Circus of Horrors (1960) - full transcript

It's madness going to the cottage.

- How can we be sure that Evelyn's there?
- We can't be sure.

But I couldn't sit around doing nothing
waiting for Scotland Yard to locate her.

- What, they've been to the cottage?
- Yes.

When she first disappeared two weeks ago.

What had she to fear?

You were to be married,
you love each other.

Nothing short of kidnapping
would have made her disappear.

Do you think Evelyn disappeared
to attempt plastic surgery?

After the specialists had warned her
that it was hopeless,

even worse, dangerous.



She was warned by everyone
except Rossiter.

He's a fanatic about his new technique.

If Rossiter experimented on Evelyn

in spite of the ruling
of the Medical Board,

I'll see to it that he never practices
in this country again.

Rossiter!

Evelyn!

It's alright, darling.

Rossiter. Rossiter.

- Evelyn.
- Rossiter?

If he was still in his surgery,
he would answer the phone.

Oh, he must be on his way here.

I'm worried.

We warned him not to operate
on Evelyn Morley.



Even God wouldn't have attempted
a miracle like that.

| have faith in him.

We saw how miraculously
he remodeled that child's face.

I'll go.

- Martin, it might be the police.
- I don't see how.

Only Rossiter knew we assisted
in the operation on the Morley woman.

Oh, no!

Police are sure to come back here.

Our only solution
is to escape to the Continent.

What's this about the Continent?

Yes, I rather fancy France
until all this here has died down.

- What do you mean, "France"?
- Mm-hmm.

It may easily be a matter of years

but, luckily, continuing our experiments

is not the matter of geography,
we can work anywhere.

Besides, a change of scenery
would do us all good, hmm?

Mind the bandages.

Ah, they're securely in place.
You followed my instructions beautifully.

| can almost feel
my new face taking shape.

There will be a few irregularities
but still,

it will be a good face.

One that will suitably match
my new identity.

Doctor, er, Bernard...

Dr Bernard Schuler.

We... we will be alright,
the three of us?

Have I ever failed you and your brother?

After all, I taught Martin all he knows.

You are very necessary to me.

You know I'll go wherever you go.

But suppose there's a slip up
similar to Evelyn Morley.

There should never have been a slip up.

After the accident, I warned her
one operation would not suffice.

It required several over a period
of at least a year.

She should have never disappeared

or removed the bandages so soon.

Believe me,

there will be no slip up
in the career of Dr Bernard Schuler.

Why don't we find a hotel
and stay the night?

Patience, Angela.

We should make Bordeaux before nightfall.

What then?

We've been wandering about
for the past month

trying to find somewhere
to settle down.

This is hardly the time
to become discouraged.

| know you're tired. We're all tired.

| warned you back in England

it would take time
to find a suitable front.

We cannot afford to make any mistakes.

There's a child over there,
perhaps she could direct us.

Oh, mademoiselle.

Yes, monsieur?

Could you kindly direct us to...

Do you know which road leads to Bordeaux?

No, monsieur. Perhaps my father can help.

And where is your father?

There.

That is our circus.

Oh, a circus.

What a fortunate young lady
you are to travel with a circus.

Not so fortunate.
We are a very poor circus.

Papa says it is too soon
to try to make people laugh.

Please, monsieur.

| mean you no harm.

Where did you get these scars?

At school. There was a bomb.

There are many like me now.

Yes, I imagine so.

Would you,
would you excuse me for a moment?

Rather an interesting face,
don't you think?

Poor little thing.

You heard? It's her father's circus.

Oh?

As a child I once attempted
to run away to join a circus.

Who knows, perhaps now

the childhood dream maybe fulfilled.

I'm not so sure, Doctor.

Er, no more for me, thank you.

Two, two glasses are my limit.

| have no limit.

Now, what do you say?
Is it not worth a try?

| don't know. Uh...

| agree it would be cruel for Nicole

if she had to go through life
like this, but, uh...

Why you?

How do I know you are
what you tell me, a...

A plastic surgeon.

Uh, please, you...

you can check with the Medical Association
in Zurich if you like.

Actually, Nicole's would be
quite a simple surgery.

You see, the bones in her face
have not been shattered.

| cannot afford a hospital or a fee.

There will be no fee.

And this caravan here,
well, of course, tided up a bit,

can be our hospital.

Perform the operation here?

My dear man,
| have operated on kitchen tables.

Once in the war, even in a bomb shelter.

No, no, it's quite safe here.

Monsieur Vanet, it's up to you.

But think how much it can mean
to Nicole's life.

| am a poor man, Doctor.

But if you can help Nicole...

| will give you anything and everything.

-I'll see you later.
—Yes, monsieur.

- Well?
- The father has consented.

But is it safe?

We couldn't ask for anything better.
It's the ideal front.

In fact, I already feel very much at home.

Will I know myself?

Of course you will, darling.

Your skin will be as smooth as satin.

And your nose petite, delicate.

Why, you'll be the prettiest girl
in all France.

- Monsieur Vanet?
- Bosco's a beautiful bear.

- Monsieur Vanet!
- Pretty bear!

- Oh, hello, hello, Doctor.
- Do you always talk to your animals?

Bosco is more like a friend to me

and I must deny my friend
his full ration of food.

He will soon die of starvation.

Vanet, forget the bear for one moment
and come with me.

| want you to be there
when I remove Nicole's bandages.

So soon? Is it safe?

It's quite safe.

There may be traces of a few scars

but they too will, will soon disappear.

Like my loyal friends
who have all deserted me.

- Hello, Nicole.
- Hello.

Now, you must sit very quietly.

And then you can feel the scissors
cutting away the bandages.

- You understand?
- Yes.

Good.

Papa.

Oui, ma petite, me voila.

Er, don't be afraid.

Angela.

| am beautiful.

Papa, I am beautiful!

She's beautiful!

| am beautiful.

| am beautiful!

Nicole! Nicole, come back!

Leave her be, Angela.

After all, it is my victory
she's shouting to the world.

| am beautiful!

Look at me, Raja. Look at me.

| am beautiful.

Do you see, Emperor?

Do you see? I am beautiful.

Dance, Bosco, dance!

Don't you see? I am beautiful.

At last, I am beautiful.

| am beautiful!

You have performed one miracle.

Do you think you are capable of another?

Yes.

Yes, I can salvage this circus.

Within a year,

I'll have this circus on a paying basis.

But how? Where will you get the money?

Oh...

Where will the people find
their price of admission?

The war has left nothing
but ruin and poverty.

| have no means of raising money.

My signature is worthless.

Mine isn't worthless.

There's a way to meet this problem.

How's that?

Sign the circus over to me.

Er, it's, it's a mere formality.

We have a private agreement stating

that the circus is actually
your property, but...

| am running it. Hmm?

Why should a great surgeon

want to bury himself in...

Oh!

| see.

You've had a bit of trouble, haven't you?

I've had trouble, yes.

It would be unwise for me
to practice in the open,

for a while anyway.

But my work, that must go on.

Yes.

Monsieur must go on.
You must.

| have seen what miracles
your hands can perform.

And if you can revive my circus...

Well, so much the better.

| said I would give you anything

and everything.

If this is what I can give you,

why, then we are partners.

I must tell Bosco.

Soon he will have all the food he wants.

Come on, Bosco, wake up!

Wake up, baby!

Wake up.

Papa has good news.

Soon you'll have all the food you want.

Come on, baby, dance. Dance for Papa.

- Come on, Bosco.
- Careful, Vanet.

| don't know whether I'm more drunk
with happiness or with the wine.

Come on, baby doll.

Dance for Papa.

Papa is happy-

Dance for Papa.

Vanet.

Dance, baby, dance for...

Schuler, help!

Prod him with a pole!

Prod him with a pole!

Help! Help!

Help!

Help!

Bosco...

Who screamed?

Vanet.

Something,
something terrible has happened.

What is it?

See, he was drunk, he...
he wanted to dance with the bear.

As you can see for yourself,
he dropped that wine bottle.

Rossiter!

The name is Schuler.

Don't you forget that.

What just happened was an accident.

Do you hear? Both of you?

- It was an accident.
- The police?

I'll explain to them exactly
how the tragedy occurred.

Yes, the bottle will remain where it is,
just as he dropped it.

Yes, it was a tragic accident.

Poor Vanet is dead.

The circus is mine now.

Well, we always wanted a front.
Now we have it.

Vanet...

Martin with your help,
with Angela's help,

| shall turn this shoddy
little circus here

into the greatest attraction in Europe.

You let Vanet die.

Angela.

And I thought you loved me.

You won't let me down now, will you?

I'll... I'll tell Nicole.

Martin, you go for the police
and explain to them.

Stop.

Who are you?

It was self-defense, he attacked me!

And then presented you with his wallet?

You can't prove anything.

Listen, I can help you.

Help! Help!

| can help you.

Just let me go, it's the only help I want.

Your face.

| know, it's ugly as sin,

but the body's alright so I make out.

You could be beautiful
if you would trust me.

You? A perfect stranger?

| can remodel your face
so that your scar will disappear.

I... I don't understand you.

| can transform people

So, so that they're safe from the police.

Help, help me!

I'll get you out of this.

I've given her a sedative.

- She says her name's Elissa.
- Elissa.

| don't understand you.
She's a thief, a murderess.

And a prostitute.

Oh, please, don't deny her
her most important accomplishment.

A thief and a prostitute.

The perfect candidate
for the Schuler circus.

- Thieves, murderers?
- Yes.

Well, don't you see?

These are the people
who will constitute our circus troupe.

| change their faces,
minimize the police apprehension.

Willing subjects for my anxious hands.

We hold their safety
and they hold their tongue.

It's the ideal front.

Schuler, a circus of criminals?

No, a circus of beauty.

I'll watch what transforming their faces
will do to them.

Oh, yes, another thing,

each will be taught in turn
to take their place as a performer.

- But how?
- I know it can be done.

But what about those who choose to leave,
how will we be safe from them?

Oh, it's very simple.

Just a bit of keeping files, photographs,
before and after.

A complete dossier
on their criminal lives.

What could be more safe, hmm?

Well, come on.

Well, here's to the Schuler circus.

The most unusual and the most
beautiful circus in all the world.

- Uncle?
- Yes, Nicole?

How do I look?

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

Took a decade of training,

but, I must say, she's even better
soliciting applause

then she was at soliciting men.

Ringmaster.
Those clowns enter too soon.

They cut into Elissa's applause.

| have told you a dozen times.

I'm sorry, sir,
the programme was running late.

Make sure it doesn't happen again.

And now, ladies and gentlemen,

presenting the queen of equestrians,

Magda von Meek!

What a triumph my darling, hmm?

Just because you gave me this face,
darling,

doesn't mean you are still free
to tamper with it.

Now, how can one so beautiful
and so talented be so testy

after such a success tonight?

Ah, exactly, I stop the show every night

and I still play second fiddle
to Magda von Meek.

| should have top billing...
if only by seniority.

Oh, quite, that's a point well taken,
but still,

uh, Magda does draw the crowds.

Ah, she may draw them
but it's up to me to entertain them.

Elissa, your tongue is sharper
than the knife

that was once so essential
to your earlier profession.

And now the queen of equestrians,
Magda von Meek,

in a world famous leap of death

as she guides a horse
through the circle of solid steel,

the ring of swords.

She's still leaving on Saturday?

| wouldn't count on that.

She doesn't seem frightened
like the others.

The others were fools,
we are well rid of them.

No, I will not lose Magda.

Simple, wasn't it, Nicole?

| will never be able to do that.

The thought of replacing you frightens me.

Nonsense, you're going to be wonderful.

| told Schuler she can do it
and you can do it.

I'd like to speak to you.

Very well. In my caravan.

They'll be time when I'm changing
for the knife act.

He's very wealthy.

They make a handsome couple,
don't they?

You always were observant, Angela.

And once I thought he loved me, Martin.

You're not leaving.

The circus departs for England
on Saturday.

Well, Nicole can take my place.

Magda, you can't leave me.

Oh, I imagine much the same conversation

took place in Switzerland with Helen.

Before she met with her untimely accident.

And then in Madrid, Rosa something.

She fell, didn't she?

I'm getting out and you can't stop me.

| love Von Gruber.

| have a chance
to make a decent life for myself.

Decent life?

You had no life at all before I made you
Magda von Meek.

A most welcome gift.

Admirers rarely
request the return of a gift.

It's too late for that.

| don't love you any longer.

Go back to Angela,
at least she still loves you.

You needn't worry,
| won't give you away.

My dossier is safely
locked away in your files

and to unmask you
would be to unmask myself.

I'm not inclined towards self-destruction.

No, why don't we part friends?

Please?

I'll spend tomorrow with Nicole
polishing her performance.

She'll be stunning, I promise you that.

She can also replace me in the knife act.

Shall we kiss on that?

Now, now, now.

Now, this is too friendly a parting,
Schuler.

You won't be happy with Von Gruber.

| will be happy with him.

Don't you understand?
I'm deeply in love with him.

Yes, you really are, aren't you?

Well, it's very wonderful for you, Magda.

Alright.

Please forgive me.

Thank you, Schuler.
Then we can part friends.

The very best of friends.

Oh, I must think
of a going away gift for you.

Oh, this is your gift.

You can't surpass it.

Oh, brides must be given gifts,
it's tradition.

I'll think of something.

Excuse me. Your costume, Magda.

We must get a wedding present for Magda,
Angela.

Give it some thought, will you?

Thank you.

- I'm sorry, Angela.
- What for'?

The way you are so hopelessly trapped
with him.

Any trap can be sprung,

given time and patience.

Up!

Cracks
Mp! 1

Up!

Up!

Up.

Good, very good.

- Very good, Nicole.
- Thank you.

Magda and I worked all morning, Uncle.

| tried to jump through
the ring of knives.

- I was not the least bit frightened.
- Good girl, yes, you were.

You must run through the act
for me tomorrow.

Schuler!

Pay close attention
to my farewell performance tonight.

| shall be more magnificent then ever.

Ready? Ride!

Schuler, you must let Magda go.

And I thought you loathed her?

Hasn't she always driven you
into jealous rages?

Of course they all have. They all do.

And they all Will.

I've devoted myself completely to you.

I've nothing else. I've no one else.

- Your brother doesn't complain.
- And look at him.

Once you intended him
to be your associate,

now he's just your slave.

He's weak.
Never even thinking for himself.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Chief Eagle Eye will now throw
one dozen knives

at a moving target

and he will be assisted in this act

by the glamorous Magda von Meek!

We have no recourse but to record it
as an accidental death.

But, Inspector, her death was an accident.

This is known throughout Europe
as the jinx circus, is it not?

Yes, a very unfortunate chain
of circumstances.

Several of my performers
have met with their death.

But you know as well as I do, Inspector,

how the newspapers
always color these tragedies.

Still, an almost coincidental
chain of deaths, nevertheless.

Always beautiful star performers,
always a faulty mechanism.

Every safety precaution known
to the circus world is taken here

but some defective mechanisms,
well, they're beyond our control.

Very well, Herr Doctor.

Then we are free,
we are free to proceed to England?

There's no reason for me to detain you.

Magda von Meck had no known relatives.

Her fiance' is satisfied
it was an accident.

And we must also be satisfied
with the verdict.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye, Inspector.

Dr Schuler.

- Yes?
- May I speak with you, please?

- Yes, we can, we can talk in here.
- Thank you.

What can I do for you?

| was a friend of Magda's.

A most tragic accident, her death.

She once wrote to me,
urged me to join her in the circus.

There was no need for it then.

What did she write to you?

How kind you had been,
how much you had done for her.

Perhaps you'll be willing
to do as much for me.

Perhaps I will.

Acid.

- How did it happen?
- What does that matter?

As long as I assure you whoever he was
he never threw anything again.

Can you help me?

Wait here.

- Schuler.
-Yes?

- I've been looking for you.
- Have you seen Martin, Elissa?

| haven't been looking for him. Listen.

Remember you promised me star billing
should Magda ever leave?

Well, she's certainly left,

hasn't she?

Once the queen of the alleyways,
now the queen of the air.

Thanks to you, darling.
I'm very ambitious.

And nobody can top my act.
Now, how about it?

Don't I always keep my promises?
Alright, I shall give the order.

Elissa Caro,
death defying queen of the air.

And to think before I met you
| got dizzy standing on a foot stall.

Now, when did you ever
stand on a foot stall?

And I retain that star billing
from here on.

Look what he's done to us.

Your life is empty and frustrated.

Me...

Schuler's killer,

sending those girls to their death.

Martin, the walls of these caravans
are quite thin.

You never know
who might be standing outside.

You heard nothing new.
You know how we feel.

And you should know how I feel.

How much longer do you expect us to go on?

As long as I need you.

Very soon I'll be able to gamble
on revealing my identity

and win the acclaim of the medical world
as I truly deserve.

You wouldn't dare become Rossiter again.
You'll be jailed so fast--

Rossiter is dead and will stay dead.

You know as well as I do,
in these last ten years I've uncovered

secrets of facial surgery
that would stagger the world.

Yes.

And now I have found
the one possible person

who can be the supreme illustration
of my genius.

| want you to see her.

We can start work during our tour
of the English provinces.

Then in London... Yes, in London,

she, she shall be unveiled.

We'll have a new temple of beauty.

The entire production will,
will center on this girl.

She'll be... Helen of Troy.

And when she's been acclaimed as
the most beautiful woman on Earth...

then I'll show them pictures
as she once was,

her face eaten away by acid.

And they will see for themselves.

You dare not take the credit for it,
Schuler.

Better forget it.

Remember, we're the jinx circus now.

Rising to glory in a trail of blood.

The girl is waiting in my caravan.

You will start the preparations
immediately.

We are not convinced
these deaths are accidental.

I'm inclined to go along
with a second viewer in Paris.

Schuler circus reaches England today...

so I thought that Scotland Yard
should be alerted.

Thank you, Inspector.
We've already heard from the second bureau

but please forward any further information
you uncover.

- Auf Wiedersehen.
- Auf Wiedersehen.

- When do I leave for Bristol?
- Immediately.

You studied the dossier
on the Schuler circus?

Yes. Seems I've got
a fascinating job ahead of me.

Investigating a circus troupe
that materialized out of thin air.

And what a reputation it's gained.

The jinx circus.

I'd better be going
before the jinx gets too hot.

Well, keep in touch. We may have
further information from the Continent.

Nowhere in the whole world
is there a duplication

of the stunning Lafayette
of the Temple of Beauty.

And here before your eyes,

the two most beautiful people
in the world,

Adam and Eve.

Wow!

And now, ladies and gentlemen,

in all her beauty,

surrounded by her gorgeous handmaidens,

the incomparable Sappho.

Cor!

Excuse me. Mademoiselle Nicole?

- Yes?
- I saw the show last night.

I'd just like to compliment you
on your performance.

Thank you.

- Mademoiselle.
- You must excuse me, I am late.

That's Elissa Caro's music.

Oh, yes, the death defter.

Seems to me that death takes
a lot of defying around this circus.

- I beg your pardon?
- The jinx circus.

So many deaths over a period
of so few years.

- That's a pretty high mortality rate.
- I don't know what you mean.

All the victims, beautiful girls.

| should of thought a lovely person
such as you are

would have thought twice
before joining the jinx circus.

| have been with this circus
since I was a child.

My father used to own it.
It was run down then.

After his death, Dr Schuler made this
into the most exciting circus

in the history of show business.

The deaths were accidental.
Now, if you will excuse me.

And now, ladies and gentlemen,

a death defying feat
unequaled in the history of the circus.

Mademoiselle Elissa
will swing through the air

around her beautiful neck
a hangman's noose.

That's quite a stunt.

| beg your pardon?

Elissa. I bet it's all
in the split timing.

It would have to be.

Otherwise we'd need
a new woman every night.

Only artists and members of the company
are permitted in the show entrance.

They told me I'd find you here,
Dr Schuler.

My name's Arthur Desmond,
a freelance crime reporter.

Oh, I see. Well, I hope
you are enjoying our circus.

Lots of laughs.

- Good luck, darling.
- Good luck.

| must compliment you
on your Temple of Beauty.

I've never seen such physical perfection
in men and women.

Some of the faces reminded me
of the great masters,

Tintoretto, Renoir.

Take her, there's a touch of Degas
about the face.

Angela, I think we should have
a new costume for Nicole.

I'm sure green
is not the right color for her.

Yes, Dr Schuler.

| can see you're a very busy man, Doctor.

What with the big London opening
facing you next week.

One of the newspapers is anxious
to do a spread on the jinx circus.

Thank you but it's not
the kind of publicity we are seeking.

It's the kind you've been getting
and, let's face it,

- that's what's bringing the crowds in.
- Nonsense.

It's the quality of our attractions
that brings the audience.

You've got a pretty spectacular show here

but you can't avoid the jinx circus story.

I've checked with Berlin, Zurich, Rome,

all the details on your performers
who met their deaths in those places.

Then you must have found out that
they were all proved to be accidental.

Maybe, but coincidence plays
such a heavy part in these accidents.

That's what I was hoping to use
as the basis of my story.

The Sunday stuff.

Actually, I'd like to call my story
"The Circus of Horrors".

How all these girls,
No previous circus experience,

no families, completely unidentifiable,
met their deaths.

That is enough.

| will never cooperate in this type
of yellow, sensational journalism.

Good bye.

But, Dr Schuler...

Perhaps you can help me?

You see, the authorities
have already exhumed the bodies

of a few of these girls
and performed autopsies.

On each one they found
lines round the face.

Very slight but very professional.

| didn't mean to upset her.

| wouldn't write that story
if I were you, Mr Desmond.

| want one too.

Sorry, darling, not until after
the bandages are removed.

But I'm in pain, damn it!

I'll give you a sedative
and the pain will soon go.

I'll remove the bandages in London.

Not before then.

When you see your new face,

you'll forget all the pain
you've endured.

And a few other things
I've had to endure.

When you're presented in
Temple of Beauty as Helen of Troy...

you'll create a sensation
such as you have never even dreamed of.

And all I have to do is just stand there.

Six nights a week, two matinees
and be stared at.

Not stared at, worshipped.

Worshipped.

Schuler.

Yes, what is it?

That reporter, he's on to us.

Nonsense. Other's have pried
and found nothing.

Several of the bodies have been exhumed.

He's mentioned the scars.

How long have you
been with the circus, er...

- Elissa.
- Elissa?

Oh, two or three years.

| forget. Something like that.

What were you
before you joined the circus?

Unemployed.

| can't seem to find any record of you
before joining the Schuler circus.

Oh, I've worked
for various other companies

and it was really only Schuler who...

who brought out the best in me.

He's brought out quite a bit.

Mr Desmond.

When people put their neck into a noose,

they should do it as I do,

professionally.

I'm only asking questions, it's my job.

Ask your questions.

I've only one or two answers.

What are the answers?

That depends on the questions.

| see someone's scratched you back here.

Oh, that. That's not a scratch, that's...

Ah, well, er,

once, er, rehearsing with the noose...

| almost slipped.

Oh, well, surely there have been times
in your life

when you've almost slipped.

Get back! Back!

What interests me is what the autopsies
on some of the victims uncovered.

The possibility that all had
plastic surgery performed on them.

You're, er, investigation
of the rope lady.

Clever of you to detect her scars.

All in the line of duty.

Plastic surgery.

You know some ten years ago,

| was involved in a case
centered on a Dr Rossiter.

Sort for malpractice and running down
one of our constables.

Rossiter?

Did a job on Evelyn Morley.
Turned her mind.

You'd remember her father.

He died a few years back after
her release from a mental institution.

Some of her face was finally restored
but it was almost hopeless.

She married Edward Finsbury.

Periodically, she keeps in touch,
trying to discover some line on Rossiter.

You know the woman,
always raising funds for mental health.

Things like that.

For years I've dreamt
of marking that case closed.

Mmm.

Williams, put the kettle on

and bring in a file marked "Rossiter".

Magnificent.

Perfection, Melina. Absolute perfection.

It's like you promised, Bernard.
I've forgotten the pain.

Oh yes, now I've forgotten the pain.

It's alright.
We'll keep it this way for tonight.

Yes, Dr Schuler.

| hope you are as happy as you say.

I've always wanted to be alone, but...

but now I, I want to share
my happiness with someone.

I've known very little happiness
in my lifetime.

If you want me to be with you,
| gladly accept.

Schuler!

I've seen the posters.

Lovely, aren't they?

You pig! You have gone back on your word.

Sorry, Elissa, but Melina must be
the star attraction now.

| am the star attraction!
This was agreed, wasn't it?

And I dictate the policy of this circus

and you do as I tell you.

Either you restore my star position
or I leave!

Now, that would be rather stupid,
wouldn't it?

You can't frighten me.

These others. They've been stupid,
just plain stupid.

What others?

The late and lamented ones

who have died so suddenly
and so strangely.

I've never heard of a Dr Rossiter.

When did you first meet Dr Schuler?

| told you, when I was a little girl.

| barely remember.

He befriended my father,
became his partner.

And then when Papa died,
Dr Schuler adopted me.

Why do you ask so many questions?

I'm just plain nosy.

When was the operation on your face?

| was a child and...

| have had no such operation.

It's alright, Nicole.
You needn't be ashamed.

I'm becoming quite an authority
on plastic surgery lately.

| can even detect the scars.

Oh, please, please!

| promised Uncle never to reveal this.
You must not say anything.

As a child,
| was badly scarred in the war.

| don't remember too much.

After the bombs,
| lived in sort of a daze.

And then, it was Uncle.

| think it was Uncle
who performed this operation.

| remember awakening

and all of a sudden I was beautiful.

Very beautiful.

This is our secret now, isn't it?

Very, very beautiful.

You're not paying attention to me!

I'm paying a great deal
of attention to you.

See how I'm paying attention.

- You mustn't do that.
- Why not?

You mustn't, that's all.

Has anyone ever called your uncle
Dr Rossiter?

Oh, please!
How many times must I tell you,

he's Dr Schuler. Schuler. Schuler!

Rossiter.

What was that?

Dr Rossiter.

Whatever are you saying?

Dr Rossiter.

Rossiter?

- I haven't heard his name in years.
- His name?

It's your name, isn't it?

My name?

But my name is Schuler. You know that.

It's always been Schuler.

As you wish,
but there's a certain journalist

who's a bit wiser than you credit him

and he seems to think
that there's a connection

between Dr Rossiter and Dr Schuler.

And he needs but one tiny little link

to complete his chain of suspicions.

You're... you're a foolish little thing,
aren't you?

No, I just want my billing restored.

Doctor...

Doctor?

I'll think it over.

But don't take too long,

because, you know,
my tongue is so restless

and it just aches to chat
and chat and chat,

especially when a most attractive
Mr Desmond is within ear shot.

So, my billing, restored.

At once!

But I tell you, I told him nothing.

Still, it would be wise, Nicole,
if you never saw this Desmond again.

You think so,
but I'm sure he means no harm.

Who is Dr Rossiter?

Well, he's a man I once knew.

A friend of your fathers.

Then why must we be
so secretive about him?

The memory of Rossiter
is a very painful one.

Was he a bad person?

He didn't mean to be.

He was misunderstood by everyone.

Perhaps, I think, even himself.

Nicole, you must promise me
to avoid this Desmond.

He could do our circus irreparable harm.

| would do nothing to hurt you.

| owe you so much. I love you so much.

You love me, Nicole?

Of course I do. You gave me life.

| have informed the orchestra
to eliminate Elissa's music.

We'll substitute an additional routine
by the clowns. We'll fill in.

- But what's happened?
- What's wrong with Elissa?

Nothing is wrong with Elissa.

Nothing whatever.

A snake escaped and found its way
into my caravan.

Hmm! Funny.

Fortunately, I screamed.

You will kindly inform the orchestra
to reinstate my music.

The show must go on.

And after the show,

a nice little téte-a-téte with Mr Desmond.

Do as she says.

Martin, there is something for you to do

or they'll be serious trouble.

You must stop annoying me.

| have promised Uncle
never to see you again.

- Why?
- Oh, I don't know.

Perhaps it is your questions.

Perhaps it is this poor dead man Rossiter.

How'd you know he's dead?

No more questions please, Arthur, please.

You're frightened. Why are you frightened?

| am not. I am just confused.

Mr Desmond.

And how are you coming along
with your research?

Slow but sure.

Sorry, I...
| can't be of more help to you.

It hasn't prevented my story
from taking shape.

Excuse me, Dr Schuler.

I'm afraid you cannot speak to my artists
before they go on.

Just one second, please.

Now, ladies and gentlemen,

we give you an act of pure artistry,

the beautiful, the amazing Elissa Caro.

And now, ladies and gentlemen,

a death defying feat
unequaled in the history of the circus.

Mademoiselle Elissa
will swing through the air,

around her beautiful neck,
a hangman's noose.

Quick, get the spot off her
and send the clowns in.

Wait.

It was not accidental death.

It's the only verdict we can bring in.

She was up there alone.

And she, and only she,
could manoeuvre the ropes.

That's the 12th accidental death
recorded at Schuler's circus.

You know as well as I do,
there's something rotten there.

| know it very well.

There's lots of little pieces in
this puzzle. Nothing falls into place.

| agree with you,
there's a maniac behind all this.

The autopsy on Elissa
proved facial scars similar to the others.

Very similar. The same surgical technique.

Then there's your key.

Quite right but which lock does it fit?

There's another key, you know.

Evelyn Morley.

She's got to help us.

| love you.

Pygmalion loves his Galatea.

How touching.

But did Galatea ever dream
she'd have to step into a lion's cage?

Don't worry, darling.

The lions will be treated.
They will be quite gentle.

It'll be a brilliant trick.

| know you are quite safe.

| know you know that, darling,

but do the lions know?

They do, darling. They do.

| haven't seen him this fiery before.

You'd better get Dr Schuler.
Go on, get him!

Yes, what is it?

Oh, excuse me, sir,

but that thing, it's acting up
something fierce.

We can't control it.

Alright, I am coming.

Go on, get in there.

Hold him!

Watch him!

Get back! Get back!

We'll have to move quickly.

You said too much surgery
could be dangerous.

These are purely superficial.

They're deep.

Give the under-flesh a chance to heal.

And let the toughened scar tissue
do battle?

No, you two will perform
the operation now.

We'll use a local injection.

In this way I can guide you as before.

Next week is my big night.
| won't miss that.

Everyone will be here.

Everyone.

Oh, I... I want you
to be the first to know.

Melina and I are going to be married.

Melina and you?

Married? Married!

You and Melina?

Well, if that isn't a match made in hell!

- Hello, Desmond.
- Oh, Mr Andrews.

Glad to see you're having a night out.

I'd like you to meet
Mademoiselle Nicole Vanet.

- How do you do?
- How do you do?

Edward, I think that's enough.

Very well, Evelyn. Mr Desmond.

Excuse me will you.

My wife's rather tired.
| think they have enough pictures.

OK, boys, thank you.

It's very kind of you to come here
this evening.

| know that your loathed
to make public appearances.

It's for a good cause
and a tribute to my father's memory.

Edward was very much against it
but he couldn't keep me away.

Evelyn hasn't been well
and too much excitement--

Isn't good for me.
But then how should I know?

There hasn't been very much excitement
in my life in the last, oh, ten years.

It is ten years, isn't it, Edward?

Well, where is this nice Dr Schuler

who's lent us his wonderful circus
for this great occasion.

I've been told he had an accident.

He very bravely insists
on putting in an appearance.

Oh, Dr Schuler,
could you come here please?

Dr Schuler. Mr and Mrs Finsbury.

- How do you do?
- So nice to meet you, Dr Schuler.

And very kind of you to contribute
so generously toward our fund.

You should be grateful to Mr Desmond.
It was his idea.

Mrs Finsbury was Evelyn Morley.

The fund is in her father's memory.

Dr Morley. Yes, of course.

He was a brilliant psychiatrist.

Your face. You've had an accident?

Oh, some, er, some superficial scratches

that will be healed in a few days.

| know I should be resting

but I wouldn't miss this evening
for the world.

There's a new act I think
you will find particularly interesting.

Mrs Finsbury, is something wrong?

Evelyn? Evelyn?

Over here, please.

| think it wiser if I take my wife home,
the excitement's been too much for her.

I'm quite alright, Edward.

- My car's outside.
- Thank you, Mr Desmond.

I'd rather stay
and see the rest of the show.

Thank you, Dr Schuler.

Is there anything else I can do for you?

No, thank you.

You've done all you can for me.

That was Evelyn Morley.

Do you think she recognised you?

| can't quite imagine how.

Supposing she did.
She could go to the police.

- We must leave now. Martin, Martin!
- Angela...

You wouldn't be so stupid
to even consider making such a move.

We leave whenever we please, Rossiter.

They'll be no more talk of leaving.

Just do your jobs

and see that the lighting cues
are handled correctly.

Oh, and make sure the lions
have been sufficiently tranquillized.

Melina's appearance tonight
must be a triumph.

Her appearance will be a triumph alright.

We have the whole
of London society out front.

What's the matter?

I'm nervous.

| never appeared in public before.

Let alone in a lion's cage.

You were wonderful in rehearsal,
you'll be magnificent tonight.

| won't let you down, but those lions?

They'll be as subdued as kittens,
| promise you.

After all, they're professionals.

That's exactly what worries me.

Professionals always resent amateurs.

No more nonsense.
I'll see you whenever I like.

You're not a child anymore.

- But my uncle?
- I'll take care of your uncle.

Martin, the lions seem
much too frisky tonight.

Ah, don't worry they'll be half dazed
in a few seconds.

| hope you know what you're doing.

Ladies and gentlemen,

this evening Dr Schuler presents,
for the first time anywhere,

a new and spectacular act,

introducing beauty and the beasts

and starring the magnificent Melina.

Martin.

Martin!

Melina! Melina!

She was so beautiful.
So beautiful.

Evelyn...

Rossiter.

Rossiter did that for her.

- Rossiter?
- What is all this about Rossiter?

Well, didn't you see his ring!
He always wore that beautiful ring!

- Uncle?
- Schuler. Rossiter.

They're the same man!

| think you'd better take her home.

I'll send for help. Where is your uncle?

| don't know. Perhaps he's with Melina.

Arthur, what is it? What's Uncle done?

What went wrong?

- What went wrong, Martin?
- It's too late, Rossiter.

You'll have to let us go.

Martin!

Martin!

No!

He's not in here.

I've got our men covering the place.

- Let's head to the back lot.
- Right.

What happened then?

| let Vanet die.

After that in Rome,
one of the girls wanted to leave.

Edward, you'd best phone the house
and see if you can get a doctor.

Yes, darling, of course.

- Yes, sir?
- Oh, fill her up, will you, please?

Evelyn!

Evelyn!

He has no chance unless he's declared...

Arthur!

Right!

Look, you go around that way and I'll
go along here and try to out him off.

Melina.