Beast with Five Fingers, The (1946) Movie Script
San Stefano, ladies and gentlemen...
The public square... there will be
a 45 minute stop.
Santa Maria Narella Church...
Refreshment... at the caf.
Postcards, curios, souvenirs...
across the street.
Please remember we have to leave
in 45 minutes.
Thank you.
Waiter...
Waiter!
Are you looking for a match?
S, signore... grazie...
thank you very much.
- You desire?...
- 2 coffees and a couple of sandwiches.
- Salami
- Not salami!
I beg your pardon?
I know this place very well.
I would not recommend the salami.
But the cheese isn't bad.
Thank you... Two cheese sandwiches
and some coffee.
And as for me... a double brandy, Horatio.
Mind if I sit down
for a moment?
It's so nice to meet people
from the 'States.
You speak English very well!
Are you a native...
I mean an Italian?
No, I'm an American...
have you been in Italy long?
No, we just arrived...
from Switzerland.
- Nice little country, Switzerland.
Yes... It would not be so little
if they could only flatten it out.
That's a good one...
I'll have to write that to the boys...!
"If they could only flatten it out!"
But how could they ever...?
La signora likes Italy?
I think it's wonderful...
It's our first trip!
There are many treasures
in these little towns,
but you have to get off
the beaten path.
- They're hard to find.
- What do you mean?
I happen to be a collector.
I find things in private homes for example
that are of great value.
One can buy them for a song.
Only this morning, as it happens,
I came across cameos...
of the finest most minute
workmanship.
And absolutely authentic.
15th century, mostly.
Could I... could we see them?
I love cameos!
They're not often as beautiful as this...
I was most fortunate.
Forgive my appearance...
But that is so they do not
take me to be wealthy.
You see, I buy for lire
and sell in London and New York
for pounds and dollars.
It is not so much the money
that interests me...
It is the pleasure and difficulty
of the search.
Do let us see them!
Oh... they're lovely!
They knew how to make these things
in the old days.
Now this one is really
a museum piece.
Feel the sharpness of the relief!
The smoothness of
the mottled surfaces.
That is a portrait of Savonarola...
You've heard of Savonarola?
Oh, yes! Yes, of course.
I'm thinking of having it mounted
into a ring...
Or perhaps as a pendant
with 2 small diamonds.
Oh yes!... As a pendant!
Oh, permit me if you will...
Put it on my bill, Horatio!
Could I ask you how much
you'd have to pay for a thing like that?
I'm almost ashamed to tell you...
About... 50 lire.
That's around 10 dollars?
But these people know nothing
of values.
Would you sell it?
Of course! I'll sell it to my brokers
in London.
Oh, no...
I mean a quick turnover.
I'll give you 50 for it,
right now.
But caro signore,
that is exactly what I paid for it.
Wait a minute...
50 dollars gives you plenty of profit.
Did you say dollars?
That's what I said.
It's not the money, I assure you...
but I find it hard to bear
a lady's disappointment.
- There you are!
- Edward... you darling!
It is sometimes more important
to bring happiness into the world
than to make money.
- Thank you!
- Arrivederci!
Au revoir!
What a charming young man!
Signor Conrad!
Ovidio!... and how is
the Commissario of Police?
Oh, I'm well, very well thank you.
But Signor Conrad,
I must remind you again
that it is unlawful to sell anything here
without a licence.
- You mean the Americans?
- Yes.
But you could not call that selling.
After all, I paid 50 for it...
and received 50 for it.
Well, that is a fair exchange.
- Very fair.
But of course you are aware
of the law
that forbids the export
of authentic antiques
without a special permit.
My dear Commissario,
I am well aware of every law.
I would not dream of dealing in
"authentic antiques. "
And now if you'll forgive me,
I'm expected at the Villa Francesca.
Oh yes... I presume it is to say
goodbye to Signorina... Julia.
Julie? Is she going away?
She asked me for her exit permit
a few hours ago.
Oh, I hope I have not
given away a secret, eh?
No, not at all...
She would have told me.
- Good day.
- Good day!
Give signorina
my fondest regards.
It's Bruce Conrad, Mr Ingram.
You asked him to come up today.
Oh, yes... I remember.
Hello, Julie.
Signor Ingram... you're looking
exceptionally well today.
No Bruce... not with me.
Save that for the tourists.
But I really mean it...
You ARE looking well.
And it's reflected in your playing.
I've been listening.
You played masterfully.
Do you think so?
Now that all my strength I have left
is concentrated in these fingers...
Exactly.
The power, the tonal quality,
the prodigious technique...
You have suffered no loss,
and the world has gained another miracle.
Yes... perhaps you're right.
Julie... since you came,
I've found new life.
A new source of energy...
a strong ambition to live.
- and enjoy... - I've only tried
to take care of you, Mr Ingram.
No... you've done much more
than that.
You've brought beauty
before my eyes.
The beauty I've always loved
and always sought.
You wanted to see me, Mr Ingram.
To see you?
Oh yes, of course...
You'll have dinner with us.
I shall be delighted.
I'm expecting Duprex
my lawyer from Rome.
You must meet him.
I want Hilary to be present, too.
- Shall I tell him?
- Yes. but don't leave me alone too long.
Mr Conrad will stay with you.
I'll still be alone... I'm always alone...
with everyone.
Except with her.
You understand?...
Except with Julie.
I need her, Bruce.
How about a game of chess?
You want to take money
away from me... again!
The money doesn't matter...
but just to make it interesting...
How about 10 lire a game?
Don't you feel well?
Just tired.
He's very demanding, isn't he?
Oh, but Julie, I know he has to go to Milan
to see his doctor.
You're going with him.
The change will do you good.
While you're there you can
take in the opera...
- and meet new people.
- That won't help very much.
What I need is a complete change.
Hilary... I've been thinking seriously
of going home.
No... please don't... if you go
what will happen to my work?
What has my going away
to do with your work?
Don't you see Julie, since you've
been looking after him...
he's forgotten about me
and I've had time for my studies.
If I go, he'll have another nurse
to look after him.
Not if you leave...
he won't let me out of his sight.
I need every minute of the day
for my work...
I have to stay around here
in this library...
And these books and these shelves
have the great secrets I'm after.
The key to the future... It was only known
only to the ancient astrologists.
It's been lost since the burning
of the Alexandrian library.
And now I'm about
to rediscover them!
If I'm left alone just a little
while longer, I have it!
Please stay!
You must stay 'til I find it!
Hilary, you know I'd like
to help you, but...
- Julie! Julie!
- It's Mr Ingram calling.
Oh, I nearly forgot... he wants you
to have dinner with us tonight.
When did you decant
this wine, Antonio?
This afternoon, Signor Ingram.
It's cloudy.
You haven't eaten anything
since this morning, Mr Ingram.
You take good care of me, Julie...
You notice everything.
Everything.
And I don't need food.
You may wonder why I asked you
to have dinner with me tonight.
It's because this is a special occasion.
And a very important one.
Hilary... do you know why
you are here?
No, I don't.
Some anniversary, perhaps?
No, no such thing.
I merely want your testimony...
that I am not insane.
It's very important to me
to be certain
that not one of you thinks
I'm of unsound mind.
Bruce... you are an artist, a musician.
You've been with me a long time.
You've been with me constantly
Therefore you are
in a position to speak.
Are you convinced that
there is nothing wrong with...
...with my mental balance?
Your mental balance
is equal to mine.
And while I consider that a tribute
to your sanity...
there are certain people in San Stefano
who consider me slightly eccentric.
Perhaps they're right.
Hilary... you've been my secretary
for the last 20 years.
Could you testify that I was
always thinking rationally.
There's no question about that.
Julie, you of all people
know me well.
I engaged you to look after me.
And you have become my friend.
Have you ever heard me
say anything irresponsible?
- Think!
- No, Mr Ingram.
If you had to swear to it.
I don't think that question
would ever be asked.
- Answer me!
- Yes, Mr Ingram, I would swear to it.
Mr Duprex...
You've just listened to the people
who have known me best...
Now your testimony
is of the greatest importance.
What's your impression of me?
I've no doubt you're able to think
as clearly as anyone in this room.
None of us have ever doubted
your mental health Mr Ingram.
I'm glad you all agree with me.
Duprex...
Bruce...
Hilary...
I want you to sign this document,
as witnesses.
But what is it? I'd like to read it
before signing.
It's my will.
My last will and testament.
I hope my signature
doesn't spoil its validity.
Will you kindly sign please.
To make a will
is to think of death.
And to think of death
is to anticipate the end.
Don't be alarmed... although I think of it,
I don't anticipate it yet.
Julie will you be kind enough
to take me into the hall.
Yes, Mr Ingram.
Come with me... all of you.
So you're going away, Julie.
Yes... how did you know?
There are 3 kinds of communication...
Telegraph, telephone,
and the Commissario.
The Commissario of course,
is the fastest.
Didn't you want me to know?
Yes, I would have told you,
but until I'd spoken to Francis...
Why speak to Francis?
I don't understand.
Go abruptly, suddenly...
without warning, without goodbyes.
I couldn't do that...
it isn't fair.
"Fair"? Has he been fair to you?
Yes, he's been fair.
But that isn't why I'm leaving.
I know Julie... you're afraid.
He's holding you with his pain
and his helplessness.
He draws his energy
from your life.
He'll never let you go.
But I MUST go!
But I can't leave
without telling him.
It's your only chance.
He's had his life.
You have a right to yours.
But I thought you were
his friend.
Yes... But I'm thinking of you.
For him I have only pity.
For you, something quite different.
You might not even believe me.
Tell me.
I love you Julie.
Why shouldn't I believe you?
Perhaps because I don't
believe in myself.
And because I'm urging you to go...
away from him and away from me.
And you'd stay here.
When I first heard Francis Ingram
in his New York recitals...
...long before I ever
came to know him...
He'd sit down and play through the
compositions and the audience would cheer.
Then I found out
that you'd written them.
It was YOU I was listening to.
It's you I hear now,
when Francis plays your music.
There's genius in it.
Genius... all I did was transcribe Bach.
Gave him a chance to play again
Gave him new hope.
But it was a trick, a stunt,
for a one-handed pianist.
Don't say that.
It's beautiful... it's inspired.
Then it must have been
my last inspiration.
I haven't been able to write
anything since.
What had I become?
Court jester to a cripple,
dependent upon his charity.
A dealer in modern antiques.
You'll find yourself again.
You say that you love me, yet you
want me to go away alone.
I do love you Julie.
But what have I to offer you?
Have I asked for anything?
I've something to offer you.
Hope.
Courage... devotion.
A new life.
Julie!
Julie!
Julie!
Did you call, Mr Ingram.
Anything I can do?
Julie... I want Julie
Where is she?
Don't you know?
I know where she is.
Well tell me... where is she?
She's in the garden.
She's not alone.
Mr Conrad is with her.
- Bruce? - Yes.
I think Mr Ingram...
they're going away together.
I'm afraid she will leave you.
Hilary... why do you lie to me?
I'm not lying.
- I'm telling you the truth.
- No!...
The truth is that you don't want
anybody around here, close to me.
I heard what they said
in the garden.
I couldnt help but hear them.
- You are a liar!
- I am not a liar!
- You're afraid to hear the truth.
- Go away... I won't listen to you.
You must listen to me.
I even remember what they said.
He said: "He's had his life.
You have the right to yours. "
And she said: "Yes I'll have to go. "
He took her in his arms.
And he kissed her!
He kissed her!
Do you hear? He kissed her!
Julie!... Julie!
Help!
She can't hear you, Hilary.
She's out in the garden,
isn't she?
She's out in the garden
with Bruce Conrad.
She couldnt hear ME!
So how could she possibly
hear YOU?
Mr Ingram... Mr Ingram...
Mr Ingram!
Get out of my house!
I never want to
see you again!
Get out!
Thank you, Antonio.
I think you can go to bed now.
He seems to be resting quietly.
Good night, signorina.
I had to wait 'til Mr Ingram
fell asleep.
He really did hurt you.
His fingers are like claws.
I'm sure if you hadn't come,
he would have killed me.
How did it happen?
I don't know...
He asked for you, and I said
you were in the garden...
So he started choking me.
I'm told to get out
of his house.
He didn't mean what he said.
I'll talk to him in the morning.
Julie!
Julie!
Julie!
Julie!
Julie.
Ah... my old friend the Commissario.
Are you on guard against illegal sales
or is this an expression
of your unofficial sympathy,
This is no time for jests,
Signor Conrad.
It was a dreadful accident,
entirely unexpected.
Yes, accidents usually are.
Will you join me
in a bit of marsala?
Merely to appease our mutual grief.
Oh, one glass,
if you don't mind.
A la sant!
And, Signor Conrad,
in a case like this...
Whom does one condole?
To whom does one express
his grief and sympathy?
To me.
I made a very fair living
playing chess and gambling with him.
Eating his food,
drinking his wine...
Now that he's gone...
I'm without doubt the chief mourner.
He had no family?
He left to no one?
Yes, there's a brother-in-law
and a nephew just arrived from England.
You'll find them in the library.
Better you present me if you please,
that I may offer proper consolation.
Of course... This way
to the grief-stricken relatives.
Sorry to interrupt gentlemen...
this is Signor Ovidio Castanio
...Commissario of police.
Mr Raymond Arlington
and his son Donald.
Police?
Please Signor Conrad, explain...
I'm here merely to express
my heartfelt sympathy...
my profound regret,
my deepest condolences
on this unhappy occasion.
I think you've expressed it
very well yourself.
Thank you very much.
Do you expect other members
of the family to arrive?
We are his only relatives.
Francis was married to my sister.
Ah... you are American?
Yes... living in England.
What unearthly noise is that?
They're professional mourners.
They've been hired to chant
until sunrise.
Unless you'd care
to extend the time.
You mean they'll keep that up
all night?!
It is an ancient custom Mr Arlington.
Your brother-in-law was a man
of great eminence in this community
It is only natural his passing should be
attended by a certain amount of lamentation.
Our grief as you see,
is very great.
But having known Francis well,
I'm sure he would have preferred
that the lamentation
be somewhat less vocal.
In a word, Commissario, ask those witches
to stop howling.
As you say, signor...
I shall merely explain your desolation
as very great...
and under the circumstances
you would prefer quiet and solitude.
The Commissario does have a way
of putting things, doesn't he?
Dad, this has a crest with a bull
and three swords
Yes, it once belonged
to one of the Borgias.
The Borgias, eh?
Why that chest will bring
at least 300 at Christies.
There's a small fortune
in these books and antiques.
If you gentlemen are really interested
in authentic antiques...
Look!... Roma, 1743.
La Vita de Lorenzo Borghese.
This is worth 100
at the British Museum.
History of the Constellation
Florence, 1603.
I wish you'd keep your hands
off my books.
YOUR books?
Yes, they are mine!
They're part of the estate,
and until the will is read...
No... they belong to ME!...
All of them... and I want you
to keep away from them.
How did you get them?
On your salary?
Bought them... for me...
They are mine.
You leech!
You've lived on Francis' charity for years.
Now you'll have to get out...
you and your theories...
You won't live
on MY charity.
The stars should have
told you that!
Perhaps they told me
more than you know.
Gentlemen... don't you think this discussion
is somewhat premature?
I don't want him
to touch my books.
For your information, Hilary...
I'm going to close this place
as soon as Francis' will has been read.
All this stuff will be shipped to England,
including of course, "your" books.
Julie...
The gentlemen downstairs
are waiting for us.
But I have nothing to do with it.
I don't belong to the family.
Please tell them to go ahead
without me.
What's wrong, Julie?
It's only reading of the will.
For some reason Mr Duprex
wants you to be present.
I can't face Mr Arlington again.
It wouldn't have happened
if I'd only stayed with Mr Ingram.
Why do you blame yourself?
Nobody expected him to crawl out of bed.
In a way I'm glad it happened
while you were here.
Supposing he'd died after you left...
You'd never have forgiven yourself.
It's all in the way
you look at things, isn't it?
I suppose so.
I'm going to San Stefano tomorrow
to get my exit visa.
Have you decided
to leave with me?
Yes.
I wish we could get away
from here right now.
It won't be long...
Only a few days.
In the meantime,
keep your chin up.
Why?
So that I can kiss you.
Well, it's about time.
I beg your pardon.
Please... please be seated.
I've called you together for the
reading of the will and testament
of Francis Warren Ingram.
As witnessed by Hilary Cummins, Bruce Conrad,
in the presence of Francis Ingram and myself.
I, Francis Warren Ingram being of sane mind
and in full possession of my mental powers...
herewith declare my last will.
I leave all my worldly goods, cash,
property and valuables of whatever nature
to Miss Julia Cecilia Holden,
my companion and friend,
as inadequate compensation
for her kindness and devotion to me.
I wish my body to be interred in the ancient
chapel adjoining the Villa Francesca,
so I can be near to her
and therefore rest in peace.
That is all.
- No word about me?
- None.
We shall contest that will.
On what grounds may I ask?
This will was made in consideration
of her kindness and devotion.
His very words.
But it was her duty to stay with him
and take care of him.
And if she had done so, Francis Ingram
would be alive at this moment.
That's an insult to Miss Holden.
These are not insults,
they're facts.
This woman is responsible
for Francis' death.
You'll have a hard time proving that
in a court of law.
That's a criminal charge.
I have no desire to place Miss Holden
in a position of jeopardy.
But I shall do all in my power to have
this so-called will thrown out of court.
I think you're needlessly alarmed,
Mr Arlington.
You haven't asked Miss Holden
of her own desires in the matter.
As far as I know,
she hasn't the slightest
intention of accepting
any part of this magnificent bequest.
Is that true, Miss Holden?
Are you willing to resign your rights to the
entire estate without further litigation?
In view of the circumstances
of my uncle's death...
That might be a very wise procedure.
I'm afraid Mr Conrad
has mislead you.
I accept the legacy.
And furthermore I intend
to remain here in this house.
Yes... and my books
remain here too.
This thing isn't over yet.
Let me go!
What's the matter with him?
What's happened to his throat?
I believe that Francis Ingram
tried to choke him.
That's interesting... why?
It seemed Mr Ingram resented...
Go on.
Oh, it's almost as if he suspected
some kind of conspiracy
between Hilary Cummins,
Miss Holden and Mr Conrad.
What kind of a conspiracy?
Do you think he felt
himself threatened?
It's hard to say.
Conspiracy...
That would explain
who pushed Francis down the stairs.
Now look, Arlington, there's no evidence
it was not an accident.
I wouldn't be so sure.
Mr Conrad's quite right.
The idea's absurd.
But even Mr Conrad has stated that
Francis Ingram's behaviour was eccentric.
Did I? When?
At the dinner table.
- I don't remember.
- But I do.
Excellent!
If my brother-in-law was not
in full possession of his mental powers...
Don't count on me as a witness.
We won't have to...
luckily there were others present.
I'm sure you "gentlemen"
will excuse me.
You're quite right, they don't
need Mr Conrad's testimony.
The things I saw during my short stay
in this house
would certainly be conclusive
for any judge.
Duprex, you're a man
of extreme perception.
Actually, as it happens, I know
the existence of a former will,
which names your son
as sole heir.
Only a few months ago,
Francis Ingram changed his mind.
I have the impression that he acted
under a neurotic obsession.
Which certainly affected
his willpower.
Then it would be simple
to have this will annulled.
It would take a certain
amount of handling.
Would you like me to represent you
in the matter.
Of course.
Share? You mean your fee?
I said share.
What do you want?
For participation,
let us say one third.
You understand I would offer my services
to Miss Holden under the same circumstances.
You mean you'd help her
instead of us?
I'm on the side of those
who engage me.
Alright... will you take the case.
Tomorrow the will shall be broken.
There's a light in the mausoleum!
Strange...
No one here.
No!
Somebody was playing...
Did you hear it?
Of course I did.
Hilary... who was playing?
i don't know...
I didn't see anybody.
The piano was closed
when I went upstairs.
This has been locked
since dear Mr Ingram died.
There...
Don... Donald!
It's Mr Ingram's ring!
He always put it there.
What are you trying to say?
I don't know.
I don't understand.
The music... it was his style...
his technique...
I couldn't be mistaken.
What's the matter?
Come down here!
Dad!
Dad.. quick!
Duprex!... He's dead!
No!... Don't touch him!
What?!
Send for the police.
The fingerprints on the key
that locked the piano
do not match any of yours,
signorina, signore, or any of the servants.
That we have proved beyond doubt
thanks to my colleague, Mr Bataillion.
To eliminate a possible clue
is almost as good as finding one.
You mean you suspected
one of us?
I do not suspect, Signor Conrad...
I am here merely to investigate.
Signore, please...
a little closer.
Now let us be methodical... eh?
A murderer must have a motive.
Who would have gained
by Mr Duprex' death?
Why don't we tell him, Dad?
Tell what?
Duprex could have proved
that my uncle was insane.
And also that a former will exists
which was made while
he was still in his right mind.
Somebody in this room is just lucky
that he died so suddenly.
I could scarcely strangle a man!
And I don't play the piano.
Because nobody's ever heard you,
doesn't prove you can't play.
If you remember, I was upstairs
when we heard the music.
So you were... but Duprex must have
been dead by that time.
Fine reasoning, Arlington.
And how did the ring get on the piano?
You probably have an explanation
for that, too.
Of course!...
Anybody could have taken the ring off
Francis' hand and placed it on the instrument.
The marks on his throat...
just like the ones I have.
I can still feel his fingers.
And it was Ingram playing that night...
how about that?
I am not enough of a musician myself
to recognise Francis' technique.
But this man is... in fact he is
himself an expert pianist.
Thank you for the compliment.
But unfortunately, I wasn't here
at the time.
Can you prove it?
Horatio can.
He put me to bed at the inn.
But don't worry, Commissario,
the whole mystery is easy to solve.
You see, Francis' ghost doesn't want
this will contested.
So he murdered Duprex.
And to leave a clue for the police
he played the piano.
But there are no such things as ghosts,
Signor Conrad...
In all my life I have never seen one.
For that matter, neither have I.
But one can never be sure...
can one?
I'm sure that a ghost would respond
to a bullet between his ribs.
Somebody very much alive
went into that vault last night.
We saw a light.
And who went to the mausoleum,
Signor Donald?
I don't know... If I knew,
don't you think I'd have told you?
Maybe.
But sometimes people tell me things
after it's too late.
Signore... you did not have to
come down here.
For me this is merely
a matter of routine.
Do you wish to reconsider?
We are just as anxious as you are,
Commissario.
And we are just as brave.
As you wish...
After you...
This window was not broken
when we were here at the funeral.
I'm sure it wasn't.
The glass was smashed
from the inside.
No one could possibly climb through
a jagged little opening like that.
Somebody's been here.
This lid's been moved!
What did I tell you?...
That's how the ring was stolen.
Let's make sure.
Give me a hand with the lid.
Horrible!
He's cut off his own hand!
A corpse?!... Very likely, indeed!
Yes, a corpse...
The medic was positive he was dead
when they buried him.
There's no doubt about it.
And even if he wasn't,
his right side was paralysed.
There's fingerprints on the glass.
Better take it with us.
You take it... I might drop it.
No blood on the glass.
A keen observation...
Make a note.
Let us see if there are some other
pieces of glass in the garden.
- There aren't any footprints.
- No...
The print of a hand.
Broke the window
and climbed through.
And walked away.
Anna... Tessa... go in the house, quick!
Look at her, you will be cursed.
They've turned their eyes away...
All of them!
They believe that evil spirits
can only be evoked
by people who are Jettatori
And whoever lives at the Villa Francesca
may possess the evil eye.
I don't want to stay here
any longer.
Don't show them you're afraid.
That WILL convince them.
You're hurting me!
I'm sorry...
Guess I'm a bit rattled myself.
Horatio!
Signor Conrad...
Bring me some brandy
and a coffee for la signorina.
You wanted proof.
Tomorrow the bakery
will be closed to us.
The butcher will have no meat.
They'll try to starve us out of town,
and if we don't leave...
I can't believe that people
could be so superstitious.
It's their folklore.
They've been brought up on it
for centuries.
I have been looking for you...
and the signorina.
What's the bad news, Commissario.
The fingerprints on the piece of glass
we picked up at the mausoleum...
correspond with the imprint
on the piano key.
- You mean it's the same hand?
- Precisely.
Then, it was Francis' hand
that unlocked the piano?
And played?
Can you give me a better explanation,
Signor Conrad,
I will only too happy to accept it.
I found the fingerprints
of identical pattern
in the library... in the hall... even on
the window pane in your room, signorina.
Fingerprints not older
than a day.
Are you sure of it?
In my mind there is no doubt
the hand is walking around.
You don't believe in things
like that.
Unfortunately, for the peace
of our souls,
one cannot explain everything logically
that happens in this world, Signor Conrad.
So, even the Commissario
is afraid of 'jettatora'.
Horatio!
Where's my drink?
I'm sorry... It might be better
if you were served elsewhere.
There's the money I owe you.
Now bring us something to drink.
I can refuse service to anybody.
Let's get away from here,
Bruce... please!
You're right signorina... It would be much
more comfortable in my office... please come.
What for?
Merely to ask a few questions,
Signor Conrad.
May I be so bold as to ask
where you got all of that money?
Francis Ingram gave it to me.
Oh... he did?
Why?
I asked him for it.
After all, he owed it to me.
Sometimes I can't help but wonder why
a man of your education and background
chooses to bury himself
in our little village.
Well you can stop wondering,
Commissario.
I was just on my way to get
an exit visa from you.
Thank you.
Signorina... after Signor Ingram
was stricken in New York...
he brought you along
to take care of him?
Yes. Mr Ingram had the choice
of many nurses.
I am not surprised that he chose you,
signorina.
I would have done the same,
believe me!
But recently Signorina asked for
her exit permit, too.
And now she seems
to change her mind?
No, I've decided to leave here
as soon as possible.
I see.
Did you know that the signorina,
after little more than a year
in Signor Ingram's service,
would have the good fortune
of inheriting all of his wealth?
Of course not.
Then why do you want
to leave with her?
Has this something to do
with her sudden inheritance?
What's the reason
for these questions?
Well, when a man picks up his living,
as you do, collecting so-called antiques...
One is naturally a bit curious.
Is that not so?
Have you a match, please?
Where were you the night of the accident,
Signor Conrad?
I told you... Horatio can testify
that I was at the inn.
And the night the lawyer
was murdered?
In bed. Horatio brought me
a hot drink.
May I have your passport,
signorina?
Thank you.
What does that mean?
It is merely routine.
In the meantime I suggest
that you stay at the villa.
I shall be there too.
I have no doubt we shall see
a great deal of each other.
Please come.
Still working, I see.
Yes, I am.
Well, it's after midnight.
Then why aren't you asleep?
Tell me, Hilary...
Just what do you expect to find?
The law that changes the conception
of unknown fate into very predictable fact.
Sounds like a lot of nonsense
to me.
Why don't you let me finish?
Applying that knowledge
to your life
I think I can foretell the exact
circumstances of your death.
What a charming thought.
And what's going to happen?
You were born on
the 15th of August, 1882... right?
So they told me.
That is under the sign of Leo,
Libra in the ascendance.
Now you should take the trouble to read the
life story of one Gottla Minate and Aurelio Versace
They were born on the same day
you were.
Only, a few hundred years ago.
But then they're the same constellation.
Come on, just give me
the cold facts.
Well, they both died
a death of violence.
Poison? Shooting? Hanging?
No, they were choked to death.
Well, I'm glad to know
what to expect.
I hate surprises.
Why don't you go to bed?
Not a good time.
I just wondered...
Abracadabra... here it is!
How did you know about that safe?
When I was a boy, no higher than that,
Uncle Francis opened it for me.
He pretended it was magic,
and I never forgot it.
You know that this
house belongs to Julie.
Everything in it is hers.
Everything, do you hear?
I'm not so sure about that.
There's another will in the safe that might
change that picture considerably.
Uncle Francis taught me a jingle
to remember the combination.
How did it go again?
It escapes me.
Get out of here!
Good night.
Don't work too much.
What is it?
Donald... and the Commissario.
What happened to Donald?
The hand... it tried to strangle him.
The hand?!
I saw it with my own eyes.
What happened to him?
Please help me take him
to his room.
He's finally fallen asleep.
I'm holding you responsible,
Commissario.
Well that would round out the mystery nicely...
accusing a Commissario of murder.
You're forcing us to stay here
where our lives are in danger.
It's a conspiracy... a device
to get rid of us.
Are you accusing
anybody in particular?
I'll answer that question
the moment I've left this house.
Tomorrow morning I'm going to call
an ambulance, and take Don away from here.
I don't think you son
can be moved in his condition.
I'll take a chance on that.
And nothing can stop me.
Nothing... neither ghosts nor police.
There's a possibility of brain fever.
It's very dangerous, Mr Arlington.
When I want medical advice,
I'll call a doctor.
The Devil's haunting this house.
The Devil...
It's in Signor Ingram's hand!
Quickly before it catches up
with us.
You're always imagining things...
The night your grandmother died,
you heard skeletons rattling.
Well, if you don't believe me,
why are you running away?
Well, it can't hurt
to be on the safe side.
There they go...
Giovanna, Antonia and Clara.
They're more afraid of ghosts
than of the law.
The law doesn't like it
too much either.
If I were not the Commissario,
I would be right with them.
I wonder what the Commissario
would think of all this packing.
He really can't keep us here
for ever, can he?
It depends on the ghost
of Francis Ingram.
Oh Bruce... let's get away from here...
we're not under arrest.
What can they do
if we just disappear?
Nothing... there's a bus that
crosses the border at Chiasso.
We can be in Lugarno tomorrow
and in Zurich before the Commissario
even knows we've left.
Well, let's leave...
why do we stay?
Perhaps I'm a bit curious.
Conrad!
Conrad!
What's the matter?
The hand!
Tell me... what is it?
The hand's in the library...
the hand, it crawled on my desk.
It picked up the ring...
I saw it with my own eyes.
It's alive.
I tell you, it's alive!
The desk...
What are you talking about?
It's gone... it was in here...
I threw it in here myself!
Although I think of death,
I don't anticipate it yet.
That's what Mr Ingram
said to me at dinner that night.
Isn't this your handwriting, Hilary?
It's Ingram's... his hand wrote it...
Don't you see... the hand...
It must be here!
Find it!... It must be somewhere!
- You must help me find it!
- Calm down!
You must help me... find it!
There's no hand Hilary...
It's only in your mind.
But I saw it... It moved.
Listen to me...
there's nothing here I tell you.
The note?
YOU must have written it...
unknowingly.
- Try to think!
- I couldn't have written it...
I didn't.
Bruce... please take me to my room.
What's he on with down there?
He's a sick man.
Mentally sick.
Have you ever heard him
play the piano?
No, not that I can remember.
Are you sure he CAN'T play?
No, but I'm sure only Francis Ingram
could have played that thing I wrote for him.
Good night, Julie.
And... don't forget
to lock your door.
I caught it... I caught it...
I locked it up.
That's fine.
The horrible hand
can't escape any more.
Now it can't get out.
Can't.
Of course it can't...
Now go to bed.
Dad...
Yes?
8 bones has the carpis,
5 the metacarpis...
14 the phalanges...
All in all... 27 all in all!
You must lie down, Don, please.
It came back in my sleep.
8 bones has the carpis
Uncle Francis studied medicine once.
He told me the jingle
when I was a kid.
They're the number of bones
in the hand!
Don't worry, this isn't fever,
I'm feeling well, I'm alright.
You've got to stay in bed,
Don... please!
it's the combination
of the safe downstairs.
8-5-14-27
Let's open the safe...
Let's open the safe
and get the first will!
Why not wait 'til tomorrow?
It may not be there anymore.
Well, you stay here,
and I'll go.
What were those numbers again?
See... how can I trust your memory?
Come along Dad... and don't worry,
I feel great!
It's strange how things
you thought you'd forgotten,
suddenly come back to you.
I even remember the eau-de-Cologne
Uncle Francis used.
It was 'Lanvin Verbena'.
One moment, signor.
May I ask what you are doing here,
Signor Raymond, and you Signor Donald?
I was under the impression
you are very ill.
Commissario and his pride of duty.
You're just in time
to see a safe being cracked.
This will send you to prison,
Signor Donald.
On the contrary, Commissario...
Now you can testify that we took nothing
but the will of Francis Ingram.
This unheard of... asking the police
to witness an unlawful act.
Suppose somebody were to remove
that document tonight...
I don't think you'd care
to take that responsibility.
I feel quite sure you'll give us
your permission.
Whatever you do is your responsibility...
Go right ahead..
But remember... it is
without my permission.
Thanks a lot, Commissario.
Do you remember
the combination, dad?
5 bones has the carpis...
No... no... you'll mix me up.
8 bones has the carpis...
5 the metacarpis.
14 the phalanges...
All in all... 27...
Abracadabra!
Francis Ingram's hand!
Donald!
Donald... come back!
Signor Conrad... stop him,
he's gone mad!
What's the matter?
Why did you run away?
I saw it there in the safe!
But it's dead...
It can't hurt you anymore.
Arlington!
I've found him.
Do you believe me now?
You can see the hand truly exits.
Hilary,
Listen to me...
I've got something to say to you.
I'm sorry. I'm almost sorry
I even know.
But I DO know!
What?
It was you who tried to kill Don,
wasn't it?
Remember I'm not the beast...
I'm your friend, Hilary.
But I do know you pretended to come
from the garden, the night he was attacked.
And I know it was you
who murdered Duprex.
No...
You can talk to me.
I nailed it down so it
could not kill again.
It was the hand!
I tell you it was the hand!
That's what you wanted people
to believe.
You used it to put fingerprints
everywhere.
To prove it was the hand
that committed the crime.
You can follow what I'm saying,
can't you?
You're ill, Hilary.
You can't distinguish any more between
what is right and what is wrong.
Between imagination and reality.
Raymond threatened to
take your books away.
You'd have done anything
to prevent it.
I know how much
they meant to you.
Now... now you'll have
to face it.
The charge will be murder.
Murder!... I never hurt anybody.
I'm not a murderer.
It was the hand.
You'll have to go to the police
and tell them about the hand.
Yes...
And yourself!
You'll have to tell them
everything, Hilary.
They'll put me away...
They'll put me away!
But there's nothing else
for you to do.
I'm sure they'll let you take
your books with you.
My books?
They'll let me take my books?
Are you sure of that?
I'll do everything I can
to help you.
But if they take the house
away from you...
Julie... you didn't tell
the Commissario, did you?
No, I haven't told anyone.
That's nice of you Julie...
You're sure you didn't tell anyone?
- Anybody?
- Yes.
Not even Conrad?
No... I'm very fond of you Hilary.
I wanted to give you the chance.
Then if I don't?...
Then I'll have to tell the police.
I still have so much work to do.
You're the only one
that knows I...
I can't let you stop me!
I can't trust you any longer!
That's Ingram.
He's playing again.
Listen!
The hand... it's playing down there!
The hand... it's Ingram's hand!
There's nobody playing, Hilary.
It's only in your mind.
I know it...
It's not in my mind...
Don't you hear it?
It's bursting my eardrums!
I can't stand it!
I can't stand it!
Julie!...
Julie!
Don't leave me alone!
Open the door!
Hilary... listen!.. Listen!
Can't you hear it?
The piano... it's the hand playing...
it's the hand!
You were right all the time!
It WAS Ingram's hand
that committed murder!!.
I'm your friend, Hilary.
Please save me from the hand...
It wants to kill me!
Please help me!
Destroy it before it kills again!
I'll destroy it!
You see my friend...
I was ill.
It won't hurt you.
Donald and his father
ought to be pleased
when they find out I've signed over
the Villa Francesca to them.
Who's playing?
Do not worry, signorina,
it is not the hand!
Look! I found it!
You let the string go...
It stops.
It starts... it stops...
It starts...
Stops.
Come with me, signorina,
I will show you.
The secret of the ghost, signorina.
Signor Conrad and I...
We discovered it.
A mere record.
After Hilary's death I found a receipt
from the Milano Edison Recording Agency...
Indicating that Francis Ingram had made
a record of the Bach arrangement.
But I couldn't find a trace of such a recording
until I found the hidden gramophone.
And Hilary was of sound mind
when he installed this contraption.
Then, after committing one murder,
and attempting another...
His brain snapped.
He started to imagine that he was
hearing the piano...
and seeing the hand.
The hand was always in the safe
or in his desk.
All ready?
All except the passports.
Ah! I have them.
All signed and stamped.
I'm going to be very sorry
to see you both go.
We're going to miss you too, Ovidio.
You know, I like this place,
now that I found there are no ghosts.
It's a good thing I didn't write
to HQ in Milano about the ghosts!
I saved myself from ridicule.
That you did, Commissario!
- Arrividerci!
- Goodbye, Commissario.
Arrividerci, Ovidio.
What is the matter?
The hand!
Silly girl!
You should know by now
there is no such thing as ghosts.
I think I better
get out of this house.
Can you imagine anyone believing
a hand that can walk around?
How do you like that...
My own hand!
The public square... there will be
a 45 minute stop.
Santa Maria Narella Church...
Refreshment... at the caf.
Postcards, curios, souvenirs...
across the street.
Please remember we have to leave
in 45 minutes.
Thank you.
Waiter...
Waiter!
Are you looking for a match?
S, signore... grazie...
thank you very much.
- You desire?...
- 2 coffees and a couple of sandwiches.
- Salami
- Not salami!
I beg your pardon?
I know this place very well.
I would not recommend the salami.
But the cheese isn't bad.
Thank you... Two cheese sandwiches
and some coffee.
And as for me... a double brandy, Horatio.
Mind if I sit down
for a moment?
It's so nice to meet people
from the 'States.
You speak English very well!
Are you a native...
I mean an Italian?
No, I'm an American...
have you been in Italy long?
No, we just arrived...
from Switzerland.
- Nice little country, Switzerland.
Yes... It would not be so little
if they could only flatten it out.
That's a good one...
I'll have to write that to the boys...!
"If they could only flatten it out!"
But how could they ever...?
La signora likes Italy?
I think it's wonderful...
It's our first trip!
There are many treasures
in these little towns,
but you have to get off
the beaten path.
- They're hard to find.
- What do you mean?
I happen to be a collector.
I find things in private homes for example
that are of great value.
One can buy them for a song.
Only this morning, as it happens,
I came across cameos...
of the finest most minute
workmanship.
And absolutely authentic.
15th century, mostly.
Could I... could we see them?
I love cameos!
They're not often as beautiful as this...
I was most fortunate.
Forgive my appearance...
But that is so they do not
take me to be wealthy.
You see, I buy for lire
and sell in London and New York
for pounds and dollars.
It is not so much the money
that interests me...
It is the pleasure and difficulty
of the search.
Do let us see them!
Oh... they're lovely!
They knew how to make these things
in the old days.
Now this one is really
a museum piece.
Feel the sharpness of the relief!
The smoothness of
the mottled surfaces.
That is a portrait of Savonarola...
You've heard of Savonarola?
Oh, yes! Yes, of course.
I'm thinking of having it mounted
into a ring...
Or perhaps as a pendant
with 2 small diamonds.
Oh yes!... As a pendant!
Oh, permit me if you will...
Put it on my bill, Horatio!
Could I ask you how much
you'd have to pay for a thing like that?
I'm almost ashamed to tell you...
About... 50 lire.
That's around 10 dollars?
But these people know nothing
of values.
Would you sell it?
Of course! I'll sell it to my brokers
in London.
Oh, no...
I mean a quick turnover.
I'll give you 50 for it,
right now.
But caro signore,
that is exactly what I paid for it.
Wait a minute...
50 dollars gives you plenty of profit.
Did you say dollars?
That's what I said.
It's not the money, I assure you...
but I find it hard to bear
a lady's disappointment.
- There you are!
- Edward... you darling!
It is sometimes more important
to bring happiness into the world
than to make money.
- Thank you!
- Arrivederci!
Au revoir!
What a charming young man!
Signor Conrad!
Ovidio!... and how is
the Commissario of Police?
Oh, I'm well, very well thank you.
But Signor Conrad,
I must remind you again
that it is unlawful to sell anything here
without a licence.
- You mean the Americans?
- Yes.
But you could not call that selling.
After all, I paid 50 for it...
and received 50 for it.
Well, that is a fair exchange.
- Very fair.
But of course you are aware
of the law
that forbids the export
of authentic antiques
without a special permit.
My dear Commissario,
I am well aware of every law.
I would not dream of dealing in
"authentic antiques. "
And now if you'll forgive me,
I'm expected at the Villa Francesca.
Oh yes... I presume it is to say
goodbye to Signorina... Julia.
Julie? Is she going away?
She asked me for her exit permit
a few hours ago.
Oh, I hope I have not
given away a secret, eh?
No, not at all...
She would have told me.
- Good day.
- Good day!
Give signorina
my fondest regards.
It's Bruce Conrad, Mr Ingram.
You asked him to come up today.
Oh, yes... I remember.
Hello, Julie.
Signor Ingram... you're looking
exceptionally well today.
No Bruce... not with me.
Save that for the tourists.
But I really mean it...
You ARE looking well.
And it's reflected in your playing.
I've been listening.
You played masterfully.
Do you think so?
Now that all my strength I have left
is concentrated in these fingers...
Exactly.
The power, the tonal quality,
the prodigious technique...
You have suffered no loss,
and the world has gained another miracle.
Yes... perhaps you're right.
Julie... since you came,
I've found new life.
A new source of energy...
a strong ambition to live.
- and enjoy... - I've only tried
to take care of you, Mr Ingram.
No... you've done much more
than that.
You've brought beauty
before my eyes.
The beauty I've always loved
and always sought.
You wanted to see me, Mr Ingram.
To see you?
Oh yes, of course...
You'll have dinner with us.
I shall be delighted.
I'm expecting Duprex
my lawyer from Rome.
You must meet him.
I want Hilary to be present, too.
- Shall I tell him?
- Yes. but don't leave me alone too long.
Mr Conrad will stay with you.
I'll still be alone... I'm always alone...
with everyone.
Except with her.
You understand?...
Except with Julie.
I need her, Bruce.
How about a game of chess?
You want to take money
away from me... again!
The money doesn't matter...
but just to make it interesting...
How about 10 lire a game?
Don't you feel well?
Just tired.
He's very demanding, isn't he?
Oh, but Julie, I know he has to go to Milan
to see his doctor.
You're going with him.
The change will do you good.
While you're there you can
take in the opera...
- and meet new people.
- That won't help very much.
What I need is a complete change.
Hilary... I've been thinking seriously
of going home.
No... please don't... if you go
what will happen to my work?
What has my going away
to do with your work?
Don't you see Julie, since you've
been looking after him...
he's forgotten about me
and I've had time for my studies.
If I go, he'll have another nurse
to look after him.
Not if you leave...
he won't let me out of his sight.
I need every minute of the day
for my work...
I have to stay around here
in this library...
And these books and these shelves
have the great secrets I'm after.
The key to the future... It was only known
only to the ancient astrologists.
It's been lost since the burning
of the Alexandrian library.
And now I'm about
to rediscover them!
If I'm left alone just a little
while longer, I have it!
Please stay!
You must stay 'til I find it!
Hilary, you know I'd like
to help you, but...
- Julie! Julie!
- It's Mr Ingram calling.
Oh, I nearly forgot... he wants you
to have dinner with us tonight.
When did you decant
this wine, Antonio?
This afternoon, Signor Ingram.
It's cloudy.
You haven't eaten anything
since this morning, Mr Ingram.
You take good care of me, Julie...
You notice everything.
Everything.
And I don't need food.
You may wonder why I asked you
to have dinner with me tonight.
It's because this is a special occasion.
And a very important one.
Hilary... do you know why
you are here?
No, I don't.
Some anniversary, perhaps?
No, no such thing.
I merely want your testimony...
that I am not insane.
It's very important to me
to be certain
that not one of you thinks
I'm of unsound mind.
Bruce... you are an artist, a musician.
You've been with me a long time.
You've been with me constantly
Therefore you are
in a position to speak.
Are you convinced that
there is nothing wrong with...
...with my mental balance?
Your mental balance
is equal to mine.
And while I consider that a tribute
to your sanity...
there are certain people in San Stefano
who consider me slightly eccentric.
Perhaps they're right.
Hilary... you've been my secretary
for the last 20 years.
Could you testify that I was
always thinking rationally.
There's no question about that.
Julie, you of all people
know me well.
I engaged you to look after me.
And you have become my friend.
Have you ever heard me
say anything irresponsible?
- Think!
- No, Mr Ingram.
If you had to swear to it.
I don't think that question
would ever be asked.
- Answer me!
- Yes, Mr Ingram, I would swear to it.
Mr Duprex...
You've just listened to the people
who have known me best...
Now your testimony
is of the greatest importance.
What's your impression of me?
I've no doubt you're able to think
as clearly as anyone in this room.
None of us have ever doubted
your mental health Mr Ingram.
I'm glad you all agree with me.
Duprex...
Bruce...
Hilary...
I want you to sign this document,
as witnesses.
But what is it? I'd like to read it
before signing.
It's my will.
My last will and testament.
I hope my signature
doesn't spoil its validity.
Will you kindly sign please.
To make a will
is to think of death.
And to think of death
is to anticipate the end.
Don't be alarmed... although I think of it,
I don't anticipate it yet.
Julie will you be kind enough
to take me into the hall.
Yes, Mr Ingram.
Come with me... all of you.
So you're going away, Julie.
Yes... how did you know?
There are 3 kinds of communication...
Telegraph, telephone,
and the Commissario.
The Commissario of course,
is the fastest.
Didn't you want me to know?
Yes, I would have told you,
but until I'd spoken to Francis...
Why speak to Francis?
I don't understand.
Go abruptly, suddenly...
without warning, without goodbyes.
I couldn't do that...
it isn't fair.
"Fair"? Has he been fair to you?
Yes, he's been fair.
But that isn't why I'm leaving.
I know Julie... you're afraid.
He's holding you with his pain
and his helplessness.
He draws his energy
from your life.
He'll never let you go.
But I MUST go!
But I can't leave
without telling him.
It's your only chance.
He's had his life.
You have a right to yours.
But I thought you were
his friend.
Yes... But I'm thinking of you.
For him I have only pity.
For you, something quite different.
You might not even believe me.
Tell me.
I love you Julie.
Why shouldn't I believe you?
Perhaps because I don't
believe in myself.
And because I'm urging you to go...
away from him and away from me.
And you'd stay here.
When I first heard Francis Ingram
in his New York recitals...
...long before I ever
came to know him...
He'd sit down and play through the
compositions and the audience would cheer.
Then I found out
that you'd written them.
It was YOU I was listening to.
It's you I hear now,
when Francis plays your music.
There's genius in it.
Genius... all I did was transcribe Bach.
Gave him a chance to play again
Gave him new hope.
But it was a trick, a stunt,
for a one-handed pianist.
Don't say that.
It's beautiful... it's inspired.
Then it must have been
my last inspiration.
I haven't been able to write
anything since.
What had I become?
Court jester to a cripple,
dependent upon his charity.
A dealer in modern antiques.
You'll find yourself again.
You say that you love me, yet you
want me to go away alone.
I do love you Julie.
But what have I to offer you?
Have I asked for anything?
I've something to offer you.
Hope.
Courage... devotion.
A new life.
Julie!
Julie!
Julie!
Did you call, Mr Ingram.
Anything I can do?
Julie... I want Julie
Where is she?
Don't you know?
I know where she is.
Well tell me... where is she?
She's in the garden.
She's not alone.
Mr Conrad is with her.
- Bruce? - Yes.
I think Mr Ingram...
they're going away together.
I'm afraid she will leave you.
Hilary... why do you lie to me?
I'm not lying.
- I'm telling you the truth.
- No!...
The truth is that you don't want
anybody around here, close to me.
I heard what they said
in the garden.
I couldnt help but hear them.
- You are a liar!
- I am not a liar!
- You're afraid to hear the truth.
- Go away... I won't listen to you.
You must listen to me.
I even remember what they said.
He said: "He's had his life.
You have the right to yours. "
And she said: "Yes I'll have to go. "
He took her in his arms.
And he kissed her!
He kissed her!
Do you hear? He kissed her!
Julie!... Julie!
Help!
She can't hear you, Hilary.
She's out in the garden,
isn't she?
She's out in the garden
with Bruce Conrad.
She couldnt hear ME!
So how could she possibly
hear YOU?
Mr Ingram... Mr Ingram...
Mr Ingram!
Get out of my house!
I never want to
see you again!
Get out!
Thank you, Antonio.
I think you can go to bed now.
He seems to be resting quietly.
Good night, signorina.
I had to wait 'til Mr Ingram
fell asleep.
He really did hurt you.
His fingers are like claws.
I'm sure if you hadn't come,
he would have killed me.
How did it happen?
I don't know...
He asked for you, and I said
you were in the garden...
So he started choking me.
I'm told to get out
of his house.
He didn't mean what he said.
I'll talk to him in the morning.
Julie!
Julie!
Julie!
Julie!
Julie.
Ah... my old friend the Commissario.
Are you on guard against illegal sales
or is this an expression
of your unofficial sympathy,
This is no time for jests,
Signor Conrad.
It was a dreadful accident,
entirely unexpected.
Yes, accidents usually are.
Will you join me
in a bit of marsala?
Merely to appease our mutual grief.
Oh, one glass,
if you don't mind.
A la sant!
And, Signor Conrad,
in a case like this...
Whom does one condole?
To whom does one express
his grief and sympathy?
To me.
I made a very fair living
playing chess and gambling with him.
Eating his food,
drinking his wine...
Now that he's gone...
I'm without doubt the chief mourner.
He had no family?
He left to no one?
Yes, there's a brother-in-law
and a nephew just arrived from England.
You'll find them in the library.
Better you present me if you please,
that I may offer proper consolation.
Of course... This way
to the grief-stricken relatives.
Sorry to interrupt gentlemen...
this is Signor Ovidio Castanio
...Commissario of police.
Mr Raymond Arlington
and his son Donald.
Police?
Please Signor Conrad, explain...
I'm here merely to express
my heartfelt sympathy...
my profound regret,
my deepest condolences
on this unhappy occasion.
I think you've expressed it
very well yourself.
Thank you very much.
Do you expect other members
of the family to arrive?
We are his only relatives.
Francis was married to my sister.
Ah... you are American?
Yes... living in England.
What unearthly noise is that?
They're professional mourners.
They've been hired to chant
until sunrise.
Unless you'd care
to extend the time.
You mean they'll keep that up
all night?!
It is an ancient custom Mr Arlington.
Your brother-in-law was a man
of great eminence in this community
It is only natural his passing should be
attended by a certain amount of lamentation.
Our grief as you see,
is very great.
But having known Francis well,
I'm sure he would have preferred
that the lamentation
be somewhat less vocal.
In a word, Commissario, ask those witches
to stop howling.
As you say, signor...
I shall merely explain your desolation
as very great...
and under the circumstances
you would prefer quiet and solitude.
The Commissario does have a way
of putting things, doesn't he?
Dad, this has a crest with a bull
and three swords
Yes, it once belonged
to one of the Borgias.
The Borgias, eh?
Why that chest will bring
at least 300 at Christies.
There's a small fortune
in these books and antiques.
If you gentlemen are really interested
in authentic antiques...
Look!... Roma, 1743.
La Vita de Lorenzo Borghese.
This is worth 100
at the British Museum.
History of the Constellation
Florence, 1603.
I wish you'd keep your hands
off my books.
YOUR books?
Yes, they are mine!
They're part of the estate,
and until the will is read...
No... they belong to ME!...
All of them... and I want you
to keep away from them.
How did you get them?
On your salary?
Bought them... for me...
They are mine.
You leech!
You've lived on Francis' charity for years.
Now you'll have to get out...
you and your theories...
You won't live
on MY charity.
The stars should have
told you that!
Perhaps they told me
more than you know.
Gentlemen... don't you think this discussion
is somewhat premature?
I don't want him
to touch my books.
For your information, Hilary...
I'm going to close this place
as soon as Francis' will has been read.
All this stuff will be shipped to England,
including of course, "your" books.
Julie...
The gentlemen downstairs
are waiting for us.
But I have nothing to do with it.
I don't belong to the family.
Please tell them to go ahead
without me.
What's wrong, Julie?
It's only reading of the will.
For some reason Mr Duprex
wants you to be present.
I can't face Mr Arlington again.
It wouldn't have happened
if I'd only stayed with Mr Ingram.
Why do you blame yourself?
Nobody expected him to crawl out of bed.
In a way I'm glad it happened
while you were here.
Supposing he'd died after you left...
You'd never have forgiven yourself.
It's all in the way
you look at things, isn't it?
I suppose so.
I'm going to San Stefano tomorrow
to get my exit visa.
Have you decided
to leave with me?
Yes.
I wish we could get away
from here right now.
It won't be long...
Only a few days.
In the meantime,
keep your chin up.
Why?
So that I can kiss you.
Well, it's about time.
I beg your pardon.
Please... please be seated.
I've called you together for the
reading of the will and testament
of Francis Warren Ingram.
As witnessed by Hilary Cummins, Bruce Conrad,
in the presence of Francis Ingram and myself.
I, Francis Warren Ingram being of sane mind
and in full possession of my mental powers...
herewith declare my last will.
I leave all my worldly goods, cash,
property and valuables of whatever nature
to Miss Julia Cecilia Holden,
my companion and friend,
as inadequate compensation
for her kindness and devotion to me.
I wish my body to be interred in the ancient
chapel adjoining the Villa Francesca,
so I can be near to her
and therefore rest in peace.
That is all.
- No word about me?
- None.
We shall contest that will.
On what grounds may I ask?
This will was made in consideration
of her kindness and devotion.
His very words.
But it was her duty to stay with him
and take care of him.
And if she had done so, Francis Ingram
would be alive at this moment.
That's an insult to Miss Holden.
These are not insults,
they're facts.
This woman is responsible
for Francis' death.
You'll have a hard time proving that
in a court of law.
That's a criminal charge.
I have no desire to place Miss Holden
in a position of jeopardy.
But I shall do all in my power to have
this so-called will thrown out of court.
I think you're needlessly alarmed,
Mr Arlington.
You haven't asked Miss Holden
of her own desires in the matter.
As far as I know,
she hasn't the slightest
intention of accepting
any part of this magnificent bequest.
Is that true, Miss Holden?
Are you willing to resign your rights to the
entire estate without further litigation?
In view of the circumstances
of my uncle's death...
That might be a very wise procedure.
I'm afraid Mr Conrad
has mislead you.
I accept the legacy.
And furthermore I intend
to remain here in this house.
Yes... and my books
remain here too.
This thing isn't over yet.
Let me go!
What's the matter with him?
What's happened to his throat?
I believe that Francis Ingram
tried to choke him.
That's interesting... why?
It seemed Mr Ingram resented...
Go on.
Oh, it's almost as if he suspected
some kind of conspiracy
between Hilary Cummins,
Miss Holden and Mr Conrad.
What kind of a conspiracy?
Do you think he felt
himself threatened?
It's hard to say.
Conspiracy...
That would explain
who pushed Francis down the stairs.
Now look, Arlington, there's no evidence
it was not an accident.
I wouldn't be so sure.
Mr Conrad's quite right.
The idea's absurd.
But even Mr Conrad has stated that
Francis Ingram's behaviour was eccentric.
Did I? When?
At the dinner table.
- I don't remember.
- But I do.
Excellent!
If my brother-in-law was not
in full possession of his mental powers...
Don't count on me as a witness.
We won't have to...
luckily there were others present.
I'm sure you "gentlemen"
will excuse me.
You're quite right, they don't
need Mr Conrad's testimony.
The things I saw during my short stay
in this house
would certainly be conclusive
for any judge.
Duprex, you're a man
of extreme perception.
Actually, as it happens, I know
the existence of a former will,
which names your son
as sole heir.
Only a few months ago,
Francis Ingram changed his mind.
I have the impression that he acted
under a neurotic obsession.
Which certainly affected
his willpower.
Then it would be simple
to have this will annulled.
It would take a certain
amount of handling.
Would you like me to represent you
in the matter.
Of course.
Share? You mean your fee?
I said share.
What do you want?
For participation,
let us say one third.
You understand I would offer my services
to Miss Holden under the same circumstances.
You mean you'd help her
instead of us?
I'm on the side of those
who engage me.
Alright... will you take the case.
Tomorrow the will shall be broken.
There's a light in the mausoleum!
Strange...
No one here.
No!
Somebody was playing...
Did you hear it?
Of course I did.
Hilary... who was playing?
i don't know...
I didn't see anybody.
The piano was closed
when I went upstairs.
This has been locked
since dear Mr Ingram died.
There...
Don... Donald!
It's Mr Ingram's ring!
He always put it there.
What are you trying to say?
I don't know.
I don't understand.
The music... it was his style...
his technique...
I couldn't be mistaken.
What's the matter?
Come down here!
Dad!
Dad.. quick!
Duprex!... He's dead!
No!... Don't touch him!
What?!
Send for the police.
The fingerprints on the key
that locked the piano
do not match any of yours,
signorina, signore, or any of the servants.
That we have proved beyond doubt
thanks to my colleague, Mr Bataillion.
To eliminate a possible clue
is almost as good as finding one.
You mean you suspected
one of us?
I do not suspect, Signor Conrad...
I am here merely to investigate.
Signore, please...
a little closer.
Now let us be methodical... eh?
A murderer must have a motive.
Who would have gained
by Mr Duprex' death?
Why don't we tell him, Dad?
Tell what?
Duprex could have proved
that my uncle was insane.
And also that a former will exists
which was made while
he was still in his right mind.
Somebody in this room is just lucky
that he died so suddenly.
I could scarcely strangle a man!
And I don't play the piano.
Because nobody's ever heard you,
doesn't prove you can't play.
If you remember, I was upstairs
when we heard the music.
So you were... but Duprex must have
been dead by that time.
Fine reasoning, Arlington.
And how did the ring get on the piano?
You probably have an explanation
for that, too.
Of course!...
Anybody could have taken the ring off
Francis' hand and placed it on the instrument.
The marks on his throat...
just like the ones I have.
I can still feel his fingers.
And it was Ingram playing that night...
how about that?
I am not enough of a musician myself
to recognise Francis' technique.
But this man is... in fact he is
himself an expert pianist.
Thank you for the compliment.
But unfortunately, I wasn't here
at the time.
Can you prove it?
Horatio can.
He put me to bed at the inn.
But don't worry, Commissario,
the whole mystery is easy to solve.
You see, Francis' ghost doesn't want
this will contested.
So he murdered Duprex.
And to leave a clue for the police
he played the piano.
But there are no such things as ghosts,
Signor Conrad...
In all my life I have never seen one.
For that matter, neither have I.
But one can never be sure...
can one?
I'm sure that a ghost would respond
to a bullet between his ribs.
Somebody very much alive
went into that vault last night.
We saw a light.
And who went to the mausoleum,
Signor Donald?
I don't know... If I knew,
don't you think I'd have told you?
Maybe.
But sometimes people tell me things
after it's too late.
Signore... you did not have to
come down here.
For me this is merely
a matter of routine.
Do you wish to reconsider?
We are just as anxious as you are,
Commissario.
And we are just as brave.
As you wish...
After you...
This window was not broken
when we were here at the funeral.
I'm sure it wasn't.
The glass was smashed
from the inside.
No one could possibly climb through
a jagged little opening like that.
Somebody's been here.
This lid's been moved!
What did I tell you?...
That's how the ring was stolen.
Let's make sure.
Give me a hand with the lid.
Horrible!
He's cut off his own hand!
A corpse?!... Very likely, indeed!
Yes, a corpse...
The medic was positive he was dead
when they buried him.
There's no doubt about it.
And even if he wasn't,
his right side was paralysed.
There's fingerprints on the glass.
Better take it with us.
You take it... I might drop it.
No blood on the glass.
A keen observation...
Make a note.
Let us see if there are some other
pieces of glass in the garden.
- There aren't any footprints.
- No...
The print of a hand.
Broke the window
and climbed through.
And walked away.
Anna... Tessa... go in the house, quick!
Look at her, you will be cursed.
They've turned their eyes away...
All of them!
They believe that evil spirits
can only be evoked
by people who are Jettatori
And whoever lives at the Villa Francesca
may possess the evil eye.
I don't want to stay here
any longer.
Don't show them you're afraid.
That WILL convince them.
You're hurting me!
I'm sorry...
Guess I'm a bit rattled myself.
Horatio!
Signor Conrad...
Bring me some brandy
and a coffee for la signorina.
You wanted proof.
Tomorrow the bakery
will be closed to us.
The butcher will have no meat.
They'll try to starve us out of town,
and if we don't leave...
I can't believe that people
could be so superstitious.
It's their folklore.
They've been brought up on it
for centuries.
I have been looking for you...
and the signorina.
What's the bad news, Commissario.
The fingerprints on the piece of glass
we picked up at the mausoleum...
correspond with the imprint
on the piano key.
- You mean it's the same hand?
- Precisely.
Then, it was Francis' hand
that unlocked the piano?
And played?
Can you give me a better explanation,
Signor Conrad,
I will only too happy to accept it.
I found the fingerprints
of identical pattern
in the library... in the hall... even on
the window pane in your room, signorina.
Fingerprints not older
than a day.
Are you sure of it?
In my mind there is no doubt
the hand is walking around.
You don't believe in things
like that.
Unfortunately, for the peace
of our souls,
one cannot explain everything logically
that happens in this world, Signor Conrad.
So, even the Commissario
is afraid of 'jettatora'.
Horatio!
Where's my drink?
I'm sorry... It might be better
if you were served elsewhere.
There's the money I owe you.
Now bring us something to drink.
I can refuse service to anybody.
Let's get away from here,
Bruce... please!
You're right signorina... It would be much
more comfortable in my office... please come.
What for?
Merely to ask a few questions,
Signor Conrad.
May I be so bold as to ask
where you got all of that money?
Francis Ingram gave it to me.
Oh... he did?
Why?
I asked him for it.
After all, he owed it to me.
Sometimes I can't help but wonder why
a man of your education and background
chooses to bury himself
in our little village.
Well you can stop wondering,
Commissario.
I was just on my way to get
an exit visa from you.
Thank you.
Signorina... after Signor Ingram
was stricken in New York...
he brought you along
to take care of him?
Yes. Mr Ingram had the choice
of many nurses.
I am not surprised that he chose you,
signorina.
I would have done the same,
believe me!
But recently Signorina asked for
her exit permit, too.
And now she seems
to change her mind?
No, I've decided to leave here
as soon as possible.
I see.
Did you know that the signorina,
after little more than a year
in Signor Ingram's service,
would have the good fortune
of inheriting all of his wealth?
Of course not.
Then why do you want
to leave with her?
Has this something to do
with her sudden inheritance?
What's the reason
for these questions?
Well, when a man picks up his living,
as you do, collecting so-called antiques...
One is naturally a bit curious.
Is that not so?
Have you a match, please?
Where were you the night of the accident,
Signor Conrad?
I told you... Horatio can testify
that I was at the inn.
And the night the lawyer
was murdered?
In bed. Horatio brought me
a hot drink.
May I have your passport,
signorina?
Thank you.
What does that mean?
It is merely routine.
In the meantime I suggest
that you stay at the villa.
I shall be there too.
I have no doubt we shall see
a great deal of each other.
Please come.
Still working, I see.
Yes, I am.
Well, it's after midnight.
Then why aren't you asleep?
Tell me, Hilary...
Just what do you expect to find?
The law that changes the conception
of unknown fate into very predictable fact.
Sounds like a lot of nonsense
to me.
Why don't you let me finish?
Applying that knowledge
to your life
I think I can foretell the exact
circumstances of your death.
What a charming thought.
And what's going to happen?
You were born on
the 15th of August, 1882... right?
So they told me.
That is under the sign of Leo,
Libra in the ascendance.
Now you should take the trouble to read the
life story of one Gottla Minate and Aurelio Versace
They were born on the same day
you were.
Only, a few hundred years ago.
But then they're the same constellation.
Come on, just give me
the cold facts.
Well, they both died
a death of violence.
Poison? Shooting? Hanging?
No, they were choked to death.
Well, I'm glad to know
what to expect.
I hate surprises.
Why don't you go to bed?
Not a good time.
I just wondered...
Abracadabra... here it is!
How did you know about that safe?
When I was a boy, no higher than that,
Uncle Francis opened it for me.
He pretended it was magic,
and I never forgot it.
You know that this
house belongs to Julie.
Everything in it is hers.
Everything, do you hear?
I'm not so sure about that.
There's another will in the safe that might
change that picture considerably.
Uncle Francis taught me a jingle
to remember the combination.
How did it go again?
It escapes me.
Get out of here!
Good night.
Don't work too much.
What is it?
Donald... and the Commissario.
What happened to Donald?
The hand... it tried to strangle him.
The hand?!
I saw it with my own eyes.
What happened to him?
Please help me take him
to his room.
He's finally fallen asleep.
I'm holding you responsible,
Commissario.
Well that would round out the mystery nicely...
accusing a Commissario of murder.
You're forcing us to stay here
where our lives are in danger.
It's a conspiracy... a device
to get rid of us.
Are you accusing
anybody in particular?
I'll answer that question
the moment I've left this house.
Tomorrow morning I'm going to call
an ambulance, and take Don away from here.
I don't think you son
can be moved in his condition.
I'll take a chance on that.
And nothing can stop me.
Nothing... neither ghosts nor police.
There's a possibility of brain fever.
It's very dangerous, Mr Arlington.
When I want medical advice,
I'll call a doctor.
The Devil's haunting this house.
The Devil...
It's in Signor Ingram's hand!
Quickly before it catches up
with us.
You're always imagining things...
The night your grandmother died,
you heard skeletons rattling.
Well, if you don't believe me,
why are you running away?
Well, it can't hurt
to be on the safe side.
There they go...
Giovanna, Antonia and Clara.
They're more afraid of ghosts
than of the law.
The law doesn't like it
too much either.
If I were not the Commissario,
I would be right with them.
I wonder what the Commissario
would think of all this packing.
He really can't keep us here
for ever, can he?
It depends on the ghost
of Francis Ingram.
Oh Bruce... let's get away from here...
we're not under arrest.
What can they do
if we just disappear?
Nothing... there's a bus that
crosses the border at Chiasso.
We can be in Lugarno tomorrow
and in Zurich before the Commissario
even knows we've left.
Well, let's leave...
why do we stay?
Perhaps I'm a bit curious.
Conrad!
Conrad!
What's the matter?
The hand!
Tell me... what is it?
The hand's in the library...
the hand, it crawled on my desk.
It picked up the ring...
I saw it with my own eyes.
It's alive.
I tell you, it's alive!
The desk...
What are you talking about?
It's gone... it was in here...
I threw it in here myself!
Although I think of death,
I don't anticipate it yet.
That's what Mr Ingram
said to me at dinner that night.
Isn't this your handwriting, Hilary?
It's Ingram's... his hand wrote it...
Don't you see... the hand...
It must be here!
Find it!... It must be somewhere!
- You must help me find it!
- Calm down!
You must help me... find it!
There's no hand Hilary...
It's only in your mind.
But I saw it... It moved.
Listen to me...
there's nothing here I tell you.
The note?
YOU must have written it...
unknowingly.
- Try to think!
- I couldn't have written it...
I didn't.
Bruce... please take me to my room.
What's he on with down there?
He's a sick man.
Mentally sick.
Have you ever heard him
play the piano?
No, not that I can remember.
Are you sure he CAN'T play?
No, but I'm sure only Francis Ingram
could have played that thing I wrote for him.
Good night, Julie.
And... don't forget
to lock your door.
I caught it... I caught it...
I locked it up.
That's fine.
The horrible hand
can't escape any more.
Now it can't get out.
Can't.
Of course it can't...
Now go to bed.
Dad...
Yes?
8 bones has the carpis,
5 the metacarpis...
14 the phalanges...
All in all... 27 all in all!
You must lie down, Don, please.
It came back in my sleep.
8 bones has the carpis
Uncle Francis studied medicine once.
He told me the jingle
when I was a kid.
They're the number of bones
in the hand!
Don't worry, this isn't fever,
I'm feeling well, I'm alright.
You've got to stay in bed,
Don... please!
it's the combination
of the safe downstairs.
8-5-14-27
Let's open the safe...
Let's open the safe
and get the first will!
Why not wait 'til tomorrow?
It may not be there anymore.
Well, you stay here,
and I'll go.
What were those numbers again?
See... how can I trust your memory?
Come along Dad... and don't worry,
I feel great!
It's strange how things
you thought you'd forgotten,
suddenly come back to you.
I even remember the eau-de-Cologne
Uncle Francis used.
It was 'Lanvin Verbena'.
One moment, signor.
May I ask what you are doing here,
Signor Raymond, and you Signor Donald?
I was under the impression
you are very ill.
Commissario and his pride of duty.
You're just in time
to see a safe being cracked.
This will send you to prison,
Signor Donald.
On the contrary, Commissario...
Now you can testify that we took nothing
but the will of Francis Ingram.
This unheard of... asking the police
to witness an unlawful act.
Suppose somebody were to remove
that document tonight...
I don't think you'd care
to take that responsibility.
I feel quite sure you'll give us
your permission.
Whatever you do is your responsibility...
Go right ahead..
But remember... it is
without my permission.
Thanks a lot, Commissario.
Do you remember
the combination, dad?
5 bones has the carpis...
No... no... you'll mix me up.
8 bones has the carpis...
5 the metacarpis.
14 the phalanges...
All in all... 27...
Abracadabra!
Francis Ingram's hand!
Donald!
Donald... come back!
Signor Conrad... stop him,
he's gone mad!
What's the matter?
Why did you run away?
I saw it there in the safe!
But it's dead...
It can't hurt you anymore.
Arlington!
I've found him.
Do you believe me now?
You can see the hand truly exits.
Hilary,
Listen to me...
I've got something to say to you.
I'm sorry. I'm almost sorry
I even know.
But I DO know!
What?
It was you who tried to kill Don,
wasn't it?
Remember I'm not the beast...
I'm your friend, Hilary.
But I do know you pretended to come
from the garden, the night he was attacked.
And I know it was you
who murdered Duprex.
No...
You can talk to me.
I nailed it down so it
could not kill again.
It was the hand!
I tell you it was the hand!
That's what you wanted people
to believe.
You used it to put fingerprints
everywhere.
To prove it was the hand
that committed the crime.
You can follow what I'm saying,
can't you?
You're ill, Hilary.
You can't distinguish any more between
what is right and what is wrong.
Between imagination and reality.
Raymond threatened to
take your books away.
You'd have done anything
to prevent it.
I know how much
they meant to you.
Now... now you'll have
to face it.
The charge will be murder.
Murder!... I never hurt anybody.
I'm not a murderer.
It was the hand.
You'll have to go to the police
and tell them about the hand.
Yes...
And yourself!
You'll have to tell them
everything, Hilary.
They'll put me away...
They'll put me away!
But there's nothing else
for you to do.
I'm sure they'll let you take
your books with you.
My books?
They'll let me take my books?
Are you sure of that?
I'll do everything I can
to help you.
But if they take the house
away from you...
Julie... you didn't tell
the Commissario, did you?
No, I haven't told anyone.
That's nice of you Julie...
You're sure you didn't tell anyone?
- Anybody?
- Yes.
Not even Conrad?
No... I'm very fond of you Hilary.
I wanted to give you the chance.
Then if I don't?...
Then I'll have to tell the police.
I still have so much work to do.
You're the only one
that knows I...
I can't let you stop me!
I can't trust you any longer!
That's Ingram.
He's playing again.
Listen!
The hand... it's playing down there!
The hand... it's Ingram's hand!
There's nobody playing, Hilary.
It's only in your mind.
I know it...
It's not in my mind...
Don't you hear it?
It's bursting my eardrums!
I can't stand it!
I can't stand it!
Julie!...
Julie!
Don't leave me alone!
Open the door!
Hilary... listen!.. Listen!
Can't you hear it?
The piano... it's the hand playing...
it's the hand!
You were right all the time!
It WAS Ingram's hand
that committed murder!!.
I'm your friend, Hilary.
Please save me from the hand...
It wants to kill me!
Please help me!
Destroy it before it kills again!
I'll destroy it!
You see my friend...
I was ill.
It won't hurt you.
Donald and his father
ought to be pleased
when they find out I've signed over
the Villa Francesca to them.
Who's playing?
Do not worry, signorina,
it is not the hand!
Look! I found it!
You let the string go...
It stops.
It starts... it stops...
It starts...
Stops.
Come with me, signorina,
I will show you.
The secret of the ghost, signorina.
Signor Conrad and I...
We discovered it.
A mere record.
After Hilary's death I found a receipt
from the Milano Edison Recording Agency...
Indicating that Francis Ingram had made
a record of the Bach arrangement.
But I couldn't find a trace of such a recording
until I found the hidden gramophone.
And Hilary was of sound mind
when he installed this contraption.
Then, after committing one murder,
and attempting another...
His brain snapped.
He started to imagine that he was
hearing the piano...
and seeing the hand.
The hand was always in the safe
or in his desk.
All ready?
All except the passports.
Ah! I have them.
All signed and stamped.
I'm going to be very sorry
to see you both go.
We're going to miss you too, Ovidio.
You know, I like this place,
now that I found there are no ghosts.
It's a good thing I didn't write
to HQ in Milano about the ghosts!
I saved myself from ridicule.
That you did, Commissario!
- Arrividerci!
- Goodbye, Commissario.
Arrividerci, Ovidio.
What is the matter?
The hand!
Silly girl!
You should know by now
there is no such thing as ghosts.
I think I better
get out of this house.
Can you imagine anyone believing
a hand that can walk around?
How do you like that...
My own hand!