The Dark Tower (1943) - full transcript

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Ladies and gentlemen,

once more we bring to your town
the thrill of a lifetime.

The unparalleled, the inimitable,
unrivalled Empire Circus.

Come in your thousands and
enjoy this feast of equine dexterity

and acrobatic marvels that we shall
place before your astounded gaze.

Never before in the history
of this town

have such a gay galaxy of talent,
and of beauty been set before you.

4 pounds, 9 shillings in copper.
What a take!

Where have you been?

Having a drink with one
of the lions.



What do you think I've been doing?

Well, you'd better start counting
tonight's takings.

I can't figure them out.
I counted them ten times.

Why ten times?

Wouldn't once be enough?

Not when it comes out different
every time.

I'm your wife,
not a chartered accountant.

I only asked you to do it
as a favour.

You're always asking favours.

I'd done you a favour
when I married you.

Blimey!

That's a fact and you know it,
Colonel William Wainwright.

Colonel indeed!

It doesn't mean a thing,
it doesn't mean a thing.



That's just showmanship.

False pretences.

What about Lord George Sangard?

That's different, he was christened
Lord, it was his name.

How do you know I wasn't
christened Colonel?

I doubt that you was christened at all.

Now look here, Madam,
are you inferring that I am...?

Yes I am. Better check over
tonight's doings.

All right, all right.

Can't something be done
about this table?

- It rocks.
- I know it rocks.

One of the legs is shorter
than the other.

Come on, you surprise me.

- This chair.
- It rocks.

Everything rocks.

The show rocks.

Better pick up that money.

I've gotta see about supper.

Married to a woman who
can't do a little simple arithmetic.

Don't worry, Mr Danton.

Just making up the gross.

Yeah. Under 12 pounds.
That's not the aid, is it, Willie?

We're all doing our best.

But the show lacks novelty.

Supper is ready, Colonel Wainwright.

Supper, supper! Can't you think
in anything else but my stomach?

Isn't it time for you to
introduce Tom and Mary?

I'm sorry, the finance
is making me forgetful.

You know, Mr Danton, sir,
my heart bleeds for you.

Yeah? You don't look
very anaemic to me.

Willie, tell the gang I want to see
them all right after the show.

All right.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The most daring, the most brilliant,
the most sensational act I've presented.

Two young acrobats
as agile as their act is.

Ladies and gentlemen,
the Flying Aerials.

The boss wants to see everyone
after the show.

What's does this mean?
Is for a loop?

I don't know.
Doesn't mean a thing.

Come on, get to move on everybody.

Everyone should leave over by the vans.

- This way off, please.
- Put a jerk in it!

Come along, come along.

This way.

This way out, please.

Hurry up.

Now move on, move on there.

He's got a lot to whistle about.
He doesn't realize, poor fellow.

Are you the boss?

Well, to a certain extent,
that's to say I'm a...

Are you the boss?

He's not the boss
and he's not a colonel.

Where do I find the boss?

Well, I'm his right-hand man,
as you might say. What do you want?

A job.

What a hope! We are not hiring,
we are firing.

Will he want a job, too?

Subject all to what the takings were.

I'd be willing to work for my keep.

It's no good, old man.

What's that?

A mirror.

What's it for?

Oh, it's for shaving.

Now come on, come on!

Are you going to be all night
on the job?

Don't keep the governor waiting.

Well, folks, my brother
and I called you here

and I suppose you know
the reason why.

We are broke. That's nothing
new in our business,

but when it happens,
the show usually folds up

and the boys and girls
go their different ways.

Once in a while you're able to pull out,
but that's only once in a while.

You weren't paid today, because
there was nothing to pay you with.

We have to feed the animals.

Now we could carry on to the next
stand, but there's no ready cash.

Now, let's face it.

We can keep going on a hope,

or I can write out a flock of IOUs and we
can all turn around and head for home.

Now it's up to you, what about it?

The show has got no hope.

- Let's keep going.
- I'm sticking to you.

- Yes.
- Yes, yes.

That's swell.

Well, now that we're all in this
together, I'll let you know my plans.

- When we get to the next stop.
- Say, boss...

That lion, he broke lose.

All the women get the vans.
Come on, get them.

Hey, stay, Pasha!

Stay!

Pasha!
Get down!

Pasha! Pasha!

Get down!

Get back!
Get back!

Hans, Taffy, get a net
and walk around behind him.

Hey, quiet! Pasha!

Pasha!

Sit...

Get back!

Pasha!

Quiet.

Quiet.

Good Pasha.

I am Torg.

I am your friend.

Now lie down.

Down, down.

Down.

Good, Pasha.

Soon we shall go to our cage.

What a good fellow is Pasha.

Yes.

What a good fellow Pasha.
Yes, yes, yes.

Ladies and gentlemen,
let me introduce two friends.

Mr Pasha and Mr Torg.

It's terrific!
How do you do it?

Oh, it's very simple, I make them obey
my eyes, I make them like my voice,

and then they do
what I want them to do.

You mean you kept them hypnotized?

Hypnotized?

Hypnotized!
That's something new!

A perfect fun.

I'm getting a new trainer and
I have an idea who is going to be.

Thank you.

Who do you mean? This fellow?

That's the guy.

"Pasha, I am your friend."

Certainly a new way of taming lions.

I never saw anything work
so wonderful in my life.

Pasha fell in love with him.

Phil, I got a marvellous idea!

We know, we know.

Now listen, the show is dying,
we need novelty.

- Something new, thrilling, ss... stu...
- Stupendous.

- Magic.
- Sensational.

- I'm going to crash.
- Darling, calm yourself.

Thanks very much.

Now listen, Mary, Phil, Tom.

I'm going to crash the local
rag with this lion story.

A lot of the boys have already
seen what's happened

and the news will soon get 'round,

and then, then, "mes amies",
that's French for buddies.

We'll put Torg into the show
with the lions.

You know,
I think it's pretty good, Phil.

Just a minute.

I've got a better idea.

And it depends on Torg.

It depends on whether Torg is
just a man from nowhere

with a gift of controlling animals

or whether he has the
gift of controlling people.

- What are you trying to get at?
- Hypnotism in the slide for life.

Mary, what do you do in your act?

Don't be silly, Phil.
You all know what I do.

Tell us what you do.

Well, I get on top platform
at the top of the high wire,

listen to Willie's baloney

and get on to the wire with my back
to the ground, hold my little parasol

and slide safety down to earth.

And why do you hold your parasol?

To keep my balance,
you half-wit.

- And if you didn't have it?
- Curtains for Mary.

Unless something or
someone takes its place.

Oh, I get it now!

Mary does her act holding a
tatting lace handkerchief in one hand,

half hundredweight of coal in the other,
just to keep her balance, is that it?

Well, if you're gonna rip me for
having a swell idea, good night.

- Phil, I got you.
- What? Are you crazy too?

Now just a minute, Tom.
Phil's serious, he's trying to help.

Thanks, Mary.

What I'm trying to explain is

I believe it might be possible for
Torg to control Mary's balance

in the act through hypnotism.

No, it's another hooey.

Is it? They do it on the stage.

Yeah, I know.

Make some unfortunate guy drink ink
and kid him it's Port. Very funny!

There's a lot in it, I can tell you.

Torg!

Somebody find him for me.

Okay, guv.

Anybody know where
this chap came from?

Oh, he just came around
looking for job, I suppose,

and ended with this stuff
with Pasha.

I wonder if it can be done.

It's an idea, Phil.

It's an exciting idea!

If it works, what a build up!

We've got the public to prove
that he is on the level.

They saw it work with Pasha,
didn't they?

It's a great idea.

Yes, if it works.

You sent for me, sir?

Yes, come in.

Have a drink?

I do not drink, thank you.

Where do you come from?

Oh, nowhere.

What have you been doing?

Nothing.

- Aren't you looking for a job?
- Yes, sir, any kind of job.

Are you an animal trainer?

Oh, no, I'm just... anything.

- No trade?
- No.

I manage to get along.

That hypnotism act you just did with
Pasha, can you do that with human beings?

Oh, yes.

On the level?

You doubt my word?

Oh, no, no, man.

What the governor really means is
that he's found a meal ticket in you.

Well, that's putting it rather crude,
but I suppose you're right.

And you think I might be able
to help you?

We want to cash in on this
hypnotic powers of yours.

No one seems to have cashed in
on them yet.

I haven't commercialised myself yet.

No, that's obvious.

I'm in the way.
Excuse me.

- Good night.
- Wait, please, Mr Torg.

Won't you sit down?

Thank you.

Let me explain.

Have you ever seen an
act called the slide for life?

- You mean the one with the wire?
- Uh-huh.

Yes.

Well, Tom and I do that act.

I run the wire
and Tom catches me at the finish.

I carry a parasol for balance.

The boys suggest you try
to use hypnotism

to make me do the slide
without the parasol.

Somebody has a brainwave.

It was the governor.

But I do not know whether
miss Mary is a good subject.

Well, why not find out now?

The whole damn thing is unhealthy.

Listen, Tom, this is for all our sakes.

If miss Mary is willing,
why not show us something?

I'm perfectly willing.

- Then with your permission.
- Not mine.

Tom, please, this is my affair.

Now look into this little mirror.

Just try to make your mind a blank.

Think of nothing.

Nothing.

Imagine space.

Emptiness.

Dark.

Look into my eyes.

Deep.

Deep.

I am Torg.

Who am I?

Torg.

Say "I trust you".

I trust you.

Miss Mary,

you cannot lift your right arm.

It is heavy.

As heavy as lead.

Now, sir, will you try to
lift miss Mary's arm?

- Me?
- Yes.

It's a hard one.

This whole blasted nonsense
has got to stop.

Why, of course.

Miss Mary,

your arm is normal.

Now wake up.

Wake up.

- Hello everyone
- Mary, are you all right?

Yes, of course, I feel fine.
How was it?

It works!

It safely does.

It's rather well unhealthy, I tell you.

It's a downside more unhealthy
to be out of a job.

- Tom, you got to admit that.
- I won't admit it.

I won't have you used as a medium
for some, some...

- Tramp?
- Yes.

Tom, you're behaving like a child.

Listen, if Mary is willing to take
the risk, that ends the argument.

We can try it out, anyway,
with a safety net.

And if doesn't work
it doesn't work, so what?

I'm quite willing.

Thank you for your confidence.

That settles it.

You three can have a workout
tomorrow morning in the big top.

I still don't like it.

Oh, don't you?
Well, I do.

Oh, governor, will I go to town with a
publicity stunt, oh, will I go to town?

Oh, go to hell.

There is no need for you all standing
around watching this rehearsal.

Get on with your work, you'll see
the act when it's all set.

Now you heard what the governor said,
there is no need to hang about

watching the rehearsal.
Get on with your work.

Stop that. The boss said all that.

Okay, Phil, I've naturally done
the show busted

and the boys and girls
on their uppers,

but I repeat: I'm rehearsing this
stunt under protest.

I won't let anybody take a risk,
particularly miss Mary.

So Mr Danton is having the net put up.

That's right.
Teddy, Bill, fix up the safety net.

- Right, sir
- Come on, let's clear out.

But you can't do the show with the net.

But if we rehearse several
times until the show perfected,

would that relieve your anxiety?

No!
I'm still not sold on this hokum.

I'm sure Mary can't do it
without the parasol.

We shall see.

Well, haven't we better stop talking
about it and get on with the job?

See, my dear I'm as nervous as
if I was going to do that myself.

I think I shall step out
and get a little air.

No. You don't.
Besides, they are not open yet.

I can assure you that I've...

You can't.

In that cases,

nothing more to be said.

Excuse me, governor,
let's get out of the way.

Tom, you stand at the end of the wire
over there.

Okay.

Well, Torg, we're in your hands.

Thank you.

I shall stand on that
platform facing miss Mary,

who will be under my control.

With my influence, she will have
perfect balance

until the slide
has been completed.

We hope.

Well, there's nothing like confidence
and you got plenty of that.

Mary,

are you sure?

I should be all right.

Go to it.

Ph...

Phil, if this comes off,

I'll work out the most sensational
bill matter you've ever seen.

The... the public will start paying
before the posters are out.

Let's see if it does work first.

You ain't swindling us,
don't make a mistake.

You don't give a damn if that kid
crashes as long as its news.

I... I... I like that,
I'm a publicity man.

You're a pain in my neck.

Yeah, yeah.

I'll skin you as soon as look at you.
Pompous potbelly polony!

Oh, no you won't.
If anybody skins him, it'll be me.

- Thanks.
- Now look here!

Cut it out!

- You fixed?
- That's all set.

You all set?

It's okay, boss.

They're ready.

Now, Mary,

look at this

and keep on looking at it.

You have utter and complete
confidence in me.

You trust me, don't you?

Yes.

Me, Torg.

No other mind

can ever dominate you.

No other living person can
have any influence upon you.

You will only hear my voice.

All other voices and sounds
will not exist for you.

You are at peace.

Now, Mary,

you are going to do your wire slide now
without any balancing control but mine.

Open your eyes, open your eyes.

You are confident.

I am confident.

Now get on to the wire.

Go.

He's right, she's done it.

Got a match, chum?

I have not.

And my name is not "chum",
it's Torg, Mr Torg.

I can take care of myself.

- If Torg won't mind.
- Talk of the devil...

You were talking about me?

- We were.
- I'm honoured.

I was just saying how dangerous
it might be

having a pet mesmerist
about the place.

I'm not a pet mesmerist.
I am a specialist.

What are you, by the way?

I'm in a sharpshooting act,
and a pretty good one.

You have no ill effects after
our experiment?

None whatever.

Good. I knew you wouldn't.

Miss Mary,

I feel that this is just
the beginning.

You've got a quite an idea
about yourself, haven't you?

Yes.

Good morning.

You know, Mary, a little while ago
that was begging for work.

So conceited a man.

Hypnotism.

Breathtaking, spellbinding, colossal.

- How many "els" in colossal
- One, like in Colonel.

And they've all been used before.

Why can't I think about other
highly coloured words?

Public don't want highly coloured words,
not the kind of public we play to.

I must be educated up to a
higher standard,

after all I'm an artist.

- Hmm.
- Why hmm?

You're going to give me
an inferiority complex.

Before I know where I am, my love,
I might have a nervous wreck.

What's that you are drinking?

This? Well, as a matter of fact,
it's a tonic.

I've been feeling a bit
run down lately

and the doctor, a very,
very nice fellow,

he recommended this in case of
fainting defences.

Give it to me.

You can see for yourself it's a
medicine bottle. Doesn't mean a thing.

Give it to me.

Gin.

Oh, Evie, Evie, what a wicked waste!
Now that cost...

I know what it cost and
I need new corsets.

If ever I catch you squandering your money
again on alcohol, Colonel Wainwright,

I shall thrash you!

- Somebody throwing a party?
- No, sir.

Eve's been throwing her temperament.

Temperance, William, not temperament.

- Willie, it seems to you're henpecked.
- Henpecked?

Blimey, I got chicken pox.

Have you got the announcement for
miss Mary and Torg ready for tonight?

No, I can't think of sufficient
eugenic words.

- Eulogistic.
- Oh, eulogistic.

That's it!

Dr Stephen Torg.

And space underneath
Dr Stephen Torg and miss Mary.

Move up the thoughts of sensation into
that space and that's all, you carry on.

There you are?

Yes, not bad, not bad.
But I don't like the colour scheme.

Get on to Bill and Tony and tell them to
meet me at the local lunchtime

I want to have a chat with them.

Oh, boy, oh, boy, oh, boy!

Hello, hello, news editor?
News editor?

This is Powers.
No, no, no, Powers.

P for Percy, O for Oliver, W for Walter,
E for Ellis, R for Robert, S for Samuel.

Just a moment please, Duncan Circus.

Miraculous is the word, gentlemen.

Now, this isn't sales talk.

Bigger men than Phil Danton
have spent a lifetime

searching the world
for sensational novelties,

but I promise you that after you've
seen tonight's performance,

you will all agree with me

that no one in any show business has
staged a more breathtaking spectacle.

This is fact, not fiction.

Well, ladies and gentlemen,
here's to the show.

- When is the big stuff?
- After the Reco act.

And if you don't tell me it's
the best act ever, I'll eat this hat.

Ladies and gentlemen I'd like to introduce
you to my governor, Mr Phil Danton.

Gentlemen...

Miss Mary, Mr Tom Danton
and Dr Stephen Torg.

Well, Mr Danton, I understand you've
got a very sensational act.

You're right. There is not
another act in the country like it.

What did I tell you?

That must be a very comforting
thought to any show.

Well, I've been looking for a novelty
like this for years.

It certainly comforts me.

Ladies and gentlemen...

Sorry, sorry.

Boys and girls,

my friends...

I expect he comes down to the words.

Order.

I wish to propose a health about
dear governor, Phil Danton.

We all love him?

- Yeah!
- Yeah!

And apart from any personal
interest we may have,

we're all delighted that
fortune has smiled upon us.

- Certainly!
- Yeah!

I remember many years
ago when I was a lad...

What a memory!

When I was a lad I heard a funny little
story which I think will bear repeating.

It would appeared that there
was a commercial traveller...

That's enough, you've been drinking.

Of course I've been drinking.

What do you expect me do
at a party, die of thirst?

He proposed a health...

That's all right Willie,
that's all right.

I appreciate you proposing my health,

but I feel we should thank the real
founders of this feast, Mary and Torg.

Yeah, yeah.

Oh, of course, Tom.

Oh, forget it.

The success of this new act
has put us all on our feet,

so boys and girls I ask you
to raise your glasses

and drink to the long life
and good fortune of our Mary

and our very welcome stranger, Torg.

- Mary and Torg!
- For Mary and Torg!

Oh, we mustn't forget the
brains of the outfit,

the greatest little publicity man in
the business, Jimmy Powers.

Doesn't mean a thing,
doesn't mean a thing.

Gag pincher.

- First dance. It's ours, isn't it?
- Yes.

Oh, Tom, I'm so sorry.
I promised this one to Torg.

Torg?

Fast work, isn't it?

After all, he is new at Maxies.

I think we ought to make him
feel at home.

- Sure, yes, anything you say.
- You don't mind, do you?

Why should I mind?
Of course I don't.

- Excuse me.
- Go ahead.

I'll see you later, Tom.

You're knocking them
back a bit, aren't you Dora?

Hmm?

Keep those nerves steady of yours
for that shooting act, you know.

My nerves are all right.
It's other people's nerves I worry about.

Hmm, whose?

Can't you guess?

Listen Jimmy, I've trouped around with
Phil Danton for years because...

well, because I wanted to.

It is the first time he's had enough
money to throw a party.

- I suppose I ought to be glad.
- But aren't you glad?

No, I don't like the way
this success has come.

You mean the new act?

I mean Mr Torg.

I don't like him, Jimmy,
he gives me the creeps.

I can't explain why.

Oh, I'm not afraid about
what he might do to the show,

the show can take care of itself.
It's Mary I'm worried about.

I don't want that kid to
pay for our success.

Oh, come on, Dora,
you've had a couple too many.

It's in times like these when I speak
the truth. Get me another drink.

Well...

Hello, Dora.
Are you enjoying yourself?

I'm not sure.

What's the matter?

That guy.
He's gonna cause you trouble.

Don't be silly.
His act is sensational.

I'm not talking about the act.

No, you are talking about me,
aren't you?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.

I don't like you.

At least, that's frank.
I appreciate it.

"I do not like thee, doctor Fell,
the reason why I cannot tell."

- Remember that jingle?
- I'm not familiar with it.

You should be.

Come on, Dora, snap out of it.

All right, Phil, just admit it.

I've got nothing against you, but
I've got a feeling right inside me

that it was a bad day for the show and a
worse one for Mary when you came along.

Dora, be quiet.

You don't know
what you are talking about.

Don't I? You wait!

Ah, strike up the music,
come on, we'll dance this.

Shall we?
If you'll excuse us.

By all means.

Well, well, well, the lady gunman.
You certainly shot the works last night.

Now listen, Dora, Torg is
our meal ticket.

You've got to lay off him,
he's d..., d...

- Dangerous?
- Dynamite, thanks.

Hey, Phil!

Yeah.

Phil, I just left the press boys.

We've got the headline: Torg,
he's the whole works.

What?

Well, I... I mean you,
him and Mary.

Just a minute,
I'm running my own show.

I know, Phil, I know.
I'm only trying to help you.

Listen, let's bill him as
"Svengali, The Second".

- What a brainwave!
- Yes.

Why don't you think of something new?

Yes.

That's reminds me I have got
something new. Come over here.

- What is it?
- A laughing sailor.

I got it from some Waxwork show.

- Did you fix it, Andy?
- Yes, it's okay.

Good.

What do you think of it?

What does he do?

- Well, it laughs.
- I can't hear anything.

Of course you can't, you fathead
It isn't switched on yet.

- What did you pay for it?
- 25 quid.

25 quid? We could start another
circus with that.

How does it work?

You switch it on from
the back. Try that.

Oh, he's truly droll!

It's a pretty good star.

Let's see how we'll call him.

Jolly Jack Torg.

- Oh, hello.
- Hello, Mr Danton.

Cigarette?

You satisfied with everything?

Sure, I've nothing to complain about.

Pretty good, eh?

Cheap.

It costs 25 ?.

Cheap publicity.

I am the attraction.

And I am not satisfied.

Meaning?

Can we go and talk inside?

Come in.

Well,

how much do you want?

Oh, it isn't that exactly.

No? Then, what is it?

Recognition.

I'd like more recognition.

Recognition? Well, get Powers
to write up a story about you

He's my press agent.

Oh, not from the public, one has that.

I'd like more recognition from
the people in this circus, Mr Danton.

And respect.

Respect?

That's something we all have to earn.

After all, I buy my people services
not their freedom of thought.

You mean I enable you
to buy their services.

Listen, Torg, if you're trying
to put a gun in my ribs...

The gun is already there, Mr Danton.

I'm trying not to pull the trigger.

All right.

What's your proposition?

Oh, it's not very difficult.
I'd like to be your partner.

You would, eh?

On what terms?

That I leave to you.
I'm not a businessman.

Tom is in all this, you know.

Naturally, but you are the boss.

Don't ever forget that.

Of course not.

I have the power to command
success, Mr Danton.

I can do a lot for you... and Mary.

- And Tom.
- And Tom, naturally.

We mustn't forget Tom.

You'll think it over?

Yes, I'll think it over, Torg.

Thank you.

Tonight we shall have good
business, you wait and see.

Torg!

Come on.

Take your hands off her
unless you want trouble.

Trouble? You talk very boldly.

I ought to take a sock at you
right now.

Tom, for heaven's sake, be quiet!

You keep out of this.

You are in trouble already
working with this slug.

Get in there.

Burt...

I advise you to be careful.

And I advise you to keep your nose
out of my business and Mary's.

Everything was okay
till you showed up.

- Except that you were starving.
- Stop it both of you, the show.

To hell with the show!

If no one's got the guts to rub
the thing out, I'll do it myself.

Just a minute.

I'll settle this.
Get out, Mary.

Now get this you two.

One more of this brawls and
you're through. Both of you!

I don't care what happens to the show.

You are supposed to be
troopers. Don't forget that.

Now get back on the job.

Okay, you're the boss.

- And as for you, Torg...
- I agree with you, Mr Danton.

It is bad policy in
front of the customers.

And the name is Mr Torg.

Nice business in tonight's show?

I seem to have heard
that somewhere before.

What do you want?

Only to say that I am sorry.

Sorry?

I'm sorry about... tonight.

I should've had more sense.

Right I'd just forgotten about it.

No, you haven't.

- I know you haven't.
- Do you?

You seem to know a great deal.

Yes, a great deal.

Even your thoughts.

Please, go away.

That wouldn't make
any difference, Mary,

because even if I went away,
you would not be alone.

I'm your friend, you need
never be afraid of me.

I'm not afraid.

Oh, you are cold.

No.

No, I think it must've been
someone walking over my grave.

Speak, speak...

Speak to me, Flora...

Speak once again...

Out, get gone!

What did you say?

You heard, your voice is terrible.

Ghastly.

If a bloke likes to be happy,
you give him the bird.

Blimey! Jolly Jack Torg.

I wonder who he
hypnotized to get that.

Some poor girl named Trilby.
Have you caught the whistle?

Yeah.

- Well, that's a nice bit of a stuff.
- Cut it out.

Did you? I didn't know you
were in the tailoring game.

Where is the fire? How much is to
speak when I'm talking, old boy?

More than you or this riff-raff
can afford.

Now, look here!

Willie, come here and finish
the washing up.

Where is Miss Mary?

In the big top, working.

Dressed to kill, aren't you?

I know who I'd like to kill.

As a lady killer, you'd be a scream.

I've seen fellows like him
on the pictures.

- Mary?
- Oh, hello.

My goodness! You are swell.

I've been doing a little refitting.

I thought I deserved it
now that we are in the money.

Where did you get that suit?

You'd only want a few stars on
if the band play Yankee Doodle.

As a comedian,
you are a very fine acrobat.

I have invested in something else, too.

Sounds exciting. What is it?

It's outside.
I'll show you.

- Is this the investment?
- Yes, do you like it?

Yes, it's lovely but, isn't it rather
extravagant and unnecessary?

It cost 40 ? and I think
it's very necessary.

Why?

Oh, to satisfy my ego, I guess.

Make this crowd of troopers
a little envious.

Call it conceit, if you like.

But I'm sick of being treated
like a tramp.

Don't you think that's maybe
a little your fault?

After all, you are not exactly
what you'd call a good mixer, are you?

Ah, they don't think to esteem.

They don't talk my language, you know.

But I think you understand me.

Yes, I think I do a little.

Listen, one night this week
after the show,

will you let me drive you into the town?
Will you have supper with me?

That's very sweet of you, but really
it's so late when the show finishes...

Mary, have you forgotten that you've
got to do a show tonight?

I think you mean
we have got to do a show.

All right, we've got to do a show,
but Mary has to take the physical risk.

We've got 20 minutes for rehearsing.

I've done enough rehearsing.

I'll see you later,
and thanks for the invitation.

Will you come?

I'll definitely think about it.

What's all this about an invitation?

- It's my business.
- Is it?

I think it's my business too and
I hate to see you...

You all seem to hate that little
man for no apparent rhyme or reason.

Just it's the fact you resent
his having put butter on our bread.

Made a success instead of one of
the biggest flops in the business.

I think most of us prefer the
bread without the butter.

You are jealous, that's your trouble.

Maybe I am at that.

Mary, look, I know that we're not
actually engaged but it was understood...

It was never understood that you
should run my life for me.

Well, what's the trouble?

Ah, the usual trouble,
your white-headed boy Torg.

What's he done now?

Apart from causing hell's delight between
Mary and me, nothing, absolutely nothing.

Never does a stroke of work.

Never puts his weight with
packing, tent erecting or clearing up.

Now, if you please, he is swanking
around in his second-hand car.

Well, that's his own affair, Tom.

Shirking work is not. It's mine or
everybody else's around here.

You made him a partner
without even consulting my okay,

but why do you think he is immune
from ordinary spot of hard work?

Just a minute, don't get excited.
I agree with everything you say.

But if we throw him out,
what happens to the show? It falls out.

I know. Same line of talk that
Mary has been giving me.

Sure, she's got sense.

Now look, Tom, we are partners;
you're the artist, I'm the businessman.

I don't always expect you to
realize why I do certain things,

but sometimes it pays to
give in to the other guy.

I do ask that you let me
handle the business end.

After all, I have our interests
at heart, you know that.

All I know is we were happy
before Master Torg came along.

I wish we'd never set eyes on him.

This is lovely.

Very lovely.

It was a heavenly supper.

I was right, wasn't I?
The restaurant was good.

And cheap.

I don't know so much about being cheap.

I couldn't help seeing the bill.

I spread myself.

I... what is the expression?

I went to town.

After all, tonight is
a special occasion.

Oh, is it?

Why? Your birthday?

In a way it is.

Tonight I was reborn, to a new world.

Tonight I'm happy.

You did that for me.

Haven't you ever been happy before?

I nearly was.

Once.

Tell me about yourself.

You're interested?

Of course. After all,
you walked into our lives,

a nobody from nowhere, as you put it.

Anybody would be interested,
especially a woman.

But I don't want any
woman to be interested.

Only you.

All right then, relieve
my morbid curiosity.

As a boy, I...

well...

my home wasn't a happy place.

I was sent to school, a charity school.

I was small, the other boys were
big and they made my life a misery.

Physically I couldn't compete with them,

but mentally...

Yes?

I ran away, starved,
got odd jobs here and there,

until one day I discovered
I had a gift.

A great gift.

I could control animals.

They obeyed me.

They were frightened of me.

And I revelled in the power I had.

You know, Mary,
it's a great thing power.

Makes you feel a king.

Especially if... all your life you've
been made to feel a beggar.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Yes, I could control animals by my will.

And so, I said to myself, if animals,
why not men?

Men and women, that higher
form of animal life.

You haven't much time
for humanity, have you?

I hate it.

At least, I hated it until...

I love you Mary, you hear me?
I love you.

If I'm warped and bitter it's only
because fate has kicked me around.

But you can make me happy.

You can give me peace.

I'm sorry, Torg.

I'm very sorry.

It's Tom, isn't it?

Yes, it's Tom.

Deep in my heart I know
it'll always be Tom.

I understand.

We are still friends, aren't we?

Yes, we are still friends.

I suppose we'd better go home.

Yes.

Let's go home.

This is the last.
There isn't more stuff, Phil.

Okay.

Well, there is another night
the eighth wonder of the world

has avoided the share of the work.

Only this time he's taken
Mary with him.

I'll talk to him.

Talk to him?
Why the hell don't you fire him?

Because he is the difference between
prosperity and our packing up.

I'd rather join the breadline
until you do that little rat.

Yes, so would I.

That's easy talk.

I'd lay even money you'd change
your tune if Torg walked out on us.

You're right.
I'd change to Hallelujah.

But I'm surprised at Mary.

She must know the amount of work
there is to be done.

Doesn't mean a thing.
She probably didn't notice the time.

She probably did.

Tom, that doesn't excuse
Mr blooming swankpot Torg.

For two pins I'll punch him on.

No. He'd get you owned.
There he is.

Heavens, they're packing!

You know, this is the first time
I haven't done the work.

I'll take full responsibility.

I know, but it's so selfish.
I hate it.

Now run along and start packing.

You can make your peace
with them later.

Busy?

What did you say you'll
do for two pins, William?

Yes, my dear.

Now look here, Mr Torg.

You know as well as I do that we
all have to pull together in this game.

But you with your blooming
la-di-da, big cigar and motorcar...

Who do you ruddy well think you are?

One of your bosses.

Eh?

Is it right, governor?

Haven't you told them?

Yes, he is right. I made him a
partner, he has a third interest.

But why? What for?

Because, my fat friend,

I'm a considerable asset of this show.
Remember that.

And also remember that
ringmasters are five a penny.

Where do you think you're going?
And where is Mary?

In the van.

I gave her a good meal

and a rather short respite from
this somewhat tawdry atmosphere.

Why you...!

- Hypnotize that one.
- What a beauty!

Ah, why the hell don't
you control yourself?

He's had that coming to him
for a long time.

Come on, get on to your jobs.
Everybody keep busy.

That goes for you too, Torg.

Well, you don't stand there like a
stuffed owl. Get on with your work.

I'll remember that.

Tom, give him a hand.

You made Torg a partner,
that's grand!

Before you know where you are,
he'll have you out on your ear

and he'll be running this outfit
on his own.

That's what you think.

Torg, a partner!

Torg threatening to sack me!

Me, who has been with this outfit
for I don't know how many years.

If Tom hadn't done it,
I'd bonked him myself.

Why didn't you?

Would've been sacked.

You make me sick.

You... ah, no...

Oh, Evie!

Hello, Mary.

Cold? Nervous?

No, no.

Oh, yes.
I think you are little tired.

Why that?

I've been watching you.

Come, I want to talk to you.

- No, Torg, please, I'd...
- Come.

Yes, Mary. I've been watching
you and you are tired.

You wouldn't go on if you
had your choice, would you?

Well, I...

- I suppose everyone.
- Would you?

Turn and look at me.

It is true, isn't it?
You would like to rest.

Yes.

Tonight on the trapeze
you will be tired.

Yes.

When you are swinging with
your head downwards

ready to catch Tom...

you will be so tired...

Say it.

I will be so tired.

You will not be able to hold him.

Remember that.

Yes.

You must remember.

I must remember.

Now Mary,

you will know nothing
of this talk, will you?

Nothing.

Oh, there you are, Mary.
you're on in a minute.

Yes, Willie.

Hello, kid.

- Hello.
- You've been talking with Torg.

- Yes.
- What has he been saying to you?

Mary, I asked you what
Torg had been saying.

- Something about..
- Yes?

Something about...

- Okay, Mary, we're on.
- Just a minute, Tom. I was...

Sorry, we're on.

And now, ladies and gentlemen,

I have the honour of introducing

the celebrated Miss Mary
and her partner Tom Danton.

The only performance in this country

who working in a dizzy height,

perform the most amazing
aerial feat without a net.

Miss Mary and Tom Danton.

I don't like it, I don't like it.

What's wrong?

It's Mary, I think...

- Okay, Mary, pull me up.
- I can't, Tom. I'm tired.

Come on, come on!

Something's haywire.

- I can't hold you.
- Try, try!

I'm tired.

Why didn't she pull him up?

She can't.

- Get the net, get the emergency net.
- Get the net, get the emergency net!

- Get the net, get the emergency net.
- Get the net, get the emergency net!

Both'll crash.

- Only two minutes please, Mr Danton.
- Thank you.

Hello, Tom, how do you feel?

Oh, how is Mary?
Where is she?

She is all right.

Look, Phil, you've got to
tell me. Did Mary fall too?

She is all right, I tell you.
She didn't fall.

She'll be here to see you
later on, don't you worry.

I was so scared when she said
she was tired and couldn't hold me.

- That's why I had her let go.
- What?

It was no need for both of us to fall.

She was so weak...

Wait a minute.
Mary said she couldn't hold on.

Of course, she was done in.
Over-rehearsed, I guess.

- My fault
- Your fault?

We must let him rest now, Mr Danton.

All right.

Well, Tom, anything you want?

No, just give my love to Mary.

I will.

Thank you.

- Mary.
- Who is it?

- Phil.
- Oh, come in.

I wanna talk to you.

How is Tom?

Cracked up, but I guess
he'll be all right.

Phil...

I'm going to find out just how
this accident happened.

So suppose you tell me just how
my brother happened to fall.

I've told you, I don't know.

Oh, so you still don't know.

You were up there holding him,
why don't you know?

I... I just don't, Phil, it seems
a sort of blank.

Then why did you tell him
you couldn't hang on?

I didn't tell him that.

Tom said that you did.

No, I... I couldn't have said that.

I have no reason to doubt Tom.

I tell you the whole thing
is just a blank.

So you said.

Honestly, Phil, I... I just don't know
how it happened.

You knew enough to
hang on yourself, didn't you?

Yes.

Perhaps you were a bit
absent-minded, thinking about Torg.

Phil, don't talk like that.

Let's now talk to you in any way I like.

I'll tell the world, I'll take a page
out in every trade paper

so that everybody will know just
what kind of a double crosser you are.

Believe me, if you ever work again...

That's enough Phil.
Come out here and talk to me.

Well, what do you want?

Calm yourself, Phil.
This is not the way to clear it up.

So I'm wrong again.

What's gotten into all of you?

A rotten influence called Torg.

You know that, but you shut your
eyes to it because of the show.

This guy's got you all scared. Don't you
know he is just putting on an act?

This is no act, Phil.
It's on the level.

Sure it's on the level,

while they are working.

On the level all the time.

What are you getting at?

Mary is under Torg's control
anytime he chooses.

I believe it's through him
that Tom crashed.

How can that be?

He's more in this than we realize.

I am a woman. I feel the influence
of this man, it's uncanny.

- Oh, nonsense.
- Don't be so stupid, Phil.

You've got to do something.

He's dangerous.

If I thought you were halfway right...

Okay, I'll handle this.

Torg!

Hey, Torg!

- I wanna talk to you.
- Yes?

I wanna find out
what caused Tom's fall.

Why ask me, Mr Danton?

Because I think you know.

Indeed, your intelligence surprises me.

Just a moment. I have a hunch you're
working everything for your own end.

And that goes for Mary, too.

Since Tom isn't here to speak for himself
I'm doing the talking for him.

Now listen, Torg.

It may be easy for you to put
the influence on a young girl

but you are not putting
the influence on me!

Don't yell at me!

Yell at you!
I'll speak to you in any way I like.

I have a hell of good mind
to choke the life right out of you!

Just try.

Why you slimy little...!

- Hold that guy,
- Take it easy, governor.

Take it easy!

No, don't upset yourself.
You can't lose your nerve.

Okay.

Okay, you can let me go.

But get this, pack up and get out.

Get out while you are still able.

All right, Mr Danton.
I'll go.

But in my own time.

Danton's Empire Circus.
Book your seat early.

Where are you off to?

Going to the hospital to see Tom.

Poor boy!

Give him my love and ask him
if there's anything he wants.

- I will.
- Dinner at one sharp.

- Remember that.
- I will.

- And don't come back smelling of beer.
- I won't.

I'll buy some peppermints.

Nag, nag... old witch.
One of these days, I'll...

What are you laughing at?

Silly bum sailor!

Danton's Empire Circus.

- Everything's all right?
- Yes.

Where are you going?

To say good-bye to Phil.

I must do that.

Of course, you must.
Go along.

Where are you going?

I'm leaving with Torg.

But I... I couldn't go without
saying good-bye, Phil.

Mary, any argument I have
with Torg doesn't include you.

What makes you think
you ought to quit?

It's not that I think I'll quit, but...

If Torg leaves,
there won't be any act.

I can't work without him.

Listen, Mary. I'm your friend, but
at the same time, I'm your boss.

You've got to work with anyone I say.

Yes, I...

I know, Phil.

Let's try to get this thing straight.

Get on with your work everyone.

Listen, Torg.

You can't take my people away like this.

I? What is to do with me?

If I went alone, she would follow.

Wouldn't you?

Yes.

You see?

- Are you ready, Mary?
- Wait a minute.

Yes, Mr Danton.
Ready to talk business?

Yes, I'm afraid I'm ready
to talk business.

Because I don't wanna lose Mary.

May I remind you that Mary
is nothing without me?

Yeah, I get that.

Then, shall we both be reasonable?

Okay, we'll be reasonable.

Carry on with your work.
We'll try to forget the whole thing

All right.

For this time, we will forget it.

Anything that gets you down, Phil?

I guess you're right.

That's not the way to handle it.

- Oh, Mary used to be such a swell kid.
- Used to be?

She still is.

Yeah? Then, why did she let a slug
like Torg run her around?

It doesn't make sense.

Listen, Phil.

Just because we don't understand it,
doesn't mean it can't be explained.

Now, if you got something
wrong with your eyes,

you'd go to an eye
specialist, wouldn't you?

Of course.

Well, if you got something
wrong with your mind...

You mean that Mary...?

No, no, no, it's getting that way.

Oh, Phil, she's got to see a doctor.

See a doctor?

She's seeing plenty of one now.

Dr Stephen Torg!

That's just it. We've got to
do something about it.

A specialist, Phil.

Yes, an expert on the mind,
a psychiatrist.

But Torg's act is 100 % of my show.

If he should...

Yes, but it's what his influence
is doing outside the show, Phil.

Listen, Phil.

Tom crashes.

Torg makes you give him
an interest in the business.

He tries to get Mary to
run away with him.

There's been nothing but
trouble ever since he came here.

Where do we find this specialist?

Mary, Dr Wilson here is a psychiatrist.

He is very interested in hypnotism.
He's heard a lot about your act.

I very much like to have a little talk
with you, miss Mary, if I may.

By all means.

What do you want to know?

I'll leave you two alone,
I'll have a cigarette.

Right.

- Do sit down, won't you?
- Thank you.

Excuse me.

Tell me, miss Mary, do you feel any ill
effects on these performances of yours?

No, not at all.

And when you are performing, are you
aware of what you're doing all the time?

- Yes.
- All the time?

Yes, except, of course, during the act.
Then I'm controlled by Stephen.

- Uh... Dr Torg.
- Oh, he is a doctor, is he?

Well, we call him one.

I see.

And you don't really know what you are
doing when you are under his control.

No, but then, of course, I don't have
to worry about anything.

My partner does that for me.

I quite appreciate that.

You don't find yourself in any way
resenting this hypnosis?

Good gracious, no! Why should I?

After all, I never asked him to do
anything that hurts me.

Besides, he's most considerate.

Well, that's splendid.
You are very fortunate, miss Mary.

Does Dr Torg use anything like this?

Yes, he does.

Do you mind looking into it
for a moment?

I'm quite used to this
sort of thing, you know.

I suppose you are.

Now, this may make
you feel a little sleepy.

Are you a little sleepy?

Not in the least, I'm sorry.

Please, concentrate.

You can sleep, you know.

You can close your eyes.

That's all right, miss Mary, thank you,
that's all I wanted to know.

I'm quite satisfied.

I'm glad you are satisfied, doctor.

- You, I dig it, are Dr Stephen Torg.
- Yes, how do you do?

I'm interested in this alleged control
you have over miss Mary here.

So are a lot of other people, doctor.

And it is not only alleged.

There is complete and absolute,
as you of all people should realize.

Indeed.

What are you doing here?

Oh, I've been eavesdropping.

I'm not surprised.
Get out.

Certainly.

Mary.

Just a moment, Mary.
I wanna talk to you

Mary.

- What can we do?
- Nothing, I'm afraid.

- Are you sure of that?
- Reasonably sure.

But supposing I took her to see Tom.
After all, they were in love.

If she saw him lying there
all bandaged up, it might help, eh?

Yes, it might.
It can't do any harm, anyway.

I can't say what the results would be,
but yes, I should take her to see him.

This control as you call it, is it just
going on and on as if nothing can stop it?

It's obviously a case of
willing cooperation

and no other control can intervene.

Well, if Torg should die,
what would happen to Mary?

In that case she'd pass
into a state of hypnosis

which would gradually
merge into a natural sleep.

On awakening, she'd remember nothing
about it and become her normal self again.

- Thank you, sir.
- Not at all.

- Mary!
- Hello, Tom. How are you?

She is here at last.

Mary, what's wrong?

Tom, I...

I've so wanted to see you.

Have you?

It's been a long time, isn't it?

Yes, I...
I suppose it has.

Mary isn't well, Tom.
I think it's a reaction.

Oh, there's no need to worry.
I'm going to get better.

I'm so glad.

Well, that's fine.

Listen, dear.

If there's anything on your mind,
something that's worrying you,

that you want to tell me,
you'd better say so.

I think I'll understand.

Yes.

There's something I want to say.

Yes?

I...

I...

Please, leave me alone.
I don't want to talk.

Don't worry, I understand, all right.

You don't.

Listen, Tom, Mary is trying to say

that she hasn't changed her mind
about anything.

Isn't that so, honey?

We mustn't stay too long in here.

You'd better take her away, Phil.
She wants to go.

Stephen would be angry if I'm late.

Stephen?
Torg!

So that's it, isn't it?

Why don't you come right out
and say so?

Listen, I'm trying to tell you.

She can't help it,
it isn't her fault.

Can't you get that?

You must both think I am pretty dumb.

Good-bye, I've had enough.

Come on, Mary.

Mary.

Never in all my years
in the publicity racket,

never I did a stunt granted
with such an unqualified success.

The latest, most sensational
most colossal, new, improved, in large!

Paper! Paper!
Extra! Paper!

Ladies and gentlemen,

introducing Torg and Danton's Circus!

Ladies and gentlemen, the Cecil Ayres
Trio, Anglo-American skating act.

Nice return, sir.

525 pounds.
A lot of dough, Mason.

Yes, sir, we're doing very well.

- Yeah. You're doing very well.
- Good night, sir.

- Good evening.
- Hello, George.

Hello there.

- Tom!
- Phil!

Why, you all saw the show.
Good to see you.

Here, sit down,
take the load off your feet.

Well, I told you I'd come back,
didn't I?

How are you?

Oh, fine, but how are you?
That's much more important.

Pretty good. Have to go around
with this stick for a while,

but they tell me in a week
or two I'll be perfectly well.

That's swell.

You certainly seem to be
playing to some business.

From the noise the customers are
making, it might be a cup final.

What's the matter?
Is the success story getting staled?

Staler than last week's bread.

Have you seen the new posters?

Yeah.

Torg and Danton.

He's muscled in the same tune, hasn't he?

He has, I should have kicked him
in the pants weeks ago.

- What? And gone broke?
- Willingly.

How's Mary?

She is all right.

Is she happy?

That kid is not with us any longer.

Outwardly, yes. She eats,
drinks, talks with us,

but the mind, the soul, the real Mary
we all loved belongs to that little rat.

- Meaning Torg.
- Who else?

- Have a drink?
- Yes, just a small one.

You know, Tom, hypnotism is a bad
thing in the hands of bad boys.

You remember when I brought
her to the hospital?

Not likely to forget it.

She was under his influence then.

You didn't realize it, but I did.

But all the time I thought
that she was...

All the time you thought
she was high-hatting you.

That wasn't Mary. That was a
dummy and Torg was her vent.

- And still is.
- Sure.

They are doing a new act, you know.

It follows this, I've got to announce it.
Would you like to see it?

- Is it risk in the last one?
- Just a bit.

- Aerial?
- Yeah.

Phil,

suppose one night,
in the middle of the act,

Torg were to turn off the power.

Yeah, that's what's worrying me.

If he ever double crossed Mary, I'd...

Well, isn't there something
you can do to stop it?

Nothing.

Yet.

Come on.

Don't tell me she is going to...

She'll be all right.

Ladies and gentlemen,

in view of the importance

of the sensational act that
is to be presented to you,

I wish to introduce
Mr Phil Danton, himself.

Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen, we now
reach the high spot of our program,

The amazing act performed by miss Mary

under the hypnotic control
of Dr Stephen Torg.

This is the act that has been
the sensation of three continents

and one which is generally admitted

could not possibly take place

if miss Mary were not entirely
under the control of the doctor.

Ladies and gentlemen,
it gives me pleasure to present

?Miss Mary and Dr Stephen Torg!

Miss Mary, doctor, do you mind
taking your places, please?

Ladies and gentlemen,

owing to the exceptional circumstances
under which this act is performed,

I must ask for
absolute silence, please.

- How'd you feel tonight, Mary?
- Fine, Stephen.

All right.

- Can we go?
- All set.

You should never have allowed this.

Get on to the wire.

Are you ready, Miss Mary?

I'm ready.

Dr Torg, are you ready?

Yes, I'm ready.

All right, Mary.

Come along.

Come along, Mary.

Come along.

Again, Mary, again.

All right, Mary.

Stay there.

Stay there until I tell you to go.

Mary!

Remain in your seats.
Everybody keep quiet.

All right, Mary.

Don't move.

You are safe.

You are safe, Mary.

Do as I tell you.
Back.

Back, Mary.
Hand over hand.

Back.

Back.

Back.

Back!

Hand over hand.

Back.

This rope was deliberately cut.

Now, it's no good kidding ourselves.

There isn't one of us that doesn't feel
a sense of relief at what's happened.

But that sense of relief won't
extend to the police.

They'll just regard it
as deliberate murder.

They'll grill every one of us until
they found out who's guilty.

Now we might as well save
a lot of time

and find out amongst ourselves
right now.

As far as I was concerned, I was
sitting over there, watching the show.

Where were you, Willie?

Where was I?
Let's see, where was I?

Blimey! You don't think that I...?

I mean I hated that little bastard, but...

Now, Willie, where were you?

He was standing over there,
by the entrance.

I saw him 'cause I've just
come out of the pay box.

Okay, that disposes of Willie.

Eh, Jim.

- What?
- What were you doing?

I... I was in the caravan,
having a drink.

You don't believe me?

Of course I believe you,
but the police will want confirmation.

But, but I had no reason.

Okay, you were in the van
having a drink.

- Now let's see who else...
- Stop this stupid questioning!

- I did it.
- Phil!

I cut the rope and I'm glad of it.

Torg was destroying all of us.

It was the worst day of our
lives when he walked in.

I started this thing
and I've finished it.

I brought him into the show.

Stood by, while he turned Mary
into a puppet.

Shut my eyes to the fact
that he tried to murder Tom.

I even made him a partner.

Then I found out
the only possible way

I could stop his control over Mary
was by death.

Well,

that's all.

Somebody call the police.

One moment, Mr Danton.

This man didn't die because of the fall.

He was shot.

What's that?

Shot through the head.

But, but when?

I should say as he was
falling to the ground.

Which direction did the bullet
come from?

The bullet entered the
skull above the left ear

and must have been fired by
a first-rate marksman,

standing somewhere in that direction.

Remember me?

Yes, doctor.
I shot him.

Dora!

It's all right, Phil.
You mean more to the show than I do.

You can get along very well
without me.

I could sense what was in your mind.

Only I got him first.

Besides, I... I happen to be rather
fond of Mary and Tom.

I wanted to be the one that
make things come right for them.

Jim, call the police.

I... I can't.

I'll attend to that.

Mr Danton.

Tom, darling.

Mary.

Ladies and gentlemen,

once more we bring to your
town the thrill of a lifetime.

Danton's Empire Circus!

Transcription and subtitles
made by gamboler[noirestyle]