Father Brown (2013–…): Season 4, Episode 4 - The Crackpot of the Empire - full transcript
Father brown gets involved in the revenge of a crazy comedian.
CHURCH BELL RINGS
Uncle Mirth, wait!
They're here to help you.
Uncle Mirth. Please stop!
They've got me! Don't hurt him.
Get off!
How could you? I'm so sorry,
but you need help.
Judas! I'll see you
rot in hell for this!
Are you sure you can manage that?
I'm not completely useless.
Well, if you say so.
Father Brown...
It's from Uncle Mirth.
He's been released.
So he's finally
regained his sanity.
And hopefully forgiven me.
He's invited me
to his welcome home party.
Well, after last time,
I'd stay well away.
He's absolutely barking.
Always insisting on people
calling him Uncle Mirth.
Well, that's just his old stage name.
Sorry, Mrs McCarthy.
Not terribly hungry.
What's the matter with you? Guilt.
About the part he played in
having Uncle Mirth committed.
They were very close.
Father Brown, you old bloodhound...
Henry!
How are you? Oh, touch of gout,
kidney stones,
pickled liver, dodgy ticker.
But apart from that,
a picture of health!
Hello, hello, hello. Who's this?
Lady Felicia Montague.
Uncle Mirth's brother.
Ah. I hope your sense of humour
isn't as dark as his.
Well, I did write
his signature song.
# I'm loony, hooky, kooky, loopy,
# I'm a crackpot
BOTH: # Of the Empire! #
Marvellous. I always found his
ventriloquist's dummy rather creepy.
Ooh! Me too.
Looks like we're going
to the same party, Father.
Snap!
Yes...
Surely you're not
going to the party?
Why not?
Well, after all that's happened...
it just wouldn't be right.
History.
The best brother won.
You chose me.
But Uncle Mirth
may still be very fragile.
How many more times?
His name's Julius.
Sorry.
But since his breakdown,
he hasn't seen us together.
You just want to rub his nose in it.
Well,
I won't be a part of it.
Pack a bag. Mortimer...
It's not a request.
I want you with me.
We leave in ten minutes, darling.
Despite my initial doubts,
I think putting him in that place
was what he needed.
He was completely burnt out.
Did you visit him often?
Oh. Most days. Your other brother?
Mortimer. Sir Mortimer now. Oh!
Never set foot in the place.
Uncle Mirth mentioned
an older sister.
Left when we were children,
abroad somewhere.
No, I was the only family to visit.
Oh, almost forgot.
A proper drink, Father?
A bit early, even for me.
Never too early.
Never too late.
Port is bottled poetry.
After my first visit,
he wouldn't see me.
Well, in the last few weeks,
he did mention you. Did he?
Said he was sorry for upsetting you.
And that you did the right thing.
CLAXON
Sorry, honey, did I startle you?
You could've killed me.
It's Jacob, isn't it?
You interviewed me
for Uncle Mirth's biography.
You're the radio producer.
So you're going to his party too?
Yeah.
Well, park your seat.
I'll give you a ride.
So, how's the biography going?
I'm hoping to pick it up
again now that he's out.
Don't hold your breath.
You do know his mother
and sister both had...problems.
How did you know that?
Oh, men always tell me everything.
Can't think why.
Sorry about the bare feet.
Can't drive in heels.
See you at the party, Father.
Bye, Henry.
# I'm a crackpot of the Empire
# Mad as a hatter!
♪ I'm loony, hooky, kooky, loopy... ♪
Oh, hello again.
♪ I'm a crackpot of the Empire... ♪
Thank you so much(!)
HE LAUGHS
Help! Someone!
HE GASPS
Are you all right?
SHE SCREAMS
With all his millions,
he buys a dump like this?
Last time I interviewed him,
he said he wanted to build
a centre for music hall memorabilia.
Sorry, thought you needed
a helping hand.
Maybe he'll finish it now he's back.
DISTANT, EXAGGERATED LAUGHING
What's that? Uncle Mirth?
EXAGGERATED LAUGHING CONTINUES
In the pocket.
EXAGGERATED LAUGHING
Looks like Uncle Mirth's
been playing a joke on us.
It's addressed to someone
called Father Brown.
He was very jolly when he left.
Lady Felicia said he was holding
his chest and struggling to breathe
when he collapsed.
Henry wasn't in the best of shape.
And a big drinker.
So, "Fat alcoholic
dies of natural causes."
Nice!
And...simple.
Just the way I like it. Sergeant!
Father, are you all right?
Yes.
Poor Henry. You're upset.
Now, maybe going to that party
is not such a good idea.
I need to tell Uncle Mirth
about his brother.
Well, if that's the case,
I'm going with you. Moral support.
Thank you.
All the doors are locked.
We can't get inside.
Oh, you stupid woman!
My camera's in there. Sorry.
Father Brown, my dear chap.
Sir Mortimer. Good to see you.
Mrs McCarthy.
I'm afraid neither of my brothers
have made an appearance.
Unfortunately,
I have bad news for you.
Your brother Henry
died this morning.
A suspected heart attack.
What?! I'm so sorry.
Damn fool!
I told him to stop drinking.
He's at the Kembleford
cottage hospital.
Are you all right?
Fine.
I'm just glad you're here.
Father Brown. This is for you.
I found it over there.
Well, what is it?
It's a death certificate.
With my name on it.
Sir!
He must have picked
these up this morning.
They should promote
you to detective.
Bill, bill...
What's this?
A death certificate?
With Henry's name on it.
"Cause of death, poison."
Not looking so much
like a heart attack anymore.
What? A death certificate?
Father, we should
leave here immediately.
Oh, don't be such a silly old woman.
I beg your pardon?
I don't think you should
speak to a lady like that.
Steady, tiger.
All I'm saying is that
it's typical Julius,
playing jokes on his
family and friends.
I'm not so sure.
He's always had
a warped sense of humour.
He'll pop up in a minute.
Laughing at us all.
Father.
Do you really think
it's from Uncle Mirth?
Why would he do this?
It's clear he's
as mad as ever he was.
And he still bears you a grudge.
Remember...
I had to tell them
where you were hiding.
When you had a breakdown,
I thought you might do
something terrible to yourself.
Are you sure you want to stay?
Yes.
I owe it to Uncle Mirth...
..to try and help him.
SIR MORTIMER: Another one!
Another one. What did I tell you?
My brother is as nutty
as a fruitcake.
Where did you find it?
I found it on the bottom step.
Didn't you find the other one too?
What are you saying? That I'm
somehow in on Uncle Mirth's joke?
No. Sorry.
That door's open.
I've had enough
of playing silly beggars...
Excuse me!
Maybe we shouldn't go up...
Julius!
Are you up there?
Well, he's bound to be
up here somewhere.
He's not in there.
He must be here somewhere.
Julius!
Come out, you bloody fool!
Always loved hide and seek.
Something about dark corners.
Uncle Mirth?
His name's Julius.
If you ever need to chat
about Henry...
Oh, thank you, Father.
If I'm honest, we were never close.
Perhaps he got
a death certificate too.
Look, there's nothing sinister
about all of this.
Julius once had an obituary
printed in the paper,
telling everyone he'd died.
I remember that.
It's all about craving attention.
Creating an audience.
JACOB: Over here!
It's been locked!
Did you see anyone? No.
Why did you even try the door?
I just came round the corridor
and saw it was closed.
So, you're accusing him now?
What is it with you?
I'm just trying
to make sense of it all.
Here, let me try.
It won't budge.
There must be another way out.
We need to search all the rooms.
This is looking less and less
like an Uncle Mirth joke.
I do not like this one little bit.
No.
Father Brown, look.
And greetings to you, Mr Kafka.
Don't suppose you know
the way out of here, do you?
One of Uncle Mirth's
hilarious pranks, no doubt.
Do you know? I have always wondered
how these things work.
Me too.
Ow!
Are you all right?
Oh, it's...it's nothing.
There are needles,
just inside the opening.
Meant for me, no doubt.
I've been to the end
of the corridor.
There's no second stairway.
So, how do you know my brother?
He agreed to be in a radio show
I produced.
We became quite close.
Close?
Is that how you normally
secure your bookings?
Actually, it is.
I've slept with so many men,
I've lost count.
Dozens and dozens.
You see, I'm just not fussy.
But I wouldn't go near
a pig like you.
Do you miss him? What?
Uncle Mirth. Why would you say that?
I did a lot of interviews with him.
He always spoke about you. Did he?
The love of his life...
..who left him for his brother.
Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.
I'm...
I'm always saying the wrong things.
It's all right.
He was convinced
you still loved him.
I just couldn't take
any more, his moods.
One minute up, the next...
He was always close to breaking.
Why Sir Mortimer?
It won't be for much longer.
FOOTSTEPS
Any luck? Ah, afraid not.
Looks like Uncle Mirth
wants us to watch something.
Sir Mortimer, Eve...
What is it?
A film?
This is becoming absurd. Shh!
# I'm a crackpot of the Empire
# Mad as a hatter
# I'm loony, hooky, loopy, kooky!
♪ I'm a crackpot of the Empire. ♪
Well, thank you for attending
my welcome home party.
The only thought that kept me
going in that madhouse
was the thought of taking my revenge
on the people that put me in there.
My two brothers and my friend,
Father Brown.
Mm!
I assume my brother Henry
didn't make it this far.
Pathetic alcoholic, he was always
going to be the easiest to kill.
A bottle of poison-laced port sent
to him will doubtless do the trick.
My other brother, Sir Mortimer.
You will die
from your own selfishness.
And Father Brown...
You will be killed
by your own curiosity.
If all does not go to plan, well,
you will all fall
to your death anyway.
This building has been condemned
and the ground
will soon give way beneath you.
We're all going to die! Shut up.
But it's true. We're trapped.
May I remind you that we
all entered via a fire escape.
So, there is another way out.
He's right.
We need to slowly
and calmly search again.
We've looked everywhere!
Will you just button it?
Check behind furniture
for anything hidden.
I didn't want to believe it was him.
It will be all right,
won't it, Father?
Of course.
Update on the dead bloke?
Lady Felicia said Henry's brother is
throwing a party up at the old mill.
Goes by the name of Uncle Mirth.
Uncle Mirth? You having a laugh?
No, sir.
Sounds like
some dodgy scout master.
Get the car.
Please?
I've found something!
Looks like a goods lift.
Well, there doesn't seem
to be much room.
We'll have to go down one at a time.
Excuse me.
Why should you go first?
I'm not staying here
a moment longer.
Sir Mortimer. Wait...
HE SCREAMS
LIFT CRASHES
No!
The cables must have been cut.
"You will die by
your own selfishness."
Father, if this floor collapses,
we'll all end up like...
This place isn't condemned.
Too solid. Oh.
SHE SOBS
I've said a prayer for him.
My tears aren't for Mortimer.
They're for Uncle Mirth.
It's all my fault he's doing this.
Leaving him caused his breakdown.
It unhinged him.
You are not to blame.
Perhaps the asylum pushed him
over the edge.
SHATTERING GLASS
Mrs McCarthy, are you all right?
I don't know,
I...I'm feeling most peculiar.
What is it? I...I can't breathe.
I think you've been poisoned. Huh?
Mrs McCarthy's collapsed!
EVE: There's a door. Help me!
We need to find a telephone.
We must be in the cellar by now.
It's locked! Come on.
We will a find a way out, I promise.
Mrs McCarthy?
Up here! We're trapped.
Try that door.
Mrs McCarthy needs
medical help, urgently!
Hang on!
It's locked, sir.
We've found a door to the cellars.
Can you get down there
and open it from the other side?
No, this one too. Out the way.
Come on!
Goodbye, Father.
HE SOBS
Thank you, Doctor.
Well?
See for yourself.
This is the worst cup of tea
I've ever had.
You'll need to let the pot stand for
at least two minutes before pouring.
The first death certificate
was found over there.
Was it really necessary
to bring us back?
Need to get a clear picture.
Now, what I don't understand
is why you three were invited?
I mean, you weren't
the intended victims.
Uncle Mirth was a showman.
He always craved an audience.
And with me a producer
and Jacob a writer,
he knew we'd tell his story
to an even bigger audience.
It was Sir Mortimer
who insisted I come.
Show me where you found
the second one.
You said yesterday...
..about not being with
Sir Mortimer for much longer.
Well, I...
I just meant that
I was planning to leave him.
Surely you don't think
I had anything to do with...?
Of course not.
I'm so pleased
you're feeling better, Mrs M.
I'm absolutely fine.
No need for all this fuss.
You were poisoned.
The needles in the dummy
were doused in it.
Thank goodness the inspector
got you here in time.
A repellent little man,
to say the least.
But you can't fault what he did.
The poison was meant for me.
I'm so sorry.
Don't be silly, Father!
The inspector wants me
back at the mill now.
But...let me cook lunch for you.
Oh! Lovely.
In the meantime,
please try and get some rest.
I'll look after her, Father.
I'm not an invalid.
I don't need looking after.
Now, you're not going to be a
difficult patient, are you, Mrs M?
'My other brother, Sir Mortimer,
'you will die from
your own selfishness.
'And Father Brown..'
You will be killed
by your own curiosity.
'If all does not go to plan,
well,
'you will all fall
to your death anyway.'
You're not allowed up here.
'This building has been...'
I thought you wanted to see me.
Too late now.
Got what I needed from the others.
Dusty cellar. So...
Any sign of Uncle Mirth?
Not that it's any of your business,
but that maniac
is still on the loose.
That maniac might be an ill man.
Tell that to the twisted corpse
of Sir Mortimer.
On the screen,
I thought I noticed
Uncle Mirth flinch
when we heard that click.
A click?
Could have been anything -
door, window, light switch...
Or a gun.
Perhaps he made
his speech under duress...
YELLS: Are you trying to tell me
how to do my job?
No, I... Good.
Now get out of here before I arrest
you for being a pain in the backside.
Well, I certainly would.
Oh, come on, don't tell me
it hasn't crossed your mind.
At a time like this, how can
you even think about such things?
Wouldn't be the first time
we've both liked the same man.
You mean Uncle Mirth?
So Mr Writer, fancy another ride?
Uh, no, thank you.
The sergeant's giving me a lift.
Jacob...
During your research
for Uncle Mirth's biography,
did you discover
what happened to his sister?
She was unhinged.
She died abroad last year.
Suspected suicide.
So...
His siblings are dead
and he's missing.
You think it's some kind of
vendetta against the family?
Possibly. But you were named
in the film footage, Father.
Mm...
Yes, I was.
Yes, sir, we've searched
the surrounding areas.
But there's no sign of Uncle Mirth.
He's not going to stay around
waiting to be caught, is he?
Let's search Kembleford
and the surrounding area.
Yes, sir.
HE CLICKS HIS TONGUE
Ah!
Old, dusty.
New.
Uncle Mirth.
SNORING
Oh, yeah.
Oh! Outrageous.
SHE SNORES LOUDLY
Ah!
What was that? Nothing.
Just the gentle rumblings
of a combine harvester.
You're looking a little flushed.
It's rather hot in here.
Can we open the window?
Heavens above, look at the time.
And where's Father Brown got to?
Well, he hasn't come back yet.
You know what he's like,
he's probably sleuthing somewhere.
He said he was going
to prepare the luncheon.
And he never misses a meal.
And now...now I'm hungry
and worried.
You're safe now.
I'll get you some help.
GUN CLICKS
I was wondering when you'd turn up.
You framed Uncle Mirth
for his brothers' murders,
set up the sick jokes in
keeping with his public pranks
and invited people to witness them.
But Uncle Mirth,
who is not as comical
as you may think,
left a number of clues
to your identity.
All right, I'll say what you want.
I'll need a drink first.
While your back was turned,
he put a pin in the globe.
Ireland.
And the beverage he chose.
Irish stout.
I saw you hiding
in the grounds, Father.
How did you know where he was?
Dusty cellar.
Dust, from the cellar.
Immured, walled in.
Nasty death, suffocation.
It's a ventilation shaft.
So...
Your pose
as Uncle Mirth's biographer
was just a ploy to get information?
If you're not a writer...
..who are you?
Another crackpot of the Empire.
The Empire?
Ah, the family.
Is this all about inheritance?
Yep.
Did you put me in your will?
He...
he said he was indebted
to you for helping him.
So with me and the brothers dead,
you stood to inherit everything.
All right,
it's time you were told the truth.
I'm your sister's son.
She married an Irish labourer,
but their father disowned her.
She was dead to him.
I... I didn't know...
Oh, and that makes it right?!
While you and your brothers
lived like kings,
we were starving
in some rat-infested slum.
But it's not their fault. Is it?
As Henry said,
they were children
when their sister left.
This isn't about revenge!
I'm taking back what my mother...
What I was denied.
All my life, I have fantasised about
killing them and inheriting it all.
Killing them?
Is the family fortune
worth that much to you?
Fortune?
Oh, you've no idea,
do you, Father?
They're worth millions.
It truly is an empire.
What would your mother
think about all this?
I'm doing it for her!
She hung herself.
She's buried in a pauper's grave.
I couldn't even afford a headstone.
HE SOBS
I'm sorry.
Well, he's not in St Mary's.
I've looked everywhere
I can think of.
You should go back and rest.
I am not going anywhere until I...
Inspector!
It's Father Brown,
he hasn't come back from the mill.
Snooping around, no doubt...
He might be in danger.
Well, if he's not, he will be
when I get my hands on him.
Goodfellow, come on.
She never got over what happened.
Years of depression, mental problems.
She was always begging me to
take back what was rightfully hers.
I promised her!
And I can't let some priest ruin it.
But what have you done, Jacob?
Look at him.
He's your uncle.
I had to keep him alive until
all the other beneficiaries
of the will were dead.
But you must know...
you won't get away with this?
Won't I?
"Crazy Uncle Mirth kills
Father Brown as he said he would...
"..then kills himself."
That'll be good enough
for the police.
Please. Don't do that.
This way.
Please. Give me the gun. No!
I have to do this.
It's for my mother.
But if you pull
the trigger and kill me,
then he'll kill you.
But if you give me the gun,
I'll persuade him to put his down.
I can't...
That's your only option
to stay alive.
Do you want to die?
Uncle Mirth, please lower your gun.
COCKS GUN
Uncle Mirth, it is over.
Don't.
Please...
You know this is wrong.
No!
Ah!
MALLORY: Padre...
What the...?
Um...
Inspector, would you
mind taking this, please?
I believe it's loaded.
Thank you.
It's all right.
It'll be all right.
# I'm loony, loopy hooky, kooky!
♪ I'm a crackpot of the Empire! ♪
One of these days, you're
going to get killed for real.
You're as mad as that lunatic
in the hospital.
I just hope that Jacob hasn't pushed
Uncle Mirth back into insanity.
LAUGHTER
Now, what did Inspector Mallory
say to his belly button?
You're under a vest!
Looks sane enough to me,
back to normal.
Crackpot of the Empire.
Now, what do you call
a bishop when he sleepwalks?
A roamin' Catholic!
ALL LAUGH
Why is Father Brown laughing?
Mass hysteria!
ALL LAUGH
Uncle Mirth, wait!
They're here to help you.
Uncle Mirth. Please stop!
They've got me! Don't hurt him.
Get off!
How could you? I'm so sorry,
but you need help.
Judas! I'll see you
rot in hell for this!
Are you sure you can manage that?
I'm not completely useless.
Well, if you say so.
Father Brown...
It's from Uncle Mirth.
He's been released.
So he's finally
regained his sanity.
And hopefully forgiven me.
He's invited me
to his welcome home party.
Well, after last time,
I'd stay well away.
He's absolutely barking.
Always insisting on people
calling him Uncle Mirth.
Well, that's just his old stage name.
Sorry, Mrs McCarthy.
Not terribly hungry.
What's the matter with you? Guilt.
About the part he played in
having Uncle Mirth committed.
They were very close.
Father Brown, you old bloodhound...
Henry!
How are you? Oh, touch of gout,
kidney stones,
pickled liver, dodgy ticker.
But apart from that,
a picture of health!
Hello, hello, hello. Who's this?
Lady Felicia Montague.
Uncle Mirth's brother.
Ah. I hope your sense of humour
isn't as dark as his.
Well, I did write
his signature song.
# I'm loony, hooky, kooky, loopy,
# I'm a crackpot
BOTH: # Of the Empire! #
Marvellous. I always found his
ventriloquist's dummy rather creepy.
Ooh! Me too.
Looks like we're going
to the same party, Father.
Snap!
Yes...
Surely you're not
going to the party?
Why not?
Well, after all that's happened...
it just wouldn't be right.
History.
The best brother won.
You chose me.
But Uncle Mirth
may still be very fragile.
How many more times?
His name's Julius.
Sorry.
But since his breakdown,
he hasn't seen us together.
You just want to rub his nose in it.
Well,
I won't be a part of it.
Pack a bag. Mortimer...
It's not a request.
I want you with me.
We leave in ten minutes, darling.
Despite my initial doubts,
I think putting him in that place
was what he needed.
He was completely burnt out.
Did you visit him often?
Oh. Most days. Your other brother?
Mortimer. Sir Mortimer now. Oh!
Never set foot in the place.
Uncle Mirth mentioned
an older sister.
Left when we were children,
abroad somewhere.
No, I was the only family to visit.
Oh, almost forgot.
A proper drink, Father?
A bit early, even for me.
Never too early.
Never too late.
Port is bottled poetry.
After my first visit,
he wouldn't see me.
Well, in the last few weeks,
he did mention you. Did he?
Said he was sorry for upsetting you.
And that you did the right thing.
CLAXON
Sorry, honey, did I startle you?
You could've killed me.
It's Jacob, isn't it?
You interviewed me
for Uncle Mirth's biography.
You're the radio producer.
So you're going to his party too?
Yeah.
Well, park your seat.
I'll give you a ride.
So, how's the biography going?
I'm hoping to pick it up
again now that he's out.
Don't hold your breath.
You do know his mother
and sister both had...problems.
How did you know that?
Oh, men always tell me everything.
Can't think why.
Sorry about the bare feet.
Can't drive in heels.
See you at the party, Father.
Bye, Henry.
# I'm a crackpot of the Empire
# Mad as a hatter!
♪ I'm loony, hooky, kooky, loopy... ♪
Oh, hello again.
♪ I'm a crackpot of the Empire... ♪
Thank you so much(!)
HE LAUGHS
Help! Someone!
HE GASPS
Are you all right?
SHE SCREAMS
With all his millions,
he buys a dump like this?
Last time I interviewed him,
he said he wanted to build
a centre for music hall memorabilia.
Sorry, thought you needed
a helping hand.
Maybe he'll finish it now he's back.
DISTANT, EXAGGERATED LAUGHING
What's that? Uncle Mirth?
EXAGGERATED LAUGHING CONTINUES
In the pocket.
EXAGGERATED LAUGHING
Looks like Uncle Mirth's
been playing a joke on us.
It's addressed to someone
called Father Brown.
He was very jolly when he left.
Lady Felicia said he was holding
his chest and struggling to breathe
when he collapsed.
Henry wasn't in the best of shape.
And a big drinker.
So, "Fat alcoholic
dies of natural causes."
Nice!
And...simple.
Just the way I like it. Sergeant!
Father, are you all right?
Yes.
Poor Henry. You're upset.
Now, maybe going to that party
is not such a good idea.
I need to tell Uncle Mirth
about his brother.
Well, if that's the case,
I'm going with you. Moral support.
Thank you.
All the doors are locked.
We can't get inside.
Oh, you stupid woman!
My camera's in there. Sorry.
Father Brown, my dear chap.
Sir Mortimer. Good to see you.
Mrs McCarthy.
I'm afraid neither of my brothers
have made an appearance.
Unfortunately,
I have bad news for you.
Your brother Henry
died this morning.
A suspected heart attack.
What?! I'm so sorry.
Damn fool!
I told him to stop drinking.
He's at the Kembleford
cottage hospital.
Are you all right?
Fine.
I'm just glad you're here.
Father Brown. This is for you.
I found it over there.
Well, what is it?
It's a death certificate.
With my name on it.
Sir!
He must have picked
these up this morning.
They should promote
you to detective.
Bill, bill...
What's this?
A death certificate?
With Henry's name on it.
"Cause of death, poison."
Not looking so much
like a heart attack anymore.
What? A death certificate?
Father, we should
leave here immediately.
Oh, don't be such a silly old woman.
I beg your pardon?
I don't think you should
speak to a lady like that.
Steady, tiger.
All I'm saying is that
it's typical Julius,
playing jokes on his
family and friends.
I'm not so sure.
He's always had
a warped sense of humour.
He'll pop up in a minute.
Laughing at us all.
Father.
Do you really think
it's from Uncle Mirth?
Why would he do this?
It's clear he's
as mad as ever he was.
And he still bears you a grudge.
Remember...
I had to tell them
where you were hiding.
When you had a breakdown,
I thought you might do
something terrible to yourself.
Are you sure you want to stay?
Yes.
I owe it to Uncle Mirth...
..to try and help him.
SIR MORTIMER: Another one!
Another one. What did I tell you?
My brother is as nutty
as a fruitcake.
Where did you find it?
I found it on the bottom step.
Didn't you find the other one too?
What are you saying? That I'm
somehow in on Uncle Mirth's joke?
No. Sorry.
That door's open.
I've had enough
of playing silly beggars...
Excuse me!
Maybe we shouldn't go up...
Julius!
Are you up there?
Well, he's bound to be
up here somewhere.
He's not in there.
He must be here somewhere.
Julius!
Come out, you bloody fool!
Always loved hide and seek.
Something about dark corners.
Uncle Mirth?
His name's Julius.
If you ever need to chat
about Henry...
Oh, thank you, Father.
If I'm honest, we were never close.
Perhaps he got
a death certificate too.
Look, there's nothing sinister
about all of this.
Julius once had an obituary
printed in the paper,
telling everyone he'd died.
I remember that.
It's all about craving attention.
Creating an audience.
JACOB: Over here!
It's been locked!
Did you see anyone? No.
Why did you even try the door?
I just came round the corridor
and saw it was closed.
So, you're accusing him now?
What is it with you?
I'm just trying
to make sense of it all.
Here, let me try.
It won't budge.
There must be another way out.
We need to search all the rooms.
This is looking less and less
like an Uncle Mirth joke.
I do not like this one little bit.
No.
Father Brown, look.
And greetings to you, Mr Kafka.
Don't suppose you know
the way out of here, do you?
One of Uncle Mirth's
hilarious pranks, no doubt.
Do you know? I have always wondered
how these things work.
Me too.
Ow!
Are you all right?
Oh, it's...it's nothing.
There are needles,
just inside the opening.
Meant for me, no doubt.
I've been to the end
of the corridor.
There's no second stairway.
So, how do you know my brother?
He agreed to be in a radio show
I produced.
We became quite close.
Close?
Is that how you normally
secure your bookings?
Actually, it is.
I've slept with so many men,
I've lost count.
Dozens and dozens.
You see, I'm just not fussy.
But I wouldn't go near
a pig like you.
Do you miss him? What?
Uncle Mirth. Why would you say that?
I did a lot of interviews with him.
He always spoke about you. Did he?
The love of his life...
..who left him for his brother.
Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.
I'm...
I'm always saying the wrong things.
It's all right.
He was convinced
you still loved him.
I just couldn't take
any more, his moods.
One minute up, the next...
He was always close to breaking.
Why Sir Mortimer?
It won't be for much longer.
FOOTSTEPS
Any luck? Ah, afraid not.
Looks like Uncle Mirth
wants us to watch something.
Sir Mortimer, Eve...
What is it?
A film?
This is becoming absurd. Shh!
# I'm a crackpot of the Empire
# Mad as a hatter
# I'm loony, hooky, loopy, kooky!
♪ I'm a crackpot of the Empire. ♪
Well, thank you for attending
my welcome home party.
The only thought that kept me
going in that madhouse
was the thought of taking my revenge
on the people that put me in there.
My two brothers and my friend,
Father Brown.
Mm!
I assume my brother Henry
didn't make it this far.
Pathetic alcoholic, he was always
going to be the easiest to kill.
A bottle of poison-laced port sent
to him will doubtless do the trick.
My other brother, Sir Mortimer.
You will die
from your own selfishness.
And Father Brown...
You will be killed
by your own curiosity.
If all does not go to plan, well,
you will all fall
to your death anyway.
This building has been condemned
and the ground
will soon give way beneath you.
We're all going to die! Shut up.
But it's true. We're trapped.
May I remind you that we
all entered via a fire escape.
So, there is another way out.
He's right.
We need to slowly
and calmly search again.
We've looked everywhere!
Will you just button it?
Check behind furniture
for anything hidden.
I didn't want to believe it was him.
It will be all right,
won't it, Father?
Of course.
Update on the dead bloke?
Lady Felicia said Henry's brother is
throwing a party up at the old mill.
Goes by the name of Uncle Mirth.
Uncle Mirth? You having a laugh?
No, sir.
Sounds like
some dodgy scout master.
Get the car.
Please?
I've found something!
Looks like a goods lift.
Well, there doesn't seem
to be much room.
We'll have to go down one at a time.
Excuse me.
Why should you go first?
I'm not staying here
a moment longer.
Sir Mortimer. Wait...
HE SCREAMS
LIFT CRASHES
No!
The cables must have been cut.
"You will die by
your own selfishness."
Father, if this floor collapses,
we'll all end up like...
This place isn't condemned.
Too solid. Oh.
SHE SOBS
I've said a prayer for him.
My tears aren't for Mortimer.
They're for Uncle Mirth.
It's all my fault he's doing this.
Leaving him caused his breakdown.
It unhinged him.
You are not to blame.
Perhaps the asylum pushed him
over the edge.
SHATTERING GLASS
Mrs McCarthy, are you all right?
I don't know,
I...I'm feeling most peculiar.
What is it? I...I can't breathe.
I think you've been poisoned. Huh?
Mrs McCarthy's collapsed!
EVE: There's a door. Help me!
We need to find a telephone.
We must be in the cellar by now.
It's locked! Come on.
We will a find a way out, I promise.
Mrs McCarthy?
Up here! We're trapped.
Try that door.
Mrs McCarthy needs
medical help, urgently!
Hang on!
It's locked, sir.
We've found a door to the cellars.
Can you get down there
and open it from the other side?
No, this one too. Out the way.
Come on!
Goodbye, Father.
HE SOBS
Thank you, Doctor.
Well?
See for yourself.
This is the worst cup of tea
I've ever had.
You'll need to let the pot stand for
at least two minutes before pouring.
The first death certificate
was found over there.
Was it really necessary
to bring us back?
Need to get a clear picture.
Now, what I don't understand
is why you three were invited?
I mean, you weren't
the intended victims.
Uncle Mirth was a showman.
He always craved an audience.
And with me a producer
and Jacob a writer,
he knew we'd tell his story
to an even bigger audience.
It was Sir Mortimer
who insisted I come.
Show me where you found
the second one.
You said yesterday...
..about not being with
Sir Mortimer for much longer.
Well, I...
I just meant that
I was planning to leave him.
Surely you don't think
I had anything to do with...?
Of course not.
I'm so pleased
you're feeling better, Mrs M.
I'm absolutely fine.
No need for all this fuss.
You were poisoned.
The needles in the dummy
were doused in it.
Thank goodness the inspector
got you here in time.
A repellent little man,
to say the least.
But you can't fault what he did.
The poison was meant for me.
I'm so sorry.
Don't be silly, Father!
The inspector wants me
back at the mill now.
But...let me cook lunch for you.
Oh! Lovely.
In the meantime,
please try and get some rest.
I'll look after her, Father.
I'm not an invalid.
I don't need looking after.
Now, you're not going to be a
difficult patient, are you, Mrs M?
'My other brother, Sir Mortimer,
'you will die from
your own selfishness.
'And Father Brown..'
You will be killed
by your own curiosity.
'If all does not go to plan,
well,
'you will all fall
to your death anyway.'
You're not allowed up here.
'This building has been...'
I thought you wanted to see me.
Too late now.
Got what I needed from the others.
Dusty cellar. So...
Any sign of Uncle Mirth?
Not that it's any of your business,
but that maniac
is still on the loose.
That maniac might be an ill man.
Tell that to the twisted corpse
of Sir Mortimer.
On the screen,
I thought I noticed
Uncle Mirth flinch
when we heard that click.
A click?
Could have been anything -
door, window, light switch...
Or a gun.
Perhaps he made
his speech under duress...
YELLS: Are you trying to tell me
how to do my job?
No, I... Good.
Now get out of here before I arrest
you for being a pain in the backside.
Well, I certainly would.
Oh, come on, don't tell me
it hasn't crossed your mind.
At a time like this, how can
you even think about such things?
Wouldn't be the first time
we've both liked the same man.
You mean Uncle Mirth?
So Mr Writer, fancy another ride?
Uh, no, thank you.
The sergeant's giving me a lift.
Jacob...
During your research
for Uncle Mirth's biography,
did you discover
what happened to his sister?
She was unhinged.
She died abroad last year.
Suspected suicide.
So...
His siblings are dead
and he's missing.
You think it's some kind of
vendetta against the family?
Possibly. But you were named
in the film footage, Father.
Mm...
Yes, I was.
Yes, sir, we've searched
the surrounding areas.
But there's no sign of Uncle Mirth.
He's not going to stay around
waiting to be caught, is he?
Let's search Kembleford
and the surrounding area.
Yes, sir.
HE CLICKS HIS TONGUE
Ah!
Old, dusty.
New.
Uncle Mirth.
SNORING
Oh, yeah.
Oh! Outrageous.
SHE SNORES LOUDLY
Ah!
What was that? Nothing.
Just the gentle rumblings
of a combine harvester.
You're looking a little flushed.
It's rather hot in here.
Can we open the window?
Heavens above, look at the time.
And where's Father Brown got to?
Well, he hasn't come back yet.
You know what he's like,
he's probably sleuthing somewhere.
He said he was going
to prepare the luncheon.
And he never misses a meal.
And now...now I'm hungry
and worried.
You're safe now.
I'll get you some help.
GUN CLICKS
I was wondering when you'd turn up.
You framed Uncle Mirth
for his brothers' murders,
set up the sick jokes in
keeping with his public pranks
and invited people to witness them.
But Uncle Mirth,
who is not as comical
as you may think,
left a number of clues
to your identity.
All right, I'll say what you want.
I'll need a drink first.
While your back was turned,
he put a pin in the globe.
Ireland.
And the beverage he chose.
Irish stout.
I saw you hiding
in the grounds, Father.
How did you know where he was?
Dusty cellar.
Dust, from the cellar.
Immured, walled in.
Nasty death, suffocation.
It's a ventilation shaft.
So...
Your pose
as Uncle Mirth's biographer
was just a ploy to get information?
If you're not a writer...
..who are you?
Another crackpot of the Empire.
The Empire?
Ah, the family.
Is this all about inheritance?
Yep.
Did you put me in your will?
He...
he said he was indebted
to you for helping him.
So with me and the brothers dead,
you stood to inherit everything.
All right,
it's time you were told the truth.
I'm your sister's son.
She married an Irish labourer,
but their father disowned her.
She was dead to him.
I... I didn't know...
Oh, and that makes it right?!
While you and your brothers
lived like kings,
we were starving
in some rat-infested slum.
But it's not their fault. Is it?
As Henry said,
they were children
when their sister left.
This isn't about revenge!
I'm taking back what my mother...
What I was denied.
All my life, I have fantasised about
killing them and inheriting it all.
Killing them?
Is the family fortune
worth that much to you?
Fortune?
Oh, you've no idea,
do you, Father?
They're worth millions.
It truly is an empire.
What would your mother
think about all this?
I'm doing it for her!
She hung herself.
She's buried in a pauper's grave.
I couldn't even afford a headstone.
HE SOBS
I'm sorry.
Well, he's not in St Mary's.
I've looked everywhere
I can think of.
You should go back and rest.
I am not going anywhere until I...
Inspector!
It's Father Brown,
he hasn't come back from the mill.
Snooping around, no doubt...
He might be in danger.
Well, if he's not, he will be
when I get my hands on him.
Goodfellow, come on.
She never got over what happened.
Years of depression, mental problems.
She was always begging me to
take back what was rightfully hers.
I promised her!
And I can't let some priest ruin it.
But what have you done, Jacob?
Look at him.
He's your uncle.
I had to keep him alive until
all the other beneficiaries
of the will were dead.
But you must know...
you won't get away with this?
Won't I?
"Crazy Uncle Mirth kills
Father Brown as he said he would...
"..then kills himself."
That'll be good enough
for the police.
Please. Don't do that.
This way.
Please. Give me the gun. No!
I have to do this.
It's for my mother.
But if you pull
the trigger and kill me,
then he'll kill you.
But if you give me the gun,
I'll persuade him to put his down.
I can't...
That's your only option
to stay alive.
Do you want to die?
Uncle Mirth, please lower your gun.
COCKS GUN
Uncle Mirth, it is over.
Don't.
Please...
You know this is wrong.
No!
Ah!
MALLORY: Padre...
What the...?
Um...
Inspector, would you
mind taking this, please?
I believe it's loaded.
Thank you.
It's all right.
It'll be all right.
# I'm loony, loopy hooky, kooky!
♪ I'm a crackpot of the Empire! ♪
One of these days, you're
going to get killed for real.
You're as mad as that lunatic
in the hospital.
I just hope that Jacob hasn't pushed
Uncle Mirth back into insanity.
LAUGHTER
Now, what did Inspector Mallory
say to his belly button?
You're under a vest!
Looks sane enough to me,
back to normal.
Crackpot of the Empire.
Now, what do you call
a bishop when he sleepwalks?
A roamin' Catholic!
ALL LAUGH
Why is Father Brown laughing?
Mass hysteria!
ALL LAUGH