Rope (1948) - full transcript

Brandon and Philip are two young men who share a New York apartment. They consider themselves intellectually superior to their friend David Kentley and as a consequence decide to murder him. Together they strangle David with a rope and placing the body in an old chest, they proceed to hold a small party. The guests include David's father, his fiancée Janet and their old schoolteacher Rupert from whom they mistakenly took their ideas. As Brandon becomes increasingly more daring, Rupert begins to suspect.

Open it.

Don't.

We've got to see
if there's anything-
I know.

But not just yet.

Let's stay this way
for a minute.

Phillip, we don't have
too much time.

It's the darkness that's
got you down. Nobody ever
feels really safe in the dark.

Nobody who's ever a child,
that is. I'll open these,
all right?

There, that's much better.

What a lovely evening.

Pity we couldn't have
done it with the curtains
open in the bright sunlight.



Well... Can't have
everything, can we?

We did do it in daytime.
All right now, Phillip?

Yes.
Good. You better
put those away.

Put them in my checkbook drawer
behind that metal box.

Now... it's a museum piece now.

We really should
preserve it for posterity,

except, it's such good
crystal and I'd hate
to break up the set.

Out of this, David Kentley
had his last drink.

It should have been ginger ale
or even beer.

I've always thought it was out
of character for David to drink
anything as corrupt as whisky.

Out of character for him
to be murdered too.

Yes, wasn't it? But good
Americans usually die young
on the battlefield, don't they?

Well, the Davids of this world
merely occupy space,

which is why he was
the perfect victim
for the perfect murder.



'Course, he was
a Harvard undergraduate.

That might make it
justifiable homicide.

He's dead and we've killed him.
But he's still here.

In less than eight hours
he'll be resting gently
at the bottom of a lake.

Meanwhile, he's here.

What are you doing?
It's not locked.

All the better.
It's much more dangerous.
The lock's old, it won't work.

I wish it would.
I wish we had him out of here.

I wish it were somebody else.

It's a trifle late for that,
don't you think?

Whom would you have preferred?
Kenneth?

I don't know. I suppose anyone
was as good...

or as bad as any other.

You, perhaps. You frighten me.

You always have,
from that very first
day in prep school.

Part of your charm, I suppose.

I-I'm only kidding, Brandon.

I can't take it as well
as you, so I'm turning
on you a little.

That's rather foolish,
isn't it?
Yes, very.

May I have a drink now?

By all means.
This is an occasion.
It calls for champagne.

Champagne?
I put some in the icebox.

When did you put it there?
Just before David arrived.

You were certain it would
come off, weren't you?
Of course.

You know I never did anything
unless I did it perfectly.

I've always wished
for more artistic talent.

Well, murder can be an art too.

The power to kill
can be just as satisfying
as the power to create.

Phillip, do you realize
we've actually done it,
exactly as we planned?

And not a single thing
has gone wrong. It was perfect.

Yes.
An immaculate murder!

We've killed
for the sake of danger
and for the sake of killing.

We're alive,
truly and wonderfully alive.

Even champagne isn't equal
to us, or the occasion.
I'll take it, though.

You aren't really frightened
any more, are you?

You can't have fear.
Neither of us can.

That's the difference
between us
and the ordinary men.

They talk about committing
the perfect crime
but nobody does it.

Nobody commits a murder...
Here.

just for the experiment
of committing it,

nobody except us.

You're not frightened
any more, are you?
No.

Not even of me?

No.
That's good.

You just astound me, as always.

That's even better.

To David, of course.

Brandon, how did you feel?
When?

During it.

I don't know, really.
I don't remember feeling
very much of anything.

Until his body went limp...

and I knew it was over.
And then?

And then... I felt
tremendously exhilarated.

H-How did you feel?

Oh, I-I-

Brandon, you don't think
the party's a mistake, do you?

No, the party's
the finishing touch
to our work.

It's more; it's the signature
of the artist.

Not having it
would be like, uh-

Painting the picture
and not hanging it?

I don't think
that's a very good
choice of words.

It may turn out to be
a little too choice,
thanks to the party.

Oh, rot. This party
will be the most
exciting ever given.

With these people?
Oh, they're a dull crew,
all right.

The Kentleys couldn't
be duller if they tried,
but we did have to have them.

After all, they are David's
mother and father.

That doesn't make
them any easier to talk to.

Don't worry.
Janet'll be buttering
them up, poor girl.

She's banked everything on
hooking David.

Somehow, I don't
think she's going to succeed.

Do you?
No, somehow, I don't.

Well, she can switch back to
Kenneth tonight.

You must admit, it was most
considerate of me,

in view of recent events,
to provi-

Phillip.
What?

Take the other one.
What for?

Never mind. Come with me.

What's this all about?
You'll see. It's brilliant!

What the devil are you doing?

Making our work of art
a masterpiece.

You're going too far.
Why? What do you mean?

I just thought it'd be nice to
have supper in here.

On this.

Isn't it a good idea?

Well, at least this way no one
will try to open it.

I don't think
you appreciate me, Phillip.

I'm beginning to, Brandon.

Well, come on, we don't
have too much time.

Mrs. Wilson will be
coming back soon.

Did you forget to borrow
her key? I might've
known better than to-

I didn't forget.
I have her key.
I told her I lost mine.

Oh, good.
How are you going to
explain this to them?

I'm not.
We've got to have some excuse.

We don't want to leave
our guest of honor
alone during supper.

Brandon, we've got
to have an excuse
for the others.

All right, all right.
Let me think.

Really, you get much too upset
much too easily.

We have a very simple excuse...

right here.

What are you worrying about,
Phillip?

Mr. Kentley's coming mainly
to look at these books.
What could be better than...

to have them out laid out
on the dining room table...

where the poor
old man can easily get at them.

Considerate, aren't we?

Hello? Oh, of course.

You start on the books-
Who is it?

Mrs. Wilson.

Brandon.

Brandon!

What the devil? Don't you have
any more sense than to-

What is it?
Well, go on, yank it out.
I can't.

If Mrs. Wilson were
here, she'd yank
it out for you.

A stupid display like that
in front of somebody else will
be just as good as a confession.

Now, take these and
get ahold of yourself.

If you'd let me
keep the light on,
I'd have seen it.

All right! You're perfect.

We have to be, Phillip.
We agreed there was only one
crime either of us could commit.

The crime of making a mistake.
Being weak is a mistake.

Because it's being human?
Because it's being ordinary.

I won't let either of us do-

You owe me $2.40 for taxis,
including the tip.

If it weren't for the
traffic, I'd have been
here a half hour ago.

It's just as well.
We didn't expect
you back until now.

I went to five stores for
the special p?t? we like.

But the prices- huh!
I couldn't see any reason for
throwing away our good money.

So, I went downtown
to that little delicatessen
where Mr. Cadell goes.

But I tell ya, the next
time we give a party,
I'm only going-

Good evening, Mrs. Wilson.

What, may I ask, is happening
to my table?

We're just moving
the things in here.

Well...

I personally thought
my table was quite lovely.

Oh, it was quite lovely.

But you see, Mr. Kentley
is coming to look at these
old books I had in the chest.

And I'm sure you wouldn't want
the poor old man to have to get
down on his knees to see them.

Well, I think it looks
downright peculiar.
Peculiar?

Very. Particularly
those candlesticks.
They don't belong there.

On the contrary,
I think they suggest
a, a ceremonial altar...

which you can heap
with the foods for
our sacrificial feast.

Hmph, heap is right.
Isn't enough room for me
to set things up properly,

is there, Mr. Phillip?
Oh, you can make it do.

You two'll be the death
of me. What's to be
done with the books?

Lay them on the
dining room table.

It's a crazy idea,
if you ask me.

Well, I have too much to do to
discuss this thoroughly, dear.
I still think it's peculiar.

What's the matter?
I was sure she'd notice.

Notice what?
The rope, of course.

We've got to hide it.
Why?

Why?
Yes, why? It's only
a piece of rope,

An ordinary household
article, why hide it?

It belongs
in the kitchen drawer.

Mrs. Wilson?
Yes?

There's champagne
in the icebox.

We're not giving
them champagne?
We are.

Oh, it's going to be that
kind of party. I'd better
doll up a little.

We only serve champagne
at Mr. Cadell's on very
high occasions.

Matter of fact,
he and I once had a glass
together on my birthday.

Tonight you'll have
an opportunity
to renew that romance.

May I? Mr. Cadell's coming.

Oh, my. Mr. Cadell
is terribly nice.

Rupert's coming?
Yes, I thought I told you.

No, you didn't.
I did enjoy working for
Mr. Cadell. Such a gentleman!

Some people say he's a little
peculiar, but I always thi-

Well, you might let me finish.

I thought you liked Rupert.

I do.
Well, then.

Of all the people on this Earth,
Rupert Cadell is the one man
most likely to suspect.

He's the one man who
might appreciate this from
our angle, the artistic one.

That's what's exciting.
I'm glad it excites you.
It frightens me.

I suggest you keep
your voice down.

It would have been
too easy with the
others and too dull.

As for Rupert, I once
thought of inviting
him to join us.

Why didn't you?
The more the merrier.
Because he hasn't the nerve.

Oh, intellectually,
he could've come along.
He's brilliant.

But he's a too fastidious.
He could've invented,
he could've admired.

He never could have acted.
We're superior. We have
courage, Rupert doesn't.

Mr. Cadell got
a bad leg in the war
for his courage.

You've got your sleeve
in the celery, Mr. Phillip.

They're here. Are we ready?

As ready as we'll ever be.

Don't you be so busy
at that piano that you don't eat
anything. Getting too thin.

And don't you let them
gobble up that pate
before you have any.

Let's hope it's a success.
Oh, my tray.

Take it in the kitchen.
I'll answer the door.

There wouldn't be this
last minute hustle bustle
if you'd kept my table-

Now the fun begins.

Hello, come in.
How are you, Brandon?

Fine. Just put your hat there.
Thank you.

It's been quite awhile.
Yes, that's why I sounded
so stupid on the phone.

Surprised, I guess.

Hello, Kenneth.
Good to see you.
You too.

Been up to much lately?
Oh, nothing to speak of. You?

Trying to get ready for exams.
I always have to start cramming
before everybody else.

Am I the first?
You are.

Why is it I'm always
too early at parties?

Probably because
you're always on time.

Mrs. Wilson, champagne.

It isn't someone's
birthday, is it?

Don't look so worried,
Kenneth. It's really
almost the opposite.

The opposite?
Phillip's bidding the world
a temporary farewell tonight.

I'm driving him
up to Connecticut
after the party.

Where are you going?
Just to Brandon's mother's
place for a few weeks.

I'm to be locked up.
What?

To make sure he practices
six hours a day. I've finally
wangled a debut for him.

Town Hall, at that.
That's wonderful.
I hope you knock 'em dead.

Thank you.

Mmm. Most decorative.
Think so?

Hey.
What is it?

I feel pretty honored.
Oh? Why?

It looks like a pretty small
farewell party.

Well, we're really
killing two birds
with one stone.

The party's also
for Mr. Kentley.
David's father?

Yes.

Is David going to be here?

Of course.

Who else is coming?
No one you don't know, if
that's what's bothering you.

The Kentleys, Janet Walker-
Janet.

Yes. I thought you'd be glad
to see her.

Won't you be?

Brandon, Janet and I
are all washed up.
Didn't you know?

I'm sorry, I didn't.
You knew, Phillip.

Oh, I'd heard vague rumors.
But I never pay attention
to that sort of thing.

I wish you had.
Why?

Janet and David are-
Hello, Mrs. Wilson.

May I?
Help yourself.

Cheer up. I have the feeling
your chances with the young lady
are better than you think.

What do you mean?
Janet!

Hello, ducks. Angel!

Be careful of my hair,
it took hours.
You smell dreamy.

What is it?
That swill you gave
me last Christmas.

I knew I had good taste.
You do, you look lovely.

I won't by the time
it's all paid for.

Was that funny?
I never know when
I'm being funny.

Whenever I try to be,
I lay the bomb of all time.

Phillip, sweet.
Hello.

What's this rumor I hear
about you and Town Hall?

I bet you're going to play
a foul trick on all of us
and become...

horribly famous.
I believe you've met.

Hello, Ken.
Hello, Jan.

That was fascinating,
wasn't it?
I seem to have run down.

What would you say
to some champagne?

"Hello, champagne."
You see what I mean
about trying to be funny?

How've you been, Ken?
Fine, thanks.
How's the new job?

What are you doing?
Writing that dreary column on
how to keep the body beautiful.

For whom this time?
An untidy little magazine
known as Allure.

Thanks, chum.

Oh, isn't that painting new?
Yes, it is. Do you like it?

Well, what is it?
New young American primitive.

I have a new young American
sister. She's only three and
her stuff is really primitive.

You dirty dog.

Why?
Didn't I notice another
new one in the foyer?

I don't think so. Which?

This.

I could really strangle you.
What have I done now?

At times, your sense
of humor is a little
too malicious, chum.

What are you chattering about?

Why did you invite Kenneth?
Why not?

You know perfectly
well why not.

We called it quits ages
ago and I'm practically
engaged to his best friend.

David?
Yes, David.

Which makes everything
just ginger-peachy.

I'm sorry, but it is difficult
trying to keep up
with your romances.

After me came Kenneth
and now it's David.

Why the switch from Kenneth
to David, anyway?

I think he's nicer.
Well, he's certainly richer.

That's a new low
even for you, chum.

Gave me a "D" in conduct.

How's your drink doing?
All right.

How many years has it been
since I said, "Oh, it tickles."
and don't you tell me.

I hear Rupert's coming.
He was invited,
but you never know.

I hope he does. How is he?
Who is he?

Rupert Cadell, our housemaster
at prep school.

Housemaster for you three
little dears?

Four little dears.
He tried to teach David too.

Rupert's a publisher now.

Maybe he can give me a job.

Rupert only publishes
books he likes,
usually philosophy.

Oh. Small print,
big words, no sales.
Right.

Rupert's extremely radical.

Do you know that he selects
his books on the assumption...

that people can not only read
but actually can think.

Curious fellow, but I like him.
You always did.

Those bull sessions
you and Rupert used
to have at school.

Brandon would sit
up till all hours
at the master's feet.

Brandon at someone's feet!
Who is this Rupert?

He used to tell you
the weirdest things.
What sort of things?

I suppose Kenneth means
Rupert's impatience
with social conventions.

For example, he thinks murder
is a crime for most men, but-

A privilege for the few.
Yes.

A privilege for the few?

It's all right, Mrs. Wilson.
I'll answer the door.

Oh, Mr. Kentley.
So glad you could come.
Thank you, Brandon.

Mrs. Kentley isn't well, so
I took the liberty of bringing
my sister-in-law, Mrs. Atwater.

Delighted to have you.
Delighted to come.

I've been in New York
two weeks. Alice has been
ill almost the whole time,

and Henry is forever cataloging
his library.

Oh, no, Anita.
Occasionally I even
read one of my books.

But I'm on a visit.
This is just my second party.

I suppose it's only fair-
Let me take your things.

I'm sorry to hear
Mrs. Kentley's so ill.
It's just a cold.

Colds can be very dangerous
this time of the year.

I hope Mrs. Kentley's
staying in bed with
lots of fruit juice.

She is, thank you.
Well, that'll do the trick.

Colds dangerous, in this heat?
I don't understand that.

Exactly two years
ago this summer
I had one myself.

I was down for three weeks.
The doctors were-

Excuse me.
This way, Mrs. Atwater.

...particularly
at parties.
Particularly at this one.

This is over my head.

David!

Uh, no, you've made a mistake.
This is Kenneth Lawrence.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

That's all right, Anita.
Kenneth is often mistaken...

for David, even by people
who aren't nearsighted.

We haven't had much opportunity
to observe the resemblance
lately, my boy.

Haven't been studying,
have you?
I've been tryin' to.

Oh, dear. The resemblance
is only physical.

I believe you both know
Miss Walker.

Janet, my dear.

I finished working
out your horoscope
just before we came.

Oh, tell.
The stars are very kind.

They indicate a marriage
very soon...

to a tall,
fair-haired young man
with a very lovely father.

I told you that a week ago.
I suppose you did.

But the stars confirm it.
Wonderful.

Mrs. Atwater, may I present
Mr. Phillip Morgan?

How do you do?
Oh, you've hurt your hand.

Oh, it's nothing,
just a little cut.
What happened?

The glass was cracked
and it broke, that's all.

May I get you some champagne?
Oh, I should adore some.

Daddy used to
have a glass every
morning at 11:00.

But of course,
Henry doesn't like it.

Mr. Kentley, may I get
you some?

I'd prefer a little Scotch
with a lot of water.

Is David here?

I expected him
to come with you.

He called and said
that he'd meet us here.
Where did he call from?

Our maid spoke to him.
He was at the club, studying
for his examinations.

Uh, tennis.

The trouble with David is,
he doesn't have to study.
He's too bright.

Well, David does all right,
very much so.
Thank you.

How's Mrs. Kentley?
As usual, it's a
cold this time.

I hope David arrives
soon. She wants
him to call her.

David's her only child.

He's my only child too,
but I'm willing
to let him grow up.

Why don't I call and tell her
he's been detained?

No, you mustn't pamper her.
David might
have stopped to see her.

Mr. Kentley?
May I use the phone?

Of course. It's in the bedroom.
How cozy.

Aren't you ready for another?
I will be.

I am, thank you.

What a charming young man.
I wish David saw more of him.

Yes. I'll go and call.

Kenneth, there's
too much air in your glass.

Mine's fine, thanks.
Would you mind taking
this in to Janet?

Sure. Why?

No particular reason. I thought
you'd like to take it in to her.
She's in the bedroom, phoning.

Then you'd like
David to walk in.

No, that'd be
too much of a shock.

When were you born?
July 14.
Can you really tell my future?

Of course, I'm only an amateur
astrologer.

I'm sure you're very good.
I do my best.

I suppose you want to
know if your concert
will be a success?

Yes, I do.
Let me see now.

You were born
on the 14th of July.

You're Cancer, the crab.
You're a moon child.

You're very much
influenced by the moon.
May I see your hands?

You don't remember
the hour of your birth,
by any chance?

No.

Good fingers. Strong, artistic.

What about the concert?

These hands will
bring you great fame.

Well, I consider myself
a very fortunate man today.

I'm on hand
for the grand opening.
Of what?

Of your collection,
so to speak.
Oh, yes, of course.

Are you going to play?
How lovely.

Your wife sends her love.
David wasn't there?

No. He'll probably
be here in a minute, though.

Your touch has
improved, Phillip.
Rupert!

I was beginning to think
you weren't going to show.

You know me better than that.

Mrs. Atwater, may I present
Mr. Rupert Cadell?

Delighted.
Thank you.

Mr. Kentley.
How do you do, Mr. Kentley?

The housemaster at Somerville?
I used to be.

Then you must have taught
my son, David.
You flatter me.

How do you do?
Hello, chum.

Oh, Miss Walker.
How'd you know?

Brandon spoke of you.
Did he do me justice?

Do you deserve
justice? Well!

Well, little Kenneth Lawrence,
how you've grown.

Hello, eh-
Oh, now come, Kenneth,
school's out. You can say it.

Rupert, you're the same
as ever. It's awfully
good to see you again.

Why?
Uh, well, -

Don't mind me. Very pleased
to see you again.

And that bears a
curious resemblance
to champagne.

It is.
Very good champagne.
What's the occasion?

I told you on the phone.

It began as a little party for
Mr. Kentley so he could look
over those first editions.

It turned out Phillip and
I were going to the country-
You told me that too.

Did I?
Yeah.

I thought I'd make it sort of
a farewell for Phillip.

Therefore, champagne.
Uh, yes.

I see.
Well, it- I-It's true.

You always did stutter when
you were excited.

I-I guess I'm always excited
when I give a party.
Really?

Mr. Cadell!
Oh, Mrs. Wilson.

Well, what have we here?

I got that special
pate you like.

Oh, I don't like it any more.

Oh, no!
No, I'm just teasing.

You're awful.
Thank you.

You'd better get along with
the carving.

The rest of the
things'll be here
in two shakes.

Oh, Mr. Brandon! I found it.

I haven't the least notion
what she lost.

Wonderful Mrs. Wilson.

I may marry her.

It looks heavenly.
I hope David gets here soon.

Where is David?
I haven't the faintest idea.

He's so late, Mr. Kentley's
getting annoyed.

And you?
Me? I'm hungry.

Brandon, exactly what is this?

A "cassone" I got in Italy.
No, I mean why are
we eating off of it?

Oh, I've turned the
dining room into a library.

Trust you to find
a new use for a chest.

One was always turning up
in the bedtime stories
he told in prep school.

"The Mistletoe Bough," that
was your favorite tale,
wasn't it?

What was that one about?
I don't remember
how it started.

It was about a
lovely, young girl-
She was a bride-to-be.

On her wedding day,
she playfully hid herself
in a chest.
That's right.

Unfortunately, it
had a spring lock.

Fifty years later,
they found her skeleton.

I don't think I'll get
that playful.
Please help yourselves.

Talking of skeletons,
have you seen that
new thing at the Strand?

Yes, I adored it.
Did you? Good.

I didn't like
the new girl much.
Definitely Scorpio.

I didn't like her either,
but her clothes
were fabulous.

Simply divine!
Absolute heaven!

I must see it.
The man I have a passion for
is James Mason.

Is he good?
Absolutely terrific!

So attractively sinister!
Taurus, the bull, you know.

Very obstinate.
Really?

I have a confession to make.
I think I like Mason
as much as Errol Flynn.

I'll take Cary Grant, myself.
Oh, so will I!

Capricorn, the goat.
He leaps divine!

So much "oomph."
Yes.

Absolutely.
He was thrilling in that
new thing with Bergman.

What was it called?
"Something of the something."

No, that's the other one.
This was just plain "Something."
It was sort of, you know.

It's right on
the tip of my tongue.
Mine too.

It was just plain "Something."
I adored it.

And Bergman!
She's the Virgo type!

Like all these, you know.
Oh, I think she's lovely.

I once went to the movies.
I saw Mary Pickford.

I was mad about her!
Didn't you love her?

The Virgo type,
like all of these.

What did you see her in?
I don't quite recall.

"The Something Something."

Or was it just
plain "Something"?
Something rather like that.

I don't believe you ever went.

If I were you, I'd go
easy on the pate, dear.

Calories.
Come on, don't be polite.

Phillip, would you mind
helping Mrs. Atwater?

I'd be glad to.
Sit down, Mrs. Atwater.
I'll bring it to you.

Thank you so much, dear boy.

I must apologize for David.
I can't think
what's keeping him.

He's only in town
for the weekend and
David is a popular man.

Here, let me help.
White or dark?

A little of both on this
for Mrs. Atwater.

What about you?
I don't eat it.

How queer!
I never heard of anyone
who didn't eat chicken.

Did you, Brandon?
Oh, you probably did.

Why don't you eat it, Phillip?
I just don't.

There must be a reason.
Freud says there's a reason
for everything, even me.

There's no reason, Janet.

As I remember,
you have a very funny reason.

Doesn't he, Brandon?
Yes.

I knew there had to
be one. What is it?
It's nothing too much.

- It's fascinating.
- Come on, Brandon, please.

It happened about
three years ago in Connecticut.

Mother has a place there.

We were going
to have chicken so we
walked over to the farm.

It was a lovely Sunday morning
in late spring.

Across the valley,
the church bells were ringing.

In the yard, Phillip was
doing likewise to the necks
of two or three chickens.

Oh, dear!
It was a task he usually
performed competently.

On this particular morning,
his touch was, perhaps,
a trifle too delicate;

because one of the subjects
suddenly rebelled.

Like Lazarus, he rose-
That's a lie!

Phillip!

There isn't a word of truth
in the whole story.

I never strangled
a chicken in my life!
Look, Phillip-

I never strangled a chicken,
and you know it.

Forgive me, but it
seemed very funny...

you two being so intense
about an old, dead chicken.

Sorry. We were ridiculous
and very rude.

I apologize for both of us
and the story.

Well!

Is it all over?
I'm afraid so, Rupert.

Oh, what a pity. In another
moment, you might have been
strangling each other...

instead of a chicken.
Mr. Cadell, really!

But a man's honor was at stake.

Personally,
I think a chicken is as
good a reason for murder...

as a blonde, a mattress
full of dollar bills,

or any of the customary,
unimaginative reasons.

You don't really
approve of murder,
Rupert, if I may.

You may, and I do.
Think of the problems
it would solve:

unemployment, poverty,
standing in line
for theater tickets.

I must say, I've had a
perfectly dreadful time...

getting tickets for
that new musical,
what's it called?

You know.
"The Something,"
with what's her name?

My dear Mrs. Atwater,
careful application of
the trigger finger...

and a pair of seats
in the first row is yours
for the shooting.

Have you had any difficulty
getting into our
velvet rope restaurants?

Frightful!
A very simple matter.

A flick of the knife, madam,

and if you'll kindly
step this way-

Oh, no, step over
the head waiter's body.

Thank you, and
here's your table.

Rupert,
you're the end.

There's a hotel clerk
I could flick a knife at!

Oh, no, sorry.
Knives may not be used
on hotel employees.

The are in the "death by
slow torture" category,
Oh.

along with bird lovers,
small children,
and tap dancers.

Landlords, of course,
are another matter.

You seeking an apartment?
Call on our Miss Sash Weight...

of the blunt
instrument department.

What a divine idea!

If it suits
your purpose, merely-

But then we'd all be
murdering each other.
Oh, no.

After all, murder is,
or should be, an art;

not one of the
seven lively, perhaps,
but an art nevertheless.

As such, the privilege
of committing it
should be reserved...

for those few who are
really superior individuals.

And the victims,
inferior beings whose lives
are unimportant anyway.

Obviously. Mind you, I don't
hold with the extremists...

who feel there should be
open season for murder
all year round.

No, personally,
I would prefer to have...

"Cut a Throat Week."
Oh.

Or "Strangulation Day."

Probably a symptom of
approaching senility,
but I must confess...

I really don't appreciate
this morbid humor.
The humor was unintentional.

You're not serious
about these theories.
Of course he is.

You're both pulling my leg.
Why do you think that?

The notion that murder is an art
which a few superior beings
should be allowed to practice-

In season!

Now I know you're not serious.
But I am.

I'm a very serious fellow.
Then may I ask,

who is to decide if a human
is inferior, and therefore
a suitable victim for murder?

The few who are privileged
to commit murder.
Who might they be?

Oh, myself, Phillip,

possibly Rupert.

I'm sorry, Kenneth,
you're out.

Gentlemen, I'm serious.
So are we.

The few are those men
of such intellectual and
cultural superiority...

that they're above the
traditional moral concepts.

Good and evil, right
and wrong were invented
for the average man;

the inferior man,
because he needs them.

You agree with Nietzsche and
his theory of the superman.
Yes, I do.

So did Hitler.
Hitler was a paranoiac savage.

All fascist supermen
were brainless murderers.
I'd hang any who were left.

But then, you see,
I'd hang them first
for being stupid.

I'd hang all incompetents
and fools. There are
far too many in the world.

Then you should hang me.
I'm so stupid, I don't know
whether you're serious or not.

In any case, I'd rather
not hear any more of your...
contempt for humanity,

and for the standards
of a world that
I believe is civilized.

Civilized?
Yes.

"Civilization" is hypocrisy.
Perhaps.

- Well, I'm sure Rupert
has the intelligence-
- Now, gentlemen-

Please, Brandon, we've had
just about enough!

Phillip, where did you put
those books you set out
for Mr. Kentley?

I'd like to see them myself,
if I may.
Of course. They're
in the dining room.

Mr. Kentley, wouldn't you
like to see the books now?

I apologize, sir, again.

I'm afraid I let myself get
carried away.

That's quite all right, my boy.

I think it's a good
collection, the first
editions, I mean.

Yes, I'd like to see them.
May I use the telephone?

I'd like to talk to my wife.
She may have some word
of David.

Of course.
It's this way.

Uh, Brandon?
Yes.

You were pushing
your point rather hard.

You aren't planning
to do away with a few
inferiors, by chance?

I'm a creature of whim.
Who knows?
Oh, I see.

I think he's
definitely Scorpio.

Uh, Mrs. Atwater,
wouldn't you like
to see the books?

Oh, I'd love it.

Do you know, when I was
a girl, I used to read
quite a bit.

We all do strange things
in our childhood.

Kenneth, why don't you
switch on the radio or
play some records?

A little atmospheric music
goes a long way.

He is such a sly,
little devil, isn't he?

Bringing us back together
again with sweet music!

Don't let it get you.
He's always doing
something like this.

I'm going in the other room.
To see the books?

No, to let Brandon see me.

Do you care what he thinks?
I know what he thinks!

He thinks I threw you over
because David has
a bigger bank account.

Then, why do you go?

Because-

Because I'm embarrassed
at being here with you.

Oh, Janet!

Never thought
I could be, did you?
Honestly? No.

Well, I am and
I don't like it one bit.

I should think you'd
have the decency to be
embarrassed yourself.

Why?
Well-

You threw me over,
chum, remember?

My, wouldn't friend Brandon
love to know that?

What's the matter?
Nothing. I'm just thinking.

What about?
Female vanity.

Well, I'm also
embarrassed because-

Go on.

Well, you and David used to be
such good friends.

You're not and it's my fault.

I'm such an idiot girl.
No, you're not.

Then I'm certainly giving
a good imitation of one.

Why must I try and be
so smart with everyone
but David?

Don't you kid with David too?

I relax with David,
thanks to you.

To me?
Yes.

That-That grim Sunday
at Harvard,

when you called it quits,

David took me for a walk.

My chin was about
an inch from the ground.

I just couldn't be
the gay girl.

I just relaxed and
let everything pour out.

The real, real me stuff.

Did you hear that phrase?
I hear myself saying
things like that and-

Oh, where's David?
You know,

I'm not very smart.

Why?

I never realized you were-

Brandon and his
atmospheric music.

You are in love with David,
aren't you?

Yes.

I don't get it.
Get what?

Brandon made
a crack when I got here.
He implied I'd have a chance...

with you again because David
would be out of the running.

Wait. You mean, before
I got here Brandon knew
we had broken-

He even knew about
you and David.
What?

Kenneth, he pretended
to be completely ignorant
when I told him.

What's going on here?
I don't know,

But I'm going to find out
once and for all!

Brandon?
Yes?

May I see you for a moment?
Certainly.

Why can't he keep his hands
off people?

Well?

Just exactly what
are you up to, chum?
Up to getting you coffee.

Let's dispense with the charm!
I'd like to know why you had
the gall to tell Kenneth...

he wouldn't have to worry
much longer about David and me?

I don't think that's
precisely what I said.
It's what you implied!

I want to know why.
Some women are quite charming
when they're angry.

Unfortunately, you're not.
Cut that out!

Well, chivalry rears
its ugly head!
I don't believe David's coming!

Wait and see.
I don't have to.
He's never this late.

If something had come up,
he'd have phoned.

You deliberately arranged it
so that he wouldn't come.
How clever of me!

I might have known you
couldn't just give a party
for Mr. Kentley.

You'd have to add something
that appealed to your
warped sense of humor.

I hope you've
enjoyed yourself, Brandon.
I haven't!

He's really impossible!

You shouldn't let him
upset you.

Something gone wrong, Brandon?
No.

Janet has a talent for
being bothersome at times.

However, I suppose I'd better-

Uh, what did you mean,
"something gone wrong"?

You always plan your parties
so well, it's odd to have
anything go wrong.

She seems to be missing David.

As a matter of fact, I'm
beginning to miss him myself.

Aren't we all?

Two desserts, Mr. Cadell?

One for you and
one for me, my love.
Ah, Mr. C.

The others don't seem to be
in the mood for ice cream.

Well, they could all do
with a little cooling off.

My, it's a peculiar party,
not that that surprises me.

Why not?
I could have predicted it
this morning.

Both of them must have
got up out of the
wrong side of the bed.

They've been in
a state all day!

Mr. Brandon says
he's always in a state
when he gives a party.

It's the first time
I've seen it. Usually, he
lets me prepare everything...

in my own way; but, look
at this, the chicken's
hardly been touched!

What was so different today?
Oh, what wasn't!

Mr. Brandon was in the
maddest rush to clean up
and get the table set.

Oh, it looked so lovely!
But when I was whisking out
to do the shopping,

he suddenly told me to take
the whole afternoon for it.

The whole afternoon,
after that mad rush
in the morning!

Did he say why?
No, just a whim, I suppose.

But when I came back, he and
Mr. Phillip were going at it
hammer and tongs.

Oh. What about?

Mr. Cadell, even if I did know,
do you think I'd tell?

Well, I hope so.
Not me. I'm like the grave.

Look at this mess!
Just makes double the work.

After I have this cleaned off,

I have to clear
all those books off
the dining room table,

bring them here, put them back
in the chest, which is where
they were in the first place.

Why did you serve
from here, anyway?
It wasn't my idea.

I had everything laid out
in the dining room and
it was just beautiful.

On this thing, there isn't
half the room.

Is she still harping on
her table and how awkward
it is to serve from this?

It's much more convenient.
This way, people don't have
to go all the way into...

the dining room to get food
and come all the way back
to eat it.

Seems to me they've gone
in there now for their
dessert and coffee.

Mrs. Wilson, please
serve the guests.
Don't lecture them.

We did get up on the
wrong side of the bed,
didn't we?

I'm in quite an
embarrassing position.

How do you mean?

I seem to be the only one
having a good time.

You and Mrs. Atwater.

What's going on, Phillip?

Would you mind
turning that off?

Sorry.
I don't like to play
with light in my eyes.

You know, Phillip,

I get quite
intrigued when people
don't answer questions.

I'm quite curious.
Did you ask me a question?

Yes, Phillip,
I asked you a question.

Well, what was it?

I asked you what is
going on here.

A party.
Yes, but a rather
peculiar party.

What's it all about, Phillip?

What's what all about?
Stop playing "crime
and punishment," Rupert.

If you want to know something
come out with it!
Temper, temper.

Don't stop.
I'd like a drink.

I'll get it for you.
keep playing. What
would you like, Scotch?

No, brandy.

You're very fond of
that tune, aren't you?

You know, I wish I could
come straight out with
what I want to know.

Unfortunately,
I don't know anything.

I merely suspect.

I said that-
I heard you.

This all right?
Thank you.

That's fine.

Do you use this?
Sometimes.

I thought only beginners did.

I must say-
All right, Rupert,
I'll ask you.

What do you suspect?

Oh, I've forgotten.

Where's David, Phillip?
I don't know.

Why?
Brandon knows.

Does he? Not that I know of.
Doesn't he?

Oh, come now.
I don't. Why don't
you ask Brandon?

I have,

but he's too busy
maneuvering the other
two points of the triangle.

What for, Phillip?
just what is Brandon
trying to do...

with Janet and Kenneth?

What are you laughing at?
Nothing.

What is it? Am I so far
off the track?

There's nothing
going on at all, Rupert.

You're, uh,

more than usually allergic
to the truth tonight, Phillip.

That's the second time
you haven't told it.
Thanks.

When was the first?
When you said you never
strangled a chicken.

You're confused.
Brandon dreamt that up...

for the sake of
a very unfunny joke.
No, he didn't.

No, he didn't, Phillip.

And if you'll think back
carefully, you'll realize
that I know he didn't.

About a year ago,
I was up at the farm.
Remember?

One morning I saw you
display your handiwork.

You're quite a good
chicken-strangler, as I recall.

Well, I-I just meant that
Brandon's story wasn't true.

I didn't mean I hadn't
killed any chickens.
That's what you said.

Well, I didn't think it was
a suitable topic of conversation
while we were eating!

You could have said that.
All right, I didn't!

We're not eating now.
Why'd you lie to me?
I don't like to talk about-

About what, strangling-
I can't play with that thing!

I want you to have them.
It's extremely generous of you.

I know you appreciate
first editions far more
than I, Mr. Kentley.

It's very nice of you, Brandon.
What's wrong?

You and Phillip
must come to dinner soon.
What's wrong?

Don't you want Mr. Kentley
to have the books?
No!

I don't care if
he has them, I just-
What?

I think it's a clumsy way
of tying them up.

David never had trouble
taking care of himself.

But I can't
understand this.

Whenever he's been detained,
he's telephoned.

He's always been
after to me to be punctual.
As well he might.

You wouldn't know me these days.
I'm a new woman;
punctual as a clock.

That's very unfeminine,
my dear.

Perhaps, but I prefer manners
to femininity.

You sound just like Daddy.
I remember once-

Take it easy, Phillip.

Rupert's on to something.
He isn't. Now, let up.

I've got to have a drink.
You've had enough.

Take your hand off my arm!

Don't you ever again tell me
what to do and what not to do.

I don't like it and-
Keep your voice down!

I, uh, hope I didn't
upset Phillip.

No, he's more likely
mixing his drinks.

You seem rather upset yourself.
Do I?

Yes, there's something
upsetting both of you
a great deal,

something that-
Excuse me, sir.

There's a lady phoning
for Mr. Kentley or Mrs. Atwater.

It must be Alice.
I'll talk to her, Henry.

Down the hall to your left,
dear. The first bedroom.
Thank you.

Mr. Kentley, do you
suppose David could be home?
I hope so.

I hate to throw a damper,

but if David was home,
I think he'd be calling
instead of Mrs. Kentley.

Wouldn't you say so, Brandon?
I wouldn't know.

The David I remember
was polite as well as punctual.
He hasn't changed.

If he's not home,
where could he be?
I don't know.

He might be any number of
places, such as the club,

or the Bradleys are
giving a party, or
maybe he went to Janet?s.

Why?
To pick her up after all.

I phoned my place.
He wasn't there?

No. I left
a message but-

We might find out
where he is now...

if we knew where he was
this afternoon.

I haven't the least idea
where he was.

It would help
if we found out.
I suppose so.

He went to the club.
I know he got there.
Why?

Someone phoned from there
with a message that David
would meet us here.

Do you know who
gave the message?
No.

Obviously, David ran into
someone at the club
who changed his plans.

You weren't there this
afternoon, were you, Kenneth?
I wish I had been.

I don't suppose you or Brandon
were, Phillip.
No.

We had
our hands full getting
ready for the party.

There was
a lot to be done.
You know.

Yes, I see. You didn't speak
to David at all today?

No. Why do you ask?

I thought he might
have called to say
he'd be late.

He didn't.
Neither Phillip nor I
have talked to David...

since the day we invited
him to the party.
That's odd.

What do you mean?
I thought I heard David on the
phone to Phillip yesterday morning.

Yes, you did.
I'd forgotten.

Did he call
about the party?

Yes, he wanted to make
sure about the time.

Here, I'll help you with that.
Thank you, Mr. Cadell.

Very good.
That's all right, Mrs. Wilson.

You can put the books back
in the morning.

I didn't have any idea of
coming in in the morning.
I'm afraid you have to.

Just let the books go for now.
Well, all right.

Henry, Alice hasn't had a word
from David. She's frantic.

I better talk to her.
She hung up.
She began to cry so badly.

Oh, Henry, I'm worried.
What did she say?

She's been calling
every place he might be,
not once, but several times.

And now, Henry, she thinks
he may have had an accident.

She wants you to call
the police.
The police?

Oh, no, Anita, I don't
think that's necessary.

David's no longer a child.

I'm quite sure
he's all right. I-

Brandon, I think I'd better
go home. My wife needs me.

This isn't like David. He-
Of course. I understand.

May I go with you,
Mr. Kentley?
Thank you, Janet.

I'll get your things.
Thank you.

Oh, Mr. Kentley, your books.
Oh. Oh, yes.

I can't tell you
how sorry I am.

Would you call me as soon
as you hear from David?
Be glad to.

I'm sure the dear boy
will turn up.

Janet.
Yes?

This is hardly the time,
but I'm very glad
we had that talk.
So am I.

And David will be too.
Good.

Well-
Kenneth, why don't you
come along with us?

Oh, I don't-
Please.

Thanks.
This yours, Janet?

Yes, I'll just carry it.
Oh, thanks.

I'll get my hat.
Oh, going with Janet?

Yes, we're all going together.
What did I predict?

Good night, Mr. Kentley.

I hope Mrs. Kentley's
feeling better very soon.
Thank you.

Call me the moment
you hear from David?
I will.

Say good night to Phillip.
I'll get your hat, Mr. Cadell.

Mrs. Atwater,
thank you for coming.

Thank you for letting me come.
I'm so sorry we have to leave.

Good night.

Oh, that's not yours.
Oh.

Oh- Oh-
I'm very sorry
we had to spoil it.

You couldn't possibly spoil it.

I meant
by leaving so early.

Be careful of
those stairs, Anita.
Here we are.

Thank you, Mrs. Wilson.
Good night, Mr. Cadell.

Oh, you going too?
Yes, I must. Good night.

Good night.
Can I help you with
those books, Mr. Kentley?

Thank you for a lovely evening.
Good night, good night.
It's been charming.

Oh, Phillip, this party
really deserves to go
down in history.

Well, come on, it's over,
and it couldn't have gone
more beautifully.

Yes, it could, without Rupert.

He helped me say
all I wanted to say
to those idiots.

He gave the party
the touch I predicted.
The touch of what?

Prying, snooping or
just plain pumping?

Do you know how busy
he was questioning me?
About what?

Oh, what difference?
You were busy arranging that
other little touch of yours.

What touch?
Tying up the books that way.

Oh, I thought
that was wonderful.
Didn't you like it?

No, I didn't like it one bit.

He'll ruin everything with
your neat little touches.

Be quiet.
Mrs. Wilson's still here.

Determined to get drunk,
aren't you?
I am drunk.

And just as childish
as you were before when
you called me a liar.

You had no business
telling that story.
Why did you lie?

I had to. Have you ever
bothered to understand how
someone else might feel?

I'm not sentimental.
That's not what I mean,
but it doesn't matter.

Nothing matters, except that
Mr. Brandon liked the party.

Mr. Brandon gave the party.

Mr. Brandon had
a delightful evening.

Well, I had a rotten evening.

Keep drinking and you'll
have a worse morning.

At least if I have a hangover,
it'll be all mine.

Y-You know, Phillip,
I've been thinking.

We deserve a real holiday
after it's all over.

Of course, we should
come back here for a few days.
Otherwise, it might look-

I've been praying I'd wake up
and find we hadn't done it yet.
But why?

I'm scared to death,
Brandon. I think we're
going to get caught.

Oh, there's not a chance,
not any more. Why, we're pra-

Is that you, Mrs. Wilson?

Yes. I'll need a key
to get in in the morning...

if you're still driving
up to the farm tonight.
Oh, we're driving up.

You don't look well,
either one of you. Oh, thanks.

I could do with a rest myself,

but I want both of you
to come back in tip-top shape.
We will.

Well, I'm off.
Enjoy yourselves.
Don't forget to write.

And mind your P's and Q's.
Mm-hm.

Who are you calling?
Only the garage.

Hello? This is
Mr. Brandon Shaw.

Would you send my car
around, please? Yes,
right away. Thank you.

We'd... better draw
the curtains.

Who's that?
Brandon, who's that?

Probably the garage man.
Answer it.

There hasn't been time
for him to get here.

Maybe Mrs. Wilson
forgot something. Answer it.
Brandon,

couldn't we pretend
we're not home?

With all these lights on?
Answer it, Phillip.

Who is it?

Brandon... Brandon,
it's Rupert.
What?

He says he left
a cigarette case here.
He wants to come up.

Well, let him come.
But you know he's lying!
He's caught on!

Get back to that phone.
I won't.

Get back to that phone.
Brandon, I can't.

You've got to.
No! He knows!

Shut up.

Rupert? Come on up.

No, uh, course not.
He's just a little tight.

No, but we'll find it
in no time.

Right.

Phillip...
Phillip, listen to me.

Rupert's on his way up now,
and you've got to
pull yourself together.

Phillip, did you hear me?

Come on, have another drink
if you must,

but get hold of yourself
and keep your mouth shut.

It'll be over in five minutes.

I don't know how much,
if anything, Rupert knows,
but I promise you...

he'll be out of here
in five minutes,
one way or the other.

Phillip, for those
five minutes,

you've got to pull
yourself together.
Brandon, Brandon-

Now look, I'm not going
to get caught...

because of you or anyone else.

No one is going
to get in my way now.

Brandon, it's not
loaded, is it?

Sorry to bother you, Brandon.
It's no bother. Come in.

I knew you were
leaving tonight.

I didn't want to be
left without my case.
Hello, Phillip.
Hello.

I didn't mean to
alarm you before.
You didn't alarm him.

Phillip's a little
antisocial tonight.
Oh? I thought-

Any idea where you
left the case?
No, none at all.

Completely unlike me
to forget it, isn't it?

I suppose a psychoanalyst
would say that I didn't
really forget it at all.

I unconsciously left it
because I wanted to come back.

But, uh, why should I
want to come back?

Yes, why?
For the pleasure of our company
or another drink.

That's a good idea. May I
have one for the road?
Of course.

A short one?
No, I'd prefer a long one if
you don't mind.

Phillip, will you
fix Rupert a drink?
Now let me see.

The last I remember
having the case...

was when I was there.

I was just going to open
the chest for Mrs. Wilson
when you came over.

And then what?

I think I, uh-

Wonder where it could be.
Oh, well, here it is
right where I left it.

Gentlemen, I beg your pardon.
I'm very sorry.

I, uh-

Well, may I have
that drink anyway?
Of course.

You really don't mind?
No. Why should we?

Well, you might be-
What?

Tired. You're sure
it's all right?
He said you could have it.

Thank you.
Don't mind Phillip. I'm afraid
he's had a few too many.

Well, why not? Why not?
After all, it was a party.

Well, it's very pleasant to
sit here with a good drink
and good company.

I'm glad.

Please don't let me
be in the way.
Of what?

I know you have things to do.
What do you mean?

Packing, last-minute
odds and ends.

You are driving to Connecticut
tonight, aren't you?
Yes, but we're all packed.

Oh, I see. All ready.

All except one guest,
who must be gotten rid of.

Well, I'll be off...

as, uh, as soon as
I finish my drink.

There's no need
to hurry, Rupert.

Thank you. I, uh, would like
to stay a bit.

Perhaps even see you off.

I always hate to leave a party,

especially when
the evening has been
unusually stimulating...

or strange, like this evening.

What do you mean, "strange"?

Did I say "strange," Brandon?

You often pick words
for sound rather than meaning.

I don't exactly know
what I meant...

unless I was thinking
about David.

What was strange about David?
His not showing up.

You don't think anything
really did happen to him?

What could have?
He could have been
run over or held up.

In broad daylight?
That's right. I'd forgotten.

Yes, it must have been
broad daylight when it happened.

When, uh, what happened?

When whatever did
happen to David.

Nothing, probably.

Still, where is he?

What's your theory?
Mine?

I was considering Janet's
for the moment.

Oh? I didn't know
she had one.
Yes, you do.

I couldn't help
overhearing Janet.

She thinks you kidnapped
David, or did something
to prevent him from coming.

I'm not interested in Janet's
prattle, but you always
interest me, Rupert.

Do you think I, uh,
"kidnapped" David?

It's the sort of mischief
that would have appealed
to you in school...

for the experience,
the excitement, the danger.

But it would be slightly more
difficult to pull off now,
though, don't you think?

Ah, you'd find a way.
How?

I mean, suppose you were I.

How would you get David
out of the way?

You're much better
at this than I am.
What would you do?

Well, if I wanted
to get rid of David,

I'd invite him for
a drink at the club
or some quiet bar,

or better still,
I'd invite him here.

Then no one would
see us together.
That's good. And no witnesses.

Yes, that's right.
Then what?

Well-

Well, let me see.

At the appointed time,
David would arrive.

I'd walk slowly out of the room
into the hall.

I'd greet him, tell him
how fine he's looking
and so forth...

and, uh, take his hat.

Then I'd bring him in here,

make some small talk
to put him at his ease,

probably offer him a drink...

and then he'd sit down.
Yes?

I'd try to make it
all very pleasant,
you understand.

Phillip would probably
play the piano.

Now, as I recall,
David was quite strong.

He'd have to be knocked out.

So I'd move quietly around
behind the chair and hit him
on the head with something.

His body would fall
forward on the floor.

Then where would
you put him?

Well, uh-

Well, let me see.

Well, I think
I'd get Phillip to help me
carry him out of the room,

down the back stairs,
and the two of us would
put him into the car.

You'd be seen.
What?

You said that
if anything did happen,

it must have happened
in broad daylight.

That's right. I'd forgotten.

I'd find someplace
to hide the body until dark.

Yes, you would,
but where, Rupert?
Yes.

Yes, where?

Cat and mouse! Cat and mouse!
Phillip.

Which is the cat
and which is the mouse?
That's enough.

Mind your own business.
That's enough, Phillip.

I told you before,
mind your own business!

It really isn't
any of my business.
I'm not his keeper.

Uh, with him in
this condition, though,

there doesn't seem
to be much point in
your staying, Rupert.

That is, unless
you came back...

to find something besides
your cigarette case.

You mean, for example,
to find if you really
got rid of David.

Yes, that's what I mean.
Oh, you're as
romantic as Janet.

I don't think
you kidnapped David.

I admit Janet put the notion
in my head, but I never
would have mentioned it...

if it weren't that you seem
to be carrying fear of
discovery in your pocket.

What?
That's a gun, isn't it?

Oh.

That teased my suspicions
more than anything else,
and to tell you the truth,

it really scares me a little.
I'm terribly sorry, Rupert.

I don't blame you,
but-Well, here.

You can relax.
I have to take it
up to the country.

There've been several burglars,
and Mother's a bit on edge.

Uh, finished, Phillip?
All right.

Did you hear what Rupert
said about the gun?

He thought-

It's odd the way one can
pyramid simple facts
into wild fantasies.

We all do it,
don't we, Phillip?
Yes.

Particularly after a few drinks.
Uh, how is yours, Rupert?

I think I'll be running along.

Phillip, you'll feel better
once you get out in the air.

I don't think there'll be
much traffic. We ought to
make good time.

It's a lovely night.
You'll be driving up
in good weather.

I almost wish
I were going with you.
It might be rather exciting.

Driving at night always is,

but driving with you
and Phillip now...

might have an additional
element of, uh, suspense.

You were right, Phillip.
Those books were tied clumsily.

He's got it. He's got it!
Phillip.

He knows. He knows. He knows.

All right, easy.
I'll take care of it.
No, you won't.

I'd just as soon
kill you as kill him. Sooner!

This is what you wanted:
somebody else to know.

Somebody else to see
how brilliant you are,
just like at school.

I told you he'd find out,
but you had to have him here.

Shut up!
No! You made me
do it, and I hate you.
I hate both-

Stupid babbling drunk.

I'm sorry, Rupert.
It's all right.

It's all right. If you
really want to kill,
you don't miss,

not at that range.
Of course he didn't
want to kill you.

He didn't know what
he was doing, any more than
he knew what he was saying.

He's becoming an
alcoholic, Rupert-

Brandon, will you step
over there, please?

Phillip's drunk, Rupert.

Surely you don't take
those nightmare ideas
seriously-

Brandon. Brandon, I'm tired.

And in a way,
I'm frightened too, but I
don't want to fence any more.

What are you going to do?
I don't want to,

but I'm gonna look
inside that chest.

Are you crazy?
I hope so. With all my
heart, I hope I'm crazy.

This has nothing
to do with you.
I've got to
look inside that chest.

All right! Go ahead and look.

I hope you like what you see.

Oh, no. No!

Rupert-
I couldn't believe it was true.

Rupert, please-
Please what?

Listen to me. Let me explain.
Do you think you
can explain that?

Yes, to you I can,
because you'll understand.
Understand?

Rupert, remember
the discussion we had
before with Mr. Kentley?
Yes.

Remember we said,
"the lives of inferior
beings are unimportant"?

Remember we said-
we've always said, you and I-

that moral concepts
of good and evil
and right and wrong...

don't hold for
the intellectually superior.

Remember, Rupert?
Yes, I remember.

That's all we've done.
That's all Phillip
and I have done.

He and I have lived what
you and I have talked.

I knew you'd understand,
because you have to,
don't you see? You have to.

Brandon-

Brandon, till this very moment,

this world and
the people in it...

have always been dark
and incomprehensible to me,

and I've tried to clear
my way with logic...

and superior intellect.

And you've thrown
my own words right back
in my face, Brandon.

You were right to.
If nothing else, a man
should stand by his words.

But you've given my words
a meaning that I never
dreamed of!

And you've tried
to twist them...

into a cold, logical excuse
for your ugly murder!

Well, they never
were that, Brandon,

and you can't make them that.

There must have been
something deep inside you
from the very start...

that let you do this thing,

but there's always been
something deep inside me
that would never let me do it...

and would never let me
be a party to it now.
What do you mean?

I mean that tonight you've
made me ashamed of every
concept I ever had...

of superior or inferior beings.

But I thank you for that shame,
because now I know...

that we are each of us
a separate human being,
Brandon,

with the right to live
and work and think
as individuals,

but with an obligation
to the society we live in.

By what right
do you dare say...

that there's a superior few
to which you belong?

By what right
did you dare decide...

that that boy in there
was inferior and therefore
could be killed?

Did you think you
were God, Brandon?

Is that what you thought
when you choked the life
out of him?

Is that what you thought
when you served food
from his grave?

I don't know what you thought,
but I know what you've done.

You've murdered!

You've strangled
a fellow human being...

who could live and love
as you never could,
and never will again.

What are you doing?
It's not what I'm going to do.

It's what society's going to do.
I don't know what that will be,
but I can guess.

And I can help.
You're going to die,
Brandon, both of you!

You're going to die.

Was that a gun?
Yes, I heard three shots.

Yeah, they came
from up there.

I think somebody
better call the police.

Did anyone hear
any shots fired?

Can I use your phone?

Here comes a squad car now.

They're coming.