Original subtitles

Good evening.

I’ve been talked into making a high dive for publicity.

I was told it would be excellent for the show.

I’m not certain what it will do for me.

I was promised that there would be someone to demonstrate

how easy the dive is.

Actually, it’s not the dive I’m worried about.

It’s the landing.

Jumping from the high-diving board into a small tub of water

is exactly like presenting a play on television.

You may have a big hit. Then again, you may miss.

But in either event, you make a big splash.

While we’re waiting for our friend to land,

let’s put the time to good use.

[hammering]

All right, please.

This coroner’s board of Kale County is now in session.

The clerk will please enter the opening data.

Convening board is now in session

to determine death causes and circumstances of the deceased.

[man] If only suddenly I could feel the wonderful relief of knowing

that this courtroom and everything that’s happened is a dream.

A hideous nightmare.

But it’s not a dream. I am here.

I am a murderer.

Even if I don’t know how it happened or where it all began.

Unless it was that day.

The first time I’d gone away without her.

Is this supposed to be packed? Oh, darling, you really are hopeless.

It’s my artistic temperament.

Remember how mad that expression used to make Dad?

Humor was never one of your father’s strong points,

and I’m very much afraid your sister Alice takes after him.

You’re not much looking forward to going to Alice’s, are you?

Well, let’s say I was looking forward to going to Vermont with you,

but being a dutiful grandmamma, I go instead to nurse my ailing grandchildren.

Or perhaps I should say, to amuse the ones who aren’t ill.

You and Dietrich are the only two women in the world

who’ve managed to turn being a grandmother into an asset.

-It’s an asset I could cheerfully do without. -Go on,

you love it. You know you do.

Oh, I love everyone’s reaction to it,

that’s true, but...

of course, you understand the first time

anyone accepts it without surprise

will be the last time I announce it.

-Of course. -Have we time for a farewell drink before you go?

There’s always time for a drink, Mother.

I even have some ice left from last night.

You know, it was really a very good idea of mine

to turn this part of the house into a private apartment for you.

One of your best.

Now I have all the privileges of living alone

with none of the drawbacks, like having to pay rent and eating out.

If the truth were known, I think that’s the real reason you keep on living here--

because Jane is such a good cook.

Not at all. I’m a dutiful son.

-And I don’t want to leave you alone in your old age. -Oh, please!

You make me feel like Whistler’s Mother.

Except you’d be alone a quick five minutes, and you know it.

Flattery will get you anything.

Cheers, darling.

Have a lovely time.

And I’ll get there just as soon as I can.

[man] I think it was the second day I met Lotte,

or the third, it doesn’t matter.

What matters is that I did meet her.

And in a way, I guess that’s the answer as far as where it began.

It was right there.

That minute.

Good morning. May I help you?

-Yes, I’d like some color film, if you have it. -Right over here.

How many would you like?

Oh, three or four.

Here you are.

Thank you.

-A beautiful camera. -Yes, it is, isn’t it?

-Are you a photographer? -Oh, no. No, I just fool around.

People who just fool around don’t have cameras like this.

-It’s a present from my mother. -Oh.

Well, there are lovely places around here to photograph.

We have some slides, too.

Oh, but you’d probably rather take your own pictures.

-Oh, no, no. May I see some of your slides? -Of course.

Oh. Here. This is my favorite place.

Isn’t it beautiful?

Yes, it certainly is.

-Is it far from here? -No.

It’s quite near.

I’ll be glad to show it to you sometime.

I go there often.

Why, that would be very nice of you.

If I’d known that first night we went to the waterfall,

what was eventually going to happen...

But how could I?

How could any average, normal person think of murder

in connection with themselves?

It’s not exactly what I’d call a short walk.

But I knew you could do it, and you see I was right.

Yes. Yes, I do...

pamper this leg of mine a little too much.

What happened? Does it bother you to talk about it?

Oh, no. No, no, not particularly.

I had polio when I was 18. It’s been like this ever since.

My mother says I was lucky I got off lightly.

-You certainly were right. This is a beautiful spot. -I’m glad you like it.

I sometimes wonder why I love it so much.

I suppose it’s because it’s such a contrast

to so many things I’ve known for so long.

I’m not sure I understand what you mean.

Well, here it’s so beautiful.

And there was very little beauty in Germany during the war or even after it.

You were there during the war?

Yes, and for a long time after,

trying to save up enough money to get here.

What about your family? Couldn’t they help?

My mother died when I was very young.

And my father was killed during a bombing.

Oh...

I’m sorry.

He was glad to die.

When the war started, we lost everything.

My father always had money and position.

He just couldn’t cope without them.

Yes, I can imagine it’s pretty hard to accept.

I don’t know, I suppose it is.

But it can be rewarding, too.

Every time you pull yourself up a step, you can say I did this by myself,

with no help from anyone. It’s satisfying.

Yes.

You must have been quite young when all this happened.

I was 15 and very childish in spite of everything.

I thought it was going to be better afterwards.

Instead it was worse, much worse.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to talk so much about myself.

I think it must be this place.

Yes, it does have a kind of enchantment, doesn’t it?

Even for you?

I would have thought beautiful places were not unusual in your life.

Well, I’ve been pretty lucky.

When my father died, he left us fairly well off.

That must be a very comforting feeling.

[chuckles] Yes, it is.

Say, speaking of family, my mother’s coming down here to join me soon.

-I want you to meet her. You’ll like her. -I’m sure I will.

Everyone does. She’s very young and gay and pretty.

-Say, I’d better be going. -But why? It’s still early.

I know, but I’m expecting a call about 9:00.

-A long-distance call? -Yes, my mother. She always calls at 9:00.

Maybe it was because we saw so much of each other

that it happened so quickly.

Or maybe it was something in Lotte. She was so sure.

Sure enough for both of us.

[slow jazz music playing]

-I just don’t dance, Lotte. -But you can try.

I haven’t danced since I was 17.

It makes no difference.

Dancing is something you don’t forget

no matter how long it is.

-Well, I’ve forgotten. -Then I’ll show you.

It’s very easy.

Not for me, not with this leg.

Oh, forget your leg.

-You think too much about it. -Lotte, the dining room’s closed.

They’re not going to like our being in here.

But we are doing no harm. Come on, please?

Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

You see? I knew you could do it.

John, what were you trying to say to me a few minutes ago?

Well...

Were you trying to ask me to marry you?

-Yes, I guess I was. -You guess?

I mean I was.

I just didn’t do it very well. I haven’t had much practice.

It’s the first time I ever proposed to anyone.

-Is it? -Mm-hm.

But surely you must have been in love before.

No.

I don’t think I ever was. Not like-- like this.

I guess I was too satisfied and...

comfortable with my life to ever fall in love.

Johnny, will your mother be pleased?

Of course.

Why of course? You know, Many mothers wouldn’t.

Claire’s different. I told her about--

-Good heavens! We’ve got to get back. -But why?

It’s past 11:00. I’ve missed Claire’s call again.

-Oh, but Johnny... -I mean she’ll worry, you know--

[Claire] Hello, darling!

Claire!

Claire, darling!

Oh, the children were so much better.

-I thought I’d surprise you. -And you have,

and what a wonderful surprise!

Oh, my dear, it’s so good to see you.

I want to hear about everything you’ve been doing.

Oh, darling!

And I’m--

I’m so looking forward to meeting your friend, Lotte.

Oh, Darling, I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be here with you at last.

Wonderful to have you, Mother.

The only thing is you’re looking a bit tired.

I hope you’ve been getting some rest.

Well, I don’t know how I look, but I feel great.

I’ve been having a wonderful time.

I’m so glad.

I’ll have to thank Miss Rank personally

for keeping you amused until I got here.

She’s done more than that, Mother.

She’s an extraordinary girl.

I’m sure she is.

She even got me over that phobia I had about dancing.

But, darling, that’s wonderful.

It’s years since I’ve danced myself.

I was always afraid if I did, it would remind you that you couldn’t.

That’s so typical of you. Have you ever put yourself first in your whole life?

Oh, don’t be silly, dear. I always do.

-I’m a selfish old woman, and you know it. -Of course I do.

Still, I’m very anxious for you to meet her.

But no more than I.

You understood why I didn’t want to last night after the trip.

-I was so exhausted and I looked so ghastly. -Of course I did.

I thought we might have tea together this afternoon.

Oh! Tea’s a lovely idea, but...

you know, I really would like to know a little more about her.

You’ve hardly told me anything other than that she’s wonderful, extraordinary...

I’d rather not.

I-I’d rather you met her and got to know her

without being influenced by my opinion.

Good heavens. Don’t tell me she has a lurid past.

Oh, no, no. Just a sad one.

Oh, dear, what a pity.

-It’s always been my ambition to meet someone with a lurid past. -[laughs]

-More coffee, dear? -No, thank you.

I’ll go down to the station and pick up the rest of your luggage.

You’re sure you don’t mind? They said they’d send someone for it this afternoon.

Don’t be silly. I know how much you want to get settled.

I’ll be back in about an hour.

Darling, get someone at the station to help you with that large one, will you?

-It’s frightfully heavy. -I’ll manage.

Don’t worry about it, Mother.

[John] I never did find out how Claire

discovered Lotte worked in the gift shop,

but she did, and later, much later, Lotte told me what happened

when she came into the shop that morning.

[door opens]

Good morning. May I help you?

Well, I’m not quite sure. I’m--

I’m looking for a rather special gift for someone.

-A man or a woman? -A man.

Well, we have some very lovely things here.

Maybe some cuff links.

Hmm... they’re just a bit gaudy, don’t you think?

Possibly, but I...

Well, perhaps I’m too conservative, but they are for me.

Maybe something else, then.

You have an interesting accent.

Have you been here long? I-In this country, I mean?

No, not very.

Oh, so, you’re not a citizen?

Well, it takes a long time.

Oh, well, what does it matter?

A pretty girl like you will get married, and...

that will take care of everything, won’t it?

I believe that’s the law.

My dear, I’m sure you know it is.

That’s the way most European girls manage it,

don’t they?

Possibly, but then I’m not most European girls.

If you see anything you like, I’d be very happy to show it to you.

No, I don’t think so.

I can’t imagine who does the buying for these places.

They must have no taste whatsoever.

Forgive me for taking up your time.

-Good morning. -Good morning.

Oh, darling, there’s no need to be nervous.

I know, it’s silly of me, isn’t it?

I’m just so anxious for you to like each other.

Well, I can’t speak for Miss Rank, but as far as I’m concerned,

I’d like anyone who was kind to you.

I know you would, Mother.

Oh, here she comes now.

-Good heavens, why didn’t you tell me? -Tell you what?

Well, she’s the girl from the gift shop.

-[Lotte] Hello, Johnny. -Hi, Lotte.

Lotte, this is my mother.

How do you do?

How do you do?

Do sit down, my dear.

Whatever must you think of me?

Why, I had no idea this morning

that you were the young lady that I’ve heard so much about.

Oh, that’s all right.

I don’t know what either of you is talking about.

I went into the gift shop this morning.

Oh, just think, if we’d only known

we could have had a lovely chat without John interrupting.

Go ahead and chat. I promise not to say a word.

Oh, darling, I’m only teasing.

Tea, Miss Rank, or perhaps you’d prefer a drink?

Tea would be fine, thank you.

-Plain. -There you are.

I can’t tell you, my dear, how grateful I am

for all your kindness to John.

On the contrary, it was he who was kind to me.

Well, whatever.

I know you’ve been having a wonderful time,

and I don’t want either of you to think for one moment

that my being here is going to change anything.

I want you both just to pretend that I’m not here.

-Mother, what kind of nonsense is that? -I mean it, dear.

-I’m perfectly capable of amusing myself. -But that’s not the point.

Well, of course it is.

Why should you drag me around with you everywhere you go?

Don’t you agree, Miss Rank?

Will you excuse me?

-Must you go so soon? -Yes.

It was nice meeting you.

-Thank you for the tea. -But, Lotte...

I really must go.

Did I say something to offend her?

No. No, no, of course not.

I just don’t understand.

Oh, well, I expect it’s only natural for her to resent me.

But why on earth should she?

Women sometimes do resent mothers of eligible young men.

But that’s nonsense.

[chuckles] Is it?

Oh, well. Don’t worry, darling.

I’m sure when she realizes

that I don’t intend to make a nuisance of myself, she’ll feel differently.

Now, you take her to some lovely place for dinner tonight.

But I wanted the three of us to have dinner tonight.

No. No, I’ll have dinner here by myself.

But I don’t want you eating by yourself.

Especially not your first night here.

Darling, I’ve been alone before and I shall be again.

I’m quite capable of coping with the problem.

We can’t avoid the subject all evening, Lotte.

I don’t suppose we can.

-You don’t like my mother, do you? -No.

Why not? What did she do? She was trying to be friendly.

Is that what you think she was trying to be?

How little you know about women, Johnny.

Now, what’s that supposed to mean?

It means that now I understand the situation.

Oh, I’ve wondered about it from the beginning.

The telephone calls every night.

The number of times her name comes into your conversation.

The fact that she joined you here, that you still live with her.

I wondered about all these things,

but it wasn’t until I met her and saw you both together

that I knew there was no chance for me.

But you’re wrong. You just don’t understand.

-Don’t I? -No.

Then, let me ask you something, Johnny.

You spoke about family money.

Isn’t it true that it’s your mother’s money which she shares with you?

My father left it to both of us.

So, it’s in her name, but when she dies, it’ll all come to me.

When she dies, my dear, is when you’ll be free of her, and not before.

-What kind of a thing is that to say? -It’s the truth.

I’ve seen women like her before. She’ll never let you go.

-Claire’s different. -Is she?

Then what did she say when you told her we were going to be married?

Well...

You didn’t tell her, did you?

No. I thought you could get to know and like each other first.

That’s not possible. You may as well tell her right away, tonight.

Are you able to do that, Johnny?

Of course, I am.

Then there’s no problem.

Tell her.

Oh... it’s been such a lovely, quiet evening.

After three children, being alone has its compensations.

I’m sorry about that, Claire.

Oh, darling, don’t be silly. It’s the way I wanted it.

And don’t look so serious, especially not tonight.

I need a little gaiety after the past two weeks.

-I’ll bet you do. Was it awful? -Oh, no. Not really.

But I imagine your dear brother-in-law was very happy to see the last of me.

What do you mean?

Scandal, my dear.

I had a gentleman caller.

As a matter of fact, he practically moved in.

You don’t mean that character who lives next door to them?

I do indeed.

[laughing] That’s pretty funny.

I don’t see what’s so funny about it.

He’s not unattractive and he’s certainly dependable.

-And dull. He’d bore you to death in ten minutes. -Five.

Oh, Mother...

It’s all very well to laugh, but I do have my old age to think about.

You’ll be getting married one of these days, and no one likes to be alone.

My getting married doesn’t mean you’ll be left alone.

Oh, darling,

how little you know of women.

Wives don’t share their husbands.

Oh, they don’t say anything about it as a rule, but...

gradually, they manage to see less and less of their mother-in-law.

You can’t blame them. It’s only natural.

Is it?

Well, of course it is.

Oh! But we don’t have to worry about that yet.

You’re a long way from getting married.

Lotte, I don’t know what to do, I just don’t.

-Tell her. -I can’t.

Then you’ve already chosen. Her.

-No. -Yes.

John, I have some vacation time coming to me.

I think I’m going to take it and go away.

-You can’t do that -Yes, I can.

Unless you tell her.

Or better still, why don’t we both tell her?

-I don’t want any scenes, Lotte. -There’s no need for any.

We can make it all very friendly.

We can take a drive.

We can even take her to see the waterfall.

[John] I knew then what Lotte was planning,

even though she didn’t actually say it.

There was no need to go up there.

Unless she was thinking the problem could be solved in another way.

Lotte was so sure that only Claire’s death would set me free.

All evidence and facts have been presented with neither restraint nor malice,

and the ruling of this court is accidental death.

Are you all right, darling?

Yes, Mother, I’m all right.

Can we go home now?

Of course.

A word about our story in a moment.

I’ve just been told that our diver landed,

-but I’m awaiting confirmation. -[splash]

Well, I suppose it’s nice to know he arrived safely.

By the way, in tonight’s story,

the police ultimately found the correct answer to that age-old question,

"Was she pushed, or did she jump?"

Now, for a jump of my own.

[boat horn]

I don’t mind jumping,

but not if they keep moving things.

Until next time, goodnight.