Original subtitles

Thank you.

Sir Harold?

What is it?

There's someone in my flat.

But your husband, where is he? Leo's away. I'm frightened. I heard someone

moving about.

Stay here.

Bye.

Everything's all right.

No one?

No one.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Not at all.

Are you all alone here? Yes.

Leo's away in Stockholm on business.

Doesn't your maid sleep here? Paula?

No, she has a place of her own.

Well, I've looked in all the cupboards and under the bed.

You're quite safe.

Good night.

Oops, steady.

You'd better sit down. I'm sorry, I think I was peculiar.

She needs a brandy.

I was just about to go to bed.

I came into the room to get a book.

I thought I heard somebody.

I'm afraid I panicked. I'm not used to being here alone.

Drink it up. Good for the nerves.

You must think me very stupid.

Not at all.

Admit it, Sir Harold. Women can be terribly foolish, can't they?

Paula!

I did not mean to disturb you, madame. I have come back for my purse.

Will she say anything?

I don't know.

If she tells Leo...

Another

ball. Good shooting.

Would you like to try again? I think I'd better practice in private. Well, any

time you want to borrow it.

No, thank you, Leo.

I'd hate to waste your precious ammunition.

Don't worry, I've got quite a good stock.

They're difficult to handle, aren't they?

Yes, I'm afraid that since I had the new silencers fitted, the whole balance has

become changed.

At least the neighbors no longer complain.

But you're right, you know, that you really should practice.

Oh, I was only joking.

But it's a skill that you might need if you become involved in an affair of

honor. I think I'd rather rely on my skill as a barrister.

But if it concerns the reputation of a woman. Oh, Leo.

Hello, darling.

I was just telling Sir Harold that he should become an expert duelist.

Whatever for?

It might be useful if he becomes involved in an affair of honour.

For your sake, I would gladly shoot anyone.

And I'm sure Sir Harold would do the same for his charming fiancée.

Miss Ursula Clandon, sir.

Hello, darling.

Is it lunchtime already?

It's my kind of lunchtime. Where are we going? The Savoy. Then shopping.

Then we must go and discuss the wedding arrangements.

Oh, but I, um, I can't. I have a committee at the house.

Must you go? Well, it's rather important.

More important than our wedding?

Sweetheart, I love you very much, but... Oh, damn, excuse me.

Biggins, I don't want any more calls.

Mrs. Hagen, sir. Oh.

Sorry, important client.

Harold, you must make it this afternoon, otherwise we're going to get... Yes,

yes, Harold Chambers speaking.

Harold, she says she'll tell Leo, unless I pay her 5,000 pounds.

I see.

What about tomorrow?

What?

Oh, yes, yes.

Well, you better let me have all facts.

When can we meet?

How about 6.30?

The Catamaran, Barclay Place?

Right. I'll meet you then.

Goodbye.

Sorry about that. It's a case I may have to defend.

What sort of case?

Blackmail.

I have decided you must pay me £5,000.

Or... I'll tell your husband about Sir Harold.

And what did you say?

I didn't say anything. I couldn't. I couldn't believe it. I just stared at

her and then she said it again.

I waited till she'd gone out to do the shopping, and then I phoned you.

And this afternoon?

Leo came home.

Paula was there, but we didn't say anything more about it. We couldn't. But

you think she meant it? Yes.

Shall I call the police?

Well, let's consider the possibility.

Your husband's coming in.

Leo? But he hates this place.

Hello, darling.

Good evening, Sir Harold.

Hello, hello, hello. Have we caught you two out?

Leo, I was just telling Harold you hated this place. I was just telling Charles

that you were at a party at the Erebus. All very strange.

Oh, well, I was on my way there. Darling, please don't make explanations.

You know how I hate them.

Especially in front of Charles. Right, right. You'll never know how I might use

them in my column tomorrow.

So, will you excuse us, please? I have something to talk to Charles about. Be

good.

I thought we were safe here. Never mind about that now, Maxine. Your husband's

seen us together and so has that gossip pinder.

But Harold, what am I going to do?

I need hardly tell you that the kiss was entirely... Accidental?

I was going to say entirely innocent.

No doubt, but the result is that the lady's in a very bad jam.

Exactly. And you want to get her out of it?

Naturally.

Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions?

Go ahead.

First question, Sir Harold.

Since it's all entirely innocent, why don't you go to the lady's husband and

explain the whole thing?

The husband is a very jealous man.

And he wouldn't believe you?

I don't think he would.

All right, next question.

The lady suggested you went to the police.

Why not?

For her sake, I want to settle the affair as quietly as possible.

No, Sir Harold, not for her sake, for your own. Mr. Durran, I've heard of you

as a first-class private detective.

So I've been told. I'm asking you to help me.

Now, let's start with the truth.

The reasons for your actions are as follows.

You're a very rich man.

a Queen's Counsel and an MP.

You have great hopes of political advancement, Attorney-General, Lord

Chancellor, the lot.

You're about to marry the daughter of Lord Clandon, who's about the most

influential man in your party.

So the one man in England who can't afford a breath of scandal at present is

you. Correct?

Quite correct.

The lady may be in a jam, but you're in a worse one.

Mr. Durran, I'll pay you a very high fee.

You'll pay my normal charges.

How do you propose to start?

Well, blackmail is a profession.

This woman's probably done it before.

I want information about her.

As much as I can get.

Oh, and Susie, start a new file called Paula Blair.

Paula... what did you say?

B-L-A-I-R.

Blair.

Oh, Scotland Yard?

Oh, Chief Inspector Waveney, please.

What do I put?

Hmm? In the file?

Nothing, yet.

Oh, hello, Waveney.

Oh, it's John Durran here.

Yes, look, in return for past favours and under the Old Pals Act, can you give

me anything on a woman called Blair, Paula Blair?

Mmm, more champagne, marvellous. Ursula?

Journalist never refuses.

Thank you, Paula.

As I say, you can expect the worst from us. I've been brushing up on my stock of

clichés already.

The bride looked radiant.

As, of course, you will. Wedding of the year.

Well, won't it be? Charles!

No thanks, I'm on a diet. Marvellous party, Leo. To celebrate my neighbour's

great good fortune.

Where is the lucky neighbour?

Oh, yes.

Talking politics to Daddy, as usual.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, no, no, Leif. Leif hasn't got your staying power. Don't worry about him,

Harold. He's not in the running. I'm glad you think so.

Well, I promise you this, though.

So long as... What is the expression? I always try to keep my slang up to date.

Oh, yes. So long as you keep your nose clean.

Can I speak to you, Harold?

Yes. I'm sorry, Lord Lander. May I borrow him for a moment? Yes, yes, of

course. Excuse me.

Did you see that detective?

Yes, he's starting on the case straight away.

It's urgent now. She says she wants the money by tomorrow night.

Delay her as long as you can. Oh, Harold, let's go to Scotland Yard. No.

She'll tell Leo. I tell you, she's... Champagne, madame?

Sir Harold?

No, thank you.

Why are you spying on me?

I'm offering you your own champagne, madame.

Now get out! You're sacked!

Small paragraph tomorrow morning, don't you think?

Knightsbridge 5391.

Harold, it's Maxine.

Well, I'm sorry to bother you.

Yes, I've read it.

Oh, I know I behaved like a fool last night, but it's Paula.

She's just phoned again.

She says she wants the money by tonight or she'll tell Leo.

So, you've decided to pay up?

Unless you've discovered something.

I haven't. There hasn't been time.

Then I've no choice in the matter.

I'm a luxury, Sir Harold.

For people who can afford me but can't afford to go to the police. If you'll

send me your account, I shall only... What for? I haven't done anything.

Can you tell me, who is actually going to pay the 5,000 pounds?

Mrs. Hagen is a wealthy woman, but she can hardly find that sum of money.

Without her husband getting to know and asking awkward questions.

In other words, you're going to pay.

When are you going to hand it over?

Why?

I think perhaps I'll stay on the case a little longer. What do you think you can

do? I don't know.

Can I be the one to give the money to... What's her name? Mrs. Hagen?

Pick it up in a moment or two and put it in your handbag.

I don't want to give it to her.

And Trevitt says you've got to.

I want her to be caught. I want her to go to jail.

I sympathize, but do as I say. Put it in your bag.

Now then, shall we seem to be having a more gay social conversation?

Where do you go on to from here, Mrs. Hagen?

Oh, I thought I'd drop by and see dear Paula.

Oh, really?

I shall be going along there a moment or two after you.

Oh? Was she expecting you?

No. That's half the fun, don't you think?

Well, I must fly.

Oh, must you? Well, I'll see you again very soon.

Goodbye. Goodbye.

And don't forget what I told you.

If that is how you feel, perhaps we had better go.

Good night, then, madame.

And thank you for calling.

You won't mind if I don't see you downstairs?

Well, shut the door, Miss Blair. I'm your next visitor.

Who are you?

John Durran.

I'm a private detective.

Well? Mrs. Hagen's just left you.

Yes. Where's the money she gave you?

Would you like to leave quietly?

Or shall I call the police?

Call the police. They can help me find the money.

What makes you think that woman would give me money?

She came here to apologize for sacking me and ask me if I'd like to come back.

I told her to go to hell.

I can get better jobs than that any day.

I don't think you quite understand the situation, Miss Blair.

Don't I?

I've been finding out facts about you.

Three months with the Hagans.

Before that, New York, Paris, Rome.

I'd like to move around.

I think you have to.

I specialize in blackmail cases, but I have a friend who's an even greater

specialist. Chief Inspector Waveney of Scotland Yard. So?

I've asked him to check on you.

And? Also to check on what happened to the families you worked with before.

They gave me good references.

Really? I've had enough.

Miss Blair, give that money back.

Leave the country tomorrow.

Who are you working for?

That woman?

I've got a surprise for you, Paula.

I'm working for her husband.

Hagen's a clever man. He's had me tailing his wife.

It's something I've seen a hundred times before.

But curiously enough, Leo Hagen loves her.

If she has been a little indiscreet, he doesn't want to know.

He just wants me to get you off her back.

Good night, Mr. Darrow.

It's your last chance, boy.

No, thank you.

Clever, Mr. Daron.

Oh, darling.

Leo, there's no way he can find out.

I shouldn't think so.

I wouldn't mind taking a small bet that our clever Mr. Daron has never had a

case before of a man blackmailing his own wife.

But if he should get Waveney to check... Then you, my love, might be in for a

great deal of trouble.

All right, don't go on about it. I get the general situation.

You've got yourself into a jam and you've come running to me for help.

Under the Old Pals Act.

Sergeant Holt, how many times to date has he used that phrase?

Must be three figures by now, sir.

You're young yet. You haven't known him as long as I have.

Now look, Jimmy.

Question names now.

Find him a chair, Sergeant.

Excuse the mess.

I'm camping out in here while my office is being redecorated.

I was bluffing this woman and I was winning.

Then suddenly something went wrong.

Suddenly she'd won and I'd lost.

And I don't know what went wrong.

Well? I don't like losing.

So what are you going to do?

I'm going to get Paula Blair.

And I hope you're going to help me.

Under that well-known act, eh?

Sergeant, show him the file.

Not much in it, I'm afraid.

Might give you an idea.

Yes.

Yes, it does.

Thank you very much.

I'll do the same for you sometime.

But where are you going?

You'll never believe this.

I'm going to see my MP.

How did you find this out?

I have a friend.

The police.

Sir Harold told me not to go to the police.

If I'd known she was... You would never have engaged Paula.

How, in fact, did you engage her?

I advertised in the Times.

Tell me something, Darren.

If she's known to be a blackmailer... Suspected to be, but never caught.

For one simple reason, none of her victims will ever go to the police.

You say she has an accomplice? I gather she always operates with one. Probably

he's the brains of the organisation.

I imagine he's the one who chose you, Mrs Hagen.

But why me?

You're a likely victim.

You're rich, fashionable, gay. Your husband goes away on business.

Just a minute, Durham.

Are you suggesting... I'm sorry, but that's the way they'd see it.

Now, Paula Blair is very confident of herself at present.

But if I can just find out who the accomplice is, then maybe we can beat

her.

No one has any idea who it may be.

She's never mentioned a boyfriend, a husband, a brother.

Pity.

But I don't understand. She's been paid. She got what she asked for.

Now, that's just the first instalment. You never finish paying a blackmailer.

When are you getting married?

Three weeks tomorrow, isn't it?

Yes.

And my guess is we can expect the next demand any day now

Thank

you

Charles Pinder may not be the nicest man in the world, but his column is most

widely read. That's the important thing. No, thank you. I'm not sure I want all

this publicity, you know.

You're a politician.

You can't avoid it. Darling, what's wrong?

You always adored it.

Pinder's doing a big piece about you two anyway.

All we want is for him to link it with a... What do they call it?

Leak. Well, a rumour. You know, Headley's resigning and you're hotly

tipped for the job.

Oh, that's probably him now.

Excuse me.

Good afternoon, Mr. Pinder.

Afternoon, Harris.

Hello, Charles.

How nice of you to come.

Not at all. I'm sure I shall go home with something for Pinder's penetrating

paragraphs. Come in.

I think you know everyone. Indeed.

Tea, Mr. Pinder?

Well, let me get you a drink.

Oh, don't answer that, would you, darling?

He's got it, isn't it, Charles?

Always has been.

Hello? Yes,

he is.

Who's speaking?

Harold, it's for you.

Thank you, darling. Who is it?

She wouldn't say.

I think I can guess who it is.

Harold Trevitt here.

Maxine. Paula just rang me. She says she wants another 5,000 by tomorrow.

So, she wants another 5,000.

Well, it's working out just as I said it would.

In a week's time, she'll want another.

The night before your wedding, she'll want another.

The only limit is how much money you've got.

And I just think they've checked on that pretty carefully.

You joined a goodly company, Sir Harold.

The wealthy men of this country who are being milked morning and night because

they're having the guts to face a public scandal.

There's another thing we can be certain of.

This whole thing isn't aimed at Mrs. Hagen.

Same to you.

How long have you been in your present flat?

Ten years.

And the Hagen's only a few months?

They had another maid first, then Paula came to them.

Shortly after the announcement of your engagement to the Honourable Ursula.

Yes.

So she took the job to be across the landing from you. It's a wonderful

position for spying on you. She can't possibly have known.

Look, every man does something silly at some time or other.

Blackmailers are very patient people.

This woman, Paula, says she wants the money tomorrow night.

Tell her I'll come to her place at 10 o'clock.

I can't get there any sooner. I have to speak at a meeting at Caxton Hall.

10 o'clock.

I want you to be there, too.

All right.

I'll meet you in the alley opposite her house. Very well.

Are you going to pay the money?

No.

Harold, good morning. Good morning, Leo. Come in. Join me in some coffee.

I'm afraid that...

Lazy girl Maxine hasn't got up yet. No, thank you. I'm in rather a hurry.

I'm off to the country tomorrow, and I thought I might not catch you. What can

I do for you? Well, you've mentioned it before. I wondered if I could borrow one

of your pistols.

Greatest pleasure. Here.

For a little private practice. Yes.

Not that one. That's my personal one.

You take this one.

It's just as good. I wonder if it'll fit in.

Yes. Right here.

Cleaning materials and some ammunition good hunting.

Thank you

Don't.

Well? I got here a few minutes earlier. I decided not to wait for you. I came

up, the door was half open. And you found her like that?

Yes. That was more than ten minutes ago. What have you been doing since?

I thought I'd heard people outside on the stairs. I was afraid to go out. I

thought I might be seen.

She's been dead for some time, I reckon. You'd better leave now and quick.

I've done something damn stupid. What?

I think I'd better tell you now.

I borrowed a pistol this morning. I was going to use it to try and scare her.

You're an even bigger fool than I thought you were. Where is the pistol?

Here.

All right, I believe you. It hasn't been fired.

Who did you borrow this work of art from?

Leo Hagen.

Who are you phoning?

Leo Hagen.

You may need an alibi.

Now, where have you been?

I went to the meeting at 8, left about 9.30 and came straight here.

Car? It's parked round the corner.

driver i drove myself good now where do you usually go at this time of night

home or the club go to your club act as if nothing has happened now have you got

everything yes you've worn those gloves all the time yes

Mrs. Waveney?

Oh, it's John Durran here. Can I speak to your husband, please?

I don't care if it is his favorite program.

All right, let's hear the rest of it.

I told you.

You paid a social call on Miss Blair.

An attractive girl. You found her dead. That's right. So you called me.

Oh, I did. And what happened to the Old Pals Act?

I could have called any other policeman. I did you a favour. Oh, thanks.

Who was Miss Blair blackmailing?

Actually, she was between jobs. Look, if you're trying to withhold information

from the police... All you've got to do is prove it.

Have you finished with me now?

9.30 tomorrow morning in my office.

See you.

Yes? My name's Daron. I'm a private detective.

Can I talk to you?

It's rather late, unless it's something urgent.

Paula Blair is dead.

Do you find that urgent?

How did she die?

A road accident?

She's been murdered. Leo?

Who's at the... Darling, this is Mr. Daron.

Mr. Daron, this is my wife.

Good evening, Mrs. Hagen.

How do you do?

Mr. Dullen has called to tell us that Paula has been murdered.

What?

Though I do think that it could have been left until the morning papers.

She was not a great success as a maid.

Well, that's hardly surprising.

Her real profession was blackmail.

Blackmail? Her normal technique was to take a job with a wealthy family, find

out something about the husband or the wife, and then her accomplice moved in

and began to put the screws on.

Her accomplice? Are you sure that... Oh, yes.

She had a partner.

They've tried this trick in several different countries.

You astonish me, Mr. Darren.

Mrs. Hagen?

Yes. You haven't been married very long, have you?

Five months, last Tuesday.

And before that, I believe you lived abroad.

Would you tell me in which countries?

Excuse me, it seems to be the night for unexpected guests.

What are you trying to do?

Mr.

Hagen? Yes?

We're from Scotland Yard.

I'd like to come in and talk to you, please.

I can see I don't have to explain why I'm here.

Oh, yes, Mr. Downe was kind enough to come and tell us about it.

Yes, he would be, wouldn't he?

Mr. Hagen, what have you been doing all evening?

I met a friend called Charles Pinder.

Oh, yes, Charles Pinder.

For a drink at the catamaran club.

We left at about, I don't know, eight o'clock.

Eight o'clock.

And then I came home for dinner.

Why?

Mrs. Hagen, what about you?

I've been in all evening.

Alone?

Until Leo came home.

What time was that?

I'm afraid I didn't look at the clock.

Mr. Hagen, have you any firearms here?

An old dueling pistol.

May I see it, please?

Please, sir.

Modern improvements, I see.

For the sake of the neighbors.

Do you mind if I take it with me?

No, as long as you let me have it back.

Of course, I'll take great care of it. It's my favorite pistol. Since I bought

it, nobody but me has ever used it.

I understand your concern.

Mr. Hagel, isn't it... I know what you're going to say.

Usually pistols of this sort come in pairs.

You're quite right.

I had the twin of this one until quite recently.

What happened to it?

It disappeared.

Just about the time that Paula was sacked.

Somebody stole it.

I think probably she did.

Ballistics have checked this.

It's smooth bore, so all they can tell us is that Paula Blair was killed with

this pistol or its twin brother.

There are others like this.

Do you know any others fitted with silencers?

Look, Jimmy... Now, wait a minute.

Let me talk.

How exactly does Leo Hagen fit into this?

I imagine he was Paula's partner in the blackmail wreck. Yeah, I imagine that

too, oddly enough. Now go on, surprise me. Tell me something I don't imagine.

I imagine he killed her.

Yes, but why?

Was she blackmailing him for a change?

Or was he afraid of being found out through her?

I just don't know.

But you mean to tell me I've got to stick to the humdrum routine of a police

officer instead of the brilliant intuitions of a private eye?

A couple of things bother me, Jimmy. A couple of things bother me, too, and

you're one of them.

All right, routine.

Now, what time has Paula killed?

Oh, roughly eight to half past, roughly.

Then Hagen could have done it.

Or his missus.

What? She might have got wind of something.

Jealousy, revenge.

Had this pistol been fired? Who knows?

Too much time had gone past. All they can say is it had been cleaned.

Sergeant, will you take that back to Mr. Hagen with my thanks? Good, sir.

Now, let's speculate on the other pistol, shall we? The one that Hagen

said was stolen.

Do you think Paula Blair had it?

No. Well, who did?

Look, I've got a client.

Oh, yes. There's one born every minute. Go on.

Thank you very much.

But I do assure you he's got nothing whatever to do with this murder.

Will you accept that?

I don't know. I might.

Tell me more.

Well, my client had the other pistol in his possession on the night Paula Blair

was murdered.

But he didn't use it.

Excuse me, Sir Harold. Yes?

Mr. Hagen is here, sir.

Oh, show him in.

Mr. Hagen.

Harold. Good morning. Good morning. I got your message.

What a charming place to work.

I envy you very much.

But I still don't understand why you've come to see me. Before we discuss that,

Harold, I must tell you that the police have been asking me about the pistols.

And what did you say?

It was very difficult. I didn't want to bring you into it. I said that the other

pistol had simply disappeared.

Probably somebody had stolen it.

You do still have it?

Yeah, yes, I have. Don't show it to anyone.

It wouldn't be wise.

You don't want to get involved in a murder case, even though you are

entirely innocent.

But now to business. Harold, I need a loan.

You're a lawyer.

You're rich.

You have influence. You can arrange these things.

How much do you have in mind?

£10,000.

For a term of 300 years.

At 0% interest.

So, now we've got it laid on the line. Here, have a drink. You look as if you

need it. Thank you.

Now, Hagen and Paula are partners.

He hits on this ingenious scheme of blackmailing his own wife and getting

you to foot the bill.

So, all right, so you've paid them £5,000.

Susie!

That's all right, she's the one discreet girl in London.

Now, you borrow Hagen's pistol.

Obviously, you don't intend to pay the second £5,000.

Something you want? More scotch.

Now, Paula tells him that you're coming to her flat at 10 o'clock. He sees in

this an ideal opportunity to make some real money.

And keeping it all for himself.

Cheers. So he gets there first, kills her, and leaves her for me to find.

Charming. Exactly.

Just a couple of things that bother me.

Such as?

Never mind about my worries, let's worry about you. Have you still got that

pistol? Here.

Right, now I'd better take that and dump it in the river.

Or, um...

Wouldn't it be better if... if you were to put it back in Hagen's flat?

For the police to find.

What do you say?

I'd say that's just about all they'd need.

Mr. Hagen, you've been very helpful. You've answered all our questions, and

it's not getting us anywhere, is it?

I'm sorry, Inspector.

So let's ask some of them again, shall we?

Where's the other pistol?

I have no idea.

Could Paula Blair have it?

I imagine so.

Don't you?

Mr. Hagen, why should a woman steal from her partner?

Inspector, you have no justification for that remark.

This is a list of the places you've stayed over the past few years. It

happens to coincide with the places that Paula has lived to.

They're all big cities.

Coincidence is possible. It is also possible that you were her partner in a

blackmail racket.

I can only deny it.

And you can't prove it.

Can't I?

My impression of such an organization is that the big brains always stayed very

much in the background.

And no one ever manages to find out.

Thank you, Mr. Hagen. You denied it. We heard you.

What other questions would you like to ask me?

Don't be impatient, Mr. Hagen.

We're all going to be here for a good few hours yet.

Mrs. Hagen?

Oh, it's John Durran here.

Are you alone?

Could I come and discuss something with you privately?

Would it be all right if I came to the flat?

Right. Right, thank you. I'll be right over.

I'm sorry to be a nuisance, but I did in fact call you several times earlier.

Well, I was out shopping and then a long lunch with a girlfriend.

Thank you.

And your husband?

Scotland Yard.

Heaven knows when he'll be home.

I imagine they're still questioning him about that other pistol.

I imagine.

Is it too late to offer you tea or too early for a drink? Mrs. Hagen, have you

no idea what happened to that pistol?

None whatsoever.

It just disappeared.

Well, that's what Leo told me. And he meant it?

I suppose so.

You're sure he didn't lend it or give it to someone?

Not to my knowledge.

Is that what you came here to ask me?

Mrs. Hagen.

Maxime.

Maxime.

I'm not a policeman.

My only concern in this case is to keep you and Harold Trevitt out of trouble.

Trouble which you've done nothing to deserve.

Nothing?

Maxine, you're a very beautiful woman.

And since your husband isn't coming home yet... I think I would like that cup of

tea.

China? Indian?

Strong? Weak?

Strong, please.

With milk?

Yes, please.

And sugar.

Lots of sugar.

Wait a minute.

Oh, hello, John.

What news?

That other pistol.

I've got a wild hunch it may still be in Hagen's flat.

Have you thought of searching it?

And this is the famous intuition of the private eye.

Let me tell you something.

This morning when Mr. Hagen was in this office and Mrs. Hagen was out doing her

shopping, I had my men go through their flat with the finest of fine tooth

combs.

This pistol just isn't there.

So now what?

Good morning, sir. Good morning, sir.

Useful, please.

Large scotch. Large scotch.

On your account?

On my account.

Good morning.

My name's John Durham. How do you do?

Scotch? Thank you.

Make that two scotches, would you, Sue Ming?

I'm delighted to meet you.

I always say, the more I tell people, the more they tell me.

Except, of course, the police. Oh, I tell them everything I knew.

I was here with... Two large scotches.

Thank you. Shall we sit down?

I was here with Leo until about eight o'clock.

Then we left.

I imagine that Leo killed her, don't you?

Yes. Yes, of course.

But there are a couple of things that bother me.

Oh? Like what?

Leo's a professional blackmailer.

Yes, I always had an idea he was.

And that kind of man sticks to the trade he knows. He doesn't branch out suddenly

into murder.

Not even if it's a good idea?

Cheers. Cheers.

And that kind of man sticks to one system.

Leo's found a new system from somewhere.

I wonder where he found it.

My dear chap, if you're looking at me... Yes, I am.

I stick to my own trade. Not blackmail, not murder. A little character

assassination sometimes, perhaps. All right.

I'll tell you the other thing that's bothering me.

Paula Blair was killed between eight and half past.

In order to achieve the result that Leo wanted, he should have killed her an

hour or so later, just before ten o'clock.

Why didn't he?

Interesting thought.

I'll give you one in return.

When Leo and I left here, we went to Caxton Hall.

I'm interested in Harold Trevitt. I wanted to hear his speech.

We got there about 8.15, just in time for Trevitt's big entrance.

Storms of applause.

Well?

Well, the moment Trevitt said, ladies and gentlemen, Leo left the hall like a

streak of lightning.

Oh, good afternoon.

Mrs. Williams?

I wonder if you can help me. You have a tenant here called Paula Blair. I'm not

answering no more questions.

I've lived belly full these last few days, what with the police and the

people from the newspapers. Thank you very much.

If I make no difference, I'll not answer anything I don't know.

Well, do you know anything about a man who called to see Miss Blair that

evening? Some man came, that's for sure.

What was the time? Towards half past eight?

Never looked at the clock.

You've no idea?

Oh, it's round about then.

Don't know no clearer than that.

Well, I didn't know she was going to be killed, did I?

Did you see the man?

Why, someone on the stairs, and I looked out.

Did you see who it was?

No, they'd gone already.

No, of course I did. Sorry.

Hello. Leo Hagen?

Yes, yes, of course.

Ah, well, shall we stay in about an hour's time?

Yes, I'll be by myself.

I'll see you later, then.

Yes, Maxine's going out.

Goodbye.

You are going out, aren't you, darling?

Hmm. Why?

I have somebody coming.

On business.

Oh.

I'll call you back.

Come in.

Sit down.

I've asked you to come here because I'm a very worried man.

Maxine, your husband is a blackmailer.

And as far as I can see, he's a murderer, too.

What I don't understand is why he shot Paula at least an hour too soon.

All right, so he wanted to frame Trevitt, but Leo's a clever man.

A clever man would have shot Paula just before Trevitt got there.

Now, why didn't he? Did he have to get back to you? Were you waiting for him?

Were you watching the clock?

I don't remember.

Let me get you a drink.

Please listen.

Are you all right?

I'm sorry.

John. Maxine. Look, I must ask you.

Were you expecting him back?

Yes. And what time did he get back?

I don't know exactly.

Maxine, you do realize I'm trying to pin this murder on your husband?

Yes.

And what makes it worse, you do realize that I'm falling in love with you?

Yes.

Harold, come in.

Thank you.

You said it was business.

It's rather late, isn't it?

Not too late to discuss business.

Business between friends, that is.

You asked me for a loan of 10,000.

It's not too much, surely?

I can afford it, just.

Well, let's settle the matter then, shall we? Leo, I... Harold, they're not

going to be difficult. I... I need the money rather urgently.

What are you going to do if I don't pay?

Maxine, tell me something.

The other day when I came to your flat, I planted that second pistol back.

Did I do right?

I don't know.

John, I'm frightened.

I must go now.

I must get home.

When am I gonna see you again?

Soon I promise.

He was trying to blackmail me.

Ten thousand pounds. He said he was desperate.

When I told him I wouldn't pay, he took out the pistol and pretended he was

going to shoot himself.

It was only a pretense. I'm sure it was. It must have gone off by accident.

But Harold, you weren't even here.

What? I came home.

I found Leo dead.

An accident.

You weren't here.

You haven't been here at all.

Thank you, Maxine. You can't possibly have been here because of your career,

your marriage.

Only the price goes up every time.

It'll cost you 15,000 pounds.

With the 5,000 you've paid already, that makes it the most expensive kiss of all

time.

Morning, scum. Pindar's here. Big way.

You again.

Never mind.

You'll get there some day.

Good morning, Mr Pindar.

I'm sorry, miss. Your buttonhole is certified. Thank you. Ronnie, have you

got the ring?

Yes. Yes, of course I have. Time to go? Time to go.

I told that porter not to let anyone in.

Harris, whoever it is, we don't want to see him. We've got to leave for the

church.

Enter the groom.

Hello, Ronnie.

Hello, Harold.

Could my readers have your last thoughts as a bachelor?

Just that I'm very happy to stop being a bachelor. Oh, that'll do, Harris.

Particularly when the guards give with both hands. Oh, what do you mean?

No longer a mere leak, but a positive torrent.

Tomorrow you are to be named as a member of Her Majesty's Government.

Well, well.

We all know what well means in Fleet Street, don't we?

I'm sorry, sir, you can't.

Oh, hold on a minute, please.

Sir Harold? I can't speak to anyone. We're leaving now.

Oh, Mr. Durran, sir.

Oh.

Hello?

Oh, hello, Sir Harold.

I'm sorry to bother you at a moment like this, but I'm in Mrs. Hagen's flat.

And Scotland Yard are here, too.

We think you could be a help to us.

But, my dear chap, I'm just off to my wedding.

Yes, yes, I quite realise that, but I do assure you it won't take long.

No, no, you won't be late.

Right. Thank you very much.

Good, good.

Now, Mrs. Hagen, we'll see what Sir Harold has to say, shall we? I told you,

he knows nothing against me.

Shall we wait and see?

Sorry about this, Sir Harold. Don't keep you long. Yes, good. We're all in rather

a hurry.

Good morning, Maxine.

Harold, they're telling me I killed Paula and Leo.

Really?

Mr. Durham, would you like to start the ball rolling?

Yes. John knows I was being blackmailed. Tell him about it.

Well, Leo Hagen and Paula Blair were a team of blackmailers.

They were working the same trick over and over again.

But suddenly they found a new trick.

Blackmailing Leo's own wife.

That's right. Tell them.

Now, someone had to teach them that trick. Who?

Blackmailers are specialists.

They don't kill people.

It takes someone new to do that.

All right.

Who's new?

Maxine Hagen.

And who doesn't have an alibi for the night Paula Blair was killed? Maxine

Hagen. And who rushed out of my office to get back here just as her husband

died? Maxine Hagen.

Same answer every time.

That's not true. You can't prove anything.

Can't we, Mrs. Hagen?

Let's try, shall we? Excuse me.

The bullet that killed Paula Blair came from one of two pistols.

Mr. Hagen's own favorite pistol that was available to you here, or the one that

was missing at the time.

Now, if we can trace that missing pistol.

Sir Harold, I think you can help us here.

Mr. Hagen had two pistols, didn't he?

His own favorite pistol that he never allowed anyone else to handle.

And the one that he lent to you. That's quite correct.

Where was the one that he lent to you? In my possession.

Durland can tell you about it. Where was it exactly?

In my briefcase the entire evening that Paul was killed.

Thank you.

That makes it certain, doesn't it?

But I've never... Sir Harold Shervitz.

I'm arresting you for the murders of Paula Blair and Leo Hagen.

I caution you that anything you say will be taken down and may be given in

evidence. But you were accusing... Just using her as bait, Sir Harold.

You killed Paula Blair.

Only you did it before you went to speak at your meeting at Caxton Hall. That was

where you thought you were being clever.

Why was Paula killed around 8 o'clock?

Because you had to get to your meeting.

You are early.

Come in.

I brought the money.

I thought you were coming at 10 o'clock.

I said I thought you were coming at 10.

Well?

You stopped your car, cleaned the pistol, so that an hour or two later

when John Durham met you, you could appear quite innocent.

The pistol was cold and clean, and Darren could see that it hadn't been

used.

But now to business.

Harold, I need a loan.

You are a lawyer.

You're rich.

You have influence. You can arrange these things.

How much do you have in mind?

But you found you were still being blackmailed. So you decided to get rid

of Leo, too.

You asked me for a loan of 10,000.

That's not too much, surely?

I can afford it, just.

Well, let's settle the matter then, shall we? Leo, I... Harold, they're not

going to be difficult. I need the money rather urgently.

What are you going to do if I don't pay?

Tell the police who really killed Paula.

You see, I went to her place at about half past eight while you were making

that speech of yours.

I saw what you'd done.

And I can prove that you did it.

I'd better pay you then, wouldn't I?

Yes, you'd better.

This is a better balance than the one you lent me, Leo.

It's my best gun and it's loaded. Put it down.

Stand quite still, Leo.

Give it to me here. Stand still.

Then you wiped your fingerprints off the pistol and placed it beside the dead

man. Am I right, Sir Harold? No.

But I must be.

Come here for a minute.

You had this pistol at the time of Paula Blair's death. You admitted that just

now. Yes.

Now, this is the other pistol.

The one that you agree Mr. Hagen allowed no one else to touch. Yes.

Do you know why he allowed no one else to touch it?

It was the better pistol. That may be, sir, but what you don't know is that

this pistol doesn't fire.

Hasn't, in fact, been fired for years. The action's out of order. This is

ridiculous. Yes.

Nothing. So, you see, on the night Paula Blair was killed, the only pistol that

fired was in your possession.

Well, it may have been in my possession, but... Furthermore, you were the only

person, apart from Mr. Dowden, who knew the whereabouts of this pistol on the

night that Leo Hagen was killed.

Am I right?

Take him away, Sergeant Holt.

Come along, sir. And Mrs. Hagen, Constable.

I expect they'd both like to make statements about each other.

You know, for a policeman, you're a terrible liar. Yes, I know, but if he'd

accused me of lying, he'd have admitted using the other pistol.

But he didn't kill Leah Hagen with the pistol I left in the flat.

John, I'll explain it to you.

It's quite simple. You're not very bright, are you?

There are two pistols, right?

Now, this is the one... No, wait a minute, wait a minute.

Now, this is the one that I accused him of killing Paula Blair with.

In fact, I was lying. This is the one that he killed Paula Blair with. Having

done that one, he used this one.

to come leo hagen with now if he'd found out that i was telling a lie i'd have

been in dutch talk