Send for Paul Temple (1946) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A criminologist and reporter unravel a criminal syndicate's jewel thefts and murder conspiracy.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

The Green Finger Mystery

The film opens with coordinated jewellery robberies by the Midlands Gang, introducing a cryptic clue left by a dying watchman. Paul Temple is initially approached by Chief Inspector Harvey to assist with the investigation.

Key Events

• Midlands Gang Robbery — Criminals commit a daylight robbery and kill a police officer. Characters: Paul Temple Location: Derby Jewellers
• Second Jewellery Heist — Criminals steal £8000 worth of jewellery before police arrive. Characters: Paul Temple Location: Another Jewellers
• Green Finger Clue — Dying watchman mentions The Green Finger to the police. Characters: Paul Temple Location: Crime Scene
• Harvey's Visit — Chief Inspector Harvey arrives to discuss the Midlands Gang crimes. Characters: Paul Temple, Sir Graham Forbes Location: Paul's House

Uncovering the Syndicate

After Harvey's suspicious death at a local pub, reporter Steve Trent arrives and reveals her brother's past investigation into a criminal mastermind. Paul and Steve begin tracking smuggling routes and observing suspicious activities.

Key Events

• Harvey's Visit — Chief Inspector Harvey arrives to discuss the Midlands Gang crimes. Characters: Paul Temple, Sir Graham Forbes Location: Paul's House
• Pub Suicide — Chief Inspector Harvey is found dead from a gunshot at the pub. Characters: Paul Temple, Miss Amelia Marchment Location: Little General Pub
• Steve's Arrival — Reporter Steve Trent arrives to interview Paul and learns of her brother's death. Characters: Paul Temple, Steve Trent Location: Paul's House
• Morgue Revelation — Steve identifies her brother and reveals the past case of the Knave of Diamonds. Characters: Paul Temple, Steve Trent Location: Morgue
• Pigeon Observation — Paul and Steve notice Horace Daley releasing pigeons from the pub. Characters: Paul Temple, Steve Trent Location: Little General Exterior

Poison and Deception

The criminals systematically eliminate loose ends through poisonings, while police operations face setbacks. Miss Marchment decodes a crucial message, revealing the true location of the syndicate's base.

Key Events

• Pigeon Observation — Paul and Steve notice Horace Daley releasing pigeons from the pub. Characters: Paul Temple, Steve Trent Location: Little General Exterior
• Lorry Crash and Theft — A criminal lorry crashes into a jewellers while another steals the goods. Characters: Paul Temple, Dixie Location: Leamington Street
• Tyler's Poisoning — Suspect Skid Tyler agrees to talk but is poisoned and dies during interrogation. Characters: Paul Temple, Sir Graham Forbes Location: Police Station
• Identity Exposed — Miss Marchment reveals Steve Trent's true identity to Sir Graham Forbes. Characters: Paul Temple, Miss Amelia Marchment, Sir Graham Forbes Location: Police HQ
• Pigeon Smuggling Revealed — Sir Graham reveals jewellery is being flown out by pigeons from the pub. Characters: Paul Temple, Sir Graham Forbes Location: Briefing Room

The Pub Raid and Abduction

A planned police raid on the smuggling hub results in another murder and a coded message. Steve Trent is abducted, raising the stakes as Paul and Miss Marchment work to secure the investigation site.

Key Events

• Pigeon Smuggling Revealed — Sir Graham reveals jewellery is being flown out by pigeons from the pub. Characters: Paul Temple, Sir Graham Forbes Location: Briefing Room
• Pub Raid — K division raids the pub but finds Horace Daley murdered and a PENG code. Characters: Paul Temple, Miss Amelia Marchment Location: Little General Pub
• Steve's Abduction — Miss Neddy reports that Steve Trent has been abducted by criminals. Characters: Paul Temple, Steve Trent Location: First Penguin Pub
• PENG Decoded — Miss Marchment decodes PENG as the First Penguin pub and reveals her true identity. Characters: Paul Temple, Miss Amelia Marchment Location: Basement
• Poisoned Drink — Dixie offers a poisoned drink to Dr. Milton, but Diana throws it in his face. Characters: Paul Temple, Dixie, Dr. Milton, Diana Thornley Location: First Penguin Pub

Final Confrontation and Resolution

Hidden identities are exposed as Diana Thornley is revealed to be Ludmilla. The remaining criminals are neutralized in a violent car chase, and the mastermind is unmasked, allowing Paul and Steve to marry.

Key Events

• Poisoned Drink — Dixie offers a poisoned drink to Dr. Milton, but Diana throws it in his face. Characters: Paul Temple, Dixie, Dr. Milton, Diana Thornley Location: First Penguin Pub
• Dixie's Attack — Dixie attacks Miss Marchment after waking up, while Paul and Steve return. Characters: Paul Temple, Dixie, Miss Amelia Marchment Location: Paul's House
• Car Chase — Dixie shoots at Paul and Steve's car, forcing him off the road. Characters: Paul Temple, Steve Trent, Dixie Location: Country Road
• Dixie's Death — Dixie dies from injuries sustained after his car is forced off the road. Characters: Paul Temple, Steve Trent Location: Crash Site
• Ludmilla Revealed — Paul and Steve reveal that Diana Thornley is actually Ludmilla. Characters: Paul Temple, Steve Trent, Diana Thornley Location: First Penguin Pub
• Mastermind Unmasked — Max Lorraine arrives and is revealed to be an impersonated police inspector. Characters: Paul Temple, Steve Trent, Diana Thornley, Dr. Milton Location: First Penguin Pub
• Wedding Drive — With the case solved, Paul and Steve drive off together to get married. Characters: Paul Temple, Steve Trent Location: Open Road

Story Breakdown

• Setup and Inciting Incident — The story opens with coordinated jewellery robberies by the Midlands Gang, introducing the central mystery.
  • Midlands Gang Heists — Criminals execute daring daylight robberies and kill a police officer in Derby.
  • Green Finger Clue — A dying watchman leaves a cryptic message that prompts police to seek Paul Temple's expertise.
• Investigation Begins — Paul Temple is drawn into the case after a senior inspector's suspicious death at a local pub.
  • Harvey's Suicide — Chief Inspector Harvey is found dead at the Little General pub, raising immediate suspicion.
  • Steve Trent Arrival — Reporter Steve Trent arrives to interview Paul, revealing her personal stake in the case.
• Uncovering the Past — The investigation shifts to historical criminal patterns and smuggling methods used by the syndicate.
  • Knave of Diamonds Case — Steve reveals her brother's previous investigation into a mysterious criminal mastermind.
  • Pigeon Smuggling Route — Police discover that stolen jewellery is being transported out of the country via pigeons.
• Escalating Danger — The criminals eliminate loose ends and the police operation faces unexpected setbacks.
  • Suspect Poisonings — Key informants and gang members are systematically poisoned to prevent them from talking.
  • The Pub Raid Failure — A planned police raid on the smuggling hub results in another murder and a coded message.
• Betrayal and Revelation — Hidden identities are exposed, and the true location of the criminal network is uncovered.
  • PENG Location Decoded — Miss Marchment decodes the crime scene message, revealing the true base of operations.
  • Diana True Identity — Paul and Steve reveal that Diana Thornley is actually Ludmilla, the mastermind's girlfriend.
• Climax and Resolution — The final confrontation eliminates the remaining threats and brings the conspiracy to an end.
  • Dixie Final Stand — Dixie attempts to assassinate Paul and Steve but is forced off the road and killed.
  • Mastermind Unmasked — Max Lorraine arrives at the pub and is revealed to be an impersonated police inspector.
  • Wedding Conclusion — With the syndicate dismantled, Paul and Steve drive off together to begin their marriage.

Directed by

John Argyle

Key Cast

• Anthony Hulme — Paul Temple
• Joy Shelton — Steve Trent
• Tamara Desni — Diana Thornley
• Jack Raine — Sir Graham Forbes
• Beatrice Varley — Miss Amelia Marchment