First broadcast 18th February 1990.
Poirot and Hastings meet a couple at a party who have just rented a flat in a fashionable district for an implausibly cheap price. The detective is intrigued and sets out to investigate.
David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings
Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp
Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon
Samantha Bond as Stella Robinson
John Michie as James Robinson
Jemma Churchill as Elsie
Peter Howell as Mr Paul
Jenifer Landor as Carla Romero
Ian Price as Teddy Parker
William Hootkins as FBI Agent Burt
Gordon Wharmby as Records Agent
Nick Maloney as Bernie Cole
Nigel Whitmey as Luigi Valdarno
Anthony Pedley as Assassin
Luke Hayden as Romero's Husband
Poirot and Hastings meet a couple at a party who have just rented a flat in a fashionable district for an implausibly cheap price. The detective is intrigued and sets out to investigate.
David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings
Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp
Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon
Samantha Bond as Stella Robinson
John Michie as James Robinson
Jemma Churchill as Elsie
Peter Howell as Mr Paul
Jenifer Landor as Carla Romero
Ian Price as Teddy Parker
William Hootkins as FBI Agent Burt
Gordon Wharmby as Records Agent
Nick Maloney as Bernie Cole
Nigel Whitmey as Luigi Valdarno
Anthony Pedley as Assassin
Luke Hayden as Romero's Husband
Category
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TVTranscript
00:00The End
00:30Oh, no!
00:32Oh, no!
00:34Oh, no!
00:50Come on, tapis!
00:52Are you better than I hear it?
00:54What do you mean?
00:56Come on, tapis!
00:58Come on, tapis!
01:28Come on!
01:38It's all over, Poirot. Open your eyes now.
01:44Hastings, this is the last time.
01:46I don't want to let it go!
01:48You behave yourself!
01:50No, don't let it snow!
01:52Go on, off you go!
01:54You might not like it, Poirot, but you can't ignore it.
01:56It's part of our lives, a window on the world.
01:58Barbaric.
02:00I care not for the study of criminal, nor for the detectives of the United States who shoot first and ask the questions later.
02:04Ah, come on, Poirot. It's not all machine guns and mobsters.
02:06In fact, when it comes to criminal investigation, the FBI is second to none.
02:10Except for Scotland, yeah, of course.
02:12Yes, well, I'll let you know soon enough if they live up to their reputation.
02:16They're sending us one of their agents over on temporary assignment.
02:18Oh, dear. Does that mean that the gangsters of America are preparing to stop the streets of London?
02:22Well, no fear. No, it's a spy case of some kind. He's following up a lead over here, and I've got to work with him.
02:24I hope he does not take after his firm counterpart, Mr. Britt Davis.
02:28For me, the party tonight of your friend, Mr. Parker, will be excitement enough.
02:32This can't be the place, surely. There must have been some kind of mistake.
02:52Camden Hill Gate.
02:54Well, for £80 a year, they must be some blessing the boiler room.
02:58Five-room flat with all modern conveniences.
03:01Number six is on the first floor.
03:03Come on, James.
03:26Don't tell me.
03:27Number six, the cheap flat.
03:29Don't waste your time, dear. It's been let.
03:33And rude.
03:34The moment I uttered my name, they slammed the door in my face.
03:42Stella?
03:44Perhaps they just didn't like the look of her.
03:46Good evening.
04:04We understand name.
04:05Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. We were ho...
04:11Oh.
04:13It was like a melting frost.
04:30It all smiled. She ushered us in and we were showing her with the flat.
04:33Which was terrific.
04:34We're moving it right away.
04:36Well, perhaps it's haunted.
04:37The scene of a grisly murder.
04:39Oh, don't.
04:40Well, at that price, she can haunt away.
04:43How about our detective friends?
04:44Mr. Poirot, you're the expert.
04:47What do you think?
04:48Sir?
04:50Unfortunately, in the matter of ghosts, I am no expert.
04:53Madam?
04:53But there are two things which are odd, you see.
04:57The flat had been advertised for some time.
05:00It was strange when you consider how low the rent was.
05:02Well, you'd seen the advertisement before and didn't bother with it.
05:04We thought it was a hoax.
05:05Eventually, we only went out of curiosity.
05:07We thought as we were in the area.
05:09Precisely.
05:10That's just what everyone else thought.
05:12But why was that other woman turned away just before we called?
05:15And yet, we were welcomed with open arms.
05:19Ah-ha.
05:20Yes.
05:21Now, come on, Arthur.
05:22How did you get out of that one?
05:24Well, it's obvious, isn't it?
05:25She must have gone to the wrong flat.
05:27You see, Captain Hastings can explain every mystery.
05:39Thank you, Mr. Levin.
05:44Morning, Poirot.
05:45Good morning.
05:45Morning, Miss Levin.
05:46Mr. Poirot's been telling me about your skilful deductions
05:50at Teddy Parker's party last night.
05:52You know, Poirot, I sometimes think you don't give me credit when it's due.
05:56I know it all seemed rather simplistic to you, but I was merely being tactful.
06:00Tactful?
06:01Well, it's obvious, isn't it?
06:03The Robinsons have overlooked something in their agreement.
06:05They'll find out what it is soon enough.
06:07I just hope it doesn't come as too much of a shock.
06:09I see.
06:12Well, Hastings, I'm glad that you show concern for the problem of the Robinsons.
06:16It will make our inquiries all the more worthwhile.
06:19Inquiries?
06:20What inquiries?
06:21Come, Hastings, before you become buried in the pages of the racing.
06:24I can't see why you want to waste your time on such a trivial matter.
06:28Hastings, you do surprise me.
06:29I am well aware that this modest case has not the same dramatic appeal
06:33as the dealings of Monsieur Cagney and his G-men.
06:35Even so, it is a mystery and worthy of our attention.
06:40I...
06:41I...
07:02So, this dame thinks she's heading for the handoff.
07:05What she ain't thinkin' is Federal Agent Burt is playin' for the home team.
07:13And with the FBI quarterbackin' and you guys from Scotland Yard running in her fair,
07:17and she ain't gonna make five yards, never mind the touchdown, right?
07:20Touchdown.
07:20Right.
07:22Let's move our butts.
07:23All right, lads.
07:24We'll reassemble at mid-dow.
07:27Poirot, this is Federal Agent Burt.
07:30May I introduce Hercule Poirot, the private detective,
07:33and his associate, Captain Hastings.
07:36The American prime buster.
07:38Jab, I hope you're not so short of manpower you're hiring a Seamus.
07:43What are they good for?
07:44Chasing lost dogs.
07:46This is a matter of international security we're dealing with here.
07:50I have no intention of hiring anyone, Burt.
07:53And if you must know, Mr. Poirot here has an outstanding reputation.
07:57Oh, a gumshoe of distinction.
08:01And I suppose Al Capone's running for president.
08:04Yeah.
08:05Yeah?
08:07Yeah, yeah, yeah.
08:07So what?
08:09All right, so keep trying.
08:11Oh, you heard what?
08:13Listen, pal, don't give me this brotherhood garbage.
08:16This liaison transatlantique does not live up to its expectations.
08:22Basically, to use a technical term, it's a disaster.
08:27It's taken over my office, my secretary, and my car.
08:31Now he wants my best men to stake out the Italian embassy.
08:34Stake out?
08:35Clandestine surveillance, round the clock.
08:38If the London underworld find out that half my division are tied down, they'll have a field day.
08:43Quite so.
08:43But what is need for a surveillance?
08:46Six months ago, a minor clerk stole the blueprints for a new submarine from the U.S. Admiralty.
08:52There could be serious consequences if they fall into the wrong hands.
08:57It could be a catastrophe.
08:59The one thing in the Ducellax is a strong navy.
09:03Exactly.
09:04And apparently, with half a dozen of these submarines, he could control the Mediterranean.
09:09The FBI's found out that a woman's got the blueprints since she's come to London to sell them.
09:13Ah, now I remember.
09:16Was it not the Romero affair?
09:18La femme fatale who dared to double-cross the Mafia, huh?
09:21Was she not at some point in her career a canary?
09:24A canary?
09:25Yes, that's right.
09:26A dance band singer.
09:29What Mr. Burke calls a chanteuse.
09:33Good grief.
09:34Really, Hastings, you must try to keep up with the modern idioms, huh?
09:38And she is here now.
09:40Jim, step into my office for a minute, please.
09:43I've had a work without Brian.
09:59He's expecting you down in the records office.
10:09I've had a work without Brian.
10:11He's expecting you down in the records office.
10:13Sorry about the delay, sir.
10:18There's a few Robinsons on file.
10:21The Robinsons we've got are a drunken disorderly, an assault on a member of the clergy, and are throwing stones with intent to do damage to the railway.
10:31Nothing on a Stella or a James Robinson.
10:34You see, they're just a nice, innocent couple.
10:37During the last six months, can you recall any crime as yet unsolved where the chief suspects might be a young couple?
10:44Nothing comes to mind immediately, sir.
10:47There's that Bonnie and Clyde, of course.
10:49But they're at large somewhere in the American Midwest.
10:53But let us hope that is where they remain.
10:55But they're friends of Parker's.
11:01I've known Parker since we were at school.
11:03He doesn't have friends.
11:04We're criminals.
11:06Monsieur Poirot?
11:09Monsieur Poirot, good morning.
11:11Good morning.
11:11This is my associate, Captain Hastings.
11:13Good morning.
11:14Should we go in?
11:17Magnificent facades.
11:19Yes, indeed.
11:20One of the finest I have seen in London.
11:29Monsieur Poirot, are all the apartments in this block of the same layout?
11:33Yes, exactly.
11:34This is this sitting room.
11:36It's been designed to the highest standard.
11:40Here, for example, is the latest in inset electric fires, fully built in, and with a one or two bar option.
11:46It's very tasteful, don't you think?
11:48Yes, indeed.
11:52Poirot, you're not going to learn any more about the Robinsons by looking around an empty flat.
11:57He thinks it is always wise to make a thorough inspection before arriving at the final decision.
12:03I don't follow you.
12:06Hastings, I have the sudden desire to take an apartment in Campton Hill Gate.
12:11This apartment.
12:15The kitchen has been equipped with the most modern appliances.
12:18Every shelf and cupboard has been discreetly fitted to provide an environment delightful to even the most particular of cooks.
12:26Monsieur Poirot, tell me, for what purpose is this little doorway?
12:30It's for the dustbins.
12:32They're collected twice weekly from the back stairwell.
12:34Ah.
12:36It would appear that the architects have thought of every convenience.
12:43Why don't you examine the place at your leisure?
12:45I'll wait for you downstairs.
12:46You are most kind.
12:47Not at all.
12:48Take your turn.
12:49Think of the expense, Poirot.
12:50Six guineas a week.
12:50Ah, but that is a small cost, Hastings, to pursue the mystery of great intrigue.
13:03Intrigue?
13:04It'll probably turn out to be something perfectly simple.
13:07Eccentric landlady moved to benevolence by plight of homeless newlyweds.
13:12But this does not explain Hastings where the cheap flat below this had been advertised for so long and nobody took it.
13:17Well, perhaps they all found something wrong with it.
13:19And the Robertsons did not?
13:21Did they strike you as being the gullible young couple Hastings?
13:24No, they didn't.
13:25So we may assume that they possessed a special quality that the others were lacking, no?
13:29Just an ordinary couple.
13:30Voila.
13:31There lies the intrigue.
13:33Well, what do you think?
13:44Monsieur Poirot, I think that the apartment is exactly what I want and I will take possession immediately.
13:49You made a wise decision.
13:51These flats won't be on the market for very long and the rent is very reasonable by today's standard.
13:55Taxi!
13:56Yes, but not as reasonable as that of the Robinsons, sir.
13:59Oh, you know the Robinsons?
14:00Oh, yes, indeed.
14:01In fact, they have just moved in, is that not so?
14:05The Robinsons.
14:06In number six.
14:08They moved in six months ago.
14:23Splendid party the other night.
14:24Glad you enjoyed it, Hellboy.
14:26Those Robinsons seem very pleasant.
14:28What does he do, do you know, Mr. Robinson?
14:30Do?
14:30Oh, I'm not sure.
14:32Hasn't been in town long.
14:34Salt of the earth, though.
14:36Where are they from?
14:37I don't know.
14:38Out of town somewhere.
14:40So how do you know them, then?
14:41Well, that was a bit odd, doesn't matter of fact.
14:44Yes?
14:45Yes.
14:46Veronica and I were at the theater.
14:48We'd ordered some drinks for the interval.
14:50And when we got there, there were these people drinking them.
14:52Really?
14:53Absolutely.
14:54Well, it seems we'd ordered the same drinks.
14:57Our little chitty said number six.
14:59And theirs was number nine.
15:00And it was upside down.
15:02It dashed awkward for a moment there.
15:04I see.
15:10Hastings, you're late.
15:12I had a bit of a run-in with the doorman.
15:14I thought he wasn't going to let me into the building.
15:16Really?
15:17Well, it seems there's been some foreign fellow hanging around asking questions about the Robinsons.
15:21It wasn't you, was it?
15:21Certainly not.
15:24It is probably the man who has been watching the flats.
15:27Watching the flats?
15:34Maybe they're not as innocent as they seem.
15:38Suppose they're tied up in some shady import-export business.
15:42Drugs.
15:43White slavery.
15:44Hastings, you have the most fertile imagination.
15:47Well, nobody seems to know where the Robinsons have come from.
15:50Parker doesn't know anything about them at all.
15:52Perhaps they've just returned from abroad.
15:54If this is true, Hastings, you will soon have the opportunity to find out.
15:58But now, please, we must begin our work.
16:01Oh, and Hastings, please bring my valise.
16:04Right.
16:10Now, Hastings, I am about to enter the flat of the Robinsons after the method of the dustbins.
16:17You're going to break into their flat?
16:19No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
16:20Not break in precisely, mon ami, but I have to provide for later.
16:25But, Poirot, it's Saturday afternoon.
16:27They're bound to be at home.
16:28That is exactly what I'm hoping, mon ami, because you are about to play the role of the friendly neighbour
16:32who just happens to be passing by.
16:34I want you to keep the young couple occupied while I perform my task.
16:39Wouldn't it be easier to wait until they go out?
16:41Hastings, these are things I have already considered.
16:44While they are out, the doorway it is always locked.
16:46What am I going to say?
16:48Captain Hastings, do come in.
16:58Oh, Hastings.
16:59What brings you to this neck of the woods?
17:01You ask me, the natural curiosity of the private investigators prompted this visit.
17:05No, not at all.
17:07In fact, I had some business to attend to in the Bronson Road.
17:10When I remembered you were living nearby, I suddenly thought,
17:14The Robinsons, of course, they're bound to know.
17:17Now, should I use badger hair, or will an ordinary brush do the trick?
17:22I'm sorry?
17:26Well, what I want is a sort of impression of graininess, without it being too obvious.
17:31I don't want it to look bridgey.
17:33I mean, it sometimes does look bridgey, doesn't it?
17:35I'm dead set against that.
17:36You see, you've got the choice.
17:38Horse hair, hog bristle, or badger hair.
17:42And apparently, a fine steel comb reduces the same effect,
17:45only it's better on walls and floors, more defined.
17:48Captain Hastings, what would one be doing with badger hair in a steel comb?
17:54Oh, didn't I say?
17:55Dragging and combing.
17:57You know what a fine effect it creates on woodwork.
17:59Only, I'm not exactly a dab hand when it comes to decorating,
18:02so I thought I'd call on you for an expert opinion.
18:05The only time I ever did anything like this was when I creosoted the dugout in France.
18:10Not like you, with all the work you've done.
18:13Hastings, we haven't done a thing.
18:15We only moved in yesterday, and I have to admit,
18:17I wouldn't know a badger hairbrush from a bucket of beef stew.
18:20Oh, you're too modest.
18:22I'm sure you were both influenced by the spirit of the Renaissance
18:25during your time in Italy.
18:27Italy?
18:29Whatever gave you that idea?
18:31I say you've just returned from the continent.
18:33No.
18:34We came down from Cain and Benchamore,
18:37when James was offered a position at London Mutual.
18:40We've never been on the continent.
18:42I've been sure of this.
18:46I think it's an interesting subject.
18:48In fact, I'm thinking about taking out a new policy, aren't I?
18:50What the earth was that?
18:53It came from the kitchen.
18:55I didn't hear anything.
18:56I'd better take a look.
18:58Allow me.
19:00Detector's prerogative.
19:02You never know.
19:03It might be one of the ghosts.
19:04Wind blew it open, I expect.
19:21I should keep this bolted, if I were you.
19:23You never know who's about.
19:24I don't know what the Robinsons would have said
19:38if they'd seen the foot of Hercule Poirot
19:39disappearing into the twilight of the back stairwell.
19:43I am indebted to your quick thinking when I mean.
19:47I can't believe the Robinsons have anything to hide.
19:50If anyone's behaving in a suspicious manner,
19:53it's that woman who led the flag to them.
19:55But did it not strike you as odd, mon ami,
19:57that the estate agent's description of Madame Robinson
19:59was so very different from Madame Robinson that we know?
20:02Not the most observant of fellows.
20:04Perhaps they are different Madame Robinsons.
20:07Perhaps his Madame Robinson
20:09had been waiting a long time
20:10to find a subtenant of the same name.
20:13Why on earth would she do that?
20:15That's strange.
20:17That gardener's a dead ringer for Japsman, Sergeant Daltrey.
20:20Your eyes, they do not deceive you, mon ami.
20:23Here.
20:26If I am not mistaken,
20:28this van is the nerve center of Inspector Japs' stakeout
20:31at the Italian embassy.
20:36What are you two doing here?
20:38It happens that we were passing by and, uh,
20:41well, it is necessary to satisfy the curiosity of Hastings.
20:45Poirot?
20:46Well, they'd better come inside
20:48before somebody sees you.
20:59So, look, all the exits are covered,
21:01front and back,
21:02and we have a couple of unmarked cars
21:04just standing by
21:05in case she decides to take it on the lam.
21:08Whichever way,
21:09as soon as Carla Romero shows up,
21:11we're ready to nab her.
21:12A well-staged operation, Mr. Bird.
21:15I'm glad I could be of some help.
21:18Who is that man?
21:21Oh, he's in and out all the time.
21:23Some tourist in trouble, I guess.
21:27Suppose Carla Romero never comes, huh?
21:29Suppose she sends someone else.
21:32All right.
21:34As a private dick,
21:36what would you do, huh?
21:37Just walk right in there
21:38and ask him to call us
21:39when the blueprints show up?
21:43I would concentrate my efforts
21:44on trying to find Carla Romero.
21:47She is a young, attractive American,
21:50and traveling alone,
21:51she would be a figure most conspicuous.
21:53Alone?
21:53She might.
21:54But we know she's traveling with an accomplice.
21:56Mr. Bird,
21:57I understand that she has had
21:58some dealings with the Mafia.
22:00When will you guys understand
22:02there is no such thing
22:04as the Mafia
22:05or the Black Hand
22:06or the Cosa Nostra?
22:07Sure, there's some
22:08immigrant families
22:09of mainly Southern European extraction
22:11who push each other around,
22:12but organized crime?
22:14No, sir.
22:24No.
22:26No, thank you, but...
22:27Yes, I'm sure that she is.
22:31Yes, but you see,
22:32that is of no interest.
22:36No.
22:37No interest at all.
22:38None whatsoever.
22:39But thank you.
22:40Yes.
22:42Goodbye.
22:47Hastings, I've telephoned 14 nightclubs.
22:50Eight of them have the Chantuzis,
22:51but none of them American.
22:52Three of them have the male crooners,
22:54one of them has a magician,
22:55one a pianist,
22:56and the black cat
22:57won't answer the telephone.
22:59And what are you looking for?
23:03Suppose, Hastings,
23:05that Carla Romero
23:06is forced to return
23:07to her old trade
23:08to support her
23:09while she is waiting
23:10to sell those documents.
23:12Well, that's possible, I suppose.
23:13Why are you so interested
23:14in Carla Romero
23:15all of a sudden?
23:17Why not let the FBI
23:17solve their own cases?
23:19But there is a connection,
23:20perhaps, with the Robinsons.
23:22The man that I saw
23:23entering the Italian embassy
23:24is the same man
23:26who has been watching
23:27their apartment.
23:31And do you not find it
23:33intriguing, Hastings,
23:34that the only club
23:35who did not answer
23:36the telephone
23:37was the black cat.
23:38the other one?
23:39The other one?
23:41The other one?
23:46$9,500.
23:47The other one?
23:49Right?
23:49Yes.
23:50I love it.
23:51No.
23:52No.
23:52No.
23:53No, no, no, no.
23:55No, no, no, no.
23:56Oh.
23:57No.
23:58No, no.
23:59No.
24:00No, no, no.
24:04No.
24:05Good afternoon. I wonder, could you tell me, please, is the manager here?
24:22Thank you. Most kind.
24:35Just a minute. Who is it?
24:50Hercule Poirot.
24:54Come again.
24:55Poirot. And you?
24:58I've got nothing to hide. Bernie Cole. Come in.
25:05Everyone knows me anyway. Bernie Cole, king of the clubs.
25:11Didn't you used to come down to the old caprice?
25:15No.
25:16What are you after then anyway? Nothing illicit, I trust?
25:20No, certainly not.
25:21Ah.
25:31Pardon, monsieur, but is that not the telephone under there?
25:33No.
25:35Well, yes.
25:38Drives you mad, doesn't it?
25:44Bernie Cole.
25:45Some people.
25:49Monsieur, Mademoiselle Elsa Hart is singing here, or is she not?
25:52Who wants to know?
25:54There is a poster outside.
25:58Now, what I want to know is, is it Elsa Hart the American?
26:02No.
26:02I heard her in New York once, you understand.
26:08Oh, yes.
26:10Oh, she's Canadian.
26:11Like those Dionne quintuplets.
26:13It's going to be all the rage soon.
26:15Canada.
26:16We'll have Canadian this, Canadian that.
26:18Bernie Cole can always spot a trend.
26:20Known for it.
26:21I know you can hear me.
26:22I know you're there.
26:22But if the manager says she's Canadian.
26:28But of course she would tell him that, Hastings.
26:32She has stolen the blueprints.
26:33Her enemies are pursuing her.
26:34She changes her name.
26:36Why not also her nationality?
26:37Yes, I suppose so.
26:38Then in spite of all her precautions, she discovers that someone has tracked her down.
26:43So she decides to leave her own apartment and to install someone of the same name.
26:48And the Robinsons?
26:50Well, you mean the landlady's using them as a decoy.
26:52Yes, mon ami.
26:54The charitable landlady, the devious agent of espionage, and perhaps also the singer Elsa
26:58Hart are surely one at the same.
27:01I thought I was the one with the fertile imagination.
27:03This is fantastic.
27:06No, Hastings.
27:07This is a plot of sinister dimensions.
27:12The Robinsons are to be the victims of a ruthless assassin.
27:15The Robinsons are to be the victims of a ruthless assassin.
27:45Yes, good evening.
27:47Penelope Maitland from the Ladies' Companion.
27:50I sent a note round earlier.
27:51Ah, yes.
27:53Very nice, too.
27:55Please come in.
28:07Why do you never answer your telephone?
28:10You get all these nuisance calls these days, don't you?
28:13A friendly word of warning, my dear.
28:15She wasn't keen on the idea.
28:17She may seem a bit frosty.
28:19Put it down to artistic temperament.
28:21I'm sure you're used to dealing with all sorts of people in your line of business.
28:23Yes, indeed.
28:26Straight down the corridor, second on the left.
28:29Good luck.
28:31Come and see me afterwards for a drink.
28:33Missiles are hot?
28:57Yes?
28:58Yes?
28:59Penelope Maitland from the Ladies' Companion.
29:05Why don't you come in?
29:09Oh, I see your repertoire includes Lullaby of Broadway.
29:17It's one of my own favourites.
29:19Really, glad you like it.
29:20Now, Miss Maitland, why would the readers of the, uh...
29:28Ladies' Companion.
29:30Right.
29:31Why would anyone want to read about a nightclub singer?
29:34It's the glamour and the romance, Miss Hart.
29:37The image of the modern woman.
29:41Now, I understand you've only been in England a short time.
29:44So, she says she has been touring the capital cities of Europe with her husband for the past nine months?
29:57Yes, working in a variety of nightclubs.
30:01But our intrepid journalist was not convinced, huh?
30:04Anyone who claims to have been stag hunting in the Bois de Boulogne, Mr. Poirot,
30:09has been seriously misinformed about life on the continent.
30:14Extraordinaire.
30:15There was something more?
30:17There was a song sheet in a dressing room.
30:20An American publication dating back to last January.
30:24I have it on good authority.
30:27It isn't obtainable outside the United States.
30:30It could only have been obtained in America.
30:39Miss Lemaire,
30:41I believe that the newest recruiter, the Ladies' Companion,
30:44has made a scoop.
30:47Miss Lemaire,
30:49has made a scoop.
30:51Miss Lemaire,
30:53Miss Lemaire,
30:58Miss Lemaire,
30:59Miss Lemaire,
30:59Miss Lemaire,
30:59Miss Lemaire,
30:59Miss Lemaire,
31:00Miss Lemaire,
31:00Miss Lemaire,
31:00Miss Lemaire,
31:01Miss Lemaire,
31:01Miss Lemaire,
31:01Miss Lemaire,
31:02Miss Lemaire,
31:02Miss Lemaire,
31:02Miss Lemaire,
31:03Miss Lemaire,
31:03Miss Lemaire,
31:03Miss Lemaire,
31:04Miss Lemaire,
31:04Miss Lemaire,
31:04Miss Lemaire,
31:05Miss Lemaire,
31:06Miss Lemaire,
31:06Miss Lemaire,
31:07Miss Lemaire,
31:08Miss Lemaire, Miss Lemaire,
31:08Miss Lemaire, Miss Lemaire,
31:09It's gone midnight. How long are we going to wait?
31:13All night, if necessary, mon ami.
31:16I'm afraid you may lose your beauty sleep.
31:19I wouldn't get a wink anyway, trying to fathom out who's who in this espionage business.
31:24It is a devious affair.
31:27How did Romero manage to steal the documents in the first place?
31:31Carlo Romero was not a thief, mon ami, but a temptress.
31:39Hastings, I will recount to you the little history.
31:43It is a story that will remind you of your favorite cinema.
31:48To begin, we have to go back six months to the east side of New York,
31:54where the notorious Carlo Romero was working as a singer in a nightclub.
32:09I've been on a journey, I've been on a journey.
32:12But I've got a movie to the east side of New York.
32:14There's a story that I've been in, is to be a tirelessly to the east side of New York.
32:18Here are a movie pornwali, I'm a friends and I've been on a journey.
32:19I've been on a journey for a lot.
32:21I've been on a journey for a long time of my life.
32:23A food
32:31Any candy to me
32:38He's brand new lady
32:41Sugar
32:44I never cheat on my sugar
32:51Cause I'm too sweet on my sugar
32:57That sugar baby of mine
33:05I'm too sweet on that sugar baby of mine
33:23She had sought out and seduced a young clerk
33:26In the American Department of the Navy
33:28His name
33:30Was Luigi Valdano
33:32How did it go?
33:37Like taking candy from a baby
33:39I'll get ready
33:41Meet you out front in 10 minutes
33:43He was so besotted with his son
33:46That persuading him to steal the secret papers
33:49From the US Navy was an easy task
33:51Unknown to Valdano
33:56The accomplice of Carla Romero
33:59In this sinister plot was her husband
34:00That same night
34:16Valdano drove Carla Romero to a deserted war
34:19Where he believed she had arranged a rendezvous
34:21With an agent of the Italian government
34:23The blueprints for the new American submarine
34:27Would be exchanged for half a million dollars
34:30This is it baby
34:34Take it nice and slow
34:36Luigi
34:41You made it all too easy
34:46Carla, no
34:47Goodbye, lover boy
34:57Let's get out of here
35:06Their instructions have been to deliver the blueprints
35:15To the contact in the Brotherhood
35:16But Romero and her husband had a better idea
35:19Instead of passing the documents
35:25To her masters in the Mafia
35:26Carla Romero and her husband
35:29Fled across the Atlantic
35:30Under the name of Robinson
35:31To sell the documents for their own gain
35:33Then they discovered
35:35They had an assassin on their trail
35:37Yes
35:38The deception of Carla Romero
35:40So infuriated the Mafia
35:41That their code of honor
35:43Would demand revenge
35:44Prepare yourself
35:51A visita
35:54Has arrived
36:14Now slowly, Hastings
36:26We must be as quiet as the chapel mouse
36:29I still think it would have been safer to evacuate the Robertsons
36:33To do so
36:36Would have created the unnecessary attention
36:40If they are as innocent as I suspect
36:43It would be better that they know nothing of this
36:46Okay, the
36:56I think it would have been a pain
36:58No, I'm not going to be as manageable
36:58I'll take the stairs
36:59I'm not going to be as big as possible
36:59No, it's not going to be as big as you
37:01Yes, I'm not going to be as big as you
37:01He's picking the lock on the front door.
37:28These things pass me over a little.
37:31Take up your position as planned.
37:58Ali!
37:59Ali!
38:00Ali!
38:01Ali!
38:02He's picking the lock.
38:08Oli, what is this?
38:10I'll see.
38:11Nowhere to be seen.
38:32Porro, this is a disaster.
38:34Well, do not worry, mon ami.
38:35He will not return here tonight.
38:37Our young friends are safe.
38:39But now it is time to make our acquaintance with the elusive Carlo Romero.
39:09Our young friends are safe.
39:16How are you staying, Miss Poirot?
39:18Chief Inspector.
39:20What's your burden?
39:22All right, let's go.
39:22Come on, lad.
39:23I could be a king, dear, on crown.
39:30Humble or poor, rich or renowned.
39:35Evening, Mr. Moro.
39:36Good evening, Monsieur Corrin.
39:38You're a quiet one.
39:39You're putting a good word for me with the Chief Inspector, eh?
39:42Have no fear, Monsieur Corrin.
39:47You see, Agent Bird, sometimes a lost dog can be found in a place so conspicuous it is the last to be considered.
39:53You'd better be right, Poirot, or I'll be the one chasing lost dogs in Alaska.
39:58I think we can rely on Mr. Poirot's little grey cells, but...
40:02What was she doing?
40:03She's performing her last song now, Chief Inspector.
40:06Let's hope so, Mr. Cole.
40:08As soon as she leaves the stage, I want you to clear the building.
40:13You can depend on me, Chief.
40:21It's Carla Marie Aramero, all right?
40:28Let's tackle her.
40:29What do you think you're playing at, Poirot?
40:34You can't go waving guns about giving that to me.
40:37Are you kidding me?
40:38You just give that to me and the whole operation's off.
40:43Nobody's going to believe this.
40:45The idea.
40:47Look out at this, Constable.
40:48There's just nothing I couldn't do
40:50If I had you
40:53There's just nothing I couldn't do
40:59If I had you
41:03Right.
41:13Oh, no, please.
41:39After you.
41:40I'll just stay in the background with my knitting.
41:42Yeah?
41:52Ah, Mademoiselle Hart.
41:55I had hoped to find you here.
41:57Monsieur.
41:58This, uh, deputation of admirers or something?
42:02Ah, well, in a way, yes.
42:05Mademoiselle Hart, indeed, you have a fine voice.
42:08Can we just do this?
42:09All right, all right.
42:10And the life of the chanteurs is a glamorous one, eh?
42:12Are we going to talk her to death or what?
42:14But your real talents, Mademoiselle, the cunning and deception are far more taxing, no?
42:19What do you think you're doing here?
42:21Is this a party or something?
42:23Yeah.
42:24A farewell party, sweetie.
42:27Mademoiselle Hart.
42:28Mademoiselle Hart.
42:29Mademoiselle Hart.
42:29Would you prefer to be called Carla Romero?
42:32Or perhaps even...
42:35Mademoiselle Hart.
42:35Mademoiselle Robinson?
42:39With an assassin on your trail, you substituted the other Robinsons into your flat.
42:44You have been very clever.
42:45But there is one thing I must know, madame.
42:48Was it you who first realized the value of Valdana's position at the Department of the Navy?
42:54Yeah.
42:55I had all the big ideas.
42:57They just palmed all the greenbacks.
43:00And there could never be a position for a woman of your ingenuity in the ma...
43:04Pardon.
43:06In the Brotherhood?
43:07Brotherhood?
43:07Look, the FBI is unequivocal in this matter.
43:10There is no such thing as the goddamn Brotherhood.
43:12They wouldn't listen to me.
43:16Oh, yeah.
43:17So you thought you'd just take on the whole world, huh?
43:19Well, it's the end of the road for you, lady.
43:22So why don't you just hand over the blueprints now and we can all go home.
43:34Washington will be glad to get this back.
43:38All right, move it.
43:40You too.
43:42You thought you could kill Luigi and double-cross the Cosa Nostra.
43:51Well, he was a wrong sister.
43:53Now we're going to settle this gore.
43:56Oh, this is good.
43:57Everybody's got a heater except the good guys.
43:59You're just going to stand there and let him shoot me?
44:06That's my gun.
44:07Waro?
44:07No, no, no.
44:08What do I mean?
44:08I have no time for these so-called mobsters of America.
44:14They have seen enough of this charade.
44:19One more move.
44:21It's good night.
44:21Good night.
44:35Good night.
44:49Good night.
44:49And good riddance.
44:51This is a respectable club.
44:53Arrivederci, Carla.
44:54Sir Hastings, never will you trust your old friend, huh?
44:57I took the precaution to remove the bullets while we were in the apartment of the Robinsons.
45:03How did you know he'd follow us here?
45:05Ah, well, when we left Camden Hillgate, the assassin was lying in wait.
45:08I mentioned our rendezvous with Carla Romero so that he would be sure to follow.
45:12So, Agent Bird, we have killed both the birds with one shot, huh?
45:17Ah, and without firing, a single shot.
45:20There's no way to run a country.
45:22So, you say this, uh, association of criminals sent a hitman after Miss Romero, eh?
45:31Yes, but she had planned to deceive him by installing the young couple of the same name in her old apartment.
45:36And what about your joke with a gun, Poirot?
45:39Ah, well, Inspector, you and Captain Hastings are so fond of the suspense.
45:43How could I resist the temptation to bring this intriguing case to the most dramatic climax?
45:48Well, Mr. Poirot, I've really got to hand it to you.
45:55You're the most kind, monsieur.
45:57And the U.S. government, I'm sure, would like to reward you for all your efforts.
46:01The Navy will always be in your debt.
46:13Tea's ready. In the kitchen, if you don't mind.
46:16That's terribly kind of you.
46:18A gang of burglars working the whole building. Quite extraordinary.
46:45Do you expect to catch them?
46:47Unfortunately not, madam.
46:48They were a professional outfit.
46:50They would have had a man on watch.
46:52By the time we arrived, they were gone.
46:54I suppose we should be grateful nothing was stolen.
46:56And we should thank Captain Hastings for his vigilance.
46:59Because if he had not noticed that the door for the dustbins had been done for him.
47:03I say.
47:07Look at this.
47:09Now, there's a real professional's tool, if ever I saw one.
47:13Hmm.
47:13I'm very careless to leave it behind, if you ask me.
47:16Perhaps I should have it checked for fingerprints.
47:18You will find nothing, Chief Inspector.
47:22For the real professional.
47:24He wears the gloves.
47:25He wears the gloves.
47:26He wears the gloves.
47:27He wears the gloves.
47:28He wears the gloves.
47:29He wears the gloves.
47:30He wears the gloves.
47:31He wears the gloves.
47:32He wears the gloves.
47:33He wears the gloves.
47:34He wears the gloves.
47:35He wears the gloves.
47:36He wears the gloves.
47:37He wears the gloves.
47:38He wears the gloves.
47:39He wears the gloves.
47:40He wears the gloves.
47:41He wears the gloves.
47:42He wears the gloves.
47:43He wears the gloves.
47:44He wears the gloves.
47:45He wears the gloves.
47:46He wears the gloves.
47:47He wears the gloves.
47:48He wears the gloves.
47:49He wears the gloves.
47:50He wears the gloves.