All language subtitles for thecrimesofstevehawke

(PIANO INTRODUCTION)

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♪ Flotsam and Jetsam,
most kind friend to lots 'em

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♪ Flotsam and Jetsam ♪

(PLAYING CASCADING SCALE)

♪ "O who will o'er the downs so free?"
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♪ "Your policemen are so wonderful"

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♪ There's another in Vladivostok
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(JETSAM SINGING LOW NOTES)

(FLOTSAM PLAYING FINAL FLOURISHES)

MAN #1:
Turn the page once more.

Page five.

ANNOUNCER: Tonight, we have
the one hundredth edition

of an old favourite.

STREET SELLER:
In town tonight!

In town tonight!

In town tonight!

In town tonight!

MAN #2:
Stop!

ANNOUNCER: Once again, we stop
the roar of London's busy traffic

to bring you some interesting people
who are in town tonight.

Among the diminishing trades of London
is that of the cat's meat man.

But we have with us tonight
Mr Henry Hopkins,

who has been selling cat's meat
for the last fifty years

and whose business
is still going strong.

Mr Henry Hopkins.

Yes, sir, it's still going strong. Huh!

You know, cats like
strong meat nowadays.

Just like my old woman does
when she goes to the pictures.

Well, cats have their likes
and dislikes, then, Mr Hopkins?

Oh, yes. Cats are funny things.

You know, I've got some
very particular old cats on my books.

You know, there's one in particular,
a retired publican's wife. Yeah.

Do you know, she wanted
something very special for her cat.

I think she had a Persian pussy.
Anyway, she used to have.

But something special she wanted,
and something special I had to get.

So I went and got
a Grand National winner.

-I see.
-Huh!

And, do you know,
after one plateful of that meat,

that cat, it jumped
all round the furniture,

hopped over the grand piano,
cleared the table

and made a beeline for Aintree.

-And you got the blame.
-Yes.

She tried to make out I'd poisoned him.

Took me to court, she did.

Yeah, and I lost the case. Mmm.

"And where do you get your meat from?"
says the old beak.

"Rotten Row," says I.

"Oh, indeed?" says he.

"No wonder the poor cat was poisoned.
Pay five pound."

-And how many cats do you serve a day?
-About a hundred.

Fifty of 'em I gets paid for,
and the other fifty I feeds for nothing

to stop 'em from following me round.

Do you know, in my fifty years
as a pussy's butcher,

I must have supplied meat
for about one-and-a-half million cats.

Good gracious.
You must get sick of them.

Me? Not me.
I'm just going home to feed me own cat.

ANNOUNCER:
Far removed from horse slaughter

is another Slaughter
we have in the studio tonight.

I refer to that well-known actor
of old melodrama, Mr Tod Slaughter.

Mr Slaughter has murdered
thousands of people

and been hanged thousands of times.

On the stage, of course.

Mr Tod Slaughter.

Yes, and I'm still alive
to tell the tale.

In my career, I've murdered
hundreds and hundreds of people

and come to a sticky end
more times than I care to remember.

And have you any favourite
method of murder, Mr Slaughter?

I keep a perfectly open mind
on the matter.

I murder by strangulation, poisoning,
shooting, stabbing, or with a razor.

In Maria Marten, I murdered poor Maria
by shooting her in the Red Barn.

In Sweeney Todd:
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,

I polished dozens of them off
with my razor.

The desire for strong meat is so wide

that I am now performing
in a new old melodrama.

Is there any such thing
as a "new old melodrama"?

Most certainly.

Take Stephen Hawke, for instance.

As double-crossing an old villain
and racketeer as ever lived.

A kindly old gentleman and yet a fiend.

Terrorising the whole countryside

so that no man, woman or child

knew peace or safety.

I'm going out to roll my hoop.

Oh, I don't think you ought to.

I want to roll my hoop
and I'm going to!

Oh, very well, then.
But don't go too far from the house.

What are you doing here?

Just looking
at a nice little boy's garden.

Well, you'd better
get out of here at once!

Can't I look
at a nice little boy's garden?

No, you can't!

My father doesn't keep a garden

for nasty common people like you
to look at.

But I'm doing no harm.

So you say.
I'm not so sure about that.

I believe you've come here to steal.

I'm going to call the servants.

No, no, no, don't do that.

Come here, my little man.

Have you ever heard
of a paradoxical taradiddlum?

-No.
-What?

Never heard
of a paradoxical taradiddlum?

-No.
-They only grow in India.

I've brought one here for you.

Come here, my little man,
and I'll show it to you.

-(SCREAMING)
-Master Terence!

Master Terence!
Oh, Master Terence!

-What's happened?
-Master Terence, sir.

-Look. The red marks on the arms.
-And the arms twisted behind.

-He's dead?
-Yes, the spine's broken.

The Spine Breaker!

You came out of there
in a mighty hurry.

Yes, I'm afraid my artistic ability
was not appreciated.

-Beautiful house, too.
-Lookedit

-Going back there tonight?
-|'m afraid not.

Not for some time yet.

I fancy it will be too well guarded.

Told you today'd be unlucky.

-Saturn's too high in the heavens.
-Is it?

I shall be compelled to send you there
if you don't drive more carefully.

Remember, Mr Stephen Hawke
is a very nervous passenger.

(BOTH LAUGHING)

(DOOR HANDLE CLUNKING)

-May I come in?
-Of course you may, Julia.

Julia, do you think
you ought to be out alone?

I mean, with this terrible criminal,
the Spine Breaker, still at large?

Oh, don't worry about me, Matthew.

I'm old enough to look after myself.

No Spine Breaker's
going to get his hands on me.

Besides, he only murders
very wealthy people.

But, joking apart, Julia,
this man really exists,

as we've all had ample proof.

I hear there was another poor creature
found murdered yesterday,

with the same terrible marks
on his body.

I know, Mr Trimble,
but I'll be all right, really.

I only just came for a moment
to see Father,

but I can't get any answer
from his door.

-Let me try.
-All right.

Can't you knock any louder than that?

Yes, but I don't want your father
to come too soon.

You're wasting your time, my boy.

-Am I?
-Ah, well, perhaps not.

But I've just remembered
that your father told me

he had some important business which
would keep him until late afternoon.

If you'd like to come in and wait.

Oh, thank you, Mr Trimble.
I won't wait.

I really must be going.

-Must you?
-Yes.

I've got to get ready for my party
tonight, and there's so much to do.

-Don't be late, will you?
-I shall be the first one there.

The early bird, you know.

-How many dances do I get?
-How many do you want?

-All of them.
-Greedy.

What are you dreaming
about, Matthew?

Oh, everything.

Yes, things certainly seem to have
moved in the right direction

since you took over that warehouse.

Nothing like having young blood
in a business.

You can't have 'em too young, I say.

-Trimble and Son, eh, Father?
-Yes, my boy. Trimble and Son.

Perhaps you'll be putting that sign
on a new door soon.

What, move from here,
away from me old friend Stephen Hawke?

Not after all he's done for us.

He has been wonderful, hasn't he?

Without his money to build
that new warehouse, where would we be?

Yes, my boy, when people talk
of flint-heated moneylenders,

they can't have met Stephen.

That sounds like Stephen coming back.

I thought I'd like to enquire
how you got on today.

Eh? What's that?

I mean with the business deal
in the City.

Oh, not as well as I'd anticipated.

Some little whippersnapper
chose to interfere.

Dear me, I am sorry.

But it only proves
what I was saying to my son just now.

A great mistake to put anybody
into business too young.

You're quite right. But he's a good lad.

I'm glad you like him.
It may influence Julia.

Julia?

Haven't you ever noticed
that he and she...?

You mean he wants
to take her from me?

But you wouldn't object,
if he made her happy?

I'm jealous of everything
concerning Julia.

Yes, you couldn't love her more
even if she were your own child.

You're the only
who knows she isn't.

And, sometimes,
I'm sorry I told even you.

You know that
I shall never say a word.

Be careful you don't.

All I've done,
I've done for her sake,

so that she may never know
poverty or want after I am gone.

I hope she'll always remember that,

no matter what she hears about me
at any time.

Why, my old friend,
you talk as if you were a criminal.

(CHUCKLING)

That's how most people
regard moneylenders, isn't it?

Not when they
want to borrow, of course.

-Only when the time comes to repay.
-You mustn't say that, Stephen.

I don't know what some people
would do without your help.

Ourselves, for instance.

Julia's friends are my friends. Always.

Oh, by the way,
Julia was hereto see you.

She seems very excited
about her party tonight.

(CHUCKLING)
Happy, eh?

You spoil her, Stephen.

She's my one weakness.

And you should see all the grand people
I have coming to our party tonight.

Lord Brickhaven, Marquess of Powers,
Countess Perringer.

That's just a few.

So useful to me in my business,
you know.

People with plenty of money,
plenty of jewels.

I like to know them,
to know their habits.

And you'd be surprised
the business I do with them.

Not here, of course,
but in their own homes.

Alone.

Well, I'll leave you.
I expect you're busy.

My, you do meet
with some important people.

-I beg your pardon, sir.
-We||, I should think so too.

Yes.

I heard you were honouring me
with a visit today, Sir Franklin.

Well? What is it?

It's just a little matter, Mr Hawke.

Not foolish enough to ask me
to lend you more money, I hope?

No. I fear that would be useless.

Then perhaps you've come to repay me
some of the money you owe?

Well, er... not exactly.

Oh, then what is it, my friend?

|-|-|t's about Lord Brickhaven.

Oh, yes. I'm looking forward
to seeing his lordship tonight.

I hope you asked him to wear
his famous emerald ring.

You know what pleasure the sight
of precious stones always give me.

But, er...
his lordship is not coming.

No, no, no, you're joking, my friend.

I shall be bitterly disappointed
if he is not with us.

And you wouldn't have me
disappointed, eh?

SIR FRANKLIN:
It's not my fault, I did my best,

but he's due at Bath tomorrow evening.

HAWKE:
He's due at my party tonight.

-SIR FRANKLIN: He never promised.
-But I requested.

It's not much I ask of you,
but what I ask, I expect...

Oh! You're breaking my wrist!

I apologise,

but Lord Brickhaven must be there,

and his famous emerald with him.

It will lend tone to my party,
you understand.

How? How?

Fool! Idiot! Dolt!

Have you no brains?

Can a coachman be bribed?

Have you never heard
of accidents on the road?

Trees that have happened to fall?

See he's there, or else!

Bah!

Lord Brickhaven and his emerald, heh?

So they're the next.

I hear that emeralds worth
ten thousand pounds.

You hear a lot, my dear Nathaniel.

Values are sometimes
a trifle exaggerated.

We shall find out in due course
what it will fetch.

Lots of people would pay almost as much
to know who the Spine Breaker really is.

Yes, but you wouldn't be
so ill-advised

as to accept their offers,
would you, Nathaniel?

No, no, no, no, no.

Let it remain a nice little secret.

Just between us two.

I'll never split.
Don't worry about that.

But you have to be careful.

What are you snivelling about?

Mr Franklin.
Supposin' he spots our little game?

"Supposing"?

You're always supposing this
or supposing that.

That's all very well, but...

And remember,
you're not paid to give advice.

You're paid to do as you're told.

-All right.
-Have you done as you're told?

What about the Widow Simpson?

Sold up, lock, stock and barrel.

And her six miserable children?

-Turned out into the street.
-Good.

That'll prove to her that Stephen Hawke
is not to be trifled with.

What'll they think I am?
A philanthropist?

How much did her goods realise?

Seventeen pounds ten shillings.

Is that all?

Sold up all she had.

The next woman
who comes to borrow ten pounds,

I must see she has more security.

Where is it?

(cows RATTLING)

Mmm.

Money has a nice feel about it,
eh, Nathaniel?

It has.

But a nice large emerald
has a nicer feeling, eh?

Come.

Come.

(JOHANN STRAUSS ll:
"BLUE DANUBE" WALTZ PLAYING)

What do you think of it, eh?

Marvellous!

Not bad for a
miserable little moneylender.

I wish shipping agents could make
as much money as moneylenders.

-(HAWKE CHUCKLING)
-Lord Brickhaven!

I'm glad you were able
to prevail upon Lord Brickhaven

to stay in town this evening.

Yes, but what a risk.

The confounded coachman
nearly caught me.

One should always take risks.

After all,
what is life but one big risk?

Delighted to see you,
Lord Brickhaven.

I was beginning to be afraid
we should not have the pleasure

of your company this evening.

I really should be on the Bath road
at this moment,

but an accident happened
at the wheel of my coach,

and before my fool coachman
had finished repairing it,

it was too late to start tonight.

Then we are all indebted
to your fool coachman.

Ah, Julia, my dear.

-Enjoying yourself?
-Wonderfully, thank you, Father.

You have there
a jewel for men to covet.

So, for that matter,
have you, milord.

My emerald, you mean?
Ah, yes.

But I do vow you have
the rarer jewel of the two.

I agree with you, milord.

But to possess both...

That would indeed be paradise.

Again, I agree with you, milord.

-May I have the pleasure?
-May I have the pleasure?

Oh, I'm afraid
I've already promised Mr Trimble.

Did you notice that?

Our friend Archer
doesn't look too pleased.

So it seems.

The gossips tell me that he hopes
to be your son-in-law, Mr Hawke.

Then the gossips, as usual, are mad.

My son-in-law? Lecherous brute.

There is scarcely anything
that he cannot possess

once he sets his mind to it.

He'll find that my daughter is
the one thing that is beyond his reach.

You are a brave man, my friend,
to talk like that of Archer.

If he heard, where would you be?

In one of his filthy state prisons,
I imagine.

But rather that
than he should marry my daughter.

They seem to be dancing a lot
together tonight.

Yes, they make a lovely pair.

You'd like to see them married,
wouldn't you?

Indeed I would. Wouldn't you?

Perhaps.

When he's made some money.

A most delightful evening.

I'm so glad you're appreciating it.

With all this youth about,
it makes one feel young again.

Yes, I was just remarking,

you look at least sixty years younger
than when I saw you last.

God bless my soul,
I'm... I'm only fifty-one, sir.

You surprise me.

Yes, I feel the recurrence of spring
in my veins, you know.

I believe it's the sight of
your daughter that has done the trick.

How so, sir?

This party is to celebrate
her eighteenth birthday, isn't it?

That is so, sir.

Eighteen is about the right age
for a girl to marry.

Huh! I fancy them young,
my friend.

-You appreciate my meaning?
-You do us too much honour, sir.

Then I take your decision
to be in the affirmative?

I fear we are unworthy, sir.

Do you mean that you refuse?

No, no, no, no, of course not, sir.

Perhaps you'd allow me
to call on you one night alone.

Then we could get to grips
with the matter.

Oh, yes, to clinch the bargain,
as it were.

"Clinch" is the word, sir.

Then you will back me up?

Definitely.

You'll find me behind you.

Isn't my mistress
looking lovely tonight?

I hadn't noticed.
I've got other things to look for.

You must be very tired.
Wouldn't you like to sit down?

Well, that would be nice.

Oh, you've got no romance in you.

I can imagine myself out there,
dancing in the arms of a man.

Well, I can't.

You appear warm, sir.

Why not go out on the balcony?

It will be lovely in the moonlight.

By sad. yes.

Er... Perhaps you'll join me?

If your lordship will excuse me.
The night air, my bronchitis...

But later on, perhaps.

Yes, a little later on.

I promise I will join you then.

It was spring,
and love was in the air.

(MAN SHOUTING)

What was that?

It came from the terrace.

(CHATTERING)

-What's happened? Who is it?
-Lord Brickhaven.

Why, I... I was dancing with him
only a few minutes ago.

-Can I...?
-No, no, stand back.

-Stand back, everybody.
-Is he... Is he very ill?

Lord Brickhaven is dead.

(GUESTS GASPING)

-Is it a stroke?
-It is murder.

The reason is not far to see.
The Brickhaven emerald has gone.

Oh, this is too ghastly!

As I thought.

The spine is broken.

The Spine Breaker!

My best friend,
and this is what I've done for him.

But for me, he'd be alive now.

I brought him here,
but I didn't know, I didn't know.

Stop that raving!
What good can that do?

Why, what has happened?

Has one of my guests been taken ill?

You know. You know!
No-one better.

This is your work!

I see it all now!

-But, my friend...
-Stand back. Stand back!

Don't come near me!
He's the murderer!

Stephen Hawke, the Spine Breaker!

-(GUESTS SHOUTING)
-Raving mad!

TRIMBLE: And the sight of
Lord Brickhaven lying there murdered,

his spine broken.

Didn't have a moment's sleep all night.

Really?
What do you think of this?

A nice piece of work.
I bought it this morning.

-But I can't get over it.
-Get over what, my friend?

The way the Spine Breaker
does his hellish work.

What a grip the fiend must have.

As I was saying,
the lines of this statue are delightful.

Exquisite work.

The work of the devil.

Some say he is the devil.

Nine feet he stands, if an inch.

With big, hairy hands.

-You've seen him?
-Oh, of course not.

Nobody sees him and lives.

-No.
-Yes.

(SPITTING)

And I want to say how much
I sympathise with you, too.

Yes, I'm to be congratulated
upon my bargain.

But for Sir Franklin
to accuse you like that.

Why? It's absurd to think
you could have the strength to...

-My friend, I'd rather not...
-Didn't you hear him?

-He called you the Spine Breaker.
-Stop!

Why do you look at me like that?

Your hands.

They have sinews of steel.

Well?

Nothing. I...

My dear friend,
I think you're afraid of me.

No, of course not.

Then why are you trying to get away?

It's so hot in here.

I must get air.

What's the matter, Father?
You look like a ghost.

Something has happened.
I don't know how to say it.

It seems impossible.
Me head's in a whirl.

-Sit down, Father. You look ill.
-I'm all right.

No, look, come on. You must.

Now, where have you been?
What's happened?

I went to Hawke's office
about ten minutes ago.

Yes, and what happened there?

Nothing.

Nothing that you would understand.

I expect I am all unnerved
after what happened last night.

But tell me, Father.

And then I ran out.

-And is that all that happened?
-Yes. Tell me it's impossible.

My old friend
can't be this monster really?

(CHUCKLING)
No, of course not.

For my own peace of mind,
assure me I'm wrong in my suspicions.

Out of the question.

A kind old gentleman like Mr Hawke?

Julia's father commit a crime like that?
Impossible.

Oh, thank Heaven.

You ought to be ashamed
of yourself, Father,

thinking him capable
of such dreadful things,

after all his kindness to us.

Yes.

(WHISPERING)
Joshua, my friend.

(CLOCK CHIMING)

Stephen.

(YELLING)

(SCREAMING)

(GRUNTING)

(CHORTLING)

Stuffed sheep's hearts, Nathaniel?

You know I can't eat meat
in the morning.

I have a very delicate stomach.

Just a little dry toast.

Excuse me, sir.

-Mr Trimble is here to see you.
-(WHISPERING) Trimble...

Ah, Matthew, my boy.
Glad to see you.

Won't you join me
in a little breakfast?

Mr Hawke,
a terrible thing has happened.

Oh, and what is that?

Last night, my father was killed.
Murdered.

Murdered?

My old friend
Joshua Trimble, murdered?

(TUTTING)

I can't believe it.

Who could have done such a thing?

My boy, this is too distressing.

Your father was my very dear friend.

Yes, I know.
That's why I want your advice.

Willingly, my boy. Willingly.
Sit down. Sit down.

Yesterday, he must have
had a premonition

that he was going to be killed.

Oh? What makes you think that?

He gave me a sealed packet
to be opened with his will,

if by any chance
he died a violent death.

He said it contained a great secret.

Really?
I wonder what that can be.

But the will cannot be opened
till after the funeral tomorrow.

Then the secret is a secret still, eh?

But oughtn't we
to open the letter at once,

in case it contains
the name of the murderer?

No, no, my boy. Most irregular.

In any case,
it's safe until tomorrow.

-Where did you put it?
-Where no-one will dare to go.

Oh? And where was that?

Still in my father's keeping.

How do you mean?

With the body and the will.

It seemed the safest place.

No-one would dare
to disturb it there.

You're right, my boy.

No-one would dare
to disturb it there.

DEEP VOICE:
Stephen Hawke.

Joshua.

Stephen Hawke.

Keep away from me.
Don't come near me.

Mercy. Mercy.

-My murderer.
-You forced me to do it.

You knew too much.
You had to die.

I had to kill you!
I had to kill you!

Oh, leave me in peace!
I shall go mad.

Cease your grovelling, Stephen Hawke.

YQU!

You've told me all I had to know.

We have an account to settle, you and I.

Don't kill me. You love Julia.

Remember, I'm her father.
Spare me.

If I do, it'll be for her sake.

You mean you'll let me go?

Tomorrow I bury my father.
You shall have till then.

Good. Excellent.

But after my father's body
is laid to rest, beware.

You shall be like a hunted animal.

But as a fox is given a chance
to run for its life,

so shall you be allowed to flee.

For Julia's sake,
I hope you elude me.

But to avenge
the death of my father,

I swear I shall never cease
in my efforts to kill you.

I'll do anything.
I'll leave London.

You shall know
what is worse than death.

Feat

Dread fear by day and night.

Every living moment.

Death is sure and swift.

Too good for you,
but this is better.

Now go. Run swiftly.

But I shall follow more swiftly still.

Why, Father.
I was wondering where you were.

Julia. Not in bed yet?

Well, I'm glad.
I wanted to see you before I left.

You're going away, Father? Now? At once?

Yes, an urgent business call.

But, Father, at this time of night?

I'm afraid I must.
And I may be away some time.

The business I have on hand
may be long and difficult.

Then I must pray
for its speedy completion.

All ready to go.
Everything's on board.

All right, Nat.

Goodbye, my darling.

I think "goodbye"
is such a horrid word.

Yes, but it's a beautiful word, too.

For it means "God be with you".

And that's how I want you
to take it from me.

I'll see you off, Father.

I hate to see you going out
into the night air like this.

Thank you, dear.

Well? Where to now?

Anywhere.
And as fast as the horse can take us.

To a house where a man
may enter safely?

No, you fool.
To a house we can bolt and bar.

So that even the devil himself
can't find us.

-You don't know where?
-No.

You don't need a coachman.

A bunch of carrots
at the end of a stick'd do you.

Ah, get on with it.

Why, Matthew. I'm so glad to see you.

I've just buried my father.

I know, my dear.
I thought about you every moment.

You look so tired and worn.
Come and sit down.

I'm sorry, Julia.
I've only a few minutes to spare.

-Why? What's the matter?
-|'m going out of London.

-You too are going away?
-Why do you say "you too"?

-Who else is going?
-My father. Last night.

He wouldn't tell me
where he was going,

but he went away so strangely,
so suddenly.

Almost as if he were afraid
of something.

-Why should he be afraid?
-I don't know.

I don't understand him. Or you.

How far are you going?

I don't know that.
I only know I must go at once.

Yes, yes, my dear.
I can understand that.

You want to get away from it all.

But you must know
where you're going.

Listen, Julia, I'm going away,

I don't know where,
and I shall never come back.

You poor boy. But it'll be
all right presently. You'll see.

Time heals all wounds.

Don't you understand, Julia?
I must get away for good.

My father's death will always
stand between us, keeping us apart.

But in life he always loved me.
He always said so.

In his life, yes.

But in his death, he's made it
impossible for us ever to meet again.

He made you promise to give me up?

I've taken an oath.
An oath I cannot break.

-And I must be free to carry it out.
-"Free."

That's a big word, Matthew.

You mean...

You mean free from everyone?
From me?

Oh, but you can't mean that.
Take me with you, Matthew.

We'll go away together and forget
all about these terrible things.

You're making a difficult task
doubly difficult.

I can't do as you suggest.

Nothing shall turn me
from my purpose.

I love you, Matthew.

And nothing in my life could ever
have been greater than my love for you.

But your love is different.

Yours is a love which can be
overshadowed by sorrow and self-pity.

A weak love,
which no woman would want.

Here's someone to see you, Sir Franklin.

-Has he said anything yet?
-Not a word.

If he don't soon say something,
I'll have the vapours.

I'll make him talk.

Now, tell me all you know.
Who is the Spine Breaker?

If you tell me who the Spine Breaker is,
I'll have you taken out of here.

To some other place, perhaps.
Only worse.

Very well. I'll be back later.

Have everything ready then
to make him talk.

Right.

This way.

Here, show these two gentlemen
up to the front room.

Come this way, gentlemen.

Aye, and take a tot of brandy
to the gentleman.

Him got a bad toothache.

Put the bags down there.

And don't bother about the brandy.
I... I feel better now.

Yes, sir.
Nothing else I can get for you?

No, nothing.
And I don't want to be disturbed.

-You've fastened the window securely?
-As tight as a drum.

Good.

How many miles from London are we?

Too many for the horse's liking.

What parts are you making for, sir?

Well, to tell you the truth,
I don't know.

You've come a tidy way,
by the look of your horse.

Yes, from London Town.

Aye. And at a tidy speed, too.

Yes, we kept the milestones busy.

Well, you're not the only one who's
ridden from London in a hurry today.

-Oh? Who's the other?
-Others, sir.

Early this morning,
we had a couple in a buggy.

-In a buggy, eh?
-Aye.

What did they look like?

Have you ever searched
for a needle in a haystack, Nathaniel?

No.

But I've often looked for hops
in a pint of beer,

and that's much about the same.

It'll be just as easy
for him to find us.

He doesn't even know
the road we've taken.

We can sleep in peace tonight.
We're safe.

-Can I open the window a little?
-No, no, not now.

We're not as safe as that.

Yet.

-A thousand thanks, fella.
-Oh, thank you, sir. Thank you.

(GROANING)

(YAWNING)

(GRUNTING)

(YELLING)
No, let me go! Let me go, I say!

I didn't mean to do it! I...

It's all right, it's all right.

It's only me.

Nine o'clock just striking.

Look! Here he is!

Close that window.

Was it fate or the devil
that brought him here?

-Perhaps it was his horse.
-F0oL

We must get away quickly.
We'll double back.

Go tell the landlord
to get the buggy ready at once.

Don't stand there like a fool.
Hurry, man!

Hurry! Hurry!

-I hear you're leaving, sir.
-Yes, that is so.

But, sir, if you're
not comfortable here,

I have another room
on the ground floor

with a big window
opening onto the street.

-No, thank you.
-No, no, no, no.

Look, my friend as the ague.

The country air
doesn't agree with him.

It's the only reason
why we are leaving.

See? Here's a full week's money,
so you lose nothing.

Oh, thank you, sir.

And now just one word in your ear,
my excellent friend.

-Yes, sir?
-In return, do me this favour.

Not a word to a living soul
that we've been here.

Sir, not a word.

(CHUCKLING)

He'll talk. They always do.

Good morning, sir.
What can I do for you?

-Is your ale good?
-None better in the West Country, sir.

-Then give me a pint.
-Certainly.

-Pleasant morning.
-Is it?

Is there anything else
I can do for you, sir?

Do me the favour
of fetching your master.

Mr Tomkins!

-You're a stranger here, sir?
-Yes.

-Will you be here long?
-I've no idea.

Ah, good morning, sir. At your service.
You wish to see me?

Join me in a mug of ale?

Why, thank you, sir.
Don't mind if I do.

I'm looking for two friends of mine
whom I've reason to believe

passed this way recently.

Aye, many pass this way.

Many honour you with their company
for the night?

No, sir. I've had no guests
for quite a while.

But, master,
the two that were here an hour ago.

-Quiet, girl.
-What's this, my friend?

-Come on, tell me the truth.
-Ow!

Hello! What's the matter?

Let me look at your arm.

Now, who gave you that?

And who are you to ask?

A friend who's looking for one
with just such a grip.

Aye.

Are you sure you're a friend?

He said he had many enemies.

Which purse would you say
was the bigger?

This one,
or the one he gave you?

Why, this, to be sure.

It outweighs the other
by quite a lot.

Aye, to be sure.

Take it as a souvenir of me.

Oh, thank you, sir.

Now, which way did my friends go?

Well, I promised not to tell.

No need to tell.
Can't you point?

Aye, to be sure.

I'm afraid, Mr Archer,
you have called at a bad time.

My father is away from home.

Then I've come at a good time,
for it is you I wish to see.

-About what?
-Oh, merely to pass the time of day.

Shall we sit down?

If you intend staying long enough
to make it worth your while.

Thank you.

They tell me that young Matthew Trimble
is also away from home.

Why do you mention him?

So you're quite without male protection.

You seem very well informed, Mr Archer.

May I offer my services?

Oh, thank you.
I have no need of them.

Well, that remains to be seen.

It's a peculiar coincidence that
both your father and your sweetheart

are away from home
at the same time.

I don't see why.

Unless, perhaps,
they are travelling together.

They are not doing that.

Or unless one is in search of the other
for his revenge?

Revenge? For what?

His father's murder.

But his father was murdered
by that monster who...

Murdered Lord Brickhaven
in the garden of this very house.

And whom Sir Franklin Hilliard
has declared to be...

But he was raving.
He didn't know what he said.

Surely no-one believed it.

One or two do.

Matthew Trimble, for one.

But he couldn't believe anything
so stupid, so absurd.

Has he said nothing to you?

Then that's what he meant.

But his mind must be unhinged.

Well, two have the same delusion.

But surely you don't think...?

I know.

Sir Franklin Hilliard admitted it today.

Oh, no, no, it's impossible.
I won't believe it.

But, my dear girl,
why disbelieve facts?

Facts?
What are you here for?

To blacken my father
behind his back?

-To drive me mad?
-No. To offer you my protection.

You need it more than ever now.
You are alone.

Who have you to look after you?
Not your father.

He needs my protection, too.

Do you realise
that he is a hunted man?

Hunted now by Matthew.
Soon to be hunted by the law.

And yet it is in my power
to ensure his safety.

Can you? Will you?

Yes.

On one condition.

Oh, I can't promise that.

Oh, come, come, my dear girl.

Am I so unattractive as a husband?

Rich, powerful.

Consider it carefully.

I don't expect
your answer now, at once.

I'll come back tomorrow,
and every day for a week.

But, if at the end of that time,
your answer is not yes,

your father's fate is in your hands.

A charming memory

to haunt you
for the rest of your days.

Goodbye, dear girl.

Till tomorrow?

Well, there be people
that's scared of mice

and others
who's frightened of cockroaches.

And even some
who don't fancy fleas.

I'd rather have all they together
than two flights of stairs.

Won't be so far for you to go down,
so what are you grumbling about?

You like to live near the skies, eh?

Mmm, as far as possible
from the street.

Why?

Give us plenty of exercise
going up and down.

You never go out.
Your master doesn't, anyway.

Where is he now,
if he's not out?

You don't mean to say
he's gone out for once?

Mm-hmm. As it's a fine night,
he thought he may risk it.

But he's got to be very careful.

(COUGHING)
Account of his bronchitis.

My grandmother's got bronchitis.

Ah, she's not the woman she was.

Your grandmother?

Yes. People live a long time
round these parts.

Oh, my master
will be pleased about that.

-What's happened?
-He's here. He's seen me.

He saw me at the fair.
I was fool enough to go there.

-Did he see you come up here?
-I don't know. I don't know.

Yes, there he is outside now.

Waiting for me.
Caught like a rat in a trap.

He's coming for me now.

I know he is.

Is there no way of escape?

The roof! My one chance.

You stay here and hold him off.

Good day, Nathaniel.

The master in?

-My master?
-Mr Stephen Hawke.

Oh, him.
I left his service weeks ago.

So now you're travelling with him
as his friend, eh?

-Who said I was travelling with him?
-I do.

I'm living here alone.

So I see.

Where is he?
I saw enter the door below.

-Did you see him come up the stairs?
-No.

You'd better look
down the stairs again.

MATTHEW: That's the
hat and coat he was wearing

when I saw him come in.

-So he has been here.
-Is he here now?

-Where is he?
-You're looking for him, not me.

Why should I help you?

Quite right.

I'll help meself.

What are you gonna do?

Wait till he comes back.

Who are you
and what are you doing here?

Oh, my arm!

What are you hiding
behind your back?

Bread, eh?

Oh, for Heaven's sake,
don't hand me over to the Runners.

A thief.

Nice company for me
to find myself in.

It was for my children.
They're starving.

The Runners saw me.
They're after me now.

Don't let 'em catch me, sir, please.

But you're a thief
and prison is what you deserve.

You don't know
what prison means, sir.

Locked up like that,
it's like being in the tomb.

For aught anyone knows,
you might be dead.

"For aught anyone knows,
you might be dead."

Yes, that's true.

And if people think you're dead, they
cease to take an interest in you, eh?

-Yes, sir.
-Dreadful.

-You wouldn't send me to that, sir?
-No, my poor fellow.

Cruelty was never
part of my nature.

Here, give me that bread
and I'll hold them off while you escape.

RUNNER: This way, quick!
He must be at the Larches.

-Go. Go quickly.
-May Heaven reward you, sir.

Go.

There he is! Quick!

-Come on, out you come.
-Pity, sir, pity.

-I am innocent!
-You tell that to the magistrate.

Let me go.

Come on.

We'll have you.

Make yourself at home.

You don't want me
to be uncomfortable, do you?

Oh...

(CHUCKLING)

Are you still determined to stay here
and see if he comes?

-I am.
-Ah, well.

Not that I blame ya.

PRISONER #1: Well, cheer up, boys.
First fifteen years is the worst.

I ain't got a chance to find out.
I've only got ten.

What are you cribbin' about?

-How long have you got?
-Only one year.

-Blimey. He's a bloomin‘ amateur.
-Talks as if he wished he'd got more.

Fancy puttin' us to work
with a raw recruit like him.

(AFFECTED POSH ACCENT) Yus.
Won't my people be awfully upset?

Have you seen the menu today,
old fellow?

-No.
-PRISONER #2: Wednesday. Pea soup day.

Two split peas and a pint of water
and still a little thick.

Well, I'm not complaining.

Hark at the parson talking.

I'm quite contented here, thank you.

I can't make the parson out.
He seems to like it here.

Perhaps he's married.
(LAUGHING)

-There's someone to see you.
-Who? Who is it?

-Look at him.
-The wife's found out where he is.

You can talk to him through the grille
for about five minutes.

It's a him.

Just come to tell you that the party
we were waiting for's changed his mind

and gone back to London.

-(WHISPERING) Matthew?
-Aye.

But I've some other news
that may not please you so much.

-Oh, and what is that?
-It's about Julia.

-Julia?
-Mmm.

She's to be married.

-To him?
-No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

To the other. To Archer.

Why? Where and when?

Oh, any day now.

Gawd knows what for.
It can't be for his beauty.

No. Not for his beauty, no.

But I think I have an idea
why she is doing it.

-And I've got to stop it.
-We||, you can't in here.

There are always a way of getting out,
my dear Nathaniel.

Yes, but have you found them?

No, no yet. But I shall.

Be ready to return home
at any moment.

You mean to say that after
all the trouble we took to get away,

you're going to stick your neck
in the noose again?

After what you've told me,
I've got to get out of here.

Well, it's your neck and I suppose
you can do what you like with it, but...

You stand ready with the buggy
to leave immediately.

-Understand?
-Oh, all right.

Your wedding dress
has come, Miss Julia.

-Has it?
-Don't you want to see it?

I shall see it soon enough.

Why, you've been crying.

Oh, don't cry, Miss.

It breaks my heart.

I've just been thinking,
that's all, Emma.

The wonderful dreams we have,
they never seem to come true.

My marriage.
To think it would be like this.

Yes, Mr Archer isn't my idea
of a fairy prince either.

Why you have to marry him,
I don't know.

Please, Emma. It's sufficient for you
that I'm going to marry him.

But, Mr Matthew,
he loved you and loves you still.

No. That's all over and done.

Just like one of those soap bubbles
we used to blow.

All beautiful colours
and nothing inside.

Bubbles that disappear into nothing
as if they'd never been.

And Mr Archer?
What sort of a bubble do you call him?

More like a bladder of lard, I think.

Oh, why did Mr Matthew go away
and leave you like this?

I told you, he had something to do.

Well, whatever it is,
he seems to have done it all right.

Oh, no. No, don't say that.

Please, God, that's not true.

If it is, all I'm doing now
would be wasted.

But why do you say
his work has finished?

Because, Miss, he's just coming up
to the front door now.

Emma, don't let him in.

Tell him I'm away in the country,
anything, only don't admit him.

Oh, do see him, Miss,
just for my sake.

No, no, Emma, I won't, I won't.

-Is your mistress at home?
-No, sir. She's away in the country.

-That's what she told me to tell you.
-Then you mean she is in?

Well, that's what I mean,
but that is not what I told you.

Thank you, Emma. God bless you.
Where shall I find her?

Ooh, I mustn't tell you that, sir,

but I may tell you
where you won't find her.

Where's that?

Well, you won't find her anywhere
in the house, except on the terrace.

But I mustn't let you go there, sir,
because she forbade me.

-Out of my way, woman.
-Oh, unhand me, sir.

(BOTH CHUCKLING)

-Matthew.
-Julia, is this terrible thing true?

What terrible thing?

They tell me you're marrying
Miles Archer tomorrow.

-Why shouldn't it be true?
-Because he's impossible.

Besides...

Julia, you can't do it.
You know you can't.

I love you, Julia.

You talk like this now,

but a few weeks ago,
when you were going away,

who was it insisted
that everything was finished?

-Wasn't it you?
-My dear, don't you understand?

I was at my wit's end.

My father had just been
killed and murdered.

I felt it was my duty
to track down the man who'd done it.

That seemed to me
more important than...

-Did you find him?
-No.

Oh, thank Heaven. Thank Heaven.

Why do you say that?
What do you know?

Look at me, Julia.

Julia, you know
who your father really is?

Yes. But I can only think of him
for all his kindness to me.

I would give anything to save him.

Julia, Julia, my darling, listen to me.

I know that he's the notorious
Spine Breaker,

that he ought to be dead
a hundred times.

But I also know that his death
cannot bring my father back to life,

that, alive or dead,
it cannot alter my love for you.

Let's forget all that happened
in this house before I left

and start our lives
all over again, together.

Together.

Oh, no, what am I thinking about?
It... It's impossible.

I have given my word.

Throw away your whole life
for your word?

Julia, there's something more in this.

Why are you marrying this man?

-I have promised.
-You promised to marry me.

And nothing would have made me
break that promise.

-|'m not like you.
-Why did you promise?

-I love him, I tell you.
-Julia. Tell me the truth.

Am I responsible to you
for my actions? Let me go.

Julia, you said just now that
you'd do anything to save your father.

That has nothing to do with it.

I wonder.

Anyway, that's just what
I'm going to try and find out.

He gets later every day
with our supper.

He waits till it's dark
so as we can't see what's in it.

PRISONER #1: We can smell it, though,
can't we, Parson?

You men are always complaining.

I'm quite content.

Blimey, so you have come, then.

-Good evening, Nurse.
-Not so much talk from you fellas.

GUARD:
Help! Help!

(GUARD SCREAMING)

(PRISONERS YELLING)

Can't you make the horse go any faster?

It's only an horse.
It ain't got wings.

Well, use your whip.
Try and persuade him that he has.

-SERVANT: Is that all, Mr Archer?
-Yes.

See that I'm not disturbed.
I want to have a quiet evening.

-My last night as a bachelor, hmm?
-Exactly, sir.

(BELL JANGLING)

Unless that's somebody of importance,
I'm not in.

Very good, sir.

Mr Matthew Trimble.

I'm glad to see you.

This saves me from the unpleasant
necessity of having to send for you.

Jndeed?
-Yes.

You've been absent from London
for some weeks.

What have you been doing?

Looking for the man
who killed my father.

Oh. A very dangerous occupation.

Did you find him?

Yes, and I've got some news for you.

-Good news, I hope?
-The very best.

The Spine Breaker is dead.

Dead?

Oh, so you killed him, eh?

Well, my young friend,

supposing I clapped you into prison
on a charge of murder? What then?

Yes, come on.
I admit it. I killed him. He's dead.

-Come on. Why don't you tell your men?
-It does not suit my convenience.

-We||, very well. I'll tell them.
-Wait.

Ah, I thought so.
You don't want your men to hear.

You don't want the Spine Breaker
to be dead.

-You want him to be alive.
-What do you mean?

I mean that the Spine Breaker
and Stephen Hawke are one and the same.

That Julia is going to marry you because
you blackmailed her into consenting.

-You realise what you're saying?
-Yes, I do.

And supposing I do admit it.
What can you do?

Persuade the young lady
to change her mind?

You miserable rat.

Go ahead. Go ahead and try.

Or perhaps you've already tried.

You see, my excitable young friend,

I hold the whip hand.

You may have it now,
but I haven't finished yet.

I've got till tomorrow
to prevent this marriage.

And I shall move Heaven and Earth
to do so.

Good evening, Archer.

-Stephen Hawke!
-Pardon the intrusion.

But the window was open.

And, after all, what is
ceremony among good friends?

Don't ring that bell.

Make the slightest move or sound
and I'll blow your brains out.

-I thought you were dead.
-I know you did.

That's why I'm here.

I've been away
on government business.

You didn't know I was
in the government's service, did you?

But I was and should be still.

But I heard rumours, vague rumours,
that you were to be married tomorrow.

And who do you think the silly
gossip-mongers coupled your name with?

No, no, don't try to guess.
I'll tell you.

With my daughter, Julia.

You can't bluff me, Hawke.
I know who you are and why you're here.

But you're too late.
She becomes my wife tomorrow.

You're clever, Archer,
but not clever enough.

You're right.

I am the Spine Breaker.

So many I've come to grips with.

Lord Tre|awny's son
with his skinny little arms.

Lady Kingsmead
with her white flabby shoulders.

Sir Geoffrey London
with a tough back, but brittle.

It went...
(CLICKING FINGERS)

Just like the rest.

And now...

You.

You... You shall have your way.

I'll give her up.
I... I won't marry her!

After having made her promise?

Hardly a gentlemanly thing to do, eh?

Still, if you wish to cancel the affair,
what can I do but accept?

So, come, we'll shake hands on it, eh?

Won't you shake hands with me?

It's time we got to grips,
so long since we met.

Too proud, eh?

Then I must take it!

-Oh! You're breaking my arm!
-Are you frightened, Archer?

You're the only one who has found me out
before it was too late.

All the others discovered my secrets
after I'd demonstrated my skill.

You are luckier.

You are about to watch
the whole process!

Aah! Oh, not that! Not that!

(SCREAMING)

(HAWKE CHORTLING)

But, Julia, darling,
your father's hidden away safely.

Nobody knows where he is,
not even Archer.

-And my promise?
-A promise given under threat.

And you want to marry the girl
whose father caused your father's death?

Oh, Matthew,
could there ever be happiness for us?

Sooner or later they'll find him
and then...

-(CHATTERING)
-What's that?

Out of the way in the name of the law!
Out of the way! Out of the way!

There he is, the Spine Breaker!
Arrest him!

But this is nonsense.
What madness are you talking?

I arrest you
for the murder of Miles Archer.

But you're mad.
A mistake has been made.

A mistake has been made, gentlemen.

Allow me to rectify it.

If you value your lives,

you won't move.

Matthew, Julia,
my coach is outside on the road.

Off you go, both of you.

-But, Father...
-Don't argue.

Do as I tell you or, by Heaven, I...

Now move over this way a little,
so that I can see you.

(GIGGLING)

Move quicker!

(LAUGHING)

Well, gentlemen,
you're searching for the Spine Breaker?

You've found him.

Yes, you've found him!

But you haven't caught him yet.

What's going on here?

He says that the Spine Breaker escaped
through that window.

What are you talking about?
He's there behind the pistol.

We followed him from Aylesbury Gaol.

-Come on, Hawke. The game's up.
-Ah, my friends from captivity.

So you've arrived too.
Each eager to be the first, eh?

You'd better join my friends over there.

Well? Why do you hang back?

I'm hereto be taken.
Why don't you take me?

It's no use, Hawke.
You'll have to give in.

There are six of us and you've only got
one shot in that pistol.

Yes, but each of you
has only got one life.

Which of you is
going to give in?

Well? Which is it to be?

You, of the quaking knees?

Or you, with the loud voice?

Or you, the brave man who wants
the others to take all the risks?

Or even you, you pale-faced underling.

(LAUGHING)

(GUNSHOT)

-Come on, boys! Get him!
-Get him!

-We must do something for him.
-There's nothing we can do.

On the roof!

Now, Hawke, come on!
Open the door!

Get that post!

(BANGING)

ALL:
Heave!

-And again!
-ALL: Heave!

-Heave!
-And again!

Haven't caught me yet! Curse you!

And again!

(LAUGHING)

Take me! Take me if you can!

(CACKLING)

Come on, you curs!

I'll beat you yet!

(SCREAMING)

(WHIMPERING)

Julia. Julia.

Father.

There's something you ought to know.

Something I should have told you
years ago when I adopted you.

-Adopted me?
-Yes.

That makes a difference, eh?

You're not really my daughter.

As if that would make any difference.

I might have known you'd say that.

But it makes me...

haPPY-

Master.

Master.

Master.

Ma...

(sesame)

(SNORING)