Original subtitles

Good evening.

Welcome to the planet Mars.

My getting here was not as remarkable as our finding a wire... long enough to

reach back to Earth.

This remote broadcast is a first, but since there is absolutely nothing up

to talk about, I'm not sure the trip was worth it. We found no trace of life. In

fact, no trace of anything except this item.

This may seem like irrefutable logic, But from what I can observe, if you

actually did live here, you would have moved away long ago to some place with a

better view, more prestige, or some oxygen.

That last item rules out the scene of tonight's drama, Hollywood, California.

Our story concerns some doings which would be considered rather peculiar even

that bizarre town.

For purposes of contrast, however, we first present one minute of sanity and

solemnity.

What did you say his name was?

Yala. Carl Yala.

Keep me to the creeps.

That's exactly what he's supposed to do.

I mean personal creeps.

Hold it a minute, will you, Dave?

Carl Yola.

That's a good name.

He's good, too. Very good.

There's something about him I don't like.

Kitty, I've been searching for someone like this for months, and I think I may

have my man.

Now, if you feel you don't want to play opposite him, you don't have to. Oh,

yes, I do.

I want the money.

I didn't mean to annoy you, darling.

Dave, did you tell me that film's never been released?

Oh, it's been shown, but not extensively.

It was made in Austria, financed by a religious group.

or more aptly, a non -religious cult.

What else has this Cagliola done?

Nothing of consequence.

This is the first picture he made.

He's not well -known, Max. He's just a good, competent stage actor.

He's a natural actor, Dave.

He had my hair standing on end.

Obviously, that's why they picked him.

He looks the part.

How much more have you got on him?

Two clips, both short. I put them on the same reel. I figured you wouldn't want

to see the whole picture tonight.

It seems to be a legend about some devil worshippers. They resurrect him from

the grave. You just saw that.

Next, they install him as their archpriest, headman.

They use ritualistic candles, black wine, the sign of Satan on the altar,

whole bit.

In the first clip, they brought him back to life.

But in the final scene, they kill him again.

You ready, Max?

Go ahead.

I suppose he can speak English.

Very good English, I'm told.

Thank you for

watching.

God bless you.

Thank you.

Right here, they're reciting a sort of litany to Satan.

They're saying, oh, protector of those driven from paradise, take pity on us.

And now they're chanting their praises to Satan, saying they want to be near

him.

jumped at the end of the picture.

confuse his screen personality with a real man.

He's probably very charming.

You're not going to do anything like that chanting scene, I hope.

No, no, no. Mine's going to be nothing but just another scary, money -making

monster picture.

Let's have a drink.

Where is this Carl Yorler now?

He's hiding out somewhere.

Hiding out?

That's right.

When I was in Vienna, a great many people knew about this film.

But no one seemed to know the whereabouts of Carl Yorler.

So I kept nosing around until I finally located the man who directed the film.

The only part of it was he was hiding out, too, in Paris.

What had they been up to?

I have no idea.

It's no concern to the police, though.

I checked with François Latté to make sure.

Something peculiar behind this, isn't there?

Undoubtedly.

Thanks.

Carl Yerler is not an ordinary man.

That's what makes him so striking.

It comes through on a screen.

Whatever the trouble is, Max, I don't think it'll affect you in any way, if

really want him.

Just the same.

If he wasn't so good, and if you didn't need a man so badly, I'd say pass.

Why? I'm inclined to agree with Kitty. The whole thing is weird. It's rather

eerie.

Peculiar type film, peculiar people.

How did you get hold of a picture like this?

I bought it in Paris from the director, Fritz Ullman.

For cash. The poor fellow was broke.

I have a hunch it might have been pirated from the cult that owns it.

Oman warned me to be careful where we show it.

Why is that?

It seems the cult never intended it to be seen publicly.

Now, if they hear it's being shown around... You mean I can't even show it

own living room if I want to?

Let them sue me.

According to Fritz Oman, they might do more than that, Max.

Anyway, what do you think of Carl Euler?

Dave, I want him.

How soon can you get him over here?

And will he come over?

He'll come, I'm sure of that.

All I have to do is make a call to a telephone number in Paris.

I have a feeling he's not far from there.

If he catches a jet right away, we could have him here in Hollywood inside of 24

hours.

Good luck.

Here he is, Mr. Rubini.

Let's take him, Kenny.

Hold it, boys, hold it.

Sorry, Mr. Hewlett.

I forgot you're unaccustomed to flash bulbs.

This is Mr. Ed Walsh, our assistant director. Glad to know you, Mr. Yola. I

you had a nice trip. Kitty, Kitty, may I present Mr. Carl Yola. This is Miss

Catherine Fresher, your leading lady.

Welcome, Mr. Yola. So nice to have you here.

That's enough, boys.

Dave, they just want a few more publicity shots.

Publicity? You mean advertisement that I'm here?

That's right, sir. We're going to need a great deal of publicity about you.

But I don't want that at all.

It's very important for the picture, Mr. Yola.

Please, Mr.

Rubini, where is he?

Mr. Yorla.

I'm Max Rubini.

How do you do?

Sorry the boys were so eager, but don't let it trouble you.

No, no, no, of course not. It's just that I don't want any publicity, please.

don't want anyone to know anything about my private affairs. That's all right.

You probably have a very good reason.

All right, boys, that's enough. Thank you. Knock it off.

Come on over here and have a drink. You probably need one.

Thank you, no. I'm still slightly bewildered, you understand, from the

journey and everything.

Of course, I understand.

Let's walk over to my office where you can relax.

Oh, Dave, bring Kitty along in a minute or two.

Come along.

That film was made only to be shown to others like themselves.

The story, of course, is a legend.

But the ceremony that you saw, the chanting, the candles, the sign of Satan

the altar, that was a black mass.

Mr. Yorler, that was nothing but an ancient piece of mockery. Something out

the Middle Ages. Whatever you may think, sir, the spirit of evil does exist.

And the worship of it is spreading all over Europe today.

It is here. It is here even in your own country.

There's power, the greatest of power.

There are centers in Paris and Budapest, in Vienna, in Munich, in Florence.

And it is growing.

Once you become aware of the sign of Satan, you will find it is all around

You will find it in the tongue of a serpent, in the shape of certain trees.

You will find it in a pair of scissors.

Sometimes in a flower.

In the footprints of animals, in the marks made by their claws.

This emblem of evil is in every single pair of human hands.

The symbol of Satan.

Allegegenwartis.

Pretend everywhere.

If you think about it, so is the sign of the cross, Miss Deola.

Mr. Yola, this is all very interesting.

But I still don't understand why you object to publicity.

You're the first actor I've met who doesn't seem to appreciate its value.

I think you should consider Mr. Rubini. After all, you are doing his picture.

You're doing the leading role.

Leading role?

It's the biggest part in the picture.

But I don't understand at all.

I thought it was a small part.

Extremely heavy makeup.

I did not wish to be advertised, otherwise I would not have come.

Of course, it was a great opportunity for me to come from Europe, and I'm

extremely grateful to you for giving me the chance. Oh, Carl, you'll be

marvelous. And I'm delighted that we've got you.

We only want a few pictures, a few personal... No, no, please, no, no.

Well, Max, if he's going to object this vehemently...

We'll simply have to call it off, that's all.

All right, Mr. Yorler.

But tell me, why do you object?

In Europe, my life was in great danger because of this film.

This satanic cult, devil worshippers, as you call them, for whom we made this

film, they could cause trouble for me and my friend Fitzsoman.

A great deal of trouble.

prints of that film went out on circulation by mistake, and they blame

me for this.

This film contains things that they don't want anyone to see, nor anyone to

know.

I'm glad to be here and out of their way.

And when your film is finished, Mr. Rubini, I shall be even further away.

Your stories about me to the press, they will tell everybody where I am.

They would follow me?

And they would kill me.

I think maybe you exaggerate a little, Carl.

After all, you're thousands of miles from there. They won't chase you all

distance for a little thing like that.

Anyway, hold off his publicity for the time being, Dave.

Carl, we're putting you up at the Beverly Savoy.

That's right, Carl.

And I've arranged a car for you. There'll be a driver to get you back and

to the studio.

Thank you. That won't be necessary. I'm perfectly capable of driving myself.

Just as you like.

But we'll be wanting you early tomorrow morning for a consultation on makeup and

wardrobe.

How would you like to see your dressing room?

It's a bungalow, you know.

A bungalow?

Dave, why don't you walk him over? Sure thing.

Shall we go now?

Excuse me.

Ed. Take a satin coat.

Well, what do you think of him?

Very strange, isn't he? But I like him somehow.

Very good casting, Max. Oh, he'll be tremendously effective.

He has a rich personality.

But all that malarkey about his being followed.

We might have known with that face and the weird quality he's got, he was bound

to be a nut about something.

Okay, Ed.

What have you got there?

Carliola as Barinomo.

Opening scene.

That's good. Very good.

I'd like to look at these.

Oh, we ought to check his opening scene makeup.

Give him a call at the hotel. Ask him to come in, Dave.

Right.

You know, he'll come on the run if he thinks he's needed.

Very cooperative.

Everyone's enthusiastic about him.

That figures.

He hasn't been exposed to Hollywood protocol.

He's not nearly as spoiled as some of the so -called talents.

Mr. Carl Yorler, please.

What's that?

Give me the desk.

Max, he's checked out.

My name is Dave Connor. I'm inquiring about Mr. Carl Eula.

Your switchboard operator informs me he checked out. Would you verify that?

At what time?

Do you have any idea where he went?

All right, thank you.

He checked out all right. Nine o 'clock last night. They don't know where he's

gone.

Well, that's the downest thing I ever heard.

Check the front gate. Seekers on the lot.

I'm dialing that now.

Hey, Charlie, Dave Connor here. Did you check Carl Yule under the lot this

morning?

Good. What time?

Thank you, Charlie.

He came in at 8 .30. Well, then he's probably on stage 29 going over the new

opening for Kenny.

There'll be no sketches along. I want to talk to him.

Supposedly, I've inherited a medieval castle.

I've been looking it over, and now I come here to see the vault of old Baron

Olmo.

Yes, and he's buried in there.

Yes. This was his altar. He used to make sacrifices on it and fool around with

the black arts.

You read the inscription that is written on this altar?

I read a translation out loud.

It's more than just an inscription.

It's an invocation.

That's when you come into it and things start happening.

Max had this all new opening especially written for you.

Even had that simple copied from your film.

Do you like it?

Carl.

What's he doing?

When he saw that symbol, he started behaving strangely.

Carl.

Good morning, Carl.

Good morning.

What were you doing?

I saw that devil's eyes.

What was all this business with the hands?

A kind of protection.

Protection against... Oh, I see.

Carl, I understand you left the hotel.

I thought you liked it there.

Where'd you move to?

I don't wish to tell you that.

Oh, Carl, we have to know where you're living.

It won't be necessary. I shall be here early every morning.

Carl, what's gone wrong?

They are following me.

Who's following you?

The Teufels sind bete.

Worship us off the table.

You were saying that they follow you.

Because of that film?

You think I've told you a lot of lies, don't you?

Well... I told you that film was made only for private display in our own

circles.

That ceremony that you saw, that you thought was such a mockery.

The worship of the devil, the terrible black mass, it was real.

Real. And if you think that satanic prayers have no power, you should look

your shoulder when you say that, because you could be wrong.

And if that film is seen by those who do not belong to us...

It could put me in a very bad light with my friends.

Your friends?

Don't tell me you belong to that cult.

How else do you suppose I was able to make that film?

I was their archpriest.

Consecrated.

They have good reason to kill me.

Carl will get you police protection.

No, no.

They have associates everywhere.

When a man is condemned, as I am, he's surrounded by hunters, avengers.

While you're on this lot, you are our responsibility.

Ed, I want you to arrange to have a studio policeman stay by Carl all the

he's here.

All right, Mr. Rubini.

Carl, Mr. Rubini wanted you to see these wardrobe sketches, especially this one.

Mr. Rubini, here are the themes, the revised themes.

Mr. Yorla, somebody left this for you at the main gate. Thank you.

Carl? Carl, I want you to look at these.

And remember, we have an appointment at make -up at 4 .30. Yes, sir. I'll rest

in my bunker.

Kitty, this is the dress you prefer, isn't it?

Well, yes, it's very pretty, but it should be shorter.

Well, we're not going to feature your feet, darling. It's just the face.

What do you have?

Fritz Ullman was found dead this morning in Paris.

In an attic in Rue de la Galette.

Fritz Ullman?

He's a friend of yours, isn't he? The man who directed the film?

He was strangled.

Body branded.

No signature, no return address.

Carl, who might have sent that to you?

It was just to let me know that I am next.

Now, perhaps you understand why I don't want to go to a hotel.

I don't want to leave an address where somebody can come and strangle me, too.

Nobody here but you sir.

Thank you.

Throughout the country, there are hundreds of men standing eagerly by,

breathlessly for this moment. Their moment. Their chance to announce the

letters of their station.

It is a thrilling experience, and I wouldn't want anyone to miss it.

Our story will continue at the conclusion of this important event.

Thank you.

Do you know him, sir?

No.

How did he get in here?

I don't know.

Look at his hand.

The sign of Satan.

Everything he does is in the service of the devil.

That bungalow.

All windows locked, all doors barred.

But there was someone there. Someone hidden in a place no one knew even

Somebody knew.

Carl said there are associates everywhere, and I'm starting to believe

Mr. Rubini, this morning, 6 ,000 miles away, a friend of mine was strangled.

And now here, I'm attacked.

Captain Hartzell, were you able to get anything out of that prisoner? No, sir.

He won't even speak.

And even if he did, it would only be lies.

Carl, listen.

I have a starting date coming up and I can't take any chances with you.

So you're proposing to give the part to someone else.

I'm already too much trouble to you. No, no, no. That thought never occurred to

me. The thing is that I have to satisfy myself that you will be here on the lot

every morning.

If we start with you in this picture, we have to finish with you in this

picture. I've told you.

I have promised you.

I will be here early every morning, ready to work.

Your good intentions alone are not enough, Carl.

That's why I want you to know Captain Hartsell.

He's on a special police division.

We cover the whole city, Mr. Yorla.

Anything urgent, out of the way, we move in.

And instead of you taking off on your own every evening, the studio wants to

you somewhere where we will all know that you are absolutely safe.

We can arrange escorts, sir.

Out and back.

Complete protection at night and during the day.

Yes. And if I place myself in your hands, I'm a dead man.

Every moment, they know where to find me.

They are enjoying planning to get at me.

I'm no longer my own master. I'm completely controlled by others.

I am safer when I alone am in charge of myself.

I don't know how you can say that, Mr. Yorler.

You weren't safe this afternoon.

No, because they knew where to find me.

But this way they cannot find me, and nor can anyone else.

They don't know I sleep at night. I don't even know myself until after I

the studio.

Carl. I can't force you to accept protection outside the studio.

But I wish you'd take Captain Hartsell's advice.

I'm sorry? No.

Mr. Obini, you have a picture at stake.

I have my life at stake, and I don't wish to lose it.

I've told you.

I will be here early every morning, ready to work.

Well, that's good. That's good. Fine. Thank you.

That's fine. Thanks. Thanks.

Let me take a look at that.

All right.

Roll them.

Put your slate in, huh?

Big.

All right. Now pull back.

Come on. Pull back.

Give us a little profile.

A little profile.

Good. I want to see the tiara.

Good. Hold it that way now.

Thank you.

Has Max been able to find out where Yola goes at night?

Never happened. He leaves the studio a different way every evening.

Favorite trick is using rented cars.

Oh, you mean he can abandon them anywhere?

That's right. He's a clever man, Ed.

I haven't succeeded in following him yet, and believe me, I've tried.

Thank you.

That's strange.

He'd be sending Yola a special delivery letter.

Ostensibly, he doesn't know anyone here.

Hmm.

Mail today.

City marked.

No return address.

All right, cut it.

Carl, I won't need you anymore today, Kitty. Thank you. No, you, Carl.

Thank you.

This is for you.

Would you open it and read it for me, please?

It's in French.

Copy of a coroner's report.

Autopsy on Fritz Ullman.

Dated a week ago.

What does it say?

About... Evidently, they want you to know what they did to him.

Shall I read it?

Gee.

We know he was strangled.

The body was...

Shall we say considerably ill -used.

It was branded in black with that sign of Satan.

Corner goes on to state specifically he died très longtemps.

Very slowly and with great anguish.

That settles it.

Carl, now you're going to have to take the proper precautions about yourself.

You owe it to us.

We start shooting in three days. If anything happens to you any time after

this picture's a total loss.

I don't wish to be killed and have that sign branded on my body.

Your way too many people know I am at night my way only I know

In the morning again

Nothing? Nothing at all?

No message of any sort?

No report from Captain Hartzell?

I know there's a search going on, but it doesn't help me if they haven't found

him.

Do you realize it's been three days since we reported him missing?

All right, look, if anything comes in, call me. Thank you, Chief.

Nine o 'clock, right on the button.

He should have been here by eight to be ready. I know, I know, Ed, I know.

Like a foolish man, I've been hoping against hope.

But he's not here.

Are you going to shoot around him? Close down?

Well, I'm not going to give up hope entirely.

But if I don't start shooting today, I'm under heavy financial penalties.

All right.

We'll shoot around him.

If we don't hear from him by tonight, we'll close down until we can replace

All right, everybody, we're going to shoot.

Kitty, you want to rehearse that again?

No.

I'm ready.

Let's shoot it. Good luck.

Thank you.

All right.

We'll play everything just as planned.

Right up until when Carl Yola answers the scene.

There's a whole day left. He might still show.

Good luck, Max.

Thanks.

All right, let's go. Quiet down, everybody. Quiet down. Let's move now.

Whenever you're ready, Kitty.

I'm ready.

All right, let's roll them.

Speed.

Action.

Oh, Satan, prince, and king.

Come and be here.

I salute thee and thine holy angels.

Mighty Astaroth and great behemoth and all thy devil legions, come and be here.

By every black and evil art, restore life to the body of thy servant Olmo.

I conjure thee.

Raise him up.

And for this I promise to satisfy thee in the name of Satan, prince and

king.

Raise him up.

It was Carl.

I saw him.

There must be a way out of here.

We all saw him. He was standing right there.

Look at that film to the lab right away. Tell them to rush it. And close

everything down until we get a chance to look at that last shot.

prince and king.

Come and be here.

I salute thee and thy unholy angels.

Mighty Astaroth and great behemoth and all thy devil legion. Come and be here.

By every black and evil art restore life to the body of thy servant Olmo.

I conjure thee.

Raise him up.

And for this I promise to satisfy thee.

in the name of Satan, Prince, and King.

Raise him up.

What happened? Where's Yola?

Something's wrong with that film. He was there. We all saw him. And I heard his

voice. It wasn't on the soundtrack.

Didn't you hear it? I heard something.

It didn't make sense, but I took it down as best I could.

Go read it. Read it. Well, he kept repeating.

Top. Top.

Ga. Ang.

Anga. Top.

I thought I heard some numbers.

Yes. Always in the same sequence.

It sounded like one.

Seven, two, five, nine.

Top, Topanga.

Try it this way.

Topanga.

Topanga?

Is it possible?

Topanga Canyon?

Max, put those numbers in front of it. You'd have an address, wouldn't you?

Call the police, Dave. Get Captain Hartzell.

One, seven, two...

5 -9 Topanga Canyon.

Snuff them out, boys.

Carl Yorla's under that cloth. He's been murdered.

The deputy coroner here says... Oh, go on, go on.

He says Yorla's been dead at least three days.

The killers of Carl Yorla, method actor and devil worshipper, were eventually

brought to justice.

By the way, the proceeding was not an expose of American burial customs.

At least I sincerely hope it wasn't.

Next week we shall return to Earth and present another story.

I cannot express the keen disappointment I felt in not finding any life here on

Mars. I would have liked nothing better than to be the first to discover life

here. Perhaps I shall have better luck another time.

Good night.