Dark Waters (1944) - full transcript

VALDERA SURVIVORS LAND IN NEW ORLEANS

Philip Calvin, Batavian oil operator
and wife lost in tragedy; Leslie Calvin
their daughter, among those rescued

Did you ever go to a funeral
where the minister forgot the sermon?

Did you?

And the man next to you died
as they threw him overboard?

And all that you thought was

there will be more water to drink.

And you didn't care if he was dead.

And a sailor got up and said

Oh, God, we consign this soul
to your keeping

and the body to thee.



And he couldn't remember any more.

And then one beside you says

'deep'????????

Actually you're almost well now.

Have you ever thought about

what you're going to do
after you leave the hospital?

Do you have any friends
or relatives to go to?

An uncle and aunt; my mother's sister.

Live in New York.

Would you know their address?

My mother told me to write her

if anything happened.

Then do it. Right away.

But I don't know them.
I haven't seen them.



I don't even know what they look like.

What difference does that make?

They'll certainly be anxious
to hear from you.

Oh, but Dr. Winter,
there's so much to be said. I...

Tell you what

I'll do all the explaining.

You just write a note to enclose.

Now

What is the name?

Mrs. Norbert Lamont

1059 Freemont Building

New York City

Good morning. Have you eaten everything?

I'm not hungry.

Maybe this will give you an appetite.

Who is it from?

Probably from your aunt and uncle.

But it's not postmarked from New York.

Belleville, Louisiana.

Why don't you open it and find out?

It is. It's from Aunt Emily.

It must have been forwarded
from New York.

They're in Belleville;
an estate called Rosignol.

What do you know?
Belleville's only about 90 miles away.

Go on.

Read it. What does it say?

They want me. They want me to come!

Of course they do. Go on.

Are you surprised to find us here?

Norbert's grandfather left him
an estate years ago.

But of course we never lived here.
And now

with the children away we decided
to come down and look it over.

And we are just camping out but
I'm going to have your room ready

for you.
And you must be sure and let us know.

Is that all one sentence?

My darling sister would want us
to take care of you, I know.

But you must stay in the hospital
until you're quite well, of course.

The doctor tells us how ill you've been.

Alright, miss, this is Belleville.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye, darling.

All aboard!

- Looking for someone, young lady?
- Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Lamont.

I thought they'd be here to meet me.

Lamont?

- Lamont.
- Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Lamont.

Never heard of them.

But they live here.

They have a place
called Rosignol Plantation.

Rosignol?

Oh, that's over on Bayou Brantere.

But I never heard of
Mr. and Mrs. Lamont.

She got off the 248 from New Orleans.

Seemed kind of surprised
no one was here to meet her.

Well, hello.

Hey, not so fast, young lady.

Lie still and take deep breaths.

This is a doctor; Dr. Grover.

That's right.

- Have I fainted?
- All in a heap.

Too much sun.

But you'll be alright as soon as
I get you out of this slab-sided oven.

That's enough, Lee.

There you are.

Now you lie quiet for a while then
I'll take you over to my office
where it's cool.

No.

And then off to Rosignol

No.

No, I've got to go back.

There's no train
till late this afternoon, miss.

7:14 And it's usually late.

I have to go back.

Don't tell me you came all this way
just to turn around?

I must.

But aren't the Lamonts expecting you?

I don't know.

They don't know me.

They don't want me.

I'm choosing to go back.

Well, if you want to go back, alright.

But you can wait in my office
till time for the next train.

Can't I stay here?

That would be a pretty long wait.

You better come along, Miss Calvin.

Drink this.

Slowly and in small sips.

People who just came out of the hospital
should take everything that way.

How do you know
I'd been in the hospital?

Oh, I know quite a bit about you.

You know the Lamonts,
you're just out of the hospital,

and you're on your way to Rosignol.

- You know my aunt and uncle?
- Only by name.

Finish your medicine.

I picked up the things that fell out
of your purse when you fainted.

There was a letter addressed to you
at the Courtland Hospital in New Orleans

Feel better?

- Yes, thanks.
- I thought you would.

You shouldn't feel so upset
about fainting on the platform.

The heat was enough to flatten anybody.

It wasn't only the heat
or that I'd been ill.

It was...

It was the fear of being all alone.

Of having no one to turn to.

Not anyone.

You see, my aunt and uncle
are my only relatives.

And they're perfect strangers.
I haven't even seen them.

Then they weren't at the station,
I thought they'd gone back to New York.

They'd hardly do that
if they thought you were coming.

You ought to like Rosignol.
It's a perfect place to convalesce after

After whatever it was
you were in the hospital for.

I was on the Valdera.

I read about the Valdera.

Only four of us survived.

I woke up in a hospital in New Orleans.

I'm constantly tormented
by the nightmare of the open boat.

I thought it would drive me insane.

I was afraid someday it would be
the same whether I was awake or not.

I wanted to give in.

But they forced me back.

Dr. Winter wrote to my aunt
and they said they wanted me.

But they weren't at the station.

Why don't we take my car
and drive out to see what happened?

I've got a call to make out that way.

If they're not there,
I'll get you back in time for the train.

You're very kind.

You won't be able to see the water
from Rosignol; too many trees between.

Trees and sunlight...

It's so quiet, you can almost hear it.

Dr. Winter said all I needed
was some rest and quiet.

You'll have plenty of that.

It's about all we get around here.

Sometimes I think we overdo it.

The only excitement is when
a visitor comes to town.

I think I'll drop by
Rosignol every day or so.

But I wouldn't think
of troubling you so.

Trouble?

It's the kind of trouble
everybody's looking for.

But don't forget I saw you first.

Here we are. There's Rosignol

How do you do? Are you Mr. Lamont?

No, my name is Sydney. I'm staying here.

I'm Dr. Grover. I brought you a visitor.

- Indeed
- Yes. This is Miss Leslie Calvin.

Mrs. Lamont's niece.

What a surprise!

What a delightful surprise
for your aunt and uncle!

- Oh, but I sent them a telegram.
- A telegram?

I don't recall them mentioning it.

Here, let me get your bag.

Then they're not expecting me?

Forgive me for keeping you standing.

Come in, come in.

There was no one to meet me
at the station.

And I tried to telephone
but the name wasn't listed.

So Dr. Grover brought me out.

Oh, how nice. How very nice of you.
You must stay for dinner.

Emily will be delighted. Emily!?

Emily!

Did you come a long way Miss Calvin?

Yes.

From Batavia.

Batavia, Emily!

Here's Leslie, all the way from Batavia.

Leslie!

My dear child!

Darling we've been so worried about you.

If we'd only known when you were coming.

- Norbert? Norbert?
- But I did send...

- Oh, excuse me. Dr. Grover,
this is Aunt Emily.
- How do you do?

How very kind of you to drive her out.

Won't you come in and sit down?

- Thank you, but I...
- Did you get the telegram?

No.

But don't worry about it, darling.

I'm sure it will turn up someday.

There you are, Norbert.

This is your uncle, dear.

- How do you do?
- Poor child; nobody met her.

You really should have
let us know, dear.

And Dr. Grover, so kind.

How do you do?

Hello.

I tried to telephone you
and you're not in the book.

That's odd.

Of course, it's not in our name.

It's listed under Cleeve because

naturally Mr. Cleeve was
the only one living here at the time.

So you see, dear,
you should have looked for Cleeve.

But Aunt Emily, you didn't say anything
about him in your letter.

Two fish!

Oh dear, oh dear.

I don't know why they do those things.
They promise you and then...

There's a chicken.
I'll just speak with Florella

You make me nervous!

I'm quite sure Florella
can produce something.

I told Dr. Grover you'd want him
to stay for dinner.

- Provided...
- We'd love to have you stay, doctor.

Of course, a simple meal,
under the circumstances.

No thanks.
I'm afraid I have to get back.

Oh.

That's too bad. Some other time, then.

So glad to have you with us, Leslie.
Make yourself at home.

- Emily, I'm right in the middle of this.
- Yes, I know.

You go ahead.
I'll be with you in a moment.

- I'll show you to you room, dear.
- I'll say goodbye now.

I'll be out to see you soon. Very soon.

- Thank you.
- Behave yourself.

- Goodbye.
- 'Bye.

I know you must be tired.

Of course, if I'd only known
you were coming.

I wonder if I could see

Mr. Lamont a moment.

He seems to have disappeared.

He's so engrossed in the book
he's writing. He's hardly aware
of what's going on around him.

In that case, maybe I better tell you
what's on my mind.

I don't want to alarm you but
Leslie's been through a terrible time.

I know. The doctor at the hospital
wrote us all about it.

I just want to explain that she's

in a very nervous, unsettled condition.

Exhausted. Physically and emotionally.

She has nightmares.

She's afraid
she's turning into a mental case.

That's ridiculous, of course.

But she shouldn't sit around
and brood about it.

We know. We'll do everything
we can to help her.

Just tell Mr. and Mrs. Lamont
not to question her too much.

Try to make her forget.

They would anyway, I'm sure.

But I thought I'd better mention it.

Very kind of you, doctor, thank you.

We'll do everything we can for her.

- Goodbye, Mr. Sydney.
- Goodbye, Doctor.

Heavens! It's stuffy

This room hasn't been used since...

Darling, you shouldn't have
carried your bag up.

Norbert would.

But he's so absent-minded.

All wrapped up in his work.

Scientifics

A book he's doing for the government.

I help him with the typing but

really I don't understand a word.

Sit down and rest and let...
No, no no, I want to help you unpack.

My only niece arrives
and this is the reception she gets.

No one to meet her at the station.

And now this room

that needs dusting
and sweeping so badly.

That Florella.

Aunt Emily, really I don't mind.

- And you mustn't...
- And no flowers.

Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

Perhaps we'll do better tomorrow.

I don't want to be any trouble to you.

Imagine you being any trouble.

You don't know what this means to me.

In the hospital
I thought I was all alone.

Now I have a home
and Uncle Norbert and you.

My own people who love me.

I've never had any children of my own.

That's why your coming
means so much to me.

I hope you'll be happy here, Leslie.

I know I will.

Sit down, darling.
I have to see about dinner.

Mr. Sydney is s so particular,
he's so awfully particular.

And there's no salmon.

You'll hear a gong
just before dinner, dear

I thought perhaps
you might like to have this.

It was painted of your mother
just before she was married.

Lovely, isn't it?

Yes, lovely.

We weren't much alike.

She's so pretty, isn't she?

Christine always was the pretty one
but I didn't mind.

I think you're pretty, Aunt Emily.

You'll hear a gong for dinner, dear.
I'll try to be back before.

Florella!

Look at this dust
and look at these flowers.

The room is a pigsty!

Sorry, sir. I'll get a dust cloth.

Do. Look at that basket.

You know I don't like
that sort of thing.

It's disgusting.

ARRIVING BELLEVILE 2:45 WEDNESDAY
WITH LOVE, LESLIE CALVIN

Oh, there's a good girl.

Ah, there you are.

This is Mr. Cleeve, Leslie.
He runs the plantation for us.

How do you do, Miss Calvin?

How do you do?

This is Florella.

How do you do?

I hope you'll forgive
our (?????????????????)

We're just camping out down here.

All of our things are still
up in New York, you know.

It's a pity how some of these houses
are let go.

Mirrors need resilvering.

Draperies needs cleaning.
Look at this chair.

Crying for attention.

Yes, of course.

I'll have Florella put some
furniture polish on it.

Furniture polish.

Emily, have they any conception
of what this beautiful wood
really needs?

Why, you're quite right.

It needs refinishing.

I'll have it done right away.

Aunt Emily, have you decided
whether to stay here or not?

Oh, uh...

No, dear, we haven't.

You see, your uncle and I
have been discussing.

- But there are so many problems.
- Emily,

Would you pass the salt, please?

Oh, yes, yes.

Why don't you sell Rosignol,
Uncle Norbert?

What?

I only meant that sugar is so scarce...

You'd probably get a good price for it.

Of course he would.
That's what I've been telling him.

Besides the price of sugar won't be
so high after the war
when we can import again.

Antiques, business, sugar

He knows all about everything.

Who's that talking
in the kitchen, Emily?

Ring the bell.

When did you arrive
in America, Miss Calvin?

Florella?

Who's that in the kitchen?

It's just Pearson.

He just came to help me with the dishes.

Pearson's not allowed here anymore.

No company
during working hours, Florella.

Yes, sir.

Florella must learn.

Pearson must learn too.

Florella is such a... I mean...

She's very young. You understand.

- I suppose you've had...
- Perhaps, Emily

There may not be any
servant problems in the East Indies.

When did you leave Batavia?

Over a year ago.

A year? Why, where have you been?

In any bombings?

Yes.

Did you get away ahead of the japs?

Yes.

Nip and tuck, huh?

How did you manage it?

On a trading boat.

Darling, you're not eating a bit.
I think you should have a hot biscuit.

Would you tell us more
about it, Miss Calvin?

We're so removed
from the scene of action
in this peaceful backwater.

We went to Diego Suarez in Madagascar.

- And I had fever.
- Poor child.

Leslie dear, you've no butter.

I don't want any, thank you, Aunt Emily.

Go on. What happened?

It was Vichy French.

They wouldn't give us a visa.

And we ran out of our money
and we cabled to America.

And it took a long time to come.

Exasperating delays in war time.

I guess you took passage
to New Orleans from there.

Yes.

And then the boat sank.

Dear, we should have realized.
Do you want me to come with you, Leslie?

Leslie, wait!

You mustn't...

Jittery, isn't she?

Very trying on nerves. Very.

Fried chicken again.

Oh, good morning

- Good morning.
- Good morning, Miss Leslie.

- Hope you rested well, my dear.
- Yes, thank you.

After a good night's sleep,
one feels like a different person.

Sorry about the little
unpleasantness last evening.

Poor Emily was so upset.

- If we'd only realized.
- Please don't apologize, Mr. Sydney.

It was very silly of me.

Let's not talk about it anymore,
shall we?

Of course not.
How would you like to go for a stroll?

Perhaps we can show you
some of the plantation.

Are you sure you've nothing
more important to do?

Certainly not.

If Mr. Sydney's too busy,
I'd be delighted.

I believe you're trying to deprive me
of the pleasure of Miss Calvin's company

That's very kind of both of you.

It's our pleasure, my dear.

There's the old sugar house over there.

They made their own sugar right here
on the place in the old days.

The bayou was part of the river.

Shallow enough to wade in some places.

Very deep in others.

Quite dangerous.

Only last year
a woman went under the quicksand.

We heard her holler
but by the time we got there,
she was gone.

She had been carrying a wash basket.

And there it was;
right where she went down.

Marking the spot.

It's dangerous ground altogether

unless you know it very well.

You shouldn't go off alone
for the first few weeks.

Cleeve or I will join you.

That's right. You can't be too careful.

Must be awful - drowning in quicksand.

Much worse than water.

Water's cleaner at least and faster.

William, please.

Think of Leslie.

It's alright.
Please don't worry about me.

You're a brave girl

But I know what Cleeve's words
are reminding you of.

How about a ride in the boat?

Mr. Sydney?

Here I am.

New Orleans wants you on the telephone.

I'm coming.

Now that we've finally got rid
of that walking phonograph,

I'll show you around.

Oh, no thank you.

But you haven't seen the place and I'm
a much better guide than Mr. Sydney.

I'd rather not.

I know.
Tumble down buildings bore me too.

But then we're both still young enough
to have other interests, aren't we?

For instance?

I thought we could have some fun,
laughs together

How would you like to go to town
some night and see a picture show?

That would be very nice some night.

I'll show you around the bayou.
Come on. Get in the boat.

No thank you. I'd rather not.
I don't like boats.

Oh yes you do. That's the only way
to really see the place.

We have birds and flowers out there
that you've never even seen.

I'd rather not.

You can't go on being a coward.

She's not a coward.

- Oh, hello George.
- Hello, Leslie

You see, she's following my orders.

I told her to stay away
from boats for a while.

Your orders? Just who are you?

He's my doctor.
Dr. Grover, this is Mr. Cleeve.

- Oh. how do you do?
- How do you do?

I didn't know
you'd given her orders to stay ashore.

I just thought a boat ride
might be good for her.

I'm sure it would. Later on.

Look, I've got a few calls
to make in my car.

- Want to come along?
- I'd love to.

That's alright with you,
Cleeve, isn't it?

Sure.

Let's go, Leslie.

I'll admit the bayou country
has it's drawbacks.

Too many mosquitoes.

Not enough ice skating.

The scenary's improving.

Take it easy.

Just a pig in the road.

I almost hit him.

It's all your fault too.

My fault?

I used to be able to keep my eyes
on the road when I was driving alone.

You hear that?

Those are Boudreauxs.

What kind of animals are those?

You'll see.

Bon jour!

Mama Boudreaux, this is Leslie Calvin.

How do you do?

How do you do, mademoiselle?

Very very pleased.

And this is Jeanette.

FRENCH NAME, Cecille, and FRENCH NAME

and FRENCH NAME

And Yvette.

- Bon jour.
- Bon jour.

Oh, what a big girl!

She's a little shy at first.

But when she gets to know you,
she'll talk your ear off.

- Like all my women.
- Papa!

Yvette, put your dirty hands down.

Hey wait a minute. They're all here.

Yes, doctor, we are all here.

Well, where's the patient?

What patient?

Someone told me
a Boudreaux had fallen out of a tree.

That's me.

But you weren't hurt.

It wasn't a very high tree.

It knocked out his wind.

I knocked out myself.

Well, let's have a look.

Is he hurt, doctor?

I'm afraid I'll have to
prescribe something for him.

What is this? An epidemic?

Merci.

Me too!

You will stay for lunch, huh?

I still have a couple of calls to make.

Oh, sure they will stay.

???????????????

- Doctor, we have shrimp.
- Shrimp I caught this morning.

Shrimp a la Mama Boudreaux?

Shrimp that I like.

You never tasted shrimp
the way Mama Boudreaux fixes them.

I've been fixing them so long
I don't know but maybe I can show you.

Children, entertain our guests
while I fix some shrimp for lunch.

How do you like the bayou, Mademoiselle?

- Will you bring her to the fais-do-do?
- I'd love to bring her.

What is a fais-do-do?

Well, it means go to sleep.

Everyone gets together to dance.

And there's music. And fiddles.

It's no good.

What isn't?

I think the fais-do-do is no good

??????????

Children, come and wash your hands
and face. Lunch is ready. Quick.

Well, now you know what a Boudreaux is.

How do you like them?

I love them. All of them.

I'd like to steal Yvette.

Mama Boudreaux's the one to kidnap.

She's a great cook

Even in a country that considers cooking
more important than...

Well, than politics.

Do they take it that seriously?

Do they? The bayou boys don't propose

to the pretty girls.
They marry the good cooks.

I guess I'll be an old maid.
All I can do is boil an egg.

Wait a minute. I like boiled eggs.

Where are your manners?

Madame, Messieur.

I had fun. I'm sorry it's over.

It needn't be. We could have dinner.

Good evening, Leslie.

Hello, doctor. You've arrived just in
time. Dinner's on the table.

Oh, I hope I'm not late.

Not late. We're having it early.

We're all going to the movies.

Oh.

Well, goodbye.

I'll see you tomorrow night. 8 o'clock.

8 o'clock.

Good night, doctor.

Very nice chap.
Did you have a good time?

- Wonderful.
- Fine.

Shall I open it for you?

I'm sorry Norbert had to work
this evening.

Emily's terribly disappointed.

These confiscated films made
by enemy cameramen

and taken from a captured
german submarine in the North Atlantic

show the ruthless submarine warfare
as carried on by our enemies
on the high seas.

They are their own record
of wanton and indecriminate slaugther.

The submarine cruises
over the north atlantic
seeking victims day and night.

Suddenly a ship is sighted.

The alarm is given.
The men run to their battle stations.

Slowly the submarine maneuvers
into position for the kill.

Perhaps it is an unarmed merchantman.

Perhaps due to some breakdown

it has had to drop out of the convoy.

Maybe it carries refugees.

Helpless men, women and children
rescued from tyranny and oppression

and now at last on their way to peace

and a new life.

The submarine reaches
the chosen position.

Orders are shouted.

And without warning a torpedo is fired.

To make sure of the kill,
a second torpedo.

Death streaks through the waves.

Care for another candy?

With a crash, the ship is broken
and bursts into flames.

There is no chance
to launch the lifeboats.

Helpless victims leap into the water

clutching onto anything
that can help them to keep afloat.

The boat burns fiercely and then

- it's back is broken...
- Cleeve!

You should have found out
what was showing.

How would I know
this would upset her so much?

I'm sorry, my dear.
I'll take you home right away.

Aunt Emily!

Aunt Emily!

Aunt Emily!

Leslie?

Well, what is it?

In the dark. the lamp.

The lamp went out?

But it's on. see?

I heard a noise. Then it went out
and came on again by itself.

But it couldn't.

I mean...

It never has.

I suppose not.

But I heard a noise.

It's the screen door.

Yes, it's not fastened.

That ought to fix it.

It won't do it again.

You musn't be frightened, dear.

Shall I turn the lamp out for you?

No. no thanks, Aunt Emily. I'm alright.

Good. Be sure and call me
if you need anything.

I'm right here.

Good night, dear.
Try and get some sleep.

Don't be frightened.

I'll leave the door open.

What was it, Emily?

She thought the lights went out.

- That's strange.
- That poor child.

Excuse me, mum.

- Are you Miss Leslie?
- Who are you?

I'm Pearson Jackson, Miss Leslie.

And I'd like to talk with you.

Oh, Pearson Jackson. You frightened me.

What is it you want to talk to me about?

Florella told me you were nice
and kind, Miss Leslie.

She said if I told you

and you knew
that I had been treated wrong,

that you'd most likely
help me to find out.

I've worked here twelve years.

Twelve years.

Just three or four days after your aunt
and uncle came down here from New York,

Mr. Cleeve ups and gives me my pay and

told me to go.

Without any reason?

Yes, ma'am.

No reason at all, Miss Leslie.

And that's what I'd like
to find out about.

Because I belong here.

A man gets a pride for a place
after twelve years.

I think I understand
how you feel, Pearson.

And I'm sure Aunt Emily will
if you just tell her.

But that's what I can't get a chance
to do, Miss Leslie.

The day that I was let go

I asked to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Lamont

and Mr. Cleeve told me
they were feeling poorly.

He told me to go and stay gone.

And I came back three or four times
to see Mr. Cleeve.

And he ran me off.

Ran me off.

Pearson jackson off Rosignol.

I'll try to find out, Pearson.
I'll talk to Aunt Emily for you.

Thank you, Miss Leslie.

And I'll be much obliged.

But don't you run yourself no risk
of getting yourself into trouble
just for me.

It won't be any trouble, Pearson.

I hope not, Miss Leslie.

Things around here have changed.

This place ain't like it used to be.

Why, I remember...
That's Mr. Cleeve's car.

Good day, Miss Leslie.

I came up to see how you were.

Feeling better?

Emily's busy with Norbert so I came
to see what you want for dinner.

I don't care about eating dinner.

I was afraid you wouldn't want to go down
so I brought you an egg and sherry.

Did you get any sleep at all?

Maybe after a little egg and sherry
you'll try again.

You must not get discouraged.

You're really making progress, you know.

After the shock such as you've had,
one doesn't recover all at once.

Don't you give up

You had a little setback last night but

you're not a bit worse.

Your uncle mentioned
getting a psychiatrist but

that isn't necessary. You just get all
the sleep you can and have patience.

Oh, Miss Leslie

They all started without you.

I brought something upstairs.

Did staying in bed cure your headache?

Better thank you, Florella.

I'll have this in the kitchen.
I'd rather anyway

Yes, ma'am.

Ain't you relish your dinner,
Miss Leslie?

Oh, I'm just not hungry, Florella.

I don't even think I'll go
to the fais-do-do.

Fais-do-do?

Oh, but Miss Leslie, you better go.

It'll help to raise your spirits.

I'm afraid it will take
a lot more than that.

Have you had your dinner, Dr. Grover?

Yes, thanks.

Well, a cup of coffee.
Maybe a glass of iced tea.

Emily, maybe Dr. Grover would like
something a little more stimulating.

Thank you, really,
I don't want anything.

I just came to take Leslie
to the fais-do-do.

Hello, Leslie.

Are you ready for the festivity?

- I don't know, George.
- I really don't think you should.

You haven't been at all well.

Exactly. Leslie's been under the weather

Been in bed all day.

What's the matter? Don't you feel well?

I don't feel ill, George but...

Don't you think it might
do you some good?

I promise not to keep her
out too late, Mrs. Lamont.

Dr. Grover, she hasn't had
a bit of rest all last night.

This is really
out of the question, doctor.

Let's hear what Leslie has to say.

Would you like to go?

I think I would.

This is most ill advised.

- After all
- I'll prescribe for Leslie.

We won't be late, Aunt Emily.

I'll go up and change.
I'll be down in a moment.

I'm sorry if I sounded abrupt.

But as I told you,
she needs to be cheered up.

- Here's our ticket.
- Good evening, doctor

What did you say?

I said I was going to have a good time.

Of course you are.

Pardon, Ms. Doctor.

- Having fun?
- Having a wonderful time.

Yvette, (other child's name????)

Yvette, (?????)

Come on! Come out!

You bad little things.

I've been looking for you all night.

- May I have the next dance?
- Oh, Papa

- Thank you.
- She doesn't want to dance
with you all night.

This is wonderful.

How often do they have these affairs?

Every couple of weeks or so.

Here's to the next one?

Here's to the next one.

And the one after that.

You certainly took to square dancing
as if you've lived here all your life.

Thank you.

Mama Boudreaux said
you must have been born dancing.

Oh no. Not until I was three.

I used to dance for my mother.

She taught you?

No. Mother never danced.
She was an invalid.

She never walked
from the time she was a child.

My father always carried her.

She used to say that my feet would have
to do all the dancing for the two of us.

She couldn't have made a better choice.

Don't touch that.

Why not?

If you touch that, the door opens.

If the door opens, you might get out.

If you get out, I wouldn't be able to...

Leslie

Being a country doctor's wife
isn't much of a life for a woman.

But if she would overlook the bad part.

- George
- I'd try awfully hard to make it
worth the trouble.

Darling, I love you.

You mustn't say that.

But Leslie, I'm asking you to marry me.

Leslie, what's wrong?

I can't tell you. I can't ever tell you.

I mustn't see you alone.
I mustn't ever see you again.

Leslie

Did you have a good time?

I had a wonderful time.

Why, Leslie, you're crying.

Oh, dear.

We shouldn't have let you go.

You're all tired out.

I'll only blame myself.

Blame me.

Don't talk like that.
What happened to upset you?

Tell me.

He asked me to marry him.

Dr. Grover?

And you don't want to?

But I do. I do.

Why?

I don't understand.

I can't ever marry him or anyone else.

But why?

If you knew
you were going out of your mind.

You musn't say or think such things.

You're much better.

But I'm not. I'm not.

All the time I see and hear things
that aren't there.

Last night I heard the radio
and it wasn't even connected.

People in their right minds
don't have hallucinations.

Poor child.

Did you tell Dr. Grover about this?

No, I'm never going to see him again.

Why did they pull me out of the water?

That's where I belong.
Under the water with Mother and Father.

Leslie

Leslie

Leslie

Aunt Emily

Did you call?

Did you call?

Why, no, dear.

That's funny.

I thought I heard you.

I'm sorry.

- Good night, dear.
- Good night.

Leslie

Leslie

Leslie

Leslie Calvin

Leslie

Pearson. It's you.

Miss Leslie, did you hear
your name being called?

What? what did you say?

Yes, ma'am.

What do you mean?

Did you hear voices calling my name?

Yes, ma'am. I sure did.

You heard them.

You heard them.
Then they're really there.

Yes, Miss Leslie.

They say this place is haunted.

But you shouldn't be rambling around
in the dark like this, Miss Leslie.

Well, what are you doing here?

I gotta find out.

And when I do, I'll let you know.

I'll let you know tomorrow maybe.

I'll go up to the house
and then I'll know.

There's one thing I do know, Miss Leslie

They're after you because
they're calling your name.

And you better get back
into the house right this minute.

Alright, Pearson. I'll go but...

That's the path there, Miss Leslie.

I'll watch you from here
until you're safe back in the house.

Leslie

Hello.

Dr. George Grover, please.

I don't know the telephone number.

Hello, George?

Oh, I'm sorry.

Would you please give him a message?

Would you ask him to call Leslie Calvin?

It's very important.

Thank you.

Leslie, dear, come in.

What are you doing up at this hour?
It's dreadfully late.

I want to talk to you, Aunt Emily.

Lonely are you, poor darling?

Did anything special happen
tonight to upset you?

Aunt Emily,

Tell me about Mr. Sydney.

What do you want to know about him?

- How long have you known him?
- Oh a very long time.

He and your uncle have been friends
since school days.

He was best man at our wedding.

Does he

have much to do
with Uncle Norbert's affairs?

Oh yes. He handles everything.

He's so practical in money matters.

Norbert hasn't
a practical bone in his body.

And you completely trust Mr. Sydney?

Why, yes, darling.

I'm astonished you should ask.
What made you?

What about Mr. Cleeve?

What is it, dear?

How much do you know about Mr. Cleeve?

Only that he's a very good overseer.

Mr. Sydney says
he's done wonders with the plantation.

He's prudent, see?

It's got to be them. or one of them.

What has to be who, dear?

Aunt Emily,

I told you
I thought I heard voices calling me.

I thought they weren't real voices.

They were

I wasn't having hallucinations.
Somebody else heard them too.

Pearson heard them.

But he couldn't have.

Or if he did, he was just imagining.

That would be silly too, wouldn't it?

I don't believe in ghosts, do you?

It was somebody who was trying
to make me think I was losing my mind.

But why?

For what earthly reason?

I don't know.

I can't imagine that anyone
out of sheer meanness would.

It's not Mr. Sydney.

That's out of the question.

I'll tell Norbert.
He'll get to the bottom of it.

Aunt Emily,
you don't know how relieved I am.

About the voices, I mean.

Well, of course, dear.

I thought I'd never dare
fall in love, ever.

He seems a very nice young man.

When he asked me to marry him
I said no because I thought...

Well, don't fret, darling.

He'll ask you again, I'm sure.

You'll be married.

Your mother's wedding veil is in the attic.
I think we'll look tomorrow.

She was lovely.

Her happiness made her radiant.

No one wept at that wedding.

Your grandmother said,
"I'm not losing a daughter

I'm gaining a son."

Aunt Emily,

You and Mother were very close,
weren't you?

We were inseperable from childhood.

Tell me about the things
you used to do together.

Oh, we did all of the

usual things that little girls do.

We played with dolls.

Mother said that grandfather
used to be very strict with you.

He was. Even for those days.

But we managed to have a little fun
as we were growing.

He used to tell me about
all the beauxs you used to have.

- And all the parties that you used to
- Oh, but she was the popular one.

She never missed a dance.

Her dance program
was always filled first.

In those days we had a pencil
with a tassle on it.

- Did mother like to dance?
- Oh, she adored it.

Of course, we didn't
do the modern dances.

We waltzed and two-stepped and polka.

Was she a good dancer?

If I didn't love her so much,
I'd be jealous.

Maybe I was.

But just a might jealous anyway.

She was as light as a feather;
the best of all the girls.

There's Norbert with the tea.

We drink a cup of tea before retiring.

Oh, Leslie, forgive me.

Come, darling.
Have a cup of tea with us.

It'll make you sleep.

Norbert makes much better tea than I do.

Because I always warm the pot
before I put in the leaves.

I hope you like it a little strong.

A spoon for each cup
and one for the pot.

That's the way
your grandmother used to make it.

You want milk?

Yes, please.

Norbert, Leslie's told me
the most extraordinary thing.

She wants your advice.

- Yes?
- Will you give her a cookie, please?
- Oh, yes

No, thank you.

Oh, but they're whole wheat.

Norbert,

Leslie thinks that Cleeve and Sydney...
Did you get your milk?

No.

But Leslie thinks...

Drink your tea, darling.

He isn't there yet?

No ma'am.

He's out on call.

I don't know where.

And he didn't say when he'd be back.

Would you please tell him
that Leslie Calvin called?

Yes, thank you.

You're sure anxious
to get hold of that guy.

I wish some girl
would call me up three times.

Do you?

Leslie

Here's your medicine.

Did you forget it?

I thought you might have

so I brought it down to you.

Or would you rather take it upstairs?

Pearson?

Yes, Miss Leslie.

Keep out of sight.

Keep out of sight.

Sydney's watching me.

You're in danger, Miss Leslie.

I saw them this morning.

Careful. He's looking at us.

They're not your real aunt and uncle.
They're trying to fool you.

I know.

Go away, Pearson.
He's coming towards us.

I'll stay by here if you want me to.

No, no. Not now.

I'm not afraid, Miss Leslie.

Meet me tonight at the bayou.

Go, Pearson. hide!

Hi

Taking a walk?

Hot, isn't it?

Times like this
were made for sleeping anyway.

You might've got hurt
walking around the woods alone.

When is your doctor friend
coming around again?

You go for him, don't you?

You know, you and I
could have a lot of fun together.

If you'd just be yourself for a minute.

Is that you, Leslie?

- I was thirsty. I thought I'd go down..
- I've water here

But I know I've disturbed you.

- Come in, Leslie.
- Yes, come in.

It's too hot to sleep.

Think I'll have a cigarette.

- Didn't I bring up my cigarettes?
- Here you are, dear.

Yes, I think so. Here on the table.

Oh yes. here they are.

Can't sleep?

Good night.

Good night.

Good morning, Miss Leslie.

Good morning.

Leslie, sit down.
I'll get your breakfast.

I'll tell Florella.

She didn't come this morning.
She simply didn't come.

You can't depend on her.

Emily?

Good morning.

Good morning.

What have you done
with the chicken livers?

Dear, I only cooked them
and you simply...

Sit down.

I'll get my breakfast.

Oh no, no. You stay right here.

I'll get you something right away.

People who cook like Emily
should stick to simple things.

Look at these chicken livers.

Ruined beyond repair.

George?

Oh George, I've been trying to get you.

When are you coming out?

Correct me if I'm wrong but I remember
you said you didn't want to see me again

A girl can change her mind, can't she?

Yeah, I suppose so.

Look, Leslie, I've been up all night
on a case.

And I'm still kind of tied up but

I'll catch up on my sleep this afternoon
and drop by this evening.

Good. Then I'll expect you at one.

Leslie, what is this?

You say in an hour?

- I'll be waiting for you.
- Well, I don't get it.

If it's got you doing double-talk,
I'll come out as soon as I can.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

Here's you coffee, Leslie.

Was that George, dear?

Yes.

That's a nice young man.

Is he coming to see you?

Yes.

In a little while.

I'm going to the field office.
Anything else you want me to get done?

No, that's all.

Your young doctor
has been quite attentive.

There's not much competition around.

I don't think the doctor would
see anyone else if there were.

I think you're partial, Aunt Emily.

Leslie, I believe you're blushing.

Well, I shall take my constitutional.

I'll leave you the porch free
of inconvenient dullards.

You shouldn't walk so much
when you're sick.

I'm always telling him
but he won't listen.

I'll leave you too, dear.

I'm going up to my room to lie down.

I wish your uncle would
stop this typing and take a rest.

Good afternoon, George.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Lamont.

Hello, Leslie.

Hello, George.

I... I know you children will excuse me.

And perhaps some lemonade
will cool you off

Leslie, what's the matter?

Oh, George, thank God you've come.
I thought I was going mad, really mad.

I wasn't before. Mad, I mean.
I did hear voices.

They weren't just in my mind.
Pearson heard them too. He did.

- They killed him.
- Now wait a minute, Leslie.

Let me get this straight.

I found him down by the bayou.
They killed him.

Because he told my real aunt and uncle
before they came. They aren't.
They're impostors.

They wanted me to think I heard things.

They made the lights go on and off.
Oh, George!

George, thank God you've come!

Darling, what are you talking about?

This is why I said I couldn't marry you.

It was because I thought
I was losing my mind.

But I'm not really.
It was something they were doing.

Darling, you're much too excited.

Try to be calm.

George, I'm a prisoner.

They stood guard so I didn't dare.
You must take me away right now.

I will.

I will take you away, darling, but...

But what?

Leslie, please listen to me.

What you need most is a few hours sleep.

George, you don't know
what you're saying.

I'm in terrible danger. If we don't hide
they'll kill me like they killed Pearson

You don't believe me.

You think I'm imagining.

Imagination is a very powerful force.

We can all see and hear things
that aren't really there.

And it doesn't mean that
anything's wrong with the mind.

It's nerves with you, darling.

I'll be back
some time tomorrow afternoon.

Tomorrow will be too late.

I want you to take this prescription.

The directions are here.

And please, go to bed.

Will you, darling?

George, please.

Darling, please do as I say.

Oh, hello Mr. Sydney

I was looking for Mr. Lamont.

He's very busy, Dr. Grover,
finishing up his report.

But

I'm at your service
if there's anything I can do.

I'm worried about Leslie.

Very worried.

She's been telling me
some very fantastic things.

She seems to think
she's a prisoner here.

I'm afraid she's getting
a persecution complex.

She talks about murders, impostors.

Sounds pretty wild.

Good gracious, she's getting worse.

That's not all.

She told me Mr. and Mrs. Lamont

BELIEVE YOU S. LISTENING INSIDE. TOO
DANGEROUS TO GO NOW... STAY IN
YOUR ROOM... BE BACK
WITH HELP RIGHT AWAY. I LOVE YOU

You really think
it's very serious, Dr. Grover?

Yes, as a matter of fact,
she mustn't stay here any longer.

No telling what she might do
to herself in her condition.

The best thing we can do
is get hold of a good psychiatrist.

Yeah. I'll take care of that.

Why don't you let me do that?
I know a good man in new orleans.

I'll make all the arrangements
and come back for her as soon as I can.

Can you spare the time?

Yes of course I can. I want to do
everything possible for Leslie.

Then I suppose the only thing
we can do is wait.

Yes, I've given her some pills.
Maybe she can rest.

Better not disturb her for a while.

Oh, we'll do everything we can.

I'm sure you will.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye, doctor. oh ah...

By the way, doctor, could you
drop me off at the field office?

Sure. I'd be glad to. Hop in.

Thanks.

Sydney

I'm getting tired
of playing Uncle Norbert.

Of talking and eating
with my chin stuck out.

I think I've stuck my chin out
a little too far as it is.

I'm not making any bones about it.

I'm mighty worried.

That young doctor
may be here any minute.

He said he'd be back in two days.

He might change his mind.

I think that's none of our business.

But it does affect Pinky and me.

What I'd like to know is

What do you have in your mind to do?

Get the girl, May.

You're not going to harm her, are you?

If anything bad,

I mean really bad should happen to Leslie,
I don't know what I'd do.

I've grown terribly fond of her.

I don't want her hurt.

I'm afraid all sentimental considerations
must be put aside for the time being.

We uh...

We didn't bargain for anything like

murder, Sydney.

If either of you have
anything constructive to propose

- We refuse to have any part of it.
- We didn't bargain
for anything like this.

So you might just as well count us out.

And as far as our share of the proceeds

are concerned, well, you can keep it.

Not that we haven't earned it.

We've done everything
we've agreed to and more.

As far as the money is concerned.

-I'll tell you the truth. We need it.
We need it badly.
- I'll pack our things, Pinky.

- Sit down, May.
- I won't sit down.

We're getting out of here
as soon as we can.

Stop her, Pinky.

- Wait a minute, May.
- I won't wait for anything.

I'm your husband
and you're going to do as I say.

Let's try to be reasonable for a moment.

Nothing you can say
will make me change my mind.

My mind is made up.

Oh, shut your mouth, May.

Don't you be rude to me.

My instinct is to clear out too.

I'm just as anxious to be rid
of this whole thing as you are.

It's messy and I don't like messes.

Unfortunately we can't pick and choose.

Now suppose we were to

pull up our traces and light out.

How far do you think we'd get?

The state line?

Would you stop using "we"
as though Pinky and I had any part of it?

You're in this up to your necks.

Whether you like it or not.

When we accepted
your offer to come up here

and be the Lamonts

Surely you've guessed by now
what happened to the Lamonts?

Less said the better
about such things but

a fact is a fact.

You mean they're dead?

Did you uh...

please.

You should have told us
when you made us the offer.

- It wasn't fair not to tell us.
- Of course it wasn't. may's right.

That was done before we got here.

We had nothing to do with it.

True.

But I think you'd find it very difficult
to make a jury believe that.

Bring the girl down, May.

Pretty little romance she's having
with that doctor, isn't it?

Well,

There's no use dwelling
on the unpleasant side of things.

What are we gonig to tell the doctor?

You should thank your stars, Pinky,

one member of this concern
has a little foresight.

You awake?

No more tricks.

You behave yourself
unless you like being hit over the head.

Are the mosquitoes bothering you?

Well,

it won't be long now.

You mean I won't have to worry
about scratching the bites.

Want a drink?

Yeah.

Coke?

Yeah.

Rum?

Sure.

Now take me.

If I was in your fix

I'd want to get cockeyed too.

Thanks.

Ok, sport.

How long have I been out?

Oh, two or three hours.

The first time. Oh, now look.

You ain't going to
cause any more fuss, I hope.

Because if you do,
you're just going to get slugged again.

As per Mr. Sydney's instructions.

You do everything Sydney says?

I have a mind of my own.

What happened to Leslie?

I reckon I can guess.

But I won't.

The same that happened
to the real Lamonts?

Maybe.

They're out in the bayou
under the water hyacinths.

How'd you know?

I didn't.

That's right, sport

That's where they are.

Out in the bayou alright.

Why are you afraid of Sydney?

Who me? afraid?

I ain't afraid of nobody.

You notice you do
all the dirty work, don't you?

What dirty work?

I can't see Sydney pulling a trigger
or sticking a knife.

With you to do it for him,
why should he spoil his lily white hands?

George. George, darling.

Leslie, don't worry.

You're hurt.

Start the boat up.

He came to and started raising a fuss
so I banged him over the head again.

Cleeve, you've been drinking.

Says you.

You got no right to do that, Mr. Sydney.

No impudence from you.

Look I don't like being ordered around
like dirt under somebody's feet.

Be polite.

Ask please to do something.
Maybe I will maybe I won't.

But I don't like being ordered around.

Do you?

Two different boys.

Cleeve drunk. Cleeve sober.

Tell me, Sydney,

what's so important
that it's worth the lives of five people?

Leslie

Leslie Calvin

Home recorded.

We set it for a certain time.

And the lamp? That was you too?

Cleeve. I know nothing about electricity

Simple devices.

Too bad they failed
to serve their purpose.

Too bad I mean, doctor, for Leslie.

You see, we've done everything
we could for Leslie.

But you didn't answer my question.

What in your mind is worth
the lives of five people?

Why, money, doctor. What else?

Hurry, Cleeve.

I've only got two hands.

How much money
will these particular murders bring?

Three hundred thousand dollars
minus agents fees, of course.

We could get a good deal more

with plantations skyrocketing in value.

But considering we have no time
to dicker, it's a fairish price.

It must have been an awful nuisance
arriving when I did,

by the way.

George is pretty well known around here.

What are you going to say
when people come asking after him?

We'll tell them you eloped.

They'd believe it long enough
for us to finish our business and be off.

What do you mean "us"?

You aren't telling me, are you that

you intend to cut Aunty
and Uncle and Cleeve in?

I beg your pardon?

You will have committed five murders

for money.

Well, why not eight

for more money?

Take Cleeve, now.

What's going to keep you from disposing
of Cleeve after you've disposed of us?

That would only be good business
according to your likes.

Then after Cleeve comes aunty's turn.

Then uncle.

Boat's ready.

Good boy, Cleeve

Untie him.

Don't turn your back on him.

Keep your gun off safety.

Shut up, you.

I'm only telling you for your own good.

I don't want any more blood
on this floor.

I've told you about blood stains.

They're a giveaway. Untie him.

Come.

Get up and no tricks.

Alright come on. Let's get going.

I'm so afraid.

I know.

Alright, Cleeve.
This place is as good as any.

I won't do it.

What's that?

- I won't do it unless.
- Unless what?

I'm not taking any chances on
you pulling a fast one, Sydney.

- A fast one?
- You know what I mean.

My dear boy, you're not going to take
what this fellow says seriously.

There's only going to be one gun
in this boat, Sydney.

Mine.

- That's telling him, Cleeve.
- Shut up, you.

Put your revolver over the side

and let go of it.

Dr. Grover, you've poisoned
this boy's mind.

I'm tempted to do
this job on you myself.

Are you going to do like I say, Sydney?

Leslie, get out of this boat! Jump!

- Give it to me.
- You idiot.

We've got to move.

They know where we went in.

You're so good, go on, hit something.

Shut up.

Don't move, darling. Keep still.

Start the boat.

Are you hurt, badly?

Bring the flashlight.

Come out of there!

Come out of there!

I'll find them.

Where are you?

You might as well show yourselves.
You haven't got a chance. I'll find you.

Come out of there.

Come out of there.

Come out of there.

Come out of there.

I'll find them.

Where are you?

You haven't got a chance. Where are you?

Hey, I'm stuck!

Give me a hand, will you?

Sydney!

The quicksand!

Don't struggle.

You can get out by yourself.

Don't shoot them, Mr. Sydney!

Help me!

Help me!

I can't get out!

Help me, Mr. Sydney!

Mr. Sydney, help me!

Help, Mr. Sydney! Sydney, please!

I'm stuck! Please!

I can't get out, Mr. Sydney! Please!

Throw the gun over here, Sydney.

And I'll come and get him out.

Don't shoot! Please help me!

Help me! You'll get them later!

Well, that does it, Sydney.

Now you've lost your guide.

You'll never get out of here
unless I lead you.

Go ahead. Try to get out
if you don't believe me

Not that way.

That looks like solid ground
but it isn't.

One step that way
and you'll go down just as Cleeve did.

No use looking, Sydney.

Start walking and take your chances.

But remember,

you only get one wrong guess
because I won't pull you out.

Come on. Make up your mind.
What are you going to do?

You better throw me that gun.

You've only got one bullet left and
if you shoot me you'll stay here forever

You're wise. It's hard on the nerves
in the swamp at night.

In fact it would have been quite safe
for you to walk back to the boat.

There isn't any quicksand here.

Only back there.

But of course you couldn't tell that.

This way.

Go on.

Get in.

I guess you better
take the wheel, darling.

Sit down, Sydney.

The starter button's on the dash.

Go ahead, darling.
There's nothing to be afraid of now.

Are you alright?

Yes, I'm alright.

I'm alright.