The Dance of Death Father Brown

WALTZ MUSIC PLAYING

There she is!

Walgrave, get your claws off this vision of beauty.

You can't possibly appreciate her.

Behave!

And why break the habit of a lifetime?

We're practising.

Well, I want to discuss a little wager with him.

Why don't you run along and help Merryn settle into her room?

-Oliver...

-It's all right. Thank you, Lucy.

You look exquisite.

I know.

So, here's the deal...

..if I win the competition, then you give up dancing.

Let me have my fiance back.

She's done enough charity work being your dance partner.

And if I win?

Well, then I'll give you something money can't buy.

I'll tell you who took your sight.

I must say, Lady Johnton...

Call me Lady Rose.

I must say, Lady Rose,

it's very generous of you to help with the appeal.

Oh, not at all.

Last year, we donated the proceeds to Major Peterson's

Historical Re-enactment Society.

At least a church roof has a purpose.

We have two days of classes

and practice sessions planned,

and then the competition

is on Sunday night.

-Oh.

-Oh, a sjambok!

-Indeed.

A what?

African whip made of hippopotamus hide.

How troubled should I be that you know that?

Where did you get it?

I picked up all of these things on my travels.

-I'll show you to the ballroom.

-Oh.

I do hope you'll all be joining in.

Oh, you obviously have never seen Father Brown dance.

Not my natural form of expression, I admit.

Miss Windermere, you look like a ballroom dancer.

Oh, I'm afraid I've always found it rather tedious.

Follow me.

On the other hand...

Somebody has perked up!

Alexander is one of my star pupils.

I know it's not the done thing for a lady to ask for a dance,

but I wondered if you could make my being here worthwhile?

I'd love to dance with you.

Terrific.

-Can you?

-Of course.

Tell me when we're approaching the edge.

Oh, turn. Turn now!

You don't need to shout.

So, when do you start?

Three weeks' time. I'll be teaching the new second form.

Mm! Sounds a hoot.

I just felt like I needed to do something a bit more

-meaningful with my life.

-Hm.

Where did you get that?

It was a present. Do you like it?

I think it's important to always look your best, don't you?

Now, there's a gentleman that's bound to dance with you.

Who?

Holy Mother!

You're a wonderful dancer.

So are you.

-What's your name?

-Bunty.

I'm Alexander.

How did you learn to dance like that?

Patient teachers.

-ANOTHER SONG STARTS

-Shall we?

-Oh, yes.

-Alexander!

This is my competition partner, Lucy Dawes.

Bunty Windermere.

A pleasure. Alexander, we must practise.

Oliver has been putting in the hours, and we need to do the same.

Yes. I'm sorry, Bunty. Thank you for the dance.

Isn't that Merryn Tyrell?

Yes.

Oh, such a sad business about her father.

I guess I should take you for a spin.

Lucy!

Give me a moment.

What's that? I didn't give it to you.

Oliver, we're practising!

I buy you nice jewellery - expensive jewellery.

I'll wear what I like!

Everything all right?

Oh!

I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

Are you all right?

Just lead me to the door.

I can find my way from there.

What's wrong?

Why are you wearing that?

It goes with my eyes.

Show some respect.

Everything is just a game to you, isn't it?

Oh, you've become so worthy since you took that job.

You wouldn't catch Lucy doing something so vulgar. Shall we?

Where are you going?

Anywhere but here. The girls are in a strop.

How is Alexander?

Embarrassed.

Father Brown, take me in a close hold.

It's time to get you dancing.

Now, count one to four.

One, two, three, four.

In time to the music. And..one...

Lucy? Are you there?

Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow.

Thank you.

I did warn you I'm not a natural.

Well, she is tenacious - I'll give her that.

Yes.

Mrs McCarthy, would you do me the honour?

How can I say no?

It's like all my Christmases have come at once.

Help! I need help!

In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.

Sergeant, what are all these people doing here?

Ballroom dancing competition, Sir.

Why were you here?

Um... Go through, Constable.

Oh, no!

I had an aunt that taught me, Sir.

Look, please don't tell the lads down at the station.

I always suspected you had a dark secret, but this...

It's bad enough my sergeant thinks he's Fred Astaire

-without finding you in here, Padre!

-Inspector.

You should know the drill by now. Crime scene, get out, comprende?

Downstairs, she was wearing a necklace. Now she isn't.

So robbery was the motive. Very good. Now go!

Sir, the gentleman here discovered the body.

Please, I need to tell you something.

I heard the killer leaving.

But you didn't see anything?

I'm blind.

So we're looking for someone with feet at a dancing competition.

-Very helpful!

-I know who did this.

We'll take your statement later.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've a murder to solve.

Inspector...

Penelope, why don't you introduce me to your new friend?

This is Father Brown.

Alexander Walgrave.

Pleased to meet you.

Now, why don't we go somewhere quiet,

and you can tell me what you heard?

After I fell, I needed a few moments to gather myself, so I sat out here.

It's hard to identify someone from their footsteps,

but there is one person whose sound is entirely distinctive.

Lady Rose - she walks with a stick.

I heard her leaving Lucy's bedroom.

I realised Lucy must be in her room.

Lucy?

I was worried that she might blame herself for my fall,

so I went to reassure her.

Lady Rose must have been the last person to see her alive.

We have to make Mallory listen.

Oh, please, Inspector, these people are my guests!

And one of them is a killer.

Until we find the murder weapon, no-one is going anywhere.

Thank you, Sir.

Don't even think about laying your paws on me, Sergeant!

No pockets. You're all right.

This can't be happening, not to my Lucy.

Sir.

Is this the necklace the deceased was wearing?

She had a name.

Did you remove this from her body?

No, I took it from Lucy's bag - the black one in the corner.

-LADY ROSE:

-But that's my bag.

What?

After all I've done for you, this is how you repay me?

Lies and false accusations?

I thought it was Lucy's.

It got knocked over, and I saw the necklace in it.

Why did you take it?

I thought it was a gift from one of her admirers.

Everyone wanted her, and she loved rubbing my face in it.

I just thought I would take it to teach her a lesson.

So you stole the necklace to punish her?

No! She was my fiance. I loved her.

You don't know the meaning of the word!

I'm arresting you for the murder of Lucy Dawes.

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

but whatever you say may be put in writing and given in evidence.

FATHER BROWN: You wanted to talk to us.

I've no love for Oliver, but he didn't do this.

I know what I heard.

Lady Rose left the bedroom just before I found Lucy's body.

But we've no way of proving that.

After I lost my sight, Lucy fought to help me rebuild my life.

She gave me back my confidence, even helped me learn to dance again.

I've no doubt that she's meant a lot to you.

-But that doesn't...

-I have to get justice for her.

I can't do it alone.

How can we help?

Help me gather evidence to convince the police.

Do you have any idea where we should look?

I think so. I'll need Bunty's help.

Very well. And I will talk to Lady Rose.

Just be careful.

Lady Rose is at the heart of the local establishment.

She'll turn on anyone who displeases her.

Yes, I think we saw that already in the ballroom.

I'm not scared of her.

You should be.

Sergeant Goodfellow's there.

I'll get rid of him.

Sorry, Sir, you can't come this way.

I'm looking for my room.

Well, it's not down here.

I don't know where to go. I'm lost.

It may be on the next landing.

Here, let me help you.

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Come!

Am I intruding?

I can't face telephoning Lucy's parents.

Ah.

What comfort could I possibly offer?

Do you know them well?

-Oh, we have some shared business interests.

-Oh?

Nothing serious - just the idle rich passing the time.

This must be a terrible shock for you.

I don't have any children of my own,

so the young dancers are very dear to me.

I love having them come to stay,

but the thought that Oliver could do such a thing - it sickens me.

You think he is responsible?

Oh, yes! The liar certainly didn't take Lucy's necklace from my bag.

I hear Miss Dawes was a remarkable young woman.

I gather she helped Mr Walgrave after he lost his sight.

She spent countless hours with him. Nobody could have done more.

Do you know what happened to Alexander?

I'm sorry, I should make this telephone call.

It won't get any easier.

Of course. Thank you.

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Come in.

Bunty.

-How could you tell?

-Your perfume.

-Did you find it?

-Yes.

-Was there a case with it?

-Yes.

And the name on it?

-Westwood & Peel, I think.

-I knew it!

What does it mean?

For years, there have been rumours that Lady Rose

had a child out of wedlock.

They say she paid off the couple who took the child in

with items from a very exclusive jeweller -

Westwood & Peel.

So you think Lucy is Lady Rose's illegitimate daughter?

Suppose Lucy had been threatening to tell the truth?

The scandal would ruin Lady Rose's reputation,

so that gives her a motive.

How could she do this?

I should, um... I should find Father Brown.

Thank you for coming.

How are you coping in here?

I can't sleep a wink.

Every time I close my eyes, I can see Lucy's face.

You're still in shock.

I know we had our ups and downs,

that I could be difficult,

but so could she.

You whispered something to her yesterday,

just before Mr Walgrave's fall.

Whatever you said upset her.

Just a lover's tiff, nothing important.

OLIVER CLEARS THROAT

The whole God thing...

..I don't, um...

But...would you say a...

I will say a prayer for her.

Can I ask something else of you?

Would you deliver a message for me?

I'm a priest, Mr Dewitt, not a courier.

What message?

Sergeant, do you know how Mr Walgrave lost his sight?

When I mentioned it to Lady Rose, she was evasive.

Mm. Reckon she feels guilty. Happened in her house, you see.

-When?

-Three years ago.

Her top pupils were all staying over.

One night, Alexander couldn't sleep.

He went downstairs to get himself a drink.

But as he was heading back to his bedroom, he came across an intruder.

Before he could raise the alarm, he was pushed down the stairs.

It was a miracle he didn't break his neck.

But when he came round, he couldn't see a thing.

The doctors said he'd hurt the part of his brain that lets you see.

Did he remember what happened?

No.

Lady Rose found a broken window round the back of the house.

Did the intruder take anything?

No. He must have panicked, got out as soon as he could.

Padre!

Are you here to learn a pas de deux from our resident Nutcracker?

No, just passing. Good day.

Fetch me a cup of tea and a Garibaldi, will you, Twinkletoes?

Why didn't the intruder take anything?

That house is full of valuable things.

He could have filled a bag without even going upstairs.

Well, the dancing competition is going ahead.

That hardly seems appropriate.

At least it gives us an opportunity

to go back to the house and ask questions.

And it gives you an opportunity to see your latest admirer.

I have male friends, you know.

And I have fairies at the bottom of my garden.

He's a lovely man,

but nothing romantic is going to happen between us.

Because he's blind?

No!

Maybe.

If we are going to ingratiate ourselves with the dancers,

then you do realise we will have to participate?

MRS MCCARTHY CHUCKLES

No!

And one, two, three. One, two, three.

Perfect. There you go, you're waltzing.

Ow! My foot!

Perhaps we should take a break.

We were surprised to hear that you're going ahead

with the competition.

Well, I discussed it with Lucy's parents,

and we agreed that we would dedicate the event to her memory.

Oh, that's a nice idea.

How are the others coping?

Must have been a blow for Miss Tyrell,

coming so soon after her father's death.

-I don't think that Merryn and Lucy were close.

-Why not?

I don't think that Lucy was happy

when Merryn started dancing with her fiance.

If it bothered her,

why didn't she start dancing with him again herself?

Lucy was committed to helping rehabilitate Alexander.

But I also think she was used to being the centre of attention.

She must have known that somebody else would end up

dancing with Oliver?

Yes, but I think that she thought Merryn was enjoying it

a little too much.

Were they more than dance partners?

Who can say?

Once the others have gone to bed, we'll be able to explore properly.

Bunty can't stay here with a killer on the loose!

I'll protect her with my life.

I can look after myself.

Oh, Oliver Dewitt sent a message.

He told me to tell you that the wager is still on.

Do you know what he means?

Alexander?

We had a bet on the outcome of the competition.

If he won, then I agreed I'd give up dancing.

And if you won?

He said he could tell me who blinded me.

An intruder, I gather?

Yes.

And how does Oliver know who this person was?

He met a man in the Red Lion who claimed to be responsible.

And do you really believe that?

If there's even a chance that it's true, then I have to know.

And what will you do when you find this man?

Forgive him. I've come to terms with what happened.

Perhaps he hasn't.

I can't see how your bet with Oliver can go ahead

when he's still locked up.

I rather think that is the real message.

He wants you to find the killer.

Once we find proof that Lady Rose was responsible,

they'll set him free.

And maybe then he'll tell me what I need to know.

It's here.

This is where Lady Rose keeps everything important.

Anything incriminating won't be easy to find.

Good point.

I wish I could help.

You are.

-Ah!

-What is it?

Letters.

Lucy is threatening to reveal that Lady Rose is her mother.

She was blackmailing her.

This is exactly what we've been looking for.

BROKEN GLASS TINKLES

What's wrong?

BICYCLE BELL RINGS

-Good morning.

-Father!

I heard you'd returned home, I came to see how you were getting on.

Mother needed me.

Ah. How is your mother coping with the death of your father?

Mrs McCarthy said you'd moved out here.

We couldn't afford to carry on living the way we used to.

I'm sorry to hear that.

My father made some bad investments before he passed away.

We sold off what we could, but it wasn't enough.

Which is why you took the job at the school.

I saw Oliver Dewitt yesterday.

-How is he?

-Fearful.

-You were his dancing partner?

-Yes.

Did Miss Dawes mind?

You mean, did I kill Lucy so I could have Oliver for myself?

SHE LAUGHS

Oliver is one of the most selfish people I've ever met.

I don't know how Lucy put up with him.

I only tolerated him because he was a good dancer.

The police think he's responsible for what happened.

He'd faint at the first sight of blood.

Mind you, the way the police are going,

we'll never know who was really responsible.

Why do you say that?

The house is full of weapons Lady Rose collected on her travels.

Why haven't they found the one that killed Lucy?

Maybe she was killed with something else?

Or perhaps they just haven't looked hard enough.

BELL RINGS

I should get back to her.

Of course. Thank you.

Shall we go down for breakfast?

You don't know what I look like.

Does it matter?

I could be hideous.

You aren't to me.

What happens to us after this weekend?

I don't tend to go in for prolonged romances.

And you'd never make any exceptions?

Not usually.

Did you give Xander the message?

Yes.

And he told me your stake in the wager.

Oh.

You claim to have overheard a conversation about the attack

in a pub.

That seems like an extraordinary coincidence.

The world is full of them.

By all accounts, Miss Dawes wasn't a particularly altruistic type,

except when it came to Mr Walgrave.

She always liked a lost cause.

I think that she was in some way responsible for what happened to him.

And you've known it all along.

That's outrageous.

I don't believe you killed her, but the Inspector does.

I may be able to help you, but only if you start being honest with me.

Now.

She didn't mean to hurt him.

Ah...

They got into an argument.

He was trying to go upstairs to see Lady Rose.

..then he shouldn't be allowed to take part.

-You mustn't tell her.

-Let me past.

-No!

Lucy blocked him, but he lost his footing.

What were they arguing about?

She'd let slip that I'd tried to bribe one of the judges.

And that cost him his sight?

When we went to the hospital, he had no memory of what happened.

We saw a way out.

So you smashed the window to make it look as if

an intruder had been inside the house.

Once Lady Rose found it, the police filled in the blanks.

Miss Dawes felt guilty,

then tried to make amends by being a good friend

to the man she had blinded.

If Alexander had won your bet...

..would you have told him the truth?

You asked me what I whispered to Lucy.

I told her about the bet.

One way or another, she would have ensured they lost.

Because she believed you would tell.

It was the last thing I said to her.

-Will you tell Alexander?

-No.

Because I'm not the one who has the opportunity to make amends.

We should talk to the police.

No. We need to know more.

We don't want to make Lady Rose suspicious.

There was broken glass in your bed, Alexander.

Good morning.

I see we had an extra guest last night.

Will you join me?

-No, we...

-Of course.

Did you sleep well?

Oh, I think it's safe to say that the bed was rather...uncomfortable.

-Is something wrong?

-No.

If Alexander had been alone, then he wouldn't have seen the glass

and he could have been seriously hurt.

I don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about.

We've seen the letters. From Lucy.

Your daughter.

What letters? I don't have a daughter.

That's exactly what you wanted people to think.

How dare you?!

We'll make sure that everyone knows what you did to silence her.

SHE SIGHS DEEPLY

When I was young and reckless,

a lover passed something on to me

which stayed in my system, and it meant that I couldn't conceive.

So, if there's nothing else you'd like to accuse me of,

I'd like to finish my tea.

Of course, we only have her word for it.

There must be a piece of the puzzle we're missing.

We'll find it.

What is it, Father? What's the matter?

Alexander, even before you heard Oliver Dewitt's message,

you had us investigating Lady Rose.

Because she's guilty.

What exactly are you saying?

Everything we know about Lady Rose we know

because of what Mr Walgrave here has told us,

and the story about her illegitimate daughter,

we now know to be unlikely at best.

That's not true. We've seen the blackmail letters.

Typed and conveniently easy to find.

And who pointed us towards them?

This is outrageous! And I expected better from you, Father.

Come on, Alexander.

Alexander?

I'm sorry.

What?

Is this true?

You had us framing an innocent woman?

No! I swear, I heard her leaving Lucy's bedroom.

I was sure that if we looked hard enough, we'd find real proof.

Who put the glass in your bed?

Why would you do this?

Because he wanted to spend more time with you, Bunty.

Everyone thought I was worthless because I couldn't see.

But with you, I was useful again.

You listened to me, you took me seriously.

Bunty, you do not have to be here.

He lied to us, he led us down the wrong path.

Isn't that what the killer would do?

I know you are angry with him...

We need to stop him from hurting anyone else. He's dangerous.

I fear you may be right.

So please, do not get left alone with him.

WALTZ MUSIC PLAYS

She's here.

Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention?

I'm sure you've all heard about the terrible tragedy

that happened here on Friday night.

It is for that reason that we have decided to dedicate

tonight's event to the memory of Lucy Dawes.

Now, to happier matters.

The rules of the competition are simple.

If one of the judges taps you on the shoulder,

then please move to the side of the dance floor.

We will begin with a waltz.

Now don't forget, one, two, three...

SPEECH INAUDIBLE

Why has he not been tapped on the shoulder?

I'm afraid we didn't make the final cut.

It's the taking part that counts.

I wondered if you'd put my mind at ease about something.

Yes?

I was wondering why Oliver Dewitt found the necklace in your bag.

I hope you're not implying that

I had anything to do with what happened.

No.

It was a busy room, anyone could have placed it in there.

Indeed.

That cursed necklace has caused nothing but trouble.

Lucy should never have worn it in the first place.

Was it a gift from an admirer?

No, her father gave it to her.

It was something we acquired as part of a recent business deal.

Now, you'll have to excuse me.

I can hear you, Bunty.

Why are you following me?

To stop you from hurting anyone else.

You really think I could do something like that?

I don't know what to believe about you any more.

Then you shouldn't have come out here alone.

Congratulations to everyone who made it through to the next round,

which will be a tango.

I wonder if I might have a word.

We're about to start again.

The deal your father lost his money on.

Was it one of Lady Rose's business ventures?

Perhaps we should talk privately?

I just don't understand how you could do that to Lady Rose.

She killed my friend.

I know I shouldn't have lied, but you saw how the police treated me.

I needed your help.

You could have been honest with me.

I know.

And it will be one of the biggest regrets of my life.

You must be cold out here.

Please don't be kind to me.

When I organised your father's funeral,

the coroner recorded his death with an open verdict.

I've sometimes known him do this as an act of kindness...

..for someone who has committed suicide.

Was it the shame of not providing for his family?

I'm so sorry.

Lady Rose deliberately gave my father a bad tip.

Then, when it ruined us,

she swooped in with Lucy's family to buy up our assets for a pittance.

It was all just a jolly wheeze to them.

The necklace belonged to you?

My mother's.

I can't imagine what you must have felt when you saw Lucy wearing it.

She was shameless.

Rubbing my face in it.

Mr Walgrave swears he heard Lady Rose leaving the room.

But it wasn't her, was it?

It was you.

Lady Rose only uses the cane when she needs to walk any distance.

When she danced with me, she left it propped against the wall.

You knew you had to act quickly.

And that Mr Walgrave was nearby and would recognise the sound,

so you went to Lucy's room and you killed her.

Then you took the necklace and made sure Mr Walgrave heard you leaving.

Returning the cane to the ballroom,

you put the necklace in Lady Rose's bag.

Another piece of evidence against her.

How could I know Oliver would take it?

I know you regret it.

You are not a bad person.

Sometimes good people do terrible things.

You told me the police hadn't paid enough attention

to the weapons that Lady Rose had on display.

Were you trying to point me at something?

She's so proud of her collection.

APPLAUSE

Not everything is what it seems.

Shall I show you?

Hey!

Don't...

She killed my father!

This is revenge, not justice.

Let her do what she needs to.

I probably deserve it.

Repent and the Lord will forgive you.

-I doubt that.

-I don't.

I'll pay the price for killing Lucy, why not finish the job?

Your father! Would he have wanted this?

And your mother?

If you kill Lady Rose, you will hang for certain.

How will your mother live with that?

SHE SOBS

Alexander?

Mr Dewitt is here, he's looking for you.

Oh.

He's waiting for you in the house.

He has something he wants to tell you.

Half the guests have gone home already,

so perhaps we should go too.

I'll drive us.

Actually, there is something we have to do, isn't there, Mrs McCarthy?

Is there?

Oh, yes. Yes, there is.

Yes.

Well, that was subtle.

I know you've no reason to trust me,

but everything I felt about you was true.

You're the most enchanting woman I've ever met.

Alexander, I can't be with you.

-Because I'm blind?

-No.

Because you lied to me.

Will you do me one last favour?