All language subtitles for The.Letter.1940.720p.BluRay.x264-x0r

[Dripping]

[Gunshot]

[Gunshot]

[Dog barks]

[Gunshots]

[Gun clicks]

[Dogs barking]

[People speaking Malay]

That's Mr. Hammond!

Come inside.

[Speaking Malay]

Do you know where

the new district
officer lives?

Yes, Missy.

Send someone
for him.

Tell him there's
been an accident

and Mr. Hammond's
dead.

Yes, Missy.

And get word
to Mr. Crosbie.

He's out somewhere
on the number 4 plantation.

No can telephone
tonight.

Offices are all
closed, Missy.

Well, send
a boy for him.

Tell him to come
at once.

Yes, Missy.
[Speaking Malay]

What are you doing
here, all of you?

Go away. Go away,
I tell you!

[Door locks]

[Woman crying]

[Shouting in Malay]

Mr. Withers!
Mr. Withers!

Please stop
at Loa Crossway.

I take shortcut
through jungle.

Right.

Fred, do you think

we can get this whole
shipment on these cars?

I'm sure we will, sir.

Well, if not, we can use
the two big lorries then.

[Shouting
in Malay]

What is it, boy?
What's the matter?

Mr. Crosbie, Mr. Hammond
has been shot!

What? What's that
you said?

Mr. Hammond
is dead.

Missy say hurry!

Fred, get to the village
as fast as you can.

Telephone Joyce
in Singapore.

Fred: Mr. Howard
Joyce, sir?

Yes, the lawyer.
Tell him to meet me

with his car at Loa Crossway
soon as he can.

Fred: Right!

And hurry with
the shipment to Singapore.

She's got to be
on board by 6:00.

Where's my wife?

She locked
herself in, Mr. Crosbie.

She wouldn't see me
until you came.

Mr. Withers,
I'm Howard Joyce.

How do you do?

Mr. Crosbie:
Let me in.

Leslie, darling,
it's Robert.

What's happened?

Leslie,
what's happened?

Didn't they
tell you?

The said Hammond
was killed.

Is he still there?

I had your head boy
remove the body to a shed.

He tried to make love to me,
and I shot him.

Leslie!

Oh, Robert, I'm so glad
you've come.

There, darling.

Hold me tight.
I'm so frightened.

There's nothing to be
frightened about.

It will be all right.

Leslie, darling,
it will be all right.

Mr. Withers,
I hope you understand

that I couldn't see anyone
until my husband came.

Of course. I understand,
Mrs. Crosbie.

Howard, how nice
of you to come.

Naturally I'd want to be here
if I can help.

Then you will
help us?

Of course I will.
In every way I can.

You're a dear.

Darling.

How's Dorothy?

She's very well, Leslie,
and anxious to see you.

Has her niece
arrived from England?

Yes. Adele...Charming girl.
She came last week.

Here, you better
be resting.

I do feel
dreadfully faint.

Come and lie down,
darling,

and I'll get you
something to drink.

I'm sorry to be
so tiresome.

Nonsense. You're
being very brave.

How long have you
been here?

About an hour.

One of the Crosbie houseboys
came to fetch me.

Was Hammond dead?

Oh, yes. He was just
riddled with bullets.

What?

Here's the revolver.

All 6 chambers
are empty.

Here, you two.
You better come

and have a drink
yourselves.

Thanks, but I'm
afraid I shouldn't.

I'll have
one, Bob.

I'm on duty
of a sort, you know.

Feeling any better,
Leslie?

Much better,
thank you.

Mrs. Crosbie,

I know it sounds
brutal,

but I'm afraid
it's my duty

to ask you some
questions.

Really, I think that can
wait, withers, until my wife--

that's all right,
Robert, really.

I feel perfectly
well now'

then suppose you
tell us

exactly
what happened, Leslie.

I'll try.

Withers: Take your time,
Mrs. Crosbie.

Remember, we're
all friends here.

You have been
so patient.

Well, as you know, Robert was
spending the night in Singapore.

I never mind being alone.

A planter's wife
gets used to that.

My dear.

I had dinner rather late
and started working on my lace.

I don't know how long
I'd been working

when suddenly I heard
a footstep outside.

Someone came up
on the veranda

and said, "good evening.
Can I come in?"

I was startled

because I hadn't heard
a car drive up.

Hammond left
his car about

a quarter-mile
down the road.

Your houseboy
noticed it

as we were
driving here.

He probably didn't want anyone
to hear him drive up.

At first I couldn't
tell who it was.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Jeff Hammond."

"Oh, of course," I said.
"Come in and have a drink."

Were you surprised
to see him?

Well, I was, rather.

We hadn't seen him
for ages, had we, Robert?

3 months at least.

I told him Robert was out
on the number 4 plantation

getting out
a shipment or something.

Was that it?

Yes, darling.

Howard: What happened?

He said,
"oh, I'm so sorry,

but I was
feeling rather lonely

so I thought
I'd come over

and see how you
were getting on."

I asked him how he'd come,
as I hadn't heard a car.

He said he'd left it
on the road

because he thought
we might be in bed

and didn't
want to wake us up.

Well, I put on my spectacles
again and went on with my work.

Well, we went on
chatting,

and then suddenly he said
something rather silly.

What?

It's hardly
worth repeating.

He paid me
a little compliment.

I think perhaps
you'd better tell us

exactly what he said.

He said, "you have
very pretty eyes.

It's a shame to hide them under
those ugly spectacles."

Had he ever said anything
of the sort to you before?

Oh, no, never, and I
thought it impertinent.

I don't wonder.

Did you
answer him?

Of course. I said,

"I don't care two pence
what you think about me."

He only laughed and said,

"I'm going to tell you,
all the same.

I think you're the prettiest
thing I've ever seen."

I don't understand.

Let her finish,
Bob.

"Well, in that case,"
I said,

"I can only
think you half-witted."

But he laughed again
and moved his chair up closer.

"You can't deny you have the
prettiest hands in the world."

Well, that rather
put my back up.

My hands are
not very good,

and no woman
wants to be flattered

on her worst points.

They're lovely,
darling.

Robert,
you silly thing.

Well, when Hammond
was talking that way,

did he just sit
in his chair?

Oh, no. He tried to take
one of my hands.

"Don't be an idiot,"
I said.

"Sit back where you
were and talk sensibly,

or I shall have to
send you home."

But, Mrs. Crosbie,
I wonder you didn't

throw him out
there and then.

Well, I didn't want to
make a fuss.

You know, there are men who
think it's their duty

to flirt with women
whenever they have the chance.

I believe they think
women expect it of them.

When did you first
suspect

that Hammond
was serious?

The next thing
he said to me.

He looked at me straight
in the face and said,

"don't you know I'm
awfully in love with you?"

Swine.

Howard: Were you
surprised?

But of course
I was surprised.

We've known him 7 years,
Robert.

He's never paid me
the smallest attention.

Didn't suppose he even knew
what color my eyes were.

We haven't seen
very much of him

for the last
few years.

Howard:
Go on, Leslie.

Well, he helped himself
to another whisky and soda.

I began to wonder
if he'd been drinking before.

"I wouldn't have another
one if I were you," I said.

I was quite friendly,

not the least bit
frightened.

Never occurred to me
I couldn't manage him.

But he
emptied his glass

and said to me
in a funny, abrupt way,

"do you think
I'm saying all this to you

because I'm drunk?"

I said, "that's the most obvious
explanation, isn't it?"

Oh, it's too awful having
to tell you all this.

I'm so ashamed.

I wish there
were some way

we could spare you,
Mrs. Crosbie.

Leslie, it's for your own good
that we know the facts--

all you can
remember of them.

Very well,
I'll tell you the rest.

I got up
from that chair there...

And I stood in front
of the table here.

He Rose and came
around the table

and stood
in front of me.

I held out my hand.

"Good night," I said...
But he didn't move.

He just stood there
looking at me,

and his eyes
were all funny.

"I'm not going,"
he said.

Then I began
to lose my temper.

"Poor fool,
don't you know

"I've never loved
anyone but Robert?

"And even if I didn't
love him,

you'd be the last man in
the world I should care for."

"Robert's away,"
he said.

Well, that was
the last straw.

I wasn't in the least
bit frightened, just angry.

"If you don't leave
immediately," I said,

"I shall call the boys
and have you thrown out."

But I walked past him
toward the veranda

to call the boys,

but he took hold of my arm
and swung me back.

Well, I tried to scream,

but he flung his arms
about me and began to kiss me.

I struggled to tear myself
away from him.

He seemed like a madman.

He kept talking and talking
and saying he loved me and--

it's horrible.
I can't go on.

I'm sorry, Leslie,

but we have to
know the rest.

He lifted me in his arms
and started carrying me.

Somehow he stumbled
on those steps.

We fell, and I got
away from him.

Suddenly I remembered
Robert's revolver

in the drawer
of that chest.

He got up
and ran after me,

but I reached it
before he could catch me.

I seized the gun
as he came toward me.

I heard a report and saw him
lurch toward the door.

It was all instinctive.
I didn't even know I'd fired.

Then I followed him
out to the veranda.

He staggered across the porch,
grabbed the railing,

but it slipped through his hand,
and he fell down the steps.

I don't remember
anything more,

just the reports
one after another

till there was
a funny little click,

and the revolver was empty.

It was only then
I knew what I'd done.

My poor
darling.

Mrs. Crosbie--

how did the revolver
happen to be there?

When I leave Leslie
alone for the night,

I always feel safer if
she's got a weapon handy.

I saw that it was
loaded before I left,

and thank heaven I did.

Withers: Mrs. Crosbie,
may I say that I think

you behaved
magnificently?

I'm terribly sorry
that we had to put you

through the ordeal
of telling us all this.

You're all very kind.

It's quite
obvious the man

only got what
he deserved.

If you'll come with me,
withers,

I'd like to
look around a bit.

Yes' of course.

Be back in
a few minutes.

My poor child.

Oh, Robert,
what have I done?

You did what every
woman would have done

in your place.

Only 9/10 of them wouldn't
have had the courage.

And yet I'd give
almost anything in the world

to bring him
back to life.

It's so horrible
to think

that I killed him.

What shall
we call this?

Late supper
or early breakfast?

Howard: I don't care what we
call it, Leslie. I'm famished.

You'll have to be
very indulgent

towards my cooking.

Thank you,
Mrs. Crosbie.

I can't vouch
for it.

I can and will.

As a matter of fact,
in England,

I used to try
my hand more often,

but out here,
one gets so lazy.

The boys take such
good care of us.

Funny, the head boy
running off tonight.

Yes' it is odd.

Well, he couldn't have
done better than this.

It's delicious.

Excellent, Leslie.

Thank you,
gentlemen.

I think we should start
for Singapore

as soon as
we've finished.

Right away?

It's still dark.

It will be 8:00

by the time
we get there.

We'll ring the
Attorney General

and find out what time
we can see him.

I think that's the first
thing to do,

don't you,
withers?

Yes. Yes, I think that's
the best thing to do.

Would I have to
be arrested?

Well, you see, Mrs. Crosbie,
as a matter of fact--

I think you're by way
of being under arrest now.

It's purely a matter
of form, Mrs. Crosbie.

Mr. Joyce's idea

is that you should go
to the Attorney General

and give yourself up.

Shall I be imprisoned?

Well, that depends
on the Attorney General.

It's possible
that after you've

told
him your story,

he'll be able
to accept bail.

He's a very
decent fellow.

I'm sure he'll do
everything he can.

What do you mean
"be able to accept bail?"

Well, my dear,

it depends on what
the charge is.

What do you mean
by that?

I think it not
unlikely

that he
could say that

only one charge
is possible,

and in that case,
I'm afraid

an application
for bail would be useless.

What charge?

Murder.

Oh, Robert, Robert!

It's all right,
darling.

Nobody's going to
do anything to you.

Nothing's
going to happen.

We have been happy,
haven't we?

You've been the best wife
a man could have.

If only there was something
I could do.

You can love me.
That's all I need.

I've always
loved you.

Yes, but now.

Leslie, darling,
if I could love you any more,

I would now.

All right, darling,
I'll get ready.

I don't know when anything's
impressed me so much

as the way she told
that terrible story.

You could see that she was
just holding on to herself

like grim death.

I say, what a swine
that man was.

Did you know Hammond?

Yes, I knew him
a little.

Was he a heavy
drinker?

I don't know
that he was.

He could take
his whack,

but I never saw him
actually drunk.

I've heard of him,
of course,

but I never
happened to meet him.

He was quite a favorite
with the ladies, wasn't he?

Well, he was
a good-looking chap.

You know the sort--
very breezy, devil-may-care,

generous
with his money.

Did you like him?

He was the sort
of chap

you couldn't
help liking.

Could you have
imagined him

doing a thing
like this?

Well, how can you tell

what a man will do
when he's drunk?

That's true.
Well, they ought

to be ready
pretty soon.

By George,
that's beautiful.

You know, that's
just the sort of thing

you'd expect her to do.

[Door opens]

Well, that was a quick
change, Leslie.

I wish you'd teach Dorothy
how to do it.

I wager she's faster
than you at that.

Is there room for me,
or shall I follow in my car?

Come with us.
There's plenty of room.

Oh, Leslie?

Yes?

There's
just one question

I'd like to ask you.

Yes, what is it?

When I was looking
at Hammond's body--

I'm sorry, my dear,

but this
is a question

that's bound
to come up.

Yes, Howard,
what is it?

It seemed to me that
some of the shots

must have been fired

after he was lying
on the ground.

Oh, I know it must sound
terribly cold-blooded,

but I was so terrified.

Everything was
confused and blurred.

I didn't know
what I was doing.

Of course, my dear.

I shouldn't have
brought it up tonight.

Put it out
of your mind.

[Door opens]

Man: Will you
please come in?

Thank you.

- Hello, Bob.
- Howard.

Have a chair,
old man.

If I can be of
any assistance, sir,

I shall remain
within call.

Not at the moment,
Ong. Thanks.

Ong's been of great
help on the case.

Finds out everything.

Perfect confidential
clerk.

Trouble is that after
he's left my business,

he can set up his own
law office in opposition.

How is everything?

Everything's fine.

Now, sit down, Bob.

In fact, she's much
better than you.

It's funny that you've
taken it so much harder.

Leslie hasn't
turned a hair.

She's worth 10 of me.

I don't mind
confessing I'm all in.

This is the first time
we've been separated

for more than
a day or two

since
we were married.

But your plantation--
what about that?

I've tried to work.
The plantation

can go to blazes for all I care.
I hate the house

and every tree
on the place.

Why don't you come
and stay in town with us?

Dorothy's for it,
and so am I.

Thanks,
I think I will.

I won't be
so lonely.

It'll make me
feel better

just to be
that near.

I know you think
I must be mad, Howard.

Maybe I am. I don't believe
I've closed my eyes

the last 3 nights.

You better get some sleep
and out of those clothes

before you see Leslie.
You don't want her

to have to cheer
you up.

She's a plucky girl.

It's monstrous they
should have kept her

in that filthy prison
all this time.

They had no choice, Bob.
Anyhow, it's less

than a week now,
and she'll be free.

The whole thing's
a farce.

Why do they make her go through
the ordeal of a trial?

Because she admitted
killing a man,

and in a civilized community,
a trial's inevitable.

She shot him as she
would have shot a mad dog.

You don't have
to convince me, Bob.

I know. I'm sorry.

Strange that Hammond

was able to keep
his life so hidden--

that gambling house
he owned

and especially
the Eurasian woman.

I think it was
finding out about her

that turned opinion
so completely against him.

Will she be one
of the witnesses?

I shan't call her.

I'll just
produce evidence

that Hammond
was married to her.

Well, I know
you're busy, Howard.

I can't tell you
how grateful I am.

Nonsense, Bob.

Now, stop worrying
about the trial.

That's
your lawyer's job.

So long, Bob.

Bring your things across
as soon as you can.

Robert: Right.

[Knock on door]

Come in.

Yes?

If you are not
too busy, sir,

might I trouble
you for a few words

in private conversation?

No trouble at all, Ong.

The matter upon which
I desire to speak to you, sir,

is very delicate
and confidential.

Well...what
matter is it?

It has to do
with the case

of the crown
vs. Crosbie.

Yes?

A circumstance
has come to

my attention, sir,
which seems to me

to put a different
complexion on the case.

Please come
to the point, Ong.

What circumstance
do you refer to?

A friend has brought
me information, sir,

that there is
in existence a letter

from the defendant to
the unfortunate victim

of the tragedy.

That's not surprising.

During the course of 7 years,
I have no doubt

Mrs. Crosbie often had occasion
to write to Mr. Hammond.

But the letter,
sir, was written

on the day of the late
Mr. Hammond's death.

Well?

You will, no doubt,
recall, sir,

that Mrs. Crosbie has stated
that until the fatal night,

she had had
no communication

with the deceased
for several weeks.

Yes?

In my opinion,

this letter indicates
that her statement, perhaps,

was not in every
respect...Accurate.

Have you seen
the letter?

I have with me
a copy, sir.

The original is in
possession of a woman.

She happens
to be the widow

of Mr. Hammond,
deceased.

What makes you think
this letter

was written
by Mrs. Crosbie?

I have every
confidence

in the veracity of
my informant, sir.

That's more than I have.
Ong, it's inconceivable

that Mrs. Crosbie should
have written such a letter.

Might I suggest, sir,

that it would be well
to make sure?

Since my friend
is of the opinion

that the letter might
be of some interest

to the prosecutor.

I'm obliged to you, Ong.

I'll give the matter
my consideration.

Very well, sir.
Do you wish me

to communicate
that to my friend?

It might be well
to keep in touch with him.

Thank you, sir.

[Door closes]

Yes, sir.

Thank you, sir.

Mr. Joyce, Mr. Reid

was coming to see you
in half an hour.

- Oh.
- I've canceled the appointment.

Yes.

Yes, that's right.

Stay in
the visiting room

as long as you want,
Mrs. Crosbie.

The warden's orders.

That's very nice
of him. Thank you.

[Door opens]

Howard, how good
of you to come.

Good morning,
Leslie.

I wasn't expecting
you today.

How are you today,
Mrs. Cooper?

Oh, fine, thanks.
It's a different place

since Mrs. Crosbie's
been here.

Mrs. Cooper's been
so kind to me.

In fact, everyone has.

It's a shame she has
to stay here at all.

Well, I'll just
wait outside.

You can call me when
you're finished, Mrs. Crosbie.

Thank you.

Oh, how lovely.
I do miss my garden.

You're looking
very well, Leslie.

Well, this is
a wonderful place to rest.

Well, it's only
5 days more.

I know. Every morning
when I wake up,

I say, "one less,"
just like I used to

when I was in school
with the holidays coming.

Oh, Howard,
don't feel sorry for me.

The time has passed
very quickly.

I've done a good deal
of reading,

and I've worked
on my lace.

It's Robert
I'm worried about.

He's taking it
terribly hard.

Poor darling.

He's much more
anxious about you

than you seem to be
about yourself.

Well, Howard,
I must confess to you,

I'm not looking forward
to testifying in court.

One of the things
that's impressed me

is that every time
you've told your story,

you've told it in
exactly the same words.

You've never varied
a hairsbreadth.

And what does that suggest
to your legal mind?

Well, it suggests
either that you have

an extraordinary
memory...

Or?

Or that you're
telling the plain,

unvarnished truth.

I'm afraid I have
a very poor memory.

I suppose I'm right
in thinking

that you had
no communication

with Hammond for several weeks
before the catastrophe.

Oh, quite.
I'm positive of that.

The last time I saw him was at a
tennis party at the McSharons'.

I don't suppose I said
more than two words to him.

They have two courts,
you know,

and we happened to be
playing different sets.

And you hadn't
written to him?

Oh, no.

Well, at one time,

you were on fairly
intimate terms with him'

how did it happen

that you stopped
asking him to anything?

Well, we didn't have
anything much in common.

He's very popular,
you know.

A lot of calls
upon his time,

and, well, I didn't
see the necessity

of showering him
with invitations.

You're quite certain
that was all?

Well, I may as well
tell you...

We heard
about his wife...

And once,
quite by chance,

I actually saw her.

Oh? You never
mentioned that.

What was she like?

Horrible.
She was all covered

with gold chains
and bracelets and spangles,

her face
like a mask.

And it was after
you knew about her

that you stopped having
anything to do with Hammond?

Yes.

I think
I should tell you

that there is in existence
a letter in your handwriting

from you
to Geoff Hammond.

Well, I often wrote him

a little note about
something or other

or to get me something

if I heard he was
going into Singapore.

This letter asks him
to come and see you

because Robert
was going to be away.

But that's impossible.

You see, I never did
anything of the kind.

Better read it
for yourself.

But that's not
my handwriting.

I know. It's said
to be an exact copy

of one written on the day
of Hammond's death.

What does it mean?

That's for you
to say, Leslie.

I didn't write it. I swear
I didn't write it.

If the original is
in your handwriting,

it would be useless
to deny it.

Then it'll be
a forgery.

Be difficult
to prove that.

Be easy to prove
it was genuine.

It's not dated. It might
have been written years ago.

If you'll just
give me a little time,

I'll try to remember.

Leslie, the prosecution could
cross-examine your houseboys.

They would soon find out
whether someone took a letter

to Hammond
on the day of his death.

Howard, I swear to you,

I did not write
this letter.

Well...if you have
nothing more to say to me,

I'll get back
to the office.

Howard, wait...
Wait a minute.

I did write
that letter,

but I was afraid
to mention it.

You see, I thought none of you
would believe me if--

if I admitted that he'd
come there at my invitation.

I daresay it was
terribly silly of me,

but you see,

once I'd said that I'd had no
communication with Hammond,

I was forced
to stick to it.

Then you'll be
called upon to explain

why you asked him
to come to see you

when Robert was away.

Well, I'll tell you
why, Howard.

You see, I was planning a
surprise for Robert's birthday,

and I'd heard
he wanted a new gun,

and I'm so dreadfully stupid
about sporting things,

and I thought I'd talk
to Geoff about it

and ask him
to order one for me.

Perhaps you've forgotten
what's in the letter.

Will you read it again?

No. I don't want to.

"Robert will be away
for the night.

"I absolutely
must see you'

"I'm desperate,
and if you don't come,

"I won't answer
for the consequences.

Don't drive up.
Leslie."

Leslie, I shall
have to talk

very plainly to you.

I told Robert just now

that I was certain
of your acquittal.

I didn't say that
just to cheer him up.

I don't believe the jury
would have left the box.

But this letter
places an entirely

different complexion
on the whole case.

It'll put
the prosecution

on the track of...
Suspicions

which have entered
nobody's mind.

I won't tell you what
I personally thought

when I read the letter.

It's the duty of counsel
to defend his client,

not to convict her,
even in his own mind.

I don't want you
to tell me anything

but what is needed
to save your neck.

They can prove
that Hammond

came to your house
at your urgent invitation.

I don't know what else
they can prove,

but if the jury comes
to the conclusion

that you
didn't kill Hammond

in self-defense--
Mrs. Cooper!

[Door opens]

Good heavens!
What's happened?

I'm quite all right.
Really, I am.

Just lie quiet and rest,
Mrs. Crosbie.

She's just been too brave,
poor little thing,

and not eating enough,
like as not.

I feel fine now,
Mrs. Cooper.

Go on
about your duties.

Well, as Mr. Joyce
is here, I will.

I'll come back later
and see how you are.

Make her lie quiet,
Mr. Joyce.

I'm afraid I've made
rather a mess of things.

I'm sorry.

For Robert,
not for me.

You distrusted me
from the beginning.

That's neither here
nor there, Leslie.

Who's got the letter?

Hammond's wife.

Oh.

Are you going to
let them hang me?

What do you mean
by that, Leslie?

You could
get the letter.

Do you think
it's so easy

to do away with
unwelcome evidence?

Surely nothing would
have been said to you, if...

If the owner weren't
quite prepared to sell it.

That's true...

But I'm not
prepared to buy it.

But it wouldn't be your
money. Robert has saved--

I wasn't thinking
of the money.

I don't know if
you'll understand this,

but I've always
looked on myself

as an honest man.

You're asking me
to do something

which is no better than
suborning a witness.

Do you mean to say
you could save me

and you won't?

What harm have I done you?
How could you be so cruel?

Cruel? You must
be insane, Leslie.

A lawyer has a duty

to his profession,
to himself.

No...I can't do
what you ask.

Poor Robert.
He doesn't deserve it.

He's never hurt anyone
in his life.

He's so good
and simple and kind,

and he trusts me so.

I mean everything--

everything in the world
to him.

This will ruin his life.

Oh, I know
what you're thinking.

You despise me.

You think Bob well rid of me
if they do hang me.

I don't despise you.

It isn't important
what I feel about you,

do you understand?

I'm going to do
what I can.

Oh!

Bob will want to know
what the money's for.

Will it be
a very large sum?

I imagine the woman
has a pretty shrewd idea

of the letter's value.

You won't have to show Bob
the letter, will you?

I'll do everything
possible

to prevent him
from seeing it.

He'll be
an important witness,

and he should be
as firmly convinced

of your innocence
as he is now.

And after the trial?

I'm going to try
and save your life.

But if he loses
his trust in me,

he loses everything.

It's strange that a man

can live with a woman
for 10 years

and not know the first
thing about her.

What are you
doing here, Ong?

I thought perhaps there
was something further

that you wished me
to do, sir.

What about?

The letter, sir.

Oh. Oh, yes.

I mentioned the matter
to Mrs. Crosbie,

and she denies having
written anything of the sort.

It's obviously a forgery.

In that case,
there would be no objection

if my friend
delivered the letter

to the public prosecutor?

No' not at all.

But, Mr. Joyce,
from my study of the case,

I believe that if my friend
could be induced

to deliver the letter into
our hands, it would save--

it would save
a great deal of trouble.

Under what circumstance
do you think

you friend would be

induced to part
with the letter?

Oh, but my friend does
not have the letter, sir.

The woman has it.

She did not know its value
until my friend told her.

What value
did he put on it?

$10,000.

Only 10,000?
Why not 50 or 100?

For the reason, sir,
that Mr. Crosbie has

in the bank of the British
Malaya company in Singapore

a savings account
in the amount of $10,452.

Tell your friend
to go to the devil.

But, Mr. Joyce...

The woman does
not want

to sell
the letter, sir.

My friend took
a long time

to persuade her.

$10,000 is a lot
of money, Ong,

just to save
some trouble.

Yes, sir.

It is a great
deal of money.

I'll speak
to Mr. Crosbie.

He's waiting for you
at the club, sir.

What?

We have
not much time,

and the matter,
in my opinion,

permits no delay.

Therefore,
I took the Liberty

of asking
Mr. Crosbie

to have lunch
with you.

All right. Have the woman
come to my office.

I was about
to mention, sir,

she made
two conditions.

She insists
that the money

shall
be brought to her.

I can take you
to the house

whenever
you are ready, sir.

And the other condition?

That Mrs. Crosbie

bring it to her
personally.

You must be mad.
Great heavens, man.

Do you suppose
Mrs. Crosbie

can just walk out
whenever she feels like it?

My friend thinks
that you could arrange

for her to stay at your
house until the trial.

I'm sure the judge
will permit it

if you are responsible
for her, sir.

Ong Chi Seng.

Yes, sir?

What are you
getting out of this?

$2,000 and the great
satisfaction

of being of service
to you and our client.

[Gears grinding]

Robert: Howard.

Well, you're looking
more cheerful, Bob.

Feeling better
since this morning.

I guess you've
finally convinced me

there's nothing
to worry about.

Gentlemen.

Two gin slings,
Jimmy.

Yes, sir.

Well...as a matter
of fact,

something's
come up, Bob.

Hmm?

Oh, nothing important,
but I thought

I'd better have a talk
with you about it.

Well, what is it?

It seems that Leslie
wrote a letter to Hammond

asking him to come
to the bungalow

on the night
he was killed.

But that's impossible.
You heard her say

she'd had no
communication with him

for weeks
before it happened.

Nevertheless,
she did write it.

She wanted his advice
on something

she was buying
for your birthday.

Er, your birthday was
about then, wasn't it?

Yes, that's right.
End of April.

In the excitement,
she forgot about the letter

and then later on

was afraid to say
she'd made a mistake.

That isn't
like Leslie.

She's not afraid
of anything.

This was a very serious mistake,
and she realized it.

Who has the letter?

Hammond's widow.

And she threatens to turn it
over to the prosecution.

Well, what if she does?
Leslie can explain it

in court just as she
explained it to you.

Well, yes, but don't
you see, Bob,

that it might alter things
a good deal

in the minds of the jury

if Hammond came
to your house by invitation.

What's to be done
about it?

Well, I think we must
get hold of that letter.

I want you
to authorize me to buy it.

I'll do whatever
you think is right.

I don't think
it's right,

but I think
it's expedient.

Juries can sometimes
be very stupid,

and it's just as well
not to worry them

with more evidence than they
can conveniently deal with.

Howard, I don't pretend
to understand.

You go ahead and do
as you think best.

I'll pay you back
whatever it costs.

Good. Now put the matter
out of your mind.

Too bad rubber won't grow
in a civilized climate, sir.

Mix me another one,
Jimmy.

Another, sir?

Yes' another.

Yes, sir.

"Mr. and Mrs.
Howard Joyce

"request the pleasure
of your company

at a party to be given
at their home--"

residence. It sounds
more impressive.

Resi-dence.
"On Friday, may 16,

in honor of
their guests

Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Crosbie."

Dorothy,
don't you think

it might be
more appropriate

if you wrote
your invitations

after the trial?

Oh, do stop fussing.

I won't send them out

until tomorrow evening,
of course.

Let's decide about the party
after the trial, shall we?

Nonsense. We're having
the party,

and you're
going to stay.

Leslie, darling,
don't tell me

that's the same tiny
piece of work

you were doing
at the Fergusons'.

How do you manage
to go so fast?

Well, I haven't had
anything else much to do

this past month.

What's it
going to be?

It's too fine for
a tablecloth, surely.

It's a coverlet
for our bed.

Oh.

It's lovely.

Dorothy: Does anyone
feel like bridge?

Or what would
be nice?

Leslie, what would
you like to do?

You mustn't go on
doing that out here.

You'll ruin your eyes.

I'm sorry, my dear,
but Leslie and I

have some work
to do tonight.

I'm going to put her in
the witness box tomorrow,

and I want to prepare her
for their cross-examination.

Bob, why don't you

take the girls
to a picture?

Oh, heavens. We don't
need to be entertained.

We can find something to do
till you're finished.

It won't take
all evening, will it?

Howard: Well, there's
a lot to go over.

There's no point
in you three hanging around.

You'd much better
see a good film.

Yes, darling,
why don't you?

Take your mind off tomorrow.
I want you to.

All right, then.

Well, I guess
we'd better be off.

Shall we want wraps?

You're likely to,
coming home.

I'm sorry you can't
come with us.

I'm not allowed off
the premises, you know.

See you later, darling.

Good-bye, darling.

Good-bye.

Have a good time.

Where do
we have to go?

Chinese quarter.

Ong Chi Seng
will take us.

He'll be along
soon.

I've always wanted to visit
the Chinese quarter.

I hear
it's a bit creepy.

Of course, I'd have chosen
other circumstances for a visit.

Be flippant about your own
crimes if you want to,

but don't be
flippant about mine.

Oh, I'm sorry, Howard.

I didn't mean
to be flippant.

Really, I didn't.

Maybe it's my own
sense of guilt,

but I have an
unpleasant feeling

I'm going to be made
to pay the Piper

for what I'm doing
tonight.

I'm jeopardizing
my whole career,

and I have to rely
on your discretion.

Whatever else I am,
I'm not ungrateful.

Forget what I said.

When did you first start
doing lacework, Leslie?

Oh, a few years ago.

How did you happen
to take it up?

I had nothing
else to do.

It appealed to me.

It must take enormous
concentration

and Patience.

I find it soothing.

You mean it takes
your mind off

other things?

Is that
a legal question?

You're not an ordinary
client, Leslie.

You've been watching me
all evening.

I'm responsible
for you to the court.

No, that isn't it.

You've been...What?

Trying to read
my thoughts?

I'm trying
to understand you.

Why?

Because I'm so...

So evil?

That's it, isn't it?

Time we were
starting.

[Honking horn quietly]

I think we had better
not drive up, sir.

All right, Ong.

Will you follow me,
please?

Please wait here.

I shall return
in just a moment.

[Bell on door rings]

Please wait here
for a minute, please.

Mr. Chung hi
seems to have

a little of
everything to sell.

[Speaking Chinese]

Very good.

Is very good work.

Very good.

Ong: Pardon me,
please.

My friend is ready.

Will you follow me,
please?

[Rings bell,
knocks on door]

[Speaking Chinese]

This is my friend
Chung Hi.

Does he speak
English?

Me speak very
good English.

How do you do?

Please have
a chair.

No, thanks. We'll only
stay a few minutes.

Chung hi, I suppose you know
what we've come for.

Have you got
this letter?

Woman have got.

Where is she?

Oh, she come,
she come.

Why isn't she here?

She here all right.
She wait till you come.

[Speaking Chinese]

Lady...please
have chair.

Oh, thank you.

The air's very bad
in here.

Would you mind
opening a window?

[Speaks Chinese]

[Chimes jingling]

She speaks only Malay
and Chinese.

Ask her if she has
the letter.

[Speaks Chinese]

Well, where is it?
What's she waiting for?

[Laughing]

[Speaking Chinese]

I regret, Mrs. Crosbie,

but Mrs. Hammond requests

that you remove the shawl
from your head.

[Speaks Chinese]

Mrs. Crosbie, Mrs. Hammond
has a further request.

She wishes you
to walk over to her.

Now, look here,
Ong Chi Seng--

no, Howard.
Please.

Thank you.

[Speaks Chinese]

Howard:
No complicating motives,

no possible
premeditation.

The jury is aware
of the facts,

and I'm convinced,
gentlemen,

there's no need
for eloquence.

If ever there was
a simple,

uncomplicated case,
it's this one.

Mrs. Crosbie
killed a man, yes,

but under circumstances

where no courageous,
self-respecting woman

would hesitate
for one instant

to do the same thing.

Nor is there need for me

to extol Mrs. Crosbie's
character.

Her own testimony
in the witness box,

her bearing
throughout this ordeal,

stamp the character
of this remarkable woman

more than any words of
mine could possibly do.

As for
the prosecution's case,

not one whit of evidence
has been produced

to refute the defendant's
testimony. No...

Because such evidence
couldn't exist

in the light of.,.Truth.

Gentlemen, in full faith
and confidence,

I place Leslie Crosbie's
fate in your hands,

in the sure
knowledge that...

...justice
will be done.

[Spectators muttering]

Silence! Silence!

Is there any reply
from the prosecution?

Man: My lord,

the prosecution waives
the right of reply.

Nice work,
Howard.

Judge:
Gentlemen of the jury,

you've heard the evidence
of the prosecution

and the evidence
for the defense.

It is not necessary
for me to give you

any further charge
in this case.

You may retire
to the jury room

to consider your verdict.

Recess, my lord?

Yes' recess.

The court is adjourned,

pending the return
of the jury.

Would you tell me
what under heaven

they could be doing in that jury
room for over an hour?

The jury has been out
for exactly 25 minutes.

You said they'd
come straight back.

What is there to talk
about or deliberate?

Maybe the races
at Aintree

or the price of rubber.

Robert: They have no right
to do anything but--

darling, you're not
making things any easier.

Oh, Leslie,
I'm sorry.

[Door opens]

The court
is reassembling, sir.

Judge: Bring in
the jury.

Prisoner of the bar,
rise and face the jury.

Gentlemen of the jury,
have you reached your verdict?

Man: We have.

Bailiff: Do you find
the prisoner

at the bar, Leslie Crosbie,
guilty or not guilty?

Not guilty.

[Spectators muttering
and shouting]

Leslie.
Leslie, darling.

Robert, darling.

Howard, splendid case.

Permit me
to congratulate you, sir.

Just one moment,
please.

Hold it just a second,
please. Again.

Thank you.

Thank you
very much.

Come, darling.

Dorothy: And
from that day on,

I made a solemn vow
not to mix another cocktail

until Leslie
was acquitted,

so if these aren't quite up to
my usual high standards,

you must remember
I'm slightly out of practice.

Mmm.

Dorothy, darling, they're
wonderful. Never been better.

Dorothy: You wouldn't
know what you were

drinking
at this moment.

Robert:
I guess that's right.

I can't taste
or think or feel.

All I can do is keep
saying to myself

over and over,
"Leslie is safe."

What's the matter,
darling?

Feeling neglected?

Here's a cocktail for you.

Not that you deserve
to be told,

but I must confess
I thought you made

rather a good speech
to the jury.

It was an
excellent speech.

Thank you
for those kind words.

Though I think
you might have been

a little more impassioned
without hurting yourself.

Oh, I don't agree.

I think what made it
especially effective

was his being so simple
and honest.

It's a good thing
Dorothy isn't a lawyer.

Nor me. I'd probably get up
there and yell at the jury,

"why, you half-wits,
I know she's innocent.

I tell you, I know."

Dorothy: Well, anyone feeling
like a bath or a shower

before dinner better
be getting at it.

Personally, I feel
a bit sticky.

A shower
for me.

Well, I'm going to tidy
myself up a bit, darling.

No. Don't go.

Oh, I shan't be a minute.

No. There's something
I particularly want

to talk to you about.

Don't go, old man.

I think I'd better
clean up, Bob.

No. I want
your legal opinion here.

Darling.

Oh?

What's up?

I want to get
Leslie away from here

as quickly as possible.

I think a bit of a holiday
would do you both good.

What's the use of that?

We've got to get away
for good.

Oh, how
could we?

Can't very well
throw up your job.

But I have something in view
that's much better.

Come on. Sit down, Howard.

We can neither of us
live at that place now.

I'm convinced of that.

We've gone through
too much.

Well, what is it, Bob?

Something has just come up.
It's in Sumatra.

We'd be away
from everybody,

and the only people
around us would be Dutch.

We'd start a new life.

The only thing is,

you'll be awfully lonely,
darling, at the start.

I wouldn't
mind that.

I'm used to
being alone.

I'd like to go,
Robert.

I don't want
to stay here.

That settles it, then.
I'll go straight ahead,

and we can fix things up
at once.

And is the money
as good as here?

I hope it'll be better.

At all events, I'll be
working for myself

and not for a company
in Liverpool.

Howard: What do
you mean, Bob?

Robert: Why
should I go on

sweating out my life
for other people?

And this is a chance
in a thousand.

It belongs to a Malacca
Chinese planter

who's in financial
difficulties,

and he's willing to let
the whole thing go

for $30,000 if he can
get the money

the day after tomorrow.

And how on earth are you
going to raise $30,000?

Oh, well,
I've saved about 10,

and Charlie meadows
promises to let me

have the balance
on mortgage.

Well, it seems
rather rash

to put all your eggs
in one basket, old boy.

Oh, I wouldn't like you
to take such a risk

on my account, Robert.

I'll be perfectly all right
here. Really, I shall.

Nonsense, darling. Just now,
you said you wanted to go.

Oh, but I think we're making
a mistake in running away.

Everyone has been so kind,

and they'll all make it
so easy for us.

I think the thing to do
is to stick it out here.

Anyway, these Chinese estates
are never any good.

You know how careless
and haphazard they are.

Ah, but this belongs to a
very progressive fellow,

and he's had
a European manager.

I tell you, it's a thoroughly
sound proposition,

and I figure that in 10 years,

I can make enough
money to retire.

But, Robert, I really
want to stay here.

I don't want to leave
Howard and Dorothy

and the rest
of our friends.

Anyhow, it's not a thing
you want to rush into.

Let's wait
and see what happens.

Why should I wait?
It's a good thing,

and I don't want to lose it.

Look, I've got all the
papers in my briefcase.

I'll go and get them, and
you can see for yourself.

Robert, please.

I have a couple of photographs
of the bungalow to show you.

I don't want
to see them!

Oh, come now, darling.
That's just nerves.

Shows how necessary it is
for you to get away.

Leslie, darling, this time, you
must let me have my own way.

I won't be a minute.

[Door closes]

What are you
going to do?

What can I do?

Don't tell him now.
I can't bear any more.

You heard what he said.
He wants the money at once

to buy the estate.

He can't.
He hasn't got it.

Give me a little time.

Where's the letter?

I have it
in my pocket.

It would break
his heart.

What shall I do?

I wish to heaven
I knew.

If only there were
some other way.

[Door closes]

Tell him. Tell him
and have done with it.

Robert: Now, this is
really a handsome estate.

We'll be practically
stealing it for 30,000.

Darling, I think you'll
be keen on the house.

Shade trees
and everything.

No comparison
with our old bungalow.

Look here, Bob.
I don't want

to throw cold water
on your plans,

but aren't you forgetting
certain financial obligations?

I mean, hasn't it
struck you that the costs

of what we've just been through
will be pretty heavy?

Oh, you mean,
the legal expenses, yes.

I'm not going to charge you
anything for my services.

Those will be charged
off to friendship.

But there are certain
out-of-pocket expenses that--

that's very decent
of you.

I'm not sure
I can accept that.

What do these
other expenses amount to?

Well, the principal item

is that letter of Leslie's
I mentioned to you.

Oh, yes. I'd almost
forgotten about that.

Uh, you were going to--

I had to pay a great deal
of money for it.

If you thought it necessary,
I'm not going to grouse.

How much was it?

$10,000.

$10,000? Why,
you must have been mad.

You may be sure
I wouldn't have given that

if I could have
got it for less.

But that's every cent
I have in the world.

Why didn't you let them
bring the letter in

and explain it
to the jury?

I didn't dare.

Do you mean it was
absolutely necessary

to suppress it?

If you wanted
Leslie acquitted.

But what was there
in the letter?

I told you
at the time.

It was very stupid
of me. I--

wait a minute now.
You wrote to Hammond

to ask him to come
to the bungalow to--

yes.

You wanted to get me
something, didn't you?

Yes. I wanted to get
you a new gun,

and he knew all
about those things,

and you know
how ignorant I am.

Buying that letter
was a criminal offense,

wasn't it?

Well, it's not
the sort of thing

a respectable lawyer
does

in the ordinary way
of business.

It was
a criminal offense.

Yes' it was.

I might be disbarred
for it.

Then why did you do it?
You of all people?

What were you trying
to save me from?

Leslie, you knew I was
buying a gun from Cameron.

Why did you want to make me
a present of another?

How should I know

you were going to
buy a gun?

Because I told you.

But I'd forgotten. I can't
remember everything.

You hadn't
forgotten that.

What do you mean, Robert? Why
are you talking to me like this?

Who has the letter now?
Have you got it?

Yes.

Where is it?

It's not your letter
or mine, Bob.

I've got to pay $10,000
for that letter,

and by heaven,
I'm going to see it.

Let him see it.

What does it mean?

No, no. Wait.

What does it mean?

It means that I was in
love with Geoff Hammond.

No!

We'd been in love
for years.

I don't believe it.

We used to meet
each other constantly

once or twice
a week.

Not a soul had
the smallest suspicion.

Every time I met him,
I hated myself,

and yet I lived
for the moment

when I'd see him again.
It was horrible.

There was never an hour
when I was at peace,

when I wasn't
reproaching myself.

I was like a person
who is sick

with some
loathsome disease

and doesn't want
to get well.

Even my agony
was a kind of joy.

Then there came a time
about a year ago

when he began
to change toward me.

I didn't know
what was the matter.

I was frantic.
I made scenes.

I threw myself
at his feet.

Leslie.

Then I heard
about that--

that native woman.

Oh, I couldn't believe it.
I wouldn't believe it.

At last I saw her,

saw her walking
in the village

with those hideous
spangles,

that chalky painted face'

and those eyes
like a cobra's eyes.

But I couldn't
give him up.

I sent for him.
You read the letter.

Oh, we'd always been so
careful about writing before,

but this time,
I didn't care.

I hadn't seen him
for 10 days.

He came to see me.

I told him I'd heard
about his marriage.

At first, he denied it.
Oh, I was frantic.

I don't know
what I said to him.

I hated him because
he'd made me despise myself.

I insulted him.

I cursed him.
I was beside myself.

At last, he turned on me.

He told me he was
sick and tired of me,

that it was true
about that other woman,

that she was the only one

that had ever meant
anything to him,

and that he was glad
that I knew

because now
I'd leave him alone.

Then he got up to go,
and I knew if he left,

I'd never see him again,

so I seized the revolver
and fired,

heard a cry,
and I knew I'd hit him.

He staggered
toward the veranda,

and I ran after him

and fired and fired
and fired.

There's no excuse for me.

I don't deserve to live.

[Sobs]

I'm sorry.

He's going to
forgive you.

Yes.

He's going to
forgive me.

[Door closes]

- [Knock on door]
- Dorothy: Leslie?

[Knock on door]

Dorothy: Leslie?

Yes. Come in.

They're all waiting
for you.

I'm sorry, Dorothy.

It took me rather
a long time to dress.

It's a lovely dress.

My dear, you look
like a young girl

- just out of--
- prison?

Oh, Leslie, darling, I never
saw anyone like you, ever.

[Music playing]

Hello.

Hello.

[All talking at once]

You remember the Cavenses,
don't you, darling?

Of course I do. Nice
to see you, Mrs. Cavens.

Thank you
very much.

This is
lieutenant green.

He's been
very impatient

to meet you.

There's Janie,
darling.

Please.

Well, Crosbie, old man,
congratulations.

Thanks.

Give me a whiskey and soda,
will you?

Leslie looks wonderful.

I never saw her
looking better.

You must be
very relieved

that this
awful business is over.

I don't know

if you remember me,
Mrs. Crosbie.

Of course I do.
How are you, Mr. Withers?

I'm fine, thanks.

How do you do,
captain Wilson?

I say, would you
care to dance?

I'd love to.
Thank you.

I won't mention it
again, Mrs. Crosbie.

I know you must want
to forget the whole subject,

but I just can't
get over the way

you gave your evidence.
Everything so exact,

down to the smallest
detail, you know?

I'll never forget
the night it happened.

I don't mind telling you
I was really upset.

My first case, you know.

Quite a beginning one.

Do you mind
if we sit down?

No. No. Of course not.

A beautiful plantation, the most
beautiful plantation in Sumatra.

3,000 acres,
all young trees.

Belongs to a Malacca Chinese,
and he's forced to sell.

Sounds like a good
proposition.

Always wanted
a fine plantation,

one that I could work for myself
and for my...Family.

This is the one
I've been waiting for.

Where do you
ship from?

It's near a good harbor,
5, 6 miles only.

And I could ship my rubber
for less money.

Ought to get ahead fast.
Yes. In 5, 10 years,

I can travel,
do anything I please.

I'll visit you boys
in Singapore.

Bob, old chap, how about
a little fresh air?

Not now, Howard.
Maybe later.

I'm telling these boys
about my new plantation.

I didn't tell you
about the bungalow.

Beautiful little bungalow.

Large veranda,
shade trees all around.

In fact,
there are 3 bungalows.

Two smaller ones.
You see, the, uh...

The Chinese planter
had a funny idea.

He had 3 wives,
nice Malay girls,

and he kept a house
for each wife,

but none for himself.

That is
a plantation.

I wouldn't mind
a place like that myself.

For me,
the one house will do.

Of course,
we shall miss Singapore.

Ah! Our friends are here'

and we've had some mighty
fine times, haven't we?

No English people
in that part of Sumatra,

only Dutch and natives.

It's going to be
a little lonely at first,

but we'll get used to it.

Yeah. There will be
the two of us,

but my wife's a good sport.
Always can count on her.

She's not afraid
of anything.

And we'll have
each other.

That's the important thing,
isn't it?

Would you excuse me,
please?

[Sobs]

[Indistinct voices]

Dorothy: I think
that happened to Leslie

when she first came out,
remember?

Adele: Yes.
Of course.

Dorothy:
Stop fussing over them.

That's my system,
but it seems to work

because there's always a little
group that insists on staying.

Well, you look dead tired.
Need a good night's rest.

Good night, Bob.
Say good night to Leslie.

Good night, Dorothy.
Thanks for everything.

Sorry if I--

Dorothy: It's all right.
Good night.

Howard:
Good night, Bob.

Good night, Howard.

We should make
a fairly early start

in the morning,
don't you think?

I sent for my large bag.

We can put some
of your things in it

in case your bag
is crowded.

In fact, I'll pack
for you if you want.

I know how you hate it.

Darling, you've done
something to this sleeve.

A cigarette burn,
that's what it is.

Oh, and your new coat, too.
Well, never mind.

Your tailor can fix it,
have it rewoven or something.

I won't pack it now.

We'll stop at the tailor's
tomorrow on our way home.

Robert...

It's no use, is it?

We can't go on, can we?

I don't know.
I can't say.

You're so kind
and generous.

You should have
the sort of wife

you really deserve.

Through
no fault of yours,

I've failed you,
wrecked your life.

I can't ask you
to forgive me.

If you love a person...

You can forgive anything.

So what about you?
Can you go on?

I'll try.
I'll really try.

That isn't
what I was asking.

I'll do everything
in my power

to make you happy.

That's not enough,
unless...

Leslie, tell me...

Now...this minute...

Do you love me?

Yes, I do.

No! I can't,
I can't, I can't!

Leslie, what is it?

Leslie, what is it?!

With all my heart,

I still love
the man I killed!

Oh, no!

[Crying]

[Door opens]

[Door closes]

Aah!

[Speaks Chinese]

[Music playing]