Original subtitles

[music playing]

[thunder]

Erskine, you're fired.

Why, Mr. Wood, what is wrong?

You.

What?

It was your idea we come out to this forsaken hole

over the weekend.

If I die of pneumonia, it will be a debt to society.

Mr. Wood, I try to be a competent secretary,

but I have absolutely no control over the elements.

How did I know it was going to rain?

See?

The paper says "Fair and warmer."

That's last week's paper.

You're still fired.

How much further do we go?

Won't be long now, Mr. Wood.

Well, it better not be.

[parking brake]

Is there something the matter?

I guess we're stuck.

You bet you're stuck!

What are you trying to do, kill me?

Oh no, it's not as bad as that.

We just skidded into a fallen tree.

Don't stand there.

Don't stand there like a trained seal, suggest something!

I know it, sir, but I never did work well underwater.

I know this part of the country intimately.

There are several houses nearby.

We can walk to one of them.

Swim, you mean.

I see a light down that way.

You couldn't see a light if you looked at a forest fire!

[thunder]

[music playing]

[thunder]

[music playing]

[knock at door]

[knock at door]

Mr. Ames.

Oh, uh, hello, Carroway.

I... I'm sorry, I didn't recognize

this as Dr. Kent's house.

Just a moment, Ames.

I don't know who this Dr. Kent is,

but I'm getting out of this storm,

even if he turns out to be the missing link.

Yeah.

Coming in, Mr. Ames?

Fine.

Ames.

Well, this is a surprise.

Good to see you.

Yes, I suppose it is a surprise.

Uh, we skidded off the road, hit a tree and became mired in mud,

and yours was the nearest house.

Oh, uh, pardon me, Dr. Kent.

This is Herman Wood, the famous theatrical producer.

You no doubt have heard of him, even if you haven't met him.

Delighted, Mr. Wood.

You're courageous to face the storms we have up here.

Courageous... insane, you mean.

How do you do, sir?

And, uh, this is Homer Erskine, his secretary.

How are you, Erskine?

All wet.

Heh.

I agree with you, for once.

Hello, Gloria.

Glad to see me?

More than you know.

A certain gentleman here doesn't take our engagement seriously.

Terry?

Hello, Ames.

How do you do?

Gloria, this is Mr. Wood, Mr. Erskine.

Miss Shaw and Mr. Terry Gray.

Oh, Mr. Wood, I've heard so much about you.

Heh, I was afraid of that.

How are you, young man?

Feel quite normal, thank you.

Nice of you all to drop in like this.

Your idea, wasn't it, Ames?

After all, you were invited.

That had nothing to do it, and I assure you I wouldn't

be here now if I could help it.

We were just driving to my place, where Mr. Wood was going

to hear me read my latest play.

Another play, Prescott?

My, you are prolific.

Well, play or no play, I ought to be in New York, in bed.

Well, I'm afraid you'll have to remain my guest for the night.

My chauffeur tells me the roads are completely out.

Oh, forgive me for keeping you in these wet things.

I'll have Carroway show you to some rooms immediately.

Then you'll join us for a cocktail

before dinner, for you're staying, of course.

Well, I like the cocktail part of the program.

Oh, Carroway.

Take Mr. Ames and his friends upstairs immediately.

Owing to the storm, they're going to stay for the evening.

Yes, sir.

This way, please.

Who are you?

Why, I'm... I... you... I'm beginning

to be uncertain of everything.

Why, this is Mr. Wood.

I'm Mr. Erskine, his secretary.

I pity you so much.

You're surrounded by tragedy and sorrow.

So, you are psychic, Beatrice.

Mr. Wood is the greatest producer of tragedies

and dramas in the country.

You mean he... was.

Hey, uh, Ames... about this play of yours.

Why, yes.

It's in my bag.

As long as we can't reach my place,

why not let me read it to you here?

[thunder]

I've just remembered an important appointment tomorrow

in the city.

I must return tonight.

Uh, isn't that's right?

Yes, absolutely.

He has to address the Travelers' Aid Society on the proper way

to fold a timetable.

My dear Mr. Wood, I would gladly assist you,

but until this storm abates, there's

no way of reaching the city.

Well, we may as well accept the situation, Mr. Wood.

We'll have a good dinner and then retire to Dr. Kent's study

for a nice, quite reading.

Perhaps it'll make you appreciate

my play all the more.

They say a full stomach breeds tolerance.

Well, something tells me I shall need it.

Ames, this is your room.

You've used it before.

This way, gentlemen, please.

This is your side.

Thanks.

And this is yours.

Just a moment.

Have that coat dried out. - Yes, sir.

Right away, sir.

Anything else, sir? - Yes.

Close the door when you go out.

Yes, sir.

[thunder]

[thunder]

Well, the ghost walks tonight or never.

You don't sound very hopeful.

To the contrary... not only hopeful, but brave.

I'm going to ask you to marry me and go to California, where

the sun always shines and the oranges fall from the trees

to your breakfast table.

Oh, that's a beautiful picture on a stormy night like this.

But with or without the oranges and sunshine,

you know I won't marry you, Terry.

Because I love someone else.

Terry!

Pardon me?

[thunder]

You're not a very easy man to discourage, are you?

You forget that Gloria here is engaged

to a mutual friend of ours.

I don't think that's any of your business.

Look here, Gray... I don't like your attitude.

In fact, I don't think I like anything about you.

So what?

Why must you two always act like gladiators?

Be sensible.

Tonight, of all nights, must not be time for any discord.

You know I've never given you cause to think

of me as more than a friend.

That depends on your viewpoint.

I might argue that statement.

I'd like to give you the thrashing you

deserve for those insinuations.

Please.

We'll discuss this later.

[woman's scream]

Erskine.

You... you hear that scream?

Yes.

It sounded like a grand opera star with acute indigestion.

Worse than that.

Sounded like something, I'm sure.

Oh, pure imagination.

If I allowed a noise like that to scare me,

your voice would have killed me long ago.

Look here... are you trying to insinuate I'm afraid?

I... I'm just nervous, that's all.

What... what kind of a madhouse is this, anyway?

Oh, don't be so excitable.

It's probably your liver acting up again.

Have you your pills?

Oh, my pills... Any of you folks hear a scream?

Yes, it frightened me too.

Yes, I can't understand where it came from.

Tell them where it came from, Ames.

You've heard it before.

Why scare your friends unnecessarily?

Perhaps you're right.

Any scream you may have heard probably

came from Beatrice's room.

She's Dr. Kent's patient and, uh, Mr. Gray's sister.

You met at the foot of the stairs.

She's just a little, uh, irrational at times.

Well, as far as I know, it's nothing to worry about.

Simply emotional outbursts.

Don't you just love a night like this?

This old house seems to belong in the rain and thunder.

I read a book once about an old, old house

and, oh, I don't know how many murders happened

on just such a night as this.

[gasp]

[clock chiming]

What's that?

Was that the clock?

Yes, I... I, I guess so.

I, I, I think so.

It must have been.

But it's a union clock.

What do you mean?

Well, it strikes any old time.

[clock chiming]

[thunder]

What's the matter with Beatrice?

[clock chiming]

Yes, John.

I am waiting... for you.

I am waiting.

[thunder]

That woman gives me goose pimples.

I've seen saner people than her in asylums.

I sorry this had to happen.

Beatrice's spells are unnerving to a stranger,

but after one gets to know her...

Know her?

If I never see her again, I'll be satisfied.

Now, if you'll be so kind as to find some method for me

to leave this house, I'll see that I take it.

Oh, Prescott, we couldn't let you do that with your friend.

I think your friend is unduly alarmed, Ames.

Oh, is that so?

Well, who asked you?

KENT: He has high blood pressure.

He should calm himself.

Oh.

Miss Beatrice's actions are nothing to fear.

She simply dwells in the unknown.

As her attending physician, I can speak freely.

The girl suffers from hallucinations and the shock

of a tragedy that occurred in this house two years ago

this night.

Mr. Ames remembers that night very distinctly, no doubt.

That's why he shuns my house.

Dr. Kent, I see no reason for making

my sister's grief public talk.

I'll bet the doctor's going to tell us

about some terrible operation.

That ought to be cheerful.

The unsolved murder of your sister's husband

must be public talk in this house.

Murder?

I have take notes on her actions since that night.

And each year, the flutter of that sound is heard

and she has acted as though he has returned to her.

That's all there is to it.

Erskine, we're leaving.

Dinner is served, sir.

No, we're not.

Ghost or no ghost, we're eating.

We're leaving.

You're disobeying my order.

No, I'm not.

You fired me an hour ago.

Gloria, Mr. Ames.

Mr. Wood, Mr. Erskine.

Hope you're all as hungry as I am.

Just give me an aspirin.

Just give me anything but a tomato surprise.

I've had shocks enough.

This is about as cheerful as an undertaker's

picnic in a cemetery.

You're right on time, John.

I was so afraid you might disappoint me.

Mr. Wood, I... I, I think you're right.

Uh, uh, we better leave... Now that John's here.

Yes, Erskine.

I'm not a cowardly man by nature,

but my nerves won't stand this any longer.

That woman is dangerous.

My friends, please.

I regret these unusual disturbances,

but I've experienced these same phenomena in my patient's

presence before.

There's nothing to fear from the dead.

I believe in spirits, but only a spirit.

Until they become nuisances.

There are no spirits.

Except these.

[thunder]

Jarvis, will you get my wrap?

Oh, yes, Miss Shaw.

Cold, my dear?

Oh!

Your hands are like ice.

Sorry.

Why, Prescott, you haven't eaten a thing.

No, uh... I'm not hungry.

Neither am I. Uh, mind if I smoke?

No, of course not.

I think men that smoke cigars are so virile looking.

Are you feeling that draft?

Why, it's freezing in here.

I wish my cousin was here.

She's had a temperature of 106 for two years.

We keep her in a cellar and she heats the whole house.

This is chilly.

Oh, Carroway... will you see where

that draft is coming from?

Yes, sir.

[thunder]

I can't locate the slightest draft, sir.

Although, it is perceptibly cold out.

Hey, uh, any noticeable drop in temperature

always occurs when Miss Beatrice communicates with the unknown.

Of course it's comfortable, but it won't last.

Couldn't we have the electric lights on in here?

It's more like a funeral than a dinner party.

It is a bit gloomy, but Beatrice insists

we always dine by candlelight.

Uh, truthfully, I'm sorry you gentlemen arrived tonight.

I... I rather anticipated some strange occurrence.

The storm wasn't so bad.

I should have insisted on your leaving.

That is, uh, with your exception, my dear Ames.

I should have insisted you stay.

Well, candidly, I wouldn't stay under any conditions,

except this storm.

Been three years since I've sat at this table...

Beatrice, please.

Your brother wishes you to restrain yourself.

My dear brother seems frightened.

As well he should be.

Just like all the rest of you are.

Please, Beatrice, there are guests here.

Frank, and Mr. Ames.

What do they mean to me?

You, Terry Gray.

You, Miss Gloria Shaw.

And you, my delightful friend, know what that bloodstain is.

You were at this table the night poor John fell forward

and stained the cloth with his own blood the night

he was murdered... by one of you.

Oh, that's a lie.

Open that door.

Get out the way or I'll call the police.

Oh, this is outrageous.

Open that door!

Unloosen that portal!

I'm sorry.

Miss Beatrice's orders are that no one leave.

Jarvis is only partially correct.

I gave that order. - What's the idea?

The idea, my friend, is to protect my patient's health.

Any interruption might cause the loss of her sanity.

You want the responsibility for that on your shoulders?

I think you're as crazy she is.

Uh, uh... don't, don't aggravate him.

They're all dangerous.

BEATRICE: Everyone will please sit down.

You can't frighten me into anything.

I don't know who killed your husband,

but I believe your brother can tell you.

I thought you'd try to insinuate something like that,

and I'm glad you did.

Now I can voice what I've suspicioned these past years.

You were jealous of John.

You wanted to marry Beatrice for her money.

You, a penniless hack playwright.

She preferred John and you killed him.

There's always been insanity in your family.

Wait.

He's right.

I too always thought you killed John.

You're unscrupulous enough to have done it.

That's enough of that kind of talk.

You aren't free from suspicion either.

As John's cousin, you inherited more money from his death

than I did.

How dare you say that?

I can't listen any longer.

In the name of humanity, allow Erskine and I

to get out of here before they kill each other.

I appreciate that we have outside witnesses

to what is going to happen.

There is a murderer in this room and we're going to find him.

John.

John, tell me the person who killed you.

Quickly.

Why don't you admit it?

Hurry, before it is too late.

You'll talk now or I'll break your neck!

GLORIA: The lights!

BEATRICE: John.

[woman's scream]

John. John.

[men fighting]

Speak to me, John.

[woman's scream]

PRESCOTT: Got him!

Hang onto his leg.

Why, where's Beatrice?

Why, I don't know.

Dr. Kent, I demand I be allowed to leave this room.

And I with you.

Remember my years of devotion to you.

Divided we arrived, but united we leave.

Of course.

I'd give anything in the world if this hadn't happened.

Jarvis, open that door.

Oh, Mr. Wood.

I'll see you later.

You'll not see me later!

Not for a month!

Not for 10 years!

I'm getting out of here!

And so ends the first act of my little play.

[laughter]

Oh, darling, it was wonderful.

Well, we certainly scared those two.

Yes, and Wood's famous for his temper.

Isn't it remarkable how they reacted

almost exactly as you had written them into your play?

[laughter]

Whew, I'm tired.

Only two more acts to go.

Well, you're as clever a troupe of actors as I've ever seen.

And I've got Gloria to thank for finding you.

Didn't I tell you they were super?

You don't think we frightened them too much, do you?

What is the difference?

It's a bloomin' horror play, ain't it?

Oh, Jarvis, go get Beatrice.

Yes.

Good ol' Beatrice, she certainly played her part well.

Yeah, but I was afraid she wouldn't scram

before the lights turned out.

Beatrice... are you hurt?

Beatrice, what's the matter?

Bea?

She's... she's dead.

My room?

No.

And whoever it belong to has a gun.

A gun?

No, no.

Let's go.

Oh, shut up.

This may come in handy.

A manuscript.

"The Ghost Walks" by Prescott Ames.

"As the group seat themselves as the table,

a vacant chair also moves out, as if an invisible person

was preparing to sit down.

All eyes are on the chair." "As the vacant chair

slides back to the table, Beatrice addresses

its invisible occupant.

"Beatrice speaks, 'You are right on time, John.'" Erskine,

we've been witnessing a dress rehearsal of Ames' horror play.

You mean all those scares were part of the play?

Certainly.

Read.

Here's the play.

Here, listen to this.

[thunder]

I'm afraid my play has been surpassed.

We have a real menace in this house.

But there was no one in the house but us,

and we were all in the dining room.

I know I was.

That's right, because I was struggling with you.

I was standing near the light switch.

And I was at the table, as you all know.

I was playing ghost.

I was all over the room.

But I didn't do it, I tell you.

I didn't do it.

Of course you didn't.

Now, don't lose your head.

Don't any of us.

"A death white face slowly appears in the dark,

ghostly white in pallor.

The face seems to float as it reaches the table.

Beatrice hysterically... 'John!' Lights out.

Everyone remains where standing, with exception

"of Beatrice, who disappears through a door in the kitchen."

So they thought they'd impress me with their phony theatrical,

eh?

Me, who staged the burning of Rome

while the gladiators were being gnawed to death in the animal

pits.

I wasn't scared a bit.

Neither was I.

No?

What were you doing under the table?

Well, uh... I was looking for you.

Ridiculous.

I hate cowards.

When we get back to town, remind me to fire you.

[thunder]

Let the play continue.

Now that the play is over, I'll have

to tell Wood what's happened.

Here he comes now.

Hah.

Still making merry, I see.

Well, we thought we'd come down again.

It's too quiet upstairs for us.

Yes, we're used to shrieks, sirens, and suicide.

Yeah.

WOOD: Why, what seems to be the trouble?

Has Miss Beatrice been found?

Yes, she has been found.

Dead.

Is that so?

No, I mean, I mean... it can't be.

It can't be.

It's impossible.

What are you talking about?

Mr. Wood, I'm trying to tell you that Beatrice is dead.

Beatrice is dead.

Tch, tch, tch.

I don't believe it.

Let's put this whole thing straight to you, Mr. Wood.

We're all actors hired by Ames here

to present his play to you.

That so?

Everything that's happened since you arrived

was part of the play.

Except for Beatrice's death.

Mr. Ames... am I to understand that I've

been witnessing part of the play you were to read to me?

Yes.

I thought it a good method of presenting it to you.

You see, this is really my house,

and the fallen tree on the road was all part

of my scheme to fool you.

The storm, of course, was an added break.

Well, if these chills and thrills have been theatricals,

where does the death of Beatrice fit in?

Surely, you... you don't destroy your characters.

Somebody evidently does.

We don't know any more about it than you do.

The police should be notified.

Now, wait a moment, everyone, please.

I know that this is even more confusing to Mr. Wood

than it is to us.

He still believes we're putting on a play.

So the only thing we can do is to show him Beatrice.

By all means, do.

Yes, death is no novelty to us.

No,

We stage it eight times a week, including matinees.

And benefits.

Now remember, no one is to touch the body

until the police arrive.

In there.

[thunder]

Well, where is she?

I don't know.

What could have happened?

Well, you ought to know.

You're the author.

Why, it's impossible.

I never heard of such a thing.

Where can she be?

Perhaps she just stepped out during intermission.

[chuckling]

Gentlemen, this is too serious for joking.

She was on that divan 10 minutes ago, dead.

You've got to believe us, for your own safety.

Oh boy.

And you think we're all in danger.

We most certainly are.

We've got to search this house and find

Beatrice and the person who...

[knock at door]

I wonder who that could be.

Well, we'll never find out until we answer.

I will.

We all will.

Who are you?

Who are you?

A guard from the Greystone Sanitarium.

Seen anything of an escaped patient around here?

What kind of a patient?

A quiet one, until disturbed.

At which time, he becomes slightly murderous.

Well, so help me if this ain't a night.

Oh, what's going to happen to us next?

Who are these people?

I didn't know anyone was living here until I saw the light.

What makes you think he came here?

Empty houses make good hideouts.

I never saw or heard of anyone living

here in the past two years.

Well, I've been living here about a month.

I think you've come to the right house at that.

Yes?

Has anything happened?

Uh-huh.

A murder and a disappearance.

What are you winking about?

Winking?

Why, my dear man, you're seeing things.

I simply state a murder has been committed.

Murder?

Ah.

So it's him all right, then.

Who is this man you're looking for?

At the sanitarium, we'd call him "Case 222."

I guess you'd call him a homicidal maniac.

A maniac?

And you think he's lose in this house?

Now, be perfectly calm.

If my patient is here and you scare him with hysterics,

he might tear you apart to see what caused the excitement.

That reminds me...

Uh, no.

Well, that's the usual procedure, isn't it?

Well, we forgot to, I suppose.

There's a telephone right here in the study.

Telephone?

[pressing phone lever]

Hello?

[pressing phone lever]

Hello?

Cut.

I suppose no one knows who did this?

Why should we?

You don't think it's fun to be isolated with a maniac.

If the play calls for it, yes.

Well, I don't know what the rest of you are going to do,

but I'm driving into town for the police.

Wait.

It isn't safe outside.

I'll walk with you to the garage.

Thanks.

I'll be right back.

So, those who want to go to bed are safe enough.

Besides, it's easier to die in bed.

Come on, Kent.

Let's turn in.

It's as safe up there as here, if we lock our bedroom doors.

[coughing]

What's the idea?

Why, you were choking terribly.

Well, can you do any better?

You know, I had a hunch that Beatrice should

never appear in a horror play.

Why?

Too highly strung and impressionable.

A fatalist.

She figured if you were paid to scare people,

the law of compensation would see to it

that you got scared yourself.

Utter nonsense.

How could anyone possibly foresee a maniac coming here

tonight and committing murder?

[GRAVELY] Murder, ha, ha, ha.

Shh.

Don't interrupt him.

The play's improving.

Not enough action for me.

Tell me, Ames... just how did you happen

to come to this house yourself?

Funny you should mention that.

I was just asking myself the same question.

Of course you saw that painting in the drawing

room of Geoffrey Gillis.

Sure, everybody knew him.

And his history?

Naturally.

Personally, I thought he was the worst butcher

who ever severed a tonsils.

Right.

And you remember how nine of his patients

mysteriously disappeared after he treated them?

TERRY: They were murdered.

And when the police came to arrest

him right here in this house, he committed suicide.

He lost his mind from the strain of his surgical work, I guess.

Get to the point, man.

I know all that record.

Now, you say this house was his.

How did you get it?

Why, that was easy.

I simply advertised for an old, isolated country home

and the real estate agent for the Gillis

estate answered and said he'd be glad to rent me this place.

It's been vacant ever since the doctor's death.

People were afraid to live in it because of the crimes

that were committed here.

Supposed to be haunted.

And the local people swear they've

seen the lights go on and off in this house,

even while it stood unoccupied.

Well, the rest of the story is short.

I wanted to write a play in the same atmosphere

as he had lived his ghoulish life, so here I am.

I'll bet he was sent back to haunt you for this.

Jarvis get away all right?

Yes.

There's no one around the grounds,

so I think I'll search upstairs.

I'll go up too.

I'm going to bed.

And I'm resigning from your cast.

You playwrights are all screwy.

I take it that this ends the second act.

Now, if you don't mind me saying so,

I think your play is rotten.

Well spoken, Erskine.

Forget about being fired.

Let's go to bed.

Yes, go to bed, Mr. Wood, and get some sleep.

You insist the play is still on, but we've tried to tell you

that it's ended in a tragedy.

Good night, sir.

Good night, Miss Gloria.

GLORIA: Good night.

Ames, good night.

Be sure and let us know if anyone else is murdered.

I can't convince those fools.

They insist we're still playing for their benefit.

Oh, I wish we were out of this dreadful house.

First it was Terry testing me, and now

this awful tragedy of tonight.

Don't worry, dear.

You look all worn out.

You get some sleep and I'll see that nothing disturbs you.

Oh, I'm too frightened to sleep.

Tell me the truth.

Who do you think could have killed Beatrice

and where do you think she could be?

Well, uh... personally, I believe it was just a burglar

who has long since disappeared.

Then why would he steal the body?

Oh, to cover up the crime, I suppose.

Now you go to bed, dear.

Oh!

Why, Gloria... what is it?

Huh, you poor kid.

Your nerves have completely gone.

[thunder]

Oh, it’s you.

I ought to pull the trigger.

Well, come on, snap out of it,

what is it?

Maybe we were wrong.

Maybe this isn’t a play we’re witnessing, after all.

Oh, rubbish. You saw the manuscript, didn’t you?

Yes, but I didn’t see anything in it

about the top of my bed coming down and

and smother me, just like a steak under onions.

Oh, nonsense. You’ve had too many cocktails.

Besides, I wouldn’t be lucky enough to

celebrate your demise by violence.

That's a fine way for you to treat me.

Me, who has been everything to you

but a mother.

I may be all wrong... I'm a nervous man by nature...

But if this play is still going on,

it's the closest thing to reality I

ever saw behind the footlight.

Oh, you're a sissy.

I tell you, this fellow Ames is clever.

He has reality in his play, and that's what the public wants.

Now let me alone.

And if you want to stay in the theatrical business,

stop letting it scare you.

Oh, I was kidding all the time.

That bed racket was only a dream I had, and you were in it too.

I was not.

I was reading.

Yes, I saw that.

You were reading a book on psychics.

You were worried about the future yourself.

Say, go home and go to bed, will you, please?

And if you want to think of the future,

remember I'm firing you.

Mr. Wood, I have a premonition that we

must stick together tonight.

You need protection.

You mean you do.

You're trying to muscle into my bed because you're frightened.

Go home.

Ah, my dear employer.

Play or no play, I have no relish for my own self.

Move over.

Say, this is all tommyrot.

You've got the mind of an oyster and the nerve of an acrobat.

As my secretary, I do allow you to share my office,

but that does not include my bed.

Hey, you were born in October weren't you?

Yes, during the National Apple Week.

Why?

It says here your type have the instincts of a bloodhound,

the heritage of a homing pigeon, the attributes of a ferret,

and the heart of a lion.

Yet you snuggle beneath my quilt, you cream puff,

because a make believe play is scaring you.

You're fired once and for all.

Will you please close my mouth if I'm snoring?

I have adenoids.

Adenoids too?

Hi ho.

[snoring]

Homing pigeon.

Ferret.

Lion.

I'm sleeping in a zoo.

[thunder]

[thunder]

[knock on door]

Terry!

I was worried about you, after you're all alone.

I'm... I'm all right.

Listen, Gloria... you know I love you.

Why do you always give me the cold shoulder?

I'm just not interested, Terry.

Why did you come here?

It makes it very embarrassing.

Oh, I know.

You're afraid your playwright sweetheart would be

jealous if he knew I was here.

Well, I... I wish he could see you now.

I just came in to say goodbye.

I'm walking out on this play.

But I got a curtain speech to make, and this is it.

Stop, Terry!

[scream]

PRESCOTT: Gloria!

Gloria!

Ah, you fool.

Now see what you've done?

I'll hide in that closet until he goes.

If you tell him I'm here, I'll say you invited me.

Understand?

PRESCOTT: Gloria!

My darling, why frightened you?

I... I saw a man.

PRESCOTT: Well, where was he?

GLORIA: He came in that door.

I screamed and... and he went away.

PRESCOTT: Oh, you poor kid.

What a narrow escape you had.

Wonder what that screaming was about.

There's a light in Gloria's room.

Let's see what's up.

You take it easy.

I'll find the guard and we'll search the house again.

What's happened?

We heard a scream.

Someone tried to break into Gloria's room.

What? Who?

I don't know.

Here comes the guard.

Seen anything?

Plenty.

Gloria was almost attacked by someone.

Fancy that.

Who do you think it was?

I don't know.

We'll wake up everybody and find out.

Good idea.

Let's try Terry first.

[knocking on door]

Oh, Terry?

Ah, not a sign of him.

Whose room is this? - Why, that's mine.

And there's Erskine's room, and that's Mr. Wood's.

Well, let's see what they know.

Empty.

Darn the luck.

I wonder if that maniac could have... try Wood's room

before my mind snaps too.

Eh?

Oh.

Hey, you two.

Get out of here.

My office hours are from 10:00 to 4:00.

Seen anything strange in here?

Yes.

Here's an exhibit that ought to be in a museum.

What are you doing in here?

I was sleeping.

Is the play on again?

No.

We're just having a role call.

Well, consider us absent.

Terry.

Terry, come out.

[scream]

Gloria!

What, again?

Ooh, let's go get scared.

I might as well be a fireman.

Gloria, what is it, dear?

It's Terry.

He was standing right in that closet and he disappeared.

Well, what was Terry doing in your closet?

He... he was hiding.

From who?

Why, uh...

Oh.

Pardon me.

Oh, please let me explain.

Uh, it isn't necessary.

I think I understand.

I'd sooner trust a lunatic than I would a woman.

Yes, they're more reliable.

Strange how anyone could disappear

from behind a nightgown.

You could from behind my cousin's.

She weighs 250.

[chuckling]

Are you winking at me again?

Say, uh... let's go down and get a drink.

This isn't a horror play.

It's a bedroom farce.

Don't think this situation is fair to me.

You people are of very little help.

That patient of mine has evaporated.

He thinks all I've got to do is to look for him.

Besides, I promised to be a fourth at bridge

tonight with some friends of mine.

Speaking of wasting time, Jarvis

should have been back from town with the police long ago.

Oh Carroway, will you and Kent go back upstairs, please?

Just to be near Gloria.

I couldn't stand seeing her myself just now,

but I don't want to expose her to unnecessary danger.

I understand.

We'll be glad to help.

I'd just as soon go up again, anyway.

I'm dead.

Please, don't use that word.

I don't like that fellow Carroway.

Oh, forget it.

He's just a seedy butler.

Well, I feel duty bound to see this night through.

I live here and all that.

But I'm beginning to reach the breaking point.

The situation is getting out of hand.

It seems to me you're about as useless

a guard as I've ever seen.

Well, I worked in two penitentiaries

and three asylums and never had any complaints.

Best actor in the bunch.

Well, boys, I'm going to retire for now, for the second time.

Ames, go on with your rehearsal.

But don't disturb me for the finale.

And again I say goodnight.

Uh, please continue.

I never walk out on anything that doesn't cost me something.

What does he mean?

Oh, these fools think we're putting

on a play for their benefit.

I'm hungry.

I could destroy a few vitamins myself.

Well, you'll find some food in the kitchen.

I'll be waiting for you here.

[rain falling]

[thunder]

[thunder]

Hello?

What are you doing down here?

Why, I... I just came down to get some cigarettes.

But you shouldn't have left Gloria upstairs alone.

Well, I'm not her guardian.

If you're so anxious about her, why don't you go upstairs

and play watchman yourself?

That's just what we're both going to do.

Oh, the scene shifts.

So do I.

[knock on door]

PRESCOTT: Gloria?

[knock on door]

Gloria?

Gloria!

I smell chloroform.

This is all your fault!

I told you not to leave her alone.

We'll arouse everyone.

Oh Kent! Oh Mr. Wood!

He’s probably in his room.

I shouldn’t cue you, but here comes Kent now.

Oh Kent!

Yeah?

Gloria’s disappeared!

Huh?

Say, have you been out in the rain?

No, why?

Well whoever stole Gloria took her out of the window

and into the rain.

Funny that you should be out of your room and then

appear all wet.

I don’t like your insinuations, Mr. Ames.

If you must know, I couldn’t sleep,

I was going to take a bath in the tub,

turned on the shower by mistake.

That’s what I would call a watertight alibi.

Maybe Mr. Wood knows something.

[knock on door]

Mr. Wood!

I'd have more privacy in a convention hall.

Come in!

Mr. Wood, some gentlemen to see you.

Have you seen Gloria?

She doesn't seem to be here.

Why?

Gloria has been kidnapped.

Goodie, goodie.

I say!

That's beastly rude of you.

They accused me, but I think Terry's the guilty one.

He's gone too.

They've got to search the whole place over again.

Get up and see the fun.

It's better than looking for a good candidate

before an election.

Not me.

I'm staying right here.

And if they don't stop this foolplay and get out of here,

I'll rid the world of the entire cast.

All right, stay here.

I hope you're the next victim.

Mr. Wood, could I have a word with you?

If you try to get in this bed again,

I'll shoot you, so help me.

I only want to say that you're right, as usual.

The play is still going on.

Of course I'm right.

I know the theater like Barnum knew his elephants.

And I'm not cross with you, Erskine.

In fact, I'm going to raise your salary.

Uh, thanks.

People don't disappear every five minutes in real life.

Unfortunately, some don't.

I'd like to get some sleep.

But the play...

Earn some of money that I pay you by watching it for me.

Right, but you fired me.

Not till we get back to town.

Now shut up and get out.

But...

Guard!

Guard!

Huh?

What do you want?

Fine help you are.

Gloria's been stolen and you're standing

around here eating chicken.

Well, one must eat occasionally.

What makes you think the lady was stolen?

Rather an antiquated way to acquire a woman, isn't it?

Oh, shut up.

Her window was open.

She must have been taken out of the house.

I'm going to search the grounds. - I'm with you, Ames.

You, come here.

Where's your friend?

If you mean my honored employer, he's upstairs in bed.

I think I'll go up and look him over.

There's something queer about you both.

He winks at you and you wink at me.

Ha!

And I don't like it.

We'll make a careful search of the grounds.

You go that way and I'll go this.

We'll start at the house and I'll meet you in front.

Right.

[thunder]

Who's there?

GUARD: Only me.

Oh!

My old friend from the insane asylum.

Come on in and sit down.

Make yourself at home.

Everybody else has.

Hey, look here, old man.

Pal to pal, you're not really an asylum guard, are you?

No.

How did you guess?

Ah, you can't fool an old-timer.

You know, you're wasting your talents here.

You're too good for this stuff.

The whole world knows that.

I said good, not perfect.

Like that play.

You know, I've been thinking that over.

It mighty darn gripping.

I think it's pathetically bad.

I'll have no part in it.

Are you under contract to Ames?

Me.

I should say not.

But I'm ready for a presentation now

that will astound the world.

I believe you are.

I'll bet you'd be a sensation in a good part.

And I'm going to give it to you.

Herman Wood, the man who has given more stars to Broadway

than Edison has electric lights, will star you

personally in an extravaganza.

Splendid, splendid.

Oh, uh... are you busy, uh, Thursday?

Let me see.

No, I have nothing planned.

Good.

Come to my office next Thursday and we'll sign a contract.

Splendid.

But you should see me work first.

But what are you doing now?

Wasting time talking to you.

Come with me and I will show you real dramatics.

Are you kidding?

I never joke.

I will show you drama... Dark, graphic drama

with a madcap touch of comedy.

By golly, I'm with you.

Just wait till I get my slippers.

Don't forget... Thursday.

Come.

I'd feel a lot safer if I had my gun.

Where is it?

Home.

That's OK with me.

Let's go over to your house and hang around.

Soon be daylight.

Thank heavens.

Kent.

Anything new?

We've made a complete search of the grounds and found nothing.

Well, how much longer is this going on?

I'm getting tired of sitting around

here and waiting for something that doesn't happen.

That... head!

What's the matter?

[stammering]

Under the picture.

It arrived!

It winked!

What's the matter with him?

He must be balmy.

[knock on door]

Jarvis!

What happened to you?

Remember when I left the house to get the car and the cops?

Yes?

Well, that nuthouse guard leaves me at the garage.

Then just as I'm getting into the car, somebody slugged me.

What are they planning?

What was the idea?

Well, someone didn't want him to get away.

And that someone is probably the escaped nut

that we're looking for.

How many of you are searching for him?

There's already been a guard here tonight.

Well, there's approximately half a dozen of us.

But McLeavy and I will find him.

Yeah, this guy disappears every so often,

but we always spot him in this neighborhood.

I see.

Well, after you were hit on the head,

why didn't you come back to the house?

I figured getting the police was the brightest move to make.

I'd been knocked out and tied in the garage,

but I broke the ropes.

Then I tried to start the car.

Found out someone had gummed up the motor.

Well, I began to hoof it into the village

when these guards from the sanitarium picked me up,

and here we are.

Has anything happened since I left?

Yes, Gloria's been kidnapped and Terry's disappeared.

And now that Erskine person's gone violent.

Oh yeah?

Well, I'll handle that.

Help!

Help!

Help!

Mr. Wood is gone!

What?

Gone?

I said he's gone!

And so is the guard!

It's that picture that's doing it.

Well, what's the matter with it?

His eyes moved.

He stared at me.

Why, it's as solid as the wall.

You're daffy.

Those eyes never stared out at nothing but a paint pot.

I say, someone looked out of that painting.

OK, brother.

We'll soon find out who's nuts around here.

Hey, he's right.

These eyes are phony.

ERSKINE: What'd I tell you?

Now who's daffy?

Hey, there's a pocket way back of this.

Look!

It's moving!

That's how Beatrice disappeared from this room.

Well, I'm going to find out where it leads to.

- I'll go with you. - Be careful.

It looks dangerous.

My friends, since your entrance into this house,

I have worked towards bringing you into this laboratory.

Years ago, a famous surgeon lived,

worked, and studied here.

His name was Geoffrey Gillis.

He is dead now, but I, Professor Liam Twitterly,

will carry on and improve his work.

Hey, I don't like these underground places.

Well, you may as well get used to it.

You may spend a lot of time in one.

Why, the whole house must be honeycombed with passages.

They lead all directions.

I am the greatest genius you have ever seen!

I have mastered my work.

Work that has produced power almost divine.

[cackling]

I have become more than the greatest

plastic surgeon in the world.

I am the molder of mankind.

I have reached a great decision.

That is why I've allowed you all to trespass upon the seclusion

that I have enjoyed in a supposedly deserted house.

I discovered this old house of Dr.

Gillis' on one of my many escapes from the sanitarium.

It is adamantly fitted for my work.

All I needed was patience.

And now I have you... healthy people

who can withstand the rigors of certain moral operations.

Wait.

This looks like a door.

See where that leads to.

This patient you're looking for... is he violent?

Sometimes.

He almost killed a guard tonight when he stole his uniform.

Oh, and he winked at me.

Leads into an open room with a swinging bookcase.

Then Gloria did see something in that study.

We've got to find her before anything happens to her.

It seems to me this is the fluid I used to paralyze

the mice with yesterday.

I think I meant to use it on your friend Beatrice.

Somehow, I became somewhat confused,

so now the poor girl is dead.

Forgive my stupidity.

I will be more careful to see that you don't suffer

the accidental death she did.

I have brought back the spark of life!

I am colossal!

Oh.

Oh, my head aches.

Take those smelling salts away.

You're choking me.

TWITTERLY: I'm awfully embarrassed.

I thought I'd killed you, but I only gave you a headache.

I ask your indulgence in looking at this chart.

You will notice the various noses, eyes, and chins.

You all have a ideal, a face you envy.

You can your choice of alter egos.

You understand, my operations run in series.

You may look as you wish now.

Ultimately, I will slowly change you to fit my model.

Young lady, you shall have the honor

of being the first on my table.

I shall require very little from any of you.

Just enough to begin my work.

A feature from you, a bone from him, and the cartilage

from that one.

[cackling]

It's the guard.

It's Professor Twitterly, the guy we're looking for.

Then he's the nut.

Well, he's dangerous. Let's get him.

Wait a minute.

Better not get him excited.

I know how to handle him.

Hello, professor.

Why, Mr. McLeavy, what are you doing here?

Can't you see I'm busy?

Sure, but you've gotta come home with us.

It's important.

Oh?

Is there anything wrong?

Why, don't you remember?

You operated on your old friend Julius Caesar a couple of days

ago.

Did I now?

Funny, I forgot.

How'd it turn out?

Not so good.

That's why we have to hurry back.

You see, he got tired of his Roman nose,

so you grafted on a new one.

But you put it on upside down, and on rainy nights like this,

the poor follow can't go out for fear of drowning.

My, my.

We'll return at once.

Poor Caesar must be miserable.

Oh, Prescott, take me out of here.

I never want to see another horror play.

Well, don't worry.

I'll never write another one.

Yes, you will.

What?

Absolutely.

But you've got to rewrite it.

Just like this night and the experiences we've got through.

Even with the murder of Beatrice?

Yes, I'm afraid Beatrice will have to die all over again.

So the ghost walks after all.

Congratulations.

Congratulations, you all.

You're all right too, Carroway.

Thank you, Mr. Wood.

Now what's the matter with you?

I was just thinking how terrible it would have

been had the professor really operated on us

and changed us all.

You might have gotten my adenoids.

And I would have gotten your false teeth.

Erskine, turn your face to the setting sun.

Oh!

What's the idea?

Don't forget... you're fired.

Oh, Mr. Wood.

Home!

[music playing]