Something Creeping in the Dark (1971) - full transcript

Helen certainly picked a great
night to unveil her new nose.

Helen's my best friend.

I hope she looks
like a rhinoceros!

I can't see a damn
thing in this storm.

Don't drive too fast.

Plastic surgery!

She could've sent
us a photo instead

of inviting us to one
of her stupid parties.

Don't tell me you'd have
preferred to stay at home...

Wallowing in our
pleasant marriage!

You're fantastic! Finally,
something we agree on.



Anyway, going out on a night
like this proves one thing...

We've escaped from an asylum!

'Something Creeping
in the Dark'

But, honey, you could've
told me you didn't want to go!

Don't make me laugh!
Of course I could have...

But to who? The servant?

The road is slippery.

I'm warning you, Sam,
we can't lose him.

It must be another one
of Helen's guests...

All of them distinguished
by a special virtue.

Keep your comments to yourself,
they're not even funny.

Another candidate
for a suicide!

Why don't they use gas?
It's cheaper.

Stop, or I'll shoot!



You wouldn't want
to blow your chances

of promotion, would
you, Inspector?

Don't push me, Spike...

I would just love not having
to bother you with a trial.

So I have a choice! A bullet in
my head, or a rope around my neck?

Sam, turn the car
around, we're going back.

You're on the ball
Spike. You're educated...

You always know when to
deliver the punchline.

You'd be an interesting subject
for those crazy psychoanalysts...

But for me you're nothing but
an asshole and a dirty murderer!

Relax! I promise I'll behave.

At least for now.

Get rid of that cigarette.

And don't kid yourself,
your career is over.

Really?

You know, Inspector,
you never can tell.

Signal with the headlights.

You get in the car!

What the hell are they doing?

You'd better slow down,
probably an accident.

If it's one of those nuts

from before then I'm
going to enjoy this.

I'm a police Inspector.
I'm afraid you'll have to turn back.

How come?

You have to turn back,
the bridge has collapsed.

- An accident?
- No, nothing.

You'll have to find another
route, I'll follow you back.

- Can I smoke?
- No.

If I'm not mistaken,
there's another

bridge before we
reach the city.

Want to bet, Inspector?

Your Helen's going to be
waiting quite a while...

Her nose might grow even
longer while she's waiting!

Don't get your hopes up!

We'll take a longer
route, but we'll get there!

That's one thing you can't keep
me from doing, darling; hoping!

Stop.

What's happening? I'm
in a hurry! Let me pass.

Impossible. The bridge
has been washed away.

That's impossible!

I have to perform
an urgent operation.

It's a matter
of life or death!

Then get moving, you
can take the other road.

It's all flooded back there, even
the road is completely underwater.

You're Inspector
Wright, aren't you?

- I must find a way to the hospital!
- Can't you radio for help?

It's true! What
are you waiting for?

Unfortunately,
that's my private car,

it's not
equipped with a radio.

Aren't there any
houses around here?

I was just about to say...

Not far from the bridge, I noticed
a house with illuminated windows...

It might be an idea.

The important thing is if
they have a telephone...

I'm also in a hurry, Doctor.

- How do you know me?
- I've heard about you, Inspector.

But we'd better
get moving now.

- Maybe it's abandoned?
- I don't suffer from hallucinations!

- What do you want?
- We're stuck...

- The roads are all flooded.
- Go somewhere else.

Just a minute! I'm
a police Inspector...

And this is an emergency.

Do you have a telephone?

Over there.

Excuse me, Inspector, but I must
call the hospital immediately...

- I told you, it's an urgent case!
- Mine too, believe me.

Hello? Police Headquarters...

It's urgent.

Yes. This is
Inspector Wright...

Put me through to the Chief.

Hello?

Listen here, I've
captured Spike...

Yes! But hurry up!

Who is this Spike?

A homicidal maniac, at least,
that's what the papers say.

Magnificent! We're
in good company!

Finally! Listen, I've
got Spike and I need help.

Yes, I'm stuck in a
house along with some

other people, I'll
give you the address...

Hello? Hello?

Hello?!

God damn it! The line's dead.

Hello?

- I'm afraid you'll have to put us up.
- You can't stay.

Is this what they
call human solidarity?

I repeat, you cannot stay.

In that case I'll have
to use my authority.

If you assume full responsibility,
then make yourselves at home.

It's not your fault, Doctor,
but it's too late now...

It's pointless
letting it get to you.

Right. Pointless.

Sit over there. And
you'd better behave!

Well? Who's next door?

Nothing. People
passing through...

They've been
trapped by the storm.

They'll spend the night here.

We've all been introduced, it's
true. But what does that mean?

We've exchanged names,
that soon we'll forget...

People like us can do a
lot more, for example...

Organize the most
interesting erotic games

that the imagination
can come up with.

Don't you agree? Just think...

Following your
instincts and expressing

yourselves with
utmost sincerity...

Knowing we'll never
meet each other again.

Wouldn't it be fascinating?

We're a bit like survivors
on a deserted island.

- Assholes.
- Be quiet!

But why? He obviously gets it!

Silvia, cut it out!
You're not in your club!

Inspector, have
you ever arrested

anyone for not having
a sense of humour?

We could play a less
enjoyable game, Ms. Forest...

Like looking for a way out!

There must be another road
around here, or even a path.

The entire area is in
a disastrous condition...

And it's even more
dangerous in the dark.

Excuse me, Inspector, but we're
not under martial law here...

We're all free to stay or go.

They'll send help at
dawn. We're safe here...

So I'm asking you
all to co-operate.

Well said, Inspector.

Your little speech
has warmed us all up...

And here I see
the perfect remedy!

Seeing as I have to surrender.

No one else joining us?

Or do I have to ask
the boss for permission?

Don't be shy.

What was more
important to you Doctor?

The patient's life, or the
success of the operation?

Do you think death is
the end of everything?

I was forgetting that you're an
expert in philosophy, professor.

What do you think?
Don't be so modest!

I bet you're in love
with the Doctor but

you don't have the
courage to tell him!

How dare you!

- Why? I would be!
- Here we go.

You're barking up
the wrong tree, dear.

Isn't there anyone here
who can play the piano?

Where do you
think you're going?

He's not harming anyone, Inspector...

The situation is starting
to get very interesting!

That's enough!

Tell me how does
it feel to kill?

Do you think you could
really understand?

Tied to a thousand
prejudices, a thousand

fears, a thousand
superstitions...

No, you live a life of
vanity and compromise.

You'll never understand
what it means...

To free yourself
of all the hypocrisy

and stupidity of
this decadent world!

- You'll never understand!
- And why not?

- Because you're swimming in it.
- Sit down, that's enough!

Ready to judge and
condemn others...

Without any pity or
revolting sentimentality!

Then you know you're superior!

The evening has got off
to an exciting start...

Come on, gentlemen,
what's next on the menu?

That's enough, Silvia!

You could use a tranquillizer.

And you can go
to hell as well!

Look what I found, who
do you think it could be?

Lady Sheila Marlow, the
former owner of this house.

She was quite a
remarkable character.

One of the most beautiful
women in the world...

With an exuberant temper.

It wasn't only men who
were fascinated by her...

Even women were
jealous and envious...

But they were subjugated.

However, she was also a woman
known for her violent outbursts.

You're certainly
well informed.

She met a tragic fate, in
mysterious circumstances...

She was known as a human being
with destructive impulses...

- Diabolical.
- The Marlow trial...

She was accused of
killing her husband...

But she was acquitted
due to a lack of evidence.

- Did you know her?
- Who didn't?

Above all, they said she
dabbled in black magic...

And forbidden rituals!

But perhaps you can tell us
a bit more about her, Joe?

She used to hold seances. They
became an obligatory ritual.

In this very room! She
used that table over there.

Why not?

Why don't we try,
Professor Lawrence?

She might have something
interesting to say!

What do you mean?

A seance!

I must confess, I've always
been interested in the occult.

Besides, it's a good
way to pass the time.

- Donald?
- No, don't be silly, Silvia...

We're not at...

Come on, Donald.
Don't be so hostile.

Not this time. Absolutely not!

If I've understood correctly, you
intend to invoke Sheila Marlow?

- My husband is a good medium.
- You'll need three or four people.

Fine. Who wants
to participate?

- You, Inspector?
-Your games don't interest me.

You're a real party pooper!

Doctor?

This type of morbid exaltation
can be harmful to the nerves...

- As a doctor, I don't recommend it.
- Are you afraid, perhaps?

We invoke you.

From the place you have
been sent, come to us!

In the name of
Anachol, Sardi, Sarmeik.

Hold hands.

I don't understand, I
can feel she's here...

But she's not able
to reveal herself.

Please don't fight
it, it will be worse.

Always dark!

Always!

The light is fading!

Who are you?

Who summons me?

I can't see you!

I will return
into the darkness.

Let me hear your voices!

Show yourselves!

Stop! Let go!

I'll never forgive you!

Stop it!

You're lucky, Inspector.

Have a look at this.

Do you think I
would've got far?

The house is
surrounded by water.

I'm warning you for
the last time, Spike...

Don't try that again.

If you want my advice,
don't try that again.

Take this. You'll feel better.

You and your pills. This is
the best medicine, Doctor!

Certainly! I noticed you've
cured yourself very well with it!

By the way, you're the only person
we don't know anything about...

- Where were you going?
- I was coming here.

You mean to say... You
mean to say, right here?!

Let's say, around
here. Not far.

Everything is both near
and far, in a certain sense.

If you say so.

Tell me, you and
the doctor are

friends of the
professor, is that right?

Not exactly.

It's strange, we only
met him a few hours ago...

He was on the road, and
he asked us for a ride...

His car was stuck.

You're welcome
to use this room.

- Aren't there any bedrooms?
-Yes, but not enough for everybody.

Thank you, Joe. You can go.

Here. Tie him to the chair.

From now on, we'll have
to be very careful...

I don't like what's occurred.

What's your opinion,
Professor?

You noticed the
bolt of lightning

striking the window
at that moment...

According to the theories
of certain spiritualists...

When a seance is
interrupted like that...

The invoked spirit is
inextricably linked to the place...

And the people
who are part of it.

I don't mean to offend
you, Professor...

But I don't believe it's the right
time to discuss such foolishness.

That's right, Inspector,
world progress depends on this.

- On what?
- On differences of opinion!

Joe, the candles!

I'm surprised it lasted
as long as it did...

The entire line
must have fallen.

I've never seen
such stupid people!

The look on that girl's
face with the glasses!

She looked so scared! Like
it was the end of the world.

- What did you say?
- I thought you weren't coming back...

So I went to have a look.

Confess! You're not
so brave yourself!

Stop it, you idiot.
This isn't funny...

I told you to stay here!

I'm tired of always
being treated like this!

This isn't how I planned
on spending the night.

You should get some
rest, Professor,

there's still
another room free.

I usually don't sleep much,

besides I'm curious
about this book.

I'm coming, Sam.

- I don't want it to get too dark here.
- Thank you, Inspector.

Come in.

Excuse me, dear. I hope
I'm not disturbing you...

But I noticed you were the only
one of us with a suitcase...

And I was hoping
you could help me...

You wouldn't by any
chance happen to have...

- A hair brush?
- Yes, of course!

It's a question of habit,
you know.

Here.

Is that okay?

You have very good taste.

I never have time for such things,
my sister buys them for me.

- Tell me, were you afraid?
- The Inspector said we're safe here.

But I was referring to
what happened earlier...

Wasn't it exciting?

It's a question of calm nerves.
Would you like a tranquillizer?

You never need them, right?

If it wasn't for the
chiming of those clocks...

I'd say time was
standing still.

There are many things
between Heaven and Earth...

That do not concur with
your philosophy, Professor.

- I don't know what happened to me!
- Why did you scream?

I felt like I was going deaf!

- Doctor, when did you leave you room?
- What are you getting at?

- It was only a question.
- Why deny it?

I got the same impression,
Inspector...

You didn't?

- Where is your husband?
- Out there.

Donald isn't what you would
call the courageous type.

Where were you just now?

Are you the hotel detective?
I have a complaint...

The service here is rotten,
and the chamber maids are ugly.

I could tell you
a joke as well...

But I'm afraid the one that fits
would be far too obscene for you!

Are you okay, honey?

Come on, relax...

Violence isn't
your strong point,

and we both know
that only too well!

When I heard the
screaming I thought it

would be better to
stay here and wait.

Nothing but a small case of
hysterics, women are like that!

You did well to stay here. From
now on, no matter what happens...

Wait for me.

And always keep
your eyes open!

You seem strange.
Don't you feel well?

Susan, why don't you answer?

Doctor Williams.

- Could I have another pill?
- These sedatives are rather strong.

However...

- You can take another one.
- Thank you.

- Susan.
- Don't touch me.

- Don't touch me.
- What happened?

I'm almost afraid to ask
you. What happened Susan?

I don't know. I
can't remember.

What do you mean
you can't remember?

That horrible sensation,
creeping up my skin...

Like a slimy snake...

Like something repulsive.

That engulfs you,
with no escape.

I don't know, there's something
monstrous in this house...

I'm reminded of what
Professor Lawrence said...

These absurd suggestions
are getting to me as well!

Forgive me, Susan,
I didn't mean to frighten you.

- The door!
- What's wrong?

Calm down. We're alone.

The door opened
I remember now!

Everything's fine.
Don't be afraid...

From now on, you wont
be alone any more.

Look who's here!

What is it? Do you want
a pill for your migraine?

I can't remember
the last time you

visited me at this
hour of the night.

Sam, can I get a drag?

Be careful, Sam!

- Can I have a look?
- You like looking at monkeys in cages?

- Is it safe?
- Sure.

After you.

You must be in real trouble, friend.
Want some expert advice?

Maybe...

Maybe I need it right now.

You're an expert,
especially at killing.

And no one's going
to disturb us now!

Don't hate me because your
wife wants something I've got...

That's her problem!

Well... Let's say
it's your problem!

Stand up.

What's going on tonight?

Have you suddenly remembered
that you're my husband?

Why are you standing there
like that? Why don't you answer?

What's the matter, Donald?

Please...

Donald!

Joe?

Oh my god!

How long have you been here?

Dead! A broken neck.

To tell the truth the
screaming took me by surprise...

Maybe I hesitated for a
few seconds... But not more.

Don't move.
I'll be right back.

I just don't understand!

Don't knock at Hell's door,
or it might open!

- Were you in your room, Ms. West?
- Of course! Why?

Did you hear anyone
come in here? Voices?

I'm not sure but I
only heard Ms. Forest.

Only hers? Are you sure?

- At least, it seemed that way to me.
- Never mind...

It all seems
clear enough to me!

- You think it was Mr. Forest?
- Who else?

Aside from the fact
that he's disappeared...

I don't think he's the
type to commit such a crime.

Perhaps he was concealing
paranoid tendencies?

Either way, it's better if you
all return to the reception.

And stay there
until I've found him!

I just don't understand...

I had already given him
a strong tranquilizer.

And not long ago he himself
asked me for another one.

Strange! A dose strong enough
to put a horse to sleep!

Something must have triggered
something in his brain...

Throwing his
nerves off balance.

A neurotic's reactions
are often unpredictable.

Ms. West is right...

Not everything can have a
logical scientific explanation.

- Did you find him?
- Unfortunately, not...

I have a feeling he is
no longer in the house.

- What do you mean?
- That he's trying to escape...

- With all the darkness and flooding...
- Are you sure?

The attic!

- Inspector, Spike got away!
- What?

That lunatic Forest hit me,
he must have freed him.

You wait here. We're up
against Spike as well.

- It can't be!
- What?

Inspector.

- Don't talk, keep calm
- Forest, why did you do it?

Where...

Where is my wife?

Where is my wife?
Sheila.

Who shot me?

Who was it?

Doctor!

Doctor!

Help me!

He's dead.

I don't understand, all
he did was lie to us.

- No man lies when he's about to die!
- He was delirious, that's all.

I tell you that man
was lucid when he spoke!

Do you recognise this gun?

Sure, it belonged
to Lady Marlow.

How do you think it
got into Forest's hands?

I really can't say.

I hope you don't
expect me to believe

that Forest knew
where to find it?

What you do or don't want to
believe, doesn't concern me...

But I know for a fact
that during the trial...

...the police looked
everywhere for that pistol...

And up to now, it's
never been found.

How was Forest able to find
it? And after so much time?

I don't want to be
the one who finds out.

Do you happen to have
another cigarette?

Sorry, it's my last one.
If you want...

No, it doesn't matter,
thank you.

Doctor.

I can't get it
out of my mind...

The gun appeared from nowhere!

And the desperate expression
on Forest's face before he died!

His last words.

Forest was nothing
less than a victim...

We are all in the shadow
of extraordinary influences.

There's nothing
extraordinary about it!

A man murders his wife...

He hated her and was just waiting
for the slightest provocation...

Then he happened to find that
gun and turned it on himself.

You're forgetting what
he said before he died!

- The ramblings of a madman.
- You can't prove that!

You're only saying that
because it suits you.

I felt sorry for him...

It was as though he'd
woken up from a bad dream.

Like someone forced to
act against their own will.

I don't want pursue that
angle any more, Professor!

Let's change the subject.

What happened to Forest
could happen again.

But it would be foolish of
me to think you'll listen.

Quite right.

I advise you all to
stay here together...

And don't leave,
for any reason!

There's a dangerous
criminal on the loose.

That's what I wanted
to say as well...

If we stay together we can prevent
someone else becoming possessed.

I envy your calm, Professor.

I've simply learnt to
accept the inevitable.

There's still something
undefinable in the air...

I feel it, it's like a threat.

Who is it?

Were you scared?

I always knew there was
something wrong with you.

Why are you looking
at me like that?

What's got into you?
Have you gone mad?

- And if I was?
- It's a stupid joke!

- You think so?
- Cut it out!

There are already two bodies,
they were murdered here...

What do you say?

Anything can
happen before dawn!

What's that supposed to mean?

Do you know who is
with those people?

Spike! Someone who
enjoys killing...

Someone with a reputation.

But there are many
others like him around...

They seem normal,
and at the right time...

Please, Joe! That's enough!

I could free
myself of you now...

I'll never get another
chance like this!

I could kill you, throw your
body in the water out there...

A flood always
claims many victims!

Let me see you scream!

Let me see!

Imbecile!

- Wait!
- Join the others if you're afraid!

Don't leave me alone!

Inspector, I think I
saw Spike at my window.

You think so?

I'll ask Sam to have a look.
I'll keep searching here...

Who's there?

Why don't you stay
with us for a while...

We'd feel safer with you here.

I'm sorry, but I'm in the mood
for conversation right now.

You ought to rest,
your nerves are shot.

Why don't you mind
your own business!

There...

That's it...

Everyone should mind
their own business!

Everyone in their place!

Service has no limit.

Spike! Damned bastard!

Doctor Williams, you're
the only one I can trust...

There's been another murder,
Spike has killed Sam...

He's armed and I have to
stop him! No matter what!

Okay, but what can I do? -Stay
here and be ready for anything!

Take it. You might need it.

- When will this nightmare end?
- It'll be dawn soon.

What is it that
forces a man to kill?

What turned Forest
into a murderer

and then made him
take his own life?

Nowadays it is frowned upon to
think a person can be possessed...

But the past and
present intertwine and

the answer is found
only in the future.

There are too many things
that we don't yet understand.

It's over.

That's right.
It's dawn, Doctor.

What do you think Inspector? Was
it a collective Hallucination...

Or could it be
that a frightening

reality does exist
outside of ourselves?

- I don't know.
- That's right.

We aren't meant to know...

Only to believe,
or not believe.

A helicopter!