See How They Run

In the bustling atmosphere of 1953 London, the iconic Agatha Christie play, The Mousetrap, is poised to celebrate its 100th performance. However, the event takes a dark turn when the disreputable American director, Leo Köpernick, is brought on by producer John Woolf to helm the film adaptation. Following a scandalous altercation with the lead actress, Sheila Sim, which culminates in a brawl with her husband, Richard Attenborough, Köpernick is mysteriously murdered backstage by a shadowy figure.

The ensuing investigation is led by the astute Inspector Stoppard, alongside the inexperienced yet eager Constable Stalker. As both delve into the depths of the theatre world, every person within the venue becomes a suspect, including the playwright’s keen producer, Petula Spencer, and Edana Romney, Woolf’s wife. Stoppard initially considers shutting down the theatre until the mystery is resolved, but his plans are interrupted by Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Harold Scott.

The detective duo searches Köpernick’s hotel room at the Savoy, discovering an intriguing address book filled with women’s names. The hotel manager recounts a heated dispute between Köpernick and the screenwriter Mervyn Cocker-Norris, who confesses to arguing about Köpernick’s vision for an action-packed film ending. Mervyn, residing with his fiery “nephew” Gio, recalls a “plain woman” accompanying Köpernick’s son during their stay.

The investigation takes a twist when they question Woolf, who had fallen victim to Köpernick’s blackmail after the director learned of Woolf’s affair with his assistant, Ann. Meanwhile, an usher named Dennis provides vague information regarding a suspicious figure. As the plot thickens, Spencer reveals that she had secured the film rights for The Mousetrap solely for Woolf, who is bound by contract from producing it until the play concludes.

During an evening at a pub, Stoppard candidly discusses his past with Stalker, disclosing that his wife left him after having a child with another man. This revelation leads to unexpected connections when Stalker uncovers a photograph of Stoppard’s ex-wife, lining up with Mervyn’s earlier description. This tantalizing clue casts suspicion on Stoppard, prompting Stalker to comb through Köpernick’s address book for further leads.

As the investigation unfolds, Stoppard and Stalker attend a performance of The Mousetrap. During this tense moment, Mervyn, Woolf, Dennis, Gio, and Stoppard exit the auditorium, with Stalker following closely behind as she witnesses Stoppard retrieving his gloves. In a tragic turn of events, Mervyn is brutally murdered by an unidentified assailant. Stalker misinterprets the scene, knocking Stoppard unconscious in her haste to apprehend what she believes to be the murderer.

Regaining consciousness in a holding cell, Stoppard is shocked to find himself accused of the murders by Stalker and Scott. In a twist of fate, Stalker locates Joyce, the mother of Köpernick’s son, who ultimately confirms that she is not Stoppard’s ex-wife, clearing his name. As the investigation further escalates, Joyce reveals overhearing someone speaking with a peculiar “village idiot” accent, which becomes an essential clue.

Through painstaking examination of Mervyn’s research regarding The Mousetrap, Stoppard ultimately deduces the identity of the real killer and races to the suspect’s location just as Stalker discovers critical evidence pointing to Dennis’s guilt.

In a climactic confrontation at Agatha Christie’s residence in Wallingford, Berkshire, Stoppard, Sim, Woolf, Ann, Spencer, and her mother find themselves held at gunpoint by Dennis, who possesses a chilling backstory linked to the tragic inspiration for the play. In an explosive finale, the stage transforms into a battleground, complete with deception and a showdown involving a poisoned cup, mistaken identities, and life-threatening heroics.

Through the chaos, Stalker displays her bravery as she risks her life in the name of justice, while Stoppard bravely confronts the threats posed by Dennis, ultimately leading to a resolution that sees him injured but triumphant. As time passes, Stalker triumphs in her sergeant’s exams, while Stoppard receives the esteemed King’s Police and Fire Services Medal. They rekindle their bond by attending another performance of The Mousetrap, illustrating the persistence of resilience in the face of darkness.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:59