
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Dead Air
Season 2 Episode 11 | 54m 17sVideo has Closed Captions
There’s murder on the airwaves when the radio show is interrupted by an on-air panic.
There's a new wireless in the Fisher household – but there’s murder on the airwaves when the show is interrupted by an on-air panic. The radio station's bookkeeper and budding announcer is found choked to death. During the investigation, Dot suffers the terrible realization that she doesn’t want to relinquish working for Miss Fisher.
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Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is presented by your local public television station.
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Dead Air
Season 2 Episode 11 | 54m 17sVideo has Closed Captions
There's a new wireless in the Fisher household – but there’s murder on the airwaves when the show is interrupted by an on-air panic. The radio station's bookkeeper and budding announcer is found choked to death. During the investigation, Dot suffers the terrible realization that she doesn’t want to relinquish working for Miss Fisher.
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How to Watch Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(suspenseful music) (rain drizzles) - [Victim] And I'm not keeping quiet.
No.
No, keep away!
Get back!
No, get away!
Let go!
(victim screams) (suspenseful music) Let go!
(victim screams) Help!
(victim screams) (suspenseful music) (jazz music) (jazz music continues) (jazz music continues) (jazz music continues) (radio screeches) - How many stations can it pick up?
- Only 3JH, I'm afraid.
That's how a our restricted license works.
- Ah, but that's perfect.
- May I ask what's so particular about this 3JH?
- It has the Polkinghorns.
And a girl who went to my school helps to make it.
(ragtime piano music) - And now it's time to revisit our daily serial, "At Home With The Polkinghorns, (Dorothy giggles) A New Day."
(horn honks) - That sounds like the taxi now.
(cabinet clanks) Maurice, it must be our Guinevere, (Hugh knocks) home in time for her 21st birthday.
(bell cranks) - Who's Guinevere?
- Their daughter.
- [Hazel] Look outside, Maurice, our Guinevere.
(bell rings) Where is she?
- Shh!
I don't want to see her after what she did.
- What did she do?
- Well, how can you refuse?
- Ran off with an Italian opera singer.
- [Hazel] She's our daughter.
- Oh, we've all done that.
- But we are on air.
- Come on!
- Whatever is keeping that maid?
- She's dead.
- [Jimmy] Who's dead?
- Louisa, outside.
Just turn the blasted thing off!
(dramatic music) - Loui... Louisa Singleton's the girl I know.
(dramatic music) - [Reporter] Radios claim newspaper war.
Out now in the Argus.
(camera snaps) (somber music) - [Hugh] Ah, Miss Fisher, how did you know?
- We were listening to the wireless?
- Louisa was going to do so many wonderful things.
- [Detective Fisher] Miss Fisher, detective and my assistant, Miss Williams.
- Jimmy Creswick, station manager at 3JH, and my wife, Hazel.
- [Detective Fisher] And this is Louisa?
- Yes, our Girl Friday, Miss Louisa Singleton.
- How awful.
- They said they'd get us.
- [Detective Fisher] Who did?
- [Jimmy] Hazel, love come inside and calm down.
- Looks like she was strangled.
- Such a shame, one so young.
- Terrible.
- Time of death, 6:40 PM, if we assume she was wearing these clothes yesterday and her watch was in good working order.
- Thank you.
Thank you, Miss.
I'll take it from here.
Step back, please.
Thank you.
Just step back, right back please.
- Well, where's Inspector Robinson?
- He's, he's on another job.
- Well, well, we'd be happy to assist you, Hugh?
You know, Miss Singleton was a good school friend of Dot's She'd never forgive me if I didn't help.
- Miss, the uh, the other job the inspector's on, he's undercover and it's confidential.
- Sounds intriguing.
Come on, Dot.
(mischievous music) - [Hazel] Yes, exactly the same outfit that she was in yesterday.
- [Jimmy] We just thought she was late this morning.
- Oh, even though Louisa was never late.
Today of all days - [Jimmy] Playing Guinevere in the Polkinghorns was her big step up.
- [Hugh] Is there anyone who might've wanted to harm Miss Singleton?
- No.
Louisa put all her efforts into her work.
Top girl.
She kept the book neat, typed up all our scripts.
- She broke it off with her fiance in Perth when she was offered the job at 3JH.
- Are any of these coats Louisa's?
- [Hazel] Yes, the cloak.
- I can scribe, if you like.
- [Hugh] So no grudges, threats?
- Not against her in particular.
There were telephone calls a few days ago.
Hazel took one, Louisa the other.
- It, it, it was a man.
He warned us to shut down the station or he'd do it himself.
- We've been expecting trouble.
There have been attacks on other radio stations.
- From our brightest night to our darkest day.
- Hazel was crowned best female talent last night at the Australian Recorded Performance Awards.
- Oh, no!
Oh, Oswald.
- Oh come now, Hazel.
It's only a goldfish.
It was probably his time.
- Oh, sorry.
I'm not normally like this.
- [Jack] Good morning.
This is the 10 o'clock news From July, electric trams will run through from the eastern suburbs.
- That voice!
(Jack mumbles) - This is predicted not only to alleviate traffic in the center, but also bring many new shoppers to the city, where they can enjoy a splendid array of stores and restaurants that cater to all tastes.
- Mr. Archibald Jones, he of the dulcet tones.
- Wherever did you find him?
- We didn't The board of 3JH decided last week to offer an hourly news service and we wanted to train Clarence for the role, but management hired Mr. Jones.
- And uh... - Why don't you go and have a sit-down, love?
You've had a shock.
- You're right darling.
I do feel slightly shattered.
(Jack mumbles) - She couldn't get out more than two words in front of a microphone when I first met her.
- Perhaps having a private detective around would reassure her, a discrete presence.
- If you ask me, the one to look out for is that bloke.
I wouldn't trust him as far as I could spit.
(Jack clears throat) (fingers snapping) - There will be more news in the next hour, so please stay tuned.
Shortly, Clarence Ball will be with you for the daily sporting news.
But first, a musical interlude.
(instrumental music) - Now before you say anything, Archibald.
- Thank goodness you're here.
I need you to move in on this case.
Collins can't handle this alone.
- Is this Jack Robinson speaking or are you still incognito?
You want me to ride shotgun over Hugh.
- I wish you wouldn't put it quite like that.
- You could ask nicely.
- You want me to beg?
- This may never happen again.
- Please.
I'm stuck here, keeping an eye on things.
- Not a very keen eye, Jack.
Someone was killed at 6:40 PM, to be precise.
- Yes, well I was reporting to Commissioner Hall last night.
Four radio stations from Melbourne and Sydney have been shut down in the last six months.
They've been robbed, vandalized or set alight.
- Well, we both know who has the most to lose, with radio taking off.
- Newspapers.
Why buy a newspaper if you've already heard the headlines on the wireless?
- But you suspect an inside job?
- Clarence Ball, Foley man, piano player, sports presenter.
Left radio station 3XL one week before it burned to the ground after a series of menacing phone calls.
- Suspiciously good timing.
- I've got a couple of (indistinct) for you today.
Let's have a look at the Corroboree Maiden first.
(Clarence mumbles) And in the seventh, my pick is Paschal Vaya, number two.
And in the eighth, we're looking at number five- - Clarence Ball's On The Track.
I've heard a lot about this.
What's so remarkable about these tips?
Not very good odds, some of them - I'm with you.
These are just all the favorites.
- But the barman at the pub is making a packet out of this bloke.
Col swears by him.
- And don't forget to tune in this afternoon at the usual time for Hall of Fame, your chance to guess our Mare of the Moment.
- Nah.
We're missing something with this joker.
- The results of the last race came in on the wire at 6:55, then the station closed at seven.
- So you were the last to leave the office?
- That's right.
Jimmy and Hazel left at 5:30 to go to a fancy awards do.
- Looks like Mrs Creswick has really made 3HJ a success story.
Best Female Talent on Melbourne Radio.
- You'd be surprised how many punters tune into my sporting news, even more to my live race calls.
- But you haven't been at the station for long, have you?
Where were you previously?
- Radio 3XL.
I had quite a following there too.
- That station closed down though, didn't it?
A fire, I believe.
- Before my time.
Difference of opinion.
- Back to Miss Singleton, what time did she leave the office last night?
- She made me a cuppa before my shift and then there was no sign of her when the evening session finished at seven.
- [Detective Fisher] What was Louisa working on?
- Jingles, ideas for shows, stories.
I told her it was a complete waste of time.
Hazel made damn sure she wrote every word that went to air.
- She didn't think Louisa was up to the task.
- Well, you'd have to ask Hazel that.
- Did they ever disagree, to your knowledge?
- Hazel's been a bit tricky lately.
Louisa wouldn't be the only one she's crossed swords with.
(mischievous music) - Now you'd better cooperate, Archie.
Jimmy already thinks you did it.
- What?
- Well, you are behaving very suspiciously.
- Clarence obviously had the opportunity to murder Louisa.
He could have easily slipped out of the studio in a musical interlude.
- Hazel and Louisa didn't get on.
Creative competition.
(door clanks) - Have you seen a running order anywhere?
We're in such a mess without Louisa.
- [Jimmy] Here it is.
- Oh, thank goodness.
- Perhaps Dot could be of some help.
- Oh, that would be wonderful.
I'll show you what needs to be done.
- So, do the police have any ideas?
- Oh, could be anyone.
You know the type who hang around here?
- Like who?
- Well, that bloke from the newspaper stand for one.
Louisa always complained about him waltzing in here whenever he felt like it.
I only wish I'd taken more notice, done something about him.
- [Buyer] There you go.
Thanks, cobber.
- Argus, thanks.
So you knew Louisa pretty well?
- I'd hoped to know her even better.
I asked her to go dancing a couple of times.
- She turned you down?
- Only twice.
I was still in with a chance.
I could tell by the way she used to like to tick me off.
Actually, I saw her last night too.
She bought a bun from me.
Said she was going back to work.
- Maybe you should tell the cops.
- (chuckles) No, I'm not getting mixed up with the cops, and it won't bring Louisa back.
- Hooroo.
- [John] Get your papers here.
Paper!
(Detective Fisher sighs) (mischievous music) - Are you sure there's nothing we've missed, Hugh?
- She wanted to marry that bloke in Perth, but she had her heart set on radio.
- Yes, Louisa, she uh, she left school at 15, like me, but she was always smart.
- Well, you must be smart too, assisting a lady detective.
Rightio, let's test you.
Guess this bird.
Gonk, gonk!
Gonk!
(both laughing) - I give up.
- That is the black swan, the official bird of Western Australia.
But I made you smile, didn't I, though?
- Deeply affected by your colleagues passing, are you?
- What's your problem, Constable?
I've told you everything I know.
- [Hugh] Why didn't you hear any disturbance in the alley last night, Mr. Ball?
- There could have been heavy mortar fire outside here, son, and I wouldn't have heard a thing.
That studio is completely soundproof - Help!
Constable, help, quickly!
(suspenseful music) Oh, Jimmy!
- Stay back, Hazel.
Don't touch it!
- [Detective Fisher] What happened?
- Oh, the microphone, I just got a shock.
- [Hugh] Stand back, please.
Stand back.
- We need to turn off the power.
- There's a a a fuse box in the hall.
(suspenseful music) - All clear.
- [Dorothy] Is there a first aid box?
- It's fine.
I'll, I'll be all right.
- They tried to get you.
They're gonna knock us all off, I know it.
The same thing happened at 2WA.
- No, I'm sure it's nothing more than a silly accident.
Tell her, Miss Fisher, - I'd like to agree with you, but... - The wires have been deliberately frayed.
(suspenseful music) - Uh, no sir.
Inspector Robinson prevented the electrocution himself, sir.
(scoffs) Yes.
Yes, sir.
No, I'll pass on the message.
Thank you, sir.
Right away - Looking right at home there, Hugh.
In your haste to follow the Inspector's orders, you left Louisa Singleton's notebook behind.
- Ha, thank you, Miss.
How did that happen?
- Since we're here, we thought you might need some help going through Louisa's things.
(gasps) The inspector's secret stash!
- Miss... - Well done, Hugh.
Mm, delicious.
(change clanks) (mischievous music) - A packet of matches, thanks.
- And ah, this came for you.
Special delivery.
- Thanks.
Expecting that.
- [John] Paper!
- Look at this, Hugh.
Why would Louisa buy an interstate train ticket?
An overnight sleeper to Sydney booked for next week.
No return.
- Clarence Ball said Hazel didn't like any of Louisa's ideas, but this is the Polkinghorns episode they played this morning.
- Maybe she was just transcribing for Hazel.
- Look, it says, "Written by Miss Louisa Singleton."
- If all of those stories were Louisa's ideas and Hazel was taking all the glory, I don't blame her for trying to leave.
That radio awards night, it didn't begin until 7:00 PM but the Creswicks left the studio at 5:30.
There's plenty of time for a detour.
- Mm.
- I think we need a quiet word with Hazel, a casual tete-a-tete.
Bring the car around, Dot.
(bell chimes) - [Announcer] Tea for two, what better, after a woman's long day of household toils and a man's daily battles with a world than a steaming brew for two of Tilley's tea?
To celebrate hearth and home, (bell rings) no matter who comes calling or prepare for an evening of loving companionship with the little one tucked safely in bed.
Tilly's Tea, proud sponsor of 3JH Radio, is made for relaxation and rejuvenation, just for you.
Tilly's tea (bell chimes) is tip-top tea from the very best tips to your teapot.
- If I could borrow that typewriter, Hugh, I could type these notes up for you.
- Thanks, Dottie.
Uh, you know, if I do well in this case, it means that I'm one step closer to a promotion, which means we can afford to get married.
And then wise-cracking bird impersonators won't be so free and easy when you're Mrs. Hugh Collins.
(Dorothy giggles) - How are we going to tell your mother, Hugh?
- Ah, I don't care.
We'll get married in a Catholic church.
I'll convert, - But that would break your mother's heart.
I'm sure if we tell Miss Phryne, she'll help us find a solution.
- Well, can't we work it out ourselves?
That's what we're gonna have to do when you don't work for her anymore.
- Pardon?
- Well, once we set a date and you give notice, Miss Fisher's gonna have to do without you.
- Without me?
Give up my job?
Right.
- Dot!
(gentle music) - Oh, Mr. Creswick.
I was expecting your wife, - Well, Hazel sends her apologies but she wasn't up to the car trip.
You thought Miss Williams could help out with some of our typing.
Of course, I'd be happy to help.
- Thank you, Dot.
But while you're here, if you don't mind, I would like a quiet word about Louisa.
- Of course.
- It seems she dedicated most of her evenings to writing for radio, but nothing of hers has been to air?
- Oh, Louisa was very ambitious, but she had no training as a writer, and she was needed far more as a typist.
Hazel only writes in longhand.
- Then how do you explain this, this morning's episode, word for word, in Louisa's personal notebook?
- Really?
Well, perhaps she copied it from one of Hazel's scripts for some reason, to learn from or plagiarism?
I hope that's not what it was.
- Could that be why Hazel argued with her?
- Oh, any arguments they had couldn't have been more than a tiff.
We work in very close quarters and disagreements are bound to happen.
- Did Louisa mention that she had any travel plans?
- Not that I know of.
- But Hazel was very reliant on her, and if she were about to move on, that would've left her in the lurch, wouldn't it?
- Well, yes.
It would've left us all in the lurch, if we'd known about it.
- What time did you and Hazel arrive at the award ceremony last night?
- Well, I can't be sure.
We were a little late.
Hazel was nursing one of her headaches, and I had to go on ahead of her.
- So she stayed at home?
- Only for half an hour.
And then she grabbed a cab and joined me.
It was a wonderful evening to start with, anyway, but it ended sadly for Louisa.
Look, I have to get back to the station and check Hazel's on top of things.
We've already missed one sponsor's message this morning.
- You know, I'd be happy to step in if it would be of any help.
I do have performance experience.
- Really?
- And I need to be around the station in any case.
- I wouldn't want Hazel to feel displaced, but at the moment, I would be very grateful, Miss Fisher.
- [Jack] And now a word from our favorite sponsor.
- Ladies, do you scrub your knuckles raw to get your husband's shirts white and bright?
What about the kiddies?
Are their clothes looking faded and second-rate?
Well, then, you really should try new Flamboyance washing powder.
(gentle piano music) ♪ Ladies, listen to the news ♪ ♪ No more Monday morning blues ♪ ♪ Just one scoop of Flamboyance ♪ ♪ And through your washing day you'll dance ♪ ♪ Flamboyance, Flamboyance ♪ ♪ Just a little Flamboyance ♪ (string pops) - Damn!
- A brief tune, then it's news on the hour with Archibald Jones.
- Popped a string.
But bravo, Miss Fisher.
We make a wonderful team.
We should get cozy.
- I'm quite cozy enough, thank you.
(suspenseful music) - Oh, hello.
Can I help you?
- [John] Evening edition.
- [Dorothy] Oh.
- Bloody awful what happened to Louisa?
She was a real gem.
Tell Clarence his paper's here.
He needs it for his racing show.
- Hello, Dot.
- Well done, Miss.
You sounded just like the real thing.
- Thank you.
Our delivery man seemed quite particular that Clarence get his newspaper, didn't he?
- [Announcer] This little tune has been brought to you by Flamboyance.
I hope you're enjoying your day.
- A betting tip.
Race six, Glory Girl.
(announcer mumbles) (Miss Fisher gasps) - I thought that fish was dead.
- Oh, it's a new one, a present.
I know how upset Mrs. Creswick was about poor Oswald, so.
- That's very kind of you.
- It wasn't any trouble.
- You really are a treasure, Dot.
I don't know what I'd do without you.
- Nor I without you, Miss.
(suspenseful music) - I just heard the end of that broadcast.
What do you think you're doing, Miss Fisher?
- Hazel!
Hazel, if you'll just let me explain.
I asked Miss Fisher to step in for us.
- In that case, I suppose I should thank you.
- Not at all.
- [Jimmy] You can be so determined to carry on sometimes, my love.
(typewriter clanks) - Are you sure you don't want me to shell the peas, Mr. Butler?
- No, no, I enjoy podding peas.
It's very satisfying.
- Mm.
And Miss Fisher relies on you for a lot more than just her evening meal.
We all help where we can under this roof, But you are her right hand woman at all hours of the day and night.
- Yes, I I try to be her Girl Friday.
(typewriter clanks) But that wouldn't be possible if I lived anywhere else, would it?
- Not something I even want to consider, Dorothy.
- We need the radio.
We've got a date with a horse race.
- Well, you can't just come in here and take over the wireless whenever you please.
- It's a job, Dottie.
Look.
Miss Fisher asked us to keep an eye on this horse she asked about, Glory Girl.
(both chuckling) - We told her she's a joke.
That nag ran last all season.
- All right, then one race, but I warn you, Miss Fisher has company, constabulary company.
- This guy is actually there, Dottie.
Like he's at the track - Up some bloody tree, I bet, so the newspapers don't lynch him for stealing their thunder - [Clarence] And now lining up, ladies and gents, for race six in the Rowlands.
Second on the outside is my tip for a win, number four, Bedazzler.
- I thought Glory Girl was supposed to be his favorite.
- And after that, - [Clarence] comes number 12, Sunny Jim.
And last on the outside is number 14, Glory Girl, and it's a wet track here, so.
- She hardly rated a mention.
- I feel like I'm at - And while their juggling - the bookie's circle - at the barrier - at Flemington.
- and waiting - Turn it down.
- for the start up, folks, - [Clarence] one more chance at today's mystery... - You're lucky we haven't got a bet on.
- [Clarence] Was she foaled on 7th of July, 1926, and she is still going strong.
Who she could be?
- Just get on with it.
- Shh!
- 7th of July, 1926.
- Who told Hazel Creswick I should diversify into singing?
- Hm, I'm not sure, but it certainly is a wonderful suggestion.
- I'm glad my feeble undercover attempt provides you with amusement.
- I look for joy in all the dark places, Archie.
- So, someone's paying Clarence Ball large amounts of cash and Dodger looks like the go-between.
- Well, he certainly seemed quite at home letting himself into the station, but odd that he only offered up one tip in all those races.
- Perhaps Glory Girl is an instruction for the next act of sabotage.
Glory girl could be Hazel Creswick.
- No!
She won.
That bloody useless nag won by four lengths.
- Hello, Bert.
- Miss Fisher.
Inspector.
- Albert.
- Glory Girl won that race.
Definitely a genuine tip.
- Not that that Clarence bloke mentioned it on the radio.
- Nah, not even close!
- More interested in rabbiting on about his Hall of Fame mystery horse.
- Maybe it was a real tip.
- And the money has more to do with the racetrack than sabotage.
- [Detective Fisher] Louisa may have stumbled on it and paid the price.
- I'll have Hugh haul both of them in.
- So Dodger, your real name is John Lockhart.
Any relation to Netty Lockhart, notorious racehorse trainer and standover man.
- He's my uncle.
So what?
- Glory Girl, a horse you circled in the newspaper, came in for a win at 20 to 1 in race six today.
Perhaps we should talk to your Uncle Ned about that.
- He's got nothing to do with it.
I just keep my ear to the ground.
- Well, if you don't want us to pay him a visit, you better tell us everything you know about Clarence Ball and his involvement in all this.
- I pass my tips onto Clarry, he puts them on the air.
He's got some special code and punters pay to get a hold of it.
That's it!
- Mr. Ball, we're very interested in your daily Hall of Fame segment.
- Please, call me Clarry.
- No, thank you.
Now, your mystery horse today, what was the clue, Constable?
- Ah foaled 7th July 1926.
- Seventh letter of the alphabet, G, and then the seventh month, another G, 1926.
Race six, Glory Girl.
- Very clever.
- So you're running a book?
- No.
Dodger sells my code to the punters from the new stand, I then broadcast the tip before the race.
If punters wanna put some money on, that's their business, and if Dodger wants to pay me cash every night, that's his business.
- So you met up with Dodger last night?
- No.
He wasn't there at the usual time.
He paid me today.
- What time do you usually meet?
- After the show, around 7.
Last night I flashed the lights to signal for him to come up, but he didn't make it, so I gave up on him and went home.
- A witness told us you sold a cinnamon bun to Miss Singleton.
What time was that?
- About quarter past six.
- And what did you do after?
- Not much.
Tidied up, locked the stall, walked home.
- What about your nightly meetings with Clarence Ball?
- I'd spent the takings.
I put some bets on.
I didn't have it to give to him, so I put him off.
- Did you go anywhere near the radio station later on that night?
- No.
- I'll leave them to you, Constable.
Archibald Jones is taking me out on the town for the evening.
(mischievous music) Have you seen her injuries?
- No.
I've been too busy announcing missing sheep and the price of apples.
- But you do it so well, Archie.
- The coroner's report suggests strangulation is the cause of death.
- Have you seen these notes on the stomach contents?
Newspaper.
Shreds found in the victim's mouth as well.
(thunder roars) Page five, to be precise, - Our newspaper seller is looking more and more interesting.
- Or Louisa had strange dietary habits.
- Well, Clarence said she often worked late and bought something to eat.
- Except this is no ordinary fork.
Look, - [Jack] It could have been caught in a drawer.
- It's too even.
This fork has been especially modified.
- For what?
- We'll have to return to the studio to find out.
(mischievous music) Remind me to bring you on my next break in.
You're really quite useful.
- [Jack] Thank you.
(mischievous music) (mischievous music continues) - [Detective Fisher] Whoa!
- Whoa, sorry, I I was just trying to steady you.
- Steady me anytime, Inspector.
This looks hopeful.
(mischievous music) More racing tips.
Nothing in the sports pages.
- Wait, wait, stop, stop.
There's a page missing.
Page five, to be precise.
- Louisa obviously had this well hidden for a reason.
- And whoever she confronted with it- - Made her eat her words.
(door clanks) (suspenseful music) (flame sizzles) (tense music) Quick, Jack!
(suspenseful music) (suspenseful music continues) Lost him.
Look, same as the empty pack I found at the crime scene yesterday.
Look at the lid.
- Dodger.
I saw with the same pack at the newsstand.
- [Detective Fisher] Looks like he's arsonist.
(thunder roars) - A week of tips like this from that dodgy character, think how many beers that's gonna buy us.
- Forget the beer.
We'll be rich enough to buy the whole ruddy pub.
(Albert knocks) How do you like that?
Customers could be waiting out here.
- What are you two doing here?
- Buying a paper.
No law against that.
- Where's Lockhart?
- Who?
- John Lockhart, some people call him Dodger.
- Never heard of him.
(CEC knocks) - [Cec] Oi, he's in here!
(mischievous music) - There were black fingerprints all over the site of the fire, the door, the bin.
Its newsprint.
Confirmed as John Dodger Lockhart.
- Looks like you found your saboteur.
You can finally blow your cover, Archie.
But who murdered Dodger?
- And why?
- If there's another killer at large, perhaps Dodger didn't kill Louisa.
- But I suspect he was there that night at the radio station.
- I agree.
You said Dodger knew Louisa was heading back to the radio station.
If he waited to check the coast was clear before his meeting with Clarence, he could have witnessed a murder rather than committed one.
- And now it's paid the price.
- And this belongs to Hazel Creswick.
I recognize it from yesterday.
She may not be as helpless as she seems.
- I still doubt she's capable of either murder all on her own.
- Perhaps both the Creswicks conspired.
- It's almost time for my finale.
- I'll meet you at the radio station - And almost everything in between.
there's plenty of good fishing available right across the bay.
And now for Victoria's weather.
A low system will deepen over the Bight waters this morning, then move, uh, move north of the state and weaken.
(fingers snapping) And now for some modern music from (classical music) Beethoven.
- Archie, what are you doing?
You didn't finish the weather.
- Consider this my resignation.
- Did I leave my water?
I I cannot.
Archie, you're a policeman.
- Detective Inspector, in fact.
It's not Archie, it's Jack Robinson.
- Oh, so they passed me over as a newsreader for a bloody cop!
- Now, Mr. And Mrs. Creswick, I must ask you to accompany me to the station to answer some questions about the death of John Lockhart, otherwise known as Dodger.
- I already told you it's mine.
Wondered where I'd lost it.
- How do you explain it being found inside the newsstand?
- I I have no idea, but I I usually take one off when I answer the telephone.
Ask anyone.
Ask Jimmy.
He'll tell you where I was last night.
- Collins?
Collins!
Bring Mr. Creswick through.
- He doesn't believe me.
- It's all right, my love.
And we were home all evening.
We ran through our lines for the next day, ate dinner, went to bed.
And anyone could have picked up Hazel's earring.
- Why would the murderer try and implicate your wife?
- Well, how should I know?
You're the fancy detective who's been spying on us?
If you can't work out what's going on, what hope have we got?
(Hugh knocks) - Excuse me, sir.
Some information's just come through that you might like to hear.
- Mr. Creswick, if you'd like to wait outside with your wife, - I don't know how I'm gonna get through the show today, Jimmy.
- We'll manage, my darling.
We always do.
You haven't abandoned us too, have you, Miss Fisher?
You will still play Guinevere today?
- I wouldn't miss it for the world.
- The coroner just telephoned to confirm the latest victim was strangled with heavy wire, possibly piano wire.
- Clarence broke a piano wire at the station yesterday.
- How do you explain the earring?
- An attempt to frame Hazel?
There was no love lost between her and Clarence.
- Perhaps we'll know more when we find our missing page five.
Check with archives, Collins.
- [Detective Fisher] Oh Dot, good.
- I came as fast as I could, miss.
What did you need me to do?
- I'm due on air, but I need you to take some more evidence down to the police station for Hugh while I recount my Tuscan escapades.
- Hmm.
Poor Oswald II.
Mrs Creswick will be devastated.
- Yes.
One dead goldfish is unfortunate, but two points to foul play.
(mischievous music) - Miss Fisher would like the police laboratory to test the water and Oswald - For what?
- She thinks someone might have put something in his water.
The man at the pet store told me to clean his bowl up, but I forgot.
- Aw, Dottie, it's not your fault.
- It's not that, Hugh.
- Why don't you stay here?
I'll go get a jar to test the water.
I'll be back.
- Hugh, it's not about the fish.
It's about us.
I didn't think what it would mean.
- What?
- Marriage, a wedding.
I want to be with you, Hugh, I do, but I want to work for Miss Fisher too.
- Well, well, that wouldn't be right, you working, not when you Mrs. Hugh Collins.
- I know.
- [Hugh] Dottie, what are you doing?
- I dunno what I want.
- What is this?
No!
Dottie, wait!
Dottie!
- [Jack] What's going on, Collins?
- We, uh.
We've had another murder, sir.
- Oh I, I meant Miss Williams.
- I always thought, sir, that when Dottie and I set a date, assuming she agreed, she'd stop working for Miss Fisher and make a home for us both.
I thought she'd be happy to.
But now it seems that she doesn't wanna stop working and she's not happy.
- What you're experiencing, Collins, is the paradox of pursuing a modern woman.
- Dottie's a modern woman?
- Well, she's been living with one for a while.
It's bound to rub off.
- At first, Valerio was lovely, but then he locked me in a dungeon under his Tuscan castle.
Fortunately, I managed to persuade the guard to smuggle me out through a secret passage.
- Oh my, how brave our daughter is.
Don't you agree, Ursula?
- I wouldn't say brave.
Plucky, maybe.
Resourceful.
It wasn't a very secure dungeon, and I'm not sure that I should tell you everything about the guard.
- Guinevere, we are truly relieved to have you.
Oh!
- Well, my dear, we are very grateful to have you home again, safe and sound.
Perhaps a cup of tea to celebrate.
and a a song.
(jazz music) Why didn't you tell me you were so ill?
- Oh, I'm not, Jimmy.
It's just nerves.
- [Jimmy] Well, thank you, Miss Fisher.
I'll take her home.
The doctor can see her there.
- No, Jimmy, please.
I don't need a doctor.
I need to finish the broadcast.
- No, you don't.
Come on.
(jazz music) (mischievous music) - (sighs) Did you hear the broadcast, Dot?
The Polkinghorns came to another abrupt ending today.
- Yes, Miss.
- What on earth is the matter?
- Hugh proposed.
He wants to announce it so we can set a date.
- That's wonderful news.
- No, it's not.
If I marry Hugh, I won't be able to work for you anymore.
- Oh, Dot.
- I won't go on investigations with you and take notes and improve my typing and go motoring with you in Hispano.
- Dot.
You hate motoring with me.
- Yes, but I love everything else, and all that will end because that's the way Hugh sees it, and that's the way things are for married women, Miss.
- That doesn't mean it's the way things have to stay.
(doorbell rings) - [Jack] Special delivery.
Louisa's last meal.
(Detective Fisher sighs) - Thank you, Jack.
You know, I think I'm gonna miss Archie Jones.
Did you choose that name yourself?
It did suit your gold tie.
- Just look at page five.
- Births, bereavements.
A lost Pomeranian in Elwood.
What made this page so special to Louisa?
- Collins suggested Miss Williams might have more luck.
- Really?
I'll give it to her immediately.
Dot has been rather upset lately.
Hugh hasn't spoken to you, has he?
- He did seek my advice, yes.
- And what did you tell him?
- That I believe is confidential police information.
Like this.
Cause of death of two goldfish, thallium.
It's found in rat poison.
Odorless, colorless and dissolves in water.
- Hazel drinks a great deal of water.
Thallium also causes hair loss.
- It would have to be a low dose for the victim to lose their hair, otherwise they just die.
- So Hazel's being poisoned, slowly and carefully.
- The poisoner's poison.
- Miss!
Miss, I found it!
- I found a clue.
It can't just be a coincidence.
- From the beginning, Dot.
- Public notices, in memoriam.
Here.
- "RedPath, Guinevere, 1895 to 1925.
Sadly missed.
Tragically killed in Perth.
Fondly remembered for her Twilight Melodies broadcast.
Justice will prevail."
- Guinevere was the name Louisa used in the Polkinghorns.
- Louisa lived in Perth for a year.
- So she could have known this Guinevere.
But why would she hide this notice?
(Hazel knocks) - [Dorothy] Mrs. Creswick, come in.
- [Hazel] Thank you.
(wallet thuds) - Hazel, you're not well.
- Please will you fill in again for me, Miss Fisher?
I'm not up to it, as you can see.
- Come into the parlor.
Make sure she stays here.
I'll have Hugh hunt up the file on Guinevere Redpath.
- I'm happy to help you out again, Hazel, but only if you let me take you to hospital as soon as I'm done.
- No.
- I'm not sure you realize how ill you really are.
- No, I'm all right.
I have to be.
I'm moving to start my new job next week.
- That ticket to Sydney, it wasn't Louisa's, it was yours.
- The new National Broadcasting Service, they're gathering presenters from all around the country and they want me.
- That's quite an honor.
Congratulations.
- But I couldn't leave 3JH in the lurch, so I was training Louisa to take over.
She booked the ticket for me.
- Hazel, have you ever heard of a Guinevere Redpath from Perth or Twilight Melodies?
It's a radio show.
- No, but you could look in our archives.
Louisa was in charge of cataloging them.
- Dot, look after Hazel.
I'm due on air.
- A Mrs. Guinevere Redpath, soprano on radio 6KB's Twilight Melodies.
Discovered dead in her bed at 27 Kent Street, Cottesloe, aged 30.
- And the police inquiry?
- Inconclusive, sir.
They were never able to interview her husband of five years, a Mr. Harry Redpath, a wireless technician.
- Harry Redpath could have killed his wife, caught a train to Melbourne, changed his name.
- You think he's Louisa Singleton's killer, sir?
- And Hazel Creswick's poisoner.
(feet pattering) (mischievous music) (mischievous music continues) - Why haven't you told Mr. Creswick about the job opportunity?
It's such exciting news.
- Miss Williams, have you ever loved a man so much you'd sacrifice your freedom?
Jimmy taught me everything I know about radio.
He made me and he adores me, but he won't let me do anything on my own.
He won't let me have any money, He won't let me drive or go anywhere without him.
I feel like I'm suffocating.
- Could you play this next?
Special request.
- Do I get one in return?
- Save your breath, Clary.
Your charms are lost on me.
- Liar.
And now a very special treat.
A taste of the past, Twilight Melodies.
(gentle classical music) - [Jimmy] Good evening, music lovers.
Welcome to Twilight Melodies with Harry and Gwinny Redpath.
- [Detective Fisher] Jimmy!
(gentle classical music) (suspenseful music) - Where is my wife, Miss Fisher?
- I have no idea.
(suspenseful music) - She'd better be here soon.
(suspenseful music) - Perhaps the poison slowed her down.
Louisa found you out, didn't she, Harry?
Remembered your voice from her time in Perth.
And then Guinevere's memorial notice jogged her memory.
She put Guinevere's name into the script to see how you'd react and ordered that old recording just to make sure - You are not going anywhere until Hazel gets here.
I want her now.
- Why?
So you can kill her like you killed your first wife?
- [Harry] Be quiet.
- [Detective Fisher] You're not gonna shoot me, are you?
What would be the point in that?
You left your wife at home - I'm calling the police.
with her headache before you went to the awards night.
- Sir, Dot's on the telephone.
Miss Fisher's in trouble.
- You came back here to the studio to poison her again, but Louisa caught you in the act.
(suspenseful music) (Louisa mumbles) - [Louisa] This is you.
(suspenseful music) (suspenseful music continues) - You dragged her body outside.
Clarence couldn't hear any of it.
And then you continued onto the awards night as if nothing had happened, and poor old Dodger saw it all.
You realized he witnessed the murder, so you killed him too.
- You're not moving until Hazel walks through that door.
She defied me, and if I can't have her, no one will.
(Hazel sobs) I will kill her.
And I'll kill you too, Miss Fisher.
What have you done?
(Harry groans) (tense music) You'll get the same as Louisa.
(Detective Fisher groans) (sirens blaring) (suspenseful music) (Detective Fisher groans) - Miss Fisher?
- Hope you enjoyed the show, Jack.
- Constable, get him up.
Harry Redpath, you're under arrest for the murders of Guinevere Redpath, Louisa Singleton and John Lockhart - And the attempted murder of Hazel Creswick.
You took your time.
(jazz music) (people murmuring) - Might want to put this back on?.
- But how will we solve everything?
- It's a paradox, Dottie, a problem that takes time to solve, time for me to understand the modern woman.
- So you're happy for a long engagement, then?
- I'm happy.
- [Dorothy] Me too.
(jazz music) - I would like to propose a toast.
You too, Mr. Butler.
I insist.
(champagne gurgles) To two of the dearest people I know.
To Dot, my Rock of Gibraltar, my strong right hand.
And of course, to Hugh, that purveyor of quiet yet irresistible constabulary charm.
To Dot and Hugh.
- [All] Dot and Hugh.
- [Butler] Over here, I cheer you.
- Yes, yes, of course.
- Mr. B.
(gentle piano music) (gentle piano music continues) - So Archie, looks like it's back to your old life.
Don't stop because of me.
(gentle piano music) ♪ We're all alone, no chaperone ♪ ♪ Can get our number ♪ ♪ The world's in slumber ♪ ♪ Let's misbehave ♪ ♪ There's something wild about you child ♪ ♪ That's so contagious ♪ ♪ Let's be outrageous ♪ ♪ Let's misbehave ♪ ♪ You know my heart is true ♪ ♪ And you say you for me care ♪ ♪ Somebody's sure to tell ♪ ♪ But what the heck do we care ♪ ♪ They say that bears have love affairs and even camels ♪ ♪ We're merely mammals ♪ ♪ Let's misbehave ♪ ♪ We're merely mammals ♪ ♪ Let's misbehave ♪ (jazz music) (jazz music continues) (jazz music continues) (jazz music continues) (vibrant music) (no audio) (vibrant music) (no audio)
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