Picture Mommy Dead (1966) - full transcript
Teenaged Susan Shelley is released from an asylum where she's been confined after the shock suffered over the fiery death of her glamorous socialite mother. Her father has a new wife, who has only married him for the money left to him by Zsa Zsa. Susan is still haunted by her mother's memory, and her stepmother is conspiring with her lover, Maxwell Reed, to trick the troubled girl to lead them to Zsa Zsa's missing diamond necklace.
The worms crawl in,
the worms crawl out
in your stomach
and out your mouth.
Oh, Daddy, isn't it great?
You've finally come
to take me home with you.
I'm so happy, Daddy,
I could explode.
Don't explode just yet.
We have a long drive
ahead of us.
Besides, Susan, young ladies
who are about to graduate
from high school do not explode.
Yes, Sister René.
Well, you've grown some, Susan.
I hardly recognize you.
Hello.
Aren't you going to kiss
your mother?
Francene is not my mother.
My mother is dead.
Isn't she?
Well, yes, of course she is,
darling.
We're still gonna be friends,
aren't we?
Are you gonna be
my governess again?
Susan, I know I can never
replace your real mother,
but if you'll let me,
I want us to be friends.
There's Jenny.
I have to say goodbye.
Jenny?
You must forgive Susan.
You must... how shall I say?
You must hear what she says
with your heart.
Of course.
It is as I told you.
One moment she may act
perfectly normal, the next...
We appreciate your concern,
Sister,
but I can assure you
she will have the best of care.
You must remember Susan
went through a terrible ordeal,
so terrible that the memory
of her experience was wiped
from her fragile mind by shock.
And even though
it has been three years
since the accident,
the tragic death of her mother
has left scars
that still pain her
in the dead of night.
Is she still having
those nightmares
- you wrote us about?
- Always vivid,
horrid nightmares.
Perhaps if you would have
been able to visit her,
even to write more often.
Yes, but we've, uh,
we've been traveling
a great deal since...
I am sorry.
That was unkind of me.
But there are times
when the phantoms of the past
tear at that poor child's mind.
There are times when she seems
on the verge of...
Remembering?
Oh, heaven forbid she remembers.
No, God in His mercy saw fit
to make her forget.
And, Mr. Shelley,
it is wrong of you
to tamper with God's judgment
by taking her back to the place
where it all began.
We're not going back
to Flagmore House
because we want to,
I can assure you.
You must do what you must.
I have to return
to the other children now.
Goodbye.
- Thank you, Sister.
- Goodbye.
Susan, time to go.
Au revoir, Susan.
Bye, Sister René!
Good Lord, Anthony.
We had no idea.
Nobody told us.
Not a word.
He's in the salon
waiting for you.
You could have written us
about it.
Yes, I even meant
to have my picture taken
and enclose it with a letter,
but unfortunately,
the postal authorities
don't allow pornography
in the mail.
Well, aren't you going
to kiss your cousin?
I know it's not much help,
but if there's ever
anything we can do...
You've all been
quite sufficient as it is.
I'll get your luggage, Francene.
Oh, excuse me,
it's Mrs. Shelley now, isn't it?
You're late, Mr. Shelley.
I'm sorry, Mr. Clayborn,
but there was a lot more
red tape and paperwork involved
in getting Susan released
than I anticipated.
Excuses never plowed a field,
Mr. Shelley.
I'm a busy man.
Now, if you can get Judge Henley
to pay me overtime
to work as the core trustee
for your daughter's estate,
then I'll be very glad to listen
to all the "excuse me"
and "sorry"
you care to come up with.
Let's get on with it.
You Mrs. Shelley?
Yes, this is my wife, Francene.
How do you do, Mr. Clayborn?
I've seen you before.
Maybe.
I used to live in this house.
Francene was my governess.
Took Jessica's place, huh?
You'll have to work very hard
to be the woman she was.
Come here, girl.
Come on, girl, come here!
Ah, Susan,
when your mother died,
she left this house
and a lot of money.
And at the time,
when the will was read
to those interested parties,
you were, uh, well, uh,
you weren't here,
you were in that place there.
The convent?
Oh. Oh, that's what
they call it, eh?
Well, we can call
the town graveyard Sleepy Pines.
I guess wherever you were,
I guess we can call
that a "convent."
Anyway, at the time,
you were in no condition
to understand
the terms of the will.
So Judge Henley
has instructed me
to read you the will
as long as you're in
a clear frame of mind.
You know right from wrong?
Right from wrong?
Oh, when somebody kills somebody
for no good reason,
you think that person
should be punished.
Come on, girl, come on!
Can't be too hard to decide
whether a killer
should be punished!
Well, answer the man.
I suppose.
You Suppose?
Seems to be a very sane answer
considering the world
we live in.
Yeah.
In her will,
Jessica left this house
and the land around
the estate to be used
in some civic
or cultural manner,
on my advice, of course,
otherwise, the tax bite
of this white elephant,
well, eaten up
the entire $100,000,
your father's request,
it wiped out
the half a million dollars
in bonds and securities
left to you
- in your inheritance.
- Oh, and let's not forget
the generous 500 she left to me.
Less taxes, of course.
We've been all through that,
Mr. Flagmore.
If you want to contest
the will again,
that's your right, it'll do you
as little as good
as it did the last time.
I wouldn't think of making
any more trouble for you,
Mr. Clayborn, or for
anyone else, come to it.
As you can see,
I'm quite content.
Yeah.
Now where was I?
Somewhere between
a white elephant
and half a million dollars.
Oh, yes, right.
The money is yours all right,
but you can't touch
a penny of it
'cause it's in trust to be held
until your 25th birthday.
Only thing you can spend
is the interest on school
and medical needs
and things like that.
Is that clear?
Now the main reason
for this meeting
is to get an answer
to one question:
Do you want to live
in this house?
Do I what, sir?
Come on, girl,
I'm speaking English.
Do you want to live here?
I don't understand.
Let me.
Um, Susan, come on over here.
Sit down there.
You see, clear,
although your mother willed
the house to the government,
she left the furnishings,
the furniture,
the paintings, antiques,
and all the rest to me.
But to protect your interest,
she made one
important stipulation,
that the state is not to take
title to Flagmore
as long as you want
to live here.
Which means your father can't
sell anything off this place,
'cause Judge Henley
ain't got it in mind
to let you live in a house
shred of every bit
of decent comfort.
Mr. Clayborn, please.
As a matter of fact, clear,
I, uh,
I, uh, have to sell
the paintings and the furniture.
I, uh, I need the money.
It seems I was rather foolish
with the funds
your mother left me.
I made some pretty bad
investments.
Mink coats, foreign cars,
high living in all
those foreign countries.
Some kind of $100,000
investment, if you ask me.
I don't recall having asked you.
News gets around.
The point is, dear,
I haven't very much money left.
I must sell the furniture,
but I need
your permission first.
- My permission?
- For heaven sakes,
yes, Susan, your permission.
It's demeaning enough
without having to drag it on.
- We're tired.
- If you need money, Daddy,
you can have mine.
Not a chance, girl.
Like I said, every penny
of your inheritance
is tied up in a trust fund.
It can't be touched unless
you become totally incompetent,
that means crazy,
or unless you die.
Mr. Clayborn, I said...
I know, Mr. Shelley.
It's unpleasant.
But some things are better said
straight out
so there's no misunderstanding.
And, Susan, the law is the law,
and it's better to understand
this meeting.
Now if you should be sent back
to that convent permanently
or if you should die,
the estate passes on
to your father.
If on the other hand,
your father should die also,
whatever is left
goes to Anthony Flagmore
as the sole surviving
blood relative,
less taxes, that is.
And the burial expenses,
of course.
What is it, girl?
Yes or no?
- Whatever my daddy wants.
- Done.
It's like pulling teeth
out of a jackrabbit.
I'll have the papers signed
sometime next week.
Next week?
Mr. Clayborn,
that'll be too late.
What do you mean "too late"?
Well, the sale starts tomorrow.
I, uh, already sent out
the announcements.
All right.
I'll get the judge
to sign the release
first thing in the morning.
Pretty sure of yourself,
aren't you?
A pleasant mixture of charm
and hospitality, wasn't he?
Take Susan to her room.
Susan?
That table will be fine
for the odds and ends.
Antiques, silverware,
anything that you find
in the attic and cellar.
My God, how she would laugh.
- What?
- You remember how they would
all flock to this room
and Jessica would hold court?
She'd sit right over there
like a queen and match wits
with all the idiots
and country bumpkins.
Yes, they all came here once.
They'll come again.
One last party...
Susan?
See if you can find
some boxes and crates
to pack the things in.
Edward...
What's the matter?
It's Susan.
Anthony, just what is
the meaning of this?
I thought it would be
appropriate.
Tomorrow is the anniversary
of Jessica's death.
It's time to go to bed, clear.
Do you think Mother is
still angry with me, Daddy?
Why would, uh...
Why would you think
a thing like that?
I don't know.
Oh, your mother loved you,
darling.
Yes.
She did, didn't she?
I, uh, think
we'll all feel better
after a good night's sleep.
Susan, would you care to see
your mother's room?
I've had it restored.
I'd like very much to see it.
No.
Uh, no, I... I think not.
Why? I'm rather curious
to see it myself.
Well, maybe, uh,
maybe... maybe tomorrow.
What are you afraid of?
Ghosts?
It's the same, Daddy.
It's the same.
Yes, exactly the same.
Just as it was on the night
of the fire, isn't it, Susan?
Oh, it's so beautiful.
The drapes were
the most difficult to reproduce,
but I finally found
the material in New Orleans,
tucked away in one of those
quaint little shops
near the Latin Quarter.
Your humor is rather grim,
Anthony.
It wasn't clone for compliments,
Francene.
Another tribute to Jessica.
Yes.
I think she would've liked it
this way.
I find it in very bad taste.
I also find your return
to this house in bad taste.
Susan, time for bed.
Anthony...
Was this where you found her?
Yes.
But I never did reach her...
...because, you see, Susan,
it was a blazing inferno
and very much
what hell must be like.
It's all right, clear.
Go to your room.
Just one thing, Anthony.
There will be no more
raking up of the past.
- Do you understand?
- I understand one thing.
The past is like a tiger,
and no matter how you pet it
and pretend that it's tame,
one clay it will turn.
I'd be careful of the past
if I were you, Edward,
because it's here,
here in every stone
and every timber of this estate,
estate which is more mine
than yours...
...or hers.
I'm hip, like,
you know, a beatnik.
Come on, let's get with it,
like, wee!
It was a blazing inferno.
What hell must be like.
Can't be too hard to decide
whether a killer
should be punished!
Killer should be punished!
Punished!
Killer should be punished!
Punished, punished!
In your stomach
and out your mouth.
It was a blazing inferno
and very much
what hell must be like.
The worms crawl in,
the worms crawl out.
Can't be touched
unless you're crazy
or unless you die,
unless you die,
unless you die, unless you die.
Unless you die, die, die.
Killer should be punished.
Killer should be punished,
punished.
If somebody kills,
somebody kills, somebody kills.
Kills, kills, kills.
Right from wrong,
wrong, wrong, wrong.
Kill, kill, kill.
Die, die, die, die, die.
- Hell, soon, hell.
- Punished!
Ahh!
- What did he mean?
- About what?
About the past.
Here, you need this
more than I do.
If you'll just give me a chance
once in a while
to blow off a little steam
instead of always walking...
- I'm sorry.
- You're sorry right enough.
But it is true, isn't it?
Is what true?
Now let me see.
Is it true I made love
to a bellboy
at the hotel in Geneva,
or are you still wondering
about that guy in Rome
or the salesman in Munich?
Was that true?
I'll tell you something
that is true, Edward.
I'm sick to death of you
and your jealousy.
- Just one thing.
- You mean to begin with.
When I first brought you
into this house
as Susan's governess,
you and Anthony,
that was true, wasn't it?
I won't give you
the satisfaction of an answer.
But even if it were true,
what possible difference
could it make now?
I married you, didn't I?
We lived happily
ever afterwards, didn't we?
What happened to us, Francene?
I loved you once.
But you became poor,
and I became bored.
So bored I could die.
What do you want me to do?
- Cure me.
- How?
I've tried every way I know.
You've gone through $100,000
worth of remedies.
What else can I do?
I've already told you, cure me.
Well, I'm trying, dammit!
That's why
I'm selling everything.
Will it bring in enough
to cover expenses
- for the winter in Rome?
- No, it will not,
but once I invest the money
in some profits...
Oh, I love Rome in the winter.
Please find a way
to get more money.
- There is no way.
- Of course there is.
You have a very wealthy
daughter, haven't you?
Not until she's 25.
You know the contents
of the will
just as well as I do.
She's also a very sick girl.
If she were to get worse...
She would have to go back
in there,
and I would get control
of her trust fund.
Is that what you mean?
Oh, darling,
you're always taking
the wrong view of things.
The important thing
is that Susan would be
some place where she's loved.
If she were to have a relapse
in this horrid house
and have to be recommitted,
you'd really be doing
the poor child a favor now,
wouldn't you?
Think about it.
It may warm you
in your bed tonight.
The worms crawl in,
the worms crawl out
in your stomach
and out your mouth.
The worms?
The worms?
Murder!
Murder, murder!
Mur... murder!
Murder, murder!
Murder!
Ahh!
They hurt you!
They hurt you, Mommy!
They hurt you!
Susan.
It was Mommy.
She was here.
- I saw her.
- Oh, no, darling, no.
It was Mommy.
Come on, come to bed, clear.
She was killed, Daddy.
Well, yes, Susan,
but that was a long time ago.
- Come on, come on.
- No, you don't understand.
She was killed, murdered.
Oh, you're just
imagining things, clear.
It's true.
Your... your fingers, You've“
...you've scraped them raw.
How did you do that?
It was Mommy.
She was here.
Come, come, clear. Let's...
Let's go, come on.
Go to your room now.
I saw her face.
One side was so pretty.
The other, it was all burned.
One side?
She was here, Daddy.
She was murdered.
She told me.
That's what I want to see.
Harry, it's just what I wanted.
Tommy, what in the world
are you doing now?
Look, Daddy,
I'm a mountain climber.
Oh, come on,
you're gonna break your neck.
Is that the little girl,
the one that's a little loose?
You're Jessica's daughter,
aren't you?
- Susan, isn't it?
- Yes.
Remember me, Susan?
Mrs. Little from Fairview?
We used to visit here often.
Were you friends of my mother?
Yes. Good friends.
Then why did you come here?
Why don't you 90?
Friends wouldn't do
what you're doing.
Well...
After what happened last night,
- any doctor in the world...
- Francene, you cannot
have a person committed
to a mental institution
for having a nightmare.
You and I know it was not
just a nightmare Susan had.
What do you mean by that?
Edward, don't pretend
she was just hallucinating.
There's more to it than that.
Oh, I don't want
to talk about it now.
Why? What are you afraid of?
Edward...
- What is it, Elsie?
- Something dreadful
has happened, I must show you.
Why...
Why, of course.
The governess.
Uh, my wife, Francene.
Elsie Kornwald.
I was Jessica's best friend.
Yes, I... I do
vaguely remember you.
Mm-hm.
Oh, Edward, Jessica's portrait.
Just look what some vandal
did to it.
Can you believe such a thing?
Get out of here!
All of you,
get out of this house!
Get out!
Leave my mother's things alone!
- Susan, Susan!
- Get out of here!
- What is it?
- Tell 'em to go, Daddy.
Send them away!
Oh, clear, I can't do that.
Yes, you can!
Well, Susan, what is
the matter with you?
You knew this was gonna happen.
But I didn't think
it would be like this!
Tell 'em to leave
my mother's things alone!
Oh, Susan.
Please, please don't mind.
My daughter is just
a little bit upset.
Let's go somewhere, clear,
and talk.
Just go right ahead
and take whatever you want.
Tell them to go, Daddy.
Let's... let's go upstairs, clear.
Shall I call a doctor?
I said no.
Uh, let's, uh...
Let's sit here and talk.
I'm sorry if I was rude.
That's all right, I...
I understand.
No, you don't.
Nobody does.
Well, of course I do.
It's not easy to see
all the things
that were familiar to you
as a child
being sold like this.
It's not that.
What, then?
I'm afraid they'll take it away.
Take what away?
I don't know.
You don't know what?
I know it sounds silly,
but there's something here,
here in the house,
something I have to find.
Honey, I, uh...
I haven't had much experience
understanding children.
Maybe I can make that up to you
if you'll give me a chance.
But you'll have to help.
And you can start
by making a little more sense
than you have been.
What is here in this house?
It's...
It's something that'll explain
who killed Mother.
Oh, for heaven's sake, Susan.
She was murdered, Daddy,
and there is something here
in the house that'll prove it,
if I could just remember what.
Your mother's death
was an accident.
The authorities settled that
once and for all.
They said she must have
knocked a burning candle
off the bedstand in her sleep.
The room caught fire.
That is how it was.
It was something else, Daddy.
I know it.
Just because your mind
won't let you remember
what happened that night
doesn't mean you have to imagine
something that didn't.
I can't help it.
Oh, Daddy,
what's the matter with me?
I can't remember...
...and, yet, I can't forget.
Well...
Um...
We'll talk more later.
Do you care to do some hunting
this afternoon?
Eh?
Well, I see you still keep
these beasts.
I wouldn't come too close
if I were you.
Cleo can be
rather unpredictable.
Thought she would have
flown away by now.
I still find her far more
constant than a woman.
She's a killer, isn't she?
We're all killers one way
or the other, I suppose.
You love to meddle with danger,
don't you, Francene?
Don't provoke her!
She's liable to snap the leash.
Your concern is a comfort.
My only concern is for the hawk.
None for me, Tony?
After all, we did mean something
to each other once.
I had bronchial pneumonia once,
but I got over it.
The sounds you make
are much more antisocial
than those of your pet.
I have rather more reason,
wouldn't you say?
Yes, you have.
I'm sorry, Tony.
Really sorry.
Save your sympathy
for your husband.
He needs it.
Why did you try to save
Jessica that night?
Because everyone has the right
to play the hero and the fool
at least once in their lives.
Counting you,
I played the fool twice.
Were you in the hospital
a long time?
Not half as long
as it must seem to Edward
being married
to someone like you.
What did you say to Susan
last night?
Susan?
I saw you coming
from Jessica's room.
I didn't say anything
to the child.
You see, I didn't have to
because she was right.
Jessica was murdered.
Are you accusing me?
Or confessing to it yourself?
I'm merely stating fact.
And fact is a stubborn truth.
Living alone has made
a philosopher out of you.
It makes living
slightly more tolerable.
There are many things
that make living more tolerable.
You're referring to money,
I take it.
Life can be
a lot less complicated
with a lot more money,
don't you think?
It's academic.
Not to Susan it isn't.
We'll all be old and gray
by the time her inheritance
is finally turned over to her.
It won't do any of us
any good at all.
With all that money,
she'll find life very sweet.
It would be a shame,
wouldn't it,
if something should
happen to her first
before she has a chance
to spend any of it.
And then, the entire estate
would go to Edward.
And, through Edward...
- to me.
- And you being
the just and honest
woman that you are
would soon rectify
Jessica's mistake,
and enlarge upon my legacy.
It would be
the only fair thing to do,
wouldn't it, Tony?
It is an interesting pipe dream.
And fortunately,
we are all born to dream.
Susan?
You look pale.
Are you all right?
It was your mothers, wasn't it?
The night she...
she wore it
on the night of the fire.
I thought you were supposed
to have forgotten everything
about that night?
Well, I have except...
I remember it because
of something I had.
Something I was holding.
I was sitting on the stairs
waiting for my
mother and my father
to come home from a party,
and I had this, this toy.
Um, I think it was a bird,
like a hawk, or...
or a falcon.
A hawk?
You mean like
the ones Tony keeps?
But this one wasn't real.
It was a toy bird,
all glittering and fiery.
Like a bird in flight?
It was all shimmering like...
Like diamonds?
Come with me.
It's the same dress, isn't it?
No.
Well, what do you mean "no,"
it's identical.
Yes.
"Yes, no,"
what do you mean, Susan?
Mother had two dresses.
This one got torn,
so she had another one made.
But she did wear it
the night of the fire?
Yes.
And that's why it
reminds you of something
that looks like a hawk.
A bird that looked like that?
No, it was a toy.
All right, all right,
it was a toy.
But you're sure
you had it in your hands
the night of the fire?
You're positive of that?
Yes.
Then, what did you do with it?
I buried it.
It died, so I buried it.
Where?
Where did you bury it?
I'll help you remember.
The night of the fire,
they found you
wandering around out here.
You'd already forgotten
what had happened.
You were in a daze.
Now think, Susan,
you must have buried the toy
somewhere near the house.
Try to remember where.
What is it, Susan?
Tell me!
I was just thinking.
How can a toy die?
There is no necklace.
Oh, Edward, you frightened me.
In spite of what
Susan's vivid imagination
may have led you to believe,
there is no necklace.
Well, of course
there isn't, darling.
I was here when Jessica
reported the gem stolen
from her strongbox, remember?
Now, let me see.
That was almost six months
before the night of the fire,
- wasn't it?
- I don't wanna play games
with you, Francene.
The police have already
torn the place apart.
I don't wanna have
to go through that again.
Oh, Edward, don't be silly.
I was only going along
with some foolishness
of Susan's out there.
She seemed obsessed
with having me help her find
some nonsense or other.
From where I was,
it didn't appear
you thought it was
nonsense at the time.
You badgered the child
'till she ran off
to her room crying.
Well, it's not my fault,
clear, I keep telling you
- the girl needs medical help.
- I don't ever wanna hear
you say that again,
you understand?
You really shouldn't
tax your heart
with these strange
outbursts, Edward,
or you'll be having
to see a doctor too!
Look, Francene, I'm...
very upset, and I'm sorry.
It's just that I
don't want Susan
to go through any more
torture than she already has.
Why this parental concern
all of a sudden, Edward?
I can understand
the instinct in an animal
to protect its young.
But you, clear,
you've always been so selfish,
so cynical.
Makes me wonder
if there might be
something else behind it.
Don't involve Susan in any more
fanciful speculations
about the past, just...
leave her alone.
Of course I will, darling.
I'm not as cold-blooded
as you think.
Of course, it would make
a handsome legacy, wouldn't it?
What would?
The necklace.
If it really were around here
somewhere, I mean.
Considering the state
of your health,
the diamonds would make
a very comforting consolation
if I was suddenly
to become a widow.
Anything wrong?
I don't know.
Would, uh, some
cookies and milk help?
I don't like the thunder, Daddy.
Well, at least it
got you out of your room
to come down here and visit me.
So you see,
there's always some good
in everything bad if you, uh,
if you just look for it.
And something bad
in everything good.
Isn't there?
They teach you that
at the convent?
There's something
bad in me, Daddy.
I can feel it.
What were, uh,
you and Francene searching for?
Searching for?
Yes, this afternoon.
Oh, it was nothing.
May I come in?
You're already in.
You know, um,
you and I have never had a, uh,
chance to talk about
the night your mother died.
We never really talked
much about anything.
Yes, I know.
Perhaps, now is
a good time to start.
What do you want me to say?
Well, I...
I don't want you to say
anything you don't want to.
But since you started
to remember certain,
certain things,
I might be able to help
you remember the rest.
I don't know if I really
wanna remember anymore.
Yes, maybe it's, uh,
maybe it's
just as well you don't.
Daddy?
If we talk,
will it chase away the dreams?
The bad dreams?
If you keep on having
these nightmares,
you might have
to go back to the convent.
Oh, Daddy,
I do wanna stop dreaming.
I want very much
to stop dreaming.
Honey, uh,
tell me what you remember
about that night...
about the toy,
the glittering hawk.
How did you know about it?
Tony, what if I told you
the necklace was never stolen
before Jessica died?
It was here in the house
all the time.
It Still is.
Aren't you being
rather ridiculous?
Am I?
Why did you risk your life
the night of the fire?
To save Jessica?
I don't believe it,
I never have.
Although, you convinced
everyone else you're a hero.
It wasn't your cousin
you were trying to save.
The necklace?
Sugar?
One lump, or two?
I'll start with one.
I never could
understand your motive,
especially since I knew
how much you hated Jessica
for holding on so tight
to the family purse strings.
So tight you never even
had enough money of your own
to impress a mere governess,
or even tempt me to consider
your amorous advances seriously.
You don't need
any sugar, Francene,
you're saccharine sweet
as it is.
Must have been dreadful for you
there in that hospital room
knowing your brave deed
had gone for nothing.
Perhaps.
But then again, as you suggest,
I may already have the necklace.
If you did,
you wouldn't be here.
No, Susan has the necklace.
From what I can make
of her nonsense
about a sparkling toy,
she found it that night,
and sometime during
her panic, she hid it.
You cut your fingers
on this, didn't you?
Why?
Why did you do it?
Why did you tear at it?
Did the necklace have
anything to do with it?
Can you remember?
The poor child.
She adored her mother so.
Perhaps it would be
more merciful
if she was sent to join her.
And Edward too?
You intrigue me.
Do I?
Your only sense of morality
lies in the exquisite lack
of any virtue whatsoever.
When they are dead,
you will inherit the estate,
half a million dollars,
and I'll get the necklace.
Seems fair enough.
Come to the house
in ten minutes.
Before you go, I believe
we should discuss the terms.
I thought we just settled that?
No, we merely discussed
a financial arrangement.
But after all,
what use is money to a,
to a thing that looks like me?
So you see, my clear Francene,
you'll have to think
of a better offer.
And what price are you
really willing to pay?
What is it?
Die, die!
Die, die, die!
No.
No!
No!
Susan!
Susan!
Susan, Susan, Susan, it's me!
Susan, it's me,
it's Daddy, it's Daddy!
Daddy, I did it.
- I did it, I did it.
- Susan, what is it?
What frightened you,
what happened?
- I did it, I did it.
- Did what?
I killed her!
My mother, I did it,
I killed her.
I killed her, I killed her!
And I wanted to help her.
What do you mean an hour?
Doctor, my daughter's got
to have a sedative right now!
Well, this is an emergency too.
All right, all right, all right.
Uh, look, uh, doctor,
call the pharmacy in town,
and okay a prescription,
I'll pick it up myself.
Yeah, that's right.
Good-bye.
Don't leave me, Daddy.
They'll punish me.
They'll punish me
for what I did.
Well, you haven't clone
anything wrong, darling.
You're safe now,
nobody's gonna hurt you.
They'll punish me
for what I did to Mother.
Daddy, I'm the worst thing
that ever was alive.
You'll feel better about it
as soon as I get back
with the medicine, you'll see.
You rest, now.
Get out!
I want you out of here by
the time I get back from town.
Pack up, and get out!
Ah, ah!
Stop, no!
No!
I found it!
The necklace!
Susan?
Mommy?
Is Francene coming
to sit with me?
Or, is she going out too?
Do you like my dress?
It's very pretty, Mommy.
You're very beautiful.
Will Daddy come
kiss me good night
before you go to the party?
Your father's gone on ahead,
but I can't join him
until I have the necklace.
No, you can't have it.
I need it.
I must have it.
Don't you see,
this dress was designed
to be worn with the necklace.
You want me to look my best now,
don't you, Susan?
I wanna look pretty too.
Where is it?
Where did you hide it, Susan?
- No, I won't tell you.
- Tell me where!
- No!
- Tell me where you hid it!
Operator, yes, I've been
trying to dial the police.
Is there anything wrong
with the line?
Stay where you are.
- What are you doing?
- Yes, I would like to speak
with one of
the detectives in homicide.
Why?
I think they'd be interested in
Susan's confession, don't you?
Confession?
The ravings of a demented girl,
you call that a confession?
You must be as mad as she is.
Well, perhaps I am.
Why are you doing this, Tony?
She's not in her right mind, you
know they'll never believe her.
Maybe they won't,
but they will accomplish
one important thing.
- What?
- It will force the authorities
to reopen their investigation
of Jessica's death.
Well, what good would that do?
This time, they may discover
the person who took her life,
and my face.
Oh, you fool.
If the girl is committed,
the estate will go to Edward.
You'll be left without a penny.
What good is your revenge
without profit?
If you were more of a woman
instead of a merchant,
you'd know the answer to that.
Well, what if they do
find out Jessica was murdered?
What'll it change?
Will it bring her
back to life, will it
- make you handsome?
- Get out of here, Francene!
What about me?
Susan knows where
the necklace is.
She admitted it to me just now.
All I need is
a little more time, Tony.
Time, time stopped for me
three years ago.
You, you loved me once, Tony.
It must have meant
something to you.
One favor for,
for old time's sake?
One, one favor, Tony.
Please, don't call them.
For what I once meant to you?
For what you once meant to me.
- So that's...
- You meant absolutely nothing!
I never loved you.
It was Jessica,
it was always Jessica!
Be reasonable, Tony.
Do you want everything
to go to Edward?
It's what'll happen
if you call the police.
It really doesn't matter
what you may I
may or may not
have meant to each other.
What matters is today.
What good is tomorrow without
money of our own
to enjoy it with?
I did everything I could
to break up their marriage,
even told her Edward
was having an affair with you,
but she only laughed.
It was here, here in this room
three years ago.
Dear, clear, clear Tony,
don't tell me you got me back
from this wonderful party
just because you want
to tell me that Edward
and Susan's governess
are having a love affair.
You know you're
absolutely impossible.
But nevertheless,
it's true, Jessica.
Of course it's true, darling.
But if I wouldn't
give him his freedom,
he wouldn't give me mine,
so don't you be so silly.
Good lord, Jessica,
the man doesn't love you.
Of course he doesn't love me.
As a matter of fact,
I don't think he ever did.
Then why don't you leave him?
We can be happy together,
we always were.
Darling, don't be
such a boring man.
I'm completely happy now.
But, you do love me,
don't you, Jessica?
Of course I love you.
And I love you,
and I love you, and I love you.
As a matter of fact,
I love all men.
You know the funny thing?
The only man I don't love
is my husband.
Nothing.
Nothing really
meant anything to Jessica.
No, I never loved you, Francene.
The only feeling
I ever had for you
was out of utter contempt.
Operator?
Operator, will you answer me?
Answer me!
Operator, will you answer me?
Operator?
Good night, Tony darling,
and remember I love you.
Susan?
What are you doing out of bed?
It's very late!
Didn't Daddy come home
with you, Mommy?
He'll be home very soon,
but will you please tell me now
why aren't you in bed?
I'm waiting up for Daddy.
I have a surprise for him.
Susan, what are you hiding?
What do you have in your hands?
It's nothing.
Let me see it, Susan.
Let me see it!
It's my necklace!
Where did you find it?
I had to take it, Mommy.
I really had to.
You mean, you took my necklace?
You took my necklace, Susan?
I had to.
Don't you see, Mommy?
If I could be as pretty as you,
then Daddy would love me also.
Oh, Susan, do you realize
what trouble you've made
with this idiotic idea of yours?
You upset the whole household,
the police were called in.
They embarrassed everybody
with their questioning
and suspicions.
Well now, come on, clear,
give it to me.
Please, Mommy?
Let me wear it for Daddy?
So I can be pretty.
Give it to me.
Please, Mommy!
Give it to me!
No, I have to have it!
- Give it!
- I have to be pretty for Daddy.
Come back here!
Seawood Bridge was out,
couldn't get through.
I tried the back roads,
but the car skidded off,
I had to leave it, how's Susan?
- Susan?
- Where did you find that dress?
- Dress?
- Take it off.
I never want to see you
in that again,
do you understand?
Where are you going?
Well, to call the druggist
to see if he can get through
with the medicine.
Susan's waiting for you
in her room.
Why don't you use
the phone there?
Yes, I better check on her.
Susan?
Susan, where are you?
Where are you?
Please, Mommy,
let me wear it for Daddy,
so he can see
how pretty I can be too?
Please, Mommy?
Susan, come back here!
Give me the necklace.
Please, Mommy, please?
Give it to me, Susan!
No.
Give it to me!
Francene?
Oh, my God.
Oh, I remember it.
Oh, my God!
Susan?
Francene,
where is Susan?
Where is Susan?
Where did you find this?
I took it from
Jessica's murderess,
her own daughter.
Susan?
No, you're out of your mind.
Am I?
It's Susan
who's out of her mind.
You don't believe me,
go down to the reception room.
You'll find proof of it.
Anthony?
Oh, no.
You've seen him?
Yes, I saw.
She's a unique murderess,
your daughter.
She kills and then forgets.
It can't be.
It can't be!
Oh, I assure you, Edward,
- it can be.
- Where is she?
Oh, I don't know.
And what's more, I don't care.
All I want is to get away
from this house.
Away from that,
that lunatic daughter of yours,
and most of all from you.
This is like the other night.
I'm divorcing you, Edward.
Fire, the screams.
It's just like that other night.
You're as mad as your daughter.
- I said I'm leaving you.
- No.
No you are not going.
Try and stop me,
and I'll tell the police
what I know about Anthony,
and what really
happened to Jessica.
What really happened to Jessica?
You think you know?
Edward, all I want
is the necklace and my freedom.
Your freedom?
Give them to me, and I won't
say a word, I swear it!
I know all about
wanting to be free.
- Oh, let me go.
- Look.
Let you go?
How easily you say
those words...
but it wasn't
that easy to get you.
And I did it for you!
Don't you understand?
All for you!
- Oh, Edward, you're a fool.
- It was all for you!
Remember?
It was the night
of the governor's party.
Jessica wasn't feeling well,
and went home early, so...
I met you at the hotel,
but I didn't spend the entire
night, as you thought.
After you went to sleep, I left.
I was determined
to do what you wanted.
To settle things
with Jessica once and for all.
She was lying there.
Jessica?
I asked Jessica
what had happened.
Jessica?
She said it was Susan.
She had a fight with her.
I asked her why it was Susan.
- As a matter of fact...
- Then, I saw it.
...I'm quite all right.
The necklace.
- Susan had it.
- She had it in her hand
- the same way.
- Your daughter stole
- my necklace.
- She told me that she came home
and discovered her on the stairs
hiding the gems behind her back.
She said Susan had
taken it from her strongbox.
How I had neglected my daughter
and had made a little
sneak out of her.
I said I didn't care
about the necklace or Susan.
I said she could keep Susan.
She could keep the whole
estate for all I cared.
I told her I was
in love with Francene,
desperately in love,
and I wanted her to divorce me.
I told her to stop laughing.
I begged her
to give me a divorce,
to let me go.
She just kept on laughing.
She called me a fool,
but a necessary fool
she will never let go.
She had the wealth,
but I had the good family name
needed to go with it,
no, she said,
she would never give up
the prestige of my name.
She kept right on laughing too.
Calling me a ridiculous fool,
don't you see?
I did it for you!
Oh, that's what's so funny.
Oh, you, you went through all
that pain to leave one woman
for another one who's
about to leave you!
I did it for you, Francene!
I had to be free.
I had to be free!
I had to be free!
It's just like that other night.
Just...
Like that other night.
Just like...
Hello, Daddy.
- I've been waiting up for you.
- Oh, my God.
Isn't it beautiful, Daddy?
Do you think I'm pretty, Daddy?
Now do you think I'm pretty
as Mommy, or Francene?
You've always been
my beautiful baby.
I'm so happy, Daddy.
Remember how frightened
you were that night?
Remember how frightened you were
that they'd find out
what happened to Mommy?
But they didn't, did they?
So don't be
frightened now, Daddy.
Nobody will find out
this time, either.
Here, I'll help you.
Just like I helped you
that other time.
Nobody will ever
find out what happened.
Now that Mommy's gone,
and Francene is gone,
now that you're free
of both of them,
I'll be your pretty girl,
won't I Daddy?
Yes, you'll always
be my pretty girl.
I'll always be
your pretty girl, Daddy.
I'll never leave you the way
Mommy and Francene did.
The worms crawl in,
the worms crawl out.
In your stomach,
and out your mouth.
Did you ever see a hearse go by,
and think that you
were going to die?
the worms crawl out
in your stomach
and out your mouth.
Oh, Daddy, isn't it great?
You've finally come
to take me home with you.
I'm so happy, Daddy,
I could explode.
Don't explode just yet.
We have a long drive
ahead of us.
Besides, Susan, young ladies
who are about to graduate
from high school do not explode.
Yes, Sister René.
Well, you've grown some, Susan.
I hardly recognize you.
Hello.
Aren't you going to kiss
your mother?
Francene is not my mother.
My mother is dead.
Isn't she?
Well, yes, of course she is,
darling.
We're still gonna be friends,
aren't we?
Are you gonna be
my governess again?
Susan, I know I can never
replace your real mother,
but if you'll let me,
I want us to be friends.
There's Jenny.
I have to say goodbye.
Jenny?
You must forgive Susan.
You must... how shall I say?
You must hear what she says
with your heart.
Of course.
It is as I told you.
One moment she may act
perfectly normal, the next...
We appreciate your concern,
Sister,
but I can assure you
she will have the best of care.
You must remember Susan
went through a terrible ordeal,
so terrible that the memory
of her experience was wiped
from her fragile mind by shock.
And even though
it has been three years
since the accident,
the tragic death of her mother
has left scars
that still pain her
in the dead of night.
Is she still having
those nightmares
- you wrote us about?
- Always vivid,
horrid nightmares.
Perhaps if you would have
been able to visit her,
even to write more often.
Yes, but we've, uh,
we've been traveling
a great deal since...
I am sorry.
That was unkind of me.
But there are times
when the phantoms of the past
tear at that poor child's mind.
There are times when she seems
on the verge of...
Remembering?
Oh, heaven forbid she remembers.
No, God in His mercy saw fit
to make her forget.
And, Mr. Shelley,
it is wrong of you
to tamper with God's judgment
by taking her back to the place
where it all began.
We're not going back
to Flagmore House
because we want to,
I can assure you.
You must do what you must.
I have to return
to the other children now.
Goodbye.
- Thank you, Sister.
- Goodbye.
Susan, time to go.
Au revoir, Susan.
Bye, Sister René!
Good Lord, Anthony.
We had no idea.
Nobody told us.
Not a word.
He's in the salon
waiting for you.
You could have written us
about it.
Yes, I even meant
to have my picture taken
and enclose it with a letter,
but unfortunately,
the postal authorities
don't allow pornography
in the mail.
Well, aren't you going
to kiss your cousin?
I know it's not much help,
but if there's ever
anything we can do...
You've all been
quite sufficient as it is.
I'll get your luggage, Francene.
Oh, excuse me,
it's Mrs. Shelley now, isn't it?
You're late, Mr. Shelley.
I'm sorry, Mr. Clayborn,
but there was a lot more
red tape and paperwork involved
in getting Susan released
than I anticipated.
Excuses never plowed a field,
Mr. Shelley.
I'm a busy man.
Now, if you can get Judge Henley
to pay me overtime
to work as the core trustee
for your daughter's estate,
then I'll be very glad to listen
to all the "excuse me"
and "sorry"
you care to come up with.
Let's get on with it.
You Mrs. Shelley?
Yes, this is my wife, Francene.
How do you do, Mr. Clayborn?
I've seen you before.
Maybe.
I used to live in this house.
Francene was my governess.
Took Jessica's place, huh?
You'll have to work very hard
to be the woman she was.
Come here, girl.
Come on, girl, come here!
Ah, Susan,
when your mother died,
she left this house
and a lot of money.
And at the time,
when the will was read
to those interested parties,
you were, uh, well, uh,
you weren't here,
you were in that place there.
The convent?
Oh. Oh, that's what
they call it, eh?
Well, we can call
the town graveyard Sleepy Pines.
I guess wherever you were,
I guess we can call
that a "convent."
Anyway, at the time,
you were in no condition
to understand
the terms of the will.
So Judge Henley
has instructed me
to read you the will
as long as you're in
a clear frame of mind.
You know right from wrong?
Right from wrong?
Oh, when somebody kills somebody
for no good reason,
you think that person
should be punished.
Come on, girl, come on!
Can't be too hard to decide
whether a killer
should be punished!
Well, answer the man.
I suppose.
You Suppose?
Seems to be a very sane answer
considering the world
we live in.
Yeah.
In her will,
Jessica left this house
and the land around
the estate to be used
in some civic
or cultural manner,
on my advice, of course,
otherwise, the tax bite
of this white elephant,
well, eaten up
the entire $100,000,
your father's request,
it wiped out
the half a million dollars
in bonds and securities
left to you
- in your inheritance.
- Oh, and let's not forget
the generous 500 she left to me.
Less taxes, of course.
We've been all through that,
Mr. Flagmore.
If you want to contest
the will again,
that's your right, it'll do you
as little as good
as it did the last time.
I wouldn't think of making
any more trouble for you,
Mr. Clayborn, or for
anyone else, come to it.
As you can see,
I'm quite content.
Yeah.
Now where was I?
Somewhere between
a white elephant
and half a million dollars.
Oh, yes, right.
The money is yours all right,
but you can't touch
a penny of it
'cause it's in trust to be held
until your 25th birthday.
Only thing you can spend
is the interest on school
and medical needs
and things like that.
Is that clear?
Now the main reason
for this meeting
is to get an answer
to one question:
Do you want to live
in this house?
Do I what, sir?
Come on, girl,
I'm speaking English.
Do you want to live here?
I don't understand.
Let me.
Um, Susan, come on over here.
Sit down there.
You see, clear,
although your mother willed
the house to the government,
she left the furnishings,
the furniture,
the paintings, antiques,
and all the rest to me.
But to protect your interest,
she made one
important stipulation,
that the state is not to take
title to Flagmore
as long as you want
to live here.
Which means your father can't
sell anything off this place,
'cause Judge Henley
ain't got it in mind
to let you live in a house
shred of every bit
of decent comfort.
Mr. Clayborn, please.
As a matter of fact, clear,
I, uh,
I, uh, have to sell
the paintings and the furniture.
I, uh, I need the money.
It seems I was rather foolish
with the funds
your mother left me.
I made some pretty bad
investments.
Mink coats, foreign cars,
high living in all
those foreign countries.
Some kind of $100,000
investment, if you ask me.
I don't recall having asked you.
News gets around.
The point is, dear,
I haven't very much money left.
I must sell the furniture,
but I need
your permission first.
- My permission?
- For heaven sakes,
yes, Susan, your permission.
It's demeaning enough
without having to drag it on.
- We're tired.
- If you need money, Daddy,
you can have mine.
Not a chance, girl.
Like I said, every penny
of your inheritance
is tied up in a trust fund.
It can't be touched unless
you become totally incompetent,
that means crazy,
or unless you die.
Mr. Clayborn, I said...
I know, Mr. Shelley.
It's unpleasant.
But some things are better said
straight out
so there's no misunderstanding.
And, Susan, the law is the law,
and it's better to understand
this meeting.
Now if you should be sent back
to that convent permanently
or if you should die,
the estate passes on
to your father.
If on the other hand,
your father should die also,
whatever is left
goes to Anthony Flagmore
as the sole surviving
blood relative,
less taxes, that is.
And the burial expenses,
of course.
What is it, girl?
Yes or no?
- Whatever my daddy wants.
- Done.
It's like pulling teeth
out of a jackrabbit.
I'll have the papers signed
sometime next week.
Next week?
Mr. Clayborn,
that'll be too late.
What do you mean "too late"?
Well, the sale starts tomorrow.
I, uh, already sent out
the announcements.
All right.
I'll get the judge
to sign the release
first thing in the morning.
Pretty sure of yourself,
aren't you?
A pleasant mixture of charm
and hospitality, wasn't he?
Take Susan to her room.
Susan?
That table will be fine
for the odds and ends.
Antiques, silverware,
anything that you find
in the attic and cellar.
My God, how she would laugh.
- What?
- You remember how they would
all flock to this room
and Jessica would hold court?
She'd sit right over there
like a queen and match wits
with all the idiots
and country bumpkins.
Yes, they all came here once.
They'll come again.
One last party...
Susan?
See if you can find
some boxes and crates
to pack the things in.
Edward...
What's the matter?
It's Susan.
Anthony, just what is
the meaning of this?
I thought it would be
appropriate.
Tomorrow is the anniversary
of Jessica's death.
It's time to go to bed, clear.
Do you think Mother is
still angry with me, Daddy?
Why would, uh...
Why would you think
a thing like that?
I don't know.
Oh, your mother loved you,
darling.
Yes.
She did, didn't she?
I, uh, think
we'll all feel better
after a good night's sleep.
Susan, would you care to see
your mother's room?
I've had it restored.
I'd like very much to see it.
No.
Uh, no, I... I think not.
Why? I'm rather curious
to see it myself.
Well, maybe, uh,
maybe... maybe tomorrow.
What are you afraid of?
Ghosts?
It's the same, Daddy.
It's the same.
Yes, exactly the same.
Just as it was on the night
of the fire, isn't it, Susan?
Oh, it's so beautiful.
The drapes were
the most difficult to reproduce,
but I finally found
the material in New Orleans,
tucked away in one of those
quaint little shops
near the Latin Quarter.
Your humor is rather grim,
Anthony.
It wasn't clone for compliments,
Francene.
Another tribute to Jessica.
Yes.
I think she would've liked it
this way.
I find it in very bad taste.
I also find your return
to this house in bad taste.
Susan, time for bed.
Anthony...
Was this where you found her?
Yes.
But I never did reach her...
...because, you see, Susan,
it was a blazing inferno
and very much
what hell must be like.
It's all right, clear.
Go to your room.
Just one thing, Anthony.
There will be no more
raking up of the past.
- Do you understand?
- I understand one thing.
The past is like a tiger,
and no matter how you pet it
and pretend that it's tame,
one clay it will turn.
I'd be careful of the past
if I were you, Edward,
because it's here,
here in every stone
and every timber of this estate,
estate which is more mine
than yours...
...or hers.
I'm hip, like,
you know, a beatnik.
Come on, let's get with it,
like, wee!
It was a blazing inferno.
What hell must be like.
Can't be too hard to decide
whether a killer
should be punished!
Killer should be punished!
Punished!
Killer should be punished!
Punished, punished!
In your stomach
and out your mouth.
It was a blazing inferno
and very much
what hell must be like.
The worms crawl in,
the worms crawl out.
Can't be touched
unless you're crazy
or unless you die,
unless you die,
unless you die, unless you die.
Unless you die, die, die.
Killer should be punished.
Killer should be punished,
punished.
If somebody kills,
somebody kills, somebody kills.
Kills, kills, kills.
Right from wrong,
wrong, wrong, wrong.
Kill, kill, kill.
Die, die, die, die, die.
- Hell, soon, hell.
- Punished!
Ahh!
- What did he mean?
- About what?
About the past.
Here, you need this
more than I do.
If you'll just give me a chance
once in a while
to blow off a little steam
instead of always walking...
- I'm sorry.
- You're sorry right enough.
But it is true, isn't it?
Is what true?
Now let me see.
Is it true I made love
to a bellboy
at the hotel in Geneva,
or are you still wondering
about that guy in Rome
or the salesman in Munich?
Was that true?
I'll tell you something
that is true, Edward.
I'm sick to death of you
and your jealousy.
- Just one thing.
- You mean to begin with.
When I first brought you
into this house
as Susan's governess,
you and Anthony,
that was true, wasn't it?
I won't give you
the satisfaction of an answer.
But even if it were true,
what possible difference
could it make now?
I married you, didn't I?
We lived happily
ever afterwards, didn't we?
What happened to us, Francene?
I loved you once.
But you became poor,
and I became bored.
So bored I could die.
What do you want me to do?
- Cure me.
- How?
I've tried every way I know.
You've gone through $100,000
worth of remedies.
What else can I do?
I've already told you, cure me.
Well, I'm trying, dammit!
That's why
I'm selling everything.
Will it bring in enough
to cover expenses
- for the winter in Rome?
- No, it will not,
but once I invest the money
in some profits...
Oh, I love Rome in the winter.
Please find a way
to get more money.
- There is no way.
- Of course there is.
You have a very wealthy
daughter, haven't you?
Not until she's 25.
You know the contents
of the will
just as well as I do.
She's also a very sick girl.
If she were to get worse...
She would have to go back
in there,
and I would get control
of her trust fund.
Is that what you mean?
Oh, darling,
you're always taking
the wrong view of things.
The important thing
is that Susan would be
some place where she's loved.
If she were to have a relapse
in this horrid house
and have to be recommitted,
you'd really be doing
the poor child a favor now,
wouldn't you?
Think about it.
It may warm you
in your bed tonight.
The worms crawl in,
the worms crawl out
in your stomach
and out your mouth.
The worms?
The worms?
Murder!
Murder, murder!
Mur... murder!
Murder, murder!
Murder!
Ahh!
They hurt you!
They hurt you, Mommy!
They hurt you!
Susan.
It was Mommy.
She was here.
- I saw her.
- Oh, no, darling, no.
It was Mommy.
Come on, come to bed, clear.
She was killed, Daddy.
Well, yes, Susan,
but that was a long time ago.
- Come on, come on.
- No, you don't understand.
She was killed, murdered.
Oh, you're just
imagining things, clear.
It's true.
Your... your fingers, You've“
...you've scraped them raw.
How did you do that?
It was Mommy.
She was here.
Come, come, clear. Let's...
Let's go, come on.
Go to your room now.
I saw her face.
One side was so pretty.
The other, it was all burned.
One side?
She was here, Daddy.
She was murdered.
She told me.
That's what I want to see.
Harry, it's just what I wanted.
Tommy, what in the world
are you doing now?
Look, Daddy,
I'm a mountain climber.
Oh, come on,
you're gonna break your neck.
Is that the little girl,
the one that's a little loose?
You're Jessica's daughter,
aren't you?
- Susan, isn't it?
- Yes.
Remember me, Susan?
Mrs. Little from Fairview?
We used to visit here often.
Were you friends of my mother?
Yes. Good friends.
Then why did you come here?
Why don't you 90?
Friends wouldn't do
what you're doing.
Well...
After what happened last night,
- any doctor in the world...
- Francene, you cannot
have a person committed
to a mental institution
for having a nightmare.
You and I know it was not
just a nightmare Susan had.
What do you mean by that?
Edward, don't pretend
she was just hallucinating.
There's more to it than that.
Oh, I don't want
to talk about it now.
Why? What are you afraid of?
Edward...
- What is it, Elsie?
- Something dreadful
has happened, I must show you.
Why...
Why, of course.
The governess.
Uh, my wife, Francene.
Elsie Kornwald.
I was Jessica's best friend.
Yes, I... I do
vaguely remember you.
Mm-hm.
Oh, Edward, Jessica's portrait.
Just look what some vandal
did to it.
Can you believe such a thing?
Get out of here!
All of you,
get out of this house!
Get out!
Leave my mother's things alone!
- Susan, Susan!
- Get out of here!
- What is it?
- Tell 'em to go, Daddy.
Send them away!
Oh, clear, I can't do that.
Yes, you can!
Well, Susan, what is
the matter with you?
You knew this was gonna happen.
But I didn't think
it would be like this!
Tell 'em to leave
my mother's things alone!
Oh, Susan.
Please, please don't mind.
My daughter is just
a little bit upset.
Let's go somewhere, clear,
and talk.
Just go right ahead
and take whatever you want.
Tell them to go, Daddy.
Let's... let's go upstairs, clear.
Shall I call a doctor?
I said no.
Uh, let's, uh...
Let's sit here and talk.
I'm sorry if I was rude.
That's all right, I...
I understand.
No, you don't.
Nobody does.
Well, of course I do.
It's not easy to see
all the things
that were familiar to you
as a child
being sold like this.
It's not that.
What, then?
I'm afraid they'll take it away.
Take what away?
I don't know.
You don't know what?
I know it sounds silly,
but there's something here,
here in the house,
something I have to find.
Honey, I, uh...
I haven't had much experience
understanding children.
Maybe I can make that up to you
if you'll give me a chance.
But you'll have to help.
And you can start
by making a little more sense
than you have been.
What is here in this house?
It's...
It's something that'll explain
who killed Mother.
Oh, for heaven's sake, Susan.
She was murdered, Daddy,
and there is something here
in the house that'll prove it,
if I could just remember what.
Your mother's death
was an accident.
The authorities settled that
once and for all.
They said she must have
knocked a burning candle
off the bedstand in her sleep.
The room caught fire.
That is how it was.
It was something else, Daddy.
I know it.
Just because your mind
won't let you remember
what happened that night
doesn't mean you have to imagine
something that didn't.
I can't help it.
Oh, Daddy,
what's the matter with me?
I can't remember...
...and, yet, I can't forget.
Well...
Um...
We'll talk more later.
Do you care to do some hunting
this afternoon?
Eh?
Well, I see you still keep
these beasts.
I wouldn't come too close
if I were you.
Cleo can be
rather unpredictable.
Thought she would have
flown away by now.
I still find her far more
constant than a woman.
She's a killer, isn't she?
We're all killers one way
or the other, I suppose.
You love to meddle with danger,
don't you, Francene?
Don't provoke her!
She's liable to snap the leash.
Your concern is a comfort.
My only concern is for the hawk.
None for me, Tony?
After all, we did mean something
to each other once.
I had bronchial pneumonia once,
but I got over it.
The sounds you make
are much more antisocial
than those of your pet.
I have rather more reason,
wouldn't you say?
Yes, you have.
I'm sorry, Tony.
Really sorry.
Save your sympathy
for your husband.
He needs it.
Why did you try to save
Jessica that night?
Because everyone has the right
to play the hero and the fool
at least once in their lives.
Counting you,
I played the fool twice.
Were you in the hospital
a long time?
Not half as long
as it must seem to Edward
being married
to someone like you.
What did you say to Susan
last night?
Susan?
I saw you coming
from Jessica's room.
I didn't say anything
to the child.
You see, I didn't have to
because she was right.
Jessica was murdered.
Are you accusing me?
Or confessing to it yourself?
I'm merely stating fact.
And fact is a stubborn truth.
Living alone has made
a philosopher out of you.
It makes living
slightly more tolerable.
There are many things
that make living more tolerable.
You're referring to money,
I take it.
Life can be
a lot less complicated
with a lot more money,
don't you think?
It's academic.
Not to Susan it isn't.
We'll all be old and gray
by the time her inheritance
is finally turned over to her.
It won't do any of us
any good at all.
With all that money,
she'll find life very sweet.
It would be a shame,
wouldn't it,
if something should
happen to her first
before she has a chance
to spend any of it.
And then, the entire estate
would go to Edward.
And, through Edward...
- to me.
- And you being
the just and honest
woman that you are
would soon rectify
Jessica's mistake,
and enlarge upon my legacy.
It would be
the only fair thing to do,
wouldn't it, Tony?
It is an interesting pipe dream.
And fortunately,
we are all born to dream.
Susan?
You look pale.
Are you all right?
It was your mothers, wasn't it?
The night she...
she wore it
on the night of the fire.
I thought you were supposed
to have forgotten everything
about that night?
Well, I have except...
I remember it because
of something I had.
Something I was holding.
I was sitting on the stairs
waiting for my
mother and my father
to come home from a party,
and I had this, this toy.
Um, I think it was a bird,
like a hawk, or...
or a falcon.
A hawk?
You mean like
the ones Tony keeps?
But this one wasn't real.
It was a toy bird,
all glittering and fiery.
Like a bird in flight?
It was all shimmering like...
Like diamonds?
Come with me.
It's the same dress, isn't it?
No.
Well, what do you mean "no,"
it's identical.
Yes.
"Yes, no,"
what do you mean, Susan?
Mother had two dresses.
This one got torn,
so she had another one made.
But she did wear it
the night of the fire?
Yes.
And that's why it
reminds you of something
that looks like a hawk.
A bird that looked like that?
No, it was a toy.
All right, all right,
it was a toy.
But you're sure
you had it in your hands
the night of the fire?
You're positive of that?
Yes.
Then, what did you do with it?
I buried it.
It died, so I buried it.
Where?
Where did you bury it?
I'll help you remember.
The night of the fire,
they found you
wandering around out here.
You'd already forgotten
what had happened.
You were in a daze.
Now think, Susan,
you must have buried the toy
somewhere near the house.
Try to remember where.
What is it, Susan?
Tell me!
I was just thinking.
How can a toy die?
There is no necklace.
Oh, Edward, you frightened me.
In spite of what
Susan's vivid imagination
may have led you to believe,
there is no necklace.
Well, of course
there isn't, darling.
I was here when Jessica
reported the gem stolen
from her strongbox, remember?
Now, let me see.
That was almost six months
before the night of the fire,
- wasn't it?
- I don't wanna play games
with you, Francene.
The police have already
torn the place apart.
I don't wanna have
to go through that again.
Oh, Edward, don't be silly.
I was only going along
with some foolishness
of Susan's out there.
She seemed obsessed
with having me help her find
some nonsense or other.
From where I was,
it didn't appear
you thought it was
nonsense at the time.
You badgered the child
'till she ran off
to her room crying.
Well, it's not my fault,
clear, I keep telling you
- the girl needs medical help.
- I don't ever wanna hear
you say that again,
you understand?
You really shouldn't
tax your heart
with these strange
outbursts, Edward,
or you'll be having
to see a doctor too!
Look, Francene, I'm...
very upset, and I'm sorry.
It's just that I
don't want Susan
to go through any more
torture than she already has.
Why this parental concern
all of a sudden, Edward?
I can understand
the instinct in an animal
to protect its young.
But you, clear,
you've always been so selfish,
so cynical.
Makes me wonder
if there might be
something else behind it.
Don't involve Susan in any more
fanciful speculations
about the past, just...
leave her alone.
Of course I will, darling.
I'm not as cold-blooded
as you think.
Of course, it would make
a handsome legacy, wouldn't it?
What would?
The necklace.
If it really were around here
somewhere, I mean.
Considering the state
of your health,
the diamonds would make
a very comforting consolation
if I was suddenly
to become a widow.
Anything wrong?
I don't know.
Would, uh, some
cookies and milk help?
I don't like the thunder, Daddy.
Well, at least it
got you out of your room
to come down here and visit me.
So you see,
there's always some good
in everything bad if you, uh,
if you just look for it.
And something bad
in everything good.
Isn't there?
They teach you that
at the convent?
There's something
bad in me, Daddy.
I can feel it.
What were, uh,
you and Francene searching for?
Searching for?
Yes, this afternoon.
Oh, it was nothing.
May I come in?
You're already in.
You know, um,
you and I have never had a, uh,
chance to talk about
the night your mother died.
We never really talked
much about anything.
Yes, I know.
Perhaps, now is
a good time to start.
What do you want me to say?
Well, I...
I don't want you to say
anything you don't want to.
But since you started
to remember certain,
certain things,
I might be able to help
you remember the rest.
I don't know if I really
wanna remember anymore.
Yes, maybe it's, uh,
maybe it's
just as well you don't.
Daddy?
If we talk,
will it chase away the dreams?
The bad dreams?
If you keep on having
these nightmares,
you might have
to go back to the convent.
Oh, Daddy,
I do wanna stop dreaming.
I want very much
to stop dreaming.
Honey, uh,
tell me what you remember
about that night...
about the toy,
the glittering hawk.
How did you know about it?
Tony, what if I told you
the necklace was never stolen
before Jessica died?
It was here in the house
all the time.
It Still is.
Aren't you being
rather ridiculous?
Am I?
Why did you risk your life
the night of the fire?
To save Jessica?
I don't believe it,
I never have.
Although, you convinced
everyone else you're a hero.
It wasn't your cousin
you were trying to save.
The necklace?
Sugar?
One lump, or two?
I'll start with one.
I never could
understand your motive,
especially since I knew
how much you hated Jessica
for holding on so tight
to the family purse strings.
So tight you never even
had enough money of your own
to impress a mere governess,
or even tempt me to consider
your amorous advances seriously.
You don't need
any sugar, Francene,
you're saccharine sweet
as it is.
Must have been dreadful for you
there in that hospital room
knowing your brave deed
had gone for nothing.
Perhaps.
But then again, as you suggest,
I may already have the necklace.
If you did,
you wouldn't be here.
No, Susan has the necklace.
From what I can make
of her nonsense
about a sparkling toy,
she found it that night,
and sometime during
her panic, she hid it.
You cut your fingers
on this, didn't you?
Why?
Why did you do it?
Why did you tear at it?
Did the necklace have
anything to do with it?
Can you remember?
The poor child.
She adored her mother so.
Perhaps it would be
more merciful
if she was sent to join her.
And Edward too?
You intrigue me.
Do I?
Your only sense of morality
lies in the exquisite lack
of any virtue whatsoever.
When they are dead,
you will inherit the estate,
half a million dollars,
and I'll get the necklace.
Seems fair enough.
Come to the house
in ten minutes.
Before you go, I believe
we should discuss the terms.
I thought we just settled that?
No, we merely discussed
a financial arrangement.
But after all,
what use is money to a,
to a thing that looks like me?
So you see, my clear Francene,
you'll have to think
of a better offer.
And what price are you
really willing to pay?
What is it?
Die, die!
Die, die, die!
No.
No!
No!
Susan!
Susan!
Susan, Susan, Susan, it's me!
Susan, it's me,
it's Daddy, it's Daddy!
Daddy, I did it.
- I did it, I did it.
- Susan, what is it?
What frightened you,
what happened?
- I did it, I did it.
- Did what?
I killed her!
My mother, I did it,
I killed her.
I killed her, I killed her!
And I wanted to help her.
What do you mean an hour?
Doctor, my daughter's got
to have a sedative right now!
Well, this is an emergency too.
All right, all right, all right.
Uh, look, uh, doctor,
call the pharmacy in town,
and okay a prescription,
I'll pick it up myself.
Yeah, that's right.
Good-bye.
Don't leave me, Daddy.
They'll punish me.
They'll punish me
for what I did.
Well, you haven't clone
anything wrong, darling.
You're safe now,
nobody's gonna hurt you.
They'll punish me
for what I did to Mother.
Daddy, I'm the worst thing
that ever was alive.
You'll feel better about it
as soon as I get back
with the medicine, you'll see.
You rest, now.
Get out!
I want you out of here by
the time I get back from town.
Pack up, and get out!
Ah, ah!
Stop, no!
No!
I found it!
The necklace!
Susan?
Mommy?
Is Francene coming
to sit with me?
Or, is she going out too?
Do you like my dress?
It's very pretty, Mommy.
You're very beautiful.
Will Daddy come
kiss me good night
before you go to the party?
Your father's gone on ahead,
but I can't join him
until I have the necklace.
No, you can't have it.
I need it.
I must have it.
Don't you see,
this dress was designed
to be worn with the necklace.
You want me to look my best now,
don't you, Susan?
I wanna look pretty too.
Where is it?
Where did you hide it, Susan?
- No, I won't tell you.
- Tell me where!
- No!
- Tell me where you hid it!
Operator, yes, I've been
trying to dial the police.
Is there anything wrong
with the line?
Stay where you are.
- What are you doing?
- Yes, I would like to speak
with one of
the detectives in homicide.
Why?
I think they'd be interested in
Susan's confession, don't you?
Confession?
The ravings of a demented girl,
you call that a confession?
You must be as mad as she is.
Well, perhaps I am.
Why are you doing this, Tony?
She's not in her right mind, you
know they'll never believe her.
Maybe they won't,
but they will accomplish
one important thing.
- What?
- It will force the authorities
to reopen their investigation
of Jessica's death.
Well, what good would that do?
This time, they may discover
the person who took her life,
and my face.
Oh, you fool.
If the girl is committed,
the estate will go to Edward.
You'll be left without a penny.
What good is your revenge
without profit?
If you were more of a woman
instead of a merchant,
you'd know the answer to that.
Well, what if they do
find out Jessica was murdered?
What'll it change?
Will it bring her
back to life, will it
- make you handsome?
- Get out of here, Francene!
What about me?
Susan knows where
the necklace is.
She admitted it to me just now.
All I need is
a little more time, Tony.
Time, time stopped for me
three years ago.
You, you loved me once, Tony.
It must have meant
something to you.
One favor for,
for old time's sake?
One, one favor, Tony.
Please, don't call them.
For what I once meant to you?
For what you once meant to me.
- So that's...
- You meant absolutely nothing!
I never loved you.
It was Jessica,
it was always Jessica!
Be reasonable, Tony.
Do you want everything
to go to Edward?
It's what'll happen
if you call the police.
It really doesn't matter
what you may I
may or may not
have meant to each other.
What matters is today.
What good is tomorrow without
money of our own
to enjoy it with?
I did everything I could
to break up their marriage,
even told her Edward
was having an affair with you,
but she only laughed.
It was here, here in this room
three years ago.
Dear, clear, clear Tony,
don't tell me you got me back
from this wonderful party
just because you want
to tell me that Edward
and Susan's governess
are having a love affair.
You know you're
absolutely impossible.
But nevertheless,
it's true, Jessica.
Of course it's true, darling.
But if I wouldn't
give him his freedom,
he wouldn't give me mine,
so don't you be so silly.
Good lord, Jessica,
the man doesn't love you.
Of course he doesn't love me.
As a matter of fact,
I don't think he ever did.
Then why don't you leave him?
We can be happy together,
we always were.
Darling, don't be
such a boring man.
I'm completely happy now.
But, you do love me,
don't you, Jessica?
Of course I love you.
And I love you,
and I love you, and I love you.
As a matter of fact,
I love all men.
You know the funny thing?
The only man I don't love
is my husband.
Nothing.
Nothing really
meant anything to Jessica.
No, I never loved you, Francene.
The only feeling
I ever had for you
was out of utter contempt.
Operator?
Operator, will you answer me?
Answer me!
Operator, will you answer me?
Operator?
Good night, Tony darling,
and remember I love you.
Susan?
What are you doing out of bed?
It's very late!
Didn't Daddy come home
with you, Mommy?
He'll be home very soon,
but will you please tell me now
why aren't you in bed?
I'm waiting up for Daddy.
I have a surprise for him.
Susan, what are you hiding?
What do you have in your hands?
It's nothing.
Let me see it, Susan.
Let me see it!
It's my necklace!
Where did you find it?
I had to take it, Mommy.
I really had to.
You mean, you took my necklace?
You took my necklace, Susan?
I had to.
Don't you see, Mommy?
If I could be as pretty as you,
then Daddy would love me also.
Oh, Susan, do you realize
what trouble you've made
with this idiotic idea of yours?
You upset the whole household,
the police were called in.
They embarrassed everybody
with their questioning
and suspicions.
Well now, come on, clear,
give it to me.
Please, Mommy?
Let me wear it for Daddy?
So I can be pretty.
Give it to me.
Please, Mommy!
Give it to me!
No, I have to have it!
- Give it!
- I have to be pretty for Daddy.
Come back here!
Seawood Bridge was out,
couldn't get through.
I tried the back roads,
but the car skidded off,
I had to leave it, how's Susan?
- Susan?
- Where did you find that dress?
- Dress?
- Take it off.
I never want to see you
in that again,
do you understand?
Where are you going?
Well, to call the druggist
to see if he can get through
with the medicine.
Susan's waiting for you
in her room.
Why don't you use
the phone there?
Yes, I better check on her.
Susan?
Susan, where are you?
Where are you?
Please, Mommy,
let me wear it for Daddy,
so he can see
how pretty I can be too?
Please, Mommy?
Susan, come back here!
Give me the necklace.
Please, Mommy, please?
Give it to me, Susan!
No.
Give it to me!
Francene?
Oh, my God.
Oh, I remember it.
Oh, my God!
Susan?
Francene,
where is Susan?
Where is Susan?
Where did you find this?
I took it from
Jessica's murderess,
her own daughter.
Susan?
No, you're out of your mind.
Am I?
It's Susan
who's out of her mind.
You don't believe me,
go down to the reception room.
You'll find proof of it.
Anthony?
Oh, no.
You've seen him?
Yes, I saw.
She's a unique murderess,
your daughter.
She kills and then forgets.
It can't be.
It can't be!
Oh, I assure you, Edward,
- it can be.
- Where is she?
Oh, I don't know.
And what's more, I don't care.
All I want is to get away
from this house.
Away from that,
that lunatic daughter of yours,
and most of all from you.
This is like the other night.
I'm divorcing you, Edward.
Fire, the screams.
It's just like that other night.
You're as mad as your daughter.
- I said I'm leaving you.
- No.
No you are not going.
Try and stop me,
and I'll tell the police
what I know about Anthony,
and what really
happened to Jessica.
What really happened to Jessica?
You think you know?
Edward, all I want
is the necklace and my freedom.
Your freedom?
Give them to me, and I won't
say a word, I swear it!
I know all about
wanting to be free.
- Oh, let me go.
- Look.
Let you go?
How easily you say
those words...
but it wasn't
that easy to get you.
And I did it for you!
Don't you understand?
All for you!
- Oh, Edward, you're a fool.
- It was all for you!
Remember?
It was the night
of the governor's party.
Jessica wasn't feeling well,
and went home early, so...
I met you at the hotel,
but I didn't spend the entire
night, as you thought.
After you went to sleep, I left.
I was determined
to do what you wanted.
To settle things
with Jessica once and for all.
She was lying there.
Jessica?
I asked Jessica
what had happened.
Jessica?
She said it was Susan.
She had a fight with her.
I asked her why it was Susan.
- As a matter of fact...
- Then, I saw it.
...I'm quite all right.
The necklace.
- Susan had it.
- She had it in her hand
- the same way.
- Your daughter stole
- my necklace.
- She told me that she came home
and discovered her on the stairs
hiding the gems behind her back.
She said Susan had
taken it from her strongbox.
How I had neglected my daughter
and had made a little
sneak out of her.
I said I didn't care
about the necklace or Susan.
I said she could keep Susan.
She could keep the whole
estate for all I cared.
I told her I was
in love with Francene,
desperately in love,
and I wanted her to divorce me.
I told her to stop laughing.
I begged her
to give me a divorce,
to let me go.
She just kept on laughing.
She called me a fool,
but a necessary fool
she will never let go.
She had the wealth,
but I had the good family name
needed to go with it,
no, she said,
she would never give up
the prestige of my name.
She kept right on laughing too.
Calling me a ridiculous fool,
don't you see?
I did it for you!
Oh, that's what's so funny.
Oh, you, you went through all
that pain to leave one woman
for another one who's
about to leave you!
I did it for you, Francene!
I had to be free.
I had to be free!
I had to be free!
It's just like that other night.
Just...
Like that other night.
Just like...
Hello, Daddy.
- I've been waiting up for you.
- Oh, my God.
Isn't it beautiful, Daddy?
Do you think I'm pretty, Daddy?
Now do you think I'm pretty
as Mommy, or Francene?
You've always been
my beautiful baby.
I'm so happy, Daddy.
Remember how frightened
you were that night?
Remember how frightened you were
that they'd find out
what happened to Mommy?
But they didn't, did they?
So don't be
frightened now, Daddy.
Nobody will find out
this time, either.
Here, I'll help you.
Just like I helped you
that other time.
Nobody will ever
find out what happened.
Now that Mommy's gone,
and Francene is gone,
now that you're free
of both of them,
I'll be your pretty girl,
won't I Daddy?
Yes, you'll always
be my pretty girl.
I'll always be
your pretty girl, Daddy.
I'll never leave you the way
Mommy and Francene did.
The worms crawl in,
the worms crawl out.
In your stomach,
and out your mouth.
Did you ever see a hearse go by,
and think that you
were going to die?