Original subtitles

[dramatic music]

[blood gushing]

[singer vocalising]

[object thuds]

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music continues]

[distant footsteps]

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music continues]

[door handle clicks]

[light switch clicks]

[suspenseful music continues]

[light switch clicks]

[dramatic music]

[suspenseful music]

[muffled explosion]

Yes, sir?

It's okay, chum. This is Mr. Mercedes.

I'd like to see Captain Simpson.

Oh, he's in the basement, sir.

-Are the police still here? -Yes, sir.

You go on in, Tom, and take a look around.

I'II join you in a minute.

[distant traffic sounds]

There's the jimmy marks, captain.

-Oh, morning, Mercedes. -Morning, Simpson.

Messy job. very messy.

Better get it cleaned up, George.

Well, this must be a terrible loss to you, Mercedes.

A loss, yes, Simpson,

but it's a risk I have to take in my business.

How does Miss Pascal like police boots

All over her new carpets?

Oh, Helen is very upset.

Well, this happening just at the time of her new collection.

It's a great pity, but I'm sure you can console her.

What?

[Mercedes laughs]

How are you making out?

Private detective, eh?

That's what it says there. I work for Mercedes.

-Who? -Mercedes.

He's just the guy who lost the jewellery last night.

You'd better see the inspector. He's with Miss Pascal now.

Miss.

If there's anything else you want to know, Inspector MacLeod,

be a dear, will you, and ask Captain Simpson.

Yesterday was the opening day of our new collection

and I have so many things to do.

Certainly. I leave fashion to the missus.

I don't know the difference between tuille and organza,

except when it comes to paying.

-[knocking on door] -come in.

A Mr. Conway to see you, Miss Pascal.

Oh no, not another detective. all right.

-Mr. Conway? -Yes. How do you do?

Inspector, this is Mr. Conway.

He works for Mr. Mercedes.

-Hello. -Mercedes?

Well, didn't I tell you?

All the stolen jewellery belonged to Mr. Mercedes.

Dear Helen, always talking of your favourite jeweller.

How to see you.

Inspector MacLeod, Mr. Mercedes.

My pleasure, Inspector. well, I must be getting along now.

to see you all looking so well.

Excuse me, sir,

-I would just like to ask you. . . -please, Inspector,

I have to be at my tailors at quarter past.

Conway here can answer all your questions for me.

Happy hunting.

Very busy man, Mr. Mercedes.

Yes, he must be.

According to this, there's £50,000 worth missing,

or in your language, $140,000.

Soup and peat job, huh?

Did you find any prints?

Miss Pascal, we came here because we were informed you were robbed.

Now it appears that none of the jewels belong to you at all,

but to a Mr. Mercedes, who employs his own private police force.

But. . . oh, darling, you explain to him.

You're so good at it.

Well, it's all perfectly straightforward, Inspector.

You see, we don't deal in jewellery ourselves.

That's where Mr. Mercedes comes in.

He lends it to us and we take a commission on anything that's sold.

Well, now that you know all about it,

I expect you two detectives

will want to put your heads together and decide who stole it.

Oh, ask any question you like

and Colin will show you round.

Now, I really must get back to the studio.

Who keeps the keys to that safe?

I do. why?

There's no harm in knowing.

I'll go and see how my men are making out.

Mind if I tag along?

Did you see the show here yesterday afternoon?

No. I wish I had.

Mercedes was here himself.

I thought you were employed to keep tabs on the jewellery?

Sure.

It so happens yesterday I had to fly over to Prance

with a batch of merchandise for the Paris branch.

Their show opens next week.

You get around in your job?

Quite a bit. More than I did for the PEI .

You were in the FBI?

Five years.

Now will you tell me what gives?

Well, if I don't, you'll find out for yourself.

[he chuckles]

It's a professional job. Fingerprints wiped clean.

The safe was blown by someone who knew what he was doing.

-Inside job? -There's nothing to indicate that.

Well, what about the nightwatchman?

He's in hospital with a nasty crack on the head.

His story hangs together though.

I think I'lI take a look around.

It's all yours.

Give me a ring at Savile Row if you find anything exciting.

I will. I will.

Trust a high-powered American flatfoot to make a beeline for the models room.

[French accent] Bring me the brooches. I make a new display.

Monsieur is interested?

I am interested in jewellery but not in this costume stuff.

Oh...

You are the famous investigator.

I'm just making a few inquiries for Mr. Mercedes

about the robbery last night.

And how can I help you, Mr. Conway?

Do you pick this stuff?

Oh, the jewellery, I choose it all myself.

shall I explain to you? I go to the antique shops.

You know, those thieves, they make a great mistake when the leave all this behind.

But the picks for Mercedes,

you didn't have anything to do with choosing those?

Pernande. I have ten minutes before my fitting. I want a hat.

A moment, Monsieur Conway. pardon.

Women!

You like that?

You never have anything here I really like, Pernande.

Your Monsieur Mercedes knows a great deal about diamonds,

but nothing about price.

Now, I tell you how I help him to give us the right jewels

to go with the right price.

[woman customer] Pernande.

Pcrnande, you know I can't bear to think of little birds

being killed to trim hats.

Take it away. Take it away.

Oh, my lady.

Why do little birds have pretty wings?

Madame Cropland, tell me this.

Am I correct in thinking that you had a complete list

of the jewellery supplied by Mercedes?

Oh, of course you are correct.

If I leave it to Monsieur Mercedes,

he gives us blue sapphires to go with an orange dress.

That's all I wanted to know, Madame.

This rail needs mending.

Oh, Colin! You. . . You might have fallen.

Oh, that's all right. I'm still in one piece.

Now look, darling, you get back to the studio.

You’ve got enough to do.

I'll get somebody to repair this.

Well, thanks a lot, old chap.

Think nothing of it. You'd do the same for me.

Or would you?

Of course.

Well, I hope I have the opportunity.

You have, right now.

I want to talk to the girls who wore any of the missing jewellery.

Well, that's easily arranged.

I'll introduce you to the models. In here.

Oh, Mr. Conway, have we answered all your questions?

Yes, thanks.

Besides, I want to see this demonstration.

[dress swishes]

Come over here, my dear.

Yes, I Ike it.

Of course, it's a sweet dress,

but pink is such a difficult colour to wear, don't you think?

Difficult? Ridiculous.

No, I think black would be so much more becoming.

So much more you, my lady, if I may say so.

Chelsea, my dear, I want a little chat with you about those rubies,

the ones you were wearing yesterday.

Of course, they were stolen from our place in Sussex, you know,

two years ago.

I remember the rubies well.

Such a shame my lady lost them.

They would’ve gone so well with your new blood orange dress,

and they were the teeniest bit like the stones that were stolen last night.

They were the same stones.

I knew the moment I saw the milky look in the large one,

quite unmistakable.

[Miss Betty] My lady's rubies were quite lovely.

But do you know, I think I liked the diamond pendants even more.

Now they'd look divine with black.

Pardon me.

Do I know you, young man?

It's no good talking to me about black tuille.

I don't like it.

I don't know that I can manage my lady's sitting

if you keep her any longer.

I'm expecting Lady Nimmo any moment.

But, Milly, why didn't someone tell me?

I've been ready for the last half hour.

And I must have my blood orange dress today.

-Look, er, I'd like a word. . . -Chelsea.

Chelsea, you shall come with me

and tell me how you like my new dress.

Women, women, women, women!

Is the old bat liable to keep her long?

Until she can think of something better to do.

You know, if you want to see some professional modelling,

you should come in when Gina's here.

Gina's not coming today.

Is Gina another model here?

Until the end of the week.

That sweet young thing in there has just got Gina the sack.

All because Chelsea's on the make for captain Simpson.

Oh?

I thought captain Simpson was Miss pascal's boyfriend?

All the girls arc crazy about Captain Simpson.

A ladies man, huh? well, what's he got that I haven't?

manners and a job in a fashion house.

He's really the only man we ever see.

I'm sorry for Miss Pascal. she's such a darling.

Poor Helen's approaching the awkward age.

She thinks the earth of Chelsea

and if she finds out that her little favourite...

[Helen] Jane.

Ask Chelsea to come up to the studio when she's free.

I want the skirt on her.

What's this story of Lady Marchant's about a stolen ruby?

Oh, that? well, Lady Marchant came to the show yesterday

and started making a scene.

It was the opening day too, which made it so awful.

I was modelling a red dress called Blood Orange

and wearing the rubies from Mercedes.

She told me to come over and. . . and show her the dress,

and started saying the rubies were some that were stolen.

Oh, she's batty. Most of the Marchants are.

But madly rich so we have to be polite to her.

I hadn't noticed that.

[Jane] Helen's been asking for you.

Oh, not again!

You'd think I was the only model in the place.

[Jane] You soon will be if we lose anymore.

Well, Helen was bound to find out about Gina and Colin.

So he's Colin now?

And you went and told Helen all about it.

Just the big pearl.

Forgive the interruption, but what gave Lady Marchant

the idea the rubies belonged to her?

Oh, that? well, you heard her say just now

something about a milky look in one of the stones.

well, she's nutty. Everyone knows that.

Lady Marchant must have been a bit touched though.

she's bought the second of those blood orange dresses.

[phone buzzes]

Yes, Miss pascal.

Straight away.

It's for you, Chelsea.

Helen wants to know what you're doing.

I've been admiring Lady Marchant in her blood orange dress.

[chuckles] It's a . Miss Pascal never did like it.

Oh, of course. It's the one she cut on you.

Well, I mustn't keep her waiting.

Sit down.

Thanks.

How's it go?

A hen house full of frustrated chicks.

[chuckles]

Now what shall we talk about?

About Pascal and the stolen jewellery.

All right, let's talk about Pascal. you're having fun, eh?

You ever been to the zoo

and watched the big cats pacing back and forth in their cages?

-[Mercedes chuckles] -Those dames arc so wound up

you take your life in your hands.

Oh, you must introduce me.

The only introduction required is a fat pocket book.

Did you ever hear of any trouble

between Lady Marchant and one of the models?

No, I can't say I did.

This Marchant dame may be nuts, maybe she isn't.

She saw those rubies of ours at the show yesterday.

What, the ones which were stolen last night?

Yeah.

But today she claims they disappeared

from her house in Sussex two years ago.

How could that be? we brought them over from New York.

That's the puzzle I'm trying to solve.

like, cr...

[Mercedes chuckles]

have you spoken to Lady Marchant?

She takes a little knowing.

Tom...

you're a smart fellow.

There are not many people who can take what I'm going to tell you now.

Yeah?

We are not going on with this investigation.

Not going on?

But that's crazy.

To let you into a secret, we can't afford the publicity.

Miss Pascal has been ringing all the morning.

Do you know it's quite something to supply

the most fashionable couturier in London with jewellery.

I'm replacing those jewels

and sending you around with a new selection tomorrow.

-But, Mr. Mercedes. . . -You keep your eyes on this lot.

That's what you're employed for.

-[Milly] All right, dear? -[model] Number, cr, 15.

-In the Moonlight. -Do watch that old man in the corner.

[model] Number 17, Golden Light.

[soft music]

[model] Number 1b, Eau d'jle.

[Jane] Number 18. Good Afternoon.

[soft music continues]

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

Keeping your eye on the jewels, Mr. Conway?

Yes.

[he clears his throat]

[Gina] Number 20. Night Out.

Say, is your name Gina?

Yes, sir.

That's a beautiful dress you're wearing.

I'm glad you like it.

shall we sit this one out?

Thank you . But our dresses aren't made for sitting in.

[Chelsea] Number 21 . Blood Orange Today.

I'd like to see you after the show.

That's a very nice idea.

No, seriously, I've found out something I think you ought know.

Okay.

Number 20, Night out.

Number 22, Fashion Girl.

[soft music continues]

[Chelsea] Number 21 , Blood Orange Today.

[model] Number 23, Evening Rose.

-[loud, piercing scream] -[audience gasps]

I was too late.

[dramatic music]

Stay where you arc, please. There's been an accident.

You'd better call the police.

♪ Don't talk about me, baby ♪

♪ Don't speak of me at all ♪

♪ You had your way, now you've gone, babe ♪

♪ I can't stay around in this lonely town ♪

♪ Don't talk about me, baby ♪

♪ the best thing you can do ♪

♪ I hope you forget with no regret ♪

♪ the plans that all fell through ♪

♪ I wish you all the things. . . ♪

I hear Chelsea lost you your job.

So they told you that?

If you hang around the models room you can hear almost anything.

comes tumbling out. You just can't stop it.

I , er. . . I watched the police this afternoon testing the rail.

have they reached any conclusions?

Yeah. They reached the conclusion it was an accident.

Chelsea tripped on the landing and fell against the rail.

Everybody at Pascal loved her.

Too bad she broke her neck.

Would you care to borrow my handkerchief?

Oh, I suppose it's all right for you to be hard-boiled

but even if I didn't like her, I worked with her.

I introduced her to Helen.

Helen must be blessing you.

What's on your mind, sweetheart?

Something I ought to tell you,

but not here, it's too public.

I , er. . . I may be making rather fuss about this

but I thought you should know,

just before the accident this afternoon

somebody buzzed Chelsea on the intercom.

-Who? -I don't know.

Chelsea was hanging up as I came into the models room

and she went out almost immediately.

That could explain why she waltzed out onto the balcony,

just at the time when everybody was busy watching the show.

Have you told the police?

I thought it'd be easier to talk to you .

Oh?

What do your friends call you?

In the days when I had any, they called me Tom.

Thanks. cigarette?

Thanks.

Mm?

"Gina with love. Colin."

very nice too.

The captain has good taste.

Colin and I have been friends for ages.

Suppose there was no call for Chelsea on the intercom.

Suppose you invented it, just in case somebody suspected you.

Of what?

Chelsea could have slipped.

On the other hand , somebody could have pushed her.

Don't talk like that!

She told tales to Miss Pascal. she lost you your job.

She was on the make for Simpson.

Oh, I can guess what you've been told.

Of course Colin's in love with me.

But I'm not in love with anyone.

So the captain consoled himself with, er, Chelsea.

How much do you earn?

Why?

Oh, can't keep an apartment like this without that folding stuff.

If you were in love with Simpson and needed the cash,

you and he could have stolen the jewels.

I don't think I like you very much. You'd better go.

If you want to know where Colin was on Tuesday, he was with Chelsea.

Check up if you don't believe me.

L'm sorry.

I know you have to find out what happened,

and you'll find out a lot besides.

Never get mixed up with a model.

Ice, Mr. Conway? For your next drink.

[soft music]

Hang on, Tom, I’ll have to borrow some from downstairs.

[soft music continues]

Is there anything else you'd like to see?

Yes, the desk in the other room, it's locked.

I should have thought of that.

well, the jewels aren't there. I'm sorry.

Goodnight.

Hello, cock. Madame Pernande here today?

Madame Pernande?

What do you want with Madame Pernande?

Just tell her Eddie wants to speak to her, will you?

Madame Pernande? there's a chap named Eddie wants to see you.

Who?

Eddie?

No, I cannot see Eddie today.

No, I cannot possibly see him.

tell him I'm very busy.

-sorry, chum, you heard what she said. -I cannot see him today.

Oi! come back.

Phyllis, I want you to find the perfume for Lady Marchant

and to telephone her we are sending it.

Yes, Madame.

[she sighs]

Madame Pernande.

Eddie!

How dare you!

Have you not read the newspapers?

I don't read the papers.

I've got some stuff that might interest you.

Do you not know the police are here?

Now that Eddie is here, he is here, but you do not stay.

Look, Madame Pernande, I've got some real good stuff.

I'll tell you what I'll do now to make it worth your while...

You go straight away.

I'll nip down the car and get it, eh?

Take him away. I see you in two weeks, three weeks' time.

You'll be flaming lucky if you see me at all.

-There's others that'll be glad to. -come on.

-Who's the boyfriend? -Oh, he's, er. . . how do you call it?

-A business acquaintance. -A-huh. what sort of business?

Mr. Conway, that has nothing to do with you.

Madame Pernande, yesterday afternoon, just before the accident,

somebody buzzed Chelsea on the intercom.

You know, the intercom.

Buzzed her. called her on the house phone.

Someone has buzzed Chelsea?

Mais certainement. That is what the instrument is for.

I want to know if it was you?

Me? But why should I buzz Chelsea?

What they do upstairs is nothing of my business.

I have my own model girl, Phyllis here.

Have you found the parcel for Lady Marchant?

-It was here five minutes ago. -[she sighs]

Is this what you're looking for?

Lady Marchant, 31 Palace Gate House.

-Ah, thank you , Monsieur. . . -No trouble at all.

I can deliver it for you.

It so happens I want to talk to Lady Marchant

on account of, cr. . . she lost a ruby.

[she hums a tune]

Pussy!

Oh, my pussy, my darling pussy, puss-puss.

Say, "Polly". say, "Pretty."

say, "pretty polly. polly pretty."

-[parrot squawks] -No?

-[doorbell rings] -oh!

Oh!

Yes?

-Inside and no noise. -[she gasps]

[dramatic music]

[silenced gunshot]

[dramatic music]

[doorbell rings]

[doorbell rings]

[suspenseful music]

[milk bottles clattering softly]

[suspenseful music continues]

[dramatic music]

[car backfires]

I've given all the details to your boys in Kensington.

Place is knee-deep in ectoplasm,

I guess that's why she chose the bathroom.

-Want a cigarette? -No, thanks, I've given them up.

I use these things instead.

You'd better watch your waistline.

You know, after you phoned, I rang the Yard.

they're sending over the file on the Marchant robbery.

It was a ladder job in Sussex,

but we'll wait for the details.

Proud of your filing system, aren't you?

Well, of course, it isn't as up to date as your affair in Washington.

I believe they feed the clues in one end

and it prints the name of the criminal the other.

They've improved it.

Right now, they deliver them to you wrapped as a gift.

[MacLeod chuckles]

What have you been doing since you left the FBI?

Playing around.

Worked for one of the big insurance outfits.

Now I'm with Mercedes.

company you keep.

Well, you've got to eat, and I get expenses.

[scoffs] Mostly rye and gasoline.

Besides, things got a little, erm, complicated for me in LA.

You know, anything for the quiet life.

[knocking on door]

Ah, thank you.

That's all right.

Oh, yes, here we are.

Took place in March 1951 .

Family were up in town for the weekend when the thieves broke in.

I believe the old boy's died since then.

B0,000 worth of jewellery stolen.

Nothing so far recovered.

Is there an itemised list of the stuff?

Hang on.

Diamond clip, value £5,000.

Sapphire bracelet, value £8,000.

Cabochon cut ruby with distinctive milky inclusion.

Ruby, milky inclusion.

I'll be damned.

And everyone thought she was as nutty as a fruitcake.

Thanks a lot, Mac. I'm on my way.

[distant traffic passes]

[car starts and backfires]

[engine clatters]

[car starts]

[engine backfires]

So you've been to see Lady Marchant, hmm?

Most amusing character.

I didn't know you'd met.

Oh Yes, certainly.

How did you find her?

Dead .

With a bullet through the brain.

There was blood all over her dress,

which was blood orange to begin with.

The gun was by her hand.

Shot through the mouth, huh?

Through the mouth, that's right.

But I said the brain.

She chose the bathroom.

[Mercedes laughs] I like her sense of humour.

the bathroom. That's good.

[laughs] some people choose the oddest places

to commit suicide.

And others break their necks

at the bottom of marble stairs.

Yes.

In the midst of life we're in death.

Marble stairs.

[laughs] That's good!

Except that wasn't suicide. That was murder.

Both those women died in blood orange dresses.

Oh. It's quite a puzzle.

For the police.

And they both could have talked to the police,

but they can't anymore now.

And the rubies aren't here to be talked about.

Yes, quite a mystery.

I like a good mystery.

Like the case of the disappearing ruby?

Or the lost ladies.

Yeah. There seems to be a connection.

Well, I'll leave you to find the title.

Miss Pascal has sent for me.

It seems that you are no longer welcome there.

Are you firing me?

Oh, no, no, no, Tom. Not firing you.

Transferring you to other spheres.

You can pick up your ticket to new York

for tonight's plane from my secretary.

How did you guess I'd packed?

[chuckles] You'll have plenty of time to get your things from the hotel.

Happy landing.

But why did you let him take the parcel?

We don't know what he's done with it.

Not that I have anything against the fellow personally.

But you don't want a private detective upsetting your clients.

-Exactly. -It's not only the clients.

Pernande nearly gave notice this morning.

Well, to be honest, Pernande is always on the point of giving notice.

But it isn't as easy as you think to get hold of a good Parisian milliner.

I shall send Madame Pernande a note of apology,

and some flowers.

I haven't heard of anyone sending flowers to Pernande!

she'll appreciate them all the more.

As for Conway,

I'm transferring him to New York.

So you won't see him again.

[door closes]

And now I feel a bit sorry for that chap Conway.

I like him a lot better than I used to.

Colin, I don't know how I should have faced all this unpleasantness,

unless you'd been here to turn to.

Oh, nothing much I've done, my dear.

The papers came through from the lawyer today.

-Papers? -Making you a partner in Pascal.

I'd like you to read them. They need your signature.

Now, Helen, you mustn't be in too much of a hurry

to sign things away.

Oh, but, darling, you know how I feel about you

as a partner and . . . as a person.

Somehow it seems so obvious.

You and me.

[knocking on door, door opens]

[Helen] Yes, Gina?

I've come to say goodbye, Miss Pascal.

Goodbye?

Yes, I finish this evening.

Perhaps we shall be able to work together again, sometime?

I hope so.

Goodbye, Captain Simpson,

and thank you very much for all you've done for me.

But, Gina, you can't go like this.

Excuse me.

[door closes]

[forlorn music]

[distant traffic sounds, children playing]

[engine idling]

Looking for me, chum?

Can I have a word with you, guv?

They always told me the English waited until they were spoken to.

I hate to think what this is costing you in gasoline.

It's about Madamce Pernande. I work for Madame Pernande.

I've worked for Madame Pernande for 20 years.

Okay, so you work for Madame Pernande.

Oh, I know it ain't strictly legal but the cops ain't worried.

It's not like pinching lead off church roofs. That's dirty work.

Yeah, very dirty work.

But I'm one who's always stuck to my own business,

and the way I look at it, who am I robbing?

all right, so you're clean.

I don't know what's eating you, chum...

You're worrying Madame Pernande, going around asking questions,

stirring up trouble where there ain't no need.

well, lay off, that's all.

Well, well, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee.

the finger, huh? I ought to have known.

You forgot to pick up your ticket.

We're gonna take you to the airport. You coming quietly?

Uh-uh, this way.

No! Don't try anything funny or you'll get it right now.

Mm-hm.

[scoffs]

[Tom grunts]

No, you don't! No, Sid, no!

What's the angle? Suicide of detective?

I'm sorry I didn't bring my red dress.

You can keep the smart talk for the boss. Now get in.

-Well? -we got him upstairs.

Sid's with him now.

[car approaching]

Another car.

-[car pulls up] -coming this way too.

[car drives away]

-What is this, a house party? -I'll have to tell the boss.

[car drives past]

There's a 40 foot drop from that window and no drainpipe.

So you needn't try any tricks.

I'II be right back.

[traffic passes]

Right, sir?

they're standing by, just in case.

And this was all we found on him.

-Governor, there's another car. . . -what do you mean by leaving him?

But there's another car, another car coming up the drive.

-I've just seen it. -Another car?

Yes?

Two gentlemen outside asking to see you, sir. They say they're police.

where are they?

[chauffeur] They're waiting in the hall, sir.

well, show them in.

By all means, show them in.

You two scram. Take Conway with you.

He's not to talk to the police.

Whatever happens, he's not to be found here.

You can get out through the library.

Good evening, gentlemen. This is an unexpected pleasure.

We'd better introduce ourselves.

I'm Inspector MacLeod, this is my colleague,

Detective sergeant Jessup.

[dramatic music]

I might have known!

You stupid lug!

Mercedes can look out for his own skin.

I'm getting out.

[dramatic music continues]

[suspenseful music]

[dramatic music]

[engine turns over]

What's the matter, Charlie? won't she start?

[he grunts]

[gunshot]

You stay here.

Is anyone hurt?

Johnson here had a narrow shave.

Fellow plugged him in the arm. How are you feeling?

Not too bad, Inspector.

I'll get you to the station as soon as the car gets here.

-Very good, sir. -Oh, I say, it's Huey Marlowe.

Who's your pal?

[door rattles]

I'm sorry, officer.

You'd better come along with me.

You take my car. we'll wait here with Mercedes.

[Tom] Oh, we go in the VIP bus, hmm?

All right, constable, I'll take over.

He'll have to wait here until there's another car.

I know Mr. Conway.

Very good, sir. I'll send a car right up.

Mind if I have a look at that?

Why, certainly, sergeant.

For a delightful lady.

to see you, Tom.

Should be. You've been to enough trouble.

This parcel, sir. It's addressed to Lady Marchant.

Before your man Marlowe tried to murder one of our constables,

I'd come here to give you some news.

we've recovered your jewellery.

But that's excellent news.

-Congratulations, Inspector. -Including a ruby.

Identified as having been stolen from the late Lady Marchant.

Have you been in Paris recently?

Yes, last week.

All those stones were discovered today

in your Paris branch, Mr. Mercedes.

Now wait a minute, Mac, you can't pin that on me.

It was the day before the robbery I was in Paris.

How did you get hold of this package addressed to Lady Marchant?

Mr. Conway will tell you that.

before either of you say anything more,

I ought to tell you that Lady Marchant did not commit suicide, she was murdered.

[Tom] I didn't think they'd fool you .

It didn't fool the police surgeon either.

Gentlemen...

Gentlemen. . . I have a confession to make.

you're not obliged to say anything...

Yes, I know, until I'm charged and anything I say...

[sighs] But what's the use, Inspector?

You've found out.

you're too clever for me.

There are occasions in life when one is driven to actions

that are, shall we say, distasteful.

Like killing Lady Marchant?

Yes. That was necessary.

Only that trigger happy fool Marlowe made a mess of the job.

My plan was more subtle.

Tom, you remember our chat about suicide?

My flesh is creeping.

I was upset about the disappearance of this parcel.

That's why I had to find out what you'd done with it,

instead of just eliminating you.

tell me,

didn't you find it very heavy for a bottle of perfume?

[MacLeod] well, I don't know what you're talking about

but you'll have plenty of time at the station...

If Lady Marchant had got this parcel and pulled the strings,

she would've been blown to smithereens.

-Now look here, Mercedes. . . -shall I try?

I'll pull, shall I? Oh, let's try.

After all . . . How does it go?

Life is nothing much to lose, only young men think it is,

and we... we are not as young as we were, arc we, hmm?

then if nobody wants me to experiment,

I must ask you to unlock the window

and put the key on the desk here.

You'd better do as he says.

You'll never get away with this, Mercedes.

One trick out of you and it's curtains for all of us.

Right.

Leave it open.

Now put the key on the desk.

-[key clatters] -Nearer!

[key clatters]

No heroics, please, Tom, this thing is still dangerous.

[clock chimes]

[dramatic music]

[glass smashes]

This way, it's quicker!

[car starts and revs away]

Here, stop him! stop him!

[glass shatters]

[police car starts and drives off]

[suspenseful music]

I ought to have known she'd buy enough to wash her underclothes.

Well, perfume or not, Conway, I don't like your part in all this.

you're coming back with me.

It's not good enough.

What proof have I got that it was Marlowe

and not you that shot Lady Marchant?

-Mercedes pays you. -That's right.

And I stepped right up to Savile Row and put you wise.

Mac,

have a look.

well, it'd saved a great deal of trouble

if you'd shown me this before.

Do you mind if I hold onto it for the time being?

Help yourself.

The New England Insurance company

were the ones who planted me on Mercedes.

They had a hunch he was receiving stolen jewellery in a big way,

resetting it and shoving it abroad to his swank shops.

It worked fine until he slipped up on the Marchant ruby

and stole back his own jewels.

How did you locate the stuff in Paris?

A little research in that card index of ours.

Mercedes has got a record as long as your arm.

I radioed the police in all the places he kept shop

and the súrete caught him on the hop.

After all that it's too bad he fooled you with a bottle of perfume.

we'll pick him up and that'll be the end of that.

There's still some loose ends.

Like the guy who drives that old Austin.

I want to get even with him, and a French milliner.

And of course the girl who was thrown over the stairs.

She wanted to talk to me badly just before she died.

[knocking on door]

Any luck?

Afraid not. The car was too fast for anything we've got.

I've sent out a teleprinter message to all stations.

He'll have ditched the car by now.

Warn the port authorities.

Do you mind if I ride back to town with you?

You're not riding anywhere until we've cleared these credentials of yours

with the New England Insurance.

And you've something to settle with the police here, too.

-What's that? -A small matter

of assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty,

And with the thoroughness of the people here,

I don't think you'll get to your bed very early.

Goodnight.

[door buzzer sounds]

Tom!

What have you done to your head?

I was kicked by a canary.

Too late for wisecracks.

Aren't you gonna ask me in?

Well, I'll fix that head of yours if you go straight home.

-Okay? -okay.

the, um...

the Sussex police were more welcoming.

At least they offered me a cell.

Don't say you've been getting into trouble with the police?

Pix yourself a drink. I'll go and see if I can get something.

In the cupboard.

You've forgotten so soon?

Of course.

And this time, you needn't bother to look in the bedroom.

-Okay, honey, -you're learning.

Yeah.

-Sit down now. -Thanks.

Ouch!

There.

Thanks.

Fine. Almost worthwhile being socked for.

[chuckles] Darling.

Gina, you're out of it. we found the jewels.

Mercedes is the one we're after now.

Mercedes?

I thought it was Mercedes who'd lost them?

Turns out his swank shops were just a front.

He was a receiver in a big way.

The brains behind all those ladder robberies you read about.

Well, champagne and caviar while it lasted,

but he's for the hot seat now.

But you can't be hung for stealing.

I know, darling, but he had Lady Marchant killed

because she recognised her own ruby.

I can't believe it.

What'll you do?

I have some unfinished business at Pascal.

Gina, can you help me get in there tomorrow?

Why?

Someone at Pascal was playing along with Mercedes.

Someone pushed Chelsea over the stairs.

I've gotta find out who.

Can't you leave that to the police?

No. I've gotta handle this myself.

Tom, I don't see how I can help.

I finished there yesterday.

That's even better.

I'll call for you, ten o'clock tomorrow morning, here.

Goodnight.

Madam will understand that this dress

was not actually made for Jane.

It was cut on you.

All right, I’ll take Night Out.

That is, if you like it, darling?

But of course I do.

You were wearing it the first time I met you, remember?

Well, at least we know it fits.

You'd better check to make sure.

I'II wait for you downstairs.

Excuse me.

Tom's so generous.

You know, this is the first time a man has ever bought me

one of my own model gowns?

Gina.

I've been trying to telephone you ever since you left here.

Excuse us a moment, Miss Betty.

Jane.

How do you think I feel about people coming in here

and buying you clothes?

-People? -oh, Conway's a nice enough fellow.

You're not keen on him in that way. But you can't be.

I mean, you hardly know him.

Colin, I think you're jealous.

Gina...

You just don't know what it's been like since you left here.

Madame Pernande.

I do not talk to you.

I think you have been warned away. I go for the porter.

Suit yourself.

You go for the porter, I go for the police.

What is it then? what do you want of me?

Yesterday I was fingered by a man who works for you.

Fingered?

Look, Madame Pernande, let's not be dumb.

Yesterday a couple of Mercedes' hoods picked me up

and gave me a working over.

And this punk of yours is the one who points me out to them.

Catch?

What docs he look like this, how do you call him, punk?

Oh, he's a small man, red face.

He's wearing a cap and a string scarf.

Drives an old Austin, BLY 74Q.

Eddie!

But what does he know of such men?

Eddie is not a punk, he is a go-between.

So you recognise him?

If I show you, you promise not to tell the police?

-That depends on what you show me. -[she sighs]

You understand , I do not do this if there is any other way.

I know it is against the English gaming laws,

but women have to have hats and hats have to have feathers.

You see all these beautiful birds that Eddie brings me.

Osprey, kingfisher.

-It's not allowed to kill any of them. -[Tom laughs]

You see, Mr. Conway, it's not easy for anybody to like me as immigrant.

What's so funny?

The laugh's on me.

I've been tailing a dead hummingbird .

I beg your pardon, Madame Pernande.

I'II keep my big mouth as tightly shut as this box of yours.

Oh, Gina, why don't you buy yourself a hat while we'rc here?

No, Tom, not today.

You've done enough. Thank you, Pernande.

Tom.

Don't kill yourself laughing but I have something to tell you.

Colin Simpson has asked me to marry him.

My, my. what did you say to that?

I didn't know what to say.

I told him we'd better talk to Helen.

[soft music]

I think I've always known, Colin,

and yet I kept hoping as time went on...

that you might feel differently.

Has she said she'll marry you?

Gina's behaved very decently.

She knows how you feel.

But she wouldn't give me a definite answer until I'd seen you.

I was a fool to sack her.

But I thought if she was out of the way, I ...

It wouldn't have made any difference.

No.

You can't make people love you by getting rid of the competition.

Simply fall in love with somebody else.

A long time I thought poor Chelsea was...

Docs Gina know that I've made you my partner?

Yes.

But you don't think that would influence her?

In any case, we can't possibly go through with that now.

I signed the papers today.

Oh, Colin, don't let me lose you. . . as a friend.

Look, you mustn't take it like this.

Well, how am I meant to take it?

After five years, Colin? [she sobs]

[ships horn blows]

Do you know who this is?

But I had to!

I must have money quickly. A hundred at least.

Now listen, I only have to tell the police who killed Chelsea.

No.

Just my little joke.

-[traffic passes] -[ships horn blows]

Now look, don't let's quarrel over pennies.

I've still got a thousand or two salted away.

No, not here, in the country.

That's the snag, I can't get at it.

they're watching for me. But you could.

Now look, you bring me the hundred and I give you the dope about the 2,000.

Yes, Yes. I'll write the combination down for you.

Good. In an hour's time at Covent Street car park.

[ship's horn toots]

[distant traffic sounds]

[keys jingle]

[keys fall]

[footsteps approaching]

[suspenseful music]

Why are you here?

[he grunts]

You know, Conway, if I were a suspicious man,

it might strike me as rather curious

that every time a corpse is discovered,

you're round at this office like a...

-like a. . . a. . . -vulture.

Okay, Mac, I give myself up.

I just wanted to see what I've stamped into.

Is that asking too much?

Oh...

A-huh. One pair of dressmaker's scissors.

-You've been round to Pascal? -what do you think?

Didn't find anybody there exactly tumbling over themselves

to admit the loss of a pair of scissors.

Fingerprints?

Now look here, Conway, I agreed to see you

because I thought you might throw some light on this case,

not to submit me to a cross-examination.

Mercedes was too smart to be taken for a ride in the ordinary way.

Must have been somebody he knew well, trusted.

[knock on door, door opens]

Yes?

I've just collected the lab report on this, sir.

-Was it any help? -Afraid not.

This is the contents of Mercedes pockets.

We've just had them checked.

-Mind if I look? -Go ahead .

Okay to touch?

Yes, we're through.

Trust you to go for the cheesecake.

we checked the telephone number, it's just the cab rank.

"Fine foods and exotic drinks

are a stand out at the Tropics."

well, the Tropics has lost a customer.

I wouldn't be too sure.

I've never seen him there,

but of course I haven't seen everybody.

Erm, cigarette, Mac?

You ought to know by now...

Prom now on, Mac, we've gotta work fast.

And unless you've changed your mind about arresting me,

I'm starting at a bistro right here in town.

[gentle music plays in club]

Good evening, Captain.

Hello, Conway. have a drink?

No, no. these arc on me.

What are you having? whisky?

Oh, thanks.

-No ice. -And the usual for you, sir?

How right you are. Make them both doubles.

You look a little bit glum, Captain.

You ought to be on top of the world.

I hear you're engaged to Gina.

Oh, she told you, did she?

It's a nasty business about Mercedes.

Anyway, had the police round at Pascal this afternoon.

What do you expect?

He was murdered with a pair of dressmaker's scissors.

Do they suspect anyone?

[chuckles] MacLeod wouldn't tell me if they did.

I guess I'm number one on his list.

Oh.

Thank you.

-Good luck -cheers.

[gentle music continues]

Where's Gina?

She's gone back to work.

-At pascal? -Yes.

In the circumstances, Helen's been extraordinarily generous to her.

Isn't it about time she showed up for a cocktail?

I told you, she's working.

At this time of night?

Yes, Helen's cutting a dress on her.

You never know when the mood will take her.

But, er, Helen's just finished her new collection.

Well, I suppose she needed something to take her mind of other things.

Helen was very fond of me, you know.

So out of all the models she picks Gina to cut on?

Well, Helen's an impulsive creature.

once she gets the bit between her teeth, there's no holding her.

-I don't like it. -what?

You saw the paper.

Mercedes was stabbed to death with a pair of scissors, dressmaker's scissors.

Good heavens, man, you're not suggesting that Helen...

I suppose this affair with Colin

has been going on for a long time?

I thought Chelsea told you all about it.

I have been very blind.

Not blind, a bit stupid.

Then what did you expect me to do? I loved him.

I still love him.

Now, come on, I'll drape something on you.

To lose all three of those blood orange dresses.

I must have something to replace them.

Blood orange. they were well named.

Two women have died in them.

Poor Flo Marchant and...

Chelsea.

You should cry your eyes out over Chelsea.

I liked Chelsea.

quite the favourite, wasn't she?

All those cosy little talks you had while you were cutting on her.

The little stories she told you about Colin.

She talked you into sacking me, remember?

Gina, it isn't decent to speak about Chelsea like that!

Decent!

And when you found it was a smokescreen,

that Chelsea wanted Colin Simpson herself, you still liked her?

It was then she fell over the stairs, wasn't it?

I don't know what you are getting at.

Just that you can't frighten me with your blood orange dresses.

I'll tell you here and now, Helen Pascal,

that if another woman dies in one of those dresses, it won't be me.

Still a light in the window.

-[door rattles] -Got a key?

Yes, I have it here.

[door unlocks]

Is Miss Pascal here?

she's in the studio, sir.

And Gina. . . Miss Walters, I mean?

I think they've all gone home. Anything wrong, sir?

Come with us, Harry.

How do you expect any normal man to behave?

"Colin darling" all the time.

Everything you ever did was a proposal.

He was sick to death of it.

And what was I supposed to do?

Compete with my own models?

He's a grown man, isn't he?

He'll never grow up. That's why he prefers model girls.

He'd have married you if he'd had any sense.

[scoffs] That from you.

You could have warmed his slippers for him in the evening.

Made sure he changed into his long winter pants.

Gina, do you love him?

Love him?

What docs that matter? I'm gonna marry him.

If it's the money you want, Gina, take it but...

Listen to me!

I'II take anything I want without being invited.

As for you Helen Pascal,

you've lost your blood orange dresses, you've lost your man,

you've given away half your business.

Now all you've got left to lose is your own silly neck.

And why not? Why not throw yourself over the roof?

You've nothing else to live for.

Keep off! Keep away!

Miss pascal.

You'd better give me those scissors.

Gina. Are you all right?

Did she hurt you?

So you think that I ...

you think that I was threatening her?

Miss pascal...

Then go for the police.

What docs it matter? Gina was right.

What does anything matter anymore?

Oh!

[dramatic music]

Stay with Gina.

[dramatic music continues]

Miss pascal!

Easy now.

Well, I dunno. beats the books, don't it?

Miss Pascal trying to throw herself off the roof.

I asked you to stay with Gina.

well, Gina's all right now. she's getting dressed.

Might've been kinder to let her do what she wanted.

I don't suppose she could control herself.

She must've gone for Chelsea the same way.

Don't kid yourself. Helen's no murderess.

The afternoon Chelsea was killed

she went to visit Harry here in hospital.

I don't understand.

Look, see if you can find some brandy,

and call Inspector MacLeod, tell him to hurry.

I think she'll be all right, sir.

Well, did the old bag throw herself over?

Gina.

What's the matter with you?

Conway. He knows something.

What does he know?

He knows that Helen is in the clear.

He's told me to ring the police.

well, don't just stand there. Get me out of here!

The captain's certainly taking his time getting that brandy.

-Take care of her, huh? -Mmm.

Don't worry, miss. You'll be all right.

[door buzzer sounds]

[operator] Number, please?

Get me Savile Row police station.

Yeah. Hurry, please.

-Have you got it? -Yes. Yes, I have it here.

This will be the picture Mercedes meant.

I'II give you a hand.

Two thousand he told me on the phone.

We need all that and more to buy our way out.

Have you got the combination?

When I die those figures will be written on my heart.

Six.

Three right.

-Four left. -[car drives up]

Seven left.

It's. . . it's empty.

Empty?

Colin...

[tense music]

You took that money.

But Gina, darling...

that doesn't make sense.

Why should I?

Makes sense to me. Do I get the money back?

At least Mercedes was a man.

As for you, a foxy, broken-down soldier

who could never make up his mind.

If you hadn't been such an infatuated fool,

I couldn't have talked you into stabbing Mercedes.

The only reason I agreed to marry you

was because Helen made you a partner.

I have to live now Mercedes has gone and I don't need you .

I wouldn't do that.

Stay where you are.

My, my, where did you find that?

It's hardly the time to be funny.

Have you two had a lovers' quarrel?

He double-crossed me. He took the money from the safe.

You don't really believe he double-crossed you?

It was Mercedes.

But Mercedes is dead.

The police opened that safe.

There never was anything in it except cheques, stale cheques.

Mercedes was always one for a joke. It looks...

[dramatic music]

[gunshots]

[Gina] Don't move.

Do you mind if I straighten up?

You're just giving me housemaid's knee.

And on the subject of double-crossing,

you've been lying to me, angel face, right down the line.

You killed Chelsea, didn't you?

You invented that call on the intercom.

It was a idea, just didn't hold water.

Mercedes made me kill her. she found out about the rubies.

And do you know how I found out about you and Mercedes?

I left a pack of matches in your apartment.

They turned up in Mercedes' pocket.

What are you going to do with me?

What do you expect?

I'm still a detective.

The police will be here any minute.

It's too bad it had to work out this way.

[soft music]

[upbeat music]