Original subtitles

Once upon a midnight dreary,

While I pondered weak and weary

Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping

As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door

"'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door

"Only this, and nothing more"

Ah, distinctly I remember, it was in the bleak December,

And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor

Eagerly I wished the morrow

Vainly I had sought to borrow, From my books surcease of sorrow

Sorrow for the lost Lenore

For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore

Nameless here for evermore

It's a funny old house isn't it, Tabitha?

So many strange sounds.

Old creaking boards, nothing else.

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I have done, Walter. I've done everything.

The cat!

- Was it up there? - Yes.

All right, Clara.

- What was that noise? - It's the cat.

Hurry.

If Ella disappeared three days ago, why didn't you tell us before, Walter?

Are we to assume she's officially missing?

Whatever you assume, I want nothing published in your newspaper.

You know what Ella's like, Inspector. She's been mad at me for days.

Wouldn't budge from that old attic of hers.

I thought she might have spent the night up there. Damn fool of a woman.

The fact that she didn't appear for meals for two days,

- weren't you suspicious? - No, she's been like this before.

Sneaks down to the kitchen when she thinks nobody's looking.

I had a plan, try to reason with her.

The door was unlocked, not a sign of her.

The bed hadn't been slept in.

I began to get worried. Andrew went out looking for her.

Not a sign.

Did she pack anything? Any of her clothes missing?

She must have gone in the things she stood up in.

I don't want to capitalise on this, but a paragraph might help.

I told you before, Latimer, you keep out of this! I don't want any fuss.

There's enough scandal connected with this family.

Now, you find Ella. Don't tell me what could have happened to her.

Well, I'll send out a local alarm.

No doubt she'll turn up when she's ready.

I hope so.

I hope so.

I shan't have a moment's peace of mind until you do find her.

I can't sleep at night thinking about it. Hard.

Under doctor's orders.

It's very hard.

Kitty, Kitty... Tabitha... Tabitha! Tabitha!

- What's wrong with Tabitha? - The cat's got a mean streak in her.

- Mean as her mistress. - She can't be hungry.

That's a healthy piece of meat Andrew's tempting her with.

Never mind about that cat! You find Ella!

Calm down, Walter. You'll work yourseIf up into one of your attacks.

I'll get onto it as soon as I get back.

I had to tell them none of her clothes were missing.

That's all right, Clara. They know Ella's eccentric.

Anything you tell them about Ella they'll believe.

- Will we be in the papers? - I don't know.

If any of her friends start calling, tell them I'm not available.

I'm too upset to talk, I'm not well. Understand?

- Well? - It's no use.

The cat won't come near me.

She doesn't trust you any more.

She saw.

You'll have to get her now, Andrew.

She knows.

I've heard her do some unpredictable things,

but I can't understand why she'd disappear like this.

Perhaps she's finally walked out on Walter.

She's been threatening to ever since I've known them.

She never meant it. Walter's not such a bad sort.

Don't be so easy on him.

It's common knowledge he only married her for her money.

He spent the best part of 30 years trying to swindle her out of it.

Ella was too shrewd for him.

(Walter) 'Andrew! Andrew! Help me!'

Andrew, help me.

I thought you knew those floorboards aren't safe!

I'd forgotten.

I just came up here to have a look around.

Let's get out of here.

Time to send for Miss Ella's niece.

Do you think Miss Elizabeth will come?

She'll come all right. She was Ella's favourite.

She'll be the first to question the will.

If I can get her under this roof I can deal with her.

- Andrew? - Yes, sir?

Send her a telegram. I'll give you her address.

Better get it off right away.

It's down there.

Andrew, leave it! Tomorrow morning we'll get some men in.

Never mind about tomorrow morning.

If it's in the basement, we've got it trapped. Let's get down there.

I'd like to brain it. I hate it.

Kitty, Kitty!

Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!

Kitty, Kitty!

Kitty, Kitty! Kitty, Kitty! Ki...

- Where are you, Andrew? - Here.

- It's over there! - Where?

- You fool! I almost had it. - So did I!

Go and do something useful. Get a lamp!

Right.

Leave the door!

Ah!

Aargh!

Andrew!

Aargh! Aargh!

He's asleep now but he must be kept very quiet. Another attack might be fatal.

Quiet? With that animal driving us all crazy?

Begging your pardon, but since Ella disappeared,

that animal's been like a devil, stalking around the house, spitting and snarling...

Tabitha was always a gentle creature. Are you sure you're not imagining this?

Excuse me sir, I'm not imagining this, am l?

Clara, I think we should consider engaging a nurse.

Miss Elizabeth, his niece, arrives this evening.

- I can easily get someone. - No.

The master doesn't like strangers in the house. Elizabeth and I will look after him.

Very well, but he'll probably sleep most of the day.

Yes, doctor. Is there any news of Miss Ella?

No, nothing.

You know, a line in your paper might help. About Walter.

- If she knew he'd had this attack... - No.

The master doesn't want anything in the papers.

Frankly, my concern is much more for Miss Ella than your master.

I owe her a great deal. She helped me get this paper started.

And I intend to find her... alive, I hope.

We've lost a wheel. Could you possibly assist me...?

- Hello, Beth. - Michael? Michael Latimer!

- How are you? - I'm fine. Glad to be back.

- What's all this about Aunt Ella? - I'll tell you later.

Get in the car. I'll drive you to the house.

- Is that your luggage? - Yes.

- All right, Cabbie? - Yes, sir. Thank you!

Clara said something about her disappearing.

It's not like Aunt Ella to play truant.

I know, there's more in this than meets the eye.

Let me give you a hand.

Your Uncle Walter's been behaving strangely since Ella disappeared.

- All right, Cabbie? - Yes, sir. Thank you!

Right.

You seriously mean to tell me

that an ordinary domestic cat is terrorising three grown-ups?

She's more than terrorising them. She's become a sort of evil symbol.

- They hate it. - In that case, I can't understand

Aunt Ella leaving Tabitha behind, unprotected. She loves that animal.

You wonder if it's Tabitha that needs protecting.

Oh, Miss Elizabeth! I'm so glad you've come.

Hello Clara!

Andrew!

- Not the cat? - Yes, sir. Your gentle Tabitha.

I was sitting with the master, I closed my eyes for a moment.

I had no idea it was in the room.

lt suddenly jumped on me, clawed me and disappeared.

- Has Mr Venable seen this? - No. He's still asleep.

He gave instructions to be awakened as soon as Miss Elizabeth arrived.

His face!

Miss Elizabeth, you'd better go up.

All right, Clara.

Goodnight, Michael. Thank you.

- May I call on you tomorrow? - Please do.

Beth.

I am sorry to see you like this.

You may leave us, Clara.

Beth, we've had a terrible time this week.

Ella's disappearance, that animal running amok...

- I'm glad you were able to come. - I'm glad too.

I hope I can be of some help.

Tell me about Aunt Ella.

Beth, you don't know what Ella's been like this last year.

Keeping to herself, not speaking to anyone.

Not a civil word from her.

She's done a terrible thing to you, Beth.

She made a new will last week. She's cut you off.

Well, I can't cry over something I never had.

I'll take care of it, Beth, I promise you.

Just stay here and look after me,

and I'll see that you get what's rightfully yours.

Well, don't worry about it now. Get some rest.

We can talk about all that in the morning.

Goodnight, Uncle.

Tabby!

Tabby... Hello, Tabby. You do remember me, don't you?

Of course you do. There's a good girl.

What are all these terrible things I'm hearing about you?

Cat!

You frightened it, Clara.

What's wrong in this house?

It's that animal, that's what's wrong. You saw what it did to Andrew.

A moment ago it was as gentle as I've always known it to be.

The minute it saw you it spat and hissed.

It's like a demon, like the evil demon it is.

Well, it'll be gone tomorrow. Some men are coming to take it away.

I came to see if there's anything you wanted.

Nothing, Clara. Thank you for troubling.

- Goodnight! - Goodnight!

Trap it? Isn't that what you're supposed to be doing?

It's no use, she outsmarts us all the way.

This morning I trapped her.

Just as I had a bead on her she was gone, in there in the swamp.

I can't track her there. She knows that place better than any human.

It's no good trying to poison her either. She won't touch what I give her.

She just forages out there, birds and mice.

- She won't touch the food I give her. - I can't say I blame her.

- Hello Beth! - Good morning, Michael!

- Good morning, Inspector! - Good morning, Miss Venable!

- Any news? - Nothing, I'm afraid.

They all seem to be worrying more about the cat than Aunt Ella.

How is Walter?

He seems better. You can see him if you like.

Now I've made other arrangements.

I've sent for my brother Edgar and his son Jacob.

That's how desperate I am. They'll catch it, they're clever!

They'll catch it and kill it, do you hear me? Kill it!

- May we come in? - Oh, what is it now?

How are you today, Walter?

Depressed. Where's Ella? Why don't you find her?

A lady doesn't just disappear without any trace.

Walter, we're convinced that Ella met with foul play.

- We think she's dead. - You're talking a lot of rubbish.

Who'd want to kill Ella? What good would it do anyone?

She had no enemies. Nobody stands to profit from her death except me.

Clara, get the box.

She left everything to me, every penny.

Don't let me hear any more nonsense about foul play.

The person who killed Ella may not necessarily have known her.

Plenty of people on the loose who kill for the sake of killing.

Some tramp in the woods, perhaps?

No tramp in his right mind would go into those woods or those swamps.

Here it is, read it for yourself.

She drew it up just before she disappeared.

Still doesn't solve the mystery of Ella's disappearance.

What do you propose? Dig up the whole countryside looking for her?

If necessary.

- There it is! - What?

The cat, out there!

lt was there, I tell you.

Uncle Walter, Tabitha's just a pet. What harm can she do you?

What harm? Look at Andrew.

Horrible thing, crawling about the house.

I've locked all the doors and windows but still it manages to get in.

One night I woke up, it was lying across my chest,

trying to catch my breath, trying to kill me.

Uncle Walter, you'll work yourself up into another attack.

- I tell you it was trying to kill me, - I just don't understand.

Everybody used to love that animal.

You're just the same as Ella, contrary.

Maybe that's why she said I was her favourite.

But you weren't mentioned in her will, were you?

No, that's why I brought her here.

Mean of Ella to cut her off like that.

I'll take care of you, Beth.

I suppose there's nothing more to discuss, Rowles.

If she is dead, then we ought to know, soon. It'll make the suffering easier.

Poor Ella. Poor Ella.

Can you see it? Can you see it?

- There's nothing there. - You're lying!

- I saw nothing. - We all heard it, you can't deny that.

It's evil, I tell you, evil!

I'll look in on you tomorrow, Walter.

When Edgar and Jacob get here, we'll catch it.

We'll catch it, and destroy it.

Don't bank it till you've got the money in your pocket.

Walter's a shrewd old bird. He doesn't dangle a large inheritance

in front of three low relatives without wanting the deuce of a lot in return.

I don't trust him. He can't have forgiven us for that stock manipulation of ours.

We lost a lot of Aunt Ella's money.

At least she was compensated in knowing you spent two years

behind bars to contemplate your sins.

- Why, thank you. - He's got Beth with him.

- That will be jolly. - You'll be nice to her, Louise.

Beth was Ella's favourite. A big, fat piece of the estate goes to her.

Aunt Ella has only disappeared, Father. Nobody says she's dead.

All we can do is hope, and pray.

They're here.

Let them in, get them settled, then show them up here.

Beth, you'd better go and meet them.

I don't like it. I don't like him having Edgar here.

- With him here, where do we stand? - We get what's agreed to.

It's all written down.

And what about Miss Elizabeth?

They're getting in very deep, Andrew.

It's too late now, we've got to see it through.

The sooner it's done, the sooner we get away from here.

Indeed, I hope so. This place is getting on my nerves.

Go on, open the door.

Ah, Clara! How's old Clara?

Not so much of the 'old', if you don't mind.

Andrew, pick up the bags if you please.

Home sweet home.

- How's Mr Venable? - I'm afraid he's very poorly.

Ah dear!

Beth, my dear, nice to see you!

You remember Beth, don't you Jacob?

And this is Louise, Jacob's wife.

Quite a little family reunion. This calls for a drink.

Uncle Walter's waiting to see you. I'll be up in a minute. Any brandy?

I'll go up. Is he very bad?

He'll be all right with plenty of rest. So much has been happening lately.

Yes, what price, the old girl, eh? Never thought she'd do a bunk like that.

Or did she?

If you're referring to Aunt Ella,

nobody knows where she is or what's happened to her.

Well, here goes...

He's still in the same room I suppose, the one that smells of moth balls?

Jacob! There's no need to be coy with Beth.

I'm sure she's aware that you've been a guest at Dartmoor.

Strange... always imagines me chasing after the women.

Fancy! And have you changed?

Uncle Walter!

Oh, I've startled you, I'm so sorry.

But how well you're looking.

How could anyone looking as you do be bedridden?

- Did you just hear a cat? - A cat? Here in this room? No.

- Would you like me to find it for you? - No, no.

Go and get Edgar and Jacob immediately.

They're just coming.

You haven't said hello to me yet, Uncle Walter.

Hello. Now go and get Edgar and Jacob.

No, no, no! Leave the door.

Well, the old place hasn't altered much, has it?

A bit grim perhaps, but better than the back room in Stepney, eh Jacob?

- It's all right. - Dinner won't be long

- if you're going to see Uncle Walter. - On our way up!

- Stuck up woman. - Jacob!

Be nice to her. We must all be nice to Beth.

Oh Clara! For heaven's sake.

It's that cat. Such a horrible monster.

I nearly got it. It's here somewhere. I've got to find it.

- You've got to help me to find it. - Pull yourself together!

You don't seem to realise you nearly killed me.

- I've got to find it! - Here, listen to me.

- Leave go of me, I have to find it. - Listen to me!

What is this stupid obsession over an ordinary little cat?

What is it all about?

lt was sitting there on the hearth looking at me,

making that... dreadful noise.

Staring at me, staring at me with its horrible eyes.

lts horrible accusing eyes.

Afraid of a cat? You of all people.

Have you quite finished?

Sorry, Walter.

Now, listen to me, the three of you.

And don't stand out in the corridor. Come closer, I haven't got smallpox.

Close the door, Jacob.

Now, let's put our cards on the table.

I've promised you money. That's why you're here.

I don't love you, and you hate the sight of me.

- Oh, really! - Shut up!

Now I've got that off my chest I can pretend that you're human beings.

Now, listen to me carefully.

A couple of years ago, Ella made a will.

That's the problem.

So, you've got to find that will, and kill that animal.

Is that quite clear?

Yes, very clear, sir.

I think you can rely on Father and me. And Louise.

She's had as much experience with cats as anybody.

I've drawn up a document witnessed by Andrew and Clara.

lt guarantees you what we've agreed. Provided you do as I've said.

- That's understood. - You too.

You can trust me. And now I'm trusting you.

Heaven help me.

And Beth?

And Beth?

We'll deal with Beth all in good time.

Or at least you will.

All right, Michael.

Meet me in the Coach House in about ten minutes.

Thank you.

Tabby!

Tabby... here...

Are you going to be friends with me?

There's a good girl.

There, Tabby. I knew I was right. Come and make friends with Uncle Walter.

Michael! I'm so glad you're here.

Tell me about it.

Well, there isn't much to tell, except...

Go on.

It's the house. It's like living with some horrible evil spirit.

They're all frightened of something. Not just the cat, it goes beyond that.

I'm frightened of them, Michael.

Let me take you away from here.

No, I couldn't desert Uncle Walter,

not with those greedy relatives of his clustering around like vultures.

I'm more concerned with those two servants.

How's Tabitha behaving?

Clara seems more frightened of her than anyone.

Tonight she even threw a knife at her.

And she makes Andrew lay down poisoned meat.

But Tabitha outwits them every time.

You must think I'm a silly hysterical female, imagining things.

No, I don't. You see, that cat knows why Miss Ella disappeared.

What are you saying?

Why do you think they're frightened of it?

Clara said something about the cat looking at her with accusing eyes.

If someone thinks a cat is looking at them with accusing eyes,

they're only seeing a reflection of their own conscience.

You think Clara knows where to find Aunt Ella?

I don't know what Clara knows, but I know the longer that cat remains alive,

the sooner its presence will cause someone's mind to disintegrate

and their tongue to loosen. Then we'll know what became of Ella.

That's what they're afraid of.

Why do you suppose Edgar and Jacob are here?

- I don't really know. - To help kill the cat.

- But Uncle Walter sent for them. - Exactly.

Oh no...! No!

- No! - That's why I want you to come away.

You must be out of your mind if you imagine Uncle Walter had anything

to do with Aunt Ella's disappearance.

- Elizabeth! - No, Michael, don't.

A bit of luck, we found this old cage in the cellar.

Now, we put this in the forecourt and put something tasty inside...

Er!

And, here we are.

Prop up the lid, like so...

There you are Beth, do come in.

- What's the matter with her? - I think she likes cats.

We hide in the bushes, and wait. In goes the cat...

- You don't know that cat. - The cat doesn't know me.

He's a past master at setting traps.

Snap! And the rest is up to you, Andrew.

Well, anything happening out there?

Not yet.

They've been at it all morning.

Come on!

They've caught it!

Kill it! Tell them to kill it!

(Louise) 'Kill it!'

All right, ready, careful.

Drown her, Andrew. Drown her, until she dies!

I'm taking it into those woods and dropping it in the deepest swamp.

Goodbye, pussycat!

We'll get that drink.

I said we'd give you some action, didn't I , Walter?

Well done, Jacob! We'll have to give you full marks, my boy.

I think it's shameful,

the way you're carrying on about killing this poor animal.

Really, Beth. You of all people should understand

it was having a terrible psychological effect on poor Uncle Walter.

Why?

Ah... aargh!

Help!

Help!

- Where's that fool Andrew? - That's what I'd like to know.

- You don't think... - Think what?

...that something could have gone wrong?

What could have gone wrong? You saw the cat tied up in the bag.

You saw him take...

Ridiculous.

Cats have nine lives you know, Father.

I don't want to spread alarm

but Andrew's been missing for four hours now.

The kitchen!

Look, it's come back!

Where's that idiot Andrew? I'll break his neck!

lt must be here somewhere. We'll search the whole house.

- Don't all just stand there. - Some more prints.

Louise, go with Clara and search the bedrooms.

- This way. - Where's that...? Where's that...?

- What is it? - Your friend the cat, it's come back.

Have you seen it?

You're behaving very badly, like frightened schoolchildren.

If Tabitha's back, I'm glad.

To me she's just a harmless pet. Why do you want to destroy her?

- Get out of my way. - There's a sick man upstairs.

I'm trying to look after him. I'll go on doing that until...

Until nothing. That cat's got to be destroyed, whether you like it or not.

Jacob!

The cat, sir. It's back!

How can it? You're lying.

No, it's here.

And Andrew?

He's still out there. Oh God, I'm so frightened.

We ought to send for the police. They ought to be hunting for Andrew.

It's bad enough to be lost in that forest in the day,

- but at night... - Andrew knows that forest

better than anyone. He's afraid to come back.

That's what it is, a bumbling idiot.

To have that miserable creature safely in that bag, then to let it loose!

I'm so afraid...

I afraid of this cursed house. I can't stay here!

You can't leave me. You can't!

I'm afraid... I'm so afraid.

So am I, Clara, so am I.

Don't leave me Clara, for heaven's sake! Clara don't leave me!

Cat!

- Michael! - What is it?

It's Clara, she...

She's dead.

lt was the cat. You heard it, Jacob.

lt was the cat that made her fall down the stairs. lt killed her!

- Be quiet! - lt killed her!

Rowles, this is Latimer speaking. I'm at Venable's house.

You'd better get over here right away.

Well, have they put old Clara in cold storage?

First Andrew, then Clara. Who'll be next?

Edgar? Beth? Or you?

How modest of you to exclude yourself from prospective victims.

Not modesty, just a healthy sense of self-preservation. I'm getting out.

Now look, I know you've had a rough time lately.

I've been preoccupied, thinking of ways to make it up to you.

Oh yes, I'd like to share some good times with you as well.

But you know how difficult it is for a man with a prison record

- to make a fresh start. - Everything that's happened here...

Andrew and Clara are dead.

We can't change that.

But we've come this far. We may as well go through with it.

As soon as we get our hands on all that lovely money

we can start making up for lost time.

Promise me Jacob, from now on it'll be just us.

- No more other women. - Only you, Louise. Only you.

Inspector Rowles arrived a few minutes ago.

You'd better find out what he wants.

- How is he? - I'm all right.

Well?

lt looks as if she lost her balance, fell over backwards and broke her neck.

But we heard her screaming "the cat."

Are you trying to tell me the cat pushed her down the stairs?

I'm saying the cat was responsible for making her fall.

Rubbish.

Sorry Walter, but I just don't believe it.

I don't care what you believe.

I'm telling you that that cat frightened her into falling.

Things have come to a fine pass

when one animal can terrorize a house full of adults.

Oh, excuse me, sir.

We found this lying alongside a log, and there were footprints, a man's.

We think he crossed the log to get to the other side of the swamp,

probably slipped, and fell in.

We'll have it dragged first thing, nothing we can do tonight.

Thank you, sir.

You know, Inspector, I think that cat's a little angry.

- What? - Smells a mouse.

lt was upset by the disappearance of its mistress.

Animals are strange creatures.

Sometimes they seek revenge when their loved ones are hurt.

I tell you this, if you find Ella alive,

that cat will lie peacefully by her hearthside

and these people will have nothing more to fear.

Are you suggesting the cat pushed Andrew in the swamp?

What do you think?

We shall start work early in the morning. Goodnight Walter.

You have to find that cat. I won't stay in this room alone until you do.

One of us will take turns sitting up with you tonight.

In the morning, we'll set a new snare for it.

Only this time, we'll kill it there and then.

Michael, I'm sorry I was so angry the other night.

That's all right.

There's something I should tell you.

Last night, very late, I woke up. I heard a noise.

- Yes? - lt came from overhead, as though...

- Like someone digging. - What have they got up there?

Just storage rooms as far as I know.

Aunt Ella used to use one. She used to write up there.

She said it was the most peaceful place in the house.

I'm going to have a look.

- You stay here. - I'd like to come with you.

All right.

- Is this it? - I think so.

Watch the floor.

Somebody's been digging up here all right.

Something they're anxious to find that Ella may have hidden.

Michael, I'm frightened. Don't let's stay here.

You'd better go and get your supper.

Well, what can I do to cheer you up?

Do you play chess? I see you have a lovely set downstairs.

Where's Beth? I want her to come and sit with me.

Open the door and call her.

Oh, I was just coming to call you. You haven't been up there, have you?

(Walter) 'Up where? The attic?'

No one's to go up there, do you hear me? No one.

We thought we heard the cat.

- Where? - There was no sign of it.

Beth! You're not to go up there again, do you hear me?

The floors aren't safe, they might give way at the least pressure.

- I'm going to have them seen to. - Goodnight.

Beth, you stay here.

Louise, you show Mr Latimer out.

You shouldn't have gone up there without my permission.

Uncle, why are you so frightened of the cat?

Frightened? I'm not frightened. Why should I be?

I don't like it, that's all. I never did.

lt seemed to mean more to Ella than I did.

lt always hated me.

Ella was able to handle it.

Now she's gone, it seems free to plague me.

What reason had Clara and Andrew to be frightened of it?

How should I know? Don't keep asking questions.

I'm tired, I want to get some sleep.

I must get some sleep.

We must find this will soon.

With Clara's death and Andrew's disappearance,

the police will be swarming all over the place.

- Yes, that's what's worrying me. - Give me a match.

It's only a matter of time before that Inspector fellow realises who I am.

I have my reputation to think of.

It's almost as if we're being watched already.

Not only the cat, something human. Horrible.

(Jacob) 'I wonder how far we can trust Walter.'

There's nothing to worry about. We're all in this so we'll hang together.

Walter knows that.

Yes, but it occurs to me that I could be made the whipping boy.

If Walter gets about again on his two feet,

the police get a little more inquisitive... See what I mean?

Too much depends on Walter for my liking.

You can get some rest now, Beth.

Tab!

Great Milling 14, please.

Beth?

Yes, someone's up there now.

Michael, come quickly!

Well, doctor?

There's no doubt about the cause of death. He died of a heart attack.

Could it have been fear of somebody, or something?

- I'm not a policeman, Inspector. - Now do you believe us?

That cat got into his room and killed Walter.

I thought we agreed he was never to be left alone?

He was sleeping soundly, I thought he'd be all right.

There have been three deaths in the last 24 hours caused by that animal.

What about the noises I heard the other night?

What noises?

Miss Venable thought she heard someone in the attic.

That's ridiculous. Walter wouldn't allow anyone up there.

They'd be taking their life in their hands.

Any one of those floors might collapse with the least pressure.

Mr. Venable...

Beth and I have already investigated that part of the house.

Part of a wall up there has been hacked away.

Someone is trying to find something in Miss Ella's room.

I can't imagine what.

I'm sure you can if you force your imagination a little.

Inspector, who is the investigating officer here?

You or Latimer?

I refuse to any more of his insulting questions.

I'd like to get some sleep.

There's great deal to be done here tomorrow.

Not to mention finding Andrew and trapping the cat.

What about the estate?

I suppose we divide it equally among the four remaining relatives.

- As a matter of fact, no. - No?

Walter left a will

witnessed by Andrew and Clara, leaving the house and the estate to me.

- And Beth? - There's no mention of her.

- Surely, he promised Beth. - Read it for yourself.

lt so happens I intend to look after Beth myself.

Now if there is nothing further, Inspector, I'd like to retire.

Nothing that can't wait till the morning.

Then goodnight.

- Don't. - What's the matter?

I know what happened to Uncle Walter.

You want up to his room just before he...

Yes, go on.

His window was open.

He needed fresh air.

- I want to leave in the morning. - No, we can't go.

You can stay. I tell you I'm getting out.

Louise, you'll stay here as long as Father and I stay. Let's go to bed.

Jacob, do you realise our bedroom is next to his?

How could you?

What, Uncle Walter?

Don't think of him as a corpse.

He'll have joined the heavenly choir by now.

Imagine him, Uncle Walter sitting on a cloud.

Oh, come along darling.

After all, Walter showed us the will.

- You saw the signature. - A very shaky signature it was too.

Ella was an old lady.

A more vigorous old woman never existed.

Her hand didn't tremble with her age. lt trembled with fear.

Walter knew that Ella was cutting him off without a penny.

He'd go to any lengths to stop her.

Somewhere in that room lies the answer to her disappearance.

Walter knew that. That's why he brought Edgar and Jacob here.

Well, why?

I lay odds that's what they're looking for.

- What? - An original will written by Ella

leaving her estate to Elizabeth.

If there is another will, Aunt Ella's solicitor will have a copy.

- Who was her solicitor? - Victor Dorrance.

We can soon find out. Can we telephone from the house?

Yes, before they come back.

Puss, puss, puss.

Come on out.

Old Mrs Bobby said this morning, "Bring it home, I'll have it."

- Not this cat, it's a killer. - So is the missus.

My plan is to sell the house and leave here as soon as possible.

But we can't do that until we've found the will.

Then there's Beth. We have to do something about her, don't we?

- She could be dangerous. - I'll have no part of that.

And another thing, I'm not spending one more night in that mausoleum.

And how do we explain your departure? Oh, no Louise.

You were wide-eyed with delight at the prospect of coming here.

Now if you're anxious to have some of the money to spend

you'd better stay here and earn your share.

Fish, fish, fish, fish.

Nice sardine.

I see. No, I'll call you if there's anything else.

I see. No, I'll call you if there's anything else.

Thank you.

What's the story?

Old Mr Dorrance died.

Aunt Ella, with her usual distrust of anyone she hasn't known for 50 years,

transferred all her papers to a safe deposit box.

Where that box is now...

Her usual distrust of someone she hasn't known for 50 years.

Or her distrust of someone she has known for 50 years.

I believe Walter was thinking what I am now.

Those papers are hidden somewhere in that room upstairs.

I think Ella was murdered in this house

and buried somewhere nearby in the grounds.

- I suppose the cat was the only witness. - Exactly. That's why they hated it.

It's horrible.

The only three people who could tell us are now dead.

It's Andrew, sir.

The Inspector would like to have a word with Mr Venable.

He's in the drawing room.

Michael, I've decided to leave.

Why? Why, Miss Venable?

- After all that's happened. - But...

You're not worried about the cat, are you?

lt wouldn't hurt you, surely? lt likes you. You said so yourself.

lt wouldn't hurt me, Inspector.

Strange, but last time I was here

both Clara and Andrew seemed very fond of Tabitha.

- Even Uncle Walter was kind to her. - Even Walter?

Yes, even Walter. I don't think he actually disliked Tabitha

until Aunt Ella disappeared and then everything changed.

Now you. All of you hate the cat.

You're all unnaturally frightened of it. Why?

You honestly believe she caused the death of three people?

Or does her presence disturb your conscience?

I'm not going to listen to this drivel.

Miss Venable hasn't finished speaking.

It's not drivel, Uncle Edgar, and you know it.

I believe you're terrified of the cat because you know what happened.

How could we possibly know? We weren't even here when...

- When Ella was murdered? - Murdered?

Murdered, abducted. Whatever it was, the cat saw what happened.

Inspector, this man is practically accusing me

- and my family of complicity in... - Murder.

- How dare you? - That's enough.

Michael, I suggest you withdraw that remark.

- Not likely. - This is now my house, Inspector.

Your house. You're very confident, Mr Venable.

Does that mean you've already found Ella's original will and destroyed it.

Inspector, if you have no further official business I demand that you leave.

- And take this gentleman with you. - I came here to ask about the will.

If it does exist, it must be found.

I should like your permission to search the house.

Certainly not.

- I could apply for a warrant, you know. - Very well. Get your warrant.

In the meantime...

Michael, you'd better come with me.

- Did you see it? - The cat? lt went upstairs.

I think you're wasting your time trying to find it.

Rowles, look.

Don't be a fool.

Jacob!

Stark, raving mad.

Jacob!

Call the doctor.

- Michael, look. Ella's room. - Come on.

Hurry, please.

Get some blankets out there. Quick as you can.

Go downstairs.

Michael!

Hello puss. There's a nice girl.

- Come to welcome us? - Talking to yourself?

- I was talking to the cat! - What's the difference?

I can see you don't know about cats.

We just found this, sir. lt was open.

"The last will and testament of Ella Venable."

The original will.

She left everything to you.

Tabby, Tabby...

Rowles!

(Michael) 'Beth.'

We've found her.

Take me away, Michael.

I never want to see this house again.

- Mind how you go, Grandfather. - Stop fussing, woman.

- Don't push. Now help me out. - Careful, dear.

"Owner going abroad."

Come live in the country with us, Father.

Guaranteed to kill you all with boredom in six months.

Puss!

Then I suppose they'll move back to town on my money.

Here, puss. Here, puss.

Mummy, what a sweet cat. Isn't she lovely?

She certainly is a beauty.

They say it's good luck when a cat welcomes you to a new house.

- We can use a bit of good luck. - We've still got Grandfather.

If only he'd change his will.

(Man) 'Well, I've always felt he can worked on.'