The Roman Hat Mystery · Chapter
In Which the Queens Go to the Theatre explained
Ellery and Inspector Queen dine with Benjamin Morgan, who finally explains his presence at the theatre on the night of the murder and his threat to Monte Field.
What happens
Ellery and Inspector Queen dine with Benjamin Morgan, who finally explains his presence at the theatre on the night of the murder and his threat to Monte Field. Later, the Queens attend a performance of 'Gunplay' at the Roman Theatre, sitting in the seats where Field was murdered.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and False Appearances
Morgan's silence about his visit to Field and the misinterpretation of his threat highlight how appearances can be deceiving.
The Relentless Quest for Truth
The Queens' persistent questioning of Morgan and their visit to the theatre demonstrate their drive to uncover the truth.
Crime, Motive, and Consequence
Morgan's blackmail by Field and the threat of ruin provide a clear motive for murder.
Characters to notice
- Ellery Queen
Dines with Benjamin Morgan and his father, then attends the theatre.
- Richard Queen
Arranges the dinner with Morgan and later goes to the Roman Theatre with Ellery.
- Benjamin Morgan
Dines with the Queens and confesses his reason for visiting Field on the night of the murder.
- Thomas Velie
Present in the office at the start of the chapter, then leaves.
- Angela Russo
Revealed to have been hiding in Field's bedroom and listening to Morgan's conversation with Field.
- Louis Panzer
Seen managing the crowd at the Roman Theatre.
- Harry Neilson
Spotted in the lobby talking to reporters.
- Madge O'Connell
Ushers the Queens to their seats in the theatre.
Key passages
“That woman gives me a case of Wodehouse willies”
Ellery says that Mrs. Russo makes him very uncomfortable.
Ellery expresses his unease after the interview with Angela Russo.
“I couldn't for the moment grasp the significance of her attitude”
Inspector Queen admits he was initially confused by Mrs. Russo's behavior.
The Inspector reflects on how Mrs. Russo knew more than they did.
“I want the true explanation for your silence regarding the events of Sunday night, September the twenty-third—four nights ago.”
Inspector Queen demands that Morgan explain why he kept quiet about his visit to Field.
The Inspector confronts Morgan about his secret.
“I thought I was being drawn into a trap and I couldn't bring myself to furnish contributory evidence.”
Morgan feared that telling the truth would make him look guilty.
Morgan explains his initial reluctance to speak.
“Publish those papers, and if it means ruin to me—I'll see to it that it's the last time you'll ever blackmail anybody!”
Morgan threatened to expose Field's blackmail if Field published the documents.
The threat Morgan made to Field, which was misinterpreted as a death threat.
