Original subtitles

- Monster! - You bastard!

Hawley Harvey Crippen.

You are charged with the wilful murder of Cora Belle Crippen

on the First of February last.

Are you guilty, or not guilty?

Not guilty.

Ethel Le Neve,

you are charged for being an accessory after the fact

in the murder of Cora Belle Crippen

on the 1st of February last.

Are you guilty, or not guilty?

Not guilty.

You may be seated.

No, I'm very sorry, Miss. Now, please come along, it's not a peep show.

Keep back, please.

It's not fair. I waited all night for a seat.

Come along please, keep moving.

You'll read all about it in the newspapers.

As an American citizen, Dr. Crippen's wife

known professionally as Belle Elmore,

was not able to obtain much employment in this country,

in her capacity as singer, and musical entertainer.

Although the couple presented a surface appearance of affection and normality,

in fact, the prisoner had ceased to cohabit with his wife

for some three years.

During the exact period

that he'd been carrying on an intrigue with a young woman:

Ethel Le Neve,

who had been in his employ for a number of years as a typist.

Thus, an innocent woman,

whose only crime was to stand between this man Crippen

and his illicit ambitions,

became an obstacle which he resolved to remove

to satisfy his own evil ends.

A deadly purpose which he carried out

as the Crown will prove.

By murdering his unfortunate wife.

And then, mutilating and dismembering her body

so as to mask its identity.

You will see, gentlemen,

that we're dealing with a crime so frightful in nature,

as almost to defeat description.

An educated medical man

using his knowledge and skill,

gained from the succour of the sick,

to rid himself of the encumbrance of his legally wedded wife.

Which he effected by means so awful

that nowhere in the history of British jurisprudence

is there a case to equal it for horror

and callous indifference to suffering.

The murderous work of a veritable monster in human form.

♪ I'm not a one-man woman And I'll tell you why ♪

♪ One man ain't enough for me ♪

♪ I've got a great big heart ♪

♪ And you can have a part ♪

♪ But don't think it's yours exclusively ♪

♪ There's a lot of love in me That I'm willing to share ♪

♪ I'd rather have a lot of arms Than just one pair ♪

♪ So, come along and get me if you can ♪

♪ I'm not a one-man woman ♪

♪ But I got to have a one-woman man ♪

Oh, I'm exhausted.

Don't I get any reward for all this key bashing?

Well, you can talk to me if you like.

Oh, I'm a bit more fundamental than that, love.

What are you doing? Spying on me?

I dropped a shoe.

You can't give that to a lodger, there's dust on it.

Look, I said, do this shoe again.

Yes, all right.

I'll just get rid of the clean ones first.

Doesn't he ever go on strike?

Well, against what?

Well, even a skivvy gets one day a week off.

Oh, it's good for him. Keeps him out of trouble.

Does he ever get in to any?

Oh, you'd be surprised. Come on now, let's try it again.

Oh, all right.

Oh now, get on with you.

I can wait.

But not for long...

♪ I'm not a one man woman And I'll tell you why ♪

♪ One man ain't enough for me ♪

♪ I've got a great big heart And you can have a part ♪

♪ But don't think it's yours exclusively ♪

♪ So, come along and get me if you can ♪

♪ I'm not a one man woman ♪

♪ But I've got to have a one woman man ♪

- What-- Oh, doc! - Hello.

Don't slam the...

I wish you could prevail upon your young men not to slam the front door.

They'll break the glass.

I wish I could prevail on you to get a move on. The soup's boiling over.

I just went to bank up the fire.

Well, you can do that later.

Oh, be careful!

Sorry, puss.

The cat's got feelings too, you know?

Tramping around like a great horse.

I assure you, I didn't do it on purpose.

Well, now, where are you going?

- To wash. - Use the sink, like anybody else.

Ready when you are, Harry.

Right.

That fellow Marconi has gone and done it, I see.

Oh? Done what?

Well, send a wireless signal across the Atlantic.

Pass that to the doctor, will you please?

Are the others coming down?

No, they've both gone out for the day.

It says here he thinks we'll all have wireless receivers

in houses during the next fifty years.

For what purpose?

Well, I suppose they'll put on concerts, lectures, things like that.

I wonder if they'd use me.

Why not?

It seems a poor sort of entertainment though

when you can't see who's singing.

Here, where is the bread?

Peter! Where are your manners? Pass the bread.

Funny looking machine, I must say.

Oh, take the kettle off, will you?

Oh, yes...

Weird...

You still at it then, doc?

As you see.

Any... any grub going, d'you think?

You'd better ask Mrs. Crippen.

Oh, better not ask her now then, doc, eh?

Yeah, well... Night night, doc. I'll...

I'll see you at the dawning.

I think I left a book in here.

Oh.

Pardon me.

I'm just... taking the bottles up.

Oh, thank you.

We've just been rehearsing my new number.

So I heard.

You wouldn't like a cup of tea or anything?

No, thank you.

Goodnight, doc.

Goodnight, Mr. Fawcett.

Do you think he saw?

Oh, luckily I heard the latch turning just in time.

- You face when he came in. - I told you not to mess me about.

Oh, yes, you were very insistent, weren't you.

Oh, what the hell.

Will he... will he say anything?

He'd better not.

If he was half a man,

I wouldn't be messing around with boys like you, anyhow.

Well, since you are...

Who is it?

Well, it's you.

- Belle. - There's a draught.

Belle, I'm going to have to ask you to get rid of those young men.

Oh, you are, are you?

Well, we have to take in lodgers.

I'm not using my money to run this house for you.

I'm not criticising them, or you.

It's just that this isn't a home anymore.

I didn't know it ever was a home.

You were happy here when you first moved in.

The house's all right.

I realise I'm not everything you could wish for in a husband,

but our life together isn't all that bad.

- Maybe not for you. - You have everything you need.

I doubt if any of your... friends, have more jewellery or clothes.

That's not all a woman needs.

Oh, we've talked about that so many times.

That's right.

All we ever do is talk about it.

- I tried to explain-- - Look, how do you think it feels for me?

Sometimes, when I walk down the street, I can see men watching me, and wanting me.

But...

I have to beg you to even touch me.

Please, don't cry.

Am I so repulsive?

No, of course it isn't that.

Well, what is it, then?

When was the last time you came to me as a husband of your own free will?

When was the last time you kissed me? Let alone made love to me?

You say yourself you don't lack for male admirers.

You're my husband.

I want my husband to admire me.

Look, if you're ill, why don't you say so? At least, I'd understand that.

No, I'm not ill.

- It isn't that. - I don't care about the boys.

I wouldn't want any other man

if you would only... treat me like a woman occasionally.

- You'd always want other men. - I wouldn't. I wouldn't.

No, stay with me tonight.

Stay with me and I'll get rid of them tomorrow.

Don't you find me attractive at all?

Yes, of course I do.

Oh, Peter.

Peter.

Shop!

Cab's waiting.

Well, this is it.

First time I've had the old heave-ho, I must say.

Oh, but you do understand.

Frankly, I'm astonished he put up with it for so long, poor little devil.

- You let us know where you are. - Oh, sure.

Were you happy here, Harry?

Best billet I ever had.

- And you will write. - Of course.

Now look, the cab's waiting.

All right.

You won't think too badly of me, will you?

What a question... Look, I must go, really.

- Well then, good luck. - Bye-bye, Belle.

- Was that Mr. Fawcett? - Yes.

- I would've said goodbye to him. - Oh, he said to give you his regards.

Well, we'll have to find you some other interests.

It's just that I get so lonely here, all day by myself.

You don't want to go on the music halls again, do you?

Oh, it's so tough in England. Besides, all the agents are crooked.

Is there some way you could take up with show business again?

You like the people and it's your natural environment after all.

Well, I suppose I could join the Guild or something. Clara's always asking me to.

- What Guild is that? - The Ladies Music Hall Guild.

Looking after members who've had a hard time.

It's charitable work, really. They're all very fine women, and

prominent in theatrical circles.

It sounds much more your style.

Of course, if I...

if I did want to go on a stage again, I'd be able to get some decent dates.

Exactly.

Well, I'm going to see Clara this afternoon.

You... You could have them meet here, if you like.

Oh, what a wonderful idea.

Of course I'd... I'd need a new dress, and a hat.

Oh, I saw a beautiful one in Brightman's the other day.

With orange taffeta, and had puff sleeves and a neck right down to there.

Why don't you buy it, then?

I could get Mrs. Thurman to run me up to something.

Yes, blue perhaps.

Oh, I saw a length of blue material in the market. It was going for a song.

You get whatever you want.

Oh, Peter, you are kind.

I know. I'll go up west and see what they've got in the shops.

Clara will know. What time is it?

Almost ten o'clock.

Well I'll have a lunch with Clara first, and we can arrange about the meeting, too.

- The kettle's just boiling. - I don't think they want anymore.

Are you sure?

Well, the meeting went on so long, they have to be getting home.

- Do you think it went well? - They certainly like you.

Mrs. Stretton's charming, isn't she?

Well, she is the most important one, really. She thinks you're lovely.

Look, if they don't want anymore, I'd better get back.

You don't have to go early, do you?

Well, I can't be too late. Paul will be wanting his supper.

Well, I've something to tell you.

- So we meet on Wednesday, then? - Yes dear. Delighted.

I'll write to Mr. Ogilvie tomorrow and see if he can let us have the material.

I'm sure he will. He's very interested in the Guild.

Must you really go so early?

I'm afraid so, my dear. It's nearly six, already.

Well, it was lovely of you to come. And thank you again for electing me.

Not at all, it's our gain.

It's so nice of you to let us meet in your charming house.

- Goodbye, Belle. - Goodbye.

- Goodbye, Mrs. Crippen.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

And I shall look forward to see much more of you in the future.

Oh, it was wonderful.

- I told you. - But they're so nice. All of them.

Oh, they're all right.

Of course we've all got something in common:

being in the theatre, and that's a help.

What was it you wanted to tell me?

What do you think of it?

Lovely.

I was admiring it all through the meeting.

Your husband is really very generous.

Peter? Everything I got from him, I have to wring out of him.

- This was a present. From, guess who? - Oh, I have no idea.

- Not Bruce Martin? - Yes.

And he wrote me the most wonderful letter.

It begins: "To my beautiful brown eyes".

Here, now read that bit.

Well, what a thing to say in a letter.

He was always like that. He just doesn't care.

But if Peter found it?

It'd do him good to know what normal men think of me.

Oh, come on.

Peter's a devoted husband. Everybody says so.

Yes, well, everyone does not have to live with him.

I'm a woman who needs something more practical than devotion,

if you get what I mean.

But he must be mad to write like this.

It's a special letter. The anniversary of the day we met.

Now you take my tip, and burn it.

It's far too dangerous to leave lying about.

Well, perhaps you're right.

Bruce was what I call a man.

If he walked through that door right now,

you wouldn't see me for dust.

But I thought it was all finished years ago.

Only because he went back to Chicago.

But it's always possible he might come back here.

Or we might go to the States.

Oh then, what a celebration that'd be.

I tell you Clara, no men ever made me feel what old Brucie did.

Oh, he's marvellous.

Mr. Martin,

did your relations with Belle Elmore at any time come closer than mere friendship?

Absolutely not.

When did you last see her?

About six years ago. Around... April 1904.

But you have communicated with her since then.

Yes, we exchanged letters.

Frequently?

Oh, she used to write me about three or four times a year.

What kind of letters?

Good wishes, you know, that sort of things.

Where do you live now?

I beg your pardon?

I said: where do you live now?

Oh, I live in Chicago with my wife and child.

Was there ever the proposition that Belle Elmore should come out to you?

Absolutely not. No such thing.

Mr. Martin,

as you have given up the musical stage,

I take it you were a failure in that profession?

Absolutely not.

I saw the opportunity of making a bit more money,

that's why I'm a real estate agent. I wanted to support my family and--

During Dr. Crippen's absence in America in 1899,

how many times did you see Mrs. Crippen?

I went to her house occasionally.

How often is occasionally?

- Two or three times a week. - At what hour of the day?

Sometimes in the afternoons, and sometimes on the evenings.

But always while Dr. Crippen was absent?

Yes.

Did you write often to Mrs. Crippen?

Not often.

On what topics?

Friendship?

Were you in love with Mrs. Crippen?

Absolutely not.

But you did tell here that you loved her.

Well I... wouldn't put it exactly that way.

Did you indicate that you loved her?

Well, I suppose she might have thought I did.

You mean you deliberately misled her?

Well, no, I wouldn't put it exactly that way.

She meant a great deal to me as far as friendship was concerned. But...

she was a married lady. So it had to be an entirely...

platonic friendship.

This is not a theatre.

Members of the public will control themselves or the court will be cleared.

Mr. Martin, kindly answer this question directly.

Were there any improper relations between you and Mrs. Crippen at any time?

No, no. Absolutely not, my lord.

Platonic or not, did you ever show your esteem for Mrs. Crippen

in any practical ways?

Once in a while, I gave her a little present, nothing extravagant.

- When was the last such gift? - About a year ago.

That would be two or three months before her disappearance.

Yes, I guess so.

- What was this gift? - A little brooch thing.

- An expensive one? - Not very.

How much would it cost, then?

About ten pounds in your money, I guess.

And you are telling us

that five years after having an entirely platonic friendship,

with a married woman whose husband you had somehow never met,

you sent her a gift costing around ten pounds.

Yes, I like to be generous with my friends.

- Do you have many friends, Mr. Martin? - Oh, yes. Lots.

No wonder why you needed to take a more remunerative job

than your talents could provide from the theatre.

You may stand down.

I wouldn't mind a bit of platonic friendship with him myself.

- Call Dr. David Pepper. - Call Dr. Pepper.

Take the book in your right hand and read the words on the card.

"I swear by Almighty God

that the evidence I give shall be the truth,

the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."

Doctor, I believe you were requested by the police

to inspect some supposedly human remains

on a certain date, were you not?

On July 14th this year,

I went to 39 Hilldrop Crescent with Chief Inspector Dew.

In the cellar there, I found that part of the floor had been taken up,

and I saw what appeared to be a mass of human remains.

Ugh, this is the part I don't like.

- Do you want to leave, then? - Are you mad?

Just tell me when he's finished with the gory details.

...from the lower front portion of the abdomen.

There was a mark on it, which attracted my attention,

and I afterwards examined it with particularity.

In your opinion, what was that mark?

A scar. A little over four inches in length.

Having examined the remains,

is it possible to say whether the dissection was done by a skilled person,

or not?

Definitely by a skilled person.

Would the position of the scar suggest you a particular type of operation?

Yes, it would correspond to an operation in a female person

for the removal of certain organs.

Did you form an opinion as to the cause of death?

Yes, by treating the organs with the usual process,

I found a mydriatic alkaloid present.

On further tests, I found that it corresponded to hyoscine hydrobromide.

What are the properties of hyoscine, Doctor?

It is a powerful narcotic, my lord.

Have you any knowledge of its medical use?

I have heard that it is sometimes used

for pacifying extreme nervous disorders

in certain American hospitals.

What is the fatal dose of hyoscine, Doctor?

Between a quarter, and half a grain.

And what amount of hyoscine did you find in the remains?

From the amount in the organs,

there would certainly have been more than half a grain in the entire body.

Doctor, just tell us what effect a fatal dose would have on the human being.

It would perhaps produce delirium and excitement, at first,

and then, the patient would become drowsy, and probably die after a few hours.

Does hyoscine have a distinguishing taste?

It's rather salt and bitter,

but it can be administrated in something with a pronounced flavour, like...

stout beer, sweetened tea, or coffee.

No more questions.

Taking the remains as a whole, it was impossible to determine the sex?

That is correct.

As to the mark you claim was a scar from the abdomen,

what operation in a male person would cause it in that position?

Removal of stones from the bladder, for one thing.

Before you formed the opinion that the mark was a scar,

you had already learned that Mrs. Crippen had had an operation.

Certainly.

On July 15th,

did not you and Dr. Marshall at the mortuary examine the remains together

for some hours?

We did.

On that occasion, however, you did not come to the opinion that it was a scar.

I did not see the mark at all on that occasion.

Was it not three day later, about July 18th,

that you learned, first from the newspapers,

that Mrs Crippen had a scar on her abdomen?

I cannot remember when I first heard it.

But it was certainly after your first examination on July 15th.

Oh, yes.

That will be all.

Call Emily Jackson.

Call Emily Jackson.

Take the book in your right hand and read the words on the card.

"I swear by Almighty God..."

- How friendly is she? - She's very devoted to the girl.

But she's so confused, he may make her say anything.

Now, Mrs. Jackson,

Miss Le Neve lived in your house for some time, did she not?

I was her landlady for nearly two years.

What were the relations between you?

We were on quite different terms to the ordinary landlady and lodger.

From the experience of her,

did you notice any change in her manner

at the end of January or the beginning of February 1910?

Yes.

One day, she came home looking very tired and strange.

Did she display other symptoms of disquiet?

She was greatly agitated.

How did this manifest itself?

Her whole body was trembling.

And she looked as though she'd had some kind of a shock.

Did she give any explanation for her appearance?

She went straight up to bed.

Later on, I sat up with her until two o'clock in the morning.

Did she subsequently explain to you the cause of the shock?

She was too ill to go to work the next day.

I told her,

if she didn't tell me what was troubling her,

she'd go out of her mind.

And what was her reply?

She said it was too dreadful to talk about.

Too dreadful to talk about...

Did she later embroider on that explanation?

No.

Up until this time, she'd been living at home with you continually?

Yes.

- Did she remain so? - No.

The she started staying away at nights.

And when she came back to see you, what was her manner?

She was radiant.

Was she alone?

No.

Dr. Crippen was with her.

Did she bring you anything?

Yes.

She brought a number of articles of women's clothing.

Did she explain where this clothing had come from?

Yes.

She said it had belonged to Mrs. Crippen,

who had gone away.

Mrs. Jackson, how did Miss Le Neve address you?

She called me "mother".

Would you say you had a good memory, Mrs. Jackson?

Not bad.

- I'm forgetful about some things. - Such as dates?

Well...

I don't pay much attention to time, normally.

So when you mention a time or a date, it's largely guess-work?

I'm afraid so.

But when the police interviewed you in July,

six months later than the event you have just described to my learned friend,

you naturally tried to fix the date forward.

Yes.

They were most insistent about that particular date.

You already knew from the newspapers that Belle Elmore, Mrs. Crippen,

had not been seen since February 1st.

Yes, I'd read that.

Would you tell us, was the strangeness and shock you mentioned

confined to the end of January only?

No,

she started behaving oddly at the beginning of the month,

just after the New Year.

So we may take it that for the whole of January,

she was miserable and depressed?

Yes.

Subsequent to the conversation you have described to my learned friend,

did you discover what was really troubling her?

Well, she was upset because someone in the office didn't like her,

and she was afraid that would turn Dr. Crippen against her.

Thank you.

That will be all.

Well I can't make hear nor tail of the doctor's writing again.

Now, what is that?

"Repeat nerve tonic number four."

Could have been Chinese as far as I'm concerned.

- Good morning, Miss Curnow. - Good morning, Doctor.

Dr. Crippen not in yet?

He's calling at the chemist on the way in.

I'd be obliged if you'd type these out for me.

Of course.

When could they be ready?

By lunch time.

Unless you're in a rush.

No,

it'll be all right.

You've certainly got what it takes.

What do you mean?

The way Dr. Rogers was looking at you,

I thought he was going to jump down inside that blouse.

It's nice, isn't it?

- Present? - Hmm.

Dr. Crippen is very generous, you must give him that.

Come on. You don't think it's a secret, do you?

I honestly don't know what you're talking about.

Oh, no?

Good morning.

Good morning.

Anything in the mail?

Mostly glowing testimonials from old ladies who have recovered from sciatica

after using one of your remedies.

Good.

- Any orders? - Three.

Only three?

Have you come into money?

No. Why?

You have an air of secret satisfaction.

It's just that a girl likes to be admired.

Do you mean I have a rival?

- Who is it? - Just a man.

Someone you know.

Not... Rogers?

Yes.

He came into the office to give me some letters and couldn't take his eyes off me.

Miss Curnow thinks he's getting sweet on me.

Well...

perhaps I'd better leave the field free for a younger man.

- He's not younger. - He's 46, I'm 48.

Well, I don't care, he looks at least ten years older than you.

Aren't you jealous though?

Raging with it.

Hawley...

Hm?

When can we see each other?

Tomorrow...

if you like.

Tomorrow?

Oh, yes.

All right?

Wonderful.

Are you sure you don't want me to stay?

Better not, it's after six already.

I don't see why I can't stay if I want to.

Well, we don't want people talking.

People...

I hate people.

Goodnight then, doctor.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, Dr. Rogers.

Goodnight.

I'm not... disturbing you?

No, of course not.

It's rather a delicate matter, really.

I'd be grateful if you'd have a word with your typist about her...

costume.

In what way?

She has a tendency to look a bit... flash, for an office.

Low-cut fronts,

too much jewellery, you know.

I... I'm afraid I haven't noticed.

It's become markedly worse lately.

- I've heard several comments. - I'm sorry.

Just have a word with her, will you, doctor?

We don't want any scandal.

You know what people are.

Yes, of course. I'll talk to her about it in the morning.

Splendid.

Splendid.

Oh, I hate this sordid hotel.

I love it.

The only place that we're ever really alone.

Here, let me help you.

Come into the light.

I haven't got my glasses.

There.

I love you...

Ethel Le Neve.

I love you too, Hawley.

Hawley...

No, I must go.

I don't want to, but I must.

Can't you tell her you were working late?

I hate involving you in lies

and deceit.

I don't care, Hawley.

I don't care about where we meet, or how often.

Just as long as I can go on seeing you every day at the office.

Having these times together,

occasionally.

If only I could take you out in public just once, just to show you off.

Maybe you will... one day.

I'm so proud of you.

We don't care about silly old Dr. Rogers, do we?

Stupid old fool.

I could've hit him.

You don't think he's right, do you?

That... I'm...

You know?

Too flashy?

I think you're perfect.

You're always so brave,

but I know what it must mean to you.

Never having any time to ourselves.

Always hiding.

I'm going to make it up to you, one day. I don't know how yet, but I am.

Don't talk about that.

You never do this to her, do you?

I don't care about anything.

- But-- - I've told you.

We've had separate rooms for three years now.

I can take anything,

but the thought of you...

I'd kill myself if you ever made love to her again.

It's you I love,

Ethel.

The only way I can stand it at night

if by thinking of you alone in your room,

being with you there, in my mind.

You swear you never have anything with her?

Not even kissing?

I told you I couldn't. That would revolt me.

Doesn't she complain?

Oh, she's not interested in me.

She has enough men hanging around, even for her.

I hate her.

I hate the way she's tormented and humiliated you.

Sometimes, I could strangle her.

You know what I would do at home,

when things are difficult?

I think about these times.

So do I.

That way, nothing she can do touches me.

To me, love-making is something

very sacred and special.

Something you give to the one you love with reverence.

Not...

She made me feel unclean.

She's unsatiable.

She felt me with such revulsion I could hardly bear to look at her,

let alone...

You're a doctor.

Why didn't you dose her with something?

It's a sickness when it's like that.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Because I like to.

- Good evening, Doctor. - Good evening.

- I wasn't sure you'd still be open. - Oh, you just caught me.

I'm afraid your order won't be ready until tomorrow.

No, it wasn't that, I was just wondering whether you happen to have any...

hyoscine hydrobromide.

Hyoscine?

Well, that's new to me. We wouldn't have any in stock, I'm afraid.

How soon could you get it for me?

- Three or four days, I'd say. - That's all right.

What quantity would you like?

I'd better have five grains.

In... tablet form?

No, crystals I should think.

Very good, Doctor. Thank you.

Goodnight to you.

Oh, goodnight.

Paul?

Thank you.

What about me?

Oh... pardon me.

Aren't you having any, Peter?

No, thank you.

Oh, come on. I hate drinking alone.

Oh it's not good, Paul. He hates to drink in case he does something rash

or abandoned, like making love to his wife!

No one would believe it, would they?

Now here I am, Belle Elmore, a beautiful woman in the prime of life.

The toast of London and everywhere else.

To my lawfully wedded husband, I'm as unattractive as a piece of cold mutton.

Now, Belle--

Now, don't you "now, Belle" me!

They're our friends and if I want to tell them, I will.

I'll tell the whole damn world if I want to.

Would you like a cigarette, Belle?

Why are you so scared, all of you? It's no secret.

Peter's found himself a little whore in the office.

- Belle. - What, it's true, isn't it?

- Well, bed time, I think. - Oh, sit down, Paul.

Don't be so damn British.

Clara knows all about it, don't you, Clara?

She knows what I've been through.

Why does everyone clam up in this country when you start talking the truth?

- You're embarrassing our guests, Belle. - I'm doing no such thing.

They love me and they got pity for the way you treat me.

Clara isn't embarrassed, I know. Nor is Paul now, are you?

Well, it's just well, every couple have their differences, Belle.

Not the same ones we've got, brother, I'll bet.

No other woman would put up with it but me. No one!

I'm sorry about this.

I didn't realise she'd had quite so much to drink.

Who's had too much to drink?

I can drink you under the table any time of the day,

pill peddler.

I'm sure you can.

I'm sorry, we really have to be going now.

Going hell!

I'm just getting in the mood.

Anyway, if you don't mind, I think I'll just pop upstairs.

- You know where it is? - I should do by this time.

We really ought to leave when I come back.

I'm... I'm not feeling too grand.

Yes dear, whenever you say.

You don't have to run off and spoil the evening

just because my little bantam cock here's nose is out of joint.

It's not that, Belle, only...

Paul really hasn't been feeling very well all day.

I've something I want to talk about, and it's important.

Where'd Paul go?

Upstairs.

What, you mean to tell me you let him go up to that ice-box by himself?

It's not the first time he's done it.

You heard what Clara said. He's ill.

Just a slight chill on the stomach.

Well, you take the paraffin heater up to him. It's freezing in there.

- No, he'll be all right. - Now, don't you take his part, Clara.

God, it's disgusting.

Letting and old man like that go up there on a freezing winter's night.

I'm sure Paul will much prefer to look after himself.

Where's the brandy?

I'm sorry, I put it away.

My god, you sneaky little rat!

What are you trying to say? That I'm drunk, or something?

God, how do you like that?

Now this monkey keeps a paid trollop in furs and finery at my expense,

and grudges me one little bitty drink.

- Now, Belle-- - Now, you take your hands off me!

- Don't you touch me! - Belle?

Weren't you going to tell me something important?

Oh...

Oh, yes, I was.

This is something very interesting indeed.

Oh, what is it?

Nothing, I just feel a bit peculiar.

I think I'd better get him home immediately.

- Would you like me to have a look at you? - No thanks.

It's just my tummy usual thing.

I'll get you a cab.

Come along, dear.

Goodnight Belle.

Peter!

Peter!

Peter!

Didn't you hear me calling you?

I could hardly have missed you.

Now don't give me any of those smart answers.

I suppose you are very proud, lousing up my evening.

Any lousing up was done quite adequately by yourself.

- Now, where are you going? - To bed.

Oh no, you're not. Not so fast.

There's a couple of things I want to talk about.

- We'll talk about it in the morning. - Oh no, we won't.

Tomorrow, I will not be here.

Oh, Belle, not again.

What do you mean "not again"?

Who the hell do you think you're talking to?

Lesson one: I want to talk, you talk! See?

Don't do me any favours.

If you've got something to say, please say quickly. I am tired.

Oh, God. You're always tired, that's the trouble with you.

Belle, please.

Look, I don't like you're making a fool of me in front of my friends.

I wasn't aware that I'd done so.

Always hiding the bottle like was drunk, or something.

You got it quite wrong as usual.

Listen, when I entertain my friends, I don't like things like that.

Those Arditti's are fine people.

What do you think they're gonna think? You're pretending that I'm...

I'm drunk, or something.

Oh.

Are you all right?

No thanks to you.

You're going to go bed, now?

Oh, yes.

Oh.

Where are you going?

It's late.

Oh, no. Don't go.

Hmm.

That feels nice.

How is the head?

Leave it there.

What's the matter?

I couldn't get my breath.

Oh. Does my breath smell bad, or something?

No. No, it's not that.

What right have you to behave like I disgust you?

Look, I'm your wife and I've got a right to have you love me.

Belle, please.

I bet you don't shrivel up when that little tramp kisses you.

Or, what do you both do together? Just read poetry?

Now listen. I'm telling you that plenty of men find me attractive.

I don't doubt it.

Plenty of men would be only too happy to have me here like this right now.

You stay right here.

You've had too much to drink.

I'm sober enough to see through you and your little fancy girl.

- I think I'll go down and lock up. - Oh, no. No, I want to talk about her.

That'd be much better if I leave right now.

Better for who?

Look, I want to talk about her, I'm an interested party.

- We'll talk about it in the morning. - We'll talk about it now!

I must have been mad letting you get away with it all these years,

squandering my money on that cheap slut

and making me a laughing stock in front of my friends!

Nobody knows about it.

Oh not much, they don't.

It's been the hot talking spot of the Guild for months.

I didn't care before, but suddenly, I care very much.

- What do you want me to say, Belle? - You got a plain choice.

Her or me.

Do you always have to dramatize everything?

We've got a pretty good life here.

Except for... this side of it.

"Except"?

Maybe it's all right for you playing footsie all day at the office,

but what about me?

You haven't done so badly.

Let me tell you this though,

you choose her and I'll hound you out of every place you go.

You're a lousy doctor at the best of times.

So, how do you think you're going to make out

when everyone knows you're living with a prostitute.

She's not a prostitute.

Oh, she's worse, she does it for fun!

You shut your filthy mouth!

Well, what do you know?

So the little man's really stuck on the girl.

You can say what you like about me Belle, but Ethel is good and pure,

and such talk about her is an abomination.

She's a cheap two-timing slut.

How dare you talk about cheapness, you blowsy overblown.

Why you disgust her as much as you disgust me.

Oh, so I disgust her, do I?

Oh, no doubt being the little prude that she is,

the thought of you making love to me would shatter her pure little soul, then?

- I'm going to leave you, Belle. - Ah, now we're getting at it.

That fragile little dream of yours would shatter pretty damn quick

if I told her that you'd been coming to my room once a week

for the past three years, wouldn't it?

I'm going to leave you.

Pretending that she's the only one your lily-white body's touched.

Boy, am I going to enjoy this.

- Belle, if you tell her, I'll-- - You'll what?

You can't pretend it's flattering, but at least it's funny.

Oh no, you're not going to leave me,

or I'll go down to that office so damn quick, you won't see me for a damn smoke.

And what I'll tell her will put the kybosh on your buttercups and daisies romance

tout de suite!

Now I can promise you that!

I happen to love Ethel.

Very deeply and sincerely, Belle.

And she loves me.

I never realised it would ever happen to me, but it has

and I'm not going to let anything endanger it.

Oh, that's up to you, sport.

You keep me happy and I'll forget about your skinny little friend.

- Wouldn't you divorce me? - No, I would not.

- You threatened to often enough. - Yes, well, that was then. Now's now.

What do you want me to do, Belle?

On a start, you can move back in here, and for always.

No more separate rooms.

I'm not very attractive, but you're my husband, and you're gonna lie beside me.

I'm not going to be made a fool of.

Very well.

I'd... better go downstairs and lock up.

Yes, you do that...

But don't be too long, lover boy.

And get me some tea.

All right.

What are you doing?

- Just coming! - Well, hurry up!

Oh, you took your time.

The kettle wouldn't boil.

Three, isn't it?

Yes.

Was there a quarrel of any sort that you saw or heard during that evening?

Not that I saw. No.

Did Mrs. Crippen seem in good health?

Oh, yes. She was quite her usual self.

Full of good humour, you mean?

Quite remarkably so.

Did she seem fond of Dr. Crippen?

Devoted, she was a very good and loyal wife.

What time did you leave that evening?

About half past one.

Did you see Mrs. Crippen again?

No.

But later, Dr. Crippen told you something about her.

He said that Belle had suddenly been called to America

to visit a sick relative.

And this surprised you?

Oh, very much so.

Now, do you recall anything he told you on March 23rd?

That was the Wednesday before Easter.

Yes, he said that he'd had a cable from Belle

and she'd been taken dangerously ill.

He expected to hear any moment that she'd gone.

Did you hear from him subsequent to that?

Yes, I had a telegram the next morning, saying

"Belle died yesterday at six o'clock. Peter."

Peter? That was the name by which you knew him?

Yes.

Now I want to ask you about an occasion

in 1908, when you were in Mrs. Crippen's room while she was undressing,

Did you see anything remarkable in her appearance?

Yes, she...

she was naked under her housecoat,

and went it fell open, I saw that she had a scar.

Here.

Did you speak about it?

Yes.

I said: "Belle, does that hurt?"

But she just smiled and said it didn't.

Now, Mrs. Arditti,

I ask you to cast your mind back to the evening of February 20th this year.

Did anything of interest occur on that date?

Oh, yes. We had our annual ball for the Guild Benevolent Fund.

- Was Dr. Crippen there? - Yes. With Miss Le Neve.

Was any comment made about them?

A lady came up and after she'd spoken to me, I looked at Miss Le Neve

and saw that she was wearing a brooch.

Did it remind you of one that you'd seen someone else wear?

Well, it was very like one worn by Mrs. Crippen.

Did Mrs. Crippen also wear furs?

She had two sets of furs.

After Mrs. Crippen's disappearance,

did you see anyone else wearing a set like hers?

Yes. Miss Le Neve.

No more questions, my lord.

How long did you know Dr. and Mrs. Crippen?

About 18 months.

Would you say that Dr. Crippen was a kind hearted man, so far as you would see?

So far as I could see... Yes.

Taking the party on Monday January 21st,

it was a happy party, you said, a pleasant party?

Terrific.

You did not notice anything unusual in Dr. Crippen's manner on that evening?

- Not really. - Did you, or didn't you?

No.

He was happy? Talking and all that kind of things?

Well...

he had a slight difference with Mrs. Crippen about something.

Apart from that, he was his usual self.

What caused this difference?

Belle thought he should have escorted my husband upstairs.

What was Dr. Crippen's reaction to that?

He didn't say very much at all.

- It didn't provoke him to anger? - No.

He was always very calm and controlled.

Now, taking the ball on February 20th,

you rather pressed him to attend, did you not?

I asked him if he wanted to go

and I told him the tickets were half of a guinea each.

That was a place where he knew if he took Miss Le Neve,

they would meet a great many of Mrs. Crippen's friends.

I suppose so.

And that piece of jewellery you mentioned

was worn openly on the bodice of her dress?

Yes.

Did he not seem in any way uneasy in the presence of his wife's friends?

Quite the reverse.

He seemed very proud of Miss Le Neve.

Showing her off.

Just a moment, Chief Inspector.

You say Mrs. Arditti came to see you at Scotland Yard on the 30th June?

Yes, my lord.

This was the first time you'd heard of the Crippen?

Yes, my lord.

Did Mrs. Arditti explain why she had come to see you?

She made a statement in consequence of which I made enquiries

between that date and the 8th July,

with reference to the disappearance of Mrs. Crippen.

And on July 8th, did you visit a certain address?

I went with Sergeant Mitchell

to number 39 Hilldrop Crescent, where I saw Miss Le Neve.

I had a conversation with her and then went with her to Albion House

where I saw the prisoner, Crippen.

Later that day, towards evening,

I went with Crippen and Miss Le Neve back to number 39 Hilldrop Crescent.

Did you have an opportunity of examining the house?

Yes, he showed me into every room and also around the garden.

I said to him:

"Of course, we shall have to find Mrs. Crippen to clear this matter up."

And he said: "Yes, I will do everything I can."

"Would an advertisement be any good?"

And together, we composed an advertisement in Crippen's hand-writing,

asking information about his wife, Belle Elmore.

What was done with that advertisement?

It remained with Crippen that night,

when Sergeant Mitchell and I left the house.

I'll send to the American papers tomorrow, Mr. Dew.

I wouldn't waste any time, Doctor.

This could be a serious matter for you.

But, surely there's no implication of her...

I mean, my wife made her intentions very plain to me.

Maybe so.

But a complaint has been made to the police,

so we've obviously got to trace the lady to complete our enquiries.

But you must admit that I'm not responsible for my wife's movements.

In the normal way, of course not.

But look at the facts here as we know them.

When you admit yourself you're not on normal terms with her,

she had many friends but she disappeared without contacting any of them.

Instead of telling the truth about her departure,

you invent a cock and bull story about a mysterious death abroad.

At the same time, you move another lady into the house,

and deck her in your wife's jewels and clothes.

As I bought them, I rather fancied they belonged to me.

Possibly. I'm just point out how the matter might appear.

Then you suspect me of something?

I didn't say that.

I'm just pointing out that with these elements in the case,

we can't be satisfied until we discover where your wife is.

I understand, Inspector. I'll see the advertisement goes in tomorrow.

I think that would be the wise thing, sir.

Goodnight.

- Goodnight, sir. - Goodnight.

You don't really suspect anything, do you Guv?

No.

Why put the frighteners on him, then?

What d'you expect me? To give him a medal?

At best, he's behaved like a damn fool and involved us in a lot of routine work

which won't lead anywhere.

That Le Neve's not a bad little filly though, I wonder.

Can you see a rabbit like that polishing off his wife,

or anybody else, for that matter?

Besides, you've seen him all day.

Nobody could be that calm if he really had anything to hide.

Here. Didn't get his signature on the carbon copy.

Oh, nip round and get it on Monday.

I've had enough of those cod-fish eyes for one day.

You're definitely going to drop it, then?

When you've tied up the paper work, we're going to file Dr. Crippen and forget him.

Where d'you reckon the wife is, then?

Well, you saw the picture, didn't you?

Healthy looking cow if ever I saw one.

Oh, she's off with some young buck from the theatre, if you ask me.

Frankly, I don't blame her.

Crippen doesn't look as if he ever had an emotion in his life.

- Oh. Hawley, you've frightened me. - What are you doing down here?

I'm just getting some coal for the parlour.

I don't want you to do that.

Well, I just thought that--

You know I don't like you doing heavy work.

Besides, the dust ruins your hands.

The way you treat me, you'd think I was too precious to do any kind of work.

You are, to me.

Here, you go on upstairs and I'll bring the bucket.

Right, darling, but there's no need to treat me like a China doll.

I like to.

Who is it?

Darling, what's the matter?

I... just couldn't sleep.

No... It's more than that...

It's something to do with the police, isn't it?

Yes. I think I've done some harm to Belle.

But that's ridiculous.

She's with that man, Martin.

I know, but how can I prove it?

- Well, she'll see your advertisement. - You don't know Belle.

She hates me.

She'll realise what it means

and deliberately not answer it, just to get me into trouble.

We'll find her.

We'll get someone in America to go and see her. That'll convince the police.

No, it's no use. By that time they will have arrested me.

They can't arrest you for nothing.

They can hold me while they look for Belle.

Even if they do it, it can only be for a short time

until they discover the truth.

I'm a doctor. The scandal would ruin me.

You sure there's nothing else worrying you?

You don't know what lengths she'll go to to hurt me and to get her own back.

Why, she didn't disappear in America

if she thought she could get me into worse trouble.

What do you want to do, Hawley?

I want to leave here.

I want to take you with me.

You know I'd go anywhere with you.

We'll go tomorrow.

- Where to? - The continent first, and then the States.

Oh, it's marvellous.

First thing in the morning, I'll go and say goodbye to Mrs. Jackson.

No.

If we're going to go, let's just walk out and sever all ties.

All right.

If you think so.

I know you think I'm overdoing it, but I don't trust these police.

The sooner we're on our way, and with the least fuss, the better.

What a lucky thing I bought a grey dress last week. I can travel in that.

Oh, and I think I'd wear that flame hat.

If we're going to go like this, we don't want to leave any trails behind us.

A middle-aged man and... a young girl

will be sign-posted wherever they go.

You want to travel separately?

No, but I think we should disguise ourselves

until we're clear away from England.

That way, even if the police...

or Belle do try to find us, they won't be able to.

What a wonderful father Mr. Robinson is. He never leaves his son's side.

The boy seems to look a bit effeminate to me.

Ah, let's seat over there, Tom.

What can I get you, sir?

Er...

oh, thank you. My son will have a glass of milk and I'll take a sherry.

Very good, sir.

Why can't I have something more interesting than milk?

Because you're only a little boy.

I always forget to put the handkerchief in these wretched pockets.

- Here, have mine. - No thank you, darling.

I want to go back to the cabin anyway.

- Don't be long. - Yes.

Hello, Mr. Robinson.

Mr. Robinson?

Oh, I'm sorry, Captain, I didn't hear you.

I hope you're enjoying your trip.

Oh, yes, thank you very much. I must congratulate you on the ship.

She's most comfortable.

Do you mind if I join you?

No, please.

Please.

- May I offer you some refreshment? - No, thank you very much.

I was just wondering whether you and your son

would join my table again for dinner, tonight.

That's most cordial of you.

Good looking boy, your son. We're all quite taken with him.

Yes, he's always very popular.

Enjoying himself at sea, do you think?

Oh, yes indeed... Now that it's calm.

He wasn't too happy the first few days out from Antwerp, but neither was I.

He seems to have got his sea-legs now all right.

We ought to recruit him for the Line.

The lady passengers always like having a handsome young cadet about the place.

Yes, I expect they do.

As a matter of fact, I've got a son just about his age

that I've been trying to press-gang aboard, but he won't have it.

He's absolutely crazy about motor-cars and won't hear of anything else.

Has your boy made up his mind what he wants to be yet?

No. Not exactly, but...

there's still plenty of time.

I expect you'll want to take him into the family business, like most fathers.

- Engineering, isn't it? - Er, yes, in that line, anyway.

Oh, Tom, the Captain here has been telling me about his son.

Are you found of games, young Tom?

I quite enjoy them.

Some of the young gentlemen aboard make up a game of deck hockey before breakfast.

Just shorts and a singlet. Why don't you join them?

Well, actually, Tom hasn't been feeling too well lately,

that's really why I brought him on this trip.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Thought he looked a bit pale.

Well. See you this evening, then.

Yes, thank you. We're most obliged to you.

Do we really have to eat with him?

Yes, I'm afraid so. It's quite an honour.

Wish we didn't.

I know...

but we... we've got to keep up some appearances.

Andrews, make this the London office.

Yes, sir.

"Further to my message, convinced beyond doubt,

Crippen and Le Neve aboard, travelling disguised as father and son, stop."

"Believe they quite unaware of my suspicion, stop."

"Will keep them under constant surveillance, stop."

"Please, advise."

- You sure it's them, sir? - Convinced.

How did you get on to them?

The English papers I saw in Antwerp

had their photographs spread all over the front pages.

Poor devils, thinking they'd got away with it.

I don't know how they hoped to get away with it disguised as father and son.

She's got a very feminine figure for a boy of 16,

and he can't keep his hands off her, even in public.

Hawley, we must be more careful. We'll be seen.

I feel so happy. I... I don't really care.

Are you pleased to be going home, darling?

Yes, of course, but...

I've been away from America for so long

that I'm beginning to feel like an English gentleman.

You could never be that, not the way you behave.

Hawley,

you don't think Belle could ever find us?

I mean, if she ever tired of that Martin man.

America's a very big place, my darling.

We'll find somewhere and...

start a new life together.

Sir.

Thank you.

A Scotland Yard inspector will be coming aboard with the pilot.

You'll meet him and take him to Robinson's cabin, and for heaven's sake, be discreet.

Aye, aye, sir.

Hawley, I love you.

I love you so much.

I love you.

The engines have stopped.

Oh.

There's a cutter coming alongside.

Must be the Canadian pilot.

Only a few more hours, now.

Where are we going to go after we land?

I thought maybe out west somewhere, in Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Six months ago I'd made up my mind there was no future for us at all.

So the best I could hope was seeing you once a week in that dreadful hotel.

- I thought you liked it. - Oh, made me vomit.

All those people looking at us, knowing and sneering.

Oh, my poor darling.

It won't be long now, anyway.

How long do you think it takes for my hair to grow?

Three weeks, I expect.

Thank you.

For what?

For being Ethel.

For giving me the only real happiness I've ever had.

Come in.

Excuse me, sir. Someone would like to have a word with you.

I think you know who I am, Doctor.

Would you come along with me now, sir?

Whatever happens now, darling,

always remember that I loved you with all my soul.

All right, sir. Come along.

Better come along with me.

Prisoners up.

Gentlemen, have you agreed upon your verdict?

We have.

Do you find the prisoner Crippen guilty or not guilty of wilful murder?

We find the prisoner guilty.

You find the prisoner guilty?

- And that is the verdict of you all? - It is.

You find the prisoner Le Neve guilty, or not guilty

of being an accessory after the fact in murder.

Not guilty.

You find the prisoner not guilty, and that is the verdict of you all?

It is.

Ethel Le Neve, you are discharged.

No!

They're all lying!

She's alive, I tell you! She's alive!

He didn't do it! He didn't do it!

She's alive, I tell you! She's alive!

No!

Prisoner at the bar.

You stand convicted of murder.

Have you anything to say why the Court should not give you a judgment of death

according to law?

Only that I am innocent...

of murder.

Hawley Harvey Crippen,

you have been convicted on evidence of a ghastly and wicked crime.

I have now to pass upon you the sentence of the Court,

which is, that you shall be taken to a lawful prison

and from thence to a place of execution,

and there, be hanged by the neck until you are dead.

It's, twenty-five past seven, Doctor.

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Harding.

Is there anything I can get you, sir?

Like to wash, I think.

Mrs. Crippen always used to say that if cleanliness was next to Godliness,

I'd die and archbishop.

She was wrong, wasn't she?

Is there anything else you'd like, sir?

No, I don't think so.

Thank you, Mr. Harding,

except...

In case I don't get the chance to say it later, I...

I'm very grateful to you and your colleagues

for your kindness and courtesy during these past weeks.

It can't have been a very pleasant assignment.

I'm...

I'm really terribly sorry, Doctor.

Well, none of us here can understand.

All right, Harding. You may wait outside.

No, it's all right.

Very good, sir.

Miss Le Neve sent you this telegram.

I'm sorry that regulations forced me to open it.

Thank you.

Very much obliged to you for letting me read it, governor.

Is there anything that I can do for you?

Yes.

I would like her...

letters and photographs buried with me, if that's possible.

I'll see to that myself.

If only I could be sure that they'll give her a chance.

I can arrange to visit her myself from time to time if that would be a help.

Oh, yes please.

If only you could persuade her

that she must make an entirely new life for herself.

Take a different name

and never, never let anybody know who she really is.

- Of course. - You'll like her, Governor.

She's... She's simple and real, and direct, and honest.

The papers tried to make her out to be some sort of scarlet woman, but...

the jury weren't fooled.

They could tell what she was just by looking at her.

You know, Crippen, I've never met anyone

who struck me as being less likely to commit murder than yourself,

whatever the pressures.

But I didn't murder her.

But you still protest your innocence.

I killed her, all right, but that was an accident.

Why in heaven's name didn't you say so at the trial, or at the appeal?

Is what I say to you treated as confidential?

Absolutely, I give you my word.

Well, I'd like somebody to know the truth.

You see...

Belle and I had been growing apart

long before I met Ethel.

She wasn't a bad woman, really, but coarse and dirty.

Love, to her, was a matter of appetite, whereas...

to me, it...

Well, I found what I wanted in Ethel.

So I planned to get Belle regular sedatives

to calm her down.

I remember thinking, the night she died,

we'd had a particularly dreadful quarrel, she was drunk.

I remember thinking then,

that I...

I would've liked to kill her.

So...

I'm not entirely innocent.

The thought was there.

They said they'd found half a grain of hyoscine in the body.

I'm still puzzling over that.

I could've sworn I hadn't given her more than the regular sedative dose.

Anyway, she died.

Then, I panicked. I realised there'd be an inquest

and I didn't think they'd believe me because of my relationship with Ethel,

So I made up that story about Belle going off with another man.

But, when they arrested you, why didn't you tell the truth, then?

Well, by that time, there was such a hullabaloo.

I was a monster

worse than Jack the Ripper if you could believe the newspapers.

I didn't think they'd acquit me anyway, not after what I had done to...

hide the remains.

So, as my life was lost,

the most important thing

was to keep alive the thing I treasured more than anything else in the world:

Ethel's love and...

her belief in me.

She...

still doesn't think I had anything to do with that body.

She thinks Belle is alive somewhere,

laughing.

She's a very simple,

lovely girl.

I couldn't have borne it if she'd turned against me too.

I'll do anything I can to see she gets a chance of a new life.

You won't mention any of this to her?

Nothing that you wouldn't want her to hear.

It's ten minutes to eight, sir.

Goodbye, then.

Goodbye, sir.

Doctor?

Sir?

It's time.

I was just thinking...

Mr. Harding,

in a few minutes, it'll all be over for me,

but for her...

it'll go on for the rest of her life.