Original subtitles

Thank you.

boarding card number 064 proceed to gate number 5 for immediate embassies.

Air France announced the arrival of their Caravelle flight number 804 from

Paris. Passengers on this flight are now passing through customs.

GEA announced the departure of flight number 137 to Madrid.

Passengers on this service with boarding card number 054 proceed to gate number 3

for customs clearance.

KLM announced to departure a flight number 72 to Amsterdam.

Will passengers on this service with boarding card number 064 proceed to gate

number 5 for immediate embarkation?

I think you'll find everything you need.

I've rented this place for you under another name, of course. I've taken it

for a week. That should be long enough.

I take it.

This won't be your first job of this kind.

Hardly.

Do you like to know the people you're going to... Do you like to meet them

first? It's all equal to me.

I suppose this will be your first job as... what you might call a freelance.

Still, it certainly pays better than the Foreign Legion, won't it?

Possibly.

What made you start work of this kind?

You may remember there was a war.

Yes.

In wartime, this kind of work, as you call it, is considered patriotic.

And afterwards?

It grows on you.

How do people behave when they know it's going to happen?

Are they frightened? Do they lose control?

You seem very interested in the question of fear, Mr. Edwards.

Only natural, isn't it?

For you.

Perhaps.

When it happens, when you're actually doing the job, how do you feel? I mean,

what kind of feelings do you have?

I think this has gone far enough.

You're paying me for one thing only.

I'm not here to entertain you.

I understood this was to be a business relationship.

Of course.

Then please let it remain so.

Towel, please.

It's on your left.

If you've finished with your toilet, perhaps we can get on.

I don't know if you're familiar with this type of automatic.

But there's a special loading action that needs... Thank you. I think I shall

manage.

Very well.

Your instructions are in the envelope.

There's a station wagon in the garage at your disposal.

As soon as the job's done, we'll meet and I'll pay you.

In small notes?

Yes. In small notes.

Are there any questions?

Thank you, no.

You haven't asked why I want this job done?

I don't concern myself with other people's affairs.

Besides, I'm sure you have your reasons.

But you don't even know who you've got to... No.

But I hardly think you'll have neglected to mention that in your...

I'll get in touch with you again tomorrow and give you the final details.

I can't afford to have anything go wrong.

Lather off our skin.

Yes to the Edwards house.

That's right.

I Want to order some drinks?

Yes, and they must be delivered tomorrow morning. Can you do that, please?

Yes six bottles of gin six scotch To cognac

and three dozen tonics, please.

No large ones.

Yes, correct 36 Thank you. Goodbye Mrs. Edwards asked me to telephone

for tomorrow was the drinks

And where is Mrs. Edwards now?

In the bedroom, I think.

Thank you.

Hello, darling.

I thought you weren't leaving until Sunday.

I'm not, darling.

But you know that is only the day after tomorrow.

You're not changing your plans, then?

No. You know I'm not.

I'm only asking.

I know.

We have been talking about this already at least a dozen times.

The contract is signed.

They start shooting on the 15th. I couldn't possibly get out of it now.

Not even if you wanted to?

It is not a question of what I want.

Don't you see I've got to try it this way? We both have.

We just can't go on the way we have been.

No.

What? What do you mean?

Nothing, darling.

I'm just agreeing with you, that's all.

You want what you're pleased to call a trial separation, right?

This film of yours in America gives you an excellent opportunity.

Yes.

But you were always against it. You said... What did I say?

Remind me.

You said you wouldn't let me go.

So I did.

Well, let's just say I've seen the light.

What about this party you're organizing?

I've just heard Jacqueline ordering enough drink to float a battleship. I'm

not organizing it, darling.

I've told you Betty insists on it.

I can't very well refuse. It's supposed to be a send-off for me.

Then you shouldn't dream of refusing.

And I certainly shan't dream of missing it.

Good. I hope you'll be able to come.

Thank you.

Is your boyfriend going to be at the party?

Who?

Didn't you hear me?

I said your boyfriend.

Robert... Robert William... Vaughan.

That's right. Robert Vaughan.

Well, is he going to be at the party or isn't he?

I don't know. I... I mean, yes, I think so. I think Betty has asked him.

I wish to God you'd stop calling him my boyfriend!

Because he isn't, and you know it.

I've told you over and over again that there's nothing in it.

If our marriage breaks up, it'll only be because it was a bad marriage and not

because of Robert or anyone else, and you know that.

Of course.

I'm only asking if he's going to be at the party.

I'm not asking if you're going away with him. I told you, I think Betty asked

him. Fine.

Very thoughtful of her.

After all, if we're celebrating your departure, Robert shouldn't be left out

of it, should he?

Tell me, what are we supposed to be wearing for this glittering occasion?

Well, obviously, since we are celebrating my departure, nothing less

than dinner jackets will do.

All right.

I'll be there.

Donut.

I'm sorry, darling.

I never wanted it to end like this.

End?

I mean us.

Oh, I'm sorry.

The telephone.

For me?

For Mrs. Edwards.

Oh, Jacqueline, I wanted to have a word with you.

Yes.

I just want to say that if Mrs. Edwards should be leaving, it won't make any

difference. I mean, I think we get along very well together. I think you should

stay.

You understand?

Yes, sir.

No, I can't talk to you now.

No, I can't possibly see you here. It'll have to be tomorrow.

Same place.

Yes, it is 10 o'clock.

Of course, I'll turn up. All right, goodbye.

Your boyfriend?

Waitress, get me another cup of coffee.

Sorry I'm late. Never mind about that. Is everything all right?

I think so.

You don't sound very sure.

What happened last night? You sounded frightened on the telephone.

I don't know.

It's Donald.

I came in expecting a terrible row.

And he wasn't even there.

Then when he did come, he seemed to be quite reconciled on the whole thing.

But then he suddenly started going on about you again.

Wanted to know if you'd be at the party.

What did you tell him?

I told him I thought Betty had asked you. So she did. I know.

But I really think it would be better if you didn't come tonight. Nonsense.

Thank you. Why on earth not? I keep telling you. You shouldn't let yourself

be ruled by him like this.

This insane jealousy of his is getting quite ridiculous.

Well, that's just it.

I'm afraid I don't know what he's going to do.

He's hardly likely to attack me physically, is he now? Of course not,

but... Just the same, I'm... I'm frightened.

What of?

I don't know.

He hasn't always been like this, you know.

He was quite different when I met him. So you've told me. That, of course, was

in Germany before you really started on your career.

He still thought he could mold you to his own pattern, make you into whatever

he wanted.

Have you told him you're not going back?

No.

I don't even know for sure myself.

After all, we are still married.

Yes. It's high time you weren't.

Why won't you finally make up your mind to do as I've asked you for the last two

years?

You've been very kind to me.

But if I do leave Donnacht, it's because I cannot stand it anymore.

And I would not jump into anything new.

That might be what you English call jumping from the pan into the fire. The

frying pan.

But you're not comparing me to him, are you? Oh, is that so terrible? Terrible

is horrible.

Look, Helene, I'm asking you to marry me because I want to try to make you happy.

Whereas he's just holding on to you because he thinks of you as a property,

like a stick of furniture or something.

You're quite perceptive today, aren't you? Oh, come on. You know as well as I

do that the moment you started trying to live a life of your own, he clamped down

and became quite impossible.

If you ask me, he's not far off being a certifiable lunatic.

Yes, I know.

I'm sorry.

How did you get away this morning?

Is he at home?

No. He went off early.

Said he had to deliver something to someone.

Darling, come in. You're late.

Hello. I don't know what's the matter with everyone tonight.

Darling, have you heard? Ronnie and Angela are breaking up again. Isn't it

ghastly? It's obviously making you very unhappy.

That's most unfair.

Yes? Where's Helen?

Slaving away in the kitchen. You might go and take her a drink. Or better

still, bring her out in here.

Let's go and stop Phillips making a nuisance of himself.

Charming, isn't he?

What on earth are you doing in here?

You want to eat, don't you?

Yeah, I suppose so. You can take time off for a drink.

Where's Jacqueline? She should be doing this kind of thing.

I don't know.

Donald gave her the weekend off and I think she's gone to stay with friends in

London. He must have known you'd need her. Did he ask you?

No. Perhaps he thought of it as one of his little punishments for me. I've got

a good mind to go and tell him a few home truths about himself. Where is he,

anyway?

I don't know that either.

He said he'd be here tonight, but...

I haven't heard from him all day.

I still think you shouldn't have come.

I told you so this morning. But why?

I just feel something is wrong.

Oh, darling, can June use the kitchen to get this stain out? That idiot Phillips

has just made her spill her wine.

Oh, of course. Here, let me help you. I'm sorry to be such a nuisance.

Nonsense.

Why do people invite that oaf to their parties? Oh, darling, you are ignorant.

He pours more money into banking new shows than you and I will ever earn in a

lifetime. Thank you very much. I think I'd rather remain a struggling

barrister. You probably will.

Hello.

Poor old man, just a joke.

You haven't seen Donald come in, have you? No, I haven't. And if he doesn't

turn up at all, I shan't be put out.

Darling, tell me, who's that delicious young man who's just come in?

Scott.

I don't know.

Isn't he someone you invited?

Gracious, no.

I don't think I'd let you get near anything as dishy as that, do you?

I assumed you were holding out on me.

Come on, tell me, where did you meet him?

I've told you, I've never seen him before.

Oh, well.

Let's go over and stake our claim.

Hello. I'm Betty Conlon. This is Helene... Helene Edwards.

Well, you do know each other.

I'm afraid the acquaintance is one-sided.

I've seen Mrs. Edwards' films.

But Edwards isn't my stage name.

Yeah, but you see, I am what you call a fan.

So naturally, I've taken pains to learn everything about you.

You see, darling, you've got another admirer.

Are you German?

Let us say I used to be.

Isn't it marvelous about Helene's new contract?

She has a new contract?

Well, haven't you heard?

She's just signed up with an American... Do you know my husband, Donald Edwards?

Should I?

I don't know.

Are you all right?

Of course I am.

What time do you make it?

It's just gone eleven, sir.

So it is.

Could you let me have the telephone?

Certainly, sir.

Thank you.

The judge said it was the shortest summing up he'd ever heard.

I'm sorry, old man. You'll have to speak up. I can't hear a word you're saying.

That's better. Your wife.

I didn't know you had a wife. Who are you anyway?

Just a minute. Just a minute.

Someone's trying to party.

Wait a moment.

No,

no, no. He's not here.

You're Edwards.

No need to be offensive.

Someone wants to talk to Mrs. Edwards.

That's all right, old man. He's gone to fetch up.

Well, I don't know about useful, but you'd be surprised how anxious people

are to be sold. Excuse me, Helene, there's a call for you.

Who is it? I think it's Donald.

And you are Mr. Vaughan, hmm?

How did you know?

I think somebody pointed you out to me.

I must go and see to our drunken friends.

Can I offer you a drink?

That's very generous of you. Thanks.

Yes, that's what I'm ringing you. about. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it

after all. Got caught in town.

Do you think you'd be back before I have to leave for the airport?

Oh, yes. Tell me, is Robert there?

Yes. Yes, why do you ask?

Just wondering.

But I told you he'd be coming.

It's all right. I just wanted to know.

Well, I'll have to go now.

No, no, no.

Wait.

Donald.

Did you invite anybody to this party?

Donald?

Donald, aren't you listening?

Yes, of course I am.

What do you mean, invite anybody?

He's wearing a dinner jacket.

Well, that doesn't help much.

What's his name?

I don't know.

Well, if you don't even know his name, it makes it a bit difficult to know what

you're talking about.

I'm sorry I can't help you.

Goodbye.

So you're a lawyer.

What we call here a barrister, actually.

You dispense justice to it.

Nothing as ambitious as that. I spend most of my time trying to collect my

fees. How about you?

I usually manage to get part of my fees paid in advance.

I can see I'm in the wrong business.

What do you do?

You might call me a contractor.

A construction worker.

Demolition.

Excuse me, I've got to have a word with Mr. Vaughan.

Excuse me.

Elaine,

what is the matter with you tonight?

What's all this supposed to be about anyway?

That man.

The one you have been talking to.

Donald sent him to make trouble.

Oh, come now. No, no, no, I'm serious.

Donald promised he'd be here tonight.

Now he just rang up with some ridiculous excuse about not being able to make it.

And when I asked him about that man, he pretended he didn't know what I was

talking about.

Well, why should he?

Hasn't anything struck you about that man?

He's rather reserved.

Apart from that, he... It's not that.

The point is, he's the only person in the whole place who is wearing a dinner

jacket.

Well, I mean, that's not so extraordinary.

After all, you know how formal he... That's not the point.

I had a silly joke with Donald about what people ought to wear, and he went

away thinking that everybody would be in dinner jackets.

Oh, that's a bit far-fetched, isn't it?

Is it?

Well, I suppose Donald did invite him. Where does that get you?

Listen, when he called me just now, the only thing he really wanted to know was

whether you were here.

He's going on about you ever since I told him I was going to the States.

I think he deliberately hired that man to do you some injury.

Oh, no, that's absurd.

Those sort of things just don't happen.

Why not?

Do you think Donald wouldn't be capable of it?

Well, Donald may be capable of it. I wouldn't put anything beyond him.

But what about the man himself? I've just been speaking to him. He seemed to

be a very amiable, civilized sort of fellow.

Why shouldn't he be?

You wouldn't send a tramp to do a job in a place like this, would you?

I tell you, I know.

Yes.

Oh, there you are, darling. We've been looking for you all over the place.

I'm afraid we've got to go.

Oh, must you? Afraid so. I've got to be at the studios in the morning.

Anyway, thanks for the party and good luck in Hollywood. But don't let them

keep you there too long, understand?

I won't. Bye-bye. And come back soon.

I will.

Bye-bye. Goodbye.

All right, look.

Mind you, I don't believe a word of all this, but I'll tell you what I'll do.

People seem to be leaving anyway already, so any minute or two I'll start

to go as well.

Then if there's anything in what you say, this German chap should follow me.

That's maybe exactly what he wants. If it is, then we'll know where we stand,

won't we?

And what would you do?

All I have to do is pull up at the nearest police station. What else?

You'll be careful, won't you? I'll do my best.

And call me afterwards to tell me what happened.

I'll do that too.

Now look, I'll go and start saying a few fond farewells and you keep your eyes on

that chap at the bar.

And I bet you he doesn't stare an inch.

Robert.

Yes? Thank you. For what?

For trying to help me.

That's not difficult.

Goodbye, dear.

Give me a ring soon, will you?

Hey, you're not going already, surely?

I'm afraid so.

What, deserting Helene on her last night? I'm surprised, ain't you? On the

contrary. I'm engaged in a bit of knight-errantry on her behalf.

See you soon.

Give me a call next week and we can talk about that new play you mentioned.

Perhaps you could have lunch?

Love to.

Lovely party, darling. Let me know when you're coming back. We can have another

one to celebrate.

You are coming back, aren't you?

Oh, I hope so.

Well,

I'm off. Don't forget to call. I won't.

Bye, all.

Let's get rid of him now. Thank you.

Come on, darlings. Off we go.

Thank you, Mrs. Edwards.

It was a very pleasant evening.

Oh, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I'll see you out, shall I? Please don't trouble yourself.

I'm sure you can find more ways.

Thank you again.

Oh, darling.

You've been wonderful.

We'll look you up when you come back. Oh, thank you very much. I hope you do

stay for a nightclub, don't you? Well, no, thank you, darling. The Rogers are

giving me a lift. Besides, you must be tired. What time is your plane?

Nine o'clock.

What, in the morning? I'm afraid so, yes. Oh, poor kid. Come along.

Goodbye, darling. Have a good flight. Goodbye.

I'll keep in touch.

Good luck in Poland.

Hello, Robert.

Are you all right?

Yes, he left a few minutes ago.

All right, I was wrong.

Don't rub it in.

Never mind, it's all over now.

I should get some sleep if I were you.

You've got to be up early.

Yes, of course I'll write.

Goodbye, Hélène.

Goodbye.

I don't understand it.

But tell me why.

Oh, it's Donald, isn't it?

He's paying you to do this.

But I can pay you more.

But you can't trust him. He's mad.

Don't you know?

Enough to give me a good reason for what I'm going to do.

Bye.

What the devil? Excuse me, where's Hélène? I want to speak to her. I beg

your pardon. I want to talk to Hélène.

What makes you think that you've got the right to come barging in here at this

time of night? Just you listen to me. Hélène was worried sick at the party,

and you stayed away deliberately in order to upset her. Then this complete

stranger turns up, and she seems to think you sent him.

When I rang just before one o'clock, she was perfectly all right.

When I rang back again ten minutes later to ask her something I'd forgotten,

there was no reply.

You may well want to know what's going on, but I'm afraid I can't help you.

I don't know whether you've noticed it, but my wife no longer confides in me.

If that is so, then it's just too bad.

But this is something in which you are involved.

So if you'll just tell me where she is, I'll talk to her myself.

I'm very sorry, but I haven't the faintest idea.

Are you telling me she's not here?

Brilliant. And don't ask me where she's gone.

For all I know, some other admirer of hers is seeing her off at the airport.

Don't be ridiculous.

Anyway, she wouldn't do a thing like that without letting someone know.

Oh, yes?

And what exactly makes you an expert on my wife's affairs?

Edward speaking.

Kirsten here. I've completed my assignment.

I suggest we meet tomorrow as arranged.

Yes, fine.

I'm very pleased to hear it.

Naturally, we shall want some proof of completion.

No, I don't think we need to discuss it now.

Perhaps we can hold it over for our next meeting.

Yes. Goodbye.

Who was that?

I don't see that it's any concern of yours, but if it puts your mind at rest,

it was a business associate of mine.

And now, if you don't mind, I'd like to go to bed.

What about Helene?

You can't just go to bed.

I admire your concern about Helene.

But I can assure you that it's quite misplaced.

My wife is not as reliable as you may like to think.

After all, you may know her as well as I do, but you haven't known her for so

long.

Now, wait a minute.

You can make as many dirty insinuations as you like. The fact is, I am going to

find Helene.

And I'm telling you now, if you've caused her any more suffering than she's

already had at your hands, I'm going to see that you pay for it.

Yes? Bellevue Motor, sir. I was told to come here to pick up a Mrs. Edwards to

take her to the airport.

Oh, yes. I'm sorry. I forgot.

I'm afraid there's been some sort of a mix-up. Mrs. Edwards has stayed

overnight with some friends. She'll have gone on from there.

Oh. Well, I'll have to tell them at the garage, sir. Oh, don't trouble. Just

tell them to send me the bill.

Very good, sir.

Oh, here you are. You'd better buy yourself a drink. Oh, thank you very

much, sir. Well, I'll tell them at the garage that everything's all right then,

shall I? Thank you, yes. Thank you, sir.

Have you brought the money?

There are a few things I want to know about first.

What do you want to know?

You didn't tell me you were going to move her after you'd done the job.

You didn't ask me.

That's not what we agreed.

On the contrary.

If you remember, you engaged me to dispose of your wife.

That is precisely what I've done.

Now I should like to be paid.

What proof have I got that she's dead?

You have my word.

That's not good enough.

I told you on the telephone last night that I'd want proof.

Now, have you got that proof or haven't you?

No.

But you're not thinking very clearly, Mr. Edwards.

Without a body, there's no evidence.

And consequently, there can be no crime.

What I'm doing is to present you with a perfect crime.

Very ingenious. But it happens to work both ways.

I thought you might try something like this.

And that's why I took the precaution of not bringing the money with me.

Don't overplay your hand, Mr. Edwards.

You seem to forget you're in a very dangerous position.

I haven't forgotten.

But if you want your money, I've got to have the proof.

What the devil do you want to see, a corpse?

Yes.

Listen, you engaged me to dispose of your wife, not to pander to your

twisted, sadistic tastes.

Nevertheless, I insist.

Okay. If you want a dead body, you shall have one.

Meet me here in three hours. But this time, bring the money.

What are you doing here?

I'm sorry, Mr. Edwards. I came back early.

What the devil are you doing up there?

I just came upstairs to make the bed, sir.

Never mind. I'm sorry.

I didn't think there was anyone in the house.

Did Mrs. Edwards not go after all?

What are you talking about? Of course she went.

But her luggage.

Her luggage is still in the bedroom.

Nonsense.

She just left a few things behind because of excess weight on the plane.

It'll be sent on as freight.

You understand?

Yes, sir. And listen to me.

I've got to go out in a few minutes. If anyone calls, tell them that I'm

spending the day in town. Is that clear?

I'll see you when I get back.

Mr. Edwards?

Yes?

I believe you can assist us in some inquiries we're making.

We've had a report to the effect that your wife, Helene Edwards, is missing.

Is that correct?

Who on earth told you that?

That, I'm afraid, I'm not at liberty to inform you. Then let me do it for you.

If I'm not mistaken, it was Robert Vaughan.

If she were missing, I'd presumably have told you myself.

One would think so, yes.

In fact, she was due in California today.

And as far as I know, she flew there this morning via New York.

Yes, we've been told that. But oddly enough, the airline people say that her

reservation wasn't taken up. Really?

Well, there must be some explanation.

Oh, I'm sure there is, sir.

My wife's not the most reliable person, you know. It's possible that she changed

her mind and flew with some other airline.

Do you think so?

Well, I don't see why not.

After all, she's free to do as she likes.

Of course.

Anyway, I'm sure I shall get a cable from her within the next day or two.

That will clear things up, of course.

Perhaps you'd be kind enough to let us know.

And meanwhile, we'll just check the other airlines.

Goodbye, sir.

Goodbye.

Mr. Edwards?

You've left your boot open.

Well? Do you think you can face it?

Why shouldn't I?

Have you ever seen anyone shot?

No, I don't think you have.

It's not quite the same as on the films, you know.

A bullet which, as you know, is made of lead... can make the most unpleasant

mess of the human... Are you trying to frighten me?

No. I know better than that, Mr. Edwards.

You're not a coward. Then stop wasting time.

There you are.

You've got what you asked for.

Now give me the money.

Well, this is what you paid for.

Take a look.

Why? I paid you good money. I was going to pay you.

Were you, Mr. Edwards?

No, I don't think payment was part of your plan at all.

You had something much better than that in mind.

You had the perfect crime.

But it needed two victims.

First I kill your wife, and then, when you have proof of her death, you kill

the only witness.

Me!

You're the mind of a child.

No wonder your wife was anxious to leave you.

You wanted her for yourself.

That's why you did it. You wanted her for yourself.

It's a nice thought.

But there'd be practical difficulties.

So I'm afraid I shall just have to be satisfied with the money.

But I can assure you she's quite safe in my cellar.

And in the best of company, too.

If you take my advice...

Shall I use another one?

Yes, I think I can manage the bigger ones in the dark if necessary.

With any luck, we'll be out of here by dinnertime.

Or do you think Kirsten intends to serve it down here?

We can't even be sure he intends to come back at all.

Did you notice if there was a telephone in the house?

I think he went out last night to phone from a box.

Well, the first thing we've got to do is contact the police. Only this time

they'll have to believe me.

Oh, blast.

You got another one?

One. All right.

Go ahead, light it now.

Wait a minute.

Someone's coming.

Quick.

What are you doing?

Get him here. No.

I'll come with you. Please don't argue with me. Stay in there and don't come

out till I call.

I'm going to try and get him out into the barn.

Please, read that.

Now?

Dear Mrs. Edwards, I have no doubt that Mr. Vaughan's ingenuity and perhaps your

nail file will allow you to escape very soon.

If not, I have made arrangements to have you released by the police.

Either way, I shall have finished my business in this country and will be on

my way.

I'm truly sorry that you had to miss your plane.

But there it is.

One has to make a living, and we all do the best we can.

Kirsten.