'Unto almighty god, we commend the soul of our sister departed...
'And commit her body to the ground.
'In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection unto eternal life.
'Earth to earth.
'Ashes to ashes.
'Dust to dust.'
Let us pray.
'Our father, which art in heaven.
'Hallowed be thy name.
'Thy kingdom come.
'Thy will be done
'In earth, as it is in heaven.'
'Give us this day our daily bread...
Well..
Steve!
Why not come and stay a few days with us?
That's very good of you, sir.
I must face that empty house sooner or later.
But, father....
Don't, Elizabeth.
The longer one puts off an ordeal the worse it becomes.
He's quite right.
I must learn to be alone.
You all of you have been kind beyond words.
Bless you!
He looks so alone.
Oh!
I do like to see a widower grieving proper.
It lends tone to a funeral.
I thought he was going to fall in a dead faint.
That would have been lovely.
But, he was as white as a corpse himself.
Huh!
Look at her ladyship!
Quick as greased lightning, if it's for the master.
Mooning around the kitchen til he wants something,
And then she hops like a bloody kangaroo!
Look what you've done now! You clumsy...
And the best china, too!
I'll see it's taken out of your wages.
You get another cup, and be quick about it!
And you best be changing your ways,
You little guttersnipe, if you want to keep your place here.
Get along with that tray,
And hurry back, if you know what's good for you.
That is, if you can tear yourself away from the master.
Huh. What I have to put up with trash like that in the kitchen.
Oh, it's you, Lily.
Yes, sir.
I thought you'd like your tea by the fire, sir.
That's very thoughtful of you.
Thank you.
Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?
Yes!
You could take the cat away.
Miss Izzy?
There you are.
Poor little thing, wandering around like a lost soul, she is.
Lonesome for your mistress, aren't you?
It's been a very difficult time for all the household.
I'm very grateful for everyone's help,
Especially for your devotion to Mrs. Lowry.
Sir, you were the devoted one..
Waiting on her hand and foot like you did,
Never letting anyone else near her!
I did all I could.
You know it's strange, sir.
Whenever I look at her picture I get such a queer feeling.
It's almost as if she's trying to tell me something.
Shiftless, good-for-nothing hussy, and getting worse everyday.
I thought I told you not to call me names anymore.
I'll call you names so long as you're in my kitchen.
The fire's getting low.
Pop down and fetch up some coal.
Get it yourself. I'm not dirtying my hands.
Well! Hark at the duchess!
Why, you haven't got a clean pair of hands since you can remember.
You was born dirty.
Get that coal and step lively.
Keep on wagging your tongue
The more words you say the more you'll have to eat.
Me eat my words!
Why you mangy little alley cat...
Stop it. Do you hear? Stop it!
Don't every call me names like that again.
Not ever! Or you'll be sorry!
We'll soon see who's the sorry one
When I'm put in charge here as housekeeper.
And when I am,
It'll be back to the gutter for you, my girl, where you belong!
Here! Here! What's all this?
Have you no decency about you?
No respect for your grieving master,
Or the poor lady not yet cold in her grave?
[ Bell ringing ]
It's from her room.
Isn't it the poor lady, herself, come back to haunt you?
If you weren't so stupid you'd know it's Mr. Lowry up there.
Some day I'm going to forget I'm a lady...
And wipe up the floor with that nasty little...
[ Knock ]
Come in.
Yes, sir?
Oh, Lily.
Your mistress usually kept her jewels in this box.
Do you know what happened to them?
Nothing, sir.
She gave them to me.
Gave them to you?
Yes, sir, just before she died.
You're lying!
Do you think for a moment anyone would believe that?
They all believe she died of gastroenteritis, don't they, sir?
One's as true as the other.
I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.
Oh, you will, sir, when I've explained it to you.
You see, you might not have known it the other night, but...
I brought some fresh coal in for the fire,
Just as your poor wife was dying.
And while the doctor was pulling the sheet over her face...
I saw you quickly take the bottle of medicine and put it behind your back.
And then you hid it in a place where you thought it might be safe.
What have you done with it?
I did some experiments with it.
On the rats in the cellar, sir.
And I don't think the police would believe
They died of gastroenteritis, do you, sir?
They might pick them up
To see if there's some kind of poison in them
And if they did that with the rats, sir...
They might start wondering about Mrs. Lowry,
And do the same with her.
Wouldn't they?
All right.
You can keep the jewels.
Thank you, sir.
Oh, one other thing, sir.
I'd like to be housekeeper here.
You?
Housekeeper?
Yes, sir, I've set my heart on it.
Very well.
I think it's your place to tell Mrs. Parks and Grimes
That they can take orders from me from now on.
They're downstairs in the kitchen now.
You realize, of course, that with the death of Mrs. Lowry...
I shall have to make new domestic arrangements.
The same thought had occurred to me, sir.
And me, sir.
This house needs someone to take it over properly
My very words, sir.
So I've decided to give the post of housekeeper to Lily.
Me?
Take orders from that...
That...
Guttersnipe is what you usually call me, Mrs. Parks.
And guttersnipe is what you are.
And i'll not take orders from you or the likes of you.
Same here.
Now you listen to me, both of you.
You'll do exactly as I say or you'll get out!
Yes, sir. As you say, sir.
If you give satisfaction, there's no reason why you shouldn't stay.
Your stick, sir?
This is the one for the evening.
I'll remember.
I never forget anything, sir.
I'm sure you don't.
I may be late.
No one need wait up for me.
Thank you.
Oh, Father and Stephen are still talking.
Yes, they are.
Oh, I do hope they do come to some sort of arrangement soon.
Poor Stephen. He looks like a lost soul these days.
See hear, young lady, bachelors can be lost souls as well as widowers.
Why worry about poor David.
You?
Yes, me.
That's an idea that would never occur to me.
Besides, you've been very naughty.
Tell me what I did.
That's just it. You didn't do anything.
You just sat like a lump all the way through dinner without saying a word.
You know, I don't think I should have ever invited you to dinner with Steve.
After all, it was his first evening to anyone's house,
And I wanted it to be pleasant.
You were pleasant enough for both of us.
Come on, beth,Idon't want to miss the overture.
I would like to wait a moment. Do you mind?
Oh, Andrew, we'll have brandy in here.
Very good, sir.
Well, my dear, it's all settled.
Really, father. Oh, how wonderful!
Aren't you going to congratulate Stephen?
On what?
On the new partnership.
From now on it's going to be Travers and Lowry.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
It really has been a blessing.
I've been so at loose ends.
Not quite knowing how to pick up the pattern again.
Don't try. It's better to make a new one.
Beth. We'll be late.
I'm taking Elizabeth to the theatre.
Gilbert and sullivan.
Good night, sir.
Goodnight.
Goodnight, my boy.
Oh, I'm so pleased, Stephen.
Are you?
Shall we go?
You know there's another reason
I'm glad you've decided to go in with me Stephen.
I'm not as young asIwas,
AndIwant someone to have a firm rate on the business
For Elizabeth's sake. She's all thatIhave.
What about young macdonald?
My dear boy, he's a barrister not a business man.
Besides, nothing is settled between them yet.
Oh,Ithought it was.
I thought he was becoming quite serious.
Of course. They've grown up together. He's a fine lad.
Oh he's a splendid fellow, splendid.
Now,Ithink the first thing for you to do
Is to make a good survey of the warehouse.
Tomorrow, if it suits you.
Just as you please.
The sooner the better.
Ah, Burke!
Back on night duty again?
Yes, sir, and very gladIam, too.
Doesn't the wife mind?
Oh, no, no, it gives me some time at home,
And a chance to see something of the nippers.
Oh, that sounds like a happy family.
I must confess I'm a bit envious.
I, uh, beg your pardon, sir, but...
I'd like to take the liberty of extending my condolences.
It was very sad news.
Thank you, Burke.
You know,Idon't know what it would be like to come home
And not find the missus there.
I can tell you.
It's like always being in the dark.
Good night, Burke.
Good night, sir.
Don't ever use her perfume.
Good morning, wells.
Why, Mr. Macdonald. I didn't recognize you.
Mrs. Elizabeth at home?
I'm just waiting for her.
Pardon me, sir. Aren't you afraid of this thing?
Ah! Here she is.
David, what are you doing here?
I'm competing with wells.
He's offering you ancient transport. I'm offering you modern.
It's for you to choose.
David. Oh, David, how lovely. Is it yours?
Yes.
It's not exactly new, but it goes jolly fast!
Twelve miles an hour!
Oh, how wonderful.
Where are you off to?
Well,Iwas going shopping, and then to pick up father at the warehouse.
I've got a much better idea.
Let me take you for a spin in the country.
I'd just love it!
Wells, you�d better call for father.
All right, Miss.
You'll need this for travelling at high speed.
Thank you.
How long have you been driving this thing?
All of half an hour.
Oh, David, this is great fun!
You notice how I've steered away from all the ruts?
I couldn't do a better job myself.
Certainly,Icouldn't look so beautiful doing it.
Oh, David, look, look!
There's the road ahead!
[ Chickens squawking ]
Put her in high case.
Before you do anymore driving, i suggest you pay me a retainer.
From the signs I've just seen,
You'll probably need the services of a promising young barrister.
Consider yourself retained.
May I present you with a receipt.
That wasn't very fair.
Why not?
Because, you're in love with Stephen Lowry.
How did you know?
I've seen you both together.
Beth, don't you realize
Only a few weeks ago
You saw him standing in front of his wife's grave.
You stood there, yourself!
Oh, I know. I know it's wrong.
It's not only wrong.
But I've said nothing, nor has he.
Does one have to say?
David, you are right.
I'm very ashamed of myself.
I've told myself these things over and over again.
Whenever I look at him,
I make myself look at that mourning band on his arm
Hoping it will create a barrier between us.
It's no use.
Nothing is any use.
I find myself so deeply attracted to him.
I'm sorry.
Beth, believe me when I tell you
He's not the man for you.
Why, why do you say that?
There's something I can't quite put my finger on.
I don't know what.
Perhaps I'm being unfair.
I hope not.
Of course you realize, I'm in love with you, myself.
I've never handled a case quite like this before,
So I thought a little expert advice might be helpful.
Of course. AnythingIcan do.
The claim is that a shipment of parrots from Madagascar
Was a total loss, because the ship put into an unscheduled
port where the weather was bitterly cold, and uh...
All the birds perished.
Oh, dear oh dear. Poor little chaps.
Quite so, but would they be so sensitive to a change in climate?
Of course. You've no idea what care I take of my little beauties.
But there is one thing...
You don't mind my asking questions, do you?
Certainly not. I'm most grateful for your interest.
Well. Well perhaps my geography is getting a little rusty,
ButIcan't understand what
port they could have touched on the way to madagascar.
One with such a violent change in climate.Imean..
Do you happen to know what port it was?
Well, uh... I'm afraid i didn't inquire,
But, uh, the ship may have been driven off of course.
It would depend on the time of year, wouldn't it?
May I suggest something?
Please do.
I suggest that there was no ship.
That there is no case,
And that there were no parrots.
Now, don't you think it might be a good idea
To tell me what you really came to see me about?
I suppose I made a fool of myself.
Well, we all do from time to time.
Well... you see...
Hang it all.I may as well tell you outright.
Elizabeth thinks she's in love with you.
I know her so well. AllIwant is her happiness.
If I thought she could find it with you, i'd...
You come to my house and speak to me about another woman
Knowing that my wife has been dead only a few weeks.
I am still in mourning.
And you accuse me of having made advances?
No, you don't understand...
How else am I to interpret what you're saying?
Or, are you trying to imply that Elizabeth
Has committed this breach of taste?
Of course I don't mean that!
Elizabeth's the most wonderful girl in the world.
I couldn't bear anyone to think ill.
I should have kept this to myself.
I'm sorry.
Well, we can all make mistakes
When one's young and in love.
Let's forget about the whole thing.
How about a whisky
To fortify yourself against the fog?
Thank you, sir.
You can't go in. He's got a visitors.
I don't care if he is busy.
I'm seeing 'im.
Is this the thanks i get, sir?
After all the years of loyal service
I've given to you and Mrs. Lowry?
And get me sacked
With that snake-in-the-grass you've made housekeeper.
What's the meaning of this, Lily?
Can't you settle these affairs?
She insisted on seeing you, sir.
I couldn't stop her.
Not the likes of her will stop me.
Nor will they tell me their business neither.
You can take orders for flowers.
That's a lie.
You don't want me to stay and to see what new tricks she's up to.
She knows I'm on to her.
Her and her scheming to be housekeeper before
The poor mistress was even cold in her grave.
Why, she never ought to have been hired in the first place.
There's no making a silk purse out of a sows ear.
That'll be all Mrs. Parks, would you please go.
Go? Huh! I'll go all right.
I wouldn't stay under the same roof with her if you was to pay me double.
Nor me!
I'm warning you, sir.
Look out for this one.
She's got something up her sleeve besides her arm.
These domestic problems...
Please don't apologize.
I won't stay for that drink if you don't mind.
Oh, please, won't you?
I can see my way out, thank you.
You little fool!
Don't you ever let me catch you wearing this
Or any other of her jewelry
While someone's in this house!
What do you suppose Macdonald thought
Seeing it on you and on my wife?
And don't ever let me be humiliated
By servants dragging their brawls into my drawing room!
Oh, that won't happen again, sir.
There won't be any servants.
What do you mean?
Oh, I'll be doing the cooking from now on.
You don't need another woman in the house.
Not while I'm here, sir.
Not even miss Elizabeth Travers.
Another woman once thought she owned me.
Don't drive me too far.
Where are you going?
I'm just going to post a letter.
Why, just a minute, Lily.
I've been thinking.
You are an very attractive young woman.
With the right opportunity and the right environment.
You might improve your situation considerably.
How d'you mean, sir?
Say in a country like Canada or America.
In america, for instance, there's no barrier of class distinction.
With money a girl like you could be a lady.
What's the use of being a lady
In a place where it makes no difference, sir?
Besides, why'd you want to send me so far away?
Oh, it's only for your own good.
Besides here in England what chance do you get
With everybody telling you to keep your place and know your place?
ButIdo know my place, sir. It's with you.
A place I'm never going to give up.
Shan't be long, sir.
How do you like that....
Murder!
Police!
That way!
[ Police whistle ]
Gottcha!
Don't kill him!
Stand over here!
Ralph! Here he is!
Pete! Pete!
[ Police whistle ]
There he is.
[ Police whistle ]
[ Door closes ]
[ Distant whistles ]
[ Distant voices ]
[ Distant whistles ]
[ Cat screech ]
[ Door closes ]
Ah!
Lol! The excitement that's going on outside!
If I hadn't gone out to post the letter i'd have missed it all!
Some poor woman got her head bashed in.
Let's talk inside.
Fancy! In a neighborhood like this, too.
Oh!
Policemen all over the place looking for the murderer.
I nearly got trampled down, all with the fog and running about.
It's good to be safe back inside again!
Like you killed the wrong girl.
[ Knock on door ]
[ Knock again ]
I'm so sorry to disturb you.
Good evening, Mr. Lowry.
Good evening.
I'm warning everybody in the neighborhood
To keep their windows and doors bolted.
There's been a murder done.
Near here?
Right outside the Blue Anchor.
And the worst of it is...
The other man got clean away.
Do you know who it was who got murdered?
Katy Burke.
You must know her husband, Miss.
He's been on this beat quite a while, now.
[ Whispering ]: Constable Burke's wife!
Horrible!
It is that, sir.
As nice a young woman as you'd ever find.
And with two little boys.
Well, if you hear of anything suspicious,
Call the police, right off.
Good night, sir.
[ Door closes ]
[ Ambulance bell ]
That should be me in that ambulance
You didn't have to do anything to me.
I'd never harm you.
That's the most recent picture of the murdered girl.
Are you sure you've never seen her, Mr. Lowry.
Quite sure, inspector.
I wishIcould be of some help.
Constable Burke is a fine chap.
He has my deepest sympathy.
What about this, Mr. Lowry?
Ever seen it before?
Well, I've certainly got a stick very like...
By george, this is mine. How did you come by it?
You admit that it's yours?
But, of course. It's got my initials on it.
That's the weapon that bludgeoned kitty Burke to death.
What!
Good heavens!
Well i.....Idon't know how long it's been missing.
One.. Doesn't.. Often use a stick like that in town.
I see.
Where were you last evening, Mr. Lowry?
At home.
At ten minutes past nine o'clock?
Why certainly.
Now... just one moment inspector.
If I'm supposed to be under suspicion...
I'm afraidImust refuse to answer any more questions
Until my solicitor is present.
Very well, Mr. Lowry.
Perhaps you would like to get in touch with him.
That's right. I'll do so immediately.
That's him.
That's the man who bashed to poor girl to death.
That's him, all right. I'd know him anywhere.
Well, Mr. Lowry.
Well, it's utterly ridiculous.
I've never seen these two men before in my life.
If you'll excuse me.
Just a moment!
Stephen Lowry
I arrest you for the murder of katherine Burke.
You're not obliged to say anything in answer to this charge.
But whatever you say will be taken down and may be given in evidence.
Do you wish to say anything?
I'm sorry,Ican't do it.
Surely you don't believe he's guilty.
That's beside the point.
What other reason can you have for refusing?
An all important one.
I happen to love you, beth,
And he happens to be the man who's come between us.
SupposeIdefend him, and fail to prove him innocent.
It has happened, you know.
Could you be sure i'd done my best?
CouldIbe sureIhad?
Don't you understand?
No, David,Idon't
I could never have such doubts
Where you're concerned.
Don't you see? You're the only person in the world
That can set my mind at rest over this.
Please, David, do it for my sake.
Police Constable 313, matthew Burke.
Constable Burke.
You are the husband of the late katherine henderson Burke
Who met her death on the evening of november the third?
That is correct, sir.
You have children, Constable?
Yes, sir, two little boys.
When and where did you last see your wife alive.
About seven that evening at home, sir.
I'd been to see how timmie, the youngest, was feeling
He'd had a bad cough and a fever with it.
He seemed much better, and Katy, that's my wife,
Came to the door with me like she always does, and...
I mean... did.
And you left home to fulfill your duties
Of protecting life and property,
Never dreaming that when you returned
That home would be without it's wife and mother?
Constable, what was the reason for your wife
Venturing out in that dreadful fog, on the evening in question?
Timmie took a bad turn later, sir.
A neighbor went 'round for the doctor
Who told Katy the little chap mightn't last the night.
She was on her way to find me when it happened.
And when did you learn of the tragedy?
About ten o'clock, I think, sir.
I was ordered to report to the police station.
I believe that was rightly the last timeIsaw her.
But not alive, Constable.
Constable Burke.
Will you please look at the prisoner in the dock.
Do you recognize him?
Yes, sir.
Mr. Lowry, sir.
As far as you know was your wife acquainted with Mr. Lowry?
Oh, no, sir. No.
Can you suggest any possible reason for the prisoner wishing to harm your wife?
No, sir.
I don't know why anyone would have wanted to harm her.
Thank you, Constable Burke.
That is all.
Now, Mr. Jones
When you and Mr. Corcoran saw Mrs. Burke's assailant
Why did you not apprehend him?
Beg your pardon, sir?
Why did you not apre....
Why did you not stop him?
Oh! Apprehend.
Yes.
Well, we couldn't.
He disappeared into the fog before you could say "Jack Robinson. "
It was a real pea-souper, that night.
Consider it carefully, and
Remember you're under oath before answering my next question.
Are you quite certain
When you emerged from the lighted pub out into the foggy night
You saw the assailant's face clearly enough
To identify him beyond a shadow of a doubt?
Oh, I am. It was Mr. Lowry, all right.
So the fog was too thick for you to apprehend the murderer
But clear enough for you to see his face!
Yes.
That's all.
Oh! One more question, Mr. Jones.
How many drinks had you in company with Mr. Cocoran?
Two. Maybe three gins. No more than three.
Large gins or small gins.
Small ones.
Thank you.
Call Michael Corcoran
Mr. Corcoran,Iwish you to tell us
How you came to see the assailant of katherine Burke.
Oh, that's easy, sir. In the light from the pub.
He was only a yard or two away.
Thank you, Mr. Corcoran.
First of all Mr. Corcoran,
Do you remember how many drinks you had in company with Mr. Jones?
Uh.... six gins, sir.
It should have been seven,
But Jones hadn't any money left for his last round.
Large gins or small gins?
Well, it was a bitter, foggy night, sir.
They was large gins.
Six large gins seems rather a lot.
The average man would be a bit tipsy on all that.
Not me. After six gins I'm as sober as a beak.
[ Laughter ]
What's the witness mean, "sober as a beak?"
AsIunderstand it, your worship,
He means after six large gins he's as sober as a..... judge.
[ Laughter ]
That's all, Mr. Corcoran.
Call Lily Watkins.
Lily Watkins!
Remove you right-Hand glove.
And now take the testament in your right hand.
Now, read the oath.
I swear by almighty god that the evidence I give to this court
Shall be the truth, the whole truth,
And nothing but the truth, so help me god.
Now, Lily, do you remember the evening of november the 3rd?
I do, sir.
Can you tell us where Mr. Lowry was
Between eight-thirty and nine-thirty that night?
Yes sir. He didn't leave the house all evening.
How do you know?
Well, I was with Mr. Lowry every minute of the time.
And were you in the room with him every minute of the time?
Oh, no, sir, I had my duties to attend to.
But you know exactly where Mr. Lowry was every minute, is that....
Yes, sir.
He didn't leave the drawing room until he went upstairs to his room
Well, I suggest that Mr. Lowry did leave the drawing room, Miss. Watkins.
And that he also left the house.
But, he couldn't have done so, not without me knowing it.
And I suggest if you didn't know it
It's because that between nine o'clock and a quarter past
You were in another part of the house intent on your duties.
No, sir. At nine, according to the town hall clock
I was in the dining room polishing the silver before putting it away.
Well,.... the drawing room being just across the hall
Mr. Lowry was in plain sight the whole time.
And what was the duration of this whole time,
During which you watched from the dining room
While he stayed in the drawing room?
About half an hour, sir.
Then I went up to do the fire in his room.
I was on my way to the servant�s quarters,
AndIheard Mr. Lowry come up the stairs and go into his room.
There is someone, I presume, who can corroborate your testimony?
Oh, Mr. Lowry can.
I don't mean the prisoner.
One of the other servants, perhaps.
Well, I'm the only servant in the house.
If witnesses swear they saw Mr. Lowry
Near the Anchor pub about nine fifteen do you say they're lying?
Either that, sir, or drunk.
[ Laughter ]
I want you to take a good look at the article that will be shown you.
Please show exhibit a to the witness.
Do recognize that walking stick?
Yes, sir.
It belongs to Mr. Lowry.
Now, Miss. Watkins,
Perhaps you can tell us when exactly you last saw the stick.
Uh.... it must have been about two months ago that I lost it.
[Inaudible mumbling ]
Silence in court!
Would you care to tell us how, exactly, you came to lose the walking stick?
Well, I had sprained my ankle on the cellar steps,
And it was paining me a lot when I had to go and do the marketing.
So I borrowed one of Mr. Lowry's sticks from the hall rack.
I... I...I took that one because I knew he didn't use it very often.
And you lost it.
This stick that your painful injury had made so necessary.
How did this misfortune occur?
Well, it was in the green grocers.
I leaned the stick up against the bin,
And, while I did the shopping, and when I looked for it, it was gone.
Some boy must have pinched it to play with.
I.... oh,Ididn't tell Mr. Lowry hoping he wouldn't miss it.
And I suggest it never happened.
In the event, that you'd made up this story
Because Mr. Lowry is you employer, and pays you a good wage.
It would take a lot more than wages
To make me lie for Mr. Lowry or any other employer.
An attitude that does you proud.
But, it would take a lot more than attitude
To make me change my belief
That it was Stephen Lowry, not you, who lost the stick.
That it was lost on the night of the murder,
And not pinched two months ago by any playful boy.
And you can't prove I'm wrong,
Can you, Lily Watkins?
No sir...
But when you find the boy
That pinched it, he'll be able to tell you!
[ Laughter ]
[ Judge: ] the burden consequently rest upon the prosecution
To show a prima facie case on which the prisoner
Can be committed for trial or an indictment for murder
Before a high court judge and a jury.
Counsel for the prisoner has submitted that the evidence
Does not show such a prima facie case.
I accept that submission.
And the prisoner, Stephen Lowry, is discharged.
[ Applause ]
[ Calls of approval ]
This way, sir.
Oh, Mr. T. And I were so glad!
There must be something wrong with the law
When a man like Stephen Lowry can be humiliated like this.
While the man who murdered Burke's wife is free to run at large.
Stephen Lowry might well have been subjected for trial
Had it not had been for Lily's testimony.
Surprisingly excellent testimony.
The crown, now, has a murderer on his hands
And not suspect.
And Constable Burke and his two sons... no wife and no mother.
Thank you, good night.
Good night, sir.
[ Door closes ]
Welcome home, Mr. Lowry.
Yesterday,Iwas standing trial for murder.
And for the first time I knew what a murder felt like.
It may seem incredible to you
But I didn't feel like that at all when I killed my wife.
I just felt a great release.
I suppose you've wondered whyIever married her.
You don't have to tell me.
It must have been pretty obvious.
Yes, I married her for her money.
How long have you worked here, Lily?
Just over a year.
I remember you smiled at me the first dayIcame.
Did i?
Well, you were here long enough to know what went on.
Always having to be at her beck and call.
The scenes that went on if I tried to slip away for an hour or two.
And then when she started to try to make herself look young.
I realized for the first time... how really old she was.
Yes,Iknow.
I used to help dress her.
Well, I stuck it for ten years.
Ten years!
Because I wanted all the things that went with it.
And I've still got them.
I know what it is to want things.
Wanted to be noticed.
Have people look at you with respect in their eyes.
Not like you were a piece of dirt.
Wanting to be somebody.
Not just a scivvy with your hands always smelling of onions.
It's different, now.
I was just something in a uniform
To be shouted at and called names.
No feelings.
Just nobody.
Nothing.
A nothing.
You know,Ican't understand you.
How can you stay here?
Aren't you frightened to be the house
Of the man who has already tried to kill you?
Aren't you afraid?
Yes, I am.
I was so afraid that i wrote my sister a letter.
Letter?
What about?
I told her all about you...
And what you'd done.
So she'd open it in case anything happened to me suddenly.
I congratulate you.
You thought of everything.
I only did it because I was afraid.
I mixed up the jewelry so's you'd notice me.
And I told you about the bottle of poison
So that you wouldn't be able to send me away from you.
Ha ha ha.
I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you to look after.
[ Door closes ]
Oh! It's you, Burke?
Oh! Oh, good evening Mr. Lowry.
I didn't expect to see you back on this beat.
I requested it, sir.
I don't think I would have had the courage.
You would, sir, if your wife had been murdered.
Yes.
Good night, Burke.
Good night, sir.
Oh, good evening, Mr. Lowry.
Good evening.
Thank you.
[ Door closes ]
You'll find Miss. Elizabeth in the drawing room, sir.
Steve!
I was afraid that the fog might hold you up.
Good evening, Elizabeth.
Stephen, what is it?
What's the matter?
I saw Burke tonight.
Burke?
Constable Burke.
Just outside my house.
He was standing in the fog like a ghost and we looked at each other.
Two men who had just lost their wives, but with a horrible difference.
His had been brutally murdered, for no apparent reason.
And I was suspected of that murder, arrested and put on trial.
And acquitted.
It was an absurd charge.
Elizabeth, what must he think?
I didn't see his face, hear his voice.
I can't get him out of my mind.
Stephen, I'm going to be really cross with you.
I've watched you all these months
Letting yourself get more and more moody and bitter.
It's time you stopped tormenting yourself.
You have everything ahead of you. Everything to live for.
Have I, Elizabeth?
Have I everything to look for?
Why did you persuade David to defend me?
Did you think I would need a good lawyer?
Of course not, I...
I went to him because he was a friend.
I wish you hadn't, anybody but him.
Don't you realize it's put me under a lasting obligation to him?
But..I don't understand.
Why?
How would like to be indebted to someone
Of whom you're insanely jealous?
You're jealous of David?
But you needn't be.
Don't you know, Stephen? You needn't be jealous of any man.
Oh, I was so frightened of losing you.
[ Clears throat ]
If you'll excuse me, my dear,
I have something to say to your father.
Something I think I'm already aware of.
I know I should have spoken to you first, sir,
But all this happened without us thinking.
Not an unheard of occurrence.
She's all I've got, Steve.
I hope you're not taking her away too soon.
Then, I take it you don't object, sir?
My dear boy, I'm delighted.
Well!
Ha ha ha ha
You're very kind, sir.
Sit down
And uh... there's just one little matter i'd like to mention.
After all, a prospective father-in-law has some privileges, eh?
Well, of course, sir, anything at all.
Yes, sir?
Andrews, bring two glasses of the '87.
Very good, sir.
And, uh... this business of that girl, Lily,
running your house.
Being there alone with you.
Better put an end to it, my boy.
Well, I only kept Lily on all this time
Because my wife made her promise to look after me.
And, by George, she has!
She hardly lets me out of her sight.
Um, well, give her a little present.
Loyalty should always be rewarded.
See that she gets another place.
You're quite right, sir.
As a matter of fact,
I have a plan in mind that will take care of Lily very nicely.
Splendid! Splendid!
Ah, here's the port.
Nothing like laying down a good port, eh?
[ Chuckling ]
Well. Here's to the future!
God bless us all.
[ Lily humming ]
Lily!
I like to see that you're still up.
Come in here!
I want to speak to you.
This is for you.
We have something very special to celebrate.
I want you to congratulate me.
I'm engaged to be married to Miss. Elizabeth Travers.
I told you no other woman in the house when I'm here.
And I mean to be here!
Even though you tried to kill me once,Imean to be here!
I've lied for you and protected you,
And I'm never going to give you up now, not ever!
[ Laughing ]
Don't be an idiot! You know I can't marry her.
Well, then, I don't understand.
Well, listen, and I'll tell you.
You know that I'm Travers's partner, don't you?
Well, think how much stronger my position will be
If I'm a prospective son-in-law as well.
He'll turn over more and more authority to me,
And I can lay my hands on a great deal of money.
And we will need all the money we can get if we're going to America.
We?
Of course.
You want to come, don't you?
Are we?
We're two of a kind, Lily.
I find it rather comforting
To be with someone who knows all about me.
Knows the best and the worst.
Anyway, I'm fed up with it here.
America is the country for us.
Shall we drink to it?
To the future,
And God bless us all.
That's better.
You know you'll have to start preparing for this.
I can't have my wife behaving like a servant.
Wife?
D'you mean that you'd... you'd marry me?
Why are you so surprised?
Don't make a fool of me, sir.
I'm not!
I can't imagine why it never occurred to you before.
You seemed to have thought of everything else.
You could have made me do it at any time.
You see, I haven't forgotten about that letter.
Oh, the letter!
Yes.
We can't very well go to America and leave that lying about, can we?
Oh. I'd forgotten all about that.
Oh, I'll write to my sister, and tell her to send it back.
That won't do. Something might happen to it in the post.
I'd tell her to burn it. She'd never open it.
I'll write to her before i go to bed tonight, sir.
Uh!. Not that I'll expect to get any sleep at all.
With all this to think about.
Mrs. Stephen Lowry.
I'll try, sir. I'll learn.
I promise i won't disgrace you.
I'll do anything in the world for you.
Don't send me away.
You're the only good thing that ever happened to me.
There's one way to lose a thing.
That's to put it away safe.
Now here's another winner
Or my name's not Moresby.
That wouldn't surprise me, neither.
"Golden Lassie. "
That appeals to me.
Uh, you can count on a lassie to do that in those days.
[ Child crying ]
Oh, that child again.
Here! What about this "Jersey Lily?"
Same name as your sister.
Might bring you luck.
Looking for that letter you're trying to find.
What'ya say, duck? One and six pence?
Come on. Be a sport.
One sport in the family's enough.
A shilling!
[ Child crying ]
In a minute, love!
In a minute!
[ Child still crying ]
Oh, all right, then. I give in.
Six pence.
[ Kiss ]
Oh, all right, then. Six pence.
Anything to get you out from under my feet.
[ Kiss ]
Six pence.
"Jersey....... Lily. "
Now.
What about the last.
Here's six pence.
Thanks, Ducks.
Huh!
Well, if it wasn't here all the time!
See, I told you a bet on a "Jersey Lily" might bring you luck.
Here!. What's Lily want you to burn that for?
I don't know.
Says its all a pack of lies.
Seems a lot of trouble to got to.
Writing a pack of lies, and ask someone to burn it up.
[ Reading ] "put it on the fire and forget all about it.
[ Reading ] "whenIwrote it I was feeling mean and spiteful,
" And took pleasure in making something up
"That might cause trouble to someone. "
Meaning who,Iwonder.
[ Reading ] "but everything is changed now,
"And I'm not afraid of nothing.
Um.
And another thing.
Why should she have thought that something might happened to her sudden?
Well it.... might to anyone.
Yes, but you don't go writing letters about it.
You may laugh at me, old girl,
But I've got a sort of queer hunch about this billy-do of Lily's
You know..... that we might sort of learn something about her if.. Uh..
We took a look.
But that's not honest!
And since when being honest paid you anything?
All I had in mind was, that you'd feel happier
Knowing something about your only little sister.
Which... uh... maybe you ought to know.
Well, I would that.
No!
It's against my principles!
[ Child crying ]
All right, love.
I'm coming.
[ Knock ]
Come in.
The doctor's here.
Oh, thank you Lily.
Now, how's my patient this morning? Better?
I'm afraid not.
Oh, we can't have that, you know.
My dear chap, I'm afraid we are having it.
We've been having it for two weeks.
Are you sure you've been taking your medicines regularly?
Yes, that delightful crimson mixture I take before meals,
And those strange little powders after meals,
And that chalky looking substance before I go to bed.
A nightcapIcan hardly wait for.
Yes, yes, very tedious for you.
ButIcan only go on the symptoms you've given me.
Now doctor..... seriously.
I know you going to say I'm imagining it, but...
Don't you think that my symptoms are rather like those of my poor wife?
Oh-Ho, well, uh... yes, and uh... no...
Many quite different maladies produce
The same symptoms at the outset.
But, sir...
I know some can play a very trick about, too.
And you've been under a great strain.
Still, we'll soon get to the bottom of it.... given time.
Aw, no, not again, doctor.
Oh, it's pure routine.
Ah!
Now, just take a deep breath, will you?
[ Long sigh ]
And another.
[ Long sigh ]
Good.
That seems to be pumping away.
[ Long sigh ]
Yes, in quite a good order.
You know,Inever worry very much about a man who has a good heart.
[ Chuckle ]
Well.
If I had facts, sir, I wouldn't be here,...
ButIhave reasons, sound ones, for feeling asIdo.
Well, as you feel so strongly about it, let's have your reasons.
I can't give them
Without violating the ethics of my profession.
I've been very patient with you, David,
But now I've had quite enough.
You come here to deliberately besmirch a man's reputation.
A man, too, ill to defend himself... no, no, no, hear me out.
I've the greatest sympathy for your disappointment about Elizabeth.
I object to that.
Why?
You can't deny you're disappointed
She's marrying another man.
It's not disappointment, sir.
But, quite frankly I'm... alarmed.
Alarmed?
Because... because the man happens to be Stephen Lowry.
Sir, I ask you to at least postpone this marriage until...
Until when?
Until I have something more concrete.
I'm afraid you're a very bad loser, David.
I'm sorry you take that view, sir.
Tell Mr. Lowry he'd better see me if he knows what's good for him.
But, sir, I keep telling you, he hasn't been to the office for some days.
You're a liar! You're a humbug!
Oh, there you are Mr. Lowry.
I knew you'd come out of hiding when you heard thatIwouldn't be put off.
But, sir, you're making a mistake!
Herbert Moresby's the name. I'm married to Lily Watkins' sister.
I'll take care of this, Hedges.
May I suggest this is not the proper place to create a disturbance.
I know a very nice little pub just around the corner.
We can have a chat and a drink there.
Now you're talking like a sensible chap.
It's the most charming little house,
And I do think it would be fun to live in the country for a time.
I've always wanted to.
What do you think, Steve?
[ Hoarsely ] oh, ugh.
Oh, I'm tiring you.
The doctor said I was only to stay 20 minutes,
And I must have been here for more than an hour.
My darling, it's only this medicineIhave to take.
Anyway, don't take any notice of what he says.
[ Knock ]
Excuse me, sir, your broth.
Oh lordy, is it time for that again? Do I have to....
I'm sorry, sir, the doctor says you have to have it.
Um
I see you are in good hands.
Thank you, Miss. Travers.
I really must go, Stephen.
Oh, must you go....
I've been too long.
Oh, Lily!
Would you be so good as to see Miss. Travers out?
Please get well, quickly, darling,
I want you to see the new house. I know you'll love it.
I love you.
I'll see you tomorrow.
[ Blow kiss ] Bye!
Well, Mr. Lowry.
If that letter ain't worth 500 pounds
My name ain't herbert moresby.
I thought that'd give you a bit of a turn.
Yes, it has.
I never expected anything like this.
Look pretty on a banner headline, wouldn't it?
Stephen Lowry murdered his wife....
Not so loud.
No more of that.
If I'm to settle with you, I want you sober.
Oh.... so you're going to settle, are you?
I thought you would
You know the first timeIlaid eyes on you
I said to myself. Now, there's a sensible man.
But you don't look a bit like a bloke who done in his...
Well.... you'd be the last man I'd pick.
Better give me an address whereIcan meet you.
What for?
Well... it may take some days to raise such a large amount of money.
Oh, I can stay with a pal of mine.
He's poppin of the Kings Head.
Al Peters's his name.
Well, here's to the very best of health.
You feel any better now? I'll only be a few minutes.
[ Hoarsely ] go on, Lily. I don't want a doctor, I'm all right.
Don't be silly. You've been getting worse every day.
Lily, you know what he'll do. He'll just give me another bottle...
I'm not going to listen to you. He�s only around the corner.
Oh, Lily. Come back as quickly as you can.
Don't leave me alone too long.
I'll be five minutes.
[ Whisper ] Five minutes.
[ Goes to Lily's room ]
How could you think of bringing father and myself to this place!
Surely it must be obvious to everyone
What kind of a man this is.
Here, you be careful what you say.
Quiet.
And what about him? Pretending to be someone that he ain't.
And getting me to take him into my confidence?
Be quiet!
I didn't say I was Stephen Lowry. That was your mistake.
But you evidently let him go on believing it.
For your sake, Beth.
So this letter might come to light.
Why didn't you confront Stephen with the letter?
It was not my place to do so.
Because it was a question
Of either blackmail
Or murder.
Quite right, Mr. Macdonald.
Whether this letter is a forgery or not
I must charge this man with attempted extortion.
Take him away!
But you can't do that to me.
It's his word against mine.
And charge him!
Favoritism, that's what it is!
Favoritism!
Beth.
I know this has been a terrible ordeal for you
But I had no alternative.
Really, David, you're asking us to accept to much.
Remember a short while ago you were defending Stephen.
But not for the murder of his wife.
I don't wish to discuss it any further.
Really, David,Ithink you must be insane to have brought us here.
Please, father, will you take me home?
[ Knock on door ]
Come.
Miss. Lily Watkins, sir.
I picked her up coming out of the Lowry house.
Sorry, to have brought you here like this, Miss. Watkins.
But we want to discuss this letter with you.
[ Lily 30 minutes late ]
[ Lowry staggers forward ]
Lily!
Lily.
Lilly!
[ Opens front door ]
Lily!
Burke!
Mr. Lowry, what happened?
Get a doctor.
Dr. Simpson?
I know where he lives.
Now, go inside, I won't be a moment.
He's only around the corner!
Hurry, Burke!
I'm afraid we owe you an apology, Miss. Watkins.
There's not the slightest resemblance
Between your writing and the writing in this letter.
There's no doubt that it's a forgery.
I can go for the doctor now, sir?
I'll see that you get a cab.
He's awful sick, Miss. Travers.
I'm so sorry, Lily.
Really, David, I hope you're satisfied with yourself.
You've not only humiliated me
But also this poor girl.
Please, sir, is it all right for me to go now?
Oh, certainly.
I'm only sorry you had to stay so long.
I'll go directly to him, Lily.
Are you coming, father?
Just one moment, Miss. Travers.
Oh, Miss. Watkins.
I hope you won't think of suing us for false arrest.
Oh, no, of course not.
Then you won't mind signing this, will you?
You don't want to get us into trouble, do you?
Of course, I....
You're cab's ready, Miss.
Uh, sign here please, Miss.
[ Lily signs and leaves ]
[ Policeman brings in signature ]
Well?
Miss, Travers, I'm sorry but...
It's very obvious now
That this is not a forged letter.
[ Whispers ] Not a forgery?
This is Lily Watkins true handwriting.
Uh..... if it's not forgery...
Well then it must be...
[ Beth sighs and sobs ]
Sorry.
Thanks inspector I'm sure you will excuse us.
I'm afraid it had to be done this way.
[ Beth sobbing ]
Beth, let me take you home.
Good night.
Good night, sir.
[ Door closes ]
Make out a warrant for the arrest of Stephen Lowry.
[ Cab drives up ]
[ Lily runs into house ]
Have you ever seen this bottle before?
[ Shows poison bottle ]
What have you been up to? What happened?
[ Whispers ] don't touch me.
Get away from me.
You murderess!
Oh... oh, what's he talking about?
Mr. Lowry claims that you've been poisoning him,
And that you poisoned his wife.
[ Whispering ] Poisoned his wife?
But... but, he....
I've been poisoning him?
Oh, he must be delirious!
I.....
Where did you find that?
I found this bottle in your room along with all this other stuff, here.
But, you couldn't have done.
How could you have found it in my room?
Well, somebody must've put it there!
You....
It was you who put it there.
You planned this whole thing.
You've been giving that poison to yourself!
That's why you weren't getting any better.
And all the time I was nursing you,
And nearly going out of my mind with worry.
You've been planning to get me arrested for trying to kill you.
Well, it won't work, you murderer. It won't work!
Now, he's a very sick man.
I've done everything I can.
But as you planned, I was called in too late.
Too late?
Too late!
Oh... why did you take so long?
You said you'd only be five minutes.
Only..... five minutes.
I....I timed it.
I thought it would be safe.
You mean....
There's nothing more I could do.
I've already sent for the ambulance.
Sorry, miss, but I'm afraid I must take you down to the station for questioning.
[ Whispering ] No!
There's just one thing I've got to know.
Did you plan this right from the start?
Did you always hate me this much?
You couldn't have said all those things without meaning some of them.
Could you?
Wasn't anything true, ever?
Not ever?
He's dead.
[ Burke: ] come along now, Miss.
[ Ambulance bell ]
You remember the other ambulance?
And I said it shoulda' been me.
I wish it had been.