Original subtitles

THE END

THE END

I tried on the telephone to make the old gentleman see that he might be acting a

little unfairly towards his nephew, but he simply slammed down the receiver.

I'm not surprised.

You're young, and you probably put the boy's case too sympathetically.

Well, in any event, it's more grist to our mill.

I wanted to get this will to Sir James on his return from Ireland tonight.

Why tonight?

Surely the old boy can wait until the morning. Oh, you know what he is. If

we're not on time, his time.

Miss Dundas?

Yes, Mr. Brown?

Where is Mr. Clark?

Oh, he had a large meeting. I'm afraid I said he could go. Oh, you did, did you?

Well, now we're in a fix. I told you, Brown. Why not leave it until the

morning? Can I be of any assistance?

Well, you see, we simply must get this will to Sir James tonight.

His place isn't far, really, from my house. Shall I take it? Would you?

After all, Waring, she does know all about it, doesn't she?

Yes, I suppose she does. Here it is, then.

He might want you to witness an alteration, a very drastic alteration,

but I don't suppose he'll keep you long.

You can run along now, have a snack somewhere, and make his place

comfortably by eight.

I shall probably go by bus and charge up a taxi and a dinner.

That young lady will get on.

She has a six and eight penny mind.

All the same, I don't like her being mixed up in this business. What the

devil's the matter with you wearing, falling in love with her or something?

The fact of Sir James choosing to disinherit young Robert and needing a

witness to his signature doesn't put her in deadly peril, does it?

All I'm concerned with is that she doesn't keep the old man waiting.

He might cut us out.

That would be serious.

I'm sorry.

Yes?

Dead body, where?

James Cartridge?

Yes, we know where he lives.

We're speaking from the call box nearby. What number?

Very well, you stay there. We'll pick you up.

Information room?

I've warned you not to sign anything disinheriting your nephew.

He owes me money.

And if he's too weak-kneed to get it, I'm not.

V.L.S.

Now, this man that you met, how would you describe him?

Well, I... I hadn't much time, really, to take stock.

He was youngish.

Tall, about six foot.

Quite an interesting face.

Dark hair.

He was dressed ordinarily, I should say.

You got all that down, Hagen? Yes, ma'am.

But you walked down.

Rather odd, that, in summer.

Not so odd. We found no fingerprints.

Now, your people represented Sir James, you see.

Yes, I told you.

I was taking the will for Sir James to alter.

Well, have you ever in the course of business met this nephew of his?

Never.

Oh.

Then you wouldn't know whether or not he was the man who ran into you.

I shouldn't think so. I understood he was in Dublin.

In Dublin?

Playing around, they say. It's the modern Monte Carlo.

That's why Sir James was so annoyed with him.

He crossed to Ireland, quarrelled with his nephew and instructed us

accordingly.

Then he came back last night to... To run into this, yes.

Now, the signature on this message.

The BLS? Mm-hmm.

Convey anything to you?

No.

Strikes no familiar chord anywhere?

I don't think so.

Oh, so you don't read the papers much then?

The papers, yes, of course.

Now you come to mention it, I do seem to recall those initials.

Weren't there ever certain letters to the press that stirred up rather a lot

of trouble for some people?

Some particularly dirty crooks, yes.

I may as well tell you, young lady, that since the end of the war, VNS has helped

us quite a bit.

But this is different, surely. I mean, a note on the murdered man practically

admitting the crime.

You don't think we're falling for that, do you?

You think the note's a forgery?

I shall be interested to hear what VNS himself thinks.

Then you know this mysterious VLS.

Well, not officially, Miss Dundas. Not officially. But you see, chaps like us

get to know quite a lot off the record.

Well, I'll sign you safely off the premises.

And now it's me for salubrious Soho.

Is that where VLS lives?

Regular little ferret, aren't you?

Well, after all, I am in law.

Well, mind you, always keep within it, Miss Dundas. Not like someone I know.

Hagen, would you see Miss Dundas, don't you?

Goodbye, Inspector Morling. Goodbye.

Thank you.

Come in, Mrs. Barnes.

Oh, Mr. Nicholson, there's a gentleman here to see you. He said he's from

Scotland Yard. That's all right, madam. I haven't come to take him away. I'm

just inquiring about an accident.

An accident, Mr.? I'm Inspector Morley. Oh.

Well, sit down, Inspector. Thank you.

There isn't any accident, but I wanted to have a talk with you without any

hysteria on the part of your landlady.

I'm afraid I have nothing to offer you in the way of a drink, Inspector.

It's a terrible piece, isn't it?

It's driving people to do all sorts of things.

Bogus company promoting, blackmail, dope trafficking.

I'm sure I don't know what we're the odd to do sometimes without the aid of a

little outside help.

For which, Mr. Nicholson, believe me, we're most appreciative.

I note you're giving me what my landlady might term an old-fashioned look,

Inspector. What's on your mind?

Well, I haven't noticed any letters from VLS in the papers lately.

Is it because you think he's resting on his laurels?

I don't get you.

I think you do, Mr. Nicholson.

You see, unofficially, we know quite a lot about VLS.

We know that before the war, his career was a little more wildly spectacular

than it is now.

He took his fun in Paris, where he broke the law like a modern raffles.

How very interesting.

The French police never invited our cooperation.

But because he was English, we were naturally interested.

And we noted the signature he used after every exploit.

Vive le sport, in full, if he had the time.

Or if he was pressed.

Just a hasty VLS.

Then came the war.

VLS remembered he was British.

He joined the RAF and was considerably decorated.

Now he's demobbed and... And spending his gratuity on rioters' living, I

suppose? No, I don't think so.

I don't know exactly what the service has done for him, but he seems to be

using his former knowledge of the underworld to help us, by letters in the

press, to track down certain particularly nasty types of criminals.

We're very grateful.

What we can't understand is, why doesn't he come straight to us?

In view of his past record, he might be unwise.

Why should it be? We've nothing on him.

You're sure of that?

Should we ask for his help now, if we had? You need help?

We do.

Well, I want a job, a man's job. I'm tired of fooling around.

I think I know as well as anyone the ins and outs of the criminal mind.

I'm sure I'd make a pretty useful cop.

You've got a nerve, anyway.

How do you mean, nerve?

Suggesting you join the force, with your record.

With whose record?

I'm admitting nothing, and your blah about BLS is all Greek to me. And if it

is you say the police have got nothing on me, well, there's the door.

Now, take it easy and don't get all worked up.

All right, I'll apologize for that crack about nerve.

What's more, I'll have a word with the commissioner.

What good will that do?

Well, you never know.

Wires have been pulled before, especially to help people who are

useful. And you can be still more useful, VLS. I admit nothing, I tell

you. Don't you?

Well, take a look at this.

I have warned you not to sign anything disinheriting your nephew.

He owes me money, and if he's too weak me to get it, I'm not.

VLS.

I didn't write that.

Nobody said you did.

In any case, you're admitting nothing about VLS, are you?

Now listen.

That note was found on the body of Sir James Carteris, who was murdered in the

grounds of his house at about 8 o'clock last night.

On the body of a murdered man?

And you can't get away from that signature.

Or can you?

Mrs. Barnes! Mrs. Barnes!

What me, Mr. Nicholson?

Where was I at 8 o'clock last night?

8 o'clock?

Let me see.

Why, sir, it ain't like you to forget my cooking.

You were sitting at that there table, wiring into one of my steak and kidney

puddings. Thank you, Mrs. Barnes.

An alibi, I think.

Of course, my dear chap.

But nobody for a moment suspected you.

Or VLS either.

Putting a signature to letters to the press is one thing, but what signature

admitting to murder could at this stage be anything else than a forgery?

And since it's VLS who's implicated, not you, why the panic?

All right, you win.

How can I help?

That better.

Well, the murdered man was Sir James Cartris, the millionaire shipbuilder.

The nephew referred to is Robert Cartris, a waster.

The old man was returning to sign a will, cutting out Robert. But before he

could do so... He was bumped off and nephew still inherits. Nephew should

therefore be suspect number one. Exactly.

But Robert Cartris was in Dublin at the time of the murder and still is. That

lets him out.

Or does it?

How come?

Well, I'm sufficiently versed in criminal practice to know that in Paris

at least there once flourished a complete organisation for the removal of

wealthy but awkward relations at consideration.

As things are in London, I see no reason why a similar murder while you wait

arrangement shouldn't be tried here.

But why an organisation?

Couldn't it have been the work of one man?

It could have been, but I don't think it was.

If you remember, I've never written anything against individuals.

It's always been a gang, whose actual leaders have remained sufficiently in

the background as to be still at large.

I've scotched a few shabby rackets, but the bosses themselves have always got

away. That's unfortunately true, but they don't exactly love you for it.

Indeed they don't.

I don't know them, because even now they're passing as respectable citizens.

But they know of me as VLS.

Yes, you've asked for it. Well, I've told you my reasons.

They start up again with a new stunt.

They organize gangs that won't even shy of murder.

Their touts contact young Cartridge, and the arrangement is made to murder Sir

James before the will can be legally annulled. Is that fair?

The bosses themselves make sure that not only is the crime committed, but that

VLS, whom they dislike intensely, shall take the blame.

Well, it's a line.

Whether it's the correct one remains to be seen.

I'll tell you what I'll do.

I'm willing to follow it up and see where it leads me. You are?

I'll find out who used my initials or go under.

Tell me, who discovered the body?

A girl in the employ of Brown and Waring, Sir James Solistas.

A girl, eh?

And a very nice one, too.

Devil, have you come here?

Haven't you more discretion?

You didn't turn up at Freda's place last night as arranged. I couldn't. I was

waiting to hear from the boss. Ah, don't give me that stuff.

I fixed the price of the job with you. And now I want pain, and quick.

I can't risk being seen around here anymore.

How do you mean you can't risk?

I passed a girl in the passage as I came in.

Well, what about it? The same girl saw me coming away from Sir James's place

the other night.

The same girl?

Did she recognize you?

I can't say for sure.

But I'm taking no risk. So give me my cut and I'll clear.

I haven't contacted the boss yet. I've told you before, as far as I'm

concerned, you're the boss. You placed the order and I carried it out. Veerless

note and everything.

But if that girl once starts putting two and two together...

Oh, Miss Dundas.

Meet Mr. Nicholson.

He was used to speak with you about that unfortunate affair the other night.

He is a detective, I imagine.

Isn't that so, Mr. Nicholson?

Yes, in a sort of way. Ah, a private investigator.

Here to prove the yard all wrong, what?

Well, I won't embarrass you if you wish to question this young lady.

I have a luncheon appointment in any event. Good day to you. Good day, Mr.

Brown.

What's the matter? Have I got to smother my nose in you? Don't feel you know me

well enough to tell me?

I've seen you before.

Really?

Twice before.

I remember you now.

You're the man that came out of the gates of... of Sir James's house the

night before last.

You spoke to me.

You're the... I thought it was you when I saw you just now, but... now I've seen

you for the first time, I... Hold on a minute. What's the big idea?

You're the man that killed Sir James.

Are you sure?

I've never seen Sir James or... or yourself in my life before. But I saw

you that night, I tell you.

Just as plain as I saw you in the corridor ten minutes ago.

Oh, you're crackers.

I haven't been here five minutes yet.

And there wasn't a soul in the corridor as I came along.

You never stared straight at me before you went into Seymour's.

Who's Seymour? The employment agency across the corridor.

Never heard of it.

But it was you. Your face, your build, your...

You're not going to tell me you had a suit like this.

Yes, yes, I'm sure.

Oh, well, it's a very ordinary suit.

There must be thousands like it.

Hold on.

You say the fellow you saw the other night was just like me?

My age, my bill, everything?

It was you.

And the chap who went into the office across the way?

You went into Seymour's employment agency.

Used their private door, too.

I'm going to get very cross with you. I know nothing of Seymour's. But if you'll

give me five minutes, I'll pop over and find out. And give you the opportunity

to get away?

No. I'm going to telephone the police.

You're a very brave girl, you know.

Because if I were the murderer you think I am, I might shoot you dead before you

could dial 999.

But I couldn't.

I haven't got a gun. It's in my pockets.

No gun, dagger, bomb, arsenic or old lace.

Really, I'm not a murderer.

And I assure you I'm not trying to make any sort of getaway.

Now, give me five minutes and I'll try to get this clear.

I'll be back on the dot.

I can't stop you going.

Of course you can.

But don't do the dirty on me and ring the police the moment I've got.

Please, I'll be back.

Don't spoil the beginning of what might be a beautiful friendship.

My name's Nicholson. I'm living in digs at the moment, but I've been lucky

enough to find a flat, and I rather wanted a manservant.

Well, don't let me stand in the way of business. I can call back later.

Your friend seems a little perturbed.

Well, I suppose it is rather unnerving to meet one's double.

But he gave me the impression of having seen you before.

Only in a shaving mirror, I should think.

Now, about this man, sir.

Young Bobby Carter has assured me you could fix me up.

Who?

Robert Carter, the nephew of the poor old chap who was found dead the other

night. Oh, yes, yes, correct.

Of course, Sir James.

It is very sad.

We supplied all his staff, you know.

Yes, Bobby told me.

Have you seen young Cartridge lately?

Oh, not for months now.

But I remember. Yes, of course. It was very good of him.

Well, Mr... Nicholson.

Mr. Nicholson, I'm afraid I have nobody suitable on my books at the moment. You

know what the labor shortage is. But the moment I have, I'll let you know.

Good day. How do you know where to find me?

Oh, of course. How stupid of me. Well, where shall I... Oh, don't bother.

I'll look back again sometime.

Where are you going?

The five-minute drop.

Well, I'm dead on time.

But I can well understand now that you thought it was me you saw.

Are you still keeping up that pretense?

Oh, I assure you I'm not putting on an act. But it's a long story, too long to

tell in a draughty corridor.

Come and have lunch with me. My landlady's got villain ham pie in.

How she can make villain ham pie? Do you imagine for one moment that I... Yes, of

course. My dig's only just round the corner.

You have a nerve.

Have I?

So have you. That's why you're coming with me.

Your twin brother, I should say.

What's he want a manservant for?

Twin brother, manservant, my foot. That's just an excuse to size us up.

He's the man responsible for busting up all our rackets. It's BLS.

BLS? How do you know?

He employed me as his job once on a job he was on in Paris just before the war.

Well, you didn't tell me that when you suggested putting the BLS note on Sir

James. What's that got to do with it? The point is, he's got us. Got us for

murder. What can he do?

He can't go to the police.

Mr. Crook himself, isn't he? He didn't have to go to the cops to queer our

other jobs.

He can do it through that girl. What girl?

Brown and Waring's secretary. The girl who saw me coming away from Sir James's

place the other night.

He's just gone off with her now.

Well, what's going off with her now got to do with it? I'm telling you, once he

gets her story and convinces her that he and I are two different people, he can

get her to direct the cops to this office and then we're in the soup.

What's the boss going to say when they kill him?

Who is this boss of yours, anyway?

You and I can't tell you that.

Everything's done over the phone.

He wants me, he rings me.

And when the job's done to his liking, he tells me where to collect.

He'll not call this satisfactory, and I hate to believe what he's going to do.

I've seen one or two of our chaps mysteriously disappear before.

You can't frighten me.

And next time he rings, tell him to be prepared to spend a lot more dough.

More? Why?

VLS has got to be taken care of, and not by me.

He'll be on his guard.

We've got to bring in someone else.

Someone who'll stop at nothing.

And that'll cost a package.

Do you know of anybody?

Well... Find out what Mitchell's doing.

I know what Mitchell's doing. He's doing ten years.

Do you know anybody else?

I did hear Pedrelli was back in the country.

They'll know it freed us.

Don't close from here.

Use the call box.

And while we're on the subject, who's going to take care of the girl?

The girl?

Well, if we could get hold of Pedrelli, he might do two jobs for the price of

one. If one of the jobs was a girl, I know Pedrelli.

This is me with our school dramatic society.

Here I am on holiday in Paris.

This was taken when I first joined the R.E.F.

And here I am, still in the disguise of an Italian peasant, just after my break

from a German prison camp.

Very interesting.

You seem to have done quite a lot of acting in your time.

I thought I could act once.

Then why not drop this pose now? This almost too convincing attempt to prove

you aren't the man I saw.

Mrs. Barnes?

Mrs. Barnes.

Mrs. Bounds, dear, where was I at 8 o'clock the night before last?

Now, what is all this about? I told you before, didn't I? You were there at home

eating your supper.

You'll forget your ethnic.

Well, she can't say fairer than that, can she?

Now, listen.

You thought you saw me in the corridor outside Seymour's.

You thought you saw me before that.

But actually, it was my double you saw.

Your double.

Yes, my double.

Now, I'm going to make a confession, and please take me very seriously.

When I was younger, I was almost incurably romantic.

I tried the stage, got tired of the make-believe.

And when in Paris, started a haphazard career that in the end, I regret to say,

led to crime.

Oh, don't be alarmed. It wasn't very serious crime. It was the rob the rich

to help the poor stuff.

But it was against the law.

Well, it was necessary for me in one of my little jobs at work to appear to be

somewhere else at the same time.

And I found this man you saw.

I only used him once because he wasn't exactly nice to know.

And that's the man you thought was me.

You admit to me you're a crook.

Was a crook. I'm on the side of the angels now.

As a matter of fact, that's why I called at your office this morning.

It was a bit of luck you mistook me for a murderer.

For it was a mistake, wasn't it?

I'm beginning to realize that now.

Whatever must you think of me, mister? Nicholson, my friends call me Nick. You

might try it sometime.

You'll be seeing a lot more of me now I'm keeping an eye on that office.

Keeping an eye on it?

Seymour's is an employment agency for very dirty workers.

But won't you go straight to the police?

No. It's part of my great rehabilitation scheme to show the police what I can do.

To which end I propose to allow our friend a lot more rope.

But don't you think you ought to have someone to help you?

Someone you can communicate with if, well, if you happen to run into trouble.

As who?

Me. You?

Why not? After all, I've been in this thing all along. Yes, too long.

Oh, but I want to see it, Fleur, and I want to help. Please let me. Your best

plan is to fade right out of this and stay in the safety of your own office.

Oh, you men are all the same.

You're as bad as Mr. Waring.

Who's he?

Our junior partner.

He thinks I ought to be wrapped in cotton wool.

Perhaps you're precious to him. Oh, don't be silly. He's just a young old

woman. Well, anyway, if he knew the facts, he'd be giving you the same

advice as I'm offering. Oh, quite.

He'd never give me the credit for being able to take care of myself.

Now, look here, young lady. This isn't a party game. These men are criminals.

They'll stop at nothing.

Nothing. Now, steer clear of them. To please me.

What makes you think I want to please you?

Oh, to please your blooming junior partner, then.

I'm sorry.

I'll act on your advice, Mr. Nicholson.

Thank you, Miss Dundas.

My friends call me Peggy, Nick.

Thank you, Peggy.

But if you should happen to need my help, you will call on me, won't you?

Promise? Oh, all right, I promise.

Good, and make it soon. I'm looking forward to it. Wait a minute.

Do you see that fellow paying off the taxi?

Yes.

Isn't he the man who runs the employment agency in your office building?

Yes, he is. Why?

Oh, just checking, that's all.

Did you see where he went?

Yes, well?

No one goes down there unless they're going to a certain questionable joint

known as Frida's Club.

That court's a cul-de-sac. There's nowhere else to go.

Why, have you been there, then? No.

But if Seymour goes down there, you can bet Rayburn goes there, too.

I must visit that place tomorrow.

Don't do anything rationing.

Oh, I won't do anything like that, my dear.

I must find out a few things about the people who visit that place.

Meantime, you and I are going places.

What do you mean?

Well, go round the shops and try and find you some nylons.

But I must go back to the office.

All right.

I'll meet you tonight and we'll go to the theatre.

A little relief from this murder business won't do us any harm. All

right, Nick, I'd love to.

Yeah.

Yes, speaking.

Oh, yes, Hagen.

You're where?

Empire Music Hall.

What's that?

A fellow who looks like Nicholson?

And a girl, eh?

Well, are you sure it's Nicholson?

You can't tell.

All right, I'll come around and check up.

Um, I say, is there any scotch in the bar?

Good, I'll be right around then.

Hello, Pat.

Ah, Inspector.

Well, where is he?

Up here in the box.

Do you recognize the girl with him?

Come on, have you got an eye for a pretty face?

Ah, yes, yes.

Here, by the way, she never told me she knew Nick, so we'll have to keep an eye

on her.

Thank you.

Thank you.

It's like being in a grandstand, isn't it?

I wonder if any of the Arsenal directors are in front.

They might find a new sense of humor.

Well, come on, what about this scotch? I'm sorry, Inspector, but it's Irish.

Fair enough.

Come in.

Shall I bring you up some tea, Mr Nicholson? Oh, thank you, Mrs Barnes.

I'm just going out.

I shall probably be late tonight.

You are keeping some dreadful hours. You actors always do, though.

When are you going to give me them tickets, you promise me? I keep on

forgetting to ask the manager.

Well, I shall have to hurry. My show's just about to commence.

I don't know why they don't start your show earlier. Then you could leave some

decent hours.

I remember... Tell me another time, Mrs Barnes.

I really must get going. Always in a hurry you are. I suppose you'll need the

key again.

This afternoon, aren't we? Spung over the drink and not so much to say.

I was only trying to be sociable after all.

The camera's just gone downstairs.

Says he don't want to be disturbed.

That's all right. I saw him yesterday.

What do you think about Fedrelli?

Fedrelli? I happened to be talking about him just after you phoned yesterday.

Oh?

Yes. The chap said he saw him a few days ago.

Couldn't be mistaken, he said.

Same old clothes.

He expected him to London's a better place to hide in than Paris.

Don't think he'll come here, though.

Why not?

I thought he might.

If he gets to here, you've got a job for him, Mr. Rayburn.

Yes.

He might.

If anybody rings, answer the door, Jack. Okay, Frida.

Don't say goodbye.

Can't we always be friends?

Just like we...

If you'll be glad You are the best pal I

ever had So don't say goodbye Can't we

all

Last demand we make of

No, it was on the mat. Somebody must have pushed it under the door.

Why? What's the trouble?

Nick was right.

It must have come from Seymour's. Do you mean Seymour's? And who's Nick?

My dear, what is all this panic, Harriet?

Read this.

It all began the other night as a man ran into me when I was... You mean the

night of the murder? Yes.

And then I thought I saw him going into Seymour's.

And then I thought it was he who came to question me, but it wasn't. It was Mr

Nicholson.

Nick. But you haven't yet told me... Oh, he's a nice fellow. Quite a dear,

really, but...

He's the absolute image of it.

So, eh, Mr. Reeves?

Looks like it, doesn't it?

What other governor you been?

You keep your... Governor thinks I'm drinking too much. I don't want to know

I've been here.

Okay. I haven't seen you. We understand each other.

We'd better.

Or you had.

And Nick is convinced he's discovered the headquarters of the gang.

But this is serious.

We ought to inform the police at once.

No, don't do that, Mr. Waring.

Nick said not.

This Nick seems to have a lot of influence with you.

It's only that he asked me to let him work it out on his own.

He has a special reason.

He doesn't seem to consider the fact that his working alone is getting you

into trouble.

More, putting you into danger.

And that note, it's clearly a threat.

Now, as your employer, I consider it my duty to get in touch with the police.

No, don't, please.

I ought not to say anything about this to you at all.

I see.

You can work day after day with me in this office, and what I say counts for

nothing.

This fellow has only been in your life five minutes and... Mr. Waring.

I can't help it. And if you haven't seen it before, you must be blind.

Peggy, I'm frightfully fond of you.

And I'm worried sick at the thought of you being mixed up in this sordid

business.

Besides... How can you be certain that this Nick and the murderer aren't the

same man after all? Oh, they're not. I know it.

Weren't your first impressions that they were? And aren't first impressions

usually right?

My dear Peggy, doubles, exact doubles, don't exist outside novels.

And that note warning you to take no action.

Who else but Nicholson knew that you would be likely to interfere?

I tell you, it all comes back to Nicholson. Not only murdered Sir James,

but is now threatening you. You're wrong. You're absolutely wrong.

Oh, dear.

What else can I say?

I'm sorry we don't see eye to eye, and it's good of you to worry so.

I wouldn't be human if I didn't appreciate it.

Then promise me you'll do as that note asks, that you won't be drawn into any

further interference.

I can't do that.

Why not?

You see, I made Nick promise he'd send for me if he wanted me.

Nick.

Friends of mine tell me Mr.

Rayburn wishes to see me.

Yes, he was making a few inquiries about you.

I'm afraid you'll have to sign the book. You're not a member now, are you?

If you stop like this, it's very much another

day, my girl.

a little job for you. Oh, I don't want any little job.

This is easy money right up your street.

Come on, the governor's waiting downstairs.

Good afternoon.

I don't think we've met before.

Have a drink.

All right.

I was telling Fedrelli we might be able to use him.

Oh, sure we can.

Thank you.

Will you sit down?

It is a very interesting room you have here.

Yes, very.

Rayburn was telling me that you...

some rather remarkable disappearances in Paris before the war.

Mr. Weber would be advised to cultivate the loss of memory.

Nonsense. They were neat jobs.

And our proposition calls for another.

Yes, we were hoping your hand had not lost its cunning, Pedrilli. An

acquaintance of ours is becoming annoying.

How much?

500. 250 now and 250 when you... No.

Five hundred now.

The cost of living has risen. So should the cost of dying.

Who is this troublesome one?

A chap named Nicholson.

But you might know him better as V.L.S.

Perpoco! V.L.S.!

I contract for miserable five hundred to eliminate V.L.S.? Why, merely to find

him is what's at the mouth.

He is too elusive, that one.

Was elusive.

Not anymore.

He's got tangled up with a girl.

Just a minute.

Let me think.

Listen.

I've got a sound idea that we could get Nicholson here in our hands for you to

do as you like with, Pedrelli.

If somehow we could get the girl here first and make her send for him.

Yes. The idea is good. Up to a point.

The sending point would be quite unnecessary if the girl were to see with

her own eyes that Nicholson was already here.

She's already mistaken Nicholson for you, Raven.

Why shouldn't she mistake you for Nicholson?

In the girl's eyes, I am Nicholson. Is that what you mean?

Exactly.

I don't see why not.

See if I can make my voice sound like his for a start. What are you going to

do? Going to get her to meet me here right away.

Yeah.

That's worth trying.

Go ahead.

Brown and Waring.

Solicitors. Here we are.

I do not see what good that will do.

Don't you?

Brown and Waring here.

Who is that?

Mr. Nicholson.

Don't be so formal, Nick. This is Miss Dundas.

I mean Peggy.

Just a moment.

What's happening?

Anything might happen.

What do you mean? Where are you?

Cloud Court, Freeders, Soho Court.

Yes, yes, of course I remember.

You want me to come there now?

Right away?

Yes, I...

Because I could slip away without them knowing, but... All right, Nick.

I'll ask for you.

I'll be around by five or ten minutes, yes.

Goodbye.

She's on her way.

Good for you, Raven.

We'd better let Freda know.

Oh, Freda.

Any minute now, a young lady will be asking for Mr. Nicholson.

Send her down here, will you?

What were your objections just now, Padrelli?

I was about to remark that I fail to see how making the girl believe that Rayburn

is Nicholson will bring the real Nicholson here in person.

Or is it proposed that I do mistake Rayburn for the troublesome one and

proceed with my elimination accordingly?

Yeah, don't be such a thundering fool, Padrelli.

Very well, gentlemen.

When you have beaten the bank and have made up your minds what it is you want

me to do with this Nicholson, I may be of assistance to you.

So, I await your esteemed orders.

Repulsive rat.

There's a flaw in our reasoning, huh?

Yes, we slipped up there and the girls on our way and should expect to see

Nicholson

I'll

take

you

along

It is quite easy.

Your Nicholson, now, is up to you to show her that Nicholson is not the hero

she thinks he is, but a very nasty piece of work.

So that when we let her get her work done, she'll go straight to the police

and denounce him as the killer.

Sounds all right.

And then, when Fedrelli has scrubbed him out, his disappearance will only

strengthen everyone's suspicions. And we're in the clear.

Look out, he's jumped.

Give me five minutes.

Yes, come on down, my dear.

Glad you were able to come along.

What a queer place.

Isn't it?

Well, then we're no ordinary people, are we?

Does anybody know you came here?

No, you asked me to say nothing. Why?

No one at all?

We shan't be disturbed.

What do you mean by that?

It's obvious, isn't it?

Here are you and I together.

I've been looking forward to this.

Nick, what's the matter with you?

You've changed somehow.

You're different.

Don't kid yourself. No man's different. We're all the same. Nick, what do you

mean? Don't be such a little fool. Do you think for one minute I was going to

let you slide in on my affairs without making sure one day that you'd never

turn around on me? Never, do you understand?

You're so disgusting. You are. I'm Nick. You're not for the other man.

Don't be a little idiot.

We're one in the same.

All right, my dear. You're not going to trick me again. I can well understand

how you feel, but honestly, I'm Nick. I don't believe you.

I am.

I'm the chump you had lunch with the other day.

Don't you remember the photographs and the beer and ham pie and my landlady,

Mrs. Barnes? I couldn't invent all that if I was the other fellow, could I?

You are Nick, you're sure?

Yes, I'm Nick, but for goodness sake, pretend I'm the other fellow and fight

me because it's our only chance.

Oh, I didn't mean to... Stab you, Nicholson.

He called you Nicholson.

I am Nicholson.

But that was Seymour.

Then Mr. Waring was right.

Mr. who was right? Waring.

Oh, the junior partner chap.

Yes, when I stuck up for him.

Believing it.

He pointed out this double business. It was so... Now that Seymour's obviously

in co with you, I can see that Waring was...

Peggy, please believe me. Oh, let me go. You're a crook. A murderer.

Was a crook. I've admitted as much.

But I'm no murderer.

Yet. What I'll do to a few people for landing me in this misunderstanding with

you remains to be seen.

I'll finish breaking Rayburn's neck for a start.

Oh, how can you expect me to believe you?

Dan, I've broken my wrist.

It's only the clasp broken. I'll get it repaired.

I shall never see that again.

Crook. Oh, yes, you will. In the morning.

Now, we've got to get out of here quickly. You've got to get away.

Why me?

Don't you see? The police will be after you. Oh, get away. Get away while you

can. And what about you?

Oh, what does it matter about me? It's you I'm thinking of. You.

Whoever and whatever you are.

And you mean you'd run the risk of stopping here just for me?

Oh, I don't know what I'm doing, but go. Go before it's too late.

We'll go together and we'll go now.

Governor, I'm just seeing her off to get a few things and then she's coming back

for keeps. Enter Doug's.

That must have been Nicholson that went up there.

Nicholson?

Any input?

Nothing, sir.

Hello?

Yes?

Someone's here, sir.

Hello? Yes?

Yes, this is Inspector Morley.

You're who?

Have you put in a word for me with the commissioner yet?

You're waiting to see results.

New word.

Well, any moment now, anything might happen.

No, I'm telling you nothing yet.

Now, look here.

If you haven't got any information in the next few days, things are going to

be a bit awkward for you.

Sounds as if you're going to arrest me.

Well, I wouldn't spend my time in musicals without you.

Must have a little relief from work now, then, Inspector.

Enjoy the show?

Sure I did.

Very good.

Yeah. Pretty girl you had with you.

Yes.

She's a nice kid.

Oh, by the way, if you trot round to the offices of Brown and Waring's, the

solicitors, at ten o'clock tomorrow morning, you might hear something to

your advantage.

Is this any connection with the affair I came to see you about?

Maybe.

One more thing, then.

That girl is not the type to take to drinking clubs.

Well, I'll be seeing you.

Goodbye.

That was the mysterious Mr.

Nicholson.

Good morning, Inspector. Good morning, Mr. Leff.

Do you want to see Mr. Brown or Mr. Whaling?

I don't know what I want to see yet, my dear.

A little birdie was for me to be here, that's all.

I'm afraid there's no one here yet.

Well, I'll wait.

Won't you come in, then?

Inspector!

Oh, so we've had visitors, eh?

The glass was broken.

Yes, it still is.

Why? I must have dropped it last night. Then you've only just discovered it had

gone. And the burglar didn't think it worth taking either.

Dear me.

Wonders will never cease.

Good gracious.

I say, what is all this? I'm from the yard. Here on information received.

I found your safe broken open, the lady's watch on the floor, and this note

left.

I have taken nothing of value, just borrowed a few documents, that's all.

VLS.

That's all!

A thief has the impertinence to break into our office, open our safe and...

Besides this note, VLS.

VLS? Those were the initials on the body of the... Yes, yes, no doubt this

officer noted that back.

But what's all this about a watch?

Oh, nothing to do with it. Your secretary apparently dropped it last

night, it's hers.

I remembered it on her wrist when she came to the yard.

And the VLS person, apparently after higher game, just ignored it. Higher

game is right. I wonder just exactly what he has taken. Would you mind,

Inspector, while I check up? If I didn't.

Peggy, I want to speak seriously with you.

You were wearing that watch after you came back from lunch. But it wasn't on

your wrist when you returned from wherever you slipped out to go yesterday

afternoon. I noticed these things.

You do?

Now we find it on the floor beside a rifled safe.

You're getting terribly involved, you know.

It's quite obvious to me that in spite of my sincere advice, you went out to

see Nicholson yesterday.

Being that sort of chap, he deprived you of your watch. Well, the cast was

broken. He offered your watch. So you did see him.

And you gave him your watch, which he wouldn't be so careless as to leave

behind during a burglary.

He leaves it as a clear warning to you that he's a thief, a murderer, and that

you'd better look out.

Peggy, I say again, this chap is VLS.

Surely. On his own admission, he will believe that now.

Oh, I wish I were out of the door. You can't... It's outrageous.

A man could go about committing murder, performing burglaries, and calmly leaves

his criminal trademark on them, and yet the police do nothing.

In the matter of Sir James, sir, the police are expecting an early arrest.

But what about this morning's outrage?

How long am I to wait for the stolen documents to be returned to my safe?

Well, sir, considering the theft wasn't discovered until ten minutes ago...

I

think there's been a burglary across the lake.

Why, what's the matter with you?

There's been another one here.

Why, what dirty crook did that?

What's been taken?

No cash, no notes, but everything else.

Our professional register, address book, our complete who's who, in fact.

He knows all about us now. Who does?

VLS.

Seymour, this is the showdown. Be at Gray's Rope and Tackle Warehouse,

whopping 8.30 tonight.

Otherwise, I shall talk to the yard instead.

VLS.

A warehouse, down by the river.

In the quiet of the night.

A fool.

Do you think he'll go alone?

That's the way he works.

I'd feel better if you came with me.

All right.

We'll send Pedrelli on ahead.

We've got to find him.

He'll be down at Frita's. What about his 500 quid?

I'll leave that to me. I'll contact the boss.

Tell him we've got VLS where we want him.

I tell you, something's bound to close in on VLS soon, and he'll turn vicious.

Since you will have been primarily responsible, it's you who'll get hurt.

I'd feel easier if you were out of his way for a few days.

Now, this is what I propose. It's strictly business.

I'm flying to Switzerland tonight. Come with me as my secretary.

I'll fix it with old Brown.

I repeat, it's strictly business.

You will trust me, Peggy, don't you?

You've been so kind and considerate. I'd be hateful if I didn't. All right, then.

Go home early and pack. I'll call for you at 7.30. All right?

I'll be there.

Rita, give me a whiskey.

Padrelli's at that table over there.

Hello, Padrelli.

Hello, Mr.

Rayburn.

Tonight's the night, Bedrelli.

What do you mean, tonight's the night?

Remember you agreed to get rid of Nicholson for a consideration?

Yes.

Well, it's all arranged.

Nicholson will be at Gray's Robe and Tackle Warehouse walking at 8.30

tonight.

Do you know where it is?

Yes.

What do you want me to do when he arrives?

Bump him off.

And then into the river with him.

Will you do the job, Padrelli?

You are a long time thinking of giving me the consideration.

I've not forgotten, Padrelli.

Where's the 500?

I asked a thousand.

There wasn't time to get any more.

Banks were closed.

I eliminate VLS for 1,000 pounds, not 500.

The boss will give you the rest of it when the job's done.

Will you do it, Pedratti?

All right.

But the boss had better not forget.

Well, that's settled.

Don't forget the time.

8.30 this evening.

There's the key to the warehouse.

I'll get another drink.

Scotland Yard, there's going to be another VLS murder at Gray's Warehouse

Whopping at 8.30 tonight.

THE END

I never forget a face. You are an eagle, sir.

It's Rayburn, Virginia. I tell you, it's Rayburn.

If he is Rayburn, what is he doing with this revolver?

I had to come prepared.

Prepared for what?

I am doing the job.

It's Rayburn, Virginia, I tell you.

Have you got one, too?

Throw it out here.

What's the big idea, Seymour?

We've brought it in case you're in trouble with Nelson.

The only time I am likely to be in trouble is after I have done the job.

For your two double causes.

You see, I do not trust you two gentlemen.

One, a suspicious move from either of you, and I... And you get it, too.

Stop that gun, Fratelli.

You're going to get it anywhere.

You're all going to get it. You'll never get it. And you, Seymour, too.

What did you mean just now, we're all going to get it? Who are you?

Surely you recognize my voice, Seymour.

It must have registered displeasure with you a good many times lately.

The boss?

Yes. The modest, long-suffering boss.

But you've tried me long enough, you incompetent...

When the police arrive, they'll find Nicholson's VLS note on three more dead

bodies.

Bodies of men who knew too much. Get your hands up!

Open the door, Seymour.

I was waiting for Mr. Waring.

Of Brown and Waring? Yes.

What's going on here?

That's our business.

All right, but really lay off him now, Mr. Waring.

Ah, Mr.

Waring.

And what do we do with the girl?

She's better out of the way.

Well out of the way.

The river is handy.

Well, do what you like with her.

You kicked his filthy hand off it. You shut up.

just a fairy story, Nicholson. He's a playboy, Inspector.

Put the bracelet on.

Oh, yes.

And who are you?

VLS, do you, Inspector?

Sir, it was you who phoned us.

That's correct.

Good work, Nicholson.

Oh, the one that looks like me will require a noose.

The others, handcuffs.

I don't think they give you any trouble. Good.

Bring them along, Hayes.

Oh, well.

Oh, just a minute, Inspector.

What about that word to the Commissioner?

Or am I going to make myself up as you?

Go and recommend me myself.

Might be a good idea.

Oh, another thing, Inspector.

You had better have this 500 quid they gave me for trying to bump myself off.

Oh, thanks.

Could I give you two a lift?

Oh, well, perhaps I'm wrong. All right, I'll see you both at the session.

Good night. Good night, Inspector.

Good night, Inspector.

But, Nick, how did... We don't want an inquest now. But how did you get on to

wearing? Well, when you told me he was so insistent that you were wrong in

believing me, he was too insistent.

So I had a look in his safe.

But Mr.

Brown's mutton is too itchy. Oh, Brown, he's just a duke. A cover as to

respectability. But he'll do nicely as one of our witnesses.

Witnesses to what?

Come and have lunch with me tomorrow.

I know you like Mrs. Brown's veal and ham pie.

But as our old friend Cadrelli would say, wait until you've tasted her steak

and a kidney bird.