Original subtitles

(dramatic music)

(birds chirping)

(light music)

- [Mr. Carter] Saw Rogers today.

- [Mrs. Carter] Oh, how is he?

- Same as usual.

He'd had a heavy lunch.

- Oh.

I don't know how she puts up with him.

(door thudding)

- Oh, push it, Hurie!

Hm?

- His wife. - Oh, yeah.

- Such a nice woman.

(door thudding)

- Push!

More wine?

How was the bridge? (dramatic music)

- [Mrs. Carter] So, so. (dramatic music)

- [Mr. Carter] You overbid again, I suppose?

- [Mrs. Carter] I lost if that's what you mean.

(laughs) - Well, that's honest of you.

- [Mrs. Carter] What do you mean?

- Must be from playing the partner.

(dramatic music) My partner lost.

- [Mrs. Carter] Oh, I didn't know.

Jemima, was it?

(dramatic music)

(Hurie shrieking) (dramatic music)

(vacuum cleaner roaring)

(dramatic music)

(sobs loudly) (sirens blaring)

- I'd make it just before eight.

That's the civilized time for dinner, isn't it?

And then, got started.

- Maybe.

(dramatic music)

- Get her.

(dramatic music)

- Mrs. Winkel.

- Vinkel.

- Vinkel,

you prepared the meal last night?

- I didn't do it.

I wasn't here.

I stayed with friends. It was my night off.

- [Barnes] Yes, we know that,

but you did prepare the meal before you left?

- Of course.

You think I would let them get hungry?

I stayed with them for 20 years.

- Yes, what was the meal?

- The meal?

Beef, potatoes, croquettes.

He--

Mr. Carter is very fond--

was very fond of croquettes.

They were good people.

Good people.

No harm, no harm,

and that's final!

(plate shatters loudly)

Who would do it?

Who would?

- Now, Mrs. Vinkel--

- You find him.

Whoever he is, you find him.

You hear?

(dramatic music)

- Him,

or her?

- Typing at 60 words a minute,

shorthand 120,

operator switchboard,

fluent French and German.

Ms. Conway, with these qualifications,

you could get a very good permanent job.

- Oh, I prefer to move around, Mr. Robinson.

That is until I find the right--

- Job. One that suits you.

(laughs) - Yes, that's it exactly.

- Do you have a work permit?

- Oh, I am British.

I've been living in the Bahamas helping my father.

He's a hotelier.

That's where I picked up these qualifications,

but now I'm back and, well, I hope to stay.

- I see.

Bahamas, eh?

Probably work with and for Americans

from time to time then?

- Practically the whole time.

- Well, I'm sure we won't have the least difficulty

placing you, Ms. Conway.

London's full of American executives who'd give

their eye teeth for a girl like you.

- I want an English boss.

(Mr. Robinson laughs)

(Ms. Conway laughs) They're less insistent.

More gentlemanly.

- I will start working on it right away,

if you'd like to pop in first thing tomorrow.

- Thank you.

- Oh, by the way,

are you married, Ms. Conway?

- No. No, I'm not.

(Miss Conway whistles)

- Who was that?

- Tracy Conway. She likes Englishmen.

- Me, English.

(dramatic music)

- Hoyt, I don't think I'll be needing you today.,

but you better check with Prue.

- Okay, thank you.

(dramatic music)

- [Doorman] Good day, Mr. Main.

(dramatic music)

- I think that's fabulous.

- Do you think it'll suit me?

It was the last one in the shop.

- Oh, you'll look super in it.

- I think if I left it five minutes later--

(laughs)

- Very nice.

My secretary idling away her time with small talk.

My wife helping her to do it.

- Well, at least I'm punctual. - Hmm?

- You've forgotten.

- Forgotten?

Of course, I haven't forgotten.

Prue, I spent the whole morning with that American tycoon

and found out how he made his first million.

- Oh.

- He was just plain mean.

I'm wanting a drink,

a cup of coffee or anything.

- Oh, I'll get you one right away.

- And, distinctly un-American meanness,

they're usually very hospitable.

(laughs) Forgotten what?

- You have forgotten.

- And, I have been busy.

What has slipped my mind?

- Our anniversary.

- Oh, that.

- Oh, that?

You told me to meet you here eight minutes ago,

and you fail to promise a--

- [Both] Fantastic--

- Lunch, a buying spree, a complete day to ourselves.

Dinner, theater, everything,

and you shall have it.

Let's see.

Friday, next, without fail.

Do you hear that, Prue?

Friday, a day without a single appointment.

Mr. Main is sorry, but he's not available,

as he's falling in love with his wife all over again,

and cannot be disturbed.

(laughs)

- That easy, winning smile of yours.

It's going to get you into

a whole lot of trouble one of these days.

- And, preferably Friday.

(laughs)

- Mm, a whole lot of trouble. (laughs)

- Bye, darling.

How do I prove I know just where to find it?

There we are.

Get me the backup figures on those estimates, will you?

And, hurry.

(dramatic music)

- Theater tickets,

for Friday night,

the show you promised to take your wife to.

- I did?

- You did, and there they are.

- How very thoughtful of you.

- Us girls have to stick together.

Good night, Mr. Main.

- Good night, Prue.

- Good night.

- Oh, good night, miss.

(dramatic music)

(breaks squealing)

(dramatic music)

(doorbell buzzing)

(doorbell buzzing)

- Yes, hello. Who is it?

- Miss Claire?

Miss Pruedence Claire?

- Yes, who is it?

- [Miss Conway] Mr. Main sent me.

- Mr. Main?

Oh, well, you better come up.

It's the second floor on the left.

(door buzzes)

(dramatic music)

- Miss Claire?

- Yes.

Ooh.

Hello.

- My, this is nice. Cute.

- I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.

- Oh, Mr. Main told me to call.

Oh, this is very nice.

Do you live here alone?

- Yes. - Oh, that's good, isn't it?

I mean, these days, rents being what they are.

I mean, most people have to share,

and it's awful sharing anything, don't you think?

I hate sharing.

- I'm lucky.

- Yes, you are. Very.

You work for Mr. Main.

Which is--

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm disturbing you.

I mean, you were just about to have your dinner.

- Oh, nothing special, just cooked tail.

Why did Mr. Main send you-- - Well, go right ahead,

I mean, don't let me stop you.

(giggles)

Do you often eat alone?

- Unless I'm invited out.

- I expect that happens quite a lot, doesn't it?

- Not as often as I'd like.

Have you known Richard--

Mr. Main long?

- All my life, in a sense.

- You know, it's funny,

he must have mentioned you, but I'm sorry,

I still haven't got your--

- He told me to call. He said you might help.

- Help, in what way?

- I want a job.

- Oh.

Oh, well do you type?

- Perfectly. - Shorthand?

- Yes.

- Oh, well, it should be easy then.

They're crying out for girls.

What kind of job did you have in mind?

- Yours.

A similar position.

- Oh, personal secretary.

Oh, well if you're any good,

it shouldn't be so difficult.

Though, I don't understand why he sent you to see me.

I thought one of the agencies might--

- Because, I'm special to him.

- Special? In what way, special?

(dramatic music)

- We're going to be married.

- Married?

- [Miss Conway] So, now trust I'm working for him.

(dramatic music) - Working?

- [Miss Conway] As a secretary.

His personal secretary.

- But, he's already married,

and I'm his secretary.

- Don't spite me.

(dramatic music intensifies)

We're gonna be married, do you understand?

Married. Married. Married.

Don't spite me.

(dramatic music)

(Prue yells) (dramatic music)

(glass shatters loudly) (Prue yells)

(dramatic music)

(Prue shrieking)

(vacuum cleaner roaring)

(phone beeping)

- Morning, Prue.

Come in, would you?

(phone beeps)

Prue?

Prue?

Where's Prue?

- Oh, I'm afraid she hasn't arrived yet, Mr. Main.

- Oh.

- Thank you.

- Well, you better open all the mail

except those marked personal,

leave those for Prue when she comes in.

- Yes, Mr.

- I'm afraid we haven't found

quite the right job for you yet, Miss Conway.

- You see, we think you could

pull down a pretty good salary.

We don't want to throw you away on just anything, do we?

- Oh, well, I do like to work.

I mean, well, isn't there anything I could do around here?

I don't know.

(laughs) The switchboard, maybe?

- [Mr. Robinson] Well, with your qualifications--

- Oh, I wouldn't mind a bit.

(phone beeping)

- Sally?

- [Sally] Yes, Mr. Main?

- Get me Forest's contract file, will you please?

- [Sally] Yes, Mr. Main. - Thank you.

(phone beeping)

Yes, Sally?

- [Sally] Well, where is it, Mr. Main?

- Just call Prue's home, would you? See if she's there.

- [Sally] Yes, Mr. Main. - Thank you.

(phone ringing)

(phone beeping)

Yes, Sally?

- [Sally] Prue's not there, Mr. Main.

- Well, perhaps she's on her way then. Thank you.

- How's it going, Tracy?

- Fine, Mr. Seddon, no problems.

- Oh, I can see that.

We've never had the ball so efficiently run.

- Oh, thank you.

- What are you making?

- My trousseau.

- Oh, didn't realize you were getting married.

When's it gonna be?

- Soon.

Very soon.

- Sally, I asked for Forest's contract file.

This is the general file.

- Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Main.

I thought they were the same.

- Well, they are not the same, Sally.

Do you know where Prue keeps the contracts?

- I think so.

- Good girl.

- Should I?

- Yes, please.

Thank you.

- Are you ready for lunch?

- Oh, sorry, darling.

I'll have to give lunch a miss.

Prue's not here,

and I don't know whether I'm coming or going.

- Is Prue ill?

- No, no, I don't think so.

Sally telephoned her flat earlier. There was no reply.

- And, she hasn't any contact?

- No, no, not a word.

- That's not like Prue.

Such a considerate girl,

she's never leave you high and dry like that.

Don't you think you should take inquiries?

Call the police or something?

- The police?

- Well, she might have been knocked over,

had an accident in her flat, anything.

- I'm putting you through.

Mr. Robinson will speak to you now.

- What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?

Hmm?

(Mr. Seddon yells) (dramatic music)

For Pete's sake!

- Mr. Seddon, I'm so sorry. Please let me--

(dramatic music)

- Sally, keep my direct line switched through, will you?

I'm expecting a call.

- From the police?

- There's nothing to worry about,

they're just checking that nothing's happened to Prue,

(phone ringing) and that's all.

(phone ringing)

Main here.

- Good morning, Mr. Main.

This is a check call from Girlfinders Associates,

the city's biggest supplies

of temporary and specialist staff.

- Look--

- With the vacation season coming up,

we find that many big concerns are grateful to know

that we can supply temporary secretaries or stenographers

at very short notice and at competitive rates.

- Look, will you get off the line?

I'm expecting an important call.

- Oh, we're so sorry to have called at an inconvenient time.

May we check back later?

- Yes, yes, whatever you like. Now, please clear the line.

(exhales loudly)

I've never realized how many people

a secretary keeps out of your hair.

- That's good thinking, Miss Conway.

Kind of thing we need in this organization.

(man whistles) (laughs)

(gasps)

- Hello, Sally, light of my life.

How is my favorite sex symbol, huh?

I've missed you.

- Oh, Mr. Lewis. (cries)

- Hey, hey, what's this, tears?

This won't do. People will start talking.

- It's just that Prue's gone missing,

and Mr. Main's been on to the police,

and nobody's had any lunch,

and I had to go and get sandwiches,

because they can't find her, and--

- Whoa, whoa, pretty Sally, whoa.

I'm sure none of it's as bad as you think it is.

I'll sort it out. Come on, sit down.

Okay?

(Sally sniffles)

Hey, what's all this about Prue?

- Shh! - I see, Sergeant.

So, there's no trace of her being involved in an accident?

No, we've heard nothing from her.

Yes, I think you should. Please do that.

You've got her address.

Thank you.

They're going over to her flat to have a look.

- Oh, good.

At least I hope it's good.

- Would somebody mind telling me where the fire is?

Hello, darling.

There's little Sally outside having a breakdown.

You on the phone to the police.

If this is what happens

when I go away to the birds and the fishes,

especially the birds. (laughs)

- Prue's disappeared.

- Disappeared?

Girls like Prue don't disappear.

- She didn't come in this morning.

There's been no reply from her flat,

and she hasn't been in an accident.

- And, that's why you called the police?

Probably went to a party last night,

and it spilled over into this morning.

- No, I don't think it's that.

I think there's something wrong.

Very wrong.

- No sign of a break in, anyway.

Milk's still here and the papers.

- Where's the bedroom?

- Through there.

- Did you see her come home

last night or leave this morning?

- No.

But, then I wouldn't.

I minister the other end of the building.

- Bed hasn't been slept in, Sarge.

- That settles it, then. She didn't come home last night.

- No, she came in,

was about to eat dinner, left in a hurry.

- That's it. Someone called unexpectedly.

A man took her out to dinner,

went on to his place.

one thing lead to another.

- No, I don't think so.

- Huh.

- Does she often stay out all night?

- No. She isn't like that.

A nice, sensible girl.

- Maybe, still likes a bit of fancy romance all the same.

- Checkbook's still here.

No large withdrawals.

Cash, too.

She hasn't gone for long.

- No break in, no signs of violence.

Nothing taken so far as we can tell.

This looks like one for missing persons.

So lay your fiver, there's a man behind you.

- Treating it as missing person, now, that doesn't mean--

No, no.

No, good.

Yes, please keep me informed. Thank you.

- What did they say?

- She wasn't there,

and they don't seem worried.

I think they agree with Bill.

- No.

No, no, that's not Prue.

(phone ringing)

- Main.

- This is Girlfinders here again, Mr. Main,

just to remind you that should you need any help--

- Yes, I do need help,

if only to keep people like you out of my hair.

Please send a secretary here first thing in the morning,

and after your persistence,

she better be good.

- Time to go, Miss Conway.

All work and no play, you know?

- I've got myself an assignment, Mr. Robinson.

- Hmm?

- Richard Main Enterprises tomorrow.

- Well, we should be sorry to lose you.

- Lucky Mr. Main.

- What's that? (dramatic music)

- Good night.

(dramatic music)

- [Miss Conway] Good night.

(dramatic music)

Good morning, Mr. Main.

I'm Tracy Conway from Girlfinders.

You asked for a secretary?

You'll find the terms and conditions on the card,

and if there are any questions that I can't answer,

you can contact Mr. Robinson.

His number's on the card.

- Yes, well, all of that seems perfectly straightforward.

- [Miss Conway] Brown or white sugar?

- Hmm?

- Or, sweeteners?

- Oh, brown, please.

- The mail on your desk requires your personal attention.

The rest I've kept out in my office.

They're just routine matters

that I can handle personally from the files.

I'll draft out suitable replies for your approval later.

- That's very good of you.

- The rest of the mail on your desk

seemed to be secondary questions of detail,

though there is a small nucleus of things

which I thought you might like to get into today,

and so I've arranged them in order of importance.

- Good, very good.

- I've also checked through your diary,

and I've booked you a table at the Dolphin

for your lunch with Mr. Margalese.

I noticed that it seemed to be

your preferred restaurant for business meetings,

and I've contacted Mr. Margalese's

secretary to remind him.

I'll be ready to take dictation whenever you want.

- That's fine, thank you very much, Miss--

- Conway. Tracy Conway.

- Conway.

Well, I'm sure we're going to get along splendidly.

That'll be all for now.

- You do remember, don't you?

- Hm?

- In the street,

the day before yesterday,

we bumped into each other.

- (laughs) Yes, yes, of course.

- Fate's a strange thing, don't you think?

- They're detectives, Miss Conway.

They're saying Mr. Main's expecting them.

- Mr. Main.

Good morning, sir.

My name's Detective Sargent Quinn,

this is Detective--

- Oh, yes. Any news?

- No, I'm afraid not, sir.

We were hoping you might be able to give us a lead.

- Oh!

- How's the light of my life today? Feeling better?

- Yes, thank you, Mr. Lewis.

- All gone, is it?

- And, who've we got here?

- I'm Mr. Main's new secretary.

- Until Prue gets back.

- Any news of Prue?

I'm Mr. Main's partner. You'll be helping me out, too.

My girl's away for another week.

- I see.

- Is his lordship in?

- Yes, he's got the police with him.

- Well, thank you Sergeant Quinn.

- And, there's just one last thing, sir.

It puzzles us a bit.

- Oh?

- Everybody describes Miss Claire as a sensible,

practical sort of person?

- Well, that's right, she is.

- There was a magazine in her flat.

One of those romance and fantasy things.

It doesn't square with that kind of girl, sir.

- Is it possible that she could've lead

a double life at all, sir?

I mean, sensible and practical in the office,

the castles in the air outside.

- I'd have said it was totally impossible.

- I see. Well, thank you very much, sir.

We'll keep in touch.

- Thank you.

- Good morning.

- Good morning.

- Who's the snow queen?

Seen this alter?

- Snow queen?

- Yeah, outside.

- Oh, that's Miss Conway.

Girlfinders sent her especially for you.

- For me?

- Well, she's just your type, isn't she?

- No, not at all.

- How's that?

- Nevermind. What's the news of Prue?

- Hey, I would've suspected it.

- Suspected what?

- Worried blue eyes.

It's you.

"My chief inspector keeps passing me by without a glance.

Could it be he's forgotten me with promotion coming up?"

- I don't know why I bought it, but I did.

- You should've saved your money,

borrowed one from that girl's place.

- No, that's evidence.

- Evidence of what?

- I'm not sure yet.

(phone beeping)

- [Miss Conway] Yes, Mr. Main.

- Miss Conway, get me my wife, would you?

The number's in Prue's book.

- Yes, Mr. Main.

- [Mr. Main] Thank you.

(phone beeping)

Yes?

- [Miss Conway] There's no reply, Mr. Main.

Shall I try again later?

- Yes, yes if you would. Thank you.

- What's that?

- The weekly stock return. Mr. Main has to sign it.

- I'll take it.

- But, I always get it signed.

- He's busy at the moment.

- Mr. Main says it's never to be held up.

Whatever he's doing, I'm to interrupt him and get it signed.

- Don't spite me.

- It's my job.

- Give it to me.

- I want the overseas file, please.

- Yes, I'll bring it in right away.

And--

Would you sign the stock return?

- Yeah, sure.

There we are.

- That is the way it'll be done in the future.

- Oh, I'm engaged.

- It's time for your appointment.

- Oh, yes, so it is.

Ah.

- And, just in case you're held up,

I've put back your call to New York.

- Very good. I may well be late.

You're an efficient girl.

Looking after me beautifully.

- That's what I like to do.

- Any luck with my wife?

- I've been calling her every five minutes,

but there's still no reply.

- Very efficient.

No other problems, then?

- Well, there is one thing.

Miss Wilson--

- Oh, Sally, what about her?

- Well, you say that I'm efficient.

I am, and I need--

I like efficient people around me.

- (laughs) Well, Sally's bit feather-headed, I know,

but willing and a nice girl.

- Well, I think we could do better.

In fact, I--

- You are going into town. Thought so.

- Where can I drop you?

- The Savoy. Won't be much off your route,

and there's a blonde there that insists on punctuality.

- All right.

- Saves me the chore of parking.

- Now, spare me the explanation--

- Or, hunting for a cab.

- We'll talk about Sally later.

- What about Sally?

- Miss Conway thinks we can do better.

- If there's any thought of getting rid of Sally,

she can come onto my staff right away.

She's a good girl. Leave it alone.

- Come on, that punctual blonde.

- I think perhaps you might

have made a misjudgment, Miss Conway.

(dramatic music)

- Hmm.

Hmm!

Got it!

- Oh, yeah?

- Must have been bothering me

in the back of my mind all this time.

A triple murder in the north about six months ago.

Didn't they find one of these at the scene?

The magazine?

Her romantic magazine.

- What if they did?

- Get the file on it.

(typewriter clicking loudly)

- I don't want any coffee.

- I didn't think you did.

- You must be telepathic.

- That's often the way when two people are deeply--

- Willy turned down the whole scheme,

turned it down flat.

That's months, months of preparation gone to waste.

- Oh, not necessarily.

- Oh, you don't understand.

- A scheme as good as that one,

it has to go to a different buyer, that's all.

It's not the scheme that's aborted,

just today's contact.

- Do you mind if I kiss you?

I'm beginning to wonder what I ever did without you.

Yes, yes, you're right.

All we've got to do is find ourselves a new buyer,

and I know just the man to get the ball rolling again.

Have the sales manager come up here.

- Yes.

- Mark.

Well, where is he?

Yes, get him. Tell him it's urgent. I'll hold.

- I forgot to tell you, there's still no reply.

Your wife--

(laughs) she still isn't home.

Probably had a secret little appointment

she didn't want you to know about.

Women are like that.

- [Janice] Oh, hello, darling. - [Mr. Main] Hello.

- [Janice] Have you heard from Prue?

- No, the police still--

nothing to worry.

- Had a good day?

- Started badly, but got better.

Where were you today?

- Why, nowhere. I've been in all day.

- Well, I phoned you and there was no reply.

- Then, you must have mis-routed.

- But, I phoned several times.

- You must have mis-routed several times.

Perhaps the phone's out of order.

I'll get the dinner.

(dial tone buzzing)

- Hello, Chief Superintendent Barnes,

Sergeant Quinn here, sir.

Sea ID Chelsea.

I don't wanna bother you sir,

but that triple killing on your patch about six months ago.

The magazine that didn't seem to belong to the house.

- Go on.

- [Quinn] Well, we've got a missing girl here, sir.

A magazine in her flat didn't seem to belong to her, either.

- I'll be up on the first train tomorrow morning.

- [Quinn] I don't want to bother you

with such a silly little thing, sir.

- I'll be up on the first train tomorrow.

(laughs)

- Now, that is timing.

How did you know?

- I had reception ring me the moment you hit the front hall.

- Any sugar? Brown sugar,

and there's a list of today's meetings.

- Thank you.

- Sarge. - Hmm?

- There's a big gun in the north that's banned,

you know, Sarge.

- Hmm.

- Suppose we brought him up here on a fool's errand.

- Am I the fool that you lead?

You were right to call me.

It was up to me to make up my own mind.

Now, tell me about the missing girl.

- Yes, well she's--

- On the way to her flat.

(phone beeping)

- [Miss Conway] Yes, Mr. Main?

- Miss Conway, get me my wife, would you?

- There it is, sir.

- Hmm, the stuff some kids read.

- But, not this one.

- So, they say.

- We checked the cupboards, sir, and the drawers.

- Well, you were thorough. I'll say that for you.

Thorough enough for a missing person, that is.

- We didn't exactly ransack the place, sir.

- Can't do that without a cause.

- That's right.

When she comes back and finds

the fuzz have turned over all her things.

- If she comes back.

You did well to call me.

- The way we have it, sir,

she was about to have dinner

when someone came or called for her and took her out.

- Either she was very wasteful, or that's her meat in there.

- Your murderer, sir?

- Killed them at dinner and then cleaned up.

Vacuumed, dusted, wiped--

- To get rid of the prints?

- We did that, yes, but I don't think that was the motive.

No, it was obsessive, a need to be neat, tidy.

Efficient.

- It looks like blood.

- What's happening to that call to my wife, Miss Conway?

- It's still busy, Mr. Main.

- It's been engaged now for 40 minutes.

Who the devil has she been talking to for 40 minutes?

- Here you are.

What's the big crisis?

- There's no crisis, Bill.

Miss Conway's just been trying to get me through to Janice.

She's been engaged, that's all.

- Well, let's try the famous Lewis luck.

(phone ringing)

You must have been mis-dialing.

(phone ringing)

- [Janice] Hello?

Hello, who is that?

Hello?

- Hello, darling. It's me.

I just thought I'd call and see how you were.

- I'm sorry, sir. I missed it the first time.

It was under some clothes on the bed.

- I've never met a girl in all my life

who ran away without her handbag.

Well, that settles it.

I'm making this murder.

Gather this stuff up.

Or, even better, now we find--

(ominous music)

(phone ringing)

- Lewis.

- [Janice] Hello, Bill. It's Janice here.

- Hi, Janice. How are you baby?

- I'm fine, thanks, Bill.

Bill, I'd like a word about Richard.

There's nothing wrong, is there?

With the business, I mean.

Are there any problems?

- [Bill] No, everything's great.

What's this about Richard?

- Oh, well, it's just that he was a bit odd last night,

and I've just had a funny call from him.

He had nothing to say.

It's not like him, Bill.

Well, I just thought there might be

some headache at the office.

- Oh, he's got no headaches here.

Well, none that he knows about anyway.

No, he's probably just worried about Prue.

I'll have a word with him.

- [Janice] All right, thank you, Bill.

Don't tell him I called.

- No, I won't tell him you called.

Nice talking to you, Janice. Bye.

- [Janice] Bye.

(phone clicks)

(phone clicks loudly)

- Mr. Main's out at a meeting.

- Let me know as soon as he gets back.

(phone beeping)

- [Miss Conway] Yes, Mr. Lewis?

- I'd like you to get me--

ah, no, nevermind.

We wouldn't want you to think

we're not absolutely delighted with Miss Conway, we are.

It's just we have a strict rule about references

with all done in such a hurry.

I'm sure you understand.

Oh, just where she was last, usual thing.

Oh, you're very kind.

If you'd ask Mr. Robinson to ring me personally?

Thanks very much. Goodbye.

- Oh, that's for you.

Courtesy of Tottin' Cranes.

Bring your book in, would you?

- Oh, it's adorable. I'll keep it always.

- You shouldn't do that.

It'll probably fall apart in six months

just like their cranes.

- It's the first thing you've ever given me.

It's the way we'll always remember it.

- Huh? - I always knew--

- Dick, can I have a word with you?

- Yes, surely.

- Alone.

- I'll buzz you when we finish, Miss Conway.

Tottin' Cranes, one account nobody wants.

Have a look at their fiscal report.

It's a great temptation.

What's on your mind, Bill?

- Dick, there's something about that girl.

(laughs) - There is, isn't there?

- No, no. I mean there's something odd there.

Something I can't quite nail. I feel it.

- Oh, come on, Bill. She's just not your type.

You said so yourself straight away.

- Yes, well, that's part of it.

An old bird fancier like me,

you get a sense.

No, there was a wrong vibration.

(Mr. Main laughs) A lack of normal response.

- So, any girl that doesn't fancy you is odd, is that it?

- No, there's more to it than that.

This morning, I'm sure she was listening in to my calls.

- You're imagining things.

She hasn't been here five minutes,

bit early for a industrial espionage.

- It's this way, sir. I've been here before.

- Yes?

- I'd like to see Mr. Main, please.

- Bill, I won't hear any more of this.

Miss Conway stepped into a difficult job

at the last possible moment,

and frankly, she's been the epitome of efficient.

- Mr. Main.

- Yes?

- Chief Superintendent Barnes.

- Murdered?

- I'm afraid so, sir. We found her body in her flat.

She'd been stabbed to death.

- What?

- Messy.

- Prue.

Who'd want to kill her?

- Well, the indications are it was someone she knew.

There were no signs of a struggle,

and no break in.

It's a carbon copy of a killing

in my area about six months ago,

a little town in the north, Saltburn.

Same magazine left lying around on both occasions,

Romantic Hot.

Do you know anyone in this office who reads it?

- [Bill] No, I've never even heard of it.

- "After last night, it's quite obvious

it isn't going to work.

Want nothing around to remind me of you,

so returning photos.

Doubt there's some other lucky girl."

- You can't think of anyone in the office

connected with Saltburn in any way?

Sir?

- I suppose somebody could have relatives there,

for all I know.

- Why all this insistence on people in the office?

- Well, it's a long shot, but that place of hers,

you have to press a button

and identify yourself before being admitted.

Could be someone she knew.

Is this her desk?

- Yes. Oh, this is Prue's replacement, Miss Conway.

- It was supposed to be on a temporary basis.

- Do you mind?

- Prue was found dead.

- Murdered.

- They just want to search her desk.

- Have you moved anything?

- No, no, it's exactly as I found it.

Oh, they're mine.

- How well did you know her, sir?

- Well, she worked here.

- Oh, come now. That's not what I'm asking.

Take her out, did you?

- Yeah, once. That's the joke around here.

I get to take all the girls out once.

- [Barnes] And, you took her to the races?

- Oh, yeah. I'd forgotten.

Well, I didn't actually take her.

We were all in a crowd, anyway.

That was more than four years ago.

- [Barnes] And, yet she kept your photograph.

When did you give her this?

- I didn't.

That's the honest truth.

- Oh, look, this is ridiculous.

I wouldn't have thought it of Prue,

but obviously she had some kind of passion going for Bill,

secretly got hold of a photograph.

- But, that just isn't true.

She had nothing for me at all.

I know.

- Then you don't mind if we take

a look around your office, sir?

- No.

(dramatic music)

The bottom one's locked.

The papers are confidential.

- I thought you said no one in the office read this, sir.

- Well, I certainly don't. That's not mine.

I've never even seen it before.

Look, what's going on here?

Just a minute.

That photo, excuse me.

I know where I've seen it before.

Paula.

- Paula?

- Yes, Paula, the air hostess.

It's a girl I've been taking out.

We had a rile about a month ago,

and she sent me a goodbye note and returned some photos.

That photo.

I remember tossing the letter into a drawer.

- But, it isn't there now.

- I'm certain I dropped it in.

- Paula? - Yes.

- You've been in a rile with her?

- Yes. - A violent rile?

- Now, just a moment.

- I'll give you more than a moment, sir.

I'll give you all the time you like down at the station.

- The station? Are you arresting me?

- No, I just want to ask you a few more questions.

- Okay.

- This way, sir.

- Don't worry, Bill.

I'll get ahold of Cranly. He'll get it sorted out.

- If he doesn't, we'll change our attorney.

In fact, we ought to discuss

lots of changes in personnel around here.

- Call Cranly.

Our lawyer, number's in the book.

I ought to call Janice.

(phone ringing)

- Hello?

- Mrs. Main? - [Janice] Yes?

- Oh, hello. This is Tracy Conway, Mr. Main's secretary.

- Oh.

- [Miss Conway] He asked me to call you to let you know

he may well be home late tonight.

- Oh.

(busy signal beeping)

- Now, who the devil is she talking to?

- Yes. Oh, well, thank you.

- Miss Conway.

- I'm sorry, I have to go now.

Yes, I hope we meet again soon.

- Any luck with Cranly?

- I'm afraid another call came through.

- But, don't bother, I'll get him. You try my wife.

You can afford to hang on for an hour or so.

- Have you asked yourself what

I would want with a romance magazine?

- I am asking myself that.

- I mean it was two--

two packs, the magazine, the photo.

- Exactly my conclusion.

- Eh?

- Let me ask you something, sir.

Do you think Mr. Main was having

an affair with is secretary?

- Cranly will call back sooner or later.

- I'd vote for later.

- You're worried about your wife, aren't you?

- Yes, I am.

Janice hates to be alone in the evenings.

I don't blame her.

We bought the house because of its isolation.

- Oh, I bet it's times like this

you realize what a millstone she is.

- Millstone?

A worry, yes. Millstone's a bit harsh.

- Yes, but you are worried about her.

- Yes, I am.

Perhaps if I phone and talk to her.

- Look, I've already thought about that. I'd like to help.

- Help? How?

- Well, there's no point in both of us staying here.

I mean, you're the one who has to see Cranly.

So, why don't I go to your place?

I could get a cab and stay with your wife until you arrived.

- But, she'd know something's wrong.

- No, no, I'd be very neat.

- Neat?

- Discreet.

- You're sure you don't mind?

- It was my idea.

- Well, it would relieve me of one worry.

- Then, consider it done.

I'll take care of her.

The sooner I get there, the sooner you can stop worrying.

- Tracy.

Thanks.

- You don't have to worry about her.

Not ever again.

(eerie music)

- End of a busy day.

- It never ends for some people.

Phone was ringing like wedding bells a while back.

Don't they ever expect us to close?

- Oh, dear. - Huh?

- It was probably Main Enterprises.

- Who?

- One of the directors there made some inquiries.

I promised to call him back.

- Oh.

- You go on. I'll see you in the morning.

- It's past 6:00. - He is a customer,

and the customer is always right.

- Now, now.

- [Janice] Did you have much difficulty finding it?

- [Miss Conway] Oh, no. The cab came straight here.

- Oh, good.

(laughs)

It's very nice of you to come over,

but I just can't think why.

- Well, it was Richard's idea.

He's waiting for an important call,

and, well, he didn't like the idea of you

being stuck out here on your own.

You can call me professional company, I suppose.

(both laughing)

- And, I welcome it, of course, but--

well, it's not quite fair on you, is it?

Oh, do sit down.

I mean, a secretary's duty should finish

at the end of a working day, shouldn't it?

- Oh, I don't mind a bit.

I wanted to see the house, anyway.

Oh, it's so right.

Richard has immaculate taste, don't you think?

(laughs)

- Well, I did have a little say at it too, you know.

Would you like a drink?

- Oh, no, no, thank you.

I don't approve of women drinking.

(both laughing)

But, you go right ahead, please.

- I was going to.

Did you want to put that down?

- No.

I'm sorry, it's an old traveling habit.

I always keep it with me.

My passport, everything that's important to me is in here.

- Mmhmm. - Except Richard, of course.

I can't pop him into my bag, can I?

(Janice laughs hesitantly)

- No, of course.

- It's so right.

May I?

- Well, I was going to wait for Richard,

but if it pleases you.

- It's so romantic.

- Yes, isn't it?

(dramatic music)

(phone ringing)

- Hello?

Who?

No, I'm afraid Mr. Lewis isn't here just now.

Well, yes, I can take a message,

but it would be better if you

would call back in the morning.

- I would be grateful if you did.

He said it was urgent.

I wouldn't like him to feel we'd let him down.

It concerns Miss Conway.

- Miss Conway? But, why would it?

Efficient, yes, you can say that again.

Very satisfied.

Honestly, Mr. Robinson,

couldn't this possibly wait until the morning?

- That's all there is. She's new to us as she is to you.

Yes.

But, I agree, very efficient,

she speaks French and German as well.

I understand that at her last position in Saltburn,

she was highly sought after to--

What?

Waiting another call, I see.

Well, I won't keep you any longer.

That's all the information there is.

- And, I can't think why Mr. Lewis wanted it,

but I'll pass on the message when he comes--

when I next see him.

Thank you, Mr. Robinson, good night.

- Well, that's how it is

when you're married to a successful businessman.

You want him to be successful,

to get to the top of the tree.

The higher he gets, the less you see of him.

You're not married?

- No, not yet.

- Not yet?

Sounds as if you have somebody in mind.

- Oh, I have. Definitely.

- [Mr. Robinson Voiceover] She's new to us as she is to you.

I understand that at her last position in Saltburn--

- Saltburn.

Saltburn!

- [Barnes Voiceover] A carbon copy of a killing

in my area, a little town in the north,

Saltburn. Saltburn. Saltburn.

- Saltburn!

- I get the feeling that you and Richard

are keeping something from me.

What exactly happened at the office today?

(phone ringing) Oh, excuse me.

(dramatic music)

- [Switchboard Operator] Emergency. Which service?

- [Mr. Main] Police.

- I'll tell you what happened at the office today.

(ominous music)

Two people, a man and a woman, found true love at last.

(ominous music)

Richard and me,

(ominous music)

and now nothing can come between them.

(ominous music)

Nothing.

(ominous music)

Nobody.

(ominous music)

- What do you make of that?

- Golden rule, I'd move first, think afterwards.

- It has to be.

It was inevitable from our first meeting.

Fate designed that.

Do you believe in the stars?

- Some.

- Mine always promise me a fateful

meeting with a right man,

and now it's happened.

Well, it's really happened,

not like all those other times.

I had to leave the Bahamas.

Run away.

(laughs) They would've never have understood at all.

He turned me away, spited me.

So, he had to be punished, you see.

Run away to England.

Saltburn.

Nice little town. Do you know it?

- No. - Nice, neat, tidy town.

Well, I thought he was my true love, the man I worked for.

He promised me so many things,

and then he couldn't, you see.

He couldn't because of his wife and his daughter,

and, well, he couldn't leave them, you see,

and he--

they spited me, and so they had to be punished, you see?

- Miss Conway--

- No, don't interrupt me, please.

It's nice to talk sometimes,

to tell.

(laughs)

Kiss and tell, it's what they say, isn't it?

(laughs)

Oh, I was so bitter then, being let down,

but now I see that it was meant,

because Richard, from the moment he smiled at me,

that easy, winning smile,

well, I knew that it had to be him, you see?

But, you're his wife,

and it's an impossible triangle

like the magazines say, you see?

Impossible.

- Tracy.

(ominous music)

Don't spite me.

(ominous music)

(Janice gasps)

(ominous music)

My darling.

(dramatic music)

- Romantic. Very romantic.

(Janice crying)

- Didn't you know that's what I am?

Romantic.

(dramatic music)

Incurable.

(dramatic music)