Bat Out of Hell (1966) s01e01 Episode Script

[Music Plays]
Oh! Don't tell me you're taking
your mink coat with you.
Oh, don’t be ridiculous.
Thelma’s picking it up.
She's taking it to the furrier's for me,
I'm having it altered while we're away.
That's right, Di, I spend every bob I've got,
never mind the cost.
I'm only having it altered.
And please don't call me Di,
you know I hate it.
Have you found the key yet?
Yes, but it won't work.
I think the lock's jammed.
It's a damned nuisance, we’ll have to
make do with the two upstairs.
We could buy another suitcase.
Yes, I thought you would say that.
'Buy, buy, buy!', that's usually
your answer, isn't it Diana?
Oh for goodness sake Geoffrey!
You've had that case donkey's years,
it looks like something out of the ark!
This case belonged to my father.
It's a perfectly good suitcase.
How can it be a perfectly good suitcase
if you can't get it open?
Sounds like the front door.
I'll be your friend Thelma.
Mrs. Houston will answer it.
I thought Mrs. Houston had already gone.
No, she changed her mind.
She's going on the 11 o'clock,
I promised to run her to the station.
Mr. Paxton, sir.
Hello Mark, what do you want?
It's 9 o'clock, why the devil
aren't you at the office?
Well, I thought perhaps you
might like to borrow this, sir.
When we were talking
about your holiday
-Oh, good morning Mrs. Stewart.
-Good morning Mark.
My dear fellow you shouldn't
have taken it literally, I only meant
I happened to mention we were short
on cases, Mark offered to lend us one.
It's very kind of you my dear chap,
very kind indeed.
It looks just the job.
The keys are inside.
Yes, I can see that.
Is there anything else
I can do for you, sir?
Perhaps I could run you
and Mrs. Stewart to the airport?
No it's all under control.
Thank you very much.
Ned's picking us up
and taking us to the airport.
I'll see you at the office,
we're not going until this evening.
I hope you have a pleasant journey,
Mrs. Stewart.
Thank you Mark.
And a lovely holiday.
I'm sure you will.
It was 78 degrees yesterday.
78? Good grief, we shall fry.
It's bound to be too hot
or too cold, isn't it Geoffrey.
Thank you for the case Mark,
it's a nice one.
We'll take good care of it.
Well of course we will,
he knows that. Come on Mark.
She’s in the living room,
go on in.
Thank you Geoffrey.
Geoffrey told me to come in.
Hello Thelma, nice to see you.
Am I too early for you?
No, not a bit. How are you?
How's Walter?
Oh, Walter's alright, you know Walter-
lazy little devil.
Is that the coat Diana?
Yes, do you know
where to take it?
Bolton's in Cork Street.
Oh, I adore Mink.
Some people don't know they're born.
Why on earth didn't I marry a millionaire?
Well, to start with,
Geoffrey's not a millionaire
and even if he were
he'd still be as mean as hell.
Oh come off it.
Mink coats, Aston Martins,
four weeks in Can every year.
Well for your information
I'm not allowed to drive the Aston,
I bought the mink myself
and as to four weeks in Cannes,
do you know where we stay?
Well, the Carlton I imagine?
Carlton!
We stay at a place called
the "Plage et Angle-terre"
and if you've never heard of it,
I'm not surprised.
Not that Geoffrey cares
about the hotel much,
he's out on the golf course
by 10 o'clock in the morning.
Fancy going to Cannes to play golf!
Does he wear a bikini?
What's the joke?
You darling.
We were laughing at you.
Oh were you?
Well I'm going to the office now,
I shall be back about half past three.
Ned's coming at 5 o'clock,
so be ready.
-Ah, hello Squire.
-Ah, good morning Ned.
-How's Diana?
-Oh she's alright.
In a bit of a tizz, she always is
when there's any packing to be done.
Yes, I was going to give you a ring.
What time do you want
me to pick you up?
Well I told you 5 o'clock.
Now no later Ned please,
it's a 7:15 take off.
Don’t worry Squire,
I'll be there.
Seventeen hundred hours,
on the dot.
Mrs. Frobisher has turned down
the Longton property.
No! Good heavens I thought
we were home and dry with that one.
Yes, so did I.
Well I've got some good news, sir.
This will really shake you.
I've just had a call
from our man Roach,
he’s made an offer
for Lyncote Manor.
Lyncote Manor?
What's he offered for God’s sake.
Fifty thousand pounds.
Fifty- well is it a firm offer?
Yes, I think so.
I heard a rumour last week
that he was interested.
Some talk of him turning it into a hotel.
He's doing very well
with that place at Bridgeley.
Well, he'll want a survey of course.
Yes, he's asked Len Watling to do it.
Watling! That's a stroke of luck.
Yes, I thought you'd say that.
We're meeting this morning,
the three of us.
-Where, at the property?
-At 12 o'clock.
Well you'd better get hold of
Watling first, have a word with him.
I've already spoken to him.
His car's broken down, I'm giving him a lift.
Oh. Let me see
quarter to eleven.
I suppose you wouldn't like me
to come with you?
I wish you would, sir.
I was going to suggest it.
It would be a great help.
You know what Bob Roach is like,
he loves being made a fuss of.
You could be buttering him up
while I pick up Watling.
Alright Mark, I'll be ready
in 20 minutes.
I don't know why there always
seem to me to be a 101 things to do
before one can get away.
I'll be back as soon as
I've picked up Watling.
Right, I'll see you up at the house.
[Gunshots]
It's alright Diana,
it's all over.
Now don't worry.
You brought my car around?
Yes, it's outside.
Good. Now listen, when we've got
him in the car, go straight back home.
Phone me at the office later,
make it about 4 o'clock
it will easily be that by the time
I've been to Oakfield
and got rid of the car.
You're quite sure he's dead?
You say your husband has no relatives,
Mrs. Stewart, not living locally anyway?
Look inspector, my husband hasn't
suddenly taken it into his head
to visit friends or relatives
or anything like that.
We were going away together,
we were due to leave for
the south of France this evening.
Mr. Tallboy was picking us up
to take us to the airport, I -
Yes, yes. I understand Mrs. Stewart,
I understand the situation perfectly
but I must warn you the police have
no responsibility towards missing adults.
Your husband may have been taken ill
or be suffering from loss of memory,
he might have even
confused the arrangements
and gone straight
to the airport.
Well then why hasn't he telephoned?
The plane's due to take off in 15 minutes.
Yes of course.
How do you account for Mr. Paxton's story?
I can't account for it madam,
perhaps you tell me again
sir about Lyncote Manor?
About what happened this morning?
Mr. Stewart told me that Bob Roach
had made an offer for Lyncote Manor
and they'd arranged to
meet there at 12 o'clock.
He asked me if I'd
drive him out to the property
then go into Oakfield to pick up
Len Watling the surveyor.
Go on sir.
Well, I drove out to Lyncote Manor,
dropped Mr. Stewart off
and then went on to Oakfield.
Len Watling was out,
he was in London and his secretary
knew nothing about the appointment.
Naturally I was puzzled and
I drove straight back to the manor.
When I got to the house
there was no sign of Mr. Stewart
and I assumed he'd either
returned to the office
or gone off somewhere with Bob Roach.
I waited for about 20 minutes
and then I came back here to Alunbury.
What time was that, sir?
It would be about 3:30
when I got back to the office.
The first thing I did was
to phone Bob Roach.
He said he'd never
contacted Mr. Stewart
and he certainly wasn't interested
in buying Lyncote Manor.
Well,
after that I just didn't know what to do.
I dictated a half-a-dozen letters,
made a few phone calls,
then I was just about to ring Mrs. Stewart
when she telephoned herself.
I was getting worried,
it was quarter past four,
we were due to leave at five.
I told Mrs. Stewart what had happened
and she asked me if Mr. Stewart's car
was still in the car park,
I went to have a look and
sure enough it was there alright,
just where he'd left it.
I see. Have you any
[Phone rings]
I think that's for me, may I?
-Hello?
-Inspector, this is Williams.
Yes Williams. Any news?
No, I'm afraid not sir.
What about the hospitals?
Well, we've been
in touch with Oakfield,
Westerton and the two down here sir.
There's nothing to report.
Alright Williams, I'm just leaving.
I'll be with you in about 15 minutes.
What was that about the hospitals?
Oh that's alright Mrs. Stewart,
it's just routine,
we always check with the hospitals
quarter past eight.
I'm going back to the station,
if your husband should turn up
or you hear anything,
please get in touch with us immediately.
If not, I'll phone you myself
about half past ten.
Very well inspector.
And try not to worry, there's probably a
perfectly simple explanation for all this.
Are you alone in the house Diana?
Yes, Mrs. Houston left this morning.
Well I'll stay with you
if you like my dear.
Oh no Ned! I shall be perfectly alright.
I'll probably telephone Thelma,
she'll come over for a couple of hours.
Well you know where I am if you want me.
-Thank you Ned.
-Goodnight Mrs. Stewart.
-Goodnight Mark.
-Could you give me a lift inspector?
Yes of course sir.
And Mr. Stewart seemed perfectly normal
when you saw him this morning, sir?
Perfectly normal.
A bit irascible but then
the old boy always is.
How long have you known
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, sir?
Well I've known Geoffrey
for about 10 years.
I met Diana about four years ago,
just before they were married.
They haven't been married very long then?
No, about three years ago I should say.
Mrs. Stewart seems a very nice woman, sir.
Ah, she is. I'm very fond of Diana.
And Mr. Stewart, sir?
Well you sell expensive motor cars,
you've got to love everybody inspector.
Yes, I suppose you have.
Where's Mr. Paxton?
He's coming sir, he just popped back
to have a word with Mrs. Stewart,
he's giving her his phone number.
I've got the key, I'll see you
when I get back from Benchley Wood.
When are you going?
Straight away, I should be back
by 12 at the latest.
Mark, I'm worried.
Benchley Wood's over 15 miles away
Look, we've been into all this,
now don't worry!
Why Benchley Wood, wouldn't it be
Diana I've told you!
There's a gravel pit there,
they're filling in a section
early tomorrow morning,
I've known about this for weeks.
Diana leave it to me.
Believe me Darling after
tomorrow morning
they'll never find him,
not in a thousand years.
[Phone rings]
Hello? Hello?
Hello is anybody there?
Diana. Can you hear me?
It's Geoffrey.
-Geoffrey?
-Listen, listen to what I'm saying.
You've got to identify the body.
They've got to think it's me.
-Do you understand?
-Geoffrey?
I'll phone you again tomorrow
morning at 12 O’clock.
Thank you.
At first I thought
I was hearing things.
I- I couldn't believe
it was really Geoffrey.
I feel dizzy, again, take that one.
You'll be alright in a minute,
you've just had a black out, that's all.
Now go on. Tell me about the phone call.
He said, 'you've got to identify the body.'
What body?
I don't know. He said
'they've got to think it's me.'
They've got to think it's me?
-Are you sure he said that?
-Yes.
That doesn't make sense.
I know. I just don't understand it.
You told me Geoffrey was dead,
you said you were certain!
-He is dead!
-He can't be, he phoned me!
Geoffrey's dead!
I examined him not only when
he was shot but later.
Then what happened tonight?
Someone took the body from the car.
Someone phoned you,
but it wasn't Geoffrey.
Who was it?
I don't know.
It was Geoffrey, I recognised his voice,
I recognised it immediately!
No, no! It was someone else.
Someone impersonating him.
Some bastard playing a trick on us.
I tell you, it was Geoffrey! Do you think
I don't know his voice when I hear it?
Anyway you'll soon know! You'll soon know
whether I'm right or not!
What do you mean?
He's phoning again
at 12 o'clock tomorrow.
Excuse me, there's a gentleman
here to see you, a Mr. Clay.
Clay?
Yes, he says he hasn't got
an appointment but he's-
Sorry to bother you Mr. Paxton,
could you spare me two or three minutes?
Oh yes of course inspector.
That's alright Mary.
Is there any news?
I'm afraid not sir,
I've checked with Mrs. Stewart
and she hasn't heard anything.
I take it you haven't?
No. Nothing, not a- not a word.
I'm damned if I understand it.
I was just passing your office, sir.
I thought I'd like another word with you.
-Sit down inspector.
-Thank you, sir.
I was going to ring you anyway.
I'm getting worried, really worried.
I'm beginning to think
something has happened.
Well, it doesn’t look too good,
sir, I must admit.
Look, Mr. Paxton, I'll tell you
what I wanted to ask you.
I know Mr. Stewart's supposed
to be a wealthy man.
He has a very nice house,
apparently a very flourishing business
It is a very flourishing
business inspector.
There's no apparently about it,
I only wish I had a slice of it.
-Haven't you, sir?
-Me? No, of course I haven't.
I'm only an employee; 'the manager'
if you want to give me a title.
The firm isn't in financial difficulty
if that's what you're thinking inspector.
Well, it did just cross my mind.
We're making money hand over fist.
Of course Mr. Stewart may
have problems of his own,
I wouldn't know about that
but I should be very surprised if
they had anything to do with money.
Then what about sex?
-Sex?
-Yes.
Well, you've met Mrs. Stewart.
Yes, I've met her and
a very charming woman too,
but you know these wealthy business men.
On the contrary inspector,
I know very few wealthy business men.
I don't move in such exalted circles.
Well, you know what I mean, sir.
Is there anyone else?
Has he another woman?
No, not that I know of.
Well, you would know,
wouldn't you, Mr. Paxton?
What do you mean?
Well, they usually ring the office,
don't they sir?
Yes, what is it Mary?
There's a police officer outside,
he'd like a word with you inspector.
Well ask him to come in.
No, no, it's quite alright thank you.
Excuse me, Mr. Paxton,
but my sister saw a police car
leaving Mr. Stewart's house last night
and I was wondering if
there was anything the matter?
Yes. As you know, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart
were due to leave
for the south of France last night.
Unfortunately, I'm afraid
Mr. Stewart's disappeared, Mary.
-Disappeared?
-Yes.
But- but what do you mean?
Well, he's just vanished.
No one seems to know where he is.
Well doesn't Mrs. Stewart know?
No, I'm afraid not.
No one knows.
Thank you Mary.
I have some bad news I'm afraid, sir.
-What's happened?
-We found Mr. Stewart. He's dead.
Murdered either last night
or early this morning.
Good God!
Look Mr. Paxton,
I wonder if you'd do me a favour.
Yes certainly.
Would you be kind enough
to pick up Mrs. Stewart
and bring her out to Benchley Wood?
The body's got to be identified
Benchley Wood!
Why Benchley Wood?
Well, that's where the body was found.
In the gravel pit.
In the gravel pit?
But you probably know the place,
don't you sir?
Yes, I know it.
Mrs. Stewart. Thank you.
I'm sorry we had to drag you out here,
but under the circumstances.
I quite understand.
Mrs. Steward, forgive me for asking,
but are you sure?
Quite sure it was your husband?
-Quite sure.
-You sir?
Well, he's pretty badly disfigured.
He is indeed, sir.
But he's wearing the same clothes,
the same signet ring.
Surely it must be Mr. Stewart.
Look inspector, I'm sure
it is my husband.
Thank you Mrs. Stewart.
Take me home.
Inspector? How was Mr. Stewart killed?
We haven't had the doctor's report vet,
but you saw the body,
it looks pretty badly beaten up.
I should say the poor devil put up a fight
and his heart gave out.
He wasn't shot or
No, no, he wasn't shot.
He was just beaten up
and dumped here.
Why do you think Mr. Stewart
was killed, inspector?
-What was the motive?
-Motive?
Well he had no money on him
and his wallet was missing;
if he carried one, that is.
Yes he did. A very nice one.
Mrs. Stewart gave it to him.
Oh, thank you sir.
I suppose I ought to have
a word with Mrs. Stewart.
Ask her what was in the wallet
but under the circumstances
I won't bother her now.
I'll talk to her about it later.
I knew I was right.
I knew damn well I was right.
That was Geoffrey
on the phone this morning.
He knew what was going to happen,
he knew what was going
to happen this morning.
He told me to identify the body.
Diana, for God sake! Geoffrey's dead!
I think you're wrong.
I know you're wrong.
I think you made a mistake
when you examined him.
I didn't make a mistake.
The only mistake I made was
Go on.
Diana, if we fall out, we've had it.
Whatever happens now
we've got to stick together.
We've got to stick
together and play it cool.
Now for God's sake, let's remember that.
Yes. Yes of course, you're right.
[Phone rings]
-That's the phone.
-What time is it?
Just gone 12. I'll take it.