# The Animated Picture explained — The Viaduct Murder

> Chapter companion for The Viaduct Murder by Ronald A. Knox.

## What happens

Reeves and his companions discuss the portrait of Miss Rendall-Smith found on the body. Marryatt reveals her identity and address after visiting Campbell. The group debates how to approach her for information about Brotherhood. Later, while playing bridge in Reeves' room, the photograph appears to change expression, unsettling the men and sparking a discussion about collective hallucination and the uncanny.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

The photograph's changing expression blurs the line between objective reality and subjective perception, highlighting the theme of deceptive appearances.

### Deception and Secrecy

The group debates how to approach Miss Rendall-Smith, considering disguises and half-truths to uncover the secrets behind Brotherhood's murder.

### Isolation and Community

The shared experience of the uncanny photograph bonds the four men in a moment of collective unease, contrasting with the isolation of the murder victim.

## Character check-ins

### Mordaunt Reeves

Leads the investigation, insists on confronting Miss Rendall-Smith despite moral qualms; observes the photograph's apparent change.

### Marryatt

Visits Campbell to identify the portrait; expresses fear about the uncanny photograph and urges abandoning the inquiry.

### Mr. Carmichael

Participates in the bridge game and discussion; offers rational explanations and a personal anecdote about a haunted house.

### Alexander Gordon

Examines the photograph closely; suggests the change might be due to heat or dampness; advocates telling the truth to Miss Rendall-Smith.

### Miss Rendall-Smith

Subject of the photograph; identified as the daughter of Canon Rendall-Smith; her portrait was found on Brotherhood's body.

## Key lines

> Always tell the truth, and people will never believe you.

Gordon suggests that being straightforward is the best way to conceal a fact, as people will assume you are joking or being sarcastic.

_Gordon's cynical advice on how to approach Miss Rendall-Smith._

> The photograph had smiled.

The portrait of Miss Rendall-Smith appeared to change expression, showing a faint smile that startled the men.

_Key moment of the uncanny in the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se/chapters/ix-the-animated-picture
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se/chapters