Scarlet Claw, The (1944) Movie Script
Who could be ringing the
church bell at this time?
Maybe it
ain't a who father
maybe it's an it.
And maybe it's
tolling the bell.
Awe there's no such things
as ghosts and monsters.
Haven't I made
that clear to you?
Something tore
the throats
out of Charlie
Roches sheep
and that something
didn't leave any tracks.
Andy Trent here
saw a weird glow
moving across the
marshes last night
and this morning
he found two of
his sheep dead.
There throats torn open.
Maybe the same thing
that killed Andy's sheep
is tolling the bell.
I was on my way just now
to deliver a
special letter
at Penrose Manor
when a strange light
appeared on the
road before me
then moved quickly
across the marshes
and faded into the mist.
I turned the car around
and hurried back here.
It's not real.
First the light
and now the bell.
There's a very sound
and logical reason
for the bell
tolling at this time
and I'm going to
find out what it is.
You can drive me to
the church Potts.
The letter can wait.
No hurry.
Nothing will harm you if
you're with the priest.
Is that true Father?
Awe what you
need is more faith
and less imagination.
Come along.
I'd better deliver that
letter to the manor.
I'm sure it's important.
Thank goodness that
bell has stopped.
Odd it's tolling at
this time of night.
I don't like it.
What with this phantom
around in the marshes.
I saw it again tonight.
Who would that be?
Where's Lord Penrose?
He's gone to Quebec.
Get him on the
phone immediately.
What's happened Father?
Lady Penrose dead
clutching the bell rope,
tolling for help.
It was dreadful.
Her ladyship.
Call Sergeant Thompson
at the police station.
Ask him to come to the
church immediately.
Come with me Potts
I may need you.
Yes Father.
Operator put me
through to Quebec.
Lord William Penrose.
Yes.
He's addressing a meeting
of the Royal Canadian
Occult Society
at a Quebec hotel.
It's urgent sir.
Page.
Yes sir.
Lord Penrose.
La Morte Rouge is
on the telephone.
It's urgent, he's
in the Gold Room.
Yes sir.
Gentlemen,
as you know
the greatest
obstacle in proving
the authenticity
of the occult
lies in finding facts.
However, if the
facts are there
even the most
harden skeptic,
provided he
has an open mind,
must finally acknowledge
the actual existence
of the supernatural.
Do you admit
that Mr. Holmes?
Facts are always
convincing Lord Penrose.
It's the conclusions
drawn from facts
that are
frequently in error.
Yes in the case of the
Hound of the Baskervilles,
as well as the Adventure
of the Sussex Vampire,
we found that...
Watson please.
Oh sorry.
Well gentlemen this
time I have facts.
Cold facts.
Many years ago,
one hundred to be exact,
an apparition
appeared at night
in the village now
called La Morte Rouge.
The following morning
three people
were found dead,
their throats torn out.
Hence the town's
rather a grime name.
Interesting yes.
But facts, no.
I hardly think the tales
of superstitious pheasants
can be considered...
I haven't finished
Mr. Holmes.
The La Morte Rouge has
again been the scene
of these strange and
unexplainable occurrences.
Unexplainable that is
from your point-of-view.
Several of our most
responsible citizens
have actually seen
the strange apparition
on the marshes at night
and next morning
sheep were discovered...
With there
throats torn out
and no traces of the
killer anywhere to be found.
Oh you've read about
it in the papers?
As a matter of
fact I haven't.
It was a merely
a deduction.
A rather obvious
one I'm afraid.
Deductions are
a weakness of mine
as Doctor Watson
can tell you.
Would you believe
it, Holmes can...
Well those are
facts Mr. Holmes.
Ignore them if you can.
But it's very urgent sir.
Very well, go ahead.
Thank you.
I never ignore
facts Lord Penrose
and I have no doubt that
the incident of the sheep
with their throats torn out
is unquestionably a fact.
However, the interpretation of this fact
as being final proof
of the existence
of the supernatural
is merely supposition
and therefore cannot be
accepted without further data.
Your opinions Mr. Holmes
are undoubtedly the result
of your inability
to cope with something
beyond the realm of
your comprehension.
I say old man.
I'm sorry John but this
ridiculous skepticism...
yes what it is my boy?
La Morte Rouge on
the telephone sir.
Very urgent my Lord.
Excuse me gentlemen.
I'm afraid Lord...
It's quite
understandable Sir John.
Lord Penrose is deeply
entrenched in his beliefs.
That's his privilege.
Oh hang it all Holmes,
the fellow was
positively rude.
Well shall we see a
little overwrought Watson?
I'm leaving immediately.
Order my car at
once and hurry.
Yes sir.
Gentlemen, my wife has
just been found dead.
Her throat torn out
in exactly the same
manner as the sheep.
This is terrible!
I say you don't
think that it's...
Undoubtedly Mr. Holmes
you would call it murder
by person or
persons unknown.
I'm sorry, If I can
be of any assistance...
Thank you, no.
I'm afraid the happenings
in La Morte Rouge
wouldn't interest
you Mr. Holmes.
Under the circumstances
I think we should adjourn.
Yes indeed Sir John.
Holmes what a
terrible thing.
Uh Sir John would
you be good enough
to convey our condolences
to Lord Penrose.
Yes I'd be glad to.
Say uh,
can't we get something
to eat before we leave?
We don't often get
food like you do here.
Don't you think
of anything else
besides your stomach?
No not often.
I think I'll get a paper.
Good morning.
Good morning sir.
I imagine you'll be glad to
get back to London Mr. Holmes?
Yes indeed.
Oh by the way, there's
a letter for you sir.
Thank you.
Here's something
about Lady Penrose.
She was found
in the church
with her throat
horribly cut
and then she dragged herself
from the marshes nearby
and tried to summon
help with a bell rope.
What is it Holmes?
Listen to this Watson.
What?
My dearest of Holmes.
I've every
reason to believe
my life is in danger.
Yet if you were to
ask me how I know
I couldn't give you
a logical answer.
There is nothing tangible,
yet like a
terrible premonition
it is also
frightfully real.
I've heard of you
being in Quebec
and I'm turning
to you, a stranger,
and asking your help
in the frantic hope
that you'll not fail me.
Well whose it from?
Signed Lillian Penrose.
Lillian Pen... Lady Penrose?
A letter from
the dead woman.
What's it mean Holmes?
I should say
that Lady Penrose
lived in fear of her life.
Some secret hidden in
her past in probability.
Perhaps it isn't
as simple as that.
What if Penrose is right?
I'm glad we're going
back to London.
Things like that can't
happen on Baker Street.
Oh it's a pity Watson.
Huh?
Do you know a village
by the name of
La Morte Rouge?
Yes sir, it's about
twelve miles from here
up towards the falls.
Great Scott Holmes
you mean you're going
to take on the case.
Quite.
Telephone the airport
and cancel our
reservations will you?
Certainly sir.
Consider Watson the
irony, the tragic irony,
that we accepted the
commission from the victim
to find her murderer.
For the first time
we've been
retained by a corpse.
Doesn't seem to be a bell.
Never mind come along.
Do you think we should?
What a cold, cheerless
looking room.
Yes.
What do you want?
Who are you?
Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
I apologize for
this intrusion.
Would you mind gentlemen?
Mr. Holmes
is it your custom
to burst into
people's houses
without ringing the bell?
We couldn't find
the bell sir.
If you've come here
to use the death of my
wife to prove your theories
I must ask you to leave.
Penrose, I
received this letter
from Lady Penrose
this morning.
I say that was
devilish awkward.
I'm afraid you're a
little late Mr. Holmes,
my wife's dead.
And I've come here
to find her murderer.
You might have saved
yourself the trouble.
I'm convinced that
the solution to
this horrible deed
lies in an understanding
of psychic phenomenon.
Although I don't expect you
to admit that Mr. Holmes.
I assure you Penrose
I neither believe
nor disbelieve
in anything including
psychic phenomena.
If I could just
see Lady Penrose
it might help dispel
much of the mystery
that surrounds these
happenings in La Morte Rouge.
Drake!
Why don't you answer
the blasted thing?
Sergeant Thompson has
charge of the case.
You'll find him
at the police station
and now I must
ask you to go
and take your
assistant with you.
You'll excuse me if
I don't show you out.
Drake?
Drake?
Drake where are you?
Watson!
Holmes I've
seen her before.
Right Watson you have.
Yes but where?
Never mind that now
we must examine
the wound
before Penrose returns
and has us thrown
out of the house.
Clumsy job.
Just missed her
jugular vein.
She must have
bled to death.
Must have bled for
several hours hey?
Possibly more.
Long enough for Penrose
to leave La Morte Rouge
and reach Quebec in
time for the meeting?
Holmes you don't
suspect Penrose?
I suspect nobody Watson
I was just
asking a question.
I beg your
pardon gentlemen.
There is another
who desired
the death of her ladyship.
I saw it last
night in the fields
moving in and
out of the shadows.
You're the butler
aren't you?
I was the butler.
I've given notice.
Drake?
Get out.
Get out of this.
I trust you found what
you're looking for?
Two things have been
made clear to me Penrose.
That you're
wife was murdered
and that she's
Lillian Gentry.
Lillian Gentry?
Will you leave or must
I call the police?
That will not
be necessary.
We're on our way to
the police station now.
The wounds found on
Lady Penrose's throat
are identical with those
found on the throats
of the dead sheep.
Now I'm not a
superstitious man Mr. Holmes
but I don't
know of any weapon
capable of
inflicting such wounds
except an animal's claw.
Of course it
could be done
by a five prong
garden weeder.
Not that garden weeder
Mr. Holmes, that's mine.
I use it to
weed the garden
at the back of the jail.
I'm inclined to agree
with the Sergeant, Holmes.
A weapon such as that
would of severed
the jugular vein.
Death would have
followed immediately.
Lady Penrose
lived long enough
to drag herself
to the church
and toll the bell
in a frantic effort
to call for help.
Yes, yes I know
all about that
but there must be
some logical motive
instead of all these
goblins and monsters.
Sergeant have you ever
heard of a Lillian Gentry?
No.
No can't say that
I have Mr. Holmes.
She was a famous actress
who came to America
some time ago.
She appeared
for many years
in the
United States and Canada
and then suddenly
she disappeared.
Her disappearance
was never explained
and she was
soon forgotten.
But what's the
connection between
Lillian Gentry's
disappearance
and the death
of Lady Penrose?
Lillian Gentry
and Lady Penrose
are one in
the same person.
The same person?
Precisely.
One more question
Sergeant.
Do your files show anyone
with a prison record
living in La Morte Rouge?
No Mr. Holmes.
The only person
having any connection
with the prison
is Emile Journet.
He came here two years
ago with his daughter
and bought the hotel.
He was a guard
at Talon Prison.
Thank you Sergeant.
I hear there are a
lot of prairie chicken
in these parts.
I'd like to have a
bang at them some day.
I think that can
be arranged Doc.
Yes we can stop
over at a farmyard
and you can shoot all
the chickens you want.
That's all very
funny Holmes.
Here you are old fellow.
We're going to
engage rooms
of Monsieur
Journet's hotel.
Landlord!
I say landlord!
Place seems deserted.
Won't be for long if
you bellow like that.
Land... oh sorry Holmes.
Got to try and make some...
Yes monsieur?
My dear will you
rent a room for us?
Yes monsieur.
Good.
Sign here please.
I'll sign for us both.
Oh thank you.
You seem very young
to be in charge here.
Yes monsieur.
You a
Mademoiselle Journet?
Marie Journet monsieur.
My dear you've
been crying.
Why?
Papa's going away.
Oh come now.
That's the tragedy?
Wouldn't you cry
if you're papaw were
going away Watson?
I don't believe I so.
This way monsieur.
Bring your bags.
Yes of course.
Wouldn't I be unhappy
if my father went away?
Haven't seen my
father for years.
Only died about
two years ago...
Bills, bills, bills.
That's the way
it goes Emile.
It costs money to be born
and it costs money to die.
Do you know who
that was in the car?
It was Sherlock Holmes.
He's here now.
What do you
think he'll find?
Ghosts and monsters.
What else is there
for him to find?
I don't know.
You're afraid Emile.
Of course I am
and so are you.
Who isn't?
Why should Sherlock
Holmes come here?
To investigate the death
of Lady Penrose what else?
I'm afraid Mr. Holmes
will return to London
a sadder but a wiser man.
Why do you say that?
Well you can't arrest
ghosts and monsters
can you now?
Well I'm on my way
the mail must
be delivered.
Much better.
This room gives
me the creeps.
It's very seldom
used, monsieur.
It isn't often that
strangers come
to La Morte Rouge
and when they do
they never stay.
I can't say that
I blame them.
Will your father
be away for long?
I don't know monsieur.
When is he leaving?
I don't know.
Marie?
If you need anything
just ring monsieur.
That girl's
frightened Holmes.
Obviously.
She made the
mistake of telling us
that her father
was leaving.
You don't think
that Journet...
Suppose we have a little
talk to Monsieur Journet,
might prove illuminating.
Didn't I tell you not
to answer any questions?
Yes.
Didn't I tell you
to keep a silent
tongue in your mouth?
Yes papaw.
So you told them
I was going away?
Yes papaw.
That'll teach you to
keep your mouth shut.
Uh Monsieur Journet,
just why are you
leaving La Morte Rouge
at this
particular time?
I'm not leaving.
What gave you the
idea that I was?
Your daughter.
My daughter's mistaken.
I merely said that
I would like to go away.
I've just been teaching
her the difference.
Yes so I observed.
I can't say that
I approve of
your method sir.
I'll ask you to mind
your own business.
Run along dear.
There there my dear.
Disgraceful
hitting a child!
Monsieur Journet's
quite right.
It's none of our business.
Monsieur Journet
what do you know
of the death
of Lady Penrose?
Only what everyone
in the village knows
that she was killed
by the monster.
Have you seen
this monster?
No but who else could have
done this terrible thing?
Sheep have been killed,
their throats torn out.
You were a jailer at
Talon Prison weren't you?
Well yes monsieur.
Why did you decide to
come to La Morte Rouge?
Well I always wanted
to own a hotel
and I heard this one was
for sale so I bought it.
That was two years ago.
Yes.
I believe it
was about the time
the monster made his
reappearance wasn't it?
Do you suspect me
of being the
monster Mr. Holmes?
Oh no, no, no.
I was just remarking
a coincidence.
I thought you
didn't believe
in those things Holmes.
Quite right
Watson I don't.
At least not in the
supernatural variety.
Not the werewolf
who bites into his victim's
throat with his teeth
but a monster who uses
for his weapon of death
a five-prong
garden weeder,
yes that's a little
more my line.
I don't know
what you mean.
I mean that this
monster's been recreated
and used as a screen
behind, which to
commit a horrible crime.
Whoever did it felt
certain that no suspicion
could possibly
fall on him?
But my unexpected
arrival upset his plans.
Very possibly he
became frightened,
decided to run away.
You're right masseur.
I was running away
but not for the
reason you think
but in fear of my life.
And who would
want to kill you?
I don't know.
It's like some
terrible premonition
but it's so real.
The very word that's in
Lady Penrose's letter.
Yes.
That still doesn't explain
this garden weeder.
I swear to you
I know nothing
about it's being here.
Hadn't we better send
for that fellow
Sergeant Thompson?
No Watson that
won't be necessary.
Monsieur Journet knows
as well as we do
that you can't run
away from yourself.
Oh would you be so good
as to return this to
Sergeant Thompson monsieur?
I took it away
quite by accident.
Monsieur Journet
knows as well as we do
you can't run
away from yourself.
This fellow Journet seems
a very frightened chap.
Do you think he
has any connection
with Lady
Penrose's murder?
Time will tell us
many things Watson.
And now my dear fellow
there's something you
can do for me if you will.
Anything Holmes.
I knew I could
rely on you.
I want you to mingle
with the people in
the caf tonight.
Find out all you can
and keep a particularly
sharp eye on Journet.
Sort of take
over the case.
That's right oh boy.
I want to get
a good night's rest
before starting out
again in the morning.
Oh and incidentally
make yourself
as inconspicuous as
possible will you?
Inconspicuous?
You can depend on me.
Oh thank you my dear.
I'm glad to see that
the tears are all gone.
Are you feeling better?
Thanks to you
and Mr. Holmes,
Papaw is not going away.
Not going away?
That's good.
Journet not going away.
There are many phases
of the supernatural
Mr. Drake.
Witchcraft, vampires,
werewolves,
ghosts, monsters,
you'll find them all
in the history of crime.
So I say to myself
Potts this is the handy
work of the supernatural.
I gather that your
name is Potts
and that you're interested
in the detection of crime.
Allow me to
introduce myself.
My name's Watson,
Doctor Watson
of 221-B Baker Street,
London, England.
How do you do sir?
Here's to crime, bigger
and better crime.
I deduce my good man that
you are somewhat drunk.
Well sharp he is,
sharp as a tack
and just as flat headed.
You might also deduce
that I'm leaving
this place.
Getting up and soon as
the bus I'm waiting for
hoots it's hooter.
I believe they say honks
its hooter in these parts.
Hoots to me, honks to you.
Hoot hoot.
My dear fellow
I don't care two hoots
whether it's hoot or honk.
Oh that's my
bus gentlemen.
I just heard it hoot
its hooter, distinctly.
If you solve this
case let me know
but personally I'm
betting on the monster.
You take my advice Pottsy.
Get out of this place
before they find you
with your throat cut.
Hoots,
it's hooter.
Nervous?
Well the thought of having
your throat torn out
by some monster
isn't likely
to make you very
gay Doctor Watson.
No indeed.
Some of Monsieur Journet's
excellent wine
will soon remedy that.
Marie would you
bring a bottle
of this excellent wine
for my friend here?
Yes monsieur.
Mr. Potts as a
student of the occult
supposing you give me your
theory of this murder.
Oh you'll like this wine.
Oh but Doctor Watson
I never drink anything
stronger than milk.
Tea toddler?
No hiccups.
Every time I drink
alcohol I have hiccups.
Oh sorry.
Mr. Holmes.
Mr. Holmes?
This circle is where the
murder actually occurred.
Yes Mr. Holmes.
There's a footpath
just beyond the church,
which leads
across the marshes
follow it for half a
mile and you'll be there.
Thank you Sergeant,
I'm sure I'll find it.
Mr. Holmes I wish you'd
let me go with you.
It's dangerous in
the marshes at night.
These swamps,
the one false step...
I'm sorry Sergeant but
it's important I go alone.
I'll keep
close to the path.
Well will Doctor Watson
be going with you?
No Sergeant.
I asked him to do some
research work of his own
and by now he's probably
magnificently involved.
Good night.
Good night Mr. Holmes.
But according to your
theory Doctor Watson,
everyone in the village
is under suspicion.
Pardon me.
It's quite all right.
Oh thank you.
Murder is a very
interesting story gentlemen.
I will recall
a short story
by that brilliant
author G. K. Cheston
in which the murder is
committed by a postman
I refer of course
to the invisible man.
A brilliant
bit of deduction
on the part
of Father Brown.
I'm a postman.
This is precisely
why I mentioned it
to understate the
absurdity of assuming
cause one man in the
postman's uniform is a murderer
any other man in the same
uniform should be suspected.
Thanks.
Had me worried
for a minute.
Well fiddle sticks.
A child can see
that this
ridiculous monster has...
has got you all
afraid of your own shadow.
I saw Lady Penrose.
I wouldn't like it
to happen to me.
I'll be getting on.
I'm going with you.
Good night Doctor.
Good night.
It's quite all right.
Well what's so strange
about a church bell ring?
It rang the same
time last night.
Excuse me Doctor Watson,
can you tell me if
Mr. Holmes is armed.
Armed my dear fellow,
why should he be?
He's gone to bed.
Your wrong Doctor.
He went out in
the marshes alone.
I tried to go with
him but he refused.
But Great Scott if he
runs into this monster
and he's by himself
he'll get killed!
Holmes!
Holmes!
Are you all right?
Where are you Watson?
Here I am over
here Holmes.
Watson where are you?
I'm in the bog.
Oh good gracious.
Come here.
You're instructions were
to mingle with the people
and stay in the caf.
Sergeant Thompson said
you were out here alone
so I thought you
might need help.
Yes so you proceeded
to fall in the bog?
Fall?
I was pushed into
the blasted thing.
Pushed by the most
ghastly apparition.
Came at me like
a roaring furnace
with spitting fire
in all directions.
Before I could
get my revolver
the thing was upon me.
Well the next
thing I knew I was...
I was in the bog.
Are you all right
Mr. Holmes, I heard shots.
Yes I'm all right but
Doctor Watson here
seems to have
encountered the monster.
He has?
Come on old fellow
we'd better get you
out of these wet clothes
and into a hot tub before
he takes a death of cold.
Now you've had
enough of that.
Drink this.
You'll be as fit as a
fiddle in the morning.
Sorry you had
such a bad time.
I've got a right to
share your dangers.
Thanks old fellow.
You know I wasn't sure
that the villagers
weren't right
and if it did
turn out to be
some sort of
supernatural monster,
well why should
I involve you?
Rubbish.
However, I did
learn something.
I can now
state positively
that our antagonist
is not a phantom.
But the thing actually
spat flames at me.
Oh just a figment
of your imagination.
The murderer knew I was
out on the marshes
and obviously wanted
to frighten me.
He frightened
me all right.
How did he
manage the flames?
Merely clothing treated
with phosphorus.
When the murderer fled
his shirt caught on a tree
and this piece of
cloth was torn off.
Come in.
I'd like a few words
with you Mr. Holmes.
I'll come directly
to the point.
Hello.
What happened to
your assistant?
I'm not his assistant.
If you must know
I was pushed into a
boggy hole on the marsh.
Pushed?
By whom?
I don't know.
Spat fire at me.
My good sir,
in spite of Mr. Holmes'
theories to the contrary
things have been seen
and heard on those marshes
that cannot
be explained away
by the use of logic.
If I were you I'd
keep away from them.
I'm not so sure.
Holmes found...
Penrose, for
the first time
in my long
pursuit of crime,
I confess that
I find myself baffled.
I'm a detective
I need tangible clues
and up to now
I admit I found none.
And you won't.
I advise you to
leave La Morte Rouge.
Tonight you escaped
with your life.
Next time you may
not be so fortunate.
Thank you for your considerate
advice Lord Penrose.
Good night sir.
Excuse me.
Oh good night.
I don't like that
fellow Holmes.
Why do you think
he came here?
He wanted to find out if
we discovered anything.
He seemed very pleased
when I told him we hadn't.
Now Watson there are
one or two questions
I want to ask
Sergeant Thompson.
You stay here.
I have a very
important job for you.
Anything Holmes, what
do you want me to do?
Go to bed.
Yes it's cotton fabric.
Here take a look.
That discoloration,
the purple ink must
have been spilt on it.
Possibly.
I should say this cloth
was red with blue lines.
Probably large checks
and it seems to
have been laundered
a good many times.
The blues lines are
almost completely erased.
Yes you can
scarcely see them.
It's good fabric, well
woven, with a solid base.
Hello Bill.
Hello Sergeant, Your phone
call must be important
to bring me over this
time of the night.
It was, this is
Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
He wants to ask you
a few questions.
This is Mr. Taylor, the
storekeeper Mr. Holmes.
Oh.
Good evening
Monsieur Taylor.
Good evening monsieur.
Have you any shirts
of this design?
Squares are red
and the lines blue.
Yes I have.
Can you remember to
whom you sold them?
I can.
I keep them in stock
especially
for Judge Brisson.
He won't have
anything else.
Judge Brisson who's he?
A retired magistrate.
He's a cripple.
Lives alone with
his housekeeper.
Have you sold any of these
shirts to anyone else?
No sir.
They're too expensive for
the village and the boatmen.
This is the finest
material imported.
You say Judge
Brisson's a cripple?
Yes.
He was a
magistrate in Quebec.
Had a stroke about
two years ago,
that's why he
retired and came here
to live in La Morte Rouge.
Just about the time that
Monsieur Journet arrived here.
Now that you mention it,
it was just about then.
Hello operator?
Give me Judge Brisson's
home will you?
Thank you.
Nora.
Let it ring.
Haven't I told you not to
answer the phone at night?
Yes sir.
Well then obey my orders.
Yes sir.
No answer.
Where's he live?
On the marsh road
but I don't advise
you to go there
after dark Mr. Holmes.
The place is a fortress
and guarded by
a savage dog.
I think Doctor Watson
and I will have to
pay Judge Brisson a
visit in the morning.
Good night gentlemen.
Good night Mr. Holmes.
Two locks on the door,
one of them new.
Yes I should say that
Lady Penrose death
has increased
Judge Brisson's terror.
Don't like the
sound of that dog.
Sounds hungry.
Possibly ravenous.
Could we come back after
he's had his breakfast?
I'm sorry Watson our
business won't wait.
Oh he's stop now.
Yes Watson.
Stop!
Good Fido.
Stop!
Good Fido!
Who is it?
Sherlock Holmes
and Doctor Watson.
I telephoned Judge
Brisson we were coming.
You can't come in.
He's given orders no
one is to be admitted.
You wouldn't want
Judge Brisson's
death on your
hands would you?
No sir.
Then you'd
better let us in.
I'll probably lose
my job for this.
Not after we've
talked to Judge Brisson.
My good woman you, you
keep an eye on that dog.
Oh don't worry Watson
you know as well as I do
the dog won't touch you
if you're with its
master or mistress.
Well you know
it and I know it
but are you quite
sure the dog knows it?
Good dog,
happy dog, good boy.
Let me warn you I'm armed
and I'm an expert shot.
We didn't come here to
harm you Judge Brisson
but to protect your life.
I told you over the phone this
morning Mr. Sherlock Holmes
that I did not
want to see you.
I don't want
to see anyone.
But I want to see you.
Stay where you are!
Nora show these men out.
Judge Brisson if you'll
answer a few questions
I maybe to save your life.
I have the
fullest confidence
in my own defenses and
I will not trade them
for any theories of
Mr. Sherlock Holmes
however plausible
you make them sound.
Now get out will you?
I'm sorry.
Under the circumstances
I'm helpless to
prevent your death,
almost certainly
by violence.
Come on Watson.
Oh pardon me,
may I trouble you
for that envelope?
I must have dropped it.
Thank you.
You're a very
clever man Mr. Holmes.
A crude device
Judge Brisson
but it's confirmed
my suspicions
that you're not the
cripple you pretend to be.
I'm sorry but I'm
frightened of everything
and everybody.
Won't you sit down?
You want to get
shot Holmes?
Come in Watson and
close the door.
Sit down old fellow,
Judge Brisson has
decided not to shoot us.
Oh that's very
kind of him.
Gentlemen this fear
is driving me mad.
It's quite understandable.
The whole village seems
to be consumed with fear
but in your case,
judging from
your vicious dog,
those bared windows
and that hunting rifle,
it's not fear of
the supernatural.
Just what are
you afraid of?
Well truth is Mr. Holmes
I don't know
and yet I feel
its very presence.
At times I feel
I can almost reach
out and touch it.
When I first came
to La Morte Rouge
I had a slight attack.
It affected my legs but
well I've recovered.
And you've
continued the deception
using the
wheelchair as an excuse
for not going
about the village?
Oh you see people
would be more inclined
to accept my
hermit like existence.
Yes naturally.
Tell me Judge Brisson
had you ever heard
of Monsieur Journet
before you arrived
at La Morte Rouge?
No.
No I hadn't.
How many of these shirts
has your housekeeper
purchased for you?
Oh four or five
I'm not positive.
You still have them?
Oh one or two
became badly worn
and I told me housekeeper
to give them to a man
who was doing some
work for me at that time.
Can you describe him?
No I'm afraid I can't.
That was about
a year ago you see
and well I didn't pay
much attention to him.
He worked in the garden.
Could your housekeeper
remember him?
No that was a different
housekeeper then.
She went to the
United States.
Try to remember
Judge Brisson.
Your life may
depend on it.
I do remember one thing,
he had a very slight limp.
I used to watch
him from that window
as he walked
across the lawn.
Splendid.
Continue your
vigilance Judge
and under no circumstances
allow anyone to
enter the house
even someone you
may know well.
Well what's that
mean Holmes?
It may mean nothing and
it may mean everything.
I'm quite sure that
Sergeant Thompson
will have observed
a man with a limp
in the village the
size of La Morte Rouge.
Good day Judge
and thank you.
Good day sir.
I'm sure Sergeant Thompson
will have observed
a man with a limp
in a village the
size of La Morte Rouge.
This is what's left of the
De Port Hotel Mr. Holmes.
Tanner sleeps here when
he's in La Morte Rouge.
Spooky old place.
Villagers call it
the Wolf House.
It's been
deserted for years.
He walks with a limp,
the left foot I think.
To the trained
ear Sergeant
footsteps of
catlaectic rhythm
are as identifiable
as fingerprints.
What do you want?
We've come to have a
talk with you Tanner.
I've done nothing.
Then you won't mind
answering a few questions.
What do you want to know?
Tell me Tanner,
where were you
two nights ago?
Down the river.
And last night.
I just got back tonight.
You're lying.
You don't frighten me.
And now I've
got a job to do.
It's quite evident
that you haven't
been on the river
within the last
forty-eight hours.
Are you trying
to make me out
the murderer of
Lady Penrose?
How'd do you know
she was murdered?
I'll tell you how you
know she was murdered
because you murdered her.
Holmes look in
there the monster!
That's right Watson.
One of Brisson's shirts,
which Tanner here
treated with phosphorus.
Take him Sergeant.
I'll give you all
the evidence later.
You got him Sergeant.
I'm sure of it.
Come on.
I see no reason why
we shouldn't leave
for home tomorrow.
So much for tomorrow
but for tonight
what do you make
of this Watson?
I found it in
Tanner's room.
It's a photograph.
That's right oh boy
just a photograph.
You know something
else about it?
Part of it's missing.
Bravo Watson!
Now if we can find
the missing half...
notice the discoloration
of the torn edge,
faded signature,
the upper half
was torn off
some time within the
last year I should say.
Why all this fuss about
an old photograph?
Watson have you ever
stopped to think
that the science of
detection is very much
like stringing a
hand full of beads?
I can't say that I have.
Well it is.
And in this
particular case
you might say that
I have five beads.
Journet, Brisson, Tanner,
Lord and Lady Penrose.
So far I haven't any thread
to string them together.
This gentleman
is our thread
and I think I shall
start with Lady Penrose.
But Lady Penrose is dead.
The dead can tell us
many things Sergeant.
You and Doctor Watson
remain here at the hotel.
I'll meet you later.
I'm sure you got
Tanner, Sergeant
but Mr. Holmes is never
satisfied with a dead criminal.
He has to sit in
on the post-mortem.
Come along, let's
go downstairs
and celebrate the
death of the monster.
That's a good idea Doctor.
So the great
Sherlock Holmes
becomes a common thief.
You realize of course
that I might
have shot you.
I'd knew that you'd
refuse to see me
so naturally I had
to take that chance.
Tell me who is
Alistair Ramson?
What does he to do
with your being here?
Perhaps this will explain.
Found the lower
half in a room
occupied by a
boatman named Tanner.
The upper half was in
Lady Penrose's safety box.
Alistair Ramson
murdered a fellow actor
in my wife's company.
He was sentenced to
life in imprisonment.
The whole thing was
a great shock to her.
So she retired
from the stage
and you married
her shortly after?
Yes.
Where and when was
this murder committed?
In Quebec five years ago.
Ramson was shot
three years later
trying to escape
from Talon Prison.
His body disappeared
in the Saint Lawrence.
Was it ever recovered?
I don't believe so.
Penrose, Alistair
Ramson and Tanner
are one in
the same person.
What?
It was he who sent the
upper half of that photograph
to your wife as a warning.
What could my wife have
in common with a murderer?
Yet he killed her.
He killed her?
Yes.
The monster was none
other than Tanner himself.
We found a shirt impregnated
with phosphorus in his room.
Tonight when we faced him
with the evidence of his crime
he bolted and jumped
out of the window
into the river.
Sergeant Thompson fired
a couple of shots at him.
He's dead?
In a way, yes.
I don't understand.
Tanner is dead only
because he was discovered
and therefore have
outlived his usefulness
to his creator.
But I'm afraid that
Alistair Ramson, the actor,
who created and played
the part of Tanner,
is very much alive.
But surely now
that you know
who the murderer
is the police...
It's not quite as
simple as that.
During the time
he's lived here
Ramson has undoubtedly
established another
character for himself.
Perhaps several others.
For by now familiar
to the people of the
town La Morte Rouge
and quite above suspicion.
He could be almost
anyone in the village.
He may even have been
your butler, Drake.
This is fantastic.
Yes.
If Lady Penrose's death
is only the beginning
there's no saying where
this madman
will strike next.
Tell me is there anyone
else in La Morte Rouge
who may have been
connected in anyway
with the case of
Alistair Ramson?
Judge Brisson
was the magistrate
who tried and
sentenced him.
Operator,
operator,
give me
Judge Brisson's home.
It's urgent.
Judge Brisson this
is Sherlock Holmes.
Oh yes Mr. Holmes.
Oh I'm quite all
right, thank you.
I've chained up the
dog as you asked.
As I asked?
I haven't telephoned
you before.
Somebody's obviously
imitated my voice
in order to gain
access to the house.
Oh certainly Mr. Holmes.
I'll lock all the doors
and await your arrival.
Yes.
Nora?
Nora?
If I can be of any
assistance Mr. Holmes.
Thank you but I'm afraid.
You think Judge Brissons
life's in danger?
I only hope I'm in time
to prevent
a second murder.
That's Mr. Holmes.
Show him in.
Hurry up.
Judge Brisson!
Judge Brisson!
Nora!
Nora!
Nora!
Nora!
Do you know who it was?
I don't know.
I don't know!
Hello.
Operator, Monsieur
Journet's caf.
I want to speak to
Sergeant Thompson.
It's urgent.
Sergeant Thompson this
is Sherlock Holmes.
I'm at Judge Brisson's.
He's been murdered.
Judge Brisson's
been murdered.
Judge Brisson?
The murderer gained
access to the house,
gagged and bound
the housekeeper,
then disguised as Nora,
murdered Judge Brisson.
I'm returning to the
Old Della Port Hotel
on the chance
that he'll go there
to change his clothes and
assume another disguise.
Ask Doctor Watson
to meet me there
as quickly as
you can will you?
You'd better come here
and once and take charge.
Right.
Throw your revolver on
the floor in front of you
and raise your hands
Sherlock Holmes.
I should have thought
you would have felt more
at home in the spotlight.
I see you've finally
identified me.
Your Jack Tanner and
Nora the housekeeper
were brilliant.
You should really
take a bow.
It's too bad you appeared
on the scene when you did
and I had to bring
down the curtain
on the monster.
Your recreation of the
monster of La Morte Rouge
as a means of murder.
Must have given you
great satisfaction.
Why did you kill
Lady Penrose?
I see know reason why
I shouldn't tell you.
I couldn't
bear the thought
of another man
possessing her.
And Judge Brisson?
During the trial
I grew to hate him
and when he
sentenced me to prison
I vowed that someday
I would escape
and kill him.
I see.
Obviously you planned
still another murder,
otherwise you would have
returned to the safety
of your first disguise
and defied me to find you.
You're right, I am.
There was three
people in my life
who had no right to live.
Two have already died.
The third remains.
Tonight I shall kill him.
Mr. Holmes
I've always had
the greatest admiration
for your talents.
Thank you.
Your performance
in this case
has also been brilliant.
So brilliant
that I'm afraid
I'm going to have to
bring down the curtain
on it a bit prematurely.
Uh Mr. Ramson?
We are artists
in our fashion,
not creatures
skulking in allies.
If our positions
were reversed
I shouldn't think of you
sending to your death.
Lacking a few stray
pieces of the puzzle.
What do you want to know?
The name of the
third person.
I have no objection.
If there is a hereafter,
which I doubt,
you and he will meet
very soon Mr. Holmes.
The name of the
third person is...
Coming Holmes.
Look out Watson!
All right Watson.
Where is he Holmes?
He's gone.
Thank heavens your safe.
Thank heaven you
came when you did.
Here it is Watson.
Look out.
He got away again.
Yes Watson.
Over that warehouse
roof most probably.
What a room.
Yes.
This is obviously
the secret room
where his disguises
were created.
Looks like an actor's
dressing room.
He is an actor Watson.
One of the finest acting
talents of our time.
Look at this.
Nora the housekeeper.
His name's
Alistair Ramson.
Alistair Ramson?
Never heard of him.
Well it's not important.
The important thing is
that he murdered Lady
Penrose and Judge Brisson.
Great Scott he did!
Yes Watson.
This Ramson is
a paranoiac.
His orgy of crime
is not complete.
There's still another.
I was just about
to learn his name
when you so conveniently
fell down the stairs.
So sorry oh chap.
Easy you old boy.
You saved my life.
Look at this Watson.
Tanner.
Tanner?
Where do you think
he'll strike next?
Obviously Journet is
to be his third victim.
Journet?
Yes Watson.
As in the cases of Lady
Penrose and Judge Brisson,
Journet also
holds his presence
but in each case it was
vague and unexplainable.
Oh what connection
can he have
with Judge Brisson
and Lady Penrose?
Journet was a guard
at Talon Prison
where Alistair Ramson
was confined.
He's the third person
against whom the murderer
holds a grievance.
Now he's disappeared.
Journet disappeared?
Oh so Marie told
us in the caf.
Watson, Journet's
disappearance
could mean only one thing.
He's in hiding.
Our job is to find him
before Ramson does.
Journet's the only man
who can lead us
to the murderer.
We better have a
talk with Marie.
Hello Potts have
you seen Marie?
No.
Have you seen her?
Can't say I have.
Marie?
Watson.
What is it Holmes?
I'm afraid we're to late.
Marie.
Don't touch
anything Watson.
Murdered in
exactly the same way
as Judge Brisson
and Lady Penrose.
Poor innocent
little child.
I should have
prevented this.
Nonsense my dear chap.
You did
everything possible.
How on Earth could
you have prevented it?
The child's death is
a tragedy of course.
I see exactly
what happened.
She was standing here
by the desk and the...
the murderer came
in by that door.
He came in
through that door
but Marie was
not in the room.
She alone of all
people in the caf
saw Ramson
into this office.
He was someone
she knew well.
Someone who might have a
message from her father
so she followed him here.
And when she
refused to tell him
where her father had
gone he killed her.
Ramson already knew
that Journet disappeared
but did he know where?
When he questioned her
she became suspicious
and it was then
that he killed her.
Telephone Sergeant
Thompson will you?
He's at Judge Brisson's,
ask him to
come here at once
and see that no one
leaves the caf
until he gets here.
The murderer may
be among them.
What could have
happened to Holmes?
He's been away all day.
It's very unfair of him
keeping me in
suspense like this.
He knows how
worried I become.
He continues to do it
and do you know why?
He actually enjoys
making me miserable.
Half a mo!
No good Watson
it won't work.
What won't work?
I've been to every place
where Journet could
possibly be in hiding.
Oh so that's where
you've been all day.
Yes Watson and
I must admit
that I'm
completely baffled.
You got to find Journet
before it's too late.
But how?
I've been everywhere
within a radius of five
miles of this village.
I've even been
to the church
in the hope that
he'd disguise himself
and attend mass.
He may have
gone to Quebec.
Every road's covered.
He hasn't left this
vicinity, of that I'm certain.
All right I'll answer it.
Hello.
Hello.
Who was it Holmes?
Watson, get your
hat and coat.
Your very rude Holmes.
You leave me all day long
with that very
dull inspector.
I ask you a
perfectly fine question
and all you say is "Watson,
get your hat and coat."
Were going to
find Journet.
Sergeant you wait
here till I call.
Watson do this,
Watson do that.
Watson get your
hat and coat.
Brissons house.
It's my opinion that
Judge Brisson's house
is the last place
that you'll find Journet.
Put yourself in Journet's
position Watson.
Where's the
most likely place
that Ramson
would look for you?
Certainly not in
the very house
in which he's just
killed one of his victims.
Journet?
Journet?
It's Sherlock Holmes
and Doctor Watson
we are here to help you.
I don't like the
look of it Holmes.
Holmes!
Holmes, where are you?
Here I am Watson.
Journet?
What do you want?
We've come to help you.
How did you
know I was here?
When you called
your hotel just now
I answered the telephone.
The chimes of
Brisson's clock here
merely confirmed
what I already knew.
You must return with
me to the caf at once.
I'm not leaving
this house.
The murderer is waiting
out there in the marshes
to kill me the
moment I leave here.
Naturally but first he
must have the opportunity.
If you return to the caf
he'll have
that opportunity.
It's the only way we have
to apprehend the murderer.
What if I refuse?
Journet what I
have to say to you
is not going to be easy.
Marie...
What?
Murdered.
Now you know why
you must return.
This fiend must be
brought to justice.
Justice?
This monster kills my
poor innocent child
and you talk of
bringing him to justice?
Will that compensate me
for the death of Marie?
If it's the
last thing I do
I'll kill him
with my own hands.
You can't take the law
into your own hands.
Once you've
returned to the hotel
he'll make an attempt on
your life and we'll get him.
How will we
know who he is?
We already know
it's his disguise that
we haven't penetrated.
Who is he?
Alistair Ramson.
Recognize the name?
He attempted to escape
from Talon Prison
when I was a guard there.
Journet, if you don't
want to remain in hiding
for the rest of your life
you must return
to the hotel
and help me to put an end
to this monster for all time.
Come let's go.
Good.
Put an end to him,
how you going to
do that Holmes?
I'll tell you both about
it on the way to the hotel.
So you're really
leaving Doctor?
Yes Sergeant.
Gentlemen Mr.
Sherlock Holmes and I
are leaving
immediately for London.
It's extremely regrettable
the murderer
has escaped us.
All our cases cannot be
crowned with success.
I'm extremely
sorry gentlemen.
Have you no idea where
this fiend has gone?
Mr. Holmes
is of the opinion
that he's escaped
across the border
to the United States.
It may be years before
we can trace him if ever.
Oh Journet, just a minute.
Our bill please.
Bill?
Yes Mr. Sherlock
Holmes and I
are leaving immediately.
Oh I'm sorry Doctor Watson
I'm just on my
way to the church
to offer a
prayer for Marie.
I'll forward
your bill to you.
Yes of course, my dear
fellow I understand.
We'll leave our
address at the desk.
Goodbye Mr. Potts, it's
been a great pleasure
knowing a man of
your intelligence.
Thank you Doctor Watson.
It has been most
stimulating
talking to one of your
vast experience.
Oh well thank you.
Let's hope that we shall
meet again some day
and continue our
little chats on crime.
It would be most exciting.
Oh by the way, Mr. Holmes
would like to see for
a minute in his room.
I'll show you where it is.
It's the second room
on the right up there.
Thanks.
Emile it's me.
Potts.
Do you mind if I walk
part of the way with you?
It's a bit
frightening out here.
It's these marshes.
This is almost
the very spot
where Lady Penrose
was attacked,
three deaths
in three days.
It's a pity Marie
had to be killed.
She was such
a sweet child.
Three deaths in three days
and still one more
to be accounted for.
You are frightened Emile.
It's strange to see
you showing fear.
The man I hated
at Talon Prison.
Ramson!
Sherlock Holmes!
Yes Mr. Ramson.
So you see
the final curtain
has not fallen after all.
I thought you were on
your way to London.
Naturally that's what
I wanted you to think.
That's why Doctor Watson
announced our
departure in the caf.
Journet's leaving
was purely bait
to bring you
into the open.
I merely replaced Journet
once he was outside
on the street.
May I say monsieur Ramson
that your disguise
as a postman
was a masterpiece
of ingenuity?
Your very
choice of the role
put you above suspicion.
It was quite easy.
I simply disposed of
the real Mr. Potts
after he had past his
civil service examination
and had been assigned
to La Morte Rouge.
You realize of course
that you'll never hand me
over to the police alive?
It's not my function
to be your executioner.
My duty is to hand you
over to the authorities,
which I fully
intend to do.
You're an optimist
Mr. Holmes.
Oh not necessarily.
We're surrounded by
police awaiting my signal.
I killed him with this.
Ramson's
instrument of death
has been his
own executioner.
Well gentlemen our
search for the monster
has ended where it
began, on the marshes.
Hey Watson?
Watson where are you?
Why isn't here, he was
with us a minute ago.
Watson!
Here, here I am Holmes.
Where are you?
I've fallen in
another hole.
I shall like to see
a bit more of Canada
before we sail Holmes.
So should I Watson.
Canada, the linchpin of
the English speaking world
whose relations
of friendly intimacy
with the United States
on the one hand
and unswerving fidelity
to the British Commonwealth
and the Motherland
on the other.
Canada, the link
that joins together
these great branches
of the human family.
Churchill say that?
Yes Watson Churchill.
church bell at this time?
Maybe it
ain't a who father
maybe it's an it.
And maybe it's
tolling the bell.
Awe there's no such things
as ghosts and monsters.
Haven't I made
that clear to you?
Something tore
the throats
out of Charlie
Roches sheep
and that something
didn't leave any tracks.
Andy Trent here
saw a weird glow
moving across the
marshes last night
and this morning
he found two of
his sheep dead.
There throats torn open.
Maybe the same thing
that killed Andy's sheep
is tolling the bell.
I was on my way just now
to deliver a
special letter
at Penrose Manor
when a strange light
appeared on the
road before me
then moved quickly
across the marshes
and faded into the mist.
I turned the car around
and hurried back here.
It's not real.
First the light
and now the bell.
There's a very sound
and logical reason
for the bell
tolling at this time
and I'm going to
find out what it is.
You can drive me to
the church Potts.
The letter can wait.
No hurry.
Nothing will harm you if
you're with the priest.
Is that true Father?
Awe what you
need is more faith
and less imagination.
Come along.
I'd better deliver that
letter to the manor.
I'm sure it's important.
Thank goodness that
bell has stopped.
Odd it's tolling at
this time of night.
I don't like it.
What with this phantom
around in the marshes.
I saw it again tonight.
Who would that be?
Where's Lord Penrose?
He's gone to Quebec.
Get him on the
phone immediately.
What's happened Father?
Lady Penrose dead
clutching the bell rope,
tolling for help.
It was dreadful.
Her ladyship.
Call Sergeant Thompson
at the police station.
Ask him to come to the
church immediately.
Come with me Potts
I may need you.
Yes Father.
Operator put me
through to Quebec.
Lord William Penrose.
Yes.
He's addressing a meeting
of the Royal Canadian
Occult Society
at a Quebec hotel.
It's urgent sir.
Page.
Yes sir.
Lord Penrose.
La Morte Rouge is
on the telephone.
It's urgent, he's
in the Gold Room.
Yes sir.
Gentlemen,
as you know
the greatest
obstacle in proving
the authenticity
of the occult
lies in finding facts.
However, if the
facts are there
even the most
harden skeptic,
provided he
has an open mind,
must finally acknowledge
the actual existence
of the supernatural.
Do you admit
that Mr. Holmes?
Facts are always
convincing Lord Penrose.
It's the conclusions
drawn from facts
that are
frequently in error.
Yes in the case of the
Hound of the Baskervilles,
as well as the Adventure
of the Sussex Vampire,
we found that...
Watson please.
Oh sorry.
Well gentlemen this
time I have facts.
Cold facts.
Many years ago,
one hundred to be exact,
an apparition
appeared at night
in the village now
called La Morte Rouge.
The following morning
three people
were found dead,
their throats torn out.
Hence the town's
rather a grime name.
Interesting yes.
But facts, no.
I hardly think the tales
of superstitious pheasants
can be considered...
I haven't finished
Mr. Holmes.
The La Morte Rouge has
again been the scene
of these strange and
unexplainable occurrences.
Unexplainable that is
from your point-of-view.
Several of our most
responsible citizens
have actually seen
the strange apparition
on the marshes at night
and next morning
sheep were discovered...
With there
throats torn out
and no traces of the
killer anywhere to be found.
Oh you've read about
it in the papers?
As a matter of
fact I haven't.
It was a merely
a deduction.
A rather obvious
one I'm afraid.
Deductions are
a weakness of mine
as Doctor Watson
can tell you.
Would you believe
it, Holmes can...
Well those are
facts Mr. Holmes.
Ignore them if you can.
But it's very urgent sir.
Very well, go ahead.
Thank you.
I never ignore
facts Lord Penrose
and I have no doubt that
the incident of the sheep
with their throats torn out
is unquestionably a fact.
However, the interpretation of this fact
as being final proof
of the existence
of the supernatural
is merely supposition
and therefore cannot be
accepted without further data.
Your opinions Mr. Holmes
are undoubtedly the result
of your inability
to cope with something
beyond the realm of
your comprehension.
I say old man.
I'm sorry John but this
ridiculous skepticism...
yes what it is my boy?
La Morte Rouge on
the telephone sir.
Very urgent my Lord.
Excuse me gentlemen.
I'm afraid Lord...
It's quite
understandable Sir John.
Lord Penrose is deeply
entrenched in his beliefs.
That's his privilege.
Oh hang it all Holmes,
the fellow was
positively rude.
Well shall we see a
little overwrought Watson?
I'm leaving immediately.
Order my car at
once and hurry.
Yes sir.
Gentlemen, my wife has
just been found dead.
Her throat torn out
in exactly the same
manner as the sheep.
This is terrible!
I say you don't
think that it's...
Undoubtedly Mr. Holmes
you would call it murder
by person or
persons unknown.
I'm sorry, If I can
be of any assistance...
Thank you, no.
I'm afraid the happenings
in La Morte Rouge
wouldn't interest
you Mr. Holmes.
Under the circumstances
I think we should adjourn.
Yes indeed Sir John.
Holmes what a
terrible thing.
Uh Sir John would
you be good enough
to convey our condolences
to Lord Penrose.
Yes I'd be glad to.
Say uh,
can't we get something
to eat before we leave?
We don't often get
food like you do here.
Don't you think
of anything else
besides your stomach?
No not often.
I think I'll get a paper.
Good morning.
Good morning sir.
I imagine you'll be glad to
get back to London Mr. Holmes?
Yes indeed.
Oh by the way, there's
a letter for you sir.
Thank you.
Here's something
about Lady Penrose.
She was found
in the church
with her throat
horribly cut
and then she dragged herself
from the marshes nearby
and tried to summon
help with a bell rope.
What is it Holmes?
Listen to this Watson.
What?
My dearest of Holmes.
I've every
reason to believe
my life is in danger.
Yet if you were to
ask me how I know
I couldn't give you
a logical answer.
There is nothing tangible,
yet like a
terrible premonition
it is also
frightfully real.
I've heard of you
being in Quebec
and I'm turning
to you, a stranger,
and asking your help
in the frantic hope
that you'll not fail me.
Well whose it from?
Signed Lillian Penrose.
Lillian Pen... Lady Penrose?
A letter from
the dead woman.
What's it mean Holmes?
I should say
that Lady Penrose
lived in fear of her life.
Some secret hidden in
her past in probability.
Perhaps it isn't
as simple as that.
What if Penrose is right?
I'm glad we're going
back to London.
Things like that can't
happen on Baker Street.
Oh it's a pity Watson.
Huh?
Do you know a village
by the name of
La Morte Rouge?
Yes sir, it's about
twelve miles from here
up towards the falls.
Great Scott Holmes
you mean you're going
to take on the case.
Quite.
Telephone the airport
and cancel our
reservations will you?
Certainly sir.
Consider Watson the
irony, the tragic irony,
that we accepted the
commission from the victim
to find her murderer.
For the first time
we've been
retained by a corpse.
Doesn't seem to be a bell.
Never mind come along.
Do you think we should?
What a cold, cheerless
looking room.
Yes.
What do you want?
Who are you?
Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
I apologize for
this intrusion.
Would you mind gentlemen?
Mr. Holmes
is it your custom
to burst into
people's houses
without ringing the bell?
We couldn't find
the bell sir.
If you've come here
to use the death of my
wife to prove your theories
I must ask you to leave.
Penrose, I
received this letter
from Lady Penrose
this morning.
I say that was
devilish awkward.
I'm afraid you're a
little late Mr. Holmes,
my wife's dead.
And I've come here
to find her murderer.
You might have saved
yourself the trouble.
I'm convinced that
the solution to
this horrible deed
lies in an understanding
of psychic phenomenon.
Although I don't expect you
to admit that Mr. Holmes.
I assure you Penrose
I neither believe
nor disbelieve
in anything including
psychic phenomena.
If I could just
see Lady Penrose
it might help dispel
much of the mystery
that surrounds these
happenings in La Morte Rouge.
Drake!
Why don't you answer
the blasted thing?
Sergeant Thompson has
charge of the case.
You'll find him
at the police station
and now I must
ask you to go
and take your
assistant with you.
You'll excuse me if
I don't show you out.
Drake?
Drake?
Drake where are you?
Watson!
Holmes I've
seen her before.
Right Watson you have.
Yes but where?
Never mind that now
we must examine
the wound
before Penrose returns
and has us thrown
out of the house.
Clumsy job.
Just missed her
jugular vein.
She must have
bled to death.
Must have bled for
several hours hey?
Possibly more.
Long enough for Penrose
to leave La Morte Rouge
and reach Quebec in
time for the meeting?
Holmes you don't
suspect Penrose?
I suspect nobody Watson
I was just
asking a question.
I beg your
pardon gentlemen.
There is another
who desired
the death of her ladyship.
I saw it last
night in the fields
moving in and
out of the shadows.
You're the butler
aren't you?
I was the butler.
I've given notice.
Drake?
Get out.
Get out of this.
I trust you found what
you're looking for?
Two things have been
made clear to me Penrose.
That you're
wife was murdered
and that she's
Lillian Gentry.
Lillian Gentry?
Will you leave or must
I call the police?
That will not
be necessary.
We're on our way to
the police station now.
The wounds found on
Lady Penrose's throat
are identical with those
found on the throats
of the dead sheep.
Now I'm not a
superstitious man Mr. Holmes
but I don't
know of any weapon
capable of
inflicting such wounds
except an animal's claw.
Of course it
could be done
by a five prong
garden weeder.
Not that garden weeder
Mr. Holmes, that's mine.
I use it to
weed the garden
at the back of the jail.
I'm inclined to agree
with the Sergeant, Holmes.
A weapon such as that
would of severed
the jugular vein.
Death would have
followed immediately.
Lady Penrose
lived long enough
to drag herself
to the church
and toll the bell
in a frantic effort
to call for help.
Yes, yes I know
all about that
but there must be
some logical motive
instead of all these
goblins and monsters.
Sergeant have you ever
heard of a Lillian Gentry?
No.
No can't say that
I have Mr. Holmes.
She was a famous actress
who came to America
some time ago.
She appeared
for many years
in the
United States and Canada
and then suddenly
she disappeared.
Her disappearance
was never explained
and she was
soon forgotten.
But what's the
connection between
Lillian Gentry's
disappearance
and the death
of Lady Penrose?
Lillian Gentry
and Lady Penrose
are one in
the same person.
The same person?
Precisely.
One more question
Sergeant.
Do your files show anyone
with a prison record
living in La Morte Rouge?
No Mr. Holmes.
The only person
having any connection
with the prison
is Emile Journet.
He came here two years
ago with his daughter
and bought the hotel.
He was a guard
at Talon Prison.
Thank you Sergeant.
I hear there are a
lot of prairie chicken
in these parts.
I'd like to have a
bang at them some day.
I think that can
be arranged Doc.
Yes we can stop
over at a farmyard
and you can shoot all
the chickens you want.
That's all very
funny Holmes.
Here you are old fellow.
We're going to
engage rooms
of Monsieur
Journet's hotel.
Landlord!
I say landlord!
Place seems deserted.
Won't be for long if
you bellow like that.
Land... oh sorry Holmes.
Got to try and make some...
Yes monsieur?
My dear will you
rent a room for us?
Yes monsieur.
Good.
Sign here please.
I'll sign for us both.
Oh thank you.
You seem very young
to be in charge here.
Yes monsieur.
You a
Mademoiselle Journet?
Marie Journet monsieur.
My dear you've
been crying.
Why?
Papa's going away.
Oh come now.
That's the tragedy?
Wouldn't you cry
if you're papaw were
going away Watson?
I don't believe I so.
This way monsieur.
Bring your bags.
Yes of course.
Wouldn't I be unhappy
if my father went away?
Haven't seen my
father for years.
Only died about
two years ago...
Bills, bills, bills.
That's the way
it goes Emile.
It costs money to be born
and it costs money to die.
Do you know who
that was in the car?
It was Sherlock Holmes.
He's here now.
What do you
think he'll find?
Ghosts and monsters.
What else is there
for him to find?
I don't know.
You're afraid Emile.
Of course I am
and so are you.
Who isn't?
Why should Sherlock
Holmes come here?
To investigate the death
of Lady Penrose what else?
I'm afraid Mr. Holmes
will return to London
a sadder but a wiser man.
Why do you say that?
Well you can't arrest
ghosts and monsters
can you now?
Well I'm on my way
the mail must
be delivered.
Much better.
This room gives
me the creeps.
It's very seldom
used, monsieur.
It isn't often that
strangers come
to La Morte Rouge
and when they do
they never stay.
I can't say that
I blame them.
Will your father
be away for long?
I don't know monsieur.
When is he leaving?
I don't know.
Marie?
If you need anything
just ring monsieur.
That girl's
frightened Holmes.
Obviously.
She made the
mistake of telling us
that her father
was leaving.
You don't think
that Journet...
Suppose we have a little
talk to Monsieur Journet,
might prove illuminating.
Didn't I tell you not
to answer any questions?
Yes.
Didn't I tell you
to keep a silent
tongue in your mouth?
Yes papaw.
So you told them
I was going away?
Yes papaw.
That'll teach you to
keep your mouth shut.
Uh Monsieur Journet,
just why are you
leaving La Morte Rouge
at this
particular time?
I'm not leaving.
What gave you the
idea that I was?
Your daughter.
My daughter's mistaken.
I merely said that
I would like to go away.
I've just been teaching
her the difference.
Yes so I observed.
I can't say that
I approve of
your method sir.
I'll ask you to mind
your own business.
Run along dear.
There there my dear.
Disgraceful
hitting a child!
Monsieur Journet's
quite right.
It's none of our business.
Monsieur Journet
what do you know
of the death
of Lady Penrose?
Only what everyone
in the village knows
that she was killed
by the monster.
Have you seen
this monster?
No but who else could have
done this terrible thing?
Sheep have been killed,
their throats torn out.
You were a jailer at
Talon Prison weren't you?
Well yes monsieur.
Why did you decide to
come to La Morte Rouge?
Well I always wanted
to own a hotel
and I heard this one was
for sale so I bought it.
That was two years ago.
Yes.
I believe it
was about the time
the monster made his
reappearance wasn't it?
Do you suspect me
of being the
monster Mr. Holmes?
Oh no, no, no.
I was just remarking
a coincidence.
I thought you
didn't believe
in those things Holmes.
Quite right
Watson I don't.
At least not in the
supernatural variety.
Not the werewolf
who bites into his victim's
throat with his teeth
but a monster who uses
for his weapon of death
a five-prong
garden weeder,
yes that's a little
more my line.
I don't know
what you mean.
I mean that this
monster's been recreated
and used as a screen
behind, which to
commit a horrible crime.
Whoever did it felt
certain that no suspicion
could possibly
fall on him?
But my unexpected
arrival upset his plans.
Very possibly he
became frightened,
decided to run away.
You're right masseur.
I was running away
but not for the
reason you think
but in fear of my life.
And who would
want to kill you?
I don't know.
It's like some
terrible premonition
but it's so real.
The very word that's in
Lady Penrose's letter.
Yes.
That still doesn't explain
this garden weeder.
I swear to you
I know nothing
about it's being here.
Hadn't we better send
for that fellow
Sergeant Thompson?
No Watson that
won't be necessary.
Monsieur Journet knows
as well as we do
that you can't run
away from yourself.
Oh would you be so good
as to return this to
Sergeant Thompson monsieur?
I took it away
quite by accident.
Monsieur Journet
knows as well as we do
you can't run
away from yourself.
This fellow Journet seems
a very frightened chap.
Do you think he
has any connection
with Lady
Penrose's murder?
Time will tell us
many things Watson.
And now my dear fellow
there's something you
can do for me if you will.
Anything Holmes.
I knew I could
rely on you.
I want you to mingle
with the people in
the caf tonight.
Find out all you can
and keep a particularly
sharp eye on Journet.
Sort of take
over the case.
That's right oh boy.
I want to get
a good night's rest
before starting out
again in the morning.
Oh and incidentally
make yourself
as inconspicuous as
possible will you?
Inconspicuous?
You can depend on me.
Oh thank you my dear.
I'm glad to see that
the tears are all gone.
Are you feeling better?
Thanks to you
and Mr. Holmes,
Papaw is not going away.
Not going away?
That's good.
Journet not going away.
There are many phases
of the supernatural
Mr. Drake.
Witchcraft, vampires,
werewolves,
ghosts, monsters,
you'll find them all
in the history of crime.
So I say to myself
Potts this is the handy
work of the supernatural.
I gather that your
name is Potts
and that you're interested
in the detection of crime.
Allow me to
introduce myself.
My name's Watson,
Doctor Watson
of 221-B Baker Street,
London, England.
How do you do sir?
Here's to crime, bigger
and better crime.
I deduce my good man that
you are somewhat drunk.
Well sharp he is,
sharp as a tack
and just as flat headed.
You might also deduce
that I'm leaving
this place.
Getting up and soon as
the bus I'm waiting for
hoots it's hooter.
I believe they say honks
its hooter in these parts.
Hoots to me, honks to you.
Hoot hoot.
My dear fellow
I don't care two hoots
whether it's hoot or honk.
Oh that's my
bus gentlemen.
I just heard it hoot
its hooter, distinctly.
If you solve this
case let me know
but personally I'm
betting on the monster.
You take my advice Pottsy.
Get out of this place
before they find you
with your throat cut.
Hoots,
it's hooter.
Nervous?
Well the thought of having
your throat torn out
by some monster
isn't likely
to make you very
gay Doctor Watson.
No indeed.
Some of Monsieur Journet's
excellent wine
will soon remedy that.
Marie would you
bring a bottle
of this excellent wine
for my friend here?
Yes monsieur.
Mr. Potts as a
student of the occult
supposing you give me your
theory of this murder.
Oh you'll like this wine.
Oh but Doctor Watson
I never drink anything
stronger than milk.
Tea toddler?
No hiccups.
Every time I drink
alcohol I have hiccups.
Oh sorry.
Mr. Holmes.
Mr. Holmes?
This circle is where the
murder actually occurred.
Yes Mr. Holmes.
There's a footpath
just beyond the church,
which leads
across the marshes
follow it for half a
mile and you'll be there.
Thank you Sergeant,
I'm sure I'll find it.
Mr. Holmes I wish you'd
let me go with you.
It's dangerous in
the marshes at night.
These swamps,
the one false step...
I'm sorry Sergeant but
it's important I go alone.
I'll keep
close to the path.
Well will Doctor Watson
be going with you?
No Sergeant.
I asked him to do some
research work of his own
and by now he's probably
magnificently involved.
Good night.
Good night Mr. Holmes.
But according to your
theory Doctor Watson,
everyone in the village
is under suspicion.
Pardon me.
It's quite all right.
Oh thank you.
Murder is a very
interesting story gentlemen.
I will recall
a short story
by that brilliant
author G. K. Cheston
in which the murder is
committed by a postman
I refer of course
to the invisible man.
A brilliant
bit of deduction
on the part
of Father Brown.
I'm a postman.
This is precisely
why I mentioned it
to understate the
absurdity of assuming
cause one man in the
postman's uniform is a murderer
any other man in the same
uniform should be suspected.
Thanks.
Had me worried
for a minute.
Well fiddle sticks.
A child can see
that this
ridiculous monster has...
has got you all
afraid of your own shadow.
I saw Lady Penrose.
I wouldn't like it
to happen to me.
I'll be getting on.
I'm going with you.
Good night Doctor.
Good night.
It's quite all right.
Well what's so strange
about a church bell ring?
It rang the same
time last night.
Excuse me Doctor Watson,
can you tell me if
Mr. Holmes is armed.
Armed my dear fellow,
why should he be?
He's gone to bed.
Your wrong Doctor.
He went out in
the marshes alone.
I tried to go with
him but he refused.
But Great Scott if he
runs into this monster
and he's by himself
he'll get killed!
Holmes!
Holmes!
Are you all right?
Where are you Watson?
Here I am over
here Holmes.
Watson where are you?
I'm in the bog.
Oh good gracious.
Come here.
You're instructions were
to mingle with the people
and stay in the caf.
Sergeant Thompson said
you were out here alone
so I thought you
might need help.
Yes so you proceeded
to fall in the bog?
Fall?
I was pushed into
the blasted thing.
Pushed by the most
ghastly apparition.
Came at me like
a roaring furnace
with spitting fire
in all directions.
Before I could
get my revolver
the thing was upon me.
Well the next
thing I knew I was...
I was in the bog.
Are you all right
Mr. Holmes, I heard shots.
Yes I'm all right but
Doctor Watson here
seems to have
encountered the monster.
He has?
Come on old fellow
we'd better get you
out of these wet clothes
and into a hot tub before
he takes a death of cold.
Now you've had
enough of that.
Drink this.
You'll be as fit as a
fiddle in the morning.
Sorry you had
such a bad time.
I've got a right to
share your dangers.
Thanks old fellow.
You know I wasn't sure
that the villagers
weren't right
and if it did
turn out to be
some sort of
supernatural monster,
well why should
I involve you?
Rubbish.
However, I did
learn something.
I can now
state positively
that our antagonist
is not a phantom.
But the thing actually
spat flames at me.
Oh just a figment
of your imagination.
The murderer knew I was
out on the marshes
and obviously wanted
to frighten me.
He frightened
me all right.
How did he
manage the flames?
Merely clothing treated
with phosphorus.
When the murderer fled
his shirt caught on a tree
and this piece of
cloth was torn off.
Come in.
I'd like a few words
with you Mr. Holmes.
I'll come directly
to the point.
Hello.
What happened to
your assistant?
I'm not his assistant.
If you must know
I was pushed into a
boggy hole on the marsh.
Pushed?
By whom?
I don't know.
Spat fire at me.
My good sir,
in spite of Mr. Holmes'
theories to the contrary
things have been seen
and heard on those marshes
that cannot
be explained away
by the use of logic.
If I were you I'd
keep away from them.
I'm not so sure.
Holmes found...
Penrose, for
the first time
in my long
pursuit of crime,
I confess that
I find myself baffled.
I'm a detective
I need tangible clues
and up to now
I admit I found none.
And you won't.
I advise you to
leave La Morte Rouge.
Tonight you escaped
with your life.
Next time you may
not be so fortunate.
Thank you for your considerate
advice Lord Penrose.
Good night sir.
Excuse me.
Oh good night.
I don't like that
fellow Holmes.
Why do you think
he came here?
He wanted to find out if
we discovered anything.
He seemed very pleased
when I told him we hadn't.
Now Watson there are
one or two questions
I want to ask
Sergeant Thompson.
You stay here.
I have a very
important job for you.
Anything Holmes, what
do you want me to do?
Go to bed.
Yes it's cotton fabric.
Here take a look.
That discoloration,
the purple ink must
have been spilt on it.
Possibly.
I should say this cloth
was red with blue lines.
Probably large checks
and it seems to
have been laundered
a good many times.
The blues lines are
almost completely erased.
Yes you can
scarcely see them.
It's good fabric, well
woven, with a solid base.
Hello Bill.
Hello Sergeant, Your phone
call must be important
to bring me over this
time of the night.
It was, this is
Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
He wants to ask you
a few questions.
This is Mr. Taylor, the
storekeeper Mr. Holmes.
Oh.
Good evening
Monsieur Taylor.
Good evening monsieur.
Have you any shirts
of this design?
Squares are red
and the lines blue.
Yes I have.
Can you remember to
whom you sold them?
I can.
I keep them in stock
especially
for Judge Brisson.
He won't have
anything else.
Judge Brisson who's he?
A retired magistrate.
He's a cripple.
Lives alone with
his housekeeper.
Have you sold any of these
shirts to anyone else?
No sir.
They're too expensive for
the village and the boatmen.
This is the finest
material imported.
You say Judge
Brisson's a cripple?
Yes.
He was a
magistrate in Quebec.
Had a stroke about
two years ago,
that's why he
retired and came here
to live in La Morte Rouge.
Just about the time that
Monsieur Journet arrived here.
Now that you mention it,
it was just about then.
Hello operator?
Give me Judge Brisson's
home will you?
Thank you.
Nora.
Let it ring.
Haven't I told you not to
answer the phone at night?
Yes sir.
Well then obey my orders.
Yes sir.
No answer.
Where's he live?
On the marsh road
but I don't advise
you to go there
after dark Mr. Holmes.
The place is a fortress
and guarded by
a savage dog.
I think Doctor Watson
and I will have to
pay Judge Brisson a
visit in the morning.
Good night gentlemen.
Good night Mr. Holmes.
Two locks on the door,
one of them new.
Yes I should say that
Lady Penrose death
has increased
Judge Brisson's terror.
Don't like the
sound of that dog.
Sounds hungry.
Possibly ravenous.
Could we come back after
he's had his breakfast?
I'm sorry Watson our
business won't wait.
Oh he's stop now.
Yes Watson.
Stop!
Good Fido.
Stop!
Good Fido!
Who is it?
Sherlock Holmes
and Doctor Watson.
I telephoned Judge
Brisson we were coming.
You can't come in.
He's given orders no
one is to be admitted.
You wouldn't want
Judge Brisson's
death on your
hands would you?
No sir.
Then you'd
better let us in.
I'll probably lose
my job for this.
Not after we've
talked to Judge Brisson.
My good woman you, you
keep an eye on that dog.
Oh don't worry Watson
you know as well as I do
the dog won't touch you
if you're with its
master or mistress.
Well you know
it and I know it
but are you quite
sure the dog knows it?
Good dog,
happy dog, good boy.
Let me warn you I'm armed
and I'm an expert shot.
We didn't come here to
harm you Judge Brisson
but to protect your life.
I told you over the phone this
morning Mr. Sherlock Holmes
that I did not
want to see you.
I don't want
to see anyone.
But I want to see you.
Stay where you are!
Nora show these men out.
Judge Brisson if you'll
answer a few questions
I maybe to save your life.
I have the
fullest confidence
in my own defenses and
I will not trade them
for any theories of
Mr. Sherlock Holmes
however plausible
you make them sound.
Now get out will you?
I'm sorry.
Under the circumstances
I'm helpless to
prevent your death,
almost certainly
by violence.
Come on Watson.
Oh pardon me,
may I trouble you
for that envelope?
I must have dropped it.
Thank you.
You're a very
clever man Mr. Holmes.
A crude device
Judge Brisson
but it's confirmed
my suspicions
that you're not the
cripple you pretend to be.
I'm sorry but I'm
frightened of everything
and everybody.
Won't you sit down?
You want to get
shot Holmes?
Come in Watson and
close the door.
Sit down old fellow,
Judge Brisson has
decided not to shoot us.
Oh that's very
kind of him.
Gentlemen this fear
is driving me mad.
It's quite understandable.
The whole village seems
to be consumed with fear
but in your case,
judging from
your vicious dog,
those bared windows
and that hunting rifle,
it's not fear of
the supernatural.
Just what are
you afraid of?
Well truth is Mr. Holmes
I don't know
and yet I feel
its very presence.
At times I feel
I can almost reach
out and touch it.
When I first came
to La Morte Rouge
I had a slight attack.
It affected my legs but
well I've recovered.
And you've
continued the deception
using the
wheelchair as an excuse
for not going
about the village?
Oh you see people
would be more inclined
to accept my
hermit like existence.
Yes naturally.
Tell me Judge Brisson
had you ever heard
of Monsieur Journet
before you arrived
at La Morte Rouge?
No.
No I hadn't.
How many of these shirts
has your housekeeper
purchased for you?
Oh four or five
I'm not positive.
You still have them?
Oh one or two
became badly worn
and I told me housekeeper
to give them to a man
who was doing some
work for me at that time.
Can you describe him?
No I'm afraid I can't.
That was about
a year ago you see
and well I didn't pay
much attention to him.
He worked in the garden.
Could your housekeeper
remember him?
No that was a different
housekeeper then.
She went to the
United States.
Try to remember
Judge Brisson.
Your life may
depend on it.
I do remember one thing,
he had a very slight limp.
I used to watch
him from that window
as he walked
across the lawn.
Splendid.
Continue your
vigilance Judge
and under no circumstances
allow anyone to
enter the house
even someone you
may know well.
Well what's that
mean Holmes?
It may mean nothing and
it may mean everything.
I'm quite sure that
Sergeant Thompson
will have observed
a man with a limp
in the village the
size of La Morte Rouge.
Good day Judge
and thank you.
Good day sir.
I'm sure Sergeant Thompson
will have observed
a man with a limp
in a village the
size of La Morte Rouge.
This is what's left of the
De Port Hotel Mr. Holmes.
Tanner sleeps here when
he's in La Morte Rouge.
Spooky old place.
Villagers call it
the Wolf House.
It's been
deserted for years.
He walks with a limp,
the left foot I think.
To the trained
ear Sergeant
footsteps of
catlaectic rhythm
are as identifiable
as fingerprints.
What do you want?
We've come to have a
talk with you Tanner.
I've done nothing.
Then you won't mind
answering a few questions.
What do you want to know?
Tell me Tanner,
where were you
two nights ago?
Down the river.
And last night.
I just got back tonight.
You're lying.
You don't frighten me.
And now I've
got a job to do.
It's quite evident
that you haven't
been on the river
within the last
forty-eight hours.
Are you trying
to make me out
the murderer of
Lady Penrose?
How'd do you know
she was murdered?
I'll tell you how you
know she was murdered
because you murdered her.
Holmes look in
there the monster!
That's right Watson.
One of Brisson's shirts,
which Tanner here
treated with phosphorus.
Take him Sergeant.
I'll give you all
the evidence later.
You got him Sergeant.
I'm sure of it.
Come on.
I see no reason why
we shouldn't leave
for home tomorrow.
So much for tomorrow
but for tonight
what do you make
of this Watson?
I found it in
Tanner's room.
It's a photograph.
That's right oh boy
just a photograph.
You know something
else about it?
Part of it's missing.
Bravo Watson!
Now if we can find
the missing half...
notice the discoloration
of the torn edge,
faded signature,
the upper half
was torn off
some time within the
last year I should say.
Why all this fuss about
an old photograph?
Watson have you ever
stopped to think
that the science of
detection is very much
like stringing a
hand full of beads?
I can't say that I have.
Well it is.
And in this
particular case
you might say that
I have five beads.
Journet, Brisson, Tanner,
Lord and Lady Penrose.
So far I haven't any thread
to string them together.
This gentleman
is our thread
and I think I shall
start with Lady Penrose.
But Lady Penrose is dead.
The dead can tell us
many things Sergeant.
You and Doctor Watson
remain here at the hotel.
I'll meet you later.
I'm sure you got
Tanner, Sergeant
but Mr. Holmes is never
satisfied with a dead criminal.
He has to sit in
on the post-mortem.
Come along, let's
go downstairs
and celebrate the
death of the monster.
That's a good idea Doctor.
So the great
Sherlock Holmes
becomes a common thief.
You realize of course
that I might
have shot you.
I'd knew that you'd
refuse to see me
so naturally I had
to take that chance.
Tell me who is
Alistair Ramson?
What does he to do
with your being here?
Perhaps this will explain.
Found the lower
half in a room
occupied by a
boatman named Tanner.
The upper half was in
Lady Penrose's safety box.
Alistair Ramson
murdered a fellow actor
in my wife's company.
He was sentenced to
life in imprisonment.
The whole thing was
a great shock to her.
So she retired
from the stage
and you married
her shortly after?
Yes.
Where and when was
this murder committed?
In Quebec five years ago.
Ramson was shot
three years later
trying to escape
from Talon Prison.
His body disappeared
in the Saint Lawrence.
Was it ever recovered?
I don't believe so.
Penrose, Alistair
Ramson and Tanner
are one in
the same person.
What?
It was he who sent the
upper half of that photograph
to your wife as a warning.
What could my wife have
in common with a murderer?
Yet he killed her.
He killed her?
Yes.
The monster was none
other than Tanner himself.
We found a shirt impregnated
with phosphorus in his room.
Tonight when we faced him
with the evidence of his crime
he bolted and jumped
out of the window
into the river.
Sergeant Thompson fired
a couple of shots at him.
He's dead?
In a way, yes.
I don't understand.
Tanner is dead only
because he was discovered
and therefore have
outlived his usefulness
to his creator.
But I'm afraid that
Alistair Ramson, the actor,
who created and played
the part of Tanner,
is very much alive.
But surely now
that you know
who the murderer
is the police...
It's not quite as
simple as that.
During the time
he's lived here
Ramson has undoubtedly
established another
character for himself.
Perhaps several others.
For by now familiar
to the people of the
town La Morte Rouge
and quite above suspicion.
He could be almost
anyone in the village.
He may even have been
your butler, Drake.
This is fantastic.
Yes.
If Lady Penrose's death
is only the beginning
there's no saying where
this madman
will strike next.
Tell me is there anyone
else in La Morte Rouge
who may have been
connected in anyway
with the case of
Alistair Ramson?
Judge Brisson
was the magistrate
who tried and
sentenced him.
Operator,
operator,
give me
Judge Brisson's home.
It's urgent.
Judge Brisson this
is Sherlock Holmes.
Oh yes Mr. Holmes.
Oh I'm quite all
right, thank you.
I've chained up the
dog as you asked.
As I asked?
I haven't telephoned
you before.
Somebody's obviously
imitated my voice
in order to gain
access to the house.
Oh certainly Mr. Holmes.
I'll lock all the doors
and await your arrival.
Yes.
Nora?
Nora?
If I can be of any
assistance Mr. Holmes.
Thank you but I'm afraid.
You think Judge Brissons
life's in danger?
I only hope I'm in time
to prevent
a second murder.
That's Mr. Holmes.
Show him in.
Hurry up.
Judge Brisson!
Judge Brisson!
Nora!
Nora!
Nora!
Nora!
Do you know who it was?
I don't know.
I don't know!
Hello.
Operator, Monsieur
Journet's caf.
I want to speak to
Sergeant Thompson.
It's urgent.
Sergeant Thompson this
is Sherlock Holmes.
I'm at Judge Brisson's.
He's been murdered.
Judge Brisson's
been murdered.
Judge Brisson?
The murderer gained
access to the house,
gagged and bound
the housekeeper,
then disguised as Nora,
murdered Judge Brisson.
I'm returning to the
Old Della Port Hotel
on the chance
that he'll go there
to change his clothes and
assume another disguise.
Ask Doctor Watson
to meet me there
as quickly as
you can will you?
You'd better come here
and once and take charge.
Right.
Throw your revolver on
the floor in front of you
and raise your hands
Sherlock Holmes.
I should have thought
you would have felt more
at home in the spotlight.
I see you've finally
identified me.
Your Jack Tanner and
Nora the housekeeper
were brilliant.
You should really
take a bow.
It's too bad you appeared
on the scene when you did
and I had to bring
down the curtain
on the monster.
Your recreation of the
monster of La Morte Rouge
as a means of murder.
Must have given you
great satisfaction.
Why did you kill
Lady Penrose?
I see know reason why
I shouldn't tell you.
I couldn't
bear the thought
of another man
possessing her.
And Judge Brisson?
During the trial
I grew to hate him
and when he
sentenced me to prison
I vowed that someday
I would escape
and kill him.
I see.
Obviously you planned
still another murder,
otherwise you would have
returned to the safety
of your first disguise
and defied me to find you.
You're right, I am.
There was three
people in my life
who had no right to live.
Two have already died.
The third remains.
Tonight I shall kill him.
Mr. Holmes
I've always had
the greatest admiration
for your talents.
Thank you.
Your performance
in this case
has also been brilliant.
So brilliant
that I'm afraid
I'm going to have to
bring down the curtain
on it a bit prematurely.
Uh Mr. Ramson?
We are artists
in our fashion,
not creatures
skulking in allies.
If our positions
were reversed
I shouldn't think of you
sending to your death.
Lacking a few stray
pieces of the puzzle.
What do you want to know?
The name of the
third person.
I have no objection.
If there is a hereafter,
which I doubt,
you and he will meet
very soon Mr. Holmes.
The name of the
third person is...
Coming Holmes.
Look out Watson!
All right Watson.
Where is he Holmes?
He's gone.
Thank heavens your safe.
Thank heaven you
came when you did.
Here it is Watson.
Look out.
He got away again.
Yes Watson.
Over that warehouse
roof most probably.
What a room.
Yes.
This is obviously
the secret room
where his disguises
were created.
Looks like an actor's
dressing room.
He is an actor Watson.
One of the finest acting
talents of our time.
Look at this.
Nora the housekeeper.
His name's
Alistair Ramson.
Alistair Ramson?
Never heard of him.
Well it's not important.
The important thing is
that he murdered Lady
Penrose and Judge Brisson.
Great Scott he did!
Yes Watson.
This Ramson is
a paranoiac.
His orgy of crime
is not complete.
There's still another.
I was just about
to learn his name
when you so conveniently
fell down the stairs.
So sorry oh chap.
Easy you old boy.
You saved my life.
Look at this Watson.
Tanner.
Tanner?
Where do you think
he'll strike next?
Obviously Journet is
to be his third victim.
Journet?
Yes Watson.
As in the cases of Lady
Penrose and Judge Brisson,
Journet also
holds his presence
but in each case it was
vague and unexplainable.
Oh what connection
can he have
with Judge Brisson
and Lady Penrose?
Journet was a guard
at Talon Prison
where Alistair Ramson
was confined.
He's the third person
against whom the murderer
holds a grievance.
Now he's disappeared.
Journet disappeared?
Oh so Marie told
us in the caf.
Watson, Journet's
disappearance
could mean only one thing.
He's in hiding.
Our job is to find him
before Ramson does.
Journet's the only man
who can lead us
to the murderer.
We better have a
talk with Marie.
Hello Potts have
you seen Marie?
No.
Have you seen her?
Can't say I have.
Marie?
Watson.
What is it Holmes?
I'm afraid we're to late.
Marie.
Don't touch
anything Watson.
Murdered in
exactly the same way
as Judge Brisson
and Lady Penrose.
Poor innocent
little child.
I should have
prevented this.
Nonsense my dear chap.
You did
everything possible.
How on Earth could
you have prevented it?
The child's death is
a tragedy of course.
I see exactly
what happened.
She was standing here
by the desk and the...
the murderer came
in by that door.
He came in
through that door
but Marie was
not in the room.
She alone of all
people in the caf
saw Ramson
into this office.
He was someone
she knew well.
Someone who might have a
message from her father
so she followed him here.
And when she
refused to tell him
where her father had
gone he killed her.
Ramson already knew
that Journet disappeared
but did he know where?
When he questioned her
she became suspicious
and it was then
that he killed her.
Telephone Sergeant
Thompson will you?
He's at Judge Brisson's,
ask him to
come here at once
and see that no one
leaves the caf
until he gets here.
The murderer may
be among them.
What could have
happened to Holmes?
He's been away all day.
It's very unfair of him
keeping me in
suspense like this.
He knows how
worried I become.
He continues to do it
and do you know why?
He actually enjoys
making me miserable.
Half a mo!
No good Watson
it won't work.
What won't work?
I've been to every place
where Journet could
possibly be in hiding.
Oh so that's where
you've been all day.
Yes Watson and
I must admit
that I'm
completely baffled.
You got to find Journet
before it's too late.
But how?
I've been everywhere
within a radius of five
miles of this village.
I've even been
to the church
in the hope that
he'd disguise himself
and attend mass.
He may have
gone to Quebec.
Every road's covered.
He hasn't left this
vicinity, of that I'm certain.
All right I'll answer it.
Hello.
Hello.
Who was it Holmes?
Watson, get your
hat and coat.
Your very rude Holmes.
You leave me all day long
with that very
dull inspector.
I ask you a
perfectly fine question
and all you say is "Watson,
get your hat and coat."
Were going to
find Journet.
Sergeant you wait
here till I call.
Watson do this,
Watson do that.
Watson get your
hat and coat.
Brissons house.
It's my opinion that
Judge Brisson's house
is the last place
that you'll find Journet.
Put yourself in Journet's
position Watson.
Where's the
most likely place
that Ramson
would look for you?
Certainly not in
the very house
in which he's just
killed one of his victims.
Journet?
Journet?
It's Sherlock Holmes
and Doctor Watson
we are here to help you.
I don't like the
look of it Holmes.
Holmes!
Holmes, where are you?
Here I am Watson.
Journet?
What do you want?
We've come to help you.
How did you
know I was here?
When you called
your hotel just now
I answered the telephone.
The chimes of
Brisson's clock here
merely confirmed
what I already knew.
You must return with
me to the caf at once.
I'm not leaving
this house.
The murderer is waiting
out there in the marshes
to kill me the
moment I leave here.
Naturally but first he
must have the opportunity.
If you return to the caf
he'll have
that opportunity.
It's the only way we have
to apprehend the murderer.
What if I refuse?
Journet what I
have to say to you
is not going to be easy.
Marie...
What?
Murdered.
Now you know why
you must return.
This fiend must be
brought to justice.
Justice?
This monster kills my
poor innocent child
and you talk of
bringing him to justice?
Will that compensate me
for the death of Marie?
If it's the
last thing I do
I'll kill him
with my own hands.
You can't take the law
into your own hands.
Once you've
returned to the hotel
he'll make an attempt on
your life and we'll get him.
How will we
know who he is?
We already know
it's his disguise that
we haven't penetrated.
Who is he?
Alistair Ramson.
Recognize the name?
He attempted to escape
from Talon Prison
when I was a guard there.
Journet, if you don't
want to remain in hiding
for the rest of your life
you must return
to the hotel
and help me to put an end
to this monster for all time.
Come let's go.
Good.
Put an end to him,
how you going to
do that Holmes?
I'll tell you both about
it on the way to the hotel.
So you're really
leaving Doctor?
Yes Sergeant.
Gentlemen Mr.
Sherlock Holmes and I
are leaving
immediately for London.
It's extremely regrettable
the murderer
has escaped us.
All our cases cannot be
crowned with success.
I'm extremely
sorry gentlemen.
Have you no idea where
this fiend has gone?
Mr. Holmes
is of the opinion
that he's escaped
across the border
to the United States.
It may be years before
we can trace him if ever.
Oh Journet, just a minute.
Our bill please.
Bill?
Yes Mr. Sherlock
Holmes and I
are leaving immediately.
Oh I'm sorry Doctor Watson
I'm just on my
way to the church
to offer a
prayer for Marie.
I'll forward
your bill to you.
Yes of course, my dear
fellow I understand.
We'll leave our
address at the desk.
Goodbye Mr. Potts, it's
been a great pleasure
knowing a man of
your intelligence.
Thank you Doctor Watson.
It has been most
stimulating
talking to one of your
vast experience.
Oh well thank you.
Let's hope that we shall
meet again some day
and continue our
little chats on crime.
It would be most exciting.
Oh by the way, Mr. Holmes
would like to see for
a minute in his room.
I'll show you where it is.
It's the second room
on the right up there.
Thanks.
Emile it's me.
Potts.
Do you mind if I walk
part of the way with you?
It's a bit
frightening out here.
It's these marshes.
This is almost
the very spot
where Lady Penrose
was attacked,
three deaths
in three days.
It's a pity Marie
had to be killed.
She was such
a sweet child.
Three deaths in three days
and still one more
to be accounted for.
You are frightened Emile.
It's strange to see
you showing fear.
The man I hated
at Talon Prison.
Ramson!
Sherlock Holmes!
Yes Mr. Ramson.
So you see
the final curtain
has not fallen after all.
I thought you were on
your way to London.
Naturally that's what
I wanted you to think.
That's why Doctor Watson
announced our
departure in the caf.
Journet's leaving
was purely bait
to bring you
into the open.
I merely replaced Journet
once he was outside
on the street.
May I say monsieur Ramson
that your disguise
as a postman
was a masterpiece
of ingenuity?
Your very
choice of the role
put you above suspicion.
It was quite easy.
I simply disposed of
the real Mr. Potts
after he had past his
civil service examination
and had been assigned
to La Morte Rouge.
You realize of course
that you'll never hand me
over to the police alive?
It's not my function
to be your executioner.
My duty is to hand you
over to the authorities,
which I fully
intend to do.
You're an optimist
Mr. Holmes.
Oh not necessarily.
We're surrounded by
police awaiting my signal.
I killed him with this.
Ramson's
instrument of death
has been his
own executioner.
Well gentlemen our
search for the monster
has ended where it
began, on the marshes.
Hey Watson?
Watson where are you?
Why isn't here, he was
with us a minute ago.
Watson!
Here, here I am Holmes.
Where are you?
I've fallen in
another hole.
I shall like to see
a bit more of Canada
before we sail Holmes.
So should I Watson.
Canada, the linchpin of
the English speaking world
whose relations
of friendly intimacy
with the United States
on the one hand
and unswerving fidelity
to the British Commonwealth
and the Motherland
on the other.
Canada, the link
that joins together
these great branches
of the human family.
Churchill say that?
Yes Watson Churchill.