Murdoch Mysteries (2004) s19e09 Episode Script

1
(BRIGHT FESTIVE MUSIC)
You've made some sort of
machine for the store, Murdoch.
Yes, sir. It's an automated
gift-wrapping machine.
It can wrap gifts of
any size, within reason.
It's not like you to make
something so frivolous.
It's an intricate
mechanical device, sir.
While you were setting
up, did you happen to see
the Empress Josephine tiara?
- Uh, no, I did not.
- Ah!
The owner of Kelner Toys
is displaying it here today.
Then she's putting it up for auction
and giving the money to
the Children's Hospital.
- And making a big hullabaloo about it.
- Oh!
Tell me about it.
The Ladies' Auxiliary
is putting on a ballet
with Anna Pavlova herself for
the Children's Hospital fund
and even though I am
doing most of the work,
you don't hear me crowing about it.
- You've told half the bloody town about it.
- (GASPS)
- Thomas!
- (CLEARS THROAT) Sir, uh, this is it!
Uh, toys go in and, uh,
and wrapped gifts come out.
Huh! Crikey.
- Wonders will never cease.
- Violet.
Oh! Llewellyn, I must say,
I'm surprised to see you here.
Oh, don't worry. I won't rail
against gaudy materialism.
- Good.
- Even if it is a horrible
I am trying to embrace Christmas more.
I've bought myself
something extravagant.
What is it?
Well, I'm making myself wait until
Christmas morning to find out.
Attention! (CLAPS HANDS)
Attention! Attention, everyone!
Welcome to the unveiling
of the Feere's Department
Store Christmas displays.
- Mrs. Kelner?
- Kelner Toy Factory
wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas.
Now, I'm sure we're all
anxious to see the wonderful
toys and gifts Feere's has to offer.
And the Empress Josephine
tiara, donated by yours truly.
- (APPLAUSE)
- Let's see the tiara, shall we?
(CROWD GASPING, MURMURING)
Oh my goodness!
My tiara! It's gone!
Wonder what happened to it.
Someone must have taken it.
Thank you for your insight, Margaret.
Looks like someone didn't
want to wait for Santa Claus.
Indeed.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(THEME MUSIC)
My heart is broken.
I was prepared to say goodbye to
the tiara for charity, but this
We'll do our best to find it.
And throw the thief in jail, I hope.
Where was the tiara last seen?
At the store in the strongbox.
It was brought here from
the toy factory an hour ago
and given to Mr. Feere.
And before you ask, I
was never alone with it.
Mr. Maturin, my head stock clerk,
was with me the entire time.
And when was it placed in
this glass display case?
That's just the thing. I
didn't personally do that.
- Who did?
- Mr. Maturin took the box
to the decorator while I
went out into the store.
Apparently, when they opened
the box, it was empty, but
nobody told me!
Right. We'll need to see this
strongbox and where it was kept.
- Of course. Follow me, Detectives.
- Oh!
Good lord! What on earth are those?
- They look like spriggans.
- What's that?
A spriggan was a legendary
monster from Cornwall.
Me granny used to tell me stories
about them when I was a kid.
Scared the bejesus out of me.
Well, they're grotesque.
- They're going to give me nightmares.
- Hm.
- (BRACKENREID): That's the idea.
- Hm.
Aren't they just the cutest?
They're called Rinkinkins
and I will have you know
they are the toy this Christmas.
All the best children are getting one.
- Who says?
- Says everyone.
Which means our Jordan must get one.
Must, must, must!
Oh, well, then I shall
pick one up, love dove.
Oh, and if you were thinking of
getting me this for Christmas,
you're out of luck.
A diamond tiara?
Henny, I'm joking! (RUTH SCOFFS)
You don't have to get me anything.
- If you say so, dear.
- Still, such a shame.
Stolen right out of
a display at Feere's.
Well, Detectives Murdoch and Watts
- are looking into that.
- Oh.
Well, if they find it,
perhaps you can have
it go missing again, hm?
Must dash.
Oh, Constable, no, no, no.
You must spread the tinsel evenly.
Hm?
(WATTS): Good to have you back in
the station house, Chief Constable.
Can't have the inmates
running the asylum, can we?
Anyway, it's only while
Inspector Choi is on leave.
So, any luck finding the tiara?
No. And what's curious
is that everyone claims
no one was alone with it.
We've done a thorough search
of all of the back rooms
and lockers at Feere's Department Store
and not a trace.
So, is it possible that
someone snuck in the back doors,
waited for their chance,
and then stole the tiara?
Well, this time of
year, reindeer can fly.
(BLOWING)
I mean, anything is possible.
In this world, only pigs fly.
So, any fingermarks on the case?
None that shouldn't be there.
Mrs. Kelner more than likely
told anyone and everybody
that the tiara was moving to Feere's.
Maybe we ought to widen the search.
We do intend to speak with her next.
Is this related to the case?
No. No. And if you don't mind
It's a gift I'm making for Susannah.
It's a music box.
(LIGHT MUSIC PLAYING)
Tchaikovsky. Wonderful.
If I can get it finished,
it just might make it to
London in time for Christmas.
So, I presume Julia and Susannah
are still across the pond?
Well, yes, Julia's work is
keeping her there for the holidays.
And, uh, Harry has a
school trip to Quebec,
- so
- Well, I'm sure you'll see them soon.
- With me, Detective.
- Mm.
A little more to the left.
Good.
Uh, there's another box of
decorations behind the stage.
Oh, I'm not here to
decorate. I'm a singer.
I was hoping to perform
at your Christmas party.
Oh. Well, I already have a singer.
You can come back after
Christmas and you can audition.
Oh, but I love Christmas music.
Please give me a chance.
- I'm very busy, Mister ?
- Page. Steven Page.
- Good day, Mr. Page.
- But
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
Oi! What're you doing?
Uh, th-this is quite something, sir.
- Where did you get it?
- Ah! I made it myself.
Well, the missus baked it,
but I did all the fancy bits.
Miss Hart is having a competition
at the Star Bright's Christmas do.
It's very impressive.
Five dollars for the
winner. You should enter.
I've never baked a thing in my life.
But my mother makes an excellent
gingerbread every Christmas.
I know what you're going to ask me.
And the answer, Roberts,
is still the same.
But she'll be all alone.
Go and see her two or
three days after Christmas,
first chance you get. Go on.
Yes, sir.
We all have to work Christmas.
It's part of the job.
You wanted to be a copper.
(GENTLE FESTIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
Mr. Knight is my manager.
He brought the tiara from the safe
in my office to the store.
Yeah, I-I-I blame myself.
I-I should have stayed with
the tiara the whole time.
I had a bad feeling that
something would happen to it.
Mr. Feere claims to have
been with the tiara right up
until minutes before it was stolen.
Yes, um, Mrs. Kelner,
you really should tell the
detectives what you told me.
What's that?
When Mr. Feere told you
that he and Mr. Maturin
were with the tiara, it
wasn't exactly the truth.
Mr. Maturin went by himself
with the tiara to the back of the store.
Why did Mr. Feere lie?
To protect my reputation.
You see, Mr. Feere and I wanted
to share some moments alone.
(SONG ENDS)
(CROWD APPLAUDS)
Hm.
So, Mr. Maturin lied
either to keep his job,
- or to keep an alibi.
- Hm.
(BELL RINGING)
(FRANTIC FESTIVE MUSIC)
(CROWD CLAMOURING)
- (WOMAN): I got him one!
- (MAN): At last!
(FRANTIC FESTIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
Mm.
(GRUNTS)
(SIGHS)
I hear you two were fighting
over a Rinkinkin. Where is it?
This is all that is left.
It was in my hands and he took it.
I had it first.
- You did not, scoundrel.
- Enough!
Where did you find one?
- The toy store on Queen Street.
- All right.
- But they are all gone.
- This
was the last one.
And he destroyed it.
Well, we'll see if that's true.
Hey! Where are you going?
- Are you going to let us out?
- We have to get to the symphony.
(SCOFFS) I'm sure you both do.
(CHUCKLING)
Hey.
What will they do without a conductor?
You should have thought about that
before you took my Rinkinkin.
(COUGHING)
Toronto amuses me.
Here there are men
who appreciate Pavlova.
Oh, we all do.
I-I-I saw your performance
of The Dying Swan last week
and, I must tell you, I was moved.
- I'm not surprised.
- It deeply moved me.
(MARGARET CHUCKLING)
And wait until everybody
sees your Snowflake ballet.
- I'm sure it'll be divine.
- Snowflakes?
Uh, yes. Uh, you told
me about it last week.
It's set to Tchaikovsky's
Nutcracker Suite.
Oh. I've booked the hall.
- The tickets are being printed.
- But I'm resting,
okay? No dancing for the next two weeks.
But you said you'd do
a charity performance.
It-it's for Children's Hospital.
When did I say this?
Last week after your performance. Ruth!
- Hm?
- Oh, we were with the Ladies' Auxiliary.
- Yeah.
- For charity?
- Yes.
- Pavlova must have drank
- too many Kir Royales.
- Oh.
Must admit I've done the
same myself, once or twice.
- (CHUCKLING)
- But you must!
Uh, it-it's for the Children's Hospital.
- They'll close if they don't get enough
- For children?
Why should children get the money, hm?
I never received anything.
It's Christmas.
Every Christmas I asked Ded Moroz
for a doll with pink ribbons.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
I never received.
Oh, that's terrible.
It makes me strong.
Please, you leave now.
Oh, uh, my-my-my daughter
Jordan just wanted an autograph.
Mm. Go!
Yes. No, Ruth, Jordan!
Yes. Thank you. Go.
(SIGHS)
Well, really!
Why is that lady sad?
I don't know, darling.
She has enough diamonds
to buy a small country.
I think she's sad because Santa Claus
never visited her house.
Hm.
Hm.
Mr. Feere said it would
be better for everyone
if we both said we were with the tiara.
Mm. This doesn't look good, Mr. Maturin.
You had much more time alone
with the tiara than we knew.
Ample time to hide it
somewhere we couldn't find it.
What would I do with
something like that?
- Sell it.
- Where? To who? (SCOFFS)
I don't know anything about that tiara.
I didn't even open the box.
Did you spend any time at all whatsoever
away from the box, Mr. Maturin?
I left the box on my
desk in the warehouse
- while I went to the gents.
- Oh?
Come to think of it,
I did see Mr. St. Clair
- around the warehouse.
- Mr. St. Clair?
Uh, Richmond St. Clair, the decorator.
He told me last week he was
very excited to see the tiara.
- Of course I was excited.
- Who wouldn't be?
The large diamonds
were given to Josephine
by Alexander the First when
he and Napoleon were friends.
Obviously, before
Napoleon invaded Russia.
Fascinating. Uh, perhaps,
as a history buff,
you wanted to keep it for yourself?
Me? Steal the tiara?
Never. And how would I do that?
I never even got to see it.
So you say.
Search my home, my
motor wagon, my person.
I assure you, I don't have it.
Hm. You were seen at
the Feere's warehouse
during a time when the
tiara was left unattended.
I went into the warehouse
to fetch the last of the toys
that I was using for the
displays. I never in a
(WATTS): Detective!
You need to see this.
Have you found the tiara?
Uh, not exactly. No.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(CHURCH BELLS CHIMING)
(BRACKENREID): I was hoping
for a quiet Christmas.
And so was he, I'd imagine.
- Have you identified him?
- Not yet.
Hm. How long's he been dead?
Well, sir, rigor mortis has retreated
from the upper body,
but, as you can see,
it's still present in the legs.
I'd say this man was
killed 36 hours ago.
I believe he was stabbed in the neck.
- Have you located the weapon?
- No.
Uh, wound suggests a weapon
that was smooth and circular.
There's no blood on
the floor of the wagon.
He must have been killed elsewhere.
Do you think there's any
connection between this tiara theft
- and this murder?
- That's an awfully big coincidence.
Uh, sir, I don't believe
Mr. St. Clair is a murderer.
And why would he be driving a
corpse around for a day and a half?
Oh, someone could have
put the body there.
- Well
- Gentlemen.
Mr. St. Clair.
Mr. St. Clair.
Did you know the dead man?
No. I-I've never seen him before.
We need to know precisely
where this wagon has
been in the past 36 hours.
Oh, (CLEARS THROAT) I
can't think straight.
Other than Feere's,
I went to the florist
down on Sumach Street,
and the diner down by the
train station. That's it.
(LIGHT FESTIVE MUSIC)
Roberts! I'm off to
Feere's to canvass
Oh, boy.
It was an accident.
The Chief Constable is
not going to like this.
Of course he won't!
- What are we going to do?
- We? Oh,
I have enough problems,
Teddy. This one
This one is yours.
Henry!
Henry!
Uh
(BELL RINGING)
Oh! Well, it's always
nice to give a little hope
to a family in need.
Merry Christmas.
You know, no matter how
many baubles Dadah bought me,
the only thing I really
ever asked from Santa
was a pair of ballet slippers.
You were a ballet dancer?
Oh, yes, I'm passionate about The Dance.
No, I dreamed of being
a prima ballerina.
- You? Really?
- Yes, but my instructor said
I had a very unique style.
I don't know what we're
going to do now that
Anna Pavlova has said she won't dance.
I know what you're going to ask me.
I simply couldn't.
Oh! No, I suppose not.
Uh, but, well, maybe we can find
I just, it's been
years since I've danced.
You know, little Ann
Marie is quite good.
I'm not even sure if I
remember any of the steps.
It's all right. I'm
sure we can find a
- It is for children's charity.
- It's all right, Ruth.
I will need a costume.
And some rehearsal.
It's fine.
- I'll do it!
- Oh.
Huh.
(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)
Roberts. Have you seen
my gingerbread house?
- Yes, sir.
- Then where the bloody hell has it gone?
- Well, you see
- Any one of this lot
has had as much as a nibble,
I will have their guts for garters.
I was headed in the direction
of the Star Bright earlier
and I thought I'd take it there for you.
Let me tell you something, Roberts.
Now that is what I call initiative.
And I like that.
Keep up the good work, son.
You'll go far.
Thank you, sir.
Henry.
I just lied to the Chief Constable.
(CHUCKLING) About what?
The gingerbread house!
What should I do?
Make another.
How am I supposed to do that?
I don't even have an oven.
Ask someone you know who does.
Not me.
I think Ruth keeps her shoes in ours.
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
We talked to all the
staff who were nearby
when Mr. St. Clair's
wagon was outside Feere's.
No one saw anyone but
Mr. St. Clair near it,
and no one saw a dead body.
- Right. Thank you, Henry.
- Sir,
what is this?
It's a Nutcracker music box
I'm sending to Susannah.
- I've made it myself.
- (LIGHT MUSIC PLAYING)
Hm. Hm.
What you need to send
her is a Rinkinkin.
- A what?
- Oh, it's the toy this Christmas, sir.
That's what Ruth tells me.
I'll be sending her this.
Isn't pioneer times, sir.
Children these days, they want
the most popular toy in the store,
not something handmade.
Hm.
- What have you discovered, Detective?
- Hm!
Gristley turkey and
thin, lumpy gravy. Still,
it came with a helping
of excellent plum pudding.
I mean about Mr. St. Clair.
Right.
The florist noticed nothing
unusual about Mr. St. Clair,
or his wagon, and no one here saw
anything suspicious, either.
Still, this is the last
place that Mr. St. Clair was.
So how did a dead man get
into the back of his wagon?
- You know what I noticed.
- Mm.
This diner is only a block and a half
from the back of Kelner's toy factory.
You think the murder occurred there?
There's one way to find out.
Right. Right.
(COINS CLATTERING)
Detective.
Have you any news on the
whereabouts of Mrs. Kelner's tiara?
No. But we did find
a dead man in a wagon
belonging to the Feere's decorator.
How gruesome.
Hm. The deceased was
approximately 55 years of age,
close-cropped hair, centre part,
green eyes, and stood about
five foot, eight inches tall.
That ring any bells?
My god. That
that sounds like Mr. Cantrell.
He was our night watchman.
He-he didn't show up
for work last night.
- Did you check on him?
- Well, he doesn't have a telephone.
I figured he was out
boozing. He had a habit.
- Does he have a wife?
- He had one,
before the habit took hold.
Can you think of anything
suspicious happening
the night before the tiara was stolen?
Anything Mr. Cantrell
might have witnessed
- that got him killed?
- No. No, nothing at all.
Uh, I am sorry, but I-I
have to get back to work.
Mrs. Kelner will have my head.
But, uh, please call us the second
you know anything about the tiara.
Oh, and poor Mr. Cantrell, of course.
Of course.
Well, at least the victim has a name.
And we know Mr. Cantrell
was killed during a shift.
Likely near here. Then the killer hid
Mr. Cantrell's body in
Mr. St. Clair's wagon.
Watts.
Uh, looks like blood.
Think we'll be lucky enough to
find a murder weapon around here,
complete with the killer's fingermarks?
Well, there are broken
pieces of ice all around it.
The wound on Mr. Cantrell
was smooth and round, correct?
Yes.
Consider the shape of those icicles.
The diameter and the shape
of the wound could be a match.
(TENSE MUSIC)
Killed with an icicle.
So much for fingermarks.
Merry Christmas!
You're in a good mood this morning.
Went to see Miss Hart at
the Star Bright last night.
Kindly offered to help
me with my predicament.
You mean the lie that you
told the Chief Constable?
Honesty is the best policy, Teddy.
That's what I always say.
We've only been friends
for a short while, Henry,
but I don't think that's
what you always say.
Merry Christmas!
My Christmas is going to
be miserable if I don't find
one of those awful Rinkinkin dolls.
Psst!
Ah, pardon me, sir.
Did I hear you say you're looking
for one of those Rinkinkins?
- Yes.
- Today's your lucky day.
I've got an extra. I'll
sell you one for ten dollars.
- You've got a deal.
- Are you sure?
This might not be on the up-and-up.
Relax, Teddy.
This is just one father
helping out another.
Ah.
And where is the choreographer?
The costume designer,
dresser, the maestro?
This is for the Children's
Hospital charity.
It's not the Royal Command Performance.
And are we just supposed
to run around on stage?
Well, no, no. I was thinking
that we could perform
the story of The Nutcracker,
like they do in Russia.
I have the music.
("THE NUTCRACKER SUITE"
BY TCHAIKOVSKY PLAYS)
Huh? (CHUCKLES)
All right.
This young lady will play Marie.
Thomas, you'll be
Drosselmeier, and Ruth
- Mm.
- you will play
- the Sugar Plum Fairy.
- Oh!
Drosselmeier. What's a Drosselmeier?
Oh, he's one of the dancers.
Oh! Oh, I don't know about
that, Margaret. I don't know.
You know, I've trod the
boards before, obviously,
of course. But dancing?
Well, I don't know.
Oh, but you promised.
And you'd make a wonderful Drosselmeier.
He's all mysterious and commanding.
Ah, well, suppose that's
not much of a stretch.
And the little ones
will play the snowflakes.
Ruth, Ruth, Ruth! Stop that!
Snowflakes, please, take your positions.
Right there. And stop!
No, I-I-I was thinking, then,
for the Sugar Plum Fairy
- Oh! Yes?
- we would do something
something like, uh
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(MARGARET): Thomas.
Thomas.
Thomas!
What we need is more people on stage.
We need constables.
They have jobs, Margaret.
It's for charity! And
you're the Chief Constable.
You can make them.
We'll talk to them after
we finish the blocking.
That's a theatrical term.
I know what blocking is, Margaret.
I can't believe I have to
dance around in a mouse costume.
I think it might be fun.
(SIGHS) Maybe I'll tell Mrs. Brackenreid
I'm coming down with the flu.
What happened to honesty
being the best policy?
- I found it!
- What are those kids up to?
- It's mine!
- (GIRLS ARGUING)
- Hey! All right, break it up.
- I found it!
- No, it's mine!
- Enough!
What are you two fighting about?
I found it first! It's mine!
You found what?
Stolen tiara.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
Uh, what are you doing
in the Detective's office,
- candy cane?
- Oh, nothing.
- Oh, all right.
- Oh! Not so fast.
Did you get it?
- Get what?
- Henry Higgins-Newsome, really?
- I ask you to do one thing
- Ta-da!
Oh, Hennie.
Oh, you wonderful,
wonderful man. You got it!
Oh! (LAUGHING)
Maybe when we get home,
you can get some sugar plums yourself.
Mm. (LAUGHING)
Oh!
Oh! (LAUGHING) No. No, no,
no. No. No, this won't do.
There's a mark on its foot.
No, uh, Henry, you
have to take this back.
- Dearest, it's the last one in Toronto.
- Hm.
So, no sugar plums?
Making yourselves at home?
Oh, Detective, yes. I was just
admiring your musical doodads.
Sir. We found the stolen tiara.
Excellent work, Constable!
Is that the
Empress Josephine tiara?
Could I see it for a
second, pretty please?
(GASPS)
- Oh, no. No, no, no.
- What's wrong?
Do you not know the briolette diamonds?
The ones that Alexander the First
famously gave to Josephine?
- I've heard of them.
- (SCOFFS)
See? The diamonds are missing.
Oh, poor Josephine must be
rolling over in her grave.
Oh.
(GRUNTS)
It was found by some children
in a trash bin at Renfrew and King.
In a pile of refuse?
Will the indignities ever cease?
I'm surprised the thief
took only the large diamonds
and threw the tiara away.
Well, only the large
diamonds were valuable.
The remaining jewels are only chips.
And have you found the thief?
No, I'm afraid not.
And Mr. Cantrell's murderer
is still on the loose.
That-that is if you
If you're sure it wasn't
that Mr. St. Clair.
Who is Mr. Cantrell?
He was the night
watchman at your factory.
Oh, I must've told you. He was murdered.
- You did?
- Mm.
Well, how was he killed?
Icicle.
- When?
- The night before the tiara was stolen.
We believe the theft and
the murder are connected.
(SCOFFING)
Gentlemen,
this is upsetting Mrs. Kelner.
I-I really should drive her home,
i-if that will be all?
Yes, for now.
Thank you both.
Why, thank you.
No matter how much icing we
put on this, it still looks
Worse than an old doghouse?
(SIGHS) I'm sorry, Constable Roberts.
I thought this would be easy.
I appreciate you trying
to help, Miss Hart.
Are you going to tell the
chief constable the truth?
And lose my job?
Well, I'm sure he wouldn't
fire you over this.
Not at Christmas.
Maybe not. But I won't get another
holiday for the next five years.
- Sir, we're closed.
- Do you remember me, ma'am?
Mr. Page? I came by
earlier to offer to sing
- for your Christmas party.
- Indeed.
And I told you we already have a singer.
Ah, but wait 'til you
hear my new Christmas song.
You'll love it. (GUITAR STRUMMING)
Not now.
Please come back after Christmas.
What good is a Christmas
song after Christmas?
Change the words!
Please, I am
very busy.
All right.
Thank you, ma'am.
Do you think he's any good?
Certainly is persistent.
- (DOOR OPENS)
- I know I shouldn't ask this, but
do you happen to know what
Santa's getting me for Christmas?
You said you didn't want anything.
Well, yes, but that was clearly a jape.
Of course I want a
present for Christmas.
Who doesn't want presents
at Christmas? (CHUCKLING)
Oh, now, darling, are
you sure about this?
You know, your uncle
Rupie gave you that.
Well, I don't like him.
That's fair. No one
really does. Run along.
(SOFT MUSIC)
(KNOCKING)
(DOOR OPENS)
- Mr. Maturin.
- Ah!
- Mr. Maturin, I
- If you're here on behalf
of the detectives, I've
told them everything
- I know about the theft.
- Oh, no, no.
I'm not here for that. I
need to buy a Rinkinkin.
The one I already have is defective.
Well, I can't help you there.
We are completely sold out.
Uh, sir, are you sure?
Positive. They flew off the shelves.
Perhaps there is one
left in the back room.
Our shipment was already short.
How do you mean?
Someone had broken
into the crate already.
I asked the Kelner
delivery man about it,
but he told me to stop asking questions.
- Is that so?
- He said if I asked anyone else about it,
he'd kill me.
(WATTS): Ho, ho, ho, Mr. Knight.
Oh, yes. Mrs. Kelner
thought it would be festive
if all of her employees
dressed up as elves.
Uh, we've learned that some boxes
in a shipment from this factory
to Feere's Department Store
have gone missing.
Oh, occasionally, theft of
merchandise does occur, but what
what does that have to
do with the diamonds,
or Mr. Cantrell's murder?
Mr. Cantrell might have
witnessed an employee stealing
and that employee then silenced him.
Oh.
We'd like to speak with your
delivery man, Mr. Knight.
Oh, of course. Oh, uh, here he is now.
Uh, Mr. Abbott!
These detectives would like a word.
- Mr. Abbott
- (ENERGETIC FESTIVE MUSIC)
Toronto Constabulary! Stop!
Stop!
You're coming down to the
station house with us, Mr. Abbott.
Merry Christmas.
Mr. Abbott, the night watchman
at the Kelner Toy
Factory witnessed a theft
and the perpetrator of that
theft wanted to silence him.
- Was that you?
- I didn't do anything.
Then why did you run?
I may have stolen a few of
those ugly Rinkinkin dolls
to sell on the street,
but I didn't kill anyone.
When the stock clerk at Feere's
noticed some missing toys,
you told him if he said
anything you'd kill him.
Yes! That's just talk!
I wouldn't hurt anyone
over a few lousy toys.
Are you certain?
Because in my experience,
losing one's job
could be motive for murder.
Ah, I was going to quit, anyway.
Mrs. Kelner doesn't even
give out a Christmas bonus.
Do you know anything about the
theft of the Empress Josephine tiara?
The what?
Oh! Sir,
sir, about that music
box you made for Susannah.
The one you said I
shouldn't send to her?
Yes, that one. Do you
think you could possibly
make another for Ruth?
Oh, I-I don't think I would have
Please, sir. You would be doing
me a very, very large favour.
Oi! It's you!
Henry, do you know this man?
I bought a Rinkinkin from him.
You sold me a defective doll.
Uh, Detective Murdoch,
ah, just the man.
The-the Kelner Toy Company
would like to thank you
for apprehending this
thief.
Oh, Mr. Abbott.
Let me guess. I'm fired.
Excuse me, sir. Are you
from the Kelner Toy Factory?
Yes. Yes, I am.
Do you happen to have
any Rinkinkins left?
The one that I got for my little
girl has a mark on its foot.
Oh. Well, I-I No.
- We're sold out.
- Blast.
Anyway, I must be on my way.
I'm the Mouse King.
In The Nutcracker performance.
And thank you again,
sir, for the music box.
- You're saving my Christmas.
- I-I didn't
Detective, uh, do you suspect
Mr. Abbott of Mr. Cantrell's murder?
Well, he's only under arrest
for theft at the moment.
I don't believe he's guilty of murder.
And he claims he didn't
know Mr. Cantrell.
Oh, I see. Well, I-I
Detective do
do you have to know a man to kill him?
I-I didn't I didn't know.
Well, um, good day, sir.
("THE NUTCRACKER SUITE"
BY TCHAIKOVSKY PLAYING)
(MARGARET): Everyone, let's
get ready for the rehearsal!
Now, Jordan,
I know I should wait
until Christmas morning,
but Santa brought this
early, just for you.
It's a Rinkinkin!
Don't you just love it?
Uh Oh, no, no, darling.
You're supposed to
No, you're supposed to
play with the Rinkinkin.
(CHUCKLES AWKWARDLY)
Right. Uh,
well, Mummy has to practise,
so Just watch Mummy.
Ooh.
Well, I think you look fine.
Margaret, I'm not sure
about this costume.
Do I look all right?
Uh, you make a very
handsome Drosselmeier.
(CHUCKLING)
- Should I bring the cape home?
- Yes.
- And the patch?
- No.
Oh. (CHUCKLING)
Oh!
Ah, I think Ruth might have overstated
her abilities just a little bit.
She's terrible.
Miss Pavlova, you're here!
Well, I think to myself, Pavlova,
children deserve the best.
They're generous, loving,
and the future of the dance.
- And it's Christmas.
- What made you change your mind?
Well, I received a gift
from a sweet little girl.
So, now, I give gift.
Myself.
Oh!
Anna Pavlova!
Herself.
And tonight, I will be Sugar Plum Fairy.
You are not needed. Now go.
Oh. You can go backstage with me.
There's so much to
do. There's so much
(MUSIC SWELLS)
(MARGARET): I'm so excited!
Every ticket has been sold!
(MUSIC BEGINS SOFTLY)
(INDISTINCT WHISPERING)
(BRIGHT MUSIC PLAYING)
It's Pavlova. Can you believe it?
(BRIGHT UPBEAT MUSIC)
(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)
("THE NUTCRACKER SUIT"
BY TCHAIKOVSKY CONTINUES)
Isn't it wonderful?
Now you can watch from
the wings with Jordan.
(CHUCKLES AWKWARDLY)
Oh, no, no, no.
Don't go anywhere, darling.
Mummy will be right back.
(CROWD EXCLAIMING)
(LAUGHING)
(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)
("DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM
FAIRY" BY TCHAIKOVSKY PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT MURMURING)
(LIGHT LAUGHTER, WHISPERING)
Get off the stage!
No, Pavlova. There's
room for both of us.
(CROWD LAUGHING)
(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)
I've spoken to Mr. Abbott's wife.
He was, indeed, at home all night.
So, we're no closer to finding
the diamonds, or the killer.
Or even knowing if there
are two criminals, or one.
Right.
Then I suppose we need
to thoroughly search
all of the employees at Feere's
and canvass the greater area.
We could do that tomorrow.
The dance performance is well underway.
I'm not sure I find
ballets that interesting.
Mm, mm.
Might be interesting to see Henry
prance around as the Mouse King.
("THE NUTCRACKER SUITE"
BY TCHAIKOVSKY CONTINUES)
- (JORDAN CRYING)
- I know, I know. I'm so sorry.
What's the matter with Jordan?
When I was onstage, someone came
and stole her Rinkinkin doll.
Can you believe that?
Who would do something like that?
(WATTS): Mr. Cantrell
might have witnessed
an employee stealing and that
employee then silenced him.
- Oh.
- I don't know anything about that tiara.
I didn't even look in the box.
Do you happen to have
any Rinkinkins left?
The one I got my little
girl has a mark on its foot.
Detective
Do you have to know a man to kill him?
The diamond tiara never made
it to Feere's Department store.
The diamonds were taken out
of the tiara while it was still
at Kelner's toy factory
the night before.
That must have been
what Mr. Cantrell saw.
- And why he was killed.
- Oh!
The diamonds were then placed
inside of a marked Rinkinkin doll.
The one Henry bought for Jordan.
I know of one man who knew
where that doll would be.
Mr. Knight!
(DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
Get the kids out of the hall.
(SHOCKED EXCLAIMING)
(GASPING)
Stop!
(GRUNTING)
All right, Detectives.
I took, I took a doll.
That's hardly a hangable offence.
I disagree. You are under arrest
for theft and for the
murder of Mr. Cantrell.
That's ridiculous! You have no evidence.
No? Allow me.
You stole the diamonds
and hid them in the doll.
Well, I had to take
something from Mrs. Kelner.
I do everything for
her and that factory.
She didn't even give
me a Christmas bonus.
And what about Mr. Cantrell?
Well, he-he-he refused
to look the other way.
He was going to tell Mrs. Kelner.
I had to stop him.
- You're coming with us, Mr. Knight.
- Well, I But
Would you please keep it down?
There is a performance in progress!
(GASPS)
(GRUNTS)
(CROWD MURMURING)
Excellent technique,
Mrs. Higgins-Newsome.
(SCOFFS) Well, you
might as well get him up.
- Up, up, up!
- (APPLAUSE)
Thank you. And we bow
to the end of act one,
and we prepare for act two,
act two, act two, act two.
(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)
(FESTIVE JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)
About your gingerbread house.
Do you like it? I think it's
better than my first one.
You-you made another
one? How did you know?
What, that you broke it?
You're not a very good liar, Roberts.
But that's probably a good thing.
I wish you'd told me.
I tried to make another
one. It was terrible.
I know you did.
That was your form of punishment.
(SCOFFS)
I I'm sorry for lying to you.
It will never happen again.
Thank you, Roberts.
Oh, and by the way, some good news.
Detective Watts has requested
to work over Christmas,
meaning you can go back home to Chatham.
Thank you!
Thank you, sir! I-I hope you win.
Go! Go! Have some fun.
Yes, yes! Merry Christmas.
(JAZZ MUSIC CONTINUES)
(SIGHS)
Anything wrong, Violet?
That was the singer that
I had booked for tonight.
She can't make it.
It's been one week since
I started singing lessons,
but I suppose I could
perform something Christmasy.
Mr. Page.
Tonight might be your lucky night.
I get to perform?
Just don't let me down.
So, Ruthie, you liked
the music box, then?
Oh, I love it.
I can't believe you had it
made just for me in Russia.
And it is so much nicer than
the one Detective Murdoch made.
(CHUCKLING)
Did you like my dancing?
It was wonderful, both
on and off the stage.
(LAUGHING)
Care to dance, Detective?
Oh, I-I
Oh, don't worry, I'll lead.
(FESTIVE JAZZ MUSIC)
Christmas in Toronto ♪
I don't want to get
anywhere close to it ♪
Christmas in Toronto ♪
It just makes me want to scream ♪
Let me ask you ♪
Merry Christmas, William.
Merry Christmas, Thomas.
- (LAUGHING)
- Christmas in Toronto ♪
Is like living inside a bad dream ♪
Forgive my being graphic ♪
But the noise the
crowds, the traffic ♪
Turn me almost psychopathic ♪
When I'm there ♪
The pious platitudes ♪
The smug, superior attitude ♪
And the utter lack of gratitude ♪
In the air ♪
Christmas in Toronto ♪
I don't want to get
anywhere close to it ♪
Christmas in Toronto ♪
It just makes me want to scream ♪
But as I wander 'round ♪
The mem'ries flow ♪
Of friends and family ♪
And the places that we used to go ♪
The snow comes falling down ♪
And a choir begins to sing ♪
And I've forgiven everything ♪
It's Christmas in Toronto ♪
Do you want to come
over some evening ♪
Christmas in Toronto ♪
Is the way it's meant to be ♪