Part 2 of 2 of a period crime drama from 1994, based on a true life case. After the death of his wife, Herbert Armstrong feels confident to introduce his mistress to his children. But eldest daughter Eleanor mistrusts him, and he begins to suspect that rival lawyer Oswald Martin in the firm opposite his office suspects him. So he decides that what worked once before can do so again, and soon Oswald begins to feel ill...
Starring Michael Kitchen, David Thewlis, Lesley Sharp, Bernard Hepton, Don Henderson, Chloe Tucker, Diana Quick, Peter Vaughan, Robert Stephens, Roger Lloyd Pack, Lucy Jenkins and Alexandra Milman. This is from a DVD I had of the drama, which was broadcast in February 1994, but one that sticks in the mind. It was a notable role for Michael Kitchen, who for me isn't usually the most exciting actor in the world, but enjoys himself here, and there is humour and some decent support performances from Thewlis, Sharp, Hepton, and in particular Chloe Tucker as Kitchen's doubting daughter. And for those wondering where they may of seen her before, she later appeared in the Midsomer Murders episode "Judgement Day" in 2000.
Starring Michael Kitchen, David Thewlis, Lesley Sharp, Bernard Hepton, Don Henderson, Chloe Tucker, Diana Quick, Peter Vaughan, Robert Stephens, Roger Lloyd Pack, Lucy Jenkins and Alexandra Milman. This is from a DVD I had of the drama, which was broadcast in February 1994, but one that sticks in the mind. It was a notable role for Michael Kitchen, who for me isn't usually the most exciting actor in the world, but enjoys himself here, and there is humour and some decent support performances from Thewlis, Sharp, Hepton, and in particular Chloe Tucker as Kitchen's doubting daughter. And for those wondering where they may of seen her before, she later appeared in the Midsomer Murders episode "Judgement Day" in 2000.
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TVTranscript
00:00You
00:30I
01:00Oh
01:30I'm very well
01:46Kiss for your old father
01:48Oh
01:55Arthur would you look at this?
01:57Do you like it? Oh, I love it. What a welcome
02:01like a king
02:03home from the Crusades
02:19Oh
02:25You've always wanted a pet now you've got one
02:48Oh
03:04Very nice. Oh miss you look a picture
03:09Don't you take it's time you're in bed. Oh, I don't know such a spoil sport
03:15Won't be this in the morning went in as night
03:19I
03:20Let's do as I said
03:31Bring the port, please. Yes
03:38She felt it more than the others Eleanor. Yes, I'm I suppose she did
03:43Somewhat to my surprise
03:45But she and Catherine never did get on I see
03:50Perhaps so that's why she's grieved so much
03:57Thank You Inez anyway you had a good time absolutely capital
04:04You see a new man before you
04:07Put it down to sunshine
04:09Chianti
04:10There's music
04:13the company of
04:15pretty women
04:17You are better not that you don't deserve it. It's been ghastly for you. Yes, I
04:25Pray I can put it all behind me. I'm sure you will Herbert a new life and a happy house
04:45You
05:05Morning major good morning Philips. How are you?
05:09So
05:11Major the only way the matter could be settled was to refer it to probate
05:16Yes, I see. Well, that's a bit of a nuisance. Isn't it?
05:18What else the sale of the very new at the state majors? Yes, I regret to say major that
05:25Come on, spit it out Phillips. It has not yet been completed
05:30Wine blue blade is not mr. Vaughn has been somewhat elusive on the matter major. What does that mean?
05:37He has not replied to any of my letters
05:42Doesn't he
05:44Huh, well, I go see him then. Yes major and I should point out major there are implications
05:53Not to say complications
05:58Position in respect of all accounts at close of business last night. Oh
06:03Good god, this can't be right as I said business has been very slow of late slow must've been stationary
06:11Mr. Williams has been most anxious to know the date of your return major
06:15Yes, I'm very
06:19Welcome home major
06:21Yes
06:22Well, as long as you bought the cow in the previous financial year and actually expired in the present year
06:27Then you can write it off as a tax loss
06:29Stop depreciation. This is what you call it. I see
06:33Maybe I could drop by and see what that yes, of course
06:38Armstrong
06:41Return from your trip then
06:43Apparently, yeah, I'm glad I run into you
06:45You may or may not remember that I'm now acting for the purchases of the Bella new at the state
06:49Well, of course, I remember Martin, but perhaps we can discuss another time. Well, there seems to have been an inordinate delay Armstrong
06:55Yes, well you may have noticed and one or two things on my mind just recently yes, yes, of course you have money break it
07:03Is there any reason why we can't complete my clients pay their deposits some time ago?
07:08Well now I'm back at the helm
07:09I think I can assure you the matter will be dealt with as soon as possible and now if you both
07:13urgent appointment good
07:15Oh
07:20Stop I'm strong
07:29No, thanks just passing through
07:37Like a word a large matter is it I'm afraid not but well, I'm afraid I have to wait right as a brother Harry
07:43Good morning
07:56The sum is not only considerably more than I originally sanctioned
08:00The facility has been extended over a much longer period. I realize this. Yes, it's most unsatisfactory
08:06Armstrong head office are asking questions
08:10The situation is perfectly clear good questions
08:13I have borrowed five thousand pound from you
08:14I have also borrowed six thousand pound from Vaughan up at Valley new and now as soon as the estate is sold and we're about
08:20To complete he will repay his loan to me. I will repay mine to you
08:23I will even be 1,000 pound in the black a situation which I trust will be to everybody's satisfaction. Oh
08:29Possibly even those at head office. I
08:35Get the feeling you're rather enjoying that hmm you've a sweet tooth then hmm me too
08:43But then we're so compatible in so many ways. Aren't we Oswald? Yes
08:50Well custard slices Gilbert and Sullivan, yeah, and no doubt in many other ways yet to be discovered
09:03So, how's old man Griffiths
09:07He came in this morning Oh
09:09Hmm
09:11The last time I think his health
09:14Well, he looked very poorly. I see. So he's decided to retire. He wants me to take over the practice all together
09:22Marvelous news your own practice a man of position. You'll have to get a car
09:28right
09:30Yes, I suppose long and a house to match your position a house perhaps
09:34a detached house with grounds and chintz curtains and a cocktail cabinet and maybe even chromium taps and in the
09:42bedroom
09:44sweets with walnut veneers
09:47You'll have settled down Oswald, but
09:50Don't you think that there might be something one tiny little thing that's all together missing
09:59I'm not sure I
10:01Don't
10:03You think Oswald that life is sometimes just too short to observe all the social niceties
10:11Finish your custard slice
10:14now
10:16Oswald Norman Martin
10:20Will you marry me
10:31Oh
10:43What's up
10:46Hello man, good to see you back. I'll be a bum
10:54Come on me old macho
10:56Let's go squibby a sporty billygoats, I haven't come here to get drunk or even get shot at no
11:04Sit down
11:11Look
11:13I'm in a bit of a pickle a pickle. I
11:17Come home from Italy to discover that the practice is substantially overdrawn at the bank now. This is because
11:23My loans to you have not yet been repaid and this in turn is because
11:28the sale of the valley newest estate has not yet been completed and this finally is because
11:33You have failed to sign the necessary papers not I
11:38Know you're a touch eccentric in matters of business
11:41Well, I wonder if you could shed some light on this
11:45Oversight yes, of course. I mean
11:49You mean you don't know yourself
11:53I
11:55Know you haven't checked the deeds the titles the notwithstandings and the heretofores
12:02What are you trying to say? Don't worry?
12:05Yes, it's mine. All right. It's just that
12:09Formerly legally what half the estate belongs to my brother
12:15Hmm
12:22Where's your brother
12:24The last time I heard is before the war
12:28Somewhere in the middle of the great Australian desert
12:32Born
12:34What are you doing to me? And I don't have an address. You see these at mineral prospectus
12:39They tend to move about a bit, you know
12:42That's why I haven't signed the documents
12:46I can't because the estate is not actually not really
12:52Not completely mind the cell
13:16Mr. Martin, please look at mrs. Martin
13:20Look into each other's eyes
13:23smile
13:24That's it
13:27Thank you and now ladies and gentlemen, I give you a toast the bride and groom
13:45I
14:03Wanted to say that
14:05That
14:11And uh, I am fortunate man
14:17By the greatest good fortune I have found a partner who is both loving and
14:25wise I
14:28Am unworthy of her
14:31But I shall strive to make myself so
14:36I
14:37Dedicate my life and all that I have all that I am
14:52Of course I'd like to welcome you all here and
14:58Thank my parents-in-law for giving Connie and myself such an excellent send-off
15:05I
15:19Here comes the groom a
15:24Comedy Martin not gonna bite you
15:30Excellent waiting man excellent in every way and I did like that speech of yours
15:35I was touched. I really was I think most people were
15:40I'm strong. Anyway, now the formalities are over. I expect you'll be impatient to be off
15:44Oh, I've been through it myself, you know shy Winston bride the eager groom
15:51Anyway, do you have a good time make the most of it?
15:58I'm strong. Yeah. Yeah, I'm gonna work
16:02Yeah
16:05Well, I know it sir doesn't appear to be any further forward. Oh, no, I wouldn't say that was all together correct
16:15Slight delay
16:16Slight isn't the adjective. I would have chosen Armstrong. My clients paid their deposits some three months ago
16:21Don't know surely not as long as that. Yes
16:25May 13th
16:271921
16:28Can you give me an explanation?
16:32Well, the the matter will be settled shortly
16:36Well, mrs. Martin and I shall be away for three weeks. I trust that on my return you will at last be able to complete
16:42Otherwise, I shall have to advise my clients to reconsider their position. I
16:48Trust I make myself clear
17:02You
17:32Oh
17:53My mother what did she look like you're a much-loved pet that will be put to sleep
18:02Oh
18:09Connie what's the matter? Don't you like it?
18:23What why not someone might come in
18:32I
18:36Thought they would have been here by now. I
18:40Was playing crickets
18:43My son's back
18:46Who is she anyway
18:48friend of mommy's and daddy's
18:51Just think you let me out later finish the match. No, I
18:55I
18:59Didn't know mommy and daddy had any friends apart from uncle Arthur
19:03Children like to meet a very old friend of the family mrs. Glass but Gail
19:30Hello
19:34Oh
19:36Thank you
19:40This is all very nice
19:49Such a pretty house you haven't been here before then
19:55No, I haven't did you know my mother well
19:59Well
20:01Well, can I don't play cricket no
20:06Actually, I never met your mother
20:10Why not
20:12Because I said so
20:13Marion Oh
20:15Mrs. Glass for Gail that it's and I met during the war
20:19When I was stationed there Bournemouth and she showed me many kindnesses. I
20:23I
20:26See how about later on then heaven's sake boy would it be quite a bunch of damn cricket are you staying in and that's that?
20:37Right right now who's going to be mother
20:42Where is Mayfield Mayfield just over there just over the top of the hill
20:50They don't like me dizzy, I'll give them time they'll come round
20:54Marion hello
20:58Not a bad place for a tricy old man
21:00If it isn't the old man
21:01Yes, it's the old man. I'm the old man
21:03I'm the old man
21:05I'm the old man
21:07I'm the old man
21:09Old man
21:12Born today madam. Good day Henry ball Marion Glassford Gale
21:20Yes
21:22Warner owned some land here about he's a one of my most valued clients and mrs
21:27Mrs. Glass of Gail is a an old friend from Bournemouth. So you still live in Bournemouth?
21:33Indeed please accept my commiseration. I
21:37Beg your pardon
21:41So you're enjoying your stay with my old pal Armstrong, well, yes, thank you
21:47Yes, sir better be on our way
21:51Why don't you stop up at the house for a drink on your way down
21:56Where the children are waiting at home born
21:59Oh
22:08Funny news what let us to Australia anything come back? No, no, not so far
22:16Regrettably
22:29Oh
22:59I've come to say goodbye. Goodbye
23:17Can't we be friends I couldn't be friends with her. How could I be friends with you?
23:29Oh
23:44It hasn't been a great success has it well what
23:54It isn't easy Marion no not for any of us. No, no
23:59You're right, of course
24:02That we are weekends I
24:05suppose
24:29I
24:59I
25:01I
25:03I
25:05Hey
25:24Yes, I am very fond of yes, yes
25:32Good
25:35What's the matter nothing nothing nothing at all
25:39Goodbye my dear. I shall write very soon. Please look after
26:02Good evening. Good evening. Mrs. Martin
26:05I
26:35I
26:37I
26:39I
27:05Know
27:09I
27:39I
28:09I
28:39Oh
28:44My god, it's me father
28:46Oh
29:03Mother used to do that did she
29:07What do you play now? What are you doing down here? Anyway, I
29:10Needed to talk to you. Oh
29:13That makes the changes in it long time since we had a chat
29:17I wanted to ask you yeah about mrs. Glass for Gail. Oh, yes, I
29:25Wanted to apologize for your sullen behavior throughout an entire visit. No. Oh
29:32What then are you going to marry her
29:38Well, I don't think that's any of your business
29:41Isn't it? I should have thought it was mine and Margaret's and Pearson's but dare you speak to me like this
29:46You should be friends with whomever I please. I should marry whomever I please
30:00Mother died and it can't be the same again. Not ever. Mm-hmm. Don't bring that woman here again
30:09Sorry
30:16Oh
30:22That long streak of insufferable smugness Martin telephones, I'm not in but major I'm not in
30:31Good morning Armstrong
30:35Sorry
30:38I
30:43Sorry have an engagement with a tied-up don't be ridiculous
30:47I'm sorry, I'm not in the habit of breaking appointments even to engage in social chitchat with a much respected colleague
30:53This is important business Armstrong, and you know, I'm sorry
30:57I have a very full diet at the moment perhaps I can fit you in them next week next week
31:07Oh
31:37I
31:52Have been telephoning the house the regular intervals all day major and I haven't succeeded in catching mr.
31:58Vaughn in I'm afraid well keep trying man. It's bloody important major
32:08You answer it
32:14Good afternoon
32:16Ah, mr. Martin
32:19Who I'm sorry, mr. Martin, you're out of luck again. He's visiting a client
32:25You could try again
32:27Perhaps tomorrow morning
32:30Thank you, sir. It's no trouble
32:33Good man
32:38I
32:40Look very impressive. Are you pleased with it?
32:45moderately
32:46Should do well
32:48So what else happened today?
32:51Nothing much
32:53The fun with friend Armstrong continues. Have you caught him yet? Not yet, but I will
33:04I wonder
33:08To your mail major
33:13Thank you
33:36Blue blazes
33:42I
33:47I'm sorry. I'm strong. I have an appointment Martin quiet out of town. Don't play games with me
33:52But I'm reluctant to keep him waiting. So I'm sure you'll understand demand you explain yourself explain myself this book of yours
33:57Ah, you've seen that blatant advertising and as such it's unprofessional
34:02Unethical and extremely profitable. So my publisher's hope I demand you withdraw it
34:07Yes, sir, listen Martin as a matter of fact, I'm rather glad I bumped into you Armstrong this Bella Newyth business
34:13I assume that since you failed to respond to my numerous inquiries, you're still not ready to complete. I
34:19Have to tell you now that unless what completion is settled on or before October 20th
34:23Contracts will be rescinded and demands made for the repayment of all deposits together with costs and expenses
34:30one week
34:31one week
34:33As to the book if you're that unhappy perhaps you should consult a solicitor
35:03I
35:34I
35:47Chocolate
35:51Who are they from
35:54Listen say a secret admirer a
36:03Secret admirer
36:12It's such a charming little house Connie absolutely charming good I'm charmed you're charmed
36:24Dinner is served gentlemen
36:34I
36:37Seems ashamed to leave this last little bit. I'm sure you can manage it. Oh, no. Thank you
36:42It was delicious, but I couldn't have any more couldn't you?
36:52We'll have coffee now Irene and
36:55Oswald's chocolates
36:58Oswald's your brother-in-law was sent a box of chocolates through the post
37:03One of his old flames, I think Connie
37:10No, thank you. I'm not a chocolate man unlike your brother. No come on sweet. No. Thank you dear. I'm having one
37:33You
37:43There's the matter
38:03I
38:18Thought I heard something
38:33I
38:39Just want to get home of course. I'm so sorry. It's alright. It's just a bilious attack used to it aren't we dear
38:56What's it a bilious attack she did rather overindulge in the trifle department
39:04I
39:16Martin good morning Armstrong you're em
39:20You're well
39:23Me I'm perfectly well. Thank you mrs.. Martin. She's well. Yes. Yes, she's fine
39:29Was there something you wish to discuss
39:31No, no, that's we'll need to speak on Thursday of course
39:35Thursday I knew it the expiry of your deadline. Yes. Yes, shall we say for 30 at my office say anything you like
39:43Hey, what?
39:45cheer
39:49Like to come to tea
39:51fun
39:53Tea at Mayfair all right
39:56for that
39:57very well
40:21Martin
40:23Good of you to come except love you to invite me quite. That's all right
40:29Your children oh sorry don't please after well, we'll let them have some tea sure
40:44Regrettably
40:46Vaughn has not yet been able to trace his brother I
40:50see
40:51The position then is very clear the sale cannot proceed
40:58Well it could if
41:01If you were prepared to give us born that is a little more time
41:06It's not my decision naturally, but I would advise my clients against such a course well. I think that's rather unreasonable I
41:15disagree
41:16It's not unreasonable to expect a sale to be completed within four months of payment of deposit
41:22I'm sorry. I'm strong, but the sale is off. I'll return the contracts and you I'm afraid must return the deposits the sum
41:29I believe are three thousand nine hundred pounds
41:32Well, I am bound to tell you that this puts both Vaughn and myself in a rather difficult position
41:39Well, I'm sorry about that
41:44There is another course what we could both agree that the brother is deemed to be deceased
41:51And that the sale could proceed with Vaughn a sole vendor I
42:00Don't think I heard that Armstrong
42:04This even if I were prepared to accept such an unethical procedure
42:08What would happen if at some point in the future the brother turned up to claim his inheritance?
42:12Well, where would we be then Armstrong?
42:15I'll tell you and queer Street if not in the dock
42:20No, no, it won't do
42:26That your final word I'm afraid so
42:37Hmm can I offer you a scone what a scone would you like scone? Oh
42:46Please
42:49I
42:56Excuse fingers
43:19Oh
43:43This will set you up I made it myself
43:46I'm not sure
43:54I'm sorry
44:10Morning Hanks Davis
44:15Oh
44:22How is he Oh
44:31Reckoned it was a bilious attack then did he brought on by overwork and lack of exercise he said
44:38That sounds like a Hanks diagnosis
44:41What did he prescribe?
44:43Soda water with lemon tabloids of calamel and a mustard plaster on his stomach much good that lot will do him
44:51And when was he last?
45:06Is it always that color
45:08I'm not smell and his heart beat is rapid here feel it
45:19What did he have to eat yesterday
45:22Toast for breakfast and an omelet for lunch. You've had the same, but you want
45:31They've had nothing else
45:33scorn
45:35What I had a scone ready to have a scone
46:05Oh
46:22That's it
46:29What father well, I'm not certain but it can't be
46:35He's bought large quantities of arsenic
46:38Now you said yourself that had a grudge against you and the only thing that you ate yesterday that Connie didn't
46:45Was a scone at his house. I know but but he's a solicitor father professional men
46:50Don't do that sort of thing mrs. Crippin might not agree with you
46:54Ink said it was a bilious attack. He should stick to treating his blessed horses
46:59What you had was no bilious attack. I've checked the symptoms
47:06He handed me the scone himself
47:10Scuse fingers he said I had all fits
47:14He's trying to kill you
47:16Connie
47:21Now I think it's only fair to warn you he might try again
47:27So don't eat anything in public and beware of gifts of food
47:35Chocolate
47:44This is Martin just had the distressing news about your husband just pop by to see if there was anything I could do
47:57Sorry about this
48:00Oh
48:02It hurts it must be doing something good. Hey, that's it
48:09Well as long as it's effective
48:14What's in it among other things arsenic
48:21Arsenic well, I never as long as it doesn't kill me
48:26Okay, not enough in it to do that well, I'm pleased to hear it
48:36How much would would it take
48:38What to kill somebody? Oh?
48:42Two or three grains should be sufficient. Oh not one. Oh, no one wouldn't be enough
48:48You sure?
48:50He seemed to know more about it than I do on stuff
48:54Oh hardly no no no it comes in handy, you know for the the garden for the dandelions, you know, yeah
49:12Dr.. Yanks, what is it? I must talk to you. I'm sorry. I have a call in town. I can't wait
49:23I
49:27Do take and leave if you're sensitive man, I'm afraid not
49:32Are you accusing one of my patients an upright man a professional man of attempted murder?
49:39Yes
49:40Your son-in-law suffering from a bilious attack nothing more. Are you sure?
49:46Now I just want to put you on your guard
49:48After all it's always better to be safe than sorry
49:51What do you mean well you might try again my tea, and then you'd look a bit silly
49:57Don't be so damn impertinent
49:59Are these are very grave accusations?
50:02And I'm bound to say that should you pursue them you run the risk of damaging your standing in this town
50:07As a matter of fact Hanks, that's not what concerns me, but thank you for your advice
50:11I'm simply telling you to take care. Oh, I shall
50:15Good night to you
50:20Now stop moaning yeah, we'll do you good
50:30Why don't you go down by the river
50:45Morning
50:51Oh
51:04Martin
51:06Armstrong is it with you?
51:09As a dad Kelly you've been rather unwell
51:13Somewhat yes, you quite recovered
51:16well
51:18Still look a little bit young I said I
51:21Yes a bilious attack your wife said yes, that's right. Yes bilious attack. Yes my late wife
51:27You know she was a martyr to it martyr to it. Yes
51:31I think I so much so in fact that when it comes right down to it
51:35It's not very much. I don't know about the the bilious stomach
51:38Indeed indeed indeed. I'd go as far as to say
51:41And this might sound like a queer thing Martin
51:44It wouldn't surprise me, you know if if you didn't have another one of these attacks very soon
51:54I've it jumped up little chemist. Who do you think he is?
51:59arsenical poisoning
52:01dottering of bloody scones
52:04Whatever next
52:07But Armstrong killed his poor wife
52:14Wife
52:29Hi
52:37She said what that was what might have another attack soon
52:43Just hold on Connie
52:52Are you taking a urine sample yet?
53:04Who are you gonna send it to
53:06Clinical Research Association in London
53:10Are they reliable of course?
53:14You send the chocolates as well still have them. Oh, yeah, I'm been fiddling with them of course not a very idea
53:21I'm sorry, sir
53:23Feel a little overwrought
53:28Dear mr. Hicks I
53:30acknowledge receipt of your letter of
53:33October 31st and enclosed specimens
53:36I'm obliged to point out however
53:40That before undertaking an investigation of this nature we require a guarantee
53:47That in the event of being called upon to give evidence in court
53:52in addition to the usual fee for examining a specimen our
53:58Expert will be paid five guineas indeed
54:05What you gonna do
54:07Me
54:08Well that is addressed to you
54:11Yes, but it was you that drew the matter to my attention
54:14I know, but it seems to me that the responsibility for settling it should really rest with you
54:21I'm not sure that's the case at all. He is your patient
54:25Well your son-in-law
54:28I
54:30Think Denise yes, but if you pay five dinners
54:34It's not a straightforward as it's wrong somebody is trying to murder my husband possibly even me
54:40That's how straightforward it's listen for a moment you bloody old miser you now Connie
54:46Now just try calm yourself. Why didn't you say something? We'd have paid the wretched money for God's sake
54:51There's nothing to worry about what am I gonna say to Oswald?
54:53He's at his wit's end as it is now listen. We've taken care of everything the whole matter is in official hands
55:00It's better that way Lucy
55:07Davis oh, this is mine. Just wondering you've got something for an upset stump
55:23You