Original subtitles

The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh

Welcome!

- Hello! - Good evening.

- Good evening. - Hi, Neil!

How's it going, Neil?

Now that you live in New York you've forgotten your old friends.

Obviously I'd like to come home more often. Isn't that true Julie?

Yes, especially if Wall Street was here.

But I don't have time to play the tourist.

Talking of which, the meeting with Muller is set for eight.

Seems he's willing to buy those shares...

...you told me about on the phone yesterday.

I'm sorry, dear, but I don't have time to take you home.

It's very important, you know. I'll call you a taxi.

Don't worry, I can get one myself.

We apologise if we steal your husband...

...just a few metres into Austria.

I'm not an annoying wife.

The extremely important things first.

Kramorstrasse 25.

What's going on?

Good evening.

- Papers, please. - Here.

I'm sorry, madam. It's just a formality.

But why?

A woman was killed half an hour ago, near the alrport.

Another woman killed?

Yes, and cut with a razor again. You can go.

This story is becoming an obsession.

It's everywhere, in the papers and on TV, about that crazy maniac.

Yes, they mentioned it in the US as well.

They should bring back death penalty, that's what they should do!

Then those sick people would get the end they deserve.

130 schillings.

- Keep the change. - Thank you.

- Welcome back, Mrs. Wardh. - Antonio, it's you.

A pleasure to see you again, madam.

Everything's in order in the apartment.

Has anyone come in the last minutes?

No, madam. Were you expecting someone?

The maid comes tomorrow.

I'll take care of the bags. Don't you worry.

Thank you.

- Mrs. Wardh? - Yes?

These are for you.

The porter also told me to deliver your suitcases.

Leave them here.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Yes, I understand, Neil. At least try not to pick me up...

...too late, though. No! I'm not angry,

...even though Carol calls me "the Widow Wardh".

You've only stayed with me one night...

...in the three days we've been here.

Don't be too late. Bye.

Julie, you've finally stopped bothering the old man.

Look what I've brought you.

He's just arrived, fresh from Australia.

With fantastic news!

You wouldn't believe it.

George! Tell her about our uncle.

To be honest, I was fond of old uncle.

Of course you were!

Anyway, our uncle croaked, and left...

...a nice nest-egg for me and him.

We're the sole heirs.

You're family?

Yes.

At least that's the way it is for the notary in Sydney.

Uncle's dead without a will and the...

...young lady and I are the sole heirs.

What should I say? Condolences or congratulations?

Just say: Pleased to meet you.

Pleased to meet you.

Very good. Shall we have a drink to celebrate?

- Our meeting? - No, to uncle's death.

Without which I'd never have met you.

Oh, right.

Julie, please don't steal the most...

...handsome cousin I have, alright?

A Martini rosso for me.

- Are your clothes really made of paper? - Underneath as well?

They're real, how naive.

- What would you say about having a look? - Lets give them a tug.

It's true, they're made of paper.

Carol! Why didn't you say Jean was here as well?

He really pestered me about when you'd be back.

I told him to leave you alone, but he came anyway.

Why does it matter to you?

- I'm going. — Why, Julie?

- Because I am. - Julie!

Wait.

- Leave me alone. - Let me drive you home.

No, go away.

Why?

Nothing brings us closer than having a vice in common.

I'm out of it, and now you make me sick.

Leave me alone!

Julie!

No, please.

Let him go.

You don't know Jean.

He likes hurting people.

What's up?

A terrible nightmare,

...but it's over, so don't worry.

Julie, tell me the truth.

What's wrong? Is it that man?

- Bye. - Bye!

Next time don't wear paper, just come naked.

- Funny! Goodbye. - Bye!

Goodbye!

Wait a minute! Give it to me.

No parking zone, obstructing traffic. Will you pay right away?

No, for god's sake, we collect them.

Thanks.

Done!

There are more than a thousand policemen in this town!

I want all their autographs!

It's not that easy, you know.

You're completely mad!

Why? Does it seem strange to you?

I once went to bed with someone who collected...

...ladies' underwear. I realised he only wanted...

...to be with me to steal my knickers.

Hey!

Give me a paper, would you?

- Here. - Thank you.

Thanks.

Let me have a look. Another woman murdered.

We should be grateful to this maniac...

...for eliminating our competition.

They always write the same stuff,

...and I don't read it, but if I don't buy a paper I miss it.

How I envy you, Carol,

...you're always so relaxed and cheerful.

No, Julie,

...you just take the best wherever you find it.

A little here, a little there,

...and avoid thinking the worst.

I married Neil to finish with Jean.

Neil seemed so wise and calm.

But now I'm not so sure.

Neil's your husband, dear.

You can't expect to have everything from one man.

Carol! Please...

The fact that you put someone between you and Jean...

...is already really important.

Yes, I know, but maybe...

...I need to escape from myself.

Jean would never accept not seeing me again,

...because he can't stand losing.

Excuse me, madam. There's a gentleman waiting for you,

...I put him in the living room.

I don't want to see anyone.

He asked for your husband. I told him he was out,

...but he wanted to wait to speak to you.

Come on! Who are you scared of?

If it's Jean, we'll throw him out.

Come on, it'll be fun for me

Hello.

Look who it is, the handsome cousin.

My husband's not at home.

I'm sorry, Julie. But Carol told me your husband...

...is an expert in financial matters.

I'd like to get his advice.

Yes, I see.

But I'm sorry, my husband's not here.

I'm actually glad, because...

...to be honest it was just an excuse to see you again.

One definitely can't deny your sincerity.

We interrupted our celebratory drink the other night,

...and I didn't want to miss the chance...

...to get to know you as well as I can.

Listen, my handsome cousin.

If you intend to woo her,

...I recommend you continue over a steak.

Mr...

Call me George.

Don't worry,

...you'll get a chance to speak to my husband,

...alright?

Yes,

...but it's you who should be worrying.

I like bothering women...

...even when their husbands are around.

Shall we go, Julie?

In any case,

...thanks for the lunch invitation, beautiful cousin.

For goodness sake, I'd never invite anyone to Birri's.

They serve mustard which swells your tongue.

Why did you treat him like that?

Because I wanted to!

People who are too sure of themselves get on my nerves.

If I were you, I'd do it,

...cousin or not.

Lets go and eat.

I am truly sorry, Miss Baxter. I had three tables left,

...but a gentleman has just booked them.

So we'll have to starve.

Why?

The mustard's excellent here,

...doesn't burn the tongue at all. Want some?

What a shame it's full.

But it isn't, I've booked three tables.

We can choose: Here, here, or down there.

- Did I do wrong? - If it's that important to you.

Yes, it is.

I was worried I'd have to give up my mustard.

Well, cancel the other two tables.

- Here alright? — No, the other one's better.

The usual for me.

What Carol's having is fine for me.

So, that's three of what Carol's having.

Here.

This way you'll think of me when eating an apple.

The forbidden fruit.

For you I'll do -

Nothing at all!

You've got it all wrong, dear.

It's always been Eve who should offer the apple.

Excuse me, Miss Baxter.

Telephone call for you.

I'll be right back.

Here.

Maybe Carol's right.

What's this? Does it mean you want to eat me?

No,

...it means I've already eaten you.

You'll find I'm hard to digest.

I'm sorry, but I've got to rush off.

In any case you're happier alone with your apples.

Oh, Carol!

I'll phone you. Bye!

I can take you wherever you want.

To a taxi, thank you.

So you're used to having your own way, aren't you?

You've finally got it.

Where are we going?!

It's a surprise.

Take me home at once!

Later, Julie, later!

- I told you to take me - - Relax.

I'm just going to make you feel ecstasy and fear!

Take me home now!

Ecstasy, fear and a pounding heart!

I kept my promises, didn't I?

I'll say you did!

I think I should apologise.

I had misjudged you.

No, no! You were right about me.

But it's hard to resist so much.

Thanks anyway,

...it's been a nice afternoon. I really needed it.

Bye!

Hello?

Julie? Would you be amazed if I told you I loved you?

Oh please, George, don't be ridiculous.

Some words aren't used any more.

I thanked you for the nice afternoon and that's it.

I couldn't possibly want anything else from you.

Please leave me alone.

George?!

Don't be offended,

...but I don't want to see you again,

...because today - because I like you.

You mustn't phone me again. Never again.

Alright, Julie.

I won't phone again if that's what you want.

How did you get in?!

Through the door, it was open.

Why are you -

I wanted to tell you again, Julie:

I really like you,

...and I'm not used to hiding my intentions.

George, I beg you,

...don't complicate my life.

Don't you understand?!

I'm not the woman you met today.

I know nothing about you, nor do I want to.

For me you're fine as you are.

Come on, lets go in to my place.

No, not now.

Let me go.

As you wish.

As you wish.

I'll take you home.

What's wrong?

I'm scared!

Scared of what?!

Take me away, George.

- Where? - Wherever you want!

It's not exactly a palace,

...but it's good enough for me.

I practically only come here...

...to sleep.

For Mrs. Wardh.

Thank you.

Who's the admirer?!

Anonymous.

I'd like to think it was you, but - they don't deal in...

...these items on the stock exchange, do they?

Julie, what's the matter?

Nothing.

You've been treating me as if I'd done something wrong.

If you feel uncared for,

...or you need something,

...we should talk.

No, I don't need anything.

Hello?

Mrs. Julie Wardh?

Yes. Who is it?

I have had the opportunity to see that you are a delightful...

...lover with very interesting perversions,

...and I'm sure your honest husband doesn't suspect anything.

Isn't that so?

Stop talking nonsense. Who are you?

That's not important, whereas I think that...

...you should know what I want, Mrs. Wardh.

I want twenty thousand schillings to not tell your...

...husband about your affection for George Corot.

It's Jean. It's you, I know it! It's Jean, isn't it?!

Mrs. Wardh, I will expect you at sunset,

...at the South entrance to Palmenhaus. Remember:

Alone, and with twenty thousand schillings.

But -

I didn't know what to do.

When I saw that black car, I was scared...

...it would be Jean, and that's why I went into George's.

Naturally. You wanted to go to bed with him,

...and your fear of Jean gave you the excuse.

Please, Carol.

Well, maybe...

...it was as you said.

Anyway, there's still the problem...

...of the phone call.

Was it Jean?

Who knows? Have you watched the TV?

They talked about that maniac. The last of his victims...

...was that stupid bitch who stripped at the party.

Could it be Jean?

He's got a black car too.

Carol,

...please stop it.

I was joking.

He goes to prostitutes, and Jean doesn't.

What was his voice like on the phone?

Well... I've already told you.

It was a disguised, unrecognisable voice.

Which means if he'd spoken with his normal voice,

...you'd have recognised him.

It must be Jean. He's the type.

I'm sorry but I don't see the problem. If you like...

...George, you can forget about both Jean and Neil.

So what if Neil finds out?

I think he's a modern intelligent man.

Everything's simple for you.

While I don't know what George is for me,

...I know what I was for him.

I wanted to call him this morning but I don't even have...

...his number, and I haven't heard from him.

And I don't want Neil to find out this way.

He really doesn't deserve it.

Listen, dear, don't have too many scruples.

If you want his number I'll give it to you.

Neil's had you in his bed for a year. Don't you think...

...that's enough to make up for the heartache?

When you talk like that, I want to slap you.

But what do you expect? It's the way of the world.

Don't take any notice.

I keep them in the oven because I hate cold underwear.

In any case, you mustn't go to that appointment.

Where did he say?

At the Palmenhaus in Shembrun at sunset,

...alone and with twenty thousand schillings.

I'll go.

You?

No,

...it could be dangerous.

And I don't want you to get more involved.

Don't worry,

...I'll enjoy it. And you'll see it's definitely Jean,

...and then I'll laugh in his face.

And if it isn't Jean?

If it's someone else?

Who?

Maybe the sadist in the papers?

Then that means I'm in grave danger,

...because I am a bit of a whore.

You joke about everything.

Had breakfast yet?

Well, come on,

...there's a coffee place downstairs which will make you forget...

...all about diets. Come on, and stop making that face!

There's the start!

The riders are already in a fierce battle for the front,

...and it's number 36 first, followed by number 122.

At the third curve, the final battle is about to begin.

We're closing!

We're closing at sunset!

We're closing!

Excuse me,

...I had an appointment at the South entrance...

...to the Palmenhaus, but I've lost my bearings.

Over there,

...but if you don't hurry you'll be locked inside.

They're about to close the gates now, so be quick.

- Thank you. - Good evening.

Help!

Help!

No!

What's going on?!

- Who was screaming!? - There...

Look over there!

Can you tell us anything?

No, I didn't see anything.

I just heard that poor girl shouting. She'd asked me...

...where the Palmenhaus South entrance was.

She had an appointment. I don't know anything else.

These little animals are my only friends, inspector.

Much less repugnant than certain people I know.

Listen...

...it's been said that you've been...

...Carol Baxter's friend for a long time.

It's very important for us to know...

...everything there is to know about her...

...and her friends.

Please come with me to the police station,

...I need to continue to interview you.

Don't worry, I'm used to being around cages.

So...

...shall we go?

Lets go.

Is all this really necessary?

So, madam...

...is this the man you spoke to us about?

Yes.

Why do you think he's the killer we're looking for?

You flatter me, Julie.

Do you really think I'm capable of...

...cutting a lot of women's throats?

Yes, you could be.

And though it might seem silly, he has a black car,

...like the one described in the papers.

You're incredibly amusing.

But it was you who sent me those notes.

What notes?

The lady and I were joined in an intimate friendship.

That's why I sent her flowers, along with my thoughts,

...hoping she'd remember the good times,

...and perhaps decide on a nostalgic encounter.

I hate you.

The only thing I can't stand is indifference.

Hate is a good feeling, it's fiery and violent,

...like love, only more so.

Mrs. Wardh, you received a threatening phone call,

...and Carol went to the appointment in your stead,

...thinking that you were dealing with your friend.

Correct?

Was it that man's voice on the phone?

It was disguised, it could have been anyone.

But Carol told me it must have been Jean.

A stranger wouldn't have had to mask his voice.

Yes,

...but he was in a bowling alley on the other side of town...

...while someone was slitting your friend's throat.

That's the way it is, I'm afraid.

Listen...

...why don't you check Mrs. Wardh's alibi?

You're a dirty coward.

You see, Mrs. Wardh doesn't have a black car,

...but she's always had a weakness for blood.

Nobody's said the murderer you're looking for is a man.

You're a - ...person you were keen on for over two years.

That's enough!

I'm not interested in your theories.

That's fine.

Can I go?

- I've got something to do. - Of course.

You can both go.

Bring the other one in. What's his name?

George Corot.

They called you in too?

Now I understand why my roses no longer affect you.

George Corot!

I've got to see you. My place at five.

Julie, at last!

I'm really tired, Neil...

Let me speak to your husband now,

...then we'll go away.

Away from this city, from everything.

No, George, not now.

Maybe when they've found Carol's murderer.

It was foolish to meet today.

I could be watched.

You've told me there's already someone who knows...

...but do you realise that...

...it should have been you instead of Carol?

So what?

You can't hide forever.

Does living mean so little to you?

I don't know, George.

If you weren't around I'd almost be happy to end it all.

Please, someone could see us.

I'll take you home.

I'd rather you didn't.

I'll call you tomorrow.

Neil!

Neil!

Julie!

The elevator was busy,

...so I had to take the stairs. Good evening.

Good evening.

Julie,

...where have you been? What happened?

Someone in the garage attacked me with a razor.

Was it Jean?

Did you see him? Was it him?

I don't know. He was dressed in black, it was dark...

I don't know!

Don't be influenced by the stories in the papers.

Besides, we'll soon know if it was Jean.

Neil!

What do you want to do?

Let's call the police.

Where does he live?

There's only one thing to do with people like that.

You mustn't take any risks for me.

You're my wife now, and that's all that matters.

Tell me where he is.

I'll go with you.

Alright, come with me.

Wait for me here.

Neil!

I told you to stay in the car!

No, I'm coming with you.

There's no light.

Nobody's here,

...let's go.

There's a camera on the floor over there...

A photo's been taken.

Julie! Julie, calm down, Julie!

Neil...

Neil!

Jean's car is gone!

Julie, wake up, Julie!

I've developed that photo. Look!

Do you recognise him?

It's the man in the garage.

Yes, it's him!

Who is he?

Don't know. He was dressed...

...like that, with those glasses.

Now we know it wasn't Jean.

Which means...

...he could be the murderer of the women and Carol?

I mean I suspected Jean because he was your lover.

Obviously there's someone else.

Oh, Neil!

Where are you going?

I'm scared.

I'm going to the police.

This photo could be useful to the inspector.

Hello?

George, is that you?

Why did you take so long to call me?

I'll tell you when I see you.

Come and get me, I can't carry on.

Come and get me, and we'll leave.

We'll go to some quiet place,

...as far away as possible.

Anywhere.

Okay.

Give me time to pack a suitcase and I'll be with you.

I'll take you to Spain.

I know a little place...

...that'll make you forget everything.

FOR NEILL.

When did she leave?

Just before noon.

Bye, dear. I'll call you when I get back from Sydney.

Okay. Bye!

Hello?

Hi, how are you?

No, I'm sorry. I'm leaving tomorrow.

I'll be back in a week.

Then I'll get the A122 to Tokyo.

No. I'm not tired.

You don't sleep with the time zone changes.

The light's gone out...

...it'll come back on.

Alright!

Yes, I'll bring you a souvenir.

Will a kangaroo do?

Why, what do you want?

I promise we'll meet again when I get back.

Bye!

No, no!

Help!

Help!

Did something happen?

No, no. Nothing.

Why did you leave?

I wanted to get some sun.

Carry on going after your prey if you want.

I've seen one who's more attractive.

VIENNESE HOMICIDAL MANIAC DEAD

George!

Yes?

Look, they've found the maniac.

He was killed by a girl he was attacking.

So it's all over, for good.

Let's think about us.

I'm hungry.

I'll go on to the villa to prepare some food while you...

...go and change some money. We've almost run out.

You take my car and I'll get a taxi.

Bye.

Bye!

- Take this. - Thanks.

These are for you.

For me?!

Yes, that gentleman gave them to me...

He was there just now.

He must have left.

George.

George.

What's going on?

What's wrong? Do you feel sick, madam?

No, no!

Madam...

Julie!

Julie.

Julie, answer me. It's George.

Julie, what happened?

Julie!

- Excuse me, miss. - Yes?

- Where can I find a doctor? - Down there, at the pharmacy.

Thanks.

This will make her sleep for a few hours.

What's wrong with her?

She's in shock, it's a powerful emotion.

When I left her down in the village she was fine.

Well, something must have happened,

...maybe she had a fright.

You know what you can do? I'll give you a number!

Here it is.

Doctor Arbe. He's my friend, a good neurologist.

Barcelona's not far - by car you'd be there in half an hour.

Thank you. Can I leave her here...

...while I go down into the village to call?

Don't worry. She'll sleep peacefully until this evening.

- I'll come with you. - Not necessary. I know the way.

No, it's impossible. I've still got two appointments,

...and I don't have a car. I can come tomorrow.

Please, doctor. I'll pick you up.

Alright, in an hour.

Thank you, doctor, thank you.

- How much? - 80 pesetas.

George...

George!

George!

So I brought her here,

...hoping she'd feel better far away from it all.

Then... I don't know what happened today.

You mentioned blood earlier.

She didn't say anything to me,

...but I understood something straight away.

She was with that man I told you about for a while.

He dominated her.

Blood definitely has a strange effect on her,

...it both attracts and repels her.

Listen,

...it would be better to not tell her I'm a doctor.

It'll be easier.

Julie!

It smells of gas!

Quick, in the kitchen!

The door's locked. Help me!

Julie...

Turn the gas off and try not to breathe!

Open the window!

Let's get her out.

No pulse.

Go call, quickly, get them to send an equipped ambulance.

- Is there any hope? - I told you to go...

...and call the hospital. Get on with it!

Inspector...

Doctor Arbe is here.

Very well, you can go.

Mr. Wardh, this is Doctor Arbe.

He did everything to try and save your wife,

...but it was too late.

And I'm telling you it wasn't suicide.

My wife was afraid of dying.

The room was locked and sealed from the inside!

It wouldn't have happened if she'd been with me.

Anyway, this man's guilty.

I would like to go now.

Of course, Mr. Wardh.

The funeral?

The body needs to be available to the authorities for...

...a few days, then you can send someone to collect it.

George!

You're late.

The money, now!

It's too hot for me here.

I have a flight to Rio! I don't want to miss it.

Who are you scared of?

Nobody's expecting you to be in Vienna,

...and nobody saw you here.

If the police discover one day that the maniac didn't...

...kill Carol, your alibi would still be valid.

Like yours, and you're the only one with a motive.

Even if some cop discovers our tricks...

...you're not involved.

Your passport says you're called John McDonald,

...and Julie never met you.

But you've got a cast iron alibi too.

If they don't get me, you'll be fine.

They won't get you.

Julie Wardh committed suicide.

The money, now!

Okay.

Now you really are dead.

A first—rate suicide for love.

Have they paid up?

Not yet.

They want the death certificate, it's a matter of days.

I spoke to New York.

I hope I can manage to keep the creditors calm...

...and avoid bankruptcy. And you?

No problems.

Carol's death means I'm the sole heir.

We've got to be careful. If someone sees us together...

Why?

We're husband and lover united in memories.

There's no risk.

And there never was.

I told you, didn't I?

The best time to eliminate someone is when the police...

...are hunting a homicidal maniac. We can help each other.

You eliminate the cousin,

...and I eliminate the wife.

They're blaming it all on him,

...even though that idiot was caught...

...before we finished the job.

The suicide idea worked perfectly.

Talking of which, our black suits?

I burned them.

They're completely destroyed. There's no evidence left.

Maybe it would be better to throw these gloves out.

I burnt mine.

Why? They're almost new.

Did you like my line at the police station?

"Anyway, this man's guilty!"

And how did poor old Jean take it?

Like a kick in the guts!

He was so stupid he still didn't believe he'd had it.

And if the Spanish police find him?

They'll find the motive for Mr. McDonald's suicide.

It's crucial that the insurance company doesn't suspect anything,

...or they'll drag it out forever.

What do you think they could suspect?

Your wife dies well after she'd left you, and you were...

...miles away. And it was a clear-cut case of suicide.

Julie!

That woman!

It's her, I'm sure!

What are you talking about?

I only saw her briefly...

...it was her, Julie!

If you're already hallucinating,

...this'll end badly.

No, it was her,

...I clearly saw her. Lets go back.

You're crazy.

There was just a resemblance.

- No! - I've never heard of the dead hitch-hiking.

Alright,

...just a resemblance.

So why not?

Lets go have a look.

We're screwed!

Careful!

It's over, Julie.

Call and get them to send a tow truck.

If our police doctor hadn't noticed that Carol Baxter had been killed...

...in a different manner than the victims of the serial killer,

...I would have never reopened this investigation,

...and there would have been three more criminals.

I'm sorry, but I had no other way to unmask them.

In thinking you were dead they felt safe,

...and they betrayed themselves.

But most of the credit goes to Dr. Arbe, who saved you.

I'm leaving you in good hands.

You saved my life,

...but I feel dead all the same.

You'll be able to forget everything.

Time heals all wounds, Julie.

Good luck!