Double Door (1934) - full transcript

Subtitles: Luís Filipe Bernardes

Well, I can't say there's much style

about anybody that's going in
the Van Bretts so far.

They don't have to look stylish.

The Van Bretts have been on 5th Avenue

long before the Vanderbilts,
or the Golds or any of them.

Looks like an old museum to me.

I'd live in a tomb if I had
all the millions they have.

- Are we late, Telson?
- No, madam,

there's five or ten minutes yet.
The wedding's to be at high noon.

Not a thing in this house has been changed



since old Jacob Van Brett died.

I wonder how Victoria would like

to have seeing her brother
married to a nurse.

Half-brother, dear.
Rip is her half-brother.

He's a Van Brett.

It's about time there was
some new blood in the family.

Where are you going?

I'm taking the bridal bouquet
to Miss Darrow.

That's mine, please.

Louise! Back stairway.

Avery, wait a minute.

- I'll take it.
- Oh, Mr. Rip, that's bad luck.

A groom shouldn't see his bride
until the wedding.

I'm not superstitious.



- Who is it?
- Me. May I come in?

Oh, no, you mustn't.

Then you won't have any posies
to carry to your wedding.

And you won't have any bride
if you don't let me get ready.

Please.

You have a lovely hand, Miss Darrow.

Oh, this is gorgeous.

Good-bye, darling.

Meet you in front of the preacher.

Oh, wait a minute, Rip.

Here.

Thank you, darling.

On my soul, where did that come from?

It's just arrived from...

J. Van Ness.

Grapefruit spoons.

That's the fourth set of grapefruit spoons.

On my soul! Don't put it there!

- Why?
- Oh, I should have told you.

This contains the ashes of Jacob Van Brett.

Miss Van Brett's father.

And that holds the ashes of their mother.

- The real ashes?
- The actual ashes.

- Never touch them.
- Believe me, I won't.

- Avery, are the guests here?
- Most of them, Miss Caroline.

Oh, Avery! A wedding, here.

I used to think the first wedding
here would be mine.

They say romance is catching.
Perhaps yours will be the next.

Oh, never now, Avery. I'm 42 years old.

Oh, you never can tell, Miss Caroline.

Only last night I read in the Globe
of a lady who was marrying at 65.

- Oh, Avery, how silly.
- It's true.

- Just imagine.
- And they say she smokes cigarettes.

Caroline!

Caroline,

must I always remind you
that you must not gossip with servants?

Yes, Victoria. I'm sorry.

Sit in your chair, Caroline.

- I beg your pardon, Ma'am.
- Yes, William?

There's a man here from Tiffany's
here with a package

which he wishes to hand directly
to Mrs. Van Brett.

There is no Mrs. Van Brett at present.

No, madam, I...
that is, he meant Miss Ann Darrow.

Move my chair.

Send Tiffany's man here to me.

But... but he said especially
it was for Miss...

- Bring him here.
- Yes, madam, yes... Excuse me.

Victoria, it must be the pearls.

Rip's gift to his bride.

- Bride.
- Oh, Vicky.

She saved Rip for us. Dr. Lucas said...

Nursing is her business.
He mustn't marry her for that.

Why, he's marrying her
because he loves her.

She's marrying him
because he's a Van Brett.

What right has she to intrude
into this house?

We were perfectly happy
until she came here.

The man from Tiffany's, ma'am.

- This is Miss Van Brett.
- Yes, I know Miss Van Brett.

How do you do?

How do you do?

- Mr. er... Chase.
- Yes, that's right.

It's some years
since I've been in this house.

- It all looks just the same.
- Is this what you came for, Mr. Chase?

No, I have the Van Brett pearls here
for the new Mrs. er...

She's dressing for her wedding.

- Well...
- I'll take charge of it.

Yes, yes, quite so.

No reason at all why I shouldn't
hand them over to you.

The customary receipt, madam.

We had them in storage since 1885.

- The year that Mother died.
- They belonged to my mother.

Not to Rip.

I remember how delighted
Mr. Van Brett was...

every time one of our agents found
another pearl of the right size and color.

Then we'd both sit down

and examine the new Van Brett pearls...

Over a glass of port or brandy.

He told me a great deal about his life.

He told me how the noise on 5th Avenue
prevented him from sleeping.

That's why he built that mysterious
sleeping room.

Oh, but...

Mysterious? What do you mean?

Why, Mr. Van Brett told me
that he built sort of a...

a sound-proof room.

He was a wise man.

He was sore at the coming of motor cars.

I occupy the room my father had.

A sort of simple chamber.

Nonsense. It's almost as large as this one.

The windows are on the avenue.
Nothing has been changed.

Well, we sometimes did have several
glasses of port or brandy.

What is the value of the pearls today?

Oh, at least half a million.

Good day, Mr. Chase.

Good day.

Good day.

This priceless heirloom

round the neck of that...

that impy-headed upper servant...

Oh, but Vicky...

Father gave them to Rip's mother
on her wedding day...

and she meant them for his bride.

They belonged to my mother.
They should have come to me.

Half a million dollars.

For a stranger.

Where is that string of beads
you bought for the housemaid?

- You wouldn't let me give them to her.
- Of course not.

Get them.

Oh, Victoria! You're not going to keep
the real pearls from her.

In her will, his mother said,
'To be given to my son's wife...'

Rip never saw his mother's will.
You will hold your tongue.

Now go down and tend to the guests.

And tell Neff
I want to see him immediately.

It's twelve o'clock, madam.

The Minister and Mr. Rip
are already downstairs.

Who is that playing the organ?

A young man the Reverend Dr. Loring
brought with him.

Who told him to play?

I believe the Reverend
Doctor Loring suggested.

Is that clergyman master in this house?

Lock the keyboard of the organ
and bring the key to me at once.

Very good, madam.

Ann.

- Why, Neff, good morning.
- Good morning.

Miss Caroline insisted
that she couldn't wait.

- Yes.
- But the wedding has already started.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together
here in sight of God...

and in the face of this congregation,
to join together

this man and this woman
in holy matrimony...

I am making a new will, Neff.

All of his share is to go
to the list of hospitals

mentioned in the old will.

But you're not leaving Rip out altogether.

Just that.

I thought you were very fond of him.

I was. But it changed.

But my dear Miss Victoria...-

Will you do it,
or shall I get someone else?

Now, you've failed me thus far.

- I sent you to her to buy her off.
- She wouldn't be bought off.

- She loves him.
- Get me that new will.

- My dear Miss Victoria...
- Tonight.

Very well.

I'll go directly and bring it here
before dinner.

- Good.
- And now, shall we go down?

Wilt thou have this woman
to thy wedded wife

to live together after God's ordinance
in the holy estate of matrimony?

Wilt thou love her,
comfort her, honor her...

...and forsaking all other,
keep thee only unto her,

so long as ye both shall live?

...of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost

Avery! What is the matter with you?

Come in! William, come!

...giver of all spiritual
benediction and grace...

Shut the door, William.

Now, pack all these things away
in the closet off my room.

Here's the key.

Carry them right out on the table.
Get them out of here.

Get this place in order.

Throw me the bouquet, will you?

Throw it, please, come on! Come on!

- I caught it!
- Good for you, Caroline.

Oh, Rip.

Ann, the presents.

Oh, Rip!

Victoria, we're married.

- You didn't come down, Vic.
- I had important matters to attend to.

- What about the organ?
- That was a misunderstanding.

I'm sorry.

Tiffany's man left Ann's gift with you.

Where is it?

Dear boy...

Taking heirlooms with you
across the continent...

on your wedding trip?

- Nonsense.
- Are they so valuable, really?

They belonged to my mother.

Oh, of course.

But I should like to see
my wedding gift from Rip...

- ...and try them on with this dress.
- Why, certainly, dear.

Victoria...

I was afraid they might be lost
in the confusion here today.

As trustee of your estate,
I've taken charge of them.

- I've disposed of them safely.
- Oh, Vic!

You sent them away?

But why couldn't you have let Ann
see them first?

Had you arranged with Neff?

Asked if you could take possession
under the will?

No, I... I never thought of that.

Well, I'll take it up with him
while you're gone.

This thing must be done legally.

But Ann should have a present.

I planned for that here.

Here is the new necklace.

Good old Vic!

Here you are, dear, open it.

Oh, Rip, let me see, please!

These aren't anything.

I think they're lovely.
Just the length I like.

Neff's probably still downstairs.
I'll ask him about the will.

I'll be back in a moment, dear.

Hurry, darling.

I think this belongs with the real pearls,
Miss Van Brett.

It does.

Oh, Miss Van Brett,

there's plenty of room in the closet
off Rip's dressing room.

I should like to have our presents
put there.

These are not your presents.

- Not ours?
- Not yours.

They come from friends of the Van Bretts.

As head of this house,
I shall take charge of them.

Ann!

John!

Where were you?
I didn't see you out in the...

I saw you. I took advantage
of being Rip's doctor to come right up.

I came to wish you great happiness.

Thank you, John.

Not a wedding present, just a little joke.

- Oh, John.
- All your own.

Remember how we thumped through the slums
when you were a district nurse?

And you always talked of getting
a dog to protect us?

Oh, John, how wonderful of you
to think of it.

- In gold... I'll keep it always.
- To remind you of old times.

It will.

Ann, do you mind if I say something to you?

Why, no.

- This family you've married into...
- Please, John...

Oh, I don't mean Rip, He's a fine fellow.

- You mean Miss Van Brett.
- Yes.

I know she doesn't like me.
But it takes two to make a quarrel.

Only one to have a go like you
to the very verge of a reason.

You don't count much on my endurance.

- I intend to win her over.
- Hm, try it.

You underestimate my charm, Dr. Lucas.

I'm not likely to do that, Ann.

If things do get bad here,
telephone me and I'll come over.

Aren't you forgetting
that I have a perfectly good husband.

Hm, I'm remembering that he's
under the spell of this place.

He hasn't been able to save himself.
Can he save you?

- I'll give you six months.
- Six months?

- November. Come and see us.
- Thanks, I will.

Well, good-bye, Ann.

Good-bye. And thank you
for the kind things you've done, John.

You may kiss the bride.

Don't let's rock the boat.

It's half-past twelve, Mrs. Van Brett.

Oh, you'll miss your train.

Don't go without telling Rip good-bye.

I won't. I'll be waiting downstairs
for you with a pocketful of rice.

- Good.
- Good-bye.

- I'll help you change.
- Oh, thank you, Avery.

Avery! I want you.

That's all right, Avery.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Van Brett.

Avery, where is my silk piece?

Can't read my paper
without my silk piece, can I?

- Someone always takes it.
- I'll speak to the servants, madam.

Please tell Louise to take Raffles
out for his walk.

Yes, Miss Van Brett.

Oh, Vicky, I caught the bride's bouquet.

Oh, Rip.

I couldn't find Neff anywhere.

It doesn't matter a whit, darling.

I'm so happy.

The necklace, I could make a row
about that, Ann.

No row. Not for you, not today.

We must go.

But all the same
I don't feel right about it.

I'll make it up to you when we get back.

I'm going to take care of you for a change.

You haven't had a square deal, Rip.

This is going to be a new life.

I promise you.

- Rip, darling.
- You're sweet.

What's this?

It's a present. John Lucas gave it to me.

Oh!

John was pretty much
in love with you, wasn't he?

- Oh, I don't know.
- Yes, you do.

He was.

And you chose me.

Idiot!

Well, Raffles, going out for a nice
dog walk with Lizzy, eh?

Run along, run along.

Vicky, why wouldn't you let them
have the music?

Vicky, please listen to me.

I was too young when you came between
Robert and me to know what it meant.

But it spoiled my life and...

Please be kind to them.
Don't spoil their lives.

I'm ready, Ann.

Be with you in a minute.

Well, we're off, almost.
You've carried your weight.

Rip, dear, we're going to miss you.

- Good-bye, Carrie, old dear.
- Good-bye, Rip darling.

May I go down and see them off?

Remember, Caroline.
They don't care for you.

They have each other.

Don't hold them up.

- Good-bye, Caroline.
- Good-bye, Ann.

Miss Van Brett.

May I say good-bye?

Good-bye.

Ann, we've got to hurry.
We'll miss our train.

Oh, Vicky! Come and see them go.

Close those shutters, Caroline.

I told you never to open these shutters.

Vicky.

No, Vicky, don't!

No, Vicky, don't!

Don't! No, no, Vicky, I'll be good.

Don't be a fool, Carrie.
I'm not going to punish you.

I'm just putting the pearls away.

What is the matter with you, Carrie?

I try not...

But ever since you locked me
in there that day.

Nonsense.

That was years ago. You had to be punished.

Buried alive.

Listen to me, Carrie.

If you don't pull yourself together

and stand with me about this marriage

I will put you in there again.
The windows are all closed now.

- You'd suffocate.
- No, Vicky, don't!

I'll do as you say, really I will.

See that you do.

Wait till I get back.

What do you think of your husband now?

I think he's wonderful!

We've got to have a lake
and two mountains when we get back.

Where will you put them, in the back yard?

We'll put the back yard in them.

Telegram for you, Mr. Van Brett.

Here.

Thank you, sir.

Open it.

It's from Vic, I know it. I won't open it.

Why not?

She wants me to come home.

Terribly important things about the estate.

That's all right, Rip.
It may really be necessary.

You've got to show
the responsibility sometime.

We were going back in three weeks anyway.

- I know...
- Remember what we agreed, Rip.

Not to balk anything she wants
if it's at all reasonable.

- And we're going to have a lake, you know.
- We are. I mean it.

And a house on the edge of it.

- Bless you, Mr. Van Brett!
- Hello, Telson.

Hello, Avery. Carrie!

- Welcome, Mrs. Brett.
- I'm so glad to have you back, my darling.

- Isn't Ann looking great?
- Ann, we missed you so, you know?

- Carrie, where's Vic?
- She's upstairs waiting for you.

I brought something for you, Caroline.

- How well you're looking, Mr. Van Brett.
- Thank you, Avery.

Oh, Ann, may I open it now? - Of course.

Come on, Ann.

Oh, Ann, it's beautiful!

Oh, you're so dear to think of me.

Hello, Vic.

Hello.

Hello, Victoria.

Hello.

Vicky, see what Ann brought me.

I have some important matters
to discuss with Rip.

Please leave us alone.

Yes.

You'll find your old room, Rip,
ready for you and your wife.

Why, Ann and I were planning on taking
a house up in Westchester.

And leave your father's house?

- Why, Rip.
- Just to make things easier, I mean.

That was a very selfish thing to say.

You will stay here and look after
Caroline and me.

- But I didn't intend to be selfish, Vic.
- Good!

I have tended to the estate alone
for many years.

Now it's your turn. It's difficult work.

You'll have to consult with Neff constantly
until you've learned the details.

You couldn't live away from here
even if you wished.

And I know you don't wish it.

I've arranged an appointment
for you with Neff.

You'll have to go downtown this morning.

It's uh... past eleven now.

Don't feel bad, dear.
We'll stick it out here for a while.

After all, she's old and rather lonely.

Now run along.

Hurry back, darling.

Who opened that window?

Why, I did.

Perhaps you don't understand.
This is not a public living-room.

It is for the exclusive use
of Caroline and myself

and those whom we invite
to share it with us.

This is for you, Victoria.

Ann! Come in.

I went to your office, but you'd gone.

I had to talk to someone.
So you were elected, John.

I accept the great honor.

I'm about at the end of my rope, John.

I can see that.

Victoria Van Brett hasn't let up
on you for a minute, has she?

I've sensed it every time I've seen you
since you and Rip came back.

You haven't looked happy for weeks, Ann.

Rip still loves you, doesn't he?

- Of course.
- Do you love him?

Yes, John, I do.

Then you two have got to break away
and find a home of your own.

That's impossible.
Rip says his sisters need him.

She's made him believe that.

What about you?

That's what I'm trying to decide.

She'd stop at nothing
to get Rip away from me.

She doesn't care a rap about his happiness.

But I do.

Rip's fine, John.

He's worth fighting for.

Then the only way left is for you
to stand up for yourself.

Invite your friends in. Lead your own life.

Fight her!

- Is Mrs. Van Brett upstairs?
- She went out, I believe, sir.

Hello, Vic.

What brings you home so early?

It's not so nice going over
all those Broadway properties.

I've climbed more stairs,
inspected more lofts and cellars.

I'm tired.

Vic, let's get an agent
to look after it all.

I have an agent. You are he.

Then let's sell
some of those old buildings.

Never sell! Never sell, Rip.
Not on the Island of Manhattan.

- But the neighborhood is going down.
- Nonsense.

Look at Park Avenue.
Nothing but slums a couple of years ago.

Look, Rip. Look at that crowd.

People creating trade
and a demand for land.

People flowing down 5th Avenue
like a river of gold.

Lapping along our land.

Every day they add a greater value to it.

But I don't want to fuss with it all.

I haven't seen Ann for a month.

It's the price you pay for wealth.

The price is too high.

I want to be happy with Ann
while we're young and enjoy life.

- I want a home.
- You have a home.

Not really.

I mean a place where Ann and I
can live our own lives.

The Van Bretts have lived
in this house for generations.

Damn the Van Bretts! What do I care
what the Van Bretts have done?

I'm a new generation. I live in a
new world. I can't breathe in this...

I'm sorry, Vic.

Excuse me, madam.
Is this the cloth you wanted on for dinner?

Yes. Don't let it out of your hands
until dinner time.

- But madam...
- Don't tell me people...

don't take things in this house.

They take them all the time.

Then, when they find out I missed them

they get frightened
and they put them back again.

Yes, Miss Van Brett.

- Are we having guests for dinner?
- Yes, and a surprise for you.

- What.
- Gertrude Van Meers is coming.

She's been in Paris
ever since your wedding.

- I didn't know it.
- That affection for you has never faulted.

Victoria, Gertrude Van Meers has never meant
anything to me and you know it.

Well, that needn't forbid your being
agreeable to her at dinner.

Oh, Vic.

- You know where Ann went?
- Probably with your friend, Dr. Lucas.

- She's been meeting him regularly.
- I'm glad she has.

So you approve of your wife's affairs
with other men.

Affairs? What do you mean?

I can call it by an uglier name
if you wish.

This man has an apartment on Central Park.

Your wife goes there to be alone with him.

You're being ridiculous, Vic.

I've always heard the husband
was the last person to know.

I begin to understand why.

Are you insinuating that Ann and Lucas
are doing anything wrong?

Well, what could be more natural?

She was going to marry Dr. Lucas
when she met you.

She deliberately capitalized
on your infatuation.

Now she's found out your money
is not hers to spend.

It's quite natural she should turn
to Dr. Lucas for consolation.

I'll believe that when Ann tells me so.

She's just come in.

Hello, sweetheart.

Why don't you ask her?

Ask me what, Rip?

Rip refuses to believe

that you've ever been
to Dr. Lucas' apartment alone.

Have you?

No, I haven't.

You see, Vic?

How nice for you.

Wait, darling.

Just some of Vic's nonsense.

Better put these papers away.

I'll be finished in a moment, darling.

Rip.

- I have been seeing John Lucas.
- How is he?

- He's doing splendid work at the Foundation.
- That's fine.

You don't mind my talking things
over with him, do you?

No, of course not. Only...

- Only what?
- Well...

I wouldn't want you to see him too often.

You know how people talk.

That is... well...

I wouldn't want you going to his apartment.

Alone, I mean.

- You wouldn't like to have me do that?
- No.

- That's where I draw the line.
- I see.

- Rip, I...
- Please don't worry about it, darling.

Somebody's been gossiping to Vic
and she's made the most of it, that's all.

I rather hoped if we were nice to her,
she might reconcile.

And we can live in that hope and fear

while everything else is sacrificed to it.

What else?

Our happiness and love.

Ann, Vic's got us just where she wants us.

We haven't a cent but what she gives us.

She's the sole trustee.

It's not the money I care about.
It's our happiness.

What do you want us to do?
Give up the money?

- Go out and run out of here?
- Yes.

Stand on your own feet. Assert your will.

You talk like Lucas.

- He's down on money.
- It isn't that I'm down on it.

It's because it'll spoil
my happiness that I hate it.

I can never make you realize, Rip,
but my life is here in this house.

I know.

I even hesitated to come into this room.

She's told me that it's not
a public sitting room

- Ann...
- She never speaks of me as Mrs. Van Brett.

She refers to me to Caroline, and to
Telson, even to Louise as 'that woman'.

Ann.

I should have fought her down
before I asked you to marry me.

I was a coward.

Oh, Rip...

Rip, don't say that.

Listen to me. You think you know me.

Well, I'm going to tell you
some things you don't know.

My mother died when I was born.

Have you ever thought what my childhood
was like here in this haunted house?

Haunted?

To me, yes.

For the first seven years of my life
I slept in that big room on the third floor.

Victoria brought me up.

I seldom saw my father.
She used him as a club over me.

When I was seven he died.

The day of his funeral, Victoria
led me down to the drawing room.

There he lay.

She took my hand a made me put it
on his cold hand.

And there she made me promise
to keep him in mind always.

And to do all the things
he always wanted me to do.

Most of them she made up because
they pleased her, I know now.

She told me he was able to watch me
from the place he'd gone.

After that she took me
into her room to sleep.

I had a bed at the foot of hers.

Many a night I lay there shivering

at the thought that those cold eyes of his

could look into the keyhole and watch me.

But I think it amused her.

It all went to build up power over me.

Oh, Rip.

Then she set up this shrine here
with his ashes.

I thought somehow those cold eyes of his
were in there watching me.

- And day by day she broke my will.
- You mustn't say that.

It's true, I tell you. Don't I know it?

- I have no will left.
- No, Rip.

All you have to do is to assert yourself.
Make her see for once.

Do you think I've never tried.

I never got anything but humiliation.

Why didn't you tell me this before?

I wanted you to look up to me.

I do, dear.

I'm glad you told me.

You've cleared up things for me, Rip.
A lot of things.

I've never had a friend for very long.

She always managed to come between us.

- You have John Lucas.
- Never did ask him to this house.

Except when I was ill.

Begin with him, Rip. Have John here.

Oh, what's the use? She won't have it.

Excuse me. Miss Van Brett
wishes to see you, Mr. Rip.

Go, darling. It's all right.

What shall I send you up for dinner
this evening, Mrs. Van Brett?

In my room?

Miss Van Brett explained
that you preferred staying in your room.

- Your headache.
- You may as well tell me, Avery.

Miss Van Brett was short a man
to balance the table and...

Thank you, Avery. You may go.

Yes, madam.

Avery.

Miss Van Brett spoke of meeting
another man for dinner?

- Yes, Mrs. Van Brett.
- Thank you.

Hello. Columbus 3612.

Dr. John Lucas, please.

John, this is Ann Van Brett.

Will you come to dinner tonight at 7:30?

Of course I mean it.

No, I'm just starting a revolution.

Good. Oh, John...

Don't mention that I've been
to your apartment.

No, I started to tell him.

But Victoria had been lying about us
and she'd gotten him terribly upset.

John, I know now what I'm fighting.

And you'll come?

Thank you, John.

Who else is coming tonight, Vic?

Dr. Loring, Neff, Gertrude,
you, Caroline and I.

What about Ann?

- Ann has a headache.
- You're mistaken, Victoria.

I have no headache.
I'm feeling especially well tonight.

I'm looking forward to the dinner.

As you like.

A can always call Ardmore
to balance the table.

He's always so fond of a square meal.

There's no need.

I knew you were short a man for dinner

so I called Dr. Lucas and asked him.

He's coming.

John Lucas? Did you really?

How very interesting.

Well, I shall look forward to seeing him.

That will be a great pleasure.

Louise, there's a salad fork missing.

Gosh, I was just gonna pull the stopper.

I guess Miss Van Brett
would take my head off

if she knew it was gone that long.

How has the old parrot
been singing tonight?

Louise!

She was perfectly furious with Mr. Rip

because he couldn't keep his eyes
off his wife during dinner.

Oh, stop that gossiping.

She certainly was throwing
Miss Van Meers at Mr. Rip's head.

Why, Telson!

She surely tries to make trouble.

Well, at least Miss Van Meers
and Dr. Loring

had sense enough to leave early.

I wish the others would go.

- It's the front door.
- The front door?

Why, who can that be at this hour?

I don't know.

- Who do you wish to see?
- I want to see Miss Victoria Van Brett.

I'm sorry, but she's busy.

Miss Van Brett sent for me.

Take these into the library, Rip.

All right.

- I beg your pardon, Madam.
- Yes?

Good.

Ouch!

Well, I'm afraid I must run along.

I want you to wait a moment.
I have something to take up with you.

Oh, anything wrong?

I'll explain later.

All right.

It looks like the end.

Check.

Don't beat Dr. Lucas too badly, Ann.

She's certainly gone out of her way
to put me at my ease.

It's not like her. Do you suppose...

What?

About this afternoon.

Maybe I was foolish.

But she was twisting truth into lies.

- Did you tell Rip?
- I haven't had a chance.

She's kept him at her heels deliberately.

Every moment.

Well, let's save the king.

And you have everything with you.

Yes, everything.

Would you just wait here a moment
until I call you.

Yes, madam.

Well, Ann, I'm afraid
I'll have to be going.

- I'm sorry, John.
- Oh, Miss Van Brett.

I want to thank you very much
for a very pleasant evening.

- Don't go.
- I'm afraid I must.

I'm taking the train to Philadelphia.

I have an operation there
at five in the morning.

I wish you to remain, Dr. Lucas,
for a moment.

Neff.

Will you sit here.

Rip, you and your wife there.

What's up, a Board meeting?

Dr. Lucas, will you please sit here.

What's all this about?

I told you this afternoon, Rip,

that your wife is having an affair
with Dr. Lucas.

Victoria, I won't have this!

- She's been meeting him in the park.
- Of course she has.

If you will allow me to continue.

Furthermore she has been going
to this man's rooms.

You know that isn't true.
I thought we'd settled that this afternoon.

- The matter is closed.
- So you're satisfied with her words.

Of course I am!

Unfortunately...

I am not.

Will you come in now, please?

- This is Mr. Lambert...
- Just one moment, please.

Miss Van Brett, why bring strangers
into this matter?

Mr. Lambert is no stranger to this matter.

You may begin.

Miss Van Brett engaged the services
of our agency

September 1st of this year

to follow Mrs. Van Brett and report...

- Victoria, I beg of you...
- Will you please sit down?

Your report, Mr. Lambert.

I began following her September 3rd.

She met Dr. John Lucas, this man here,

in the park near the 72nd Street entrance.

- What if she did?
- Quiet, Rip.

On October 18th she met him again.

Finally, this afternoon,
she entered apartment 106

located at 151 Central Park W,

occupied by the said Dr. Lucas.

She remained there an hour.

There was no third party present.

I have three affidavits here
from people in the apartment house.

- But you have no actual proof.
- No legal proof, no, sir.

I am not interested in the legality of it.

I'm merely trying to show Rip
the kind of woman that he married.

If she'll to him, she'll deceive him.

That will do, Mr. Lambert.

Well, Rip?

Rip, you've known me a good many years.

You know I wouldn't do anything
to hurt you.

- You know that Ann didn't either.
- Ann, I'd like to speak to you alone.

No, Rip. It's gone too far for that.

I want Victoria to hear all I have to say.

But first I want to ask you.

Do you believe that John and I
have deceived you?

- Ann, I can't believe it, but...
- Yes, I lied this afternoon,

and I'm not excusing it, I lied.
I was frightened.

- Ann, you don't have to.
- Yes, I do.

The day you told her
you were going to marry me

she began her campaign against me.

She was determined to break down our love.

That's why I went to see John.

I had to talk to somebody

to see if there wasn't some way
to get you out of this terrible house.

- That's a wretched story!
- It's true! - You lied!

- I'd meant to explain it later.
- Is that all you have to say?

No, that's not all.

I'm glad this has happened, Rip.
It's given me the courage I needed.

I'm not going to stay
in this house another day.

You've got to decide now.
Which is it to be? Victoria or me?

Just a moment, Rip! You're not going
to be taken in by these hysterics.

I warned you when you married her.
All she's after is your money.

Get out of this house,
if that's what you want.

Ann.

If you have anything else to say to me,

I'll meet you in Neff's office anytime.

Come on, darling, let's get out of here.

We'll go to the Waldorf and a fresh start
in the morning.

I trust you realize just exactly
what you've done.

Good night, Rip.

- Sorry, John.
- That's all right.

- Let me know where you'll be.
- Of course.

Good night, Ann.

Good night.

Pack a bag, darling.
I'll be waiting for you.

See you at the office in the morning, Rip.

Wait a minute, Neff.

Walk to the corner with me
and let's find a cab.

Wait.

You mustn't leave without your pearls.

I don't really care.
If you want them, keep them.

No. Rip wants you to have them.

Come in.

You shall have them now.

I locked the door
because the servants mustn't know.

Even Rip doesn't know...

what you'll see now.

I'm going to show you my treasure room.

My father built this sound-proof room...

so he could sleep in peace.

He slept in there for over a year.

He died in there.

Now I use it to store my values.

I'll show you.

Come.

There are three steps.

Oh... Help, help!

Victoria!

Victoria!

Victoria, what are you doing?

- What's the matter with you?
- What is it, I heard a scream.

- Ridiculous.
- No, it was here. I heard the noise.

- You imagined it.
- When I tried to open the door, it was locked.

It wasn't. I've just opened it.
You've had a nightmare.

Go back to bed.

Oh, Vicky, I'm sorry.

I don't know what got into me to do that.

Now don't let me hear anymore from you.

Ann!

Ann!

Ann.

Ann, where are you?

- Victoria.
- What is it?

I can't find Ann. Have you seen her?

She uh... went downstairs.

- Perhaps she's with Caroline.
- No, don't disturb Caroline.

She's asleep.

I saw Ann go down the stairs.

Caroline, I don't want you telling
anyone about your nightmare.

- Do you understand?
- Yes, Vicky.

Not a word. Your queer notions
will get you into trouble.

Into a lunatic asylum.

- I tell you she's not here, Neff.
- Oh, nonsense, nonsense.

People don't just disappear.

I have questioned Caroline.

She's not seen Ann.

- I'm going to call the servants.
- Rip!

I have my own idea
about Ann's disappearance.

What?

She's left you. Gone with Dr. Lucas.

That's a lie. Ann stuck with me
even during your persecution.

- She wouldn't walk out on me now.
- Why not call Lucas?

Perhaps she told him something.

Maybe he can help us.

Hello. Hello, Columbus 3612.

Dr. John Lucas, please.

What?

Are you sure?

Thanks.

Well?

He's gone out of town.

The morning paper, madam.

Thank you, William.

- Victoria.
- I'm reading.

Excuse me.

- Where are you going?
- Nowhere.

Oh, Vicky, I can't sit still any longer.

- I'm so nervous.
- What about?

Ann. It's so terrible not to know
what's become of her.

Sit down, Caroline. I don't want you
running around the house.

Vicky, what's that?

Those idiots sounding the walls.

Victoria, the more I think of it

the more certain I am that that scream
last night was Ann's voice, not mine.

Impossible.

Vicky, you don't think she could have
gotten down in the vault, do you?

- Hurry, go to your room.
- Oh no, Vicky!

Do as I say. If there's any news of her,
I'll tell you.

- Vicky, please.
- Do as I say!

Come in.

- Oh, Telson.
- Yes.

I am closing the house, Telson.

Miss Caroline and I and probably Mr. Rip
are going abroad for a year.

Therefore, I am dismissing the entire staff.

They will leave immediately.

Here are their wages to date
with one month extra and your notice.

But madam, I...

I gave you two months extra, Telson,

and I'll write you some references today.

Yes, madam. Very good, madam.

Well, have you found her?

No, not a trace.

We have searched the entire house.

The attic, the cellar,
every closet, every storeroom.

There's only one thing left to do.
I'm going to telephone the police.

How they'll laugh at you
when they find her with her lover.

It isn't true.
I've called Lucas every hour.

- When he gets back...
- You won't find Lucas...

until he's had time to invent a good story.

- I won't, I can't believe it.
- You'd better wait for the afternoon mail.

She may have written to you.

- A few hours can't make any difference.
- Yes, you might do that, Rip.

Neff! The old elevator shaft.

We haven't looked there.

Are you quite sure you can't tell us
anything further?

You'll never find her...

in this house.

Caroline! I told you to stay in your room!

Yes, I know, Victoria.

But I've been thinking.
Why don't we tell them about the vault?

No, we can't do that.
Only you and I know about that room.

But Ann might have gone down there somehow.

I'm so frightened. Why don't we tell them?

You shan't, you mustn't.

You fool, how could she open it?

Vicky, you did it to me.
You wouldn't put her in there, would you?

You just dare so much as suggest to anyone
what I've done

and I'll put you in there again.

No, Vicky, don't.
You're hurting my arm, Vicky.

Don't you dare mention the vault.
Not to Rip, not to anyone.

- You promise me!
- Yes, I promise.

Then get back in your bedroom.

- Telson.
- Good morning, Dr. Lucas.

Is Mr. Van Brett in?

- John!
- Hello, Rip.

- Ann is gone.
- I know, I telephoned my office...

and got your message.
I took the first train here.

John, if you know where she is, tell me.

I don't know, Rip.

She's not the sort of girl
who'd leave you like this.

I can't understand
what happened to her, John.

You're sure she left the house?

I don't know, I went to the corner
last night to get a cab

and when I came back she was gone.

- Have you questioned all the servants?
- Yes, they know nothing.

You should have called
the police the first thing.

Victoria insisted that she'd left me, John.

I don't believe that.
Does Miss Caroline know anything?

- Victoria questioned her.
- Oh, Victoria.

Ah, Dr. Lucas.

How do you do?
I'd like to talk to Miss Caroline.

She's in her room, I expect.

Caroline is upset.
She can't tell you anything.

Why, the door is locked.

From this side.

Carrie, Carrie...
we want to ask you a few questions.

Sit down here, dear.

Did you go out of your room last night?

- Yes.
- When your door is closed,

can you hear a conversation
going on in here?

- Well, I could hear an unusual noise.
- What do you mean, Carrie?

- Well, like a loud scream.
- You could hear a scream through the door?

Yes.

- How do you know that, Caroline?
- I don't know, I...

But you did hear a scream.

- Well, no. That is...
- Caroline!

No, no I didn't.

Why, Carrie dear, what's the matter?

You're all right.
No one's going to hurt you.

What happened to you, dear? Tell me.

She had a nightmare, that's what happened.

- Yes, but who screamed?
- She did.

- You heard her?
- Certainly I did.

She's always had nightmares.

Wait a minute.
Carrie, tell me about your nightmare.

Well, last night I woke bolt upright.

A terrible cry.

I thought someone was calling you.

I ran to the door
and I tried to get it open.

- I thought it was locked.
- Was it?

Oh, no. Victoria opened it easily.

She couldn't open it
because she was half asleep.

What happened then, Carrie?

Well, then I saw her bag.

- You saw Ann's bag in here?
- Yes.

I thought you said
Ann didn't come into this room.

- How did her bag get in here?
- I refuse to answer these silly questions.

You can talk here and now
or talk to the police.

You dare to threaten me?

It's no threat.
It's what must inevitable happen.

Now don't get excited, Caroline.
Go on, Rip.

Carrie, why did you want to get in here?

Because I was frightened, I guess.

You had a nightmare.
Do they always frighten you so?

I didn't think
this was a nightmare at first.

You thought the scream
came from someone else.

- Yes.
- You thought it came from in here.

- No!
- But you ran to the door...

because you thought
something had happened in here.

You struggled with the handle
but you couldn't get it open.

Then suddenly Victoria opened it
and let you in.

And you asked what's the matter
and she told that you'd had a nightmare.

- That it was you who screamed.
- Yes!

Who's voice did it sound like?
Was it Ann's?

Don't listen to her!
She's mad, she's insane.

No, I'm not! I'm not insane!

- You shan't say it!
- Quiet, Caroline!

I won't be quite! I'm going to tell!

Rip, I'll show you where she is!

- She's here! She's here!
- Where, Caroline?

- It won't open, it's locked.
- Do you know the combination?

No, only Victoria knows.

Open it!

You can't make me.

I'll kill you if I have to. Open that door!

- Rip, my arm!
- Then open it!

- There's no time to lose, open it, Victoria.
- Oh, let me go!

I'll open it.

Hurry!

Ann...

Put her here.

Get some brandy.

Is she all right, John, is she all right?

We'll see in a minute.
Put her head down here.

Easy now.

That's right.

Now...

- She's only fainted.
- Oh, darling...

No, no, Rip. Keep her head down.

Sweetheart.

Here's the brandy, Dr. Lucas.

Darling, it's all right. We're all here.

Here, drink this.

Come on, drink it.

That's right.

Ann, darling, it's all right.
John, is she strong enough to go?

I think so, yes.

Come on, darling. I'm going to take you
away from here right now.

Carrie, do you want to come with us?

Oh, yes, of course, Rip, if you want me to.

Get your coat.

No! No, you can't stop me now.

- I'm going with Rip.
- Very well.

You can go. I'm not stopping you.

Then let me go.

Just a moment, Caroline.

In his haste, Rip forgot the pearls.

Surely you wouldn't like
Ann to leave without the pearls.

No. We can get them some other time.

Well, I'd like her to have them now.

- We'll go in together.
- No.

- Come, Caroline.
- No!

- Don't be afraid.
- No, I can't!

Are you sure?

Coming, Miss Caroline?

Now then.

I, Victoria Van Brett,

convey and set over...

- No!
- ...unto Rip Van Brett,

No, never!

...any and all of the estate...

...real and personal...

Now sign it.

I refuse.

Very well.

I shall proffer charges
against you this morning.

- You wouldn't dare!
- Assault with murderous intent...

is a criminal offense.

They forgot the pearls.

My pearls.

They'll never find them...

again.

We're waiting for you, Miss Avery.

Subtitles: Luís Filipe Bernardes