Dead Man's Eyes (1944) - full transcript

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.