The Ringer (1952) - full transcript

"It was in Cairo that I
first met Arthur Milton."

"I only knew him a couple of
days and we got married."

"It was all a bit of a rush. You see,
the police were after Arthur."

"So we spent our honeymoon on the run."

"Paris, Cape Town,
Singapore, Hong Kong."

"But it really wasn't much fun."

"It seemed the police
wanted Arthur everywhere."

"We hid quite successfully
in Australia for a while."

"Almost got to know the neighbours."

"Until one night Arthur
committed suicide."

"At least that's what the police thought
until they found out he was in London."



"My dear husband had quite
calmly walked out on me."

"He thought he could do a certain
job in London better on his own."

"Of all the stupid things to do."

"In London, Arthur was
wanted more than anywhere."

"The police picked up petty
crooks coming out of prison .."

"Who might be able to
help them find The Ringer."

"For that is what they called Arthur."

"The Ringer. I never quite knew why."

"Anyway, the police thought this fellow
Hackett here might know something."

"They soon whistled
him up to Scotland Yard."

Mr Hackett, sir.
- Alright. We won't keep you a moment.

No. The Assistant
Commissioner isn't here yet.

This is Mr Hackett who ..
- Listen ..

Five or six years ago I got him
18 months at London sessions.



A born liar.

What does Hackett know about the Ringer?
- Well, he says he'd recognise him.

He'd say anything to create a sensation.

What if Hackett doesn't know The Ringer,
who else is going to identify him?

You for one. That's why
you are on the case.

Me? Never set eyes on him.

He had his back turned to me
the day I tried to arrest him.

The Ringer is clever. I hand it to him.
- You don't seem very happy, Bliss.

I wish to god I was back in Washington.

I had a soft job there.

Checking scientists for the FBI, eh?

Now you're back to the
dull routine. Too bad.

If you'd been in America Wembury
they would have kept you there.

They wanted me back at The Yard.

I like your manners.
I hate your modesty.

Come in, Sam.
- Hello, Mr Wembury.

You are looking bright and
healthy. How is the family?

There isn't any family, Sam.

Policemen get about too, eh?

Good morning, sir.

You remember Mr Bliss?

Bliss? Bliss.

Yeah. You've changed a bit, haven't you.
Where did you get all the moss from?

But I wouldn't have recognised you.
Straight up, I wouldn't recognise him.

This is the man, sir.

Morning, Mr Hackett.
- Morning, sir.

A nice little pitch you
have got round here.

All made out of thieving and murder.

We had a letter from you when
you were in prison. Where is it?

Here it is, sir.

Ah yes. Thank you.

"Dear sir, this comes
hoping to find you well."

"An old, kind friend at Scotland Yard."

Yes. But I didn't know Bliss was back.

"There's a lot of talk about The Ringer
here. He that was drowned in Australia."

"Dear sir, I can tell you a lot about
him now that he has departed this life."

"RIP."

"As I once saw him though only for a
second and I knew where he lodged."

Is that true?
- Yes. We lodged in the same house.

You know what he looks like?

Well sir, what he did look like.

I don't reckon I'd know
now with his wings.

Wings?
- Yes, sir.

Unfortunately, The Ringer is alive.

The Ringer alive?

Very much alive.

Well, I'll say thanks very much.

Good morning, all.
- Just a minute, Hackett.

What do you know about him?
- Nothing, sir.

Straight up and without any madam.
- Any what?

"Madam". Without telling a tale, sir.

In this letter you expressed your
willingness to act as an informer.

Maybe sir, on a dead man.
But not on a live Ringer.

Not much. Not me.

If you can help us we may
be able to help you one day.

Not if I was dead you couldn't.

You or anybody else, and that's what
I'd be if I went nosing on The Ringer.

He is yellow like the rest of his kind.

Always the same story when
their own skins are in danger.

Here. You have been
closer to him than I have.

He nearly done you once.
What's keeping you back?

Come on, Hackett. Tell us what
you know. What are you afraid of?

Well, the same as he is, sir.

No. I am sorry.

I've been brought up here on what
is termed a misapprehension.

I'll say good morning.

Don't trouble. Won't be long
before we see you again.

Yes. It's the thing that would
keep me straight, Bliss.

The thought |I'd see you again.
- Alright. That's enough.

Who is this man The Ringer
is supposed to be after?

Meister. Maurice Meister.

You better inform Meister
The Ringer is back.

Right sir.
- What?

The Ringer back?
And Meister doesn't know it?

That is half a laugh, isn't it, eh?

Hey, you.

What's up boy? Mr Meister in?

A friend of his?

We went to different schools together.
- Well, he is busy.

He won't be too busy to see me when
he hears what I have to tell him.

My dear Mr Bell.

How can I give you advice as a lawyer
on a matter which is outside the law?

Please be logical. Is there anything ..?

Hello, Hackett.

How do, Guv. Can I have a word?

Sit down, I shan't be a moment.

Anything else you want to talk about?
- No That's everything.

No trouble with this job. You'll
see how well organised we are.

Please don't tell me anything
about it. It's no concern of mine.

Pretty concerned with the
results though, aren't you.

My dear fellow, I give you the benefit
of my intelligence and that is all.

Alright, Santa Claus.
Have it your own way.

I didn't know you were out.
- Yes, I'm out. When are you going in?

People like Mr Bell don't, do they.
- Any jobs going?

Not in your class, chum.
- I see. Snob stuff, eh?

Not got the right accent.

By the way, there is one thing.

There is a night watchman.

In case of accidents we
are counting on you.

You will find it difficult to remove
the absurd prejudice of a jury ..

Against a defendant who killed
an elderly night watchman.

There is nothing amateur about the
work of our organisation, Meister.

Who should know that better than you?
- Goodbye, Mr Bell.

When did they turn you loose, Hackett?
- Today.

I came straight here.
- Nice of you. Why?

I've got a bit of information for you
worth a couple of fivers at least.

Don't tell me you've knocked
off the chief warder's wife?

No. I had a good butchers.
Not worth pinching.

But I tell you I've got something, a bit
of information that will paralyse you.

Yes, Lisa?

There are two gentlemen to see you.
- Who are they?

They say they are from the police.

Well show them in, my dear.

I tell you what, Guv. I'll let you
have that bit of info for a fiver.

Not interested in your
nonsense, Hackett.

A couple of quid then.
You will be sorry.

Blimey, don't you bogeys move
fast when there ain't no hurry.

Good morning.
- Morning.

Would you take Mr Hackett next door my
dear, while I speak to these gentlemen.

Bearers of bad news used to have their
heads cut off, Hackett. You are lucky.

Lucky? I haven't had a chance
to tell him anything yet.

I can't give you much time.
It's now ten past eleven.

I have to defend at
Greenwich Police Court.

Things might go badly with my
poor client if I am not there.

The course of justice
might go more smoothly.

That's a matter of opinion.
Would you care for a drink, gentlemen?

Thank you, no.

Have we met before?
- I am sorry.

Chief Inspector Bliss - Mr Meister.

Mr Meister is a very successful lawyer
with a large practice in Deptford.

A funny district to choose.

He is a kind of a squire. Mr Meister of
Flanders Lane, and behaves like one.

How so?

He looks after his people,
defends them if they're in trouble.

And if they go to prison
Mr Meister supports the relatives.

Do I have to be suspect because
I help these unfortunate people?

Suspect, my dear Meister?
Who would mention the word?

As far as the police are concerned ..

Mr Meister's actions are
motivated purely by kindness.

I have always had a very high regard for
the intelligence of the police but ..

Take a bow, Bliss.

Gentlemen, what can I
do for you? Excuse me.

Why have you called?
- We were just coming to that.

There was a girl whom you
took into your employment.

Her name was Brenda Milton.

The sister of The Ringer.

She was found drowned.

That is a tragedy I don't
care to be reminded of.

Neither should I if I
were in your shoes.

What does that mean?

I shouldn't care to have
The Ringer as an enemy.

The Ringer died in Australia.
- What makes you think that?

Common knowledge, my dear chap.
It was reported in the press months ago.

Perhaps it hasn't reached
the ears of the police.

He left his sister in your care.

Why did she end her life?

My dear fellow, why do women
end their lives? I don't know.

There is one reason as old as
the hills and you know it.

Melodrama, Wembury.

He had arranged for her to
go into a nursing home.

It didn't come out at the inquest.

Nobody knew about it but Scotland
Yard and Henry Arthur Milton.

Scotland Yard couldn't
do anything about it.

And mister .. Milton .. is dead.

I'm afraid we must
disillusion you about that.

Mr Milton is here.

Has it come over the grapevine
that The Ringer is back?

It hasn't.

And not a bird moves in
Deptford but I know it.

Somebody is fooling you, Inspector.

The Ringer is here and he's alive.
Get that into your head.

We come here to warn you.

Warn me? But why?

Look. Get out will you. Do it later.

Warn me? Why?

Don't strike attitudes.
You are not in the police court.

We think he may have an idea
he has an account to settle.

With me?
- Who else?

His sister was my secretary
and that was all.

We'll, you'd better explain that pretty
quickly to him when you meet him.

My dear fellow, why should I meet him?

I've never seen him my life.
I don't know the man.

If he is back here with a life sentence
hanging over him why don't you get him?

It is so easy to get The Ringer.

Well, get his wife, Cora Ann.

Wherever she is, he is.

He is crazy about her.

I mean, he was.

You mean you're serious about all this?
- Yes.

She is the crazy one and she
followed him to Australia.

Well whoever follows who ..

One is never very far from the other.
Get her and you get him.

We are not worried about her.
You are our immediate worry.

Yes. And Meister, you had better warn
some of your clients we are around.

The last person they want
to see is a police officer.

And don't admit anybody after dark.

Never go out without a police escort.
Have some shutters put on those windows.

Shutters, Guv? No good now you know.

Well, what do you advise?

Nothing short of steel bars.

And another thing, see that
the rivets are on the inside.

Straight up.

The day you take him I will give a
thousand pounds to the police orphanage.

We don't need money so badly as that.

Well give it to the Prisoner's
Aid Association, Guv.

I'll have a look round here for a bit,
Wembury. Cover the garden and grounds.

No objection I take it, Mr Meister?

It must flatter you to have the
police look after your interests.

I am tickled pink, my dear fellow.

Now Hackett here is supposed
to know The Ringer.

It might not be a bad idea to keep him
on the premises. He could tip you off.

What, me sit in the bullseye?
And the ringer a dead shot.

What do you mean, tip me off?

But surely it is the responsibility of
the police. The Ringer is a murderer.

We can't prove it.
- But you know it.

Knowledge is not proof. No-one should
know that better than you, Meister.

The Ringer got rid of a few people
the police were glad to be rid of.

Yes. You're dead right there. They was.
- So the police shut their eyes?

You are an offensive character, Meister.

Police never shut their eyes. Take my
advice. Keep this fellow Hackett around.

Do you want an honest job, Sam?
- No, sir. No qualifications.

Come on, take it.
It's easy money for a change.

Mr Meister would pay you well.
Wouldn't you, Meister?

This is all a very silly
game, I must say.

Maybe, but I'd take my
advice if I were you.

Still, if the police insist.

If he makes himself useful around here
I can pay him a few pounds and his keep.

What, me live here?

The house not comfortable
enough for you, Mr Hackett?

Ah no. Too unhealthy.

Come on, Sam. What do you say?
- Look here, Guvnor.

The Ringer might bump him off
before I get my pay-packet, see?

Here, I tell you what I'll do though.
Make it a daily rate and I'll chance it.

Look, Hackett, I'm a busy man.

Sam, the first thing you do is
make this house burglar-proof.

Yes. But you know that is
impossible, Mr Wembury.

Anyway, I'll do my best.

Good, get a move on. Get everything
done by tonight if you can.

Good morning, Mr Meister.

Sam.

Bye, sir.

Now don't worry, Guv.

I don't want to see The Ringer
any more than you do.

The police.

They asked for me and my papers.

Hmm?

Yes dear, but ..

Don't worry. I dealt with them.

But you told them I wait for Johnny.

That wouldn't have been wise.
- Why not?

Why not? My dear Lisa.

Because Johnny is serving his sentence.

Whatever he is your eyes,
in theirs he is a criminal.

It wouldn't commend you to the police if
I said you were waiting to marry Johnny.

Oh well.

Johnny was foolish. That's all.

You don't get a 4-year
sentence just for foolishness.

He wanted money quickly to marry me.

I know, I know. And those
crooks promised him money.

Well, if you associate yourself
with crooks you have to be clever.

And Johnny wasn't clever.

He gets himself caught.

He leaves his girl at
the mercy of the world.

What sort of a man is that
to pin your faith to?

Faithfulness my dear,
can be carried too far.

It becomes ridiculous.

What did you tell the police?

Do they ..?

Do they want to send me out of England?

No. No, they won't.

Not as long as you are here
under my wing, as it were.

The police have a high
regard for me you know.

Yes, but .. but do they
know I am not a criminal?

You could explain to
them how it happened.

That I came in with
Johnny on a visitor's permit.

And we were going to get married.

But I have done nothing wrong to
stay in this country and wait for him.

Nothing wrong?

Remaining in a country after
the expiration of your visa?

Oh, my dear child.

But I have seen to that.

I give you protection here.
I give you sanctuary.

What is that?
- Sanctuary?

A roof over your head. Food. Clothes.

And I hope, a little friendship.

But of course.

And I'm very grateful to you
for letting me work here.

You are very good at it too, my dear.

I wish you weren't as good
at .. waiting for Johnny.

It's as if your only role in
life was to wait for Johnny.

I am afraid it is.

The role many women like, huh?

It gives them immunity.

Untouchability.

It is also full of tricks.

I have no tricks.

That would be very boring, Lisa dear.

Are you sure you wouldn't rather
I took a job somewhere else?

But you couldn't get a job anywhere
else, Lisa. You have no papers.

But why argue.

You like it here don't you?
You can hardly call me a slave driver.

No, no. You are kind.
- Then what are we arguing about?

Look.

Run along now. Finish your work.

I am busy this afternoon
but I will see you at dinner.

Oh, Lisa.

Smile.

I said smile. Smile a little.

Mr Meister.

I'm just going outside to
have a look round, Guv.

Here.

I've got a job of work for you.

I want bars .. bars everywhere.

Right? And I don't mean the kind of bars
where you get the old half-pint, see.

I want flipping great bars
on all them windows.

Here. Who are you?

The Ministry of Defence.
Strictly pro-tem.

See?

Four men to guard a crook's house.

And The Metropolitan Police two
thousand under strength, sir.

Never enquire into the mysteries
of Scotland Yard, Carter.

Morning, Miss.
- Morning.

My name is Cora Ann Milton.

I am an American citizen.
This is my passport.

Attend to that right now, Carter.

I've come to register
my change of address.

I am moving down to this district.
- Right, Mrs.

I wish I didn't know so
much about criminology.

I find other books on this subject
remarkably unenlightening.

Consequently, I never read them.

But then that makes me wonder
whether anybody will ever read mine.

Wembury, will you have a wee nip?

Carter.

Never become too erudite, Wembury.
Never become an expert.

Life becomes too dull.

Do you know the older I get the
more I become convinced that ..

Cross-examination remains the
only art left the criminologist.

Will I ever convince you of that?
- No. Carter.

Do you know anything about
this report from "B" Division?

"B" Division, sir?

Keep that woman here. Find out
something wrong with her papers.

And send her in to me in a few minutes.
- Right, sir.

Who is she?
- Cora Ann Milton.

Cora Ann.

Cora Ann. Ha.

A pretty name. A pretty woman too.

Wife of The Ringer.
- The Ringer?

A very dangerous customer.

Yes, but why do you call him The Ringer?
- He rings the changes.

And his personal appearance.

But then don't they all?

I'd like this one. He is unique.

In Deptford they say he can
change the colour of his eyes.

So they turned him into a legend, eh?

What does he look like?

Descriptions? Several descriptions.

All poles apart. No photographs.

We've got this drawing here
made by a steward on a boat.

That's all.

And why this sudden
interest in The Ringer?

He is supposed to have died in Australia
but The Yard weren't convinced.

You see, people like The Ringer
don't just die in Australia.

The Yard had a report that he was here.
We weren't convinced of that either.

At least I wasn't. Not until now.

What complex process of deduction ..

Led you from the presence
of Cora Ann Milton here ..

To the suspicion that
her husband is alive?

That is just what I hope
to find out in a minute.

Wembury, why don't you
let me try my hand on it?

Heaven forbid.

The powers of cross-examination
scientifically applied ..

Should never be underrated.

What is it?
- Excuse me, sir.

There seems to be some
errors in this permit.

Alright. Ask Mrs Milton to come in.

I was coming in, in any case.

Where my passport goes, I go.

It's one thing I don't
like out of my sight.

Quite right. Won't you sit down?

This is Dr Lomond. He is quite harmless.

Hmm. That's too bad.
- How do you do?

This isn't your first visit to
London, is it Mrs Milton?

No. It is all in the book there.
- Ah yes. I see.

Now, did you arrive alone?

Except for a planeload
of other people, yes.

I mean essentially alone. You were
not accompanied by your husband?

No, sir. Nor my mother
or any of my aunts.

That was very careless of your husband.

You allow that kind of remark?

Dr Lomond is our police surgeon.

They're not strictly on the force but we
allow them some latitude, of course.

But not too much.
- Now, isn't that nice.

And I am just dying to talk to somebody.

What's the best show in London anyway?

The best show in London
Mrs Milton is Scotland |Yard.

Melodrama without music.

And you are the leading lady.

Oh? What am I leading?

Me, for the moment.

Really?

You know doctor that I haven't
seen my husband in years?

That I am not likely to see him again.

I thought everybody read
that in the newspapers.

Poor Arthur drowned in Sidney Harbour.

You didn't know, Inspector?
- Should I know?

There's nothing wrong with my passport.

You just had to talk to me.

Your husband left this country
two years ago, or was it three?

Three.

When did you see him last?

Two or was it three?

Let's be accurate, my dear girl.

You saw him in Australia?

You arrived in Sidney about three
months after he reached there.

While you were there you were ..

Well, shall we say, in
communication with him?

You seem to have it all there
so why bother to ask me?

I never saw him and that is the truth.
- You never saw him?

He was afraid that somebody
might be trailing you?

Afraid that you might
lead the police to him.

Afraid? You don't know
what you're talking about.

He wasn't afraid of anything or anyone.

And now you say he is dead, huh?

Come in.

Henry Arthur Milton.

Who recently left Australia.

With another woman.

Come in, please.

He is not there.

That's a dirty trick.

I'm sorry, but I don't like
the way he kids me along.

Don't let him worry you.
He has an unfortunate manner.

I don't know anything and
you have nothing on me.

I certainly don't have to answer
any of your fool questions.

It is Mrs Milton, isn't it?

What does that mean?

I just thought it might be one
of those happy natural liaisons.

It was happy, it was
natural and it was legal.

Well, well.

And you can get that bug out of
your head about another woman.

There was no other woman
ever in Arthur Milton life.

I would walk down Collins Street.

With the police tailing me.

Because he had rung me and asked me to.

All because he wanted
just to look at me.

He risked everything to see me.

I wouldn't recognise him
but he would be there.

Is that the kind of man who ..

Goes off with some other woman?
- No, no.

No. But he sounds to me very much like
a man who is alive and here in England.

If he is, why don't you catch him?

May I have my passport please?
- I'm sorry you have been detained.

Your papers are quite in order.

You met him and you
didn't recognise him?

Love is blind.

Do you think you would
know him if you saw him?

You want us to believe he
was so well disguised ..

That he could walk down Collins Street
in broad daylight and not be recognised?

I am sorry Cora, but it won't do.

On Collins Street.

He'd walk on Regent Street.

If he felt that way, he'd
come right to Scotland Yard.

You laugh. Go on, laugh. He would do it.

He would do what, Mrs Milton?

I am sorry.

What is it?

Sorry, but I am rather nervous today.

Anything makes me jump.

Well, I guess that lets me out.

You just try to get me back again.

What's the matter, Mrs Milton?

What are you frightened of?
You're in a police station.

Well, I tell you it was that drawing.
I just caught a glimpse of it and ..

It gave me a shock.

You see, I rather liked Arthur.

And don't be so darned sure there is
nothing to fear in a police station.

I say, you men.

See that you get them
rivets on the inside.

And you, keep your dirty
hands off the walls.

You ordered brandy, sir?

Put it there.
- Here?

There.

How do you like my posh accent?
All got up to match the tray.

Have you called Miss Lisa?

It's a nice bit of stuff too.

Do you mean Miss Lisa or the brandy?

No, the tray.

I am under police protection, Hackett.
That includes my property.

Yeah. You know.
Taking it all in all, Guv.

It is a bit of a flipping
laugh isn't it, eh?

I feel like something out
of Madam Tussaud's.

I'm not cut out to be
a gent's gentleman.

Too flipping familiar.
That's what you are.

Draw the curtains, will you.

Here.

You've got them things
far too far apart.

I know plenty of gentlemen with rubber
guts that can squeeze through that gap.

Who is giving orders?
- Me, that's who. That's why I am here.

An expert, eh?

Dead right, mate.
On both sides of the fence.

You watch me and keep your eyes
and ears open and you will be alright.

Hackett, please.

Sorry, Guv.

It's all this blooming clobber.

The blokes won't take notice
of me in this fancy dress.

Tell them to get on with it
and attend to things indoors.

And fetch Miss Lisa's coffee.
- Okay. It's on the hob.

I like it very black.
- Oh, it's as black as silk, Miss.

Smells like it too.

Afraid I'm not very good at
this coffee-making lark though.

Now if it was char ..
- That's enough, Hackett.

That moron gets on my nerves.
- He makes me laugh.

He's no good in the house
and he talks too much.

I can hardly understand what he says.

A dialect?

Cockney, dear.
- Cockney?

Yes. A gay little
language all of its own.

Only slightly connected
with the King's English.

Have you typed those things I gave you?

Oh yes.
- Good. A clever girl.

I don't know what I
should do without you.

There are plenty of people who can type.

They don't look like you.

Or smile like you.

Or walk like you.

Why does it embarrass you?

It cuts across your
favourite act doesn't it.

What act\|?

Waiting for Johnny.

It is not an act.

No. Of course not, my dear.
I was joking. I am sorry.

No girl could have kept it
up for so long if it were.

No sensitive intelligent
girl like you I mean.

This house is going
to look like a prison.

I am sorry about all this, Lisa.

Thank you.
- Black enough, Miss?

Oh yes.

Hackett, I'll not stand for much more
of this. Haven't they finished yet?

They are just putting the alarms in.
- Alarms?

Yes. Burglary alarms.

I hope you never hear none of them Miss,
if you're on the wrong side of the door.

Blimey, the scares I've had.

After that, I'd say a trumpet
sounded like a penny whistle.

I didn't hire you as
a raconteur, Hackett.

Get me two more brandies, will you.

If you haven't drunk it all.
- What, me drink brandy?

With all that bubbly
lying about? Hark at him.

You must be the best
audience he's ever had.

He knows it too.
- I think he is very funny.

Well, he is all yours, dear.

Drink your coffee before it gets cold.

Now what goes on?

Are you going to make much more noise?

I've got to connect up the
alarm bell with that switch.

Oh. Am I in your way?

No, Miss. You are alright.
Stay where you are.

Do you understand those things?
- I should do.

Should do?

Why isn't the electrician here himself?
- The place is lousy with silver trays.

Hackett, we don't want a running
commentary on your duties.

There you are, sir. Stiff ones.

Lisa?
- No thanks. Not for me.

Come, take it. Good for the nerves.
- No thanks.

Take it.

Let's have some light shall we.

[ Burglar alarm bell. Loud! ]

What have you done, you fools?

Give us Scotland Yard.

Hello, hello?

Stop those bells, will you.

Hello? Hello, hello.

Hello.

Ninety-nine.

Well, there you are, Mr Meister.

You will have a sore hand for a day or
maybe two. But it could have been worse.

And now I think we can
all do with a drink.

Hackett, a drink.

Hackett.

In future, if the alarm bells fuse
send for electricians, not the police.

How was I to know it wasn't The Ringer?

By the simple process
of looking, halfwit.

You know Mr Wembury, one of
these days I'll do him. Honest I will.

I'll do him.
- Sam, behave yourself.

Here, Guv.

That's a nice bit of stuff, eh.
It Would sell well, wouldn't it?

I wonder what I would get for it.
- About three years.

Is he alright, doctor?

Sure. Aye, he is alright.

What are you, the factotum?

No, sir. English.

What's your name?

Samuel Cuthbert Hackett.

That's a terrible name.

Would you like to earn
an honest five pounds?

I pay on results. I am from Aberdeen.

Can you tell me something
about The Ringer?

Something that I don't know already.

Well, do you mind if I give you
a bit of advice for nothing?

Don't go nosing in on The Ringer.

That's if you value your skin.

They tell me that you
are a friend of his.

Well, I am not saying yes
and I am not saying no.

But I will tell you this much.

He wouldn't half get a laugh if he
could see all this how-do-you-do.

Them bars.

Blimey, they wouldn't keep
me out, let alone The Ringer.

Perhaps you are The Ringer?

Please don't make jokes
like that, sir. Please.

It turned my stomach right over.

Wembury, they are awful dangerous
contraptions, these burglar alarms.

By the way, I was fascinated
by your friend Cora Ann.

Yes, so I noticed. I would put
that thing down if I were you.

Would you say I had a good approach?
- To women?

On the elephantine side, I'd say.

Oh, don't depress me, Wembury.
I thought I had made an impression.

Hardly the right one.
You were trying too hard.

Are you likely to see her again?

Not while you are around.
- Competition, eh?

Not where The Ringer's wife's concerned,
old boy. That would be curtains.

Doesn't the risk appeal to you?
The element of challenge, eh?

What's happening to men nowadays.

Look Dr Casanova,
lay off The Ringer's wife.

She is a very beautiful girl.

Yes. You might look beautiful too laying
on a marble slab, though I doubt it.

Would you send me lilies?

Good evening.
- Yes?

He wants to see Mr Meister. Is he in?

Mr Meister is busy.
- I won't keep him long.

I tell you he is busy.
He won't see anyone.

I must see him.

Well, give me a message.

Him or you?

Alright, constable.
I will deal with this.

Well?
- My boy is in trouble, see.

Been on a job and comes up
before the beak tomorrow and ..

I promised I'd get Meister
there to defend him.

Oh.

You wait here.

Samuel.

Samuel Cuthbert Hackett.

That's a terrible name.
Have you seen this contraption?

Ah, it is natty, isn't it.
- It is very empty.

I get you. Refill?
- Aye.

Come into the dispensary.

Oh, is that where the fuse boxes are?

They are awfully elaborate.

I used to potter with electricity
when I was a wee lad.

Well?

He says phone him tomorrow.

Look, I don't want any nonsense.

And nor do we.
- He can't get away with this.

He has to see me. It's his duty.
- Now, now. What's the trouble?

Who are you?

No-one comes in here
without me knowing it.

He wants to see Meister
but Meister won't see him.

That's it isn't, mate.

Phone him tomorrow.
He'll talk to you then.

You've got too many police around here.

Do you know what I would do?
- You might be wasting your time, pal.

Someone has exactly the same idea.

Don't you worry. I will be back.

Excuse me, if you please.
- Just a moment, madam.

Now look here. My old man is in there.
They just told me down at the station.

So don't you try and gammon me.
- Got any hidden weapons on you, eh?

If I do they're my own private property.
- What's your business anyway?

I told you. I want to see
Mr Hackett and it's very urgent.

Hackett? What's he up to in there?

How should I know? That's
what I am here to find out.

Sam Hackett. So here you are.

Now, Bella.
- I found you at last, you snake.

Enjoying yourself while me
and the kids can starve.

Put a sock in it. You'll get me fired.

You call yourself a man,
hiding behind that dickey?

Why don't you come home
like you always does?

Don't shout. I am not deaf.
Give us a chance.

We can wait, we can. While you strut
around done up like a dog's dinner.

You are acting above yourself,
that's what you ware, Sam Hackett.

Well, what do you think I am
doing it for? You and the kids.

You haven't gone straight, have you?
- Don't talk daft.

I'm making contacts, see.

It might raise us up into
the mahogany class.

What about raising some
housekeeping money?

Because now you're out I'm
giving up my job at Woolworths.

Alright. Alright.

As soon as I touch.
- I know you, Sam Hackett.

As soon as you touch you're a big
noise in the pub until it's all blown.

Hackett.

Can't you conduct domestic arguments
somewhere else? The kitchen perhaps?

And who asked you to push
your big ugly mug in?

That's right, get me another six months.
He's the chief dick from Flanders Lane.

Oh! I am sorry, sir.

But it's his fault you know.
He is a lazy-good-for-nothing.

Why put up with him?
Why don't you leave him?

Leave him?

How can I leave him?
I'm not married to him.

Go on, hop it.

Come home, Sam.

Alright. As soon as the
Guvnor is bumped off.

Well, how long is that going to be?
- Any moment now.

But Sam ..

Don't worry Bella. I'll be home soon.

Look after yourself, darling.
- Don't forget what I told you.

Alright.

Alright, Hackett.
Did you ever know this man?

Yes.
- Alright, sir.

I didn't expect to see you here, Johnny.

What's up? What's all the fuss about?

What are you all dressed up for?
- I got a big bit of news for you.

You'll die when I tell you.
- You mean The Ringer being back?

Where is Lisa?

Here. How did you know?
When did you get out?

Gorblimey, you look well.
Dartmoor must be a blooming holiday.

Johnny.

Johnny!

Johnny.

Johnny.

But Jerry said ..

I must be all mixed up.

Listen.

You're out too soon.
- But I'm out. I'm free.

Darling.

Daring, you haven't escaped?

I helped a warder when some damn fool
attacked him. They remitted my sentence.

Oh Johnny, helping a screw.

Darling.

Promise me one thing.

Don't make any more trouble.

No more trouble ever. No more police.

Do you swear it?

I swear it.

Why didn't you write?
- Didn't know myself until this morning.

Well, well. Look who is here.

Hello, Meister.

Hello, Johnny.

Let's have a look at you.

How did you manage it?

He saved a warder's life.

One of your ex-clients
attacked him, Meister.

We must drink to our little hero.
Shall we, Lisa?

The boy who makes good.
What will you have, Johnny?

Not for me, Meister.
- Lisa?

No thank you.
- Lisa and I are going to be married.

I know, I know. Congratulations.

I'm taking her to my people
in Liverpool tonight.

Tonight?

I am sorry Johnny, but ..

You forget she is my secretary.

One can't let the secretary
go at a moment's notice.

She knows more about my affairs that I
do. I'd be completely lost without her.

Of course, in a few days I
can make arrangements.

That's too bad, but we are ..

Taking the first train.
I want her out of here.

But why?

She has been happy here.
Haven't you, Lisa?

Oh, yes. Yes, I like my work.

He asked you Lisa,
whether you had been happy.

Yes darling, but ..

I think it is reasonable that
we should wait for a few days.

Until I clear up my work.

A few days? You talk as if days were
nothing. I've been waiting two years.

Now don't be hysterical, Johnny.
I am trying to help you.

Keep your advice for
people who pay for it.

My dear boy, you are hysterical.

You'll have to try and adapt
yourself to civilised life again.

You should talk about civilised life.

How about Gwenda Milton?
I wonder why she committed suicide.

Shut your filthy mouth.

Who came out of the whole
thing as innocent as a lamb?

You can fool the law Meister because
you know every move of the game.

But there's someone around
you that you can't fool.

Who's just waiting for an opportunity
to take the law into his own hands.

And good luck to him.
- Johnny.

Why are you so frightened to
speak the truth around here?

He comes out of prison
and he talks about truth.

It's alright Johnny. I have ..

I quite understand.

Hello, doctor.

Are you sure I am not butting in?

No, no. Not at all.
- I was just away.

Excuse me, I'll egret my bag.

This is a friend of mine, Mr Lemley.

I have just been having a wee big chat
with our friend there in the pantry.

Lemley? Hmm.

You are just back from
the country, aren't you?

I'm just out of prison
if that's what you mean.

Uhuh.

Guv.

Yes, what is it?

There is a party outside
wants to see you.

Who is it?

They asked me not to divulge
the name This party said:

Just say: "I am from The Ringer".

A party from The Ringer?

Show him in.

Doctor, are you mad?
- I know what I am doing.

Show him in.

Hello, Meister.

Remember me?

I am very sorry but just for the
moment I am rather at a loss.

Think hard. I will give you a clue.

You knew my husband.

That is a terrible opening to a
conversation: "You knew my husband".

Would you mind keeping out of this.

My name is Cora Ann Milton.

Yes, of course. My dear
Mrs Milton, how do you do.

Prettier than ever.
- Oh, shut up.

And how is your husband?

Oh, he is fine.

Just fine.

You'll be pleased to hear that.

Yes, indeed.

I ..

I brought you a message from him.
- Oh?

Can we talk alone somewhere?

If you wish.

This way.

You will excuse us, won't you, Doctor?
- Certainly.

What is Mrs Milton doing here?

Blimey, where have you
two been, making the beds?

Isn't that like a couple of coppers, eh?
Never on the spot when you're wanted.

Now listen. There isn't much time.

Why don't you go away,
out of the county?

Arthur Milton is here in
London for one purpose only.

To get you, Meister.
It is a mania with him.

Whatever happened between you and
his sister, he pinned her death on you.

It's been burning up his
mind for two years.

He has one idea left
and that is to get you.

So he is in London?

You have been listening
to the police, Mrs Milton.

I told the police.

Trying to lead me to The Ringer?

Very ingenious, I must say.

I leave London where he'd never show
himself and go, say, to the Argentine.

And he would be waiting for
me there, tipped off by you.

What do you take me for, Mrs Milton?
- You can cut that out.

I wouldn't lift a finger
to save you from hell.

Get that into your head, Meister.

Run fast while you still
have breath to do it with.

And run to The Ringer?
- From The Ringer, you fool.

It's here in this house you will
meet him and not anywhere else.

You are looking very
beautiful today, Cora Ann.

That's more than I can
say for you, doctor.

The merry widow, eh?

You can cut out the widow stuff.
It is too near home.

The merry grass widow then?
- Not so merry as all that.

Still hankering after
that husband of yours?

Isn't it time you stopped worrying?

You are dead right it is, doctor.

You can't still be in love with him?

Love?

I don't know. What is love anyhow?

I've forgotten.
- Love? Well ..

They say in the books it
is where the heart is.

Mine is in my mouth most of the time.
- That is anatomically impossible.

It was love that took you all the way
to Australia after him wasn't it?

Was it? A honeymoon alone in a single
berth cabin. Not my idea of love.

Why don't you forget him, Cora Ann?

Do you think he wants me to forget him?
- I don't know.

He might.

Is any man worth what you are suffering?

Sooner or later he will be caught.

If he is alive.
- If he's alive. Aye.

The long arm of the law will
stretch out and seize him ..

And the long leg of the law
will boot him into prison.

Will you please stop
talking about my husband.

Alright.

Anything you wish.

I am only trying to help you, Lassie.

Do you mind helping me at a distance.

But you attract me, Cora Ann.

What am I supposed to do
about that? Cheer?

My dear, if only I was
five years younger.

Twenty-five you mean.

Well, can I offer you
a wee bit of advice?

Medical advice?
- No, no. Just friendly.

It would be a good idea if
you were to go right away ..

Forget all about The Ringer.

Find another interest.

Cut him right out of your mind.

I am thinking of all the time you are
wasting waiting for something to happen.

With that heart of yours in your mouth.

Have you got some
reason behind all this?

Aye, I've got plenty of reasons.

It is your one chance, Cora Ann.

Who says so? Dr Lomond?
- Aye.

When Arthur Milton says: "I'm tired
of you. I am sick of you. You are out".

Then I will go.

My way. Not your way. Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Excuse me, madam.

But would you mind doing me a favour?

The next time you see The Ringer,
would you put in a good word for me?

Samuel Hackett is the name.
- A word in for what?

I'm ambitious you see. I want to
better myself and get out of the rut.

There's no place like a rut, Sam.
Then you know where you are.

That's just it, madam.
You see, a rut is a rut.

I want to get out of it. A man with my
experience ought to get out of the rut.

Experience, did you say?
- Yes. Have you seen my press cuttings?

No.
- Do you mind?

There you are, look.

That's me. With the bracelets on.

I think I had better start a book on
Cora Ann and forget about criminology.

Where is my pencil?

There is one on the desk.

Oh.

Thank you, Mr Meister.

Tell me something.

What is she doing here?

You should know that. It was
you she came to see. Not me.

What reason have the police
to think that the Ringer is here?

I know they have a suspicion
that he is here but ..

Have they any real reason to think so?

Why? Couldn't you get
that out of Cora Ann?

If she is here, he is not very far away.

Is that what they have been telling you?

They didn't tell me she was here.

What kind of recommendations are those?
In each one of them you've been pinched.

Yes, I know. But why, why?

I'll tell you why. Because
I leave my trademark, see.

Fingerprints?
- No. That's the trouble.

No fingerprints,
no busted locks, no clues.

So that when they see the perfect job.

They know it is me. Sam Hackett.

The trouble with me is that I am
the victim of my own perfection.

Excuse me.

Alright, Samuel. I will put in
a word for you. Goodnight.

Tell em something, Wembury.
- What?

How the hell did you get landed
with this Scotch comedian of yours?

Dr Lomond?

He's a nice old boy really.

A bit irritating at time but ..

After all he has precious
little to do in Flanders Lane.

I don't like amateurs.
- He doesn't do anybody any harm.

When exactly did he start this job?
- About six months ago.

Here to get the material for
research for that book of his.

He spent most of his life abroad.
Somebody must have recommended him.

It's a nice quiet job for an
old boy in semi-retirement.

Are you coming, doctor?

Aye, in a minute.
- Fine.

It is warmer in here than
out there in the garden.

Don't you think so, Mr Bliss?

I saw you out there.

Setting a trap for
The Ringer, weren't you.

It's certainly a more practical way to
catch criminals than writing books ..

And that anthropological muck
that you waste your time on.

Well, that is a matter of opinion.

By the way, Bliss.

Have you ever noticed your ears?

A typical criminal's ear.

And the prognathic process of the
jaw suggests a rabid homicide.

Tell me. Did you ever commit a murder?

Not yet.

But I may any moment.

How you must hate your ears.

They are the most pointed I ever saw.

I will be interested to see
what happens to you.

The last time I saw ears
like that was in India.

They belonged to a woman
who murdered her husband.

Mind, I'm not blaming her, poor soul.
He was in the native cavalry.

He used to go to bed in his spurs.

Keep the flippancy for
another time, Lomond.

We've got a lot on our hands.
The Ringer was a very clever criminal.

There is no such thing
as a clever criminal.

That doctrine was inculcated
into me when I was a bairn.

Och aye. Toot-toot.
- I resent that remark.

Take care of hat hand
of yours, Mr Meister.

Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

There you are, Doc.

Is it full, Samuel?
- Is it full?

Blimey, it's the first time I've
ever measured it by the yard.

I'll see you later.

You will ..

You'll have to put up with a lot of
things, you know. People will ..

Whisper behind your back.

"Her husband was in prison."

How will you feel about it then?
Will you wish you'd never met me?

But darling.

If you had never met me you
wouldn't have gone to prison.

You wouldn't have needed that
money if it hadn't been for me.

All the things I planned to say.
I don't know, I just couldn't.

Tell me them now.

Firstly, I wanted to ask you to forgive
me for all the things I've promised.

Never let it be said that I am not
sympathetic with young love.

No, no. Don't get up.

I am sorry about my little outburst
a moment ago, Johnny.

But you see, when I expected thanks it
was a little disconcerting to get abuse.

I had been thinking too
much shut away there.

I understand. It's always a mistake.

Are you still thinking of
taking Lisa away tonight?

Yes.
- That's a pity.

I shall miss you, Lisa dear.
When is your train?

Eleven o'clock.

Look, give me two hours of her time
to go over what is most urgent.

Alright.
- What about your packing?

That's easy. I haven't got much to pack.
- Go and pack now, Lisa.

Then you'll have it all prepared and
we can go through the work quickly.

Oh, blast.

What's the matter?

There's a file in my office.
It's vital she checks it with me.

I'd get it myself but I
I can't leave the house.

I wonder if Lisa ..

Lisa.

Don't disturb her. Let her finish
her packing. I'll get your file.

That is very kind of you, Johnny.

I'll get you the keys.

It's on the top floor of 258 Piccadilly.

Take a taxi and you'll
be there in 20 minutes.

Here's some money.
- Don't worry.

It is a thick green file. You will find
it in the bottom drawer of my desk.

Right.
- 258 Piccadilly.

Who's there?

What's the matter?

What are you doing here, Bliss?

Looking after you like
a father, Mr Meister.

I thought your activities were
confined to the outside of my house.

I shan't trouble you again this evening.

All my men are on duty.

However, if you can't
sleep, do give me a ring.

I'll come and read you
some bedtime stories.

Goodnight.

I see.

2-5-8.

Piccadilly.

Yes.

In about twenty minutes.

I see.

May I have your name, please?

No. No name.

Hello?

Hello Meister?

"Hello."

"Meister? Is anybody there?"

Hello.

"Meister."

Don't move.

What are you doing here anyway?

Stay where you are and don't move.

Right, Peters.

Acting on information sir,
I was at 258 Piccadilly.

And I found the caretaker hurt and
the office at the top entered into.

Major, we arrested this
man who resisted arrest.

What is the charge?

He is charged with being in enclosed
premises for an unlawful purpose.

What's your name?

John Lemley, sir.

Alright. Search him.

I've seen you before tonight
somewhere, haven't I?

Well? Anything to say?

Meister tipped you off, didn't he?

What has Meister to do with it?

He sent me to his office to get a file.
He gave me those keys. It was a trap.

If it is a trap as you say ..

Why not stay and explain to the police?

Because, can't you see, I realised
I was walking into a trap.

If you're innocent and the victim of a
trick, why should the police hold you?

Because I have got a record.

I see.

I ..

I came out of prison this morning.

Meister a friend of yours?

So friendly I landed a 4-year sentence
and look like landing with another one.

That's how friendly we are.

That's a pretty fantastic story, Lemley.

Whatever it is to you, it is
a real-life nightmare to me.

Alright. You will be detained.

Take him away.

Alight. Put him in number 9.

Can I call Lisa? I haven't done
anything. I'm not a criminal.

I want a chance to put
things right with her.

You're under arrest.
Don't let's have any nonsense.

Look, if anything happens to Lisa,
I'll kill him. I warn you I'll kill him.

Who is he going to kill?
- Meister.

It seems quite an epidemic.

I want a gun.
- I beg your pardon, sir?

I want a revolver.
- That's right, Sergeant.

Inspector Bliss of Scotland
Yard requires a revolver.

What do you want it for, Bliss?

Going wrecking?
- Yes.

But you don't have to worry, Wembury.
- Thanks.

What do you want the gun for?
- What is to you?

Quite a bit. This is my
division you know.

Any reason why I shouldn't have it?
- None.

I should sign for it though.

What is the matter, Bliss?
You seem to be forgetting the routine.

I've been a long time away from
this regulation-ridden country.

Good evening, Mr Bliss.

Evening, doctor. You seem to
live here. Found The Ringer yet?

Not yet.

You ought to write another book,
and perhaps you will.

You know, sometimes I
think it's folly to be wise.

I wish you would ask me why.

Why is it?

When ignorance is bliss.

Curious the Inspector doesn't
know station routine isn't it, sir?

Everything is curious
about Mr Bliss, Sergeant.

Bliss. I wonder where
he got that name from.

Perhaps it was his mother's.
- What is Meister's phone number?

2-1-4-0 I think, sir.

That's right, sir.

Yes. I am worried
about that boy's story.

It is Mr Wembury.

Tell him I am busy.

Tell him there's no need for him
to worry about me any longer.

I am leaving the country tonight.

He is leaving, He is pushing off.

Yeah.

For why?

Well, I'll tell you for why, Mr Wembury.

Cora Ann has seen him.

Yeah. And for all I know I
might have seen him too.

Tell him I'll be over right away.
I've got to see him before he goes.

Draw me a gun Carter, will you.
- Right, sir.

What's the matter?

Meister is moving out.

I've got find out more about
that boy Lemley before he goes.

That girlfriend of yours has
been up to her tricks again.

You had better come along.

You are the only friend
she has got around here.

She may need your help
if I lay my hands on her.

You are not going to shoot her?
- Oh, come on.

[ Doorbell ]

Good evening. Mr Meister?

He is packing. He is going away.

Are your going away too?
- Yes.

I am waiting for my fianc?e.

He is coming to fetch me any moment now.

Who, Lemley?
- Yes.

Too bad.

What's wrong?

I'm afraid you must
put that off for a bit.

He is under arrest.

What has he done?

He broke in to what is known as enclosed
premises, and he's charged with assault.

But.

But.

Is he in a prison?

For the time being he
is just being detained.

How serious is it?

Very serious unless his
story can be corroborated.

Wembury, Doctor. How nice
of you to come and see me off.

Lisa dear, what is the matter?

I'd like a word with you.

What has happened?

Where is Johnny?

Where do you think he is?
- He has been arrested.

Is that so?
- That is so.

Acting on information received
he was arrested this evening.

I'm terribly sorry
about this, Lisa dear.

He was arrested in your
office, oddly enough.

In my office? What on earth
was he doing in my office?

We haven't quite cleared that up.

Yet.

Lisa, what stupidity
have you been up to?

Now of all times when ..

Don't cry.

I'll do everything humanly
possible for him. I promise.

What can you do? What can anybody do?

Well, if there is a way out, you
can rest assured that I will find it.

Let me talk to Wembury.

Look, you go up for a while, huh.

Come.

I've never let you
down and I never will.

If by any chance this matter
can't be straightened out.

You will come with me.

You can't stay here alone
and you know why.

Why not let her make up her own mind?

But, can't I go and see him?

Not possible.
Please go upstairs and wait.

I can settle this matter much better
on my own and time is short.

That is, if you want me to help.

Hackett.

Have you seen Hackett?
- No.

Are you here again, Cora Ann?

I might say the same to you.

I just came to bid a fond
farewell to Mr Meister but ..

What is the matter? There is a
queer vacant look in your eyes.

The vacancy isn't in my eyes.

I haven't eaten a thing since lunch.

If you like, you can take me to supper.

Och, I might miss some fun.

If The Ringer knows that
Meister is leaving.

You have got some strange ideas of fun.

Now, why don't you
take me out to supper?

Are there any restaurants around here?
- Aye. But who would pay?

I'll pay for it. You can come
along as my Scotch gigolo.

So you think I'm your type now?

You'll do. I'm not feeling
particular at the moment.

You are very tempting, Cora Ann.
It's such an economical proposition.

But you nearly make me
forget why I am here.

Why are you here?

In my professional capacity
in case of accidents.

Come on, I am hungry.
- Now, Cora Ann.

Don't lure a man away from his duty.

What duty?

The Ringer might feel he had something
to say to Mr Meister before he left.

With these police around? He wouldn't
be such a madman. Not even The Ringer.

I wonder how well you
know him, Cora Ann.

There is a look in your
eyes I don't like, doctor.

I'm not The Ringer's accomplice.

You want to see him hang.

Don't be hysterical.
Your husband wouldn't like that.

He might be somewhere around
and it would worry him.

I'll give you five minutes and no more.

Doctor.
- Yes?

If you must make love to The Ringer's
wife choose another moment and place.

It would be more convenient
if you went home.

Why?

Because I don't want two
tragedies on my hands.

Mr Meister.
- I'm in a hurry, doctor.

I think I know the reason
for your burnt hand.

Is that all?
- Aye.

There is an old transformer here. It
must have worked the lift at some time.

If the wires had been connected to that.

It might have proved fatal.

Now, are you listening to me?

How about that anonymous phone
call you made at the station tonight?

Wembury, I am much too vain a man
to impart information anonymously.

You should know me better.

You fixed Lemley, didn't you?
For some purpose of your own.

Don't let's argue, my dear fellow.
Let's part friends, shall we.

At least I am saving you the expense
and trouble of guarding me any longer.

Good evening. Mr Meister?

What do you want?
- I've got your tickets.

I'll give them to him.
- Sorry.

I must get his signature for them.
- Alright. Come this way.

Your tickets.
- Put them down, will you.

Two.

Can you sign this please, sir?

Why two?

Why two? Because Lisa is
coming to America with me.

Oh, so that's it.

I haven't time to sift your
obscure ideas, Wembury.

The fact is that Lisa will decide
to be realistic about this boy.

There must be an end even
to her patience. Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

So Lisa will decide, eh?

There are moments Meister when I
wish the police had wider powers.

To carry arms perhaps, you mean?

Nothing so dramatic.
One fist would be enough.

Give me the greater pleasure.

Schoolboy stuff, Wembury. You don't know
the world. Fetch Miss Lisa, will you.

I'm taking this girl away from
a petty small-time crook.

To lift her into the big-time stuff?
Strange snobberies you people have.

She'll have a new life in America.
- Not if she goes with you.

She is going with me.

Do you know something, Meister? I could
cheerfully do The Ringer out of a job.

It would make rather an
ass of the law wouldn't it.

Hackett.

Hackett.

Hackett!

Here, you.

It will only get me into trouble.

Good evening, Sergeant.

Look what they do to me.
Why don't you stop hounding me?

Trouble?

I saw this man by Deptford Broadway
and asked him what was in his bag.

That's exceeding your duty, Constable.
Go on Sergeant, tick him off.

He refused to open the bag ..
- Now that's a lie.

Don't perjure yourself
in front of witnesses.

All I said was: if you
want the bag, take it.

Shut up, Hackett.
- I then took him into custody.

Yes. That's the first true
words you have spoken.

Look here. He came up to me and
he gave me a lot of madam, see.

So I said to him ..

I don't want to be seen talking to
a bogey at this hour of the night.

And then he got the dead
needle and pinched me.

I ask you. I wouldn't take a liberty
in your manor, now would I?

What's in the bag?

Ah, it's funny you should mention that.

I was just going to speak about it.

Well, the truth of the matter is
I was walking down a dark street.

It was very dark. I could hardly
see, when all of a sudden ..

I trod on something soft, see?

I bent down to have a look.

And there was the bag, so I said:
"now what are you doing there"?

And what did the bag say?

If I am telling a lie may I be
struck down this very minute.

Go on. Nobody has heard you.

Well, then I got my second breath, see.

I thought I'd bring it up to the police
station, when up comes this bogey.

Alright. Let's have a look at it.

What's that?

A silver teapot.

Well, bless my soul.

If it ain't old Meister's teapot.

Well, what a coincidence, eh?

I was only rubbing it up this morning.

Well, it doesn't matter.
After all he doesn't drink tea.

And Meister's cashbox.
- Yeah.

And a wad of money.

Bad luck, Hackett.

Rank bad luck.

Here. It's good luck. That's what I'd
call it. I should get a reward for this.

Here, you count that lot will you.

I know what coppers are. They'll turn
up here next week in a brand-new suit.

Alright, Hackett.

You are charged with being in possession
of property reasonably suspected ..

Of being stolen or unlawfully obtained.

In contravention of section 66
of the metropolitan police act ..

1839. Old, isn't it?

Alright. It's a fair cop.

Name?

Samuel Cuthbert Hackett.

Samuel.

Cuthbert.

Hackett.

Address?

Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham ..

No fixed abode.

What was your last job?

Chambermaid.

Now let me pass. I know he is here and I
must see my husband. I know my rights.

Lord's truth. Here comes my biggest fan.

Sam Hackett, it is true then.

I could hardly believe my
ears when they told me.

Please, Mrs Hackett.

It's no good, Sergeant.
She never stops once she starts.

Call yourself an expert?
Being found with the goods son you.

Why didn't you bury the stuff in the
back garden and come back later for it?

You're slipping, that's what
you are, Sam Hackett.

I told you I was out of training.
- For a mouldy bit of silver like that.

|Here.

Haven't I seen this before?

Didn't you thieve this the last time you
were out and flogged it to Mr Meister?

Well I like that. Flog it to Mr Meister
and then pinch it back off him again.

That is plain dishonest
you know, Sam Hackett.

Sorry Mrs Hackett. We have
got to take him down now.

Number 7. Quite a full house tonight.

Oh ..

Never mind, ducks.
Perhaps I'll be home for Christmas.

It will be a hard grind for me and the
kids until you get back on the job, Sam.

I mean, it's not as if we were married.
I get no family allowance or anything.

It's gone up three bob now you know.

Look ducks, I'll tell you what.

As soon as I get out of here,
and I have done my first job.

We'll make it legal, see.

Slip me a bob, I'll marry you.

Oh, Sam.

Sarge. There is no-one in
number 9. The door is open.

Number 9?

Lemley.

Are you sure he got away?

Yes, sir. The door in the
station yard is open, sir.

Well, get the duty car to go
round and warn all the patrols.

You can describe the man.
When did this happen?

When they took them their meals, sir.

Get on to the night office of The
Yard and circulate the description.

Right, sir.

Get on to The Yard and circulate
Lemley's description right away.

Right.

He threatens to murder Meister and then
he escapes. What am I supposed to think?

Johnny doesn't think like you.

He's been in prison for a long time.
He thinks everybody is against him.

There is a reasonable chance I
might have been able to help him.

But not now?
- I don't know.

He may have to go back. He may not.

Please don't tell me one
thing and then another.

Please tell me. Where is he?

I don't know. Probably on his way here
to stop you going away with Meister.

On his way here?

But I'm not going away with Mr Meister.
- Yeah? Well he seems to think you are.

I am going to stay here even if I
have to break every law there is.

Ha. Like Johnny?

Dear oh dear.

I've never seen such a terrible mess as
they've made of these burglar alarms.

It is a mercy they have
never been needed.

Where is that electrician?
He's gone home I suppose.

I wish you'd gone home too.

I will when I have
tried to disconnect this ..

Heath Robinson contraption.

Well, ladies and gentlemen,
this is where we say goodbye.

I hope you have enjoyed my hospitality
and that a good time was had by all.

But now the silly game is
over and I'm locking up.

You'll be glad to be away.

Thank you. Goodbye, Mrs Milton.
Thanks for the timely warning.

It is a little secret you will have to
keep from your husband, I take it.

Goodbye, Bliss.

I shall watch the English papers
for further news of your success.

Goodbye, doctor.

What are you doing there?
- I'm just pottering.

Well, stop pottering. I am locking up.

Aye.

I'm not coming with you.

Johnny is out. He is on his way here.

Out? Who said so?
- He's escaped.

It is a trick, Lisa. A police trick.

No-one ever escapes.

It's a very cruel thing Wembury to raise
hope if you know the situation as I do.

Better than you, shall we say?
- What does that mean?

You ..

You say things but I don't understand
what you mean. Where is Johnny?

It's the old cat and
mouse game, my dear.

If he has escaped he'll be back under
lock and key before the day is over.

If he's free why not produce him, Bliss?

Give us time.
- Time?

Not much to ask when we've a few minutes
only. Can't you see it's nonsense, Lisa?

Whom are you prepared to trust?

Me, whom you've know
for two years or the police?

Who locked Johnny up and then tried to
insinuate there may have been a mistake.

Insinuate nothing. We haven't
yet proved him guilty. That's all.

You will.

Get the luggage into the car.

Don't be side-tracked by this nonsense,
Lisa. Let's discuss it on the plane.

If you feel strongly, you
can always come back.

There's nothing final about
you coming with me.

I should have no peace of mind If I left
you here now, under the circumstances.

Don't you see?

Yes, of course you do. Now we
must hurry. Where are the tickets?

I think you left them on your desk.

Oh yes, of course.

I'm afraid there's nothing I can do.

He can't just be dead like
that, man. Do something quick.

But he is dead. Keep your hands
away from that, Bliss. Don't touch it.

That's what it is.
He has been electrocuted.

I will go and switch off at the mains.
Don't you touch that.

Oh, what a terrible thing.

Electrocuted, eh?

The wires must have been touching
the tray and acted as a conductor.

And the tickets were on the tray.

Yes.

They took him further than he reckoned.

Distilled in Australia, eh?

Why the stethoscope?

It was foolish of the old boy to ..

Tamper with this thing, wasn't it.

Someone who knows
nothing about electricity.

Over someone who knows a
great deal about electricity.

Mrs Milton.

I would be grateful if you would
stand just where you are.

What a terrible thing.

Still, you never know.

Perhaps Meister was
lucky to die like this.

He might have met
The Ringer one day and ..

And then it probably wouldn't
have been so painless.

We think he has met The Ringer.

Now what makes you say that, Bliss?

Where?
- You can drop the accent.

Yes. It has been rather
getting on our nerves.

Doctor.

Harry Lauder made a fortune out of it.
- You won't.

I don't have to.

Get the police van, Wembury.
Stop this nonsense.

My dear chap, isn't that my whiskey?

Good heavens, yes.

Very special stuff.
You can't get it in this country.

Will you have one? You may
never have another chance.

I'll see to that, Doctor Lomond.

So should I, but don't call me "doctor"
please. It makes me feel such a fraud.

You see, there was a real Doctor
Lomond. A very nice old chap.

He died in Australia while he was
treating me for kangaroo bites.

Kangaroos do bite, you know.

He had very excellent credentials.
Quite wonderful.

Scotland Yard always insists
on excellent credentials.

So I borrowed them.

Impersonation .. and murder.

Murder?

You mean this unfortunate
accident to Meister?

You will find it very hard
to prove anything else.

My dear Bliss, think again.

Arthur.

Oh my dear. I am so sorry. How are you?

You let Lemley out of
his cell tonight. Why?

My dear Wembury, he had no business to
be there. You know that as well as I do.

Well, you won't find a good Samaritan
ready to let you out once you are in.

And you'll stay there
for the rest of your life.

I don't think Arthur would
want to live as long as that.

I think you had better
look after the doctor.

Take the car. Get some
men down here quickly.

Very good, sir.

He is still in the house.
That's certain.

Did he go past here?
- No, sir.

Nobody passed me since I
heard the shot and came in.

We've a cordon round the house outside.

They're sending men from the station to
search inside. They arrive in minutes.

Right.

Do you realize where
you stand, Mrs Milton?

Obstructing the law.
Helping a prisoner to escape.

You are going to be out of
circulation for quite some time.

That will be a nice rest.

I've done too much travelling lately.

You'd better get her out of here.
Come on, we'll start upstairs.

Get a man to watch Mrs Milton.

I'll take one off the guard outside.
- No, don't do that.

Listen to me, Johnny.

I can come to you but
we won't have a chance.

Give me that.

Hello? Lemley?

This is Inspector Wembury speaking.

Now listen to me. The sooner you realise
you are in serious trouble the better.

No, no. I don't want any excuses.

Look. If I come round
will you promise me ..

And I am not making any promises.

What?

Well, where are you?

Well come here immediately.

No.

No.

We are going to have trouble
with that young man.

Who are you?
- Terry, sir. "F" Division.

I'm looking for a man called
Lemley, here on these premises.

Never mind about that now.

Atkins.

Bring Mrs Milton out here will you.

I've seen you before
somewhere, haven't I?

Yes, sir. I used to be
in your division, sir.

0h.

Take Mrs Milton to Flanders Lane. You
need another man but I can't spare one.

Don't worry, sir. I can manage.

I am glad to hear somebody
has got so much confidence.

Mr Wembury, sir.
- What is it?

I'd like to get back to your division
if there should ever be a vacancy.

I liked working with you, sir.
- Did you?

Goodnight, sir.
- Goodnight.

Where is the driver?
- Searching the grounds I think, sir.

Shall I take Mrs Milton to Flanders
Lane and come straight back?

Alright.
- Right.

Mr Wembury.

Come here.

What would happen if I kissed you?
- Arthur, shut up.

Tell me, what would happen?

I'd only give you away like I
nearly did at the police station.

When Bliss came in? Poor old Bliss.
They all thought it was him.

Arthur, please.

Where do you want to go to?

Anywhere, so long as you
can get us out of this.

Peru?

Is it warm in Peru?

The sun shines all day and
the moon shines all night.

Let's go there then.

Right.

Go on, get into the house before
anything more happens to you.

Go and ask Lisa to keep
an eye on you. Go on.

Alright. On your way.

Do you love me .. Cora Ann?

-(t-g)-