Original subtitles

Thank you.

Not guilty

you must be

kidding not he got out

Get a picture. You run a driving school where Summers worked, don't you?

Have you got anything else to say? No.

Typical. Here, keep your eyes peeled for a chubby ball-coucher with glasses. I

love a psychiatrist.

He called Summers a nut.

Mr.

Summers, picture, please.

Makes you feel weird when you think he may have done it. Of course he did.

She told her husband Thomas was after her.

She didn't know it was with a gun to blow her brains out, did she?

You ask me, she was after him. It was her father who was parked in the sandpit

anyway. But they weren't meeting the highway code. That bloke is enough.

Yes, defended by a genius.

Hello, Mrs. Webster.

Oh, hello, Sir Harold. Look, I just called to find out if Lady Cross... She

hasn't? No, sir.

I see.

Yes, well, I expect she'll be back soon.

No messages?

Well, no, no, don't bother about dinner.

I'll eat out.

The verdict?

Not guilty.

Can't wait to phone the news, eh?

I suppose you feel I gave you rather a rough ride in the box, Inspector.

Well, didn't you?

It's my job.

Yes, I sometimes wonder why the police bother to do theirs.

I pull in a man like Summers and you set him free.

No, the jury did that. You bulldozed him into the verdict.

Look, Summers isn't the first man to be cleared of a murder charge.

Furthermore, Inspector, you know better than to accost me and make remarks like

that. Nobody's listening, are they, so I can say what I damn well like.

How do you think that poor devil feels?

His wife's been murdered, shot in cold blood. Do you think he's had his pound

of flesh?

Summers did it, and you know it.

I know nothing of the sort.

I wouldn't have taken the case if I hadn't believed in his innocence.

Well, let's hope he doesn't do it again. Because he could. I know the type.

And so do the psychiatrists. Since you're clearly on the subject, Inspector

Royd is right.

Summers is dangerous. If the case is over, I'd be obliged if you both stopped

discussing it. Sir Harold, I told the truth in the witness box.

You gave an opinion, and the verdict hasn't changed it. Summers has strong

homicidal tendencies, especially towards women.

He needs treatment.

Well, ask him about that.

I already have.

He doesn't want psychiatry. He says he's normal.

Because the law says he is. But he's a menace. He attracts women, plays the

ladies' man right up to the hilt.

But all the time, deep down, he really hates them.

When the point's reached where they want something more than just his advances,

that's where he snaps.

Martin Summers was found not guilty of murder.

I've often wondered where a barrister stood in a thing like this. Now I know.

Having a few friendlier sides?

Hardly. They both feel cheated.

So must a lot of other people.

You can't exactly blame... For you too.

Sorry.

I'll have to learn, won't I?

I hope you've learned a lot from this case. I have.

One of the most important lessons is never to discuss the question of guilt.

People are bound to bring it up and we're bound to say nothing. Do you

understand? The jury's word is final. Of course.

I'm glad it's all over.

You assisted admirably. Thanks.

But I understand now why so few women get mixed up with murder.

Jane, come and have a drink.

You've earned it.

Thanks.

Boy, you never know how much I'm going to enjoy this drink. Hold it.

Now, Mr. Summers, how about a nice bright quote about, say, women drivers?

Well, ah, look who's here.

I think they're great.

Hello,

Summers. Well, I thought we said our thank yous and goodbyes in court. I

didn't know I'd have a chance to buy you a drink.

May I have a quote from you, sir? Very kind of you. Very kind of you. What you

just done should be champagne.

Some other time, perhaps.

Well, all right, then we'll make it a date, right?

Come on, boys.

Sorry about that.

Didn't want to be dragged away from the lurid limelight. You can see he basks in

it.

I'd hope to get him out of here before you arrive.

Oh, that's all right, Tom. Look, come and have a drink with Jane and me when

you're through with our esteemed client.

Oh, thank you.

You know, this is the point where I don't know if I'm a solicitor or a press

agent. You're all offering to buy him up.

What are you going to have? A brandy, please.

Two large brandies and a ginger ale. Thank you, sir.

Summers will make good coffee.

Sex in the suburbs stuff. Oh, no doubt.

I must say, he's the typical ladies' man. I thought they might have gone

against us.

That'll be 12 shillings, please, sir.

You're forgetting there were women on the jury.

Good looks don't go with bad deeds.

He's the disarming Romeo, all right.

He even made a pass at me.

Ah, good blaming for that.

Highly attractive.

Shall we sit down?

Here's to your success.

Yes, my dazzling success.

You don't sound very sure about it.

Don't I?

I know you gave me orders not to bring this up, but you seem very worried.

Worried? Yes.

Is it because you think that man over there really is the killer?

When I forbade you to mention the case again, Jane, I really meant it.

However, let me reaffirm my earlier statement and let it be for the last

time. I was and am unshakably certain that Martin Summers is innocent of

murder. Now are you satisfied?

Sir Harold, I am sorry.

Well, let's drop the subject, shall we? Yes, of course.

As a matter of fact, there's something else I want to discuss.

Dinner. I wondered if you'd care to dine with me again tonight.

Tonight? Oh, why not?

I thought you'd stop being a bachelor.

Not yet.

But didn't you go to collect your wife at Southampton last night?

There was a mix-up.

Suzanne's been delayed.

Didn't the boat... Oh, the boat arrived, but Suzanne wasn't aboard.

Apparently, she decided to leave the cruise at Naples, visit some friends,

and then fly back.

Without letting you know?

Well, Suzanne's often a trifle haphazard. Probably she meant to send a

cable and forgot.

Now, what do you say about dinner?

I'd love to dine with you this evening, but I'm afraid I've already been invited

out. Well, I fancy that's the last we shall see or hear of Martin John

Summers.

And let's hope so. He's gone?

Into anonymity.

At least I advised him to change his name.

He seemed to think his driving school boss will still keep him on.

Well, if the coast is clear, I think I'll be going too.

Oh, won't you stay and have another?

No, no, thank you.

I'm sure you know as well as I do that Miss Meldrum is an excellent companion

of the bar.

Thank you for your help, Jay.

By the way, we have a number of new briefs to offer you. But I expect you'll

be having a rest after this one.

No nonsense. I'll be back in chambers the day after tomorrow.

Goodbye.

He ought to have at least a week's break.

That closing speech was a masterpiece.

But it took a lot out of him.

Little grey-wigged woman worries about the boss.

Tom, you prepared the case.

Just this once. Will you forget the Law Society, morals, ethics, what have you?

Give me an answer.

Did Summers do it?

Ask Sir Harold. What did he say?

Summers is innocent, and he firmly believes it to be true.

Well, if you think Sir Harold's having twinges of conscience, you can forget

it. Like all criminal lawyers, he doesn't know what conscience is. It

doesn't arise if you believe your client's not guilty.

Well, something's upsetting Sir Harold.

Maybe he's just lonely.

His wife's still awake.

Oh, well, I wouldn't know about that.

I'm not married.

Good evening, sir. Good evening, Mrs. Butler.

And congratulations.

Oh, thank you.

Was it a difficult case, sir?

Oh, more difficult than usual, I suppose.

Playing at Gale outside tonight. Oh, I know. It's a dreadful night, sir.

I thought I said I wouldn't be having you there.

Oh, but Lady Crossley's home, sir.

She's back?

Yes, sir. She arrived a couple of hours ago.

Hello, Harry.

Welcome home.

Is that all for a wife who's been away for over a month?

Your return's rather an anticlimax.

Well, I've been called a lot of things, but never an anticlimax.

I hadn't you anything to say. I was waiting at Southampton last night.

You were what?

Didn't you get my cable?

No, I didn't.

Of all the things you've ever done, Suzanne, that must rate as the most

despicable. Oh, God.

The boy must have pocketed the money.

What boy?

The boy asked to send it in April.

I wrote the cable telling you I was stopping off for a few days in Italy.

Just look it into my head.

The boat was so dreary. Surely you don't expect to get away with that.

You don't believe I would let you know?

Does it matter whether I got the message or not?

What do you mean?

You forgot to collect this picture.

I had it aboard in your name.

I see.

Exhibit A for the prosecution.

He left the ship with you.

Did he?

No doubt you had a pleasant week together. Not to speak of the time you

spent on the cruise. Who is he?

You flew back this evening from Stockholm. Now, why Stockholm?

Because that's where he lives.

And for God's sake, stop this inquisition. You are not in court.

You think I haven't the right to question you?

You're my wife.

Can't you ever stop this act? I thought we'd agreed to live our own lives. Why

else would I go on a cruise by myself?

You went along by yourself.

Why don't you get yourself a girlfriend?

Perhaps I will. You've got my blessings.

Heaven knows what possessed me to marry you.

I tell you, you didn't really want a wife. That's why you stayed a bachelor

all those years.

But then you thought it was time to have someone to decorate your sparkling

career. Like a piece of jewelry.

Mrs. Webster says you've just won a big case.

Too bad I wasn't there to sit in court.

So people could say, isn't he brilliant?

And with a beautiful wife, too.

When did you ever have time to sit in court?

Before I married you.

And I thought what fun it would be to be the wife of the famous Sir Harold

Crossley. But what a bore that turned out to be.

Thank you.

I traded in being an actress for a round of dull dinner parties with a load of

dull lawyers.

So you had to start sleeping around.

You draw me to it. I did.

Yes, you did.

Because you won't divorce me.

Oh, no. That would be too shaming for you before your own colleagues.

You prefer your own private shame.

As long as you can protect your precious career.

Good morning, sir. Good morning, Mrs. Webster.

Excuse me just a moment.

It's Lady Crossley's usual paper, sir.

It's nice to have her back, isn't it?

Is there something about the case in the paper, sir?

Yes.

Lady Crossley can have my times. I'll take the other one.

You can say her paper hasn't been reordered yet.

Very good, sir.

Are you having the day off today, sir?

Yes, I've got one or two things to catch up on.

Instructor free on Thursday. That'll suit me.

Right, madam. We'll start you off with an hour's lesson on Thursday.

Will 10 o'clock suit you?

Oh, that'll do fine.

I have the children in school by then.

Now then, let's see who's free to take you.

Just one thing, Mr. Howdy. I hope you don't mind, but is it true you've taken

this man Summers back?

Mr. Lewis will take you, and Mr.

Summers is, I assure you, no longer one of our instructors.

Oh, good.

Oh, well. Look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Thank you.

Morning.

Morning, Sir Harold. This is a surprise.

I heard what you were saying about Summers. I wonder if you could tell me

where I can find him.

Well, yes, he's here.

I've put him on to servicing. He leaves at the end of the week, though.

I'm afraid we couldn't keep him on.

You know how it is.

Can I see him? Yes, of course. If you go through the garage here, you'll find him

on the other side by the big doors. Thank you.

Hello, Summers.

Ah.

Hello. I wondered how you were getting along.

Well, they gave me the sack at the end of the week.

Yes, I heard.

Ah.

No one will speak to me.

They gave me the same prick that would give a strike-breaker.

And Haldane's scared stiff for his customers.

Who are also scared stiff.

Whose side are you on?

I'm merely surprised that you came back here. Why not?

They didn't pin a murder on me, did they?

No. All right, then.

I'm not guilty, of course.

I didn't expect to see you again.

I thought you'd give me the brush off in that pub.

What are you going to do now you're out of a job?

Find another.

I'm sick of changing my name like the solicitor said.

John Martin.

How does that sound?

Sounds sensible.

Why did you look me up?

Something I'd like to discuss with you.

Look, you're not going to give me the same treatment as that tame Sakai

Rosalit. He's been at me.

But you know I don't need brain twisting, don't you?

Look, can we talk in private for a minute?

Sure.

Over here.

Mrs.

Webster.

Mrs. Webster. Oh, there you are. Yes, madam. Fix my dress, will you?

That's a lovely dress.

You haven't lost your suntan yet.

Oh, it's going fast.

There we are.

Isn't Saharu going to the theater?

He doesn't like musicals.

Get my mink, will you?

Oh, God.

They're going to be late. Someone's calling for you, are they?

Just get my coat, would you, Mrs. Webster?

Oh, it's you, darling.

Tony.

Tony, you mean you weren't going to make it?

Couldn't you let me know before?

You think it's any easier for me?

Not for two weeks?

Oh, well.

Well, don't bother.

Yes, I mean it. Just don't bother.

Mrs. Webster?

Mrs. Webster?

Yes, madam?

I won't be needing my cot and I'll be dining in.

And isn't there any damn Scot?

I'm sorry, madam, but Sir Harold was picking up an order from the wine

merchants on his way home.

Oh, that'll be him now.

Thank you.

Lady Crossley is dining in, sir.

Oh, so your theatre date's off?

Yeah.

Oh, that's too bad.

Didn't your friend make it?

No.

What kind of a day did you have?

Do you care?

All right, I don't care.

But I'd like some scotch. Mrs. Webster said you were bringing some.

Ah, there you are, Martin.

Put that down, will you, and bring us a bottle of scotch.

Yes, sir.

Now, this is Martin. I've taken him on as chauffeur valet and general handyman.

Lady Crossley.

Good evening, madam.

You didn't tell me anything about extra stuff.

No, I decided while you were away.

Martin can have the room above the garage.

Is that all right?

Of course.

Martin, will you pour the whiskey into that decanter and then take the rest of

the wine down to the cellar? Mrs. Webster will tell you where.

Why, sir?

I think I'll change for dinner.

Where did you work before, Martin?

Up north.

Shipping firm in Liverpool.

Where did my husband find you?

He heard about me from somebody he knows.

So you've got a reputation.

Of course.

Pour me a scotch and water, will you?

Certainly, madam.

Will you say when?

Just keep pouring.

That's right.

You shouldn't get used to my habits.

Thank you, Martin.

I hope you like your job.

I hope so, madam.

It's a funny kind of way to make an appearance.

It's a funny kind of deal.

Keep your voice down.

You didn't tell your wife you hired me. She doesn't know who I am.

You're John Martin.

She's not acquainted with the case.

I suppose she finds out later. Look, I'm giving you a fresh start because I

sympathize with your predicament. Let's just leave it at that, shall we?

I still think it would be better if she knew now. I think not.

In any case, while I naturally believe in your innocence, Lady Crossley is a

trifle highly strung.

She's a lot younger than I expected, if you don't mind me saying so.

Not at all.

Coming. There we are.

I think it's cold enough.

Very good, sir.

I've served the soup, sir.

Oh, thank you.

You'll have some supper?

That sounds wonderful. Could I wash my hands? Yes, certainly. Use that towel.

Thank you.

You're Irish.

Liverpool, Irish.

Oh, Liverpool.

Do you know it?

Yes, I've been up there a couple of times. My sister lives there.

Does she like it? No, she finds it too damp for a chest.

She gets asthma very badly, and what with the house and the children.

Has she got anyone to help her?

No, she wants me to go out for a few days, but I'm so busy here.

Well, maybe they'd give you some time off. Now I'm here.

Do you approve?

He seems nice, but I thought you always said you didn't need a chauffeur.

I change my mind.

The roads as they are these days, it's getting harder to avoid some kind of

conviction, however minor.

I don't feel like taking the risk in my position.

Of course.

Helps to be driven to work.

Parking near the courts is becoming impossible.

No, Martin can run me in, pick me up at the end of the day.

And in between?

Well, there are plenty of odd jobs he can do.

And since you never learned to drive, even though I bought you a car, you can

use him to take you wherever you want to go.

He's at your disposal.

Just a minute.

Ah, here comes the affidavit. Ah, there you are, sir.

Thank you, Martin.

My new sign-in, Miss Melville.

Well, that'll be all. Don't bother to pick me up this evening. I'm not sure

when I shall be through.

Very good, sir.

Well?

Aren't you going to make any comment?

Suit you.

Where to, madam?

The river.

The river?

Looks like rain.

I like rain.

Close that door. I prefer to ride in front.

Yes, they were sunk and they knew it. But I didn't think they'd abandon ship

so soon. Nor did I.

Well, see you. Aye.

I haven't had a chance to say it till now.

You made Summers your chauffeur?

Yes. An excellent driver, as you would expect.

Someone like that.

Like what?

Summers is... He's a man you defended for murder.

And despite what you say, how can you possibly... I think we've been through

this before.

Summers was found not guilty, yet he couldn't get a job. Nobody would touch

him. He came to see me, asked me for help.

To have him under your roof.

Can you tell me what's wrong with that, if he's innocent?

If? You know my views about that.

And your wife? What's her view?

Look, I fully understand your surprise, but I don't approve of your doubts.

His post is only temporary.

I merely agreed to help him get on his feet, that's all.

Summers, or Martin, is turning out a first-class employee.

Do you like sculpture?

Some of it, yes.

Here it comes.

Yes, excuse me.

Oh, allow me.

Sometimes you seem to me rather withdrawn.

I don't mean unfriendly, but withdrawn.

Don't you like your job?

I'm beginning to enjoy it very much.

You've been with us ten days by now.

With most nights off.

Yet you don't go out.

Haven't you any girlfriend?

A few, but they're up north.

You've never worked in London before?

Not enough, I have.

As a driver?

Yes.

You seem to be a very experienced driver.

You might say that.

And a soul of discretion.

I... Make it my business to be.

We have spent your time.

You're home early.

Yes, the case folded up.

Have you had a pleasant day?

Quite nice.

Good.

Oh, by the way, it occurred to me that since you say you're so easily bored,

why don't you take up learning to drive again?

You know how you've changed.

Have I?

Yes.

You're so of hand these days, I'm beginning to think you have found a

girlfriend. Need we go into that subject again?

Maybe I should have you followed and bring a nice, seamy divorce.

You'd enjoy that, wouldn't you?

You'd step out of our marriage easily and... Ah, there you are, Martin. Yes?

I was just suggesting to my wife that you could teach her to drive.

Me? Yes, why not?

Lady Crosley's failed her test several times. I'm sure that a driver of your

skill could instruct.

Yes, I suppose I could.

What do you say, Suzanne?

Well, if Martin doesn't mind, I'd be glad to put myself into his hands.

All set?

All set.

Right.

Now, the first thing I always tell my pubes is to make sure you're comfortably

seated. and that you can reach the controls with ease.

Then adjust your driving mirror so that you can see as much of the road behind

you as possible.

Check the doors are properly shut, handbrake on, gear in... Just a minute.

Yesterday you didn't seem so sure of teaching me.

Now you say you always tell pupils.

I meant whenever I give someone driving lessons.

Oh. Suppose we get started?

Cheers. Cheers.

Ah, well, Tom, have you got a nice new gilt HB for me?

No.

I asked you to come and have a drink because... Actually, it's a bit

difficult to say this to somebody like self, but... I hear you've got Summers

working for you.

You're quite right, I have. In God's name, why?

Didn't Jane explain that too?

Didn't seem an explanation to me, if I may say so.

Well, it is.

I knew he was being run out of his old job. I thought I'd do him a favour for

the time being.

Look, I know this is...

Touching on ethics and the kind of truth which our peculiar ethics imposes on us.

But you must know as well as I do that Somers is... Do I need to finish the

sentence? No, you don't.

Because as far as I'm concerned, he's not guilty of the crime for which he was

tried.

You don't really believe that.

Anything more to say, Tom?

Isn't your wife afraid?

Are you finished?

Sack him, Sir Harold.

I don't know what motives you had in hiring him, but sack him.

I can't do that now. But why?

Don't you see?

Whether you think I'm right or wrong in giving a job to Summers, to kick him out

now would be just the same as saying that I believe he is a murderer.

In my position, how could I possibly do that?

Miss Arthur.

Arthur!

Careful. That was clever, wasn't it?

I'm only a learner.

Rightest pupil I've had.

Hey, Martin.

That man called you?

Is he a friend of yours?

Never seen him before.

But he called out your name.

Well, you must have misheard. I told you I've never seen him before.

Well, shall we get on with the lesson?

Come on.

Read this and then file it, will you?

This one, McKenzie against Watt, that's the process.

I think that's everything.

What about the Assizes case?

Oh, yes.

I've decided to come down to Dorset with you tomorrow, after all.

You have?

Yes, it might be a little tricky for you. Is he Goldsmith's prosecuting?

He can drive down first thing and stay overnight.

Will you be driving? Me? Yes. I'll be leaving the chauffeur at home.

And if you're wondering whether Cotterill spoke to me or not, he did.

Was it disloyal of me to tell him about your new employee?

Oh, it was a trifle indiscreet. The usual roles were reversed.

A solicitor giving counsel and opinion.

I'm sorry.

Oh, that's all right.

Let's consider the matter closed.

Have you got the Dorset brief?

Yes. Well, good. Now, I've got to see Mr Justice Waldorf, so pop it in my bag.

I'll go over it again tonight.

I'll be back in a moment.

No, it's Martin. Summer's all right.

No, just life.

He'd shaved off his moustache, but I recognised him straight off.

Well, giving lessons?

Yeah, but not in a school car.

He'd got a glamorous bird with him in a sports car.

He must be in business for himself.

What if his customers know? Don't know when they don't. He didn't let on when I

shouted to him.

Look, don't you think we ought to at least warn his customers?

I mean, it's not just that he's doing us out of business, but it's a bit dodgy

for any woman he takes out, isn't it? Well, how can we warn anyone? We don't

know where he operates from. We know where this woman lives.

I've followed him.

Oh, give the inside a good sweep, will you? And see if you can do anything

about that nearside spotlight.

I've got a long drive ahead of me tomorrow morning while it's still dark.

Isn't that where I come in?

No, I'll be staying overnight in Dorset. I'd rather you remained here. My wife

may require your services.

Just as you say. And when you're through with the car, I want to talk to you.

Right.

Where's Lady Crossley?

I'm not sure, sir. Shall I find her for you? No.

No, no, no. It's nothing important.

Thank you.

Sir Harold, are you sure it's all right for me to go to Liverpool tomorrow?

Yes, of course.

Yes, Martin will look after us.

And he can run you to the station.

I shall be away.

Away? Yes, will you pack a bag for me? I've got to go to Dorset for a couple of

days for the Assizes.

Well, in that case, Sir Harold, perhaps I oughtn't to go.

Why on earth not, Mrs. Webster?

Lady Crossley, sir, she'll be alone.

Look, I've told you, Martin will be here.

Yes, sir.

Mrs. Webster.

I'll get it.

Good afternoon, madam.

I hope you don't mind my calling. But are you the young lady who's learning to

drive this sports car?

I am.

I wonder if you'd mind if I had a few words with you.

What about?

Well, uh, this morning one of the...

My old boss talking to your wife. What? Haldane, speaking to your wife.

Yes. The chap who was with you in the car this morning.

You mean our chauffeur?

Your chauffeur?

Look, I think I'd better tell you about the killing.

Mr. Haldane.

I think you've said enough.

Sir Harold. I'd remind you there's such a thing as slander.

I had no idea. I didn't think.

What is this?

What killing is he talking about?

Well, first of all, I think you'd better go, Haldane. This is entirely a private

matter. I advise you not to utter another word.

Good afternoon.

I would like an explanation.

Yes, of course.

Martin, I'm sorry to have to say this, but I think I ought to now.

My dear, Martin was involved in a case.

A motoring accident.

Collision between one of Haldane's learner cars.

Someone was killed.

Your husband got me off.

I decided not to tell you because I thought it might make you nervous, but

as you're aware, he's a perfectly good driver.

I see.

No one would employ him. I felt he was entitled to live it down.

Very big of you, Harry.

And all that wouldn't have been necessary if you'd told her who I was.

Thanks all the same.

Well, my wife isn't worried now, and there shouldn't be any more witch

-hunting. What do you want to see me about?

I want to talk to you about burglars.

Burglars? Yes, there have been lots of break-ins around these parts, and since

I shan't be here tomorrow night, I'm making you responsible to the security

of this house.

We have a number of valuables.

Don't worry, I see everything's locked up.

Well, sometimes that isn't enough.

I have an extra protection.

I have a permit.

You want me to take it?

No, not to take it. I'll leave it in the drawer where it always is. And should

you need it, you know where to go.

Sure, sure. Oh, just one thing.

As I mentioned before, Lady Crossley is highly strung, you know. She's easily

frightened.

I've never told her I had this. I shouldn't say anything about it.

Well, count on me.

Right, sir.

By the way, sir, when will you be back from Dorset?

Oh, a couple of days. The case might drag on.

Can't tell.

Thanks, sir.

You're a splendid teacher.

What else do you teach?

Do you think it's wise to come in here?

Why not?

Yes, sir?

Oh, I'm having a scotch. What will you have?

Oh, me too.

Thank you. Two scotches.

I suppose someone recognizes you.

You're the chauffeur.

It's only just after opening time.

And anyhow, I'm not known here.

Since I've been married, life has been too sedate for pubs.

And you don't look like a chauffeur.

Why?

Just something about you. Four and six, please.

Maybe it's because I'm not wearing my cap.

Soda?

I like you without your cap, Johnny.

Handsome.

What's wrong?

Hm? You don't like being called Johnny?

It's your name, isn't it?

Shall we drink this and go, hm?

Oh, we'll have one more.

And there is plenty more at home.

Cheers.

Let's sit by the fire, shall we?

Sir Harold, good evening, sir, madam.

Good evening, George. Dinner at the usual time, sir? Yes, please.

And Miss Meldrum will be dining with me. Very good, sir. Anything to drink, sir?

Would you like something?

Sherry, please. Two sherries, please. Very good, sir.

We shall have lobster and merry kale. It's a speciality of the house.

Oh, it's been a good day.

Sir Harold, there's something I want to ask you.

That's what I'm here for.

It's personal.

Well, I was hoping we'd have a few pleasant informal moments here off duty.

Go ahead.

You've bought a gun because of Summers, haven't you?

How did you know that? I saw the permit when I was putting some papers in your

case.

I see.

Well, I always keep one in the house, you know. Apart from burglars, I made a

lot of enemies when I was a prosecuting counsel, don't forget.

Then let's talk about that.

What are those sherries?

Sir Harold, there's something else I want to say.

Dinner's on me and Tom.

Huh? Surprise, surprise.

Good heavens, Tom. Three drinks. Oh, thank you.

Three shirries. What on earth are you doing here?

I didn't know you were connected with an Assizes case.

No, I'm not. Cheers.

Cheers. Cheers. But, um, I had a couple of days free, so... When I knew our case

was going to last over, I asked Tom to come down.

Jane and I were married last week, sir.

Yes, we've kept it a secret.

You're the first to know.

Well, congratulations.

Thank you. Thank you.

It's quite a shock.

I hope you'll be very happy.

Thank you.

Go and get a bottle of champagne.

Hello. I could swear Sir Harold's jealous.

Nonsense.

Yes, put it on ice right away.

Lord Hinchcliffe.

Champagne, eh?

Celebrating because I gave you the verdict, Harry.

It was a narrow squeak. Have a drink of something ordinary first.

Well, I'm with some colleagues.

As a matter of fact, I wanted to have a private word with you.

Come over here.

Well, as you know, Harry, you're next in line for the bench.

Yes, we're making the appointment next week.

But I've been hearing whispers.

What about?

This fellow Summers.

It's not gone unnoticed, you know.

It's caused quite a stir, as a matter of fact.

It's an extraordinary act, if I may say so.

It's an act of faith, Lord Hinchcliffe.

Well, I won't go into your motives.

But look, Harry, supposing something went wrong.

Suppose you were wrong about him.

Well, I've complete trust in Summers. Maybe, but I think you ought to be

sensible about it.

If any scandal took place at this stage in your career... You could be finished.

But I'm only doing the best I can for the man.

Oh, Harry, do be sensible.

Get rid of him.

Sir Harold.

Excuse me, Lord Hinchcliffe. Sir Harold, there's a phone call for you. A Mrs.

Webster from Liverpool.

Oh, excuse me.

Oh, come along, you two. I'll buy you a drink. Thank you very much.

Hello, Mrs. Webster. Sir Harold here.

I knew he'd be there, Sir Harold. I couldn't get a reply... Yes, West, what

is it?

No, no, of course not, Mrs. Webster.

But why didn't you ring home?

I couldn't get a reply from your home. I've rung twice.

No reply?

No, sir.

Well, perhaps Lady Crossley's out.

Goodbye, Mrs. Webster.

Well, cheers.

Cheers.

I'm sorry about that.

Not at all.

Was that your housekeeper? Yes, she's spending a few days with a relative

who's unwell.

And Lord Hinchcliffe, I think I'll take your advice on that matter. I must go

back to London.

But you're going back now? Yes, but you're due in court tomorrow morning.

Look, Jane, you'll have to take over. I really must go. I'm sorry.

Hey, what about the champagne?

Well, put it on my bill.

What are you doing?

Looking for a bottle.

Let's drink upstairs.

But no champagne.

What are we celebrating?

What do you think?

More champagne?

Sounds wonderful.

Comfortable?

Well, it's hard to forget where I am.

Relax.

The coast is so clear, it's deserted.

We are on a deserted beach, just the two of us.

Soft, warm sand.

Sand. What's wrong?

Sand pit.

People kept talking to me about a sand pit once.

They went on and on about it.

Does your husband often stay away like this?

This is the first time since we married.

None of the size coats are more than a few hours from London.

He usually travels up and down each day when he has a case out of town.

You think he took this one deliberately?

Hardly, no.

I don't think he planned it.

I think he just doesn't care, and that suits me.

Johnny. You don't care about him, do you?

We go our separate ways.

Johnny, tell me more about yourself.

About the accident, I don't mind.

Did you really kill someone?

Did you have to ask that?

I'm sorry if it upsets you, but you're not the first motorist, are you?

Then you'd better answer that.

Could be a burglar trying to phone her again.

It's probably just Harry.

I get to know them.

But he's a menace.

He attracts women, but all the time, deep down, he really hates them.

And when the time comes that they want something more than just his advances,

he snaps.

Did you hear that?

Hmm?

There's someone trying the front door.

Harry, I... Suzanne.

Thank God you're all right.

Where's... Give me that gun, Summers.

Summers? Give it me.

Summers.

I saw the name in the paper.

That's the name. Not my picture.

He made sure you didn't see that.

Now give me that gun.

Now look, no harm's been done.

Now be sensible.

Give me that gun. No harm?

You never believed me.

You're just like them all. The police, the psychiatrist.

I thought... Get back!

Get back! He's a killer!

Sir Harold was standing over his wife, sir. The gun was in his hand.

I see.

Thank you.

Oh, now, Sir Harold, could you explain, please?

When I came in, Summers was threatening my wife.

I shouted to him to give me the gun.

He shot her.

I managed to get the gun from him just as the constable entered.

I must have been mad to employ him.

But I firmly believed he wasn't a killer.

Really?

All right, Summers.

What do you say?

It wasn't me who shot her. It was Sir Harold.

What? He came bursting in here with a gun in his hand.

At rather a bad moment.

You want the truth?

Well, I think I can guess the situation.

Sir Harold was supposed to be away.

But he came back and found us.

He lost control.

Inspector, he's giving you a pack of lies. I came back to... Yes, sir, you

came back to what?

Well, never mind why I came back.

I found him about to murder my wife. I tried to stop it.

It was the other way about.

I tried to stop Sir Harold.

It's your gun, sir.

You came home unexpectedly and found the... Oh, God, Inspector, you must be

off your head.

Am I, sir?

Well, everybody knows this man is a lunatic, a murderer.

That isn't exactly what you said at the trial, is it, Sir Harold?

No, but I have to say so now.

You can't seriously believe what he says.

I think we can, sir.

Because I was responsible for having him proclaimed not guilty?

It isn't only that.

You'd have read about it tomorrow.

The husband of the woman that Summers was supposed to have killed gave himself

up to them.

Summers didn't murder. He did.

So you were quite right in your defense.

Inspector, perhaps I didn't make myself quite clear. The gun went off during the

struggle. It might have been an accident.

Suzanne.

Suzanne, tell them it was a struggle.

Tell them I didn't do it.

My husband tried to murder me.

Well, Inspector, I... Shall we go, sir?

I think you better start preparing your defense, Sir Harold.

Come on.