Father Brown (2013–…): Season 1, Episode 1 - The Hammer of God - full transcript

- How many more times?
- Two more should square it.

One.

Do you know what they did
in the Old Testament

to people who reneged
on their debts?

Stoned them to death.

- Caved their heads in.
- That's not true.

- Take a look.
- I don't need to.

Unlike you, I've read it.

I bet.
Cover to cover.

Good little Catholic girl.

You're just being a good wife,
remember?



Let me hear you say it.

I'm a good wife.

If you ever doubt that...

..then remember,

if I don't get what I'm owed,

I'll turn you from
a wife to a widow...

in the blink of an eye.

I swear it.

So help me, God.

Father Brown
Season 01 - Episode 01

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
Sync: Marocas62

Good morning!

"The Hammer of God"

Two utensils per dish.



Plates at the beginning,
napkins at the end.

- Savoury to sweet.
- Yes, Reverend.

Father Brown!
So glad you could come.

How could I not?
Rumour has it

you've invited half my flock.

Couldn't resist
sharing my good fortune.

Just so long as you're not planning
on poaching any of my souls.

- Wouldn't dream of it!
- You're a wicked man, Reverend.

Just one moment.

Not there.
The petals will fall in the salad.

Looks nice.
Like garnish.

Susie?
Mrs. McCarthy?

It's like I never
left St Mary's!

- Agreed.
- The Reverend Bohun

asked me to bake some of my
award-winning strawberry scones.

So, how could I refuse?

And how can I?

Not yet!
When the guests arrive.

Thought I was a guest.

Kluski z makiem i rodzynkami.
It's very popular in Poland.

With whom?
Household pets?

I don't think so, Reverend.

Simeon's very busy today.

Too busy for scones and tea?

Well, I've just
started preparing lunch.

Come afterwards.
Please!

It won't be the same without you.

Yes, all right.

Wonderful.

So, what do you think?

The new clock tower.

New roofing slates, cast iron dials,
brand new bell.

Kembleford will hear its first
resounding bellow at 3pm precisely.

- Are you sure?
- What do you mean?

Well, it seems to be running
about ten seconds too slow.

You can't tell that
from a pocket watch.

You're pulling my leg.

Wouldn't dream of it!

Fry-up for lunch?

Well, I thought you deserved it,
you've been working so hard.

And don't get too excited,

but I did tell the Reverend

we'd make it to his
extravaganza later.

I've got three more jobs on.

I know, but we could afford
a short break.

We can't afford anything,
least alone a fry-up, can we?

Look.
Look...

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.
It smells delicious.

What?

I'm just...

..just thinking how lucky I am.

What did I say?

Nothing.

I'm just tired, that's all.

You're not going to wear
this to the table, are you?

It's filthy.

Better?

I am so sorry to disturb you!

I was wondering
if we could borrow some...

I'll put something on.

Yes, thank you.

We've run out of plates.

I think we'll need
10 or 15 at least,

if you can spare.

I have made my award-winning
strawberry scones

and I expect them
to be popular as ever.

- Thank you, dear.
- You're welcome.

Very much appreciated.

I shudder to think
what I might've seen

if I'd arrived a few minutes later.

You must acknowledge that evolution
renders God superfluous, at best.

No, on the contrary.

The majesty of life's
tapestry reveals the divine.

It doesn't deny it.

You ought to spend some time
with me in the field,

watching insects
devouring each other.

Then tell me how divine
you think it is.

That sounds fascinating.
I love camping.

- Tell me when and where.
- Father Brown!

Talking of wildlife...

Lady Felicia,

you appear to have
something nesting in your hat.

You do tickle me, Father.

I hear you're entertaining us later.

Reverend Bohun has insisted
I perform my Habanera.

- I'm sure he did.
- Polish delicacy?

- Award-winning scone?
- How lovely.

Seems my invitation
got lost in the post.

Ecumenical harmony.

Warms the heart.

Catholics and Anglicans
taking tea together,

pretending to be all chummy.

Pretending?

Oh, come on, Father.

Underneath it all you think
the other side's going to hell.

And besides, all the pomp
and bluster of Catholicism,

it's all a bit silly, isn't it?

Norman!

Forgive my brother.

- He's entitled to his opinion.
- As odious as it is.

I, for one,
find Norman's candour refreshing.

As refreshing as a used toilet!

Oh, I do beg your pardon.
That was most uncouth.

Award-winning scone?

You're a vulgar man.

Lady Felicia,

I may be wrong,

but judging by your
general demeanour

and the way you're
looking at me,

I'd say I'm making you randy.

Elizabeth, haven't seen
you at mass for a while.

Is anything wrong?

I'm sorry, Father.
Just busy.

I'm not chastising you.

- Is there anything you want to talk about?
- No...

Everything's fine.
Thank you.

You're supposed to be gone!

- I need more money.
- I gave you £10.

- You're not getting a penny more.
- You know how expensive is London?

It'll cost you more if you stay here.
I guarantee it.

- What are you doing?!
- Come on!

You forgot something, you vile,
disgusting rodent!

You're finished, Barnes.

So this is where you hide
the good stuff, is it?

I'm cutting you off.

Excuse me?

Father left a clause
in the inheritance.

It entrusts me with
the purse strings,

including all real
estate holdings.

I'm invoking it.

Do you think I wanted it
to come to this?

You're out of control.
Drinking, gambling,

indulging your basest appetites.

- This is a lie.
- It's all there in black and white.

As is this.

It's not too late
for you to be saved, Norman.

Please.

Let us pray.

Is it true?

All right?

Trust you to liven up a party.

Poker game still on
for next weekend?

No offence,

but right now I don't need
the fawnings of a sycophant.

Where's the Reverend?
He's going to miss his big moment.

Everything all right?

I'll be fine.

Can't let my brother's
shenanigans ruin the day.

No.

Thank you for coming.

My sincerest apologies
for the fracas earlier.

We won't let it spoil things.

We've been blessed
with beautiful weather,

and in about ten seconds

we'll be blessed with the
sound of glorious bells.

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six,

five, four, three, two, one.

Norman!

- No!
- Oh, sweet Jesus!

He's dead.

Looks like a single blow
to the head.

The skull's been
crushed like an eggshell.

Fragments of bone driven
through the ground and body.

Perhaps you should go inside.

- I'm not going anywhere.
- Search for a weapon.

Lady Felicia, did you see anyone
running away from the scene?

I can't...

I just...

It's all right.
Take your time.

I was cleaning my hat.

I looked out

and I saw he was lying there.

I...

I didn't see anyone else.

I'm sorry,
I think I need to lie down.

- Come on.
- Yes.

I'm going to need statements
from all of you.

Who last saw Mr. Bohun alive?

Isn't that obvious?

The murderer.

He attacked him
less than an hour before

in front of dozens of witnesses.

Mr. Barnes?

Mr. Barnes, did you do this?

He got what was coming to him.

Is that a confession?

You don't need a confession.

Look at his head.

Who else could deliver such a blow?

Inspector.

Is this one of yours?

Yeah.

Simeon Barnes,

I'm arresting you on suspicion
of the murder of Norman Bohun.

- You are not obliged to say anything...
- Wait!

It was me.

- I did it.
- No.

- I'm sorry, Reverend.
- That's not possible.

Look at her. She has neither
the strength nor the brutality.

Mrs. Barnes, if you're trying
to protect your husband...

I stole the hammer from the forge.

I crept up behind him.

And... And I hit him.
I swear it, itis true.

- So help me God.
- Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Barnes,

I'm arresting you
for the murder of Norman Bohun.

You are not obliged to say anything
unless you wish to do so,

but whatever you say
will be taken down in writing

and may be given in evidence.

I tried so hard to save him.

I know.

I can't believe Elizabeth
could do this.

It had to be Simeon.

I'm fond of her, too, but
we mustn't allow our emotions

to blind us to the possibility
that she may be guilty.

Not of murder.

Not her.
It's not in her nature.

Even if you're right, it doesn't necessarily
follow that Simeon is the culprit.

Trust you to look for mysteries

when the truth's
right in front of your eyes.

I don't so much look for mysteries,
as they come looking for me.

And your penchant for spy novels
and crossword puzzles?

That's forced upon you, is it?

You may be right.

But you must admit that your brother
had a certain reputation.

And Simeon Barnes
is not the only person

who'll be glad that he's gone.

Then you admit Elizabeth
may be innocent?

I never said otherwise.

Then speak to the inspector.

You know him better than I do.
Tell him.

I don't think he'll appreciate me
interfering.

When has that stopped you before?

She says Norman threatened
to kill her husband,

so she got to him first.

Can't get much more
out of her than that.

But she's put her name to it now.

Doesn't mean much if she's lying.

It does to
the prosecuting solicitors.

Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.

It's been one month
since my last confession.

I've had relations
outside of marriage.

Twice.

I thought you and Simeon were happy.

We were.

Simeon...

He gambles.

I found an IOU note for £50.

Poker.

We'd lose everything.

The house...

I tried to talk to him about it,

but he told me not to worry,
that he'd sort it out.

Typical man.

So I went to Norman
and I begged him to waive the debt.

And he agreed...

..on the condition that I...

I'm so sorry, Elizabeth.

Is there anything else
you wish to confess?

No.

Then you must tell the inspector.

I won't see my husband hang.

Norman Bohun had
any number of enemies.

Well, until one of them
turns up with blood on their hands,

I won't say anything else.

Anything?

You know I wish I could tell you.

How about this?

Tap your brolly on the floor,
once for yes, twice for no.

- You know it's not that simple.
- It's a woman's life.

And her soul,
lest we forget.

Inspector...

Were her fingerprints
found on the hammer?

No, you don't.

- I'm only trying to help.
- Then quid pro quo.

You see?
I know a bit of Latin, too.

You know I can't.

I thought you were a renegade.

Hardly.
Though I'm flattered you think so.

Then do the heroic thing
and tell me what you know.

Then, unless you have information
pertinent to this investigation,

information you
can actually share,

don't get involved.

"Murder weapon retrieved
Blacksmith's hammer

"from near the bosy,

"no finger."

Father, which floors
do you want me do first?

Presbytery or church?

- Yes, why not?
- Good morning, Father. Susie.

I thought I'd make a start
on the quarterly accounts.

Don't bother,
he's been on moon last few days.

Father Brown?

Are you all right?
You had that look on your face.

Look?

Wheels turning.

You don't usually get that look
unless there's something amiss.

There's nothing amiss. Don't worry.

So, you're going to the funeral?

Do you really think Mrs. Barnes
is responsible for...?

Why do you say that?

You think that Susie...?

If you must get it out of me,

I saw Susie and Norman arguing

shortly before he
was found murdered.

And when the inspector asked
if anyone saw Norman

before it happened,
she didn't say anything.

What were they arguing about?

I don't know.
I think it was about money.

Even so,

Susie's hardly the type to
commit cold-blooded murder.

You only say that
because you're so fond of her.

Do you think I should tell
Inspector Valentine?

Not yet.

I'll speak to Susie myself...

after the funeral.

You all right, Wilfred?

I have some snacks.
I'll put them out.

Don't trouble yourself,
I'm not staying.

Fine.

Did you speak to Elizabeth?

- Yes.
- And?

Let's just say I'm investigating.

Always sad when so few people come
to pay their respects.

Even for someone like Norman?

Presumably, you don't
think he was a bad sort?

Being his friend.

Maybe I'm a bad sort, Father.

Think about that.

You don't strike me as one.

Well, appearances and all that.

Why won't you admit it?

Your wife is in prison for a crime
she didn't commit.

Don't talk to me about my wife.

Do you not fear eternity in hell?

What, like your brother,
you mean?

The adulterer?

Cos that's where he is now,
isn't he?

Fire stripping the flesh
from his bones.

An eternity of blistering agony.

Stop it!

What, two-pronged attack, is it?

Shall we go inside, Reverend?

Do you not care about your wife?

I said don't talk to me about

- my wife!
- Mr. Barnes!

You see?

I run out of disinfector.

Disinfectant.

I'll go shops.

Yes, dear.

Good morning.

Good morning.

We all have our vices.

I come in peace.

Are you following me?

Guilty as charged.

Last thing anyone wants
in here is a preacher.

- I haven't come to preach.
- How about you make yourself useful?

Use your divine insight,

tell me which one of
these has His blessing.

No, I couldn't possibly.

But if I were a betting man,
I'd go for...

- Fluffy Duck.
- Right.

Ten bob on Fluffy Duck.

And I always had
you down as a non-believer.

Well, your guess is as good as any.

Yet that amounts to
an awful lot of faith.

Why don't you give
this one a miss?

- Get out of my way.
- Or?

I spoke to Elizabeth.

I think you should, too.

Why's that?

- Because you love her.
- After what she did?

Yes.
Even after what she did.

That's what love is, isn't it?

Did she say anything about...

..why she did it?

What?
The infidelity?

- Or the...?
- Both.

Both.

You didn't kill him?

No.

You think she's innocent?

I think you should
to talk to your wife.

Come on, come on!

- Come on, Fluffy Duck!
- Faster!

Faster!

Get in. Come on, Fluffy!

Yes, Fluffy Duck, come on!

Come on, come on, come on, come on!

Eternal Passion takes it.

Father Brown, I've been
looking for you everywhere.

You look in bloom.

- I followed Susie.
- Into a florist's?

She lied to me.

About what?

The next train to
arrive at platform one

is the delayed
half-past-one train to Worcester

calling at Waterloo Marsh,

Evesham, Pershore,
Worcester Shrub Hill

and Worcester Foregate Street.

Afternoon, Inspector.
Lovely day for it.

I hear you've been doing
some sleuthing.

Just taking care of my flock.

I specifically told you
not to get involved.

I'm sorry, Inspector, I can't hear
you over this awful wind.

Then slow down.
In fact, stop.

Father Brown!

Are you OK?

- Ticket, Father?
- Church business!

Susie!

I used to clean his house.

Norman Bohun?

He gave me big tips.

He's tried to make some doings with me,
but I didn't let him.

Father?

Sister Mary,
Sister Margaret.

Is that what Mrs. McCarthy heard
you arguing about at the party?

No.

The people in camp,

they are really poor.

Some not as lucky as me to get work.

They need money. I help them.

How?

I found out secret.

Told him he has to pay or I tell.

You were blackmailing him?

I tried.

But he said,
"No.

"Who would believe
an immigrant?"

Orders me to leave the village.

Says if I don't he'll hurt me.

But someone hurt him.

It wasn't me.

What was the secret?

Last month,
I arrived early to his house.

He didn't hear me.
I went to his bedroom...

I can't say it.
Not to you.

Trust me, Susie,

there's not much I haven't
heard in my line of work.

He was with a man.

I spoke to the
prosecuting solicitor.

He won't accept your retraction.

I'm afraid I have to formally
charge you with murder.

- I'm sorry.
- But she didn't do it.

As far as the pro
sols are concerned,

she had means,
motive, and opportunity.

As did I
and a score of other people.

But she's the only one
who confessed at the scene,

and subsequently signed a confession.

So what happens now?

You argue your case in the assizes.

But if she loses, then...?

Then I could hang.

Making good on my promise.

Promise?

Watching insects devour each other.

Sorry to disappoint you,
but these caddisfly

tend to feed on nectar, and if
you don't mind, I prefer to work...

How many larvae do you
think are in this pond?

A typical mass contains
up to 800 eggs.

800?

That's incredible.

And this particular species forms
webs of debris for protection

against predators.

Birds, frogs, spiders...

Survival of the fittest, eh?

I spoke to Susie,
Norman's housekeeper

I don't know what
you're talking about.

She told me what she saw.

What are you...
going to do with this information?

I have no intention at all
to expose you.

- Has she told anyone else?
- No.

- How can you be sure?!
- I know her.

I'm sure.

You know what could happen to me?!

- Please, Mr. Walker, calm down.
- Calm down?

You're not the one facing
the possibility of arrest

and chemical treatments!
Neither are you.

No one else knows.
No one else will.

Your secret is safe.

I haven't come here to judge.

Then why?

You think I did it?

Of course.
It must be me - the deviant.

It's a sad fact that many
victims are killed

by the people who
are supposed to love them.

I did love him.

He could be selfish.

Cruel.

But he was always honest.
Always...

who he was.

Like a little boy sometimes.

I would never...

I know.
I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Did anyone else know about
you and Norman?

I don't know.

If you ever need to talk,
I won't try and convert you.

Likewise.

No!

- Have you gone mad?
- I don't think so.

Though, if I had, I suppose
I wouldn't know any different.

What are you doing up here?

I came to reset the clock.

Strange you didn't do it.
You're normally so fastidious.

In case you haven't noticed,
I've had a lot on my mind.

I did notice.

Where did you get that?

The hammer?
I borrowed it from the forge.

The gloves,

you left up here the other day.

Explains why there weren't
any fingerprints on the hammer.

- What are you talking about?
- I think there's something dangerous

about being on high places,

even to pray, don't you?

Looking down on the world
and all the people in it.

You came up here
to reset the clock...

..but something disturbed
you in your task.

- Something you saw so enraged you...
- Are you accusing me of...?

Yes.

- I'm afraid I am.
- How dare you!

You will tell the truth.

If, afterwards, you choose to walk
away without telling a soul,

I won't stop you.
Your secret is safe with me.

I give you my word on that.

But you will tell the truth.
Here and now.

You're far too tactile, Father.

Has anyone ever told you that?

The sanctity of confession.

I purge myself,
you let me go Scot free.

You're a fool.

I don't mind playing the fool,

if it leads me to the truth.

Yes, I took the hammer.

My only intention
was to reset the clock.

Poker game still on
for next weekend?

No offence,

but right now, I don't need
the fawnings of a sycophant.

What do you need?

I could forgive him almost anything.

Lust, avarice, even murder.

But not that.

And so, in a burst
of pure passion...

..the hammer flew from my hand.

It felt so good,

because I knew my
hand was guided.

I was but a vessel
of the Lord's will.

His agent. It was what He wanted.

How could it not be so?

From up here, what's
the alternative?

Chance? Luck?

There's no such thing.

Everything has order.
Everything has meaning.

This was divine intervention.

- Everything all right?
- I'll be fine.

Can't let my brother's
shenanigans ruin the day.

Yes, my brother is dead.

But it was by God's hands,
not mine.

I shall not repent.

Yes, but why the
guilty conscience?

I have no such thing.

It's why you didn't reset the clock,

because you couldn't face
coming to the scene of the crime.

I answer to one higher power
and He will judge me righteous.

Righteous?

Using His name to justify
your malice?

No.

Your actions were yours
and yours alone.

Look into your heart,
you know it's true.

Thank you for the
counsel, Father.

I'll be leaving now.

You can still be saved.

And so can Elizabeth.

Is it God's will
that she hangs for your crime?

They'll see she's innocent.

- Are you willing to take that chance?
- God will save her.

God is not your scapegoat!

If you have a shred of
conscience left in you,

you will do the right thing.

You're right, Father.

I'm a wicked man.

You can be saved
if that's what you want.

You've done the right thing.

I'll ride with him,
if I may.

I owe you that much.

- Morning.
- Morning.

Lady Felicia,
you look positively radiant.

How are your vocal chords
this morning?

Ready to delight the congregation
with my Amazing Grace.

Can't wait.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

- Susie.
- What you think I've done now?

Chopped off somebody's head?

By way of an apology for thinking
you were a murderer

I got one of the
girls at the camp

to teach me how to make it.

Not bad,
for old English woman.

Irish!
And thank you, I suppose.

If you like, I could teach you
how to make

my award-winning
strawberry scones.

Mrs. Barnes and Mr. Barnes.

Well, don't get your hopes up,
Father.

I'm just here for the music.

You won't be disappointed.

See you in there.

- Father, I just wanted to say...
- No need.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
Sync: Marocas62