Dr. Gideon Fell 19xx-xx-xx Black Spectacles

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Dr. Gideon Fell – "Black Spectacles"
Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Overview

This episode features a classic radio drama adaptation of John Dickson Carr’s detective story, The Black Spectacles, starring Dr. Gideon Fell. The drama is replete with mystery and classic Golden Age atmosphere, centered around a series of poisonings in an English village and a murder in plain sight during a psychological experiment. Throughout, Dr. Fell unravels the layers of deception, memory, and identity among a close-knit circle of possible suspects.

Main Theme

The main thrust of the episode is the investigation into a baffling murder that takes place in front of witnesses who "see nothing"—challenging the human capacity for accurate observation and memory. The story intertwines small-town suspicions, familial tension, and clever criminal plot devices, ultimately exploring the unreliability of eyewitnesses and the psychology of murder.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. Setting the Scene: Suspicion and Poisonings in Silbury Cross

• (03:18) Major Crow explains to Dr. Fell the background of the infamous poisonings in Silbury Cross—a small English village.
• Three children and a teenage girl were poisoned with strychnine, leading to one child's death.
• Tensions have run high, with public suspicion falling heavily on Marjorie Wills, Marcus Chesney's niece.
  • Quote:

    "The village has made up its mind that Marjorie was responsible for the poisonings. They're all up in arms demanding she should be arrested. Although there isn't a shred of evidence." – Major Crow (04:58)

2. Introducing the Key Cast and Motives

• The Chesney family: Marcus Chesney (the victim), his brother Dr. Joseph Chesney, niece Marjorie Wills, and house staff.
• George Harding—a chemist and recent romantic interest of Marjorie—joins the circle during a Mediterranean cruise.
• Professor Ingram, longtime friend to Marcus, also involved.

3. The Poisoned Chocolates and Shop Investigation

• (06:29) Chief Superintendent Hadley details how the poisonings began in Mrs. Terry's sweet shop, where poisoned chocolates were introduced.
• Details on the logistics of how the poison could have been administered—via hypodermic syringe, in a way almost undetectable.
• Critical point: Marjorie is believed to have given the fatal chocolates to young Frankie Dale.

4. The Murder Staged as an Experiment

• (15:26) Marcus Chesney, intent on proving a theory about the unreliability of witnesses, stages a demonstration—a "charade"—in front of family and friends.
• The performance is filmed at Marcus’s instruction with George operating the camera.
• During this event, Marcus is killed in full view of the audience by an unidentified intruder dressed as a "bogeyman."
  • Quote:

    "He had a slouch hat and a long raincoat... black glasses and he was carrying a black bag... tipped back Uncle's head and forced the pill down his throat. It was horrible." – Marjorie Wills (19:24)

5. The Investigation, Film, and Alibis

• Dr. Fell and the police reconstruct events, analyze the scene and film, and explore the alibis offered by all present.
• The film of the experiment/“show” becomes critical—both as a record and as a potential tool for deception.
• The investigators note inconsistencies and clever substitutions:
  • Use of a magic trick bag for switching boxes of chocolates.
  • The clock in the room is shown to have been manipulated, altering witnesses’ sense of timing.

6. Suspicions, Revelations, and Personal Struggles

• Marjorie's role remains ambiguous; she is revealed to be deaf and an adept lip-reader, choosing to keep her condition private (47:45).
• She admits to attempting to buy poison, not for murder, but for suicide under societal pressure and suspicion (48:30).
• George Harding's love for her is declared, though intensifying the tragic undertones (49:24).

7. Breakthroughs: Watching the Cine Film

• (54:51) Dr. Fell insists the group re-watch the incriminating footage.
• Marjorie identifies the "bogeyman" as Walter, but logistics make this impossible.
• Dr. Fell discerns that the film is not the true recording from the night in question—a crucial switch has taken place.

8. The Real Murderer Unveiled

• Dr. Fell explains that the murderer staged a seamless swap: George Harding disguised himself as the "bogeyman," switching places with Walter and exploiting the blinded state of the audience.
• Harding had a deep motive—Marjorie's inheritance—and had also engineered the earlier poisoning as a smokescreen.
• Quote:

  "Harding made sure the lens cap was left on so the rest of the film is blank... Harding planned to finish Marcus off, we'll never know. Because last week, like a gift from the gods, he got his big chance when Marcus asked him secretly to help him with the show." – Dr. Gideon Fell (58:20–59:15)

9. Resolution and Aftermath

• Harding is caught and removed; Marjorie is exonerated.
• The story closes with a note of hope—Marjorie, now free, may find a happier future elsewhere, away from the house's dark legacy.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “All witnesses metaphorically wear black spectacles. They do not see what goes on on the stage, still less what goes on in the audience.”
  – Marcus Chesney’s letter, as read by Major Crow (53:01)
• "Of all the forms of murder, poisoning is the most difficult to get away with."
  – Dr. Gideon Fell (51:49)
• "You can't have her playing ring a ringer roses with every man she meets."
  – Dr. Gideon Fell, dismantling the shifting suspicions against Marjorie (51:17)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:33 – Family and cruise group introduced at Pompeii
• 03:18 – Initial investigation into the poisonings
• 06:29 – Mrs. Terry’s shop, description of the poisoning method
• 12:08 – News that Marcus Chesney is dead, murder in plain sight
• 15:26 – Description of the staged experiment
• 19:23 – Details of the murder and the "bogeyman" scene
• 22:04 – George’s perspective, the cine film introduced
• 27:45 – Dr. Fell reveals the sleight-of-hand trick regarding the chocolates
• 31:00 – Discovery that the poison may have been introduced earlier
• 37:28 – Walter Emmett found dead
• 41:02 – 44:08 – Reviewing the cine film, realizing the trick
• 53:01 – Marcus's metaphor of "black spectacles"
• 54:54 – 56:11 – Film shown to assembled group; the killer’s trick is exposed
• 58:02 – 59:15 – Dr. Fell’s summary of the murderer's method and motive

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains a tone that is somber, analytical, and suspenseful—characteristic of Golden Age detective fiction. Dialogue is crisp, with dry wit (especially from Dr. Fell), moments of psychological depth (regarding Marjorie's isolation and despair), and dramatic twists as the audience shares the investigators' gradual enlightenment.

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Conclusion

This adaptation expertly delivers the intrigue, complexity, and period charm of a John Dickson Carr mystery. The story’s construction—layering misdirection, unreliable witnessing, magic tricks, and family secrets—culminates in a masterful and just resolution by Dr. Gideon Fell, reaffirming both the intelligence and humaneness of classic radio's best detectives.

Transcript

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Hey, this is Sarah.

[AMPM Commercial Voice]

Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling.

[Marjorie Wills]

Even kind of cheesy. But I like it.

[AMPM Commercial Voice]

Sure, you met some of my dietary.

[Marjorie Wills]

Needs, but they've just got it all.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

So farewell, oatmeal. So long, you strange soggy.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Break up with bland breakfast and taste AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit made with K tree eggs, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. AM PM Too much. Good stuff.

[George Harding]

Wow, it's hot. How long is he going to be?

[Marjorie Wills]

I've no idea. When Uncle Marcus gets busy with that cine camera, there's no telling, I'm afraid.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

My brother takes his hobbies very seriously. You can't rush.

[Professor Ingram]

At least we can try.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Buck up, Marcus.

[Professor Ingram]

Do you want us all to die of sunstroke?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Shan't be long now.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

When I say action, I want you to walk about, admire the ruins. You stand there grinning. It might as well be a still photograph.

[Marjorie Wills]

I wish it were. Then we could get a move on. Where are we, anyway?

[George Harding]

Well, this is Pompeii, isn't it?

[Marjorie Wills]

I know that, fathead. I mean, which bit is this?

[George Harding]

Oh, hang on. Let's look in the guidebook. Ah, here we are.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

The street of Tombs.

[George Harding]

Site 39. Three stars. The House of Aulus Lepidus, the poisoner. Oh, sorry, did I say something I should?

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

No, no, it's all right. It's nothing.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Leave this to me.

[Professor Ingram]

You haven't known us very long, George, but since we all met on the ship, you and Marjorie have become good friends, so it's only fair to explain. We decided to take this cruise because we all wanted to get away from England for a while. You see, we come from a small village called Silbury Cross.

[George Harding]

Yes, Marjorie told me.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

But I don't expect she told you that in Silbury Cross there's a criminal lunatic who goes around poisoning people for fun.

[Mr. Watkins]

What?

[Marjorie Wills]

Don't. Please.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Right, are you ready?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Look as if you're enjoying yourselves.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Action.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

We present Donald Sinden as Dr. Gideon fell in the Black spectacles by John Dixon Carr.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Extracts from notes made by me Gideon Fell on August 10, 1938, concerning the mystery at Silbury Cross. I had already heard something of the matter when Chief Superintendent Hadley called to see me at Adelphi Terrace.

[Major Crow]

The Chief Constable Major Crows asked for assistance. Apparently the local chaps haven't reached any definite conclusion. The trouble is, the outbreak of poisoning happened three months ago, so the trail's pretty cold. But since the Chesney party got back from their Mediterranean cruise, things have turned nasty. Anonymous letters, messages scrawled on walls, that sort of thing.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yeah, I know. The villagers think one of the family was responsible. Johnny, how many people have been poisoned?

[Major Crow]

Three children and an 18 year old girl. All dosed with strychnine. One of the children died. As for the others, it was touch and go for a while, but they recovered.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Was there any connection with the Chesney family?

[Major Crow]

Marjorie was particularly fond of the boy who died, 8 year old Frankie Dale. His death nearly drove her into a nervous breakdown. That was the principal reason for their trip abroad.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes, I know that too.

[Major Crow]

Oh, really? Would you mind telling me how?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

A few days ago I received a letter from Marcus Chesney at the head of the family. I know him slightly. We have a mutual friend. I believe he has rather a splendid house.

[Major Crow]

He does. It's called Belgard. Named after a peach. He's got half an acre of glass houses and grows prize peaches for the luxury market. Marjorie Wills is his niece, the daughter of his late sister. A nice girl, I believe, though she's got a bit of a temper. He also has a brother, Dr. Joseph Chesney, but he doesn't live at Belgard. He has his own house and consulting rooms at the other end of the village.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Who else was in the cruise party?

[Major Crow]

An old school friend of Marcus, a retired professor named Ingram. He lives in a small cottage on the Belgard estate.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

In his letter, Marcus mentions a Mr. Harding.

[Marjorie Wills]

Ah.

[Major Crow]

Now, George Harding wasn't one of the Silbury Cross party. They met him on the cruise. He and Marjorie took to one another at once. It soon turned into a romance and now they're officially engaged. With Marcus's blessing.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes, yes, he says as much in his letter. But since their return, they hoped that.

[Major Crow]

By the time they got back, the trouble would have blown over.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

But it hadn't.

[Major Crow]

Far from it. The village has made up its mind that Marjorie was responsible for the poisonings. They're all up in arms demanding she should be arrested. Although there isn't a shred of evidence.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes. Marcus wants me to clear her name.

[Major Crow]

And Major Crow wants me to find the poisoner.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Which would seem to indicate a certain amount of teamwork. When do we start?

[Major Crow]

I should be able to get away early this evening.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Even so, Silbury Cross took some time to find. A thick fog reduced our progress to a steady crawl. When we finally reached the local police station, it was nearly 11:30.

[Major Crow]

Major Crow, I must apologize. For keeping you waiting. But visibility was practically nil and in these narrow country lanes.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Well, it can't be helped. At least you're here now, Dr. Fell, I take it you're acquainted with the relevant facts about Chesney's family and friends.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Oh, yes. Although we don't have much information about the people who work at Belgard. The household staff, the gardeners and so on.

[Major Crow]

They all live in the village, I believe.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

That's right. They come into work every morning. Apart from Walter. Emmett, that is. Emmett, the manager of the estate. In charge of the glass houses and the marketing. He's a decent chap. Worked at Bellegarde since he was a lad. He's not married, so he lives in. In case of a sudden frost or violent storm, he likes to be on hand so he can cope with serious emergencies.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

But not as serious as the emergency we have to investigate. What can you tell us about this outbreak of poisoning? Where did it begin?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

In Mrs. Terry's shop. Sweet shop? News agent, Tobacconist. She's a good soul. Very obliging. Of course, the tragedy upset her very much, but nobody blames her. It's not her fault if some lunatic doses chocolate creams with strychnine.

[Major Crow]

You mean someone went in and deliberately.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Introduced poisoned sweets among the ones on display? Yes, afraid so.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

How were they displayed? In a glass case.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

On top of the counter were two open boxes. One of chocolate caramels, the other chocolate creams. If you wanted something from one of the shelves behind the counter, Mrs. Terry would climb a pair of steps to fetch it. While her back was turned, it would be easy to drop the chocolates you'd already poisoned into the open box.

[Major Crow]

And when do you think this took place?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Friday, May 27th. We could be fairly certain of that because Thursdays, the market day, are always busy and she's nearly sold out of chocolate creams. She had to put out a new box first thing on Friday morning. And there were no reports of any illnesses on the Thursday night.

[Major Crow]

So the poisoned sweets must have been planted sometime on the fr.

[AMPM Commercial Voice]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[Marjorie Wills]

Hmm.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

It's gotta be when I'm really craving.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

It and it's convenient.

[AMPM Commercial Voice]

Could you be more specific?

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

When it's cravinient.

[AMPM Commercial Voice]

Okay, like a freshly baked cookie made.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

With real butter, available right down the street at am, pm Or a savory.

[AMPM Commercial Voice]

Breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at am, pm I'm seeing a pattern here.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I crave.

[Marjorie Wills]

Which is?

[AMPM Commercial Voice]

Anything from ampm what more could you want?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Stop by ampm, where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's Cravenience ampm. Too much good stuff.

[AMPM Commercial Voice]

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[Major Crow]

I don't suppose you have a list of the customers who visited the shop on that particular day?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

We've done our homework. Sergeant Harris has the names. I warn you, it's a long list.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Any members of the Chesney household?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Yes. Marcus Chesney went in for cigarettes. Dr. Joe Chesney bought some pipe tobacco. And neither Professor Ingram nor Walter Emmett went in.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

How about Marjorie Wills?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

I was just coming to that. She'd been to the grocer's where she happened to see young Frankie Dale. Now, according to another customer, she said, frankie, will you run down to Mrs. Terry and buy me some chocolate creams? And she gave him the money. He ran all the way there and back. And when he gave her the sweet, she said, they're for you. It's a thank you for sorting out that muddle over our Sunday paper last weekend. Frankie always delivered their newspapers.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

What about the other children? There were two others, I believe.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Well, just before the shop closed, Doris Carter, who works as a nursery maid for the Andersons, came in with their two children and bought some chocolate creams. After supper, the children were allowed one each and complained that they tasted bitter. Now, when Doris tried one herself, she decided they'd gone bad and put them aside to take back the next Day. That night, all three were violently ill, but they recovered, thank God.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Tell me about the boy, Frankie.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Well, unfortunately, he wasn't so particular. He wolfed a lot. The cramps started about an hour later and he died in terrible pain at half past ten that night.

[Major Crow]

Poor little devil. How about the Anderson's chocolates? Were they sent away for examination?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Naturally.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

They'd been carefully injected with strychnine through a hypodermic syringe. The needle marks were almost invisible.

[Major Crow]

But where would Marjorie have got a hypodermic, let alone a quantity of strychnine?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

She's very friendly with Dr. Joe. Always in and out of his house. He does keep strychnine in his surgery. And he might have left a few grains lying around. Well, as I say, since they all got back from their trip abroad, local feelings have been running wild. They know Marjorie gave the lad chocolates and they're out for blood.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes. Marcus wrote to me the other day asking for help and advice.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

He says they're threatening to smash up his greenhouses. He marched in here demanding instant results. If we couldn't solve the mystery, he'd do it for us. Then he began asking a lot of silly questions.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

What sort of questions?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Oh, he wanted to know the exact size of the chocolate boxes on Mrs. Terry's counter. When I said I didn't know, he told me I lacked the power of observation like everyone else.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes, that's one of his pet theories. He says most people are incapable of describing what they see. In fact, he's challenged me to go in. Excuse me, sir.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Telephone call from Dr. Chesney.

[George Harding]

He must speak to you right away.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Right. Back in a minute, gentlemen.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

He wasn't gone very long, but by the time he came back, his manner had changed. His face was very grave.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Sorry to have kept you waiting, but I'm afraid the situation has developed dramatically. Joe Chesney tells me that his brother Marcus is dead. Marcus apparently poisoned with cyanide. And, well, I can scarcely believe this myself, but.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Go on.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

He also says three people watched Marcus being poisoned right in front of them, but not one of them can say what happened.

[Major Crow]

So this is Belgard. Quite impressive.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

No lights at the front of the house.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

There's a blaze of light across the lawn. Over to the left.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Ah. That'll be the music room. The French windows must be open. Come on.

[Major Crow]

That must be a very powerful light. Hello. What's all this?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Outside the windows, various articles were scattered on the grass. A slouch hat, a long raincoat, a brown muffler. Together with a pair of dark glasses and a black Gladstone bag. Entering the room, we found a man sitting at a table lit by a brilliant photo flood lamp. And we recognized the smell of bitter almonds. Marcus Chesney was slumped in his chair, his face purple and swollen with traces of froth on his lips. There were two objects on the table. A pencil and a box of chocolates with a pattern of flowers on the lid. A wall clock showed the time, 12:45.

[Major Crow]

Which, according to my watch, is correct.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

Major Crow. Oh, thank God you're here.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Chief Superintendent Hadley. Dr. Gideon Fell. Dr. Joseph Chester. So tell us what the devil's been going on.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

I wish I could. I wasn't here when it happened. And as soon as I arrived, I had to go upstairs to attend to another emergency. Walter. Emmet.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Emmet?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

You don't mean he's.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

No, he's not dead. He's got a severe concussion, a nasty crack on the back of his head.

[Major Crow]

How on earth did he get that?

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

Look, would you mind if we moved into the other room? I thought I was beyond squeamishness, but where is your own brother?

[Major Crow]

It's a terrible. I'm sure we can appreciate that. And the ambulance will be here soon. After you, Doctor.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

We followed him through a curtained arch into the connecting room. The curtains were wide open, with three chairs standing in a row facing the grisly scene. At that moment, the photo flood bulb went out, as if to say that the drama had ended. While Dr. Chesney went on to explain the events leading up to his brother's death.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

I was here earlier when the argument began. Marcus said that after an accident, most witnesses can never tell you what they've seen, and offered to test his theory by staging a sort of charade. But I had to visit a patient at the other end of the village, a difficult confinement. Now, he said the show wouldn't start till midnight, so I said I'd try to get back if I could. I arrived at 10 past 12. Too late to help him. Poor old boy.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

So three people actually watched the show?

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

Yes. They saw every move the murderer made, but they can't agree on any.

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[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

Thing that happened.

[Major Crow]

And those three people were?

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

Professor Ingram, Marjorie and her fiance, George Harding, who was staying for the weekend. Well, at least one good thing has come out of this damn business.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

I beg your pardon?

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

Well, in the last few months, some people have accused my niece of being a murderer. But whoever killed my brother, whoever the poisoner is, it can't be Marjorie. And, well, if Marcus had to peg out to prove that, it's worth it.

[Marjorie Wills]

Excuse me, Uncle Joe, could you go up to Walter? There's something about the way he's breathing.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

Oh, yes, of course. Right away.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Ms. Wills, this is Chief Superintendent.

[Marjorie Wills]

Oh, that light's gone out. The bulb can't have burned out already, surely? Oh, I beg your pardon. Did you say something?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

This is Chief Superintendent Hadley from Scotland Yard and Dr. Gideon Fell.

[Marjorie Wills]

I suppose you'd come to arrest me.

[Major Crow]

Sorry, no. But we'd like to ask you a few questions.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

It might be a bit easier if we closed these curtains.

[Marjorie Wills]

I expect you want to know how all this began.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Well, yes, indeed I do.

[Marjorie Wills]

During dinner, Uncle Marcus was saying that people can never describe what they've seen.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

And you disagreed with your uncle?

[Marjorie Wills]

I told him that might be true about men, but women were far more observant. Of course, uncle insisted he was right. Then he asked George to take his cine camera and film the whole thing so there wouldn't be any arguments afterwards.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Great. Jupiter. Do you mean to say that you've got it all on film?

[Marjorie Wills]

Yes. That's why he used a photo flood lamp.

[Major Crow]

So as soon as we get the film processed.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Just one moment. We know you and Mr. Harding and the professor made up the audience. What about the gentleman who got bashed over the head?

[Marjorie Wills]

Walter was Uncle's assistant. He was supposed to be the other actor in the show, though we didn't know that he Came in dressed in some old clothes.

[Major Crow]

What time was this?

[Marjorie Wills]

Well, we took our places at about 5 to 12. The curtains were closed like they are now. Then uncle came through and gave us a little lecture. Our half of the room had to be in total darkness and we mustn't speak during the show. Then he opened the curtains and sat down at the table. And then.

[Major Crow]

Go on.

[Marjorie Wills]

On the table there was a box of chocolates, a pen and a pencil. He picked up the pencil, then the pen and pretended to write. Then the French windows opened and that horrible man came in.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Can you describe his appearance?

[Marjorie Wills]

George says he looked like the bogeyman. And he did. He had a slouch hat and a long raincoat with the collar turned up and a muffler around his face. He wore black glasses and he was carrying a black bag which he put down on the table. Uncle said, you've done now what you did before. What other things will you do? And the bogeyman produced a pillbox and shook out a green capsule, the kind they use to give children castor oil. And he tipped back Uncle's head and forced the pill down his throat. It was horrible. Then he picked up his bag and went out. Uncle just sat there fidgeting with the pen and pencil. Then suddenly he flopped forward onto his space.

[Major Crow]

But that wasn't how we found him.

[Marjorie Wills]

Oh, no. He got up and bowed and closed the curtains. We waited for something else to happen, but then he turned the lights on and came in with a piece of paper, saying we had to answer some questions.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Did you ask him any questions?

[Marjorie Wills]

The professor said, who was your weird companion? Uncle laughed and said, that was Walter. He helped me plan it. Then he called. All right, Walter, you can come in now. But there was no answer. We found Walter outside the French windows with blood trickling from his mouth. He'd been unconscious for some time. So the bogeyman wasn't Walter after all. And that was. That was when Uncle Marcus collapsed.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Marjorie.

[George Harding]

My God, what have you been saying to her? Hasn't she suffered enough?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

George Harding's outburst was cut short by the arrival of an ambulance to collect the body, and Marjorie went up to her room to lie down. While the police procedures were carried out, Hadley and I began our own investigations, finishing up in the library where Major Crow introduced us to Professor Ingram.

[Professor Ingram]

How do you do? I was about to say, this is a great pleasure, Dr. Velvet, under these circumstances. Well, you know what I mean.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I do indeed, yes. We're sorry to intrude on you at a time like this.

[Major Crow]

We have a job to do. I'm sure you both understand that.

[George Harding]

Of course. We're only too anxious to help.

[Major Crow]

Well, in that case, Mr. Harding, perhaps I might begin by asking how long you've known Ms. Wills?

[George Harding]

Well, actually it's very strange because we only met a few weeks ago on the ship. But I feel as if I'd always known her. I suppose it was a case of love at first sight for both of us.

[Major Crow]

Congratulations. And I'm told you filmed the observation test this evening.

[George Harding]

That's right. Mr. Chesney asked me to do it and I said I'd be happy to oblige.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

And the film? Still in the camera.

[George Harding]

I've got it here. I expect you want to take a look at it.

[Major Crow]

We certainly do. We'll have it processed as soon as possible.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

I'll get my men onto it. Mr. Watkins, our local chemist, is a cine film enthusiast. You'll see to it, Mr. Harding? May I?

[George Harding]

Of course you are.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Meanwhile, what can you tell us about the actual performance?

[George Harding]

Well, I was concentrating on the camera, keeping it focused, but I've got a pretty good eye for details. In my line of business we have to.

[Major Crow]

What exactly is your business, Mr. Harding?

[George Harding]

I'm a research chemist working on a new method of electroplating. It's very interesting.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Well, since you have an eye for details, and since we know Walter Emmett did not take part in the performance, what can you tell us about the appearance of the so called bogeyman?

[George Harding]

Ah, that's tricky. He was heavily disguised.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Nothing about him that struck you as familiar?

[George Harding]

No, not really, Professor.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Did he remind you of anyone?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

I'm afraid not.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes, he. He must have been one of the household.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

What on earth makes you say that?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Because he knew what he had to wear and what he had to do. Otherwise Marcus would have realized right away that something was wrong. I can only assume that someone overheard Marcus and Emmett earlier when they were making their plans.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

You mean one of the family circle?

[Professor Ingram]

But that's impossible. Tonight George and Marjorie and I were all watching the show and Joe was out seeing one of his patients.

[Major Crow]

But you were all in total darkness. One of you could have slipped out and taken Emmett's place and returned before the performance ended.

[Professor Ingram]

When you say one of us. Since George was fully occupied with the cine camera at the time and obviously couldn't have been Marjorie. Am I to understand that you're accusing me of murder?

[Major Crow]

At present we're not accusing anybody, but.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

But perhaps you can enlighten us upon another point. Marjorie says there were some Objects on the table. A box of chocolates, a pen and a pencil. When we arrived, the pencil and the chocolates were still in place, but there was no sign of a pen. Did Marcus use a pen?

[George Harding]

Yes. First to use the pencil, then the pen.

[Professor Ingram]

I don't think so. It had a pointed end, like a nib, but it was too thin for a pen. In fact, it looked more like one of those poison darts that savages use with a blowpipe.

[Mr. Watkins]

Oh, for heaven's sake, why not?

[Professor Ingram]

Just the sort of thing Marcus would.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Do to fool us.

[Professor Ingram]

But there was also a serious purpose.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

To the whole business.

[Professor Ingram]

It wasn't just an observation test. It was to demonstrate how the chocolates in the sweet shop could have been poisoned without anybody noticing.

[Major Crow]

Did he tell you that?

[Professor Ingram]

Nobody dropped a hint. Before we went into the music room, I drew him aside and asked him what he was up to. And he said, watch carefully, because you might see how the chocolates were poisoned. Though I bet you won't spot it.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Oh, yes, I know all about that.

[Major Crow]

What do you mean?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Well, I knew how it was done. It was very simple. Sorry to trouble you, sir.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Yes? One of you. Sergeant, Miss Wills is here. She's feeling better and she'd like to.

[George Harding]

Join you, if that's all right.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

By all means. Come here, Ms. Wills.

[Marjorie Wills]

Thank you. I'm sorry I was so stupid. I'll be fine now.

[George Harding]

One other thing, sir.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I'd appreciate a private word, if you.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Can spare a minute. Very well. What is it, Harris?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Sit down, my dear. Do you feel sufficiently recovered to answer a few more questions?

[George Harding]

Look here, is this really necessary? She's had a terrible shock.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Marcus Chesney had prepared a list of questions which he intended to put to you. It was still in his pocket. And it might help us considerably if you'd try to answer those questions now.

[Professor Ingram]

I'm sure we shall do our best.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Thank you. The first question. At what time did the performance begin?

[Marjorie Wills]

Midnight.

[George Harding]

Yes, it was about midnight.

[Professor Ingram]

In fact, it was one minute before midnight. I made a particular note of the time.

[Major Crow]

You mean you looked at your watch?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Oh, no.

[Professor Ingram]

We were in pitch darkness. But I could see the clock on the wall behind Marcus.

[Marjorie Wills]

So could I. And I still say it was midnight.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Of course, the clock could have been wrong.

[Major Crow]

It wasn't. I checked that when we arrived.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yeah, but Marcus might have put the clock forward or back while the curtains were closed. That could have been another of his little tricks.

[Marjorie Wills]

No, it couldn't. You can't alter the time on that clock. Somebody broke the little spindle that turns the hands. It's never been mended. Besides, what difference would it make?

[Major Crow]

It would make a big difference to the alibi of someone who wasn't here at midnight.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

You mean.

[Professor Ingram]

Surely you're not suggesting.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Let's try the next question. Was there a box on the table? If so, can you describe it?

[Marjorie Wills]

Of course. There was a box of chocolates with a pattern of green flowers.

[Professor Ingram]

Sorry, my dear. Yes, there was a box, but the flowers were blue.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Well, it's not worth arguing about. As it happens, you're both right and both wrong. Next question. Which objects did I pick up from the table?

[Major Crow]

Well, George says a pen, and the professor described it as a poisoned dart from a blowpipe.

[Marjorie Wills]

What nonsense. George is right. It was a pen.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Very well. So let's press on. Did anyone speak?

[Marjorie Wills]

The bogeyman never said a word. But as I told you, uncle said, you've done now what you did before. What else will you do? That was all?

[Professor Ingram]

Not quite. When the stranger first appeared, George said something. You whispered, here comes the bogeyman.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Didn't you, George?

[Marjorie Wills]

Do we have to keep going over and over it? How many more questions are there?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Only one more. Did the intruder remove anything from the table? No, I'm sorry.

[Professor Ingram]

When he came in, he put his bag on the table and then he took the bag out with him.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Quite so. He also removed a green flowered box of chocolates, having substituted a blue flowered box, which is there now. The first box is still inside the Gladstone bag. When the ambulance arrived, I took the opportunity to examine the objects outside on the lawn. The black bag has a false bottom with a concealed spring in the handle. The kind that conjurers use to make things appear and disappear. That's how the trick was done. And as Marcus hinted, that is how a box of poisoned chocolates replaced the ones in Mrs. Terry's shop.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Well, Superintendent, how are you getting on?

[Major Crow]

Slowly but surely. Dr. Fells made an interesting discovery. And I think we've established that all the members of the household have a cast iron alibi for the time of Marcus Chesney's death.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

That does surprise me. Because Sergeant Harris has also made an interesting discovery which indicates that the murderer is either a member of the household or closely connected with it.

[Professor Ingram]

I don't understand.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

In one of the bathrooms he found a medicine cabinet containing a box of castor oil capsules.

[Major Crow]

That's hardly surprising. They're common enough.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Yes, the tucked away at the back of the shelf he also found a 1 ounce bottle of prussic acid.

[Major Crow]

Ah, Mr. Harding. You're a research chemist. Do you use that sort of thing in your work?

[George Harding]

No, I do not.

[Major Crow]

But I expect you could make it.

[George Harding]

Yes, of course. So could anyone. It's not that complicated.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Very well. By tomorrow we should have a great deal more information. There's every hope that Walter Emmett will have regained consciousness and be able to answer some questions. And Harris tells me that Mr. Watkins will have the cine film ready to show us tomorrow morning.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I'm delighted to hear it. Though, of course, it won't be tomorrow, since it's now 1:30am Tomorrow is today.

[Major Crow]

Good morning. Do you realize it's after 9 o'? Clock? I thought you were an early riser.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

So I am, as a rule. I had a broken night.

[Major Crow]

Well, cheer up. You'll feel better when you've had something to eat. For a simple village pub, they do a magnificent breakfast. Grilled ham, devilled kidneys, eggs, sausages, fried tomatoes.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Oh, no, no, no. Please don't vote for me. Thank you. Or not in the usual way. I enjoy a cooked breakfast as well as anybody, but in the atmosphere of a bar parlour, last night's cigarette smoke and the smell of stale beer. I shall content myself with a strong.

[Major Crow]

Cup of tea and our maid. What kept you awake then?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Thank you. I slept until 3, then woke up with a start and said to myself, oh, Lord, O Backers, what a blind fool I am.

[Major Crow]

Really? Any particular reason?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I realized I'd made a very stupid mistake. Consider a box of chocolates. A large box of chocolates. What do we expect to find in it?

[Major Crow]

Chocolates.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Oh, please. As a general rule, they have more than one layer, don't they? Two at least. Or even three.

[Major Crow]

Yes, I suppose so. What about it?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

We've been imagining that someone slipped the poisoned chocolates into an open box on Mrs. Terry's counter. But we know now that it wasn't like that.

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[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Our murderer replaced one box with another. So what was to stop him putting the poisoned chocolates into the second or third layer? Which means that they could have been in the shop for several days before anyone reached the ones that had been doctored. Whenever the poisoner took them into the shop. I'll lay you odds it was well before the fatal 27th of May.

[Major Crow]

Thanks very much. You realize that leaves us worse off than we were before. Now we have no idea when the murderer went into the shop. Except that it wasn't the one day the police have been concentrating on.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

True, yes, up to a point. But we are not worse off than before. This could lead us to the answer. We know that our murderer must have gone in with a large Gladstone bag similar to the one that Marcus used in his performance.

[Major Crow]

Now, hang on. We still don't know how the dickens Marcus got hold of a thing like that.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

By mere order, I imagine. From one of those firms selling magic paraphernalia. It's simple enough. But since we are pretty sure that the murderer was someone known to Mrs. Terry, it would have aroused her curiosity if he placed a large black bag on the counter. She'd say, going away somewhere, sir? Are we? Off to London, are we? And even if she didn't say it, the incident would stick in her mind. Unless. Oh, I see.

[Major Crow]

Unless the murderer was somebody who often carried a black bag. In which case, she wouldn't give it a second thought.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes, and who usually carries a thing like that?

[Major Crow]

I think Dr. Chesney has some explaining to do.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yeah, all in good time. Before we do anything else, we must take a look at that cine film. What was the name of our obliging local chemist?

[Major Crow]

Mr. Watkins.

[Mr. Watkins]

Good morning, gentlemen. What can I do for you?

[Major Crow]

I believe you're expecting us. My name's Hadley, and this is Dr. Gideon Vell.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Good morning.

[Mr. Watkins]

Oh, yes, come in. Superintendent.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Dr. Fell.

[Major Crow]

And is the film ready to be seen?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I hope you're not about to tell us that the young man with the camera left the lens cap on.

[Mr. Watkins]

Oh, no, no, nothing like that. I have the Projector ready and waiting upstairs in my little den. Now, the processing took rather longer than I'd anticipated.

[Major Crow]

Here.

[Mr. Watkins]

The film was slightly underexposed, but I managed to correct that eventually.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

My dear chap, you must have been up half the night. You have my deepest sympathy. I know the feeling.

[Mr. Watkins]

No, no, I enjoyed it. It was quite fascinating.

[Major Crow]

Oh, was it?

[Mr. Watkins]

Well, yes. You understand I had to run the film once or twice to make sure it was all right. I hope I didn't do wrong.

[Major Crow]

Not at all. Provided you don't tell anyone else what you've seen.

[Mr. Watkins]

Oh, certainly not. Mum's the word, as they say. But you've certainly got some unusual things on that film. Clues, I suppose you'd call them. Most unusual.

[Major Crow]

Unusual in what way?

[Mr. Watkins]

Well, the second thing Mr. Chesney picks up and pretends to write with. I wasn't sure at first, so I stopped the film and took a magnifying glass to the screen. And it was so absurd.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Please.

[Major Crow]

What?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I thought I saw a shadow at the window. Someone outside. Perhaps I was mistaken. I'm sorry.

[Major Crow]

You were about to tell us.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

No, no. One moment, if you please. Mr. Watkins, let me ask you about your stock in trade. How are you off for poisons?

[Mr. Watkins]

Poisons?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes. Do you have any prussic acid? How about potassium cyanide?

[Mr. Watkins]

Oh, no prussic acid, sir. I do carry one or two preparations containing potassium cyanide, but I haven't sold any for 18 months or more. I can show you the register if you like.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

No, no, no, no. That won't be necessary. But tell me, do you also sell photo flood lamps?

[Mr. Watkins]

Oh, yes, indeed.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Oh, splendid. Nothing. If I bought one and kept it switched on, how long would it be before it burned out?

[Mr. Watkins]

Oh, but you're not supposed to do that. You should switch it off as soon as you finished the photographic session.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Quite so. But let's assume that I'm being particularly stupid. How long?

[Mr. Watkins]

Well, I'd say. Oh, I'd say well over an hour at least.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Excellent. Yes. And did anyone from Bellegarde buy one of those lamps?

[Mr. Watkins]

Let me see. Oh, yes. Round about this time yesterday, Ms. Wills came in and asked for one. Oh, good gracious. Talk of the devil. Oh, I beg your pardon. I shouldn't have said that. I didn't mean that.

[Major Crow]

Ms. Wills, what's wrong?

[Marjorie Wills]

Nothing. I. I just. I thought I saw.

[Mr. Watkins]

Oh, my front door, half brick.

[Major Crow]

Don't.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Stand back, please. My dear. Are you all right? Mr. Watkins, do we have a chair?

[Marjorie Wills]

Don't bother. I'm not hurt. And I should Be used to it. By now. They all hate me.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Here you are. If you care to sit down now, take deep breaths. Everything's all right now.

[Mr. Watkins]

All right. Look at that broken glass. I mean, why did they have to smash my front door? It's not as if I'd done anything to deserve it.

[Marjorie Wills]

What do you mean you think I have?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

With our steady now, deep breaths.

[Major Crow]

No luck. Whoever it was, he legged it.

[Marjorie Wills]

I'm sorry. I should have known better than to.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Well, perhaps you could tell us why you're here.

[Marjorie Wills]

I had to come and find you. Major Crow's at Belgard. He wants to see you right away.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Why?

[Major Crow]

What's happened?

[Marjorie Wills]

Something so terrible. Walter Emmett. Poor Walter. He's dead.

[Major Crow]

I'm very sorry. I suppose the concussion was more serious than anyone.

[Marjorie Wills]

No, you don't understand. Uncle Joe says someone must have gone into his room during the night with a hypodermic full of prussic acid and injected it into his arm.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I've met the powers of hell before now, but never when they moved with such deliberate and thoughtful care.

[Major Crow]

One thing I don't understand. The major knew we were here. Why didn't he telephone instead of.

[Marjorie Wills]

He tried. I. I mean, he asked me to phone you, but this line must be out of order.

[Major Crow]

Could you try your phone, Mr. Watkins?

[Mr. Watkins]

Yeah, of course. Ms. Wills. I'm so very sorry. Oh, I don't know what to say. Hello, operator? Ah, I was just checking the line, but it seems to be all right now. Sorry to have trouble.

[Major Crow]

Don't hang up. Get onto Belgard, would you, please? I'd like to speak to Major Crow. Is it possible to take the phone through into the back room?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes.

[Mr. Watkins]

Yes, of course. I'll lead the way.

[Marjorie Wills]

It's so awful.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes, I know, but try not to upset yourself.

[Marjorie Wills]

I can't help it. I keep thinking about Walter. He'd never done anything to hurt anyone. I was very fond of him. I've known him ever since I was a little girl. He'd have done anything for me. Last night Uncle Joe said that this morning he'd be able to speak and tell us what happened. And now, why should anyone want to kill Walter?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I think you've just answered your own question.

[Marjorie Wills]

Oh, yes, I see. And everything used to be so wonderful. We thought that things were going so well from that first day in London when I met George and we fell in love. It was.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Just a minute. Did you say you met him in London?

[Marjorie Wills]

Damn. I'm such a fool. Oh, what does it matter? Why shouldn't you know? I Can tell you the whole story now.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Last night, George said he felt as if he'd known you for a long time. I take it he had.

[Marjorie Wills]

Yes. We met in London early last year when I was taking an art appreciation course and we fell for one another right away. I didn't tell Uncle Marcus because I knew he wouldn't approve. But when George asked me to marry him, I. I thought if uncle found out we'd been meeting secretly, there'd be a terrible ruction. So when he planned a holiday abroad, I persuaded George to book a ticket on the same cruise. He'd been working very hard. He really needed a holiday.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

And you pretended to meet accidentally?

[Marjorie Wills]

That's right. And everything worked out so well. Uncle really took to him. They all did.

[Major Crow]

Thanks, Mr. Watkins. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I spoke to the chief and he's coming over right away to watch the film.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Did you explain that Marjorie was here? Yes.

[Major Crow]

He's arranged for the police car to take her back to Belgard. I'm afraid we can't invite you to stay and watch the film, Ms. Wills. We haven't seen it ourselves yet.

[Marjorie Wills]

That's all right. I'm not sure I want to see it anyway.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

When Major Crow arrived and Marjorie went Back to Bellegarde, Mr. Watkins, having repaired his front door as best he could, took us up to his den where we sat facing the screen. He pulled on the blinds to darken the room, then took up his post beside the projector.

[Mr. Watkins]

Ready when you are, gentlemen.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Before we start, what do we expect to see?

[Major Crow]

We expect to see our murderer. I'm not sure we shall be able to identify him.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

What do you think, Dr. Tell?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I think on some points, I'm certain what we shall see. On other points, I'm uncertain what we shall see on any remaining points. I don't give a tinker's cuss what we see, provided we are allowed to shut up and see it.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Oh.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Right.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Carry on. Markings.

[Mr. Watkins]

Very good, sir.

[Major Crow]

Nothing but blackness. No.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

A chink of light as Marcus opens the curtains. The picture's a bit wobbly, but Mr. Harding admitted that he was not an expert. Expert cameraman. Ah. That's more like it. Settle down. Marcus sits at the table.

[Major Crow]

Luckily, the focus is sharp. You can even see the clock one minute before midnight. The professor was right about that.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

He's picking up the pencil as if he's going to write. Now he's picking up the pen. No. Is it a pen? Wait a minute. Stop the film.

[Mr. Watkins]

Ah, you spotted it. I thought you would it does look a little bit like a pen nib.

[Major Crow]

But it's the minute hand from a clock.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

In fact, it's the minute hand from that clock on the wall.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

But you can see both hands on the clock.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

What appears to be a minute hand is the shadow of the hour hand. Marjorie, sitting in the middle, said it was midnight exactly. The professor, sitting on her right, said it was one minute before midnight. All Marcus had to do before the show began was to unscrew the minute hand and put it on the table. When it was over, he replaced the hand before opening the curtains to take a bow. The question is, what was the time exactly?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Well, the hour hands pointing to 12, so.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

But the hour hand moves so slowly. I mean, it could have been anything between five, two and five past.

[Major Crow]

Which means Dr. Chesney's alibi is shot to blazes.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

That's true. True. If he left his patient at midnight or a few minutes before, and he said it was 10 past when he got back at that time of night, he could easily have got through the village in 15 minutes.

[Major Crow]

If he'd overheard Marcus and Emmett making plans earlier, he could have seized the opportunity. But he'd have to kill Emmett as well, because Emmett would have known the trick with the clock. And unlike anyone else, Joe Chesney knows how to use a hypodermic needle.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Right, Doctor, but I'd like to see the rest of the film. Mr. Watkins, would you mind?

[Mr. Watkins]

Oh, yes, yes, certainly.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

And here comes the bogeyman. He looks directly into the camera. Could that be Dr. Chesney?

[Major Crow]

Hard to say. He's turning away, putting his black bag on top of the chocolate box.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Which is when he switched the boxes. Now, Mark, is. Is his saying something to him?

[Major Crow]

Something like, you've done what you did.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Before and now he's taking out the pillbox, tilting back Marcus head, giving him the capsule.

[Mr. Watkins]

Now he's going out. And that's the end of it.

[Major Crow]

Well, it's got to be Dr. Chesney. No one.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

You can't spin it on the doctor just because he had a shaky alibi. You have no proof. And what motive did he have to kill his brother?

[Major Crow]

Marcus was a rich man. I dare say the estate will pass to his immediate family, Right, Major?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

I believe so, yes. Well, thanks for your help, Watkins. And if you ever breathe a word of anything you've seen or heard in this room, I shall personally come round here and break your neck. Understood?

[Mr. Watkins]

Oh, yes, Major. Mum is definitely the right.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

I asked my driver to come and pick us up the car should be waiting down below.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I get the feeling that you have something you wish to say, Major.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Well, yes, as a matter of fact, I was anxious to get away before Watkins put two and two together. You see, when you suggested that Marcus's brother had a strong motive for murder, that would apply just as well to Marjorie.

[Major Crow]

She couldn't have dressed up as the bogeyman.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

She could have had an accomplice. She'd known Walter Emmett since she was a child. He was devoted to her. If she were the one who overheard Marcus and Emmett play their performance, she could have persuaded him to give her uncle the capsule and then slipped out to meet him when he came off stage, so to speak, and bashed him over the head.

[Major Crow]

Knocked him unconscious. I mean, dammit, man, you'd be saying next she poisoned the blasted chocolates as well.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

I'm sorry I couldn't tell you this in front of Watkins, but we do have some new evidence. Last week, a young woman went into a backstreet chemist in Reading saying she needed cyanide of potassium for photographic purposes. Now, when the chemist questioned her, it was obvious she knew nothing about photography. She lost her nerve and ran away. He reported it to the police. And this morning he read about Marcus's death in the papers. There was a picture of the Chesney family, and he recognized Marjorie at once.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Oh, dear. I'm very sorry to hear that.

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[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Ah, Bellegarde. Already? Perhaps I could have A quiet word with the young lady on my own. Ms. Wills. Marjorie. I'm sorry to creep up on you like this, but it's necessary for us to have a conversation.

[Marjorie Wills]

Oh. You startled me.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes, I was afraid so. That's why you didn't phone Mr. Watkins. You never use a telephone, do you? But you're a very skillful lip reader.

[Marjorie Wills]

How did you find out?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

The first time we met, it struck me as odd that you didn't hear something that Major Crow said to you. And I'm afraid I was rather suspicious when Mr. Watkins telephone was out of order.

[Marjorie Wills]

I manage very well. As a rule, most people never guess. I'm not ashamed of my deafness, but I don't see any reason to go around proclaiming the fact. It doesn't make any difference, does it?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

No, no, no, no. It might even be helpful. But I really came to ask you something else. Could you tell me why you went to Reading and tried to buy some poison?

[Marjorie Wills]

I thought no one knew, but when he started asking questions, I lost my head and ran out.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Yes, but I still don't know why you wanted it.

[Marjorie Wills]

It was because I wanted to kill myself.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Ah. And why would you want to do that?

[Marjorie Wills]

Can you imagine what it's like living under the strain of being suspected of murder, hated by everyone, accused of killing the boy, expecting to be arrested every day, only there wasn't enough evidence.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

But surely when you went away on holiday.

[Marjorie Wills]

Yes, I was happy then for a while. But when we came back, it was worse than ever.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I didn't mean that. I meant George had been welcomed into the family circle. You're going to be married. You've got everything to live for.

[Marjorie Wills]

I'm not sure it will ever happen. Frankie, Uncle Marcus, and now Walter. It seems as if there's some terrible curse on the people I love. George might change his mind, and I wouldn't blame him if he did.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Mr. Harding.

[George Harding]

Sorry. I know I shouldn't have listened at the door, but thank God I did. Marjorie, my dearest, don't you understand?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I love you.

[Mr. Watkins]

I love you with all my heart.

[George Harding]

And I don't care what anyone says.

[Mr. Watkins]

I want to marry you.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Mr. Harding, I understand how you feel, but under the circumstances, I must ask you to be patient.

[George Harding]

I can't. Marry me, darling. We'll get a special license tomorrow.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Realizing that it would be tactful to leave them together, I went out into the garden to join Hadley and Major crowd.

[Major Crow]

It's good to be outdoors, enjoying the sunshine, away from possible eavesdroppers.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Certainly little daylight in our problems, they'll soon resolve themselves.

[Major Crow]

You think so?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Of course. We've got a clear case at last. The girl was our chief suspect right from the start. Only we never had a motive. But now it's staring us in the face. According to the terms of her uncle's will, she's going to be very wealthy.

[Major Crow]

Well, as you, that also applies to her uncle Joe.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Oh?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

The estate will be divided between them. I know that. But everything points to the girl as the guilty party. She killed the paper boy and damn near polished off three more the same way.

[Major Crow]

Wholesale poisoning with no motive whatever.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

But there could have been a very clear motive.

[Major Crow]

I don't follow you.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

If it hadn't been for the sweet shop poisoning, she'd have been an obvious suspect when her uncle died. But if she'd already established a maniac poisoner in the village, it might have deflected our suspicions.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

And now we know she went to buy some more poison. That suicide story is just eyewash.

[Major Crow]

Well, we know she tried to buy poison. We also know she failed. So how did she get hold of prussic acid, let alone strychnine?

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Her boyfriend's a research chemist. I admit Harding seems to be a pleasant young chap, but there may be more to him than meets the eye. What if he were involved right from the start? What if they planned it between them?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

You can't have it both ways. First she commits murder in cahoots with Emmett. Then she kills Emmett and commits another murder with Harding. You can't have her playing ring a ringer roses with every man she meets.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

But just now you agreed with me. You said she started poisoning as a sort of smokescreen.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I said she could have done that. Anyone could have done that, including the actual murderer.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

So you don't believe Marjorie Wills is guilty?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Absolutely right, I don't. She had no more to do with these crimes than you have.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

I don't understand.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Well, what you must remember is the psychology of our murderer. Of all the forms of murder, poisoning is the most difficult to get away with.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Now, hold on a minute. You mean the easiest, don't you?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

No, I mean precisely what I say. But look here.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

There are people dying every day reported as natural deaths. But who knows how many of them have been poisoned?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

We don't know. What you say may be true. The graveyards may be full of corpses clamoring for vengeance. But hang it all, let's see some evidence before we assume your theory is valid.

[Major Crow]

Well, what's your opinion, then?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

In my opinion, the poisoner runs a Triple risk. One, he must make sure his victim doesn't live long enough to denounce him. Two, he must prove that he had neither the opportunity to administer poison nor a reason for doing so. And finally, hardest of all, he must obtain the poison without being detected. Now, I'm going to show you something.

[Major Crow]

What's that?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

The letter sent to me last week. Week? By Marcus Chesney. Perhaps you would read the last paragraph. Happily.

[Major Crow]

Well, thanks. All witnesses metaphorically wear black spectacles. They do not see what goes on on the stage, still less what goes on in the audience. I expect to perform a little charade before a group of friends quite soon. If all goes well, may I invite you to come and see it at a later date? I warn you, I shall try to hoodwink you in every possible way. But I'll give you a tip. Keep a close eye on my niece, Marjorie.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Marjorie? But you just said.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I know. That's why I didn't show you the letter till now. I didn't want to mislead you. But there's a clue in there which. Here he is. The very man I've been waiting for, Mr. Watkins.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Watkins? You don't mean he's a. Oh, no, no, no.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Certainly not. I invited him to come and give us another film show.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

Ms. Wills. Gentlemen, it seemed right and proper that those of you most deeply concerned should have the opportunity to see this film. Mr. Watkins has kindly set up the projector, sir.

[Marjorie Wills]

I told you, I'm not sure I want to see it.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Nevertheless, I think you should. It may help us a great deal. It may even help you. We want to establish who the bogeyman really was. Now, watch closely and you may see who killed Mr. Jesnian.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

You mean something might give him away?

[Major Crow]

Perhaps. Of course, if you have any objection.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

No, no, not at all.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

In fact, I'd like to see it.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

How about you, Mr. Harding? Any objection?

[George Harding]

Well, I was behind the camera, so I know what's in it. But it's going to be a bit of an ordeal for Marjorie. Does she really have to?

[Marjorie Wills]

It's all right, George. I'll be all right.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Thank you. Very well, Mr. Watkins, let's begin.

[Mr. Watkins]

Very good, Dr. Phil.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Lights out, please.

[Major Crow]

Here we go. Mr. Chesney sits at the table and picks up the pencil. And now.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

And I thought it was a blowpipe dart.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Now, never mind. Now, concentrate on the intruder who is about to. Yes, here he comes.

[Major Crow]

Now, take a good look.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Who is it, Walter?

[Marjorie Wills]

It's got to be the way he moves, the way he stands. That's Walter. It just is.

[Dr. Joseph Chesney]

She's right. But it can't be Walter. By that time, he was lying outside unconscious.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Now, Marjorie, I want you to watch Marcus's lips. He's about to say something. Tell us what he says.

[Marjorie Wills]

He says, I do not love thee, Dr. Fell. The reason why I cannot.

[Professor Ingram]

Devil, I tell you.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

It's a trick. Yes, Marcus. Last trick. A little joke at my expense. Stop the film, please. Lights on.

[Professor Ingram]

I don't understand. He never said.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Of course he didn't. Therefore, this isn't the film of what you saw last night. And therefore, the murderer is the person who gave us this film.

[Mr. Watkins]

Excuse me.

[George Harding]

Back in a minute.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

No, you don't.

[Marjorie Wills]

Oh.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

What did you do to him?

[Major Crow]

Nothing. As soon as I grabbed him, he fainted. Sheer terror. He knew it was all up. Come in, Sergeant. Take him away.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Good morning, Hadley. So you decided to have a lion today?

[Major Crow]

I lay awake for a long time last night. There are a few points I'm not quite clear about.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

My dear jump. You astonish me.

[Major Crow]

Yesterday morning, at this very table, you said it must have been a doctor who dumped that trick bag on Mrs. Terry's counter.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I beg your pardon? You said that there are other people who go around carrying luggage. Dumped tourists, for instance. Strangers to Silbury Cross. Like George Harding. Anyway, he was the only possible suspect.

[Major Crow]

Would you mind explaining that?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Marcus even gave us a clue. He said, they don't know what goes on on the stage, still less what goes on in the audience. Meaning that it could be trickery among the audience, too.

[Major Crow]

In other words, one of the three spectators could be.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Exactly. One of them might change places with Emmett and appear in the film. There was a short period of darkness before and after the show, when the curtains were closed long enough for Harding to step out, put on a costume, while Emmett took over the camera.

[Major Crow]

Impossible. During the show, the professor heard George say, shh. Here comes the bogeyman.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

He heard Emmett say it in a whisper, and since he was holding the cine camera, the professor assumed. Assumed it was George.

[Major Crow]

But it was Emmett we saw in the film.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

That version was shot much earlier, when the rest of the household were out of the way. Which is why the photo flood burned out. It was used twice.

[Major Crow]

So where's the film Emmett took during the show?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Let me explain. The scene was shot twice. First for what we might call the dress rehearsal with Emmett as the bogeyman. The. Then, during the actual performance, when Emmett and Harding changed places, Emmett held the camera.

[Major Crow]

But we've never seen that version on film.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

No.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Harding made sure the lens cap was left on so the rest of the film is blank. As soon as the show was over, while Harding was tearing off his disguise, Emmett stepped out as arranged, whereupon Harding cost him and resumed his post indoors with a camera before the lights were switched on.

[Major Crow]

Do you mean to say Harding planned all that months ago, before the Mediterranean cruise?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

No, not at all. No. Although as soon as he realized Marjorie was an heiress, he decided to kill Marcus and marry her for her inheritance. Unknown to Marjorie, he paid his first visit to Silvery Cross to establish the mysterious poisoner and lay the smokes. How he planned to finish Marcus off, we'll never know. Because last week, like a gift from the gods, he got his big chance when Marcus asked him secretly to help him with the show.

[Major Crow]

Marcus set up his own murder without knowing it?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I'm afraid so. I don't think Harding meant to implicate Margarine. He wanted her money. He didn't want to tried for murder. But by then he realized that her passion had begun to cool.

[Major Crow]

Do you think she suspected him?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

I think she saw a glimpse of his true character. Perhaps that's why she contemplated suicide. He sensed the change in her and tried to stampede her into marriage without success.

[Major Crow]

Well, she's free of him at last. What do you think she'll do?

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

My guess is that she and Dr. Joe will put Belgard on the market. A lovely house, but it holds too many unhappy memories. I hope she'll make a fresh start and build herself a new life.

[Major Crow]

I think she deserves it.

[Dr. Gideon Fell]

Ah, breakfast at last. This morning I ordered the entire menu with two eggs and extra fried bread. I think I deserve.

[Chief Superintendent Hadley]

In the Black Spectacles by John Dixon Carr, Dr. Gideon Fell was played by Donald Sinden, Chief Superintendent Hadley, John Hartley, Major Crow, Reginald Marsh, Marjorie Wills, Yasmin Brett, George Harding, Andrew Wincott, Dr. Joseph Chesney, James Taylor, Professor Ingram, Colin Pinney, Mr. Watkins, Christopher Wright, Sergeant Harris, Nick Ash. The Black Spectacles was dramatized for radio by Peter Ling and directed by Enid Williams.