Original subtitles

Thank you.

Thank you.

Who's that?

What a day.

You're late.

Well, the traffic.

Stuck there for hours, crawling along.

Listen to this. Show you how stupid people are.

A chap came in the office today.

Last month we presented his petition for divorce.

Cruelty. Now we hear his wife's been certified as insane.

You're smoking a lot, aren't you?

He said, surely that strengthens my case.

Took me all the morning to explain that to be guilty of cruelty, you have to

intend to be cruel.

You can't prove intent to the person's nuts.

Want another one?

What a life.

Like to hear what I've been doing?

Yes, of course.

Somebody tried to attack me.

You're joking.

Oh, yes, of course. Sort of thing I would joke about. Funny thing happened

to me on the way home. A man tried to kill me. All right. Stop needling.

You stand there casually sipping your drink, and you tell me someone tried to

attack you.

What do you expect? Find me on the floor frothing at the mouth? I don't know what

to expect.

It's a novel idea. It takes getting used to.

Where did this happen?

He was waiting in the trees near the garage.

And? He chased me up to the house.

How do you know he meant to attack you?

I asked him. For God's sake, he wasn't waiting for my autograph.

Did you get a look at him?

No, it was dark and I was scared.

Probably a burglar. Are all the windows shut?

Windows, doors, even the keyholes.

Well, nothing to worry about, then.

Thank you.

I even lost my shoe.

It's still out there.

I'll go and look for it.

Noble of you.

Yvonne, will you stop?

I've said I'm sorry, honestly.

What more can I do?

Oh, I'd forget it.

And there is footprint, see?

Now,

do

you believe me?

Probably a burglar, a case in the house.

Thanks. I suppose I just wait around for him to strike.

I shouldn't think you'd come back.

I don't like the odds. Once they're disturbed.

He was disturbed. What about me?

I think I'll ring the police.

Isn't it tomorrow you go away?

No, back on Saturday.

I'll be terrified.

Ashtead Police Station, Liz.

Well, you have to get one of the local girls in. Who?

Judy or whatever her name is. Oh, you know she won't stay overnight.

Well, if you explain.

Isn't she saving up to get married?

Yes. Oh, for a double money, she'll jump at it.

All right, I'll try.

What on earth did you get that old jacket out for?

Can't you forget Korea?

Well, it's jolly useful in the garden.

Hello? Yes, I want to report a prowler.

No, earlier this evening.

Yes, I'll hold on.

Yes, that's right.

Alan Phipps, Oakwood Cottage.

Yes. Well, actually, my wife saw him.

things in and two clean shirts.

Good.

You got the phone numbers?

Yes. I call you every night.

Now look, you hear anything, see anything, don't hesitate.

I won't.

Even after all the practice I've given you, I don't suppose you could hit

anything. They won't know that.

I'll be all right.

I'll just put these away.

Barbara! On the spin, my dear.

Too much on your toes and... It's quiet.

Yeah. You should come back tonight.

You got it?

Packed! You'll see more ice and a family of brick.

Have fun. I will.

Scott Street.

Hello.

Do you like skating?

No. Me neither.

Why did you come here, then?

I like to be alone.

I'm Greta Garbo.

Oh, I never recognized you.

Look, young lady, what do you want?

Lady?

Nobody ever called me that before.

Sad story.

Now, will you leave me alone?

Don't I get a drink?

Just a little one.

Give the lady what she wants. They serve it at the other end of the bar.

Lady, I like that.

My pleasure.

I never thought I'd see John Brody giving skating lessons.

Giving?

How'd you find me?

Took a lot of patience.

And why?

Now, don't rush me.

Took a year.

A lot of landladies waiting to collect a lot of rent.

I remember them in my prayers.

Generous.

Left a trail like Napoleon's retreat from Moscow.

So?

You spent a year just to come here and give me a history lesson.

Skating teacher?

It's legal.

You broke?

Flat, consistently.

Right now, my credit wouldn't stretch to a newspaper.

My shoes leak.

Happy?

Long, dry spell.

Yeah.

If you come here to gloat, I'm afraid I've got better things to do.

Come on.

Come over here.

John Brody. Man about time. Gila.

Two tickets or something in one pocket and the key to somebody's bedroom in the

other. Enjoy yourself.

I've come to help you.

Yes, I must hear.

You need some cash?

I'll help you with a little quick money.

A little how quick?

I'm not a rich man. Just answer the question.

A hundred.

Perhaps two.

Who do I have to kill?

Aren't you going to open them?

Refresh your memory?

No.

You should do.

Address to you, my dearest darling John.

Hello, hello.

Your ever-loving Yvonne. Hello.

Soon after it started.

Where was she on your list, I wonder?

21st, 31st, 41st? I don't know.

It's a good racket, compromising women and then getting them and their husbands

or their fathers to buy you off. Did she pay you well?

Adequately. I'm glad.

You must miss all that.

Female talent to nourish your ego.

Unless you're skating friends.

Well, I didn't think so.

Why didn't she destroy them?

Because I stole them.

Why? Well, insurance.

It was something for a rainy day.

Does she know?

Not yet.

And you want me to help you?

That's right.

How? Blackmail.

You and I are going to blackmail my ever-loving wife, Yvonne, with these

three letters.

And we'll split the proceeds.

I've never touched blackmail.

You've got to start sometime. You can't afford scruples.

Ah, she knows I returned the letters. She thinks you did.

She didn't miss them when I stole them, so... You kept three?

Not four.

Yes.

That's right.

She's going to think I'm a real bum.

Well...

Three letters.

They're not worth much.

And I should know.

They will be, the way we plan.

Which way's that?

That comes later.

About 200 pounds.

It's a lot of cash. Are you in?

In.

Just one question.

Sure.

Yvonne's a rich woman.

Agreed. How does it come about that you need money?

What's Yvonne's is Yvonne's.

Tired of having my pride in her checkbook.

Mm-hmm.

And, uh...

How much freedom do you think you're going to buy for 200 pounds?

I didn't hear the answer.

I need some money quickly.

Not something I can talk to Yvonne about.

I'll accept that.

You want feelings?

About what?

Yvonne and me.

Oh, forget it.

You want a drink?

Yeah.

Thank you, Father.

Who's that?

Oh, him. I don't know. Do you want him to clean yours?

No.

Yes.

I don't care.

Why are you so upset?

I'm not upset.

Well, you sound it.

It's that man. Did he say something to you?

No, nothing like that. I just thought I recognised him, that's all. Ah, who is

he? I must have made a mistake.

It's not your father, is it? Is that supposed to be funny?

Do you want me to get rid of him?

No, no, let him finish.

He called at the door. He asked for any odd jobs. I gave him that old army wind

cheater. You didn't seem to like it.

Right, forget it.

You've cleaned my wife's and you've done that?

How's it looking?

Certainly fine.

Just fine.

I'm sick of this weather.

What's the matter with you? You're nervous as a kitten.

I don't know.

Sit down. Get something to read.

Answer it. Give me something to do.

Ashton 3468.

Yvonne Phipps speaking.

Just a moment. I'll get him for you.

For you.

Who is it?

Didn't say.

Hello.

How are we doing, partner?

Yes, I thought she was beginning to get a bit nervous.

When do we move on to stage two?

Any time now, sir.

I think we should meet soon.

Well?

Just a plan.

What's his problem?

Woman trouble. The usual.

Why have we stopped?

50 pounds.

Hmm? Retainer.

Thank you.

Aren't you going to count it?

I trust you. If there's to be any double-crossing, it'll come later.

The other 150's in there. In fibers.

I, uh, thought you were short of cash. Then, ah, I hawked everything I owned to

get that together.

I see.

You know... I still think you're expecting too much.

Oh, that's my problem. Look at the address.

John Brodie Care of Siddle's Post Office. That's right. It's a post

restaurant address.

How do I know you'll post it? I won't. You will.

That way we'll both be covered.

Eh? Well, you know you'll get your money because it's in the post, right?

Yes.

Yes, it won't arrive until tomorrow. I know you'll do the job tonight.

Of course, I could, uh...

Just forget, and go along tomorrow and collect the money.

That'll make two of us.

Don't forget the address.

I won't forget.

Wish you luck.

Where to now?

Your hotel.

Why did you book me into this one? It's expensive.

You can afford it.

Anywhere else would be too conspicuous.

Inevitably see you?

Well.

Well, I must say I like these sporting prints.

I try to think of everything.

Well, why all the secrecy?

I'll show you.

Wait a minute.

What are you doing?

Thanks. Well?

You scared me half to death.

Good scheme?

Scheme?

Now, slow down a bit, will you? Still think we won't get the money?

I'm not with you.

This evening you telephone my wife.

And tell her to come here to collect the letters. But when she comes... What are

you going to answer?

Nobody knows me here.

Go on, answer.

Brodie, room 17.

Porter.

Ah, no, no, I didn't hear any shots.

Car backfiring.

Ah, it was probably a car backfiring in the street.

Yes, yes, a couple of minutes ago.

No trouble.

Chambermaid thought she heard some shots.

Only for her.

Well?

You were saying?

Well? When Yvonne comes, she'll have this with her.

How do you know?

Well, that's my problem.

When you refuse to hand over the letter, she'll get more and more upset.

Until finally she pulls the gun.

And it goes off.

She'll never pull the trigger.

Well, that's your problem.

And you slump to the floor as though dead.

She'll panic.

Sure? Positive.

She'll rush home to tell me.

I'll volunteer to do my boy's Skype bit and sort things out, dispose of the

body, etc.

How?

Influential legal, friends.

But... As I shall tell her, it's going to cost a great deal of money.

Now I see.

Like it?

Yeah.

There is just one flaw.

What's that?

It's going to cost another 50. Why?

You didn't tell me I'd have to act.

Expensive performer.

That's right.

I'll give you 25.

50.

50 it is.

You've been holding out on me.

No.

I just read your mean little mind.

Well, at 50 pounds a time I can take a lot of insults.

So what do I do then?

Pack your bags and disappear.

Right.

I'll pay the bill before she comes. Fine.

She drops the gun.

What do I do with that?

Leave it there.

Happy? Ecstatic.

What time shall I call her?

Eight o'clock.

Is that enough?

Well, that's it.

It's a pleasure to do business with you, Mr. Brody.

Likewise.

Just the same. From now on, I don't want to see you again.

That's all right with me.

Goodbye.

Pete?

Yeah?

How does it sound?

Any loopholes?

Don't see any.

He scared me witless with that pistol.

So, 250 pounds.

Come very handy.

Yvonne? Yes?

Don't be alarmed.

But I think I saw your prowler this evening.

Where? As I drove in. He was standing outside in the road.

What was he doing?

Just looking.

Describe him.

I thought you didn't see him.

Oh, that's right, but I know he wasn't eight feet tall and Chinese.

Well, no, it was this one.

He was sportish, seedy, poorly dressed.

Could have been anyone.

True.

I'm sure it wasn't him.

Why not?

Wouldn't still be hanging around. If he'd wanted to, he could have burgled us

by now.

Expect you're right.

Start looking for crooks, you'll see them anywhere.

Anyway, don't forget that pistol. I won't. Shoot first, ask questions later.

Very unprofessional advice, Mr. Phipps.

I suppose so.

I've got some work to do. You want me to stop?

No, no, I'm going to study.

I'll be an hour, sir.

Ashton 3468.

Is that you, Yvonne?

Yes.

It's all right. It's for me.

What do you want?

Oh, now, what sort of a greeting is that?

You've been hounding me for a week.

Get to the point and make it quick.

You didn't seem happy to see me.

Of course I wasn't happy to see you. What do you expect?

All right, so you weren't happy.

I want to meet your husband.

Why?

Then I'll have to remind you.

My dearest John.

That's me, you know.

I've just returned from the station after seeing you off on the train.

It was only an hour ago, but as Alan is studying in his own room, what better

way of spending the time than with you?

Mushy little thing, aren't you?

All right, I believe you.

What do you want?

What do I have to do?

The auction takes place in my hotel bedroom in an hour.

Where's that?

The Swan.

And it's strictly for cash.

I can make it in less than an hour.

Yvonne?

Yvonne?

Yes?

Well, who was it?

Letty Colville.

Oh, what does she want? Oh, some problems about the inner wheel luncheon.

I said I'd pop over.

Good. I'll come with you.

No, you won't. This is women's business.

Well, Arthur'll be there. I can talk to him.

No, Arthur's out.

He's at a board meeting in town. Betty said so.

What is it like at night? A board meeting?

Oh, they're probably doing a show.

Well, I can do a little rest from this.

I'll drive you around.

Then what are you going to do? Sit outside for an hour?

Well, that's a point.

No, you sit here and swat up your brief, and by the time you've done that, I'll

be back.

Yvonne, see any eight-foot Chinaman. Be careful.

I will.

Oh, plastered, weren't they?

What? So sloshed he couldn't open his car door.

Oh, good evening, madam.

Good evening. I'm looking for Mr. John Brodie. Oh, you're lucky to catch him.

He's leaving very soon.

Uh, room 17. Shall I call him?

No, no, that's all right. I'll just go up.

Some blokes have all the luck.

Now, what would a lady like Mrs. Phipps want with him?

How do you know who she is?

I know everything, mate. Just tell me.

She's a bigwig with a local rotary. They used to have their lunches here.

Long time, Evie. Don't call me that.

You've been dodging me. Wouldn't you?

You know, you don't look a day older. You're trying to blackmail me, not

seduce me. I do beg your pardon. Where are the letters?

That's just one.

Sample. I could have sworn it.

Why did you keep them?

Oh, insurance, something for a rainy day.

How much do you want?

Well, from you, two thousand.

You must be mad.

Am I? All right, you tell me. What are they worth?

Fifty.

You're out of touch with the cost of living.

All right.

A hundred pounds.

That's as high as it goes.

You're not even trying.

Look, Brodie, it's worth a hundred pounds to me that Alan doesn't know

about us.

It's not worth a penny more.

I'm going to call your bluff, Evie.

I think Alan would be more interested and more generous.

What would he use for money?

He couldn't be married to you and not have money. Couldn't he? No.

You should have done a bit more research.

There was a time when Alan did live off me, but things are different now. What

he's got, he's earned, and it's not much.

You're a good liar, Evie.

Then, of course, you always were.

You don't believe me?

Sorry.

It was true.

What now?

The letters.

And a hundred? Keep it.

Speak of him.

The letters.

Come on.

I thought you deserted me.

You know what bed is like.

How did you get on?

Fine.

Fine.

Any calls?

No. Were you expecting any?

No.

Well, what did you decide?

Decide?

About the luncheon.

Oh, we're going ahead.

Yvonne, are you feeling all right?

Yes, yes, of course.

Have a drink.

You look as if you're in for the flu.

Like ice.

Well, it's cold.

Sure there's nothing wrong?

Of course not.

Stop fussing.

You don't look so good.

Well, I'm not, but I'll live.

Don't worry.

Oh, no.

Who's that?

Probably your Prowler come to leave his card.

No rest for the wicked.

Good evening. I'm an Inspector Colonel. This is Sergeant Walker, local CID.

Well, come in. It's too cold to talk out here.

Thank you.

Yvonne.

Two police officers.

Good evening.

You sit down.

Do you have a drink?

No, thank you. Oh, of course not.

Sergeant. No, thank you, sir.

No, thank you.

Well, this is a surprise.

Surprise? Indeed.

We've had the sergeant round on his bike, but I didn't think it was a job

for the CID.

What job are you referring to?

Well, the prowler.

The man we saw in the garden. Well, Yvonne saw him, actually.

And when was this?

About a week ago.

Well, surely you knew all this before you came round.

What did this prowler do?

He was waiting in the trees near the garage.

Did you get a look at him?

No. No idea who he was?

No. You're sure?

Quite sure.

We thought it was probably a burglar running an eye over the place.

Nothing like that happened since.

No. No strange man lurking around?

No. One. Well, no, it doesn't matter. Well, go on, sir.

No, there's no point. There's nothing to it.

Now, let me be the judge of that.

Well, we did have a fellow come asking for odd jobs a couple of days ago,

remember? You didn't like him. I gave him that old army jacket, remember?

What type of jacket?

Why, yes, you windcheater. I had it in Korea.

Did you know him?

No, never seen him before.

What about you, Mrs. Phipps?

No.

It's very interesting, but that's not why we're here.

No?

Mrs. Phipps, can you account for your movements this evening, sir, between 8 o

'clock and 10.30?

Inspector, I think we have a right to know what this is all about.

I'd rather do it my way, sir, if you don't mind. I do mind.

Very well, it concerns a friend of your wife's. Who?

Mr. John Brodie.

Well, it's nonsense. We've never heard of him.

You may not. Your wife has.

Tell him.

Tell him.

I do know him.

So what? What does that prove? My wife knows lots of people. I know lots of

people she doesn't know.

He's dead.

Dead? Yes.

How was he killed?

What makes you think he was killed?

You. I don't follow you.

Well, if he died in his bed, would two detectives come knocking us up in the

middle of the night?

Why shouldn't you have thought it was an accident?

Same reason. Wouldn't be a CID job.

You're a legal man, aren't you?

Solicitor. I still think it would have been more natural to say, how did he

die? Inspector, let's stop splitting hairs, shall we?

Mrs. Phipps, Brody was shot and killed in his room in the Swan Hotel.

What's that got to do with my wife? I'd appreciate it if you stopped asking

questions and answered a few.

Look, you made this call. We didn't invite you here.

Mr. Phipps, this is a job, not a very nice job, but it's got to be done.

Cooperation would make it a lot easier.

Then put your facts on the table. Stop hinting at things.

It would be much less unpleasant if you could get... That goes both ways.

On the bedroom floor was a pistol.

Your pistol.

Well, that is nonsense.

I keep it here, in this drawer.

It's... You were saying?

It's gone.

By the body were some letters from you to the deceased.

It was also a bundle of money.

Now, I think... Inspector, I killed John Brodie.

Did you?

Yes, he was blackmailing my wife.

He had these letters, you see. How many were there?

Well, I don't know. He didn't tell me.

About six, I guess. Go on.

He wanted more money.

More than I could raise.

I took the pistol to frighten him.

It went off.

It was an accident.

I panicked. Mr. Phipps must be the mystery man, sir.

The man in the hotel lift.

Yes, you could be right.

What? Mystery man.

The porter said someone slipped into the lift as he went out for his tea.

That's right. That was me. I was waiting and then I got in the lift.

Mr. Phipps, the Swan Hotel has no lift.

Smart. Very smart. I suppose I'll give you a medal for that. If you'd just gone

to buy a letter, you wouldn't worry about being seen, would you? Mr. Phipps,

if you obstruct me once more, I'll run you in for it.

And Mrs. Phipps, it's only fair to tell you the hotel porter has made a positive

identification. How could a hotel porter know my wife?

She used to organize women's lunches, then.

I see.

Look, if you want to know where she was, ring Epsom 2398.

Ask for Mrs. Betty Colville.

She'll tell you Yvonne was there from about 8.15 until 10.

Is that correct, Mrs. Swift?

No.

I killed Brodie.

I... I don't believe it.

She doesn't know what she's saying.

I didn't mean to.

It was an accident.

Not that I expect her to believe that. Yvonne, don't say any more.

Inspector, I think my wife should have legal representation.

Very well, sir.

It's ridiculous even to think that she could commit a murder.

Of course.

But I'm afraid she'll have to come with us.

You got your coat and an overnight bag?

Sergeant?

Where were you tonight?

I was here.

And your wife?

She went out to a friend.

So I thought.

How did you get on to her so quickly?

The pistol. I checked the serial number.

It's registered in your name.

Of course.

And Brodie was staying at a hotel where your wife was known.

Dead easy, wasn't it?

Don't worry, my dear.

I'll call Mycroft.

He'll know exactly what to do.

Thank you, Alan.

What for?

Trying to cover for me.

Oh, nonsense.

We'll soon have you out of this.

Don't upset yourself.

When... When will I be able to see her?

I'll let you know.

Thank you, Inspector.

Don't bother to let us out.

Well, if it's all the same, I won't.

Thank you.

Mrs. Phipps, this is what we call the occurrence book. Anything that occurs is

written down.

Sort of a station diary.

Now, here the duty sergeant records that there was a call from your husband on

the night of the 19th. It says that a prowler was seen in your garden.

We've been over all this.

Next day, an officer called and took particulars, right?

Same day, there were complaints that pistol shots were heard coming from your

garden. My husband was teaching me to shoot.

At your request?

I don't remember.

I think it was his idea.

Why was he teaching you?

To scare off any burglars.

Mrs. Phipps, you're an intelligent person.

You're asking me to believe you were going to take a pot shot at a man in the

garden? Yes, just to frighten him.

It was more than noise than anything.

I see.

Then later you say this man Brodie was seen around the town.

Yes, he seemed to be following me. Was he on foot?

Yes, on foot.

But you were in the car.

Yes. Doesn't it strike you as odd that he managed to keep up with you?

Did you laugh?

Sorry, sir.

How many times did you see him?

Two or three times.

Outside the hairdressers, by the bank.

Must have known your routine, mustn't he?

Now, Mrs. Phipps, when did it first occur to you that Brodie and the prowler

were one and the same person?

It didn't.

You expect me to believe that?

It didn't occur to me until after I saw him at the house. Now you're

contradicting yourself. I'm sorry, I'm tired. Oh, you're tired, are you?

Well, what do you think I am?

Now, as soon as we get this straightened out, we can all go to bed. I repeat,

when did it first occur to you?

After I saw him at the house cleaning the cars. You've told us that.

Then I knew he was going to contact me. How?

I just knew it. You just knew, so you were expecting it. Yes, every time the

phone rang, I thought it was him. But he didn't ring till tonight.

I mean, last night.

What is the time? Oh, never mind the time.

No hurry.

Must be very accurate and sure of ourselves.

Like a cigarette?

Mrs.

Phipps, if you intended to buy the letters, why bring a pistol with you?

It just happened to be there.

In your handbag? It was in the drawer.

But you asked for it to be there. It was in the drawer by the telephone. At your

suggestion. I suppose. Then it would be true to say you took the pistol because

you were expecting trouble. I took it to... Go on.

To show him that I meant what I said. What had you said?

I was determined to get the letters back. Oh, you were determined, all

right. So determined you only took a hundred pounds with you, not a lot of

money for a... Oh, I had enough of us. How much do you think I'd have? Look,

I admit I killed him. God knows I didn't mean to, but I did.

What more do you want of me? I want a statement.

Get a charge sheet ready.

First, I must warn you.

You're not obliged to say anything at this stage, but anything you do say will

be taken down in writing, may be given in evidence.

Morning, sir.

Cold enough for you? Yes, very.

You've got an envelope for me, post-restant.

Oh, right, sir. Just a minute. Over here.

Name? Brodie. John Brodie.

Have you got some proof of identity?

Driving licence, no?

Sure. We have to check, you know. It's the law.

Fair enough, Mr Brodie.

An envelope, you say?

Yes.

Bucknell, Bingham, Bostock, Brown.

See, you remember something coming in. This morning, I think. That's it.

Hold on, I'll get the wife.

Elsie!

Elsie! Shop!

It's the wife's business. I just lent a hand.

Hello, what's the trouble?

No trouble, love. This gentleman's called for a package.

Oh, what name, sir? John Brodie.

Just show me his license.

There's something funny going on here.

Funny? How do you mean?

Well, Mr. Brodie's been in once.

It wasn't him.

Are you sure?

Yeah, soon after nine.

An envelope.

Could have had money in it.

Or legal papers. Something like that.

That's the one.

What do you say, mister?

Well, there must be some mistake.

Yours or his?

Did he have papers on him?

Yeah. Post office.

Harold, you stay here.

Elsie!

Mr. Brodie!

Mr. Brodie! Here, come back!

You're sure no one else knew?

Quite sure, I've told you.

Why do you keep on asking?

Someone keeps phoning me.

It's because it's been in all the papers, that's why.

It always happens.

There was no one at all?

No one.

You didn't tell any of your friends?

Look, Alan, this Brodie business was old history.

I thought it was all over and forgotten.

I know.

What does this person say?

Person? The one who keeps phoning you.

Oh, nothing.

It doesn't matter.

How's the defense coming on?

All right.

He's been very kind.

Top man, Mycroft.

We'll soon have you home.

I could have sworn he'd sent all those letters back.

Really? I simply don't understand it.

You obviously planned a long way ahead.

I've written to the bank instructing them to honor all your checks.

Well, the defense fees are bound to be heavy.

Chief, at ten times the price.

Do you think they'll reduce the charge?

I don't know.

Then let's talk about it.

But murder by shooting.

It's a capital offense. I didn't know.

Then let's talk about it, please.

It's so unfair.

You plan to poison a person.

You go out and buy the poison, kill them, and that's not capital.

But a gun just happens to go off, and it is.

It's not just.

My dear.

All because of that damn pistol.

Yes, this is my fault, really.

Oh, no, Al.

You couldn't know it was going to happen.

True.

Time's up, I'm afraid.

All right, dear.

See you soon.

Yes.

Chin up.

It'll be another fall before long, you know.

Oh, I know. It never stops, does it?

Mr. Phipps in?

No, sir. I'm sorry, he's not.

Was he expecting you, sir?

Well, in a way, yes.

Would you like to come in and wait? I don't think you'd be long. Well, thanks

very much.

Nice house.

Actually, he's gone to see Mrs. Phipps. Oh, yes.

Shocking business.

I read about it in the paper. This way, sir.

Mrs. Phipps wouldn't down the soul.

Well, that's often the way it is, you know.

Mrs. Jekyll and Hyde in all of us. Not Mrs. Phipps, sir.

If you'll excuse me.

You might like something to read, sir.

Oh, thank you. That's very kind of you. You shouldn't be long.

Mr. Phipps.

That's right.

Peter Dexter. Glad to know you. First, I must say how sorry I am about the recent

events. Most distressing. Most. What can I do for you?

Mr. Phipps, I don't know if you're a gambling man.

No, I'm not.

Nor the occasional flat on the Derby National. That's my lot.

However, I'll bet a pound to a peanut that you've been expecting me.

Have I? I think so.

You'll have to be more explicit. A great failing of mine. Seven ways to Sunday,

that's me.

Why should I have been expecting you? You didn't honestly think you were going

to get away with it, did you?

Get away with what?

Fabian tactics, Mr. Phipps. You're retreating.

What can't I get away with? Just when you're breathing freely, there's a tap

on the shoulder.

Get to the point.

The Norton Country Club.

What about it? You haven't paid your subscription.

It was due in on the 9th.

All right.

I thought it was some major disaster.

It is, sir, for me.

Dexter, assistant secretary, remember?

No, I'm sorry, I didn't. Oh, I haven't offered you a drink. No, thank you, sir.

I'll write you a cheque. And your wife, too, sir, if you don't mind.

I trust it won't be long before we see you both there again.

Four guineas each, isn't it? That's right, sir.

This is nice.

Yes. My wife's very fond of pottery.

Here you are.

Thank you, sir. Sorry to disturb you. That's all right.

Judy, show Mr.

Dexter out, will you?

I hope the next time we meet it'll be under more favorable circumstances.

I hope so, too.

I'm sure it will.

Hello. You.

You didn't really think you'd seen the last of me, did you?

What do you want?

Are we likely to be disturbed?

No, I'm alone.

I thought perhaps Judy.

No, she's sleep-side.

Oh.

That's unfortunate for you.

This time it's the real thing.

That's supposed to mean something?

For the past two years, John Brodie had a partner.

Me.

You must have been hard up. He told me about your proposition. We talked it

over.

You're a poor judge of character, Mr. Phipps.

Brody was your first mistake.

Your second comes when you underestimate me.

What do I say to that?

You don't. You listen.

I collected the envelope this morning.

Exhibit A.

The envelope?

Your handwriting, too.

Careless. But I know the story.

The blank cartridge that wasn't so blank.

The lot.

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

Please.

Siddle, the man at the shop. He'll identify you.

And what about the chambermaid, the one who heard the shots, remember?

What do you want?

Same as you.

Money. I haven't got any.

Use your wife's. I'm not superstitious.

I haven't got access to it. Oh, by the way, I left your retainer in Brodie's

pocket. Why?

Just a hunch. I thought maybe the serial numbers might tie in with those in the

envelope.

You think of everything.

To quote you, I try to.

You have two days.

If I go to the police now, it ruins the scheme, doesn't it?

No, you don't have enough proof.

What about the envelope?

What about the chambermaid?

Well, what about them? I haven't admitted anything. I'm not a lawyer for

nothing. You haven't got proof.

Oh, but I have, you know.

A hundred percent proof.

Do you remember a little conversation you had with Brodie the other day?

Well? Well, I was there, in the bathroom.

Well, that won't do you any good.

I decided to strike out on my own.

So without telling my late partner, I made a little recording.

No, don't do that.

Sit down. Over there.

Let's listen, shall we?

She'll never pull the trigger.

That's your problem.

And you slump to the floor as though dead.

She'll panic.

Sure. Positive.

She'll rush home to tell me.

I'll volunteer to do my boy's carpet and sort things out. Dispose of the body, et

cetera. How?

Influential legal friends.

But, as I shall tell her, it's going to cost a great deal of money.

Now, I see.

Like it?

Yeah.

You got me. There is just one floor. Anyone who could hire an old pro like

Brodie, hire him to go to his own funeral, deserves my respect.

Cut the compliments and get to the cost.

A thousand pounds for me.

Another thousand for Brodie, poor fellow.

That makes two.

One for your wife.

Reasonable? Three.

Another thousand for the lessons that he didn't have time to teach me.

Inconvenience money.

4,000? I couldn't raise 400.

Bread, not crumbs, Mr. Phipps.

And one for the road, making five.

5,000? It is a lot, isn't it?

Still, you've got two days.

I couldn't do it in ten.

You could tell your wife it's expenses for her defense.

No, it's too much. I can't do it. Shame.

I'll be in touch.

You'll hear from me the day after tomorrow.

So will the police, lest you meet your deadline.

Well, I'll try, but... I knew you would.

Oh, by the way, your subscription to the Norton Country Club.

We shan't be needing that now, shall we?

Good night.

Hello? Alan Phelps?

Yes, it'll be there.

All of it.

What do I have to do?

For obvious reasons, old sport, I think it would be better if the meeting were

held in a public place.

That way we both leave the scene of the transaction.

I suggest the skating rink. You know the one I mean, don't you?

I know it.

I'll be there soon after three.

And bring that spool with you.

Of course.

No good to me.

Not anymore.

Well? Epic, Mr. Smith.

Could sit and watch it for days.

Have you got it?

Business already.

Wouldn't you like a cup of coffee or something?

We've got a deal. Let's get on with it.

Pity. I rather fancied a cup of coffee.

Anyway, the bar's closed. We can chat up there if you like.

All right.

Curious place.

Sorry you don't like it. I thought it was rather picturesque.

Should we sit down?

One spool as promised.

How do I know it's the one?

You'll have to trust me.

Oh, I suppose so.

And the money?

It's in here.

Sorry, but I don't trust you.

What are you going to do?

You know anything about music?

No. My wife taught me a lot about it.

So?

The music here is on a tape.

You could spot the numbers coming up once you know the sequence.

How do you know all this?

I've been here before.

Twice before.

Twice? Once with Brodie and once this afternoon.

I went to see the man who operates the tapes.

Groupon, he was most cooperative.

I told him it was my little girl's birthday.

We were having a party, you see.

She likes noisy music. Very good to skate to.

Also to shoot to.

Don't be a fool.

Listen.

Like it?

Mad. You think so?

You'll never make it.

I know.

It gets louder in a minute.

Oh, excuse me, government may have run out of matches.

Do we got a light?

No, I don't smoke.

I got one.

Mind that gun.

Yes.

Alan Phipps, we're police officers.

We will warrant your arrest.

That's life.

You do this?

Fred, sir.

What was wrong with the 5,000? There was nothing wrong with it. It was a very

handsome offer.

Then why tell the police?

My conscience wouldn't allow it. Your conscience?

Yes. Not even for 5,000? Sorry.

Why not?

You see, I saw your wife in prison, and she offered me 10.

Take them away.