Die Sister, Die! (1978) - full transcript
A man hires a nurse to care for his ailing but nasty and shrewish sister. What he really intends to do, however, is to convince the nurse to join him in a plot to kill her.
(eerie orchestral music)
(eerie orchestral music)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
- No.
No.
(phone rings)
(moans)
No. (sighs)
(phone rings)
(moans)
(phone rings)
No.
(phone rings)
(car door slams)
(knocks)
(knocks)
- Amanda!
(knocks)
Amanda!
(door rattles)
(door thuds)
(switch clicks)
(door slams)
(switch clicks)
Jesus, Doc.
- Sometimes even suicide
takes a little knowhow.
(Amanda sighs)
- I'm alive.
Oh, damn.
Damn.
Damn. (sobs)
- Amanda.
- You bastard.
(ominous tones)
- Amanda, it's your brother, Edward.
- Get out.
Get out.
Get out!
Get out!
- Miss Price, in a moment I'm
going to give you a sedative,
but before I do,
isn't there something
you'd like to tell me?
Whatever it is, it can't
be as dreadful as what
you've just tried to do.
- I want to die.
I nearly made it, didn't I, Doctor?
- You're alive, Miss Price.
Do what the rest of us do.
Make the best of it.
(glass clinks)
- I figured you could use
this, Doctor. Bourbon.
- Thank you.
- [Edward] Why, Doctor?
- That was precisely the
question I was going to ask you.
You know, that was
quite a hostile display.
And you've no idea why?
- No, I...
Well, I was never on Amanda's A-list.
You know, thinking back, though,
she used to always set
me up against Father.
- [Thorne] He was quite
a man, your father.
- Well, let's just say that
he was a hard act to follow.
You know, it's odd.
Until he died,
Amanda was one of the
steadiest women in the world.
She was like a rock.
- Amanda was very attached to your father?
- Oh, yeah. Very.
Yeah, she did everything for him.
She managed the house, she... Everything.
- Would your sister
accept hospitalization?
- A mental hospital?
- With her consent, of course.
- Never.
- Well, it's a pity.
A woman doesn't try to take
her life twice in a single year
without some deep emotional disturbance.
Right now, a therapist might
get through very quickly.
He might get her to reveal the
cause of that inner anxiety.
- You mean like a confession?
- Call it that, if you wish.
- (chuckles) Oh, good god, Doctor.
What could Amanda
possibly have to confess?
- Possibly only a thought, an impulse.
A feeling, an impulse
she's never acted upon.
But anyway, she feels
guilty and she represses it,
but it's still there like
some sort of monstrous secret
and it frightens her.
- Well, then maybe a
companion in the house?
Maybe that would help.
- What about your younger sister, Nell?
I remember her staying
here for a short while
before your father died.
Wouldn't she be willing to
come back for a while at least?
- Not now.
Nell has never thought about anybody
in the world but herself.
Nah, not her.
- Well, clearly something has to be done,
otherwise there's nothing
to prevent your sister
from having a third try.
And succeeding.
- Doctor, what about a professional?
An experienced nurse?
- You think Amanda would agree?
- Well, if her only choice
was a mental hospital,
she'd have to, wouldn't she?
- Do it, Edward. Do it now.
Meanwhile...
You get some rest.
You're carrying quite a load yourself.
- Thank you, Doctor.
Goodnight.
(door closes)
(brooding orchestral music)
(jazzy piano music)
- Last call.
Do you want another?
- If you'll have one with me.
- Sorry, sir, if it's
conversation you're looking for,
the other girls have left.
- Maybe later.
- Look, I'm just the
waitress from six to two.
87.50 a week and tips.
- Tips good here?
- Do you want another drink?
- You know, with your qualifications,
I think you could do better, Miss Harper.
- How do you know my name?
- I understand you were
a pretty good nurse.
- Nurse? (scoffs)
If I were a nurse, what
would I be doing here?
- Maybe these have
something to do with it.
- What are you? Are you a reporter?
- Not at all.
- What do you want from me?
- I might be able to offer you a job,
but I have to know about this.
I mean, now...
You surely didn't marry a
90-year-old man for love.
- Now, you listen to me.
For years, I looked after that old man.
I was his nurse, his friend.
The only person in the
world that he could talk to.
His family never even came to see him.
They were just waiting for him to die.
- And you?
- He wanted to give me something.
The only thing that he
could, which was money.
So he married me to do it.
- I see.
The family took you to court
and cheated you out of it.
You know, I guess it's been pretty hard
to get a job with all the publicity.
I mean, like this place.
- What kind of a job are you offering?
- I have a sick relative.
She's going to need very special care.
- And what would it pay?
- $25,000.
- Here's your check.
- Here's my card with my
phone number on it, and...
Keep the change.
(peppy orchestral music)
(brooding orchestral music)
- Mr. Price?
- Come in, Miss Harper.
I've been expecting you.
- Since I talked to you
yesterday on the phone,
I've been thinking, I'm still not sure.
I know so little.
- Ah but you did bring your
suitcase and that's a beginning.
Sit down.
Obviously I couldn't discuss
everything on the phone.
You see, the person involved
happens to be my sister.
Amanda Price.
- She's the patient?
- She had a mental breakdown and,
well, she's still a little erratic.
I have to have someone with her.
I was hoping that you had had dealings
with disturbed people?
- Occasionally.
- Good.
- What would you expect of me?
- Nothing much, really.
I have a housekeeper that
comes in twice a week.
Mrs. Gonzalez. You'll like her.
She's been in the family for years.
Amanda's alone a lot, she
doesn't go out very much
and I want you to stay with her.
The main thing I want from you is
I have to know everything
that goes on in the house.
Amanda's mind, the way it is,
there's certain family affairs
that I don't really want
other people to know about.
- [Esther] No other duties?
- Amanda, in the last two years,
has tried to kill herself,
two different times.
She will certainly try a third.
(brooding orchestral music)
- And if she does?
- She mustn't fail.
- How would I be paid?
- Well, I think it's
better first to pay you
a regular nurse's salary.
But within 10 days of my sister's death,
I will deliver to you, in cash, $25,000.
(dark orchestral music)
(bird squawks)
- Hush. You're lucky I'm here at all.
(bird squawks)
Here.
Eat, drink and be merry.
For tomorrow always comes.
(sighs)
We're getting old, Jethro.
You in your cage.
And I in mine.
(doorbell rings)
Here come the invaders.
Keep a civil tongue, Jethro.
We must make a good impression.
- Amanda.
- Edward.
- Amanda, this is Esther Harper.
- So I see.
Edward, you needn't remain,
I think Miss Harper and I
can best get acquainted by ourselves.
- As you wish, Amanda dear.
- Thank you, Mr. Price. Thanks.
- I'll be in touch.
- And now, Miss Harper.
- Please call me Esther.
- Very well.
First I'd like to introduce you
to the oldest occupant of the house.
Jethro, I'd like you to say
hello to our new housekeeper.
Or is it governess?
- I'm a registered nurse, Miss Price.
- Yes, a nurse.
Now why would I need a nurse, Esther?
- Surely you know that better than I.
- Perhaps not.
Certainly my esteemed brother
must have filled you in
on all the choice details.
My mental instability,
my suicidal impulses.
- Not really, no.
I do gather that there isn't
much affection between you.
- Now that should be an item
for your nurse's notebook.
I assume you're going to keep one.
"Madam is cheerful, madam is moody.
Madam had a bad night,
madam ate her porridge."
And to whom, pray, do you
expect to report all this
delectable gossip?
My brother?
Dr. Thorne?
- I didn't intend to keep notes.
- Oh, come now.
My brother, with Dr. Thorne's connivance,
hired you against my will.
You don't expect me to believe
that you're not here to spy on me?
Why, you're their Trojan horse.
Don't play games with me, Esther.
I play for keeps.
- Miss Price, I'm here simply
to help you. If you'll let me.
- Good. I'll show you about.
This is an old house,
Esther. Set in its ways.
Nothing is to be moved or changed.
I dine in here and I have
breakfast and lunch in the parlor.
I like things, Esther. Not people.
Things are far less dangerous.
Treat them properly and they
do what they're supposed to do.
How old are you?
- I'm 38.
- I think you could be
pretty, if you tried.
- I don't think about it much.
- I thought all women did?
- Miss Price, I have worked
for a living all my life.
- Nonsense. That's no excuse.
A pretty face brings in
treasure, so I've learned.
Come.
This is my room.
I've chosen to give you
the room adjoining mine.
It was my sister's, until she went away.
My sister liked pretty
things, including herself.
You'll have no trouble in finding mirrors.
- I'm sure I'll be very
comfortable, thank you.
- In the future, I should
like dinner promptly at seven.
You may dine with me at
the table, if you wish.
- Thank you.
(brooding orchestral music)
(lock clacks)
Miss Price, this cupboard
still seems to be locked.
- Indeed it is.
About the house, there are other
locked cupboards and doors.
Please respect them.
My experience with the honesty of servants
has not always been reassuring.
And I detest snoops.
(door closes)
- Dreams cost money.
Pretty soon, you'll be able
to afford them, won't you?
How about a lift?
- Thanks. I've got your sister's car.
- Oh, no, no. How's my
dear sister these days?
- It's difficult to tell.
I know one thing. She doesn't trust me.
- Well, at least she trusts
you with her fabulous heirloom.
- I wasn't sure I could still shift gears.
- How's your schedule with Amanda?
I mean, has she given you a day off yet?
- Tomorrow.
- How about dinner?
- Somehow I don't think
your sister would like that.
- She needn't know.
- All right.
Tomorrow.
(warm orchestral music)
(car starts)
You must be Mrs. Gonzalez.
- Oh, I am Mrs. Gonzalez.
- What happened?
- Oh, the ground, it shakes.
Earthquake. You do not feel it?
- Nothing. I must have been
driving when it happened.
- Oh, it was a little one,
but it throws down the pots.
- Hope it hasn't broken any crystal.
Where's Miss Price?
- Oh, Miss Price, she
take siesta, I think.
- Have you been with the family long?
- Oh, long time. I am here
since they are children.
But now everything change.
- Changed how?
- All the time, fighting.
They fight for money, but also,
I think for something else.
I think maybe for the father.
To be father of children,
one must be equal.
Mr. Price, he have eyes only for one.
- Miss Nell?
- Anything she want, she can have.
She run away and marry.
Miss Amanda stay here. Work, work.
Then Miss Nell come back
and everything is the same.
Mr. Price give her everything.
And yet, when Mr. Price die,
Miss Nell do not even
stay to bury her father.
It is sad, yes?
Better to be happy.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(door creaks)
(brooding orchestral music)
(gulls squawk)
- Cold?
- I quite like it.
- What do you want, Esther?
- I've told you, I'm an ordinary girl.
All I want is everything.
(Edward chuckles)
- [Edward] Well, we're kind of
in the same boat, aren't we?
- Hardly.
- You had a fortune snapped
out from under you and
I've got one dangling
right in front of my nose.
- Is that what all the hate is about?
Is it really enough to want someone dead?
- I think it is.
- There is a word for what you want.
- Mm-hm.
The word is suicide.
- The word is murder.
- Don't be foolish.
If Amanda wants to kill herself,
let Amanda kill herself.
- Edward?
Where's Nell?
- [Edward] Nell got her
share and went away.
- Then why are all her
clothes in my closet?
- Well, Nell had a lot of
clothes in a lot of places.
I guess she didn't need them anymore.
- "Didn't need them."
- Why? What are you thinking?
- I was thinking that if everything
turned out the way you wanted it to,
I'd be a danger to you.
You'd have to kill me.
- We're partners, remember?
- Now I am cold.
(dark orchestral music)
(car door closes)
(door closes)
- In my day, an escort didn't
drop a lady in the street.
He brought her to her door.
- Then you know that I've
had dinner with Edward?
- [Amanda] Of course.
Are you my enemy, Esther?
- Is that what you think?
- Well, you've lived in this
house for nearly two weeks,
and I hardly know anything about you.
It's odd, isn't it?
For all I know, you might
be an escaped murderess.
Sit down. Tell me about yourself.
- What is it that you want to know?
- Where you come from.
What you've done.
Go on, tell me.
- There isn't very much to tell.
My mother died when I was
five. My father drifted away.
I was taken in by the county.
I went to school, I worked at odd jobs.
And finally, I went to nursing school.
- What drove you?
- Fear.
I promised myself that I'd never go back
to the life I had as a child.
I'd do anything.
- Anything?
- Anything.
- Escape, Esther.
Escape while you can.
(Esther chuckles)
- I'm not very good at
riddles, Miss Price.
- Can't you feel the current, Esther?
It'll trap you. Take you into deep water.
This house is dying.
So many locked doors.
The past, boarded up, room by room.
We belong to it, Edward and I.
He'll use you, Esther, or try to.
- Miss Price, you must be very tired.
Why don't you take a pill
and have a really good night's rest?
- Ah, yes, the capsule.
Now, that's a fair exchange.
I offer you escape, you offer me oblivion.
Goodnight, Esther. I can manage.
(brooding orchestral music)
No.
How dare you.
How dare you.
Never.
Never.
(Nell laughs)
(gasps) No.
(Nell laughs)
No, never.
Bitch.
Bitch.
Bitch.
Bitch, bitch, bitch!
(Nell screams)
(glass shatters)
(Nell laughs)
(bird squawks)
- [Esther] Miss Price. Miss Price!
- Oh, my god.
- What on earth are you doing here?
- Save me.
Save me. (sobs)
- From what, Miss Price? From what?
- Nell.
My sister.
(brooding orchestral music)
But they're not there.
Are they?
They're not there.
- Only in your mind.
Only in your mind, Miss Price.
- The visitors of the mind.
They're our most dangerous
enemies, aren't they, Esther?
- Let me help you back to bed.
- I can manage.
(sighs)
- I'll bring you a cup
of tea to help you relax.
- Just pour me some brandy, if you will.
(Esther sighs)
(glass clinks)
How do you fight them,
Esther? Enemies of the mind.
- You must have been having nightmares.
Don't you remember?
- Nothing.
- But where would you have been going
in your sleep, Miss Price?
- I don't know, Esther.
I don't know.
I'm very tired.
- Well, you can sleep now.
There's nothing to be afraid of.
I'll be here.
(brooding orchestral music)
(switch clicks)
(ominous orchestral music)
(car approaches)
(lock clacks)
- [Amanda] Come in, Edward.
- Well, well, well. Latosh '29.
What a surprise to our dear father
that someone else should drink it.
- Did you expect to drink it, Edward?
- (chuckles) No.
No, I inherited his
expensive taste, but uh,
not the money to afford them.
As a matter of fact,
that was the last burden that
he put upon my shoulders.
And you, my dear sister,
were his happy accomplice.
- Nonsense. He saw your fatal weakness.
- Oh, yeah? Then what is that?
- Your self pity.
You wear it like a badge,
like a beggar's sign.
"Forgive me, help me, for I cannot"-
- All right, all right, all right!
So sure. Damn, you're sure!
And for a long time, I
used to believe that,
but it was all pretense,
wasn't it, Amanda?
We know that now, don't
we? Come on, get off of it.
We have the same secrets.
- And who else knows them?
- Oh, the dead, and they
do keep secrets very well.
Well, you invited me
here. What do you want?
- I want to make an arrangement with you.
- An arrangement?
(chuckles) What kind, dear sister?
- You've always wanted
this house. Take it.
I hate it anyway.
I'll double your allowance.
You can live almost as well
as you've always fancied.
- (chuckles) Well, I'm overwhelmed
with your sudden outburst of
generosity, my dear sister,
but what corresponding gesture
do you expect in return?
- Send Esther away.
- Esther?
Why?
- She's an intruder.
Intruders are dangerous.
They learn things.
- [Edward] It's too late, Amanda.
Much too late.
- What do you want?
- I want it all.
Everything.
(Amanda chuckles)
- We'd be paupers in a year.
Not until I'm dead, Edward.
Not until I'm dead.
Of course...
That could be arranged, couldn't it?
- I would say that basically
it's only a matter of who does it.
You or I.
- You're really preparing to kill me.
- Of course.
- Well, if you wanted me dead,
why didn't you let me go
peaceably when I tried?
- Well, Amanda, as you
taught me so very well,
one must keep up appearances, mustn't one?
So, when someone alerted
the doctor, what could I do,
but act like the loving
brother that, of course, I am?
And there is one distinct advantage.
I mean, Amanda, just think.
What safer victim could there ever be
then someone who has a
record of suicide attempts?
(bottle thuds)
(knocks)
- Edward's here.
- Thanks, Lydia.
Hi, Doctor.
I thought I'd just save
a dime and come over
and get Amanda's sleeping
pill prescription.
- How is she?
- Mm, pretty good.
- How is that nurse working out?
- Oh, she's doing fine.
But I'm staying away. I
think it's better that way.
- Perhaps.
Here you are.
- Thank you.
Doctor, wouldn't it save
a lot of time and trouble
just to double this thing?
- (sighs) Well, in view
of your sister's history,
it would hardly be wise.
You know, if someone's really intent
on destroying themselves,
there's very little you can do to stop it,
but one doesn't place a
loaded weapon in their hands.
- Of course. Well, I'll
be particularly careful.
Thanks again, Doc.
I'll see ya.
- Miss Robinson, please bring
in the file on Amanda Price.
- [Lydia] Yes, Doctor.
- When was Miss Price's last
prescript for sedatives?
- 10 days ago. 25 Seconal,
one and a half grades.
Is that all, Doctor?
- Yes, yes. Just make a similar
entry for today, thank you.
(birds tweet)
(brooding orchestral music)
- What a surprise to
find you in the garden.
- I seldom feel the inclination.
- It's a pity.
Beautiful roses, wasting away
with no one to enjoy them.
- Most of life is a waste, I've found.
- Isn't it enough that
it's a beautiful day?
- Perhaps it once was.
When I was very small
before my mother died,
I used to live in this garden.
I used to lie on the path
with my eyes half closed,
and watch the colors of
the roses blur and dance.
I helped my father plant these roses.
He was a god to me then.
- Why did it change?
- My sister stole him from me.
So I took the pruning shears one night
and I cut down all the roses.
Every one.
They grew back again, but
it was never the same.
It was a sad garden, full of brambles.
- Is that why you never visit it,
or take roses into the house?
- Never.
Until today.
- Still trying to make peace with him?
- Too late.
- I think you must have
loved him very much.
- He was so surprised to die.
Forgotten that life is the one
disease that's always fatal.
One just never knows how it will come.
Or when.
Or who.
- I waited and waited.
You never showed up.
- I had errands to do.
- I don't believe that.
- [Esther] All right, I
thought it was a bad idea.
- Why?
Bedford! How's the wife?
Relax, will ya, and smile. Why?
- [Esther] I thought you
hired me to do a job,
not to be an easy afternoon in bed.
- Are you losing your nerve?
- The difference is that I've
met Amanda. I know her now.
- I've saved her all of her life.
If she wants to die, let her!
- [Esther] You make it almost sound right.
- It is, Esther. It is.
It's almost like an act of mercy.
- Sometimes I feel as if
I'm becoming another person.
Someone I don't know.
- Esther.
There's nothing to
worry about. Believe me.
- I've gotta go.
(birds tweet)
- Found what you're lookin' for?
- No, I want some kind of
poison to get rid of some pests.
- Oh, what are we talkin' about here?
Rats, bugs, moles? Big, medium, small?
I've got all kinds.
- [Edward] Coyotes.
- Oh, hell, what you
want is sodium cyanide.
That's about the strongest
thing you can get.
All coyote needs is one taste
and he's dead right now.
This stuff don't fool around.
- That powerful, huh?
Maybe I shouldn't take it.
I mean, if it'll kill a
coyote, it might kill a person.
- Oh, hell yes.
If you got kids, you gotta
keep this under lock and key.
(chuckles) You don't take no chances.
Remember them Nazis?
That's what they took
if they got captured.
- (chuckles) Is that right?
- (chuckles) Yeah.
One little capsule in
the mouth. (chuckles)
Saved the expense of a hangin'.
You want it?
- Yeah, I'll try it.
- Okay.
(doorbell rings)
- I'm Dr. Thorne.
- Come in.
- And you must be the nurse
that Mr. Price engaged.
- Yes, I am.
- Is Miss Price about?
- I believe she's taking her nap.
- And how is Miss Price these days?
In your own judgment.
- She's been having nightmares.
A couple of nights ago, I
found her on the stairs.
She had no idea of where she was.
- Sleepwalking?
- Absolutely terrified.
- (chuckles) I should think so.
Well, I gave Mr. Price
a new prescription for sleeping capsules.
Keep them in your possession?
- I understand.
- Leaving so soon, Doctor?
I was just about to have some tea.
Won't you join me?
- I'm sorry, Amanda, but
I'm due at the hospital.
I just dropped in on my way.
- Drop in?
For what? To take my pulse?
- To see how you were getting along.
- Uh, would you mind
if I went and made tea?
- That would be nice.
And how am I getting along, Doctor?
I assume Miss Harper has kept you up
on my comings and goings.
My rages, my fears.
- Nothing nearly so dramatic.
- What then?
- No more than the fact that,
occasionally you were a little moody.
- Moody? (laughs) I sing
and dance all day long!
Good god, Doctor. Only
idiots are not moody.
- Amanda, it's really not healthy
for anyone to stay in so much.
- And what's so healthy
about the outside, pray?
Don't you read the papers?
What else is out there but
rape and robbery and deceit?
- And murder and greed and war.
It just depends on what you see.
Really, Amanda, why don't you
give some thought to a trip?
Change of scene, get out
of yourself for a bit.
Where is your sister Nell?
- Why do you ask?
- Well, didn't she go back abroad?
Perhaps she might enjoy a visit from you.
(Amanda laughs heartily)
(dark orchestral music)
I'm glad you find it so amusing.
- I'm sorry, Doctor. It struck me oddly.
But by all means, you're right.
I shall give it some thought.
Perhaps I shall visit Nell.
- All right.
All right.
I have to go.
(door closes)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(brooding orchestral music)
How silent tonight.
- The house is always quiet.
- Tonight it's particularly quiet.
Odd, isn't it?
We've been thrown together.
You, Edward and I,
like strangers in a lifeboat.
And who will survive?
And who will die?
And what did he promise you, Esther?
- Promise?
- To be my executioner.
And how will it be done?
A gun?
An ax?
Or in some subtler way?
- If it were true, would I admit it?
- Perhaps.
I suppose I want to trust you.
- And you don't.
Is that why you haven't touched the wine?
- The Borgias used poison.
Usually quick, effective and
without unseemly violence.
(brooding orchestral music)
Well done, Esther.
Now if you'll clear the
table, I'll go to my room.
(door creaks)
No.
No.
No.
Father.
Father, where are you?
Where are you, Father?
I'm frightened.
- What frightened you, my child?
- Where are you?
I'm frightened.
I'm fright...
(Nell chuckles)
- Why should you be frightened, my child?
- I'm so sorry, Father.
- Why should you be sorry?
- That I...
I cut down the rose bushes.
- That was a terrible thing to do,
and for it, you shall be punished!
You will be punished!
Last will and testament.
I, James Lendon Price,
being of sound mind,
do hereby amend all earlier
wills and testaments whatever.
To my weakling son Edward,
and my faithless daughter
Amanda, I leave nothing!
To my beloved daughter
Nell, I do bequeath control
of all my estates, monies
and earthly possessions.
Hers to enjoy, so long as she may live.
James Lendon Price.
- Did something happen, Amanda?
You seem dreadfully shook up.
- So you've won.
- (chuckles) I must say,
as sick as Father may be,
he writes a beautiful hand and
expresses himself so clearly.
(chuckles)
Don't you agree?
- I nursed him.
My god, for over two years,
I nursed him day and night!
- It was your choice, sister
dear. I'm hardly responsible.
- And you had yours, until
your lover ran out on you.
How dare you come back here
and take everything I slaved for!
(Nell tuts)
- [Nell] If you'll be good
children, you and Edward,
I shan't let you suffer.
- I won't beg for it, Nell.
- Oh, pity.
You may have to.
Pride goeth before the
fall, or so they say.
- Give it to me.
- I certainly will not.
- I said, give it to me!
- Oh, Amanda, don't you dare touch me!
Oh, Amanda, you're crazy!
- Edward!
(Nell pants and screams)
- What's going on?
(Nell grunts)
(thud)
Amanda!
(dark orchestral music)
- Stop it.
- Amanda!
Edward!
Nell!
- I did it!
Amanda and I!
- Murderers!
(body clatters)
- [Edward] He's dead.
- Now we have only each other to hate.
- What do we do about Nell?
- Come. I'll show you.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(door handle rattles)
(door handle rattles)
- Miss Price?
(door handle rattles)
Amanda?
(Amanda gasps)
Amanda?
(Amanda screams)
(dramatic orchestral music)
(brooding orchestral music)
- What happened?
- She's having nightmares
and sleepwalking.
You know she always seem to be
going somewhere in her sleep.
The first time, I found her on the stairs.
Tonight, I found her
shaking the cellar door.
Edward?
You've got to tell me what's down there.
- How should I know?
- You know. I know you know.
I think it's the reason
that you want her dead.
I don't think it's simply
money. You're afraid that-
- Stop it! How dare you question me.
We are partners, remember?
- I haven't forgotten.
- Well, that's good.
I mean, it's not like I
asked you to commit a crime.
I just ask you to let
nature take its course.
Let her go easy.
- Easy?
- Yes.
Let her own demons kill
her, whoever they may be.
All right?
Patience.
I almost forgot.
Dr. Thorne sent over a new
batch of sleeping capsules.
Not enough for a lethal
dose, unfortunately, but uh,
perhaps it'll keep her
from walking in her sleep.
Goodnight.
(door closes)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(knocks)
- That was Edward.
- I didn't know what
to do, so I called him.
- He's trash, Esther.
Trash.
- Miss Price.
- Call me Amanda. I prefer it.
- Amanda.
I'm so sorry that I frightened you.
- It wasn't you that frightened me.
Anyway, it doesn't matter.
- Dr. Thorne sent over
some new sleeping tablets.
Do you want to take a couple?
- Set them on the table.
First I'll try some brandy.
(glass clinks)
- [Esther] Will you drink it?
- Yes, Esther.
I'll drink it.
- You're not afraid?
- I'm not afraid.
Just leave the pills. I may need them.
(door creaks)
(door closes)
- Now, there's nothing to worry
about. Just a mild allergy.
Meanwhile, this will help.
What a lovely crucifix. You
must be very proud of it.
- Miss Price give it to me.
- Oh, I had no idea that
Miss Amanda was so devout.
- Oh, no, it belonged to
Miss Nell before she go away.
- You know her well? Miss Nell, I mean.
- Oh, yes, since she was little girl.
- She left rather suddenly, didn't she?
- Oh, very.
One day, I come to house
and everything is changed.
Mr. Price is dead and
Miss Nell has gone away.
Miss Amanda say she fly away on big plane.
But not to stay for her father's funeral?
I do not understand.
- Yes, well, there's nothing
more we can do for you today,
so, now if you get a
severe attack, come back.
- Well, thank you, Dr. Thorne. Thank you.
Goodbye.
- Goodbye, Mrs. Gonzalez.
- Miss Robinson, get me the
file on James Price, please.
- [Lydia] Yes, Doctor.
- I want to check the date
on his death certificate.
- Here it is. June 13th, last year.
Massive coronary.
- Get me Charlie Wyndham on the phone.
Dial up the travel agency.
- Right.
(intercom buzzes)
- Hello, Charlie?
I want a favor. It may be important.
I want to know if Nell Price
made any air travel arrangements
through your agency.
(sighs) Yeah, Nell Price. Old
man Price's youngest daughter.
Leaving Los Angeles, June 12th
or June 13th of last year.
Now, if you have no record
of it, she may have made
the arrangements directly
with the airline.
I want to know that, too.
(sighs) No, I haven't gone
into the private eye business.
It's a personal matter.
(chuckles) Okay, Charlie. Thank you.
(phone clacks)
(brooding orchestral music)
- Oh, excuse I'm late. I go to doctor.
- Don't you feel well?
- Oh, no, Doctor say I'm okay.
- Oh, good. Is Miss Price up yet?
- I do not see her.
- Well, perhaps she's still
asleep. She had a late night.
(knocks)
Miss Price?
Amanda?
Edward, it's Esther.
Listen, something is wrong. Amanda's gone.
She's taken the car.
- Well, that's rather
obvious, isn't it, Esther?
The point is, when? She could
be 100 miles from here by now.
- But where would she go?
- That's something we
better find out. Come on.
- You know, it's so strange,
because she was panicked
by something in the dream,
but when you left, she was perfectly calm.
- Why didn't you just give her the pills?
- I left them on her night
table. She had brandy instead.
I thought she was going-
- You thought shit.
- Edward!
What's in those pills?
- I don't know. Whatever
they put in pills!
- You fixed them, didn't you?
You changed-
- God damn it, Esther!
You're beginning to
sound just like Amanda.
If you change fences on me...
Or have you already?
Get in the car.
(car door slams)
(car starts)
(tense orchestral music)
(car door slams)
(brooding orchestral music)
(confession window clacks)
- Bless me, Father.
Are you there, Father?
- Speak, my child.
- I hardly know where to begin.
I haven't been in a church
since I was a child.
So many little sins to confess.
And lies.
Jealousies.
Stealing, even.
Small things from my father.
I kept them hidden in
the back of my closet.
Pieces of my father all
wrapped in a handkerchief.
They were little things.
Even a child could carry them.
But then I...
I committed a sin,
too great to bear.
I've prayed, Father.
- What's wrong? Go on.
- All my life, I hated my sister.
She had everything I ever wanted.
So we killed her.
My brother and I.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
He's still here.
Every night in my dream, she visits me.
- Go on, go on, go on.
- Only you
and God
and I
know.
- No one else?
- No one.
Thank you, Father.
(tense orchestral music)
(footsteps clack)
(door slams)
(brooding orchestral music)
(car door slams)
(phone rings)
- Hello.
Oh, Charlie.
(sighs) I'm sorry, I just
got back from the hospital.
What did you find out on Nell Price?
- Zero. International flights
and domestic carriers.
Hell, I even checked the Tom
Cabby. No record anywhere.
Maybe a friend picked her up?
- Maybe.
- Listen, Doc. I sure hope
it's all that important.
I could've shot 18 holes this afternoon.
The least you could do is give
me some free medical advice.
- Well, I can give it to you right now.
Don't eat so much. You're
getting fat. (chuckles)
Thank you, Charlie. I do
appreciate all your effort.
Goodbye.
(phones clack)
(dark orchestral music)
- I'm going in.
- I'll go with you.
- No, don't you come.
If I go in alone, you know,
it'll seem more innocent.
There's no need for you to get
involved. I'll take the risk.
- All right. (sighs)
All right, but you must
give her the pills tonight.
- What if she refuses?
- Then call me.
It has to be tonight.
We're through waiting.
- By the way, how will I be
paid? Will it be in cash?
(Edward chuckles)
- Of course.
(car door slams)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(lock clicks)
(door closes)
(distant clack)
(knocks)
(door closes)
- Evening, Doctor.
- Evening, Lieutenant.
Just a coffee, please.
Thank you.
- You got something on your mind, Doctor?
- Yes, I've got a problem and I don't know
what to do with it.
- Oh, yeah?
- (sighs) All I have is
a guess. A suspicion.
But I'd like you to come
to the Price home with me.
I think Amanda Price is in great danger.
- On what grounds?
- Well, as I said, all I have is a guess,
but I think it's because
she has knowledge of a crime
that's already been committed.
- What kind of a crime?
- Murder.
(bird squawks)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
- You wouldn't want to be left
behind, would you, Jethro?
(bird squawks)
You'd be too lonely.
We've been together so long.
You wouldn't like taking
tea with strangers.
(bird squawks)
(bird screeches)
(distant door closes)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(knocks)
- Amanda?
I know you're in there.
Please answer me.
(knocks)
Amanda, answer me.
- [Amanda] What do you want?
- Where have you been? I've
been looking for you everywhere.
- [Amanda] I had errands to do.
- Amanda, please let me
in. I have to talk to you.
- If you insist.
- [Esther] You've hurt yourself.
- It's nothing.
- What's wrong, Amanda?
You seem so strange.
- No.
I'm not frightened anymore.
Here, mail these in the morning for me.
- If you'll leave me I'm going
to take a pill and go to bed.
- You mustn't.
- Why mustn't I?
- They're poisoned. I'm sure of it.
Edward.
(Amanda laughs heartily)
- I'm not surprised.
He hired you to kill me, didn't he?
- Yes.
- And you couldn't.
We could've been such good friends.
(pills rattle)
(tense orchestral music)
Don't touch me!
(grunts)
(siren wails)
(pants)
(siren wails)
- [Esther] Amanda!
- [Amanda] Let go of me!
No.
- [Esther] Amanda, don't!
(keys rattle)
- [Amanda] Let go of me!
Please.
- [Esther] Amanda, don't!
(body clunks)
(body thumps)
(phone rings)
(brooding orchestral music)
- Yes?
- [Esther] Edward? This is Esther.
I think you'd better come
to the house right away.
- Did Amanda come back?
- [Esther] Yes.
She came back.
She's dead.
(door opens)
(door closes)
- We'll be finished in
just a moment, Mr. Price.
(camera clicks)
(camera clicks)
- Where's my sister?
- The ambulance just left with the body.
- What happened?
- [Esther] She was
determined to kill herself.
I tried to stop her.
- Oh, my god.
My god.
And after all the things that
I tried to do to prevent it.
And in spite of it, we failed.
- The best plans don't
always succeed, Edward.
You did your best.
- (sighs) Well, it's all on
my shoulders now, isn't it?
This house.
The estate, the lawyers. I
don't even know where to begin.
- Oh, I don't think you have
to carry that burden, Edward.
- What do you mean?
- You see, just before she
died, Amanda made a will.
She provided for Mrs. Gonzalez, of course,
but she left the bulk of her
estate, including this house,
to Miss Harper here.
- Oh, well... (chuckles)
You're lyin'. Let me see that will.
- I have it. Miss Harper gave it to me.
- Oh, oh, I see. Miss
Harper gave it to you.
Miss Harper gave it to you?
Well, let me tell you
about Miss Harper, Doctor.
Miss Harper plays for very
high stakes, don't ya?
Oh, first it was the
senile old millionaire,
but you got caught, didn't ya?
She got caught, but now
she's trying to do it again!
- Edward, could you make yourself clear?
- Oh, I'll make it very clear. Very clear.
You see, she wormed her way in here,
and then seduced my sister
into changing her will!
And then you killed her
and tried to make it look like suicide!
That's what she did, and I wanna
know what's in those pills.
I demand a laboratory analysis
of exactly what's in those pills!
The ones she gave my sister!
- It will be done.
- Oh, you're so smart,
what you staged up there.
You weren't trying to stop Amanda.
You were forcing her to take
the poison, weren't you?
- She didn't take poison, Edward.
She jumped.
(ominous orchestral music)
- Well, I'm so confused.
It's just that so much has happened.
- Maybe a drink would
help settle your nerves.
- [Edward] Yes, a drink.
- Some of that brandy your
sister stored in the cellar.
- No, whisky. The cellar door's locked.
- I think you'll find it open.
- Open?
Well, I'll see.
(brooding orchestral music)
(ominous tones)
- Mr. Price.
(Edward gasps)
I think we have quite a lot to talk about.
(Edward groans)
- You see, Edward,
Amanda left two letters.
A will and a full confession.
She finally said what she had to say.
- I couldn't do it.
I had to tell them all I know.
I'm sorry, Edward.
(somber orchestral music)
Well, Mrs. Gonzalez.
- So many years.
Once, they were little children.
And now they are all gone.
Only he is still here.
- Let him stay, in the silence.
(Gonzalez chuckles)
- I hope you come back sometime.
- Never.
(car door closes)
(car starts)
(eerie orchestral music)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
- No.
No.
(phone rings)
(moans)
No. (sighs)
(phone rings)
(moans)
(phone rings)
No.
(phone rings)
(car door slams)
(knocks)
(knocks)
- Amanda!
(knocks)
Amanda!
(door rattles)
(door thuds)
(switch clicks)
(door slams)
(switch clicks)
Jesus, Doc.
- Sometimes even suicide
takes a little knowhow.
(Amanda sighs)
- I'm alive.
Oh, damn.
Damn.
Damn. (sobs)
- Amanda.
- You bastard.
(ominous tones)
- Amanda, it's your brother, Edward.
- Get out.
Get out.
Get out!
Get out!
- Miss Price, in a moment I'm
going to give you a sedative,
but before I do,
isn't there something
you'd like to tell me?
Whatever it is, it can't
be as dreadful as what
you've just tried to do.
- I want to die.
I nearly made it, didn't I, Doctor?
- You're alive, Miss Price.
Do what the rest of us do.
Make the best of it.
(glass clinks)
- I figured you could use
this, Doctor. Bourbon.
- Thank you.
- [Edward] Why, Doctor?
- That was precisely the
question I was going to ask you.
You know, that was
quite a hostile display.
And you've no idea why?
- No, I...
Well, I was never on Amanda's A-list.
You know, thinking back, though,
she used to always set
me up against Father.
- [Thorne] He was quite
a man, your father.
- Well, let's just say that
he was a hard act to follow.
You know, it's odd.
Until he died,
Amanda was one of the
steadiest women in the world.
She was like a rock.
- Amanda was very attached to your father?
- Oh, yeah. Very.
Yeah, she did everything for him.
She managed the house, she... Everything.
- Would your sister
accept hospitalization?
- A mental hospital?
- With her consent, of course.
- Never.
- Well, it's a pity.
A woman doesn't try to take
her life twice in a single year
without some deep emotional disturbance.
Right now, a therapist might
get through very quickly.
He might get her to reveal the
cause of that inner anxiety.
- You mean like a confession?
- Call it that, if you wish.
- (chuckles) Oh, good god, Doctor.
What could Amanda
possibly have to confess?
- Possibly only a thought, an impulse.
A feeling, an impulse
she's never acted upon.
But anyway, she feels
guilty and she represses it,
but it's still there like
some sort of monstrous secret
and it frightens her.
- Well, then maybe a
companion in the house?
Maybe that would help.
- What about your younger sister, Nell?
I remember her staying
here for a short while
before your father died.
Wouldn't she be willing to
come back for a while at least?
- Not now.
Nell has never thought about anybody
in the world but herself.
Nah, not her.
- Well, clearly something has to be done,
otherwise there's nothing
to prevent your sister
from having a third try.
And succeeding.
- Doctor, what about a professional?
An experienced nurse?
- You think Amanda would agree?
- Well, if her only choice
was a mental hospital,
she'd have to, wouldn't she?
- Do it, Edward. Do it now.
Meanwhile...
You get some rest.
You're carrying quite a load yourself.
- Thank you, Doctor.
Goodnight.
(door closes)
(brooding orchestral music)
(jazzy piano music)
- Last call.
Do you want another?
- If you'll have one with me.
- Sorry, sir, if it's
conversation you're looking for,
the other girls have left.
- Maybe later.
- Look, I'm just the
waitress from six to two.
87.50 a week and tips.
- Tips good here?
- Do you want another drink?
- You know, with your qualifications,
I think you could do better, Miss Harper.
- How do you know my name?
- I understand you were
a pretty good nurse.
- Nurse? (scoffs)
If I were a nurse, what
would I be doing here?
- Maybe these have
something to do with it.
- What are you? Are you a reporter?
- Not at all.
- What do you want from me?
- I might be able to offer you a job,
but I have to know about this.
I mean, now...
You surely didn't marry a
90-year-old man for love.
- Now, you listen to me.
For years, I looked after that old man.
I was his nurse, his friend.
The only person in the
world that he could talk to.
His family never even came to see him.
They were just waiting for him to die.
- And you?
- He wanted to give me something.
The only thing that he
could, which was money.
So he married me to do it.
- I see.
The family took you to court
and cheated you out of it.
You know, I guess it's been pretty hard
to get a job with all the publicity.
I mean, like this place.
- What kind of a job are you offering?
- I have a sick relative.
She's going to need very special care.
- And what would it pay?
- $25,000.
- Here's your check.
- Here's my card with my
phone number on it, and...
Keep the change.
(peppy orchestral music)
(brooding orchestral music)
- Mr. Price?
- Come in, Miss Harper.
I've been expecting you.
- Since I talked to you
yesterday on the phone,
I've been thinking, I'm still not sure.
I know so little.
- Ah but you did bring your
suitcase and that's a beginning.
Sit down.
Obviously I couldn't discuss
everything on the phone.
You see, the person involved
happens to be my sister.
Amanda Price.
- She's the patient?
- She had a mental breakdown and,
well, she's still a little erratic.
I have to have someone with her.
I was hoping that you had had dealings
with disturbed people?
- Occasionally.
- Good.
- What would you expect of me?
- Nothing much, really.
I have a housekeeper that
comes in twice a week.
Mrs. Gonzalez. You'll like her.
She's been in the family for years.
Amanda's alone a lot, she
doesn't go out very much
and I want you to stay with her.
The main thing I want from you is
I have to know everything
that goes on in the house.
Amanda's mind, the way it is,
there's certain family affairs
that I don't really want
other people to know about.
- [Esther] No other duties?
- Amanda, in the last two years,
has tried to kill herself,
two different times.
She will certainly try a third.
(brooding orchestral music)
- And if she does?
- She mustn't fail.
- How would I be paid?
- Well, I think it's
better first to pay you
a regular nurse's salary.
But within 10 days of my sister's death,
I will deliver to you, in cash, $25,000.
(dark orchestral music)
(bird squawks)
- Hush. You're lucky I'm here at all.
(bird squawks)
Here.
Eat, drink and be merry.
For tomorrow always comes.
(sighs)
We're getting old, Jethro.
You in your cage.
And I in mine.
(doorbell rings)
Here come the invaders.
Keep a civil tongue, Jethro.
We must make a good impression.
- Amanda.
- Edward.
- Amanda, this is Esther Harper.
- So I see.
Edward, you needn't remain,
I think Miss Harper and I
can best get acquainted by ourselves.
- As you wish, Amanda dear.
- Thank you, Mr. Price. Thanks.
- I'll be in touch.
- And now, Miss Harper.
- Please call me Esther.
- Very well.
First I'd like to introduce you
to the oldest occupant of the house.
Jethro, I'd like you to say
hello to our new housekeeper.
Or is it governess?
- I'm a registered nurse, Miss Price.
- Yes, a nurse.
Now why would I need a nurse, Esther?
- Surely you know that better than I.
- Perhaps not.
Certainly my esteemed brother
must have filled you in
on all the choice details.
My mental instability,
my suicidal impulses.
- Not really, no.
I do gather that there isn't
much affection between you.
- Now that should be an item
for your nurse's notebook.
I assume you're going to keep one.
"Madam is cheerful, madam is moody.
Madam had a bad night,
madam ate her porridge."
And to whom, pray, do you
expect to report all this
delectable gossip?
My brother?
Dr. Thorne?
- I didn't intend to keep notes.
- Oh, come now.
My brother, with Dr. Thorne's connivance,
hired you against my will.
You don't expect me to believe
that you're not here to spy on me?
Why, you're their Trojan horse.
Don't play games with me, Esther.
I play for keeps.
- Miss Price, I'm here simply
to help you. If you'll let me.
- Good. I'll show you about.
This is an old house,
Esther. Set in its ways.
Nothing is to be moved or changed.
I dine in here and I have
breakfast and lunch in the parlor.
I like things, Esther. Not people.
Things are far less dangerous.
Treat them properly and they
do what they're supposed to do.
How old are you?
- I'm 38.
- I think you could be
pretty, if you tried.
- I don't think about it much.
- I thought all women did?
- Miss Price, I have worked
for a living all my life.
- Nonsense. That's no excuse.
A pretty face brings in
treasure, so I've learned.
Come.
This is my room.
I've chosen to give you
the room adjoining mine.
It was my sister's, until she went away.
My sister liked pretty
things, including herself.
You'll have no trouble in finding mirrors.
- I'm sure I'll be very
comfortable, thank you.
- In the future, I should
like dinner promptly at seven.
You may dine with me at
the table, if you wish.
- Thank you.
(brooding orchestral music)
(lock clacks)
Miss Price, this cupboard
still seems to be locked.
- Indeed it is.
About the house, there are other
locked cupboards and doors.
Please respect them.
My experience with the honesty of servants
has not always been reassuring.
And I detest snoops.
(door closes)
- Dreams cost money.
Pretty soon, you'll be able
to afford them, won't you?
How about a lift?
- Thanks. I've got your sister's car.
- Oh, no, no. How's my
dear sister these days?
- It's difficult to tell.
I know one thing. She doesn't trust me.
- Well, at least she trusts
you with her fabulous heirloom.
- I wasn't sure I could still shift gears.
- How's your schedule with Amanda?
I mean, has she given you a day off yet?
- Tomorrow.
- How about dinner?
- Somehow I don't think
your sister would like that.
- She needn't know.
- All right.
Tomorrow.
(warm orchestral music)
(car starts)
You must be Mrs. Gonzalez.
- Oh, I am Mrs. Gonzalez.
- What happened?
- Oh, the ground, it shakes.
Earthquake. You do not feel it?
- Nothing. I must have been
driving when it happened.
- Oh, it was a little one,
but it throws down the pots.
- Hope it hasn't broken any crystal.
Where's Miss Price?
- Oh, Miss Price, she
take siesta, I think.
- Have you been with the family long?
- Oh, long time. I am here
since they are children.
But now everything change.
- Changed how?
- All the time, fighting.
They fight for money, but also,
I think for something else.
I think maybe for the father.
To be father of children,
one must be equal.
Mr. Price, he have eyes only for one.
- Miss Nell?
- Anything she want, she can have.
She run away and marry.
Miss Amanda stay here. Work, work.
Then Miss Nell come back
and everything is the same.
Mr. Price give her everything.
And yet, when Mr. Price die,
Miss Nell do not even
stay to bury her father.
It is sad, yes?
Better to be happy.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(door creaks)
(brooding orchestral music)
(gulls squawk)
- Cold?
- I quite like it.
- What do you want, Esther?
- I've told you, I'm an ordinary girl.
All I want is everything.
(Edward chuckles)
- [Edward] Well, we're kind of
in the same boat, aren't we?
- Hardly.
- You had a fortune snapped
out from under you and
I've got one dangling
right in front of my nose.
- Is that what all the hate is about?
Is it really enough to want someone dead?
- I think it is.
- There is a word for what you want.
- Mm-hm.
The word is suicide.
- The word is murder.
- Don't be foolish.
If Amanda wants to kill herself,
let Amanda kill herself.
- Edward?
Where's Nell?
- [Edward] Nell got her
share and went away.
- Then why are all her
clothes in my closet?
- Well, Nell had a lot of
clothes in a lot of places.
I guess she didn't need them anymore.
- "Didn't need them."
- Why? What are you thinking?
- I was thinking that if everything
turned out the way you wanted it to,
I'd be a danger to you.
You'd have to kill me.
- We're partners, remember?
- Now I am cold.
(dark orchestral music)
(car door closes)
(door closes)
- In my day, an escort didn't
drop a lady in the street.
He brought her to her door.
- Then you know that I've
had dinner with Edward?
- [Amanda] Of course.
Are you my enemy, Esther?
- Is that what you think?
- Well, you've lived in this
house for nearly two weeks,
and I hardly know anything about you.
It's odd, isn't it?
For all I know, you might
be an escaped murderess.
Sit down. Tell me about yourself.
- What is it that you want to know?
- Where you come from.
What you've done.
Go on, tell me.
- There isn't very much to tell.
My mother died when I was
five. My father drifted away.
I was taken in by the county.
I went to school, I worked at odd jobs.
And finally, I went to nursing school.
- What drove you?
- Fear.
I promised myself that I'd never go back
to the life I had as a child.
I'd do anything.
- Anything?
- Anything.
- Escape, Esther.
Escape while you can.
(Esther chuckles)
- I'm not very good at
riddles, Miss Price.
- Can't you feel the current, Esther?
It'll trap you. Take you into deep water.
This house is dying.
So many locked doors.
The past, boarded up, room by room.
We belong to it, Edward and I.
He'll use you, Esther, or try to.
- Miss Price, you must be very tired.
Why don't you take a pill
and have a really good night's rest?
- Ah, yes, the capsule.
Now, that's a fair exchange.
I offer you escape, you offer me oblivion.
Goodnight, Esther. I can manage.
(brooding orchestral music)
No.
How dare you.
How dare you.
Never.
Never.
(Nell laughs)
(gasps) No.
(Nell laughs)
No, never.
Bitch.
Bitch.
Bitch.
Bitch, bitch, bitch!
(Nell screams)
(glass shatters)
(Nell laughs)
(bird squawks)
- [Esther] Miss Price. Miss Price!
- Oh, my god.
- What on earth are you doing here?
- Save me.
Save me. (sobs)
- From what, Miss Price? From what?
- Nell.
My sister.
(brooding orchestral music)
But they're not there.
Are they?
They're not there.
- Only in your mind.
Only in your mind, Miss Price.
- The visitors of the mind.
They're our most dangerous
enemies, aren't they, Esther?
- Let me help you back to bed.
- I can manage.
(sighs)
- I'll bring you a cup
of tea to help you relax.
- Just pour me some brandy, if you will.
(Esther sighs)
(glass clinks)
How do you fight them,
Esther? Enemies of the mind.
- You must have been having nightmares.
Don't you remember?
- Nothing.
- But where would you have been going
in your sleep, Miss Price?
- I don't know, Esther.
I don't know.
I'm very tired.
- Well, you can sleep now.
There's nothing to be afraid of.
I'll be here.
(brooding orchestral music)
(switch clicks)
(ominous orchestral music)
(car approaches)
(lock clacks)
- [Amanda] Come in, Edward.
- Well, well, well. Latosh '29.
What a surprise to our dear father
that someone else should drink it.
- Did you expect to drink it, Edward?
- (chuckles) No.
No, I inherited his
expensive taste, but uh,
not the money to afford them.
As a matter of fact,
that was the last burden that
he put upon my shoulders.
And you, my dear sister,
were his happy accomplice.
- Nonsense. He saw your fatal weakness.
- Oh, yeah? Then what is that?
- Your self pity.
You wear it like a badge,
like a beggar's sign.
"Forgive me, help me, for I cannot"-
- All right, all right, all right!
So sure. Damn, you're sure!
And for a long time, I
used to believe that,
but it was all pretense,
wasn't it, Amanda?
We know that now, don't
we? Come on, get off of it.
We have the same secrets.
- And who else knows them?
- Oh, the dead, and they
do keep secrets very well.
Well, you invited me
here. What do you want?
- I want to make an arrangement with you.
- An arrangement?
(chuckles) What kind, dear sister?
- You've always wanted
this house. Take it.
I hate it anyway.
I'll double your allowance.
You can live almost as well
as you've always fancied.
- (chuckles) Well, I'm overwhelmed
with your sudden outburst of
generosity, my dear sister,
but what corresponding gesture
do you expect in return?
- Send Esther away.
- Esther?
Why?
- She's an intruder.
Intruders are dangerous.
They learn things.
- [Edward] It's too late, Amanda.
Much too late.
- What do you want?
- I want it all.
Everything.
(Amanda chuckles)
- We'd be paupers in a year.
Not until I'm dead, Edward.
Not until I'm dead.
Of course...
That could be arranged, couldn't it?
- I would say that basically
it's only a matter of who does it.
You or I.
- You're really preparing to kill me.
- Of course.
- Well, if you wanted me dead,
why didn't you let me go
peaceably when I tried?
- Well, Amanda, as you
taught me so very well,
one must keep up appearances, mustn't one?
So, when someone alerted
the doctor, what could I do,
but act like the loving
brother that, of course, I am?
And there is one distinct advantage.
I mean, Amanda, just think.
What safer victim could there ever be
then someone who has a
record of suicide attempts?
(bottle thuds)
(knocks)
- Edward's here.
- Thanks, Lydia.
Hi, Doctor.
I thought I'd just save
a dime and come over
and get Amanda's sleeping
pill prescription.
- How is she?
- Mm, pretty good.
- How is that nurse working out?
- Oh, she's doing fine.
But I'm staying away. I
think it's better that way.
- Perhaps.
Here you are.
- Thank you.
Doctor, wouldn't it save
a lot of time and trouble
just to double this thing?
- (sighs) Well, in view
of your sister's history,
it would hardly be wise.
You know, if someone's really intent
on destroying themselves,
there's very little you can do to stop it,
but one doesn't place a
loaded weapon in their hands.
- Of course. Well, I'll
be particularly careful.
Thanks again, Doc.
I'll see ya.
- Miss Robinson, please bring
in the file on Amanda Price.
- [Lydia] Yes, Doctor.
- When was Miss Price's last
prescript for sedatives?
- 10 days ago. 25 Seconal,
one and a half grades.
Is that all, Doctor?
- Yes, yes. Just make a similar
entry for today, thank you.
(birds tweet)
(brooding orchestral music)
- What a surprise to
find you in the garden.
- I seldom feel the inclination.
- It's a pity.
Beautiful roses, wasting away
with no one to enjoy them.
- Most of life is a waste, I've found.
- Isn't it enough that
it's a beautiful day?
- Perhaps it once was.
When I was very small
before my mother died,
I used to live in this garden.
I used to lie on the path
with my eyes half closed,
and watch the colors of
the roses blur and dance.
I helped my father plant these roses.
He was a god to me then.
- Why did it change?
- My sister stole him from me.
So I took the pruning shears one night
and I cut down all the roses.
Every one.
They grew back again, but
it was never the same.
It was a sad garden, full of brambles.
- Is that why you never visit it,
or take roses into the house?
- Never.
Until today.
- Still trying to make peace with him?
- Too late.
- I think you must have
loved him very much.
- He was so surprised to die.
Forgotten that life is the one
disease that's always fatal.
One just never knows how it will come.
Or when.
Or who.
- I waited and waited.
You never showed up.
- I had errands to do.
- I don't believe that.
- [Esther] All right, I
thought it was a bad idea.
- Why?
Bedford! How's the wife?
Relax, will ya, and smile. Why?
- [Esther] I thought you
hired me to do a job,
not to be an easy afternoon in bed.
- Are you losing your nerve?
- The difference is that I've
met Amanda. I know her now.
- I've saved her all of her life.
If she wants to die, let her!
- [Esther] You make it almost sound right.
- It is, Esther. It is.
It's almost like an act of mercy.
- Sometimes I feel as if
I'm becoming another person.
Someone I don't know.
- Esther.
There's nothing to
worry about. Believe me.
- I've gotta go.
(birds tweet)
- Found what you're lookin' for?
- No, I want some kind of
poison to get rid of some pests.
- Oh, what are we talkin' about here?
Rats, bugs, moles? Big, medium, small?
I've got all kinds.
- [Edward] Coyotes.
- Oh, hell, what you
want is sodium cyanide.
That's about the strongest
thing you can get.
All coyote needs is one taste
and he's dead right now.
This stuff don't fool around.
- That powerful, huh?
Maybe I shouldn't take it.
I mean, if it'll kill a
coyote, it might kill a person.
- Oh, hell yes.
If you got kids, you gotta
keep this under lock and key.
(chuckles) You don't take no chances.
Remember them Nazis?
That's what they took
if they got captured.
- (chuckles) Is that right?
- (chuckles) Yeah.
One little capsule in
the mouth. (chuckles)
Saved the expense of a hangin'.
You want it?
- Yeah, I'll try it.
- Okay.
(doorbell rings)
- I'm Dr. Thorne.
- Come in.
- And you must be the nurse
that Mr. Price engaged.
- Yes, I am.
- Is Miss Price about?
- I believe she's taking her nap.
- And how is Miss Price these days?
In your own judgment.
- She's been having nightmares.
A couple of nights ago, I
found her on the stairs.
She had no idea of where she was.
- Sleepwalking?
- Absolutely terrified.
- (chuckles) I should think so.
Well, I gave Mr. Price
a new prescription for sleeping capsules.
Keep them in your possession?
- I understand.
- Leaving so soon, Doctor?
I was just about to have some tea.
Won't you join me?
- I'm sorry, Amanda, but
I'm due at the hospital.
I just dropped in on my way.
- Drop in?
For what? To take my pulse?
- To see how you were getting along.
- Uh, would you mind
if I went and made tea?
- That would be nice.
And how am I getting along, Doctor?
I assume Miss Harper has kept you up
on my comings and goings.
My rages, my fears.
- Nothing nearly so dramatic.
- What then?
- No more than the fact that,
occasionally you were a little moody.
- Moody? (laughs) I sing
and dance all day long!
Good god, Doctor. Only
idiots are not moody.
- Amanda, it's really not healthy
for anyone to stay in so much.
- And what's so healthy
about the outside, pray?
Don't you read the papers?
What else is out there but
rape and robbery and deceit?
- And murder and greed and war.
It just depends on what you see.
Really, Amanda, why don't you
give some thought to a trip?
Change of scene, get out
of yourself for a bit.
Where is your sister Nell?
- Why do you ask?
- Well, didn't she go back abroad?
Perhaps she might enjoy a visit from you.
(Amanda laughs heartily)
(dark orchestral music)
I'm glad you find it so amusing.
- I'm sorry, Doctor. It struck me oddly.
But by all means, you're right.
I shall give it some thought.
Perhaps I shall visit Nell.
- All right.
All right.
I have to go.
(door closes)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(brooding orchestral music)
How silent tonight.
- The house is always quiet.
- Tonight it's particularly quiet.
Odd, isn't it?
We've been thrown together.
You, Edward and I,
like strangers in a lifeboat.
And who will survive?
And who will die?
And what did he promise you, Esther?
- Promise?
- To be my executioner.
And how will it be done?
A gun?
An ax?
Or in some subtler way?
- If it were true, would I admit it?
- Perhaps.
I suppose I want to trust you.
- And you don't.
Is that why you haven't touched the wine?
- The Borgias used poison.
Usually quick, effective and
without unseemly violence.
(brooding orchestral music)
Well done, Esther.
Now if you'll clear the
table, I'll go to my room.
(door creaks)
No.
No.
No.
Father.
Father, where are you?
Where are you, Father?
I'm frightened.
- What frightened you, my child?
- Where are you?
I'm frightened.
I'm fright...
(Nell chuckles)
- Why should you be frightened, my child?
- I'm so sorry, Father.
- Why should you be sorry?
- That I...
I cut down the rose bushes.
- That was a terrible thing to do,
and for it, you shall be punished!
You will be punished!
Last will and testament.
I, James Lendon Price,
being of sound mind,
do hereby amend all earlier
wills and testaments whatever.
To my weakling son Edward,
and my faithless daughter
Amanda, I leave nothing!
To my beloved daughter
Nell, I do bequeath control
of all my estates, monies
and earthly possessions.
Hers to enjoy, so long as she may live.
James Lendon Price.
- Did something happen, Amanda?
You seem dreadfully shook up.
- So you've won.
- (chuckles) I must say,
as sick as Father may be,
he writes a beautiful hand and
expresses himself so clearly.
(chuckles)
Don't you agree?
- I nursed him.
My god, for over two years,
I nursed him day and night!
- It was your choice, sister
dear. I'm hardly responsible.
- And you had yours, until
your lover ran out on you.
How dare you come back here
and take everything I slaved for!
(Nell tuts)
- [Nell] If you'll be good
children, you and Edward,
I shan't let you suffer.
- I won't beg for it, Nell.
- Oh, pity.
You may have to.
Pride goeth before the
fall, or so they say.
- Give it to me.
- I certainly will not.
- I said, give it to me!
- Oh, Amanda, don't you dare touch me!
Oh, Amanda, you're crazy!
- Edward!
(Nell pants and screams)
- What's going on?
(Nell grunts)
(thud)
Amanda!
(dark orchestral music)
- Stop it.
- Amanda!
Edward!
Nell!
- I did it!
Amanda and I!
- Murderers!
(body clatters)
- [Edward] He's dead.
- Now we have only each other to hate.
- What do we do about Nell?
- Come. I'll show you.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(door handle rattles)
(door handle rattles)
- Miss Price?
(door handle rattles)
Amanda?
(Amanda gasps)
Amanda?
(Amanda screams)
(dramatic orchestral music)
(brooding orchestral music)
- What happened?
- She's having nightmares
and sleepwalking.
You know she always seem to be
going somewhere in her sleep.
The first time, I found her on the stairs.
Tonight, I found her
shaking the cellar door.
Edward?
You've got to tell me what's down there.
- How should I know?
- You know. I know you know.
I think it's the reason
that you want her dead.
I don't think it's simply
money. You're afraid that-
- Stop it! How dare you question me.
We are partners, remember?
- I haven't forgotten.
- Well, that's good.
I mean, it's not like I
asked you to commit a crime.
I just ask you to let
nature take its course.
Let her go easy.
- Easy?
- Yes.
Let her own demons kill
her, whoever they may be.
All right?
Patience.
I almost forgot.
Dr. Thorne sent over a new
batch of sleeping capsules.
Not enough for a lethal
dose, unfortunately, but uh,
perhaps it'll keep her
from walking in her sleep.
Goodnight.
(door closes)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(knocks)
- That was Edward.
- I didn't know what
to do, so I called him.
- He's trash, Esther.
Trash.
- Miss Price.
- Call me Amanda. I prefer it.
- Amanda.
I'm so sorry that I frightened you.
- It wasn't you that frightened me.
Anyway, it doesn't matter.
- Dr. Thorne sent over
some new sleeping tablets.
Do you want to take a couple?
- Set them on the table.
First I'll try some brandy.
(glass clinks)
- [Esther] Will you drink it?
- Yes, Esther.
I'll drink it.
- You're not afraid?
- I'm not afraid.
Just leave the pills. I may need them.
(door creaks)
(door closes)
- Now, there's nothing to worry
about. Just a mild allergy.
Meanwhile, this will help.
What a lovely crucifix. You
must be very proud of it.
- Miss Price give it to me.
- Oh, I had no idea that
Miss Amanda was so devout.
- Oh, no, it belonged to
Miss Nell before she go away.
- You know her well? Miss Nell, I mean.
- Oh, yes, since she was little girl.
- She left rather suddenly, didn't she?
- Oh, very.
One day, I come to house
and everything is changed.
Mr. Price is dead and
Miss Nell has gone away.
Miss Amanda say she fly away on big plane.
But not to stay for her father's funeral?
I do not understand.
- Yes, well, there's nothing
more we can do for you today,
so, now if you get a
severe attack, come back.
- Well, thank you, Dr. Thorne. Thank you.
Goodbye.
- Goodbye, Mrs. Gonzalez.
- Miss Robinson, get me the
file on James Price, please.
- [Lydia] Yes, Doctor.
- I want to check the date
on his death certificate.
- Here it is. June 13th, last year.
Massive coronary.
- Get me Charlie Wyndham on the phone.
Dial up the travel agency.
- Right.
(intercom buzzes)
- Hello, Charlie?
I want a favor. It may be important.
I want to know if Nell Price
made any air travel arrangements
through your agency.
(sighs) Yeah, Nell Price. Old
man Price's youngest daughter.
Leaving Los Angeles, June 12th
or June 13th of last year.
Now, if you have no record
of it, she may have made
the arrangements directly
with the airline.
I want to know that, too.
(sighs) No, I haven't gone
into the private eye business.
It's a personal matter.
(chuckles) Okay, Charlie. Thank you.
(phone clacks)
(brooding orchestral music)
- Oh, excuse I'm late. I go to doctor.
- Don't you feel well?
- Oh, no, Doctor say I'm okay.
- Oh, good. Is Miss Price up yet?
- I do not see her.
- Well, perhaps she's still
asleep. She had a late night.
(knocks)
Miss Price?
Amanda?
Edward, it's Esther.
Listen, something is wrong. Amanda's gone.
She's taken the car.
- Well, that's rather
obvious, isn't it, Esther?
The point is, when? She could
be 100 miles from here by now.
- But where would she go?
- That's something we
better find out. Come on.
- You know, it's so strange,
because she was panicked
by something in the dream,
but when you left, she was perfectly calm.
- Why didn't you just give her the pills?
- I left them on her night
table. She had brandy instead.
I thought she was going-
- You thought shit.
- Edward!
What's in those pills?
- I don't know. Whatever
they put in pills!
- You fixed them, didn't you?
You changed-
- God damn it, Esther!
You're beginning to
sound just like Amanda.
If you change fences on me...
Or have you already?
Get in the car.
(car door slams)
(car starts)
(tense orchestral music)
(car door slams)
(brooding orchestral music)
(confession window clacks)
- Bless me, Father.
Are you there, Father?
- Speak, my child.
- I hardly know where to begin.
I haven't been in a church
since I was a child.
So many little sins to confess.
And lies.
Jealousies.
Stealing, even.
Small things from my father.
I kept them hidden in
the back of my closet.
Pieces of my father all
wrapped in a handkerchief.
They were little things.
Even a child could carry them.
But then I...
I committed a sin,
too great to bear.
I've prayed, Father.
- What's wrong? Go on.
- All my life, I hated my sister.
She had everything I ever wanted.
So we killed her.
My brother and I.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
He's still here.
Every night in my dream, she visits me.
- Go on, go on, go on.
- Only you
and God
and I
know.
- No one else?
- No one.
Thank you, Father.
(tense orchestral music)
(footsteps clack)
(door slams)
(brooding orchestral music)
(car door slams)
(phone rings)
- Hello.
Oh, Charlie.
(sighs) I'm sorry, I just
got back from the hospital.
What did you find out on Nell Price?
- Zero. International flights
and domestic carriers.
Hell, I even checked the Tom
Cabby. No record anywhere.
Maybe a friend picked her up?
- Maybe.
- Listen, Doc. I sure hope
it's all that important.
I could've shot 18 holes this afternoon.
The least you could do is give
me some free medical advice.
- Well, I can give it to you right now.
Don't eat so much. You're
getting fat. (chuckles)
Thank you, Charlie. I do
appreciate all your effort.
Goodbye.
(phones clack)
(dark orchestral music)
- I'm going in.
- I'll go with you.
- No, don't you come.
If I go in alone, you know,
it'll seem more innocent.
There's no need for you to get
involved. I'll take the risk.
- All right. (sighs)
All right, but you must
give her the pills tonight.
- What if she refuses?
- Then call me.
It has to be tonight.
We're through waiting.
- By the way, how will I be
paid? Will it be in cash?
(Edward chuckles)
- Of course.
(car door slams)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(lock clicks)
(door closes)
(distant clack)
(knocks)
(door closes)
- Evening, Doctor.
- Evening, Lieutenant.
Just a coffee, please.
Thank you.
- You got something on your mind, Doctor?
- Yes, I've got a problem and I don't know
what to do with it.
- Oh, yeah?
- (sighs) All I have is
a guess. A suspicion.
But I'd like you to come
to the Price home with me.
I think Amanda Price is in great danger.
- On what grounds?
- Well, as I said, all I have is a guess,
but I think it's because
she has knowledge of a crime
that's already been committed.
- What kind of a crime?
- Murder.
(bird squawks)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
- You wouldn't want to be left
behind, would you, Jethro?
(bird squawks)
You'd be too lonely.
We've been together so long.
You wouldn't like taking
tea with strangers.
(bird squawks)
(bird screeches)
(distant door closes)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(knocks)
- Amanda?
I know you're in there.
Please answer me.
(knocks)
Amanda, answer me.
- [Amanda] What do you want?
- Where have you been? I've
been looking for you everywhere.
- [Amanda] I had errands to do.
- Amanda, please let me
in. I have to talk to you.
- If you insist.
- [Esther] You've hurt yourself.
- It's nothing.
- What's wrong, Amanda?
You seem so strange.
- No.
I'm not frightened anymore.
Here, mail these in the morning for me.
- If you'll leave me I'm going
to take a pill and go to bed.
- You mustn't.
- Why mustn't I?
- They're poisoned. I'm sure of it.
Edward.
(Amanda laughs heartily)
- I'm not surprised.
He hired you to kill me, didn't he?
- Yes.
- And you couldn't.
We could've been such good friends.
(pills rattle)
(tense orchestral music)
Don't touch me!
(grunts)
(siren wails)
(pants)
(siren wails)
- [Esther] Amanda!
- [Amanda] Let go of me!
No.
- [Esther] Amanda, don't!
(keys rattle)
- [Amanda] Let go of me!
Please.
- [Esther] Amanda, don't!
(body clunks)
(body thumps)
(phone rings)
(brooding orchestral music)
- Yes?
- [Esther] Edward? This is Esther.
I think you'd better come
to the house right away.
- Did Amanda come back?
- [Esther] Yes.
She came back.
She's dead.
(door opens)
(door closes)
- We'll be finished in
just a moment, Mr. Price.
(camera clicks)
(camera clicks)
- Where's my sister?
- The ambulance just left with the body.
- What happened?
- [Esther] She was
determined to kill herself.
I tried to stop her.
- Oh, my god.
My god.
And after all the things that
I tried to do to prevent it.
And in spite of it, we failed.
- The best plans don't
always succeed, Edward.
You did your best.
- (sighs) Well, it's all on
my shoulders now, isn't it?
This house.
The estate, the lawyers. I
don't even know where to begin.
- Oh, I don't think you have
to carry that burden, Edward.
- What do you mean?
- You see, just before she
died, Amanda made a will.
She provided for Mrs. Gonzalez, of course,
but she left the bulk of her
estate, including this house,
to Miss Harper here.
- Oh, well... (chuckles)
You're lyin'. Let me see that will.
- I have it. Miss Harper gave it to me.
- Oh, oh, I see. Miss
Harper gave it to you.
Miss Harper gave it to you?
Well, let me tell you
about Miss Harper, Doctor.
Miss Harper plays for very
high stakes, don't ya?
Oh, first it was the
senile old millionaire,
but you got caught, didn't ya?
She got caught, but now
she's trying to do it again!
- Edward, could you make yourself clear?
- Oh, I'll make it very clear. Very clear.
You see, she wormed her way in here,
and then seduced my sister
into changing her will!
And then you killed her
and tried to make it look like suicide!
That's what she did, and I wanna
know what's in those pills.
I demand a laboratory analysis
of exactly what's in those pills!
The ones she gave my sister!
- It will be done.
- Oh, you're so smart,
what you staged up there.
You weren't trying to stop Amanda.
You were forcing her to take
the poison, weren't you?
- She didn't take poison, Edward.
She jumped.
(ominous orchestral music)
- Well, I'm so confused.
It's just that so much has happened.
- Maybe a drink would
help settle your nerves.
- [Edward] Yes, a drink.
- Some of that brandy your
sister stored in the cellar.
- No, whisky. The cellar door's locked.
- I think you'll find it open.
- Open?
Well, I'll see.
(brooding orchestral music)
(ominous tones)
- Mr. Price.
(Edward gasps)
I think we have quite a lot to talk about.
(Edward groans)
- You see, Edward,
Amanda left two letters.
A will and a full confession.
She finally said what she had to say.
- I couldn't do it.
I had to tell them all I know.
I'm sorry, Edward.
(somber orchestral music)
Well, Mrs. Gonzalez.
- So many years.
Once, they were little children.
And now they are all gone.
Only he is still here.
- Let him stay, in the silence.
(Gonzalez chuckles)
- I hope you come back sometime.
- Never.
(car door closes)
(car starts)