Tread Softly Stranger (1958) - full transcript

An irresistible temptress causes trouble between two brothers when the more handsome charismatic ones turns up, leading to robbery and death.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

# Tread softly, stranger,

# whatever you do,

# tread softly, stranger,

# that's my plea to you,

# cuz I'm telling you, stranger,
my heart's heading for danger...

- Linda, darling!
- Hello, Johnny.

- Nice to see you again.
- Nice to see you.

Come and sit down.

Now, what do you drink?

Don't you remember?



Ah, of course, scotch on the rocks,
I've forgotten.

Well, er...
take your things off.

Your coat I mean.

- It's been a long time.
- It's been too long.

Alas!

- Hello.
- How are you, Johnny?

Oh, hello, Bill.

Tonight's the night.
It will be a lot of money

and if I don't collect it, you'd better
get yourself a good plastic surgeon.

I've got the money, Bill.
I'll bring it around.

You wouldn't be kidding, Johnny.

No, I'll drop it by,
first thing in the morning.

Tell me what you're doing.
Is anything wrong?

Well, uh... I owe this gentleman
a little bit of money.



And just at the moment
I haven't enough to pay.

Well?

Well, they claim to become
a little impatient.

So if I can get out of London
as quickly as I can...

Oh, but Johnny!

I love just the minute, honey.

Where are you going?

Home.

Rawborough.
Rawborough station.

I should never have come back
to Rawborough.

I left it for good
when I was just a kid.

Somehow, when you're in trouble,
to lie low for a while,

the town you were born in
seems the safest place.

It's a good shot.
Good shot.

Well, let's see if I get that
pink in over there.

Yeah.

You set that black
in that pocket ahead.

Eh!

Well, how'd you be, Johnny my boy?

- I'm all right, my old pal.
- Johnny!

Johnny, Johnny, how are you?

- Mr Ryan!
- It's great to see you.

Joe, you're a sight for sore eyes
and no mistake.

Well, he never let us know
you were coming.

He didn't even know.

Are you still at the foundry job?

Yes, sure, I'm night watchman.

Where else could I be?

Sure it's Mallaby's for all of us.
Me, Paddy and Dave too.

Dave?

Oh, no, no.
He's got a good enough job.

He's in the office.

But, didn't you know?

We've been a bit out of touch
this last 10 years.

I was hoping to find him in here.

Not these days.
Dave's got a regular now.

Dave's got a regular?
What's she like?

Oh, she's a looker.

She's no good.
She works at that dance place.

It's a closed club.
Three times a week.

Mondays, Wednesdays
and Saturdays.

What does she do
the rest of the week?

Well, you better ask Dave about that.

I will when I catch him up.

Where does he live now?

Widow Finnegan's.
37th Scampthon Road.

- 37th Scampthon Road.
- Tell me, son.

Why in heaven's name did you leave
a beautiful place like London,

to come to this... this heap
of cinders and clinkers, huh?

It's a long story, Joe.
I'll tell you some other time.

- Don' give your two-black start.
- I will see about that.

So long, Paddy.

So long.

- He's a smart fellow Johnny.
- Hmm, I wonder.

Yes?

- Dave Mansell is here?
- He's not back yet.

I'm his brother. Mind if I go up
to his room and wait for him?

Go if you want to.
There's nothing worth taking.

Oh, where is it?

Top floor back. Turn right at the top
of the stairs and follow your nose.

Door locked?

Why should it be?
I'm here, aren't I?

I might be thinking of taking a room.

How long for?

I don't know yet.

There's one next to him vacant.

How much?

Thirty bob a week.
In advance, if you don't mind.

I'll take it.

Don't you want to see it first?

If I did, I probably wouldn't take it,
would I?

# ...but if we really found love,

# darling, don't walk around love,

# tread softly, stranger,

# whatever you do.

# When love is a stranger,

# you've gotta take care,

# they say of the strangers

# it's wise to be aware,

# but if we really found love

# darling, don't walk around love,

# tread softly, stranger,

# whatever you do,

# and ever be true,

# forever be true,

# whatever you do.

Oh, I thought you were someone else.

I wish I was.

Have you just moved in?

Yeah.

That's nice.

I live just over there,
so we'll be neighbours.

Dave's girlfriend?

I'm a friend of his. Why?

I'm his brother.

So you are Johnny.

Famous Johnny.
Well, I've heard a lot about you.

In a short space of time,
I've heard quite a bit about you.

Really?

I've heard I might be related
to you now.

I said I was a friend of Dave's.
That's all.

Good.
I like it better that way.

And what does that mean?

Just making conversation.

You've a very funny line of talk,
Mr Mansell.

I thought we'd understand one another.

I'm easy to understand.

And you're not as feminine as you look.

What's your name?

Calico.

Calico?

It's a nickname.

Funny thing about women
in men's jerseys.

Makes them look more
like women than ever.

What are you doing in a place like this?

Romance.

He left and I stayed.

Where's your home?

That's funny.

I've never had one.

Johnny!

Johnny, where are you?

Right here.

In the garden.

Johnny!

Johnny, this is wonderful.

When Ma Finnegan told me,
I couldn't believe it.

It's been a long time, isn't it?
You look terrific.

You don't look so bad yourself.

Don't I?

Well, don't go, Calico.
This is Johnny.

- Yeah, we met.
- Oh, what's the hurry?

Well, this is brother's day.
I don't want to intrude.

- I'll see you later.
- All right.

I'll bring Johnny over.

It's grand to see you, Johnny.

Oh, blood!
Cal...!

Oh, I'll drop it in later.

Come and tell me all about yourself.

Can you afford her?

Oh, you're wrong, Johnny.
She's not like that.

- It's possible.
- Thanks for the roses, Dave.

Mind the thorns.

Don't you dance?

I'm not paid to dance here.
I just help to run the place.

So?

I want you to know, that's all.

When I dance, I do it for pleasure.

Do you mind, Dave?

No, go ahead.
I'm gonna have another drink.

Do you like dancing?

I like dancing with you.

How long are you gonna stay here
in Rawborough?

I don't know.

It's not like London, is it?

What make you come back here?

It's a second-rate place.

I'm a second-rater.

That's not what Dave says.

He says you were doing fine.
What happened?

A long row of losses.

Three hundred at Lincoln.

Five hundred at Ascot.

Didn't have enough wool on my back
to cover myself.

No.

If I hadn't left quietly, I would've had
a civic send-off.

Every bookmaker in town
was after my blood.

Is that watch genuine?

Maybe.

Hi, Dave.
Two whiskies.

Hello, who is Calico gotta
hoax into now?

Johnny Mansell, from London.

It don't waste any time that girl.

He handles her all right.

I wouldn't mind handling her myself.

That's not for you.

Dave's keeping him in the family,
aren't you, Dave?

Go on, out.

Too bad?

Get over a drink? Phew!

Whisky.

You've an expensive taste, Dave.

You must be in the money.

In the money?
What do you mean by that?

Nothing.

Why are you so jumpy, Dave?

Must be an expensive thing, I dig,
a girl like Calico.

I like to give her a good time.
Who wouldn't?

Are you in love with her?

I suppose so.

It gives me a kick to buy her things.

Like the watch, for instance.

It's a nice job.

Worth a bit too.

I got it cheap.

How cheap?

How much your make at Mallaby's?

Twelve pounds a week.

Twelve pounds a week!
That's nothing.

Still, I'm no one to talk.

Are you broke, Johnny?

Oh, I'll get along.

There might be a job at Mallaby's.

- Doing what?
- Bookkeeping.

Bookkeeping?
I'm used at bookmaking.

If you need a bit to go on with that,
I might be able to borrow it.

Where from?

Well, I could perhaps get it
for you. I don't know offhand.

No, thanks, Dave.

I think you've got
your own problems.

Well, I gotta go to bed.

Good night.

Good night, Johnny.

Paddy!
Paddy!

Sylvia, what are you doing down here?

My official reason
is to take the clock cards,

but my real reason is to make sure
you're going to take me out tonight.

Well, I... uh... I thought you were
saving money, not spending it.

Oh, Paddy,
I know it to be right,

but it doesn't mean to save
we have to live like monks.

It will be the first time
for a week.

Oh, yes, you're right.

Now you run along
before old Potter get out.

- Anything for them, Dave?
- What?

You were miles away.

I know what it is.
Too many late nights down at the club.

Very good, sir.

Eh, miss Parsons, will you
tell them downstairs

I've got to have these clock cards
at once sent?

- No arguments about it.
- It's all right, Mr Potter.

I've got them here.

Good.

We need to get on.

You've got the order that's coming on
Monday week and we must be ready.

Ah, these clock cards
are always the same.

We'll never have the books
ready at this rate.

I'm afraid this means we can work
for you and me, Mansell.

And you, Fletcher.

- How's the afternoon, Flo.
- Well.

Can I use your phone?

Business, of course.

Thanks for asking.

That's a nice hat, Flo.

You like it?

Yes.

That reminds me there's a horse
running in the 2 o'clock.

Spring Chicken.

Do you mind?

Hello, Jim.
Johnny Mansell.

Can you put me a tenner on
Rest Assured in the 2 o'clock?

And no more fights while I'm gone.

That's right.
And 2 bob each way on Spring Chicken.

Yeah, bye.

Hello.

What are you doing here?

I work here, remember?

What are you staring at me for?

Just wondering.

Wondering what?

The old lady tried
to bring us up good.

She was only that high,

but she thought
we were wonderful.

She couldn't be wrong, of course.

Mother thought I was
the responsible one.

Dave was always nervy.

She reckoned he'd get into trouble
if she... left him alone.

Why are you telling me all this?

When she died, she asked me
to keep an eye on him.

You know.

Help him.

You being the smart one, of course.

Why don't you just tell me what's
on your mind?

Just play the game with Dave.

Why shouldn't I?

You know how it is.

Some women are mercenary.

So are some men.

He can look after himself.

He's blinded by you, Calico.

He's not your style.

He can't give you the life
you're hungry for.

Can you?

I've no diamond watches up my sleeve.

Johnny, you gotta look for a job
now that you're back.

There's plenty of work in Rawborough.

Why bring up a painful subject?

I'm self-employed.

I let the horses do it for me.

I won a cool 50 yesterday.

Fifty pounds?

Gosh, Paddy, we could almost buy
that bedroom suite on that.

The Moonraker looks
a good thing next week.

Oh, no, thanks, Johnny.

I'll do it the hard way.

I'm on night shift next week.

Good. That will keep you
out of mischief.

Oh, we're supposed to be celebrating.
What's wrong, Dave?

- Nothing's wrong.
- Oh, yes, it is.

You're a misery.
What is it?

Why don't you mind your own
damn business? Leave me alone!

Well, Johnny, we'd better be going.

Sorry about that.
You never know with Dave.

One day is all right,
the next day he's got a sore tail.

One day is so mean he won't
give you the time,

the next day,
he'll... give you all he's got.

Yes, I know what you mean.
Never mind.

Do you want me to ask about
a job for you at the foundry?

No, thanks, Paddy.

- Bye, Sylvia.
- Good bye.

Nice to have met you.

Thanks, Johnny.

Come on, let's have it.

You bet and you're hitting
your racing papers all day,

and where does it get you exactly?

Listen, you're in a jam.
I'll tell it fast.

Take your hands off me!

Dave, for Pete's sake, what's wrong?

Like you said, Johnny, I'm in a jam.

I'm in trouble up to the neck.

I... I've been taking money
from Mallaby's.

You've what?

They're coming to do the books
Monday week.

How much?

Three hundred pounds.

Any of it left?

No.

It all went on Calico.

Her in the moonlight, big eyes
and lazy drawling voice.

She's got you by the short hairs.

One hand on your knee
and the other in your pocket.

Don't come that, big brother...

You're nutty fool. Didn't you know
that you were gonna be caught?

You're going to jail for this.

Well, I hope you had
your money's worth.

Johnny, you've got to help me.

Help you?

Where am I gonna get 300 pounds from?

But don't look at me. I didn't know
there was that much money.

I am looking at you.

He needs that money.

Why me?
I haven't got any.

You've got the watch he gave you.

I haven't got it.
It broke, it's being repaired.

- Get it back!
- You must get it.

Why?

Because he borrowed 300 pounds
from Mallaby's.

I stole it, I stole it out of the
wages money and I faked the books.

And he spend it on you.

I didn't ask him to steal for me.

Not above a whisper.

I'm not blaming you, Calico,
it was my own fault.

He's got eight days to put it back.

Well?

You can give him back his watch
for a start.

All right, let him have it
if he wants it. I don't care.

It's not worth more than a hundred,
second-hand.

How do you know?

Because a fellow I know
told me that's what it was worth.

Anyway, why don't you
do something

instead of standing around
just looking smart?

What, for instance?

Break into Mallaby's?

It'd put you straight with your
bookmaking friends too.

It could be done, Johnny.

Dave's got just
eight days, hasn't he?

before anyone finds out that
his books don't tally with the cash.

Supposing someone
would have break into the place

the night before payday
and take the lot,

it wouldn't matter then
about the books, would it?

Cuz no one would ever know.

It would be easy.

They bring the wages in Thursday
and the money is in the safe all night.

We could go over the roof,

drop through the skylight,

come out when they change shifts.

Do you think you could do it?

With Johnny I could.

You're crazy, the pair of you!

We're amateurs, we'd be caught.

Up to the point that there's money
in it, but just so far.

I'd do it if I thought it would help,

but you're in too deep.
Can't you see that?

I don't know, Johnny,
I don't know.

Looks like I'm caught, anyway.

I'm going out,
I can't breathe in here.

Thanks, you've been a fine help.

Look who's talking.

You! Why, you wouldn't even lift a
finger to help him, your own brother!

- If he's your brother...
- Shut up!

At least he had the guts to take
what he wanted, not like you.

You're just yellow.

Mansell.

Hello, Mr Potter.

You are not looking too well.
What's getting it on?

I'm all right, Mr Potter.

Can't have you getting sick on me.

Gotta get those books straightened.
It's Wednesday already.

Yes, Mr Potter.

It's all up, Johnny.

Potter caught me up on the way home.
Talked about getting the books straight.

Don't panic,
that's not gonna do any good.

I've got 40 pounds here.

Forty? I've got to have it all
by the weekend!

There's a horse running a 3:30 tomorrow.

It's a cert.
I know the owner.

He hasn't sent it all the way up here
just for the exercise.

Did you get that watch from Calico?

That's worth 80 pounds.
That's... 120 pounds to play with.

Racetracks aren't very healthy to me
at the moment, but I have to try it.

Might even win enough to
get you straight.

Supposing it loses...

It's a cert, I tell you.

I'll leave early tomorrow morning.
I'll be back seven o'clock latest.

All right, Johnny.

Thanks.
I'd better see Calico now.

She's gone to the club.

You coming?

Wouldn't miss this for the world.

- I'm sorry, Calico.
- I'm giving you the watch, ain't I?

On second thoughts...

There you are.

It's not for me, you know.

Did I ask him to do what he did?

No.
Not you.

It's not true.
Don't take it out on me.

Nobody gets anything out of you.

Not without a hammer and chisel.

All gone, lose it on a horse.

- Hello, son.
- Hello, dad.

Waiting for me or Sylvia?

No, who do you think it would be?

I don't approve of men
waiting on women, son,

but a girl like Sylvia
is worth waiting for.

Hello, Paddy.
Hello, dad.

Hello, Sylvia.

Oh, I must hurry,
I am late.

See you tonight,
we've got two hours together.

Yes, of course.

I'm fed up with this
night shift business.

You work all night
and I work all day.

We'll soon put a stop to it.
I'll not have my wife working.

Oh, that's an old-fashioned idea,
but then I'm an old-fashioned girl.

- Good-bye.
- Good-bye.

She's a good girl. I'm glad that
you're going to marry her.

You know, son? I'm looking forward
to the breakfast she'll cook.

There's something in that, dad.

I'm gonna see Charlie up
at the High Street.

He's fixing us up with a new
valve for the TV.

Bye, dad.

See you later, son.

50 pounds.

50 pounds?
It cost 200.

What do you think I am?
Benevolent society?

70.

Make it 80 with the glasses.

I don't need the glasses.

You can see the watch is worth
more than 70. You need the glasses.

Name and address.

Mansell, 37th Scampthon Road.

Sign there.

10, 20, 40,

60, 70.

Well, up early this morning, Johnny.

Hello, hello...

You hawking something?

Not at all.
Just getting these out.

Going racing.

We'll have you working yet.

Not if I can help it, you won't.

Police!
Let's go, quick!

Is Johnny back?

Of course he's not back.

He's late.
What can have happened?

What do you think?

He's walked out on us,
that's what has happened.

He sold my watch and probably
he's celebrating in London by now.

- Calico, no...
- He's cheated on us!

No, not Johnny. Something must
have happened to him.

No, not to Johnny.
He's too smart.

What should I do?

I don't care what you do.
He's your brother, not mine.

Tonight's the last chance.

The last chance for what?

Breaking into the foundry.

How much is there?

In our office six thousand.

Six thousand!

It's a lot of money.

Could you do it?

I don't know.

Dave, it'd be easy for you.
You know your way around.

Just think.
We could go away together.

We could go to Paris, Italy, all the
places I've ever wanted to see.

Why don't you do it?

Why?
He'll be back on the nine o'clock.

He won't be back!

He's walked out on us!
Don't you understand that?

Are you all right, old man?

I took a bit of a bashing, didn't I?

Easy now, easy.

Still.
Didn't get this.

He'll be all right.
Just keep him quiet.

These gee-gees don't half kick, hey chum?

Yeah.

Are you preferring any charges?

Charges?

No, it was just an argument
with some of the boys up from London.

A nice straight left thrown in.

Well, you know how it is.

Yes. There is no charge
and that's all, isn't it?

Take a tip: keep away from
this racecourse.

They don't like some of our gents
around it.

Okay, okay chief.

What's the time?

Just after 7:00.

Hmm, I missed that train.

There's the 8:30 from London.

That's no good.

Well?

It's half past nine
and he's not back.

And he won't be.

There's no way out, Dave.
You're on your own.

If I did it,

would you really come away
with me and marry me?

Yes, of course.

What if it goes wrong?

It can't go wrong just as long
as you keep calm.

It's better than going
to jail, isn't it?

You've got everything to gain
and nothing to lose.

It's now or never, Dave.

The night shift will be coming up
at any moment.

Here. Take that.

Where did you get it?

Oh, it's a souvenir from some fellow
I knew in the Army.

You don't have to use it, just take it.
It will give you confidence.

All right.

Well, I'd use the fire escape

and Ma Finnegan wouldn't know
you've been out.

- Calico.
- Good luck.

- Good night. Thanks for the lift.
- Good night, chum.

Johnny!

- Where's Dave?
- What happened?

I won Dave's three hundred
and 150 further money.

Four hundred and fifty!

Where's Dave, Calico?

What's the matter with your head?

Nothing.

Met some old friends.
Got a crack on the head.

I said where's Dave.

You'd better take a rest.
He'll be back soon.

Back?
Where from?

He's gone to Mallaby's.
That's what you're hiding.

You sent him there,
you dirty little wharf rat!

When did he go?

Just before you came.
Johnny, what are you gonna do?

- Gonna stop him.
- No, it's too late.

Johnny, Johnny, please, believe me,
I... I thought you walked out on us,

and I... I got mad and I thought
I was never gonna see you again.

I... I didn't care what
happened after that.

Johnny, please, listen to me.

I didn't know what I was doing.
Honestly.

Johnny!

Dave.

- Dave.
- Johnny.

Come on, let's get out of here.

Come on, come on,
we don't need the money.

But...

Come on out.

I can explain everything, Mr Ryan.

Johnny Mansell!

And Dave too.

You'll have to explain this
to the police. Come on.

- Dave!
- Keep out of it, Johnny!

So it's come to this, has it?

- Steal with a gun.
- I'll use it, Joe. Keep away from me.

- Keep away, Joe.
- Joe, get back!

Stay where you are, Joe!

- You can't feign me, Dave.
- Joe!

Get back that phoney gun!

You've killed him.

Let's go!
Come on, come on!

Hurry!

He'd recognized us, Johnny,
what's the use?

- Who was he?
- Don't know. Never saw him before.

Come on!

Keep down!

What's the use, Johnny?

Come on.

Don't run amok.

Give me that gun.

Come on.

Where did you get it from?

- Calico gave it me.
- Calico, I thought as much.

Come on, get out.

Well?
Did you do it?

He did it all right.

What happened?

There was an accident.
Old Joe Ryan. The gun went off and...

He's dead.

Old man Ryan!

Fool! What did you kill him for?

I didn't mean to, I swear. I didn't.
Only meant to frighten him.

What's the difference?

We'll get caught, and both for it.

Johnny, that old man,
he'll give us away.

What old man?

There was an old fella with Ryan.

We were so near him,
he'd know us anywhere.

No. It was pretty dark
in that passage.

I don't know him, all right,
but I'll never forget his face.

What have you done with the gun?

Throw it in the canal.

Murder and armed robbery.

I told you not to touch that money.

I've got it.

I'd won enough.
More than we needed.

You understand?

It's too late now, Johnny.

He did it for you.
You tramp!

What do you wanna
do with all this money?

You pushed him up to do it!

Don't touch her!

He wouldn't have done it
if he hadn't got you! T'was you!

He didn't do it for me.
He did it to get me.

And that's a very different thing.

What are you doing?

Getting out, of course.
Me and Calico.

You're not going anywhere.
Either of you.

Yes, we are.

Now you listen to me.

We're sticking together.

- You too.
- Me?

Yes, you.

We're murderers.
Don't you understand?

We'll give ourselves away
by running for it.

Where would we go?
Who'd hide us?

- He's right, Dave.
- We've got to stay here.

Got to act as if nothing
had happened.

Got to wish it never
had happened.

I got you into this, Johnny.

If they catch us, I'll tell them
how you tried to stop me.

They'd never believe you.

Now you better try
and get some sleep.

You mustn't look too bad
when you get into the office tomorrow.

Office?

Yes, office.

I can't go to that office!

Don't you understand?
You've got to go.

It doesn't matter about the books
not balancing anymore.

What is important is that you've gotta
behave as if you didn't know anything.

It's our only chance.

All right, Johnny,
if that's what you think.

I'll look after the money.

- Good morning, Dave.
- Hello, Tom.

There's no pay packet this week, Tom.

What?

We had visitors last night.
Got away with the wages.

Oh!

Aye, you'll have to save.

Ha! I wish I'd thought of that.

They did old Ryan in.

Mansell.

All right, Johnson.

Sorry, I... I didn't know...

That's all right, Mansell.
You've had the news?

Yes, they just told me, sir.

This is Dave Mansell,
one of my best clerks.

Did you know Ryan?

Yes, I... I knew him
since I was a kid.

Well, I have some questions
to ask you later.

The rest of the staff are
in the other room, Mansell.

Wait there with them, will you?

All right.

If only there were
some fingerprints.

Well, come on,
let's get on with it.

- No visitors?
- No.

Look, can I go get dressed?
Now I've been out here for hours.

You could be on this roof for weeks
practicing your exercises.

Dave did go to the office as usual,
you can do your exercises.

- It's not much to ask.
- But I---

Shut up and let me read this!

I'm cold.

That's funny.

The old boy we saw has disappeared.

Disappeared?

Maybe he shouldn't have been there.

Maybe he's frightened they might think
it was him.

And how did they know he was there?

I don't get it.

One thing I was right.
I just have to sweat it out.

Hello, Paddy.
It's nice of you to meet me.

- Hello, Dave.
- Hello, Paddy.

I'm sorry about your father.

Terrible!

I... I just like to get my hands
on whoever it was that did it.

Do you know anything yet?

No.

What sort of a person would he be
who could murder an old man like he was?

Dave,

do you remember how he used to play
with us for hours when we were kids?

I shouldn't think they meant to do it.

Well, they had a gun, didn't they?

Dave... Dave, do you remember
an old boy called Danny?

No, I don't think so.

He used to keep
that company during the night.

He was with him again yesterday.
He must have been there when dad was...

When... when dad was murdered.

Now he's vanished.

Do you think he did it?

No. No, whoever it was,
it wasn't him.

No.
There's only one conclusion I can draw.

I... think that the murderers
took him away.

- No.
- Why not?

Well, I mean, how... how could they?

- Well, they could've kidnapped him.
- Kidnapped him?

I'm sure it was no one
from around here.

And I'm sure it was an inside job.

Why do you say that?

Stands to reason.

If it'd been a stranger in the place,
he would've tied him up,

beaten him up, but he would not
have murdered him.

Look, the man that killed him,

killed him because he had
to stop his mouth forever.

Who do you think it was?

- Who would you think it was?
- Me? Why?

Well, we go this way.
Good-bye, Dave.

Good-bye.

Johnny!

Johnny!

Johnny, I've seen the old man!

Are you a damfool twat?

What were you shouting about?

The old man, the one in the corridor,
I've seen him.

- When did you see him?
- Just now.

I just left Paddy around
when I saw the old man.

You can't have. He's disappeared.
It's in the evening paper.

That's what Paddy Ryan said, but I tell
you, I saw him a couple of minutes ago.

Easy Dave, you're getting the jitters.

What did Ryan say?
That's important.

Do you think I'm drunk?

It's a trick, Johnny.
They're going to trick us!

Put yourself together!

What did Ryan say?

He said the old man
had been kidnapped.

Well, and he doesn't suspect us?

How does he know?

Johnny, I can't keep going
to that office.

Just sitting there where it happened.

You've got to.

Every day as usual.
That way you'll live.

Otherwise they'll be on us.

I can't, Johnny, I can't.

You can and you will.

Why don't you have a lie down, Dave?
The rest will do you good, huh?

Do you think he's going off his head?

If he does we're all sunk. He'd collapse
and give the whole game away.

He hasn't got much guts, has he?

You didn't see old man Ryan die.

Did you?

Quiet!
You'll awake the town.

I dreamt I saw him again, Johnny.

You saw nothing.

Here.
Drink this.

Come on.

Let's get you to bed.

I didn't mean to kill him,
you know, Johnny.

I know that.
Try and get some sleep.

You see, Calico gave me the gun.

I love her, can't stop loving.

She doesn't love me, she never did.

Doesn't love anything that girl
but herself.

She loves you, Johnny.

You're crazy.

You are in love with her, too.

I said you're crazy.

Try and get some sleep.

Take it easy, Dave.
Shan't be long.

At a time like this,
he sits reading a book.

A remarkable book, Calico.
It's a Bible.

About ten, I'd say.

I had to wonder some over
to say just 10:00.

I could do for the Radio Times,
if you like.

But I'm pretty sure it was about ten,
because I distinctly remember...

That's himself. Just went out.
Shall I fetch him back?

No. Thanks for all your trouble,
Mrs Finnegan.

Wait. Keep calm.
Business as usual, he says.

He's a cool one, that Johnny.

No, not really.

Inside is just as scared
as we are.

How much longer have we gotta wait?

If they'd arrested us straightaway
I could've taken it,

but this I don't understand.
Three days and nothing happened.

Are you in a hurry to get arrested?

The old man's gone,
the papers said so.

Don't believe it, they just try--

Good morning.

- Good morning, Mr Holroyd.
- Good morning.

- It's another lovely day, ain't it?
- Mm-hmm.

Any more news about the murder?

No.

Ah, you're lovely.

Yeah, fattest booty.

It's cute, isn't he?

Soft too, just like velvet.

As calico, you mean.

Oh, Mr Holroyd!

Gorgeous life form.

What's his name?

Oh, he doesn't have no name.

You don't wanna get sappy over rabbits.

Don't you think that the silliest joke
is... locked up here all his life.

Quiet and peacefully
he sits there.

He doesn't know
what's in store for him.

One of these days I'll be
coming along and then...

Oh, don't!
It's horrible!

Horrible not.

You'd make a lovely meal,
wouldn't you?

Would you like me to save you a bit?

No, thank you. I couldn't touch any.

Well, please yourself.

It'll be all the more for me,
won't it, beauty?

# Hey, Danny, cool, #

# from here they comes down a peg. #

Do you think he said that
on purpose?

Of course he didn't.

Perhaps he knows, they all know,
the police, everybody--

Stop it! Stop it!
I can't take anymore!

What has he done with that money?

It's in the cupboard.

Get it out.

It's locked.
He's got the key.

It doesn't matter.
Get a knife, anything.

Quickly.

We're gonna get out of here.

If Johnny wants to stay,
then let him.

It's Johnny.

Hello.

Well, what are you two up to?

Nothing.

Weren't expecting anyone,
that's all.

I had to see Ma Finnegan,
so, well, I thought I'd pop in.

- Well, come in.
- Thanks.

I won't stay long.

- I'll give you some help.
- No, that's all right. I can manage.

The lock is broken.

Heavy, isn't it?

What's this?

Just some string.
I was trying to tie it up with it.

- It's only small shoes.
- Shoes?

Any news about your father, Paddy?

No, not a word.

That kill. Danny vanished
from the face of the earth.

I just don't know
what the police are up to.

Let's tie it here for you.

There we are.

Thank you.

Oh, I've been making
a few inquiries on my own

at Mallaby's roundabouts.
it's all I can do.

Asking people where they were
that night.

Some say they don't even remember.

I was home all evening.

I got back early
and Calico came over

and we had a few drinks,
ain't it, Calico?

Oh, yes. We... we were
together until midnight.

You know how it is
when you get talking.

Yes, indeed, I do.

I was wondering, Dave,

if Johnny had been with you
all that time.

Johnny? Why?

What about Johnny?

I was just asking Dave if he knew
where you were

the night my father was murdered.

You can ask me yourself now,
can't you?

All right, I will.

Where were you?

Here most of the time.

About the early part,
I went racing.

- Do you remember?
- That's right.

We met on the way to the station.

Won a packet.

Hence the loot.

I got back about...
what time was it, Dave?

- About 10.
- That's right.

You can ask Mrs Finnegan.

He's already done that,
haven't you, Paddy?

Yes, I did.

She also said you went out again
a few minutes later.

What's it got to do with you?

Quiet, Dave.
Don't get upset.

I suppose you want to know
where I went.

Well, if you don't mind, Johnny.

I don't mind if they don't mind.

Well, Paddy's broad-minded.

When I came back, hmm..
Dave and Calico were busy.

So I just tripped down to The Grapes
for a drink.

Did you see anyone you knew?

Didn't go inside.

Suddenly thought I'd like a spot
of fresh air.

I'd... met some chums up
from London.

Had a bit of a dust-up
on the racecourse.

Got a bang on the head.

It's a long story,
but you can check up on it.

So... so what did you do?

Went for a walk.

Didn't see anybody I knew.

It's not much of an alibi, is it?

Well, I've heard better.

You'll be accusing me next.

Well, how could you have done it?
You were with Dave all the time.

Talking.

What's all this checking up for?

Why don't you stop hinting
and come out with it?

Shut up, Dave.

Paddy, Dave's the sensitive type.

I'm not.

I still would like to know
who you thought did it.

Johnny, believe me.

I don't know.
That's the holy truth.

The police are doing all they can
to find out

and I'm trying to help them.
It's all I can do.

- Do you blame me?
- No, I don't, Paddy.

The questions I've asked you and Dave
were the same I've been asking everyone.

I just didn't know Dave
would take it so badly.

Well, I'm sorry
I troubled you, Johnny.

That's all right.

- Drop in anytime.
- Thanks, I will.

Well, I'll be on my way now.

See you again.

What do you have to shoot
your big mouth off for?

He knows it was us, Johnny.
He knows.

He knows nothing.
Neither does the police.

Otherwise, they've taken us days ago.

Come on, let's have a drink.

You bloody fools!
I might've got you.

What do you think you're doing?

I... I wanted some money
to buy a new dress.

You're kidding me.

I told you I'd look after the money.

Hello, Flo.
A rough night?

As usual.

You, here.

I'm sorry, son. I can't do it.

Why not?

Governor's orders.
You're too lucky.

Luke is beaten out.

Well, at least that's what you
would've done if you'd hit that one.

Whiskey, please, Len.

One for Flo.

I've gotta check the numbers.

There was a robbery at Dave's work
last Thursday.

The police are checking up.

Well, uh... don't smudge it.

Hardly made it this morning.

See you later, Len.

Just drop in for a quick one.

May I come in?

Hmm, the body beautiful.

What's so funny?

Men. I always think men
look funny when they shave.

- Seen many?
- Maybe.

You know I'm in love
with you, don't you?

You're in good humour today.

Of course, I am not.

Not in love with me?

Not in a good humour.

Or, for that matter, in love with you.

Why don't you go back to your room?

Lack a little privacy.

Because I hate being by myself.

I don't sleep.

I mean it, you know.

Mean what?

I'm in love with you.

Like you meant it with Dave.

I never said I was in love with Dave
because I wasn't.

He paid top prices.

I don't.

That's the difference.

I'm not on sale, Johnny.

I never was.

No?

I don't want any part of you.

Oh, yes, you do.

Get out!

You know you don't really
want me to go.

Stop staring at me.

I love you, Johnny.

First Dave, now me.

- Not a gun here, sir.
- All right, try more upstream.

What are they doing?

Looking for some hardware.

A gun as a matter of fact.

Hello, PL2X calling...

Someone came for you.

Who was it?

An old fellow, a cripple he was
and he had a beard.

He didn't say his name and I didn't
ask him. He's gone now.

You thought I was drunk when I said
I'd seen the old man, didn't you?

Didn't you?

Well, he's been here.

He was asking for me
a few minutes ago.

There's been nobody here all day.

It was him, I tell you.
And he'll come back.

Take a grip on yourself.

Your man's face
is getting on your nerves.

They're fishing for the gun
in the canal.

What are you saying?

We've gotta make a run for it.
Really make a run this time.

- We've got the money and--
- Now you listen to me.

I'm not taking any more orders
from you. I'm going!

Johnny, we've got to get away.

All right.
You go if you want to.

That's what they're waiting for.

If they had any real proof.
they would've arrested us days ago.

That's what you say.
It's a chance and I'm taking it.

You stay here if you want to
and keep your share of the money.

There's no money.

What did you say?

Where is it?
What have you done with it?

- I've burned it.
- Johnny!

You've done what?

It was the only thing to do.
Police have got the numbers.

- You're lying.
- I had to get rid of it.

They're even checking
the numbers at the pub.

Put it all into the sink
and I set fire to it.

It's halfway down the sewers by now.

But what about the money you won?

What do you think we've been living on?

Then...

It's all been for nothing.

You had no right to burn it.
No right.

It was my money.
Mine! I killed for it!

Killed for it.
I'll kill you!

Dave!
Dave!

Dave, stop it!

Stop it!

Is this a private fight
or may the Irish join in?

It's a private one.

But it'll keep.

What do you want?

- I heard the noise and--
- Come to spy on us, have you?

No, you're wrong, Dave.

I came up to tell you
that we're neighbours now.

- Neighbours?
- Neighbours?

Sort of.

I've got a surprise for you.

Sylvia.

It's obvious she's moved in.

Yeah?

I'm just across the landing.

What for?

Sorry, sorry that...
sounds rude, isn't it?

What I mean is... uh, what for?

Paddy is lonely in the house now,
and so I thought I'd move into town.

And where better than here?

I hope we didn't choose
the wrong moment.

We've come to tell you that
we've arranged a little celebration.

Wedding bells, huh?
Are we invited?

Invited?

You're gonna be
the guests of honour.

What do you mean?

I think we know
who killed my father.

Then, why don't the police arrest him?

Oh, they will any moment now.

There's just one little bit
of evidence they need

and then... well, then you know
what happens.

What happens?

Well, a little celebration.

Very quiet, of course.

Leave us alone!

- Get out!
- Wait, Dave.

But Dave...

Do you mind, Paddy?

Come on, Paddy.
Dave's not himself today.

You won't forget to come
to our little party, will you?

Wouldn't be the same without you.

Johnny!

Johnny, I'm frightened,
take me away.

Where for instance?

We could hide.

Yes, for a day or two, perhaps.

No, Calico, we've got
to call their bluff.

Do you think Ryan's bluffing
the way he's acting?

I think he's playing a hunch.
I think he suspects us.

They can't do anything
without the old man.

And I think he's dead.

Well, I think he's dead
or he's dying or something.

He may not die.
You make it better.

I think he's dead.

He's an old chap.

I think the shock killed him.

Otherwise, why haven't they
produced him before now?

Oh, Johnny! They gotta put you
in jail, don't they?

I don't know.

But you didn't do anything.
You tried to stop him.

I kept my mouth shut afterwards.

What else could I do?

He's my brother.

If they believe my story,
I'll get two or three years.

If they don't...

But they can't do anything to you.

Not unless they find the gun.

I want them to.

It wouldn't help.

Take me away from here, Johnny.

I wouldn't be any trouble to you,
we'd get along all right.

At least we'd have something
to remember afterwards.

We'd make a fine pair.

Aren't you forgetting Dave?

I told you Dave means nothing to me.

But it does to me.

Doesn't anybody mean anything to you?

You do.

Till a better proposition comes along.

You can say what you like to me,

but you can't change me
and you can't hurt me.

I've no pride where you're concerned.

And I don't give up easily.

Remember, I come from the slum.

From the gutter, where it's quite
a step up even of the pavement.

I never had a home.

I never had a father
my mother could put a name to.

I never had a thing.

Until one day I... I found that
I was attractive to the opposite sex.

I discovered my legs weren't made
just to stand on.

I had one talent.
Most people haven't got any.

So I used that talent
and I got tough.

I never loved anyone
until you came along.

I was never unfaithful
to anyone in my life.

Because... I never had anyone
to be unfaithful to.

Oh, Johnny, please, believe me.

Can't you see it's no use?

Johnny!

You're the only one.

- Am I?
- Kiss me.

What's the use?

We're not nice people.

Neither this room.

And they're watching us
like a cat at a mouse.

Dave!

- Dave, believe me...
- Don't bother to explain.

You're two of a kind.

Who's next in your list, Calico?
Ryan?

He's not married yet,
but doesn't that matter.

That's enough.

I'm congratulating you, Johnny.

Shall stick to you through
thick and thin for a week at least.

- I said save it!
- Go to the Devil!

Both of you!

Never mind.
Let him go.

He might do anything.

Dave!

Dave...
Dave, listen to me.

I'm sorry.

Dave, don't go.

Hide out your case.

Thank you, Mr Mansell.

Hello, miss.

What's the matter with you?

Are you well?

You look as if you've seen a ghost.

Leave him alone.

What do you want?

Are you Johnny Mansell?

No, not him.

Don't say anything, Calico.

Is this an arrest?

Good gracious, no!

Inspector Harris would like to have a word
with you down at the station, that's all.

What if I don't go?

You'll go, won't you?

Johnny, don't go, please.

Why don't you charge me?

Well, we will, we will.

But justice has to take its course.

Now let's have another go.

You say on the Thursday in question
you went racing.

I've already told you three times.

Why don't you ask Ryan?
I met him in the High Street.

Yes, that's right,
outside the pawn shop.

He told us you said you were
getting your racing glasses out.

But it wasn't true, was it?

Then you go home at 10 P.M.
and went straight out again.

Now, where did you go, Mr Mansell?

I've told you.

Have you got that warrant?

A search warrant.

If we go back together, perhaps you can
show us where you've hidden the money.

After you, Mr Mansell.

We found the old man Danny.

That's all we needed.

It's all up now.

I don't believe you.
You're just trying to trick me.

It's all up I tell you.

Leave me alone.

We found the old man.
The fellas who did it are in the bag.

Did you hear that, Calico?

Don't say anything, Dave.
They're just trying to catch you out.

No, Calico, no.
Not this time.

I found the old man.
Danny, you remember him, Dave.

You're a liar, Ryan!

You haven't got any proof.
You're just lying.

He's outside that door.

I don't believe you!

It's him, all right.

I'd recognize him anywhere.

He's been haunting me.

I did it, Ryan.
I shot your father.

It was me, but take him away.

Take him away for God's sake!
Take him away!

I killed him for the money!

Money's been burnt,
but take him away for God's sake!

Yes, Johnny, it's him.

Johnny!

Danny, in the presence
of inspector Harris here,

are these the two men who were
in the foundry that night?

They are, Paddy.

No!

Dave, tell them that Johnny
tried to stop you!

Tell them!
Tell them!

Calico...

- All right.
- Step in...

Johnny!

Danny, it's me, Paddy.

Thanks for what you're done.

It's blind.

Blind as a bat!

Like I said,
it was just a blind man's bluff!

Johnny!

Johnny!

I'll be waiting.

I'll be waiting.

Transcription and subtitles
made by gamboler[noirestyle]