1 00:00:00,084 --> 00:00:01,544 Vicky's a sweet little thing, 2 00:00:01,669 --> 00:00:03,713 but totally over her head in real estate. 3 00:00:04,088 --> 00:00:05,965 [Jessica] Tonight on Murder, She Wrote. 4 00:00:06,215 --> 00:00:07,675 Why did she have to get into a profession 5 00:00:07,758 --> 00:00:09,218 that's so insecure? 6 00:00:09,385 --> 00:00:10,678 Unlike acting. 7 00:00:10,761 --> 00:00:12,263 Sweet little Victoria is a suspect 8 00:00:12,346 --> 00:00:13,472 in the death of Deborah Tarkington. 9 00:00:13,556 --> 00:00:15,349 Howard isn't a suspect. 10 00:00:15,433 --> 00:00:17,643 I get to decide who the suspects are. 11 00:00:17,727 --> 00:00:21,397 The first sign of trouble, you ran like a scared rabbit. 12 00:00:21,480 --> 00:00:22,648 The man is a legend. 13 00:00:22,732 --> 00:00:23,899 I wanted to meet his daughter. 14 00:00:23,983 --> 00:00:26,527 The things I do for an exclusive. 15 00:00:32,074 --> 00:00:34,535 [cheerful instrumental music] 16 00:01:21,707 --> 00:01:23,292 [heart monitor flatlining] 17 00:01:23,834 --> 00:01:26,253 Such a fine young man. 18 00:01:26,337 --> 00:01:28,172 I'm sure he would have had a grand life. 19 00:01:29,131 --> 00:01:31,050 I would have never believed this new virus 20 00:01:31,133 --> 00:01:35,346 could work so fast and be so fatal. 21 00:01:35,429 --> 00:01:38,516 Hey, wait a minute! What's going on here? 22 00:01:39,558 --> 00:01:41,477 Hey, look, I agreed to do a hospital scene 23 00:01:41,560 --> 00:01:44,104 because you promised me a speedy recovery. 24 00:01:44,188 --> 00:01:45,981 We all gotta go sometime. 25 00:01:46,065 --> 00:01:48,192 Yeah, but in the next script I'm on the road to recovery. 26 00:01:48,275 --> 00:01:50,778 I guess you didn't get the new pages, Howie. 27 00:01:52,780 --> 00:01:55,616 Are you trying to tell me that I'm fired? 28 00:01:55,699 --> 00:01:57,952 I prefer to think of you as dead. 29 00:01:58,035 --> 00:02:00,871 Hey, but your wife's in real estate, isn't she? 30 00:02:00,955 --> 00:02:02,248 The way house prices are going, 31 00:02:02,331 --> 00:02:04,542 it's practically a license to steal. 32 00:02:13,342 --> 00:02:16,595 You can't put a $3 million ceiling on your offer 33 00:02:16,679 --> 00:02:19,765 if you want something decent in today's market. 34 00:02:19,849 --> 00:02:21,642 My husband would kill me. 35 00:02:21,725 --> 00:02:23,018 He thinks houses are overpriced, 36 00:02:23,102 --> 00:02:24,270 and he says you real estate people 37 00:02:24,353 --> 00:02:26,772 are out to gouge every last penny. 38 00:02:26,856 --> 00:02:29,316 Let me guess, your husband's a doctor. 39 00:02:31,485 --> 00:02:33,279 You sure this is the Errol Flynn house? 40 00:02:33,362 --> 00:02:35,990 Pretty sure. It's on the map here somewhere. 41 00:02:36,073 --> 00:02:37,283 Errol Flynn, huh? 42 00:02:37,366 --> 00:02:38,951 Boy, if these walls could talk. 43 00:02:40,244 --> 00:02:42,162 Uh, excuse me. 44 00:02:42,246 --> 00:02:46,041 I hate to disturb you, but isn't this a beautiful home? 45 00:02:46,125 --> 00:02:48,168 Oh, gorgeous. 46 00:02:48,252 --> 00:02:51,422 Well, I was wondering, is that your new Rolls-Royce 47 00:02:51,505 --> 00:02:53,424 out front blocking the driveway? 48 00:02:55,134 --> 00:02:56,427 Heavens, no. 49 00:02:56,510 --> 00:02:58,178 No, I drive a Volkswagen bug. 50 00:02:58,262 --> 00:03:00,723 Real honey of a car. Had it for 20 years. 51 00:03:01,891 --> 00:03:03,017 Sorry. 52 00:03:03,100 --> 00:03:05,144 Gonna be hard to sell, you know. 53 00:03:05,227 --> 00:03:07,146 But the asking price is so low. 54 00:03:07,229 --> 00:03:08,606 Relatively speaking, that is. 55 00:03:08,689 --> 00:03:10,941 Can't even build a tennis court here. 56 00:03:11,025 --> 00:03:12,568 No resale value at all. 57 00:03:15,863 --> 00:03:17,239 You blew it, kid. 58 00:03:18,866 --> 00:03:20,284 Take it from an old pro, 59 00:03:20,367 --> 00:03:23,329 there's always room for a tennis court. 60 00:03:23,412 --> 00:03:24,455 Where, Didi? 61 00:03:24,538 --> 00:03:26,290 Squeeze it in anywhere. 62 00:03:26,373 --> 00:03:28,918 If only tennis courts didn't have to be rectangular. 63 00:03:29,001 --> 00:03:30,461 Why can't they be kidney-shaped? 64 00:03:32,004 --> 00:03:33,297 Yeah, I know, it's tough. 65 00:03:33,380 --> 00:03:36,842 Look, next time, try the fitness approach. 66 00:03:36,926 --> 00:03:38,469 -Fitness? -Yeah. 67 00:03:38,552 --> 00:03:39,678 Tell them the one about the health nut 68 00:03:39,762 --> 00:03:41,388 who dropped dead playing doubles. 69 00:03:41,472 --> 00:03:43,933 But the man did have his heart set on a tennis court. 70 00:03:44,016 --> 00:03:46,101 Honey, if you start worrying what the buyer wants, 71 00:03:46,185 --> 00:03:48,354 you're gonna starve to death in this town. 72 00:03:48,437 --> 00:03:52,358 Now, go find him, make him feel guilty 73 00:03:52,441 --> 00:03:54,318 for looking without buying. 74 00:03:54,401 --> 00:03:55,527 Go ahead. 75 00:03:55,611 --> 00:03:57,404 -All right. -You'll be fine. 76 00:04:08,332 --> 00:04:09,750 Alec, it's not gonna work. 77 00:04:09,833 --> 00:04:12,002 -If she sees you here... -In this car? 78 00:04:12,086 --> 00:04:15,381 Look, with these dark glasses on and her eyesight, 79 00:04:15,464 --> 00:04:17,257 she'll never know it's me. 80 00:04:17,341 --> 00:04:20,135 Just go in and make the offer. 81 00:04:20,219 --> 00:04:21,637 Look, there's gotta be a better way than this. 82 00:04:21,720 --> 00:04:22,888 I mean, she'll know. 83 00:04:22,972 --> 00:04:25,849 Arnold, you worry too much. 84 00:04:25,933 --> 00:04:28,769 Just go in and make the offer. 85 00:04:28,852 --> 00:04:29,895 Now. 86 00:04:34,733 --> 00:04:36,026 [phone rings] 87 00:04:38,112 --> 00:04:39,571 Deborah Tarkington. 88 00:04:40,698 --> 00:04:42,157 Ah, Mrs. Griffin. 89 00:04:42,241 --> 00:04:43,701 Mr. Hastings. 90 00:04:43,784 --> 00:04:45,661 I believe you have the listing on this property? 91 00:04:45,744 --> 00:04:47,496 Yes, I do. 92 00:04:47,579 --> 00:04:50,165 Well, I thought we might talk about a full-price offer. 93 00:04:50,249 --> 00:04:52,126 Really? 94 00:04:52,209 --> 00:04:54,169 Hastings, out of my house! 95 00:04:54,253 --> 00:04:55,421 -Now, Deborah... -Out! 96 00:04:55,504 --> 00:04:57,131 You think I don't see that louse 97 00:04:57,214 --> 00:04:58,674 sitting out there in that wreck? 98 00:04:58,757 --> 00:05:00,300 -But just listen... -Out, out, out, out! 99 00:05:00,384 --> 00:05:01,844 But, Deborah, if you'd just... 100 00:05:01,927 --> 00:05:03,137 If I ever, ever see his dissipated face 101 00:05:03,220 --> 00:05:04,805 of my property again, 102 00:05:04,888 --> 00:05:07,057 I will turn the dogs loose on him! 103 00:05:07,141 --> 00:05:08,183 But if... 104 00:05:10,728 --> 00:05:15,315 I hired you to sell my house fast, but not to that jerk. 105 00:05:15,399 --> 00:05:17,192 I thought that your fresh-scrubbed innocence 106 00:05:17,276 --> 00:05:18,610 might be a welcome change 107 00:05:18,694 --> 00:05:20,446 from the sharks I usually deal with. 108 00:05:20,529 --> 00:05:21,822 But if you can't deliver a buyer, 109 00:05:21,905 --> 00:05:24,283 I will find someone who can. 110 00:05:24,366 --> 00:05:26,160 But he made a full-price offer. 111 00:05:26,243 --> 00:05:28,078 Well, you check the fine print on our agreement. 112 00:05:28,162 --> 00:05:29,788 You will see that 113 00:05:29,872 --> 00:05:32,624 it says I will sell to anyone except Alec Burton. 114 00:05:34,251 --> 00:05:38,464 You know, if it were left up to me, I'd sell it to anyone. 115 00:05:39,882 --> 00:05:44,011 Mom knows who she likes, and I know who I like. 116 00:05:48,182 --> 00:05:49,808 Will you excuse me for a moment? 117 00:05:49,892 --> 00:05:52,603 I...I... 118 00:05:52,686 --> 00:05:55,522 I think I saw a potential buyer outside. 119 00:06:03,530 --> 00:06:05,115 Aunt Jess. Vicky! 120 00:06:05,199 --> 00:06:07,201 How are you? I'm fine. 121 00:06:07,284 --> 00:06:09,244 Good to see you. I'm so sorry. 122 00:06:09,328 --> 00:06:10,746 I've been having a little crisis. 123 00:06:10,829 --> 00:06:12,247 Oh, nothing serious, I hope. 124 00:06:12,331 --> 00:06:13,791 Not really. Just business. 125 00:06:13,874 --> 00:06:16,460 I've been trying to sell a house for $4.9 million. 126 00:06:16,543 --> 00:06:20,380 For $4.9 million you could buy Cabot Cove! 127 00:06:20,464 --> 00:06:22,633 The house you're selling must be a mansion. 128 00:06:22,716 --> 00:06:25,260 Not really. But it is a nice fixer-upper. 129 00:06:25,344 --> 00:06:26,595 The trouble is, 130 00:06:26,678 --> 00:06:28,764 my exclusive expires at midnight. 131 00:06:28,847 --> 00:06:29,973 Oh, dear. 132 00:06:30,057 --> 00:06:31,642 But where's Howard? 133 00:06:31,725 --> 00:06:34,603 Oh, he had an audition he couldn't miss. 134 00:06:34,686 --> 00:06:36,271 Well, we'll be seeing each other for dinner tonight. 135 00:06:36,355 --> 00:06:38,273 We'll catch up on everything then. 136 00:06:38,357 --> 00:06:39,775 But I thought that 137 00:06:39,858 --> 00:06:41,902 Howard had a steady job on a TV series. 138 00:06:41,985 --> 00:06:43,779 Oh, he did. 139 00:06:43,862 --> 00:06:46,657 He decided that he wanted something livelier. 140 00:06:46,740 --> 00:06:48,784 Howard loves acting so much. 141 00:06:48,867 --> 00:06:50,661 Almost as much as he loves me. 142 00:06:50,744 --> 00:06:51,870 Is that a problem? 143 00:06:51,954 --> 00:06:53,247 No, really. 144 00:06:53,330 --> 00:06:56,125 Whatever Howard wants is fine with me. 145 00:06:56,208 --> 00:06:58,001 I just don't know if I'm ready for real estate. 146 00:06:58,085 --> 00:06:59,336 Is anyone? 147 00:07:00,754 --> 00:07:02,214 [pager beeping] Oh, dear. 148 00:07:04,883 --> 00:07:06,802 Oh, aunt Jess, I'm so sorry, 149 00:07:06,885 --> 00:07:08,428 but I'm gonna have to make a phone call. 150 00:07:08,512 --> 00:07:09,763 Oh, don't apologize. 151 00:07:09,847 --> 00:07:11,557 I understand the demands of business. 152 00:07:11,640 --> 00:07:13,934 I have to meet a bunch of booksellers this afternoon. 153 00:07:14,017 --> 00:07:15,978 -Okay, I'll be right back. -All right. 154 00:07:17,771 --> 00:07:19,606 Why didn't you stand your ground? 155 00:07:19,690 --> 00:07:22,776 At the first sign of trouble, you ran like a scared rabbit. 156 00:07:22,860 --> 00:07:25,154 She threw me out. 157 00:07:25,237 --> 00:07:27,698 Oh, Arnold, really. 158 00:07:27,781 --> 00:07:29,283 There's no need to panic. 159 00:07:29,366 --> 00:07:31,451 I mean, the property hasn't been sold. 160 00:07:31,535 --> 00:07:32,744 Nothing has been signed yet. 161 00:07:32,828 --> 00:07:34,955 Just make sure when something is, 162 00:07:35,038 --> 00:07:36,874 it's got my name on it. 163 00:07:38,667 --> 00:07:42,629 Claire, light a fire under your husband, please. 164 00:07:46,008 --> 00:07:49,344 There goes commission on nearly five million bucks. 165 00:07:49,428 --> 00:07:51,597 I mean, I could have had a new car. 166 00:07:51,680 --> 00:07:53,015 For God's sakes, 167 00:07:53,098 --> 00:07:55,726 get rid of that defeatist attitude. 168 00:07:55,809 --> 00:07:58,979 Listen, as long as she hasn't found another buyer, 169 00:07:59,062 --> 00:08:00,647 anything is possible. 170 00:08:02,191 --> 00:08:04,109 Now what are you taking? 171 00:08:04,193 --> 00:08:05,861 Diet pills. 172 00:08:05,944 --> 00:08:08,614 And you'll never guess who turned me onto them. 173 00:08:08,697 --> 00:08:10,073 Deborah Tarkington. 174 00:08:10,157 --> 00:08:11,825 She's lost ten pounds. 175 00:08:11,909 --> 00:08:15,829 If I could lose five, I'd take arsenic. 176 00:08:15,913 --> 00:08:18,624 Well, if you two girls are such good buddies, 177 00:08:18,707 --> 00:08:20,250 how come you can't wangle her signature 178 00:08:20,334 --> 00:08:22,252 on a sales contract? 179 00:08:22,336 --> 00:08:25,505 Arnold, sometimes you amaze me how you insist 180 00:08:25,589 --> 00:08:27,507 on keeping your eye on the mudhole, 181 00:08:27,591 --> 00:08:30,093 when it should be on the shooting star. 182 00:08:30,177 --> 00:08:32,262 Just what is that supposed to mean? 183 00:08:32,346 --> 00:08:35,641 Well, to put it another way, 184 00:08:35,724 --> 00:08:37,267 you are content 185 00:08:37,351 --> 00:08:39,853 to collect a couple of golden eggs 186 00:08:39,937 --> 00:08:41,980 when, with a little ingenuity, 187 00:08:42,064 --> 00:08:44,024 you could have the whole goose. 188 00:08:46,109 --> 00:08:48,153 Cheers. 189 00:08:48,237 --> 00:08:49,905 I don't understand, Mr. Gordon. 190 00:08:49,988 --> 00:08:51,198 Everyone needs a house. 191 00:08:52,574 --> 00:08:53,951 You decided to buy a yacht? 192 00:08:56,119 --> 00:08:57,120 I see. 193 00:08:58,247 --> 00:09:00,290 You figure you can sail around the world 194 00:09:00,374 --> 00:09:03,794 for several years, with a full crew, 195 00:09:03,877 --> 00:09:06,213 and it'll still be cheaper than a house in Beverly Hills. 196 00:09:07,965 --> 00:09:10,801 Well, if you ever decide to live on land again, 197 00:09:10,884 --> 00:09:12,219 you have my number. 198 00:09:13,637 --> 00:09:14,721 Bon voyage. 199 00:09:17,224 --> 00:09:19,768 Let's go fishing sometime, darling. 200 00:09:19,851 --> 00:09:21,186 -Fishing? -Yeah! 201 00:09:21,270 --> 00:09:22,938 Oh, I'm a great fisherman. 202 00:09:23,021 --> 00:09:24,815 But every time you get a nibble, it's off the hook 203 00:09:24,898 --> 00:09:27,192 before you can get it into the boat. 204 00:09:27,276 --> 00:09:28,652 I'm sorry, Didi. 205 00:09:28,735 --> 00:09:30,195 I guess I'm just a lousy real estate agent. 206 00:09:30,279 --> 00:09:33,073 The worst I've ever seen. 207 00:09:33,156 --> 00:09:34,950 It's unheard of to have an open house 208 00:09:35,033 --> 00:09:37,077 on the last day of your exclusive. 209 00:09:37,160 --> 00:09:39,162 Half the people there were brokers, 210 00:09:39,246 --> 00:09:40,580 urging their clients 211 00:09:40,664 --> 00:09:42,958 to wait a day to make an offer. Hmm? 212 00:09:43,041 --> 00:09:44,584 Alec Burton made an offer 213 00:09:44,668 --> 00:09:47,337 through Arnold Hastings of the full asking price. 214 00:09:47,421 --> 00:09:49,464 I couldn't believe it when Deborah turned it down. 215 00:09:49,548 --> 00:09:50,799 She seemed so bitter. 216 00:09:50,882 --> 00:09:53,093 Mmm. You don't know about that. 217 00:09:53,176 --> 00:09:55,470 It happened before you were born. 218 00:09:55,554 --> 00:09:58,223 You see, Alec Burton was a young, ambitious actor 219 00:09:58,307 --> 00:09:59,766 with no credits to speak of. 220 00:09:59,850 --> 00:10:02,561 Deborah, daughter of movie mogul Harry Tarkington, 221 00:10:02,644 --> 00:10:03,729 pressured her father 222 00:10:03,812 --> 00:10:05,480 into giving Alec his first break. 223 00:10:05,564 --> 00:10:06,982 Guns of San Simeon. 224 00:10:07,065 --> 00:10:08,817 It made him an overnight star. 225 00:10:08,900 --> 00:10:13,697 Came the Dawn, he dumped Deborah like a two-bit stock option. 226 00:10:13,780 --> 00:10:14,865 Well, that doesn't sound very smart 227 00:10:14,948 --> 00:10:16,366 if her father was so powerful. 228 00:10:16,450 --> 00:10:18,827 Her father? You gotta be kidding. 229 00:10:18,910 --> 00:10:21,747 That picture broke all box-office records. 230 00:10:21,830 --> 00:10:23,457 The day Alec dumped Deborah, 231 00:10:23,540 --> 00:10:26,251 Harry Tarkington signed him to a three-picture deal. 232 00:10:27,586 --> 00:10:30,172 And that, my dear, is showbiz. 233 00:10:31,590 --> 00:10:33,383 [phone ringing] 234 00:10:33,467 --> 00:10:35,552 Precious premises, Victoria Griffin speaking. 235 00:10:37,846 --> 00:10:39,181 Yes, I'm the little gal 236 00:10:39,264 --> 00:10:41,516 who's handling the Tarkington estate. 237 00:10:41,600 --> 00:10:42,642 Who is this, please? 238 00:10:42,726 --> 00:10:43,852 [chuckles] 239 00:10:43,935 --> 00:10:45,479 This is Seymour Densch, 240 00:10:45,562 --> 00:10:48,398 the hottest car dealer in Orange County. 241 00:10:48,482 --> 00:10:50,650 Oh, you probably heard of me. I do my own commercials. 242 00:10:50,734 --> 00:10:52,319 I'm sorry, Mr. Densch, I've never... 243 00:10:52,402 --> 00:10:54,279 You know that open house at the Tarkington estate? 244 00:10:54,363 --> 00:10:55,405 I was there. 245 00:10:55,489 --> 00:10:57,240 I liked what I saw. 246 00:10:57,324 --> 00:10:59,326 I want to buy it, lock, stock and barrel. 247 00:10:59,409 --> 00:11:02,162 The sticker is, what, $4.9 million? 248 00:11:02,245 --> 00:11:03,580 Yes, but... 249 00:11:03,663 --> 00:11:05,540 Okay, knock off a mil, you got a deal. 250 00:11:05,624 --> 00:11:07,125 I don't haggle. 251 00:11:07,209 --> 00:11:09,294 Well, I'll have to talk to the owner. 252 00:11:09,378 --> 00:11:11,880 Sure, talk, talk. But get back to me. 253 00:11:11,963 --> 00:11:15,509 Call me at 555-4990. 254 00:11:15,592 --> 00:11:18,303 If she says yes, I'll need a binder check. 255 00:11:18,387 --> 00:11:21,306 I'll do better than that. I'll give you cash, all cash. 256 00:11:21,390 --> 00:11:22,724 Listen, I gotta go. 257 00:11:22,808 --> 00:11:24,142 The customers are beating down my door. 258 00:11:24,226 --> 00:11:25,644 But where do you... 259 00:11:25,727 --> 00:11:26,728 Look, look, look, look, just nail it down. 260 00:11:26,812 --> 00:11:28,105 The Tarkington estate, 261 00:11:28,188 --> 00:11:30,565 right after I close here, 11:00 p.m. 262 00:11:34,778 --> 00:11:36,988 Seymour Densch, I love you. 263 00:11:44,287 --> 00:11:45,914 She's 30 minutes late. 264 00:11:45,997 --> 00:11:47,582 You don't suppose anything's happened to her? 265 00:11:47,666 --> 00:11:49,334 Well, she may be busy. 266 00:11:49,418 --> 00:11:50,919 You know, the exclusive listing expires at midnight, 267 00:11:51,002 --> 00:11:52,045 you know. 268 00:11:52,129 --> 00:11:53,380 No, I don't know. 269 00:11:53,463 --> 00:11:54,798 I've asked her to stop telling me 270 00:11:54,881 --> 00:11:56,216 about her exclusives and her escrows 271 00:11:56,299 --> 00:11:58,218 that cancel out at the last minute. 272 00:11:58,301 --> 00:12:02,222 Why did she have to get into a profession that's so insecure? 273 00:12:02,305 --> 00:12:04,057 Unlike acting. 274 00:12:04,141 --> 00:12:06,101 Vicky told me at lunch that you were out on an audition. 275 00:12:06,184 --> 00:12:08,353 -How did it go? -I was brilliant. 276 00:12:08,437 --> 00:12:10,564 But they wanted someone taller. 277 00:12:10,647 --> 00:12:13,608 Or was it shorter? Fatter? I don't remember. 278 00:12:13,692 --> 00:12:14,985 Well, at least I have my play. 279 00:12:15,068 --> 00:12:16,820 Working for no money, of course. 280 00:12:16,903 --> 00:12:18,572 It's a workshop, which is a nice way 281 00:12:18,655 --> 00:12:21,491 of saying none of the actors get paid. 282 00:12:21,575 --> 00:12:23,243 I don't know, 283 00:12:23,326 --> 00:12:25,120 maybe Victoria would have been better off without me. 284 00:12:25,203 --> 00:12:26,997 Oh, come now, Howard. 285 00:12:27,080 --> 00:12:29,207 Don't force me to dutch uncle you. 286 00:12:29,291 --> 00:12:31,126 I'm only an aunt. 287 00:12:31,209 --> 00:12:32,752 One thing I'm certain of, 288 00:12:32,836 --> 00:12:35,255 you two are made for each other. 289 00:12:35,338 --> 00:12:36,631 Hope you're right, aunt Jess. 290 00:12:36,715 --> 00:12:39,426 -Howard. -Hi, honey! 291 00:12:42,345 --> 00:12:43,763 You two must be ready to kill me, 292 00:12:43,847 --> 00:12:45,765 but I haven't got time to be killed. 293 00:12:45,849 --> 00:12:47,642 You're not gonna believe what just happened. 294 00:12:47,726 --> 00:12:49,436 I can't believe it myself. 295 00:12:49,519 --> 00:12:52,022 Well, take a big, deep breath and share it with us. 296 00:12:52,105 --> 00:12:53,356 No time for breathing, either. 297 00:12:53,440 --> 00:12:55,400 At 11:00 my guardian angel, 298 00:12:55,484 --> 00:12:57,235 a car dealer from Orange County, 299 00:12:57,319 --> 00:12:58,987 is meeting me at the Tarkington estate 300 00:12:59,070 --> 00:13:00,739 with a cash binder. 301 00:13:00,822 --> 00:13:04,409 Deborah accepted his $3.9 million offer. 302 00:13:04,493 --> 00:13:05,911 I've gotta get to my office 303 00:13:05,994 --> 00:13:08,163 and type up the agreement right now. 304 00:13:08,246 --> 00:13:09,831 Now? 305 00:13:09,915 --> 00:13:11,249 I'm sorry, but I thought the two people I love 306 00:13:11,333 --> 00:13:12,792 the most in the world would understand. 307 00:13:12,876 --> 00:13:13,960 You do, don't you? 308 00:13:15,504 --> 00:13:17,380 Of course we do! 309 00:13:17,464 --> 00:13:19,132 Oh, yeah, sure. 310 00:13:19,216 --> 00:13:20,550 What's the big deal about a play? 311 00:13:20,634 --> 00:13:22,677 Oh, Howard. 312 00:13:24,513 --> 00:13:25,597 Honey... 313 00:13:28,141 --> 00:13:29,851 I haven't forgotten about it. 314 00:13:32,771 --> 00:13:35,315 I just can't see it on the first night, that's all. 315 00:13:42,656 --> 00:13:44,157 [clearing throat] 316 00:13:44,241 --> 00:13:45,700 Well, that's the nice thing about a workshop. 317 00:13:45,784 --> 00:13:47,953 There's always a second night. 318 00:13:48,036 --> 00:13:50,455 Well, maybe Vicky can't go to the play, 319 00:13:50,539 --> 00:13:52,165 but I certainly can. 320 00:13:52,249 --> 00:13:53,542 Are you sure you want to? 321 00:13:53,625 --> 00:13:55,544 Well, of course I do. 322 00:13:55,627 --> 00:13:56,836 It's an allegory. 323 00:13:58,046 --> 00:14:01,841 [stammering] An allegory? 324 00:14:01,925 --> 00:14:03,593 Well, what fun! 325 00:14:06,680 --> 00:14:09,057 I can't apologize enough for the special effects. 326 00:14:09,140 --> 00:14:11,309 Oh, you almost have. 327 00:14:11,393 --> 00:14:13,728 The rainstorm that rejuvenates the corn crop 328 00:14:13,812 --> 00:14:17,107 was supposed to be a light mist. 329 00:14:17,190 --> 00:14:19,067 But something went wrong with the plumbing. 330 00:14:19,150 --> 00:14:20,235 I just hope you didn't get too soaked. 331 00:14:20,318 --> 00:14:21,861 Well, 332 00:14:21,945 --> 00:14:23,321 not as much as the people in the two front rows. 333 00:14:23,405 --> 00:14:25,073 They were drenched. 334 00:14:25,156 --> 00:14:28,118 Oh, it looks as if you got a message on the machine. 335 00:14:28,201 --> 00:14:29,411 Maybe it's my agent. 336 00:14:31,454 --> 00:14:33,123 I was wondering why he didn't get to the play tonight. 337 00:14:33,206 --> 00:14:34,791 [slurred] 338 00:14:34,874 --> 00:14:38,753 Victoria, dear, this is Deborah Tarkington. 339 00:14:38,837 --> 00:14:40,255 I've just now realized 340 00:14:40,338 --> 00:14:44,009 this buyer of yours is a real phony. 341 00:14:44,092 --> 00:14:45,594 Is this some kind of a stall 342 00:14:45,677 --> 00:14:48,138 just because the listing is running out? 343 00:14:48,221 --> 00:14:49,764 It better not be, 344 00:14:49,848 --> 00:14:52,767 because at midnight the party's over, 345 00:14:52,851 --> 00:14:55,562 and you, my sweet, turn back into a pumpkin. 346 00:14:58,231 --> 00:15:01,526 Wasn't Vicky supposed to meet that guy tonight at 11:00? 347 00:15:01,610 --> 00:15:04,738 Well, apparently she didn't get the message. 348 00:15:04,821 --> 00:15:06,156 Well, I'm going over there right now 349 00:15:06,239 --> 00:15:07,532 to take Victoria away 350 00:15:07,616 --> 00:15:09,284 if I have to drag her off physically. 351 00:15:09,367 --> 00:15:11,286 Well, I'll go with you. 352 00:15:11,369 --> 00:15:13,288 I don't want to miss what may turn out 353 00:15:13,371 --> 00:15:15,081 to be the best play of the night. 354 00:15:26,259 --> 00:15:27,344 [knocking] 355 00:15:39,773 --> 00:15:40,940 Deborah? 356 00:15:42,651 --> 00:15:43,860 Are you here? 357 00:16:13,264 --> 00:16:14,265 Deborah? 358 00:16:20,397 --> 00:16:21,648 [screaming] 359 00:16:27,570 --> 00:16:29,155 [door closing] 360 00:16:36,830 --> 00:16:38,123 Howard? 361 00:16:38,206 --> 00:16:40,250 Aunt Jessica, what are you doing here? 362 00:16:40,333 --> 00:16:41,710 What are you doing here? 363 00:16:41,793 --> 00:16:43,044 And how come the lights are out? 364 00:16:46,464 --> 00:16:48,049 I have a more important question. 365 00:16:50,468 --> 00:16:52,512 Freeze! 366 00:16:52,595 --> 00:16:54,681 Get your hands in the air and don't move! 367 00:17:02,147 --> 00:17:04,065 So, Mrs. Griffin, 368 00:17:04,149 --> 00:17:06,484 according to this, she was dead when you arrived. 369 00:17:06,568 --> 00:17:08,737 I already explained it all to the others. 370 00:17:08,820 --> 00:17:10,447 Well, the others aren't real cops. 371 00:17:10,530 --> 00:17:12,615 They're play cops. I'm the real thing. 372 00:17:12,699 --> 00:17:14,951 Humor me, explain it again, please. 373 00:17:16,035 --> 00:17:17,579 Well, I'm the real estate agent 374 00:17:17,662 --> 00:17:20,749 for this property and I thought we sold it. 375 00:17:20,832 --> 00:17:23,251 I came here to meet the buyer. 376 00:17:23,334 --> 00:17:24,961 There was no answer when I rang the doorbell, 377 00:17:25,044 --> 00:17:30,091 so I let myself in with my key, and... 378 00:17:30,175 --> 00:17:32,510 And then I found Deborah's body. 379 00:17:32,594 --> 00:17:35,805 I arrived immediately after with Jessica Fletcher. 380 00:17:37,056 --> 00:17:39,225 I'm Victoria's aunt. 381 00:17:39,309 --> 00:17:41,478 How convenient for everyone. 382 00:17:41,561 --> 00:17:42,562 Lieutenant. 383 00:17:45,106 --> 00:17:46,399 What have you got, Doc? 384 00:17:46,483 --> 00:17:47,901 Well, I can't give you the exact minute, 385 00:17:47,984 --> 00:17:50,278 but she's been dead less than two hours. 386 00:17:50,361 --> 00:17:52,906 Well within the framework of our mass arrival. 387 00:17:53,615 --> 00:17:55,116 How do you account for the bruise on the head? 388 00:17:55,200 --> 00:17:57,160 Well, probably the fall when the lady passed out. 389 00:17:57,243 --> 00:17:59,120 Passed out? 390 00:17:59,204 --> 00:18:01,122 Well, we found a half dozen of those amphetamine capsules 391 00:18:01,206 --> 00:18:02,499 on the floor near the body, 392 00:18:02,582 --> 00:18:05,001 a half-empty bottle of scotch nearby. 393 00:18:05,084 --> 00:18:07,003 You tell me. 394 00:18:07,086 --> 00:18:09,005 Lieutenant. What? 395 00:18:09,088 --> 00:18:11,800 Was there a pill bottle with a prescription label on it? 396 00:18:11,883 --> 00:18:13,551 No. 397 00:18:13,635 --> 00:18:16,262 Ross, look for a prescription bottle, amphetamine. 398 00:18:16,346 --> 00:18:17,639 Check the bathrooms 399 00:18:17,722 --> 00:18:20,183 and the nightstand in the bedroom. 400 00:18:20,266 --> 00:18:21,935 There's something strange here, lieutenant. 401 00:18:22,018 --> 00:18:23,478 What? 402 00:18:23,561 --> 00:18:25,897 Well, here is a second bottle of scotch, 403 00:18:25,980 --> 00:18:28,316 also half-empty, with another glass. 404 00:18:28,399 --> 00:18:29,859 So? 405 00:18:29,943 --> 00:18:32,445 Well, why would anybody open another bottle 406 00:18:32,529 --> 00:18:34,197 when the first one wasn't empty? 407 00:18:34,280 --> 00:18:36,157 I mean, it doesn't make any sense. 408 00:18:36,241 --> 00:18:39,452 Mrs. Fletcher, in real life, drunks don't always make sense. 409 00:18:41,538 --> 00:18:45,333 We'll dust the second bottle and the glass for prints, too. 410 00:18:45,416 --> 00:18:47,836 Lieutenant, I found Mrs. Tarkington dead. 411 00:18:47,919 --> 00:18:49,337 Relax. 412 00:18:49,420 --> 00:18:50,630 I'm just covering all the bases. 413 00:18:50,713 --> 00:18:51,756 I mean, if the coroner comes back 414 00:18:51,840 --> 00:18:53,716 with a verdict of hanky-panky, 415 00:18:53,800 --> 00:18:55,385 I'll have to begin somewhere, won't I? 416 00:19:07,063 --> 00:19:08,606 Good morning. 417 00:19:08,690 --> 00:19:10,108 Feeling better this morning, Vicky? 418 00:19:11,526 --> 00:19:13,236 Can't you tell how chipper I am? 419 00:19:13,319 --> 00:19:16,239 Well, after last night, 420 00:19:16,322 --> 00:19:17,866 maybe a good, strong cup of coffee 421 00:19:17,949 --> 00:19:20,493 would be better than going through the bills. 422 00:19:20,577 --> 00:19:22,161 These bills have to be paid. 423 00:19:23,329 --> 00:19:24,372 Vicky, 424 00:19:25,832 --> 00:19:29,168 why don't you let me help you and Howard over this hump? 425 00:19:30,587 --> 00:19:33,256 It's very sweet of you to offer, but no. 426 00:19:33,339 --> 00:19:36,259 Taking money from you would kill Howard. 427 00:19:36,342 --> 00:19:37,635 His ego can barely deal 428 00:19:37,719 --> 00:19:39,345 with the idea of his wife working, 429 00:19:39,429 --> 00:19:41,931 let alone accepting money from relatives. 430 00:19:44,601 --> 00:19:47,145 Oh, by the way, is he up? 431 00:19:47,228 --> 00:19:49,022 Oh, he's been up for hours. 432 00:19:49,105 --> 00:19:50,648 He wanted to be at his agent's office 433 00:19:50,732 --> 00:19:52,734 as soon as it opened this morning. 434 00:19:52,817 --> 00:19:54,110 He's so worried about his career, 435 00:19:54,193 --> 00:19:55,653 he'll probably take anything now. 436 00:19:55,737 --> 00:19:57,030 [telephone ringing] 437 00:20:00,325 --> 00:20:01,409 Hello? 438 00:20:03,453 --> 00:20:05,413 Yes, of course I remember you, lieutenant. 439 00:20:07,123 --> 00:20:09,083 Meet you at your office this morning? 440 00:20:11,210 --> 00:20:12,295 Why? 441 00:20:14,339 --> 00:20:16,758 This little caper is beginning to come together. 442 00:20:16,841 --> 00:20:18,384 -Caper? -Yes. 443 00:20:18,468 --> 00:20:19,886 The more I learn, the clearer it becomes. 444 00:20:19,969 --> 00:20:21,763 And what have you learned, lieutenant? 445 00:20:21,846 --> 00:20:24,265 About Mrs. Tarkington's phone call to your niece, 446 00:20:24,349 --> 00:20:26,434 threatening to take away her exclusive listing. 447 00:20:26,517 --> 00:20:28,436 A broker's commission on $4 million 448 00:20:28,519 --> 00:20:31,940 is certainly motive enough to put you on the suspect list. 449 00:20:32,023 --> 00:20:34,067 What did you do after you received the call? 450 00:20:34,150 --> 00:20:36,194 I didn't receive it. I wasn't home. 451 00:20:36,277 --> 00:20:38,529 My aunt told me about the call after I found the body. 452 00:20:38,613 --> 00:20:40,198 I'll tell you what you did. 453 00:20:40,281 --> 00:20:41,866 You went there, you argued, 454 00:20:41,950 --> 00:20:42,909 you became angry, and you hit her with something. 455 00:20:42,992 --> 00:20:44,577 No! 456 00:20:44,661 --> 00:20:46,704 Lieutenant, I thought that she struck her head 457 00:20:46,788 --> 00:20:48,456 when she fell. 458 00:20:48,539 --> 00:20:51,918 Yeah, well, it was meant to look that way. 459 00:20:52,001 --> 00:20:54,545 Our boys in the lab found Mrs. Tarkington's prints 460 00:20:54,629 --> 00:20:57,674 on one bottle of scotch, one glass. 461 00:20:57,757 --> 00:21:00,301 The others by the body were wiped clean. 462 00:21:00,385 --> 00:21:01,844 I think it's highly unlikely 463 00:21:01,928 --> 00:21:03,596 that Mrs. Tarkington got up after she fell 464 00:21:03,680 --> 00:21:05,181 and wiped off her own fingerprints. 465 00:21:05,264 --> 00:21:07,183 Well, what about the pills on the floor? 466 00:21:07,266 --> 00:21:09,310 We found the empty bottle upstairs in her bathroom. 467 00:21:09,394 --> 00:21:11,354 Obviously, she walked downstairs with them in her hand, 468 00:21:11,437 --> 00:21:13,231 dropped a few when she washed them down with the scotch. 469 00:21:13,314 --> 00:21:15,733 Now, why would I kill a client who was going to pay me 470 00:21:15,817 --> 00:21:17,819 a huge commission for selling her house? 471 00:21:17,902 --> 00:21:20,238 She had already made up her mind. 472 00:21:20,321 --> 00:21:22,156 By the way, where's your husband? 473 00:21:22,240 --> 00:21:24,242 -He's supposed to be here, too. -Well, Howard isn't a suspect. 474 00:21:24,325 --> 00:21:27,453 Mrs. Fletcher, I get to decide who the suspects are. 475 00:21:27,537 --> 00:21:29,497 Yes, but Howard was on stage last night 476 00:21:29,580 --> 00:21:31,374 at the time of the murder. 477 00:21:31,457 --> 00:21:33,042 So he says. 478 00:21:33,126 --> 00:21:34,961 But I was there, with the rest of the audience 479 00:21:35,044 --> 00:21:36,504 and the cast from the play. 480 00:21:36,587 --> 00:21:39,257 Mrs. Fletcher, I have one very cold body, 481 00:21:39,340 --> 00:21:40,925 two very warm suspects, 482 00:21:41,009 --> 00:21:42,844 and until someone comes up with something better, 483 00:21:42,927 --> 00:21:46,139 your niece and her husband get the bulk of my attention. 484 00:21:46,222 --> 00:21:49,767 Now, why don't you tell me all about 485 00:21:49,851 --> 00:21:52,311 this so-called buyer who never showed up? 486 00:21:56,733 --> 00:21:59,610 Calm down, Mr. Yakamoto, now, just calm down. 487 00:21:59,694 --> 00:22:01,696 Now, listen, you're offering what? 488 00:22:02,739 --> 00:22:03,781 Three million. 489 00:22:03,865 --> 00:22:05,074 Is that yen or dollars? 490 00:22:06,367 --> 00:22:08,077 Well, no, I know the dollar is a little bouncy, 491 00:22:08,161 --> 00:22:09,412 but, I mean, after all, 492 00:22:09,495 --> 00:22:11,289 that is what we use in this country. 493 00:22:11,372 --> 00:22:13,374 Uh-huh. 494 00:22:13,458 --> 00:22:15,918 You want to be a member of the country club? 495 00:22:18,004 --> 00:22:19,672 The only way you'll buy? 496 00:22:21,382 --> 00:22:22,884 Hold on one second. 497 00:22:22,967 --> 00:22:24,302 I have an urgent call coming in from Yemen. 498 00:22:24,385 --> 00:22:26,012 I'll be right back. 499 00:22:26,095 --> 00:22:27,096 Yemen? 500 00:22:28,139 --> 00:22:29,432 Not that old 501 00:22:29,515 --> 00:22:32,018 "hold for an important phone call" gag? 502 00:22:32,101 --> 00:22:34,062 Well, when it stops working, I'll stop using it. 503 00:22:34,145 --> 00:22:35,897 Hold on. I'll be right back with you. 504 00:22:35,980 --> 00:22:37,899 Ah, Mr. Yakamoto. 505 00:22:37,982 --> 00:22:41,027 Listen, things are really happening fast here. 506 00:22:41,110 --> 00:22:44,072 That was an Arab oil man, and he just bid on the property. 507 00:22:44,155 --> 00:22:45,990 Now, listen, it's not a full-price offer, 508 00:22:46,074 --> 00:22:49,410 so if you could authorize me to make a full-price offer now, 509 00:22:49,494 --> 00:22:51,788 the property won't get away. 510 00:22:51,871 --> 00:22:52,830 Uh-huh. 511 00:22:54,165 --> 00:22:57,085 Thank you very much. And listen, stay in touch. 512 00:22:57,168 --> 00:22:58,252 Bye-bye. 513 00:23:01,005 --> 00:23:03,091 You're such a louse. 514 00:23:03,174 --> 00:23:04,842 What did you just unload, Arnold? 515 00:23:04,926 --> 00:23:06,928 Oh, you know the Emerson place up on Beverly Glen? 516 00:23:07,011 --> 00:23:08,096 That dump? 517 00:23:08,179 --> 00:23:11,349 A $3-million dump, Didi dear. 518 00:23:11,432 --> 00:23:12,809 Mr. Yakamoto's gonna tear it down 519 00:23:12,892 --> 00:23:14,185 and put something else in its place. 520 00:23:14,268 --> 00:23:16,062 Probably some kind of a Shinto shrine, 521 00:23:16,145 --> 00:23:18,606 with overtones of California stucco. 522 00:23:18,689 --> 00:23:20,691 How lovely. 523 00:23:20,775 --> 00:23:23,444 -So. -So. 524 00:23:23,528 --> 00:23:26,739 What brings precious premises' number one saleslady 525 00:23:26,823 --> 00:23:29,117 into the jaws of competition? 526 00:23:29,200 --> 00:23:31,119 A desire to make a career move maybe? 527 00:23:31,202 --> 00:23:33,371 No, no, no, not exactly. 528 00:23:33,454 --> 00:23:37,125 Sweet little Victoria has gotten herself sideways with the law. 529 00:23:37,208 --> 00:23:39,502 -Your protegee? -Mmm-hmm. 530 00:23:39,585 --> 00:23:42,380 She's a suspect in the death of Deborah Tarkington. 531 00:23:42,463 --> 00:23:43,965 Well, what about the exclusive listing 532 00:23:44,048 --> 00:23:46,134 on the Tarkington place? 533 00:23:46,217 --> 00:23:49,846 Since I have an in with Sonny boy Kevin, 534 00:23:49,929 --> 00:23:51,764 I might be able to grab onto it. 535 00:23:51,848 --> 00:23:53,724 Well, how nice for you. 536 00:23:53,808 --> 00:23:57,520 I might even bring it to you, Arnold, if the deal is right. 537 00:23:57,603 --> 00:23:59,647 Now, why would I be interested 538 00:23:59,730 --> 00:24:01,440 in the Tarkington estate? 539 00:24:01,524 --> 00:24:05,027 You're interested because Alec Burton is interested, 540 00:24:05,111 --> 00:24:08,030 but you can't get an exclusive and I can. 541 00:24:08,114 --> 00:24:09,157 I'm not greedy, Arnold. 542 00:24:09,240 --> 00:24:10,283 Never have been. 543 00:24:10,366 --> 00:24:11,701 There's enough for both of us 544 00:24:11,784 --> 00:24:13,536 in this if we split the commission. 545 00:24:13,619 --> 00:24:16,414 Or do you have to go check with your darling little wife? 546 00:24:17,498 --> 00:24:19,417 You've got yourself a deal, sweetheart. 547 00:24:19,500 --> 00:24:21,836 I love it when you're macho. 548 00:24:38,895 --> 00:24:41,147 I'm so sorry to bother you at a time like this, 549 00:24:41,230 --> 00:24:42,773 but I was here last night, 550 00:24:42,857 --> 00:24:45,276 and I think I might have dropped my reading glasses 551 00:24:45,359 --> 00:24:46,652 in the confusion. 552 00:24:46,736 --> 00:24:48,571 Well, I haven't seen any glasses. 553 00:24:48,654 --> 00:24:50,323 But if you'd like to come in and look for them, that's fine. 554 00:24:50,406 --> 00:24:52,241 Oh, thank you very much. I won't take but a minute. 555 00:24:54,535 --> 00:24:56,954 My niece did call and tell you I was coming? 556 00:24:57,038 --> 00:24:58,539 You must be the mystery writer 557 00:24:58,623 --> 00:25:00,833 that the real estate lady talks about all the time. 558 00:25:00,917 --> 00:25:02,460 Yes, I'm afraid so. 559 00:25:02,543 --> 00:25:04,086 Oh, this is a mess. 560 00:25:04,170 --> 00:25:05,838 Those sloppy policemen, 561 00:25:05,922 --> 00:25:08,966 they got fingerprint powder all over everything. 562 00:25:09,050 --> 00:25:12,094 Oh, yes. You know, when we were here last night, 563 00:25:12,178 --> 00:25:14,305 apparently, you weren't here. 564 00:25:14,388 --> 00:25:16,724 -No, I wasn't here. -I see. 565 00:25:16,807 --> 00:25:17,850 And you were? 566 00:25:17,934 --> 00:25:19,685 Out. 567 00:25:19,769 --> 00:25:21,354 Out. Yes. 568 00:25:21,437 --> 00:25:23,356 Yes, of course. 569 00:25:23,439 --> 00:25:27,235 The police found amphetamine capsules near the body. 570 00:25:27,318 --> 00:25:30,238 Did Mrs. Tarkington take them often? 571 00:25:30,321 --> 00:25:31,822 Often enough. 572 00:25:31,906 --> 00:25:34,951 I suppose she had a prescription. 573 00:25:35,034 --> 00:25:37,745 You ask an awful lot of questions, don't you? 574 00:25:37,828 --> 00:25:39,247 Forgive me for being so nosy, 575 00:25:39,330 --> 00:25:42,875 but my niece is a suspect in the murder. 576 00:25:42,959 --> 00:25:44,418 That nice woman? 577 00:25:45,920 --> 00:25:50,716 Mrs. Tarkington took these pills for her diet. 578 00:25:50,800 --> 00:25:52,635 Her supply ran out, 579 00:25:52,718 --> 00:25:55,513 and I was supposed to get a refill of her prescription, 580 00:25:55,596 --> 00:25:57,390 but I forgot until this morning. 581 00:25:58,808 --> 00:25:59,809 Now it's too late. 582 00:25:59,892 --> 00:26:01,519 Oh, there, there. 583 00:26:01,602 --> 00:26:03,271 I know you're going to miss her. 584 00:26:03,354 --> 00:26:06,899 Not likely. I hated her guts. 585 00:26:08,484 --> 00:26:09,902 Well, then, why are you crying? 586 00:26:09,986 --> 00:26:11,737 Because I've lost my job, 587 00:26:11,821 --> 00:26:15,533 and the boy doesn't want the likes of me around here. 588 00:26:15,616 --> 00:26:17,285 But I can tell you... 589 00:26:20,496 --> 00:26:22,623 Hello. I'm Kevin Tarkington. 590 00:26:22,707 --> 00:26:23,958 Excuse me. 591 00:26:27,378 --> 00:26:29,171 Do we have an appointment? 592 00:26:29,255 --> 00:26:31,674 I took a chance that we would meet. 593 00:26:31,757 --> 00:26:34,010 Oh, of course you're here about the house. 594 00:26:34,093 --> 00:26:35,553 I'm at your service, Mrs... 595 00:26:35,636 --> 00:26:36,762 Fletcher. 596 00:26:36,846 --> 00:26:39,015 I'm not a buyer, Mr. Tarkington. 597 00:26:39,098 --> 00:26:41,309 I'm so very sorry about your mother. 598 00:26:41,392 --> 00:26:42,685 But I must say, I'm surprised 599 00:26:42,768 --> 00:26:44,562 that you're showing the house today. 600 00:26:44,645 --> 00:26:46,022 Were you a friend of mother's? 601 00:26:46,105 --> 00:26:48,399 No, I'm Victoria Griffin's aunt. 602 00:26:48,482 --> 00:26:50,943 Oh! Oh, that adorable one. 603 00:26:51,027 --> 00:26:52,820 You can be proud of her, Mrs. Fletcher. 604 00:26:52,903 --> 00:26:54,572 Oh, I am. 605 00:26:54,655 --> 00:26:57,950 Tell me, why are you so eager to sell? 606 00:26:58,034 --> 00:27:00,828 Did I give that impression? 607 00:27:00,911 --> 00:27:03,247 Actually, I'm prepared to let it go to the next bidder. 608 00:27:05,291 --> 00:27:07,710 Mother was a crazy sentimentalist. 609 00:27:07,793 --> 00:27:09,962 One day she wanted to sell, 610 00:27:10,046 --> 00:27:12,340 and the next day she'd change her mind. 611 00:27:12,423 --> 00:27:15,217 Well, I suspect it was because she was brought up here. 612 00:27:15,301 --> 00:27:18,846 You know, stars, parties. 613 00:27:18,929 --> 00:27:20,890 I'd much rather have a beach house in Malibu. 614 00:27:22,058 --> 00:27:24,602 Victoria tells me that you're an only child. 615 00:27:24,685 --> 00:27:27,104 The last of a distinguished line. 616 00:27:27,188 --> 00:27:28,647 Oh, then you'll get everything. 617 00:27:30,024 --> 00:27:32,610 There is no "everything." This is it. 618 00:27:34,445 --> 00:27:36,238 And if you're implying 619 00:27:36,322 --> 00:27:38,574 that I might have dispatched dear old mom to the hereafter 620 00:27:38,657 --> 00:27:42,453 for a few lousy million bucks worth of real estate, 621 00:27:42,536 --> 00:27:45,247 it's a reasonable guess, but you're wrong. 622 00:27:45,331 --> 00:27:47,124 I understand 623 00:27:47,208 --> 00:27:50,002 that the police were unable to reach you after the murder. 624 00:27:50,086 --> 00:27:51,754 I drove up the coast to clear my head. 625 00:27:51,837 --> 00:27:53,381 Oh. 626 00:27:53,464 --> 00:27:55,591 With someone who can furnish you with an alibi? 627 00:27:55,674 --> 00:27:57,635 I wasn't aware that I needed one. 628 00:27:57,718 --> 00:28:00,513 Mrs. Fletcher, why are you here? 629 00:28:00,596 --> 00:28:03,599 My mother's death doesn't concern you. 630 00:28:03,682 --> 00:28:05,101 Curiously enough, 631 00:28:05,184 --> 00:28:07,478 it doesn't seem to concern you, either. 632 00:28:07,561 --> 00:28:10,523 I came here because I was looking for these. 633 00:28:10,606 --> 00:28:12,149 But I found them. 634 00:28:12,233 --> 00:28:14,026 Don't bother, I'll see myself out. 635 00:28:20,950 --> 00:28:22,535 Oh, Vicky. 636 00:28:23,619 --> 00:28:25,162 Aunt Jess. 637 00:28:25,246 --> 00:28:27,289 You're the last person I expected to see here. 638 00:28:27,373 --> 00:28:28,791 Well, who were you expecting? 639 00:28:28,874 --> 00:28:31,419 I was hoping to find my guardian angel, 640 00:28:31,502 --> 00:28:32,795 buyer Seymour Densch. 641 00:28:32,878 --> 00:28:34,797 I need him to corroborate my story, 642 00:28:34,880 --> 00:28:36,257 and I haven't been able to reach him 643 00:28:36,340 --> 00:28:37,675 at his business number. 644 00:28:37,758 --> 00:28:39,635 Vicky, were you followed here? 645 00:28:39,718 --> 00:28:40,803 No. 646 00:28:42,221 --> 00:28:43,556 Why would anybody follow me? 647 00:28:49,854 --> 00:28:51,647 Becoming a regular hangout for you ladies. 648 00:28:52,773 --> 00:28:54,817 Any new developments, lieutenant? 649 00:28:54,900 --> 00:28:56,402 A few. 650 00:28:56,485 --> 00:28:58,529 The autopsy showed that Deborah Tarkington 651 00:28:58,612 --> 00:29:01,699 had plenty of scotch in her system, but no pills. 652 00:29:01,782 --> 00:29:03,826 The cause of death was a severe concussion. 653 00:29:03,909 --> 00:29:06,162 The result of a blow delivered by a blunt object. 654 00:29:06,245 --> 00:29:07,580 Oh, dear. 655 00:29:07,663 --> 00:29:09,331 We've identified the murder weapon. 656 00:29:09,415 --> 00:29:11,333 The fireplace poker. 657 00:29:11,417 --> 00:29:13,669 The lab found traces of Mrs. Tarkington's blood on it 658 00:29:13,752 --> 00:29:16,839 along with Mrs. Griffin's fingerprints. 659 00:29:16,922 --> 00:29:18,591 I can explain. 660 00:29:18,674 --> 00:29:20,676 You'll have every opportunity to do just that. 661 00:29:20,759 --> 00:29:22,428 I'm taking you in. 662 00:29:22,511 --> 00:29:25,306 You're arresting Victoria for murder? 663 00:29:25,389 --> 00:29:26,724 Yes. 664 00:29:32,188 --> 00:29:33,939 How can you hold her? 665 00:29:35,357 --> 00:29:38,903 She told you she was alone in the dark house with a body 666 00:29:38,986 --> 00:29:41,655 and heard footsteps, so she grabbed up the poker. 667 00:29:41,739 --> 00:29:43,991 When she saw that it was us, she put it back. 668 00:29:44,074 --> 00:29:45,659 Yes, that's what she told me. 669 00:29:45,743 --> 00:29:48,537 Well, don't you people believe anybody? 670 00:29:48,621 --> 00:29:50,498 Not too many suspects who go around 671 00:29:50,581 --> 00:29:52,500 leaving their fingerprints on the murder weapon. 672 00:29:52,583 --> 00:29:54,793 She didn't know it was the murder weapon 673 00:29:54,877 --> 00:29:56,504 when she picked it up! 674 00:29:56,587 --> 00:29:59,298 Howard, I think you can help Vicky better 675 00:29:59,381 --> 00:30:01,383 by finding a good lawyer. 676 00:30:01,467 --> 00:30:05,179 Lawyer, right. I'll get the best! 677 00:30:05,262 --> 00:30:07,139 I can't afford the best, or even the second best, 678 00:30:07,223 --> 00:30:08,557 or the 42nd best. 679 00:30:08,641 --> 00:30:09,683 Well, don't worry about that now. 680 00:30:09,767 --> 00:30:12,686 Just find someone. Please? 681 00:30:12,770 --> 00:30:15,105 I'll be back! 682 00:30:17,399 --> 00:30:20,861 You can't do this to Vicky. This is really absurd! 683 00:30:24,031 --> 00:30:25,449 He's right, you know, lieutenant. 684 00:30:25,533 --> 00:30:27,451 I mean, this is absurd. 685 00:30:27,535 --> 00:30:28,953 From your side of the desk, perhaps. 686 00:30:29,036 --> 00:30:30,204 From my side, it's the only thing 687 00:30:30,287 --> 00:30:31,580 that makes any sense. 688 00:30:31,664 --> 00:30:32,957 You know, lieutenant, 689 00:30:33,040 --> 00:30:34,667 if you're such a believer in fingerprints, 690 00:30:34,750 --> 00:30:36,835 why didn't you find any on the other scotch bottle 691 00:30:36,919 --> 00:30:38,379 and the other glass? 692 00:30:38,462 --> 00:30:39,964 That should be obvious to you, Mrs. Fletcher. 693 00:30:40,047 --> 00:30:41,799 Your niece simply wiped them off. 694 00:30:41,882 --> 00:30:44,218 And not off the murder weapon? 695 00:30:44,301 --> 00:30:46,428 I mean, if this doesn't make any sense to you, 696 00:30:46,512 --> 00:30:48,889 how is it going to sound to a jury? 697 00:30:50,641 --> 00:30:54,103 Hi. I'm Seymour Densch. 698 00:30:54,186 --> 00:30:55,854 They told me to come right in. 699 00:30:55,938 --> 00:30:57,481 I guess you're anxious to see me, huh? 700 00:30:57,565 --> 00:30:59,358 Please, sit down, Mr. Densch. Mrs. Fletcher. 701 00:31:01,068 --> 00:31:03,237 Yesterday, according to Victoria Griffin, 702 00:31:03,320 --> 00:31:05,698 you called and offered $3.9 million 703 00:31:05,781 --> 00:31:07,241 for the Tarkington estate. 704 00:31:07,324 --> 00:31:08,701 Said you were going to meet her at 11:00 p.m. 705 00:31:08,784 --> 00:31:10,744 with a bundle of cash. 706 00:31:10,828 --> 00:31:14,456 Yeah, yeah. That's a binder. 707 00:31:14,540 --> 00:31:16,125 Where did you plan to get the balance 708 00:31:16,208 --> 00:31:19,253 of the $3.9 million to conclude the transaction? 709 00:31:20,838 --> 00:31:23,048 From Alec Burton. 710 00:31:24,174 --> 00:31:26,510 The movie star? Yeah. 711 00:31:26,594 --> 00:31:29,722 Well, not exactly from him, 712 00:31:29,805 --> 00:31:31,348 if you know what I mean, you know. 713 00:31:31,432 --> 00:31:33,225 No, I don't know what you mean. 714 00:31:33,309 --> 00:31:36,145 Numbers of that magnitude have a tendency to elude me. 715 00:31:36,228 --> 00:31:38,689 Who was going to give you the money to buy the estate? 716 00:31:39,815 --> 00:31:41,358 Arnold Hastings. 717 00:31:41,442 --> 00:31:44,028 The realtor. Why? 718 00:31:45,571 --> 00:31:49,366 Well, okay. 719 00:31:49,450 --> 00:31:51,243 Well, for some reason, 720 00:31:51,327 --> 00:31:53,370 Deborah Tarkington would not sell the house 721 00:31:53,454 --> 00:31:55,039 to Mr. Hastings 722 00:31:55,122 --> 00:31:57,541 because Mr. Hastings was fronting for Mr. Burton. 723 00:31:57,625 --> 00:32:00,586 So, I fronted for both of them. 724 00:32:01,837 --> 00:32:03,631 They paid me $10,000. 725 00:32:03,714 --> 00:32:05,883 Now, that is not to say that I did it 726 00:32:05,966 --> 00:32:07,801 just for the money, you understand. 727 00:32:07,885 --> 00:32:10,137 And why exactly did you do it? 728 00:32:10,220 --> 00:32:11,347 Why? 729 00:32:13,849 --> 00:32:16,060 I was Harry Tarkington's biggest fan. 730 00:32:16,143 --> 00:32:18,270 I saw all his movies. The man is a legend. 731 00:32:18,354 --> 00:32:19,813 I wanted to meet his daughter, 732 00:32:19,897 --> 00:32:22,191 I wanted to set foot in that house 733 00:32:22,274 --> 00:32:23,317 and touch... 734 00:32:23,400 --> 00:32:24,860 The place is a shrine. 735 00:32:26,737 --> 00:32:27,738 I was a little late. 736 00:32:27,821 --> 00:32:29,073 By the time I got there, 737 00:32:29,156 --> 00:32:30,532 the place was swarming with cops, 738 00:32:30,616 --> 00:32:32,451 so, I just went home. I left. 739 00:32:32,534 --> 00:32:35,454 So you did come to meet Victoria? 740 00:32:35,537 --> 00:32:37,706 She did have a reason for being there. 741 00:32:37,790 --> 00:32:39,083 Oh, yeah, wait. 742 00:32:39,166 --> 00:32:40,959 But, I mean, killing the old doll, 743 00:32:41,043 --> 00:32:43,545 now, that was her own idea. I had nothing to do with that. 744 00:32:43,629 --> 00:32:45,714 I mean, I was supposed to just come there 745 00:32:45,798 --> 00:32:47,383 and buy the house from her. 746 00:32:47,466 --> 00:32:48,550 But you were working for this fellow, Hastings? 747 00:32:48,634 --> 00:32:49,968 Yeah. 748 00:32:50,052 --> 00:32:53,097 And not for Victoria Griffin. 749 00:32:53,180 --> 00:32:54,390 That's what I just said, didn't I? 750 00:32:58,769 --> 00:33:00,062 Good morning, Victoria. 751 00:33:00,145 --> 00:33:01,230 I thought you were in the slammer. 752 00:33:03,065 --> 00:33:05,109 I'm out on bail. 753 00:33:05,192 --> 00:33:06,985 I want you to know that not for a moment 754 00:33:07,069 --> 00:33:08,612 did I think that you had anything to do 755 00:33:08,696 --> 00:33:10,447 with mother's death. 756 00:33:10,531 --> 00:33:12,866 Thanks, Kevin. I appreciate that. 757 00:33:12,950 --> 00:33:15,244 No need to put these away. 758 00:33:15,327 --> 00:33:17,496 But my exclusive listing has expired. 759 00:33:17,579 --> 00:33:19,289 With mother. 760 00:33:19,373 --> 00:33:22,292 I have a house to sell, and I really like your style. 761 00:33:23,711 --> 00:33:25,629 Kevin, that's very kind of you, but... 762 00:33:25,713 --> 00:33:28,215 You know, when I first saw you I said to myself, 763 00:33:28,298 --> 00:33:30,384 "now there is a woman 764 00:33:30,467 --> 00:33:34,138 who really knows how to move a good piece of real estate." 765 00:33:34,221 --> 00:33:35,305 Deal? 766 00:33:36,724 --> 00:33:38,267 Deal. 767 00:33:38,350 --> 00:33:39,435 Kevin, thank you. 768 00:33:41,061 --> 00:33:42,521 You know, shaking hands is no way 769 00:33:42,604 --> 00:33:45,107 for friends to seal an agreement. 770 00:33:45,190 --> 00:33:47,651 Say, how about over dinner tonight? 771 00:33:47,735 --> 00:33:52,281 Oh, gee, I can't. Not tonight. 772 00:33:52,364 --> 00:33:53,907 My husband's in a play. 773 00:33:53,991 --> 00:33:55,159 And I thought that this listing 774 00:33:55,242 --> 00:33:57,119 was important to you. 775 00:33:57,202 --> 00:33:58,203 Was I mistaken? 776 00:34:00,456 --> 00:34:03,167 Maybe you misinterpreted his dinner invitation. 777 00:34:03,250 --> 00:34:05,252 You know, sometimes we read more 778 00:34:05,335 --> 00:34:06,920 into situations than is intended. 779 00:34:07,004 --> 00:34:08,672 At his place, 780 00:34:08,756 --> 00:34:10,257 where he's going to cook the spaghetti 781 00:34:10,340 --> 00:34:12,926 because it's the servants' night out? 782 00:34:13,010 --> 00:34:15,220 Oh, dear. "Oh, dear," is right. 783 00:34:17,222 --> 00:34:18,432 Where's Howard? 784 00:34:18,515 --> 00:34:19,767 I sent him out on an errand. 785 00:34:19,850 --> 00:34:21,685 An errand? 786 00:34:21,769 --> 00:34:25,314 Well, he looked as if he was about to jump out of his skin, 787 00:34:25,397 --> 00:34:28,275 so I sent him to the county tax assessor's office. 788 00:34:28,358 --> 00:34:29,526 Tax assessor's? 789 00:34:29,610 --> 00:34:31,195 Well, I had this sudden hunch, 790 00:34:31,278 --> 00:34:33,197 and Howard volunteered to follow through on it. 791 00:34:33,280 --> 00:34:34,990 [door opening] I've got it! 792 00:34:36,158 --> 00:34:37,201 Howard. 793 00:34:45,417 --> 00:34:47,836 [clearing throat] 794 00:34:47,920 --> 00:34:49,963 Oh. 795 00:34:50,047 --> 00:34:52,049 Jessica, you were absolutely right. 796 00:34:52,132 --> 00:34:54,927 That con artist is trying to buy up Beverly Hills. 797 00:34:55,010 --> 00:34:56,595 What con artist? 798 00:34:56,678 --> 00:34:59,431 Alec Burton, if what I suspect is in this envelope. 799 00:34:59,515 --> 00:35:00,974 It's just as you thought. 800 00:35:01,058 --> 00:35:02,684 The properties to the East and West 801 00:35:02,768 --> 00:35:05,979 of the Tarkington estate have been sold to Alec Burton. 802 00:35:06,063 --> 00:35:07,856 So that's why he was so obsessed 803 00:35:07,940 --> 00:35:09,566 with buying the Tarkington estate. 804 00:35:09,650 --> 00:35:11,235 He's trying to put together a mega estate of his own. 805 00:35:11,318 --> 00:35:12,986 Exactly. 806 00:35:13,070 --> 00:35:15,823 With Deborah Tarkington's house as the centerpiece. 807 00:35:15,906 --> 00:35:17,366 Makes you wonder how far Burton would go 808 00:35:17,449 --> 00:35:19,243 to get the place away from her. 809 00:35:19,326 --> 00:35:20,369 Yeah. 810 00:35:21,453 --> 00:35:23,747 There is nothing illegal about these purchases, 811 00:35:23,831 --> 00:35:25,707 lieutenant, I can assure you. 812 00:35:25,791 --> 00:35:28,335 The thing I'm a bit fuzzy on, Mr. Burton, 813 00:35:28,418 --> 00:35:30,712 is none of these properties was sold directly to you. 814 00:35:30,796 --> 00:35:32,881 They were sold to other parties, and then acquired by you. 815 00:35:32,965 --> 00:35:34,258 Can you explain that? 816 00:35:34,341 --> 00:35:35,676 Well, if the owners had any idea 817 00:35:35,759 --> 00:35:37,344 that I was trying to buy their properties, 818 00:35:37,427 --> 00:35:39,137 the prices would have skyrocketed. 819 00:35:39,221 --> 00:35:43,100 So I left it up to my broker, Arnold Hastings, 820 00:35:43,183 --> 00:35:45,018 who acquired the properties through intermediaries 821 00:35:45,102 --> 00:35:46,603 I approved of, 822 00:35:46,687 --> 00:35:49,857 and then resold them to me at the same price. 823 00:35:49,940 --> 00:35:52,025 Which is the reason why you asked Mr. Hastings 824 00:35:52,109 --> 00:35:53,485 to have Seymour Densch 825 00:35:53,569 --> 00:35:55,279 purchase the Tarkington property for you. 826 00:35:55,362 --> 00:35:56,864 Seymour Densch? 827 00:35:56,947 --> 00:35:58,657 Who's Seymour Densch? 828 00:35:58,740 --> 00:36:00,158 You mean, you didn't approve? 829 00:36:00,242 --> 00:36:01,743 I never heard of the guy, 830 00:36:01,827 --> 00:36:04,037 so I couldn't very well approve of him, could I? 831 00:36:04,121 --> 00:36:06,290 Let's discuss your alibi, Mr. Burton. 832 00:36:06,373 --> 00:36:08,292 Now, I spoke with the housekeeper 833 00:36:08,375 --> 00:36:10,002 at the party where you and your realtors, 834 00:36:10,085 --> 00:36:12,296 the Hastings, Claire and Arnold, 835 00:36:12,379 --> 00:36:13,881 spent the evening the night of the murder. 836 00:36:13,964 --> 00:36:16,800 Contrary to what Mr. Hastings said, 837 00:36:16,884 --> 00:36:17,926 you did not stay until the wee hours. 838 00:36:18,010 --> 00:36:19,303 Matter of fact, 839 00:36:19,386 --> 00:36:20,429 you were seen leaving about 11:00 p.m. 840 00:36:20,512 --> 00:36:22,055 You're right, lieutenant. 841 00:36:22,139 --> 00:36:24,892 I did leave the party before 11:00 as a ruse. 842 00:36:24,975 --> 00:36:26,268 It would have been simple for me 843 00:36:26,351 --> 00:36:27,436 to slip out without being noticed, 844 00:36:27,519 --> 00:36:29,187 but I went out of my way 845 00:36:29,271 --> 00:36:32,065 to make sure that I was seen leaving. 846 00:36:32,149 --> 00:36:33,734 May I ask why? 847 00:36:33,817 --> 00:36:36,320 Because I immediately came back for a certain 848 00:36:36,403 --> 00:36:38,572 assignation with the lady of the house, 849 00:36:38,655 --> 00:36:40,824 who's husband was preoccupied with the party. 850 00:36:40,908 --> 00:36:44,202 I stayed till about 2:00. 851 00:36:44,286 --> 00:36:46,038 So you and the lady of the house 852 00:36:46,121 --> 00:36:50,167 were upstairs in the bedroom while her husband was downstairs 853 00:36:50,250 --> 00:36:52,210 with a few hundred other guests? 854 00:36:52,294 --> 00:36:53,795 Not the bedroom. 855 00:36:53,879 --> 00:36:57,466 It was the servants' quarters above the garage. 856 00:36:57,549 --> 00:36:58,884 Honest to God? 857 00:37:00,052 --> 00:37:01,553 Mmm. 858 00:37:01,637 --> 00:37:02,554 Well, you were taking a hell of a chance, 859 00:37:02,638 --> 00:37:04,097 if you ask me, pal. 860 00:37:04,181 --> 00:37:07,309 Let me say I enjoy the danger. It stimulates me. 861 00:37:07,392 --> 00:37:09,436 I'd cadged a couple of pills from Claire 862 00:37:09,519 --> 00:37:10,562 just to stay awake. 863 00:37:10,646 --> 00:37:13,690 The party was so boring. 864 00:37:13,774 --> 00:37:16,944 And then the lady slipped me a note and a key. 865 00:37:17,027 --> 00:37:19,947 It was the adventure of the thing. 866 00:37:20,030 --> 00:37:21,490 Claire may get a kick 867 00:37:21,573 --> 00:37:23,075 out of these little red and yellow pills, 868 00:37:23,158 --> 00:37:24,451 but to me, 869 00:37:24,534 --> 00:37:27,955 stimulation is living on the edge. 870 00:37:28,038 --> 00:37:30,082 What? 871 00:37:30,165 --> 00:37:31,708 -Oh, dear. -What is it? 872 00:37:31,792 --> 00:37:33,919 Lieutenant, would those red and yellow pills 873 00:37:34,002 --> 00:37:35,837 be the same ones that Deborah Tarkington took? 874 00:37:35,921 --> 00:37:37,172 Yes. 875 00:37:37,255 --> 00:37:39,257 Well, they're just diet pills. So what? 876 00:37:41,510 --> 00:37:44,221 You're onto something, aren't you, Mrs. Fletcher? 877 00:37:44,304 --> 00:37:46,765 Yes, I think that maybe I am. 878 00:37:52,020 --> 00:37:54,690 Please, Kevin, just give me a few hours to get through this. 879 00:37:54,773 --> 00:37:57,776 Sure, Vicky, I can wait a few hours. 880 00:37:57,859 --> 00:37:59,569 We'll just do supper late. 881 00:37:59,653 --> 00:38:02,197 But I told you, I'm seeing my husband's play tonight. 882 00:38:02,280 --> 00:38:04,700 Vicky, I'm very disappointed in you. 883 00:38:05,784 --> 00:38:08,912 I thought you were much more flexible, 884 00:38:08,996 --> 00:38:11,289 if you know what I mean. 885 00:38:11,373 --> 00:38:13,333 This is Vicky's husband. 886 00:38:13,417 --> 00:38:15,544 If you ever come near her again, 887 00:38:15,627 --> 00:38:17,045 I will personally eliminate 888 00:38:17,129 --> 00:38:19,089 some of your favorite body parts, 889 00:38:19,172 --> 00:38:21,466 if you know what I mean! 890 00:38:26,138 --> 00:38:28,140 That's no way to make it in real estate. 891 00:38:32,144 --> 00:38:33,770 -Hi. -Hi. 892 00:38:40,819 --> 00:38:42,237 The grapevine says 893 00:38:42,320 --> 00:38:44,990 there's a dinner invitation open here. 894 00:38:45,073 --> 00:38:47,325 You wouldn't be tapping my phone, now, would you? 895 00:38:47,409 --> 00:38:49,202 Nothing that obvious. 896 00:38:49,286 --> 00:38:51,621 I heard that Mrs. Griffin is going to the theater tonight 897 00:38:51,705 --> 00:38:53,040 with her aunt and husband. 898 00:38:54,583 --> 00:38:56,251 But if I'm wrong about that invitation, 899 00:38:56,334 --> 00:38:57,669 I'll say goodbye. 900 00:38:58,837 --> 00:39:02,716 No, no, don't go. 901 00:39:02,799 --> 00:39:05,510 How does spaghetti marinara sound to you? 902 00:39:05,594 --> 00:39:10,265 It's a special recipe, and you can make the salad. 903 00:39:10,348 --> 00:39:12,809 The things I do for an exclusive. 904 00:39:18,065 --> 00:39:20,150 I never made a salad in my life. 905 00:39:25,238 --> 00:39:27,032 Now let me get this straight. 906 00:39:27,115 --> 00:39:30,035 You are interested in relocating to the West Coast? 907 00:39:30,118 --> 00:39:31,578 Oh, yes. 908 00:39:31,661 --> 00:39:33,622 I'm growing tired of those cold Maine winters. 909 00:39:33,705 --> 00:39:35,123 Thank you. 910 00:39:35,207 --> 00:39:36,666 After a few days here in this lovely climate, 911 00:39:36,750 --> 00:39:39,044 I've decided that I want a house in Beverly Hills. 912 00:39:40,337 --> 00:39:43,882 Ah, very, very sensible, Mrs. Fletcher. 913 00:39:43,965 --> 00:39:48,011 But why come to us instead of your 914 00:39:48,095 --> 00:39:49,471 delightful niece? 915 00:39:49,554 --> 00:39:51,056 Well, Vicky's a sweet little thing, 916 00:39:51,139 --> 00:39:53,934 but totally over her head in the world of, 917 00:39:54,017 --> 00:39:55,560 well, high-ticket real estate. 918 00:39:57,187 --> 00:39:59,314 I'm going to be in Cabot Cove during the escrow, 919 00:39:59,397 --> 00:40:02,317 and I need someone experienced, competent, 920 00:40:02,400 --> 00:40:05,779 hardheaded and thorough who can handle things for me. 921 00:40:05,862 --> 00:40:07,447 Well, you know, I have sold property 922 00:40:07,531 --> 00:40:10,033 to some pretty heavyweight buyers. 923 00:40:10,117 --> 00:40:12,953 Now, do you have a specific house in mind? 924 00:40:13,036 --> 00:40:14,955 Oh, yes, indeed. 925 00:40:15,038 --> 00:40:19,209 I am simply enchanted with the Tarkington estate. 926 00:40:19,292 --> 00:40:20,460 Well, now, you do realize 927 00:40:20,544 --> 00:40:23,964 the asking price is rather high. 928 00:40:24,047 --> 00:40:25,423 Well, it might seem so for some, 929 00:40:25,507 --> 00:40:26,800 but I've never believed 930 00:40:26,883 --> 00:40:29,427 that the best things in life are free. 931 00:40:29,511 --> 00:40:32,514 I mean, the more they cost, the better they are. 932 00:40:33,807 --> 00:40:35,016 Oh, my dear lady, 933 00:40:35,100 --> 00:40:36,309 I've been telling my clients this 934 00:40:36,393 --> 00:40:38,937 for years and years and years. 935 00:40:39,020 --> 00:40:40,021 Arnold. 936 00:40:41,064 --> 00:40:44,359 Oh, good afternoon, Mrs. Hastings. 937 00:40:44,442 --> 00:40:46,278 What is that woman doing here? 938 00:40:47,571 --> 00:40:49,739 My dear, this is Jessica Fletcher, 939 00:40:49,823 --> 00:40:51,074 Victoria Griffin's aunt. 940 00:40:51,158 --> 00:40:52,617 I know who she is. 941 00:40:52,701 --> 00:40:55,620 The question is, why is she here? 942 00:40:55,704 --> 00:40:57,372 Excuse us just a second. 943 00:40:57,455 --> 00:41:00,083 Arnold. To buy a house, darling. 944 00:41:00,167 --> 00:41:02,002 Don't be a fool. 945 00:41:02,085 --> 00:41:05,130 Mrs. Fletcher's niece is the prime suspect 946 00:41:05,213 --> 00:41:07,007 in Deborah's murder. 947 00:41:07,090 --> 00:41:10,135 She isn't shopping for houses, she's shopping for suspects. 948 00:41:10,218 --> 00:41:13,638 If you don't mind, darlings, I'm bored with all that. 949 00:41:13,722 --> 00:41:15,265 I want the Tarkington estate, 950 00:41:15,348 --> 00:41:16,641 and I want it settled 951 00:41:16,725 --> 00:41:19,144 before I leave for Maine tomorrow. 952 00:41:19,227 --> 00:41:21,229 You can't possibly be serious. 953 00:41:21,313 --> 00:41:23,899 Oh, well, I'll tell you how serious I am. 954 00:41:23,982 --> 00:41:27,277 I'm prepared to offer 10% over the asking price 955 00:41:27,360 --> 00:41:29,905 of $4.9 million. 956 00:41:29,988 --> 00:41:32,157 But of course, if you have an agreement with Alec Burton... 957 00:41:32,240 --> 00:41:34,034 Oh, well, 958 00:41:34,117 --> 00:41:37,662 I'd hardly call it an agreement, and certainly not a contract. 959 00:41:37,746 --> 00:41:40,248 Tomorrow will be just fine, Mrs. Fletcher. 960 00:41:40,332 --> 00:41:42,042 You'd be amazed at how quickly things happen 961 00:41:42,125 --> 00:41:44,044 with the right impetus. 962 00:41:44,127 --> 00:41:45,587 Mr. Hastings, 963 00:41:45,670 --> 00:41:48,465 everything about your operation amazes me. 964 00:41:55,472 --> 00:41:57,182 Good morning. 965 00:41:57,265 --> 00:41:59,059 Good morning, Kevin, dear. 966 00:41:59,142 --> 00:42:00,644 What are you doing here so early? 967 00:42:00,727 --> 00:42:02,687 What time is it? High noon. 968 00:42:02,771 --> 00:42:04,439 We got some great news for you, buddy boy. 969 00:42:04,522 --> 00:42:05,815 Oh, good. 970 00:42:05,899 --> 00:42:07,943 I could use some, after last night. 971 00:42:08,026 --> 00:42:10,153 We've found a buyer for your property. 972 00:42:10,237 --> 00:42:12,072 Who? And how much? 973 00:42:12,155 --> 00:42:13,281 Us. 974 00:42:13,365 --> 00:42:15,825 The last offer was $3.9 million. 975 00:42:15,909 --> 00:42:18,954 But I thought you were Alec Burton's people. 976 00:42:19,037 --> 00:42:20,330 Not when we're competing 977 00:42:20,413 --> 00:42:22,832 for something that we dearly want. 978 00:42:22,916 --> 00:42:24,960 Oh, Kevin, darling, don't you see? 979 00:42:25,043 --> 00:42:27,671 We've fallen in love with your house. 980 00:42:27,754 --> 00:42:29,464 Oh, dear, 981 00:42:29,547 --> 00:42:33,468 after you promised it to me for $4.9 million plus 10%? 982 00:42:33,551 --> 00:42:36,680 A tidy little profit on a very crooked deal. 983 00:42:36,763 --> 00:42:39,975 Kevin, I assure you, this woman is absolutely mad. 984 00:42:40,058 --> 00:42:42,852 Don't bother. I warned you not to trust her. 985 00:42:42,936 --> 00:42:45,981 Speaking of trust, you violated Alec Burton's trust 986 00:42:46,064 --> 00:42:48,358 when you paid Seymour Densch to act as a stooge 987 00:42:48,441 --> 00:42:50,110 without Mr. Burton's approval. 988 00:42:50,193 --> 00:42:52,362 Hardly kosher, right, partner? 989 00:42:52,445 --> 00:42:54,489 Mrs. Tarkington probably found out, 990 00:42:54,572 --> 00:42:56,116 tried to make trouble. 991 00:42:56,199 --> 00:42:59,619 So, what are you saying, I killed her? 992 00:42:59,703 --> 00:43:01,246 I couldn't have done it. 993 00:43:01,329 --> 00:43:03,248 I was at the party, remember? 994 00:43:03,331 --> 00:43:04,874 I went upstairs to the billiard room 995 00:43:04,958 --> 00:43:06,334 to play pool. 996 00:43:06,418 --> 00:43:08,628 I was up there until about 1:00 or so. 997 00:43:08,712 --> 00:43:10,463 Yes, but as Mr. Burton pointed out, 998 00:43:10,547 --> 00:43:12,132 it was a huge party. 999 00:43:12,215 --> 00:43:14,134 So it wasn't difficult for someone to slip out 1000 00:43:14,217 --> 00:43:17,095 and return later, unobserved. 1001 00:43:17,178 --> 00:43:19,264 Wouldn't you agree, Mrs. Hastings? 1002 00:43:19,347 --> 00:43:22,600 Me? You think I killed Deborah? 1003 00:43:22,684 --> 00:43:23,977 Yes. 1004 00:43:24,060 --> 00:43:25,770 And I think after you killed her, 1005 00:43:25,854 --> 00:43:28,106 you decided to make it look as if she had accidentally 1006 00:43:28,189 --> 00:43:30,275 overdosed on stimulants and alcohol, 1007 00:43:30,358 --> 00:43:32,360 and then fallen and struck her head. 1008 00:43:32,444 --> 00:43:34,863 How clever, if true. 1009 00:43:34,946 --> 00:43:36,531 Which, of course, it is not. 1010 00:43:36,614 --> 00:43:39,659 Those pills found beside Mrs. Tarkington's body 1011 00:43:39,743 --> 00:43:41,453 couldn't have been hers 1012 00:43:41,536 --> 00:43:43,413 because her maid told me she ran out of them that afternoon 1013 00:43:43,496 --> 00:43:45,540 and apparently was rather upset 1014 00:43:45,623 --> 00:43:48,918 because the maid forgot to refill the prescription. 1015 00:43:49,002 --> 00:43:52,255 Now, if she had no more pills, 1016 00:43:52,339 --> 00:43:55,675 where did the pills on the floor come from? 1017 00:43:55,759 --> 00:43:58,511 Your purse, Mrs. Hastings. 1018 00:43:58,595 --> 00:44:00,513 Your prescription bottle. 1019 00:44:00,597 --> 00:44:02,057 I think I should warn you, Mrs. Hastings, 1020 00:44:02,140 --> 00:44:04,768 the autopsy showed no pills in her system, 1021 00:44:04,851 --> 00:44:06,478 and we're having forensics 1022 00:44:06,561 --> 00:44:09,898 dust those found at the scene for partial prints. 1023 00:44:09,981 --> 00:44:12,317 Claire. 1024 00:44:12,400 --> 00:44:15,070 Oh, Arnold, close your mouth. 1025 00:44:15,153 --> 00:44:16,196 You know what it's like. 1026 00:44:16,279 --> 00:44:17,781 Been all these years 1027 00:44:17,864 --> 00:44:20,950 working with the rich, not being rich ourselves. 1028 00:44:21,034 --> 00:44:23,203 Not rich, rich. 1029 00:44:23,286 --> 00:44:25,205 You actually start to feel that you're one of them. 1030 00:44:25,288 --> 00:44:27,832 And then one day you wake up and you realize 1031 00:44:27,916 --> 00:44:31,086 that you're on a par with their poodle's hairdresser. 1032 00:44:31,169 --> 00:44:34,047 Mrs. Hastings, why don't you bring us all up to speed 1033 00:44:34,130 --> 00:44:35,256 and tell us what really happened? 1034 00:44:37,133 --> 00:44:40,220 That idiot, Seymour Densch, 1035 00:44:40,303 --> 00:44:43,056 couldn't resist the opportunity to see the house 1036 00:44:43,139 --> 00:44:45,433 and meet the infamous Deborah Tarkington, 1037 00:44:45,517 --> 00:44:48,728 daughter of his idol, Harry Tarkington. 1038 00:44:48,812 --> 00:44:52,065 So he used his offer on the house as an entree 1039 00:44:52,148 --> 00:44:54,567 and introduced himself to Deborah. 1040 00:44:54,651 --> 00:44:57,487 Well, after five minutes she saw right through him, 1041 00:44:57,570 --> 00:44:59,489 and she called him on it. 1042 00:44:59,572 --> 00:45:03,118 Of course, he spilled his guts before she tossed him out. 1043 00:45:03,201 --> 00:45:06,079 I guess that's when she called Victoria 1044 00:45:06,162 --> 00:45:07,497 and left the message on her machine 1045 00:45:07,580 --> 00:45:08,790 that the deal was off. 1046 00:45:11,960 --> 00:45:13,795 Then she called Arnold at the party 1047 00:45:15,171 --> 00:45:17,215 to give him a piece of her mind, 1048 00:45:17,298 --> 00:45:19,843 but I intercepted the call. 1049 00:45:19,926 --> 00:45:22,512 She was talking about fraud. 1050 00:45:22,595 --> 00:45:25,181 Now I told her to calm down, that we would talk about it. 1051 00:45:27,100 --> 00:45:28,560 So... 1052 00:45:30,353 --> 00:45:33,189 I left the party and I went to Deborah's. 1053 00:45:36,192 --> 00:45:38,611 She'd been drinking just enough to be abusive, 1054 00:45:38,695 --> 00:45:42,907 and nasty and very dangerous. 1055 00:45:42,991 --> 00:45:46,619 And when she went for the phone to call the police, 1056 00:45:46,703 --> 00:45:48,455 I went for the fireplace poker. 1057 00:45:52,250 --> 00:45:53,960 I always was a good closer. 1058 00:46:02,260 --> 00:46:04,721 All right, thank you very much. Bye-bye. 1059 00:46:06,639 --> 00:46:09,642 I've done it, aunt Jess. I've finally done it. 1060 00:46:09,726 --> 00:46:11,811 You've sold a house! How wonderful! 1061 00:46:11,895 --> 00:46:14,647 I've found a buyer for the Tarkington estate. 1062 00:46:14,731 --> 00:46:16,524 Once the paperwork comes through from Kuwait, 1063 00:46:16,608 --> 00:46:18,234 the house is sold. 1064 00:46:18,318 --> 00:46:20,069 And now maybe Howard can concentrate on his play 1065 00:46:20,153 --> 00:46:21,196 without any distractions. 1066 00:46:21,279 --> 00:46:23,156 The play closed. 1067 00:46:23,239 --> 00:46:25,074 Oh, dear. 1068 00:46:25,158 --> 00:46:26,951 How is Howard taking it? 1069 00:46:27,035 --> 00:46:28,953 He's not sure he wants to act anymore. 1070 00:46:29,037 --> 00:46:30,955 He wants to try something entirely new. 1071 00:46:31,039 --> 00:46:32,332 And a friend of his told him 1072 00:46:32,415 --> 00:46:33,374 about the wonderful opportunities 1073 00:46:33,458 --> 00:46:34,709 in the commodities market. 1074 00:46:34,792 --> 00:46:36,419 You know, buying and selling. 1075 00:46:36,503 --> 00:46:38,588 Well, buying and selling what? 1076 00:46:38,671 --> 00:46:40,590 Soybean futures and hog bellies. 1077 00:46:41,883 --> 00:46:44,552 Hey, listen you're not gonna believe this. 1078 00:46:44,636 --> 00:46:47,096 I went on an interview and got the job! 1079 00:46:47,180 --> 00:46:49,098 What kind of a job? Hog bellies? 1080 00:46:49,182 --> 00:46:51,100 No. Acting! 1081 00:46:51,184 --> 00:46:52,477 This advertising guy 1082 00:46:52,560 --> 00:46:53,811 saw my performance in the workshop 1083 00:46:53,895 --> 00:46:55,605 as the mushroom, and he liked it so much, 1084 00:46:55,688 --> 00:46:57,232 he wants me to be the spokesperson 1085 00:46:57,315 --> 00:47:00,235 for all his television commercials. 1086 00:47:00,318 --> 00:47:02,237 I play a pineapple named Pepe. 1087 00:47:02,320 --> 00:47:04,614 But that's not acting. 1088 00:47:04,697 --> 00:47:08,493 No real actor would play a talking pineapple. 1089 00:47:08,576 --> 00:47:10,703 The two things just don't go together. 1090 00:47:10,787 --> 00:47:12,330 It's a job. 1091 00:47:12,413 --> 00:47:14,999 Well, what do you think, Jessica? 1092 00:47:15,083 --> 00:47:16,960 Well, I think that Vicky's wrong. 1093 00:47:17,043 --> 00:47:19,254 They go very well together. 1094 00:47:19,337 --> 00:47:20,380 What? 1095 00:47:20,463 --> 00:47:22,674 Ham and pineapple.