Original subtitles

- Ladies and gentlemen,

and now the only act of it's kind,

performing without a net,

the most death defying tight wire act,

gaspar the great!

- Hand me tonight's receipts dorando.

Your hands are trembling.

- Monica, how can you sit there so calmly

and check box office receipts after

that horrible catastrophe?

How can you be so cold-blooded?

- Realistic is the word.

It's a good thing I took control when it happened.

If I'd depended on you, we would of had

a panic on our hands.

- Yes, it's a good thing you're inhuman.

- We're running a circus, not a charm school.

And most important, people have to be entertained.

- Yes, yes, the show must go on.

- Always.

- No matter what the cost?

- Mm?

Like in a war.

Troops are expendable.

Privates and generals alike.

Expendable.

- Are you aiming that at me?

You think you can do without me?

- Not yet.

- What if I insist?

I'm fed up!

All you have to do is buy me out.

- I'm not ready for you to leave.

You know very well I can't afford to buy you out.

You'll just have to wait.

- I want out now, I'm leaving.

- Oh you miserable, gutless, adding machine!

What are you trying do to?

Ruin my circus?

And you have the nerve to wanna...

Come in!

- Ms. rivers?

- Yes.

- I'm detective sergeant Hutchins,

this is detective constable Bradford.

- How can I help you gentlemen?

- Well first I must tell you

that none of gaspar's equipment must be moved or touched

until it's been checked by our experts.

- Of course.

- Now just a few questions.

Who built the apparatus that was

used in the high wire act?

- Gaspar himself had the units hand constructed.

- Did anyone else handle it?

- Yes, our labor crew.

- He always checked it personally though.

If you'd like, I can give you the names of the helpers.

- Well, we should need more than that.

Please have all your performers and workers

assembled at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning

for routine questioning.

- Yes, yes.

- You understand this investigation might take a few days?

- And until then, nobody is to leave the circus.

Nobody.

Goodnight.

- Goodnight.

Well durando, you heard the law.

Nobody leaves.

That'll keep you from deserting me

while I still need you.

- You always win, don't you Monica?

- If you had a brain in your head

you'd see that you win too!

- What do you mean?

- Well so far we've had a bad season.

And now with the accident splash publicity,

it's going to be great for the box office.

- People have a morbid curiosity about death.

- Especially a violent one.

That's why I'm sure that we'll be jam packed

tomorrow night with people hoping they'll see

a repeat performance of death.

- It really excites you.

I haven't seen you in such high spirits

since we started the tour.

- Poor dorando.

Why are you always so depressed?

What can I do to cheer you up?

You know what,

I just may let you tuck me in tonight.

But first, there are a few things

you have to attend to.

I want you to get photographs of gaspar

and send them to all the newspapers.

It'll dress up the story.

Then I want you to wire all the agents

in London, Paris, and Berlin.

Get a top act to replace him.

- But that will take me most of the night.

- So what's the difference?

I'm a light sleeper.

- I've got a equestrian act for you Ms. rivers.

The gerraros.

- The last time they performed two of their horses

dropped dead in the ring of old age.

- What about the fabulous Glen?

He's still the best trick cyclist in the business.

- When he's sober which isn't often.

Look, don't waste my time with these

broken down has beens.

Some of them are as old as my elephants

and twice as wrinkled.

I want something fresh.

A new face with an exciting act.

- I'd like to talk to you Ms. rivers.

- What about?

- My act, frank Hawkins is the name.

- I never heard of you.

- Well I'm new in this part of the world.

But I overheard you tell them that you

wanted something fresh and exciting.

- And you of course fill the bill.

- I certainly do.

- Don't you have an agent?

- I do better handling myself.

- You see Bruno, we have a double dare devil.

Agent and artist all rolled into one.

- After you've seen my act you'll agree with me.

- I must say, you certainly are the shy type.

What do you do?

- High wire act.

- That's a bit of luck.

You know of course what happened to

our last one, gaspar the great?

- I caught his act last night, saw him hanging around.

- Leave the comedy to Bruno and the rest of the clowns.

I haven't time for you grizzly jokes.

Just give me the details of your act.

- High wire, 60 feet up over a...

- I know, over a safety net.

- No not quite.

Why don't you see the act for yourself.

One performance you can make up your mind.

- And if I like it, how much?

- I'll leave the money up to you.

See my act tonight and if I'm not worth top money,

well this place is loaded with exits.

- On those terms,

you got a deal.

- Mr. Hawkins!

You're a bit jumpy aren't you Mr. Hawkins?

- I don't like being touched.

Especially by a stranger.

- Well, we won't be strangers for long.

My name is Harrison liston.

I specialize in the representation

of circus acts and novelties.

- I don't care what you do.

- We haven't met, but I know you Mr. Hawkins.

- What the hell do you want?

- I want to help you.

I listened to you selling yourself just now.

Wonderful, quite wonderful.

Up to a point.

And then you kill your case by leaving

the money up to Monica rivers.

- I handle my own affairs,

now why don't you mind your own business.

- You need me in other ways.

After all, you're a foreigner in this country

I can smooth over some bothersome details for you.

- Look, I don't want anything from you.

So why don't you leave me alone.

- As I said, I can smooth over some bothersome details.

Like

getting you a labor permit.

After all, you wouldn't want the authorities

to know about what happened in Canada,

would you Mr. Hawkins?

Might make getting that labor permit a bit difficult.

- Alright, alright!

Don't ever come near me again.

- And now it is my special privilege

to give you that dare devil of the high wire,

the magnificent Hawkins.

Ladies and gentlemen,

you are about to see the only act of it's

kind in the entire world,

the magnificent Hawkins performs without a net

60 feet above the steel bayonets

and wearing a blindfold.

He defies death with every step.

I now call your attention to the arena

directly under the wire.

Ladies and gentlemen,

in his walk of death,

the magnificent Hawkins!

- Here's your contract.

- Thank your Mr. dorando.

- You'll find everything in that agreement

to your satisfaction.

You should with that salary,

it's the biggest bite any performers

ever taken out of this circus.

- You're older than I am Mr. dorando.

But I'm sure you'll agree in this world

you only get what you deserve.

No more no less.

- You can keep your little gems of wisdom to yourself.

- What about my private caravan?

Ms. rivers promised me...

- I don't care what Ms. rivers promised.

On business deals, my decision is final.

Besides, we don't happen to have an extra caravan.

Unless of course you'd like me to give up mine.

- No thanks.

It's not nearly comfortable enough.

- Thank you for letting me keep it.

Next season, if you're still with us

and continue to draw,

we'll think about your private caravan.

- Maybe I won't have to wait that long.

That's Hawkins, [-N-s, frank Hawkins.

Looks pretty good doesn't it?

- Don't get carried away son.

I've painted many names on these caravans

and I've painted many out.

And I've yet to come across a name

that could outlive the paint.

- And now ladies and gentlemen,

we give you the worlds greatest elephant act.

And now, Jodie, the wonder elephant,

weighing over five tons

will walk over six girls lying on the floor of the arena.

- Sure beats eating in the canteen.

We ought to do it more often.

I'm crazy about you Monica.

- I'm fond of you frank.

- No more?

- Why should there be more?

You're still a stranger to me.

Actually I know very little about you.

Well you don't talk about your past.

- That's because I'm only interested in the future.

Our future.

- Not so fast frank.

I like you but I don't want this to mushroom.

- Why not?

What are you scared of?

- Long ago,

one day I'll give you all the chapters.

Long ago I lost the capacity to love.

Let's enjoy what we have.

It makes this crazy circus life more bearable.

- You sure know how to put out a fire.

- If you want me to spell it out for you, I will.

To me, what we have is no more important

than a greeting card.

Sometimes maybe not as friendly.

- I'll make you change your mind.

- You'll try,

and you'll fail.

- Why?

- Too many obstacles.

- Like dorando.

- He's just my business partner.

- Well I hate the old lecher.

Well he drools over you the way he watches me all the time.

He stinks of jealousy.

- Stop it!

That's just what I mean.

You get all worked up and spoil everything.

Now look frank, what I do with my life

is strictly my own affair.

- I'll remember that.

- And now,

I need my sleep.

- Goodnight Monica.

- Ms. rivers.

Ms. rivers!

- Just a minute!

- Ms. rivers, please come quick.

Something terrible has happened.

It's Mr. dorando!

- Listen everybody, I know how terribly

shocked we all are.

There's no point in you staying up any longer.

Please go back to sleep.

Please.

- Go to sleep.

That's her remedy for everything.

As if we were children.

If you listen to me, we do not go to sleep.

Not yet.

It is clear to me,

there is a killer loose.

And none of us is safe until there murderer is caught.

- I'm really frightened.

- After what I just saw,

I'm so scared I can hear me bones rattle.

- Even I admit it,

for the first time in my life

my nerves bother me.

- I am stronger than two horses,

you all know that when I bend an iron bar

with my teeth, it is for real.

Iron, but, even I can not fight

what I can not see.

- Exactly.

That is why we must find out who is behind these killings.

- These killings?

- Well you don't think gaspar was an accident do you?

Only a fool would swallow that.

- Who are you?

The chief of police?

Well how do you know what's what?

- Oh.

- That's right, I say we do what Ms. rivers told us.

Go to bed.

And leave police work to the police.

- And entertaining to us.

- You, you wouldn't stick your neck out

to save your mother.

- Why don't you shut up.

Look at her, she can't wait to get back

to the caravan and her bottle of booze.

- Who do you think you are?

- Now you listen to me...

- Why don't you two go and fight in your own caravan.

Well I'm not afraid to come right out and say it,

we all know that Ms. rivers has lost

no sleep over these murders.

- With my own ears I heard her say that

murder is good for business.

- Doesn't that tell you who's behind them?

I ask you, when did we ever play to such capacity crowds?

- The circus has never done such good business.

- I tell you, she's behind the whole thing.

- Matilda, you're crazy.

You're a hothead, a lunatic!

- That's what I say!

We all know it can't be Ms. rivers.

- You speak for yourself.

We all know you're her slave.

Give the others a chance to talk.

You.

You advertise yourself as a clairvoyant,

you tell fortunes, who do you say is responsible?

- About murder?

Leave me out, I know nothing.

- All you're interested in is having your palm crossed.

Why don't you speak up?

- Yes, this is most urgent.

So tell us what the stars, and your tea leaves,

and your crystal ball tell you?

- They tell me to mind my own business.

- You're not only a fake but a coward.

You see, we have to take things into our own hands

and stop these killings before we're all murdered

one by one.

And I say once again, it's the boss.

- You hear the lions?

They smell blood.

They're very sensitive.

Last night they were restless.

- Before you get carried away,

let me ask some questions.

You Emil.

- What about me?

- I'll refresh your memory.

Last year in west Berlin, you told me that

dorando promised you a raise.

- So what.

- But he never gave it to you.

So you held a grudge against him.

- I wouldn't kill over money.

- No?

- I wouldn't.

- You always walk alone at night.

- Yeah that's right.

I myself have seen you.

- Then it could be you.

What are you doing walking alone in the middle of the night?

Me?

I walk for fresh air.

- Fresh air.

Who believes that?

You told me you hated dorando.

- And you once told me you hated gaspar

because he makes fun of your whiskers.

Maybe you did it.

- You fool!

How could I ever get away with murder?

I'm the easiest one in the whole circus to identify!

You see my beard before you see me.

But you!

I heard you tell gaspar to keep way from your wife!

- That's true.

I warned him to stay away.

But look, I may be all bones

but I can still use a gun.

Anyway, she still left me.

She couldn't take the bruises.

- Hold it!

Hold it everyone!

We'll never get anywhere fighting among ourselves!

Take my word for it, it's the boss.

- You're right!

You'll never get anywhere period.

You slut.

You miserable ingrate.

When I picked you and your lover lazlo up

you were starving.

I advanced you money for your act, gave you billing.

And how do you repay me?

By stirring up trouble behind my back.

- You can't frighten us.

I still say...

- Cut your tongue out first!

I can still get a dozen acts like yours.

And you, if it weren't for me

you'd all starve to death.

- We are frightened.

- We're nervous.

- I know what you are.

Look, let me do the worrying.

Now get back to your caravans.

We're sold out for tomorrows matinee

and I want a great show!

Lazlo.

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

Let's say that you just got carried away.

But that loud mouthed Matilda,

you'd better control her, shut her up,

or I'll cancel your act and toss you both out of here!

- Ah, you sent for me commissioner.

- Brooks I hate to gnaw the picture

but you'll have to remove that boutonniere,

you know how allergic I am to pollen.

- Very sorry sir.

- Tell me superintendent, when you were a little boy

did you ever want to run away and join a circus?

- No sir, not at all.

No, I had a very happy life with love on both sides.

Plus a liberal allowance and two doting aunts.

- Well spare me the details

because you just joined a circus.

- I have?

May I ask in what capacity?

- Well certainly not as a performer.

I want you to go to liverpool.

- The river circus?

- Exactly.

And I'm glad to see you read something

besides the society page.

- Well I guess unlike most people sir,

reading about murder gives me a thrill.

- Yes, well your job is to stop it.

- That's a little bit late for that isn't it?

At least for Mr. dorando with a spike through his head.

I saw some pretty gruesome pictures downstairs.

Sir I understood that you were bringing your suspects here?

- What suspects?

Murderer didn't leave a single clue.

Anyway Brooks, you hunt a wild animal

in it's native habitat.

You don't bring a tiger up from the jungles of Asia

to shoot it in high tide.

- I glad agree sir.

Did the local police come up with anything?

- Nothing.

From the report the killer must have

worn skin tight gloves.

And the grand dorand had been trampled on

by too many people to get any footprints.

- This circus is rather accident prone isn't it?

I recall there was another gruesome death.

- That's item two on the agenda.

Three weeks ago in Leeds their star performer,

a high wire virtuoso called gaspar the great

was hung to death by his own wire

when it broke beneath his feet.

Was that an accident?

- Well the death of the second man

makes it look like murder doesn't it?

I'll be ready to leave in an hour or so.

- Before you go superintendent,

just a piece of fatherly advice.

- Always good to receive that sir.

- That suit you have on, it looks new and expensive.

Savile row?

- Of course.

- And handmade shoes.

Dressing smartly is a fetish of yours.

- Well sir, I don't drink or gamble or...

- I know, your only passion apart from your

work is your wardrobe.

- Yes sir, your advice?

- Just this, leave your expensive feathers

in their mothproof containers.

You'll find the circus is a rather untidy place.

Brooks concentrate on the job.

I know you're the man for it

that's why I'm letting you handle it alone.

There's one more city on their itinerary

before they arrive here in London.

Stay with them.

- Very nice.

- You've got knuckles on your hands,

use them next time you enter my caravan.

- Sorry, but as you can see, my hands are full.

- Why don't you make yourself at home?

- Thanks.

I thought you might like a little company

so I brought around a bottle.

- I don't drink.

- In that case, you can watch me.

- You make a habit of this?

- Drinking?

- Coming to men's caravans at 12 o'clock at night.

- Only if I like them.

- Flattered.

But you could've waited for an invitation.

- Well I realize you're the illusive type frank.

Women have to chase you, so,

here I am.

- And now that you've got me.

Isn't this a little dangerous?

Doesn't worry you that lazlo might find out?

- At this moment, lazlo is snoring away in bed.

It's all he ever does do in bed.

- As much as I would like to honey,

I'm afraid I have to show you the door

and bid you goodnight.

- What's the matter frank, don't you like me?

- I find you very attractive.

It's just that you're peddling your merchandise

at the wrong booth.

- You wouldn't say that to Monica rivers.

- What the hell does she have to do with you?

- No need to be so rough frank.

I was just trying to be friendly.

- Well, I hope your timing and your act

is better than it is here.

- My timing is very good.

- You knock me out Matilda, you really do.

- 1 get it.

You're not worried about lazlo finding out are you?

- What do you mean?

- It's Monica you're afraid of.

- You've gotta be kidding.

Why should Monica worry me?

- I know all about you and her.

- Who cares?

- I do, for your sake.

- That's nice of you.

- She's dangerous frank, very dangerous.

You may think you'll last forever, but you're wrong.

Just remember dorando.

- What are you getting at?

- He thought he was the only on in her life too.

And when she had no more use for him

she got rid of him.

- You better watch your mouth Matilda,

it could get you into trouble.

- I don't care.

I'm not afraid of Monica and she knows it.

I say she killed dorando and one day I'm gonna prove it.

- You're crazy.

-Am I?

Just you remember what I said.

And the next time she puts her arms around you,

make sure those loving hands aren't carrying a knife.

- You loudmouthed broad.

Get out of here!

- Matilda darling, you must be more careful

of leaving like that.

You'll damage your brain!

- You coward!

Teach you to laugh at me!

Oh you, oh you!

- Wanda!

- You

cow!

And you!

You'll get yours too!

- Trouble maker, all you do is make trouble!

Wait til I get you back to the caravan!

- And now we play, the new record

from the Kenny Glenn group.

- It's quite a party.

Did you enjoy it?

- What are you talking about Monica,

don't get any wrong ideas.

- Wrong ideas!

Just because you've been entertaining

a woman in your caravan in the middle of the night

dressed like that!

- Use your head,

you don't think I invited her in here do ya?

- Yes!

- Well you're wrong.

Matilda came in here unasked and uninvited

and I threw her out!

- After two hours.

- Right away!

That's what the ruckus was all about.

- Why?

- Why what?

- Well you're certainly no Saint

and she's attractive in a common sort of way.

Why did you throw her out?

- She started shooting her mouth off.

- About me?

- She's crazy.

She thinks you murdered dorando.

- And you?

What do you think?

- You can trust me Monica.

- It's supposed to be lucky.

- I hope you're right.

All the same I shall watch where I walk in future.

- It's your first time at circus?

- Back stage, set speakers.

- Thought so.

You don't look like a circus man.

And a circus man would never have

trod in elephants.

- Yes, quite quite.

I'll try not to do it again.

- Are you looking for something?

- Yes I am matter of fact, perhaps you can help me.

I want Ms. Monica rivers.

- What for?

- I beg your pardon?

- You're not another reporter are you?

- No no, I'm not a reporter.

- We've been told to chase them off

the lot if we see any.

I'll take you to Ms. rivers.

- Thank you.

Surprised hey?

You can't tell the difference when I'm behind the door.

Do it all the time.

Come on.

What's your name?

Well I have to introduce you don't I?

I can't just shove you through the door.

- No, of course you can't.

I'm detective superintendent Brooks.

- You're a detective?

- Uh huh.

- But we've had detectives here.

I thought they'd finished.

- I'm from Scotland yard.

- Come in.

- Ms. rivers, there's a man to see you.

Detective superintendent Brooks.

- Well show him in Bruno.

- He's from Scotland yard.

- Good morning Ms. rivers.

- Good morning.

- Bruno.

- Yes.

- Who's that?

- You'd like to know wouldn't you?

- That's why I asked you.

- Well I'm not going to tell you.

It's confidential.

- Don't give me that.

You don't know who he is,

you're just a messenger boy.

- Me a messenger boy?

I don't know don't I?

Well I do see!

He's a detective from Scotland yard, see!

A detective superintendent!

- Sorry Bruno.

You did know didn't you?

- But is all this questioning necessary?

I told the local police everything I know.

- And they've called in Scotland yard Ms. rivers.

You'll agree there are still some areas

that can stand clearing up.

Like who the murderer is for instance.

- Yes.

Yes of course.

Well, anything I can tell you.

- How long was Albert dorando an associate of yours?

- Seven years.

- In what capacity?

- Business manager.

- Just business manager?

- What do you mean?

- Well it sometimes happens that when two

people work together for seven years,

something more than a business friendship develops.

- Well naturally as you say,

we did become good friends.

- Intimate friends?

- If what you're trying to find out is

whether or not I slept with dorando the answer is no.

- I'm sorry I had to press the point Ms. rivers.

You understand that we can not rule out a

sex motive for the murder.

Did Mr. dorando have any financial interest in the circus?

- None whatsoever.

I own the circus lock stock and barrel.

It's belonged to my family for 50 years.

- Has it always been successful?

- Oh no.

No, no, there's nothing certain in show business.

We've eaten caviar and we've eaten sawdust.

- But I understand that since the death of gaspar

business has been brisk.

- That's right.

- So it would be correct to say Ms. rivers

that the circus and therefore yourself

have gained financially from gaspar's death.

- What are you insinuating?

- I'm not insinuating anything.

I'm simply trying to establish a few facts.

Is it true or not?

Can you think of anybody...

Why don't you come inside,

I'm sure you'll find it warmer

and much more comfortable.

- Superintendent Brooks, may I introduce frank Hawkins.

- Awe yes of course, you took over

the great gaspar spot, didn't you Mr. Hawkins?

How opportune,

is what I was about to ask Ms. rivers was,

could you think of anyone who benefited

from either of the two deaths?

- You don't pull any punches do you superintendent?

Well for your information, I wasn't even with

the circus when gaspar was killed.

- Where were you then?

- On a train.

- On a train?

- Traveling up to Leeds to see Ms. rivers

to ask about a job.

- That's awful strange isn't it?

You came to see about a job in a circus

that already had a high wire act.

Could anybody prove you were on that train?

Then there's no proof that you didn't

travel up the day before.

- Why should I lie?

- Whoever interfered with gaspar's apparatus Mr. Hawkins

new all about the rig.

Knew just what to do and how to do it.

And he could climb up to the heights of the tent

to carry out his work.

- Well it wasn't me.

Anyone could of climbed up there.

- That's right.

Every man, woman, and child in this circus

has been trained to climb ropes and ladders.

When the big top is raised everybody helps.

- I see.

- Now if you're finished with your questions

and decided not to arrest me I'll go.

I have a matinee to get ready for.

- There is one more question Mr. Hawkins.

On the night that dorando was killed, where were you?

- In my caravan.

Asleep.

- I suppose there are no witnesses to that eighter.

- I was alone.

- Where were you Ms. rivers?

- I was here.

I knew nothing about it until Bruno

pounded on the door and woke me up.

- Alright Mr. Hawkins, that's all for now.

Don't plan any long trips away from the circus

for the time being.

- Will you want me anymore?

I too have a matinee.

- That's all, thank you Ms. rivers, for the moment.

- Will you be here long?

- Until I find the murderer.

Well that brings me to my final request.

Do you have anywhere I could stay,

here on the circus grounds?

- No, there's very little available space.

- There's one place.

Dorando's caravan.

Do you have the keys?

Thank you Ms. rivers.

- And now ladies and gentlemen,

presenting Phyllis Allen and her intelligent poodles.

You're late.

- Sorry, can I see you later?

- Too busy.

- I have to see you.

- Look, I have a million things to do.

Payroll has to be made up, bills to be paid,

sorry, no time.

- Then you've gotta make time.

I've got to see you.

- Smile, you're on.

- Bruno, will you come in now please?

- What did you tell him?

- My lips are sealed.

- "My lips are sealed" you stupid bag of bones.

Well I'll tell you one thing, mine aren't.

- Tell me Bruno, after you heard the screams

and the commotion, what did you do?

- I ran as fast as I could and woke up Ms. rivers.

- She was asleep then?

- Oh yes.

I mean I think so,

because I knocked five or six times.

- Where were you when you heard the screams?

- On the way back to my caravan from the canteen.

I always have a late snack.

- Did you see or hear anything

of a suspicious nature before you heard the screams?

- No sir.

- Bruno, you must circulate a good deal around here.

Can you think of any reason why anyone

would want to murder dorando?

- No.

No he was really a very nice manager.

I could always get a little advance from

him when I was short.

I mean when I was short of money.

- Yes of course.

Now you called dorando the manager.

Wasn't he also one of the owners?

- No, don't think so.

- Well thank you very much Bruno, that's all for now.

Now don't forget, if you see or hear anything

that might help solve this crime you let me know huh?

- Oh yes superintendent.

- Will you come in now please, madame.

- And what did you tell him?

Or are your lips sealed too?

- When you deal with the law,

you should be careful and dignified.

Both of which you will find beyond your capabilities.

- I told you I was busy.

I don't have time for eavesdroppers.

- I'll say one thing for you Monica,

you sure put on a clever performance for that detective.

- I put on a performance?

What about you?

You told him you were on a train

the night of gaspar's death.

- That's right, I was.

- Well then why did you tell me the first time we met

that you saw gaspar killed?

- I was only kidding.

Don't you remember you told me

not to make any grizzly jokes.

But what about you?

Didn't you tell me that dorando was your partner?

Yet I overhead you tell the superintendent

you own the circus lock stock and barrel.

- What the hell does that got to do with you?

- With you a man never knows where he stands!

First you give and then you hold back.

I know you like to let men dangle.

Well that might of worked with dorando

but it doesn't with me.

- You've got dorando on the brain.

He was my manager and nothing more.

- Oh I know...

- Oh you know nothing!

- Monica, you're playing a dangerous game.

Every lie is a trap!

When dorando was killed I heard you say you were asleep.

- Well I was in bed.

Who should know that better than you?

- Well after you eased me out

that must of been your shadow I saw

run into dorando's caravan.

- You're cra zy!

- Don't deny it!

I saw you!

- Frank,

what do you really want?

- I want a share in your circus.

Let's say whatever dorando owned, I want.

- Well at last it's out in the open.

- I want us to be partners Monica.

Real partners.

- So you want a share in my circus huh?

- That's right.

- Alright frank, you've got it.

Come in.

Angela.

- Hello.

- Miss Burrows.

- Regrettably Ms. rivers, I've had to bring back

your daughter and deliver her right to your door.

- Please don't be angry, I can explain.

- Excuse me darling.

Mr. Hawkins, as you can see,

an unexpected visit from my daughter

and the head of her school.

- Of course.

We can settle our business any time.

- And now miss Burrows,

what exactly happened?

- Please mother, listen to me first...

- Be quiet.

You've always had a knack for causing trouble.

- Yes Ms. rivers, you've just summed it up, trouble.

Angela resists all discipline and supervision.

And this is something we simply can not tolerate.

As you know, the female school for young ladies

stands for character building, education,

and good breeding.

Our reputation goes back 75 years.

- I'm well aware of your school

and it's reputation miss Burrows,

that's why I enrolled Angela.

Now what exactly did she do?

- Broke all the rules, refused to study,

no obedience whatsoever.

I myself have caught her smoking cigarettes,

imitating her teachers in the most unflattering manner.

- Besides smoking cigarettes and a few harmless pranks,

what else did she do?

- She upset the morale of other students.

Quite quite distressing.

- What do you mean?

- On one occasion, she stuffed pillows into her bed,

rumpled up the blanket so that it

looked as if she was asleep...

- And where was she?

- Later she was found in a closet, giggling away.

- It was only a joke.

- You had the whole school in an uproar

looking for you.

- If you had these problems with Angela

why didn't you contact me sooner?

- Ms. rivers, you're rather difficult to pin down.

Your circus is constantly on the move.

- What is the position now?

- Your daughter has been expelled

by the disciplinary board of the school.

I'm sorry Ms. rivers.

We tried, but we failed.

Angela is now your responsibility.

I hope you have better luck.

Good afternoon.

- Good day.

Angela.

Angela, what am I to do with you?

- Just let me stay here.

I simply couldn't stand being away from you and the circus.

- I wanted you to have a fine education.

Meet people outside the world of the circus.

Make other friendships.

- It didn't work.

I just don't belong with that group.

Coming from the circus, I'm different from other girls.

They made me feel like an outcast.

Nobody really wanted to be my friend.

- But you're just as good as they are.

- I was different.

And then the holidays when the other girls

parents came to visit them, where were you?

- Sorry Angela, I did try to get away, but I...

- I know.

You were too busy.

I was lonely and miserable.

I just wanted to die.

I had no one.

- I know.

- Please don't make me go away again.

Let me stay here with you, with the circus.

It's where I belong.

After all, it's in my blood like it's in yours.

- Oh darling, you certainly picked a bad time.

You've read of course about all the terrible

things that have been happening here.

- I know, it's awful.

I had nightmares thinking something might happen to you.

Can I stay?

- Alright, we'll try it for a while.

I'll find somewhere for you to sleep

and then tomorrow we'll look for something

for you to do.

And I mean work.

Hard work.

- Thank you.

You'll see, I'll work hard.

- And a tomato please.

- Certainly.

- Hey Angela!

- Bruno.

Hello.

Romie, how nice to see you.

How well your beard looks.

- It's a new shampoo I used.

Very successful.

- When did you get back Angela?

- Today.

- And how long are you staying?

- Oh forever I hope.

- But what about your schooling?

- I left school.

- Angela darling.

- Oh hello Matilda.

- Did I hear you say you left school?

- Yes.

Mother's giving me a job in the circus.

- What a shame you had to return

at a time like this.

When we have a homicidal killer amongst us.

- Matilda darling, it's time we went.

- Goodnight Angela.

Try not to worry too much.

After all, you have no cause to be afraid.

- What did she mean by that?

- Don't pay any attention to what Matilda has to say.

- I don't.

But she's always been a trouble maker.

I don't understand why you keep her here.

- They have a good act.

But I may have to get rid of them

if Matilda keeps on causing trouble.

Coffee for me.

I'm sure you'll be alright in the girls quarters.

- Oh of course I will.

Goodnight.

- Angela.

- Oh, I'm sorry.

Goodnight.

- Goodnight darling.

Bruno!

- I hope I didn't frighten you Ms. rivers.

- Well you fool, you scared me half to death!

- I didn't mean to.

- You didn't mean to.

- I was on the way back to my caravan now

to see Ms. romie home

and I saw you come out the canteen.

- So you followed me.

Fleeting from shadow to shadow like Jack the ripper.

- I didn't mean to scare you.

I wanted to talk to you about something.

- Don't be ridiculous, at this time of night?

Go to sleep!

Ladies and gentleman,

I now give you ingamar the fearless.

Matilda, I left instructions

for you to report to me in my caravan

before you went on.

- I was resting.

- Not all of you.

Your poisonous tongue as usual was very busy.

And I know that you've been talking out of turn

to the superintendent.

- He asked me if I knew anything or saw anything.

So I came right out and told him I suspect you.

- My mother has enough on her hands

running the circus without you causing trouble for her.

- Angela you're a very sweet child,

but really, this is none of your business.

- Ms. rivers, my job makes it necessary

for me to interrogate everyone who might be involved.

Of course I questioned Matilda as I did you

and many others.

- I'm not complaining about that.

But I just won't have anybody in my circus

filling you with a pack of lies!

- You ready Matilda darling?

- Ladies and gentlemen,

you are about to witness one of the most

dangerous and mystifying acts ever performed anywhere.

Before your very eyes,

lazlo the nonpalais will saw a woman in half.

- Ladies and gentlemen,

now that you have had the pleasure of meeting me,

let me present my beautiful and brave partner, Matilda!

Maybe she is too dumb to be frightened,

or maybe she trusts me completely.

Anyway, every time she steps into this box,

she whispers in my ear,

"lazlo, my life is in your hands."

And believe me, itis.

And now, I need the assistance

of two gentlemen from the audience.

May I have some volunteers?

Thank you gentlemen.

You sir and you sir.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Now may I ask you to tell the audience truthfully,

have I ever seen either of you before?

- No.

- In other words, you are complete strangers to me?

- Yes that's correct.

- Would you be kind enough to open up

the doors on top and in front?

Matilda darling, would you be reckless enough

to step inside?

You will observe ladies and gentlemen

that she occupies the full length inside.

Now, in full view of the audience,

would you close the doors of the box?

Thank you, thank you.

Bring down the saw.

Would you examine the teeth of the saw?

So you see sir, after the two men from the audience

had opened the box, Matilda climbed inside,

the box was shut, the rotating saw was brought on

and applied to the center of the box like this.

Now at this point Matilda should have pressed

this spring down here.

- Oh, what did that do?

- It operates this trap in the platform,

which allowed her to sink her middle section,

so that although her head and her feet

were still exposed, her body was out of the

way of the saw and free from danger.

- Well what went wrong?

- The mechanism failed to work.

Two screws had been removed from the hinges here.

The trap wouldn't operate, she couldn't sink her body,

and before she could signal to lazlo,

it was all over.

- That couldn't possibly have been an accident.

- Definitely not.

- You questioned lazlo?

- Well he's in a state of shock and heavy sedation.

The doctor would only allow me three minutes with him.

But from what he says and from his record,

he's performed this trick for 11 years without mishap.

It was his custom to inspect the box personally

before it was brought on.

- He did so last night.

- He swears he did.

- You suspect anybody?

- There's no lack of suspects sir.

For a starter Ms. rivers.

I heard her quarreling with Matilda last night

just before the wretched girl crawled into this coffin.

They hated each other.

- Enough to murder?

- Your car's here to take you to the airport sir.

- Thank you, I'll be right out.

What about this rivers woman?

- Her husband was killed six years ago.

- Killed?

- Yes, he was a trapeze artist here in the circus.

There was an accident and...

- This circus has a history of violent death.

- I checked out with the local police

where the accident happened,

and they say it was a clear case of accidental death.

However, I don't think Ms. rivers grieved for too long

because soon afterward she cast up her widows weeds

and took up with dorando.

Now she's involved with frank Hawkins.

- Serious?

- I don't think so.

She's a cruel one.

I'm sure she can seal off her love life

if it gets in the way of her career.

Her main drive is to run a successful circus.

- There's no doubt these deaths

have given it a morbid glamour.

- Recent box office returns have been spectacular.

- Fill me in on this man you mentioned, frank Hawkins.

- He too is definitely worth watching.

I checked on his past to find out

he killed a man in Toronto Canada three years ago.

- Oh?

- At the inquest the verdict was

justifiable homicide, self-defense.

- Is there any evidence to connect him

with what happened last night?

- No, none at all.

- What about lazlo?

- Oh that's a bit of a puzzle.

Although there was no formal marriage,

Matilda was a bit of a flirt,

they seemed to be a happy couple.

And yet I found out that lazlo had been

gambling away their joint earnings.

- Maybe they quarreled over that.

- I've had no time to check on that yet.

- Maybe one way to find out about

all of them is to close down the circus.

- If I may suggest, at this stage we

gain nothing by doing that.

Shut the circus and all my suspects scatter.

This way they all remain together under my eye.

- Alright Brooks, I'll go along with you.

Do you need any help?

- I'd rather work it alone.

- Very well.

It's only a matter of two more days

before the circus opens in London.

Stay with it.

Alright driver.

See ya in London.

- Monica, have you decided on my share yet?

- After we open in London I'll have my lawyer

draw up a contract.

But the way I feel at the moment,

you're only sharing trouble.

Frank,

I have an urge to get rid of the circus.

Leave it and get rid of it.

- You can't do that.

And no matter how difficult things are,

you've gotta get a grip on yourself.

- I can't help it.

I've got the jitters.

I'm not made of stone.

- Look, all eyes are on you Monica.

How you act affects everybody.

I always admired the cool sure way you ran things.

- Well, it's getting to be more than I can handle.

What, with the police hounding me,

and the performers scared, and griping,

and suspicious of each other.

- If you crumble, everything you've worked so

hard to achieve will fall apart.

- You know,

for the first time it isn't enough.

This circus is jinxed.

It's becoming a nightmare.

I keep wondering and thinking who's next.

What's going on here!

- Mother!

Gustavo's taken me into his act.

- I'm sorry my knife frightened you Ms. rivers.

- Frightened, I'm furious.

Who gave you the right to make decisions around here?

Where's Wanda, you're regular partner?

- She's been drinking again.

There is no stopping her.

More and more it is dangerous to work with her.

Without a reliable partner I shall have to cancel.

- Not so fast!

- Then what should I do?

Angela volunteered.

I considered myself lucky.

- I wanted to surprise you.

- That you did.

- I want to work.

You told me to.

- Maybe that's not a bad idea.

Well with lazlo and Matilda out,

you're certainly gonna need Gustavo's act.

- Oh please let me do it.

- You are not lying about Wanda?

- Go see for yourself.

She'll barely make it today.

About the future, I'll let you make the decision.

- Alright.

I'll check details with you later.

And I wanna see this act before we open in London.

- Just one warning darling,

the hazards of the act do nothing compared to the

dangers built into Gustavo.

He thinks he's a throwback to Casanova and don Juan.

- You flatter me Ms. rivers,

but believe me, nothing is further from my mind.

- Keep it that way.

- You look beautiful romie.

- I always dress up for the big party.

- I remember how you looked last year.

You absolutely sparkled!

- One thing I like about going to London,

this celebration Ms. rivers gives us.

All you can eat and all you can drink.

- Yeah, we can forget all our troubles

and concentrate on having a good time.

- Well, what are we waiting for?

Let's go.

- Monica.

Excuse me.

To you.

Here's hoping you banish the jinx.

- I'll drink to that.

- You were certainly right not to cancel the party.

Everybody's enjoying themselves.

- When people are troubled, give them a celebration.

You know, the French revolution could have

been avoided if Louis the 16th had done that.

- Don't forget what happened to Marie antoinette.

- But I have you to protect me.

And now ladies and gentlemen, a big surprise.

A number from our own group.

J a tandemuis ball j

j fall in love with your partner j

j it might j»

j be j

j me j

j bumps in the night &

j give you a fright &

j and it might j»

j be j

j me j

j we're plain folk j

j ain't no joke j

j just look at your wife j

j boy it might as well j

jbemelj

j take a blind date j;

j go and gamble with fate j

j and it might j»

j be j

j me j

j walk in the park j

j hear a voice in the dark j

j and it might j»

j be j

j me j

j take a chance j

j find romance j

j in 40 years time j

j boy it might j»

jas well be me j

j beauty's a fleeting and wispy thing j

j it fades like a moon in the sky j

j make up your mind j

j beauty's only the rind j

j but it's bacon that you want to buy j

j walks up the isle j

j give me a smile j

j and it might be you j

j angels will sing j

j as I slip on the ring &

j and it might j»

j be j

jyouj

j keep your seat j

j don't retreat j

j I want me a partner j

j and it might j»

j as well j

j beyou jd

j I want me a partner j

j and it might as well j

j beyou jd

- would you dance with me?

- I'd love to.

- Monica,

I don't wanna press you darling,

but did you talk to your lawyer?

- It's all arranged.

You'll have 25% of the circus

and 100% of me.

- And for the last part of our vacation,

we'll visit Copenhagen, Berlin, and Madrid.

And [I'll help you choose the acts for our next season.

- It sounds wonderful.

- They make a handsome couple.

- I think she's too old for him.

- Well he doesn't think so

and that's what matters.

Your mother will never grow old.

She has the gift of eternal youth.

- I'm famished.

Would you get us some food?

- Sure.

- Angela you're not dancing.

Aren't you enjoying yourself?

- You seem to be doing it for the whole family.

- Anything wrong with that?

- I heard what your plans are with lover boy frank.

I was hoping that we could go away together

when the season ends.

Just the two of us.

- Angela, may I remind you that you made

the decision to stay here.

- Yes, I wanted to stay

because I still hoped I had a mother.

But it's funny, all my memories of mother

are of teachers and other people who brought me up.

I was shuttled around from place to place

like a piece of baggage with a wrong

address pasted on it.

- But you certainly never lacked anything.

- No, except what I needed most, you.

- May I join you?

- Please.

Superintendent.

I hope that you're still aware

that we're all still jittery and under tremendous tension.

I have an eerie feeling that the killer

will strike again at any moment.

- That's quite understandable,

particularly in a place like a circus

where everyone has freedom of movement.

Two elements govern a killer, motive and opportunity.

Here there are all kinds of opportunities.

- What about motives?

You have to have a reason for killing.

- Of course.

Some are obvious aren't they?

Like immediate gain or revenge.

Some strange, subtle, difficult to define.

- What steps have you taken for tomorrow nights opening?

- I'll show you Ms. rivers.

On special instructions from commissioner dalby,

your opening night will be covered like this.

We'll have Scotland yardman stationed

all around the grounds at strategic points.

The animal pens, the caravan lines,

canteens, all exits, entrances,

and of course we'll have men mingling with the audience

and also backstage.

Believe me Ms. rivers, every precaution possible

to prevent anyone or anything marring the performance

will be taken.

- But your men backstage, they won't...

You ready Angela?

- I can guarantee that.

- Good luck to you.

- Thanks.

- To both of you.

Ladies and gentlemen,

it is my extreme pleasure to introduce

the first appearance together of Angela and Gustavo.

Two incomparable artists with nerves of steel.

And now a spectacular act that's being thrilling

audiences everywhere on our tour.

Ladies and gentlemen it is my special privilege

to give you that death defying dare devil,

the magnificent Hawkins!

- And now ladies and gentlemen,

the magnificent Hawkins will perform

one of the most incredible feats

ever seen in a circus arena.

He will stand on a chair while balancing

on the wire 60 feet above the steel bayonets.

- I had to kill him!

I had to kill them all!

I had to destroy your circus!

It murdered my father and now it's taken you away from me!

Kill, kill, kill,

that's all I feel inside me!

Mother, I gave you one last chance

but now you've turned against me!

I've got to kill you!

- Angela!

Angela!

- Get those cables out of the way!