Original subtitles

(pleasant music)

(dramatic music)

(tense music)

- So you are Roberts.

- Yes Mr. Rickers.

- Did you have a good journey?

- Excellent, the stagecoach from Dover made

very good time to London, but it was

a slow drive out to Epping.

- True but it's necessary, London's too far

from the danger point.

- Yes, I suppose the forest is a fine

hideout for the damn traitors!

- Yes it is, but I feel we're getting hot.

- I think my dispatches from Dover will help you too.

- Good, they're under seal I suppose?

- Oh yes, and quite safe.

- Fine, the commandant will be here for them

in the morning so guard them well.

By the way, where are you sleeping?

- At the East Star. - An excellent choice too.

Well, you've done a fine job at Dover, Roberts.

- Oh thank you sir.

Well, goodnight. - Goodnight Roberts.

- Goodnight sir. - And sleep well.

- Thank you sir.

(melodramatic music)

- No sign of him yet.

- Why do we have to meet him in this lousy hole?

- Ah don't ask me!

This is the old blind beggar's hideout.

I suppose he's a pal of his.

We must ask him to meet us at the Tabard Inn, next time.

- You ask him, not me!

I wonder what his game is?

- Oh what's it matter, he pays well!

Five quid for every one we drops from

Wapping down to Thame's mouth, and no questions asked.

That ain't to be sneezed at!

- I suppose not.

I wonder what's down there?

- It's the old beggar's wine cellar, (laughs)!

- Let's have a look!

(grunting)

It's locked,

or stopped up.

- [Rogue] Go on, give it a ruddy heave!

(grunting)

- What's this you rats, spying?

- But we were only... - We was only looking at...

- I pay you to obey orders, nothing else!

Try it again, and I'll screw

your blasted necks with pleasure!

- But I was only... - Well do you play fair

or not? - Anything you say Chief!

- Anything!

- Anything I say?

- Yes!

- Absolutely!

- Even if it were,

well?

Well? - W-W-Well whatever your orders!

- Yes, and that goes for me too!

- Good, then we understand each other!

Is the boat ready at Wapping?

- Yes Chief! - I shall have another

customer for you soon!

- How shall we know when?

- The usual manner.

- Heh, Squire Sedgefield!

(spitting) - So you don't like him

either, eh? - Oh we likes him all right,

but he's tough!

- Most men in my pay have to be.

- Of course they have... - They ain't no good

if they ain't! - Good, then that is all.

- Who's the passenger?

- One that you've had before.

George Heeningham.

- Right Chief.

George Heeningham, that's (mumbles).

(melodramatic music)

- [Man] Now take a look at this map.

Kelly's no longer safe.

You'll have to be landed farther down the coast.

- [Man] I don't know the coasts below Kelly.

- Then you'll have to keep your wits about you,

Mr. Heeningham.

- I don't like it.

- By the way, the password's altered.

Read it.

- Thanks.

- Just for safety.

- I tell you I can't go on with it!

I'm getting out of it all!

- Tell that to the man who pays us.

Pays me, pays you.

- More devil than man!

- Maybe, but he keeps his bargain,

500 pounds at a time, not bad.

I shouldn't like to be you if you ratted on him!

Have a drink.

- Yes.

Yes, yes!

I'm scared.

- Scared, what of?

- Everything.

(tapping)

What's that?

(tapping)

- Oh the old blind beggar,

I haven't seen him around here lately.

I expect he's off to the barracks,

the officers often give him a few coins.

(tapping)

Not scared of him, are you?

- No, not of him.

(laughing)

- I can't help thinking it's very fortunate

the barracks are so near to us.

- Fortunate?

The very walls frighten me.

- Absurd.

Fate played right into our hands when Captain Wraydon

was posted here to Epping.

Almost next door to his own father's house.

And so near to you, his bosom friend.

- Oh my god!

- Don't be a fool, George.

You've got free entry to the barracks,

and barrack-room gossip in these days

is worth, well, shall we say

500 pounds a bag full?

Have another drink.

- No more.

- Very well, you'd better be going.

What time are you meeting Wraydon there tonight?

- I'm not going there.

- Not going? - No!

To hell with it all!

I'll face anything, even that devil who pays me!

I, I... - Go on, what next?

- You'd better know.

I've been snake enough to use my friendship

for Captain Wraydon to worm things out of him

that you want to know, but by heavens I'll do it no longer!

- Enough of this damn nonsense,

I (mumbles) to the bottom of it all!

- Naturally, I've just told you!

- Oh no you've not!

As usual it's a woman.

You've fallen in love with his sister, Rose!

That makes thing difficult.

- You dare... - Being at school with

Wraydon didn't stop you from using him,

but now that you're after the sister... - Stop man!

I'm finished, and that's enough!

- We shall see!

But I'll tell you one other thing,

you'll never marry Rose Wraydon!

- And why not?

- I'd rather not say, you wouldn't like it.

- What new lie are you concocting?

- Good evening George.

- Good evening Helen.

- I came for a book father.

- George has just been talking about his old

school days with Captain Wraydon.

- How interesting. - Yes they're meeting

at the barracks tonight.

We should congratulate Captain Wraydon

on his high jump at the cavalry's sports yesterday.

Almost seven feet, an honest jump!

- How amazing! - But those queer tales about

leaps of 10 or 15 feet are absurd, unless he's got

some trick boots with strong springs inside them!

- Well they do call him Spring-Heel Jack,

don't they George?

It's really rather ridiculous.

- [Squire] Yes, it is rather.

- I have my book Father.

A pleasant evening to you George.

- Goodnight Helen.

A timely intervention, a calm after a storm.

Well you better be going, we may have to meet,

well you know whom, any day now.

- I've told you, I'm not going.

- I think you will.

- George!

I carried that off well didn't I?

- Admirably. - Hush!

I received Jack's letter yesterday at the beauty parlour.

Tell him I'll meet him tomorrow as usual, will you please?

- Yes of course, if I see him.

- If you see him?

Aren't you going to the barracks?

Father said you were spending the evening with Jack!

- Well I was, but uh... - Sh!

- I thought you'd left?

- I was talking to Helen.

- Yes, I was listening.

Come in just a moment.

- Well since you've listened, what do you want?

- Close the door.

So you carry love messages between my daughter and Wraydon?

- I do, and what are you going to do about it?

- Oh nothing, nothing at all.

I've known all the time.

- You've known all the time?

- Yes, this lovemaking, Helen and Wraydon,

it pleases me, it pleases me greatly.

- But Helen, she thinks, she's afraid of... - I know.

That's why she's hidden it from me.

- Then you mean you'd consent?

- Never.

There'll be no marriage between Wraydon and my daughter!

- But I don't understand.

It pleases you greatly, you'd never consent?

What devil's game are you playing?

- Chess, with human pieces.

You're one.

Helen's another.

Listen George Heeningham, tonight you've hinted

pretty strongly that you intend to rat.

I think you should know that I've made plans

to meet that possibility.

- More threats? - No, just two strings

to my bow. - Talk sense.

- Excellent, I won't waste words.

If you play straight, you are valuable,

your contacts with Wraydon make you profitable

to our plans. - Undoubtedly.

- Undoubtedly, but if you play false,

and may god help you if you do,

then one string to my bow breaks.

And the other string,

is Helen.

- Helen?

Is she a party to your damnable schemes?

- Oh no, she knows nothing, nothing at all.

But if you should, well, have to disappear,

then she will probably gather in all innocence

even more barrack-room gossip than you ever could!

- You'd use your own daughter for this villainy?

- Yes, up to a point.

But not to marriage with Wraydon.

I'd save her from that curse.

- [George] Curse?

What curse?

- Oh, I thought you knew.

Apparently you don't.

The curse of insanity, the curse of the Wraydons!

- Another of your damnable lies!

- No lie, a truth for once.

The Wraydons keep their secret well, but insanity

is hereditary with them, it runs its course with one

or other of the brood.

Moments of sanity, moments of sheer blood lust!

- Stop, you devil!

I'll choke that lie down your throat!

- I know I know, the truth often hurts.

But I warn you, Wraydon's friendly hands

may one day strangle you in cold blood!

- I'll hear no more!

- Do as you please, I've finished with you!

Rat on us if you want to, but face the consequences!

Do you here me?

Face the consequences!

Goodnight, George.

(knocking) - Come in.

Hi George, nice to see you.

Come in, sit down.

- I didn't really intend to come tonight, but...

- Don't say that to me, have a drink!

Good stuff, got it from dad's cellar yesterday.

There you are, drink!

Any news of Helen?

- Yes, she got your note.

She'll meet you as usual tomorrow.

- Ah, she's a darling.

I say I suppose the squire hasn't smelled a rat, has he?

- Smelled a rat, what do you mean?

- Well about me and Helen?

Oh, well who cares.

She knows her own mind, she's of age.

What can he do?

- He's an evil person.

- Yes, I suppose he is really.

- There's no supposing about it, he is!

- Well you should know,

you've been with him quit a bit lately.

What is it, a business deal or something?

- No, not exactly.

- Well I should keep my eyes open if I were you!

He's a wily old bird.

Are you hard up again?

- No, it's not that.

(soldiers laughing)

They're lively in there tonight.

- Yes exciting news from Dover.

We're on the track of those damn spies at last.

I've asked the Colonel to post me on the job.

I'd revel in a bit of counter-espionage, wouldn't you?

- No I, I don't, I haven't the pluck.

It's my nerves, they're, I don't know but,

they seem all to pieces lately.

- There's something on your mind George.

What's worrying you?

- Nothing, really.

- Oh, something is wrong, what is it?

- Can't you drop it Jack! - Don't you trust me?

- If I told you... - Yes.

- No, god I can't.

Give me time, please.

- All right old chap, take your time.

(soldiers chattering)

- Pray be seated gentlemen.

If I'm wanted, send for me at Thaydon.

And now I must be going, send for Wraydon, quickly please.

I brought some good news for the boy.

- Indeed sir? - Yes.

- Now come on George, out with it.

You're in some mess. - I can't, I... - Shall I guess?

- What do you know? (knocking)

- Come in!

- Oh sorry Wraydon, well the colonel wants

to see you at once, the Dover business.

- The Dover business?

All right George don't go!

You stay here, I shan't be long.

- Oh I don't think so.

- You sent for me sir? - Yes.

I'm in rather a hurry, but I wanted you to know

your application for transfer to

the secret branch is granted.

Here it is. - Thank you very much sir!

- Congratulations! - Than you sir.

- We'll have a talk in the morning.

Goodnight. - Goodnight sir.

- The Epping Beauty Parlour is crowded lately.

And with good reason.

Our brother officers appear to find it most attractive.

The cherchez la femme.

The charming Helen Sedgefield takes her

vapour bath there daily.

Aphrodite rising from the foam.

Venus enticing Mars all over again.

- Payne, I want a word with you.

- Well, what is it, what do you want?

- You insulted Helen Sedgefield in my hearing.

I demand an instant apology!

(smacking) - There's my answer you

colonel's toady! - You!

- Stop it you fools!

Are you both mad?

- Far from it sir, but Leftenant Payne

insulted Helen Sedgefield!

- To be settled by a pot-house brawl?

- No sir, I demand satisfaction!

Swords or pistols, here tonight!

- Duelling between officers is not allowed,

under penalty of death to the challenger!

Those are King's Regulations.

- Damn King's Regulations, I refuse to obey them!

But that sneering puppy may be too scared to meet me!

- Oh no, I'd like to give the braggart a lesson!

- You... - Stop it Wraydon, do you hear me?

- I beg your pardon gentlemen.

Midnight here, swords!

- Jack, I heard it all!

For heaven's sake, give up this mad idea!

You must, you know the penalty!

- Are you the keeper of my conscience?

- It's your life that's at stake!

Think man, court-martial, a firing squad!

Is a duel worth that?

- Would you have me go and apologise to that swine?

Dear Mr. Payne, I don't want to fight this duel?

Hell, who's mad, you or I?

Please go, I've much to do.

- But Jack... - Do you hear me, leave me alone!

- Forgive me sir! - What on earth's the matter?

Has Boney landed, are the French here?

- It must be Jack, something's happened to him!

- Odds which there's always something happening to him.

Well, what's he been up to this time?

What is this all about?

- Well I'm, I'm sorry... - Oh don't stand there

chattering like an old woman, you scare the life out of me

then you start mumbling and muttering.

Come on, out with it!

What is the matter?

- I've come straight from the barracks.

Jack's quarrelled with an officer,

there's been a frantic row.

He's challenged the man to a duel,

with swords, there, tonight!

- Well what of it (chuckles)?

The Wraydons were never cowards.

- But, sir surely you... - Uh, don't interrupt!

Who's the man?

- Why, Leftenant Payne. - That conceited fop?

(chuckling) Jack'll make a pin-cushion

of him! - But sir!

Have you forgotten?

- Forgotten, forgotten what?

- King's Regulations.

Duelling between officers has been forbidden!

The penalty for the challenger is death!

- Death!

- My god yes of course, the new order.

I had forgotten that.

What are we to do? - Only one thing, stop the duel.

All the officers have tried, but Jack won't listen.

Only you can prevent it!

- I, how?

- Look, the colonel's a close friend of yours,

he's away from barracks, with his brother at Thaydon.

If he knew he'd stop it, but it's a matter of minutes now,

hardly an hour!

- But I'm an old man,

do you think I could ride like a trooper?

- No, but I can!

Write a short letter to the colonel, trust me to find him!

I'll ride like the devil!

- Aye like 20 devils!

W-Where's me quill?

- Here father!

- There, that'll scare the colonel!

- Jack! - What's going on here?

- Oh so you've come to your senses!

- Do you dare to interfere with my plans?

- I'd dare anything to save your life!

- Leave me to look after that myself!

Better for you to guard your own!

- Are you going on with this damn foolishness?

- If you mean am I going to fight Leftenant Payne, yes.

- What's it all for? - A lady's honour!

- Ah, some fancy woman!

- If you weren't my father you'd pay for that sir!

- Jack, have you taken leave of your senses?

- Don't you think you'd better go?

I came here to speak to my father, alone.

There's little time left.

- As you wish.

- Is there still time? - I hope so.

Are the stables open?

- Yes, take my mare, she goes like the wind.

Hurry!

- Leave that to me.

Goodbye Rose.

- I'm sorry father, but the lady I one day

hope to make my wife was slandered.

Is that enough?

- Helen Sedgefield. - Yes.

- Don't like the father.

- I'm not interested in him.

- Damn the Sedgefields!

You're not fighting this duel!

- Nothing is going to prevent me!

- Fool!

Fool!

- I'm sorry father, let's talk.

There's so much I have to tell you.

(melodramatic music)

(suspenseful music)

(chuckling)

(hooves pounding)

(knocking)

- You seem scared, Sedgefield.

- I didn't expect you, but you're welcome just the same.

- I'm glad of that, I want to speak to you

and I haven't much time, sit down!

- A glass of wine? - Sit down!

You lost your hearing as well as your senses?

- My sherry is excellent.

- My news, is not so good!

For you.

- Not good for me?

Who's been talking?

- Someone who knows (chuckles)!

Yes that's what I like to see,

a strong man, frightened!

It was only my fun, just a little test!

They told me you were pretty hard,

and I wanted to see how quickly you'd break!

Now, I know.

- I see, just playing with me.

- Just, playing.

- Then there's no news? - Oh yes there is!

Excellent news, some of our movements down at Dover

have aroused suspicion, information has reached Epping,

under seal, to our friends, the Bow Street Runners.

- H-Hardly excellent news!

- I think it is!

You see, I have those letters.

- You have them? - Hmm.

- How did you get them? - In my own peculiar way.

And I've come to warn you, to be very, very careful!

Stranger things might happen tonight.

- Stranger things?

- Much.

You'll know in good time (chuckles).

You know, we're two cunning old rascals.

There's only one thing you lack, guts!

(chuckling)

Yes.

An excellent sherry.

That's all my friend, keep awake.

I may be back.

(clock tolling)

- En garde.

Parry!

(swords clattering)

- Ah, ah!

- Fight on, fight on! - Fight on!

- Fight on!

(thumping) - Fight on!

- Fight on! - Fight on!

- Fight on! - Fight on, fight on!

- Fight on!

(grunting) (swords clattering)

(shouting)

- Halt!

Gentlemen, I am surprised at this obvious breach

of King's Regulation.

Captain Wraydon, I understand you are the challenger.

I place you under house arrest.

You will go to your room immediately,

Leftenant Woods will accompany you.

Leftenant Payne, you will report to me

in the morning, at 10.

Gentlemen, you will retire immediately.

We will go into this disgraceful affair tomorrow!

(soldiers chattering)

- I never thought for one moment that the old man would

turn up this time of night! (chattering)

- I'm terribly sorry Wraydon,

is there anything I can do?

- No that's all right old chap,

I thought we could have got it over without his knowing.

I'm sick of letting the colonel down,

he's been a good friend. - Perhaps he'll smooth it out?

- No, no he's a stickler

for regulations, hardened, fast to the last letter.

And I know what that means.

- So do I, my god if he does!

But he can't... - King's Regulations, Woods.

I say old chap, do you think you could

get me some brandy, I've only got some port and sherry here.

- Of course. - Thanks.

(melodramatic music)

(grunting)

(knocking)

- Captain Wraydon! - Sh!

- Your hand's bleeding! - Yes I know, I had a fall.

Where's you master? - Upstairs.

- Well get him!

Go on, quick!

Dennis! - To your room, wench.

I heard your voice!

What, what's happened, have you had an accident Captain?

You're hurt! - No no Dennis,

listen to me, there's no time to waste, they're after me,

never mind what for you'll learn soon enough,

will you help me?

- What a question to ask your old batman, will I help you?

Anything you want, name it!

- Good man Dennis, look, I want to get out of this uniform.

Is that room all right? - Yes!

Come along sir, come along!

- Thanks old man!

(knocking)

- Keep still sir, there's somebody at the door.

- Mr. Heeningham, thank the lord it's you!

- Wraydon, is he here?

- Yes, in there.

- Has he told you? - Not much.

- Let me see him. - Wait a minute sir.

He's gone!

- He's got clean away, we'll never find him.

He's in the forest by now and he knows every foot of it.

- Never mind we'll try tomorrow.

Here, he gave me a note for Miss Helen!

Wants her to get it quick!

Will you take it, you know where he hides them for her.

- Trust me, anything to help Jack!

- And that goes for me too!

- Well I'll be going, goodnight Dennis.

- Good luck sir.

(melodramatic music)

- Good evening Heeningham, come in.

- I didn't know you were here.

- A pleasant surprise, I trust?

Good news from the barracks?

- Yes, good news for me!

I shan't have to go there again.

- Indeed and why not?

- Wraydon's escaped! - Escaped?

What from? - Court-martial!

- Are you drunk or dreaming?

- I wish it were a dream.

- Well out with it man, what's that mad fool

Wraydon done now?

- Challenged and fought a blackguard

who slandered your daughter's name!

The colonel was too late to stop the duel,

Wraydon was arrested, but he's got clean away!

- Well, and what of that?

They'll soon get him.

- Not if I can help it!

- Oh and why not?

- Because it means court-martial and the death penalty!

Does that mean nothing?

- Nothing to me.

Not so good, for him.

- But that means the end of our barrack's room contact!

- Thank god for that!

- Is that all, no other news?

- Yes, lies, cursed lies!

They found the body of the sentry, strangled, murdered!

Those damn fools are accusing him of that!

- The curse of the Wraydons!

- Another foul lie!

Wraydon's no madman, and no murderer either!

- I think you'd better go Heeningham, you're not yourself.

Get home, have some rest.

- Rest?

Not until I've found Jack Wraydon!

- That fool is a broken reed, he's no more use to us!

- That's where you're wrong Squire.

He'll be more useful than ever.

In all innocence, he will lead the Bow Street Runners,

straight to Mr. Jack Wraydon!

- What good's that to us?

- You're growing old Squire, your wits want waking up!

- That's an insult!

- I intended it to be!

You need, a shock.

- [Squire] I think we'd better say goodnight sir!

- Not yet, we must have a quiet chat.

When you are calmer.

Not here, at the beggar's hut.

I'll go ahead.

It would be very unfortunate if you kept me waiting.

Unfortunate I mean, for you.

Oh so you've come, good.

That was wise of you.

Right, you look as if you've been hurrying.

- Why'd you bring me out here at this hour?

I don't like the forest at night!

- Indeed!

That's just when I do like it.

I have an interesting little sanctum down below.

We'll have our conversation there.

You go first Squire.

(melodramatic music)

One moment Squire.

I think that now, you'd better follow me.

(melodramatic music)

Come in, Squire!

A grim place, but useful, very useful.

Very useful!

I beg you make yourself at home.

You were telling me tonight,

about the curse of the Wraydons.

I'm very interested.

Tell me more.

- Is that all you wanted me for?

- That's all.

Well?

- Well I only know what I've heard.

It was all before I came here.

- No matter.

Go on.

- Well the story goes that old George Wraydon,

the Captain's father, had a younger brother

who lived with the family.

Jack was only a boy then, and Rose was just a baby.

- And what was the brother's name?

- Oh, Phillip.

- Phillip Wraydon.

Go on.

- Well they say he was a queer fellow,

always dabbling with odd bits of machinery,

had some mad idea that he'd discovered

a new mechanical power that would revolutionise industry.

- Had he?

Was it a mad idea?

- No one knows, he never finished his experiments.

- Pity, great pity.

Why?

- Well, the rumour is that he fell in love with his

brother's wife, made advances to her which she rejected.

And then, in a sudden fit of terrible rage,

he strangled her.

- And, what then?

- To save the family name from the stain of the gallows,

George had his brother certified as a lunatic.

Said that insanity was hereditary in the family.

- The curse of the Wraydon's, eh?

- Yes. - And what happened

to Phillip? - Oh, he was put into

an asylum, in France somewhere.

- Is he still alive?

- Well Buonaparte put an end to the news

but the Wraydon's heard that he died,

oh years before, in an attempt to escape.

Anyhow, they've never heard of him since.

- Strange story, very.

- Very.

It was in this old mill that Phillip experimented.

George shut it up, let it go to rack and ruin.

Sold the old dire house for a song to Toby Watts,

who turned part of it into an inn, the Tabard.

You've heard of it haven't you?

- I've seen it.

- Well that's all I know.

That's mostly here-say.

- So you never met Phillip Wraydon?

- No, and I'm not sorry either.

- Shouldn't think old George Wraydon,

would like to see him again, eh?

- A dug up corpse?

I should think not, the man's been dead and buried long ago!

(laughing)

Yes it would be a nasty sort of joke, wouldn't it?

- Sedgefield, Phillip Wraydon,

is neither dead nor buried.

- What, alive?

Where?

- Here, in this den, with you!

I am Phillip Wraydon!

(dramatic music)

- Impossible! - I was put to a far worse

agony than the hangman's rope,

into the straight-jacket of a lunatic asylum!

But I escaped, and am now back in the land I hate,

a land that Buonaparte will destroy, utterly!

But I want money, and then more money

for my inventions!

My French business provides some,

but not enough, the Wraydon inheritance would be mine,

if that damn brood of Wraydons were exterminated!

Look around, my room, my old work bench!

But I'm back again, to take revenge

to the uttermost limit!

- I'll have no hand in this!

- Oh yes you will, you and I stand together

or hang together, at the end of a rope!

Until this Wraydon scum, father, son and daughter,

are out of my way!

Are your wits sharper now?

Already fate plays into my hands!

Captain Jack Wraydon, our wonderful Spring-Heel Jack,

will be laid by those heels, and either shot or hanged!

- They'll never hang Wraydon for duelling,

he's to fine an officer for that!

- No, but they would, for murder!

(chuckling)

I saw to that!

- You see to that?

The sentry, you!

It was you! - Yes!

It was an amazing opportunity!

I never waste time, I act!

Now let's change the subject, something more amusing.

A little trick, I learned in France!

There's a dark patch on the wall, it's level with your head.

Look.

Now, watch!

(thumping)

And watch again!

(thumping)

Clever, isn't it?

- Horrible!

Devilish!

(chuckling)

- But useful my dear Squire, very useful.

And now there's just one thing more

that I have to show you.

- No more, I've seen enough!

- You refuse?

- No I, no I...

- I thought not.

Good.

Allow me.

Come then.

(suspenseful music)

Come along Squire, this way (chuckles).

Don't slip, it's very deep!

- What is it? - An old sump.

I drained it out, years ago.

- What's it for?

- My amusement.

Have you ever heard of the tortures of

the Spanish Inquisition?

That gave me the idea.

It took a long time, even though

the power was dammed, the old millstream,

but it works, it works!

Watch.

Watch!

(water splashing) (chuckling)

(wooden clunking)

- The side walls are moving!

- Yes, slowly, very slowly,

inch by inch, until they meet and then, (chuckles)!

Steady, I don't want to lose you,

yet.

- Horrible! (Phillip chuckling)

Horrible!

I'm going back!

I can't stand any more!

- You seem on edge.

You do so hate the forest at night.

Shall I come with you?

(chuckling)

Goodnight Squire.

Sleep well (laughs)!

(melodramatic music)

- Have you heard the news? - No what?

- A sentry's been murdered,

and they think Wraydon has done it!

- Good god!

- Jack Wraydon?

I don't believe it!

- We've tied him down to the forest and we'll get him!

- I tell you I saw him jump 15 feet it were!

- Courage Helen!

- Everywhere I go there's posters.

Jack wanted for murder!

- Don't lose faith, Jack's no murderer!

- I know, oh I know!

Why didn't George stop that senseless duel?

- I don't know, I can't forgive him!

- Look at those people!

Think of what they're saying,

lies about the duel, lies about me, lies about Jack!

Oh I can't stand it, I must get home, away from it all!

- But Helen... - Don't go Helen, please!

- Don't you think it makes me look much younger?

- Personally, I can't see any difference at all.

- Who is that man? - I don't know,

I've seen him in the town once or twice.

He makes me shiver.

- My dear young ladies, I feel you're in distress.

Can I be of any assistance?

- It's nothing sir, thank you.

- Oh but surely... - A private matter sir,

we would rather not discuss.

- I still feel I can be of assistance.

- Sir your persistence annoys us!

I hope you will go away!

- As you please.

- The street is full of scandal mongers, I can't face them.

- Let's go by the forest way.

- I think you're very wise!

(cheerful music)

- At your service sir.

- They tell me sir that your Peruvian Pomade is excellent.

- It is sir, a secret recipe of the Incas,

in great demand by gentlemen of quality.

- May I have a jar? - With pleasure sir!

- And the cost?

- A guinea sir.

- Reasonable. - Quite.

- Pleasant, very pleasant.

Your beauty parlour sir is well named.

I'm a great traveller myself,

but seldom have I seen such beautiful patrons.

- Very charming remark sir.

- Oh the young lady I was speaking to just now,

who is she?

- A Miss Alice Maitland sir.

- She's a handsome wench.

- She is, very.

- They tell me this scoundrel, Spring-Heel Jack,

had ever the fancy for a pretty girl,

let's hope he never sets eyes on her.

- (chuckles) No, no sir.

- Then, I bid you good morning,

and I will report to you, on the pomade.

- Thank you sir.

- Helen you startled me!

I thought you were in the town.

- I was, but I came home.

I can't stand those dreadful streets again!

- What are you talking about?

- The evil gossip, the wicked lies!

Jack, Captain Wraydon's name,

posted as a murderer, doesn't that shock you?

- Is it a lie, I don't know.

- Father, how can you question it?

- Helen what does this mean?

- Don't ask me.

- But Helen!

- I can't tell you.

Please!

- Any news?

- Nothing, I've searched for four days, not a sign!

But I know he's in the forest somewhere!

Have you seen Rose?

- Yes, she left with Alice a little while ago.

- Which way were they going?

- By the forest path.

- Right, I'll see you later.

(suspenseful music)

(tense music)

- It's George, I won't meet him, let's go quick!

- We can't Rose, he's seen us!

- No no I won't forgive him!

- Rose! - I'll walk on ahead.

- Please listen!

- How dare you, let me go!

- I know why you're angry with me,

I know why you've avoided me.

Because I failed to stop the duel.

- Then isn't that sufficient reason?

- No!

The Colonel was too late, it was no fault of mine!

- Indeed, the fault of my mare I suppose.

- No, she went faster than the wind,

she seemed to know how much depended on her.

- Then why did you fail?

- Because I kept my temper,

damn pompous ass of an adjutant at Thaydon,

kept me waiting 10 precious minutes!

The colonel was furious when he knew.

If I'd knocked the fool down we should have been in time!

I swear my child!

But I know I failed.

- I'm sorry George.

I understand now.

- Rose... - What of my brother, what can we do?

- Find him, then protect him.

I know he's in this forest somewhere!

Get back to Alice now, everything will be all right.

- Goodbye George, forget my silly anger.

- Goodbye Rose.

(tense music)

- Jack, Jack!

Jack!

(melodramatic music)

(threatening music)

(suspenseful music)

(screaming)

(dramatic music)

- (mumbles) just now sir?

We've just found a young girl strangled!

- Who is it?

- A Miss Alice Maitland.

- Not, Alice Maitland?

Let me go sir!

- I wouldn't if I were you sir.

Not a very pretty sight.

I'm off to get Mr. Rickers.

Captain Wraydon has a lot to answer for.

(tense music)

- [Man] Go on read it to us Herbert!

- 100 guineas reward.

Wanted for murder,

Captain Jack Wraydon,

for murder in diverse places in the county of Essex.

Anyone giving information

leading to his capture

will receive 100 guineas reward.

God save the King.

- How many more murders before they catch him?

- [Man] Plenty mark my words!

- Aye, that sentry a week ago,

and then that there woman at Thaydon.

- And now Alice Maitland yesterday!

Who's going to be the next?

- Aye, there'll be a next one all right,

he ain't finished yet.

- All we women are so scared, won't risk the forest!

- Aye, and the children won't go outdoors to play neither.

- [Man] When we men land hands on him we'll lynch him!

- Captain Wraydon, heh, Captain Satan I calls him!

- Now now not so fast, I've known Jack Wraydon from a boy.

He's the finest officer and gentleman I've ever known!

Why he's no more a murderer than I am!

- [Man] Why, well that there bill says so!

- [Bartender] Aye that's a lie!

- [Man] Hey, what's the matter keeper?

- Another. - Right?

- Murder!

Onestead, a girl, I've seen her!

Strangled!

Oh give me a big, for god's sake!

- [Man] Now do you believe what I told you

about Jack Wraydon?

- Captain Wraydon, how could we have believed it?

- [Woman] No one believes it.

(patrons chattering)

- Well when you've recovered your breath,

give us the details!

(melodramatic music)

- How did you get this?

- The maid was sweeping, a stone came through

the window wrapped up in that note, and hit her in the back.

- Didn't she see him?

- No, she just screamed and dropped everything.

- He says at the old meeting place, from now on.

That means tonight, I'll go now!

I'll get to know the truth, I'll force it from him!

- You, don't begin to think, oh it's impossible!

You can't believe it... - I don't, I won't!

But there are strange things afoot.

Only an hour ago I saw Rose for a moment,

and she told me something that, that frightens me!

- What in heaven's name did she say?

- That old Wraydon believes Jack is the murderer.

- What?

His own father believes that?

- Yes.

Well I'll get going.

I know where to find him now.

(melodramatic music)

Jack!

- George, we had to meet, I wish it hadn't been necessary.

But there are things I want to know

that only you can tell me.

- And there are things I want to know

that only you can tell me!

- They must wait, first, I must know what

manner of man you are.

- What do you mean by that?

- Are you a spy in the pay of France?

- I...

- I think you've answered me.

- God help me.

Then you knew?

- Not for certain, but I do now!

- Jack listen!

I was foolish, tempted, I needed money badly!

They got me in their grip, I tried to break away!

They threatened to kill me if I didn't!

- So you're, you're still a spy.

- No no no!

I'm finished, I'm through!

I know I'm doomed when they realise... - Stop!

I only escaped for one purpose.

I knew of this French plot, but not enough.

I had to be free to track the traitors down,

I have almost, but not quite.

When I know all, I'll tell all.

And then surrender myself to punishment.

- How you must despise me.

- Yes. - Jack, listen,

I've told you I've finished with them.

Trust me, believe me, put me to any tests you like.

I won't fail you.

- I wonder.

What was it you wished to ask me?

- Jack, these awful stories they're telling about you,

those cursed warrant notices... - I've seen them.

Go on. - Even your own father believes they're true.

He's helping Rickers.

Jack, they are lies, foul cursed lies,

aren't they?

- You're not sure yourself, are you George?

- I must know the truth!

Are they lies, Jack, tell me please tell me!

Are they lies?

(laughing)

Murder's no laughing matter.

- I agree! - Then will you tell me?

- No!

- No?

- No you failed the test George.

- Test?

Look out! (dramatic music)

- Runners! - It's Ricker's men!

- Father!

- You, you dare to face me?

- Why not?

- You ask me why not?

- Yes, I'm your son, does that mean nothing to you?

- Son?

I have no son.

Must I repeat my words?

- Father you mustn't... - Stand back!

Don't touch me!

- Then you, you believe those devilish lies!

- Yes, and worse!

God forgive me for fathering such a monster!

- Then you'd better send for your toadie, Mr. Rickers.

- Do you realise what that means?

He'll be here any moment.

- Judging by my reception here, no doubt it will please you!

Wait!

Before you send for Rickers,

there's something you both should know.

- Well say it quickly!

- There are traitors to Britain who... (thumping)

Helen! - No no, keep off!

You fiend, you devil, now I know you!

- Helen you mustn't! - Don't come near me!

- That leap, only one man besides myself knows its secret!

And I think I know where he's making for!

- [Helen] Oh Mr. Rickers thank heaven you've come!

Follow him, don't let him escape!

- Escape, what's happened?

- Murder!

His father!

Another victim!

- And by god it's the last!

Miss Sedgefield, you break the news to Miss Wraydon.

Tell her you're going down to the Tabard Inn

to send Toby up here to take charge.

But you will remain there til I join you.

- Poor Rose!

- Come on men, we've got to get him this time!

(furtive music)

- [Jack] George!

- You fiend from Hell, you'll kill no more!

- You fool, you blind doubting fool!

- I was, but not now!

Helen's told me!

- Listen to me George Heeningham!

- I will not! - You will!

Some spawn of Satan has been at work too long!

Murder has followed on murder,

tonight my father killed in cold blood!

A knife, thrown by this monster, and that,

that you charge to me!

Look in that chest!

- The blind beggar!

- Yes, and another Spring-Heel Jack!

I suspected this place and the blind beggar for some time!

A very convenient disguise!

- Then it wasn't you!

- No, someone who wished to impersonate me!

Only one man could attempt that, a man I thought dead.

- Dead?

Who? - Your Chief!

Read those letters!

- Chief, his writing,

his French pals! - And his confederates!

Your name's there!

Go on put it back, they'll be safe there until I need them!

- What can I do? - Much!

Who is your Chief?

- I've never known. - I must know!

Are you going to help, or are you still afraid,

still in doubt? - No no no, I can help!

He thinks that I'm still in his power,

he expects me tonight!

- Tonight, where?

Quick! - The old mill ruins.

- The old mill ruins?

We go there together, come on!

- We dare not! - Dare not?

You say that to me?

Come on there's no time to be lost!

- It's all right, Toby ain't come yet.

(suspenseful music)

- Rose Wraydon!

The vermin, I'll, I'll... - Go on.

You'll do what?

Take her in there, and wait for me.

Did you warn Heeningham to be here tonight?

- Yes, I told him to come.

- Wise man.

Do you know I was beginning to doubt, even you Squire.

We shall see.

- [Rogue] We better wait for him I suppose.

- Yes.

- [Rogue] Pretty kid too.

- Get out.

(chuckling)

Ah my pretty niece, I'll deal with you,

presently. (chuckling)

- Come on!

Now remember, do exactly what I've told you!

- I understand.

- And whatever happens, don't get scared.

I shan't be far away.

- It's time Mr. Heeningham was here.

It would be a pity if he disappointed us.

You feel that way too, don't you Squire?

Welcome Heeningham!

Squire was getting quite anxious about you.

Do sit down.

- I'd rather stand.

- Hmm, I see.

Many strange things have been happening recently.

- You mean many murders.

- They do not interest me.

They may interest Mr. Ricker.

- Naturally. - It is thy own affairs,

my French business.

- Of course. - I'm glad you agree with me,

'cause there's a vital piece of work waiting for you.

- And why for me?

- Because I have doubts.

- Of what? - Of your loyalty!

- Then I can put an end to those doubts at once!

- [Phillip] And what exactly do you mean by that?

- That I refuse to obey you any longer.

I have finished.

- I was expecting that.

You know what to do.

(grunting) (dramatic music)

- Get that blasted rope!

- You swine you, I... (Phillip chuckling)

- I had six.

Unfortunately I lost one (chuckles).

But five will do (chuckles).

Now Mr. George Heeningham,

I'm going to give you five chances, and after each,

I shall ask you if you wish to change your mind!

Very well then!

One!

(thumping)

Well?

Hmm, then two!

(thumping)

Have you changed your mind yet?

Then three!

(thumping)

Now will you answer?

- To hell with you!

- Then four!

(gun firing) Ah!

- Wraydon! - Yes Squire!

Jack Wraydon!

Stand still Phillip Wraydon!

I never miss my mark!

Get over there, quick!

And you!

Squire Sedgefield, I leave others to judge you.

With my uncle presumed dead but at

this moment very much alive, I will settle!

- [Phillip] Not yet, nephew!

- We shall see!

Even if that is Rickers, your game is up!

Don't stir an inch, or I'll fire!

- Got you Wraydon, at last! - Hold him!

(dramatic music) - Watch that room in there!

- Now nobody leave their place!

(scuffling) (shouting)

- [Runner] Bring a light someone!

(suspenseful music)

- Hey!

- Blasted, got clean away!

- Hey Mister!

I believe there's a woman lying in there, bound and gagged!

- What another victim?

The rest of you follow me,

but you hang on to him like grim death!

(dramatic music)

(scuffling)

(mumbling)

(thumping)

- Thanks Dennis!

- Sorry George.

Best I can do!

- [Ricker] She's alive all right, look after her.

- Yes sir!

- Where's Wraydon?

- Somebody hit me! - Well get after him,

and search the woods, he can't have got far!

- You'll never find him, he knows the woods too well.

- The inhuman devil, and we caught him red-handed!

There's another victim of his in there now!

His own sister Rose!

- Rose?

Rose?

You fool!

- Touch and go Jack.

- Yeah (pants), let's have a breather for a moment.

First of all get these things off,

they're useless in a scrap.

(panting)

- Where's that fool Jake?

- He must have lost his way!

- Come.

(mumbles) Squire, lucky day for me!

Only just a graze!

- It was touch and go for all of us eh Chief?

- Quiet fool, even the walls have ears.

- Look after her while I get a seat.

All right now?

And that Mr. Rickers, is the true story.

- You say the man is Wraydon's uncle,

but it's fantastic, unbelievable!

First that sentry and then Alice Maitland and many others!

And now tonight his own brother!

- And Rose here, if you hadn't been in time.

- Yes that's true, but why?

- To make it all appear the work of Jack Wraydon.

By pretending to be Spring-Heel Jack.

- Incredible!

- But, what was the purpose of it all?

- So that Jack should tread the gallows.

Come with me to the Tabard, it's one of his hideouts.

I-I'll show you proofs, we may even catch the monster!

- And Helen's still there!

- Then I daren't waste another minute!

- I feel better now, I'll come with you.

- The fools are going.

Quiet just a little longer, the game's not over, yet.

(chuckling)

- [Jake] Let me in, it's me, Jake! - Turn that handle!

You blundering fool, where have you been?

- I got lost, and (mumbles) up there!

They've all gone! - We know that,

anything else? - Yes!

They've lost Wraydon!

- Escaped!

Oh...

But they haven't reckoned with me!

I'll get Wraydon yet!

I've a bait to hook him Squire, your daughter Helen!

- You swine! (laughing)

- Get out, find Helen Sedgefield!

Bring her here, no matter how, but bring her!

Get out! (laughing)

So, you've ratted at last, have you?

I've been expecting this!

(laughing) (gasping)

Shall I settle with you, now (laughs)!

(groaning) (thumping)

- Did you hear that?

It's them, Wraydon and the other fellow!

- We must get back, quick!

- No sign of anybody yet.

They seem to have gone.

Come on, we'll search the place.

We'll find some queer things here!

- They're coming back!

- Who? - Wraydon and the other bloke!

(chuckling)

- The fates again!

Now I'll show them how Phillip Wraydon

exacts his revenge, to the last drop!

(chuckling)

Come with me!

(Phillip chuckling)

(grunting) - Jack!

(mumbling) (Phillip laughing)

- Who says the game's over now?

Quick, away with them!

To the pit (chuckles)!

- I think you have sufficient proof there, Mr. Rickers.

- I have.

But one thing is certain, Jack Wraydon's a free man.

They'll never court-martial him for a mere duel

when this is known.

But as for you, I'm afraid these papers

are more than serious.

- I'll stand up to whatever I deserve.

But let's get Phillip Wraydon!

I swear he's still in the old mill ruins somewhere!

He knows every corner of it,

and he won't risk the forest tonight!

- Sound advice Heeningham, there's still a chance.

Come on, to the old mill, quickly!

(chuckling)

- Hurry up, that's good enough!

(laughing)

Get that ladder up, and then get out!

(laughing)

Hurry, hurry!

Are you deaf as well as dumb!

You'll have a difficult man to cross tonight!

Get out, do you hear?

Get out, get out!

(laughing)

This pit is my own invention!

The walls close together, and they'll crush you, to pulp!

Far more exciting to watch,

than the gallows, or the guillotine.

Death will be slow, very slow, but sure!

Sure as the Wraydon curse (chuckles)!

As a boy I taught you the secret of the high leap,

but not with an iron ball on your ankles!

You see, I've thought of everything (chuckles)!

And now to settle my account with that rat, Sedgefield.

A pleasant journey to you!

Now go down to hell,

and tell them I sent you (chuckles)!

(water splashing) (laughing)

(wooden clunking) Say your prayers,

ooh I should love to hear them!

Now, now Sedgefield,

for you! (laughing)

(water splashing) (wooden clunking)

- The walls are moving!

- Don't look at them!

We want to act quick, think quick!

Can you get your hands free?

- I think so, the rope seems rotten.

(cackling)

- Now Squire Sedgefield, this is for you (laughs)!

(water splashing) (wooden clunking)

- I've got a knife Jack!

- Splendid!

- It's no good for that chain!

- Never mind!

Just an old padlock!

My pistol, they've left my pistol!

She's loaded, turn away!

Mind the ricochet!

(gun firing)

(water splashing) (wooden clunking)

Nope, goes straight up, nothing to cling to.

Can't be done! - Can't you, jump it Jack?

- Impossible, no space to leap!

(water splashing) (wooden clunking)

- My god, Wraydon!

- Sedgefield!

- He'll never help us.

- Wraydon, try this!

- If it'll take my weight Dennis it will take yours!

(suspenseful music)

- You (cackles), you're damned (laughs)!

And now, you!

(dramatic music)

(grunts) No you don't!

Now my dear nephew...

(fist thudding) Oof!

(water splashing) (wooden clunking)

Stop the (mumbles)!

Turn off the lever do you hear!

(screaming)

I'm a (mumbles) guy I tell you!

- Good gd what's that?

- Come on!

Where's Phillip Wraydon?

- A horrible death, but he deserved it.

He killed Squire Sedgefield, before he died.

Now Mr. Bow Street Runner, my job is done.

I'm willing to accompany you.

- Captain Wraydon, after your fine work on this case,

my advice to you is to return to barracks immediately.

- And King's Regulations?

- I have little doubt that His Majesty,

knowing all the facts, will grant you a pardon

for breaking one of his regulations.

(cheerfully romantic music)