Original subtitles

Coogan. Duffy.

A1.

Brady. Pheeny.

A2.

Dollery. B1.

Vincent. C1.

Duggan.

B2.

"And that auld triangle went jingle, jangle."

"Along the banks."

"Of the Royal Canal."

"And the screw was peeping."

"And the lag lay crying."

The screw is listening as well as peeping.

And you'll bloody well be weeping if you don't stop moaning.

What did he have? - Rashers and eggs, sir.

Rashers and eggs.

Nothing but the best for the Quare Fellow.

So you're the new officer. - That's right. I'm from ..

Yes. Inishbofin. We heard all about you.

I'll telephone the chief.

Come on.

Morning Mulligan. Is this him? - Yes, the new recruit.

I'll take him to the chief. - Thanks. I'll have a cup of tea.

Officer Mulligan will take your suitcase.

Follow me.

Pardon me. What is your position here?

Sorry. I forgot. My name is Regan.

I am a senior warder.

Mr Regan.

How long have you been here?

Seventeen years.

That's a long time serving a good cause.

That is a fact.

I mean protecting society from murderers and thieves and such. It's good work.

I mean .. - I know what you mean.

Good morning, Governor.

Good morning, Governor.

Mr Regan. - Good morning, Governor.

I thought I'd left strict orders about Finnegan.

Who's this? - He's new warder, Thomas Crimmin.

So, you are Mr Crimmin of Inishbofin?

You realize it's an honour to be selected from so many applicants?

I do, sir.

Why did you apply to become a prison officer?

Well, sir. Some people have to become warders or policemen.

Otherwise, what becomes of society?

To be at the mercy of any ruffians that wanted to rob or steal.

Life would not be safe. And the people would have no security.

So, you approve of our penal system? - Yes, sir.

A deterrent against any kind of sin. - Do you believe in hanging?

Mr Regan, sir. I was brought up to believe that ..

Every crime deserves its just punishment.

And especially murder.

Well, you seem very well versed for a country fellow.

And this is your appointment? - Yes, sir.

Wait here.

Now.

About Finnegan. - He was sick.

The way Mr Darnley treated him .. - Never mind what the other warders do.

You had no business allowing him to leave the punishment cell.

Those were my orders.

He might have died.

You're aware, sir, how the prisoners may have reacted considering the occasion.

Perhaps so.

We are to forget Finnegan.

You know that on occasions like these, I am ..

Counting on you as usual.

You mean the two hangings, sir?

The hangings. Of course.

You can count on me, sir.

Perhaps you would consider in signing over the new officer to me?

He will be of great help to me in the next two weeks.

I might add, a double hanging is likely to show how fit he is for the force.

Mr Crimmin, for the time being you will be assisting Mr Regan.

Remember you're on probation. - Yes, sir.

What the governor means is if you watch your step ..

In 20 or 25 years you will have a wing to yourself.

Mr Regan will give you the statutory rules and orders.

Study them. - I know them by heart.

I don't doubt it.

Time to rise and shine.

Let's go, Mr Crimmin.

You know the governor well, don't you sir?

I've known his since we were in the next cell to each other.

You mean you were in jail together?

Yes. A good bit before your time.

Oh, during the troubles? - Yes. We got five years.

Five years in prison for your country.

Five years is a long time.

Did they do much to you?

Not really. I didn't like the chokey. - The chokey?

Solitary confinement. The number one diet.

Bread and water. But what I liked least of all was being deprived of a mattress.

How long were ..

Okay. Let's go and get you a uniform. - Alright, sir.

Morning, Governor. - Morning, Chief.

Early at work? - Well, I couldn't sleep.

If it is the hanging you are worried about, sir.

I will have everything well under control.

Perhaps you will.

The new warder has arrived.

I assigned him to Mr Regan. - I'll have him installed at once.

Chief. - Yes, sir?

Do you happen to know Mr Regan's retirement and pension date?

Now, allowing for special service with the Republic.

Without counting 42 infractions of the rules.

Never mind the mathematics. - Yes, sir.

Well, Mr Regan can be discharged at any time to receive his pension in full.

Unless there is a promotion.

He is in line for promotion, sir. - Thank you, Chief.

Remind me to have a talk with the minister about Mr Regan.

Yes, sir.

After the hangings, that is.

If I thought you did that purposely, Clancy.

I'd had you put back on lavatory detail.

Yes, sir.

I am glad that you drew the culchie, Mr Regan.

Both of us having the same rank.

Be careful that you don't get drowned in Mr Regan's milk of human kindness.

In spite of the uniform.

I still think I can smell the turf and the donkeys.

Mr Donnelly.

I should reserve your delicate sense of smell for the chokey.

You refused to let the poor devils empty their pots yesterday.

Leaving the men in stench on a number one diet.

Do you think these fellows were put there for nothing?

Now that both of us are up for promotion to Sub-Chief.

If you were appointed I would be delighted to serve under you.

But then, they haven't appointed you yet.

Mr Regan.

Ready for duty, Mr Crimmin? - Yes, sir.

Good.

Mr Regan.

Pick up Flaherty in reception and take him to Wing 3.1.

Check wings A1 and A2, Mr Donnelly, because ..

All correct, sir.

What do you mean, 'all correct, sir'?

The men have been communicating on the pipes again.

What do you think the news was? - I wouldn't know, sir.

Of course you wouldn't, Mr Donnelly.

But the lags already know a new warder arrived and is assigned to Mr Regan.

And that the governor is going to discuss Mr Regan with the minister.

No doubt about the promotion?

It's a bit of gossip for the prisoners. It gives them something to talk about.

So, it's entertainment you want for them lags, eh?

Prisoner McDonnell will fit the jacket for you tonight.

He is a fine tailor.

It's a pity he gets drunk.

And then uses his scissors on girls' underwear.

Right.

Get out and around your landings.

And look for them fellows talking on the water pipes.

If you find the telegraphist, report him to me.

Yes, sir.

This is your cell.

Leave your kitbag inside and then stand here and wait for the doctor.

"The warder balling."

"Get out you bowsie."

Stop that noise.

Who's the bloody baritone?

"And the old triangle went .."

Shut up that noise. Where do you think you are?

Wing B1.

Come on out.

A nice day for the races.

Yes. Well, I don't think I can make it today.

Too much to do in the office.

The accommodations are down there.

The what, sir? - The accommodations.

Get the men moving and then follow them up.

Well, get moving. - Yes, sir.

Alright, men.

Form up.

To the accommodations.

A rough screw, eh Neighbour?

The place will be unbearable from now on.

Alright. Get moving.

I'll go and see if Dr Flyn is present in the hospital wing.

Checking the prisoners are in the best of health.

You keep an eye on the men.

Hey, Dunlavin.

Did the Quare Fellow get a reprieve yet? - Which Quare fellow do you mean?

Do you mean the fellow who beat his wife to death with a silver-topped cane?

Of the fellow that used a meat chopper on his brother?

Maybe they'll both be reprieved.

As a rule, they don't tend to reprieve one and top the other.

So, to be on the safe side they usually top both, huh?

I feel it in my bones that Silvertop will be reprieved.

But why he can get chucked any more than the other fellow is more than I can say.

Well, I suppose they'll say: 'He only killed her'.

And leave it at that. That is high class.

He didn't cut up the body afterwards with a butcher's knife in a blind rage.

Then of course, the other fellow used a meat chopper for a start.

Now, there is nothing as common as a meat chopper.

It is a rare bog-man axe.

Go on now, Cut out the chatter. Keep moving, will you.

Well, if it isn't Mr Crimmin himself. The new warder.

All the way from Inishbofin.

Who informed you of that?

My name is Dunlavin. Class orderly.

Now what would be referring to, Mr Crimmin?

Dunlavin's cell has the joints in the hot-water pipes.

Getting the news from everywhere.

Where does he get it from?

Alright. Go on. Keep moving.

You there. Get along will you.

I am Shaun O'Connor from the islands.

Which island, Shaun? - Inishturk.

What you in for?

Stealing turf for the fire.

Get back to work.

[ Gaelic language ]

Fall in for the doctor.

Medical applications and receptions.

Alright. Get ready for check-ups.

Our vet is here.

Undernourished.

Six extra ounces of bread.

A flea-trap.

By special permission of the minister, sir.

This is the new prisoner.

Hernia chest. - Now, cough.

I will not submit to these intimacies doctor excepting in your office.

This is my office.

Come on. Cough.

Harder.

It is no Sunday School, Mr Crimmin.

I know that, sir.

I am glad to see the state is taking good care of the prisoners.

I'm very glad you approve, Mr Crimmin.

In fact, we never hang a man unless he is in the best of health.

These are the two for the rubs for their rheumatism.

That's us, sir. Me and him.

The pains is very bad with us these times, sir.

Not so much of your lip.

Who is first? - That's me, sir.

'Age before ignorance' as the man said.

Right. Get back into your cells for treatment.

Yes, sir.

If you could have the rubs administered, Mr Regan ..

It would help us with our crowded schedule.

I'll take care of that, doctor. Give me the bottle.

File for breakfast.

I could do with that too, Regan.

And relax, men.

Have you ever given a rub?

What, mentholated? Yes, sir. Charlie was rheumatic.

A horse at home called Charlie, sir.

Then you'll be well able to take care of the two old fellows.

And I'm sure you'll make a thorough job of it.

I'll do my best anyway, sir. - Leave your keys.

Oh yes.

Alright now.

Which leg is it? - It's the left one, sir.

The right one surely? - That's what I said, sir.

So the left is my bad one day and the right is my bad the next day.

To be on the safe side sir, I think you had better do the two of them.

It's the mercy of God, sir. That I'm not a centipede with the work that's in it.

Pull up the leg of your trousers. - Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Is this where the pain is? - Well, a little lower down, sir.

Just a little lower down, sir.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. That's it, sir.

That's massive, sir.

It's you with the healing hand, sir.

You must be terrible lucky at the horses, sir.

I would love to be copying out your dockets for you, sir.

So I would, sir. Yes.

That's it, sir. Rub it well into me.

We'll into me, sir. Yes.

Now I feel it going right down to my toes.

It is doing me a world of good, sir. - Alright. Now the other leg.

Yes, sir. Thorough does it, sir. Thorough does it.

I always say, sir.

If you're going to do anything at all, sir, you might as well do it well, sir.

My God.

You're a good warder, sir. So you are.

You must be the seventh son of the seventh son.

Or one of the lads from Limerick on your mother's side.

That is the cure for the cold and the wind when the warders neglect me.

Alright.

Now you.

Which leg is it?

Whichever you prefer.

What do you mean 'prefer'? - To rub it, sir.

So it's the left one then.

It looks like the bar is open.

I think I'm going to die, sir.

You've been drinking that stuff again.

No, sir. No. Just an odd sip Neighbour and I had now from the bottle.

I'm afraid they've put one over on you.

I must be taking you up for drinking, Dunlavin.

It's as much my fault as theirs, sir.

For not keeping an eye on what was going on.

I hope this alcohol destroys you for life.

May God forgive you, sir.

There has been a reprieve. - Which one?

Silvertop.

Good for him. - I knew it.

I was right.

It is not totally unexpected.

After all.

He has special recommendations.

We'll only have the one Quare Fellow to execute now, sir.

We?

Yes, of course. The meat-axe killer.

I'd say he deserves everything he is going to get too.

Perhaps.

Let's go on. It's getting stuffy around here.

Alright.

Fall out!

He was dead lucky to have his sentence commuted.

'Live' lucky I'd call it. - Aye.

I'll bet he was glad.

No. He wasn't. - Well, he ought to be.

You never saw a hanging yet, Mr Crimmin? - No. I haven't.

So, you will though. Now that you're working with Mr Regan.

Do you know who feels it worse going out to be topped?

Tell us, Dunlavin.

The fellow that feels it worse is the fellow that's been in the nick before.

When some other merchant was topped.

How about a man that's never been in prison?

He's usually a respectable sort of chap that's never done anything but murder.

And that only once.

He knows nothing about it.

Except something he has seen in the papers.

' The condemned man entered the Hang House at 7:59'.

'At 8:03 the doctor pronounced life extinct'.

That's a lot of malarkey.

I've been there, Mr Crimmin.

In the first place the doctor has his back turned after the trap goes down.

And he doesn't turn and face it until the screw has caught the rope.

You mean an officer? Like me?

You're likely to be doing just that when they top the Quare Fellow, Mr Crimmin.

Go on, Kelly.

Tell him what happens after he tries to stop the rope from wriggling.

You go and get your breakfast and you don't come back for an hour.

Then you cut the Quare Fellow down.

And the doctor slits the back of his neck to see if the bones are broken.

Who is to say what happens in the hour your man is swinging, Mr Crimmin?

I knew a screw once who smuggled out medical reports.

And sold them to the Sunday papers.

One chap, it said ..

Lived 17 minutes at the end of the rope.

That is impossible.

Fact is facts, Mr Crimmin. And they must be faced.

This is your flowery dell.

The fellows will show you how to lay your kit.

Stand here and wait until the doctor comes.

Thank you, sir.

Everybody by their cell doors.

Everybody by their cell doors. Be quick about it.

Well, he'll bloody well cheer up the place anyway.

And the dead are always preferred to the many as the man said.

Age. 35.

Religion. RC.

For life.

A darn sight better than dead, son. Any day of the week.

The longest you could do will be about twenty years.

More than likely you'll get out in half of that.

The last men out finished up in the bog. He only done eleven.

Eleven years? - Yes.

How do you live through it? - A minute at a time.

After all, you won't see a woman ..

Or a child .. or a dog.

Or a fire.

You think the man would know all about that without you telling it to him.

Hope you're happy in your new position. - Thanks.

Here we are, Mr Regan. - Thank you.

Well, good luck.

Good luck.

Rumour has it there is talk of a reprieve.

Excuse me.

You had better come over here.

Is there any news, Mr Lavery? I have to find out.

I only know what you know yourself, ma'am.

Oh, they can't hang him.

Is she the wife of the fellow who killed his brother?

So it seems.

I know we can't believe it.

That a murderer should have a good-looking mot.

There's no rules that say you can't look at the wife of a condemned man.

There was some word about a reprieve.

Which of them is it?

News travels right enough.

Just sit there for a minute.

She wants to know which one was reprieved.

I thought she might.

The Minister has reprieved the more influential of the two.

Silvertop? - Silvertop.

Look, Mr Regan. Would you mind?

I mean you can do these things better than me.

I'll tell her.

She'll have to know sooner or later.

There is some that call him a double-dyed bloody hypocrite.

Can we get you a drink?

I am not a widow yet.

I hope you won't be.

My name is Regan.

I know the Quare Fellow well.

A screw.

It was the screws at borstal that taught him the butcher trade.

The way he done his brother.

I will have a whiskey.

A large whiskey please.

He's got to get off.

He's got to get off.

Do you hear that, Mr Regan? - Get off?

A reprieve. Life maybe.

According to the evidence .. - Evidence? They don't know everything.

Yes. My husband killed his brother. And now he will be killed.

Have a drink.

Silvertop has just been reprieved.

His sentence commuted to life.

And my husband?

There is still time.

I'll pray for him.

A lot of good that will do him.

They'll all pray for him when he's down in the lime.

Oh, dear God.

And I am the bitch that caused it all.

You?

Oh, forget it. Forget it.

She might need another drink.

Time to check back in.

There is a lot more to be done.

Did he eat alright?

Marvellous. Rashers and eggs as usual.

Is the woman's man in here? - Yes.

Through here is the Hang House.

Is the gallows always ready?

Always.

Have you seen many hangings, Mr Regan? - I have seen fourteen since I am here.

But do you believe in it?

I don't believe in murder at any time, Mr Crimmin.

You're to live outside the prison while the officers' quarters are repainted.

The chief found digs for you round the corner on the way to O'Hara.

It's paid for.

I appreciate that, Mr Regan. - It's all in the line of duty.

And.

Leave your uniform at the main gate and let Mac take your measurement.

Right, sir.

A booklet on the statutory rules and regulations.

You will be wanting to read them in bed.

Did you have enough to eat? - Fine, thanks.

Another cup of tea? - Please.

Sorry, I couldn't offer anything better. - No. It was grand.

Drunk again? Oh, God. No-one should have anything to do with you at all.

I'll be off your hands in a few weeks. You won't have to worry.

Shush.

Come on up to your room. - I want to go in here.

Oh.

Oh. We have a visitor, Kathleen.

This is Mr Crimmin. The new warder from the prison.

Mr Crimmin. This is my niece, Kathleen.

The authorities don't know she is staying with me.

It is only for a little while until ..

Good evening, missus.

A warder.

What have you let yourself in for now for a few shillings rent?

A bloody screw.

Any news?

Yes. There has been a reprieve.

Your husband? - No.

No. The other one.

And they will hang my husband.

Give me a light.

What did you say your name was?

Thomas Crimmin from Inishbofin.

Straight up from the west.

The newest help, on hanging day.

You'll be there when they choke the life out of him.

You'll be there when they cut him down.

You'll be there, won't you?

If they order me to.

And .. I do what I'm ordered.

They will. They will.

Where did you get your good looks from?

Where do you think?

He's handsome, isn't he, aunt Mary.

Well.

I've seen worse.

Go and get your soup.

Why do you do a warder's job?

It's a good job.

A responsible job for officers like myself trying to ..

Scum.

We're only enforcing the law. - Oh. The law.

The law.

When they hang my husband.

Is that just?

But your husband.

Did a terrible thing. Didn't he?

When they've done him in some of the old fellows will come along and console me.

You can't give me the why or the wherefore.

Tell her I don't want any supper.

Is he or isn't he? - He's on his way.

What are you doing, Dunlavin?

I'm shining this up for a special visitor.

A fellow from the kitchen just told me.

They are doing a special dinner today on account of Houdini.

You mean we're getting food with our meal today?

I'm hoping to get the right side of him.

So that he'll give me a letter of recommendation for when I get out.

There you are.

I must tidy up my little place.

Hang up my holy pictures.

And think up a few funny remarks for Holy Evening.

Make ready for Mr Healy's visit.

And you be getting rid of that piece of enamel, Dunlavin.

Alright, Murphy.

Let's go and meet Mr Healy.

Stand by your doors.

Good morning. - Good morning, sir.

Any complaints?

No.

Well, now I am here representing the department.

If there are any complaints now is the time to make them.

Mr Regan. A new officer?

This is Mr Crimmin, Mr Healy.

Good luck.

Don't let me interrupt the good work.

I understand the reprieved man is over here, Regan.

Yes, sir. He is just up here.

Oh, yes.

He is the lucky man, eh?

Well, now your case will be examined ever five years.

Meanwhile, I thought you might like to hang a holy picture your cell.

Thank you, sir.

Now keep a cheerful countenance, my friend.

God gave you back your life.

And the least you can do is to thank him every breath you draw.

Yes, sir. I do, sir. - Right.

Now, be of good heart. I will call in and see you again.

That is, if duty permits.

Yes, sir. I was wondering if .. - Regan.

You are helping at the execution I understand.

Yes. I will be with the condemned man, sir.

Seeing that he doesn't do away with himself during the night.

And that he goes down the hole with his neck properly broken in the morning ..

Without making too much fuss about it.

A painful duty.

Neck-breaking and throttling, sir.

You must excuse me, sir. I ..

I've seen rather a lot of it and they say familiarity breeds contempt.

We have one consolation, Regan.

The condemned man gets the priest and the sacrament.

More than his victim got, maybe.

I venture to suggest that some of them die a holier death ..

Than if they'd finished their natural span.

But we can't advertise: 'Commit a murder and die a happy death'.

We'd have them all at it.

They take religion very seriously in this country.

Quite so. Quite so.

Mr Regan!

Go and get doctor Flyn.

Sorry I couldn't save him.

Oh dear. The canon will be very distressed.

Where to?

To the last cell in the hospital. You know which.

The one furthest from the kitchen.

Well, I have got to be going. The books must be kept straight.

A receipt for the body and all that.

That's not a very nice way of looking at it.

No, sir. But then ..

Lots of people might not consider ours a very nice job.

Ours?

Yes, sir.

Me and the doctor and the hangman.

And if you don't mind my saying so. Yourself, sir.

I wish you wouldn't say 'me and the hangman'.

I have never met the hangman.

And for the matter of that I've never seen a hanging.

If you feel as you do, sir ..

Why do you stay in the service?

I don't know.

It's a soft job between hangings.

"Came over my stealing."

"And the mice were squealing."

"In my prison cell."

"And the old triangle."

"Went jingle, jangle."

"Along the banks of the Royal Canal."

Four stitches to the inch if you care to check them all.

It seems alright.

I always follow specifications, sir.

Yes. I might be speaking to the chief about your good conduct.

Thank you, sir.

Any advice you have about my deportment, I will be only too grateful for it, sir.

Alright. Move.

Ah, Mr Crimmin.

Mr Regan asked me to report to you, sir.

I hear he's gone to the governor again.

Trying to spare the life of a bloody murderer.

It must give you the dry retch listening to Mr Regan all the time.

You'd think these fellows were behind bars for nothing the way he carries on.

And all this old yap about him praying for us and so forth.

I often think the man is mad.

Mad.

Mad with villainy and hypocrisy.

When I get out, I'll bring all my influence to bear on the matter.

I'll take it up with the minister. I went to school with his cousin.

Who do you think you are? A bloody high court judge or something?

I'm not a common criminal I'll have you know, my good man.

I am not your good man.

He is a college educated man.

Though he is no murderer.

All he's in for is embezzlement.

There is only two suicides over him.

Use the palm.

That is why are we have the leather band with the thimble.

Now then. The thread needs waxing.

There you are.

Finished work.

Oh? Is it?

What's the matter with you?

You island culchie.

That's another one you haven't done right.

Here, take it back and do it again.

You fool.

They'll put you in the chokey for this. I'm telling you.

I'm sorry, Mr Crimmin.

I didn't mean to.

Alright. Forget it.

Now, what do we do with O'Connor?

Take your island friend back to the governor.

He'll give him solitary.

And if I had my way I'd give him something worse.

Hello, aunt Mary.

You've been drinking again, Kathleen.

All this waiting, waiting.

Any news?

I saw that Mr Regan today.

He told me to pray for him.

Pray for your husband?

No.

For himself, the screw.

Oh.

Where is the lodger?

Up in his room.

Is that for him? - I'll get something for you later.

I'll take it up to him.

It is not right for you to be going up to that man's room.

I'll be alright.

I'll be alright.

[ Door knocks ]

Come in.

I have brought your supper.

Oh.

Thanks. I'll just take it.

Where will I put it?

Over there.

Thanks.

Any time.

Can the new screw spare me a moment of his precious time?

Well, I just wanted to ..

Go on. Don't mind me.

Don't be shy.

Do you want a drink?

No. I am alright thanks.

Have you a girl? - What?

Is there someone waiting for you back in ..

Inishbofin.

No. There is no-one waiting for me.

Men are scarce in Ireland.

You realize it when you see someone different.

Someone new and not too bad looking.

In some ways you remind me of my husband.

I first met him in Cardiff.

He was from the west too. - Oh? Whereabouts?

Connemara.

He was seventeen.

He'd come over to England with his brother.

They were looking for work.

But he got into some trouble and was sent to borstal.

When we got married we moved to Dublin. That was eight years ago.

Hey.

You shouldn't drink so much of that stuff.

I wonder how he is now.

I saw him.

To tell you the truth I didn't think he was the kind of fellow to ..

To do what he was supposed to do.

Maybe he loved me too much and was jealous?

Jealous of what?

Well, that's it, you see.

Come on, have a drink.

Go on.

There you are you see. You are not so bad after all.

I thought you didn't like warders.

You're not a real warder yet.

I'm doing my job alright. Don't you worry.

Oh .. your .. job.

Ha.

Your job.

Is this your job?

Upholding the rules and regulations?

That's right.

When you help hang my husband you will feel so righteous, won't you?

The law must be upheld.

He had a fair hearing.

Oh, my God.

You stay here until your mother gets something to warm her insides.

What do you want, missus? - I have a message for Mickser.

They're letting him out the day after tomorrow.

After they hang the Quare Fellow. - Well, what's the message, missus?

Tell him I will be right here for him when he gets out.

And that there will be no squealer on the way.

I've kept the linen clean.

Which is more than I can say for some that's getting their oats.

I'll have a stout where the ladies sit.

After they've hung Himself, you'll have a free run with the screw.

It will be lawful then.

Get away, you wicked bitch.

What did you call me?

Shameless people. Living in the same digs. With the screw in the same room.

With the screw that helps your husband to the gallows.

You greasy cow!

I'll make you look like a zebra before I've finished with you.

You.

And take your kids with you.

I am sorry, Mr Lavery.

I am sorry.

What's all the commotion?

Mr Crimmin, I wanted a word with you.

There is a very nasty line of talk going around.

Line of talk?

About me?

To put it straight.

About a certain warder and the wife of the condemned man.

So that was it.

Well, it never came from behind the bar.

You are welcome here any time.

Just remember your position, Mr Crimmin.

I lost my temper, Mr Lavery. I am sorry.

That's alright, ma'am.

It would happen to the best of us.

Better get home.

Goodnight.

After all, what they said in the pub tonight was true enough.

It's happened before.

What's done is done.

There wasn't any real love between us.

There wasn't, Thomas.

You only think you love me.

We wish.

We dream.

Then we are just ourselves again.

What we had was night love.

It never went beyond the room we were in.

Outside it was different.

I'm sorry.

I was lonely.

I needed a man.

I told you.

It's happened before.

When my husband was working on the boats.

And was away for weeks and weeks.

His brother was there.

He lived with us.

He was nice.

I liked him.

And then one day he said he liked me.

Suddenly, it was all different. Like flipping over a coin.

Well.

He was strong and persuasive.

And anyway, I didn't object too much.

People get to know.

The word gets about.

Shaun came back.

And found me in bed with his brother.

A terrible slaughter took place.

The rest you know.

Why wasn't this told in court?

My husband didn't want me to be branded as a common whore.

I didn't have to testify.

Of course, that is what I am.

You should have seen the way the men looked at me in the pub tonight.

It is different for theme.

But you still love him?

Of course I love him.

It may be not too late to save him.

There is only one day left.

The hangman arrives tomorrow.

Perhaps.

Perhaps if I could see the governor.

Speak to him personally. - Maybe I could help.

No. They wouldn't listen to me.

But they might listen to Mr Regan.

Would he help?

I'll ask him.

They'll have to shovel out a few more feet before morning.

They?

Us, you mean.

They've got four of us in a working party after tea.

A nice, comfortable, flowery dell he'll have down there.

They'll be growing cabbages there in a month or two.

You're in a terrible hurry to get that poor stiff under the cabbages.

How do you know he won't get a reprieve the same as old Silvertop?

I'd wager my Sunday bacon that he'd be topped.

If anyone would be idiot enough to take me up.

My old friend, here we are again.

Neighbour here bets his Sunday bacon the Quare Fellow is topped tomorrow morning.

Any takers? - Five snout.

Away, you.

Half a bacon. - Even bacons.

Even bacons.

Even bacon.

Any takers?

Come on now. You're looking thoughtful.

I wouldn't eat anything after he'd touched it. Not if I was starving.

I bet you a reprieve will come before the morning.

I feel it in my bones. - Ah, that's the rheumatics.

Is it on, Neighbour? - It is. - Shake hands the two of you.

Now you are Lord Lonsdale.

Leave that on one side.

As soon as the trap falls tomorrow morning.

Your Sunday bacon is mine.

Anything to declare?

The usual.

The usual samples?

The ingredients don't change.

The methods improve though. - Indeed they do, sir.

The essential change of clothes.

Who are they?

The smaller one owns a pub in London.

Plus some selling of spirits on the side.

He comes here once or twice a year with an assistant when they need him.

Himself has arrived.

Himself has arrived.

This place hasn't changed much, has it.

Hardly.

I'll just pop down and have a look at the condemned man.

And then we've got the whole afternoon free.

Right.

Adam. - Yes, sir?

Okay.

This is the hangman.

Ah, Mr Regan.

I cannot leave you in more proficient hands when it comes to cases like these.

Lend us your cap a minute, lad.

I don't think it will fit you, sir.

You don't have to be particular.

Mr Regan's will do.

Which cell is he in?

This one.

He likes to wear a warder's cap.

So the Quare Fellow won't suspect who he is.

He gets his weight from the doctor so he knows what drop to give him.

But he likes to have a look at him himself to see what build he is.

How thick his neck is and so on.

Giving him too much one way strangles him instead of breaking his neck.

Give him too much the other way and he'd pull the head clean off his shoulders.

Poor Shaun. - Yes.

May God have pity on us.

A well set-up lad.

Twelve stone.

A fine pair of shoulders on him.

Let us keep that appointment at the pub at the top of O'Connell Street.

I'll have you taken out the side gate avoiding the yard.

Seamus.

My appearance might cause a disturbance.

It will be difficult enough to control them this night.

Mr Regan.

Is there still a chance of a reprieve?

It's possible. - You see.

Kathleen. She insists .. - Kathleen?

The Quare Fellow's wife, sir. - I see. She insists on what?

He had reason to kill his brother.

She didn't say that at the trial. - I know, sir.

You see.

It is a very ..

Private reason, sir.

She wants to tell it to the governor herself.

It might be difficult.

But I will see what I can do. - Thank you, sir. Sorry to bother you.

It is no bother to me to try to save a man's life, Mr Crimmin.

John, I really don't know.

With the hanging tomorrow morning.

Yes, I admit the school union dinner is important.

But John.

Alright. Alright.

If everything is quiet, I'll show up. Yes, I will.

Goodbye.

Come here, Regan. Sorry to keep you waiting.

About the Quare Fellow. - We've been over that, Regan.

I've told you I can't disturb the minister without new evidence.

Matthew.

The Quare Fellow's woman wants to talk to you.

You know how I feel about talking to the condemned man's families.

Why do you bring things like this to me whenever there is a hanging?

But she seems to have some new evidence.

Have any of them ever shown any new evidence on the last day?

It is of no use to see the poor wretch.

I'm sorry, Regan.

If there is any last word from the minister we will hear it.

Will the governor see her, sir? - He won't see her, Mr Crimmin.

Put that coffin into room 22.

The Father wants another couple of feet.

Make this half a foot longer.

And have the clay at the top left nice and neat for filling in in the morning.

Mr Crimmin.

Take over.

What do I have to do, sir? - I said 'take over'.

Cigarette?

I've got some.

Good man.

I'm sorry I lost my temper in the bag shop.

The number one diet didn't matter.

Mr Regan said it's the deprivation of the mattress that's the worse.

Get back to work. - Yes, sir.

I hoped to find the governor still here.

He has gone to his school union at Shamrock Hall.

He left me in charge.

I don't know what we would do without you Regan on these jobs.

Is there anything the governor or I can do to make things easier?

You could say a decade of the rosary.

I can hardly ask the governor to do that.

Why not? His prayers will be as good as anyone else's.

May I never dig a grave for the rest of my life. Here.

Very decent of him.

He's learning decency from Mr Regan. - They'd have you dead with decency.

Mr Regan was a savage today. He couldn't even have a word with the next fellow.

I never saw him like that before.

It's this fellow being topped in the morning. It's on his nerves.

What's it to Regan? He won't feel it.

He is on the last watch.

Twelve until eight. - Till death do us part.

Do you think the law makes the Quare Fellow's death different?

Unlike anyone else's? - Regan.

I hope you forget those things you just mentioned.

If talk like that gets out the prison ..

I think the whole show should be put on in Grove Park.

After all, it is as the public expense that they let it go on.

They should have some more for their money ..

Than a bit of paper stuck on the gate when it's over.

Goodnight, Mr Regan.

If I didn't know you, I'd report what you've said to the governor.

You will anyway.

Funny the way they all ask for Regan.

I suppose they think he will bring them good luck.

Him being good-living. - Good-living?

Who ever heard of a good-living screw?

Did you hear about the screw who married a prostitute?

No. What happened to him? - He dragged her down to his own level.

Mr Crimmin.

I left you in charge. Where did they get the cigarettes?

From me.

I thought they needed a smoke.

So they spent their time here blowing rings in the evening air like lords.

The Quare Fellow has got to be buried in the morning whether we like it or not.

So cut the malarkey and keep on working.

I never asked to be a bloody hangman's assistant.

Drop it, man.

It's a bad night for all of us.

You should pray for all men hardened in killing.

Including the hangman and the screws.

Myself and Crimmin have a long life ahead of us.

We don't want to be finishing your job for you.

I never saw a screw like that before.

Neither did anybody else.

Kathleen is at the pub.

You might go and tell her the governor is out at the Shamrock Hall at a dinner.

I'm not supposed to leave here. - Use the back gate. I will let you in.

Alright. - And Mr Crimmin.

You're fortunate not to be sacked for fooling with the Quare Fellow's wife.

That's all.

Kathleen.

Mr Regan gave me a message for you.

What is it? - You know where the governor is now?

He must be in the prison on the night before a hanging.

No. He's not. He's at a dinner at Shamrock Hall.

If you want to talk to him personally. - I'll go.

Good luck. - Thank you, Thomas.

Have one on the house.

It's going to be a long night.

It is.

Thanks all the same.

Is this where the school union is taking place?

Which union do you mean?

Is it The St Vincent de Paul Society for the betterment of the skivvies?

Or pupils from the university .. - I have to see the governor.

Now which governor do you mean? - The prison governor.

They are ..

They are in the speeches. They come before the singing.

Each group has an hour. That means an hour and a half.

There are four groups so ..

You can't go in.

Alright. You can wait.

Sit over there.

Adam.

Go and fetch your concertina.

And sing that hymn you composed.

Will you call the governor or shall I go in?

It will be over soon. - How soon?

An hour or two. - I have to see him.

No!

You are lovely. - Why, you ..

"The blessed shall be saved."

"The wicked shall be damned."

"Will the world be .."

Anything wrong?

My black box seems to have disappeared.

Hello.

Is everything alright?

Well, what's wrong?

It seems that the black box with the hanging tools has been misplaced.

With an execution to come up in the A.M.

What will the governor and department say if it doesn't go off as planned?

Are you sure it is lost? - We had it with us all the time.

Now, I takes nothing to drink. Ever.

But we must have left it in one of the pubs we visited.

What pub?

I wouldn't know, sir. We were watching himself and not the box.

But I remember every pub we were in.

How many were there?

Eighteen in total, sir.

The last visit, it was only fourteen.

Order a squad car.

And take these two to every pub they can remember.

You'll better find it before the governor gets back.

Right way, Governor.

Are you the prison governor? - Yes, I am.

What is it? I'm in a hurry. - I couldn't persuade her to go away.

I'm the wife of the man who is going to be hanged in the morning.

I've been waiting to see you.

This is not my office.

Nor are these my office hours.

But I have evidence which may save my husband.

What possible evidence could save the Quare Fellow at the hour?

You will be able to judge that sir if you hear me out.

There is no black box or brown box or green box. There is no box at all.

I'd be grateful if you'd allow me to get my rightful sleep.

Up the road is another one we visited. - Let's go there.

What happens if we don't find the tools? - We don't hang him, obviously.

He found out about me and his brother.

And.

Well, what more right can a husband have to kill?

Why wasn't this brought out at the trial?

And what proof do you have?

It's easy to say. - Easy to say?

What wife would want to brand herself a whore?

I would have told.

My husband wouldn't have it.

Of course, if I'd know the verdict ..

You see, I have been waiting for a reprieve.

Now there is none.

Would please tell the minister right away?

He mightn't listen to me but coming from you, sir ..

It is an offence for a wife to be consorting with another man.

It's a sin.

But it doesn't give a husband a reason to commit murder.

Won't you try?

Alright.

Alright, I will call the minister.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Remember. There isn't much hope.

Have a cup of tea, missus.

Thank you.

What will it be? - A pint for him.

A pint for Jefferson. And my friends?

The same. - The same.

I didn't by chance leave a black box behind me this morning?

I wondered when you'd be back for your samples.

Patrick, give us up that case up there.

To be honest myself, I didn't even take the littlest peak at it.

You see? No need to worry was there now.

Now everything is in good order.

I wish to God we hadn't found that ..

Box.

What's the idea?

My praying all the way and my prayers being answered.

Finish your drink, Mr Crimmin.

We must be back in time for the midnight watch.

Thank you sir.

Yes, sir. Yes.

We are ready to proceed in any event.

Yes. I will wait for your call.

Thank you, sir.

Well, the minister will let us know.

But he doesn't think this last-minute confession will change anything.

I hope there will be a stay.

You're not also getting sentimental about hangings, are you?

It isn't that I am getting sentimental only ..

Only what?

Well, himself and his box of tools.

They are lost. The tools that is.

Do you mean we may not be able to proceed on time?

Seen what I've seen, my love?

A box of knicker salesman's samples.

It is the hangman's tools.

And that's the hangman.

A great night for the stars.

If there is life on any of them I wonder if the same things happen up there.

Maybe some warders on another planet walk across a prison yard this minute.

And some fellow waiting on the rope in the morning, looking through the bars ..

For a long look at our earth and the moon for the last time.

Though I never saw them to bother much about things like that.

It's nearly always letters to their wives and mothers.

And then we don't send them. Only throw them into the grave after them.

They say, what is the sense in broadcasting such distressful rubbish?

He will be resting now, I hope.

I'll come back at seven-thirty.

You will see that there is a good breakfast for him?

Of course, Father.

Father.

As the old Home Office memorandum says.

'An air of cheerful decorum is indicated'.

'As is a readiness to play games such as draughts ..'

'Ludo or snakes and ladders'.

'A readiness to enter into conversations on sporting topics is also appreciated'.

Let's go. And look lively.

And Mr Crimmin.

Take off your watch.

Hello?

Good morning, sir.

No, no. All is quiet. There are no disturbances.

Yes.

Yes.

I understand, sir.

I didn't think it would change anything but I felt duty bound to ..

Of course, sir.

I guarantee it will all go off in the best of order.

Thank you, sir.

Tell the chief we are going ahead.

Wait here for your old fellow.

You decked out for the hanging? Or for your husband getting out today?

You can't expect me to wear mourning for the likes of the Quare Fellow.

I'll have the usual without the lemon.

Soon it will be over. I'll say a few prayers for the Quare Fellow.

You might not have to you two-faced bitch.

He might get a reprieve.

Go on home you bloodthirsty animals!

There will be no hanging. I spoke to the governor myself last night.

And you'd better get in off the streets.

Look out for your own shop. - I'm sure yours will be taken care of.

After they top the Quare Fellow. - I'll have you ..

Now, that's enough.

Come on and sit down, Kathleen.

I'll get you another drink.

Well. He's in perfect health, sir.

He had his breakfast?

As particular as he is about his rashers and eggs he didn't eat very heartily.

He'll be settled for confession when he knows there is absolutely no hope.

That final word, sir?

There was some new evidence.

I told it to the minister but after due deliberation.

He didn't consider it sufficient for a reprieve.

Have you ever seen a man die, Mr Regan?

Of course I have. I've become a savage that's got used to it.

I didn't mean that, sir.

I didn't like it.

The first time any more than I like it now.

No, sir.

It was a little protestant lad that first time.

He asked if he could be walked backwards so that he wouldn't see the rope.

Mr Regan.

May he forgive us all.

The young clergyman that was on. It was his first hanging too.

He was great.

He read a bit of the bible to the little lad while they waited.

Then he came in holding his hand and telling him in their way ..

To lean on the mercy of God that was stronger than the power of men.

I walked beside them.

Guided the boy onto the trap and onto the beam.

The hood was pulled over his face.

The rope put around him with the washer under his ear.

And still the young clergyman in a grand steady voice ..

Called out to him in through the hood.

'I declare to you my living Christ this night'.

And he stroked his head until went down.

Only then, he fainted.

The chaplain and myself had to carry him out into the governor's office.

Mr Regan.

I am ..

I am ..

Everyone is afraid in the sight of death.

But you will be a consolation to the Quare Fellow.

Just as you were during then night. And he is depending on you.

And you are going to do the right thing for him.

A smoke?

What time is it, Mr Lavery?

Five minutes to go.

Isn't there something else I can do?

Telephone someone maybe? There is still a little time.

Maybe.

Maybe it would be better not to count on a reprieve any longer.

Drink this up.

We'll know for sure.

When we hear the prisoners chant.

Dear Holy Mother of God. Pray for us all.

[ Prisoners chanting. Loud. ]

[ Bell chime ]

[ Bell chime ]

[ Bell chime ]

[ Bell chime ]

So that's it?

They don't need me anymore.

I'm no further use to them.

But you are.

I'll do what I can.

I thought you might.

All set? - Yes, sir.

You are to carve 'E779'.

That will indicate the Quare Fellow's grave.

You are to get the usual two bottles of stout per man.

But only if you work fast.

We want to get this over with before the exercise period begins.

Give me those bloody letters. They're worth money to the Sunday papers.

They are not exclusively yours more than anybody else's.

There's no need to have a battle over them.

Divide them. Divide them.

Anyone that likes to, can have my share.

Yes.

Yes. We can act like businessmen.

Fair enough.

I am businessman myself.

But what is a crook? Only a businessman without an office.

There is no need to explain.

I know you tried.

What are you going to do now?

I don't know.

Go away.

l could help.

At home.

There is nothing you can do now.

[ Bell chime ]

[ Bell chime ]

[ Bell chime ]

[ Bell chime ]

..s..d..