The Upcott Fraternity Father Brown

RELIGIOUS CHANTING

Through your goodness we have this bread to offer,

which earth has given and human hands have made...

..where it will become for us the bread of life.

Blessed be God for ever.

Let us pray, brethren,

that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, Our Almighty Father.

May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise

and glory of His name.

BELL RINGS

Perhaps I can be of assistance, Father?

I was wondering if there was a safe place where

I could leave my bicycle.

We're honest men here.

That makes my job easier. I'm here to take confession.

As student guest master, it's my duty to escort all visitors...

I'm sure that won't be necessary.

Father Brown is an Upcott Old Boy.

Long overdue for a visit.

Better get to lectures, Mr Wolfe.

There is nothing to be learned through loitering.

Welcome back, Father.

-Diligent.

-Clearly.

As his spiritual director, I've recommended him

for the Westminster archdiocese.

High praise indeed.

A seminarian with promise should always be encouraged.

I thought I might drop in on the rector.

-He's over at the monastery gardens.

-No change there then.

Father Palfreyman's behaviour of late has somewhat

been cause for concern.

Erratic, absent-minded, the vagaries of old age.

It comes to us all.

Perhaps it's time he thought about retirement.

With you in line to replace him?

I only have the interests of Upcott at heart.

Indeed.

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

Father Brown! What a pleasant surprise.

You invited me to hear confessions.

Yes, of course.

Still rooting out evil and planting virtue.

Food for the table. Medicinal herbs.

You must join us next week for the Feast of the Assumption.

It's high time our students had something to celebrate.

I read the findings of the inquest.

Douglas Hitchens. He worked with me here.

Death by misadventure.

At least now he'll be able to rest in peace.

I'll get this lot over to the kitchen, Father Rector.

Mr Risley.

Make sure you elect somebody else to peel them. Obedience.

Mr Risley, serial volunteer. Reliably pious.

It's an arduous path to spiritual perfection.

Yes, Douglas's passing has tested our faith.

We must bear our suffering lightly, as our Lord did.

I hear you're losing Father McNeive?

Borneo.

At least that missionary zeal will not go to waste.

Potts, I was hoping to run into you.

I was getting some air.

Feverfew. Boil the flowers up into a tea.

It's kind of you to think of me.

Seminal year. We can't have you wasted in the infirmary.

I'll be late for Theory.

Father Lewis will never forgive me.

Migraine.

An unfortunate affliction.

Yes, not uncommon for those with a nervous disposition.

What would they do without you?

God entrusted these men to my care. Upcott needs me more than ever.

Better then?

-I'll live.

-You didn't miss much.

A lecture from Lewis on the practice of prayer.

The usual fire and brimstone.

I've been having those nightmares again.

This is reparation. We stepped away from God.

You'll bear the burden of your conscience quietly...

if you're truly one of us.

I'm not sure I am any more.

Of course you are. We need you.

Ask for guidance during afternoon prayers.

I'm taking this to Palfreyman. He needs to know the truth.

-You swore an oath.

-I should never have kept this quiet.

Betray your pledge and you'll pay for it.

DOOR SLAMS

As you were.

Mr Potts, recovered, I hope, from your latest unfortunate malady.

I shall endeavour to catch up, Father.

Your absence from the study group has been cause for some concern.

We wouldn't want to emulate Mr Risley.

A cursory grasp of basic theology and double Dutch Latin.

Mea culpa, Father.

Hardly worthy of a seminary scholarship.

Mr Wolfe, your writing on theophany showed rare insight.

Thank you, Father. We can only try our best.

A priest acts in the person of CHRIST!

The head of His Body, the Church.

Are you all worthy?

-Yes, Father.

-I need to be excused. Headache.

-If you must.

-DOOR SLAMS

BELL RINGS

-Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.

-What brings you here today?

I was there at the lake, the night Hitchens died.

On the seminary retreat.

He drowned in the shadow of the apostolic palace.

The bell was ringing for Angelus!

HE SOBS

I closed my eyes to a terrible thing!

You know that whatever you say will remain between us.

-We took an oath of allegiance.

-Who did?

The chosen few.

Better men, better lives.

And where are the chosen few now?

Far from God, tainted by sin.

How can I ever take the Holy Orders?

What happened in Italy?

CLATTERING

RETREATING FOOTSTEPS

WIND WHISTLES

Mr Potts?

Mr Potts?

RELIGIOUS CHANTING

DISTORTED BIRD CALLS

DISTORTED AUDIO

SCREAMING

THUD!

ALARMED BIRD CALLS

Better men. Better lives.

I was speaking to Potts this morning.

I should have seen the signs.

We're all culpable.

HE GASPS IN PAIN

Rector?

Angina. I just need to get my breath back.

Father Brown. Well, well.

-I shouldn't be surprised, I suppose.

-Upcott is my alma mater.

You certainly pick your moments. Clearly a suicide.

You seem very sure of that.

Mental frailties.

Alluded to in a statement from Father Lewis.

Strange he chose to jump backwards.

Perhaps he couldn't look death in the face?

His pupils are very...dilated.

Yes, we'll need to do a full postmortem.

It's hard to believe he jumped.

It does seem improbable.

-How well did you know Thomas Potts?

-We had neighbouring rooms.

-Did he seem at all troubled to you?

-We'd barely seen him.

And where were you at the time of death?

-In the chapel.

-You were loitering in the quad.

I was late for prayers myself, waylaid in the kitchen.

-I can vouch for Mr Wolfe.

-We went in together.

Right. I heard Mr Potts' confession before he died.

Did he say anything that might be important?

I can't break the seal of the confessional.

How convenient. Everyone's lips appear to be sealed.

These men have lost a friend, Inspector. Surely this can wait?

Very well, but I will need to take statements

from all of you in due course.

Go to your rooms and pray for him.

Perhaps we should inspect the tower...?

I think I can manage thank you, Father Brown.

I'll see you back in Kembleford.

This is what happens when the men lack leadership.

I have to inform the bishop.

You don't look well, Rector.

Maybe a lie down in the office?

I have all this in hand.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Father Brown. Surely you know this room is out of bounds.

No suicide note, in case you were wondering.

I suggest you leave now, before I call for the inspector.

You told the inspector that Potts was unstable.

Suicide is a mortal sin.

Diminished responsibility carries a small hope of salvation.

Are you protecting Mr Potts or yourself?

I won't have this seminary mired by another scandal.

Last summer's retreat, you chaperoned the students.

-The night Douglas Hitchens died...

-A tragic accident.

The burden of guilt must weigh heavily.

You've outstayed your welcome, Father Brown.

I'm not sure the rector would agree with you.

Father Palfreyman is indisposed, which means I'm in charge.

If you're not on your bike within the next five minutes,

I'll have you escorted from the premises.

That won't be necessary.

I've been asked to leave.

I'm tempted to come with you.

You're needed here.

Why would Potts choose to remove himself from God's saving grace?

I'm not convinced he did.

-The alternative doesn't bear scrutiny.

-Murder.

These men are being trained for the priesthood!

Potts was found with a cross around his neck.

Well, it's not unusual.

It was enamelled with cryptic symbols.

They found one like that on Hitchens.

Fourth shelf down, under the stairs, his personal effects.

Does this mean anything to you?

Beyond the crossed keys of St Peter and the clasped hands of friendship, no.

Hm.

HE SIGHS

This can't be just coincidence.

You're not seriously suggesting the two deaths are connected?

Something terrible happened by the lake.

Something the faithful colluded to hide.

That is a heinous accusation.

If Potts was killed to hide a secret...

We must question the seminarians and find the truth.

I don't think Father Lewis will agree to that.

Then what do you suggest?

If there is a murderer in Upcott, we need to flush him out.

-A game of cat and mouse.

-I was thinking more of a mole.

-I couldn't possibly.

-A keen seminarian,

-a bit wet behind the ears.

-It wouldn't be ethical.

Easy to confide in...

Where do you propose to find him?

A trainee priest! I've been to mass once in 15 years.

Perhaps it does require a certain leap of faith.

-The man is practically a heathen!

-There's no need for that.

-For once I agree with Mrs M.

-He'd need to remember his catechism.

-Mass prayers.

-And the order of responses.

I could think of one now, if I weren't in polite company.

A priest has to carry himself with a certain manner, modest and dignified.

-And as for a vow of celibacy...

-I'd need help, of course.

I know my basic tenets.

Even if you don't always act on them.

-Perhaps it's a bad idea.

-Not your finest hour, Father.

Given the material we have to work with.

The good Lord himself would be put to the pin of his collar.

You don't think I can do it.

We'll have to leave it to the Kembleford police.

No, Sid Carter never ducks a challenge.

-Five shillings says I can pull it off.

-Bravo!

-Done.

A few Hail Marys, how hard can it be? Oh, hello?

The four cardinal virtues...

Prudence, justice, temperance and...

Don't tell me...

gratitude.

-Fortitude.

-That's what I said.

I'd better offer up a prayer to Saint Jude,

patron saint of lost causes.

Right, you can take that off and I'll sew it.

Your ministry placement... must be a formality.

It's awaiting the bishop's approval.

I still haven't lined up a suitable parish.

I thought you could put in a word for me?

Now that Potts is gone, we need to stick together.

This time next month, I'll be ordained.

-We go our separate ways.

-And what about our pledge?

I'll be making vows to God.

One word from me and I could ruin you,

destroy this temple and everything it stands for.

And where would you be without the Church?

Back in the gutter where you came from.

-You could take me with you.

-You'd only hold me back.

Is that what you said to Potts?

-You seriously think I pushed him?

-You tell me.

And where were you exactly when he fell?

Prayers in the chapel. We went in together. Remember?

I'll speak to Father Lewis.

See what I can do.

I'd appreciate that.

Sidney Carter. Diocese of Southwark.

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

He sounds like a door-to-door salesman.

And as for that hand-me-down cassock...

It was the best I could do under trying circumstances.

The Father has filled out a little in recent years.

I'm never going to pull this off.

Don't slouch, Sidney, it really isn't priestly.

Good. You're all here.

I trust your rounds were fortuitously blessed?

You don't think the glasses are too much?

I think they make him look cerebral.

I've spoken to Father Palfreyman.

He's expecting his new arrival tonight.

-Heaven help us all!

-It will take a miracle.

THEY SIGH

God, our Father, please send us holy priests

all for the sacred and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus

all for the sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary

in union with Saint Joseph.

-Amen.

-Amen.

By Jove, I think he's ready.

BELL RINGS

Rise and shine.

What time is it?

Quarter to six.

You'll get used to the bed.

Like sleeping on a sack of bleeding spuds.

-If you'll pardon my French.

-This was Potts' room.

-The man who jumped off the roof?

-You heard?

Terrible business. God rest his soul.

We called him Doubting Thomas.

The rigours of a parish would never have suited him.

I'm Mr Risley, just next door.

Sidney Carter, Diocese of Southwark.

It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.

Better get dressed. I'll show you the ropes.

(I'm a priest.)

Morning prayers and Adoration, Lectio Divina.

Then practical theology with Father Lewis.

-Meditation, homiletics...

-Do we ever get time off?

Two hours a day for study groups. Recreation after supper.

I like to put mine to good use. There's the allotment to tend to,

kitchen duties, when they need extra hands.

-You certainly like to keep busy.

-My reward will be in Heaven.

-True enough.

-Maybe you could volunteer? Douglas used to help me.

-Douglas Hitchens?

-Hitch and I were friends.

-So, this is the new boy?

-I'm taking good care of him.

Pipe down, Risley, you're giving me earache.

You could have timed your arrival better.

Yes, I heard about Mr Potts.

We miss his communion. Upcott won't be the same without him.

He must have been tested to end it all that way.

-You seem to know a lot about it.

-Seminary gossip.

Gossipers speak of the failings of others,

which is why the Church sees it as a sin!

Of course, Father.

-Mr Carter joins us from Allen Hall.

-That's right.

How's Father Pinkerton these days?

Still a martyr to his gout?

He certainly doesn't like to suffer in silence.

That certainly sounds like Father Pinkerton.

I see you've all met our newcomer Mr Cartwright.

Here upon my personal recommendation.

Free from the flesh pots of Londinium.

I've left all that behind me, Father.

Good to see you back on your feet, Rector.

Thank you for your concern, Father. Shall we go in?

New seminarians are always welcome. Ciaran Wolfe. Welcome to Upcott.

Glad to be here.

If you want to fit in around here, you'll learn to keep your head down.

I'd keep well clear of Wolfe and his cronies. They're bad news.

Anyone would think they're running the place.

There'll be room in the choir stalls if we're lucky.

I've forgotten my prayer book, I'll see you in there.

I don't know how you coped, Father. Cold showers.

Morning, afternoon and evening prayers.

-Lumpy porridge and lumpy beds.

-It certainly brings back memories.

It's worse than prison.

Is it?

You said there had been some developments?

Douglas Hitchens' prayer book. I found it in Wolfe's room.

That smacks of a man with a guilty conscience.

That's certainly worth investigating.

What about Father Lewis?

That man's stare could turn milk. Runs a study group.

Bit of a closed shop.

Try and get closer to Mr Wolfe. Gain his trust.

That's easier said than done.

I've got the college idiot sticking to me like glue.

Mr Risley.

I feel a bit sorry for him, to be honest.

He's short of a friend since Hitchens died.

Father, I'd better get a wiggle on,

I'll be late for that visit to the Blessed Sacrament.

We'll rendezvous tomorrow at the college feast.

Let's hope something comes up. This collar's beginning to itch.

-You will be careful?

-Are you worried about me, Father.

Don't be, I've got this one covered.

Hello again.

BELL RINGS, COCKEREL CROWS

-You are so naughty.

-So they tell me.

Whoa! Risley.

I missed you at vespers last night.

I wasn't feeling too good. I thought I'd better stay in bed.

-Perhaps it was something you ate?

-Wouldn't surprise me in this place.

When you get dressed, I'll walk with you to the chapel.

-I think I can find my own way by now.

-I thought we were friends?

Well, maybe you jumped the gun.

I welcomed you to Upcott as a brother in Christ.

Do you know something, Risley? You're starting to creep me out.

You'd rather spend time with the fraternity boys.

What fraternity?

Mark my words. Nothing good will come of it.

Father Brown, what a pleasant surprise!

You invited me to the feast.

Oh, yes, of course!

It should be an impressive display, Father.

And I shall multiply the fruit of the tree

and the increase of the field.

What more could we do to celebrate the Assumption.

You will, as my guest of honour, be sitting next to me.

-I thought we'd seen the last of you.

-Oh, I'm full of surprises...

Good to see the lads enjoying themselves.

Some more than others.

Young Carstairs is blending in rather well.

Let's hope he keeps his mind on the task in hand.

You'll like this one.

A rabbi, a vicar and a priest walk into a pub,

the bartender looks them up and down,

"What is this, some kind of joke?"

Top us up, Grisley! This jug's running dry.

Come on, Grisley Risley. The boys are thirsty.

That's a lovely apron, Grisley.

To Upcott!

ALL: To Upcott!

You've made yourself quite at home.

-Mr Carter's one of us now.

-I wouldn't be too sure of that.

I've been hearing whispers about this...

fraternity of yours.

You should be careful who you listen to.

I'm just saying if ever you're looking to replace Mr Potts...

I'll bear that in mind.

I checked with Allen Hall. They said they'd never heard of you.

Must have been a mistake.

You're a poor excuse for a priest, Mr Carter.

All that beer's got to your head.

Perhaps the blessing?

The blessing!

CLATTERS

If I could have your attention?

This will be my 25th feast as Rector of Upcott.

ALL THUD

It seems like yesterday that I arrived, a green academic,

mindful of our illustrious history,

dedicated to God and to the young men he has chosen to guide here.

Sadly Thomas Potts is not here today.

The passing of one our own has left us with serious questions,

doubt, recrimination and understandable sorrow.

But on this magnificent feast day, let us put aside our grief,

and celebrate the powerful redemption of faith.

Join me, if you will, in the blessing of the fruits.

Our help is in the name of the Lord...

HE RETCHES

-McKenna?

-Help him!

-Somebody fetch a doctor!

HE GAGS

Thready pulse.

Deadly nightshade.

-Infirmary.

-GAGGING

How's he doing?

He's stable. Thanks to prompt action by the rector.

These crosses they're wearing, it's a secret fraternity.

Risley warned me off.

A fraternity hand-picked, no doubt, by Lewis.

I've called the police.

Make yourself scarce...

Gosh, they were jolly quick.

I'll keep tabs on Wolfe.

McKenna's in the infirmary, the antidote worked.

-McKenna?

-The seminary doctor's with him now.

I'm here in connection with the death of Thomas Potts.

You said in your statement, you prescribed him a herbal remedy.

A dilution of feverfew for his headaches.

The body of the deceased was found to contain

traces of a powerful hallucinogenic drug.

You're not suggesting that the rector is culpable?

-I'm suggesting it's a possibility.

-I don't think so!

-Find the infirmary, check on this McKenna.

-Sir.

-I need to ask you some questions.

-You've got the wrong man.

We can do this in your study or down at the station.

Please, come to my study. Follow me.

Heaven knows why I sponsored you.

All you've ever given me is trouble.

You think I had something to do with this?

I know what you're capable of.

I made ONE mistake.

You have sinned against God.

And I have sinned for hiding what you did.

If this gets out, I'll lose my placement, the parish,

everything we've worked for.

You really think you are fit to be a priest?

HE WHISTLES

You fraternity boys are dropping like flies.

Maybe I'll pass on the membership.

I don't think you've got what it takes.

Badge of honour, the oath of allegiance, come on.

Even Inspector Sullivan will make the connection in the end.

The police have got nothing on me.

Maybe they'll perk up a bit when they find that

prayer book of yours.

That's to say if it's still in your room.

-You devious little sneak.

-You killed Douglas Hitchens.

-I didn't kill anyone.

-You hounded Potts to the top of the bell tower...

-Potts jumped.

-You poisoned McKenna, all to save your own skin.

I think it's time you confessed, Mr Wolfe.

GRUNTING

HE GROANS

They're searching my study for evidence. Not even a warrant!

Deadly nightshade.

-Anti inflammatory in small doses.

-Seer's sage...

Analgesic, induces mild euphoria.

Could be hallucinogenic in larger amounts.

Unpleasant memories, recurring nightmares.

A frightening loss of control.

Mr Potts.

Someone replaced blackcurrants with belladonna,

and swapped feverfew flowers for psychedelic leaves.

-Someone who worked in this garden.

-We need to find Mr Risley.

-Risley. Wolfe? Have you seen him?

-Not since the feast.

I think he murdered Douglas Hitchens.

The vestibule needed cleaning.

HE COUGHS

-It was you?

-He needed to pay, they all did.

This man needs an ambulance.

I can't let you do that,

they'll lock me away.

-Was Mr Risley in Italy?

-I suppose he must have been.

Overlooked, as always.

For a man of such physical presence, he's easily missed.

Blood.

He wears a cilice, a metal chain around his leg.

When it cuts him, he bleeds.

Self mortification, I do not condone!

Suffering for God. He's never felt good enough.

But why hold a grudge against his fellows?

Revenge. They covered up the death of his only friend.

Would you please fetch Inspector Sullivan.

BELLS RING

I see the top of this tower as a foretaste of Heaven.

It often leaves me breathless.

I've got no quarrel with you, Risley.

-You laughed at me at the feast.

-Wolfe will get what's coming to him.

He got away with murder. He killed Douglas.

Now he knows how it feels to lose his friends.

-Sid?

-Up here!

-Keep away! I'm warning you.

-This won't bring Douglas back.

The priesthood was his calling. They took that away from him.

You can still makes things right.

Tell the police what you saw, that night at the lake.

-No-one ever listens to me.

-I'm listening to you, Mr Risley.

They argued, the fraternity brothers,

a trivial point of theology.

Wolfe lost his temper, lashed out.

Douglas fell in. It was dark.

A long way down.

< Argh!

-Go.

-I'm going.

No-one was sorry. No-one was to blame.

How did that make them better men?

Mr Potts was sorry.

You heard him in confession.

The seer's sage made him talk.

But even on the roof, he mocked me.

Risley, you scared me half to death, you imbecile.

Whaaa...

SCREAMING AND THUD

ALARMED BIRD CALLS

I had to do it. Don't you see?

Without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission.

Murder, Mr Risley, is not the shedding of blood for remission.

Father Brown?

CLANG!

Enough!

Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.

I'm writing to the bishop,

the rector's a liability.

Time they put him out to grass.

They've arrested Mr Risley for crimes against your fraternity.

-And Mr Wolfe?

-They'll patch him up.

Then charge him in connection with the death of Douglas Hitchens.

I founded the fraternity to make them better men.

Two of your charges are dead.

Your pastoral care has been somewhat remiss.

They came to me for help.

Would you have condemned them?

Ruined more lives?

I don't know.

Ordination changes souls,

purges sin.

I wanted to save them.

Well, you failed.

DOOR SLAMS

Sid Carter? I'm taking you in.

On what grounds?

-Impersonating a priest.

-That's not even a crime!

Fraud, deception, breach of the peace, I'm sure I can think of more.

-It was all my idea.

-I'm only too aware of that.

This is harassment!

Don't worry, Sid, we'll soon have you out.

I'm not getting in there, not with him.

I don't suppose there's any chance of a lift?

(No, thought not.)

I've tendered my resignation with the bishop. Effective forthwith.

Upcott needs a man with more vigour.

They'll have their work cut out.

Truth is I've been becoming rather forgetful.

-Really?

-They're sending an interim rector from Aberystwyth.

Oh...

-Where will you go?

-The Christian Brothers said they'd take me in.

I'll spend the rest of my days in quiet contemplation.

Upcott won't be the same without you.

And I won't be the same without Upcott. You will visit?

Try and keep me away.

I shall need butter, soap,

fortuitous racing tips.

Hm...

If you open the bottle, we'll drink to the future.

Four hours in a police cell.

They have not heard the last of this.

At least he didn't charge you.

I cannot wait to get out of this cassock.

I don't know how you ride a bike in these things.

For the collection, Father.

Most generous of you, madam. Go with God.

Red Lion. She's buyin'. Things are looking up.

-And there was I hoping for a Damascene conversion.

-You'd be lucky!

-That belongs to the church, Sidney!

-I won't tell if you won't!

-It's for leaky roofs and orphans!

-SID LAUGHS

-Sidney! That is ten shillings!

-I know!