Original subtitles

Going to shoot it, Bob? - When they finish the lighting.

That will be some time yet.

A pretty good rehearsal I thought. - Not bad.

Tell me, George.

How long did it take you to write a piece like that?

Difficult to say.

Once I get an idea for a melody it develops pretty quickly.

Like writing a story? - Yes.

As a matter of fact, music is a kind of story.

If I see or hear anything that impresses me very much.

I hear it in terms of music.

This rhapsody you've just been playing.

Was there any particular inspiration behind that?

I should say there was.

I was staying in a little pub in Dorset last summer.

On the night before I left.

I thought I'd stroll along to an empty house the locals had told me about.

They referred to it as the 'House of strange music'.

And swore it was haunted.

Of course, I didn't believe it.

Then.

I pushed my way through a tangle of weeds and an overgrown hedge.

And there it was.

Desolate. Forbidding.

The fantasy I'd laughed at.

Appeared more and more credible as the distance widened.

Between me and the snug little bar I'd left behind.

A sudden stirring of some wild creature.

And then, I really began to hear things.

I was doubtful at first but ..

They were strange, haunting sounds.

Like some forlorn echo out of the past.

I approached. The eerie notes seemed to thread the links of the story together.

Behind the music, I heard the sounds of lost laughter, tears and tragedy.

They seemed to melt together.

Drifting around me from another generation.

Then gradually.

The garbled story of the local people became reality.

Stark.

Vivid. True.

As I wandered through the dusty rooms.

I could feel the vibrations of the people who had lived here and died.

Ordinary human beings like you and I.

Human passions of love and hate.

Then I heard, quite definitely.

The sound of a violin and a piano.

That was very nice.

You take the repeat too fast, Francis.

I am sorry.

Come come, John.

You haven't played together for so long.

You can't expect perfection.

I don't even expect mediocrity from your husband, madame.

What's that?

You're a bundle of nerves, Noel.

I've not slept well lately. I told you.

You need a holiday, Noel. The office doesn't agree with you.

Someone must look after the business.

I am unpopular tonight.

What do you mean?

If I came into the business we'd all be penniless within a month.

That's the first sensible remark you've made tonight.

I did not mean to imply ..

Of course you did, Noel.

You always imply.

I am going to my room.

Where is my book? - Here it is.

This is what you're reading?

'Life after death'.

Really, Noel.

No wonder you lie awake.

That has nothing to do with it.

I'll bring you some hot milk, Noel.

Goodnight, Elaine. - Goodnight.

You won't be long, Francis? - I'll be up in a minute.

A ten-minute delay. I want to talk to him.

Shall we go into the morning room, John? - Very well.

Goodnight, John.

Goodnight.

I wish we could go to London for the coronation.

Mr John would never let us go.

No. I don't suppose he would.

It still doesn't seem right to have a king instead of a queen.

I want some warm milk for Mr Noel please, Tessa.

Yes, ma'am.

Rosie, bring me a saucepan.

Hmm. These are good.

You get to be a better cook every day, Tessa.

Stop your blarney now.

Milk for Mr Noel's nurse.

Brandy for Mr John's weak heart.

And for Mr Francis?

He is your husband, so I suppose you are entitled to spoil him.

It seems too bad you had to marry an entire family to get one man.

I'm not complaining.

In your place, I wouldn't either.

I'd be after shooting the lot of them. Except your husband of course.

I'd be after poisoning him. - Tessa.

I have decided to make you a present of 300 pounds, Francis.

You can settle your debts with that, can't you?

Why this sudden burst of generosity?

I want you to leave this house by the end of the week.

Thanks for the offer. But as usual, there's nothing doing.

They can put you in prison for the sort of debts you've incurred.

You mean you'd like them to put me in prison?

Very well. If you won't leave I can't help you.

I did not ask you to help me. - Francis.

I've supported you since your mother died.

I've given you all you should need in the way of money.

And a home.

What have you done in return?

I had two years of my life listening to you preaching on the subject of economy.

What you've given me is only a particle of what my mother intended I would have.

After my death. - We'll see about that.

Very well.

Perhaps you'll believe the solicitors.

Go and see Crabtree in the morning.

I intend to.

But I haven't finished yet.

I want to make one thing very clear.

I won't be the first to leave this house.

I'll be the last.

You can't frighten me with a lot of stupid talk about prison.

I wouldn't be so sure if I were you.

Is that a threat?

If it is, I'd like to know what you are basing it on.

I base it on a letter and a cheque which Crabtree showed me this afternoon.

Well?

The letter was from John Wishart & Son of Hatton Garden.

Diamond merchants.

The cheque was in payment for a ring.

Valued at 250 pounds.

The signature was taken as mine.

Until the head cashier at Wishart's.

Decided it was a rather poor imitation.

They asked me to let them know what action I propose to take.

And what action do you propose to take? - I have told you.

Why haven't you mentioned this before?

Would you prefer me to blurt it out in front of Elaine?

You haven't told her? - No.

Elaine has enough worries with having you as her husband.

I don't want to add to them if I can avoid it.

That's very good of you.

You'd better think it over, Francis.

You've got five days.

Goodnight.

Elaine.

John has had another attack.

His tablets are on his dressing table. Hurry, Noel.

Yes. I'll go.

Anything I can do?

Bring us a glass of water, Francis.

Certainly.

It's about his worst attack.

We'll have to send for the doctor.

Feeling better, John?

Yes, thank you.

Good.

I was really quite worried about you.

I am sure you were.

Good morning, Mr Larimer. - Good morning.

I want to see Mr Crabtree. - He's engaged at the moment.

Will you take a seat?

Quite comfortable? - Yes. Thank you.

You are a good nurse, Elaine.

I shall miss you. - Miss me?

And how is the patient?

Much better, thanks. - You look brighter, sir.

Is my husband back, Tessa? - No, ma'am. He is not.

You are mighty lucky to keep getting over these attacks.

I hope I'm not disappointing you.

For the love of St. Patrick. I don't mind at all, at all.

Thank you. - Oh Tessa.

What time did Mr Noel leave for the doctor?

It would be an hour or more, ma'am.

It's the same look you had on your face as put me in mind of my old grandfather.

When my mother changed her mind about the manner of the burial.

And they offered him up for cremation.

Tessa. - Yes, ma'am?

Do you mind sparing us the details of your grandfather's gory history?

Yes, ma'am. I wouldn't be thinking of that with a sick man in the room.

There's the doctor.

If it's a death they expect.

It's as well to have a doctor on hand to make it all neat and tidy.

I'll go and let him in.

Thank you.

I think I'll be able to arrange that for you, Mr Amiss.

Thank you, sir.

Morning Francis. - Morning.

Good day to you. - Good day to you, sir.

Won't you come in? - Thank you.

I suppose you came to settle the Wishart business.

I'd be delighted to if I had the money to do it with.

You realize of course what this means? - Yes.

About seven years if my step-brother has anything to do with it.

I think you do your step-brother an injustice, Francis.

Anyway, I didn't come to discuss that.

When my mother died she left the entire estate to John.

Do you consider that fair to me?

My dear Francis.

My position is not to criticise your mother's directions.

But simply to administer them.

Don't be a pompous ass.

I beg your pardon? - I'm getting tired of speeches.

Then I suggest you come to the point yourself.

Very well.

I want my share of the estate and I want it now.

Under the terms of the will I'm afraid that is quite impossible.

If you really want my opinion.

I think your late mother acted extremely wisely in making it so.

When she died, you were a child of twelve.

John was approaching middle age.

I think it only fair that his father's money should go to him before you.

In the meantime, I have to go cringing and whining to him for every penny.

Personally, I think John has been very good to you.

Good to me?

With my own confounded money?

If you adopt this attitude we won't get very far.

There's nothing you can do in any case.

You get your share on John's death.

You know he wants me to leave the house?

He mentioned something of the sort. - He mentioned?

I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't arrange it between you.

What advantage do you suppose your leaving would be to John?

Except to derive a little peace of mind from your absence?

I will tell you the advantage.

The moment I'm out, John will entail the money so I'll never be able to touch it.

You are talking arrant nonsense. - No I am not.

Do you think I am blind?

You think I've not seen you with that snivelling rat Noel, whispering?

Nibbling in corners, and shushing each other the moment I come on the scene?

Listen, Francis.

If you were to worry a little more about your music, which you're very good at.

And less over being the unwanted stepbrother.

You would find life much easier.

If you excuse me, I have another client.

Just a minute.

Can I have three hundred without going to John?

No.

I am afraid you can't.

Is that final?

I am sorry, Francis.

Just a minute, Francis.

How is John?

You had better ask the doctor.

I will.

Keep him in bed as long as you can.

I will do my best.

Good day, doctor. - Good day.

How is he, doctor? - He has to take things very quietly.

Above all, he must give up practising that violin.

We'll never get him to do that.

I'd better give you instructions about his medicine.

Noel. For heaven's sake do stop walking up and down.

You're not in a cage.

What's the matter with you?

I am worried, naturally.

What are you worried about?

Is it Francis?

Yes. I suppose it is.

You see, John. I've always been able to rely on you.

You have been .. - I've been a prop for you to lean upon.

That's putting it rather bluntly. - It's true anyway.

Now you are dreading the idea of having to battle with Francis on your own.

If anything happens to me.

The best thing for you to do is to marry Lucy now and bring her here to live.

Francis would not like that. - He'd have to put up with it.

The house is yours as much as his.

Or will be.

By the way. What's happened to Lucy lately?

I haven't seen much of her. - She's been away.

Is she back now? - Yes.

Ask her over.

As a matter of fact I have. She comes to dinner tonight.

Good.

Noel.

Nothing inspires a man like Francis more than to know someone is afraid of him.

Don't let him think that of you.

I'm not exactly afraid of him.

I'm glad to hear it.

Whatever happens, don't let him drive you away.

I promise you he won't.

I want you to make sure he carries those pills with him wherever he goes.

I will see to that. - It is most important.

I've given him another box and told him to keep them in his pocket.

If he has an attack, he must take them at once.

I'll see him again tomorrow. - Thank you, Dr. Graham.

Give my regards to your wife. - She sends hers to you.

Goodbye.

Oh. You gave me quite a fright.

I thought you were out.

I came in from the garden.

Old Graham bores me. He talks too much.

Francis.

Yes, my dear?

Did you have an argument with John last night?

Of course not. Why?

Oh, nothing.

Why, Elaine?

It was something he said which ..

It made me wonder. - Oh? What did he say?

It was when I took in his breakfast and medicine.

He said.

Well?

He said: 'You're a good nurse, Elaine'.

'I shall miss you'. - I see.

You probably didn't hear him right.

I expect he said.

'I should miss you'.

Perhaps he did.

I'm not sure. - Of course he did.

No. He did not say that. I know.

We aren't going away are we, Francis?

For a little holiday perhaps in July.

Why don't you ever tell me the truth?

Why do you hide everything from me?

Don't be hysterical, my dear.

But you never tell me anything.

Stop playing and look at me.

Don't be silly, Elaine.

Always dramatising yourself.

Of course we're not going away.

Don't upset him, Francis.

He isn't very strong.

He might ..

Might what?

No, my dear.

I wouldn't dream of leaving this house.

I am very fond of it.

Very good, Lucy.

I get so little time for playing these days.

I get all the time in the world.

John and I practise quite a lot, don't we John?

In fact.

You might almost call us professionals.

Unpaid of course.

I don't see why you have to bring finance into the conversation.

It must be force of habit.

Well, I think I am going to retire. - Already?

You've no objections, I hope? - None at all.

Then I say goodnight. Goodnight.

Goodnight, John. Sleep well.

Goodnight, John.

Well, we will now enjoy an uproarious evening at home.

I wish you could do something entertaining Noel.

How do you mean, 'entertaining'?

For example.

Stand on your head and carry out a conversation upside down for an hour.

Don't be ridiculous.

I'm not being ridiculous.

They do that sort of thing, I believe, somewhere abroad.

It's some sort-of national custom.

I sometimes think it's a pity you don't go abroad.

One would imagine that Noel wanted to get rid of me.

Francis. If you don't mind, Lucy and I would like a quiet evening.

If I can't stir up anything here, I think I'll go and annoy the cat.

You'd better not let Tessa catch you. - I won't.

By the way.

She calls the cat 'Noel'. Did you know?

Yes. Of course.

What a pity you haven't got a tail.

[ Door knocks ]

Come in.

May I have a word with you?

You may.

What do you want?

I thought you'd like to know I've made my decision.

Well?

I have decided to stay.

In spite of what I told you? - In spite of what you told me.

As a matter of fact, I think you're bluffing.

I don't think you dare prosecute.

It wouldn't be too healthy for the business, would it?

I might be prepared to risk that. - You might but you won't.

I should have told you to go to the devil when you made the proposition.

You seem very sure of yourself. - Yes.

I have just realised the difference between us.

I am young and strong.

You are old and your life is ebbing away.

The weaker you become, the stronger it makes me and more confident.

Perhaps you did not realize it.

You have expounded the philosophy of a common bully.

I always suspected you were one.

Really?

The sort of man who thrives on the physical weakness of another.

Rather like Cromwell, don't you think?

The comparison is a bit obscure but I can see it.

You are a little, egotistical tin-pot Cromwell.

Puffed up with a sudden delusion of grandeur.

You wait for me to die and then you'll strike at Noel.

That shouldn't be very difficult.

Tomorrow morning. I am going to see Crabtree.

I will instruct him to request Wishart & Co to serve a writ on you.

Now get out.

You mustn't excite yourself, John.

Remember what the doctor told you.

He said: 'No excitement'.

Elaine told me herself. She was quite concerned.

It must be terrible to have a weak heart.

I told you to get out.

All in good time, John.

There is no hurry.

Francis.

Yes, John?

What were you going to say?

I am ill.

I am asking you to get away from me.

I don't think you will go to Crabtree tomorrow, John.

I don't think you'll be able to do a lot of things after tonight.

I doubt you'll play the violin anymore. You'll miss it, won't you?

I don't imagine they have a violin where you are going.

You're not much good at it anyway.

You're better at scraping piles of money together.

Francis .. you've gone insane. - Of course I have.

Didn't you know?

All megalomaniacs are the same.

It's a wonderful feeling to be pumped up with delusions of grandeur.

It makes everybody else appear so damned insignificant.

Francis.

No.

Not my violin.

You called me 'mediocre', didn't you?

Well, I am going to demonstrate my opinion of you.

Alright, John.

I'm not going to brain you with it.

That would be murder and I'd hang for you.

You're not worth hanging for, John.

In any case, it's unnecessary.

What do you mean? - Just what I said.

It isn't necessary to murder a dying man.

Besides, it is unlucky.

Murderers are always unlucky.

No.

I'm not going to give you the chance to have the last laugh on me.

My violin.

Francis.

The pills.

On the table. By my bed.

Please.

Francis.

Please.

Here's my address.

Tell the missus to send me my wages.

What the devil are you talking about?

And why are you dressed up like that?

I'm going back to my mum.

Well, that's a nice way to treat me.

Back to your mum?

You might at least have taken the tea in first.

I am not residing in this house another minute.

And why not?

I've been hearing them noises again.

It's him alright. I said he'd come back and he has.

Who? - Mr John.

Are you out of your mind, girl?

Do you think that Mr John would be after wandering around the house ..

With himself only buried a fortnight?

I don't rightly know.

I never fancied meeting Mr John when he was alive.

I fancy it a lot less now he's been cooped up in a coffin for a fortnight.

So I'm off.

Rosie, you can't be leaving me here on my own.

It's a free country.

But you're imagining things, Rosie. There's no such things as ghosts.

You ought to know that.

What is it?

You should be ashamed of yourself. A snivelling jellyfish.

Screaming the way you did.

I would not have uttered a sound if you hadn't grabbed me.

What's the matter, Tessa?

Why the scream? - Sure, it wasn't me, ma'am.

I stood here as cool as a cucumber. And that's the plain truth.

Where are you going, Rosie?

I am right sorry, ma'am.

But I am leaving. - For heaven's sake, why?

Well.

Aren't you happy here?

Yes and no, ma'am.

There is some I like and some I don't like, if you get my meaning.

She's thinking there's a ghost in the house, ma'am.

Have you ever heard of anything so perfectly scandalous?

You imagine you've seen a ghost, Rosie?

No. And I don't want to neither.

If you've made up your mind I cannot stop you.

But I can assure you the house isn't haunted.

That's as maybe.

But if you're murdered in your beds don't say I didn't give you a warning.

Francis.

Don't you think you should play something a little more ..

Like a funeral dirge?

Well, after all ..

Two weeks. It's John who's dead. Not us.

You'll just have to manage without a maid, Tessa.

For a few days anyway. - Yes, ma'am.

Will you be having tea in the dining room?

Yes.

Thank you, Tessa.

You might tell Mr Noel when he comes in.

Hello Noel.

Good afternoon, Elaine.

I do wish Francis would be more considerate.

I am sorry. I did speak to him.

Have you seen the doctor today? - Yes. I stopped by on my way home.

What did he say?

The same old thing.

I am working too hard and I need a holiday.

That's just what I think.

Why is Tessa serving tea?

I'm afraid Rosie has deserted us.

I think someone has offered her a better position.

It's just like yourself to be making excuses for her.

The cowardly thing.

Cowardly? - Tessa.

She's scared Mr John has come back to haunt us.

What makes her think that?

On account of the strange noises she has been hearing.

Probably indigestion.

I'm sure it was just an excuse to leave.

That will be all, Tessa.

Yes, ma'am.

I wonder.

You wonder what?

I wonder if your interest in spiritualism ..

Has turned you into an unconscious medium.

I don't think your remark is in particularly good taste.

Don't you?

Do you suggest I had anything to do with the noises Rosie claims to have heard?

I think you're both being rather childish.

We'd better change the subject.

When are you getting married, Noel?

As a matter of fact I have broached the subject to Lucy.

Decent of you.

What did she say? Nothing doing?

Francis. I am pleased to hear it, Noel.

I suggested May.

Lucy was more in favour of July.

You stick to your guns, Noel.

Give in to them at the start and you're a dead duck.

If you think I'll sit here and listen to your confounded impertinence.

Impertinence? What have I said?

You're an insufferable, conceited cad and I won't stand any more of it.

Sit down.

I know what's at the back of your mind.

You'd like me to leave here, wouldn't you?

Well, you're going to be disappointed.

I shall be bringing Lucy back here to live.

There's no need to shout, Noel.

I am not shouting. - Do sit down then.

You make the place look untidy.

After all, this was John's favourite room.

He was very particular about the way it was kept.

A pity you didn't think of that when he was alive.

In my own simple little way I'm trying to make up for lost time.

I doubt it.

Elaine, speak to Noel. He is being cruel to me again.

I wish you would stop this. For heaven's sake.

Sorry, Elaine. But Francis deliberately provokes me into losing my temper.

I'm sure he didn't mean to.

Francis.

There's just one thing I'd like to point out to you.

Pending the reading of John's will.

This house is no less mine than it is yours.

Have I suggested otherwise? - Yes you have.

The reason you want me to go on holiday is so you can play master when I'm away.

I can assure you I'm much more interested in playing the piano.

I made a point of seeing Crabtree this morning.

It's largely through his advice that I'm disobeying my doctor's orders.

Crabtree reminded me I shouldn't go away until John's affairs are cleared up.

And until the key of the safe is found.

He can't even start on them.

Suppose it's never found?

Then we shall have to consider blasting the safe.

You've been literally doing that since John died.

I think Noel is going to be a bit tiresome.

I do wish you would behave more tolerantly towards him.

Tolerant?

I sometimes wonder whose side you are on.

It's not a question of taking sides.

I suppose you wouldn't object if we had this house to ourselves.

What do you mean?

Just an idle thought.

Nothing more.

Funny about those noises Rosie heard, isn't it?

Yes.

Yes. Very funny.

[ Violin music ]

Good Lord, Noel. What's the matter?

Nothing.

The matter?

Nothing. Nothing.

Did you hear anything? - No.

No. - It's funny.

I thought I heard ..

How could it have been? - What did you hear?

It must have been the wind.

It sounded like a violin.

John's. - Of course not.

No. Of course not.

Anyway, I'm going up to my room.

Are you sure there's nothing wrong, Noel?

Yes. Yes, quite sure.

Is the bedroom too warm for you?

Well, what are you staring at me for?

This afternoon, you asked if I'd like to have this house on our own.

That's right.

I wonder if that's a reflection of what you wish yourself.

You'd better ask Noel.

He seems to have ideas on the subject.

He's already expressed them.

I'm inclined to think he's right.

What if he is?

There's no need to get excited about it.

Francis. - Yes, my dear?

Are you trying to frighten Noel?

What are you raving about? - Please don't be evasive.

I ask you a straightforward question.

How could I frighten him?

I've heard some queer noises lately.

The sort of noises that frightened Rosie.

And I don't believe in ghosts. - Neither do I.

It must be imagination or acute dyspepsia.

Then you know nothing? - Not a darned thing.

I give you my word.

You're not frightened, are you?

No. Not much.

Francis. - Yes?

You once told me that you loved me more than anything in the world.

Do you remember? - Yes.

But you don't any longer, do you?

I love you.

More than any person in the world.

And that's the same thing?

Quite.

Good morning, Noel.

Good morning.

Apropos of our conversation yesterday afternoon.

Well? - I was thinking.

I'm glad to look after things for you if you do want to go away.

I dare say.

But I've told you. I'm staying here until John's affairs are cleared up.

By the way.

Where did you get the money to settle that Wishart business?

Is it any concern of yours?

Yes. I think it is.

At any rate, Crabtree thought I should know about it.

Crabtree would.

Well?

I asked you a question.

You're not accusing me of pinching the key to the safe, are you?

I'm not accusing you of anything.

I must say that it's very odd that you found a considerable sum of money ..

Just after the key was found to be missing.

I think I'll ask you a question. - What is it?

How would you like a punch on the nose?

I'm not in the habit of brawling.

Morning, Tessa.

Good morning, madam.

Has Mr Noel left for the office yet? - Not yet, ma'am.

He's having a few words with Mr Francis.

Oh dear. What's it all about this time?

Good morning, Lucy. - Morning, Noel.

Nice and early.

Are you feeling any better? - All the better for seeing you.

Darling, you don't think of the most original things.

Lucy, my dear. - Yes, Noel?

Well, this is a surprise.

Good morning, Francis. - So you'll make an honest man of Noel?

Congratulations.

What do you mean, 'an honest man'? - Well, a man. About time someone did.

Francis, I don't know what you're talking about.

But I suspect a hint of vulgarity.

More than a hint if you ask me. - No-one did.

If you'll excuse us, Francis. Noel has something to discuss with me.

It may interest you to know.

That I particularly asked Lucy to call this morning.

And so she did. Good old Lucy.

To discuss with Elaine the question of dividing the house after we're married.

What are you going to do? Slice it in two like a wedding cake?

I thought I'd tell you in case you have any preconceived ideas.

I never preconceive anything, Noel.

Elaine.

What's all this about dividing the home?

I don't know what you're talking about.

For your information, Lucy is discussing the division of the house with Noel.

The first I've heard of it.

Do you realise what this means?

No, dear. - It means ..

We'll be cooped up like rats with people we despise for the rest of our lives.

Despise?

I don't despise them.

As a matter of fact, I'm fond of them. - I'm not and I don't want them.

If Noel chooses to bring his wife here.

Francis, I thought we settled all this last night.

We settled nothing.

This is my house and I am going to throw Noel out of here if I have to use force.

Francis.

You'd better warn Lucy.

If you don't, I will.

Is Elaine in there? - You suppose I was talking to myself?

I didn't suppose anything.

Good morning, Elaine. - Good morning.

You wanted to see me about something, Lucy?

You know what it is, don't you?

Yes.

Francis told me.

That's what upset him? - Yes.

But don't worry about it. It's only a passing phase.

He's upset that his mother didn't leave the house and estate entirely to him.

He thinks he has more right to it than the others.

I can understand that.

As far as I'm concerned he can have it. - But he can't, Lucy.

You and Noel have the right to share it. - Every legal right, yes.

But I wouldn't be happy here, Elaine. Neither would Noel.

He's desperately miserable now.

It's no-one's fault.

It's just that the house doesn't agree with him.

I tried to tell him that for weeks.

Elaine, I don't want us to live here.

I don't blame you.

I hate it myself.

I can't tell you how much I hate it.

Elaine.

We haven't had a moment's real happiness since we came here.

As long as we stay, I don't suppose we ever will.

How I wish we'd never seen the place.

I know.

I feel just the same way.

Did you want something, Mr Noel?

Naturally. I rang for you.

Come in.

I've not had a chance to speak to you since Mr John died, Tessa.

No, sir. And you never so much as spoke a word to me before that.

There was no occasion to. Mr John was the master.

But now that he's dead.

I don't wish to shirk any responsibility which normally fell to him.

I want you to understand that in the future.

All instructions affecting the running of the house will come from me.

But .. - Don't interrupt.

Your mistress will continue to administer routine matters.

But I wish to be consulted about changes affecting the rearrangement of rooms.

And the engaging of servants.

Is that quite clear? - What will Mr Francis have to say?

That is my concern.

Have you anything else to say? - Yes, sir. I have.

I think it's asking for trouble.

I don't require your advice, Tessa. I am capable of handling my own affairs.

As far as engaging servants is concerned.

That will be no trouble to you at all.

I am glad to hear it. - Because you won't be engaging any.

I beg your pardon? - None will come within a mile of here.

Why not, pray?

Because Rosie says it's haunted.

By this time Rosie will have spread the news.

And added a couple of murders of her own for good measure.

How dare she.

About a week from today.

I'll be mighty lucky if I can get a box of tea delivered by the tradesman.

But this is insufferable. - It is so.

If it's the truth you are asking.

I've a mind to be leaving the place myself.

Tessa, you surely don't think .. - It's not what I think, Mr Noel.

It's what I've heard.

If you will excuse me I'll be getting on with my baking.

[ Laughter ]

Please do not interrupt.

'Your mistress will continue to administer routine matters'.

'But I wish to be consulted'.

'On changes affecting the rearrangement of rooms or the engagement of servants'.

Have you quite finished? - Quite.

You were most impressive, Noel.

So you were spying on me.

I was asleep part of the time, but your performance woke me up.

What I heard was quite enlightening.

It saved me the trouble of telling you myself.

For which, I've no doubt you're truly grateful.

Do you ever dream at night, Noel?

Personally, I have most of mine during the day.

What do you think?

Before you came in, I was dreaming that John spoke to me.

Of course it's quite ridiculous.

But one can't help wondering, can one?

Wondering what?

Just wondering. That's all.

What are you getting at?

Naturally, you know more about these things than I do. You've studied it.

Are you by any chance referring to the supernatural?

Yes.

But it's all bunk really, isn't it?

It is ..

Yes, Noel?

I don't know.

It's not for me to say.

No.

I suppose it isn't.

Well, don't let it worry you.

Don't let him drive you away.

I won't, John.

I promise you.

Are you alright, darling?

It's me. Lucy.

What on earth is the matter?

Nothing.

It's my nerves.

I'm alright, Lucy.

Did you see Elaine?

Yes. I told her we're not going to live here.

You what?

Darling, can't you believe I am right?

Can't you see what this house is doing to you?

No.

No I can't.

I don't understand you, Lucy.

This house is as much mine as it is theirs.

I was born here and I've been brought up in it.

I won't let them drive me away.

No-one wants to drive you.

They do.

They do, I tell you. - Noel. Please.

John warned me before he died.

He warned you.

Yes. About Francis.

Ever since his mother died he's hated us as he has to go to John for everything.

He had to ask his permission to live here.

Instead of being grateful.

He's filled the place with a jealous hatred.

You can feel it creeping over you in every room you go into.

All the more reason why you should leave.

It's an evil house, Noel.

Whoever lives here is bound to be affected by it.

No. I can't.

I promised.

Who did you promise?

John.

Noel.

Why did you call John by name just now?

I was thinking of him.

This was his favourite room.

He used to say ..

It was a storm centre of the vibrations of the people who had lived and loved.

And died in this house.

Are you sensitive to these vibrations?

Yes. I am.

When you are alone here.

Which do you feel most?

Good influences or bad?

They have changed.

When John was alive they were good.

Then the hatred you say you feel.

Can hardly be attributed to Francis.

Can it?

What are you saying?

What you feel in this room.

Emanates from the dead.

Not the living.

Lucy.

There must be something that wants to bring harm to someone in this house.

It may be to you or to me.

Lucy, don't say that.

John does not wish us harm.

I am sorry, Noel.

It's what I believe.

I'm afraid you have to choose between us.

I could never live in this house.

Lucy, my dear.

No, darling. Please think it over.

[ Banging noises ]

Francis.

Francis.

Elaine.

Elaine.

Francis.

Elaine.

Elaine.

Francis.

What's the matter, Noel?

It's Mr Noel.

You go to bed, Tessa.

What is it, Noel?

The light.

The light. - What about it?

It went out.

Then I heard ..

I heard.

Of course it did.

It went out because there's no oil in it.

Look at it.

I tell you I heard him. I heard him.

Alright, Noel. Quietly.

Lie down, dear. Everything is quite alright now.

No. I heard him.

Heard who? - John.

In the passage.

Then the light.

And the door was locked. - Was the door locked, Francis?

No. I just walked in.

It was locked. I tell you it was locked.

But the lamp.

I heard him.

I won't stay in this house I tell you.

Lucy was right. She was right.

Oh God.

Oh God.

Do you think you could manage to look a little less intense?

When did you find the key?

About five minutes ago.

Where do you think it was?

It was under the safe. - I don't believe you, Francis.

I didn't think you would. - Have you told Noel?

I just said I only found it five minutes ago.

You'll tell him before he leaves, won't you?

He's going away? - Yes.

He's decided to go and stay with Lucy's people in Kent.

He's upstairs packing now.

Well, well.

You'll tell him not to forget his toothbrush, won't you?

I was speaking to Tessa just now. - That was nice for you.

She saw you outside Noel's bedroom door last night.

Francis. - Yes, my dear?

It was you who frightened him, wasn't it?

I think you should discharge Tessa.

She is getting a bit above herself.

Wouldn't you prefer to do that?

Why should I?

You are the mistress of the house.

I am only .. the master.

Elaine tells me you are going. - Yes.

When are you coming back?

I don't know. - You are coming back?

Isn't there something you want to tell Noel, Francis?

Of course.

Elaine wants me to assure you that you and Lucy are always welcome here.

As guests. - But Francis ..

We'll have the bridal suite all ready for you.

After the wedding, of course.

But.

I'll visit Crabtree in a day or so.

I'll explain to him that you leave John's affairs in my hands.

You'll simply have nothing to worry about. Nothing at all.

In the meantime, au revoir.

But not goodbye. - Francis.

I think .. - Yes, Noel?

I may decide to forgo my interest in the house.

I think Lucy would like me to do that.

That is very generous of you.

Goodbye, Elaine. - Goodbye, Noel. Good luck.

Look after yourself, Noel.

Goodbye Francis.

Well, he's gone.

Don't you think I'm clever? - Yes, Francis.

I think you're probably very clever.

Elaine.

Elaine.

Yes, Francis?

I want you to go to Tessa and tell her I wish to speak to her.

I suggest you tell her yourself.

She's in the kitchen.

I understand you've been telling my wife lies about me.

Who the devil do you think you're talking to?

You've been with this household a long time, Tessa.

Sure. And a bit longer than you have yourself, sir.

It's the first time I've been called a liar by anyone in it.

But it probably won't be the last.

From now on you'll be treated like a servant and not the mistress.

Things will be arranged differently.

There's only one master here now and there will be no-one to dispute it.

Sure. And it's right you are.

Since there will be none left here to dispute it.

What do you mean? - It's yourself.

Driving everyone from it.

First Rosie. Then Mr Noel.

I wouldn't be surprised if your groom left too.

I am staying for as long as I can stand the sight of you.

And it's for the sake of your wife that I'm doing it.

Why, you .. you can get out as soon as you like.

I am leaving in my own good time.

Or when madam tells me to go.

Meantime, you'd best mind your tongue if you don't want to lose it entirely.

Elaine.

Elaine.

Elaine!

Elaine.

Elaine, where are you?

Elaine.

Elaine.

You're a little tinpot Cromwell pumped up with sudden delusions of grandeur.

Mrs Merryman to see you, sir. - Show her in.

Step this way please.

Good afternoon, my dear. - Good afternoon.

Come and sit down.

How can I help you?

I've come to see you about Francis.

Something terrible is happening to him. - What do you mean?

You know Noel left the day before yesterday?

Yes. I had a letter from him.

I thought at first that Francis applauded him leaving.

Oh?

You see, for a long time he's felt the hall should have been left to him.

Yes. I know.

Now legally, his wish is to come true.

But only legally.

Why 'only legally'?

Because there is somebody or something.

Some horrible unseen thing which lives there as well.

You suggest there's truth in the village rumours of the hall being haunted?

I don't know.

I can only tell you what I feel and what has happened to Francis.

A few days ago he was full of life.

And as far as I could tell, fairly normal.

Today, a horrible shadow seems to lay across his mind.

He acts like a frightened man driven to the border of insanity.

Do you want to know what I think? - Of course.

From what I've seen of Francis.

I'd always imagined that he is a bit neurotic.

For years now he's wanted two things more than anything else in the world.

Money. And that house.

While these have been withheld from him ..

He has always been scheming to attain them.

Now he's got all he wants, what is the result?

His mind has no further outlet for achievement.

So it has stopped consciously working.

His other self has taken charge.

This shadow or presence that you speak of is merely ..

A reproduction of his disordered imagination.

Which had become a reality to you.

I shouldn't go back there, Elaine.

And certainly not on your own.

I only advise you as an old friend.

I'm not quite alone with him. I've still got Tessa.

And I'm not afraid of him.

I think there might be something in what you say.

I'm sure it will help me.

If you show him you're not afraid, I'm sure he won't hurt you.

That is true.

Francis isn't very brave at the best of times.

Sure you don't want me to come with you? - Quite sure. I'll be alright.

If you can get him away from the hall, so much the better.

Otherwise, I doubt you can help him.

How are you getting back? - Walking.

It gives me a chance to think. I need it.

If you need me, I'm not very far.

It will be dark before you get home. So you'd better hurry.

Tessa.

Tessa.

Tessa!

Where are you going?

I said I would stay as long as I could.

You mean, until you got scared.

You're afraid, aren't you?

What are you afraid of, me?

No. It's not yourself I'm fearing. - Who is it then?

There is only me here. And Elaine.

You aren't afraid of her, are you? - No.

She'll be back presently.

She only went for a walk.

You are not ..

Leaving me .. here alone.

And why not?

I'm talking as though I am scared now, aren't I?

But I'm not afraid of anybody or anything.

When did madam say she would be back? - She didn't say.

You don't think she'll be back, do you?

You don't know Elaine.

She'll be back.

Sure she will.

Now. I will be going. - Wait a minute.

I'm going to prove something to you before you go.

You don't think I have the nerve to go in there, do you?

But it's my room now.

It's my house.

You didn't know that, did you?

Damn you. Why don't you answer me?

No.

No.

I'll show you.

I'll show you there is nothing to be afraid of.

[ Thunderclap! ]

Tessa, where are you?

You put it back, Tessa.

You must have.

Tessa.

Tessa.

I know where you are, Tessa.

You're not fooling me.

You put that picture back, didn't you?

Tessa.

I'll teach you a lesson.

I'll teach you.

You guttersnipe.

Francis.

What has happened to you?

Where have you been?

I told you I was going for a walk.

Francis.

You are ill.

I'm alright.

They are trying to scare me.

But I'm alright now.

No-one is trying to scare you. - Yes they are.

They're playing tricks on me.

They're playing the same tricks I played on Noel.

But I'm too clever for them. - But then ..

You told me that wasn't true.

And I believed you.

How could you do such a horrible thing?

Because they cheated me.

You know that, don't you?

Francis.

We're going away from here tonight.

It's our only chance.

What are you talking about? - For happiness, Francis.

When we had nothing we had everything to live for.

Now all you have gained lies between us.

Separating us.

You're just the same as the others.

You're on their side, not mine.

I'm going to stay here as long as I live.

And no-one.

No-one is going to frighten me away.

We'll have the house to ourselves now.

There will be no-one to play tricks on us.

No-one to interfere with us.

You can't accuse Tessa of playing tricks on you.

Tessa has gone.

What do you think she did before she went?

She put John's portrait back. - No?

No. She couldn't have done that because ..

You did it yourself then?

Answer me. You did it yourself?

Did you or did you not put that picture back?

No. - You lie.

Now tell me the truth.

It will be easier for you to admit it. - Yes, yes.

You always liked John, didn't you?

I wonder you didn't marry him instead of me.

I tell you something else you didn't know.

I could have saved him. He pleaded with me.

The master of the house pleaded with me.

Elaine.

Elaine!

[ Violin music ]

John.

John.

John.

For heaven's sake, stop.

Stop.

Stop!

Stop.

Well, that was the last of Francis.

Do you really believe John frightened him to death?

That's the story.

And I did hear the music.

Certainly amazing.

Here am I making a picture written around your music.

And suggested by a story that has nothing to do with my picture.

You'd better change the script.

I have another idea. - Thanks. We'll get on with this one.

You get back to the boys and we'll shoot it.

Quiet for rehearsal please.

..s-d..