# The Discreet Mr. Cuttle explained — Behind That Curtain

> Chapter companion for Behind That Curtain by Earl Derr Biggers.

## What happens

On Wednesday morning, Charlie Chan, feeling heavy-hearted about his impending departure, breakfasts with Barry Kirk. Kirk reveals he saw Colonel Beetham dining with Mrs. Tupper-Brock. Chan goes to write a letter to his wife, then visits Bill Rankin, who shows him Colonel Beetham's book with a mysterious dedication. Meanwhile, Kirk takes Mrs. Tupper-Brock to see June Morrow, who questions her about Sir Frederic Bruce, Colonel Beetham, and the elevator girl. Mrs. Tupper-Brock remains cool and evasive.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suspicion and Trust

Chan and Kirk discuss suspicion as a necessary tool in detective work, yet Chan warns it is a wicked thing.

### The Past Haunting the Present

The dedication in Beetham's book and the reference to the Peshawar disappearance suggest past events are resurfacing.

### Gender Roles and Professionalism

Mrs. Kirk criticizes June Morrow's involvement, while Kirk defends her; Chan comments that women should 'decorate scene, like blossom of the plum.'

## Character check-ins

### Sergeant Charlie Chan

Rises on Wednesday morning, feels heavy-hearted about leaving, breakfasts with Kirk, writes a letter to his wife, visits Rankin to examine Beetham's book.

### Barry Kirk

Breakfasts with Chan, mentions seeing Beetham with Mrs. Tupper-Brock, later drives Mrs. Tupper-Brock to June Morrow's office.

### June Morrow

Interviews Mrs. Tupper-Brock in her office, asks about Beetham, India, and the elevator girl.

### Colonel John Beetham

Mentioned as having dined with Mrs. Tupper-Brock; his book has a mysterious dedication.

### Helen Tupper-Brock

Interviewed by June Morrow; cool and evasive, claims no knowledge of India or the elevator girl.

### Bill Rankin

Shows Chan Colonel Beetham's book with the dedication 'To one who will remember, and understand.'

## Key lines

> Suspicion is a wicked thing. That is written in many places.

Chan remarks that suspicion is harmful, though Kirk notes it's essential in detective work.

_Chan and Kirk debate the role of suspicion in investigation._

> To one who will remember, and understand.

The dedication in Colonel Beetham's book suggests a sentimental connection to someone from his past.

_Chan and Rankin speculate about the meaning of the dedication._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xv-the-discreet-mr-cuttle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters