The Story Time - The Costello Case - Part 1

[Voice off, Detective William Burns]

So, Costello is dead, huh? 14 hold-ups, 22 robberies, 7 suspected murders.

Boss of one of the most prosperous gangs in

Harlem. Someone finally killed him and I wonder
who and how....

SUSPECT n° 1 : Frank O'CONNELL

– State your name and profession.

– Frank O’Connell, Mr Costello’s driver!
– Where were you when your boss died?
– In front of the Cotton Club, I was just coming
to pick him up and drive him home.
– What else can you tell me about last night?
– Can’t say much! I heard a gunshot, rushed
into the Cotton Club, found “The Boss” at the
bar, dead.
– Any witnesses?
– Hell yeah! Plenty of people were chatting
and coming out of the Club. You’re not gonna
put this crime on me, you snoop!
– Calm down, Frankie, no need to be nasty!
SUSPECT n° 2 : Mary RUSSELL

– I can’t believe it!... Mr Costello, dead!!

– So Mrs Russell, did you see anything?
– No, I didn’t. I was just getting changed and
hanging around in my dressing room. I was
looking for my keys in my handbag, when I
heard gunshots. I panicked
and locked myself in!
- When did you get out?

– Walter came knocking after a while and I

opened the door to him.

SUSPECT n° 3 : Duke ELLINGTON

– State your name and profession.

– Duke Ellington, I’m a jazz pianist playing at
the Cotton Club.
– So, what did you see tonight?
– I didn’t see anything unusual. You know, the
boss was having a drink at the club with Nasty
Frankie, like every Friday night. Hey! I’m just
the pianist! I like to keep out of trouble.
– So, where were you when the Boss died?
– At the other club, above the Cotton Club.
Never heard a thing when the Boss got iced, I
was dancing and listening to my brother
musicians!
SUSPECT n° 4 : Walter Felten

– Surely you were in the room when Costello

got shot.
– Actually no, I wasn’t.
– What were you doing then?
– I wasn’t working behind the bar, I was in
the cellar. I was looking for bottles to restock
the bar.
– So you say you weren’t in the room when
Costello died?
– I left the cellar as soon as I heard the noise,
but when I got there he was dead all right!

QUESTIONS :

I - You are the Detective Burns' assistant. Complete the information about the characters.

1. Joe Costello....

a) Who is he and what is he famous for ?

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b) What happened to him and where ?

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2. Frank O'Connell - Suspect N° 1

His job ?

Where was he and what was he

doing when the crime was
committed ?

Circle the adjectives that match his Calm / relaxed / angry / confident / surprised / on
attitude. the defensive / upset / cool / nervous / tearful /
scared
He looks / seems ....

3. Mary Russell - Suspect N° 2

Her job ?

Where was she and what was she

doing when the crime was
committed ?

Circle the adjectives that match Calm / relaxed / angry / confident / surprised / on
her attitude. the defensive / upset / cool / nervous / tearful /
scared
She looks / seems ....

4. Duke Ellington - Suspect N° 3

His job ?

Where was he and what was he

doing when the crime was
committed ?

Circle the adjectives that match his Calm / relaxed / angry / confident / surprised / on
attitude. the defensive / upset / cool / nervous / tearful /
scared
He looks / seems ....

5. Walter Felten - Suspect N° 4

His job ?

Where was he and what was he

doing when the crime was
committed ?
Circle the adjectives that match his Calm / relaxed / angry / confident / surprised / on
attitude. the defensive / upset / cool / nervous / tearful /
scared
He looks / seems ....

II. Find the following expressions in the story.

a) "Indiquez votre nom et votre métier!" - .....................................................................................

b) "Tu ne vas pas me mettre ça sur le dos, espèce de fouineur !" - ...........................................

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c) "Calme-toi,..... pas besoin d'être méchant". - ..........................................................................

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d) "Je n'ai rien vu d'inhabituel." - .....................................................................................................

e) "J'aime me tenir en dehors des problèmes". - ..........................................................................

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III. Traduisez ces phrases en anglais en utilisant le prétérit en BE + V-ing.

a) Que faisiez-vous quand Costello était assassiné ?

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b) Je l'attendais dehors devant le Cotton Club.

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c) Vous n'étiez pas en train de travailler derrière le bar.

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d) J'étais en train de me changer dans ma loge et je cherchais mes clés.

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e) J'étais en train de danser et écouter mes amis musiciens.

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IV. In your opinion, who is the murderer ? Explain.

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