Summary
Overview
This episode introduces the shocking story of Dr. Hawley Crippen, a quack doctor in Edwardian London who becomes embroiled in a scandal involving his wife Belle's mysterious disappearance. When Belle vanishes after confronting Crippen about an affair with his young typist Ethel, suspicions arise. As Crippen flees abroad with Ethel disguised as a boy, Inspector Dew investigates and makes a grisly discovery in the cellar of Crippen's home, launching what may be Britain's first modern manhunt.
Opening Scene: The Roller Coaster
The episode opens with Hawley Crippen and Ethel Leneve at the Brussels World Fair in July 1910, already on the run. Crippen is terrified both of the roller coaster and of being recognized after seeing his photograph in a newspaper labeling him Britain's most wanted man. This framing device immediately establishes the high stakes and shows where the story is heading before flashing back to trace how he arrived at this desperate moment.
- Crippen and Ethel are at Brussels World Fair on July 10, 1910, with Ethel disguised as a boy in a blue suit
- While waiting for a roller coaster, Crippen sees his own photograph on a newspaper front page
- The newspaper headline reads 'Dr. Hawley Crippen. Britain's most wanted man' in capital letters
- Crippen is terrified of both heights and being recognized by the crowd of tens of thousands
" Why should he be hounded like this? Why can't everyone just leave him alone? Leave him and Ethel to live in peace? "
" It only takes one to recognise him and his life is over "
The Doctor's Double Life
Dr. Hawley Crippen works as a quack doctor at the Drouet Institute, selling bogus miracle cures to unsuspecting patients. While maintaining this fraudulent medical practice, he's secretly in love with his young typist Ethel Leneve, creating tension with his domineering wife Belle. His precarious situation becomes more complicated as he attempts to balance his sham medical career, his failing marriage, and his forbidden romance.
- Dr. Crippen sells fake medical remedies including powders and antiseptics at the Drouet Institute, carefully judging how much to charge each patient
- Crippen works as a doctor in 1909 when qualifications are hard to verify and medicine is unregulated
- Crippen plans to propose to Ethel Leneve, his typist and girlfriend, despite being married to Belle
- Belle Crippen was a famous music hall star who could support herself financially before marriage
- Belle confronts Crippen after discovering a receipt for a diamond ring two sizes too small for her
" In big, capital letters. Dr. Hawley Crippen. Britain's most wanted man. "
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