Original subtitles

I'm a bit out of my depth in the London Stock Exchange.

I'm not sure if it's a national institution

or a Monte Carlo for bet-a-million adventurers.

I suppose like Wall Street, la Bourse in Paris or la Bérsa in Milan,

it's best described as a dreamland of perpetual capital gains.

Anyway, it's a great place to study the effect of money on our psyche.

- Excuse me. Hey, Nora Prescott! - Simon!

What a wonderful surprise.

- What are you doing in this place? - just observing.

- Are you living in London now? - No, near Maidenhead.

- I'm working for Marvin Chase now. - The industrialist?

Yes!

I'd like to meet him.

He knows you. Then, I guess everybody knows Simon Templar.

(Man) ..it's absurd of the government to think that these...

these measures will curb inflationary tendencies.

Instead, they will seriously damage

the business community's faith in the future.

- In my opinion... - (Phone rings)

Mr Chase's residence.

- Yes, Lord Kennington. - I've left for London.

I'm afraid Mr Chase has left for town.

Yes, I'll tell him.

Not at all, goodbye.

- Now, where was I? - "In my opinion, we must..."

(Door bell rings)

It's all right, Thompson.

- I'll take it. - Yes, Mrs Chase.

- Hello, Rosemary. - Oh, hello, Jim. Come in.

- How are you? - I'm all right.

How's your charming step-daughter?

Ellen's fine. She's home, mid-term holidays.

We weren't expecting you.

Am I ever expected? You have a new car.

- Yes. - Nice to be rich(!)

I like it. It really is an awkward time.

My arrivals are usually awkward. ls my revered brother in the castle?

If you set store in being his brother, why not behave like one?

Talking like this infuriates Marvin.

My, my, we are touchy this morning, aren't we?

This is very sudden.

All this concern over Marvin's emotions?

Where is he? The study?

He's leaving for London in a few moments.

If you like, you can talk to Bertrand.

This not a matter for Marvin's executive assistant.

This is personal.

Marvin's going to see me this time if it's convenient or not.

- Who was that? - It's Jim.

- Why is he here? - I don't know.

I tried to get him to talk to you but he insisted on Marvin.

It's probably something unimportant.

You don't think he suspects about us, do you?

Impossible.

- He has a way of finding out things. - Darling, relax.

- I love you very much. - I know.

I do wish Jim hadn't come. What do you suppose he wants?

Marvin, I'm begging.

After all, I am your brother.

As you insist on bringing "brother" into the discussion,

let me give you some facts.

You were stealing money from me when you were seven.

You can't keep away from people's money. You even went to jail for it.

- And you're not cured yet. - I am!

You're worthless, incompetent and a crook.

What's more, you're weak. I detest weakness.

I detest your kind of strength. It's cruel.

But honest.

Marvin, I've had this job ten years.

I need it.

I'm taking over the Brook-Dewhurst company in five weeks.

The day I get control, you're out.

- You hate me, don't you? - No, I have no feelings about you.

- Nor anyone else. - Perhaps...except Ellen.

All I can say, brother, is God help that child with you for a father.

- Have a good trip, Daddy. - Thanks.

- You won't forget my riding boots? - Never! Thank you, Thompson.

- Got everything, Tamblin? - Yes, sir.

- Goodbye, Mrs Chase. - Goodbye.

- I'll take that. - Have a good trip.

- Thanks. Goodbye. - Goodbye.

- Be good. - I will.

Bye, darling.

Goodbye, Marvin.

Hey! It's London, not Australia!

I'll phone you tomorrow.

- Are you all right, Rosemary? - Yes, I'm fine.

I worry about your father. He drives so recklessly.

- But Daddy's a marvellous driver! - Yes. Of course.

- I have some letters to write. - First, I'll get you some coffee.

Mr Chase, will you please take it easy?

What's the matter? Are you nervous?

No. I just don't like driving at 60mph along country roads.

That's not the only reason you're nervous, is it?

What do you mean?

I'm not completely blind.

Too fast, Mr Chase!

Blooming rich road hogs.

Think they own the earth.

(Brakes screech, smashing)

Directory? I'd like the number of a Mr Marvin Chase in Hurley.

That's right, Berkshire.

Fine, thank you.

(Phone)

Mr Chase's residence.

- Could I speak to Miss Prescott? - Nora Prescott speaking.

- 'Nora, it's Simon Templar.' - Simon!

I just read about the accident. It's terrible.

It was simply awful.

He was terribly burned trying to save Mr Tamblin's life.

- How did it happen? - just as it says in the papers.

- You're sure it was an accident? - Why?

No reason, I'm just suspicious when millionaires narrowly escape death.

OK. Nora, give me a call and we'll have lunch, hmm?

- Fine. - Goodbye.

It's awful to see Daddy like this.

- Dr Quintus, is he suffering? - Not now.

- He is out of danger? - Completely.

It'd be best if you left now.

He's under sedation and he'll sleep through the night.

Mrs Chase, is there anything I can do?

AnythinQ-

I don't think so. Carry on as best you can.

It won't be easy without Mr Tamblin, but try.

Come on, Ellen.

- Good night, Nora. - Good night, Mrs Chase.

(Door bell rings)

Oh... May I come in?

Yes, of course.

- I didn't expect you. - I came as soon as I could.

- You needn't have bothered. - He is my brother.

So you keep saying. What do you want?

Merely to pay my respects to the hero.

I hear he wouldn't have been hurt if he hadn't tried to save Tamblin.

Well, can I see him?

To congratulate him.

Don't you realise he's very ill? He was badly burned.

Rosemary...I'm so sorry. I didn't know it was so serious.

Well, you do now.

Thank you, Thompson.

How do you feel, Mr Chase?

I told you, it hurts Mr Chase to talk.

For Miss Prescott?

- A note for Miss Prescott. - Yes, Doctor.

Mr Grayton, I'm only doing what he tells me.

He's selling his Enfill Petroleum because the dividend was low.

Oh, no, no. He's not allowed visitors yet.

Yes. Yes, I'll let you know.

(Knock at door)

In the meantime, sell all the Enfill stock at the current market price.

Yes.

Thanks, Mr Grayton. Goodbye.

From Mr Chase, Miss.

- Have you seen him today? - Yes, Miss.

I'm awfully worried.

- I don't think Mr Chase is... - ls what?

Oh... It's nothing, Thompson. Sorry, forget it.

Very good, Miss.

What?!

All I want is Marvin to get better and he won't if people pester him.

- I can see him for two minutes! - Why?

To talk him out of the Brook-Dewhurst takeover?

(Knock at door)

Come in.

- He's just written me this note. - Well?

Telling me to sell his Brook-Dewhurst holdings at the current market value.

They spent months getting control of that company.

I just don't understand it.

Do as he asks. You obeyed without question when he was well.

But he didn't ask me to do things like this.

He's had a change of heart!

If you really want to help, do as my husband asks, will you?

Yes...Mrs Chase.

Of course.

(Knock at door)

- What is it? - I have to see him.

- He's resting. - That's too bad.

Mr Chase... It's me, Nora.

(Ian you hear me?

Do you really want me to sell your Brook-Dewhurst holdings?

But you took months getting control of that company,

why do you want to sell now?

His face and lips were badly burnt,

talking could leave him permanently disfigured.

Wouldn't you like to think it over, Mr Chase?

But you'll lose nearly £70,000!

(Whispering) Sell, Nora. Sell.

That's enough, leave him alone.

Dr Quintus, you're a physician, not president of the Chase Company.

Oh, Mr Chase...

Are you sure you know what you're doing?

Sell, Nora. Sell.

How much authority do you need?

Do as you're told or we'll find someone who wilL.

I'm not interested in his deals,

only his health and minimising his disfigurement.

- Stop bothering him. - Well!

That young lady is dangerous, Mr Chase.

Very dangerous.

Operator, could you give me a number in London for Templar,

Simon Templar.

Yes, it's 53 Grosvenor Mews.

(Phone ringing)

Hello?

- 'Is that you, Simon?' - Yes...

Simon, it's Nora Prescott.

'Hello, Nora. How are you?'

Not very well, I'm afraid.

What's the matter?

I'm desperate. I've got to see you.

I think I'm being made an accomplice in some gigantic fraud.

I can't go to the police because I've no proof.

Could you possibly come down here and see me?

When and where?

Tonight. There's a pub in Hurley called The Anchor, do you know it?

- Would eight o'clock suit? - Fine.

Simon, thanks. I feel better already.

Goodbye.

Jim!

L-I just thought that Marvin wouldn't mind, just for a minute or two.

I don't know how to put it any more clearly.

Marvin is very sick and I won't have him disturbed.

Rosemary, something's going on in this house.

What do you mean?!

I don't know. It's not only me who feels it.

Nora has just telephoned Simon Templar. She's meeting him tonight.

- What for? - She wants to talk to him.

Obviously. What about?

About whatever's going on in this house.

There's nothing going on here.

Except for some people waiting for Marvin to die.

He's provided well for everyone in his will, including Nora and you.

Whatever his reasons for selling his holdings, they're his.

It's his money and his life.

Aren't you protesting a little too much?

- Jim, will you leave now? - Not quite yet.

What do you know about this Dr Quintus?

- How dare you?! - Answer my question.

He's been our family doctor for five years.

He's an excellent physician and an old friend.

- Rosemary. - Good morning, dear.

- (Ian I see Daddy for a minute? - Yes, dear.

- Try not to make him talk. - I promise.

Come in.

- How is he? - About the same as usual.

Daddy, it's me.

Don't try and say anything, but I'm here.

You will get better quickly, won't you?

Of course he will.

Does it hurt awfully?

It won't be long before we're riding again like we used to, you'll see.

Dear poppet...

That's enough, dear. He mustn't talk.

Right.

- Evening, sir. - Good evening. Whiskey soda, please.

- Thanks. Have one yourself. - Thank you, sir.

- Excuse me, are you Simon Templar? - Yes. How do you know?

I recognised you from the paper. It's a pleasure to serve you.

Thank you very much.

Do you know Marvin Chase?

Everybody around here knows Marvin Chase.

He only lives down the road.

This pub is almost on his property.

Excuse me, sir. Are you Mr Templar?

Yes. You've a message for me?

Meet Miss Prescott at the boat house.

Where's that?

Out the front door, turn right, down to the river.

The boat house is on the left. You can't miss it.

- Thanks. - You're welcome.

- Barman. - Sir.

- (Ian I get a room here tonight? - You can get a room here anytime.

Oh, Simon, I thought you'd never...

(Nora screaming)

Nora?

(Nora groaning)

Stand where you are. Who the blazes are you?

Jim Chase, Marvin's brother.

Put that switch on.

Nora!

She's dead.

- What are you doing here? - I followed you.

- Why? - I knew Nora had a date with you.

- How? - I heard her telephone you earlier.

Have you any idea who did this?

No, no. I don't know.

- But I thought Nora knew something. - What?

I've no idea. That's why I came, I thought I could overhear something.

All right. Stop trembling, I believe you.

What are you going to do now?

I'll go to The Anchor and call the police. You stay here.

Mrs Chase, how long had Miss Prescott worked for your husband?

About five years.

Did you know she was meeting Mr Templar?

- No. - Yes, you did. I told you.

Oh, yes! Sorry, I forgot, I did know.

Inspector.

Nobody could have known that Nora

would change our meeting place to the boat house.

You think the killer was waiting in The Anchor?

- Or outside. - Then why not kill her there?

Well, I think he was after us both.

He probably assumed I'd walk Nora home. It's only a few minutes walk.

When she left so abruptly he followed her to the boat house.

- Forgetting about you? - No.

If he was watching from outside, he'd know we hadn't had time to talk.

He followed her to the boat house and killed her.

Then waited for me to turn up.

Nora said something to me about about a gigantic fraud in this house.

- Any idea what she meant? - None whatever.

Then I'll have to question your husband.

Inspector, please. He's terribly ill. He's not allowed to talk.

Then I'll be very brief. I'm sorry, I insist.

Then I suppose I can't stop you.

- Do you need me any more? - No, but I'll question you tomorrow.

I'll be at The Anchor, available any time you want me.

Good night, Rosemary.

Good night.

Ellen. I'll see you, Templar.

I'm sure you will.

If I could see your husband, Mrs Chase.

- Inspector, is it really necessary? - I think so.

Ellen, I think you should go to bed.

I couldn't possibly sleep. I'll stay here till you come down.

All right, dear.

Mr Templar, I must talk to you alone.

- Oh? - Nora was right.

There is something going on in this house.

Tell me.

In the first place, Dr Quintus never leaves Daddy's room.

Not until everyone else is in bed and he's back before they're up.

- Is he staying in the house? - In the room next to Daddy's.

Rosemary said he was just protecting him from being disturbed.

What are you getting at?

I think Rosemary and Dr Quintus are doing something to him.

You mean something like drugs?

I don't know, but...he's so strange since they brought him home.

It's to be expected. He's ill. He's in pain.

I know. He's keeping his business affairs going, which is hard on him,

but he's different somehow.

They're doing something to him and Nora knew it.

That's why she was killed.

Ellen, we can't talk here. (Ian you meet me at The Anchor, say 1pm?

Yes, I'll be there.

I wish I knew what was happening to him.

It's no use waiting. He's under heavy sedation.

Why?

Because he's in pain and the news of Nora's death upset him terribly.

All right, Doctor. Sorry to have troubled you. Good night.

Good night, Inspector.

I'm a broker, not a psychologist.

However, the City is buzzing with rumours about Chase.

The general picture is that he's turning his assets into cash

or highly negotiable securities.

I wonder why?

I've no idea.

There's nothing irregular in what he's doing, it's just unusual.

How?

People as profit-conscious as Chase don't usually block-sell.

- Meaning? - Yesterday alone in one transaction,

he unloaded over a quarter of million pounds worth of Canon Lovell Oil.

Usually, a sale as big as this is broken up.

- How? - 50,000 here, 20,000 there.

Spread over a few days so as not to press the price.

- Instead, what happened? - Canon Lovell dropped.

Ten shillings between noon and close.

So Chase took a loss?

Only on some it, but even so, he quite literally threw away £30,000.

- Needlessly. - Incredible, isn't it?

If Tamblin had been alive, this wouldn't have happened.

- You knew Tamblin? - Oh, yes. Very well.

What was he like?

Brilliant! Shrewd, tireless, a tremendous capacity for detail.

Chase was devoted to him and quite rightly, too.

Relied on him, trusted him completely.

- What about his brother? - Jim Chase?

Poor Jim, nobody pays much attention to him any more.

- Why? - He went to jail for embezzlement.

Nasty business.

Marvin made good his Loss and Jim got off with 18 months.

Very lucky he didn't get 10 years.

Why do you want to know all this?

There's something evil going on in the Chase house.

And I intend to get to the bottom of it.

- Morning. - Morning, sir.

Ellen. Been here long?

No.

Thank you. How are you?

- A little nervous. - Why?

After all, when Nora met you here...

You mustn't be nervous.

I'm not, really.

Have you found out anything?

Yes. I've had quite a busy morning.

- Doing what? - Exploratory work in the City.

Not that your father's brokers would tell me anything,

but from what information I could get it seems he's liquidating his empire.

But why?

I've no idea.

What do you know about the accident?

Well, Daddy was speeding, I suppose. He does sometimes.

It was a godsend it crashed opposite Dr Quintus's house.

- I didn't know that. - just a few yards away.

What elsem?

It was nine minutes past eleven...

How can you be sure of the exact time?

That's when the car clock stopped.

Car clocks aren't usually very dependable.

Ours was. Daddy's terribly fussy about time.

He knows exactly how long it takes to get to London and he's never late.

Outside Quintus's house.

Is that important?

No idea, but it's quite a coincidence. Where does he live?

Coll Cottage, Taplow.

I think we'd better order.

Postman, is this the right road for Dr Quintus's house?

Yes. Straight ahead, down the hill on the right. About half a mile.

He isn't there, though. He's taking charge of Mr Chase.

- How do you know? - I know most things round here.

How about the accident?

I seen Mr Chase go past here just seconds before it happened.

Eleven o'clock.

He shot past me doing, oh, 60 mph.

Surely, it was later than eleven?

- On the dot. - How can you be so sure?

This box is cleared at 11am and 3pm. I haven't been late in 20 years.

The accident happened at nine minutes past eleven.

- Who says so? - The car clock was salvaged.

It read 11.09.

Clock's wrong.

If the clock was accurate, then we have a discrepancy.

A what?

A problem. How can a car going 60mph

take nine minutes to cover half a mile?

It's impossible.

It sure is. Well, thanks anyway.

That's right. Direct flight to Buenos Aires Saturday morning.

Three seats.

Mr and Mrs Marvin Chase and Dr Howard Quintus.

Yes, that's right, Quintus.

I'll see that the tickets are picked up tomorrow morning. Goodbye.

Darling, don't stand by the window, someone might see you.

I'm taking him to Buenos Aires for a complete rest.

Rather a long way to go for a rest, isn't it?

Look, Jim, you've got what you wanted.

Your job is safe.

Now you want me to leave you alone?

- Exactly. - Sorry.

You want to get rid of me and I think I know why.

If you don't leave the house at once I shall call the police.

I shall be happy to leave the moment I speak to my brother...alone.

(Car horn)

Ah...visitors.

(Door bell rings)

You're right on time.

Where is everyone?

In the lounge, Dr Quintus is upstairs.

- The servants? - In the kitchen.

- Is Thompson reliable? - Absolutely.

- Know your lines? - I think so.

- It's all right, Thompson. - All right, Miss.

Good evening.

- Templar! - How did you get in?

I let him in.

Ellen and I have worked out a little game of questions...

Ellen, why are doing this?

- I'm not sure. - She's as confused as I am.

Mr Templar, I know your reputation. You ride over anyone in your path.

I won't tolerate this interference. You've no right to be here.

I have every right.

A friend of mine was murdered because she asked for my help.

- I intend to find out who did it. - It's a problem for the police.

There is some sort of fraud here and I intend to stop it.

- Here, here. - Speak again and I'll throw you out.

Ellen, how long does it take a car travelling 60 mph to go half a mile?

- 30 seconds. - Would you agree, Mrs Chase?

I'll assume you do, it's a fairly elementary mathematical problem.

Why was your father, suffering with severe burns, not taken to hospital?

I don't know.

- It was Mr Chase's preference. - Oh?

You mean, a man suffering with severe shock and third degree burns

actually asked not to be taken to hospital?

- He did. - Why?

- Is he part of the fraud, too? - There is no fraud.

- Whether... - Mrs Chase, I've not quite finished.

Ellen, two people are now dead.

Nora Prescott and Bertrand Tamblin. What do these two have in common?

- They both worked for my father. - And had his confidence?

- Yes. - You'd agree then,

that they both knew more about your father's business than anyone else.

Yes.

- I won't tolerate this! - Mrs Chase...

I've never hit a woman before but there's always a first time.

Sit down.

Ellen, I believe your Uncle Jim has been to jail.

- Yes. - I've never tried to hide it.

I told you not to interrupt. Why?

Embezzlement.

- In other words, fraud. - (Ellen) Yes.

If you want to take this, go ahead. I've had enough.

So have I.

He can go, you can't.

Mrs Chase, we haven't finished our game yet.

There are one or two more questions.

Was Tamblin murdered or was it really an accident?

- Of course it was an accident! - Planned?

No. The car went out of control and crashed.

All right, we accept it was an accident.

But Nora was murdered. Did you do it?

Don't be ridiculous.

- You knew she was meeting me. - So did Jim.

But you have something to hide - he doesn't.

After following her to the boat house, did you stab her?

I won't dignify that question with an answer.

(Screams from upstairs)

- Are there service stairs? - Yes, sir.

- Watch them. Stay here. - Yes, sir.

(Dr Quintus groaning)

Are you all right?

L-I heard a scuffle. I came out - got hit.

He's dead.

You see who did it?

There was a man, he went into Mr Chase's room.

Mr Chase, did you see anybody?

He went through the window, is that what you mean?

Out window. Hurry.

Ellen, Mrs Chase.

- What is it? What's happened? - You better come in here.

- Mr Templar, what's wrong? - Jim's been murdered.

- No! - And Dr Quintus?

He's all right.

- 'Maidenhead police.' - Could I speak to Inspector Welland?

'Hold on, sir.'

- 'Inspector Welland speak...' - Hello? Hello?

- Hello? - What is it?

The line's been cut.

You both stay in here.

Did you find anything?

The wires were cut under your father's bedroom window.

Do you want me to phone from The Anchor?

Yes. Tell the Inspector about the murder and that I know who did it.

Right.

- Ellen. - Yes?

- Wait for me at The Anchor. - Why?

- Just do as I ask. - All right.

It's all gone wrong, hasn't it, Mrs Chase?

The great physician in person.

Sorry if I fumbled things upstairs but it all happened so quickly.

- And so unexpectedly. - Yes, that too.

- Have you called the police? - I can't. And you know why.

I don't like your tone. If you know something I don't, then tell me.

Mrs Chase, would you ring for Thompson?

The hell's over there.

- You're very quiet. - I have nothing to say.

Until you speak to your lawyers?

What's behind these implications?

Jim's death was a mistake, wasn't it? It's wrecked the whole scheme.

- Yes. - Rosemary, keep quiet.

Quintus, it's finished. He knows.

I also know, Dr Quintus, that you botched an operation two months ago.

That's a lie.

Then why is the British Medical Association holding an enquiry?

I'll be acquitted.

For being drunk in the operating theatre?

You'll be struck off the Register and won't be able to practise in England.

Yes, you were made to order. No reputable physician

would have stood for the deal.

That'll be far enough. Sit down next to Mrs Chase.

- It's all over, Mrs Chase. - Yes, I know.

The risks were enormous, but so was the reward.

- You have money, so why? - What does it matter now?

- A new life perhaps? - Something like that.

Your husband was a reckless driver so you planned the accident.

- No! Quintus did. - Rosemary! He can't prove a thing.

You might have got away with it,

if Jim hadn't heard you talking to your patient.

(Banging from upstairs)

Thompson, Dr Quintus and Mrs Chase are involved in three murders.

Ellen's gone to call the police. (Ian you handle one of these things?

I had some experience during the war.

If they try to move, you know what to do.

Yes, sir.

We ll, we ll, we ll,

planning on a trip...Mr Chase?

I wouldn't bother packing, I don't think you'll get very far.

The game is up.

I may have gone on believing it if not for the blood on the bandages.

You killed Jim, didn't you, Tamblin? just as you killed Marvin and Nora.

Take the rest of them off.

Just a little too clever this time.

(Gunshot)

Ellen, I'm terribly sorry.

I knew it'd be a shock, that's why I told you to wait here.

I wanted to tell you myself.

I can't believe it.

Daddy was so vital... so terribly strong.

Come on, I'll take you home.

Thank you.

Ellen, try and get some sleep.

- Good night. - Good night.

- How'd she take it? - Not very well, I'm afraid.

She'll be all right, though.

I've got to hand it to you, you out-guessed us all.

The postman started it, I kept worrying about that nine minutes.

What happened was Tamblin asked Chase to let him drive the car.

Chase agreed and stopped.

Tamblin killed him and faked the crash.

Right in front of Quintus's house.

What's so incredible is Tamblin coming back here as Marvin Chase.

He was bandaged, talked in a low voice

and had Quintus to keep people away from him.

He nearly had his hands on Chase's fortune.

What finally tipped it for you?

I realised the one person with no alibi was our invisible millionaire.

Good night, Inspector.

Good night.