Original subtitles

[ Announcer: ] "Mr Denning Drives North."

"John Mills as Tom Denning."

"Phyllis Calvert as Kay Denning."

"With Sam Wanamaker, Herbert Lom, Raymond Huntley, Russell Walters."

"Peter Jackson, Bernard Lee."

"Wilfred Hyde White, Michael Shepley."

"Ronald Adam and Eileen Moore."

"Mr Denning Drives North".

Well, gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?

We most certainly have.

How say you?

Is the prisoner in the dock guilty or not-guilty?

Guilty.

Oh no .. no.

Kay .. help me, Kay.

Thomas Denning.

You have been found guilty of the crime of murder.

And I may say that I entirely agree with the verdict.

By the way, no recommendation for mercy, of course.

Mercy?

Any recommendation for mercy?

Mercy?

Mercy?

Suppose I told you that Liz has already been with me.

Alright, alright. Get on with it!

Thomas Denning.

I order that you be taken to a place of execution.

And that you will be there hanged by the neck until you are dead.

No .. no, please.

I won't go.

Do you hear me? I won't go!

Mr Denning,

You really must try not to interrupt.

I'll fight, do you hear me? I'll fight. I won't go.

I'll fight. Do you hear me? I won't go.

I'll fight. I won't go. I'll fight!

I won't go! ─ Oh yes you will.

I'll fight. Do you hear me?

I'll fight! ─ Darling. It's alright.

Oh, darling. ─ Kay.

You had it bad that time, didn't you darling.

It's alright. Lie down, darling.

Hello. What's all the hurry?

I'm going to have a showdown. ─ Now, where have I heard that before?

Do you know what Mr Denning's delay with the landing gear has cost to date?

I'm Works Manger, not a pen-pusher.

Well, I'm chief accountant here, and I can't have costs piling up like this.

He'll either pass that design or else. ─ Or else what?

I'll do the talking.

Hello, Mr Wright. ─ Good afternoon, Mrs Denning.

Hello Harry. ─ Good afternoon, Kay.

I rather think Tom's gone home. ─ Already?

Well, it will have to be tomorrow. Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

The evening paper, sir.

The paper, sir.

Huh?

Oh .. thanks.

Alright, Wilson.

Leave those please.

Very good, sir.

[ Radio: ] "Local showers and bright intervals."

"That is the end of the weather forecast."

"The six o'clock news will follow in one minute's time."

"Now here is a Police message."

There was an accident at the corner of Palace Gate and High Street Kensington."

"Last Monday at 8 o'clock in the morning."

"Between a motorcycle and a lorry."

"The cyclist received injuries from which he has since died."

Tom.

Is Liz back?

Liz?

Oh, darling. You'll have to think up some excuse.

Oh, good heavens.

I've been to the works to pick you up. We were to have met the plane.

I know. I'm sorry, I forgot.

That must be Liz now.

Darling .. pull yourself together.

Liz .. darling.

Oh mummy, how wonderful to see you.

You look wonderful.

Hello. Why didn't you meet the plane?

Hello, Liz.

Hello, daddy.

Oh, daddy!

Well, you look older.

I am older. I'm nineteen. ─ One foot in the grave.

You've just got time to change before dinner. Come along, I'll run your bath.

Go on, go and wash your neck.

Are you alright, Daddy?

Huh? Of course I'm alright. Why?

Well, you look different somehow.

So, you've forgotten what I look like after two months, that's all.

How was Switzerland? ─ Heaven.

Get over it, Liz?

Daddy, I hate speeches.

So do I. Don't say it.

Just once. I've made up my mind.

I'm sorry for what I said to you.

I was beastly and I didn't mean a word of it.

Go on. Buzz off and change.

Oh, sorry.

Who are you?

The name is Eddowes.

It rhymes with "meadows".

"Chick" Eddowes?

Yeah, I'm afraid I'm guilty. ─ I've heard your name mentioned.

I can take your coat, sir? ─ Oh, thank you.

Are you staying to dinner?

Yeah, a sort of welcome home dinner for the kid daughter of the house.

I'm the kid daughter.

Well .. welcome home.

Oh, is Papa in here?

Yes.

Mother, what's wrong with Daddy?

Nothing.

He behaved so oddly last night.

I've never seen him plastered before.

I expect he was celebrating your return.

You know, there is something wrong.

Have you gone broke?

Of course not.

Get on with your breakfast.

Another woman, Mummy?

Oh, I'm sorry, darling. Really, I am. Of course ..

Goodbye, dear.

What a disgustingly sloppy scene.

I was just telling Mummy how glad I am to be home.

Yes.

As we're all continental and un-British this morning, I want to say something.

I love my family very, very much.

Mummy. ─ Back in a minute, darling.

The boot was opened. ─ Yes, darling.

The garage was open. The Police ..

You opened the boot and the garage door.

I opened it? ─ Your nightmares are getting worse.

You walked in your sleep last night.

I don't care what you say. I'm making an appointment for you to see Dr Faber.

I walked in my sleep.

I opened the boot in my sleep?

For a moment, I was frightened that you were going to take the car out.

What did I do?

You just opened the boot and seemed to be looking for something. That's all.

How many times have I walked in my sleep?

It was the first time, darling. As far as I know.

As far as you know?

According to my progress chart, another ten days will see us through.

I tell you, if you delay longer there will be nothing on the production line.

Then what happens?

Lay off hundreds of men while you make up your mind?

It's a bit too crowded in here at the moment.

You just leave me alone for a bit and I'll give you the answer.

And about time.

What's wrong, Tom?

Nothing .. it's a bit of a hangover, that's all.

Now .. about this undercarriage.

[ Buzzer ]

"Mrs Denning on the line."

Take it, will you.

Hello, Kay. Tom's a bit busy at the moment. Can I help?

Yes.

Right-oh.

She's made an appointment for 3:30 with Dr Faber.

Oh.

Apparently he's a psychiatrist.

Yes, I believe he is.

Now look.

About this undercarriage, I reckon ..

Out with it, Tom. What's on your mind?

Nothing. Nothing. Kay thinks I'm overworked. That's all.

Overworked, my foot. If you need a psychiatrist and all his patent drugs ..

Shut up! I'm trying to concentrate. For heaven's sake, leave me alone.

Sorry, Tom.

Guilty.

Mercy.

Mercy .. mercy.

Who is that maniac?

Where's Tom?

That is Tom.

Here's the spin to end all spins.

Tom .. don't.

Tom.

Darling.

I can't .. I can't.

He's diving again.

Are you alright, Tom?

Yes. Yes, I'm great. I always said that pylon was dangerous.

Petrol! Get out .. get out quick!

Hurry up.

Get back.

Look out!

Drink, darling?

It might do you good.

Tom.

Darling!

Darling, what is it?

Tell me all about it.

Where are the Wilsons?

There night off. Chick is out with Liz.

Well?

Darling, come on out with it.

It can't be as bad as all that.

You haven't murdered anybody you know.

Well.

That's the whole point.

I have murdered somebody.

You're joking of course.

Yep. Cross my heart.

Aren't you glad that's all it was?

You haven't really? ─ Yes Kay, I have.

Really.

Who did you kill?

A man?

Well.

You remember that ghastly scene we had with Liz?

That settles it!

And now I'll tell you something, Daddy.

Whenever a man comes within a mile of me, you scare him off.

You've got a complex about me.

But you've gone too far this time.

I'm going to marry Vic whatever you say.

You are eighteen and underage young lady, and I won't give my consent.

Very well then. I'm going away with Vic to live with him.

Until I am of age and I don't need your consent.

Liz .. don't be a fool.

Darling, this is serious.

You've no idea how serious.

Just read that.

I went to the Embassy yesterday.

To check up on Mr Mados.

They knew him. ─ They had a file full of him.

Blackmailer, white-slaver and chucked out of the States.

Darling, he's been married twice before.

The last one committed suicide.

Just the sort of son-in-law we've always wanted.

We must do something. ─ Don't worry, darling.

You keep Liz occupied tomorrow night.

I think I know exactly how to deal with Mr Mados.

Oh, do come inside, Mr Denning.

Thank you.

How nice of you to come.

It's a very small flat I'm afraid.

Just a pied-a-terre.

But .. what more do I need.

A bathroom, somewhere to put my clothes and ..

A comfortable bed.

May I mix you a cocktail?

No thanks.

Forgive my conceit, but I am told I am quite an expert.

I can well believe it but I don't want one, thank you.

I see.

A cigarette? ─ No thanks.

You know why I'm here, don't you.

Yes, I do.

Forgive my nervousness.

Just like any other young man meeting his future father-in-law.

Let's cut this short.

I went to your embassy yesterday.

I know all about you, Mados.

Look at this.

Ah, but that was my past.

I've turned over a new leaf and I'm a good boy now.

Would the adorable Liz love me so much if that were not so?

You are never to see my daughter again. Is that clear?

You are forgetting that .. your daughter.

Very much wants to see me.

Sit down, Mados.

Sit down.

Now, I'm a businessman.

And I'd like to talk.

A little business. ─ Oh?

How would you like to earn the easiest five hundred pounds you've ever had?

Five hundred pounds? But what for?

Just by writing this letter.

Here you are, you can read it.

Copy it.

Only five hundred?

For such a very nice letter?

Or if you'd rather, I'll get you deported.

Free of charge, of course.

And the envelope.

"I'm leaving for the continent immediately."

"And getting married to a woman more my own age."

That's it.

She'll get this in the morning.

If you're still here Mados, I'll have you run out of the country.

I will not be here.

I will be somewhere on the continent.

As you suggest.

And with me, will be ..

Liz.

She'll never go with you, Mados.

That I promise you.

Suppose I tell you she has already been with me.

Get up, Mados.

Get up, Mados. We've got some packing to do.

"Hello? Hello .. number please?"

[ Telephone ]

[ Telephone ]

[ Telephone ]

Can I turn your be down? ─ No.

I am busy. Come back later, please.

Goodnight.

[ Telephone ]

[ Telephone ]

[ Telephone ]

A silly place to turn.

I was .. just looking to see how much room I had behind.

No need to turn here, sir.

You can go straight through. ─ Oh, can I?

Oh thanks. I didn't realize.

You'll be alright. I'll give you a hand.

Don't bother. ─ It's alright.

Don't go back any more, sir. Left hand down a bit.

Hard over.

Thanks. Goodnight. ─ Goodnight.

Something wrong, Officer? ─ You're driving without a rear light.

Really? ─ Yes, really.

Sorry. It's just that I'm astonished.

The light was on when I left. I checked.

Well, it's not on now.

Well, I'll fix it.

It's that wretched loose connection. It's always going wrong.

There we are. Just temperamental.

Taking your dirty washing home, sir?

Yes.

That's how accidents happen.

Standing in front of the tail light.

You don't want to finish up a corpse, do you?

No. Thanks, Officer.

Okay, sir.

Thank you.

Goodnight, sir. ─ Goodnight.

When I got back I finished burning his suitcases and everything else.

Next morning as you know, Liz got the letter, cried her eyes out ..

We put her on the plane for Switzerland.

And that was the end of the big romance.

I see.

It was only an accident.

Why didn't you just phone for the Police?

I nearly did.

I remembered just in time.

They'd have wanted to know why I hit him, wouldn't they?

It would have looked good in print, that bit about Liz.

I know.

All the same, it would be better than ..

I know, I know, I know.

I've been kicking myself ever since.

Say I lost my head, say I lost my nerve, say anything you like.

The fact is I didn't phone the Police and that's that.

I'm sorry, darling.

The ring?

The ring you ..? ─ I won it at a shooting gallery.

I'd never worn the thing and I knew that neither you nor Liz had ever seen it.

As a fact, I'd forgotten about it myself until I suddenly saw it in the junk box.

I ..

I wasn't going to tell you this, but ..

But after I'd got Mados out of his flat ..

I had to bring him back here and ..

Fit him into some old clothes of mine that couldn't be identified.

I was looking for some cheap studs and links that couldn't be checked up on.

I suddenly saw the ring.

But putting it on his finger? I don't see the point in that.

That was my real brainwave.

I saw the description of the unknown man in the ditch would be so vague ..

That everybody who had anybody missing would go and try to identify him.

A friend of Mados's might turn up.

Liz might, it she didn't believe he'd gone to the continent.

So I decided to stick that ring on his finger.

It wasn't worth anything, but it was so distinctive ..

The Police would be bound to broadcast its description:

"The unknown man was wearing a ring with the design of an eagle in white enamel."

Anybody going to see the body would be put off.

They'd say it couldn't be Tom or Dick or Mados. He didn't wear a ring like that.

I could do with a drink.

A drink, Tom?

And you're usually pretty bright.

Tom.

You've forgotten to ask about the sequel.

The sequel?

Oh, darling.

You don't even realize there should be a sequel.

The Police? They've found out?

No, they haven't found out.

So I should be able to forget all about the horrible business.

Why can't I, do you think?

What's been eating into me all these weeks?

Why do think I've been practically out of my mind and drinking like a fish?

Because darling, the sequel to my actions ..

Which I took for granted would follow, hasn't materialized.

The body in the ditch hasn't been discovered.

Tom.

I expected somebody to trip over it in few days or a week at the most.

Then the wheels would have been set in motion. They'd try to identify it.

An inquest.

A verdict of accident or possibly of murder if I've tripped up somewhere.

And finally I looked forward most of all to the body being well and truly buried.

After which I'd be able to breathe again.

But no body. No inquest. No burial.

With that thing still lying there in the ditch, I'm right back there with it.

I can cope with the affair being bunged into a pigeon hole at Scotland Yard.

But what I can't cope with is the investigation not having started ..

Because the dear boys don't know there is anything to investigate yet.

Yes, I think I will have a drink.

Perhaps now you've told me, you'll feel better.

We can talk about it. It won’t seem so bad.

No. It's worse than ever.

By this time the posts may have been mended.

The skid-marks may have disappeared.

And now when they find the body there won't be a trace left of a car accident.

It won't be a hit and run driver they'll be looking for. It will be a murderer.

And I've an idea they'll take a little more trouble to find a murderer.

Have the posts been mended? ─ How should I know?

Don't you know whether the skid-marks are there? Have you been to look?

Good heavens, wild horses wouldn't drag me back.

You must.

Listen, I know criminals are meant to be fascinated by the scene of their crime.

But I'm different. That's all.

What are you doing?

Darling, we may be worrying about absolutely nothing.

The broken posts and the skid-marks may still be there.

We're going to look.

Kay. ─ Yes?

I'm scared stiff.

So am I.

I'm sure the Police are there, you know. ─ Of course they're not.

What a thing we do. We're running right into a trap.

We'll drive past quickly the first time.

You watch for the posts. I'll look for the skid-marks.

Two posts.

They've been mended.

No skid-marks.

Well, that's that.

Did you see any Policemen?

No.

They're in the ditch, maybe.

Tom. Let's go back.

I've got to look.

Darling, what does it matter? Let's go home.

Keep the engine running. Be ready to bolt.

Who is that? ─ What is it?

It's not here.

The body is gone.

If I were in America Chick, would they like me?

Would who like you? ─ Men.

Listen Liz, if you were in America, you wouldn't have to ask.

Darling.

What does it matter who is right and wrong?

The important thing is there is no body.

Do you know what that means? There is no body.

You don't have to worry anymore.

Your nightmares are over. You can forget the flat, Mados, the ditch.

Nobody connects you with Mados.

Now they never will.

I tell you, he was dead.

Oh Darling, if you're going to be petty.

Petty? Oh ..

Tom, come off your high horse. You made a mistake, that's all.

After all Darling, you're not a doctor.

I don't have to be a doctor.

I was with that dead body for hours.

Darling somebody will hear you.

I don't care who hears me. It was the deadest body the world's ever seen.

Just a little louder Darling and they'll hear you at Scotland Yard.

Tom.

Let's just discuss this quite calmly.

When a person is in a coma.

You know, diabetes.

Ye Gods, diabetes.

Now listen .. suppose.

Just suppose that I'm a complete halfwit and you're right, shall we.

Okay.

Out from the ditch one fine day leaps that body ..

With just a sore head, a broken jaw and a craving for sugar.

Alright. Where is he now?

What's he been up to all this time?

He went back to the flat.

How did all this start? ─ Darling, you asked me.

Hello.

Hello. ─ Hello, Chick.

Are you two fighting? ─ No.

Have you had a nice time? ─ Oh fine.

Oh, you've got lipstick.

Now Tom, Kay. It's not my fault.

Have a drink, Chick. ─ Thanks.

You know, the funny part is that ..

There isn't much she likes about me. She hates my name, my clothes ..

My car, my accent,

Your job. ─ Even my job, you see.

What's wrong with that?

Even after I've explained in great detail how important ..

How absolutely fascinating is the profession of a patents lawyer.

She's not impressed. ─ No?

She wants me to be a district attorney. She wants me to solve murder cases.

Darlings, what is it? What's happened?

Nothing, darling. Your father has just mislaid something. That's all.

It rather upset him.

Goodnight.

Come along, Tom. ─ Goodnight.

What have you lost, Daddy?

For the moment, my sense of humour.

Goodnight. Help yourself to drinks, Chick.

Goodnight, darling.

Goodnight, Einstein.

I forgot to ask you what your theory was.

In the morning, I propose to test and prove my theory.

I know exactly what happened to that body.

And by "body", I mean dead body.

A coma.

It's perfectly obvious what happened to that body.

It was taken to Ledstone, as the nearest town ..

To the hospital and then to the mortuary.

Where it remained while the Police waited for someone to identify it.

Nobody did of course, because of that ring.

It was then buried as an unknown person.

We're going to the mortuary.

Tom.

What's the matter? Don't you like mortuaries?

Yes, but ..

Well this happened ten weeks ago. There doesn't seem to be any point in it.

There are such things as records.

You can go by yourself.

I shall stay in the car.

Good morning.

Morning.

Is there anybody around who looks after the mortuary here?

I'm the mortuary attendant.

Oh.

Have a cigarette?

I don't mind.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you very much, sir.

It's about my brother.

What should I know about your brother, eh?

He's disappeared. ─ You'd better try the Police.

Yes, I'm going to. But I don't want any fuss in case I'm wrong.

You see, I've been abroad for a few months.

I came here to see my brother who lives in Ledstone.

Well, he wasn't at his lodgings and hasn't been seen for weeks, so ..

I'm wondering whether anything has happened to him. You know ..

A car accident, perhaps?

Killed, you mean? ─ Uhuh.

Or perhaps that he might have been buried without being identified.

Hmm. No relations?

Only me.

No friends?

No, no. He always .. kept pretty much to himself, you know.

I don't see how I can help you.

Do you .. Keep a record of bodies that ..

Yes, of course we keep a record of bodies. What do you think?

I wonder whether I could have a glance at them?

They're all up at the Police Station. You'd better ask up there.

Shall I .. ─ What?

Oh would you? Thank you very much, sir.

It saves me getting up.

Do you actually look after the mortuary yourself?

I do everything.

Well, it must be very interesting work.

Oh yes sir, it is. Very interesting.

If you have the flair, that is.

Yes, I suppose so.

Although I says it that shouldn't.

You could go a long way before you'd find a better mortuary than mine.

It's what I like to hear. Pride in one's job. If only the younger generation ..

Would you like to have a look inside, sir?

Well .. ─ Come along then.

It was built originally as a chapel, but they hardly ever used it.

It makes a beautiful mortuary though.

Is .. is there anyone in?

Not just at the moment, sir.

Post-mortems.

You .. you attend post-mortems?

Oh yes. I take a professional interest.

They are the organs. I do the labelling.

I suppose you keep a record of their clothes and ..

Personal belongings and that sort of thing, eh?

Oh yes. Anything unusual.

Such as a birthmark or a limb missing.

About my brother.

Hmm. Any scars, or anything like that?

No, but you couldn't possibly miss him.

It was a most .. unusual ring he wore. ─ A ring?

Yes, a large ring. Not a very expensive one.

But it had the design of an eagle .. in white enamel.

You would remember anybody wearing ring like that?

Oh yes. I've got a very good memory.

An eagle on white enamel, you say?

That's it.

I've never had anyone in here wearing a ring like that.

Oh, Harry.

Any truth in this rumour? ─ What rumour?

You know as well as I do.

Figures, figures.

Can't you realize Wright, that aircraft design isn't but a matter of statistics.

There is a small factor called imagination.

But how can I account for the dead time on the balance sheet? Tell me that.

Has anyone told the men?

Nobody has said anything official, but they can smell trouble.

They'd be fools if they couldn't.

Not one man is to be laid off. That's official.

It's this persistent bottleneck in the designing stage that ..

Meaning me? ─ Meaning you.

That's all.

Forgive my saying this, but you are not the only shareholder in this company.

So long as I'm chairman I give the orders.

So long as you're chairman.

There my little English flower. There is a canasta.

And you tell me you knew how to play the game.

Chick, let's go and dance.

Sure. Anything you say.

Go and get the car will you, darling.

Oh.

Hello, Liz.

Was I snoring?

What's happened, Daddy?

Happened? ─ No use pretending with me.

Mummy might not notice but I do.

You're ill or something. You're getting worse.

I've never seen you like this.

Please tell me what's wrong.

Nothing is wrong. Nothing is wrong. You're talking nonsense.

I'm not. You know I'm not. ─ For heaven's sake!

I'm sorry, Liz.

Liz.

Do you ever hear ..

From that chap .. whatshisname ..?

Mados?

Vic?

What an extraordinary question. Why?

Oh I don't know. I just wondered.

Good heavens, no.

Vic? I got over him months ago.

Do you ever think of him? You were ..

You were pretty struck on him once, remember.

Another week and I'd have hated the sight of him.

You said I couldn't have him so I said I wanted him.

I didn't really at all in the end.

Daddy!

Okay, Liz?

Sorry to drag you out again, Chick.

If ever there is anything I can do.

About your father, I mean.

Thanks, Chick.

Let's go.

Kay!

Kay .. Kay! ─ What is it?

The horse whinnied and the moon came out. The horse and the moon!

The horse. ─ Where are you going?

Someone was with that horse over the hedge. I never looked over the hedge.

Tom! Tom, come back.

Gypsies.

Is that all?

No. There is the question of this bottleneck.

If the designing problem is beyond you.

Then the solution must lie with some of the other ..

Extremely able designers.

We are fortunate enough to have on our staff.

And who have in the past contributed such valuable service.

[ Buzzer ]

Yes? ─ Mr Cardon is here, sir.

I'll see him right away.

Okay gentlemen. That will have to do.

But we haven't decided anything.

Sorry. I have a most important appointment.

I really must insist.

We'll adjourn. How about the same time tomorrow?

Ruddy pen-pusher.

This way, please.

Who the Dickens is that?

I hope you won't be long, Guvnor. I've got to get back to the fair.

I know, I know.

This is our busy week, you know.

Thanks, Guvnor.

Now you're a gypsy, eh? ─ Yeah.

But you interrupted a most vital meeting.

I'm sorry, Mr Wright. Those were my instructions.

Let's hope he's a designer, a genius. He looks mad enough.

Now, if you were in Ledstone in the winter.

Ah, come winter, that's different.

Let's see now ..

Where is us again? ─ Right here.

Ah. Now I'll show you how us works our bit of country.

Now, from there, we go in the winter about .. ten miles ..

Did your caravans stop on the road between Foley and Ledstone 3 months ago?

No.

No. We don't work around them parts.

Ledstone? ─ Never been there.

Good afternoon.

Gypsies were camped north of London on the road to Foley and Ledstone in April.

I'm rather anxious to have a word with them.

Did you ..

Happen to be there round about that time?

I said, were you there round about that time?

No.

No. No, I've never been near the place.

I suppose you weren't on the road to ..?

A very pretty ring you've got there.

Where did you get ..?

Just a minute.

How would you like to read my palm?

Where did you get that ring?

That's my ring. Where did you get it?

Come on. Where did you get that ring?

Now, get out.

Alright, break it up. Come on.

That's enough of that. Alright, alright.

Now then, what's this all about, eh?

It's alright, Officer.

He pinched something, yes? ─ No. He didn't pinch anything.

It was the girl in the caravan. ─ Girl?

Let's see.

You leave her alone.

You alright, Officer? ─ Yes.

Sorry about that, it's my fault. He lost his temper.

That's alright, sir. You leave this to me.

Ted and Matilda Smith.

You are both charged with stealing this ring from Mr Denning this afternoon.

While you, Matilda Smith, were reading his hand.

Have neither of you anything to say?

Lay off of her.

She can't hear and she can't talk back.

She's deaf and dumb.

How many times have you had your palms read today?

What is it?

What's the matter?

I found the ring.

The ring?

Whereabouts?

On a gypsy girl's finger.

I asked her where she got it.

Her husband hit me. I hit him. He hit a Policeman.

And before we knew where we were, we were all in a Police Station.

Oh Tom, what have you started? ─ I know, I know, I know.

To make matters more pleasant, the girl is deaf and dumb.

Darling. ─ Kay.

I've got to get that girl off. I've got to know where she got that ring.

Well.

I could appear, I suppose.

As you say, I have been called to the English bar, but I still can't ..

If you can do this for us Chick, I can't tell you how much we'd appreciate it.

Tom would never have started this stupid row if he hadn't been ..

You know how he's been lately.

If we call in an outside lawyer there will be a fuss and a lot of publicity.

You know.

Sure, that's okay. Let's keep all our troubles in the family.

But how can Chick possibly get her off?

She pinched your ring, Daddy.

The poor girl is deaf and dumb.

What difference does it make?

Only I don't think it would look very nice if it came out in the papers.

That I was wrangling with a deaf and dumb gypsy girl over a worthless ring.

Some more Port, Chick? ─ We've got to do something.

And keep it as quiet as possible.

I've never seen you wear a ring like that.

I hardly ever wear it.

Have you, Mummy? ─ Yes, I have.

Darling. ─ Hmm?

I think I've got it.

What?

I think I could get the girl off.

Yes .. well, it's certainly a very unusual sort of ring

But of no value. No value at all.

Just the sort of ring won at a shooting gallery. As indeed, Mr Denning did.

Let the witness Mrs Denning have a look at it.

Now, Mrs Denning.

Are you quite certain it's the same ring you gave away last August bank holiday?

I'm quite sure it is.

I see.

And why did you give it to them, Mrs Denning?

Well, I was afraid.

I was alone in the house. My husband was abroad.

When these gypsies came to the door, and asked for money, I didn't have any.

I thought I ought to give something. ─ Quite so.

So I went to my husband's trinket box and I found that old ring.

I see. But you didn't tell your husband about giving it away?

No.

No, you see it was quite worthless.

By the time he come back, I'd forgotten all about it.

So ..

Naturally, when he saw it on the gypsy girl's finger he jumped to conclusions.

Quite so.

But as he said, he was mistaken. Surely, the girl didn't steal the ring.

Perfectly understandable.

Are either of the prisoners the gypsies to whom you gave the ring?

I don't think so.

Of course, it was a long time ago.

Thank you, Mrs Denning.

Case dismissed.

There is another charge against Ted Smith, Your Worship.

PC 926 George Watkins.

Mother, Chick hasn't had a chance yet.

Perhaps he will get it now, darling.

On the afternoon of the 14th I was patrolling the Ashdown Forest area.

And on passing a glade.

I saw the prisoner assaulting Mr Denning. So, I intervened.

The prisoner turned on me and kicked me in the back.

So I arrested him and in the company of Mr Denning ..

Took him down to the Station where he was charged.

Well, Smith .. what have you got to say?

If it pleases Your Worships, I'm appearing for the prisoner.

I would like to make a statement ..

I think that it's in the public interest that I don't suppress his account.

Of where he found that ring.

Well, where did he find the ring?

Ted Smith took that ring from the finger of a body he found lying in a ditch.

Last April, five caravans were camped on the wayside somewhere north of London.

Well, April 10th was Matilda's birthday and Ted wanted to buy her a present.

But he didn't have any money.

He tried to borrow some from his friends, but instead they ..

Took him to the local pub to help him drown his sorrows.

In fact, they were so generous with their sympathy.

That at closing time he was thrown out drunk and had to stagger home alone.

Now being extremely drunk.

He fell into a ditch near the camp.

As he started to pick himself up.

He felt something there beside him.

He managed to strike a match.

And he made out a man lying there apparently just as drunk as he was.

On his finger was a ring.

That same ring that we've heard so much about.

Well .. here was the perfect birthday present for Matilda.

So, the man in the ditch was drunk?

I thought you said he was dead.

Well, early the next morning.

Ted went back to see if the drunk had gone.

The man was still there.

In daylight he saw the back of his head was injured.

And he realized now that the man was dead.

Probably killed in that ditch.

In his panic he did what he thought was the safest thing to do.

He dragged the body across the road.

Through the hedge on the opposite side and buried the man in a shallow grave.

And where is the body now, Mr Eddowes?

Still there I guess, buried behind that hedge.

Yes, but where exactly is this hedge?

Unfortunately, he doesn't remember.

Oh dear, oh dear.

There are so many hedges in England.

I realize this may sound a bit strange, sir.

But Ted Smith's mother was the leader of the caravan.

She would know where the ditch was, where the camp was.

He neither knew nor cared.

Question .. couldn't he drop a line to his mother and ask her?

He hasn't seen his mother from that day to this.

When he told her that he would marry Matilda, there was a violent argument.

And he left immediately. Both of them.

Smith, when you told your counsel last night this interesting story.

You did not know that your wife would be acquitted on Mrs Dennings' evidence.

Do you still persist in this story about the body in the ditch?

Body?

Mr Eddowes, do you imagine if there was a body he would have told you about it?

I'm quite certain he was telling me the truth.

Despite what he indicates to the court now. I still believe all he's told me.

Quite, quite. You don't have gypsies in your country I take it?

There are a few, I guess.

Have you ever met a gypsy before?

No, I haven't.

Well, when you go home you'll be able to say you've met an English gypsy.

I am reminded to thank you for your concerns for the public interest.

Any previous convictions, Sergeant? ─ No, sir.

Fourteen days imprisonment.

The court will adjourn for a quarter of an hour.

If that's an example of English justice you can keep it.

Ah, Mr Eddowes.

Your hometown in the States, Mr Eddowes? ─ Chicago.

Well bad luck, Chick.

I'm sure you'll all be relieved to know that I'm sticking to the patent law.

That is, when I've finished this case.

But it is finished. ─ Oh no it's not.

Not until I find the missing link, as they say in the dime novels.

Who?

The boy's mother. Ma Smith.

Come on, Liz. I want to catch the press.

I want to offer a reward. I'll find that body if it's the last thing I do.

Look at this: a hundred pounds reward.

A hundred quid, eh? Come on.

Don't you forget. My name is "Smith".

A hundred quid.

A hundred quid.

A hundred pounds.

Have you found Ted Smith's mother?

Have I found Ted Smith's mother? I'll say I have.

You have?

Eighty-five mothers to be precise. I can't get into the office for gypsies.

They were willing to adopt anybody for a hundred pounds.

Come here, I'll let you both in on a little secret.

I .. quit.

You mean you'll not bother about the body anymore?

I'm through. Finished.

From now on, Liz must be satisfied with a nice, dull, unromantic patents lawyer.

Cheers. ─ Cheers. ─ Cheers.

Look, into the pool I throw myself and all present and future earning capacity.

You throw in your daughter.

Wait a minute, we've just paid our tax

I'm sorry. What are you going to do about it?

How about installments instead of cash dowry?

No dice. No dice. She might leave me in six months.

Where we celebrating?

Don't worry about that. I've made all the arrangements.

Hello?

Yes, he's here. Will you hold on.

For you, darling.

At this time of night? Hello, Cunningham?

Yeah?

The boy's mother? Now, where have I heard that one before?

"No, really."

"Just as the boy described." ─ What kind of proof?

"No, really."

Okay, okay. I believe you, that's great.

Now does she remember where ..? ─ "North of London. Near Ledstone."

Wonderful .. yes.

Look, hang on to her. I'll be right over.

Look, I don't care. Lock her in a desk, anything.

Yes, I'll be over in ten minutes.

Yes, tonight. I'll drive her out to the country. See if she's earned that dough.

See you later.

Really her? ─ No doubt of it.

Does she remember where they stopped that night?

She claims she does. ─ Where was it?

A little country road just outside a town named Ledstone.

She remembers the exact spot.

There were a couple of white posts on the right hand side of the road

Sorry about the celebration, darling. ─ We'll have that when we come back.

I'll get my things. ─ No.

You are not coming and that's final young lady. Look now, Tom.

Can I borrow a flashlight, I mean a torch, and a spade, too?

A spade?

In the garage. I'll get them. ─ Good, I'll come with you.

Chick. ─ Chick, just a minute.

We .. we'd like a word with you, Chick.

I'm just playing a hunch, that's all. ─ A hunch?

Will you play a hunch against a boy's life?

The Police don't go on hunches. They don't like gypsies.

I don't see what you're getting so ..

It's alright. The spade and torch are in the car.

What's the matter?

Kay and Tom don't think I ought to go on with this.

Oh, after all he's been through.

Just as he's near proving himself right.

Wait a minute. Take it easy.

They feel that the boy might be charged with murder if I find that body.

Well, okay. Suppose he is. I dare say he murdered him anyway.

Do you think he did? ─ No, I don't!

He'd not have mentioned the body if he'd killed the guy.

There you are.

Liz, please. ─ Mummy, you're asking too much.

Liz, will you ..

Wait a minute. Let's not get worked up at this stage.

But she's right, you know.

If I don't go tonight, I'll go some other night. I'm only human.

And after all, we are not even certain there is a body there.

It just occurred to me.

The old lady may have seen the real murderer.

Well.

Mrs Smith.

When you were camped here that night.

Did you see anything or hear anything?

That all depends.

"A roadside grave."

"Murder suspected."

"Scotland Yard called in."

Tom. ─ Listen to this.

They're calling it the "Denning Ring Case".

"Inspector Dodds of the CID has been put in charge."

"And is concentrating on identifying the body."

Darling .. darling, if only .. ─ Oh Kay, for heaven's sake.

Yes?

An Inspector Dodds from Scotland Yard, sir.

Alright Wilson, I'll be out in a moment.

Tom.

Don't worry, darling.

I'll be alright.

Good morning, Inspector.

Mr Denning?

Yes.

Your wife?

Yes.

It was really your wife I wanted to see.

I'm sorry to trouble you, Mrs Denning.

But these gypsies you gave the ring to last August.

Can you describe them?

Well .. I didn't notice them very carefully.

We are wondering whether this man we are trying to identify, the dead man.

Might be one of your gypsies.

Oh.

I see.

Unfortunately, his features are ..

Well, he's not recognizable.

So we've very little to go on.

Except he's of medium height about ..

Five feet nine.

My gypsies were short. ─ How short?

I'm not very good at measuring height .. but they were short.

Shorter than I am.

The dead man can't be one of your gypsies then.

Thanks very much, Mrs Denning.

Not at all.

I'll be seeing you at the inquest.

Now tell me, Mr Ash.

Can you say what time it was on the 9th April that you last saw Ted Smith?

Closing time. All the rest had gone except him.

Was he drunk? ─ Oh yes, I had to chuck him out.

And what time is closing time at The Drake?

At ten-thirty. Sharp.

Thank you, Mr Ash.

I follow your point, Mr Eddowes.

According to Ted Smith's mother.

It was shortly after ten that she heard a car skid and crash into the posts.

While on the evidence of Mr Ash, Ted Smith was at The Drake Inn.

In fact, he didn't leave til ten-thirty. ─ Exactly, sir.

It hasn't escaped your notice I hope, that ..

The only witness as to the crash and the time at which it occurred is Mrs Smith.

The mother of Ted Smith.

No sir, it hasn't. But if I might call a final witness.

Certainly. ─ Mr Fisher, please.

Take the book in the right hand and read the words on the card.

I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give to this court ..

Will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Now Mr Fisher, it was on your land that this incident occurred.

That's right.

Have you at any time recently noticed any unusual damage to your property?

Indeed I have.

Them two white posts I had to have repaired.

Timber, paint, reflectors. They cost .. ─ Yes, thank you.

Can you remember the exact date?

April 12th. It's in the accounts book. ─ Uhuh.

And have you any idea how those posts came to be smashed?

At first I thought it was one of them gypsies.

Then I sees other things. ─ Uhuh.

Now what other things?

Black marks on the road. Black skid-marks.

Heavy marks they was.

And I reckon some lunatic skidded round the bend and smacked into my posts.

That will be all. Thank you, Mr Fisher.

Thank you, Mr Eddowes.

Any questions? ─ No, sir.

That is all the evidence.

Now it is for you to decide.

Whether this unidentified man met his death by foul play ..

At the hands of some person or persons unknown. In which case it is murder.

Or whether he was run in to by some vehicle on the night of April 10th

In which case, you should return a verdict of death by misadventure.

Do you wish to retire and consider your verdict?

No, sir.

We are of the unanimous opinion ..

That there is no evidence of intentional foul play.

But that some person unknown ..

Probably under the influence of alcohol.

Took the corner too fast, skidded ..

And knocked the deceased into the ditch.

Thank you.

I shall record a verdict of death by misadventure.

Inspector Dodds. ─ Yes, sir?

This ring the man was supposed to be wearing. It's a very unusual ring.

This eagle on white enamel.

Someone would come forward to identify the man from that?

Yes, sir.

Excuse me, sir.

I'd better say something.

Well, what is it?

That ring, sir. Can I have a look at it?

Just like he described, isn't it. ─ Like who described?

The brother, sir. ─ What brother?

The brother who was looking for his brother, sir.

Would you being more precise? ─ Certainly, sir.

A few weeks ago, a fellow came to me at my mortuary.

And asked me if I'd got anyone inside wearing a ring like that.

I see .. had you?

No, sir.

Just a minute.

About this man. Do you know his name? ─ He didn't mention it, sir.

Can you describe him? ─ Don't think I can, sir.

Would you recognize him if you saw him again?

Oh yes, I'd recognize him alright.

If only from his glasses.

Big, horn-rimmed glasses they were.

I think efforts had better be made to trace this brother, Inspector.

Yes, sir.

Very well. I'll adjourn the inquest to give you time to make further enquiries.

Thank you, sir.

I'll postpone recording a verdict.

The inquest is adjourned for a week.

Let's get out of here, quick.

Where are you going? ─ I'm needed at the works.

Sorry boys, we're in a hurry.

Alright then. Make it quick.

Can I trouble you for a light?

Thank you.

Thank you very much indeed.

I'm Mr Albert Woods.

The mortuary attendant at Ledstone.

A very important witness.

How are your bottlenecks going, Mr Wright?

This is wonderful, Mr Denning. You've no idea what this means to me.

We've got a rough idea.

That's all, thanks. Get busy on that right away will you.

Anything else, Harry?

If there was, I wouldn't tell you. You get cracking with your holiday.

Goodbye, Kay. ─ Goodbye, Harry.

Harry, about the Robin's range. That hop between Khyber and Karachi.

Isn't that about the limit for safety?

Doesn't sound very like you, Tom.

It's Kay. She's allergic to coming down in the drink.

Better have the extra tank. ─ I'm sure we should.

Two tanks.

Right.

Darling.

I can't believe it.

You know there was a time, not so very long ago.

When I thought I was never coming through this.

Darling, it's alright.

The mortuary attendant. Not a sign of recognition.

The Police off on a wild goose chase.

And thanks to Chick.

Everybody convinced it was a car accident.

Darling.

What shall we do tonight? Let's go out on the tiles.

Certainly not.

We'll do the invitations for our farewell party.

Alright. We'll crack a bottle anyhow. Evening, Wilson.

Good evening.

There is a gentleman in there. He's waiting to see Miss Liz.

Oh.

Jolly good luck. I'll buy him a drink.

Good afternoon.

The name is Mados.

Yes?

There is a gentleman to see you, Miss.

Who is it? ─ A Mr Mados.

Who did you say?

A Mr Mados, Miss. He's waiting in the library.

Oh he is, is he?

Thank you, Wilson.

I'd like a few words with Mr Mados.

Why Victor, this is a .. ─ This is Victor's brother.

Miss Denning?

Yes.

Forgive the intrusion.

I am looking for my younger brother, Victor.

I have not heard from him for many weeks.

I live in South America, you understand?

I am on my way to Rome.

And while in London I look for Victor.

Well, I don't know where he is.

But I found a letter.

Waiting for him at .. Hallam Court.

It is from you, Miss Denning.

Forgive me for reading it, but I had nowhere to forward it.

You seem to have been very cross with Victor over something, yes?

I thought perhaps because of that .. ─ You'd better try the continent.

The continent?

If he went to the continent.

I have only a very vague suggestion from Hallam Court.

Well, I've got something far less vague than that.

A letter he wrote to me before he left. ─ Ah.

I'll go and fetch it. ─ Thank you.

Chick. Come and meet the brother of someone I used to adore.

Yes, which one is that? ─ Victor Mados.

I told you about him.

Oh. Yes you did.

Mr Mados, this is Mr Eddowes. ─ How do you do?

How do you do. ─ Mr Mados has lost his brother.

Now listen ..

Is she pulling my leg again? Or have you really lost a brother?

I don't know.

I think I have. ─ Not at the mortuary, I hope.

Mortuary?

Oh, I'm sorry.

But you see there's been a good deal of fuss lately about a guy in a mortuary ..

Searching for his brother with a peculiar ring on his finger.

What kind of ring?

Just a cheap enamel carnival ring with a pair of crossed eagles on it. Just junk.

Oh no, no.

For a moment, I was quite startled.

No. Victor would never wear a ring like that.

A good diamond or a pearl, perhaps.

No trash. Not victor.

Here it is. Read it. ─ Oh, thank you.

Yes, he says he was leaving for the continent that day.

But nothing more.

Oh, I'm sorry Miss Denning about the ..

Unkind words he used.

I've got over it.

Victor is a bad boy.

How do you say it?

The black sheep? Yes.

Every family has one.

Well forgive me, I must catch my aeroplane.

Goodbye. ─ Good afternoon.

I'll see you out.

Good afternoon. ─ Bye.

Good afternoon. ─ Goodbye.

How long will you and Daddy be away? ─ About seven or eight weeks.

You know, I wish that you and Chick could get married before we go.

Why?

Oh .. I may be old-fashioned, but I ..

Well I don't think it's quite right. I mean ..

Chick living here and .. ─ Daddy, you are wonderful.

And anyway, Wilson will chaperone us.

Won't you, Wilson? ─ Certainly, Miss.

Give me some coffee Liz, will you? ─ Of course.

Oh that's Chick. He's picking me up.

Where's he been? ─ The Police Station.

Why?

Something about the deaf and dumb gypsy.

I don't like the sound of this.

Kay, quick.

Ma Smith.

Tom.

I'm frightened.

This is it.

Chick.

Chick, just a minute.

Don't stop me. I'm hot on it. I'll tell you all about it later.

Please, Chick. ─ What is it, Kay?

Will you promise to come back before the inquest?

Well sure if there is time. ─ Promise?

Okay, I'll promise.

But I'll tell you something though, just to keep you until I get back.

That guy wasn't knocked down by a hit-and-run driver.

He was murdered.

Wait here, Liz. ─ Not likely.

Come on, Ma. Sorry, but you're the only one that knows sign language.

He's not coming back. ─ He'll be back.

He won't. He'll go straight to the inquest.

Darling, darling.

There he is. ─ I'll go.

Good morning, Mrs Denning.

Good morning, ─ Good morning, Mr Denning.

Is Mr Eddowes here? ─ No.

Oh.

He phoned me from Lewes.

He said he'd be here about ..

I kept my promise, Kay. I'm right on time, Inspector.

Come in, Inspector.

I guess we all know each other.

Through there.

I'll go and get ready for the inquest. ─ Don't be long, darling. I'll need you.

Chick. Just a minute. I wañt to talk to you.

Sure. Not now, Kay. Not much time. ─ Only take a minute.

Look, in five minutes you can have me alone for as long as Tom will allow it.

Okay Ma, sit down there will you please.

What was all that on the phone?

Inspector, I've got a theory.

I believe "A" that the motor accident was a fake.

And "B" that the unknown man that I dug up was murdered.

Why, that's .. ─ Wait, there's something more.

I also believe that that ring.

Didn't belong to him at all.

That it was put on his finger after he was dead.

Why?

Tom, do you remember that guy Mados?

Asking Liz about his brother? ─ Yes.

He didn't go see the body because he said he knew ..

That his brother would never wear a ring like that.

Do you follow? ─ No.

I say that the murderer deliberately put that ring on his victim's finger.

In order to prevent people from coming forward to identify him.

Because he knew that if the identity of that body were discovered.

He would at once be a suspect in the murder.

Surely at the mortuary, the dead man's brother knew about the ring?

There was no brother! That was the murderer asking questions.

He wanted to know like crazy what had happened to that body.

How was he to know that Ted Smith had buried it for him?

Well, it's a theory. ─ A theory? Well, I can prove it.

Early this morning I picked up Ma Smith.

And we went over to Matilda's caravan.

For obvious reasons I didn't ask her did she see the driver of the car that night.

Did she? ─ No, she hadn't.

Well then. ─ But.

Just as I was leaving the caravan I noticed something sort of ..

Half hidden under a basket.

Tom, do you know what that was?

It was a chrömium-plated badge.

A badge issued by the Automobile Association for motor cars.

I asked Matilda where she found it. ─ Yes?

Matilda picked up that badge on the side of the road near the smashed posts.

That morning that she and Ted pushed off alone.

Now she didn't know what it was. It was pretty.

The badge was knocked off the murderer's car ..

When he faked that accident by smashing the post.

Liz.

Now Inspector, you know that each of these badges has a number stamped on it.

A record is kept of the number and of the AA member to whom it was issued.

Now, if you take this badge to the AA Headquarters.

And check that number with the name it was issued to, you've got your murderer.

It's all yours, Inspector.

Let's hope you're right, Mr Eddowes.

Yeah, let's hope so. What do you think, Tom?

Congratulations, Chick. ─ Let's keep our fingers cross, huh.

Well come on, I think you two had better come along with me.

Come along, Liz.

Mummy, Daddy. ─ Yes?

Are you coming to the inquest?

See you later, Liz.

Well, that's that.

What a fool I was not to tell the Police in the first place.

Oh well.

Live and learn.

Learn, anyhow.

There is still the Robin. The long-range tanks.

Yep.

No. I'm going to see this thing through.

Besides, there's .. there's Liz.

It will be easier for her if we're there.

You're not going to the inquest? ─ Uhuh.

Yes. As a student of human nature.

I wouldn't miss Chick's face for all the tea in China.

Get me a check on the owner of this badge. As quick as you can, please.

Didn't you notice that the AA men weren't saluting you?

They did salute.

I suppose with all this collection they thought the AA was there somewhere.

It wasn't there.

No, it wasn't there.

Never mind, old girl.

It wasn't your fault.

I asked where Matilda had found this badge.

And it appears that she picked it up ön the morning of April 11th.

On the side of the road near the smashed posts.

I should like Inspector Dodds to take the witness stand, please sir.

Very good.

I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give to this court ..

Shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Inspector Dodds, have you been to the Automobile Association?

I have.

Did you check to find the name of the person to whom this badge was issued?

I did.

Well, who was it?

Do you mind if I ask Mr Eddowes a question, sir?

No. You can.

Mr Eddowes.

When you were with the gypsies at Lewes today.

Did you happen to see whether the girl Matilda went near your motorcar?

Why yes, as a matter of fact as I was into the caravan ..

Explaining to Ma Smith what I wanted, I did notice that Matilda had gone. Why?

That accounts for it, then.

This AA badge belongs to you.

Me? ─ Yes, to you.

The gypsy girl had to say something when you found it under her basket.

She made up that story about finding it last April.

Just another gypsy story eh, Mr Eddowes?

It's nothing to laugh at.

Daddy, he was rude to me.

Liz, What is all this? ─ Your badge. Quick, get the Rolls away.

My badge? ─ Never mind. I'll explain later. Hurry.

You know. How? When did you find out?

The night I tore my dress in the garage and saw Daddy's badge was missing.

Then I noticed the date on Vic's letter and

And Daddy's glasses.

Everything stuck out a mile.

You changed he badges?

This morning, while you were all in the library.

I took Chick's badge off his car but didn't have time to put Daddy's back.

It was an accident. Daddy didn't .. ─ I know. I know.

Please get Daddy away from here quickly.

We find that this unidentified man met his death as a result ..

Of being struck by a motorcar driven by some person unknown.

Chick.

Chick, darling.

Just a minute.

Excuse me.

When we was photographed together the other day.

I thought the face looked familiar.

Now of course, I know.

It isn't often I'm photographed with a celebrity.

Would you mind, sir?

Thank you sir, very much.

T-G