Original subtitles

Good day, sir.

In his office there, Miss.

- Is the ambassador's car at the door? - It's waiting, sir.

His Excellency will drive straight to the airport.

Of course.

Baines, flowers for her room. You know the sort my wife likes.

After eight months in a hospital, the place must look like home.

She'll find everything as she left it.

The doctors don't know if they'll permit her to fly.

- The journey will be a strain. - Master Phillipe, sir.

- He should have his hair cut. - Any message for your mother, Phillipe?

Tell her I've got something to show her!

That will bring her home. Look after the embassy.

Be back on Monday with my wife, I hope.

I hope so too, Your Excellency. It's been a long time.

Papa! Papa!

Au revoir, Papa!

Hello, Macgregor.

Hello, Macgregor. Good morning.

Hmm. Come on. Come on.

Hmm. Come on.

Hmm. Oh.

Look. London.

Good day, sir.

Baines?

Baines!

- One of her moods again. - Always some grouse.

Not healthy to be as clean as all that.

You be careful, sonny. Mrs Baines is on the warpath again.

Anyway, these foreigners like a bit of dirt.

Be a good thing for him when his mother gets back.

Master Phillipe, you mustn't think you can run wild all over the house.

No, Mrs Baines.

I've got plenty to do. What's that you've got in your hand?

Show me. What is it?

Piece of chalk.

You've been making marks all over the floor again? Well? Have you?

- Just little marks. - Give me the chalk. Come on. Give it me.

- Have you done what I told you to do? - Done what?

- Got rid of it. - Yes.

You know what happens to little boys who tell lies?

I won't have any vermin in any house I run.

Did you put it where I told you to? Down the lavatory?

- Did you? Answer me. Did you? - Yes.

What are you hiding in your pockets?

Bring your hand out. Show me. Come along.

Only toffees.

I won't have you eating between meals. Give them to me.

You need a mother's care. I've tried to do it for months. Is that all you've got?

Run along and try and not get into mischief.

It's difficult enough with half the staff away.

- See you on Monday, Mr Baines. - Have a good weekend, Harry.

Get out of it! Can't you see I'm busy?

Can't you pick on someone else?

Well, since you are here, you might as well do a job of work.

- Get on with that. - Look! Macgregor.

Oh. Hmm. Looking well this morning, isn't he?

Have you got a little box for him?

Little box? Hmm. Might find something.

Will you take me for a walk this afternoon, Baines?

Well, I might if you work hard enough. I might. We'll see.

Quite a lot to be done. This is exciting, your mother coming back, isn't it?

Yes, but, you know, I don't remember her very well.

Have a glass of pop. Spot of drink will give us an appetite for dinner.

- I'm having my meals down here, aren't I? - Of course.

- What have you got for chop? - Chop?

You said that was what food was called in Africa.

Oh, yes, of course. Chop.

- Tell me more about Africa. - Another time.

- Was is it hot there? - You never felt such heat.

Not... Not even where you come from.

Not a nice heat, mind you, like you get in the park on a day like this.

The white man's grave they call it. Wet.

- Smelling of rot. - What does rot smell of?

Eh? Oh, the opposite to this.

I smell that carbolic stuff.

When there's nothing but carbolic rounds, you hanker after rot.

Mmm. I understand.

- Hmm. - It makes a change.

Yes, of course. Hmm.

It's a man's life out there, Phile.

But why did you leave Africa?

Why? Oh... get married, you know.

Wasn't there anybody to marry in Africa?

Oh, yes, plenty. But they weren't white.

- Must they be white? - Erm, hmm.

Mrs Patterson, what are you doing with those?

- Mrs Baines told us to fill 'em. - Where's Dolly and the others?

The weekend off. The place is empty except for Mrs Baines, Phile and me.

- Phile, drink up and lend a hand. - Don't you overwork him, Mr Baines.

- Got to make a living. - Does everybody make a living?

- Everybody. - Even Papa?

- Just a slave really. - Not an easy life like us.

- Can you make a living in Africa? - You can make a fortune.

Make anything you like. Make elephants and kings and castles.

Yes. And shoot 'em too. If they don't get you.

Can I show her the gun?

Don't you dare. Leave it where it is.

It's not loaded and Baines keeps the safety catch on.

- Leave it be, Phile. - It's got bullets too!

Phile...

Phile.

Oh, there you are. Holding up the work again?

- There's still plenty to do. - We'll get it finished.

By sitting around here all day long?

- Good morning, Mr Baines. Till Monday. - Ta-ta.

No business to keep that gun in the house. Master Phillipe, get on to that salad.

Baines is going to take me for a walk this afternoon.

Not with all this work to do.

- There'll be time enough for both. - Oh, please!

Work first and pleasure afterwards.

Easy to see you've been eating between meals.

I'm sick to death of your ways, spoiling the boy.

He didn't. I took it.

- Lying again, Master Phillipe? - There's lies and lies.

- What do you mean? - Some lies are just kindness.

Kindness?

Temper, temper. I won't have you swearing in front of the boy.

Master Phillipe, what are you waiting for?

I don't want any.

Master Phillipe, eat it up. Go along.

Why don't you let Baines take me for a walk?

Because I say so.

I hate you.

You'll say you're sorry for that.

I'm not sorry.

Very well. Go upstairs to the nursery and you'll stay there for the afternoon.

Go along. Up, up, up!

- Get along with you. Go along. - I don't care.

Hello, Macgregor.

Look. You're very pretty, you know.

Apples!

Baines!

Baines!

Come on, Macgregor. I got you.

Ah!

- Baines! - Mustn't come in here, sonny.

Isn't Mr Baines here?

No. Hasn't been in here yet.

Baines!

Phile.

What are you doing here?

I saw you through the window.

- Are you by yourself? - Yes.

You gave me a start.

I thought it would be funny.

Yes, it's funny. Of course it's funny.

- Phile, this is Julie. - How do you do?

Have a bun.

He spells his name queer. P-H-I-L-E. Phile.

She hasn't got an appetite. Isn't eating. You can have both of them.

You don't need to take any notice of us.

- Got a glass of milk? - I think I've got a drop.

Well, go and get it, Phile.

I wish I were dead.

Yes, but...

It wouldn't work.

There are things have got to be said.

If you'd like another cake, you can change it.

No.

This is how I see it, Julie.

This... girl you're talking about.

This... this friend of yours.

She, she... likes the fellow, doesn't she? It's real, I mean.

L'amour?

L'amouréternel.

The things you say, Julie.

The way you put things.

What I mean is you can't break a thing like that.

Not just by going away, leaving no trace, going home.

She wouldn't be going home.

Home's here.

Her own country I mean.

Wouldn't work, Julie.

There'd be her, as it were you and... him, as it were me.

And all that distance between them.

Like this table.

It wouldn't work.

He'd go crazy, Julie.

Hoping every time the post came.

Not being able to write.

Oh, he'd... he'd forget. There wouldn't be much to remember.

For seven months, ever since she came to the embassy, seeing her every day.

Not speaking because of people looking on.

Like this.

Give it... Give it time, Julie.

- But it's torture. - What's torture?

- What's he say? - He says he's had pain too.

It soon goes.

But this... girlfriend of yours, Julie.

She doesn't have to go away.

While there's life, there's hope.

There's always hope.

Things happen. Things change.

People don't change. He's tied.

She wouldn't like him so much if he didn't feel tied.

I can't believe we'll go out of here and say goodbye and never...

Careful.

- Have you got a handkerchief? - No.

No. Have you got one, Phile? She's got something in her eye.

- Mine's clean. - Well, let her have it, Phile.

Pull the top bit over the other one. That's what I always do.

There...

There's nothing fixed yet, is there?

The... the boat I mean.

- The day after tomorrow. - Monday?

Can I have this one too if you don't want it?

They couldn't stand it forever, meeting in tea shops and cinemas.

All the difficulties and lies. He's not that kind of man.

What kind of man is he?

Good. Kind. Can't hurt anyone.

What a fool the man is.

That's what I think too.

- Here's your handkerchief, Phillipe. - I've got to see you tomorrow.

It's no good. You've got to take him home now.

I'll ring you somehow. There's so much I have to say.

It's all been said over and over again. Goodbye.

- I don't know what to do. - You don't need to do anything. Nothing.

She does make a fuss about her friend, doesn't she?

Can I have some tea in my milk?

It's sad about her friend, isn't it?

Is Julie your niece or something?

- How much is that, please? - One and eight pence.

The cup that cheers.

Come on, Phile.

I'm sorry I gave you a start.

That's all right, Phile.

- Is that car a Ford? - I didn't see.

Oh, look! There's your niece again!

Look, I'll speak to her tonight.

I'll say to her, "You and I don't get on any more."

And then I'll tell her everything. Perhaps she'll see it.

She'll never let you go.

She might. Anyway, we've one last day.

I must see you tomorrow. Just the last time.

I'll telephone you. Promise?

Baines, it is a Ford.

I promise.

Oh, look. There's Mrs Baines on the balcony.

Need we go in yet?

Listen, Phile, I...

I don't want you...

I don't ask you to say what isn't true, but...

There's no need to mention to Mrs Baines that you met Julie.

- Is it a secret? - That's right, Phile.

Our secret.

You see, Mrs Baines, she... she doesn't like Julie.

Stupid of me to meet her so near home, but I'd got to see she was all right.

Of course you had. You can trust me, Baines.

Mrs Baines will get it out of you.

Oh, I'll never let you down, Baines.

Funny, Julie working for the embassy and all this time she was your niece.

Yes, it's a scream.

- Need we go in yet? - Come on, Phile.

- Take me for a walk in the park. - Here.

Phile... give me your handkerchief.

It's things like that give secrets away.

Isn't it exciting, Baines?

Good night, Macgregor.

Bonsoir.

Oh. What are you doing?

Just looking.

- What at? - Nothing.

I suppose you were doing nothing this afternoon, you and Mr Baines.

- Well? - No.

We'll see about that later.

Come along now. Off you go.

I've got work to do. Come along.

Now what are you waiting for?

You can see I'm busy, can't you? Downstairs. Hurry up.

Come down from there! Get down at once! No...

No, don't. You wait. Wait, wait.

Master Phillipe, come away from there at once.

Do I have to come and drag you away?

Come here. Do you hear me? Give me your hands!

Oh, now look what you've done!

And all over my shoes. Dirt. Nothing but dirt!

No. No. No, you don't.

It stays there. Stay there for your mother to see.

Show her the sort of tricks you get up to.

- Don't let me find you on there again. - I'm sorry.

For that, supper in the nursery. Your tray's downstairs.

- I'm sorry. - No more chatting with Baines.

Take your tray and go straight upstairs. I'll fetch it later.

She knows we were out, but I haven't told her a thing.

Just slip along upstairs now, Phile.

She told me to fetch my tray. I have got to have it upstairs.

There it is.

I put Macgregor to bed. She nearly caught me.

Phile, I'd say I'm sorry about it.

- You know, lunchtime. - Hmm.

If my mother does come back on Monday, it won't make any difference to us, will it?

Not a bit.

I'm sorry I said I hated you.

It's all right.

I said you weren't to take him out.

I didn't take him out. I brought him home.

You went out by the back door,

he by the fire escape and you met outside.

Phile's been out on his own. So have I.

I told him he wasn't to go out and you take him.

Oh, don't let's talk about him. There's something more important.

- What could that be? - You and I.

Go on.

Well, I've tried to make a go of it. And so have you.

But we only make each other miserable.

It's years now since there's been a day without some blessed row.

- We can't go on like this. - You want your freedom?

You don't want me around anymore.

This is something new, this kind of talk.

I've thought about it long enough.

And now it's time tell you because...

You go off and see what happens to me!

- Oh, don't talk like that. - You do as you say.

You and your freedom.

You'll feel fine when you read it in the Sunday newspapers.

You'll be able to say, "I did that." That'll make you feel happy.

Oh, don't talk so foolish!

Ah, go and give the boy his supper.

We'll talk about it later.

You know your father doesn't like you going out alone.

- Funny you should meet Baines, wasn't it? - Yes.

He likes wandering about on his own too.

- Not much appetite, have you? - No, Mrs Baines.

Why don't you try eating that nice pudding? You don't eat enough.

Don't eat enough to keep a fly alive. No lunch and...

And now no supper, Master Phillipe.

So that's why you've lost your appetite, Master Phillipe.

Eating between meals. Buying cream buns.

- That's not what pocket money is for! - I didn't.

Don't lie to me! You're going to be a fine worry to your mother when I tell her.

You're becoming a regular little liar! I won't put up with any more lies from you!

- They gave it to me! - They?

Baines I mean.

They.

Oh.

So that's it.

Yes.

You mustn't mind Mrs Baines, Master Phillipe.

She... She lets her tongue run away with her.

We have a secret now, you and I...

that I know all about them.

Can you keep a secret?

- Yes. - Good.

I suppose she was having tea with him.

Just tea. No cakes.

Is she young?

Of course. She's his niece.

So that's what he said?

Hmm, the old scoundrel!

It's all right. She's not seeing him any more. Tomorrow she's going away.

Is she?

Tomorrow.

You can keep our secret now? Hmm? Yes?

Yes.

You do and I'll get you that 2A Meccano set.

Do you want the light up there?

He hasn't eaten his supper. Think he'd be hungry after his long walk.

Wait till I put on the light.

I don't think I want to go on with our talk tonight, if you don't mind.

You know when you two were out this afternoon?

- What, me and Phile? - Yes.

I thought to myself,

"Perhaps I stay indoors too much.

"I ought to get out more. Take some time off."

- I've been telling you that for weeks. - Yes, so you have.

I think it might be a very good idea.

You asleep, Phile?

Come on, Phile. Time to wake up.

Come on, Phile. Up you get.

Where's Mrs Baines?

She's gone to see her Aunt Hilda.

No. Why?

Said she needed an outing, Phile. Like you and me.

- When will she come back? - Not until tomorrow morning.

- Are we really alone? - Of course we are.

- We're going to spend the day together. - Will we be alone all day?

We'll be together, Phile.

Misty still. The cat's been out all night. There she is, sniffing round the railings.

There's Doris shaking the mats out.

It's a great life if you don't weaken.

- It's early, isn't it? - It's going to be a long day, Phile.

Get dressed and I'll be cooking the sausages.

Yes. To see her aunt.

I'm quite alone, you understand?

No, no. Not about that, no.

I'll explain it all.

Oh, you must come. You promised you would.

We'll have the whole day together.

Oh, it makes no difference about the boy. Yes.

Back here for supper, Julie. Ah, of course it's safe.

Well, I'm so looking forward to seeing you, Julie. I must talk to you.

I'll... I'll wait for you. Of course I'll wait for you.

It'll amuse the boy and we'll be able to talk.

No, of course he doesn't understand.

Three o'clock and we'll be able to talk quietly.

I'd rather see the snakes, Baines.

I was sure you'd like the lions. My old legs are getting tired.

- You're not so old, Baines. - I'm not so young as I used to be.

I'll tell you what, let's sit down. I'll tell you things.

Then we'll go to the reptile house.

Did you shoot lions in Africa?

Oh, just a few. I mostly let them live.

You shot a man, though, Baines.

- Who told you that? - You did. You murdered him, you said.

Murdered? I never murdered anyone.

You said you killed someone. Once in Africa with that gun.

Oh, yes, yes. Oh, well, that wasn't murder, Phile.

That was self-defence.

You see, one day the blackies planned what they call a rising.

I was the only white man for miles around.

Well, this chap, he called himself a king.

He got the blackies properly worked up, speechifying. They...

Yes? Go on. Go on.

Er, th-they all came up to my hut.

Hundreds of them. Knives, spears, clubs.

Well, all I had was that... that gun I showed you.

Go on.

"Clear off," I said to that king of theirs. "Hop it," I said.

But he was after my blood.

Well, if they'd got me, it wouldn't have ended there.

They'd have tasted blood.

- Like those lions there. - Th-then what happened?

I plugged him. Then I threw the gun away and went in with my fists.

But you found the gun again.

Oh, yeah. Yes, so I did. I'll tell you about that one day.

I wish I could go away with you to Africa.

Oh, look. There's your niece.

Oh, yes. So it is.

Now can we go and see the reptile house?

- Would you like an ice cream? - I wouldn't say no, Baines.

Well, here's a bob. Get one for Julie too. There. Over there.

What did she...?

Did you tell her?

No.

I couldn't get around to it somehow. And then she went away.

- Two wafers, please. - Two wafers.

- Here you are. - Thank you.

- Then everything's just the same. - Give me time. I'll manage it somehow.

- There's your ice cream. - Thank you.

I've been telling Julie she's got to have supper with us.

On the telephone she said she would.

- The things you know. - It would only be worse afterwards.

She doesn't trust my cooking, Phile.

- Can't we see the snakes, Baines? - Of course we're going to see the snakes.

Hello, Polly. I'd like to find a snake like Macgregor.

- Who's Macgregor? - It's a secret.

We don't need to have secrets from Julie.

Are you scared to come back home?

- Scared of what? - Mrs Baines.

Look, Phile. There's the reptile house. Over there.

Aw. You are pretty.

- What time's the boat train? - Nine o'clock.

Can you get food on the train?

I'm taking sandwiches.

Newhaven - Dieppe?

Dover - Calais.

Have you packed?

Of course I have.

Oh, stop looking after me.

Oh, dear.

Baines!

- Do come and have a look at the snake. - Is it as nice as Macgregor?

- Oh, you've told her! - I said we don't have secrets from Julie.

- I do. - Macgregor wouldn't be frightened of me?

There's only one person in the whole world he's frightened of.

- Who's that? - Mrs Baines.

Baines!

Baines!

Look, Baines! Come and look at this!

Baines! What are they doing?

Here.

- Where's Phile? - Oh, there he is.

Phile!

Time to be off. She's coming back, Phile.

We'll all three have supper together.

Wouldn't Mrs Baines be angry if she knew?

Suppose she came back after all?

She won't. Not when her mind's made up.

She... She doesn't know about yesterday, does she?

No.

Phile's a wonder for secrets.

- Is it very important to keep secrets? - It certainly is.

Even if you don't like the person?

That makes no difference.

Even Mrs Baines's secrets?

Yes. Even Mrs Baines's secrets.

I'll just go and open up.

This is a "man's hole". You can get right down to the sewers through here.

- You're very fond of Baines, aren't you? - Of course.

But you don't like girls.

Baines doesn't either. Not really.

Come in, you two.

Telegram! Telegram! Can I open it?

If you like.

This is our kitchenette.

Handy for getting a cup of tea.

It's from Mrs Baines.

Her aunt's not well.

- She won't be back for a day or two. - Do you think it's true?

True? Why, yes. Of course. She wouldn't say it if it wasn't. Would she?

Does Mrs Baines keep secrets?

We don't want to waste good time cooking. Got plenty of tins.

What we want is a good spread and every man his own drink.

How long does a telegram take to get to a place?

- Depends where it comes from. - I'm going to make a dart of this one.

Move along now, Phile. Move along.

- Do telegrams cost much? - Oh, don't natter!

Couldn't we eat out here?

We could easily make a... table out of some of the cases.

- Don't you think? - Yes. Of course.

- It would be a picnic. - Oh, must we have a picnic?

You'd like that, wouldn't you?

Can I feed Macgregor first?

Of course. While I'm taking out the things.

- Can I come too? - Show her Macgregor.

Hmm, but won't you need me here?

Oh, I think I can manage.

Mrs Baines doesn't like Macgregor.

- She doesn't, huh? - She doesn't like you either.

What do you mean?

Phile? What do you mean she doesn't like me?

She doesn't like anybody, really. Baines doesn't like her.

- How do you know? - She won't give him his freedom.

- Did he ask her? - Oh, yes, but I didn't mean to listen.

No, no. I'm... I'm sure, Phillipe. When was this?

Yesterday after Baines and I came back.

- What did he say, Phile? - "I want my freedom." Just like that.

She went on. Natter, natter. Always nattering.

Poor Baines. He did want it so badly.

When she comes back, I'll ask her for my freedom too.

That was a good dart. Why did you throw it away?

Oh, I can make lots more like that.

- What room is this? - The guest room.

- Hmm. - For very important people.

- Oh. It's very pretty. - Macgregor lives here.

Supper!

- What's the matter? - He's gone!

How could he have got out?

She must have killed him.

It's just a bit of bad luck you've got to take.

She never really liked him.

She said he was vermin.

Tomorrow we'll put up a little stone in the garden and we'll write his name on it.

"Macgregor, killed by Mrs Baines." And the date.

No, no. No, not that.

Something like, "My Macgregor, very lovely he was in his life."

And then the date.

No, we... we'll just have "Macgregor".

That'll be plenty. We'll remember.

How about a bite of supper? Then we'll play a game.

Come on.

Well, sit down, Julie. Let's... let's have a drink to happier days.

Let me.

- Hey! - Hey!

There he is! What is that? I've caught a fish?

Is it a rabbit or a roly-poly pudding?

Where is he? Where is he? Where is he?

We'll catch him this time. We'll catch him and kill him.

Puss, puss, puss, puss, puss, puss, puss!

Bah!

Thunder and lightning! Terrible storm in the jungle now.

I'll get you!

Oh, what a run!

Where is he? Phile? Bedtime!

- Come along. - Phillipe?

Think he went along here.

Come on. Come on.

- Where are you? - Phillipe.

- No? - No.

I'm only going because...

Because it's not possible to stay.

All day long I've wanted to talk to you, Julie.

Now's my last chance. Now we're alone, I just want...

I just want you around always.

- Baines! - What's the matter?

- I saw... - What frightened you?

I'm... I thought I saw a ghost.

The game's gone on too long. Come on. Upstairs.

Where are they?

Where are they?

Don't lie to me.

I know they're here.

I have been here all the time.

That's not nice, Master Phillipe.

All I want to know is where they are.

I want...

I want to talk to them.

Help me. Help Mrs Baines.

Master Phillipe, we've always been friends, haven't we?

No.

We were friends last night.

Do you remember that secret we had? About them?

We didn't have a secret.

Oh, you know all about them. You're not such a child as you pretend to be.

You've got a nasty, wicked mind and it ought to be beaten out of you!

Phile? Phile? Is that you?

Baines! Look!

She's in there! You've got that girl in there!

- Now, wait a moment. Listen. - I don't want to hear any excuses!

I'll tell her a thing or two!

We can say what we've got to say to each other.

Get out of my way! Don't you tell me what to do!

You're a fine one to dictate to me! How dare you! Let me go!

I'll put you and her in the dustbin!

I'll give you something you'll remember for the rest of your life! Let me go!

Thought you had me out of the way! Hypocrite!

And you! You needn't go on hiding in that room!

You needn't think you can come back here on Monday to your safe job!

I'll get you deported out of the country!

If you've no thought of yourself or of me, at least think of the boy!

- Him? I'll give him what he deserves! - Be quiet!

He'll think twice before he starts on his sneaking ways!

Stop or I'll lose my temper!

Now, you go downstairs.

I'll join you and we'll...

He pushed her.

Hello, sonny.

What are you up to?

Out a bit late, aren't you, sonny?

What's your name, sonny?

Come here.

Here.

Cold, sonny?

Come here. Put this on.

How about a nice warm cup of tea?

Yes?

You would? Good.

Come on.

Yes?

Well, I'm going to have one anyway.

- Yes? - And so I arrested her.

Well, Rose, what have you got to say this time?

Nothing, except it's not my turn yet.

Same address?

There we are.

Now, round here.

Come here. Bring him here.

Who is he? What's all this about?

I found him wandering about.

- Pickin' up kids now, are ya? - Quiet, Rose.

Where do you live, sonny?

- He won't speak. - Quite right.

Come on, sonny. You come over here.

So, what have you been up to, eh? Playing about, have you?

Come and sit over here.

There you are.

Now, then, what were you doing?

- Walking in your sleep, were you? - That's all I was doing.

Remember where you live, sonny? Eh? Come on.

Try to think. Come on, sonny. There's nothing to be frightened of here.

- Nothin' at all! - Shh, shh.

We just want to help you, see.

Now, you tell us where you live and we'll take you home.

Come on, sonny. Tell us where you live.

See what you can do, Rose.

- Hello, dearie. Where do you live? - Rose, Rose! Not like that.

- Not like what? - Well...

Here! Not like what?

You know. Just find out where he lives and tell him we'll take him there.

- Shall I take you home? - Rose!

Can't you do it without... without the smile?

Just ask him naturally.

Naturally?

Come along, dearie.

Now, you would like to come home with me now, dearie, wouldn't you?

That was all right, wasn't it? Well, I can't say it any other way!

- Now, you would, wouldn't you? - Yes, please.

There you are, you see?

Station officer, Chelsea Police.

Yes, Doctor.

Serious? Fatal.

Come and sit over here with me. Come on. Tell me your name.

What time was that?

- Come on. Tell me your name. - Yes, Doctor. Of course.

What's the matter?

Come on.

Phillipe.

Phillipe. Phillipe what?

- Yes. - That's all.

Come on.

It's a bit long, isn't it? You want a haircut.

I'll have one sent over. Anything else I can do?

Phillipe? Phillipe what, eh? Where do you live?

Come on, chum. You pop your feet into these.

Oh! Aren't you a lucky boy?!

Oh, look! They'd last forever!

- I'd like a pair of those. - Good night, Doctor.

Jones...

There's been an accident.

48, Cheston Square. You know, that embassy.

Woman killed herself. Fell down a flight of stairs.

Get an ambulance sent over. Ask for a Mr Baines.

Is it too hot? Is it?

Here. Try it now. Go on.

- Now, Rose, have you got the address? - Give me time.

- Did you say the name was Baines? - Yes, Baines. 48, Cheston Square.

Baines.

What's the matter? Do you know him?

I live there.

What made you run away, sonny?

Nothing.

You weren't frightened or anything?

No.

Then everything was all right at home?

Yes.

Does your father work at the embassy?

No. He's ambassador.

Oh! I know your daddy!

Oh, there you are, Phile.

We picked him up in Hilton Street.

- There's been an accident? - Yes.

- Over there? - The doctor's with her now.

Now...

Just...

Just, just sit down there for a moment, Phile.

- How did it happen? - We'd had a few words up there.

She was angry with the boy for some reason.

The next thing I knew... she'd slipped going down the stairs.

- Can I help at all, sir? - No. Just an accident.

Well, I'll be off. You better tell the ambassador at once.

He's away. I've phoned the first secretary.

Don't worry, man.

You did all that you could. These things happen, you know.

- I can't believe that she's... - I know.

I'll sign the certificate first thing in the morning.

- Now, where did I leave my coat? - It's here, I think.

In my position one must try to be hard.

Death is like a business. It has to be attended to.

Why, it's Phillipe, isn't it? What are you doing here? You ought to be in bed.

We found him wandering around.

We were going to send him home when we heard about the accident.

He said he was sleepwalking.

I know Phillipe. He doesn't walk in his sleep.

Do you, Phillipe? What's the boy been doing?

Did anything happen to frighten you?

We went to the zoo, that's all.

The boy's tired out. I'll take him upstairs to bed.

Wait a moment. Come here, Phillipe.

- Did he see? - I don't think so.

You're a fine sort of chap, wandering about at night in your pyjamas.

Who do you think you are, Nick Carter?

- Where did you get this outfit? - At the station.

- Why did you run away, Phillipe? - She went for the boy.

Tell me everything you know, Phillipe. Then you won't be frightened any more.

It's long past bedtime. We'll go upstairs. He needs sleep.

I'm a doctor, Baines. Why was she angry with you, Phillipe?

Because of secrets.

Secrets? Do you know what he means?

You've no business pestering the boy. He's half-asleep.

What were those secrets, Phillipe? Come on. You can tell me.

- Was she angry at the zoo? - No.

Was everything all right at the zoo?

- Yes. - Do you know what made her angry?

No.

You're not angry with Baines, are you?

No. Of course not.

You're not going to send him to prison.

Doctors don't do that.

I don't mind going to bed now.

You'd better take him up there, Baines.

Give him one of these tablets.

Was it self-defence like in Africa?

Doctor... whatshisname is the police doctor, isn't he? Dr Wilson?

Good evening, Dr Fenton. This is a terrible business. Is Baines about?

He's putting the child to bed. He was found in the street, scared.

What about?

I should like the police doctor called in.

Police doctor? What's he got to do with it?

- I should like Dr Wilson called. - Surely there is nothing to worry you?

Possibly not.

I don't like it. I don't like it at all.

The ambassador's a great stickler.

He won't like the police within the embassy.

This is foreign territory. Police are not allowed in here without permission.

- The woman's dead. - Yes... but an accident, surely.

- Probably. - Well, wasn't it?

Perhaps. But I'm not prepared to sign the death certificate.

Very well. I'll have to phone the Foreign Office in Scotland Yard.

Goodness only knows whether there'll be anybody there.

The Yard doesn't close, sir.

I meant the Foreign Office.

Now, this'll make you sleep.

You've got to try and put it right out of your head, Phile.

Everything you've seen and heard tonight.

I understand.

Well, go to sleep.

And forget it.

I'm going to give you two night-lights tonight.

It'll be daylight before you can say "Jack Robinson".

Baines, are you going?

Listen, Phile. You...

You remember that telegram Mrs Baines sent me?

You had it. You... You made a dart of it. What did you do with it?

I threw it away.

Where?

I... I don't remember. Why?

Well, I wouldn't... I wouldn't like anyone else to find it.

You see, th-they think Mrs Baines was with us at the zoo.

It'd look funny that telegram coming.

And I...

I don't want them to know Julie was with us tonight. She wouldn't like it.

There's no need to tell the police more than they know.

Yes, I understand.

Are you scared?

Scared? No.

Only we've got to be careful what we say to policemen.

No good putting it off I suppose. Better go down and talk to them.

Good night, Phile.

Baines, you could run away.

I remember.

I remember where I threw it.

Then I heard the boy say, "Was it in self-defence?"

He admits there was a quarrel at the stairs.

- Is that the staircase? - Yes.

Are the injuries consistent...?

Evening, Fenton. An awful hour to be called out.

- Used to it. It's the hour for babies. - Is it? Well, what's the trouble?

This is Inspector Hart, sir, Special Branch.

He'll help with any interpreting.

I wouldn't mind so much if the ambassador was here.

- You were here at the time? - No, I was having dinner in a restaurant.

All right, all right. And where is this fellow Baines?

In the basement I think. No, he went upstairs putting the child to bed.

There'd be no objection, I suppose, to our seeing over the servants' quarters?

No, none at all. Through the door there.

You would trouble me much less if you'd speak English.

Of course, the story of her slipping may be true,

but the type of injuries suggest something more violent.

- What if there'd been a push? - Why do you say that?

We know that they quarrelled.

- Up there? - Mmm.

- Is he a big chap? - You saw him come down just now.

Oh, he.

- Mr Baines? - Yes.

Er, we've permission to ask you a few questions.

- We don't propose to keep you long. - I'll tell you anything I know.

There was nobody else in the house, was there, when it happened?

No.

You had supper out in the yard.

The boy wanted a picnic.

Just the three of you?

Just the boy and I.

But there were three places laid.

Oh, yes, of course. I forgot. Mrs Baines was with us.

Try to remember things like that.

It helps us, you know, to get the details right.

Look, I'm sorry.

Can we have a word with you?

Good heavens! What's he doing there?

- Now what, boy? - Come along, Phile.

It's all right. I'll take him up.

Hello. What's this you've got hold of, hmm?

No, you don't want that now. I'll take it.

Now watch. See?

He's in the same room?

Baines? Is he in the same room?

Er, y-yes.

Well, what was he up to?

Oh, n-nothing, sir.

Mr Baines, I understand there was some sort of scene

between your wife and the boy tonight.

Do you know what it was about?

Well, she... sh-sh-she used

to get in a fuss about trying to keep the house tidy.

Do you know what he'd been up to?

Or was there nothing unusual to make her angry tonight?

No.

You said just now that Mrs Baines had had supper with you downstairs.

You did say that, didn't you?

Yes.

Well, then...

I-I-I forgot.

She wasn't with us.

But there were three places laid.

Who else was there?

Nobody. I-I-I must have laid it from habit.

But the third place was used. How do you account for that?

We'll leave all the questions to Chief Inspector Crowe in the morning

after he's read the doctor's report.

Doctor's report?

It's only that your story of the slip doesn't quite fit in with what they say.

Julie!

- Why not tell them everything? - No, no. Leave it to me.

There's no need for you to be brought into this.

You go to the office.

- Good morning. - Morning, sir.

- Are they here yet? - Not yet, sir.

Who is this lady?

She... she works here, sir. In the typing room.

- A bit early, aren't you? - Yes, sir.

I had something to do that I didn't finish on Saturday.

Oh, I see.

- Do you do shorthand? - Yes, sir.

Good. Don't go for a moment.

Chief Inspector Crowe, sir.

The first secretary. I'm in charge until the ambassador returns.

We shall try to cause you little trouble.

I see. This is Mr Baines.

Oh. My sympathy, Mr Baines.

- My ambassador will expect a full report. - Naturally.

Have you any objection to one of our typists taking down what's said?

No, none whatever. Actually, I've no right to object.

We're on foreign territory here. Oh, could I see the little boy, Phillipe?

- If necessary. - Yes. Thank you.

Oh, Baines, would you? Better fetch him.

- Have you got a notebook? - I'll get one, sir.

- There. - Hmm.

What shall I say, Baines?

Tell them anything they want to know, except for you know who.

- Was it like this that time in Africa? - What time?

- The time you killed a man. - Not a bit like this.

Don't worry, Baines. I won't tell them anything.

Would you mind putting a notice on the front door,

telling the clerks to use the empty office next to the visa section?

- Hello. Don't run away. - I wasn't running away.

No, I mean, I just wanted to say, "How do you do?"

- Your name is Phillipe, isn't it? - Yes.

Mmm, I've heard quite a lot about you. You're the little boy who ran away.

- I didn't run away. - I've said that again, have I?

I meant, you're the one who took a walk.

And a rather late walk, wasn't it?

After supper, hmm?

Oh, quite a party you had last night, didn't you? A picnic party.

No.

- Didn't you have it downstairs with...? - No!

Do you want me to take this down?

No, no, no. This is just friendly conversation.

- We are friends, aren't we? Hmm? - No.

You didn't have a picnic downstairs last night with anybody.

No!

I've put up the notice.

No!

I'd like to have a word with Mr Baines. Where could we be quiet?

Here in the ambassador's room.

I'd like you and your secretary to be present.

- I want to get Baines's story straight. - My story's straight.

Yes, yes, of course. I just want to iron out one or two inconsistencies.

Would you wait outside for a few moments, sonny?

I just want to have a little talk with Mr Baines.

- Have you got a ball to play with? - No.

Well... Oh. Mm-hmm.

Er, Ames, let him borrow your chiming watch.

It's like this, see.

Do be careful with it now.

Poor Mrs Baines.

Down these very stairs. I can almost see her. Can't you?

Yes. I expect her neck was snapped like a matchstick.

- Mmm. - Do you see any blood?

There wouldn't be any blood if her neck was broken, would there?

Might be a little if the bone came through.

Treacherous stuff, this marble. I wouldn't have it in my house.

Now, you listen to the watch, sonny.

I wonder if you could find something to do somewhere else, hmm?

Crowe says photograph the position of the body from the top of the stairs.

Right.

No, not that way, sonny.

Like this.

See?

- What are you doing? - Hmm?

Oh, yes. See this powder?

That's solved more crimes than the whole police force put together.

Here, put your thumb just down there. Just press it down lightly. That's it.

Now put some powder on. Now you blow and watch.

See? There's only one person in the world that has a thumb like that.

And that's how we find things out.

Yes, they... they want to have a word with you, Phile.

Oh, well, we shan't need you for a few moments, Baines.

Well, I'll be downstairs.

Well, Phillipe, I don't suppose you ever met a detective before.

Except in books.

Did the watch work?

Not taken out the works yet?

You know, Phillipe, I've got a boy at home very like you.

He's a bit older, that's all.

Oh, he likes marbles. Do you like marbles? Look here.

What do you think of that one? Now, I think that's a champion, don't you?

I always win with it anyway.

I don't suppose Mrs Baines would have liked marbles?

But I expect Baines could throw a marble with the best of us.

I like Baines. Don't you?

- Yes. - But not Mrs Baines?

- She killed Macgregor. - Killed Macgregor? Who was he?

- My snake. - Oh.

You can keep that marble if you like.

Baines had a quarrel with Mrs Baines about you last night, didn't he?

No!

- Didn't you hear them quarrelling? - No!

- Phillipe, why did you run away? - I took a walk.

Oh, a bit late, wasn't it, for a walk? In your pyjamas?

Wasn't it because Mrs Baines frightened you?

No.

- But she did hit you, didn't she? - No.

- She came to your room last night. - No.

Phillipe, tell me, what did you see that made you run away?

I didn't run away.

Mrs Baines was away all day yesterday, wasn't she? What did you do?

I went to the zoo with Baines and...

And?

Phillipe... and?

And we went to the reptile house, and we came home.

- And then? - We had supper.

- We? - Baines. I, Baines and...

- Yes? And? - And then we played games.

- What sort of games, Phillipe? - Hide-and-seek in the dark.

I always get frightened when I play that. Who hid?

I hid and they couldn't find me!

- They? - Baines, I mean! Baines, I mean!

"They," Phillipe? Now, who was with Baines?

Nobody! Nobody!

Phillipe, who did you play hide-and-seek with?

Baines! Just Baines!

You must tell the truth.

- What are they saying? - It's a bit fast. I can't quite follow.

- Will you speak English, please? - Don't badger them! I'm here, aren't I?

If you want to ask any questions...

Now, Phillipe, tell me. Who was with Baines?

His niece.

- Was she your niece, Mr Baines? - I told him so.

Your girl?

Yes. It was me.

- You were here? - Yes. He wanted to keep me out of it.

He d... He di... Didn't mean any harm.

And this telegram?

She tried to catch us out I suppose.

You'd better go upstairs, Phillipe. You can keep the marble if you like.

- Baines. - No, no. Mr Baines is staying here.

Now we're getting somewhere.

Your quarrel with Mrs Baines last night was over this young lady.

It was what I said. She went for the boy. She was hitting him.

That's not what the boy says.

Can't you see that child is lying?

- There have been a lot of lies in this. - There was no need for them.

I sincerely hope there wasn't.

Now, will you come upstairs and tell me exactly what happened?

I was in this room... with Julie.

Mm-hmm? Yes?

I thought I heard the boy calling.

I came out here.

And then I saw her hit him, as I told you.

Go on.

She came running down these stairs. She wanted to get into that room, to Julie.

I caught hold of her.

She pushed me back.

She was hysterical.

She used to get into these rages and do anything.

I've known her to put her hand through a window she couldn't open.

- I wasn't going to let her get in there. - Yes? And then?

And then I pushed her back.

Over there.

She was shouting all the time.

I don't remember exactly what.

And we...

We were struggling... here.

Yes.

"Stop it," I said. "Go downstairs and presently I'll come down and talk to you."

Then she seemed calmer and started down the stairs.

I went back to this room.

- What is it, Harry? - They're on the phone from Selfridges.

Is it all right if they deliver the chairs tomorrow afternoon instead of today,

as the reception is not till Wednesday night?

Yes, yes, tomorrow will be all right.

Well, then I... I went back to this door.

No, Harry.

Harry, tell them they must deliver the chairs today because we...

Just tell them they must deliver the chairs as arranged.

Then I... I went back to the door.

When I got there, I heard the scream.

As I told you.

I came out...

and when I got here,

I saw her hit the last step.

We've examined this staircase very carefully, Mr Baines,

and there's no evidence of her having slipped.

When people slip, they try to recover.

They leave some sign... a scratch on the banister, anything.

It's just like a car skidding.

- What, and there's nothing? - Nothing.

And the injuries would indicate something more than a slip.

You're quite sure you didn't push her? You were both, I take it, very angry.

I'd done enough to her without that.

You see, if she'd slipped from here or even a few steps down,

she couldn't possibly have landed where she did,

because we've tested that,

unless she was pushed.

You're a very strong man, Mr Baines.

You probably don't know your own strength.

I didn't push her.

Why did the boy ask you, "Was it self-defence as in Africa?"

- I've never been out of the country. - Never?

Well, except once to Ostend.

Very well, Mr Baines. Would you come into the other room?

And you too, Miss.

- And whose room is this? - A guest room.

Where were you when it happened, when the scream came, hmm? Yes?

There.

Although there had been a struggle outside and angry words, according to Mr Baines?

I couldn't do anything else.

I should have thought you'd have got up and tried to hide.

I couldn't.

I'm sorry to have to ask you all these questions.

- You then dressed in a great hurry? - Of course.

- That would be after the scream. - Yes.

How long was that after the child called out?

I don't know.

Two, three minutes. I don't know.

- The child said he never called out. - He must be lying.

It's obvious somebody must be lying.

- When you dressed, what did you do? - He showed me out.

Wouldn't it have been wiser and more honest to have stayed?

He wanted to keep me out of it. I was frightened because of our lies.

I don't understand you.

Then I... I can't explain to you.

How long had you known Mr Baines?

Ever since I started to work at the embassy. Seven months.

- Without Mrs Baines's knowledge? - Yes.

And all that time you were carrying on an affair with each other?

- We are very busy here. - Won't be a moment.

Look, can't you come back later?

The first Monday of every month, this clock has to be done.

They behave much better if they're... if they're looked after.

Oh, be as quick as you can.

You don't want to do it jerkily and not too fast.

You must take your time.

Hmm.

Thank you.

Did you ever discuss marriage?

No.

But your relations with this man were intimate.

- We love each other. - Intimacy took place during that period?

We don't talk the same language!

I mean in plain language...

Leave her alone, can't you?

Don't worry. It's his duty to ask questions.

Last night was the first time we were ever alone like this!

Now, you take your photographs and fingerprints and everything.

It's love you'll photograph, not intimacy.

What do you want, sonny?

You've got to leave Baines alone. He didn't do it.

- Didn't do what? - He didn't murder her!

Why did you say "murder," Phillipe?

No one has mentioned murder.

Thank heaven someone has then.

Why did you say "murder," Phillipe?

He didn't do it!

Well, if he didn't do it, who did? Hmm?

I did. My thumb mark's downstairs on the banister.

Will somebody take this child away?

- Come on. - I'll take him upstairs.

It might be better if you kept away from the boy.

- Are you charging me? - I advise you to reconsider your story.

You've admitted you were quarrelling at the top of the stairs.

Perhaps there was a push that you didn't intend.

Only please don't ask us to believe too much.

- I tell you, I don't know how she fell! - Baines, think carefully.

I don't have to think! It's the truth!

- Run along, sonny. - I'll take him up.

I don't think you'd better. The less either of you see the boy, the better.

- Are you forbidding me? - No, I'm advising you.

In your interest and Mr Baines's.

I know his interests better than you do.

As you please, Miss.

- Care to sit down, Mr Baines? - I'm all right.

You've got to stop telling these lies. It makes things much worse!

It doesn't. We've got to think of lies and tell them all the time.

- And then they won't find out the truth. - But Baines didn't do it, Phillipe!

She hit me. Baines doesn't let people hit me.

Of course he doesn't. But he'd never kill anyone. You must know that.

- Why? He did in Africa! - Oh, he's never been to Africa.

Baines doesn't tell me lies! He's got a gun too.

Oh, you can't have understood, Phillipe. The truth can't harm Baines.

Don't you realise he's innocent? If there could only have been a witness.

- What's a witness? - Someone who saw.

Couldn't I say that I saw somebody?

Phillipe, now what have I just told you?

Can you promise that from now on you'll speak only the truth?

- Must I? - Yes, you must. Now, you promise?

- If you like. - Tell them that you told a lot of lies.

Mr Baines, it would be much more satisfactory,

if you'd consent to come with us to make a formal statement.

And more convenient for the embassy too, I should think.

Do I have to?

You've got to decide it yourself, Baines. They can't force you to leave here.

They can't arrest you so long as you are an embassy employee.

Of course, we could appeal to the ambassador.

- What is it, Phillipe? - I've told you lies.

I know all that. I'd strongly advise you, Mr Baines...

Mrs Baines did hit me.

Yes, yes. You shouldn't tell lies.

I only wanted to help Baines. Please!

I'd advise you to come with us or else we shall have to appeal to the ambassador.

I don't want His Excellency troubled.

I'll get my hat.

That's all right, Mr Baines. Perhaps Mr Hart would get it for you.

I'm not under arrest yet, am I?

I'm going down to my own basement and I haven't invited the police there.

Oh, Baines!

You mustn't come with me, Phile. They don't want me to talk to you.

I haven't done harm, have I?

Trouble is, we... we've told a lot of lies.

About Africa, you didn't make it up, did you?

They weren't lies.

That was just a game, Phile.

I didn't really do those things.

No?

But you did kill Mrs Baines, didn't you?

Yes? Didn't you?

No.

Oh.

But you did want to be free, didn't you?

There are faults on both sides, Phile.

We don't have any call to judge.

Perhaps she was what she was because... I am what I am.

We ought to be very careful, Phile, cos we make one another.

I thought God made us.

Trouble is, we take a hand in the game.

I hope your mother comes back soon.

Goodbye, Phile.

Oh, Baines, we must never tell any more lies.

- Mr Crowe, sir. - Yes?

- Will you come over here? - What is it?

Somebody's been up here.

Oh, sir, that was me. Sir! Sir!

Please. I want to tell you something.

I want to tell you something.

It's very important.

Yes, it's a woman's heel mark, all right.

- Please, sir. Please. - Run along.

- You can see how it happened. - It'll only take a minute.

She wanted to see into the bedroom. Maybe force her way in.

Will you listen to me, please?

She came along here and upset the flowerpot.

Please, sir! It's about the flowerpot.

- Could she have got into the bedroom? - Ah, yes, sir, easily.

- Will you listen to me? - Come. We don't want another accident.

How much easier it'd be if everybody told the police the truth in the first place.

It's very important! Please!

- Would you call Mr Baines? - I'll get him!

The flowerpot, Julie, was there when...

They know what happened. She upset it before she fell.

But it was me. I upset it.

Now, will somebody please listen to me?

You don't need your hat.

They know what happened. It's all right. Come on upstairs.

You must listen. It will make everything all right.

- Now, sonny... - It's the truth.

I'd like to call your ambassador to explain our action.

Mr Baines, we shan't require you after all.

We found evidence up there which makes sense of your story.

She's told me. Now we know how it happened, what you've said is quite clear.

- I've got to tell you something. - Will you send him about his business?

Come along, Phile. Sit down over there, Phile. We'll attend to you presently.

Come on. Come on. Over there.

- Sir, please! - Sit down!

Your father always goes away at the worst possible moment.

It's the truth this time.

- Where did we leave the hats? - I'll go and get them, sir.

Your evidence will be needed at the inquest, Mr Baines.

Of course, we must keep the boy out of it.

Oui.

I'm afraid, sir, we've caused you some trouble.

That's all right. If only... Oh, well, that doesn't matter.

Oh, please. Please! It's the truth.

Please! Oh, please, do listen to me. Please!

It's very important what I want to tell you.

Well, what is it?

Julie said only the truth would help Baines.

What do you want to say?

It wasn't Mrs Baines that upset the flowerpot. It was me.

You see? It's my fault. I did it.

I've told fibs in my time too.

Cross my heart!

- Shall I tell you a secret? - No!

Nice weekend, Mr Baines?

Phillipe!

Phillipe, your mother!