Original subtitles

(OPENING DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Come in.

1-6-7, Sir.

- Ah yes, Richard Fuller. - Come in Fuller.

I see you're due to leave us tomorrow.

You realise of course, that you must

report to the local police once a week,

- wherever you are. - Yes Sir.

I see you were charged with embezzlement.

You pleaded guilty, and refused legal aid.

I was guilty Sir, there was nothing more to be said.

I'm not trying to reopen old wounds, I'm trying to be helpful.

What was the trouble? Gambling?

- No Sir. - A woman?

No Sir, I was a fool, and I had to pay for it.

What was it?

I collected money for my firm, Sir,

and I should have banked it over the weekend.

But I lent it to a pal who was in trouble.

He said he only needed it for 24 hours.

Swore to let me have it back by Monday.

But he didn't.

What happened?

He disappeared, Sir.

I went away and tried to find him,

then I was arrested, and well you know the rest, Sir.

Have you any definite plans,

what you're going to do when you get out of here?

I'm sure I'll get a job of some sort, Sir.

Now look here,

take this envelope, go to that address.

I'm sure they'll find something for you.

It may be not just what you want,

but it will, at least, give you a fresh start.

And the rest is up to you. Well, goodbye fellow.

- And good luck. - Thank you Sir.

And don't let me see you back here again.

You won't, Sir.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

You now renounce the name of Richard Fuller.

Here is the deed poll. I hope your new name brings you luck.

Thank you Mr. Sanders.

I'm certainly glad to see the back of Richard Fuller.

Roger Fenton.

I'll have to get used to that.

Thank you, Sir

Fenton, you used to work for an estate agent

before you joined the army, didn't you?

Yes, sir.

Well I want you to go to Dunsley,

an old property there has just come into us.

Look at it and make a report on it's general condition.

- Dunsley Croft, it's called. - Thank you, Sir, certainly.

Use the office car, it's in the star garage.

Alright, Sir.

Fenton, remember no using the car, except for business.

- Petrol is expensive. - Very good, Sir.

Bob! Bob!

Bob, come here.

Bob!

Bob, Bob, come here.

Hi, I'm sorry, Bob is a bit inquisitive

I'm afraid. Come here, Bob.

Do you want to look over the house?

Heavens no, this dreary old place.

But don't let me discourage you if you're interested.

On the contrary, I'm looking it over for my firm.

You must be an optimist. Suppose estate agents have to be.

- Do you live near here? - Yes, just along the lane.

This old place has been deserted for such a long time,

I've got rather into the habit of

taking a shortcut through the garden.

I'm sorry.

I don't think you would do much damage here.

Anxious about your new neighbours, if we manage to sell it?

Well, I certainly wouldn't like it to be taken for a

factory, or something like that.

I can't imagine a factory in these surroundings.

Look, if you live near here,

I wonder if I could have a wash at your place.

I seem to have collected the dust of ages here.

Yes, of course.

Tell you what, I'll make you a cup of tea.

Come on Bob, come here.

Took longer than I thought, sorry.

Down Bob, good boy.

- Hope this will be alright. - Oh, I'm sure it will.

By the way, my name is Audrey Truscott.

Mine is Roger Fenton.

Roger Fenton...

Sounds like a name in a book I once read.

That's who it is, someone in a book.

Were you ever in the RAF?

No, I did quite an inglorious two years in the army.

Why?

You remind me of someone.

It's an unusual sort of place you've got here.

Don't you feel a bit lonely, being isolated like this?

I prefer it, I never was a great person for mixing with people.

Surely you get a bit bored, being so far off the beaten track.

Oh, no, not in the least, I paint.

Oh, yes, I've been looking at them.

Is this all your work?

Yes, I'm afraid so. I'm preparing for an exhibition.

Come along, off we go. Oh, dear.

These awful stairs...

Come along, wait, wait, now. Wait, wait, dogs.

Come along. There we go.

Come along my darlings, come along.

There.

Where is the other gentleman, Mr.? What's it?

If you mean Mr. Broker, I'm afraid you can't see him.

Why not?

Well for one thing, he was buried this afternoon.

Can I do anything for you?

Can you do anything for me?

It's what you're doing to me.

Here, they're turning me out, after 17 years.

They're turning me out, I tell you.

Here's the letter.

Let's see. Can you keep these dogs of yours still?

Look, your house is being pulled down for road widening,

it's got nothing to do with us.

It's the Ministry of Transport and Town Planning.

But I've lived in that house for 17 years,

and I've always paid my rent.

Why are you going to turn me out?

What shall I do about my poor darlings?

I can't find a home for them.

I know what I'll do, I've got the money, I can pay.

You can't turn me out if I can pay, it's the law. Here.

I'm sorry Mrs. West, but I'm only the clerk here,

and I've got to go now.

Now look, put that money away, and here's your letter.

You come back some other day. Mr. Shipley will help you.

Come on now, Mrs. West.

Well, I think something might have been done.

Yes, I know, if you get in touch with the

Ministry of Transport and Town Planning.

Out you go now, you go right ahead,

now look out, go ahead. Come on, Mrs. West.

Well, maybe he was right,

the poor soul was getting a bit desperate.

Thirty odd, and no man.

You men are too conceded by far,

you always imagine any woman falls for you.

If it were you Ethel, my love...

I'd want something better than you Mr. Braine,

and less say, and a lot more do.

That's what I've always said,

it's the doing that counts, not the talking.

By the way, Earl told me that United were

going to have a newsstand on the carpark.

- Well it's going to happen. - What, the directors have agreed?

Not yet, but they will.

The meeting is on Wednesday.

It will pass alright, I've seen the lad.

United are building a new stand Sir, they're extending their grounds too.

- Well... - They'll need extra space.

And I should imagine, there's only one

possible property they could buy.

That's Robinson's timber yard.

You know, I think Robertson's would sell Sir.

I had a look at it this afternoon, the place looked pretty dead to me.

Who says the football people are wanting new stands?

Councillor Forbes Sir, he was talking really

big about it in the Crown last night.

That sounds interesting, I'll think it over.

The thing is Sir, there's not very much time.

We ought to do something about it before Tuesday.

You see, the United directors meet on Wednesday.

Alright, I'll think it over.

I think it's a very good thing Sir. Too good to miss.

Oh Fenton, would you mind dropping

this book in my home for Mrs. Shipley?

I promised to take it home tonight, but I'm dining out.

Certainly, Sir.

I do hope you manage to fix up something with Robinson's, Sir.

We will see.

Don't leave it too late for the book,

my wife wants it this evening.

Very good, Sir.

Good evening, I brought this book for Mrs. Shipley.

Are you from the office?

That's right, Mr. Shipley asked me to drop it in.

Come in.

- Give me your coat. - Really, it's quite alright.

Look, would you just give this book to Mrs. Shipley, please?

But I am Mrs. Shipley.

Won't you sit down now, I'll get you a drink.

No, no really not, thank you, I...

Look, I'm very sorry about the mistake, Mrs. Shipley.

I thought you'd be much older.

I'm second Mrs. Shipley,

and it must be you who is taking old Broker's place?

That's right.

My husband did say somebody from the office,

but I expected somebody much older.

- Tell me about yourself. - I really must be going.

Oh, no, surely you have time for this.

I'll have one with you.

Henry does not approve of drink, except when we have visitors.

Which is not very often.

Too bad, still if that's the way he feels about it, seems fair to me.

Fair? How like a man.

You are a man, aren't you?

Yes. Yes, I'm a man alright.

Good. Let's drink to that.

Shouldn't that be a bit thicker there?

Alright, Sir.

There's a call for you, Mr. Fenton.

Who is it?

A lady, she wouldn't give her name.

Okay. Put her through to my office Ms. Collins.

Hello.

Is that the new managing clerk?

Hang on a minute, will you?

(BUZZING SOUND)

Ms. Collins, would you dig out the Renshaw Road correspondence for me.

- It's in the store room, I think. - Oh, dear, that dirty place.

Now, what can I do for you?

It is Mrs. Shipley, isn't it?

Uh huh

I'm sorry Mrs. Shipley, I'm afraid your husband isn't here.

(CHUCKLING) I know, that's why I rang.

I wanted to thank you for bringing the book around yesterday.

I hope you're enjoying it.

Oh, very much.

It's all about a very moral young man,

who won't let himself fall in love with a married woman.

Sounds like a very sensible type to me.

Anyway, I didn't phone you to discuss the book.

There's something I want you to do for me.

I have a very bad headache. Would you bring me some aspirin?

Ms. Collins will drop some in for you.

Look, I did not ask Ms. Collins, I'm asking you.

What do you think Henry will say, when

I tell him that you refused to bring me

some aspirin, when I have such a bad headache.

I don't know. Why don't you ask him?

Then you're really not coming?

No, I'm... Goodbye.

Come in.

Mr. Fenton, there's a young lady to see you.

A Ms. Collins.

Here? Well, ask her to come in, would you please Mrs. Ghee.

MRS. GHEE: Do come in, dear.

Hello.

Mrs. Shipley.

I was just passing by with my aspirin,

so I though I'd drop in and tell you not to bother.

How did you get to know I lived here?

Quite easy really, Henry's address book.

I'm rather clever calling myself Ms. Collins, don't you think?

A damn silly thing to do, if you ask me.

You know, you're not being very hospitable.

I didn't ask you to come here, Mrs. Shipley.

Maria.

I suppose you've got some reason for coming.

How old are you Roger? That is your name, isn't it?

That's right, but I don't see what my age has got to do with it.

I'm thirty-one as a matter of fact.

- Henry is sixty-nine. - You married him.

- I know, I'm not complaining. - Look, Mrs. Shipley--

Maria.

Look, we've seen this situation in the films, dozens of times.

The boss who isn't young anymore,

the boss' young attractive wife, the young employee.

Only in the films he is usually handsome.

(CHUCKLING) I wouldn't call you exactly handsome.

Nor would I, but that's beside the point.

This isn't the general lines of the movie plot.

And personally, I don't want to play the part.

I want to keep my job, and I want to treat H.G. fairly,

I really don't want anything else.

I want, I want, I want. You're talking just like a spoiled child.

Sure I'm entitled to say what I want, and what I don't want.

Life isn't always like that.

Sometimes it does things to you that you don't want.

That's true.

Have you ever been in prison?

That's an extraordinary thing to ask.

Well, that's what it's like for me that house.

Nobody ever comes near the place.

Except a few old men.

I have no friends of my own, because Henry doesn't like young people.

And we never go anywhere.

- You married him. - Yes, I married him.

I nursed the first Mrs. Shipley, and when she died

Henry didn't want me to go.

I thought marriage would give me all the things I wanted.

British nationality, security. I had no family of my own.

But he just doesn't seem to realise that

I need people of my own age around me.

That's why I was really surprised when you came.

And that's why I'm here.

I'm an adult, and I like you.

Oh dear, I hope that doesn't make me sound like anybody's pushover.

Look, Maria, you married H.G. he's played it straight with you.

How the hell can't you play it straight with him?

Harvey.

It's my old friend Roger Fenton, I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

As long as we are not too long about it, I've got a lot of calls to make.

- All white, please. - Yes.

Let our money bag Shipley wait for a bit, he won't sack you.

Anyway, I bet he's not paying you

nearly as much as he gave old Broker.

I'm not grumbling, don't expect to make a fortune at this job, anyway.

Alright then, what about old Shipley?

I gather he's got a young wife, so bump him off and marry the widow.

Oh, no, have you ever met Mrs. Shipley?

- And why don't you like her? - She's unexpected.

I smell a story.

That's the trouble with you journalists, you smell.

But I should, watch out for our friend Councillor Forbes.

Forbes?

The word the Councillor is somewhat cross.

- Excuse me Sir. - Tell me more.

Well, the United directors met on Wednesday,

and Forbes got into his great idea about

a newsstand in the carpark.

- He's got big ideas. - Yes, doesn't he?

So off he goes to buy this timber place and

then he gets the surprise of his life.

Really?

Yes, apparently somebody whipped in and bought up the property,

two or three days before.

Good gracious.

That's what Councillor Forbes said.

Only not quite so politely.

You wouldn't have any idea, who that somebody might be, I suppose.

No, you tell me.

Well, Forbes has some crazy idea there's a firm called H.G. Shipley.

A estate agent bought it. And he has another crazy idea, that somebody

heard him talking about his plans in a pub called the Crown.

A gentleman can't help overhearing conversations in a pub now.

Yes, but Councillor Forbes doesn't think you are a gentleman.

In fact he's described you as a long eared, interfering eavesdropping,

jumped-up bit of a sneaking clerk.

That's very kind of him. What's he going to do about it?

I gather he's going to see old Shipley and tell him what he thinks.

And I, I think he's going today.

I better get back to the office right away, I'd hate to miss that.

Thanks, Brainy.

Mr. Fenton, there's been ever such a row here,

Councillor Forbes, he's in with H.G., I heard your name mentioned.

You're right.

(COUNCILLOR FORBES AND H.G. ARGUING INSIDE)

- Good day, Councillor. - Good day.

I recommend some piece of damn sharp practice. Good bye.

For the future you keep out of my sight, young man.

- Anything wrong, Councillor? - Anything wrong?

You listen in to my conversation,

then you sneak in behind my back, and go buy up that timber yard.

- You gauging-- - Now come, come, Councillor.

Didn't you make your fortune by buying up sites for next to nothing

and then selling them at a huge profit? Anything wrong in that?

You impudent young scoundrel.

Well, I told you, keep out of my way!

(DOOR SLAMS SHUT)

(INTERCOM BUZZING SOUND)

You wanted me, Sir?

Fenton, I'm afraid you've annoyed our friend the Councillor.

So I gathered from his farewell greetings.

I know, but I'm satisfied. Here is ten percent for you.

- Thank you, Sir. - Not at all, you've earned it.

Thank you very much, Sir.

Now, what about Dunsley Croft?

Well, I think it might suit Mrs. West, Sir.

She's pretty desperate and wanting to buy. What's the price asking?

The owner originally wanted four

thousand, but it's been empty for ages.

I think he'd settle for three, or even less.

I'll take her out to see it tomorrow.

She's quite eccentric in her way,

and the fact that it's so isolated might appeal to her.

- Do the best you can, Fenton. - Thank you again for this, Sir.

Well, this is it Mrs. West.

Now I, I never believe in trying to influence a client's opinion,

so I'm going to leave you to look over the house by yourself.

- You'd like that, wouldn't you? - Thank you.

Here are the particulars,

there's a property up the road I've got to have a look at.

- I won't be long. - Take all your time, young man.

Thank you.

(MRS. WEST SIGHS)

(DOG BARKS)

(ROMANTIC MUSIC)

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Hello.

Hello, I saw you through the window, come in.

Well, come in.

What brings you here today? Selling the Croft again?

I'm trying to. Left an old girl over there now.

But that didn't bring me here today.

- Oh! What did? - You.

You're a very direct sort of person, aren't you?

Well, can I get you a drink or something?

It's far too early in the day for me.

I've got to get back to the old girl.

Are you on the phone? I couldn't find you in the directory.

That's part of my urge for privacy.

The number is Dunsley 1-6-7-0. Can you remember that?

1-6-7-0. Yes, I'll remember that alright.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

I think we'll sell the Dunsley Croft property alright, Sir.

Mrs. West seems very interested. She wanted to offer 2750.

Good. Are you doing anything special at the moment?

Nothing very urgent, Sir.

I wonder if you wouldn't mind driving

me over to St. Catherine's Church.

- I'm late for a meeting there. - Certainly, Sir.

I promised to take this home to my wife before I went.

It's not far out of your way.

Would you mind dropping it on your way back?

Wouldn't it be better if we went that way first

and then on to the church afterwards?

No, I'm late for a meeting already.

- If you don't mind? - No, not at all, Sir.

Come on.

- Can I get you a drink? - No, thanks.

Just going home for supper.

Roger, I'm so sorry for coming to see you as I did.

I do hope you forgive me.

I've forgotten all about it. It never happened.

I'm so glad. Now we can be friends again.

It depends what you mean by that.

I get so lonely and bored up here,

I told you, it's just like being in prison.

(CHUCKLES) Not all that bad, I should imagine.

To me it is. Even talking to you for a while is an escape.

That's why I was so glad when Henry told me that you were coming.

You knew I was coming?

Yes, he phoned me. (CHUCKLES)

Surely you don't think that's so dangerous.

Look Maria, let's both be our ages.

Your husband is the boss, I'm the managing clerk,

and I'm glad to have the job too.

I don't want to start something that might mean the end for me.

And for you too, for that matter.

You're wrong Roger.

So wrong.

- I could help you. - Help me, how?

Henry will soon need a partner.

So, why not you?

Do that damn thing up, will you?

It looks as if you haven't got a stitch on underneath it.

As a matter of fact I haven't, do you mind?

What is all this about a partner?

I just told you.

Henry will soon come to the conclusion that he needs

a younger man to take over some of his work.

So, why not you?

Sounds pretty good, but it's too much like a fairy story.

I'm a bit young to be a fairy godmother, but I can help you.

Put those in an envelope and post them as soon as possible.

- Very good, Sir. - Fenton, just a minute.

Sit down, I want to talk to you.

I've been thinking seriously lately,

it might be a very good thing if I took a partner.

Of course, I could advertise, and get some young chap

whose passed a lot of exams, and pay a bit.

That's alright as far as it goes.

But you're not really quite sure who you're getting.

With you I know.

You're young, energetic, you certainly got a flair for property.

Well, that's what I want.

I've told my lawyer to draw up an agreement.

(CITY TRAFFIC)

(FOOTSTEPS ON PAVEMENT)

- What number are you calling? - Dunsley 1-6-7-0, please.

I'm sorry, there's no reply from Dunsley 1-6-7-0.

Thank you.

Hello, 1-6-7.

My God, the Slug.

Yes it's me 1-6-7, glad to see you looking so well.

Let's have a drink, shall we?

What makes you think I'd have a drink with you?

Because I think that you and I should have a little chat together.

Would you rather I call in at your office?

You know my office?

Let's have a drink, shall we?

(JAZZY MUSIC)

You know, nice to meet an old friend.

What are you doing here?

My home town, didn't I ever tell you that when we were inside together?

What do you want with me?

- Come now 1-6-7. - Shut up! Will you?

I never want to be called by a number again.

What do they call you?

They don't know you're Richard Fuller at your office?

- You've been to my office? - No, I don't.

I don't know what you call yourself now, not yet.

Anyway, you got yourself a nice tidy little job at the estate office.

Have any difficulty in getting it? I suppose a new name helped.

Mind your own damned business.

No offence mate,

it's just that I think we old friends,

ought to stick together a bit.

Now me, I haven't been as clever as you.

I've got myself a little shop, 85 Heathdene Road.

Newsagents, tobaccos, sweets, that sort of place.

And why the hell aren't you looking out for it now,

instead of sticking your nose into other people's business.

My kid looks after it, when he's out of school.

Nearly fifteen.

Pretty hard job, trying to make an honest living out of a little shop.

Mind you, if some of my old friends were to help occasionally.

How much?

Hey?

By how much is it hard to make an honest living?

I'm not always thinking of money.

No, but I bet you are right now.

So get on with it before I'm sick on the floor,

and they have to turn me out of here. How much?

Not now 1-6...

Not now, often enough at the end of the week,

I'm about a pound or 30 shillings down.

Yeah, that's about it.

A pound or 30 shillings would make all the difference.

Listen to me Slug, you're clever but only up to a point.

- Stop hurting me. - Now shut up and listen!

Look at me, I'm good in this town, I'm being good, do you hear?

I'm now going straight.

I'm not going to have you or anybody else

clearing my peace, do you understand?

Only one person here knows about this 1-6-7 business, and that's you.

And if anybody else gets to know it, it'll be because you've told them.

And you know what I'll do then, Slug?

(GROANS)

I'll kill you. I swear I'll do it.

(GASPS)

Right, I'm going to keep your mouth shut.

Once a week I'll come to this stinking little shop of yours,

and I'll buy a couple packets of

cigarettes. I'll give you two pounds.

You don't need to give me any change.

That will be for keeping your filthy trap shut.

Now, that's what it's worth to me, and no more.

Here is the money you spent on the drinks just now.

And don't you come near my office, ever again. Get me?

(SOFT JAZZY MUSIC)

Now you see, that partnership means everything to me.

There's not only the extra money,

I could do with that too, of course, but

it's more than that, it's making good.

I'm glad.

You'd realise how thrilled I am about it

if you'd known some of the obstacles I've had to overcome.

Like taking a name out of a book, for instance?

Yeah, you remember things, don't you?

When you're concerned, yes.

I'll tell you about it, one day soon.

But when you asked me about being in the RAF,

who was it that I reminded you of?

Oh, you remember things too.

It was a great friend of mine.

His name was Richard.

- Tell me about him. - About Richard?

Yeah.

About why you live alone, the way you do.

I was in love with him.

My father didn't like Richard.

He didn't like anyone of the male sex who liked me.

And I was underage.

And your mother? Did she object too?

My mother died when I was born.

And what happened about Richard?

One day there was a bitter quarrel between Richard and my father.

Richard ran out of the house, got into his car, and drove away.

I never saw him again.

But surely if he loved you and...

His car crashed.

He was killed instantly.

I left home, and I've never been back since.

I'm sorry.

And your father?

He died, two years ago.

I sold everything, except a cottage in Yorkshire, which I still own.

And settled down here, with my work.

I see.

I never think about the past anymore. I think time heals.

It's just that, meeting you as I did,

brought it all back rather vividly.

You're very like Richard, you know?

(CHUCKLES) Well, that's me.

That's how I came to be where I am, and what I am.

But you're not unhappy now?

No, not now.

Audrey you've got a lot to learn about me, and

I'll tell you about it one day soon.

It's not a very pleasant story, but I've got to tell you.

You don't tell me anything you don't want.

I want you to know.

But not yet.

There's a problem I've got to clear up first.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

Two packets of blackmail, please.

Don't be like that, old pal.

You're doing me a good turn, I'm doing you one.

I think that's a pretty fair bargain.

Don't you?

(PHONE RINGING)

Hello.

Hello, Audrey.

Roger, I was hoping you'd call.

How are you today?

Happy. I've been working since six o'clock this morning.

Absolutely inspired.

Can I see you tonight?

Oh, no darling, no, not tonight.

I want to get on with the work while I have the inspiration.

Oh! How about tomorrow?

I am sorry, I'm going up to London tomorrow.

And staying over night.

I'll be back on Thursday.

I'm getting the 5:15 train. Will you meet me?

Well, I'll consider it.

Have a good time, enjoy yourself. Don't forget me.

(HANGS UP PHONE)

Alright young man, I got your letter.

I want the house. So I might as well pay the price.

Very good, Mrs. West,

we'll send a message off to the owner right away.

Ms. Collins.

Will you take a quick letter to Captain Davis, please?

You've got the address in the files.

Dear Captain Davis, our client has now

agreed to your figure of 3000 pounds.

And has instructed us to offer you same subject to contract.

Subject to contract? Does that mean I haven't got the house?

No, you'll get the property alright, Mrs. West,

but your solicitor will want to know one or two points before--

Solicitor? I don't want a solicitor, you do it.

I'm sorry, Mrs. West.

But when you purchase a property you simply got to have a solicitor.

For your own protection, nothing else.

Now, just you send us a check for 300 pounds, for the deposit.

I'm sorry to rush you--

But when will I get inside the place?

We all want to do this as quickly as possible.

- I'll send you a letter right away. - Well goodbye, thank you

- for what you've done. - Not at all, Mrs. West...

(FOOTSTEPS)

(TRAIN RATTLING)

Roger how lovely, I didn't think you'd be here.

Well, I said I'd meet you, didn't I?

Well, you said you'd consider it. I thought you were angry.

Surely you didn't take me seriously, come on.

Afternoon.

Have you got your ticket?

Thank you.

Very ordinary looking dame, is she?

That's Ms. Truscott, lives out in Dunsley.

She's quite well known.

She paints.

What's all this about?

I just thought we might have a little talk, and

we don't want to be interrupted, do we?

Alright, here is my usual contribution.

Thanks.

That's what I wanted to talk about.

It's the business, it's going away to nothing.

Thirty shillings short, didn't I say?

It's all these big places,

they don't give the honest little shopkeeper a fair chance.

Don't kid yourself you're honest.

Well, none of us are all that perfect, 1-6-7.

Okay, get on with it, how much is it this time?

Well, I thought we could settle it friendly like, and talk it over.

What do you want to talk over?

I just wanted your advice.

About some business.

How much?

Don't be like that.

It's just that I think I made a mistake in the beginning,

by coming back here.

I should have gone up north. That's where all the money is.

Why don't you go there then?

Well, I want your help.

I keep asking you, how much?

Not a great deal, just a question of getting started.

You know how difficult that can be, don't you?

1-6-7.

Look, if you call me that again

I'll stand you up against that wall and beat the life out of you.

There's no sense in talking like that.

There's no sense in talking about anything! How much?

I don't seem able to make a go of it here.

And I've got a chance of a good business, up in the Midlands.

Different setup all together.

All I need to get it is, 600 pounds.

Where in God's name do you think I'd get 600 pounds?

I think you could manage it alright.

If I could lay my hands on that sum,

you'd never see me in this town again.

No, I can't find that much money, and that's that!

I'm through, I tell you.

You can go and blackmail somebody else for your 600.

(DOOR SLAMS)

Hello darling, did you come by car?

Yes, Fenton dropped me off.

I didn't know you let him use the car at night.

He asked me if he could use it to visit somebody in Dunsley.

And who lives there? A client?

My dear, how should I know?

I'm not interested in whom Fenton visits, I'm sure you're not.

Of course I'm not.

But I expect he uses it every night, anyway.

What suspicious minds you women have.

Well, I don't think so.

How do you know?

Because I check the mileage on the speedometer each day.

I think he tells the truth when he

says he only uses it to go to Dunsley.

He pays for the petrol.

I expect he has a girlfriend there.

Maybe, what does it matter?

How about dinner, I'm hungry.

Any messages Ms. Collins?

This gentleman wants to see Mr. Shipley

or you about selling his shop.

A shop?

Yes, a shop.

You better come in to my office.

Now where exactly is this shop?

Heathdene Road.

Look I-- I told you never to come here, didn't I?

I wasn't going to say anything, but I must find that money somehow.

I'll-- I'll take a reasonable price.

Alright, but I'll, I'll have to see the property first.

I'll call this afternoon.

Yeah, I thought you would.

You know damn well this dump is not worth 600 shillings,

- let alone pounds. - It'd be worth it to you.

You mean you want me to pay your 600 to keep your filthy trap shut.

No, I just want you to help me this once, that's all.

I told you, I haven't got that sort of money.

But you could get it.

You've got a good job with Shipley. Sure he'd help.

Oh, don't be crazy.

What about your girlfriend, Ms. Truscott? She's got plenty of money.

I'm sure she'd help, if she knew you were in trouble.

Specially if it meant the end of me.

Which it will.

I'll promise you that.

You'll never see me again.

600 pounds and that's the end of me.

Means the end of all your troubles.

No one will ever know.

I think you can manage it.

How do I know you won't come back again, after a few weeks?

Well, haven't I just promised this is the end?

Alright.

But you'll have to come to my office for the money.

- Why can't you bring it here? - I've got to get it, haven't I?

You come to my office. After hours of course.

What's the game? You setting a trap with the police?

Would I want to get mixed up with the Police again?

If you want that money, you can come and get it.

I've finished being an errand boy for you.

Alright, alright, just as you say.

I don't mind where I go for it, as long as I'll get the money.

How soon can you fix it?

Tomorrow night.

Yes, tomorrow night.

Better say, eight o'clock.

- I'll be there. - (DOORBELL RINGS)

(SINISTER MUSIC)

(CLOCK TICKING)

SLUG: I promise you that you'll never see me again.

It's mean the end of all your troubles.

And none will ever know.

ROGER: There's just no other way.

Otherwise, there's no end.

You've got to plan it.

Kill him.

Nothing will connect you with him.

Nobody.

I'm going now, you'll send to the Council, won't you?

Yes, Sir, I'll deliver them myself.

Splendid. Good night, Fenton.

Good night, Sir.

Hi, Brainy.

Well, look who's here, if it isn't Mr. Fenton,

come to mix with the common herd.

A scotch, please, Jack, make it a double.

Oh, and one half a bottle of whisky to take away.

I'll have one with you?

Who am I to refuse a drink with the upper class,

my usual, please, guv'nor.

What's the matter with you?

Double scotch, and looking as miserable as sin,

has she found you out?

No, I'm alright.

Well, how's the great romance going?

Audrey Truscott, my, my, you're certainly flying high these days.

Don't you ever mind your own business, Brainy?

Temper, sounds like a lovers quarrel.

Go on, take my tip and give in, the man never wins anyway.

Oh, thanks, Jack.

What's this? A peace offering for little Audrey?

You newspaper types, you can't keep

your nose out of everything, can you?

Here, don't you want your change?

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

Anyone here?

Who is that?

I saw the outside door open, Sir, everything alright?

It's alright officer, I've been working

late, must have fallen asleep or something.

Sorry for your trouble, thank you very much.

Oh, you wouldn't want a drink, or something?

No, thank you, Sir, I'm on duty.

You should keep your door shut the next

time you work late Sir, you never know.

Yes, you're quite right. I'm just going

now anyway, officer, good night.

Good night.

Would you allow me have a look around, Sir?

No, no, that's quite alright. There's nothing here worth

pinching anyway.

- Well, good night then. - Good night.

Hello, there.

You seem in a hurry.

Hurry? Yes, yes, I suppose I am.

I've just been to the cinema, jolly good film.

Have you? Good, that's fine.

Roger, what's happened? What's the matter?

No, no, nothing is a... that's it,

nothing's happened. Isn't that wonderful?

Roger Fenton you're drunk.

No, no, I was in the pub, but that was some time ago.

What's the time, anyway?

Stinking drunk, and it's five to eight.

Where are you going to, in such a hurry anyway?

Well, I've got to go and get the car.

You better come along with me and have a cup of coffee.

If you get in the car in such a state,

you'll have the Police on your tail.

And what will Henry say then?

Oh, no, it's alright. H.G. he went home some time ago, it's alright.

For heavens sake, he's not gone home.

He's gone to the lodge, otherwise I wouldn't be here. Now, come on.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

Hello.

Fenton?

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES)

Feeling better?

Oh, much better, thanks.

You've been very kind, Maria.

Oh, don't be silly, you know I want to help.

Yeah, I think it's safe for you to drive now.

How about running me home? Henry won't be home for ages.

I'm sorry Maria, I can't, I've got to go somewhere.

Oh...

I've got another ten minutes before my bus goes,

surely you can wait till then?

No, no, really I must go. There's somebody I've got to see.

Good night, Maria, and thanks.

So you're still here? I thought you might have gone.

Why are the blinds drawn?

I've got the money.

So he told you to give it to me, did he?

You? Who are you?

Where's that money?

Give it back, give it back, give it to me.

- No! - Shut up! Shut up, please.

Roger, I wasn't expecting you.

What's the matter? You look ill.

Oh, I'm alright, now that I'm here.

- Would you like a drink? - No! I'm just getting sober now.

What is it Roger? What's wrong?

Murder.

What on earth are you talking about?

That Slug, I was going to kill him.

- Slug, who is the Slug? - That man at the station.

I meant to murder a man, had it all planned.

Take that off, and sit down, and tell me all about it.

Hello, Henry. How was the lodge?

Good dinner?

Quite good, what have you been doing?

Reading, listening to the radio.

What else is there to do?

No phone calls?

Nope, nothing.

As usual, nothing ever happens.

And that's what happened. That's blackmail.

The price of silence.

But it's only the beginning, and there's no end to it.

More and more each time.

And that's when I decided to kill him.

Thank God you didn't.

What made you change your mind? The policeman?

Yes, no.

In those few seconds when I saw it was

that policeman and not the Slug, I...

I saw my future.

My future without you.

I was setting myself above the law.

Sentencing a man to death for a crime that even the law

wouldn't have punished that way.

Even if I got away with it, and I believe that I might have done.

I'd have been a murderer.

And after I told you, that would have been the end of us.

Drunk as I was, believe me I needed that courage to go through with it.

I realised what I was doing, and I ran away.

You came to me.

Yeah, so now you know my history.

Roger Fenton partner to be with H.G. Shipley is as dead as a dodo.

Richard Fuller ex-convict has come back

to life, to start at the beginning.

Oh, what a prospect.

Surely you're being too pessimistic, but this man Shipley.

Surely when he hears what's being happening, blackmail?

H.G. taking an ex-convict for a partner? Not him.

I can just see his face when the Slug

tells him, I'll be out there and then.

No, no, there's no going back there now.

That dream is over.

Roger, why didn't you tell me about all of this before?

Like a fool, I wanted to wait until I got my partnership,

and the past was really behind me.

Then I was going to tell you everything,

and, I was going to ask you...

Ask me what?

Oh, it, it doesn't matter now.

Ask me to marry you?

Alright then, if you won't ask me, I'll ask you.

Let's get married.

Soon, tomorrow, next week, as quickly as possible.

Look I've got about a few pounds between me and my next job.

In a few weeks time, I'll probably be a door to door salesman again.

No, not now Audrey.

But it was wonderful to hear you say it, just the same.

Don't be silly.

Why not start up yourself in dealing in property?

You'll succeed, I know you will.

But you can't deal in property without capital.

Who is going to put up the money for a man with a criminal record?

I will! I'm not poor.

No, Audrey, I wouldn't take money from you.

Don't be stupid, you'd take money

from a complete stranger who'd offer to finance you.

Why not let me?

I'll be your partner.

No, no, if I'm to get on, I'll do it my own.

But thanks just the same Audrey.

Look I'd better go, got to pack up and leave in the morning.

Don't go, Roger. Stay here.

If you want to leave, let's go to Altrincham.

That's my cottage right on the Yorkshire Moors.

But look--

I need a holiday, my work here is finished.

The fresh air will do you good.

Clear your head, and let you see I'm right.

Don't go.

But the car outside.

Leave the car, let the garage come and collect it.

We start at dawn.

Well, Doc, how did she die?

Asphyxiation, she'd been strangled.

You say what time it happened?

I can't pinpoint the exact time, but

I'd say between 8 and 9 o'clock, yesterday evening.

In all probability, round about eight.

- Thanks Doc. - Fine.

Well, now, let's see where we are.

Ms. Collins discovered the body when she arrived at the office

at five passed nine this morning.

And she was the last to leave the office last night.

Shipley went off early, and soon afterwards Fenton left.

And we know Fenton came back,

because Constable Hughs saw him here at 7:45.

Said he'd been drinking.

Now, Fenton didn't turn up at the office this morning.

And he didn't go back to his digs last night.

But one thing is certain, we've got to find--

Yes?

Mrs. Meine is here with two dogs which belong to Mrs. West.

Alright.

Just to simplify matters, we've got a couple of silent witnesses.

Dogs, fetch them in.

Would you come this way, please?

Will you please tell me what I'm to do with these creatures?

I can't keep them, my man's sleep was disturbed last night.

Where did you get the dogs?

Do I have to be telling you? The old lady asked me to look after them.

Said she'd come back for them, then she doesn't come.

Poor soul, got herself murdered.

Now, why would anyone want to kill a poor--

Yes, when was this?

I mean, when did she leave the dogs with you?

Lord's sake. She called me in about tea time.

Got to talking about the wicked Council.

How they were throwing her out,

and she had to buy a house for her dogs to live in.

Said she was going to see that young man she called about the house.

I told her it was too late, but no, she would go.

She said he often worked late, and he didn't like dogs.

And nor does my husband,

and I want to know what else to do with them.

Don't you worry about that, we'll look after them.

- What time was it when she left? - Eight o'clock.

And me expecting my man home any minute with supper.

- Not to think, I tell you. - Are you sure it was eight o'clock?

Haven't I told you already? It was eight o'clock exactly.

I looked at the time.

- Well, now Mrs.? - Martin.

Mrs. Martin, where do you live?

24 Baxter Road.

Baxtor Road?

I've lived there for the passed 20 years.

Baxtor Road, Baxtor Road.

Yes, to his office that would take about

6 or 7 minutes for the old girl walking.

You got any idea where he might have gone?

Has he got any relatives you know?

I haven't the least idea.

I can't understand it. He's such a steady young man.

Well you can see, he's left all his things behind.

Yes, what about friends?

Anybody visiting here?

No, he never had anybody come to see him while...

Wait a minute, yes he did have a girlfriend come.

A Ms. Collins.

What about Ms. Collins?

Was she particularly friendly with Fenton?

I don't think so, why?

Mind if I have a few words with her?

Mrs. Collins, come in please.

Yes, Mr. Shipley?

Good morning, Mrs. Collins.

How friendly are you with Mr. Fenton?

I'm not.

But I understood you paid him a visit to his rooms one evening?

I've done no such thing, that's a lie.

Who ever said a thing like that?

Maybe somebody made a mistake.

Do you know anything about his private life?

Has he got a girlfriend?

I don't know, but there were two women who often rang him up.

They wouldn't give their names, they said it was personal but

he took jolly good care not to let me hear what he was saying.

And you don't know anything more than that?

Did he ever telephone either of them?

He made several calls to a Dunsley number.

1-6-7-0 it was, yes I remember it.

You got that sergeant? Dunsley 1-6-7-0.

Thank you very much Ms. Collins.

What about women?

Think he might have ran off with someone?

Anyone else missing?

Who might that be?

Well, there's two you might check out. One, is the

Shipley love nest still intact?

Who else?

He was getting around a good deal with Audrey Truscott.

Audrey Truscott? The artist?

Yeah, that's right. She lives out at Dunsley.

Come to think of it, he was in the Crown on Friday evening.

He bought me a drink, and then he got damn shirty,

because I started ribbing about the lady.

Looks as if he'd had a quarrel with someone.

And what time would that be?

A little after six.

- Hi. - Hello.

Mm! Something smells good.

Come on, hop, hop on the chair, come on, hop.

Think I'll make a competent wife?

I shan't be long, read the paper till I'm ready.

Okay, might as well see what's going on in the outside world.

(SIGHS)

(FOREBODING MUSIC)

Good heavens!

Roger, what is it?

Look.

The Hembridge police are investigating the death

of an elderly woman, Mrs. West,

at 44 Lambert Terrace, Hembridge,

who was discovered suffocated in the office of a local estate agent.

H.G. Shipley of Carrington Road.

The police are anxious to trace the whereabouts of a Roger Fenton.

Roger, what does all this mean?

What are you doing?

I don't know what this is all about, but I've got to ring the Police,

and I've got to get back right away.

Then I'm coming with you.

Remember? I'm your partner.

Are you Roger Fenton lodging at 32 Downes Road in this town?

Yes, yes that's right, and that's where I live.

My name was Richard Fuller.

Was?

I changed it by deed poll.

Are you employed or have you lately been employed

by H.G. Shipley, the estate agent?

That's right.

On the night of last Friday, a woman called Mrs. West

was murdered on the premises of H.G. Shipley.

Do you know anything about that event?

Do you have any connection with it?

No, no, I know nothing about it,

and I'd no connection with it, none whatsoever.

And I was sentenced to a years imprisonment.

Some of the others were first offenders, just like me

but we were all herded together with habitual criminals.

Three or four of us in a cell.

Oh, believe me if you want to put things right

about keeping down crime in this country--

Alright Fenton. We don't want a lecture on prison reform.

We just want your statement on your doings and whereabouts

on the night of the murder.

You asked me to make a voluntary statement, well I'm making it.

And I'll make it in any way I want to.

If you don't like it just say so, and I'll shut up

and leave you to find out things for yourself.

Just carry on with your statement Fenton.

I've forgotten where I was now.

You'd just gone to prison for a year.

Oh, yes.

Well, one of the men in my cell was a man we called the Slug.

I'm afraid you can't park here miss.

But I'm waiting for someone.

I'm sorry, but you'll have to park somewhere else.

Alright, officer.

You say you left the office

immediately after the constable went?

And what time do you say that was?

About ten to eight.

You see, I was expecting the Slug at eight

and I ran away, so that I wouldn't see him.

I was pretty tired after drinking all that whisky but,

I was sober enough to realise the danger

of seeing him, and losing my temper.

What did you do then?

I was going to drive over to Dunsley, to see Audrey.

Audrey Truscott,

I was going to tell her the whole story about my record.

I wanted her to hear it from me, and not from the Slug.

Did you go straight there?

No, no I didn't, in the High Street, I ran into Mrs.--

Oh, someone I know,

a woman.

She'd just been to the cinema,

but she persuaded me to go into a cafe

for a cup of coffee, to sober up a bit.

Who was this woman?

I'd rather not give her name.

- Which cafe did you into? - The Cinema Cafe.

- And what time was that? - Exactly five to eight.

How do you know it was exactly five to eight?

I remember asking this woman what the time was.

How long were you in the cafe?

We left about twenty passed.

Yes, I remember she asked me to drive her home,

but I wanted to be on my way.

Now, look here, Fenton,

this is your statement and I can't tell you what to say in it.

But you must realise you're putting forward an alibi.

It's very foolish not to name the one person who can corroborate it.

Oh, very well, I suppose so.

Alright, it was Mrs. Shipley.

Tell me Mrs. Shipley, how well do you know Mr. Fenton?

Only as an employee of my husband.

And have you been in the habit of seeing him socially?

No.

Can you tell me when you last saw him?

Some time ago, I don't remember exactly when.

Not during the passed week?

Certainly not.

He says that you were together, last Friday evening at eight o'clock.

That you spent about 20 minutes or so, at the Cinema Cafe.

That wouldn't be true?

Most definitely would not be true.

Forgive me for pressing you on this Mrs. Shipley, it's very important.

You're absolutely certain you didn't see

or speak to him last Friday evening?

Absolutely, I was here at home.

Were you at home Mr. Shipley?

No, I was at my lodge meeting.

Tell me, what were your relations

with Mr. Fenton when you did see him?

Friendly?

At first he was very troublesome, my husband asked him to deliver a book.

That was the first time I met him.

And then he came with a parcel.

From the very beginning he started to get fresh.

Always trying to telephone me, and asking

to see me, when he knew my husband was away.

And did you?

Certainly not.

I even went to his house, and warned him to stop,

otherwise I'd have to tell my husband.

And why didn't you?

I thought he was just being foolish.

Anyway, he didn't bother me anymore after that.

...or Fuller.

Whatever his name is.

He's our man.

He's got a record,

he was there a few moments before the time of the murder,

he puts forward a false alibi.

We know he was drinking.

I'd say he did it.

- (PHONE RINGS) - Oh, excuse me, Sir.

Superintendent Wilson.

Yes, sir.

Very well, Sir.

Unless there have been any further developments, we can charge him.

Well, this is it, Sir, I'll bring him in.

Alright. Come on sergeant.

Mr. Shipley wants a word with you, he says it's important.

Oh, thanks.

Superintendent Wilson, here.

This is Henry Shipley, I've asked Fenton to call in here.

He'll arrive in about 20 minutes. Could you please be here too?

- It's very important. - Yes, I'll be there, Sir.

Shipley wants to see us.

He says Fenton was going to be there.

That will save us a journey up to Dunsley, anyway.

- What about Fenton, Sir? - We'll soon find out.

- Oh, come in Superintendent. - Thank you, Sir.

Glad you could come.

This way, please.

Sit down, please.

Now, first of all, I want to ask you a few questions Fenton.

Was there anything at all between you and my wife?

No, there wasn't H.G.

I told you, we met quite by accident last Friday.

I mean, generally.

Oh, what does generally got to do with it?

Anyway there wasn't. No!

But I want to know the answer to this, Fenton.

Did you ever have any reason to think, that my wife would...

would not have been displeased

if there had been something between you?

Oh, for God's sake.

Don't you think I'm entitled to an answer to that question?

Alright. Have it your own way. This party is your idea.

I've got my back to the wall anyway.

If you will ask questions like that,

and insist on an answer, okay, you'll get one.

There could have been what you call "something" between us.

- But I didn't want any of it. - Liar!

Don't ask me why, I'm no saint, I just...

I just didn't see things that way, that's all.

Anyway, there wasn't anything at all.

I've already told you how it was.

Now Maria,

on the evening that Mrs. West was murdered,

I was going to a Lodge meeting. You knew that, didn't you?

Of course I knew it.

And in the morning, I asked you

what you were going to do that evening.

You said you were going to watch the television.

That's what I did do.

So you didn't go out at all?

I've already answered that question.

So you couldn't have met Fenton, in a cafe in the town?

You're becoming suspicious of me, for no reason at all.

The whole thing is completely absurd.

Superintendent, you've been listening to this,

what do you think of it?

Yes, I've been listening Mr. Shipley, but

I haven't heard anything new.

But if Roger Fenton was talking to my wife

outside the Regal Cinema, at eight o'clock that evening,

He can hardly be guilty of committing this murder, can he?

No, of course he can't, but

Mrs. Shipley denies that any such meeting took place.

Yes, she denies it.

But I say it did take place.

I say that at eight o'clock on the evening of the murder,

my wife and Roger Fenton were talking together,

outside the entrance to the Regal Cinema, in Club Street.

I saw them.

You saw them, Sir?

Certainly, I did.

I hoped I wouldn't have to say this, that it would be unnecessary.

But how is it you came to see them Sir?

I understood you were at a masonic gathering of some sort that evening.

So I was. My movements are easily checked.

There was a meeting at the Argyle house,

I got there just before 5:15.

We broke for dinner just before eight.

I was very glad, because I wasn't feeling too well.

I thought I'd have a breath of fresh air.

So I went out of Argyle house, and walked slowly around the block.

That brings you up to the Regal Cinema, as you probably know.

To my complete surprise, I saw my wife

standing on the other side of the road,

outside the cinema.

She was talking to Roger Fenton.

I stopped and stood in a doorway for a minute or two.

I looked at my watch.

It was five to eight.

I saw them both going to the cinema cafe.

After that, I went back to Argyle house for dinner.

So you've been spying on me?

I hoped it wouldn't be necessary to say this.

But it has been, and now I've said it.

Well, naturally I, I accept all you say Mr. Shipley but

I'm only wondering why it couldn't all have been said before?

It could all quite easily have been said before, Superintendent.

By my wife.

I don't know just how you propose to deal with this business.

It's not my affair to ask.

You're a police officer, and presumably you know your job.

But I'm involved to a certain extent,

and I wish to make my position clear.

- Fenton? - Yes, H.G.?

I can't forgive you for coming to me, and

not telling me you'd been to prison.

If I had told you, would you have given me the job?

If you want me, Superintendent, I'm going back

to Altrincham with Ms. Truscott.

We're getting married.

Well, if you're finished with me now, can I go?

Yes it's over, before you go...

I wonder if you could tell me how this puzzle works?

Where did you find this?

In your office. It's yours, isn't it?

Have you examined it for fingerprints?

You'd never find fingerprints on a thing like this.

- Why do you ask? - Because it belongs to the Slug.

Now do you believe me?

Yes.

Yes, I believe you.

It's beginning to make sense now.

Anyone who know him well will recognise it.

He was always fiddling around with it.

Yes, sergeant, get him picked up right away.

- Thank you. - Good bye.

- Good bye. - Good luck.

Fenton, you better take a couple of weeks off for your honeymoon.

I'll carry on by myself. Till you get back.

Oh, thank you, Sir.

Thank you very much.

(ROMANTIC MUSIC)

Darling, is it alright?

Everything is fine darling, everything.

We're together, and the world is all ours.

(DOG BARKS)

(CLOSING ROMANTIC MUSIC)