Dead Man's Eyes (1944) - full transcript

An artist (Lon Chaney Jr) is blinded by a jealous assistant/model. His fiance's father generously offers his eyes for a sight restoring operation. there's only one hitch. Chaney has to wait until after the man dies. Not surprisingly, when the benefactor dies a very premature death, suspicion falls on the artist.

This is the Inner Sanctum.

A strange, fantastic world

controlled by a mass

of living, pulsating flesh,

the mind.

It destroys, distorts,

creates monsters,

commits murder.

Yes.

Even you, without knowing,

can commit murder.

That'll be all

for today, Tanya.

But there's still a good light

and I'm not tired.

I know. You're never tired. But I

have a dinner engagement tonight.

- With her?

- Yes, with Heather.

Now, run along and get changed.

She'll be here in a minute.

[DOORBELL RINGING]

Well, hello, brat.

It's about time.

- Hello, darling. Am I late?

- No, Ijust stopped working.

I'm so anxious

to see the painting.

- Dave, it's wonderful.

- Thanks.

We're meeting your dad for

dinner tonight, aren't we?

Darling, why don't we forget

this family affair

and go someplace together,

just us.

Oh,no.

We couldn't do that.

Why, I haven't seen Dad Hayden

in weeks.

Listen, are you

marrying my father or me?

Why, your father, of course.

With all his dough?

David, darling.

But after that,

I'll do anything you say.

Of course, I really should be

jealous of your model.

- And Dad thinks I should chaperone you

- No.

But here she is now.

Heather, this is Tanya,

Miss Czoraki.

Dave, she's just as lovely as

your painting. How do you do?

I must be going, goodbye.

Goodbye, Tanya.

- Strange little thing, isn't she?

- Yes, but an excellent model.

She's in love with you. I could

tell by the way she looked at us.

Nonsense, darling.

You're a jealous woman.

Well, if she isn't,

she ought to be.

And maybe I had

better chaperone you.

Or better yet,

marry you right away.

Not right away.

But just as soon as

I finish this painting.

I believe it's going to be

the best thing I've ever done.

It'll make me, professionally.

Then I can support

a rich man's daughter.

Well, I've waited this long, I

guess I can wait a little longer.

Now, go on and get your clothes on.

We're gonna celebrate!

[DOORBELL RINGING]

- Well, Alan. How are you?

- Fine. Fine.

Where is she?

She hasn't gone yet, has she?

Who, Tanya? No, but you almost

missed her today.

- She'll be out in a minute.

- Oh.

Dad Hayden told me the news about

you and Heather. Congratulations.

Thanks.

Dave, it's becoming

more beautiful every day.

It's a wonderful piece of work, almost

as fascinating as the original.

Thanks, again.

She's lovely.

Quiet and shy as a child.

And yet there's something primitive

and passionate about her.

She intrigues me.

That's quite obvious from the way

you've been monopolising her time.

Well, after all, I'm a

connoisseur of art and beauty.

Mostly beauty, I'd say.

Oh, but that's not fair. I'm

interested in people, too.

It's part of my profession to study them.

Learn what causes them to act as they do.

Oh, so that's why you've been

so interested in my model.

Yes, it's the mystery of

what's going on inside her.

For instance, I wonder

what she's thinking about now.

I wonder.

- Tanya, is anything wrong?

- Oh, hello, Alan.

What's happened? You don't

seem very glad to see me.

Of course I'm glad to see you. I

guess I'm just a little tired.

Oh, Dave's a slave driver.

Now, as a doctor

and a psychiatrist,

I prescribe

play and relaxation

under my personal guidance.

We'll have dinner,

take in a nightclub...

Not tonight, Alan, thank you. I

think I should get some rest.

Well, then at least

I'll see you home.

- Same time tomorrow, Tanya.

- Yes. Good night.

- Good night. So long, Alan.

- Goodbye, Dave.

A doctor! Quick,

get me a doctor!

I'm going blind.

Sure, I get it.

I was good enough to take you

out and show you a good time.

But now I'm getting

the brushoff.

Oh, Nick, I'm sorry.

I like you.

I've always liked you.

But now that Dave and I are... Well,

our wedding day's practically set.

It isn't the thing for us

to be running around together.

It's your father, he's responsible for

this. Oh, I know he doesn't like me.

He's had his heart set on you marrying Dave

ever since you were just a little kid.

And you're only doing it

because he wants you to.

It so happens that I have a mind of

my own and I'm in love with Dave.

I've always been

in love with him.

Oh, but Heather...

Dad's right. You really shouldn't

call at the house any more.

It doesn't look good.

No, nothing ever looks good

to him.

Telephone, Miss Heather.

Thank you, Trevers.

Yes?

An accident?

His eyes?

- Why don't they let us in to see him?

- Now, father...

After all, there's nothing

to get excited about.

It can't be anything

really serious.

Oh, nothing's

ever serious to you.

What are you doing here, anyway?

This is none of your affair.

Nick was with me

when we received the news.

Oh, I thought you were going to stay away

from him now that you've landed a real man.

Well, well, what is it? Speak up, Sam.

What's the matter?

Dave used acid on his eyes

instead of eyewash, by mistake.

His eyes are badly burned.

And I'm afraid the corneas

are permanently damaged.

- You mean he's blind?

- Yes, leukoma.

Dad!

Can anything be done?

Well, I can't say for sure.

It's too early to tell.

But you've got to do

something, man.

That boy is like my own son. He's an

artist, a painter, he needs his eyes.

You're supposed to be one of the best

eye men in the country. Do something.

I'll do everything I can.

When may we see him?

Tomorrow. I've given him a

sedative and he's asleep now.

His mental state

will not be good for a while.

When I bring him home, someone

should be there to greet him.

And he shouldn't be left alone

for some time.

- We'll see to that.

- I'll get Alan Bittaker. He'll help.

Yes, yes, that's good.

He'll know what to do.

- Yes, we'll all be there.

- No, we won't.

It was my fault, my fault.

Your fault?

I might have known.

Yes. I remember

moving the bottles.

By mistake he must've picked up the

wrong one thinking it was the eyewash.

- By mistake? I doubt it. You...

- I didn't mean to do it.

I didn't realise, I didn't know.

It was an accident.

- HAYDEN: Accident?

- Yes. Yes, Dad Hayden, an accident.

I was here at the time, there was

nothing intentional about it.

Please. You must

believe me, please.

You, you...

- Dave.

- Heather?

- What're you doing here?

- You have company.

Yes. Dad's here,

and Alan and...

- Hello, Dave.

- Oh, Alan.

Did you think I'd need a

psychiatrist, coming home like this?

Why, nonsense. I'm just

on hand as a friend.

We thought it'd be better waiting

here than all coming to the hospital.

Come on, darling.

Oh, Dave.

- Hello, son.

- Dad Hayden.

I might have known you'd

be here for my homecoming.

- Dumb stunt I pulled, wasn't it?

- It wasn't your fault.

- Welcome home, Dave.

- Oh, Tanya.

That's fine.

Come along, darling.

Here we are.

Dave,

why don't you plan to come

home with us for a while?

What? What?

I'm blind, I know it!

Why doesn't someone say something about

it? Are you afraid to talk about it?

Dave, darling.

Of course we know you're blind. And

if you wanna talk about it, we will.

It's a dirty shame.

I'm sorry I went

overboard like that.

I guess there's no use crying

over spilt milk, is there?

Forget it, will you?

Dave, I don't want to give you

any false hope,

but there is an operation

known as corneal transplant.

Oh, Doctor,

you mean there's a chance?

Yes, there is a chance.

But it's a very slim chance.

In the first place, the operation

is a most delicate eye surgery.

And in Dave's case,

the injury is so extensive,

it's doubtful whether large

enough grafts of corneal tissue

could be made successfully.

You mean you can take the

tissue from one set of eyes

and graft it onto another?

Yes, in the case

of the cornea, you can.

The cornea

is like a window

which admits light to the lens of the eye

through which it's focused on the retina.

And the cornea is the only

part of the human eye

which can be transplanted from one

person to another and retain life.

But too large a graft can't be made

or the eyeball might collapse.

Then at least you can try.

Well, it's...

It's not as simple

as all that.

You see, another human eye

is needed.

One whose cornea is undamaged,

from which the necessary

grafts may be taken.

As you can imagine, such eyes are

scarce and difficult to obtain.

And an eye removed from a donor must

be placed in cold storage immediately

and used within 72 hours.

Otherwise, the live tissue

deteriorates and will not graft.

There are organisations

such as the Donor Society,

where eyes may be obtained

for just such an operation.

Eyes that were removed

because of other defects,

though the corneas

remained undamaged.

Or eyes taken from dead men.

Yes, that is true, but the applicants are

always more numerous than the supply.

And you must furnish the

opinion of an eye specialist

that the transplant

will be a success.

As the surgeon, in this case, I'm afraid,

I cannot give that as my true opinion.

So Dave's application

would be delayed indefinitely.

Then Doctor, you really mean

there isn't any hope?

I wouldn't say that, Dave.

As a matter of fact...

Dr. Welles,

would a single eye do?

- To take care of both of Dave's?

- Yes, yes.

Doctor, are you suggesting that

someone here donate one of his eyes?

I'm suggesting nothing, my son.

I'm simply stating the facts.

when you can give me no real assurance

that this operation would be a success?

No, Dave,

I am sure you wouldn't.

Well, I won't allow it.

Not anyone, no matter who.

HEATHER: But Dave...

DAVE: N0!

We'll locate someone who's

forced to part with an eye

and who will be

a willing donor.

I'll offer payment.

I don't want you to do that, Dad Hayden.

You've done enough for me already.

Nonsense.

In the meantime, we're getting a nurse out

here to look after you for a few days.

You don't have to worry about a thing,

Dave. I'll take care of all the expenses.

No, I don't want that!

I don't want a nurse!

I can take care of myself.

You really should have someone

here for a day or two, Dave.

TANYA: I'll be here.

I'll be glad to come in every

day and look after Dave.

I want to do it.

I feel I should.

DAVE: Tanya, well,

that's swell of you.

It won't be for very long.

Only for a few days, until I

can find my own way about.

DAVE: Sitting here

like a slug on a rock,

a useless hulk of humanity.

Listening to music, to someone

else create something,

while I...

I'll never paint again.

Never again.

Tanya, is your painting

still uncovered?

- Yes.

- Then cover it.

- But Dave...

- I'll never be able to finish it.

I don't want it out where everyone

can look at it and comment on it.

It's the only good thing

I've ever done.

I'll never be able to finish the

only good thing I've ever done.

I'm sorry.

Why do you have to be so everlastingly

sorry about everything?

You're not to blame!

It was a stupid accident.

I did it!

- It was the painting I meant.

- Oh.

Don't pay any attention to me,

Tanya. I'm upset.

I understand.

I'll be going now. Good night.

DAVE: Heather's fine.

We weren't to be married until

the painting was finished.

But she'll want

to go through with it anyway.

Got to break it off.

She and Nick.

At least he isn't blind.

Oh, David Stuart.

I don't believe you. You don't

know what you're saying.

But I do know what I'm saying.

Our engagement was a mistake.

I came here to release you

from your obligation to me.

Are you trying to play

the martyr with me?

David, I love you.

- I'm not gonna stand for your being noble.

- It isn't that, I...

I just discovered that I don't love you.

Not that way.

Dave.

David!

Why do you have to make this

so difficult for me?

Can't you realise I'm not in love

with you? I'm in love with...

Well, I'm in love

with Tanya.

And under the circumstances, I should

think you'd step aside gracefully.

Is this her idea?

- Did Tanya send you here tonight?

- Leave her out of this.

Dave, do you know that she's responsible

for the loss of your sight?

I told you to leave her out of this.

It was an accident.

She feels badly enough

about it as it is.

Very well.

- What do you want me to do?

- Why, nothing...

I simply had to tell you the truth.

Get it off my mind.

Get things settled

between us.

But...

We can go on like

we were before, can't we,

brat?

All right, Dave.

Anything you say.

You've been mighty decent, Heather.

I feel like a heel.

- Good night.

- Good night, Dave.

Oh, Dave!

Dave.

Dave!

You're a pretty sight.

Dad Hayden.

What're you doing here

at this time of the night?

- Night? It's morning.

- Oh.

I wanna have a talk with you.

Where's that girl?

Tanya? Why, I guess

she isn't here yet.

I came here

as soon as I could...

- As soon as I learned...

- I don't care to discuss it.

Oh, you don't care

to discuss it? Well, I do.

Where's your backbone?

Stand up and fight, man.

- Drinking isn't gonna help you.

- It's no use.

I'm not going to stand idly by

watching you waste yourself on that...

- Let's leave Tanya out of this.

- I can't leave her out of it.

I'm not going to let her

come between you and Heather.

Oh, Dad, why do you want to

burden Heather with a blind man?

Suppose you are blind, that

doesn't mean you always will be.

- There's hope.

- Hope!

Now, listen.

I'm an old man.

I'm not going to live forever.

And I've made arrangements

with my lawyers

that immediately on my death, my eyes

are to be used to restore your sight.

You mean that you want them

to use your eyes after...

Dr. Welles tells me they can, if

they do it within a reasonable time.

Oh, no, Dad,

that's no good.

It's too horrible

to contemplate.

So you're determined

to be the martyr, eh?

Dad, I don't want to hurt you,

or Heather either.

But what I told her about

Tanya and me is the truth.

Well, I had to be fair.

You're not gonna throw yourself away

on that scheming little adventuress.

I won't allow it.

I thought I told you

to leave Tanya out of this.

If I can't bring you to your senses any

other way, I'll see what can be done

about prosecuting her for deliberately

scheming to cause your blindness.

I'll jail her for it

if it's the last thing I do!

Why don't you mind your own business?

Now get out of here and let me alone!

Dave.

Dave.

Oh, Dave.

Oh, Alan, I'm so glad

you're here.

I came as soon as

I got your call.

Here now, what's this?

Things can't be that bad.

Oh, but they are.

Dave's been drinking.

And then I heard him in the

bedroom, he was crying and sobbing.

It was awful.

Well, Dave's bound

to be difficult.

He's going through a torturous

period of adjustment.

But you really wanna know what's

the matter with him? It's Heather.

- He broke his engagement to her last night.

- He broke off his engagement?

Yes. But if Dave weren't blind, he'd crawl

back to her on his hands and knees.

As long as Dave

doesn't have his sight,

- he'll never marry Heather.

- Tanya, listen to me.

You can't give your life to Dave through

a mistaken sense of responsibility.

He belongs with Heather.

He doesn't love you. I do.

- You?

- Yes.

Why do you think I kept

coming up here so often?

- But I thought Dave, the painting...

- No, it was you.

You're in my blood, Tanya. I

can't think of anything else.

Oh, Alan, I'm sorry.

I do like you.

But, well, as long as Dave needs me,

I could never think of anyone else.

But it's all wrong, Tanya.

It'll never work out for you.

- You mean because of Mr. Hayden?

- Yes.

Don't forget, he's been like a

father to Dave. He'll influence him.

That's not so.

Only this morning, Dave

quarrelled with him over me.

And Dave told him to get out.

I'm going to see Mr. Hayden

and put a stop to this.

- He's got to leave Dave alone.

- No, Tanya, that won't do any good.

Well, I'm going

to see him anyway.

- How are you, old boy?

- Oh, Alan.

- What are you doing here?

- Ijust dropped in to see you.

Oh, that's fine.

How about a drink?

Now, don't you think you've

had about enough, fellow?

- Are you gonna start preaching too?

- No, no, of course not.

I'll join you

in a nightcap.

That's fine.

Would you mind pouring it?

Gee, I've got a bad taste

in my mouth.

You'll pardon me for

pointing this out to you,

but you're not gonna get rid of

that taste by taking another drink.

You see, I know what's

bothering you, my boy.

What do you mean? It's a bad

case of guilty conscience.

You treated Dad Hayden pretty

roughly and you know it.

It's preying on your mind,

isn't it?

Come on, admit it.

Confession's good for the soul.

Get it off your chest.

Yes, I...

I feel like a heel. Practically

threw him out of here.

But I'm getting sick of

everyone being sorry for me.

- All this sympathy.

- Yes, I know.

But you and Hayden have been too close

to let anything come between you now.

Dave, you're acting like a

man who's lost everything.

You heard what Dr. Welles said.

There's still hope.

Yes, I know.

Now what you should do is to

patch things up with Dad Hayden.

Decide to do that and I'll bet

you'll sleep much better tonight.

- How about it?

- Of course, you're right.

- Very well, I'll do it tonight.

- Good. Now that that's settled,

I'll be on my way.

- How about another drink?

- No, thanks. See you later.

[DOOR CLOSES]

DAVE: Alan's right.

There is hope.

When Dad Hayden dies,

I'll have the operation.

It might be a success.

If Dad Hayden were dead.

Good evening, Mr. Phillips.

Oh, hello, George.

Have you seen Miss Hayden?

Yes, sir. She's waiting

at the far end table.

Has she been here long?

- About three quarters of an hour, sir.

You're late, Nick.

What kept you?

I'm sorry, Heather. I was on my way

over here and... But I ran into...

Skip the excuses, Nick.

Why did you drag me away from the

house tonight? What's so important?

Heather, Ijust

had to see you alone.

I know this isn't the time

or the place, but...

- But...

- But what?

- Straight Bourbon.

- Yes, sir.

Heather, you know how I feel about you.

And now that Dave is...

I don't know how to say it,

but, he won't hold you.

I want you to forget

your pity and marry me.

Pity?

What on earth

are you talking about?

Can't you possibly understand

I'm in love with him?

I don't believe it.

The only thing that stands

in our way is your father.

He's just a stubborn,

meddlesome old man.

That's enough, Nick!

I didn't come here tonight

to hear my father insulted.

And no matter what Dad thinks,

I still love Dave.

And I'm sure he really

loves me. Good night.

Oh, but Heather...

HEATHER: Dave!

Dave, what happened?

Heather, I came over to make things

right with Dad Hayden tonight, and...

Well, no one answered

the door,

and I let myself in

with my own key.

Then I came in

to find him and...

I stumbled over.

Dad!

Dad!

[SCREAMING]

He's dead!

There's blood on your hands.

- Heather, I...

- Don't come near me.

Heather, you don't think

that I...

No!

Heather!

How can you ask me

to do such a thing?

Such a disfigurement would be horrible

enough under ordinary circumstances.

But now...

It was your father's wish,

Heather.

But not this way.

Not when Dave...

Didn't I see him with my

own eyes, standing there

with Dad's blood on his hands?

How can you ask this of me?

I'm sorry, Heather. Under the

circumstances, it's distressing to me, too.

But I promised your father I'd

perform the necessary surgery.

Regardless of how we feel,

I think it should be done.

Miss Hayden, painful

as this request must seem,

legally you cannot prevent this

procedure and neither can we.

Because I have definite instructions

from your father in writing,

witnessed by Dr. Welles.

Your consent

is only a matter of form.

But Dr. Welles would rather

not proceed without it.

Oh, I can't.

I simply can't.

Heather, you understand it's

urgent that we act at once.

According to precepts ofjustice,

David Stuart is considered innocent

until given a fair trial and

condemned by an impartial jury.

And you in your present state could

hardly be considered impartial.

Sorry, sir,

but you can't go in there.

I'm a friend of Dave Stuart's.

How is he, Officer? Do you know?

I don't know, sir.

I'm Captain Drury.

- What did you say your name was?

- Alan Bittaker.

Oh, yes. I've heard of you.

A psychiatrist, aren't you?

Well, in a small way.

Interesting, Doctor. You know, we use a

bit of psychology in our business too.

What do you make of Stuart?

As a psychiatrist, I mean.

Well, just what do you mean?

Well, his state of mind, his

frustrations in being unable to paint.

Blindness is a serious thing

to happen to an artist.

Do you suppose it might

drive him to commit murder?

I can't believe it.

He regarded Hayden

as he would his own father.

Oh, yes, I know. But the mind

is a strange thing.

Sometimes it slips

out of control in a crisis.

But who am I to tell you?

Where's Dr. Welles?

When's he going to operate?

I think he's still at the

morgue, removing Hayden's eyes.

But he should be here

grafting the corneas by now.

Why worry, Doctor? Suppose

the operation is too late?

After all, isn't it

rather a waste of time,

attempting to restore the vision of

a man who may be condemned to die?

That's right, Doctor. You

have to be, in my business.

[ENGINE FALTERING]

Taxi! Taxi!

MAN: Wait a minute.

Give me that container.

Come, Tanya. There's no time

to lose. Give it to me.

How did you find out?

I was at the hospital

when Dr. Welles telephoned.

And I suspected you the minute I heard

what happened. Now give them to me.

Tanya, keeping Dave blind

isn't gonna hold him for you.

Don't you see in his heart he'll

always continue to love Heather?

- No. I will not believe that.

- And you want him blind?

No, I don't want Dave blind.

Go, hurry. I don't want Dave blind. I don't

know why I did it. I don't know why.

I think you're right, Doctor.

Now where's Moriarty?

I told him not to leave here.

Well, for...

Here's the missing container!

Where did it come from?

- Are you sure?

- Of course I'm sure.

I thought I told you not to leave here.

Where have you been?

Why, you see, sir, I was sitting over

there, and then all of a sudden...

Oh, yes, yes, all right. Where

did you get that container?

- What container?

- The one we found on the chair.

- You know, the container with the eyes.

- A container with eyes?

Why, Chief, the only thing that

I saw that had eyes was the...

- Hello, Captain.

- Better not go in there now.

I think they're getting him

ready for the operation.

Well, what about

the missing eyes?

They showed up

rather mysteriously.

You wouldn't know anything about

that, would you, Bittaker?

No, no, I wouldn't.

DAVE : Heather.

Don't come near me.

You don't think I...

There's blood on your hands.

No!

Heather, come back!

- Heather. Heather!

- You must lie still, boy.

You must not

move your head.

DOCTOR: You must not

move your head.

You must not move your head.

DAVE: How long?

Doctor, is there a chance?

Do you really think I'll see?

If I could only be sure.

Hurry, won't you?

Please be calm.

This will only take a moment.

Now, Dave, let your eyes

open slowly, only to slits,

so that they can gradually

become accustomed to the light.

All right.

Yes.

It's dark.

- Is it dark in here?

- Nurse, open the blinds.

How's that?

I'm blind.

I'm still blind.

I can't see.

- I can't see.

- Now, now, just a minute, Dave.

Sometimes the first shock

of daylight does that.

It takes a little while

to wear off.

No. I know. I'm blind.

No, it's too early

to tell yet. Now, hold still.

Alan?

- Yes, Dave?

- I'm blind.

Do you hear? I'm still blind.

Dave, I know anything I might tell you

now will mean very little to you.

But you're free to go home.

Go home? Heather was

responsible for it.

- Heather?

- Yes.

At the inquest the other day, she mentioned

that she met Nick at a cocktail lounge

the night that Dad Hayden

was killed.

But Nick? They don't

suspect him, do they?

Yes. She eliminated his alibi

by telling them he was late.

Further examination

established the fact

that he had the opportunity

and a motive.

And although you're still

considered a suspect too,

at least she helped establish a

reasonable doubt of your guilt.

But does Heather still think

that I killed Dad Hayden?

She can't be sure

of anything, now.

Then why hasn't she

been to see me?

- She must still think that I...

- Give her time. She's had several shocks.

If I could only see again.

- I owe so many people so much.

- Nonsense.

Now be calm, everything's

going to be all right.

We'll be going home soon.

DAVE: A nail.

A little threaded nail.

Where did I get it?

Now I remember.

It was on the carpet

near his head

I must have dropped it into my

pocket and forgotten all about it.

I wonder if it means anything.

[DOOR OPENS]

Who is it?

- Is that you, Tanya?

- No, it's not Tanya.

She's gone. I've been waiting

for her to leave.

- Who are you?

- Remember me? I'm Captain Drury.

Oh, yes.

My old friend, Drury.

Nice, comfortable place

you have here.

How did you get in?

Wasn't the door locked?

Oh, well, I didn't want to

disturb you by ringing the bell.

Oh, what do you want?

Thanks, I'll make

myself comfortable.

What do you know about that

little model who left here?

Who, Tanya? Nothing, why?

Spends a lot of time here. She's

kind of crazy about you, isn't she?

Not really.

It's just a sense of mistaken

responsibility. Because...

Because she caused

your blindness, indirectly?

Or did she mean to do it?

No, of course she didn't. It was

a stupid mistake on my part.

But she does feel

responsible, eh?

She and old man Hayden didn't

get along very well, did they?

No, he didn't approve of her.

But that was because

he didn't understand.

She has no alibi for the

evening of Hayden's death.

After she left here, she

said she went directly home.

But she could have stopped at

Hayden's place on the way, huh?

That's ridiculous.

Well, maybe so.

But I should think,

in your position,

you'd be rather anxious to pin

this murder on somebody else.

After all, you're still

my favourite suspect.

What about Nick Phillips?

I thought...

I haven't ruled Nick Phillips

out or anybody else, yet.

What do you know

about Alan Bittaker?

Alan? He's one of my

oldest friends.

What possible connection

could he have with this case?

Did you know that somebody

stole Hayden's eyes

just after Doc Welles

removed them from the body?

No.

They later turned up at the

hospital rather mysteriously.

It's my opinion

that Tanya took them.

And that Bittaker got them

from her and returned them.

But why?

As long as you're blind, you

remain dependant upon Tanya.

And I think she rather

likes it that way.

She knows that if you regain your

sight, she'll lose you to Miss Hayden.

So she tried

to prevent the operation.

But Bittaker intervened

and returned the eyes.

He was afraid she might get into

trouble, so he did it anonymously.

I don't believe it!

It's a nice theory though,

isn't it?

Well, you'll be seeing me.

Oh, Nick. I wish you'd go.

I'm expecting Alan.

But Heather, you must listen to me.

How could you do it?

- Do what?

- Implicate me! Practically incriminate me!

I tell you, I'm innocent.

Heather, you don't

believe that, do you?

Nick, I'm so mixed up,

I don't know what to think.

- Please go.

- But, Heather...

ALAN: Hello, Heather.

- Hello, Alan.

- Hello, Nick.

- Heather, I'd like to talk to you.

- About Dave, I suppose?

Oh, Nick! For heaven's sake,

will you please get out of here?

Oh, so now

you're going to kick me out?

Oh, nonsense!

This girl is upset.

Quit tormenting her and have the

decency to leave when she asks you to.

You're against me, too.

You're all against me.

Heather, you must go

and see Dave.

- Oh, Alan, I can't.

- He needs you, Heather.

I know in your heart you want

to believe him innocent.

But he thinks

you believe him guilty.

Alan, I don't know. I'm so confused,

I'm not sure of anything.

Well, think it over. At least you

should be willing to reserve judgment.

If you don't see him and later he's proved

innocent, you'll never forgive yourself.

Yes, I suppose

you're right, Alan.

But I must have time

to collect myself.

DAVE:

She's spying, spying on me.

She's been acting

strangely all da y.

- Tanya.

- Yes?

Come here.

What do you want?

with a man.

Before you go, I'd like

to show you something.

What is it?

Something that I think

should interest you.

Does that mean

anything to you?

No. Why should it?

Because I found it

next to Dad Hayden's body

the night he was murdered.

- I know nothing about it. How should I?

- You tell me.

I don't know what it is.

I don't.

I must go now. I'm late.

Look here, if something's troubling

you, I'd like to know it.

You can confide in me.

It's just David.

- What's he done now?

- Nothing. But I think he suspects me.

- You didn't tell him about what I...

- No, I didn't tell him.

- He still thinks only of Heather.

- Oh, so that's it?

You realise he still

loves Heather. You're jealous.

- Yes. I hate her.

- Now, you mustn't talk like that.

That's what you said

about her father and...

Well, isn't this

a cozy little twosome.

So this is why you're trying to patch

things up between Heather and Dave.

Don't make a fool

of yourself, Nick.

There's a method to your madness,

Dr. Bittaker.

- Now go away before you create a scene.

- Yes, Dr. Bittaker.

And how is our poor, blind,

murdering patient tonight?

- Better, I trust?

- He's not the murderer.

He's as guilty as sin

and I'm going to prove it.

No, Alan. Please.

Take me home.

Cheque, please.

Thank you, sir.

Good night, all.

There they are, boss.

Should I follow them again?

Yes. Don't let them

get away from you.

[TELEPHONE DIALING]

- Heather? Miss Hayden?

- Yes, who is this?

Tanya? What is it?

What do you want?

Miss Hayden, I think I know

who killed your father.

I should have called the police, but

well, I think you're the one to decide.

You know who...

Whom do you mean?

No!

Tanya? Tanya!

No! Don't come near me!

[SCREAMING]

Hello? Hello?

Hello?

[PHONE RINGING]

Hello? I want the police.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

- Tanya? Come in.

- DRURY: It's not Tanya.

- The door's locked.

- Drury.

- So you were expecting Tanya, were you?

- Not exactly.

You see, she left here

yesterday in a bad humour.

I don't know whether

she is coming back.

She left in a bad humour, did she? What's

the matter, did you have a fight?

Not really.

She's a moody person.

- She was sulking.

- About what?

I don't know. Not that

it's any of your business.

Do you know

if she had any reason

for calling Miss Hayden

on the telephone last night?

She did? Well,

she's very unpredictable.

She's unpredictable?

- She got herself murdered last night.

- What?

Murdered. Struck down by the

well-known blunt instrument.

She got hers

the same way Hayden got his.

Where? What's that got to do

with her telephoning Heather?

She telephoned Miss Hayden because

she'd learned, or she suspected

the true identity of the

person who killed her father.

But before she could tell

what she knew she got it.

Why wasn't I told

about this before?

'Cause I didn't want

to disturb you.

I instructed Miss Hayden

not to call anyone

until we checked on the

Czoraki girl's apartment.

Where were you

last night, Stuart?

- I was here, asleep.

- Oh, is that so?

We had a report that a man was

seen leaving this building,

following Tanya last night.

It was getting dark about then,

so the man wasn't identified.

Of course, it couldn't have been you.

This man could see.

We're looking for the driver who picked

him up, to get a better identification.

Take off your glasses, Stuart.

- What are you trying to do, burn me?

- You sure you can't see?

I heard you strike a match.

Felt the heat.

What did Tanya Czoraki know?

I don't know.

She was a good-looker, wasn't she?

One of those dark, mysterious kinds.

You never can tell what's

going on inside their heads.

- Where did she go when she left here?

- Told you, I don't know.

She said she was going out

with a man.

Yeah, that was

with Alan Bittaker.

And later in the evening, they ran

into Nick. It's odd, isn't it?

Bittaker said that she was acting

strange and moody last night.

Oh, she was, poor kid.

I had her pegged

as a possible murderess.

She was capable of it, too.

This is a great painting of her. It

catches her warmth and her passion.

It's too bad you can't see

so you could have finished it.

Yes, Stuart, it's too bad

you can't see.

- Are you sure you didn't go out last night?

- No, I didn't.

You know,

it's a funny thing.

Miss Hayden told me she tried to get you

on the phone just after Tanya's call,

but there was no answer.

Well, I'll be running along.

- Drury...

- How did you know I hadn't gone out?

DAVE: It's the nail.

This nail. It's the key

to everything.

She knew the secret.

But she can't tell anyone now.

You followed us

from that nightclub.

I looked back and saw you come out

of that cafe as I pulled away.

And I know a cab followed us

to her apartment.

I tell you, I didn't.

Why would I want to kill her?

Because she found out, or guessed

something about the murderer of Hayden.

- Now, you wouldn't...

- I didn't. I didn't follow you.

But someone did.

I saw a cab pull out

right after you left.

- I saw...

- Who? Who was it?

I don't know.

When they catch up with you, Nick, I'd

have a pretty clear story to tell.

DAVE: That's it.

- What happened, Trevers?

- I don't know, Miss.

TREVERS: Who's there?

Who is it?

Nick! What on earth?

- What are you doing here?

- It was Dave. I saw him.

Dave?

Why are you

holding that cane?

Well, I guess I picked it up

during the fight.

I've always suspected Dave

and now I'm sure of it!

He can see, Heather,

I know it!

How do you know?

Because I followed him here.

I watched him

through that window.

He walked deliberately to that

cane-rack and picked up all the canes.

As he started out that door,

he must have upset something.

The noise scared him off, and I

caught him as he tried to get away.

- Shall I call the police, Miss Heather?

- No, no.

Just let me think a minute.

If you don't, I will.

He's played on your sympathies

long enough!

[DOORBELL RINGING]

- Who's there?

- ALAN: Alan, Dave.

What is it?

Why did you call me

to come here

in such a hurry

at this hour of the night?

Here, give me

your hat and stick.

- Did you see anyone outside?

- No. Who? Why?

- I'm in a jam. You've got to help me!

- Well, what's the matter?

The police think

that I killed Tanya.

- Yes?

- I didn't.

- You did.

- What?

- You're insane. Why, I loved that girl.

- I know.

But you had to kill the thing you

loved because you loved life more.

You're a madman! I've suspected

it before, now I know.

Losing your sight has

permanently deranged your mind.

No, Alan. I thought so

for a while.

I suspected

Tanya had killed Dad Hayden.

But I believed if she did,

it was to help me.

Well, I couldn't turn her in, could I?

I didn't know what to do.

So what did you do?

I showed her something.

That something led her to

discover that you're a murderer.

You killed Dad Hayden!

And what did you

show her, Dave?

This. I found it

next to Dad Hayden's body.

Tanya noticed

that just such a nail as this

was missing from the head

of your walking stick.

When she called Heather to tell her of her

suspicions, you overheard and killed her.

Dad Hayden was killed

the same way.

Only two people could have

done it, you or Nick.

And Nick doesn't carry

a walking stick.

This nail shook loose the night

that you beat Dad Hayden to death.

You never missed it,

see how well it fits?

Let's see.

It's gonna hang you, Alan.

My dear fellow, what possible reason

would I have for killing Hayden?

So that I could have his eyes.

Blindness was the only tie

that held Tanya to me.

You wanted me to see again

so that you could have her.

Dave, your analysis is right.

Blindness has sharpened your mind.

But not enough to see everything.

Your only mistake was asking

me to come here tonight.

You can see!

Too bad you didn't guess

that before, Dr. Bittaker.

All right, Captain.

Let's be on our way.

You won, I lost.

Let's just get this unpleasant

business over with.

I wouldn't be surprised

if this man were insane.

He wouldn't be the first one who'd gone

mad studying the processes of the mind.

Precisely, Captain. I compliment

you on your sagacity.

You know,

it's people like you

that have caused me to steer clear

of all this book psychology.

Farewell, friend David.

I'll be going this time

for good, Stuart.

Oh, there's someone outside here

waiting to see you. I'll send her in.

- Oh, Dave! Are you all right?

- Sure, brat.

Please forgive me

for doubting you.

Why didn't you tell me

the operation was a success?

At first, it wasn't.

Then my sight

gradually returned,

and I thought, by remaining blind to

others, that I might trap the murderer.

I was suspicious of Tanya

and watching her.

Oh, that poor girl. It must

have been terrible for her.

But from now on, everything's

going to be all right.

- Sure, brat.

- Please don't call me brat.

All right, brat.