How could you do this to your mother? Have you no decency?
[Jessica] Tonight, on Murder, She Wrote.
[grunts]
-His head's bashed in, chief. -This may not have been an accident.
This'll be my first murder case.
If I had typed that blackmail note,
don't you think I would have
been smart enough to get rid of the typewriter?
I knew what she had in mind.
But I didn't kill Nick.
I think he may have been seeing another woman.
He left here under a terrible cloud.
Got the confession typed up again, chief.
What name shall I fill in?
Just leave it blank.
"Clotilde watched the dying rays of sunset fade
on the boats that had been beached on the sand
and marveled at the colors
that defied the onslaught of night.
It was a sight worthy of Van Gogh at Saintes-Maries,
and she shivered slightly,
though the air was warm and no breeze stirred.
It was then that she sensed his presence.
She turned and felt the power
of Jean-Paul's hard, sinewy arms...
[laughter] ...pulling her against him.
Her arms moved to encircle and hold him,
her mouth seeking his,
speaking urgently in hungry tongues of rippling desire."
All right. Any comments?
Yeah. It's garbage.
Why? Because of the subject matter?
James Joyce is riddled with specific sexual situations.
So is D.H. Lawrence.
Yeah, but they were writers.
So is Daphne Clover.
A writer on a-- on a different level.
You can say that again.
You catch Daphne on that talk show yesterday?
Oh, yeah, the pride of Crenshaw College.
Hey, professor Mercer.
How does Dr. Laird feel about Daphne's notoriety?
That fact that Daphne Clover happens to be the daughter
of our English department head
has nothing to do with James Joyce.
I hear professor Laird tried
to get her daughter's books banned
from the campus bookstore.
Ah, well, then you heard wrong.
Now, let's get back to James Joyce.
-Mornin', ma'am. -Morning.
[train whistle blows]
Beryl!
Darling.
-Jessica. -Hello, Henry.
I'm sorry we're late.
Beryl couldn't find the car keys.
But of course I found them, Henry.
Otherwise we wouldn't be here, would we?
Jessica, I am so looking forward
to hearing your commencement address.
Well, I'm still rewriting.
You know, books are easy compared to speeches.
Well, don't worry;
Beryl will cry no matter what you say.
Oh, Henry!
I can't tell you how honored we are
that you accepted our invitation.
Well, it isn't every day that I'm offered an honorary degree,
especially from a dear old classmate.
I suppose I'll be on your fund-raising list forever.
Longer than that.
Jessica, by the way, did Henry tell you?
Jocelyn's giving a party tonight in your honor.
Jocelyn Laird, head of the English department.
How's that, Jocelyn?
A little higher, Alger.
Well, I, for one, hate to see Carmichael retire.
He was an excellent assistant head.
Ah, but then there comes a time
when a man's years in harness ought to earn him a rest.
-To the punch. -That's still too low, Alger.
Hmm.
Let me get that for you.
Put it over there, Ron.
Could we talk?
Ron, we have already discussed the position
of assistant department head.
Sure. And Alger Kenyon is senior man.
Jocelyn, we need new ideas, some energy,
I mean, something the kids can relate to.
Ron, I have told you.
I cannot promote you if you don't publish,
and you haven't.
Oh, the whole system is stupid.
We are supposed to be teaching these kids something,
not writing these-- these dry, dusty articles
that nobody reads.
There is a difference between teaching
and pandering to your students.
So, you, uh-- you heard about that.
Oh, half the campus has heard.
You read Daphne's books to your class
when you know it sets me up for ridicule.
I'm sorry, but that's what the kids read today.
Now, I thought it might be a way to get them--
just get them interested in something better.
Ron, I--
[doorbell chimes]
Mother, darling.
Ooh, how are you?
What are you doing here, Daphne?
What an ecstatically warm greeting.
Lighten up, mother.
At least pretend that you're glad to see me.
Alger.
Oh, dear Alger.
-Mwah! [chuckles]
Oh, still playing mommy's little helper, as usual.
Hello, Daphne.
Ah, I know you.
Mom's cute protege.
Ron something, isn't it?
That's close enough.
[knocking at door]
[humming]
You remember Nick, mother.
I'm afraid I do.
Yeah, so how's the old teaching racket, professor?
And I was afraid this weekend was going to be dull.
If it's excitement you're looking for,
I suggest you go back to New York.
Oh, sorry, moms, but you're stuck with us.
Between my agent, my business manager,
three Hollywood producers, and the dogs,
Nick and I decided to pop up here for a little rest.
Well, I think I better get moving.
Daphne, I don't want to be rude--
But you're gonna try.
You've come at a very awkward time.
It's commencement weekend,
and I am planning on throwing a small party for the faculty.
Aw, well, looks like I should've brought a tie, huh?
Oh, don't worry, mother.
I'm gonna keep your embarrassment down
to a bare minimum, promise.
Besides, Nick and I plan to do a lot of private entertaining
of our own
in the guesthouse.
[classical music playing]
What an exquisite punch.
What is that elusive flavor?
Uhm, mango, I think.
That's one thing about Jocelyn,
she really is so inventive.
Did you see my letter to the editor in the regional review?
Yes, you certainly set them straight... on the Middle East question.
That is such a beautiful table.
It has to be an original Duncan Phyfe.
You have very discerning taste, Mrs. Fletcher.
Well, you obviously love beautiful things.
I wish you'd call me Jessica.
I so enjoy your books, Jessica.
Well, that is high praise from a scholar of your stature,
and I did so enjoy and admire
your Walt Whitman's Life and Times.
That was a biography award, as I remember.
Not many people do.
Excuse me, professor Laird.
The cucumber sandwiches are running out.
Would you like me to make some more?
-There are more in the kitchen. -Oh.
I'll get them. Excuse me.
Oh, let me help you.
Mrs. Fletcher.
It's such a pleasure to meet you.
Well, thank you.
You must tell me where you find such intricate plots.
-Alger Kenyon, poetry. -How do you do?
I publish about, oh, several articles a year
on Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Next year, I won't be doing any.
She is my first love.
Well, surely Robert Browning isn't jealous?
Oh, well, unfortunately, I won't have more time.
You see, I-I expect to be taking on the duties
of assistant department head.
Well, I'm sure that Elizabeth will understand.
Oh, of course, it isn't official yet,
but, yes, I do have every expectation.
[woman screams]
Oh, my goodness.
That ought to cool you off.
Ugh!
Oh, dear.
I think we awoke the dead.
Oh, look, she's-- She's...
Yes, she certainly is.
I'm sorry, mother.
Did we wake up your party?
Daphne, put something on.
Oh.
[laughing]
Oh. Oh!
Ooh, come in here.
Now, that means trouble.
Uh, what means trouble?
Now, please.
Henry, you must remember your blood pressure.
That young man, Nick Fulton,
he used to be a student here.
Well, I suppose I shouldn't go that far.
He left under a terrible cloud.
More like a full-fledged thunderstorm.
Excuse me.
Hey, everybody.
Thought we'd liven up your party a little bit.
Even brought our own bubbly.
Why, thank you.
Oh, mother, is-is this dressy enough?
Sir.
Oh, J.B. Fletcher.
Thank heaven there's somebody here I can talk to.
Love your books.
Thank you. And I think you write well.
You mean you've actually read my books?
Oh, yes.
You know, you have a very real talent
for setting a scene.
You create very evocative word pictures,
like beautiful paintings.
It's a talent that I wish that I had.
Right. Right, J.B.
Well, art is where it's at.
My business manager just bought me
a few impressionists.
You know what they say:
keep your money where you can see it, right?
[chuckles]
I hear Picasso is really hot.
Well, his pictures may be hot,
but I hear that Picasso is dead.
[laughter]
Leave us alone, Nick.
What say me and you, we take a walk, huh?
[people gasp]
Ron! Are you all right?
How could you do this to your mother?
Have you no decency? Now, will you please just leave?
Sure, Algie. Sure.
Nick? [chuckles]
Well, uh, catch you all later.
Listen, terrific party.
Next time, we'll make it my place, okay?
Good night, all.
Oh!
Ow! [laughs]
Whoo!
[door slams]
Yeah? Well, maybe I'm pushing the wrong lady.
What happened to what I gave you last week?
It's not enough.
It's never enough.
Is that any way to treat a partner?
It's over, Nick. Get out!
It's over when I say it's over,
and don't you forget that.
You know what you are, don't you, Nick?
Me? What about you?
You're disgusting.
You don't care about me. You're just using me.
One of these days you're gonna push me too far, Nicky.
I told you, I got debts. I need it.
No. No more money, Nick.
Look, honey.
What I get from you, I earn.
And don't you forget it.
Oh!
Ow!
You touch me again, I'll kill you!
[rapping at door]
[theme music]
-His head's bashed in, chief. -I can see that.
Must have fallen from that window up there.
Has he got any ID on him?
Nothin'.
Damn.
Well, cover him up.
All right, now.
Uh, which one of you reported the accident?
I did.
Are you the police?
Yes, ma'am. Chief Griffin.
Who are you?
I'll be right down.
I am very much afraid, chief,
but, uh, this may not have been an accident.
Are you saying this fellow was murdered?
All I'm saying
is that I don't think that he fell out of that window.
Is that so?
With the construction,
there is plaster dust all over the floor up there.
Now, take a look at his feet.
See? There's nothing on the soles of his shoes.
Now, this is just a theory,
but maybe Nick died somewhere else
and was carried here.
Nick? Do you know this fella?
Oh, yes, I met him last night.
His name is Nick Fulton.
He's a houseguest of professor Laird,
head of the English department.
-And just who are you, ma'am? -Oh, I'm Jessica Fletcher.
I'm staying with president Hayward.
Oh, the mystery book writer lady.
I thought I recognized your face.
Campus bookstore laid in a bunch of your books.
I was gonna buy one,
but then I figured they'd be coming out in paperback.
Well, I can see that you're a very patient man, chief...
Griffin.
Mrs. Fletcher, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Thank you.
This'll be my first murder case.
Oh.
But we're not sure yet that it is a murder.
That'd be a shame.
I mean, I'm in the middle of my course, but I'm ready.
Course?
Criminology. Northeast Home Study Academy.
Oh, I see.
Fact is, I'd appreciate any assistance you could give me.
Well, I don't want to interfere.
I'd be very grateful.
Well, I did hear something very interesting
from one of the students before you got here.
Now, he was driving home late last night
and saw a light-colored station wagon
parked right over there.
That was around 2:00 in the morning.
I'll check that out.
Well, it may be significant
when the coroner establishes the time and cause of death.
Oh, that's good. Solid procedure.
Anything else?
Well, it might be helpful to know Nick's movements
after the party last night.
The party.
Gee, Mrs. Fletcher,
you seem to know everybody around here,
and I was wondering, well,
maybe if you could tag along with me,
it would be useful.
I'd really appreciate it.
Will you give me a couple of minutes?
Absolutely.
What?
Nick murdered?
Sorry, ma'am,
but to the trained mind, there's no other conclusion.
I have a few questions I'd like to ask you.
Maybe you could tell me just what you were up to
after the party last night.
Oh.
I, uh-- I came back here after we left.
-I was upset. -Upset?
No, I mean, I was tired.
Exhausted.
I took a few sleeping pills, and then I went right to bed.
Uh-huh.
[silently]
And that, uh, fella, Fulton,
was he here when you went to bed?
Of course he was here.
And what time was that?
Midnight.
Look, I don't know why you're asking me
all these questions.
I didn't kill him, if that's what you're driving at.
No one's made any accusations, miss Laird.
It's Clover. You want the story on Nick?
I'll give it to you in one word.
Stud.
I knew him vaguely from the campus.
I ran into him again in New York at a disco.
A week after, he moved into my townhouse.
And why did you come to Crenshaw this weekend?
Because I live here.
At least I used to.
Look, officer.
When things get hairy in the Big Apple,
I sometimes come here to the guesthouse to write,
especially when I've been inspired
by a hunk like Nick Fulton.
Now,
unless you've got any other stupid questions,
get the hell out of here so I can dress!
Or maybe, uh--
maybe you'd just like to watch.
I think that just about does it.
You go ahead, chief. I wanna pay my respects to professor Laird.
Well, I'm sure Griffin has it all wrong.
Murder? On the Crenshaw campus?
The State University, perhaps, but certainly not here.
He seems pretty convinced.
Well, you're not involved in this investigation, are you?
Oh no. After my speech tomorrow evening,
I'm going to take the late train back to Cabot Cove.
-It must be lovely there. -Oh, it is.
Of course, I knew Nick Fulton only slightly, but...
as you saw last night, he had a crude temper.
As well as an unsavory reputation. At least around here.
Jocelyn, I'm sure that Daphne isn't seriously under suspicion.
Of course she's not. What a preposterous idea?
Well, I'd better get back to my speech.
Before I make a complete fool of myself tomorrow.
If you hear any new developments, please let me know.
Oh, of course.
It's shocking!
Absolutely shocking!
There, there, now, Henry.
Please, dear, don't get so excited.
I'm not excited, Beryl.
I'm exasperated.
Yeah, a murder.
I mean, right here on campus.
And on commencement weekend.
I tell you, I've heard nothing else
since I got back this morning.
Oh, Jessica, I'm so glad you're back.
Henry is so excited. He's exasperating again.
Well, I can certainly understand that.
You were away?
Yeah, my mother, she's ailing again.
I had to take the late train to Boston last night
after the party.
Oh, how is your dear mother, Alger?
-She is not at all well. -Oh.
[doorbell rings] -Excuse me.
You know, I may have to put her into a home.
It is a terrible situation.
As a matter of fact, I should call her right now.
If you'll excuse me.
Yes, yes, of course. Give her my love.
Oh, chief, good morning. Come in.
Sorry to bother you, Dr. Hayward,
but I have some questions.
-All right. -Good-bye.
Say hello to your mother.
Right here.
Here we go, yes.
Ah, Mrs. Fletcher.
I got the coroner's report.
Time of death: about 1:00 in the morning.
Cause: massive skull fracture with a blunt instrument.
Not a fall from the building.
I don't suppose you found the murder weapon.
No.
You mentioned you had some questions, chief.
Right.
I understand that the victim had a fight at the party
with one of the faculty members.
Oh, you must mean Ron Mercer.
Oh, yes, it was a dreadful scene.
Mr. Fulton was very rude to his wife.
You're not suggesting, chief, that Ron Mercer
had anything to do with the killing, are you?
[gasps] Henry.
Oh, I forgot to tell you.
I saw him later in the evening.
After the party, I mean.
-Ron Mercer, that is. -You did?
Yes.
Well, Henry was having one of his restless nights,
and he was downstairs pacing up and down,
and, you know, he always does that when he gets upset.
-Beryl. -Oh, that's all right, darling.
Anyway, uh, Henry was downstairs.
I got up to get a little drink of water.
And when I looked out the window,
there was Ron, walking across the campus.
About what time was that?
I guess it was about, oh, 1:00 in the morning.
He was walking in the direction of Jocelyn's house.
[sighs]
Oh, dear. Have I said something wrong?
[telephone rings]
Oh, excuse me.
Hayward residence.
Yes. Yes, he's here.
Just a moment, please.
Chief Griffin, it's for you.
Excuse me.
Chief Griffin.
Who is this?
Damn it. Who's speaking?
Hello.
[receiver clicking] -Hello.
Well, what is it, chief?
If this tip checks out,
I think we got that fella's murderer dead bang.
Miss Daphne Clover.
Hold it. I think this is it.
He said we'd find a note and a murder weapon.
"Pay me $10,000,
or your nasty secret will be exposed."
There's your blackmail note, chief.
Chief, are you sure that you didn't recognize the voice
on the other end of the line?
No, it sounded like he had a cold.
But he sure knew what he was talking about.
Now to find the murder weapon.
Chief.
Don't that look like blood to you?
It sure does.
Don't handle it. Put it in a plastic bag.
What the hell are you doing?
-We have a search warrant. -A warrant?
Well, what do you think you're gonna find?
A blackmail note and a murder weapon,
and we've already found both.
Miss Clover, I'm placing you under arrest
for the murder of Nick Fulton.
No.
Uh, chief, excuse me, but I'm not sure...
I am, Mrs. Fletcher.
No.
Jessica, I just heard the news.
Is it true?
Yes, chief Griffin has arrested Daphne.
-Excuse me. -What is it?
The mate to this candlestick was found in the guesthouse,
spattered with blood.
Oh, that's absurd.
I mean, Daphne may be many things,
but she is not a killer.
And she is your daughter.
Jessica, I am not being swayed by maternal affection.
I know her. She could not have done this thing.
The blood on the candlestick
matches Nick Fulton's in all points.
And that gives me the murder weapon.
What about fingerprints?
They were smudged. We can't use them.
Chief, I hate to throw cold water
on your investigation,
but that candlestick was planted in the guesthouse.
It came from the main house.
Is that so?
Yes, and anyone could have taken it during the party.
Including miss Clover.
Well, I doubt that.
I mean, the candlestick couldn't have been hidden
in the pocket of a fur coat,
and she graphically demonstrated
that there was nothing underneath the coat.
And how do you explain the blackmail note, ma'am?
What blackmail note?
Fulton was obviously blackmailing your daughter,
and that gives me the motive.
No, I didn't kill him!
He was alive last time I saw him.
May I see the note?
Oh, that's interesting.
Typed on a machine with a slightly bent "e."
And unsigned.
My goodness, chief.
If Nick Fulton were sharing a bed with Daphne,
why would he type her a note?
I mean, I assume they were talking to one other.
But I found it in his pocket.
Chief, that note and that candlestick
were probably planted in the guesthouse,
most likely by the person who phoned you.
All right.
For the time being, I'll hold off on formal charges.
You're free to go, miss Clover, but don't leave town.
Thanks J.B.
Are you sure I'm not taking you out of your way?
No trouble, Mrs. Fletcher.
Did you, by any chance,
check out Mr. Fulton with the New York authorities?
Of course. Standard procedure, chapter seven.
They tele-typed his records to me.
Two arrests for assault, no convictions.
Yeah, despite all your fancy talk, Mrs. Fletcher,
Daphne Clover is my killer.
All I got to do is build a case the DA can't screw up.
Anybody who'd write scuzzy books,
the way she does, doesn't have the same moral code the rest of us do.
Chief, have you read any of her books?
Oh sure, all of them.
Thank you.
Uh, excuse me.
I'd like to check connections to Cabot Cove
via Boston, please.
One way or round trip?
Oh, I have my ticket already.
I just want to know the times.
This window is for tickets only.
You'll have to check with information.
Oh, yes, information. Thank you.
Yeah?
I think we were discussing connections to Cabot Cove.
You'll have to change in Boston.
Uh, yes, I know that.
What time do the connecting trains leave?
All trains connect.
At what times?
Every hour on the quarter hour until 20:15.
Oh, yes, 8:15 p.m.
Oh, but this schedule says--
That schedule changed two weeks ago.
Want to check your baggage through?
I think it might be quicker if I carried it myself.
Thank you.
Aye.
Oh, Mrs. Fletcher!
Can I give you a lift?
Oh, that's very kind, if you're sure it's no trouble.
-Not at all. -Thanks.
Well, what do you think of Crenshaw College,
Mrs. Fletcher?
It's lovely.
Except for the tragedy of Nick Fulton.
Yes.
Jocelyn Laird thinks that it might have been
someone from his past who killed him.
Oh, I don't think so.
You know, Trish, I got the impression
that you and Ron had met him somewhere before.
You hope that people have forgotten.
But they talk behind your back.
Oh, it wasn't gossip, Trish.
It was the way that you reacted to him.
Sure... What the hell?
It was a couple of years ago.
Ron and I had just moved here.
Nick was on an athletic scholarship.
He'd come over to the house for tutoring.
And then he started coming over when Ron wasn't home.
I'm sorry.
Ron didn't kill him.
He and I sat up talking until morning after the party.
No, Trish.
I'm sorry, but someone saw Ron walking near Jocelyn's house
around the time of the murder,
and someone else saw a station wagon
similar to this one
parked very close to where the body was found.
No, Ron couldn't have done it.
Trish, where did Ron go last night?
I'm not sure.
I-- I think he may have been seeing another woman.
Jessica, I'm so glad you could come.
I wanted to thank you
for putting chief Griffin straight about Daphne.
Oh, what a lovely place to work.
You know, I'm almost ashamed to admit
that I still work at the kitchen table.
Must be a very satisfying life for you...
here at Crenshaw, working with young people,
away from the more frantic demands of the world.
I still find time to write an occasional article.
My goodness, a word processor.
The college bought it for me.
-I never learned to use it. -Really?
People tell me I should use one, but I'm terrified at the idea.
[chuckles]
Ooh, just got a flash for my speech.
Would you mind if I borrowed your typewriter for a minute?
Let me jot it down before I forget it.
Jessica, if I had typed that blackmail note,
don't you think I would have been smart enough
to get rid of the typewriter?
[chuckles]
I suppose that was a bit obvious.
I am so glad we met.
We could become great friends.
Yes, we have so much in common.
Like writing, for instance.
Don't you think it's about time you were honest with me?
I'm sorry, Jessica.
I don't know what you mean.
I think you do, Jocelyn.
Daphne Clover is a fraud.
You wrote those books.
Jessica, really.
Daphne knows barely enough about painting
to tell red from green.
Yet her books are filled with artistic metaphors,
like Van Gogh's boats at Saintes-Maries,
to name just one.
She said she came up here to work,
but there was no typewriter in the guesthouse,
no reference books, not even a pencil.
Do you know how much I earned for the Walt Whitman biography?
Barely enough to pay off a secondhand car.
Then I found out how much
one of those trash merchants was paid
for his latest opus.
Sordid sex, that's what they wanted.
And I was one of the proper paupers
in the literary world,
while hacks with a third-rate vocabulary
were living like royalty.
Was I angry?
You bet I was.
I sat down and wrote the first one in six weeks,
not years of my life, but six silly weeks.
I asked Daphne to submit it to a publisher under her name.
Lord knows I couldn't use my own,
not and keep my reputation.
And then Nick found out about the arrangement.
He-- He started threatening me,
asking for money.
And then he--
He came to my bedroom after the party,
demanding money.
I refused, and he--
He threatened me again, and I-- I--
I hit him with the candlestick.
It was self-defense, I promise you.
Then why did you move the body?
Now, that was stupid.
I thought I could make it look like an accident.
But Daphne had nothing to do with it!
She was asleep!
Jocelyn, don't you think you should have a little chat
with chief Griffin?
Will you go with me, Jessica?
Yeah.
I guess for now I'll have to take your word
about the self-defense, professor.
Chief, don't you think Nick Fulton's record
supports a plea of self-defense?
It's up to the DA.
Read this before you sign it.
You can't go in there, miss.
No, let go of me!
No, mother. You didn't sign that.
It's all settled, miss Clover!
Don't you see what she's doing?
She's confessing to protect me!
Daphne, stay out of this.
No! It's a lie.
She didn't kill Nick. I did.
Daphne...
Damnedest thing I ever saw.
Why, chief?
Daphne's confession supports your original theory.
But now I have two confessions.
Both ladies claim they were attacked by Nick Fulton.
Both claim self-defense.
Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out
that one of them is lying to protect the other.
Yeah, but which one?
Oh, I've got a speech to make.
Got the confession typed up again, chief.
What name shall I fill in?
Just leave it blank.
Something to think about, chief.
I doubt if either Daphne or her mother
could have carried Mr. Fulton's body
up those stairs to the third floor alone.
[people talking]
"So it's the contribution we make
rather than the rewards that we earn"--
Henry, have you seen my gloves?
On the desk, Beryl.
Oh, thank you, dear.
There they are.
Oh, Henry.
Oh, dear, I forgot to give this to you.
Yes, Alger Kenyon brought it by for you.
Where are my glasses?
Oh, I'll find them.
Jessica, would you, please?
I don't seem to have my glasses.
Yes.
"This will inform you of my resignation
from Crenshaw college,
effective with the end of this term.
Sincerely, Dr. Alger Kenyon."
Alger resigning?
What on earth for?
Oh, really, Henry.
Sometimes you can be so dense.
It's because of Jocelyn.
Jocelyn?
He's madly in love with her.
Alger and Jocelyn?
Well, why doesn't somebody tell me these things?
I'm afraid that even I noticed that.
So Alger is resigning
because Jocelyn gave the job to Ron Mercer.
[gasps] Henry, I forgot.
Jocelyn called you yesterday.
She gave the job to Ron Mercer?
She gave the job to Ron Mercer.
Of course.
Henry, how long do we have
before the commencement exercises begin?
-About an hour. -Good.
I have a couple of phone calls to make.
Then can I borrow your bicycle?
Well, yes, of course.
Oh, I am so glad you could meet me here, Dr. Kenyon.
I do have rather a lot of packing to do.
Well, this won't take long.
I really wanted to talk to Ron Mercer.
About what, Mrs. Fletcher?
It's almost time for commencement.
Yes, you know, I tried not to get involved
in this Nick Fulton killing,
but I just couldn't stand by and let Jocelyn and Daphne
ruin their lives for something that they didn't do.
But they confessed.
No, I'm afraid that doesn't hold water.
If Jocelyn were guilty,
she certainly wouldn't have tried to frame her daughter
with that bloody candlestick,
and Daphne never would have left it on the mantel.
I was hoping that you could clear it up for me, Ron.
I don't know anything about Nick Fulton's death.
But I think that you do.
You were seen walking toward Jocelyn Laird's house
about the time Nick Fulton died.
I didn't kill him.
And a station wagon like yours
was observed that night
near where the body was discovered.
Trish, you told me that you suspected
Ron was seeing another woman.
I think you went to Jocelyn's house
after the party, Ron, not to kill Nick Fulton
but to try to persuade Jocelyn to give you the assistant's job.
You went to her?
At that hour of the night? That's indecent.
Ron, how could you?
She's the one who wanted it that way.
She invited me back after the party.
I knew what she had in mind.
But I didn't kill Nick.
He was already dead when I got there.
She--
She told me to come around the back,
that she'd be waiting.
And she said-she said that there had been
a terrible accident.
She promised me the job
if I would help her move the body,
make it look like it happened somewhere else.
So I went back, and I-- I got the station wagon.
And then we moved Nick's body to the construction site.
I carried it upstairs, and I--
I threw it out the window.
Trish, she--
She promised me the job.
Making love to her was-- that wasn't my idea, Trish.
It was hers.
No! Now, that is a damnable lie, Mercer!
Jocelyn would never have taken you into her bed.
Now, I should know. She and I were--
We were very close.
Never-never physical, of course.
I mean, not like her-- her daughter.
Our love didn't need that.
You may not really understand Jocelyn, Alger,
but I'm sure that you love her too much
to let her take the blame for something that you did.
Me?
But I didn't kill him.
I took the late train after the party
to go to Boston that night
to see my mother.
I'm afraid you couldn't have.
The schedule was changed.
The last train left long before the party was over.
That doesn't mean I killed him.
No, it doesn't.
But the blackmail note chief Griffin found
was typed on the same machine
that typed your letter of resignation,
the one with the bent "e."
It had to be you that phoned that false tip to chief Griffin.
Why Daphne, Alger?
I was afraid.
I was afraid that
they'd blame Jocelyn.
It was all Daphne's fault,
Daphne and those-- those filthy books.
It's 'cause of Daphne
that that man came into Jocelyn's life.
Why don't you tell us what really happened?
Uh,
after the party, I--
I decided to go back
and spend some time with Jocelyn,
you know, to cheer her up
after that dreadful scene with her daughter.
Our friendship was discreet.
She had given me a key.
I could hear her voice in the bedroom.
She sounded frightened.
It was Fulton.
He was demanding money from her.
It was something to do with Daphne,
some sort of blackmail.
He touched her.
He touched Jocelyn.
She told him to wait
while she went out to get her checkbook.
I hit him with the candlestick.
Then I went out through the door
be-- before she came back in.
So when Jocelyn returned with the checkbook,
she found Nick dead.
She saw the door open
and must have assumed that Daphne had killed him.
When Ron arrived a few minutes later,
she made up that story about an accident.
And where was Daphne?
Apparently asleep in the guesthouse.
She must really have taken some sleeping pills.
But why did Daphne confess?
Because she thought her mother had killed him.
You see, each one recognized the murder weapon
and suspected the other.
Each one wanted to protect the other.
Jocelyn didn't love me.
Giving that job to Mercer proved that.
So, you see,
I had to resign.
Chief Griffin? Jessica Fletcher.
I'm at the Mercer home.
Alger Kenyon is here
and wants to make a statement about the Nick Fulton killing.
No, I won't be here.
This is your case.
Oh, dear, I'm late.
Please excuse me.