Time Is My Enemy (1954) - full transcript
A happily-married woman is blackmailed by her first husband, who she wrongly believed was killed in the Blitz.
[dramatic music playing]
[gunshots]
[alarm ringing]
[chatter]
Police!
Police!
[chatter]
[dramatic music playing]
You'll be all right, old man.
All right, get him away quick.
And get these people
out of the way!
All right, thanks, Doug.
I'll be along to the
hospital as soon as I can.
List of the witnesses.
Not much good.
What about the car?
Light blue saloon,
number unknown.
Obviously stolen.
They'll abandon it and go to
earth until the press boys tell
them it's safe to emerge again.
[phone ringing]
Brompton 1-4-2-4.
No, sir, Mrs. Everton
is not home yet.
I thought you told me
she would be back by 4:30.
Oh.
Sorry, Betty.
I couldn't get my key.
Is Mrs. Wescott here?
Yes, she's in
the drawing room.
Thank you.
Ah.
Aunt Laura.
I was so pleased
to get your wire.
What brings you to London
after all these years?
Your uncle's going to be hung.
What?
It's that watercolor
of Rosedale Abbey,
and I must say it's good.
You mean he's going to be
hung in the Royal Academy?
That's right, dear.
After trying for 20 years,
he's as pleased as punch.
I'm sure he is.
And so am I. I like to come
to London to see the shops.
Not that we haven't
got shops in Hensley,
but you know it makes a change.
Oh, I hope you
don't mind my making
myself at home like this.
I should have been very
annoyed if you hadn't.
Where are you staying?
The Imperial.
It's quiet and comfortable,
like your uncle and myself.
How's John?
Oh, flourishing.
You'll see him quite soon.
He'll be home early today.
And Paul?
Oh, he's fine.
I had a letter from
him this morning.
He still seems to be
quite happy at school.
When Martin was killed, you
said you'd never marry again.
Remember?
I remember.
And I meant it.
But I'm awfully glad John
talked me into changing my mind.
Well?
He wouldn't touch it.
What?
Says it's too hot.
Says he'll have nothing
to do with murder.
The chap isn't dead, is he?
The paper said--
His condition's critical.
And that's enough
to scare Sheldon.
See what you done with
your damn fool shooting?
I had to shoot.
He was reaching for the alarm.
And he got it too.
Now we're stuck with a load
of diamonds nobody wants.
Well, Sheldon's not
the only fence in London.
What about Ernie Gordon?
Try him yourself.
I tell you I didn't like
the way Sheldon acted.
You'd have thought I had
leprosy or something the way
he shut me out of the shop.
And I wasn't even in on the job.
Oh, damn Sheldon and
that fool of a jeweler.
There must be someone
who'll buy the stuff.
You find him.
I'm not.
Well, what about Bob and Alf?
Where are they?
The two boys
you took with you?
- Um-hm.
- They vanished.
You're on your own now.
You know, if that
jeweler should die,
things could get
pretty interesting.
Oh, there's John now.
Hello, darling.
Hello.
Darling, look who's here.
Well, the Yorkshire rose.
This is wonderful.
What brings you
to the deep south?
Henry is going to be hung.
He's round at
Burlington House now.
I say, I am glad.
We must go to the private view.
BARBARA EVERTON: Yes, we must.
Will you have some tea, John?
No, thank you.
I say, what a beauty!
Well, I must try this
out on the round pond.
I did buy it for Paul, dear.
Mm?
Oh, you don't mind me
looking at it, do you?
No.
That's why I brought it
home, so that you could
see it before I send it off.
Send it off?
You're not sending
this to school?
Oh, no, no, no, no.
This must keep for the holidays.
- Yes, I suppose so.
Otherwise, he might
break it before you
had a chance to play with it.
I shall go and change.
If there's one thing I hate,
it's putting on evening dress
at tea time.
Where are you
going to tonight?
Well, one of the penalties
of being a publisher
is you have to keep your
successful authors happy.
In this case it
involves driving 50
miles into the heart of nowhere
and getting there dead on 7:00.
Don't run away.
We'll have a drink before I go.
Oh, Barbara, if
Charles Wayne arrives,
hang onto him till I come down.
- Are you expecting him?
He said he'd bring back that
book he's been vetting for me.
If it's business,
I better be going.
Nonsense!
You must stay and meet Charles.
He's a real, live detective
inspector, you know.
From Scotland Yard.
You seem to be pretty
sure it's them, sir.
It had their
handwriting all over it.
Although I admit they've never
actually shot anyone before.
And as usual, they've
all got beautiful alibis.
Which this time we're
going to break down.
I'll see that gang
behind bars if it's--
DOCTOR: All right,
careful with it.
--the last thing--
Inspector Wayne.
That's me.
Is this what you want?
Oh, thanks.
.45, nickel plated.
Well, how's the patient?
Not so good.
Any prospect of his being able
to make a statement, Doctor?
Not the slightest.
Not at present, anyway.
Take that down
to the Yard, Peter.
Williams, you'll
stay here in case
he recovers enough to talk.
I'll be down at
the Yard shortly,
but I've got a call
to make on the way.
If you need me, I'll
be at the Evertons.
Right.
Ah, that'll be Charles.
Here you are, Aunt Laura,
the Everton special.
One for you.
- Thank you.
Just in time for
a drink, Charles.
- Evening, Barbara.
- Hello.
Hello, John.
Aunt Laura, this
is Charles Wayne.
Mrs. Wescott.
- How do you do?
How do you do?
JOHN EVERTON: Scotch?
- Thanks.
Small one.
I'm still working.
Well, how's Paul, Barbara?
Oh, he's fine, thanks.
I'll show you his
latest epistle.
JOHN EVERTON: [chuckling] His
spelling really is shocking.
Look at the PS.
Oh, I think it's jolly good.
Look.
CHARLES WAYNE: "If you can't"--
oh, I get it.
"--a guided missile,
I would like a--
a yacht."
[laughter]
I love the guided missile bit.
Did you get one?
No.
He'll have to make do
with a-- a "yatch."
[laughter]
Did you find
time to read this?
Yes.
No technical errors.
But I hope you don't
publish it, John.
Whyever not?
The man's a bestseller.
I know.
It's one of the most ingenious
plots he's ever given us.
It may be ingenious,
but it's also poisonous.
What on earth do you mean?
The sympathy's
the wrong way round.
It makes the
murderer into a hero.
Yes, but the man he's
murdered is a scoundrel
who's evaded the law.
The hero becomes the
instrument of true justice.
The hero is a cold-blooded
murderer who gets away with it.
The censor would never
pass a film like that,
and quite rightly so.
So why put it in a book
that thousands of people
are going to read?
Young people included.
Well, it's been done before.
Oh, that's no excuse, John.
Nowadays if you glorify
murder, every thug in London
sees himself as a hero.
Do you mean you'd cheerfully
arrest any murderer, however
justified he may have been?
Well, not cheerfully, perhaps.
But I would.
Even if he were a relative?
Oh, yes, of course.
It makes no difference.
Supposing it was someone
that you really loved.
Well, in that
case, I'd probably
resign and drink myself silly.
But no circumstances
ever justify murder.
Look, I've just come from
the hospital, where they're
fighting to save the
life of a man who
was shot this afternoon.
He's got a wife and kids.
Do you think they'd enjoy
a book where the killer is
treated as a hero?
But is this the case
you're talking about?
Yes, that's it.
And you've no idea who did it?
Well, I've got
a very good idea.
But unfortunately I
haven't got any proof yet.
There's a bunch run by
a chap named Harry Bond.
But of course, they've all
got nice little alibis.
Well, what makes
you think they did it?
Well, most criminals,
Mrs. Wescott,
stick to their own pattern
in every crime they commit,
which is very helpful to us.
The time of the crime, the
[audio out] car they use.
Various ways they go about it.
You sure you
won't have another?
No, thanks, I must
get back on the job.
Now I must be going too,
dear, or your uncle will think
something's happened to me.
Where are you
staying, Mrs. Wescott?
- At the Imperial.
- Well, let me give you a lift.
It's on my way.
Oh, that's very good of you.
Oh, my bag, dear.
Oh, dear.
Thank you.
Would you like me
to phone Uncle Henry
and tell him you've been
taken away by the police?
No, dear, just tell
him I've gone off
in a car with a handsome man.
Goodbye, Barbara.
BARBARA EVERTON: Goodbye.
- Bye-bye, you two.
- So good to see you.
JOHN EVERTON: Bye, Charles.
Oh, blast this dinner
with old Digby.
I'd much rather stay and
have dinner with you.
I don't like books
that run into five
editions in seven months, dear.
You'd better not.
Imagine being married
to a woman novelist.
Oh, some of them are
quite nice, surely.
They're all so
dreadfully competent.
Oh, I see.
So you married me
because I'm incompetent.
Nonsense.
I married you for your money.
Ow!
Serves you right.
You shouldn't be rude to me.
Darling, you will try and be
home early tonight, won't you?
I'll be back by
10:00 if I have
to knock the old boy on the
head with one of his books.
Good.
I'll be waiting for you.
Now darling, I must be off.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
[bird chirping]
[jazz music playing]
MR. ARDEN: Is Mrs. Everton in?
Mr. Arden to see her.
BETTY: Mrs. Everton,
a Mr. Arden here.
Mister who?
Arden.
Are you sure he
doesn't mean Mr. Everton?
BETTY: Quite sure.
But I-- I don't know
anybody called Arden.
You best show him in, Betty.
Good evening, Barbara.
Martin!
But--
I suppose it is a
bit of a shock, but--
You-- you're--
I'm not dead, if that's
what you were going to say.
But they said the bomb
killed everyone in the house.
Mm.
That it did.
Only I wasn't there at the time.
Then-- then why--
Well, I thought it an
excellent opportunity
to demobilize myself from the
Army, take on a new identity,
and get free from
a Puritan wife.
Why have you come here?
Can't a man call
on his own wife?
BARBARA EVERTON:
I'm not your wife!
I'm afraid you are, my dear.
Though the way this
fellow is keeping
you is much better than I could.
John and I are married!
You mean, John and
you are bigamists?
Would you like a drink?
No?
Would you mind if I do?
How did you find me?
Sheer chance.
I live close by.
Sharing a flat with
another fellow.
I moved in a couple of months
ago, and the very next day
I saw you in Knightsbridge.
So, of course, I followed you.
Here we are.
Cheers.
Mm.
Everton certainly
knows a good whisky.
And I like his
taste in women too.
There was a time when--
There was a time when
a stupid girl of 17
married a man she thought
she was in love with.
It took her exactly one week
to find out what he was like.
But it took her 12 months
before she was free of him.
I was thankful when I heard
about that bomb, Martin.
A trifle premature, darling.
And you're not free of me.
What do you mean?
I mean, my love,
that you and I
are one, till death do us part.
A sobering thought, but--
If you think for
one moment that I
would ever come back to you--
No, I can't say
I thought that.
Nor, indeed, do I want you to.
Then what do you want?
Money.
I've decided to leave
England, Barbara.
And Incidentally, to
leave you in peace
for the rest of your life.
Then I wish you had
done so without telling
me that you were alive.
No doubt, but I'm afraid
that was impossible.
I'm broke, my dear.
And air passages
are strictly cash.
I need 500 pounds.
I haven't a penny.
[exasperated sighing] You
disguise the fact admirably.
Oh.
John has money, but--
Then I must go to John.
Please don't do that, Martin.
Oh, he wouldn't think
it worth 500 pounds
to carry on unsuspected
in his little love nest?
John must never know.
I have some jewelry
that I can give you.
No, I'd much rather have cash.
I haven't any cash.
But I have a pendant.
I haven't worn it for years.
John wouldn't miss it.
It's worth 600 pounds.
Who says so?
The insurance company.
Well, where is it?
Upstairs.
[suspenseful music playing]
Thank you.
Yes, this looks as though it
could be worth 600 pounds.
This chap evidently seems to
be pretty well off, Barbara.
I wonder if I were
to approach him?
You promised you wouldn't!
You said if I gave
you the pendant
that I'd never see you again.
Did I?
Well.
Besides, I find it
rather hard to rid myself
of this delightful atmosphere.
Martin, will you go?
If John came back
and found you--
Yes?
--he'd hand you over to
the police for blackmail.
I doubt it.
Borrowing money from one's
wife isn't blackmail,
whereas living with
someone else's wife
is apt to be frowned on in
more respectable circles.
Not that I blame him.
You're a very delightful
woman, Barbara.
Indeed, speaking
as your husband--
Will you get out?
And John's coming
back in a minute.
My dear, John has recently
departed in a dinner
jacket and a
high-priced car and will
obviously be away for hours.
Barbara, do you remember
the day we got married
and I was all spruced
up in my battle dress,
straight from the Glasshouse?
Barbara, is this the
little girl who promised
to love, honor, and obey me?
No.
It's Mrs. John Everton.
Now will you get out?
No, I won't.
Not until you've kissed me.
[exasperated gasp] That was
a foolish thing to do, my dear.
Still, I suppose
all married couples
have their little tiffs.
Au revoir.
[buzzer]
You rang?
Oh, Betty, when
you cleared away,
did you move Master
Paul's letter?
No, I left it just here.
Why, Mrs. Everton!
Betty said you had a visitor
just before you collapsed,
an Uncle Arden.
Did he upset you?
No.
No.
Who was he, darling?
Oh, a man I used to know.
It was his wife I knew, really.
He had nothing to
do with your fainting?
Nothing at all.
Don't worry, John.
I'll-- I'll be all
right in the morning.
Look here.
Either we're going to
Paris or we're not.
MARTIN RADLEY: We're
going to Paris.
Then why don't you
go and pop this pendant
and raise the fare?
- Well, I'm going to.
It's only just that--
You think they'll
think it's stolen.
Of course it's not stolen.
I was given it legally.
Then what are
you worried about?
You said we were going to
take the night plane to Paris,
yet here you are with a pendant
worth 200 in your pocket.
You did say it was worth 200?
Yes, that's what
it was insured for.
200.
My wife says so.
Very well, then, go!
But of course,
I'd never get 200.
You don't pawning things.
All right, so
you only get 100.
We still get to Paris, don't we?
Yes, we'll go.
Where will you be
when I get back?
Right here, honey.
You can't shift little Diana far
from the prospect of 100 quid.
What'll you give me for it?
50.
Oh, don't be absurd.
You're right.
I'll check first.
Check what?
Stolen property list.
The police send
us a list of all--
I know all about
what the police do.
That wasn't stolen.
It was given to me.
At the end of a gun?
No.
At the end of a perfect day.
Now what's it worth?
Well, it's certainly
not on the list.
I know it's not on the list.
I want 400 for it.
Then you better take it
back to the shop that sold it.
Me, I couldn't sell
that with a light.
I'll tell you what.
I'll make a sacrifice.
Seeing as how you come by them
honestly for a change, 55.
But the thing's worth 600.
Not to me, pal.
I'll tell you what I'll do.
When a piece like
this gets stolen--
But it isn't stolen.
All right, all right.
When a piece like
this gets stolen,
the assessors offer a reward of
10% of its insured value, which
in this case would be 60 quid.
So that's what I'll
give to you, 60 quid.
And it don't leave me a
penny profit if I have
to hand it back to the owner.
Since when did
you start handing
things back to the owners?
Ah, don't get personal, boy.
60 or nothing.
[knocking]
Why, it's Sherlock
Holmes himself.
What do you want?
A few minutes of your most
valuable time, Miss Gower.
All right.
If you make it snappy.
Seen Harry lately?
Harry who?
Harry Bond.
Why, yes, as a
matter of fact, I have.
He came to lunch
yesterday about 1:30.
Stayed for a couple of hours.
Anyone else see him?
How should I know?
Sure it was yesterday?
Quite sure.
Yesterday, 1:30,
for a couple of hours.
How convenient.
Diana!
DIANA: Just a minute.
I thought I'd have a
bath while I was waiting.
That old geezer at my
place has conked out again.
Well, what's wrong with
undressing in the bedroom?
It's occupied.
Occu-- what?
Your pal got home just after
you left, high as a steeple.
Never seen anybody so drunk
that could still stand.
He reeled into the bedroom
and passed out cold, see?
Yes, he's drinking too much.
Maybe he's worried.
Why should he be worried?
Seen the midday papers,
apart from the racing?
No.
Ed Strother died this morning.
Who?
That old jeweler who
got shot yesterday.
And what's that got
to do with anything?
Nothing at all.
Did you get the money?
Yes, I got 30 quid.
30 quid!
Well, that's no use, is it?
No, of course it isn't.
Then you have to
see your wife again
and tell her you need more.
Well, I don't want to
unless I can help it.
I'll try one or two other
lines first, then fall back
on Barbara as a last resort.
She's far too friendly to the
police to my way of thinking.
All right.
Who are you going to try?
[racing announcer on radio]
[phone ringing]
Hello.
McDouglas here.
MARTIN RADLEY (ON PHONE):
It's Martin Radley.
Who?
MARTIN RADLEY (ON
PHONE): Martin Radley.
What do you want?
MARTIN RADLEY (ON
PHONE): Can you
cash me a check for 50 pounds?
- Sorry, laddie.
I'm broke myself.
And we have no
money in the office.
No go?
No.
Liar.
Whoever's heard of a
bookie who's broke?
Couldn't you cash
a check or something?
Where could I cash
a check for 200 quid?
Well, couldn't you cash
a lot of little ones?
London being packed
with people who trust me.
You used to cash checks at
that little club of yours.
You know, the one
you never take me to.
Oh, yes, that place.
But that doesn't
open till 3 o'clock.
No, I'll have to
prowl around and see
if I can raise anything.
You better get
dressed and run along.
I'll phone you up if
there's anything to report.
[sighing]
CHARLES WAYNE: Hello, Ernie.
Do you mind if we come in?
All right.
No.
Of course not, Mr. Wayne.
I'm investigating
the Ed Strother murder,
and I wondered if any
of the stolen jewelry
had come your way.
If I was to drop
down dead this minute--
Half the crooks in
London wouldn't know where
to get rid of their stuff.
Look, Ernie.
I'm not just after an
ordinary crook this time.
I'm after a murderer.
Right, Mr. Wayne.
Thanks.
Is Maria in the back shop?
Yeah.
Right.
You two can start in there.
Over here somewhere, isn't it?
Isn't what?
Your private safe, where
you keep the hot stuff.
Well, who said I
had a private safe?
Oh, a little bird told me.
A jailbird.
You know, if you paid
better prices, Ernie,
you'd get more loyalty
from your clients.
Oh, I see.
I don't have to open
that if I don't want to.
Indeed you don't.
I can post a man in
front of it and go
and get a search warrant.
Thanks.
Let's have a look at
this lot, shall we?
Where did this come from?
Don't tell him
it's hot after all.
It's not on the list.
Who brought it in?
Fella called Smith.
Yes, of course, I might have
known that without asking.
Of course, you've never seen him
before in your life, have you?
That's right.
Is it stolen, Mr. Wayne?
Honest, I bought
it in good faith.
If it's the one I think
it is, it must be.
Because the lady who owns it
doesn't need to pawn things.
Keep it locked up, Ernie,
I'll ask her tonight.
Look, when I
asked you for money,
I didn't mean you personally.
No, I meant the till.
I want to cash a check.
I'd try to get to the
banks, but they would
shut before I'd get there.
How much for?
50 quid.
There may be 50 in the safe.
But I haven't got the key.
If you come back
last thing tonight,
the boss might be here.
Oh, well, thank you, Gladys.
I'll see how it goes.
Cheerio.
Bye-bye, dear.
[phone ringing]
Hello?
It's no good, Diana.
We haven't a chance of
getting away tonight.
But you said we would.
You said tomorrow we'd
have breakfast in Paris.
We're not going tonight.
All right.
If we're not going,
we're not going.
But you better see your wife and
raise some money by tomorrow.
Look, darling, if you
insist on coming to the dance,
would you at least cut
out the cocktail party
at the Fergusons?
- No, I won't.
I'm going to stop being
dreary and I'm going
to have a lovely night out.
[phone ringing]
Brompton 1-4-2-4.
Can I speak to
Mrs. Everton, please?
Speaking-- it's
all right, John.
It's for me.
I've got to see you tonight.
But you said last time--
Never mind what
I said last time.
I've got to see you tonight.
You can't.
Then I'll have to
speak to Everton.
No.
No, you mustn't do that.
I'll have to.
No.
Look, I can't talk to you now.
Give me your number.
I'll ring you back.
All right.
Bronson 6-2-4-3.
Yes, I've got that.
You better be sure.
Yes.
Yes, all right.
Who was that?
It was the man
about my driving test.
I couldn't be bothered
to make an appointment,
so I'll ring him in the morning.
Oh, I see.
John, I--
I think after all I--
I won't go to the
cocktail party.
You feeling worse?
No.
But thinking it over, it
does seem rather silly.
If I rest for an hour, I'll
feel much more like a dance.
Very well.
You will lie down,
though, won't you?
Yes, of course.
I'll be getting
along, and I'll call
back for you at half past 7:00.
I'll be ready.
[phone ringing]
Hello?
BARBARA EVERTON (ON PHONE):
Is that you, Martin?
Barbara?
I've got to see you at
once and that's definite.
Otherwise, I'm going straight
round to tell Everton.
Very well.
I'll be alone till 7:30.
I'll be around shortly.
You know that jeweler's dead.
MARTIN RADLEY: Yes, I know.
That makes you a murderer.
And you're an accessory.
Oh, no, I'm not.
I wasn't even there.
And don't try to get
away with that one
or you'll find out there's such
a thing as queen's evidence.
No one would let
you turn queen's
evidence with your record.
We'll see.
BETTY: Good evening, Mr. Wayne.
CHARLES WAYNE: Hello, Betty.
Good evening, Charles.
You've just missed John.
Oh, as a matter of fact,
it's you I want to see.
Oh.
Not officially, I hope.
In a way, yes.
Goodness, what have I done?
Come into the drawing room.
I'll tell you all about it.
Barbara, have you still got
that pendant you used to wear,
you know, like a maple leaf?
Why?
Why do you ask?
Well, because I saw it, or its
twin brother, this afternoon.
Where?
In a pawnshop.
It was yours, wasn't it?
Yes.
There's nothing
wrong, I promise.
But I gave the pendant to
someone in payment of a debt.
You won't tell John, will you?
No, I won't tell him.
It's nothing against
him, I promise.
But I-- I just don't want
him to know, that's all.
Well, I understand.
You don't, you know.
But there are times
in married life
when things occur
and, well, you want
to spare someone's feelings.
No, Charles, you
don't understand.
You're not married.
CHARLES WAYNE: Well,
that's very true.
I've often wondered
why you're not.
Have you?
Don't you know?
How is the case going?
Ha, ha, it's not.
I thought I'd find a lot of the
stolen property this afternoon,
but I drew a blank.
These fellas are clever.
And they've got a lot of
women backing up their alibis.
We just can't get the
truth out of them.
As a matter of fact,
my side is working
on that angle this minute.
[music playing]
What a mob!
All right, you've got
exactly four minutes.
You told us that
at 1:30 on that day,
Harry Bond was in your flat.
Yes, that's right.
He arrived about 1
o'clock for lunch,
and he relaxed until 3:00.
Well, you might be interested
to know that nobody saw him
leaving or entering,
although the block
was quite busy at the time.
Well, now, of course not.
A girl has a
reputation to think of.
And Harry's always very
careful when he visits me.
Which can't be very
often these days.
What do you mean?
Don't you know
that he's running
around with another girl?
That's an old one, and
I'm not falling for it.
You can't trick me into--
- Miss Gower, please.
- Yes, Mr. Hubert?
The maestro has decided to
show "Jardin des Tuileries"
before [french].
So make haste, please.
Yes, all right.
Am I staying too long?
Oh, of course not.
I only wondered how long
I'd have to titillate
before John came back.
Well, I should have said you
look delightful as you are.
But don't worry,
I can take a hint.
Oh, Charles, you
know I wasn't hinting.
Of course I do,
but I really must go.
I can't sit talking
to beautiful women
and leave all the work to Peter.
Do please have
another drink, Charles.
No, honestly, I
must get back to work.
Barbara, about this pendant.
Are you in any sort of jam?
Of course not.
Well, I hope that's true.
But if it's not, you know
I'd do anything in the world
to help you, don't you?
I do know.
Night-night.
Good night.
[door buzzer]
Come in, please, sir.
Thank you.
This is intolerable!
You swore that you'd
leave me alone!
In return for 500 pounds.
That pendant only fetched 60.
What?
You're lying, Martin.
You always were a liar.
I wish I were
lying, but I'm not.
What was Wayne
doing here tonight?
Do you know him?
I know of him.
Why was he here?
He's a very close
friend of ours.
Did you tell him about me?
Of course not.
Yes, I believe you.
You're not such a fool.
Barbara, you've got to give
me the rest of that 500,
and in cash, not in jewelry.
That's quite impossible.
You better find a way
of making it possible,
or I'll go to Everton about it.
How much did you really
get for that pendant?
60 quid.
I'm not one of those
respectable people
who can walk into a
high-class jewelers
and name his own price.
You mean you're a crook.
I mean that I live by my
talents that were given to me.
And as I intend to go on doing.
So I'm leaving England
as soon as you give
me 440 pounds in hard cash.
I've told you I can't.
And even if I could, you'd
only come back for more.
No, I promise you that.
I'm clearing out.
If you didn't
mean to come back,
why have you taken
away Paul's letter?
Oh, did I take it?
That was absentminded of me.
I thought it was a
charming little letter.
I hadn't realized till then
that this union of yours
had been blessed with a son.
Keep him out of it.
Oh, I'm afraid
that's impossible.
If the truth does
come out, his position
would be rather unconventional.
So if you're sure, if
you think hard enough,
you'll find a way of
raising the money.
I have some shares.
I don't think they're
worth more than 400.
But perhaps the bank might help.
All right.
Arrange it tomorrow and
I'll overlook the 40-odd.
But I must have 400,
and in small notes.
Very well.
What time will you call for it?
I won't, my dear.
I don't want our
family friend to pop in
from the terrace with
a pair of handcuffs
just as I take delivery.
No.
You'll bring them
round to the flat.
Where the transactions
won't be observed.
BARBARA EVERTON: I thought you
shared your flat with somebody.
I'll see that he's out.
Come at 4 o'clock.
It's number 14 Kensington Mews.
Very well.
Don't be late.
We have a charwoman who
comes in from 5:00 to 7:00.
And I'd hate you
to be compromised.
All right for
me to go now, sir?
It's gone 7:00.
Hm?
Oh, yes, I--
You know, you didn't ought to
sit there drinking like this.
Solitary drinking never
did no one any good.
Quite right, Mrs. Bunn.
Only drunkards drink alone.
Sit down and join me.
Didn't ought to, really.
Wouldn't say no
to a little drop.
Thank you, sir.
Happy days.
[bird chirping]
Feeling better?
Much better.
You been having
visitors while I was out?
Oh, Charles dropped
in for a few minutes.
Well, he must
have been thirsty.
He's killed the whisky.
- I had some too.
- You did?
But you hate this stuff.
Oh, I thought it
might do my head good.
And it did.
I'm feeling so much better.
Let's go as soon as you've
had a drink, shall we?
I'll go and get my coat.
Is he back?
Oh.
Sorry, dear.
Not a sign of him yet.
Oh, but your friend was in here.
You just missed him.
I'll have scotch, please.
OK, dear.
Splash?
Yes, thank you.
Ooh!
I nearly forgot.
He left you a note.
Hello, Inspector.
Have you still got
that pendant, Ernie?
Oh, spook.
Won't let a bloke make an
honest living these days.
Here you are.
60 ruddy quid going
down the drain.
And it still ain't on the list.
Maybe not.
But I happen to know
the lady it belongs to,
and I've been authorized
to buy it back for her.
She wants to buy it?
Here, Inspector, look.
I won't kid to you.
This is honest.
That pendant, when it came into
the shop, was priced at 600.
It's worth a thousand.
I'm not kidding.
I'll let you have it
for, what, 250 quid.
What, when you said 60?
Did I say that?
I must have been mad.
Wow, a bloke's got to
have a bit of a profit,
isn't he, Inspector?
I ask you.
16.
Don't give me no
cuts, Inspector.
I'm superstitious about cuts.
Now look here, Ernie, I've
helped you out once or twice.
You wouldn't want our beautiful
friendship to break up,
would you?
Ah, it's extortion,
that's what it is.
A diabolical liberty.
There.
- No, no.
I won't take it.
You send it by registered
post to this address.
And don't forget.
Yeah, sit down and
I'll dance to you.
Yeah, righto, Inspector.
[knocking]
Have you got it?
Yes.
Come in, my dear.
No doubt you'll
insist on counting it.
But I can assure you,
there's exactly 400.
Well, naturally I'll
take your word for it.
Thank you.
It's been nice meeting
you again, Barbara.
Goodbye, Martin.
Well, now, stay
on for a while.
Have a drink.
No, thank you.
Will you get away
from the door, please?
Well, if you insist.
But Barbara--
Yes?
I've got to tell
you the truth.
I'm going to Everton after all.
- What?
- Well, I'm sorry.
I've got to.
I'm being blackmailed.
And if I don't raise
500 pounds by tonight,
he'll hand me over to
the police and I'll
be arrested at the airport.
You've done all you can.
My only hope now is Everton.
But you can't do that!
But I'm desperate.
If I buy him out, I can get
clear away to South Africa.
But if I don't--
You'll go to prison?
Mm.
For a very long time.
Martin, you can't go to John.
You promised!
Yes, but I didn't know
this was going to happen.
You're lying again.
You're not being blackmailed.
And you never had any intention
of leaving the country.
Here's my air ticket.
This is only to Paris.
I change to Air France there.
Martin.
It's made out to Harry Bond.
Well, why not?
I've been using
that name for years.
I thought you
called yourself Arden.
Oh, that was just a little
bit of whimsy for your benefit.
Do you remember in our garden
the poem husband who made
himself so obligingly scarce?
Everton will be in his
office now, I suppose.
Piccadilly 4000, isn't it?
Martin, I beg of you!
You'll ruin John's life, a
man you've never even met.
Can you get me 500
pounds by tonight?
No?
Very well.
Stand away from that phone!
Don't be a fool.
And keep back!
I told you John will only
hand you over to the police.
Not when he knows that
you've been here today.
And if he does turn me
in, I'll swear that we've
both been meeting regularly.
You've always known
I've been alive.
I never knew that
anyone could be so low.
You should have learned
that during our delirious year
together, my dear.
The day before yesterday you
murdered someone, didn't you?
You're Harry Bond.
And the police--
The police can prove nothing.
Put that gun down.
Martin, I'm not going to
let you ruin John's life,
or Paul's.
If you try to make that
phone call, I'll shoot!
You always were the
dramatic type, Barbara.
But you can't scare me.
You're not worried
about John or Paul.
You're only worried
about yourself.
What the neighbors will
say when they discover
that the nice Mrs. Everton
isn't Mrs. Everton at all,
but she's John
Everton's mistress,
and that that darling
little Paul is only--
[gunshot]
[door closing]
Darling?
Barbara.
Darling, what's the matter?
Why?
Listen, my dear,
this can't go on.
You've got to tell me
what's worrying you.
Ever since that man
Arden came on the scene,
you look as though
you've seen a ghost.
A ghost.
Yes, that's what it was.
What do you mean?
His name wasn't really Arden.
It was Martin Radley.
What?
He wasn't killed in the Blitz.
He came back to get money.
Oh, my darling.
Why didn't you tell me?
Do you think I'm happy seeing
my wife driven half crazy?
Thank heavens you've
told me at last.
I'll deal with this from now on.
It's too late.
I've shot him.
You--
With his own gun.
In his flat.
I went to give him money.
He taunted me.
I--
When did this happen?
Just now.
Oh, John, what can
we do about Paul?
Barbara, listen.
You're quite sure he was dead.
Yes.
Did you examine him?
No.
You say you went
to give him money.
Did you bring it back?
It was in his pockets.
They may trace it
through the bank.
What happened to the gun?
I dropped it.
Oh, John!
Barbara, listen.
Where is this flat?
What's the address?
14 Kensington Mews.
- 14 Kensington Mews, right.
- What are you going to do?
Going round there.
You say there's no
one else in the place?
The man he shares
a flat with was out.
But there's a
charwoman who comes in.
What time?
5 o'clock, I think.
5 o'clock?
Barbara, you stay here.
Don't move from the house.
Sorry, Charles.
Oh, hello, John.
I just thought I'd pop in
and see how Barbara is.
She seemed a bit under
the weather last night.
Yes, she's a bit run down.
Excuse me, I-- I've got to
go and see a bookseller,
and he closes at 5:00.
- Oh, sure, sure.
I'll be back as soon as I can.
Well, how are you today?
Oh, not too badly, thanks.
Would you like some tea or--
or would you rather
have a drink?
Well, strictly
speaking, I suppose
it's a bit early for a
drink, but, yes, please.
I've had a very trying day.
Are you still on
the Harry Bond case?
Yes.
Trying to break
down these alibis.
Still, not to worry.
We'll get him in the end.
[phone ringing]
[phone ringing]
Mouse Club.
Good afternoon.
Gladys, is Harry there?
No.
No, isn't he with you?
No, I've been expecting
him since 1 o'clock.
He hasn't turned up yet.
Well, did you phone him?
Yes, I rang the flat
and there was no reply.
Well, why don't you
go round and see him?
Yes, I think I will.
Bye-bye.
[suspenseful music playing]
[footsteps]
Harry!
JOHN EVERTON: For heaven's
sake, don't scream.
You-- you killed him!
No, I found him like that.
Who are you?
JOHN EVERTON: A
business acquaintance.
I just came in to see him.
Who let you in?
The door was ajar.
I've only been here a minute.
Have you phoned the police?
Not yet.
I was just going to when
I heard you at the door.
They'll say I did it.
Why?
Had you a motive?
As much motive as any woman
who's been double crossed.
That's why I came here.
Thought I'd find one
of his fancy bits.
Oh.
Were you in love with him?
I was crazy about him.
You swear you didn't kill him?
I didn't kill him.
And you are going
to ring the police?
It's customary, isn't it?
Look.
I don't want to get
mixed up in all this.
Let me go and don't ring
the police for five minutes
and forget you ever
saw me, will you?
I promise not to telephone
for five minutes after you go.
Not to mention
you to the police.
Thanks.
Actually, the simplest cases
are often the hardest to solve.
I don't understand.
Well, you've got
so little to go on.
What do you mean?
Well, I remember
a case about--
I say, I must be getting along.
What time is it?
Well, it's just on 5 o'clock.
5 o'clock.
[suspenseful music playing]
[footsteps]
[screaming] Police!
Are you sure you
won't wait for John?
No, I must go.
But the Yard know
you're here, don't they?
Oh, yes, I always
let them know but--
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Brompton 1-4-2-4.
Yes, he's here.
It's for you, Charles.
Wayne here.
Oh, hello, Peter.
What?
Well, look, I'll be round
in a couple of minutes.
What's happened?
Someone's killed Harry Bond.
JOHN EVERTON: Killed who?
Harry Bond, the leader of
the mob who shot the jeweler.
I must go.
I'll see you later.
Come into the drawing room.
I'll tell you all about it.
Were Harry Bond and Martin
Radley one and the same person?
Yes.
You're sure he put
the money in his pocket?
Yes.
It's not there now.
But that's impossible.
Apart from the money, I think
I've taken care of everything.
PETER THOMPSON:
Found anything, sir?
Not yet, Peter.
Except the obvious
fact that Bond
was preparing to clear out.
He cleared out, all right.
I just watched him go.
Did you find anything
among the neighbors?
Yes.
They said they saw a girl
come in here about 10 to 5:00.
The description is the
same girl I interviewed,
the [inaudible] leaving Yard.
10 to 5:00, eh?
I called in to the doctor.
He was killed about 4:00.
So she must have found the body.
I'll go and ask her.
I didn't report it.
Do that, Peter.
I've found something here
I'll have to follow up.
Did you know Harry Bond?
Yes.
I did know Harry Bond.
He was my first husband.
But I thought--
He was dead?
So did I. Until this week, when
he started blackmailing me.
He called himself Arden.
How did you find
out he was Harry Bond?
He showed me an air
ticket to prove that he
was really leaving the country.
His name was on it.
Barbara, I've got
to ask you this.
Where were you this afternoon,
say, from half past 3:00
to half past 4:00?
This is ridiculous, Charles.
Why are you asking
Barbara these questions?
I'm sorry, John.
But Barbara was being
blackmailed by a man who
was shot between these times.
If I don't question
her, someone else will.
I was in his flat.
I killed him.
Barbara, you don't
know what you're saying.
If you only knew what
relief it is to say it.
I can't believe it.
You realize what this means.
It wasn't murder, Charles.
It was a mad impulse.
I wish I could believe that.
People who have
mad impulses don't
wipe fingerprints off guns.
But that wasn't--
John-- well, Charles.
There's only one
thing I can do.
Chuck out my job.
[knocking]
Come in.
What do you want?
Going somewhere?
I was just going
to spend a few days
in the country with my sister.
Your sister is doing six
months, as you very well know.
What were you doing in
Harry's flat this afternoon?
So he gave me away after all.
Who's this we're
talking about?
How did you know I
was in Harry's flat?
Why did you shoot him, Evelyn?
Well, I didn't.
He was dead when I got there.
The murderer was still there.
What?
Who was the murderer?
I don't know.
I'd never seen him before.
He was tall, fair
hair, going gray.
He was wearing a brown suit.
About 40, I think.
Yes.
Funny no one else saw him.
He was there!
He swore he didn't kill Harry
and I pretended to believe him.
I thought he might kill me too.
He said he was going
to ring the police.
Did he?
No, the charwoman
phoned the police.
All right, don't leave town.
Otherwise you might
find yourself spending
a few days with your sister.
ANNOUNCER (ON
LOUDSPEAKER): European
Airways Flight 4-2-1 to Zurich.
Will passengers holding
coach card number 5-2--
I suppose there is a
flight to Paris tonight.
That's right, madam.
Flight 2-4-7.
The bus leaves in 20 minutes.
Thank you.
How's it coming, Smitty?
Well, I've got the bullet
they dug out of Harry Bond.
Just hold on a moment.
Yes, here it is.
The bullet that
killed Harry Bond.
Thanks.
Fired from the same gun as
the one that killed the jeweler.
That's impossible.
My dear chap, if
you think I don't
know when two bullets have
been fired from the same gun--
Sorry, Smitty.
Hm.
Wait till the old
man hears about this.
Pint, please, ma'am.
Oh, there you are, sir.
I've been looking all
over the place for you.
Just come from ballistics.
The bullet they dug
out of Harry Bond.
Well, you can give
it to Mr. Carstairs.
I'm turning over all
available evidence to him.
I'm resigning.
Resigning?
What on earth for?
.45 nickel plated.
But the gun we found was a .38.
Precisely.
Did you get anything
out of Harry's girlfriend?
Yes.
There was a stranger in the
flat when she got there.
A man, tall, very broad, fair
hair going gray, about 45--
you think he did it?
I know he didn't.
But he was the fellow who
wiped off all the fingerprints
and gave me a completely wrong
slant on the whole business.
Peter, I've got it.
There were no air tickets in
that flat when we searched it,
were there?
- No, there weren't, sir.
It's funny.
Only the other day I was
telling somebody how criminals
always repeat their tricks.
Come on.
There's just a chance.
[fast-paced music playing]
ANNOUNCER (ON LOUDSPEAKER): Will
passengers for Flight Number
1-2-6 to Vienna please take
their seats on the coach
waiting at exit number 4.
[chatter]
Will passengers for Flight
Number 1-2-3 to Madrid
please take their seats on the
bus waiting at exit number 3.
Will you phone
up Scotland Yard
and ask them to send a
squad car along immediately?
You'll be two passengers
short on this trip.
It's Inspector Wayne.
If I were you, I'd
get along home.
We'll want to
speak to you later.
Not the first time you pretended
to be dead, eh, Radley?
But last time you pinned it
on Hitler, not on your wife.
On his wife, sir?
A development you
don't know about, Peter.
Radley got her to
visit his flat and left
Harry Bond's gun where she could
find it loaded with blanks.
Then he goaded her
on until she became
hysterical and fired it at him.
But as soon as she'd gone, he
came to life again and brought
in the body of Harry
Bond, whom he'd
shot a few minutes earlier.
But you forgot to
switch the guns, Radley.
Otherwise you might
have got away with it.
You hadn't time, I
suppose, was that it?
I had every intention
of switching the guns.
I don't suppose you
thought it would matter.
You didn't think we'd
know the difference
between a 4-5 and a 3-8.
Well, even police officers
have that intelligence.
No.
It was pure sentiment.
I didn't want to involve
Barbara in murder.
Give her my love, Wayne.
ANNOUNCER (ON LOUDSPEAKER):
Attention, please.
Oh, here's a car.
Come on.
ANNOUNCER (ON LOUDSPEAKER):
British European
Airways Flight 4-2-7 to Paris.
Will passengers holding
coach card number 5-4
please go through gates A and B.
CHARLES WAYNE: Even then he
was only beaten by 10 minutes.
I can't believe it.
You'll have to,
I'm glad to say.
Martin Radley was never
known as Harry Bond.
He killed Harry because
Harry was blackmailing him.
The gun you fired was
loaded with blanks.
Get it?
No.
And here's another thing
that might interest you both.
This is Radley's marriage
certificate dated 1938.
And his wife is still alive.
Then Barbara was never
legally married to him.
That's right.
You've only had one
husband in your life.
And I think I'll
leave you to him.
Good night.
I think we might
give this to Paul.
Oh, I think he'd much
rather have a yacht.
Come and have a drink
with your husband.
[music playing]
[gunshots]
[alarm ringing]
[chatter]
Police!
Police!
[chatter]
[dramatic music playing]
You'll be all right, old man.
All right, get him away quick.
And get these people
out of the way!
All right, thanks, Doug.
I'll be along to the
hospital as soon as I can.
List of the witnesses.
Not much good.
What about the car?
Light blue saloon,
number unknown.
Obviously stolen.
They'll abandon it and go to
earth until the press boys tell
them it's safe to emerge again.
[phone ringing]
Brompton 1-4-2-4.
No, sir, Mrs. Everton
is not home yet.
I thought you told me
she would be back by 4:30.
Oh.
Sorry, Betty.
I couldn't get my key.
Is Mrs. Wescott here?
Yes, she's in
the drawing room.
Thank you.
Ah.
Aunt Laura.
I was so pleased
to get your wire.
What brings you to London
after all these years?
Your uncle's going to be hung.
What?
It's that watercolor
of Rosedale Abbey,
and I must say it's good.
You mean he's going to be
hung in the Royal Academy?
That's right, dear.
After trying for 20 years,
he's as pleased as punch.
I'm sure he is.
And so am I. I like to come
to London to see the shops.
Not that we haven't
got shops in Hensley,
but you know it makes a change.
Oh, I hope you
don't mind my making
myself at home like this.
I should have been very
annoyed if you hadn't.
Where are you staying?
The Imperial.
It's quiet and comfortable,
like your uncle and myself.
How's John?
Oh, flourishing.
You'll see him quite soon.
He'll be home early today.
And Paul?
Oh, he's fine.
I had a letter from
him this morning.
He still seems to be
quite happy at school.
When Martin was killed, you
said you'd never marry again.
Remember?
I remember.
And I meant it.
But I'm awfully glad John
talked me into changing my mind.
Well?
He wouldn't touch it.
What?
Says it's too hot.
Says he'll have nothing
to do with murder.
The chap isn't dead, is he?
The paper said--
His condition's critical.
And that's enough
to scare Sheldon.
See what you done with
your damn fool shooting?
I had to shoot.
He was reaching for the alarm.
And he got it too.
Now we're stuck with a load
of diamonds nobody wants.
Well, Sheldon's not
the only fence in London.
What about Ernie Gordon?
Try him yourself.
I tell you I didn't like
the way Sheldon acted.
You'd have thought I had
leprosy or something the way
he shut me out of the shop.
And I wasn't even in on the job.
Oh, damn Sheldon and
that fool of a jeweler.
There must be someone
who'll buy the stuff.
You find him.
I'm not.
Well, what about Bob and Alf?
Where are they?
The two boys
you took with you?
- Um-hm.
- They vanished.
You're on your own now.
You know, if that
jeweler should die,
things could get
pretty interesting.
Oh, there's John now.
Hello, darling.
Hello.
Darling, look who's here.
Well, the Yorkshire rose.
This is wonderful.
What brings you
to the deep south?
Henry is going to be hung.
He's round at
Burlington House now.
I say, I am glad.
We must go to the private view.
BARBARA EVERTON: Yes, we must.
Will you have some tea, John?
No, thank you.
I say, what a beauty!
Well, I must try this
out on the round pond.
I did buy it for Paul, dear.
Mm?
Oh, you don't mind me
looking at it, do you?
No.
That's why I brought it
home, so that you could
see it before I send it off.
Send it off?
You're not sending
this to school?
Oh, no, no, no, no.
This must keep for the holidays.
- Yes, I suppose so.
Otherwise, he might
break it before you
had a chance to play with it.
I shall go and change.
If there's one thing I hate,
it's putting on evening dress
at tea time.
Where are you
going to tonight?
Well, one of the penalties
of being a publisher
is you have to keep your
successful authors happy.
In this case it
involves driving 50
miles into the heart of nowhere
and getting there dead on 7:00.
Don't run away.
We'll have a drink before I go.
Oh, Barbara, if
Charles Wayne arrives,
hang onto him till I come down.
- Are you expecting him?
He said he'd bring back that
book he's been vetting for me.
If it's business,
I better be going.
Nonsense!
You must stay and meet Charles.
He's a real, live detective
inspector, you know.
From Scotland Yard.
You seem to be pretty
sure it's them, sir.
It had their
handwriting all over it.
Although I admit they've never
actually shot anyone before.
And as usual, they've
all got beautiful alibis.
Which this time we're
going to break down.
I'll see that gang
behind bars if it's--
DOCTOR: All right,
careful with it.
--the last thing--
Inspector Wayne.
That's me.
Is this what you want?
Oh, thanks.
.45, nickel plated.
Well, how's the patient?
Not so good.
Any prospect of his being able
to make a statement, Doctor?
Not the slightest.
Not at present, anyway.
Take that down
to the Yard, Peter.
Williams, you'll
stay here in case
he recovers enough to talk.
I'll be down at
the Yard shortly,
but I've got a call
to make on the way.
If you need me, I'll
be at the Evertons.
Right.
Ah, that'll be Charles.
Here you are, Aunt Laura,
the Everton special.
One for you.
- Thank you.
Just in time for
a drink, Charles.
- Evening, Barbara.
- Hello.
Hello, John.
Aunt Laura, this
is Charles Wayne.
Mrs. Wescott.
- How do you do?
How do you do?
JOHN EVERTON: Scotch?
- Thanks.
Small one.
I'm still working.
Well, how's Paul, Barbara?
Oh, he's fine, thanks.
I'll show you his
latest epistle.
JOHN EVERTON: [chuckling] His
spelling really is shocking.
Look at the PS.
Oh, I think it's jolly good.
Look.
CHARLES WAYNE: "If you can't"--
oh, I get it.
"--a guided missile,
I would like a--
a yacht."
[laughter]
I love the guided missile bit.
Did you get one?
No.
He'll have to make do
with a-- a "yatch."
[laughter]
Did you find
time to read this?
Yes.
No technical errors.
But I hope you don't
publish it, John.
Whyever not?
The man's a bestseller.
I know.
It's one of the most ingenious
plots he's ever given us.
It may be ingenious,
but it's also poisonous.
What on earth do you mean?
The sympathy's
the wrong way round.
It makes the
murderer into a hero.
Yes, but the man he's
murdered is a scoundrel
who's evaded the law.
The hero becomes the
instrument of true justice.
The hero is a cold-blooded
murderer who gets away with it.
The censor would never
pass a film like that,
and quite rightly so.
So why put it in a book
that thousands of people
are going to read?
Young people included.
Well, it's been done before.
Oh, that's no excuse, John.
Nowadays if you glorify
murder, every thug in London
sees himself as a hero.
Do you mean you'd cheerfully
arrest any murderer, however
justified he may have been?
Well, not cheerfully, perhaps.
But I would.
Even if he were a relative?
Oh, yes, of course.
It makes no difference.
Supposing it was someone
that you really loved.
Well, in that
case, I'd probably
resign and drink myself silly.
But no circumstances
ever justify murder.
Look, I've just come from
the hospital, where they're
fighting to save the
life of a man who
was shot this afternoon.
He's got a wife and kids.
Do you think they'd enjoy
a book where the killer is
treated as a hero?
But is this the case
you're talking about?
Yes, that's it.
And you've no idea who did it?
Well, I've got
a very good idea.
But unfortunately I
haven't got any proof yet.
There's a bunch run by
a chap named Harry Bond.
But of course, they've all
got nice little alibis.
Well, what makes
you think they did it?
Well, most criminals,
Mrs. Wescott,
stick to their own pattern
in every crime they commit,
which is very helpful to us.
The time of the crime, the
[audio out] car they use.
Various ways they go about it.
You sure you
won't have another?
No, thanks, I must
get back on the job.
Now I must be going too,
dear, or your uncle will think
something's happened to me.
Where are you
staying, Mrs. Wescott?
- At the Imperial.
- Well, let me give you a lift.
It's on my way.
Oh, that's very good of you.
Oh, my bag, dear.
Oh, dear.
Thank you.
Would you like me
to phone Uncle Henry
and tell him you've been
taken away by the police?
No, dear, just tell
him I've gone off
in a car with a handsome man.
Goodbye, Barbara.
BARBARA EVERTON: Goodbye.
- Bye-bye, you two.
- So good to see you.
JOHN EVERTON: Bye, Charles.
Oh, blast this dinner
with old Digby.
I'd much rather stay and
have dinner with you.
I don't like books
that run into five
editions in seven months, dear.
You'd better not.
Imagine being married
to a woman novelist.
Oh, some of them are
quite nice, surely.
They're all so
dreadfully competent.
Oh, I see.
So you married me
because I'm incompetent.
Nonsense.
I married you for your money.
Ow!
Serves you right.
You shouldn't be rude to me.
Darling, you will try and be
home early tonight, won't you?
I'll be back by
10:00 if I have
to knock the old boy on the
head with one of his books.
Good.
I'll be waiting for you.
Now darling, I must be off.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
[bird chirping]
[jazz music playing]
MR. ARDEN: Is Mrs. Everton in?
Mr. Arden to see her.
BETTY: Mrs. Everton,
a Mr. Arden here.
Mister who?
Arden.
Are you sure he
doesn't mean Mr. Everton?
BETTY: Quite sure.
But I-- I don't know
anybody called Arden.
You best show him in, Betty.
Good evening, Barbara.
Martin!
But--
I suppose it is a
bit of a shock, but--
You-- you're--
I'm not dead, if that's
what you were going to say.
But they said the bomb
killed everyone in the house.
Mm.
That it did.
Only I wasn't there at the time.
Then-- then why--
Well, I thought it an
excellent opportunity
to demobilize myself from the
Army, take on a new identity,
and get free from
a Puritan wife.
Why have you come here?
Can't a man call
on his own wife?
BARBARA EVERTON:
I'm not your wife!
I'm afraid you are, my dear.
Though the way this
fellow is keeping
you is much better than I could.
John and I are married!
You mean, John and
you are bigamists?
Would you like a drink?
No?
Would you mind if I do?
How did you find me?
Sheer chance.
I live close by.
Sharing a flat with
another fellow.
I moved in a couple of months
ago, and the very next day
I saw you in Knightsbridge.
So, of course, I followed you.
Here we are.
Cheers.
Mm.
Everton certainly
knows a good whisky.
And I like his
taste in women too.
There was a time when--
There was a time when
a stupid girl of 17
married a man she thought
she was in love with.
It took her exactly one week
to find out what he was like.
But it took her 12 months
before she was free of him.
I was thankful when I heard
about that bomb, Martin.
A trifle premature, darling.
And you're not free of me.
What do you mean?
I mean, my love,
that you and I
are one, till death do us part.
A sobering thought, but--
If you think for
one moment that I
would ever come back to you--
No, I can't say
I thought that.
Nor, indeed, do I want you to.
Then what do you want?
Money.
I've decided to leave
England, Barbara.
And Incidentally, to
leave you in peace
for the rest of your life.
Then I wish you had
done so without telling
me that you were alive.
No doubt, but I'm afraid
that was impossible.
I'm broke, my dear.
And air passages
are strictly cash.
I need 500 pounds.
I haven't a penny.
[exasperated sighing] You
disguise the fact admirably.
Oh.
John has money, but--
Then I must go to John.
Please don't do that, Martin.
Oh, he wouldn't think
it worth 500 pounds
to carry on unsuspected
in his little love nest?
John must never know.
I have some jewelry
that I can give you.
No, I'd much rather have cash.
I haven't any cash.
But I have a pendant.
I haven't worn it for years.
John wouldn't miss it.
It's worth 600 pounds.
Who says so?
The insurance company.
Well, where is it?
Upstairs.
[suspenseful music playing]
Thank you.
Yes, this looks as though it
could be worth 600 pounds.
This chap evidently seems to
be pretty well off, Barbara.
I wonder if I were
to approach him?
You promised you wouldn't!
You said if I gave
you the pendant
that I'd never see you again.
Did I?
Well.
Besides, I find it
rather hard to rid myself
of this delightful atmosphere.
Martin, will you go?
If John came back
and found you--
Yes?
--he'd hand you over to
the police for blackmail.
I doubt it.
Borrowing money from one's
wife isn't blackmail,
whereas living with
someone else's wife
is apt to be frowned on in
more respectable circles.
Not that I blame him.
You're a very delightful
woman, Barbara.
Indeed, speaking
as your husband--
Will you get out?
And John's coming
back in a minute.
My dear, John has recently
departed in a dinner
jacket and a
high-priced car and will
obviously be away for hours.
Barbara, do you remember
the day we got married
and I was all spruced
up in my battle dress,
straight from the Glasshouse?
Barbara, is this the
little girl who promised
to love, honor, and obey me?
No.
It's Mrs. John Everton.
Now will you get out?
No, I won't.
Not until you've kissed me.
[exasperated gasp] That was
a foolish thing to do, my dear.
Still, I suppose
all married couples
have their little tiffs.
Au revoir.
[buzzer]
You rang?
Oh, Betty, when
you cleared away,
did you move Master
Paul's letter?
No, I left it just here.
Why, Mrs. Everton!
Betty said you had a visitor
just before you collapsed,
an Uncle Arden.
Did he upset you?
No.
No.
Who was he, darling?
Oh, a man I used to know.
It was his wife I knew, really.
He had nothing to
do with your fainting?
Nothing at all.
Don't worry, John.
I'll-- I'll be all
right in the morning.
Look here.
Either we're going to
Paris or we're not.
MARTIN RADLEY: We're
going to Paris.
Then why don't you
go and pop this pendant
and raise the fare?
- Well, I'm going to.
It's only just that--
You think they'll
think it's stolen.
Of course it's not stolen.
I was given it legally.
Then what are
you worried about?
You said we were going to
take the night plane to Paris,
yet here you are with a pendant
worth 200 in your pocket.
You did say it was worth 200?
Yes, that's what
it was insured for.
200.
My wife says so.
Very well, then, go!
But of course,
I'd never get 200.
You don't pawning things.
All right, so
you only get 100.
We still get to Paris, don't we?
Yes, we'll go.
Where will you be
when I get back?
Right here, honey.
You can't shift little Diana far
from the prospect of 100 quid.
What'll you give me for it?
50.
Oh, don't be absurd.
You're right.
I'll check first.
Check what?
Stolen property list.
The police send
us a list of all--
I know all about
what the police do.
That wasn't stolen.
It was given to me.
At the end of a gun?
No.
At the end of a perfect day.
Now what's it worth?
Well, it's certainly
not on the list.
I know it's not on the list.
I want 400 for it.
Then you better take it
back to the shop that sold it.
Me, I couldn't sell
that with a light.
I'll tell you what.
I'll make a sacrifice.
Seeing as how you come by them
honestly for a change, 55.
But the thing's worth 600.
Not to me, pal.
I'll tell you what I'll do.
When a piece like
this gets stolen--
But it isn't stolen.
All right, all right.
When a piece like
this gets stolen,
the assessors offer a reward of
10% of its insured value, which
in this case would be 60 quid.
So that's what I'll
give to you, 60 quid.
And it don't leave me a
penny profit if I have
to hand it back to the owner.
Since when did
you start handing
things back to the owners?
Ah, don't get personal, boy.
60 or nothing.
[knocking]
Why, it's Sherlock
Holmes himself.
What do you want?
A few minutes of your most
valuable time, Miss Gower.
All right.
If you make it snappy.
Seen Harry lately?
Harry who?
Harry Bond.
Why, yes, as a
matter of fact, I have.
He came to lunch
yesterday about 1:30.
Stayed for a couple of hours.
Anyone else see him?
How should I know?
Sure it was yesterday?
Quite sure.
Yesterday, 1:30,
for a couple of hours.
How convenient.
Diana!
DIANA: Just a minute.
I thought I'd have a
bath while I was waiting.
That old geezer at my
place has conked out again.
Well, what's wrong with
undressing in the bedroom?
It's occupied.
Occu-- what?
Your pal got home just after
you left, high as a steeple.
Never seen anybody so drunk
that could still stand.
He reeled into the bedroom
and passed out cold, see?
Yes, he's drinking too much.
Maybe he's worried.
Why should he be worried?
Seen the midday papers,
apart from the racing?
No.
Ed Strother died this morning.
Who?
That old jeweler who
got shot yesterday.
And what's that got
to do with anything?
Nothing at all.
Did you get the money?
Yes, I got 30 quid.
30 quid!
Well, that's no use, is it?
No, of course it isn't.
Then you have to
see your wife again
and tell her you need more.
Well, I don't want to
unless I can help it.
I'll try one or two other
lines first, then fall back
on Barbara as a last resort.
She's far too friendly to the
police to my way of thinking.
All right.
Who are you going to try?
[racing announcer on radio]
[phone ringing]
Hello.
McDouglas here.
MARTIN RADLEY (ON PHONE):
It's Martin Radley.
Who?
MARTIN RADLEY (ON
PHONE): Martin Radley.
What do you want?
MARTIN RADLEY (ON
PHONE): Can you
cash me a check for 50 pounds?
- Sorry, laddie.
I'm broke myself.
And we have no
money in the office.
No go?
No.
Liar.
Whoever's heard of a
bookie who's broke?
Couldn't you cash
a check or something?
Where could I cash
a check for 200 quid?
Well, couldn't you cash
a lot of little ones?
London being packed
with people who trust me.
You used to cash checks at
that little club of yours.
You know, the one
you never take me to.
Oh, yes, that place.
But that doesn't
open till 3 o'clock.
No, I'll have to
prowl around and see
if I can raise anything.
You better get
dressed and run along.
I'll phone you up if
there's anything to report.
[sighing]
CHARLES WAYNE: Hello, Ernie.
Do you mind if we come in?
All right.
No.
Of course not, Mr. Wayne.
I'm investigating
the Ed Strother murder,
and I wondered if any
of the stolen jewelry
had come your way.
If I was to drop
down dead this minute--
Half the crooks in
London wouldn't know where
to get rid of their stuff.
Look, Ernie.
I'm not just after an
ordinary crook this time.
I'm after a murderer.
Right, Mr. Wayne.
Thanks.
Is Maria in the back shop?
Yeah.
Right.
You two can start in there.
Over here somewhere, isn't it?
Isn't what?
Your private safe, where
you keep the hot stuff.
Well, who said I
had a private safe?
Oh, a little bird told me.
A jailbird.
You know, if you paid
better prices, Ernie,
you'd get more loyalty
from your clients.
Oh, I see.
I don't have to open
that if I don't want to.
Indeed you don't.
I can post a man in
front of it and go
and get a search warrant.
Thanks.
Let's have a look at
this lot, shall we?
Where did this come from?
Don't tell him
it's hot after all.
It's not on the list.
Who brought it in?
Fella called Smith.
Yes, of course, I might have
known that without asking.
Of course, you've never seen him
before in your life, have you?
That's right.
Is it stolen, Mr. Wayne?
Honest, I bought
it in good faith.
If it's the one I think
it is, it must be.
Because the lady who owns it
doesn't need to pawn things.
Keep it locked up, Ernie,
I'll ask her tonight.
Look, when I
asked you for money,
I didn't mean you personally.
No, I meant the till.
I want to cash a check.
I'd try to get to the
banks, but they would
shut before I'd get there.
How much for?
50 quid.
There may be 50 in the safe.
But I haven't got the key.
If you come back
last thing tonight,
the boss might be here.
Oh, well, thank you, Gladys.
I'll see how it goes.
Cheerio.
Bye-bye, dear.
[phone ringing]
Hello?
It's no good, Diana.
We haven't a chance of
getting away tonight.
But you said we would.
You said tomorrow we'd
have breakfast in Paris.
We're not going tonight.
All right.
If we're not going,
we're not going.
But you better see your wife and
raise some money by tomorrow.
Look, darling, if you
insist on coming to the dance,
would you at least cut
out the cocktail party
at the Fergusons?
- No, I won't.
I'm going to stop being
dreary and I'm going
to have a lovely night out.
[phone ringing]
Brompton 1-4-2-4.
Can I speak to
Mrs. Everton, please?
Speaking-- it's
all right, John.
It's for me.
I've got to see you tonight.
But you said last time--
Never mind what
I said last time.
I've got to see you tonight.
You can't.
Then I'll have to
speak to Everton.
No.
No, you mustn't do that.
I'll have to.
No.
Look, I can't talk to you now.
Give me your number.
I'll ring you back.
All right.
Bronson 6-2-4-3.
Yes, I've got that.
You better be sure.
Yes.
Yes, all right.
Who was that?
It was the man
about my driving test.
I couldn't be bothered
to make an appointment,
so I'll ring him in the morning.
Oh, I see.
John, I--
I think after all I--
I won't go to the
cocktail party.
You feeling worse?
No.
But thinking it over, it
does seem rather silly.
If I rest for an hour, I'll
feel much more like a dance.
Very well.
You will lie down,
though, won't you?
Yes, of course.
I'll be getting
along, and I'll call
back for you at half past 7:00.
I'll be ready.
[phone ringing]
Hello?
BARBARA EVERTON (ON PHONE):
Is that you, Martin?
Barbara?
I've got to see you at
once and that's definite.
Otherwise, I'm going straight
round to tell Everton.
Very well.
I'll be alone till 7:30.
I'll be around shortly.
You know that jeweler's dead.
MARTIN RADLEY: Yes, I know.
That makes you a murderer.
And you're an accessory.
Oh, no, I'm not.
I wasn't even there.
And don't try to get
away with that one
or you'll find out there's such
a thing as queen's evidence.
No one would let
you turn queen's
evidence with your record.
We'll see.
BETTY: Good evening, Mr. Wayne.
CHARLES WAYNE: Hello, Betty.
Good evening, Charles.
You've just missed John.
Oh, as a matter of fact,
it's you I want to see.
Oh.
Not officially, I hope.
In a way, yes.
Goodness, what have I done?
Come into the drawing room.
I'll tell you all about it.
Barbara, have you still got
that pendant you used to wear,
you know, like a maple leaf?
Why?
Why do you ask?
Well, because I saw it, or its
twin brother, this afternoon.
Where?
In a pawnshop.
It was yours, wasn't it?
Yes.
There's nothing
wrong, I promise.
But I gave the pendant to
someone in payment of a debt.
You won't tell John, will you?
No, I won't tell him.
It's nothing against
him, I promise.
But I-- I just don't want
him to know, that's all.
Well, I understand.
You don't, you know.
But there are times
in married life
when things occur
and, well, you want
to spare someone's feelings.
No, Charles, you
don't understand.
You're not married.
CHARLES WAYNE: Well,
that's very true.
I've often wondered
why you're not.
Have you?
Don't you know?
How is the case going?
Ha, ha, it's not.
I thought I'd find a lot of the
stolen property this afternoon,
but I drew a blank.
These fellas are clever.
And they've got a lot of
women backing up their alibis.
We just can't get the
truth out of them.
As a matter of fact,
my side is working
on that angle this minute.
[music playing]
What a mob!
All right, you've got
exactly four minutes.
You told us that
at 1:30 on that day,
Harry Bond was in your flat.
Yes, that's right.
He arrived about 1
o'clock for lunch,
and he relaxed until 3:00.
Well, you might be interested
to know that nobody saw him
leaving or entering,
although the block
was quite busy at the time.
Well, now, of course not.
A girl has a
reputation to think of.
And Harry's always very
careful when he visits me.
Which can't be very
often these days.
What do you mean?
Don't you know
that he's running
around with another girl?
That's an old one, and
I'm not falling for it.
You can't trick me into--
- Miss Gower, please.
- Yes, Mr. Hubert?
The maestro has decided to
show "Jardin des Tuileries"
before [french].
So make haste, please.
Yes, all right.
Am I staying too long?
Oh, of course not.
I only wondered how long
I'd have to titillate
before John came back.
Well, I should have said you
look delightful as you are.
But don't worry,
I can take a hint.
Oh, Charles, you
know I wasn't hinting.
Of course I do,
but I really must go.
I can't sit talking
to beautiful women
and leave all the work to Peter.
Do please have
another drink, Charles.
No, honestly, I
must get back to work.
Barbara, about this pendant.
Are you in any sort of jam?
Of course not.
Well, I hope that's true.
But if it's not, you know
I'd do anything in the world
to help you, don't you?
I do know.
Night-night.
Good night.
[door buzzer]
Come in, please, sir.
Thank you.
This is intolerable!
You swore that you'd
leave me alone!
In return for 500 pounds.
That pendant only fetched 60.
What?
You're lying, Martin.
You always were a liar.
I wish I were
lying, but I'm not.
What was Wayne
doing here tonight?
Do you know him?
I know of him.
Why was he here?
He's a very close
friend of ours.
Did you tell him about me?
Of course not.
Yes, I believe you.
You're not such a fool.
Barbara, you've got to give
me the rest of that 500,
and in cash, not in jewelry.
That's quite impossible.
You better find a way
of making it possible,
or I'll go to Everton about it.
How much did you really
get for that pendant?
60 quid.
I'm not one of those
respectable people
who can walk into a
high-class jewelers
and name his own price.
You mean you're a crook.
I mean that I live by my
talents that were given to me.
And as I intend to go on doing.
So I'm leaving England
as soon as you give
me 440 pounds in hard cash.
I've told you I can't.
And even if I could, you'd
only come back for more.
No, I promise you that.
I'm clearing out.
If you didn't
mean to come back,
why have you taken
away Paul's letter?
Oh, did I take it?
That was absentminded of me.
I thought it was a
charming little letter.
I hadn't realized till then
that this union of yours
had been blessed with a son.
Keep him out of it.
Oh, I'm afraid
that's impossible.
If the truth does
come out, his position
would be rather unconventional.
So if you're sure, if
you think hard enough,
you'll find a way of
raising the money.
I have some shares.
I don't think they're
worth more than 400.
But perhaps the bank might help.
All right.
Arrange it tomorrow and
I'll overlook the 40-odd.
But I must have 400,
and in small notes.
Very well.
What time will you call for it?
I won't, my dear.
I don't want our
family friend to pop in
from the terrace with
a pair of handcuffs
just as I take delivery.
No.
You'll bring them
round to the flat.
Where the transactions
won't be observed.
BARBARA EVERTON: I thought you
shared your flat with somebody.
I'll see that he's out.
Come at 4 o'clock.
It's number 14 Kensington Mews.
Very well.
Don't be late.
We have a charwoman who
comes in from 5:00 to 7:00.
And I'd hate you
to be compromised.
All right for
me to go now, sir?
It's gone 7:00.
Hm?
Oh, yes, I--
You know, you didn't ought to
sit there drinking like this.
Solitary drinking never
did no one any good.
Quite right, Mrs. Bunn.
Only drunkards drink alone.
Sit down and join me.
Didn't ought to, really.
Wouldn't say no
to a little drop.
Thank you, sir.
Happy days.
[bird chirping]
Feeling better?
Much better.
You been having
visitors while I was out?
Oh, Charles dropped
in for a few minutes.
Well, he must
have been thirsty.
He's killed the whisky.
- I had some too.
- You did?
But you hate this stuff.
Oh, I thought it
might do my head good.
And it did.
I'm feeling so much better.
Let's go as soon as you've
had a drink, shall we?
I'll go and get my coat.
Is he back?
Oh.
Sorry, dear.
Not a sign of him yet.
Oh, but your friend was in here.
You just missed him.
I'll have scotch, please.
OK, dear.
Splash?
Yes, thank you.
Ooh!
I nearly forgot.
He left you a note.
Hello, Inspector.
Have you still got
that pendant, Ernie?
Oh, spook.
Won't let a bloke make an
honest living these days.
Here you are.
60 ruddy quid going
down the drain.
And it still ain't on the list.
Maybe not.
But I happen to know
the lady it belongs to,
and I've been authorized
to buy it back for her.
She wants to buy it?
Here, Inspector, look.
I won't kid to you.
This is honest.
That pendant, when it came into
the shop, was priced at 600.
It's worth a thousand.
I'm not kidding.
I'll let you have it
for, what, 250 quid.
What, when you said 60?
Did I say that?
I must have been mad.
Wow, a bloke's got to
have a bit of a profit,
isn't he, Inspector?
I ask you.
16.
Don't give me no
cuts, Inspector.
I'm superstitious about cuts.
Now look here, Ernie, I've
helped you out once or twice.
You wouldn't want our beautiful
friendship to break up,
would you?
Ah, it's extortion,
that's what it is.
A diabolical liberty.
There.
- No, no.
I won't take it.
You send it by registered
post to this address.
And don't forget.
Yeah, sit down and
I'll dance to you.
Yeah, righto, Inspector.
[knocking]
Have you got it?
Yes.
Come in, my dear.
No doubt you'll
insist on counting it.
But I can assure you,
there's exactly 400.
Well, naturally I'll
take your word for it.
Thank you.
It's been nice meeting
you again, Barbara.
Goodbye, Martin.
Well, now, stay
on for a while.
Have a drink.
No, thank you.
Will you get away
from the door, please?
Well, if you insist.
But Barbara--
Yes?
I've got to tell
you the truth.
I'm going to Everton after all.
- What?
- Well, I'm sorry.
I've got to.
I'm being blackmailed.
And if I don't raise
500 pounds by tonight,
he'll hand me over to
the police and I'll
be arrested at the airport.
You've done all you can.
My only hope now is Everton.
But you can't do that!
But I'm desperate.
If I buy him out, I can get
clear away to South Africa.
But if I don't--
You'll go to prison?
Mm.
For a very long time.
Martin, you can't go to John.
You promised!
Yes, but I didn't know
this was going to happen.
You're lying again.
You're not being blackmailed.
And you never had any intention
of leaving the country.
Here's my air ticket.
This is only to Paris.
I change to Air France there.
Martin.
It's made out to Harry Bond.
Well, why not?
I've been using
that name for years.
I thought you
called yourself Arden.
Oh, that was just a little
bit of whimsy for your benefit.
Do you remember in our garden
the poem husband who made
himself so obligingly scarce?
Everton will be in his
office now, I suppose.
Piccadilly 4000, isn't it?
Martin, I beg of you!
You'll ruin John's life, a
man you've never even met.
Can you get me 500
pounds by tonight?
No?
Very well.
Stand away from that phone!
Don't be a fool.
And keep back!
I told you John will only
hand you over to the police.
Not when he knows that
you've been here today.
And if he does turn me
in, I'll swear that we've
both been meeting regularly.
You've always known
I've been alive.
I never knew that
anyone could be so low.
You should have learned
that during our delirious year
together, my dear.
The day before yesterday you
murdered someone, didn't you?
You're Harry Bond.
And the police--
The police can prove nothing.
Put that gun down.
Martin, I'm not going to
let you ruin John's life,
or Paul's.
If you try to make that
phone call, I'll shoot!
You always were the
dramatic type, Barbara.
But you can't scare me.
You're not worried
about John or Paul.
You're only worried
about yourself.
What the neighbors will
say when they discover
that the nice Mrs. Everton
isn't Mrs. Everton at all,
but she's John
Everton's mistress,
and that that darling
little Paul is only--
[gunshot]
[door closing]
Darling?
Barbara.
Darling, what's the matter?
Why?
Listen, my dear,
this can't go on.
You've got to tell me
what's worrying you.
Ever since that man
Arden came on the scene,
you look as though
you've seen a ghost.
A ghost.
Yes, that's what it was.
What do you mean?
His name wasn't really Arden.
It was Martin Radley.
What?
He wasn't killed in the Blitz.
He came back to get money.
Oh, my darling.
Why didn't you tell me?
Do you think I'm happy seeing
my wife driven half crazy?
Thank heavens you've
told me at last.
I'll deal with this from now on.
It's too late.
I've shot him.
You--
With his own gun.
In his flat.
I went to give him money.
He taunted me.
I--
When did this happen?
Just now.
Oh, John, what can
we do about Paul?
Barbara, listen.
You're quite sure he was dead.
Yes.
Did you examine him?
No.
You say you went
to give him money.
Did you bring it back?
It was in his pockets.
They may trace it
through the bank.
What happened to the gun?
I dropped it.
Oh, John!
Barbara, listen.
Where is this flat?
What's the address?
14 Kensington Mews.
- 14 Kensington Mews, right.
- What are you going to do?
Going round there.
You say there's no
one else in the place?
The man he shares
a flat with was out.
But there's a
charwoman who comes in.
What time?
5 o'clock, I think.
5 o'clock?
Barbara, you stay here.
Don't move from the house.
Sorry, Charles.
Oh, hello, John.
I just thought I'd pop in
and see how Barbara is.
She seemed a bit under
the weather last night.
Yes, she's a bit run down.
Excuse me, I-- I've got to
go and see a bookseller,
and he closes at 5:00.
- Oh, sure, sure.
I'll be back as soon as I can.
Well, how are you today?
Oh, not too badly, thanks.
Would you like some tea or--
or would you rather
have a drink?
Well, strictly
speaking, I suppose
it's a bit early for a
drink, but, yes, please.
I've had a very trying day.
Are you still on
the Harry Bond case?
Yes.
Trying to break
down these alibis.
Still, not to worry.
We'll get him in the end.
[phone ringing]
[phone ringing]
Mouse Club.
Good afternoon.
Gladys, is Harry there?
No.
No, isn't he with you?
No, I've been expecting
him since 1 o'clock.
He hasn't turned up yet.
Well, did you phone him?
Yes, I rang the flat
and there was no reply.
Well, why don't you
go round and see him?
Yes, I think I will.
Bye-bye.
[suspenseful music playing]
[footsteps]
Harry!
JOHN EVERTON: For heaven's
sake, don't scream.
You-- you killed him!
No, I found him like that.
Who are you?
JOHN EVERTON: A
business acquaintance.
I just came in to see him.
Who let you in?
The door was ajar.
I've only been here a minute.
Have you phoned the police?
Not yet.
I was just going to when
I heard you at the door.
They'll say I did it.
Why?
Had you a motive?
As much motive as any woman
who's been double crossed.
That's why I came here.
Thought I'd find one
of his fancy bits.
Oh.
Were you in love with him?
I was crazy about him.
You swear you didn't kill him?
I didn't kill him.
And you are going
to ring the police?
It's customary, isn't it?
Look.
I don't want to get
mixed up in all this.
Let me go and don't ring
the police for five minutes
and forget you ever
saw me, will you?
I promise not to telephone
for five minutes after you go.
Not to mention
you to the police.
Thanks.
Actually, the simplest cases
are often the hardest to solve.
I don't understand.
Well, you've got
so little to go on.
What do you mean?
Well, I remember
a case about--
I say, I must be getting along.
What time is it?
Well, it's just on 5 o'clock.
5 o'clock.
[suspenseful music playing]
[footsteps]
[screaming] Police!
Are you sure you
won't wait for John?
No, I must go.
But the Yard know
you're here, don't they?
Oh, yes, I always
let them know but--
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Brompton 1-4-2-4.
Yes, he's here.
It's for you, Charles.
Wayne here.
Oh, hello, Peter.
What?
Well, look, I'll be round
in a couple of minutes.
What's happened?
Someone's killed Harry Bond.
JOHN EVERTON: Killed who?
Harry Bond, the leader of
the mob who shot the jeweler.
I must go.
I'll see you later.
Come into the drawing room.
I'll tell you all about it.
Were Harry Bond and Martin
Radley one and the same person?
Yes.
You're sure he put
the money in his pocket?
Yes.
It's not there now.
But that's impossible.
Apart from the money, I think
I've taken care of everything.
PETER THOMPSON:
Found anything, sir?
Not yet, Peter.
Except the obvious
fact that Bond
was preparing to clear out.
He cleared out, all right.
I just watched him go.
Did you find anything
among the neighbors?
Yes.
They said they saw a girl
come in here about 10 to 5:00.
The description is the
same girl I interviewed,
the [inaudible] leaving Yard.
10 to 5:00, eh?
I called in to the doctor.
He was killed about 4:00.
So she must have found the body.
I'll go and ask her.
I didn't report it.
Do that, Peter.
I've found something here
I'll have to follow up.
Did you know Harry Bond?
Yes.
I did know Harry Bond.
He was my first husband.
But I thought--
He was dead?
So did I. Until this week, when
he started blackmailing me.
He called himself Arden.
How did you find
out he was Harry Bond?
He showed me an air
ticket to prove that he
was really leaving the country.
His name was on it.
Barbara, I've got
to ask you this.
Where were you this afternoon,
say, from half past 3:00
to half past 4:00?
This is ridiculous, Charles.
Why are you asking
Barbara these questions?
I'm sorry, John.
But Barbara was being
blackmailed by a man who
was shot between these times.
If I don't question
her, someone else will.
I was in his flat.
I killed him.
Barbara, you don't
know what you're saying.
If you only knew what
relief it is to say it.
I can't believe it.
You realize what this means.
It wasn't murder, Charles.
It was a mad impulse.
I wish I could believe that.
People who have
mad impulses don't
wipe fingerprints off guns.
But that wasn't--
John-- well, Charles.
There's only one
thing I can do.
Chuck out my job.
[knocking]
Come in.
What do you want?
Going somewhere?
I was just going
to spend a few days
in the country with my sister.
Your sister is doing six
months, as you very well know.
What were you doing in
Harry's flat this afternoon?
So he gave me away after all.
Who's this we're
talking about?
How did you know I
was in Harry's flat?
Why did you shoot him, Evelyn?
Well, I didn't.
He was dead when I got there.
The murderer was still there.
What?
Who was the murderer?
I don't know.
I'd never seen him before.
He was tall, fair
hair, going gray.
He was wearing a brown suit.
About 40, I think.
Yes.
Funny no one else saw him.
He was there!
He swore he didn't kill Harry
and I pretended to believe him.
I thought he might kill me too.
He said he was going
to ring the police.
Did he?
No, the charwoman
phoned the police.
All right, don't leave town.
Otherwise you might
find yourself spending
a few days with your sister.
ANNOUNCER (ON
LOUDSPEAKER): European
Airways Flight 4-2-1 to Zurich.
Will passengers holding
coach card number 5-2--
I suppose there is a
flight to Paris tonight.
That's right, madam.
Flight 2-4-7.
The bus leaves in 20 minutes.
Thank you.
How's it coming, Smitty?
Well, I've got the bullet
they dug out of Harry Bond.
Just hold on a moment.
Yes, here it is.
The bullet that
killed Harry Bond.
Thanks.
Fired from the same gun as
the one that killed the jeweler.
That's impossible.
My dear chap, if
you think I don't
know when two bullets have
been fired from the same gun--
Sorry, Smitty.
Hm.
Wait till the old
man hears about this.
Pint, please, ma'am.
Oh, there you are, sir.
I've been looking all
over the place for you.
Just come from ballistics.
The bullet they dug
out of Harry Bond.
Well, you can give
it to Mr. Carstairs.
I'm turning over all
available evidence to him.
I'm resigning.
Resigning?
What on earth for?
.45 nickel plated.
But the gun we found was a .38.
Precisely.
Did you get anything
out of Harry's girlfriend?
Yes.
There was a stranger in the
flat when she got there.
A man, tall, very broad, fair
hair going gray, about 45--
you think he did it?
I know he didn't.
But he was the fellow who
wiped off all the fingerprints
and gave me a completely wrong
slant on the whole business.
Peter, I've got it.
There were no air tickets in
that flat when we searched it,
were there?
- No, there weren't, sir.
It's funny.
Only the other day I was
telling somebody how criminals
always repeat their tricks.
Come on.
There's just a chance.
[fast-paced music playing]
ANNOUNCER (ON LOUDSPEAKER): Will
passengers for Flight Number
1-2-6 to Vienna please take
their seats on the coach
waiting at exit number 4.
[chatter]
Will passengers for Flight
Number 1-2-3 to Madrid
please take their seats on the
bus waiting at exit number 3.
Will you phone
up Scotland Yard
and ask them to send a
squad car along immediately?
You'll be two passengers
short on this trip.
It's Inspector Wayne.
If I were you, I'd
get along home.
We'll want to
speak to you later.
Not the first time you pretended
to be dead, eh, Radley?
But last time you pinned it
on Hitler, not on your wife.
On his wife, sir?
A development you
don't know about, Peter.
Radley got her to
visit his flat and left
Harry Bond's gun where she could
find it loaded with blanks.
Then he goaded her
on until she became
hysterical and fired it at him.
But as soon as she'd gone, he
came to life again and brought
in the body of Harry
Bond, whom he'd
shot a few minutes earlier.
But you forgot to
switch the guns, Radley.
Otherwise you might
have got away with it.
You hadn't time, I
suppose, was that it?
I had every intention
of switching the guns.
I don't suppose you
thought it would matter.
You didn't think we'd
know the difference
between a 4-5 and a 3-8.
Well, even police officers
have that intelligence.
No.
It was pure sentiment.
I didn't want to involve
Barbara in murder.
Give her my love, Wayne.
ANNOUNCER (ON LOUDSPEAKER):
Attention, please.
Oh, here's a car.
Come on.
ANNOUNCER (ON LOUDSPEAKER):
British European
Airways Flight 4-2-7 to Paris.
Will passengers holding
coach card number 5-4
please go through gates A and B.
CHARLES WAYNE: Even then he
was only beaten by 10 minutes.
I can't believe it.
You'll have to,
I'm glad to say.
Martin Radley was never
known as Harry Bond.
He killed Harry because
Harry was blackmailing him.
The gun you fired was
loaded with blanks.
Get it?
No.
And here's another thing
that might interest you both.
This is Radley's marriage
certificate dated 1938.
And his wife is still alive.
Then Barbara was never
legally married to him.
That's right.
You've only had one
husband in your life.
And I think I'll
leave you to him.
Good night.
I think we might
give this to Paul.
Oh, I think he'd much
rather have a yacht.
Come and have a drink
with your husband.
[music playing]