All language subtitles for Stage.Fright.1950.iNTERNAL.BDRip.x264-MANiC

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[engine revving]

- Any sign of the police?
- No, no sign.

Looks like we're
getting away with it.

Good.

How far is it
to your father's boat?

Two hours with luck.

Your luck seems to be very good,
touching wood.

Could you tell me now
what happened?

I'd really like to know.

Only if you feel like it.

It's Charlotte Inwood.

- Oh.
- She's in a jam.

- That doesn't surprise me.
- No, this is serious, Eve.

It's deadly serious.
She was all over the place.

I had to help her.
Anybody would have done.

I was in my kitchen.
It was about 5 o'clock.

- [doorbell rings]
- The doorbell rang, and I went

downstairs to see who it was.

Charlotte: Jonnie, you love me.
Say that you love me.

You do love me, don't you?

I think he's dead.
I'm sure he's dead.

I didn't mean it.
I didn't mean it.

- Who's dead?
- My husband.

We had a terrible
quarrel about you.

Oh, he was vile.

You know the sort of things
he can say.

He started to hit me.

I grabbed something.

I was out of my mind with fear.
Oh, what am I to do?

Darling, pull yourself together.
He may not be.

The curtains, Jonnie.
Draw the curtains.

[rattling]

Jonathan: I thought
I had some brandy.

Here, drink this.

He was an abominable man.

Why do women marry
abominable men?

- Where was all this?
- In my bedroom.

Anyone else in the house?

I left the servants
in the country.

I drove up early
to have an hour's rest

before the performance.

Oh, what shall I do?
I can't go on. I can't.

- Has anyone seen you?
- No. I don't think so.

There wasn't a soul
in the street.

I jumped into my car
and came here.

It's parked around the corner.

Oh, Jonnie,
what will they do to me?

Don't tremble like that.
We'll find a way.

We'll see you
alright, darling.

But you must call the theater.
I can't play tonight.

Tell them I'm ill.
Heavens, it'll be true enough.

No, you must go on tonight.
You've got to.

As if nothing had happened.
Nothing has happened.

You drove straight to the
theater, do you understand?

Straight to the theatre.
You haven't been home at all.

Now, get that into your head.

But my dress.
There's blood on it.

- I must go back and change.
- No, you can't do that.

Or I could go myself.

Oh, darling, could you?

There's no one there.

I'd give you the key.

There's a blue dress like this
in the big cupboard

next to my window

in the bedroom.
Here's the key.

Are you sure
the servants aren't back yet?

No, no, no, but you must hurry.
Oh, please, Jonnie. Please.

This is my only chance.

- You will, won't you?
- It's a risk.

Let me think a minute.
I mean...

Well, you know
I want to help you, but...

Go or don't go.
It's all the same.

I thought you loved me.

- Doesn't matter now.
- Oh, my dear. My darling.

I'd do anything for you.
You know that.

I'll be as quick as I can.

[engine revving]

[instrumental music]

[door closes]

[thuds]

[metal clanks]

[thuds]

[woman screams]

[dramatic music]

Yeah, but
it was your maid, Nellie.

Oh, yes.

She was going
to the house to pick up

some shoes I need for the show.

- Did she recognize you?
- I don't know.

You ought to get
to the theater.

The police are bound to go there

to tell you the bad news.

Give me my belt, darling,
will you?

Oh, Jonnie,
what have I done to you?

If Nellie recognized you,
it won't be safe here.

You ought to go away
for a while.

I don't think
that'll do much good.

But they'll come here.
You must go at once.

Oh, my dearest darling,
you have saved me.

We must think of you now.
You've got to hide.

What do I care
what happens to me?

Your job is to try
to forget everything.

Let me do the worrying.
I'll find a way.

Then we'll start again,
won't we, you and I?

No more stealth
and cheating and lying.

I must hurry, darling.
But I worry about you.

Well, you mustn't.
You're an actress.

You're playing a part.

- No nerves when you're on.
- I'll try.

My dress!

I'll get rid of that.
Don't worry.

Don't come down.
We shouldn't be seen together.

- Au revoir, my darling.
- Au revoir.

And for heaven's sake,
don't worry.

[instrumental music]

[intense music]

[music continues]

[phone ringing]

[dialing]

[clears throat]
Yes?

May I speak
to Miss Eve Gill, please?

Oh, dear, no.
I'm afraid she isn't in.

She said she was going
for the weekend to her father

but I thought she'd be back.

Yes, that's quite right.
She got back last night.

She has had rehearsals
all day today

at the Royal Academy
of Dramatic Art.

You know, the RADA.

Do you know when-when she is...
Where she is now?

Didn't you hear?

She's at the RADA

rehearsing.

[door bell buzzing]

- Jonathan Cooper?
- Yes.

We're police officers.

May we see you
for a few minutes, please?

Most certainly. Please come in.

[door slams]

[thudding]

[engine rumbling]

[thudding]

[engine rumbling]

[glass breaking]

[engine revving]

[tires screeching]

Woman 1: Tell you that I can't
possibly accede to your request.

I've come to this
decision after giving

the matter my earnest
consideration.

Stop me if ever there was
such an ungrateful child!

No, no, darling.

Don't run your words
into one another.

[tires screeching]

Woman 1: The child most
shamefully.

Is it not in your memory
that we, too, years ago

suffered the follies
and fevers of youth?

If our blood runs cooler
and more temperate,

let us not account
to ourselves for virtue,

but place it to the credit
of the soothing balm

of the passage of years
that we have fortifications

against the distempers
of juvenility.

Lana, you were born
to be kinder than this.

No, papa, you are cruel.

If all parents were of your mind

marriage would be
impossibility...

And then what would become
of the human race?

Go away.
What are you doing here?

Jonathan: The police are after
me. You see them?

Man 1: You have not, I hope,
forgotten the tragedy that...

Jonathan: They think
I killed a man.

Can you hide me
on your father's boat?

Man 1: Are you so heartless
as to wish bring my...

They've just gone.

I was under the impression
that this

was a class
of intelligent students

trying to master an extremely
difficult and beautiful art.

I haven't the pleasure
of knowing you, young man

but I shall report
your behavior to Sir Kenneth.

Now we will begin the rehearsal
again, with the other cast.

This cast seem to think
that acting is fun and games.

I'm terribly sorry, Miss Ashton.

- Oh, Jonathan.
- Let's get out of here.

- Have you got your car here?
- It's parked in front.

I'll show you to the back
entrance and pick you up there.

[engine revving]

Eve, do you hate me?

Now that you know
about Charlotte and me?

Why, I could never
hate you, Jonathan,

because we're...

We're such old friends.

And...

Well, just because.

But I do wish I'd taken lessons

on the second fiddle.

Good old Eve.

[intense music]

[waves crashing]

[train whistle blowing]

[train chugging]

Bring him in here.

It's warmer.

Do you think
I behaved like a fool?

On the whole, I think so.

But I think your boyfriend
has behaved like a fool.

I have a strong premonition
that I'm going

to behave like a fool.

It's infectious.

Do you mean
you're going to help him?

Why not?

He's a friend of yours,
isn't he?

- Oh, yes.
- I see.

More than a friend, eh?

When I'm with him,
I get a feeling in here that...

- That's sort of--
- Yes, yes, yes.

Well, we'll go
into the symptoms later.

Meanwhile, I take it you're
either keen on him

or still hungry.

I'm in love with him.

[accordion music]

You've roped him, but he's not
yet broken to harness.

Is that it?

I wish Charlotte Inwood
was in...

Gill: Oh, do you?

Oh, I've seen her on the stage.

She'd have made me laugh,

if I hadn't been
strictly on my guard.

Well, she couldn't make me
laugh, off or on the stage.

I can't bear to sit by and see
what she's doing to Jonathan.

She's like an evil spirit.
Just look at him!

Ruined, and by a woman. Hm!

Now you want me
to take the ruins

for a little cruise, hm?

Well, is that it?

But I thought you could take him

across the channel
or to the Irish coast.

Then he could hide out a bit.

Well, the journey sounds
attractive,

but less attractive to help
a suspected murderer

to escape, particularly
with my reputation.

There's nothing that matter
with your reputation.

Well, indeed. I rather flattered
myself that there was.

As a matter of fact, the customs
people have their eye on me.

I'm suspected
of being a smuggler.

- Well, you're not.
- Oh, yes, I am.

One cask of brandy? That doesn't
mean you're a smuggler.

- Two casks.
- That was 15 years ago.

Now, but I've done
one or two other things since

that I didn't tell you
or your mother about.

Can't have been very much.

Of course not. Not very much.

Nothing could appear very much
to a, to a murderer's moll, hm?

But I never hope
to be appreciated.

Yes, your mother
cured me of that.

That's why I never could be
bothered with your mother.

I appreciate you, father.

You and Captain Kidd
are my favorite heroes.

My child, I am not deceived.

If there's one thing
I cannot bear,

it's insincerity.

Oh, but you've got to help him.
You will help him, won't you?

He's lonely, he hasn't got
any friends but me,

and maybe you.

You will help him, won't you?

He hasn't got me...

yet.

[train whistle blowing]

You're just dying
to get into a part of this,

and you know you are.

A part in this melodramatic
play, you mean?

That's the way
you're treating it, Eve.

As though it were a play you
were acting in at the academy.

Everything seems
a fine acting role

when you're stage-struck

doesn't it, my dear?

Here you have a plot,
an interesting cast

even a costume,
little the worse for wear.

Unfortunately, Eve,
in this real and earnest life

we must face the situation
and all its bearings.

- Yes.
- What do you mean?

Well, Miss Charlotte Inwood
appears to be an expert

in garden paths.

I think she's led your young
friend up the garden path.

I think we should hesitate
before we follow him.

But why?

Well, I don't know
how this bloodstain

got onto this dress,
but I do know that

somebody smeared it
on deliberately.

But why should they do that?

Well, Miss Inwood is an actress,

a very good one.

She has an eye
for an emotional situation.

Supposing she wanted
our somnolent

young friend to go to her house

and be spotted there.

Well, this sanguinary garment
would provide

a very plausible reason.

A very plausible reason indeed.

So that's why
she didn't change her dress

before she went to his rooms.

Gill: Well, I cannot imagine
Miss Inwood

going to see her young man.

Or your young man,
whose ever young man he is,

in this nasty, messy condition.

No. This dress is a clue,
my dear, a very important clue.

And though it grieves me, of all
people, to have to say it, Eve

I think we should go
to the police.

Jonathan! Jonathan,
Jonathan, wake up.

Jonathan, how far do you think
you could trust Charlotte?

Well, I'd trust her
with my life. What do you mean?

This bloodstain
didn't happen by accident

it was put here deliberately.

Don't be ridiculous.
I know what you're trying to do.

You're trying to turn me against
Charlotte, but you can't.

What's this doing here, anyhow?

It should have been
destroyed hours ago!

You fool, there goes evidence
that could've helped you.

Well, you're not to say thing
against Charlotte.

I'm doing all this for her sake.
You're just jealous of her!

Young man, I'd remind you
you're my daughter's guest.

I'd like better
manners from you.

Oh, I am sorry, Eve.

Please forgive me.

I lost my head for a moment.

I can hardly think.

I'm almost dead
for want of sleep.

I wonder, would it be too much
trouble if I went to bed?

That is, if Commodore Gill
wants to let me stay.

Ah, your room is at the head
of the stairs.

You'll be quite comfortable.

And if you want anything
to read in bed

you'll find some quite good
murder mysteries in there.

[laughs] Beg your pardon.

- Look, Eve--
- Shh.

- But he's--
- Shh.

At last we are alone
and unobserved.

You know, I'm beginning
to enjoy this.

Father, do you think
she arranged

to put the suspicion
on Jonathan?

Do you think she deliberately
framed him?

The thought had crossed my mind.

That was why I reluctantly
suggested that our friends,

the police,
ought to be told about it.

But it's too late now,
our only piece of evidence

has gone up the chimney.

But we must help Jonathan,
he'll do nothing for himself.

He's hopelessly in love
with that woman.

It's up to us.

Yes, but it-- it won't be easy.

It is easy. I'll go to her
and see her myself.

- Would that be wise?
- I don't care if it is or not.

I'll tell her we know the dress
and how the bloodstain

got there and we know
her every move of her game.

I'll make her talk.
It'll be one woman to another.

An impressive situation
at any time.

But she'll herself away,
she won't be able to help it.

- You'll see.
- I won't see. I won't be there.

And neither will you.

If we're right in what we think,
she's a desperate woman.

A dangerous woman.
She won't give herself away.

You'd be giving her
another alternative.

She has no alternative.

She might murder you.

Oh, don't be so melodramatic,
father.

Look, my love. Face facts.

What is the least
that can happen to you

if you tackle
this remarkable lady?

She'll at once pick up
a little pink telephone

and call the police.

She will then give you in charge

for concealing a fugitive

from justice.

Eventually, you will be tried
at the Old Bailey.

Where if you're lucky,
you might

get off with, now, let me see...

a couple of years,

which you will spend
in Holloway prison

meditating on
the folly of transmuting

melodrama into real life.

Well...

You see the best thing
you can do, my girl,

is to go back to your academy

and practice
your soul-shaking antics

in surroundings
where they can't do any harm.

After all, this-- this fellow
can't possibly

mean all that to you.

But he does, father.

[instrumental music]

[accordion music]

[birds squawking]

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

[traffic bustling]

[intense music]

[indistinct chatter]

- Move along there, please.
- But I'd like--

Now move along there, miss.
There's nothing to see.

Hello, father?

I'm-- I'm outside
the Inwood house.

Outside? Why not inside?

Oh, don't be ridiculous, father.

The police won't let
anyone near the place.

Really?

How very extraordinary.

Well, look, you've done your
best, now come back here

and decide what to do about,

about the man
that came to dinner.

Oh, I feel awful.

I've been listening to
the people in the crowd talking

and they assume
that you-know-who is guilty

and all the police have
to do is catch him.

It's terrifying.

Yes, but the police may not
think he's guilty.

After all,
they work in secret, you know.

They may have their own ideas
about-- about a certain lady.

I wish I knew
what the police were thinking.

Well, look, why not ask them?

Well, that's easier
said than done.

Oh, just a minute, father.

- Father, goodbye now.
- Eve...

[indistinct chatter]

I'll see you back at the office
about 2 o'clock, sir.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

[people laughing]

May I have a small brandy,
please?

Madam, pardon my intrusion,

but is there, by any chance

any assistance I could be of?

No, thank you.

[indistinct chatter]

Man 2: I don't know how you pick
up all the dirt.

Man 3: Oh, I get around.

Any case, I know Munson's
daughter...

Man 4: Right
from the horse's mouth.

Man 5: Really...

[indistinct chatter]

I most solemnly
assure you, madam,

it would be a pleasure,
if there was

any assistance I could be of.

- Thank you very much.
- Oh.

If-- if you will allow me
to say so,

you-- you look depressed.

Yes, the cheering word,
the helping hand...

I'm perfectly alright.

Oh, good. Right. Good, good.

Is there anything I can do?

Look, I don't know your trouble,

but you don't look
very well to me.

A little brandy can't do you
any harm. Why not drink it?

[coughing]

My great-aunt
died over a glass of brandy,

but it was her 15th that day.

- Feeling any better?
- Yes, thank you.

You left your lunch over there.

Oh, it won't feel lonely.
I'll go back to it in a minute.

Perhaps you're allergic
to bars.

Look, would you feel less uneasy

if I sat with you,
or more uneasy?

Perhaps you're allergic
to strange men, too.

No. I love strange men.

I mean, I'm very fond of them.

I'll just go and get my lunch.

Man 6: The butler told me.
Never saw such a sight.

They say his head was bashed
in something terrible.

I heard they clocked
him so hard his

false teeth
went across the room.

I know I'm pretty silly,
but I overheard

two people on the street today
talking about the murder.

They went into a lot of detail.

I felt so sick and giddy,

I just had to come in
and have a brandy.

My father says I tend
to overdramatize everything.

I expect he's right.
I know how you feel, though.

I hate violence myself.

Doesn't that make it
rather difficult for you?

I mean, I think
we ought to face up

to the ugly side of life.

Now, me, for instance.

I'm an actress.

I ought to face up to all sorts

of experiences, oughtn't I?

Oh, I don't know.

Supposing
I happened to be a librarian.

A librarian doesn't have
to encounter much violence

except an occasional

encyclopedia falling
on his head.

But you're not a librarian,
are you?

No, I'm not. How do you know?

Well, you just don't
look like a librarian.

You don't look like an actress.

Oh? I thought I did.

Well, I'm only a beginner,
really.

That is, I've only played
one part in public.

- Could I have seen you?
- I don't think so.

It was in the church hall.

I played the fourth deadly sin.

Were you good?

I was pretty deadly.

Man 7: What was this
Jonathan Cooper after?

I heard there was
nothing stolen.

Perhaps he did it
for the fun of it.

Like that old woman
in Chelsea last week.

Poor Charlotte Inwood,
imagine coming home

and finding
your husband horribly dead.

Policemen and detectives all
over the house, and the blood...

Careful, careful, careful.

Remember, you're sensitive
to that sort of thing.

You'll bring on
another fainting fit.

I hear that Charlotte Inwood's
going back

into the show
in a couple of days.

Must be dreadful
to sing and dance and be gay

with that horrible picture
still burning in one's mind.

Oh, it's the old story,
"Is not the actor

the man with a heart?"
all over again.

I once had a cousin
who had a duodenal ulcer

and an extremely funny face,
both at the same time.

Everybody laughed at him when
he was telling his symptoms.

His name was Jim.

That must have been terrible.

Oh, I don't know.
Jim's quite a common name.

I wonder what Charlotte Inwood
is really like. Really, I mean.

Man 8: Oh, hello, Nellie.

That's Charlotte Inwood's maid.

Hello, Nellie. I didn't expect
to see you so soon.

How are you bearing up, ducks,
after last night?

Mrs. Tippet, what I've been
through. All those policemen.

Bothering you with a lot
of questions, I suppose.

Questions? They've been
asking me this,

asking me that,
all morning long.

I didn't know whether
I was coming or going.

Gin and lemon, please,
Mrs. Tippet.

- Not too much lemon, dear.
- Okay.

Mind you, they never
laid a finger on me,

but, oh, the questions.

Nag, nag, nag.

"How did you know
it was Mr. Cooper?

"How many times you see him
and where?

And did he give you anything?"

Blimey,
he never gave me nothing.

"And how long you been
Miss Inwood's maid?"

Oh, they was gentlemanly
and polite, alright

but give me the bleeding
Russians any day, dear.

Yes, you gotta watch your step

when you're up
against the police.

And if that wasn't enough,
when I came out of the house

the reporters pounced on me
with their questions,

asking me the lowdown.

I just jumped out
of my skin when that

photographer's flashbulb went.

Well, I mean,
fancy taking my picture.

You're quite a celebrity,
you lucky girl.

I'll have to buy
the "Daily Mirror" tomorrow.

Of course, I'm...

I'm not saying a word
to the reporters. Not a word.

After all,
who discovered the body?

I'll be a star witness
at that trial,

and my story
ought to be worth something

and I've no intention
of giving it away.

Isn't she talking too much?

Too much, too loud.

Too everything.
How do you feel now?

Oh, I feel a little better,
thank you.

I have to go.

I don't like leaving
you here alone.

Do you feel fit enough
to let me see you home?

I have a car.

Perhaps you'd better
let me drive it for you.

Well, that's very
kind of you, I...

I do still feel a bit wobbly.

To be quite honest, it isn't
really kindness at all.

I mean,
I'm afraid I maneuvered it.

How clever of you.

Nellie: You've got something
there, Fred.

I'll drink to that, on you.

A double gin
and lemon, please.

Man 9: Double? Alright, Nellie,
I hope it chokes you.

You don't miss a trick, do you?
You're always on the make.

[engine revving]

[instrumental music]

My mother's really a dear.

My father, too, of course.

But they shout at one another

and neither one like to shout.

I can't tell you
how much I appreciate this.

You've been extraordinarily kind

and you know nothing
whatsoever about me.

Oh, I don't know, Miss Gill.

You were born in South Africa.

The 17th of September,
wasn't it?

You educated in America
and now you're studying

at the Royal Academy
of Dramatic Art.

Your mother and father
don't live together.

You're a very well-behaved
young lady until today

but allergic to murder,
and that drove you to drink.

I hope it's only temporary.

But I don't even
know your name.

I only know that
you play the piano.

Oh, I'm so sorry.
It was stupid of me. I forgot.

Uh, my name is Smith.

Just ordinary Smith?

A detective?

I hope you don't mind.

Oh, no. Of course not.

Well, I'm delighted.

By the way, I don't suppose you

and your mother
are interested in tea

with a detective, that is.

Of course.
Especially with a detective.

Would you like to have tea
with us one day?

Oh, I'd love to.
How about this afternoon?

- Well, tomorrow, then?
- Yes.

Yes. That's fine.

[instrumental music]

[clamoring]

[people laughing]

And I could take your place.

You'd never get away with it.

What makes you think
you could be a maid?

But it would only be
for a day or two.

You'd have to be her dresser
down at the theater too.

You couldn't do that.
That's very highly skilled work.

Well, I could
if you told me how.

It sounds phony to me.

All this trouble just to get
a newspaper story.

Well, we women reporters
have a tough job

competing with the men
especially

on important stories
like this.

And what paper are you on,
may I ask?

[sighs]
Well, I-- I can't tell you that.

If anything should
go wrong with my plan

it would be very embarrassing
for the paper.

Oh? And what about my job?

Suppose Miss Inwood found out
I was passing you

off as my cousin.

I'm not sure
she won't smell a rat.

I never been away ill for years.

But anyone could go sick.

And I could do it,
really I could.

I've-- I've done
a bit of acting.

Character acting?

- Yes.
- I see.

All you gotta do is put
on some of your old clothes

and make yourself look
common like me.

Let me explain
why it's so important

that I get the right
slant on this.

I think there's a romance
between Miss Inwood

and this man named Cooper.

And where did you get this idea?
Do you know what I think?

I think you're snooping
for the police.

Oh, no.

I saw you this morning sitting

on this very seat
with a detective.

Oh, well,
that was Wilfred Smith.

He's an old friend of mine.

I didn't get a thing out of him.

Charlie, double gin
and lemon, please.

- Not too much lemon, dear.
- Same for me.

Nellie: I can get five times
that much

from any newspaper
when the case is over.

Why not get both?

Caught you, have I?

Hope I don't intrude
on some deep conspiracy.

And I hope you find yourself
no worse

for your distressing
experiences.

Haven't I?

And I've met your charming
friend before.

I know that face.

Uh, this is my cousin
Doris, Mr. Fortesque.

Mr. Fortesque: Oh, yeah.
Charming. Charming.

[laughs] Perhaps
as dear Nellie didn't,

didn't provide me
with your surname

you'll let me call
you Doris, eh?

Mr. Fortesque: Yeah.

[instrumental music]

[coughing]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Mrs. Gill: Mrs. Mason, I can't
think what I've done

with my reading glasses.

Have you seen them anywhere?

[instrumental music]

[bell ringing]

[lock clicking]

- Could I?
- Oh, there you are.

Help me find my glasses, Eve,
darling. I can't see a thing.

I'm Doris Tinsdale.

I'm from Nellie.

Move along there, please.

[instrumental music]

I'm Doris Tinsdale.

- Miss Inwood's expecting me.
- Oh, yes.

You're the temporary
Nellie sent along.

[instrumental music]

Just wait over here a minute.

We'd like to see Miss Inwood.

Can I have a few words
with you as well?

Groves: By all means.
Will you step this way, please?

Byard: I understand you've been
in service

now for six or seven years.

Groves: Six years and nine
months, to be precise.

Freddie: Come in.

Okay, yes. I'll...

I'll come around
the box office tonight.

Charlotte: What did they say,
Freddie?

More cancellations.

Charlotte: Oh, how stupid
people are.

Even if my understudy's legs
are so peculiar

she's just as good as I am.

Hm, she knows darn well
she'd better not be.

That's not the point.

It's you they want to see.

Well, what do you want?

I'm from Nellie.

Madam's expecting me.

The new girl's here, Charlie.

No, no. This doesn't fit me.

Oh, here, here.
Pull it up on this side.

The other side too.

You know that, don't you?

Excuse me, madam.

Read it to me, dear.

"Dear Madam, this will
introduce my cousin Doris

who is in every way
a good girl."

Not so loud.

"I hope you'll find her
satisfactory

during my illness.
Signed, Nellie Goode."

This is very nice,
if you can call mourning nice

but, uh, isn't there
some way we could

let it plunge a little in front?

I suppose not.

"Signed, Nellie Goode."

If we could only work
in a little color somewhere.

- Hardly.
- Oh, well.

"Signed, Nellie Goode."

Take off your hat, dear.

There are simply millions
of things to do, I'm afraid.

You won't mind if I depend
on you a great deal?

Thank you, darling.

Now, get me out of these weeds.

I'm beginning to feel sad,
and I shouldn't feel sad.

It's so depressing.

See who that is.

What's your name?

Doris Tinsdale, madam.

Charlotte: Yes? What is it,
Groves?

Divisional Detective
Inspector Byard

and Detective Inspector Smith
to see you, madam.

Charlotte: Good heavens.

Hear that, Freddie?
The police again.

- Show them up, Groves.
- Very good, madam.

I thought I told you
to wait downstairs.

Hand me a negligee
from that cupboard

over there, will you, Phyllis?

Now, what about this dress
for the theatrical

garden party, Miss Inwood?

Black? Oh, yes, of course.

How clever of you
to remember, darling.

Hold that for me, will you?

- Freddie.
- Yes?

We haven't decided. Am I going
to the theatrical garden party?

I don't feel an atom like it.

I keep thinking about
those dreadful cancellations.

Freddie: I don't see why.
They're a compliment to you.

Hand me a comb and mirror
from over there, will you?

But they do cut down
the takings.

I think I could appear tonight,

if you insisted.

Freddie: It'll be
a terrible strain

for you, wouldn't it?

Oh, ghastly.

But I can't help feel
for my poor,

dear, loyal public.

Looking towards it for weeks

and then trailing back sadly
with their tickets

getting their money returned.

I simply can't bear it.

It would be pretty trying.

Waves of sympathy
coming on the stage

all the gangways
flooded with tears.

I can hardly bear
the thought myself.

No use trying to stop me.
I'm going on tonight.

Be at the theater
at 6 o'clock sharp, will you?

- Yes, madam.
Charlotte: Take this away.

You go right ahead, dear.

Garden party dress
and everything.

And why don't we let ourselves

go a trifle just in front, huh?

And thank you so very much.

What do you suppose
the police wants now?

I don't know.

Must you speak to me
with your mouth full?

Freddie: They've probably come
to look under your bed

for young Master Cooper.

Charlotte: What could I tell
them about Cooper?

I know nothing about him.

Freddie: Tell them just that.

Listen.

[indistinct whispering]

That's a good idea.

Elsie, darling, come here.

Now, when the policemen are here
I want you

to wait in the other room
and listen.

When you hear me cough,
you come in and say,

"The doctor's here."
Have you got that?

Yes, madam.

You can stand just so much
of detectives.

After all, they are only
policemen with smaller feet.

Byard: In here?
Groves: The next door, sir.

What's the matter with Nellie?

Oh, it's-- it's her stomach,
sir,

if you'll excuse the expression.

The tragedy and excitement
of it all was too much for her.

- Highly strung type, eh?
- Oh, very, sir.

And, I suppose you know,
Miss Inwood,

that whatever Cooper's
motive was

it certainly couldn't
have been robbery.

Of course, darling.
I understand that.

Charlotte: I suppose he just
tried to make it

look like robbery.

Byard: Certainly.
- What's your name again?

Doris, sir.

You know, Doris,
you're not bad-looking.

Thank you, sir.

You don't treat your face
properly, that's all.

If you fixed your hair
and used a little makeup,

you'd be quite attractive.

Charlotte: I suppose I shouldn't
have seen him as often as I did.

But I didn't realize how madly
infatuated he was with me.

I just didn't realize.

You'll never know how much
I blame myself for all this.

When my husband came back
from New York last week,

and I told Jonnie
I couldn't see him,

he kept on phoning me.

He wouldn't let me alone.

Oh, maybe if I had agreed
to see him...

he wouldn't have done
this dreadful thing.

Byard: When did you last see
Jonathan Cooper?

Let me think.

It must have been a week...

A week before my husband died.

[coughs]

- Go on.
- Did he come to this house?

What are you waiting for?

Excuse me, madam.
The doctor's waiting to see you.

Oh, I'm so sorry, darling,

but I will have to see
my doctor.

I'm feeling wretched.

I've been trying to get him
all morning.

You see, I'm going on tonight.

The producer has insisted
so much.

And I don't want to see him
ruined because of me.

That's alright. I think we've
covered most of the points.

If there's any more
I can help you with,

you will let me know,
won't you?

Thank you. We'll try not
to trouble you again.

Thank you.

You're so understanding.

And so are you.

Doris, show the gentlemen out.

Byard: It's alright.
Thank you.

We can find our own way
downstairs.

[door closes]

Charlotte: Freddie.

Mavis, go down to the kitchen
and get yourself a cup of tea.

- I'll ring when I need you.
- Yes. Thank you, madam.

[indistinct chatter]

Darling, where's Jonathan?
Where is he?

Friends may be hiding him.

He had no friends,
he only had me.

Well, I hope he hasn't made any
and I hope he hasn't

taken them into his confidence.

For your sake,
his sake and their sake.

What do you mean?

If the truth comes out,
it would break you.

- I can't have that.
- What could you do?

You know me.
You know how it is with me.

- You make me afraid.
- Not I.

You don't know what fear is.

Oh, that would be most lovely.

Mrs. Gill: But, of course,
you must be fond of swimming.

Smith: But, I am,
yes I am, very fond of it.

I go out to the country
to find somewhere to swim.

Mrs. Gill: You don't live
in the country? Oh, dear.

Of course, we miss the rain
so much, don't we?

All the flowers.
It's so disappointing.

I really must apologize for Eve,
Mr...?

- Was the name Smith?
- Smith, yes.

Smith. The name seems familiar,
somehow.

I can't understand
why that girl is so late.

I mean, she's usually
so punctual.

She takes that from me. Her
father isn't punctual at all.

I mean, he catches trains
and things,

but always at the last moment.

I'm always there
at least an hour before.

Yes. I'm sure you are.

I have heard a lot about you,
Mrs. Gill.

Oh, have you?
Is Eve very fond of me?

Have you, uh, have you
known her long, Mr. Smith?

I've got the name right now,
haven't I?

I've known her
for about a day and a half.

Oh. That's not very long.

Where did you meet?

As a matter of fact, we met in
the saloon bar of a pub.

Well.

How interesting.

Thank you.

Ah. Oh. Am I intruding?

This is Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith, this is Eve's father.

- We see him now and again.
- How do you do, sir?

Very well, indeed. Thank you.

Uh, do sit down.

Oh, thank you.

Uh, where's Eve?

She should be here by this time.

- She asked Mr. Smith to tea.
- Oh, good, good, good.

Anyone else coming?
I mean, going to be a party?

I'm passionately
fond of parties.

No, there's no one else coming,

and you weren't invited.

Wasn't I? Oh, an oversight.

Oh, but, I forgive you.

Forgiveness, Mr. Smith.

The secret of a happy
married life.

That and long stretches
of the absence

that makes the heart
grow fonder.

There you are, my dear.

The last but four of
the Mahicans.

Will you forgive me,
Mr. Ordinary Smith?

Yes.
I've just been set an example.

Yes, but he says his name
is just plain Smith.

He did? Oh, I'm terribly sorry
to be late,

but the rehearsal went on and on
and the awful part is,

that I have to go back
almost at once.

Gill: It was very decent of you
to have come.

Father, what are you doing here?

I've been trying to reach you
all day.

I took the boat out.
We had quite a little cruise.

Jonnie and me.

Poor old Jonnie.
I hope his rheumatism is better.

Do play something, Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith is a pianist, mother.

Well, I think that's
a delightful career.

I often wish I'd kept up
my practicing.

It's not exactly my career,
Mrs. Gill.

But you must play for us.
Make him, mother.

But I haven't even
started my tea yet.

But of course he hasn't.
Eve, you are ridiculous.

But I've got to leave
in a minute. Please play.

You know, Jonnie's not
much of a sailor, Eve.

[laughs]
He was abominably seasick.

In fact, as soon as we got
ashore, Jonnie ran away.

- Who's Jonnie?
- I wish I knew.

He's about 57 different
varieties.

[chuckles] I'd say, roughly
speaking, he was a dog of

some sort that strayed
in a couple of nights ago.

Do the police know about him?

No, no, no.
I'm not worried about him.

I daresay he'll find his way
back to his old master.

Or mistress.

I thought for a minute,
we might have to ask

for your help, Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith is a detective,
mother.

Mrs. Mason.

[chuckles]
A detective. How very unusual.

I suppose you have
many fascinating cases.

Mrs. Gill: Must be very
exciting.

Not very, I'm afraid.

Embezzlement, fraud,
petty thefts.

Smuggling?

Yes. Occasionally.
Brandy mostly.

Murder, too, sometimes, father.

Mr. Smith is working
on the Inwood case.

Oh, you don't say so.

Yes, I read about that
somewhere.

How did you know?

I saw your photograph
in the paper.

Oh.

What is the fellow's name,
Clippen.

Cooper, Cooper.
Did he do it, do you think?

Well, he has run away
and remained in hiding.

We're inclined to accept
the obvious as being obvious.

[piano music]

Oh, it's just like
Sherlock Holmes and his fiddle.

A stream of beautiful sound,

and then suddenly
out pops the solution.

[clock chiming at distance]

- Oh, I must run.
- So must I.

I don't know what you'll
think of me.

I like people bound up
in their work.

You'll make a very good actress
indeed.

Au revoir, my pet.

Meet me at the stage door...
[whispers]

Oh, can't I drive you
back to the Academy?

Oh, no, no, no. I do
want you to get to know father.

Not professionally, I mean,
but he's a wonderful character.

And they'd be hurt
if you didn't stay.

- When will I see you again?
- Well, I really don't--

Ring me tomorrow first thing.
Regent 1113.

[chiming continues]

Oh.

[car horn honking]

♪ People make fun of our love ♪

♪ Calling it foolish ♪

♪ And romantic call ♪

♪ Let them say if they like ♪

♪ It's satirical ♪

♪ But to me... ♪♪

I know you think I'm an idiot,
but I'm not.

- I'm doing darn well.
- Yes.

You're giving a very good show.
A very good show indeed.

Pity you've no audience.

But you're my audience.

I wish you'd give me a little
applause now and then.

I wonder when poor Jonathan
is going to turn up.

Turn up where?

Wherever Miss Charlotte Inwood
happens to be.

But, good heavens,
she'll only turn him over.

Yes, and to your nice
new friend, Mr. Smith.

[applause]

[instrumental music]

Who was that man?

Oh, that was my dad, madam.

I told him about my temporary
job, and he doesn't like it.

What with the murder and all.
You know, madam.

What's it got to do with him?
Or with you?

My dad says that man on the run
might turn up here.

Might even get
into the dressing room.

Might even murder me, madam.

It's the scene of the crime
the murderer returns to,

not the theater.

He might be right, my dad.

I'm surprised you're not
a bit afraid yourself.

Slippers.

This theater's the last place
he'd want to be seen in.

Now, stop acting
like a silly schoolgirl.

The only murderer here
is the orchestra leader.

[audience applauding]

Father, you've got to keep on
the lookout

and head Jonathan off.

Right. Certainly, my dear.

This is desperate.

Go on, go on, go on, go on.

[instrumental music]

♪ It's not 'cause she wouldn't ♪

♪ It's not 'cause
she shouldn't ♪

♪ And you know ♪

♪ It's not 'cause she couldn't ♪

♪ It's simply because ♪

♪ I'm the laziest gal in town ♪

♪ Nothing ever worries me ♪

♪ No one ever hurries me ♪

♪ I take pleasure leisurely ♪

♪ Even when I kiss ♪

♪ But when I kiss
they want some more ♪

♪ And wanting more
becomes a bore ♪

♪ It isn't worth
the fighting for ♪

♪ So I tell them this ♪

♪ It's not 'cause I wouldn't ♪

♪ It's not 'cause I shouldn't ♪

♪ And you know ♪

♪ It's not 'cause I couldn't ♪

♪ It's simply because ♪

♪ I'm the laziest gal in town ♪

♪ Though I'm more than willing
to learn ♪

♪ How these gals
get money to burn ♪

♪ Every proposition
I turn down ♪

♪ Way down ♪

♪ It's not 'cause I wouldn't ♪

♪ It's not 'cause I shouldn't ♪

♪ And you know ♪

♪ It's not 'cause I couldn't ♪

♪ It's simply because ♪

♪ I'm the laziest gal in town ♪

♪ My poor heart is achin' ♪

♪ To bring home the bacon ♪

♪ And if I'm ♪

♪ Alone and forsaken ♪

♪ It's simply because ♪

♪ I'm the laziest gal in town ♪

♪ Though I'm more than willing
to learn ♪

♪ How these gals
get money to burn ♪

♪ Every proposition
I turn down ♪

♪ Way down ♪

♪ It's not 'cause I wouldn't ♪

♪ It's not 'cause I shouldn't ♪

♪ And you know ♪

♪ It's not 'cause I couldn't ♪

♪ It's simply because ♪

♪ I'm the laziest gal in town ♪♪

[orchestral music]

[audience applauding]

Madam, madam.

- What?
- Madam, there's a man.

Eve: I think he's gone up
to your dressing room.

What are you talking about?
What man?

Eve: I saw him. Don't go up
there. It's dangerous.

You're an imbecile.

You needn't come up.

I'll manage to change myself.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chorus singing]

Charlotte: I know, Jonnie,
darling.

But what a terrible risk
you've taken.

Jonathan: I couldn't keep away.

You haven't told me
where you've been.

Some friends looked after me.

- What friends, darling?
- Never mind that just now.

We've got to work out
a plan of campaign.

But everything is going on
beautifully.

We've got to get a cast iron
story and we'll both

have to stick to it.

I must change.

You shouldn't have come here,
Jonnie.

You've been so wonderful
up to now.

Don't think that I'm ungrateful.
I'm not. Truly, I'm not.

I don't know
how I shall ever repay you.

Repay me?

You talk as though
this were a favor.

Jonathan: Something that
a "Thank you" can take care of.

Dearest, you mustn't be foolish.

You must go away at once.

Back to... where you
were hiding.

Freddie's going to get you out
of the country

as soon as he can.

And I'll come to see you,

when the run of the show's over.

Why, that may be months,

maybe a year, or more.

Well, you know how it is.

We were playing to capacity

before this happened.

Now they're hanging on
to the chandeliers.

Fifty pounds up tonight.

Goodness knows
how they squeeze them in.

Yes.
I could only get standing room.

Well, there you are.

You'll find a lovely place,
South America or somewhere.

And I'll come out to you,

as soon
as all of this has blown over.

I'll be glad of the rest
for a week or two.

Palm trees... sunshine.

Lovely.

A week or two?

Well, you don't want me to give
up everything, do you?

Why not? I have.

Now, Jonnie, I thought you said
that my happiness

was all that mattered.

And you must admit that
you behaved as if it was.

Taking all the trouble
to protect my reputation...

covering up the accident,

destroying that dreadful dress
with the bloodstain on it.

I didn't destroy it.

You didn't?

Jonnie, you promised.

Don't you realize
if they find the dress...

So long as I have that dress,

I'm the one who decides how long
this show will run.

And everything else.

Do you understand?

Man 10: Where the devil is
Miss Inwood?

The orchestra's
started her number.

My socks and suspenders,
where is she?

Take this.
I'll change downstairs.

Sorry, darling. A hook broke.

Just a minute, Charlie.

Jonathan Cooper's
in the theater.

The sergeant's seen him.

He says he was sure to make
for your room.

- Have you seen him?
- Of course not.

What a stupid idea.

I think I better take
a look at your

dressing room all the same.

Doris, show Sergeant Loomis
where to go.

- Freddie, there's something--
Stage Manager: Miss Inwood, please.

Freddie: Doris,
what are you waiting for?

[Charlotte singing]

Oh, Mr. Loomis, I feel so queer.
It's my heart.

The doctor told me I should
take the stairs easy.

You don't think
he'll try to shoot

his way out, do you, sergeant?

Eve: He might be desperate,
sergeant.

Don't you think you ought
to go back and get a policeman?

[Charlotte singing]

Ah!

[grunting]

She was glad he got away,
father.

How do you know?

By a look she gave
Freddie Williams.

"Look she gave
Freddie Williams"?

That won't get you very far.

She'd be more delighted still
if she knew

there was no
blood stained dress.

Oh, yes.

I wish we still had that dress.

There's so very little time.

We've got to make
every minute count.

I have to phone Smith tomorrow.

Why don't I invite him to the
theatrical garden party with me?

I have to sell programs there.

I don't quite follow you,
my dear Holmes.

In order to make him see.

Nobody suspects our Charlotte
yet, and they've got to.

Mrs. Gill: First, you'd see my
mother and father

and get approved by them.

Most parents nowadays don't seem
to care what sort of people

their children go around with,
but I'm not like that.

I know I'm very old-fashioned,
but I've got to think of Eve.

What do you do for a living?

Uh, I-- I write a bit.

Mrs. Gill: Oh, what,
novels and things?

I'm very fond of novels,
you know,

I read a delightful one
the other day.

Let me see. What was the title?
It was written by that woman.

I can't remember, but she's
written a number of books.

You must have read some of them.

They're all about
charming people.

She only writes about nice side
of life of course, you know.

Now, this book I was telling
you, you know the one,

the title has just slipped
my memory for the moment.

Well, it's about a mother, which
is a nice idea,

I think, don't you?
I mean, one reads so much

about the younger generation,

it does seem a brilliant idea
to have a change.

Now, this mother isn't old...

I'm sorry to turn up so late,
Eve,

but I'm stranded in town
for the night.

All the hotels are full.
My flat's uninhabitable.

I told you it's in the hands
of the decorators.

I know it's a frightful
imposition, but I wondered

if you could give me
a shakedown somewhere?

Well, of course we can.

Can't we, mother?

Well, it's a little awkward.

Is your father proposing
to stay here too?

Well, Jonathan could have
my room,

and I could sleep
on the settee...

Where shall we put your father?

Hmm?

No, I'll sleep on the settee,

and you can sleep
with your mama.

Oh, I hate to put you to all
this trouble.

Oh, not at all, Mr...?
What is your name?

- Jones.
- Brown.

Robinson. Now, Mr. Robinson,
I think we'll make it bye-byes.

Come along.
A blanket for the commodore,

and we'll all go to bye-byes.

Robinson.
I've heard that name before.

No, it won't do.
Has Eve gone mad,

turning the house into a hotel
in the middle of the night?

Who is this man, anyway?
What is his name?

Well, perhaps you better not
mention it.

The fact is that
he's a fugitive from justice.

The whole police force is on his
heels, and Eve... well,

for reasons of her own, my dear,
doesn't want him to be caught.

He's...

He's wanted for murder.

Now you're going too far.

I suppose you think I believed
that, that Mr. Smith,

who came here to tea,
was a real detective.

And if I hadn't heard her
maid's scared voice

outside the dressing room door,
they'd have got me.

Oh, Eve, darling, I know I
should never have trusted her.

Oh, darling, you've been
wonderful to me.

I don't deserve it,
but I need you.

I need you more than ever.

Tonight, when I found
what Charlotte was

all of a sudden,
I thought my brain would burst.

After all that I'd done for her.

Everything I did for her
was because

I loved her and she loved me.

[piano music]

[instrumental music]

- I'm so sorry.
- Why the umbrella?

Huh? Well, it is a garden party,
isn't it?

Oh, Roehampton Club, please.

It couldn't be helped,
I'm afraid.

You must blame
a Miss Doris Tinsdale.

Who is Doris Tinsdale?

Oh, she's Charlotte Inwood's
temporary dresser.

We've been searching
for her all afternoon.

One of our men at the theater
last night let her

slip through his fingers
without making a statement.

You look very lovely.

You're very sweet to say so.

What has this
Doris Tinsdale person

got to do with the case?
Or shouldn't I ask, Mr. Smith?

Well, Cooper was at the theater
last night,

and we think she saw him.

And don't call me Mr. Smith.

After all, my name is...

Wilfred.

[chuckles]
Not very good, is it?

It suits some people
very nicely.

I rather liked it when you
called me "Ordinary Smith."

- Oh, I didn't mean to, really.
- Oh, but, I liked it.

I liked it very much.

Please go on calling me that,
will you?

Yes, I will.

[music continues]

What were we talking about?

Oh, yes, I was going to ask you,

why did Cooper risk
going to the theater?

He must have had
a very strong reason

for wanting to talk
to Miss Inwood.

Well, let's not talk shop on
a nice day like this.

Oh, I am sorry.

Do you hate inquisitive people?

[chuckles]
Of course not. I'm one myself.

But, seriously, Ordinary,

do you think there's anything
between Cooper and Miss Inwood?

Seriously, "Extraordinary,"

I shouldn't be a bit surprised.

What a curious person
she must be.

I mean, going back on the stage
so soon after...

everything.

The show must go on.

A smiling face,
a breaking heart.

Actors rather like it, I'm told.

But today...

going right from the funeral
to the garden party,

I must say, I think that's
overdoing things a bit.

A strong sense of the dramatics
and all that sort of thing.

It's...

so cold and calculating of her.

Is it?

Yes, it is.

If she's that cold
and calculating,

I was wondering...

maybe she had something to do
with her husband's death.

Were you?

After all...

there must be a lot that doesn't
appear on the surface.

Eve: I mean, like...

wheels within wheels.

Who--who knows what goes on
in a woman's mind?

I don't know.

And if I don't know, I...

Well...

who?

A-- a woman's mind sometimes...

I was saying
that a woman's mind...

That's right.

Do you really?

I think so too.

In Miss Inwood's case?

What?

What?

[instrumental music]

[rain pouring]

[indistinct PA announcement]

I have to report
to the committee tent

to get my programs.

Woman 2: Whether to give
it to the orphans

or to let the government
take it.

I'm putting it to you!

Oh, there's the committee tent
over there.

You do understand that I won't
be able to spend

the whole afternoon with you,
don't you?

Oh, can't I go around with you?
I can sell a mean program.

We bloodhounds have methods
of our own.

Oh, but, you must go
and amuse yourself.

I can't take you with me.

Every time I begin to think I
know what color your eyes are,

you disappear.
Can I come with you?

But it's against the rules.
Now please go away.

I'll pick you up later.
I'll get in trouble.

Woman 3: Right here.
Join here. Step right up.

Yes, madam. Over here.
Come right in.

Eve, you brute. Wherever
have you been?

- You're hours late.
- I'm sorry, Chubby.

What a day. What a day.

- Hello, Valerie.
- Hello, Eve.

Oh, and by the way,
this is Wilfred Smith.

Chubby Bannister
and Valerie Maynard.

They're at RADA with me.

Well, how do you do, Mr. Smith?

Smith: How do you do?
- How do you do?

I'm sure you'd love to have
some ice cream.

And Chubby could show you
where it is.

Chubby: Oh, but I'd adore to.
- That's most good of you.

I hope you'll remember me by
this little token of my regard

and esteem.

Allow me.

Woman 2: As you know,
this fete is being held

for the aid of
the Actors' Orphanage.

Now, it's raining outside,

and if you've got half a pound
to spare, come in...

Which programs shall I take?

- Take that pile, dear.
- Thank you.

[instrumental music]

You newspaperwomen work hard at
your job, don't you, Miss Gill?

How did you know my name?

Called that number you gave me
in case of an emergency.

A Mrs. Gill answered,
and I put two and two together.

Well, what did you need me for
in such a hurry?

Listen, don't you
talk to me like that.

I've come all the way down
here to tell you

Miss Inwood's looking for you.

What does she want?

Why she wants your head,
of course.

And, what's more,
she said the police want

to talk to
a Miss Doris Tinsdale.

She wants to know when I'm going
back to my work.

And I told her my stomach
was still out of order.

Well, it's better now.

Much better, thank you.

You want more money, don't you?

Why look at the risk
I'm running.

I think I'd better go
to Miss Inwood

and tell her everything.

And before that
detective finds out

there's no such person as Doris.

Here's 5 pounds.
It's all I have with me.

Oh, my job's worth more than
that, at least another 20.

I'll meet you outside
Miss Inwood's tent

in half an hour.

Finished already?
You are doing well.

May I use your phone,
Miss Coopcheck?

Why, yes, of course, my dear.
There it is.

Thank you.

[dialing]

Hello. Is that you, father?

Could you come right away?

With all the money you can lay
your hands on.

At least 20 pounds. At least!

It's Nellie.

The girl I'm understudying.

Yes. Be quick, darling.

Woman 2: No queuing.
No queuing here.

Step right up.

Yes, madam, over here,
come right...

Doris, isn't it?

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

I took your advice, sir.
I done myself up.

I mean, what do you think of it?

Where have you been?

Oh, I can explain it, sir.
Only yesterday--

Come along.
I'll take you to Miss Inwood.

Come on, hurry.

Man 11: Roll up, roll up, roll
up. Come and have a good time.

Come on, sir. You, sir...

Miss Tinsdale to see you.

Well, this is a pleasure.

Where have you been?
I thought you were dead.

Oh, no, madam. I wasn't.
As a matter of fact--

You needn't go into detail,
darling.

I hope you're not
going to turn into

one of those explicit people
who always tell you

exactly how they feel
when you ask them.

You did leave me a trifle
suspended, however.

I'm sorry, madam.

I was held up.

Darling!

Whatever happened to that
peculiar figure of yours?

It's a new dress, madam.

Keep it, dear.

What it does for you
is worth thousands.

I bought it at a sale.

Don't confide in me.
Just pour some tea, would you?

[instrumental music]

By the way, Doris...

did Nellie tell you the police
want to talk to you?

But whatever for, madam?

Oh, I hope they won't upset
my dad. My dad said--

They're not going to eat you,
darling.

It's not important.

Just pull yourself
together and pour the tea.

Rehearsals, rehearsals,
from morning till night.

If we wanted
to misbehave ourselves

we couldn't find a minute
to do it in.

- No.
- Yes, so I understand.

Eve tells me she kept hard at it
all day and most of the evening.

But Eve hasn't been
near for days.

I thought she was home
with a cold or something.

Valerie: Maybe she's got a job
in a show.

Gosh.

Woman 2: A fortune
in five minutes,

and there's no income tax
on it tonight.

[instrumental music]

Excuse me, madam. I've...

I've got to sneeze.

Achoo.

- Miss Livingston, I presume.
- That's not my name.

Oh, no, no.
It's Nellie Goode, isn't it?

But what does the name matter?

After all, I could think of
lots and lots of

much more appropriate names
for you.

Yes, I could think of a few
for you too. Who are you?

I understand my daughter has
entered into a somewhat

shady transaction with you.

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

Well, you are a blackmailer,
aren't you?

You know, that's a very,
very naughty thing to be.

Don't you say things
like that to me.

You know you could be had up
for saying a thing like that.

Now, don't be so peppery.

I like to keep things
on a friendly basis.

One short.

It's all I've got. You don't
want me to walk home--

I don't care if you crawl home.

Oh, well, it doesn't matter.
I'm not mean.

And you've got till
tomorrow morning.

Father, Freddie Williams,
Charlotte's manager,

spotted me as Doris. I had to go
into Charlotte's tent.

If there's one thing I hate,
it's saying I told you so.

And the police
want to talk to Doris.

I don't know which way to turn.

I think I'll get a hold of Smith
and tell him the whole story.

Have you got him to suspect
Charlotte yet?

- I'm afraid not.
- Hmm?

But I thought you had to pick
him up at Whitehall.

Didn't you talk to him about it?

But, yes, I did...

in a way.

In a way?

Oh, I see.

Some more important topic arose
in the conversation, hmm?

Only there's one slight
complication, my dear, Jonathan.

You're not, by any chance,
thinking of

changing horses in midstream?

Father, is it awful of me?

Not awful, my dear,
just rather a bad bit of timing.

No matter how my feelings
toward him change,

I still can't let
Jonathan down, can I?

Not while he's hiding
in our house.

[indistinct singing]

Call yourself an actress?

There's your big scene, if you
have the pluck to take it.

You have the law on your arm,
all you have to do is,

to rush in and shout, "Stop,
that woman is a murderess!"

And then she'll say,
"How dare you?"

And, you'll say,
"I'll dare and dare again.

"What about the bloodstained
dress, eh,

Miss Charlotte Inwood?"

- And, then she'll say--
- Oh, please.

This is serious, father.

Chubby: Oh, Eve! There you are.
- I couldn't find you anywhere.

Oh, I've been trying to get rid
of my programs.

I've been too busy talking to
Mr. Smith to sell any of mine.

Chubby: Do you think
I talk too much?

Mr. Smith: No.
Most women don't talk enough.

- I hate shy women.
- No one could ever call me shy.

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

Woman 4: Who'll come over
to shoot some lovely ducks?

It will only cost you
half a crown,

and it does such good
for the orphans.

Who'll come and shoot lovely
ducks here for half a crown?

Only half a crown to shoot
lovely ducks!

[instrumental music]

Eve.

[indistinct chatter]

Excuse me.

Look, Eve, hold everything.
I have an idea.

Get Smith into Charlotte's tent,
as near the front as you can.

Go on, quickly.

What do you say we go in
and hear Charlotte sing?

Oh, do let's. The murder makes
her so interesting.

You know,
I think I'll wait outside.

But you promised.

- I promised?
- In the taxi.

You said the first thing we'd do
would be

to go in and hear
Charlotte Inwood.

Don't you remember?

Do you know? I can't remember.

I must have had
some sort of a blackout.

Chubby: Oh, do let's hurry.
We'll miss her.

I think she's just dreamy.

Woman 4: Only half a crown
to shoot a lovely duck!

You can win a lovely prize!
Heavenly prizes!

Only half a crown to shoot--
Would you like to shoot a duck?

No, no, no. I hate firearms,
I wonder if I could

possibly buy one of those dolls.

- A doll? Which doll?
- Yes, please.

- Oh, any doll. That doll.
- Well...

Yes, I suppose you could,
but you'll have to pay for it.

Yes, I know,
but how much, please?

- Well, it's for the orphans.
- Yes, I know, but how much?

You are sorry for the orphans,
aren't you?

- Of course I am, but how much?
- We all are, aren't we?

Well, I suppose...

at least four pounds.

- Give me the gun.
- Well, half a crown, then.

- Yes.
- You know. Money first.

Now, shall I put it in for you?

- Yes, please.
- It breaks somewhere here.

I can't... It's rather...
Didn't I... [laughs]

Perhaps I can manage.

Wait a minute. I think you'll
have to do it yourself.

I'm not frightfully good.
Be rather careful, won't you?

You know, it goes off.

[firing gun]

Got you again, my beauty.

My bird, I think, sir.

Could I have the doll, please?

What did you say?

Good shot, sir.

Well done.
I'll get you your doll.

Here you are, sir.
[fires gun]

Now, then, who's going to shoot
lovely ducks?

Come and shoot ducks. Would you
like to shoot lovely ducks?

Yes. I'd like half a crown's
worth, please.

- You sure that's enough?
- Oh, yes, certainly.

Yes, I don't need any more.
I very seldom miss.

[woman exclaims]

[fires gun]

Oh, got it at last.
Could I have the doll, please?

I'm sorry, sir,
but I'm afraid that's mine.

What did you say?

Nothing at all.

[chuckles]
Could I have the doll, please?

Well done.
I'll go and get it for you.

It is really rather nice I think
to have won it, don't you?

You did earn it that time.
They're lovely dolls.

- They're fully dressed. Fully.
- Thank you very much.

Woman 4: Now, who's going to
come and shoot lovely duck

over here for only half a crown?

We're having such fun over here

shooting duck
for only half a crown!

[crowd applauding]

[singing La Vie En Rose]

Eve.

Eve.

[singing in foreign language]

[indistinct chatter]

I'm sorry.

Ladies and gentlemen.

[indistinct murmuring]

Doris. Doris!
Miss Tinsdale!

Freddie: Come and give
a hand here.

What are you waiting for?

I'm sorry, sir.

Eve: Do you think there's
anything between Cooper

and Miss Inwood?

Chubby: But Eve hasn't been
near for days.

Freddie: Doris! Miss Tinsdale!

We got away as quickly as
possible, and here we are.

And that's the story of
the short and stormy life

of Doris Tinsdale.

It is in many respects
a sad one, but one hopes

not entirely without usefulness.

The next thing I suppose is
to wait for the arrival of

Mr. Ordinary Smith
with his posse

to arrest the whole
boiling lot of us.

Well, you think I should give
myself up, is that it?

Yes, I should, shouldn't I?

The longer I stay here,
the worse it will be for you.

But I won't give up.

There must be a way
to get at Charlotte.

Now, I've made a nice hot toddy
for you, Mr. Robinson.

There's nothing like it
for a cold, is there?

Thank you.

Isn't it dreadful?
Poor Mr. Robinson

hasn't been able to stir out of
his room since he arrived.

These spring colds are
really frightful.

Oh, by the way, Eve,
Mr. Smith is downstairs

and wants to see you.

You know, I think it would be
such a good idea

if I made Mr. Robinson a nice,
hot mustard plaster.

I wonder if he's got
a temperature.

Unfortunately, I've broken
my thermometer,

but you could easily run
to the chemist's...

[instrumental music]

How long have you been
Miss Inwood's maid?

Let me--

But I think you know,
we've been anxious to ask

Doris Tinsdale a few questions.

I can explain--

Did you talk to Jonathan Cooper
at the theater last night?

- No.
- Did you see him?

- Yes.
- Where?

On his way
to Miss Inwood's dressing room.

He was there
when she went up to change.

I listened at the door
and overheard him

say something about

a bloodstained dress

belonging to her.

And then suddenly,
she became afraid.

Do you hear? Afraid.

When you took Sergeant Loomis
up to the dressing room,

you presumed Cooper
to be still there?

Well, I... I didn't know.

No, you didn't know,
but you had a pretty fair idea.

Why didn't you tell Loomis?

Then you did a very neat
fainting fit which

probably allowed Cooper
to get clear away.

Don't talk like that.

I can't bear it.

[music continues]

I don't understand it.

How could you behave like that?

But I can explain.

I don't think that's necessary.

In my job, I find a woman
will go to almost

any length to protect her lover.

But it's not like that.

It's not like that at all.

I thought I was in
love with Jonathan...

but I'm not anymore.

But it doesn't mean that
I still won't go on helping him,

as I would any innocent man.

It's not for you to decide
whether he's innocent or not.

You can leave that to the law.

The point is, you put
yourself and your father

in a very serious position

by this infernal
amateur meddling.

How I'm going to get you
out of it, I don't know.

But you do want to get us out?

In spite of the fact you made
such a fool of me, you mean.

Your acting in the taxi
was extremely clever.

I wasn't acting in the taxi.

I fell in love with someone,
and all my plans

went out the window.

When we were in the taxi
together, I felt

as though I were on
a great golden cloud.

I told father I didn't want
to go on with this.

I wanted to tell you everything.

But he had an idea about
a bloodstained doll,

and I had to put it off.

I wanted to tell you
all about it.

Please believe me.

Would you like to mix a
cocktail yourself, Mr. Smith?

I'm afraid there's no ice,
but I'm sure you can manage.

- Good evening, Smith.
- Good evening.

Uh, do I hear the muted
clanking of chains?

It's only the plumbing, dear.
It's in a dreadful state.

How did you enjoy
the garden party, Mr. Smith?

It must have been awful
in that rain.

I think I'll take some
sherry up to Mr. Robinson.

Mrs. Gill: I've quite changed
my mind about him.

He seems such a nice
young man after all.

Eve, dear, you will look
after Mr. Smith, won't you?

Father, I've been
explaining to Mr. Smith

what we're trying to do.

He thinks we ought to stop.

Oh, what a pity.

Just when you and I were about

to save Mr. Smith
so much trouble.

Save me trouble?

Sir, you don't look like
an irresponsible imbecile.

Why behave like one?
What do you mean?

You let your daughter get mixed
up in a business like this?

What sort of father you think
you are?

Unique. Quite unique.

But rather broken-hearted
at this moment.

You see, I have another idea.

A pity to waste ideas, isn't it?

Have you, uh, have you ever
been blackmailed, Mr. Smith?

Well, I have.
Only this afternoon.

At least my daughter and I
were, by Nellie Goode.

Yes, most inappropriate name.

I told her so.

She touched us for 24 pounds,
and do you know

why I think it was well-spent?

- Though we could ill afford it.
- Come to the point, please.

Well, it struck me that what
Nellie could do, Doris could do.

I mean, suppose she went
to Miss Inwood and said,

"Look, Miss Inwood, I've got
a certain dress of yours.

It's ruined,
but it's still worth money."

And I suppose Miss Inwood said,

"Alright, I'll give you
100 pounds for it."

What then, eh?

And-- and suppose you happened
to be listening.

Well, that's what police do
in blackmail cases, isn't it?

What about it, eh?
What about it?

You needn't be afraid that
Doris couldn't do it.

She could do it, alright,
Doris could.

I mean, Eve could.
She's a very good actress.

A very good actress indeed.

I'm sure she is.

By the way, is there
a bloodstained dress?

Well, no. No, not-- not exactly.

Look, there was a bloodstained
dress, only...

Couldn't we tell you--

I'm getting back to the office.

I'll let you know
about this later.

In the meantime,
what's Miss Inwood doing

without a dresser?

You better run along
to the theater

before she starts
getting impatient.

It's alright.

What do you mean,
"It's alright"?

He's trying to save his face.

Not a bad face, either.
He'll let us do it.

What's the matter with you?
Aren't you pleased?

Come on. We better hurry.

Come to Burton Street once
and bring two men with you.

And post them at either
ends of the street.

I'll be waiting at the telephone
booth at the corner. Alright?

Hello. Is that Mrs. Gill?

Is the Commodore available?

Oh, he's gone out.
Uh, is Miss Eve there?

Oh, she's out too.
No, one moment.

May I speak to Mr. Robinson,
please?

[indistinct chattering]

- What's your idea, governor?
- Just a little experiment.

- Plug it in.
- Okay.

Governor:
The mike's in position.

I'm speaking about
three foot from it.

Can you hear me?

- Tell him the sound's alright.
- Okay.

Do you think it'll work?

What a day, darling.

I've never in my whole life been
so glad to see the end of it.

- Yes, madam.
- You must be tired too.

It can't be easy to be a dresser
when you had no experience.

But you're quite good.
Very good, indeed.

Oh, that rain.
That rain at the garden party.

Thank goodness it didn't
rain at the funeral.

That would have been too much.

I hate rainy funerals.

And then somebody sent up
that disgusting doll.

What vermin some vermin are.

Yes, madam.

By the way,
did the police find you?

I haven't seen them yet, madam.

And anyway, I've got
nothing to tell them.

Well, I suppose that's all.

And that horrible Nellie
will be back tomorrow.

We may never see
each other again.

Ships that pass
in the something or other.

I like you.
You're very sweet and patient.

I don't suppose I'm easy
to get on with.

Oh, but you are, madam. It's
been wonderful working with you.

And I do love the theater, so...

I don't see why.
It's an awful life, really.

Here, darling. A little
something extra for you.

I couldn't, madam. Honestly.

Don't be an idiot.
Put it in the bank

or go out and get
drunk or something.

- Thank you, madam.
- Can I give you lift somewhere?

If you would drop me,
I'd appreciate it.

Alright. Come along, then.

Woman 5: Goodnight.
Woman 6: Goodnight.

Mrs. Inwood, could I talk
to you in private?

We can talk in the car.
That's private enough.

Oh, no, no, that won't do.
I've got to talk to you now.

What's all this about?

Let's go someplace
where nobody can hear us.

Woman 7: Goodnight.

Have you gone mad
or something?

No, madam.

I want to tell you about
the bloodstained doll.

Well, what about that doll?

Oh, I hate all this, madam.
I'm that nervous.

I'm so afraid of doing
the wrong thing.

You see, I happened to have
a dress that belongs to you

with a big bloodstain
down the front.

By rights, I know I should
go to the police,

but to tell you the truth,
madam, I'm afraid.

My dad would murder me
if I got my name in the papers.

Eve on PA: So, you see,
I've come to you, I thought

maybe you could
tell me what to do.

Charlotte on PA: How much
do you want?

Eve on PA: Money never entered
my head, madam.

I hope you won't think
that of me.

Only if the dress were
clean like new,

it might be worth, say,
75 or 100 pounds.

I know nothing about
a bloodstained dress.

This sounds to me
remarkably like blackmail.

I think I'd better
call the police.

Yes. Do call the police,
Miss Inwood.

We'll talk to them together.

- You're not the maid.
- No, I'm not.

Why have you been
pretending all this time?

Shall we say we needed evidence?

We? Are you from the police?

Eve on PA: How was the
bloodstain smeared on the dress?

Who are you?

Why were you so frightened
when Jonathan told

you he hadn't destroyed
the dress?

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

You do know!

Yes.

Some blood did splash
on my dress.

I was there in that room when
Jonathan killed my husband.

- That's not true.
- Yes, it is.

But I had nothing
to do with it.

Jonathan wanted my name
kept out of it.

He sent me back to his rooms.

He stayed behind to make
it look like robbery.

Then he brought me
a clean dress.

- You're lying.
- It's a sacred truth.

I swear to you it is.

Charlotte: Listen, whoever you
are, I'll give you anything

if you keep me
out of this. Anything.

My jewelry is worth over
10,000 pounds.

You can have it all.
And my furs or money.

How much do you want?

I'll give you anything.
Anything.

I'm going now to break it up.
Go outside and bring them in.

I want two of them together.

Eve: You deliberately tried
to pin the whole thing

on Jonathan, didn't you?

Assisted by your friend,
Mr. Freddie Williams.

Charlotte: It's not true,
I tell you. It's not true!

Eve: Well, you won't get away
with it. I warn you, that's all.

[indistinct chatter]

I've had a terrible scene
with a lunatic girl.

First she pretended to be
my dresser,

then she pretended to be
a detective

and tried to blackmail me.

That's alright, Ms. Inwood.
You stay here.

I'll have a word
with you in a minute.

Charlotte: Oh, good.
They got him.

Jonathan, what have
they done to you?

Why are you arresting him?

Mellish, stand by
Miss Inwood there!

Heavens, that must be Cooper.

Woman 8: Where's Miss Inwood?

Man 12: Cover the alleyway in
case he used an emergency door.

- Where do those stairs lead to?
- Dressing rooms.

Gill: Eve! Eve, come back!

Where's the nearest telephone?

Eve.

Hurry up downstairs.
Go on, hurry!

Man 13: Get back
into the theater.

Have you been told
to keep an eye on me?

In a manner of speaking, yes.

- In that case, may I sit down?
- No harm in that.

- Get me a chair, then.
- Surely, ma'am. Surely.

Man 14: Done with the mike?
Man 15: Yes.

Man 14 on PA: Okay. I wonder
if they caught...

Man 15: What's the point of
going up to the roof?

He may have doubled back
along the alley

and gone up
the fire escape.

So they've heard
everything I said?

Yes.

And it's all in that book?

All in there, in shorthand.

How clever of you.

Things look bad for me,
don't they?

I'm what you'd call
an accessory... I suppose.

Man 15: George!
George: Yes?

Man 15: Smith wants you down at
the stage doorkeeper's office.

Thank you, darling.

Man 15: To cover all the rooms
in this place...

It's not all in there.

- What's your name?
- Mellish.

Do you like dogs, Mellish?

Yes, ma'am, I do.

But not all dogs.

If they don't love you,
you don't love them.

- That's right, isn't it?
- I suppose so.

I had a dog once. He hated me.

At last he bit me,
and I had him shot.

When I give all my love

and get back treachery
and hatred, it's...

It's as if my mother
had struck me in the face.

Do you understand that, Mellish?

I've heard it takes them
that way sometimes.

Yes. It takes some
of them that way.

- Has Miss Inwood gone yet?
- No, sir.

She's still in the theater.

Man 16: Don't you think
he's well away now?

Man 17: I'm sure I saw him
run down the alley.

This is Smith, sir.

We're covering the whole
of the theater from

the roof right down
to the storeroom.

Fine, sir.

You heard what Miss Inwood said,
you can't have

anything against
young Cooper now.

Nothing, except murder.

He killed Charlotte's
husband, alright.

He's killed before.

What? What do you mean?

He got away with it last time
with a plea of self-defense.

He won't this time.

- But Eve.
- She's alone with him now.

Can't you see, sir?
She's in very great danger.

It all adds up to a confession,
except she said you killed him.

Anyone in their right mind could
see that she was telling a lie.

But I don't understand why Smith
arrested you. What happened?

Somebody phoned and said
the police were on their way.

I made a bolt for it, and they
grabbed me at the street door.

Funny, that. Getting me
out into the street.

I suppose Smith didn't want me
to be caught in your house.

That would have been awkward
for you, wouldn't it?

I don't think they'll look
for us here for a bit.

After a while, maybe we can make
dash through an emergency exit.

Gill: Eve. Eve. Eve, wherever
you are, come away from him.

Come away from him.
He's dangerous. He's a killer.

Eve? Eve?

He's right, you know.

Charlotte was telling the truth.

What she didn't
tell you was that

she goaded me into doing it.

She set me against him
in every way she could.

She made me think she was crazy
about me, but she wasn't.

I was to kill her
husband to leave

the coast clear
for that... Freddie Williams.

I know that now.

She knew the sort of man I was.

She--she knows I can't control
myself if I get into a rage.

Like a fool, I-- I told her
about that girl I'd killed.

Oh, Jonathan.

Jonathan, you don't know
what you're saying.

I can't help it, Eve,
I can't control myself,

even when I was a kid.

I was lucky that last time.

The little fool
threatened me with a gun.

But you don't know
what it's like to have a thing

like this hanging over you.

Eve, I hated to tell you
that phony story

in your car that time,
but there was no other way.

Charlotte did go on to my flat
after I'd killed her husband.

Her dress was stained a bit,
so I brought her a clean one.

Then when she went
to the theater...

I made a big stain on it
to make you believe me.

I'm telling you the truth now.

Jonathan...

I feel desperately sorry
for you.

Really, I do.

No, you don't.
You're not sorry at all.

You don't care
what happens to me.

Jonathan, you could
give yourself up.

They'd take care of you.

You couldn't do all
these things unless you...

Unless...

They can't do anything
to a sick man,

and that's what you are.

- You must be.
- No.

They're going to hang me.

They'll hang Charlotte,
too, for planning it.

They've never forgiven me
for getting

away with it the first time.

There's nothing wrong
with my mind.

Nobody can prove that
there is, unless...

Unless I do it a third time...

with no reason whatever.

That would be a clear
case of insanity.

Wouldn't it?

Wouldn't it?

Jonathan. Jonathan,
I don't hear a sound now.

I think we can go now.

We'll go out through
the orchestra pit,

and then I'll take you
to my father's boat.

Come along.

Here he is!

Man 18: Look!
In the orchestra pit!

Mathews, quick!
Down in the orchestra!

- They've got him!
Man 19: Where?

- They found him.
- Where was he?

Man 17: He was in the
theater after all.

Man 20: Call Smith!

He was at the stage
doorkeeper's office.

Drop the iron curtain,
cut him off!

Get up! Move your head
out of the way!

[metallic clanging]

[inaudible gasp]

Detective Smith:
Take the curtain up.

Don't touch anything.

Mellish, you'd better phone
up the photographer.

Someone find out
if Byard's here yet.

Tell him what's happened.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]