Maigret (1992) s01e04 Episode Script
Maigret and the Mad Woman
Ahhh! (SIREN) Identical to all the others.
Oh.
.
Thank you, Moers.
It seems she had just popped out to find a late night chemist.
I found the neighbour looking after her two little children.
A boy of four and a girl of two.
Oh, my God.
No-one ever seems to see anything.
He must know this district like the back of his hand.
Good evening, Chief Inspector.
Oh, my God! Here comes the press.
Didn't take you long, Rougin.
Is it victim number five? It looks that way.
Excuse me, Chief.
And only two streets away from the last one.
And a few streets away from the other three, as I'm sure your readers are aware.
It's my job to keep the public informed.
And mine to catch the murderer, as you continually point out.
Time I posed for a new photograph.
I hope they're not being rude again.
They say every woman in Montmarte terrified and me, apparently, getting nowhere at all.
Not only "apparently".
This man, the who's doing all this, do you think he's got a reason? Or is he just a maniac? He's filled five strangers, I'm pretty sure of that.
There's no connection between any of these women at all.
Different backgrounds, different ages, different everything.
It must make him some kind of a maniac.
But there's always a reason.
What's going on? Is it the the murderer? Inspector! Inspector Janvier! No questions, please.
Inspector! You're from the murder district.
Has he come from there? Is this an arrest? Inspector Janvier! I bet Rougin's on the phone already.
At 3:53 this afternoon, Inspector Janvier, and Inspector Tissot from the 16th Arrondisement, in which all the murders have taken place, arrived at police headquarters, accompanying a man whose face was shielded with a hat.
His identity for the moment must remain a mystery.
It's ten-to eleven, chief.
Right.
Let's go.
Sergeant Lucas! Inspector, are you holding this man?! Have you a statement, Inspector?! Has he told you anything about the murders?! Oh, come on! Are you holding him over night? Is he going to the cells? Can you tell us? Are you holding him? Chief Inspector Maigret.
Chief Inspector.
Has he confessed? Chief Inspector, what's going on? What's going on? Who was he? Who was who? Come on, the man you've been questioning.
Is he a suspect? Is this anything to do with the Montmartre murders?/ I'm sorry, but I can't tell you anything.
Good night.
I give you a lift, chief? No, I need a walk.
Good night, Lucas.
Good night, Chief.
(PHONE RINGS) Maigret.
'Were you asleep, Maigret?' Yes, I was, sir.
'I must talk to you.
' Of course, sir.
'It's very important.
' As soon as I get there.
Morning.
Morning, sir.
'Maigret, what is the meaning of this?' Meaning of what, sir? The papers, of course.
This morning's papers.
I haven't had a chance to read them yet, sir.
(READS) 'Killer Caught At Last.
Montmartre Maniac Held.
' It says that you questioned a man for seven hours and then you sent him down to the cells.
Now, for goodness' sake, you know the rules.
I am the examining magistrate.
If a suspect is to be questioned, I have to be present and decide - I haven't questioned anybody, sir.
Are you saying the press have made this up? I'm saying they've been making assumptions.
Then would please explain the basis for these assumptions? Someone did some and see me yesterday afternoon.
A man I haven't seen for years.
That's because he's been working abroad.
Two inspectors showed him the way because he didn't know where my office was.
He covered his face because he's rather shy.
Are you saying this commotion they're on about, all this was because of a social call? Well, not quite, sir, no.
When you were questioned, you didn't deny that it had to do with the murders.
I said I had nothing to say.
Which was true.
And what an earth is the result? Hm? The result is all this.
Precisely what I'd hoped for, sir.
You wish the public to believe you've made an arrest.
I wish the murderer to believe I've made an arrest.
And suppose when people hear about this arrest, they relax the precautions they've been taking and there's another murder.
Have you you thought of that? Yes, sir, I have.
What I intend to do is set a trap.
Without anyone realising it, of course.
'At six 'clock, I shall leave for home as normal, 'in case the press are keeping an eye on me.
'It's vital they don't suspect anything.
'My own inspectors will also leave at the usual time.
'We'll have a quick drink in the Brasserie Dauphine as we usually do.
'The murders have all been committed between nine and ten, 'and in the same part of the city.
'Just after 8:30, the first team of policewomen, 'all volunteers, of course, and all highly trained in physical combat, 'will move into the district.
'They'll be dressed and behave like people who live there, 'but, needless to say, they'll be carefully watched, 'not only by plain-clothed men on the street, 'but in cafes and restaurants and cars.
'All through the evening, other men will have been booking into hotels 'and boarding houses, as ordinary guests, 'and taking rooms that have vantage points.
'The women will patrol the murder districts, 'where any cry or whistle for help will bring immediate assistance.
'It will be the biggest operation mounted for a case like this.
'I won't pretend that it's not dangerous.
'I'm responsible for these girls.
I accept that.
'It's my prayer and my belief 'that I've taken every precaution that I can, 'that everything has been well enough planned for the murderer 'to have no idea that anything unusual is going on.
' Right, where shall we start, chief? Place Clichy? Why not? (SPEECH DROWNED OUT BY SOUNDTRACK) Is she one of ours? Could be.
There's one on this beat somewhere.
God, I hope I've got this right.
Do you think all this is gonna work, then? Trust the Chief.
He knows what he's doing.
(LIVELY CHATTER) (CONVERSATION DROWNED OUT BY CHATTER) Nothing? A prostitute reporting a sailor for roughing her up.
You know what, Chief? Here we are, doing all this.
And he might not even be in Paris.
Where to now? Wherever you like.
Go to the other end of the boulevard.
We'll do the whole area again Remember that place there? Where he got the third one.
I remember that one from the briefing.
Tenty-past ten.
He's never attacked as late as this before.
Looks like back again tomorrow.
How many nights can we keep this up for, Chief? All right, let's try the airport.
(POLICE WHISTLE) Where was that? I don't know.
(POLICE WHISTLE) Isn't he one of ours? Let's get after him.
(SIREN) he went that way.
Round the corner.
Down there! (SIREN) (SIREN) Is she all right? She's all right.
We nearly got him.
Dupont's after him.
Are you hurt? No, but I'm sorry, sir.
I couldn't cling on to him.
A button from his jacket came off in my hand.
A button.
What happened? I was just past the doorway and I sort of sensed a movement in the air, you know.
And then erhe grabbed my throat.
And then somehow, I don't know how, I managed to get a judo hold on him.
But he got out of it and ran.
I'm sorry.
Get her in the car, Lucas.
Back to HQ.
Keep me informed, Janvier.
What's your name? Martha Jusserand, sir.
Did you see him? Well, for a second, his face was right close to mine.
But I'm not certain if I'd know him again.
What was he wearing? A dark suit.
And he had dark hair.
Very ordinary, you know.
Respectable.
Respectable? How old would you say he was? Around 30, I'd say.
Oh, come on.
Would you like to stop for a drink? I don't drink.
I gave up smoking last week.
Has anyone got a cigarette? Lucas.
A cigarette.
Thank you.
There we are.
Thank you, sir.
He's married.
He had a wedding ring on.
Good girl.
I'll get him.
It may be an ordinary-looking button, but it's a very good quality.
Not the sort used on off-the-peg suits.
Shouldn't be difficult to find here it's made.
There aren't that many button manufacturers.
They all have their offices on the Rue des Petites Champs.
And the thread? That's basically the same every tailor uses.
Ah.
Now, the cloth is interesting.
Have a look.
Basically, it's just an ordinary grey.
But there's a light blue thread woven in, which gives it a special character.
Yes.
I'd swear it wasn't French.
English, I'd say.
There aren't many dealers who import cloth.
And as it so happens, I can give you a list of all of them.
(PHONE RINGS) Hello? It's for you, Chief.
Sergeant Lucas.
Oh.
Hello, Lucas.
No, I haven't got time to report to reporters.
You know what to say.
You see them.
Where's Chief Inspector Maigret? He's busy.
Can we speak to him? No, you'll have to make to with me.
Has your prisoner escaped, Sergeant? What prisoner? have you released him? Who? The killer has attacked again tonight, hasn't he? An attack on a young woman did occur this evening, but she was unharmed.
Who was she? I can't tell you that.
Are you keeping it a secret? No, I'm just not telling you.
Why? Is she married? Shouldn't she have been there.
Possibly.
Or possibly not.
Don't you think this is all very mystifying? What mystifies us, Mr Rougin, is the identity of the killer.
You've discovered that? No, not yet.
That's why we're mystified Are you any nearer finding out, after tonight? Listen, we're all worn out.
If you don't mind, I'll get a couple of hours' sleep.
Did the woman get a good look at her attacker? Enough for a description? All right, yeah.
He was about 30, dark hair, wearing a dark suit.
It's a bit vague, isn't it? I know it's not much.
In a day or two we may be able to give you more, but for the time being you'll have to make do with it.
I'm sorry.
Are you releasing the man you brought in? I said, I'm sorry! Good night.
Have you seen Rougin's piece in this morning's paper? (READS) 'Killer Escapes From Police Trap.
' He's seen right through your scheme.
(READS) 'It seems that by accusing some else, 'our good friend Chief Inspector Maigret hoped 'that he might wound the murderer's vanity 'and provoke him into a fresh attack.
' Ah.
Another frustrated psychiatrist.
'That attack came in Montmartre last night 'and it was perhaps more by luck than judgement 'that another murder did not take place.
' Was the operation a total failure? No, sir.
The young lady is alive and well.
We've been working very hard all night, sir.
I've had three hours' sleep, some of my men less.
But are you any nearer to catching him? We have some material evidence.
What? A button, sir.
A button? And a fragment of cloth.
It could lead us to himeventually.
Of course, there's no knowing how long it might take.
(PHONE RINGS) Comeliau here.
Mm-hm.
.
It's for you.
Maigret.
Lapointe? Where are you are? I'll be there.
It took two hours, sir.
Chief.
I couldn't believe it.
It was so straightforward.
Take it easy.
The cloth's a new weave.
Only two cloth importers have handled it.
They gave me a list of the tailors they'd supplied.
The button makers give us a list as well.
There were only two names on both lists.
Janvier and I split them up and I hit the jackpot.
The one I went to has only made two suits in this material, and one of them he hasn't even delivered yet.
The other was for Marcel Moncin, third floor.
No.
.
43 over there.
We've got him, chief.
How do you know the tailor Janvier went to hasn't made 20 suits from that material and had them delivered to 20 different people?/fon It's all right.
He called in.
He hasn't made any.
We're away from the murder district, though.
Yeah, I thought about that.
But perhaps he works there.
Let's go and find out.
Good morning, Chief.
Good morning.
We'll use the stairs.
Yes? Is Monsieur Moncin at home? I don't know.
If you wait a minute, I'll go and ask madame.
Who is it? Two gentlemen who want to speak to monsieur, madame.
/f Thank you, Odile.
I'm sorry.
You want.
? Is your husband here? You mean, you wish to see him? So he is here? Yes, but he's asleep.
I must ask you to wake him.
May I ask who -? Police.
You're Police Inspector Maigret.
I've seen your picture in the papers.
I'm Yvonne Moncin.
Please wake your husband.
I suppose he got home late last night.
Would do you mean? Does he usually sleep until after 11? Oh, often, yes.
He likes to work at night.
He's an artist.
And he didn't go out last night? Not that I know of.
If you'd like to wait in here, I'll fetch him.
Thank you.
She's very cool, Chief.
Mm.
Seems to be.
He won't be along.
He was already awake when I went to his room.
You have separate rooms? So do a lot of married couples, don't they? Does your husband work here? Yes.
Does he work a lot? Too much for his health.
he's never been very strong.
We always try to go away at this time of year, but he has accepted a commission which will prevent us from taking a holiday at all.
I'll go and see if he's ready.
(DOOR OPENS) I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, gentlemen.
I was asleep.
I have been working very hard on the interior decoration of a large house, which a friend is building in Normandy.
I have to ask you some personal questions, Monsieur Moncin.
What suit were you wearing yesterday? Well, I'll show you.
You were wearing this yesterday? Yes.
In the evening.
Until just after dinner.
Then I changed into what I'm wearing now.
I mostly work like this at night.
Did you go out after nine? No, I was working until after two.
That's why I was asleep when you arrived.
I need a LOT of sleep.
Have you got the sample? May I look in your wardrobe? Of course.
In September, your tailor made you a suit from this material.
Do you remember it? I remember.
Where is it now? I know I was standing on the platform of a bus, when someone beside me burned the sleeve with a cigarette.
You took it to be mended? No, no.
I can't stand anything that's been damaged.
Even when I was a child, I used to throw away a toy if it had a scratch on it.
Threw the suit away? You put it in the bin? No, I took it out with me when I went for a walk by the river.
I gave it to a tramp.
How long ago was this? Two or three days.
Be more precise, please The evening before last.
Mr Moncin, I must ask you to dress and come with me to the police headquarters.
Inspector Lapointe will stay with you while I talk to you wife.
I regret this, but I cannot do otherwise As you wish.
May I ask for what reason? No.
Not now.
In my office.
Who's this, Chief Inspector? Another murder suspect? Is he the culprit? Is he a local lad? What's his name? Tell us something, Chief Inspector! Got the right one this time? How long have you been married, Monsieur Moncin? 12 years.
How old are you? I'm 32.
You're an architect.
Architect/interior decorator.
I suppose that means you're an architect who specialises in interior decoration.
Not exactly.
Would you mind explaining that to me? I'm not allowed to draw up the plans for a building because I haven't actually a degree in architecture.
What have you a degree in? I began as a painter.
You may have noticed the pictures in our drawing room? They're mine.
Oh, yes.
So you're not a qualified architect.
And, if I understand you correctly, anybody can call themselves a decorator.
I appreciate your clarification.
I suppose you're trying to imply that I'm a failure.
Oh, well, you're entitled to do so.
I have heard it before.
You were born in Paris.
Yes.
Whereabouts? An apartment in the Rue Coulaincourt.
Bang in the centre of all the attacks.
His father had a butcher's shop in the district.
The business was let when he died.
His mother still lives here on her own.
No hint of a confession, then Very calm denials.
Pity about the identity parade? If only that girl could have been certain.
She picked him out as the most likely, though.
That's why I'm going to try her again tonight at the place where it happened.
Not very pleasant for her, I know.
Very convenient, her mother living in the district.
He could have run here for cover last night.
No wonder we didn't catch him.
What did you say? We believe your son is responsible for the deaths of five women in this district.
Are you saying my Marcel is a murderer? Are you saying that? It's impossible.
Well Take a look.
That's Marcel.
He wouldn't hurt a fly.
He wouldn't know how.
You can see that.
What's the matter with you? What are you talking about? Was your son here last night? Who told you that? So he was here.
No.
But he comes here sometimes.
Of course he does.
He comes here often.
I'm his mother.
Has he been here in the last 24 hours? No, I told you.
No.
When did you last see him? I don't know.
You don't remember his visits.
No.
Tell me, Madame Moncin, as a child, did Marcel suffer from any serious illness? No.
I mean, he had measles, and a touch of bronchitis.
What are you trying to get me to say? When he got married, was it with your approval? Yes.
I was even stupid enough to It was you who arranged the marriage.
What does it matter now? But now you get on very badly with your daughter-in-law.
What's it got to do with you? That's my son's private life and none of your business.
If that woman If that woman? I told you, it's none of your business.
Have you arrested Marcel? He's in my office at Headquarters.
I want to see him, do you understand? I'm his mother and I want to see him now.
As you wish.
Don't be frightened, Marcel.
I'm here.
What are they doing to you? They haven't hurt you? No, momma.
I've going to find the best lawyer in Paris.
I don't care how much he wants, I'll spend every penny I've got.
I'll do anything.
Sshh, Momma.
Shush.
Would you care to sit down, madame? I don't need to sit down.
What I want is to have my son back? Come along, Marcel.
They won't dare to keep you here.
I'm sorry to have to tell you that we will.
Now, would you care to sit down and answer some questions? I'll answer nothing at all.
Don't be afraid, Marcel.
You'll be hearing from me very soon.
Your mother seems to be very fond of you.
I'm all she's got left.
Was she very attached to your father? What kind of a man was your father? My father was a butcher.
Were you ashamed of him? Please.
Don't ask me questions like that.
I know perfectly well what you're getting at.
But you're wrong.
Completely wrong.
I shall answer no more questions.
None at all.
Yeah, I do.
I want it now.
Right.
Bye.
No trace of the suit? Nothing yet, no.
No positive identification.
Well, either he's got to talk or one of those two women have.
One of those two knows.
I'd bet on that.
Soyou really believe it was Marcel? One day, you will realise you're mistaken.
And then you will be very sorry for the terrible harm you are doing him.
You love him? He's my husband.
You've put him in prison? Not yet.
He's still at Police Headquarters.
We're going to question him again.
What does he say? He refuses to answer.
Do you have anything to tell me, Madame Moncin? Nothing.
You realise, don't you, even if your husband is guilty, he'll be spared the guillotine? I have no doubt the doctors will say he's not responsible for his actions.
The man who killed five women in the street, and then slashes their clothes, has to be very, very sick.
Are you listening to me? I'm listening.
Five women have died so far.
And as long as their killer remains at large other lives will be in danger, do you realise that? You also realise that until now he has only attacked women in the street.
The process may change.
And tomorrow he might even start attacking people around him.
Aren't you frightened? No.
You don't have the feeling that, for months, perhaps even years, your own life has been in danger? No.
Why do you and your mother-in-law get on so badly? So you're not going to send your husband back to me No, I'm not.
Just say when you're ready.
I'm ready.
Lucas.
Turn.
Do you recognise him? I'm certain it's him.
You can formally identify? Yes.
Do you have anything to say? Nothing.
Take him back to the cells.
Chief? Sergeant.
What is it? (KNOCK ON DOOR) Come in! Sorry, Chief.
Comeliau's on the phone.
Oh, no.
Still nothing? Thank you, Lucas.
Maigret 'Chief Inspector.
'I've just woken up to the radio.
'I gather there was another murder last night.
'In the first place, thank you for telling me.
'Second, I assume you're releasing Moncin.
' I'm sorry, sir.
In the first place we've been rather busy, trying to catch who did it.
In the second, I didn't want to disturb you in the night.
And in the third, no, I haven't released Moncin.
'Well, there can't possibly be a case against him now.
' I wouldn't say that necessarily - 'Now, look, Maigret, 'I shall have my bath and dress and come straight down to the office.
'I must insist on examining Moncin at once 'to decide if he can still be ill.
'I very much doubt if he can.
Goodbye.
' Goodbye.
Lucas! Coming, Chief! I want those two women here.
Don't send Lapointe.
She'll have him for breakfast.
But both of them here as soon as you can.
Tell them there's been a new development.
And get Moncin here at once.
I must have time.
Whatever you do, keep Comeliau out of my hair.
Right.
Suppose the two women haven't heard there's been another murder.
Yeah.
Good idea.
But don't let them think we're holding anything back.
And don't tell Moncin.
(KNOCK ON DOOR) Come in.
Ah.
Monsieur Moncin.
Please sit down.
Thank you, Lucas.
I won't keep you long.
Just long enough to find out what sort imbecile I've been dealing with.
What made you go out the night before last and try and attack a woman in the street? Been reading the papers, had you? Were you jealous of the publicity the murderer was getting? Or do you like a slice of fame for yourself? I should have realised when you made such a hash of it.
You see, the man we've been hunting all these months has never been caught.
Because he's clever and very efficient.
You were so cack-handed, we had you almost at once.
I agree it doesn't say much for me, but even detectives have their blind spots.
And I'm afraid I had mine with you.
I don't know what you're talking about.
You're not a murderer.
What you are is a ridiculous nuisance who led me up the garden path.
You're a middle-class, untalented layabout mollycoddled by your wife and mother, both of of whom, for some mysterious reason, seem to worship the ground upon which you walk.
Well, perhaps last night will open their eyes a bit.
I mean, when they have to face the fact that, because you put us off the scent, another poor girl was stabbed to death.
Last night? 19, she was.
On her way home from a dance.
Exactly the same pattern as the other five murders.
And obviously committed by the same man.
Why are you making this up? What are you trying to get me to say? I'm making nothing up.
Early edition.
Look at it.
You can read every paper there is, if you want to confirm it.
But you won't, will you? Because you and I both know what an idiot you are.
And I tell you this.
If I have anything to do with it, when you're charged with attacking that policewoman, and you saw for yourself she identified you, you won't do six months in prison for common assault.
You'll go to a lunatic asylum, which is where you belong.
(PHONE RINGS) Maigret.
Camellia's just arrived, Chief.
Keep him busy for me, will you? Please.
Chief Inspector Maigret will speak with you shortly.
I hope he'll release Marcel straight away.
Well, the investigation is still proceeding, madame.
If there has been another murder, there can be no case against him.
Please sit down, madame.
That won't be necessary, madame.
(KNOCK ON DOOR) They're both in the interview room, chief.
I don't want to see them.
I don't have to.
Oh, come on, Moncin.
I think you should.
They know what's best for you.
Between them, they've spent a life time looking after you.
I don't want to see them.
We'll be here.
Don't worry.
Ask then to come in, will you, Janvier? (PHONE RINGS) Lucas.
'Lucas? Comeliau.
'Can I speak to Maigret?' He's not in, sir.
He's just popped out of the office.
'Oh.
Well, the moment he comes in, tell him I'm in my office 'and want to interview Moncin at once.
At once, understand?' Yes, of course, sir.
'If I don't hear very shortly, 'I shall come over!' (HANGS UP) You mean, you're not releasing him? You know he's not the murderer.
Please, Yvonne, leave this to me.
What reason have you got to keep him here? Because the night before last he attacked a girl.
That girl has now positively identified him.
And what worth is that to you? People are always making mistakes at identifications.
In the struggle, the victim tore a button from the attacker's suit, a suit we know to be your son's.
I realise we're not talking about a capital crime, not even a standard prison sentence.
What we probably have is a man with a disturbed mind, in need of psychiatric treatment.
Whatever the reason, he'll have to be charged.
Suppose - I'm sure you're mistaken - but suppose this attack did take place in the way you suggest, then perhaps if he and I both undertook that he should have treatment, perhaps the court would agree to release him to me.
Or to me.
To you? It might be more appropriate since he was in your care when it happened.
When what happened? Anyway, they'll probably decide that a psychiatric hospital will be best.
I am not insane.
There is nothing whatever wrong with my mind.
Do you suppose a man has to be insane to loathe the way you take over my life? Both of you.
Both.
Do I have to be insane to loathe myself for letting it go on and on and on, crawling all the time from one to the other in a useless effort to get some peace.
Is that why you started killing? I was I don't know.
I suppose so, yes.
Don't say anything, Marcel.
He said it, madame.
You didn't care who you killed as long as they were women.
I was brilliant at it.
Wasn't I? I couldn't stop.
Everyone was baffled and terrified.
And it was me.
They wouldn't have thought I was capable.
Please leave him alone.
Quite right, Chief inspector.
I'm afraid he is ill.
He can't be telling the truth.
How could he be? There was another murder last night.
And which of you did it? Excuse me, sir.
Looking for the Chief Inspector? Mm.
He's just gone to the cells.
Oh, for goodness' sake.
Come with me.
One of you did your best to save him last night.
One of you risked the guillotine by killing that poor girl, tried to persuade us that the murderer is still at large.
You spent years battling for possession of him.
One of you decided to win by risking the greatest sacrifice.
I am perfectly willing to die for my son.
He's my child.
It doesn't matter what he's done.
Are you saying you're responsible for the murder committed on the Rue de Maitre last night? Yes.
In that case, can you tell me the colour of the victim's dress? The papers withheld that information.
I'm not sure.
It was too dark to s Oh, come on.
There was a street lamp not ten metres away.
I didn't pay attention.
Not even when you slashed the material? The dress was blue.
Yes.
It was blue.
You finish it, Janvier.
I'll see Comeliau.
You're free to leave at any time, madame.
I'm sorry, sir.
I could have sworn that's where he was.
Maigretwhat's going on? I must see Moncin now.
Of course you must, sir.
I was just coming to see you.
He's in my office.
He's just made his confession.
He's ready for you to examine.
Well done, Chief.
Thank you.
I'll be over the road, if you need me.
Going for a drink? A large one.
SEAN SUTTON
Oh.
.
Thank you, Moers.
It seems she had just popped out to find a late night chemist.
I found the neighbour looking after her two little children.
A boy of four and a girl of two.
Oh, my God.
No-one ever seems to see anything.
He must know this district like the back of his hand.
Good evening, Chief Inspector.
Oh, my God! Here comes the press.
Didn't take you long, Rougin.
Is it victim number five? It looks that way.
Excuse me, Chief.
And only two streets away from the last one.
And a few streets away from the other three, as I'm sure your readers are aware.
It's my job to keep the public informed.
And mine to catch the murderer, as you continually point out.
Time I posed for a new photograph.
I hope they're not being rude again.
They say every woman in Montmarte terrified and me, apparently, getting nowhere at all.
Not only "apparently".
This man, the who's doing all this, do you think he's got a reason? Or is he just a maniac? He's filled five strangers, I'm pretty sure of that.
There's no connection between any of these women at all.
Different backgrounds, different ages, different everything.
It must make him some kind of a maniac.
But there's always a reason.
What's going on? Is it the the murderer? Inspector! Inspector Janvier! No questions, please.
Inspector! You're from the murder district.
Has he come from there? Is this an arrest? Inspector Janvier! I bet Rougin's on the phone already.
At 3:53 this afternoon, Inspector Janvier, and Inspector Tissot from the 16th Arrondisement, in which all the murders have taken place, arrived at police headquarters, accompanying a man whose face was shielded with a hat.
His identity for the moment must remain a mystery.
It's ten-to eleven, chief.
Right.
Let's go.
Sergeant Lucas! Inspector, are you holding this man?! Have you a statement, Inspector?! Has he told you anything about the murders?! Oh, come on! Are you holding him over night? Is he going to the cells? Can you tell us? Are you holding him? Chief Inspector Maigret.
Chief Inspector.
Has he confessed? Chief Inspector, what's going on? What's going on? Who was he? Who was who? Come on, the man you've been questioning.
Is he a suspect? Is this anything to do with the Montmartre murders?/ I'm sorry, but I can't tell you anything.
Good night.
I give you a lift, chief? No, I need a walk.
Good night, Lucas.
Good night, Chief.
(PHONE RINGS) Maigret.
'Were you asleep, Maigret?' Yes, I was, sir.
'I must talk to you.
' Of course, sir.
'It's very important.
' As soon as I get there.
Morning.
Morning, sir.
'Maigret, what is the meaning of this?' Meaning of what, sir? The papers, of course.
This morning's papers.
I haven't had a chance to read them yet, sir.
(READS) 'Killer Caught At Last.
Montmartre Maniac Held.
' It says that you questioned a man for seven hours and then you sent him down to the cells.
Now, for goodness' sake, you know the rules.
I am the examining magistrate.
If a suspect is to be questioned, I have to be present and decide - I haven't questioned anybody, sir.
Are you saying the press have made this up? I'm saying they've been making assumptions.
Then would please explain the basis for these assumptions? Someone did some and see me yesterday afternoon.
A man I haven't seen for years.
That's because he's been working abroad.
Two inspectors showed him the way because he didn't know where my office was.
He covered his face because he's rather shy.
Are you saying this commotion they're on about, all this was because of a social call? Well, not quite, sir, no.
When you were questioned, you didn't deny that it had to do with the murders.
I said I had nothing to say.
Which was true.
And what an earth is the result? Hm? The result is all this.
Precisely what I'd hoped for, sir.
You wish the public to believe you've made an arrest.
I wish the murderer to believe I've made an arrest.
And suppose when people hear about this arrest, they relax the precautions they've been taking and there's another murder.
Have you you thought of that? Yes, sir, I have.
What I intend to do is set a trap.
Without anyone realising it, of course.
'At six 'clock, I shall leave for home as normal, 'in case the press are keeping an eye on me.
'It's vital they don't suspect anything.
'My own inspectors will also leave at the usual time.
'We'll have a quick drink in the Brasserie Dauphine as we usually do.
'The murders have all been committed between nine and ten, 'and in the same part of the city.
'Just after 8:30, the first team of policewomen, 'all volunteers, of course, and all highly trained in physical combat, 'will move into the district.
'They'll be dressed and behave like people who live there, 'but, needless to say, they'll be carefully watched, 'not only by plain-clothed men on the street, 'but in cafes and restaurants and cars.
'All through the evening, other men will have been booking into hotels 'and boarding houses, as ordinary guests, 'and taking rooms that have vantage points.
'The women will patrol the murder districts, 'where any cry or whistle for help will bring immediate assistance.
'It will be the biggest operation mounted for a case like this.
'I won't pretend that it's not dangerous.
'I'm responsible for these girls.
I accept that.
'It's my prayer and my belief 'that I've taken every precaution that I can, 'that everything has been well enough planned for the murderer 'to have no idea that anything unusual is going on.
' Right, where shall we start, chief? Place Clichy? Why not? (SPEECH DROWNED OUT BY SOUNDTRACK) Is she one of ours? Could be.
There's one on this beat somewhere.
God, I hope I've got this right.
Do you think all this is gonna work, then? Trust the Chief.
He knows what he's doing.
(LIVELY CHATTER) (CONVERSATION DROWNED OUT BY CHATTER) Nothing? A prostitute reporting a sailor for roughing her up.
You know what, Chief? Here we are, doing all this.
And he might not even be in Paris.
Where to now? Wherever you like.
Go to the other end of the boulevard.
We'll do the whole area again Remember that place there? Where he got the third one.
I remember that one from the briefing.
Tenty-past ten.
He's never attacked as late as this before.
Looks like back again tomorrow.
How many nights can we keep this up for, Chief? All right, let's try the airport.
(POLICE WHISTLE) Where was that? I don't know.
(POLICE WHISTLE) Isn't he one of ours? Let's get after him.
(SIREN) he went that way.
Round the corner.
Down there! (SIREN) (SIREN) Is she all right? She's all right.
We nearly got him.
Dupont's after him.
Are you hurt? No, but I'm sorry, sir.
I couldn't cling on to him.
A button from his jacket came off in my hand.
A button.
What happened? I was just past the doorway and I sort of sensed a movement in the air, you know.
And then erhe grabbed my throat.
And then somehow, I don't know how, I managed to get a judo hold on him.
But he got out of it and ran.
I'm sorry.
Get her in the car, Lucas.
Back to HQ.
Keep me informed, Janvier.
What's your name? Martha Jusserand, sir.
Did you see him? Well, for a second, his face was right close to mine.
But I'm not certain if I'd know him again.
What was he wearing? A dark suit.
And he had dark hair.
Very ordinary, you know.
Respectable.
Respectable? How old would you say he was? Around 30, I'd say.
Oh, come on.
Would you like to stop for a drink? I don't drink.
I gave up smoking last week.
Has anyone got a cigarette? Lucas.
A cigarette.
Thank you.
There we are.
Thank you, sir.
He's married.
He had a wedding ring on.
Good girl.
I'll get him.
It may be an ordinary-looking button, but it's a very good quality.
Not the sort used on off-the-peg suits.
Shouldn't be difficult to find here it's made.
There aren't that many button manufacturers.
They all have their offices on the Rue des Petites Champs.
And the thread? That's basically the same every tailor uses.
Ah.
Now, the cloth is interesting.
Have a look.
Basically, it's just an ordinary grey.
But there's a light blue thread woven in, which gives it a special character.
Yes.
I'd swear it wasn't French.
English, I'd say.
There aren't many dealers who import cloth.
And as it so happens, I can give you a list of all of them.
(PHONE RINGS) Hello? It's for you, Chief.
Sergeant Lucas.
Oh.
Hello, Lucas.
No, I haven't got time to report to reporters.
You know what to say.
You see them.
Where's Chief Inspector Maigret? He's busy.
Can we speak to him? No, you'll have to make to with me.
Has your prisoner escaped, Sergeant? What prisoner? have you released him? Who? The killer has attacked again tonight, hasn't he? An attack on a young woman did occur this evening, but she was unharmed.
Who was she? I can't tell you that.
Are you keeping it a secret? No, I'm just not telling you.
Why? Is she married? Shouldn't she have been there.
Possibly.
Or possibly not.
Don't you think this is all very mystifying? What mystifies us, Mr Rougin, is the identity of the killer.
You've discovered that? No, not yet.
That's why we're mystified Are you any nearer finding out, after tonight? Listen, we're all worn out.
If you don't mind, I'll get a couple of hours' sleep.
Did the woman get a good look at her attacker? Enough for a description? All right, yeah.
He was about 30, dark hair, wearing a dark suit.
It's a bit vague, isn't it? I know it's not much.
In a day or two we may be able to give you more, but for the time being you'll have to make do with it.
I'm sorry.
Are you releasing the man you brought in? I said, I'm sorry! Good night.
Have you seen Rougin's piece in this morning's paper? (READS) 'Killer Escapes From Police Trap.
' He's seen right through your scheme.
(READS) 'It seems that by accusing some else, 'our good friend Chief Inspector Maigret hoped 'that he might wound the murderer's vanity 'and provoke him into a fresh attack.
' Ah.
Another frustrated psychiatrist.
'That attack came in Montmartre last night 'and it was perhaps more by luck than judgement 'that another murder did not take place.
' Was the operation a total failure? No, sir.
The young lady is alive and well.
We've been working very hard all night, sir.
I've had three hours' sleep, some of my men less.
But are you any nearer to catching him? We have some material evidence.
What? A button, sir.
A button? And a fragment of cloth.
It could lead us to himeventually.
Of course, there's no knowing how long it might take.
(PHONE RINGS) Comeliau here.
Mm-hm.
.
It's for you.
Maigret.
Lapointe? Where are you are? I'll be there.
It took two hours, sir.
Chief.
I couldn't believe it.
It was so straightforward.
Take it easy.
The cloth's a new weave.
Only two cloth importers have handled it.
They gave me a list of the tailors they'd supplied.
The button makers give us a list as well.
There were only two names on both lists.
Janvier and I split them up and I hit the jackpot.
The one I went to has only made two suits in this material, and one of them he hasn't even delivered yet.
The other was for Marcel Moncin, third floor.
No.
.
43 over there.
We've got him, chief.
How do you know the tailor Janvier went to hasn't made 20 suits from that material and had them delivered to 20 different people?/fon It's all right.
He called in.
He hasn't made any.
We're away from the murder district, though.
Yeah, I thought about that.
But perhaps he works there.
Let's go and find out.
Good morning, Chief.
Good morning.
We'll use the stairs.
Yes? Is Monsieur Moncin at home? I don't know.
If you wait a minute, I'll go and ask madame.
Who is it? Two gentlemen who want to speak to monsieur, madame.
/f Thank you, Odile.
I'm sorry.
You want.
? Is your husband here? You mean, you wish to see him? So he is here? Yes, but he's asleep.
I must ask you to wake him.
May I ask who -? Police.
You're Police Inspector Maigret.
I've seen your picture in the papers.
I'm Yvonne Moncin.
Please wake your husband.
I suppose he got home late last night.
Would do you mean? Does he usually sleep until after 11? Oh, often, yes.
He likes to work at night.
He's an artist.
And he didn't go out last night? Not that I know of.
If you'd like to wait in here, I'll fetch him.
Thank you.
She's very cool, Chief.
Mm.
Seems to be.
He won't be along.
He was already awake when I went to his room.
You have separate rooms? So do a lot of married couples, don't they? Does your husband work here? Yes.
Does he work a lot? Too much for his health.
he's never been very strong.
We always try to go away at this time of year, but he has accepted a commission which will prevent us from taking a holiday at all.
I'll go and see if he's ready.
(DOOR OPENS) I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, gentlemen.
I was asleep.
I have been working very hard on the interior decoration of a large house, which a friend is building in Normandy.
I have to ask you some personal questions, Monsieur Moncin.
What suit were you wearing yesterday? Well, I'll show you.
You were wearing this yesterday? Yes.
In the evening.
Until just after dinner.
Then I changed into what I'm wearing now.
I mostly work like this at night.
Did you go out after nine? No, I was working until after two.
That's why I was asleep when you arrived.
I need a LOT of sleep.
Have you got the sample? May I look in your wardrobe? Of course.
In September, your tailor made you a suit from this material.
Do you remember it? I remember.
Where is it now? I know I was standing on the platform of a bus, when someone beside me burned the sleeve with a cigarette.
You took it to be mended? No, no.
I can't stand anything that's been damaged.
Even when I was a child, I used to throw away a toy if it had a scratch on it.
Threw the suit away? You put it in the bin? No, I took it out with me when I went for a walk by the river.
I gave it to a tramp.
How long ago was this? Two or three days.
Be more precise, please The evening before last.
Mr Moncin, I must ask you to dress and come with me to the police headquarters.
Inspector Lapointe will stay with you while I talk to you wife.
I regret this, but I cannot do otherwise As you wish.
May I ask for what reason? No.
Not now.
In my office.
Who's this, Chief Inspector? Another murder suspect? Is he the culprit? Is he a local lad? What's his name? Tell us something, Chief Inspector! Got the right one this time? How long have you been married, Monsieur Moncin? 12 years.
How old are you? I'm 32.
You're an architect.
Architect/interior decorator.
I suppose that means you're an architect who specialises in interior decoration.
Not exactly.
Would you mind explaining that to me? I'm not allowed to draw up the plans for a building because I haven't actually a degree in architecture.
What have you a degree in? I began as a painter.
You may have noticed the pictures in our drawing room? They're mine.
Oh, yes.
So you're not a qualified architect.
And, if I understand you correctly, anybody can call themselves a decorator.
I appreciate your clarification.
I suppose you're trying to imply that I'm a failure.
Oh, well, you're entitled to do so.
I have heard it before.
You were born in Paris.
Yes.
Whereabouts? An apartment in the Rue Coulaincourt.
Bang in the centre of all the attacks.
His father had a butcher's shop in the district.
The business was let when he died.
His mother still lives here on her own.
No hint of a confession, then Very calm denials.
Pity about the identity parade? If only that girl could have been certain.
She picked him out as the most likely, though.
That's why I'm going to try her again tonight at the place where it happened.
Not very pleasant for her, I know.
Very convenient, her mother living in the district.
He could have run here for cover last night.
No wonder we didn't catch him.
What did you say? We believe your son is responsible for the deaths of five women in this district.
Are you saying my Marcel is a murderer? Are you saying that? It's impossible.
Well Take a look.
That's Marcel.
He wouldn't hurt a fly.
He wouldn't know how.
You can see that.
What's the matter with you? What are you talking about? Was your son here last night? Who told you that? So he was here.
No.
But he comes here sometimes.
Of course he does.
He comes here often.
I'm his mother.
Has he been here in the last 24 hours? No, I told you.
No.
When did you last see him? I don't know.
You don't remember his visits.
No.
Tell me, Madame Moncin, as a child, did Marcel suffer from any serious illness? No.
I mean, he had measles, and a touch of bronchitis.
What are you trying to get me to say? When he got married, was it with your approval? Yes.
I was even stupid enough to It was you who arranged the marriage.
What does it matter now? But now you get on very badly with your daughter-in-law.
What's it got to do with you? That's my son's private life and none of your business.
If that woman If that woman? I told you, it's none of your business.
Have you arrested Marcel? He's in my office at Headquarters.
I want to see him, do you understand? I'm his mother and I want to see him now.
As you wish.
Don't be frightened, Marcel.
I'm here.
What are they doing to you? They haven't hurt you? No, momma.
I've going to find the best lawyer in Paris.
I don't care how much he wants, I'll spend every penny I've got.
I'll do anything.
Sshh, Momma.
Shush.
Would you care to sit down, madame? I don't need to sit down.
What I want is to have my son back? Come along, Marcel.
They won't dare to keep you here.
I'm sorry to have to tell you that we will.
Now, would you care to sit down and answer some questions? I'll answer nothing at all.
Don't be afraid, Marcel.
You'll be hearing from me very soon.
Your mother seems to be very fond of you.
I'm all she's got left.
Was she very attached to your father? What kind of a man was your father? My father was a butcher.
Were you ashamed of him? Please.
Don't ask me questions like that.
I know perfectly well what you're getting at.
But you're wrong.
Completely wrong.
I shall answer no more questions.
None at all.
Yeah, I do.
I want it now.
Right.
Bye.
No trace of the suit? Nothing yet, no.
No positive identification.
Well, either he's got to talk or one of those two women have.
One of those two knows.
I'd bet on that.
Soyou really believe it was Marcel? One day, you will realise you're mistaken.
And then you will be very sorry for the terrible harm you are doing him.
You love him? He's my husband.
You've put him in prison? Not yet.
He's still at Police Headquarters.
We're going to question him again.
What does he say? He refuses to answer.
Do you have anything to tell me, Madame Moncin? Nothing.
You realise, don't you, even if your husband is guilty, he'll be spared the guillotine? I have no doubt the doctors will say he's not responsible for his actions.
The man who killed five women in the street, and then slashes their clothes, has to be very, very sick.
Are you listening to me? I'm listening.
Five women have died so far.
And as long as their killer remains at large other lives will be in danger, do you realise that? You also realise that until now he has only attacked women in the street.
The process may change.
And tomorrow he might even start attacking people around him.
Aren't you frightened? No.
You don't have the feeling that, for months, perhaps even years, your own life has been in danger? No.
Why do you and your mother-in-law get on so badly? So you're not going to send your husband back to me No, I'm not.
Just say when you're ready.
I'm ready.
Lucas.
Turn.
Do you recognise him? I'm certain it's him.
You can formally identify? Yes.
Do you have anything to say? Nothing.
Take him back to the cells.
Chief? Sergeant.
What is it? (KNOCK ON DOOR) Come in! Sorry, Chief.
Comeliau's on the phone.
Oh, no.
Still nothing? Thank you, Lucas.
Maigret 'Chief Inspector.
'I've just woken up to the radio.
'I gather there was another murder last night.
'In the first place, thank you for telling me.
'Second, I assume you're releasing Moncin.
' I'm sorry, sir.
In the first place we've been rather busy, trying to catch who did it.
In the second, I didn't want to disturb you in the night.
And in the third, no, I haven't released Moncin.
'Well, there can't possibly be a case against him now.
' I wouldn't say that necessarily - 'Now, look, Maigret, 'I shall have my bath and dress and come straight down to the office.
'I must insist on examining Moncin at once 'to decide if he can still be ill.
'I very much doubt if he can.
Goodbye.
' Goodbye.
Lucas! Coming, Chief! I want those two women here.
Don't send Lapointe.
She'll have him for breakfast.
But both of them here as soon as you can.
Tell them there's been a new development.
And get Moncin here at once.
I must have time.
Whatever you do, keep Comeliau out of my hair.
Right.
Suppose the two women haven't heard there's been another murder.
Yeah.
Good idea.
But don't let them think we're holding anything back.
And don't tell Moncin.
(KNOCK ON DOOR) Come in.
Ah.
Monsieur Moncin.
Please sit down.
Thank you, Lucas.
I won't keep you long.
Just long enough to find out what sort imbecile I've been dealing with.
What made you go out the night before last and try and attack a woman in the street? Been reading the papers, had you? Were you jealous of the publicity the murderer was getting? Or do you like a slice of fame for yourself? I should have realised when you made such a hash of it.
You see, the man we've been hunting all these months has never been caught.
Because he's clever and very efficient.
You were so cack-handed, we had you almost at once.
I agree it doesn't say much for me, but even detectives have their blind spots.
And I'm afraid I had mine with you.
I don't know what you're talking about.
You're not a murderer.
What you are is a ridiculous nuisance who led me up the garden path.
You're a middle-class, untalented layabout mollycoddled by your wife and mother, both of of whom, for some mysterious reason, seem to worship the ground upon which you walk.
Well, perhaps last night will open their eyes a bit.
I mean, when they have to face the fact that, because you put us off the scent, another poor girl was stabbed to death.
Last night? 19, she was.
On her way home from a dance.
Exactly the same pattern as the other five murders.
And obviously committed by the same man.
Why are you making this up? What are you trying to get me to say? I'm making nothing up.
Early edition.
Look at it.
You can read every paper there is, if you want to confirm it.
But you won't, will you? Because you and I both know what an idiot you are.
And I tell you this.
If I have anything to do with it, when you're charged with attacking that policewoman, and you saw for yourself she identified you, you won't do six months in prison for common assault.
You'll go to a lunatic asylum, which is where you belong.
(PHONE RINGS) Maigret.
Camellia's just arrived, Chief.
Keep him busy for me, will you? Please.
Chief Inspector Maigret will speak with you shortly.
I hope he'll release Marcel straight away.
Well, the investigation is still proceeding, madame.
If there has been another murder, there can be no case against him.
Please sit down, madame.
That won't be necessary, madame.
(KNOCK ON DOOR) They're both in the interview room, chief.
I don't want to see them.
I don't have to.
Oh, come on, Moncin.
I think you should.
They know what's best for you.
Between them, they've spent a life time looking after you.
I don't want to see them.
We'll be here.
Don't worry.
Ask then to come in, will you, Janvier? (PHONE RINGS) Lucas.
'Lucas? Comeliau.
'Can I speak to Maigret?' He's not in, sir.
He's just popped out of the office.
'Oh.
Well, the moment he comes in, tell him I'm in my office 'and want to interview Moncin at once.
At once, understand?' Yes, of course, sir.
'If I don't hear very shortly, 'I shall come over!' (HANGS UP) You mean, you're not releasing him? You know he's not the murderer.
Please, Yvonne, leave this to me.
What reason have you got to keep him here? Because the night before last he attacked a girl.
That girl has now positively identified him.
And what worth is that to you? People are always making mistakes at identifications.
In the struggle, the victim tore a button from the attacker's suit, a suit we know to be your son's.
I realise we're not talking about a capital crime, not even a standard prison sentence.
What we probably have is a man with a disturbed mind, in need of psychiatric treatment.
Whatever the reason, he'll have to be charged.
Suppose - I'm sure you're mistaken - but suppose this attack did take place in the way you suggest, then perhaps if he and I both undertook that he should have treatment, perhaps the court would agree to release him to me.
Or to me.
To you? It might be more appropriate since he was in your care when it happened.
When what happened? Anyway, they'll probably decide that a psychiatric hospital will be best.
I am not insane.
There is nothing whatever wrong with my mind.
Do you suppose a man has to be insane to loathe the way you take over my life? Both of you.
Both.
Do I have to be insane to loathe myself for letting it go on and on and on, crawling all the time from one to the other in a useless effort to get some peace.
Is that why you started killing? I was I don't know.
I suppose so, yes.
Don't say anything, Marcel.
He said it, madame.
You didn't care who you killed as long as they were women.
I was brilliant at it.
Wasn't I? I couldn't stop.
Everyone was baffled and terrified.
And it was me.
They wouldn't have thought I was capable.
Please leave him alone.
Quite right, Chief inspector.
I'm afraid he is ill.
He can't be telling the truth.
How could he be? There was another murder last night.
And which of you did it? Excuse me, sir.
Looking for the Chief Inspector? Mm.
He's just gone to the cells.
Oh, for goodness' sake.
Come with me.
One of you did your best to save him last night.
One of you risked the guillotine by killing that poor girl, tried to persuade us that the murderer is still at large.
You spent years battling for possession of him.
One of you decided to win by risking the greatest sacrifice.
I am perfectly willing to die for my son.
He's my child.
It doesn't matter what he's done.
Are you saying you're responsible for the murder committed on the Rue de Maitre last night? Yes.
In that case, can you tell me the colour of the victim's dress? The papers withheld that information.
I'm not sure.
It was too dark to s Oh, come on.
There was a street lamp not ten metres away.
I didn't pay attention.
Not even when you slashed the material? The dress was blue.
Yes.
It was blue.
You finish it, Janvier.
I'll see Comeliau.
You're free to leave at any time, madame.
I'm sorry, sir.
I could have sworn that's where he was.
Maigretwhat's going on? I must see Moncin now.
Of course you must, sir.
I was just coming to see you.
He's in my office.
He's just made his confession.
He's ready for you to examine.
Well done, Chief.
Thank you.
I'll be over the road, if you need me.
Going for a drink? A large one.
SEAN SUTTON