What in heaven's name did you hit her for?
How many times do I have to tell you I didn't strike her?
I never harmed her.
She has a broken arm, hasn't she?
Maybe so, but it has nothing to do with me.
You're finished.
You know that.
I am not finished.
Confound it, ma'am.
My whole career is thrown into this election.
Well, what do you propose to do?
Pay her the money she asks?
2,000 pounds?
Don't be ridiculous.
Now listen to me, Jeffrey.
The party is depending on your seat in the Commons.
If that woman makes a public statement that you attacked
her and broke her arm, you'll be lucky if you get one vote.
And it makes no difference that I happen to be innocent.
Not a whit.
In your position, an accusation is just
as damaging as a conviction.
You've got to withdraw.
No.
Very well.
I'll do it for you.
I'm going to fight for my very life.
I know someone who might help me, even if you won't.
You've got three days to clear this matter up or get out.
On Sunday evening, I'm going to make a statement
one way or the other.
I thought you were my campaign manager.
Not.
My accuser.
Three days.
Remember.
Marriage bureau.
Idiot.
So I went to a marriage bureau.
She seemed a very charming sort of woman,
cultured, and good background and all that.
Yes, but a marriage bureau?
Yes, I've lived in the country for a long time now.
I just never seem to meet any woman except the most
ineligible and unattractive ones.
I've been lonely these past few years since my wife died.
This bureau seemed reasonable enough.
After all, they promised to introduce you
to ladies of cultural and intellectual backgrounds
similar to your own.
But they didn't mention blackmail.
2,000 pounds, you say?
An impossible sum.
Even if I were guilty, which I'm not, my whole career
is at stake, Mr. Holmes.
I think it might be a good idea to have
a look into this marriage bureau.
Don't you agree, Watson?
Yes, I'd say so.
I simply can't believe Mr. Oliver, he's the proprietor,
could be involved in this.
And you say you have three days to pay
or disprove the accusation, eh?
Yes, Mr. Holmes.
It's not very long, I know.
Hmm, it isn't getting any longer.
I suggest that Dr. Watson and I start
our investigations immediately.
Ah.
Coward.
Now, now, Holmes, there must be another way
of doing this business.
We're working against time.
This is the only way we can get to the core of the case.
Now, now, listen, listen, listen, Holmes.
Now, now, now, now, listen.
You go on in, and I'll just wait here.
You see, I'll be here if you need me.
Absolutely no use to me at all out here.
Come on.
Oh, come on.
Come on, Watson.
Come on.
Good afternoon, Constable.
Beautiful weather we're having, eh?
Well, excellent.
Everything seems to be in order.
Now, I'm afraid I shall have to put the same questions to you
that I put to your friend.
I realize they're rather personal,
but it's the only way we can be certain that all clients are
protected and properly matched.
Yes, right, right.
I can understand that.
Now, about your financial situation.
Well, this is all routine, you understand.
Yes, yes, I suppose it is.
Well, my personal income is in the vicinity
of 3,000 pounds a year.
Well, that seems quite ample.
Ah, that's quite apart from Aunt Agatha.
Aunt Agatha?
Yes.
She's worth thousands of pounds.
Hundreds of thousands.
And you're the heir?
Next in line.
Oh, a favorite, too.
Well, I have been since I was, um, you're very fortunate.
Hmm, a very odd coincidence has occurred today.
The very first time it's happened, I can remember.
But there are two charming ladies here
at this very moment who seem to fit perfectly
with both your backgrounds.
I think we can have our first introduction immediately.
Is anything the matter?
No, no, no, I was just admiring your, um, Toulouse-Lautrec.
My what?
Your Lautrec.
It's, uh, very interesting.
The painting.
Oh, the painting.
Oh, of course, of course.
Well, if you'll excuse me for a moment,
I'll see if the young ladies are still here.
I say, Holmes, what was all that whispering about?
My, uh, financial position.
But that confounded busybody asked me the same questions.
I answered them straight out.
No, but you gave them real information.
They'll never try and blackmail you, old boy.
Well, gentlemen, everything's worked out perfectly.
The ladies are waiting in the salon, where we generally
introduce our couples and let them have a, uh,
get acquainted chat.
My secretary is there with them, and she will introduce you.
Um, the door at the far end of the hall.
Thank you.
Well, Watson, come on.
Hm?
What are you waiting for?
Go on, go on.
Door at the other end.
Oh, no, no, straight on.
Straight on.
Ah, Mr. Holmes.
Hm?
I'm always interested in the welfare and the situation
of my clients, and, uh.
Yes?
How old is Aunt Agatha?
94.
Tell me, uh, Miss, uh, Miss, um.
Pamela.
Oh, that's a charming name.
Very good, charming.
Now, then, tell me, Pamela, do you prefer living in the country,
or do you like living in London, huh?
Oh, I like living in the country, Dad.
Do you really?
Well, so do I, as a matter of fact.
I love the country.
The thing I like most about the country, I think,
is the early morning ride.
Really?
Yes.
Do you ride?
Yes.
Oh, pity.
Not really.
You've never really been to Paris?
Yes.
Oh, you'd adore Paris.
My Aunt Agatha always went in September, you know.
She said it was quite sinful not to go to Paris at all,
without going in the spring.
That's very funny.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I hope I haven't shocked you.
Oh, no, no, of course not.
Oh, good.
And, uh, Sir Charles was furious, of course.
Well, he hated to lose the wager.
But did he pay the 500 pounds?
Oh, of course, on the spot.
Why wouldn't he?
Why don't you say something?
You have very pretty eyes.
Oh, you're a romantic one.
Well, has everyone become acquainted?
Oh, we've had ever such a lovely chat, Mr. Oliver.
Splendid.
It's nearly time for us to close the bureau.
So I must ask you to leave in a few moments.
But first, in accordance with our policy,
I want to encourage all of you to know each other.
Might I, for instance, suggest that all of you
have tea together tomorrow?
And then, perhaps, go to the theater.
That is, of course, if it suits everyone's convenience.
Oh, that would be lovely.
Oh, yes, yes.
Oh, yes, perfectly delightful.
Excellent.
Well, I will allow you some minutes
to make your preparations.
And then, I'm afraid, we must close the office.
Well, I see you're through, Holmes.
What do you make of it all?
Nothing I didn't expect to.
We were merely planting seeds, Watson.
Planting seeds?
Yes, it's my theory that if Oliver and the others
are blackmailing, they're choosing their victims
pretty carefully.
However, I hope that at tea time tomorrow,
we'll be able to obtain more evidence
in support of my theory.
The trouble is that our client can't wait very much longer.
You were telling me about your musical background, Mr. Holmes.
I'm afraid I interrupted you.
Well, there isn't very much to tell, really.
I've spent a considerable fortune on my musical education.
But what instrument was it you sneakily played?
The violin, my dear.
The violin.
At times, rather brilliantly, I've been told.
Oh, dear, do be careful.
Sorry.
I followed you this time.
Oh, Charlie.
Oh, no, come on.
I beg your pardon.
Holmes.
Oh, no, don't.
Don't.
Stay out of it.
Don't.
Oh.
Wait a minute.
So, you're the one.
Ha.
Oh.
Oh, Charlie.
What have you done to him?
The police.
Somebody get the police.
He's my husband.
This man, this one here.
I saw what he did, ma'am.
You better not try any more tricks, mister.
The police will soon settle you.
But this is outrageous.
You don't understand.
But it's true.
It's true.
They're married.
And he was trying to break them up.
I know his type.
In here, Constable.
There's your man.
Holmes, Holmes, why don't you say something?
You can't let a thing like this happen to you.
We've fallen very neatly into their trap.
Don't you agree, Watson?
Well, everyone seems quite thoroughly in agreement.
Except, of course, your friend here.
These other witnesses are in full accord.
And the testimony of the proprietress of the tea shop
supports them.
But, Inspector, this is absolutely outrageous.
Where's Inspector Lestrade?
He'll speak, Mr. Holmes.
Inspector Lestrade?
I'm sorry.
It isn't Inspector Lestrade's case.
Well, I think we have everything we need now.
You'll go.
Except, of course, Mr. Holmes.
He's under arrest.
Oh, my life, I've waited for something like this.
A salt and battery.
You should stick to your magnifying glass.
Oh, hello, Mr. Lestrade.
My dear, I'm glad you're here.
Oh, I was just about to come in.
I'm sorry.
We're here to help you.
Oh, I was just seeing how some of our most dangerous
criminals were properly guarded.
You were right, Holmes.
Oliver called on me and told me that for 4,000 pounds,
this case would be quietly dropped.
Why, he's insane.
He's not insane, Watson.
He's just greedy.
No, he's insane.
He kept on saying that he was sure Aunt Agatha would fix it.
Aunt Agatha?
4,000 pounds?
What are you talking about?
Oh, I'm not sure myself.
Well, listen, Watson, now that we know where to look,
we can take them quickly.
Only you've got to let me out of here, Lestrade.
Listen, Lestrade, a man's life is involved in this.
Jeffrey Bourne, candidate for Parliament.
He's been blackmailed by the same group.
We can stop them now, only you've got to let me out of here.
Well, I didn't know it was serious.
This isn't my case. I'll have a word with Mason.
He's senior arresting officer in this job.
He's the only one who can let you out of here without a court order.
I'll see him right away.
Well, hurry up, Lestrade.
Jeffrey Bourne has only got until 7 o'clock tonight.
But you will release her.
No, I won't, I'm sorry.
Now, look here, Mason.
I've known Sherlock Holmes for a very long time.
I know him as a valuable colleague.
If he says this marriage bureau is a fake,
if he says they're blackmailers,
then undoubtedly they are blackmailers.
But there is no case of any kind against the marriage bureau, Lestrade.
If one arises, I'll investigate it.
But I will not jeopardize my position by taking such a step without cause.
As for Mr. Holmes, he has been formally accused.
And the number of witnesses more than justify an arrest.
All right, Mason.
But this is outrageous, Lestrade.
Didn't you explain?
Everything, Dr. Watson.
Right.
I'll handle this case myself.
You, Dr. Watson?
Unless you care to come in and help me.
Well, I'll do what I can, of course.
Look, Watson, there's only one thing to do.
You must break into Wallower's office,
go through his private files and everything.
There must be further evidence of their activities.
I break in, that's against the law.
Look, maybe I could get a search warrant.
Oh, how soon, Lestrade?
Oh, it's a pity this is Sunday.
Certainly not before Monday.
Not with Mason here.
Yes, but look, Jeffrey, Jeffrey Bourne
only has until 7 o'clock.
Yes, but breaking and entering, that's a crime.
Have you any idea what the penalty is for that?
Yes, if I remember correctly, it's a...
Thank you very much, Holmes.
I'd rather not know.
Excuse me.
I just had to come and see for myself, Mr. Holmes.
I... I couldn't believe it.
Oh, well, I suppose I'd better tell George
to get it over with.
Well, don't be hasty, Mr. Bourne.
Dr. Watson's working on the case with all his energy
at this very moment.
CANDY CANE
It must be a cylindrical lock with multiple tumblers.
And that's quite a different story.
Each of the tumblers operates at a different height.
It's an absolutely tremendous task, Watson.
Well, what are we going to do?
Well, there's only one thing for it.
Smash the lock, of course.
Why, of course.
Smash the lock.
Mr. H, if you had blackmail records to keep, and they might be dangerous, where would you
hide them?
Uh, let me see.
Well, blackmail's liable to turn into a running game at any time.
I suppose you'd want them to be portable.
That's good.
That's perfect.
I want you to go after Dr. Watson immediately.
To the office?
I couldn't.
Tell him to ignore the files.
Tell him to take all the paintings down off the walls.
Open the backs, and tear them apart if necessary.
Paintings?
Yes.
Oliver's office has one wall covered with paintings.
Mostly Le Trec.
And he hadn't even heard of him.
Well, neither have I.
Oh, go on.
Hurry the straight.
Go on.
Hello, what are you doing here?
I'm here to see you.
I know you were here.
You've been here?
Yes, I was here for a long year.
But you gave me a start.
I gave you a start.
Look, Holmes says not to bother any more about the files.
What?
No, he says try looking behind these pictures.
Looking behind?
Here, you try that.
Nonsense.
I. Was.
Really the straight this is nerve wracking enough to be to hear things.
A. Straight.
I just spoke to Mr Holmes. He said to be sure to have something by six o'clock I
hope so just for your sake. I hope so.
I. Know I'm not so pretty.
I told you I heard something. Who's been in the.
Oh. What what. Is
a little see Scotland Yard. Scotland Yard a what are you doing here well I.
You interfere with
a national election but one thing we've got to clean up those files we'll take care
of them later. Listen to what I'm telling you and see if you can do it right
stand right here if I don't then make some move screen that yes Mr Good.
She's awfully stupid she can scream.
The.
All right Mr Holmes what's the meaning of this message it refers to
a blackmail gang operating through
a marriage bureau I've heard that accusation before but so far I've seen no evidence
to support it in specular strain as evidence in specialist trade it is already set
out for the marriage bureau to make
a clean arrest of the entire gang but it is an inspectorless trades case if he had
evidence he should have brought it to me when I thought of that anyway he went in
according to my calculation should have been back by now I think he may have run
into some very serious difficulties. Regulations regarding such things when you get
back here I'll talk to him you can do better than that but they can be yours you
know what you mean go to the marriage bureau yourself and take charge after all it
is your case you know. All
a squad of men to get ready. And the meat at the side entrance in five minutes.
And you think she's
a pretty girl is read. You know the straight I'm
so surprised that any girl is so lovely and so intelligent could be kicked around by
a cat like. You really think I'm pretty Oh yes I'm from the very first moment I saw
you. Yes I wouldn't you like to sit down you must be tired standing. You.
You. You have the most lovely hair.
Really it's. I wonder. My hands are awfully uncomfortable if
you could be
a dear ease them a little could you. Something
amusing I know I'm stupid but not that you could.
Oh you. Well inspect
tell us trade. Not make. Where you get
Mr Bond before seven I've got to get there. I'm.
I never thought such
a friend them. tense
You told Inspector Mason.
I know, Lestrade, but I had to get you out of there somehow.
I was better off as I was.
Well, I considered that.
But despite the injury to your pride, you know it's best that way.
I know nothing of the kind.
It was only a matter of a few moments before Dr. Watson and I had the situation completely
under control.
Well, you must tell me the story.
In the meantime, now that the criminals have been arrested, please let me out of here.
Oh, I'm terribly sorry.
But this is Inspector Mason's case.
I couldn't possibly interfere with another colleague's affair.
Oh, no.
Oh, Lestrade.
Oh, Lestrade, my old friend.
Lestrade, you old...
Lestrade.