Original subtitles

(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)

I can't believe it's going to happen.

Just two more hours, and they're going to kill him.

You know, the way you take on,

one would think it was you they're going to hang.

I'd rather, do you hear?

I'd much rather.

He could still get the reprieve, couldn't he, Mr. Cotton?

He will get it. I'm praying he will.

Oh, he's so young.

They don't ask a murderer his age, Cookie.

Mr. Geoffrey didn't murder his brother,

and you know it as well as I do.

It ain't my business to know.

That's what we've got judges for. They're experts.

What would he do a thing like that for?

Why, he and his brother was pals like you never saw.

The Radcliffes are no murderers.

Blimey, you may be a good butler,

but it's a dead cert you ain't no psychologist.

What do you know what goes on inside a man's mind?

Outside he may look like a gentleman,

but inside, he may have the hankering for murder.

No. It's no good talking to a man with an apology for a brain.

I wish it was over.

I've been worrying so long

whether that reprieve would go through or not, that...

You're all worried out, eh, Cotton?

Oh, shut your lip.

It's hard on all of us, Mr. Cotton, but what about poor Miss Manson?

Instead of him leading her to the altar, they're leading him to the gallows.

And Mr. Cobb, he ain't too happy neither.

Morning tea, Miss Manson.

Morning? So soon?

Helen, you can't go on like this, you know,

without sleep or anything.

You're not being fair to yourself or to Geoffrey.

Now, please have something. At least a cup of tea.

Oh, Richard, they must have news by now.

Surely the reprieve has come through.

Well, they'd be sure to phone as soon as there's word.

Dr. Griffin is asking for you, Miss Manson.

- Have you any news? - None.

Mr. Cobb, isn't there some ray of hope left for him?

There must be hope. There has to be.

I don't see what more we can do.

I've talked to dozens of influential people in London,

old friends of whom I've never asked a favor before.

The Home Secretary, it seems impossible

that he shouldn't at least grant a postponement.

Richard, please try.

(DIALING)

(WHISPERING) Helen, if it's "no," be brave.

You know what has to be done.

RICHARD: Yes, very well. I'll hold on.

You know, Helen, I'd give my right arm if it would help you.

I feel my position very keenly, not only as Geoffrey's cousin,

- but as your friend... - (PHONE LINE BEEPS)

Hello? Oh, yes, may I speak to Philip, please?

Mr. Richard Cobb.

Yes, it's most urgent. A matter of life and death.

Oh, I see.

Thank you.

It's no use. He's away in Scotland.

It's impossible to reach him.

Thank you for permitting this last visit, Governor.

I wish I could do more. It was his last request.

Take Dr. Griffin to the cell.

Sorry, but I can allow you just 10 minutes, Doctor.

Gin.

(LOCK CLINKING)

Governor's permit.

Huh?

Come in, sir.

(TICKING)

He's gone!

Who's gone? What do you mean?

The prisoner! Radcliffe!

- What are you talking about? - (ALL MURMURING)

I never took me eyes off him, sir, not for half a second.

Then will you kindly explain how he can have gone?

- I wish I knew, sir. - He just took wing and flew, did he?

You're under arrest, both of you. Sound the alarm.

Come along.

(PHONE RINGING)

Sampson speaking.

An escape, eh?

(SNAPS FINGERS)

Yes.

Uh-huh.

I see.

Dr. Frank Griffin?

See if we have any file on a Dr. Frank Griffin.

Uh-huh.

All right, I'll be along as soon as possible.

Griffin?

Well, here's how it was, sir.

There wasn't no way he could have gone.

When Griffin was talking to him on the bed here,

I was over here playing cards with Bob. Wasn't I, Bob?

And when this Dr. Griffin went,

the prisoner started talking to me after a bit

about what a rotten day it was.

You know, the way they do to keep their spirits up a bit.

That's right.

And then he went back over here,

stepped in here, turned on the water like that.

He washed his hands. He took a towel like that,

and he walked over here, still chatting about the weather,

just as offhand as you please.

Then he stopped talking, and after a jiffy we go in.

And here's the water still running.

And there's nothing left

but his clothes laying there on the floor, sir.

That's just the way it was. So help me, Bob.

- Wasn't it, Bob? - Just as sure as I stand here, sir.

It's witchcraft. That's what it is, sir.

Don't talk rot, man.

The funny thing is I believe it, word for word.

But he couldn't have vanished into thin air.

(CHUCKLES) Couldn't he though?

(LEAVES RUSTLING)

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)

(KNOCKING AT DOOR)

Where have you been? I've been trying to get you on the phone all morning.

I'm sorry, Mr. Cobb. I gave orders not to be disturbed.

You might have made an exception in my case.

I didn't expect you. I'm doing some extremely delicate work.

What work can be as important as all that? Haven't you heard the news?

Geoffrey's escaped, noose practically around his neck.

Yes, it's incredible, isn't it?

Well, that's an extraordinary attitude to take, I must say.

But what can I do?

Do? You must find him and help him. And Helen.

Helen, with Geoffrey?

Isn't that natural for a fiancée?

She went out this morning and hasn't come back yet.

He's escaped, she's disappeared.

Man alive, doesn't it mean anything to you?

They're in danger.

They're hunting him, and she's with him.

They'll shoot him on sight.

On sight?

Knowing your friendship for Helen and Geoffrey,

it's safe to assume that you wouldn't be working here as calmly as you are

unless you knew where they were.

I don't think that you have any reason for that assumption.

You're evading my question.

It's obvious you know where they are.

Put that stuff down!

Mr. Cobb, please don't think me rude,

but I have an enormous amount of work to do.

Now look here, Dr. Griffin.

I've supported this laboratory

in the tradition of my cousins and their humanitarian ideas.

I must ask you to give me the same consideration

as you would give to them.

Gladly.

Very well then.

If they're together, if Helen is with him, they have no money,

you must tell me how I can help them. It's criminal not to.

I'm sorry.

Very well.

MAN: Sir Geoffrey's a right smart lad. He'll get through.

And if he needs any help, he knows where to come for it.

- Aye. - Come on, you men.

Look alive, dear. Look alive.

Can't have work interrupted.

Haven't you heard? Sir Geoffrey has escaped.

They do say it's a mystery.

Seemingly when a chap puts one over on the law,

it's always a mystery.

The mystery would be if they catched him.

- (ALL LAUGHING) - That's no business of yours!

Perhaps it hasn't occurred to you,

the company doesn't pay you to stand here swapping mystery stories.

Keep thee wig on, Willie.

Mr. Spears to you. I'll thank you to show proper respect.

Go on now. Get down that shaft if you want to keep off the dole.

- All right, Mr. Willie Spears. - (WORKERS LAUGHING)

WILLIE: Get back to work, I tell thee! Get out of my way!

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

What can I do for you?

Where can I find Dr. Griffin?

- Who might you be? - Scotland Yard.

Oh, yes, sir.

I reckon you'll find him in the hospital building, sir,

in his laboratory right over there.

Thank you.

A couple of cops.

A lot they'll find out.

Aye, they're up to something.

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

The gentleman wishes to see you, sir.

- Dr. Griffin? - Yes.

I'm Sampson, Scotland Yard. May I come in?

What can I do for you, Inspector?

What can you do for me, Doctor?

Very little, I'm afraid.

You and Radcliffe were great friends, weren't you, Doctor?

We still are, I'm happy to say.

Yes, Doctor. Quite so.

The research on which you and he were collaborating

was interrupted by the unfortunate

accident to Sir Michael, shall we say?

And to carry on such important work,

a man like you wouldn't hesitate

to break the law, would you?

Suppose you come to the point, Inspector.

I've been looking up the file on your late brother.

That was nine years ago, wasn't it?

Charming fellow

and very ingenious.

He concocted a formula which included a poisonous drug called duocaine,

an extraction of an East Indian herb

that took the color out of things.

Combined with other ingredients known only to himself,

it made the body transparent

when injected into the bloodstream.

Very ingenious.

He succeeded, didn't he, in making himself invisible?

Really, Inspector, you don't have to go through all that.

I can remember it very well.

Yes, it isn't a thing a mere nine years can make you forget, is it?

You recall, of course, how he went insane

and never regained visibility till after he was dead,

and how he was finally killed by the police.

Shot down like a mad dog after hundreds had lost their lives.

A most hideous crime.

But, of course, Doctor, you would never make a man invisible

with the danger of him going mad,

unless you had a means of bringing him back in time.

Surely, in all those nine years,

you've found a method of avoiding insanity,

or perhaps even restoring visibility.

I was never interested in my brother's activities.

Oh, I'm sorry, Doctor. I had hoped that you might cooperate.

You must realize that if the monster murders,

the scientist hangs.

Have a cigar?

No, thanks. I don't smoke.

Try it.

In smoke or rain, he becomes visible.

Cover this place.

I'll send some men out.

(ENGINE STARTS)

I tell you, miss, you're the first visitor to this cottage

in nigh on a year.

Excepting Dr. Griffin, coming to look at my gouty old foot.

(CHUCKLES) When do you expect the patient?

He'll be here very soon, Ben.

There's nowt I won't be glad to do for a patient of Dr. Griffin.

Aye, and I'll be glad to have a body to talk to.

He's had a very serious accident, Ben.

He needs rest and no unnecessary conversation.

Depend on me, miss.

Old Ben never talks except when it's wanted.

And I think he'd rather that no one knew he was here.

(BARKING)

That's old Towser. I wonder what's come over him.

Getting old and talkative, seems like.

(DOG CONTINUES BARKING)

(DOG WHIMPERING)

What's the matter, you old fool?

Be quiet now.

(DOG CONTINUES WHIMPERING)

Helen. Darling.

Come inside quickly, darling.

(DOG HOWLING)

Will you stop?

It's not Buckingham Palace, darling.

You're wrong. It is.

But at least it's comfortable and safe.

How does it feel to have a phantom fiancé?

You're the best phantom I happen to know. I can touch you.

Oh, you poor boy. I don't know what to say.

(CHUCKLES) I'm lucky. I can see you.

After all, I'm not much to look at anyway. Even when I...

Even when this...

It doesn't make any difference, dear. We're together.

Soon it'll be as it always was.

All this is just a dream.

Now come. Sit down and rest.

(COUCH SQUEAKS)

I'll get some tea. You must be famished.

Oh, no. Thanks just the same, darling,

but I don't want anything to eat.

Just sit down and talk to me.

(DOG HOWLING)

It's all right.

You must have thought I'd never get here.

It was kind of awful waiting,

wondering if something had happened to you.

I couldn't find the spot where Frank had hidden the bag with the clothes.

You can't imagine how cold I was until I found them.

You know, I'm beginning to understand

why ghosts moan so in this sort of weather.

You haven't changed a bit.

That's a slight exaggeration.

But if the worst comes to the worst,

I can always get a job haunting a house.

There's not going to be any "worst."

Frank won't let us down.

He's working day and night on the antidote.

(DOG HOWLING)

Stop that infernal row!

No, no.

I'm sorry, darling. It's just that...

All these months, I've thought about this day,

mentally adjusting myself,

certain that I'd be able to accept the change quite casually.

Now that it's happened, now that it's become a reality,

I don't know.

(DOG HOWLING)

I can't stand it any longer, Helen!

He'll rouse the whole neighborhood. Stop him!

Darling, you know there's no one around here for miles.

(DOG BARKING LOUDLY)

Ben. I say, Ben, can't you take that dog away?

Tie him somewhere where we can't hear him.

Oh, don't pay no heed on him, miss.

Hey, you gert blunderhead.

(DOG CONTINUES BARKING WILDLY)

I can't say I blame you.

(WHIMPERING)

I'd better be on my way again. Where?

Darling, I can't just sit around here with Michael's murderer at large.

Geoff, I understand, but you've got to take it easy for a few days.

You've been under such an awful strain.

I've almost forgotten how to relax.

I suppose I'll get used to this.

You won't have to, Geoff.

Frank's sure he'll have the antidote within a few days.

Yes. Yes, of course.

Helen...

- Promise me something. - Yes?

Frank gave me his word

that if my mind should begin to go

before he found a way back for me,

he'd prevent me doing any harm.

Chain me if necessary.

Help him keep his promise.

I don't know, darling. I feel...

You know, I feel...

I feel...

(BREATHING)

(SQUEAKING)

(GUINEA PIGS SQUEAKING)

(SQUEAKING)

(SQUEAKING CONTINUOUSLY)

(SQUEAKING)

(INVISIBLE GUINEA PIG WHIMPERING)

(GUINEA PIG SCRATCHING)

(WHIMPERING AND SCRATCHING CONTINUES)

(SCRATCHING CEASES)

(SCRATCHING RESUMES)

(SCRATCHING CEASES)

(SQUEAKING)

(GUINEA PIG SQUEAKING LOUDLY)

(SCRATCHING)

(SQUEAKING RAPIDLY)

(SQUEAKING CEASES)

(DOG BARKING)

(WHIMPERING AND BARKING)

(DOG CONTINUES BARKING)

Hello there!

(CUPS RATTLING)

(GASPING)

Jumpin' Jehoshaphat!

(CUPS RATTLING)

What do you want?

I was wondering whether a bite to eat wouldn't be welcome, sir?

Thank you.

(SHUDDERING)

Helen, don't look at me like that!

It was just waking up...

- And hearing Ben's voice. - And then seeing me.

- Oh, Geoff, nothing's changed. - Oh, I should have let them hang me!

Darling, darling, you mustn't say that!

Who was ever faced with a choice like that?

To be hanged by the neck until I was dead,

or to take life on the terms of this fantastic: drug.

Invisibility at the price of almost certain madness!

- Today, tomorrow... - Darling, you must be patient.

It was fear! Nothing but fear that decided me.

Oh, Helen,

my life isn't so valuable that I should endanger yours and Frank's.

Oh, I am sorry, darling.

I didn't mean to upset you.

I'm a worm to treat you like this after all you've been through.

Here.

Now, we'll... We'll wipe away those tears.

I'll try and act like a normal person.

- (DOG BARKS) MAN: Ben?

(DOG WHIMPERING)

Hello there!

TEWKSBURY: Ben!

Hey, Ben, isn't this your dog?

Aye! Daft old fool, I had to put him out!

Put him out? What for?

Listen. Shut up! Keeping the whole place awake.

You have visitors, eh?

(STUTTERS) Visitors? What would I be doing with visitors?

Nobody visits poor old Ben.

Then who were the dog keeping awake?

(EXCLAIMS) The neighbors.

(CHUCKLES) Are you soft, man?

Why, there isn't a neighbor closer than Higginbottoms.

More than a couple of miles from here.

(BARKING)

Look at him barking and barking like a mucky old fool!

(BARKING LOUDLY)

Who's inside?

Isn't nobody here and nobody hasn't been here.

Who's in the upstairs room then?

Neither nobody nor nothing!

Here, be off, you. I don't want any nosy coppers around my house.

All right, Ben.

Hey, I pay my rates regular.

Here, here, you can't go in there!

- (FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING) - (BEN AND TEWKSBURY CHATTERING)

- What are we gonna do? - Don't be afraid, darling.

I can leave any moment I like.

- It's my house! - What's the matter with you?

Come along now.

I doesn't need you to search the whole house.

I wants to search that room upstairs.

I want a warrant before you can search my house.

And I don't need no warrant for that. Get out of my way!

BEN: I want a warrant from you!

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)

(GASPS)

I couldn't stop him. It isn't my fault.

"Neither nothing nor nobody," eh?

What's going on in here?

GEOFFREY: You know that you're intruding in a private house?

- Yes, sir, but... - Then leave quickly,

or you'll find yourself in trouble!

Come on, you silly old fool!

I'd better go now, darling. You'll have to be brave.

- I'm trying to. - Better turn around.

This may not be very pleasant.

Sorry.

You mucky old fool! You doesn't know what you're doing!

- Oh, I doesn't, eh? - (BELL WINDING)

Geoff, where shall I see you?

Where will you go?

I'll meet you at the manor after I've seen Frank.

- Take care of yourself, darling. - I will.

It's bright and warm outside, thank goodness.

I'll be all right.

Helen! Helen, darling!

His face is all wrapped up like,

and he won't give me his name.

Will I arrest him?

We found him. He's at the gamekeeper's house. A chap named Jenkins.

Don't do anything foolish.

And understand he must not get away. And listen carefully now,

under no circumstances allow him to take off his clothes.

Take off his clothes?

He won't do that, sir.

There's a lady with him.

Do as I tell you!

I'll be over right away.

"Don't let him take off his clothes." Is he daft?

- Take off his clothes. - Hey, you can't go upstairs!

TEWKSBURY: It's no good, Ben. I have me duty to do. BEN: Get out of my house!

- Assaulting the law, are you? BEN: What do you know about assaulting...

TEWKSBURY: You have no business... - Here, come here.

- (FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING) - (INDISTINCT CHATTER)

What are you doing?

- It's none of your problems. Come here. - You have no business...

Let me alone!

It's the law! And I have to uphold it!

BEN: That's what I call bodily assault!

He took off his clothes!

No wonder she fainted.

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)

So you just let the lady walk out and ride away, eh?

I had nothing to hold Miss Manson on, sir.

I had no instructions about her.

And her looking so ill, sir.

Tewksbury, you're a credit to the force.

You used brains.

Watch her, but don't scare her too much. That's our game.

We can't expect to catch the quarry if we shut up the bait.

Aye, sir. Thank you, sir.

MAN: Here we are, sir.

Here. You can check with the prison records.

SAMPSON: They match. - Yes?

Well, that clears up any doubt as to his identity, anyway.

RICHARD: Helen.

Helen!

Thank goodness that you're safe and sound.

I've lain awake all night worrying about you.

I'm sorry, Richard.

I should have thought.

You're so pale and exhausted.

You must consider yourself, Helen.

Where have you been?

- I'm quite all right. - Helen...

You don't know what it means to me just to see you.

When you're away, I...

You look tired. Go upstairs and rest.

I'll see you later in the study.

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

Who is it?

Who is it?

- Well? - I don't know.

I was sure I heard a knock too.

(PHONE RINGING)

Hello, Radcliffe Accident Home.

No, I'm sorry. Mr. Champion was removed

to the county hospital this morning.

I must have been mistaken.

Geoff.

GEOFFREY: Headline news, eh? - Of course.

GEOFFREY: They don't know that I... - Ah, but they do.

The police got out the file on my brother

and twigged the whole thing in two minutes.

An inspector was here to tell me all about it.

Charming fellow.

- Why didn't they arrest you? - How could they?

First they have to prove there is an invisible man,

then that you're it,

and finally, that I'm one of the, uh, gang.

GEOFFREY: Well, that sounds enough to keep them busy for a while.

- How are you getting on? - Splendidly.

But I need a little bit of your blood, old boy.

Gladly, if you can find it.

- Here, sit down here. - Thanks.

Now, we get some alcohol.

See if we can find your vein

without putting a tourniquet on your arm.

This feels like it.

- It's gonna hurt. - (GEOFFREY WINCES)

- Frank. - What is it?

How long do you think I have before I go mad?

Mmm.

Two days, two weeks... Who knows?

Do you think you'll find the antidote before I...

FRANK: Oh, I'll find it, all right. Don't you worry.

Good.

(GEOFFREY GRUNTS)

Here it is, I hope.

Now we'll put some color in this.

By Jove! That's what I call neat.

- Comes of practicing on guinea pigs. - (KNOCK AT DOOR)

WILLIE: Dr. Griffin! - Come back later.

But it's important.

About the men working where Champion was injured.

GEOFFREY: (WHISPERS) Let him in.

One moment.

Oh, so he wouldn't see me.

(HICCUPS)

I was thinking it would be nice if we could have a little talk.

That's a matter of opinion.

You've been interfering again in the pit, I hears,

telling the men not to work in Number Three tunnel.

(HICCUPS)

(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Glorified as usual, eh?

I'm doing my duty, Dr. Griffin.

And if you'd do yours and not meddle where you're not wanted,

happen Radcliffe pit would get along better.

Listen, Mr. Spears.

My duty is the men's health.

Any child would know that tunnel was unsafe.

Why, it's a sheer miracle that Champion got off

with a pair of crushed legs in the fall yesterday.

Happen so, Dr. Griffin.

But Mr. Cobb gives the orders in Radcliffe pit

and I get them carried out.

Happen also, Mr. Cobb says we don't need no laboratory.

Nor no doctor neither.

We're going to give you a nice little holiday.

"We"? You can tell Mr. Cobb I'm not leaving.

I take orders from Sir Geoffrey Radcliffe.

"Sir Geoffrey."

(LAUGHS) Eh!

They'll shoot him down like a mad tyke.

I'll thank you to get out.

Mr. Cobb's the heir and the owner.

He'll have you out of here pretty quick.

As long as Sir Geoffrey's alive,

Mr. Cobb knows he has nothing whatever to say.

Now get out of here before I bash your ugly head in!

You'll pay for this, Dr. High-and-mighty.

Mr. Cobb will chuck you out. See if he don't.

GEOFFREY: What's come over this place?

An imbecile like Spears talking to you in that manner.

(SCOFFS) A night watchman.

He never even did that job well.

Cobb made him superintendent.

His idea of superintending

is to ignore every one of the safety rules that you laid down.

GEOFFREY: I don't understand it.

A man of that type.

Why on earth should Cobb...

(GEOFFREY LAUGHING)

You know, Frank,

it's surprising how invisibility heightens one's sense of smell.

Goodbye.

Where are you going?

I think I smell something dead up a creek.

Whole place going to the dogs, that's what. (GRUNTS)

(ENGINE STARTS)

(HORN HONKS)

Hey!

Old crock. Eh.

(HICCUPS)

(THUDS)

- (CAR HOOD CREAKS) - (WINCING IN PAIN)

GEOFFREY: You can't repair it, Mr. Spears.

I had but one glass of whiskey.

Only one?

Well, two.

(GASPS)

Satan!

(PANICKING)

(CHOKING)

(PANTING)

GEOFFREY: You can't escape either, Mr. Spears.

- Where are you? - Here I am, Mr. Spears.

Not over there. Here.

(GEOFFREY LAUGHING)

Show yourself, you coward, and I'll fight you!

(GEOFFREY CONTINUES LAUGHING)

(GASPS)

(YELLING) Help! Help!

GEOFFREY: Faster, Mr. Spears, faster!

Help!

GEOFFREY: Why don't you fly, Mr. Spears?

(PANTING AND COUGHING)

GEOFFREY: I told you there was no escape, didn't I, Mr. Spears?

Where are you?

- Where are you? - Here beside you.

- But... But I can't see you! - Of course you can't.

GEOFFREY: I'm a ghost. - (GASPS)

Ghost!

(GEOFFREY SNEEZES)

Can a ghost sneeze?

It's cold in the other world, so cold!

Lend me that handkerchief of yours, Mr. Spears.

(GASPS)

(SNORTS)

(SNIFFS)

(GASPS)

Who are you, ghost?

What do you want of me?

They were going to hang me, Mr. Spears.

- Remember me? Geoffrey Radcliffe. - (GASPS)

But I escaped the noose. I ran blindly out into the mist.

I didn't know the marshes were there. I stumbled and fell.

It pulled me down. Inch by inch, down.

It was a horrible death, Mr. Spears.

I can't find peace in the other world.

WILLIE; No!

(GRUNTING)

(GASPS)

(EXHALES)

Here, I must have had a nightmare.

I've been imagining things.

GEOFFREY: It isn't a very comfortable feeling, is it, Mr. Spears?

(CHOKING) Have pity, Sir Geoffrey! Have pity!

GEOFFREY: Did you have any pity on me?

Had you one thought for me,

lying day after day in that prison of despair?

- No... - Feeling the rope around my throat,

choking the very breath of life out of me?

What was it to you? Nothing!

You were promoted.

- You were made superintendent. - (CRYING)

There's an account to be settled, Mr. Spears.

I'll tell everything! I'll tell everything!

Mr. Cobb made me lie!

He were in the shaft when Sir Michael were killed.

I saw you come out, sir, and I heard Sir Michael call after you.

Then, after you'd come out, Mr. Cobb come out.

I couldn't help meself, sir.

Mr. Cobb told me he'd kill me if I told on him.

Sir Geoffrey, you've always been such a kind man and all.

Have mercy on a poor, ignorant man.

(SOBBING)

Sir Geoffrey!

Sir Geoffrey!

Where are you? (SHUDDERING)

Where are you?

(WHIMPERING)

(PANTING)

(COUGHING)

(SNIFFLES)

(DOOR THUDDING)

(WILLIE GRUNTS)

(SIGHS)

There!

GEOFFREY: That's exactly what I've been looking for.

No, no, no, no! (GRUNTS)

(OBJECT CLATTERS)

GEOFFREY: Sorry your little trip will have to be postponed, Mr. Spears.

But don't worry, I'm going to make you quite comfortable.

And after I've got you all tucked up for the night,

I've got an appointment to keep

with a certain gentleman named Richard Cobb.

I must say, I wouldn't have given Richard credit for so much ingenuity.

Helen.

I'm so glad you've come.

You know, you really are amazing.

It's hard to believe you've had so little rest.

Thank you, Richard.

Now come and sit down and tell me all about it.

- How's Geoffrey? - Geoffrey?

I don't know.

I'm sorry, I...

I assumed you'd be with him.

Lucky I got back before the rain started.

Helen, I want you to trust me.

Without our help, he hasn't the chance.

The police are sure to find him.

We'll get him to the continent or to America.

You must tell me where he is for his sake.

All right, Richard.

I'll start from the beginning.

GEOFFREY: I'll start from the beginning if you don't mind, Helen.

- Geoffrey! - Yes, Richard,

I've come for a little chat.

Geoffrey, where are you?

You're amongst friends, there's no danger.

GEOFFREY: Friends like you are a great comfort.

Where are you, Geoffrey? Show yourself.

GEOFFREY: I'd have a little difficulty doing that just now.

- Where are you hiding? - (SLAPS)

GEOFFREY: Perhaps that will show you where your friend is hiding.

Sit down.

Now, Richard, start to write.

(STAMMERS)

- Write what? - A confession, of course.

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

GEOFFREY: No? Well, then, I'll help revive your memory.

You recall my brother, Michael, no doubt?

Yes.

And surely you remember killing him?

- It isn't true! - Geoffrey, he didn't kill Michael.

(GEOFFREY SCOFFS) Didn't he? That shows how little you know dear old Richard.

It was his charming way of getting rid of both of us.

Killing Michael, implicating me.

(GRUNTS)

(GRUNTS)

HELEN: No, don't shoot! No!

(SCREAMING) No! Don't!

No, don't!

Oh, Mr. Cobb!

I'm Inspector Sampson. Can I be of any help?

- I don't understand. - Well, he's here, is he?

Geoffrey, he's invisible.

Why can't I see him?

Smoke a cigar, Mr. Cobb, and perhaps you will.

Is everyone mad?

You must catch him, Inspector. He wants to kill me.

Mmm? What makes you think he'd want to do that, Mr. Cobb?

Because he's mad, completely out of his mind!

I must get away.

Your safety means as much to us as it does to you, Mr. Cobb.

I think you'd be wise to stay.

In fact, I'm sure you'd better stay!

(WHISTLING)

Out! Out!

You take five men with nets and smoke cylinders to the upper floor.

You take five men to the servants' quarters.

POLICEMAN: Very good, sir.

You watch the front door.

You see that all doors and windows are covered from the outside.

The rest, follow me.

Now, Mr. Cobb, I'd be very happy to provide you

with a cordon of police to ensure your safety.

Just a moment.

Now, Mr. Cobb, if you'll just sit down.

Thank you.

You, the door. Close it, stay there.

You, the window. You, the back door.

The rest of you, around him, close.

Guard this man carefully. He's extremely valuable.

I appreciate your good intentions, Inspector.

But I'd rather have an escort to take me to London.

You're perfectly safe here, Mr. Cobb, I can assure you.

What assurance can you give me while I'm in the same house with him?

Mr. Cobb, please. Calm down, calm down.

Inspector, you must help me. I can't stay here.

Take me into protective custody.

- Take me to prison. - Plenty of time, Mr. Cobb.

Plenty of time.

Orders to shoot on sight.

I thought he said the bloke was invisible.

(GUNSHOT)

You missed him!

How did you know I did? You watch the door.

I know.

We nearly got him, sir.

As soon as he steps out in the rain, you can spot him.

- Where is he now? - We've chased him back in the house, sir.

Good, keep at it.

We've got him bottled up now.

(SMOKE CYLINDER HISSING)

Beg your pardon, miss. Get to work, men.

You have no right here.

Sorry, we have our orders.

You've got to get out of here, miss.

(COUGHING)

Will you please leave me alone?

- I'll never leave you alone, darling. - Geoffrey.

I can get out of here, if you'll lend me a hand.

Just faint, will you please, darling?

Faint?

Nothing in the servants' rooms, sir.

You fellows stay here till they finish upstairs.

When they come down, we'll do the ground floor and the cellar.

- I know he's down here somewhere. - (INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

SAMPSON: What's the matter with the blasted thing? - It's the safety valve!

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

The safety valve!

GEOFFREY: Make way, you men, we need air.

Come! Get her out. Quick!

She needs air.

Stop that! Get out of the way.

Bill! Harry! Come quick!

We've got him. Upstairs, quick!

That's it.

Stay on. Come on, put your shoulders in it.

(CLAMORING)

(MAN GRUNTING)

It isn't him, sir.

(CHUCKLES) A profound observation.

- Evening, Briggs. - Evening, sir.

- Everything quiet? - Quiet as the grave.

- Rain stopped. - About time, too.

Not so lovely for you if our friend drops in.

I'm ready for him.

Fat lot of good that'll be against something that isn't there.

I don't hold with no spiritualism.

This isn't spiritualism.

This spook's alive.

(WHISPERING) How can he be alive if he isn't there?

You'll know soon enough when he suddenly leaps on your back

and starts sucking your blood.

Get off.

See you later, I hope.

(RUSTLING)

Briggs! Briggs!

- What's the matter? - Something moved!

Did it?

- Who's up there? - (RATTLING)

Come down now or you'll cop it.

See you later, I hope.

(RUSTLING)

(THUDS)

(GEOFFREY HUMMING)

(PHONE RINGING)

Answer it, Helen.

Hello? Geoff.

Sorry, Helen, I couldn't come to the lab. I'm at Frank's house.

(LAUGHS) Of course the place is guarded,

but little things like that don't stop me any longer.

Tell Frank this house of his is chilly.

I'm going to get into his best suit of clothes.

Just a minute.

He's at your house. He wants some of your clothes.

- Tell him to go ahead. - Help yourself, dear.

I will.

You and Frank come over here. We're going to celebrate!

Celebrate? Well, yes, we'll be over soon.

"Celebrate"!

(OBJECT CLATTERS)

What on earth does he want to celebrate?

That he must go mad?

That his friend, the great scientist Frank Griffin, has utterly failed him?

- Frank! - Oh, Helen, I never should have done it.

Imagine me thinking I could solve this riddle in a few days.

- I'd need a lifetime. - Frank...

What an utter fool I've been!

Frank, you're exhausted. You mustn't lose hope.

The harder I work, the more endless the job looks.

How can I possibly succeed?

My brother was the foremost chemical engineer in the country,

and all he ever succeeded in finding was madness.

- But, Frank... - How can I face Geoff with nothing?

Whatever happens, you mustn't let him know that.

I've let you both down.

(GEOFFREY LAUGHS)

You should have seen them searching for me, Frank.

Smoke bombs and gas masks and the fishnets.

They must have thought I was a herring. (LAUGHS)

And I marched straight through them with Helen,

took her politely out to the car.

Softly, old boy.

Don't forget the wolves are prowling outside.

Yes. You know, Frank, I'm beginning to get a new perspective

on this crawling little animal known as man.

Why, a dog or a cat or a bird is cleverer than any human.

They sense me immediately. (CHUCKLES)

But these shrewd detectives of yours...

Take away one of man's senses and you render him helpless.

Geoff, you don't really think Richard could have killed...

GEOFFREY: "Could have"? He did.

I have proof of it.

(LAUGHS) Dear old Inspector Sampson.

He's turned out to be my best assistant.

He's keeping Richard prisoner for me...

Until I'm ready for him.

And Richard's boyfriend, Spears, is anxiously awaiting me at his home.

Does Sampson know that Cobb and Spears are mixed up together in this?

- No, not yet. - Then why not produce the evidence?

Give Sampson the information, and you'll be free.

Free?

I am free! I've never been more free in my life.

You know, being invisible has distinct advantages.

It gives one a sense of power that's exciting.

Power for good, if you are so inclined.

Or, should you feel perverse, for evil.

You hold the balance and decide which way life shall go.

No one can stop you. No one can touch you.

You don't need any infantile little Sampsons to carry out your will.

You're much greater than any of them.

Rather a magnificent idea to play with, isn't it?

More wine, Frank.

I'll get it.

(CLATTERS)

- Sorry. - (LAUGHS) Just what we needed.

Seven days' good luck.

HELEN: Geoff, you can’t mean that about having power for good or evil.

GEOFFREY: Of course I can. Just think what I could do for my country.

Or, let's say, with my country. Control it!

Other nations would tremble before us

as this nation will tremble before me.

Don't you see what my power does for me?

I could sit in on the councils of kings and dictators.

It makes me king!

It makes me nemesis.

Geoffrey, do you remember a promise I made you?

What promise?

To restrain you if the effects of the duocaine disturbed your mind?

Are you, by any chance, trying to be amusing?

No. It just occurred to me that...

You're not mistaking my good spirits for madness, I hope.

I just wondered if you remembered.

You needn't worry about my memory.

Geoff's right.

No worrying this evening.

A toast! To the quick conviction of the ambitious Mr. Cobb.

What's the matter with you?

(GEOFFREY SHOUTS) Why are you looking at me like that?

FRANK: Please, Geoff, take it easy.

You know they're watching the house.

If they hear you, they'll break up our little party.

You aren't afraid for me, are you?

- Well, I... - No, you aren't.

You know they can't get me.

You're afraid for yourself.

Afraid of what they might do to you!

Geoff, don't talk like that.

Oh, my dear friend, Dr. Griffin.

Has it ever occurred to you that friendship, at best,

is a rather doubtful asset?

I don't want friends.

I shall have worshippers and followers,

people who will obey me because they recognize my greatness.

Those who are loyal will be rewarded, and the others destroyed.

Hail, invincible leader.

We follow you.

Let's drink to the coming golden age which you will provide.

I don't think I care to drink with you.

Somehow I don't feel very comfortable with you any longer.

HELEN: Geoffrey.

Don't worry. I'll be back.

(LAUGHING)

(GEOFFREY CONTINUES LAUGHING)

Frank, is...

Helen, you mustn't lose your head now.

You mean he...

I never thought the duocaine would work so fast.

- He's mad. - No, Frank, no!

I was hoping he'd take that drink. It's drugged.

- Why? - I can't control him by force.

What are we going to do?

When he comes back, we'll have to play up to him.

Get him to take the drink.

(GEOFFREY HUMMING LOUDLY)

(LAUGHS)

Don't stand there cowering.

Sit down and finish your supper.

(LAUGHING)

I feel better this way.

In a second, I'm safe.

And not only from the police.

(GEOFFREY LAUGHS MANICALLY)

I can roar my head off if I want to!

Let's drink to the golden age.

Well, drink. Drink to me!

Drink to my invincible power,

to a new era,

to a changed world with me as its guiding genius.

(LAUGHS)

Well, why don't you smile?

GEOFFREY: That's better.

(GEOFFREY LAUGHS)

Now, I'm sorry to leave your two smiling, happy faces,

but I have business to attend to.

Richard expects me.

(LAUGHING)

I hate disappointing friends.

(CLATTERING)

Oh, Frank!

Don't worry. The effect of the drink won't take long to wear off.

No, he'll be violent when he comes to.

I was prepared for it. I'll take him into the study.

Open the door.

Please don't come in, Helen. Stay where you are.

(CAR APPROACHING)

(CAR IDLING OUTSIDE)

Four cylinders, and only missing on three, eh, Inspector?

(LAUGHS)

(DOOR OPENS)

Is he all right, Frank?

There's only one thing to do, Helen. Get Sampson.

Give him up? We can't.

But if Geoff has proof that Cobb is the murderer,

- and he has Spears as a witness... - But how do we know he has'?

It may just be his imagination.

Oh, I don't know.

(GEOFFREY GROANING)

- Frank? - Better let me.

(GROANS)

I'm sorry, Geoff, but it was necessary.

I was just keeping my promise.

That's all right.

I suppose I drank too much.

With all the excitement, well, I passed out, didn't I?

Yes.

Sorry I can't remove those.

I feel much better with them on.

Safer.

- I'm glad you did it. - Listen to me, Geoff.

You've got to tell me what proof you have against Cobb.

Then we can put Sampson to work on it,

and that'll leave us free to give all our time to the antidote.

Yes, of course.

That's the right idea.

I say, Frank, the wine left me awfully dry.

Do you suppose I could have some water?

Of course. I'll get it.

(DOOR OPENS)

(DOOR CLOSES)

Is he better, Frank?

Much. It was only a temporary attack.

He's quite normal again now.

Here you are.

Geoff! Don't!

Geoff! Geoff!

Don't!

HELEN: Geoff!

Geoff!

Hello?

Open up! Open this door!

We're police officers! Get in that window!

(WINDOW SHATTERING)

What happened?

In there.

Dr. Griffin!

GEOFFREY: Good morning, Richard.

- Geoffrey! - Don't raise your voice, Richard.

(WHISPERING) And don't touch that bell rope,

or I might have to wind it around your neck.

No one can help you now except yourself.

(WHISPERING) I'm not afraid of you, Geoffrey.

Aren't you?

It's only that I can't see you.

I'm not a coward.

You would be afraid of me if you couldn't see me.

On the contrary, it would be a pleasure,

and one that I hope soon to enjoy.

Get up.

Get up!

We're going out, you and I,

for a breath of fresh air.

Turn around.

Put up your arms.

Now, put them down.

So. Now walk quite naturally as if no one was with you.

Be charming and clever when you speak to the guards, and be careful, Richard.

I may press the trigger in my excitement.

Open the door.

I'm sorry, sir, but you can't leave.

But please, I... I...

(SLAPS)

GEOFFREY: I told you to act cleverly.

Surely, you can still lie.

I recall your being an expert.

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

Good morning, Mr. Cobb.

(CLEARS THROAT)

Good morning.

Have you been took ill?

I'm not feeling very well.

I'm just going out for some fresh air.

I'm sorry, sir.

Bill up there had no right letting you through.

Inspector's orders.

I'm not a prisoner.

I'm under protective custody.

Suppose this invisible chap is hiding about.

Aren't you afraid of that?

Why, of course not.

No more am I, sir.

Between you and me, sir,

I'll have to see him before I'll believe he's invisible.

Just to keep the record straight, sir, I'll have Bill phone the inspector.

Bill!

Bill!

He's in the kitchen again with his head in the icebox.

You wait here a minute, sir.

I'll phone the inspector myself.

(CAR APPROACHING)

GEOFFREY: Here we are.

Recognize the place?

(GEOFFREY LAUGHS)

- Geoffrey... - (WHISPERS) Quiet!

Good morning, Mr. Cobb.

Good morning.

Good morning to you.

GEOFFREY: Get out.

- Geoffrey, give me a chance to explain... - I intend to immediately. Out!

Move along now.

You'll find the key under the mat.

Unlock the door.

GEOFFREY: Light that candle.

(STRIKES A MATCH)

(INDISTINCT MUMBLING)

GEOFFREY: Yes, Richard, it's your friend, Spears.

(MUMBLING)

Move over to him.

I want you to take a good look at him.

Go on! Move!

Now, take the gag out of your friend's mouth.

I'm sure he wants to talk to you.

Do as I tell you!

Go on! Go on!

(SPITS)

(GASPS)

(RASPY VOICE) Please, Sir Geoffrey, let me down.

GEOFFREY: My dear, Mr. Spears, surely you can't be so exhausted already,

with the rope around your neck only a few hours.

The pair of you had it around mine for months!

All right, Spears, out with it!

I said it once, and I'll say it again. I saw Cobb do it.

Hit Sir Michael over the head with a wrench

and shove him down the shaft.

He promised me money and a good position if I kept my mouth shut.

- Don't kid! - I'm innocent!

(WILLIE STRUGGLING)

(RICHARD GRUNTS)

Where is your power now?

Now I'm as invisible as you are!

(RICHARD LAUGHS)

I'll show you where my power is!

Take that!

(OBJECTS CLATTERING)

(RICHARD LAUGHING)

- I'll get you! - (MAN GROANS)

- What's happening? - He's breaking the place up again.

- Who's he fighting? - Pink elephants, as usual.

He's a proper menace, that Willie is!

May the best elephant win, eh?

Come on, Tommy, let's see what's up.

RICHARD: Now I've got you, you swine!

I'll choke the life out of you!

(OBJECTS CLATTERING)

(MAN SCREAMS)

(LOUD CLATTERING)

- (MAN GRUNTS) - (RICHARD LAUGHS)

There! (SHRIEKS)

(GRUNTS)

Mr. Cobb! Mr. Cobb!

Mr. Cobb!

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

What's he running from?

(CLAMORING)

(WHISTLING)

What's he running for?

Stop him!

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

(CLAMORING)

(GUNSHOTS FIRING)

(GEOFFREY LAUGHING)

(CHOKING)

GEOFFREY: (LAUGHING) Now I've got you!

There he is! There he is!

(GEOFFREY LAUGHS)

Now I have you, Richard!

(CLAMORING)

I'm going to force the truth out of you, too!

No one can help you now.

(RICHARD YELLING)

Halt that escalator!

- Stop it! - GEOFFREY: Tell them you killed my brother.

Tell them you murdered Michael.

Tell them or I'll...

Don't shoot!

(GUNSHOT FIRES)

Michael.

(PEOPLE SHOUTING)

(SCREAMING)

Geoff!

Geoff!

(CLAMORING)

Geoff, where are you?

SAMPSON: Look lower in the pile.

Search with your hands, not your eyes!

MAN: Mr. Sampson! - What is it?

We can't find him up here, sir!

Keep on searching!

He must be about here somewhere.

Miss Manson. Mr. Cobb is asking to see you.

I don't want to see him.

Geoffrey!

But Dr. Griffin says he's hurt very bad, miss.

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)

(GEOFFREY GRUNTING SOFTLY)

RICHARD: (WEAKLY) Helen...

I killed...

Michael.

GEOFFREY: Do you mind if I borrow your clothes, old man?

It's cold. I'm a bit shaky.

You don't mind, do you?

Thanks.

Nice suit of clothes you've got there.

You know, I really shouldn't do this.

I really shouldn't.

They'll be able to catch me now.

Slender waist you've got.

Not a bad fit, my friend.

You wouldn't refuse me now, old man?

Thanks.

You know, they've hunted me all over the country.

They shot me, too.

I'm a murderer.

Don't be scared, old crow, I...

I only want your clothes.

(GROANS)

Yes, that's right.

I'll have to have your hat, too.

I'm really freezing.

Thanks for your help.

Why don't you find him?

When you thought he was a murderer,

you tried every way you knew to trap him and to kill him.

But now that you know he's innocent,

probably dying somewhere, alone and deserted,

you've lost all interest, haven't you?

Why don't you use your cleverness now to save him?

I've got all my men out, Miss Manson.

- You know what we're up against. - (WOMAN SCREAMS)

MAN: What is that?

What is that?

(PEOPLE SCREAMING AND CLAMORING)

You can't see his head!

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)

It's Geoffrey.

(EXCITED CHATTERING)

His pulse is almost gone.

There must have been a tremendous loss of blood.

I believe he'd stand a chance if he could have an immediate transfusion.

I'm ready.

Shall I prepare Miss Manson for a test?

Yes, but we need more than she can supply.

MAN 1: How is he? How is he? MAN 2: How is he, Doctor?

- Please, please! - (INDISTINCT CHATTER)

Sir Geoffrey has to have a blood transfusion to save his life.

FRANK: Who'll volunteer? WORKERS: I will!

Just come in quietly. I'll have to make some tests.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

Transfusion successful, Doctor?

Well, complicated.

How is he?

He'll die.

No.

Internal bleeding.

If only I could operate! But how can I when I can't see him?

Sampson,

I'd like to try this antidote.

There's a very small chance that it'll work

and a far greater one that it'll kill him.

But if I don't try it, he has no chance whatever.

Prepare a hypodermic please, nurse.

HELEN: Frank! Frank!

The new blood itself was the antidote.

Helen.

Geoffrey.

Helen, darling.