Hammer House of Horror (1980): Season 1, Episode 7 - The Silent Scream - full transcript
When Chuck Spillers is released from prison, he tells his wife Annie that he had been visited by an old man, Martin Blueck, along his sentence for robbing a safe, and Blueck had given some money for him to help a fresh start in life. On the next morning, Chuck pays a visit to Blueck in his pet shop to thank the support and is invited to work for him feeding his animals in his private zoo while he is traveling. Blueck explains that he trains animals, conditioning then to obey some signals. A couple of days later, Chuck sees a safe in the store, and decide to open it, being trapped in a weird situation and disclosing the truth about the sadistic Blueck.
Oh, no!
Why did you do that?
There have to be rules!
I thought you'd be waiting outside the prison.
When you weren't there, I wondered.
Ch, I didn't want to see you
like that. Not coming out.
- I tried to phone.
- That got cut off last year.
What? You should have told me.
You need a phone out here on
your own in the middle of nowhere.
- I was all right.
- What if anything had happened?
You could die out here and
nobody'd be any the wiser.
Well, you're back now.
I've got you to look after me.
That's how it's going to stay and all.
I'm not going back in.
Yeah. You could have been home
months ago.
Yes, I know, I know.
It was stupid, trying to escape.
Causing trouble.
But I just... I just couldn't take
being locked up any longer.
- Yes, I know, darling.
- No...
No, you don't know, Annie.
You can't know what it was like.
I just can't take being shut in any more.
It was terrifying.
- What are you cooking?
- You know what I'm cooking.
Not steak and kidney pie!
- Right on.
- Can we afford it?
No. We can't afford this, either.
Jeez! We are celebrating!
Not celebrating.
Forgetting, mm? Starting afresh.
OK. I promise.
And... we can afford steak and wine.
Hey! Is this what they give you
when you come out of prison?
Ch, you've got to be joking!
- Bus fare, more like.
- Where did you get it, then?
- Corkscrew?
- Er, in the drawer.
Where did you get it?
It was this guy. Prison visitor.
He used to come regular.
Once a week.
What guy? What for?
I don't know what they do it for.
I'm sorry, love. He was a...
funny old bloke.
Strange.
Said he... he knew what it was like,
being locked in.
He'd been in a Nazi concentration camp
during the war.
Well, you better go round and
thank him. Do you know where he lives?
Mm. I've got his address.
I knew you'd come.
I thought I'd just look in and say thanks.
That was good of you.
And how was it, at home?
- Good.
- In prison, you had doubts.
I needn't have.
Oh, you were a bad prisoner,
Chuck, my friend.
Bad? Listen...
Being locked up takes everybody different.
Some don't mind.
Others - they just can't take it.
They go stir-crazy.
You think that is what happened to you?
Is that why you try to escape...
even though you know it will
do you no good?
When I was a kid, if I misbehaved,
they used to shut me in a cupboard.
I'd scream, kick, shout to get out.
To get to freedom.
They didn't think I was sorry,
50 they'd leave me there longer.
I swore no prison would ever hold me
as long as I lived.
I know, Chuck. I know.
The midnight memories
of the concentration camp
bring me out in & cold sweat even today.
We are kindred spirits, you and.
Quite simply, we hold a terror...
of being shut in.
So, this is where it all happens.
Eh?
An expressi?n.
This is where the action is.
Where you earn your daily bread.
Oh! I survive.
Yes, well... Like I say...
...I just called in to say thanks.
- I'd better be on my way.
- Goodbye.
What will you do?
- Find a job.
- Where?
The welfare bloke. He gave me a list.
Rehabilitation.
Such places are not good.
They either regard you with suspici?n
or they trust you at the top of their voice.
Yes. I guess you're right.
But I don't exactly have a wide choice.
Turn over the closed sign, would you?
And lock the door.
I have something to show you.
This way.
Through here. This is...
where it all happens.
- Suppose you get a customer?
- Oh, they'll call again.
They're used to my comings and goings
around here.
Somehow I don't think you're
going to get very rich, Mr Blueck.
1 am rich, Mr Spillers.
What is this?
Some kind of zoo?
I'd prefer to call it my collection.
It must be worth a fortune!
- Wis.
- Do you sell them?
No.
I may, when my work is complete.
- What work is that, then?
- Research into new methods of training.
- What for? What is the point?
- Open zoos or safari parks,
in the stately homes of England.
- The cages! They're all open!
- Exactly.
- Well, are they safe?
- Most certainly. That is the point.
Chuck, imagine. Zoos without cages.
It must be possible. It is possible...
to contain an animal without bars. Now,
surely you can see the benefit of that.
- Tame, are they?
- No. They are not tame.
These are wild animals.
But how? How did you get them?
- I caught them.
- You caught them?
It only takes the right bait.
Lay the right bait, and almost any creature
will walk in of its own accord.
- Then you tame them?
- No, no.
I train. I do not tame.
You see, in nearly all cases,
a creature that has enjoyed freedom of life
in the wild will never become tame.
Captivity... is loss of freedom.
Like prison.
Except this lot did nothing
to get locked up for.
Certainly they committed no
misdemeanour.
At the time of their imprisonment,
they were innocent.
As were you.
Under such circumstances,
the best you will get from a
caged creature is subservience.
Why did you invite me here?
1 did not invite you here.
You came of your own accord.
Ch, come on.
In prison I passed some kind of test.
You chose me.
You wanted me here for a reason.
You had done already what I wanted.
You came to say thank you.
Oh.
Now, many would not have,
but I knew you would.
Chuck, we have talked, you and I,
long and often.
There has developed, dare I suggest,
an understanding. A relationship.
Let me say simply that it's taken too many
months to find someone I felt I could trust.
Someone who would understand.
Thank you very much.
Ah. Now you disappoint me.
That expressi?n of gratitude
was made in mockery.
I'm sorry, Martin. I...
I don't want to seem ungrateful, but..
to be frank, Martin...
- I don't like it here-
- You don't?
There's something wrong.
I sensed it the minute I came in.
Nothing is wrong.
Look... If you want your money back...
Now, why do you say this?
Did I make any mention of money?
- No, I'm sorry.
- Perhaps you dislike animals?
I like a cat that purrs and a dog that
wags its fail.
No! Don't touch that!
Argh! God!
- Are you all right?
- I don't know.
I tried to warn you.
- That's how you train them?
- I was about to explain.
- Well, I found out for myself.
- Here, let me see.
There is no burn.
I am so glad.
You are very lucky.
- You said you wanted help.
- Yes. I have to go away. Just for a few days.
I have to find someone to feed
my animals.
- You w...
- I will pay very good money.
And at the end,
I will give you a reference, which will
help you in getting a permanent job.
- I don't know.
- I will leave clear instructions.
There is really nothing to it.
Watch.
You see? It is very simple
and perfectly safe...
when you know how.
He's a nutter.
He sounds like a nice old man to me.
You didn't see the place.
You didn't see it.
No, but I can see the groceries
his money's bought. Just be thankful.
Your first day out and you've got a job
with money in advance.
- He said he knew I was innocent.
- What of?
You know what of. Safe-breaking.
But you were guilty, weren't you?
Have been every time.
- That place stank.
- Yes?
It stank of fear.
He said you never can tame an
animal born in the wild. Never.
So you capture a free-running
animal and imprison it in a cage until it dies.
Can you imagine that?
No, I don't think I can. Or want to.
There's another thing.
I've just realised what it was about that
place the minute I walked in.
None of the animals ever made any noise.
Just gave out this stench of fear.
Chuck...
I'm here.
Yeah.
I didn't spend two years waiting for the
moment you climbed into our bed
to talk about a daft old man
in a pet shop.
You got other ideas?
Tell me.
I thought about you.
Every night.
- You make me nervous, Chuck.
- You like being nervous.
So?
It's just...
It's just...
that I'm your bit of rough, eh?
Hello?
Mr Blueck?
Is something wrong with it?
- En?
- The food.
Ch, no. It's great. Yeah.
You've hardly eaten a mouthful.
Yeah, I'm sorry. I... I just can't get
that stench out of my nostrils.
Is that a comment on my cooking?
You know what I mean.
Is there any more of that wine?
No.
I can't eat this.
- Have you got any fags?
- Not
Have you got anything in this house?
I had to give up smoking.
It was either that or the car, and I
couldn't live out here without transport.
Yeah. I'm sorry.
The welfare did warn me.
"It won't be easy at first," they said.
"He'll have to find his feet.
Regain his pride."
Leave it out, Annie, will you?
Funnily, enough,
nobody mentioned how difficult it might be
far me. Not 2 word about that.
There's a safe down there, among
them cages.
Pathetic.
Like old Blueck himself.
Take away the so-called breadwinner
and leave the wife high, dry and stranded.
Then two years later, hey, presto,
there he is on the doorstep again.
- He's got to be loaded. He must be loaded.
- Never even asked how she managed.
The only mistake she ever made
was to marry a Peterman.
He'd be just the type 10 think
2 bank was insecure
and leave his cash in an old safe
you could blow away with a puff of wind.
Stop it, Chuck! Just stop it now,
will you?
- ltd give us a start.
- Or a finish.
Suppose there is a couple of grand,
where's that going to get us?
Well, it's 2 couple of grand more
than we've got.
Oh, yest Pay the electricity bill,
get the phone reconnected...
Go to Majorca for three weeks.
I don't wish to sound materialistic,
but if I have married a compulsive thief,
I wish at least he'd think big!
What are you trying to say?
Nothing. I'm just trying to stop myself
from screaming, that's all.
Bastard, bastard, bastard.
All right, Blueck.
All right. Let me out, will you?
Let me out!
1 will be but just one moment.
- Mr Blueck?
- Yes.
I'm Anne Spillers.
Chuck Spillers' wife.
Oh... How pleased I am to meet you.
And how is Chuck?
Oh. I'd rather hoped you could
tell me that.
- Why?
- Well...
I gather you visited him whilst
he was... inside.
But now he is released,
there is no further call for my services.
No, and he was very impressed
by your kindness.
I'm glad.
You haven't seen him since
he came out?
It is something one becomes used to.
Frankly, it is best that way.
Partly, it is what we should expect.
After all, it is a logical conclusi?n
of our own work.
Aren't you beautiful?
He lacks only 3 good home and
anew mistress.
Well, not me, I'm afraid.
I've got a living to earn.
With, once again,
a husband to play his rightful role.
Chuck didn't come home last night.
So soon?
Well, that is sad.
He said he was coming here.
I see. Thank you, Mr Blueck.
I suppose you didn't give him
any money, either.
Please...
Let me know if you hear anything.
So, what are you suggesting,
Mrs Spillers?
I'm just trying to tell you what I saw,
Sergeant. I wanted some advice.
Advice isn't quite my line, I'm afraid.
You'd do better at the
marriage guidance council.
There's nothing wrong with my marriage.
Look, your husband didn't come home
last night.
That's not normally a situation
we like to become involved in.
This has nothing to do with a situation,
as you keep calling it.
He intended to come home last night.
I know he did.
But something better turned up.
I beg your pardon?
Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.
And he did go to the pet shop.
But Mr Blueck... who we know,
by the way...
says he didn't.
But I saw Chuck's jacket there.
Just think a moment, Mrs Spillers.
Ask yourself whether you're sure
this is something you want us to know.
After all, your husband's only
been home for a day or two.
Leave it a bit longer. If he
doesn't turn up, come and see me again.
And when he does come home,
please ask him not to make us
too interested in him.
Ah, God.
Are you there, Mr Blueck? Is that you?
Martin?
I'm sorry about the safe, Martin.
But you didn't say anything about supplies.
1 mean, I thought I might need supplies.
Let me out, Mr Blueck.
Let me out!
{Hissing)
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Help! Let me out!
Is that you?
Can't we talk about this? Just talk?
Like we used to?
Chuck!
Chuck! Chuck!
Martin!
Chuck?
- Oh, Chuck!
- Annie!
- Shh!
- Don't put your arm through!
Why not?
Find something you can stick down
to test it.
- What for?
- Don't argue.
Just do as I say.
Careful what you touch.
- How's this?
- Good.
Now, stick it through
and wave it from side to side.
Careful.
How am I supposed to get you out?
Can you lift me?
Ch, you must be joking!
Just 2 minute.
Right. How's that?
'I try.
Argh!
God!
CK. I'll be back in ten minutes.
- What are you going to do?
- Get the police.
No! Don't get the law!
I tried to open the safe.
- They'll put me away again.
- Oh, Chum-M!
It was a trap. I fell right into it.
What am I supposed to do?
Find me something to stand on.
Er... Which way is the shop?
Behind you. Through the double doors.
- Don't touch any of the cages.
- Why not?
Electricity. Thousands of volts.
Are those things dangerous?
About as dangerous as I am.
Not asleep, Chuck?
I'm restless. Hardly surprising.
My little friend here was restless too.
Something disturb him, then?
Something, yes.
Perhaps the same thing that has
disturbed you.
Me? I'm OK.
It is strange, nevertheless, that over the
past two days you have called out to me
many times.
Mostly in righteous indignation,
but occasionally pleading.
Yet now that you've seen me,
you complain only of being restless.
It's the middle of the night.
And you would like me back in my bed.
Maybe you have an escape plan.
- Even an accomplice.
- I want to go to sleep.
Ah. And you would like a companion.
I should have thought of it before.
He makes such a noise
when anything unusual happens.
Good night, Chuck.
Why did you choose me?
With your in-built fear of confinement,
you are the ultimate challenge.
Train you...
and I can train anybody.
Imagine, Chuck. Prisons without cells.
That should appeal to you.
No ugly buildings. No warders.
The prisoners stand still.
Quite still
Because they are too terrified to move.
Will you let me out? Now!
Oh, no!
Not until you are trained. Now, please...
Do not fry to thwart my plans.
If you cause me to close this hatch,
then even your loudest scream
will do no more than echo round the cell.
It will never penetrate the walls.
Nobody will hear you.
Ever
Good evening, miss.
Is Detective Sergeant Aldridge here?
No, I'm afraid he's gone home
long since.
- Oh.
- Can I help?
I don't think so, thank you.
Is something wrong, miss?
No, I just wanted a quick word.
Thank you.
It's not Mrs Spillers, is it?
Yes.
There's a note here.
You were worried about your husband.
Oh, yes, I was.
I've just come In to tell you
that I've found him, so it's OK.
Ch, good. It's nice of you to tell us,
Mrs Spillers.
Where was he?
Celebrating with friends.
Hello?
- Chuck!
- Annie! Where have you been?
- Shh. What's that?
- Blueck came.
I know. He nearly caught me in the shop.
- He didn't see you?
- No.
- Did you get anything?
- Yes, I got this. Look.
Smashing. Tie it to something. Quick.
It only takes the right bait.
And now my collection is complete.
For God's sake, Blueck.
The concentration camp.
Remember? You said you'd never forget it!
(Laughs} Nor will I.
It was where I formulated this entire idea
as I studied the inmates. You see...
I was not a captive.
I was a captor.
Oh, give it a rest, Chuck.
Exercise. Must exercise.
- I'm trying to think.
- This might help.
Not if you tire yourself out, it won't.
Don't worry. I'll be all right. You carry on.
We're undergoing the same training
- as the rest of the animals, right?
- Yes.
- Why?
- Cos he's a nutcase.
He could explain everything without going
through that electric shock charade.
If the bell sounds, go ahead.
If the buzzer sounds, don't touch!
Brainwashing.
Annie!
Ch, we've just got to face it, Chuck.
There's just no way out of here.
There's just no way.
Good morning, Sergeant.
Do you bring business or pleasure?
What sort of business would I bring you?
Perhaps you are in need for
2 police dog.
An Alsatian, maybe?
Someone was talking about you
in the station yesterday.
A woman.
- No complaints, I hope.
- Only that she couldn't find her husband.
Pets one can house-train.
Husbands are more difficult.
This one was only just out of stir.
She said you'd visited him.
Mrs Spillers? She came to see me.
Ah. She said she had.
What could I say?
I gave my address to Chuck Spillers.
I always do. In case they need me.
Would you like a budgerigar?
You haven't seen him?
Nor do I expect to. I was sorry
for his wife,
but things are often difficult for a few weeks.
The thing is, she seems to have
scarpered as well.
We called. Well, she seemed worried.
And what do you want me to do?
Nothing. Let us know if you hear
anything, that's all.
1 will.
A hamster for the boy?
Maybe at Christmas.
- Are we still in buzz time?
- You know we are.
When will the bell go? If's late.
It's bloody late.
It's probably deliberate. Just
keep calm.
We didn't miss it, did we?
Perhaps we dozed off and missed the bell.
Well, stick your head through
and find out.
How can you stay so calm?
I'll get excited when there's something
to get excited about.
You know what they say.
People who stay calm in the face of adversity
show either great courage
or a complete misunderstanding
- of the seriousness of the situation.
- Very intelligent. Where did you hear it?
- Blueck.
- Oh. I thought you might have.
Chuck...
Oh, I'm hungry. We must be in
bell time soon.
Why us?
There's got to be a reason.
What did you talk to him about in prison?
I don't remember.
Anything. Everything.
Sex?
Eh?
Did you talk to him about sex?
Between us?
I don't know. I might have done.
I can't remember. Does it matter?
It matters.
You see, I am trying to fathom out
his mind.
Why us? There has to be a reason.
Well, you tell me.
I don't know.
Perhaps he just likes watching.
Watching?
Us.
Oh, for pete's sake, Annie!
- Is there one for me?
- No, we'll share this.
- Well, do we get to share it, then?
- In a second. I'm only eating half.
We're being released, aren't we?
No, no, no. No, it's a trick. It's a trick.
There's got to be a catch.
We are being let out, aren't we, Annie?
I mean...
For God's sake, we're still in bell time.
What do we do, Annie? What do we do?
We don't do anything. Not while
he's watching.
- How do you know he's watching?
- He's watching us!
Well, can't we test it? I mean,
let's just test it.
Here, boy.
Come on, boy. Here, here.
- Fetch.
- Not
Fetch! Go on! Quick!
No, it's clear. Quick!
It's clear! It's clear!
No... Stay!
Go away!
Go away from here!
- Go away!
- No! Wait!
You killed him. You killed him!
You killed my puppy! You killed my dog!
You killed my dog! {Sobs hysterically)
It's all right, it's all right, it's all right,
it's all right.
It's OK, it's OK, it's all right.
1 wish I could figure out that fourth sound.
The bell... the buzzer...
The hum's a refrigerated food store,
but there's another shorter, sharp click.
Twang-click. It happens regularly.
It's a switch.
What? A power switch?
Mm. Big old-fashioned job
near the black panther's cage.
I think our Blueck's
made his first mistake.
- What are you doing?
- Just giving myself time to think.
Ch... Oh, yeah, yeah.
That's the limitation of the animal's mind.
Bell means food, buzzer means pain.
And where the human brain
wins over them
is the ability to figure out
"twang-click" might mean "power off".
Twang-click. It's safe to escape
if you can get out before the doors slide down.
Pretend to make love to me, OK? I don't
want old Blueck to realise we've cottoned on.
Next time the twang-click goes,
just run, OK?
No tests, no hesitations. Just run.
Outside there's a kind of alleyway
which runs alongside the pet shop.
Just run like hell.
- Just pretend, remember?
- Mm-hm.
Who'd buy pets in a crummy area like this?
- People do.
- Enough to keep a shop in business?
Yes, I dare say.
Only, Mrs Spillers talked about
her husband agreeing to feed the animals
as if it were a zoo.
What was it she said to you last night?
Well, that she'd found him OK.
He'd been celebrating.
- What's all this in aid of?
- My peace of mind.
Just happened the lady came in
and asked for my help
the morning I had a blinding headache.
I'd have thought you had more
important things to do with your time
than play nursemaid
to a fellow like Chuck Spillers.
Yes, you're right.
Forget it.
Where's the car?
Chuck, there's a police station
half a mile down the road.
- How do you know?
- I went there.
What?! I told you!
They'll put me away!
It's Blueck they'll put away.
They can't have you for failed intent.
Anyway, they didn't care. Nobody
wanted to know.
- Exactly! So what was the point?
- I'm sorry, I'm sorry...!
Run!
Straight on!
We're free!
- Now will you go to the police?
- Not on your life.
- Oh, you can't let him get away with it.
- I'm not going to.
- You keep watch.
- No, let's go home.
In case anything goes wrong.
If I don't come out, then
you go to the law.
What are you going to do?
I'm going to sort that bastard out.
Blueck! Blueck!
Chuck!
Chuck?
Chuck!
My friend! Open the panel!
Get me out! Chuck!
Chuck! Get me out! Chuck!
- Oh!
- Is there anything to eat round here?
Yes, I left your supper
on the saucepan.
Pooh!
- How long has it been?
- Oh, an eternity.
I'll get rid of this
and then we'll go out for dinner.
Oh, yes, Chuck! I want the open.
I want cool air, freedom and space.
No, don't!
He knew.
He fixed it.
He allowed us to escape on purpose.
He can't do it! He must be crazy!
He can't think he can get away with it!
- Prisons without walls, cages without bars!
- We've got to get out!
We've been trained, Annie! Trained!
He's got us trapped!
The detective sergeant...
No, no, no. What could he do?
You told him everything was OK.
They'll catch Blueck! He'll
change the circuits!
They'll never catch Blueck. Never.
He's trapped in the cell.
Oh, no!
There must be a way out. There must.
Oh, we're never going to
get out of here, ever!
Oh, Chuck.
We're going to die!
No!
Help! Help!
Help!
Help! Somebody, please!
- Help!
- No!
Help!
Help!
Help!
- Help!
- Please! Somebody!
- Help!
- Help!
Why did you do that?
There have to be rules!
I thought you'd be waiting outside the prison.
When you weren't there, I wondered.
Ch, I didn't want to see you
like that. Not coming out.
- I tried to phone.
- That got cut off last year.
What? You should have told me.
You need a phone out here on
your own in the middle of nowhere.
- I was all right.
- What if anything had happened?
You could die out here and
nobody'd be any the wiser.
Well, you're back now.
I've got you to look after me.
That's how it's going to stay and all.
I'm not going back in.
Yeah. You could have been home
months ago.
Yes, I know, I know.
It was stupid, trying to escape.
Causing trouble.
But I just... I just couldn't take
being locked up any longer.
- Yes, I know, darling.
- No...
No, you don't know, Annie.
You can't know what it was like.
I just can't take being shut in any more.
It was terrifying.
- What are you cooking?
- You know what I'm cooking.
Not steak and kidney pie!
- Right on.
- Can we afford it?
No. We can't afford this, either.
Jeez! We are celebrating!
Not celebrating.
Forgetting, mm? Starting afresh.
OK. I promise.
And... we can afford steak and wine.
Hey! Is this what they give you
when you come out of prison?
Ch, you've got to be joking!
- Bus fare, more like.
- Where did you get it, then?
- Corkscrew?
- Er, in the drawer.
Where did you get it?
It was this guy. Prison visitor.
He used to come regular.
Once a week.
What guy? What for?
I don't know what they do it for.
I'm sorry, love. He was a...
funny old bloke.
Strange.
Said he... he knew what it was like,
being locked in.
He'd been in a Nazi concentration camp
during the war.
Well, you better go round and
thank him. Do you know where he lives?
Mm. I've got his address.
I knew you'd come.
I thought I'd just look in and say thanks.
That was good of you.
And how was it, at home?
- Good.
- In prison, you had doubts.
I needn't have.
Oh, you were a bad prisoner,
Chuck, my friend.
Bad? Listen...
Being locked up takes everybody different.
Some don't mind.
Others - they just can't take it.
They go stir-crazy.
You think that is what happened to you?
Is that why you try to escape...
even though you know it will
do you no good?
When I was a kid, if I misbehaved,
they used to shut me in a cupboard.
I'd scream, kick, shout to get out.
To get to freedom.
They didn't think I was sorry,
50 they'd leave me there longer.
I swore no prison would ever hold me
as long as I lived.
I know, Chuck. I know.
The midnight memories
of the concentration camp
bring me out in & cold sweat even today.
We are kindred spirits, you and.
Quite simply, we hold a terror...
of being shut in.
So, this is where it all happens.
Eh?
An expressi?n.
This is where the action is.
Where you earn your daily bread.
Oh! I survive.
Yes, well... Like I say...
...I just called in to say thanks.
- I'd better be on my way.
- Goodbye.
What will you do?
- Find a job.
- Where?
The welfare bloke. He gave me a list.
Rehabilitation.
Such places are not good.
They either regard you with suspici?n
or they trust you at the top of their voice.
Yes. I guess you're right.
But I don't exactly have a wide choice.
Turn over the closed sign, would you?
And lock the door.
I have something to show you.
This way.
Through here. This is...
where it all happens.
- Suppose you get a customer?
- Oh, they'll call again.
They're used to my comings and goings
around here.
Somehow I don't think you're
going to get very rich, Mr Blueck.
1 am rich, Mr Spillers.
What is this?
Some kind of zoo?
I'd prefer to call it my collection.
It must be worth a fortune!
- Wis.
- Do you sell them?
No.
I may, when my work is complete.
- What work is that, then?
- Research into new methods of training.
- What for? What is the point?
- Open zoos or safari parks,
in the stately homes of England.
- The cages! They're all open!
- Exactly.
- Well, are they safe?
- Most certainly. That is the point.
Chuck, imagine. Zoos without cages.
It must be possible. It is possible...
to contain an animal without bars. Now,
surely you can see the benefit of that.
- Tame, are they?
- No. They are not tame.
These are wild animals.
But how? How did you get them?
- I caught them.
- You caught them?
It only takes the right bait.
Lay the right bait, and almost any creature
will walk in of its own accord.
- Then you tame them?
- No, no.
I train. I do not tame.
You see, in nearly all cases,
a creature that has enjoyed freedom of life
in the wild will never become tame.
Captivity... is loss of freedom.
Like prison.
Except this lot did nothing
to get locked up for.
Certainly they committed no
misdemeanour.
At the time of their imprisonment,
they were innocent.
As were you.
Under such circumstances,
the best you will get from a
caged creature is subservience.
Why did you invite me here?
1 did not invite you here.
You came of your own accord.
Ch, come on.
In prison I passed some kind of test.
You chose me.
You wanted me here for a reason.
You had done already what I wanted.
You came to say thank you.
Oh.
Now, many would not have,
but I knew you would.
Chuck, we have talked, you and I,
long and often.
There has developed, dare I suggest,
an understanding. A relationship.
Let me say simply that it's taken too many
months to find someone I felt I could trust.
Someone who would understand.
Thank you very much.
Ah. Now you disappoint me.
That expressi?n of gratitude
was made in mockery.
I'm sorry, Martin. I...
I don't want to seem ungrateful, but..
to be frank, Martin...
- I don't like it here-
- You don't?
There's something wrong.
I sensed it the minute I came in.
Nothing is wrong.
Look... If you want your money back...
Now, why do you say this?
Did I make any mention of money?
- No, I'm sorry.
- Perhaps you dislike animals?
I like a cat that purrs and a dog that
wags its fail.
No! Don't touch that!
Argh! God!
- Are you all right?
- I don't know.
I tried to warn you.
- That's how you train them?
- I was about to explain.
- Well, I found out for myself.
- Here, let me see.
There is no burn.
I am so glad.
You are very lucky.
- You said you wanted help.
- Yes. I have to go away. Just for a few days.
I have to find someone to feed
my animals.
- You w...
- I will pay very good money.
And at the end,
I will give you a reference, which will
help you in getting a permanent job.
- I don't know.
- I will leave clear instructions.
There is really nothing to it.
Watch.
You see? It is very simple
and perfectly safe...
when you know how.
He's a nutter.
He sounds like a nice old man to me.
You didn't see the place.
You didn't see it.
No, but I can see the groceries
his money's bought. Just be thankful.
Your first day out and you've got a job
with money in advance.
- He said he knew I was innocent.
- What of?
You know what of. Safe-breaking.
But you were guilty, weren't you?
Have been every time.
- That place stank.
- Yes?
It stank of fear.
He said you never can tame an
animal born in the wild. Never.
So you capture a free-running
animal and imprison it in a cage until it dies.
Can you imagine that?
No, I don't think I can. Or want to.
There's another thing.
I've just realised what it was about that
place the minute I walked in.
None of the animals ever made any noise.
Just gave out this stench of fear.
Chuck...
I'm here.
Yeah.
I didn't spend two years waiting for the
moment you climbed into our bed
to talk about a daft old man
in a pet shop.
You got other ideas?
Tell me.
I thought about you.
Every night.
- You make me nervous, Chuck.
- You like being nervous.
So?
It's just...
It's just...
that I'm your bit of rough, eh?
Hello?
Mr Blueck?
Is something wrong with it?
- En?
- The food.
Ch, no. It's great. Yeah.
You've hardly eaten a mouthful.
Yeah, I'm sorry. I... I just can't get
that stench out of my nostrils.
Is that a comment on my cooking?
You know what I mean.
Is there any more of that wine?
No.
I can't eat this.
- Have you got any fags?
- Not
Have you got anything in this house?
I had to give up smoking.
It was either that or the car, and I
couldn't live out here without transport.
Yeah. I'm sorry.
The welfare did warn me.
"It won't be easy at first," they said.
"He'll have to find his feet.
Regain his pride."
Leave it out, Annie, will you?
Funnily, enough,
nobody mentioned how difficult it might be
far me. Not 2 word about that.
There's a safe down there, among
them cages.
Pathetic.
Like old Blueck himself.
Take away the so-called breadwinner
and leave the wife high, dry and stranded.
Then two years later, hey, presto,
there he is on the doorstep again.
- He's got to be loaded. He must be loaded.
- Never even asked how she managed.
The only mistake she ever made
was to marry a Peterman.
He'd be just the type 10 think
2 bank was insecure
and leave his cash in an old safe
you could blow away with a puff of wind.
Stop it, Chuck! Just stop it now,
will you?
- ltd give us a start.
- Or a finish.
Suppose there is a couple of grand,
where's that going to get us?
Well, it's 2 couple of grand more
than we've got.
Oh, yest Pay the electricity bill,
get the phone reconnected...
Go to Majorca for three weeks.
I don't wish to sound materialistic,
but if I have married a compulsive thief,
I wish at least he'd think big!
What are you trying to say?
Nothing. I'm just trying to stop myself
from screaming, that's all.
Bastard, bastard, bastard.
All right, Blueck.
All right. Let me out, will you?
Let me out!
1 will be but just one moment.
- Mr Blueck?
- Yes.
I'm Anne Spillers.
Chuck Spillers' wife.
Oh... How pleased I am to meet you.
And how is Chuck?
Oh. I'd rather hoped you could
tell me that.
- Why?
- Well...
I gather you visited him whilst
he was... inside.
But now he is released,
there is no further call for my services.
No, and he was very impressed
by your kindness.
I'm glad.
You haven't seen him since
he came out?
It is something one becomes used to.
Frankly, it is best that way.
Partly, it is what we should expect.
After all, it is a logical conclusi?n
of our own work.
Aren't you beautiful?
He lacks only 3 good home and
anew mistress.
Well, not me, I'm afraid.
I've got a living to earn.
With, once again,
a husband to play his rightful role.
Chuck didn't come home last night.
So soon?
Well, that is sad.
He said he was coming here.
I see. Thank you, Mr Blueck.
I suppose you didn't give him
any money, either.
Please...
Let me know if you hear anything.
So, what are you suggesting,
Mrs Spillers?
I'm just trying to tell you what I saw,
Sergeant. I wanted some advice.
Advice isn't quite my line, I'm afraid.
You'd do better at the
marriage guidance council.
There's nothing wrong with my marriage.
Look, your husband didn't come home
last night.
That's not normally a situation
we like to become involved in.
This has nothing to do with a situation,
as you keep calling it.
He intended to come home last night.
I know he did.
But something better turned up.
I beg your pardon?
Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.
And he did go to the pet shop.
But Mr Blueck... who we know,
by the way...
says he didn't.
But I saw Chuck's jacket there.
Just think a moment, Mrs Spillers.
Ask yourself whether you're sure
this is something you want us to know.
After all, your husband's only
been home for a day or two.
Leave it a bit longer. If he
doesn't turn up, come and see me again.
And when he does come home,
please ask him not to make us
too interested in him.
Ah, God.
Are you there, Mr Blueck? Is that you?
Martin?
I'm sorry about the safe, Martin.
But you didn't say anything about supplies.
1 mean, I thought I might need supplies.
Let me out, Mr Blueck.
Let me out!
{Hissing)
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Help! Let me out!
Is that you?
Can't we talk about this? Just talk?
Like we used to?
Chuck!
Chuck! Chuck!
Martin!
Chuck?
- Oh, Chuck!
- Annie!
- Shh!
- Don't put your arm through!
Why not?
Find something you can stick down
to test it.
- What for?
- Don't argue.
Just do as I say.
Careful what you touch.
- How's this?
- Good.
Now, stick it through
and wave it from side to side.
Careful.
How am I supposed to get you out?
Can you lift me?
Ch, you must be joking!
Just 2 minute.
Right. How's that?
'I try.
Argh!
God!
CK. I'll be back in ten minutes.
- What are you going to do?
- Get the police.
No! Don't get the law!
I tried to open the safe.
- They'll put me away again.
- Oh, Chum-M!
It was a trap. I fell right into it.
What am I supposed to do?
Find me something to stand on.
Er... Which way is the shop?
Behind you. Through the double doors.
- Don't touch any of the cages.
- Why not?
Electricity. Thousands of volts.
Are those things dangerous?
About as dangerous as I am.
Not asleep, Chuck?
I'm restless. Hardly surprising.
My little friend here was restless too.
Something disturb him, then?
Something, yes.
Perhaps the same thing that has
disturbed you.
Me? I'm OK.
It is strange, nevertheless, that over the
past two days you have called out to me
many times.
Mostly in righteous indignation,
but occasionally pleading.
Yet now that you've seen me,
you complain only of being restless.
It's the middle of the night.
And you would like me back in my bed.
Maybe you have an escape plan.
- Even an accomplice.
- I want to go to sleep.
Ah. And you would like a companion.
I should have thought of it before.
He makes such a noise
when anything unusual happens.
Good night, Chuck.
Why did you choose me?
With your in-built fear of confinement,
you are the ultimate challenge.
Train you...
and I can train anybody.
Imagine, Chuck. Prisons without cells.
That should appeal to you.
No ugly buildings. No warders.
The prisoners stand still.
Quite still
Because they are too terrified to move.
Will you let me out? Now!
Oh, no!
Not until you are trained. Now, please...
Do not fry to thwart my plans.
If you cause me to close this hatch,
then even your loudest scream
will do no more than echo round the cell.
It will never penetrate the walls.
Nobody will hear you.
Ever
Good evening, miss.
Is Detective Sergeant Aldridge here?
No, I'm afraid he's gone home
long since.
- Oh.
- Can I help?
I don't think so, thank you.
Is something wrong, miss?
No, I just wanted a quick word.
Thank you.
It's not Mrs Spillers, is it?
Yes.
There's a note here.
You were worried about your husband.
Oh, yes, I was.
I've just come In to tell you
that I've found him, so it's OK.
Ch, good. It's nice of you to tell us,
Mrs Spillers.
Where was he?
Celebrating with friends.
Hello?
- Chuck!
- Annie! Where have you been?
- Shh. What's that?
- Blueck came.
I know. He nearly caught me in the shop.
- He didn't see you?
- No.
- Did you get anything?
- Yes, I got this. Look.
Smashing. Tie it to something. Quick.
It only takes the right bait.
And now my collection is complete.
For God's sake, Blueck.
The concentration camp.
Remember? You said you'd never forget it!
(Laughs} Nor will I.
It was where I formulated this entire idea
as I studied the inmates. You see...
I was not a captive.
I was a captor.
Oh, give it a rest, Chuck.
Exercise. Must exercise.
- I'm trying to think.
- This might help.
Not if you tire yourself out, it won't.
Don't worry. I'll be all right. You carry on.
We're undergoing the same training
- as the rest of the animals, right?
- Yes.
- Why?
- Cos he's a nutcase.
He could explain everything without going
through that electric shock charade.
If the bell sounds, go ahead.
If the buzzer sounds, don't touch!
Brainwashing.
Annie!
Ch, we've just got to face it, Chuck.
There's just no way out of here.
There's just no way.
Good morning, Sergeant.
Do you bring business or pleasure?
What sort of business would I bring you?
Perhaps you are in need for
2 police dog.
An Alsatian, maybe?
Someone was talking about you
in the station yesterday.
A woman.
- No complaints, I hope.
- Only that she couldn't find her husband.
Pets one can house-train.
Husbands are more difficult.
This one was only just out of stir.
She said you'd visited him.
Mrs Spillers? She came to see me.
Ah. She said she had.
What could I say?
I gave my address to Chuck Spillers.
I always do. In case they need me.
Would you like a budgerigar?
You haven't seen him?
Nor do I expect to. I was sorry
for his wife,
but things are often difficult for a few weeks.
The thing is, she seems to have
scarpered as well.
We called. Well, she seemed worried.
And what do you want me to do?
Nothing. Let us know if you hear
anything, that's all.
1 will.
A hamster for the boy?
Maybe at Christmas.
- Are we still in buzz time?
- You know we are.
When will the bell go? If's late.
It's bloody late.
It's probably deliberate. Just
keep calm.
We didn't miss it, did we?
Perhaps we dozed off and missed the bell.
Well, stick your head through
and find out.
How can you stay so calm?
I'll get excited when there's something
to get excited about.
You know what they say.
People who stay calm in the face of adversity
show either great courage
or a complete misunderstanding
- of the seriousness of the situation.
- Very intelligent. Where did you hear it?
- Blueck.
- Oh. I thought you might have.
Chuck...
Oh, I'm hungry. We must be in
bell time soon.
Why us?
There's got to be a reason.
What did you talk to him about in prison?
I don't remember.
Anything. Everything.
Sex?
Eh?
Did you talk to him about sex?
Between us?
I don't know. I might have done.
I can't remember. Does it matter?
It matters.
You see, I am trying to fathom out
his mind.
Why us? There has to be a reason.
Well, you tell me.
I don't know.
Perhaps he just likes watching.
Watching?
Us.
Oh, for pete's sake, Annie!
- Is there one for me?
- No, we'll share this.
- Well, do we get to share it, then?
- In a second. I'm only eating half.
We're being released, aren't we?
No, no, no. No, it's a trick. It's a trick.
There's got to be a catch.
We are being let out, aren't we, Annie?
I mean...
For God's sake, we're still in bell time.
What do we do, Annie? What do we do?
We don't do anything. Not while
he's watching.
- How do you know he's watching?
- He's watching us!
Well, can't we test it? I mean,
let's just test it.
Here, boy.
Come on, boy. Here, here.
- Fetch.
- Not
Fetch! Go on! Quick!
No, it's clear. Quick!
It's clear! It's clear!
No... Stay!
Go away!
Go away from here!
- Go away!
- No! Wait!
You killed him. You killed him!
You killed my puppy! You killed my dog!
You killed my dog! {Sobs hysterically)
It's all right, it's all right, it's all right,
it's all right.
It's OK, it's OK, it's all right.
1 wish I could figure out that fourth sound.
The bell... the buzzer...
The hum's a refrigerated food store,
but there's another shorter, sharp click.
Twang-click. It happens regularly.
It's a switch.
What? A power switch?
Mm. Big old-fashioned job
near the black panther's cage.
I think our Blueck's
made his first mistake.
- What are you doing?
- Just giving myself time to think.
Ch... Oh, yeah, yeah.
That's the limitation of the animal's mind.
Bell means food, buzzer means pain.
And where the human brain
wins over them
is the ability to figure out
"twang-click" might mean "power off".
Twang-click. It's safe to escape
if you can get out before the doors slide down.
Pretend to make love to me, OK? I don't
want old Blueck to realise we've cottoned on.
Next time the twang-click goes,
just run, OK?
No tests, no hesitations. Just run.
Outside there's a kind of alleyway
which runs alongside the pet shop.
Just run like hell.
- Just pretend, remember?
- Mm-hm.
Who'd buy pets in a crummy area like this?
- People do.
- Enough to keep a shop in business?
Yes, I dare say.
Only, Mrs Spillers talked about
her husband agreeing to feed the animals
as if it were a zoo.
What was it she said to you last night?
Well, that she'd found him OK.
He'd been celebrating.
- What's all this in aid of?
- My peace of mind.
Just happened the lady came in
and asked for my help
the morning I had a blinding headache.
I'd have thought you had more
important things to do with your time
than play nursemaid
to a fellow like Chuck Spillers.
Yes, you're right.
Forget it.
Where's the car?
Chuck, there's a police station
half a mile down the road.
- How do you know?
- I went there.
What?! I told you!
They'll put me away!
It's Blueck they'll put away.
They can't have you for failed intent.
Anyway, they didn't care. Nobody
wanted to know.
- Exactly! So what was the point?
- I'm sorry, I'm sorry...!
Run!
Straight on!
We're free!
- Now will you go to the police?
- Not on your life.
- Oh, you can't let him get away with it.
- I'm not going to.
- You keep watch.
- No, let's go home.
In case anything goes wrong.
If I don't come out, then
you go to the law.
What are you going to do?
I'm going to sort that bastard out.
Blueck! Blueck!
Chuck!
Chuck?
Chuck!
My friend! Open the panel!
Get me out! Chuck!
Chuck! Get me out! Chuck!
- Oh!
- Is there anything to eat round here?
Yes, I left your supper
on the saucepan.
Pooh!
- How long has it been?
- Oh, an eternity.
I'll get rid of this
and then we'll go out for dinner.
Oh, yes, Chuck! I want the open.
I want cool air, freedom and space.
No, don't!
He knew.
He fixed it.
He allowed us to escape on purpose.
He can't do it! He must be crazy!
He can't think he can get away with it!
- Prisons without walls, cages without bars!
- We've got to get out!
We've been trained, Annie! Trained!
He's got us trapped!
The detective sergeant...
No, no, no. What could he do?
You told him everything was OK.
They'll catch Blueck! He'll
change the circuits!
They'll never catch Blueck. Never.
He's trapped in the cell.
Oh, no!
There must be a way out. There must.
Oh, we're never going to
get out of here, ever!
Oh, Chuck.
We're going to die!
No!
Help! Help!
Help!
Help! Somebody, please!
- Help!
- No!
Help!
Help!
Help!
- Help!
- Please! Somebody!
- Help!
- Help!