(Charleston music)
(man screams theatrically)
Alright. Hold it there.
Move it out.
Roll the film.
And... fire!
Cut.
Another two seconds
of all-Australian masterpiece.
This is terrible, Phryne.
As soon as I heard he was dead
I thought of you.
I'll take that as a compliment.
The production is in turmoil.
To lose our leading man
is bad enough, but like this?
- What's the name of your film?
- Bride of Babylon.
And is it a talkie?
Not every film has to be
The Jazz Singer.
Surely there's still room
for an historical epic,
free from idle chatter?
Raymond can find a silver lining
in even the darkest cloud.
It's what
I've always liked about him.
I thought
it was my boyish charm.
I should warn you
this is no sight for ladies.
Perhaps Dorothy best wait here.
You needn't worry about Dot.
She's made of stern stuff.
- Miss Fisher.
- Hello, Jack.
For once it seems appropriate
that you should turn up.
Well, of course. I'm the one
who telephoned for you.
After Raymond alerted me
to the situation.
Phryne's one of
the major investors on the film.
Being a detective herself...
I would have telephoned
the police, of course.
Yes, of course.
Don't worry about the Inspector.
He's very discreet.
Raymond is one of
my childhood friends.
Well, I'd be interested to hear
your opinion, Miss Fisher,
as a fellow detective.
I have no doubt you'll make your
opinions known at some point.
Well...
The amount of blood means he was
alive when he was speared.
Doesn't appear
to have been restrained at all.
Drank himself to sleep,
by the smell of it.
A tragic accident, then.
Either he picked the wrong place
to take a kip,
which makes him the unluckiest
drunk in the world,
or else he was placed here.
On purpose?
Well, that depends, Raymond,
on these marks on the floor,
which suggest he was dragged
here in his chair.
That's exactly
what the Inspector thinks.
Collins, make sure no-one
disturbs this
before the police photographer
arrives.
Police photographer? That's all
a bit much, isn't it?
Surely this is just
a terrible accident.
I'm quite sure it isn't,
Raymond.
Did anyone have a reason
to want your leading man dead?
- Do you attend the pictures?
- Not if I can help it.
If you did you would know
that Donald Everton
is one of this country's
most beloved screen idols.
Aunt Prudence adored his
Roderick in The Mallee Soldier,
although that was
some years ago.
He had no enemies,
in the public
or behind the scenes.
A true gentleman.
And yet collapsed in a drunken
stupor at 9,10 in the morning.
Donald was a professional.
He never drank in the morning.
He could have been there
since last night?
- And where were you, Mr Hirsch?
- Me?
- Yes. Last night.
- You think I murdered him?
I had to get my assistant
to kill a spider the other day.
Phryne, tell him.
It's a fair question, Raymond.
I was out to dinner.
I have a house guest.
Donald dying is the worst thing
that could happen right now.
I'm sure he didn't do it
to inconvenience you.
Why would I jeopardize filming?
Everything I own
is riding on this film.
Four of my picture theaters
are mortgaged to the hilt.
You never told me
it was that dire!
If I did
would you still have invested?
Mr Hirsch, I'll have to
speak to your workers.
And at this stage I think it's
best if we avoid the M word.
You reckon
someone knocked him off.
We're not drawing
any conclusions.
Even if someone did do him in,
we've got a film to shoot.
Did anyone see Donald Everton
arrive this morning?
No. I just assumed he was late.
- And you are?
- Clara Whiting. My assistant.
She also looks after
the props, script pages...
Everything, really.
CLARA: If it helps, I did see
Mr Everton last night.
I delivered his script pages
to his dressing room.
What time was that?
Seventeen minutes past eight.
That's very specific.
How can you be so sure?
A few minutes before, I noticed
one of the sparkies leaving.
And he signed out of the book
at...
8,15.
Are you always this observant,
Miss Whiting?
Once I see something,
it stays up here.
Forever. Like a photograph.
What time
did you leave the building?
It was nine.
Apart from Donald, was there
anyone else still here?
I didn't see anyone.
Perhaps you could have
another... look around for me.
The Inspector does know
you're going to snoop around.
Ladies never snoop.
I'm going to discreetly search.
- I think he's got it in for me.
- You always were a scaredy cat.
Because I wouldn't throw
firecrackers at the police?
It was just a bit of fun!
Your fun always led to trouble.
Still does.
I would have, you know.
- Still invested in your film.
- Why?
Let's just say I prefer
the local product to the import.
Not the most spacious of digs.
Donald would have changed in a
broom cupboard if I'd asked him.
He was a real trooper.
Where's the bottle, I wonder?
- One bottle. In all of this.
- I'll help.
No, no! Dottie, Dottie, Dottie!
There's just some things
a man has to do.
There!
What?
No, Dottie,
we don't have time for that.
Picture Stars.
Movie Papers.
Cinema Romance.
Why would someone
throw these out?
Why would anyone read them
in the first place?
It's all romance, no action.
"Rumor has it
the Fatty Finn film Kid Stakes
will be remade
into a talkie next year."
What? Where does it say that?
It doesn't.
That was uncalled for.
What is that?
Ah!
Found it!
PHRYNE: It appears Donald
didn't like to drink alone.
What a shame techniques
in finger prints
don't extend to lips.
Would you call that purple?
Luscious Plum.
That's Miss Lily Luscombe's
favorite shade of lipstick.
Give a girl credit for some
taste. He was twice my age.
But you were
in his dressing room last night.
We were rehearsing.
Until what time?
Oh... really can't remember.
JACK: Must have been
after nine o'clock.
We seem to have come to
the same conclusion.
I knew you'd catch up.
Donald needed to rehearse.
The old ham would roll his eyes
and call it acting.
If he looked bad in a scene,
I looked bad.
And you weren't
about to let that happen.
Unlike certain people,
I've trained on the stage.
I've paid my dues. I have a
reputation as a serious actress.
Did you two often drink together
when you were rehearsing?
It's impossible
not to have a drink with Donald.
All part of his rough charm.
A charm that got rougher
with each sip.
- He made advances?
- The man was an octopus.
But I wasn't about to kill him
for trying to cop a feel.
If he'd made
unwanted advances...
Miss Luscombe strikes me as
someone who can defend herself.
Maybe she did.
The bottle was smashed.
But there were no signs
of a fight on Donald.
No, she was worried
that his performance
would damage her reputation.
Then he'd have to be the first
person killed for bad acting.
I didn't realize film was one
of your interests, Miss Fisher.
I always imagined you
as a more astute investor.
That's how I can invest
in the odd folly.
Raymond's my friend and...
Raymond!
I'm sending everyone home.
Still have to pay them
for this morning though.
- We'll resume tomorrow.
- Without your leading man.
Life was cheap in Babylon,
Inspector.
Film, however, is not.
I'll have to adjust the scripts
but the show will go on.
Maybe you'll find
someone better.
Donald had wonderful
screen presence.
Not the most animated performer.
I'm not going to damn the man
now he'd dead
but action wasn't his strength.
Literally.
He was supposed to enter
carrying Lily
and then throw her on the bed.
(theatrical piano music)
This was the fourth attempt.
We understand this wasn't the
first fight you had with Donald.
I fight with everyone.
That's what a director does.
That's how you
make things better.
The producer dishes up these
pages of rubbish every day.
I spin it into gold,
the actor takes all the credit.
GORDON: Clara. Clara!
Coffee. Now.
What was the fight about?
The old codger
couldn't do the job.
Do you mind telling us where you
went after work last night?
Well, I've already told you
I didn't kill him.
We need more than your word
on that.
Well, does she need to be here?
I mean, she's not a copper.
No but I am bankrolling
a large portion of your salary
so I would advise you to answer
the Inspector's questions.
Sorry to interrupt. That one.
You're very prompt.
I always have some ready.
Mr Thackeray
likes his Greek coffee.
We understand you left
the building at half past seven.
I wonder who told you that.
We'll take that as a yes.
Where did you go?
Didn't Clara mention I like to
have a drink or two after work?
Only we don't finish
until after closing
so anyone who sold me any
alcohol was breaking the law.
JACK:
I need to verify your alibi.
I don't care
who sold you sly grog.
It was the back bar
at the Peacock.
Are you happy now?
You turned me into a lagger,
just like you.
Miss Whiting didn't say a word.
We saw you thump Donald
for ourselves.
Did Raymond show you
the footage?
Why, that little weasel.
He was the one that wanted
to give Donald the boot.
I did threaten
to cancel his contract, yes.
A small detail
you neglected to mention.
I knew how it would look!
- The man's dead!
- It was an empty threat.
I just wanted to give him
a kick up the backside.
I'd like to confirm
your whereabouts last night.
You say you were with
your housemate.
Inspector Robinson,
Miss Phryne Fisher,
may I present
Mr Jefferson Clarke.
Police asking questions.
Should I be worried?
RAYMOND: The film has suffered
a little setback.
Well, something of
a big setback, as it seems.
What did you do, kill someone?
(laughs)
My leading man
was found dead this morning.
You're kidding me.
And they think you killed him?
Cos uh...
correct me if I'm wrong
but Raymond seems a little nervy
to be the gangster type.
Mr Hirsch tells us
that the two of you
dined together last night.
Yeah. So?
What time did you return home?
Would have been, say, nine.
Then Raymond had some associates
over for a little soiree
and we talked business.
- Mostly.
- What business would that be?
Jefferson is vice-president
of Pegasus Studios in Hollywood.
You're a long way from home,
Mr Clarke.
What brings you here?
Not the climate,
that's for sure.
Who attended this soiree
last night?
They'll need to confirm
the time.
You could start with the maid.
She's a sweet girl.
Turns out
she wants to be an actress.
I'm assuming
Jefferson's employers
didn't send him
halfway around the world
to lounge beside your pool.
He's here to wire
the local cinemas for sound.
What happened to the historical
epic free from idle chatter?
There's no reason why talkies
can't exist side by side
with traditional films.
And I suppose a relationship
with an American studio
would add a financial boost
to your future film production.
I'm still considering the deal.
Jefferson's a lovely bloke
but he's not the sharpest.
Spent too long in the
Californian sun if you ask me.
But he reckons if I sign,
when Pegasus Studios
releases a new film,
my cinemas will be
the first ones to play them.
You tell them I want overtime.
- RAYMOND: Trouble?
- Tiny compared to yours.
The studio wants me
to play nursemaid
to some young actor
out here on vacation.
As if I haven't
got enough to do.
Is he uh... any good?
Are you sure
you want to keep these, Dot?
They really are quite fragrant.
And not in a good way.
It just seemed like
such a waste.
And I thought my nephews
might like them.
Really?
Your nephews are interested in
"techniques
of the Hollywood screen kiss?"
Don't be embarrassed, Dot.
There's no harm in educating
oneself in the cinematic arts.
Anyway...
Here's one on Mr Palmer.
"Vernon Palmer Jnr,
up and coming Hollywood star."
Who happens to be
passing through Melbourne.
He really is quite striking.
Hardly someone who would murder
for a role in the antipodes.
Anyway, I think you should
pack these away.
I'm going to put on
my glad rags.
Hollywood's coming to dinner.
Are you quite sure
you won't join us?
I'd much rather admire
from afar, miss.
Good evening, everyone.
Thank you, Mr Butler.
You're looking lovely
this evening, Clara.
He really is very handsome,
isn't he?
I've always thought so.
Oh, Phryne, darling. May I
introduce Vernon Palmer Jnr.
Phryne Fisher.
Welcome to Australia.
Delighted to be here. I take it
you're my leading lady.
Not exactly. Though
I'd happily lead your astray.
Would you mind? Through here
for a second, Phryne.
That's it, kid.
Always make nice with the money.
It's so lovely
to finally meet you.
You were saying you acted
with Mary Pickford?
And you would not meet
a more lovely lady.
Present company excepted,
of course.
I seem to be next to you.
Lucky me.
Do you want to tell me
how you can suddenly afford
an up and coming Hollywood star?
I've taken out a loan
against my house.
- Oh, Ray!
- It's alright.
If I play my cards right I'll
soon have access to more funds.
Do tell.
(whistles Star Spangled Banner)
And how much of your soul
will the American studios
take in exchange?
I remember a time when
you weren't nearly so cynical.
I've learned a lot
about humanity since I was nine.
The president of Pegasus Studios
is a big fan
of historical epics.
Sometimes you strike it lucky.
Are you alright, Clara?
You know, we're supposed to be
modern women.
We're supposed to be able to
get everything that we want.
But I wonder if
all of that's true.
You do know Raymond and I
are just friends.
That's a lovely shade.
Miss Luscombe
gives me her leftovers.
- That's generous of her.
- Mm.
It's so I can do this.
A kiss from Miss Lily Luscombe.
Especially for you.
I'm afraid the conditions here
won't be quite as luxurious
as you're used to in Hollywood.
There's only one luxury I care
about and that's my automobile.
I'm hoping we can
make it something snazzy.
I'm not sure
the budget will
really extend to that but uh...
I think I know just the vehicle.
Almost perfect, Mr Butler.
All you need now is...
the cap.
Like an organ grinder's monkey.
Don't be so glum, Bert.
You're going to be driving
one of Hollywood's
up and coming stars.
All you have to do
is keep an eye on him.
Oh, good evening, Inspector.
Constable Collins.
What's he like?
Vernon... Vernon Palmer Jnr,
Mr Butler. What's he like?
His Wild West films
are amazing, sir.
Did he tell you
how they do those scenes
where he jumps from the freight
train onto his horses?
Not that I've heard, Constable.
We're not here to stargaze,
Mr Butler.
We're here to see Miss Fisher.
Donald Everton's body
contained high concentrations
of a barbiturate.
- He was poisoned?
- The spear still killed him.
Constable Collins
has been gathering statements.
Three of your workers
said Donald Everton
arrived late every day
but you never pulled him up.
- Film sets are full of gossips.
- He argued with the director.
Failed to remember his lines.
And regularly held up filming.
Yes, alright,
Donald was past his prime.
Why didn't you sack him?
One of my other investors,
a bank,
committed funds on the condition
that Donald was the leading man.
Donald had me over a barrel.
So your only option
was to kill him?
Jack!
Your friendship does not exempt
Mr Hirsch from our enquiries.
That's not an enquiry.
That's jumping to a conclusion.
I didn't kill him!
- Who else knew the situation?
- Only me.
Oh, and Clara, of course.
Someone who wears
Luscious Plum lipstick
was in Donald Everton's
dressing room last night.
Yeah, I delivered
his script pages. You know that.
And stayed.
Why didn't you
mention this earlier?
What's happening to Mr Hirsch?
I don't know.
If the police think it was him,
they're wrong.
I did it. I killed Donald.
With what?
White pills in a brown bottle.
I smashed them up and
I dissolved them in his whisky.
Why?
You don't know why
because you didn't do it.
I did it. And what's more,
I can give you the pills.
I'll show you.
The key is underneath
the telephone.
Top drawer.
Phenobarbital.
JEFFERSON: We have a thing
in the States called a warrant.
We can search your office now or
we can come back with a warrant
and do it in front of
all your employees.
- Phryne! Clara!
- I'm sorry, Mr Hirsch.
We also don't say anything
until we talk to a lawyer.
I've confessed.
I drugged Mr Everton.
Oh, Clara.
I don't know what to say.
Are you really
going to stand there
and let her take the blame?
- She's confessed.
- Because she thinks you did it.
Phryne, I swear
I did not drug Donald.
But you have been
drugging somebody.
Haven't you, Raymond?
The fighting between Gordon and
Donald was derailing the film
but I swear,
I only drugged Gordon.
I know how terrible that sounds.
But you've seen him.
I had to do something.
Where did you get
the phenobarbital?
My doctor prescribed it
to help me sleep.
When I gave a small dose
to Gordon it made him... calmer.
And you got Clara
to put it into his coffee.
Four or five doses a day was
enough to keep the peace on set.
So how did your phenobarbital
end up in Donald's whisky?
I honestly have no idea.
You can go now, Mr Hirsch.
You didn't get anything useful?
If you'd let me attend
the interview...
So he could hide
under your skirts?
Raymond is no coward, Jack.
When he was seven years old
he got caught
with a bucket of stolen peaches.
He spent two hours
in the police cells
and his father
whipped him soundly,
but he never told anyone
that I was still up that tree.
Clearly he was
more afraid of you.
The point is he lies.
Oh, God, I'm doomed. Everybody's
gonna think that I did him in.
You didn't even know
Vernon was in the country.
No. But you did.
You were right here
when I found out.
I'm trying to help Raymond.
Trying to save his picture.
- What are you doing?
- RAYMOND: It's over. It's gone.
All of it.
My house, the cinemas.
Pegasus Studios will wire you
the money to keep shooting.
All you gotta do
is sign on the dotted line.
- We can help you out.
- I'm going to bed.
I feel as if my head
were about to explode.
Yeah, well, you rest up, buddy.
Do you mind if I take a look
at that contract?
I left all the paperwork
in Raymond's office.
I'd suggest we go back
down there, just the two of us,
but it wouldn't be appropriate
without Raymond, would it.
Night.
(Charleston music)
Taking an interest
in your investment, I see?
Of course. I spoke with a friend
in Los Angeles last night.
- He made a few enquiries.
- That so?
Seems you're not quite the high
flier you purport to be.
Junior Sales Representative
doesn't have quite the same ring
to it as Vice President.
You got me.
I'm not Vice President
but I sure as hell
ain't the mail boy either.
Where's the harm
in tooting my own horn, huh?
There you are, ladies.
How kind. Thank you.
Alright, let's get this show
on the road. Clear the set.
Roll the film. And... action!
(theatrical piano music)
Cut!
That's a keeper but let's not
get ahead of ourselves, OK?
Let's turn the camera around.
We'll get a close up
of Lily next.
- Wonderful, isn't he?
- DOT: Yeah.
Yeah. He's a true talent.
A word?
- What have you got to lose?
- My career!
It looks so real
at the pictures.
- It's treacle.
- Clara! Coffee!
(whispering) Dottie! Dottie!
The Inspector sent me
to collect more statements.
Is uh...
Vernon Palmer Jnr around?
Oh no, you just missed
his big scene.
But he's coming back
for the close-ups.
Did you ask him about
the freight train and horses?
Yes, I did. He was very humble.
He gave all the credit
to the stand-ins.
He said they do
all the dangerous bits
and he kisses the girls.
Oh.
- Lily, into make-up now.
- I'm on my way.
Get a move on, sweetheart.
It's show time.
GORDON:
Oh! Fix the bloody fuses.
Alright, nobody move.
- Have you seen the Americans?
- No, I missed his scene!
Stay here.
I'm going to find them.
GORDON: OK, Clara.
Go and get the knife.
Alright, we'll take it from
Vernon taking off his robe.
We have Vernon, we have Lily.
Roll the film. Action!
Vernon takes off his robe.
Vernon turns... Cut.
- I'm sorry. Did I get it wrong?
- No.
We need to get this covered up
for this shot.
Stab him in the heart instead.
Look, I'll show you. Here.
Just grab the knife. Two hands.
In the heart.
Like this.
Hugh! Stand back!
CLARA: I don't understand.
That's the one we use
for the stills. The real one.
The prop knife was found
back in the props box.
But I left it out.
I put it on the table,
ready for the close-up.
Any chance you
could have been mistaken?
No.
So when was the last time
you saw the prop knife?
It was just before
the lights went out.
Where were you?
I put the knife back
on the properties table.
I spoke to Dorothy.
Then Gordon asked me
for a coffee.
I went to get the Thermos.
Leaving the properties table
unattended.
Yes. But not for long.
- Who else was near the table?
- Dorothy.
Constable Collins.
- Gordon.
- Anyone else?
I only remember
the things that I see.
So after the lights
went out I...
- How long were the lights out?
- Less than a minute.
Long enough for someone
to swap the knife.
That was meant to kill Vernon,
not Gordon.
Why would anyone want to kill
two leading men?
To scuttle the film?
So how well
do you really know Raymond?
Raymond's always been a dreamer
and his dreams are boundless,
which I'm sure you realize
isn't common in Collingwood.
Maybe the fear of ending up
working at the tannery
with his brothers
forced his hand.
Does your insurance policy
indemnify you
against any loss
the film might make.
No insurance policy
will do that.
Most films lose money.
But you would get a payout
should the film
not be completed.
A very meagre payout,
barely covering costs.
But an opportunity
to cut your losses nonetheless.
This is madness.
I've just hired Vernon.
The film
is going to be completed.
Phryne, tell him.
Phryne?
It was your suggestion
that I go ahead
with making a film of my own
in the first place.
"Why just screen the latest
Hollywood movie?" you said.
Where were you this afternoon?
There's no point in telling you
I was here in my sickbed.
I obviously crept out
and swapped the props knife.
You can hardly blame us.
You haven't exactly been
a paragon of virtue.
I was the one who called you in!
Yet you hid the truth
of the situation with Donald,
you were drugging the director!
What do you want from me?
How can I prove to you that
I also want this killer caught?
If The Bride of Babylon
is to be completed,
it would seem to be
in need of a director.
One who could keep
a close eye on things.
You always did have a knack
for bossing people around.
- Don't you agree, Inspector?
- Yes.
Yes, I believe director would be
the perfect role for you,
Miss Fisher.
You can operate a camera,
can't you?
Of course.
Blindfolded. In the dark.
(door bangs)
Put that down.
Hey, Annie Oakley.
I think you'll find
she uses a rifle.
(laughs)
I'll tell you,
this is one crazy country.
Back home, society dames
are holding tea parties.
Over here
they're packing pistols.
Not that I'm complaining.
I like a woman
with a bit of spark.
Why are you here? Taking
an interest in your investment?
I was about to ask you
the same thing.
We have a quaint custom here.
The person with the gun
asks the questions.
Just calling the boss,
that's all.
Gotta do it
when California's awake.
Permission to stand at ease?
Why are you in Australia?
Like I said. You've got
a lot of movie houses.
The studio
wants me to sign them up
for our
sound synchronization system.
It's pioneer territory.
Chance to be at the forefront of
the new wave of talking cinema.
What's in it for your studio?
We see your country
as an important market.
Spare me the sales pitch.
I can't speak for the studio
but the more I sign up,
the more commissions I earn.
That's all
the motivation I need.
And here's me thinking
you did it for the love of film.
Raymond is a good guy.
I want him to make his movie.
That's why I'm hassling
the studio to help him out.
Guess it doesn't matter
any more, though.
Without a director
the film is sunk, huh?
That's where you're wrong.
That's all, driver.
You're bloody welcome.
Going walkabout, are we?
I followed your movie star
to a flophouse
down the wrong end
of Little Lonsdale.
And I asked around at the Grand.
They've never heard
of Vernon Palmer Jnr.
- Intriguing.
- Um... would you like this?
Ah, not really my style.
Do you have today's scenes?
Yes, they're fresh off
the mimeograph machine.
I was about to deliver
Mr Palmer's.
Allow me.
- She adores you.
- Who? Clara?
She'd walk over
hot coals for you.
Or rewrite a scene
1,000 times for you.
I'm just going to see if
Mr Palmer's in his dressing room
and have a directorial chat.
Yes, of course.
If you see a certain movie star
approaching, just whistle.
(fails to whistle)
Mr Palmer!
Uh... sorry to bother you
but can I have your autograph?
I'll just grab my pen.
- Oh no, I uh...
- It won't take a minute.
- Miss Fisher.
- Sorry, miss.
I was just asking
for an autograph.
Oh, I was just delivering
your scenes.
Thank you.
How are you enjoying your stay
at the Grand?
Nice little place.
It's not a patch on the
Roosevelt on Hollywood Boulevard
but it is uh... pleasant.
Hair out of place.
So I want you to think of Donald
and to think of Gordon.
Miss Fisher.
The staff of a moving picture
are like an army.
And like an army, that staff
marches on its stomach.
With that in mind,
I have three words for you.
Breakfast is served.
I don't want to worry you
but we do have a teensy setback.
You see, the actors playing the
palace guards have walked out.
It's just a small holdup
with the Pegasus Studios money.
That's alright.
I have the perfect replacements.
H--... H--...
- H--...
- Try not to look down the lens.
Going again.
Action.
H--... H--...
Halt! Who dares walk this path?
Yeah, can we
hold it there a minute?
- Stop the camera.
- I'll back you up.
The scene stinks.
The director can have them fired
if you like.
VERNON: No, I mean the scene
doesn't make any sense.
I'm supposed to be the hero,
am I right?
- Of course you are.
- Then why sneak past guards?
You've been stabbed.
Douglas Fairbanks
wouldn't sneak.
You're right.
He'd take out his sword,
kill the guards,
grab a rope and swing them both
out of there.
Brilliant.
Why don't you put your feet up,
give us time to work it out,
and we'll pick it up
tomorrow afternoon.
I've done this before.
Get me a rope up there.
I can walk you through it.
I'm going to need a rope
hanging from this girder.
Well handled.
Why would Vernon Palmer Jnr
be darkening his hair
with boot polish?
Maybe he was going grey.
At his age?
I suppose all those daring
action films
might age one prematurely.
Oh, Mr Palmer
doesn't do the action.
He told me himself. He just
smiles and kisses the girls.
For someone who doesn't do
action, he's awfully good at it.
Who's Jamie Allen?
Where's that feature article?
(phone)
"Tricks of the trade."
"Vernon Palmer Jnr encourages
one of his stand-ins."
The star
and his stand-in.
I beg your pardon, miss, but
Mr Hirsch is on the telephone.
He's somewhat distressed.
That yank says I can't screen my
own picture in my own cinemas.
He can't hold you to that,
can he?
I signed the studio's contract.
I had to sign, Phryne.
I needed the money from Pegasus
to finish our film.
A film which is now
a white elephant.
Under the contract Raymond's
cinemas can only screen
Hollywood films
made by the studio.
- He can't screen his own film?
- Which means he's ruined.
- There are other cinemas.
- They're all signing.
The studios intend to take over
the whole film business.
Wasn't Jefferson the one who
suggested the Hollywood star?
I think Jefferson and Vernon
were in it together.
First they sabotage the film
by drugging Donald Everton,
then in the crisis Jefferson
steps up and offers to help.
But only if Raymond
signs his contract.
They create the problem
then present the solution.
They killed a man
to get control of four cinemas?
I suspect Vernon
had second thoughts.
Jefferson tried to pay him off
but Vernon tore up the check.
I'll bring in Vernon Palmer Jnr.
- He's at the Grand.
- I'm afraid he isn't.
And he isn't Vernon Palmer Jnr.
Very impressive accent, Jamie.
Not bad for a boy
from Murrumbeena.
You were working
as Mr Palmer Jnr's stand-in,
darkening your hair
to pass as his double.
Standing was one of the few
things Vernon could do.
If he had to act
or kiss the girl he was fine.
But then he has to jump off the
water tower or fall off a horse.
That's when
they wheeled me in.
If it was all going so well,
why did you come back?
I had a fall. Busted my leg.
Money ran out quickly and
I was on the first boat home.
Which is where you met
Jefferson Clarke.
Had a few beers with him,
told him my sob story.
Then a few days after we docked,
he tracks me down
at the boarding house.
Says he has
some acting work for me.
Some real acting work.
Only then
he comes to me yesterday
and says
I'm doing too good a job.
He offered you money.
He wanted me to get out of town
just when I was showing everyone
I could act.
- You refused?
- Blood oath I did.
And not long after,
Gordon Thackaway was stabbed
with a knife
that was intended for you.
Reckon he's gone crazy.
Were you in your dressing room
when the fuses blew?
- Was Jefferson with you?
- No.
Then he could have
blown those fuses.
I know a way to work this out.
It's like I told you.
My memory works in pictures.
Yes, I understand, but
can you remember what happened
just before and directly after
the blackout?
If that will help.
I was heading to Gordon
with a cup of coffee.
I saw Dorothy,
Constable Collins,
Jefferson and Lily.
- PHRYNE: What was Lily doing?
- Just heading back to make-up.
She was carrying something.
A glass of water.
Did she still have the glass
when the lights came back on?
Yes. But it was empty.
What was between
the last place you saw Lily
and the make-up chair?
The lights went out.
That's how
she shorted the fuses.
By dowsing the floodlight.
It's entirely possible
that Jefferson had time
to get to the properties table
while Lily shorted the lights.
They're in it together.
I'll go to Raymond's
and pick up Jefferson.
You go to the studio.
JEFFERSON: Just listen to me!
It's not too late, right?
- I can make you a star!
- LILY: I don't believe you!
Vernon's your star now.
You promised me! You said
I'd be the next Mary Pickford!
Sweetheart, come on!
I'll make the calls now.
I will call all the agents.
- She drugged me!
- Stand back.
What are you waiting for?
This film will burn
like wildfire. Shoot!
Why are you doing this, Lily?
He promised me
he was going to take me
back to Hollywood with him.
- If only I'd...
- Sabotage the film?
Yeah but I never told
the crazy bitch to kill anyone.
- OK?
- He gave me the tablets.
I didn't know
what they were and I...
I didn't know Donald
was going to drink that much.
I thought he was dead, I thought
if I just put him behind the set
he might get speared
people would think it was
all just a horrible accident.
- I did all that for you!
- No, you didn't.
You did it because
you want to go to Hollywood.
- But you won't make it there.
- You really are obnoxious.
- I never said to kill anyone.
- What about Gordon?
All I said was blow the fuse
and slow them down a little.
- She's the one who stabbed him.
- It was meant to be Vernon.
Hey!
Lily!
No!
PHRYNE:
Well. I have a present for you.
It seems that Jefferson was a
little lazy with his paperwork.
Hadn't sent
any of his signed contracts
back to the home office.
Won't they just send
more like him?
Then we'll fight the invaders
one by one.
Or beat them at their own game.
- What did you have in mind?
- Jamie Allen.
Australia's new rising star.
And, making her debut
as his leading lady,
and Lily's replacement,
Miss Clara Whiting.
- Well, I do know the role.
- The Bride of Babylon.
The all-talking moving picture.
MR BUTLER: Excuse me, miss?
Miss Fisher?
Yes?
A Mr Hirsch has arrived
with a lot of machinery.
I thought
that was happening tomorrow.
I'm afraid today is tomorrow,
miss.
Coming.
Nearly there.
Halt! Who dares walk this path?
That's it! Thank you.
Well. I'm sure that one line
will make all the difference.
It's made all the difference
to Raymond.
He's achieved his dream.
Did you have a boyhood dream,
Jack?
To tread the boards
or bat for Australia?
To ride the Tour de France.
But then the war happened.
And what were your
girlhood dreams, Miss Fisher?
I'm living them, Inspector.