All language subtitles for Rogues Yarn (Sewell, 1957)

(DOOR CLOSING)

Oh, Darling.

I have wonderful news.

The house we have been
looking for, I've found it!

With a mooring for the yacht.
The garage, the private beach.

The house of our dreams,
look at it.

Isn't it heavenly?

Beautiful.

Darling what's the matter
with you?

Michelle...

I have some news too.

What is it?

- John, tell me.
- Hester isn't going to die.

What?

But the doctor said--

I know, I know. but that's before
they started the new treatment.

Now it seems certain
that she'll live.

I cant believe it.

Its true, and that isn't all.

The specialist said that there's
no reason why in a few months

she shouldn't be leading
a full and normal life.

That means the end for us.

No, Michelle, never.
I couldn't live without you.

- But what can we do John?
- I could get a divorce.

- How could we live?
- I could get a job?

I said live, not exist.

I know what poverty can
do to people in love.

It destroys them.

I've been through that once and
I don't want it to happen again.

Michelle.

Oh, John, before you tell me
I was so happy.

I was building such
wonderful dreams for us.

And they all seemed
to be coming true

and we had so little
time to wait.

John, tell me it is not true.
Tell me the doctors are wrong.

Tell me she's going to die.
She has to die!

Maybe that's a solution?

Accidents can always happen.

You must be out of your mind?

I don't know, I don't know.
I only know one thing.

I want to be happy now, John.

I won't let her interfere.
I'm tired of waiting and waiting.

I want it now, now!

And I don't only want you.
I want the life you promised me.

Michelle.

And if I don't get it,
it is finished between us.

Even if I agreed it would be
hopeless. I'm the obvious suspect.

Can't you see the papers? Wealthy
victims widower inherits fortune.

- But we could work out an alibi.
- How?

Who could I get to swear that I
was with them when it happened?

It's not possible.

If you love me as much as
I love you, you will find a way.

You know I love you, Michelle.

Then if we could find a way,
would you do it?

Would you?

(BACKGROUND
SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

(LIVELY MUSIC)

- Wouldn't work.
- Why not?

Quite simply, because
a model on a pond is one

thing and a vessel out
at sea is quite another.

You'd need an aerial as high
as a house to start off with.

- But surely we--
- Wait a minute.

I think you've given me
an idea that might work.

What is it?

Oh no there would be far to
many other difficulties.

What are they?

Well passport to start with. Where
can I get hold of a false passport?

What about the old one
of your brothers?

That will be out of date by now.
He died years ago.

So what?
It's easy to get it renewed.

But the photograph I don't even
look like him. He had a beard!

But you would with a beard.

Michelle, what are we doing?

We've got to. We've got to.

But I've got to kill her.

Mr Marsden?

Now you are alright for
another five years.

Now sign.

Charles Foster.

Doesn't look very good.

It doesn't matter.

They never look at them very
closely at the cross channel boats.

- What about?
- I've made the arrangements.

I'm going to see
about it tomorrow.

(CITY TRAFFIC)
(FOOTSTEPS)

For you, and for you!
Thank you.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

What can I do for you, sir?

I wonder if you can help me?

I've just moved into this district
and I haven't yet

found any permanent digs.

We can look after any
mail for you, sir.

There's a regular
scale of charges.

Well that's very good of you.

The most important thing
is a parcel I'm expecting.

Should arrive anytime this week.

Well, if you care to give
the sender this address,

I'll see that it's taken care of.

Now what's the name sir?

- Foster, Charles Foster.
- Charles Foster.

I got them look.
Darling pour me a drink, please.

I think I got the boat too, look.

Where did you get it?

Luckily they take the French
yachting papers at the club.

Is this going to be fast enough?
It looks very small.

Oh, yes, they do over twenty.

When are you going to get it?

Tomorrow. I'm taking a
day trip to Boulogne

and then taking
a taxi to Le Havre.

Bon voyage.

(BOAT HORN)

(HAMMERING SOUND]

(FRENCH MAN SPEAKING)

The packet boat leaves at twelve.

Twelve. Lets see.

Yes, high water on
Saturday is at 8.30.

That means I must get under way
from Shoreham about 9 o'clock.

The nurse puts her to
bed at 9.30, doesn't she?

- Ah huh.
- Give me the Radio Times.

Lets see, need the yacht here.

Saturday, oh, here we are.

9.30, The Knowles Family.

Ah I thought so. Nurse and
cook never miss that.

Well that's one of the things
I want to talk to you about.

How can we be sure
they will be looking?

I'm going to make very sure.
I'm seeing to it tonight.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Well, this is a something new,
bringing my breakfast to me.

What are you up to?

I thought it would please you?

If you wanted to please me
why didn't you stay last night?

Because I had to go
down to the yacht.

Is that wretched thing
going to be laid up?

That's what I wanted
to talk to you about.

Ah, I thought there was something.

Well, for once, you're
right, there is.

I want to test her engines
before I lay her up.

And I thought of taking her
over to Le Havre this weekend.

Leaving on Saturday.

Anything to get away
from me I suppose.

Now, Hester,
you know that's not true.

Anyway, it's mainly
for your benefit.

As soon as you are well
I want to take you out

for a holiday in her
to the Mediterranean.

And who are you taking to Le Havre?

No one. Except
Charles Clarke as crew.

How do you know he's free?

Well he is. As a matter of fact,
I am just going to telephone him.

Hello, Charles?
John Marsden here.

Look, the trip to Le Havre.
It's Sunday.

Good.
No only you and me.

Well, as I explained,
it's really more

of an engine trial
than anything else.

I plan to leave Shoreham about,

well, just after high water
on Sunday evening.

That's it. Meet me on
board about 8 o'clock.

Right, see you on Sunday.
Goodbye, Charles.

(SINISTER MUSIC)

Well, it doesn't look
like your friend

is going to turn up
Mr. Marsden, does it?

No it doesn't, does it?

I cant be much longer either.

Otherwise, I shall miss the tide
and the locked gates at Le Havre.

How's he coming down?

Train, train from London.

Oh, well, he's had it now. There
isn't another one for an hour yet.

Well, I think I shall
shove off on my own.

On your own?

Well, why not?
It's a fine night.

Well, that would be
a very unwise thing to do.

You might fall
asleep at the wheel.

I don't think that's likely.

Now, look, I've got a much
better idea than that.

Why not let old Sam
lend you a hand?

He'd love the trip, he's just on
the quay, I'll go and ask him.

No. Well, thanks just the
same but I'll be alright.

I tell you what you can do though.

If you see my friend you might
tell him what's happened,

and ask him to go across on the
packet and meet me in Le Havre.

Certainly I will. Oh, by the
way I've go to ask you this.

How much money are
you taking with you?

Ah, 10 pounds. I don't expect to
be there for more than two days.

- OK.
- Well, I think I shall start up.

Will you cast off for me?

Certainly yes, just give me
a shout when you are ready.

(ENGINE NOISE)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Cheerio!
Have a good trip.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)

Now, let me make these pillows
a little more comfortable for you.

I wish you wouldn't fuss so.
You shake the bed.

No I don't want to take it off.
I'll keep it on.

You'll only get to hot, you know.
Then you will want to take it off.

Well if I do. I'll ring the bell.

Here give me my sleeping pill.

Well you needn't look like that.

I know you're dying to get back
to your wretched TV.

What's on tonight?

It's the Knowles family at 9.30.

Hmm, you like that rubbish?

Yes, I think it's quite amusing.

When did my husband
leave the house?

About two hours ago, he should
be well out to sea by now.

Well, I hope it keeps fine for him.

Eugh! Here take it.
Now clear out.

Goodnight, Mrs Marsden.

(ENGINE NOISE)

(CAR ENGINE NOISE)

(LAUGHTER AND
TELEVISION NOISE)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(SCREAMING)

(LAUGHTER AND
TELEVISION NOISE)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Quick switch off, commercial.

Eh, that was good wasn't it.

Its just the kind of
play that I like.

Do you feel like
a cup of tea, love?

I certainly should. I'll just nip
along and see how she's getting on.

Oh, you'll work yourself to death
running about like you do.

Sit down and have your tea.
Nothing can happen to her.

Shan't be a minute.

They all think they are
Florence Nightingale!

(CAT MEOWS)

(PHONE RINGS)

CID.

What address?

We'll be round right away.

Don't touch anything
until we arrive.

There's been a murder
at Glyndbourne Road.

You are sure you didn't
disturb anything

when you came in and
discovered the body?

Nothing. As soon as I
saw she was dead and

there was nothing
I could do, I phoned you.

What times her husband due in?

I think Mrs. Marsden
is expecting

a call from Le Havre
about 10 tomorrow.

Le Havre, hmm.

I had better contact
the French police to

inform him what
has happened when he arrives.

What a terrible shock for him. Poor
man, I don't know what he'll do.

He'll never forgive himself
for going away like this.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

What did you say?

Will you come alongside
the tug please?

Very well.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

- You are Mr. Marsden?
- Yes.

- Can we go to your cabin?
- Course, come aboard.

Here we are.

Now, what can I do for you?

I have received instructions
from the English police.

Go on.

I am afraid I have terrible
news for you, Monsieur.

You must prepare
yourself for a shock.

What do you mean?

Your wife is dead, Monsieur.

She was murdered last night.

This can't be true. My wife's an
invalid. Who'd want to murder her?

It must be a mistake.

There is no mistake, Monsieur.

It would seem there
was a burglary and

the thief was surprised
by your wife.

And he killed her.

You have my deepest
sympathy, Monsieur.

Forgive me, it's been
a bit of a shock.

I must go back at once.

Can you arrange for somebody to look
after the yacht until I get back.

I've no one else on board.

Oh, you came over single handed.

Yes, I didn't intend
to but the friend

who was coming with
me didn't turn up.

Well, you can leave her here.

I can arrange for her to be
towed to the yacht basin

and a watchman
put in charge of her.

Thank you.
You're very kind.

Not at all.
Au revoir, Monsieur.

Oh, just a minute.

- Can you smell gas?
- Gas?

Yes we carry cylinders of gas
on board for the cooking.

- Oh, butane gas?
- Mm.

No, I cant smell it.

I wonder if you'd mind coming
round the ship to check up for me?

Its one thing I'm terrified about
is a gas explosion on board.

- Do you mind?
- Certainly, if you wish.

It's a heavy gas, keeps low on
the ground. Difficult to detect it.

What did they say?

Person or persons unknown,
what did you expect?

Nothing else they could say.

But they didn't
give you any--

The coroner extended to me
the sympathy of the court.

But you didn't get any idea of what
they are doing? The police I mean.

Nothing.

Do you think they will have
seen you coming round here?

Seen me? Why? Well, the
hall porter I suppose.

Well, that's one to many.

You must not come here anymore,
this is the last time.

You've got to stay away.

Don't, not now.
Relax.

Darling, how can I?

Look if the Police find
out about me, we are lost.

I'm prepared to take that risk.
I need you more than ever now.

Oh, John, please. All we got
to do is to sit tight

until the will is proved,
then we can go.

I think you care more about that
damn money than you do about me.

You know why the money
is important to me.

But I want it for us John.
You know that, don't you?

Yes, I know.

(DOOR CLICKS OPEN)

You sent for me sir.

Well, Walker, the
Brighton police have

called us in over
this Marsden murder.

I'd like you to go down.

Swap figures with the local
boys this time.

There not always such fools as
you make them out to be.

Me sir, I don't know
what you mean sir.

Yes, you know alright.

I had to use all my
tact to smooth down the

Chief Constable on that
last case you were on.

And this is supposed to be
a perfectly clean cut case.

Murder for robbery.
Let me know how you get on.

Yes, sir.

Tragic.

I understand she was a rich
woman and her husband inherits.

That's quite right, but I'm afraid
you're on the wrong track there.

Mr Marsden was on his
yacht in the middle

of the channel when the
murder took place.

Well, that was lucky
for him, wasn't it?

Ah, Johnson, this is Inspector
Walker of Scotland Yard.

- How do you do?
- Good day.

Put him in the picture
as far as you can

and give him any
help he may require.

Good day Inspector. Come to
me if you have any problems.

I certainly will, sir.

I have a list here of
the people questioned.

PMs report...

and also the verbatim
report of the coroners inquest.

These are the photographs taken
at the scene of the crime.

And a list of the articles stolen.

Also the report of
the fingerprint man.

Well, this seems very efficient.
I'll take them with me if I may,

They should prove
interesting reading.

I have a car nearby if you'd care
to visit the scene of the crime.

Then I can introduce you to some
of the members of the household.

No, I'd like to go
through these first.

Has anything come in about
the stolen property?

No, all the local dealers
and pawnbrokers

have been circulated but so
far without result.

Oh, this is Sergeant Adams,
Detective Inspector Johnson.

Hello!

I've booked us rooms
at the George, sir.

Oh, good. I'd like to go
through these papers with

my Sergeant. Do you think
we could use this room?

Certainly, you can
get on with it.

Thank you.

- Do you know where this place is?
- Yes sir.

I had a look around
the outside while you

were having a chat
to the local super.

It's a classy joint.

The woman's bedroom
is on the groundfloor

with French windows
opening onto a brick terrace.

Breaking in is as easy as
getting out of a paper bag.

We'd better go round.
I want to talk to the husband.

Perhaps I should say widower.

Oh, and there's a cook
and a trained nurse

and a woman who
comes in every day.

You'd better go back and see
what you can get out of them

Yes, sir.

What about lunch?

- Mr. Marsden?
- Yes.

My name's Walker,
I'm from Scotland Yard.

- Come in.
- Thank you.

Sit down, Mr. Walker.

Inspector Walker sir, CID.

I'm sorry to have to
distress you but

I am sure you are as anxious
to get the man as we are.

Naturally.

I still find
the whole thing unbelievable.

It's the sort of thing you
read about in the newspapers.

But when it happens to you,
you just cant take it in.

Yes, I can quite understand that.

Your wife had been an invalid
for some time, I understand?

Yes for three years.
She caught some kind of

a bug in Egypt.
She was partially paralysed.

But she was getting better.
Making an unexpected recovery?

Yes, that's the terrible
thing about it.

Only a few days ago
they told me that in

a few months she would
be completely cured.

And now this. Who could
have done such a thing?

Why were the valuables
not kept in the safe?

Nothing of particular
value was stolen.

Just a few articles off her dressing
table and out of the drawers.

Are you often away from
the house at night?

Well, no, I didn't like to leave her
alone more often than I could help.

Most evenings I used to read to
her until she went to sleep.

And then if she did wake up,
I could hear her call from my room.

That's what I hate about this.

If I hadn't taken
the yacht on that

trip none of this
could have happened.

When did you decide
to make the trip?

Only on Monday.

And where is the yacht now?

Over in Le Havre.
I took it across single handed.

The man who was supposed
to be coming with me

mistook the dates
on the telephone.

How many people knew
that you were away

from the house on that
particular night?

No idea. I didn't make any
secret of it. Why should I?

Suppose the servants knew,
customs man.

And I may have told
some people at the yacht club.

I really don't remember.

Well, I can be sure to find
you here if I need your help?

Yes.

Of course, after the funeral I shall
have to go across to Le Havre

to bring the yacht back.
But I'll let you know.

Do you think I could have
a few words with the nurse?

Yes I'll call her.

Now on the day in question,
the day of the murder,

did you notice anything
unusual around the house?

I mean see anyone hanging
around for instance?

Only the milkman, but he always
hangs about when I'm here.

You observed nothing unusual?

Not a thing.

Unless you could call Mr. Marsden
coming down to the kitchen unusual.

What do you mean?

He never normally comes
down here, that's all.

That morning he did though.

What for?

To collect a parcel of groceries

cook had got ready
for him to take on his trip.

Well there is nothing
strange about that surely?

Not really. Bit strange him
being on that trip though.

Don't you think?

- Why?
- Bit of a coincidence like.

Now, if this was a movie
I'd say he done it.

Well, it isn't. And you'd
better be careful about

what you say about
your employer my girl.

Unless you've any grounds
for suspicion that is?

This is a terrible tragedy
for Mr. Marsden.

He was devoted to his wife

Oh yeah!

Then how is it, one Saturday,
when I was over in Shoreman

I see him on board
his boat with another woman?

Well, anything wrong in that?

I suppose a man
would say there wasn't

but a woman
might see it different.

Anyway, I don't blame him after all
those years with that old--

This lady...
can you describe her?

Only saw her from a distance.

Proper slinky piece!
One of those.

- Ever see her again?
- No. Well, I cant be sure.

I did think I saw Mr. Marsden
in a car with her one day.

Driving through Brighton that was.

The photograph showed that the
room was in complete disorder.

Surely you and cook would have
heard some sort of noise?

And the bell at the bedside,
I'd have thought that the first

thing that Mrs. Marsden would
have done would be to ring it.

Well the TV programme
that cook and I

were watching was
a very noisy one.

We wouldn't have heard
anything from the bedroom

especially if we weren't
listening for it.

But surely you would
have heard the bell?

Oh, yes, we should have heard
the bell but it didn't ring.

- You're sure of that?
- Quite sure.

In your statement you
said that you gave

a sleeping pill to
Mrs. Marsden at 9.30.

You're certain of that?

Of course, she had one every night.

- Strange.
- I beg your pardon?

How long have you been
attending Mrs. Marsden?

I've been here for 6 months.

How do Mr. and Mrs. Marsden get on?

Well I can't pretend she
was an easy person.

In fact, she was one of the most
difficult patients I've ever had.

I've often wondered how
Mr. Marsden stood it for so long.

I wouldn't have stayed myself if
I hadn't been so sorry for him.

Yes, I see. I wonder if you
would show me exactly where

you and cook were sitting
when you're watching the television?

Yes certainly, if you will
come with me I'll show you.

Thank you.

Well, thank you Miss Jones, that
will be all for the moment.

Oh, is there going to be
more later on? Goody!

There all like that nowadays.
The cinema does it,

they all think they
are Marilyn Monroes's!

So this is the room where
you and cook watched

television on the
night of the murder?

Yes, that's quite right,
we were sitting here.

- And this set's in it usual place?
- Yes, it always stands there.

Are these curtains drawn?

Yes I know that because there's
a street lamp outside and

if they are not drawn the light
falls right on the screen.

They were drawn tight?

Yes, if there's the smallest chink
you get a light on the screen.

So it would be impossible
for anyone to see in?

Quite impossible,
you can see for yourself.

I see. There's just
one other thing,

the bell beside
Mrs. Marsden's bedside.

Your certain it couldn't
have been rung?

Absolutely certain Inspector.
It rings right there.

There's no chance of
you not hearing it?

Absolutely none.

Well, that seems to be that.
Well thank you nurse

I am sorry I have caused
you so much trouble.

No trouble at all, Inspector.

So what have you found out?

Or is the girl so
struck by your rugged

exterior that she
could only giggle.

I did find out something, sir.

It rather seems that
Mr. Marsden had a girlfriend.

Did he?

I'm starving, what about lunch?
You can tell me all about it then.

I don't like this
murder theory, sir.

The occupants of the house
were watching television

which would explain why
they didn't hear any noise but

the bell at the woman's
bedside it only rang 6 feet away

from nurse and cook and yet
they say they didn't hear it.

Either we must believe
that they are

lying, or that the
bell wasn't rung.

There can be only one reason
why that bell wasn't rung.

And what would that be?

The woman knew who
the intruder was.

Look sir, a young man marries
a woman older than himself.

She's an invalid, she makes
an unexpected recovery.

Within a week she's murdered and
the husband inherits a fortune.

Well, of course, he's the
obvious suspect but

he does appear to have
a watertight alibi

and by all accounts
he was a model husband.

Well, maybe he's not the
blue eyed boy we imagined.

There's a girlfriend in the offing.

That's not a capital charge.
Thank heavens.

I beg your pardon, sir?

Oh, nothing, nothing!

I take it you don't like his alibi?

No, I don't.

Then I suggest that
you try to break it.

That's what I'd like to do.

Do you mind if I take
a trip to Le Havre, sir?

I don't mind but if
this trip of yours

turns out to be
a wild goose chase

your expense account
is going to come in

for some pretty
severe criticism.

That's a chance that
I'll have to take, sir.

(FRENCH MUSIC)

Come in, Inspector.

- Won't you sit down.
- Thank you.

Where was Marsden's boat
when you first saw it?

Entering the harbour.

It was already laying
between the piers?

Oh, no, it was outside, coming up
the channel between the buoys.

Is there any possibility
that someone else bought the boat

in and Marsden
boarded her later?

Impossible. He was on
the bridge steering

the boat all the time I saw him.

Is there any chance
that the man you met

wasn't Marsden but somebody
impersonating him?

Take another look
at that photograph.

There can be no doubt
whatever, Inspector.

This is the man.

And your absolutely
sure that there was no

one else on board when
they bought her in?

Oh, I'm certain of it.

I went on board as
soon as the boat came alongside

and then went all over it.

Why did you do that?

Mr. Marsden asked me to.
He thought he smelt butane gas

gas and asked me
to help him find the leak.

- Did you find the leak?
- No.

I searched the boat from end
to end but I could smell nothing.

And that's why I am certain
there was no one else on board.

Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree.

What is that?

Oh, it's an English
expression, it means

that maybe I'm on
the wrong track.

Before I go I'd like to see
the yacht. Can I do that?

Oh, most certainly,
I'll take you there myself.

Its quite near.

(FRENCH MUSIC)

It's strange that
Marsden should have thought

there was a gas leak below.

This cylinder only
connects to the galley.

This is the one that
appears to go below.

And look its not even connected.
The seals not broken.

Why should Marsden think
that he smelt a leak unless...

Unless what, Inspector?

Unless he wanted to
show you over the boat.

Why should he want to do that?

Only to prove he was alone on board.

These fishermen who complained
that you nearly ran

them down, do you think
I can have a word with them?

Oh, yes, that will not be difficult.

I can have them
brought to my office.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

He says they were about 25km
north of Cape de Le Havre.

And were about to put
over their nets.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

When they see coming towards them at
considerable speed, a motor yacht.

She had all her lights on
although it was quite daylight,

And was heading for Le Havre.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

He says the yacht comes
on straight at them.

So he fears a collision and shouts
to his mate to go full speed astern.

But before he can start the motor
the yacht is right on top of them.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

But by the grace of God misses
them by about 2 metres.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

He says the yacht
passed them and they

saw absolutely no
one on the bridge.

So the man in charge must
have been down below.

And just come up as the
yacht passed them,

and turned the wheel
in the wheel house

because they saw the wheel
on the bridge turning.

What makes him so sure
it was the Cruseeker?

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

Well he says there can
be no doubt at all.

They saw the name
Cruseeker on the stern.

Oh, well that's pretty conclusive.

Well thank him for coming would you.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

Well, thank you for all the
trouble you've taken.

Oh, it's been no trouble
at all, Inspector.

I hope that what you have found out
has been to your satisfaction.

No I'm afraid it isn't.

Oh, I'm sorry. Are you
returning to England then?

Yes I must get back to London
at once. Which is the quickest way?

Well, there is no packet
boat tonight you know.

In the winter season they
only run every other day.

But is you care to go to Trouville
you can fly direct to England.

Could you arrange that for me?

Yes, straight away.

(AIRCRAFT NOISE)

Hello. You alright?

Thank you, yes, I'm fine.

Not lonely with the whole
plane to yourself?

You don't seem to be very busy.

No we never are this time of the
season. Only got a couple more trips

I say your a detective, aren't you?

Yes. Don't you think you ought to go
back and drive or whatever you do?

Oh that's alright sir.
George has taken over.

George?
Who's George?

Automatic pilot.

Oh, I see!

Look I'd feel very much
safer if you went back.

Oh, very well, sir.
Just as you like.

(AIRCRAFT NOISE)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Look sir, let's assume for a moment
that he had got an automatic pilot.

Now, my theory is this.

As soon as he got
outside the harbour,

he adjusted the pilot,
set the speed of the engines,

then he jumped overboard
and swam ashore.

Now the girl was waiting for
him on the beach with a car

They got into it.
Then they drove to his house

he entered it, and then
he murdered his wife.

Knowing perfectly well
that he'd be undisturbed

by the cook and the
nurse I suppose.

Now wait a moment sir.

He knew the routine
of the household.

He knew that the
cook and the nurse

would be watching
television that time.

So after the murder he
stages a robbery and

then leaves through
the french windows.

Then he drives or is driven
to Southampton where he picks

up the packet boat for Le Havre
that leaves at midnight.

Go on.

The packet boat does 22 knots and
should arrive at Le Havre at 6 am.

Now the murderer properly
disguised walks ashore and picks

up a launch that he has in
readiness and then goes to sea.

Now he knows exactly the speed
of his own yacht, and exactly

the hour it should arrive at a
certain position off the coast.

So, he waits for it, boards it.
Scuttles the small launch

And then at the wheel of
his own yacht he enters

Le Havre alone and with
a watertight alibi.

Well, it sounds like absolute
nonsense to me Walker.

And I'll give you two perfectly
good reasons for saying so.

First of all, there's
considerable

current or tidal
stream in the channel.

Or so I've always
been led to believe.

If you did put a yacht on course
from Shoreham to Le Havre,

I don't believe it would
ever fetch up there.

And another thing. The channel
isn't the mid Atlantic, you know.

There is some other shipping in it.

Do you mean to tell me
that this self piloted

yacht would get across
without collision?

That naturally
occurred to me to sir.

So I went to the
Admiralty and I asked

for some information
on the subject.

Will you excuse me
for a moment sir.

Adams.

Now sir. There's Shoreham
and here's Le Havre.

The course is due south.

It would take Marsden 11
to 12 hours to cross.

Leaving as he did at high water,

For the first 6 hours
he would experience

the ebb tide which would
take him that way.

For the second 6 hours
he would meet the flood

tide which flows in the
opposite direction.

So over a period of 12 hours the
tides would cancel each other out.

Well that seems to dispose
of my first objection.

Now this question of a collision.

Crossing as the yacht did
from Shoreham to Le Havre

The amount of sea occupied by
the other ships is extremely small.

By 0.005 or so I am told.

Its only when a boat closes
the French coast and meets

the coastal traffic that this
danger is likely to occur.

But by that time he
was back on board.

Yes, well, Walker I'm prepared
to go with you some of the way

At least as far of the
possibility of the crime.

What do you propose to do now?

Well sir I'm going
to find out if an

automatic pilot was
fitted to that yacht.

If it was it is still there
and if it isn't, where is it?

Well, good luck, let me
know how you get on.

But I think you are
wasting your time.

- Thank you, sir.
- Come on, Adams.

What is it, Adams?

A list of the manufacturers of

automatic pilots in
this country, sir.

Oh, good, let me see it.

Only 2 firms, sir,
I've been on to them both.

First a complete blank.

Haven't sold any pilots
to yachts in recent months.

But the second as you
see here, sold three.

July 31st to yacht Rossimer
owner Commander Campbell.

August 15th yacht Firebird.

You checked on this, of course.

Yes, sir. Both well known
yachtsmen, no question of resale.

The pilots are installed on
their boats at this moment.

What's this third
pilot here, sold on

September 1st C. Foster
15 Lucas Street.

That's Chiswick, isn't it?

Yes sir. I asked the manufacturer
about it. Rather curious sir.

Couldn't understand
it over the phone.

Might be worth investigating.

At this point anythings
worth investigating.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Now what can I do for you sir?

Mr. Charles Foster?

No, Sid's the name, Sid Smith.

Mr. Foster doesn't live here then?

I've lived here myself
for about 30 years.

Wait a minute though.
Foster, Charles Foster.

That name seems to ring a bell.

Yes, here it is. Mr C. Foster.

He's the gentleman
who used this as an

accommodation address
for a short time.

A very short time indeed.
He had a parcel sent here.

A big one it was too.
He collected it,

paid his dues and
I've never seen him again.

Was this the man?

No this fellow had a big--
Who are you anyway?

A copper, eh?

What's wrong?

Well, anyway, as I was
gonna say, this fellow

had a big black beard
and wore glasses.

Did he leave a forwarding address?

No just collected the
one parcel that's all.

I see. Well, thank you. Do you think
I could have a box of matches?

Why, certainly, sir.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

- Good day, sir.
- Good day.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

I am sorry to bother you but there
are one or two details I wanted

to ask you about this man Foster
who bought an auto pilot from you.

I'm afraid that's something
I cant give you.

We've never met Mr. Foster nor even
had any correspondence with him.

He rang us up one day last month.

Asked for details, did his buyer
pilot, paid cash in advance

and gave us an address.

Thank you no, I use a pipe.

And that was quite satisfactory
as far as you're concerned?

Well, actually no, we prefer to
do the installation ourselves.

So it's not something just
bought over a counter then?

By no means. Each instrument
has to be adjusted to suit the

dimensions and particular
characteristics

of each individual vessel.

What did you do in this case?

Oh, we explained this to
Mr. Foster but he said we couldn't

possible do the installation
as his vessel was abroad.

And if we didn't wish to
sell him one of our pilots

the other firm would.

We didn't wish to miss the sale

so we agreed, if he'd send
us the details we'd make

adjustments here but we couldn't
give our usual guarantee.

What were the details?

Length, beam, speed, rudder
area, voltage of electric supply,

diameter of wheel shaft, number of
turns from helm to helm, each way.

Did you get these particulars?

Yes he telephoned them to us.

Do you think I could see them?

Certainly.

Bring in the Foster file, please.

May I ask where all
this is leading to?

I'm afraid not, it's just a
theory of mine at the moment.

Involving one of our instruments?

- Possibly.
- Sounds most mysterious.

And will we be let into the
secret if your theory is right?

Oh, certainly you will.

Ah, thank you.
Here's the Foster file.

Do you think I could keep these?

Certainly.

What's the measurement
of shaft wanted for?

Haven't you seen one
of our instruments?

No, I'm afraid I haven't.

I was going to ask you
to explain it to me.

Well, come this way we have
a working model in here.

Switch on the machine.

Tighten up the clutch.

Then start the boat.

Push it off course would you.

You see. Automatically
comes back on course.

Yes, that's very clever.

Could it go wrong?

Oh, very rarely.
We've had practically no

trouble at all with any
of our installations.

I see now why you would want the
measurements of the steering shaft.

It is connected with
the chain wheel.

Exactly. So the wheel is machined
by us to fit each individual shaft.

It's secured here by a screw.
Clamp's very tight.

I see. Well seems to
cover everything,

Oh, there is just one point.

How did he pay for it?

A parcel of notes arrived.
250 one pound notes.

- No letter?
- Just a parcel of notes.

I see. Well, thank you very
much indeed for your help.

- Goodbye Mr. Ewels
- Goodbye, Inspector.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Mr. Marsden?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

- Hello, Inspector.
- Hello, Mr. Marsden.

I'm sorry I wasn't
here to greet you.

Any further news?

No, I'm afraid not.

At least very little as yet.

How did you know
I was down here?

Oh, I telephoned your home.
There were one or two

routine questions that
I wanted to ask you.

They told me you'd been to Le Havre.
Did you have a nice trip?

Yes.

She's a nice boat, isn't she?

Yes I put a lot of work into her.

Wont you come down
below, Inspector?

Thank you.

- Have a drink, Inspector?
- Thank you, yes.

- Scotch?
- Fine.

Now, what was it you
wanted to tell me?

One or two things puzzle me.
The bell at your wife's bedside.

Why didn't she ring it?

Have you any ideas about that?

Well, I don't suppose she had time.

Those sleeping pills
were very strong.

But the post mortem proves that

she didn't take a pill that night.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Its quite deceiving from outside,
she's quite a big boat isn't she.

- Is she easy to handle?
- Very.

But surely it must have been quite
a strain taking her across the

channel in what was it 11 hours
without a break at the wheel.

You get used to it.

Did you have to get
used to it Mr. Marsden?

I don't understand you?

Have you ever thought about
using an automatic pilot?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

I don't trust him Michelle.

He seems full of sympathy but
whenever he looks at me I

feel that he sees murderer
written all over my face.

Has he ever said
something that would

make you think he
would suspect you?

Well, he did today.

He asked me if I've ever thought
of using an automatic pilot.

Oh, John, he does suspect you.

Maybe he does but he
still can't prove it.

Even if he knows that I had a pilot

Even if he knows exactly
how I did it,

he's still a million miles
from proving it.

If the yacht didn't exist,
then he never could prove it.

Are you suggesting you
take her out and sink her?

No, blow her up.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Sorry to keep you waiting Mr.
Walker.

Not at all. I am sorry
to bother you.

But there is just one point
I'd like to clear up.

Only to glad to assist.
I must say I'm most curious.

Going to have to
restrain my curiosity?

I'm afraid so. It looks as
if one of your machines

has been used to provide
the perfect alibi.

Alibi? I don't see how.
Not a bad advertisement for us!

Have to take some space in
the housebreakers gazette!

I'd like to compare this with the
steering motor in your other room.

Certainly.

Apply for a search warrant for
Marsden's yacht, will you?

He's been trying to get hold
of you all morning, sir.

Wants you to ring him.
Its urgent.

Get him.

Hello, Jimmy, give me that
Shoreham number again, will you?

Hello. Here.

Hello. Walker here.

Oh, good morning, Mr. Marsden.

Yes, yes, sure--

I see.

Why on earth didn't you
tell me that before?

Alright, no, no, no,
that will suit me.

Yes, on your boat at 4.

That's fine. Inspector, I may
be just a little bit late.

Well, if I am, will you go on board
and make yourself at home?

You'll find plenty of
drink down in the saloon.

Yes help yourself.

- Thank you I will.
- Good.

Good, see you later.

You can cancel that search warrant.

Doesn't look as if
I am going to need it.

(HEAVY MACHINERY NOISE)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(HEAVY MACHINERY NOISE)

Are you down there, Inspector?

Yes. I'd just about
given you up.

Sorry I'm so late, I had
a little trouble with my car.

Did you find everything you want?

Thank you, yes I helped myself.

Now what was it you
wanted to tell me?

Well, I didn't say anything
about this before because

at the time
it didn't seem important.

But what?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC IN BACKGROUND)

Two days before my wife was--

- Yes, go on.
- Before she was... she was killed--

Have you got a match?
This box is empty.

Yes, they are up
in the wheel house.

Shall we go up there, it's a
bit stuffy in here anyway.

Yes, certainly, if you wish.

John, why didn't you call me?
I've been so worried.

You have.

Well, what happened?
Did you destroy your yacht?

- It didn't work
- What do you mean?

Just what I say. I filled it
up with butane gas and then

invited Inspector Walker to come
down and blow it up for me.

What?

He's always been careless
with matches but today

he hadn't any matches
to be careless with.

John, look at me.
Did you mean to kill him?

Well why not. The scent and
the bloodhound in one.

Why are you looking at me like that?

I don't know you.

No, don't come near me.

You coldly and callously
planned to kill this man.

But you must be insane.

That's funny coming from you.

Oh, no, the other was different.

I cant stand it anymore.

First it's Alice and now this.
I've had enough, I'm getting out.

Oh, no, you're not.

Oh, John, what is happening to us.

Be patient, darling.

As soon as the will's proved
we can go abroad

and leave all this behind us.

Can we ever leave it
behind us John? Can we?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

- Hello, Sir.
- Anything new?

Nothing this end I'm afraid?

Mmm, there isn't, is there?
I'm stuck, Adams.

Why did Marsden ask
me to go down there?

All this nonsense about the
man prowling around at night.

I'm sure he's lying.

He remembered much too clearly
how the man was dressed.

Oh, look, here's the
description that he gave me.

You'd better circulate it
and give it to the press.

Yes, sir.

If Marsden wants to
think that we are

following up his
story then let him.

Did you get a look at the boat?
Any sign of the auto pilot?

Oh, there is no doubt
that he had one.

I found the mark of the set
screw on the steering column.

- Everything fits except...
- The pilot?

(SIGHS) Yes.

I wonder what he did with that?

At the bottom of the
channel with the

jewels that he
took from his wife

and the boat that brought
him from Le Havre to the yacht.

The motor boat.
That's it.

Find the man in France who
sold or hired the boat to him

and we are beginning
to get somewhere.

You see, there are 8 or 9
boatyards in Le Havre

which could supply boats
of the kind you describe.

That should be enough
relaxation for one day.

Oh, but there are many
more in the vicinity!

I hope not, I hate boats.

Oh, but there is no
need for us to visit them.

I can easily telephone them.

Oh, that's a very
good idea but I

didn't want to cause
you any trouble.

I assure you, Inspector,
it's no trouble at all.

This way, Inspector. It's not
very clean, I am afraid.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

It was a fast motorboat
about 4 or 5 metres long

and worked by an outboard motor.

Do you speak English?

- Of course, just a little.
- Good!

How fast would it go?

In fine weather
with only one passenger

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

That would be about
20km an hour.

Is this the man you
sold the boat to?

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

No he says he had a beard.

How did he pay for it?

He paid 150,000 Francs
in 10,000 Franc notes.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

Well the man paid in notes.

Ordered the boat to be got
ready and filled with petrol

and said he would phone
him from England to tell

him the exact day and
time he would collect.

And you yourself handed
the boat over to the man?

Yes, about a week later.

Did he seem to be in a hurry?

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

He said he had
a rendezvous at Deauville.

I never saw him again.

Do you think you could make me
a little sketch of the boat?

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

Thank you.

I agree with everything you said
but still its all circumstantial.

Not one of your witnesses will come
forward to swear to an identity.

I admit it's all possible
but its highly ingenious.

A man of such ingenuity who had

worked out the murder
in such detail.

He wouldn't of taken
that one big risk.

What risk?

The risk of being seen by
the cook or the nurse.

Would he let the whole
success or failure of this

most brilliant scheme
hang on such a thread?

The set might have broken,
the transmission itself even.

There are 1000 reasons for one or
both of them leaving the room.

But everything falls into place sir.

The marks on the autopilot.

The man with the
accommodation address.

And then the man with the
similar description who

bought the boat, and
then the boat vanishing.

And the friend who was going to go
with him turning up a day late.

It all fits. Put Marsden in the
dock and he is bound to crack.

No, I dare not do it.
I cant risk another failure.

Did Adams turn up anything
further in Brighton?

I don't know sir he's
still down there.

You can take me to the
pictures tonight.

What's on?

Well, it's an old picture but
jolly good. Double indemnity.

Edward G Robinson.
A detective!

Do you good. You might
learn something!

If Edward G Robinson was here, he'd
have found the murderer long ago!

Yeah, baby, I guess you're right!

Pick me up the same place?

OK.

Well drink your tea and push off.

I've got to wash the paint in here
before cook gets back.

Hey, what's that cat doing?

Mm?

Sit in that chair. Watch the
television and don't move.

What you talking about? Why?

Never you mind.
You do as I tell you.

Well, what is all this?

A cat? What on earth
do you mean a cat?

Yes, I know it sounds absurd.
You what?

Well I can't imagine
sir unless someone

mixed the putty with fish oil.

Yes, and another thing, the hole
was drilled from the inside.

Yes, you can see the
splinters on the outside of

the window frame where
the drill came through.

Splendid news. Look tell
the maid to keep her

mouth shut and come
back here right away.

There's a call from Le Havre
on your other line, sir.

Hello, Walker here.

We've had a great piece
of luck, Inspector.

The motor boat we were looking
for was hauled up last night.

In the net of a trawler
about 10 miles out at sea.

Are you sure?

Oh there's no doubt
whatever, Inspector.

Monsieur Pinot himself
has identified it

as the boat he sold
to the Englishman.

- He's with me here now.
- Where's the boat now?

Hold on.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

He says its in his boat yard.

Oh, I can not write,
I am too nervous.

Supposing we cannot
get these two cabins?

Now, Michelle everything's
going according to plan.

We've got the money and
the shipping company have

promised to ring back this
evening about the cabins.

- Now relax.
- It's easy to say.

(PHONE RINGING)

That's probably them now.

Hello. Yes?

Hello.

Yes. You have.

What ship?

I see, that's very kind of
you, thank you very much.

They're sending the
tickets round tonight.

It's the Cardinia.

- When are we sailing
- Tomorrow.

It's not good enough Walker.

There was no proof
that he drilled that hole.

Or even if he did the reason why.

I know that it's all wonderfully
circumstantial but there's no proof.

But the boat, sir?

There's no definite tie up
between him and the boat.

(PHONE RINGS)

Hello, yes.
It's for you Walker.

Thank you.

Hello, Walker here.

No, no, that's alright.

I see.

Yes thank you for ringing.
Goodbye.

- That was him.
- Marsden?

Yes, he rang to tell me he was
going abroad for a while and

he was sailing on the Cardinia
tomorrow for the West Indies.

That he raised a loan in
expectation of the will.

You'll stop him of course, sir?

I can't.
I've no reason to.

But surely you can
hold him on suspicion?

Suspicion?
Suspicion of what?

Look here, Walker, supposing
I come out into the open

and charge him with murder
and he gets away with it.

What do you suppose is
going to happen to us?

Find me one shred of definite
evidence that he was in the house.

Or a definite tie up between
this boat and Marsden's yacht.

And you shall have your warrant.

Very well. I'm leaving for
Le Havre immediately.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

He says the ship must
have been scuttled because

it was pushed
in from the inside.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

He says the rope was used to secure
the boat alongside another vessel.

Then they sank the boat and as
she sank they cut the rope.

And the rope in any case, it was
not on the ship when I sold her.

And it's not French look.

Three strands, and that
blue thread inside.

British Navy.

Could you buy this
sort of rope in France?

No.

This is it!

This is the link.
The rogues yarn.

Look cut off a bit of that
rope for me will you.

I must telephone London at once.

(FRENCH SPEAKING)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

You look there.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Where do they keep spare
ropes on a boat like this?

With a large store aft.
Looks like the bosun's store.

- Its padlocked.
- Break it open.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

I think I've got it.

This is it.

Get to shore as quick as you can
and telephone the Commissioner.

Go on we haven't got much time.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Well, I am quite certain
that these two

samples are cut from
the same kind of rope.

- Can you swear to that?
- Of course.

Comparison of the
fibres of the ropes

yarn leave can be no
doubt whatsoever.

Now are you satisfied, sir?

Oh, the gangway is still down.
Why haven't we sailed?

I don't know, we are probably
waiting for the mail or something.

We should have sailed half
an hour ago. Something is wrong.

John, I am frightened.

Michelle, you are imagining things.
They can't stop us now.

But supposing Walker
has found out something else.

And asked them to stop the ship?

Walker's probably sitting
in his office at

this very moment, and
enjoying a quiet pipe.

(SHIPS HORN)

There, what did I tell you?

Oh, John. We are safe!

We are safe.

(KNOCK AT DOOR]

- Who is it?
- Chief purser, sir.

Come in.

John Marsden, I have a warrant
for your arrest

for the murder of your
wife on October 2nd.

I must ask you to come with me.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

No, no!

(CRIES)

(CLOSING DRAMATIC MUSIC)