Original subtitles

(electronic music)

(dramatic music)

(suspenseful music)

- Number four, Mr. Taylor.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(birds squawking)

Yes, Mr. Spencer, we've got a reservation for you.

If you wouldn't mind just registering, sir.

Oh, you can leave your car parked out front.

- I don't have a car.

I walked from the station.

- All right.

We've given you room number four, sir.

Just across there.

Hope you'll be very comfortable.

- Number four.

- That's it.

Oh, can I help you, miss?

- Yes, I'd like a room, please.

- Oh, certainly.

How long for?

- Just the one night.

- All right.

Name?

- Simpson, Helen Simpson.

(suspenseful music)

(knuckle tapping)

- Who is it?

- [Helen] Helen.

- Where are you?

- Room nine, just across the foyer.

- That should be all right.

This will receive up to 400 or 500 yards.

I've put a bug here and one up there.

- I hope it'll be all right, Mike.

- They started auditing the company books today.

Tomorrow they're gonna find out they're

20,000 short, 20,000, Helen!

- You didn't take the money!

- Because you're my sister, I doubt that

your opinion counts!

- Well, what did Burns say?

- I didn't actually speak to Burns.

When I found out the money was gone,

I called him, but he was out.

So I left the good news on his answer phone.

- But I thought he arranged this meeting.

- [Mike] Yes, he did.

His secretary, Janice, whatever her name is,

she called back later and said he wanted to meet me here.

- But why here, Mike?

It's so out of the way!

- Yeah, I was wondering about that too.

- Well, whatever happens in this room,

I shall be a witness to it.

And, what's more, it'll be on tape.

Do you think Burns took the money?

- He could've done.

So could a dozen other people in the company.

I just can't trust anybody anymore!

- Kathy rang just before I left.

She's been trying to get you all day.

She's worried sick, Mike.

- Let me sort this out first, hmm?

- You are supposed to be marrying her, after all!

- All right, I'll call her after I've spoken to Burns.

You better get outta here.

I will call her, later.

Now get back and stay close to that receiver.

- Here you are, Sam.

- Oh, thanks, Petra love.

Here, take over the switchboard for a bit, will ya?

- Okay.

- I wish I could tell you where he was, Miss Nesbitt.

Uh, yes, fine.

But, as you can see, we're in the throes of audit.

Oh, please sit down.

- Oh, thank you.

- And he should be here.

- I phoned his apartment at least a dozen times.

- [Man] Me too.

What about that sister of his?

- I tried her.

She has no idea.

- Well, maybe he got himself tied up with a client.

- Or he could've had an accident.

His car is gone.

- If he'd had an accident, we would've heard.

Now, don't worry.

Mike'll turn up.

I hope very soon, otherwise I'll have

to check out the books with them.

(hand knocking) Come in.

- Mr. Burns, you haven't forgotten

your appointment, have you?

- Oh God, yes, that's right.

Look, I'm sorry, but I have to go out.

- I'm sorry, I don't want to hold you up.

- I'd go home.

He's probably trying to reach you.

Go home and wait for him to call you.

(suspenseful music)

- Number four?

- Yeah, but later.

Go and get yourselves a drink.

- Hello?

- [Petra] Can I help you?

- [Mike] Yeah, this is room four.

I'd like to make a person-to-person call, please,

to a Miss Katherine Nesbitt.

Her number is 0--

- [Petra] I'm sorry, sir, but all outside

lines are out of commission at the moment,

some kind of technical fault at the exchange.

They don't seem to think it's very serious though.

- Oh, could you let me know the minute

the lines are restored?

- [Petra] Certainly, sir.

- Thank you.

- No, no, no, there's nothing to worry about.

Mom, look, everything's okay.

Anyway, it'll all be over tonight.

Just a minute.

Can I help you, miss?

- Yes, I wondered if I could get some room service?

- Oh, sure. - A pot of coffee?

- Yes, of course, miss.

See you next time I'm in London then, bye.

- London?

- Uh, yes.

Milk or cream, miss?

(tense music)

In your coffee?

- Cream, please.

- Terry, coffee with cream for one in number nine, please.

(birds squawking)

- Helen?

I know Burns didn't state a time,

but surely he should be here by now.

Maybe I shouldn't have trusted him after all.

Anyway, I'll give him another couple of hours,

then we'll go back to town and find him.

Just stay there and be patient.

(tense music)

(Mike strangling)

(door closing)

(hand knocking)

- Mike?

Mike?

(suspenseful music)

Mike?

(water running)

(Helen gasps) - Can I help you, miss?

- Yes, I was looking for the man

that had this room.

- This room, miss?

There hasn't been anybody in this room

for some days now.

Matter of fact, I was just cleaning it up

ready for somebody checking in later.

What man did you think had this room then, miss?

- He checked in ahead of me.

(mysterious music)

- Oh, that man, miss.

Oh yes, well, he did come in here,

but only for a minute or two.

He didn't like the view, so I put him elsewhere.

- [Helen] Another room?

Where?

- [Sam] Oh, he checked out some time back,

two or three hours ago.

- [Helen] He checked out?

- Yes, miss, why?

Was he a friend of yours?

- No, no, I never saw him before in my life.

- Taking a big interest in a stranger, aren't you, miss?

- Well, you see, he borrowed some cigarettes

from me, and I ran out.

So I just came in-- - Oh, I see.

Well, that's easy, miss.

Plenty of cigarettes in the machine in the bar.

This way.

- Oh, I just remembered, I have some in the car.

Excuse me.

(dramatic music)

(phone ringing)

- [Operator] Can I help you?

- Operator, I want to make a call to London,

but I don't have any money.

- [Operator] A reverse charge call?

- Yes.

The number is 629-0098.

- [Operator] Can I have your number and your name, please?

- Yes, the number is Minsterley 407,

and my name is Helen Spencer.

And will you please hurry?

(phone ringing)

- Hello?

- [Operator] Is that Miss Kathy Nesbitt?

- Yes.

- [Operator] Will you accept a reverse charge

call from Minsterley?

A Helen Spencer's calling you.

- Certainly I will.

- [Operator] One moment.

Go ahead, caller, please.

- [Helen] Kathy?

- Hello?

Helen!

Where are you?

- In a motel near here.

- Did you find Michael?

- Kathy, I think something's happened!

I don't know what.

(dramatic music)

- Hello?

Helen?

Helen?

Helen?

- [Operator] Are you calling?

- Uh, yes, that collect call,

could you please reconnect us?

We were disconnected, please.

- [Operator] One moment.

- Thank you.

(phone ringing)

- I'm sorry, Kathy, he's in a meeting.

- Uh, Janice, I wonder if you--

Oh, Miss Nesbitt.

- Oh, Mr. Burns, I must talk to you.

I got a call from Helen last night,

and I have a feeling that Michael's

in some sort of trouble.

- Yes, he certainly is.

You better come in.

This is Katherine Nesbitt, a friend of Michael's.

Please sit down.

Inspector Turner, Sergeant Osgood.

- Has something happened to Michael?

- How good a friend?

- Something has happened, hasn't it?

Now, what's wrong?

- When did you last see Mr. Spencer, miss?

- Two days ago, why?

- Have you made any sort of contact with him since then?

- No.

But you know that.

I was here looking for him yesterday.

Now, now, what's going on?

- I'm afraid that Mike is in a lot of trouble.

The company accounts are 20,000 short.

These gentlemen are from the fraud squad.

- Michael is not a thief.

Now, you know him, Mr. Burns.

- Yes, well, I must say I find it hard to believe.

- Oh!

- You just said that you'd spoken to his sister.

She called you.

What did she say?

- We were disconnected.

- [Turner] And before that?

- She said that something had happened,

and then the line just went dead.

- Something had happened.

Something certainly has.

- We've tried her apartment too.

She isn't home, hasn't been home in 24 hours.

- When she phoned you, did she say

where she was phoning from?

(suspicious music)

- No, no, she didn't.

(bell dings)

(bell dings)

- Good morning.

Hey, what do you think you're doing?

Oh.

Well, we're usually checked out

by a local man, once a month.

Local man, he was here last week.

- Oh, this is special.

Michael Spencer and his sister Helen.

Take a good long look.

(tense music)

- Oh, they were never here, either of them.

Who said they were?

- Nobody.

- This is just a routine check,

every hotel and motel in the area.

- Not here, neither of 'em.

- Well, they were never registered either.

- Oh well then, they wouldn't be, would they,

if they hadn't stayed here.

- Does anyone ever stay here?

- Oh, well, we're a bit slack, you know,

time of the year and all.

- Now the exchange was absolutely sure?

- Yeah, a reverse charge call from Minsterley,

and she accepted it.

- Oh well, thanks for your cooperation.

- Oh, not at all.

Anytime, always glad to help out.

Only, next time, if you're gonna come

in and just take over, do me a favor?

Don't ring the bell.

(intriguing music)

- Cops?

- Yeah.

- Just leaving?

- Yeah, well I mean, nothing to worry about.

- Well, what did they want?

- Well, just routine.

Here, thermostat in number 14's on the blink.

You better come give me a hand.

(bell dings)

- He's not in the area anymore.

He'd be a fool if he was.

No, he's moved on.

- I wasn't thinking about Spencer.

Did you notice that chap come into the motel

as we were going out?

- No.

- You were always weak on observation.

- Ah, but give me a balance sheet,

a set of cooked books, and I'll spot

the bad one right away.

- Well, I'm the same way about faces.

- This way, miss.

Here we are.

This is the handiest room I can give you, miss.

The bar's just down the corridor.

- Oh, so it's close to where the action is, huh?

- Well, I wouldn't go that far, miss.

I mean, action around here is strictly limited.

- So I noticed.

But that is kind of the virtue of this place, isn't it?

It's very peaceful and quiet.

- You won't be kept awake, that's for sure, miss.

We're rather slack this time of year.

- Of course, I noticed.

You know, I imagine that if a person

were on the run, he could probably hole up here

for a very long time, huh?

- Well, if you're on the run, miss,

you must be pretty tired by now,

all the way from America.

Good morning, miss.

- Right, I'm coming!

Right, I'll give you 10.

One, two, three, four.

Eight, nine, 10.

Right, I'm coming!

Lynn?

Lynn?

(light music)

(dramatic music)

(Lynn screams)

(hand knocking)

- Come in.

- Excuse me, miss.

- It's awfully quiet here.

- Yes, miss.

- But you're awfully busy, aren't you?

- Always am.

If the room's used, I have to change it.

If it isn't, I have to air it.

- You must bump into just about every occupant, don't you?

- [Petra] Just about.

- I was wondering if...

(mysterious music)

- [Petra] They always leave something.

- This was left by the last occupant?

- Hmm.

- Who did stay here last?

- [Petra] Oh, I don't think it's been occupied

for more than a week.

- A week?

- Yes, miss, it was a nice old gentleman.

- Well, I guess he certainly did me a favor, didn't he?

I could use something to read.

Would it be all right?

- You're welcome.

- [Burns] Come.

Janice, get Inspector Turner.

The number's on the pad.

We've just discovered that the overseas

account has been milked to the tune of $100,000.

- $103,000 to be exact.

- Yes, well, whatever, it's an awful lot of money.

Get Turner.

- Oh my God.

- Get me Mr. Burns' office, will you?

Burns.

Oh, hello.

Yes, it's me, your old friend.

I wanted to talk to you about.

Oh, oh yes, well, I have called

at an inconvenient moment haven't I?

All right, well, you call me back.

Yeah, but it's very important.

Yeah.

As soon as the cops have gone.

- Bye, see ya later. - Thank you.

Bye.

(suspenseful music)

- Blab says it was a best seller,

500,000 copies sold, translated into 12 languages.

- Yes, but she was reading it.

I recommended it to Helen.

- There's nothing to say it was her copy.

- No.

How about the watch?

- Well, yes, the watch, but that wasn't

exclusively made, either, was it?

- Ah, but I gave that watch to Michael

for his birthday, and, in the back, it was

inscribed to Michael with much love, Kathy.

- But you didn't actually see the back

of the watch, did you?

- No!

- So you didn't actually see the inscription, did you?

- No.

No.

How do you explain the car then?

- You saw a car, a well-known make, lots of them

on the road, but none of this means a thing.

- No, not piece by piece, perhaps,

but certainly all put together.

- Spencer's car was black?

- [Kathy] Yes.

- The color of the car you saw?

- I don't know, it was too dark.

- See, it doesn't mean a thing.

- It does.

- What do you think it means?

Come on, come on, darling. - I don't know.

- Look, Spencer takes off with the loot.

- He's not a thief.

- He takes off with the loot.

He disappears in Minsterley,

and now you think he's somewhere around this motel.

In that case, why didn't you call the police?

I'll tell you why, it could be they're hiding him out.

It could be he doesn't want to be found.

Now why shouldn't I call the police?

- Your ethics.

- That's right, ethics.

I've got ethics.

So what goes on between me and the client,

no one need ever know, eh?

I really only tackle divorce.

Divorce is interesting.

You never know what's going to turn up,

what you're going to see, not like this

cloak and dagger stuff.

Still, I'll give it a whirl because I like you.

- All right.

Could I give you an advance?

- We'll finalize payment later, hmm, come to terms.

- All right, where are you going to start?

- First, I'll take a look around the motel

and then I'll take a look at the car.

- But that was locked.

- Not to me.

Now, you go back to your little room,

and I'll be in touch.

- All right, when?

- Tell you what, I'll drop by tonight at, say, seven.

We can have a drink together and discuss developments.

- Seven o'clock, fine.

- What's your room number?

- Uh, room nine.

- Nine, I'll remember that.

Now, you go back and wait for me,

and I'll see you later.

Okay?

- Yes, thank you.

- There's no doubt at all?

- No, sir.

Positive ID.

- But no note.

They usually leave a note.

- Not always, Osgood.

- No, sir.

- So, so the case is closed then.

- Well, we haven't found the money yet,

but we'll be in touch, Mr. Burns.

- Right.

- Mr. Burns?

Mr. Burns? - Hmm?

- You asked me to remind you,

you've got this important call to make.

- Oh yes, thank you, Janice.

- Shall I get the number for you?

- Uh, no.

No, I'll call a little later.

- Hello, Terry, I thought I smelled something cooking.

- Yeah, cooking myself an omelet, ain't I?

- Ah.

(phone rings)

Woodheath Motel.

Oh, it's you.

Yes, I'm glad you called back.

I was getting a bit anxious.

How did you get on with the law?

Oh, good.

Oh, very good, yeah.

Now look, I've got some bad news.

Michael Spencer.

No, no, no, no, no, no.

We did what you asked, but a girl turned up, his sister.

No.

Well, yes, yes, I think we should discuss it.

Soon.

(suspenseful music)

Yeah well, I'll see you later then.

Well, I think you know our terms by now,

cash, strictly cash.

(chuckles) Okay, goodbye then.

- Saved the paperboy a trip. - Oh, good.

- We made headlines, page three.

- Oh.

Probably make it again soon.

- That's good.

We'll be rich.

A couple of years be able to retire, Sam.

- Good evening.

Is the manager around?

- [Sam] Manager?

- Whoever's in charge?

I'd like to speak to him.

- [Sam] Oh, what about?

- Thought he might like to buy a car.

It's painted white at the moment,

but he could have it resprayed any color he likes.

- Yeah well, let's take a look, shall we?

Will you take over the desk for a bit?

Uh, no, this way, quicker through here.

(suspenseful music)

Oh, damn, I've forgotten my key.

Uh, Terry?

Okay, just who are you?

- It's what I am is more to the point.

I'm an opportunist.

Where are you hiding him? - Hmm?

- Mike Spencer.

Oh, come on, I know he's around here somewhere.

You've even resprayed his car.

I've just seen it.

- What, exactly, do you want?

- Half of your half.

He got what was it 20,000?

A nice big slice of that.

- Oh?

- Or I go for the reward.

There's bound to be a reward.

- How long have I got, exactly?

- Oh, I'm a reasonable man, five minutes.

- Wrong.

- Yeah?

- Five minutes, nowhere near that long.

- Ugh! (dramatic music)

- [Man] Yes, miss?

- Uh, has there been anyone asking for me?

- No, miss, was you expecting someone?

- Well yes, I was, about seven.

- Oh, well, maybe he got delayed.

(glass shattering)

It's the kitchen staff, miss.

- Yes, may I take one of these, please?

- Oh yes, help yourself.

- [Kathy] Thank you.

- Hang about.

- He wanted to squeeze us.

- [Man] Who was he?

- Well, he described himself as an opportunist,

and, unfortunately, he arrived at a rather

inopportune moment.

- Nasty, are you gonna be able

to make that look like an accident, gov?

- No, but we could confuse them

about the time of death.

We could, uh, put him on ice, so to speak.

Well, I mean, it would give us time to think

of something, wouldn't it?

Look, you go and get Terry to give me a hand,

and you get back to the desk.

- Right.

(suspenseful music)

(phone rings)

- Hello?

Yes, Woodheath Motel.

Hold on.

(Kathy quietly crying)

- Hello?

Yeah.

When?

Eight o'clock?

Well, pretty short notice, but.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, we'll manage.

Yeah.

Yeah, you sure you can afford it?

(chuckles) Yeah, all right.

I'll see you soon then.

Goodbye.

Well, looks like we're in for a busy night.

- Shouldn't worry about being paid.

Look, never seen it before.

Mike Spencer, 20,000 pounds plus $100,000.

That's more than 60,000 pounds.

- Oh, I like that.

Yes, I like a nice rich client.

Gives me a nice secure feeling.

- (laughing) 60 grand!

No wonder he hung himself.

(suspenseful music)

- [Sam] Just the one night is it, Mr. Burns?

- Yes.

- Oh well, we've got a nice room for you, sir.

Number four, just across here it is.

I hope you'll be comfortable.

- [Petra] Can I help you?

- Yes, could you please get me a Mr. Lee,

L-E-E at Minsterley 249, please.

- [Petra] One moment.

(phone ringing)

I'm sorry, there's no reply.

Shall I try again later?

- Yes, thank you.

- Good night, Mr. Burns.

(bell dings)

Get Teddy.

- I don't know.

- But we've been through this place with a tooth comb.

- No, you've been through it,

and your main interest is account books.

- You still thinking of faces?

- Maybe.

There's something bothering me.

- What?

- Well, if I knew I'd tell you, wouldn't I?

Let's take another look through Spencer's office.

(suspenseful music)

(hand knocking) - Come in.

Yes?

What is it?

Can I help you?

(dramatic music)

- That's the lot.

- Hello, I wasn't expecting you quite so soon.

- I have to get back to town.

Let's get this over with.

- [Petra] Can I help you?

- Yes, would you try that number again for me?

- It's all there.

- Yeah, but only payment for two,

Spencer and Burns.

There's still the question of the girl,

his sister, Helen Spencer.

- Your problem.

- No, our problem.

Now look, you pulled off a neat job,

you pulled it off nice and clean.

It's a pity to spoil the ship

for 5,000 pounds worth of ton.

- 5,000?

- Yeah, well, inflation.

Tell you what, we'll throw in a bonus.

A man, a snooper.

Now, he was our problem, but we dealt with him.

- Well, what's that got to do--

- Now look, his body will be found

in the car with the girl.

Her brother's car, all neatly resprayed

ready for his anticipated getaway.

No one's gonna suspect you at all.

Shall we talk about it?

(phone ringing)

(dramatic music)

- Mr. Burns?

Mr. Burns, I know you're in there, please!

Mr. Burns?

- [Petra] Can I help you?

- Excuse me.

- [Man] Come on, Terry, get a move-on!

(gentle music)

(intriguing music)

- Have you found anything?

- [Osgood] In the secretary's desk.

- I remember, that chap in the carpark

at the motel, he was wanted for the Benson killing.

They couldn't pin it on him.

(phone rings)

- Yes?

- [Man On The Phone] Is Miss Janice Freeman there, please?

- I'm afraid not.

Can I take a message?

- [Man On The Phone] This is Green's Travel Bureau.

I've been trying her home number

for the last couple of hours,

and it is rather urgent.

- Well, I'd be pleased to take a message for her.

- [Man On The Phone] Well, she asked me to make

a first class booking to Rio de Janeiro

as soon as possible for her,

but I'm afraid the first available flight

is Tuesday next, the 13th, at 10 a.m.

Could you tell me if that'll be convenient?

The airline need immediate confirmation.

- I should cancel it if I were you.

(door slams)

- You'll have to make sure it's as clean as the rest.

(hand knocking)

- All right.

Excuse me.

- Exit, Mr. Burns.

- With a bit of luck, he won't be found for a week.

- What about the car, it's gotta be cleaned.

- Oh, give us a break, Sam, we'll do it tomorrow.

- No, now.

You two go on, I'll come and give you a hand.

Help yourself to the booze, I shan't be long.

Uh, everything all right in the kitchen, Terry?

- [Terry] Oh yeah, everything's neat and tidy, Sam.

(suspenseful music)

(dramatic music)

- Helen!

(Helen murmuring)

(men speaking) (dishes clanking)

- All right in here you two, scrub up.

And scrub up clean.

- Neatest little business I've ever been with.

- Yeah, no risk, pays well.

- Sam's clever.

- The best.

- You gonna be okay?

- Yeah.

- You stay right here,

and I'm gonna go get some help.

Okay?

- It takes brains to dream up a little

scheme like this, the perfect murder.

Set an alibi for yourself, send your victims down here.

- And we do the rest.

- Perfect.

- Oh yes, well, no, no, we can certainly manage that, yes.

Oh no, no, no, no, no, that's perfectly all right, sir.

Yes, yes.

Well, would you like me to put

that down as a definite booking then?

All right, all right.

With pleasure then I'll do that.

Yup, sure.

Goodbye.

Oh, can I help you, miss?

- Uh, I'm going to check out.

- Oh, well, I'll get your bill ready

for you immediately.

- I'm sorry it's so late.

- Oh, that's all right, miss, don't worry.

Just give me a minute or two, all right?

- Thank you, I'll just go get my things.

- Okay.

- Here you go.

- Cheers.

All the best.

Hello, sweetheart.

- You've been busy.

- Two down, one to go, the girl.

- Two?

I thought it was only Burns tonight.

- We had an unexpected visitor.

- Freddy Lee, snooper.

He won't be poking his nose into

other people's business-- - Lee?

- Anymore.

- That's what his ID said.

- She's been trying to phone a bloke called Lee.

- Who?

- What's her name, the girl in number nine.

- There we are, Miss Nesbitt.

I hope you'll come and see us again soon.

- Kathy, how nice to see you.

- Do you two know each other?

- Kathy Nesbitt?

Yes.

She's Mike Spencer's girlfriend.

(dramatic music)

- Let me take your case, Miss Nesbitt.

(suspenseful music)

- All right, Sam, I'll leave it to you.

Sam, police.

- My office.

Oh hello, you got some more faces for me to look at then?

- No.

I remembered one.

Roscoe, where is he?

(dramatic music)

- You stay there and cover the back!

- [Man] Right.

- [Turner] When did you last see Janice Freeman?

- [Sam] Who?

I've never heard of her.

- All right, lads, search the place.

- Here, hang on a minute.

I hope you've got a search warrant before you start--

(woman screams)

- [Turner] Watch him!

(Kathy screams)

(dramatic music)

- Helen, I think she's still alive in the kitchen.

- [Turner] Let him go!

- That's sensible.

- Sam!

Sam?

Sam.

(dramatic music)

Sam! - Hey, hey!

(gun fires)

- Keep out of it!

He's got a gun!

(gun fires)

It's all right.

Take care of him.

Get an ambulance and a squad car.

- Come, we'll go inside.

- (shivering) I'm all right.

I'm all right.

- Don't worry, love, we'll look after you.

- Thank you.

- Take her down in my car.

The squad car's on its way, sir.

(sirens blaring)

- See you at the ambulance, love.

- Sure, she'll be all right.

- I'm all right.

- Give them an escort.

(gentle music)

(siren blaring)

(mysterious music)