Sudden Fear (1952) - full transcript

Actor Lester Blaine has all but landed the lead in Myra Hudson's new play when Myra vetoes him because, to her, he doesn't look like a "romantic leading man." On a train from New York to San Francisco, Blaine sets out to prove Myra wrong...by romancing her. Is he sincere, or does he have a dark ulterior motive? The answer brings on a game of cat and mouse; but who's the cat and who's the mouse?

- When I wake in the morning,

when I go to sleep at

night, I think of you.

You're like the air

which surrounds me,

the sky which spreads above me,

earth beneath my feet.

When I hear music,

when I see beauty,

when I breathe in the sunlight,

I think of you.

You are all the

women in my life.

You are the sister I never had,

the mother I have

almost forgotten.

The wife I have

always dreamed of.

There isn't a

relationship you can name

which exists between

a man and a woman

of which I wouldn't

say let it be you.

Oh let it be you.

- [Bill] Okay that's

the second act curtain.

I like that tempo, Lester.

Keep it that way,

stick a pin in it.

Let's take a 1 0-minute break.

- Listen to this.

"The rumor along

Schubert Alley is

"that Myra Hudson, a

San Francisco heiress

"who needs another hit

"the way Rockefeller

needs another million,

"is rumored to have her best

play yet in Halfway to Heaven,

"which Scott Martindair put

into rehearsal this week."

- I wish they'd forget

the heiress business.

- [Bill] Just give

your money to me, dear,

and they'll stop bothering you.

You want to talk about those

second act changes now?

- I think we ought to talk

about this actor first.

- He's a real find, isn't he?

- And what a lovely

speaking voice.

- He sounds romantic enough,

just doesn't look romantic.

- [Bill] He's an

excellent actor, Myra.

- I know, Bill, but that

isn't enough for this role.

We've got to

convince the audience

that this character could

recite Three Blind Mice to Laura

and she would think it was

the most romantic

poem in the world.

He has to be the

kind of charm boy

that makes every woman in

the audience sit right up

and go, "Mm !"

the instant he

walks on that stage.

- I haven't seen an actor

like that since John Benoir.

- Scott, I've watched him

from every section

of this theater,

and I'm sorry, but he's

just not right for the part.

- Have you decided to set

yourself up as a judge

as to who is

romantic-looking, Myra?

- I have to direct this play.

In my opinion, he'd

be great for the part.

- You're both entitled

to your opinions,

but I still say that

he's not my idea

of a romantic leading man.

-Sweetie, I'm only putting a

paltry $85,000 in this play.

I know that's only the

interest on your securities,

but it happens to be my money.

- That you made on my play.

- Well, there's

no use in arguing.

I hate to break

the news to Blaine.

- Well tell him the truth.

Make me the heavy.

Say I exercised the dramatist's

privilege of cast approval.

- You heard her,

Bill, you fire him.

- And they wonder why I haven't

a friend along Broadway.

That's all for today, everybody.

Oh Mr. Blaine, can

I see you a moment?

- Anne.

Anything in the morning mail

that needs an immediate answer?

- Telegram from San

Francisco from Steve Kearney,

and Charles Hought phoned

about an interview.

And the Dramatists Guild asked

if you can attend a committee

meeting Saturday evening.

Friday at 2:00 for Mr. Hought.

Tell the guild I'm in

rehearsal but I'll try.

Wire Steve that the

play opens on the 21 st

and I'll take the

train to San Francisco

on the following Monday.

- Miss Hudson.

Miss Hudson.

Miss Hudson !

In your own native

city of San Francisco,

there's an art gallery

in the legion of Vonern,

which there's an oil

painting of Casanova.

It's quite obvious that you've

never seen this painting.

For your information,

Miss Hudson,

this is what

Casanova looked like.

He had big ears, a

scar over one eye,

a broken nose, and

a wart on his chin.

Right here.

I suggest, Miss Hudson,

that when you return

to San Francisco,

you visit this gallery

and see this painting.

- Mr. Blaine.

Mr. Blaine!

- Does this train go

right to San Francisco?

- It's a through car.

- I'll be waiting for you

at the open pier, Myra.

- Thank you, Anne.

I'm so tired I don't want

to see or talk to anyone

'til I get to San Francisco.

I'll take a rest

here on the train.

- I'll drive Anne to

the airport tonight.

- [Myra] Thanks, Bill.

- I'm like Myra.

I'd rather ride the train.

- Have a wonderful trip, Myra.

- And if you have any spare time

between here and Chicago,

write me another play.

- [Myra] Oh sure, sure, I'll

have it done by Cleveland.

- Goodbye!

- Bye.

- [Male Voice] Aboard.

Aboard.

- Mr. Blaine.

Oh Mr. Blaine.

Oh.

- Hello, Miss Hudson.

- [Myra] It's

quite a coincidence

you're getting on

the train at Buffalo.

- Oh I got on the train

in New York, Miss Hudson.

As a matter of fact,

I saw you embark.

- You did?

- I saw the whole procession.

Candy, books, flowers.

- Oh, now look--

- I thought perhaps you'd come

down to say goodbye to me.

And then I remembered you'd

done that about a month ago.

- I tried to reach you several

times about a month ago.

- Oh did you?

- Yes, I--

- Excuse me, sir.

- [Lester] Sorry.

- [Myra] Now that you're here,

won't you come in for a drink?

- All right.

Shall I ring for the porter?

- Yes, please.

Sit down.

- [Lester] What are you reading?

- Time Out For Crime.

- [Porter] Yes, Miss Hudson?

- Couple of drinks,

scotch over ice, please.

- [Porter] Yes, sir.

- How did you know?

- [Lester] What you drink?

- Mm-hmm.

- [Lester] I read the papers.

- Well now that I've

finally caught up with you,

I'd like to really explain

what really happened.

- Please don't.

Look Miss Hudson, you

wrote an excellent play

and cast it according

to your best judgement.

I read the reviews.

They were sensational.

My congratulations.

- [Myra] It's a little

embarrassing coming from you.

- Forget it.

Look, let's get down to

something far more important.

Do you play stud poker?

- I haven't for years.

You mean two-handed stud poker?

- [Lester] Yeah.

- I used to play like

that with my father.

Oh, we used to fight like mad.

- [Lester] Liked your father?

- I adored him.

He was a great poker player.

He was still willing

to take a chance.

- I'll risk it.

- [Myra] All right, come in.

- Scotch over ice?

- Oh, would you get us a

deck of playing cards please?

- Yes sir, I always

carry a deck on me,

in case a gentleman

needs some in a hurry.

- Well, thank you.

Oh no you don't.

- Oh please, I invited you.

- I should say not.

- But I insist.

- I'll tell you what.

Let's play the match game.

- The what game?

- The match game,

don't you know it?

- I'm afraid I

never heard of it.

- All right, I'll

teach it to you.

Excuse me.

Do you have any book matches?

- [Myra] Yes, right here.

- Thank you.

Now this is how the game goes.

Here are three matches for you.

Let me have your hand.

Three for you and three for me.

Now put both of your hands

behind your back like this.

- Yes.

- Now put any number of matches,

zero, one, two, or

three in one hand,

close it into a fist,

and swing it out in

front of you like this.

Now you guess how

many matches there are

in both our hands combined.

- In both?

- [Lester] Yes.

- [Myra] Let's see.

- [Lester] Come on.

- Four.

- Now it's my turn to

guess, and I say three.

Now turn your hand

over like this.

- Four, I won.

- Yeah.

Are you sure you haven't

played this game before?

- [Myra]

No, I'm positive.

- [Lester] Thank you.

- Thank you, sir.

Would you like me

close the door?

- No, thank you.

- [Porter] Yes, sir.

- And now for a

fast game of poker.

- We'll need some chips.

- You shuffle the cards.

We'll use the matches for chips.

There's four for you,

for me.

For you.

And for me.

- Don't you have

one match too many?

- Sorry.

Miss Hudson.

I'm entitled to a cut.

- Sorry.

Cut.

And where were you born?

- Near Pittsburgh.

My father was a coal miner.

I served a stretch

underground too as a kid.

I had to.

Since then I've traveled through

Pennsylvania only at night.

I don't recognize the

country in the daylight.

My pop couldn't understand my

wanting to breathe fresh air,

wear a clean face, read

a book now and then.

- When did you start to act?

- In the Army.

Playing Lenny in Mice and

Men in a camp show.

Wonderful way to fight a war,

but it was my downfall too.

Once you've lost your

heart to the theater,

it's hard to get it back.

Besides, I won't take it back.

I'm stubborn.

- I like people who

make up their minds

and then stick to it,

whatever the odds.

You're a very good actor too.

It wasn't my lack of

faith in your ability

as an actor that made--

- Please, it's been such

a delightful breakfast,

Miss Hudson, let's

keep it that way.

- Shall we play the match game?

- Certainly not.

We'll be in Chicago soon.

I'm gonna show you

a part of Chicago

you never dreamed existed.

Sports, the theater, the Roman

arena all rolled into one.

- Can we see all of

that in four hours?

- We can see it five minutes

where I'm gonna take you.

Let's go.

- Okay.

- Miss Hudson, you'll want to

put your Chicago lipstick on.

I'll wait for you

in the lounge car.

- Fine, I'll meet you

there in 1 0 minutes.

- Right.

Conductor.

How can I make arrangements

to stay on this train straight

through to San Francisco?

My ticket's only

good to Chicago.

- When we pull into the station,

I'll check to see if

there's space available

on the next Pullman.

It connects with the

California Zephyr.

- I'd appreciate that.

- Yes sir.

- I always feel that

I'm halfway home

when the train leaves Chicago.

- Must give you a warm feeling

to have a home to go to.

- It was such fun

in Chicago today.

An acting school for

wrestlers.

Now I've seen everything.

- It's all part of the theater.

That's why I knew

you'd be interested.

You work pretty hard at

the theater, don't you?

- [Myra] Yes, I believe I do.

- [Lester] Why do you work?

- Why do I work?

Well I suppose it's

a desire to achieve,

to earn my keep,

to stand on my own two feet

instead of my father's fortune,

and to make my own

place in the world.

Does that make sense to you?

- Makes a lot of sense.

Personal achievement,

it's what we all want,

each in our own way.

Though to be honest, if I'd

inherited all that money

I'm not sure I'd have

had the character.

- Of course you would.

Look, a lot of little cells

and glands and

molecules get together,

they spell out Lester Blaine.

There's no other person

in the whole world

who exactly duplicates you.

2, 1 74,000,000 people,

but only one Lester Blaine.

- I'll travel part of the

way with you on that idea.

2, 1 74,000,000

people in the world,

and only one Myra Hudson.

- Excuse me,

your table for two in the

dining car is ready, Mr. Blaine.

- Thank you.

Shall we?

Myra.

"The skies are painted

with a thousand sparks.

"They're all fire, and

every one doth shine.

"But there's but one in

all doth hold his place."

- Julius Ceaser,

third act, scene two.

- Roger.

- I bet here's one

you don't know.

"Burn this night with torches.

"I know my hearts I hope

we'll have tomorrow."

- Antony.

- [Myra] Right.

- And tomorrow you'll

be in San Francisco.

- Oh you'll love

my San Francisco.

Is that a wedding ring?

- It was my mother's.

- Oh there she is, Steve.

- She looks wonderful.

Who's that with her?

- Why, it's that actor.

- Oh.

- Steve.

- Myra, Myra, darling.

Welcome home.

- Good to see you.

- Darling, you look wonderful.

- You remember Lester.

- Oh hello, Lester.

- Hello, Anne.

- And this is Steve Kearney,

my lawyer, my guide,

and my dearest friend.

- Mr. Kearney.

- Mr. Blaine.

You ever been to San

Francisco before?

- Oh very briefly I came

through with a camp show

during the war.

- Oh it's going to be such

fun showing you San Francisco.

How about dining

and dancing tonight?

- Tonight?

- Well aren't you tired

from your trip, Myra?

- Oh not at all.

Where should we pick you up?

- I'm not sure where

I'm gonna stay.

- Well let's say the

Fairmont at 9:00, huh?

- That'll be fine.

- They dance well

together, don't they?

- Welcome to my home, Lester.

- Thank you.

It's quite a cozy home.

- Cozy enough for you

to take your coat off.

- [Lester] Delighted.

[Myra] It's 5:00 already,

and I'm not the

least bit sleepy.

- [Lester] Is it that late?

- It has been fun

tonight, hasn't it?

- [Lester] It's still

fun this morning.

- [Myra] This is where I work.

- [Lester] Where

your plays are born.

- Plays are born out

of everything you've ever seen

and all the men and

women you've ever known.

This is where I

put them on paper.

Would you like a drink?

- [Lester] Yes.

- Scotch, orange juice, milk?

- [Lester] Whatever

you're drinking.

- Milk then.

- What's this?

A guided missile?

- No, that's my

dictating machine.

- [Lester] I've never

seen one like it before.

- I had it built specially.

I like to wander

around when I dictate.

I'll show you something.

See this?

It's a microphone.

There are four other

hidden around the room.

There's the master

switch over there.

I turn it on,

all the microphones are

alive automatically.

When I start to talk,

the disk records.

When I stop, it stops.

- That's very ingenious.

- Skol.

- Why don't you try it yourself?

Walk around the room.

Say something.

Well.

- When I wake in the morning,

when I go to sleep at

night, I think of you.

You're like the air

which surrounds me,

the sky which spreads above me,

the earth beneath my feet.

When I hear music,

when I see beauty,

when I breathe in the sunlight,

I think of you.

You are the sister I never had,

the mother I have

almost forgotten,

the wife I have

always dreamed of.

They're isn't a

relationship you can name

which exists between

a man and a woman

in which I wouldn't

say let it be you.

Let it be you.

- It's very flattering

to be quoted.

I'll play it back for you.

- [Myra's Recorded

Voice] Say something.

Well.

- [Lester's Recorded Voice]

When I wake in the morning,

when I go to sleep at

night, I think of you.

You're like the air

which surrounds me.

The sky which spreads above me,

the earth beneath my feet.

When I hear music,

when I see beauty,

when I breathe in the sunlight,

I think of you.

You are the sister I never had,

the mother I have

almost forgotten,

the wife I have

always dreamed of.

There isn't a

relationship you can name

which exists between

a man and a woman

in which I wouldn't

say let it be you.

Let it be you.

- [Myra's Recorded Voice] It's

very flattering to be quoted.

- It was a wonderful day.

- Every minute of it.

Dinner's at 7:00.

Don't be late, darling.

- I'll be ahead of time.

- [Operator] Operator.

- Operator, I've been

trying to get Prospect 1 71 71

for two hours.

Will you please

check and make sure

the phone isn't out of order?

- [Operator] One moment please.

- Thank you.

- Myra, we're a

delegation of two

to see what's happened

to our hostess.

- Myra, you must

come downstairs.

- I'll be there in a minute.

- You've been trying

to teach me manners

ever since I was a kid.

Everybody's waiting.

- Shh !

- [Operator] On your

call to Prospect 1 71 71 ,

there is no answer.

- Something must

have happened to him.

- Maybe the guy got

his dates mixed.

You know sometimes--

- He knew I was giving

this party just for him.

- Myra, let me phone, so

you can join your guests.

Maybe he misunderstood the time.

- Oh he'd have called.

He calls every night.

He wouldn't be two

hours late though

unless something had happened.

I must go to him.

- Could I drive you, Myra?

- No thanks, Junior.

This is something I have

to do all by myself.

- [Anne] What will

I tell the guests?

- It doesn't matter.

Tell them anything.

Just tell them anything.

Lester.

Where have you been?

I've been calling and calling.

Why haven't you answered?

- Forgive me.

- Where are you going?

- I have no place

in your life, Myra.

No proper place.

- And you are leaving

without even a word?

- [Lester] I don't

belong to your world.

You have so much.

I have nothing.

- Without you, I have nothing.

Oh Lester.

- Darling.

Good morning.

- Good morning.

- How did you sleep last night?

- Wonderfully.

- Come on sleepyhead,

let's get out of bed.

- No don't, now don't

do that to me!

- Where's your bathing suit?

- Over there in the drawer.

- Which one is it?

- [Myra] That one.

- Here come on, let's take

a swim before breakfast.

- All right.

Turn your head away.

Go on, turn your head away.

- I like to look at you.

- [Myra] You couldn't possibly

at this hour in the morning.

- Oh anybody can look

at you in the afternoon.

- [Myra] But I haven't

even got my lipstick on.

A woman has to wear lipstick.

I feel positively

naked without it.

Darling.

- Let's get out of here

before I forget

I'm a married man.

Do you want this, dear?

- Yes please.

- I'll fix breakfast

for us after our swim.

Where are the

steps to the float?

- [Myra] Right here.

- Follow me.

- [Myra] Okay.

- Whoa!

- [Myra] What's the

matter, darling?

- It's a precipice.

- [Myra] I've been running

up and down these steps

ever since I was 1 2.

- [Lester] Don't you

ever do it again.

- Why not?

Remember what Nietzsche

said, "Live dangerously."

- [Lester] You know what

happened to Nietzsche?

- [Myra] What?

- He's dead.

Mr. and Mrs. Lester Blaine

will proceed down this ski

jump at a nice slow walk.

- [Myra] All right.

- [Lester] Watch out.

- What is it?

- There isn't even a guardrail.

- [Myra] But there's

no danger, not really.

- Oh no?

Could get killed falling

down these steps.

- What a

beautiful place for it.

You know what we do

here in the wintertime?

- [Lester] No.

- [Myra] We ski.

- [Lester] Mrs Blaine,

you're about to be dunked !

- [Myra] Oh no no no no!

- [Lester] Yes you are!

- Eve, darling.

- [Eve] Myra, oh so nice.

- My dearest friends,

Eve and George Ralstin.

- Good evening.

- Hello, Lester.

- [George] Lester.

- George.

- And Dr. Van Roan.

- How do you do, Doctor?

- Looks like you married a

good healthy specimen, Myra.

- Oh darling, I'm

so happy for you.

- I hope you play bridge.

- Very badly.

- Fine, that's what

we're looking for,

a bad bridge player

with good money.

George.

- Just a joke, dear.

- Good evening, Mr. Kearney.

- Julius.

- [George] How have

you been, Myra?

- Fine.

We had a divine time

at the summer house.

- [George] Oh Myra,

did my mother come yet?

- [Myra] Yes, she's

with Tom and Francesca.

- Oh I see her.

Come on darling,

say hello to mother.

- [Eve] Yes, George.

- Excuse me, please.

- Yes, Doctor.

- Sure, Doctor.

- [Junior] Myra.

- Hello, Junior.

- Congratulations.

- Thank you.

- This is Irene

Neves from New York.

Myra Hudson.

No.

It's Blaine now, isn't it?

- Yes it is.

How do you do, Miss Neves?

- How do you do, Mrs. Blaine?

- This is my husband,

Lester Blaine.

- [Irene] How do

you do, Mr. Blaine?

- Miss Neves.

- Welcome to

California, Miss Neves.

- Thank you.

- Are you a visitor or are

you going to stay here?

- Oh no, I intend to

become a San Franciscan.

I've taken an apartment

at the Tamil Pies.

- [Myra] How nice.

- You'll excuse

us, Myra, Lester.

- Junior.

Introduce Miss

Neves to our guests

and give her a drink, will you?

- [Junior] Sure.

- It's very nice to

have met you both.

- Hello, Steve.

- Hello, Junior.

- This is Irene Neves.

My brother Steve.

- How do you do, Miss Neves?

- How about you and I

having a drink together?

- Don't get out, it's too late.

Thank you for a lovely evening.

- [Junior] I usually take

my girls to the front door

and kiss them goodnight.

- You stay right where you are.

Good night, dear.

Call me tomorrow.

- [Junior] Okay.

Good night.

- Good night, Junior.

- Come on.

What are you doing

in San Francisco?

- An old friend of mine

married a San Francisco girl.

Here.

I'll show you.

It was in all the

New York papers.

Good picture of both

of them, isn't it?

- Don't be cute.

- I thought I'd come out here

to see how you

were getting along.

- How long have you been here?

- A week, and take

your hands off me!

- Where did you meet Kearney?

- At his office.

You see, I thought I

might need a lawyer.

Your wife's lawyer from choice.

- Steve's my wife's lawyer.

- [Irene] Yes.

But Junior is more

impressionable.

- What have you

said to impress him?

- He said you were going

to Chicago for a job.

- What have you

said to impress him?

- You mean have I told him

why a certain woman

lent you 5,000?

- Have you?

Have you?

- Not yet.

And I haven't told

him about the house

on Fire Island either,

or the night after New Years.

- If you ever do, you're

gonna need a new face.

Remember that.

- Thanks.

Thanks a lot.

- Thanks for what?

- For still loving me.

- Tell Mr. Builder

I'll call back,

and please hold the phone

calls for a while, Miss Carter.

- [Miss Carter]

Yes, Mr. Kearney.

- Now as I understand it,

this all boils down to a

matter of dollars and cents.

- That's right.

- [Steve] You realize of course

that your wife is a

very wealthy woman.

- I've never

discussed it with her.

- I see.

Before I pursue

the matter further,

I think I should know just

how much money you require?

- Naturally I can't

pretend to support Myra,

but I ought to at

least support myself.

- Certainly I had no

intention of implying that--

- I'm sure of it.

You're too good a

friend of Myra's,

and I hope eventually mine.

- Excuse me, Lester.

- Sure.

- Yes?

- [Junior] Steve, I've just

added up Myra's new figure

for the Hudson Foundation.

Do you realize what

percentage of the estate

she's giving away?

- I'll talk to you

about it later.

You were saying there's

very little work

for an actor here

in San Francisco.

- Yes.

Still Myra comes first with me,

so since her friends and

her interests are here,

this is where

we'll have to live.

- I'm glad to hear you say that.

- Now if you could

give me some advice

on what kind of

employment to look for.

I don't like to use

my wife's connections,

but unfortunately, I

don't have any of my own.

- I see.

You realize that with Myra's

income as a playwright,

there's no real necessity

for you to work at all.

- There's a very real necessity

for my going to work, Steve.

You see, I'm not

the kind of a man

who could live on

his wife's money.

- I understand.

- Say, Steve, before I

prepare the conveyance

for the husband to sign--

- Here's a friend of yours.

- Oh hello, Lester.

- Hello, Junior.

- Good to see you.

- Thank you.

- Social visit,

or is Kearney and Kearney

about to get a new client?

- Purely social.

- Yes, he's right here.

- Telephone for you.

A Miss Irene Neves.

- Oh.

- Junior.

- Pardon me, Lester.

- Sure.

- Hello, Irene.

- Drink?

- You did?

- Yes.

- I had a wonderful time too.

How about trying it

again sometime soon?

Tonight?

Oh don't worry,

you couldn't get rid

of me if you tried.

- What a charming place

you chose for a rendezvous.

- You're still running

after young Kearney.

What's the idea?

- You're hurting me.

- I haven't started to hurt you

unless you give me

some straight answers.

Why are you seeing Kearney?

- Because you haven't

called me in eight days,

because the rent's due,

and because I'd rather

eat dinner than starve.

- I'll get you some

money as soon as I can.

I've gotta watch my step.

- What am I supposed to

do while you watch it?

Look at the walls and wait

for the phone to ring?

- I'll tell you what you can do.

You can help me.

Junior likes you.

He'd talk easy for

somebody he liked.

- What do you want

him to talk about?

- My wife is giving

a lot of money away

to a thing called the

Hudson Heart Foundation.

I want to know who gets how much

and who handles the money.

- Why don't you turn

over in bed some morning

and ask her?

- Why don't we really

start to work together

the way we used to?

- Yes.

Why don't we?

- Can you see what you

can get out of Kearney?

- I'll turn him inside out.

Hello?

Lester.

It's about time you called.

Yeah yeah, I finally

got him to talk.

It took five martinis.

He really talked last night.

You want to know what part

of her father's estate

she's giving away?

All of it.

I wish I was kidding,

but according to Junior,

she's only keeping

a little real estate

that she bought

with her own money

and the royalties from a play.

All the rest she's giving

to the Hm Hm Foundation.

Well that's a fine noble

character you married.

Ha.

Why don't you use that key

I gave you and come on over.

We've got lots to talk about.

Yeah.

Goodbye.

- [Lester] Hi.

- Hello, darling.

Thanks again for a

wonderful time last night.

Dancing in the

middle of the week

made me feel like a debutante.

- You look like a debutante.

- What have you got there?

- Just a little private party

before the guests arrive.

- You know you're spoiling me,

for any other husband.

- I can't think of

anything more exciting

than drinking champagne in

a pretty woman's bedroom.

- I can't think of

anything more exciting

than drinking

champagne with you.

- Skol.

- I was talking to

Steve the other day.

- He'll be here

in a few minutes.

Said he was coming early

to bring some papers.

- He mentioned something

about a trust fund

you were setting up in

memory of your father?

- [Myra] Mm-hmm,

Heart Foundation.

- Great idea.

Tell me about it

someday, will you?

- I'd love to, darling.

You're mussing me.

- Am I?

Who is it?

- [Julius] Mr. Kearney has

arrived to see Mrs. Blaine.

- Hello, Steve.

You wanted to see me?

- Yes, Myra dear,

happy birthday.

- But that isn't until Monday.

- Oh, but this coming

Monday is the big birthday,

as you know,

the day you sign the

trust agreement over

to the foundation.

- Oh don't tell me I have

still more papers to look at.

- A simultaneous conveyance

for Lester to put his name on.

You're married now.

- I know it.

And I love it.

- And while I was about it,

I made out a new will for

you to sign, because--

- Because I'm

married now, I know.

- As your friend, as

well as your attorney,

I took the liberty of suggesting

what I consider a

sensible bequest.

- Thank you, Steve.

- [Steve] If the terms

don't satisfy you,

I can change them to

anything you like.

- My husband, on my death,

income 1 0,000 a year for life,

or until he remarries.

Steve.

I wouldn't do a thing like

that to someone I loved.

Not for all the

money in the world.

I'm not going to hang on

to any man from the grave.

I'm astonished at you.

Steve, all my life

I've been rich.

Nobody could give me anything.

I had it all.

But that wasn't enough.

Then I met Lester.

He filled my life completely.

He gave me everything.

And took nothing.

Only my love.

And for the first time

in my life, I felt poor,

because that was

all I had to give.

And for the first time

in my life, I felt rich,

because he gave me

so much in return.

- Myra.

You'd lambaste the daylights

out of any playwright

who turned out

dialogue like that.

- I know.

But the happy heart

loves the cliche.

- Yes, I know.

- Look, let me dictate

the changes I'd like

in this tomorrow

and you can pick it up

with the rest of the papers

on Monday, huh?

- Could you do it now?

Junior and I are going

to Sacramento tomorrow.

- Oh that sounds very gay.

- Doesn't it?

We're arguing a case before

the State Supreme Court.

- Well.

I guess I better

think about it now.

To my dear husband.

To my beloved husband.

What's the matter, Steve?

- Nothing, nothing at all.

- I'd better dictate

these changes.

Paragraph one.

I do hereby give and bequeath

to my beloved husband,

Lester Blaine,

the income from all

my play royalties,

this income to be

his in perpetuity,

and is not revocable on his

remarriage after my death,

or during my lifetime, should

our marriage be dissolved.

I'm not going to hang on to him

from this side of

the grave either.

Oh my guests are here.

Steve, be an angel and

run down and tell them

I'll be there in 1 0

minutes, will you?

- Certainly.

- Thanks.

Paragraph two.

- [Steve] Would you

like the doors closed?

- Yes, please.

Paragraph two.

Upon my death, all my real

estate and investment holdings

are to go to my husband,

as a small return for the

happiness he has given me.

- It was so nice of Mrs.

Blaine to ask me here tonight.

I have to see you alone.

- I don't see how.

It's a pleasure to have

you here, Miss Neves.

- It's very important.

- Myra will be

right down, Lester.

- Thank you, Steve.

All right, Myra's

study upstairs,

I'll tell you when.

- Thank you.

Junior.

- [Junior] Yes, Irene?

- [Irene] Good evening, Anne.

- [Woman] I'll bid four spades.

- [Man] Pass.

- [Man] Six hearts.

- [Man] I'll just

double six hearts.

- [Woman] Re-double.

- [Man] Oh no.

Now we're in for it.

- [Man] Let's take a look

at that dummy partner.

- Good morning, Anne.

- Good morning, Myra.

You slept late after

the party last night.

- Yes, Lester had already

gone by the time I woke up.

- [Anne] He left

a message for you,

said he might be

late for dinner.

- Oh?

- [Anne] Did you know

you left the dictating

machine on last night?

- Oh no I didn't,

I turned it off.

At least I think I did.

- [Anne] Well it was on

when I was ready to leave,

so I turned it off.

- Maybe I did leave it on.

I was feeling very

gay last night.

- [Anne] It's good

to see you so happy.

- [Myra On Machine]

Paragraph one.

I do hereby give and bequeath

to my beloved husband,

Lester Blaine,

the income from all

my play royalties,

this income to be

his in perpetuity,

and is not revocable on his

remarriage after my death,

or during my lifetime, should

our marriage be dissolved.

I'm not going to hang on to him

from this side of

the grave either.

Oh my guests are here.

Steve, be an angel and

run down and tell them

I'll be there in 1 0

minutes, will you?

- [Steve On Machine] Certainly.

- [Myra On Machine] Thanks.

Paragraph two.

- [Steve On Machine] Would

you like the doors closed?

- [Myra On Machine] Yes, please.

Paragraph two.

Upon my death, all my real

estate and investment holdings

are to go to my husband,

as a small return for the

happiness he has given me.

- [Lester On Machine] What's up?

- [Irene On Machine] Listen,

Junior's told me something

I think you ought to know.

She's made a new will.

- [Lester On Machine] Go on.

- [Irene On Machine] That's

what Steve had to see her about.

He's leaving with Junior for

Sacramento for three days.

When they return on Monday,

the will is to be signed.

- [Lester] Why the rush?

- [Irene On Machine]

I don't know.

- [Lester On Machine]

How do I stand in it?

- [Irene On Machine]

I couldn't find out.

- [Lester On Machine]

If Steve rigged it,

I'll be out flat on my face.

Why couldn't you find out?

- [Irene On Machine] What

excuse can I give Junior

for asking?

I take enough

chances as it is.

- [Lester On Machine] This

part of the loving bridegroom

is beginning to

crawl out of my ears.

- [Irene On Machine]

You know the lines.

Just keep on saying

them and you do it good.

- [Lester On Machine]

Sometimes when I'm with her,

it's all I can keep from saying,

"Be yourself, wise up.

"Love you?

"I never loved you,

never for one moment."

I'd like

to see her face.

- [Irene On Machine]

You're talking crazy.

- [Lester On Machine] Come here.

- [Irene On Machine]

Take is easy.

I've gotta go back downstairs.

- [Lester On Machine]

Just once more.

- [Irene On Machine]

You've smeared my lipstick.

I've gotta fix it

before somebody comes.

Where's a mirror?

- [Lester On Machine]

Here by the desk.

Just to hold you like this,

that's all I dream about.

- [Irene On Machine]

Lester, don't.

- [Lester On Machine] I

don't know how I stand it

not being with you.

- [Irene On Machine]

What's this on the desk?

- [Lester On Machine]

It's the will.

- [Irene On Machine]

Last will and testament

of Myra Hudson Blaine.

- [Lester On Machine]

Let's see where I come in.

JV Hudson Foundation.

Oh that's not it.

Here it is.

To my husband, Lester

Blaine, on my death,

$1 0,000 a year.

- [Irene On Machine]

Is that all?

- [Lester On Machine]

Get a load of this,

"Until he remarries."

- [Irene On Machine]

And you thought

you were playing it so smart,

not taking anything from her,

no presents, no jewelry,

no handouts, no nothing !

- [Lester On Machine] If that

dirty double-crossing dame

thinks that she can--

- [Irene On Machine] Listen,

she can't sign it 'til Monday.

- [Lester On Machine]

Did Junior say that?

- [Irene On Machine] Yes,

she comes into the rest

of her old man's money Monday.

She can't dispose of

it 'til it's hers.

- [Lester On Machine]

She doesn't sign the will

until Monday,

so what's the difference?

- [Irene On Machine]

Suppose she isn't able

to sign it on Monday.

- [Lester On Machine]

What do you mean?

- [Irene On Machine] Suppose

something happened to her

between now and Monday.

Who'd get her money?

- [Lester On

Machine] Her husband.

Lester Blaine.

I'd get it all, why not?

- [Irene On Machine]

Sure, why not?

- [Lester On Machine] Rich.

You and me, rich.

- [Irene On Machine]

Lester, I have a gun.

- [Lester On Machine]

Gun is no good.

It'll have to look

like an accident.

- [Irene On Machine] Sure

sure, but that's easy.

- [Lester On Machine]

Not too easy.

We've got three days.

I've gotta be smart.

As her husband, I'd be

suspected before she was cold.

- [Irene On Machine] Three days.

We'll work it out.

Kiss me.

Hard.

- [Lester On Machine]

Crazy about you.

I could break your bones.

- [Irene On Machine] No more.

We'll have to be careful.

You'd better give

me the key back.

- [Lester On Machine] What key?

- [Irene On Machine]

You know what key.

The key to my apartment.

- [Lester On Machine]

Uh-uh, I might need it.

- [Irene On Machine]

Don't you dare,

with Junior popping in and out,

and your wife's house

only a few blocks away.

- [Lester On Machine]

That's a break

with Steve and

Junior being away.

I gotta think fast.

Gotta think of a nice

foolproof little accident.

- [Irene On Machine]

We'll work something out.

I know a way.

I know.

- [Lester] This part of

the loving bridegroom

is beginning to

crawl out of my ears.

Just to take hold of you like

this, it's what I dream about.

- [Irene] Take it easy, Lester.

- [Lester] I don't know

how I can stand it,

not being with you.

I'm so crazy about you.

I could break your bones.

I'll make her pay for this.

But it's got to look

like an accident.

A nice foolproof

little accident.

An accident.

Accident.

Accident!

- Myra?

Myra?

Myra, are you in there?

Myra, let me in !

I heard a scream.

What's the matter, darling?

What's the matter?

- I was asleep.

I guess I was dreaming.

- What's wrong, Myra?

Anne and the servants

haven't seen you all day.

- I haven't been

feeling too well.

- [Lester] Oh I'm sorry.

Is it anything serious?

- No, just a frightful headache.

- [Lester] I've never

seen you look like this.

- I guess maybe I had too

much champagne last night.

- [Lester] Yeah.

You drank a toast

with everybody.

I'll fix you something

for your headache.

- No.

I'm sorry, my nerves

are so on edge.

I've had an aspirin.

I'll be all right if I

can just sleep this off.

- Just as you say, dear.

I'll put you to bed then.

Come on.

You'll feel better when

you get under the covers.

Now isn't that better?

Now I'm going to see that

you get a good night's rest.

Where are your sleeping pills?

Here they are.

This will help you to sleep.

Here.

What's the matter, darling?

- I'm sure I'll fall

asleep without it.

I'm very tired.

- All right.

Don't fight it, dear.

Take the pill if

you can't sleep.

Good night, darling.

Oh I'm going to bed

early tonight too,

so would you like me

to leave my door open

in case you need me?

- No thanks.

- [Irene] You better

give me the key back.

- [Lester] What key?

- [Irene] You know what key,

the key to my apartment.

- [Lester] Uh-uh,

I might need it.

- [Irene] Lester.

I have a gun.

- Good morning, Mr. Blaine.

- Good morning, Mrs. Blaine.

You're up early.

Didn't you sleep?

- Like a top.

The last thing I remember

was reaching for the pill,

and I was fast asleep.

- [Lester] You're

feeling much better.

- Much.

- Service.

- I'm feeling a little

apologetic this morning.

- What about?

- Yesterday, I'm afraid I

was pretty bad tempered.

- You weren't much

like yourself.

- I've just been

working too hard lately,

trying to get my

new play started.

I'm sorry, Lester.

I think it might be a good idea

to get away for a

few days, rest up.

Maybe I could bring that

nice-tempered Mrs. Blaine back.

- Go away?

Where will you go?

- Oh just down to

the summer house.

- This time of year?

- I know it sounds crazy,

but I love it down by

the bay in the winter.

It's so quiet,

I can take walks

along the waterfront.

- Sounds pretty dreary.

- It's wonderful.

It's like being on

a desert island.

- Aren't any of the houses open?

- Nothing near.

All the houses along the

waterfront are closed

for the season.

I'll only have

seagulls for company.

Like a Russian novel.

It's very restful being alone.

Away from everybody.

You don't mind my tidying

up after you, do you?

- I don't mind

anything about you,

except your going away.

Okay.

If that's what you want,

that's what we'll do.

- Oh but I wouldn't

expect you to come.

- Of course I'll come.

- [Myra] No really, there's

no reason for you to be bored

just because I need a rest.

- Now get this straight darling.

I wouldn't let you go

down there by yourself.

Let's not argue about it.

- I'll confess something.

I was hoping you

would ask to come.

- Then it's all settled.

- [Myra] If you're

sure you don't mind.

- Mind when it's for you?

We'll have a second honeymoon.

No servants, no visitors,

just the two of us.

- Sounds wonderful.

- It'll be wonderful.

I'll start to pack right away.

- Wait.

It's too soon to pack, isn't it,

since we're not

leaving until Sunday.

- Sunday?

But I thought--

- I would if I could,

but I can't get away

any earlier, dear.

Oh Lester, would

you do me a favor?

- Of course, dear.

- Would you drive down and air

out the house this afternoon

and build a fire to get

rid of the dampness?

- I'll be glad to.

- Good, I'll see

you at dinner then.

- Wait a minute.

Aren't you going to kiss me?

Why do you look at me like that?

- I was just wondering what

I'd done to deserve you.

- [Irene] Did you know

that Myra asked me

to lunch with her today?

- [Lester] What

did you tell her?

- [Irene] That I had a date

with a very exciting man.

You don't suppose she could

suspect anything, do you?

- [Lester] Not the way

I make love to her.

- [Irene] Sunday's cutting

it awfully thin, isn't it?

- [Lester] Sure.

This place is so

perfect for an accident.

Down those stairs.

It was her own

idea to come here.

- Yes, now look,

the first thing you

do tomorrow morning

is to call up the

theater ticket agency,

get two seats for a

couple of shows next week.

- Who for?

We can't--

- For her.

You better make it four seats,

and ask Junior and me.

I'll get Junior to

plan dinner first

or a supper party afterwards.

And then we'll all be

brokenhearted together.

- Good morning.

Ready?

- [Myra] Ready.

For what?

- To go to the summer

house the way you planned.

You're not dressed yet.

- But I told you.

Oh I am sorry.

It must have been Anne I told.

- [Lester] Told what?

- About the Ralstins.

You see, yesterday

was her birthday,

and tomorrow is mine,

and every year she gives

this birthday party

the day in between.

I'd completely

forgotten about it.

- What are you saying?

- That we're not going

to the summer house.

We're going to the

Ralstins' instead.

- But you promised.

- [Myra] I know.

But if I promised Eve

first a long time ago.

- Listen, you said we were

going to the summer house.

You can't back out now.

- Lester, why are

you so excited?

- I guess I was

just disappointed.

I've been looking forward

to being alone with you,

another honeymoon.

- [Myra] We can still

have it, next week.

- But you need a rest now.

Why give it up for

a dinner party?

- I'm feeling much better now,

and besides, Steve and Junior

will be back from Sacramento.

- I thought they weren't

due until Monday.

- [Myra] At the office.

They'll be home tonight.

She's asked them too.

Dinner and bridge.

- Dinner and bridge.

You might have told me sooner.

- Is it so important?

- No.

I broke a golf date

this afternoon.

- But you could still go out.

It's early.

Don't be cross.

- I'm not cross.

- It's sweet of you

to be disappointed.

- [Lester] I'll go to the club

and see if I can get a game.

- [Myra] Oh, don't be late.

I've asked Steve, Irene,

and Junior for cocktails

so we can all go on

to Eve's together.

- All right.

- [Irene] And you let

her get away with it.

You let her get away with it.

- Will you cut it out?

I couldn't make her go, could I?

I couldn't carry her there.

- You may have to.

There are only a few hours left.

This is our last

chance, our last chance!

- I could have strangled her

when she said we weren't going.

- Two whole days

thrown away, lost,

could've planned something,

could've worked it all out!

- All right, we can't

waste any more time.

All right, answer it.

- Hello?

Okay.

It's the land lady.

The radio's too loud.

Lester, it's got to be tonight.

- [Lester] We can't take any

chances and lose everything.

- [Irene] It's got

to be an accident.

A quick accident.

- What kind of an accident?

What kind, what kind?

- Keep your voice down.

What kind of an accident?

Lester.

- Yeah?

- Do you remember that woman

who tried to kill

herself on Fire Island?

- So?

- I took it away from her.

Remember?

- What?

- [Irene] What she tried

to kill herself with.

- But what good does that do us?

- I've got it, I saved it.

I'll show you.

- [Lester] Refills, everybody?

- Yes, sir.

- Always rum for one more.

- Oh, Junior, please.

- Irene, I'm sorry.

I didn't know you were

going to wear white tonight.

If it's going to be

embarrassing for you,

I can run upstairs and

change in a second.

- Oh no, you look

so lovely, Myra.

- Thank you.

- My, this is a

wonderful martini.

- Thank you.

- The servants are off tonight.

Excuse me while I get

the hoers de'vours.

- [Junior] Why don't we

just stay here tonight?

This is more fun

than playing bridge.

- [Steve] Bridge is

a wonderful game.

Occupies the mind,

keeps you away from bad company,

and yields a small

but steady income.

- Well if I must play bridge,

I hope Myra's my partner.

Okay, partner?

Myra's mind is

someplace else tonight.

Come to the party, dear.

- Oh I'm so sorry.

- [Lester] I hate

to break this up,

but we're due at the Ralstins.

- I'll get my coat right away.

- [Steve] A year ago

tonight at the Ralstins,

Junior and I made seven

spades, doubled and redoubled.

- Ready, everybody?

- [Steve] Myra!

- [Junior] Myra!

- [Lester] Are you all right?

- [Myra] I think so.

- [Steve] Get some

water somebody.

- Sure.

- How did it happen?

- Oh I tripped over my coat.

- You're pale as a ghost.

- I'm still alive.

- Sit on this chair here.

- Oh my ankle.

- Which one is it?

Let's have a look at it.

- This one.

Careful.

- Let's take the shoe off.

- Hey that looks pretty bad.

We'd better call a doctor.

- Oh no.

No, it isn't that serious.

If it isn't better by

tomorrow, I'll have it x-rayed.

- [Junior] Here, drink this.

- Here, darling.

- Thank you.

- Try to stand on it,

that's the best thing.

- [Steve] No I don't

think she should.

- [Irene] Exercise

is good for it.

- Is it?

- Keeps the circulation going.

- All right, Irene, I'll try it.

- [Irene] Yeah.

- Lester.

Will you help me?

- Sure.

- No no, it's no use.

- [Scott] I think you ought

to get right to bed, Myra.

- Yes, perhaps you're right.

- Maybe if you rested a while.

- Oh no, I'm afraid not.

- I don't suppose there's

any use asking you

to go on without me?

- Not a husband like yours.

- I certainly wouldn't

leave you alone.

You'll have to go by yourselves.

Tell Eve and George

how sorry we are.

- All right.

I'll get your coat, Irene.

- [Steve] The faster

we get out of here,

the sooner she'll get to bed.

Sorry, Myra.

- I feel such a fool

falling down the steps.

So clumsy of me.

- [Steve] If you insist

on being your own doctor,

remember, it's ice

packs for a sprain,

not a hot water bottle.

- [Myra] I know.

Thank you, Steve.

- [Lester] I'll take

good care of Myra.

- Of course you will, Lester.

- I'll just put on my scarf.

There's a mirror, excuse me.

- [Myra] I hope I haven't

broken up your game tonight.

- [Junior] Forget it, just

take care of your ankle.

- [Myra] I will,

thank you, Junior.

- [Steve] So we'll play cut in,

but I still think you

ought to call the doctor.

- [Myra] Please tell

Eve how sorry I am.

I know she'll understand.

- [Lester] She'll

understand, dear.

- [Steve] Of course she will.

I'll call after dinner

to see how you feel.

- [Myra] Yes, dear.

- Good night.

- I do hope you feel

better soon, Myra.

- Thank you, Irene.

- Please let yourselves out.

I want to take Myra upstairs.

- [Steve] Goodbye.

- [Junior] Good

night, Lester, Myra.

- Let's go, dear.

- I'm sorry to

spoil your evening.

But you don't like

bridge anyway.

Would you get me an ice bag?

And a cigarette, please?

- I'll see if there's an

ice bag in the bathroom.

No ice bag here.

I'll have to go

downstairs for one.

- [Myra] Will you bring my coat?

It's still on the stairs.

- Right.

Ice bag, coat, and I'll

pick up your shoe too.

Oh and maybe a book.

Would you like me to read

to you after a while?

- Yes.

I'd like that.

I'd like that very much.

- Let mystery have

its place in you.

Do not be always turning

up your whole soil

with the plowshare

of self-examination.

Leave a little fallow

corner in your heart

ready for any seed

the winds may bring.

And reserve a look of

shadow for the passing bird.

Keep a place in your heart

for the unexpected guest.

An altar for the unknown god.

Then if a bird sings

among your branches,

do not be too eager to tame it.

If you are conscious

of something new,

thought or feeling,

awakening in the

depths of your being,

do not be in a hurry to

let in light upon it,

to look at it.

Let the springing germ

have the protection

of being forgotten.

Hedge it around with quiet.

And do not break in

upon its darkness.

Let it take shape, and grow.

And not a word of your

happiness to anyone.

Darling.

Are you asleep?

- [Male Voice] You've

been found guilty

of murder in the first degree,

and for the killing

of Lester Blaine,

you will be sentenced to death.

- No, no, no, no!

- Oh !

- Well hello.

- [Myra] Let me go.

- How about buying

me a little drink?

- [Myra] Let me go, please!

- Oh come on--

- [Myra] I said let me go!

- Dames.

- Junior, it's nice of you

to bring me home from

the party so early,

when you were having

such a good time.

Please, Junior, I

have a headache,

I'm gonna take an

aspirin and go to bed.

- I've run into some stiff

competition in my time.

It's the first time I ever

tangled with an aspirin.

- Junior, I told you

why I came home early.

- I know what's awfully

good for a headache.

Why don't you just relax

and let yourself go?

- Not tonight, Junior, please.

- Don't send me away, not now.

- I don't want

to, you know that.

But this headache, that's

why I left the party early.

- You're much too beautiful

to have a headache.

- You needn't crush me to death.

- I'm sorry, it's just,

I've been driving myself

crazy imagining things.

Imagining maybe

there's someone else.

- When do you give me a chance?

- If there were, I'd kill him.

- You wouldn't kill anyone.

- Why not?

- You're not the type.

There now, satisfied?

- The answer is no.

But I'll go.

Just one more.

- [Irene] Good night, Junior.

- All right, but take

care of yourself.

See you tomorrow.

- [Irene] Tomorrow.

Whew.

- No.

No!

- [Junior] Irene?

Why didn't you answer the

phone a few minutes ago?

I just wanted to say

good night again.

Irene.

Irene?

Irene, are you all right?

Answer me, Irene.

Irene.

- Irene!

Irene!

Irene, where are you?

Irene?

Irene, open the door!

Irene!

Irene, where are you?

Irene!

Myra.

Myra!

- Mister.

Mister, please help me.

Let me in please.

Please, please help me!

Lester!

That's Irene!

- Lester!

- Irene!

- [Myra] Oh no.

No!

- [Man] What a smash-up.

- [Woman] Don't touch anything.

You gotta wait

for the ambulance.

- [Man] The man's dead.

- [Man] The girl's dead too.