# Colonel John Beetham — Behind That Curtain character guide > Colonel John Beetham in Behind That Curtain by Earl Derr Biggers. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Colonel Beetham, John Beetham, Beetham, the Colonel **First appearance:** 0003-ii-what-happened-to-eve-durand ## Snapshot A celebrated British explorer whose gallant act in India years ago bound him to a woman's secret and made his honor the price of her silence. ## Who they are Beetham is a famous explorer and military man, honored wherever he goes, whose past contains one indiscreet kindness he has never regretted. His connection to Eve Durand's flight from India makes him a suspect and a protector at once, and his willingness to accept blame rather than let her story surface reveals a stubborn integrity. As the investigation circles the old scandal, Beetham stands as the living reminder that reputations and secrets are often the same thing. ## Relationships ### [Sergeant Charlie Chan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/sergeant_charlie_chan) _professional_ Colonel John Beetham and Sergeant Chan have a professional relationship, often cooperating in the investigation due to Beetham's official capacity. ### [Barry Kirk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/barry_kirk) _social_ Barry Kirk and Colonel John Beetham are social acquaintances, moving in similar circles and sharing polite interactions. ### [Li Gung](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/li_gung) _social_ Colonel John Beetham and Li Gung have a distant social acquaintance, with Beetham aware of Li Gung's role as Chan's assistant. ### [Captain Flannery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/captain_flannery) _professional_ Captain Flannery and Colonel John Beetham have a professional relationship, often coordinating on the investigation. ### [Sergeant Charlie Chan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/sergeant_charlie_chan) _professional_ Colonel John Beetham and Sergeant Chan have a professional relationship, often cooperating in the investigation due to Beetham's official capacity. ### [Captain Flannery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/captain_flannery) _professional_ Captain Flannery and Colonel John Beetham have a professional relationship, often coordinating on the investigation. ### [Li Gung](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/li_gung) _social_ Colonel John Beetham and Li Gung have a distant social acquaintance, with Beetham aware of Li Gung's role as Chan's assistant. ### [Barry Kirk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/barry_kirk) _social_ Barry Kirk and Colonel John Beetham are social acquaintances, moving in similar circles and sharing polite interactions. ### [Sergeant Charlie Chan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/sergeant_charlie_chan) _professional_ Colonel John Beetham and Sergeant Chan have a professional relationship, often cooperating in the investigation due to Beetham's official capacity. ### [Barry Kirk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/barry_kirk) _social_ Barry Kirk and Colonel John Beetham are social acquaintances, moving in similar circles and sharing polite interactions. ### [Captain Flannery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/captain_flannery) _professional_ Captain Flannery and Colonel John Beetham have a professional relationship, often coordinating on the investigation. ### [Li Gung](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/li_gung) _social_ Colonel John Beetham and Li Gung have a distant social acquaintance, with Beetham aware of Li Gung's role as Chan's assistant. ## In the story ### [III: The Bungalow in the Sky](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/iii-the-bungalow-in-the-sky) Explorer; discusses his adventures and fear of the dark; greeted by Sir Frederic. ### [The Voice in the Next Room](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/v-the-voice-in-the-next-room) Beetham is overheard giving instructions to Li Gung in the stateroom next to Chan's. ### [Willie Li's Good Turn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/viii-willie-li-s-good-turn) Mentioned as the author of all the books found in Sir Frederic's luggage, raising suspicion. ### [A Misty Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xii-a-misty-evening) Meets Chan and Kirk at the Cosmopolitan Club; discusses his Gobi Desert expedition and need for funding; expresses interest in the murder case. ### [Dinner for Two](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xiv-dinner-for-two) Mentioned as having been at the Peshawar picnic; considered a suspect by Kirk and Morrow. ### [The Discreet Mr. Cuttle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xv-the-discreet-mr-cuttle) Mentioned as having dined with Mrs. Tupper-Brock; his book has a mysterious dedication. ### [XVII: The Woman from Peshawar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xvii-the-woman-from-peshawar) Interrogated by Flannery; admits to leaving his motion picture show to speak with Li Gung on the twentieth floor. ### [XVIII: Flannery's Big Scene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xviii-flannery-s-big-scene) Accused of running away with Eve Durand; remains composed and denies the charge. ### [XX: The Truth Arrives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xx-the-truth-arrives) Confirms he escorted Eve Durand through the Khyber Pass. ### [XXI: What Happened to Eve Durand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xxi-what-happened-to-eve-durand) Present during Eve's confession; helped her escape from India years ago. ### [Hawaii Bound](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xxii-hawaii-bound) Confesses his love for Eve Durand and explains his actions to Duff; departs after the conversation. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters/colonel_john_beetham - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/characters