Original subtitles

'May God have mercy on your soul.'

Superintendent Grodman sir, good morning.

Good morning, sergeant.

Are you leaving so soon?

It won't be long now, sir.

Do you want to watch a man walk to the gallows

knowing you sent him there?

He's only getting what he deserves.

You proved him guilty of murder, sir.

Guilty beyond doubt.

'Man, that is born of a woman'

'hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery.'

'He cometh up, and is cut down, like a flower'

'he fleeth as it were a shadow..'

"In the midst of life we are in death.

"Of whom may we seek for succour

but of thee, O Lord."

It was a difficult case, sir.

And if I may say so, you handled it with great success.

Success? Ours is a profession

of disturbing contradictions, sergeant.

A man who builds a great ship

or composes a classic symphony..

Success means, the fruits he taste are sweet.

For us, whose success is so often measured

by the number of lives we have taken.

- Fruit is bitter. - But, sir.

But I have no personal feeling.

We're only instruments of justice

like the court which condemns.

Black flag. It's all over now, sir.

May his soul rest in peace.

- Good morning, superintendent. - Good morning.

Good morning, Superintendent Grodman sir.

Your clerk's been looking everywhere for you, sir.

- Thank you, sergeant. - Well, thank you, sir.

Oh, good morning, sir. Where have you been?

Ah, begging your pardon, sir.

Clearly obeying an impulse to walk in the park

and feed my pigeons, Simpkins.

What is so urgent?

The commissioner is waiting for you, sir.

Sir William?

He's in your office with Inspector Buckley.

Oh, what's it about?

I think Inspector Buckley is up to his old tricks.

He's getting much too big for his britches.

Well, he'll have quite a job to fill mine.

- Good morning, Sir William. - Good morning.

- Morning, Buckley. - 'Morning, Mr. Grodman.'

I have a shock for you, Mr. Grodman.

You sent an innocent man to the gallows this morning.

Nonsense.

I suppose the usual crack-brain is trying to attract attention

by a false confession.

No. You've made a terrible error, Grodman.

Sir William, the man Harris was guilty of murdering

Hannah Kendall beyond all doubt.

Your evidence against him was entirely circumstantial.

I built this case with the utmost care.

Harris was a bad character, an ex-convict

who Hannah Kendall employed as a gardener.

When she found out about him and discharged him

he threatened her.

Her nephew, Arthur Kendall

with whom I'm personally acquainted, heard his threat.

She notified the police and asked them to arrest Harris.

The next morning, she was found with her throat cut.

His defence proved a tissue of lies.

The jury hardly left the box.

The flaw in your case, Mr. Grodman sir

was that you never turned up the missing witness.

The clergymen whom Harris claimed

could account for his time, all that night.

My dear Buckley..

The clergymen who had conveniently

left for Wales the next morning

was Harris's most obvious lie.

He couldn't even recall his name.

Although I suspect he lacked the imagination to think of one.

But I even pursued that too.

You know, we practically scoured Wales

for a recently arrived minister.

There was no such clergyman, he never existed.

Such a clergymen does exist, Mr. Grodman.

Ask Mr. Holbrook to come in, please.

Yes, sir.

'Come in, please.'

Mr. Holbrook, Superintendent Grodman.

Mr. Holbrook has a parish in Kent

where I spent my summers.

Yes, I know him.

- Please sit down. - Yeah.

You've just returned from a visit to Wales, Mr. Holbrook?

New South Whales in Australia, Mr. Grodman.

'Just this morning.'

New South Wales?

'I saw the awful account of Harris's hanging'

'in the newspaper'

'and hurried to Sir William at once.'

It's quite clear that Harris and his ignorance

thought that New South Wales was part of Wales.

You were with Harris all the time, as he testified?

Yes, we worked all night in my sisters flat

packing several boxes with books that I took to her.

She's a missionary, you know.

Mr. Holbrook, how did you happen to know Harris?

I didn't know him.

He approached me on the street

as I was entering my sister's flat

and asked me for the price of a supper.

I needed someone to help me..

And his appearance seemed most timely.

I see. You say you worked all night.

May I ask how you're so sure it was the night of the murder?

The night of July the 21st?

I left London from Waterloo station at 8:00 am.

That was the morning of July the 22nd.

I can't forget the date

because I sailed for New South Wales that night

from Southampton.

He carried my baggage

to the station for me.

That's where we picked him up.

Waterloo.

I was sure he was lying..

When he insisted that you had left for Wales.

Everybody knows there's no train

from Waterloo for Wales.

I feel dreadful about it.

Almost as though it were my own fault.

I want you to know, Mr. Grodman..

That I appreciate how you must feel.

- May I leave now, Sir William? - Of course, Mr. Holbrook.

If we need you again, I'll let you know.

Hmm, Wales, New South Wales.

You know, it occurred to me, Sir William

that Harris might have been confused.

If it occurred to you

why in heavens name didn't you tell me?

Well, I had nothing definite to go on

it was merely my instinct.

You refused to rely on your instinct

when there's a chance of saving an innocent man's life?

Oh, it's no use trying to pass the blame onto me, Mr. Grodman.

You seem to have a stupid idea that I'm trying to replace you.

It seems to me you've justified that idea.

Gentlemen, please.

I'm sorry, sir, but he's making a serious accusation.

The supreme fact is

an innocent man was hanged

this morning.

I am compelled to regard you as being responsible

for that most grievous error.

I accept entire responsibility, Sir William.

It will create a terrible scandal

once the press gets hold of it.

Public confidence will be shaken.

We need new methods of the Yard.

Greater efficiency..

Younger men, perhaps.

It's imperative that I take drastic action.

Naturally, I shall accept your resignation with regret.

I'm sorry, but the situation leaves me no alternative.

For the time being, Inspector Buckley

you'll be in charge.

I'm sorry.

On the contrary, you're delighted.

"Congratulations on the 30 years service

Her Majesty."

Her own handwriting.

I'll send for what other things I want.

Oh, I'll take the Hannah Kendall file

I'd like to recheck the case.

I'll do what rechecking's necessary.

I see, your professional instinct

will undoubtedly turn up a clue.

Let me tell you this

there's always a clue if you can find it.

And whatever the outcome of the Kendall case, Mr. Grodman

there'll be no more such tragic mistakes as today's.

Now, that I'm in charge.

In my retirement, I shall watch your career

with the greatest of interest.

And possibly with some amusement.

Oh, Superintendent Grodman, is there..

Mr. Grodman now.

An innocent man.

Terrible error.

We need new methods of the Yard.

Younger men, perhaps.

There'll be no more such tragic mistakes as today's

now that I'm in charge.

There's always a clue. There's always a clue.

Always... a clue.

Couldn't find it.

- The innocent man. - Oh, another.

It's a shame!

Who's responsible for a thing like this?

Somebody should be held responsible.

He's the bloke we ought to hang, that's what I say.

'It's a shame.'

It's a shame, that's what it is

hanging an innocent man.

- Flowers, sir? - Innocent man hanged!

Innocent man hanged!

Big scandal in Scotland Yard. Innocent man hanged!

Well, I'll be hanged.

- Ain't it a shame? - Hanging an innocent man.

Who's responsible for this?

He's the bloke that ought to be hanged.

Just right.

Hmm, 1881.

I say, Victor, if you aren't with a new girl

you're with an old bottle.

- Don't you ever get tired? - Perhaps.

But can you think of a better way?

Are you sure old Grodman will be home?

Usually he comes home at 06:00.

Habit, I suppose.

Look at all his medicines.

You know, I'm worried about Grodman.

Ever since he hanged an innocent man

for the murder of your Aunt Hannah, he's..

'...been like a man in a daze or... obsessed.'

Now, don't tell me you're afraid old Grodman will waste away.

No, but I, I wish I could help him.

Say, let's really cheer him up, shall we?

Yes, as for men like Grodman

I suppose the disgrace is tragic.

'Good evening, Mr. G. Good evening.'

Well, Victor.

Kendall, what a surprise.

- Someone's birthday? - No.

Victor thought some wine and a little friendly conversation

would take your mind off your trouble.

If I were Irish..

I feel as though I were drinking at my own wake.

Psst.

To your good health.

And this, sir, is to be an evening of wine

woman and song.

Wine, woman and song, Victor, you flatter me.

You know I can't sing.

Mr. G.

Yes, it's good to see you relax, Mr. Grodman.

Just right.

'You know, you've been brooding too much.'

Clearly, you know, you shouldn't accept the full blame.

After all, it was my testimony

that helped send Harris to the gallows.

It seemed so plain.

My aunt didn't have an enemy in the world.

Except that man.

Come now, Kendall, can't you forget it?

It's something I can't easily forget, Victor.

Just today I made an important discovery.

Then you're still working on the case, sir?

I'm interested, unofficially, of course.

It now rests in the hand of my successor

Superintended Buckley.

- Well, perhaps afresh mind. - Afresh mind, of course.

As for me

I've decided to write a book

dealing with the famous cases I've handled.

I hope it may become a standard police work.

Perhaps show the pitfalls of circumstantial evidence.

Save some other poor devil from the gallows.

'It'll be, as it were, a work of atonement.'

Well, that's wonderful.

Splendid idea.

Why not let me illustrate it for you?

I can do corpses

hmm, exquisitely.

I'll take you up on that, Victor.

Your illustrations would help.

- Mr. G, it's a bargain. - Anybody at home?

'Russell, it's good to see you.'

'Hello, Russell, good evening.'

If Victor told me what he'd planned

I wouldn't have miss it for..

'Oh, Kendall?'

I didn't know you'd be here.

You took the words of the tip of my tongue.

Uh, here they go again.

Huh, Victor, political differences

such as Russell and Kendall indulge in

are actually signs of a healthy condition.

If you don't mind, sir

I just dropped in to pay my respects.

I think I better run along.

Business meeting.

I suppose your business concerns itself

with the unfortunate Brockton miners.

I shall always make it my business to see that you're

forced to give your miners decent working conditions.

- Gentlemen, you bore me. - I told you before.

Being a member of parliament doesn't give you the right

to criticize me or my family.

Of course, he doesn't mean to criticize your family, Kendall.

After all, the Brockton miners are his constituents.

Exactly.

And I consider it my duty to do what I can

to improve their condition.

It's deplorable.

Why don't you take your soapbox down to Hyde Park

and join the other crackpots if they'll make room

for a cheap conniver like you?

I'll not take that from you.

Gentlemen, gentlemen, well, do I make myself clear?

- You'll regret this, Kendall. - May I suggest a truce?

How about a drink to the solution of your troubles?

Right, Victor. A toast to the solution of all our troubles.

Please, gentlemen, I've invited you up here

to cheer him up, not to have a fight.

Do you always have to talk about politics and social reforms?

Do I always talk about my paintings?

Perhaps I do, but at least it isn't politics.

- Here you are, my boy. - Uh, no, thank you, sir.

- How about you? - Thank you, sir.

Will you excuse me, sir, I have this meeting?

Then I'm off on the early train to Brockton.

I'm sorry.

No apologies necessary, Russell.

Goodnight, Victor. Goodnight, sir.

Goodnight.

The early train to Brockton was wrecked once.

I suppose it's too much to hope that lightning will strike

twice in the same place.

Kendall, you know the two things I like best about you?

Your tact and your charm.

Why do you have to blame me for everything?

It was fine until Russell came and threatened me.

I think I'll say good night, Mr. Grodman.

Come again, Kendall.

Oh, and when you come home tonight.

Try not to fall upstairs as usual, will you?

It's disturbing. I might have to get up early.

- Goodnight, sir. - Goodnight.

For men who live in the same house

those two get along very differently.

I just hope the next time

they start barking at each other

they really bite.

Let's forget about them and have a drink.

Shall we, Mr. G?

Look here, what's the idea?

I'm warning you, Kendall.

This time you've gone too far.

You're warning me? Don't be silly.

I've heard some things about you

that would make rather juicy readings

for the newspapers.

If you spread any more lies about me, Kendall

I'll take steps to silence you.

Once and for all.

Well, Mr. Kendall.

Lottie, what're you doing here?

Waiting for you.

I called at your home, Mrs. Benson said

you were in there.

I told you I couldn't meet you tonight.

Oh, you couldn't, eh?

Afraid some of your fine friends

might see me and disapprove?

For heaven's sake, lower your voice, Lottie.

Don't you be so high and mighty, Mr. Arthur Kendall.

It was a sorry day I ever took up with the likes of you.

- A cheat! - Please, Lottie!

A cheat, that's what you are.

I found out the jewellery you gave me

the necklace and everything is a lot of trash.

- You must be mistaken. - Mistaken me eye.

Today, I asked for the loan of two pounds

on your five pound necklace

and all Uncle Joe would hand out was two shillings.

And it's the same with all the rest.

Uncle Joe says it's a lot of rubbish.

If it is false, it's no more than appropriate.

Very well, Mr. Arthur Kendall.

But before we part, I'd thank you to return

the genuine and expensive watch fob

which I gave you.

Except for the good luck charm.

And I certainly wish you no good luck.

I'll see you tomorrow and settle this, goodnight.

Making off with my good luck charm, eh?

I'll have you know I got friends

who'd just do you in like that, Sir High and Mighty.

- Royal Music Hall, cabby. - 'Yes, milady.'

'Giddy-up.'

Sorry, we can't continue our evening.

Perhaps another time.

I don't know, the area is full of sinister currents tonight.

It was stimulating.

Quite took my mind off my own troubles.

Thank you.

Well, the night is still young.

For wine, women and song.

- Goodnight, Mr. G. - Goodnight, Victor.

Mrs. Benson? Mrs. Benson?

Yes, Mr. Kendall.

I'm coming.

Don't forget to call me in the morning. 6 o'clock.

I shan't forget, Mr. Kendall. Goodnight.

'Goodnight.'

'Mr. Kendall?'

'It's past 6 o'clock.'

Mr. Kendall? It's past 6:00.

Mr. Kendall!

Why don't you answer me?

Mr. Kendall?

Mr. Kendall!

Mister..

Please, Mr. Grodman.

Mr. Grodman?

I've been knocking on Mr. Kendall's door

for I don't know how long.

Mr. Kendall?

The door's locked and I can't get in.

Something's wrong!

Quiet, you'll wake up the whole neighbourhood.

- Why bother me? - Please come over, Mr. Grodman.

Oh, well, let me get some things on.

What a filthy morning.

I've been knocking and knocking.

Keep calm, keep calm!

Oh, please hurry, Mr. Grodman.

I know something terrible must've happened.

I know it.

Oh!

Oh!

Don't let anything happen to Mr. Kendall.

Kendall, it's going on 6:30.

Kendall, hello in there! Hello? Kendall?

Ah! Ah!

Push it open.

Heavens horrible!

That scream.

That scream, sir, did you hear it?

Scream?

- No scream lives here. - Where do you live?

Right here, number 32.

- This is 31, sir. - Huh?

It's Mr. Kendall, he's dead!

What's happened?

What's happened?

Murdered.

The door was locked and bolted.

How could anybody have got at him?

His Aunt Hannah was murdered in a..

Now, it's..

Constable..

Better send for Superintendent Buckley.

Yes, sir.

I shouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be very simple.

- Constable. - Yes, sir.

- Did you make a note? - Yes, sir.

This gentleman here, Victor Emmric

occupies rooms in the house.

Yes, sir, I live on the floor above

on the top floor.

Mr. Clyde Russell, a member of parliament

occupies the street floor.

- Did you question him? - No, sir, he's out of town.

He's elected from Brockton, spends much of his time there.

He left on the early train this morning.

I see. There were no others in the house?

Just me, sir.

I have the basement rooms.

What I want to know is how I'll ever

let these premises after this..

Oh, poor Mr. Kendall.

Murder in a locked room.

I find it rather difficult knowing

just where to begin, superintendent.

Whoever did it probably killed Hannah Kendall also.

Some mad man, seeking revenge on the entire family.

If you don't mind, I'll return to my own quarters, Buckley.

Of course.

Don't hesitate to call on me

if I can be of any assistance.

Oh, I think I shall be able to manage very well.

Thank you, Grodman.

- Mr. Coroner. - Yes, sir.

Give me your reports.

The door of Kendall's room

was locked and bolted from the inside.

- The windows also. - Well, what about the chimney?

Much too small for even a chimney sweep.

There are no hidden or secret means of entry.

The walls, floor and ceiling are completely solid.

Under the circumstance, it was impossible for a murderer

to get into that room and out of it again.

But it was equally impossible

for Arthur Kendall to have killed himself.

There wasn't a sign of a weapon.

Oh, it's so completely baffling.

Unfortunately, we can't tell that

to the gentlemen of the press outside.

Impossible or not, murder has been done

and done with devilish cleverness.

And unless we bring this case to a quick conclusion

the press are going to dig up

the unsolved Hannah Kendall murder

and link the two together. Well, what's this?

With your permission, sir, I'm going to call in

a technical expert.

Isn't that what you are supposed to be?

I mean, sir, a man experienced in house breaking

who maybe able to tell us how the murderer

got into that room and out again.

A burglar. Highly irregular.

The police asking a burglar for help.

Oh, very well, but, okay, let's get on with it.

I understand you found the body, Mrs. Swenson.

I helped break down the door.

The name is Benson.

'B-E-N-S-O-N .'

It was a very horrid sight.

Stabbed right through the heart, he was.

Mrs. Benson, I can't do a thing while you move.

Why don't you go to the morgue

and interview the body?

By your leave, please.

Now, Mrs. Benson, if you'd step outside.

- Well, the very idea! - You too, gentlemen.

Oh!

- Constable, guard the door. - Yes, sir.

Barney.

These are the rooms, the body was lying on the bed there.

The windows and the door

were locked and bolted from the inside.

Now, how did our murderer get in here?

And how did he get out again?

A vexating problem, gentlemen, but not impossible.

Hello. What're you doing with these things?

In my duty to the mission, sir

I took 'em off a sinner last night.

Never dreamed that they would come in handy today.

Thank you, governor.

Now, let me show you.

If I were faced with the situation, gentlemen..

Our murderer, that is your murderer..

Could bolt the door on the inside, see?

They need, uh..

They'd remove these here hinge pins..

Then he'd, uh..

He'd work the door off the hinges, you see?

Then"

he'd squeeze himself outside.

Then, he'd use a piece of wire

to drop the hinge pins back into place.

Sounds reasonable. Is that your solution?

Uh, no, governor, it ain't.

You see, these hinge pins screw in

they wouldn't drop in.

But there's another way, governor.

You murderer winds a piece of wire

around the end of this here bolt.

See?

He, uh, leads the wire

over to the window here.

Then, uh..

He takes a pair of pliers like this here..

He goes outside the door..

And..

Then turns the key in the lock.

Goes downstairs..

Goes outside the window over here..

And pulls the wire and shoots the bolt.

Would there be room enough for the wire

to pass under the window when it were shut?

No, governor, there ain't.

So, we'll rule that out.

This is ridiculous.

You've wasted precious time, Buckley

and we've arrived exactly nowhere.

Most accommodating murder, Superintendent Buckley.

Turns up right across the street.

I have a front row stall from which to watch the proceedings.

- To luck. - Huh, I need it.

Barney Cole gave me nothing.

Exactly what I would have expected from Barney.

Well, I felt sure he'd stumble on something somehow.

Don't you see, Grodman? There's no clue.

There's always a clue, Buckley, if you can find it.

You know, it's almost like the perfect crime

that we always talk about.

- Is that supposed to be me? - Isn't it?

What are those horns there?

Oh, the horns.

They only exist in my imagination.

I see.

You know, I'd like to know a little more about

this imagination of yours, Mr. Emmric.

You would?

I'd like to know why Constable Warren

found you hurrying away from the house

just before the body was discovered.

Well, I was in no hurry.

As a matter of fact, when the constable found me

I-I didn't quite know where I was.

You see, I had been in a party and..

I had a few too many of these.

I was drunk.

Then I walked home and..

I don't know, the whole thing is a little vague.

Well, if it's all so vague

you might have been in Kendall's room

and not known that either.

I certainly wasn't in Kendall's room.

Surely, Buckley, you are not accusing Victor.

Why not? How do I know he was at the party?

Can you produce witnesses?

Yes, I can.

Very charming too.

Some "Ladies Of The Chorus" were there.

I'll have a talk with them.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

By the way, if it's a clue you're looking for

what about that girl that used to be mixed up with Kendall?

- What girl? - 'Well, what's her name?'

'Lottie. She works at the Royal Music Hall.'

Lottie?

Yes, they had a violent argument.

- Are you making this up? - Why should I make it up?

I can vouch for Victor's statement, Buckley.

Victor and I heard Lottie threaten Kendall

the night he was murdered.

She said she had friends who would do him in

if she just did..

Why wasn't I told about this before?

My dear, Buckley, you didn't ask for my help.

So, I didn't think you wanted it.

I'll see to this.

You, sir..

Don't think of leaving town.

I may want to see you again.

What do you think of Superintendent Buckley, Victor?

You want to know, Mr. G, I..

I dislike him very much.

I wonder how many mistakes he'll make.

He's already made one.

He's misjudged

the size... of my britches.

- Goodnight, Miss Lottie. - Goodnight, Charlie.

'Have you found what you are looking for?'

You followed me.

Who are you?

What right have you got to follow me?

What are you doing here, Lottie?

I've got a perfect right to be here.

- Who murdered Kendall? - I don't know, sir, honestly...

I'm Superintendent Buckley of Scotland Yard.

Did you?

Don't be silly. What would I be doing here if I did?

A murderer often returns to the scene of his crime.

You were overheard threatening Kendall.

Mercy now.

People who like each other quarrel a lot

and say things they don't mean.

Perhaps that's what was overheard.

Mr. Kendall, rest his soul, and I were..

Such good friends, we often quarrelled.

Why did you come here?

I'll tell you the truth.

I gave Mr. Kendall a watch fob.

It was set with a good luck charm

and engraved in affectionate terms from me to him.

It's that I was looking for.

- Perhaps, it was foolish... - I don't believe your story.

This room was thoroughly searched.

No such watch fob was found.

You've got to be..

Getting an earful, Mrs. Benson?

And who has a better right, I'd like to know.

Always listening at key holes.

I said nothing about her before, Superintendent Buckley.

As I considered it my duty to protect Mr. Kendall's good name.

But he was never the same, sir

after he started seeing this creature.

Why you, old hag, you!

If you ask me, I think she's the one who did him in.

I'll do you in you...

Alright, Lottie, you're in enough trouble already.

- Come on, come on, right away. - You can't arrest me..

'I didn't do it, I tell you.'

'You can't arrest me on that woman's..'

'I didn't do it, I tell you.'

Decent of you to come right away, Grodman.

Not at all, always willing to be of assistance.

Ah, you don't know how lucky you are

not being in charge of this case.

Oh, sit down, sit down.

Not quite as simple as we thought at first.

As you thought, Buckley.

As you may know, I arrested the music hall singer..

- Lottie Rawson two nights ago. - I read about it.

Are you holding her on the ground she threatened Kendall?

She denied she threatened him.

Says it was a lover's quarrel.

They must have loved with great violence.

I arrested her in Kendall's room.

Do you know if he was in the habit of entertaining her there?

My dear, Buckley.

In my case, they're not going to confirm

to an old bachelor for that kind of information.

I only ask because I feel sure that she knows something

more than she'll tell.

You were always rather keen in cross questioning

stubborn witnesses, Buckley.

All that I could get out of her was that

she went there to recover a watch fob she gave him.

Wanted it back for sentimental reasons.

Not a very convincing story.

As we searched high and low and there's no such article.

I seem to remember that Kendall was wearing

a rather distinctive watch fob that night.

In that case, the murderer must have taken it.

Possibly, or it could be in Kendall's clothes

when he was buried.

Simple way to find out would be to cross question

the undertaker who prepared the body for burial.

Just what I was about to suggest.

Would you care to go along with me?

Just what I was about to suggest.

Good idea.

Of course, the trouble is that this man Robertson

may not remember anything about it.

We'll soon find out. Here comes someone now.

Ah, Robertson.

- Yes, Mr. Buckley. - How do you do?

Sorry to bother you at the chapel, but they told us

at your establishment that you wouldn't be back.

Yes, that's quite right. I have been rather busy today.

Two funerals.

Do you recall the funeral of Mr. Arthur Kendall

a short time ago?

Oh, yes.

Do you remember whether there was buried with him

a watch and a fob with a good luck charm?

Now, let me think.

A watch and a fob.

We used his evening dress suit for his shroud.

Black pearl studs and cufflinks with the initials A.K.

We're not interested in the complete inventory.

Come to think of it, studs may not have been black pearl.

- What where they? - Get to the watch and fob.

Yes, sir, I'm, I'm coming to that.

He wore a Signet ring with a crest

some sort of a rampant beast

on the little finger of his right hand.

- The fob, sir, the fob! - Really, I can't recall.

It isn't a custom to include watches with shrouds, so

I can't recall whether the Late Mr. Kendall

was buried with the time or without it.

But the fob and the good luck charm

with an endearing inscription

makes for a nice sentiment, don't they?

Have you got the coffin yet?

About a foot more to go, sir.

Good evening, Superintendent Buckley.

Good evening. Lovely night, isn't it?

I can think of nicer ones.

Why have you come here?

Oh, I have always had suppressed desire

to see a grave open.

Especially at night. It's exciting.

You seem to have greater interest

in Kendall dead than alive.

Now, now we have it.

Pass me the rope, constable.

'Stop!'

Stop, vandals!

Grave robber, stop this! Stop this at once!

What right have you got to defile Mr. Kendall's grave?

Wasn't it enough for the poor man died a horrible death?

Be off with you, be off!

And let him lie in peace!

You know, Mrs. Benson, that will do.

Something dreadful will happen if you open that coffin.

Mr. Grodman.

'Mr. Grodman, you can make them stop it, please.'

There, there, no disaggregation is being done

Mrs. Benson, I assure you.

'Constable, take Mrs. Benson to the gate.'

- Stand guard. - Yes, sir.

Don't let anyone in.

Come, madam.

Right, men, get on with your work.

Do you see anything, Victor?

Mhm-hm. No, they are in the way.

I did so want to see what Kendall looks like.

Why, Victor?

Oh, Buckley, was your search rewarded?

I found this in the breast pocket.

Mrs. Benson.

"From one who loves you from afar."

Yes, Mrs. Benson was a bit too eager

to accuse Lottie and her show of hysteria tonight.

Nonsense, the poor woman didn't want us

to know a rather strange secret.

She must have slipped that in Kendall's pocket

sometime before the funeral.

Never dreaming that would happen.

Oh, that might explain it.

But I'll have another guard questioning her.

What about the watch fob?

I found it just as Lottie described it.

'Seems to support her story.'

I don't suppose there's any use detaining her longer.

On the contrary, I'm convinced she's holding something back.

I'm keeping her under arrest.

Inspector, see that you leave the grave

in an orderly condition.

Yes, sir.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Strange man.

Simply loves to keep people under arrest.

Come, Mr. G, let's follow Kendall.

I suppose your interest in this macabre setting..

Purely that of an artist?

Come, Victor, I have a delightful stabbing

for you to illustrate.

Oh, no, I've done three stabbings in a row.

How about a nice strangling for a change?

Look, Lottie's back at the Royal Music Hall.

They announced her return

"After successful continental tour."

She's Buckley's only suspect.

I wonder why he let her go.

I know, but I know how we can find out.

Oh, yes, I think we worked quite enough for tonight.

A little diversion would do us both good.

- Yes. - Evening clothes, Victor?

Oh, by all means, by all means.

♪ Give me a little bit ♪

♪ A little bittle hit ♪

♪ The spots ♪

♪ I can't take much of it ♪

♪ A tiny touch of it ♪

♪ It's quite a lot ♪

♪ My eyes begin to roll ♪

♪ My hips start to sway ♪

♪ And then my self control goes this way ♪

♪ And that way ♪

♪ So give me a little bit ♪

♪ More than a little bit ♪

♪ Of wine ♪

♪ May make me gay ♪

♪ Don't despair ♪

♪ If I kiss your rosy cheek ♪

♪ Please don't care ♪

♪ If I give your nose a tweak ♪

♪ Let's be fair ♪

♪ What do you suppose I seek ♪

♪ You know I've got plenty of ♪

♪ Most everything I want ♪

♪ But love ♪

♪ So give me a little bit ♪

♪ A teeny weeny bit ♪

♪ Of love ♪

♪ Show me your friendliness ♪

♪ For love and friendliness ♪

♪ Go hand in glove ♪

♪ A smile has paved the way ♪

♪ To kisses before ♪

♪ And every kiss they say is good for ♪

♪ An encore ♪

♪ So love me a little bit ♪

♪ That ain't a little bit ♪

♪ We'll love a little more ♪♪

- Did you like her? - Oh, I do, G.

Here she is.

Oh, you were wonderful, Miss Lottie.

Really, more charming than ever.

I really ought to be on my way home, but I thought...

But you decided to make two lonely men happy I think.

Yes, very happy.

- Waiter. - Yes, sir.

Glass.

I said to myself when I first saw you two gentlemen..

I said, you look like champagne.

Big bubbles and little bubbles.

♪ More than a little bit ♪

♪ Of wine may make me gay ♪

♪ Don't despair ♪

♪ If I kiss your rosy cheeks ♪

♪ Please don't care if I give your nose a tweak ♪

I don't care.

♪ Let's be fair ♪

♪ What do you suppose I seek ♪

♪ You know I've got plenty of ♪

♪ Most everything I want ♪

♪ But love ♪

♪ So.. ♪♪

I'll think I'll sit down.

Bravo, Miss Lottie, Bravo, bravo.

It's awful early.

Or it's awful late.

I haven't had so much fun since poor Arthur died.

Poor Arthur.

- I liked him a lot, I did. - I know.

I like you too, Victor.

Vicky.

I like you too, Lottie.

And I like you, Mr. Grodman.

Thank you, my dear, but nobody really likes a policemen.

I like you.

You're the nicest policemen of them all.

Next time we get arrested, we want Mr. Grodman

to make the arrest, don't we, Victor?

Certainly, only Mr. G.

Not that awful Buckley, no.

Buckley is a horrid policemen.

He held me in jail a whole week just 'cause I like poor Arthur.

I made him sing a different tune, I did.

I told him he had no right

browbeating a poor defenceless girl.

Letting that parliament fellow go free as the air.

Parliament fellow, indeed.

Don't tell me you really suspect a member of parliament.

Why shouldn't I? When I do, Mr. Grodman.

I know a thing or two, I do.

I'm sure you do.

I'm sure you do, too.

But I don't believe you know much about Clive Russell.

I know a lot about Clive Russell.

I didn't threaten poor Arthur.

I liked Arthur, I did.

Even though he turned out a bad lot.

I guess I always get the bad ones, Vicky.

Oh, but I assure you, Lottie, I'm very good.

No such thing as a good man.

Perhaps not in our exclusive circle, Lottie.

But Mr. Russell is a very fine man.

Oh, no, he isn't.

I know a lot more about Clive Russell

more than I told Mr. Buckley.

And his skirts are none too clean.

Do you know what Arthur found out?

He found out that Russell used to see a lady.

- On the sly, I mean. - So what?

Don't shrug at me.

- Don't shrug. - He even found out her name.

Frieda.

Frieda who, dear?

Frieda... something. Rather, I don't remember.

But I do remember that Russell warned Arthur he'd silence him.

Once and for all.

Now poor Arthur's dead.

Poor Arthur.

Poor Vicky.

Don't let Russell find out, you know.

Poor Vicky.

Hmm. Poor Vicky.

Giddyup!

Mrs. Benson, Mrs. Benson.

Mrs. Benson, are you there?

Why, yes, Mr. Russell.

Has anyone been in my room today?

Why, just me, sir. Tiding up a bit.

You're sure no one else has been in the house?

Quite, no, sir.

Oh, that is, only Superintendent Buckley

of Scotland Yard.

'Asking me a lot of horrid questions.'

Superintendent Buckley.

'I'm coming.'

Oh, good afternoon, Mr. Russell.

Good afternoon, is Mr. Grodman at home?

No, sir, I expect him. Would you care to wait?

'Thanks, I would.'

Thank you.

'Hello, Russell.'

Your housekeeper said I might wait.

Of course.

Is anything the matter?

Yes, rather.

I suppose you'd call it imagination, but

for the past few days I think I have been followed.

'Just now, I came home to find my room had been broken into'

and searched.

I'm sure it's the police.

Are you surprised?

Well, ah... yes, I, I am.

What in the world do the police want of me?

Superintendent Buckley of the Yard has heard you

quarrel with Kendall the night before he was murdered.

When he found out, he was highly annoyed

that I hadn't told him.

Why should he suspect me?

I wasn't even in London. I was in Brockton.

My boy, maybe I can help you

but you'll have to tell the truth.

Buckley has found out you never took

the train to Brockton that morning.

You didn't arrive there till three days later.

'Where were you?'

I... I can't tell you, sir.

'Then there is nothing I can do for you.'

I can't say where I was.

It will involve..

I simply can't, that's all.

You're trying to tell me it would involve the honour

of shall we say a lady?

You must realize this is no time for chivalry.

Probably the lady won't mind the consequences.

Sometimes they even enjoy them.'

She's not that sort, sir.

'I'm very sorry.'

It isn't your fault.

She's..

Frieda Pendleton.

'She's asked Lord Pendleton for a divorce. He's refused.'

'Even though they haven't lived together for three years.'

'They've been trying to find some-way out.'

I understand.

I'm probably making a mountain out of a molehill.

The police will catch the real murderer.

But... if Buckley continues to suspect me, I..

I thought you might tell him how wrong he is.

Don't you think it'd be Wise to tell him about Lady Pendleton?

No. She must be kept out of it.

No, no, Mr. Grodman, you must give me your word

not to repeat this to anyone under any circumstances.

You have my word.

As well as my respect.

Come, let's go the club and have a drink on it.

I dare say you can use one.

Thank you.

I know I'm imposing on you.

But you're the only person I can turn to.

No imposition at all, my boy.

I'll think of some way.

Oh, hello, Victor.

Oh, hello, Mr. G.

Oh, you know who I just saw?

Our friend Buckley.

Uh-huh, does he still suspect you?

Yes, and not only me, but Lottie and Russell.

He suspects everybody, you know, lately he's kinda quite balmy.

Well, who knows maybe, maybe next

he'll suspect our good and gracious Queen?

I hope he profited by your visit.

Oh, he thought he was very clever

he-he was trying to draw me out about Lottie, so..

Cost him a lot of his liquor.

Lottie again, huh?

Yes, he said they'd been watching her

and they know every moment she's made since they've released her.

Every moment?

Say, that's a very disturbing thought, huh?

And tonight he's going to question her again about, uh

about Frieda Pendleton.

He has an idea of Lottie.

He may know more about than she's been telling us.

- Who is it? - Superintendent Buckley.'

Come in.

- Hello, Lottie. - I'm so glad you've come.

Somebody just threw these through the window.

And this.

' "Don't talk about Frieda."

- Search the alley up there. - Yes, sir.

Have you any idea who might be threatening you?

I don't know.

He must be the same fiend who murdered poor Arthur.

And now he's after me.

I'm scared.

Who is Frieda?

Orchids suit me better than lilies.

I don't want to get killed.

Isn't it true that Kendall was using his knowledge of Frieda

to bring Russell to terms?

- I don't know. - 'You better tell me, Lottie.'

'If you're not honest with me, I can't protect you.'

Alright, then it is true.

But why do you keep browbeating me?

Why don't you arrest Russell before he murders me?

I'm scared, I tell you.

I'll take these if you don't mind.

Are you going to arrest him?

Just to be on the safe side

I wouldn't tell anyone else about this.

No sign of anyone suspicious outside, sir.

- Who is it? - 'It's me.'

- Oh, come in. - Good evening.

- Hello. - Oh, well..

- Am I disturbing you? - No, I'll be ready in a jiffy.

Oh, please take your time, there's no hurry at all.

You know I-I saw that Buckley outside.

'What does he want from you now?'

The policeman?

Oh, he consults me on all his cases.

- He does? - Mm-hmm.

Did you bring me something, Vicky?

Oh, just these.

Orchids.

I thought they might suit you very well.

Oh, yes, of course.

I always feel among the flowers to see if there's a surprise.

Oh, Vicky, it's beautiful.

Well, I'm happy you like it.

- Vicky? - 'Yes.'

'Come here.'

- Hook me up. - I will.

♪ Give me a little bit a little bit ♪

Oh, dear..

♪ A teeny weeny bit ♪

♪ Of love ♪

♪ Give me a little bit ♪♪

Who is that at the door? Who is it? Oh..

Oh, it's you, Mr. Emmric.

Yes, I think it's me. Yes, it is.

I just wanted to bolt up, found you.

Oh, I'm very sorry, madame, if I woke you.

Oh, I was only dozing, sir.

You know, I don't sleep very well after what's happened.

Yeah?

The papers are full of stories

about these murder fiends.

- Yes. - A rogue killed Mr. Kendall.

You lock yourself in your room, sir.

I Will.

You ought to have a police

whistle too.

Just in case.

Yes, I should.

But how would you blow a whistle

if somebody cuts your throat?

That's right, I never thought of it.

See.

- No wind. - No.

Ah, well..

- Goodnight, sir. - Goodnight.

Pleasant dreams.

♪ Love ♪

♪ Give me a.. ♪

Goodnight.

♪ A little more bit ♪

♪ Of love ♪

♪ Give me a little bit ♪

♪ Give me a little bit ♪

♪ And then my self control goes ♪

♪ This one and that one ♪♪

- Mrs. Benson? - Oh-oh-oh, Mr. Emmric.

'Somebody got into my room.'

'Can you come down here?'

You better call the police while I search the house.

Help!

Murder! Murder!

Somebody just tried to murder Mr. Emmric.

Ah!

Murderer!

Murderer!

Wake up, Mr. Grodman.

Mr. Grodman, help.

Mr. Grodman!

- Oh, you again! - It's the fiend, sir.

Mr. Emmric just shot at him.

'Listen to me. Are you there?'

'Listen to me. Do you hear me?'

- Now what's the matter? - How should I know?

Somebody was trying to break into my room and when I turned..

Look.

The window's open. That's how he came in.

Maybe he's in the back.

Oh, Mr. G. I'm, I'm happy you are here.

You know, somebody broke into my room and..

So help me, I-I don't see how I could've missed.

- Are you alright? - No, I'm frightened to death.

You know I have a feeling as if, as if I were marked now.

Tell me, did you actually see him?

No. All I saw was a hand and a glove.

He was slowly edging through the door.

Buckley?

'What's going on here?'

Did you, did you get the fiend, sir?

What fiend?

Someone made an attempt to kill Victor.

Yes, it's the fiend, sir.

I shot at him, but I'm afraid I missed.

I guess my aim is pretty bad.

No sign of anyone in the back, Mr. Emmric.

By the way, where is Mr. Russell?

Huh?

In Brockton, sir.

Oh, that's too bad.

I have some very interesting revelations to make.

Would you mind following me to Kendall's room?

Oh, hello, Russell.

Somebody has just tried to kill Mr. Emmric.

I understood you were in Brockton, Mr. Russell.

I... I was to address a meeting at the Miner's.

It was cancelled.

Or did you miss the train again

Mr. Russell?

I don't understand you.

'Perhaps you will join us?'

I worked out exactly how Kendall was murdered.

I'm sure you'll all be interested.

To begin with, the murderer was no mysterious fiend.

He was well acquainted with Kendall.

Sometime during the night, he knocked here.

And was admitted.

Then he murdered Kendall.

To cover his crime... he bolted the door from this side.

Then he gave it a sharp pull, breaking the bolt.

After that, he left the room, closed the door behind him

and then, with a slender pair of pliers, he turned the key

in the lock from the outside.

So that when Grodman and Mrs. Benson

broke the door and the lock

it also appeared that they'd broken the bolt.

I searched the murderer's room.

In a locked drawer, I found a new extremely sharp

paper knife, a receipted bill

showing that it had been bought the day before

the murder was committed and a return ticket

to Brockton, which the murderer would've used if he'd taken

the train, the murderer is Mr. Russell.

Surely this is some trick, superintendent.

No trick I assure you, I'm obliged to warn you

that anything you may say maybe used in evidence against you.

Can't honestly believe this, Buckley.

Russell couldn't possibly have done it.

In the first place, he's not the type that would do it.

There's no murderer type, Grodman

you know that as well as I.

He hated Kendall, he threatened him

and he killed him.

Constable Warren?

Arrest this man.

Clive Russell, you're under arrest

charged with the murder of Arthur Kendall.

Do you think that's possible?

Breaking the bolt beforehand. And smart he was too.

But not smart enough to take in Scotland Yard.

I said to myself when we'd left the jury box

that we have ten minutes at the most.

Here it is, nine hours.

Ain't it about time for breakfast?

What's the matter with you, anyway?

Just because 11 of you think he's guilty

is no sound reason why I should.

'He had motive after motive.'

Everything points to his guilt.

- That's right. - Gentlemen.

Now, let's go over it again.

The music hall girl heard him threaten Kendall.

So did Mr. Grodman and Mr. Emmric.

Now they're his friends, they hated to testify

to that fight, but they did.

Two, Russell was Kendall's sworn political enemy

because of the miners.

Three, Kendall had found out about the woman.

- 'Yes. - Mm-hmm.

Publication of the scandal would've ruined

Russell's political career.

And four, Russell insists

he was in Brockton on the night of the murder.

And we know he never took the train.

Because of the un-punched ticket

the superintendent found in his locked bureau drawer.

That's right, which led them to question the train guards

and station master.

They know Russell well.

They never saw him that night.

Here, half a minute..

Don't forget this here pig sticker.

That was found in the locked bureau drawer too.

That's it, gentlemen.

That's just it.

How could a man smart enough to fix the door

be so stupid not to get rid of the ticket and the dagger?

The very fact he failed to dispose

of them is the final proof.

- Most certainly is. - I agree.

Russell, presumably a fine man

and with a brilliant career, loses his head

makes one awful mistake, murder.

In a burst of evil inspiration, he fixes the door

and thinks that by doing that, he's covered everything.

The more obvious clues to his guilt

the paper knife and the ticket, he overlooked.

If he had not overlooked them, if the human equation

had not entered into it

we wouldn't be in this jury room now, my friend.

For Russell would then have committed the perfect crime.

As Superintendent Buckley, so cleverly pointed out.

'Nine, guilty.'

'Ten, guilty.'

Eleven, guilty

'Twelve, guilty.'

'Gentlemen, the verdict is unanimous, guilty.'

Clive Russell, the sentence of this court is that you

be taken back to the prison from whence you came.

'And from there, to a place of execution'

'and that you there be hanged by the neck until dead.'

'And may God have mercy on your soul.'

Your appeal has been denied.

They've set the date three weeks from today.

Three weeks?

When you're a boy, three weeks seems like an eternity.

Might as well be three days, three hours.

There's nothing more we can do.

Yes, there's one thing more we can do, Russell.

Lady Pendleton. I'll try to get in touch with her.

She isn't in London.

She's on the continent. They won't say where.

Leave her out of it, Grodman. You gave me your word.

I've kept my word.

But it's your life now, Russell.

If she loves you

the consequences will make little difference.

You must tell me where she is.

She left for France a month ago.

'Where in France?'

The last I heard was from Cannes, shortly after she left.

But she wouldn't be there now.

She paints, you know.

Picks her spots at random along the Riviera.

It oughtn't to be too difficult.

She doesn't know what's happened.

Of course, she doesn't.

And you're being unfair to her, not letting her know.

I'll find her.

And bring her back.

Lady Pendleton?

Lady Pendleton..

Where is she?

Can't you hurry?

I am hurrying, Monsieur.

Lady Pendleton?

"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his namesake.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

I will fear no evil."

Only four hours.

Patience, my son.

There's still time.

I feel sure Mr. Grodman will not fail you.

I wonder.

Wait for me, cabby.

'Grodman, is it you?'

Yes.

You couldn't find her?

I found her, Russell.

Too late, she's dead.

Dead?

'I'm deeply sorry I had to bring you'

'this tragic news.'

Never mind, Mr. Grodman.

It really doesn't matter.

Nothing matters now.

Thank you for all you've done.

Come, my son.

Pardon me, sir, but don't you think you've had enough?

Yes, I've had enough, but.

Sometimes enough is not enough.

How can I have enough if I know

that dawn means death for somebody?

I don't know, sir.

See. Nobody knows.

Nobody

Goodnight.

Come in, Victor.

I've been expecting you.

Saw your light.

It's a wretched night.

Maybe it's only you who are wretched, Victor.

I'm glad you came, I want your help

with the last chapter of my book.

Hm?

It concludes with the Kendall murder

with footnotes on Russell and Frieda Pendleton.

I don't think my... my hands are steady enough tonight.

'No.'

I found this button in my closet.

The day after you spent some time there.

And, uh... you know the end?

- The last chapter? - Yes.

Don't you?

I want a drink.

I'd rather work some other time.

There'll be no other time, Victor.

Things over which we have no control

would come between us.

Arthur Kendall killed his Aunt Hannah.

The last night he was here, I learned he quarrelled with her.

She had threatened to change her will, then she was murdered.

Always thought you suspected him.

A terrible thing for him to do.

Build up a false case of circumstantial evidence

against an innocent man, and send him to his death.

He took advantage of my friendship, Victor.

No one will ever do that again.

Yes, I... I hated him for it.

For all the humiliation and the shame he caused you.

- I hated him. - I realize that.

One time, I hoped his death

might remain a complete and unsolved mystery.

Now, the only way to save Russell

is to disclose the murderer, Victor.

If that were not true, you wouldn't have come here tonight.

I'm afraid. I... I'm terribly afraid.

It's weak.

Maybe it's me.

It's you, Victor.

Alcohol can't overcome racing fears.

I suppose not.

Come, Victor.

We have an engagement to keep.

Where?

Newgate Prison.

Mr. G, does it, does it really have to be?

Yes, Victor. Must be.

- Cabby. - Yes, sir.

Come, Victor, it's getting late.

Newgate Prison.

Faster, cabby.

We should've started sooner, but I wanted at the last moment

to make Buckley's humiliation and defeat

as bitter as he made mine.

Tell me, Mr. G, you..

You knew the answer all the time

and yet, you kept throwing false clues at him. Why?

Privilege of a revengeful mind.

I was sure Buckley would arrest Russell.

Followed he'd make a fool of himself

trying to convict him.

Must've been so amusing, Victor, but the fates

and a man's sense of honour turned the tables.

Yes, you know, Superintendent Buckley's

a very clever detective.

A very clever detective..

At the moment.

Come in.

Mr. Grodman and Mr. Emmeric to see you, sir.

Good morning.

Good morning, gentlemen.

There's been no reprieve or stay of execution?

Certainly not, Mr. Grodman.

What does this mean coming here at this time?

Superintendent Buckley, you accept full responsibility

for the execution which is to take place at 6:00?

Of course I do.

Have you something to say

that bears on this case?

Something of extreme importance, Sir William.

You haven't the slightest idea..

Who killed Kendall or how it was done.

He's talking utter nonsense.

In spite of all your efforts to throw me off

my theory about the door was correct.

The judge, the jury and the appeals judges have held it.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

You had so little.

'You reached out wildly for evidence'

'on which to build your false and ridiculous case.'

Gentlemen, Russell is not guilty.

I'll tell you how Kendall was killed.

He was still alive when Mrs. Benson knocked on his door.

But he had something in his last drink the night before.

Something to make him sleep on, heedless of her knocking.

When Mrs. Benson came to my window, I was not asleep.

Although I pretended to have been.

Buckley jumped to the obvious conclusion

that the murderer killed Kendall.

And then magically got out of the locked room.

Actually, he was murdered

after the door had been broken.

Mrs. Benson is an impressionable woman.

She thought she saw more than there actually was to see.

During the short time I was left alone

with the unconscious Kendall..

I killed him.

One stroke..

And it was done exactly as I had planned.

He had not killed his aunt

but he had knowingly permitted an innocent man to hang

for his crime.

He was a double murderer.

There was no other way to bring him to book.

In doing what I did, I created and unsolvable crime

and revealed the very indifferent abilities

of Superintendent Buckley

who stupidly believed that no such crime could be committed.

You'll find all the details in the last chapter of my book.

Good heavens, Russell.

Governor, stopped the execution.

Buckley? Buckley?

'Why are you just standing there?'

Oh, will you see the publisher gets this, Victor?

After the police have verified it.

I Will.

It contains the whole sum

of my professional experience.

It was I who tried to break into your rooms that night, Victor.

I was suspicious of you.

I wanted to frighten you into silence.

It doesn't matter.

There'll be many to say I've done deeds of calculated

and unfathomable villainy.

Whether I have, I have not will probably remain..

An open verdict.

Goodbye, Victor.

It's alright.

Goodbye, Mr. G.