Original subtitles

("Alfred Hitchcock" theme music)

- Good evening.

As you see, I'm devising a new parlor game.

It is based on the story of the young man

who had to choose between two doors.

He was told that behind one was a beautiful lady,

behind the other, a ferocious tiger.

Of course, my personal theory is

that he knew which door each was behind,

but was still in a dilemma.

You see, he couldn't remember whether they had said

the lady was beautiful and the tiger ferocious,

or that the lady was ferocious and the tiger beautiful.

He was a very confused young man,

just as I am at this moment.

This should make a perfect party game.

It is the best way I found to thin out a guest list

without hurting anyone's feelings.

Our main attraction this evening is not about tigers,

but we do have two ladies and one very interesting door.

It is at the other end of this dismal,

one minute corridor.

(suspenseful music)

- Well, this is it.

- Come on, let's go.

(dramatic music)

- It's all locked up, Dave.

- You wait right here.

(dramatic music)

(glass breaks)

Won't you come in, madam?

(door slams)

(dramatic music)

(mysterious music)

So, this is the old homestead, huh?

Holy mackerel.

While you were warming yourself here,

I was out grubbing for pieces of coal

along the railroad tracks.

- I can't help the way I was born, Dave.

- I'm sorry, honey.

You know I've got an inferiority complex.

How do I rate a girl like you, huh?

- It's the other way around.

You could get any girl you want.

- Hey!

What's wrong now?

- You scare me when you get like that.

Two weeks ago when you said we were through,

do you know, Dave, I almost died?

- That'll never happen again.

- You're the only boy I've ever loved in my whole life.

- The whole 19 years of it?

What's the matter?

- It's so long since I've been here.

I was only six when Daddy died,

and then Mother moved us to the city right after.

- Leaving all this, like it was nothing.

How long has it been for sale?

- Years.

- Come on, let's go see the rest of it.

- Do you think we should?

- Sure, why not!

- Hey, wait for the tour conductor.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Uncle Eustace,

the black sheep of the Daniels family.

- Hi, Eustace.

Meet the black sheep of the Snowden family.

- You're not a black sheep, you're a wooly lamb.

- Boy, what a bedroom.

- Mother never liked anyone to come in here.

- Who's little freckle face?

- That was me, I'm afraid.

- Hi cutie.

- Dave?

(dramatic music)

Dave?

Dave, where are you?

Dave?

Dave, cut it out!

Dave?

Dave?

- Boo! - Oh!

Oh, you surprised me!

Stop acting like a child!

Dave, stay put for just one moment.

Oh, I'm so happy.

- So am I.

More than you'll ever know.

(dramatic music)

Hey, this one's stuck.

- No.

It's locked.

It's always been locked.

- Well, what is it?

- I don't know.

There was some workmen here for some time,

I never did know what they were doing.

Then, Daddy died, we just left the house

and never came back.

- Wow.

How mysterious and intriguing.

What do you say?

Should we break it in?

- No.

- Why not?

- I just feel funny about it, that's all.

Maybe I associate it with Daddy's dying, I don't know.

- That's silly.

Look, there might be money in there.

I mean, your father left the place to you, didn't he?

If there's anything of value, why it's yours.

- I don't care.

That's all I need is a room full of money.

Then you'd get that strange look on your face

as though you hated me for it.

- Not you, just the idea that you've had things

I can never give you.

- Then forget it.

Please?

- Sure.

Let's see your room, where is it?

- It's upstairs, but, I don't ever want to go in it again.

- For Pete's sake, why not?

- I spent almost the first six years of my life in there.

All I can remember is being sick and puny.

I was never happy in this house.

- Not even today, with me?

- Always with you, Dave.

- Cone on, let's go.

- Daddy barely came near me.

He couldn't stand the thought that

he had a daughter who wasn't pretty.

- Now cut that out, you are pretty.

- Daddy didn't think so.

I suppose that's why Mother's always been so protective.

She's always been afraid I'd meet some

wickedly handsome fortune hunter.

- And you did, you did!

- She meant well.

But she gave me so many doubts about myself,

I thought no boy could ever really like me.

I kept my feelings all locked up.

Like that room upstairs.

- Maybe there's a key to that room too.

- I can't imagine where.

- What do you say, should we make a search?

- Oh, honey, I'm so tired.

I just want to stay here, close to you.

- There.

Lie back.

(dramatic music)

We've got company.

- Mother!

- Yes, Mother.

I found this young thief.

- Now, just a minute, Mrs. Daniels.

- I really couldn't believe it when old Mr. Spencer called.

I told him he must be mistaken,

my daughter's in school.

And then I found your car outside.

- Mother.

This is Dave Snowden.

- I know who he is, I know all about him.

I made it my business as soon as you started

mentioning him in your letters.

Now get your things, I'm taking you home.

- You're not taking her any place.

- Would you prefer that I press charges

against you, Mr. Snowden?

- For what?

She happens to be my wife.

- It's true, Mother.

We were married last week in Elkton.

- Would you like to see the license?

- Why, you child!

You pathetic child.

- Now look, Mrs. Daniels.

Be reasonable.

I know what you're thinking, but it's not true.

I happen to love Bonnie.

- Love, oh come now.

An uneducated boy, a nobody without a dime to his name,

pursues a plain young girl.

Very plain, but very rich.

- That's enough!

You've been yelling plain, plain, plain at her

until she's afraid to show her face.

She's afraid to show it right now!

You made her so scared of guys being after her money

that she ran away from any man

that gave her a second look.

- But you managed to catch up with her.

- That's right, and we're married.

And there's nothing you can do about it.

- You're quite wrong, Mr. Snowden.

I can have it annulled.

- Can you?

- Will you tell him, or shall I?

- Tell me what?

- Mother, please.

Can't we--

- She's a minor, Mr. Snowden.

- She's 19.

- 17, and she won't be 18 for another month.

- But her driver's license.

- Females lie.

Especially about their age,

when they're afraid of being too young or too old.

Well, now.

Are we ready to go home,

or shall I call the Sheriff for this young man?

Wait for me in your car.

- I love you, Dave.

She can't stop that.

- All right, you spoke your peace.

What are you waiting for?

- For you to get out of this house,

and if you ever enter it again,

you'll find yourself in a larger one, a penitentiary.

My chauffeur's outside, he'll drive you home.

My attorneys will contact you about the annulment.

- I'll get her back, if it's the last thing I ever do.

(dramatic music)

- It may be.

- Mr. Snowden?

I'm Adam Driscoll.

- Where's Bonnie?

- Oh, she's in the other room, you'll see her.

Just thought it might be wise

if we settle a few details first.

Sit down, please.

- Thank you, I'll stand.

And I'll skip the last cigarette and the blindfold.

- I've prevailed upon Mrs. Daniels

to consider this situation from your viewpoint.

A young man falls in love

with a girl of a different station in life,

and they enter into a rash marriage

that unfortunately is not legal

without the consent of Mrs. Daniels.

Now, according to the information contained here--

- What is that?

- You were no longer attending the university

where you and Bonnie met.

- I had to drop out and go to work.

- Well, that's too bed.

A young man needs a diploma these days.

How would you like to go back and get yours?

Now, we'll arrange a sort of a scholarship, you might say.

Then after graduation,

a very good job to get you started.

- I see.

Free tuition and a job.

Courtesy of Mrs. Daniels.

In exchange for what?

- For getting out of my daughter's life and staying out.

- And what if I say no to this deal?

- I'm not making any deal, as you put it.

- Bonnie is a minor, Mr. Snowden.

This annulment will be granted with or without your consent.

- Mr. Snowden.

In less than three weeks, on her 18th birthday,

Bonnie will make her debut.

- Coming out party.

- Dave, you claim to love Bonnie.

- I do.

- [Adam] Well then, prove it.

- What do you want me to do?

- Just sign this.

Quiet and painless.

- Painless to whom?

May I see her now?

- Bonnie, would you come in please?

Dave has agreed that the annulment

is in the best interest of everyone concerned.

And he's accepted your mother's offer

to pay his way through school.

- That's not true.

I agreed to the annulment, period.

I'm not right for you, I never was.

But it's you I love.

Not your money, or hers.

Your gracious offer is declined, Mrs. Daniels.

Without thanks.

- Dave!

- Bonnie.

It's for the best, child.

(dramatic music)

I hope.

(dramatic music)

(knocking)

- Who is it?

(knocking)

Who is it?

- May I come in?

(dramatic music)

Oh, Davey.

- You're supposed to be with your mother, aren't you?

- I couldn't stand to be away from you a moment longer.

This is the first chance I've had.

She's been with me night and day.

She's going to send me away tomorrow

to a school in Switzerland.

- This is the first place she'll look for you.

- But it doesn't matter now.

I'm 18 today.

I'm 18, and she can't do anything about it.

We can be re-married now.

You still want me, don't you?

- Wouldn't work.

- Dave.

Give me a chance.

Let me prove it to you!

Some day she'll see.

- You are beautiful.

Do you know that?

Really beautiful.

- All right, Bonnie.

Come along.

Now that you've said goodbye, we have guests waiting.

And you have a busy day tomorrow.

- Yes, very busy.

We're getting married again, Mrs. Daniels.

Would you care to come along?

- I don't think that will be necessary, Mr. Snowden.

There is perhaps a little detail

I should've mentioned to you before.

Everything Bonnie has, everything,

is held in trust by me until her 25th birthday.

She can't touch a thing, not a dime,

without my consent.

Even her car.

Seven years, Mr. Snowden.

Seven long years.

So, why don't you find yourself another

rich and stupid victim.

- Don't listen to her, Dave.

I'll kill myself if I lose him, I swear I will.

- Don't be melodramatic, Bonnie.

The school offer still holds.

Take it or leave it.

Well, Mr. Snowden?

- Get your purse, Bonnie.

The car keys, Mrs. Daniels.

This is my home.

It's not much, but it's mine.

Don't ever come here again, unless you're invited.

- You'll be very sorry about this, Bonnie.

(door slams)

(car honking)

- Hi, Dave!

- Hey, Bonnie!

Look what I've got!

Come on down!

- I can't, I'm not dressed.

- Okay.

Well? What do you think of it?

- Who's is it?

- Ours!

65 bucks and a bargain at the price.

Nobody leaves my wife without a car.

- Oh!

- Well, it's not really too much, is it?

- It's wonderful.

I love it already.

- What do you say we take a nice, long drive this weekend?

Get out of this rat's nest, huh?

- Hey, crazy! - We might even pay a visit

to the old homestead.

- Well, do you think we should, Dave?

I mean, the way things are.

- Well, why not? The place belongs to you, doesn't it?

At least, it will someday.

- Then why don't we just wait until someday.

- What's the matter with you?

- Is it that locked door in the house

that intrigues you so?

- Boy, she did get to you, didn't she?

- Who?

- Your mother, that's who.

She plants her sick little idea

and then stands aside to let it grow.

- Oh, Dave.

I didn't mean--

- I know what you meant.

- Where are you going?

- Out for some air!

- No, Dave, please.

Please stay.

- Don't you see what we're doing?

Exactly what she wants.

I even suggest a drive, and right away,

the wheels start turning.

- But Dave, why the house?

- A destination, that's all.

You drive some place, you drive back.

And what if I am curious about that room?

There must be something of value in there

that your father meant you to have.

Would it be so wrong to find out?

- I don't care!

- Well, maybe you should.

- Why?

- How long do you think we can go on like this?

I don't want anything for myself, Bonnie,

but you, you weren't meant to live like this.

I shouldn't of let you.

(dramatic music)

- Dave.

I'm happy here.

- Hm.

For how long?

We're almost broke, I can't get a job.

- But you will.

Things will get better, wait and see!

- Why don't you go back to her until they do,

until I have something I can give you.

I won't blame you, Bonnie, honestly.

- I wouldn't leave you for anything in the world.

I love you, Dave.

(dramatic music)

- She's going to beat us, Bonnie.

I know what poverty can do, I've seen it.

My mother and father...

It's hard for me to believe,

but they must've loved each other once.

Promise me something.

- Anything.

- If it gets too rough, if you just can't take it anymore,

tell me, huh?

Don't stick because some kind of pity or crazy loyalty.

- You goof.

You dear, sweet goof.

- Promise.

- Okay, I promise.

I promise if that ever happens, and it won't,

we will go out to the old house,

or even rob a bank with our new getaway car.

But until that day, Mr. Snowden,

you prepare yourself for seven years of hamburgers.

I'll always be as happy as I am right now.

(dramatic music)

You're late.

I was getting worried.

You want some coffee or something?

- Yeah.

- Well?

How did it go?

Bill, would you bring another coffee please?

- Great, I got a job.

Bank president, $1000 a week.

- Can I even ask anymore?

- You remember me telling you about Lou Downs?

My buddy at school?

His father's a big shot at a brokerage firm.

Helenger and Downs.

Well, I went to see him.

- And?

- I told him the whole story.

- What did he say?

- Your mother is one of their clients, period.

- She can't keep doing this, Dave,

it just isn't fair.

I'll go and see her.

- Thank you.

- Talk to her.

- About what?

She's convinced I want your lousy money

and that's that.

- Dave.

What if there wasn't any money?

What if I signed away all rights?

She'd have to believe us then.

- I can't let you do that, Bonnie.

- I don't care, Dave.

I just want her to leave you alone.

- The money is yours, you're--

- Shh.

- You're entitled to it.

- Dave, please.

Please, it's the only way.

- No.

I've been thinking too.

There is another way.

It's a crazy idea, nutty.

I wouldn't blame you for not going along with it.

- Well, tell me.

- Do you remember what you said

the night she followed you to the apartment,

about killing yourself?

- I don't follow you.

- She didn't believe you, of course.

Nobody believes people when they talk wild like that.

But if anything could make her realize

what this marriage means to you.

Don't look at me that way.

I'm talking about a plan, a trick, that's all.

I mean, if she thought you were serious

about killing yourself,

it might make her change her mind in a hurry.

- She'd say the same thing again.

We couldn't make her believe it.

- If we were smart, she could.

I mean, if there was an actual suicide attempt.

Not really, only enough to make it look good.

- How?

- There are lots of ways.

Gas, for instance.

You could fake it by turning on the gas,

just for a little while.

Okay, forget it.

Forget the whole thing.

- No, go on, Dave.

I'm listening.

- How about poison?

Iodine or something, just a little.

Not enough to be dangerous,

but enough to have the doctor in.

He'd have to pump your stomach.

- Dave, wouldn't that hurt?

Burn?

- Yeah, it might.

Okay, no poison then.

Sleeping pills.

Sure!

It's safer, no pain, I've even got some.

See, you could write your mother a letter,

tell her what you're planning to do,

but that I don't know anything about it.

See?

You could do it while I'm out looking for work.

- You mean, really take them?

- Not an overdose, only a few.

But when your mother finds out...

- It scares me.

- Honey, would I let anything happen to you?

Come on, let's go.

(dramatic music)

- Television seems to be dedicated to the proposition

that the viewer's memory span is only 30 minutes long.

So, now we must interrupt to tell you again

what station you are watching,

(dramatic music)

- All right, try this.

"Dear Mother.

"Forgive me for hurting you.

"I know you meant well,

"but you won't leave us in peace,

"and I just can't live without Dave.

(dramatic music)

"By the time you read this,

"I will have taken an overdose of sleeping tablets.

"It's the only thing I can think of doing.

"When Dave gets home, he will find me dead.

"But he will know, he will know how much I loved him".

Okay, sign it.

Now, the envelope.

What time does the mail get to your mother's house

in the morning?

- About 10.

- 10.

(dramatic music)

First thing she'll probably do is call here.

Then she might call the police or an ambulance

when there's no answer.

But she'll probably have somebody else do that

while she races over here.

- What if the ambulance gets here first?

- In this city?

It'll take them half an hour.

She can make it in 15 minutes.

You oughta take the pills around nine.

By the time she gets here,

you should be sleeping pretty soundly.

- Where will you be?

- I'll go out just before she gets here.

I'll wait across the street 'til I see her drive up,

and then I'll come up in a few minutes.

Honey, we've gotta make it look good.

I've gotta look just as surprised as she is.

You understand that, don't you?

- I understand.

- We'll watch the Late Late Show tonight.

By morning, you'll be tired enough to sleep

without the pills.

Well, I better mail this right away.

I'll be back in a couple of minutes.

(dramatic music)

- Dave?

(dramatic music)

(mysterious music)

- Feel sleepy yet?

- I feel funny.

(mysterious music)

- Better take the last one.

- I don't feel ready.

- Oh, they can't hurt you.

I took some myself one night.

While we were separated.

That a girl.

Your mother will be getting the letter any minute now.

You gotta be really sound asleep

by the time she gets here.

There.

- My mommy, coming here?

- Good.

They're taking hold now.

(phone ringing)

That's her now, she's got it.

All right now baby, come on.

Come on.

That a girl.

(phone ringing)

All right, knock it off.

- I feel funny.

- Just relax, stop fighting it.

(phone ringing)

Now that's it.

- Dizzy.

Dizzy.

- You'll be out like a light.

Come on, now.

I gotta get out of here.

(phone ringing)

That a girl.

Perfect.

(dramatic music)

- Bonnie, please.

Please, Bonnie!

Bonnie, come.

- What is this?

What have you done to her?

- What have I done?

Oh, read this!

Bonnie, please.

- Dear God.

- Why did you leave her?

- I was out looking for work!

- I can't wake her!

Do something!

- I'll call an ambulance.

- I did that! Come on, get her up, get her on her feet.

Make her walk!

- You're responsible for this,

you wouldn't lay off, would you?

- It was you, you!

- Come on, Bonnie.

Try to stand, honey.

Come on.

- There, baby.

Oh, give me this.

- Here.

- She's dead.

- No.

Come on, honey.

Stand up, honey.

Wake up, darling, come on.

Bonnie.

Come on, sweetheart.

Wake up.

Come on, darling.

That a girl, come on.

- She's dead.

- Bonnie.

Bonnie!

Come on.

Four pills!

That's all there were, only four.

- One would've been enough.

- [Dave] How could it?

- She had rheumatic fever as a child.

It left her with respiratory after effects.

A weak heart.

Any barbiturate would've killed her.

(dramatic music)

- Did she know that?

(sobbing)

(dramatic music)

- Leave this open for him.

There's no staff on Saturday.

- You sure he's coming?

- He said he would, at the cemetery.

I prepared these papers yesterday.

Why are you doing this, Celeste?

- It would take too long to explain.

- You have no obligation to the boy.

- Not to him, to Bonnie.

- May I come in?

- Yes, please.

Sit down please.

Mrs. Daniels has something she wants to say to you.

- Mr. Snowden.

Under the terms of my late husband's will,

anything Bonnie had reverted to me

if she died before me.

- Is that it? Is that why you asked me here?

- Will you listen a moment?

Whether I liked it or not is no longer important,

but you were my daughter's husband.

And she loved you.

- So, you finally know that.

- Yes.

That is why I feel it necessary to

make some sort of gesture in regard to your welfare.

For Bonnie's sake.

- Her sake, or your own guilt?

- All right then!

- [Adam] Dave.

- I'm sorry.

- No, you were right.

I deserve it.

Perhaps if I had accepted things as they were

the night I found you in the old house,

Bonnie might still be here.

Did I misjudge you, Dave?

- Yes.

- Then I want you to have that house

and every last memory of it.

Do you want it?

- What kind of trick is this?

- There's no trick, Dave.

- It's yours.

The land, the house, and everything in it.

- Why?

- I told you, for Bonnie.

Do you want it or not?

- Yes.

Bonnie and I would've been happy there.

- Adam, give him the papers.

And a complete set of the keys.

- Mrs. Daniels, I don't know how to thank you after--

- Don't.

I didn't do this for you.

- If only we hadn't misjudged each other.

- That's a misfortune we'll never have to face again.

Isn't it?

(dramatic music)

- It's really mine.

- The moment you sign this.

(dramatic music)

- Mother was right, baby.

You were as plain as dishwater,

but you finally paid off,

and now Davey's gonna get a look at the jackpot.

* The Snowdens are coming, yo ho, yo ho *

* The Snowdens are coming to find the dough *

Boo!

* The Snowdens are smarter than once they were *

* Just find a rich pigeon and marry her *

(singing)

(screaming)

(dramatic music)

(yelling)

Help!

Help, please!

My back!

My back!

I can't move!

Get me out of here!

- No, Dave.

This is your home now.

- What is it?

What is it?

Where am I?

- You should've asked that before.

It was meant to be an elevator.

Bonnie's father was having it built.

She was too ill to walk up and downstairs,

but he died before it was completed.

I had it locked off so that nobody would get hurt,

especially Bonnie.

My poor, little Bonnie.

- [Dave] You can't leave me!

No!

- Oh, Mr. Snowden.

Your keys.

(dramatic music)

- No!

No!

No!

- Since you didn't seem to mind

that two of our principals were disposed of

during the course of the play,

I'm certain you shall be able to bear up

under the news that Mrs. Daniels

did not live happily ever after.

Justice triumphed, and now she is behind a locked door.

This concludes my portion of the program.

You may think I've made this test too easy

by putting signs on the doors.

I don't think so.

There's a tiger in here, and in here...

(tiger growls)

Lady tigers.