Original subtitles

Have you ever seen too many ghosts?

What do you suppose it is?

Well, there must be a storm at sea that can guide them inland, you know.

I was hoping you'd be a little late. Did you see he hasn't arrived yet?

No, but you said three o 'clock. Oh, I know. I know.

I've been calling all morning. Oh, Miss Daniel, you have no idea. They are so

difficult to get. Really, they are.

We have to get them from India when they're just baby chicks. And then we

have... Well, this one won't be a chick, will he?

Well, certainly not. Oh, no, certainly not. This will be a full -grown mine of

us. We'll go.

And he'll talk?

Well, yes, of course he'll... Well, no, you'll have to teach him to talk.

All right. I guess maybe I'd better phone. They said three o 'clock.

Maybe it's a traffic.

I'll call. Would you mind waiting?

Well, maybe you'd better deliver him.

Let me give you my address.

Oh, well, all right.

But I'm sure they're on the way.

Would you mind if I call?

Yeah. All right.

you could help me?

What?

I said I wonder if you could help me.

Yes, what is it you're looking for, sir?

Lovebirds.

Lovebirds, sir? Yes, I understand there are different varieties.

Is that so?

Oh, yes, there are.

Well, these are for my sister for her birthday, you see, and as she's only

to be 11, I wouldn't want a pair of birds that were too demonstrative.

I understand completely.

At the same time, I wouldn't want them to be too aloof, either.

No, of course not.

Do you happen to have a pair of birds that are just friendly?

Oh, I think so.

Now then, let me see.

Aren't those lovebirds?

No, those are redbirds.

Oh, I thought they were strawberry fishes.

Oh, yes, we call them that, too.

There we are.

Lovebirds.

Those canaries.

Doesn't this make you feel awful?

Doesn't what make me feel awful? Having all these poor little innocent creatures

caged up like this.

Well, we can't just let them fly around this afternoon.

No, I suppose not.

Is there an ornithological reason for keeping them in separate cages?

Well, certainly. It's to protect the species.

Yes, I suppose that's important. Especially during the molting season.

That's a particularly dangerous time.

Are they molting now?

Some of them are.

How can you tell?

Well, they get a sort of tang dog expression.

Yes, I see. Well, what about the lovebirds?

Are you sure you would like to see a canary instead?

We have some very nice canaries this week.

All right.

All right, may I see it, please?

Back in your gilded cage, Melanie Daniels.

What did you say?

I was merely drawing a parallel, Miss Daniels.

How did you know my name?

A little birdie told me.

Good day, Miss Daniels.

Madam? Hey, wait a minute.

I don't know you.

Ah, but I know you.

How?

We met in court.

We never met in court or any place else. That's true. I'll rephrase it. I saw

you in court.

When?

Don't you remember one of your practical jokes that resulted in the smashing of

a plate glass window?

I didn't break that window.

Yes, but your little prank did.

Judge should have put you behind bars.

What are you, a policeman?

I merely believe in the law, Miss Daniels.

I'm not too keen on practical jokes.

Well, what do you call your lovebird story?

Oh, I really wanted the lovebird.

Well, you knew I didn't work here. You deliberately... Right, I recognized you

when I came in.

I just thought you might like to know what it's like to be on the other end of

gag. What do you think of that?

I think you're a louse.

I am.

Good day, Miss Diamond.

Madam.

And I'm glad you didn't get your lovebirds.

Oh, I'll find something else.

See you in court.

Who was that man?

I've no idea.

but be here later this afternoon if you care to come back.

No, you'd better send him. May I use this phone?

Why, certainly.

Daily News.

It's Melanie Daniels. Could you get me the city desk, please?

Just a minute, Mrs. Magruder.

Hello, Charlie. Melanie.

I want you to do a favor for me.

No, this is a small one.

Pressure you?

Why, Charlie, darling, would I try to pressure you?

Would you call the Department of Motor Vehicles for me? Find out who owns this

license plate.

WJH -003.

Yes, California plate.

No, I'll stop up in a little while. Is Daddy in his office?

No, I don't want to break in on a meeting. Tell him I'll see him later.

Thank you, Charlie.

Do you have any lovebirds?

Well, no, not in the shop, but I can order them for you.

How soon?

Well, when would you want them? Immediately.

Well, I could probably have them here by tomorrow morning. Would that be all

right? That would be just fine.

Is that for Mitch Brenner?

Yes. He's not home.

Oh, that's all right. He won't be back until Monday. I mean, if those birds are

for him.

Monday? Yes.

I don't think you should leave them in the hall, do you?

Well, where did he go?

Bodega Bay. He goes there every weekend.

Bodega Bay? Where's that?

Up the coast about 60 miles north of here.

60 miles?

It's an hour and a half by freeway or two hours if you take the coast highway.

Oh.

I'd look after them myself, but I'm going away too.

I'm awfully sorry.

Good morning. Good morning. I wonder if you could help me.

Well, try my best.

I'm looking for a man named Mitchell Brenner. Yeah. Do you know him? Yeah.

Where does he live? Right here, Bodega Bay.

Yes, I know, but where?

Right across the bay there.

Where?

See where I'm pointing?

Yes. See them two big trees across there?

You mean on the other side of the bay?

Yes. And the White House?

Yes. That's where the Brenners live.

The Brenners? Mr. and Mrs. Brenner? No, just Lydia and the two kids.

The two kids?

Yeah, Mitch and the little girl.

Oh, I see.

How do I get down there?

Well, you follow the road around the bay, and that'll take you right to their

front door.

The front door? Is there a back road I can take? No, that's the only road.

You see, I want to surprise them.

Oh? I don't want them to see me arrive.

Oh.

It's a surprise, you see.

Well, you could get yourself a boat and cut right across the bay to their dock.

Where would I get a boat?

Down by the Tides restaurant.

Do you have a handle on that boat?

Oh, of course.

Want me to order one for you?

Well, thank you.

What name?

Daniels.

I wonder if you could tell me... Just hold it a minute, please.

The little girl's name.

Little Brenna girl?

Yes.

Alice, I think.

Harry, what's the little Brenna girl's name?

Lois.

Alice, ain't it? No, it's Lois.

It's Alice.

Are you sure?

Well, I'm not positive, if that's what you mean.

Well, I need her exact name, you see.

Oh, just hold on one more minute, please.

In that case, I'll tell you what you do.

You go straight through town till you see a little hotel on your left.

Then you turn right there.

Now, you got that?

Yes. Near the top of the hill, you'll see the school.

And just beyond, a little house with a red mailbox.

That's where Annie Hayworth, the schoolteacher, lives.

You ask her about the little Brenner girl.

Oh, thank you.

Save yourself a lot of trouble.

Name's Alice, for sure.

Can I have the boat in about 20 minutes?

How much for the phone calls?

Oh, it's nothing.

Thank you.

Me? Who's me?

Miss Hayworth? Yes.

I'm Melanie Daniels. I'm sorry to bother you, but... Yes?

Well, the man at the post office sent me. He said you could tell me the name

the little Brenner girl.

Cassie? The one who lives in the White House across the bay? Yes, that's the

one, Cassie Brenner. It seemed sure it was either Alice or Lois. Which is why

the mail never gets delivered to the right place in this town.

Oh, I'm sorry. Smoke?

Thank you.

Did, uh...

Did you want to see Kathy about something?

Well, not exactly.

Oh.

Are you a friend of Mitch's?

No, not really.

You know, I've been wanting a cigarette for the last 20 minutes. I just couldn't

convince myself to stop.

The filling of the soil can become compulsive, you know. It's a very pretty

garden. Oh, thank you.

Well, it's something to do in your spare time.

There's a lot of spare time in Bodega Bay.

Are you planning on staying long?

No, just a few hours.

Oh, then you're leaving after you see Kathy.

Well, something like that.

Oh, I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound so mysterious.

Actually, it's none of my business.

Well, I'd better be on my way.

Thank you very much. Not at all.

Did you drive up from San Francisco by the coast road?

Yeah.

Nice drive.

It's very beautiful.

Is that where you met Mitch?

Yes.

I guess that's where everyone meets Mitch.

Now, you sound a bit mysterious, Miss Hayworth.

Do I?

I don't mean to.

Actually, I'm an open book, I'm afraid.

Or rather, a closed one.

Oh, pretty.

What are they?

Lovebirds.

I see.

Good luck, Miss Daniels.

Thank you.

Can I get out this way?

Go right around. It'll take you back to the main road.

Thank you.

Do you have a boat for Miss Daniels? Yes, ma 'am.

It's the one right below.

I know it seemed to swoop down at you deliberately.

Oh, you're bleeding, too. Let's take care of that.

Okay?

That's the girl.

Come on.

What happened, Mitch?

A gull hit her. A gull?

Oh. Let's try up at the restaurant, all right?

Might need a tetanus shot. I had a booster before I went abroad last May.

Hello, Deke. Young lady cut herself.

Should I call a doctor?

Oh, I don't think it's that serious. Let's see.

Helen, get some cotton and intercept.

You cut yourself outside in this?

Don't worry, Deke. She did it in a boat.

Well, I had a man trip and fall in the parking lot once. Sued me before I could

bat an eyelash. I don't think Miss Daniels is going to sue anybody.

Here.

Well, you're the lawyer. Thank you.

What's that?

Just some peroxide.

I'll clean out the cup.

So you're a lawyer.

That's right.

Of course, I usually defend people, Miss Daniels, but if I were prosecuting...

Do you practice here?

Uh -uh. San Francisco.

What are you doing up here? What kind of law?

Criminal. Is that why you want to see everyone behind bars?

Oh, not everyone, Miss Daniels.

Only violators and practical jokers. That's right.

Ow. Oh, sorry.

What are you doing up here?

Didn't you see the lovebirds?

Oh, you mean you... Came all this way to bring me those birds.

To bring your sister those birds. She said it was her birthday.

Besides, I was coming up anyway.

What for?

To see a friend of mine.

Careful. Oh, sorry.

Uh, who's your friend?

Annie Hayworth, the schoolteacher.

Annie Hayworth.

Well, a small world.

Yes.

How do you know Annie?

We went to school together.

College.

Did you?

Imagine that.

How long are you staying up here?

The weekend.

Well, I think the bleeding's almost started. Why don't you hold that on?

So you came up to see Annie, huh? Yes.

I think you came up to see me.

Now, why would I want to see you of all people?

I don't know.

But you must have gone to a lot of trouble to find out who I was and where

lived. No, it was no trouble at all. I simply called my father's newspaper.

Besides, I was coming up anyway. I've already told you that.

You really like me, huh?

I loathe you.

You have no manners. You're arrogant and conceited. And I wrote you a letter

about it, in fact.

But I tore it up.

What did it say?

None of your business.

I can't say I like your seagulls much either. I come all the way up here to...

But you were coming up anyway, remember?

Nick.

I thought I saw your car. What are you doing in town?

I had to acknowledge a delivery.

Of what?

Mother, I'd like you to meet Melanie Daniels. Miss Daniels, my mother.

How do you do?

How do you do, Miss Daniels?

Acknowledge a what?

A delivery.

Miss Daniels brought us some birds from San Francisco.

Oh. For Kathy, for her birthday. Where is she?

Across the Pinkmire.

As a matter of fact, Miss Daniels is staying up here for the weekend, so I've

already invited her for dinner tonight.

Well, you did go to the trouble of bringing those birds.

Oh, I couldn't possibly.

You did say birds.

Yes, lovebirds.

So we couldn't let you get away without thanking you in some small way? And you

haven't met Kathy. And you are staying on the weekend?

Well, yes, but... Well, you are, aren't you?

Certainly, but... Well, then it's all settled.

What time is dinner, Mother?

Seven o 'clock, the same as usual. I'll pick you up. Where are you staying?

With Annie, of course.

Oh, of course. How stupid of me.

Quarter of seven?

Annie may have made other plans. I'll have to see.

Besides, I can find my own way.

You sure now you won't hire a boat or anything?

I'm sure.

Seven o 'clock, then.

Maybe.

We'll be waiting for you.

How's your head?

Oh, much better, thank you.

A gull hit me, Mrs. Brenner, that's all.

Oh, hi.

Did you find her all right? Yes, I did.

I was wondering... that sign there.

Do you suppose I could have their own for just a single night?

Well, I was planning on renting it for a longer time. Oh, I would appreciate it.

I've tried everywhere in town. They're all full.

Well, all right.

Got your bags in the car?

Well, it's utilitarian, I'll say that.

Oh, I just picked up some things for the night at the general store.

You see, I hadn't planned on staying very long.

Yes, I know.

Did something unexpected come up?

Yes.

May I use your phone? I'd like to call home.

I just put some coffee on the stove.

Dante, ever stop migrating.

Miss Daniel?

Yes?

Oh, they're beautiful.

They're just what I wanted.

Is there a man and a woman?

I can't tell which is which.

Well, I suppose so.

Hello there.

And he had no plans, huh? No. Fine. We're very glad you could come. Are you

hungry? Reasonably. Dinner's just about ready.

We've been out back looking at the chickens. Something seems to be wrong

them. There's nothing wrong with those chickens, Mitch.

I'm going to call Fred Brinkmeyer right now. What good is that going to do?

The chickens won't eat.

He sold the feed to me, didn't he?

Caveat into him, mother. Let the buyer beware. Whose side are you on?

Really quoting the law, dear.

Never mind the law.

This won't take long, Miss Daniel. Hello, Fred.

Lydia Brenner.

I didn't interrupt your dinner, did I? Thank you. I'd love one.

Fred, that feed you sold me is no good.

The chicken feed.

Well, it's just no good. The chickens won't eat it.

They're always hungry.

I opened a sack for them when I got home, and they just wouldn't touch it.

Now, you know chickens as well as I do, and when they won't eat, there's just

something wrong with what they're being fed, that's all.

No, they're not fussy chickens.

Who?

What's he got to do with it? Is that your father?

Mm -hmm.

Please sit down.

Fred, I don't care how many sacks of feed you sold him.

My chickens...

Oh, I see.

Dan Fawcett.

This afternoon, well, that just proves what I'm saying. The feed you sold us

is... Oh.

Well, maybe I'd better go over and see him.

You don't think there's something going around, do you?

No, never.

No, Fred, they don't seem sick at all. They just won't eat.

Uh -huh.

Well, I'll try to go over and see him. Maybe he... Uh -huh.

All right.

Thanks.

He had a call from Don Forthard a while ago.

His tickets won't eat either.

It's what you said, Mom.

Mr. Brinkmeyer's feed is no good.

No, Kathy.

He told Mr. Forthard a different brand.

You don't think they're getting sick, do you, Mitch?

I still don't understand how you knew I wanted lovebirds. Your brother told me.

Then you knew Mitch in San Francisco. Is that right?

No, not exactly.

Mitch knows a lot of people in San Francisco.

Of course, they're mostly hoods.

Kathy! Well, Mom, he's the first to admit it. He spends half his day in the

detention cells at the Hall of Justice.

In a democracy, Kathy, everyone is entitled to a fair trial.

Your brother's practice... Oh, Mom, please!

I know all that democracy jazz.

They're still hoods.

He has a client now who's shot his wife in the head six times.

Six times.

Can you imagine it? I mean, even twice would be overdoing it.

Don't you think?

Why did he shoot her?

He was watching a ball game on television.

What? His wife changed the channel.

Are you coming to my party tomorrow?

I don't think so.

I have to get back to San Francisco.

Don't you like it?

Oh, darling, of course I do.

Don't you like Bodega Bay?

I don't know yet.

Mitch likes it very much.

He comes up every weekend, you know, even though he has his own apartment in

city. He says San Francisco's like an anthill at the foot of a bridge.

Oh, I suppose it does get a little hectic at times.

Well, if you do decide to come, don't say I told you about it. It's supposed

be a surprise party.

You see, they've got this whole complicated thing figured out. Where I'm

over to Michelle's for the afternoon, and Michelle's mother will say that she

has a headache. Would I mind very much if she took me home?

Then when I get home here, all the kids will jump out.

Oh, won't you come?

Won't you please come?

I don't think so.

She's a charming girl, isn't she, Mitch? Yes.

Certainly pretty.

Mm -hmm.

How long have you known her?

Now, I told you, dear, we met yesterday.

In a bird shop. In a bird shop.

She was selling birds.

Oh, no, no. I just led her into believing that I believed she was. And

well, it's all very complicated.

But she did buy the love birds and then drove all the way out here. Mother?

Yes? Where did you go to law school?

Forgive me.

I suppose I'm just naturally curious about a girl like that.

She's very rich, isn't she?

Yeah, I suppose so. The father's part owner of one of the big newspapers in

Francisco. You'd think he could manage to keep her name out of print.

She's always mentioned in the columns, Mitch.

Yes, I know.

She is the one who jumped into a fountain in Rome last summer, isn't she?

Yes.

I suppose I'm old -fashioned.

I know it was supposed to be very warm there, but... Well, actually, the

newspaper said she was naked.

Yes, I know, dear.

Well, it's none of my business, but when you bring a girl like that... Darling.

Yes? I think I can handle Melanie Daniels by myself.

Well, as long as you know what you want, Mitch.

I know exactly what I want.

Did I find you way back all right? Oh, yes.

Will I be seeing you again?

San Francisco's a long way from here.

Oh, in San Francisco, five days a week with a lot of time on my hands. I'd like

to see you.

Maybe we could go swimming or something.

Mother tells me you like to swim.

How does Mother know what I like to do? I guess we read the same gossip cards.

Oh, that.

Rome.

Yeah, I really like to swim. I think we might get along very well. In case

you're interested, I was pushed into that fountain. Without any clothes on.

With all my clothes on. The newspaper that ran that story happens to be a

of my father's paper. You were just a poor, innocent victim of circumstances,

huh? Well, I'm neither poor nor innocent, but the truth of that

Truth is you were running around with a pretty wild crowd, isn't it? Well, yes,

that's the truth, but I was pushed into that fountain, and that's the truth,

too. Uh -huh.

Do you really know Annie Hayworth?

No. At least I didn't until I came up here. So you didn't go to school again?

No. And you didn't come up here to see her? No. You were lying. Yes, I was

lying.

What about the letter you wrote me? Is that a lie, too? No, I wrote the letter.

What did it say?

It said, Dear Mr. Brenner, I think you need these lovebirds after all. They may

help your personality.

That's what it said.

But you tore it up?

Yes. Why?

Because it seemed stupid and foolish.

Like jumping into a fountain in Rome. I told you what happened.

You don't expect me to believe that, do you? Oh, I don't give a damn what you

believe.

I'd still like to see you. Why?

I think it might be fun.

Well, it might have been good enough in Rome, but it's not good enough now.

It is for me. Well, not for me. What do you want?

I thought you knew. I want to go through life jumping into fountains naked. Good

night.

Was that cut beginning to bother you? No, it's not the cut that's bothering

Would you like some brandy?

If you have some, I'd love it.

I'll get it. Why don't you sit down, Miss Daniel?

Oh, would you like a sweater or something, a quilt?

No, no, thank you.

Won't you call me Melanie?

All right.

It gets a bit chilly here at night sometimes, especially if you're over

bay.

Well, how did your evening go?

Did you meet Lydia?

Or would you rather I change the subject?

I think so.

Well, how do you like our little hamlet?

I despise it.

Well, I suppose it doesn't offer much to the casual visitor unless you're

thrilled by a collection of shacks on a hillside.

Takes a bit of getting used to.

Where are you from originally, Annie?

San Francisco.

How did you happen to come up here?

Oh, a friend invited me up for a weekend a long time ago.

Look, I see no reason for being coy about this. It was Mitch Brenner. I

you knew that anyway.

I suspected as much.

Well, you needn't worry.

He's been over and done with a long time ago.

Annie, there's nothing between Mr. Brenner and me.

Isn't there?

Well, maybe there isn't.

Maybe there's never been anything between Mitch and any girl.

What do you mean?

I think I'll have some of that.

I was seeing a lot of him in San Francisco.

Then one weekend he invited me up to meet Lydia.

When was this?

Oh, four years ago.

Shortly after his father died.

Of course, things may be different now.

Different?

With Lydia.

Did she seem a trifle distant?

A trifle.

Well, then, perhaps things aren't quite so different.

You know, her attitude nearly drove me crazy.

When I got back to San Francisco, I spent days trying to figure out exactly

I'd done to displease her.

Well, what had you done?

Nothing.

I simply existed.

So what's the answer?

Jealous woman, right?

Clinging for death of mother?

Wrong. With all due respect to Oedipus, I don't think that was the case.

Then what was it?

Lydia liked me.

That's the strange part.

Now that I'm no longer a threat, we're very good friends.

Why did she object to you?

Because she was afraid.

Afraid you'd take Mitch?

Afraid I'd give Mitch.

I don't understand.

Afraid of any woman who would give Mitch the one thing Lydia can give him.

Love? That adds up to a jealous, possessive woman.

No, I don't think so.

You see, she's not afraid of losing Mitch.

She's only afraid of being abandoned.

Someone ought to tell her she'd be gaining a daughter.

No, she already has a daughter.

What about Mitch?

Didn't he have anything to say about this?

Well, I can understand his position.

He'd just been through a lot with Lydia after his father died. He didn't want to

risk going through it all again.

I see.

So it ended.

Not right then, of course. We went back to San Francisco, saw each other now and

then, but we both knew it was over.

And what are you doing here in Bodega Bay?

I wanted to be near Mitch.

Oh, it was over and done with, and I knew it, but I still wanted to be near

You see, I still like him a hell of a lot.

And I don't want to lose that friendship.

Ever.

Hello.

Hello.

No, no, no, I wasn't asleep.

Yes, just a little while ago.

Sure, hold on.

It's Mitch, for you.

Hello?

Oh, yes, this is Melanie.

I'm fine, thank you.

No, no trouble at all. I simply followed the road.

Well, there's no need to apologize. I can understand.

Well, that's very kind of you. No, I'm not angry.

Well, I couldn't. I have to get back to San Francisco.

No, I wouldn't want to disappoint Kathy, but...

I see.

All right, yes, I'll be there.

Good night, Mitch.

He wants me to go to Kathy's party tomorrow afternoon.

I thought I would.

Should be fun.

I'll be there, too, to help.

Oh, it seems so pointless.

Well, I think I'll go to sleep.

It's been a busy day.

That's pretty.

Where'd you get that, Brinkmeyer's?

Do you think I should go?

Well, that's up to you.

No, it's really up to Lydia, isn't it?

Never mind Lydia.

Do you want to go?

Yes.

Then go.

Thank you, Annie.

Oh, I wondered if that can be.

Someone there?

Who is it?

Look. Poor thing.

Probably lost his way in the dark.

But it isn't dark, Annie.

It's a full moon.

No, I really shouldn't have any more. I'm driving. Well, actually, I'm trying

get you to stay for dinner.

A lot of roast beef left over. No, I couldn't possibly. I have to get back.

All right.

Cheers. Cheers.

Seriously, why do you have to rush off?

What's so important in San Francisco?

Well, I have to get to work tomorrow morning for one thing.

You have a job?

I have several jobs. What do you do?

I do different things on different days. Like what?

Well, on Mondays and Wednesdays, I work for the Traveler's Aid at the airport.

Helping travelers?

No, misdirecting them. I thought you could read my character.

On Tuesdays, I take a course in general semantics at Berkeley.

Finding new four -letter words.

That's not a job, of course, but... You mean you don't have to... And on

Thursdays, I have my meeting and lunch.

In the underworld, I suppose.

I shall disappoint you.

We're sending a little Korean boy through school.

We actually raise money for it.

You see, Rome, that entire summer I did nothing but... Well,

it was very easy to get lost there.

So when I came back, I thought it was time I began, oh, I don't know, finding

something again.

So on Mondays and Thursdays, I keep myself busy.

What about Fridays?

Fridays, they're free.

I sometimes go to bird shops on Fridays.

I'm very glad you do.

Nice, innocent little day.

Oh, yes.

I have an Aunt Tessa.

Have you got an Aunt Tessa?

Mine is very prim and straight -laced.

I'm giving her a minor bird when she comes back from Europe.

Minor birds talk, you know.

Can you see my Aunt Tessa's face when this one tells us one or two of the

I've picked up at Berkeley?

You need a mother's care, my child.

Not my mother's.

Oh, I'm sorry.

What have you got to be sorry about?

My mother, don't waste your time.

She ditched us when I was 11 and ran off with some hotel man in the East.

You know what a mother's love is.

Yes, I do.

You mean it's better to be ditched?

No, I think it's better to be loved.

Don't you ever see her?

I don't know where she is.

Well, maybe I ought to go join the other children.

Three.

There you go.

her cheek, but it's nothing.

I made three times.

This isn't usual, is it?

The girl when I was in the boat yesterday, the one at Annie's last

now... Last night? What do you mean?

A girl smashed into Annie's front door.

Mitch, what's happening?

I don't know. Do you have to go back to Annie's?

No, I have my things in the car.

Stan, have something to eat before you start back, huh? I feel a lot better.

No,

thank you.

Why didn't Nan stay for dinner?

Said something about going home to take a call from her sister in the east.

The matter with them.

The matter with all the birds.

Where do you want this coffee?

In on the table, honey.

Hurry up with yours, Mitch.

I'm sure Miss Daniels wants to be on her way.

I think you ought to stay the night, Melanie.

We have an extra room upstairs and everything.

That road can be a pretty bad one at night, too, you know.

Well, if I go across to Santa Rosa, I'll come out on the freeway much earlier,

won't I?

Yes, and the freeway is much quicker. Yeah, but you'll be hitting all the

traffic going back to San Francisco.

Just listen to those lockers.

Mitch.

That's a farrow, all right.

We know what it is, Al.

Did you have a light burning or something?

Well, yes, but there wouldn't have been that much light going up the chimney.

Because sometimes birds are attracted by light, you know.

Sure is a peculiar thing. All right, but we've got to do something about it.

I don't think I get you, Mitch.

Do about what?

Well, the birds invaded the house.

What's more likely they got in the room was just panic. All right, I'll admit a

bird will panic in an enclosed room, but they didn't just get in.

They came in right down the chimney.

My wife found a bird in the back seat of her car once.

Tell him about the party.

That's right. We had a party here this afternoon for Kathy for her birthday. In

the middle of the... How old is she?

Eleven. In the middle of the party, some seagulls came down at the children.

Miss Daniels was attacked by a gull only yesterday.

Yeah.

Were the kids bothering the birds or something? Because if you make any kind

a disturbance near them, they'll just come after you. Al, the children were

playing a game.

Those gulls attacked.

Now, Lydia, attack's a pretty strong word, don't you think?

I mean, birds just don't go around attacking people without no reason. You

what I mean?

Kids probably scared them, that's all.

These birds attacked.

You got quite a mess here, I'll admit that.

Maybe you ought to put some screen on top of your chimney.

You want some help cleaning up? No, I can do it. It shouldn't be too much of a

job.

I'll take Kathy up to bed.

I think I should stay, don't you?

It would be nice if you could.

My things are in the car. Do you want to go with me? All right.

Well, anything else I can do, Mitch? No, thanks, Al. We'll be all right.

Good night, Lydia.

Sure is peculiar.

Good morning, George.

Is Mr. Fawcett around?

I think so, ma 'am.

I ain't seen him this morning, but he ought to be in there.

What is it, dear? What's the matter?

Al Malone, the deputy, just called. He wants me over to the faucet place. Some

detectives from Santa Rosa will be there.

Will it be all right?

Yes. I'll take your mother in from tea.

Oh, be careful, please.

Mitch?

No, it's me, Mrs. Brenner.

I thought you might like some tea.

Oh, thank you.

Where's Mitch?

Al Malone wanted him out at the Fawcett farm.

Why? Didn't Al believe my story?

He was calling from the farm.

Then he saw.

Oh, he must have.

They sent for the Santa Rosa police.

What good will they do?

Do you think Kathy's all right at the school?

Yes, I'm sure she's fine.

Do I sound very foolish to you?

Oh, no.

I keep seeing Dan's face.

And they have such big windows at school.

All the windows are broken in Dan's bedroom. All the windows.

Try not to think about that.

I wish I were a stronger person.

I lost my husband four years ago, you know.

It's terrible how you depend on someone else for strength and then suddenly all

the strength is gone and you're alone.

I'd love to be able to relax sometime.

I'd love to be able to sleep.

Do you think Kathy's all right?

Annie's there.

She'll be all right.

I'm not like this, you know, not usually.

I don't fuss and fret about my children.

When Frank died, you see, he understood the children. He really understood

them.

He had the knack of entering into their world, of becoming part of them.

That's a very rare talent.

Yes.

Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish I could be like that.

I miss him.

Sometimes, even now, I wake up in the morning and I think, I must get Frank's

breakfast.

And I get up and there's a very good reason for getting out of bed until, of

course...

I remember.

I miss talking to him.

Kathy's a child, of course, and Mitch... Well, Mitch has his own life.

I'm glad you stayed here today. I feel safer with him here.

Would you like to rest now?

No.

No. Don't go.

I feel as if I don't understand you at all, and I want so much to understand.

Why, Mrs. Pender?

Because my son seems to be very fond of you.

And I don't quite know how I feel about it.

I don't even know if I like you or not.

Is that so important, you're liking me?

Well, yes, I think so.

Mitch is important to me.

I want to like whatever girl he chooses.

And perhaps if you don't?

Well, then I don't think it will matter very much to anyone but me.

Oh, I think it would also matter to Mitch.

Mitch has always done exactly what he wanted to do.

But...

You see, I don't want to be left alone.

I don't think I can bear to be left alone.

Oh, forgive me.

Oh, forgive me.

This business with the birds has upset me.

I don't know what I'd do if Mitch weren't here.

Why don't you try to sleep now, Mr. Brennan?

I wish I was stronger.

Do you think she's all right?

Do you think she's all right at the school?

Would you like me to go for her?

Oh, I couldn't ask it.

I don't mind, really.

Would you?

I feel so much better.

I'll go right now.

Melanie.

of a T.

Rizzle -dee, razzle -dee, now, now, now. With every stroke, she shed a tear.

Rizzle -dee, razzle -dee, hey, yonny, dazzle -dee, razzle -dee, go quality.

Rizzle -dee, razzle -dee, now, now.

Hey Johnny, Doc will see, Nick will see, Matt will see, Russ will see, Colt will

see, Will will see, Wall will see, now, now, now.

She's worked on the floor but once a year.

This'll be Ross will see, now, now, now. She said that proofs were much too

dear. This'll be Ross will see, Hey Johnny, Doc will see, Nick will see,

will see, Russ will see, Colt will see, Will will see, Wall will see, now, now,

now.

She churned the butter in her dental wound.

Whistle -dee, rattle -dee, now, now, now. And for a dash, she used her foot.

Whistle -dee, rattle -dee, hey, Johnny, rattle -dee, nick -a -dee, knack -a

-dee, rattle -dee, coke -wall -a -dee, will -a -dee, wall -a -dee, now, now,

now. The water, it came on a brindling way.

Whistle -dee, rattle -dee, now, now, now. And she took place and ran away.

I asked my wife to wash the floor.

She gave me my hat. and she showed me the door.

All right, children, now please put your songbooks away, then stand up alongside

your desks. We'll go out and read this as everybody gets ready.

We are not going into the playground until everybody has quieted down

Close

that door quickly, please What

is it look

We've got to get the children out of here

All right, children, now quiet.

Quiet.

Miss Daniels would like to see how we conduct ourselves during a fire drill.

I would like you to show her how quiet and obedient you can be.

We're going out of school now.

I want those of you who live nearby to go directly home.

I want the rest of you to go down the hill all the way to the hotel. Now, is

that clear?

I want you to go as quietly as possible. Do not make a sound until I tell you to

run. Then run as quickly as you can. Not as everybody understands.

All right, John, you lead the way.

Daddy, there were hundreds of them.

No, I'm not hysterical. I'm trying to tell you this as calmly as I know how.

All right, Daddy.

Yes, Daddy.

Well, just now, not 15 minutes ago.

What's the school?

No, I don't. Just a minute. What's the name of the school?

It's the Bodega Bay School.

The Bodega Bay School.

Well, I don't know how many children.

30 or 40?

No, the birds didn't attack until the children were outside the school.

Help you, Mrs. Bundy. I need some change, Mr. Carter.

Crows, I think.

Well, I don't know, Daddy. Is there a difference between crows and blackbirds?

There is very definitely a difference, Miss.

Thank you.

They're different, Daddy.

Well, I think these were crows.

Yes, hundreds of them.

Yes, they attacked the children, attacked them.

Well, I don't know when.

But I simply can't leave now, Daddy.

All right. Yes.

Goodbye. They're both poaching birds, of course, but quite different species.

The crow is called the Sprachorhynchus, and the blackbird is Euphagus

cyanosephagus.

Thank you.

Do you have the number at the faucet farm?

Right here in this book, yes.

Look, I can't see that it makes any difference, Mrs. Bundy. Crows or

if the school was attacked, that's pretty serious.

I hardly think that either species would have sufficient intelligence to launch

a mass attack.

Their brain pans are not big enough to be... I just came from the school,

I don't know anything about their brain pans, but... Well, I do.

I do know.

Ornithology happens to be my avocation.

Birds are not aggressive creatures, miss.

They bring beauty into the world. It is mankind... Sam, three southern fried

chicken. Baked potato on all of them.

Yes, may I speak to Mitch Brenner, please?

Yes, I'll wait.

It is mankind, rather, who insists upon making it difficult for life to exist

upon this planet. Now, if it were not for... You don't seem to understand.

young lady said there was an attack on the school.

Impossible. Mitch.

Oh, I'm glad I caught you. Something terrible has happened. It's the end of

world. Two Bloody Marys, Deke.

What actually happened at the school?

A bunch of crows attacked the school kids.

It's the end of the world.

Thus doth the Lord God unto the mountains and the hills and the rivers

valleys. Behold, I, even I, shall bring a sword upon you, and I will devastate

your high places.

Ezekiel chapter 6.

Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong

drink. Isaiah chapter 5.

It's the end of the world.

I hardly think a few birds are going to bring about the end of the world.

These weren't a few birds.

I didn't know there were many crows in Bodega Bay this time of year.

The crow is a permanent resident throughout its range.

In fact, during our Christmas count, we recorded... How many gulls would you

count, Mrs. Bundy? Which gulls, Mr. Shoals? There are several varieties.

The ones that have been playing devil with my fishing boats.

Have you had trouble with gulls? One of my boats did last week. This young lady

was hit by a gull only Saturday.

Deke, I'm still waiting for those bloody Marys. Coming right up.

Could you ask them to lower their voices, please?

They're frightening the children.

A whole flock of goats nearly capsized one of my boats. Practically tore the

skipper's arm off. They're scaring the kids. Keep it low.

Yeah, well, he's scaring me, too.

Are you trying to say that all these... That sounds impossible, Sebastian. Jake,

look, I'll just tell you what happened to one of my boats.

The goats went after your fish, Mr. Shoes.

Really, let's be logical about this.

What were the crows after at the school?

What do you think they were after, Miss... Daniels.

I think they were after the children.

For what purpose?

To kill them.

Why?

I don't know why.

I thought not.

Birds have been on this planet, Miss Daniels, since Archaeopteryx, 140

years ago.

Doesn't it seem odd that they'd wait all that time to start Earth?

A war against humanity? No one called it a war.

Scotch light on the water. You and Mr. Shoals seem to be implying as much.

Who said anything about a war? All I said, some gold. Want some more coffee?

No. Came down on one of my boats.

I could have been after the fish, just like you said.

The captain should have shot at them.

Huh?

Golds are scavengers anyway, most birds are.

Get yourselves guns and wipe them off the face of the earth.

That would hardly be possible.

Why not, Mrs. Bundy?

Because there are 8 ,650 species of birds in the world today, Mr. Carter, it

estimated that 5 ,750 ,000 ,000 birds live in the United States alone. The

continents of the world... Kill them all, get rid of them, messy animals.

...probably contain more than 100 billion birds.

It's the end of the world.

Those gulls must have been after the fish. Of course.

Hurry up, children, finish your lunch. Are the birds going to eat us, Mommy?

Well, maybe we're all getting a little carried away by this.

Admittedly, a few birds did act strange, but that's no reason to believe... I

keep telling you, this isn't a few birds. These are gulls, crows, swifts...

have never known birds of different species to flock together.

The very concept is unimaginable.

Why, if that happened, we wouldn't have a chance.

How could we possibly hope to fight them? We couldn't, you're right.

You're right, Mrs. Bundy.

Snap, something wrong out here?

We're fighting a war, Sam.

A war against who?

Against birds.

I'm glad you all think this is so amusing.

Threaten the children half out of their wits.

If the young lady said she saw the attack at a school, why don't you

her? What attack? Who attacked a school? Birds did. Crows.

You're all sitting around here debating.

What do you want them to do next? Crash through that window?

Mommy.

Why don't you all go home? Lock your doors and windows.

What's the fastest way to San Francisco?

The freeway, ma 'am.

How do I find it? I'm going out that way, lady. You can follow me.

Well, then let's leave now.

I haven't finished my drink yet.

Oh, I got there faster than I could.

Where's Kathy?

She's with Annie. She's all right. Al, why aren't you over at the school where

the attack was?

Because I just got back from Dan Foster's place. That's why. And he was

last night by birds.

What? Now, hold it, Mitch. You don't know that for a fact.

What are the facts, Mr. Malone?

Santa Rosa, please think it's a felony murder.

They think a burglar broke in and killed him. How do you explain the dead birds

all over the floor?

Well, Santa Rosa police figured they got in after the old man was killed.

Were the Santa Rosa police at your school today?

Are you coming?

Now, take it easy, lady. There isn't a bird anywhere in sight.

Look at the birds of the air.

They do not sow or reap, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.

Say, something like this happened in Santa Cruz last year. The town was just

covered with seagulls.

Will you please finish your drink? That's right, sir. I recall it. A large

of seagulls got lost in the fog and headed into the town where all the

were. They made some mess, too, smashing into buildings and everything.

They always make a mess. The point is that no one seemed to be upset about it.

They were all gone next morning, just as though nothing at all had happened.

Poor things.

I'm leaving.

Are you coming?

All right, all right.

I'll help you folks figure this thing out.

It's the end of the world.

Well, I'd better get back to the cannery. What do I owe you, Dick?

Sebastian, hold a minute. Huh?

I don't want to be an alarmist. Well, no one ever said you were. I think we're

in real trouble. Huh? I don't know how this started or why, but I know it's

and we'd be crazy to ignore it. To ignore what? The bird war?

Yes, the bird war. The bird attack. Call it what you like. They're massing out

there someplace and they'll be back. You can count on it.

Ridiculous. Come here.

Unless we do something right now. Unless we get Bodega Bay on the move. Look,

Mitch.

Even if this is true, even if all this... Don't you believe it's true?

No, Mitch, frankly, I don't.

Well, there's no reason.

Well, it's happening. Isn't that a reason?

I like Bodega Bay as well as it makes me happy.

You're an important man in this town. If you help, they all will. Help how? What

do you want to do?

Mrs. Bundy said something about Santa Cruz.

About seagulls getting lost in a fog and flying in towards the lights. We don't

have any fog.

Make our own fog.

How do you figure to do that? We can use smoke puffs the way the army uses them.

Look!

They're attacking again. Melanie, you stay here. Come on out.

are they doing this why are they doing this they said when you got here the

whole thing started who are you what are

you where did you come from i think you're the cause of all this

i think you're evil

They're going.

We can get Kathy at Annie's now.

The crows again.

Oh, no.

Stay here. Stay here.

Oh, don't leave her there, Mitch.

How long have they been gathering there?

About 15 minutes.

Seems like a pattern, doesn't it?

They strike, then disappear, and then start massing again.

Doesn't look so very different, does it?

A little smoke hanging over the town, otherwise.

Want to try your father again?

No, I tried a little while ago. The phone's dead.

You've still got power, haven't you? Yes.

Mitch, I'm getting something on the radio.

Come on.

The suspect.

I can't get any of the local stations.

I think this is San Francisco.

And the work of a team of professionals, end quote.

In Bodega Bay early this morning, a large flock of crows attacked a group of

children who were leaving the school during a fire drill.

One little girl was seriously injured and taken to the hospital in Santa Rosa,

but the majority of children reached safety.

We understand there was another attack on the town, but this information is

rather sketchy.

So far, no word has come through to show if there have been further attacks.

On the national scene today, in Washington... Was that all?

Let's get some more water.

Let's let this fire go.

Did you get the windows in the attic, Mitch? Yes, I got them all here.

When do you think they'll come?

I don't know.

If there are bigger birds, Mitch, they'll get into the house. Well, it's

chance we'll have to take. Maybe we ought to leave.

No, not now. Not while they're massing out there.

When?

We'll just see what happens. Where will we go?

I don't know. I think we're safe here for the time being. Let's get the wood

What happens if you run out of wood? I don't know. We'll break up the

You don't know. You don't know.

Make us all some coffee, okay?

Where are they heading?

Somewhere inland.

Santa Rosa?

Maybe. Come on, let's get the wood.

Mitch, can I bring the lovebirds in here? No.

But, Mom, they're in a cage.

They're birds, aren't they?

Just leave them in the kitchen, all right, honey?

Mitch, why are they doing this?

The birds?

We don't know, honey.

Why are they trying to kill people?

I wish I could say.

I'll go with this.

in the top of the movie.

and get some water, bandages, and antiseptic, quickly.

Bandages? Terrible.

Kathy, get some brandy.

No, no, no.

No, no, it's all right. No, it's all right. It's all right. It's all right.

all right. It's all right.

No.

Yeah, I think get the lamp.

We've got to get her to a hospital.

We can't, Mitch. There's no place we can go. It's San Francisco.

We'd never make it. We have to try.

We'll go by way of Bay Hill Road, then we don't have to go through town.

We can't stay here. She needs help.

I'm frightened.

Terribly frightened.

I don't know what's outside there.

We'd better get started before another attack comes.

We'll take Melanie's car. That'll be faster than the truck.

Can you finish the bandaging?

I'll try.

Mitch,

see if you can get anything on the car radio.

The attacks have subsided for the time being.

Bodega Bay seems to be the center, though there are reports of minor

Sebastopol and a few on Santa Rosa.

Bodega Bay has been cordoned off by roadblocks. Most of the townspeople have

managed to get out, but there are still some isolated pockets of people.

No decision has been arrived at yet as to what the next step will be, but

there's been some discussion as to whether the military should go in. It

that the bird attacks come in waves with long intervals between.

The reason for this does not seem clear as yet.

Did you hear anything on the radio?

It's all right.

Come on.

Can I bring the lovebirds, Mitch?

They haven't harmed anyone.