Portrait in Black (1960) - full transcript

My glasses.

Should make you feel
pretty good, Matt.

Number 50 leaving San Francisco
flying the Cabot flag.

I want a full report on why
she sailed 40 minutes late.

If it was the dock force, not a
man stays on our hiring list.

Did you get that?

Yep. First thing in the morning.

First thing this afternoon.
Forget your golf game just once.

Where were we, Miss Lee?

The radio to the captain of...

Yeah.



"Proceed under tow to
Hong Kong for repairs..."

Bad today?

Don't hold your breath, Howard.
I'll be around for a while yet.

What's that supposed to mean?

You know what it means.

"Proceed under tow to
Hong Kong for repairs.

"First mate will relieve you, pending
inquiry into collision. Cabot."

That's all, Miss Lee.

Yes, Mr. Cabot.

You got anything more?

Nothing pressing.

Longshoremen
are talking strike again,

but so far it's just talk.

And we don't have to decide that
tug contract till the 10th.



I've already decided.
It goes to Acme Towing.

Acme? What for?

They'll do the best job. Draw
up a letter of agreement.

Matt, you know
who runs Acme Towing?

I know everything on the
waterfront and a few miles inland.

You're ready to trust
Joe Richards' son

with a million tons
of Cabot shipping?

What has trust got to do with it?
I don't trust you, either.

I keep you around because you're
the best man for the job.

I also know where
a few bodies are buried.

I guess we both do, Matt.

Fair enough.

On your way out, tell
Sheila I want her up here.

Sheila.

Did I startle you?

Why do you walk
so quietly, Howard?

Maybe it's something to do with this house.
I bring a summons.

The affairs of empire having
been settled for the day,

your presence
is commanded above.

Thank you.

He's a little late today, isn't he?

I mean, that would be
Dr. Rivera, wouldn't it?

Well, he is expected.

Matt really likes that
fellow, doesn't he?

He seems to.

DO you?

Well, yes.
Don't you?

Me? I like everybody.

I just can't stand
the smell of ether.

Come in, Doctor.
Tawny.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Cabot.

Good afternoon, Doctor.

Mr. Mason.

How are you, Rivera?

May I take your coat?
Thank you, Tawny.

I'm sorry I'm late. An operation
with a few unforeseen complications.

You made out all right, I presume.

I think so.

And the patient?

Equally all right?

Sheila! If that's
the doctor, get him up here!

Excuse us.

Well, what sort of day, Mr. Cabot?

My ships are late.
My doctor's late.

Apart from that,
like any other day.

Pain bad?
That's one thing I can depend on.

It was on time.

More severe than yesterday?
I don't measure it.

I'm getting to be as bad as those
hop-heads on the waterfront.

Can't go through the
day without a fix.

What's so funny?

I don't like having to depend
on anything or anybody!

What's this I hear about
you running out on me?

Switzerland, isn't it?

Who told you that?

Your distinguished
predecessor, Dr. Kessler.

Chief of staff of some big
hospital, he tells me.

Why didn't you tell me yourself?

I haven't decided to go yet.

You're meeting the director of the
Zurich Hospital tonight, aren't you?

To hear what he has to say, yes.

What's so special in Zurich? Money?

No.

Facilities for independent
research, mainly.

That still leaves me here.

Who takes your place?

Hold still.

I think Dr. Beloit would be the best.

Beloit, huh?
Is he a good man?

I'm sure Dr. Kessler
would recommend him.

He already has.

All right.
Bring him along tomorrow.

If I decide to go.

You'll go.

Quite a feather for the son
of a Napa Valley fruit picker.

You'll go, all right.
You're the type.

Dedicated, that's the word, isn't it?

I hope you have a comfortable
night, Mr. Cabot.

Yeah, sure.

All right, Sheila. The doctor
knows his way out by now.

If I'm needed, I'll be at home.

Three minutes, that's all it'll take.

Too much to ask of my wife?

No, Matt.

Of course,
it could go a few seconds overtime.

It takes a bit longer every day.

The magic needle.
The miracle of medicine.

Kills the pain, keeps a
man alive for years.

Well, half alive, anyway.

Too bad they can't find
something for your condition.

That would really be a
miracle, wouldn't it, Sheila?

A vitamin shot for love deficiency.

Is there anything else, Matt?

Yes. I got something
in the mail today,

about you.

About me?

A Photostat.

"Department of Motor Vehicles,

"learner permit issued to
Sheila Cabot, the 16th."

That's day before yesterday.

Your friends are
everywhere, aren't they?

Why, all of a sudden,
do you want to drive?

Well, why do you make it sound
like a criminal offense?

Chauffeur and limousine
not enough anymore?

Not enough privacy, huh?

Matt, your own daughter drives.

Her mother used to drive...
Where would you drive to?

Why, I don't know. I haven't
given it much thought.

The hairdresser, stores, friends...

That's what I pay Cobb for.

Well, and sometimes
nowhere, nowhere at all!

Just to drive!
Just to be alone!

Listen, you're my wife!

You don't go anywhere alone!

Matt, you're hurting me.

Just learn to take it, like I did.

You don't need any permit for that.

All right, your three minutes are up.

Mommy!

Mommy!

Peter, your father's sleeping.

Look what Miss Lee brought me
from the office. All airmails.

My-

They're from all over
the world, aren't they?

Did you remember to thank Miss Lee?

I think so.

Will you help me paste them in?

Well, not right now, darling.

Tonight before you go to bed.
All right?

Okay.

I'll go and sort them out.

Yes?

Tawny, I'm going out.

Mr. Cabot is sleeping,

but I'd like you to look
in on him while I'm gone.

Yes, Mrs. Cabot.

Cobb is here now.
I'll tell him.

Mrs. Cabot wants you to
bring the car around.

Wouldn't you know?

The whole day to choose from,
and she has to pick this minute.

She would like it at once.

Naturally.

The car sits in the garage for days
with the battery draining away.

But when she wants it, it's right now.
On the dot.

With no regard for the
fate of my investments.

You're well-paid for doing very little.

Little?

Parading around in this monkey suit?

I won't be wearing it all my life.

One of these days my luck will hit,
and I'll take the track home with me.

Then it'll be Top of the
Mark for Cobb O'Brien.

In the meanwhile,
bring the car around.

There speaks the wisdom
of the inscrutable East.

You ought to save it
for a fortune cookie.

How's Father?

He's sleeping.

Dr. Rivera was just here,
and he gave him a sedative.

And you're going out?

I have some shopping
to do downtown.

Tawny will look after him.

She doesn't have to.
I will.

Cathy...
Yes?

I haven't been out of the
house in three days.

I need a breath of air.

Surely you can't object to that.

Enjoy yourself, Sheila.

Pick me up in an hour, Cobb.

?He, IRS-gm'?

Well, yes.
Why?

The store closes in
45 minutes, ma'am.

All right.
Forty-five minutes, then.

On the dot, ma'am. Thank you.

1201 Divisadero Street.

I was hoping you'd
be able to get away.

I had to, David.
Today of all days.

Sheila, about Zurich...

I wanted to tell you.

Not now, darling.

Don't say anything for a moment.

Just hold me, please.

Darling.

Oh, darling! Darling.

It is true, then.

Darling, now, sit down.

May I take your coat?
No, David. I can't stay long.

Is it true?

Yes.

Sheila, please look at me.

It sounds like a splendid
opportunity for you.

Yes, it is.

It's...

It's the kind of thing you've
always wanted, isn't it?

Sheila...
In Switzerland.

Such a beautiful country,

and so clean and so...

Don't cry, darling.

Please, please don't cry.

No, I'm not.

The only other time
I saw you cry was

the first day you came here.

Those were very different tears.

Yes.

Oh, David.

David.

It's strange what goes through
one's mind at a time like this.

All I can think of is...

I've never known what it's like

to awaken from sleep

and find you beside me.

And now I never will.

You will, darling.
Believe me, you will.

It's only a matter of time.

No.

Your husband's not going to get well.

His condition is hopeless.

So is mine.

If you could only leave him.

Sheila, come with me.

How?
Just pick up and run away?

He'd never give me a
divorce, you know that.

And Peter...

Matt would hound me to the ends of
the Earth to take him away from me.

And he'd destroy you, too, David.

He'd see to it that you could
never practice medicine again

as long as you lived.

I know, I know!
How well I know.

Oh, my God, if anybody
had ever told me

that I would be praying for the
death of one of my own patients...

I know what hell
it's been for you,

just as it has been for me.

All those hours of lying and plotting
and sneaking through side exits

just for a few moments together.

But when I think of what my life
would be without them, I...

Sheila, please.

Don't leave me, David.
Please don't go away.

I've got to go.
But why, darling, why?

I don't know what I'll do if you go.

I'm afraid of what I'll do if I stay.

Afraid?

Look at this.

It's more deadly than a gun.
A thousand times less detectable.

I use it every day on him.

David.

Have you any idea
of how easy it would be?

Nothing so crude as an overdose
of his daily injection.

That could be discovered
in an autopsy.

A simple bubble of air,
that's all it would take.

Don't, David.

Don't even think it.

Don't think it?

Day and night for months
I've thought of nothing else.

Sheila, I've got to get away.

I don't dare stay!

When will you go?

Soon.

Tomorrow night.

Then this is the last time I'll see you?

No, I'll be by tomorrow
with the new doctor.

A public farewell.

Goodbye.

Sheila.

Wait.

Tawny, show Dr. Rivera and
Dr. Beloit directly to Mr. Cabofs room.

Yes, Mrs. Cabot.

Good afternoon, Doctor.

Good afternoon, Tawny.

Are you alone?

Yes, Tawny, I am.

Honey, the way you
push that Crackerbox,

one of these days you're gonna
wind up in my engine room

the hard way.

This can't wait.

Blake, I've got wonderful news.

Well, next time use the phone.
It's safer.

If I'd known you were hauling
fertilizer again, I would have. Phew!

It may be "phew" to you, honey,
but it's bread and butter to me.

What's up?

Blake, what do you want more
than anything else in the world?

No, next to that.

A load of Chanel No. 5.

Blake, I'm serious.

Well, in that case, I wouldn't turn
down a couple of new towing contracts.

Well, would you settle for one?

The Cabot Line?
Yeah, if you twisted my arm.

Well, hold tight, darling.
I think you've got it.

Are you sure?

Well, pretty sure.

I talked to Miss Lee
down at the office.

And she said she wasn't at liberty to tell
me, but, well, then she winked at me.

Winked, did she?

Which eye?
Right or left?

Blake, are you kidding me?
Have you heard anything?

I hate to spoil your surprise, honey,
but I got more than a wink this morning.

A call from your father, direct.

Blake, that's wonderful!

Did...

Did you tell him anything about...

About us?

No, Cathy.
And I'm not going to.

I've lived with this for a long time.

You want to tell him?
Fine. He's your father.

But my father's dead, and the
Cabot Line's the reason why.

Matt Cabot gives me a
contract, okay, I do my job.

But Blake...
I know, honey.

It's easy for me.
Everything's simple.

I love you and I want to marry you.

It's more complicated for you.
You've got a tough decision to make.

Well, I've made it, Blake.

You better be sure, Cathy.
Real sure.

It's a long step down from a
Cabot liner to an Acme tug.

I'll float down.

You know, this is the first time
you've ever mentioned marriage.

Did I do that?

You must've caught me
in a weak moment.

Well, it's high time.

Blake! Look!

Lord, what is man that Thou
takest knowledge of him?

His days are as a shadow
that passeth away.

As a flower of the field,
so he flourisheth.

For the wind passeth
over it and it is gone.

And the place thereof
shall know it no more.

And the mercy of the Lord is
from everlasting to everlasting.

I am the resurrection
and the life, saith the Lord.

He that believeth in me, though
he were dead, yet shall he live.

And whosoever liveth and
believeth in me shall never die.

And unto the dust from which
we came, we commend this body

where it shall rest until the final day
of judgment in the sight of our Lord.

Amen.

Would you like me to drive
back to the house with you?

No, thank you, Howard.

I think it would be better if I
were alone with the children.

I don't know what I can say, Cathy.

You've said it, Blake,
just by being here.

Cathy?

You go on to the car, Sheila.

I'll be there in a moment.

Would it be okay
if I called you tonight?

Please.

David.

Catherine, dear.

Dr. Kessler.

David, I...

Well, I wanted to tell you,

I mean, everyone's been so kind
and sympathetic to the family.

Well, I couldn't help thinking
how awful the doctor must feel.

Please don't think we're not grateful.
We are.

Father was so vital.

For him to be chained
to a bed for the rest of his life...

I don't know. I think
it's better this way,

quickly and peacefull in his sleep.

Don't you?

Well, l...

If he doesn't answer that,

it's only because of something
we call medical ethics.

Well, anyway, David.
I wanted you to know.

Goodbye.
Bye, Cathy.

You know, in my time,

if a young girl called a
doctor by his first name,

somebody would have
taken a gun to him.

Nowadays, the girls are older
and doctors are younger.

It's our educational system.

Older, younger...

I still go 18 holes a
day at Pebble Beach.

Bring your clubs some time.
I'll beat the pants off you.

What's the old man trying to do?

Change your mind
about that Zurich job?

No, we didn't discuss it.
Why do you ask?

It was practically all he talked about
on the golf course the other day.

He thinks you're a chump.

Really?

How do you feel about it?

Me?

I have no feeling about it,
one way or the other.

Should I have?

I don't know.
I was just wondering.

Well, it's hardly worth brooding about.

Hardly.

I'll probably get around
to it one of these days.

I hope so.

I think it would be very good for you.

Magic needle...

Kills the pain,
keeps a man alive for years.

Deadly as a gun,
a thousand times less detectable.

And unto the
dust from which we came

we commend your body,
No.

Too bad they can't find
something for your condition.

No, please don't!

A simple bubble of air,
that's all it would take.

Matt, you're hurting me.

No!

No!

Tawny?

Oh, it's you, Mrs. Cabot.

Why are you up?

I couldn't understand it,

but the buzzer rang downstairs
from Mr. Cabofs room.

Yes, it was Rajah.
He woke me, too.

He must be very lonely now.

Please see that he's kept downstairs.

Yes, Mrs. Cabot.

Dr. Rivera speaking.

David.

Sheila.

You know you mustn't call me
from the house. It's insane.

But when am I going to see you?

David, it's so horrible alone.

May I come
to your place tomorrow?

No, Sheila, no.
We don't dare. Not yet.

But I've got to see you.
I can't sleep.

I keep hearing
sounds from his room.

Please, darling.
Please, I must see you or I'll...

Oh, God, David, I'm sick!
Help me, please!

All right, Sheila.
Try to get a hold of yourself.

I'll come by.

When? When?

First chance I get.

But when, David?
Tomorrow?

As soon as I can.

Now, will you please get some sleep?

Yes, I'll try, but...

Oh, darling, I need you.

I need you so much.

Shei...

Howard, it's only one
day after the funeral.

I can't read all those
legal documents today.

I'm not asking you to read them.

All you have to do is sign them.
But why just this minute?

Because the waterfront's boiling
over, and I'm sitting on the lid.

A couple of weak sisters
in the Association

have been talking about signing a
separate contract with the Union.

I've got to hold them in line.

And I can't do that
unless I speak for Cabot

with full Power of
Attorney to back me up.

Please, Howard!
Please, I'm just not up to it.

Is it really as bad as all that?

Prostrated with grief?

Isn't there maybe the
slightest sense of relief

at being free after all these years?

I wondered just how long you'd wait
before saying something like that.

I've been waiting for years, Sheila.
You've always known that.

Yes, I suppose I have.

You made it very clear,

right in this room

the night they took
Matt to the hospital.

You're not going to hold
that against me, are you?

After all this time?

It was no then, Howard.
It's still no.

I was in love with you that night.

I still am.

Love?

I know you wanted me,
but it's not quite the same thing.

All right, I wanted you.
Let's not quibble over words.

I'm sure you've known
any number of women

who wouldn't quibble over words.

Sheila, I want to marry you.

I've never said that
to any other woman.

I'm sorry, Howard,
but I don't want to marry you.

Why? ls there somebody else?

Well, I could hardly blame you.

A beautiful woman, young,
healthy, with healthy appetites,

married for years to,
shall we say, half a man?

After all, you...
Howard.

I think you'd better leave, and now.

I hadn't planned to talk
about this today,

but you're going to find
that you need me, Sheila.

I can wait a little longer.

Sign the papers.

Don't wait, Howard.
It's no use.

We'll see.

I usually get what I want,
one way or another.

That's right, they'll never strike.

If we stick together, we'll break
their backs, and they know it.

That's why I want a unanimous
vote at that meeting.

Excuse me, Frank.
I'll have to call you back.

Tell your friends to take their hands
off before somebody gets hurt.

All right, boys.

Now, we have a custom around here.
We knock before entering an office.

My name is Blake Richards.

I know who you are.

I trust I won't have to ask you
to speak up, Mr. Richards?

The word's around that you've given
Bill Coleman your towing contract.

How does that concern you?

That contract's mine.

Yours?
That's interesting.

Cabot called me about it
himself, the day before he died.

I find that hard to believe.

We discussed your bid
and rejected it.

Well, then why did he phone me?

Why did he tell me he was
drawing up a letter of agreement?

I don't believe that he did.

Miss Lee, will you come in, please?

What're you trying to pull?

Yes, Mr. Mason?

Miss Lee, I want you to think very
carefully before you answer this.

A great deal depends on it.

Do you know of anything
about a letter of agreement

between Mr. Cabot
and Mr. Richards here?

No, Mr. Mason.

Well, Richards, you satisfied?

You tell her straight out she'd better
lie if she knows what's good for her,

so she lies.

Who do you think you're kidding?

You've got your answer, now get out.

You're not getting away
with this, Mason.

Because I'm not the only one
who knew about that agreement.

His daughter knew about it, too.

I see.
Well, suppose I told you

that Matt Cabot knew about the
way you were using his daughter.

That's one of the reasons
we turned you down.

There are a lot of ways to get
ahead in this world, boy,

but that's about as
low as you can get.

Why, you dirty...

No wonder Cabot
was able to break my father.

He wouldn't fight like that.

But I will.

Remember that, Mason.

I don't break that easy.

I'm not through with you yet.

Blake.
What happened?

Well, from what Miss Lee says,
there never was a contract.

She didn't wink at you that day.

She must have had
something in her eye.

That's not true.
I know it isn't.

So do I.
But that doesn't help much.

I'll see about that!
I'm going up there and I'm...

And do what?

Stamp your pretty little foot?

You know, Mason says
it's on account of us

that they lowered the boom.

You mean he knows about us?

Oh, yes, indeed.
And so did your father.

You know, he probably also knew

about the two new tugs
I contracted for,

and the crews I signed on.

They made sure I was carrying a
full cargo before they scuttled me.

You better run along.

Will you call me?

Yeah, if I can manage to
keep my head above water.

Not many phone booths
at the bottom of the bay.

I'll see you.

Good morning.
Good morning.

What are you doing with the mail?

Well, is it a crime to
be expecting a letter?

From whom?

That man who came to see
you the other night?

I heard him warning you.

If Mrs. Cabot finds out people
like that are coming to the house,

you won't be here much longer.

I'll take it, please.

Don't start packing
my bags just yet.

It's still even money

which one of us will be the
first out of the starting gate.

What do you mean by that?

Well, it was the first Mrs. Cabot
brought you here, wasn't it?

Now that the old man's
gone, who knows?

Good afternoon, Miss Cathy.

Quite a batch of mail today.

Thank you, Cobb.

Is that Dr. Rivera's car, Tawny?
Yes.

He's in the library with Mrs. Cabot.

There's really nothing to
worry about, Mrs. Cabot.

I'm sorry.
I hope I didn't interrupt anything.

It's all right, Cathy.
I was just finishing.

I'll give you a prescription
to help you sleep.

Sheila.
Yes?

Did Father happen to
mention anything last week

about a contract
with Blake Richards?

He never discussed
business with me, Cathy.

Why?

It doesn't matter.
Are you all right, Cathy?

Yes, I'm fine.

Here's the mail.

Thank you, dear.
Would you put it on the desk, please?

You haven't opened
yesterday's mail.

Well, I'll get to them all later.

They're mostly sympathy letters.

Don't you need sympathy, Sheila?
Cathy.

I am sorry.
I shouldn't have said that.

Excuse me, David.

That could've been very bad.

I'm sure she didn't notice anything.

Sheila, you've
got to be more careful.

At a time like this,
neglecting sympathy letters,

that's just the sort of thing
that could give us away.

You're right, David.
I didn't think.

I just couldn't face them.
I know, I know.

Will you take care of them?

Sheila, I have to go.

But you just got
here a moment ago.

Cathy saw me write
the prescription.

That usually comes at the end
of a professional visit.

When will I see you again?

Not until it's safe.

David,

are you making excuses?

Sheila.

You know that isn't true.

This was supposed
to bring us together.

Now it's only keeping us apart.

Ironic, isn't it?

Darling, we have a lot at stake.

All right, David.
You go along to your hospital.

I'll comfort myself with these.

Please try to understand.
We don't dare.

"Dear Mrs. Cabot,

"I knew and respected your
husband for 30 years..."

Sheila, don't make it worse than it is.

"My dear Mrs. Cabot, what small
comfort can a letter be?"

Darling, it's only for
just a little while longer.

I know.

Goodbye.

David!

Look at this.

"Dear Mrs. Cabot,

"congratulations on the
success of your murder."

Will you take over, John?

Sheila.

How did you get here?
It's all right. I changed cabs twice.

David, what about the letter?

I've been over it a thousand times.

What can you find
from an anonymous letter?

Printed words, dime store paper?

He knew that when he wrote it.

We don't even know
that it was a man.

All we have to go on is a postmark.

Carmel.

Carmel, 11:00 p. m.
Monday, the 21st.

Oh, darling.

This was to be so quick and final.
Sheila...

All in that one moment in Matt's room.

David, what are we going to do?

Wait.

For what?

He must be after something or
he would have gone to the police.

But how can anyone know?

No one can.

A sick man dies in his sleep.

The death certificate
says natural causes.

Unless he found out about us
and put two and two together.

But if he's guessing, why
did he write what he did?

To test us.

Then he sits back
to watch for a reaction.

We may have given
ourselves away already.

Sympathy letters you didn't open, an
operation I couldn't go through with.

He may even
have followed you here.

But I told you I was careful.
How? Switching taxis?

How do you think that'd look to
anyone who was watching you?

But no one was watching. I'm sure of that.
We still shouldn't have taken a chance.

You don't want to see me?
Come on, now. Don't be...

You don't want to see me at all?
Don't be ridiculous.

Oh, darling.
Oh, my darling.

I'm sorry.
What's happening to us?

Darling...

David, it's all my fault.
No.

I should have let you go away.

Quarter to 7:00, folks.

Park closes in 15 minutes.

Yeah, thanks.

Look, I'm shaking.

Well, don't worry. He won't
come out of the dark like that.

He'll wait, he'll watch,
he'll make sure he's right.

That's our one hope, Sheila.

Hope?

Sometime, somehow,
he's got to give himself away.

It'll be in his attitude,
something he says.

We're looking for it, we'll find it.

And when we do?

Well, it depends on who
it is and how dangerous.

What do you mean?

Well, you can trap a fox.

A wolf

has to be killed.

Oh, no.

Good evening.
I'm looking for Miss Cabot.

Oh, yes.
Right this way, ma'am.

Good evening, Cathy.
Hello.

What is this?

Some sort of joke?

I asked her to come, Blake.

Please sit down, Miss Lee.

I don't blame you for feeling
the way you do, Mr. Richards,

but I had to lie the other day.

She'd have lost her job.
You know that.

Sometimes you can lose
more than a job.

I know.

That's why I wanted to make
it up to you if I could.

Did you find a copy of the agreement?

No.

Mr. Mason destroyed it
and the carbons.

But I brought something else that
might interest you, Mr. Richards.

Well, what are these?

They go back quite
a number of years

when Mr. Cabot was in Hong Kong

and Mr. Mason was
running the office.

These are about my father.

They won't bring him back,
Mr. Richards,

but I just couldn't let you go on
blaming Matt Cabot for destroying him.

When your father was
alive, Cathy, I got to...

You get to know a person
very well in 20 years.

I'll miss him

very much.

Looks like I've said a lot
of things I shouldn't have.

That's not important now,
Blake. It's all forgotten.

No, it isn't, Cathy.

Not all.

Hey, Petey-boy!

Hi, Cobb.
Come here.

Say, how about finishing that story
about the race at Indianapolis?

Which one was that?
You know.

You were beating Barney
Oldfield by a whole lap,

and the wheel
came off in your hands.

Oh, that one.

Sure.

Say, you know, a funny
thing happened just now.

I was sitting in my room,
minding my own business,

when suddenly I saw
the postman go by.

So, naturally, out I came to pick
up the mail, and what do you think?

What?
It was gone.

Stolen?
I don't know.

Gosh! That's a federal offense.
Right.

Now, who do you suppose would dare
tamper with the United States Mail?

Me.
You?

Well, in that case, I don't
suppose we can prosecute.

I took them all up to Mother.

Fooled you, didn't I, Cobb?

You surehad me there.

And tell me, did you

read the mail to your mother
like you sometimes do?

Nope.
Today she read them herself.

Did she seem upset or anything?

Don't think so.

Peter, lunch is ready.

Lunch already?
Come along, now.

Better do what the
heavenly princess says.

What was Cobb talking about just now?
Nothing.

He just asked me about the mail.

Hi, Mommy.
Where're you going?

To the doctor's office,
but only for a little while.

You have your lunch now.

Gosh, Mom!
I can still taste my breakfast.

Oh, Peter!
Go on.

Tawny.
Yes, Mrs. Cabot?

Is there anything bothering you?

Bothering me?

Well, these past few days you've
been acting rather strangely.

In what way?

I feel you've been
deliberately avoiding me.

No, of course not, Mrs. Cabot.

I'm sorry if I gave
you that impression.

Peter's getting careless with his toys.

I'll just leave this inside
where the weather can't get at it.

Mrs. Cabot?
Yes?

I was wondering if I could ask you
something of a personal nature.

Personal?
Personal to me, that is.

What is it, Cobb?

Well, not to put too fine
a point on it, ma'am,

I was wondering if you could let
me have an advance on my salary.

But I've already paid you
several months ahead.

So you have.

You've been most generous, ma'am.

But if you could see your way clear
to letting me have my salary for...

Let's see now...

That would bring us
to next March, wouldn't it?

What do you want it for, Cobb?

Oh, horses, women, champagne.

Don't worry, ma'am,
I won't be wasting it.

Confidentially, I'm being
pressed by certain creditors.

They're putting the heat
on, to state it bluntly.

Well, I'm sorry to hear that.

I'll think about it.

Thank you, ma'am.

It's a little uncomfortable
walking around

with that kind of a threat
hanging over you.

Well, did you tell him
you'd give him the money?

I said I'd consider it.

You shouldn't have!

Next time it could be
more than salary he wants.

No, David, not Cobb.

Look at all the chances
he's had to spy on us.

Chauffeuring you downtown
two or three times a week.

He's in debt, that's all.
He gambles every cent he makes.

Was he off on the 21st?

That was a Monday, wasn't it?

Yes.

No, no, he couldn't have been.

Is there any way he could've
driven to Carmel that night?

Well, not without my knowing about it.
Well, are you sure?

It's no use, David.

Everything I see seems suspicious,

every person,
every action, every word.

I know, I know.

Oh, Sheila.

Yes'?
Excuse me, Doctor.

I told you I wasn't to be interrupted.

I know, Doctor, but there's a
phone call for Mrs. Cabot.

The gentleman says it's urgent.

A Mr. Mason.
Howard Mason.

How does he know you're here?

I don't know.

Miss Bell, will you please
put Mr. Mason through?

But why?
Talk to him.

But, David, I don't see why...

We've got to find out what he wants.

Be careful.

Hello.
Sheila.

I didn't mean to
interrupt your consultation.

I was just wondering if you'd stop
by the office while you're downtown.

How did you know
I was here, Howard?

Tawny told me.

Did she betray a confidence?

Well, no, of course not.

I was a little concerned about you.

I understand the doctor came
up to the house yesterday.

Today you're returning his call.

I had no idea that
you were that ill.

Well, it's nothing serious.
Just emotional strain, David says.

Well, I'm sure we can
depend on David's judgment.

What did you want
to see me about?

There's a meeting of the
Association Thursday night.

I'll need your proxy.

Well, I'll be through here
shortly. I'll stop by.

Good.

Well, I'll let you two get back
to more clinical matters.

Goodbye, Howard.

Goodbye.

He knows you're not here
for medical advice.

That's absurd.
He couldn't possibly know.

Did you hear the way
he picked up the name David?

Sheila, I wonder...

Sheila, do you suppose
it's Mason that...

Howard?

Blackmail?

That's incredible. He has more
money now than he can spend.

Maybe it's not money he's after.

Well, what else could it be?
I'm sure that...

What is it?

Nothing.
Sheila.

Sheila, what is it he wants?

He says he's in love with me.

He asked me to marry him.

When?
Yesterday.

Why didn't you tell me?

'Cause I was afraid
you wouldn't understand.

I'm beginning to understand.

After all, a man doesn't
propose to a blank wall.

You see?
That's why I didn't tell you.

He's known you
a lot longer than I have.

David, I love you!

Did you tell him that?

How could I?

How could I?

He seems to know all about me.

Well, he can't.

He's been talking to Dr. Kessler.

Asking a lot of questions,
for all I know.

Dr. Kessler?
Yeah, playing golf.

Why is he spending so much
time with Matt's former doctor?

But that means nothing.

They've been playing Pebble
Beach on Mondays for years.

Pebble Beach?

Well, why do you say it like that?

Sheila, when was that letter mailed?

On the 21st.

Monday.

Pebble Beach is only
six miles from Carmel.

Howard Mason?

Howard Mason.

Sheila, don't go to the office.

You go home and call him.

Tell him you don't feel well.

Tell him to pick up the
proxy at your house

the night of the meeting.

David,

what are you thinking?

I don't know.

I'm not sure.

No, darling...

Sheila, Mason is more
dangerous than a fox.

Tonight is the
deadline for the negotiations

between the Longshoremefis Union
and the Shipping Association.

Both sides have
made their final offers,

and unless one of them is
prepared to make concessions,

which is highly unlikely in view
of their published statements...

Well, it looks pretty good.

After midnight, don't
bother to challenge anyone.

Hit them first. I'll ask
the questions afterwards.

Okay.

Hey, Sid.
Better get on up there.

Back in '29 a mob of them
come up in rowboats.

I still got the scar.

You better send a launch out,
with a couple of rifles aboard.

Larry!
Get out on the Janie D!

Take a couple of boys with you!

Okay!

I'll be at the Cabot
home if you need me.

8:30 at the Shipping Association.
Right.

Cabot residence.

Yes.

Yes, sir.
I'll tell Mrs. Cabot.

Tawny, who was that?

It was Mr. Mason.
He'll be here in 20 minutes.

Thank you.
That'll be all. Good night.

Good night, Mrs. Cabot.

I thought all the servants
were going to be off.

She's going now.
The others have left.

What about Cathy?

She's having dinner
with Blake Richards.

Good.

Now, remember,

the instant Mason's car pulls
away from the curb, you go...

David.
What's the matter?

I'm frightened.

Are you sure?
Are you sure we have to...

Sheila, he could lift a telephone
and send us to the gas chamber.

I know that, but...

We have no choice.

But only one block from here.
Won't somebody suspect?

On the night of a strike vote, they
won't look beyond the waterfront.

Darling, everything
depends on your signal.

Now, the second
his car pulls away,

you draw the curtains open

so that I can see the light
from the top of the hill.

Now remember,

when the car pulls
away from the curb,

not one moment
sooner or later,

you draw the curtains open.

Yes.

Yes, I understand.

Are you all right?

I love you, David.

I love you.

Hi, Cathy.

Hi.

Is that how you're
taking me out to dinner?

Is it 8:00 already?

If I'd known we were going to a beatnik
joint for coffee and word-jazz,

I'd have worn my black tights.

Well, I'm sorry, honey, but Rosie and I
are gonna be stuck here for a while.

You look beautiful, too.

Gee, it's a shame
to waste that outfit.

Well, that helps a little.

I've got to get this tub back in shape.

The way things are at the
bank, every penny adds up.

Well, I forgive you this time.

I'll tell you what.

We ought to be through
in a couple of hours.

Why don't you go on home
and get a bite and I'll call you?

Looks like coffee
and word-jazz after all, huh?

Could be.

But skip the black tights.

You'll be sorry.

Listen, kid.
Save it, Rosie.

I hope you know what you're doing.

I know what I'm doing.

It's perfectly beautiful, Howard.
Here, let me.

You've been spoiling me
these past few days.

I enjoy it.

Would you like a brandy?

Love one.

Howard, I've been worried about you.

About me? Why?

The radio says that there might
be violence at the waterfront.

It's been known to
happen during a strike.

Why don't you call an agency and
hire a bodyguard or something?

I've already taken care of it.

How?

I got me a private eye.
Trench coat and all.

I think that's very wise of you.

Thank you.

I'm flattered about your concern.

Well, I do need someone
to run things for me.

Is that all?

For the present.

To the future.

I'd better be going.

Did you sign that proxy, Sheila?

Yes, it's right over here.

About that bodyguard,
I hope he's trustworthy.

Hasn't lost a client yet.
Good.

Is he with you now?

No. I'm picking him up
at the meeting.

You know, he's gonna play merry
hell with my most intimate moments.

Will we see you tomorrow night?

Dinner, perhaps?
Skyway Inn?

It sounds wonderful.

Good night.
Good night, Howard.

David.

Lock the door.

What happened?

Somebody took a shot at me.
I need a drink.

Did...

Did you see who it was?

No, he was in a
car parked at the corner.

It's a lucky thing that light
turned green when it did.

If I'd stopped...

As it is, that bullet
only missed me by inches.

But who could it have been?

Someone from the waterfront?

Well, we'll soon know.
How?

I saw his license number.

His license?

I only got a glimpse of
it as he drove away.

L-B something and then...

And something 4-0.

It's not much,
but it's a lead for the police.

Get them on the phone, Sheila.

Howard,

before we call them,
are you sure we ought to?

What are you talking about?

Well, you're alive,
that's all that matters.

You know what the
police would mean,

reporters and headlines,

and it mightn't be good
for the Cabot Line.

Look, I can't help that. If he'd
try it once, he could try again.

Here, I'll do it.

Hello?

Oh, yes, Cathy.

I'm so glad you called.

Something awful has happened.

Howard is here,
and someone tried to kill him.

What does he know?
Can you talk?

No, no, he's all right.
He's right beside me.

We were just going to call the police.

He saw the license
number of the car.

I see.
Don't let him phone.

Keep him there.

Yes.
That's a very good idea.

What's a very good idea?

She's right next to the police station.
She's going there now.

Yes.

But hurry.

They should be here in a few minutes.

Good.

Where are you going?

To make sure I locked the door.

It's all right.

When you came in
I was so startled...

I wonder if I ought to call the
Shipping Association, let them know.

Well, maybe you should wait
until the police get here.

They may not want you
to say anything to anyone.

You're probably right.

It was really foolish of you
to wait so long to get a bodyguard.

Well, I never dreamed
they'd go this far.

Sorry.
It's a delayed reaction, I guess.

You could do with another drink.

Yes, I could.

Well, what's keeping them?

It's only been a minute.

Police.
If I'd gone through a red light,

there'd have been
a squad car at that corner.

I'll get it.

Hello.

Who?

Hello.

Who's this? Howard?

Didn't you have
a meeting or something?

Well, yes, I did.
But I was delayed.

Well, look, would you mind telling
Sheila that if Blake Richards calls,

I'm here at the yacht club
having dinner

and that he's to pick me up here.

Yes, I'll tell her.

Good night, Cathy.

Poor Cathy!

All of a sudden her
memory's gone to pieces.

She seems to have forgotten
about the police entirely.

But that's impossible.

She's having dinner
at the yacht club.

She wanted Blake Richards to
pick her up there if he called.

But I don't see how she could
have said a thing like that...

Who called the first time?

Well, Cathy, of course.
There's some mistake.

Why are you lying?

I'm not.

Why didn't you want the police here?

I don't know what
you're talking about.

You're trying to confuse me.

I'll tell you why.

Because you knew the man in
the car was waiting for me.

How could I have known that?

You sent him there!

No. No, I didn't!

I didn't think you'd be fool enough

to try to kill me
for what I suspected.

Who was in the car?

I don't know!

Who was it?
Don't!

My arm.

Shall I get a doctor?

How about your friend Rivera?

Of course, maybe he's not
in his office right now.

Maybe he's sitting somewhere
in a car with a gun.

Or maybe he's in a phone booth.

It was Rivera who called, wasn't it?

Wasn't it?
Yes.

You told him to come here! And
then you went to unlock the door.

Well, he's not going
to find me here.

Or you.

Get your coat.

Mommy!

Mommy!

Go to him.

Stay there, darling.
I'm coming right up.

What is it, darling?

I heard a noise.
It woke me up.

I was frightened.

Oh, you mustn't be frightened.

It was just a bad dream.
That's all.

I wouldn't let anything happen to you.

Boy, it sure was loud for a dream.

Like on Wagon Train.

Well, everything's all right now.
Come on, you go to bed.

Mommy, could I go to sleep
in your room tonight?

All right, dear.

In you go.

Good night, Mommy.

Good night, baby.

Sheila.

Where is he?
Get your coat.

But darling...
I have to get rid of the car.

Hurry!

Wait.

We'll go along the Coast Highway.

I'll drive his car.
You take mine and follow me.

David, I can't drive.

You've got to.

I have to have a way to get back.

But I can't.

I just can't. Sheila, you've got to!

There's no other way.
Come on!

David, I can't!
Go on, get in.

Get in.

Now, look, Sheila,
here's all you have to do.

Now you step on the brake, here,
you release the emergency.

You push this button, D.

This pedal makes the car go...

This one makes it stop.

All you have to do is steer it.

Sheila, the car practically
drives itself.

Now, can you remember all that?

I'll try.

You keep my rear lights in view.

Don't let them out of
your sight for a second.

But David...

Sheila... Sheila, you can do it.

Go on! Move along!

Sheila!

Sheila! Quiet, honey.
Quiet. Quiet, baby.

No wonder Cabot was
able to break my father.

He wouldn't fight like that!

But I will.

I'm not through with you yet!

Is that what you'd call
an idle threat?

No, I meant it.

Meant to kill him?
No, just change his looks a little.

Now, look, son.

Miss Cabot says you broke a
dinner date to work on your tug.

But the night watchman
on the dock says

you drove off a few
minutes after she left.

Now you say...
And I'll say it again.

I was waiting for him outside the Shipping
Association. But he never showed.

Anybody see you there?

When you're gonna push
somebody's face in,

you don't stand
under a street light.

I was next door in a parking lot.

Convenient.

Are you sure you
didn't jump him in his car,

drive him down Highway One

and then nudge him over
into Half Moon Bay?

With a little lead in him for ballast?

It wouldn't have been a bad idea.
I just never thought of it.

You're not sorry he was killed.
You admit that.

What do you want me to do?
Send him a get-well card?

Look, it's all there in that file.

The whole blueprint for squeezing my
father out of the shipping business,

step-by-step, nice and legal and dirty.

And signed by Howard Mason.

How would you feel about the
man who wrecked your father

and left him sucking exhaust
fumes in a locked garage?

How I feel's got nothing to do with it.

Okay! I hated his guts!
But I didn't kill him!

Why not make it easy on
yourself and tell the truth?

That is the truth!

Okay.

You'd better cool off for an hour.

Maybe that'll help your memory.

Come on, son.

Blake.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

My car is downstairs.
I'll drive you back.

I think you'd better run along, Cathy.

Is there anything I can do, Blake?

Shall I get one of the Cabot lawyers?

Don't bother, honey.
Their hearts wouldn't be in it.

Hi, Peter.
Hi, Cath.

Aren't you cold?

No.

Guess what?

Some police are here asking Mommy
questions about Mr. Mason.

That's their job, darling,
to ask questions.

I wish I could ask
somebody some questions.

What?

About this dream I had last night.

You want to hear about it?

Not now, Peter.

Do you know if Mr. Mason
had any relatives in San Francisco?

No.

Did Mr. Mason say anything to you

that suggested his life
might be in danger?

Well, he did tell me that
he had hired a bodyguard.

Can you think of anyone else

who knew he was coming here
to the house last night?

No, but he had no reason
to keep it a secret.

He came to pick up my
proxy for the meeting.

Yes, I know.
We found it in his pocket.

Peter, darling, I told you...

Really, you shouldn't be here.

Gee, Mom.

Will you please do as I ask
and go outside and play?

Okay.

Say, do you know Peter Gunn?

I'm afraid not, sonny.

Some detective.
Doesn't know Peter Gunn.

Even Cobb knows him, he says.

But I've given you all I can right now.

You have to give me
a little more time.

Hey, Cobb.
Hold on a second.

You mind, Petey-boy?

Important business.

I can wait.

There's something I gotta ask you.

Well, later. Okay?

Okay.

I'll get the money in a day or two.

Give me a break, will you?

What time did Mr. Mason leave
here, do you remember?

Yes, 8:15.

Any particular reason why you
should notice the time, Mrs. Cabot?

Well, he looked at his watch

and said that he had to give himself
15 minutes to get downtown.

To the Shipping Association?
Yes.

But Sheila...

Yes, Miss Cabot?

It was later than that
when I spoke to him.

You spoke to him here?

Yes, on the phone.

What time?

I don't know exactly.

I know it was a little later because
I was expecting a call from Blake...

Blake Richards?

Yes.

Yes, he was busy last night, I believe.

I'm sorry, Lieutenant.
I forgot Cathy's call.

Was it important?

Well, five or 10 minutes wouldn't
have made much difference,

except to the man
who was waiting for him.

You got time now, Cathy?

No. I'm sorry, Peter.

All right.
What's on your mind?

Can dreams ever really happen?

I mean, if they're real bad,

can you wake up
and find they're true?

No, darling.

A dream's gone the minute
you open your eyes.

Boy, that's a relief.

Why, did you have a nightmare?

Last night.

It was about Mommy and
Mr. Mason who got himself killed.

He was yelling at her downstairs.
It woke me up.

What was he saying?

I couldn't tell.

But then I heard a shot.

Boy, was it loud.

After you woke up?

I thought so.

But then I called Mommy,
and she came upstairs

and said it was only a dream.

I got to sleep in her room.

Boy, was I scared.

I still am.

There's nothing to be afraid of, Peter.
Dreams can't hurt you.

I guess not.

Hey, Rajah! Come back here!

Tawny.

Did you hear anything
unusual last night?

Unusual?

Like a loud noise, for example,
that might have awakened Peter.

No. I wasn't here last night.

Weren't you off the day before?
Yes.

But Mrs. Cabot was kind enough to
suggest I take last night, too.

Then there was no one in the house?

Only Mrs. Cabot and Peter.

I see.

Why do you ask?

It's nothing.

Doctor Rivera...
Oh, David.

David, this is Cathy.

Yes.

May I come to see you now?

Yes, it's terribly important.

Well, now, Cathy, just what
is it that's so important?

David, I need your help.
There was no one else that I could turn to.

Don't worry.
I'll do anything I can.

I know who killed Howard Mason.

You what?

What should I do?

Who do you think it is?

It's Sheila.

Sheila?

Cathy...

Cathy, do you realize
what you're saying?

It's true. I'm sure of it.

Well, how do you know?

Well, everything, it all adds up.

Sheila arranged for all the
servants to be off last night.

That's never happened before.

Cathy, now surely...

Wait, David!
That isn't all.

I spoke to Howard myself
on the phone at the house

after Sheila told the
police that he'd left.

For heaven's sake, Cathy.

If that's all there is to it...

David, wait.
Listen to me.

Peter was awakened by a shot.

A shot, David.

Sheila told him it was a bad dream.

It wasn't a dream.

David, it was a shot that he heard.

Cathy, there was a bullet hole
in the window of Mason's car.

How can you believe
they killed him in the house?

They?

You said "They," David.

What difference does it make?
She, they, whoever it was.

Why did you say "They," David?

Just to try to make sense
out of what you're saying.

Now, how could a woman by herself
drag a body from the house to the car

and dispose of it
and the car without help?

She couldn't.

Now you're accusing two people.

Who do you suppose the other
person was? Cobb? Tawny?

Peter in a dream.

I know who it was.

You do?

It was her lover.

Sheila?

Sheila with a lover?

Oh, Cathy.
It must have been!

David, I've suspected it for months.

All those shopping trips
with no packages brought home,

nothing delivered!

She was meeting someone.

He must have been the
one who helped her.

For heaven's sake.

What reason could she possibly
have for wanting to kill Mason?

She hated him.

It was almost as though
she were afraid of him.

Afraid of what?

He must have found out
about the other man.

Howard was like that.

Well, he found out
about Blake and me.

These wild, fantastic guesses!

Cathy! Cathy!
It's insane!

Oh, no, David, it isn't.
Please, help me.

Help you what?

Spin a few scraps of unrelated
nonsense into a web

to implicate your mother
in a murder?

She's not my mother.

No, no, no, of course she's not!

She's the woman who
replaced your mother,

and that's something you've never
forgiven her for, isn't it, Cathy?

That's why you're so eager to believe she's
guilty of adultery, murder, anything.

No. No.

You're trying to protect the person who
deep down you're afraid did kill Mason.

No, David.
You'll twist the facts.

You'll believe anything to convince
yourself that Sheila is guilty,

because that'll prove
that Blake Richards isn't.

And that's what you really
want to believe, isn't it?

Blake couldn't have done it! Why...

The police are still holding him.

He threatened Mason. Even
he doesn't deny that.

I don't care!

I know Blake didn't do it!

You know!

Just as you know that Sheila
and some unknown lover did!

But it all seemed to fit together.

No, no, no, not all!

You still haven't told me
how they took the body

from the house to Half Moon Bay.

Did they go together in one car?

How did they get back?
Did they hitchhike, or hail a taxi?

Maybe they had two cars.

Of course.

There had to be two cars.
Even you can see that.

Two cars traveling together 25
miles over a treacherous road.

Maybe that's what they did.

Cathy, Sheila doesn't drive.

Come on.
Go home, Cathy.

You see? Peter isn't the only
one who had a bad dream.

David.
What?

Cathy!

I swear by Apollo, the
physician, by Hygeia, Panacea,

and all the gods and goddesses, that
according to my ability and judgment,

I will keep this oath and stipulation

to reckon him
who teaches me this art

equally dear with my parents.

I will follow that system of regimen

which I consider best
for my patients

and abstain from
whatever is injurious

with purity and holiness while I
pass my life and practice my art.

Into whatever houses I enter,

I will go for the
advantage of the sick,

and will abstain from every voluntary
act of mischief and corruption.

I swear I will give no deadly
medicine to anyone if asked,

nor suggest such counsel.

While I continue to keep
this oath inviolate,

may it be granted to me to enjoy
life and the practice of my art,

respected always by all men,

but should I break and violate this
oath, may the opposite be my lot.

You can't go away, not now.

It's the only thing I can do.

But on the phone you said that you had
convinced Cathy that she was wrong.

Yes, but look at us right now.

Every minute we're
together we start to...

Sheila, our nerves are in shreds.
It can only get worse.

We're bound to give ourselves away.

Where will you go?
Zurich?

No, not anymore.

I resigned from the hospital.
I'm giving up my practice.

David, you can't.

Look, it's done.
Let's not talk about it.

Well, what will you do?

I don't know.

Go somewhere and try to put
the pieces back together.

Sheila...

Sheila, we'll find each other again.

As soon as this has died down...

Darling...

Darling, I'll send for you.

But you see, right now...

All right, David.

Whatever you say.

Stop running!

Mommy.

Cobb just drove back from Seal
Rock in 12-and-a-half minutes!

Boy, I bet that's a world's record!

I'm sure it is.

Peter, you mustn't disturb
your mother and Dr. Rivera.

I'm not disturbing them.

I'm just talking to them.

You're right, Peter. When Cobb breaks
a record, people should hear about it.

Don't you have
something for your mother?

Oh, yeah.

It was in the mail box. I must
have missed it this morning.

I'll read it to you, Mommy.

Well...
Please?

This one's easy.
It's printed.

"Dear Mrs. Cabot,

"my congratulations on the
success of your second venture."

Thank you, darling.

What does "venture" mean, Mommy?

Come along, Peter.

Well, what does it mean, Tawny?

I am sorry that I had to break
in on your evening, Mr. Corbin.

I'm glad to be of service, Miss Cabot.

Shall I drive you home?

No, we'll be all right.
But thank you.

It's a pleasure.
Good luck, Mr. Richards.

Thank you, sir.

Good night.
Good night.

Free air. I never knew
you could actually taste it.

Drink in all you can.

It's the end of the supply.

That sounds like a threat.

It is.

You're getting married.

Anybody I know?

Funny.

When's all this supposed to happen?

As soon as the law allows.

Let's go in and ask them.

That's why we're getting
married, mister.

So I can keep you
out of places like this.

Okay. Come on home,

and I'll get cleaned up and then I'll
take you out for a wedding breakfast,

champagne and all.

Breakfast?

We're not married yet.

Now, look, honey, if you're
gonna stand on ceremony,

then the whole deal's off.

Have some coffee, darling.
I can't.

Well, you really
should have something.

Stop pretending
we're normal people.

In front of others we have to,

but when we're alone
let's not kid each other.

Look at that letter.
No stamp, no postmark.

Whoever wrote it is close enough
to drop it in your mailbox

in broad daylight.

Sheila. What is it?

Have you fired Cobb?

No. Why?

Look.

Get him up here.

No, David.
No, we can't.

Do as I say.

Tell him you want him.

Don't let him know he was seen.

Yes?

Of course, ma'am. I'll just pop into
my jacket and I'll be up in ajiffy.

David, we can't get involved
in any more killing.

We have to find out.

What else can we do?

We've gone too far
to turn back now.

Listen to me, darling.

If he were going to expose us,

he would have gone
to the police already.

So it could only be
money that he's after.

As long as we satisfy
him, he'll be quiet.

Do you know what it means to sit
and wait for a blackmailer?

We'd be together.

Sure, sure.

One day at a time.

That's more than
we've ever had.

Then one day he writes
his final letter, to the police.

Here he comes.

Darling, promise me you won't do
anything until we're certain.

Until we've decided together.

Good evening, ma'am.
Doctor.

No sickness in the house, I hope.

Nothing serious, Cobb.

Cobb, were you leaving just now?

Leaving, ma'am?

Why would I do that?

Weren't you putting
some suitcases in the car?

Oh, yes, the suitcases.

And that usually does
indicate a trip, doesn't it?

Were you intending
to take the car as well?

No, ma'am, only as
far as the bus station.

Then you were leaving.

Mrs. Cabot, I'm going to
throw myself on your mercy.

The truth of the matter is

that the money you gave me to pay
the Central Garage last month

went to pay my bookmaker.

It's fearful how many horses
lately have proved unreliable.

You should be getting
a hot letter from the garage

about the money any day.

So, I figured I'd better skip and
save you the embarrassment.

There's no reason for that, Cobb.

I'm sure Mrs. Cabot could arrange
for you to work off the amount.

Maybe she still can.

I'm afraid that's no
longer possible, Doctor.

Why not?
Well, you see,

besides the money I owe Mrs. Cabot,
which I intend to pay back,

there's still quite a bundle
I owe the bookmakers.

And if I stayed, I might be picked
up in a dark alley one night.

It's a prospect that's been
disturbing my slumber.

All things considered, ma'am,

I'd appreciate it if you would
regard this as my resignation.

Oh, Cobb...
Yes, Doctor?

On the 21st, the night
of Mr. Cabofs funeral,

did you happen to use the car?

Well, l...

Without Mrs. Cabot's permission?

No indeed, sir.

Where were you that night?
Do you remember?

Yes, sir. In my room. Couple
of hours of TV, then to bed.

I see. And tonight,
where were you heading?

South.

That's still my plan, Doctor.

I feel I could do well in Los Angeles.

I suppose it would be a bit unrealistic

to hope that you would
write me a reference?

Well, I really don't see how I...

Emphasizing my skill at the wheel

and skimming lightly
over my moral character?

I think Cobb has learned
his lesson, Mrs. Cabot.

You have my word on it, ma'am.

Very well.

Mighty decent of you
to help, Doctor. Thank you.

It's all right, it's all right.

Look, I have some
friends in Los Angeles.

One of them might be
looking for a good driver.

Would you be interested?

Indeed I would.
Fine. Well...

Here, write your name
and where you'll be staying.

I'll let you know.

Thank you, Doctor.

I won't forget you for this.

All right.

Just to make sure it's legible,
maybe you'd better print it.

Print it? Surely.

It...

It just occurs to me, Doctor,
I have no place to call my own.

I'll send it along later,

if that's all right with you?
Fine, fine.

I'm sure an expert driver like yourself
won't have any trouble finding a job.

Tell your friends, never an
accident in 12 years at the wheel.

And not just loafing along, mind you.

Wasn't a car on the road could
pass me if I didn't want him to.

So I've heard from Peter.

Well, that's youngsters for you.

The faster I went, the
better Petey liked it.

I remember he said you made it
from the cemetery to the garage,

that's the day of the funeral,
in 20 minutes?

Being a boy,
he's inclined to exaggerate.

Twenty-two minutes.

Well, that's good enough.

Fair.

And that night,

two hours and 10 minutes,
back from Carmel?

Two hours even.

You lied about that night.

I was only...
You were in Carmel.

Yes, but...
You mailed a letter!

No.
You're lying!

No, I'm not lying!
I want the truth!

That is the truth!

You did mail a letter, didn't you?
No, sir!

David, don't.
What were you doing there?

My regular job, chauffeuring!

Then you drove someone, huh?

Yes! But...
Who was it?

I promised...
Who was it?

For God's sake, Doctor.
David!

Who did you drive to Carmel?

It was...

It was Mrs. Cabot!

Sheila...

It's impossible.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Cabot.

Get out, Cobb.
He forced it out of me.

David, I wrote those letters,
but because I...

Sheila...

It isn't possible.

I wanted to tell you
a thousand times.

And I was going to as soon as we...

David, look at me.

In God's name,

what possessed you?

I felt I was losing you,

and I had to find some
way to keep you with me.

Losing me?
After the way Matt died?

But you had changed.

You avoided me.

You kept making excuses.

Poor Howard Mason.

An innocent round of
golf at Pebble Beach.

No. No, he knew about us.
He practically said so.

David, I tried to stop it!
Honest, ltried, but...

He would've destroyed us.
You didn't know him.

But this last letter.

But you were going away.

Last night when you
phoned about Cathy,

I could hear it in your voice.

I wouldn't have let Peter
open that letter

if I could have made you stay.

I'd have torn it up, I swear it.

All I wanted was to be with you.

But I told you I'd send for you.

No, David.

No, you wouldn't.

You'd have forgotten
about everything,

everything except Matt.

A car going over a cliff...

And everything that's happened
to you from the day you met me.

David, don't go away from me.

Don't hate me.

Hate you?

How can I?

You're all I have left.

I've killed twice,

I'd kill again.

God help me.

My darling!
My darling!

It's all right, darling.
It's all right.

It's all behind us now.

We'll go away.
That's what we'll do.

We'll make a new life together,

somewhere,

somehow.

If only we could!

We can, darling.
We can.

Nobody knows about Mason,

or about Matt.

Or about us.

We're free, Sheila.
We're free.

Nobody knows.

Nobody.

Cathy.

David!

Cathy, put down the phone.

Don't call anybody.

Cathy. Cathy, wait.

Please, just listen to me.
Please!

Don't run away.

Please, Cathy.

Oh, Cathy, I'm not gonna hurt you.

Oh, Cathy.

Cathy, you're my friend.

You've got to understand.

You see...

You see, Mason had to be killed.

Cathy!

Wait, Cathy!

Cathy, you're so young.

You don't realize what love is.

You see...

You see, Sheila and I...

Well, we love each other.

Some day you'll know
what that means.

Please.

We had to do what we did.

David!

It's no use.

I've got to make her understand.
Cathy!

Cathy!

Cathy!

Cathy! Cathy!

Cathy!

Blake!

Blake!

Blake!

Cathy, don't!

Cathy!

Cathy.

Cathy, please.
Please come back.

Cathy.
Cathy, please.

Cathy.

Give me your hand.
Cathy. Please.

Blake!

Please come back!
Cathy!

Blake!

Please, I'm not gonna hurt you.

Cathy.

Cathy.

Cathy!

Cathy...
David!

David, don't!

No!

Oh, Sheila!