Cynara (1942) Movie Script
Hi. I'm Robert Osborne.
Thanks for joining us.
As we continue our tribute to our
star of the month Kay Francis.
Already this month we've seen Kay
in some uncomfortable situations.
Usually Kay's lot it life in
her movies as it it turns out.
She has her hands full in
this next movie as well.
It's a movie called 'Cynara'.
Her husband of seven years
has been unfaithful to her.
When he decides his
affair is over - kaput.
His mistress will not retreat.
And in the tradition of every
love story of hormones from...
Those on All My Children
to Fatal Attraction.
Things here go from bad to even worse.
Cynara was produce by Samuel Goldwyn.
And was released in 1932.
It's just the type of story that fuelled
Kay Francis's career from here on.
This movie marked the only time she was
ever directed by the great King Vidor.
But the film itself marked a reunion
for her and the dashing Ronald Colman.
With who she had starred for Goldwyn
in the film Raffles two years before.
When was still quite new to Hollywood.
But in those two years
she had learned a lot.
She had also gained confidence
and secured star status.
With successes under her belt such as
One Way Passage and Trouble In Paradise.
Also, with working with
directors like Ernst Lubitsh...
George Cukor, William Dieterle
and Leo McCarey.
And all that does make a difference.
In our movie a girl named
Phyllis Barry plays the mistress.
And looks amazingly like
a younger Kay Francis.
Rounding out the cast
is Henry Stephenson.
Playing a notorious womaniser
making comments such as:
'No woman is respectable
until she is dead'.
Wow.
The film is based on a novel by Robert
Gore Brown titled An Imperfect Lover.
Later adapted into a play
by Brown and H.M Harwood.
There is no-one named
Cynara in the movie.
Kay Francis plays a woman
named Clemency.
The other woman is named Doris.
But that name Cynara comes
from a line in a poem:
'I have been faithful to thee Cynara'.
'In my fashion'.
Here is the movie from 1932.
What?
Yes, yes.
What is it, Merton?
- I was just wondering.
Wondering what?
- Whether this should be packed, sir.
Why of course, Merton. Of course.
They're taking the luggage now, sir.
The ship sails in about
an hour's time, sir.
Alright, Merton. You go along.
And I'll meet you at the boat.
Very good, sir.
My things have gone.
I'll have to leave soon myself.
Do you really want to go to this place?
South Africa will be so strange for you.
What else is there to do?
You are... you're sure that...
That your career is
absolutely over at home?
There wouldn't be any chance?
I don't want to try alone.
It would be alright with you, but...
Jim.
I'm not asking you to reconsider.
You're doing what seems
to be the right thing for you.
And I don't blame you.
It is sporting of you to have
come this far with me.
Jim.
If I could only understand.
If you could tell me something more.
You know. You've never really told me.
I have to imagine everything and...
And that's so much worse.
What do you want to know?
You've heard all the facts.
Just what happened. That's all.
What happened to you.
Inside you, I mean.
What she was like. What you thought.
What you did.
My dear, don't you see
I wanted to spare you?
Jim.
In a few moments.
We'll be parted.
Before you go. Won't you tell me?
Well...
It started the night you left, in a way.
The same night?
If you hadn't gone that night
things might be different now.
We'd probably be back in London this
very minute living our pleasant lives.
Yes?
It was the day before our
anniversary. Remember?
I finished the afternoon session in
court and crossed over to my office.
Tring was there.
I was showing him that...
That present I had for you.
It's beautiful.
Glad you like it.
I looked at a hundred of
them before I found it.
Clemency will be delighted.
What's the occasion, her birthday?
- No. Anniversary.
Married seven years tomorrow.
Ah, they say our bodies are entirely
renewed every seven years.
Mine feels the same.
Miss Blake.
- Yes?
Did you book theatre
tickets for tonight?
I did, Mr Warlock.
And arranged for the table at The Ritz?
Yes. The same one.
Congratulations, Mr Warlock.
Thank you.
What are you laughing at?
- Merely sharing your happiness.
I am happy.
I can't tell you how much I look forward
to this little celebration tonight.
You should. You were
magnificent in court today.
Your speech was superb.
I was thinking of Clemency.
Don't you ever think of
yourself, your career?
You're becoming very important.
Aren't you proud of it?
I am. Seven years married.
And she still loves me.
Well I wasn't speaking of your domestic
bliss. I was speaking about you.
You now, frankly, I'm...
I'm worried about you.
Am I in danger?
- I'm afraid so.
There seems to be no color in your life.
No... no variety.
You have settled down to a routine.
You are becoming smug.
Don't you ever feel like...
Kicking over the traces?
Think there would be hope for me...
If I were to take the kitchen maid
to Paris with me for the weekend?
Come on, let's go.
If you can, drop in for
a cocktail before dinner.
I'll be delighted. I'll drink a toast
to the last of the virtuous men.
The King should knight me for it.
- He probably will one of these days.
You deserve some reward
for all you are missing.
Cynic.
Puritan.
What's going on here, Onslow?
- Mrs Warlock is leaving town, sir.
What?
It was settled quite suddenly.
I believe they go to Venice.
They? Who?
- It's Miss Gorla, sir.
Gorla.
- Yes, sir.
Hello.
One lump or two?
Come on, out with it. What do you
mean by breaking up my home?
It's Clemency's idea, not mine.
You expect me to believe...
Clemency developed a passionate wish
to go to Venice since this morning?
Come on, what's happened?
I suppose you're in another mess?
Not so far as I'm concerned.
Isn't it annoying?
I'm being saved again.
Yes. And it's very annoying
that your love affairs are...
So progressive.
Since it's my idea, don't you
think it should be left to me?
Exactly... and Clemency
should be left to me.
You're angry, aren't you.
- Emphatically.
I resent this intrusion of
your affairs in my home...
And I very much resent
your taking Clemency away.
Jim.
How can a man with such broad
shoulders have such a narrow mind?
Now don't do that.
Say that to the next man.
Jim.
- Clemency.
Has Gorla told you?
- About Venice? Yes she has.
You don't mind?
- Does it matter? It's settled.
It had to be settled at once.
You do understand?
You want to know what I think?
Your sister's a pest and a nuisance.
You're just wasting your time.
Hear hear.
There's a tribe somewhere...
Where a man, before marriage
murders all his wife's relations.
There's a lot to be said for it.
Jim.
I'm afraid I'm being the
cause of a domestic quarrel.
It's not my fault, Jim. I'm simply going
to please Clemency and father.
The little darling has a
natural bad taste in men.
And she's too young
to have a scandal yet.
If you think the Venice waters can wash
away my love for Freddy, you're wrong.
Why Venice?
It's as far from the parachute
jumper we could take her.
Parachute jumper?
- The gentleman leaps out of aeroplanes.
For the movies.
- And she...?
Gorla catches him in her arms?
- No.
Why don't you take him along?
The street in Venice is
a lovely place to live.
You've been?
You know the type.
Silky moustaches and curly hair.
You'll forget about him in a week.
- I warn you...
If anything of that sort does happen...
I'll throw myself into the arms
of the nearest policeman.
Heaven help our police force.
How long will it be?
Father insists upon four weeks.
Awful.
Perhaps it's a good thing for you, Jim.
You must seize your opportunity.
- Opportunity? For what?
I don't know. Whatever husbands do
when they're left alone in London.
Have you forgotten about tomorrow?
I could weep about it.
I had made such great
plans for tonight too.
Dinner at The Ritz.
Seats for the best show in town.
That's the way it goes.
What's that?
Just a little anniversary present for
someone who won't be here to receive it.
Jim.
You shouldn't have done it.
It's too lovely.
Too lovely... for you?
Dearest.
Has anyone ever told
you how sweet you are?
Darling.
Don't go.
Let her take her chance.
But I feel such responsibility
where Gorla is concerned.
You're fond of her, Jim.
You don't want to see
her do something that...
That's she'd be sorry for.
- I do think she really would.
Of course she would.
She doesn't understand.
I feel I... I must help.
I've been so lucky.
Lucky?
With you.
Just ordinary decency.
You think that because you're like that.
Gorla thinks I'm a dull dog.
Perhaps I am. I've got my work to do.
This sex business is just
so much nonsense.
She ought to get a job of work.
Time to go, Onslow?
Chauffeur says there may
be a good deal of traffic.
Thank you.
Now, how about your dinner?
I won't be pacified with food and drink.
Come on, what will I tell cook?
I'll go out.
Tring comes in later.
We'll find dinner somewhere.
Alright, darling.
I love my present.
It's time we left, Gorla.
I'm ready.
And you look it.
Have you got your parachute?
- You...
Are you sure it's safe to
leave him, Clemency?
Suppose he goes bad on you?
I should hate if he'd want
to drop me as much as that.
Don't worry. No-one ever will.
And you'll not even take to drink.
Wise young man.
How I do honor thee. Goodbye.
Goodbye.
- Come, Clemency.
Have a good time. Don't work hard.
Keep out of draughts and don't cross
roads and wash behind the ears. Yes.
And go out and see people.
I'm waiting until you've gone to
call up all the women I know.
Yes. Do, darling.
But first, I'll see you to the
car to make sure you've left.
The appetite may fail,
but the palate persists.
Here we are.
How do you like this place?
- Quite interesting.
Funny I've never heard of it before.
- No-one has yet.
When they get known, up go
prices and down goes the cooking.
My friend.
The finest pasta served
outside of Italy.
Splendid.
I hope you enjoy them, sir.
Two more sherries, Joseph.
- Aha.
Concentration is the secret of life.
Never mix your wines.
Or your women.
Women should be consecutive,
not contemporaneous.
Speaking as one having authority, huh?
Change. Variety. As often as you
like but not at the same time.
No man can serve two mistresses.
I'll have a poached egg
and a strawberry ice please.
And I'll have a vanilla.
Anything to drink?
I'll have a gin and tonic.
I didn't want that on my
hips or I'll get the sack.
Oh, Millie.
You know what happened
to Ethel. I warned her.
And she just wouldn't take any exercise.
The only exercise I get is
when Bob takes me home.
He just walks me off my feet.
I wish he'd take a taxi once in a while.
All the same, Bob's not a bad boy.
I'd make a better one out of
a bolster and a bowler hat.
Well there's one. Go on.
I couldn't.
Not here.
- You're afraid?
I'm not.
- Yes, you are.
Alright then.
There.
Charming.
Is this yours?
- No. It's my friend's.
Whatever must you think of me.
I thought it suited you
better than it does him.
I feel such a fool.
- Well, what's the odds?
Shall I ask them to join us?
Good heavens no.
You can't do that right now.
They're respectable girls.
Call no woman respectable
until she is dead.
Won't you join us?
Unless of course, you expect friends.
No, but we're going in a minute.
We must leave too if
we're going to a theatre.
Theatre? After all this garlic?
They wouldn't let us in.
Come along, Jim.
Suppose we compromise.
We'll join you, shall we?
I don't mind. How about you, Millie?
All the same to me.
Such enthusiasm is irresistible.
Don't be alarmed. We're immensely
respectable. My friend is a barrister.
And what are you?
I my dear, am an old man.
'Tring' is my name. This is Mr Warlock.
Won't you sit down?
Unless you'd rather not.
Not at all.
- We shan't eat you, you know.
Warlock has to acclimatise himself.
These surroundings are strange to him.
Yes. This is my first offence.
I brought him.
We celebrate his grass widowerhood.
Oh.
Then you're married?
- Oh, yes.
Been married long?
- Seven years.
Coming up for air soon, I suppose?
No, he's not amphibious.
What's that, left handed?
You do go on, don't you.
I met another married man last week.
- Yes, it's an epidemic.
He said his wife didn't understand him.
I bet she was cold, I suppose.
They always say that.
Does your wife understand you?
I shouldn't wonder. I'm very simple.
You crazy machine.
I push and push and push
and nothing come out.
[ Italian language ]
I say, shall we try out luck?
I don't mind.
If I put a penny in there, the whole
machine will go up in smoke.
Now come along... there we are.
Shall I push it down?
- Yes.
I'm terribly sorry this happened.
But these foreigners...
That's alright. We enjoy it.
- Thank you.
Let's have another go.
There we are.
Have you...?
Do you come here often?
Not very.
Your people, do they live in London?
My people are dead.
I am sorry.
That's alright. No sob stuff.
I didn't live with them.
They were alright you
know but not to live with.
Yes. That's so true of many of us.
Not of you, I should say.
I don't know. I'm a monotonous creature.
You don't bore me.
Thank you.
Our friends, they...
They enjoy each other.
Millie and I live together.
A little flat in Tottenham.
She seems very nice.
She's a good sort.
We work at the same place.
Gosh.
What a lot.
- Yes.
Gosh, look what I've won.
- Splendid.
Doris, look at this.
What have you done?
- Twenty to one.
Here you are.
- Dear Miss Miles, it's yours.
What do you mean, mine?
It was your shilling wasn't it?
I make you a present of it.
What then, Mr Tring? What then?
Never look a gift horse in
the mouth, Miss Miles.
I always look before I leap.
Any rate, let's spend it.
We'll all go somewhere.
Let's make a night of it.
- Why, Mr Tring.
What about a cinema?
I would love to.
- My dear fellow, I can't.
Must you go home?
- Afraid so, yes.
Don't believe him, Miss Doris. The cat's
away. The mouse can play if he cares to.
I see. You don't care to.
- It isn't that. It's just...
You just don't wish to.
- I didn't say that.
Then come along. Charlie
Chaplin is just across the street.
I'm terribly sorry, but...
I know, supposing you take
these two young ladies?
That's not fair.
Let's toss whether we go or not.
Let me toss it. Heads you
come and tails you go.
The landlady will take your message.
Be sure to call me, won't you.
- I will.
Wait.
And here is where we work.
Madam.
Ducette's.
Shaftesbury Avenue.
What do you do there? Mannequin?
A little of everything.
Well, if you decided
to spend the evening.
You may as well join
us for a cup of tea.
No thanks.
Goodbye.
Goodnight, Pop.
Goodnight.
Bye-bye.
You're not taking him
seriously, are you?
Gentlemen like him never take
our sort that way you know.
I think he's wonderful.
Come on, mushy.
What are you smirking at?
Did I smirk?
Sorry.
What a lovely figure.
I didn't notice.
- Liar.
She seemed intelligent enough, but...
It's difficult to talk
to girls like this.
There's no common ground.
- No common ground?
Good heavens man, there is
the earth on which we live.
No common ground?
A girl with a figure like that.
You're an amazing fellow.
Why do you do that?
- For the best reason in the world.
I'm only interested in one
woman, my dear fellow.
And her name isn't Doris.
'Life has been dull without you'.
'On Thursday I go to Willowmead
to judge a swimming contest'.
'It will be a bore but Tring insists
there are political reasons'.
'You should be here to
give me moral support'.
'Tring is going to take your place'.
'As if anyone ever could'.
'I love you, darling'.
'Jim'.
You don't look very pleased.
I think it's a darn sweet note.
It is.
But I want more.
I want to know everything he's
doing, everything he's thinking.
Probably nothing that differs
from his regular life.
I've never been away from him so long.
Clemency, don't tell me
you're nervous about him?
About Jim?
Of course not.
Why do you say it like that?
After all, Jim is a mighty
attractive person.
And a human being.
If there are two things
you can depend on.
They are the Church of
England and Jim Warlock.
Yes, that's true, isn't it.
Jim judging a swimming contest.
Can you picture that?
A slice of toast.
Hey, there. Mr Boots.
Where's my little Amelia going to dress?
She'll dress where the
other girls dress, Mrs Weeks.
I can't have her stand naked
among all those girls, Mr Boots.
We don't know them.
Mrs Weeks, there will be no
class distinction here today.
No class distinction.
He is here, Mr Boots.
Alighting from his car now, sir.
Well go to meet him, Henry.
Once again, Mr Boots.
You heard me, Mrs Weeks.
You ain't got cloth ears.
Isn't this jolly.
This is a pleasure, Mr Tring.
A pleasure and a half.
I am Mr Boots, master of ceremonies.
My friend mister Warlock.
An honor, Mr Warlock.
Shall we proceed, gentlemen?
The ceremonies are about to begin.
A great distinction to have you here
today with us today, Mr Warlock.
Everyone speaks of you
Mr Warlock as a man with a future.
Thank you, Mr Boots.
- Not at all, Mr Warlock.
As I was just saying to Mrs Weeks.
There's no class distinction here today.
A subject you might well strike
in your speech Mr Warlock.
If you feel so inclined.
My speech?
Just a few words to grace the occasion.
Everyone will be looking
forward to it, Mr Warlock.
I had no idea. I'm unprepared.
I think Mr Tring would...
No. That's your job, my dear fellow.
The man with a future.
Well just a brief allusion to
cleanliness, Mr Warlock.
And it's importance in
the scheme of things.
It's a subject I mention as often
as possible to these young people.
And I feel you could drive it home.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I take great pleasure in
presenting Mr James Warlock.
One of our most
distinguished barristers.
Who has graciously consented
to award the grand prize.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I count myself fortunate,
I may say most fortunate.
In having been asked here today.
I cannot be too grateful...
To our dear Mr Boots.
For allowing me the privilege
of these few words.
For it is indeed a great privilege.
To be here with you today
in these Godly surroundings.
I use the word 'Godly'
advisedly because after all...
Cleanliness is next
to Godliness, isn't it.
These... these water-sports.
Water... brings cleanliness.
Clean bodies.
Clean minds.
And pure hearts.
Don't forget the class distinction.
They say that...
Water seeks its own level. That's true.
But water also...
Levels all ranks.
We have no class distinction here today.
Our little prize.
There is a prize?
Our little prize will be given to
the girl with the loveliest figure.
The quickest eye and the best stroke.
Accomplishment.
Skill. Ernest endeavour. These are
the things that count in the long run.
And so I say.
Our motto should be today, as always...
One for all and all for one.
Attention!
Salute!
Ladies.
Silence please.
Mr Warlock would like
to make an inspection.
Take off your wrap.
- No, Ma. I'll get goose pimples.
Fool.
My daughter, Amelia.
Amelia?
Why...?
A galaxy of beauty and charm, Mr Boots.
Thank you, Mr Warlock.
I suddenly realize how...
How difficult my task is going to be.
I know you won't fail us, Mr Warlock.
England expects every
man to do his duty.
Right you are, Mr Boots.
Now remember, not a word to Mr Warlock
or he'll punch my head for telling you.
Cross my heart, I won't say a word.
- Good.
Here he comes.
Here is Mr Warlock.
How do you do?
What's the matter with him, I wonder.
Our distinguished guest,
Mr James Warlock.
Has awarded the prize to Miss Doris Lea.
Miss Lea will now step
forward and claim the reward.
Won't you take a bow?
Here, what's happened?
What's happened?
Badly hurt?
My ankle.
Right this way, Mr Warlock.
I'm sorry.
I'm not. Now.
What on earth are you doing down here?
I heard you were going to be here.
- How?
A little bird told me.
Aha. By the name of Tring?
However will I get home?
- In my car.
That's so sweet of you.
This is the last lap.
Why don't you live on the first floor?
Perhaps I'll move.
Now, where's the key?
- Yes. The key.
There we are.
Well, we managed it, didn't we.
Rather.
You can let me down.
I'm perfectly alright.
- You sure?
Quite.
I hate being such a bother.
No. Don't be absurd.
Shall we have a light?
We'll light the fire.
Have you a match?
Uhuh.
Thank you.
A funny old thing, isn't it.
But it draws alright.
Nice, isn't it?
- Very.
I love a fire that you can see.
It's like something alive and human.
Is there room?
Uhuh.
Did you really give it to me because
you thought I was the nicest?
What did you especially like about me?
Well, I...
That would take a long time to tell.
Then let the taxi go.
- I'm afraid I can't.
Stay. Just a little while.
Quite impossible.
- Please.
Just ten minutes.
But I warn you.
It will create a bad impression
with the taxi driver.
No. Nothing to drink, thanks.
Oh yes.
- No. Please.
Have one with me.
- Just a little.
Well.
Here is how.
- Good luck.
You are terribly serious.
What's the matter?
- Nothing.
Well.
Now you can tell me what
you liked about me.
Everything.
That means nothing.
Perhaps you would remember
if you looked at me.
What's the matter with you?
Do you think I've got the plague?
- Now, Doris.
You had better go, hadn't you.
Here is your hat.
It's all spoiled.
What's all spoiled?
I thought you'd be glad when
you saw me there today.
I was glad.
- No, no.
You must have been dreadfully
put out when you saw me there.
Nonsense.
Don't be absurd. I was delighted.
Now.
Just a minute.
Only a minute.
- Doris, I must go.
Do you really want to?
Don't you see it isn't fair?
To your wife?
- And to you.
I'm no good to you. It couldn't last.
That's my lookout.
Doris, dear.
You don't know what you're doing. I do.
I'm not a child.
- No, but...
Don't misunderstand me.
I've never been common.
Once before, I...
I really didn't care for him.
He was kind and thoughtful.
He said nothing mattered if
you were fond of a person.
But both of you have to be.
Fond.
So you see.
You needn't be afraid.
I've always dreamed of someone like you.
Just like you.
I'd never be a nuisance.
I'd go away whenever you told me to.
You do like me, don't you?
My dear, too much.
- No. You mustn't say that.
Not 'too much'.
[ Singing: ]
I never saw the sun shining so bright.
Never saw things... going so right.
Noticed in the day...
Hurrying by.
When you're in love.
My heart will fly.
Blue days.
All of them gone.
Nothing but blue skies.
From now on.
Are we nearing port, Captain?
Yes. We're in sight of land now.
I don't see any land, Captain.
You haven't got a
skipper's eyes, my dear.
Ah, but I have eyes for the skipper.
Ah, stop it.
Mustn't flirt with the ship's Captain.
Which will take his mind off
his duties and sink the boat.
I shall miss these trees.
Every one of them.
Do you think they will miss us?
I'm sure they will. They
couldn't be so unkind.
No.
I wonder if 'it' knows.
It?
The garden.
The old den.
All of it.
I wonder if it knows that people
come here to be happy.
You funny child.
I felt yesterday it was
glad we'd came back.
It must be dreadful for it when
people don't come back.
Doris, don't.
I can't bear to think of it.
Jim.
Must we go back tomorrow?
Can't we stay here another day?
Just one more day.
- I'm afraid not.
You mean your wife is coming back?
Yes.
When?
I don't know. Any day now.
It was she who left you and
went away all those weeks.
I should think you could.
Jim.
Kiss me before we go inside.
I beg your pardon, sir.
Good evening, madam.
- Good evening.
It's been a fine day.
Very fine, sir.
Did you hear what the porter called me?
- Yes.
He thought I was Mrs Warlock.
Your wedding ring hasn't lived in vain.
Mrs Warlock.
Mrs Warlock.
Jim.
Just a moment.
Doris my dear, what is it?
I'm alright.
The candle going out that way.
It frightened me. That's all.
Jim, what's she like?
She, who?
You know.
She's very lovely.
Prettier than me?
She is...
She's different.
That's what you said about
me the night I met you.
I suppose you've forgotten that.
Doris, dear. You don't understand.
Can't you see it is all part
of me, my life with her.
I'm part of you too.
I am, aren't I?
- Yes.
Darling. Of course.
Jim.
When can we come away again, like this?
Doris, I don't know.
Perhaps, never.
Never?
Jim.
You can't mean that.
You couldn't be so cruel.
Doris.
There is something you
seem to have forgotten.
I know what you mean.
I said when the time
came to say goodbye.
I'd go without a word.
And I meant it when I said it.
Doris, nothing has changed.
Jim, everything's changed.
If I thought we were never
to see each other again.
I couldn't go on.
I'd sooner die.
- Doris.
I tell you I would. I'd sooner die.
Doris, look at me.
Doris.
Never talk like that again.
Never. Do you hear?
Jim. Where are you going?
Just downstairs.
To smoke my pipe.
Why, Jim.
Gorla.
Darling.
Why didn't you wire?
- We did, but you weren't at home.
Is that so? I've been out of town.
Oh, Jim.
I want to introduce you
to Mario De Vasto.
We met him in Venice.
Mario, this is Jim.
Jim, this is Mario.
How do you do.
I feel as if I know you.
Your wife does nothing
but talk about you.
Yes?
Jim, we're going to be married.
I'm delighted.
- We'll be like you and Clemency.
Remember how I made
fun of your happiness?
Called you smug and conventional.
We are going to live the
same contented life you live.
And be true and devoted.
Yes. Even smug about it.
Here, we mustn't keep
him from his Clemency.
She's upstairs, Jim. Go right ahead.
Goodnight.
I'll be seeing more of you.
Goodnight, darling.
Thanks so much for
letting Clemency take me.
You do forgive me, don't you?
- Yes.
Jim.
Jim darling, Merton told
me you were away.
But it's good to be home again.
Have you missed me?
- Have I missed you?
No, but really?
I've been miserable away from you.
You too?
I hated not coming back at
the end of the month but...
Gorla's young man was
just coming to the point.
I couldn't spoil it all for the
sake of one week more.
No, of course not.
Well?
Tell me everything.
What have you been doing?
Cook taking care of you alright?
- Yes, yes.
I haven't troubled her much.
I've dined out a great deal.
The club?
- Uhuh.
Seen anyone interesting?
- No, not especially.
Don't tell me all at once, will you Jim.
How do you mean?
You're such a cataract of information.
Well, I've...
I wrote you everything.
I wrote oftener than you did.
Yes, you were good. Ah, but letters.
What is there to tell?
You know what life here is.
The daily round.
Been working hard?
Pretty well.
How do you think I'm looking?
You?
Are lovely.
As always.
Same old face.
Same old wife.
Tell me about...
This chap of Gorla's.
Mario?
What's he like?
- What he looks.
Young. Ardent.
And let's hope, reliable.
An improvement on the parachute jumper?
Heavens, yes.
At least this time it's
someone fit for marrying.
Not to mention free to marry.
Is that really what Gorla wants?
Every woman does. A husband.
A reliable husband if she can get one.
Like you, darling.
Safe. Sure.
Life would be simply dreadful
if you couldn't trust a man.
Suppose you couldn't trust me?
You?
Yes?
Suppose you didn't really
believe me about Venice.
And you thought it wasn't Gorla
at all that kept me there.
Why, it never occurred to me.
- Exactly. That's where you're lucky.
That's where we're both lucky perhaps.
You probably don't think
I have any chances.
Chances?
- Yes. For...
Little. Little affairs.
Little romances.
I never thought about it.
- It is disgusting of you.
All conceit.
Would you like me not to trust you?
No.
But I don't want you to think
that I couldn't if I wanted to.
I could have lots of dishonorable
proposals if I wanted them.
But I don't want them,
so they don't happen.
As a matter of fact I did
have one at Venice.
Who was it?
- A young French composer.
A Frenchman? That's automatic.
Now don't be rude.
He was divinely beautiful.
He said the most wonderful things.
Why didn't you?
Jim.
You don't really think I could?
What's the matter?
- Why do you want to talk of all this?
I was only joking.
- I'm sorry. Forgive me.
Sometimes, I wonder.
Ought one to be so sure?
[ Telephone ]
Who on earth can it be at this hour?
Hello?
Mr Warlock speaking.
It's you.
No. I told you.
I'll let you know.
I can't be sure.
No, no. That's impossible.
Yes. Tonight.
Perhaps. We'll see.
Well I'm sorry. I must be
turning in now. Goodnight.
A party in Chelsea.
Someone was wanting
to know if I'm going.
Chelsea?
Why don't you go?
- Tonight? Good heavens, no.
I feel like a superfluous woman.
- Don't be silly.
I've a dozen letters to write anyway.
Tonight?
Well they have to be done sometime.
Too sleepy to talk?
There's something I ought to tell you.
Important?
It is rather.
Must you tonight?
You will have to know.
I really ought to have written.
Yes?
It happened.
Just after you left.
Tell me tomorrow.
You'll have to decide
what you want to do.
It's about those copper
shares I bought for you.
Moxon rang up just after
you left and wanted...
What is it?
- Jim.
You silly thing.
- Why?
What did you want to frighten me for?
- Frighten you?
I thought it was something important.
- They have...
They've dropped to practically nothing.
I don't care what they've done.
You're tired.
You'd better go to sleep.
- I'm not tired.
Well if you're not, you ought
to be after your long journey.
Now.
Have a good sleep.
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Jim.
I thought I'd miss you. I ran.
I simply couldn't get away.
Look, you're soaking wet.
You can't stay out here like this.
Let's go home. Millie is out.
- Doris, I can't do that.
Why?
I must go back and dress. I go out.
I thought we were to have
the evening together.
Doris, you know I can't.
- But why?
I told you on the telephone.
That's another thing, Doris.
You must never do that again.
But I haven't seen you for three days.
Doris, it will be difficult for us to
see as much of each other as...
I want you all the time.
When can we go away again?
I want you to go away soon
for a holiday. You need it.
I've got that alright.
How do you mean?
- A holiday.
I've got the sack.
From Madam Ducette's?
Why?
She's furious.
She says my mind isn't on my work.
She's quite right.
I'm no good anymore.
I keep thinking about you.
Then you must let me send
you away for a holiday.
You want rid of me?
- No.
Why not say you don't want to see me?
- Because it isn't true.
Why can't we go on as we were before?
She needn't know.
It won't hurt her if she doesn't know.
You needn't take me out.
You can see me at home.
Where will I be supposed to be?
- You've an office, haven't you?
Lies, all the time. Lies.
If you love me you wouldn't mind.
You can't give me up. Jim, you can't.
Listen. Doris dear, I warned you.
We knew it couldn't last.
You knew that from the beginning.
Yes, I know.
I'm cheating.
- Remember what you said yourself?
I'd have said anything then.
What am I to do?
You mean...
I am never to...
See you again?
No... Dorothy, I don't mean that.
But it can't be the same.
Of course we'll meet again.
When?
Soon.
- Tomorrow?
No, I can't tomorrow.
Wednesday?
Well, perhaps yes.
I'll be here at five.
I'll try.
Promise?
Alright.
Oh, Jim.
- Wednesday at five.
You are so sweet.
I think it's coming on to rain again.
We must get you a taxi.
You'll have forgotten all
about me in half an hour.
I wish I'd never gone
to that restaurant.
No... I don't mean that.
It's been worth it, hasn't it.
It's been wonderful.
I'll never forget you, Doris.
Tottenham. St Andrews Street.
- Yes, sir.
Goodbye.
Hello. Busy?
No, come in.
Sit down will you. I won't be a minute.
Thank you.
Yes?
- Jason, please.
Jason, I want you to send this
letter by special messenger.
Yes, sir.
Is that all for the day, sir?
- Yes.
Very good, sir.
Second thoughts, Jason. I wish you
to deliver it yourself. It's important.
Very good, sir.
Well my dear fellow. How are you?
I haven't seen you for weeks.
Look here Tring, I suppose in your time
you've had some serious love affairs?
As you say: 'in my time'.
They came to an end?
Should I be alive otherwise?
It's a dreadful business, Tring.
Yes, it's all very painful.
The girl is going to suffer and it's
because you are what you are.
You're that kind of man.
Kind-hearted, sympathetic, gentle.
But surely if you're fond of
someone you want to be kind.
The least one owes is
some consideration.
Consideration when you're telling
a woman you don't want her?
It's like brushing a man's hair
the morning you hang him.
Yes, but she knew. She knew I was
married. I told her it couldn't last.
She agreed absolutely.
Of course she agreed. A woman in love.
What women say before isn't evidence.
Don't they ever mean what they say?
Certainly they mean it. What they don't
know is what it will mean to them.
And that's the trouble with marriage.
Women always hope it
will change the husband.
Men always hope it
won't change the wife.
And both are disappointed.
May I come in?
- Clemency, what a pleasant surprise.
And Tom Tring, how are you?
- Dear Clemency, how are you?
On a day like this I always
become the outdoor type.
I walk. And where
should I walk but here.
With whom should you walk but me?
A splendid idea, my dear.
You're looking lovelier than ever.
Jim, what a lucky chap you are.
A brilliant future and a radiant wife.
When you die they'll say you were
the man who had everything..
What will they say of you?
I'm the man who had everything
that nobody else wanted.
I beg your pardon.
Will you be so kind as to
direct me to number 36?
There it is.
London is rather nice this time of year.
I think I'll make a habit of calling
for you and walking home with you.
Would you like that?
- Very much. I can see you doing it.
Where do we go when your holiday comes?
Can't we go to Scotland?
People.
Can't we go somewhere by ourselves?
Just you and I. You've not been
very nice to me since I came back.
You know you haven't.
You hated my going.
I know I should have asked you.
I'm sorry.
I find it very easy to forgive you.
You always do.
Where do we dine tonight?
- Claridge's.
We're having cocktails
with the Pedleys first.
I've a new dress I got in Paris
which you haven't seen yet.
Sounds intriguing.
Thank goodness I married a
man who knows what I wear.
There's a young person in
the library to see you, sir.
Miss Miles.
She said you'd know the name.
I'll dress, dear.
Alright, I'll...
I will see her. I won't be five minutes.
Alright.
Well?
- 'Well' yourself.
What's happened? Is Doris ill?
- Much you care.
Sending her home wet through.
It's not your fault if she isn't.
A nice little place you've got here.
That's your wife, I suppose?
I don't see any photograph of Doris.
Do you mind telling me why you are here?
Did Doris ask you to come?
- No, she didn't.
She said if I came she'd
never speak to me again.
In that case, have we anything
to say to each other?
I have something to say.
- Well?
You promised to meet her.
You didn't go.
I said I'd try. I couldn't manage it.
I wrote to tell her how sorry I was.
- Sorry?
Why should you be sorry?
She's only a shop-girl. Chuck her out
in the rain when you finish with her.
That's what we're there for.
If that's all we have to say,
you'd better go.
I'm not in any hurry, thank you.
Well?
What are you going to do about it?
- About what?
She lost her job. She told you that.
I know.
- What's she to do now?
A gentleman would put
his hand in his pocket.
Money?
A gentleman would be glad to do it.
And what would Doris say to that?
She's crazy.
Someone has got to look after her.
This is a question I'm not
going to discuss with you.
Suppose I want to discuss it?
Suppose I was to tell your wife?
She's in the house.
You can find her upstairs.
Do you want me to tell her?
- I'm certainly not going to stop you.
Oh!
Why did you come butting in?
She was happy enough.
- Now, just a minute.
Here.
[ Door knocks ]
Come in.
There's a police officer who
would like to speak to you.
Look, what's the game?
You have nothing on me.
Please, please.
This is nothing to do with you.
What does he want?
- He didn't say, sir.
You'd better let him come in.
- Yes, sir.
Mr James Warlock?
Yes.
Can I have a word with you, sir?
What is it?
Are you acquainted with a young
woman by the name of 'Lea'?
Who?
'Doris Emily Lea' of
St Andrews Street, Tottenham.
Why do you ask me that?
A letter for you was found in her room.
Well?
Well, sir.
Would you be surprised to hear
that the young woman is... dead?
What?
- Dead.
When did...?
- Just now.
Suicide.
Poison.
Oh my...
We must have silence at this inquest.
Any further demonstration.
Will cause me to close
this hearing to the public.
Any more questions?
- No.
That will do, Miss Miles.
- There is one more question.
Why don't you ask who killed Doris Lea?
There he sits.
He killed her just as sure as if
he'd put a knife in her back.
Silence.
That will do, Miss Miles.
Next witness.
Mr James Warlock.
You will take the book
in your right hand.
Do you swear the evidence
you shall give to this enquiry...
Shall be the truth, the whole truth and
nothing but the truth, so help you God?
So help me, God.
Name?
James Warlock.
Profession?
- Barrister.
You admit knowing the deceased?
Yes.
Can you throw any light on
the cause of her death?
Was any action of yours calculated
to make her take this desperate step?
I had told her we could not
go on meeting as we had.
I see.
How did she take your decision?
She was very distressed.
- Indeed.
Why did you terminate the relationship?
I'd rather not answer that question.
Why did you terminate the relationship?
Because of my wife.
So, you're married?
Yes.
Did the deceased know this?
Yes.
Perhaps you first told her so...
When you announced you were leaving her?
- No.
Did you not think that a married man...
Who persuades a girl
in her early twenties...
To enter into a relationship...
Incurs a very heavy responsibility?
Don't you think so?
- I think so, now.
A little late.
You informed the deceased on Monday.
That you'd have to give her up.
Yet according to your letter.
You arranged to meet her on Wednesday.
I said I'd try.
You broke the appointment?
I had to take my wife somewhere.
I failed to catch the...
Doris... on the telephone.
I wrote that letter to explain.
There's another point that
ought to be cleared up.
I speak as the mother of a young girl.
When you took advantage of this child.
Had she had any similar
relationship with any other man?
Must I answer that question?
You'd be well advised to answer it.
It's a question of some importance.
In the absence of any answer.
The jury will be bound to
draw their own conclusions.
Do you prefer not to answer?
In other words, Mr Warlock.
She had...
No other similar relationships.
That, ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
Concludes the testimonial
on this deplorable case.
There is no doubt.
As to what your verdict must be.
The unfortunate deceased.
Assuredly ended her own life.
Preferring the judgement
of the infinite.
To the opinions of her fellow men.
Mr Warlock.
By his refusal to answer...
An important question.
Leaves us to conclude...
That this poor girl's error
was her first mistake.
Thus placing the responsibility
for her death...
Solely on him.
If he had shown.
A little less selfishness.
A little more restraint.
A little more kindness.
This young woman would be alive today.
It seems unfortunate.
He cannot be held
criminally responsible.
For his conduct.
'Unfortunate that he cannot be held
criminally responsible for his conduct'.
That's what I hear every night.
It goes on and on and on.
Then.
Then you weren't the first?
No.
Why did you... let them think you were?
They asked you.
- I know.
That made a lot of
difference, didn't it.
If the Coroner had known that.
I suppose so.
Why didn't you say?
I couldn't. It was her secret.
She needn't have told me.
And if she hadn't told you...
It wouldn't have happened?
Perhaps not. I don't know.
And you did that for...
For someone you didn't really care for.
I never said that. I did care.
I don't want you to think
that it didn't matter.
You are frank, aren't you.
That's all I have left now.
But I don't have to lie about it.
After.
After you came back.
Were you together at all?
To make love, I mean.
- No.
Why not?
You wanted to.
- I couldn't.
Because of me?
- Yes.
And.
You say you still loved
me... all the time?
Well, I did.
It made no difference to that.
- No difference?
You can't really mean that.
- But it's true, Clemency.
And yet you risked everything.
All we'd built up.
Our happiness.
Did all that mean anything to you?
- It meant everything.
It does mean everything.
More than I knew.
And I thought Tring amusing.
Things that make
amusing conversations...
Aren't so funny in one's own life.
I'm afraid it hasn't helped
you very much my telling you.
Yes, it has.
I'm glad you did.
If you could have seen her, perhaps.
I think you'd have
understood... in a way.
Well, that's all.
I expect it's time to go.
I will... I'll come and see you
off on the boat if you want.
I think you'd better say
goodbye here, Clemency.
It would be easier, I think.
At least, you know now.
What's done is done.
She has paid her bill.
And I've paid mine.
Part of it.
I can't go on always being sorry.
Feeling there's something
I ought to be ashamed of.
I don't say it's easy for you to forget.
I don't say it is possible.
Goodbye, Jim.
Goodbye, my dearest one.
God bless you.
Goodbye, Jim.
[ Door knocks ]
Who is that?
It is I.
I hope you noticed the
accuracy of my grammar.
I came on the afternoon train.
Did Jim get my wire?
This morning.
Yes, I was in Rome. Being so near
I thought I'd come and see him off.
You can still catch him at the boat.
- There's plenty of time.
The boat doesn't sail for half an hour.
He has just gone.
I wonder you didn't see him.
- I did.
I let him go. I wanted to see you.
Oh?
I doubt there is much we
have to say to each other.
I'm in disgrace. Mephistopheles.
I was afraid of that.
You think it was my fault. Does he?
No. He doesn't.
- He might.
I did take him to that restaurant.
I did speak to the girls.
Of course I did nudge
the laws of chance a bit.
Yes, so far as fate ever
has one eye open.
I suppose I am guilty.
Perhaps you think it was good for him?
Who can say?
I can.
You think he's a worse man than he was?
He's a different one.
Yes, he's a successful, honorable
upright English barrister.
Now he's an outcast.
Also my dear, he's a
man who has suffered.
I suppose it doesn't matter
that his career has gone?
That our whole life is smashed up?
My dear, don't misunderstand me.
I want to help you if I can.
She broke the rules.
What are they?
To play for the stake you've settled on.
Women always want to change the
stakes in the middle of the game.
You can't raise a man ten
shillings on a one shilling limit.
I didn't change the stakes.
- No, you're in the right.
There's no question about it.
Doesn't that help?
No.
Arguments are no good anymore.
You have to look here.
I am...
I'm sorry enough.
I'm terribly sorry for him.
Pity isn't any good.
Great heavens, no.
Try...
Try a little imagination.
Imagination?
Suppose you were never
going to see him again?
Never on this earth.
Suppose he...
Suppose he never reached South Africa?
No.
No, he wouldn't do that.
The girl did.
But I don't suppose he would.
He's not a coward.
No. He isn't, is he.
There are plenty of reasons why
we never see people again.
It's always happening.
Just say to yourself.
I shall never see him again.
That's over.
..f-s..
Thanks for joining us.
As we continue our tribute to our
star of the month Kay Francis.
Already this month we've seen Kay
in some uncomfortable situations.
Usually Kay's lot it life in
her movies as it it turns out.
She has her hands full in
this next movie as well.
It's a movie called 'Cynara'.
Her husband of seven years
has been unfaithful to her.
When he decides his
affair is over - kaput.
His mistress will not retreat.
And in the tradition of every
love story of hormones from...
Those on All My Children
to Fatal Attraction.
Things here go from bad to even worse.
Cynara was produce by Samuel Goldwyn.
And was released in 1932.
It's just the type of story that fuelled
Kay Francis's career from here on.
This movie marked the only time she was
ever directed by the great King Vidor.
But the film itself marked a reunion
for her and the dashing Ronald Colman.
With who she had starred for Goldwyn
in the film Raffles two years before.
When was still quite new to Hollywood.
But in those two years
she had learned a lot.
She had also gained confidence
and secured star status.
With successes under her belt such as
One Way Passage and Trouble In Paradise.
Also, with working with
directors like Ernst Lubitsh...
George Cukor, William Dieterle
and Leo McCarey.
And all that does make a difference.
In our movie a girl named
Phyllis Barry plays the mistress.
And looks amazingly like
a younger Kay Francis.
Rounding out the cast
is Henry Stephenson.
Playing a notorious womaniser
making comments such as:
'No woman is respectable
until she is dead'.
Wow.
The film is based on a novel by Robert
Gore Brown titled An Imperfect Lover.
Later adapted into a play
by Brown and H.M Harwood.
There is no-one named
Cynara in the movie.
Kay Francis plays a woman
named Clemency.
The other woman is named Doris.
But that name Cynara comes
from a line in a poem:
'I have been faithful to thee Cynara'.
'In my fashion'.
Here is the movie from 1932.
What?
Yes, yes.
What is it, Merton?
- I was just wondering.
Wondering what?
- Whether this should be packed, sir.
Why of course, Merton. Of course.
They're taking the luggage now, sir.
The ship sails in about
an hour's time, sir.
Alright, Merton. You go along.
And I'll meet you at the boat.
Very good, sir.
My things have gone.
I'll have to leave soon myself.
Do you really want to go to this place?
South Africa will be so strange for you.
What else is there to do?
You are... you're sure that...
That your career is
absolutely over at home?
There wouldn't be any chance?
I don't want to try alone.
It would be alright with you, but...
Jim.
I'm not asking you to reconsider.
You're doing what seems
to be the right thing for you.
And I don't blame you.
It is sporting of you to have
come this far with me.
Jim.
If I could only understand.
If you could tell me something more.
You know. You've never really told me.
I have to imagine everything and...
And that's so much worse.
What do you want to know?
You've heard all the facts.
Just what happened. That's all.
What happened to you.
Inside you, I mean.
What she was like. What you thought.
What you did.
My dear, don't you see
I wanted to spare you?
Jim.
In a few moments.
We'll be parted.
Before you go. Won't you tell me?
Well...
It started the night you left, in a way.
The same night?
If you hadn't gone that night
things might be different now.
We'd probably be back in London this
very minute living our pleasant lives.
Yes?
It was the day before our
anniversary. Remember?
I finished the afternoon session in
court and crossed over to my office.
Tring was there.
I was showing him that...
That present I had for you.
It's beautiful.
Glad you like it.
I looked at a hundred of
them before I found it.
Clemency will be delighted.
What's the occasion, her birthday?
- No. Anniversary.
Married seven years tomorrow.
Ah, they say our bodies are entirely
renewed every seven years.
Mine feels the same.
Miss Blake.
- Yes?
Did you book theatre
tickets for tonight?
I did, Mr Warlock.
And arranged for the table at The Ritz?
Yes. The same one.
Congratulations, Mr Warlock.
Thank you.
What are you laughing at?
- Merely sharing your happiness.
I am happy.
I can't tell you how much I look forward
to this little celebration tonight.
You should. You were
magnificent in court today.
Your speech was superb.
I was thinking of Clemency.
Don't you ever think of
yourself, your career?
You're becoming very important.
Aren't you proud of it?
I am. Seven years married.
And she still loves me.
Well I wasn't speaking of your domestic
bliss. I was speaking about you.
You now, frankly, I'm...
I'm worried about you.
Am I in danger?
- I'm afraid so.
There seems to be no color in your life.
No... no variety.
You have settled down to a routine.
You are becoming smug.
Don't you ever feel like...
Kicking over the traces?
Think there would be hope for me...
If I were to take the kitchen maid
to Paris with me for the weekend?
Come on, let's go.
If you can, drop in for
a cocktail before dinner.
I'll be delighted. I'll drink a toast
to the last of the virtuous men.
The King should knight me for it.
- He probably will one of these days.
You deserve some reward
for all you are missing.
Cynic.
Puritan.
What's going on here, Onslow?
- Mrs Warlock is leaving town, sir.
What?
It was settled quite suddenly.
I believe they go to Venice.
They? Who?
- It's Miss Gorla, sir.
Gorla.
- Yes, sir.
Hello.
One lump or two?
Come on, out with it. What do you
mean by breaking up my home?
It's Clemency's idea, not mine.
You expect me to believe...
Clemency developed a passionate wish
to go to Venice since this morning?
Come on, what's happened?
I suppose you're in another mess?
Not so far as I'm concerned.
Isn't it annoying?
I'm being saved again.
Yes. And it's very annoying
that your love affairs are...
So progressive.
Since it's my idea, don't you
think it should be left to me?
Exactly... and Clemency
should be left to me.
You're angry, aren't you.
- Emphatically.
I resent this intrusion of
your affairs in my home...
And I very much resent
your taking Clemency away.
Jim.
How can a man with such broad
shoulders have such a narrow mind?
Now don't do that.
Say that to the next man.
Jim.
- Clemency.
Has Gorla told you?
- About Venice? Yes she has.
You don't mind?
- Does it matter? It's settled.
It had to be settled at once.
You do understand?
You want to know what I think?
Your sister's a pest and a nuisance.
You're just wasting your time.
Hear hear.
There's a tribe somewhere...
Where a man, before marriage
murders all his wife's relations.
There's a lot to be said for it.
Jim.
I'm afraid I'm being the
cause of a domestic quarrel.
It's not my fault, Jim. I'm simply going
to please Clemency and father.
The little darling has a
natural bad taste in men.
And she's too young
to have a scandal yet.
If you think the Venice waters can wash
away my love for Freddy, you're wrong.
Why Venice?
It's as far from the parachute
jumper we could take her.
Parachute jumper?
- The gentleman leaps out of aeroplanes.
For the movies.
- And she...?
Gorla catches him in her arms?
- No.
Why don't you take him along?
The street in Venice is
a lovely place to live.
You've been?
You know the type.
Silky moustaches and curly hair.
You'll forget about him in a week.
- I warn you...
If anything of that sort does happen...
I'll throw myself into the arms
of the nearest policeman.
Heaven help our police force.
How long will it be?
Father insists upon four weeks.
Awful.
Perhaps it's a good thing for you, Jim.
You must seize your opportunity.
- Opportunity? For what?
I don't know. Whatever husbands do
when they're left alone in London.
Have you forgotten about tomorrow?
I could weep about it.
I had made such great
plans for tonight too.
Dinner at The Ritz.
Seats for the best show in town.
That's the way it goes.
What's that?
Just a little anniversary present for
someone who won't be here to receive it.
Jim.
You shouldn't have done it.
It's too lovely.
Too lovely... for you?
Dearest.
Has anyone ever told
you how sweet you are?
Darling.
Don't go.
Let her take her chance.
But I feel such responsibility
where Gorla is concerned.
You're fond of her, Jim.
You don't want to see
her do something that...
That's she'd be sorry for.
- I do think she really would.
Of course she would.
She doesn't understand.
I feel I... I must help.
I've been so lucky.
Lucky?
With you.
Just ordinary decency.
You think that because you're like that.
Gorla thinks I'm a dull dog.
Perhaps I am. I've got my work to do.
This sex business is just
so much nonsense.
She ought to get a job of work.
Time to go, Onslow?
Chauffeur says there may
be a good deal of traffic.
Thank you.
Now, how about your dinner?
I won't be pacified with food and drink.
Come on, what will I tell cook?
I'll go out.
Tring comes in later.
We'll find dinner somewhere.
Alright, darling.
I love my present.
It's time we left, Gorla.
I'm ready.
And you look it.
Have you got your parachute?
- You...
Are you sure it's safe to
leave him, Clemency?
Suppose he goes bad on you?
I should hate if he'd want
to drop me as much as that.
Don't worry. No-one ever will.
And you'll not even take to drink.
Wise young man.
How I do honor thee. Goodbye.
Goodbye.
- Come, Clemency.
Have a good time. Don't work hard.
Keep out of draughts and don't cross
roads and wash behind the ears. Yes.
And go out and see people.
I'm waiting until you've gone to
call up all the women I know.
Yes. Do, darling.
But first, I'll see you to the
car to make sure you've left.
The appetite may fail,
but the palate persists.
Here we are.
How do you like this place?
- Quite interesting.
Funny I've never heard of it before.
- No-one has yet.
When they get known, up go
prices and down goes the cooking.
My friend.
The finest pasta served
outside of Italy.
Splendid.
I hope you enjoy them, sir.
Two more sherries, Joseph.
- Aha.
Concentration is the secret of life.
Never mix your wines.
Or your women.
Women should be consecutive,
not contemporaneous.
Speaking as one having authority, huh?
Change. Variety. As often as you
like but not at the same time.
No man can serve two mistresses.
I'll have a poached egg
and a strawberry ice please.
And I'll have a vanilla.
Anything to drink?
I'll have a gin and tonic.
I didn't want that on my
hips or I'll get the sack.
Oh, Millie.
You know what happened
to Ethel. I warned her.
And she just wouldn't take any exercise.
The only exercise I get is
when Bob takes me home.
He just walks me off my feet.
I wish he'd take a taxi once in a while.
All the same, Bob's not a bad boy.
I'd make a better one out of
a bolster and a bowler hat.
Well there's one. Go on.
I couldn't.
Not here.
- You're afraid?
I'm not.
- Yes, you are.
Alright then.
There.
Charming.
Is this yours?
- No. It's my friend's.
Whatever must you think of me.
I thought it suited you
better than it does him.
I feel such a fool.
- Well, what's the odds?
Shall I ask them to join us?
Good heavens no.
You can't do that right now.
They're respectable girls.
Call no woman respectable
until she is dead.
Won't you join us?
Unless of course, you expect friends.
No, but we're going in a minute.
We must leave too if
we're going to a theatre.
Theatre? After all this garlic?
They wouldn't let us in.
Come along, Jim.
Suppose we compromise.
We'll join you, shall we?
I don't mind. How about you, Millie?
All the same to me.
Such enthusiasm is irresistible.
Don't be alarmed. We're immensely
respectable. My friend is a barrister.
And what are you?
I my dear, am an old man.
'Tring' is my name. This is Mr Warlock.
Won't you sit down?
Unless you'd rather not.
Not at all.
- We shan't eat you, you know.
Warlock has to acclimatise himself.
These surroundings are strange to him.
Yes. This is my first offence.
I brought him.
We celebrate his grass widowerhood.
Oh.
Then you're married?
- Oh, yes.
Been married long?
- Seven years.
Coming up for air soon, I suppose?
No, he's not amphibious.
What's that, left handed?
You do go on, don't you.
I met another married man last week.
- Yes, it's an epidemic.
He said his wife didn't understand him.
I bet she was cold, I suppose.
They always say that.
Does your wife understand you?
I shouldn't wonder. I'm very simple.
You crazy machine.
I push and push and push
and nothing come out.
[ Italian language ]
I say, shall we try out luck?
I don't mind.
If I put a penny in there, the whole
machine will go up in smoke.
Now come along... there we are.
Shall I push it down?
- Yes.
I'm terribly sorry this happened.
But these foreigners...
That's alright. We enjoy it.
- Thank you.
Let's have another go.
There we are.
Have you...?
Do you come here often?
Not very.
Your people, do they live in London?
My people are dead.
I am sorry.
That's alright. No sob stuff.
I didn't live with them.
They were alright you
know but not to live with.
Yes. That's so true of many of us.
Not of you, I should say.
I don't know. I'm a monotonous creature.
You don't bore me.
Thank you.
Our friends, they...
They enjoy each other.
Millie and I live together.
A little flat in Tottenham.
She seems very nice.
She's a good sort.
We work at the same place.
Gosh.
What a lot.
- Yes.
Gosh, look what I've won.
- Splendid.
Doris, look at this.
What have you done?
- Twenty to one.
Here you are.
- Dear Miss Miles, it's yours.
What do you mean, mine?
It was your shilling wasn't it?
I make you a present of it.
What then, Mr Tring? What then?
Never look a gift horse in
the mouth, Miss Miles.
I always look before I leap.
Any rate, let's spend it.
We'll all go somewhere.
Let's make a night of it.
- Why, Mr Tring.
What about a cinema?
I would love to.
- My dear fellow, I can't.
Must you go home?
- Afraid so, yes.
Don't believe him, Miss Doris. The cat's
away. The mouse can play if he cares to.
I see. You don't care to.
- It isn't that. It's just...
You just don't wish to.
- I didn't say that.
Then come along. Charlie
Chaplin is just across the street.
I'm terribly sorry, but...
I know, supposing you take
these two young ladies?
That's not fair.
Let's toss whether we go or not.
Let me toss it. Heads you
come and tails you go.
The landlady will take your message.
Be sure to call me, won't you.
- I will.
Wait.
And here is where we work.
Madam.
Ducette's.
Shaftesbury Avenue.
What do you do there? Mannequin?
A little of everything.
Well, if you decided
to spend the evening.
You may as well join
us for a cup of tea.
No thanks.
Goodbye.
Goodnight, Pop.
Goodnight.
Bye-bye.
You're not taking him
seriously, are you?
Gentlemen like him never take
our sort that way you know.
I think he's wonderful.
Come on, mushy.
What are you smirking at?
Did I smirk?
Sorry.
What a lovely figure.
I didn't notice.
- Liar.
She seemed intelligent enough, but...
It's difficult to talk
to girls like this.
There's no common ground.
- No common ground?
Good heavens man, there is
the earth on which we live.
No common ground?
A girl with a figure like that.
You're an amazing fellow.
Why do you do that?
- For the best reason in the world.
I'm only interested in one
woman, my dear fellow.
And her name isn't Doris.
'Life has been dull without you'.
'On Thursday I go to Willowmead
to judge a swimming contest'.
'It will be a bore but Tring insists
there are political reasons'.
'You should be here to
give me moral support'.
'Tring is going to take your place'.
'As if anyone ever could'.
'I love you, darling'.
'Jim'.
You don't look very pleased.
I think it's a darn sweet note.
It is.
But I want more.
I want to know everything he's
doing, everything he's thinking.
Probably nothing that differs
from his regular life.
I've never been away from him so long.
Clemency, don't tell me
you're nervous about him?
About Jim?
Of course not.
Why do you say it like that?
After all, Jim is a mighty
attractive person.
And a human being.
If there are two things
you can depend on.
They are the Church of
England and Jim Warlock.
Yes, that's true, isn't it.
Jim judging a swimming contest.
Can you picture that?
A slice of toast.
Hey, there. Mr Boots.
Where's my little Amelia going to dress?
She'll dress where the
other girls dress, Mrs Weeks.
I can't have her stand naked
among all those girls, Mr Boots.
We don't know them.
Mrs Weeks, there will be no
class distinction here today.
No class distinction.
He is here, Mr Boots.
Alighting from his car now, sir.
Well go to meet him, Henry.
Once again, Mr Boots.
You heard me, Mrs Weeks.
You ain't got cloth ears.
Isn't this jolly.
This is a pleasure, Mr Tring.
A pleasure and a half.
I am Mr Boots, master of ceremonies.
My friend mister Warlock.
An honor, Mr Warlock.
Shall we proceed, gentlemen?
The ceremonies are about to begin.
A great distinction to have you here
today with us today, Mr Warlock.
Everyone speaks of you
Mr Warlock as a man with a future.
Thank you, Mr Boots.
- Not at all, Mr Warlock.
As I was just saying to Mrs Weeks.
There's no class distinction here today.
A subject you might well strike
in your speech Mr Warlock.
If you feel so inclined.
My speech?
Just a few words to grace the occasion.
Everyone will be looking
forward to it, Mr Warlock.
I had no idea. I'm unprepared.
I think Mr Tring would...
No. That's your job, my dear fellow.
The man with a future.
Well just a brief allusion to
cleanliness, Mr Warlock.
And it's importance in
the scheme of things.
It's a subject I mention as often
as possible to these young people.
And I feel you could drive it home.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I take great pleasure in
presenting Mr James Warlock.
One of our most
distinguished barristers.
Who has graciously consented
to award the grand prize.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I count myself fortunate,
I may say most fortunate.
In having been asked here today.
I cannot be too grateful...
To our dear Mr Boots.
For allowing me the privilege
of these few words.
For it is indeed a great privilege.
To be here with you today
in these Godly surroundings.
I use the word 'Godly'
advisedly because after all...
Cleanliness is next
to Godliness, isn't it.
These... these water-sports.
Water... brings cleanliness.
Clean bodies.
Clean minds.
And pure hearts.
Don't forget the class distinction.
They say that...
Water seeks its own level. That's true.
But water also...
Levels all ranks.
We have no class distinction here today.
Our little prize.
There is a prize?
Our little prize will be given to
the girl with the loveliest figure.
The quickest eye and the best stroke.
Accomplishment.
Skill. Ernest endeavour. These are
the things that count in the long run.
And so I say.
Our motto should be today, as always...
One for all and all for one.
Attention!
Salute!
Ladies.
Silence please.
Mr Warlock would like
to make an inspection.
Take off your wrap.
- No, Ma. I'll get goose pimples.
Fool.
My daughter, Amelia.
Amelia?
Why...?
A galaxy of beauty and charm, Mr Boots.
Thank you, Mr Warlock.
I suddenly realize how...
How difficult my task is going to be.
I know you won't fail us, Mr Warlock.
England expects every
man to do his duty.
Right you are, Mr Boots.
Now remember, not a word to Mr Warlock
or he'll punch my head for telling you.
Cross my heart, I won't say a word.
- Good.
Here he comes.
Here is Mr Warlock.
How do you do?
What's the matter with him, I wonder.
Our distinguished guest,
Mr James Warlock.
Has awarded the prize to Miss Doris Lea.
Miss Lea will now step
forward and claim the reward.
Won't you take a bow?
Here, what's happened?
What's happened?
Badly hurt?
My ankle.
Right this way, Mr Warlock.
I'm sorry.
I'm not. Now.
What on earth are you doing down here?
I heard you were going to be here.
- How?
A little bird told me.
Aha. By the name of Tring?
However will I get home?
- In my car.
That's so sweet of you.
This is the last lap.
Why don't you live on the first floor?
Perhaps I'll move.
Now, where's the key?
- Yes. The key.
There we are.
Well, we managed it, didn't we.
Rather.
You can let me down.
I'm perfectly alright.
- You sure?
Quite.
I hate being such a bother.
No. Don't be absurd.
Shall we have a light?
We'll light the fire.
Have you a match?
Uhuh.
Thank you.
A funny old thing, isn't it.
But it draws alright.
Nice, isn't it?
- Very.
I love a fire that you can see.
It's like something alive and human.
Is there room?
Uhuh.
Did you really give it to me because
you thought I was the nicest?
What did you especially like about me?
Well, I...
That would take a long time to tell.
Then let the taxi go.
- I'm afraid I can't.
Stay. Just a little while.
Quite impossible.
- Please.
Just ten minutes.
But I warn you.
It will create a bad impression
with the taxi driver.
No. Nothing to drink, thanks.
Oh yes.
- No. Please.
Have one with me.
- Just a little.
Well.
Here is how.
- Good luck.
You are terribly serious.
What's the matter?
- Nothing.
Well.
Now you can tell me what
you liked about me.
Everything.
That means nothing.
Perhaps you would remember
if you looked at me.
What's the matter with you?
Do you think I've got the plague?
- Now, Doris.
You had better go, hadn't you.
Here is your hat.
It's all spoiled.
What's all spoiled?
I thought you'd be glad when
you saw me there today.
I was glad.
- No, no.
You must have been dreadfully
put out when you saw me there.
Nonsense.
Don't be absurd. I was delighted.
Now.
Just a minute.
Only a minute.
- Doris, I must go.
Do you really want to?
Don't you see it isn't fair?
To your wife?
- And to you.
I'm no good to you. It couldn't last.
That's my lookout.
Doris, dear.
You don't know what you're doing. I do.
I'm not a child.
- No, but...
Don't misunderstand me.
I've never been common.
Once before, I...
I really didn't care for him.
He was kind and thoughtful.
He said nothing mattered if
you were fond of a person.
But both of you have to be.
Fond.
So you see.
You needn't be afraid.
I've always dreamed of someone like you.
Just like you.
I'd never be a nuisance.
I'd go away whenever you told me to.
You do like me, don't you?
My dear, too much.
- No. You mustn't say that.
Not 'too much'.
[ Singing: ]
I never saw the sun shining so bright.
Never saw things... going so right.
Noticed in the day...
Hurrying by.
When you're in love.
My heart will fly.
Blue days.
All of them gone.
Nothing but blue skies.
From now on.
Are we nearing port, Captain?
Yes. We're in sight of land now.
I don't see any land, Captain.
You haven't got a
skipper's eyes, my dear.
Ah, but I have eyes for the skipper.
Ah, stop it.
Mustn't flirt with the ship's Captain.
Which will take his mind off
his duties and sink the boat.
I shall miss these trees.
Every one of them.
Do you think they will miss us?
I'm sure they will. They
couldn't be so unkind.
No.
I wonder if 'it' knows.
It?
The garden.
The old den.
All of it.
I wonder if it knows that people
come here to be happy.
You funny child.
I felt yesterday it was
glad we'd came back.
It must be dreadful for it when
people don't come back.
Doris, don't.
I can't bear to think of it.
Jim.
Must we go back tomorrow?
Can't we stay here another day?
Just one more day.
- I'm afraid not.
You mean your wife is coming back?
Yes.
When?
I don't know. Any day now.
It was she who left you and
went away all those weeks.
I should think you could.
Jim.
Kiss me before we go inside.
I beg your pardon, sir.
Good evening, madam.
- Good evening.
It's been a fine day.
Very fine, sir.
Did you hear what the porter called me?
- Yes.
He thought I was Mrs Warlock.
Your wedding ring hasn't lived in vain.
Mrs Warlock.
Mrs Warlock.
Jim.
Just a moment.
Doris my dear, what is it?
I'm alright.
The candle going out that way.
It frightened me. That's all.
Jim, what's she like?
She, who?
You know.
She's very lovely.
Prettier than me?
She is...
She's different.
That's what you said about
me the night I met you.
I suppose you've forgotten that.
Doris, dear. You don't understand.
Can't you see it is all part
of me, my life with her.
I'm part of you too.
I am, aren't I?
- Yes.
Darling. Of course.
Jim.
When can we come away again, like this?
Doris, I don't know.
Perhaps, never.
Never?
Jim.
You can't mean that.
You couldn't be so cruel.
Doris.
There is something you
seem to have forgotten.
I know what you mean.
I said when the time
came to say goodbye.
I'd go without a word.
And I meant it when I said it.
Doris, nothing has changed.
Jim, everything's changed.
If I thought we were never
to see each other again.
I couldn't go on.
I'd sooner die.
- Doris.
I tell you I would. I'd sooner die.
Doris, look at me.
Doris.
Never talk like that again.
Never. Do you hear?
Jim. Where are you going?
Just downstairs.
To smoke my pipe.
Why, Jim.
Gorla.
Darling.
Why didn't you wire?
- We did, but you weren't at home.
Is that so? I've been out of town.
Oh, Jim.
I want to introduce you
to Mario De Vasto.
We met him in Venice.
Mario, this is Jim.
Jim, this is Mario.
How do you do.
I feel as if I know you.
Your wife does nothing
but talk about you.
Yes?
Jim, we're going to be married.
I'm delighted.
- We'll be like you and Clemency.
Remember how I made
fun of your happiness?
Called you smug and conventional.
We are going to live the
same contented life you live.
And be true and devoted.
Yes. Even smug about it.
Here, we mustn't keep
him from his Clemency.
She's upstairs, Jim. Go right ahead.
Goodnight.
I'll be seeing more of you.
Goodnight, darling.
Thanks so much for
letting Clemency take me.
You do forgive me, don't you?
- Yes.
Jim.
Jim darling, Merton told
me you were away.
But it's good to be home again.
Have you missed me?
- Have I missed you?
No, but really?
I've been miserable away from you.
You too?
I hated not coming back at
the end of the month but...
Gorla's young man was
just coming to the point.
I couldn't spoil it all for the
sake of one week more.
No, of course not.
Well?
Tell me everything.
What have you been doing?
Cook taking care of you alright?
- Yes, yes.
I haven't troubled her much.
I've dined out a great deal.
The club?
- Uhuh.
Seen anyone interesting?
- No, not especially.
Don't tell me all at once, will you Jim.
How do you mean?
You're such a cataract of information.
Well, I've...
I wrote you everything.
I wrote oftener than you did.
Yes, you were good. Ah, but letters.
What is there to tell?
You know what life here is.
The daily round.
Been working hard?
Pretty well.
How do you think I'm looking?
You?
Are lovely.
As always.
Same old face.
Same old wife.
Tell me about...
This chap of Gorla's.
Mario?
What's he like?
- What he looks.
Young. Ardent.
And let's hope, reliable.
An improvement on the parachute jumper?
Heavens, yes.
At least this time it's
someone fit for marrying.
Not to mention free to marry.
Is that really what Gorla wants?
Every woman does. A husband.
A reliable husband if she can get one.
Like you, darling.
Safe. Sure.
Life would be simply dreadful
if you couldn't trust a man.
Suppose you couldn't trust me?
You?
Yes?
Suppose you didn't really
believe me about Venice.
And you thought it wasn't Gorla
at all that kept me there.
Why, it never occurred to me.
- Exactly. That's where you're lucky.
That's where we're both lucky perhaps.
You probably don't think
I have any chances.
Chances?
- Yes. For...
Little. Little affairs.
Little romances.
I never thought about it.
- It is disgusting of you.
All conceit.
Would you like me not to trust you?
No.
But I don't want you to think
that I couldn't if I wanted to.
I could have lots of dishonorable
proposals if I wanted them.
But I don't want them,
so they don't happen.
As a matter of fact I did
have one at Venice.
Who was it?
- A young French composer.
A Frenchman? That's automatic.
Now don't be rude.
He was divinely beautiful.
He said the most wonderful things.
Why didn't you?
Jim.
You don't really think I could?
What's the matter?
- Why do you want to talk of all this?
I was only joking.
- I'm sorry. Forgive me.
Sometimes, I wonder.
Ought one to be so sure?
[ Telephone ]
Who on earth can it be at this hour?
Hello?
Mr Warlock speaking.
It's you.
No. I told you.
I'll let you know.
I can't be sure.
No, no. That's impossible.
Yes. Tonight.
Perhaps. We'll see.
Well I'm sorry. I must be
turning in now. Goodnight.
A party in Chelsea.
Someone was wanting
to know if I'm going.
Chelsea?
Why don't you go?
- Tonight? Good heavens, no.
I feel like a superfluous woman.
- Don't be silly.
I've a dozen letters to write anyway.
Tonight?
Well they have to be done sometime.
Too sleepy to talk?
There's something I ought to tell you.
Important?
It is rather.
Must you tonight?
You will have to know.
I really ought to have written.
Yes?
It happened.
Just after you left.
Tell me tomorrow.
You'll have to decide
what you want to do.
It's about those copper
shares I bought for you.
Moxon rang up just after
you left and wanted...
What is it?
- Jim.
You silly thing.
- Why?
What did you want to frighten me for?
- Frighten you?
I thought it was something important.
- They have...
They've dropped to practically nothing.
I don't care what they've done.
You're tired.
You'd better go to sleep.
- I'm not tired.
Well if you're not, you ought
to be after your long journey.
Now.
Have a good sleep.
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Jim.
I thought I'd miss you. I ran.
I simply couldn't get away.
Look, you're soaking wet.
You can't stay out here like this.
Let's go home. Millie is out.
- Doris, I can't do that.
Why?
I must go back and dress. I go out.
I thought we were to have
the evening together.
Doris, you know I can't.
- But why?
I told you on the telephone.
That's another thing, Doris.
You must never do that again.
But I haven't seen you for three days.
Doris, it will be difficult for us to
see as much of each other as...
I want you all the time.
When can we go away again?
I want you to go away soon
for a holiday. You need it.
I've got that alright.
How do you mean?
- A holiday.
I've got the sack.
From Madam Ducette's?
Why?
She's furious.
She says my mind isn't on my work.
She's quite right.
I'm no good anymore.
I keep thinking about you.
Then you must let me send
you away for a holiday.
You want rid of me?
- No.
Why not say you don't want to see me?
- Because it isn't true.
Why can't we go on as we were before?
She needn't know.
It won't hurt her if she doesn't know.
You needn't take me out.
You can see me at home.
Where will I be supposed to be?
- You've an office, haven't you?
Lies, all the time. Lies.
If you love me you wouldn't mind.
You can't give me up. Jim, you can't.
Listen. Doris dear, I warned you.
We knew it couldn't last.
You knew that from the beginning.
Yes, I know.
I'm cheating.
- Remember what you said yourself?
I'd have said anything then.
What am I to do?
You mean...
I am never to...
See you again?
No... Dorothy, I don't mean that.
But it can't be the same.
Of course we'll meet again.
When?
Soon.
- Tomorrow?
No, I can't tomorrow.
Wednesday?
Well, perhaps yes.
I'll be here at five.
I'll try.
Promise?
Alright.
Oh, Jim.
- Wednesday at five.
You are so sweet.
I think it's coming on to rain again.
We must get you a taxi.
You'll have forgotten all
about me in half an hour.
I wish I'd never gone
to that restaurant.
No... I don't mean that.
It's been worth it, hasn't it.
It's been wonderful.
I'll never forget you, Doris.
Tottenham. St Andrews Street.
- Yes, sir.
Goodbye.
Hello. Busy?
No, come in.
Sit down will you. I won't be a minute.
Thank you.
Yes?
- Jason, please.
Jason, I want you to send this
letter by special messenger.
Yes, sir.
Is that all for the day, sir?
- Yes.
Very good, sir.
Second thoughts, Jason. I wish you
to deliver it yourself. It's important.
Very good, sir.
Well my dear fellow. How are you?
I haven't seen you for weeks.
Look here Tring, I suppose in your time
you've had some serious love affairs?
As you say: 'in my time'.
They came to an end?
Should I be alive otherwise?
It's a dreadful business, Tring.
Yes, it's all very painful.
The girl is going to suffer and it's
because you are what you are.
You're that kind of man.
Kind-hearted, sympathetic, gentle.
But surely if you're fond of
someone you want to be kind.
The least one owes is
some consideration.
Consideration when you're telling
a woman you don't want her?
It's like brushing a man's hair
the morning you hang him.
Yes, but she knew. She knew I was
married. I told her it couldn't last.
She agreed absolutely.
Of course she agreed. A woman in love.
What women say before isn't evidence.
Don't they ever mean what they say?
Certainly they mean it. What they don't
know is what it will mean to them.
And that's the trouble with marriage.
Women always hope it
will change the husband.
Men always hope it
won't change the wife.
And both are disappointed.
May I come in?
- Clemency, what a pleasant surprise.
And Tom Tring, how are you?
- Dear Clemency, how are you?
On a day like this I always
become the outdoor type.
I walk. And where
should I walk but here.
With whom should you walk but me?
A splendid idea, my dear.
You're looking lovelier than ever.
Jim, what a lucky chap you are.
A brilliant future and a radiant wife.
When you die they'll say you were
the man who had everything..
What will they say of you?
I'm the man who had everything
that nobody else wanted.
I beg your pardon.
Will you be so kind as to
direct me to number 36?
There it is.
London is rather nice this time of year.
I think I'll make a habit of calling
for you and walking home with you.
Would you like that?
- Very much. I can see you doing it.
Where do we go when your holiday comes?
Can't we go to Scotland?
People.
Can't we go somewhere by ourselves?
Just you and I. You've not been
very nice to me since I came back.
You know you haven't.
You hated my going.
I know I should have asked you.
I'm sorry.
I find it very easy to forgive you.
You always do.
Where do we dine tonight?
- Claridge's.
We're having cocktails
with the Pedleys first.
I've a new dress I got in Paris
which you haven't seen yet.
Sounds intriguing.
Thank goodness I married a
man who knows what I wear.
There's a young person in
the library to see you, sir.
Miss Miles.
She said you'd know the name.
I'll dress, dear.
Alright, I'll...
I will see her. I won't be five minutes.
Alright.
Well?
- 'Well' yourself.
What's happened? Is Doris ill?
- Much you care.
Sending her home wet through.
It's not your fault if she isn't.
A nice little place you've got here.
That's your wife, I suppose?
I don't see any photograph of Doris.
Do you mind telling me why you are here?
Did Doris ask you to come?
- No, she didn't.
She said if I came she'd
never speak to me again.
In that case, have we anything
to say to each other?
I have something to say.
- Well?
You promised to meet her.
You didn't go.
I said I'd try. I couldn't manage it.
I wrote to tell her how sorry I was.
- Sorry?
Why should you be sorry?
She's only a shop-girl. Chuck her out
in the rain when you finish with her.
That's what we're there for.
If that's all we have to say,
you'd better go.
I'm not in any hurry, thank you.
Well?
What are you going to do about it?
- About what?
She lost her job. She told you that.
I know.
- What's she to do now?
A gentleman would put
his hand in his pocket.
Money?
A gentleman would be glad to do it.
And what would Doris say to that?
She's crazy.
Someone has got to look after her.
This is a question I'm not
going to discuss with you.
Suppose I want to discuss it?
Suppose I was to tell your wife?
She's in the house.
You can find her upstairs.
Do you want me to tell her?
- I'm certainly not going to stop you.
Oh!
Why did you come butting in?
She was happy enough.
- Now, just a minute.
Here.
[ Door knocks ]
Come in.
There's a police officer who
would like to speak to you.
Look, what's the game?
You have nothing on me.
Please, please.
This is nothing to do with you.
What does he want?
- He didn't say, sir.
You'd better let him come in.
- Yes, sir.
Mr James Warlock?
Yes.
Can I have a word with you, sir?
What is it?
Are you acquainted with a young
woman by the name of 'Lea'?
Who?
'Doris Emily Lea' of
St Andrews Street, Tottenham.
Why do you ask me that?
A letter for you was found in her room.
Well?
Well, sir.
Would you be surprised to hear
that the young woman is... dead?
What?
- Dead.
When did...?
- Just now.
Suicide.
Poison.
Oh my...
We must have silence at this inquest.
Any further demonstration.
Will cause me to close
this hearing to the public.
Any more questions?
- No.
That will do, Miss Miles.
- There is one more question.
Why don't you ask who killed Doris Lea?
There he sits.
He killed her just as sure as if
he'd put a knife in her back.
Silence.
That will do, Miss Miles.
Next witness.
Mr James Warlock.
You will take the book
in your right hand.
Do you swear the evidence
you shall give to this enquiry...
Shall be the truth, the whole truth and
nothing but the truth, so help you God?
So help me, God.
Name?
James Warlock.
Profession?
- Barrister.
You admit knowing the deceased?
Yes.
Can you throw any light on
the cause of her death?
Was any action of yours calculated
to make her take this desperate step?
I had told her we could not
go on meeting as we had.
I see.
How did she take your decision?
She was very distressed.
- Indeed.
Why did you terminate the relationship?
I'd rather not answer that question.
Why did you terminate the relationship?
Because of my wife.
So, you're married?
Yes.
Did the deceased know this?
Yes.
Perhaps you first told her so...
When you announced you were leaving her?
- No.
Did you not think that a married man...
Who persuades a girl
in her early twenties...
To enter into a relationship...
Incurs a very heavy responsibility?
Don't you think so?
- I think so, now.
A little late.
You informed the deceased on Monday.
That you'd have to give her up.
Yet according to your letter.
You arranged to meet her on Wednesday.
I said I'd try.
You broke the appointment?
I had to take my wife somewhere.
I failed to catch the...
Doris... on the telephone.
I wrote that letter to explain.
There's another point that
ought to be cleared up.
I speak as the mother of a young girl.
When you took advantage of this child.
Had she had any similar
relationship with any other man?
Must I answer that question?
You'd be well advised to answer it.
It's a question of some importance.
In the absence of any answer.
The jury will be bound to
draw their own conclusions.
Do you prefer not to answer?
In other words, Mr Warlock.
She had...
No other similar relationships.
That, ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
Concludes the testimonial
on this deplorable case.
There is no doubt.
As to what your verdict must be.
The unfortunate deceased.
Assuredly ended her own life.
Preferring the judgement
of the infinite.
To the opinions of her fellow men.
Mr Warlock.
By his refusal to answer...
An important question.
Leaves us to conclude...
That this poor girl's error
was her first mistake.
Thus placing the responsibility
for her death...
Solely on him.
If he had shown.
A little less selfishness.
A little more restraint.
A little more kindness.
This young woman would be alive today.
It seems unfortunate.
He cannot be held
criminally responsible.
For his conduct.
'Unfortunate that he cannot be held
criminally responsible for his conduct'.
That's what I hear every night.
It goes on and on and on.
Then.
Then you weren't the first?
No.
Why did you... let them think you were?
They asked you.
- I know.
That made a lot of
difference, didn't it.
If the Coroner had known that.
I suppose so.
Why didn't you say?
I couldn't. It was her secret.
She needn't have told me.
And if she hadn't told you...
It wouldn't have happened?
Perhaps not. I don't know.
And you did that for...
For someone you didn't really care for.
I never said that. I did care.
I don't want you to think
that it didn't matter.
You are frank, aren't you.
That's all I have left now.
But I don't have to lie about it.
After.
After you came back.
Were you together at all?
To make love, I mean.
- No.
Why not?
You wanted to.
- I couldn't.
Because of me?
- Yes.
And.
You say you still loved
me... all the time?
Well, I did.
It made no difference to that.
- No difference?
You can't really mean that.
- But it's true, Clemency.
And yet you risked everything.
All we'd built up.
Our happiness.
Did all that mean anything to you?
- It meant everything.
It does mean everything.
More than I knew.
And I thought Tring amusing.
Things that make
amusing conversations...
Aren't so funny in one's own life.
I'm afraid it hasn't helped
you very much my telling you.
Yes, it has.
I'm glad you did.
If you could have seen her, perhaps.
I think you'd have
understood... in a way.
Well, that's all.
I expect it's time to go.
I will... I'll come and see you
off on the boat if you want.
I think you'd better say
goodbye here, Clemency.
It would be easier, I think.
At least, you know now.
What's done is done.
She has paid her bill.
And I've paid mine.
Part of it.
I can't go on always being sorry.
Feeling there's something
I ought to be ashamed of.
I don't say it's easy for you to forget.
I don't say it is possible.
Goodbye, Jim.
Goodbye, my dearest one.
God bless you.
Goodbye, Jim.
[ Door knocks ]
Who is that?
It is I.
I hope you noticed the
accuracy of my grammar.
I came on the afternoon train.
Did Jim get my wire?
This morning.
Yes, I was in Rome. Being so near
I thought I'd come and see him off.
You can still catch him at the boat.
- There's plenty of time.
The boat doesn't sail for half an hour.
He has just gone.
I wonder you didn't see him.
- I did.
I let him go. I wanted to see you.
Oh?
I doubt there is much we
have to say to each other.
I'm in disgrace. Mephistopheles.
I was afraid of that.
You think it was my fault. Does he?
No. He doesn't.
- He might.
I did take him to that restaurant.
I did speak to the girls.
Of course I did nudge
the laws of chance a bit.
Yes, so far as fate ever
has one eye open.
I suppose I am guilty.
Perhaps you think it was good for him?
Who can say?
I can.
You think he's a worse man than he was?
He's a different one.
Yes, he's a successful, honorable
upright English barrister.
Now he's an outcast.
Also my dear, he's a
man who has suffered.
I suppose it doesn't matter
that his career has gone?
That our whole life is smashed up?
My dear, don't misunderstand me.
I want to help you if I can.
She broke the rules.
What are they?
To play for the stake you've settled on.
Women always want to change the
stakes in the middle of the game.
You can't raise a man ten
shillings on a one shilling limit.
I didn't change the stakes.
- No, you're in the right.
There's no question about it.
Doesn't that help?
No.
Arguments are no good anymore.
You have to look here.
I am...
I'm sorry enough.
I'm terribly sorry for him.
Pity isn't any good.
Great heavens, no.
Try...
Try a little imagination.
Imagination?
Suppose you were never
going to see him again?
Never on this earth.
Suppose he...
Suppose he never reached South Africa?
No.
No, he wouldn't do that.
The girl did.
But I don't suppose he would.
He's not a coward.
No. He isn't, is he.
There are plenty of reasons why
we never see people again.
It's always happening.
Just say to yourself.
I shall never see him again.
That's over.
..f-s..