Rosemary & Thyme (2003–2006): Season 3, Episode 1 - The Cup of Silence - full transcript
Stuart Blackton owns and operates a posh hotel and restaurant in a converted manor house on an expansive estate and is trying hard to impress influential restaurant critic Angus Fairley. The estate is bordered by a winery owned by Blackton's brother Ben, and although the restaurant is the vintner's best customer, no love is lost between the siblings. Blackton has been struggling to stay out of the red, but Angus' influence and a five star review will insure the hotel's success. Rosemary, an old friend of Fairley's, has been hired along with Laura to help weed the vineyard, and the desperate Blackton asks her to find out if the review will be favorable. Although Angus promises Laura that a glowing review is forthcoming, he never gets a chance to write it and is found dead in his room from an apparent heart attack... with a bottle of the local red wine beside him.
[Music playing]
Excuse me.
Yes?
We're looking for a place
called Woodley court.
It's a hotel and winery.
You'll see the sign
in about 200 yards.
Thank you.
(Car gears grinding)
That's a bit rough.
You think that's rough, take
a look what the garage said.
[Gasp]
Is this a bill for a new gear
box or the mechanic's lottery
numbers?
The job's a big one.
How can it be so much?
It's not as if the old
girl doesn't go.
The idea is to get her fixed
before she lets us down.
You could spend the same money
and get a little van.
Mm hm.
Or we could take this
job on offer.
Despite knowing very little
about wine grapes or
viticulture.
There's nothing else on the
horizon until after Christmas.
Something tells me it's
going to be a very
small turkey this year.
Just get your cases out of the
boot and the porter will
take them inside.
Looks like there's
a wedding on.
Take everything into
reception and
we'll sort it out there.
See anyone in charge?
Starting with champagne.
Photographer wants the bride and
groom for an extra hour so
you'll have to hold lunch.
An hour?
He's an artist.
Excuse me.
Are you with the hotel?
No.
I'm Elspeth Tate, the
wedding planner.
You have flowers?
Gardens.
We're looking for
mr. Blackton.
Stuart or Ben?
There's more than one?
You'll find them
both out back.
I'm surprised you
can't hear them.
I'm just a messenger
for Daisy.
I can't believe she wouldn't
tell me to my face.
She's told you a dozen times.
You still won't accept it.
Look at the way you carry on.
Who'd want to put themselves
in line for that?
I'm not taking Daisy's
letters from you.
Oh, take them, don't
take them.
See what I care.
Destroy them yourself.
Um, mr. Blackton?
How can I help you?
I'm Rosemary Boxer, this
is Laura Thyme.
We're the gardeners.
Here to look at the vineyard.
Ah.
I'm Stuart Blackton.
I run the hotel.
You want my brother Ben.
Oh.
Look.
How does afternoon tea
on the terrace sound?
Complements of the house.
Very bearable.
Grab us a table.
I'll leave these at reception.
Hi, Matt.
It's your mother.
We keep missing each other.
If it's urgent you can reach me
at the Woodley court hotel.
I can't make out the number.
Anyway, you can find
it in the book.
Elspeth, trust me.
They asked for haggis.
I hope they like it.
Excuse me.
Sorry.
Am I going the right way
for the terrace?
Straight on and left
up the stairs.
Thank you.
Oh, this is my friend I
was telling you about.
Laura Thyme.
Angus Fairley.
Delighted.
Do sit down.
Thank you.
Laura, Angus and I
go way, way back.
He's writing a piece
on the estate.
Oh, are you a journalist?
Well, that's hardly the word
for you, is it, Angus?
What have you been?
Wine correspondent, travel
writer, restaurant critic.
Well, my trendy editor has
rolled them all together and
I'm now a lifestyle columnist.
Oh, I said we're working
here, too.
Have you seen the
vineyard yet?
Yeah, I have and I think that
Ben's achieved miracles in the
first two years.
It's just a pity that an English
wine maker has to
struggle so hard to be
taken seriously.
Why would that be?
Ignorance, madam.
Pure ignorance.
Blindfold your punter and he'll
sing the wine's praises.
Show him the label and he'll
take it all back.
Do please help yourself.
Of course, you know, while
Ben's been working on the
Winery his brother Stuart's
been renovating this
magnificent place.
We can only speculate who
got the better deal.
Stuart says I'm to show
you to a room.
Now this is Daisy.
Keep on her good side.
The badge says assistant manager
but she does a bit of
everything.
We're supposed to
be meeting Ben.
Not today.
I'll me you at reception
when you're finished.
Laura (offscreen): Daisy?
Do you think it was
her letters?
Horace will bring
your bags up.
Won't you, Horace?
[Grunts]
I just need to drop
these off.
Lorna doone.
All the suites have names.
Oh.
They're supposed to
mean something.
Oh.
It's a cut above the last
place we stayed in.
Yes, and we had to
pay for that.
Here we are.
The Ebenezer Scrooge.
Give me a push.
The Ebenezer Scrooge.
More like the tiny tim.
Excuse me, lady.
It's not for me, but I've
been asked to ask you.
Is there any chance of getting
into your cellar?
I'm afraid not, ma'am.
It's a health and
safety issue.
What'd she say?
Something about health
and safety.
Only staff are allowed
to go down there.
We're not going to get in.
Damn.
[Loud crashing noises]
Ah!
Hoo!
What?
I heard something.
So did i. I heard you.
Sorry.
You and your small turkey.
What?
You got me feeling
sorry for you.
You can come and spend
Christmas with us.
Who's us?
Me and Matt and Helena.
We're having a family
get-together.
Minus my ex, of course.
He'll have his bimbo to tug
at his crackers for him.
I'm not family.
You're more family than
some of my family.
Thanks anyway.
Ben (offscreen): despite good
weather my harvest last year
was down by 30%.
I struggle with the entire
vineyard but this part I've
given up on completely.
You don't divide the work?
My brother runs his business
and I'm left to run mine.
Why?
What's he been saying about me?
Nothing.
Look.
I'm sorry about what
happened yesterday.
I blow up like that and then
I feel terrible afterwards.
Oh, it's all right.
We all have our moments.
Yes, mine always seem
to involve me
looking like an idiot.
Well, you grow your
vines in grass.
Most English vineyards do.
Yes, and that could disguise
a weed problem.
Vines don't compete
well with weeds.
I do try to keep on top of it
but there just aren't the
hours in the day.
I don't want to use chemicals
and we just can't afford
flashy equipment.
Well, your drainage
looks fine.
What does the pest patrol say?
Just ladybugs.
Good or bad?
Good.
They eat the spider mite.
I'd like to run some
soil tests.
I had a full set
done last year.
Have you still got them?
Yeah, up at the winery.
Great.
We make the wine in there
and we store it in there.
Where do you live?
Oh, round the back.
We've made it all presentable
but there's still a lot I'd
like to do.
So who runs the shop?
I do.
Which is why it's only
open at weekends.
Oh, you've taken a lot on.
Haven't I just?
It's an inheritance from
my great uncle
Bernard who I never met.
My brother got the big
house and I got this.
Oh, there's granddad,
by the way.
Morning, ladies.
Leave us something to sell.
Behave yourself.
And he can't risk mucking
around with the soil or he'll
alter the flavor
of the grapes.
And we wouldn't want that.
Ladies.
My doctor says I should walk
more when he's not telling me
it's a miracle I can
stand at all.
Is that the downside of being
a lifestyle columnist?
I wonder if you two would do me
the honor of joining me for
dinner this evening.
Oh, I think the restaurant's
a touch out
of our league, Angus.
Mine, too, but not my editor's
and she'll be paying.
Shall we say 8 o'clock?
Ah.
This explains mr. Fairley's
table for three.
I put you in the terrace
restaurant.
Away from the wedding
reception.
Look.
I'm not asking you to spy or
anything, but I wonder if
possibly during dinner...
You want me find out
what Angus is going
to write about you.
Stuart, Angus is a
very old friend.
Just a hint would be nice.
A review from him can make
or break a place.
How about a bigger room?
First one comes
up, it's yours.
Would you like to go through?
Now this is very special.
Am I in the company of angels?
Because I know I've
gone to heaven.
I take it you're impressed.
The first time i...
I tasted canard a la rouennaise
was at tour
D'argent in Paris.
How's the meal?
You'd better ask our host.
Mr. Fairley.
Charles, isn't it?
I do believe it is.
Charles, take it as a complement
when I tell you
that your cooking has improved
beyond recognition.
You call that a compliment?
Oh, don't take on, man.
This is wonderful.
But don't tell me you keep this
up when you cater for a
wedding party.
There is only one standard
in my kitchen.
I shall be checking on that.
Yes, I have no doubt
you will.
The crickle valley red made
right here on the estate.
You know Stuart was telling me
that he wished more people
could order it.
So it can't be all bad blood
between them, can it?
[Music and party sounds]
Pleasure to do business
with you, mr. Mccallum.
Not that kind of business.
I know.
She's a wedding planner.
Mmm.
I could cheerfully strangle
that woman.
Talks the kids into the best of
everything and guess what?
She's on a percentage.
You'll just have to sell
one of your castles.
We live in [inaudible].
Would you like to join
us downstairs?
I don't think so but, um,
god bless the bride.
How do we get on?
Um, how does a five-star
review sound?
Five?
Is that what he actually said?
(Whispering) He's
very impressed.
You can't imagine
what this means.
Five.
To tell the truth, I'm
barely breaking even.
A five-star review from Angus
Fairley means I can stop
slashing the rates for
wedding parties.
We'll have a proper clientele.
Uh, you, uh, you won't
[inaudible] our deal?
Well worth it.
[Loud music and party sounds]
Laura (offscreen): [groaning]
I thought the reception
finished at midnight.
It did.
Then they brought the
party upstairs.
Oh, they must be getting
tired by now.
[Loud music stops]
[Sigh of relief]
[Music starts again;
Rosemary groans]
Wedding parties.
Don't tell me too
late, too loud.
I'm afraid so.
I'll get it turned down.
Come on now, love,
keep it quiet...
Guess who found the party?
I don't want to spoil it for
you, but I do have to think of
my other guests.
Music is the wine that fills
the cup of silence.
But I fear this cup
runneth over.
You and I must have a serious
discussion in the morning.
(Whispering) Told you.
None of your cheap stuff.
Morning, Daisy.
I'll bet there are a
few that can't take
solid food this morning.
Don't include mr.
Fairley in that.
He had a walk around the grounds
and then back to his
rRoom for a champagne
breakfast.
Oh, champagne.
And haggis.
I've got to go up and see if
he wants anything else.
Oh, well.
Good luck to him.
Most I can face is a squishy
egg sandwich and a pot of
strong tea.
Oeufs a la squish.
I shall expect a credit when
these appear on the menu.
Oh, how did the meeting go?
I've not had it yet.
[Woman screaming]
Daisy?
[Gasps]
Angus.
You all right?
I refuse to be unhappy
for Angus.
He lived the life he chose and
he loved every minute of it.
Do you two know what's
going on?
Departure of the
bride and groom.
You know what I mean.
I can read the signs.
Police cars by the back door,
something being carried out
through the kitchen.
I haven't seen an ambulance
and nobody's ill.
Well, there you are, then.
Good bye, miss Tate.
Somebody's died in the
hotel, haven't they?
And I bet I can guess who.
Daisy found mr. Fairley
in his room.
The doctor thinks he's
had a heart attack.
If ever there was a heart
attack waiting to happen it
was Angus Fairley, although I
know plenty of people who'd
find it hard to believe
he had a heart at all.
That's an awful thing to say.
Friend of his?
Yes, I was.
Glad to hear he had one.
(Angrily) Oh!
Now, calm down.
(Still angrily) I am calm.
I've left the soil test
papers on the terrace.
I'll go.
You go and get the van.
Daisy, what have
you got there?
Mr. Fairley's breakfast.
You don't move evidence
until the police have
released the scene.
Dan told me to.
Who's Dan?
My brother.
Are you Dan?
And who might you be?
What are you doing letting
evidence go?
You've got a suspicious
death here.
There's nothing suspicious
about it.
Maybe not but it's not
your job to decide.
What do you know about
it, mrs. Um...
If I were still in uniform
it would be
Police Sergeant Thyme.
Angus Fairley's death might look
like natural causes, the
doctor might tell you it was
natural causes, but until the
coroner decides you preserve
the evidence.
I hear what you're
saying, ma'am.
Mrs. Thyme, you couldn't keep
it down a bit, could you?
I'm sure there's nothing
sinister.
But what if a relative pops up
and asks, I don't know, was
there something nasty
in the haggis?
[Groaning]
Ok, now I'm going to stop.
You carry on past me
and I'll pan with
you towards the house.
Keep on going until I shout
"cut." I never said
"Cut." -It's ok.
We've got enough.
Thank you for everything.
Hello.
Oh, Matt.
You caught me at last.
So what's this news you've
been wanting to tell me?
Oh.
Ah.
Ah.
That's wonderful.
No.
No.
It's a great idea.
You go for it.
[Gears grinding]
Sorry.
You don't really think there was
something suspicious about
Angus' death, do you?
He was so sweet.
Who would want to kill him?
Do me a favor.
He was a critic.
Oh, Laura.
Now, I'm not saying that
somebody killed him.
Just that it's not a copper's
place to assume.
So what did Matt say?
Oh.
He's heading off to
New Zealand at
the end of the year.
Oh, nice.
He can meet Gandalf.
He's planning to spend
Christmas with the cousins.
Good for him.
Yes.
Yes.
Good for him.
It'll be a girly sort of
Christmas with Helena and me.
We'll open a bottle of
crickle valley red
and heckle the Queen.
[Gears grind]
Thank you.
What's going on?
Lobsters in a champagne
sauce.
Despite his best efforts
Angus Fairley
Left us the odd bottle.
I'm talking about the guests.
How much do you think
they're picking up?
Why ask me?
I'm not fronting us.
No, but you are a vital
part of the team.
What are you after?
Look.
There are going to be all
kinds of questions.
You getting all touchy and
walking off the job's the last
thing I need.
What kind of questions?
People who don't know any
better trying to come up with
a reason for what happened.
What kind of questions?
Well, anything.
Like, was there something
nasty in the haggis?
How dare you?
See, that's just the kind of
reaction I'm talking about.
You can't go taking
offense, Charles.
You've got to help me
get through this.
That's easy for you to say.
That man trashed my work and
then sits at my table but I
gave him my best because
that is what I do.
No one's saying you
didn't, Charles.
I'm not...
Stuart Blackton?
Have you got a moment?
Not right...
Yes, of course.
What can I do for you?
It's about the cellar.
We know it's not normally
open to the public but...
we were wondering if
you could make an
exception just this once.
I'm sorry the cellar's
always kept locked.
I have a fortune in
stock down there.
Will you excuse me?
Horace, isn't it?
I'll bet you're a man who
can access all areas.
That's right.
Trusted with the key
to the cellar?
That's right.
And probably far too upstanding
to ever consider
opening it up for anyone no
matter how deserving they
might be of his trust.
That's right.
When?
When I say.
The moment they realized I
was watching they scuttled
away like a couple of poofs.
They'll be movie buffs.
You always get one or two of
them poking around place.
Why?
Oh, film companies used
to rent the house
when it was a ruin.
They liked it because they could
dress it up and knock it
about a bit.
It's been everything from
Dracula's castle
to the winter palace.
One of these is for granddad.
He'd like you to
call him Bert.
As in Albert?
As in Bert Reynolds.
I see.
Would you take this in to him?
I wouldn't count on it.
So that explains the
names on the suites.
They're film titles.
Stuart can't afford to
turn the fans away.
Once he gets his good write up
he's after you'll have to be
crowned head or a captain
of industry to
get near the place.
You haven't heard?
Heard what?
There won't be a write up.
Angus Fairley had a heart
attack this morning.
Bert, I've got your tea.
Do you want it in here?
Bert?
[Gas hissing]
Bert.
Angus was such a lovely man.
Got through four wives.
They all fell for the
way he was and then
tried to make him change.
I can't turn it off.
Bert.
Can you hear me?
What happened?
You gassed yourself,
you silly old fool.
Oh.
Kiss of life.
Either one of you.
I don't mind which.
It was the gas talking.
I believe you.
Look at this hose.
Horace said it was fine.
Horace from the hotel?
He's my mate.
Any odds and ends are needed,
he sends them my way.
What's going on here?
Has someone got it in
for your family?
Angus Fairley wasn't family.
No, but Stuart's missing
out because he died.
Ah, you're reading
too much into it.
This was my own stupid fault.
So it's not my soil, it's not
my drainage and I don't have a
pest problem.
No, as I said, it's
the weeds.
And you don't do weeding?
Not if I can help it, Ben.
I'm a plant pathologist.
I'm just taking Bert to the
doctors to be checked over.
So what you're actually saying
is you'd have to be
desperate to do that kind of
work for that kind of money.
[Sound of car breaking down]
I didn't do anything.
I didn't.
So when we've dug up enough
weeds to buy some lucky
mechanic a holiday in the
bahamas, how are we going to
get the rover to him?
Can we just concentrate
on one insurmountable
problem at a time.
I'll tell you one
thing, though.
The work's not about
to dry up on us.
Three flights of stairs.
And a ladder.
Hello, Stuart.
Rosemary.
Laura.
I promised you the first
available room.
Oh, Stuart.
You are a saint.
You may not like this.
Angus' room.
That'll teach me to be careful
what I wish for.
We don't have to take it.
I can hear Angus telling
me not to be silly.
You can't, can you?
Not literally.
I don't mind the bunk beds
if this bothers you.
You put the coffee on.
I'll get the bags.
No towels.
Murder.
You have to see.
What?
Did something happen?
You tell me.
I'm not imagining things.
[Gasps]
What?
It said murder on his mirror.
I'll swear it said murder.
They were just marks.
Which Daisy cleaned off.
And anyway, what was an
assistant manager doing
servicing a room?
Because thanks to you telling
the local police how to do
their jobs the housekeeper had
gone home by the time the room
was released.
And now you're trying
to make something...
Ow...
Out of nothing at all.
In that case why are you so
happy to be back in the
Ebenezer Scrooge suite?
And you know granddad
was very lucky.
They said at the hospital
that butane gas can
trigger a heart attack.
Ow.
Will you leave it?
I'm only telling you
what I heard.
I've had it with
these nettles.
They've got me botoxed
up to the elbow.
You've got no choice.
You've got to keep going until
we've made enough money to fix
the Land Rover.
Come on.
Put your backs into it.
Have I got to get out and
show you how it's done?
I wish I was 59 again.
What are we charging
for storage?
I know what I saw.
I didn't imagine it.
My imagination is no more active
than the next man's.
Woman's person's.
[Loud noises and groaning]
Rosemary, I heard something.
What, what, what?
Groaning and...
And sighing and clanking and
things moving about.
Laura, come on.
We're underneath the attic.
You heard the plumbing.
This wasn't plumbing.
This was something else.
All right.
The Ebenezer Scrooge suite is
haunted by marley's ghost.
Maybe he walks the corridors and
frightened Angus to death.
I'm serious.
So am I. What will it take
to make you stop?
[Plumbing noises]
See?
Nothing like it.
You know, that's given
me an idea.
Home plumbing, complete
plumbing, basic plumbing,
Plumbing, plumbing,
plumber's world.
I'm thinking of doing
some plumbing.
Your temporary ticket.
There you are.
Look what I just dug up.
Ghostbuster's monthly?
Are you interested or not?
What is it?
It's one of Angus'
old articles.
Oh, really?
Now listen.
"La grande boeuf, more washout
than blow out?
Along with the cooking, the
unsuccessful fusion on display
in this would-be trendy midtown
eatery is that of the
naivety and ambition of
owner-manager Elspeth Tate."
Elspeth Tate.
Isn't that the wedding
planner woman?
No wonder she was so
bitter about Angus.
Must have put her
out of business.
And look, look who's
in the picture?
That's Charles the chef.
Mm hmm.
Exhibiting his famous haggis.
Excuse me.
Do you let out your magazines?
Let me see the date.
You can have that one.
Are you sure?
When they get that
old we just pass
them on to the dentist.
We really should use
the bus more often.
It's so much better for
the environment.
When's the next one?
34 hours.
Oh, look.
I thought I spotted this
on the way through.
Ah ha.
Right.
Well, I'll see you
at the bus stop.
What are you going
to get in there?
Christmas cards.
If I get them written early I
can give them to Matt to take
to New Zealand.
Well, don't rush.
Oy.
Oy yourself.
You'll thank me for
this soon enough.
Hello.
What?
Watch the fireworks.
I thought you weren't coming.
Ten mixed cases.
Fine.
Stick them in the back.
Help yourself.
I'm your best customer.
I don't get any discount.
And now you expect me to
do all the fetching
and carrying as well.
You're unbelievable.
You know your only brother is
struggling and still you fight
me for every last penny.
That's what people
wouldn't believe.
I'm only your brother
when it suits you.
Oh, really?
And when would that ever be?
So why don't the boys get on?
I don't know.
They've been at it like
Tyson and Bruno
since they were toddlers.
[Sighs]
I wish their dad was still
here to sort them out.
Your key?
Mm.
Mrs. Thyme, have
I annoyed you?
No, why?
I get the feeling you think I
cleaned the words off that
mirror on purpose.
Did you?
No, I did not.
And if there's any way I can
prove it to you I will.
Daisy, Elspeth Tate's just
been on the phone.
Have housekeeping found the
bride's garter in her room?
No, but it might have been
scooped up with the linen.
Would you check the laundry
bag before it goes?
That's all I need.
My own staff playing detective
and looking for clues.
You never know.
They might find something.
Oh, please.
Don't you start.
The man died of natural causes
in a locked room.
How could that be murder?
A locked room murder?
That would be "dance of
the viper woman."
Eh, it would?
Dennis Price as Sherlock
Holmes.
Moriarty kills Cecil Parker by
piping gas in through the
keyhole, then sucking it
all back out again.
So there'd be no smell.
What can I do for
you, mr. Lawson?
You said it would be all right
to have a look in the
summer house.
So I did.
I'll have it opened
up for you.
It's where they shot the
slaughter of the concubines
for "the many loves of
genghis khan." Dennis
Lotis and Kay Kendall.
Directed by Vernon Sewell.
See what I have to deal with?
The clientele I have in mind
aren't the kind to pass a
kidney stone just because they
can stand on the spot where
Peter Cushing had his teeth
kicked out in "Pride and
Prejudice."
[Laughter]
Miss Boxer.
Oh, hello, Daisy.
Is mrs. Thyme around?
Uh, she'll down in awhile.
There's something I
want her to see.
Something very fishy has been
going on in this hotel.
Is it to do with the
mirror business?
Well, she was right
to be suspicious.
Just wrong about me.
She'll know that when
I show her.
If it's anything to
do with Angus...
if it is, then you'll never
believe who it points to.
Hello, Daisy.
Mrs. Lydecker, mrs. Lawson.
I'm going to get the keys to
open up to summer house.
Don't you worry, dear.
I can guarantee you...
the boys will be right
your heels.
Oh, look.
Isn't that the Ebenezer
Scrooge window?
I do believe it is.
Where wilfred ramble stuck
his head out and called to
that boy at the end of
"a Christmas carol."
"Here, boy, take this half a
crown and go and put your
hands on the last turkey
in the shop." Hello?
Another bottle, please.
The same again, please.
Thank you.
The revenge of the ladies.
Those two have been ordering
the chateau Chaloire.
It's over a hundred
quid a bottle.
How much?
Shouldn't somebody tell them?
Oh, they know.
A nice surprise for the
husbands at the
end of their stay.
How's the war on weeds?
About to enter a new phase.
Take a look at that.
See if you think it will work.
Oh.
There.
I reckon we'll get most of
what we need from this.
Will that be all right
with Stuart?
We won't ask him.
Hey.
You know the summer house?
The slaughter of
the concubines?
Someone appears to have
slaughtered one.
They must have hit
her with this.
Don't touch it.
Daisy?
What about that [inaudible]?
I'll come back for it later.
Oh, no, please.
Sorry.
I'll do it.
My mum will want to go
through everything.
Poor Daisy.
When they find the man who did
it, I hope they dig a big
hole and bury him.
Do they know for sure
it was a man?
They don't know anything
for sure.
They think she might have
surprised someone breaking
into the summer house.
Stuart, she told me that she'd
found some evidence.
Rosemary, we've been
through all that.
Just give it a minute.
Let it warm up.
What are you going to call it?
I thought perhaps a crickle
valley steamer.
I've designed it to produce a
wet steam, 110 degrees and
deliver it at ground level.
We looked at steam weeders.
We couldn't afford one.
Yes!
You see, it destroys
the weeds and it
doesn't affect the vines.
Ah.
Very nice.
Is that all you can say?
Oh, bugger.
What happened, Burt?
What went wrong?
I know what you're
going through.
Those letters you wouldn't
take back.
They were to Daisy,
weren't they?
Blackton.
Is this your handwriting?
What if it is?
"Meet me at the summer house
tonight." This is going
straight to CID and if they
find you laid a finger on
Daisy I'll top you myself.
Me?
You're accusing me?
She talked about someone
who wouldn't let go.
I didn't know who it
was until now.
She never said that.
My sister wouldn't lie.
You're the liar.
Ok.
Now, you're lost.
You're getting panicky now.
You've no idea where you are.
Suddenly you find the house.
Go to the fence quickly.
Nothing dampens their
enthusiasm, does it?
So many b movies,
so little time.
It didn't look to me as if
she'd disturbed someone.
More as if someone had
followed her here.
I thought I was the one with
too much imagination.
Maybe the slaughter of the
concubines got out of hand.
Either that or she was
being silenced.
Horace.
What?
Cellar?
When I say.
Master of suspense.
Oh.
What's up?
Letter from Helena.
Typical.
She never puts a date.
Then she talks about this week
and next week and last week
and expects me to be psychic.
Any news?
Oh, she's got a new job.
Sounds like a good
one, apparently.
Good for her.
This is what I mean.
She makes it sound like
she's going to be
staying in Paris for...
Months?
Years.
Christmas?
Well, without a date to go
on it could mean anything.
That's a point.
What?
Was there a date on
the letter Dan
found in Daisy's things?
I don't know.
If the relationship they had
was months ago and they used
to meet in the summer house...
Then the letter could be
referring to back then and not
have anything to do with
her murder at all.
If you can't the terms then
don't make the deal.
You've got me over a barrel
and you know it.
You've annoyed because you
thought you'd be able to do
without me and now you're right
back where you were.
Ain't that the truth.
Come on.
I'll buy you a drink now.
At least you'll get
something back.
Where did you find the
precious garter?
In with the laundry.
Daisy found it.
Ah.
Poor Daisy.
"Love, Laura." "Dear cousin
libby, it's strange to think
you'll be reading this in bright
sunshine while I'll be
in the cold and snow.
How's Barry?
Does he still go out
in the boat for
crayfish every morning?
I hope my Matt's behaving
himself.
It's funny but Christmas
changes.
You think less and less about
the time you're having and
more about the Christmases
you've had, the people you
were with who could be with
us no more." [Sighs]
Damned weeds.
[Loud noises, groaning]
Horace.
What is it?
Do you ever go up
to the attic?
Hey?
Have you been in the attic?
I've been in the cellar.
Do you know what's up there?
There's nothing up there.
I wasn't half asleep
this time.
I definitely...
I definitely heard
something being
dragged across the floor.
There's no floor
in the attic.
Someone's having you on.
I know I didn't imagine it.
Old houses creek.
And this house creeks
more than most.
You need a drink.
Horace, a large brandy
for my friend.
One last jolt of silver,
and we're ready to roll.
Stand back please, ladies.
I'm afraid your flame has
gone out, old sport.
Don't be so quick to assume.
I'll change the gas.
Safety first, Ben.
Don't forget to ventilate.
How is he?
[Sighs]
He keeps it in.
I never even knew about
him and Daisy.
Really?
Not at all?
Well, I knew he'd gone soft
on someone last year and it
was just after Daisy started
at the hotel.
I think they met up a few times
but I didn't put two and
two together.
[Sirens]
Benjamin Blackton?
Yes?
I'm arresting you on suspicion
of the murder of
Daisy Miller.
You do not have to say anything
but it may harm your
defense if you do not mention we
questioned something you'd
like to rely on in court.
What do you think
you're doing?
That letter proves nothing.
We traced the murder weapon.
It was a piece of the
old heating system.
The same as that.
Ah.
All right.
This murder weapon business.
It's ridiculous.
Anyone could have picked
up the pipe.
Yes, but put together with the
letter and the fact that
Ben has no alibi, I mean, what
does that say to everyone?
It doesn't say guilty to me.
Yes, nor me.
Daisy didn't go to the
summer house to meet
Ben or anyone else.
She went because the film fans
asked that it be unlocked.
How did the plumbing job go?
Rather a success.
Looking for anything special?
My friend seems rather keen on
this place and I think I'm
going to have to get
her a present.
To cheer her up.
Something Christmasy.
The donkey's a very potent
symbol of Christmas.
Mary on the donkey riding
into bethlehem, the
donkey in the stable.
Three wise men.
They rode camels.
Sorry.
The thing is, there's no
mention of them in the bible.
Camels?
The donkeys.
No mention at all.
But imagine it without them.
You can't, can you?
You've got me there.
Donkey handbag.
Not very seasonal.
Donkey key rings.
Donkey mouse.
Donkey mouse mat.
Donkey tee shirt.
Little donkey.
Nina and Fredrick.
Very rare.
Nothing to play it on.
Donkey kong?
Isn't that a gorilla?
I don't know.
Is it?
Donkey diary.
Oh!
Oh, we're out of those.
Does your friend like to read?
Mm hm.
Don quixote.
You realize your steamer has
problem-solved us out of a job.
There's no money to
fix the Land Rover.
And without it we can't get
a job to raise any.
It's like catch 32.
22.
Well, ours is worse.
And before you even think about
it, we're not getting
another tent.
[Loud noises including
groaning]
And that...
that is all I need.
What are you doing?
I don't know what it is.
But whatever it is, I
am not in the mood.
Horace was right.
There is nothing up here.
[More noises
That's where it's
been coming from.
[More noises]
I reckon the pipes come
down about here.
Ahh.
And they will go all the
way down to the cellar.
[Grunting and groaning sounds]
What's he doing?
It's a laundry bag,
you idiot.
He's a touch deaf.
Ok.
So.
Listen to this.
The laundry comes down
the chute and
into the laundry bags.
And last thing at night Horace
drags the bags on the floor to
the hoist, puts it on the chain,
ready for the van in
the morning.
Ahh.
A few grunts and groans
and there's your ghost.
Well, how did I hear it
all the way up there?
Well, whoever took out the
heating system must have left
a pipe in place.
There's our pipe.
Right.
Now that would act as a speaking
tube right up into
the roof space.
Yeah.
Oh, look.
Butane gas.
The chef was using that
in the kitchen.
Laura (offscreen): Nice
trick, Stuart.
10 Pounds worth of wine
in a 100 pound bottle.
How many of those will a wedding
party get through?
Look, all right, you've
caught me in a
trick of the trade.
I'm not proud.
What's it going to cost me?
Oh, my god.
What did it cost
Angus Fairley?
I don't know what you're
talking about.
You were caught out by the very
man who could either make
your fortune or put you
out of business.
One drink at the wedding party
would have told Angus
exactly what he was up to.
As soon as you saw the drink
in his hand you knew it.
Did you spike his champagne
with butane to shut him up?
How would I do that?
With gas from the chef's
blow torch.
Ridiculous.
I didn't even see Angus
that morning.
You didn't need to.
You came down here, opened the
champagne, bubbled the gas
through it, put the cork
back in the bottle...
And then sent up a champagne
breakfast with
complements of the house.
The moment the bubbles hit the
back of his throat, bang.
One whiff of butane is enough
to crash a healthy heart.
And why would anyone
suspect you?
Poor Stuart, robbed of
his five star review.
Could have is one's thing.
Proving it's another.
And Daisy.
When she came down here looking
for the missing garter
in the laundry she must
have discovered your
little set up as well.
There's only one use for a
bottle corker in a wine
cellar, Stuart, and it's
not an honest one.
And I killed her for that?
Get real.
Ben did it.
They found his letter.
You planted that.
You had all the letters Ben
had written to her.
And you sent her to
the summer house.
Well, it's my word against
yours, then.
Lydecker (offscreen): I drink
to the buried that
repose all around us.
Lawson (offscreen): and
I to your long life.
These woods are extensive.
The montresors were a great
and numerous family.
Oh, we didn't know there
was anyone down here.
No problem.
No harm done.
As I told you before,
the cellar's
Not open to the public.
Health and safety.
Yes, your health
and your safety.
We'll go.
Just a minute, chaps.
Were you filming just before you
found Daisy Miller's body?
"The body in the boot."
Dermot Walsh and Hazel
court, 1962.
No, what I, what I mean is,
were you filming with the
House in the background?
Because we think that someone
followed Daisy to the summer
House and... And you might
have caught it on film?
I suppose we can spin
back and find out.
Oh, my camera.
Um, I'm here for the
rest of Daisy's...
if it's there, it's
on this one.
You don't know where you are.
Then suddenly you
find the house.
You go to the fence quickly.
I see [inaudible]
Your head down.
Quickly.
I don't see why I...
I can't remember what
he says in this bit.
He doesn't say anything.
Just walk out of shot.
Do you want me to skulk
or just walk?
Just walk.
Look.
Right there.
So this daft little hobby
of ours is what
produced the result?
Definitely.
Would you mind telling
that to the women?
It's not my fault.
You know, I used to say you
were capable of anything.
I didn't know the half of it.
It's a hotel, Stuart.
It's just a bloody hotel.
Have a night cap?
Chef made me some cocoa.
Crickle valley white, please.
A large one.
[Sighs]
Oh, dear.
Families, eh?
If only they could
stay together.
Yes.
Helena is definitely
away for Christmas.
The new job will keep
her in Paris.
Are you going to join her?
She thinks I'm spending
it with Matt.
And Matt thinks you're spending
it with Helena.
Not a word to either of them.
Oh, look.
You can come spend Christmas
with me.
It's not going to be that
small a turkey.
That's...
That's very nice, no, but, um,
you know, no, I'll be fine.
Oh, come on.
I've got no plans.
And I've already got
you a present.
Already?
You want to see it?
What's this?
It's Rudolph.
It's...
It's a donkey.
With sort of pipe cleaner
antlers and...
What's the point of the grape?
That's his red nose.
Ahh.
Pinot noir.
Ben (behind the vines):
Amazing.
So all this here, this will
mulch down into the soil and
give you an even better crop
next year which I would say is
a reason for celebration.
I've advertised for someone
to run Woodley court for me
and I'm planning theme weekends
for movie fans.
Ooh.
That sounds exactly like thing
Stuart would have detested.
Oh, you can be sure I will send
him all the brochures.
Oh, what about Bert?
Shouldn't we wait?
Oh, he'll be here
in a minute.
[Horn honking]
Bert.
How did you do it?
I used the force.
What, like in
"Star wars?"
No.
Like in the local
police force.
They were scrapping a couple of
Rovers and Dan got me first
dibs on the gear boxes.
I think we should
have a toast.
To absent friends.
I'd say something fancy but
I can't think what.
Angus put it best.
"Music is the wine that
fills the cup
of silence."
Angus.
Where's that from?
Blake?
Wordsworth?
Robert Fripp.
King Crimson.
Cheers.
Excuse me.
Yes?
We're looking for a place
called Woodley court.
It's a hotel and winery.
You'll see the sign
in about 200 yards.
Thank you.
(Car gears grinding)
That's a bit rough.
You think that's rough, take
a look what the garage said.
[Gasp]
Is this a bill for a new gear
box or the mechanic's lottery
numbers?
The job's a big one.
How can it be so much?
It's not as if the old
girl doesn't go.
The idea is to get her fixed
before she lets us down.
You could spend the same money
and get a little van.
Mm hm.
Or we could take this
job on offer.
Despite knowing very little
about wine grapes or
viticulture.
There's nothing else on the
horizon until after Christmas.
Something tells me it's
going to be a very
small turkey this year.
Just get your cases out of the
boot and the porter will
take them inside.
Looks like there's
a wedding on.
Take everything into
reception and
we'll sort it out there.
See anyone in charge?
Starting with champagne.
Photographer wants the bride and
groom for an extra hour so
you'll have to hold lunch.
An hour?
He's an artist.
Excuse me.
Are you with the hotel?
No.
I'm Elspeth Tate, the
wedding planner.
You have flowers?
Gardens.
We're looking for
mr. Blackton.
Stuart or Ben?
There's more than one?
You'll find them
both out back.
I'm surprised you
can't hear them.
I'm just a messenger
for Daisy.
I can't believe she wouldn't
tell me to my face.
She's told you a dozen times.
You still won't accept it.
Look at the way you carry on.
Who'd want to put themselves
in line for that?
I'm not taking Daisy's
letters from you.
Oh, take them, don't
take them.
See what I care.
Destroy them yourself.
Um, mr. Blackton?
How can I help you?
I'm Rosemary Boxer, this
is Laura Thyme.
We're the gardeners.
Here to look at the vineyard.
Ah.
I'm Stuart Blackton.
I run the hotel.
You want my brother Ben.
Oh.
Look.
How does afternoon tea
on the terrace sound?
Complements of the house.
Very bearable.
Grab us a table.
I'll leave these at reception.
Hi, Matt.
It's your mother.
We keep missing each other.
If it's urgent you can reach me
at the Woodley court hotel.
I can't make out the number.
Anyway, you can find
it in the book.
Elspeth, trust me.
They asked for haggis.
I hope they like it.
Excuse me.
Sorry.
Am I going the right way
for the terrace?
Straight on and left
up the stairs.
Thank you.
Oh, this is my friend I
was telling you about.
Laura Thyme.
Angus Fairley.
Delighted.
Do sit down.
Thank you.
Laura, Angus and I
go way, way back.
He's writing a piece
on the estate.
Oh, are you a journalist?
Well, that's hardly the word
for you, is it, Angus?
What have you been?
Wine correspondent, travel
writer, restaurant critic.
Well, my trendy editor has
rolled them all together and
I'm now a lifestyle columnist.
Oh, I said we're working
here, too.
Have you seen the
vineyard yet?
Yeah, I have and I think that
Ben's achieved miracles in the
first two years.
It's just a pity that an English
wine maker has to
struggle so hard to be
taken seriously.
Why would that be?
Ignorance, madam.
Pure ignorance.
Blindfold your punter and he'll
sing the wine's praises.
Show him the label and he'll
take it all back.
Do please help yourself.
Of course, you know, while
Ben's been working on the
Winery his brother Stuart's
been renovating this
magnificent place.
We can only speculate who
got the better deal.
Stuart says I'm to show
you to a room.
Now this is Daisy.
Keep on her good side.
The badge says assistant manager
but she does a bit of
everything.
We're supposed to
be meeting Ben.
Not today.
I'll me you at reception
when you're finished.
Laura (offscreen): Daisy?
Do you think it was
her letters?
Horace will bring
your bags up.
Won't you, Horace?
[Grunts]
I just need to drop
these off.
Lorna doone.
All the suites have names.
Oh.
They're supposed to
mean something.
Oh.
It's a cut above the last
place we stayed in.
Yes, and we had to
pay for that.
Here we are.
The Ebenezer Scrooge.
Give me a push.
The Ebenezer Scrooge.
More like the tiny tim.
Excuse me, lady.
It's not for me, but I've
been asked to ask you.
Is there any chance of getting
into your cellar?
I'm afraid not, ma'am.
It's a health and
safety issue.
What'd she say?
Something about health
and safety.
Only staff are allowed
to go down there.
We're not going to get in.
Damn.
[Loud crashing noises]
Ah!
Hoo!
What?
I heard something.
So did i. I heard you.
Sorry.
You and your small turkey.
What?
You got me feeling
sorry for you.
You can come and spend
Christmas with us.
Who's us?
Me and Matt and Helena.
We're having a family
get-together.
Minus my ex, of course.
He'll have his bimbo to tug
at his crackers for him.
I'm not family.
You're more family than
some of my family.
Thanks anyway.
Ben (offscreen): despite good
weather my harvest last year
was down by 30%.
I struggle with the entire
vineyard but this part I've
given up on completely.
You don't divide the work?
My brother runs his business
and I'm left to run mine.
Why?
What's he been saying about me?
Nothing.
Look.
I'm sorry about what
happened yesterday.
I blow up like that and then
I feel terrible afterwards.
Oh, it's all right.
We all have our moments.
Yes, mine always seem
to involve me
looking like an idiot.
Well, you grow your
vines in grass.
Most English vineyards do.
Yes, and that could disguise
a weed problem.
Vines don't compete
well with weeds.
I do try to keep on top of it
but there just aren't the
hours in the day.
I don't want to use chemicals
and we just can't afford
flashy equipment.
Well, your drainage
looks fine.
What does the pest patrol say?
Just ladybugs.
Good or bad?
Good.
They eat the spider mite.
I'd like to run some
soil tests.
I had a full set
done last year.
Have you still got them?
Yeah, up at the winery.
Great.
We make the wine in there
and we store it in there.
Where do you live?
Oh, round the back.
We've made it all presentable
but there's still a lot I'd
like to do.
So who runs the shop?
I do.
Which is why it's only
open at weekends.
Oh, you've taken a lot on.
Haven't I just?
It's an inheritance from
my great uncle
Bernard who I never met.
My brother got the big
house and I got this.
Oh, there's granddad,
by the way.
Morning, ladies.
Leave us something to sell.
Behave yourself.
And he can't risk mucking
around with the soil or he'll
alter the flavor
of the grapes.
And we wouldn't want that.
Ladies.
My doctor says I should walk
more when he's not telling me
it's a miracle I can
stand at all.
Is that the downside of being
a lifestyle columnist?
I wonder if you two would do me
the honor of joining me for
dinner this evening.
Oh, I think the restaurant's
a touch out
of our league, Angus.
Mine, too, but not my editor's
and she'll be paying.
Shall we say 8 o'clock?
Ah.
This explains mr. Fairley's
table for three.
I put you in the terrace
restaurant.
Away from the wedding
reception.
Look.
I'm not asking you to spy or
anything, but I wonder if
possibly during dinner...
You want me find out
what Angus is going
to write about you.
Stuart, Angus is a
very old friend.
Just a hint would be nice.
A review from him can make
or break a place.
How about a bigger room?
First one comes
up, it's yours.
Would you like to go through?
Now this is very special.
Am I in the company of angels?
Because I know I've
gone to heaven.
I take it you're impressed.
The first time i...
I tasted canard a la rouennaise
was at tour
D'argent in Paris.
How's the meal?
You'd better ask our host.
Mr. Fairley.
Charles, isn't it?
I do believe it is.
Charles, take it as a complement
when I tell you
that your cooking has improved
beyond recognition.
You call that a compliment?
Oh, don't take on, man.
This is wonderful.
But don't tell me you keep this
up when you cater for a
wedding party.
There is only one standard
in my kitchen.
I shall be checking on that.
Yes, I have no doubt
you will.
The crickle valley red made
right here on the estate.
You know Stuart was telling me
that he wished more people
could order it.
So it can't be all bad blood
between them, can it?
[Music and party sounds]
Pleasure to do business
with you, mr. Mccallum.
Not that kind of business.
I know.
She's a wedding planner.
Mmm.
I could cheerfully strangle
that woman.
Talks the kids into the best of
everything and guess what?
She's on a percentage.
You'll just have to sell
one of your castles.
We live in [inaudible].
Would you like to join
us downstairs?
I don't think so but, um,
god bless the bride.
How do we get on?
Um, how does a five-star
review sound?
Five?
Is that what he actually said?
(Whispering) He's
very impressed.
You can't imagine
what this means.
Five.
To tell the truth, I'm
barely breaking even.
A five-star review from Angus
Fairley means I can stop
slashing the rates for
wedding parties.
We'll have a proper clientele.
Uh, you, uh, you won't
[inaudible] our deal?
Well worth it.
[Loud music and party sounds]
Laura (offscreen): [groaning]
I thought the reception
finished at midnight.
It did.
Then they brought the
party upstairs.
Oh, they must be getting
tired by now.
[Loud music stops]
[Sigh of relief]
[Music starts again;
Rosemary groans]
Wedding parties.
Don't tell me too
late, too loud.
I'm afraid so.
I'll get it turned down.
Come on now, love,
keep it quiet...
Guess who found the party?
I don't want to spoil it for
you, but I do have to think of
my other guests.
Music is the wine that fills
the cup of silence.
But I fear this cup
runneth over.
You and I must have a serious
discussion in the morning.
(Whispering) Told you.
None of your cheap stuff.
Morning, Daisy.
I'll bet there are a
few that can't take
solid food this morning.
Don't include mr.
Fairley in that.
He had a walk around the grounds
and then back to his
rRoom for a champagne
breakfast.
Oh, champagne.
And haggis.
I've got to go up and see if
he wants anything else.
Oh, well.
Good luck to him.
Most I can face is a squishy
egg sandwich and a pot of
strong tea.
Oeufs a la squish.
I shall expect a credit when
these appear on the menu.
Oh, how did the meeting go?
I've not had it yet.
[Woman screaming]
Daisy?
[Gasps]
Angus.
You all right?
I refuse to be unhappy
for Angus.
He lived the life he chose and
he loved every minute of it.
Do you two know what's
going on?
Departure of the
bride and groom.
You know what I mean.
I can read the signs.
Police cars by the back door,
something being carried out
through the kitchen.
I haven't seen an ambulance
and nobody's ill.
Well, there you are, then.
Good bye, miss Tate.
Somebody's died in the
hotel, haven't they?
And I bet I can guess who.
Daisy found mr. Fairley
in his room.
The doctor thinks he's
had a heart attack.
If ever there was a heart
attack waiting to happen it
was Angus Fairley, although I
know plenty of people who'd
find it hard to believe
he had a heart at all.
That's an awful thing to say.
Friend of his?
Yes, I was.
Glad to hear he had one.
(Angrily) Oh!
Now, calm down.
(Still angrily) I am calm.
I've left the soil test
papers on the terrace.
I'll go.
You go and get the van.
Daisy, what have
you got there?
Mr. Fairley's breakfast.
You don't move evidence
until the police have
released the scene.
Dan told me to.
Who's Dan?
My brother.
Are you Dan?
And who might you be?
What are you doing letting
evidence go?
You've got a suspicious
death here.
There's nothing suspicious
about it.
Maybe not but it's not
your job to decide.
What do you know about
it, mrs. Um...
If I were still in uniform
it would be
Police Sergeant Thyme.
Angus Fairley's death might look
like natural causes, the
doctor might tell you it was
natural causes, but until the
coroner decides you preserve
the evidence.
I hear what you're
saying, ma'am.
Mrs. Thyme, you couldn't keep
it down a bit, could you?
I'm sure there's nothing
sinister.
But what if a relative pops up
and asks, I don't know, was
there something nasty
in the haggis?
[Groaning]
Ok, now I'm going to stop.
You carry on past me
and I'll pan with
you towards the house.
Keep on going until I shout
"cut." I never said
"Cut." -It's ok.
We've got enough.
Thank you for everything.
Hello.
Oh, Matt.
You caught me at last.
So what's this news you've
been wanting to tell me?
Oh.
Ah.
Ah.
That's wonderful.
No.
No.
It's a great idea.
You go for it.
[Gears grinding]
Sorry.
You don't really think there was
something suspicious about
Angus' death, do you?
He was so sweet.
Who would want to kill him?
Do me a favor.
He was a critic.
Oh, Laura.
Now, I'm not saying that
somebody killed him.
Just that it's not a copper's
place to assume.
So what did Matt say?
Oh.
He's heading off to
New Zealand at
the end of the year.
Oh, nice.
He can meet Gandalf.
He's planning to spend
Christmas with the cousins.
Good for him.
Yes.
Yes.
Good for him.
It'll be a girly sort of
Christmas with Helena and me.
We'll open a bottle of
crickle valley red
and heckle the Queen.
[Gears grind]
Thank you.
What's going on?
Lobsters in a champagne
sauce.
Despite his best efforts
Angus Fairley
Left us the odd bottle.
I'm talking about the guests.
How much do you think
they're picking up?
Why ask me?
I'm not fronting us.
No, but you are a vital
part of the team.
What are you after?
Look.
There are going to be all
kinds of questions.
You getting all touchy and
walking off the job's the last
thing I need.
What kind of questions?
People who don't know any
better trying to come up with
a reason for what happened.
What kind of questions?
Well, anything.
Like, was there something
nasty in the haggis?
How dare you?
See, that's just the kind of
reaction I'm talking about.
You can't go taking
offense, Charles.
You've got to help me
get through this.
That's easy for you to say.
That man trashed my work and
then sits at my table but I
gave him my best because
that is what I do.
No one's saying you
didn't, Charles.
I'm not...
Stuart Blackton?
Have you got a moment?
Not right...
Yes, of course.
What can I do for you?
It's about the cellar.
We know it's not normally
open to the public but...
we were wondering if
you could make an
exception just this once.
I'm sorry the cellar's
always kept locked.
I have a fortune in
stock down there.
Will you excuse me?
Horace, isn't it?
I'll bet you're a man who
can access all areas.
That's right.
Trusted with the key
to the cellar?
That's right.
And probably far too upstanding
to ever consider
opening it up for anyone no
matter how deserving they
might be of his trust.
That's right.
When?
When I say.
The moment they realized I
was watching they scuttled
away like a couple of poofs.
They'll be movie buffs.
You always get one or two of
them poking around place.
Why?
Oh, film companies used
to rent the house
when it was a ruin.
They liked it because they could
dress it up and knock it
about a bit.
It's been everything from
Dracula's castle
to the winter palace.
One of these is for granddad.
He'd like you to
call him Bert.
As in Albert?
As in Bert Reynolds.
I see.
Would you take this in to him?
I wouldn't count on it.
So that explains the
names on the suites.
They're film titles.
Stuart can't afford to
turn the fans away.
Once he gets his good write up
he's after you'll have to be
crowned head or a captain
of industry to
get near the place.
You haven't heard?
Heard what?
There won't be a write up.
Angus Fairley had a heart
attack this morning.
Bert, I've got your tea.
Do you want it in here?
Bert?
[Gas hissing]
Bert.
Angus was such a lovely man.
Got through four wives.
They all fell for the
way he was and then
tried to make him change.
I can't turn it off.
Bert.
Can you hear me?
What happened?
You gassed yourself,
you silly old fool.
Oh.
Kiss of life.
Either one of you.
I don't mind which.
It was the gas talking.
I believe you.
Look at this hose.
Horace said it was fine.
Horace from the hotel?
He's my mate.
Any odds and ends are needed,
he sends them my way.
What's going on here?
Has someone got it in
for your family?
Angus Fairley wasn't family.
No, but Stuart's missing
out because he died.
Ah, you're reading
too much into it.
This was my own stupid fault.
So it's not my soil, it's not
my drainage and I don't have a
pest problem.
No, as I said, it's
the weeds.
And you don't do weeding?
Not if I can help it, Ben.
I'm a plant pathologist.
I'm just taking Bert to the
doctors to be checked over.
So what you're actually saying
is you'd have to be
desperate to do that kind of
work for that kind of money.
[Sound of car breaking down]
I didn't do anything.
I didn't.
So when we've dug up enough
weeds to buy some lucky
mechanic a holiday in the
bahamas, how are we going to
get the rover to him?
Can we just concentrate
on one insurmountable
problem at a time.
I'll tell you one
thing, though.
The work's not about
to dry up on us.
Three flights of stairs.
And a ladder.
Hello, Stuart.
Rosemary.
Laura.
I promised you the first
available room.
Oh, Stuart.
You are a saint.
You may not like this.
Angus' room.
That'll teach me to be careful
what I wish for.
We don't have to take it.
I can hear Angus telling
me not to be silly.
You can't, can you?
Not literally.
I don't mind the bunk beds
if this bothers you.
You put the coffee on.
I'll get the bags.
No towels.
Murder.
You have to see.
What?
Did something happen?
You tell me.
I'm not imagining things.
[Gasps]
What?
It said murder on his mirror.
I'll swear it said murder.
They were just marks.
Which Daisy cleaned off.
And anyway, what was an
assistant manager doing
servicing a room?
Because thanks to you telling
the local police how to do
their jobs the housekeeper had
gone home by the time the room
was released.
And now you're trying
to make something...
Ow...
Out of nothing at all.
In that case why are you so
happy to be back in the
Ebenezer Scrooge suite?
And you know granddad
was very lucky.
They said at the hospital
that butane gas can
trigger a heart attack.
Ow.
Will you leave it?
I'm only telling you
what I heard.
I've had it with
these nettles.
They've got me botoxed
up to the elbow.
You've got no choice.
You've got to keep going until
we've made enough money to fix
the Land Rover.
Come on.
Put your backs into it.
Have I got to get out and
show you how it's done?
I wish I was 59 again.
What are we charging
for storage?
I know what I saw.
I didn't imagine it.
My imagination is no more active
than the next man's.
Woman's person's.
[Loud noises and groaning]
Rosemary, I heard something.
What, what, what?
Groaning and...
And sighing and clanking and
things moving about.
Laura, come on.
We're underneath the attic.
You heard the plumbing.
This wasn't plumbing.
This was something else.
All right.
The Ebenezer Scrooge suite is
haunted by marley's ghost.
Maybe he walks the corridors and
frightened Angus to death.
I'm serious.
So am I. What will it take
to make you stop?
[Plumbing noises]
See?
Nothing like it.
You know, that's given
me an idea.
Home plumbing, complete
plumbing, basic plumbing,
Plumbing, plumbing,
plumber's world.
I'm thinking of doing
some plumbing.
Your temporary ticket.
There you are.
Look what I just dug up.
Ghostbuster's monthly?
Are you interested or not?
What is it?
It's one of Angus'
old articles.
Oh, really?
Now listen.
"La grande boeuf, more washout
than blow out?
Along with the cooking, the
unsuccessful fusion on display
in this would-be trendy midtown
eatery is that of the
naivety and ambition of
owner-manager Elspeth Tate."
Elspeth Tate.
Isn't that the wedding
planner woman?
No wonder she was so
bitter about Angus.
Must have put her
out of business.
And look, look who's
in the picture?
That's Charles the chef.
Mm hmm.
Exhibiting his famous haggis.
Excuse me.
Do you let out your magazines?
Let me see the date.
You can have that one.
Are you sure?
When they get that
old we just pass
them on to the dentist.
We really should use
the bus more often.
It's so much better for
the environment.
When's the next one?
34 hours.
Oh, look.
I thought I spotted this
on the way through.
Ah ha.
Right.
Well, I'll see you
at the bus stop.
What are you going
to get in there?
Christmas cards.
If I get them written early I
can give them to Matt to take
to New Zealand.
Well, don't rush.
Oy.
Oy yourself.
You'll thank me for
this soon enough.
Hello.
What?
Watch the fireworks.
I thought you weren't coming.
Ten mixed cases.
Fine.
Stick them in the back.
Help yourself.
I'm your best customer.
I don't get any discount.
And now you expect me to
do all the fetching
and carrying as well.
You're unbelievable.
You know your only brother is
struggling and still you fight
me for every last penny.
That's what people
wouldn't believe.
I'm only your brother
when it suits you.
Oh, really?
And when would that ever be?
So why don't the boys get on?
I don't know.
They've been at it like
Tyson and Bruno
since they were toddlers.
[Sighs]
I wish their dad was still
here to sort them out.
Your key?
Mm.
Mrs. Thyme, have
I annoyed you?
No, why?
I get the feeling you think I
cleaned the words off that
mirror on purpose.
Did you?
No, I did not.
And if there's any way I can
prove it to you I will.
Daisy, Elspeth Tate's just
been on the phone.
Have housekeeping found the
bride's garter in her room?
No, but it might have been
scooped up with the linen.
Would you check the laundry
bag before it goes?
That's all I need.
My own staff playing detective
and looking for clues.
You never know.
They might find something.
Oh, please.
Don't you start.
The man died of natural causes
in a locked room.
How could that be murder?
A locked room murder?
That would be "dance of
the viper woman."
Eh, it would?
Dennis Price as Sherlock
Holmes.
Moriarty kills Cecil Parker by
piping gas in through the
keyhole, then sucking it
all back out again.
So there'd be no smell.
What can I do for
you, mr. Lawson?
You said it would be all right
to have a look in the
summer house.
So I did.
I'll have it opened
up for you.
It's where they shot the
slaughter of the concubines
for "the many loves of
genghis khan." Dennis
Lotis and Kay Kendall.
Directed by Vernon Sewell.
See what I have to deal with?
The clientele I have in mind
aren't the kind to pass a
kidney stone just because they
can stand on the spot where
Peter Cushing had his teeth
kicked out in "Pride and
Prejudice."
[Laughter]
Miss Boxer.
Oh, hello, Daisy.
Is mrs. Thyme around?
Uh, she'll down in awhile.
There's something I
want her to see.
Something very fishy has been
going on in this hotel.
Is it to do with the
mirror business?
Well, she was right
to be suspicious.
Just wrong about me.
She'll know that when
I show her.
If it's anything to
do with Angus...
if it is, then you'll never
believe who it points to.
Hello, Daisy.
Mrs. Lydecker, mrs. Lawson.
I'm going to get the keys to
open up to summer house.
Don't you worry, dear.
I can guarantee you...
the boys will be right
your heels.
Oh, look.
Isn't that the Ebenezer
Scrooge window?
I do believe it is.
Where wilfred ramble stuck
his head out and called to
that boy at the end of
"a Christmas carol."
"Here, boy, take this half a
crown and go and put your
hands on the last turkey
in the shop." Hello?
Another bottle, please.
The same again, please.
Thank you.
The revenge of the ladies.
Those two have been ordering
the chateau Chaloire.
It's over a hundred
quid a bottle.
How much?
Shouldn't somebody tell them?
Oh, they know.
A nice surprise for the
husbands at the
end of their stay.
How's the war on weeds?
About to enter a new phase.
Take a look at that.
See if you think it will work.
Oh.
There.
I reckon we'll get most of
what we need from this.
Will that be all right
with Stuart?
We won't ask him.
Hey.
You know the summer house?
The slaughter of
the concubines?
Someone appears to have
slaughtered one.
They must have hit
her with this.
Don't touch it.
Daisy?
What about that [inaudible]?
I'll come back for it later.
Oh, no, please.
Sorry.
I'll do it.
My mum will want to go
through everything.
Poor Daisy.
When they find the man who did
it, I hope they dig a big
hole and bury him.
Do they know for sure
it was a man?
They don't know anything
for sure.
They think she might have
surprised someone breaking
into the summer house.
Stuart, she told me that she'd
found some evidence.
Rosemary, we've been
through all that.
Just give it a minute.
Let it warm up.
What are you going to call it?
I thought perhaps a crickle
valley steamer.
I've designed it to produce a
wet steam, 110 degrees and
deliver it at ground level.
We looked at steam weeders.
We couldn't afford one.
Yes!
You see, it destroys
the weeds and it
doesn't affect the vines.
Ah.
Very nice.
Is that all you can say?
Oh, bugger.
What happened, Burt?
What went wrong?
I know what you're
going through.
Those letters you wouldn't
take back.
They were to Daisy,
weren't they?
Blackton.
Is this your handwriting?
What if it is?
"Meet me at the summer house
tonight." This is going
straight to CID and if they
find you laid a finger on
Daisy I'll top you myself.
Me?
You're accusing me?
She talked about someone
who wouldn't let go.
I didn't know who it
was until now.
She never said that.
My sister wouldn't lie.
You're the liar.
Ok.
Now, you're lost.
You're getting panicky now.
You've no idea where you are.
Suddenly you find the house.
Go to the fence quickly.
Nothing dampens their
enthusiasm, does it?
So many b movies,
so little time.
It didn't look to me as if
she'd disturbed someone.
More as if someone had
followed her here.
I thought I was the one with
too much imagination.
Maybe the slaughter of the
concubines got out of hand.
Either that or she was
being silenced.
Horace.
What?
Cellar?
When I say.
Master of suspense.
Oh.
What's up?
Letter from Helena.
Typical.
She never puts a date.
Then she talks about this week
and next week and last week
and expects me to be psychic.
Any news?
Oh, she's got a new job.
Sounds like a good
one, apparently.
Good for her.
This is what I mean.
She makes it sound like
she's going to be
staying in Paris for...
Months?
Years.
Christmas?
Well, without a date to go
on it could mean anything.
That's a point.
What?
Was there a date on
the letter Dan
found in Daisy's things?
I don't know.
If the relationship they had
was months ago and they used
to meet in the summer house...
Then the letter could be
referring to back then and not
have anything to do with
her murder at all.
If you can't the terms then
don't make the deal.
You've got me over a barrel
and you know it.
You've annoyed because you
thought you'd be able to do
without me and now you're right
back where you were.
Ain't that the truth.
Come on.
I'll buy you a drink now.
At least you'll get
something back.
Where did you find the
precious garter?
In with the laundry.
Daisy found it.
Ah.
Poor Daisy.
"Love, Laura." "Dear cousin
libby, it's strange to think
you'll be reading this in bright
sunshine while I'll be
in the cold and snow.
How's Barry?
Does he still go out
in the boat for
crayfish every morning?
I hope my Matt's behaving
himself.
It's funny but Christmas
changes.
You think less and less about
the time you're having and
more about the Christmases
you've had, the people you
were with who could be with
us no more." [Sighs]
Damned weeds.
[Loud noises, groaning]
Horace.
What is it?
Do you ever go up
to the attic?
Hey?
Have you been in the attic?
I've been in the cellar.
Do you know what's up there?
There's nothing up there.
I wasn't half asleep
this time.
I definitely...
I definitely heard
something being
dragged across the floor.
There's no floor
in the attic.
Someone's having you on.
I know I didn't imagine it.
Old houses creek.
And this house creeks
more than most.
You need a drink.
Horace, a large brandy
for my friend.
One last jolt of silver,
and we're ready to roll.
Stand back please, ladies.
I'm afraid your flame has
gone out, old sport.
Don't be so quick to assume.
I'll change the gas.
Safety first, Ben.
Don't forget to ventilate.
How is he?
[Sighs]
He keeps it in.
I never even knew about
him and Daisy.
Really?
Not at all?
Well, I knew he'd gone soft
on someone last year and it
was just after Daisy started
at the hotel.
I think they met up a few times
but I didn't put two and
two together.
[Sirens]
Benjamin Blackton?
Yes?
I'm arresting you on suspicion
of the murder of
Daisy Miller.
You do not have to say anything
but it may harm your
defense if you do not mention we
questioned something you'd
like to rely on in court.
What do you think
you're doing?
That letter proves nothing.
We traced the murder weapon.
It was a piece of the
old heating system.
The same as that.
Ah.
All right.
This murder weapon business.
It's ridiculous.
Anyone could have picked
up the pipe.
Yes, but put together with the
letter and the fact that
Ben has no alibi, I mean, what
does that say to everyone?
It doesn't say guilty to me.
Yes, nor me.
Daisy didn't go to the
summer house to meet
Ben or anyone else.
She went because the film fans
asked that it be unlocked.
How did the plumbing job go?
Rather a success.
Looking for anything special?
My friend seems rather keen on
this place and I think I'm
going to have to get
her a present.
To cheer her up.
Something Christmasy.
The donkey's a very potent
symbol of Christmas.
Mary on the donkey riding
into bethlehem, the
donkey in the stable.
Three wise men.
They rode camels.
Sorry.
The thing is, there's no
mention of them in the bible.
Camels?
The donkeys.
No mention at all.
But imagine it without them.
You can't, can you?
You've got me there.
Donkey handbag.
Not very seasonal.
Donkey key rings.
Donkey mouse.
Donkey mouse mat.
Donkey tee shirt.
Little donkey.
Nina and Fredrick.
Very rare.
Nothing to play it on.
Donkey kong?
Isn't that a gorilla?
I don't know.
Is it?
Donkey diary.
Oh!
Oh, we're out of those.
Does your friend like to read?
Mm hm.
Don quixote.
You realize your steamer has
problem-solved us out of a job.
There's no money to
fix the Land Rover.
And without it we can't get
a job to raise any.
It's like catch 32.
22.
Well, ours is worse.
And before you even think about
it, we're not getting
another tent.
[Loud noises including
groaning]
And that...
that is all I need.
What are you doing?
I don't know what it is.
But whatever it is, I
am not in the mood.
Horace was right.
There is nothing up here.
[More noises
That's where it's
been coming from.
[More noises]
I reckon the pipes come
down about here.
Ahh.
And they will go all the
way down to the cellar.
[Grunting and groaning sounds]
What's he doing?
It's a laundry bag,
you idiot.
He's a touch deaf.
Ok.
So.
Listen to this.
The laundry comes down
the chute and
into the laundry bags.
And last thing at night Horace
drags the bags on the floor to
the hoist, puts it on the chain,
ready for the van in
the morning.
Ahh.
A few grunts and groans
and there's your ghost.
Well, how did I hear it
all the way up there?
Well, whoever took out the
heating system must have left
a pipe in place.
There's our pipe.
Right.
Now that would act as a speaking
tube right up into
the roof space.
Yeah.
Oh, look.
Butane gas.
The chef was using that
in the kitchen.
Laura (offscreen): Nice
trick, Stuart.
10 Pounds worth of wine
in a 100 pound bottle.
How many of those will a wedding
party get through?
Look, all right, you've
caught me in a
trick of the trade.
I'm not proud.
What's it going to cost me?
Oh, my god.
What did it cost
Angus Fairley?
I don't know what you're
talking about.
You were caught out by the very
man who could either make
your fortune or put you
out of business.
One drink at the wedding party
would have told Angus
exactly what he was up to.
As soon as you saw the drink
in his hand you knew it.
Did you spike his champagne
with butane to shut him up?
How would I do that?
With gas from the chef's
blow torch.
Ridiculous.
I didn't even see Angus
that morning.
You didn't need to.
You came down here, opened the
champagne, bubbled the gas
through it, put the cork
back in the bottle...
And then sent up a champagne
breakfast with
complements of the house.
The moment the bubbles hit the
back of his throat, bang.
One whiff of butane is enough
to crash a healthy heart.
And why would anyone
suspect you?
Poor Stuart, robbed of
his five star review.
Could have is one's thing.
Proving it's another.
And Daisy.
When she came down here looking
for the missing garter
in the laundry she must
have discovered your
little set up as well.
There's only one use for a
bottle corker in a wine
cellar, Stuart, and it's
not an honest one.
And I killed her for that?
Get real.
Ben did it.
They found his letter.
You planted that.
You had all the letters Ben
had written to her.
And you sent her to
the summer house.
Well, it's my word against
yours, then.
Lydecker (offscreen): I drink
to the buried that
repose all around us.
Lawson (offscreen): and
I to your long life.
These woods are extensive.
The montresors were a great
and numerous family.
Oh, we didn't know there
was anyone down here.
No problem.
No harm done.
As I told you before,
the cellar's
Not open to the public.
Health and safety.
Yes, your health
and your safety.
We'll go.
Just a minute, chaps.
Were you filming just before you
found Daisy Miller's body?
"The body in the boot."
Dermot Walsh and Hazel
court, 1962.
No, what I, what I mean is,
were you filming with the
House in the background?
Because we think that someone
followed Daisy to the summer
House and... And you might
have caught it on film?
I suppose we can spin
back and find out.
Oh, my camera.
Um, I'm here for the
rest of Daisy's...
if it's there, it's
on this one.
You don't know where you are.
Then suddenly you
find the house.
You go to the fence quickly.
I see [inaudible]
Your head down.
Quickly.
I don't see why I...
I can't remember what
he says in this bit.
He doesn't say anything.
Just walk out of shot.
Do you want me to skulk
or just walk?
Just walk.
Look.
Right there.
So this daft little hobby
of ours is what
produced the result?
Definitely.
Would you mind telling
that to the women?
It's not my fault.
You know, I used to say you
were capable of anything.
I didn't know the half of it.
It's a hotel, Stuart.
It's just a bloody hotel.
Have a night cap?
Chef made me some cocoa.
Crickle valley white, please.
A large one.
[Sighs]
Oh, dear.
Families, eh?
If only they could
stay together.
Yes.
Helena is definitely
away for Christmas.
The new job will keep
her in Paris.
Are you going to join her?
She thinks I'm spending
it with Matt.
And Matt thinks you're spending
it with Helena.
Not a word to either of them.
Oh, look.
You can come spend Christmas
with me.
It's not going to be that
small a turkey.
That's...
That's very nice, no, but, um,
you know, no, I'll be fine.
Oh, come on.
I've got no plans.
And I've already got
you a present.
Already?
You want to see it?
What's this?
It's Rudolph.
It's...
It's a donkey.
With sort of pipe cleaner
antlers and...
What's the point of the grape?
That's his red nose.
Ahh.
Pinot noir.
Ben (behind the vines):
Amazing.
So all this here, this will
mulch down into the soil and
give you an even better crop
next year which I would say is
a reason for celebration.
I've advertised for someone
to run Woodley court for me
and I'm planning theme weekends
for movie fans.
Ooh.
That sounds exactly like thing
Stuart would have detested.
Oh, you can be sure I will send
him all the brochures.
Oh, what about Bert?
Shouldn't we wait?
Oh, he'll be here
in a minute.
[Horn honking]
Bert.
How did you do it?
I used the force.
What, like in
"Star wars?"
No.
Like in the local
police force.
They were scrapping a couple of
Rovers and Dan got me first
dibs on the gear boxes.
I think we should
have a toast.
To absent friends.
I'd say something fancy but
I can't think what.
Angus put it best.
"Music is the wine that
fills the cup
of silence."
Angus.
Where's that from?
Blake?
Wordsworth?
Robert Fripp.
King Crimson.
Cheers.