"Carey, M.V. - The Three Investigators 27 - The Mystery of the Magic Circle" - читать интересную книгу автора (Carey M.V)

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," said the man. "This is Jefferson Long, your KLMC crime reporter, at the Bainbridge estate near Malibu.

"Tonight Marvin Gray, Madeline Bainbridge's long-time friend and confidant, has consented to talk with us about the films which were taken earlier this evening in the robbery of the Film Craft Laboratory. Perhaps Mr Gray will also tell us something about Miss Bainbridge and her work, which many still remember."

The camera pulled back away from Jefferson Long, and the watchers saw Marvin Gray. He appeared grubby and insignificant next to the impressive Jefferson Long. He was smiling in a superior manner, however, as if Long amused him.

"I'm sure you remember Miss Bainbridge very well, Mr Long," he said. "If I recall correctly, you were an actor once yourself. You had the role of Cotton Mather in Miss Bainbridge's last picture, The Salem Story. It was your first picture, wasn't it?"

"Well, yes," said Long, "but--"

"Also your last," said Marvin Gray.

"How unkind of him to put it that way," said Aunt Mathilda. "You'd think he didn't like Mr Long."

"Perhaps he doesn't," said Jupiter.

Jefferson Long looked flustered, and he hurried into his interview. "I'm sure that Miss Bainbridge was very upset when she learned that her films had been stolen," he said. "We had hoped to see her in person."

"Miss Bainbridge doesn't see reporters, ever," said Marvin Gray, "and she's resting this evening. Her doctor prescribed a sedative. As you say, she is upset."

"Of course," said Jefferson Long smoothly. "Mr Gray, none of Miss Bainbridge's films have been seen by the public since she retired. What influenced her to sell them to television at this time?"

Marvin Gray smiled. "Thirty years ago, studio executives didn't realize that feature motion pictures would become valuable television attractions," he said. "Madeline Bainbridge did. She had a lot of faith in the future of television--although she doesn't care for the medium."

"She doesn't watch television?" asked Long.

"No, she doesn't. But thirty years ago, she knew how important it would be, and she purchased all the rights to the pictures she had made. She decided three weeks ago that the time was right. She signed an agreement with Video Enterprises, releasing the films to them. Video Enterprises took possession of the negatives this morning and had them moved to Film Craft Laboratory for inspection and repair."

"Then it's really KLMC's loss if the films aren't recovered," said Long.

"Yes, but it's a loss to the world, too. Miss Bainbridge is a great artist. She played memorable roles--Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Catherine the Great of Russia, Helen of Troy. The portrayals will be lost forever if the films aren't recovered."

"Certainly that would be a calamity," said Long, "and all due to a crime that is unique in a city that has seen many bizarre crimes. I am sure we all wish for the prompt apprehension of the two men who broke into the laboratory, and for the speedy recovery of the stolen films."

The camera moved in close to Jefferson Long, who looked at his audience with great sincerity. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Jefferson Long, coming to you on videotape from the estate where Madeline Bainbridge has lived for many years as a recluse, the beauty which helped make her a star hidden from all but a few close friends. Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you."

The screen went blank. Then Fred Stone was on camera again. "And now for other newsа.а.а." he began.

Jupiter turned off the television. "It sounds like a publicity stunt, but it can't be that," he said. "That film technician was seriously hurt. And Marvin Gray overlooked a great opportunity to mention the Bainbridge memoirs. He would have mentioned them if he were looking for publicity."

Just then there was a crash on the verandah.

"Oh, blast!" exclaimed an exasperated voice.

Jupiter went to the door. Beefy Tremayne was standing on the porch.

"I knocked over a flowerpot," said Beefy. "Sorry."

He stepped into the living-room. "Jupe, I need help," he said. Jupe saw that there were circles under his eyes. "I need The Three Investigators. Worthington says you're good, and maybe you'll help me out. Uncle Will won't pay to hire a regular detective."