone, sir. I swear I didn't! 368 00:28:37,520 --> 00:28:39,875 Did it sound like Parker's voice on the telephone? 369 00:28:39,960 --> 00:28:44,829 I can't say I noticed. I took it for granted, you see. 370 00:28:46,120 --> 00:28:48,873 How odd. Anyway, you came in here... 371 00:28:48,960 --> 00:28:51,554 Broke the door down. It was locked from the inside. 372 00:28:51,640 --> 00:28:53,596 Has anyone checked the window? 373 00:29:00,800 --> 00:29:05,396 Well, this is the way the murderer came in all right, and went out. Look. A footprint. 374 00:29:05,480 --> 00:29:07,869 Made by a boot with a rubber sole, sir. 375 00:29:07,960 --> 00:29:10,155 When was Mr Ackroyd last seen alive? 376 00:29:10,240 --> 00:29:13,357 I left at nine o'clock. He was certainly alive then. 377 00:29:13,440 --> 00:29:15,874 He was alive at 9.30. 378 00:29:15,960 --> 00:29:18,110 I heard him talking in the study. 379 00:29:18,200 --> 00:29:21,317 - Who was he talking to? - I don't know. 380 00:29:22,120 --> 00:29:24,350 At the time, I assumed it was Dr Sheppard. 381 00:29:24,440 --> 00:29:27,671 But in fact, you'd already left. 382 00:29:28,800 --> 00:29:30,836 Did you overhear any of the conversation? 383 00:29:30,920 --> 00:29:32,558 Just a fragment. 384 00:29:32,640 --> 00:29:34,790 Mr Ackroyd said something like, 385 00:29:34,880 --> 00:29:37,917 "The calls on my purse have been so frequent of late 386 00:29:38,000 --> 00:29:41,037 that it is impossible for me to accede to your request." 387 00:29:42,360 --> 00:29:43,998 I didn't hear any more. 388 00:29:44,080 --> 00:29:47,097 But a demand for money. It may be important. 389 00:29:47,132 --> 00:29:49,630 If you'll excuse me, Inspector Davis. 390 00:29:49,720 --> 00:29:52,792 Miss Flora saw him after half past nine. 391 00:29:52,880 --> 00:29:56,111 I saw her leave the study at ten past ten. 392 00:29:56,200 --> 00:29:59,158 - Send someone to get her, will you? - Yes, sir. 393 00:30:02,160 --> 00:30:07,075 - I don't know you, sir. What's your name? - This is Hercule Poirot, Inspector. 394 00:30:08,480 --> 00:30:10,675 The famous detective? 395 00:30:10,760 --> 00:30:13,513 Oh, yes? What are you doing here? 396 00:30:15,080 --> 00:30:17,207 Monsieur Ackroyd was a friend of mine, Inspector. 397 00:30:17,242 --> 00:30:19,676 I was with him earlier this evening. 398 00:30:19,760 --> 00:30:21,910 When was the last time you saw Mr Ackroyd alive? 399 00:30:22,000 --> 00:30:25,993 We said goodbye at 7.36. I then went home. 400 00:30:26,080 --> 00:30:27,957 What are you doing here now? 401 00:30:28,040 --> 00:30:30,554 Monsieur Ackroyd was in a mood of great upset. 402 00:30:30,640 --> 00:30:32,995 I was worried about him and I made my return. 403 00:30:33,660 --> 00:30:35,229 Thank you, sir. 404 00:30:35,320 --> 00:30:39,279 I have to say this. Mr Ralph Paton is down here from London. 405 00:30:39,360 --> 00:30:42,909 He came to the factory to see Mr Ackroyd. They had words. 406 00:30:44,588 --> 00:30:45,468 What about? 407 00:30:45,560 --> 00:30:47,516 I don't really know. 408 00:30:48,560 --> 00:30:50,949 Something to do with Mr Ackroyd's will, I think. 409 00:30:57,480 --> 00:30:59,436 Oh, this is awful. 410 00:30:59,520 --> 00:31:01,272 It can't be true. 411 00:31:01,360 --> 00:31:04,033 Miss Ackroyd, I'm afraid I must ask you a few questions. 412 00:31:04,120 --> 00:31:08,796 Parker says he saw you coming out of your uncle's study at 10.10. Is that right? 413 00:31:10,200 --> 00:31:12,270 Do you think I am a murderer? 414 00:31:12,360 --> 00:31:14,920 Mademoiselle, if you please, just sit. 415 00:31:15,000 --> 00:31:16,956 Please. 416 00:31:25,040 --> 00:31:29,875 We're just trying to place everyone in the house, find out what they've seen or heard. 417 00:31:31,240 --> 00:31:33,196 All right. 418 00:31:34,400 --> 00:31:38,188 Yes, I I did go in to say good night to Uncle Roger. 419 00:31:38,280 --> 00:31:39,679 At ten past ten. 420 00:31:40,920 --> 00:31:42,876 I don't know. 421 00:31:43,920 --> 00:31:46,559 Yes. About then. 422 00:31:46,640 --> 00:31:48,596 Was he alone? 423 00:31:49,800 --> 00:31:52,633 Alone. Yes. 424 00:31:52,720 --> 00:31:55,393 Did you notice if the window was open or shut? 425 00:31:56,560 --> 00:31:57,959 I don't know! 426 00:31:59,080 --> 00:32:01,036 I didn't look. 427 00:32:02,360 --> 00:32:04,510 Well, the curtains were drawn, anyway. 428 00:32:06,320 --> 00:32:08,276 Oh, God! 429 00:32:43,360 --> 00:32:45,316 Can I drive you home, Poirot? 430 00:32:49,560 --> 00:32:51,516 No, merci. 431 00:32:53,240 --> 00:32:55,196 I prefer to walk. 432 00:33:19,475 --> 00:33:22,717 From now on, the deception began in earnest. 433 00:33:23,880 --> 00:33:27,509 You could scarcely move for people protesting how innocent they were 434 00:33:27,600 --> 00:33:30,273 or pointing the finger of guilt at someone else. 435 00:33:30,778 --> 00:33:35,189 There was so much smoke, you could hardly see across the High Street. 436 00:33:36,040 --> 00:33:38,196 Such larks! 437 00:33:50,200 --> 00:33:52,270 Oh! Hello, Flora. 438 00:33:53,360 --> 00:33:56,352 I came to see Mr Poirot. Is he in? 439 00:33:56,440 --> 00:33:59,637 Well, he's terribly upset, actually. 440 00:33:59,720 --> 00:34:02,109 My brother's with him now. 441 00:34:02,200 --> 00:34:04,350 We both came round. 442 00:34:05,440 --> 00:34:07,829 Who would do a thing like that to such a man, James? 443 00:34:07,920 --> 00:34:09,831 Well, it's difficult to say. 444 00:34:09,920 --> 00:34:12,275 The question was a rhetorical one, mon ami. 445 00:34:14,560 --> 00:34:16,073 It's Flora. 446 00:34:16,160 --> 00:34:18,993 - Mr Poirot, I'm sorry to burst in on you. - Mademoiselle. 447 00:34:19,080 --> 00:34:22,152 But the police think that Ralph murdered my uncle. 448 00:34:22,240 --> 00:34:24,629 He didn't do it, Mr Poirot. 449 00:34:24,720 --> 00:34:26,676 He really didn't. 450 00:34:28,760 --> 00:34:31,115 I cannot help you, mademoiselle. 451 00:34:31,200 --> 00:34:33,316 But you're a detective. 452 00:34:33,400 --> 00:34:36,995 Your uncle was Monsieur Poirot's friend, Flora. 453 00:34:37,080 --> 00:34:41,119 In any case, mademoiselle, I am now retired. I work no longer. 454 00:34:42,280 --> 00:34:44,236 I'II I'll pay you. 455 00:34:44,320 --> 00:34:46,914 - I'll find the money somehow. - It's not a question of money. 456 00:34:47,000 --> 00:34:48,956 Come on, old girl. 457 00:34:49,040 --> 00:34:50,871 What am I going to do? 458 00:34:51,960 --> 00:34:53,712 What am I going to do? 459 00:34:53,800 --> 00:34:55,756 Where's Ralph now? 460 00:34:56,880 --> 00:34:59,917 I don't know. Not exactly. 461 00:35:01,520 --> 00:35:04,910 Uncle Roger told me yesterday he was staying at the White Hart. 462 00:35:05,000 --> 00:35:06,956 But he's not there now. 463 00:35:08,280 --> 00:35:09,998 He left in the middle of the night. 464 00:35:10,700 --> 00:35:13,156 But he's left all his things behind. 465 00:35:15,200 --> 00:35:17,589 - I see. - No, you don't see! 466 00:35:18,720 --> 00:35:21,518 Ralph may have done some foolish things in the past, 467 00:35:21,600 --> 00:35:24,034 but he wouldn't murder anyone. 468 00:35:24,713 --> 00:35:27,271 Mademoiselle, I cannot help you as you wish. 469 00:35:27,360 --> 00:35:28,509 But I 470 00:35:28,600 --> 00:35:31,433 But I will go to Inspector Davis and speak on your behalf. 471 00:35:33,520 --> 00:35:36,193 That may do some good. 472 00:35:38,160 --> 00:35:41,550 Between us, Chief Inspector, my money's on Ralph Paton, the stepson. 473 00:35:43,631 --> 00:35:46,680 That er foreign gentleman to see you, Inspector. 474 00:35:46,715 --> 00:35:48,674 I don't want to be disturbed! 475 00:35:51,000 --> 00:35:53,594 I will take only five minutes of your time, Inspector. 476 00:35:53,680 --> 00:35:55,636 I know that voice! 477 00:35:57,080 --> 00:35:59,230 Chief Inspector Japp! 478 00:35:59,320 --> 00:36:02,710 I knew the name Kings what-do-you-call-it sounded familiar. 479 00:36:02,800 --> 00:36:05,360 - Oh, my dear friend! - Poirot. 480 00:36:16,280 --> 00:36:21,274 There was I, thinking you'd retired, and I find you mixed up in murders and all sorts. 481 00:36:21,360 --> 00:36:24,796 No, no, no, Chief Inspector. I am not, as you say, all mixed up. 482 00:36:25,840 --> 00:36:28,937 Monsieur Roger Ackroyd was my very old friend and that is all. 483 00:36:28,972 --> 00:36:30,913 But you'll help us out, won't you? 484 00:36:31,000 --> 00:36:32,991 Help me talk to all these cabbage-bashers. 485 00:36:35,600 --> 00:36:37,397 Non. Non. 486 00:36:37,480 --> 00:36:39,869 Chief Inspector, I have been idle for too long. 487 00:36:39,960 --> 00:36:42,190 Come on, Poirot. It'll be like old times. 488 00:36:47,720 --> 00:36:49,676 Very well. 489 00:36:53,200 --> 00:36:56,909 But er only on the outskirts. 490 00:37:05,200 --> 00:37:09,876 Inspector Davis, MIle Ackroyd tells me you suspect most strongly Ralph Paton. 491 00:37:09,960 --> 00:37:11,916 It was either him or the butler. 492 00:37:12,000 --> 00:37:13,877 What have we got against Paton? 493 00:37:13,960 --> 00:37:17,509 First, he left the White Hart last night and hasn't been seen since. 494 00:37:17,600 --> 00:37:20,672 Secondly, it's said he's in serious financial difficulties 495 00:37:20,760 --> 00:37:24,275 and will probably profit from the will. And thirdly, he argued with Ackroyd. 496 00:37:24,360 --> 00:37:26,316 Sounds pretty fruity. 497 00:37:26,400 --> 00:37:28,789 Perhaps a little too fruity, mon ami. 498 00:37:28,880 --> 00:37:30,836 We'll see about that. 499 00:37:30,920 --> 00:37:33,354 I've got here a pair of shoes from the White Hart. 500 00:37:33,440 --> 00:37:36,671 I'll compare them to the footmarks on the window sill. 501 00:37:37,920 --> 00:37:41,708 Has anyone seen any suspicious strangers hanging around here? 502 00:37:41,800 --> 00:37:46,476 Any strangers calling on Mr Ackroyd at all over the last week or so? 503 00:37:46,560 --> 00:37:48,516 Yes, there was. 504 00:37:48,600 --> 00:37:52,229 That young man, called himself a salesman. On Wednesday. 505 00:37:52,320 --> 00:37:54,197 He was in with Mr Ackroyd a good hour. 506 00:37:54,280 --> 00:37:57,272 No, no, no. That was a perfectly innocent salesman. 507 00:37:57,360 --> 00:38:00,511 He came to the factory trying to sell Dictaphones. 508 00:38:00,600 --> 00:38:02,955 Mr Ackroyd had him come here to demonstrate. 509 00:38:03,040 --> 00:38:04,837 Mr Tuffnell, his name was. 510 00:38:04,920 --> 00:38:09,072 Yes, all right. Now, let's get back to the events of last night. 511 00:38:09,160 --> 00:38:12,232 There was something last night, Chief Inspector. 512 00:38:12,320 --> 00:38:13,309 Yeah? 513 00:38:13,400 --> 00:38:17,916 I was on the terrace outside the sitting room smoking at about 9.30. And I saw 514 00:38:18,000 --> 00:38:24,000 Well, I thought I saw a woman disappearing into the bushes near the summer house. 515 00:38:24,120 --> 00:38:25,951 Just a gleam of white, you know? 516 00:38:26,040 --> 00:38:27,632 No idea who it was? 517 00:38:28,960 --> 00:38:30,916 I'm not even sure. 518 00:38:31,000 --> 00:38:33,468 It could have been just a trick of the moonlight. 519 00:38:33,560 --> 00:38:35,516 Yes, all right. Thank you. 520 00:38:36,680 --> 00:38:41,515 Now, when you, Dr Sheppard, and you, Parker, break the door down, 521 00:38:41,600 --> 00:38:45,718 you are confronted by the sight of Mr Ackroyd dead in this chair. 522 00:38:45,800 --> 00:38:47,279 Quite. 523 00:38:49,600 --> 00:38:52,797 - If I may, Chief Inspector? - Of course. 524 00:38:52,880 --> 00:38:54,279 Thank you. 525 00:38:54,360 --> 00:38:56,669 Is this room exactly as it was then? 526 00:38:58,600 --> 00:39:02,559 The curtains were drawn, sir. And the electric light was on. 527 00:39:04,120 --> 00:39:06,509 Bon. Anything else? 528 00:39:10,480 --> 00:39:13,074 Yes. That chair was drawn out a little more. 529 00:39:13,160 --> 00:39:14,354 Bon. 530 00:39:15,400 --> 00:39:16,594 Show me. 531 00:39:21,760 --> 00:39:23,716 Voila ce qui est curieux. 532 00:39:33,280 --> 00:39:34,872 How say you, Chief Inspector? 533 00:39:34,960 --> 00:39:37,838 No-one would sit in a chair in such a position, I fancy. 534 00:39:37,920 --> 00:39:41,549 It's an odd place for it to be, all right. But I can't see that it's important. 535 00:39:41,640 --> 00:39:43,232 It is completely unimportant. 536 00:39:43,320 --> 00:39:46,312 That is why it is so interesting. 537 00:39:46,400 --> 00:39:50,234 These shoes match the marks on the window sill precisely. 538 00:39:50,320 --> 00:39:52,675 Of course they do, Inspector. 539 00:39:52,760 --> 00:39:54,716 Of course they do. 540 00:39:56,240 --> 00:40:00,677 For the moment, Ralph Paton is the chief suspect. 541 00:40:01,880 --> 00:40:04,348 If muddy shoes could convict, 542 00:40:04,440 --> 00:40:07,432 they'd have him swinging from the gallows by the morning. 543 00:40:08,400 --> 00:40:10,356 There is only one problem. 544 00:40:10,440 --> 00:40:14,353 The spineless Lothario is nowhere to be found. 545 00:40:14,440 --> 00:40:17,830 I helped Mr Ackroyd build this house, you know, 546 00:40:17,920 --> 00:40:20,229 design it and everything. 547 00:40:20,320 --> 00:40:21,912 These modern houses, you see, 548 00:40:22,000 --> 00:40:25,470 generally, they don't have the facilities for staff, like proper houses. 549 00:40:25,560 --> 00:40:27,994 Mr Ackroyd, he wanted it just so. 550 00:40:28,080 --> 00:40:29,593 He was a good employer, no? 551 00:40:29,680 --> 00:40:31,955 He could be short with you, could Mr Ackroyd. 552 00:40:32,040 --> 00:40:33,996 But he was always fair. 553 00:40:35,160 --> 00:40:37,355 We shan't see his like again. 554 00:40:38,800 --> 00:40:40,756 No, indeed. 555 00:40:42,560 --> 00:40:46,473 Tell me, Monsieur Parker, what is your opinion of the secretary, Monsieur Raymond? 556 00:40:46,560 --> 00:40:50,473 He's a bit of a stick, to tell you the truth, Mr Poirot, but he's all right. 557 00:40:50,560 --> 00:40:54,109 It's just that he told to Inspector Davis last night 558 00:40:54,200 --> 00:40:57,431 that he overheard Monsieur Ackroyd talking in his study at 9.30. 559 00:40:57,520 --> 00:40:59,795 I am not disposed to believe him. 560 00:40:59,880 --> 00:41:01,598 I don't know about that, sir. 561 00:41:01,680 --> 00:41:04,194 I don't think Mr Raymond is the type to tell an untruth. 562 00:41:04,280 --> 00:41:07,113 - Ah. - But there is something. I mean 563 00:41:08,000 --> 00:41:09,991 I haven't mentioned it before, but 564 00:41:10,080 --> 00:41:13,470 it's been nagging away at the back of my mind, like. 565 00:41:15,040 --> 00:41:17,838 It was usually kept in the display case in the sitting room. 566 00:41:17,920 --> 00:41:20,275 I'm sure it was there before dinner last night. 567 00:41:21,760 --> 00:41:23,716 Excuse me, Chief Inspector. 568 00:41:23,800 --> 00:41:27,076 Monsieur Parker would like to show to us something. Monsieur Parker? 569 00:41:27,160 --> 00:41:28,434 It's these. 570 00:41:29,480 --> 00:41:32,517 - They came in the evening post last night. - So what? 571 00:41:32,600 --> 00:41:35,034 Well, there were five when I brought them in. 572 00:41:35,120 --> 00:41:36,792 And now there are four. 573 00:41:36,880 --> 00:41:40,509 I noticed particularly because these are all business sort of letters. 574 00:41:40,600 --> 00:41:43,831 And there was one more personal one, handwritten. 575 00:41:43,920 --> 00:41:46,753 Dark blue envelope. Quite distinctive. 576 00:41:46,840 --> 00:41:49,798 Perhaps Mr Ackroyd put it in his pocket. 577 00:41:49,880 --> 00:41:54,078 - Was any such letter discovered on the body, Inspector? - No. 578 00:41:56,680 --> 00:41:59,319 So these are the French windows into the sitting room. 579 00:42:00,360 --> 00:42:05,559 Yes, Chief Inspector. Inside of which was the case that contained the murderous weapon, 580 00:42:05,640 --> 00:42:07,995 - conveniently within reach. - Mm. 581 00:42:12,360 --> 00:42:15,397 And along here, no other 582 00:42:16,480 --> 00:42:21,156 no other window overlooks the terrace till we come to the study of Monsieur Ackroyd. 583 00:42:23,080 --> 00:42:24,798 Chief Inspector? 584 00:42:24,880 --> 00:42:27,030 I've just had a call from the GPO. 585 00:42:27,120 --> 00:42:30,271 They've traced that telephone call that Dr Sheppard got. 586 00:42:30,360 --> 00:42:32,794 It was logged at 10.15 last night 587 00:42:32,880 --> 00:42:36,714 from a public telephone box at Kings Abbott railway station. 588 00:42:36,800 --> 00:42:39,109 And at 10:23 the night mail leaves for Liverpool. 589 00:42:39,200 --> 00:42:42,909 Why should the murderer telephone at all? There seems no rhyme nor reason to it. 590 00:42:43,000 --> 00:42:45,992 Oh, there was a reason, Chief Inspector. Of that you can be sure. 591 00:42:46,080 --> 00:42:49,072 And when we know it, we will know everything. 592 00:42:56,000 --> 00:42:59,356 Everyone tells me it's been fine and dry here for a fortnight. 593 00:42:59,440 --> 00:43:02,034 So how did those muddy footprints get on the window sill? 594 00:43:02,120 --> 00:43:03,678 That is easy, Chief Inspector. 595 00:43:03,760 --> 00:43:06,718 See? The gardener has left dripping the tap. 596 00:43:06,800 --> 00:43:07,869 Oh, yeah. 597 00:43:10,440 --> 00:43:12,510 Ah, there's the same footprint again. 598 00:43:13,600 --> 00:43:15,670 You see also there the footprint of the lady? 599 00:43:15,760 --> 00:43:18,354 Well, there's plenty of women in the house. 600 00:43:18,440 --> 00:43:22,149 Come, Chief Inspector. Let us investigate together the summer house. 601 00:43:33,280 --> 00:43:37,353 My Emily wanted one of these. But it didn't seem quite right in Isleworth. 602 00:43:43,640 --> 00:43:45,596 What have you got, Poirot? 603 00:43:48,080 --> 00:43:51,197 It's a bit of cloth from a handkerchief, or something. 604 00:43:52,320 --> 00:43:54,276 Perhaps. 605 00:43:59,040 --> 00:44:00,792 Remember this, Chief Inspector. 606 00:44:00,880 --> 00:44:05,192 The good laundry, it does not starch the handkerchief. 607 00:44:09,200 --> 00:44:12,112 The organisation, it is in disorder today? 608 00:44:12,200 --> 00:44:14,873 - Because of Mr Ackroyd's absence? - Hardly. 609 00:44:14,960 --> 00:44:17,633 His guiding hand, it is not missed? 610 00:44:19,760 --> 00:44:23,992 Mr Ackroyd's guiding hand was more likely to hold things up than. 611 00:44:25,040 --> 00:44:26,758 I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. 612 00:44:26,840 --> 00:44:30,310 But the truth is, I handled all the day-to-day running of the business. 613 00:44:30,400 --> 00:44:32,356 Not that I got any thanks for it. 614 00:44:37,120 --> 00:44:41,193 Sundry creditors, 403 pounds 615 00:44:41,280 --> 00:44:44,113 seven shillings and four pence. 616 00:44:45,360 --> 00:44:49,478 Mr Hammond is Mr Ackroyd's personal lawyer, as well as acting for the company. 617 00:44:50,520 --> 00:44:53,751 I'm Detective Chief Inspector Japp of Scotland Yard. 618 00:44:55,280 --> 00:44:58,875 - And this is Hercule Poirot. - Private detective. 619 00:44:59,920 --> 00:45:02,115 We need to know what's in Mr Ackroyd's will. 620 00:45:02,200 --> 00:45:07,558 I see. But er I shall be coming down to the house later on anyway, for the reading. 621 00:45:07,640 --> 00:45:11,349 So much to do. Oh, so much to do! Whenever 622 00:45:11,440 --> 00:45:13,396 Yes. What's in the will? 623 00:45:13,480 --> 00:45:17,712 Well, the will consists of a series of legacies and bequests 624 00:45:17,800 --> 00:45:18,994 Such as? 625 00:45:19,080 --> 00:45:24,108 Well, there's ?00 to his secretary, Mr Geoffrey Raymond. 626 00:45:25,320 --> 00:45:30,713 Then, Mrs Vera Ackroyd receives the income from ?0,000 worth of shares, 627 00:45:30,800 --> 00:45:32,677 during her lifetime. 628 00:45:32,760 --> 00:45:38,596 While her daughter, Flora Ackroyd, inherits ?0,000 outright. 629 00:45:38,680 --> 00:45:40,955 And the majority of the estate? 630 00:45:41,040 --> 00:45:44,237 The er residue, including Fernly Park, 631 00:45:44,320 --> 00:45:46,959 and the shares in Ackroyd Chemicals 632 00:45:47,040 --> 00:45:50,828 to his adopted son, Mr Ralph Paton. 633 00:45:52,120 --> 00:45:56,238 Tell me. The estate of Monsieur Roger Ackroyd, it was very large? 634 00:45:56,320 --> 00:45:58,231 Oh, yes, indeed. 635 00:45:58,320 --> 00:46:01,471 Mr Paton will be a very wealthy young man. 636 00:46:02,480 --> 00:46:04,391 Merci. 637 00:46:05,480 --> 00:46:09,234 Tell me, chief Inspector, the stationmaster at Kings Abbott, was he of any help? 638 00:46:09,320 --> 00:46:13,438 Not a lot, I'm afraid. Nobody remembers anybody using the phone box. 639 00:46:13,520 --> 00:46:17,399 But about that time, you've got the London train coming in on one platform, 640 00:46:17,480 --> 00:46:20,074 and the Liverpool train on the other, so 641 00:46:20,160 --> 00:46:22,116 Was anyone seen to board these trains? 642 00:46:22,200 --> 00:46:26,716 Well, a porter remembers a young man getting on the train to Liverpool. 643 00:46:26,800 --> 00:46:28,836 He thinks. Mind you. 644 00:46:30,720 --> 00:46:31,914 Voila. 645 00:46:33,200 --> 00:46:35,873 She looks pretty browned off. 646 00:46:35,960 --> 00:46:38,554 Let us go and cheer her up, Chief Inspector. 647 00:46:47,480 --> 00:46:49,391 Bonjour, Mademoiselle Ackroyd. 648 00:46:49,480 --> 00:46:51,038 Oh, you startled me. 649 00:46:51,120 --> 00:46:53,350 There's something I've been meaning to ask you. 650 00:46:53,440 --> 00:46:56,591 Did you go anywhere near the summer house on the night of the murder? 651 00:46:56,680 --> 00:46:58,079 Summer house? No. 652 00:46:58,160 --> 00:47:01,596 Only someone, a lady, was seen in its vicinity. 653 00:47:01,680 --> 00:47:03,477 Well, it wasn't me. 654 00:47:03,560 --> 00:47:05,471 This would have been about half past nine? 655 00:47:06,480 --> 00:47:09,313 Thank you, mademoiselle. You have been most helpful. 656 00:47:09,400 --> 00:47:11,550 I've got to get back to the house, anyway. 657 00:47:15,280 --> 00:47:17,191 I was just getting started with her. 658 00:47:17,280 --> 00:47:21,034 Very likely. Is she out of sight, Chief Inspector? 659 00:47:23,840 --> 00:47:25,990 Yeah. What are you doing, Poirot? 660 00:47:28,320 --> 00:47:29,673 Poirot? 661 00:47:29,760 --> 00:47:34,231 Always one must keep the eyes on the alert, mon ami. 662 00:47:35,720 --> 00:47:40,510 One little glint in the sunlight 663 00:47:42,920 --> 00:47:44,399 et voila! 664 00:47:46,360 --> 00:47:48,316 It's a wedding ring. 665 00:47:48,400 --> 00:47:50,356 Yes, indeed. Oh! 666 00:47:50,440 --> 00:47:52,510 A woman's, probably, by the size of it. 667 00:47:52,600 --> 00:47:54,955 Very likely. Do you think this will stain? 668 00:47:55,040 --> 00:47:57,270 Funny place to find a wedding ring. 669 00:47:58,840 --> 00:48:01,559 Oh. Hang on. There's an inscription. 670 00:48:01,640 --> 00:48:04,950 From R. 671 00:48:05,040 --> 00:48:07,474 March 13th. 672 00:48:07,560 --> 00:48:09,516 Do we know who R might be? 673 00:48:11,400 --> 00:48:13,356 Non. 674 00:48:20,160 --> 00:48:22,628 - Ah, Mr Raymond. - Not now, Chief Inspector. 675 00:48:26,800 --> 00:48:29,997 - What's going on, Parker? - I don't rightly know, sir. 676 00:48:30,080 --> 00:48:33,117 Something's gone missing. 677 00:48:38,640 --> 00:48:43,236 I have never thought the staff at Fernly Park were quite trustworthy. 678 00:48:43,320 --> 00:48:44,799 What happens, madame? 679 00:48:44,880 --> 00:48:46,950 Some money is missing. 680 00:48:47,040 --> 00:48:49,634 - Stolen. - We don't know that. 681 00:48:49,720 --> 00:48:51,631 ?0, Monsieur Poirot. 682 00:48:51,720 --> 00:48:53,870 From poor Roger's bedroom. 683 00:48:53,960 --> 00:48:57,032 Mr Hammond is down from London to read the will. 684 00:48:57,120 --> 00:48:59,588 He asked Raymond if there was cash in the house. 685 00:48:59,680 --> 00:49:01,955 It has to be included in the estate, of course. 686 00:49:02,040 --> 00:49:06,431 When Raymond went to get it from Mr Ackroyd's bedroom, it was gone. 687 00:49:06,520 --> 00:49:09,398 I have never thought the staff here were trustworthy. 688 00:49:09,480 --> 00:49:11,550 Oh, come, Mrs Ackroyd. 689 00:49:11,640 --> 00:49:13,835 Right. Who's the current suspect? 690 00:49:13,920 --> 00:49:17,390 The parlour maid, Ursula. She was given her notice yesterday. 691 00:49:17,480 --> 00:49:20,836 Doubtless she thought she'd leave with a little unearned bonus. 692 00:49:21,840 --> 00:49:23,717 - You are Ursula Bourne? - Yes, sir. 693 00:49:23,800 --> 00:49:26,598 - I understand you're leaving. - Yes. 694 00:49:26,680 --> 00:49:29,069 Why is that? 695 00:49:29,160 --> 00:49:33,756 I disarranged some papers on Mr Ackroyd's desk. 696 00:49:33,840 --> 00:49:38,630 He was very angry about it and said I had better leave. 697 00:49:38,720 --> 00:49:43,350 A considerable amount of money - ?0- is missing from this drawer. 698 00:49:43,440 --> 00:49:46,796 If you think I took it and that is why Mr Ackroyd dismissed me, you're wrong. 699 00:49:46,880 --> 00:49:49,872 - Well, it seems - If you please, Inspector? 700 00:49:52,640 --> 00:49:53,993 Mademoiselle Ursula, 701 00:49:54,080 --> 00:49:58,198 it was yesterday afternoon that Monsieur Ackroyd dismissed you, was it not? 702 00:49:59,200 --> 00:50:01,350 How long did it last, this interview? 703 00:50:01,440 --> 00:50:02,634 Interview? 704 00:50:02,720 --> 00:50:05,029 Between you and Monsieur Ackroyd in the study. 705 00:50:05,120 --> 00:50:09,238 - 10 minutes? 20 minutes? Half an hour? - Something like that. 706 00:50:09,320 --> 00:50:10,719 Half an hour? 707 00:50:10,800 --> 00:50:13,075 Well, not longer, certainly. 708 00:50:13,160 --> 00:50:15,116 Merci, mademoiselle. 709 00:50:15,200 --> 00:50:20,718 Not one flipping penny! Six years I worked for that bastard! 710 00:50:20,800 --> 00:50:22,472 Not one flipping penny. 711 00:50:22,560 --> 00:50:24,596 Well, that's what they're like, isn't it? 712 00:50:26,800 --> 00:50:29,872 Well, who do you think's got the last laugh? 713 00:50:29,960 --> 00:50:33,669 Who knows all the little family secrets, eh? 714 00:50:36,080 --> 00:50:38,799 Last orders, gentlemen, now, please! 715 00:51:09,840 --> 00:51:12,354 Come on! Plenty of room! 716 00:51:14,920 --> 00:51:16,433 Come on! 717 00:51:17,400 --> 00:51:20,073 Come on, you bastard! 718 00:51:20,160 --> 00:51:22,390 Plenty of room! 719 00:51:52,520 --> 00:51:56,911 First, Roger Ackroyd, brutally stabbed in his study. 720 00:51:57,000 --> 00:52:01,710 Now his manservant Parker, deliberately run down by a motorcar. 721 00:52:01,800 --> 00:52:04,109 Has the killer no mercy? 722 00:52:04,200 --> 00:52:08,432 No conception of the difficulty of finding good servants? 723 00:52:08,520 --> 00:52:12,479 Our dud detectives continue to run around in circles. 724 00:52:13,600 --> 00:52:15,875 Why would anyone want to kill the butler? 725 00:52:15,960 --> 00:52:19,191 Perhaps he was going to reveal to us something. 726 00:52:20,480 --> 00:52:21,913 But tell me, Chief Inspector, 727 00:52:22,000 --> 00:52:25,037 what did you think of the story told to us by the parlour maid? 728 00:52:25,120 --> 00:52:27,190 - What story? - The story of her dismissal. 729 00:52:27,280 --> 00:52:29,794 To dismiss a servant, does it take half an hour? 730 00:52:29,880 --> 00:52:33,236 That was in the afternoon. It can't have anything to do with the murder. 731 00:52:34,520 --> 00:52:36,476 I am not sure. 732 00:52:37,680 --> 00:52:41,229 Perhaps, in time, the scrap of cambric that I found will tell us. 733 00:52:42,280 --> 00:52:44,191 You're doing what you always do, Poirot. 734 00:52:44,280 --> 00:52:46,840 - What is that, Chief Inspector? - Confusing me. 735 00:52:46,920 --> 00:52:49,354 Just when I think I'm getting a grip on a case. 736 00:52:53,160 --> 00:52:55,116 Tell to me, Chief Inspector 737 00:52:57,320 --> 00:53:00,073 what is your grip? - You've got to be logical, Poirot. 738 00:53:01,080 --> 00:53:02,479 Oui, bien s?. 739 00:53:02,560 --> 00:53:04,869 All right. Now, what have we got? 740 00:53:04,960 --> 00:53:09,670 The last person to see Roger Ackroyd alive was Dr Sheppard, who left him at nine o'clock. 741 00:53:09,760 --> 00:53:12,638 No. You forget Mademoiselle Flora Ackroyd, 742 00:53:12,720 --> 00:53:15,518 who went in to say good night to him at ten minutes after ten. 743 00:53:16,560 --> 00:53:17,834 Oh. 744 00:53:17,920 --> 00:53:19,876 Do not disquiet yourself, Chief Inspector. 745 00:53:19,960 --> 00:53:22,190 I do not believe her. Please, to continue. 746 00:53:23,040 --> 00:53:24,473 Oh. But why would she... 747 00:53:27,280 --> 00:53:31,671 Anyway, then Raymond heard Ackroyd talking to somebody at half past nine. 748 00:53:31,760 --> 00:53:35,070 Ralph Paton disappeared from his lodgings on the night of the murder, 749 00:53:35,160 --> 00:53:37,116 and nobody's seen him since. 750 00:53:38,280 --> 00:53:41,909 The person Ackroyd was talking to was asking for money. 751 00:53:42,000 --> 00:53:44,833 Ralph Paton was always in financial trouble, 752 00:53:44,920 --> 00:53:47,593 and he's the chief beneficiary of the victim's will. 753 00:53:47,680 --> 00:53:49,989 Ralph Paton had a row with the victim, 754 00:53:50,080 --> 00:53:52,719 Ralph Paton's footprints are all over the window sill. 755 00:53:52,800 --> 00:53:54,995 So, who is the murderer, do you think, Chief Inspector? 756 00:53:55,080 --> 00:53:58,993 Very amusing, Poirot. If Paton were innocent, he'd come forward. 757 00:53:59,080 --> 00:54:01,150 Mais oui. That is a theory. 758 00:54:01,240 --> 00:54:03,754 Certainly you have the little grey cells, of a kind. 759 00:54:03,840 --> 00:54:05,796 But it leaves unaccounted a great deal. 760 00:54:05,880 --> 00:54:08,110 - What, for instance? - The chair that was moved. 761 00:54:08,200 --> 00:54:09,997 Oh, not the chair again. 762 00:54:10,080 --> 00:54:12,036 It was pulled out, it was pushed back. 763 00:54:12,120 --> 00:54:15,749 Perhaps the murderer was afraid that Monsieur Parker would realise of its significance. 764 00:54:15,840 --> 00:54:19,037 - I'm trying to deal in facts here, Poirot. - But the chair is a fact, mon ami! 765 00:54:20,720 --> 00:54:24,030 As are the telephone call, the wedding ring, the ?0 missing 766 00:54:24,120 --> 00:54:25,872 and the murder of Monsieur Parker. 767 00:54:25,960 --> 00:54:27,313 Why, Hercule! 768 00:54:28,520 --> 00:54:30,556 Madame Sheppard. 769 00:54:30,640 --> 00:54:33,200 Isn't it terrible about poor Parker? 770 00:54:34,600 --> 00:54:37,637 - Won't you introduce me to your friend? - Yes, of course, madame. 771 00:54:37,720 --> 00:54:42,111 The sister of Dr Sheppard - Chief Inspector Japp of Scotland Yard. 772 00:54:42,200 --> 00:54:44,395 I thought it must be. How exciting. 773 00:54:44,480 --> 00:54:45,833 How d'you do. 774 00:54:45,920 --> 00:54:51,153 Mind you, I don't think that Roger Ackroyd ever knew about Parker's drinking. 775 00:54:51,240 --> 00:54:53,834 Something for you two sleuths to think about, eh? 776 00:54:55,920 --> 00:54:58,275 - Excuse me. - Madame. 777 00:54:58,360 --> 00:55:00,032 Bye. 778 00:55:01,080 --> 00:55:02,274 Blimey! 779 00:55:03,600 --> 00:55:06,990 Decidedly, it is time for Poirot to act. 780 00:55:10,960 --> 00:55:12,916 Merci. 781 00:55:14,800 --> 00:55:17,439 Mademoiselle Ursula, rest here, if you please. 782 00:55:21,480 --> 00:55:25,598 - Doctor, asseyez-vous la. - Thank you. 783 00:55:31,040 --> 00:55:35,875 To begin with, I make a special plea to you, mademoiselle. 784 00:55:35,960 --> 00:55:38,315 - To me? - Oui. 785 00:55:40,080 --> 00:55:42,833 If you know the whereabouts of Monsieur Ralph Paton, 786 00:55:42,920 --> 00:55:46,276 I beg of you most earnestly to persuade him to come forward. 787 00:55:46,360 --> 00:55:50,797 Monsieur Poirot, I swear solemnly to you, I have no idea where Ralph is. 788 00:55:51,960 --> 00:55:55,350 I have neither seen him nor heard of him on the day of the murder or since. 789 00:55:58,920 --> 00:56:00,069 Bien! 790 00:56:00,692 --> 00:56:01,752 That is that! 791 00:56:03,435 --> 00:56:05,404 Now, you others, 792 00:56:05,439 --> 00:56:08,875 all of you were friends and intimates of Monsieur Ralph Paton. 793 00:56:08,910 --> 00:56:12,311 If you know where the missing man he is hiding, speak out! 794 00:56:14,040 --> 00:56:16,918 I beg of you, speak out. 795 00:56:18,320 --> 00:56:20,491 Messieurs et mesdames, I mean to arrive at the truth. 796 00:56:20,526 --> 00:56:23,071 I mean to know, and I shall know 797 00:56:24,120 --> 00:56:26,076 in spite of you all. 798 00:56:50,680 --> 00:56:52,636 Thank you. 799 00:57:03,480 --> 00:57:06,074 - Mr? - Poirot, Madame Folliott. 800 00:57:06,160 --> 00:57:08,116 Hercule Poirot. 801 00:57:08,200 --> 00:57:11,510 A thousand apologies for calling on you like this. 802 00:57:11,600 --> 00:57:12,794 Not at all. 803 00:57:12,880 --> 00:57:17,192 I have seen the references that you provided for a former parlour maid of yours, 804 00:57:17,280 --> 00:57:19,475 a Mademoiselle Ursula Bourne. 805 00:57:19,560 --> 00:57:20,754 Yes? 806 00:57:20,840 --> 00:57:24,913 And it was just over a year ago since she left you, I understand. 807 00:57:25,000 --> 00:57:27,275 Yes. Yes, it was. 808 00:57:27,360 --> 00:57:28,873 That's quite right. 809 00:57:28,960 --> 00:57:30,393 Mm. 810 00:57:30,480 --> 00:57:34,268 I was wondering if there was anything more you can tell me about her. 811 00:57:34,360 --> 00:57:37,750 For example, she comes from where? Her family... 812 00:57:37,840 --> 00:57:39,193 I don't know at all. 813 00:57:42,400 --> 00:57:43,833 I see. 814 00:57:43,920 --> 00:57:47,629 Then who was her employer before she came to you? 815 00:57:47,720 --> 00:57:49,438 I really don't remember. 816 00:57:52,240 --> 00:57:54,310 Is it necessary to ask all these questions? 817 00:57:54,400 --> 00:57:57,233 Oh, no, no. Not at all, madame. Pardon. 818 00:57:58,560 --> 00:58:01,120 I did not think you would object to answering. 819 00:58:05,520 --> 00:58:07,476 Taxi! 820 00:58:10,280 --> 00:58:13,477 - The News Chronicle in Fleet Street, s'il vous pla?. - Yes, sir. 821 00:59:05,880 --> 00:59:08,633 All right, all right, you can put your watch away. 822 00:59:08,720 --> 00:59:10,676 You know how lateness distresses me. 823 00:59:10,760 --> 00:59:13,797 - Mr Hammond. - Good day to you, Chief Inspector. 824 00:59:13,880 --> 00:59:18,271 This is indeed a treat. So much choice. I'm staggered. 825 00:59:19,800 --> 00:59:22,553 What did you discover at the apartment of Monsieur Paton? 826 00:59:22,640 --> 00:59:25,837 Absolutely nothing. A bed, a table, a chair. 827 00:59:25,920 --> 00:59:28,150 Nobody's been there for a week. 828 00:59:29,640 --> 00:59:31,358 Did you get the list of nursing homes? 829 00:59:36,880 --> 00:59:38,836 Merci. 830 00:59:41,080 --> 00:59:45,676 There's nothing I can eat here, Poirot. It's all macaroni this, ravioli that. 831 00:59:46,720 --> 00:59:48,312 Haven't they got any meat? 832 00:59:48,400 --> 00:59:50,994 Spaghetti Bolognese has meat. 833 00:59:51,080 --> 00:59:53,036 I don't like spaghetti. 834 00:59:55,560 --> 00:59:57,391 Now, Mr Hammond. We need your help. 835 00:59:57,480 --> 01:00:00,358 As well as acting for Mr Roger Ackroyd, 836 01:00:00,440 --> 01:00:03,432 you were also Mrs Dorothy Ferrars' solicitor, we understand? 837 01:00:03,520 --> 01:00:06,876 That is correct. All her affairs passed through our hands. 838 01:00:06,960 --> 01:00:08,393 You see, Monsieur Hammond, 839 01:00:08,480 --> 01:00:11,870 Monsieur Ackroyd believed that Madame Ferrars was being blackmailed. 840 01:00:11,960 --> 01:00:16,909 And it is possible that this blackmail and the murder of Roger Ackroyd are connected. 841 01:00:17,000 --> 01:00:19,753 Blackmail, eh? 842 01:00:19,840 --> 01:00:21,876 - You are surprised? - No. 843 01:00:21,960 --> 01:00:24,793 No, it explains a great many things. 844 01:00:24,880 --> 01:00:29,032 During the past year, Mrs Ferrars sold certain securities. 845 01:00:29,120 --> 01:00:32,954 But the money was paid into her account, and not reinvested. 846 01:00:33,040 --> 01:00:36,715 I've always imagined that the money was being paid to some woman 847 01:00:36,800 --> 01:00:39,030 who had a claim on the late Mr Ferrars. 848 01:00:39,120 --> 01:00:40,951 What was the amount of this selling? 849 01:00:41,040 --> 01:00:47,275 In all, I should say the sums involved totalled at least ?0,000. 850 01:00:47,360 --> 01:00:52,195 ?0,000? I could retire tomorrow and go and live in the south of France. 851 01:00:52,280 --> 01:00:55,352 No. You would not approve of the food, Chief Inspector. 852 01:00:55,440 --> 01:00:59,672 None of our marry band of suspects shows any sign of having come into that kind of money. 853 01:01:00,720 --> 01:01:04,235 Look, Poirot. There's your old flat. Who lives there now? 854 01:01:04,320 --> 01:01:06,754 No person. It is still mine. 855 01:01:06,840 --> 01:01:09,513 No! I didn't know that. 856 01:01:09,600 --> 01:01:11,716 Well, let's go and have a look round. 857 01:01:11,800 --> 01:01:14,872 Non. In any case, I do not have my keys. 858 01:01:15,960 --> 01:01:19,873 Yes, you do. I wondered why you wanted to walk this way. 859 01:01:19,960 --> 01:01:21,109 Come on. 860 01:01:42,360 --> 01:01:44,316 Home, sweet home, eh, Poirot? 861 01:01:45,200 --> 01:01:47,111 Oui. 862 01:01:47,200 --> 01:01:49,156 But it is full of ghosts. 863 01:01:49,240 --> 01:01:51,196 Lively ones, too, some of 'em. 864 01:02:02,160 --> 01:02:04,833 You know, Chief Inspector, this visit to London? 865 01:02:06,240 --> 01:02:08,196 It disturbs me. 866 01:02:15,640 --> 01:02:17,596 And this 867 01:02:21,840 --> 01:02:23,193 even worse. 868 01:02:25,400 --> 01:02:28,551 You were never meant to be a country bumpkin, Poirot. 869 01:02:28,640 --> 01:02:31,200 Chief Inspector, you must not say such things! 870 01:02:32,400 --> 01:02:34,516 The life in the country, it is good for me. 871 01:02:35,560 --> 01:02:37,471 I have the fresh air, I have my garden 872 01:02:39,600 --> 01:02:40,749 the quiet. 873 01:02:40,840 --> 01:02:42,796 You should never have retired. 874 01:02:42,880 --> 01:02:44,916 I said so at the time, if you remember. 875 01:02:45,000 --> 01:02:48,470 One cannot postpone the inevitable forever, Chief Inspector. 876 01:02:49,520 --> 01:02:52,717 And this case, it is full of postponements. 877 01:02:52,800 --> 01:02:55,189 - Is it? - Ah, oui. Bien s?. 878 01:02:55,280 --> 01:02:59,637 Monsieur Roger Ackroyd and Madame Ferrars postponed the announcement of their betrothal, 879 01:02:59,720 --> 01:03:02,188 Monsieur Ralph Paton and Mademoiselle Flora the same. 880 01:03:02,280 --> 01:03:05,875 - I don't see where that gets us. - Non. Moi aussi. 881 01:03:07,920 --> 01:03:10,832 But one must permit oneself to muse. 882 01:03:19,520 --> 01:03:22,432 "From R, March 13th." 883 01:03:27,400 --> 01:03:30,949 Perhaps Monsieur Roger Ackroyd and Madame Ferrars married in secret. 884 01:03:31,040 --> 01:03:32,996 Why would they do that? 885 01:03:33,080 --> 01:03:36,117 Or Ralph Paton and Mademoiselle Flora, the same. 886 01:03:36,200 --> 01:03:39,749 Well, that's more likely. But why keep it secret? 887 01:03:40,760 --> 01:03:43,399 Who else do we know with the initial R? 888 01:03:45,480 --> 01:03:49,075 - What about Mr Raymond? - Monsieur Raymond? Non. 889 01:03:51,440 --> 01:03:54,796 Monsieur Raymond is not the marrying kind, Chief Inspector. 890 01:03:54,880 --> 01:03:59,237 No. You see, we do keep coming back to Ralph Paton. 891 01:04:00,600 --> 01:04:03,319 Of course, the ring might have nothing to do with the case. 892 01:04:03,400 --> 01:04:06,278 But I can't understand why he doesn't come forward. 893 01:04:06,360 --> 01:04:13,038 Has it not occurred to you, Chief Inspector, that Monsieur Ralph Paton he could be dead? 894 01:04:13,120 --> 01:04:15,873 Dead? No. 895 01:04:17,160 --> 01:04:20,197 I hope not, for Flora Ackroyd's sake, if nothing else. 896 01:04:22,240 --> 01:04:27,030 What did you mean when you said you didn't believe she'd seen her uncle at ten past ten? 897 01:04:30,120 --> 01:04:33,396 Allons-y, Chief Inspector. We must catch the train. 898 01:04:37,960 --> 01:04:41,714 I have also the need to escape from these ghosts. 899 01:04:47,440 --> 01:04:50,876 By now, the cracks were beginning to appear. 900 01:04:50,960 --> 01:04:53,190 There are, I am ashamed to say, 901 01:04:53,280 --> 01:04:57,239 certain darknesses of the heart of which even I was not aware. 902 01:04:57,320 --> 01:05:00,676 Who would have thought Miss Goody-Two-Shoes Flora Ackroyd 903 01:05:00,760 --> 01:05:03,593 capable of such naughtiness? 904 01:05:03,680 --> 01:05:07,753 Monsieur Poirot has made a certain suggestion to me, Miss Ackroyd. 905 01:05:07,840 --> 01:05:11,435 He suggests that you weren't in the study at all last Friday night, 906 01:05:11,520 --> 01:05:14,353 and that you didn't see Mr Ackroyd to say good night to. 907 01:05:14,440 --> 01:05:16,510 Parker saw me there. 908 01:05:16,600 --> 01:05:19,717 No, mademoiselle. Monsieur Parker said that he saw you coming out. 909 01:05:24,280 --> 01:05:27,829 You have no idea what my life has been like since we came here. 910 01:05:30,480 --> 01:05:34,758 Wanting things, scheming for them, lying and cheating. 911 01:05:36,240 --> 01:05:40,791 Running up bills and promising to pay - I hate myself when I think of it all. 912 01:05:41,880 --> 01:05:44,952 That's what brought us together, Ralph and I. 913 01:05:45,040 --> 01:05:47,315 I understood him because I'm the same underneath. 914 01:05:47,400 --> 01:05:50,233 We're not strong enough to stand alone, either of us. 915 01:05:54,120 --> 01:05:55,473 All right. 916 01:05:55,560 --> 01:05:58,233 I wasn't coming out of the study. 917 01:06:00,720 --> 01:06:02,676 I was in my uncle's room. 918 01:06:02,760 --> 01:06:05,228 I knew he always kept some cash in that drawer. 919 01:06:08,920 --> 01:06:11,115 I was on the stairs 920 01:06:12,160 --> 01:06:14,196 coming down from Uncle Roger's bedroom 921 01:06:15,840 --> 01:06:18,070 when I heard Parker crossing the hall. 922 01:06:18,160 --> 01:06:21,391 So I pretended that I was leaving the study. 923 01:06:21,480 --> 01:06:24,870 Parker. Mr Ackroyd says he doesn't want to be disturbed. 924 01:06:24,960 --> 01:06:27,758 Oh. Very well, Miss Flora. 925 01:06:33,280 --> 01:06:36,511 - Mademoiselle - I took it, all right? ?0! 926 01:06:36,600 --> 01:06:39,512 I'm a common, vulgar little thief! Now you know! 927 01:06:47,040 --> 01:06:49,759 Rule number one in Kings Abbott - 928 01:06:49,840 --> 01:06:52,229 never believe what anyone tells you. 929 01:06:53,280 --> 01:06:56,192 So what could the sleuths do but start again? 930 01:06:56,280 --> 01:06:59,477 Back they went to Dorothy Ferrars' house 931 01:06:59,560 --> 01:07:03,159 for another rummage through her sad existence. 932 01:07:03,194 --> 01:07:06,759 She really was the cause of all this fuss. 933 01:07:06,760 --> 01:07:10,309 Madame Ferrars had been your patient for many years, James. 934 01:07:11,120 --> 01:07:13,475 Had she seemed to you recently distressed? 935 01:07:13,560 --> 01:07:19,032 She was a very sensitive person, you know. Not many people understood her. 936 01:07:22,240 --> 01:07:25,198 But er you did. 937 01:07:25,280 --> 01:07:28,955 She confided in me to a limited extent. 938 01:07:29,040 --> 01:07:30,996 Excuse me. 939 01:07:38,640 --> 01:07:41,108 Madame Ferrars, she wrote many letters? 940 01:07:41,200 --> 01:07:43,475 No, I don't think so. 941 01:07:43,560 --> 01:07:46,393 - Her only relatives were in New Zealand. - Oh. 942 01:08:15,760 --> 01:08:17,716 Bonjour, madame. 943 01:08:20,920 --> 01:08:22,433 Have you seen this? 944 01:08:22,520 --> 01:08:24,192 Good morning, Chief Inspector. 945 01:08:24,280 --> 01:08:26,191 What? Oh. Good morning. 946 01:08:26,280 --> 01:08:31,195 Listen. "The police have for some days been anxious to interview Mr Ralph Paton, 947 01:08:31,280 --> 01:08:33,236 the adopted son of Mr Roger Ackroyd, 948 01:08:33,320 --> 01:08:36,710 whose death occurred in suspicious circumstances last Friday. 949 01:08:36,800 --> 01:08:40,039 Mr Paton has now been arrested in Liverpool, 950 01:08:40,040 --> 01:08:42,838 where he was on the point of embarking for America." 951 01:08:42,920 --> 01:08:43,955 Bon. 952 01:08:44,040 --> 01:08:48,079 Bon? It's all rubbish. I've been onto Liverpool. They don't know anything about it. 953 01:08:48,160 --> 01:08:49,639 No, they would not, mon ami. 954 01:08:49,720 --> 01:08:54,271 It was me who persuaded the editor of that estimable newspaper to insert the item. 955 01:09:07,640 --> 01:09:10,154 Well, we'll see if you're right, Poirot. 956 01:09:10,240 --> 01:09:13,835 See if your newspaper article has flushed anybody out of the woodwork. 957 01:09:13,920 --> 01:09:17,196 - Can woodwork be flushed, Chief Inspector? - You know what I mean. 958 01:09:17,280 --> 01:09:20,352 Well, if they can be flushed, then this will have flushed them. 959 01:09:28,760 --> 01:09:30,830 I'm sorry. Have you been waiting ages? 960 01:09:30,920 --> 01:09:32,797 We're at sixes and sevens. 961 01:09:32,880 --> 01:09:36,031 What with Parker not here, 962 01:09:36,120 --> 01:09:38,076 and Ursula not being well. 963 01:09:38,160 --> 01:09:40,116 She is unwell? 964 01:09:40,200 --> 01:09:43,510 I say unwell, but she just won't come out of her room. 965 01:09:43,600 --> 01:09:45,591 You can hear her, crying away. 966 01:09:48,680 --> 01:09:49,715 Merci. 967 01:10:04,640 --> 01:10:05,993 Go away. 968 01:10:06,080 --> 01:10:10,119 - Can we have a word, Miss Bourne? - Go away. I don't want to see you. 969 01:10:14,000 --> 01:10:16,116 Mrs Paton? 970 01:10:16,200 --> 01:10:18,430 It is me, Hercule Poirot. 971 01:10:22,948 --> 01:10:25,315 There's no point in pretending any more, is there? 972 01:10:26,720 --> 01:10:29,154 The paper says Ralph has been arrested. 973 01:10:29,240 --> 01:10:31,708 The truth is what we need, madame. 974 01:10:31,800 --> 01:10:33,392 Ralph didn't do it. 975 01:10:33,480 --> 01:10:38,554 I am inclined to agree with you, but the affair marches badly. 976 01:10:39,760 --> 01:10:42,957 Only the truth can save Monsieur Paton now. 977 01:10:44,240 --> 01:10:48,791 So first, tell to us why you make this masquerade as a parlour maid? 978 01:10:48,880 --> 01:10:50,836 For a living. 979 01:10:51,920 --> 01:10:55,708 My father died two years ago, leaving nothing but debts. 980 01:10:55,800 --> 01:10:57,950 Debts and five daughters. 981 01:10:59,000 --> 01:11:02,595 My eldest sister was already married to a Captain Folliott. 982 01:11:02,680 --> 01:11:05,513 Oui. I met your sister yesterday. 983 01:11:05,600 --> 01:11:07,875 I wasn't going to be a Lady parlour maid. 984 01:11:07,960 --> 01:11:09,916 It was the real thing or nothing. 985 01:11:10,000 --> 01:11:12,389 And my sister would give me a reference. 986 01:11:12,480 --> 01:11:15,597 - So you got a job here. - Yes. 987 01:11:15,680 --> 01:11:18,114 Actually, I quite enjoyed the work. 988 01:11:18,200 --> 01:11:20,236 And I met Ralph. 989 01:11:20,320 --> 01:11:22,675 As soon as we met, we both felt the same. 990 01:11:22,760 --> 01:11:24,910 We wanted to get married. 991 01:11:25,000 --> 01:11:26,956 Oui. 992 01:11:28,040 --> 01:11:31,191 On the 13th of March. 993 01:11:33,920 --> 01:11:35,672 My ring! 994 01:11:37,040 --> 01:11:39,031 I thought I'd lost it for ever. 995 01:11:39,120 --> 01:11:41,953 - How? Where did you - Please to continue, madame. 996 01:11:43,440 --> 01:11:46,318 Well, we um 997 01:11:46,400 --> 01:11:49,836 we got married and then I came back here 998 01:11:49,920 --> 01:11:52,150 and Ralph stayed in London looking for work. 999 01:11:53,200 --> 01:11:58,433 But then he decided that the only way to clear his debts was to ask Mr Ackroyd for help. 1000 01:11:58,520 --> 01:12:00,829 Still without disclosing to him your marriage. 1001 01:12:00,920 --> 01:12:04,356 Yes. Mr Ackroyd was furious. 1002 01:12:04,440 --> 01:12:07,796 But he said he'd help if Ralph married Flora Ackroyd. 1003 01:12:07,880 --> 01:12:09,199 And he agreed? 1004 01:12:09,280 --> 01:12:13,159 Yes. But he did make the stipulation that it shouldn't be announced for a while. 1005 01:12:14,280 --> 01:12:16,236 He didn't want me to hear about it. 1006 01:12:16,320 --> 01:12:17,719 I bet he didn't. 1007 01:12:17,800 --> 01:12:20,712 But then, last Thursday, Mr Ackroyd got impatient 1008 01:12:20,800 --> 01:12:23,951 and said the engagement had to be announced that weekend. 1009 01:12:25,040 --> 01:12:28,032 So Ralph had to tell me the mess he was in. 1010 01:12:28,120 --> 01:12:30,395 It's on the cards he'll cut me off with a shilling. 1011 01:12:30,480 --> 01:12:34,109 I said I would see Mr Ackroyd and tell him we were married. 1012 01:12:34,200 --> 01:12:37,590 Ralph begged me not to, but what else was I to do? 1013 01:12:39,480 --> 01:12:42,233 I was so furious with Ralph 1014 01:12:42,320 --> 01:12:44,834 that on my way home, I threw away my wedding ring. 1015 01:12:44,920 --> 01:12:48,151 I regretted it almost as soon as I'd done it, but 1016 01:12:49,240 --> 01:12:54,758 I thought Mr Ackroyd might be sympathetic, but he was awful. 1017 01:12:54,840 --> 01:12:57,673 He said I'd tried to trap Ralph for his money. 1018 01:12:57,760 --> 01:12:59,478 Already married? 1019 01:12:59,560 --> 01:13:03,553 Anyway, I'd agreed to meet Ralph in the summer house 1020 01:13:03,640 --> 01:13:05,232 to tell him how it had gone. 1021 01:13:06,280 --> 01:13:09,078 I met him at 9.30 and that was awful. 1022 01:13:09,160 --> 01:13:12,994 - You've ruined everything! - I have every right. I'm your wife! 1023 01:13:15,360 --> 01:13:19,069 You also tore your apron. 1024 01:13:19,160 --> 01:13:21,310 I wondered where I'd done that. 1025 01:13:23,160 --> 01:13:28,109 Anyway, I I haven't heard or seen of Ralph since. 1026 01:13:29,640 --> 01:13:32,279 And then I heard that Mr Ackroyd had been murdered. 1027 01:13:34,160 --> 01:13:35,673 Oui. 1028 01:13:36,840 --> 01:13:42,358 Tell us, Madame Paton, what hour was it that you parted from your husband in the summerhouse? 1029 01:13:43,520 --> 01:13:45,875 I've gone over that again and again. 1030 01:13:45,960 --> 01:13:49,794 I was with Ralph for 10 minutes? Not longer. 1031 01:13:50,617 --> 01:13:54,078 It was just quarter to ten when I got back to the house. 1032 01:13:59,240 --> 01:14:01,117 Ah, there you are, Monsieur Poirot. 1033 01:14:01,200 --> 01:14:04,272 I was just trying to find you. There's a phone call for you. 1034 01:14:04,360 --> 01:14:06,316 - For me? - Yes. 1035 01:14:13,360 --> 01:14:15,316 Poirot. 1036 01:14:31,360 --> 01:14:33,316 Ah. 1037 01:14:33,400 --> 01:14:35,356 Mr Smith. 1038 01:14:36,720 --> 01:14:38,676 I thought that I would find you here. 1039 01:14:45,120 --> 01:14:47,509 So now will come the biggest test. 1040 01:14:47,600 --> 01:14:50,068 We have all been summoned to a pow-wow. 1041 01:14:50,160 --> 01:14:52,958 But I am sure the police are still in the dark. 1042 01:14:53,040 --> 01:14:57,272 If we all hold our nerve, they won't get any more secrets out of us. 1043 01:14:57,360 --> 01:15:00,432 But there is always a weak link, isn't there? 1044 01:15:00,520 --> 01:15:03,637 No, no, no, no, no, no, Caroline! 1045 01:15:03,720 --> 01:15:06,473 I won't pander to your mere inquisitiveness. 1046 01:15:06,560 --> 01:15:08,835 Oh, come on, James. Don't be a meanie. 1047 01:15:08,920 --> 01:15:13,198 No, Caroline! Poirot said just those people he named. 1048 01:15:13,280 --> 01:15:16,033 Well, I'll just drive you up there. That's all. 1049 01:15:16,120 --> 01:15:18,429 Hercule won't mind. I don't have to come in. 1050 01:15:40,320 --> 01:15:43,835 Well! I don't see why we have to be at his beck and call. 1051 01:16:03,760 --> 01:16:07,435 Ah, Chief Inspector. You are so kind. Please to place it here. 1052 01:16:09,240 --> 01:16:11,151 No, no, no, no. 1053 01:16:11,240 --> 01:16:13,515 Voila. Observe. 1054 01:16:14,640 --> 01:16:18,076 Ah, come in, please. All of you. It is so good of you to come. 1055 01:16:18,160 --> 01:16:21,869 Please, entrez, entrez. Make yourselves comfortable. 1056 01:16:21,960 --> 01:16:24,394 Monsieur Raymond, if you please, to remain. 1057 01:16:24,480 --> 01:16:25,833 - Oh. Me, too? - Oui. 1058 01:16:25,920 --> 01:16:29,435 What's the great idea? Some scientific machine? 1059 01:16:29,520 --> 01:16:32,876 Do we have electrodes on our knees to register guilty knocking? 1060 01:16:32,960 --> 01:16:36,953 No, Monsieur Raymond. I am old-fashioned. I work only with my little grey cells. 1061 01:16:37,040 --> 01:16:38,996 Please to sit. 1062 01:16:39,080 --> 01:16:43,278 Ah, my dear, good Dr James. Welcome to you. Please, do sit. 1063 01:16:48,040 --> 01:16:51,874 - You know, of course, Chief Inspector Japp. - Good evening. 1064 01:16:51,960 --> 01:16:53,712 Bon. So 1065 01:16:53,800 --> 01:16:55,791 now let us begin. 1066 01:16:55,880 --> 01:16:58,713 But first, I have an announcement to make. 1067 01:17:00,280 --> 01:17:02,589 This young lady, 1068 01:17:02,680 --> 01:17:04,716 Mademoiselle Ursula Bourne, 1069 01:17:04,800 --> 01:17:08,839 is in reality Madame Ralph Paton. 1070 01:17:08,920 --> 01:17:12,833 Oh, yes. She married Ralph Paton last March. 1071 01:17:12,920 --> 01:17:16,515 Ralph? Married? 1072 01:17:17,600 --> 01:17:20,990 - How could he be? - Oh, shut up, Mother! 1073 01:17:24,600 --> 01:17:27,160 You and Ralph kept your secret very well. 1074 01:17:29,840 --> 01:17:31,796 I'm very glad for you. 1075 01:17:33,840 --> 01:17:35,637 Well, that's very kind. 1076 01:17:35,720 --> 01:17:38,553 Ralph behaved so badly, especially to you. 1077 01:17:39,800 --> 01:17:42,155 He was in a corner and took the only way out. 1078 01:17:43,040 --> 01:17:45,838 I'd have probably done the same myself, in his place. 1079 01:18:05,320 --> 01:18:10,678 Each person here had both the motive and opportunity to kill Monsieur Roger Ackroyd 1080 01:18:10,760 --> 01:18:13,752 and, because he knew too much, Monsieur Parker. 1081 01:18:15,480 --> 01:18:21,350 Madame Ralph Paton might well have hoped to clarify her own situation 1082 01:18:22,400 --> 01:18:27,633 if the uncle of Mademoiselle Flora did not exert pressure on her to marry Ralph Paton. 1083 01:18:28,680 --> 01:18:33,037 Monsieur Raymond resented the unwillingness of Monsieur Roger Ackroyd 1084 01:18:33,120 --> 01:18:35,429 to grant him more authority in the factory. 1085 01:18:35,520 --> 01:18:39,274 And, of course, Madame Ackroyd and Mademoiselle Flora 1086 01:18:39,360 --> 01:18:41,920 both hoped to profit from the will of Monsieur Ackroyd. 1087 01:18:44,480 --> 01:18:46,436 I don't like this. 1088 01:18:46,520 --> 01:18:48,476 I'd much prefer to go home. 1089 01:18:48,560 --> 01:18:52,075 You cannot, madame, until you have heard what Poirot has to say. 1090 01:18:52,160 --> 01:18:54,116 Please to sit. 1091 01:18:57,800 --> 01:18:59,756 Merci, madame. 1092 01:19:01,040 --> 01:19:04,715 The problem has always been one of time. 1093 01:19:05,960 --> 01:19:09,430 We know that Monsieur Roger Ackroyd was alive at half past nine, 1094 01:19:09,520 --> 01:19:12,671 because that was when Monsieur Raymond overheard him talking. 1095 01:19:12,760 --> 01:19:15,274 But with whom was he talking? 1096 01:19:16,600 --> 01:19:19,114 Certainly, it was not Monsieur Ralph Paton, 1097 01:19:19,200 --> 01:19:23,113 whom we know was at the time in the summer house with his wife. 1098 01:19:23,200 --> 01:19:25,634 So, with whom? 1099 01:19:25,720 --> 01:19:29,474 From the very beginning of this case, I have been troubled by one thing 1100 01:19:29,560 --> 01:19:33,394 the nature of those words spoken by Monsieur Roger Ackroyd, 1101 01:19:33,480 --> 01:19:35,232 overheard by Monsieur Raymond. 1102 01:19:35,320 --> 01:19:38,949 "The calls on my purse have been so frequent of late 1103 01:19:40,320 --> 01:19:45,599 that it is impossible for me to accede to your request." 1104 01:19:47,680 --> 01:19:51,070 Eh bien. Does nothing odd strike you about that? 1105 01:19:51,160 --> 01:19:54,152 It sounds more as if he's dictating a letter. 1106 01:19:54,240 --> 01:19:56,276 Exactement. 1107 01:19:57,360 --> 01:19:59,510 A Dictaphone. Is that what you think? 1108 01:19:59,600 --> 01:20:02,273 But it doesn't change anything. 1109 01:20:02,360 --> 01:20:04,715 Mr Ackroyd was alive at 9.30, 1110 01:20:04,800 --> 01:20:06,791 since he was speaking into his Dictaphone. 1111 01:20:19,080 --> 01:20:21,753 But always we come back to Monsieur Ralph Paton. 1112 01:20:23,720 --> 01:20:25,278 As I have said, 1113 01:20:25,360 --> 01:20:29,751 we know that he was in the summer house with Madame Paton. 1114 01:20:29,840 --> 01:20:32,752 But then suddenly, pouf! He disappears. 1115 01:20:33,760 --> 01:20:38,311 Where? He has fled the country, perhaps? 1116 01:20:38,400 --> 01:20:43,838 Or perhaps he has become the third victim of our murderer. 1117 01:20:43,920 --> 01:20:45,035 No! 1118 01:20:45,120 --> 01:20:50,354 Or perhaps someone is helping him to conceal himself from the police. 1119 01:20:50,389 --> 01:20:52,956 But who and where? 1120 01:20:53,040 --> 01:20:55,952 A hotel? Non. 1121 01:20:56,040 --> 01:20:57,712 Far too public. 1122 01:20:57,800 --> 01:21:00,917 A boarding house? No, no. The same. 1123 01:21:01,000 --> 01:21:02,956 I have it. 1124 01:21:03,840 --> 01:21:06,035 The private nursing home. 1125 01:21:06,120 --> 01:21:09,510 Chief Inspector Japp made enquiries 1126 01:21:09,600 --> 01:21:13,752 and discovered that there were in the area two nursing homes. 1127 01:21:13,840 --> 01:21:18,118 And at one of them, there had been admitted early on Saturday morning a certain 1128 01:21:19,240 --> 01:21:20,832 Mr Smith. 1129 01:21:20,920 --> 01:21:22,876 But Ralph would never run away! 1130 01:21:24,200 --> 01:21:28,318 We can ask Mr Smith himself. 1131 01:21:32,640 --> 01:21:33,868 Oh, Ralph! 1132 01:21:37,240 --> 01:21:39,196 But I ask myself, 1133 01:21:39,280 --> 01:21:43,671 I wonder who it is who gave authority to the nursing home 1134 01:21:43,760 --> 01:21:47,116 for the admission of Monsieur Ralph Paton? 1135 01:21:49,440 --> 01:21:51,431 All right, Poirot. 1136 01:21:51,520 --> 01:21:54,557 Mea culpa. 1137 01:21:54,640 --> 01:21:58,349 As soon as I heard that Ralph was back in Kings Abbott, 1138 01:21:58,440 --> 01:22:01,477 and staying at the White Hart, I knew something must be wrong. 1139 01:22:01,560 --> 01:22:04,074 I went to see him that afternoon. 1140 01:22:04,160 --> 01:22:08,278 Eventually, he told me about his marriage and the hole he was in. 1141 01:22:08,360 --> 01:22:11,830 There didn't seem to be anything I could do to help at the time, 1142 01:22:11,920 --> 01:22:14,832 but that night, when the murder was discovered, 1143 01:22:14,920 --> 01:22:18,196 I knew that suspicion would fall on him. 1144 01:22:18,280 --> 01:22:20,475 Or, if not on him, on the girl he loved. 1145 01:22:21,480 --> 01:22:27,157 And the thought of his possibly having to give evidence that might incriminate his wife 1146 01:22:27,240 --> 01:22:31,028 My dear James, have I not told to you 36 times, 1147 01:22:31,120 --> 01:22:34,749 it is impossible to conceal anything from Hercule Poirot? 1148 01:22:54,040 --> 01:22:57,635 I know precisely who murdered Monsieur Roger Ackroyd and Monsieur Parker 1149 01:22:57,720 --> 01:22:59,676 and how it was done. 1150 01:23:01,120 --> 01:23:03,076 And this 1151 01:23:04,160 --> 01:23:06,355 tells to me all. 1152 01:23:07,280 --> 01:23:09,111 What is it? 1153 01:23:10,160 --> 01:23:12,515 It is a wireless message from a steamer 1154 01:23:12,600 --> 01:23:14,955 on her way to the United States. 1155 01:23:16,920 --> 01:23:21,436 And tomorrow, the good Chief Inspector Japp 1156 01:23:22,840 --> 01:23:25,195 will make his arrest. 1157 01:23:35,480 --> 01:23:36,879 What a ridiculous exercise! 1158 01:23:36,960 --> 01:23:41,158 I have never seen anything more pointless in my entire life! 1159 01:23:41,240 --> 01:23:43,196 That wretched little man! Really! 1160 01:24:16,560 --> 01:24:17,913 Now, look here, Poirot. 1161 01:24:18,000 --> 01:24:20,116 If you really know who committed this murder... 1162 01:24:20,200 --> 01:24:22,430 Both of the murders, Chief Inspector. 1163 01:24:24,240 --> 01:24:25,593 Yes, I do. 1164 01:24:36,600 --> 01:24:39,717 - Well, who is it? - Can you tell us? 1165 01:24:42,480 --> 01:24:45,074 Poirot shall not make things easy for you. 1166 01:24:45,160 --> 01:24:48,579 You, Chief Inspector, with your career of detection both long and distinguished, 1167 01:24:48,614 --> 01:24:51,839 you have your theories, I know. And you, my dear James, 1168 01:24:51,920 --> 01:24:55,276 you have been involved in the case from the beginning, n'est-ce pas? 1169 01:24:55,360 --> 01:24:57,999 You know intimately all of the people involved, 1170 01:24:58,080 --> 01:24:59,991 as only the good country doctor can. 1171 01:25:00,080 --> 01:25:03,834 But, before I reveal my secret, 1172 01:25:03,920 --> 01:25:07,515 you must both expound your theories to me. 1173 01:25:08,760 --> 01:25:12,464 And let us commence with you, James. 1174 01:25:12,499 --> 01:25:14,718 Me? Oh, no. 1175 01:25:15,680 --> 01:25:19,070 I can't show myself up in front of the professionals. 1176 01:25:21,920 --> 01:25:25,515 I got so fed up with waiting in the car. Are you going to be much longer, James? 1177 01:25:25,600 --> 01:25:29,948 - No, no. Maybe I ought to call it a day. - No, my dear James. 1178 01:25:29,983 --> 01:25:33,910 Madame, your brother was just going to tell us his theories about the murderer. 1179 01:25:34,000 --> 01:25:36,468 Please to come and sit. 1180 01:25:37,920 --> 01:25:39,876 Yes. 1181 01:25:41,920 --> 01:25:43,876 Yes, of course. 1182 01:25:45,040 --> 01:25:50,034 Merci. So, James, tell us, what sort of man or woman are we looking for? 1183 01:25:50,120 --> 01:25:53,590 Woman? I hardly think it could be a woman. 1184 01:25:54,720 --> 01:25:58,918 And this man, was he also, do you think, the blackmailer? 1185 01:26:00,360 --> 01:26:06,549 Oh, I think he probably had some sort of financial arrangement with Mrs Ferrars, yes. 1186 01:26:07,560 --> 01:26:12,076 Somehow, certainly, he became aware of the true cause of Ashley Ferrars' death. 1187 01:26:12,160 --> 01:26:15,709 He could even be a detective. 1188 01:26:20,760 --> 01:26:25,231 But perhaps, as a doctor, you would have been also situated most ideally, n'est-ce pas? 1189 01:26:25,320 --> 01:26:27,515 Oh, ideally. 1190 01:26:28,680 --> 01:26:31,114 But the important moment in this case 1191 01:26:31,200 --> 01:26:33,873 is not the murder of Ashley Ferrars, 1192 01:26:33,960 --> 01:26:36,315 but the suicide of his widow. 1193 01:26:36,400 --> 01:26:40,154 Her motives remain unclear, but, for whatever reason, 1194 01:26:40,240 --> 01:26:43,676 she decided to end her life. 1195 01:26:43,760 --> 01:26:49,630 Now, this must have placed our murderer in something of a quandary. 1196 01:26:49,720 --> 01:26:55,352 He knew about her rather distasteful affair with Roger Ackroyd. 1197 01:26:55,440 --> 01:26:59,672 His difficulty was in knowing whether, before she died, 1198 01:26:59,760 --> 01:27:03,992 she had confided in him the identity of the man 1199 01:27:04,080 --> 01:27:06,640 with whom she had the financial arrangement. 1200 01:27:06,720 --> 01:27:07,789 The blackmailer. 1201 01:27:07,880 --> 01:27:12,032 This was hardly some common blackmailer, Chief Inspector. 1202 01:27:12,120 --> 01:27:17,911 He probably saw Roger Ackroyd somewhere about this time 1203 01:27:18,000 --> 01:27:22,869 and something in Ackroyd's manner made him wonder. 1204 01:27:22,960 --> 01:27:25,394 And, in that moment, 1205 01:27:25,480 --> 01:27:28,870 he decided he could not take a chance. 1206 01:27:30,000 --> 01:27:33,183 He was certainly capable of constructing some sort of device 1207 01:27:33,218 --> 01:27:37,399 to turn a Dictaphone on and off at any time he chose. 1208 01:27:38,720 --> 01:27:43,999 I don't imagine he'd left the choice of weapon as much to chance as it would appear. 1209 01:27:44,960 --> 01:27:47,918 I believe he had a weapon with him already 1210 01:27:49,000 --> 01:27:51,811 when it occurred to him that the dagger, 1211 01:27:51,846 --> 01:27:56,527 which was actually on display at the scene of the crime, 1212 01:27:56,562 --> 01:28:00,469 would cast the net of suspicion even wider. 1213 01:28:01,680 --> 01:28:03,989 He was all ready to perform the killing, 1214 01:28:04,770 --> 01:28:08,915 when he had confirmation of his deepest fear. 1215 01:28:09,000 --> 01:28:10,831 The evening post, sir. 1216 01:28:10,920 --> 01:28:15,516 Mrs Ferrars had indeed confided in Ackroyd, 1217 01:28:15,600 --> 01:28:20,116 but not in person - she had written him a letter. 1218 01:28:21,160 --> 01:28:27,315 And Ackroyd opened that letter in his presence and started to read it. 1219 01:28:28,200 --> 01:28:31,272 "My dear, my very dear Roger, 1220 01:28:31,360 --> 01:28:34,636 I would not tell you the name this afternoon 1221 01:28:35,680 --> 01:28:38,194 but I propose to write it to you now." 1222 01:28:40,560 --> 01:28:43,518 I'm sorry, but I I must read this on my own. 1223 01:28:44,480 --> 01:28:46,869 At least tell me the name of the man. 1224 01:28:46,960 --> 01:28:49,793 - No, no. I must read it on my own. - Very well. 1225 01:28:58,440 --> 01:29:02,672 And in that letter, Madame Ferrars had named the blackmailer, had she not? 1226 01:29:02,760 --> 01:29:06,435 I've been reading this book I found in the car, James. 1227 01:29:06,520 --> 01:29:08,192 It wasn't blackmail! 1228 01:29:08,280 --> 01:29:10,111 Don't say any more, James. 1229 01:29:10,200 --> 01:29:14,079 Oh, come now, James. The man had bled Madame Ferrars white! 1230 01:29:14,160 --> 01:29:18,915 Dorothy Ferrars was an adulterous, murdering bitch! 1231 01:29:19,000 --> 01:29:21,912 She lorded it over us. 1232 01:29:22,000 --> 01:29:26,073 All the money she had - she never worked for it. Nor did her drunk of a husband before her. 1233 01:29:26,160 --> 01:29:29,072 - They were idle, useless parasites. - Stop it, James. 1234 01:29:29,160 --> 01:29:30,275 No! 1235 01:29:30,360 --> 01:29:32,291 They didn't know what it was like scrimping and saving, 1236 01:29:32,326 --> 01:29:35,072 year after year, never able to afford a holiday, 1237 01:29:35,160 --> 01:29:40,188 on call day and night to every idiot with a bilious attack for miles around. 1238 01:29:41,160 --> 01:29:44,072 You've no right to stand in judgment on me. 1239 01:29:44,160 --> 01:29:46,754 Blackmail, you call it? Blackmail? 1240 01:29:46,840 --> 01:29:50,753 The law wouldn't punish her, would they? So I did. 1241 01:29:58,600 --> 01:30:01,831 Well there you are. 1242 01:30:04,480 --> 01:30:06,436 I've done your work for you. 1243 01:30:12,040 --> 01:30:14,235 Sorry, Caro. 1244 01:30:16,480 --> 01:30:19,517 Killing Ackroyd was easy. 1245 01:30:22,360 --> 01:30:26,399 The knife was sharp and I knew just where to strike. 1246 01:30:33,280 --> 01:30:37,831 And for the rest, I simply had to follow my plan. 1247 01:30:39,360 --> 01:30:44,832 The first thing to do was make sure everyone remembered me leaving the house. 1248 01:30:44,920 --> 01:30:47,480 - I'll just go and say good night to the ladies. - Yes, sir. 1249 01:30:50,320 --> 01:30:54,996 I drove away, but parked the car a little way down the drive. 1250 01:30:56,280 --> 01:31:02,116 Then I had to make it look as if Ralph Paton had entered through the window. 1251 01:31:03,160 --> 01:31:07,039 He was a pathetic, profligate fellow. 1252 01:31:08,160 --> 01:31:11,914 I knew Ackroyd had bought a Dictaphone and had been using it. 1253 01:31:12,960 --> 01:31:18,432 Now I was going to use it, to arrange for Ackroyd to speak from the grave. 1254 01:31:22,320 --> 01:31:26,598 And then, the business of the chair, which so intrigued you all. 1255 01:31:36,360 --> 01:31:41,434 I'd left Ralph Paton's muddy shoe outside when I entered through the window. 1256 01:31:41,520 --> 01:31:43,954 Now, as I made my escape, 1257 01:31:44,040 --> 01:31:47,476 I was able to use it to make a footprint on the sill. 1258 01:31:52,840 --> 01:31:56,719 And then, of course, the Dictaphone did its work. 1259 01:32:00,160 --> 01:32:03,550 "I'm greatly impressed by your persistence and determination, 1260 01:32:03,640 --> 01:32:08,077 however, I regret to say that the calls on my purse have been so frequent of late" 1261 01:32:08,160 --> 01:32:13,234 Which convinces us that Monsieur Roger Ackroyd was alive at 9.30, 1262 01:32:13,320 --> 01:32:16,869 by which time you were safely back at home awaiting 1263 01:32:16,960 --> 01:32:17,915 Hello, Dr Sheppard. 1264 01:32:18,000 --> 01:32:19,956 The telephone call. 1265 01:32:21,000 --> 01:32:23,673 From the patient whom you had persuaded to take part 1266 01:32:23,760 --> 01:32:28,151 in what you had told him was a practical joke. 1267 01:32:29,160 --> 01:32:32,391 Yes. You did well there, Poirot. 1268 01:32:33,480 --> 01:32:35,578 I was quite surprised 1269 01:32:35,613 --> 01:32:38,752 when you showed us your telegram from the ocean liner. 1270 01:32:38,840 --> 01:32:40,796 Well done. 1271 01:32:42,760 --> 01:32:44,716 Thank you. 1272 01:32:45,840 --> 01:32:47,990 I needed the excuse of his phone call 1273 01:32:48,080 --> 01:32:53,074 to ensure that I was the first on the scene when the murder was discovered. 1274 01:32:53,160 --> 01:32:55,530 - Police, sir? - What's the matter with you, Parker? 1275 01:32:55,531 --> 01:32:58,838 - Your master has been murdered. - Murdered, sir? 1276 01:33:01,640 --> 01:33:05,553 No. The fewer people disturb this room, the better. 1277 01:33:07,600 --> 01:33:11,593 I'd carefully calculated the position of the chair 1278 01:33:11,680 --> 01:33:16,276 so that the Dictaphone would be hidden from anyone standing in the doorway. 1279 01:33:17,240 --> 01:33:19,356 Ring the police station, Parker. 1280 01:33:19,440 --> 01:33:23,194 When I'd sent Parker to telephone for the police, 1281 01:33:23,280 --> 01:33:26,670 I had ample time to remove my contrivance 1282 01:33:26,760 --> 01:33:30,878 and put the chair back in its accustomed place. 1283 01:33:35,840 --> 01:33:40,834 Finally, I had to tell Ralph Paton of his uncle's murder, 1284 01:33:40,920 --> 01:33:43,115 persuade him that he was in danger 1285 01:33:43,200 --> 01:33:47,159 and get him to accompany me to the nursing home. 1286 01:33:48,440 --> 01:33:50,271 Why did you kill Parker? 1287 01:33:50,360 --> 01:33:52,316 Parker was too observant. 1288 01:33:53,280 --> 01:33:56,670 He remembered bringing five letters, not four, 1289 01:33:56,760 --> 01:33:59,513 and that one of them was handwritten on dark-blue paper. 1290 01:34:00,600 --> 01:34:02,556 He knew he hadn't moved the chair. 1291 01:34:02,640 --> 01:34:06,189 How long would it be before he realised I had? 1292 01:34:08,320 --> 01:34:11,357 No. I couldn't take that chance. 1293 01:34:12,640 --> 01:34:15,313 James, your journal. 1294 01:34:25,802 --> 01:34:30,194 James Sheppard, I am arresting you for the murder of Roger Ackroyd. 1295 01:34:31,080 --> 01:34:33,275 Of course you are, Chief Inspector. 1296 01:34:34,213 --> 01:34:36,597 James, no. This is foolish! 1297 01:34:36,680 --> 01:34:39,148 Don't move, either of you. 1298 01:35:01,920 --> 01:35:03,751 Are you all right, Chief Inspector? 1299 01:35:05,040 --> 01:35:06,155 Stop! 1300 01:35:07,040 --> 01:35:08,951 Come on, Poirot. 1301 01:35:26,000 --> 01:35:27,718 Japp! 1302 01:35:37,840 --> 01:35:39,193 That's three. 1303 01:36:07,360 --> 01:36:08,793 Get back, Poirot! 1304 01:36:09,760 --> 01:36:10,954 James, no! 1305 01:36:11,040 --> 01:36:12,553 Don't make me, then! 1306 01:36:15,080 --> 01:36:17,594 Plenty of time for heroics when he runs out of ammo. 1307 01:36:21,600 --> 01:36:23,556 That's five. One more to go. 1308 01:36:46,880 --> 01:36:47,835 No! 1309 01:36:47,920 --> 01:36:49,797 James! 1310 01:37:17,632 --> 01:37:20,708 For the sake of the sister of Dr Sheppard, 1311 01:37:20,800 --> 01:37:25,874 the true stories of these murders must, for the moment, remain a secret. 1312 01:37:29,800 --> 01:37:33,236 A last favour, if you will, to a man I once looked on as a friend. 1313 01:37:36,360 --> 01:37:40,638 I thought I could escape the wickedness of the city, by moving to the country. 1314 01:37:42,040 --> 01:37:45,635 The fields that are green, the singing of the birds, 1315 01:37:45,720 --> 01:37:48,712 the faces, smiling and friendly. 1316 01:37:48,800 --> 01:37:50,074 Huh! 1317 01:37:51,000 --> 01:37:52,403 The fields that are green 1318 01:37:52,438 --> 01:37:56,594 are the secret burial places of the victims of murders most hideous. 1319 01:37:56,680 --> 01:38:00,593 The birds sing only briefly before some idiot in tweeds shoots them. 1320 01:38:01,640 --> 01:38:04,598 And the faces all smiling and friendly 1321 01:38:05,800 --> 01:38:07,756 what do they conceal?