Inspector Palmu's Mistake (1960) - full transcript

A closed room mystery begins when an infamous tycoon is found dead in his bath tub. The famous police lieutenant Palmu is summoned to investigate.

My mask seems
to be pretty good?

Yes, sir.
It is good.

I presume
it's meant to scare?

Those candles will do, Butler.

Close the doors.

- Evening, Butler.
- Good evening, Aimo sir.

Is everybody here?
And Bruno? Is he still sober?

You're the first to arrive.
My master is in the hall.

Look here, Butler.

But that's...

Surprised, huh, Butler?



Bruno!

Dammit, you scared me...

Evening, Butler.

It's so exciting here!

Look, candles!
Oh, how thrilling!

This is madness.
We shouldn't have come at all.

Erik, it's just a game.

Don't be such a spoilsport.

What is it?

It's Bruno!

He always comes up
with something horrible!

I was scared stiff
when I came here...

And now,
ladies and gentlemen...

We can move on to
the theme of the night.



And that,
as you'll recall, is crime!

"The crime I've committed."

Suspense should always build up.

So we'll start modestly.

Aimo, you're first.

Then the ladies.
Then me.

And Erik.
He promised to be the judge.

Aimo, take your basket.

That was a hard one to guess!

Just a minute, Bruno.

What is the worst crime possible?

Murder.

Obviously murder.

Murder!

What?

Murder is the pivotal,
the ultimate crime.

One that can
never be redeemed.

That's why it's the only
good topic for a detective novel.

If you want to write one,
mere forgery won't do.

It must be murder!

What?

So you can
take back those records.

Many have spoilt their chances
by hurrying too much.

A policeman must be able to wait.

Wait for the criminals to act
and then solve the crime.

And there's nothing
romantic about it at all.

You always talk about
psychology and intuition,

and like to show off
with your academic studies.

I'm just a simple old policeman.

But I know that imagination has
nothing to do with solving a crime.

You need to collect the facts,

arrange them
and make the conclusions.

That's it.

But you have to be pedantic.

So you need
to rewrite this record.

A bit of
literary activity for you!

Palmu.

You know Bruno Rygseck?

The man who guided traffic
with horns on his head on May Day.

Well, Bruno is no more.

He got what he deserved.

He slipped on a soap,
hit his head and drowned in his bath.

This morning, half an hour ago.

Sic transit gloria mundi.

- What?
- It's Latin.

Please.
I have enough of a headache.

An ordinary case,
but it has a moral.

A grotesque end
to a grotesque life.

Just think.
Drowned in his bath!

They had to break
the door to get him.

You'll do the interrogation.
There's no one else available.

Small accidents like these
are your specialty.

But be discreet.
Don't harass the family.

Hugo Rygseck
is a powerful man.

- Can we take a car?
- Sure. Take a paddy wagon.

Or the new armored car,
in case someone attacks you on the way.

But remember, no tricks!
Hugo Rygseck is...

It has to be murder!
No one can drown in his bath.

Bruno Rygseck didn't
have a sober day in his adult life.

For him such an end is natural.

Who is...
or was Bruno Rygseck?

The worst rotten egg
of Helsinki's aristocracy.

He belonged in a sanitarium.

But he owned a large share
of the Rykämö corporation.

Rykämö corporation?

As far as I know,
he never worked in his life

and used his money on things
it shouldn't be used on.

You mean
he had fun all his life.

All right...

The police.

- Is the body still here?
- Body?

- Mr Rygseck was taken to hospital.
- He isn't dead?

There's reason to presume
he can be brought to life.

Why the police, then?

Vaara and I wanted
to ensure nothing was neglected.

- Who is Vaara?
- Vice director of Rykämö corporation.

- Is he here?
- In the hall.

- What's your position here?
- I'm Mr Rygseck's servant.

My name is Veijonen,
but he calls me "Butler".

- Why?
- I don't know.

- It means "male servant".
- I didn't ask you!

In the hall we have
Miss Rygseck, my master's aunt,

and Mrs Rygseck,
my master's wife.

And Miss and Mr Rykämö,
his cousins.

Family gathering, huh?

At last!

Good day.

I'm Inspector Palmu.

I have to do an interrogation.

Right. We're waiting for
information from the hospital.

Excuse me...
Could we get that table?

Could you tell me
when everyone arrived,

what happened then,
and so on?

Miss Amalia Rygseck said
she arrived with Alli Rygseck.

"Said"?
I know exactly when I arrived.

It's just a phrasing we use.

She came with
Alli Rygseck at 9.35 a.m.,

and told Butler to wake up his master,
which he did.

Both went to the hall to wait.
Mrs Alli Rygseck confirms this.

Engineer Erik Vaara
arrived at 9.45 a.m.

Hearing that Bruno was in the bath,
he also went to the hall.

Student Aimo Rykämö came at 10 a.m.
or "a bit past".

Or a bit fore...

I mean...
around 10 o'clock.

Butler gave me a drink,
so I just stayed here.

Office clerk Airi Rykämö
arrived at 10.20 a.m.

She rang the doorbell many times.
Vaara told her what had happened.

The accident had
already been noticed.

At Miss Rygseck's insistence,
Butler went upstairs at 10.15am.

As Bruno hadn't come down,
he went to the bathroom door.

It was locked and he had no answer,
so he became restless

and asked Vaara
to come with him.

With Mr Rykämö
they broke the door

and found
Mr Rygseck in the pool.

Does anyone
have anything to add?

Why were you all
here this morning?

What's it to you?

Private affairs,
none of your concern.

Excuse me.

Hello? Speaking.

He's dead.

It can't be true.

Bruno avoided the earthly judge,
but he won't the divine one.

Kokki, make sure
the body is ready for autopsy.

Butler, come with me!

No one can leave
without my permission.

- Bathroom?
- This way.

Here.

- Where do these stairs lead?
- To the lounge.

- And this corridor?
- To the cellar rooms and outside.

Get your fingers off!

Who has been here
after you found him?

Everyone.

It's very tidy.

I cleaned after the ambulance left.

Cleaned? Why?

The floor was slippery.
It could've caused another accident.

- He slipped on a soap on the floor.
- Soap?

Yes, it left a long trace.

- And naturally you threw the soap away?
- Oh, no.

It went flat but I squeezed
it back to its original shape.

I did it instinctively.

Right, this is very simple.

The knob goes here when it's open
and there when it's locked.

The bolt moves
easily back and forth.

Its weight makes it
fall to the slot.

Right?

We have eyes on our heads,
don't we?

Now, just imagine...

I lock the door so that
I can take a bath in peace.

Why do you want
to take a bath?

Did he lock the door
when bathing?

Not usually.

He often needed my services.

- I had to serve here as well.
- Serve?

Yes, you see...

Hooray, drinks!

Jump in the water!

Really?

Yes, and sometimes even...

- Why was the door locked today?
- I don't know.

Tell me about
your master's morning habits.

He always woke up at 9.45am.

- So punctually?
- In this respect, yes.

This is the last bond that
connects me to organized society.

Once it's severed,
I'm ruined.

The bath is ready, sir.

After 20 minutes
he rang from his room.

I brought his breakfast.

Did his friends
know about these habits?

Definitely.

Now show me
how you broke the door.

It wasn't me.
It was the engineer.

All right.

We came here.

Vaara was first
and I was last.

We knocked on the door
and listened.

We tried the handle.
Vaara tried to break it.

Then he kicked it open.

I stood here
and turned the light on.

Then we rushed in.

And then?
Tell me everything!

Soap!
He slipped on the soap!

Over there.

Lift the feet!

- Let's turn him around.
- Be quiet!

Let's lift him
so the water will flow out.

And then?

Vaara went
to call the ambulance.

Then I noticed it.

Look!

A bump.
He has hit his head.

Airi!
Don't be silly!

Airi! Be quiet!

- He hit her?
- Yes.

- Then?
- What's going on?

He slipped on the soap...

Vaara told them what had happened
and the situation calmed down.

Miss Rygseck told me to clean the soap
before someone would slip.

I did that after the ambulance
took Bruno away.

- Is that all?
- Yes.

Yes, Inspector.

In that case it's clear.

Again we see that
a murderer always makes a mistake.

It may be a minor thing
but it's enough.

Your testimony
leaves me just one conclusion.

But it was an accident.

On the contrary.
It was murder.

But let it be for now.

- The back door.
- Who used this door?

I never saw anyone use it.

But I have reason to presume
that a late guest may have used it.

- A woman, for example?
- For example.

I also have reason to presume
that to some trusted...guest

my master may even
have given the key.

Very considerate.
Were there many such...guests?

That I cannot say.

- You don't even presume?
- No.

- Here?
- Cellar and boiler room.

It's always locked.

I forgot.
Coal men were here this morning.

- Coal men?
- Yes, they delivered coal.

- Crime is most influenced by...
- Conditions at home!

- A family member of mine...
- A criminal?

Who are you?
What are you doing here?

K. V. Laihonen, the writer.

Why do you yell?
Why are you here yourself?

Mr Laihonen,
what are you doing here?

- Looking for my manuscript.
- What?

It's called "Castle in Spain".

- Castle in Sp...?
- Ain.

The name is an allegory.

It means something
hat doesn't exist.

It's everybody's dream.
A wish about an imaginary land.

Why did you look for it here?

Well, I'm not looking
for it right here.

We had things to discuss
and there was no other place.

How long have you been here?

Butler, what are
they doing here?

- You don't know what happened?
- No.

I'm Inspector Palmu,
crime division.

- Have you got something to hide?
- No...

- Mr Laihonen, why are you here?
- The manuscript...

Why are you here as in your home?
Are you a friend of Mr Rygseck?

I'm here for the first time.
I've never met Mr Rygseck.

- And Miss...
- Miss Vanne, director Vanne's daughter.

- Well, I was Bruno's friend.
- You were?

Until yesterday night.
Not anymore.

That's why we met here
and what we talked about.

- He has forgiven me.
- Of course.

So you two are old friends?

Not at all.
We met today for the first time.

Or we met last Saturday,
but I didn't know who she was.

How long have you been here?

My, it's almost noon!
How time flies.

We were to meet at 10,
but he came too early.

- My clock runs fast...
- Well?

I saw him talking
to the coal men.

When they left,
we came in and have talked ever since.

We had a most interesting discussion.

So you're from the crime division?
What a coincidence.

We were just talking about crime.
Who called the police?

The crime was to be so perfect
that the subject couldn't call them.

The subject?
He's at the morgue now!

- Morgue?
- That's right!

Bruno Rygseck drowned in his bath
while you were talking.

Just think.

Someone was murdered
while we were here.

It's like divine judgment.

Murdered?
I didn't say that.

I said he drowned.

As Miss Vanne knows,
Mr Rygseck drank a lot last night.

There's reason to presume
he wasn't sober in the morning.

He slipped on a soap,
fell and drowned.

Really?

I need to know more
about last night.

- Who was here?
- Everyone.

The old Miss Rygseck
only briefly, though.

And Mr Laihonen wasn't here
but his manuscript was.

Old Miss Rygseck, Vaara,
Miss and Mr Rykämö, Miss Vanne.

- That's it?
- Yes.

The others are upstairs.
Would you join them?

Wait, you know
where that door leads?

Of course.
To Bruno's bathroom and the lounge.

Irma, come have a drink!

Did you hear
Bruno kicked the bucket?

Can't you hurry up?
The ladies are impatient.

I'm just an old oaf,
but since we are here,

could you show us
how you broke the door?

Why?
I'm not some comedian.

No, that's how it's done.
It's what they call an alibi.

Bruno!

Bruno! Open the door!

Out of the way.

Something in Butler's story
caught my attention.

Something very strange.

Why was the light on
in the bathroom?

Of course it was.
Bruno wouldn't bathe in the dark.

Butler turned the switch,
but still the light was on.

That's the thing.
Turn the switch, the light turns on.

- He did it instinctively. Right?
- I didn't see him do that.

He did do it.
I remember it clearly.

Don't be silly!
You can't remember it.

I saw it!
Of course I remember it.

Did you turn it?
Think carefully.

Yes, Inspector.
Out of habit.

You can't remember it.

Don't you see
it means trouble for us all?

Including you.

I can swear
I turned the switch.

Very well. We'll see
whose testimony is more credible.

I know a thing or two
about your past.

Listen...
I'm completely batty.

I don't understand a thing!

What are you loitering here for?

I have no time to wait.
I have things to do.

Even you, old man!

- Butler, the grave isn't ready yet.
- Grave?

- Guests?
- Miss Vanne.

You were here last night.

- Who is that man?
- Mr Laihonen, a writer.

Mr Laihonen...
I read one of your books.

That's nice.

After reading it,
I burned it!

What a little creep...

What are you looking for here?

Right now a 30-inch string.

That man is crazy!

Also, why are there
so many people here?

What business did you
have with Bruno, Vaara?

I'll tell you.

I came to beat him up,
sock his eye and break his chin.

Enough?

Engineer Vaara,
you're a man of honour.

You came here at 9.45.
What did you do then?

I went straight upstairs.
Bruno wasn't in his room.

I came back
to wait in the hall.

- How long were you there?
- About 10 minutes.

So long?

- Now, could I ask...
- I'll also be frank.

We were discussing
getting Bruno to a sanitarium.

Did you hear anyone walking
while Vaara was gone?

No, I didn't.

The door was closed and
we talked intensely. Why do you ask?

- I really need to go now.
- Wait a minute.

You don't have
a string this long in your pocket?

- You'll answer for this!
- You'll tell your superior, right?

Erik?

Aimo, what happened?

Erik is completely batty
and I don't understand a thing.

Airi!

Be careful with your words.
They have no right to pester you.

- What's this about?
- The light switch.

I saw Butler turn it.
Erik says he didn't, but he did.

What's this
about a light switch?

Could I ask you
to go upstairs?

You came with Miss Rygseck
and sat here till Bruno was found dead.

Yes.

You talked about getting
your husband to an asylum.

- I already told you!
- Excuse me.

Yes.

Vaara peeked in at 9.45
and left for 10 minutes.

Both of you were here
during that time.

- I told you that!
- Be quiet!

That's right.

Did you hear anything?

No. The door was closed
and we talked all the time.

Did you notice
anything peculiar about Vaara?

Well, he seemed nervous.

He drummed the window
with his fingers.

You were separated,
but the divorce wasn't legal yet?

Yes. I was warned
but had to pay the price.

- Did you have children?
- No.

- You're the only heir?
- No. We had a prenup.

My father's wish was that
shares wouldn't go outside the family.

But she has made sure
not to end up penniless.

Will you come with me, Alli?

- I have to go now, Inspector.
- That's fine.

I have no reason to bother you.
For now.

Thank you. Good bye.

I'll be back this afternoon.
I hope the house is empty then.

Hey boys,
let's have a drink!

First I'll check
what Butler is doing outside.

- Sure. No hurry.
- Be as sober as you can.

Excuse me.
About the manuscript...

Dear Lord, strike me down
should he bother me once more!

Someone else would be happy
to sit there and talk.

Inspector...

You haven't seen
or heard anything.

The day was terrible
and you're shocked.

Right?

How did you know?

That's the closet!

Inspector... A rag.

What are you doing, Butler?

Can't you see?
I'm digging a grave.

Is this the place where...

Princess Adeline
will be buried here.

- Princess?
- Von Katzendorf-Copperg.

Old Miss Rygseck
was fond of her.

How did she die?

I have reason to presume
she got poison in her cream.

- Why do you presume?
- I brought the cream.

Why the poison? I have
to pull each word with a corkscrew!

Corkscrew?

Very well. But keep in mind
that I'm only a servant.

My observations are random.
I'm only there when needed.

Well, I'll try
to keep that in mind.

I'm used to strange things
in this house.

But last night was
one of the strangest.

Before the guests arrived
my master gave me a shock.

He was disguised.

- As what?
- As Death.

Young Mr Rykämö
was the first to arrive.

He brought Princess Adeline.

I have reason to presume
he had stolen it.

Then came Miss Vanne.

"Castle in Spain"

I have reason to presume
she had also stolen it.

Come now.
Director Vanne's daughter?

- Do you want me to continue?
- Excuse me.

At first everyone had fun.

They drank a lot.

But before 11 p.m.
something happened.

And now,
ladies and gentlemen...

The buffet is
just below the stairs.

They're wooden
and a little rickety.

So you notice
people running up and down.

- Erik!
- Hey, wait!

- Butler!
- Yes, sir?

- Bring cream on a plate!
- Cream?

For the cat!
You think I'd drink it?

He went upstairs.
I was soon to find out why.

Very good, Butler!

Tomorrow you'll pay for this
and everything else.

Butler, bury
the Princess in the garden.

There's not
much more to tell.

My master told Aimo that
Amalia wouldn't dare to do anything.

Miss Vanne was the last to leave
after arguing with my master.

Why did Amalia want
the cat to be buried here?

I think she had a feeling
she would move here soon.

Why?

Some of the family planned
to put master in a sanitarium.

You know as well as I
that it was murder.

Before you turned the switch
the bathroom was dark.

The door was locked
from the inside.

You know
how it can be done.

You go to the bathroom,
knock your master dead,

push him to the pool,
make a trail with the soap,

and lock the door
from outside.

- You know how to do it.
- Yes.

- Once at the hotel...
- Hotel?

- I used to work in a hotel.
- I see.

With a string this long
you can easily lock the door.

It's an old trick.

After that the murderer turned
the light switch, instinctively.

- Right?
- Yes, out of a habit.

Like you did when
you entered the bathroom.

You washed the floor
and got rid of the clues.

Why would I stick
to my testimony about the switch?

- Only it points to murder.
- Why do you stick to it?

You'd find out eventually,
so I'll tell you.

- I was fired from the hotel.
- Why?

- Because of a cash deficit.
- And then?

That's all.

You haven't told me
why you stick to the testimony.

A child could see
you know more than you tell.

And that's your intention.

I warn you.
Don't play with evil powers!

When you're ready,
come with us upstairs.

The only servants
are the cook and you?

- Master drove the car by himself.
- Yes, I've read about it in the papers.

Stairs to the bathroom.

Mrs Rygseck's bedroom.
It's a guestroom now.

Bathroom of upstairs.
And here's Mr Rygseck's sanctuary.

Study and bedroom.

You stay here.

- Inspector!
- What?

Seems that Bruno
took photos in his bed.

Yes, and painted too.

Butler!

- What is this tune?
- "Rise Up My Soul".

- Why is it playing?
- By coincidence.

I wound it this morning
when master went to bath.

- Was the camera here then?
- No, it was standing.

You were here later.
Didn't you notice it?

I was only at this door.

- Did you open the drawer?
- No.

Was this here?
And the string?

String... I think so.

The red book.

- Mr Rygseck's red book.
- What is it?

I don't know.
I often heard people talk of it.

Many were eager to see it
but only a few could.

I wasn't allowed to see it.

- No presumptions about its content?
- No.

Right...

- Here's the manuscript.
- I'm so grateful.

- Could I have the string?
- Of course. Some dunce has tied it.

The string damages the margins.

I... I tied it.

- I wouldn't have done it if I'd known.
- Oh, but it's a trifle!

- Where did you get the string?
- From a candybag.

- I like candies.
- So do I.

- Really?
- Especially hard ones with soft filling.

Kiss Kiss candies.

Everybody to the hall!
Butler too.

I have to leave now.
I've missed my work all morning.

First tell me why
you came here this morning.

I forgot my powder last night.
I came to get it...

Don't be batty, Airi.

- Everyone knows you came to...
- Aimo!

How about you?
Why are you here?

Me? I came for drink.
I had a hangover.

I thought Bruno would need
one anyway when he wakes up.

- So when he takes some absinthe...
- Absinthe?

- Yeah, he drank it with his wife.
- Some poisons!

Oh yes, it's awful.
I wanted brandy...

Right, you came for a drink.

By the way,
who has the key to the back door?

I do.

Inspector, you're asked to the phone.

Boys, come here!

Close the doors!

So boys,
do you know what we'll do now?

We'll go home.
Drop the investigations and go home.

We've no right
to bother decent people.

And why?

"There's no evidence
it wasn't an accident."

So says Hagerth.

I tried to tell him about the switch.
He told me to go to hell!

- Must be his nerves.
- Must be his hangover!

But what to do? Director Rygseck
called his friend the minister.

And he called the governor
who called the chief of police.

He scolded Hagerth
who scolded me.

And now I scold you
so that it's all done in order!

- Or what?
- Yes.

Damn those
Rygsecks and Rykämös...

Everyone is free to go.

I said right off the bat
that the whole thing was batty.

Who cares about
some light switch?

Here's the key.

Is the investigation cancelled?

Yes, if you hurry you still
have time to crawl to Canassa.

Canossa.

Inspector Palmu...

This case is interesting.
Could we get a cup of coffee?

- It's already past breakfast.
- But it's lunchtime!

Could I ask you to join us?
It would be pleasant.

We are happy
to accept your invitation.

I know.
Let's go to Hotel Kämp.

Our car is waiting.

- Welcome.
- Thank you.

Inspector, the paint had been
scoured off on two spots.

On the lock of bathroom, that is...
like it'd been rubbed with a string.

You couldn't see it with bare eyes,
but with a magnifying glass...

You always carry one around
in your pocket?

To all Mondays!

Life is sweet.

Even a minor nuisance
can break a lifelong principle.

This is the first time I've
drunk alcohol while working.

True story!

I've also left a manuscript
to a publisher...

A propos, it would be fun to know
how Miss Vanne got the script.

It's a long story
that you wouldn't care to hear.

Well, I would!

- You've heard about treasure hunt?
- What?

I ordered a pianist.
Some quiet music won't bother?

On the contrary, music is inspiring!
Right, Miss Vanne?

Kokki, knock it off.

Right, treasure hunt is
a crazy game from America.

Everyone has to get, say,
ten objects in a given time.

They are more or less
difficult to get.

Horse's tail hair, policeman's baton,
actress's shoe, etc.

- The one who brings the most wins.
- Come on!

Yes, I've heard of it, too!

It all started
when we met Bruno last Thursday.

Ville, hi there!
How's it going?

Aimo had some finances
to talk over with him.

I think Bruno just wanted to tease Vaara
who didn't really fit in.

I had read about treasure hunt
and thought it would be fun.

But Bruno wasn't satisfied.

No, no!
Everyone has to commit a crime.

A crime that
the victim cannot report.

Out of fear or other reason.
It must be something irreplaceable.

- This is going to be good...
- I don't get it.

Well, if you steal Aunt Amalia's cat,
it's irreplaceable to her.

But she wouldn't go to the police.
They'd think she was crazy!

Or...
There's Laihonen, the writer.

If he'd lose his manuscript,
he'd be too absentminded to rewrite it.

Well, I'm not
that absentminded...

But it wouldn't
come out the same way.

Anyway,
Vaara objected to the plan.

It's the craziest idea
I've ever heard!

You and Airi just don't dare.
She always does what you say.

- In this case she will.
- I'll do what I want!

Don't be batty, Erik!

- I'll take part on one condition.
- Well?

If I win, you'll go to
a sanitarium for two years.

Vaara withdrew eventually
but agreed to take part as a judge.

I think he came to look after Airi.

We agreed to meet at Bruno's home
on Sunday at 9 p.m.

I agree with Vaara.
It's a mad idea.

A play with evil powers of the soul.

When you think of crime,
you unleash what's normally kept hidden.

A criminal must have an alibi...

And now we come
to the manuscript.

It's so silly. Don't laugh at me.

I took Bruno's idea
because I'd wanted to meet Mr Laihonen.

I have to go now.

He had never noticed
we lived on the same street.

Almost opposite to each other.

Is Mrs Laihonen home?

No, she's gone to the country.
She'll be back next week.

Right, thank you.

I made sure his mother wasn't home,
though I had already guessed it.

- Guessed?
- Yes.

Because he was
at an outdoor restaurant.

He's so kind and his mother
tyrannizes him so much.

She forces him to wear galoshes
and forbids him to go to restaurants.

No, not really...

- I forgot my galoshes!
- What did I tell you?

On Thursday and Friday
he worked until late.

He only went to
a nearby cafe at 9 p.m.

On Saturday night...

Miss?

Hello, Miss?

- Water!
- Just a minute...

Dammit!

You don't understand
how clever my crime was.

He couldn't go to the police.

His mother would know he had
a young woman at home late at night.

I knew the culprit
had been the beautiful stranger,

but I didn't know
what to do about it.

I'm curious to know how
you wound up in the coal cellar.

Don't be an idiot, Bruno!

Give it to me!

No, I won't!

- Excuse me...
- What?

- Who lives here?
- Say what?

Oh, you're here.

You're here already?

- I came too early.
- I have to explain everything.

Let's go to the cellar
so we can talk.

Why a letter?
Wouldn't a call have been better?

Yes, I didn't think of that.

I cling to details,
it's a bad habit of mine.

Could we move on
to last night?

Well Aimo,
how was your crime?

When Aunt Amalia went to
the sewing society this morning,

I sent a kid to get the cat
and told Aunt had asked for it.

Sending the kid
was a clever touch.

- Irma!
- Silence!

I was laying on the chair and
he was getting me water, so I took it.

- Well, a little bit better.
- It was brilliant!

Just an ordinary theft.
But look at this!

Ten bills from Aimo
that Bruno has agreed to pay.

How did you get them?
What was the crime?

- We can't tell that.
- It's a secret.

I can tell you it was blackmail.
A kind of blackmail.

Not fair. What's the point
if you don't tell us?

I'd say it was
a crime of indecency.

- What?
- Or what do you think, Airi?

Airi used my weakness for indecency
to get hold of that paper.

It will cost me a tidy sum of money.
Aimo's gambling debts.

Right, Airi's crime
was a damn good crime.

But my crime is so horrible
that I can only reveal it to the judge.

Erik, come upstairs
and choose the winner.

- Maybe Bruno has a corpse in there.
- Aimo!

Shush!

Bruno won. But I'll make sure
he won't boast for long.

And we already heard
about the poisoning of the cat.

What did Bruno
show to Vaara?

You don't know.

And my guess is
that Vaara won't tell.

Anyway, the crime needn't
have anything to do with last night.

Though it is strange that
everyone was there this morning.

- And Mrs Rygseck...
- Yes, she profited quite a lot.

I mean, more than if
they hadn't been separated.

And then there's Butler.

I could swear
he lied to me about one thing.

By the way, Miss Vanne...

Why did you socialize with Bruno?
You knew he was morally depraved.

You mean seeing as
I come from a "good family"?

Good people tend to be boring.
Bruno Rygseck was not.

And there's more than
one kind of moral depravity.

I only ask because
I want to think all the best of you.

Anyway, we didn't
come here just to talk!

Eyes as dark as
darkest nights of the fall

for a moment
won't give me peace.

I may travel to
the end of the world,

yet they haunt me
without cease.

Full of tears they gave me
once a painful gaze.

I'll see it till the end
of my poor days.

Eyes as dark as
darkest nights of the fall

will not leave
my soul alone!

Palmu, where have you been?

The whole station is
upside down because of you.

- At Kämp, for lunch.
- On working hours!

And drunk as a skunk!

- Did you have a car?
- No.

Or yes, but we left it
in front of the hotel.

Now you'll go back to
Bruno Rygseck at once!

But he's dead.
Died in an accident this morning.

This is no time for jokes.
Vaara called us half an hour ago.

The divorced Mrs Rygseck
has taken poison and died.

Maybe we shouldn't have
dropped the investigation.

"We"?

Well, let's go, boys!

Kokki!
You're not driving!

Right. Hey, come with us.
There's a little task for you.

Inspector,
I owe you an apology.

- There was another terrible accident.
- Accident?

- Where's the body?
- Upstairs.

We carried her
to her former room.

I'm sorry I was the one
demanding to drop the investigation,

thus causing
this other accident.

I'll take one thing at a time.

Inspector Palmu,
Dr. Dahlberg.

Asphyxiation
in a blink of an eye.

The poison burned
the throat and mucosas.

- Hydrocyanic acid?
- Probably potassium cyanide.

It produces hydrocyanic acid
when it comes in touch with gastric acid.

Have you smoked here?

I never smoke while I'm working.

Has anyone else smoked
after the body was brought here?

No. The door was locked
and the room has not been used.

Come with me!

We came to discuss actions
resulting from Bruno's death.

I came to represent director Rygseck.
He's crippled, as you may know.

So there were Miss Rygseck,
whom I asked to take over the house.

I already took
hold of the silver.

Miss and Mr Rykämö
and Mrs Rygseck.

We had to invite her too,
because the divorce wasn't legal yet.

An awkward situation came up right away.
Mrs Rygseck wanted to have the house,

although she had no right to it
according to the prenup.

What did she inherit?

A large amount of cash and a pension
from the corporation till her death.

And if she had divorced?

Only the pension, which would have
stopped if she had remarried.

So her husband's death
came at a very convenient moment.

If she were still alive,
that is.

She didn't have a right
to the house, anyway.

Who are the heirs?

Director Rygseck
and the present family.

You served the drinks, Butler?
Tell me how it happened.

In the wrong order.
I should have served Miss Rygseck first.

But she told me to start
with Mrs Rygseck.

Not true! I didn't tell
you to serve her poison!

Nobody knew it was poison!

It went like this:

Mrs Rygseck sat here.

- Absinthe, Aunt Amalia?
- Aimo!

I'll have Madeira.

I'll have absinthe.
I haven't had it in a long time.

I'll bring you
a bigger glass then.

No need.
I'll have it dry.

- And Miss?
- Madeira, but serve her first.

I couldn't drink that.

Tastes like anise, right?

No, this tastes like...almond?

When we lifted her up
there was a distinct scent of almond.

- Potassium cyanide.
- But we can't find the jar.

It was almost full.

Where did Bruno get the poison
and what kind of a jar was it?

And where was it left yesterday?
Anyone seen it?

An ordinary chemistry jar with a
picture of a skull, and no one has seen it?

Everyone thinks
it was left in the hall.

Except Butler,
who thinks Bruno took it with him.

Correction: presumes.

Right, we need to find it.

Body to the morgue!
Absinthe bottle to analysis!

Also, it'd be good
if I could find the weapon

used to knock Bruno out
before he was pushed to the pool.

You still stick to your theory
that Bruno was murdered?

You think her death was a mistake
and the poison meant for Bruno?

- It's clear.
- Bruno drowned in the bath.

Butler is now ready to correct
his error with the switch.

It's true.
I didn't turn the light switch.

What's this chatter
about the light switch?

They're batty!

I believe many people
had reason to want Bruno dead.

But who benefited
from his wife's death?

For now, everyone who was
here this morning is a suspect.

I'll call the murder squad
to take your fingerprints.

No one will leave
this room without my permission.

But Inspector,
you have no right...

What a batty guy!

Inspector,
I'm in a bit of hurry.

What are you waiting for?
Butler, throw the man his coat!

- I'm ready to answer any questions.
- Thank you and goodbye.

Goodbye!

Butler, who spent
the night in the guest room?

So, you noticed it too.

I've been trying to figure it out
but don't know who it could be.

- I swear all the guests left.
- Who was the last guest?

Miss Vanne.
She wrote a letter before she left.

You may go.

Hello, Palmu here.

Listen...

If you want I can give you
the pattern for the whole case.

Let's assume first
that there's one murderer, X.

This X doesn't like Bruno.

So he mixes
potassium cyanide with absinthe,

so that Bruno would take it
for his hangover and drop dead.

But for some reason he discards
the bottle and knocks him dead instead.

Maybe he was in a hurry
and had to get rid of the absinthe...

Wait!

There could also be two murderers.
X and, let's say, Y.

X plans to knock him out
and Y mixes the poison.

But X is faster.

Or then Y was planning
to poison the missus.

Maybe Y didn't plan
to poison the missus

but someone else
altogether, say Z.

Or maybe X was after Z as well,
but neither one made it.

- You're drunk!
- Not at all.

Stop! Don't get your
fingerprints all over it!

How could you
know it was there?

I peeked in.
Out of curiosity.

Let's start with Bruno's murder.
Kokki, call Miss Rykämö!

Tell me the truth
about your brother's debts.

Don't be afraid.
We won't get him in any trouble.

Aimo is so childish and
easily influenced by others.

But he's a good boy.
Even in his childhood...

And Bruno lent him
money and paid his bills.

Now I realize he did it
to get me under his control.

Aimo has forged my name
in cold blood on over 10 bills.

They're worth 120,000 marks.

My God!

I might let it pass if you
come to discuss it at my place.

- I should come?
- Yes, tomorrow night. At 11.

It's not a matter of money.
You have time till tomorrow night.

Or I'll be forced
to send Aimo to prison.

Of course, no one
has to see you coming.

The key to the back door.

What is it?

What, what, what?

Not a trace of good manners!

Kokki, take them to the bathroom
and tell them what to do.

And don't be as noisy as gypsies!

So, you went?

I had no other option.
I went.

And when I left
Bruno gave me this.

- It should be legal.
- Certainly.

Why did he give you this?

No one shall ever know.
We swore it to each other.

- You committed a crime.
- You know about the game?

Maybe it was blackmail,
but he was a blackmailer too.

Bruno said it was
a crime of indecency.

So, Irma Vanne
has been gossiping.

You may think what you want,
but I won't break my vow.

Do you know what
Bruno showed to Vaara?

No, and I don't care!

He can think what he wants of me.
I'm happy my eyes are open now.

He thinks so too,
that's why he came here.

And you came after him
because you were afraid...

- Not true!
- You were afraid that Vaara would...

Not true!
Erik is not a murderer!

You have no reason to
bother Miss Rykämö!

What is this?

Vaara, you have no right
to meddle in my affairs.

You may go to hall to wait.
You too, miss.

Turn around! Everyone!

This needs to be
photographed.

Take Mrs Rygseck's
fingerprints at the morgue.

Thank you.

Engineer Vaara.

What did Bruno show
you in his room?

None of your business.

Have you ever seen
Bruno's red book?

I've heard of it
but it has nothing to do with this.

No? I thought
you loved Miss Rykämö.

You're insane, man!
Do I have to put you in cuffs?

Sure, I wrote Bruno's name in the bills
when I couldn't get hold of him.

But it's not forgery
if I just write it...

Sure, Bruno showed me the red book.
The one with the girlies.

Bruno liked taking photos.
He was really...

Right, I think we're done.
You may go.

I'm sorry, Miss Rygseck,
that you needed to wait so long.

- I'm used to it.
- But I had a reason.

You're a judicious woman.
That's why I'm asking you to help us.

I'll be glad to help you
if you tell me two things.

Do you have reason to believe
my nephew was murdered?

Yes.

Do you think someone
tried to poison me today?

It occurred to me too,
but I don't think so.

I'm ready to help you.

Who do you think benefited
from Mrs Rygseck's death?

Benefited?
You mean who will inherit her?

No doubt her mother,
who is still alive.

She'll get the money
Alli inherited from Bruno.

Did the same person who mixed
the poison kill your nephew?

Could you make that clearer?

Why did Bruno die before he could
meet anyone who came to see him?

You mean the murderer
needed to hurry?

After mixing the poison,
he had no time to wait for the absinthe.

In that case he needed to
know who was waiting for Bruno.

Exactly.

When are you going to capture him?

- Whom?
- Butler, of course.

You're a smart woman but for now
we need to keep this a secret.

Thank you for your help.

I'll go and get my
things here now.

- I'll keep an eye on him.
- Fine.

You'll get a new hostess, Butler.
Miss Rygseck went to get her things.

By the way, do you have
any reason to presume

that someone would think
you drink your master's absinthe?

Your own fault, Butler.
Why didn't you tell us everything?

What did you mean by that?

Well, I just warned him.

And sometimes talking
nonsense can get you results.

Have you forgotten
about the coal men?

What about them?
I don't need them.

They were here
at the time of murder.

Given Bruno's lifestyle, it's possible
he was rude with a working-class girl.

The girl's brother, a coal man,
came to get even with Bruno.

He used the opportunity
to avenge his sister.

- Do you read a lot of weeklies?
- I don't think...

The murderer was
uncovered a long time ago.

The first mistake revealed
it was murder.

The second one revealed
the murderer.

The second one?

Mrs Rygseck's death
was the second mistake.

You mean you still don't
know who's the murderer?

Well, it's not your fault you have
a slim head and broad shoulders.

But your notes are very tidy,
I'll give you that.

I forgot to give this to Kokki.

There are some nice
fingerprints inside.

I like to take them
from people who lie to me.

I think I'll go to the sauna.
You can write the report.

Palmu. Yes.

What time?

I'll come. Goodbye.

Director Rygseck rang and
asked to come for a visit at 10.30 p.m.

Director Rygseck?

Come! We can't
keep the big shots waiting.

I don't wish to interfere,
just to point out a few things.

You've no doubt noticed my nephew
Bruno was an unpredictable person.

Maybe you think
he was downright insane.

But he was not.
I'm convinced of it.

I knew him well and
I'd never put him into an asylum.

My sister Amalia thought he was insane
and needed to be under custody.

Only few people knew
how vulnerable Bruno was.

And how inclined to depression.

I knew this side of him.
As said, I was very close to him.

I know the idea of suicide
often got hold of him.

Let me continue!

Bruno was afraid of Amalia and
her attempts to get him to a sanitarium.

He understood the threat
and knew he went too far this time.

At night his weary brains thought up
suicide as the only solution.

He got up and mixed poison to absinthe,
his favorite drink. But...

He was a coward
and couldn't do it.

So it wasn't a coincidence that
he slipped on the soap and hit his head.

It was all caused
by his death wish.

It would be honor to your wits
to accept my theory.

You didn't refer to
the family burden just now.

No, I didn't think
it was necessary.

Yet it's known that
your father died insane.

I assumed you would
ignore such nonsense.

Slander, gossip.

The firm is a family business.
Who has the highest authority?

My sister has 1/4 of the shares.
I have almost half. Bruno had 1/4.

Aimo and Airi
have a few shares.

And after Bruno Rygseck's death
you own more than half.

Simple arithmetics!

But I haven't heard
your opinion yet.

Murder is always murder.

I demand proof!

I won't have taxpayers' money
wasted on useless investigations!

I hope you understand what I mean.

We already have two corpses.
Who will be the third?

You're a stubborn man,
Inspector Palmu.

Well then, we won't
talk about this anymore.

We can move on
to the main topic.

We've been planning to
standardize our guarding.

We need to find
the right person to carry it out.

Inspector Palmu,
we might offer the position to you.

I hope you'll consider my offer.

Maybe you can dictate it
to your secretary.

Otherwise it would expire
if you'd suddenly die.

Your remark is correct, Inspector.

I'm planning to travel south
for holiday with my sister Amalia.

But your needn't fear.
It won't affect our plans.

My car is available for you.

No, I haven't enlisted
as a night guard yet.

Well, we need to
clarify ourselves too.

Yesterday morning
you were at Bruno's study.

You took a key from his pocket
and opened the drawer.

What were you looking for?

His book of memories.
And you found it.

You tore a page and returned
downstairs to the women.

Aimo Rykämö
joined you soon,

having just committed
a most cunning murder.

Aimo?

When he realized Bruno had desecrated
his sister because of his forgeries,

he made his decision.

But the tragedy is that
both you and Aimo were mistaken.

Bruno didn't touch Airi Rykämö.

For shame!
Love demands trust.

But it wasn't a mistake.
I saw it myself.

You didn't see a thing!
You know she visited Bruno, that's it.

You deserve to lose her love.

- But I did see it!
- Well, let me see the photo, too.

Skillfully made.

If I had a magnifying glass...

Here's one.

Thank you.

Yes, it's clear...

Here's the junction.

The head belongs to Miss Rykämö.
The body, who knows?

That's all you saw.

You were ready to believe
anything about your bride.

For shame!

It served you right
to lose her love.

But that's not all.

By believing it
you also made Aimo believe it.

You were about
to beat Bruno up.

Aimo went further.

He killed the man
who desecrated his sister.

Such a shame for the family!
And the corporation!

The world shall see Aimo and
Airi Rykämö only as Bruno's heirs.

Now I have to arrest both
because she knows about the crime.

Inspector. It wasn't Aimo.

I killed Bruno Rygseck.

I'm forced to arrest you.

I would like to see Airi first.

Miss Rykämö,
would you come here?

Miss Rykämö, I need to show you
a photo that Bruno showed to Vaara.

But...this isn't me.

- Vaara believes it is.
- Airi...

So that's why Bruno
told me not to tell anyone!

And Erik, you believed?

You believed
I have such an ugly body?

Miss Rykämö,
Vaara just confessed killing Bruno.

Erik, I was afraid of that.

Afraid?

- But he said that Aimo...
- What about Aimo?

- Aimo killed Bruno.
- Aimo?

Killed?

Do you think
Aimo could kill anyone!

You wrinkled old fungus!

- You lied to me.
- But you confessed!

Well, I didn't
believe you, anyway.

I appreciate
your nobility.

And I believe
Miss Rykämö does too.

- Excuse me, can I use the phone?
- Of course.

- Would you like a cigar?
- Thanks.

Almost as good
as the ones upstairs!

Could I speak
with servant Veijonen?

Thank you.

Butler has disappeared.

- He left yesterday evening.
- Who answered the phone?

Miss Amalia Rygseck.

We need to go now.

Thank you and goodbye.

I've been working at home.
Miss Vanne has helped me.

- I'm not bothering?
- Not at all. I'm making coffee.

Why did you lie to me,
Miss Vanne?

You spent the night
in Bruno's guest room.

Answer me!

I didn't want Mr Laihonen
to get the wrong impression.

When Bruno refused
to give the manuscript,

I decided to spend the night there
and grab it while he was taking a bath.

I woke up early
and smoked a few cigarettes.

Master Bruno!

It's Butler.

You may not believe me
but I heard noises.

It was Vaara
smashing Bruno's camera.

- Was it he who...
- No, no. Please continue.

I was afraid Mr Laihonen
was waiting for me already.

So I rushed downstairs
without anyone seeing me.

Wait a minute.
What was that sound?

I can't say.

Try to remember.

You passed the bathroom
at the time of murder.

I thought the stairs creaked.
I looked around but saw nothing.

- You didn't see anything else?
- No.

You must have!

I didn't see or hear anything else.
Don't you believe me?

You already lied once.
You're hiding something.

- It's better that you...
- I don't know anything!

Not even if you kill me.
Why don't you believe me?

I believe you, Irma.

I must order you to stay home
and not leave without my permission.

- This is an order!
- But it's...

Well, you can stay with her.

- Inspector...
- Don't bother me!

- Listen, Toivo.
- Goddammit, Kokki!

Have someone watch Miss Vanne's place.
She's in house arrest.

And you!

Take this bedroom key
to Amalia Rygseck.

And bring me the red book.

But don't look at it!

And tell her, and don't forget this,
that we're on the trail of the murderer.

And Miss Vanne knows something of it
because she spent the night there.

Tell the same things to
Aimo and Airi Rykämö and Vaara.

And show the red book
to Miss Vanne.

- But why?
- Just do as I said!

And remember:
see everyone in person.

Right.

Have you done
anything to find Butler?

The Inspector will take care of it.
No need to worry, Miss Rygseck.

I have a feeling that
he's sneaking around the house.

When I was on the town
I had the feeling I was being followed.

He may have a key to the house.
I'm still spending the night here.

Did you know Miss Vanne spent
the night here when Bruno was killed?

Palmu believes she knows
quite a lot about the murder.

You could guess it about that hussy.
Even if she's a director's daughter.

Painted lips and eyes...

By the way,
what have you been painting?

Come and see.
I'll show you.

You didn't know I used
to paint when I was young?

Now it's suitable
to hang on the wall.

The old version was indecent.

Well, it's getting dark.

Frankly, I'm a little bit scared.

- I wish I had a gun.
- I can lend you one.

How nice of you.
Really?

But how do you use it?

Here's the safety.
And then you just pull the trigger.

I'm so sorry...

Give it back to me.
Accidents might happen.

If there's going
to be shooting here, I'm off.

You'll leave when
the bathroom door is fixed.

Is that clear?

You have to be
really careful with the gun.

Even exaggerated
self-defence is a crime.

- Miss Vanne?
- Yes.

- It's Miss Rygseck, hello.
- Hello.

I was thinking,
maybe you could help me a bit?

I can't think of anyone else.

Help me solve
these unfortunate events.

Maybe you don't know it,
but Butler has escaped.

I'd like to investigate it
and thought you might come over.

We could
investigate together.

- Well?
- Well what?

- Well?
- Mission accomplished.

- You met everyone?
- Yes.

Mr Laihonen was
looking after Irma Vanne.

Miss Rygseck will
spend the night in the house.

She thinks
she has been followed.

She has been.
I don't want any more corpses.

- What are we waiting for?
- For the murderer's move.

The web is getting tighter.

I can't understand
what's taking so long.

Could I speak to Miss Vanne?

She's asleep?
Wake her up then!

- She was already asleep then.
- Wait a minute!

What?

She was asleep
when I paid a visit.

So you didn't meet her?

Where is Miss Vanne?
Don't stutter, man!

Where did she go?
When?

An hour ago!

You come with us!

Miss Rygseck,
I checked his room but didn't find...

Miss Rygseck?

There you are!
I've been looking for you.

Come!

- The old woman is inside.
- How about Miss Vanne?

Yes.
She came half an hour ago.

- And you let her go in?
- Well, you didn't forbid it.

Quick! You go to the front door.
Butler, give him the key!

You go first.
The light can't be switched on.

Come back!

Miss Vanne! Open the door.
It's Palmu.

It's all over.
Open the door!

Well! Hello there!

Brandy?

Don't worry,
I've tried it myself.

We'll go now, Amalia.

- You must be tired.
- I'm very tired, Gunnar.

You're a nice boy.

I'm sorry the pistol
went off accidentally.

I'm going abroad now.
Isn't it right, Gunnar?

- Let's go now!
- Why are you so nervous?

Pay me a visit in my office.

I can't understand
why you had to run in front of me.

An old oaf like me
would have deserved...

He's a hero.

I still don't understand
where she got the gun.

From me.

Since it's going
to be a long story,

couldn't we go through it
in Hotel Kämp?

- My treat, of course.
- Great idea!

Well, I wasn't
expecting something like this!

Congratulations!

Inspector Palmu,
why did Miss Rygseck kill her nephew?

Surely not because of the cat?

The cat meant more to her
than we can imagine.

In a way, she had shaped
the cat as her own image.

Wouldn't you agree
as a writer?

Yes, it can be true.

It's a profound thought.

Bruno was the only one
who knew Amalia's secret: insanity.

Killing the cat was
a declaration of war.

Bruno killed
something in her.

I understand.
How about Mrs Rygseck's death?

She lied when she said they
sat in the hall at the time of murder.

She knew Amalia killed Bruno
but wanted to blackmail her.

So she gave her an alibi.
That's why she wanted the house.

And thus signed her death sentence.

Right.
But how about the murder weapon?

The one used
to knock Bruno cold?

Why, we've seen it
many times by now. Kokki!

Amalia Rygseck's umbrella.

Subtitles by Veikko for KG