All language subtitles for The.Man.In.Black.1950.BluRay.x264-RUSTED.en[sdh]

[dramatic music]

[blood gushing]

[dramatic music continues]

[singer vocalising]

[object thuds]

[music fades]

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music continues]

[dramatic music continues]

[gentle music]

[bright dramatic music]

[music fades]

This is your storyteller,

The Man in Black.

You are going to hear a story

of intrigue and jealousy,

and

murder

[dramatic music]

[The Man in Black]
This is Henry Clavering,

a man obsessed with
the fear of impending death.

Bertha, Clavering's second wife,

merciless, vindictive, scheming.

Janice, her daughter.

Victor Harrington, the opportunist.

Joan Clavering,

danger's daughter in this house of terror.

Oakfield Towers, the scene.

I have always been interested
in the philosophy of yoga,

and in my own small way,

something of a collector
of Eastern rarities.

And when I heard that
the estate of Henry Clavering

was to be sold by auction,

I decided to go along.

Henry Clavering was reputed to be

the greatest exponent
of yoga in the country,

and I thought that here

I might perhaps find a few pieces

to add to my modest collection.

I was not particularly
interested in the kind of wares

normally presented on these occasions.

I wanted something... unusual,

something which might reflect

the character of Henry Clavering,

an unusual man

[Mr Sandford] It was bought
by the late Mr Clavering

from as far away as the north of.

[The Man in Black]
The "late" Henry Clavering.

That was the first indication I had

that Henry Clavering was dead.

Then I saw it.

Shiva, the great yogi,

dedicated to Patanjali, the Hindu seer,

who first practised about
150 BC at Gonda, Oudh.

And then, as I looked up,

I felt instinctively

that the girl standing near me

must be Clavering's daughter, Joan.

And from that moment,

I forgot the mundane things
surrounding me.

My curiosity as a storyteller was aroused.

Perhaps it was the way
she gazed on the portrait

which I later learned was her dead father

I heard other things, too,
from Joan Clavering,

of how that portrait had
played the first vital part

in a sequence of events

that started two years ago.

Henry Clavering knew that he was dying.

He knew also that there
were people in his own house

who were waiting. Patiently.

Henry's going to live
forever just to spite you.

I'm not so sure about that.

The doctor was quite hopeful
the last time I spoke to him.

And I've been having a little
private bet with myself.

Henry, dear,

come sit down and have some tea.

My word, you're looking better.

It must be that new treatment

I was just saying to Janice

how much you've improved
since you started it.

You are feeling better, dear, aren't you?

I can't say I am really, Bertha.

Rubbish, Henry.

You mustn't give in so easily.

Must he, Janice?

[Janice] No, he mustn't.

[Hodson sniffs]

What is it, Hodson?

[clears throat] You said you wanted

to see me this afternoon, sir.

Yes, I did

I'll see you down at the
boathouse in a few minutes.

Aye-aye, sir.

[Bertha] Horrible creature.

Can never be sure whether he's being
deliberately insulting or just ignorant.

He's the rudest servant
I've ever had to cope with

I wasn't aware that you
had to cope with any servants

before I married your mother, Janice.

What time is your yoga
demonstration, Henry?

[Henry] About eight o'clock.

What are you going to do this time,
swallow a couple of swords?

Janice, I've told you
on more than one occasion

that yoga is not a subject for cheap jibes.

You know very well what it means to me

I'd prefer it if you kept your
own peculiar sense of humour

for those that enjoy it.

And another thing, Janice, I.

Don't upset yourself, Henry.

Remember what the doctor said.

No excitement
You must take things quietly.

You all right, dear? You sure?

[Henry] Yes, I'm all right.

What are you going to do tonight, Henry?

Something a little unusual.

[Bertha] Sure it won't
be too much for you?

It might be.

Remember what Dr Wainwright said.

[Henry] Yes, I know
what Wainwright said.

Is there anything I can do, Henry?

I don't think so.

Do you want any help?

Any special effects or anything?

The only special effect
I want is complete silence.

Any unusual sound occurring

during the first stages of concentration

can be very dangerous.

Even fatal.

To you, Henry?

Yes, Bertha, to me.

Sandford will be here in a few moments.

Ask him to wait in the study,
will you, please?

Yes, Henry.

Why did you have to say that?

I don't see why I should be insulted.

Did you know Sandford was coming?

No.

No, I didn't.

I wonder if he's going
to change the will again.

Hmm.

Obstinate old fool
He should've died months ago.

Whatever you tell me to do, I'll do it
You can count on that.

Good old naval discipline, eh, Hodson?

Aye-aye, sir.

Course, there's a bit of
a difference, you know.

[Henry] Of course there is.

Here.

You're doing this for me,
and I appreciate it.

Whatever you do, keep an
eye on Miss Joan, won't you?

Well, of course I will.

You're gonna be all right too

I'll stake my pension on that.

Well, don't stand there
dithering, come aboard!

Excuse me, sir.

Mr Sandford's waiting to see you.

Thank you, Elsie.

Whatever you do, don't leave.

You may have a lot to
put up with, but stay here.

Aye-aye, sir.

You can rely on me, you know that.

[Henry] Thank you, Hodson.

My matches.

Hmm, yes.

Thank you, Hodson.

[Hodson clears throat]

Here's to Mrs Clavering.

May she be well and truly preserved!

[Hodson burps]

In a bottle.

Ready?

Nearly.

- Help me, will you?
- Mm-hmm.

You got something up your sleeve?

What do you mean?

I'll tell you this much,

don't be surprised at anything
that might happen tonight.

Is that a prophecy or a warning?

Both

I've got one of my psychic moods on.

Hmm!

Wouldn't be in connection
with a quarter of a million, would it?

It might.

I don't know what you intend to do,

but whatever it is,
I'm taking no responsibility.

For what?

Its effect on your health

I know enough about these mystic rites

or whatever you call them
to make me apprehensive.

Oh, my dear Wainright, if I die,

I won't be able to hold you responsible.

No, but you might haunt me

for not being firmer with you.

If ever I haunt anybody,

I promise it won't be you.

Well, that's some consolation.

Where do we sit?

Wherever you please

[group chattering]

[group chattering]

[Henry] Ladies and gentlemen,
I think everybody's here now.

Will you please seat?

[group chattering]

Dr Wainright.

[Dr Wainright] Thank you.

Tonight I propose to demonstrate

a state of physical catalepsy.

To be able to achieve this at will

has necessitated years
of arduous training.

A few minutes after
I sit down in this chair,

my body will, to all intents
and purposes, be dead,

but during this period, my mind
will remain active and alive.

I must ask Professor Chopra
to help me in my return to life.

All Professor Chopra will have to do

will be to touch my face in certain places.

Then, all being well,
I will return to a living state.

Anybody like to ask a question?

Is there any personal risk
attached to your experiment?

Yes, there is.

But this can be minimised
by your own cooperation

in maintaining absolute silence.

Wainright, would you put
out the lights, please?

Certainly.

Thank you.

[Henry breathing deeply]

[Henry breathing deeply]

Excuse me.

I think I'd like to be near my husband.

Well, of course, Mrs Clavering

[quiet tense music]

[Henry breathing deeply]

[quiet tense music continues]

[Henry breathing deeply]

[tense music]

[painting clattering]

Mr Clavering!

Quick! Switch on the light, someone

Henry

Henry.

I'm afraid he's dead - [gasps] Dead?

He can't be - He can't be

Henry

Henry!

Henry!

[Bertha sobbing]

Well, I must be getting along now

I'll call by in the morning.

All right, Doctor, thank you.

Goodnight, Mrs Clavering.

Try and get a good night's sleep.

Oh, there'll be no sleep
for me tonight, Doctor.

[Bertha sobbing]

You're not keeping that up
for my benefit, are you?

Trouble with you is you've got no heart.

Give me a cigarette.

Send that wire to Joan.

Yes, of course.

I wonder if she's as
delicate as she used to be.

Delicate and highly strung.

Poor little thing

[dramatic sombre music]

[dramatic sombre music continues]

[dramatic sombre music continues]

[dramatic sombre music continues]

[dramatic sombre music continues]

[dramatic sombre music continues]

[gentle music]

[gentle music continues]

[gentle music continues]

Miss Joan, dear

I'm so sorry.

Thank you, Lettie.

Let me get you something.

What happened to you, dear?

We expected you yesterday.

Oh, don't tell me, don't tell me

[gentle music]

[music fades]

"To my daughter, Joan, I give and bequeath
Oakfield Towers and all my estates."

Income derived from investments

and interest appreciation on net capital

to be placed in trust for her

upon her attaining the age of 21,

after other bequests have
been taken into account.

To my wife, I give and bequeath
the sum of? 5,000.

"To my step-daughter, Janice,
the sum of? 100"

[clears throat] There is a codicil.

"In the event of my daughter's death,

or any other cause such as illness,

rendering her incapable of
administering her estates,

or affecting her judgement in such a way

as to impair the affairs of the estates

before she reaches the age of 21,

I direct that the aforesaid properties

be executed in favour of my wife, Bertha,

after a sum of? 50,000

has been placed in trust
for my daughter's lifetime.

I direct also that my remains

be placed in the family vault.

That completes our business, I think.

That was a curious codicil, Mr Sandford.

A curious will.

Mr Clavering's affairs
are in perfect order,

so I think I can wind things
up without much delay.

Oh, perhaps, Miss Clavering,

you'll call at my office next week

and I'll have the necessary
documents ready for you to sign.

Thank you.

Good morning, Mrs Clavering.

Good morning, Mr Sandford

Joan, see Mr Sandford
to the door, will you?

What do we do now, start packing?

No.

Give me a cigarette.

No

[owl hooting]

[soft tapping on window]

[soft tapping on window]

[soft tapping on window]

[soft tapping on window]

[soft tapping on window]

[door creaking]

[soft tapping on window]

I must say, you're very young

to be suffering from nerves, Joan.

Wait till you get to my age.

Must have been your imagination.

Oh no, I I heard it.

It seemed to come from my window,

and it happened more than once, I know it.

Of course, you've never enjoyed
very good health, have you, dear?

People don't really enjoy
bad health, do they?

Pass the marmalade.

Anyway, the door couldn't
have opened and closed

on its own now, could it?

You dreamt that, of course.

No, it.

I It happened more than once and.

Oh, well, maybe the room's haunted.

Didn't somebody die in there?

Oh yes Yes, they did, years ago.

I never heard about that.

It was at a house party.

A man strangled his wife,

or the wife strangled the man,

I forget which way round it was.

Round the neck's the usual
procedure, I believe

Janice, don't be so grisly

I wonder you didn't hear about it, dear.

There was quite a fuss made at the time.

Really? Hmm.

You're probably sensitive
to vibrations, Joan.

It was just the same
with your poor father.

Abnormal, really.

Daddy, abnormal?

Don't make me laugh,
he was plain barmy

Janice.

How dare you talk about
my father in that way!

Janice doesn't mean anything, dear.

It wasn't that your father
was exactly violent.

No, Mother, it's no use trying to cover up.

You know he used to bash
you about unmercifully.

Oh, I don't believe it!

You're lying, both of you!

Do you think it'll work?

I'm sure of it

Patience, just a little patience

[horn honking]

[tyres crunching]

[engine rumbling]

- Good morning, Hodson.
- [Hodson] Is it?

[door thuds]

[Bertha] Hello, Victor How are you?

Not too bad, thank you.

We thought you might have
got down for the funeral.

No.

No, I specialise in weddings

[chuckles] I'm glad to hear it.

[Janice] Hello, Victor.

Hello, my sweet.

Nice of you to drop by, darling.

- Not at all.
- Haven't you got any luggage?

Yes, I left it out in the car.

Oh, I'll see Hodson

Janice, you'd better show Victor

where we're going to put him.

This way.

Your highness.

Tell me, who is the girl
I just saw outside?

Hmm, Joan, probably.

- Joan?
- Mm-hmm.

Oh, yes, Joan.

She's got everything in
the right places, hasn't she?

Think so?

But definitely.

- Hodson?
- Mm.

Take Mr Harrington's cases
up to his room, will you?

What?

I said take Mr Harrington's
cases up to his room.

What's the matter,
ain't he strong enough?

Do you propose to do as I've told you?

Propose to who?

Do you pr.

Do you intend to do
as I've told you, Hodson?

[clears throat] Suppose I ought.

If he ain't strong enough [coughs]

And another thing, Hodson.

Now that Mr Clavering has passed on,

there are going to be one or
two changes in this house.

Yes, I expect there are.

In the first place, I want
a little more civility from you.

Yes, I expect you do [coughs]

Secondly, I hope to smell a little less rum

and see a little more work.

Yes.

Has the will been read yet?

Yes, it has.

Well?

Nearly everything goes to Joan,

unless something happens to her.

Oh, not so good.

We're not giving up hope, you know.

Well, what are you
going to do, contest it?

No, nothing like that.

But surely it [door creaking]

Where do you want this?

Down there, please, Hodson.

Hodson, I said down there.

[Hodson clears throat]

Mightn't it be rather a good idea
to get rid of him now?

Can't He goes with the estate,
unfortunately.

Ah

[gentle music]

Hodson - Yes

I want to ask you something - Yes?

About my father.

Oh.

Would you say his behaviour
was odd before he died?

Odd?

Oh, I don't know, you see,

there's odd and there's odd, isn't there?

There's some folks who's odd in some ways

and there's other folks odd in other ways.

Your dad was one of them folks, see?

No.

Oh?

Hmm.

Well, I've got to get down
tend to the boats

I would like you to tell me
now please, Hodson

I've got a load of stuff to shift,

and I am on the time, like.

Oh, please, Hodson

[sighs] Well, you take
that Mrs Clavering now.

She's odd in another way,

but you can't compare
her with the skipper.

You know what I mean?

It's becoming a little clearer,
but Daddy was.

Yeah, what if that old vulture
starts getting out of hand, like,

all you've got to do is holler like an Indian

and I'll be there in a couple
of rum swallows, all right?

Yes, Hodson

[groans] We'll be watching over you,

make no mistake about that.

Here.

Oi!

[both chuckling]

[mysterious music]

[soft tapping on window]

[mysterious music continues]

[soft tapping on window]

[tapping on window gets louder]

[tense music]

[loud tapping continues]

[dramatic tense music]

[loud tapping continues]

[dramatic tense music continues]

[frantic knocking on door]

[frantic knocking on door]

[Joan breathing heavily]

Dear, what on earth's the matter?

The noises, I I heard them again.

You'd better come in.

Now, my dear, what is it this time?

Tapping, it

it got loud and then
my light wouldn't go off.

Dear, that's nothing It's probably
a faulty connection or something.

It's the tapping that interests me.

Interests you?

Yes, didn't I tell you?

I'm by way of being psychic myself.

Oh, I don't say I'm as
sensitive to vibrations

as you appear to be, but I

Joan?

Yes?

Come and sit down.

You mustn't be frightened about
what I'm going to tell you.

I think it's your father.

No - I'm convinced it's your father

because he was so worried
about you before he died.

Now he's trying to reach you.

Why was he worried?

Dear, you're forcing me to be very blunt.

He was afraid you'd go the way he did.

Of course, I told him not to worry,

that whatever happened,
I'd always look after you.

Nothing I said seemed
to make any difference.

What with the worries and
the responsibilities of the estate

and this peculiar phobia
of his regarding yourself,

the end was a merciful release.

Thank heaven we

didn't have to certify him.

- I hardly believe my father is.
- Oh, I know, my dear.

I know.

But you mustn't let it
prey upon your mind.

You're not strong yourself,

and after all, the human brain
can stand so much.

Now.

Now be a good girl and go off to bed.

Yes, all right.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

[Bertha] Goodnight.

[Bertha humming]

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music continues]

[suspenseful music continues]

[music stops]

[birds chirping]

How're you getting on, missy?

Oh, you frightened me.

Hmm, did I?

You're very jumpy, ain't ya?

I I haven't been sleeping well lately.

That old vampire been running you down?

Hodson, you mustn't talk
about Mrs Clavering in that way.

She might be listening [chuckles]

You know who I meant, didn't you, aye?

Yes, you can always tell
a vampire when you see one.

You know, missy,

I've been thinking a lot about you lately.

- Have you, Hods?
- Mm.

A young girl like you
ought to be going out more.

Pictures, dances.

You don't want to be cooped up here

in this miserable place.

Don't you got a young man?

Have ya?

Yes, but he's in Belgium.

Have you got a picture of him?

Yes, I'll show it to you sometime

I'd like to see it

[chuckles] Hodson.

Oh, there, there now.

You like him?

Yes.

That's the stuff then, you're on.

Here, I've got some bits to take a look at.

Wouldn't be doing a little snooping
by any chance, would we?

I beg your pardon?

I smell a mystery.

What's it all about?

You're imagining things.

Oh, no.

No, it's Joan who is imagining things.

At least according to
you and Janice, she is

I'm wondering what it is

I mean, what it really is

[birds chirping]

Well, well, well.

How's the poor little rich girl?

You talking to me?

No, Hodson, you're rich
in a slightly different way.

Here, let me have a go.

Don't tickle it, slosh it.

- What, like this?
- [chuckles] That's better.

Even better [Hodson clears throat]

Hodson, that hedge out in the front

wants cutting, you know.

Oh yeah?

He's like the kid brother, isn't he?

You know, we ought to take
one of these out sometime.

Better ask Janice, she'd probably like it

Janice? The very mention
of water makes her seasick.

Oh, hello, we're just painting ship.

[Janice] Hmm, so I see.

I'd like a word with you, if you don't mind.

Private?

[Janice] Yes.

Okay.

See you later, Joan.

Victor!

Victor!

Victor, if you think you're
pulling the wool over my eyes,

you're mistaken.

You've been

you've been slobbering over
that child ever since you arrived

I don't slobber.

Well, you'd better make up
your mind one way or the other.

If you want to chase after her,
it's all right with me,

but you can get out of
here as fast as you like.

And what's more

I wish you'd stay in one place.

It's like watching ping-pong.

Anyway, how can I possibly
chase after the girl

if I leave the scene of the chase?

Oh, you,

you dirty, rotten pig!

Oh, don't start snivelling.

Get out of this house.

Get out!

Janice, very confidentially,

there are times when you bore me.

Oh, Janice, I wonder if you'd.

How are you feeling today, dear?

Better, thank you.

Good.

Now, don't over-tire yourself

and don't give that active
little brain of yours

too much to do.

It's bad for you.

Janice, this is a dangerous
thing and I don't like it.

It's led to murder before now

Victor, don't be so melodramatic.

Murder, I never heard of such a thing.

People like us don't murder.

Ah, hello, dear.

Is anything wrong?

I

I

I've lost my photograph of Charles

Charles?

And who is Charles?

My.

My friend in Belgium.

[Bertha chuckles]

Sounds like a cocker spaniel.

Where did you last see
the photograph, Joan?

It was on my dressing table
It's been taken out of the frame.

- It was there this morning, I know it was.
- Joan, this is really getting serious.

Are you asking me to believe
that someone in this house

has deliberately stolen your photograph?

Yes, I am.

Huh

I don't know

I do.

Go on, give the poor girl
back her photograph

Victor, are you insinuating
that I've taken it?

I shouldn't be surprised.

Joan, at the risk of
offending the servants,

I'll ask them if they've seen it,

but I should be very sorry if you force me

to make a direct accusation.

No.

Please don't bother.

I get the idea.

That's not bad for a couple of amateurs.

"People like us don't commit murder."

You make me smile.

You make me rather angry, Victor.

Yes, I'm sure I do.

I should stay on the fence until you know

which side the cat is going to jump.

Oh, but I shall.

You see, I'm in rather strong position.

Head's, I win Tails, you lose.

And she's a very attractive girl

[glass clanks]

Joan, you really must
pull yourself together.

This is getting most serious.

Now, my dear.

In the first place,

you realise you never did
have a photograph of Charles.

It was in this frame.

That photograph has, to my knowledge,

been in this room for the last three years,

in that frame.

Oh, but it couldn't have been

Joan, please allow me to know.

We haven't all taken leave of our senses.

Really, I can see I shall have to be

very, very firm with you.

Now, come sit down and listen.

Now

your inheritance brings with it

great responsibilities.

Until you're 21, it was your father's wish

that I should take care
of you and advise you

as to the handling of your affairs.

If anything were to happen
to you, which, heaven forbid,

then I should have to
carry that burden for you.

You do understand what I'm
talking about, don't you?

Yes, I understand - Good.

And you do realise
the great responsibilities

that are going to call on you?

Responsibilities which
drove your poor father

out of his mind.

But they're not going to do
that to you, are they, Joan?

No.

Your poor little brain may
be very delicately balanced,

but you're going to keep a firm grip,

aren't you, dear?

Aren't you?

[sobs] Yes, yes!

That's not a very good start, Joan.

Oh, why don't you please leave me alone?

My dear, I'm only trying to help you.

If only I could contact your poor father.

What do you mean?

Please tell me what you mean.

Poor man.

I know he's trying to reach one of us.

Today I have a feeling that it's me.

You see, I know how worried he is.

I wonder.

Yes, dear?

Perhaps if you could look after
my inheritance for me, he

he wouldn't worry anymore.

It's not as easy as it sounds.

Everything's in your name.

Yes, I know, but.

Of course, we could always
talk it over with Mr Sandford.

Oh, will you?

Talk to him? Yes, of course I will.

Of course I will, if you really want me to.

Now, why don't you go out?

Why don't you go to
the pictures or something?

I'd come with you, only
I've got too much to do.

Yes Yes, perhaps I will.

And remember, Joan,

whatever happens, you
can always rely upon me.

Yes.

Yes, I'm sure I can.

Mr Sandford's arrived, ma'am.

Oh, has he?

I've put him in the library.

Thank you

[cigarette thuds]

Good afternoon, Mr Sandford

I wasn't really expecting
you until tomorrow

I was just passing by,
so I thought I'd look in.

What's the trouble?

Do sit down.

Thank you.

Mr Sandford,

I look upon you as more
than just another solicitor.

[Mr Sandford] Thank you

I regard you as a friend.

That's why I feel I can speak quite openly.

I'm very worried about Joan.

[Mr Sandford] Really?

What's she been doing?

It isn't what she's been doing,
poor little thing.

It's what's happening to her.

You know she's always been delicate.

That's why her father never
brought her to England.

For some years, she's been under the care

of a very big nerve specialist in Belgium.

Oh?

I wasn't aware of that.

Oh yes.

And now, since her return to England,

she's been inconsolable
over her father's death.

[Mr Sandford] It's quite understandable.

They were devoted to each other.

Mr Sandford,

I'm afraid Joan is losing her mind.

Good gracious.

You surely don't mean that?

It started the day before you read the will.

She came to me one morning,

and in all seriousness,

told me her father was trying
to communicate with her.

The following day,
she begged me for a seance.

Oh, really?

You're something of an
authority on spiritualism,

aren't you, Mrs Clavering?

I have practised it a little in the past,

- purely for the benefit of my friends.
- Of course.

Mrs Clavering, do you, from experience,

imagine there's any reason
why your husband

should desire to communicate
with Joan from the other side?

I can think of none whatsoever.

Well, just the same,

Joan's conviction hardly
justifies any fear of insanity.

Of course not,

but it indicates
an unhealthy trend of thought.

However, that isn't all.

She appears to be suffering

from the most extraordinary delusions.

Such as?

Persecution mania.

She imagines her food is poisoned.

She can't remember what she does.

Yesterday, for instance,
she was quite violent.

I had occasion to reprove her

over some slight domestic matter.

She actually struck me.

Of course, if I were to
remind her about the incident,

she'd deny it ever happened at all.

Extraordinary.

Have you spoken to the doctor?

I feel I can help her
better than Dr Wainwright

I think you're taking a risk, Mrs Clavering.

In any case, she should be placed

under observation for her own good.

I think I'd better talk
to Wainwright myself

I'd rather you didn't do that, Mr Sandford.

You see, I've studied Joan Clavering

very carefully these last few days.

Though I'm not qualified to say

whether her condition is
permanent or temporary,

I'm absolutely certain that
her only chance of recovery

lies in the removal of all
responsibility and worry.

You mean responsibility
arising from her inheritance?

Yes, I do.

As I've made the suggestion,

I would rather not benefit
from Joan's misfortune.

That would be very distressing for you,
wouldn't it, Mrs Clavering?

Very.

But perhaps we could
find some other way

I doubt it.

The terms of the will are
quite definite on that point.

Yes, it clearly stated
that if Joan were incapable

of administering her own affairs,

they should be turned over to me.

Of course, that puts me
in a terrible quandary.

Does it?

Legally

I'm not interested in the
legal aspects, Mr Sandford

I'm thinking of poor little Joan.

If I were to take her to a doctor,

why, I know he'd support
everything I've said.

[Mr Sandford] That is what you should do.

And stand calmly aside
while they put her away?

Oh no, Mr Sandford, no!

No.

I couldn't agree to that.

Of course, I shouldn't
dream of asking her,

but if she herself were to suggest

turning things over to me.

That would solve everyone's
difficulty, wouldn't it?

Well, I'll be getting along.

Well now, Mrs Clavering,

no doubt you'll be
getting in touch with me

when you've decided what
it is you want to do

[owl hooting]

[gate creaking]

[footsteps crunching]

[footsteps crunching]

[tense music]

[dramatic tense music]

[dramatic tense music continues]

[frantic knocking on door]

[Joan] Please, let me in!

Let me in! [Sobbing]

Please!

Dear child, what on earth's the matter?

Someone was following me.

The fact is, my dear,
I ought not to allow you out at all

- the way you're carrying on.
- I tell you, it's true!

There, there, I know all about it.

Now you'd better go up to your room,

and perhaps you'll feel
a little better in the morning.

You poor child.

You're probably suffering from
some sort of mental blackout.

Now you're imagining things
that never happened at all.

It was just the same
with your poor father.

Oh please, I'm tired.

We've got to sort this
thing out together, Joan.

Once you get in, you're finished.

You hear me, Joan?

Joan, do you hear me?

[Joan] Yes.

[Victor] Hello, what's going on?

[Joan gasps]

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

Well, well, well.

Quarter of a million quid.

And I'm holding it

[door squeaking]

[handbag scraping]

[bright calm music]

Hello, Hodson.

It was lovely

[bright calm music]

Hello, Mr Harrington - What?

I want to give you a tip.

Well?

Keep away from that girl.

Well, did you enjoy your trip?

It was lovely You should have joined us.

Should I? You're very kind.

Hello, Jan.

Yes, you should have been with us.

You'd have been as sick as a dog

[quiet tense music]

Now listen to me, Joan.

The next time you persuade
Victor to take you boating,

you might remember he's engaged to me.

What's the matter, Janice?

I didn't persuade him to do anything.

I wish we could be friends.

The atmosphere in this house
is hardly conducive to friendship.

I'm sorry, Janice.

Oh, go away, you make me ill.

Oh, Joan?

[Joan] Yes?

Joan, look, there's something

I'd rather like to talk
to you about for a moment.

It's it's a little bit public here.

Let's go out to the
conservatory, shall we?

Come on Come on

[gentle music]

Now, let's

let's sit down here, shall we?

How about that?

Now, uh.

What is it?

Well, in a nutshell,
I want to ask you to marry me

Victor, are you serious?

Of course I'm serious

I know it sounds a bit sudden
and all that sort of thing,

but that's the kind of chap I am.

No sooner the thought than the word.

Yes, but when did you think about it?

Just now, on the river

I would have asked you then,

but somehow I couldn't quite see myself

coping with a canoe and
a proposal at the same time.

How about it?

No, Victor, I'm sorry.

In the first place,
you're engaged to Janice.

Secondly, I've known you five minutes.

Darling, a man's feelings for a woman

don't go by the calendar.

Besides, you need
someone to look after you.

No, Victor, I'm sorry.

You're very kind, but I like you,

but I don't love you.

Well, you think about it.

It won't make any difference.

Ah, you never know.

Besides, think of the fun
we could have together.

What, with your money and my charm,

we could really go places.

And do you know the first thing we'd do?

We'd chuck old Ma Clavering out,

neck and crop - Victor!

You think she's a friend
of yours, don't you?

Well, you're quite wrong.

She'd cut your throat for sixpence.

As for me, I wouldn't
do it under half a crown

[gentle music]

[music fades]

[calm piano music]

[music stops]

Oh, no, no, no, don't stop playing.

Go on.

Go on, I like music

I'm afraid I only play
for my own amusement.

Well, now you can play it
for mine as well, can't you?

Mm!

Go on, sit down, sit down.

- Oh, please, I'd rather.
- What's the matter?

You're not afraid of me, are you,
just because I've had a little drink?

After all, Hodson drinks,

and you're not afraid of him, are you?

Hodson drinks, but he doesn't get drunk.

Hmm? Oh! [Laughs]

That's very funny [laughs]

I'm very glad you popped
into this old mausoleum.

You know, it sort of
brightens the place up a bit.

What do you keep moving away from me for?

Come on, what's the matter?
There's nothing to be frightened of.

If you don't want to marry me, all right

I can marry the richest woman
in the world if I want to.

Why don't you then, and.

And what?

And leave me alone.

Oh, now.

Oh, no, you're not gonna
get away as lightly as that

I'm gonna get a little kiss first,

just to show there's no ill feeling.

Or is there?

Please, please leave me alone.

Now, just listen to me, you.

You owe me something

I'm the one person in this house

who's given you a decent break.

The one person, do you understand?

Now, you just come.

You!

Get away!

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music continues]

[dramatic music continues]

[Hodson] I thought I told
you to leave that girl alone.

Mind your own blasted business.

[Hodson] Why, you.

[Hodson and Victor groaning]

[Hodson groaning]

- [fist thudding]
- [Hodson groaning]

[dramatic music]

[music fades]

Hodson?

Hodson?

[sombre mysterious music]

[sombre mysterious music continues]

[sombre mysterious music continues]

[sombre mysterious music continues]

[coffin lid thuds]

[sombre mysterious music]

[sombre mysterious music continues]

[footsteps rustling]

[sombre mysterious music continues]

[sombre mysterious music continues]

Joan, dear?

[sombre mysterious music continues]

Joan?

[sombre mysterious music continues]

Joan?

[sombre mysterious music continues]

Can't find Joan anywhere.

Have you spoken to Mrs Carter?

No, she's in bed.

Well, we'd better go look in the.

Well!

Have you seen anything of Joan?

No - You sure?

Why the devil should I?

I'm not her keeper, am I?

I was just wondering.

Your face looks as though it'd been bitten

- I thought perhaps Joan might have.
- Oh, shut up!

Hodson?

Hodson?

Hodson?

Where on earth has he
got trapped in the hill.

Stupid old fool

[knocking on door]

Come in.

Please, ma'am, I can't find Mr Hodson

I've been searching high and low for him.

There's no use
searching high for Hodson.

Might be dead.

Yes, ma'am.

Ask Mr Harrington to come
see me, will you, Mrs Carter?

Yes, ma'am.

What do you want with Victor?

You've just given me an idea.

"It's no use looking high for Hodson.

He might be dead".

You know, he might be.

Don't talk bosh

I was trying to be subtle

Victor had a row with him yesterday.

Supposing he had another
row when we were out.

That would account for
Hodson's disappearance

and Victor's cut face.

It might, but it won't.

It's much too pat.

Somebody want me?

Hello, Victor

Victor,

is anything worrying you?

Because if there is,
I think you ought to tell me.

No, nothing at all.

Where'd you get that scratch from?

I got it from the branch of a tree.

Why, were you bird's-nesting?

Or bird chasing?

Oh, mind your own damn business!

Where's Hodson, Victor?

I've no idea at all.

You're lying, aren't you?

I'm only putting two and two together,

but you looked a little ragged last night,

to say the least.

This morning, Hodson can't be found.

If we can't find him by this afternoon,

I'm going to send for the police, Victor.

That all right with you?

Is it?

No, no, no, don't do that

I can explain, you see.

Last night, I was a little bit tight,

and I went down to the
garden to try and cool off.

When I was out there,

Hodson suddenly came up and attacked me

for no reason at all

I hit him back, self-defence, of course,

knocked him down and.

When I tried to pull
him round, he was dead.

Look, don't give me away

I can I can explain it.

It was absolutely an accident

I didn't mean to kill him

Janice, I think you'd better lock the door

[door thuds]

Now, listen, Victor.

I don't give a fig what happens to you!

If this gets out, you'll
just what you deserve.

It just so happens it might
interfere with my plans.

Yes, I rather thought it might.

Well, don't get too cocky about it.

One wrong move from you,
and I'll turn you in.

Okay.

You're crazy - I don't think so.

Well, I do, and I don't want any part of it.

If you think I'm going
to let this blundering fool

rob me of a quarter of a million,
then you're mistaken.

Yes, and I'm the man you love, remember?

You owe something to me.

Yes, I think I do.

You can take that back for a start.

This is absolutely - Oh, shut up!

We're in a jam and we've
got to trust each other.

- Trust him? [Scoffs]
- Yes.

Mutual trust, that's the thing.

Do I do I get a cut in
the quarter of a million?

Possibly - That's not quite good enough.

Oh, and what are you
going to do about it?

That's better Now let's go over last night.

Did anyone see you?

No, I don't think so.

Was Joan out of the way?

Yes, I'm pretty certain she was.

Good.

Now.

Here's a bill signed by Hodson

I want you to scrawl a note

explaining he couldn't bear
the sight of us any longer,

he's gone, and he's not coming back.

How do you know I can do it?

You've got Hodson's writing to copy,

and four years in Pentonville

for seven convictions of forgery.

You nearly got away with six of them,

so you must be pretty good.

How the hell did you know that I

I get round.

To think I nearly married a crook

[gong ringing]

[chairs creaking]

Is Miss Joan coming in, Elsie?

I'm afraid I couldn't say, madam
I haven't seen her

[plates clinking]

[bright music]

Sorry I'm late.

How's your cut face, Victor?

Hmm?

Your cut face?

Oh, it's only a scratch.

Looks a very nasty cut to me

[bright music continues]

I've just been talking to Hodson

[bright music stops]

Did you say Hodson?

Yes, he thinks the hawthorn
near the terrace ought to come down.

It's spreading too fast
Pass the salt, please.

- When did you tell you that, dear?
- A few minutes ago.

[Bertha] Are you feeling all right, Joan?

[Joan] Yes, thank you.

I think you're right - Hmm?

Something we were talking
about before you came in, dear.

Oh, excuse me

I just remembered something
I wanted to tell Hodson.

By the way, Bertha, I'd like to go through

the household accounts
with you this afternoon.

Elsie, you can go now.

Yes, ma'am.

What on earth's come over her?

She's mad.

Don't be so silly,
she's the sanest thing in this house.

I wonder if she's trying to frighten us.

She's not clever enough

Victor doesn't seem
to share your opinion.

You say you didn't think she
did see you last night, Victor?

No.

No, I'm sure she didn't.

Hmm Well, perhaps old Hodson's
spirit is earthbound as well

Janice, do stop trying to be funny

I told you I'll deal with
Joan, so forget about her.

What I'm worried about now
is finding somewhere else to hide Hodson.

By the way, Victor,

how did you get into the vault?

Well, the door was open.

Open?

Well, it wasn't locked.

That's extraordinary
I'm the only one that's got a key.

- Where did you put him?
- In an empty coffin.

- In a what?
- In an empty coffin!

Empty?

You were drunk, you know

I'd sobered up by then.

We'd better go down at once.

What, now, in broad daylight?

No, perhaps we'd better wait.

This is fantastic!

Well, you won't get me
down there after dark.

For heaven's sake, Victor,
pull yourself together!

Well, I'll go and get some fresh air.

Give me a cigarette.

[Joan humming]

[Joan] Aren't you eating, Janice?

No.

[Joan] Where's Elsie?

She's gone back to the kitchen
You'd better help yourself.

[Joan] Oh, all right.

[Joan humming]

Hodson!

I've just seen him outside on the terrace.

Well, you must be mistaken, Victor

I just left Hodson going
towards the boathouse.

This does look nice!

[door creaking]

[door clicking]

[stairs creaking]

[Joan gasps]

Oh, hello, Joan.

I want to talk to you.

Come on - No, please.

Come on, don't be so frightened
I'm not gonna bite you

[door thuds]

[Joan screaming]

[Joan screaming]

Joan.

It's Victor - What about Victor?

I think he's dead.

What happened?

He was very drunk,

and I tried to push him and
his head hit against the fender.

That sounds a likely story.

Come on - Oh, please come see.

[Joan gasps]

[Bertha] Is this your idea of a joke?

He, he was here a few minutes ago.

Well, he isn't here now,

unless he's hiding in the inkwell.

He was lying there,
his head against the fender.

But I tell you, it's true! I.

He was using this glass.

Why did you kill him, Joan?

I didn't, he fell.

You must have hit him with something.

No, I.

You're lying

I tell you, I only
pushed him away from me.

I wonder if that coffin was empty.

What has that got to do with it?

We seem to have a body
snatcher in our midst.

Whoever moved Henry's body
must have moved Victor's.

Don't you think we ought
to send for the police?

No, wait a minute, wait a minute.

Did you show that note to anyone,
the one Victor wrote?

- From Hodson?
- Mm.

Yes, I.

Yes, I showed it to Mrs Carter.

That was brilliant of you.

But I thought that was the idea.

We call the police and they'll
want to know where Hodson is.

Mrs Carter will mention the note,
and then they'll find the body.

Seems to me we've got
a bit more covering up to do.

What has happened to Hodson?

Nothing.

But you said - Never mind what I said.

You stay still and listen.

We're going down to the vault.

And what's the idea?

We'll find out when we get there.

Come along, Joan
I'm not letting you out of my sight

[sombre mysterious music]

[sombre mysterious music continues]

Victor

[knocking on door]

Elsie?

All right, Elsie, I'll take the tea.

But what about Mr Harrington
and Miss Joan, ma'am?

Mr Harrington doesn't
want to be disturbed,

and I want you to leave Miss Joan alone.

But her door was locked and
she was trying to get out.

You heard what I said, Elsie.

Yes, ma'am

[door thuds]

We've got to find Hodson.

If he's alive, we can inform
the police about Victor

and Joan will be taken care
of for the rest of her life

I can promise you that

[bright music] Good morning.

- How did you get out of your room?
- I just walked out

I thought you said you
locked the door, Janice.

But I did I.

Oh, no, Janice
You couldn't have locked it.

You must be imagining things.

Who let you out?

I don't know what you're talking about.

- Was it Hodson?
- How could it have been?

You said you killed Hodson.

- I said I what?
- That you killed Hodson

I distinctly remember you
saying that you killed him.

Why you lying.

You surely haven't forgotten, Bertha.

That's why you didn't report
Victor's death to the police, isn't it?

Because you killed poor Hodson.

If I didn't know how ill you were,

I should say you were a very wicked girl

for telling such shocking lies.

Would you, Bertha?

But knowing how ill you are,

I'm going to do my best to help you.

Thank you, Bertha.

You always said you were my friend.

Yes, dear, yes, dear And so I am.

Now, I want you to listen very carefully.

Do you remember my telling you
how I thought your father

was trying to get in touch
with me from the other side?

Yes, yes, I remember.

Well, last night I spoke to him.

Did you really?

Yes.

Was he in good health?

He was worried, Joan
He was very, very worried.

Oh, poor father.

What was he worried about?

He was worried about you, dear.

But.

What have I done now?

Joan, surely you haven't forgotten.

Oh, I'm afraid I have.

You killed Victor, Joan

Victor?

Who is he?

Give me strength.

Never mind who he is, dear.

You killed him.

Yes, but isn't that rather serious?

Bats.

Yes, dear, it's very, very serious.

That is why I'm going to help you

[sighs] Then I won't worry about it.

Now, I want you to write down

exactly what happened
between you and Victor.

If you can't remember, I'll help you.

You quarrelled with him,

and he turned his back on you,

and you struck him.

Did I?

Yes, dear, you did.

It's far better for you to tell the truth.

Now, here you are.

I wonder if my father would agree to that.

It was his idea, Joan.

Really?

- Bertha?
- Yes, dear

I think I'd like you to
put me in touch with him

I think I'd like to speak to him myself.

Couldn't you couldn't you sort
of act as a medium between us?

Of course, dear, if you don't trust me.

Oh, but, Bertha, I do.

It's only that if my father
wants me to write a confession,

I'd rather he told me himself

[chuckles] That's quite
understandable, isn't it, Janice?

Quite

I'll tell you what, dear,
we'll hold a seance tonight.

Oh, thank you, Bertha.

Oh, you are kind.

Oh, I'm sure everything's
going to be all right now.

You're a good friend to me,
aren't you, Bertha?

She really is crazy.

Well, if she thinks you're
a good friend of hers, she must be.

Look, I don't like the idea
of this confession.

How's it going to look when Victor's body
is found in the coffin?

Hodson can explain that.

You hope.

[Bertha] I'm here, Henry

Henry?

I want to speak with you, Henry

Henry?

Henry?

I want to speak with you, Henry

[cane thuds]

Yes, we're in contact.

Our spirits are joined.

- Have you a message for me, Henry?
- [cane thuds]

Yes, he has a message.

- Is it about Joan, Henry?
- [cane thuds]

Are you worrying about her, Henry?

[cane thuds]

Do you wish her to follow my instructions?

Henry?

Henry, do you wish Joan
to follow my instructions?

[cane clatters]

[Janice screaming]

[Bertha] Janice?

Janice, what is it?

[suspenseful music]

[gentle music]

Oh, Daddy.

It's all right, darling.

Nothing to worry about now

Henry

Henry, it isn't possible.

I'm afraid it is.

Henry, I thought Hodson.

For your information, Hodson is dead.

I couldn't very well inform the police

because I was officially dead myself.

You had murdered me, remember?

What do you mean?

I told you that any noise

that occurred during
my trance might prove fatal,

because I suspected that you
might take advantage of it.

But it wasn't fatal, Bertha.

You see, yoga can sometimes
enable one to simulate a state of death.

You're mad.

After my funeral, which,

thanks to Hodson, I did not attend,

I decided to find out exactly what methods

you were going to use to defraud Joan.

Did Joan know about this?

Only after Harrington
had murdered Hodson.

Sit down!

As a matter of fact, Joan quite
entered into the spirit of the thing.

It was her idea that we let you carry on

until we had a really
watertight case against you.

Personally, I'd learned all that I wanted to.

You know, Bertha,

it's a pity you incited
Harrington to murder Hodson.

You liar.

I did no such thing.

You're going to have
a hard job proving that.

Harrington's word against yours.

Harrington's dead.

Harrington's alive.

He was only unconscious
when you found him.

You're lying.

Where's he now?

Safely locked up in Hodson's cottage.

You're lying.

You're lying!

He's dead

I know he's dead [knocking on door]

[man] Good evening.

Inspector Blake, Scotland Yard

I'd like to see Mr Clavering, please.

In here, gentlemen

[gentle music]

Excuse me, miss.

It is Miss Joan, isn't it?

Yes, that's right.

Where would you like the picture sent?

Oh.

To this address.

It's my husband.

Mr Charles Linton.

Very good, miss.

By the way, miss,

I was sorry to hear about Mr Clavering.

Did you know my father?

Oh, very well indeed, miss.

Such a fine man.

Hmm, yes.

It must have been a shock.

No, not really.

We had been expecting it for a long time.

Oh

[gentle music]

[music swells]

[dramatic music]

[The Man in Black]
This is your storyteller,

The Man in Black

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music continues]

[dramatic music continues]

[dramatic music continues]

[music stops]