Father Brown (2013) s12e03 Episode Script

1
"My dear friend, I
am sick with worry
"and need your help.
"My dear daughter, Marianne,
"has for some time been plagued by
dark visions of spectral beings.
"Since the doctor is
unable to give a diagnosis,
"my wife fears it could be something
supernatural or even demonic."
No
Leave me alone!
ECHOES: Leave me
alone! Leave me alone!
"I beg of you, please come.
"We need your spiritual
guidance and wisdom,
"as I fear for both
Marianne's sanity and soul."
Sir Benedict said five o'clock.
At this rate, it'll be dark
by the time we get back.
Ah. I have a suspicion that this
may be our transport to the castle.
I hope that's a joke.
I knew we should have
gone in Hercules.
Whoa there, Medusa.
Father Brown, I presume
Pleased to meet you. And
these are my companions.
We were expecting a car.
Oh, the workings of a motor
vehicle are a mystery to me.
But aren't you Sir
Benedict's chauffer?
I'm actually the gamekeeper.
The chauffer left, along with
the maid and everyone else.
Absolutely terrified out
of their wits, they were.
Really? Yeah, what with
Miss Marianne wandering
the castle late at night,
muttering and groaning
about some strange
horned creature.
Still, don't worry, Medusa
will look after you.
Medusa?
Climb aboard
Are you sure we're all
right coming along?
Oh, it was Sir Benedict
who suggested it.
Where do I go?
Plenty of room in the back.
Away, Medusa, away!
HORSE WHINNIES
BIRDS SQUAWK
Whoa there, Medusa!
The Doctor Lasden's
staying with us.
He's a very learned gentleman.
Do all horses smell this bad?
Yes - there's definitely
something in the air.
You can say that again.
You treat me like a prisoner!
Until you're recovered, I just
think you should stay in your room.
Let me speak to her
Father Brown, thank
you so much for coming.
Anything for a friend.
Apologies for the
mode of transport.
We had some
last-minute problems
Well, at least we
got to meet Medusa.
Ha. And these must be your
companions you spoke so warmly of.
Welcome.
Sir, might I? Later.
Please, come inside
BIRD SQUAWKS
Ah, there you are.
And this is Lilith
Delighted to meet you all.
And you.
Congratulations on your wedding.
I'm sorry I couldn't attend.
That's quite all right.
I'm so glad you're here, Father.
How is Marianne?
I barely recognise her.
She's forever scared anxious.
I don't remember the last
time I saw her smile.
She had one of her
episodes last night.
We found her on the clifftop.
Was she conscious?
She was in a sort
of trance again.
As if possessed.
Sometimes, she sees a cloaked
figure walking the castle corridors.
Other times, she claims to see a
devil-like creature with horns.
Could her delirium be
the result of poisoning?
Or perhaps a reaction
to certain foods?
We've changed her
diet several times.
And she even abstained from eating
and drinking for a short time -
but still it continued.
Sir, might I have that word?
I've told you we'll speak later.
I really feel strongly, sir
Not now - it's not the time.
But it mustn't go ahead, sir.
It can't I said not now!
CLEARS THROA
Before we were married,
Lilith was Marianne's tutor.
Ah!
Tell them what you saw.
She was in the woods
with some friends.
When I approached,
I realised they were
reciting from a
book on Satanism.
What did you do?
I took the book
away and burned it.
Still can't believe that
you've invited a priest.
Oh!
I've known Father Brown for
years. I respect his judgment.
This is Marianne's physician.
I take it you're still no closer to
diagnosing what's wrong with her?
Well, one thing I'm certain of,
she's not being
tormented by the Devil.
So sorry for your
wasted journey.
Doctor, I'm here to
assess the situation.
That said, I agree
her symptoms are likely caused
by something less satanic.
How very enlightened of you.
She's upstairs, Father.
Second door on the left.
CLOCK TICKS
Thank you.
We'll wait down here.
Let me show you to
the drawing room.
DOOR CREAKS
We were told to wait
in the drawing room.
Those spooky figures
Marianne sees,
you don't think they
could be real, do you?
No, of course not.
Me neither.
Argh!
Father said you baptised me.
I didn't know that.
You bawled and struggled
throughout the ceremony.
You were so strong, your
father could barely hold you.
And now look at me.
Wasting away in this place
like some invalid.
These strange creatures
you've been seeing?
The hooded one carries some
sort of stick or staff,
and the one with horns
has fur on his body.
And the satanic chanting,
when did that occur?
A few months ago.
It was just a silly
game after a party.
Me and my friends were
all a little tipsy
and trying to scare each other.
But I've often wondered
if, by accident
we summoned up the Devil.
I see you still sketch.
I was offered a place at
an Art School in Paris.
But then all this happened
and Father stopped me going.
SHE SIGHS
He's very worried about you.
Anyone in particular?
No, I was just experimenting.
Hmm.
I think I was
influenced by those
I must have done them
when I was in a trance
but I I don't remember.
As it's late, you're all very
welcome to spend the night, Father.
Thank you.
We could talk again, tomorrow.
Mm.
I think we ought to lock your
windows and your door tonight.
Do you have to?
Your father's worried you'll
wander to the cliff edge.
I just want you to be safe.
You've got Father
Brown all wrong.
He's not here to do an
exorcism or owt like that.
He's as logical
as any scientist.
The man is a Catholic priest,
which means he actually
believes in the Devil!
Now, could there be
anything more illogical?
Mm
I've decided to stay another
night - if that's all right.
Yes, of course.
Is it really necessary?
That poor child needs someone around
who's still thinking straight.
Goodnight.
I've prepared guest rooms for
you both and put nightwear out.
Oh - didn't realise
we were staying.
Please follow me
Nightcap, Father?
Why not?
Thank you.
GLASSES CLINK
Just like old times.
Ah. Ah.
What do you make of the doctor?
Well, he's very matter of fact.
HE CHUCKLES
He's a good man.
Though I think he's mistaken about
it all being in Marianne's mind.
Well, she certainly believes
what she sees is real.
Is there something else, Ben?
When she's in a trance,
she's not in control.
I'm concerned what she might do.
To herself?
And others.
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
FLOORBOARDS CREAKS
What are you doing?! Creeping
about like Jack the Ripper!
Just looking for the bathroom.
It's down there
Oh. See you in the morning.
ROOSTER CALLS
SHE SIGHS
Oh.
RADIO PLAYS
SHE STARTLES
Your morning tea, sir.
What have you done!
Are you all right, Father?
Father?
Yes, thank you, Sergeant.
The killer certainly made
sure he wouldn't survive.
I mean, there's
blood everywhere.
Including Mrs
Devine's nightdress.
SHE CRIES SOFTLY
I've put loads of
sugar in for the shock.
It just doesn't
make any sense
It's all right.
Just take your time.
But
but how did I end
up in bed with him?
Just, erm, start
from the beginning.
I went to sleep in
the guest room
and woke up in the tower.
I don't remember anything else.
Temporary amnesia.
How convenient.
That's enough of that.
Well, as a doctor, I can tell
you that losing one's memory
is very rare.
Although blackouts are more
common when alcohol is involved.
I only had two glasses of wine.
Was it you? Marianne, please.
You'll only upset yourself
Did you kill my father?
Of course not!
Come on, let's get
you back upstairs.
Maybe
maybe the the
horned creature did it!
Marianne, Marianne, trust
me, there is nothing
demonic about any of this.
Your father was killed
by a real person!
And I'll make damn
sure they hang for it!
MARIANNE WHIMPERS
It doesn't seem real.
No it doesn't.
Lady Gellert, is there a
reason why Sir Benedict
was sleeping in the tower?
He always insisted we
have separate bedrooms.
Forgive me for asking.
I'm just trying to find out
exactly what happened last night.
I take it you believe
your friend is innocent?
Without a doubt.
BELL TOLLS
Does Marianne ever become
violent during her trances?
A little aggressive
but I wouldn't say violent.
But even if she had, she was
locked in her room last night.
Marianne?
This is where I first saw him
by the maze. Who?
The horned figure.
BELL CONTINUES TO TOLL Do
you think it was the Devil?
Marianne I think it was.
How did you get out of
your room this morning?
What? Your room.
Your father locked the door last
night and took away the key.
I knew he was planning
to lock me in,
so I took the spare key
from the servants' quarter.
I had to get out.
Your father?
Looks like he's been attacked.
You stabbed him
with your pencil
I couldn't help myself.
Sometimes I
I hated him.
Hated him? He wouldn't
let me leave this place!
I begged him but
he wouldn't listen!
Marianne, I don't wish
to distress you further,
but you father had
a cut on his cheek.
Surely you don't think that I
He meant everything to me.
I need some air.
And what time was this?
About two o'clock.
I got up for a drink and saw
Mrs Devine by the attic stairs.
I was looking for the bathroom.
But it's on a
different corridor.
I got a bit lost.
Did anyone else see
Mrs Devine last night?
CLOCK CHIMES
WHISPERING: Brenda
Um
Yeah, she was outside my room.
About the same time.
Right, moving on. Um
If I could turn to
you, Mr Fenwick.
Is it normal, as gamekeeper, to
bring Sir Benedict his morning tea?
With the maid away, Sir Benedict
asked if I would oblige.
Oh, this is an absolute sham!
She's obviously guilty.
Doctor, please take your seat.
What exactly is
going on here? Huh?
Why haven't you
arrested her yet?
May I remind you that I am
the one asking the questions.
Yes, but the evidence clearly
points to her being the murderer.
If I may interject.
If Mrs Devine is
indeed the murderer,
then why did she
not flee the scene?
And why get in bed
with her victim?
Well, we only have
her word for that.
When Fenwick came in,
she wasn't in bed.
She was standing
right over the body.
That is true.
And her nightdress
was covered in blood!
Now look here
Chief Inspector
you don't have a choice.
You wouldn't be doing your
job if you didn't arrest me.
Mrs Isabel
Sergeant
Mrs Isabel Devine, I'm arresting
you on suspicion of the murder
of Sir Benedict Gellert.
You are not obliged
to say anything,
but anything you say may
be given in evidence.
You'll be out of custody
in no time. I promise.
I will do everything I can
to prove your innocence.
On this occasion Father,
your 'interference'
would be very much appreciated.
We should have kept quiet
about me seeing you.
No - you did the right thing.
You ready?
Have faith.
I want background checks
on everyone, Sergeant.
Righty-o, sir.
One of them has to
be the real killer.
ENGINE STARTS
Mr Fenwick.
I wonder if I might have a word.
Going somewhere?
Just getting Medusa ready.
We've got to go into the
village, get some supplies.
What did you need to speak
to Sir Benedict about?
You seemed very angry.
Well, yeah, I
He was going to let the developers
build on some of the castle land.
And you objected to that?
Well, it's an ancient
burial ground.
A cemetery? Well,
it's pre-Christian.
Round these parts, there's
been dozens of pagan tribes,
with all kinds of Gods.
Like Dagda, Cernunnos
So what was your main objection?
Well, desecrating ancient
graves is sacrilege!
Such an act could put us
all in the greatest danger.
Danger?
Yes, by enraging the
spirits of the dead
and releasing long
and forgotten evils.
And you believe
all that nonsense.
Nonsense? It's already started.
Marianne? Yes! Those
ghostly figures she saw,
that was after the
land had been surveyed.
It's a warning!
So, this anger you felt
towards Sir Benedict
did it turn to violence?
No, no. I would never do
anything to harm the master.
He's been good to me.
Father Brown
Marianne, can you hear me?
Sit her down
What's happened?
She was having one
of her episodes.
I wanted you to witness it,
Father. Quickly, my salts.
In my bag.
Marianne, can you
hear me? Marianne?
Hurry! Marianne.
Marianne, come on.
Marianne, please
Come on, come on. Thank you.
Does she usually faint?
Sometimes. It's all
right, Marianne.
I felt it trying
starting to possess me.
Did you see the strange figures?
No No, not this time.
A brandy, to calm her nerves.
Could you please
get one? Will do.
What exactly is wrong with her?
She was having an hallucination.
Yes, but what caused it?
This has gone on too long.
Look, I know your focus needs
to be on helping your friend,
but, please, don't
give up on Marianne.
I won't.
You can go wherever
you want in the castle,
just find out what it all means!
I'm very sorry about
this, Mrs Devine.
KEYS RATTLE, LOCK CLICKS
SHE WHIMPERS
DOOR CREAKS, SHUTS
Hello?
SHE SCREAMS
Brenda, pull yourself together!
Miss SHE SCREAMS
DOOR CREAKS
There you are. I need to
return to the station.
Sergeant Goodfellow
just telephoned.
Mrs Devine's in a bad way.
Why? What's happened?
I'm not sure. She's feeling
faint and struggling to breathe.
I need to see her.
You should never
have arrested her.
Perhaps I should come too.
No, I need you to stay here.
I'll be back shortly.
Do you think she'll
be all right?
That rather depends on how
quickly we get to the truth.
What's that?
Sir Benedict wrote a letter to
the doctor, ending their affair.
Affair?
Gosh!
I wondered why him and Mrs
Gellert were in different beds.
Mm. Mm.
Talk about trouble in paradise.
Mm.
Is Marianne in her room?
Yes.
I think you've done
all you can for her.
Which isn't a great deal.
Lady Gellert, may
I speak with you?
Of course.
I understand that Sir Benedict
wrote the doctor a letter.
A letter?
I saw you put it in his bag.
Have you read it? Yes.
I tried to get him to end it.
I even helped him
compose the letter.
Foolish of me.
Foolish?
He was never going to stop.
I was clearly second best.
That must be hurtful.
He only married me
for appearances
He used me.
And you are angry about that.
I didn't kill him, Father.
Marianne is like
a daughter to me.
I'd never do
anything to hurt her.
And despite everything
I did actually love him.
KNOCK AT DOOR
DOOR OPENS
I'm returning to London.
But you're coming back?
I'm afraid not.
CLEARS THROA
Lilith is right,
I've failed you.
You've never believed
me, have you?
That the things I see are real?
It has to be psychological.
No. The more it goes on,
the more convinced I am
that it's supernatural.
Everything was fine until I
recited from that satanic text.
As a doctor, I
can't accept that.
Please don't go.
Ever since I was little,
you've always been around.
Stay. I can't
It's just too painful.
Because of Father?
He was
my best friend.
Take me with you.
You remind me too much of him.
Take care, Marianne
Dr Lasden
I'm in a hurry.
I owe you an apology.
This belongs to you.
You took it from my bag!
It's not something I'm proud of.
But under the circumstances
If you breathe one word of this!
It's not my intention to judge.
I'm just trying to
get to the truth.
HE SCOFFS Is that so?
There was a mark on
Sir Benedict's cheek,
as if he'd been struck by
someone wearing a ring.
Like your ring.
Did you confront him?
Is that the real reason you
were on the landing last night?
I shouldn't have gone up
So that's it, then.
After all these years
There's no other way.
Forgive me
Don't!
I'm sorry
Just go.
Go!
It was clear he had
made his choice.
I just couldn't compete.
With Lilith?
No, the invisible
man in the sky.
He chose him over me.
What happened
after the argument?
I left. Just like that?
Yes, just like that!
Because I'm a deviant it
does not make me a murderer.
Father Brown!
Over here.
Look
That's a lot of blood.
Looks like that rock's
been used as a weapon.
Hmm, there's more specks here
Must have staggered and
fell, and then what?
Where did they go?
And whose blood is it?
I haven't seen
Fenwick for a while.
He said he was going
down to the village.
Marianne, don't.
Maybe the Devil kills
people he can't possess.
Is that what happened to Father?
If we stay here, we
are all going to die.
SHE CRIES Shush,
it's all right
It's all right. It's OK.
I'm sorry. It
all became too much.
KNOCK AT DOOR I brought
these from home.
Thought they might make it a
bit more comfortable for you.
That's very sweet of you.
Thank you, Sergeant. Sergeant
any news from the
background checks?
I'm afraid not, sir.
OK, um Between Father Brown
and I, we will crack this
so don't worry.
Stop saying that!
We don't know what's
going to happen.
I'm sorry.
KNOCK AT DOOR
Come in. We wanted to see
that you were all right.
Do you think I'm mad, Father?
No.
I think that you have
been through so much.
But you must not
lose hope, Marianne.
Lose hope?
Every night, I pray
for this all to stop.
But this thing - whatever
it is that possesses me -
it's getting stronger.
I know it may not seem like it,
but God does hear our prayers.
I'm not sure I
believe that any more.
Mrs Gellert called the
police about the blood.
They'll be here soon.
Is that supposed to
make me feel safe?
Sorry.
But we're dealing with
something bigger than all of us.
The ultimate evil.
Is this what you see?
Yes.
Father, what exactly
am I looking for?
Books on religions and folklore.
In Marianne's drawings,
the figures had jagged horns -
more like antlers.
What does that mean?
Some pre-Christian
Gods had antlers.
Ah!
Pagan Myths.
Cernunnos - god of nature.
"Little is known about the tribes
that worshipped him, although it is
"believed their rituals involved
transcendental experiences."
Transcendental?
It's thought that pagan tribes
used hallucinogenic plants.
So, Marianne might have
eaten one of these plants.
No.
She still experienced "visions"
even when she was fasting.
So maybe the doctor had
been secretly injecting her
with the plants' poisons.
No.
They would have left marks,
which she would have noticed.
Right, so if the plants are
the things that's causing
Marianne to see things, how
did they end up inside her?
I don't know.
I wonder if hallucinogens
grow in the grounds?
Maybe Marianne might know.
Shall I go and ask her?
If you would. I'll
carry on reading.
DOOR CLOSES
OBJECT SHATTERS
Who's there?
MUFFLED SCREAM
HE GROANS
HE SIGHS
Should you be taking
me out of the cell?
Just interviewing a prisoner.
Look, is there anything
else you can remember?
No
I don't think so.
There must be something.
I had a slight headache
when I woke up in the tower,
but other than that
Those scratches on your leg
- how did you get those?
Oh, I don't know.
There's one on the other.
How odd.
FOOTSTEPS
I know who you are!
You scrawled symbols
on the window shutters
to make Marianne think
she was possessed.
Sometimes you appear
to her in a cloak,
sometimes with horns.
There's a fireplace
in Marianne's room
and that's where you put
the hallucinogenic plants,
so that when the fire was lit,
the fumes made her delirious.
There was soot on the book you
were reading in the library -
soot from your fingers.
And then you fastened and
locked the bedroom window
and took away the key so that
there was no fresh air in there,
only the air that
you had poisoned.
The green cloak was my ancestors'
tribal dress, but these
represent the great Cernunnos.
Cernunnos -
the true god of
the natural world.
Brenda
She's not dead
yet.
Chloroform.
Is that what you used on Mrs
Devine, when you framed her?
It should have been the maid,
but the silly girl
got scared and left.
You insisted several times that
I stay to find out the truth.
Were Marianne's trances
a ploy to get me here
and keep me here?
What do you want
from me, Lilith?
I belong to the ancient,
lost religion of the Stacga.
I'm a direct descendent
of its tribal chieftains.
And, like all pagan religions,
they were almost wiped
out by the Christians.
So you want revenge
for the past.
No. To summon Cernunnos
from the afterlife,
his enemy must be killed by a
tribal chieftain on sacred ground.
As an ordained Christian priest,
you are that enemy.
You married Sir Benedict
and killed him
to inherit his land.
He was going to let
developers desecrate it.
GURGLING: Why?
Why?
Ask your ancestors.
Ask Father Brown.
Christ's dominance
is coming to an end.
Amen.
This sacred land was taken
from the Stacga tribe
and now it's in my possession,
I can finally perform the ritual
that will awaken Cernunnos.
I take it you didn't
call the police.
When I do call them,
three bodies and the
cart will be down there -
a tragic accident caused by Fenwick
driving too close to the edge.
How can you kill so easily?
It has been my sole
mission in life
to take back this land
and reawaken my God.
No sacrifice is too great.
For the glorious
rebirth of Cernunnos,
accept your fate!
No!
Leave him alone!
SCREAM
Hold on!
I've got you.
The God I serve
is a God of compassion.
I am not your enemy.
This is not the end, Father.
Cernunnos will rise again.
Get in the car, miss.
I should have realised.
I should have protected
the master from her.
Don't blame yourself.
And are YOU all right?
Oh, I'm fine.
Just a bit light-headed.
An ambulance is on
its way, Miss Palmer.
Thank you, Father.
I've told them to
release Mrs Devine.
I hope she's all right.
Father, as grateful as I am,
this was obviously a one-off.
Obviously.
Why did you come back?
I should never have left.
You're the daughter of
of the man I loved.
Father Brown
Marianne,
now this is over,
you must grieve for your father.
Have you any idea
what you might do?
I'm not sure yet.
I just
I know I have to get
away from this place.
Far away.
BRENDA: I made a cake!
To celebrate your return
after being banged up.
It was only a few hours.
Although it felt
like much longer.
I can't thank you
enough, Father.
I'm so grateful
for what you did.
It was a group effort.
Inspector?
Chief.
Well, seeing as I'm off duty
Allow me.
To Mrs Devine's release.
BOTH: To Mrs Devine's release!
HORN TOOTS
Oh.
Erm, excuse me.
Cheers.
Dr Lasden. Marianne.
What a lovely surprise.
Just wanted to say goodbye.
Goodbye?
She's coming to live
with me in London.
And then next year I'm
going to art school.
That's wonderful news.
A parting gift.
For all you did.
I'd forgotten what
that smile looked like.
Thank you.
Take care, Father.
And you, too.
Bye, Marianne.
HORN TOOTS