The Second Woman (1950) - full transcript

"Today I looked upon the

cliff where Hill Top stood."

"I can still see its hanging roofs

against the cypress trees."

"But Hill Top is no more."

"There's only a scar of jutting rock .."

"Where once its windows

glittered in the California sun."

"My aunt Amelia's house

still stands next door."

"I was a welcome guest

within its walls."

"But to me it will always

be a house of fear."

"I was afraid that Sunday

morning in September."

"I was afraid before the doorbell rang."

[ Door knocks ]

Morning, Ellen.

- Morning, Major.

Hello, Amelia. Where is he?

Where's Cohalan?

Jeff? Why? What's wrong?

It's a wonder you weren't

murdered in your bed.

Dr Harvey told me this morning.

He won't stay in this house another day.

What is it, Major? What's the matter?

- It's alright. Amelia.

I'll handle it. Where's his room?

- There.

Just leave this to me.

I'll take care of Cohalan.

Cohalan.

Cohalan. Are you in there?

He's gone.

He can't be. He said last night ..

Well, I mean he must

be around somewhere.

I'll search the place

from top to bottom.

Would anyone mind telling me

what this excitement is about?

You've been harboring a dangerous man.

A man who has ..

It will be fairer to Jeff to wait until

we find him so he can speak for himself.

By all means find him. But where?

Suppose I look in the garage

and see if his car is still there?

Just what did Dr Hartley tell you?

Jeff. Jeff, are you in there?

Jeff.

Jeff, are you alright? Major Badger.

Hurry up.

What's the matter?

We must get him out in the air. Amelia.

Amelia. Call for an ambulance.

- Yes I will.

Come on, Ellen. I got his shoulders.

Grab his legs. Get him out in the air.

Jeff.

"If only I had listened to the doctor."

"If you had only listened

to him on the train."

"There was something wrong even then.

Something terribly wrong."

"I should have seen it in your

eyes the first time we met."

Hello Jeff.

Hell, Doc.

A patient in Los Angeles?

Or were you just doing the town?

A medical dinner at

The Biltmore last night.

What have you been up to?

I spent a couple of days

at the general hospital.

Those dizzy spells again?

Nothing too serious I hope.

When I need a doctor

I'll come to see you.

I was getting some technical stuff at

the veteran's hospital I'm working on.

Didn't I hear somewhere that

Ben Sheppard donated the land for it?

That's right.

Join me in a cup of coffee?

No thanks. I've just had breakfast.

- I'll see you later then.

Jeff.

- Yes?

I don't like those recurring

periods of depression of yours.

Why don't you come in and

let me give you a check-up?

One of these days.

Good morning.

Good morning, sir.

How about a little breakfast?

Start me off with some black coffee.

- Yes, sir.

May I?

Yes.

Oh. Sorry.

Go ahead. Throw it.

I just saved the train

from being wrecked.

By throwing salt over your shoulder?

No. By showing proper respect

for the powers of darkness.

Powers of darkness.

What have we here? A disbeliever?

Let's see what the tea

leaves say about you.

Your coffee, sir.

Thank you.

A trick my grandmother taught me.

She learned it from an

old witch in Ireland.

And so you have been

drinking coffee ever since?

That is beside the point.

I see your name scribbled

on the bottom of the cup.

It starts with an 'L' doesn't it?

It does not.

- But it does.

Tea leaves never lie.

I see it now. 'L'.

'N'.

Your name is 'Ellen'.

Isn't it?

- Yes.

You'll not be so quick

to scoff now, will you.

Now let's see where you're from.

I see a large body of water. Not so big

as an ocean but the next thing to it.

Now what could that be?

Lake Superior.

The largest lake in America.

Then you're from Lake Superior?

- From Minnesota.

Now we'll go into your destination.

It's Pinecliff of course or you

wouldn't be on this train.

But where in Pinecliff?

I see here an old woman

and the letter 'A'.

Now let me see.

The old woman is standing in the garden

and she's talking to her neighbor.

'So you go to the city', she says.

'What train will you be coming back on?'

'Saturday's train', he says.

'Then you have a pleasant

companion', she says.

'For my niece Ellen is coming to visit

me and she'll be on Saturday's train'.

You see, the tealeaves never lie.

And neither to the teabags.

'How will I know her'? I said to Amelia.

Oh, sure enough.

Look around the parlor car

and the prettiest girl there ..

That will be Ellen Foster.

You are a real Irishman, aren't you.

You've obviously kissed

the blarney stone.

'Kissed it?' she says.

'I wear it on my watch fob'.

And just from what part

of Ireland do you come?

Flatbush.

Morning, Sue.

- Morning, Mr Cohalan.

Mr Sheppard here yet?

- He's in his office.

Thank you.

I think this would be an ideal site

for the beach club, don't you Keith?

Yes. It certainly would, Ben.

Busy, Ben?

- Come right in, Jeff.

We bring the road in here and divide

this section into 2-acre lots.

Hold this area for the golf course.

Hi, Ben.

Hello Jeff. How was the trip?

- Fine, thank you.

I bought you a little present

while I was in Los Angeles.

I found it in an antique shop.

- Hiya, Jeff.

Ferris.

It's a map of an old Spanish land grant.

Say, that is an antique.

It's the Ybarra Territory.

My grandmother's grandfather.

He lived right there.

That was before California

was a state, wasn't it Ben?

It certainly was.

I keep forgetting how long

your family has lived here.

Only since 1820.

Come in.

Pardon me, Mr Sheppard.

- What is it, Mack?

Sue said you were in here.

Did you take any blueprints

when you went to the city?

No. Why?

- The rear elevations are missing.

They can't be.

I put them in a file on Thursday.

They're not there now.

They must be.

Well, we'll look for them.

See you later, Ben.

Thanks for the map, Jeff.

Glad you like it.

Jeff seems to be getting awfully

absent-minded lately, doesn't he.

The boy works too hard.

Maybe so but ..

Say, that's quite a map, isn't it.

- It's a beauty.

Look. Here is our beach.

That is the old Spanish name for it:

Costa Del Rey.

'The coast of kings'.

[ Dog barking ]

Down, mister. Down.

Don't be afraid of him.

He won't hurt you.

Well.

I hope he didn't tear your coat.

- No. It's ..

It's alright.

I don't know what happened.

He never barks at people.

He seemed to think I was an intruder.

Oh yes.

Of course. That must be it.

Is this a private beach?

Oh no.

It's just that there was someone who

used to sun here beside this rock.

I'll forgive him this time.

I must say you own very particular dogs.

I don't own them exactly. They own me.

Shamrock and Mr O'Grady.

Mr O'Grady?

Isn't that an odd name

for a German Shepherd?

Well it's Herr Von Gradenstein

on his papers. I translated.

Well, I guess I ought to go home.

I'll walk along with you.

What an amazing house.

Don't you like it?

Yes.

I think I do.

It looks as if it has wings.

As if it could take off

and fly across the sea.

That's the effect I strived

for when I built it.

You built it?

It's my house.

It certainly belongs exactly

where it is, doesn't it.

Yes. I think the house ought to

blend with its environment.

If it's built in a valley it should

cross between trees.

If it's on top of a hill it

ought to be part of the sky.

As soon as I put Shamrock

up I'll walk along with you.

It's nice of you to insist.

Isn't it.

I'm beginning to like your

house more and more.

You can't take it all in at

the first glance, can you.

No.

It's like some people that way I guess.

You have to know them awhile.

Like you for instance?

Yes. I suppose that's true of me too.

We don't have houses

like that in Minnesota.

Do you mind if I take

a closer look at it?

I thought you said you were late.

- Another ten minutes won't matter.

May I go in?

Why, of course.

Well.

I just don't know what to say.

Do you care for a drink?

- Thank you.

Sherry alright?

- Yes.

What an unusual picture.

By Fidel Lopez the Mexican modernist.

Thank you. What is it called?

It doesn't have a name.

What does it suggest to you?

Well.

It's not real.

But then it's not not-real either.

It might be a garden in a dream.

It might be.

Or she's dreaming of a girl

who belongs in a garden.

That's pretty good.

And then she became more

important than the garden.

And perhaps that's why

she is out of proportion.

Perhaps she did.

Perhaps that's why a woman gets

out of proportion to a man.

I really don't know anything

about modern art.

There isn't anything to know about it.

It's like music.

Its form doesn't have to copy

nature to please the senses.

Or does it?

We were talking about art.

I was talking about figures. Are you

interested in them? I have a Scilliano.

You have a what?

- A Scilliano.

An Italian sculptor. I bought one

of his porcelains with my first fee.

Would you like to see it?

- Yes, I would. Where is it?

Over by the window.

Come on, I'll show it to you.

This is my good-luck charm.

It is called Poh Tai.

The Chinese Goddess of chance.

Scilliano always ..

Jeff. I'm terribly sorry.

Can it be mended?

No. It's beyond mending.

Well, aunt Amelia may

be worrying about me.

I suppose I should go home.

Yes. I suppose you should.

Goodbye.

Hello, Miss Foster.

Is aunt Amelia here?

I didn't see her go out.

Ellen.

- Hello, aunt Amelia.

Were you afraid I was lost?

- No. I'm sure you can handle yourself.

But it was getting late.

I was afraid you had forgotten the

dance at the country club tonight.

Of course not.

I just ran into Mr Cohalan on the beach.

And I stopped by his house

for a glass of sherry.

You were inside Hill Top?

Yes.

You don't disapprove, do you?

After all, I am a little old

to need a chaperone.

But no-one has ever been

inside Hill Top before.

No-one?

- Except Jeff.

That's funny.

He built it for his bride.

Then there is a .. 'Mrs Cohalan'?

No. Vivian was killed the

night before the wedding.

How awful.

Aunt Amelia.

Yes, dear?

What was she like?

- Vivian?

She was the most beautiful girl

you ever laid your eyes on.

She was Ben Sheppard's daughter.

- Ben Sheppard?

Ben owns most of Pinecliff.

That's why it was such a perfect match.

Jeff was a prot?g?e of his.

More like a son.

And when he fell in love with

Vivian, Ben was delighted.

Of course, he adored Vivian.

Especially after her mother ..

I shouldn't talk about her mother.

It was ..

It was such a scandal. Poor Ben.

Aunt Amelia.

You said that Vivian

Sheppard was killed.

Was it ..?

- It was an accident.

Jeff told Ben it was bad luck to

have a party before the wedding.

But Ben insisted.

There were so many people there.

Jeff and Vivian stole

away in her car and ..

Five minutes later she was dead.

In a collision at 12-Mile Drive.

You never can tell what private

tragedies people have had, can you.

I mean, when you first meet them.

He seemed so ..

Light-hearted on the train.

He can be that way sometimes.

And the next minute he is strange.

Like never inviting people

into his home and ..

Never mentioning Vivian's name.

I tell you one thing. We've been worried

about Jeff, the way he's been acting.

How would you expect him

to act after a shock like that?

Seeing the woman he loved

killed right in front of his eyes.

It's a wonder he didn't

go out of his mind.

Don't get so excited, dear.

- I am sorry.

And don't get too interested

in Jeff Cohalan.

There are other attractive

men in Pinecliff.

Men who want ..

- Men who want what out of me?

Well. After all, he's had a

bit of tragedy in his life.

And it's only a year ago.

Hadn't we had better get dressed?

Yes.

Well.

How about taking a look at a

great big California moon, huh?

I can see it through the window.

What I had in mind was

a personally escorted tour.

Think of my reputation, Mr Ferris.

I am thinking of it.

New girl in town seen walking

with me in the moonlight.

The stag line will rush you.

I've never encouraged stag nights.

There's no future in them.

In that case, we will ..

Just sneak out quietly, huh?

No thank you.

Thank you but no.

It's a cold climate in Minnesota.

Yes. Isn't it.

Let's go down to the bar and talk.

I see you know our local hero.

A charming fellow.

Yes. He is.

I suppose you've fallen madly in

love with him. Everybody else does.

Except you, Mr Ferris.

- I think he is just ducky.

Did you children enjoy your dance?

- It was just ducky.

Keith, sit down and have a drink.

- Thank you. I would like to.

Hello, Amelia.

- Hello, hello.

Welcome home, dodo.

- Thank you.

Evening, Major.

- My niece Ellen Foster.

This is Mrs Ferris, dear.

- How do you do.

And Dr Hartley.

- Yes. We met on the train.

My name is Ferris too.

You I know.

A waltz, Major. Now you two stay here

and don't you move it until we get back.

The only dance I know is the waltz.

Would you risk it with me?

I'd love to, Dr Hartley.

How are things at the separation center?

Did you have a good time?

Reno was delightful.

I received my discharge

papers yesterday.

You'll get your copy in the mail.

That calls for celebration, doesn't it?

It certainly does.

In that case I take you to

the bar and buy you a drink.

Oh, really?

Come now. We're civilised people.

Aren't we?

Well.

I guess it can't do any harm.

And I think it ought to be a lot of fun.

Now that we're not married anymore.

What do you think your chances are?

Ben, I've built more hospitals in

the south Pacific in one year ..

Than an average architect

will see in a lifetime.

The only competition I'm worried

about is Talbot & Talbot.

Not that I can't compete professionally

but they seem to know how to play the ..

Political side of it.

That won't count here.

I hope not.

Anyhow, I'm indebted

to you for a crack at it.

I merely suggest that they invite

a local architect to submit plans.

Jeff, you're looking pretty seedy.

Sure you're not working too hard?

It's been a pretty hectic week, Ben.

But we finished up tonight.

The plans are all wrapped ready

for mailing in the morning.

Hello, Ben. You old darling.

Hello Dodo.

- Hello Jeff.

There's an admirer of yours

looking for you upstairs.

Who's that?

A girl by the name of Foster.

You seem to have made quite a score.

Aren't you speaking to me, Jeff?

- Certainly, Dodo. How are you?

Fine.

Are congratulations in order?

They certainly are.

We're celebrating the new freedom.

See you later.

Bye.

I think I'll go upstairs, Ben. It is ..

It's getting a little crowded down here.

Too long?

- I'm completely exhausted.

What is that song?

Do you know?

It's called ..

'Don't forget me'.

I remember.

They played it a lot last year.

Yes. They played it last fall.

Is something the matter?

No.

I didn't eat my dinner. I just should

not drink on an empty stomach.

Excuse me.

Here, Butch.

Such a little animal and yet he's

got an appetite as big as mine.

Well. Jeff doesn't answer.

Maybe he left early.

But he looked so worried last night.

Supposing he's ill and there's

no-one to take care of him?

After all, dear Jeff is a big boy now.

How nice. We are invited

to Ben's fiesta next week.

He gives one every year.

I think I'll walk over and

make sure he's alright.

Who, Ben?

Oh, you mean Jeff?

Jeff.

What is wrong?

Look at his right front leg.

It's shattered.

Poor Shamrock.

I hate to have to destroy him.

How did it happen?

I don't know.

I don't know how it could have happened.

You'd better wait for me outside.

[ Gunshot! ]

Did you see which way he went?

- Who?

The man.

- What man?

He was hiding in the bushes.

Didn't you see him?

- No.

I only saw some branches move.

That is all.

I've never seen lovelier roses.

What are they called?

Matador, I believe. They grow

on the bush out on the terrace.

Matador?

Of course. After the color

of the bullfighter's cape.

Or the bull's blood.

Jeff.

I am so sorry about Shamrock.

Ellen.

You had better go now.

You aren't safe with me.

Do you understand?

Suppose I don't want to be safe?

Please go now.

I'll call you later.

Alright, Jeff.

Aunt Amelia.

Hello everybody.

Ben, this is a wonderful party.

Thank you, Amelia.

- Tell me. Have you seen the Major?

Yes. He's right over there.

- Thank you. Excuse me please.

Will you excuse me please?

- Of course.

Thank you.

Major, could tear yourself away

from these charming people?

Come and speak with Mrs Atkins

since she's dying to talk to you.

Go ahead. Tell me.

What does a 'certified

public accountant' do?

Especially a pretty certified

public accountant.

I compile actuarial tables for an

accident and insurance company.

What are the odds against a man

fracturing his arm? That sort of thing.

What are the odds?

90-1 that you won't break

your arm this year.

That is good.

But if you do, it's 2-1 that

it will be the right arm.

Have you noticed that in your practice?

No.

What I noticed is that my patients

have all their fractures ..

Just when I am to sit down to dinner.

Say, you.

Come here. I want to talk to you.

- Si, Se?or?

Didn't I see you around

my place last week?

Me? No, Se?or.

I'm sure I saw you hanging

around my stables.

Me? No, Se?or.

Some other fellow. Not me.

- Just a minute. I am ..

Alright. Go ahead.

I wonder what that was all about.

The morning after the dance I went

over to see if Jeff was alright.

And there was a prowler behind a bush.

Did you see him yourself?

No.

But Jeff did.

Oh?

A cigarette?

Thank you.

Did you ever compile any figures ..

On the incidents of mental diseases

for your insurance company?

No. They weren't on our list.

An interesting subject.

Who is sane and who isn't?

Hard to tell sometimes.

Do you know anything about paranoia?

It's a form of hallucination, isn't it?

Delusions of persecution.

It starts with an inability

to withstand stresses.

When a normal person

experiences misfortune ..

He shrugs it off sooner or later.

But if a person is

psychotic to begin with.

He may start to imagine things.

He might even begin to imagine

there's a conspiracy against him.

That's when he gets dangerous.

Do you have a specific case in mind,

doctor? A person that you're treating?

No. It's out of my field. I'm a general

practitioner. Not a psychiatrist.

Se?or doctor.

- Yes.

Lady call on telephone. Very sick.

You come right away?

- Did you get the address?

Si, Se?or.

Thank you.

Forgive me please.

- Of course.

Are you sure, Jeff?

Ben. I'm positive it was the same man.

I'll talk to him if you want me to but

you know how it is with those fellows.

They all look alike if

you don't know them.

Maybe you are right, Ben.

Excuse me, honey.

I'll be back in a while.

Certainly.

Because the rest of the committee feel

a local architect should have the job.

Ben. May I see you a moment?

- Surely.

Excuse me, Jeff.

- Certainly.

Well, well. If it isn't

Miss Icicle from Minnesota.

Good evening, Mr Ferris.

- Call me Keith.

It was nice of you to

find this secluded spot.

Are you always this way

when you've been drinking?

This prim-and-proper business

didn't fool me for a minute.

I spotted you the first night.

- Don't.

You don't have to pretend, honey.

Just relax and enjoy it.

Stop it.

Are you kidding?

Jeff.

Hello, Galahad.

Been playing peeping-Tom?

Get out.

Don't be ridiculous. As I said ..

- Do you mind leaving us alone?

Jeff, please ..

- I want a few words with him.

Privately.

If I ever catch you around Ellen

again I'll run you out of Pinecliff.

Galahad, you frighten me.

I'm warning you. I mean it.

Keep away from her.

I know too much about you.

- So what?

You never open your mouth.

That's the beauty of it.

It's your story and

you're stuck with it.

I don't have to open my mouth.

I can close yours.

What you two arguing about?

What does anyone ever

argue about? Politics.

Oh, politics.

Keith, will you do me a favor?

Dr Hartley had to leave

on an emergency call.

Will you see that Dodo gets home?

She has a headache.

I'd be glad to.

Ben, don't you think I'd better do it?

- Look, I pay her alimony.

I'll take her home.

It was a lovely, lovely party, darling.

- Glad you enjoyed it.

You are sure I can trust you

to take her straight home?

The car knows the way all by itself.

Goodnight then.

Ben.

- Yes?

It may be a good idea to

keep an eye on Jeff tonight.

See that he doesn't drink any more.

He was getting a little ..

A little out of control.

- Thanks, Keith.

I'll watch him.

- Goodnight.

Still cutting the last stroke I see.

An inch at a time.

Every little bit helps.

Helps what?

Or is it just meanness on your part?

Don't be stupid.

Ben hasn't any heirs, has he.

All that money and not

even a second cousin.

Suppose he should take a notion to leave

it all to Cohalan. Where would I be?

Out on my ear the day

after the will was filed.

You don't think he'll

leave it to you, do you?

No.

No. I am voting for charity.

Keith Ferris as

administrator of the estate.

What would you think of a ..

Of a Vivian Sheppard foundation?

For something or other.

That turns even my stomach.

You were in the cavalry,

weren't you Major?

Well, I'd like to ask you a question.

Can a horse break

its leg in its own stall?

What's that?

You think it's a chance in a million.

No.

I was just computing the odds on an

accident that happened last week.

Well, thank you very much

for the information, Major.

Goodnight.

[ Dog howling ]

[ Dog howling ]

Ellen.

Jeff.

- What are you doing here?

I heard the dog howling.

- I heard it too.

Could you tell where it came from?

No.

It's around here someplace.

But I cannot locate it.

Jeff, listen.

What's the matter, mister?

He has gone.

Oh, Jeff.

Well.

That's about all we can do tonight.

Jeff.

I want to talk to you.

Not now.

Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude but I'm

just not in the mood for conversation.

You have to listen. It is important.

Let's go up to the house.

Alright. Let's have it.

I talked to Major Badger tonight.

He can't understand how Shamrock

could break his leg in his own stall.

He hasn't anything on me.

I can't understand it either.

Must be just bad luck.

- Don't call it luck, Jeff.

What would you call it?

I'm not sure.

A few days ago.

This rose was on your Matador bush.

It was alive and beautiful.

Now it is dead.

Was that bad luck or cause and effect?

You picked it so it died.

I didn't pick it. The whole bush

died overnight for no reason.

There must be a reason.

There's always a reason for everything.

Is there?

Maybe you can give me a reason for this?

You take a good look at it.

It looks different.

Is it the way the light hits it?

It isn't the light. It's the colors.

Look at it again.

I see what you mean.

They have faded, haven't they.

All the light has gone out of it.

Your rosebush dies.

Your painting fades.

But.

Have you ever had a

common ordinary fall, Jeff?

What do you mean?

65 percent of all accidents are falls.

Falls down a flight of steps.

Falls out of a tree. Falls off a ladder.

Or in a bathtub.

But nothing of that sort ever

happens to you. It's too ordinary.

Your kind of accident has to be unique.

- What are you driving at?

Your bad luck Jeff is a

little too bad to be true.

Your porcelain figure fell off the

table while nobody was in the house.

Shamrock broke his leg while he was in

his own stall. Now your picture fades.

It is too bizarre, Jeff.

The impossible can happen

but not over and over again.

Are you saying they didn't happen?

No. They happened alright.

But it wasn't luck.

Can't you see the pattern that

runs through all your accidents?

Shamrock, Mr O'Grady, your picture,

your statue, you rosebush.

The collision on the highway last year.

That is when it all began.

Six accidents and every one of

them killed something you loved.

Do you know what the mathematical

odds are against a run like that?

A billion to one.

Are you telling me they

weren't accidents at all?

No. I'm trying to say that lightning can

strike twice in the same place, Jeff.

But not six times.

You mean you think that ..

All of these things have been ..

Planned by someone?

Someone who hates you

and is trying to destroy you.

Who could it be, Jeff?

I don't know.

- We'll find out.

We'll go back to the beginning,

to the night that Vivian was killed.

We'll talk to the policeman

who reported the accident.

We'll find the garage

they took the car to.

We'll ask a thousand questions about

the accident and about Vivian.

Ellen.

Tomorrow we look for witnesses.

- Ellen.

The ambulance driver may remember.

I'll find him and talk to him.

You won't talk to anyone.

- Why? Why won't I?

I don't want you to.

- But, Jeff.

Listen to me.

I don't want you asking questions.

You won't investigate anything.

This is my affair.

I'll handle it in my own way.

I was only trying to help you.

Now you've let me know where I stand.

You don't want any help from me.

Alright then. Do it your own way.

Ellen, listen to me.

Just don't let any black

cats cross your path.

If you see a horseshoe, pick it up, spit

on it and throw it over your shoulder.

That ought to take care of everything.

Ellen.

[ Door knocks ]

Come in.

Hello, aunt Amelia.

You didn't tell me goodnight, dear.

- I am sorry.

Is anything wrong?

No. There isn't anything wrong.

There isn't anything right either.

I saw you come home.

You were at Jeff's again, weren't you.

Yes.

I don't want you to think

I'm an old busybody. But ..

I am all the family that you have and ..

It would help if you talked to someone.

What is there to talk about?

He doesn't love me. He never will.

He's in love with a memory.

I tried to warn you to be sensible.

Sensible?

I love him.

I've got to help him if I can.

Whether he likes it or not.

I know.

Goodnight, dear.

Goodnight, aunt Amelia.

[ Telephone ]

Hello?

- "Hello, Jeff?"

Yes, Ellen.

"I took your painting to an art shop."

You did what?

I found out some very

important information.

If you come over tonight

I'll tell it to you.

No. I can't tell you now.

Look.

I thought you understood I was going

to handle this in my own way.

Don't argue, Jeff. Just come on over.

Goodbye.

Well.

What do you think?

It's hard to understand why it's faded.

The artist didn't use pen colors.

He didn't even use tempera.

There must be a reason.

I would say this was painted

with London watercolor.

That is the best you can get.

Nothing fades them except ..

Continuous exposure to strong

sunlight for at least a month.

That is impossible.

I can't imagine what caused it.

I'll tell you what I can do.

I can talk to a couple

of artists I know.

They might have an idea.

I think my best bet is

to go and see Trilby.

He's a watercolor man.

He is one of the best.

He ought to know everything about it.

I think I can catch him

tomorrow morning.

You know Trilby?

The naturalist.

He paints dogs and horses and cows.

For my wife, he did a beautiful ..

Thanks very much. Sorry to trouble you.

- No trouble at all.

Miss Foster.

- Yes?

I just remembered something.

Years ago I framed some pictures

for a painter by the name of Taurez.

Vincent? Taurez.

One of the paintings was an old lady.

Playing the guitar. It was a watercolor.

- And it faded?

The man who bought the picture

took sunlamp treatment that winter.

And he took it on a couch.

Right under the painting and he

was mystified why the color faded.

So Vincent? found out that the rays from

the sunlamp broke down the pigment.

Can you remember the name of

the man who owned that picture?

I don't think I ever knew.

It was a local man.

What about the artist?

Is he still in Pinecliff?

Taurez?

He died. Five years ago.

Oh.

Thank you again.

Very strange.

Have you told anybody else about this?

- Of course not.

But someone in Pinecliff knows you

can fade the colors of a painting ..

By turning a sunlamp on it.

If we can find out who

owns that picture, Jeff.

The one of the woman with the guitar.

- What would it prove?

If somebody wants to destroy a painting.

There must be a hundred

easier ways of doing it.

That's not all.

Read this.

Arsenic?

In the soil underneath the matador bush.

I dug it out this morning.

Enough arsenic to burn

out the whole root system.

It did not get there by accident, Jeff.

Someone put it there.

Someone who knows

how to poison a rosebush.

Or a dog.

Or a man's life.

Would you really like to help me?

- You know I would.

Then forget it.

Forget it all.

But there was poison in the root system.

The chemist told me.

- You never saw the chemist.

You never heard of a portrait

of an old woman with a guitar.

Do you understand?

No.

No. I don't understand.

Jeff.

Jeff!

Your house. Look out the window.

I saw it from upstairs.

- What?

It's burning.

Sorry. We won't be able

to save much, Mr Cohalan.

The fire got too big a start on us.

Everybody stand back please.

Out of the way please.

Hello Jeff.

A lovely fire, isn't it?

You know, you can see it for miles.

I jumped right in my car and drove over.

I wouldn't have missed it for anything.

I am so sorry, Jeff.

Such a beautiful house.

I'm glad it's gone.

Be sure to tell Jeff that he's welcome

to stay with us as long as he likes.

No. He hasn't come in all day.

"Did you try his apartment?"

Yes, I did. But he left the

house early this morning.

Wait a second. Here he is now.

"Good. Have him come right in."

Mr Sheppard wants to see you.

So I hear.

He'll be right in.

Thank you.

He is here now, Stacy.

Hello Ben.

I didn't mean to keep you waiting.

- Quite alright, Jeff.

So sorry about what happened last night.

- I know you are. Thanks.

I wouldn't bother you about anything

ordinarily but Mr Rogers came to town.

Stacy Rogers.

Chair of the hospital committee.

Of course. Hello.

- Glad to know you.

This is the Jeff Cohalan

I recommended to you.

Yes. We examined your plans

last night, Mr Cohalan.

Good, clean modern lines.

- Thank you.

I am sorry we couldn't give you the job.

You couldn't what?

- I was just about to tell you, Ben.

We decided on Talbot & Talbot.

You did?

This is a surprise, Stacy.

Which was it, Mr Rogers?

Politics or stupidity?

I beg your pardon?

If they'd given it to McGruder or

Chesney & Pike I wouldn't say a word.

Because I know the boys would have

gotten a good, modern hospital.

Talbot & Talbot haven't had a new idea

since Burnham did the Flatiron Building.

Take it easy, Jeff.

They're not architects.

They are political finaglers.

Maybe you can tell me just one detail in

their plan that was superior to mine?

Name just one.

Young man. Your attitude

does not deserve a reply.

Since you're a friend of

Mr Sheppard's I'll say to you.

That no member of the board,

myself included ..

Could understand how

a reputable architect.

Would submit his design

for an important building.

With no interior detail whatsoever.

No detail?

There were 17 blueprints

of the interior.

Right down to placements of the

operating tables and surgeries.

You may have drawn them, young man.

But you didn't send them to us.

There were no interior details?

None at all.

Could they have been misplaced

somewhere in your office?

Not possibly.

The sealed packages are opened

in the presence of the entire board.

Maybe you misplaced them, Jeff.

You know how absent-minded you've been.

Suppose we find duplicates.

Would the board be able to reconsider?

That's impossible. The contract

has already been awarded.

This is quite a shock, Stacy.

I felt sure Cohalan would get this job.

I am sorry, Ben.

But you understand my position.

Jeff.

You weren't going home

without me, were you?

Without you?

You told me you'd drop in at 5:30

and drive me home. Remember?

I'm not going home now.

Is anything wrong?

Everything is wrong.

Come on. Let's get out of here.

It is dreadful.

A whole year's work completely wasted.

Typical Cohalan luck.

Don't keep calling it 'luck'.

Suppose someone took the plans from the

office and wrapped the package up again?

Who would do a thing like that?

Keith would. He hates you.

He hates everybody.

There's something twisted inside of him.

It would take a psychiatrist

to explain it.

Then why does Mr Sheppard

keep him on at the office?

He doesn't know what he's like.

Dodo must know.

She acts as though she's

still in love with him.

There are women who love men like Keith.

It would take a psychiatrist

to explain that too.

It's getting kind-of late.

I had better drive you home.

Isn't this near where ..

What did you say?

- Nothing.

Drive faster, will you Jeff.

I want to feel the wind in my face.

Alright.

There you are, Miss Foster.

296 Hall Street.

Fall River Massachusetts.

Thank you very much, Sergeant.

Just one thing more.

The accident happened

on 12-Mile Drive, didn't it?

That's right.

Just three miles from Pinecliff.

Thank you very much.

Planning department.

- "Miss Foster?"

Just a moment please. Miss Foster.

It's for you?

- For me?

Hello?

Miss Foster?

This is Dr Hartley.

"Hello, doctor. How on earth

did you know I was here?"

My office is just across the street.

I saw you go into the police

station as I parked my car.

Are you in trouble, Miss Foster?

In trouble?

Why, no.

I mean not exactly.

I think you had better

drop into my office.

Can you come over right away?

Well, I have a long-distance

phone call to make first.

Just as soon as you complete your call.

Yes.

I think I can come by in

about twenty minutes.

Thank you.

Thank you, Sergeant.

- That's alright.

Miss Foster.

Hello, Dr Hartley.

- Come in. Come in.

I was startled when you telephoned

me at the police station.

I'm very glad I spotted you when I did.

Why did you ask me if I was in trouble?

Well, the fact is ..

I am in rather an awkward position.

But your aunt is getting on in years and

I didn't want to disturb her unduly.

So I thought it best to discuss

this matter with you.

Sit down. Sit down.

- Thank you.

Yes, doctor?

Since I am your aunt's physician.

I feel it's my duty

to inform you that ..

She is not safe.

That neither one of you

is safe for that matter.

So I wanted to get your permission

to speak to your house guest.

To ask him to move to a hotel.

But I don't understand.

What has that to do

with my aunt's safety?

Yes. I was afraid you would ask me that.

The fact is you're forcing me

to take an unethical action.

The man isn't my patient.

And even if he were.

Whatever it is you're trying to say

doctor, why not go ahead and say it?

Yes. You are quite correct.

I'll come to the point.

Let me say that I believe your

house guest Mr Cohalan.

Is definitely paranoiac.

He seems to have all the obvious

symptoms of delusions of persecution.

If that's true, then

you and your aunt ..

Are in a hazardous position.

Two helpless women.

In the same house with a man who may

become dangerous at any moment.

We cannot allow it.

May I ask you a question, doctor?

- Certainly.

You speak of delusions of persecution.

But.

A delusion is imaginary.

A thing that never happened.

That is right.

But Jeff's dog was poisoned.

His house was burned down.

That was no delusion. I saw it myself.

Did you see the gasoline can?

Gasoline can?

The gasoline can the police

found in the ruins of Hill Top.

It was an unusual type of container.

Only one store in Pinecliff sells them.

And that store sold such a

can to Jeff last Monday.

How do you know?

The chief of police told

me so this morning.

But I don't see how.

- And that isn't all.

The body of the dog was disinterred.

It died of arsenic poisoning.

Two days after his master

bought a packet of Weed Out.

Are you trying to tell me that

Jeff burned down his own house.?

That he poisoned his own dog?

That's impossible.

No man in his right mind ..

Exactly.

No man in his right mind.

But why?

Why would he do a thing like that?

Listen.

Listen to this.

'Once the feeling of guilt ..'

'Is firmly established

in the subconscious'.

'The patient may do injury to

himself as a form of penance ..'

'Or self-imposed retribution'.

'Such actions may be taken

without conscious volition'.

'And will often disappear entirely

from the memory stream'.

'So that the patient is later unaware

that his injuries were self-inflicted'.

That is my theory.

That Jeff is suffering

from feelings of guilt.

And he is unconsciously

punishing himself for it.

Guilt?

You are talking about guilt.

I don't understand you.

What's he guilty of?

His fianc?e was killed in an

automobile accident a year ago.

And he was at the steering

wheel at the time.

It would be an unusual man who didn't

blame himself under those circumstances.

Even if he was blameless.

And if he thought he was responsible

for the death of the woman he loved.

If the thought began

to prey on his mind ..?

It's rather an obvious theory, isn't it?

Yes.

Then I have your

permission to speak to him?

I'll be as tactful as possible.

No. Not yet. Not until Friday.

Until Friday?

- I need time to think about it.

I'll be very careful but promise

me you won't speak to him yet.

Well, I can't force my opinions

on you, Miss Foster.

I must emphasise as strongly as I

can that delay can be dangerous.

Extremely dangerous.

I'll be very, very careful, Dr Hartley.

I hope you will, Miss Foster.

Thank you.

That man must be crazy.

Thank you very much.

Hello, Jeff.

Hello.

The Jack of Spades.

Is that bad luck? Like a black cat?

A dead man's card.

Oh?

Is there a card for a dead woman?

The Queen of Spades.

I almost blew it this afternoon.

What happened?

I'd just gotten off the bus and

was waiting to cross the street ..

When a car nearly ran me down.

He almost seemed to be trying to.

Did you see the driver?

- No.

I was too busy trying

to get out of the way.

What ..?

What kind of a car was it?

A green convertible.

Like yours.

Except the top was up.

You've got to get out of here, Ellen.

You must leave Pinecliff right away.

Why, Jeff?

Because something else is

going to happen. I can feel it.

It might happen to you.

I'm not going to leave. Not now.

- I'm warning you, Ellen.

It's no use. I am not going.

You're asking for trouble.

- Am I?

Then I'll really ask for it.

Watch yourself closely.

Watch yourself every minute.

Don't trust anybody.

Not even you?

Not even me.

Well.

I think I will go to bed now.

Major Badger said he'd come by in

the morning and take us to church.

You won't forget what I said.

You will be careful.

- I'll be careful.

Jeff.

- Yes?

How long have you known Dr Hartley?

For years.

Ever since I came to Pinecliff.

Has there ever been any

bad feeling between you?

No. Why should there be?

Well.

He thinks that the shock of Vivian's

death might have affected your mind.

He thinks that you might be a paranoiac.

You don't think so, do you?

No.

I don't think so.

- Good.

Goodnight, Jeff.

Goodnight, Ellen.

Jeff.

- Shush.

I had to see you again.

I wanted you to have this.

Don't be afraid to use

is if you have to.

I want you to wait for

me tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow morning?

You mustn't leave the house.

You mustn't leave the house without me.

Promise you won't.

Alright, Jeff.

I promise.

You won't forget when

Major Badger arrives?

No. I won't forget .

Good girl.

Goodnight.

"I still smell the fumes of the gasoline

as we pulled his body from the car."

"But somehow it didn't quite ring true."

"I could not believe that Jeff

would try to kill himself."

"No suicide note was found."

"But the local architect was found in

the Foster garage with the door closed."

"And his car motor running."

"He was immediately

removed to City Hospital."

"Where latest reports from

Dr Raymond Hartley .."

"Advise that Cohalan is now

definitely out of danger."

"On the national scene."

"Congress resumed its discussion

of the Morse Conlan bill today."

"Labor spokesmen announce they will

request an amendment guaranteeing .."

I'd like some more coffee, nurse.

With cream and sugar?

How did you get by the

'No Visitors' sign?

I walked right straight past

it to ask you a question.

You did?

Well, suppose you walk

straight past it again.

Going the other way.

- Not until you answer my question.

Would you rather I rang for a nurse?

You weren't that way on Saturday

night when you needed me.

I made you a promise then and I kept it.

So I think you owe me the

answer to one question.

Just one.

I won't ask you why you came to my room

that night. I know the answer to that.

You do?

- Certainly.

You had to ensure I'd find you on Sunday

morning before the motor ran too long.

You probably didn't start it until

after the Major rang the doorbell.

You don't miss much, do you.

- You counted on that too.

You knew that when we

couldn't find you in your room ..

I'd think of looking in the garage

to see if your car was still there.

You have all the answers, haven't you.

All except one.

Why did you fill those

buckets with gasoline?

Fill the buckets?

You saw that too?

- Yes.

I wasn't filling buckets.

I was draining the gas tank.

So if you didn't show up in time ..

The motor would stop when the

gas in the carburettor was gone.

But why? Why did you do it?

You had your question.

- Don't be technical.

Why did you pretend to commit suicide?

When that car that almost

ran you down on Saturday.

You don't you think that

was an accident, do you?

I couldn't get him you leave town so

I had to give him a different target.

A different target?

- Me.

A man doesn't kill my rosebush and my

horse and my dog and then stop there.

He must want to kill me.

I can't wait any longer. Not while ..

Strange automobiles are trying to

run you down on the highway.

I have to force his hand now.

I want him to think that it's

safe to take a shot at me.

Don't you understand?

Not quite.

I've tried to commit suicide, haven't I?

It was on the radio.

It says so right here.

So, what if somebody takes a shot at me

now and leaves the gun in my hand?

It's an open and shut case, isn't it?

The police wouldn't even investigate.

So, he's free to kill me now if he can.

He does not have to hit

around the edges anymore.

But keep away from me.

Don't stand too close to the target.

Is that why you wanted

me to leave Pinecliff?

That's why I want you to go

home now and stay there.

Lock the doors from the inside.

If you have any visitors don't let

aunt Amelia out of your sight.

Don't trust anyone.

Where will you be if I want to find you?

I don't know but I must leave here.

I can't wait for him to

make the next move.

I've got to go out and get after him.

You say the exhibit was in 1939?

The summer of '39.

I ought to have that catalog somewhere.

See.

Here we are.

It has a list of all of the exhibitors?

- In the back of the book.

Practically every artist who

might have known Taurez.

Oh yes.

This is perfect. Exactly what

I was looking for. Thank you.

Good afternoon.

- Yes?

Are you Mr Strobini?

Strobini? Yes. That is me.

Did you ever know an artist by

the name of Vincent? Taurez?

Vincent? Taurez?

- Yes.

No.

Vincent? Taurez?

Certainly, I knew him well.

A watercolor man. No sense of depth.

Do you recall a painting he did?

It was of an old woman with a guitar.

An old woman with a guitar?

I don't believe I ever saw it.

The old woman with the guitar?

Yes. I remember when Taurez painted it.

It was during his Renoir period.

Do you remember who he sold it to?

I didn't know he ever found a sucker.

It was a piece of trash.

Well, thank you.

- Not at all.

Mr Cohalan.

Hello Sue.

You had a few phone calls.

Anything important?

- I don't think so.

A man named Carter called.

He said he was a friend

of an artist that you knew.

The name sounded like 'Boris'.

Was it 'Taurez'?

Could be.

- He left a number?

No. He said he'd call back around six.

It's after that now.

Mr Sheppard is anxious to see you.

He is still in the office.

Okay.

[ Telephone ]

Sheppard Estates.

Yes. Just a minute.

Mr Carter.

Hello?

"Taurez?"

Yes. That's the man. Vincent? Taurez.

Do you remember a watercolor he painted?

A portrait of an old

woman with a guitar.

You do?

Do you remember who bought it?

Ben Sheppard.

You're absolutely certain?

Oh, Thank you.

Oh. You're just the man

I've been looking for.

They wouldn't let me in

the hospital and you ..

Seem to have disappeared

since you got out.

Well. I ..

Had some important things to do, Ben.

Anyhow, you're here now.

That's the main thing.

Of course, I know it was an accident.

You couldn't have done it deliberately.

Couldn't I?

Of course not.

But just the same.

You've been overworked lately.

You're looking all fagged out.

It's time you took a rest.

Yes. I could use a rest.

A nice long rest.

That's just what I had in mind.

As a matter of fact I am tired myself.

That's why I am thinking

of taking a trip.

To see something of the

world before I get too old.

It sounds like a fine idea, Ben.

It would be a good

idea for you too, Jeff.

Why not come with me?

The two of us can have

a nice time together.

Leave all our worries behind and

take things easy for a while.

What kind of a trip were

you thinking of, Ben?

I haven't made up my mind.

Where would you like to go?

Oh.

An ocean voyage might be nice.

If the ship had a low rail and ..

A long drop to the water.

Or Niagara Falls might be handy.

Or the top of the Empire State Building.

Don't talk like that, Jeff.

Don't even think of such things.

I ..

Wasn't thinking of suicide, Ben.

I don't expect to jump.

I expect to be pushed.

You are crazy, Jeff.

You are talking like a paranoiac.

Where did you get that word, Ben?

Did you read it in a book

complete with all the symptoms?

I'm trying to help but

if you take this attitude ..

Sit down, Ben.

Sit down and listen.

You had all the tools to

work with, didn't you?

Your ranch hands who

think you are a king.

Will do anything you tell them to.

I was out at your place yesterday, Been.

Looking for Pedro.

They said he didn't

work for you anymore.

Since the day after my

house burned down.

You let him go, didn't you?

After he'd done his job.

I'm beginning to think

the doctor is right.

I am beginning to believe you do

have delusions of persecution.

Paranoia, Ben.

You learned the word. Use it.

When did you first plant the

idea in Hartley's mind?

Did you say ..

'I'm a little worried about Jeff'?

And tap your finger on your forehead?

Jeff, I'm not talking to you any longer.

You're not in your right mind.

Not while you are in your present mood.

I wouldn't do that if I were you.

You've not answered my questions, Ben.

Are they too difficult?

Let's see if you can answer an easy one.

Whatever happened to that painting

that used to hang in your living room?

The portrait of an old

woman with a guitar.

It wasn't in my living room.

It was in my study.

Why?

When did you get rid of it, Ben?

After it faded?

After you found out what a

sunlamp can do to a watercolor?

Do you want to know who

put me on your trail?

You did yourself.

When you tried to convince me I

couldn't trust my memory anymore.

I hate to say this, Jeff.

But you can't trust your mind anymore.

- Can't I?

I made a written list when I

wrapped the hospital plans.

To ensure nothing was left out.

And 17 blueprints were missing when the

package was opened by the state board.

No-one could tamper with

the package but you.

You knew it would be

on my desk overnight.

I didn't know anything ..

- Yes you did. I told you.

At the country club.

You wanted to destroy my

faith in my work, didn't you.

It was the only thing I had left.

Jeff, this is ridiculous.

- Just what I thought. At the beginning.

But once I began to suspect

you it all fitted together.

I remembered your foreman was in the

store when I bought the can of gasoline.

That gave you an idea.

Didn't it?

Yes.

It gave me an idea.

How do you like your own medicine?

How do you like waking up very

morning wishing you were dead?

Then you don't deny it anymore?

No.

No.

I'm glad you found out.

Because you cannot do anything about it.

Go and tell somebody

I poisoned your dog.

Go and say I burned down your house.

You know what they'll think, don't you?

They will think you're crazy.

I don't care about the others.

It's what you think that is important.

You've been like a father to me, Ben.

In a funny kind of way, you still are.

What made you change?

What made you start to hate me?

Was it Vivian?

You killed her.

I did everything for you that

one man can do for another.

And how did you repay me?

You murdered her.

Not murder, Ben. Not murder.

A drunken man at the

wheel of an automobile.

What is he if he isn't a murderer?

Ellen.

Jeff.

Mr Sheppard.

This is Mr Nelson of

Fall River Massachusetts.

Last year he was driving

through California.

And when he reached Pinecliff he

had an accident on 12-Mile Drive.

Is this the man who was driving the

car in which the girl was killed?

Well.

You said not to say anything

when you paid my damages.

Go ahead. Answer.

No.

No it wasn't.

It was that fellow back there.

Thank you, Mr Nelson.

I tried to keep it from you, Ben.

At the party you gave the night before

Vivian and I were to be married.

I don't know if you remember or not,

but I said something to you about ..

The room being a little stuffy,

I wanted to go outside for some air.

I was really looking for Vivian.

"I found her alright."

"I heard them talking to each other."

"It wasn't anything new, Ben."

"It had been going on for years."

"All the time I was overseas."

"He was telling her why he

would never marry her."

"He couldn't."

"Dodo would not give him a divorce."

"So she said .."

"We'll run away without a divorce."

"I followed them on to 12-Mile Drive."

"I didn't know where they were going but

I knew I had to stop them if I could."

"He was going as fast as the

curving road would let him."

"I tried to catch him but he

was driving like a madman."

"We were coming to the fork where

12-Mile Drive meets the highway."

"I saw a car approaching

on the main road."

"Ferris didn't see the other car."

"I knew what was coming but there

was nothing I could do to stop it."

"I jumped out of my car and

ran towards the wreck."

"He said: 'do something.

Do something for her'."

"But there was nothing

anyone could do for Vivian."

"There was only one thing

left to do for anybody."

"I told him to take my car

and get away from there."

I didn't want you find

out how she died, Ben.

Or what she was really like.

Vivian.

Vivian.

I'm sorry you had to know, Ben.

Even now.

Vivian.

I always gave you everything you wanted

from the time you were a little girl.

You were all I had after

your mother ran away.

She was no good.

I never told you that, did I?

Your mother was no good.

Now, you want to run away too.

You're just like her.

The same bad blood.

Jeff.

He thinks I am ..

- I know.

I won't go through that again.

I'll kill you first.

I'll kill both of you.

- No!

Ben.

Put down that gun.

Put it down.

You ran away.

You ran away from me.

Call Dr Hartley.

Well, you've finally fixed me

with the old man, didn't you?

You'll never get any of his money now.

He's as nutty as a squirrel.

Now get out of here.

Get out of Pinecliff.

If I ever see you again I'll kill you.

Dr Hartley? This is Ellen Foster.

Will you come over to

Mr Sheppard's office right away?

Yes. Yes, it's urgent.

Thank you.

It's alright, Ben.

Everything is going to be alright.

Well, doctor. Will he live?

He's healing beautifully.

No infections. No complications.

A simple perforation of the deltoid.

And all the time I thought

it was my shoulder.

You won't need that thing anymore.

- Good.

Here.

He'll be as good as new in a week.

Tell me about Ben.

Well, Amelia.

Ben was the psychopath, of course.

From the beginning.

I ought to have suspected it of course.

Now he's had .. what the

psychiatrists call a 'catharsis'.

He has brought his troubles

out into the open.

Ellen helped to bring them out

when she phoned Fall River.

He'll be alright now.

In time.

- I'm very happy to hear that.

Well, I hate to drag myself away

but the ill and injured are waiting.

I'll see you to your car, Doctor.

Goodbye, Ellen. Jeff.

Goodbye, doctor.

- So Long, Doc.

And now, young lady.

Suppose you come along with me?

Ellen.

Yes, Jeff?

There's something I've

been wanting to ask you.

Yes, Jeff?

How in the world did you ever

find that fellow from Fall River?

Oh.

Oh.

I found him in the traffic accident

record at the police station.

What made you think of him?

The way you drove your car on

12-Mile Drive the other night.

You could never have driven

so recklessly with me ..

If you'd been at the wheel

when Vivian was killed.

Not on the same road in the same

place at the same time of night.

You're pretty smart, aren't you.

No.

- Yes you are.

You're very smart.

- No I'm not.

Oh yes you are.

No. Because I thought you loved her.

I thought you loved her all the time.

I never really loved anyone.

But you.

..t-g..