Joan Hickson in Agatha Christie's Poison Pen Mystery PART ONE
In The Moving Finger – Part One, Joan Hickson stars as Miss Marple in this atmospheric adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic novel. A peaceful village is shaken when anonymous poison pen letters begin spreading suspicion and fear. When a resident dies under suspicious circumstances, Miss Marple is called in to investigate. With hidden motives and dark secrets beneath the surface, this gripping mystery unfolds in classic Christie fashion.
In The Moving Finger – Part One, Joan Hickson stars as Miss Marple in this atmospheric adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic novel. A peaceful village is shaken when anonymous poison pen letters begin spreading suspicion and fear. When a resident dies under suspicious circumstances, Miss Marple is called in to investigate. With hidden motives and dark secrets beneath the surface, this gripping mystery unfolds in classic Christie fashion.
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01:19Ah, excuse me.
01:37Sorry to bother you.
01:40We're trying to find the firs.
01:42The firs?
01:43Good heavens.
01:44Could you be Miss Barton's new tenants?
01:46Right.
01:47How exciting.
01:48Jerry Burton, my sister Joanne.
01:50Well, I never.
01:51Maude Colstrop, my husband's vicar here.
01:54He'd be expecting to see you in church on Sunday.
01:56Everyone will.
01:57They're all dying to meet you.
01:59Oh Lord, I suppose we disappoint them.
02:00Oh, I'm quite sure you won't.
02:02Now, let me tell you.
02:04The firs, straight through the village, about half a mile, turn left and there you are.
02:08How very nice to see you both.
02:20And welcome to the firs.
02:21Oh, thank you.
02:22Beatrice.
02:23Oh.
02:24Thank you very much.
02:25So you come along, girl.
02:27Go get them bags out of the car.
02:29I do hope you'll both be happy here.
02:35I'm so fond of it.
02:37Well, after all, I've lived here all my life.
02:39You get used to things, don't you?
02:41Oh dear.
02:42I can't help feeling we're driving you out.
02:45Oh, but you mustn't.
02:46It's the war.
02:47Taxation.
02:48The cost of everything nowadays.
02:50The upkeep.
02:51I simply had to do something.
02:54Besides, it won't be forever.
02:56Now, Partridge is staying on to look after you.
02:59She's a cook housekeeper and a treasure.
03:03Then there's Beatrice.
03:04She's the maid and all that.
03:06Not very experienced, but willing.
03:09A gardener, Cleet, who comes in twice a week.
03:12Has a strange wife, but you don't need to see much of her.
03:19Do forgive me, Mr. Burton, but were you hurt during the war?
03:23No, no.
03:23Not a scratch, actually, no.
03:25I was a test flight for a new jet.
03:27Both engines blew at 30,000, and the ejector gear malfunctioned.
03:31I managed to bring her down all right, but I hit the deck pretty hard.
03:35Pretty lucky, I suppose.
03:36Oh.
03:37Yes, I see.
03:39He's trying to tell you, Miss Barton, that he crashed his plane.
03:43Good heavens.
03:45I'm sorry.
03:46You'll have to let Owen Griffiths, our nice doctor, take care of you.
03:50Oh, I believe the hospital's already been in touch with him.
03:52Good.
03:53He's Welsh, of course, but the Welsh are so clever, aren't they?
03:56And Partridge is an excellent cook.
03:58She'll help you build up your strength.
04:01Oh, no, no.
04:02Never in this house.
04:04Oh, I'm sorry.
04:05Oh, no, you mustn't be.
04:07It's just that, well, smoking never occurred to me.
04:11Oh, don't worry.
04:12I'll see he has lots of ashtrays.
04:14It's so silly of me.
04:15It all comes of never having a man about the place.
04:18The last one was my oldest sister's bone.
04:20He didn't last long.
04:22Mother took exception to his smoking, to his accent.
04:26Wasn't quite a gentleman, she said.
04:28I thought he was rather nice.
04:31Jolly.
04:32Daphne fretted, but, as Mother told her, you never know with men.
04:36Know what, Miss Barton?
04:39Another cup of tea, my dear.
04:41Thanks so much.
04:43Mr Burton, do forgive me if I don't offer you something stronger.
04:47Men prefer that, don't they?
04:49I remember my father did.
04:51But Mother took exception to that, too.
04:54Didn't approve.
04:55Couldn't have lied in the house.
04:57Poor father.
04:59And poor mother.
05:02She was an invalid, you see.
05:04She always managed to have her own way.
05:12Leave the guard being with you,
05:14and remain with you,
05:16always.
05:17Always.
05:19Amen.
05:20Amen.
05:20Amen.
05:20Amen.
05:20Vicar, what a simply splendid sermon.
05:42Did Maud choose the text?
05:44She mustn't.
05:45She did not.
05:46St. Paul, wasn't it?
05:47Let brotherly love continue.
05:49Had you our newcomers in mind?
05:51Indeed.
05:52Should you encourage it?
05:53Not sure I know what you're getting here.
05:55Paul goes on to say, doesn't he,
05:57Be not forgetful to entertain strangers,
05:59for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
06:02Oh, how delicious.
06:03Somewhat mutilated the male angel, perhaps.
06:06But the girl, she's quite a sensation, wouldn't you say?
06:09I trust not.
06:10Ah.
06:11The guy.
06:13I don't think you've met Squadron Leader Burton and his sister, have you?
06:16No. Delighted to see you here.
06:18Thank you, Paul.
06:19This is a near neighbor of yours, Mr. Pye.
06:21Never believe a word he tells you.
06:22He spends his whole time laughing at the rest of us.
06:24Dear lady, how unfair.
06:26Unkind, untrue.
06:28Despite the malicious Maud, you'll come and take a sherry with me at Priory Lodge, won't you?
06:32I'd love to.
06:33Look at her.
06:35I'm making up to that old Mr. Pye.
06:38Ah.
06:39Paint it up to the eyeballs, too.
06:41And in church.
06:42Soon.
06:43Promise?
06:44Promise.
06:45Oh, dear.
06:47Symington Brood, come it. I missed away.
06:49Squadron Leader, you're on parade.
06:51Right.
06:52Miss Burton, you are an event.
06:55Ah.
06:56Sleepy old Limston's going to love you.
06:58Bye-bye.
06:59Bye.
07:00Bye.
07:02Now, boys, run ahead with Elsie, will you?
07:04We shan't be long.
07:05Yeah.
07:06Off we go, then.
07:07Elsie, Elsie, I'm terribly hungry.
07:09You're just greedy.
07:10Elsie, what's in there?
07:12More.
07:13You said absolutely nothing about my fur.
07:16Does that mean you have no complaints?
07:18Oh, much better, dear.
07:20Still a trifle long, perhaps.
07:22I didn't see anyone asleep.
07:24You're wearing the wrong specs, Guy.
07:26Your reading glasses.
07:27Have they been so still?
07:29Come on, Robert.
07:30Dozing, I fear.
07:31Many of them.
07:32Good help.
07:33Then have some lunch.
07:34See you at lunchtime.
07:37Megan?
07:39Oh, just look at that girl's stockings.
07:42A large potato in each heel.
07:44What a graceless child.
07:49This guy, the sermon was wonderful,
07:51but still a little long-winded.
07:53Morning.
07:54Ah, Mr. Symington.
07:55How nice to see you again.
07:56And Mrs. Symington?
07:57How do you do?
07:58Oh, Gerry, Mr. Symington is Miss Barton's solicitor.
08:00How do you do?
08:01How do you do?
08:02And there's still something Gerry has to sign, isn't there?
08:04Oh, there's no hurry.
08:05Next time you're in the high street.
08:07Just drop in.
08:08Righto, will do.
08:09Edward, we'd better be moving.
08:10The boys will be starving.
08:12Righty-ho.
08:13Well, it's nice to have you both here.
08:15See you again soon.
08:17Guy.
08:18Maude.
08:19Edward.
08:32Jerry.
08:33Mm-hmm.
08:34There's something.
08:35I have a feeling Limson's doing you a power of good.
08:36That was supposed to be the general idea, wasn't it?
08:37It was.
08:38So?
08:39Well, remembering all those pretty nurses at the hospital,
08:40who fussed and fretted and soothed your fevered bra for months on end,
08:43and to what purpose?
08:44Well, apart from their job, had they a purpose?
08:47Whatever.
08:48You remain totally indifferent.
08:49About ten days in Limston, and, um...
08:51What the hell are you talking about?
08:52Church last Sunday.
08:53The Symington's nurse, governess.
08:54Don't think I didn't notice.
08:55You're getting better, my darling brother.
08:56I'm not.
08:57I'm not.
08:58I'm not.
08:59I'm not.
09:00I'm not.
09:01I'm not.
09:02I'm not.
09:03I'm not.
09:04I'm not.
09:05I'm not.
09:06I'm not.
09:07I'm not.
09:08I'm not.
09:09I'm not.
09:10I'm not.
09:11I'm not.
09:12I'm not.
09:13I'm not.
09:14I'm not.
09:15I'm not.
09:16My darling brother.
09:17You do talk the most awful rubbish.
09:21Mind you, the talent isn't exactly thick on the ground.
09:24And say I had to choose between her and Partridge.
09:33Oh, thank you very much.
09:36Had you thought about lunch, Miss?
09:38Oh, gosh, I hadn't.
09:40You think about it for me, will you, Partridge?
09:42Well, if that's what you want, Miss.
09:45There.
09:46They'll cheer you up.
09:47Letters from abandoned lovers.
09:49Two of them are bills, Jerry.
09:51Oh, well, count with them all.
09:53What the devil's this?
09:55You tell me.
09:56My god.
09:57It's one of those, what are they called, poison pen letters.
10:01It's filthy.
10:02Absolutely disgusting.
10:03No.
10:04Oh, do let's see.
10:05No, no, Jerry, I'm not sure you'd want to.
10:06But I do.
10:07Please.
10:08All right.
10:09Are they always like this?
10:10Well, how the hell should I know?
10:11Well, what shall we do?
10:12Simple.
10:13And I thought they'd rather liked us, darling.
10:14Well, I thought they'd rather liked us, darling.
10:15Well, I thought they'd rather liked us, darling.
10:16Well, how the hell should I know?
10:17Well, what shall we do?
10:18Simple.
10:19And I thought they'd rather liked us down here.
10:20Well, it seems somebody doesn't.
10:21But what kind of person?
10:22It's a nutcase.
10:23It must be forgiven.
10:24It's a nutcase.
10:25It must be forgiven.
10:26It's disgusting.
10:27No.
10:28Oh, do let's see.
10:29No, no, no.
10:30I'm not sure you'd want to.
10:31But I do.
10:32Please.
10:33All right.
10:34Are they always like this?
10:35Well, how the hell should I know?
10:36Well, what shall we do?
10:37Simple.
10:41And I thought they rather liked us down here.
10:44Well, it seems somebody doesn't.
10:46But what kind of person?
10:47It's a nutcase.
10:48It must be.
10:49Forget it.
10:50OK.
10:51But surely there's someone we should talk to.
11:05Jane!
11:06Over here, dear.
11:07Oh, yes.
11:08So sorry.
11:11It's a wonderful seatbelt.
11:16Jump in, dear.
11:34Best answer that, Beatrice.
11:36Ah, Doctor.
11:37Come on in.
11:38Good morning, Beatrice.
11:39Behaving yourself.
11:40Only when I have to, Doctor.
11:41I'll just let him know.
11:43Dr. Griffiths, sir.
11:44Called to see you.
11:45No, don't get up.
11:46On my rounds, thought it was time we met.
11:47Owen Griffiths, your local quack.
11:48Good to see you, Doctor.
11:49Well, I was supposed to keep an eye on you.
11:50Your doctor wants weekly progress reports.
11:51Oh, you'd better ask Joanna about that.
11:53She seems to think I'm doing pretty well.
11:54Ah, done some nursing, have you?
11:55He's sending me out, Doctor.
11:56We looked for you in church last week.
11:57We looked for you in church last week.
11:58We looked for you in church last week.
11:59Oh, you'd better ask Joanna about that.
12:02She seems to think I'm doing pretty well.
12:03Ah, done some nursing, have you?
12:04He's sending me out, Doctor.
12:05We looked for you in church last week.
12:06Did you now?
12:07Well, we're chapel, you see.
12:08My sister and me.
12:09Don't pray with the big knobs.
12:10Foreigners, if you like.
12:11I'd like to give you the once-over, if that's convenient.
12:12Oh, don't get up.
12:13Oh, don't get up.
12:14On my rounds, thought it was time we met.
12:15Owen Griffiths, your local quack.
12:16Good to see you, Doctor.
12:17Well, I'm supposed to keep an eye on you.
12:18Your doctor wants weekly progress reports.
12:19Oh, you'd better ask Joanna about that.
12:20She seems to think I'm doing pretty well.
12:21Ah, done some nursing, have you?
12:22He's sending me out, Doctor.
12:24We looked for you in church last week.
12:26Did you now?
12:27Well, we're chapel, you see.
12:28My sister and me.
12:29Don't pray with the big knobs.
12:31Foreigners, if you like.
12:32I'd like to give you the once-over, if that's convenient.
12:35Right, I'm off, Doctor.
12:36Take good care of him, won't you?
12:37That's my job.
12:40And, um, come and see us again soon.
12:42Once a week.
12:43Don't forget, we're foreigners too.
12:45Bye.
12:55Breathe in.
12:58Been here long, Doc?
12:59Breathe in again.
13:00Seven years.
13:03And still a stranger?
13:06Well, I wasn't born here, you see.
13:10But they're good, kindly people, mostly.
13:14Who wouldn't write unpleasant, untruthful, ugly letters about people, would you say?
13:18You've heard one, have you?
13:19Mm-hmm.
13:20In circulation, are they?
13:21Forgive me.
13:22May I ask what it said?
13:24Nor shouldn't I.
13:25Why not?
13:26No one, apparently, is deceived.
13:28Uh, the young lady you've just met is a tart, a trollop, and certainly not my sister.
13:34Oh, I give you, of course, the expurgated version.
13:36Well, indeed, I'm sorry.
13:37I hope she's not too upset.
13:39Mm-hmm.
13:40Jo's spent two years on a fighter station.
13:42She's case-hardened.
13:43Upset?
13:44No.
13:45But just a nasty taste in her mouth.
13:46Mm.
13:47I can imagine.
13:48Ribs still painful?
13:49Only when I laugh.
13:50Mm-hmm.
13:51Well, you haven't got much to laugh about, have you?
13:52Right.
13:53Let's have a look at the legs.
13:59Sit down.
14:05These letters, Doctor.
14:06Have there been others?
14:08Yes.
14:09Who to?
14:10Me for one.
14:11To you?
14:12Why not?
14:13The writer is pathological and indiscriminate.
14:18Push hard, please.
14:19Scattering shot far and wide.
14:22That is worrying.
14:23Why?
14:24Well, someone who just can't take it might get hit.
14:27Push again.
14:28Someone vulnerable.
14:30That could be dangerous.
14:32Stand up, please.
14:37Your right leg is a bit wasted.
14:39Oh, okay.
14:42Exercise it.
14:43Throw away one of those sticks, will you?
14:45Rise and walk, as the good book says.
14:48So here endeth the first lesson.
14:50See you next week.
14:52Doctor.
14:55These letters.
14:56Are they much the same thing?
14:58Well, I can tell you about mine.
15:01It accused me of violating my professional relationship.
15:06Of loose conduct with certain lady patients.
15:09The sexual detail was extremely lurid.
15:12That is usual, of course.
15:15What was the handwriting like?
15:16There was no handwriting.
15:18The envelope was typewritten,
15:19and the letter was just printed words cut out of an old book
15:23and pasted onto a sheet of paper.
15:24That's it. Mine too.
15:26The work of some complete illiterate, I would imagine.
15:28Would you?
15:30See you next week.
15:31Maud's told you all about it, Jane.
15:32Oh, yes, indeed.
15:33Yes, it must be very worrying for you.
15:34Very.
15:35Here you are.
15:36Oh, thank you so much.
15:37Now, Jane, excuse me if I leave you to Maud.
15:38I have to prepare the weekly sleeping pill.
15:39Oh, yes, of course, Guy.
15:40Oh, I've taken St Paul's warning on flesh and the devil,
15:41for to be carnally minded his death.
15:42Appropriate, I thought, in the circumstances.
15:43That I would have thought suitably discouraging.
15:44Keep it short, dear.
15:45Well, now, Maud, when did all this start?
16:06Well, now, Maud, when did all this start?
16:07Well, hard to say.
16:09Villages scandalised but hate scandals when they find themselves involved.
16:10Hard to say. Villages scandalize but hate scandals when they find themselves involved.
16:15Don't like others knowing they've received, well, dirty letters.
16:20For fear the neighbors might say there's no smoke without fire, is that it?
16:24Exactly. Not that anything remains a secret for Long in Limston.
16:28Well, but poor guy. What is he accused of?
16:31Oh, something quite disgraceful with one of the women who does the altar flowers.
16:35Well, he was flabbergasted, shocked, devastated, poor dear.
16:39How shameful.
16:41Well, you know Guy almost as well as I do.
16:43Absolutely no taste for fornication. None whatsoever.
16:48I almost wish he had. Really, Maud?
16:50A little worldly spice added to his sermons might make them more interesting.
16:53Well, you married a cleric, my dear, a classical scholar,
16:56and I've yet to find such a combination with a robust appetite for sin.
17:00Oh, I find that most reassuring.
17:02Well, now, Maud, what do you want of me?
17:06Well, it's not in your league, dear, I know.
17:09No dead bodies, no gunshots, no blunt instruments.
17:12Yes.
17:13Not even a shadow of Scotland Yard.
17:15Just a lot of unhappy people. I know you can help.
17:19You mean find the lady?
17:21If it is one. Yes.
17:24Yes. Yes, of course.
17:37Are you all right?
17:39Yes, thanks.
17:40Hello.
17:41Hello.
17:42You're Mr. Burton, aren't you?
17:43Yes.
17:44Saw you after church.
17:45Is that your wife with you?
17:47No, no, no, my sister.
17:48Oh.
17:49I'm Megan.
17:50Saw you were alone.
17:51Thought I'd stop and walk with you.
17:53Had to fall off my bike, of course.
17:55Never mind.
17:56Nice of you.
17:57Look, I see you've torn your stocking.
17:59Gosh, so I have.
18:00Doesn't matter.
18:01It will once you've left school.
18:03I've left school.
18:04Oh, you have?
18:05Forgive me.
18:06How old do you think I am?
18:08Ah, the truth game.
18:10I'm 20.
18:11Sorry again.
18:13You think I ought to be more like your sister?
18:15All dolled up.
18:16No, I don't.
18:17She's awfully pretty.
18:19Isn't a bit like you, is she?
18:22Well, she's clean and presentable.
18:24And not a bit like me, you mean.
18:30You're a pilot, aren't you?
18:32Mm, I was.
18:33Will you always be a bit of a crock?
18:36According to my doctor, no.
18:38I was afraid you looked bad-tempered because you were crocked up for life.
18:42Bad temper?
18:43Well, irritable, then.
18:44It's only because I'm in a hurry to get fit again.
18:45Aren't you ever in a hurry for things to happen?
18:46Not much point.
18:47Nothing ever happens.
18:48Not to me.
18:49Oh, but surely your mother and your father.
18:50My father's not my father.
18:51He's my stepfather.
18:52Ah, is he?
18:53We never mentioned my real father.
18:54Disgraced himself, it seems.
18:55Disappeared.
18:56Then Mummy married Mr. Symington.
18:57You've met him, haven't you?
18:58Yes.
18:59Anyway.
19:00I'm sorry.
19:01I'm sorry.
19:02I'm sorry.
19:03I'm sorry.
19:04I'm sorry.
19:05I'm sorry.
19:06I'm sorry.
19:07I'm sorry.
19:08I'm sorry.
19:09I'm sorry.
19:10I'm sorry, haven't you?
19:11Yes.
19:12Anyway, all's well that ends well.
19:14You think?
19:15I'm not sure he likes me very much.
19:17I'm not sure Mummy does either, for that matter.
19:20Now you're being morbid, girl.
19:22Am I?
19:23Fact is, I'm a bit of a bore, I suppose.
19:26And before I start boring you, I'd better be off.
19:29Bye.
19:30I just don't know what we do with a girl, Edward.
19:44She's young.
19:45She's 20.
19:46And if I may say so, your problem.
19:51Oh, no.
19:52I'm sorry, my dear.
19:53I didn't mean it like that.
19:54It's just that being a stepfather, it's...
19:56Makes it difficult for you to say what you really feel?
19:59Yes.
20:00Sometimes.
20:01Well, not for me.
20:02I have our boys to consider.
20:04She wanders up by herself.
20:06She's always late for meals.
20:08Makes no attempt to help Elsie in the nursery
20:10and dresses like a tramp.
20:11What sort of example is that for them?
20:14She's just as her father was.
20:16Disruptive.
20:20Oh, good morning.
20:24I wonder, could you help me?
20:29Which Mr. Symington do I ask for?
20:32There is only one.
20:33Oh, but I thought I read Symington, Galbraith and Symington.
20:37Oh, the first Mr. Symington was the present Mr. Symington's father.
20:41He's dead.
20:42Oh, I am sorry to hear that.
20:44Well, perhaps I might see the present Mr. Symington.
20:47He's engaged at the moment.
20:48Can I help you?
20:49Oh, no, thank you.
20:50Thank you so much.
20:51No, it's a church matter.
20:52But, well, perhaps I might wait.
20:55Yes, of course.
20:56Do sit down.
20:57I'll just let him know.
20:58Oh, how very kind.
21:00Would you say Miss Marple?
21:02Jane Marple?
21:03Yes, of course.
21:06Excuse me, sir.
21:07Miss Jane Marple.
21:10Won't keep you long, Miss Marple.
21:12He has Mrs. Symington with him.
21:14Oh, well, then we mustn't disturb him, must we?
21:16Do you know, I always think that working in a solicitor's office must prove most rewarding.
21:23Oh, it is.
21:24All those different people, different problems, and finding solutions for them.
21:29Well, Mr. Symington's the one who does all that.
21:31And does he?
21:32Yes, he's really marvelous.
21:35Very patient.
21:36Very kind.
21:37Simply wonderful with people.
21:39Really.
21:41Miss Marple.
21:42Ah.
21:44Do come in.
21:45Thank you so much.
21:46I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.
21:48Please sit down.
21:49Oh, no.
21:50It's I who should be asking forgiveness for interrupting a busy man.
21:53Not at all.
21:54My wife tells me you've already met.
21:56Oh, yes, yes, of course.
21:57Last year at the vicarage.
21:59Yes, how are you?
22:01And how is that most interesting daughter of yours, Megan?
22:04Oh, my poor Megan.
22:06At the awkward age, I'm afraid.
22:08Oh, but she must be in her early twenties by now.
22:11Very young.
22:12Quite a child still.
22:14Most mothers think they grow up too quickly.
22:16Not me, Miss Marple.
22:18I only wish she'd do something.
22:20Learn something.
22:21Typing.
22:22Dress making.
22:23Even take a correspondence course.
22:25Anything.
22:26If only she'd get out of...
22:28Out of your home.
22:30Oh, certainly not.
22:31That's the last thing we'd want.
22:33Angela would want, isn't it, my dear?
22:35Naturally.
22:36Now, I know you ladies like to natter,
22:38but Miss Marple had a purpose in coming to see me,
22:40so...
22:41Yes, of course, yes.
22:42Now, let me see now.
22:43Where was I?
22:44Yes.
22:45Now, Maud Colthorpe wants to remind you
22:47that the Church Restoration Fund accounts...
22:49Have to be completed and submitted by next Tuesday?
22:53They are.
22:54They will be.
22:55Oh, absolutely splendid.
22:56Well, in that case, I don't think I...
22:58Oh, there was one other little matter.
23:01Then I'd better be on my way.
23:02No, no, no, please.
23:03No, don't go on my account, no.
23:05Private matters in a solicitor's office
23:07are, I know, as invalid as a confessional.
23:09No, it was just that I...
23:11I wondered if by any chance
23:13you'd heard about these anonymous letters
23:15that have been going round.
23:17Come in.
23:19Sorry to interrupt, sir,
23:21but would it be convenient if I popped along to the stationers?
23:24We're almost out of copying paper.
23:26Why not, Miss Ginch? Off you go.
23:28Don't be long, though.
23:29Oh, you'd better leave that door ajar.
23:31Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.
23:33I'm sorry.
23:35Please go on.
23:36Mr Symington, as a legal man,
23:38what would your advice be
23:39to someone who receives such a letter?
23:41Take it to the police.
23:43Immediately.
23:44And if they don't?
23:46But they do.
23:48Do?
23:49Well, at least I did.
23:51Oh, good heavens, don't tell me that you are...
23:53I'm afraid so.
23:55Well, forgive an inquisitive old lady, Mr Symington,
23:58but what was the police response?
24:00Amiable.
24:02Came from our own solid Sergeant Fowler.
24:04Not to get excited,
24:05it's probably some spinster lady getting a little overheated.
24:08I didn't inquire exactly what he meant by that.
24:11Oh, so he assumes that the writer is a woman.
24:14Well, nine times out of ten they are, apparently.
24:18Oh, yes. Yes, I see.
24:21Yes.
24:23That would account for all those letters
24:25that I seem to know about
24:27being addressed to men.
24:29Yes.
24:30Well, I won't keep you any longer.
24:32Thank you for giving me so much of your valuable time.
24:34Well, goodbye.
24:35Goodbye, Miss Marple.
24:37Oh, may I just say this?
24:39I do congratulate you on your choice of secretary.
24:42Nowadays, it's so rare
24:44to hear an employee speak so warmly of an employer.
24:47Edward seems to inspire hero worship, Miss Marple.
24:50I rather had that impression.
24:52Goodbye.
24:53Goodbye, Miss Marple.
25:02So you made it?
25:03Mm-hm.
25:06There and back?
25:08Apart from a sit down in Symington's office, that's all.
25:11Meet anyone?
25:12Mm.
25:13All of Limston.
25:14And nearly knocked down into the bargain.
25:16Oh.
25:17Oh, the Symington girl on a bicycle.
25:19That the Meghan we've heard about.
25:21Mm.
25:22Hmm.
25:23Funny girl.
25:28I hope Mr Burton has all excuse the liberty, but I'd like the word.
25:32Mm.
25:33Of course.
25:34That's Beatrice, sir.
25:35Beatrice?
25:36Yes, Mr Burton.
25:37She have to go.
25:38Go where?
25:39Leave.
25:40Leave.
25:41Oh, but why?
25:42That's these letters, sir.
25:45Wicked they are.
25:46Indecent to using such words.
25:49Worse than what I've ever read in the Bible, even.
25:52Mind you, I know there weren't no truth in them.
25:54And you with them bad legs and all.
25:56Me?
25:57What are you talking about?
25:59Has Beatrice received...
26:00No, sir.
26:01George have.
26:02George down the garage.
26:03Two of them's walking out.
26:05And they're in no smoke without fire.
26:07That's what he told her.
26:09So I suspect that you would go.
26:11What will the poor kid do?
26:13She's all right.
26:14She's fixed up nice.
26:16The Simminton maid were married off last month.
26:18So now they've took Beatrice, sir.
26:21But how about you?
26:22Oh.
26:23They'll manage somehow.
26:25Well, I'm damned.
26:26She was always such a bright little thing.
26:28Yeah.
26:29Well, she'd be better off with them.
26:32Ain't no young men round.
26:36I'll take it.
26:38Partridge?
26:41Yes, Mr Burton?
26:42These letters.
26:43People must have some idea.
26:45Oh, they have.
26:46Have they?
26:47They have indeed.
26:49And do you mark my words,
26:51there's gonna be a mischief sooner or later.
26:53You see.
26:54Folk ain't violent.
26:56Oh, come on, Partridge.
26:57In their feelings, sir.
26:58But you can't take it that seriously.
27:00There's plenty as do, sir.
27:02Young George down the garage, for instance.
27:05So who's the front runner?
27:07The prime suspect.
27:09Well, I'm not one for gossip, sir, as well you know.
27:13But there's those that do say.
27:15That's Mrs Cleet.
27:16Cleet?
27:17The gardener's wife?
27:19Oh, she's more than that, Mr Burton.
27:24Exercise, long walks, rich food, no pastry.
27:27You are prescribing, of course, prison fare, Owen.
27:30I am prescribing better health and a lower blood pressure.
27:33But boring.
27:34Miss Griffith, your brother's been very cold.
27:37To be kind, Mr Pye.
27:39Owen, you're like that old Bernard Shaw.
27:41What did Oscar say?
27:43He has no enemies and all his friends hate him.
27:46Good day to the pair of you.
27:48Oh, very witty, Mr Pye.
27:51He's the boring one.
27:53Right.
27:54Let the lot.
27:55Yes.
27:56Appointments.
27:57Thanks.
28:01Oh, what's this?
28:02Burton, Tuesday.
28:03Phoned.
28:04Said you'd come in to save your journey.
28:06Good.
28:07Must be feeling better.
28:08Nice, is he?
28:09Pleasant sort of chap.
28:10Not to talk about his sister, I hear.
28:12Is that so?
28:13Tarts herself up like one of these fashion models, doesn't she?
28:16I wouldn't say that.
28:17Rather attractive, as a matter of fact.
28:19No, on reflection.
28:21Very attractive.
28:22Men.
28:23Oh, Lord.
28:24No more gossip.
28:25Last visit.
28:26And I know who, too.
28:28Oh, did you make up that prescription?
28:30Here it is.
28:31Mrs Symington, the sedative.
28:33One to be taken midday and before retirement.
28:36Bless you, Iril.
28:37There's nothing wrong with a woman.
28:38A good dose of common sense wouldn't cure.
28:40She's very nervy, neurotic.
28:42And a nuisance to everyone.
28:44To you, her family.
28:46She needs support, Iril.
28:48Indeed she does.
28:51Oh, that poor man, her husband.
28:53He's the one I feel sorry for.
28:55Look, woman.
28:56When we first came here, Symington was very helpful.
28:59Very kind to both of us.
29:00I know that.
29:01And I know you've also had a very soft spot for him.
29:05Whatever do you mean?
29:07Owen?
29:08What do you take me for?
29:11He's a married man.
29:13That's right, Iril.
29:18Oh, come now.
29:20Get on the phone to the cricketers, woman.
29:23I'm taking you out tonight.
29:27It shan't be long.
29:38Oh, a delicious sherry, Mr. Pye.
29:41And if I may say so, an exquisite house.
29:45Indeed you may, dear lady.
29:47But then you appreciate the importance of beauty.
29:49As do our young friends here.
29:51Alas, very rare in these parts.
29:53Here where every prospect pleases.
29:56And only man is violent.
29:58Much worse.
29:59Dumb.
30:00Unbearably, impossibly dull.
30:02Oh, I don't know.
30:04I think the villagers are rather fun.
30:06The generosity of youth, my dear.
30:08But I didn't mean the rustics.
30:10You can excuse them.
30:11They live, work and play amid pigsties
30:13with a permanent smell of manure in their nostrils.
30:15No, I meant those who should know better.
30:18Those with money and no taste.
30:20Arrogance and no sensibility.
30:22Minds devoid of imagination.
30:24Ugly, ugly, ugly people.
30:26But you, you I claim as kindred spirits.
30:30You are as eloquent, Mr. Pye, as you are gracious as a host.
30:33Dear Miss Marple.
30:34What a charming compliment.
30:36It's perhaps a little severe on your fellow men.
30:39What I don't understand, sir,
30:40is why you settled here in the first place.
30:43What were you looking for?
30:44Sanctuary.
30:45I'm not quite sure I follow.
30:47From the war.
30:48Those terrifying doodlebugs.
30:50The dust and dirt.
30:52The smell of all these bodies sheltering in the underground.
30:55I'm not a brave man, squadron leader.
30:57If you follow to pretend otherwise.
30:59Bombs frighten me.
31:00I abominate all violence.
31:02So you left London, was it?
31:04I did indeed.
31:05What with the Yanks and all their GI brides to be,
31:08running an antique shop in the Kings Road, Chelsea,
31:10became quite intolerable.
31:12And when my...
31:14my partner chose to disappear into the blue,
31:17that was it.
31:19London could take it.
31:20I couldn't.
31:21I sold up, fled.
31:23And here I am.
31:24Oh dear.
31:25I think that's rather a sad little tale.
31:28Ah.
31:29Beauty and sympathy in combination.
31:31Irresistible.
31:32Another glass of sherry wine.
31:34You haven't told us, Mr. Pye, did you find the sanctuary?
31:37I did, dear lady.
31:39Here.
31:40In this house.
31:41Nowhere else.
31:43Certainly not with my neighbours.
31:45Oh.
31:46Well, forgive my ignorance, but they're just a little limiting.
31:52Not if you have a passion for beauty.
31:55And don't you find that houses can be passionate?
31:58Oh, yes.
31:59How interesting.
32:00It hadn't occurred to me.
32:02For example, take Emily Barton.
32:04Miss Barton?
32:05That house you're in.
32:06I mean, what is it?
32:08Nothing but a monument to her mother's perversions.
32:10A cold fortress against a masculine ego.
32:13I wouldn't know about that.
32:15Warping.
32:16She doesn't seem very warped.
32:18Well, scarred.
32:19Underneath scarred.
32:21Had it not occurred to you.
32:23Those P.P. letters.
32:25P.P.
32:26Poison pen.
32:28Surely you're not suggesting Miss Barton.
32:32Appearances can be deceptive, of course.
32:35Can't they just?
32:36How about that girl down at the surgery?
32:39The receptionist.
32:40The doctor's sister.
32:42All that Welsh passion expended in polishing her ugly lino.
32:46Oh, but surely somebody else does that.
32:48Possibly.
32:49But it's a thought, Miss Marple.
32:51Would you not say another candidate for our P.P. lady?
32:54So secretive.
32:56And those flashing eyes.
32:58Wow.
32:59She sounds quite a dish.
33:01Miss Marple.
33:02Oh, no, thank you.
33:03No, really.
33:04How should I face the vicar at lunch?
33:06But tell me, Mr. Pye.
33:08Talking of the P.P. letters.
33:11Do tell me.
33:13Have you ever received one yourself?
33:16Me?
33:18Whatever have I to hide that might interest the writer?
33:22Oh, I'm sure I don't know, Mr. Pye.
33:25George?
33:26George?
33:27George?
33:28You were supposed to meet me at the bus stop.
33:30Well, I changed my mind, didn't I?
33:31Why?
33:32Just tell me why.
33:33Making you know.
33:34Don't be so daft.
33:35You're mucking at me one day half.
33:36Yours too.
33:37Don't care.
33:38Look, it weren't my fault you were getting that letter, were it?
33:39Weren't it?
33:40I told you.
33:41He's a cripple.
33:42Walks on sticks.
33:43What can he do?
33:44He can look at you.
33:45But I've left the place.
33:46Know what you are, don't you?
33:47Barmy.
33:48Barmy.
33:49Barmy.
33:50You're supposed to meet me at the bus stop.
33:51Well, I changed my mind, didn't I?
33:52Why?
33:53Just tell me why.
33:54What can you know?
33:55Don't be so daft.
33:56You're mucking at me one day half.
33:57Yours too.
33:58Don't care.
33:59Look, it weren't my fault you were getting that letter, were it?
34:01Weren't it?
34:02I told you.
34:03He's a cripple.
34:04Know what you are, don't you?
34:06Barmy.
34:07Yeah?
34:08I knows what you are.
34:10Thank you very much, Jarge Ellis.
34:12If that's what you think of me, I best go straight back to the Symingtons.
34:15You change that mind of yours again, that's where you'll find me.
34:34Hello?
34:35Megan.
34:36Hello to you.
34:37Where are you off to?
34:38Nowhere special.
34:39Just cycling around.
34:40Then come in.
34:41Come on.
34:42You sure?
34:43Joanna's around somewhere.
34:44I have done my stockings.
34:47Have you?
34:48Good show.
34:49Well, are you or aren't you?
34:50Will you or won't you?
34:51Perhaps your sister's busy.
34:52She's not.
34:53She wants to meet you.
34:54Can't see why.
34:55I can't see why.
34:56It's not.
34:57I can't see why.
34:58I can't see why.
34:59It's not.
35:00It's not.
35:01It's not special.
35:02It's not special.
35:03Just cycling around.
35:04Then come in.
35:05Come on.
35:06You sure?
35:07Joanna's around somewhere.
35:08I have done my stockings.
35:10Have you?
35:11Good show.
35:12Well, are you or aren't you?
35:13Will you or won't you?
35:14Can't see why.
35:19Here we are.
35:20Well done.
35:21Any girl who throws herself at my brother's feet.
35:23She fell off a bicycle, Jo.
35:25You told me.
35:27Here.
35:28Not another.
35:30What is it?
35:31Dry martini.
35:32What's that?
35:33A cocktail.
35:34I've never had cocktails before.
35:36They lift you up.
35:38Makes me dizzy.
35:42I suspect you think I'm awful.
35:43Unspeakable.
35:44What are you doing about it?
35:45Tell me.
35:46What do you think?
35:47Darling, I think you're a breath of fresh air.
35:49And you and I are going to be great pals.
35:51Hmm.
35:52Everyone else thinks I'm stupid.
35:54Oh, for goodness sake.
35:55Stop imagining things.
35:56I know what goes on in their minds.
35:58In your mind?
35:59I'm not wanted, you know.
36:01Mummy doesn't like me one bit.
36:03Now you're being morbid again, child.
36:05And I'm not a child.
36:07She doesn't.
36:08I remind her of Daddy.
36:10She'd like it to be just herself and the boys and their father.
36:14Megan, darling, why don't you...
36:16Well, couldn't you just leave?
36:18To do what?
36:19I'm quite useless.
36:20No money.
36:21No training.
36:22It's true.
36:23No one would miss me.
36:24I would.
36:25I'd miss those holier-than-thou stockings of yours.
36:27There you are, you see.
36:29I'm just a slob.
36:30That isn't true.
36:31That's what everyone believes.
36:33That's why I hate Limston.
36:35Hate the house I live in.
36:37Hate my mother.
36:38Hate everyone, everything.
36:40Well, that's pretty comprehensive, so...
36:42I'd better be going.
36:44Thanks, Joanna.
36:46Thanks very much.
36:47I do get up.
36:48For heaven's sake, stop being so superior.
36:50So patronising.
36:52Patronising?
36:53I'm sorry.
36:55Anyway.
36:56Thanks.
36:57To both of you.
37:03So what did I say?
37:05Do you think she'll be all right?
37:07My God, that girl's a problem child.
37:09Not a child.
37:10A woman.
37:11Now she has another problem.
37:13Hmm?
37:14What's that?
37:15Oh, dear.
37:16Can't you guess?
37:23Yeah.
37:24What are you speaking?
37:25I don't know..
37:26Oh, dear.
37:27They painted a mirror.
37:28Maybe, I don't know...
37:29...but there'sumped.
37:30What time is it ?
37:31Whatever, you fit him�?
37:32Come on.
37:34Sorry, Dorット!
37:35I won't know.
37:36We have cameras, Halloween.
37:36I'm not right now.
37:37富裕 and ducks,
37:39Who Ahh?
37:41Do I ask them?
37:42I can't hear,
37:43Oh, dear.
37:47What day,
37:47I can't hear.
37:49What do you mean?
37:50Can you see?
37:51The list of...
37:52I'm away, Miss Ginch.
38:01Good night, sir.
38:02Oh, that conveyance on the Alderton Bronx.
38:05I'll have it ready in the morning, Mr. Symington.
38:07Fine.
38:08I'll see you tomorrow.
38:14Back to the table, Robert.
38:16At once.
38:17No one said you could get down.
38:19And James, don't wave your knife around like that.
38:22What would mummy say if she saw you?
38:27Daddy's home.
38:29Now sit up properly, both of you, and behave yourselves.
38:32Robert, you want jam all over your face?
38:34Here?
38:35Fishy face.
38:52Daddy!
38:53Daddy!
38:54I want to show you something!
38:54Daddy!
38:55I want to show you something!
38:56Hey!
38:57I want to show you something!
38:58Hey!
38:59Hey!
39:00Hey!
39:01Back up there!
39:02Back up there!
39:03You're pulling me apart!
39:04What have you two monsters been up to?
39:05We went down to the river.
39:07And look what we've caught, Daddy!
39:08Yes, look, Daddy!
39:09Look!
39:10Here they are, Daddy!
39:11Oh, they're tiddlers!
39:12Where's the shark?
39:13You can't catch sharks in the river!
39:15Don't be stupid, Daddy!
39:16Sharks like warm water!
39:18Sharks like warm water!
39:19Sharks like warm water!
39:20Sharks like warm water!
39:21You've seen my wife?
39:22Oh, still resting, I think, Mr. Symington.
39:23Still?
39:24Well, she wasn't downstairs when we arrived home.
39:25Because I caught that.
39:26Well, I'll have...
39:27Try and squeeze another cup out of that pot, Elsa.
39:28Help her wake up.
39:29No, that's not fair!
39:30You'll have three.
39:31I'll have nine.
39:32That's all I'll get.
39:33No, Ben, no!
39:34That's all I'll get.
39:35No, Ben, no!
39:36You'll have three.
39:37I'll have nine.
39:38That's all I'll get.
39:39No, Ben, no!
39:40That's all I'll get.
39:41You'll have three.
39:42I'll have nine.
39:43That's all I'll get.
39:44No, Ben, no!
39:45You know, you really are noisy.
39:46You stand six inches apart.
39:47You have to shout at each other.
39:48Calm down.
39:49I'll be back in a minute.
39:50Come on, boys, and help me clear up.
39:51It's bath time soon.
39:52Come on.
39:53Come on.
39:54Woo!
39:55Woo!
39:56Woo!
39:57Woo!
39:58Woo!
39:59Woo!
40:00Woo!
40:01Woo!
40:02Woo!
40:03Woo!
40:04Woo!
40:05Woo!
40:06Woo!
40:07Woo!
40:08Woo!
40:09Woo!
40:10Woo!
40:11Woo!
40:12Woo!
40:13Woo!
40:14Woo!
40:15Woo!
40:16Woo!
40:17Woo!
40:18Woo!
40:19Woo!
40:20Woo!
40:21Woo!
40:22Woo!
40:23Woo!
40:24Woo!
40:25Woo!
40:26Woo!
40:27Woo!
40:28Woo!
40:29Woo!
40:30Woo!
40:31Woo!
40:32Woo!
40:33Woo!
40:34Woo!
40:35Woo!
40:36Woo!
40:37Woo!
40:38Woo!
40:39Woo!
40:40Woo!
40:41Woo!
40:42Woo!
40:43Woo! Woo!
40:44what's the matter? whatever made you choose this color Jane? do you disapprove?
40:51I don't comment I inquire. but it's not for me Guy. it's my baby gone daughter.
40:59hello the vicarage yes Maude Colthorpe speaking good evening Miss Holland oh dear lord no
41:25yes of course my husband will come over immediately
41:29it's Angela Symington oh dear she's not dead is she
41:59it's
42:03it's
42:09Oh, my God.
42:39.
42:54Morning.
42:55Morning.
42:55Morning.
42:57Morning?
42:57Morning.
42:58Right.
43:03Uh, just one moment, Sergeant Lieutenant,
43:05I'd like to make a note of air.
43:09our most obliged superintendent carry on please the police have established the
43:21following sir mr. Symington returned to his office shortly after lunch miss
43:26Holland had taken the two boys off for a walk and a picnic mrs. Symington's
43:31daughter Megan went cycling and the two servants had left because it was there
43:36a half day off mr. Symington was alone in the house when the letter was delivered
43:40by post by hand there was no stamp this potassium cyanide do we know where it
43:51came from it seems the potting shed there had been a plague of wasps the gardener
43:56was using it to destroy the nests thank you superintendent
44:02doctor how would you describe the dead woman's general state of health she
44:08had a nervous condition which I was treating with these sedatives she took
44:13daily would you consider her a neurotic she suffered from nervous disorder yes
44:20and on receiving a letter of this kind what in your estimation would be its
44:25effect on her it would in my judgment prove a great shock even destabilizing
44:32would you say quite possibly
44:38on reading that letter can there be any doubt that this poor woman was thrown
44:43into a state of extreme agitation she went out into the garden she found the
44:47cyanide took some back into the house threw it into a glass containing her usual
44:53sedative and then drank it after writing those last tragic words I can't go on
45:00the writer of that wicked letter is morally guilty of murder and the police I know will
45:06not relax their efforts until this culprit is apprehended this court finds that
45:12Angela Margaret Symington did take her own life whilst the balance of her mind was
45:16disturbed
45:23Angela Margaret Symington did take the same learns what we hope it was
45:26Hey, Megan, wait.
45:43Come on.
45:52Mr. Symington.
45:54Edward.
45:55I'm so sorry.
45:57Terrible for you, all that coming out of the letter.
46:01I just hope that whoever it is can sleep nights.
46:06If there's anything I can do...
46:08I know.
46:15Mr. Symington, I'd better get back to the boys.
46:19Oh, yes, yes, of course.
46:20I must stay.
46:22I have to thank the coroner.
46:23Well, you shouldn't have left that there cyanide line round out of the cleats, should you?
46:33Here, never you go blaming me.
46:34You blame them wasps.
46:35Miss Partridge?
46:38I...
46:38I...
46:39What, girl?
46:41Tomorrow afternoon.
46:43Could I come and see you?
46:45Just for a chat.
46:46What you been up to now, then, eh?
46:48Nothing, Miss Partridge.
46:50But I do have something on my mind.
46:52Oh, you do, do you?
46:54Something's bothering at me.
46:56Mm-hmm.
46:57Remember when I had that row with George?
46:59Mm-hmm.
46:59The day all this happened, you know?
47:02My stars.
47:03I wish, now, I'd never went to that there house.
47:12I just feel so alone now, Guy.
47:15I'm not sure I can face it.
47:17You will.
47:20You must, for the boys' sake.
47:23Is that Angela?
47:25I know it.
47:27Look.
47:28Owen believed it was Sionite.
47:33There had to be a reason, Edward.
47:36That letter.
47:38That damn filthy letter.
47:39Saying what?
47:43That our youngest, Jamie, wasn't my child.
47:47And whoever wrote it was going to tell the world who the real father was.
47:50I mean, it was all nonsense.
47:51It's a sheer nonsense, Guy.
47:52You know he was our child.
47:53You christened him.
47:54Of course.
47:55Of course.
47:55If only I'd been with her.
48:02If only someone.
48:08If only she hadn't been alone.
48:17Guy will look after him.
48:19That's his job.
48:20There's nothing more we can do.
48:22Selfish and silly as she may have been,
48:24but I can hardly think she was the kind of woman to...
48:26To take her own life.
48:28But the note, I can't go on.
48:30And Sionite.
48:34Yes.
48:35Perhaps I should have seen and understood sooner.
48:39What, Jane?
48:40Maud, my dear.
48:43I'm afraid.
48:44Of what?
48:44That it was not suicide.
48:48You can't mean you...
48:49You can't, Jane.
48:52But who would want to kill her?
48:56Well, that we've yet to find out, my dear.
48:58I don't know.
48:59I don't know.
49:00I don't know.
49:00I don't know.
49:00I don't know.
49:01I don't know.
49:02I don't know.
49:02I don't know.
49:03I don't know.
49:03I don't know.
49:04I don't know.
49:04I don't know.
49:04I don't know.
49:05I don't know.
49:05I don't know.
49:05I don't know.
49:06I don't know.
49:06I don't know.
49:07I don't know.
49:07I don't know.
49:08I don't know.
49:08I don't know.
49:09I don't know.
49:09I don't know.
49:10I don't know.
49:11I don't know.
49:11I don't know.
49:12I don't know.
49:13I don't know.
49:13I don't know.
49:14I don't know.