I Confess (1953) - full transcript

Who's there?

Keller.

Why are you here this time of night?

I... I wanted to pray.

Is something wrong?

I...

Can I help you in any way?

- Can I be of any help?
- No one can help me.

I have abused your kindness.

How?

You gave my wife and me
a home, a job, even friendship.



I felt you would let me be your friend.

So wonderful a thing for a refugee,
a German, a man without a home.

You will hate me now.

I don't hate anyone, Keller.

You will, after what you have done for me.

You trusted me.

You saw that my wife and I
were not common servants.

It was you who found more pleasant tasks
for us, working here in the rectory.

It was my wife, working so hard...

It breaks my heart.

What is the matter?

I must confess to you.

I must tell someone.

I want to make a confession.



I confess to Almighty God
and to you, Father, that I have sinned.

When was your last confession?

I can't remember.

Can you remember approximately?

I have killed Mr. Villette.

Go on.

Villette, the lawyer.

I went to his house tonight.

I went to steal his money.

I wore a cassock to avoid attention.

He surprised me.

He was going to call the police.

He was going to call the police
and I tried to stop him.

I didn't mean to kill him.

Alma, I'm not a murderer.

It was an accident.

It was the money.

How could I watch you work so hard?

I lie awake night after night
and I think, "All we need is $2,000."

Alma, with $2,000,
we can start a new life.

Villette was rich.

But now I cannot keep it.

That's what Father Logan told me.
I must give it back.

I promised him.

It's so hard, Alma.

It's so dangerous.

They will catch me.

They will hang me.

I cannot.

I cannot.

Father Logan will go to them.
He will tell them.

He will tell them?

He cannot tell them
what he heard in confession.

The police will come.

Why, Alma?

Why should they come here?

They know nothing.

I have told them nothing, have I?

Alma, no one knows.

Father Logan.

He cannot tell them
what he heard in the confessional.

Can't you understand that?

Otto.

What is it, Alma?

You're going to the police?

What is today, Alma?

Isn't it the day when I attend
to Mr. Villette's garden?

But he's dead.

I always work in Mr. Villette's garden
on Wednesdays.

Today is Wednesday, Alma.

- Good morning, Father Logan.
- Good morning, Father.

Tell me, will it take you and Keller
much longer

to finish the painting in this room?

I don't know.

I only ask because the smell
makes one quite ill, really.

You know, I read some advertisement
about paints

and, of course, one should not judge
on so little evidence, but I...

After you, Father.

One finds it difficult to believe
that there are paints with no smell.

Do you know of any paints
that do not smell, Father Michael?

Do I know...

Oh, uh...

No, I don't.

Well, don't think of it.
It doesn't matter.

How fortunate we are
to have Keller with us.

The man is clever about everything.

Before he came six months ago,
don't you remember

how all the drains wouldn't work
and the windows would not open?

One can learn a great deal from him.

Aha.

Father Benoit and his bicycle
are in time for breakfast.

Good morning, Father Millars.
Good morning, Father Michael.

- Good morning.
- Morning.

Seriously, must you keep your bicycle
in the hall, Father Benoit?

It doesn't always fall,
and I don't seem to know where else.

It's lucky he doesn't have a horse.

Father, would you pass me
the butter, please?

Mrs. Keller, would you ask
your husband to look at my front tire?

It's flat. Could you, please?

My husband?

But it is Wednesday.

He's not here.

Thank you, no.

On Wednesdays,
he attends to Mr. Villette's garden.

Oh.

Then will you tell him
when he comes back, please?

Yes, Father, I'll tell him
when he comes back.

Now, now, Father Benoit,
you should learn how to patch a tire.

One should be able
to take care of one's possessions.

One has a face, one would shave it.

- One has a...
- Excuse me, please.

Good morning, Father.
Monsieur Villette's been murdered.

Good morning.

- Good morning, Father.
- Good morning.

- I had an appointment here.
- Appointment?

With Villette? Well, he's dead.

Yes, I know. Is there anything I can do?

Well, perhaps Mr. Larrue
would like to see you. Come in, Father.

Mr. Larrue, sir. Father here says
he had an appointment with Villette.

I'll be with you in a moment.

Hello, Father.

- I believe I've met you before, haven't I?
- Yes, I'm from St. Marie.

- Yes. And how is Father Millars?
- Father Millars is fine.

Good. You had an appointment
with Villette?

- Yes.
- Anything special?

- No. There was...
- You've, of course, heard what's happened.

Father, Keller works at the rectory,
doesn't he?

Yes. He and his wife work there.

The poor devil is terrified
at the moment, Father.

Forgive me, but I have
forgotten your name.

- Logan.
- Yes. Father Logan.

You don't mind if we call on you
later today, maybe tomorrow?

Perhaps we'd like to know what your
appointment with Villette was all about.

Au revoir. Murphy, get Keller.

He's the man who found the body.

- Mr. Larrue.
- Yeah.

No fingerprints.

All right.

This was on his desk.
The keys were in his pocket.

$500.
It does not look like robbery, sir.

They usually take the lot.

You work at the rectory
at St. Marie's, eh?

- Yes.
- Good.

Now, how did you find the body?

On Wednesdays,
I work in Mr. Villette's garden.

This morning, I arrived as usual at 8:30.

I came inside...

- You have a key?
- No. The door was open.

- That frightened me.
- An open door?

- Why should that frighten you?
- The door was always locked.

I went in, and there he was.

I could see that he was dead.

I wanted to run.

Run?

There I was, a man without a country,
alone, discovering a murder.

I thought of the police.
I'm always afraid of the police.

That's a German fear, this fear.

There's nothing to be afraid of.

Uh, step outside for a moment.

Yes. Thank you, sir.

- Villette's been murdered.
- He's dead? I can't believe it.

We're free.

- Bonjour, madame.
- Bonjour.

Good morning, Sergeant.
Is my husband in the chamber?

Yes, madame.
Mr. Grandfort is speaking now.

A very stormy debate.

That, I believe,
is the understatement of the year.

The honorable member
has used every known clich?,

except perhaps,
"Curb your dog, keep your city clean."

Equal salary
for female schoolteachers

would bring disaster to our whole economy.

Except to the economy
of female schoolteachers.

Mr. Speaker!

At this point
of the discussion, gentlemen,

I adjourn the House
until this afternoon at 3:00.

Ruth, my dear, what a charming surprise.

- Pierre, take me to lunch.
- Of course.

You're feeling better, then?
This morning, you seemed rather depressed.

- Was I?
- Yes, and not only this morning.

- I don't seem depressed now, do I?
- No.

The tire wasn't flat after all.

Of course, you and Keller
know what you are doing.

Personally, I would have preferred
an old-fashioned white.

- That's what it is, Father.
- Is it?

At least it's supposed to be.

- Mr. Keller, good morning.
- Good morning, Father.

You're back early, aren't you?
Is Mr. Villette's garden flourishing?

- Mr. Villette is dead, Father.
- Dead?

He was murdered, Father.

What? Did you hear that, Father Logan?
How dreadful.

I discovered the body.

I called the police.

Then they came and asked me
a lot of questions.

A lot of people were outside the house.

Then the inspector told me I could leave.

What a terrible thing.

A very terrible thing.

Father, why did you come
to Villette's house this morning?

Father, I must speak to you.

I know what you must think of me,
but I can't give myself up. I can't.

They would hang me.

Hasn't God forgiven me, thanks to you?

But the police never would.

I don't know what you're talking about.

But it was I who confessed to you.
It was my confession.

I want you to speak to me about it.

You must tell me what to do.

I can't give myself up.

You must tell me some other way.

There... There is nothing I can add
to what I've already said.

Aren't you human?

Haven't you ever been afraid?

You are so good.

It's easy for you to be good.

Have you no pity for me?

Otto.

Oh, Alma.

Otto, Father Benoit asked earlier

would you please
mend the tire on his bicycle?

But the tire wasn't flat after all, Alma.

I don't see why you're so
damn solemn about this case, Larrue.

Anyway, why do you come
and worry me after lunch?

I've always had the greatest
admiration for you, Inspector.

You have, in the past, been faced
with tremendously difficult cases,

all of which you have solved
with remarkable skill.

And now, here you have a case
in which there are no clues,

no fingerprints, no motives, no suspects.

Ought to be very simple for you.

Shall I bring the girls in, sir?

- Girls?
- Yes.

Just a possibility.
It may be something to go on.

Oh.

Sit down.

Uh, sorry I had to
drag you away from school.

We love to be dragged away from school.
Thank you.

Are you a detective, monsieur?

Yes. And monsieur here
is the crown prosecutor.

Hello.

- Would you like a biscuit?
- Please.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

Thank you.

Now, my little ones, tell me everything.

Your mother called us saying that you
had passed the Villette house last night.

- That's right.
- And what was the time?

- 11:00
- No, it was after 11:00.

- Well, now, which one of you is right?
- Well, we had been babysitting

but we didn't go straight home.
That's why.

Well, shall we say, then,
between 11:00 and 11:30?

- Yes.
- So. And what did you see?

We saw someone leaving the Villette house.

- A man or a woman?
- Man.

- Well, what was he like?
- He was a priest.

- What?
- A priest.

Now this is very important.
Are you sure?

Quite sure.

Tell us exactly.

Well, on our way home
by the Rue Valentine

we passed Monsieur Villette's house.

We know it well.

It was very dark, and she was frightened.

- I was not.
- Yes, you were, and we began to hurry.

And then suddenly, there was this priest.

He was coming out of the house
and walking away.

- Did you see his face?
- No.

How tall was he?

Like him.

- Was he fat or thin?
- Not fat. Not thin.

Did you notice
anything special about him?

- No.
- Did he see you?

I don't think so.

But you are absolutely sure
he was a priest?

Yes.

Thank you. You may go now.

My little ones, I do not want you
to say anything to anyone about this.

- Promise.
- Yes.

Thank you.

Murphy, I want you to check
every rectory in town

and find out which priests
were out late last night.

Yes, sir.

Of course, it's absurd
that a priest would be involved.

You don't really think
it could be a priest, do you?

Yes, maybe.

- Who?
- I have to make sure.

I can't tell you
until I've checked further.

Well, don't be so mysterious.

Most of his time
is given to his parishioners.

Was he with one on Tuesday night?

I have no idea where he was
or what he did.

But I'm perfectly sure it's all right.
He will tell you so himself.

Come in.

- Good evening, Father Logan.
- Good evening.

Oh, I believe this room has given this
gentleman from the police department

the idea that we hide grime with paint,
but it is not so, Mr. Murphy.

We have made certain
that the walls underneath are spotless.

I don't question that, Father.
Sorry to bother you, Father.

It's no bother. What can I do for you?

It seems that Inspector Larrue
wishes to speak to you.

Would it be convenient for you
to come down to the office with me now?

Certainly. Certainly.

It's all right, Father,
I... I told Mr. Larrue I'd be available.

Good night.

What is it, Father? Who was that man?

The police want to ask
Father Logan some questions.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Oh, now you're bringing
your bicycle into the study.

How much further into the rectory
are you gonna push it?

Alma, have you washed the cassock?

Not yet.

Where is it?

It's in our room.

Don't wash it. I don't want it washed.

- But why?
- Listen to me.

Very sorry to have
kept you waiting, Father.

I was occupied on the telephone.

It's all right, Murphy.
I'll call you later.

Unpleasant bit of business,
isn't it, Father?

It is, yes.

- Sit down.
- Thank you.

Well, just a few questions,
and we'll get it over as soon as possible.

You've been at St. Marie's for how long?

- For nearly two years now.
- Mmm.

I have known Father Millars for...
For a... A long while.

As a matter of fact, I was a choirboy
when he was over at the basilica.

- Really?
- Mmm.

I've heard that you saw military service
during the last war.

- Yes.
- I believe you were awarded

the Military Cross.

Yes.

You seem to have done
a number of brave things.

Well, I survived.

Are you given to understatement, Father?

Well, that depends.

This case, this Villette murder,
is all understatement so far.

- You knew Villette, didn't you, Father?
- Slightly, yes.

Then perhaps you can give me some help.
What was he like?

Well, unfortunately,
I didn't know him well.

Well, did you know him
socially or in a business sort of way?

In neither way, actually.

I'd met him once many years ago.

- Cigarette?
- Thank you, no.

Hmm.

No one seems to have known this Villette.

And yet he was a lawyer, he had clients.

Not one of his clients have
any information to give about the man.

Not that you, Father,
were a client of his,

as you say, you hardly knew him.

But, may I ask what were you going
to see him about yesterday morning?

Well, that... That was a personal matter.

Or you were acting for someone?
One of your parishioners, perhaps.

I can just say that my visit didn't have
anything to do with Villette's death.

Well, of course it didn't, Father.

But you do understand, don't you,

that I must consider
every scrap of information?

- Yes.
- When a murder has been committed

each scrap of information
is important to the police.

Of course.

I know sometimes
it seems like, uh, prying.

- It can be very embarrassing.
- I'm not embarrassed, Inspector.

Good. Very good.

I've been wondering about the lady
you met outside Villette's house.

Quite by chance, I happened
to see you from inside the house.

Inspector, the appointment
that I had with Villette

couldn't be of any importance to you.

But we aren't discussing that
at the moment, Father.

You see, with a murder, one has
to jump from one detail to another.

Forgive me,
perhaps I jumped too suddenly for you.

Well, it seems maybe I don't

follow as fast as you jump.

I have a methodical mind.
I do have to take things one by one.

So do I.

So do I.

The difficulty, perhaps,
is that, well, we aren't thinking

from the same point of view.
Could it be that, Father?

That could be. I don't really know
what your point of view is.

Oh.

Well, then I've put it badly. Very badly.

Let me try again.

Now, this lady that you met
outside Villette's house...

I wish I could discuss it, but I can't.

- But who is she?
- She isn't involved.

- That is for me to decide, Father.
- I... I know, I know.

But you'll have to take my word for it.
She's not involved.

I respect your word, but I need your help.

I'm not able to help.

I see.

I see, of course.

I just don't want all this mystification
to make things too awkward for you.

Awkward for me?

A priest was seen leaving Villette's
house at the time of the murder.

I saw a priest outside Villette's house
the next morning.

- Well, Father?
- Well?

Too much mystification
might lead one to believe

that both priests were one and the same,
mightn't it?

What have you to say?

Well, what would you want me to say?

That is up to you, Father.

Well, then, I would say
that a man of intelligence

would not be led to believe
anything on so little evidence.

You're perfectly right.

We have checked on every priest in Quebec.

Each could account for his movements
at the time of the murder,

that is, each except one.

Where were you at 11:00, Father?

- I was walking.
- Alone?

No.

Good.

Now, if you will just give me
the name and the address of the person.

I can't.

Father.

Don't you wanna help me?

- I've done my best.
- But you refuse to answer my questions.

I'm sorry. I know, I...
It isn't possible for me to answer them.

Then it's a pity.

A great pity.

Good night, Father.

I'm deeply sorry.

Good night, Inspector.

Get me Mr. Robertson.

Yes, the crown prosecutor.

What?

I don't care where he is, find him.

I said, find him wherever he is.

Take it slow. Come on.

Come on.

Lower. You have to get much lower.

Willy, you're wanted on the telephone.

- That's no fair. Leave me alone.
- I'm not kidding. You really are.

See what they want, Ruth.

All right, Ruth, where are you?
I'll take it.

- You idiot.
- Thank you.

Hello. Hello, yes, this is Robertson.

It's you, Larrue.

- Fix me a drink, will ya?
- Scotch and soda?

Just scotch, no water.

Yes, hello.

You ought to be in bed with a thriller
instead of worrying people.

Oh?

Yes, yes, I'm listening.

- Drink, darling?
- I'll get it.

What? But aren't you
jumping to conclusions?

Are you sure?

Yes, I see.

Yes. Yes, Inspector, yes.
I'll be right over.

Willy, don't look so unhappy.

I can't help it.
Murder's not particularly pleasant.

By now, you should be able
to take that in your stride.

Not this one.

- Is it about the Villette murder?
- Yes.

And the unpleasant part of it is,
a priest is suspected.

- What nonsense.
- Fantastic, isn't it?

But a priest was actually seen
leaving Villette's house.

Which priest?

Well, Larrue thinks it's Logan
from St. Marie's Church.

Do you know him?

I've heard of him.

Well, I must be off. I hate to.
Thanks for a lovely party.

- Good night, Willy.
- Good night, Willy.

Good night, Ruth.

- You'll find your way out, won't you?
- Oh, yes, all right.

- Good night, everybody.
- Good night.

Ruth.

We have guests, Pierre.

It was a good party, wasn't it?

- Ruth.
- Yes?

Stop worrying.

- About what?
- Logan. The whole idea is ridiculous.

- Why on earth...
- Shut up, please. Shut up.

Pierre, I'm sorry.

You're still in love with him.

That should be apparent.

- You never spoke about it.
- Well, I'm not going to talk about it now.

Yes. You are going to speak about it.

I'm not going on like this.

- You don't have to.
- What do you want me to do?

Whatever you wish.

Very simple, isn't it? What does one do
when one's wife is in love with a priest?

- You can leave me.
- How easily you can say that.

I'm not in love with you. I've never been
in love with you, you know that.

But I never wanted to believe it.

That's not my fault.
I've never pretended anything with you.

I hope he's in trouble, terrible trouble.

Michael.

My poor Michael.

Hello? I'd like to speak
to Father Logan, please.

Father Logan?

Oh, but he's asleep.

- I'm not asleep.
- It is very late.

I'll take it.

Thank you.

Hello, this is Father Logan.

I've got to see you.

No, I've got to see you.

I can't tell you now. Tomorrow?

No, not at the rectory, please.

Michael, listen.
I've got to meet you somewhere. Anywhere.

Are you listening?

I'm going to L?vis tomorrow morning
on the 9:00 ferry.

All right.

Good night.

Good morning.

Good morning, Father Logan.

We shouldn't be seen together,
for your sake.

I had to see you.

Ruth, the police have been questioning me.

They saw the two of us talking outside
of Villette's house the other morning.

- They're trying to find out who you are.
- I don't care. I've got to tell you.

You are being suspected.

I know that.

Ruth, you..
You shouldn't be seen talking to me.

There are probably police
all over the boat.

The only thing is for me to tell them
you were with me that night.

- You can't. They'd wanna know why.
- Do you think I care?

I'll tell them everything if I have to.

Ruth, you've got to think of yourself,
you've got to think of your husband.

Think of Pierre?

Think of him before I think of you?

- I've never been able to do that.
- You must.

It's too late to think of him.

We spoke of you last night.

He's still in love with me.

I'm not that good.

I love you, Michael.
I've always been in love with you.

I know.

I know it's wrong. I can't help it.

Do you want me to lie to you?

No, I don't want you to lie to me.

- But I don't want you to lie to yourself.
- But I haven't changed, Michael.

I've been married seven years,
and I haven't changed.

Are you afraid of me?

Why?

Why?

You're in love with me.
You've always been in love with me.

- You haven't changed.
- Ruth, I've changed.

You've changed, too.

You want me to pretend that.

No, I don't want you to pretend.

Ruth, do you understand?

I chose to be what I am.
I believe in what I am.

Michael.

I... I want you to see things as they are
and not...

And not go on hurting yourself.

Don't pity me.

I... I shan't bother you again.

And you followed her from the ferry
to 22 Grande All?e?

Yes, sir.

This is absurd, Larrue.

That is all, Sergeant Farouche.
Murphy, thank you.

This will be very embarrassing for me.

Why should it be, sir?

I... I shall have to apologize
to Madame Grandfort for this...

This ridiculous report
your men have turned in.

I will apologize, sir,
if an apology is necessary.

Very well.

I'll call Madame Grandfort tomorrow.

Why not get it over with, sir?

And then we can get on
with the apologies, if necessary.

Hello, Pierre. Uh, this is Willy.

Oh, no. No.

Is Ruth there? Yes, please.

Hello, Ruth.

I see.

Yes, I understand. Yes. Of course.

That's very kind of you. Thank you.

What does Willy want?

He wants me to come to his office now.

May I ask you why?

I was seen on the ferry this morning
with Michael Logan.

Apparently, I was followed by a detective.

Could you have picked a less public place

- if you had to see...
- Pierre.

I'm sorry.

Would you like to tell me
what you're going to do?

I'm going to answer whatever questions
the inspector wishes to ask me.

I'm also going to explain that Michael
could not have killed Villette.

Has Father Logan cleared himself
to your satisfaction?

He didn't have to.

I was with him at the time.

Would you like me to go with you?

I'm in no position to ask
any favors of you, Pierre.

- Monsieur and Madame Grandfort.
- Do come in.

I'm extremely grateful that
you are both so cooperative.

- Ruth, Pierre, I'm terribly sorry.
- It's perfectly all right.

Mr. Larrue has promised
to keep this from the press.

No, I... I will do my best.

Sit down, please.

- Father Logan's outside.
- Oh. Bring him in. Come in.

I've asked Father Logan to join us.

Father Logan,

Madame and Monsieur Grandfort,
Mr. Robertson.

- Me, you know.
- Good evening, Father Logan.

- Good evening.
- Sit down.

Thank you.

May we begin, please?

Well, Madame Grandfort...

What do you wish to know?

You met and talked with Father Logan
on the 9:00 L?vis ferry this morning.

- Yes.
- May I ask the reason for this meeting?

I don't think the reason
could help you, Inspector.

- It was personal?
- Yes.

Very well.

You also
met and spoke with Father Logan

on the morning following
Villette's murder.

You met and spoke to him on the pavement
immediately in front of Villette's house.

- Yes.
- May I ask the reason for that?

I had had an appointment
with Monsieur Villette.

He was your lawyer?

No.

Father Logan, knowing of the murder,
stopped you from entering the house.

- Am I right?
- Yes.

Of course, he did not know

that you had an appointment
with Monsieur Villette.

He did.

The night before,
I'd had an appointment with Father Logan.

I told him I was going to meet Monsieur
Villette at 9:30 the following morning.

You had an appointment with Father Logan

on the night Monsieur Villette
was murdered?

- Yes.
- Where?

We took a ride in my car.

- What time?
- Between 9:00 and 11:00.

Madame Grandfort.

- Are you sure of the time?
- Oh, yes.

I got home just after 11:00. My husband
had come in five minutes before.

That's right, Inspector.

You, uh, told your husband, of course,
that you had just seen Father Logan?

No, I did not tell my husband.

Was there any particular reason
why you shouldn't have told him?

Yes.

Inspector, I beg you.

Consider if your line of questioning
has to be so personal.

That is for me to decide, Father.

- Madame Grandfort?
- Yes?

You understand, don't you,
that I must ask these questions?

Yes. But I came here to tell that you

that Father Logan could not have been
involved in Monsieur Villette's death.

I was with him at the time.

I have accepted everything
that you have said, madame.

But I must know, if possible,

the reason for your appointment
with Monsieur Villette.

Monsieur Villette was blackmailing me.

I had met Father Logan to ask his advice.

You had not told your husband about this?

- It was...
- It was what, madame?

It was nothing to do with my husband.

I'm sure he would have been concerned
had he known about it.

Yes. You see, that was it.

I didn't want to worry him.

- So you turned to Father Logan.
- Yes.

Is Father Logan your parish priest?

- No.
- No?

Yet you turned to him for advice

in a matter about which
you would not turn to your husband.

Father Logan is an old friend.

And he advised you, of course,
to tell your husband.

No, how could he? He couldn't do that.

Before your first appointment
with Father Logan,

he knew, of course,
that you were being blackmailed?

How could he? I hadn't seen him in years.

You hadn't seen him in years, and yet
you say he was an old friend of yours.

Mr. Larrue.

- Inspector?
- Yes, sir?

My wife does not have to
answer those questions.

She's not under oath.

Your wife was seen outside
Villette's house with Father Logan.

She was seen again this morning
with Father Logan.

She told us of an appointment
with Father Logan.

An appointment that took place
the night Monsieur Villette was murdered.

Surely, Monsieur Grandfort

you do not want your wife
to implicate herself further.

It is you who are trying to implicate her.

My wife came here to answer questions

and to clear, as far as possible,
Father Logan of any suspicions.

She has done both of those things.

Madame Grandfort,
why were you being blackmailed?

You don't need to answer that.

Why shouldn't she, Father?

What are you afraid of?

It isn't necessary. Don't answer.

Madame Grandfort,
are you trying to protect Father Logan?

From what? He hasn't done anything.

It would seem as if he had.

Are you a human being, Inspector?

You think it's important
for me to tell you

why I was being blackmailed.

You don't care whom I hurt, just so long
as I answer all your questions.

- I only want to clear a murder.
- Yes, I know.

You only want everything clear.

And I want to clear Father Logan.

- Ruth.
- Willy.

May I have a glass of water, please?

Ruth.

Pierre, why must you hear
what I'm going to say?

Thank you, Willy. Inspector.

The blackmail was about
me and Father Logan.

Father Logan and I grew up together.

Have you ever been young, Inspector?

Of course, you know
that the first thing is to fall in love.

If we'd been engaged,
it wouldn't have mattered

because the war came.
He was one of the first to volunteer.

I hated him for that.

I was selfish even then.

He took things so seriously.

War and love.

Yes, even love.

Because when I said
we ought to get married,

he said there were enough widows already.

He said he loved me too much.

He didn't know
he could never love me enough.

That night, we went dancing.

It was our last evening together.

It was all too short.

That was the night Michael went away.

I thought the world was coming to an end.

I suppose there were millions of people
feeling the same way that night.

You don't think of millions of people.

You think of yourself

and the one you're in love with.

He asked me not to wait for him.

A lot of other boys must have said
the same thing to their girls.

I had to wait for him.

His letters were long at first,
but always serious.

I didn't want serious letters,

but I would prefer those
to no letters at all.

Because after a while,

he stopped writing.

Soon afterward, I...
I started working for my future husband.

Pierre was...

Pierre was...

Madame Grandfort,
perhaps if you are unable to continue...

It's all right. I...

I'm sorry.

Pierre was always so brilliant.

He was kind.

He realized I was unhappy.

And like very kind people,

he didn't ask me why.
He just tried to amuse me.

We got married.

I was happy.

I was through with...

I thought I was through with...

You know.

Well. Oh, yes. It...

It was at my wedding
that I saw Villette for the first time.

Then the war was over.

The men were coming home.

I knew the day when he would come home.

On that day, I went down to the port.

A boat had just come in.

Suddenly, I saw him.

He had changed, I suppose,
but I didn't notice.

We arranged to meet the next day.

It was a lovely day.

The end of summer.

Michael talked and talked.

He told me all the thoughts
that had come to him during the war.

I didn't want to hear about the war.

But the war had changed him.

Then a storm came up, so suddenly.

We saw a house across the field
and ran for shelter.

The house was closed.

I don't know what time it was.

But it was late.

We had missed the last ferry
back from the island.

There was no way
I could get in touch with my husband.

It stopped raining in the morning.

A man came walking down
through the garden.

He walked as though he owned it.

As a matter of fact, he did.

I was still in the summerhouse
and he didn't know who I was,

but apparently, he knew I was a woman

because he made some remark to Michael.

Michael knocked him down.

I came out and stood on the steps of
the summerhouse, looked down at him.

He looked up at me and said,
"Good morning, Madame Grandfort."

It was Villette.

What could I say to Michael?

I hadn't told him I was married.

I didn't see him again for five years.

Nor did I see Villette again,
until the day Michael was ordained.

Then I began running into Villette.

All the time.

He appeared everywhere I went.

One day in Parliament,
I was listening to Pierre.

Villette came up to me.

He said he was in trouble.

Something to do with a tax scandal.

Only my husband could help him.

I told him Pierre would never
get involved in anything shady.

Then he threatened
to tell about Michael and me.

What words could I say that would
tell him it was wrong about us?

Pierre's career would be finished.

Michael might be unfrocked.

I tried to ignore him,
but he kept after me,

kept calling up.

Then one day, I ran into him again.

And he gave me 24 hours,

or else.

Oh, I was really desperate by then.

Then I thought that...
That maybe Michael might help.

And I rang him up. We met that same night.

He was very angry.

He said not to worry about Villette,
that he would deal with him.

And we arranged to meet the next day
in front of Villette's house.

I went there at 9:30.

I wondered at the crowds.

Then Michael told me Villette was dead.

I couldn't believe it.

I was free.

Well, Inspector?

May my wife leave now?

Certainly.

Father Logan has his alibi now,
doesn't he, Willy?

Of course.

Thank you.

Would you like to go now, Father?

- Good night.
- Good night.

Good night, Father.

Well, it's over.

Is it, sir?

- Yes. Let's get out of here.
- Look, sir.

- What's that?
- The autopsy report.

Villette had dinner in a restaurant
at 9:00.

Examining his stomach, the doctors found
that he couldn't have died before 11:30.

Larrue.

Madame Grandfort said that
she left Father Logan at 11:00.

You can do a lot of things in 30 minutes.

Who is it?

Pierre.

Come in.

Sorry I woke you up.

I was awake.

Willy Robertson just called.

He's coming over.

What an odd time to pay us a visit.

Must be very early.

I'm afraid he's coming here officially.

Officially?

The statement you made last night,
it wasn't helpful.

At least not...
Not in the way you hoped it to be.

But I told the truth.

No one doubts what you said.

I don't see...

You said you left Father Logan at 11:00.

Now they have established
that Villette was murdered at 11:30.

There's a time lag of half an hour.

Did they know about this time lag?

Did they know about it
before they questioned me?

Why did the inspector
allow me to say all those things?

There was no need for my statement.

- Why is Willy coming here?
- I asked him.

I want him to talk to you.
You may be called as a witness.

A witness?

Are they going to arrest Michael?

Yes.

But he hasn't done anything.
He had no reason to.

Why should they think he killed Villette?

Your statement answered that.

My statement?

He says you have given the motive
they've been waiting for.

I...

I should have lied, Pierre.

I lied before.

I should have lied last night.

They'll twist what I've said.

They'll turn it, they'll use it.

I've given them what they wanted.

I was going to help Michael,

but I've destroyed him.

And you, Pierre.

What have I done to you?

Willy will soon be here.

You must have your breakfast.

Would you like it here, in your room?

I will send it up.

You must do something.
They're going to arrest you.

Michael, what can we do?

I don't know.

You're not going to let them
bring you to trial?

You understand what that would mean.

You can't let that happen.

Michael.

I've done this to you.
There must be something I can do.

There's nothing we can do.

Goodbye.

I beg your pardon. I'm so sorry.

It was my fault, madame.

I've been waiting to speak to you, Father.

You have been talking to the police, yes?

What did the police ask you, eh, Father?

They asked about me?
You told them about me?

I'm going to be arrested, Keller.

You?

Why would they arrest you, Father?

You're trying to frighten me, perhaps.

You think by telling me that,
I will give myself up.

You think I am easily frightened
after what I have done?

So, what are you going to do
when they arrest you?

Perhaps you'll point your finger at me.
Perhaps you'll say, "It's Keller."

That's what you will do, is it?

You are a coward after all?
You are frightened?

Maybe they will hang you instead of me,
and that frightens you.

Perhaps you will tell them.

You can't tell them
as long as you are a priest.

Can you?

The priest is frightened, Alma.
You saw the look on his face?

He thinks he can tell the police, yes?
I am ready.

I'd like to speak
with Father Logan, please.

Father Logan is not here.

- Good morning, monsieur.
- Good morning, Father.

I came to see Father Logan,
but Keller says he's not here.

Not here? He didn't say he was going out.

He didn't say anything to me.

I saw him.

I tried to speak to him.
He seemed frightened.

I asked him if I could do anything.
He didn't even hear me.

He went out by that door
20 minutes ago, maybe 30.

Thank you. I'll be back, Father.

All right, Murphy, what is it?

What?

Stand by outside the rectory.

Logan is gone.

Give me the radio room.

Will Father Logan be in for lunch?

I don't know.

Any news yet?

All right.

Hello, Father.

- Have you had your lunch yet?
- No.

Let me order something for you.

Mr. Murphy, would you tell us
where you found this cassock?

I found it in a patent-leather trunk, sir.

Would you be able to say whether or not
the trunk belonged to the accused?

I would say that it did, sir.

His initials, M.W.L., were on the side
of the trunk. The trunk was in his room.

Would you say, Mr. Murphy, that the
cassock had been hidden in the trunk?

Did it seem as though placed
so as to, uh, escape detection?

Well, there were a lot
of other things covering it, sir.

A raincoat, a pair of galoshes
and several books.

- Thank you. Your witness.
- No questions.

That's all, thank you.

Call Dr. Bonnard.

The evidence you would give to the court
shall be the truth, the whole truth

and nothing but the truth,
so help you God.

I swear.

Your name?

Georges Bonnard.

- Your age, please?
- Forty-two.

- Your occupation?
- Pathologist.

Dr. Bonnard. You are a professor
at Laval University?

I am.

You have examined
the stains on this cassock?

I have, sir.

- Would you tell the court what they are?
- They're human blood.

Would you tell us what blood type
they belong to?

Type O, sir.

And is this the same blood type
as that of the murdered man?

It is, sir.

Thank you, Doctor.

On the night of the murder,
you spoke to the accused?

Yes, sir.

At what time did your conversation
with the accused take place?

- A little after 11:45, sir.
- Hmm.

Would you tell the court of the events
that led up to this conversation?

Yes, sir.

My wife was asleep, sir,
and I was just about to go to bed.

I happened to look out of the window,
and there I saw someone enter the church.

I couldn't tell who it was
at that distance, sir.

So I went downstairs
and through the passageway

that connects the rectory to the church.

The light was dim, sir,
but I could see someone

who was kneeling against the altar rail.

As he lifted his head,
I recognized Father Logan, sir.

Was there anything about his manner
that seemed out of the ordinary?

He seemed distressed, sir.

Did you speak to him?

Yes, sir.
I asked him if he were ill.

He said no.

He said I should go back
and leave him alone.

- But you didn't leave him immediately?
- No, sir.

Why was that?

Father Logan had always been very kind
to my wife and to me,

so I wanted to help him if I could.

He seemed to need help?

He seemed very,
very distressed, sir.

And yet,
he wouldn't let you help him?

No, sir. He said to me again,
"Go back, Keller. Leave me alone, Keller."

So I went back to my room.

You... You spoke to your wife
of this incident?

No, sir.

- Why not?
- She was asleep, sir.

And also, I didn't like to talk about it.

It didn't seem right to me

to mention such distress
as Father Logan's to anyone.

It seemed a very private distress, sir.

Madame Grandfort,
I'm only trying to clarify your testimony.

I've told you everything you need to know.

That is hardly for you to decide.

Now, Madame Grandfort, will you please
answer my questions, "yes" or "no"?

Some questions
cannot be answered that way.

Well, I'll try to rephrase it.
I'll try to help you.

Now, it is true, is it not, that you had
an association with the accused,

which you didn't wish
to become public knowledge?

You're twisting my words.
You haven't listened to what I've said.

The witness will confine herself
to answer as to the facts.

Madame Grandfort, let me repeat
your answer to my earlier question.

You said that you were in love with
the accused before the war. Am I right?

Yes.

Then were you in love with him

at the time of your marriage
to Monsieur Grandfort?

- I object, My Lord.
- I refuse to answer such questions.

- You have no right...
- Objection overruled.

Madame Grandfort,
we have your signed testimony

as to your relationship with the accused.

Do you wish that testimony
read to this court?

Then were you in love with the accused

at the time of your marriage
to Monsieur Grandfort?

Yes.

And still in love with him
on the night of the murder?

Yes.

Then isn't it possible that you met
with him between the night

at the summerhouse
and the night Villette was killed?

I did not.

Madame Grandfort,
you can hardly expect the jury to believe

that a woman in love doesn't make
some attempt to meet her lover.

I object, My Lord.

This line of questioning
doesn't seem particularly relevant.

But it is, My Lord. I'm trying
to establish a motive for the murder.

I'm trying to discover
whether or not Villette's blackmail

was based on his knowledge
not merely of one night at his summer home

but also of a continuous,
uninterrupted, illicit...

No, that's not true! Not true!

Silence! Silence!

Father Logan,
will you examine this garment?

Is this your cassock?

No, sir.

Then did you, perhaps,
borrow this cassock from someone?

No.

It's not yours, and you did not borrow it.
And yet it was found in your trunk.

- Someone must have put it there.
- Yes.

Have you any idea who might
have put this cassock in your trunk?

I can't say.

Father Logan, when did you decide
to become a priest?

After the war.

In becoming a priest, were you,
perhaps, trying to hide from something?

I had never thought of the priesthood
as offering a hiding place.

I understand you to mean that priesthood
involves certain responsibilities,

- certain moralities.
- Yes.

You were aware of these
responsibilities, these moralities?

Yes.

And yet you saw nothing wrong in having
a clandestine meeting with a woman?

Are you trying to imply that I was
a priest at that time? I was not a priest.

Did you take into consideration
that this woman was married?

I wasn't aware that she was.

And so you spent the whole day
with this woman?

Yes. We were good friends.
I hadn't seen her in over two years.

Such good friends
that you spent a night with her?

We were caught in a storm.

Oh?

The storm was the villain.

Did you warn Madame Grandfort that

perhaps her husband
might not agree on that?

As I said,
I didn't know she was married.

And on discovering that she was

did you make any attempt to explain
the situation to Monsieur Grandfort?

No.

But surely there is some contradiction

between this... This secretiveness
and your vocation.

I saw nothing wrong
being caught in a storm.

If there was nothing wrong,
why did you have

such a violent argument with Villette
when he appeared next morning?

Were you anxious to protect
Madame Grandfort's reputation?

Yes.

Oh. Then her reputation was in danger?

Now, you realized suddenly,
that there was something more

than merely being caught in the storm?

Villette made an insinuation.

My argument with Villette had nothing to
do with any sudden realization on my part.

- And you hit him?
- Yes, I did.

- In anger?
- Yes.

You are capable of hitting a man

when he merely intrudes
upon a harmless situation.

Then surely you are capable
of far more violent action

when that same man blackmails
your good friend Madame Grandfort.

I'm not capable of murder.

You would allow such a man to destroy

Madame Grandfort's home
as well as your career?

No.

You would go to such a man and,
unable to control your temper,

unable to face a public scandal,
you would turn to physical force.

No, I would not!

Silence! Silence!

You say you and Madame Grandfort separated
at 11:00 on the night of the murder.

That's right. Yes.

Then it was possible for you
to go to Villette's house.

It was possible for you to arrive there
at 11:30, the time he was murdered.

Yes, it was possible,
but I didn't go there.

- I went right home to the rectory.
- Ah.

And what time did you arrive
at the rectory?

About 11:15.

- Anybody witness this arrival of yours?
- I don't believe so.

You say you arrived at 11:15.

- Uh, what did you do then?
- I went up to my room.

- You went to bed immediately?
- No.

- What did you do?
- I went into the church.

Did you see anybody there?

Otto Keller.

Otto Keller has testified to this court
that he followed you into the church

and that he found you kneeling
before the altar in great distress.

He has further testified
that the time was then 11:45 or after.

Well, it could have been 11:45.
The rest isn't true.

Perhaps you are prepared,
at last, to tell us the truth.

It might have been 11:45.
The rest is not true.

Perhaps you are prepared
to give us your version of the truth.

Of course you refuse to answer

because I submit you did not return
to the rectory at 11:15.

As you say
you did not return until 11:45 or after.

And that your distress, when discovered
by Otto Keller, was caused by the fact

that only a short while before you had met
with Villette and been threatened by him

with exposure of your affair
with Madame Grandfort.

And that you had taken the first weapon
that came to hand and struck at Villette

and continued to strike
until you cracked his skull wide open.

No!

I repeat, it is your duty

to carefully examine
all the evidence that has been given

and to determine whether the charge
against the accused has been proven.

Remember also
that you are not trying the accused

for whatever views you may hold

as to his relationship
with Madame Grandfort

except as it may affect
this charge of murder.

One final point.

The fact that the accused
is a priest under holy orders

should not influence your verdict
one way or the other.

You may now withdraw
to consider your verdict.

But I believe what the prosecutor said.

Obviously, they didn't spend
just that one night together.

There must have been many more times.

Silence...

Gentlemen of the jury,
are you agreed on your verdict

- and who will speak for you?
- We are.

How say you? Is Michael William Logan
guilty of murder or not guilty?

While we attach grave suspicion
to the accused,

we cannot find sufficient evidence
to prove

that he actually wielded the weapon
that killed Monsieur Villette.

Therefore, our verdict is not guilty.

Hearken to your verdict
as the court recorded it.

You say Michael William Logan
is not guilty, so you say all.

Yes.

Monsieur, monsieur.

- I told you that cassock...
- They've ruined him.

Why couldn't they have said
"not guilty" simply and let it go at that?

Your Lordship, I move that
the prisoner be released.

Michael Logan,
while I have no doubt that the jury

must have reached their conclusion
in utmost fairness

and solemn regard for justice,

I cannot help expressing my personal
disagreement with their verdict.

Michael William Logan,
you are hereby discharged.

Everybody stand up. Silence.

Michael.

Take off that collar!

Preach us a sermon, Logan!

Are you satisfied, Willy?

Are you satisfied with... With all this?

Do you think I've enjoyed it?

Alma. Alma!

Alma! Alma, come here! Alma!

Alma.

Stop it!

He's innocent.

My husband...

There he goes! In the hotel.

All right. Quick, get a doctor.

It hurts.

- Could we move her inside?
- No, she should not be moved at all.

She shouted something.

What is it you were shouting, Mrs. Keller?

She said he was innocent.

- Villette.
- Villette?

What about Villette, Mrs. Keller?

What? What is it?

What is she saying?

She says, "Forgive me."

- Mr. Larrue, sir.
- Have you got Keller?

He just ran in the Ch?teau Frontenac, sir.

- Get Farouche and his squad. Corrigan too.
- Yes, sir.

- And Murphy, I do not want him to be shot.
- But, sir, he's got a gun.

I know, I know. I don't want him dead.
I want to talk to him.

Yes, sir.

- She's gone.
- Come along, Father.

- Now, what about this Keller?
- What do you mean, Inspector?

He just shot his wife.
What was she trying to do?

Was she trying to warn you or to save you?

Now, this Keller works
as Villette's gardener.

He also works in the rectory.

Now, what more can you tell me about him?

Let me try and talk to him, Inspector.

Talk to him, sure, of course, go ahead.
But where is he?

Couldn't we have one entrance open?
At least one entrance?

No, no.

Keep these people right where they are
for their own safety, please.

I want you to start in the basement
and work your way up.

Remember, I said no shooting.
Now, go ahead.

Get an ambulance at once.

Well, he just shot a man,
a chef in the kitchen.

Now will you tell me anything
about him, Father?

Father, what are you trying to do?
Protect this Keller?

He's on the mezzanine going upstairs.

In the ballroom.

Tell Larrue.

Keller! Give yourself up!

Stay back!

Have them send over some tear gas.

- Keller!
- Inspector, let me go in.

Let me try and talk to him.

No.

- Keller!
- What do you want, Inspector?

I want you to give yourself up.

Why would I do that?

Haven't you done enough harm?

I could do more, Inspector.

You've already shot two people.
Now, isn't that enough?

And...

And what about Villette?

- Villette?
- Yes, what about Villette?

So the priest talked.

Hey, Logan! Where are you, Father Logan?

Keller.

Ah, there you are.

My only friend, Father Logan.

How kindly he hears my confession

and then a little shame,
a little violence,

that's all it takes to make him talk.

It was too much for you, huh?

You are a coward
like all other people, aren't you?

A hypocrite like all the rest.

Pierre, take me home.

Frank, try to get him in the shoulder
to make him drop that gun.

It'd be easier to get him in the leg, sir.

His shoulder. The right shoulder.

- We're going to shoot now, Keller.
- Don't make them do it, Keller!

Father, don't go in...

Coming to speak to me?

Put the gun away.
There's been enough bloodshed already.

You must not come closer, Father.

I'll shoot you, you know.

You won't shoot me, Otto.

Why will I not shoot you?
Because you call me Otto

in such a friendly way,
like Alma used to call me Otto?

Where is my Alma?

- She's dead.
- No.

- You killed her.
- It is your fault.

I loved her.

It made me cry to see her work so hard.

Those poor hands. Such beautiful hands.

- She can't be dead.
- She is.

Then I am as alone as you are.

- I'm not alone.
- Oh, yes, you are.

To kill you now would be a favor to you.

You have no friends.

What has happened to your friends,
eh, Father?

They mob you, they call at you.

It would be better
if you were as guilty as I am.

Then they would shoot you quickly
and you mustn't suffer much.

Look...

Oh, Father!

Help me. Quickly.

Get the hotel doctor.

- And the ambulance?
- Yes.

Forgive me.

From SDH - tags removed