Original subtitles

(DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(LIGHT PIANO MUSIC) (WIND HOWLING)

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

(LIGHT PIANO MUSIC)

David.

I must talk to you.

David, for just a moment, please.

It's about us. We must talk.

(SUSPENSEFUL ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

What's the matter?

Course of true love not running smooth?

(SOFT PIANO MUSIC)

How much longer are you going to listen to that row?

William, leave me alone.

Young Chopin gets that college job,

it will be wedding bells for you, won't it?

Who told you about the job? This is a small town, people gossip.

You've been here six months, you ought to know that.

You should also know how I...

How I feel about you.

Oh Vicky, if you'd only give me a chance.

William, please.

Got to say it with music, eh? Shut up.

You drunk. (SLAPPING)

Hello, Vicky.

Hello, Henry.

Can I fix you something to eat?

No, thanks.

Is everything all right? Of course.

You sure? Nothing worrying you?

What have I got to worry about?

David Vernon. Do we have to go into that again?

As long as it's necessary to convince you.

Vicky, I was your father's best friend.

I'm your guardian because he trusted me

to act in your best interest. I intend to do so.

(DOORBELL RINGING)

Hello, Captain. Greetings, Vicky.

Do come in. Thank you.

Ah, Ryland. I just dropped in for the gun.

Vicky, took it over.

Didn't you, my dear?

About an hour ago. Oh, thank you.

Excuse me. Yes.

Well, I'd better be going.

Have a drink, Nash. Oh, thanks.

I've just had a couple at the local, but... Thanks, I will.

One for the garden. Can't say one for the road, can I?

Any luck up river? Not a nibble.

What will it be? My usual please, scotch.

Darn nuisance, you know, my gun packing up like that

just as locusts invaded my garden.

All the same, thank you for the loan of yours.

For this relief much thanks.

Now that relief much thanks.

At last, Vernon's stopped hammering on that confounded piano.

You're relieved? What about me, old chap?

I live with it.

The next time I allow my daughter to plant a paying guest on me,

he won't be a musician. Can't think why you stand it.

Really William, that's hardly your business.

My dear, kind brother sees good in everybody.

Come off it Henry, we all dislike the young genius.

Why pretend we don't?

That's all right, thank you. Goodnight.

Thank you Mrs Ryder, goodnight.

Lorna. Vicky.

How wonderful. We've missed you so much.

And I've missed the delights of the countryside.

Where's Henry? He's in the living room.

He'll be so surprised.

My husband will merely say, "Oh, you're back."

Oh, you're back.

Mother, was so much better, she practically threw me out.

Ah Mrs Ryland, the village hasn't been the same

since you've been away. How gallant of you, Captain.

Is Geraldine meeting you here? Oh, no, no.

She went to the pictures. Did you have a comfortable journey?

Lorna always has a comfortable journey.

What will you have? Gin, please.

I wish you'd let me know you were returning, my dear.

I took the car in for servicing, I'd have met you.

Sweet of you darling, there was no need.

Lorna. Thank you.

(SCREAMING)

That sounded like Geraldine.

(DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

Help!

Geraldine.

Oh, good heavens. Lorna.

(TENSE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(SOLEMN MUSIC)

(SOFT MUSIC)

I know I'm an interfering woman

but David's been dead a month now, Vicky.

Constant visits to a graveyard are morbid,

no matter how much you loved.

It's kind of you to be concerned, Agnes.

Concern is not enough.

I'm going to take you out of yourself, that's what you need.

I'm starting my poetry readings again next Tuesday.

I want you to attend, like you used to.

We had fun, didn't we? David enjoyed it, too.

Remember how he used to play the piano for us all?

(SOFT PIANO MUSIC)

My dear Vicky.

Memory is one thing, brooding is quite another.

You're right, of course. Thank you.

Then I may expect to see you Tuesday about 8:30?

Yes, I'll be there. Good.

Now, if you'll excuse me?

I have an appointment at Geraldine's.

Oh yes.

(SOFT MUSIC)

Why didn't they write more space?

I told you Sir, we didn't print much about it.

Mr Ryland, the owner, doesn't approve of sensationalism.

Where can I get a copy of that picture?

That would be Jackson's, down the street, Sir.

They photograph everybody in this town

from the cradle to the...

Yeah, I know what you mean. Thanks.

(UPBEAT PIANO MUSIC)

I'm looking for Mr Henry Ryland. He's not in.

Your Ms Leigh, aren't you? My name is John Madison.

I'd like to talk to you, if you don't mind.

Won't you come in? Thanks.

I hope I'm not disturbing you? Not at all. This way.

(UPBEAT PIANO MUSIC)

Nice music. I knew the pianist.

David Vernon? You knew him?

No.

Then why were you visiting his grave?

I'm a reporter from his hometown.

You've travelled a long way for a story.

I'm on vacation. But I know his uncle,

his only living relative back home.

He asked me to stop in Linford while I was here.

You know, photograph the grave, talk to his friends.

David killed himself in a fit of depression.

That's all.

What did he have to be depressed about?

He was an artist, moody.

Oh yes, but... I'd actually like to find

something more human to tell his uncle.

Would you mind helping me? I don't see how I can.

Did you see him often?

We met most days. He only lived next door.

What kind of a mood was he in the last time you saw him?

Preoccupied.

He just finished composing a concerto

he'd been working on for weeks.

Did you hear it? Not all of it.

You know what musicians are like.

He asked me to leave him that night so he could play it through,

give it the final polish.

Then we were the last person who saw him alive?

Yes I...

Mr Madison, I'd rather not talk about it anymore, please.

Oh, Vicky.

Won't the nasty man go away?

Well, allow me to introduce myself.

I'm the sort of chap who's always known

as someone else's bad brother. Oh Henry's the good one.

He's got lots of responsibilities, including me.

Please, must you? Oh come now, Vicky.

Mr Madison is a newspaper man, he'll appreciate the truth.

He doesn't mind us being frank, do you?

Fine.

Then I guess you'll be able to take a hint, old chap.

Vicky doesn't like talking about it. She said so just now.

So, don't badger her. There's a good chap.

William.

If you can think of anything

that might comfort his uncle, I'll be at the hotel.

Thank you, I'll remember.

Now that's told him where to get off.

I don't think he'll trouble you again.

There's not much more that I can tell you, Mr Madison.

Though I'd like to give some comfort to the fella's next of kin.

He spent hours in here, you know. Playing the piano and composing

and when he wasn't playing, he was listening to himself play.

He had a stack of private recordings.

The police took them away with his effects.

I'm having them returned so to send back to his uncle.

Oh yes.

Very unfortunate business, very unfortunate.

Poor Vicky.

How did Vernon come to stay with you, Sir?

Well, my daughter Geraldine, met him in London.

He was hanging about,

living rather bohemian, don't you know.

She was sorry for the chap. Nice of you to take him in.

Well, to be honest with you, old man. I didn't like Vernon.

Oh interesting fellow, I suppose,

but not my type and to tell you the truth,

I'm not at all surprised that he killed himself.

Very moody and temperamental sort of bounder.

And not talking ill of the dead, you understand.

Better at writing music than cheques.

Didn't he have a job?

He went after one the day he died. Sir Martin's College near here.

They turned him down.

Maybe that's why he killed himself, I don't know.

And your... Your daughter found him?

Yes, just there. An unpleasant sight, I assure you.

Well there's just one more thing, Sir.

Is there a Ms Agnes Smith who lives nearby?

Oh yes, just around the corner. Hey, if you're going there now,

I wonder if you'd mind dropping this in for typing?

Rather an urgent article. Sure.

You're a military correspondent in your retirement?

Oh no, no, no, my dear chap.

Just a few scribbles for piscatorial journal.

Oh, a fisherman. An angler, Sir.

Oh sorry.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Mr Madison? Oh please, come in.

Thanks, Ms Smith. I was asked to give you this.

Oh, from the captain. Oh, that man.

He bullies his sentences like a sergeant major.

Well Ms Smith, you know my name.

I suppose you also know why I'm here.

What do you know of David Vernon?

Who knows genius?

But I think I understood him more than most around here.

Humble for no feeling, I write, you know. Poetry.

That's nice. Oh I'm just a dabbler.

David Vernon had the capacity to be great,

but not for dealing with life. It threatened to smother him.

He ended it.

While the balance of his mind was disturbed?

An inadequate phrase, isn't it?

It no more explains his death than his life, does it?

No, I guess it doesn't.

Here you are, darling.

Surprise her tonight, William. Have some coffee.

Well, I'm simply livid missing this intriguing American.

What's he like, Vicky? Intriguing.

I'd like to push his face in.

Well, Mr Madison seems capable of rousing strong emotions.

Interesting type. Let's invite him to dinner.

Over my dead body. And to be precise, over David's.

I gather he's interested in the life and death of David Vernon.

He certainly conducted a senate investigation on Vicky.

I can take care of myself.

He's a nosy parker, he's up to no good.

I'm surprised you let him stay a moment longer at your hotel.

He's only staying tonight. Oh, what a pity.

I'd like to have met him. Well you won't, will you?

Tomorrow, he'll be gone and perhaps

we can find another topic of conversation.

Excuse me.

Your bill, Sir. Thanks.

A taxi's ordered, Sir.

You have 20 minutes to catch the train.

Mr Madison?

I'm Geraldine Nash. Ah, glad to know you.

Then why have you ignored me?

You've interrogated everybody who's anybody, except me.

I know everything.

I run the ladies' hairdressing salon in this town.

My mission here is completed. Oh go on, question me.

On the night of David Vernon's death, I went to the movies.

I saw no one I know, I walked home alone,

I met no one I know.

Unlucky me, I never seem to get with the people I know.

(LAUGHING) Ah Geraldine, there you are.

Good morning, Madison. Leaving already?

I guess, so. Have a farewell drink.

Nice knowing you, if only for a short time.

Oh that's kind of you, thanks.

Oh, Mr Madison? Oh, excuse me.

I'm sorry, Sir.

I nearly forgot, this arrived for you, Sir.

Thanks.

Thank you, my dear. Ah, there you are, old chap.

What will it be? Tomato juice, please.

I have a date with a difficult head of hair.

Well, scotch. But it's really my round, you know.

One tomato juice, two scotch, please.

Yes, Sir.

Have you written to the boy's uncle yet?

No, not yet. Not an easy letter to write.

Well, you get that over, old fellow,

and settle down to a wonderful holiday.

Thanks.

That will be six and six Sir, please.

Thanks, Sir. Cheers.

Happy days.

Well drink up, old chap.

You must have one with me before you catch that train.

There's no hurry, captain.

I've decided to stay around for a few more days.

Interesting little town.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Come on, door's not locked. Oh, thank you.

Just finished your article. Oh, thank you.

It's satisfactory. Oh, I'm sure it is, sure it is.

Your account, Captain.

Oh, most reasonable, most reasonable.

I'm awfully sorry. I seem to have left the chequebook behind.

Careless of me.

Very, considering you came here especially to pick up your typing.

A thousand apologies. I'd rather have the three pounds.

I assure you, it was quite an oversight.

Oh it's most embarrassing. May I come in?

Oh, of course, dear. Thanks for the books, Agnes.

You're busy, I won't stay. I'm just leaving, Vicky.

Nonsense, you'll both stay

and take a glass of my homemade wine.

Oh, really. To what you do so much trouble?

Homemade...

I say really, I do think I ought to go.

Not another word. I insist.

What do you think of this American

who's asking all sorts of questions?

Vicky?

I don't think about it at all.

How strange. I imagined you'd be most intrigued.

Captain.

Dear lady.

Nectar.

Parsnip.

The whole town's curious, you know. I hear that--

I don't think you'll hear much more.

He's leaving today. He's not.

Why not?

Don't know.

He was all packed, ready to go, and suddenly he changed his mind.

Said he found us all very interesting.

How nice of him.

Well, bottoms up.

(BELLS TOLLING)

Oh yes, he occasionally used

to play the organ at our services, most beautifully.

Did all your congregation think so? What do you mean, exactly?

Well, he was a stranger.

Well, there is an antipathy towards strangers in this village,

almost traditional. But everyone liked him, as far as I know.

At a more personal level, do you know if he had any problems?

There was a... Desperation about him.

Could have been the desperation of a man of genius.

Life seems short to people like that.

They feel they have so much to do,

and they attempt too much and their minds crack

but with Vernon, I feel his despair was immediate and practical.

Not the sort of thought one can communicate

to a coroner, you understand? I think I do.

Well, thanks very much. Good day.

Good day.

He was a strange chap, Mr Vernon. Didn't like beer.

Was he here the night he died?

No, Sir. I remember asking the captain about it.

The captain was here.

He always drops in for a drink after he's been fishing.

It's a strange thought, isn't it Sir,

that while he was here, enjoying a game of darts with his boys,

Mr Vernon was lying dead in his house.

Terrible thing.

Well Sir, anything more?

No. No, thanks.

So long. So long, Sir.

Just because your brother owns this hotel

doesn't give you the right to search my room.

Well, why should you snoop on us? Get out.

Look Madison, the people you're spying on,

they aren't nobodies. OK, get out.

You were getting out, and suddenly you changed your mind. Why?

You quarrelled with David Vernon on the day he died. Why?

What business is that of yours? Was it because of Ms Leigh?

What if I did? Why should that delay your holiday?

My holiday can wait.

Yes, but I can't.

I can't wait for you to get out of this town

and leave us all alone, especially Vicky.

I dare say, you've heard a lot of sentimental rubbish about Vernon,

about the romantic suicide

because the world didn't understand his art.

Let me tell you something, because I'm not very respectable,

I can say what other people only think.

Vernon killed himself because he lost out on everything.

He couldn't even get a job as a piano teacher.

There's no mystery in that mess, and don't you try and make one.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR) Come in.

Oh, Mr Madison. I brought Mr Vernon's effects,

and the verbatim report of the coroner's court proceedings.

Good afternoon, Mr Ryland. Hello, Inspector.

Goodbye, Mr Ryland.

And don't worry, I'll be around for a day or two, yet.

Just check the contents, Sir. There's not much to check.

Plenty here.

Quite a hunk of reading.

It's a man's life, inspector.

His folks want to know just why he ended it.

We would have been delighted

to have such a talented young man with us, but it was not to be.

I do wish you'd time to see around the college.

I'd have been charmed to escort you myself.

It had many American visitors during the war.

There was a base near here.

Oh thanks, perhaps some other time. I understand.

Goodbye. Good day.

How's the investigation proceeding, Mr Madison?

You satisfied now that the world looked black to him?

A man who couldn't even get a job teaching the piano.

They wanted him here. He turned it down.

I don't understand.

Did he ever mention a man named Fletcher?

Arnold Fletcher?

Of course he did, the man who taught him to play.

Well, he's not a piano teacher anymore.

He's a big shot impresario.

He wanted to help Vernon become a concert pianist.

All Vernon had to do was to get back to the states.

Poor David, if only he'd known. He did know.

His uncle wrote him. He couldn't have received it.

He received it.

You know more about him than I do, I suppose?

See that passport photo?

It was taken at Jackson's on High Street.

He also enquired about a reservation at the travel agency.

Why didn't he tell me all this?

I don't know.

Maybe it happened quickly. It was a surprise to him.

No, he initiated it himself, by sending copies of his records

to his uncle, so Fletcher could hear them.

(SOMBRE REFLECTIVE MUSIC)

(TRAIN RUMBLING)

You know, at first I was satisfied that David could kill himself

even when things were so good for him.

But, well... See for yourself.

"Don't leave town.

You do not have the full story.

Why did William Ryland quarrel with David Vernon

the day he died?"

You take notice of this, anonymous?

Somebody knows the real reason for his death,

and it wasn't just a sudden mood of depression.

What other explanation's possible? Look...

He had an invitation to a career he'd always dreamed of.

A famous concert pianist. Life couldn't be sweeter for him.

He goes to that college back there,

politely rejects a job he'd applied for.

Returns to Linford on this train, but doesn't arrive home till 8:30.

When you saw him, he was preoccupied.

A while later, he's dead.

Somewhere along the line, he met a snag

big enough to drive him to suicide. I must find it, too.

I must try to fill in those last hours.

(WHISTLE BLOWS)

Where could he have gone from here?

Does it matter?

Whatever you do or wherever or you go,

you can't bring him back now.

Come on, I'll take you home. Oh, don't bother.

What's it to be, Sir?

Ever seen him?

I certainly have. Why so sure?

Well, this is a dull job.

Very few of my customers commit suicide.

He was American, too. Friend of yours?

Sort of.

He came in here about this time. Had a coke.

Would you like one? Yeah.

He asked me if I had a phone. "Afraid not", I said.

"But you'll find one up the alley, over there."

And then...

I'll never forget it.

He came back later, about seven o'clock.

And sat over there, for about an hour.

Hardly touched his drink.

Just sat there and stared out across the street.

Supposing now...

I'd taken a bit of interest in his mood, you know?

Talked to him. Well he might never have...

Well, who knows?

You remember plenty. Well, like I said.

It's a dull job.

Anything out of the ordinary, I remember.

Usually, I just read.

Here, buy yourself a book.

Thanks!

Chase him!

Hello, son. What's your name?

Peter.

Say Peter, have you ever seen that man before?

Sure, I have. He talks just like you.

When did he talk to you, Peter?

Are you a detective, mister?

No, but I promise you it's important.

You look honest. Thanks, now tell me about him.

All right, he made a phone call from here.

I was waiting to phone for my mother.

When he came out, I found his pencil, the green one,

with green lead on it. He'd written something on the book.

Here you can see, look.

Here, mister. On there, see? In green.

3028. Is that a local number?

Linford's phones only have three numbers.

I didn't keep his pencil. Sure you didn't.

I shouted after him.

I can't run, but he said he was in a hurry to catch the bus.

He came back for his pencil, and then he run off again.

Peter, can you remember about what time it was?

Must have been about now, mister.

Must have been the bus for Cranleigh Cross.

Thanks, you've helped me a lot. That's all right.

Goodbye. Goodbye.

(ENGINE REVVING)

Here's Mrs Woodham getting on. She knows everything and everybody.

Ah, Mrs Woodham...

This gentleman would like to have a word with you.

Oh? If you could help me, I'd be very grateful, ma'am.

You remember him? Yes, I do.

You're very certain? I've good reason to.

Let me see. It was about a month ago...

That's where everybody goes around here.

Not your friend, no pubs for him. That's why I remember.

You're very observant.

I have to be, I serve behind the bar.

Any idea where he could have gone around here?

That's just it. There's nowhere else to go.

Unless you have a taste for being shot at.

What do you mean? Oh well, never mind. Goodbye.

(SOFT MUSIC)

(COWS MOOING)

(TENSE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

(TENSE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(DOG BARKING AGGRESSIVELY)

Easy boy, easy now. Steady now.

Easy boy. Get off my land!

I got to talk to you.

I don't talk to anybody. Get off my land.

Are you Matthews? You're trespassing.

You know David Vernon? Go away!

Now look, Matthews.

(GUN FIRING) (DOG BARKING)

Now, clear out.

Oh, hello Captain. Thanks for coming.

It sounded urgent, Madison. Well, don't stand on ceremony.

Fire away.

During the time you knew Vernon,

did he ever show any interest in anyone

or anything at Cranleigh Cross?

Cranleigh Cross? There's not much out there, old chap.

Except the finest beer in the country.

But Vernon, he wasn't a beer drinker.

No, I can't help you on that score, sorry.

Anything else?

Yes, on your way back from fishing that night,

did you see anyone on the road?

Just a few stragglers, old chap. I mean on the road near your house?

No, no one there.

Oh, how about a drink? Oh thanks very much, old chap.

Scotch? Yes, please.

Two, please.

Large. Oh yes, Sir.

What about a little service for a regular customer?

Oh really, William.

You're rather desperate for company, aren't you Captain?

We'll wait.

Very good, Mr Madison.

What can I get for you, Mr Ryland? My usual place at the bar.

Now please, Mr Ryland, what can I get for you?

The other gentleman's waiting. What gentleman?

Forget our drinks.

Knock off any dirt lately, Madison?

Look, Ryland. Order your drink.

Look, look I asked you something.

It's not polite to ignore a question.

I don't have your good manners.

Well then, I'll have to teach you some.

(PUNCH THUDS)

(LAUGHS)

Was two whiskeys, wasn't it Sir?

What have you been telling Madison? What on earth do you mean?

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

Of course you do.

You were with him at the college, you must have said something.

You spied on me. Well, what about you?

I didn't go with him, I just followed.

What do you call that if it isn't spying?

Oh, you wouldn't understand.

You women are too subtle for me or else Madison's got on your nerve

so much you don't know what you're doing.

I need a drink.

You've had quite enough.

For once in your life, my dear Henry, you're wrong.

I've been drinking in a grubby little pub,

but I have not had enough. Well, I have.

More than enough of your drunken irresponsibility.

Tonight's behaviour was the limit when the manager of my hotel

complains of you fighting in the bar.

And listen to my smug, respectable brother.

At least I've done something to protect Vicky.

You're supposed to be her guardian, you've done nothing.

Why didn't you turn him out of the hotel?

Then he'd have to leave town.

Oh hello, Lorna. Did you enjoy the concert?

Farmer Brown's son is no Caruso. And John Madison's no sightseer.

You know what I found in his room?

A list of our names.

He's checking up on us as well as Vernon.

Don't you understand what that means?

Madison suspects someone of murder.

(DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Come in.

Oh, I thought you were breakfast.

I'm not. I'm Lorna Ryland.

I suppose I could say that I've come to apologise for my brother-in-law.

Shall I? Nothing for it, but the truth.

I'm just curious to meet you, Mr Madison, before you leave.

Won't you sit down? Thank you.

You know you've created quite a stir, Mr Madison.

But I for one, am highly delighted. It's about time this town woke up.

But?

Yes, there is a reservation. It's this.

Sometimes, creating a healthy stir also causes needless sorrow.

Oh, you mean Ms Leigh?

So if you've now got enough local colour,

perhaps it might be best if you did go.

That's all poor William was trying to say last night.

But in a different way.

William's that sort of man. What sort of man was David Vernon?

The men around here, bless them,

either clump about in gum boots directing dung spray,

or prop up a hotel bar mourning the 19th century.

David was cultured, discerning and talented.

Consequently, there wasn't a man who didn't hate him

nor a woman who didn't respond to his charm.

Including you? Certainly.

He was gay and amusing. I adored him, we all did.

Vicky...

That was a romance, a rare romance.

Perhaps it had to end tragically.

You see Mr Madison, any reminder of it

depresses Vicky, dreadfully.

You do understand? And you will leave, won't you?

I'm afraid I haven't got enough local colour yet, Mr Ryland.

I see. Is there anything I can do to help?

Maybe. Just tell me...

When you were arriving back in the taxi

that night in Linford, did you see anybody on the road?

No, I didn't.

Someone on the road. Really, Mr Madison?

Are you seriously suggesting--

I'm suggesting only that Ms Leigh snap out of it,

'cause I might be around here for some time yet.

Ah, Mr Madison. This telephone number Sir, 3028.

There are a lot of 3028s in the county.

You'll be making quite a tour. Thank you.

Enjoying your stay, Mr Madison? Oh, thanks inspector.

I'm in a hurry right now--

I was surprised to hear you were wasting your time

brawling at the bar last night.

This is a peaceful town, you know?

We don't often have fights at this hotel, at any rate.

Let's see that we keep the peace in the future, shall we?

OK, I like it peaceful. Me, too.

I'm a lazy policeman.

I like to prevent serious trouble, not deal with it.

All right, is that all? Yeah, just friendly advice.

Here it is, Sir. Antique filigree silver.

Very, very pretty.

Mr Vernon wanted the catch fixed, but when it was done,

he asked me if I'd like to buy it.

He said he also had a ring if I was...

You're not from the police?

This wasn't stolen, I hope? What happened after you bought it?

Well, Mr Vernon telephoned a week or so later,

and asked to buy it back again. He offered me five pounds profit,

25 pounds altogether. I agreed, naturally.

Then he never came to collect it.

He couldn't. He died the same day.

Then you are from the police.

I didn't know this was stolen, Inspector, really--

Just take it easy, I'm not a cop.

This just happens to be a family heirloom.

I'd like to buy it back, that's all.

Oh, oh that's all right. You understand my concern--

Sure, listen.

I don't think I have that much cash on me.

Will you take a traveler's cheque?

Oh yes, certainly Sir. Yes, only too pleased.

Vicky, help me choose. Do you like that one?

(KNOCKING ON DOOR) Come in.

Oh, come in. Thank you.

I'd like to return this to you. It's not mine.

You sure?

Vernon left it with a jeweller at Eadstone.

It's not mine.

Have you ever seen this before, Ms Smith?

No, no. It's such a lovely bijou.

To David Vernon,

it was just a means of raising money to buy a ticket to America.

How dreadfully materialistic.

Money, what does it matter after all?

In this case, it was a matter of life or death.

Dear, that's morbid, Mr Madison.

You should look for beauty, even in sordid events.

Can you, Ms Smith?

Yes, with due humility I can say, yes.

Would you like to hear my principled memory of that night?

Please.

I was, I was looking from my window...

At the dancing lights of the storm.

Suddenly, there was a figure in the road.

Man, woman, ghost?

Who knows?

I just felt I had to retain that moment of excitement,

to write a poem about that anonymous figure,

passing by as the storm went past...

Out of my little world.

Not very good, I dare say, but deeply felt.

Would you like to hear my verses, Mr Madison?

I'd rather have a description of that figure, if you don't mind?

(LAUGHS) The mundane journalist.

You want facts, not fancies.

Did David Vernon ever try to borrow money from you?

How dare you?

Walking into people's homes, spying, probing.

You should turn him out of your house.

Vicky, you're much too overwrought, please.

Thank you, Ms Smith.

Vicky.

Vicky!

No, he never tried to borrow from me.

I wasn't going to ask you that. Then what do you want?

Why don't you leave me alone?

I just wanted to know if he ever gave you a ring?

What if he did?

You want me to send it back to his uncle with his shirts?

Where is it?

At home, and it's gonna stay there. Now leave me alone.

(TENSE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

A message from the manager, Sir. Your room is let, a prior booking.

Your bill, Sir.

We've taken the liberty of packing your bags.

I think you'll find everything in order.

This is the only hotel in town, isn't it?

Yes Sir, this is.

That's what I thought.

(SOFT PIANO MUSIC)

Hello.

Your guardian owns a popular hotel, but not for me.

I'm a guest of Geraldine and the captain's.

That was one of David's records, wasn't it?

I shouldn't be playing it.

I didn't know you could hear it. I'm sorry.

No, it's... It's me who should apologise.

My attitude has been shameful.

Vicky...

Believe me, I know how you feel.

But in time you'll forget, and perhaps--

Listen before you say any more.

For the next four years, Henry Ryland says whom I can marry.

That was my father's wish.

He disapproved of David Vernon,

but I didn't care, I asked David to marry me...

On the night he died.

His answer was simple. No inheritance, no marriage.

Can you tell me about that night?

I brought the gun here for Captain Nash.

After David had told me his terms, I ran out.

He followed. I was so upset it took a few seconds

to realise that he was asking for his ring back.

I tore the ring from my finger,

and flung it as far as I could and hurried home.

Later, in the conservatory...

I heard him playing his concerto.

Now it was finished, so were we.

I realised I never really loved him.

What a fool I'd look if all this came out.

I couldn't face it.

Then it was solved.

He died, and I was free to play the broken-hearted girl.

And that's what I've been doing ever since, with everyone protecting me.

(SOMBRE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

Can you believe that?

Vicky.

Forget, try to forget.

There's a letter here about a campaign I served in.

The fellow couldn't have been within 1,000 miles of it.

Well that take care of your morning.

Don't design yourself disgusted.

This will throw my whole day out of gear.

I must put this bounder in his place.

Get Ms Smith to type it before lunch.

It's a darn nuisance.

I wanted to have a quiet day of angling.

That's tough luck, Sir. Oh well.

Have to make do with a quiet afternoon, that's all.

Forwarded from the hotel for you. Thank you.

What are your plans for today, Mr Madison?

Oh, whatever they were,

looks like someone has changed my mind for me.

That's it all right, the ring David gave me.

No message with it? No.

If it was found that night, then it could only have been found

by that shadowy figure on the road. The one that only Agnes Smith saw.

Just a moment. She couldn't have seen it, either.

Why not?

Listen, Agnes said she saw this mysterious figure

from her window, right? Uh huh.

Not possible. I ought to know,

I was looking out when she told you about it.

You can't see the road from her window.

Now, just a minute. She could have gotten confused.

After all, she is little pixelated.

You'd have to very pixelated to see round a bend in the road.

Now, let's not argue about it.

The window's still there, we'll go have a look.

Even if we have to listen to one of her poems.

This is the window.

You see? I was right.

She must have been standing about...

There's something wrong.

Call an ambulance, and get the police.

(TENSE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(GLASS SHATTERING)

She could not have committed suicide.

Not suicide, you say? What then, accident?

Murder. Interesting.

What motive?

She knew who killed David Vernon. Oh I see, two murders.

Well some of my best friends are amateur detectives,

let's have your theory. OK.

This bracelet belongs to Agnes Smith.

She gave it to Vernon for repair, but Vernon couldn't raise the money

for his fare back home, so he sold it.

She demanded it back or else.

But he didn't give it to her.

So on the night of his death, she went to him.

Agnes Smith herself was that figure on the road.

How'd you get ahold of this?

Oh, legally.

You can have it as an exhibit.

So you think Vernon killed himself

because he was afraid of being exposed

and she, poor innocent woman, felt responsible for his death?

Weighed on her mind. I don't see a murder in there.

She couldn't possibly-- Now just a minute, Mr Madison.

Don't let's get excited.

So she sent you this letter and ring anonymously?

Does that surprise you?

No, but I'll bet her next anonymous letter

would have surprised me,

because she discovered who killed David Vernon.

The killer found that out,

and all of a sudden there are two suicides around here,

the first in 10 years.

Possible, but there's no evidence there was anyone here last night.

There is, over here.

Look, a bottle of Agnes' wine and one wine glass,

but the marks of two glasses.

Well, they might have been there for days.

No, Agnes was much too house proud.

Why, she'd follow visitors around with an ashtray

before she'd leave marks like that on the furniture.

But this is all fancy, I want facts.

I leave him at 9:30.

At 10 I'm in the conservatory, listening to the music.

Geraldine gets back from the movies at 10:30, discovers the body.

That's right.

What about Agnes?

I've got to have another look around her cottage

when the police are gone.

So he was killed sometime between 10 and 10:30.

Or was he?

What are you thinking of?

Vicky, this killing might have been planned,

all the way down to the piano accompaniment.

Remember last night?

You heard piano music, didn't you?

Gramophone record.

That might be the answer.

Maybe he was killed before 10 o'clock,

and the killer put on one of his records

to establish an alibi.

No John, won't work.

Now look, Vicky.

Just like last night, you heard piano playing.

I heard the concerto.

It was only finished that night, it's never been recorded.

Are you sure? Why record before it's completed?

As a work copy, maybe?

What studio did he use? The one in Eadstone.

Well, it's worth a check.

Except I wouldn't recognise the piece if I heard it.

I would. There's a train in five minutes.

Fine. I can do this alone.

You go to Agnes' cottage. OK.

Something wrong, Ms Leigh? Can I take you anywhere?

No, thanks. I'm just going across to catch the train.

You can pick me up at the station in five minutes?

All right Sir, thanks.

That's funny. What's funny?

Meeting Ms Leigh in here. What's funny about that?

Just a coincidence.

Remember the other person who I picked up in here?

Oh yes, now that you mention it, I do.

(DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

Thanks for the information. Thank you, Sir.

(TENSE MUSIC)

The traditional question, I believe, is what are you doing here?

Who's going to ask who?

It doesn't matter.

The answer's really in that book, isn't it?

Agnes' diary? I doubt it.

If it was important, the police would have taken it.

Maybe the police didn't realise its importance.

Possibly not.

But they would be interested to know that you've broken in here.

Yes, and why you didn't have to.

Mr Madison, when Ms Smith went away

on holiday last year, she asked me to look in every few days.

But never asked for the key back.

Well, you must have been good friends.

Very good friends. I'm taking care of her effects.

Rather the same sort of service

you've been performing for David's uncle.

Now, Mr Madison...

Your explanation, please?

One more from you.

On the night of Vernon's death, you were in the Railway Cafe?

Explanation? I was thirsty.

Oh, it's not exactly what I mean. It's a matter of timing.

I don't quite understand.

At that time, according to all reports,

you were returning from London by train.

Can't one keep a secret now and again?

Sure, but not from the coroner.

What did I withhold at the inquest?

The fact that you were last person to see Vernon alive.

Taxi driver, I suppose?

He's a bit of a gossip, and you are very persistent.

Yes, I did see David that day. But I wasn't the last one to do so.

Where did you meet, Cranleigh Cross? Nearby.

He wanted to borrow money from you? Borrow? My dear Mr Madison,

he chose that delightfully secluded spot to blackmail me.

Go on. It's obviously, surely?

200 pounds, or he'd tell Henry a string of lies about us.

I called his bluff, and he killed himself.

I'm sorry.

Even though he was unprincipled, to say the least,

but because he chose to end his life I saw no reason to ruin mine.

Hence my silence on the subject of Cranleigh Cross,

my complicated train journeys, and so on.

Did you leave Cranleigh Cross together?

We were hardly in the mood

to be travelling companions, he went through the woods.

That, Mr Madison, is my secret.

Agnes was as tenacious as you are about other people's affairs.

I never liked her poetry,

thought perhaps I'd check on her prose.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

(GUN FIRING)

(DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(GUN FIRING)

(DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(GUN FIRING)

Excuse me. Oh yes, can I help you?

This has been rather delayed. It's for a Mr Madison.

Yes, I'll take care of it. Thank you.

She gave it to my little boy to deliver,

but what with her killing herself, poor soul,

and him catching his summer cold, it's been--

Yes, I... I quite understand.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Ms Nash? I hope it isn't anything important.

I mean, putting anyone to inconvenience

or anything like-- No, thank you very much.

Please, don't worry anymore.

Oh, Ms Nash, this parcel for Mr Madison.

I wonder if you'd mind take it home this evening?

It's marked urgent, and we've got nobody available

until the morning.

Yes, of course. Thank you.

(COWS MOOING)

(DOG BARKING AGGRESSIVELY)

(SNARLING)

(BARKING)

(SUSPENSEFUL ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

Why did you try to kill me? I didn't, why should I?

Maybe you'd rather talk to the police

about David Vernon and Agnes Smith? Who are they?

What do you know about their deaths? Nothing, I swear. Nothing.

Why did Vernon come here the day he died?

I didn't kill him. Come on, I want the truth.

All right, I'll tell you why I nearly did.

Since my wife died, there's only me and my daughter.

17, she is.

My whole life, now.

I could see what would happen with him bewitching her,

with his music and his talk.

I warned her. I had to beat the devil out of her.

Packed her off to me brother. Then he came here.

Said he knew where she was.

That he'd find her, unless I gave him 200 pounds.

That's the sort of rogue he was.

Threw him off my land.

I never saw him again.

I protected my daughter.

She's only 17.

Don't tell anybody. That's all I ask.

(WIND HOWLING)

(DOORBELL RINGING)

Geraldine, come on in.

I really can't stay but this came for John, Mr Madison.

I figured you'd see him before I did.

You're lucky. My score this year's been one pass

from a commercial traveller, in agriculture machinery.

Stay and have a drink.

Forgive me but I'm out on my feet. Busiest day of the month,

and a forest of hair to work my way through tomorrow.

Me for my little bed. Goodnight, Vicky.

Goodnight, then.

(DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(STORM RAGING)

(DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(SOFT PIANO MUSIC)

CAPTAIN (ON TAPE): This should be a double spacing,

Ms Smith and four copies, please.

Oh, just a moment.

I want to correct two mistakes.

I certainly do, Ms Leigh.

One is to erase the music entirely from this tape...

(CLATTERING)

The other to erase its significance from your mind.

You? But why?

Because Vernon found out the truth about me.

You see, the gallant captain wasn't retired from the army.

(LAUGHING)

They threw him out.

He tried to blackmail me, I saw my way out.

I borrowed this thing, made a recording

of him playing that night.

Then a roll of thunder to cover the shot,

a recording played back from an upstairs window

so that you all thought he was still playing.

I went to the bar at my usual time and there was my alibi complete.

It was all so easy.

Then, I was foolish enough to leave a little

of his concerto music on my tape,

and Agnes Smith found it yesterday.

No!

No, Vicky.

You won't leave here again, ever.

DRIVER: That's strange, Sir.

There's a light at Ms Agnes' cottage.

I had no choice.

I haven't had from the beginning.

John!

(GUN FIRING)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Your bill, Sir. For the third time.

Duly receipted. And your change, Sir.

Thank you.

I hope you'll be visiting us again very soon, Sir.

I think I will.

I'm sure I will.

Good day, Sir. Good day.

Things certainly happen fast when there's a stranger in town.

(DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)