Ellery Queen (1975–1976): Season 1, Episode 6 - The Adventure of Miss Aggie's Farewell Performance - full transcript

Are you wondering how healthy the food you are eating is? Check it - foodval.com
---
At this moment, Vera Bethune is
playing the last scene of her life.

Who killed her?

Was it her unhappy costar?

Vera was not trying
to get rid of me.

Her agent?

Oh, really, Inspector!

The ambitious announcer?

She was through,
so who needed her anymore?

The organist?

And that's why he killed her,
Mr. Queen.

The young actress?



I hardly knew the woman.

The worried writer?

We were using this
to kill off Miss Aggie.

Or was it someone else?

Match wits with Ellery Queen

and see if you can guess
who done it

[ Organ playing ]

Hiya.
-Hi.

-You're here early.
-I wanted a look at the script.

Oh, you'll get over that after
you've been on the show for a while.

Are they always this late?

They've got almost a minute.
That's plenty of time.

-Morning.
-Oh, good morning.

Pipe down, will you, Mary Lou?



[ Dialing ]

[ Plays softer]

Hello, Irv?

Yeah, I'm at the studio.
What do you got?

3:00 at BBD&O?

Larry, darling,
speak to Olivia and Alvin.

WENDELL: Well, what happened
to 2:30 at the network?

-They write the script.
-What do you mean, they cancelled?

Speak to them?

Look -- Alvin's all right,
but she's impossible.

Good morning, dear.

-Have you got it all memorized?
-No, I didn't think--

You're absolutely right, Larry.
Olivia's a cretin.

But what can you expect?
It's radio.

20 seconds.
Stand by.

Irv, baby, I got to dash.
I'll call you when we break.

Well, my contract is up
in seven months,

and then it's Hollywood for me.

They want me at Fox, you know.

Still?
Oh, how wonderful for you.

♪ La la la la la ♪

♪ Mi, mi, mi, mi, mi, mi ♪

♪ Ahhhhh ♪

-Anita, dear?
-Yes, Miss Bethune?

Try to speak a little softer today,
will you?

Five seconds.

Not that I think you're overdoing it,

but you know
how the network people are.

[ Organ plays ]

Time once again to join Middleville,
Indiana's own Miss Aggie,

beloved principal
of Middleville High,

helping the young men
and women of Middleville

as they traverse everyday's journey.

"Everyday's Journey," brought to you
today by Vita-Creme shampoo.

If you can spare me
just a moment of your time, sir.

No time now, Brimmer. I'm late.
They've started already.

Of course, Mr. Pearl,

a man of your responsibility
is constantly under pressure.

I totally sympathize.

Call my secretary
for an appointment.

I've tried, sir, several times.

Perhaps we could lunch at 21.

I took the liberty
of making a reservation.

Shh.

I know that Jimmy Nelson

wants to play in the big game
Saturday, Jeff, but...

[ Coughing ]

Gee, Miss Aggie, I sure don't like
the sound of that cold.

Oh, I'll be all right.
It's just a little hay fever.

Maybe you ought to see a doctor.

I've been telling her
the same thing, Coach.

Now, Jennie, I know you arrived
from California only a week ago,

but I'd be pleased
if you'd call me Jeff.

Whatever you say, Jeff.

[ Coughing ]

As Jennie's eyes meet Jeff's,

they fail to see the anguish
on Miss Aggie's face.

These dizzy spells, the coughing --
they keep getting worse.

Has Miss Aggie been told everything,

or has Dr. Sanderson been
deliberately withholding the truth?

We'll return in a moment
after this transcribed message.

♪ What's the tale, nightingale? ♪

♪ What's the deal, McNeal? ♪

Well, we're keeping
the pomade salesman happy.

You'll have to play softer, Mary Lou.
You're drowning me out.

I'm playing as softly as I can,
Wendell.

Please don't criticize me.

I wish you could look
at that pedestrian speech

on this next page.

I've got to get back to Broadway.

-The things one must endure.
-What's that?

The perpetual agony of Miss Aggie.

I'm well aware, sir, that a man
of your taste and discernment

hardly chooses to listen
to this sort of thing day after day.

Hmm. My wife wouldn't miss
this program for the world.

Whereas women of the utmost
intelligence can readily identify

with the plain-honest simplicity
of that wonderful woman.

May I modestly suggest, however,

that "The Casebook
of Simon Brimmer"

delivers a far more valuable
audience, advertising-wise?

You can suggest anything you like,
Mr. Brimmer,

but Vita-Creme is still
withdrawing its advertising

from your program.

Kids, mom and dad, Miss Aggie --
that's what America wants,

and that's what gets us
the Hooper ratings.

Excuse me.
I want to hear this.

We find Miss Aggie in the girls
locker room, as Jennie says...

Miss Aggie, as your young cousin...

[ Coughing ]

I have a right to know
what you're hiding.

[ Coughing ]

Why, what --
whatever do you mean, dear?

[ Coughing ]

I mean your cold.
It's more than that, isn't it?

Well... it may...

[ Coughing ]

[ Organ playing ]

Ellery, did you shut off my alarm?

Guilty, Dad. I heard you come in
about 4:00 this morning,

and I thought I'd let you sleep.

I appreciate it, son.

Between no sleep
and this ridiculous diet,

I'm turning out to be
a pretty poor excuse for a father.

What's that?

Something new, Dad --
a pressure cooker.

I'm experimenting
with your broccoli.

Oh, don't say the word "broccoli.”

Spinach, green beans, kale --

what I wouldn't give for a great
big, thick, juicy, blood-red steak,

smothered with sautéed mushrooms.

You lost any weight yet?

That's another thing --
we need a new bathroom scale.

That thing safe?

Yeah, it's supposed to do that.

[ Telephone ringing ]

I'll get it.

[ Pressure cooker whistling ]

Yeah?

Yeah, Velie.

Poisoned?

Okay, I'm on my way.

Dad, can you help me
with these instructions?

Can't -- I'm on my way
to Mercy Hospital.

Some dame on a soap opera
got poisoned a couple of hours ago.

You don't mean Vera Bethune?

-Yeah. How'd you know that?
-I was listening to Miss Aggie.

In the middle of the show,
they cut away to organ music.

Is that what you do all day,
listen to soap operas?

-Dad, do you mind if I tag along?
-If you like.

She's still alive.

[ Thud ]

Whoa.

On second thought,
maybe I'll meet you there.

Good idea, son.

Maybe we should eat out tonight.

Any idea who might have tried
to kill you, Miss Bethune?

-None, not a single idea.
-Well, how are you feeling?

-Relieved.
-Yeah.

Oh, the doctors were magnificent.

If they hadn't acted
as quickly as they did...

Well, I owe them my life.

I understand
the switchboard's flooded.

Yes -- my fans.

What a terrible shock for them.

How soon before
you'll be back to work?

Just as soon as they'll let me.

-I owe it to my public.
-I understand that Vita-Creme--

Excuse me.
I got roses here for Bethune.

Oh, how lovely.
Just put them anywhere.

QUEEN: I'd like to hear
more about that, Mr. Denver.

MR. DENVER:
Well, I'd like to be able to --

Ellery, this is Lawrence Denver.
My son, Ellery Queen.

-Well, it's nice to meet you.
-It's nice to meet you, Coach.

Oh, a fan, Mr. Queen?

Yes, I listen to your program
when I'm home.

It gets to be a habit.

You know, I was telling
the Inspector --

I can't understand it.

-To think -- it could have been me.
-What do you mean?

Well, I took a drink
from that pitcher.

So did Wendell Warren,
our announcer.

When was that?

Well, before the program started.
It makes no sense.

ELLERY: Ah, but it does.

It proves that the poison
was put in the pitcher

after the program began.

But no one entered the studio.

That could only mean
that it must be one of us.

I'm afraid there's no other
explanation, Mr. Denver.

But I didn't do it.

You're gonna hear a lot of rumors,
but I swear to you it's not true.

Vera was not trying to get rid of me.

-Get rid of you how?
-To get me off the program.

Now, look -- I've been playing up
to her for the last few weeks,

just a casual kind of thing,

but I'm afraid she took it
more seriously than I did.

When I tried to break it off,
she lost her temper,

and I'm afraid we both said
some wild things.

Tell me about those things.

Excuse me, Dad.
Excuse me.

I'll see you guys later, huh?

[ Knocking on door]

Miss Bethune?

Oh, I'm so sorry --
no more interviews.

-Oh, I'm not a reporter.
-Oh?

My name is Ellery Queen.

Ellery Queen.

-The Ellery Queen?
-Well...

Oh, but you must come in,
Mr. Queen.

Please, you must.

Oh, I'm so happy you're here.

I am terrified, Mr. Queen,
absolutely terrified.

-Someone tried to kill me, you know.
-Who tried to kill you?

Well, my word -- if I knew that,

wouldn't I have told
that funny little Inspector?

-That's my father.
-Oh.

Well, I meant "funny”
in a complimentary way --

such a wonderful sense of humor.

Huh?

But if I knew
I could depend on you --

You're so clever
at this sort of thing.

Well, I'll do what I can,
Miss Bethune.

Oh, try to think of me as Miss Aggie.

Miss Aggie, can you think
of any reason

why anyone in that room
would want to poison you?

Anyone?

They all had their reasons,
Mr. Queen, every one of them.

But they won't dare try it again,

not when they know
that Mr. Ellery Queen is on the case.

Mr. Pearl, any idea
how this happened?

Is it true that Vita-Creme's
putting up a reward?

[ Indistinct speaking ]

No questions.
We'll have a statement for you later.

Good afternoon, Mr. Pearl.

Brimmer,
what's the meaning of this?

My apologies, sir,
but what I'm about to suggest

requires your total attention.

Forgive the inconvenience.

If you're gonna start in
about your show again--

On the contrary.
I'm here to offer my services.

You've made it quite clear you doubt
my capabilities as a criminologist.

-I propose to change your mind.
-You what?

Day after tomorrow,
on my broadcast,

I promise to reveal the identity

of the person who tried to murder
Miss Vera Bethune.

And on that, sir,
you have my personal guarantee.

Well, Miss Aggie,
you get some rest,

and if I learn anything,
I'll call you.

God bless you, Ellery.

-I may call you Ellery?
-Oh, I wish you would.

And I'll make sure the newspapers
spell your name right.

Thank you.

And I'll talk to my father

about having a police guard
on your door at all times.

Oh, absolutely not.

He already mentioned it to me,
Ellery,

and I told him I couldn't permit it.

-But--
-No "buts.”

Miss Aggie
should never appear afraid.

Vera. Oh, my God,
I came as soon as I heard.

Oh, Louise, darling.

Oh, it's absolutely dreadful.

I was in White Plains
when I heard the news.

Well, what's the world coming to?

I mean, if you're not safe
in the RCA Building,

you're not safe anywhere.

Oh, what a lovely little pot
of violets.

You know I adore them.

Everyone else sent roses.

Oh, Ellery, this is Louise Demery.

Louise, this is Mr. Ellery Queen.

-So nice to meet you.
-How do you do?

He's an author, you know.

Too bad -- I don't handle authors.

-She's my agent.
-Oh.

Well, you don't have to say it
that way, Mr. Queen.

We all have to make a living,
you know.

Well, I have to run.
I'll be in touch.

Au revoir, Ellery.

Queen.

Queen -- he's not the fellow
who wrote all those whodunits?

The very same.

Oh, my dear, I thought you said
he was an author.

[ Muffled gunshot ]

I understand, your honor.

Your wife, eh?

Well, I guess we all loved her
in our own way, sir.

Yeah. Yes, sir, I'm on my way
downtown this minute.

Thank you, sir.

That was the mayor.

His wife is in mourning
for Miss Aggie.

Dad, I know how you feel,
but it's not your fault.

Oh, yes, it is my fault.

I shouldn't have listened to her.

Dad, you offered her
around-the-clock police protection.

She refused, and the hospital
went along with her.

That's the easy way out --
blame somebody else.

It's still my responsibility.

[ Telephone ringing ]

Hello?

No, he's not here.

No, you'll have to try him
at his office.

All right.

Reporter?

How long can we keep them away?

Look, Dad --
this is my responsibility, too.

Miss Aggie asked me to find
the person who tried to kill her.

I should have guessed
there'd be a second attempt.

So, in a way,
I'm just as responsible as anyone.

As long as we're both
gonna take this personally,

let's find out who did it.

Well, here she is, bud.

A wonderful woman,
the bedrock of America.

She was some kind of actress
or something?

-Beloved by millions of housewives.
-Uh-huh.

Requiescat in pace, Miss Aggie.

"Aggie"?

No, no "Aggie" --
Vera something-or-other.

Her personal effects
are on the table over there.

Simon, what are you doing here?

Just paying my last respects, Queen.

How'd you get in here, Brimmer?

Oh, it's all right, Inspector.
He's her brother.

-Brother?
-My dear man, you misunderstood.

I merely said we are all brothers
under the skin.

The wound seems to be
from a small-caliber pistol,

probably fired at close range.

-A 22-caliber, wasn't it, Dad?
-Ellery.

Get out of here, Brimmer.

This is one case
you're not gonna be meddling in.

Far be it for me to criticize,
Inspector,

but I can't help wondering

how a second attempt
on this poor woman's life succeeded

while you were investigating
the first.

Oh, now, Simon, that's just not fair.

Nothing personal, Queen --
merely an observation.

I think it only fair
to warn you both, however,

that I intend to pursue
my own investigation of this murder.

And with any sort of luck,

I shall have the name of the killer
within 36 hours.

You come up with something
and don't tell me,

I'll have you booked
for withholding evidence.

You'll be among the first to know,
Inspector,

along with the rest of my listeners.

Good day to you both.

Something's bothering me, Dad.

Something's wrong.
Something's out of place.

Oh, Inspector, I've been trying
to call you at home.

Seems everyone has that number.

Something's missing.

Something isn't there, but should be.

There's a young woman
in your office, a Miss Leslie.

Who?

Anita Leslie -- Cousin Jennie.

Cousin Jennie?

She wants to make a confession.

I don't have an alibi.

An alibi for what, Miss Leslie?

Thanks.

For the time Vera was shot.

I mean, the newspapers --

they said she was killed
around 2:00 this morning.

Between 1:30 and 2:30.

Well, that's just it.

Look, I tried to get along with her.
I really did.

And she treated me like a --
like a --

Well, I'm just too much of a lady
to say it.

-Here.
-Thank you.

After yesterday, I --
I just fell apart.

I couldn't sleep.

Around 1:00, I left
the apartment house

just to walk around,
to clear my head.

-The doorman saw me leave.
-Where did you go?

Nowhere in particular.

And you came back when?

Around 3:00.

You see how it looks, don't you?

I do, Miss Leslie, and you showed
good sense in coming here.

Now, when you went out,

did you stop anywhere,
speak to anyone?

No, no one.

You were walking around
for two hours

and you didn't see anyone?

Now, Dad, I've done
the same thing myself.

Yeah, I know.

The good thing is
that I don't have a motive.

I hardly knew the woman.

Doesn't mean a thing.
With Aunt Mary out the way--

-Miss Aggie.
-Miss Aggie.

They might have to build up
your part, make you the star.

Oh, but they were
gonna do that anyway.

Well, that's what Mr. Warren said.

Mr. Warren said Miss Aggie
was leaving the show?

No, not exactly.

"Not exactly"?
Well, exactly what did he say?

He said she was catching a cold.

Her father was an alcoholic.
Her mother was a tramp.

No wonder she turned out
the way she did.

But who killed her?

I don't know.
I haven't decided.

You haven't decided?

And what am I,
the court stenographer?

I plot. You write the dialogue.

Who can write dialogue
for your silly plots?

Really, Olivia, no wonder
"The Family on Elm Street"

is such a disaster.

"The Family on Elm Street"?

We are talking about
"Shadows of Tomorrow."

What?

Yes, Jennifer is secretly dating
Junior Brown,

unknown to her husband, Mark,

who has just returned
from a year's duty in Berlin.

Now, Mark is still in love with --
with Hildegarde.

Hildegarde? Is she the girl
with infantile paralysis?

Really, Alvin, that is Minnie Malone
from "Kindly Doctor Keene."

Oh.

[ Knocking on door]

Yes, come in.

Excuse me.
I'm looking for Mr. or Mrs. Burns.

-Actor or agent?
-What?

Really, we're very busy.

Leave your name with the reception.
We'll get back to you later.

But this will just take a minute.

I'm working with the police
on Miss Aggie's murder.

Oh, that.

Well, come in.

But please be brief.

We've had to write her
out of the show.

It is so time-consuming.

But you were gonna do that
anyway, weren't you?

I didn't catch the name.

Ellery Queen.

Queen? Queen?

Oh, you write those detective pulps.

Well, uh, mystery novels,
whodunits, yes.

I see. And you're here to do
a little research.

Well, Mr. Queen, let me assure you--

If you're suggesting
that either Alvin or I

had anything to do
with Vera's death,

your scenario is cockeyed.

We were using this
to kill off Miss Aggie.

Oh, then you were going
to write her out of the show.

My dear man, Vera Bethune
had an exaggerated view

of her importance
to this program.

Her contract was running out,

and her salary demands
were exorbitant.

So, we were ready to do
what we always do --

stick the old babe
in the hospital with a cold.

If she plays ball,
the cold gets better.

If not, pow, double pneumonia,
and out she goes.

[ Telephone ringing ]

Yeah?

Queen? Yes, he's here.
Just a minute.

It's for you. Here.

Thank you.

Hello?

What's up, Dad?

She what?

What--?

Yes.

Yeah, I'll be down at the studio
in 20 minutes.

Thank you very much for your help.

-Oh, Mr. Queen?
-Hm? Yes?

That phone call --
was that about Vera's murder?

Yes, there may be a break
in the case.

You said "she."

Right.

I assume you're referring
to Anita Leslie or Mary Lou Gumm.

Neither. Bye.

[ Organ playing ]

That attack of pneumonia
sure was sudden, wasn't it, Jennie?

I had no idea she was so sick.

When do you think she's going
to come out of that coma?

Dr. Tyler says it could be
a matter of days or...

Or what, Jeff?

Or never.

[ Organ plays ]

Never?

Apparently, Miss Aggie's pneumonia
is worse than anyone suspected.

Later that day, Jennie is working
alone in the classroom.

-JENNY: Oh, Jeff.
-I don't want to bother you, but...

[ Turns radio off ]

What are you doing?
Who are you?

Hi, Miss Demery.
You remember me?

Well, I certainly do, Mr. Queen,
but who's this person?

That's my father.

Inspector Richard Queen,
Miss Demery,

and I'd like an explanation.

Explanation of what?

Yesterday you told Sergeant Velie
that you were in White Plains

at the time Miss Vera Bethune
was poisoned.

What of it?

We have proof that you were
nowhere near White Plains.

At 8:40, 25 minutes
before the attempted murder,

you were ticketed
in Central Park South

by an officer of the mounted patrol.

Dad.

I want to know why you lied
about your alibi.

Alibi?

Really, Inspector.

Suppose I told you I was
on the Steel Pier at Atlantic City

or thumbing a ride
on the Saw Mill River Parkway?

Dad, she's right. What difference
does it make where she was

as long as she wasn't in the studio?

The killer had to be able
to put poison in the water pitcher.

I know that, Ellery,
but I want to know why she lied.

Well, if you must know,
I was seeing a man

whose wife is presently
on the West Coast.

But that has nothing to do
with the fact that dear sweet Vera

was poisoned
by one of those terrible men.

Why do you say "men"?

Well, surely you don't suspect
Anita Leslie?

What about the lady organ player?

Mary Lou Gumm?

I'd sooner suspect
Cardinal Spellman.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

Sorry, Ellery.
I thought we had something.

We'd better talk
to Warren and Denver.

I'll take Warren.

Until tomorrow,
this is Wendell Warren.

"Everyday's Journey"
was written and produced

by Alvin and Olivia Burns.

Fenton, really, can't you do anything
about these scripts?

Honestly, I believe
that Olivia and Alvin

have run completely dry.

Darling, you were simply marvelous.

Thank you, Miss Demery.

I didn't have much of a chance
to look at the script.

This tired old chestnut
will die without you -- believe me.

I'm gonna get you a contract
that will set you up for life.

Come. I've brought the contract.
We can discuss it over brunch.

Irv? What happened to my lunch date
yesterday at Sardi's?

The guy never showed.

Right.

Sure, I can get there if I take a cab.

I'll talk to you later.

-Excuse me.
-Sorry, no autographs.

-It's about Vera Bethune, Mr. Warren.
-I already gave.

I want to ask you
about her poisoning.

Are you a cop, chum?

Well, not exactly.

Well, then I'm not exactly gonna
answer your questions --

at least, not right now.

I got an appointment.
Call me tonight.

My service is Murray Hill 3990.

Murray -- Murray Hill --
Murray Hill what?

3990.

Thank you.

Mr. Queen, may I talk to you
as one person to another?

Why, certainly, uh, Miss Gumm.

Mary Lou Gumm.

This is highly confidential,
Mr. Queen.

It concerns Miss Bethune
and another certain party.

Miss Gumm, if this has
anything to do with the murder,

perhaps you'd better talk
to my father.

Oh, dear, no, I couldn't do that.
He frightens me.

My father?

You must understand --
I'm not a very social person.

I suppose my only friends
are all my flowers here,

and my Wurly.

Your Wurly?

She helps me
through difficult times.

Would you have a seat, please?

[ Plays organ ]

I find it very difficult to talk
to strangers without my music.

Oh, sure.

No, d-don't face me.

Oh.

Yes, like that.
Thank you.

Six years ago, I came to New York
from Sperryville, Virginia.

I was young, eager,
and reasonably talented,

a graduate of the Warrenton
County School of Music.

I was full of life,
ambition, enthusiasm.

And yet the city frightened me.

People seemed cold, distant.

And then a year ago, I met Wendell.

Wendell Warren?

I do not know why he chose me,
Mr. Queen,

but he reached out
and touched me,

and suddenly, I blossomed like
a rose on a warm spring morning.

Every day was Christmas.
I bathed in the sunlight of his love.

And then, one day,
he turned cold as alabaster...

because of her.

Her? Who's her?

Please don't look at me.

Vera Bethune stole Wendell
away from me.

He bought her
expensive jewelry, furs.

It was disgusting.

I hated her!

I hated him!

I hated them both!

Did you hate her enough
to want to kill her?

Then, a few weeks ago, suddenly
it was Wendell's turn to be spurned.

Oh, how wonderful it felt,
watching him crawl after her,

feeling the pain
that I had once felt.

She threw him over?
Are you sure?

Of course I'm sure.

And that's why he killed her,
Mr. Queen --

because she mocked him.

She demeaned him.

Now, Miss Gumm.

What have I said?

I love him, Mr. Queen.

Despite everything, I still love him.

But you still think
he might have killed Vera.

Think it?

Maybe I have no proof,
but I don't just think it.

I know it.

You mustn't tell anyone
I told you this --

except your father, of course.

You have my word.

[Crying ]

WENDELL: Right, Irv,
I'm listening. I'm listening.

Did you tell him I don't work
for that kind of money?

Yeah, and what did he say?

Oh, he did, eh?

Yeah, well, of course I'll take it,

but that doesn't mean
I have to like it.

Mr. Warren.

Mr. Warren, my name
is Simon Brimmer.

Brimmer?

The mystery show, right?

Yes, sir, pleased to meet you.

Your answering service said
that I might find you here.

Funny you should be here.

I was just saying to myself
what a terrific show you've got there.

-First-rate -- it's really first-rate.
-Thank you.

Let's see -- you're on Wednesdays
at 10:00, right?

I got "G-Men in Action" at 8:30.
I think I could fit you in.

I'm not here about my program,
Mr. Warren.

You mean you're not looking
for a new announcer?

I'm investigating the death
of Vera Bethune.

You too?

This guy tried to pump me
about that this afternoon.

May I come directly to the point,
Mr. Warren?

It's come to my attention
that you and Miss Bethune

had an affair of the heart.

You bought here jewelry,
expensive jewelry.

So what?

I like to see my women
wearing pretty things.

Until they sever the relationship.

And what's that supposed to mean?

That Miss Bethune grew tired of you,
that she found someone new.

-Larry Denver -- that's right.
-I suggest you became jealous.

Now, hold your horses, Brimmer.

She didn't dump me.
I dumped her.

Oh, really?

She was a big help to me
while she was on top,

but she was on the way out.

She knew it. I knew it.

That business about Miss Aggie
catching a cold --

she was through,
so who needed her anymore?

I mean, why tie your wagon
to a dead horse?

"Why?" indeed.

I heard you get up.

-There was a turkey leg in there.
-I hid it.

Ellery, I was saving it.

Well... you've had enough calories
for one day.

I didn't want to eat it.
I wanted to look at it.

Anyway, what are you doing up?
It's after 2:00 a.m.

Reading the police report.

Yeah, for the hundredth time.

You know, there's something wrong.

There's something crazy.

The poison.

For example, there wasn't very much
poison in the water pitcher.

Forget about the poison.
She was shot.

I don't know.
Something's missing.

I just know I can't sleep.

Probably that pumpkin pie you ate --
two pieces, with whipped cream.

Dad, if you wanted a piece,
why didn't you say so?

Do we have to talk about pie?

I'm gonna read the box scores.

-Dad, that's Monday night's paper.
-I know. I just didn't get to it.

-Dad.
-Ellery?

-That's it.
-What is?

Picture in the paper --
look at her wrist.

What? Where?

-The bracelet.
-Yeah?

The bracelet in the photo --

it wasn't in the hospital room
when they found her body.

And it's not listed
among her personal effects.

-Somebody took that bracelet.
-So?

Suppose it was the killer.

But there's a reason, a tie-in,
or a clue.

What kind of a clue?

It beats me, Dad,
but if we can locate that bracelet,

we may learn who killed Miss Aggie.

PA: Dr. Gall to the ER.

Excuse me, Nurse Edwards.

I'm sorry. Visiting hours
are at 2:00 this afternoon.

Oh, I was told you were on duty
when Miss Bethune was admitted.

Are you with the press?

No, I'm with the police, unofficially.

I wanted to ask you
about the bracelet.

What bracelet?

Well, when Miss Bethune
was admitted,

she was wearing a bracelet
on her left wrist --

gold, with purple stones.

Oh, yes, I remember.

I asked her not to wear it.
It's against hospital rules.

But she raised such a ruckus.

Well, then she was wearing it
when she died?

As far as I know.

PA: Dr. Phillips to pathology.

-It's gone.
-Well, I certainly didn't take it.

Somebody did.
Maybe the murderer did.

-Or Gus.
-Who?

Gus Geropolis, the night orderly.
We've had a lot of complaints.

Nothing we could prove.
You understand.

Mm. Yeah.

Good morning, Queen.

Simon, what are you doing here,
tracking down a lead?

I might ask you the same thing.

Well, I'm going to check out
the night orderly.

Would you like to come along?
Maybe we could compare notes?

Well, thanks, anyway, but I want
to re-interview the security guard

on the fourth floor.

All right, suit yourself.

I'll let you know if there's anything
on the new lead.

-Queen?
-Huh?

-New lead?
-Yes, the missing bracelet.

Bracelet, you say?

Vera Bethune was wearing it
when she died.

Oh, I suppose it was valuable.

I guess so,
but she refused to take it off,

and I still haven't figured out
what that means.

Oh, probably nothing.
Why don't you run along?

You sure you don't want
to come along?

Sergeant Velie's got a squad car
just outside.

Oh, no, no, I'll muddle along
on my own,

but thanks, anyway, Queen.

-Good hunting.
-Thank you.

[ Knocking on door]

-Yeah?
-Mr. Geropolis?

My name is Ellery Queen.

I'd like to talk to you
about a bracelet.

I'm not married, pal.
Sell it to the babe in 2C.

It's about Vera Bethune's bracelet --
purple stones, gold setting.

You want to lose a foot?

If you don't talk to me,
you'll have to talk to the police,

and there's an officer
parked outside.

Hey, take it easy, pal. Take it --

Come -- Come right in.
Thank you.

-The hospital sent you, right?
-Well, not really.

Oh, you never leave a guy alone,
do you, huh?

I mean, last week,
it was some tomato's wallet,

and the week before that, some guy
got a cigarette lighter pinched.

And who do they always
come back to?

Gus Geropolis.

I'm just trying to find out
who murdered her.

Oh, no, no, no, pal.
She was dead when I found her.

Oh, then you did go into her room.

Okay. Okay, so, I was there.
But I didn't kill her.

Hey, listen -- you want the bracelet?

Well, you can have it
because I got it right in here.

-No, I can reach that.
-It's up there behind the --

-Thank you. I can --
-Yeah. Thank you.

Hey, you locked me in the closet.

-Sorry, pal, but I had to.
-Why?

Because now I got to make
a run for it.

But I just want to ask you
a couple of questions.

No time, pal.

But I'll send you somebody
to get you out of there

after I'm long gone.

Then you did take the bracelet.

Sure, I did.

-Why?
-Why not?

It wasn't doing her any good,

though the way she was
holding on to it,

you'd think she was gonna try
to take it with her.

What?

I said the way she was
holding on to it,

you'd think she was gonna try
and take it with her.

I'll send somebody
to get you out of there.

Wait a minute.

Look, I don't have any time!

Oh.

Where do you think you're going?

-Velie, is that you?
-Yeah, Maestro. Where are you?

Velie, I'm in here.
I'm locked in the closet.

Open it.

Open it!

Sure. Sure.

Whoa.

Thanks, Velie.
I was starting to get worried.

Hey, take it easy, pal.
You're bigger than I am.

I wasn't gonna hit you.

You said Vera Bethune
was clutching that bracelet?

I had to pry it out of her hand.

Oh, did you hear that, Velie?

A dying clue, and we didn't know it
"cause Gus stole it.

Where's that bracelet now?

[ Banging on door]

Good day, Mr...?

Queen. We've been expecting you.
Please come in.

Thank you so much.

Gus, how are you?

I feel great.

Normally, I transact my business

from my establishment
on Park Avenue South,

but when Gus suggested
I should come here,

I was only too happy to accommodate
such an old and valued client.

Gus, I believe you mentioned
bracelets, didn't you?

Well, I've brought only
my finest pieces.

This looks interesting.

Yeah.

Oh, yes, it was owned
by one of the Dolly sisters,

a gift from the crown prince
of Denmark,

a rare and beautiful piece.

I'm sure you'll agree.

And what was the crown prince's
name -- Mother?

Sir?

Well, the inscription is small,
but readable --

"To Vera, Love, Mother,
April 6, 1931."

[ Chuckles nervously ]

Well, it appears
I've been flimflammed.

You want me to run this guy in,
Maestro?

Not yet, Sergeant.

Sergeant?

Hey, what's the beef?

You received that bracelet
from Gus yesterday afternoon.

He stole it from a dead woman
at Mercy Hospital.

-I don't know anything about that.
-Then tell us about the bracelet.

Five jade stones,
14-karat gold setting.

I thought jade
was supposed to be green.

Usually it is.

This is violet jade, purple stones.

There's rose jade, too --

good quality stuff,
but nothing to write home about.

I'd say it was worth a C-note,
maybe a little more.

-Hey, Maestro.
-What is it?

Look.

Simon beat us to it.

Mmm.

Mmm.

Dad?

In here, son.

Dad, what are you doing?

I have rejoined
the ranks of the living.

What about your diet?

The Constitution
of the United States

expressly forbids
cruel and unusual punishment.

Yours is warming in the oven.

I can't tell you
how great the old man feels.

Good food and fresh air.

I feel marvelous,
except for the pollen in the air.

Why do flowers
have to mess everything up?

Ah-ah-choo!

Bless you.

[ Telephone ringing ]

You want to answer that, Ellery?

Son?

Ah-choo!

That's it. Of course.

Now, I'm pretty sure I know
who killed Vera Bethune,

but how about you?

Was it Lawrence Denver,
Miss Aggie's costar,

or Anita Leslie, the young actress
who's gonna replace her?

It might have been Wendell Warren,
the announcer,

and don't forget
that Mary Lou Gumm

was in the studio that morning.

Or it might have been someone else,
someone who wasn't in the studio.

It's possible.

That was the commissioner's office.

Seems our friend Brimmer
wants somebody on hand

to arrest the murderer, and I'm it.

Dad, what's the difference
if Simon helps out?

The important thing is
to solve the case.

The arrogance of the man,
telling the commissioner

that he's going to deliver him
to the police.

What?

-I say the arrogance of the man--
-You said "him."

Yeah, I said he's gonna deliver him
after the broadcast tonight.

Dad, we better get down
to that station right away.

Simon's gonna accuse
the wrong person.

QUEEN: I'm just going to arrest her
and be done with it.

Why don't we wait, Dad?
I could be wrong.

-Maybe Simon's got something.
-Oh, he's got something, all right.

-I just hope it isn't contagious.
-They're rehearsing, sir.

Inspector Queen, Police Department.
I'm expected.

Yes, sir.

Simon, I have to talk to you.

Congratulate me later, Queen.
We're on the air in 20 minutes.

It's about your identification
of the murder.

Just sit over there somewhere.

Now, where was I?

You were talking about jewelry.

How much longer
do we have to sit here?

Until the conclusion of the program,
Mr. Denver.

That is what I'm paying you for.

"Pay"? You're paying suspects?

Unfortunately, Inspector,
my suspects are all members

of the Radio Actors Union.

I have no choice.

He could pay more than scale,
the tightwad.

What about this jewelry,
Mr. Brimmer?

Yes, the jewelry,
specifically an expensive bracelet,

one worn by Miss Bethune
at the time of her death,

but taken by the murderer
because it implicated him,

because -- I believe --
it identified him

as the man who,
for the past several months,

had been buying expensive jewelry
for Miss Bethune.

Now, wait a minute, Brimmer.

A man deeply in love,
but now cast aside.

Oh, no, you're not gonna hang
this one on me.

Simon.

Queen, stop stepping
on my performance.

Simon, you've got
the wrong murderer.

What?

You're about to accuse
the wrong person.

The killer is a she, not a he.

Don't be ridiculous.

Mr. Warren didn't give Vera
this bracelet.

Here, see for yourself.
Look at the inscription.

"Love, Mother."

There's something wrong here.

The bracelet was taken
from Vera's hand.

She was clutching it when she died.
It was a dying clue.

Surely you don't suspect her mother.

No, of course not.

But you do suspect someone.

It's more than suspicion, Warren.
Ellery knows who did it.

Not on my program, he doesn't.

All right, cancel this live broadcast.

We'll feed in the transcription
we made on Monday.

MR. PEARL: Just one moment.

I should like to hear
Mr. Queen's solution.

Mr. Pearl, may I remind you

that this is "The Casebook
of Simon Brimmer"?

May I remind you, sir,
that Vita-Creme pays the bills?

Mr. Queen?

Well, as I said,
the bracelet is a dying clue.

We didn't know about it for sure
until this morning.

Colorful violet jade
in a gold setting.

Yes, yes, but how does that
incriminate Miss Leslie?

-Why Miss Leslie?
-You said "she.”

Surely you don't mean Miss Gumm,
the organist?

Well, why does it have to be
one of the two?

Now, hold on.

The murderer was in the radio studio
where Vera was poisoned.

-No, she wasn't.
-What?

-That's not possible.
-OLIVIA: What are you talking about?

No one tried to kill Vera Bethune
that morning.

The fact is, she poisoned herself.

Now, remember -- the amount
of poison was very slight.

Vera knew she was being
written out of the show,

and she needed all
the public sympathy she could get.

So, what better way
than to make it appear

as though someone was trying
to murder her?

Dear sweet Vera.

And if I'd have put that in a script,
she'd have ripped up the pages.

Well, anyway, she was rushed
to the hospital,

but within one hour,
she was receiving the press --

page-1 news.

Now, with that kind of sentiment,

how could the network
possibly have fired her?

But then who, Mr. Queen?

Well, the real murderer
saw the perfect opportunity

to complete what Vera had started.

She knew
that she wouldn't be suspect

because suspicion was leveled
at the four people

who were with Vera
in the studio that morning.

Well, that night, she sneaked
into the hospital,

probably disguised as a nurse
or a cleaning lady,

and shot Vera as she lay sleeping.

But one thing went wrong.

The victim awoke
and recognized her assailant.

That's right, Dad.

And Vera, as she was dying,

left me the one clue
she knew I'd understand.

You understand that clue,
don't you, Miss Demery?

No, I...

I believe you do.

That morning when you brought
violets to Vera in her hospital room,

she commented
on your thoughtfulness.

I was there.

Vera knew I'd remember.

The violet jade stones indicated
the violets you'd brought.

But why? She loved you!

You loved her!

You simple child,
what do you know of love?

There was no love
between Vera and me.

For 11 years,
I've been trailing after her,

scraping up crumbs,
surviving only because of her...

hating myself because of it.

[ Sighs ]

She wanted more money, lots of it.

I tried.
Olivia, you know I tried.

When I told her I'd failed,
she humiliated me.

I knew I was through.

And then you came along, Anita,
and I saw a chance for us both.

We'd have made a great team,
the two of us.

I didn't need Vera anymore.

And then --
then that phony poison act.

Oh, I knew Vera
had poisoned herself.

It was just the kind of thing
she'd think of to save herself.

And she'd have gotten away with it.

Oh, yes,
she'd have gotten her money.

Anita, you'd have been dropped
through before you had a chance.

I couldn't let her do that to you...
or to me.

I just couldn't let her do it!

-It's a golden opportunity, Ellery.
-No.

I'll guarantee you 13 weeks,
prime-time.

-No.
-Make it 26.

I want to write.
I don't want to do a radio show.

39 weeks and $1,000 a week --
that's a guarantee.

Anyway, you've already got
Simon Brimmer under contract.

Contract?
Who cares about a contract?

Come on, son.

Let's get out of this wonderful world
of show business

and grab a piece of cheesecake
at Lindy's, maybe even two.

Thanks anyway, Mr. Pearl.
Thank you.

I admire your integrity, Queen.

I'll call in the morning
with a new offer.

Ah, Mr. Pearl, in the confusion,
you slipped away from me.

I was not confused, Brimmer.
Excuse me.

I thought we might have cocktails
and dinner at El Morocco.

I have an exciting new concept
I'd like to discuss with you.

Don't call me. I'll call you.