Original subtitles

A visitor, de St. Alyre.

The last rites, I'm afraid. It's nearly time.

Hurry...sleep of death.

There is no other way?

So, Doctor Gaillard has come to save me from the guillotine.

Au revoir.

Already! I thought you'd take a week to confess your sins.

'Tis a revolution of people and I turn them back.

That monk must have smuggled him some poison. The Count is dead.

Mr. Roberts!

Mr. Roberts, do you hear me?

Mr. Roberts!

Good God, that's Sean. You'd better go out the back way. Quick!

- Ah, there you are, Mr. Roberts. - Ah, Sean.

Your father's been looking for you all afternoon.

Oh damn! Is he angry with me?

No. I took the liberties of informing him you were inspecting the southern city.

Excellent Sean. Well done.

- Lord Luke's grandson called. - Damn!

I wanted to talk to Peter about his trip to France.

He asked me to give you this.

It supposedly describes a roulette system

that he used to break the bank in two salons, in Paris..

Oh, does it indeed. How interesting.

Well, that was a most pleasant evening.

Yes.

I wonder if Felicity will ever learn to play the Piano Forte?

I think Felicity plays rather well.

Really?

- Father, I would like to talk to you. - Oh.

Yes... It's about my proposed trip to France.

You can't travel to France. It's much too risky.

Father, the war is over.

Napoleon is a prisoner on St. Helena.

The peace treaty's been signed.

Every young man is travelling to France!

As you know, Robert, I'm a sick man.

Soon you will be the only one who can carry on the family name.

- Father... - I know that you think I've

kept you cooped up here at Bartram Hall,

and prevented you from seeing the world,

but it's because I've been thinking of the future.

Everyone should travel, father.

How else can one learn about life?

Later perhaps, when you've married.

Paris is an excellent place for a wedding journey.

I shalln't get married for at least ten years!

Not at all, Robert. I've planned it for this year.

Felicity who loves art and music so much

will be thrilled with France.

Felicity?!

Oh no, father. No!

I can't marry Felicity, father... Why she's...

She's a lump!

There you are, Sean.

I'm feeling unusually tired tonight, so I'll withdraw now.

Goodnight, Robert.

Goodnight, sir.

Good morning, Sean. What sort of day is it?

It's a very sad day, master Robert.

I have the painful duty of informing you that your father

died peacefully during the night.

I'm very sorry.

Thank you, Sean.

Isn't it wonderful to be in France, Sean?

We shouldn't have come, with your father only three months buried.

Oh, nonsense, Sean.

It should be an adventure.

He rides like the Hounds of Hell were chasing him.

Or maybe he's late for his supper.

Why have we stopped?

Get this coach moving, you swine!

Close the window, you fool!

My God, Sean! What a woman!

Did you see those eyes?

No, I can't say I did, Mr. Robert.

That wheel is badly damaged.

Quickly Sean, after them.

- Well, come along man! Quickly! - Ha!

Faster! Faster! Come on!

Sir Robert, the wheel's going to come off!

The wheel's coming off!

Quick!

What luck, Sean. They're stopping at that inn.

Whoa! Whoa!

Right. This won't take us any further tonight, sir.

We're not going any further tonight.

Here, that's no job for a pretty young girl.

Do they not have men look after jobs like that in France?

We've been having war and revolution now for twenty-five years.

There aren't many strong, young men left.

Well, that's a pity.

If there's anything I can give you a hand with...just let me know.

- Yes, Colonel, they're all right. - Come on, boy.

My bag! Do you hear me?!

Filthy swine!

Monsieur is perhaps, not aware, that this apartment is private.

I'm most awfully sorry. I...

- I wanted to... - Oh, it's you.

That's a lot of money, Gaillard.

You'll do as I say... just as you'll draw benefit...

It won't be difficult this time.

I must beg Monsieur to retire... but perhaps we'll meet again.

I'm afraid this is the only room they had left, Mr. Robert.

It's all right. How are your quarters?

Well, they put me in with the horses.

Yes, well if I know you, you'll soon find somewhere better to sleep.

Sean... The lady in the black coach... Do you think she'll take dinner in the dining room?

I don't know, sir. Normally she probably wouldn't.

You disapprove of my interest in her. Why?

Well, it's not my place to question your judgement, Mr. Robert,

but there is something strange about that black coach.

You are young, inexperienced.

How can I have anything but inexperience?

I was learning to become a gentleman farmer

while my friends were fighting on the battlefield with Wellington.

Well, considering that some of your friends lie buried in those same battlefields,

I think you're better off after their experience.

Anyway, you wouldn't have learned much about women at Waterloo.

Hello.

How about tonight then?

I don't know. I have a friend who can be very jealous.

Oh?

But he lives in the next village. I don't see him very of

I've got to go now. I dare not keep these gentlemen waiting.

Look, they're not that dangerous!

The Count and his brother are really evil.

- Evil? - Yes!

Some people say they're really one and the same person.

Nonsense!

I ordered wine, you slut!

Forgive me, sir. Aren't you Robert Terence?

Why, yes. Yes I am.

Have we met? I'm sorry, I don't think I've had the pleasure...

Please. Don't apologise.

I am the Marquis d'Harmonville.

I was a very good friend of your father's, Sir Philip.

I was very distressed to learn of his recent death.

He did a lot for France.

The Marquis d'Harmonville?

Perhaps he did mention you.

And perhaps not is more likely.

I was forced to take refuge in England during the Revolution,

and lived many different names.

- Please, won't you join me for dinner? - Oh, thank you. I've already eaten.

- This is your first visit to France? - Yes.

As you know it's been almost impossible to travel on the Continent

these last few years.

Quite so, but now, thank God, things are getting back to normal.

Seems the entire youth of Europe are amusing themselves in Paris.

The gambling salons are open again.

Do you perhaps know Lord Rooksbury?

His son, Peter, has devised an absolutely foolproof of winning at Roulette.

I've had for £30,000 transferred to my bank in Paris.

One must be careful.

Gambling can be very dangerous for a young man of means.

I take it you have friends in Paris?

Actual, no.

Everything was arranged so quickly.

Of course I do have a few letters of introduction.

That's not very satisfactory.

People are always away, or busy.

You must allow me to show you Paris.

That's very kind of you, Marquise.

But really, I couldn't impose.

Colonel Gaillarde

He's extremely dangerous, and quite mad.

A head wound during one of his campaigns.

Perhaps you know another couple staying here... They're travelling in a black carriage

with rather an unusual crest...

A flying dragon.

Oh, that sounds like the Countess Countess de St. Alyre.

Do you know them well?

Oh, hardly at all. I last met them during the Revolution.

People thought he had been guillotined, but like many of us, he survived.

And the young lady travelling with the Count.

Oh, you mean his wife?

It is said she's unhappy.

It's really you!

Somebody stop him! He'll kill my husband!

Stop!

Get away from her!

Colonel.

- Au revoir. - Goodbye.

Are you all right, Mr. Robert? I heard there was a fight.

I'm fine, Sean.

Get the chaise ready. I want to go to Paris, tonight.

But the wheel has to be repaired! That will take hours!

Excuse me, Robert.

If you really want to travel on to Paris tonight, why not come with me?

Your man can follow tomorrow.

Why, that's a most excellent idea. Thank you, Marquis.

Sean, you will follow us.

I'll tell you a man like Colonel Gaillarde is capable of anything.

In fact he was just an ordinary soldier. No family, no education.

How did he then become a Colonel?

Oh, Napoleon and his democratic nonsense.

Gaillarde is a shocking example of how impossible it all was.

Why should he attack the Count?

Who can say what was on his diseased brain?

Many of his kind can't stand the sight of an aristocrat.

I deplore gossip, but it is general knowledge that in his

younger days Gaillarde lost his entire fortune because of some woman,

and that he still has to keep this woman.

I shouldn't be surprised if hadn't annoyed the Countess de St. Alyre with intentions.

My God!

Ready to go, I say.

yes, sir. Ready to go.

And where's our young Englishman?

Well, he left last night along with the Marquis d'Harmonville.

He was anxious to get to Paris.

Yes, I'm sure. Now that the Revolution has failed all these aristocrats

young English unknowns are creeping out into the sunshine again.

Off to Paris to abuse... I suppose you've heard

that a young servant girl was murdered here last night?

No. I was working under paid most of the night.

- Who'd do a terrible thing like that? - Yes, who?

I think I know.

You're a bit young to be jesting on your master.

But I warn him that he will fly back to the place with flying dragons.

He is better off in Paris.

Thank you. That will do.

- Why don't you stop now while luck is with you? - Oh no, no no!

Once more I must use the system.

The system works. It actually works!

- Champagne? - Yes. Thank you.

What's the matter?

You look as if you've seen a ghost.

I thought I saw the Countess de St. Alyre.

I was mistaken.

How odd you should mention her.

Only this morning I received an invitation to a Masqued Bal at Carque,

a small village near the de St. Alyre estate.

I should imagine that the Count and Countess will attend.

Will you go?

I haven't decided, it's quite far from here, but I have some business to settle

in the district and Carque is charming.

When I think of it I have seen so very little of France.

Well, when one is young one wants the excitement of Paris.

Yes.

It must be years since I last attended a Masqued Bal.

Can't say That I Particularly enjoy them, putting on costumes and pretending to be someone else.

Perhaps I'm getting too old for games.

Well, if it would add to your enjoyment...

- Perhaps we could go together? - The impatient youth...

Only two days in Paris, the most exciting city in the world,

and already you leave to see new places.

Very well. I hope you don't regret it.

No, no no! I shall enjoy it.

You know Carque is still very isolated. The people are are primitive and superstitious.

The Bal in fact is part of an old tradition.

- It's held on St. Andrews' Eve. - St. Andrews' Eve?

The night when witches and vampires choose their victims for the coming year.

Oh, that's famous!

No. No seriously I think we should have a very pleasant time.

I know a charming old in... The Flying Dragon.

It's supposed to be haunted.

Lovely countryside, don't you think?

Yes, but somehow strange.

That churchyard for instance. So badly neglected.

That's because the local people won't choose to go there.

Something about the graves once having been defiled by evil beings.

How very quaint.

That, Robert, is the Château de la Carque,

the ancestral home of the de St. Alyre family for several centuries.

The Flying Dragon, Robert.

It looks perfect.

The inn is very old, you know, has an odd and bloody history.

- Well, what do you think? - Yes.

They say this was the original home of the de St. Alyre family.

The inn is built into the very walls surrounding Castle Carque.

Very interesting.

I'll take you to your room, sir.

- Do you like the room? - Yes. Yes, this will do fine.

You should sleep well here.

The walls are so thick I doubt that any sound could penetrate.

Is the Bal being held at the Château?

No. Rather in a large house near the village.

The Count and Countess like their privacy.

No-one's been inside their Château or its ground in years.

My man tells me that the Count has a brother.

Yes. Although I've never met him. He's a recluse.

They're a very strange family, these de St. Alyre's.

Not so much strange as bitter.

Most of their property was confiscated during the Revolution.

They've had to work very, very hard to buy back only a small part of it.

Well, now I must have a short nap before the Bal.

- Way overdue. - Nonsense.

- We'll meet at ten o'clock sharp. - Very well.

I'll be ready.

Wolves. They're wolves.

That's impossible. there haven't been any wolves in these parts since...

Not since...

Thank God you're all right, Colonel.

I heard the wolves and feared the worst.

What is terrible is aren't there any servants?

They've already left for the Bal.

And I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding, Colonel.

The particular room you reserved is occupied.

Occupied?

I ordered that room one month ago!

I know, sir, but the landlord received this letter last week.

It says you've been called back into active service and won't be needing the room.

Signed by my good friend, Doctor Jaques Plainart.

who the devil is he? I don't know any Jaques Plainart.

One more thing, sir.

The particular room you wanted has been taken by that Englishman, Robert Terence.

Let the young idiot if it stings your bravery.

My room is just above your master's.

If you want anything.

- Sean! - Sorry, Mr. Robert.

Here, I'll get you a fresh one.

This is a very strange place.

I was talking to the maid.

terrible things have happened in this house.

And that black Count...

At the very mention of his name people become deaf and dumb.

I think we should leave here.

Remember Colonel Gaillarde's warning.

You think that jealous madman frightens me?!

People have vanished without trace from this very room!

Strange disappearances, ghosts and vampires! It's pure Dark Ages, Sean.

There's things between Heaven and Earth that we don't understand.

As sure as there's a God, there's a Devil.

Maybe a fire sprouting flying dragon!

Maybe you shouldn't listen to the tales of superstitious chamber maids.

Even if they are very pretty.

Give me my towel. I want to get ready for the Ball.

I chance we'll meet Count de St. Alyre.

He would like to thank you for your gallantry in saving himself and his lady wife,

from that madman, Gaillarde.

Good evening. I trust the Countess is well?

The Countess is quite well.

She's engaged at the moment but she wishes me to thank you

for your assistance at the Belle Étoile.

Now, if you will excuse me.

Au revoir.

You haven't by any chance seen the Countess Elga?

No, but she must be around somewhere.

Look, there's the Oriental Fortune Teller.

Quite an amazing talent.

Seems to know everything about the past and future.

Been coming here every year to perform.

No-one's ever discovered the identity of the seer.

- You should try. - Oh, no. Not my cup of tea.

Yea, but this one is quite extraordinary.

Very well.

You are truly extraordinary.

You seem to know everything about me and yet you do not even know my name.

I know you, Robert Terence.

How on earth could you?

I can also reveal that someone secretly loves you.

Though the White Rose sheds its petals.

The White Rose?

You!

Does this mean may I hope?

I must ask for your help.

Can you meet me tomorrow evening in the park of our Château?

Why, yes. Yes, of course.

There's a small Greek temple.

Mr. Terence, I believe. Come on now! Friends? You've already beaten me fairly.

Let's forgive now that you wants us.

I need your help.

I've heard that you occupy the room at the Flying Dragon

which overlooks the Château de la Carque.

What on earth makes you think that I would help you?

Oh, come on.

That young idiot!

He really deserves to be in trouble.

- It's best we separate for now. - Why?

Have a look around and see what you can find out.

Georges, be careful.

You too, Colonel.

- Did you enjoy the Bal, Mr. Roberts? - Yes, Sean.

It was wonderful.

Absolutely wonderful.

I hope you haven't got a jealous boyfriend.

I have many friends.

Some are jealous, some are not.

Do I frighten you?

Georges!

Died 1793.

My husband will be returning at any moment, Robert.

He would be furious if he knew I'd left my rooms.

Don't be frightened. I won't let him hurt you.

I fear for my life, Robert.

The murderer of that old man in the Fortune Teller's costume...

I'm sure I was the intended victim.

But who'd want to harm you?

I don't know. I don't know. I'm afraid.

My husband treats me like a prisoner.

If you only knew what a monster he is. What he has done...

You must leave him, now, tonight! We'll go together, to England.

No. No, Robert.

The Count will be returning soon and he would hunt us down,.

catch us before we could leave the country.

But...the day after tomorrow, he'll be going to Paris and be away overnight.

And remember, Robert, no-one, absolutely no-one

must know about our plans.

- Now give me your silence... You must swear it! I swear.

Good God, there's someone here.

This is the temple all right. It's exactly as I remember.

Let's have a look around.

Elga!

Where have you gone?

Sir!

- I must speak with you. - You're the maid from the inn, aren't you?

- You're in great danger. - What are you talking about?

The wolves have returned and the village say it was you who brought them back!

What sort of nonsense is this?

- But sir, they sat 'it' has also returned. - 'It'?

The vampire!

These are peasant fairy tales and I won't listen to them!

Perhaps I shouldn't have forced you to play, Robert.

You looked a bit pale. I thought a few hours in the fresh air might do you good.

You're undoubtedly right.

I apologise for my bad humour. I haven't been sleeping well.

By the way, my business in Carque is almost finished.

I should be ready to leave for Paris in a day or two.

Please don't hurry on my account.

Oh damn! I forgot my putter.

Please go on to the next tee. I'll join you in a few moments.

Halt! Look out!

It's Georges, I believe.

I wonder what could possibly entice a young man away from Paris

to this godforsaken place?

Terence, be careful! My ball almost hit you on the head!

What did he say? Did he threaten you?

God knows! The man is completely mad.

He shouldn't be allowed to go loose.

I think it's time we give up our game.

The course has become crowded, besides, I have thins to do in the village.

- See you back at the inn later. - Yes.

Goodbye. Sean.

Mr. Robert, there's been another girl murdered!

- The maid who lived upstairs. - Oh God.

- How did it happen? - She was found with her throat slashed.

The whole village has gone mad.

They say it was a vampire, but... I was wondering...

if enough of the people you know die suddenly, violent like,

could that mean that you have the 'Evil Eye'?

Unawares, so to speak.

Sean, you really have got to stop listening to superstitious French peasants!

Here, I want you to take this to the bank in the next village.

It's a withdrawal for £30,000. I want the money in cash.

- £30,000! Mr. Robert, is that wise? - Sean, please hurry.

Good evening, Colonel.

Did you succeed in getting the drug I want?

Here it is. Somnas Angelorum.

A very dangerous drug.

The doctor who developed it was accused of murder.

Do you know his name?

Wait a moment.

He fled France and was never caught.

That was about fifteen or twenty years ago.

- Ah, here it is. Doctor Plainart. - Plainart?

Jaques Plainart.

That's the man who cancelled my room at the Flying Dragon.

I beg your pardon, Colonel?

One.

Let's go. No time to lose.

This is an awful lot of money to be carrying around, Mr. Robert.

Yes, well I may have to travel incognito.

I won't be able to go into any banks.

Don't worry. I'll soon see you back in England.

Why can't I come with you, Mr. Robert?

Because I gave my word to someone I can't betray.

Go now, Sean.

Good luck Mr. Robert. I'll be here until tomorrow if you need me.

Thank you, Sean.

Oh damn! I forgot my valise.

Everything is arranged, Robert.

We'll soon be able to leave.

Don't you have any baggage?

I was so excited that I forgot my valise.

How can we manage?

I promised the servants money!

I have £30,000 here in my money belt.

That's Eloise, my maid.

I must leave you for a second.

- Don't be long. - No.

There you are.

There are many things I must tell you about my husband, Robert.

Strange, unnatural things.

But first, let's drink together.

Surely there can no longer be any doubt, father.

The villagers are frightened.

They will demand that the church act.

Father, we are slowly reestablishing law and order in France.

The revolt of the mob is over.

Everyone is beginning to realise that only they who hold authority

can make the country safe again.

How will your peaceful peasants react if the church betrays them?

The greatest betrayal of all would be to condone...

ignorance and superstition.

Forgive me, father, but if the people lose faith in you

may they not also turn away from God as well?

They may get out of control if you fail to act.

Surely you can't forget what a vicious mob can do?

- I'll have to consider the matter. - Of course.

What ever you decide, you know I'm always at your service, father.

You won't recognise me, Robert, but I am God's son of the earth.

I'm sure you can see and hear me even though you can't move.

Your pulse and breathing appear to have ceased.

You've just tasted a very ugly drug created by Doctor Jaques Plainart.

He believed that he had discovered the perfect pain killer,

but Plainart was wrong.

And unhappily for those he operated on in your condition

they all suffered great pain and anguish.

Just as you will, Robert.

Good evening.

I believe you've already met Doctor Plainart, Robert.

- How much did you give him? - Seventy drops.

That's a lot.

- You know that larger does are usually fatal? - Yes.

But I haven't forgotten the young man you once gave thirty drops who

awakened and ran away.

- Why were you so late getting here? - The priest.

He thinks the ritual is barbaric.

But the villagers convinced him it was necessary.

But why make the boy suffer such a horrible death?

Be satisfied with his money.

Let me kill him now without pain.

No.

A body with congealed blood in its veins is no use.

You'll do what I say, Plainart.

Otherwise the authorities will be informed of your existence.

I have much to do before dawn.

Yes, Robert.

Although I was supposed to have died twenty years ago in the Bastille,

the villagers of Carque believe that I lived on here as a vampire.

At last, when I've bought back my lands,

I want everyone to respect the ceremony of name

as they did in the old days,

and a vampire in the family tomb will help.

Someone take my bag.

My bag... You hear me?

Filthy swine! Are you drunk?

- Remember me, de St. Alyre? - Seize him!

We should have killed you when we had a chance,Gaillard.

Why should you?

What have you done with us?

Give him the drug. The sun will be up soon.

St. de Alyre.

Perhaps... Perhaps, father, you were right after all.

As civilised men we can't go through with it.

This primitive ritual, it's barbaric.

Requiescat in pace. Amen.

Come to me.

Monsieur Gaillard.

It can't be you.

How can you still be here with him?

Perhaps he really is dead.

They might have given him a fatal dose after all.

Can you hear me?

Colonel.

I was wrong.

Terribly wrong.

Good luck.

Thank you.

Did you find the woman?

No.