Original subtitles

Repayments checked the total debt.

While on an explorative expedition to Africa,

a small private plane bearing Dr. Charles Decker, famous English botanist,

burst into flames and crashed into the jungle depths.

This accident occurred about a week ago.

Although the news of the crash was brought by native runners

to the nearest outpost yesterday and relayed here,

no trace of the doctor or his pilot has as yet been found.

It's feared that both men were burnt to death.

Dr. Decker, crash survivor, returns after year in jungle.

Read all about it. Dr. Decker returns. Famous scientist returns.

Dr. Decker, crash survivor...

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Your attention, please.

Would Mr. Richard Banks, passenger to Rome,

there he is. Please contact the T.W.A. Information desk.

Welcome home, Dr. Decker.

Would you like to come and sit down?

Any objections, sir? Just a few questions?

Of course.

Uh, you've been missing for nearly a year.

Could you tell us how you managed to survive the crash

and remain alive in Uganda?

Well, to begin with, I bailed out just in time.

I landed some distance from the plane wreckage,

and then was able to crawl to the village where the natives tended me.

Fortunately for me, these natives,

distantly related to the Bantu tribe, proved to be quite friendly.

Did they keep you a prisoner? No, not really.

Naturally, I was a novelty for the first week or so,

but after that we sort of got used to each other,

and when I wanted to return, they helped me.

You realize, of course, that without their help,

getting home would have been impossible.

Are we to understand it took an entire year

to get back to civilization?

You mean, of course, what you choose to call civilization.

I mean London.

Well, I suppose I could've gotten through sooner.

But why force the issue?

As a botanist and scientist, I couldn't resist the opportunity to research

this special situation.

Special in what way?

I discovered species of animal growth that I had never seen before.

Naturally, I was fascinated with these specimens.

It made me think of the crash as a lucky accident.

Where else would I get the chance to study

such fine specimens of insectivorous plants?

What kind are they?

Plants with animal properties.

They live on insects and small birds. They devour them completely.

They need more than air, sun, and water.

And if I can prove conclusively what I learned from them,

we may have to tear up a lot of textbooks.

How do you mean?

I'm on the verge of a revolutionary link

between what grows in the earth and animal life.

In fact, when I return to Essex college,

I expect to make this the subject of my first lecture.

Dr. Decker, did you make any other startling discoveries?

Perhaps.

But at this time I'd rather not say anything more about it.

What happened to the pilot?

After I bailed out, I expected him to follow me.

The plane must have lost altitude too fast.

The pilot was killed.

Dr. Decker,

you haven't introduced us to your pet.

Oh, you mean Konga?

Oh, I see you've already christened him.

Oh, yes, indeed.

He has a name and a place in my heart.

Konga helped me find my way to the village.

We've grown rather attached to each other.

I couldn't think of leaving him behind.

And now' if you don't mind, it's been a long trip and a hard year.

I'm rather worn out, and I should like to get home.

Oh, just one last question, doctor. Yes?

Do you plan to write a book about your hardships and adventures?

Well, what happened to me personally is of small importance.

But if what I learned can add to the boundaries of science, then perhaps I shall.

Well, good luck to you, sir.

I thank you. And thank you' doctor.

Well, Margaret, it certainly is good to be back.

Food, comfort, warmth,

my reference books, the laboratory...

You haven't once said you were glad to see me.

Of course I'm glad to see you.

After all, you've been my secretary'

assistant, housekeeper, confidante and most of all, my good friend.

Well, you do throw me a few crumbs' now and then,

provided I beg for them.

You now, Charles, you should realize

that to call a woman just a good friend is almost an insult.

Now, Margaret,

you know there's very little room for sentiment in the life of a scientist.

When you want to, you can turn on the charm, especially with strangers.

Protective adaptation.

Just the same, you can show me a little more warmth.

After all, I kept up with your experiments while you were gone.

I knew you wouldn't let me down.

I felt that you were still alive, even before I heard from you.

I kept all your affairs in order for an entire year.

And I'm grateful for that.

Yet, what's the first thing you do when you get back?

Worry about this little chimpanzee you brought back with you.

And what concern!

In fact, in your only letter last week,

nothing about me,

just a firm instruction to have a large cage built.

You should understand, Margaret,

that letter-writing in the jungle

is quite a chore.

And you were hardly home 10 minutes

when you insisted on inspecting his cage.

Was it strong enough, large enough, warm enough?

You didn't even ask me how I felt, how I managed.

Konga came first.

You're not going to be jealous of a little chimp?

You cater to him as if he had royal blood in his veins.

He does.

That little chimp is the first of a long line of kings,

kings of the earth.

What do you mean?

Precisely what I said.

Through Konga, I shall not only dominate a corner of the earth,

but Blaze a new trail in science.

That little chimp will become the first link in modern evolution

between plant and animal life.

Charles, dear, what are you saying?

I'm afraid you're showing the effects

of being away too long.

No, it isn't that.

Why do you think I endured danger, hardship?

Only because I had found the means to a successful end.

I can expect skepticism, even mockery, from the outside world,

but from you,

who've worked with me in my experiments for all these years,

from you, who've been close to my dreams...

Oh, Charles, I wasn't mocking, but...

well, what you say is so startling.

Everything new is startling.

Very well, I'll keep an open mind.

But I really wish you would tell me what's in your mind,

what you propose to do.

That's a fair enough challenge.

We can start now.

Come on, help me. Let's clear the earth of these blooms.

Charles, you're being ruthless.

I'm through with them. They've already served their purpose.

I finished my paper on natural habitat of flora a long time ago.

But how carefully I tended these flowers.

We're no longer interested in the decorative.

Besides, I'll need every inch of earth for the new plants I brought from Uganda.

Open the bag.

Well, at least you could have cut the flowers,

sent them away to a hospital.

They could have brightened the lives of the sick.

Generous, but stupid.

After they disintegrate, I shall use them as mulch to feed the new plants.

Turn up the temperature.

It's 72 in here now.

90 is what we need.

I must reproduce the jungle climate.

Humidity, moisture, and heat.

Won't these take time for growth?

No, they're already predisposed.

That's what's so unique about these plants.

Centuries and nature have already worked their magic.

They grow fast. And that remarkable characteristic can be transferred, by me.

The structure is very strange. I've never seen one like this.

Nor has anyone else in this part of the earth.

The native witch doctor who introduced them to me

explained some of their remarkable characteristics.

What are they?

Human.

What?

I said, human.

Extracts from these plants

may well prove to be the link between vegetable and animal life.

And extracts from these leaves, when they've reached full growth and development,

will contain human properties when injected into the circulatory system.

Charles' I can't grasp all you're trying to do.

I know you're in earnest about it,

but don't you think you should rest?

Are you tired?

More than just tired.

I... I can't breathe.

I can't stand the heat in here.

I feel faint, I must get some air.

You're right, Margaret, we can continue tomorrow.

A little rest is what we both need.

I've brought a cup of tea for you, dear.

Thank you, Margaret. Put it down.

You see these roots?

They contain properties that are startling.

The same witch doctor who befriended me showed me

how he used them to stimulate growth in stunted animals.

No wonder his own people considered him a miracle worker.

He must have been a very wise old man.

He certainly proved it to me.

Don't ever be fooled by the word "primitive,"

as applied to so-called witch doctors.

This one knew things that made me seem backward.

I was fascinated not only by his cures,

but by the way he controlled his patients.

How do you mean, "controlled"?

He didn't tell me this, but I suspect

that into his poultices he put some seeds

that made them obedient, almost subservient to him.

His word was law.

I've just added some of those seeds to the blend.

They come from a rare flower.

What a fool I am, chattering like a magpie instead of watching the flame.

Oh, look' even tabby is fascinated by your experiment.

Well, how did he get in? Why didn't you shut the door?

You've neglected tabby shamefully.

Charles? Charles, what on earth are you looking for?

What's the matter with you, Charles?

Have you gone out of your mind?

You fool, do you think I want the biggest experiment of my life

menaced by a cat?

Even those few drops might have made tabby swell up to huge proportions.

We're not ready yet to have a cat the size of a leopard

running through the streets.

Besides, Konga is the subject of my experiment.

We'll have to Bury him in the yard tonight.

Everything is flourishing just beautifully.

They've already reached maturity in a period of a week.

Charles, it's amazing.

Look, Margaret, how they devour these chunks of meat.

These carnivorous plants are remarkably constructed.

Their strong stems secrete an acid enzyme that digests almost anything.

Hand me the clippers, Margaret.

Some of these leaves are ready for use right now.

Let's go back to the laboratory.

Open the cage, Margaret.

Hello, Konga.

Take the collar off and hold him, Margaret.

Come, now, Konga.

You know I won't hurt you.

There's a good boy.

In a little while, the serum will begin to take effect.

It works.

It works!

Charles, I... I can't believe it.

But I did see it with my own eyes.

I'm sorry I doubted you.

It's all clear to me.

Even why you stayed away for an entire year.

What you have done will startle the world.

In this village where I stayed,

the natives were very friendly.

They were members of the Bantu-speaking tribes.

And in this particular village,

they called themselves the Bugandas.

The Bugandas are of medium height,

and do not normally mutilate or scarify their bodies,

but enjoy wearing ornaments and souvenirs

taken from the game that they have killed.

They love making various trinkets,

such as this solid Pearl dish,

and also make many wonderful woodcarvings with intricate designs.

Their staple diet is green bananas,

steamed and eaten hot with beans and sweet potatoes.

The Bugandas have extreme regard for decency

and their women are always clothed in public.

They love dancing, and have ritual dances practically every day,

celebrating a birth, death, and just about everything.

Here we see some of the pet snakes

belonging to one of their young witch doctors,

whose name is Masabba.

Lee, Bob, Steven, open the blinds.

Yes, sir.

Now, you have shared with me some of the wonders of the jungle.

I was able to capture on film.

Incidentally, it was a stroke of luck I could rescue my camera

and part of my equipment when I bailed out.

Tomorrow, we'll take up the story of plant hormones.

We'll investigate the environmental factors,

such as light, temperature, soils, and irrigation,

and we will learn that plants are man's greatest allies.

For without them, we could not survive.

Class is dismissed.

Sandra, let's go out for some coffee.

You run along, Bob. I'll meet you later.

I promised to help Dr. Decker.

Well, Sandra, I'm glad you volunteered to help me with the diagrams.

You know how much I enjoy working with you, Dr. Decker.

This may not have anything to do with classwork,

but I can't get over how you've grown.

Well, you were gone a year.

That's true' and I, of all people, should understand growth.

But in you it's more than that.

There's a maturity about you now, Sandra,

and how pretty you've grown.

Thank you, Dr. Decker.

I suppose you must get a great deal of attention.

I saw a little of it here in my class.

In fact, I should say at this very moment,

Bob is impatiently waiting for you.

He'll have to get used to it.

I don't take any of his attention seriously.

I expect to go into chemistry and physics after your course.

My studies will come first.

I hope so, Sandra.

You have it in you to become a true scientist.

And I should like to guide you in your development.

There will be extracurricular experiments.

And if you have the time, I could use a bright assistant here at school.

I'd like to volunteer. I want to help.

Especially with those new discoveries that you hinted at in class.

When you spoke of them, there was a look on your face, doctor, that thrilled me.

It made science very interesting.

It is very exciting.

My experiments will lead to a new world.

Oh, hello, Dr. Decker. Good afternoon, miss Barnesdell.

Will you tell Dean foster I am here?

Of course. He's waiting for you.

Dr. Decker has arrived, sir.

Certainly.

Will you come this way?

You wanted to talk to me, Dean foster?

Yes, Charles. I hope you won't take offense at this.

It's not really a reprimand. But I, rather, the school,

keeps getting repercussions of that interview you gave the other day.

You mean the newspaper one?

Precisely.

I'm referring to the interview you gave the evening standard.

I merely answered a few questions.

Exactly what did I say that stirred up trouble?

You made some kind of remark about establishing a closer evolutionary link

between plant life and humans.

Oh, that.

You realize that it's one thing

for an individual to make extravagant claims,

but when you're part of an educational institution...

In other words, you don't object if I make an ass of myself,

so long as I don't besmear the sacred name of the college.

Since you put it so bluntly, yes.

But what if the shoe was on the other foot?

I don't quite follow.

What if my experiments and findings will reflect great glory on the school?

Surely, Charles, you are not serious about your claims?

I am.

When I have completed my experiment, extra-curricular, of course,

on directed mutation,

I shall prove conclusively

that I can inject the essence of plant cells

into the animal bloodstream.

Ultimately, I shall be able to change the shape of human beings.

Stop it, Charles, you're mad.

Don't ever repeat this.

Your stay in the jungle, the hardship, the privation, the isolation,

I'm sure they must have deranged you temporarily.

I think it was a mistake to bring you back into harness so soon after your ordeal.

Charles, you need a rest. A long rest.

And at tomorrow's faculty meeting, I shall strongly recommend it.

Discreetly, of course.

I don't want a rest. I want to go on with my work.

You'll do as I order or...

Dean foster, nothing you do or say can stop me.

Trailblazers were always mocked. Even put away.

The classroom is safe and secure

and that's why you want nothing disturbed.

But I have risked my life to learn something new.

I know the truth because I have lived with it.

And no one, you hear? No one will prevent me giving it to the world.

So long as I am Dean of this college, you'll do as I say.

Oh, Konga, you brought it! That's wonderful!

Konga, I think you really deserve something for that.

Here you are, a banana.

Oh, Konga.

Well, I see you two have become great friends.

Do you know, I told him to go upstairs and bring me down some tea, and he did.

Oh, I think he's adorable.

And the way he reacts, he's so human.

Come on!

There you go.

Have you recorded all the measurements?

Yes, they're all charted.

Has he grown in correct proportion?

It's a miracle, but he has. Everything checks.

You're sure, now? I want no blunders on these records.

But of course I'm sure. The figures are accurate.

Charles, dear, I know you don't like anyone fussing over you,

but you do seem rather perturbed about something.

I wish you'd tell me what's bothering you.

No, it's nothing, really.

Well, it must be something, since it shows so clearly.

Well, if you must know,

I had a sample of official stupidity this afternoon

which would make anyone angry.

It's a wonder I didn't boil over.

Oh, that session with the Dean.

Would you believe it? He dressed me down

for the interview I gave the newspapers.

Talked to me like an officious headmaster.

Just as if I were some young fledgling

who had made a fool of himself in public.

Well, they don't like newspaper publicity. Not for an individual.

But I have no intention of hugging the limelight.

Whatever credit there is, I'll gladly share it with the college, you know that.

Yes, but did you tell the Dean that?

Of course I did, but that didn't stop him.

He only became more officious' more dictatorial.

He even laughed at me.

He thinks I'm crazy.

Well, you really can't blame him.

After all, I thought so, too, until...

What I mean is, if you can bring him the proof...

No, his mind is made up.

In fact, I think he plans to stow me away,

to cheat me out of my chance of greatness.

But before he does' I'll do my best, my very best,

to convince him.

Margaret, the new serum is ready.

Shouldn't you wait? Isn't it too soon?

No, the time is now.

Give me the key of the cage.

Please leave. I want to be alone with Konga.

Here, boy.

Sit down. Down you go.

Konga, listen to me very carefully.

That's right, look at me.

After all, we know each other

much better than the world suspects.

Follow this light.

It will help you concentrate.

Remember every word I say.

I am your master and you must obey me.

Do you remember how it was in the jungle when you were little?

You had many fears until I took control of you.

Now you no longer have any fears.

Not of man, not of beast, so long as you obey me.

I have transformed you into a giant of great strength.

With one blow of those powerful arms I have given you,

you can snap a neck, crush a skull.

And that is what you shall do,

at my bidding.

Tonight I shall take you on your first test of obedience.

You will not fail me because you know

I shall always take care of you'

shield you and protect you,

and bring you back safely.

Margaret, come down.

I... I don't believe it.

But it is so. I've done it.

Charles, it's astounding.

And tonight' I'm taking Konga on his first test of obedience.

College Dean killed by mysterious assassin.

Murdered in his own study. Official.

Get your standard. Evening standard.

College Dean killed by mysterious assassin. Murdered in his own study.

Well, what are the findings?

His neck was broken, sir.

The 7th cervical vertebra was snapped, and the clavicle crushed.

What weapon do you suppose was used?

Well, that's just it' sir.

The weapon must've been an arm.

An arm strong enough to literally tear his head off.

What kind of an arm?

Certainly not one that belonged to a human.

The lab reported some black hairs

on the back of Dean foster's neck.

They were the hairs of an animal.

Are you saying that it was an animal?

We're driven to that conclusion, sir.

But how could an animal rove the streets and not be seen?

We've checked the zoo, queried animal trainers and a traveling circus,

but nobody has reported any escaped beast.

However improbable, Dean foster was killed

by a powerful, cunning, ruthless animal that somehow is at large.

Have you seen the headlines?

Oh, not really, I haven't had time.

"Police comb London for Dean's killer."

Oh, I knew about that. All classes were dismissed.

"Police comb London for Dean's killer."

Everyone at school was terribly shocked.

The students as well as the teachers.

Yes. Everyone was shocked, except you.

And what do you mean by that?

Now, Charles, you're not going to slip on a mask of innocence for me.

I wish you'd stop talking in riddles.

What are you trying to say?

You killed Dean foster.

Nonsense.

I wasn't anywhere near him when it happened.

What's the difference? And stop quibbling about details.

Granted, you weren't near him, but you had it done.

It's just the same, you killed Dean foster.

Stop shouting, you fool. I was not shouting.

And even if I'd whispered, it would've rung in your ears, because you know it's true.

Very well, we killed Dean foster.

What are you going to do about it?

What can I do?

In my own mind and heart,

I've already taken you, for better or for worse.

Oh, Charles, I never dreamed you could kill.

You know I had to sooner or later.

I would have been forced to kill someone through Konga.

Just to prove I was right.

Just to make my experiment a success.

But to pick a man like Dean foster.

What's the difference?

Rabbits, dogs, mice, you'll find them in 1,000 laboratories,

each carcass making an important contribution towards ultimate truth.

You went beyond rabbits and Guinea pigs...

I had to make a test.

I had to know whether obedience to my will

was one of the properties I could convey with the serum.

It could have been a charwoman or a streetwalker.

But foster threatened my life's work.

Thus, for a double reason, he had to be liquidated.

Poor foster.

Regrettable.

But in science, a human being is only a cipher.

Charles!

Listen to your own words.

Examine your deeds.

You're inhuman.

I won't be to you.

How can I be sure of that?

Have I ever given you cause to doubt?

I'm not speaking of the past.

It's the present, and the future.

I have to be sure.

You mean, that is your price for silence?

If you put it that way.

Margaret, I'm going to prove to you that I can be more generous than you are.

Actually, I don't have to promise or agree to anything.

Supposing you did blab, how do you think the police would look at it?

You are an accessory to all my experiments,

a part of everything I've done.

Including murder.

But I'm willing to overlook all that.

You tell me what you want and it's yours.

I want you to marry me.

Marry you? Yes.

I'm tired of living and working in your shadow.

I've had enough of this backstreet existence.

Pretending to be only your housekeeper, secretary, and assistant.

I'm tired of lifted eyebrows on those rare occasions when we go out together.

Of whisperings and gossip.

I'm tired of not being able to share everything with you openly.

Whatever may be shoddy and soiled in my life'

at least one thing will be clean.

I will be Mrs. Charles Decker.

And you shall be, very soon.

Oh, Charles.

In a way, dear, this is a good move.

Now there is absolutely nothing I need keep from you.

You shall know all I know, and you will be able to help me in every way.

Oh, yes. Yes, I shall.

But until we marry... When will that be?

As soon as the school term is over.

That'll give us a chance for a honeymoon.

Oh, wonderful.

I repeat, until we marry, not a word.

There must be no outward change.

In the eyes of the world, you are still my housekeeper, secretary, and assistant.

Whatever you say, Charles. Whatever you say.

It's stifling in here.

I'll join you in the laboratory.

Miss Barnesdell' we know you're upset about what happened.

It was terrible. I... I can't get over it.

But I'm sure you'd like to help us, if you can.

Of course.

Then if you don't mind, just a few more questions.

Yes, anything. Anything at all.

How long had you been Dean foster's secretary?

Nearly 20 years.

I began as a typist and advanced to the position of private secretary.

The Dean trusted me with everything.

We're aware of that. That's why we called you in again.

Now, think about this carefully:

Did Dean foster have any enemies?

None that I know of.

He was loved and respected by everybody.

He was gentle, considerate of the rights of others,

never lost his temper.

Yet, on this late afternoon, when Dr. Decker was with him,

you said you heard loud voices?

Yes, I did indeed.

That's why I remembered it so clearly. I was so surprised.

Could you hear what was said?

No, unfortunately not.

But I know I heard loud and angry voices.

Hmm.

Did Dean foster make any comment on the meeting

after Dr. Decker left?

No.

He said he wanted to write a draft of a recommendation in longhand,

and that he would dictate it to me in the morning.

I offered to stay late.

But he told me to go home.

That's the last time I saw him.

Thank you very much' miss Barnesdell. That will be all for now.

Won't you come in' Dr. Decker?

Thank you.

Good morning, miss Barnesdell.

Poor woman. She seems shattered.

You know how it is with spinsters.

The Dean and her devotion to his needs made up her entire life.

Dr. Decker, I hope you'll forgive us for taking up your time.

Of course. Anything I can possibly do to help, count on me.

We know you were with the Dean for quite some time

on the afternoon of the night he was killed.

That's right. we had a conference after my last class.

What about?

The subject matter might bore you.

Let's say we had a scientific discussion.

We're not very advanced in botany, doctor, but we'll try to understand.

What about? I mean the conference.

Insectivorous plants.

I presume that means insect-eating plants?

Precisely. Like thedionaea muscipula. A fascinating plant.

During the year I was lost in the jungle,

I had an opportunity to study some remarkable and very unusual species

that exist nowhere else.

And that is what you discussed with Dean foster?

Yes.

Anything about the discussion that could have made him angry?

Oh, no.

Did you quarrel with him?

Indeed not.

What could we possible quarrel about?

In the course of the discussion,

there may have arisen a difference of opinion.

Over what?

To explain that,

I should require a blackboard and a laboratory.

At this time we needn't go into such detail,

but we'd like to have one thing clear.

You insist there was nothing personal

in the discussion you had with Dean foster?

Of course not.

I had the greatest regard and respect for the Dean, and I believe he returned it.

Gentlemen, I don't know how much experience you've had with scientists,

but they rarely quarrel.

They have a way of expunging the personal and the emotional in the interests of truth.

In other words, what took place between you and Dean foster

might be compared to a debate.

Exactly.

If there was any clash, it was a clash of opinion'

which we resolved before I left.

Did you have any reason to believe otherwise?

No, we just wanted to clear the air.

After all, neither of us had anything to gain personally.

If my theories and experiments hold up,

it's the school that will receive the bulk of the credit.

You know, Dr. Decker, detection of crime is also a science.

As one scientist to another'

do you have any theory as to why or by whom Dean foster was killed?

None whatever. I wish I could help you.

But you see, I deal in life, not in death.

♪

I can't get over what happened to poor Dean foster.

Oh, it was shocking. Who would want to kill a wonderful man like that?

He was always so thoughtful.

My husband practically worshiped him.

10 years teaching under Dean foster, never one cross word.

And the brutal way in which he was killed. Oh!

I'll never understand why.

I'm not over it yet.

Yes, it was a dreadful blow.

When Charles told me, I was stunned by the news.

Oh, please excuse me, I've been neglecting one of my guests.

I wonder when the board will announce the new Dean?

Prof. Tagore, won't you have another drink?

Thank you.

I hope you're enjoying yourself, professor.

Oh' indeed I am.

I wonder if we could have a little chat together?

Why, of course.

Dr. Decker, I can't tell you how happy I was to be invited here.

An esteemed fellow botanist?

Believe me, professor, the pleasure is mine.

I've been waiting to talk to you

ever since I read your paper on mutation in the botanical review.

Especially in the light of what you observed in Africa.

My report was hardly complete.

But I read something between the lines that intrigued me.

You see, for the past 3 years

I have been engaged in experiments designed to stimulate change.

Even as you, I have used some species of insectivorous plants.

And have you published any of your results?

No, not yet. Although I have gone into the subject in great depth.

My interest began when I was a student in Calcutta

where we did a great deal of fieldwork.

The potential of carnivorous plants

fascinated me from the very beginning.

Especially the possibility of transferring some of those traits.

It wouldn't surprise me if you, too, have been exploring this field.

I make no secret of it.

The goal of every scientist is to seek the new and the superior.

No matter how slow the progress,

I shall never give up the search.

But I have gone beyond just the search.

I have made some startling discoveries

in the broad field of genetics.

The possibility of, shall we say,

stimulating growth to a degree never found before.

You mean, with reference to plants?

I mean, higher forms of life.

And you base it on supposition? Hope?

I base it on fact.

Tell me, Dr. Decker, have you not sought that end yourself?

Prof. Tagore, before I answer that,

I would like to make a suggestion.

Why don't we join forces?

Perhaps work together towards a common end?

Dr. Decker, I can't tell you how much this offer flatters me,

but that kind of cooperation would be impossible.

You see, doctor, this is not the time to make it a mutual project.

After years of hard work, I am so close to achieving my goal

that I feel positive of success.

I am certain I shall be the first to proclaim a new method of mutation

which will accelerate growth in such a manner

that it must revolutionize the world.

I commend you on your zeal and your enthusiasm,

even though you do insist on working alone.

However, I can only remind you that the true scientist

places science above himself.

Nevertheless, I must work alone.

But perhaps there could be no harm

in consulting with each other.

If you would like to see a little of what I have done

and possibly comment on it, I would feel honored.

I would love to.

Splendid. When would you like to come?

Tonight.

You have aroused my curiosity to such a degree it will give me no rest.

Let's say around midnight.

I'm sure my guests will be gone by then.

I shall expect you.

This is where I live.

And when you arrive, please knock hard at the door,

as I have no servants.

Expect me around midnight.

Oh, Dr. Decker, Mrs. Clayton and I

were having a little discussion about ornamental foliage.

And I'm sure you could clear up a point.

Oh.

Oh, I'm glad they're all gone.

A party is a nuisance.

You know how I hate to have strangers invade this house.

But tonight was important.

And coming so soon after what happened to Dean foster,

quite important.

Well, I'm glad it served its purpose.

Margaret, you look tired.

Why don't you go to bed?

I've got some work to finish in the laboratory.

Yes. Yes, you're right.

Good night, dear.

Ah, come in, Dr. Decker. You are most welcome.

I'm so glad I had the opportunity

of meeting and talking with you this evening.

I, too, have very much wanted to meet you.

And I was very happy when you accepted

the invitation to my party tonight.

This way, please.

Your laboratory seems very well equipped.

Everything I need is here.

Sometimes I don't leave this place for days.

Believe me, prof. Tagore, I understand that, but who else would?

The poor layman doesn't know what he misses.

The feeling of losing yourself,

not only in work but in discovery.

A wonderful feeling of peeling off layer after layer,

like petals from some rare flower,

and, finally, achieving the ultimate secret.

When you speak of the ultimate...

I mean the goal towards which we are both driving ourselves.

I mean taking a form of life in one stage,

and changing it into a higher one in a matter of minutes,

where nature itself would take millions of years.

Prof. Tagore' you know what I mean.

Not only change, but the godlike power of creation.

Tell me truthfully, Dr. Decker.

In your experiments, have you already reached this final stage?

I have.

I was eager to come here to see with my own eyes

what stage of development you had reached.

The boundaries you crossed may be new to you, but not to me.

Dr. Decker, believe me when I say

the boundaries I have crossed are not new to me.

I know I have gone beyond you.

And my dear prof. Tagore,

I will not allow you or anyone to obliterate my work.

The countless lonely hours I spent in Uganda,

the years of trial and error, study and experiments.

I have earned the glory that will be mine.

But...

But are you able, as I am,

to produce the necessary scientific proof that will convince the world?

I am.

And at the right time, I shall.

Prof. Tagore' you are too late!

Konga.

Konga!

You've done all I've asked, to the last detail.

You've executed every order I've given you.

Come, tonight's work is finished.

We can go home.

Another cup of coffee, darling?

No, thank you, Margaret. I have to hurry.

The class will be waiting.

Oh, a few more minutes won't matter.

After all, you worked late last night.

I know. Just the same,

I like to set an example of punctuality.

Here, dear, I've packed your lunch for you.

Oh, what time will you want dinner?

Better not wait. There's a good chance that I'll be late.

Anyway, the important one to feed is Konga.

Oh, you needn't worry. I'll look after Konga.

As big as he has become, I still have the same affection for him.

He can still be gentle. Especially after I've fed him.

Goodbye, Margaret.

Good morning, Dr. Decker.

Good morning.

- Are we all here? - Yes.

Now remember, this is a field trip to study mosses and ferns.

It's not a picnic, though I don't object to your enjoying it.

Of course not. But we're here to get educated.

You'll never make it in one day

that's enough joking. Now get in.

You'll all have to sit on the floor, close together,

but I'm sure you won't mind that.

Not if I can sit next to Hermione. Oh' thanks for the warning.

In you go, all of you.

Now, mind you don't step on the lamp.

Oh, Sandra, I want you to sit up front with me.

We'll have to go over some of the points in the lesson,

because I'll need you to Mark the papers.

Yes, Dr. Decker.

Dr. Decker, is there room for 3 up front?

It would interfere with the driving.

Besides, I'm afraid, Bob, you'll have to do your courting in your own time.

Perhaps I'd better repeat, this is a study period,

simply transferred from the classroom to an open field.

Like it or not, Bob, you sit with the peasants.

Well, Bob, poor Bob, after all your dreams

you didn't get to sit up front.

You'll have to make the best of it with us.

Why don't you all shut up?

Manners, mind your manners, Bob.

He's really got it bad.

And the way he shows it.

Well, you can't blame him. Sandra's a very pretty girl.

Why don't you quit talking about me and leave me alone?

Now, Bob, calm down.

With Sandra, lessons come first.

You know how keen she is on botany.

Is she?

And I'm sure that's all they're talking about.

He's subject to broken hearts.

Music is what we all need.

And I've brought my radio.

Go on.

♪

I've looked forward to this trip very much.

Are you preparing another paper for the botanical review?

Not at this time.

You know, Sandra, I don't always think of you as a student, a pupil.

That's really why I've been so full of anticipation.

We'll have all day, perhaps we can carve out a little time.

I mean, just for ourselves.

♪

Ready, everyone?

- Yeah. - Follow me.

Now, as you see, these ferns,

in addition to leaves and stems, have true roots,

and a conductive system through which water is drawn up from the ground

and distributed to the rest of the plant.

These are quite small.

But in tropical countries they grow to giant size.

This is really a remarkable plant.

In fact, the fern family has a history that dates back to prehistoric ages.

Now, I want you all to scour the woods

and gather specimens of ferns and related plants.

Tomorrow in class we'll discuss them in greater detail.

Looks like it might rain' Dr. Decker.

I think it'll pass.

But if there is a shower,

we'll all meet in the ranger's hut at the end of the trail.

We have his permission to use it.

Now, rain or shine, begin. I'll join you soon.

I left my lunch on the front seat of the truck.

We'll start in a few minutes.

Well, come on' Sandra.

I can't now, Bob.

Dr. Decker asked me to help him prepare

the list of questions on ferns.

Dr. Decker asks you to do too many things.

He seems to lean on you rather heavily.

If he does, I'm pleased.

Well, I'm not.

His authority as a teacher should end in the classroom.

And where do you think yours should begin?

Sandra, I'm not trying to quarrel.

But I don't like his influence over you.

If you weren't so blind, you'd have noticed it, too.

Before he came back everything was wonderful between us.

We had time for study and for each other.

Now it's all changed.

All I hear about is botany and science, and Dr. Decker.

And I think he comes first with you

although he's old enough to be your father.

It's unnatural.

Bob, you're twisting things.

Yes, Dr. Decker is old enough to be my teacher, and that's about it.

It doesn't seem that way to me.

And all would be the same between us if you didn't nag me so.

You want to take me to school, sit next to me in class,

bring me back, do our homework together.

You don't want to give me any time to think, to study.

It's because I love you.

But I'm not ready for that kind of love.

And anyway, as Dr. Decker pointed out,

this field trip is part of the classwork.

We shall have to talk about ourselves

and our personal problems some other time.

Tonight?

Very well.

Pick me up tonight at 8:00.

You better catch up with the class.

Ready, Sandra?

Yes, Dr. Decker.

Hey, where's Sandra, Bob?

With Dr. Decker.

Gathering moss, no doubt.

Or, uh, special ferns.

How can you tell what they're doing?

We're psychic, that's how.

Well, you don't exactly need a crystal ball.

I've taken walks through the woods before.

I think you've all said enough.

No, let them say what they like.

I'm afraid they all have evil minds. I'm just not listening.

And anyway' I'd better learn something about these plants

if I want to get a passing Mark.

Hey come on, let's get to the ranger's hut.

Come on, Mary. Come on' come on.

Come on, quick. Quick, quick.

Oh, no.

Somebody turn the lights on.

Hey, a fire'd be great on a day like this, huh?

Oh, yeah.

I wonder where Dr. Decker and Sandra could be.

Come away from the window, Bob.

What you can't see won't hurt you.

Let's hope Dr. Decker's got an umbrella with him.

Yes, indeed, we don't want Sandra catching cold.

Danny, let's have some music.

I'm for that' go ahead, Danny, tune in on something.

♪

Well, it looks like an all-day rain.

Does that mean that the class is dismissed, sir?

We might as well get back.

There's no point in combing the woods in the rain.

All of you return to the truck.

It's down the road as near as we could get it.

Sandra will show you where it's parked.

Right. Come on, kids.

I'll close up the hut.

Dr. Decker?

Have you forgotten something, Bob?

No, sir. I... I just had to talk to you.

Look, Bob, if it's about your work,

school will be the proper place.

No, it has nothing to do with work.

What I have to talk to you about is personal.

Well, what is it?

I'd like to ask you to leave Sandra alone.

That's a strange request. Leave her alone? How?

She's a student in my class, you know.

Tell me, Bob, has Sandra instructed you to make this request?

Don't throw a lot of questions at me.

You're trying to confuse me the way you've mixed her up.

Anyway' I'm not asking you, I'm telling you.

You leave her alone.

Be her teacher and nothing else.

You've got her hypnotized in some way.

That's the only way I can explain what's come over her.

You find 100 excuses to meet her after school

to be with her, to keep her from me.

You leave her alone or else.

Are you threatening me?

Yes, I am!

If I lose Sandra because of you, I'll...

You...

I'm sorry, Dr. Decker.

You'll probably have me expelled for this.

I should do that.

I didn't mean it.

I guess I'm so crazy with jealousy I... I didn't know what I was doing.

I didn't realize you felt so strongly about Sandra.

No matter what your feelings are,

you should try to control your temper.

With a rage like yours you might kill somebody.

I am sorry, sir.

I don't know what else I can say.

I hope you won't go shouting your mouth off

to the other students about this.

Oh, no, sir. I give you my word. I... I won't say anything.

It doesn't make me look too good.

Indeed it doesn't.

Will you report me, sir?

No.

It's better for both of us to forget it.

Let's get to the truck before the others start wondering what happened.

Hurry, Bob.

I'm coming, mom.

Dinner will be over before you've had your first bite.

He doesn't give himself time to eat.

That's not enough for a growing boy.

I don't feel much like food, dad.

Of course not.

It's vulgar to eat when you're in love.

I saw a silly film about love.

A waste of time it was, too.

All they did was, "darling, I love you, I love you."

Ah, sickening.

You're too young to understand.

Shut up, you brats.

I'd rather go to a funfair anytime.

I'll be home late, mom.

But Bob, you haven't had any dinner.

Oh, I'm not hungry. Besides, I haven't got much time.

I don't want to keep Sandra waiting.

No woman's worth going hungry for.

That's just how I feel' dad. Thank you, son.

Eric, be quiet.

John, you forget how you were at his age.

I always ate first.

Times have changed, dad. My date comes first.

I'm on your side, Bob.

If my boyfriend ever kept me waiting,

I don't know what I should do.

You're crazy. You haven't even got a boyfriend.

I do so have one.

There's a new boy in school.

The son of a doctor.

You go on like that and you'll need a doctor.

Now then, mind your manners, you two.

Good night, mom, dad.

Bob, I wish you'd get things settled with this girl.

She's so much on your mind, you can't eat or sleep.

And I don't think you're concentrating on your studies. All you think of is Sandra.

Oh, dad, let's not go into all that now.

Anyway, this is our first date this week.

I don't want to spoil it by being late.

You'll spoil her, if you can't control your eagerness.

As the Americans say, play it cool.

Don't worry, dad. I've got everything under control. Night.

You know' he's really in love with that girl.

♪

Bob! Bob!

Get a doctor, quickly!

Bob.

Here, Konga.

In you go.

We, um...

We know that talking about it so soon is painful,

but I'm sure you'd like to help.

Yes, I... I'll try.

Well, um...

Have you, um, any idea at all who could've done this?

That's what's so terrible about it.

The boy had no enemies.

Not in the neighborhood, nor at school.

In fact, he was a popular lad.

Where was he going tonight?

He had a date with his girlfriend, Sandra Banks.

Did he, um, have any rivals?

You know' sometimes these youngsters feel pretty strongly.

No, no rivals.

See, Sandra's not that sort of a girl.

She's... she's the studious type.

When she wasn't out with our boy,

she was locked up with her books.

Oh, what good is all this?

It's a student from the same school, sir.

Well, there's no doubt that the murders

of Dean foster, prof. Tagore and this young lad are related.

And in no single case is there a logical motive.

Not one of the 3 had any known enemies.

The only clue that has come through so far, according to the lab,

are a few black hairs found on the victims.

The lab seem to think they could come from either a chimpanzee,

or an animal of that family.

There's really not much to work on.

I've also looked into the escaped-animal angle. Leads nowhere.

The trail seems to end without a solid clue.

Lawson. Yes, sir?

I want you and Redmond to question the entire school. Leave no one out.

That goes for every employee, every pupil, every teacher.

Right? Right, sir.

Breakfast as usual with your morning paper.

You know dear, I'm a slave to habit.

You needn't be so smug about it.

What are you having with your poached egg? Murder?

Margaret, if there's one thing I can't abide, it's hysterics.

Especially in the morning.

How could you do this?

Do what?

You know very well what.

Why did this boy have to die? Why did you kill him?

I can't say I relish your choice of words.

I did not kill him.

Stop hiding behind technicalities.

And say it any way you like.

You killed Bob Kenton. You had it done.

- I know how. - Why?

Will you please control yourself?

How did he stand in your way?

You ask too many questions.

Then you have no answer for me?

I don't have to give you one.

But if you stopped your hysterics long enough to think,

you would find a reason.

A great scientific experiment is being conducted by me.

Apparently, this takes place on a scale greater than you understand,

even though you are assisting me.

That still is no explanation of a cruel, needless murder.

You lose track of the important thing.

I had to make another test of Konga for obedience.

It worked. It worked perfectly.

There is my answer.

If the results upset you, distress you, I can't help it.

Distress?

What you've done goes far beyond distress.

It's shocking.

More than you can cope with?

Then perhaps you want to quit. You want to leave me?

No. No, I can't.

It's too late for that. I know.

But it's time you got off your scientific perch and faced a few facts.

Like what?

For one thing, the fact of danger.

Sooner or later the police will catch up with you.

They haven't, as yet.

It's a point of pride with me that every test of Konga's obedience

was so carefully planned and executed that no clues were left.

Charles, your luck will run out.

And when it does, your work, your discoveries, everything, will be lost'

including us.

You do have a point.

Perhaps the time has come when I should destroy Konga.

Destroy Konga? But why?

Just as you said, Margaret: Before the discovery of Konga destroys us.

Actually, I no longer need him. I have the formula.

I have all the records and notes.

What I succeeded in doing with Konga,

I can do again with another chimp.

Yes, we'll leave for Africa.

I can depend on the friendship of the natives in Uganda.

With their help

I'll build another laboratory and continue my experiments without danger.

Carry them even beyond the stage I reached here.

When do you think we should leave?

We must not arouse suspicion.

We shall have to wait for several weeks.

In fact, I shall attend the boy's funeral tomorrow.

And furthermore, I'll invite Sandra Banks, his girlfriend,

to come here for dinner.

Do you think that's wise?

Why not?

Teacher consoling bereaved pupil.

Thank you for your kindness and hospitality, Dr. Decker.

It was very nice of you to invite me here for dinner.

We enjoyed your company.

Come, Sandra. I'd like to show you my greenhouse.

I'd love to see it.

Well, I think I'll clear these things away.

I just can't get over what happened to Bob.

Who would want to kill him?

Now, now, Sandra. You must try to forget.

Sandra, in my greenhouse you won't find the tame, domestic blooms

that grow in a formal garden.

Take this one. I found it in the thick of the jungle and grew it here.

I've never seen anything like it.

I'm proud of it, Sandra.

For in its present shape, it is my creation.

You see, the key to all life lies in the cell.

And I have trained cells to perform miracles

of biological engineering in cytoplasm.

What will amaze the world is that I've bypassed normal evolution.

By stimulating the centrosomes, I have speeded up cell division.

I've changed its basic nature

from insectivorous to carnivorous.

Don't get too close, my dear. There's danger in that hungry plant.

It thrives on meat.

It's strange and very frightening.

Why is it so hot in here?

It must be.

These plants would perish without their native heat.

I keep the temperature at 90 degrees.

I want you to get used to it.

I want you to feel at home in an atmosphere like this.

I want you to become familiar with the wondrous potentials of these plants.

So that step by step, and hand in hand,

I can lead you to the brink of my greatest experiment.

You want me to work with you?

Yes, to assist me in every way.

But you already have a very capable assistant.

Poor Margaret.

I'm afraid her usefulness to me is over.

I've been patient with her. I did my utmost to train her.

But she lacks your instinctive grasp of botany.

I need a young, fresh mind like yours.

Besides, I require more than just a laboratory assistant.

Sandra, I need you to work with me.

To be with me.

Sandra, dear, if you join with me, I can promise you adventure,

the thrill of discovery, and a glory greater than any woman has ever known.

Konga.

Konga. Follow this light.

You're going to do exactly what I tell you.

That's right, Konga. Keep following this light.

It will help you concentrate.

I feel faint.

I must get out. Not yet.

Not until you promise me that you'll work with me.

I can't work with you.

You must.

As your teacher, I watched you grow.

I helped and encouraged you, took pride in your work.

Now you are ready for an alliance with me.

We will work closely together, only the 2 of us.

And in time, you'll share all the glory with me.

Will you do as I say?

Please, Dr. Decker. This greenhouse is stifling.

I must leave now.

I can't let you go before I get an answer.

I'm not ready to work with you. I have so much to learn.

Let me be the judge of that.

Let me go!

Sandra, you know I love you.

Let me go!

Now, listen carefully.

From now on, you must do as I say.

You'll follow my instructions, only mine.

No matter what I ask you to do, you must obey.

And I shall be the one to protect you.

I and no one else.

After this, Konga, it will be easier for you to obey me.

This will bring you more power, greater strength,

and you will use it all as I have instructed you.

Go, Konga.

You have your orders, obey them.

I told you to go' Konga.

Go!

No. No.

Konga!

Konga! Konga!

Put me down! Konga!

No!

Konga!

Let me go! Please, let me go!

Please, I beg of you. Let me go.

Let me go.

Konga!

Let me...

Konga! Let me down.

Look!

Help. Help me.

Somebody help me.

I said, let me down.

You fool!

Konga, let me down.

Konga!

Look!

Konga, let me go.

Look!

Konga!

Help!

Help!

It's on its way towards where?

Yes. Right away.

Fantastic.

There's a huge monster gorilla that's constantly growing to outlandish proportions,

loose in the streets.

He's moving towards the embankment area.

Yes, sir?

Contact all available patrol cars.

Have them come in to headquarters.

And equip them with arms immediately. Get my car ready.

I'll be right down to issue further orders. Yes, sir.

Call commissioner garland at his home. Notify him of the emergency.

Then call the war office, tell them what's happening,

request them rush some armed troops to the embankment area.

I'll give them the position on radio telephone. Right, sir.

Get me commissioner garland's home, right away.

On the double. Come along.

Hurry up, old boy.

Konga' put me down. Please. Put me down.

Let me down! Let me down!

I said, let me down!

You fool!

Konga!

Help!

Konga! Konga! Let me down.

Hey, look, he's stopped.

Yeah, he's standing still.

Where could he have come from?

Come on, boys, on the double. Quick, place that machine gun over there.

Come on, move it!

Konga! Konga!

I've never seen anything like it before.

My men are ready, commissioner.

General, the only thing we can possibly do is to try and bring it down.

I agree with you. Give the order to fire at once.

Yes, sir.

Men, take your positions.

Take aim. Fire!