# XVIII: Flannery's Big Scene explained — Behind That Curtain

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

## What happens

Captain Flannery outlines his dramatic plan to confront Colonel Beetham with Eve Durand, hoping to force a confession about Sir Frederic's murder. He stages the scene with Major Durand present, but when the woman arrives, Durand declares she is not his wife, shattering Flannery's theory.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suspicion and Trust

Flannery's scheme relies on manipulating suspicion, while Durand's trust in Beetham and his wife is tested.

### The Elusive Nature of Truth

The dramatic confrontation fails to reveal the truth, as the woman is not Eve Durand, leaving the mystery intact.

### Identity and Disguise

The woman's identity is questioned; her failure to be recognized underscores the theme of mistaken or hidden identity.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Flannery

Orchestrates a dramatic confrontation, confident in his theory against Beetham.

### Colonel John Beetham

Accused of running away with Eve Durand; remains composed and denies the charge.

### Major Eric Durand

Brought in to identify his wife; initially hopeful but ultimately declares the woman is not Eve.

### Eve Durand

The woman presented as Eve Durand; her arrival fails to confirm Flannery's theory.

### Sergeant Charlie Chan

Observes Flannery's plan with skepticism; later investigates the Cosmopolitan Club.

### Barry Kirk

Accompanies Chan to the Cosmopolitan Club and discusses the case with June Morrow.

## Key lines

> You would chop down the tree to catch the blackbird.

Chan suggests Flannery's plan is overly destructive for a small gain.

_Chan uses a proverb to critique Flannery's heavy-handed approach._

> The wise man digs his well before he is thirsty.

Chan advises preparing in advance rather than waiting for a crisis.

_Chan's proverb underscores his methodical nature versus Flannery's impulsiveness._

> It's the old story over again. Captain Flannery, you are mistaken. This woman is not my wife.

Durand confirms the woman is not Eve, deflating Flannery's theory.

_The climax of Flannery's scene ends in failure, highlighting the theme of elusive truth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xviii-flannery-s-big-scene
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters