The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh (1971) - full transcript

The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh

Welcome!

- Hello!
- Good evening.

- Good evening.
- Hi Neil!

How's it going Neil?

Now that you live in New York
you've forgotten your old friends

Obviously I'd like to come
home more often. Isn't that true Julie?

Yes, especially
if Wall Street was here.

But I don't have time
to play the tourist.

Talking of which, the meeting
with Muller is set for eight.

Seems he's willing to
buy those share



which you told me
about yesterday on the phone

I'm sorry dear, but I don't
have time to take you home.

It's very important you know.
I'll call you a taxi.

Don't worry, I
can get one myself.

We apologise if we
steal your husband

just a few metres
into Austria.

I'm not an annoying wife.

The extremely
important things first.

Kramorstrasse 25.

What's going on?

Good evening.

- Papers, please.
- Here.

I'm sorry, madam.
It's just a formality.

But why?



A woman was killed half an hour ago,
near the airport.

Another woman killed?

Yes, and cut with a razor
again. You can go.

This story is becoming an
obsession

It's everywhere in the papers
and on TV about that crazy maniac.

Yes, they mentioned
it in the US as well.

They should bring back death penalty,
that's what they should do it!

Then those sick people
would get the end they deserve.

130 schillings.

- Keep the change.
- Thank you.

- Welcome back Mrs Wardh.
- Antonio, it's you.

A pleasure to see
you again, madam.

Everything's in
order in the apartment.

Has anyone come in
the last minutes?

No, madam. Were you
expecting someone?

The maid comes tomorrow.

I'll take care of the bags.
Don't you worry.

Thank you.

- Mrs Wardh?
- Yes?

These are for you. The porter asked

The porter also told
me to deliver your suitcases

Leave them here.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

Yes I understand, Neil.
At least try to pick me up

not too late though. No!
I'm not angry

even though Carroll
calls me 'the Widow Wardh'.

You've only stayed
with me one night

in the three days
we've been here.

Don't be too late. Bye.

Julie, you've finally
stopped bothering the old man.

Look what I've brought you

He's just arrived,
fresh from Australia.

With fantastic news!

You wouldn't believe it.

George! Tell her
about our uncle.

To be honest, I was
fond of old uncle.

Of course you were!

Anyway, our uncle
croaked and left

a nice nest-egg
for me and him.

We're the sole heirs.

You're family?

Yes.

At least that's the way it
is for the notary in Sydney.

Uncle's dead
without a will and the

young lady and I
are the sole heirs.

What should I say?
Condolences or congratulations?

Just say: Pleased to meet you.

Pleased to meet you.

Very good. Shall we
drink something to celebrate?

- Our meeting?
- No, to uncle's death.

Without which I'd
never have met you.

Oh, right.

Julie, please
don't steal the most

handsome cousin
I have, alright?

A Martini rosso for me.

- Are your clothes really made of paper?
- Underneath as well?

They're real, how naive.

- What would you say about having a look?
- Lets give them a tug.

It's true, they're
made of paper.

Carroll! Why didn't you
say Jean was here as well?

He really pestered me
about when you'd be back.

I told him to leave you
alone but he came anyway.

Why does it matter to you?

- I'm going.
- Why, Julie?

- Because I am.
- Julie!

Wait.

- Leave me alone.
- I'll take you home in my car.

No, go away.

Why?

Nothing brings us closer
than having a vice in common.

I'm out of it, and
now you make me sick.

Leave me alone!

Julie!

No, please.

Let him go.

You don't know Jean.

He likes hurting people.

What's up?

A terrible nightmare

but it's over so don't worry.

Julie tell me the truth.

What's wrong?
Is it that man?

- Bye.
- Bye!

Next time don't wear paper,
come already naked.

- Funny! Goodbye.
...Bye!

Goodbye!

Wait a minute!
Give it to me.

No parking zone, obstructing
traffic. You'll pay now?

No, for god's sake,
we collect them.

Thanks.

Done!

There are more than a
thousand policemen in this town!

I want all their autographs!

It's not that easy, you know.

You're completely mad!

Why? Seem strange to you?

I once went to bed
with someone who collected

ladies underwear.
I realised he only wanted

to be with me to
steal my knickers.

Hey!

Give me the paper, will you?

- Here.
- Thank you.

Thanks.

Let me have a look.
Another woman murdered.

We should be grateful
to this maniac

for eliminating
our competition.

They always write the same stuff

and I don't read it, but if I
don't buy a paper I miss it.

How I envy you, Carroll

you're always so
relaxed and cheerful.

No Julie

you just take the best
wherever you find it.

A little here, a little there

and avoid thinking
the worst.

I married Neil to
finish with Jean.

Neil seemed so
wise and calm.

But now I'm not so sure.

Neil's your husband, dear.

You can't expect to have
everything from one man.

Carroll! Please...

The fact that you put
someone between you and Jean

is already really important

Yes I know, but maybe

I need to escape from myself.

Jean would never
accept not seeing me again

because he can't
stand losing.

Excuse me, madam. There's
a gentleman waiting for you

I put him in the living room.

I don't want to see anyone.

He asked for your husband.
I told him he was out

but he wanted to
wait to speak to you.

Come on! Who
are you scared of?

If it's Jean we'll throw him out.

Come on, it'll be fun for me

Hello.

Look who it is,
the handsome cousin.

My husband's not at home.

I'm sorry, Julie. But
Carroll told me your husband

is an expert in
financial matters.

I'd like to get his advice.

Yes, I see.

But I'm sorry,
my husband's not here.

I'm glad instead, because...

to be honest it was just
an excuse to see you again.

One definitely can't deny
your sincerity.

We interrupted our celebratory
drink the other night,

and I didn't want
to miss the chance

to get to know you
as well as I can.

Listen, my handsome cousin.

If you intend to woo her

I recommend you continue
over a steak.

Mr...

Call me George.

Don't worry

you'll get a chance
to speak to my husband

alright?

Yes

but it's you who
should be worrying.

I like bothering women

even when their
husbands are around.

Shall we go, Julie?

In any case

thanks for the lunch invitation,
beautiful cousin.

For goodness sake, I'd never
invite anyone to Birri's.

They serve mustard
which swells your tongue.

Why did you
treat him like that?

Because I wanted to!

People who are too sure of
themselves get on my nerves.

If I were you, I'd do it

cousin or not.

Lets go and eat.

I am truly sorry, Miss Baxter.
I had three tables left

but a gentleman
has just booked them.

So we'll have to starve.

Why?

The mustard's
excellent here

doesn't burn the
tongue at all. Want some?

What a shame it's full.

But it isn't, I've
booked three tables.

We can choose: Here,
here, or down there.

- Did I do wrong?
- If it's that important to you.

Yes, it is.

I was worried I'd have
to give up my mustard.

Well, cancel the
other two tables.

- Here alright?
- No, the other one's better.

The usual for me.

What Carroll's
having is fine for me.

So, that's three of
what Carroll's having.

Here.

This way you'll think of
me when eating an apple.

The forbidden
fruit.

For you I'll do...

...nothing at all!

You've got it
all wrong, dear.

It's always been Eve who
should offer the apple.

Excuse me, Miss Baxter.

You're wanted
on the telephone.

I'll be right back.

Here.

Maybe Carroll's right.

What's this? Does it
mean you want to eat me?

No

it means I've
already eaten you.

You'll discover
I'm hard to digest.

I'm sorry, but
I've got to rush off.

In any case you're
happier alone with your apples.

Oh, Carroll!

I'll phone you. Bye!

I can take you
wherever you want.

To a taxi, thank you.

So you're used to having
your own way, aren't you?

You've finally got it.

Where are we going?!

It's a surprise.

Take me home at once!

Later, Julie, later!

- I told you to take me...
- Relax.

I'm just going to make
you feel ecstasy and fear!

Take me home now!

Ecstasy, fear and
a pounding heart!

I kept my promises, didn't I?

I'll say you did!

I think I should apologise.

I had misjudged you.

No, no! You were
right about me.

But it's hard to
resist so much.

Thanks anyway...

it's been a nice afternoon.
I really needed it.

Bye!

Hello?

Julie? Would you be amazed
if I told you I loved you?

Oh please, George,
don't be ridiculous.

Some words aren't
used any more.

I thanked you for the
nice afternoon and that's it.

I couldn't possibly want
anything else from you.

Please leave me alone.

George?!

Don't be offended

but I don't want to see you again

because today...
because I like you.

You mustn't phone me again.
Never again.

Alright, Julie.

I won't phone again if
that's what you want.

How did you get in?!

By the door, it was open.

Why are you...

I wanted to tell
you again, Julie:

I really like you

and I'm not used to
hiding my intentions.

George I beg you

don't complicate my life.

Don't you understand?!

I'm not the
woman you met today.

I know nothing about you,
nor do I want to.

For me you're
fine as you are.

Come on, lets
go into my place.

No, not now.

Let me go.

As you wish.

As you wish.

I'll take you home.

What's wrong?

I'm scared!

Scared of what?!

Take me away, George.

- Where?
- Wherever you want!

It's not a palace, is it?

But it's good enough for me.

I practically only come here

to sleep.

They are for Mrs Wardh.

Thank you.

Who's the admirer?!

Anonymous.

I'd like to think it was you, but...
they don't deal in

these items on the
stock exchange, do they?

Julie, what's the matter?

Nothing

You've been treating me as
if I'd done something wrong.

If you feel uncared for

or you need something

we should talk.

No, I don't need anything.

Hello?

Mrs Julie Wardh?

Yes. Who is it?

I have had occasion to see
that you are a delightful

lover with very interesting
perversions

and I am sure that your honest husband
doesn't suspect it

Isn't that true?

Stop talking nonsense.
Who are you?

That's not important,
whereas I think that

you should know
what I want, Mrs Wardh.

I want twenty thousand
schillings to not tell your

husband about your
affection for George Corot.

It's Jean. It's you, I know it!
It's Jean isn't it?!

Mrs Wardh, I will
expect you at sunset

at the South entrance to
Palmenhaus. Remember:

Alone, and with
twenty thousand schillings.

But...

I didn't know what to do.

When I saw that
black car I was scared

it would be Jean, and
that's why I went into George's.

Naturally. You wanted
to go to bed with him

and your fear of Jean
gave you the excuse.

Please, Carroll.

Well, maybe

it was as you said.

Anyway there's
still the problem

of the phone call.

It was Jean?

Who knows? Have
you watched the TV?

They talked about that maniac.
The last of his victims

was that stupid bitch who
stripped at the party...

Could it be Jean?

He's got a black car too.

Carroll

please stop it.

I was joking.

He goes to prostitutes,
and Jean doesn't.

What was his voice
like on the phone?

Well... I've already told you.

It was a disguised,
unrecognizable voice.

Which means if he'd
spoken with his normal voice

you'd have recognised him.

It must be Jean.
He's the type.

I'm sorry but I don't see
the problem. If you like

George you can forget
about both Jean and Neil.

So what if Neil finds out?

I think he's a
modern intelligent man.

Everything's simple for you.

While I don't know
what George is for me,

I know what I was for him.

I wanted to call him this
morning but I don't even have

his number, and I
haven't heard from him.

And I don't want Neil
to find out this way.

He really doesn't deserve it.

Listen, dear, don't
have too many scruples.

If you want his
number I'll give it to you.

Neil's had you in his bed
for a year. Don't you think

that's enough to make
up for the heartache?

When you talk like
that I want to slap you.

But what do you expect?
It's the way of the world.

Don't take any notice.

I keep them in the oven
because I hate cold underwear.

In any case you mustn't
go to that appointment.

Where did he say?

At the Palmenhaus
in Shembrun at sunset

alone and with twenty
thousand schillings.

I'll go.

You?

No

it could be dangerous.

And I don't want
you involved anymore.

Don't worry

I'll enjoy it. And you'll
see it's definitely Jean

and then I'll laugh in his face.

And if it isn't Jean?

If it's someone else?

Who?

Maybe the sadist in the papers?

Then that means
I'm in grave danger

because I am a
bit of a whore.

You joke about everything.

Had breakfast yet?

Well come on,

there's a coffee place downstairs
which will make you forget

all about diets. Come on,
and stop making that face!

There's the start!

the riders are already
in fierce battle for the front

...and it's number 36 first,
followed by number 122.

...at the third bend,
the final battle is about to begin.

We're closing!

We're closing at sunset!

We're closing!

Excuse me

I had an appointment
at the South entrance

to the Palmenhaus but
I've lost my bearings.

Over there

but if you don't hurry
you'll be locked inside.

They're about to close
the gates now, so be quick.

- Thank you.
- Good evening.

Help!

Help!

No!

What's going on?!

- Who was screaming!?
- There...

Look over there!

Can you tell us anything?

No, I didn't see anything.

I just heard that poor
girl shouting. She'd asked me

where the Palmenhaus
South entrance was.

She had an appointment.
I don't know anything else.

These little animals are
my only friends, inspector.

Much less repugnant
than certain people I know.

Listen...

it's been said that you've been

Carroll Baxter's friend for a long time.

It's very important for us to know

everything there
is to know about her

and her friends.

Please follow me to
the police station

I need to continue
to interrogate you.

Don't worry, I'm used
to being around cages.

So...

shall we go?

Lets go.

Is all this really necessary?

So, madam...

is this the man you
spoke to us about?

Yes.

Why do you think he's the
killer we're looking for?

You flatter me Julie.

Do you really
think I'm capable of

cutting a lot of
women's throats?

Yes, you could be.

And though it might seem silly,
he has a black car

like the one described
in the papers.

You're incredibly amusing.

But it was you who
sent me those notes.

What notes?

The lady and I were joined
in an "intimate" friendship.

That's why I sent her
flowers along with my thoughts,

hoping she'd remember
the good times,

and perhaps decide on
a nostalgic encounter.

I hate you.

The only thing I can't
stand is indifference.

Hate is a good feeling,
it's fiery and violent

like love, only more so.

Mrs Wardh, you received
a threatening phone call

and that Carroll went to
the appointment in your place

thinking that you were
dealing with your friend...

Correct?

Was it that man's
voice on the phone?

It was disguised,
it could have been anyone.

But Carroll told me
it must have been Jean.

A stranger wouldn't
have had to mask the voice.

Yes...

but he was in a bowling
alley on the other side of town

while someone was
cutting your friend's throat.

That's the way it is,
I'm afraid.

Listen...

why don't you check
Mrs Wardh's alibi?

You're a
dirty coward.

You see, Mrs Wardh
doesn't have a black car,

but she's always had
a weakness for blood.

Nobody's said the murderer
you're looking for is a man.

You're a...

...person you were keen
on for over two years.

That's
enough!

I'm not interested
in your theories.

That's fine.

Can l go?

- I've got something to do.
- Of course.

You can
both go.

Bring the other one in.
What's his name?

George
Corot.

They called
you as well?

Now I understand why my
roses no longer affect you.

George
Corot!

I've got to see you.
See you at my place at five.

Julie,
at last!

I'm really
tired Neil...

Let me speak to
your husband now

then we'll
go away.

Away from this city,
from everything.

No, George,
not now.

Maybe when they've
found Carroll's murderer.

It was foolish
to meet today.

I could
be watched.

You've told me there's
already someone who knows...

but do you
realise that

it should have been
you instead of Carroll?

So what?

You can't
hide forever.

Does living mean
so little to you?

I don't know,
George.

If you weren't around I'd
almost be happy to end it all.

Please, someone
could see us.

I'll take
you home.

I'd rather
you didn't.

I'll call
you tomorrow.

Neil!

Neil!

Julie!

The elevator
was always busy

so I had to take the stairs.
Good evening.

Good evening.

Julie...

where have you been?
What happened?

There was someone in the
garage who attacked me with a razor

Was it
Jean?

Did you see him?
Was it him?

I don't know. He was
dressed in black, it was dark...

I don't
know!

Don't be influenced by
the stories in the papers.

Besides, we'll soon
know if it was Jean.

Neil!

What do you
want to do?

Lets call
the police.

Where does
he live?

There's only one thing to
do with people like that.

You mustn't take
any risks for me.

You're my wife now,
and that's all that matters.

Tell me
where he is.

I'll go
with you.

Alright,
come with me.

Wait for
me here.

Neil!

I told you to
stay in the car!

No, I'm coming
with you.

There's no light.

Nobody's
there

lets
go.

There's a camera on
the ground over there...

A photo's
been taken.

Julie! Julie,
calm down Julie!

Neil

Neil!

Jean's car
has gone!

Julie, wake
up Julie!

I've developed
that photo. Look!

Do you recognise him?

It's the man
in the garage.

Yes, it's
him!

Who is he?

Don't know.
He was dressed

like that, with
those glasses.

Now we know
it wasn't Jean.

Which
means...

he could be the murderer
of the women and Carroll?

I mean I suspected Jean
because he was your lover.

Obviously there's
someone else.

Oh, Neil!

Where are
you going?

I'm scared.

I'm going to
the police.

This photo could be
useful to the inspector.

Hello?

George, is
that you?

Why did you take
so long to call me?

I'll tell you
when I see you.

Come and get me,
I can't carry on.

Come and get me,
and we'll leave.

we'll go to
some quiet place

as far away
as possible.

Anywhere.

Okay.

Give me time to pack a
case and I'll be with you.

I'll take
you to Spain.

I know a
little place

that'll make you
forget everything.

FOR NEILI.

When did
she leave?

Just before
noon.

Bye, dear. I'll call you
when I get back from Sydney.

Okay.
Bye!

Hello?

Hi, how are you?

No, I'm sorry.
I'm leaving tomorrow.

I'll be back
in a week.

Then I'll get
the A122 to Tokyo.

No. I'm
not tired.

You don't sleep with
the time zone changes.

The light's
gone out...

it'll come
back on.

Alright!

Yes, I'll bring
you a souvenir.

Will a kangaroo do?

Why, what
do you want?

I promise we'll meet
again when I get back.

Bye!

No,
no!

Help!

Help!

Has something
happened?

No, no.
Nothing.

Why did you
run away?

I wanted to
get some sun.

Carry on going after
your prey if you want.

I've seen one
who's more attractive.

VIENNESE HOMICIDAL
MANIAC DEAD

George!

Yes?

Look, they've
found the maniac.

He was killed by the
girl he was attacking.

So it's all over,
for good.

Lets think
about us.

I'm hungry.

I'll go on to the villa to
prepare some food while you

go and change some money.
We've almost run out.

You take my car
and I'll get a taxi.

Bye.

Bye!

- Take them.
- Thanks.

These are
for you.

For
me?!

Yes, that gentleman
gave them to me...

He was there
just now.

He must
have left.

George.

George.

What's
going on?

What's wrong? Do
you feel sick, madam?

No,
no!

Madam...

Julie!

Julie.

Julie answer me.
It's George.

Julie, what
happened?

Julie!

- Excuse me, miss.
- Yes?

- Where can I find a doctor?
- Down there, at the pharmacy.

Thanks.

This will make you
sleep for a few hours.

What's wrong
with her?

She's in shock,
it's a powerful emotion.

When I left her down in
the village she was fine.

Well something
must have happened

maybe she
got a fright.

Know what you can do?
I'll give you a number!

Here
it is.

Doctor Arbe. He's my friend,
a good neurologist.

Barcelona's not far- by car
you'd be there in half an hour.

Thank you. Can
I leave her here

while I go down into
the village to call?

Don't worry. She'll sleep
peacefully until this evening.

- I'll come with you.
- Not necessary. I know the way.

No, it's impossible.
I've still got two appointments

and I don't have a car.
I can come tomorrow.

Please, doctor.
I'll pick you up.

Alright,
in an hour.

Thank you, doctor,
thank you.

- How much?
- 80 pesetas.

George...

George!

George!

So I brought
her here

hoping she'd feel
better far away from it all.

Then... I don't know
what happened today.

You mentioned
blood earlier.

She didn't say
anything to me

but I understood
something straight away.

She was with that man I
told you about for a while.

He dominated her.

Blood definitely has a
strange effect on her

it both attracts
and repels her.

Listen

it would be better not
to tell her I'm a doctor.

It'll be
easier.

Julie!

It's smells
of gas!

Quick, in
the kitchen!

The door's locked.
Help me!

Julie...

Turn the gas off and
try not to breathe!

Open the
window!

Lets take
her there.

No pulse
any more.

Go call, quickly, get them to send
an equipped ambulance.

- Is there any hope?
- I told you to go

and call the hospital.
Get on with it!

Inspector

Doctor Arbe
is here

Very well,
you can go.

Mr Wardh,
this is Doctor?

He did everything to
try and save your wife

but it was
already too late.

And I'm telling
you it isn't suicide.

My wife was
scared of dying.

The room was locked and
sealed from the inside!

It wouldn't have happened
if she'd been with me.

Anyway, this
man's guilty.

I want
to go now.

Of course,
Mr Wardh.

The funeral?

The body needs to be
available to the authorities for

a few days then you can
send someone to collect it.

George!

You're
late.

The money
now!

It's too hot
for me here.

A plane is leaving for Rio!
I don't want to miss it.

Who are you
scared of?

Nobody's expecting
you to be in Vienna,

and nobody
saw you here.

If the police discover one
day that the maniac didn't

kill Carroll your
alibi would still be valid.

Like yours, and you're
the only one with a motive.

Even if some cop
unveils our tricks...

you're
out of it.

Your passport says
you're called John McDonald,

and Julie
never met you.

But you've got a
cast iron alibi too.

If they don't
get me you're fine.

They won't
get you.

Julie Wardh
committed suicide.

The money,
now!

Okay.

Now you really
are dead.

A first-rate
suicide for love.

Have they
paid up?

Not
yet.

They want the death certificate,
it's a matter of days.

I spoke to
New York.

Hope I can manage to
keep the creditors sweet

and avoid bankruptcy. And you?

No problems.

Carroll's death
means I'm the sole heir.

We've got to be careful.
If someone sees us together...

Why?

We're husband and
lover united in memories.

There's
no risk.

And there
never was.

I told you,
didn't I?

The best time to eliminate
someone is when the police

are hunting a homicidal maniac.
We can help each other.

You eliminate
the cousin

and I eliminate
the wife.

They're blaming
it all on him...

even though that
idiot was caught

before we finished the job.

The suicide idea
worked perfectly.

Talking of which,
our black suits?

I burned them.

They are completely destroyed.
There's no evidence any more.

Maybe it would be better
to throw these gloves out.

I burnt
mine.

Why? They're
almost new.

Did you like my line
at the police station?

"Anyway, this
man's guilty!"

And how did poor
old Jean take it?

Like a kick
in the guts!

He was so stupid he still
didn't believe he'd had it.

And if the Spanish
police find him?

They'll found the motive
for Mr McDonald's suicide.

It's crucial that the insurance
doesn't suspect anything

or they'll drag
it out forever.

What do you think
they could suspect?

Your wife dies well after
she'd left you, and you were

miles away. And it was a
clear-cut case of suicide.

Julie!

That
woman!

It's her,
I'm sure!

What are you
talking about?

I only saw
her briefly...

it was her,
Julie!

If you're already
hallucinating

we'll
end up badly.

No, it
was her

I clearly saw her.
Lets go back.

You're
crazy.

There was just
a resemblance.

...no!
- I've never heard of the dead hitch-hiking.

Alright

just a resemblance.

So why not?

Lets go have
a look.

We are screwed!

Careful!

It's over,
Julie.

Call and get them to
send a breakdown truck

if our police doctor hadn't noticed
that Carroll Baxter had been killed

in a different manner
than the victims of the serial killer.

I would have never reopened
this investigation

And there would have
been three more criminals.

I'm sorry, but I had no
other way to unmask them.

In thinking you were
dead they felt safe

and they betrayed
themselves.

But most of the credit goes
to Dr Arbe's who saved you.

I'm leaving you
in good hands.

You saved
my life

but I feel dead all the same.

You'll be able to
forget everything.

Time is the
best healer, Julie.

Good
luck!