Three Strangers (1946) - full transcript

My name is--

you mustn't tell me.

Why mustn't I?

I mightn't like it.

Gay, wasn't it?
The crowd?

If you like crowds.

I don't.

Begging your pardon,

what were you doing in it?

Looking for you.

Really?



I'm afraid I don't
quite understand.

Of course.
Delighted.

It's one flight up.

Sir.

I'm sorry I can't introduce you.

You see, I don't know this
gentleman's name, either.

Won't you have a chair?

It's only whiskey.

If you don't mind,
I think I'll go.

Oh, no, you mustn't really.

After getting you
all the way up here?

I'm sorry, it's rather late.

Oh, please don't, please.

I ask you as a favor.



I played the same trick
on the other gentleman.

He doesn't seem to mind.

Oh, no.

On the contrary,
I'm having a very good time.

You don't know each other?

No more than you and I.

I got him off the street, too,

in much the same manner.

We're three strangers,
that's the point.

Point? What point?

Please sit down.

You can play.

Even the piano
must be astonished.

Please don't stop.

All right, I won't--

unless it interferes with
more important things.

You're both being
very patient with me.

The reason that I
brought you up here

was to meet Kwan Yin.

She's a very ancient personage.

The goddess of fortune
and destiny,

of life and death.

She was given to me when my
husband and I were in the orient.

Very interesting. But what
has that to do with us?

There's a legend that
at midnight on Chinese new year,

Kwan Yin will open her eyes
and her heart to 3 strangers.

This happens to be the night.

Yes?

Why to three strangers?

That's perhaps because
in the orient,

the 3 is the symbol of
the luck principle,

like with us the 7.

- Indeed?
- How did you know that?

I've managed to collect
here and there

some useless bits
of information.

Open its eyes?
How can it?

It's made of bronze.

You do not believe
in miracles, I see.

Hardly.

Pardon me, sir,

but then what do you believe in?

Who, me?

I believe in what I can see.

What I can get my hands on.

And I believe that those
things are not at all real.

Who are we to say that

the legend of Kwan Yin

is any less real than the iron

you just tapped with your ring?

What's the matter?

Three on a match?

You see?

Well, everyone has
some silly superstition.

Then you can afford
to humor mine,

even if that's all it is.

Very well.

I'll stay and witness
your miracle, as you call it.

If it's to happen at midnight,
we have only 5 minutes to go.

That gives us just time
to make our wish.

Wish?

Yes. I mentioned that Kwan Yin
would not only open her eyes,

but her heart as well.

Whatever we ask for
she will grant.

That's the kind of lady I like.

The only difficulty is, it has to be
the same wish for all three of us.

What could that possibly be?

I've been thinking
about it for several days.

You see, the wish that
I have my heart set on

is one that I couldn't possibly
expect strangers to share.

But I found the solution.

What one wish can make
all others come true?

It's very simple:
Money.

Money? That's all right
with me.

Although I think that you
slightly overestimate its power.

No, I have no
objections to money.

How much do you suppose

the Chinese lady can
be touched for?

A few thousand pounds?

That's a very trifling amount,

but, uh...I think
I can use it.

Look.

Do you think she would
answer a prayer like this?

A sweepstake ticket.

Anything will do,

if we have sufficient faith.

Well, now, that would
be a proper miracle.

You know where I got it?

I bought it from
a girl in a cafe,

paid my last
10 shillings for it.

She had the most
extraordinary blue eyes.

A strange look...

Well, that's unimportant.

You know what?

I'll take you in as my partners

for about 1/3 of
my original investment.

That's 3 shillings.
Huh?

This sounds like a
very elaborate way

of recouping part of your loss.

However, I've gone this far.
I'll take a chance.

How about you, madam?

I'll agree on one condition:

We must make a bargain
that if the ticket is drawn,

no part of it shall be divided.

However much it is worth,
it must all go on the race.

Agreed.

I suggest you have good faith
toward Kwan Yin, I gather?

Yes.

Agreed. Now we'll put
it in proper form.

I like to have
everything correct.

"We, the undersigned,

"are mutual owners
of this ticket.

"And we agree to share and
share alike in its benefits,

if any."

Would you please sign?

All right, but we mustn't
see each other's signatures

until after midnight.

Very well.

Now you, if you please.

Now mine.

You shall be the nominal
owner of the ticket.

And our pseudonym
will be "Kwan Yin."

Very well.

Her celestial highness.

We now have exactly two
minutes and 20 seconds.

If it's no secret,

what would you do with
the money if you win?

Well, I'm not sure.

I never imagined
having that much money.

I'm a solicitor.

I hope someday to be invited
to join the barrister's club,

which denotes a certain
standing in my profession.

I suppose if I were that rich,

there'd be no question
about an invitation.

What am I dreaming about?

The chances of winning
a sweepstake ticket

are about a million to one.

Oh, you mean
mathematically speaking.

Yes, of course.
And you?

What is it you wish,
if I may ask?

My husband and I have been
separated for a long time.

Your husband?
He's in London?

No, no, he's quite
out of reach in Canada.

Oh.

One makes a mistake,

and suddenly one's
whole life is shattered.

But perhaps it isn't too late,
if our wish is granted.

I don't understand.

A beautiful woman like you,

it shouldn't be necessary.

No, you misunderstand me.

It would be quite impossible
to buy him back,

even if I were willing
to do such a thing.

Well, then...

I want enough money
to be independent,

then there can be
no doubt in his mind.

Perhaps you've both heard
the Chinese proverb,

"you can trust love only when there's
nothing to be gained by it."

And you?
What's yours?

Do you know the long
bar at the royal?

Yes.

Well, I'd buy it and move in.

How much time have we left?

30 seconds.

Do you realize what you're
asking Kwan Yin to do?

We want her to reshuffle a hand

that destiny has
already dealt us.

Why? Because, uh, we hope
to get higher cards.

A little presumptuous
on our part, isn't it?

I wouldn't worry about
it, if I were you.

I won't.

The lights! The matches!

The matches!

You just had them.

Where are they?

I think I saw them over here.

I can't find them!

I have the matches.

You know, a moment ago,

I--I could have sworn
she was smiling at us.

No.

What more proof do you want?

Can't you even
believe what you see?

But I can't say I saw anything.

She opened her eyes.

Kwan Yin kept her promise.

Now the wish-- if one's come
true, so will the other.

Yes, sir, and then, uh,

even you will believe.

Indeed I will.

If you'll excuse me,
I must be going along.

Wait, I'll come with you.

You've both been very kind.

It was a pleasure,
missus--er...

Shackleford. Crystal
Shackleford.

I go by the name of west.
Johnny west.

Arbutny is mine.
Jerome K. Arbutny.

We'll be back to share
in the sweepstakes.

I'll expect you.

- Good night.
- Good night.

Good night.

Oh, mister,

didn't you forget something?

What?

My 3 shillings.

Oh, that.

If I may speak
frankly, this has been

a most unsatisfactory evening.

Say, that couldn't
be--

of course it is.
The photograph.

I never forget a face.
It's Shackleford.

She certainly works fast,
that Kwan Yin.

As far as I'm concerned,

I never want to see
this place again.

Unless of course
the ticket wins.

Hello, crystal.

David!

I knew it.

I knew you'd come back.

You expected me?

Oh, not tonight, of course,

but sometime, sometime soon.

Well, I, uh, my boat
just docked tonight.

I thought you might still be up.

And you came to
see me right away.

Oh, David, I'm so happy,

I'm so terribly happy.

As a matter of fact, I--

I have something
rather important

I wanted to talk over with you.

Yes? Well,
that can wait.

Until the morning, at any rate.

Morning? But, crystal,

in view of everything that's
happened between us--

everything that happened was my fault.
I know that now.

I'm terribly sorry
for what I did,

and I want to ask
for your forgiveness.

I don't hold anything
against you, crystal.

As far as I'm concerned, the
past is over and forgotten.

Then let me make it up to you

for all the selfish,
hateful things that I did.

I've missed you terribly,
and you must have missed me.

Don't, crystal.

Because in your heart--

you're making it very
difficult for me.

It's best I speak plainly.

What you want is impossible.

All that's over and done with.

We needn't go into reasons. You
know them as well as I do.

Reasons? B-but I'm
a part of your life.

You can't change that.

During the time
you've been away,

I've found other
interests, a new life.

I'm only staying here

until my new appointment's
been confirmed.

I'm up for an important post

with the dominions office.

You're not telling me
everything, are you?

Well, as a matter
of fact--

who is she? I know
there's someone.

Yes, there is. She's a
girl I met in Canada,

one of the old
families of Montreal.

She came back with me.

Aren't you afraid of a scandal?

Scandal?

Yes. Suppose the
dominions office

would get wind of
this...Outside interest?

But you don't
understand, crystal.

Janet isn't an outside interest.

I want to marry her.

Isn't that a little premature

inasmuch as you have
one wife already?

Oh, legally we may
still be married,

but we haven't lived
together for a long time.

Under the circumstances,
does it seem unreasonable

that we should arrange
for a divorce?

Does she know you're
a married man?

Naturally.

Oh, but of course
you'd tell her.

You're so honorable.

Oh, please, crystal,
don't let's have any scenes.

I've had enough of them
to last the rest of my life.

You like everything
to be sugarcoated!

"Civilized" is the
word you always use.

At least there's no reason why

we shouldn't be kind
to each other.

Kind?

Do you imagine you're
being kind to me?

After hoping
and praying--

yes, praying that
you'd come back

and that we could be
together again.

This is all you
have to say to me,

that you want to
marry somebody else.

You think I'd give you up just like that?
You're wrong!

I'll never give you a divorce
as long as you live!

In that case, I don't think

there's anything more
for us to say.

Still Kwan Yin, eh?

Still an idol instead of a soul.

How little you've
changed, crystal,

in spite of all your fine words.

Well, Alfred,

I disagree with this boy.

It's very simple: A
life of good drinking

is worth the years of fainting.

It's stupid.

At least 10 years of fainting.

What is it?

We're closed.

Is Johnny there?

Oh, Johnny.

Johnny, Johnny, Johnny.

You got to come back
to the room.

I will, I will, I will,

but not before
I've finished my drink.

The Chinese say that haste
is the one unpardonable sin.

Oh, Alfred, anything you do
for this lady, you do for me.

It's a very special
friend of mine,

as the best friendships are made
on short acquaintance

and last a very brief time.

This is miss icy.

This is Mr.
Alfred Bluecrown,

my favorite innkeeper.

Pleased to meet you, miss.

Same here.

Johnny, you shouldn't
have done it.

Gabby's awful sore. Why
did you slip out on him?

Oh, I'd become
unpleasantly aware

of my presence in that room,

so when Gabby went
out in the hall,

I went outside to lose it.

How did you find me?

I looked in 10 pubs.

Sorry for the other night.

Anyway, you didn't
get in no trouble?

No, I was but a face
in the crowd.

That's not quite true--

I--I was recognized,

I was picked out from the rest.

What?

Oh, not by a Bobby.

Not even by a person,
for that matter.

It was ordained by fate

in the image of
a Chinese goddess.

You've had too much to drink.

We're going back to the room.

Shh! Johnny.

Shh.

Good evening,
Mrs. proctor.

Good evening.

You know, Gabby will be
so glad to see us.

Gabby.
It's me, icy.

It's me, Johnny.

Yes, he'll be very happy.

Very happy...

Happy Chinese
new year to you, sir.

Now where have you been?

Celebrating.

Where was he?

Blue crown.

And that was only the last stop.

You're drunk.

Taken in sufficient quantities,

liquor will make you
intoxicated.

Do you want to put the
rope around your neck?

And mine?
And Fallon's?

No, that's the hangman's job.

He'll get paid for it.

Johnny.

You always--

leave me alone!

I didn't want to do it,

but he don't learn!

Johnny, Gabby don't
want to hurt you.

We ain't stopping you
from drinking.

You can drink all
you want to in here.

Only, please, Johnny,

you mustn't get drunk
on the outside.

Mustn't get drunk
on the outside.

It's a wonder we don't go batty,

what with you on our hands,

in a fix like this.

In times of trial
a dictator says,

"this, too,
shall pass away."

Is that of any
consolation to you, Gabby?

I can't even trust you
when I turn me back.

Any more gin left?

As if you didn't have

an whole distillery
in your belly as it is.

From now on, you're not setting
foot outside this room.

You ought to be ashamed.

Fallon gives us money
to keep out of sight.

You have to get drunk
on it and show yourself.

Fallon.

What's it to me?

What's it to you? Plenty,
that's what it is.

One man by himself can hold out.

But when there's two or 3,

they can be played
against each other.

And one of them always spills.

Isn't it lucky I'm innocent?

And if I'm known to be innocent,

will I then hang quite as high

as you or Fallon?

If you show yourself

and get picked up
and spill--

if we get nabbed
on account of you--

yeah?

I'll swear to it you're as
guilty as Fallon or me.

You'll hang, I'll see to that.

Gabby, I'll get him some gin.

He can have it in here, where
you can keep an eye on him.

It's the last time
I get into a fix

where I have to play nursemaid
to a bloomin' idiot.

Where will you get the money?

Same place I got it before.

Fallon ain't gonna
keep forking out money

to keep him swimming in gin!

He wants an alibi
fixed, don't he?

Well, he'll have to fork out.

If you put it
that way to Fallon,

he's gonna remember it
when they turn him loose.

That will be my lookout.

I'll drop by with
the gin in the morning.

Yes, please, if it isn't
too much trouble.

It ain't no trouble.

And the crown intends to prove

that police officer brown,
hearing cries for help

from the night watchman,
Donald Frye,

entered the building
and called upon Bertram Fallon

and the two persons unknown
to surrender,

and thereupon
was brutally slain.

And the crown intends to prove
that the hand that fired the shot

which killed police officer
brown was Bertram Fallon's--

and that Bertram Fallon
is guilty of murder.

I call Donald Frye.

The prisoner may sit.

Is it true,
Mr. Frye,

that on the aforementioned night

at the aforementioned address,

you were attacked
and beaten by two men?

I was.

Would you be able
to identify them?

One of them I could.

Is he in this courtroom?

He is.

Would you point him out, please?

Him in the dock, that's the one!

That is all,
Mr. Frye.

I call officer Cummings.

"Tell us what happened,
officer Cummings,

"from the time you heard
patrolman brown's whistle

"until you came upon his body?

"Answer: First thing,
I blew my own whistle,

"then I ran towards
officer brown's whistle.

"Halfway up the block I heard
pistol shots, 3 reports.

"When I got to the
end of the block,

"two suspicious-looking characters
came around the corner,

one pulling the other one
along, helping him."

Is that the way it was?

You don't remember any of it?

No, I don't.
Not any.

It's like it says in the paper.

"The one who was
doing the helping

"let go of the other,
and then sprinted off.

"So I grabbed
onto the other one.

"He seemed like something
was the matter with him,

"like he might have
been hurt, disabled,

or maybe he was
intoxicated."

Intoxicated is right.
Filthy drunk, you were.

Filthy drunk.

Well, otherwise I couldn't have
been found in your company.

"I was about to put
handcuffs on him

"when I was struck from behind,

a very hard blow that
made me lose my senses."

Gabby.

It's a wonder his head
stayed on his shoulders.

Why did you do it?

Do what?

Why did you help me,

why did you rescue me
from the police?

Why?
Because I--

well, how would you like to
wake up tomorrow morning

and find yourself charged
with murder, maybe?

And not know why or anything?

Give me a match.

Was it you or Fallon who picked
me out at the blue crown?

Fallon it was.

He bought you the drinks and
made you the proposition.

But why me?

Because you was under
the influence, I guess.

Only he didn't suspect
how much under.

Well, I suspect one can hold
one's liquor too well.

Did he ever mention to me that you
were planning to commit a robbery?

Oh, not exactly.

He told you he'd pay you £5

if you'd wait someplace
for us and whistle

if you saw a policeman.

And I accepted?

All you said was, "I'll
take a whiskey and soda."

That's me.

"Question...

"Officer brown
died in your arms,

"did he not, officer Cummings?

"Answer: He did.

"Question: Did he make
a statement before he died?

"Answer: He said,
Fallon. Bertram Fallon.

Those were his last
and only words."

Why did Fallon have to kill him?

I could have hit the Bobby.

Hittin' him would
have been enough.

I wonder what's coming next?

Fallon's lawyer
begins his defense.

Begins his defense.
Why he gets paid for it?

Glad it isn't my job.

Icy's a girl that can
lie and make it stick.

Yes, but that's called
perjury, isn't it?

Yeah?

And what we're up for
is called murder.

It's only me--
Mrs. proctor.

Good afternoon.

Quite comfortable?

Quite.

You like your rooms?

Why not?

Got a nice view
from the window here.

You can look out,

but no one can look in.

That's the best to being
on the third floor.

Worth the walk up,
for privacy's sake.

Is it?

You can get too much
privacy sometimes.

Then you get lonely.

Oh, not you two
gentlemen, of course.

You've got each other
for company.

We're lucky that way.

Even so, you might come down
to the parlor one evening

for a game of cards.

No harm in a game
of cards, I say.

All depends on the people.

You ain't forgetting?

No, we are not forgetting.

The rent--is it
the rent you want?

One pound, 6 shillings, right?

For the coming week,
it'll be 10 guineas.

Payable in advance.

10 guineas.

You heard correctly. This
is the time of year--

Gabby, uh...

Give Mrs. proctor a few pounds
in advance,

and the rest of it you'll get
in a few days.

All right, ma'am?

You can come and go
as you please,

nobody will bother you--you're
quite safe, you know.

Yes, Gabby.

We are but strangers
on this moving globe,

it's not for us to tarry long.

Let's go.

It's a good thing
you weren't drunk.

If it hadn't been for you,

I'd have done her in for sure.

You're a fool!
I say you're a fool!

If you're not a fool, prove it!
Yes, sir.

Prove to me that you're
anything else but a fool!

- I'll try, sir.
- Then prove it! I'm waiting.

Yes, sir, yes, sir.

What a disposition!

When you've been here as long
as I have, you won't mind.

Well, I hope to heaven I'm
not here as long as you.

In the meantime, I suppose I
shall have to take his insults

and swallow my pride.

Your pride?

I bet you it ain't big enough
to choke on as it goes down.

Good morning.

Lady Rhea Belladon
to see you, sir.

Well, show her in, show her in.

Her ladyship must not
be kept waiting.

Lady Rhea.

Mr. Arbutny.

An unexpected pleasure.

To what do I owe this honor?

Wasn't I--

I mean--I thought this is
the date, or isn't it?

The check?

The check.

It's been applied
directly to your account,

and here is the receipt.

The receipt?

The bank receipt to show
the money was deposited.

So you see, everything
has been taken care of.

Everything.
You are kind.

Really, you think of everything.

Lord Belladon wishes me to
thank you for all you've done.

Indeed? It's very
kind of him.

He knows how well you're
watching after my interests.

He tells me to trust
you implicitly.

You've, uh...

Talked to him recently?

Yesterday night
we were together.

He's, in, uh,
good spirits, I hope?

Excellent.

Of course it taxes
him, getting through.

It's a long, arduous journey

from the other plane to this.

I can imagine.

But we're both supremely happy

now that we've established
communication.

Ah, just think--

it's been two long years
since he passed away.

Lady Rhea,
may I inquire--

do you see him?

No. I only feel him.

His presence, that is.

Really?

Oh, to the very
depths of my being.

But his voice--

I hear it quite as
clearly as I do yours.

Do you really?

For the most part.

Our conversations are of an
extremely intimate nature.

The things that pass
between man and wife...

Aren't intended for other ears.

I wouldn't dream of inquiring.

But also, he advises me

on everyday matters.

He does?

We discuss everything
and everybody.

You in particular he esteems, Mr.
Arbutny.

It's very flattering.

He says I'm to do everything
you say, and anything.

Ahem.

Well, I must be on my way.

You'll dine with me some evening, Mr.
Arbutny.

I shall be delighted.

I believe dear Robin will, too.

That's very good of Robin.

Number, please.

Whitehall 3040.

National securities.

Mr. case.

One moment, please.

Hello?

Case, Jerome K. Arbutny
speaking.

Yes, Mr. Arbutny.

About that South African stock,

I wonder if it
would be wise to sell?

It would mean taking
a slight loss.

Yes, I know.

But you see, it's not exactly

within my, uh, scope of
operations to speculate.

There's a considerable
amount of money involved.

A very considerable sum.

Well, that's for you to decide
of course, Mr. Arbutny.

But I have it on
excellent authority

that the stock's due for a turn.

You say excellent authority?

The very best.

I see, I see.

Well, for the time being,
we'll let the account stand.

Very well,
Mr. Arbutny.

Look here, Fallon,

the crown's got
an excellent case.

Eyewitness and all that.

This alibi better be airtight.

Icy's testimony
will be all right.

Yes, but it isn't enough.

We need corroboration.

All right. We call in
major beach.

The major was with us
the night it happened.

All night--ain't that
right, icy?

That's right.

Very well, then.

But I better have
a little talk with him.

So long, Fallon.

So long.

Well, what are you waiting for?

To tell me how much you miss me?

How'd you know?

- What's on your mind?
- We need money.

The devil you do! You've had
2 quid so far this week!

They got to have money
to keep undercover.

Where in heaven's name are
they hiding, in the savoy?

You know where they are.

I've given them plenty
for their room and grub.

Johnny gets restless unless
we keep him in booze.

Too bad about Johnny.

If he gets too restless,
he gets caught. So what?

We ain't gonna
let him get caught.

Oh, you ain't?

Seems like you're taking
pretty good care of him.

You got him in this fix,

I'm going to get him out.

We need money.

Suppose I say no?

Then I'll say no tomorrow
in the witness box.

For tuppence I'd bust you up!

And bust your alibi
at the same time?

It wouldn't be so good.

Make up your mind, Bert.
Do we get the money?

I was with Bert--
Mr. Fallon.

We never left the house.

You say you had a visitor.

Yes. Major beach.

Major beach is a good friend?

Yes.

How long have you
known major beach?

Oh, several years.

Then you know all
about major beach.

Well, a good deal.

And you would have me believe

that you and the prisoner

spent a pleasant
evening with this man,

whom you say you
admire and respect?

Yes. He told us about something
that we'd never heard of before.

Bert thought it was wonderful,

and he was going to join
up as soon as he could.

That's all, miss crane.

I call major beach.

George Alfred beach.

Major beach, on the night
of October 16,

did you call at
the prisoner's home?

Yes.

At what hour?
About 8:00.

Was anyone there besides
the prisoner Fallon?

Oh, yes, a friend of his.
Miss crane.

How did the 3 of you
spend the evening?

We spent, uh, a quiet time.

What do you mean

by quiet time, major beach?

A quiet time is
a period of silence

in which the parties present
open up their souls

to the divine spirit.

I take it that you're interested

in the Oxford movement.

Oh, I am, intensely.

Did you have
a particular purpose

in calling on
Mr. Fallon?

Yes. I wanted to interest
him in the movement.

And did you succeed?

Enormously.

Mr. Fallon told me the quiet time
had been a revelation to him.

He felt like a different man.

At what time would you say
your quiet time ended?

Oh, uh, it was about 12:00
when I looked at my watch.

Hmm. Cross-examine.

Major beach,

do you hold the rank of
major in the British army?

Uh...Well, uh--

as a matter of fact, I--

answer yes or no.

Well, uh...

"Major" is a sort of
honorary title.

Conferred upon you by yourself.

Uh, yes...Well,
heh heh.

You were in the army, however.

During the war.

A private.

How long did you serve

before you were
court-martialed?

Oh, well, uh...

A m-month.

For breaking into
medical supplies,

stealing drugs, and
attempting to sell them.

On which charges you
were found guilty

and sentenced to
a military prison

for the duration of the war.

It was a miscarriage of justice!

When did you become interested
in the Oxford movement,

major beach?

Oh, well, uh, let me see...

About 5 years ago, I guess.

In the past 5 years,

have you measured your conduct

according to the precepts

of that organization?

I might say so.

Were you absolutely
pure, major beach,

in answering to
a statutory charge

in Melbourne, Australia,
November 9, 1933?

Absolutely.

And were you absolutely honest

in answering a drug
charge October 13, 1936?

Well, uh--

was it absolute unselfishness

which led on February 2, 1936,

to your trial and conviction

in Norfolk for perjury?

I was entirely innocent!

Is it absolute love for
Bertram Fallon or for money

that prompts you to give false
testimony here and now?

My lord, this man
is obviously not

a member of the Oxford movement,

nor of any other religious body.

Because of the proven
incredibility

and the devious character
of the witness,

I move that his entire testimony
be stricken from the records.

Motion sustained.

Silence in the court!

My lord, if it please the court,

my client desires
to change his plea

from not guilty to guilty,
and put his fate

into the merciful keeping
of the court.

If it please your lordship,
he desires to make a statement.

The prisoner may make
a statement.

My lord,

I want to say I took part
in the robbery.

I told a lot of lies up to now,

but mainly because I wanted to
protect the others.

But I don't see why a man ought to hang
for a crime somebody else committed.

I guess that's what's going to happen
if I don't tell the whole truth.

I'm not asking to be let off,

all I want from this court is
not to be hanged.

If you won't hang me,
I'll turn king's evidence.

"I'll name the guilty ones

and I'll fix it for you
to catch them."

I don't want to hear it!

I don't want to hear it!

Well, you said
one of us would blow,

only you guessed the wrong one.

Come on, Gabby, don't
tell me that this thing

has destroyed your faith
in human nature.

All I want is to get
me hands on Fallon.

That's all I ask.

Yes, but just that may be
a little bit difficult.

They're taking very good
care of him these days.

I'll find a way.

Gabby, Gabby,

I'm afraid you have
a vengeful nature.

It can't do you any good,
you know, it's--

Johnny? Gabby?

It's me.

Hello, hello.

Welcome home.

Fallon squealed.

Don't I know.

Let go of my arm, Gabby.

Here's some grub.
It's all I could scrape up.

That'll come in handy.

So Alfred of the blue crown

passed on the good tidings, huh?

He just said the
bridge, that's all.

I've been an hour looking.

It's a nice hideout.

And much more pleasant
than Mrs. proctor's.

Let me show you around.

Well, first of all,
we have Southern exposure.

And here, come here.

There's a beautiful view
of the river all the way--

not in the daylight!

I'm sorry.

It's hard to imagine
one is not free

with a sky overhead.

Grub?

I had some lunch, thanks.

You know, I like it here.

You think we can stay, or do
we have to pay the city rent?

We've got to move on, Johnny.
Where?

To monk Varney's up in Aberdeen.

Aberdeen? And how
do we get there?

I've got it all fixed.

Monk's got a car in a garage
over on Bristol street.

I got the ticket.

They'd pick us all up as
soon as we showed our faces.

Not Johnny, they wouldn't.

They don't know him by sight.

He could go over to the garage
and meet us wherever we decide.

I'm not going to Aberdeen.

Why not?

I don't want to get
too far away from Fallon.

Oh.

Gabby, you better duck
till it's all over.

And then you can come back.

Oh, all right--
but I'll come back.

Johnny--

I ain't never seen you eat.

Not since you been with us.

This is the first time.

I think I'm sober.

Talk, Johnny.

I like to hear you talk.

What about?

Anything you have a mind to.

What were you thinking just now?

Nothing.

I was looking at all the
lights in all these houses.

Yes?

You see, each light cuts a tiny
little circle out of the darkness,

and each circle is the
center of somebody's life.

People swing around these lights

like planets swing
around the stars.

And we ain't got a light,
is that what you're thinking?

If I only knew half
what you know,

a lot of things
would be different now.

Hasn't helped me much.

You're an odd number, Johnny.

Gentleman, ain't you?

Was born one.

The booze?

No, not the booze.
The psyche.

You know about the psyche?

Psyche?

It's what makes
human beings of us.

Is that a fact?

That's a fact.

Something is missing from mine.

You know how it is with
a man who loses his leg

and how the leg
he hasn't got itches

and he goes to scratch it?

Mmm.

It's like that with a missing
portion of my psyche anatomy.

Whenever it itches,
I take a drink.

Tonight, it's itching
like the devil.

It won't be long now, Johnny.

Just till we can get away,

and then you can drink
all you want.

I promise you.

I'm going to stick
with you, Johnny.

I'm going to look after you.

What?

Wherever you go, that's
where I'm going, too.

What are you saying?

You see, nobody
has never treated me

the way you treat me.

Johnny, I've been knocked about

ever since I was a kid.

I can't remember anything else.

I just thought that was
the way people acted,

that's all.

You make me feel like--
like I was somebody.

At first I thought you
was making fun of me,

but you're not.

That's just the way you are.

I'd hurt you more than anybody.

You couldn't hurt
a soul, Johnny.

You can't even hate anyone.

You don't even hate Fallon.

No. That's right.

If I could hate Fallon...

I suppose I...
I could love you.

Funny.

Whatever you say won't
change what I'm going to do.

Oy, Johnny.

Say, it's time
we were going, ain't it?

I think just about,
if I'm to meet you at 9:00.

Have you got the car ticket?

Yes.
Icy gave it to me.

Now, wait for us in the car

down the street
from the blue crown.

You know just where
that is, don't you?

I could find the blue crown
in my sleep.

Johnny, not in the blue crown.

No, not in the blue crown.

Down the street from it.

Oh, you're sober.

Johnny, this is our one
chance to pull out of this.

I know.

Icy and me, we're trusting you.

Get that. We're trusting
you to stay sober

until you pick us up.

I promise you, Gabby,
by the big light in our ceiling,

the one we are swinging around.

It's all right, Gabby.

He'll do like he promises.

Nice violets, mister?
Only sixpence a bunch.

No, not tonight.

Make your wife happy, it will.

I haven't got a wife,
and if I had one,

a bunch of violets
wouldn't make her happy.

Uh, one minute.

Violets, mister?

No.

I-I've changed
my mind.

I--I think it would
make her happy.

Oh, here's one, special nice.

Thank you.

Oh, thank you, sir.

Watch out for yourself
in back of you.

On the wagon?

Yes. Uh, I promised my wife--no
more booze till the baby comes.

So you're going
to have a baby, eh?

Well, we ought to drink to that.

This is on me.

No, thanks.

You know, I've seen you
before somewhere.

I never forget a face.

In fact, I can almost
remember your name.

It's, uh...

James Aloysius Mergatroyd.

Mergatroyd?
That's funny.

I would have said
something else.

You would?

Yes.

Now, let's see.

You're about 5'5",
brown eyes, dark hair,

with a continental accent.

In fact, you tally so closely

to the description of
a man named John west

that I'm afraid we're
going to have to take a walk

in the direction of
the nearest police station.

Anything you say.

Oh, by the way, is the
invitation still good?

Why, of course, Johnny.

I was a little worried
about that.

That was the only thing that
didn't check with our information:

Your refusing a drink.

Huh.

In there getting himself
tanked up he is.

I knew we couldn't trust him.

He'll be here
in a minute, Gabby.

I'm gonna fetch him,
drag him out of there.

No. Stay here. There may be
coppers watching the place.

Inspector, I guess where I'm
going, I won't need these.

It's a copper.
He's got Johnny.

What was it?

You are lucky.

You get the cell
with the gramophone.

It belonged to Barry,

him who chopped off
his Uncle's head.

Oh.

He left it here
for anyone to use

who might occupy this cell.

That was 5 hangings ago.

5 ago.

It's broke, the record,
in the middle.

It won't go any further.

It keeps playing the same
thing over and over again.

Please don't do that.

You know, it gets on
the prisoners' nerves.

I imagine it would.

It's very simple.

I'll show you.

You see, you lift
it up over here,

put it down there...
Yes.

And the record plays
as good as new.

Wonder whether it's
the same with us who play it?

Sir Robert.

Forgive me for coming
to your club,

but I simply had to see you.

You're
Mrs. David Shackleford?

Yes. I've come to you because there's
nobody else that I can turn to.

Nobody.

Indeed.

It's about my husband,
of course.

He's in trouble.

Trouble? Not serious
trouble, I hope.

What trouble,
Mrs. Shackleford?

He's up for a new post in the
dominions office, isn't he?

Yes.
I recommended him.

Oh, it will mean
so much to him...

And to me, too.

There's every likelihood that the
appointment will go through.

I do want David to succeed.

He can do great things.
He can. He has the capacity.

If only...

Sir Robert, how much do you
know of my husband's affairs,

that is, his affairs
outside the office?

All I know about him
is his work.

He's intelligent,
trustworthy--

not his work,

but isn't it true that
in government services,

a man's deportment away from
his work is equally important?

Oh, not unless it's scandalous.

But that's exactly what I'm
afraid of-- a scandal.

All my hopes for him,
all my dreams...

Oh, sir Robert, you must
advise him, talk to him,

make him see.

He'll listen to you.
You're his superior.

In that case, I shall have to
know what to advise him about.

Oh, he'll come back to me.

I know he will...

As soon as the new wears off.

She's nothing but a passing
thing in his life.

But it's more than I can bear to
see him throw away everything,

his entire future, for something
that is only passing.

David.

Hello, crystal.

Why did you ask me
to come here tonight?

What good can possibly
come of it?

Must a wife have a reason

for wanting to see
her own husband?

After all, you are
still my husband.

Is it necessary to keep
reminding me of that?

I thought there were some things
you wouldn't want to forget.

Do you remember
when we were in China,

all the strange places
we visited?

How everything we shared
was so new and exciting?

Till the excitement wore off.

That didn't take very long,
as I remember.

And then you began to concoct
your own forms of excitement.

I told you I was sorry.

Oh, I don't suppose
you can help it.

Emotions as violent as yours
aren't apt to be very stable.

No one man could hold
your interest for long.

Except you, David.

In spite of the way I've
acted, you still belong to me.

You're the only one
I ever really wanted.

That's the way
it seems to you now,

but I don't think you
really know yourself.

You only want
what you can't have

for as long as
you can't have it.

That isn't true.

I didn't come here to discuss
this sort of thing.

I had a faint hope that you
might have changed your mind--

don't let's talk about it.

You know I don't
believe in divorce.

If only you believed
in something.

I was forgetting... you do
believe in her, don't you?

I was so alone.

I had to have something
to turn to.

May I have a light, please?

Are you afraid of me?

Haven't I reason to be?

Then sir Robert told you?

Everything.
Even his regrets.

He wasn't the only one
that had regrets.

David, you don't think I did
that to hurt you, do you?

Didn't you?

No, I didn't. I did
it for you, for us,

to bring you to your senses.

I can fix things
with sir Robert.

Oh..

I love you, David.

You must believe me.
I love you.

Don't be afraid of me.

I can give you everything
that you want.

I can make you happy.

Give me a chance.

I'm more to you than
she'll ever be.

Why didn't you do it?
Are you afraid?

No. That's
what you want.

You'd even give your own
life to destroy mine,

but I won't let you do it.

Drew detective agency.

Mr. drew?

Yes. Speaking.

This is
Mrs. Shackleford.

Yes, Mrs. Shackleford?

I wonder if you could get me
some further information.

It's about a friend
of my husband's.

Yes, a woman.

Please, it's much easier for me

if you don't hold
anything back...

Even if it's unpleasant.

But, Janet, darling,
there's nothing new.

It's just that
I don't see much hope.

She'll never change
her mind. Never.

Well, then the worst
that can happen

is we go on as we are now.

Oh, that isn't so bad,
is it, David?

Darling...

You know how
wonderful it's been.

Been? You're putting
it in the past.

Janet, I'm thinking of you.

Sometimes I feel that
the only decent thing

would be for me to get out
of your life and stay out.

David, you've no right
to speak for me.

Then there's your family.

You'll be going back to
Canada still unmarried.

What'll they say?

They're my family.

Suppose you leave them to me.

But, Janet, darling,
much as I love you,

we can't go on
like this forever,

neither married nor unmarried.

It's bound to end badly.

David, you've tried everything
with crystal, haven't you?

Everything.

Well, then,
let me see what I can do.

You go to crystal?

My dear, you know
how she's behaved.

Do you really imagine she'll
be any different with you?

Maybe she's in love
with you, David.

And sometimes love makes
people behave very badly.

Love--she doesn't know the
meaning of that word.

Well, anyway, the most
she can do is refuse,

and we can't be any worse off.

No. I forbid you
to see her.

Darling, I only-- only
want to protect you.

Crystal's a very
dangerous woman.

I don't want you
within her reach.

David, I feel very tired.

If you don't mind, I think I'd
like to go back to the hotel now.

Very well, my dear.

Your maid let me in.

Hope you don't mind.

I'm Mrs. Shackleford.

Oh. It's very strange, Mrs.
Shackleford, your coming here.

Just today I asked David
if I might go to see you.

But of course he was
against it, wasn't he?

Yes.

And he probably invented
all kinds of reasons.

How like a man, how like David.

What do you mean,
Mrs. Shackleford?

You know, miss Elliot,

I had no idea you'd turn out
to be this kind of a person.

What kind of a person?

Well, so completely
without guile,

so honest and trusting.

What a shame.

What do you mean?

Huh. Someone has to
tell you the truth,

and since David evidently
doesn't have the courage--

tell me what?

Mrs. Shackleford, I feel you're
implying all sorts of things.

Would you mind speaking
quite plainly?

Very well.

But you'll forgive me
if what I have to say

isn't pleasant for you to hear.

When David and I
had some differences,

little things that seemed
important at the time,

and he went alone to Canada,

I'm sure he thought in his
heart that he could forget me.

There he met you.

Forgive me, miss Elliot,

but I had no one to help
me through my loneliness.

I just waited and prayed
for him to come back,

and finally, he did.

You were with him.

The first night he arrived
he came to see me.

Did he tell you that?

Yes, of course.

Why should he have concealed it?

He went to ask you
for a divorce.

That's true.

When David came to see
me that night,

I think he sincerely believed
that he was in love with you

and that he wanted to be free.

But, when he left me
the next morning,

he wasn't at all certain.

Mrs. Shackleford, I don't see
how you dare say such a thing.

Aren't you forgetting
he's my husband?

But...David loves me.

No, he didn't.
It isn't true.

He's very fond of you.

But tell me
the truth, miss Elliot.

Is David the same as
when you got to England?

Or has he changed...
Just a little.

No, he hasn't.

I don't know what
you're talking about.

But you must.

No...No, I don't think
you've ever suspected.

Every time I've been with David

I've begged him to tell you...

That it was only fair to you.

But he's afraid of hurting you,

and so he keeps putting it off.

You're making all this up.

David tells me everything.

I know how you feel,

and believe me,
I'm sorry for you.

But think of
what I went through...

The torture of having him
and then not knowing.

And I'm his wife.
He belongs to me.

But it isn't only David
and I any longer.

Miss Elliot, I've come to you

because I must have
him back--I must.

David and I are going
to have a child.

Oh, please.

I can't stand any more.

I'm so sorry.

I'll do anything you want, Mrs.
Shackleford, anything.

Only, please go.

And I haven't
the money, Mr. case.

I trusted in your judgment
when I bought the stock.

You must give me more time,
a few more days.

I'll take the risk.

Unless you have your
margin in your hand

by the close of business
tomorrow,

we'll be forced to close
out your account.

But you can't do that.

It will be my ruination.

Blast you, why did you
get me into this?

I told you I didn't want
to be a speculator.

Now I'm ruined,
and it's all your fault

blast you.

Ruination...
He said ruination.

Shh...Maybe he's broke
a blood vessel. Crikey!

Regent 2110.

He ain't had a stroke.
No such luck.

Speaking of luck, how about
a ticket for the sweeps?

I got a book of them here.

No, I never win anything.

Lady Rhea,
this is Mr. Arbutny.

What is it,
Mr. Arbutny?

There's a matter of importance,
lady Rhea, to talk over with you.

I wonder if I could take advantage
of your dinner invitation?

Why, of course. Would
tonight be convenient?

Tonight? Why, that would
be perfect, yes, indeed.

Then, 7:00?

Delightful dinner.
Most enjoyable. Delightful.

But you've barely touched it.

Oh, I ate heartily,

yes, indeed, most heartily.

Would you like
some Brandy, Mr. Arbutny?

Oh, thank you.
Thank you very much.

Napoleon... my husband's
favorite brand.

Mine, too.

Thank you very much.

Sit here, Mr. Arbutny.

Thank you very much.

And now you have
something to tell me.

After dinner, you said.

Oh, yes, yes, quite, of course.

Excellent Brandy, excellent.

I, uh...
Well, I, uh...

It's like this.

Like what?

It's hard rather
getting started...

Not easy putting into words...

Saying what I have to say.

What makes it so difficult?

Is anything the matter?

Oh, no, no, no, absolutely not.

To the contrary--
handy gadget.

Is it?

Oh, yes...
Always works. Always.

Unless that is, it needs a
new flint or something.

Then, sometimes I forget
to put fuel into it.

Do you?

Oh, yes, but that's
a rare occurrence, very.

You were about to say...

Ah, yes, yes...

Lady Rhea, I hope-- believe
me, I do not wish to offend.

I mean, I have the highest respect
for your rank, lady Rhea,

and for you yourself.

Only too well aware of the
difference between our stations.

Oh, friendship Bridges
such things.

I hope so...
Friendship and...

Love.

Love, Mr. Arbutny?

Love, yes.

Two years since lord Belladon
passed on, isn't it?

Two long years.

And you are a woman, well,
in the prime of life.

Ooh...

Definitely.

I am convinced firmly
that lord Belladon himself

would approve, otherwise...

Otherwise?

Otherwise I wouldn't dream
of making such a request.

Request, Mr. Arbutny?

Yes, the honor of
filling his place.

You mean...?

Marriage...Exactly.

If I've offended in any way...

Oh, marriage, I...

I'm quite overcome.

Will you have a glass of water?

Thank you, no.

You forget one thing,
Mr. Arbutny...

That although lord Belladon
is only a memory to you,

for me, he's a reality.

To be sure, he returns, I know,

but he's not flesh
and blood, I mean.

That is between us.

You'd never guess.

His visits--
they needn't stop.

I'm afraid lord Belladon
wouldn't be so broad-minded.

If I've offended in any way...

Shh!

What is it?

I believe...
I believe he's coming.

Yes, he is.
He is coming.

Please go.
Go quickly, Mr. Arbutny.

I'll tell you tomorrow
what Robin lord Belladon thinks.

Good night, lady Rhea.

Do you think west's guilty?

Perhaps, perhaps not.

He'll hang, I'll wager.

That's another matter.

Odd number--west.

Talks like a gentleman
when he talks,

the papers say.

If he's a gentleman, more's
the reason he ought to hang.

He's had advantages.

Not one word in his own defense.

"What's the use of wasting
my breath?" He says.

"Wouldn't be believed anyway."

"The director of
the barrister's club

take pleasure in placing your
application before the membership."

Ah!

"You will kindly
furnish the names

"of 4 persons
prepared to make...

Certification of your character
and personal integrity."

Good afternoon.

Come in.

Lady Belladon to see you, sir.

She's here?

Show her in.

Ah, Mr. Arbutny.

Lady Rhea, my dear.

Sit here, my dear.

Thank you.

I've been waiting.

And do you feel today
as you felt last night--

if you even remember
the things you said?

Do I?

I mean, of course
I do, absolutely.

Well, I don't know
how to tell you.

It isn't necessary.
I mean, I know.

I'm sorry.

Sorry?

Why? You will.

We ought to be married.

Lord Belladon was
furious, simply furious.

Oh...

Quite unreasonable, a very
jealous nature, lord Belladon's.

He simply raved and ranted.

He did?

Oh, how he carried on!

He made all kinds
of accusations.

Accusations?

Against you and me.

He simply wasn't to
be reasoned with.

Among other things,

he said you were simply
after me for my money.

Imagine...As though you
ever had such a thought.

You must know different.

Of course, but I couldn't
convince lord Belladon.

He suspects you of
all kinds of things.

He suspects?

Yes, and to make
his mind at peace,

I promised to have
the books examined.

Surely...?

Oh, only to humor him,
you understand?

You don't intend...

Well, a promise is a promise,

so, I asked Mr. Gaising
to meet me here.

Who is Mr. Gaising?

The accountant. May I
tell him to come in?

Oh, no, lady Rhea.

I mean, wait...
Why must you do this?

There's no harm in having
the books examined.

But it's such short notice.
It's not customary.

Under the circumstances,
you will consent.

Mr. Gaising...

Oh, but the books
aren't in order.

I mean, there are several
entries to be made.

It will require
some bookkeeping.

Mr. Gaising, while you're going
over the books of 1936 and 1937,

Mr. Arbutny will have plenty of
time to make additional entries.

Isn't that so?

If you'll be so kind,
Mr. Arbutny.

Very well, lady Rhea.

You'll give the books containing
lady Rhea Belladon's account,

1936 and 1937,
to this gentleman.

Yes, sir.

Good afternoon, lady Rhea.

Good afternoon,
Mr. Arbutny.

Good day.

"The directors of
the barrister's club..."

"Character and professional
integrity..."

Afternoon paper, sir.

Thank you.

Beg pardon, sir?

Thank you very much.

Not at all, sir.

Take the rest of
the afternoon off.

You may both take the rest
of the afternoon off.

Beg pardon, sir, but are you
feeling quite all right?

Quite all right, thank you.

He thanked me, he did.

What's that?

Like the ground slipping out
from under my feet, it was.

He thanked me twice,
he did, fancy.

Thanked you?
You don't say?

Furthermore, he says we may
take the afternoon off.

I don't believe it.

He did.
I swear he did.

Well, if he said so...

Let's hop it.

Kwan Yin!

Kwan Yin!

Well, Mr. Arbutny.
What do you think now?

As I said before, I'm not one to
believe in miracles, and yet...

And yet you're not unwilling
to profit by them.

What about that
fellow west? The murderer?

What about him?

He's got a share.
Shouldn't he be notified?

He won't need it
where he's going.

Quite so, but he may
have relatives.

I mean, would it be
strictly honest?

Very well.

Notify him if you wish.

As a matter of fact, I think
you're probably right.

Under the circumstances,
it might be somewhat cruel.

And your share will
be larger, of course,

if you spare him the knowledge.

Well, yes,
both our shares would.

£10,000 it's worth, and more.

It could be worth many times
more when the race is run.

If the horse
we've drawn wins, yes.

But it would be foolish
to count on that.

The only sensible procedure
is to sell our ticket

for what we can get right now rather
than speculate and take the risk.

Oh, come now,
Mr. Arbutny.

That's not very sporting of you.

Don't you remember
that we agreed

that the ticket should
not be divided?

The entire sum must
go in the race.

When we made that agreement,
it was only as a joke.

I wasn't joking.

That'd be madness even to consider
betting such a sum on a horse race.

Mrs. Shackleford, circumstances
are such with me...

A situation has risen--

that is, I have a very pressing
need for immediate funds.

I simply cannot afford
to take such a risk.

There's nothing
that I can do about it.

But you can!

You must understand that this
is a very serious matter.

If I don't get my money for the
share of that ticket right now,

well, I would be ruined.

Mrs. Shackleford,
what are you laughing at?

I was just thinking how
easy it is to be ruined.

One minute to have everything,

the next to have nothing.

But they got what they deserved.

They got exactly
what they deserved.

Mrs. Shackleford, I'm afraid
I don't understand you.

All I'm asking is--

of course you don't understand me, Mr.
Arbutny.

You never could.

But that's not the point.

That is, all I wish is to
divide our respective shares.

I'd be willing to take
less than my half.

Mr. Arbutny,
understand this.

We made a pledge, and we're
sticking to it to the letter.

Oh, no. No,
Mrs. Shackleford.

But you can't hang him.

He didn't know
what he was doing!

Fallon rang him in on it.

Johnny didn't even
know what happened

until he read it in the papers.

Miss crane, that's even
more difficult to believe

than the story
you told in court.

But this is the truth.
I swear it is.

You may recall you took an
oath in the witness box...

A solemn oath to tell the truth

and nothing but the truth.

That was wrong. I
shouldn't have done it.

Not if you hoped to make
us believe this story.

But you know
I'm telling the truth now.

I came in here
of my own free will

and gave myself up to you.
Doesn't that prove it?

There's no reason
to lie for Johnny.

How do I know that?

It's not inconceivable that
you'd do more for west

than you would for Fallon.

Oh, that ain't got
anything to do with it.

Please, you've got to
believe me this once.

Johnny's innocent.

I tell you, he's innocent.

Miss crane,
you're very convincing.

But unfortunately, you were
very convincing the last time.

A court of justice has
passed sentence on west,

and the case is closed.

Except that I must hold you
on a charge of perjury.

I don't care
what you do with me.

What's the time?

10:00.

We'll be in reading
within the hour.

And there I shall remain...

For the rest of
your natural life.

You must have
preferred it to hanging

or you wouldn't have
pinched on your pals.

Even if I am a policeman,
I hate a squealer.

What is it?

Conductor.
Your ticket, sir.

Gabby!

West?

Already?

Nope, Fallon's been killed.

He's dead?

Yes, and they got
the fellow what done it.

Timothy Delany's his name.

That's Gabby!

And before Fallon died,
he made a confession

which took the blame off you.

And if what he says is true,

well, you ain't gonna be hanged.

That's all I know about it.

That's sufficient.
That's wond--

the governor wants to
see you in his office.

All right.
Pardon me, please.

Isn't that wonderful?

Johnny...

I was hoping I'd see
you coming through.

Hello, Gabby.

Hello, Johnny.

Anything I can do for you?

Somebody you want me to see?

Nothing I can think of, Johnny.

Nah, no, there ain't.

Where is icy?

Oh, didn't you hear?

They got her in
the Klink for perjury.

She tried to get you off.

She did?
Yeah.

Anyway, they'll go easy
on her now.

I'm sorry about--

I ain't.

That Fallon... I wish I
had it to do over again.

Well, you're
a free man now, Johnny.

Yes, I'm...
I'm a free man now.

Good luck, Johnny.

Good-bye, Gabby.

Good-bye, Johnny!

And how are you, sir?

Lovely day, ain't it, governor?

Yeah, wonderful.

Perfect weather for the race.

What race?

The grand national, of course.

Who do you think will win?

What horse you picking?

I don't pick horses.

You don't?

I got a bob up on Corncracker.

Corncracker on the nose,
a lovely horse.

A lovely horse, and if I
had more, I'd bet it.

I wish I owned a ticket
on the favorite.

Half of it I'd sell, and the
other half I'd let ride.

Not like her...
Crystal Shackleford.

And she ain't selling any
part of her ticket--imagine!

Pardon me, what was the
name you mentioned?

Crystal Shackleford.

She owns the ticket
on corncracker.

I'm glad I got my Bob
down when I did.

Corncracker's
a 3-1 favorite.

Crystal Shackleford.

Mrs. crystal Shackleford.

Winning ticket 666291/J,
pseudonym Kwan Yin.

A fast horse...
A fast track.

Why, it could--

well, I'll be.

Is miss Elliot in?

Why, Mr. Shackleford,
I thought you knew.

Knew? Knew what?

Miss Elliot left
the day before yesterday.

Left? That's impossible.

Well, nearly impossible,

but we managed to get her
passage at the last minute

on a boat that was
just sailing for Canada.

But she must have left some...

Some message for me.

Well, I'm afraid not.

Perhaps she tried
to reach you and...

Yes, that's it, I'm sure.

I've been out of town.

Thanks.

She may have given
your wife a message.

My wife?

Yes, she was here
the day before.

Miss Elliot was out at the time.

Your wife gave her name and asked
if she might wait in her room.

And knowing that you were
friends with miss Elliot, I...

I say, is anything wrong,
Mr. Shackleford?

Mr. Harris,
Arbutny speaking.

Yes. Meet me on the corner of conduit
and regent street in half an hour.

Will you please bring the check?

I will have the ticket for you.

Big race today!

Buy a paper.

Racing special...
Corncracker the favorite.

Get your paper here.

Post time is 2:00,

and as we're getting on
to that about now,

you may expect, I think, to hear
the summons of the starting line.

Mrs. Shackleford, I'm not asking.
I'm demanding.

Do you hear what I say,
Mrs. Shackleford?

What?

I'm not going to
gamble my share.

No?

You must give me
the ticket, you must!

I have a man waiting
downstairs to buy it.

There's just time
before the race!

Half of what I get out
of it, I'll give to you,

and you can do with it
as you like, bet it or not!

You're wasting your breath.

...except for fog,

conditions are ideal for the
running of this great race.

Oh, it's you!

But I thought that--

oh, isn't
it wonderful, the most..

Mr. west.

Mr. Arbutny.

So you did come back after all.

When did you find out?

About the ticket?
Only about 10 minutes ago.

I'm dying for a drink.

Oh, madam Kwan Yin.

Mr. west,
if I could have a word with you.

You're a lady
of your word--

what's the trouble,
Mr. Arbutny?

Are you so disappointed
I wasn't hanged?

No, to the contrary, I don't
know how it is you're here,

but I'm glad, believe me.

That ridiculous agreement we made about
not selling any part of the ticket.

I hope you don't intend
to hold me to it.

He wants to back out.

There's no reasoning with her.

You must help me
get my share now, Mr. west.

I want to sell it
before the race.

I can't afford to gamble.

No? Why?

Because I need the money.

See, I'm a thief...

At least I shall be a thief
in the eyes of the world

unless I get this money.

I'm not truly a thief.

I'm an honest man,
Mr. west, believe me.

I meant no harm
when I did what I did.

My intentions were
perfectly honorable.

When I explain to you
the circumstances,

I'm sure you'll understand.

I am the trustee of an estate,

an estate of
several thousand pounds.

It was my duty
to invest the money,

the law says,
in government securities,

first mortgages, and certain
other preferred stock.

But I saw a chance of making a
large profit for the estate

by investing in common stock.

Do you follow me?

In a general way.

It was my intention--

my perfectly
honorable intention--

should the unexpected happen and
the stock fall off a few points

to make it up, the loss,
out of my own savings.

Believe me,
I'm telling you the truth.

Oh, but then
the stock fell too low,

and now you need this money
to make up for the loss.

That's precisely what
happened, precisely.

You understand
my case perfectly.

If I don't make it up,
I'll be disgraced.

In fact, I shall be
sent to prison

like any common criminal.

Oh, excuse me,
Mr. west.

Mr. Arbutny, I believe
in sticking to a bargain,

especially when
a gamble is involved.

But as far as I'm concerned,
you may have your third.

Thank you!
Thank you!

He's supposed to be very fit.

His odds are
quoted at 20-1.

Did you hear what he said, Mrs.
Shackleford,

I can have my third
as far as he's concerned.

It's two against one.

Do you hear me?!

It's two against one!

The favorite is, of course,
the 5-year-old corncracker.

At 3-1, a really handsome
horse with a long back...

Time is nearly up.

Mrs. Shackleford, you
must give me that ticket!

It's a matter of life and death!

Mr. west, will you stop that
playing at a time like this!

Why?

Because...Because...

Can't you see what's
happening to me?

Well, why don't
you sit down and rest?

How can I rest?

I must have that ticket.

I must have it!

Make her give it
to me, Mr. west.

Make her give it to me now!

Or it will be too late!

What can I do about it?
It's up to her.

The horses, I see, are
now coming up on to the track

according to
their post positions.

And except for the scratches,

the post positions
of the horses,

a matter of fact,
will be reported

as in the papers.

Mrs. Shackleford,
for the last time,

will you give me that ticket?

It means nothing to you.

If I don't have that money,
I've lost everything.

I've lost everything, too.

And everybody...

Except one.

Mrs. Shackleford!

No! You may not
have the ticket!

Don't ask me again.

I warn you, money means
more to me than my life.

It means my honor.

I was going to kill myself
because I didn't have the money.

It means more to me
than your life,

than all our lives.

You must give me the ticket!

You must not try and stop me,
Mrs. Shackleford.

Believe me, you must not.

Out of my way,
Mrs. Shackleford.

No!

No!

Take your hands off it!

Take your hands
off--!

And they're off!

It's dolomite, Sagittarius...

Get some whiskey quick!

Tarlatan lies still

and the remainder of
the field avoids him.

He's getting up now uninjured.

Dolomite leads by
less than a length.

Outsider is running
nose and nose...

She's all right, isn't she?

She's not all right.

Mr. west?

She's dead.

Oh, no, no.

You better drink what
you have in your hand.

With the long shot
a length and a half in the lead.

Oh, Mr. west.

Maybe she isn't...

Sometimes gives
the appearance...

When the person's
only unconscious.

I tell you, she's dead.

She is dead.

Neck and neck
past the grandstand...

They're coming to the finish.

And corncracker wins!

Corncracker.

Did he say corncracker?

Kwan Yin's horse.

Kwan Yin...

The ticket!

Oh...

How much is it worth?

£30,000.

£30,000!

£15,000 apiece.
We'll be rich!

Aren't you forgetting something?

What?

Isn't there another name
with ours on that ticket?

Oh, what are we to do?

First thing, the ticket
has to be destroyed.

Beg your pardon?

Don't you see?

The agreement on the back of
that ticket with our names...

That's the only connection
between her and us.

It wouldn't look very good
for either of us.

Destroy the ticket?
Destroy £30,000?

Don't think for a moment the
idea appeals to me either.

Oh, what I couldn't have done
with my share of that money,

but now, this ticket! It looks like
a signed confession of murder!

But it wasn't murder.

I'm not
a murderer! Really!

No more than I'm really a thief.

I had no wish to kill her.

Just something took
possession of me.

Lifted my arms, and I could
do nothing to stop it.

Perhaps you're right.

Maybe you couldn't help it.

But it will be very difficult
to convince a jury.

Come, give me the ticket.

When we leave here,
I'll destroy it.

Anything you say,
Mr. west.

I can't think anymore.
You tell me--

come on, drink your drink.
All of it.

Drink your drink.

This is an evil room.

She was a very beautiful woman.

She was a devil.

Devil!

Come on, Mr. Arbutny.

I'm sure we are
being watched, Mr. west.

Come on.

She's laughing at us.

Let's go.
Let's go.

You're safe now.

If only she'll remain
here behind us.

But I'm afraid...
I'm afraid.

Are we being followed?

No, we are not.

One can't see her, of course...

Nor hear her.

One can only feel her presence.

She's following us.
I'm sure of that.

She'll follow wherever I go!

Will you be quiet if you
know what's good for you?

But I...I feel
her presence.

She's not two paces behind.

Please, be quiet!

How can I be quiet

when I know the devil's abroad?

The people in the street
should be notified.

I should cry out the truth.

But you won't!

I will! I will!

It is my duty regardless
of consequences.

I'll shout out a warning
from the housetops

so all may know
and hear the truth.

It is my duty.

You, sir...

You, sir, I have
something to tell you.

Never mind...

Something of vital importance.

My friend had
one drink too many.

If you don't be quiet now,

I'll leave you right here.

Let go of me, sir.
I must speak.

The devil's abroad!

Murder has been committed!

Murder! Murder!
Murder! Murder!

I tell you,
the devil is beside me.

True, you cannot
see her nor hear her,

but nevertheless
she's at my side.

You wish proof?
I'll give it to you.

A stone's throw
from here is the room.

In that room is a dead woman.

She was murdered!

Been a murder, he says, a woman!

It's true, and I'd be glad
to lead you to the victim.

Who murdered her?

Why, the devil, of course,

I was her instrument.
I struck the blow!

The devil was responsible!

The devil!

I myself struck the blow,

but the devil was responsible!

Give us a half-and-half.

Same here.

Billy Johnson had 5 Bob.

I'd have had a bet on it meself

but me missis wouldn't have it.

How about you, pal? Did you
have anything on the winner?

What winner?

What winner?

Blimey, where have you been?

Haven't you heard that
the cracker won the national?

No--oh, yes, yes.

Some lucky blighters
was in on it.

I know one woman,
she had a ticket on...

Did you see him?

I was just trying to make a
little polite conversation.

Some blokes can't stand to see
anyone else having any luck.

You forgot this,
Mr. west.

Thank you.

First time I've known you
to walk away from a drink.

You looking for somebody, ducky?

Johnny! Johnny!

Johnny, I'm so glad to see you.

Welcome home.

I missed you so, Johnny.

They let me off easy.

How have you been
getting along, Johnny?

Icy, don't ever get mixed up
with a Chinese goddess.

No, Johnny.

That's the worst thing
that can happen...

The very worst.

Johnny, you're not
in trouble again?

No, I'm not in trouble.
Not anymore.

Found out just in time.

Found out what?

Oh, that things don't
just happen to us,

that we can do
something about them.

The fault lies not in our stars.

It lies in ourselves.

Yes, some people have to go to
prison to be free, you know it?

I even had to win
a sweepstake ticket.

Sweepstake ticket?

Johnny, do you mean it?

Yes, that's it.

The winning ticket.

What did they win?

No, Johnny!

Oh, Johnny,

for a minute there
you had me believing it.

So help me, you had.

I thought it was real.