Original subtitles

Excuse me... you are Duller?

Yes, hello.

- Gregory Talbot, Selwyn college. - Yes, I know.

- Are those your guns? - Mmm...

Very erm...

Look, shall we get a porter to take our stuff over to the train?

Oh yes, you know and I must insist on paying my whack of the tip.

You can never get one when you want him, can you?

I'm certain I did see you at Fenner's, you know.

It was at that good match we had in '26.

- No, I don't go to cricket. - Not at all?

Can't think where we met.

You never went to dances at the Dorothy...

No, of course not.

So we never did run across one another?

And yet we both know McFayden.

Anyway, it's very decent of McFayden, isn't it?

I beg your pardon?

I said it's very decent of McFayden, isn't it?

I mean after all, it is all of four years since we left university.

Yes, thank God.

Hello!

- Hello McFayden. - Hello Talbot.

- Have you been waiting long? - In the car please, porter.

- They're never on time these days. - No...

- Hello Duller. - Hello.

- Where's the baronial hall, then? - Oh, a mile or so down the road.

Throw those in the back. We'll stop and get some perishables.

- In the village. - Righto.

- You had a good journey down? - Oh yes.

- I say, it's rather like old times. - Hmm, not really.

I say, did you see that little thing bowling along on her bicycle?

I say McFayden, is there a tea shop round here?

We may want to chew a bun if it's wet.

At any rate old man, whose house is this we're going to?

- You've hardly told us a thing. - I've no idea.

It's being sold by a friend of Father's, who thought it a pity to waste the game.

He said did we know anyone who wanted to shoot a bit.

Jolly good of you to ask us.

Old Duller's a fine shot, don't you know?

He should do awfully well.

I'm afraid I haven't done much of it at all.

I was quite good on a rifle range. But I left the cadets.

Then you'll just have to drink in the beauties of the place.

- Or use a pea shooter. - Pea...

Er... McFayden, did you fix up a dog?

Yes, from the postmistress.

Well I mean I hope I'm not going to let you fellows down or anything.

I've never fired a gun in my life.

It's all absolutely free and gratis.

Just tuppence for the stamp to let the keeper know.

So much for your tuppeny stamp.

Good heavens.

Gosh. So that means you must have motored down this morning?

Oh yes. I didn't feel like... sleeping alone in a strange house.

Strange indeed.

I'll get a torch.

Ah, we can soon let some good honest daylight in.

- After you, Duller. - Oh no, after you.

Well I warn you. I'm a pretty bush cook.

It's quite nice, isn't it?

I was just listening for the sound of violins.

Pardon me?

♫ badly played organ ♫

♫ God Save the Queen ♫

Now then...

There are two other good-size bedrooms on this floor.

Who wants which one?

- McFayden... - Yes?

Who did you say lived here?

- I said I didn't know. - Oh.

- McFayden... - Yes?

Would you like me to try dinner? Or does Duller want to?

You can.

Still warm.

He might have said. I could have done with one of those.

McFayden old man...

Anyone fancy a cup of tea?

- White tie togged? - Yes.

- Nice of you to make the effort. - ha ha ha...

Quite a satisfying meal, wasn't it?

I didn't think it was too bad, was it McFayden?

Hmm. Tinned pilchards and fairy cakes.

Well look here, Duller, if you think you can do better--

Duller can do the breakfast.

We'll get ham and things of that sort from the village tomorrow.

Well, what time shall we start in the morning?

What time is it normally done, Duller?

- How does six o'clock sound? - Oh good heavens, I can't.

- What about half past? - Half past six.

Seven...

Have a heart...

- Oh, I'll do those. - No no no, I'll do it.

- No, I'll do it. - Alright.

- Ah... - Aherm...

- Thought that would interest you. - Oh?

- My God... - Hmm?

What have you found?

Good lord!

Talbot... who would have thought?

Oh, Virginia Portman-Dixon. Yes... I do remember.

Yes...

Hot stuff... show!

I don't believe it.

Weren't you... er... engaged at one time?

- Yes, for all of a fortnight. - Oh yes, haha.

The Wizard... and a white tie.

Ahh... Oh.

Seven O'clock did we say?

I expect it will be more like eight.

But we must try not to be slack.

What about someone to beat for us?

I forgot about that.

Let's see what we can frighten via our own efforts.

Duller, er... you haven't got anything I could read, have you?

I mean... I... I think I could almost go to bed.

You haven't anything... light I could borrow?

Well, what would you like? Edgar Allan Poe?

Or M.R. James? Hmm...

I think you'll find the illustrations quite as fascinating as the text.

Especially in that edition.

Well... Thank you very much, McFayden old man.

Well I hope you thank me tomorrow...

After the shooting.

Well I'll turn in then, if that's alright?

Hmm.

- Good night. - Good night.

- Could I have my... Wizard? - Good night.

Well done!

McFayden...

Yes, Talbot?

Why did you ask us here?

Your names just sprung to mine. Duller being such a good shot.

- But... - What is it?

Oh, nothing.

- Good night, you men. - Good night, Talbot.

Aghhh!

He'll go mad.

I remember I had a go at taking off his trouser leg...

There goes the living proof of university entrance by scholarship.

What on earth did he read?

Botany. Got a First.

Good lord...

Auric goggles.

Well, I'm not surprised you have a pair.

What about the night you were caught with a shovel in the Dean's yard?

Your hobby always amused me.

If there are psychic phenomena, I only say if... they must give off some vapor.

Or at least cause some temperature change in static air.

- It's only really a matter of common sense. - You disappoint me.

You mean ghosts don't run around in white sheets anymore?

No no no, quite out of fashion.

But I did bring something along with me.

Good night!

Good night!

VERDICT ON CRICKWORTH GRANGE CASE

...send her off her head... don't know...

Good morning. I... I'm sorry. Do excuse me.

Oh, do carry on.

All we need is Talbot. Is he up yet?

Hello, Rennie dear... thank you.

Is Robert up?

Eat it up, loved one.

I'll be very good today.

So good that Robert will have nothing but praise.

I'll pick harebells for him, for his study shall I?

I'll even try to be clever...

Who wants to be clever? Be good.

Oh, I shall.

He was angry last night, did you know?

He gets so angry.

Papa was never like him when he's angry.

- Robert said I was going off-- - Shh!

Robert said I was going off my head, and he intended to send me away because...

I love Robert.

I'll go, I'm in.

Shall we wait outside?

Have you fetched the rest of Miss Sophy's things downstairs?

Miss Rennie?

- What things, Robert? - Hmm?

If I'd pick--

I've arranged for you to spend a week or two with some people.

Come along now, they're waiting to meet you.

- Robert? - Hmm?

When you were so very angry with me last night, you said--

I'm sorry.

I... didn't know what I was saying.

You said I was going off my head, and that you wanted to send me away.

You also said I shouldn't look at you, the way I do.

How do I look at you?

I've always loved you.

Stop chattering.

You ought to be with more people of your own age.

This house... It's unhealthy.

Ah. There you are.

Sophy.

Hello, My Dear. How are you?

Well, I... hear you're coming to stay with us for a while.

Now you don't need to be shy. I'm sure we shall be the best of friends,

and I know you will enjoy yourself.

The gardens are looking wonderful just now.

Do you like flowers?

- Yes. - Good.

Oh, you have Elizabeth. Good.

Come along, my dear.

Goodbye, Robert.

I err...

Have to tell you that the board of governors have seen fit to alter the terms of our agreement.

Oh? How?

The advance payment for newly admitted patients is now...

two years, instead of eighteen months.

Oh yes.

The governors feel that this is only a slight increase, for what is after all...

a long term agreement.

Oh, the err governors do have a ruling. They prefer something more substantial than bill paper.

Would you like it in blood?

Err... make it payable to me.

Doctor Borden.

I'll make the necessary adjustment with the governors.

Good day, Mr Crickworth.

You may take a month's warning, Miss Rennie.

You want to part me from Sophy so that you can send her off her head.

You may leave at once!

If you please.

I do please.

Ah, good morning. McFayden about yet?

- You alright? - They've gone away.

Oh, have they? I see.

Right now. Hold it there, that's lovely.

Now, I'll just get that-- Keep... get... get just a little closer.

Where are you, Duller? Oh yes, there. That's right, I've got it.

Now... now hold it still, hold it still. Just... I haven't got your feet in.

That's it, keep very still.

Where's the button? Oh yes...

All right now... Right. Hold it...

Ready? Hold it...

Ow! Gosh...

Sorry!

Do watch it, Talbot.

You hit it Duller, well done. Is it dead?

Jolly good show.

- There you are. - Oh, no thanks. Given them up.

Here, boy!

I can hardly believe it.

It's jam!

Oh you've got the net up, Duller. Well done.

- Oh that's very good. - Not easy, actually.

- I didn't think it was. - Now, who's going to be on whose side then?

Well you two start. No, go on.

- Are you sure? - Of course, yes.

Oh, very good. Thanks.

I haven't had much practice, Duller.

- Oh! - Oh!

- Oh, hard lines! - Sharp.

Come on, Talbot!

Oh, well done!

- Are you sure you don't want to play? - Not at all, carry on.

Jolly good show that.

- I haven't played for ages. - Me neither.

The weather doesn't seem to be holding up too good.

No.

I see there's a dance on, down in the village.

Does anyone feel like... ambling along to it?

Ham.

Ah... Thanks.

The little boy...

You know, the boy who brought the dog along?

Well er... he... he said there was a dance on down in the village.

Does anyone want to go... to it?

- What for? - Well...

Oh, you don't dance?

Yes, I do.

But I don't think I want to dance in a village hall.

There's plenty for me to do here.

- McFayden, old man. - Yes, Talbot?

Erm... McFayden...

This isn't...

I mean...

All this isn't some sort of a rag, is it?

I mean you're not taking me for a ride in some way?

- Is it a rag? - What are you talking about?

What I mean is, you weren't playing a jape on me this morning...

with theatricals and that kind of thing?

What on earth do you mean?

Nothing.

Look, won't someone have a walk with me, down to the village? Have a glass of beer?

We've got beer in the house.

But... just to get out of the house I mean. We're on holiday.

Look you men, I'm going to do some work.

- Oop! - And look where you're going!

You want your sister to go off her head.

So I said, I've got one suggestion to make to you, old boy.

And it is this:

Why not marry the two schemes together?

Talbot] Excuse me...

Main drainage and the disposal of effluvia...

Excuse me...

Sorry, erm... could I have a beer please?

- Mild or bitter? - A light ale, please.

I bet he's a Londoner.

Thank you.

Light for once. I bet he's a Londoner.

Have you been shopping?

Yes. The house used to smell of cough candy.

I can smell it now. A mixture of... treacle and firelighters

How disgusting.

How's your nephew, Ernest? Very nicely?

Oh, my nephew Mervyn? Oh yes...

Yes, he's doing handsomely. Very good lad.

I think I can safely say we're all expecting a great deal with him.

It must be ever so nice to be clever.

Excuse me.

Didn't I see you on the train from London?

- London? - Yes.

No.

It must have been your nephew then.

Emigrated.

- I'm sorry, it's my mistake. - Anyway, you were saying...

Is it possible to get a boat out around here?

- Boat? - Yes.

- To hire? - Yes that's it.

Ah, well now I wouldn't know exactly about that.

Err.. anybody know of a boat this young gentleman can get out?

No...

No, I'm afraid we don't go in much for boats here.

Especially as there's no lake.

Sorry I'm late Dorothy, I forgot me tie.

Been waiting long?

Look McFayden old man...

I don't know why you asked us here.

We didn't really know each other that well at Selwyn, did we?

I mean, Duller's certain we haven't met.

Now come on McFayden old bean, you were having a rag with me, weren't you?

Now come on, admit it.

You got some other chaps to dress up, now didn't you?

I mean I... I hardly think we were brought down here to shoot, now were we McFayden, eh?

You were just ragging with me, weren't you?

With a... puppet or some such?

♫ Jazz music, distant ♫

♫ Jazz music, becomes louder ♫

There's the Londsdale children, and Sophy Crickworth, and others.

There can be no exceptions.

- They're normal, you know that. - There can be no exceptions.

What sort of life is there for them, anyway?

Anywhere?!

I'll find somewhere. Look, give me time.

They will be given a tablet, there will be no sensation of pain.

Please!

Alright, alright.

Bill can take the Londsdale children away before the fire.

And the Crickworth girl.

We've no option.

Ideals we had fifteen years ago no longer matter.

With the insurance money we can start afresh, abroad.

Usefully, perhaps.

Frederick...

Time for the rounds.

Is Robert to come?

Is he?

Did you post my letter to him? Did you remember?

You didn't...

When will he come and... take me home?

You must try to be good, stop that crying.

But I am a good girl.

I only anger Robert when I'm sick. My head aches.

And I'm frightened.

Yes, well...

You must be good.

Please...

Could you let me have a little room of my own?

Then...

Then my headache would... go away.

Well now what's the matter?

Old Sally, won't hurt her.

She watches me.

Well, I...

I wish we could let you have a little room of your own, Sophy, but err...

I'm afraid it's not possible.

Too many patients.

It could be... very much worse, you know.

You must be good, that's all.

You wouldn't like to be put in the ward now, would you?

We shall do that if you're not good, you know!

If you don't stop that crying, I'll have you put in the box!

Put in the box! Put in the box!

Disorientated mumbles

I can't...

Can't do anything...

Can't change anything...

Can't help...

I can't help you!

I can't change anything!

I can't... I can't...

Something the matter?

No. It's nothing.

- It's nothing, really. - Oh.

Spirit, show me your...

face!

Moths!

No bloody ghosts!

And the damned tap doesn't even work!

Good morning, Duller.

Yes, hello.

- Talbot seems to be enjoying himself. - Yes, he does.

Good morning, Talbot.

You had a rough night then?

Not especially, thank you Duller.

Well, what are we all going to do, this bright fine morning?

I personally, am going to push off.

Oh come now, Duller.

McFayden, did you seriously imagine that anybody would be taken in by this charade?

I say, really!

I was invited...

by somebody I never knew particularly well...

to spend the weekend in a damp, crumbling old ruin, popping off at sparrows,

in the company of another maniac,

who I discovered this morning in the act of tearing the limbs off some poor unfortunate children's doll!

McFayden, your baronial hall isn't haunted,

it's too bloody uncomfortable!

I'll order a taxi.

I should be gone in half an hour.

I just had a bad dream, that's all.

Well, goodbye McFayden... thanks.

Goodbye, Duller. Give my regards to Goat Hicks.

Will do.

Well I don't suppose you'll be doing any more shooting, will you?

No, probably not.

Look here!

Well I expect we'll run into one another sometime--

Look here, Duller. I do think it's a bit thick.

- I think it's a bit thick, Duller. - Oh, leave it.

McFayden's quite agreeable.

Yes well he would be, charging off like this. I still think it's a rotten, poor show.

Jam!

By the by, I can run you all the way back...

- to your place. - Oh, thanks.

Yes.

You know when you said to me yesterday "had I been ragging you?"

What did you mean exactly?

- Oh, nothing. - Quite sure?

- Yes. - I mean, nothing happened?

Nothing happened to make you feel... odd?

Mmm?

Look, I haven't been very fair with you.

I can't blame Duller for getting browned off and going like that.

That fact is, Talbot...

my Father hasn't borrowed this place at all.

And I haven't got it for a day or two's shooting.

- It's mine. - Is it?

Yes, I'm afraid so.

I promise you, I'm as much a stranger to the place as you.

It only passed to me last month on my 25th and,

I've never been here to stay before.

The reason for asking if you felt... odd, was...

Well, the family always had a strange feeling about the place.

That was the reason for asking you two down for my first visit.

Yes, I suppose it was a bit of a cheek, really.

But Duller was perfect because of his thing about ghosts.

If there was one, he was sure to attract it.

- But.. why... - You're the ideal chap.

Down to earth, if you'll forgive me. Practical.

And a jolly bush cook.

The house hasn't been lived in since a cousin of Father's went a bit loopy there.

Some sort of horrible tragedy, actually.

You wouldn't like us to put you in the ward now, would you?

If you don't stop that crying, I'll you put in the box!

It's what they put you in when you get too excited.

Who are you?

What are you?

Dare you do this to me?

I'm not mad.

No.

No, you're not mad.

- I'm looking for Dr Borden. - He's busy.

If it's about a new admission, you'll have to come back.

- Come back next week. - Oh no, it's not a new patient.

It's one you have already.

Sophy Crickworth.

Miss Rennie.

Well...

- You know our rules about visitors. - Yes I do.

Everything I have is here. All my savings.

And the little gold bracelet my mother left me.

Let me take her away. I'll look after her.

Please, let me take her away.

What more can I give you? I have no more.

I'll have to tell Dr Borden about this.

If you'll wait here, please.

Frederick...

Miss Rennie's here.

- She says she'll take Sophy-- - It's all right, don't worry.

There'll be no fire.

No fire?

It'll be alright.

Back inside now. Come along... back inside.

What's all this nonsense, get back inside!

Get back to your room.

Get back to your room.

Get back to your room.

Get to the door if you can!

Frederick! Frederick!

Frederick!

Frederick!

What's the matter?

Just a little hot, that's all.

- You're a real moony, aren't you? - Be quiet!

You do take on, don't you. The slightest little thing.

I could be walking out with all sorts of people, instead of creepin' up here of an evening.

No!

Is it really true what Emily Jane said?

- What? - I work with her.

She says you're very broody because you put your sister in a madhouse.

You listen to me, you worthless little... worthless little drab!

You dare tell me what the village says?

That's not everything they say an' all.

- What else? - Shut up!

- What else? - Let me go!

Break it I will, I'll break it... What else!?

They say you're moony 'cause you... 'cause you fancied her!

No!

It's true!

- You... - No, please!

No, let me go!

There's a little boy in the lane, said all the loonies have got out of Borden's.

Go away. Please go away!

Some sort of horrible tragedy, actually.

I don't know much about it, except that she was a distant cousin called Sophy.

There was a trial and she was committed for life, but I don't think she lived long after that.

Oh, the family never speak of it.

Ahh...

- Very nice. - Thank you, Sir.

Yes...

Good heavens you know, McFayden, it...

- It's quite rich. - What?

Oh, you asking Duller and myself down here in that scratch way.

- Calling on the reserves and so forth. - Bit silly, wasn't it.

Especially as the old house was so dash quiet.

I just thought I'd like a couple of other chaps about, even the odd bird, Duller.

I see now it was quite absurd.

Mind you...

the house did seem a bit creepy at the start,

and I don't mind admitting...

I slept with the doors locked and all that lot.

I thought if there was something strange about the house it would surely show itself when--

Well, you know what I mean.

But there.

Seems a perfectly nice old house, with a tumbledown winter garden.

No, I shall be happy.

Proud to raise the flag there, and all that rot.

McFayden,

- That must have been her doll. - Hmm?

Your cousin, I found her doll.

- Oh, did you? - Yes, in a blue frock.

Oh yes, I think I saw it.

Didn't you throw it over the banister?

- She's taking me away. - What?

She's pulling me into Borden's.

She's pulling you into Borden's?

She loves me. Not you.

Talbot!

- What are you talking about? - Pardon me?

- Who does? - Who what?

You said : "She loves me".

Who does?

The doll?

Talbot!

I'm sorry.

I'm alright.

Look here, do you feel quite well?

- Yes, I'm alright. - Look here...

I tell you, I'm alright!

Don't be put out.

A cake?

No thanks.

- Then I'll drive you back to... - To Purley.

Righto then.

We'll just get our things, and then we'll be off.

Rain's got in!

It often happens when it buckets down like this.

We'll have to let it dry out.

- Tomorrow, then? - Yes.

I hate this house.

I'm going to do it.

Oh... No I'm not.

Bloody miserable, isn't it?

Oh don't do that, Talbot.

Duller should be at home by now.

Did I tell you the time I called in on him one winter, and he had the gas off and swathed in overcoats...

You don't play billiards, do you?

Well there isn't any chalk, anyhow.

Oh Talbot, don't do that!

The place is almost in darkness.

Well you never know who might be looking in.

Or out.

I'll give you a call, then?

You're mad... You're mad...

You're mad... You're mad...

You're mad... You're mad...

Talbot!

- It was only a dream. - Oh?

Well a good one I hope.

Just a dream, that's all. Just people from the pub.

- You sleep well? - Yes. As a matter of fact, I did.

Though I thought I heard you in the night.

Did you get up for a drink or something?

No. Didn't stir.

In fact, I feel in rather good form.

How is the old motor car?

Oh... That'll be alright.

- Tickety-boo. - Quite.

Shan't be a min.

I thought we'd stop for breakfast on the way.

Good.

What time is it, exactly?

Oh, it's just after nine.

And then I know some people nearer London who are rather jolly.

- I thought we could drop in on them on the way. - Fine.

- If you can bear it. Are they friends, or relations?

Well actually, the old boy is the trustee of this estate.

I'm duty-bound in a way to...

call in and say I'm going to live in the house, not sell it, you know?

- So we'll do that if you don't mind? - No, I don't mind.

I say, McFayden, when are you actually going to move in, with it all decorated and so on?

Oh, haven't really thought.

You'll have to shell out for decorations.

Yes...

Well do you remember John De Winter, was at King's?

Well, I thought of asking him down to take a squint at the place.

Paint a few walls pink.

- Oh, hang it. - What?

Hang it. I'm sorry, can you hold on a sec?

- Why, what is it? - I've left my razor behind.

All my toilet things in the bathroom. Shan't be a tick.

Can't leave the old valet auto strop behind.

There's a little boy in the lane, said all the loonies have got out of Borden's.

Robert... why did you?

Why did you?

No! No, leave me alone!

What do you want me for? Leave me alone!

I just want to get my razor.

Oh... Oh God!

If you don't stop that crying, I'll put in the box!

Would you like it in blood?

In the box!

In the box!

In the box!

I can hardly believe it. It's jam!

Oh no!

- No! - Sophy?

My head aches so much...

Not again...

Don't show me again.

There's nothing I can do.

You're horrible.

Talbot!

Talbot, I--

Talbot!

Talbot!

Where are you?

McFayden, old man. Anyone fancy a cup of tea?

Talbot!

Talbot!

Talbot!

Subtitles by Marc Morris © 2019 Nucleus Films Ltd.

Thanks to Rachel Knightley.