Spasmo (1974) Movie Script
1
Got a light?
Thanks.
Wait.
Hey.
But it's a doll.
Hey.
Oh, what a
wonderful place.
Look over there.
There's a Spanish fort.
- Uh-huh.
- Overlooks the whole bay.
Is this where you
used to come with Fritz?
I don't see anything
special about it.
I mean, it's lovely,
yes, but-
You're wrong; it's mysterious.
Besides, we were kids.
I remember one
summer long ago.
We found a dog lying dead.
- Someone had...
- Oh, please.
Someone had
strangled it.
It was a horrible sight.
Made me sick.
- If it wasn't for Fritz I'd have...
- Oh, stop it.
Christian.
There's a dead woman
down there.
Who are you?
What do you want?
I'm sorry.
I thought...
You looked dead
from up on the hill.
What happened to you?
It must have
been the sunlight.
I must have fainted.
I don't remember.
Do you feel better now?
Yes, I feel much better.
I'm sorry.
My name's Barbara.
I'm Xenia and
this is Christian.
What you need
is a double scotch.
That'll pick you up.
I'll get it.
It wouldn't be wise to leave
a couple of women alone.
What made you
think I was dead?
We were talking about a dog.
It was strangled.
So it was only the
power of suggestion.
Perhaps.
Where are you from?
- Well, I'm...
- Christian!
I can't find it!
Excuse me.
Hey.
Where did she go?
Disappeared.
What is it?
Tucania?
What's that?
An Etruscan Nile city,
or a talking bird?
Hello?
Yes.
What about it?
What did you say
that name is?
Tucania.
- Ciao.
- Hey, your bag.
Thank you, darling.
I'll see you later, okay?
Okay.
Hi, everybody!
Hi, sweetheart.
How are you?
- Fine, wonderful.
- Good, lovely.
- Thank!
- Have a drink.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
- You shouldn't say that.
- Come on, honey.
Let's go on the poop deck.
Nice boat.
Nice party.
Nice everything.
Thanks.
Sounds like you're having
a nice boring time.
How'd you know
about the party?
We don't know
each other.
We were just passing by
and saw the name Tucania.
Got curious.
What is it, a bird?
No, a yacht.
Mine.
Do you know Barbara?
Why?
You look at her
like the two of you
robbed a bank together.
- Not yet.
- Got an aspirin by any chance?
Why, don't you feel well?
No, I don't.
Aren't you lucky?
It means I'm now pregnant.
Congratulations.
Have a drink
to celebrate.
Come with me.
I'll give you an aspirin.
Are you angry?
Well, aren't you even
going to ask me
why I left today?
Who's Alex?
Let's say he's a friend.
Rich, possessive, sympathetic,
who's also in love with me.
Poor Alex.
Courtesy isn't exactly
your strong point.
I know.
And yet I like to use
a little courtesy with you.
And gentleness.
And tenderness.
That's funny.
That's not the reaction
I usually provoke.
It's because I like you.
Seriously.
You never give up.
Do you?
That moon doesn't bother you?
There's no moon
in my motel room.
I was right.
You're a sweet, sweet whore.
Okay, let's go.
But you have to shave
your beard off first.
What?
Your sweet, sweet whore
doesn't take any payment,
but she does
have her whims.
You're crazy.
I could have you now, here.
And you'd like it
even with the beard.
I have a razor in my room.
Big, sharp, and sexy.
- What'll you have?
- A coffee, please.
Let's go inside.
Mm?
- You really want me to...
- Yes.
Apart from the fact
that it scratches me,
I'm very suspicious
of men with beards.
Okay, okay.
It's not the first time
that a convict
had to change
his appearance.
What do you do?
Plastics.
I'm the major stockholder
in my brother's company.
Asking too much of you?
I'm afraid you could
ask me for anything.
Well, while you shave,
I'll create some atmosphere,
okay?
Don't put all the lights out.
Everything alright?
Mm.
Second thoughts?
You know what?
You can keep your
lovely beard and leave.
It's really a
very silly game.
No, in fact it's
a beautiful game,
and I'm not going to leave,
even if you threaten to kill me.
Well, in which case,
get started.
I think you're an
exceptional woman...
Capable of miracles.
Close the door, will you?
Do you mind?
- What the hell-
- Quiet.
Just do as you're told.
Look, friend,
whoever you are,
you're making a mistake.
No, friend.
There's no mistake.
That's for the girl.
Listen, about Barbara-
You lousy motherfucker.
You trying to trade back
that little prick beta
in exchange for your life?
Hold it.
You wouldn't,
would you?
I don't want to kill you.
But I want to know why
you want to kill me.
What are you doing,
destroying my bathroom?
What happened?
What's the matter?
I've killed a man
I never saw before.
It's not possible.
You're joking.
I'm not joking.
A man...
I killed a man!
Maybe you...
Maybe he wanted...
Come and see.
Come on, maybe you
know who he is.
- Who he was.
- No.
No, I'm not
coming in there.
We have to
phone the police.
No.
It's too hard to explain.
They won't believe us.
They can't believe us.
First we should decide
exactly what to say.
But I'm not calling the police.
I'm calling my brother.
Maybe you shouldn't call
your brother or the police.
Maybe you shouldn't
call anyone just now.
Oh, let's get out of here.
Let's get out of here and then
we can decide what to do.
- You mean run away?
- Yes.
You said yourself it would
be too difficult to explain.
Come on.
Let's not have a scene, alright?
The setting's all wrong.
- Let's go inside.
- What do you want, Alex?
I want you to
come with me.
Listen, you have
no right to ask-
You had your fun, now go.
Get in the car.
Where are you taking her?
For a drink.
You can come along.
We have a few things to
clarify after what's happened.
Don't you agree?
You're playing a useless,
stupid game, Alex.
What do you hope
to gain by it?
You.
For God's sake,
Christian, what's wrong?
You look like you
just murdered someone.
What the hell do you mean?
Just what I said.
Why do you follow us?
- I'm sure it was you!
- Christian...
Christian, we must behave
like sensible human beings.
You're coming with me to
Monte Carlo tomorrow morning.
A change of scenery
will do you good.
Chain...
The medal.
I must have left
the medal over there!
Well, what do you say?
You leave with me,
and Christian just leaves.
If he wants to keep
out of trouble, okay?
Well, well, well...
So the kid isn't quite the
fool he pretends to be.
What the hell
did you bag?
It's a rubber doll.
We found it tied
up to a tree.
- No kidding.
- Yeah, with a knife stuck in it.
- Hello?
- Hello.
It's Christian.
Is my brother
still at the factory?
At this time of night?
Mr. Christian, there's nobody
here but me, the watchman.
Try tomorrow morning.
- How'd you get here?
- I ran away.
I got a lift from
a truck driver.
I was going straight
to the motel,
but then I recognized
your car, and...
Did you get the chain?
Is everything alright?
The body...
That man's body...
It's gone, disappeared.
It's not in the bathroom.
But that's not possible!
Are you sure?
Well, also the
automatic's disappeared.
There's just a bloodstain.
But that must mean
that he's only wounded.
You didn't kill him.
He's alive.
Or dead and someone
took the body away.
You mean like
an accomplice?
I don't know.
It's all so absurd.
Meaningless.
What's absurd is dangerous.
Maybe he was after
someone else, and...
It was all a
misunderstanding.
Who else?
Or maybe Alex sent him.
That's why he was
waiting outside.
You mustn't get
mixed up in this. Go.
You listen to me.
I'm already in it
up to my neck.
And if it hadn't
happened in my room,
I'd still have
wanted to help you.
But don't you realize?
If he's only wounded,
he'll try again.
If he's dead, and...
and he has an
accomplice then...
then someone else
could be...
could be looking for you,
someone else
wanting to kill you!
- I can't leave you now.
- Please, Barbara.
We have to hide.
To gain time to think.
I know!
I have a girlfriend
who has a house
not far from here.
She's a Brazilian painter
and she left for Rio
two weeks ago.
- The place is empty!
- Do you have the keys?
No, but it's easy
enough to break in.
I'm telling you for the last time,
I want you out of this mess.
We'll get out of it
together, you'll see.
Shh.
Not so much noise.
For heaven's sake,
I've told you!
There's no one here.
I don't like this place.
I don't know why,
but it bugs me.
Let's go back.
Let's get out of here.
Oh, Christian, not now.
Do you have
a jack in the car?
Don't worry, we can
pay for the glass later.
You say your
girlfriend paints?
Yes, why?
I don't know.
Everything is so dull.
She's got some good booze.
Somebody drank out of
this a short time ago.
It was probably
the caretaker.
He comes by
now and then.
Just to check things over.
Don't answer it.
We'd better have
a look around.
They're birds of prey.
One of Pat's crazy passions.
Anyway,
it wouldn't be for us.
Nobody knows
we're here.
That's better.
- Barbara.
- What is it?
Come here.
- What's happening?
- Look.
He can't possibly
have seen us arrive.
The car's parked
on the other side.
He's spying on us.
This is ridiculous.
I think it was just some...
Just a coincidence.
It can't be anything else.
Relax.
It's probably just a tourist
looking at the tower.
I suppose he
was cruising by,
looked up,
and got curious.
He was looking at us,
I'm sure of it.
No.
It's no use.
I tried every switch.
Maybe they disconnected
the electricity.
We can't stay in the dark.
I can't take it.
Well, there must be
a central switch
or a fuse box somewhere,
but where?
Did you try the garage?
Oh, no, I didn't.
I'll go and look.
Wait.
I'll go with you.
Look!
Christian,
I'm afraid!
Stop it.
It's only the wind.
You'll stop right there
if you know
what's good for you.
Who are you?
What are you
doing here?
I think you'd better tell us
before I bring the police here.
You're trespassing
in our home.
It isn't true!
It doesn't belong to you.
No, you're right.
We live here, though.
We rented the house
nearly a month ago,
didn't we, Clorinda?
Yes, it's true.
My name is Malcolm.
You're intruders.
Yet I'm treating you like guests.
Rather odd, isn't it?
I must admit you both
look scared to death.
What is it?
Are you here to commit
some sort of heinous deed?
You should have
said right away
that you were a friend
of the proprietor.
- What'd you say your name was?
- Barbara.
I've always been in love
with places like this.
It may sound
ridiculous, but...
I'd be quite happy
to die here.
Far from the chaos
of today's world.
After all, if death is only the
continuation of life, then...
what better place
than this one here?
Why all this
talk about death?
Forgive me.
It's because of what Clorinda
and I went through last night.
The two of us went
out to dinner
with an old friend of mine
on the homicide squad.
The inspector was called to
a motel not far from here
in a case and
we happened to go along.
And good people,
I hope never again
to set eyes on
something like that.
I killed him.
I killed the man
at the motel.
He...
He attacked me.
I tried to take the gun
away from him,
- and the shot went off.
- Yes, yes.
Is that true?
Yes, but...
But don't ask me who he was
or what he was doing there,
because I don't
know anything.
But the two of you
were together,
if I understand correctly.
Are you sure this intruder
wasn't a woman?
Oh, yeah.
I was standing there.
I saw him falling.
It was a man.
A bad joke in my opinion,
Christian.
A joke?
There was no murder
in the motel.
The something I saw
was a woman
modeled in latex.
Most similar
to the real thing.
It was found in a clump
of trees just off the road,
with a dagger stuck in it.
But I killed a man
in Barbara's bathroom.
That's true.
I saw him holding the gun.
When he shot it?
Well, no,
but just after.
What about the body
in the bathroom?
You saw it?
Well... Well,
I didn't see the body but
I saw Christian
when he came out.
Oh.
But the body
isn't there anymore.
I went back an hour later
and the body was gone.
I've also had
strange hallucinations.
Very unnerving.
Do you feel better now?
Yes.
I feel we're both going mad.
We'd better leave.
Maybe you should find
your brother Fritz now.
No, not yet.
I have to get things
straightened out.
Do you know a
man named Alex?
Who's he?
Doesn't matter.
I... I think it would be
best if we just left.
You can pretend
you never met us.
That's no solution.
I found you here,
and you two
are very real.
He'll turn me in, then.
He'll call his
policeman friend and...
and report me.
And get myself thrown
into the madhouse with you?
I have no grounds
except what you've told me
and the victim
has disappeared.
I can't accuse you of
killing ghosts in the night.
Who am I to say that
any killing took place?
I'm sorry, I...
I think I'm going out
of my head tonight.
But I have to know.
I must know now!
- Christian! Christian!
- Leave him alone.
He won't go far.
What do you want?
Why are you following me?
I didn't realize I was.
I was going to see a friend,
at the lighthouse behind you.
If you're checking
on the Tucania,
she pulled anchor
this morning for Monte Carlo.
Where have you been?
What's the matter?
- What's happening?
- Take it easy.
The generator
may have broken down.
It happens all too frequently.
I've had it.
Is there no way to have
a little light in here?
Shh. Listen.
Did you hear that?
It's the ghost in the tower.
Stop it.
I'm sure it's nothing.
Probably just some rats
down in the cellar.
- Should I-
- No.
I'll have a look but
there's nothing to worry about.
Why don't you pour
yourself a drink, Christian?
We have a terrible habit
of not locking up
around here at night.
Very clever.
That's all we needed.
What if...
What if the man
I shot had decided-
No, Christian.
It's impossible.
Well?
I was right.
It seems the generator
is out of order.
I'm not sure what it is,
but we'd better leave it
till tomorrow morning.
Clorinda, I want to know
who you really are.
Christian,
we can still leave.
I'm too tired, Barbara.
We'll leave early
tomorrow morning.
Alright.
Whatever you say.
And this is your room,
Christian.
The bed is just upstairs.
I think you'll find it comfy.
And this is the key
to your room.
You can go down
whenever you're ready.
Until tomorrow, then.
Good night.
Where did you go?
Were you looking for Alex?
Yes.
Are you sure
it really happened,
or was it just
your imagination?
I don't know.
I don't understand you
anymore, Christian!
I don't understand
anything!
I'm sorry, I...
I'm sorry, Barbara,
for everything.
I can't take any more!
Uh...
My nerves are on edge.
I know how you feel.
That old man,
that woman...
Doesn't it all seem
terribly absurd to you?
Well, to be honest,
maybe we seem
a little absurd to them.
Anyway...
I don't like them.
That's why I
wanted us to leave.
All night you've
been acting as if...
As if you had something
to tell me that...
that you're not saying.
You're the one
who doesn't talk.
You're the one
who's secretive.
But Clorinda,
she's so strange,
just like you.
Strange how?
I don't know, you...
You look at each other
in a certain way,
as if you met before.
I don't know.
Maybe it's me.
My nerves are just
popping out of my skin.
- Barbara-
- Please go away.
In all this stupid mess,
something beautiful
has happened to me.
Something I never
felt before.
I feel something true.
Fresh.
- Do you believe me?
- Yes.
But you must...
I'm not a strong woman,
Christian.
You must help yourself.
But believe me,
I do feel something for you.
I really do.
You'd better go now...
and get some rest.
I'm not a strong woman,
Christian.
Well, there's not
much time left.
No, it's the wrong way.
And it'd be dangerous
to involve her.
I'm serious.
Don't push it, Luca.
You want out?
No, no,
that's not the point.
The point is that I'm
beginning to be afraid.
The hell.
Afraid of what?
- I don't get you.
- You know damn well.
I'm afraid of
what could happen.
Why?
What could go wrong?
There's so much pressure.
We're not running any risk.
And anyway, we've got him
behind us all the way.
A dream?
An hallucination?
That sort of thing could
happen to anyone.
But I'm real.
But you...
Of course.
It's all clear now,
I'm sure of it.
But then...
It seems to me you
weren't called Clorinda.
You were called-
Perhaps I just resemble
someone you know.
Don't you remember, too?
My brother and I,
two years ago.
We were together,
Fritz and I.
No, Christian.
You're mistaken.
But it doesn't matter.
You are strange.
I've been watching you
all evening, you know.
I'm not strange.
It's you, all of you who-
Who what?
- Why'd you do it?
- Do what?
Why'd you come here
with your hair and
your makeup like this?
Only to tell me
that you're not...
I can tell you
that I live here.
I happen to love flowers,
and at night
I let down my hair.
What's so strange in that?
But you know
all about Malcolm.
Yes, sure I do.
Please don't
make complications.
All I'm here to do is...
to help you if I can.
It's him.
Look, there!
It's him!
He's with a man.
I don't see anyone,
Christian.
I'm telling you
he's down there with a man!
Yes.
Of course.
It was him, then, too.
And then my father.
Malcolm never goes
away from this house
without telling me.
Tell me who you really are.
- Why do you want to help me?
- You're hurting me!
Go.
No, no.
Stay.
I need you.
I don't care if you
are like the others.
Let go of me.
Not this way, no.
Just let me leave, Christian.
Please don't-
Not this way, please.
Yes.
I need you.
I think I'm going mad.
What's wrong, Christian?
Where's Barbara?
I wasn't able to stop her.
I believe she went into town.
Why?
Without telling me?
The girl has her problems
and you yours.
Please stop thinking
about Barbara and
think of yourself.
Leave. Get out.
I've been living in a
nightmare since yesterday.
And you, Malcolm,
are part of that nightmare!
Listen, if you're afraid
everyone around you
is your enemy,
you better just disappear.
What else can you do?
You're creating the nightmare.
It's up to you
to walk out of it.
Alright, alright.
But first I have
to find Barbara,
take her with me.
Excuse me,
Christian, but...
Do you need the girl
or don't you trust her?
Just a moment.
I think now I...
I really see her, Malcolm.
Last night it was as if a...
secret door to my memory
was thrown open.
I'm an old man
who's just crazy enough...
to want to help you out.
That's all you have
to know about me.
Crazy?
Why do you have
to be crazy to...
to want to help me?
Tell me the truth.
Did you try to
call Fritz again?
No.
No, you see, I...
I want to try and
get out of this alone.
For the first time in my life,
without my brother's help.
- Bravo.
- Bravo? No.
No, I'm... I'm afraid
of what's happening.
Fritz has always understood me,
has always helped me.
This time I-
I have a confession
to make, Christian.
When I first saw
you last night,
I felt I was watching
old memories.
A big industrialist's mysterious
and violent suicide.
The ensuing coroner's
inquest...
and two very young boys,
the two sons,
who witnessed the tragedy.
Yes, I know.
I know that
you were involved.
I have to go.
One child's name
was Wulfritz,
and the other Christian!
I was a reporter at the time
and I covered the case.
There was something
about it that stayed with me
long after I was
done with the story.
The face of the younger boy,
the strange look he had.
That boy, Christian,
was you.
And I found that same
look on your face again,
years later,
last night.
I loved my father very much.
When he fell we were left alone,
my brother and I.
It was horrible.
It was even more horrible
than you'd like to think!
Hello?
Is that you?
Yes, of course I'm alone.
Why didn't you tell me?
What do you mean,
There's nothing to explain"?
Something terrible
happened here.
You didn't even let me...
No use trying.
It's locked.
Now first of all...
Where have you managed
to hide Barbara?
I don't know.
I was looking for her myself.
I made a mistake.
That's clear.
I should never have let
her go the other night.
Now look, Barbara
means a great deal to me.
I don't intend to just let you
take her away like that.
So the gorilla came
on your orders.
I don't know what
you're talking about...
but I do know that Barbara's
risking a lot of trouble with you.
I'm gonna find her so
don't bother looking for her.
- Keep away!
- Let me go!
It's she who will
have to decide.
Well, she probably
has already...
So you can just return
to your brother, hm?
Don't try to do
anything stupid.
I might lose my head.
The girl has her problems
and you yours.
Please, Christian, stop
thinking about Barbara.
I'm not a strong woman,
Christian.
You need her help,
or don't you trust her?
Barbara!
Barbara!
Barbara?
They can't.
She's got nothing
to do with it.
Malcolm.
Was she in the car?
Where is she?
Malcolm,
why won't you...?
Malcolm.
Easy, this one has
real slugs in it.
You...
But that's impossible!
You and Malcolm were
getting a little too cuddly.
Malcolm paid for it.
- What'd you do with Barbara?
- I don't kill women.
The only one I've done in
is the old fellow,
if that's what you're
interested in.
Now do what
I tell you, boy,
and if you're thinking, don't.
Alright,
now get back in the car.
Go on.
Go on!
Move it!
Start her up.
Drive.
Turn right.
Nice and easy.
Watch it.
Go right up to the edge.
Go on.
Those fools, they believed
it'd be enough to just scare you.
Who's they?
But now the orders
have been changed.
I'm sending you off
on a one way flight.
Alright, time is up.
Put her in neutral.
Yes, sir?
Did my brother call in
at all this morning?
No, sir, do you want me to
try and track him down?
No, it's not important.
Barbara.
In other words,
you made a mess of things.
A complete mess!
The fact is your idea
just wasn't working, Fritz.
I had to step in and
make a decision.
Tell him, Barbara,
the way things were going.
I should have known,
but the damage is done,
so let's just let it go.
I agree.
Let it go.
All we know is that your
brother's car fell into a ravine
- and he was killed.
- You killed him.
You told me you
wanted to save him,
but he killed him.
It was all a lie.
Come now, Fritz.
I'm sure you'd agree.
It only simplifies things, hm?
- You want more money, Tom?
- No.
We agreed.
And it was out of friendship
that I did it.
Hmph.
Friendship.
I know it's a shock, Barbara.
It's no use
getting upset, though.
You told me the plan...
was to get your brother
to go to a clinic,
not force him
to kill himself.
I believed you;
I went along in good faith,
thinking it was all
for his own good!
- To save him!
- It was.
He took me to the quarry.
He told me Christian was there.
He was.
At the bottom of a ravine, dead!
Shut up!
If you had followed
my orders to the letter...
Yeah, yeah, you and that
whack shit old Malcolm.
And that Clorinda.
Not one of you
did anything right.
You three didn't get close
to provoking Christian
to a breakdown.
Instead it was he who
got you so mixed up
you couldn't see straight!
If it hadn't been for Tatum...
Now that you mention it,
where is Tatum?
Gone. I told him to take off
immediately after the accident,
just as you said.
He took the money.
He's okay.
No need to worry.
What... cowards.
Murderers.
You go on.
She's staying.
There are a few things
I want to tell her.
Now listen to me.
It was an accident
like Tom said.
There's no sense in
making wild accusations.
That friend of yours,
what's his name?
Alex.
He knows nothing.
He doesn't have
anything to do with it.
You just leave him alone!
You'd better leave town, Barbara.
The both of you.
This money, take it.
I feel I owe it to you.
As for Alex,
you'd better just say that...
Well, I'm sure you won't
need to say anything.
I don't believe you, Fritz.
Your brother was killed.
If you're in love
with Christian...
I can't help it, only...
Let me assure you,
it's better this way.
What do you mean?!
Our dead Christian
was schizoid, mad!
Crazy!
The thing is, I kept it quiet.
I tried to help him.
- But it was hopeless.
- I don't believe it.
No.
I knew him.
You can't tell me that.
You have to tell me the truth!
You wanted to
be rid of him,
in an asylum
or any other way!
You wanted
everything for yourself!
- You and your damn factory!
- He was crazy!
Mad, mad and dangerous,
Always.
He always was!
And my only mistake
was to let him run loose
and not put him in the hospital
right from the beginning.
Because I loved him,
do you understand?
- Because I loved him!
- You're mad, Fritz!
You're really mad.
Get out of here.
Forget it.
It's finished.
Over and done with.
Understand?
Don't do anything dumb, eh?
I won't say anything
to anyone.
Not to anyone.
Because nothing will
bring Christian back.
Put him in the other one.
Sorry, Mr. Bauman, but...
this is necessary.
Excuse me,
but do you recognize these?
There's no doubt.
- It's Christian.
- Inspector.
I found these clenched
in his left hand.
The brakes apparently
failed at the last moment,
and the young plastics heir
plunged to his death
over 100 feet below.
The gravel pit is
located on Route...
It wasn't him,
I'm sure of it.
Don't you understand?
It was Christian
who killed Tatum,
and now he's convinced
that we believe he's dead.
If you're right,
then we have to stop him.
Don't worry, Fritz.
There won't be any
mistakes this time.
No, my dear friend.
You've made
too many already.
I'm going to handle this.
It's the only way I'll ever
be completely sure.
Hey, Franca.
What's the matter?
Don't you ever get cold?
- Where's Nadia?
- How the hell should I know?
Nadia!
Nadia!
Well, she was here
a minute ago.
I wish that I had
brought a sweater.
Jeez, I've never heard
anyone get so upset
- over a little cool weather.
- Yeah, but look what you're wearing.
It's not my fault if
you don't dress right.
I can't take much more of this.
So go home
and go to bed.
- Going my way, sweetheart?
- Yeah.
- Thanks.
- Not at all.
Hey, you remind me
of a dying chicken.
So what's wrong?
I don't believe
you're embarrassed.
No, it's very
nice of you to...
So where are you headed?
It's still too early.
Too early.
Well, you know what I say?
I say we should go and get
ourselves a couple of beers,
somewhere it's quiet.
There's a motel
around the corner.
Motel?
Why the motel, why?!
It's as good a place
as any, isn't it?
What's the matter?
Stop here.
I'm getting out.
This is where
I want to go.
I should leave you
outside all night.
Spilling rice
all over the kitchen.
I thought you were a prowler.
What do you want?
I want to speak to you.
It's important.
Am I disturbing you?
No, not at all.
You were very lucky
to have found me.
I thought you were
with Barbara.
Playing around on
a classy rug, hm?
Let's not talk
about Barbara.
I didn't come here
to talk about her,
but about me.
Alright.
I'm all ears.
Go on.
The trouble is I don't
know where to begin.
The most absurd things
happened to me
in the past two days.
I got mixed up in a
horrible situation,
a frightful puzzle.
First the killer,
and Malcolm, Clorinda.
Listen, could you
be a little clearer?
I'm not in the habit of
solving other people's puzzles.
Still, maybe you can help me.
You know Fritz, my brother?
I met him once or twice.
Last time was
at an art show.
He's not one to rouse
a woman's desires.
I mean he's not
at all like you.
Do you think he's capable
of harming anyone?
Me, for example.
I don't know.
I thought you and Fritz...
Yes, we grew up together.
We love each other.
I love him.
Do me a favor.
Call him.
This time of the night
he's still in the office.
Yes?
Who is it?
Who am I talking to?
I didn't mean
to intrude, sir,
but I saw the
light was on and I...
I'm terribly sorry
about what happened.
Thank you.
I want to be alone, Carlo.
You're welcome to
take the night off.
You needn't bother
locking up.
You don't want me
to make my rounds?
It's alright, go ahead
and leave the gate open.
- I'm expecting someone.
- Alright, sir.
You did a perfect job.
I was right in
admiring you, Fritz.
I'm sorry to bother you,
but it's really me.
Surprised?
No, I had a vague hunch,
Christian, that you'd return.
Maybe it was that charred body.
It seemed so strange.
Impersonal.
I felt no emotions.
Not a shred of pity.
I understand, Fritz.
We have to
somehow resolve...
Our father, I...
Our problems are going
to be solved, right, Fritz?
Please don't mention
our father, Christian.
Malcolm!
Yes, you always thought that
the moral responsibility
for our father's death
was mine!
And you almost
convinced me.
The finding of the inquest
was that he committed suicide.
It doesn't matter.
There's no point in my
protecting you any longer.
I don't want explanations,
I told you.
The boy's death was
a real shock for you.
It's logical.
The whole business
was horrible, so stupid.
But you've got to
try and forget it.
Let me try to help you.
You were always
so helpful...
if it hadn't have
been for you I...
Oh, Alex.
I don't know what to do.
I don't know what to do.
Easy, Barbara.
We have to
get away from here.
Come on, let's go.
I'm going to my hotel.
The plane tickets
must be ready.
Wait for me.
I won't be long.
Or... Would you like
to come with me?
No.
I don't think so.
I don't want to
meet anybody.
You go but hurry back,
please.
It's...
it's not possible!
It's not true.
Yes, I'm here.
I'm here and living.
I want to explain so many
things to you, Barbara.
I want to tell you everything.
No, I've done some
terrible things.
I know, Barbara, I know.
I love you.
Alex is coming.
I know.
Let's go away.
I'll go anywhere with you.
Yes, the both of us.
No one'll ever find us.
I love you.
Darling?
No, Barbara.
Not you.
Christian, what...?
Not you!
Barbara.
Barbara.
Go ahead.
Go ahead.
Our files show that your
grandfather Will Baumen
died at this clinic
on March 2, 1943.
This would seem to
confirm our diagnosis.
Your brother Christian's
disease is hereditary.
I strongly advise you
have him hospitalized
before his condition
degenerates
into a dangerous form
of homicidal mania.
This should be done no
later than September 30.
If you cannot manage to...
Yes?
Yes, this is he.
Near the motel?
Are you sure?
In 20 minutes, yes.
Thank you.
Your brother Christian's
disease is hereditary.
His disease is hereditary...
hereditary... hereditary...
Got a light?
Thanks.
Wait.
Hey.
But it's a doll.
Hey.
Oh, what a
wonderful place.
Look over there.
There's a Spanish fort.
- Uh-huh.
- Overlooks the whole bay.
Is this where you
used to come with Fritz?
I don't see anything
special about it.
I mean, it's lovely,
yes, but-
You're wrong; it's mysterious.
Besides, we were kids.
I remember one
summer long ago.
We found a dog lying dead.
- Someone had...
- Oh, please.
Someone had
strangled it.
It was a horrible sight.
Made me sick.
- If it wasn't for Fritz I'd have...
- Oh, stop it.
Christian.
There's a dead woman
down there.
Who are you?
What do you want?
I'm sorry.
I thought...
You looked dead
from up on the hill.
What happened to you?
It must have
been the sunlight.
I must have fainted.
I don't remember.
Do you feel better now?
Yes, I feel much better.
I'm sorry.
My name's Barbara.
I'm Xenia and
this is Christian.
What you need
is a double scotch.
That'll pick you up.
I'll get it.
It wouldn't be wise to leave
a couple of women alone.
What made you
think I was dead?
We were talking about a dog.
It was strangled.
So it was only the
power of suggestion.
Perhaps.
Where are you from?
- Well, I'm...
- Christian!
I can't find it!
Excuse me.
Hey.
Where did she go?
Disappeared.
What is it?
Tucania?
What's that?
An Etruscan Nile city,
or a talking bird?
Hello?
Yes.
What about it?
What did you say
that name is?
Tucania.
- Ciao.
- Hey, your bag.
Thank you, darling.
I'll see you later, okay?
Okay.
Hi, everybody!
Hi, sweetheart.
How are you?
- Fine, wonderful.
- Good, lovely.
- Thank!
- Have a drink.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
- You shouldn't say that.
- Come on, honey.
Let's go on the poop deck.
Nice boat.
Nice party.
Nice everything.
Thanks.
Sounds like you're having
a nice boring time.
How'd you know
about the party?
We don't know
each other.
We were just passing by
and saw the name Tucania.
Got curious.
What is it, a bird?
No, a yacht.
Mine.
Do you know Barbara?
Why?
You look at her
like the two of you
robbed a bank together.
- Not yet.
- Got an aspirin by any chance?
Why, don't you feel well?
No, I don't.
Aren't you lucky?
It means I'm now pregnant.
Congratulations.
Have a drink
to celebrate.
Come with me.
I'll give you an aspirin.
Are you angry?
Well, aren't you even
going to ask me
why I left today?
Who's Alex?
Let's say he's a friend.
Rich, possessive, sympathetic,
who's also in love with me.
Poor Alex.
Courtesy isn't exactly
your strong point.
I know.
And yet I like to use
a little courtesy with you.
And gentleness.
And tenderness.
That's funny.
That's not the reaction
I usually provoke.
It's because I like you.
Seriously.
You never give up.
Do you?
That moon doesn't bother you?
There's no moon
in my motel room.
I was right.
You're a sweet, sweet whore.
Okay, let's go.
But you have to shave
your beard off first.
What?
Your sweet, sweet whore
doesn't take any payment,
but she does
have her whims.
You're crazy.
I could have you now, here.
And you'd like it
even with the beard.
I have a razor in my room.
Big, sharp, and sexy.
- What'll you have?
- A coffee, please.
Let's go inside.
Mm?
- You really want me to...
- Yes.
Apart from the fact
that it scratches me,
I'm very suspicious
of men with beards.
Okay, okay.
It's not the first time
that a convict
had to change
his appearance.
What do you do?
Plastics.
I'm the major stockholder
in my brother's company.
Asking too much of you?
I'm afraid you could
ask me for anything.
Well, while you shave,
I'll create some atmosphere,
okay?
Don't put all the lights out.
Everything alright?
Mm.
Second thoughts?
You know what?
You can keep your
lovely beard and leave.
It's really a
very silly game.
No, in fact it's
a beautiful game,
and I'm not going to leave,
even if you threaten to kill me.
Well, in which case,
get started.
I think you're an
exceptional woman...
Capable of miracles.
Close the door, will you?
Do you mind?
- What the hell-
- Quiet.
Just do as you're told.
Look, friend,
whoever you are,
you're making a mistake.
No, friend.
There's no mistake.
That's for the girl.
Listen, about Barbara-
You lousy motherfucker.
You trying to trade back
that little prick beta
in exchange for your life?
Hold it.
You wouldn't,
would you?
I don't want to kill you.
But I want to know why
you want to kill me.
What are you doing,
destroying my bathroom?
What happened?
What's the matter?
I've killed a man
I never saw before.
It's not possible.
You're joking.
I'm not joking.
A man...
I killed a man!
Maybe you...
Maybe he wanted...
Come and see.
Come on, maybe you
know who he is.
- Who he was.
- No.
No, I'm not
coming in there.
We have to
phone the police.
No.
It's too hard to explain.
They won't believe us.
They can't believe us.
First we should decide
exactly what to say.
But I'm not calling the police.
I'm calling my brother.
Maybe you shouldn't call
your brother or the police.
Maybe you shouldn't
call anyone just now.
Oh, let's get out of here.
Let's get out of here and then
we can decide what to do.
- You mean run away?
- Yes.
You said yourself it would
be too difficult to explain.
Come on.
Let's not have a scene, alright?
The setting's all wrong.
- Let's go inside.
- What do you want, Alex?
I want you to
come with me.
Listen, you have
no right to ask-
You had your fun, now go.
Get in the car.
Where are you taking her?
For a drink.
You can come along.
We have a few things to
clarify after what's happened.
Don't you agree?
You're playing a useless,
stupid game, Alex.
What do you hope
to gain by it?
You.
For God's sake,
Christian, what's wrong?
You look like you
just murdered someone.
What the hell do you mean?
Just what I said.
Why do you follow us?
- I'm sure it was you!
- Christian...
Christian, we must behave
like sensible human beings.
You're coming with me to
Monte Carlo tomorrow morning.
A change of scenery
will do you good.
Chain...
The medal.
I must have left
the medal over there!
Well, what do you say?
You leave with me,
and Christian just leaves.
If he wants to keep
out of trouble, okay?
Well, well, well...
So the kid isn't quite the
fool he pretends to be.
What the hell
did you bag?
It's a rubber doll.
We found it tied
up to a tree.
- No kidding.
- Yeah, with a knife stuck in it.
- Hello?
- Hello.
It's Christian.
Is my brother
still at the factory?
At this time of night?
Mr. Christian, there's nobody
here but me, the watchman.
Try tomorrow morning.
- How'd you get here?
- I ran away.
I got a lift from
a truck driver.
I was going straight
to the motel,
but then I recognized
your car, and...
Did you get the chain?
Is everything alright?
The body...
That man's body...
It's gone, disappeared.
It's not in the bathroom.
But that's not possible!
Are you sure?
Well, also the
automatic's disappeared.
There's just a bloodstain.
But that must mean
that he's only wounded.
You didn't kill him.
He's alive.
Or dead and someone
took the body away.
You mean like
an accomplice?
I don't know.
It's all so absurd.
Meaningless.
What's absurd is dangerous.
Maybe he was after
someone else, and...
It was all a
misunderstanding.
Who else?
Or maybe Alex sent him.
That's why he was
waiting outside.
You mustn't get
mixed up in this. Go.
You listen to me.
I'm already in it
up to my neck.
And if it hadn't
happened in my room,
I'd still have
wanted to help you.
But don't you realize?
If he's only wounded,
he'll try again.
If he's dead, and...
and he has an
accomplice then...
then someone else
could be...
could be looking for you,
someone else
wanting to kill you!
- I can't leave you now.
- Please, Barbara.
We have to hide.
To gain time to think.
I know!
I have a girlfriend
who has a house
not far from here.
She's a Brazilian painter
and she left for Rio
two weeks ago.
- The place is empty!
- Do you have the keys?
No, but it's easy
enough to break in.
I'm telling you for the last time,
I want you out of this mess.
We'll get out of it
together, you'll see.
Shh.
Not so much noise.
For heaven's sake,
I've told you!
There's no one here.
I don't like this place.
I don't know why,
but it bugs me.
Let's go back.
Let's get out of here.
Oh, Christian, not now.
Do you have
a jack in the car?
Don't worry, we can
pay for the glass later.
You say your
girlfriend paints?
Yes, why?
I don't know.
Everything is so dull.
She's got some good booze.
Somebody drank out of
this a short time ago.
It was probably
the caretaker.
He comes by
now and then.
Just to check things over.
Don't answer it.
We'd better have
a look around.
They're birds of prey.
One of Pat's crazy passions.
Anyway,
it wouldn't be for us.
Nobody knows
we're here.
That's better.
- Barbara.
- What is it?
Come here.
- What's happening?
- Look.
He can't possibly
have seen us arrive.
The car's parked
on the other side.
He's spying on us.
This is ridiculous.
I think it was just some...
Just a coincidence.
It can't be anything else.
Relax.
It's probably just a tourist
looking at the tower.
I suppose he
was cruising by,
looked up,
and got curious.
He was looking at us,
I'm sure of it.
No.
It's no use.
I tried every switch.
Maybe they disconnected
the electricity.
We can't stay in the dark.
I can't take it.
Well, there must be
a central switch
or a fuse box somewhere,
but where?
Did you try the garage?
Oh, no, I didn't.
I'll go and look.
Wait.
I'll go with you.
Look!
Christian,
I'm afraid!
Stop it.
It's only the wind.
You'll stop right there
if you know
what's good for you.
Who are you?
What are you
doing here?
I think you'd better tell us
before I bring the police here.
You're trespassing
in our home.
It isn't true!
It doesn't belong to you.
No, you're right.
We live here, though.
We rented the house
nearly a month ago,
didn't we, Clorinda?
Yes, it's true.
My name is Malcolm.
You're intruders.
Yet I'm treating you like guests.
Rather odd, isn't it?
I must admit you both
look scared to death.
What is it?
Are you here to commit
some sort of heinous deed?
You should have
said right away
that you were a friend
of the proprietor.
- What'd you say your name was?
- Barbara.
I've always been in love
with places like this.
It may sound
ridiculous, but...
I'd be quite happy
to die here.
Far from the chaos
of today's world.
After all, if death is only the
continuation of life, then...
what better place
than this one here?
Why all this
talk about death?
Forgive me.
It's because of what Clorinda
and I went through last night.
The two of us went
out to dinner
with an old friend of mine
on the homicide squad.
The inspector was called to
a motel not far from here
in a case and
we happened to go along.
And good people,
I hope never again
to set eyes on
something like that.
I killed him.
I killed the man
at the motel.
He...
He attacked me.
I tried to take the gun
away from him,
- and the shot went off.
- Yes, yes.
Is that true?
Yes, but...
But don't ask me who he was
or what he was doing there,
because I don't
know anything.
But the two of you
were together,
if I understand correctly.
Are you sure this intruder
wasn't a woman?
Oh, yeah.
I was standing there.
I saw him falling.
It was a man.
A bad joke in my opinion,
Christian.
A joke?
There was no murder
in the motel.
The something I saw
was a woman
modeled in latex.
Most similar
to the real thing.
It was found in a clump
of trees just off the road,
with a dagger stuck in it.
But I killed a man
in Barbara's bathroom.
That's true.
I saw him holding the gun.
When he shot it?
Well, no,
but just after.
What about the body
in the bathroom?
You saw it?
Well... Well,
I didn't see the body but
I saw Christian
when he came out.
Oh.
But the body
isn't there anymore.
I went back an hour later
and the body was gone.
I've also had
strange hallucinations.
Very unnerving.
Do you feel better now?
Yes.
I feel we're both going mad.
We'd better leave.
Maybe you should find
your brother Fritz now.
No, not yet.
I have to get things
straightened out.
Do you know a
man named Alex?
Who's he?
Doesn't matter.
I... I think it would be
best if we just left.
You can pretend
you never met us.
That's no solution.
I found you here,
and you two
are very real.
He'll turn me in, then.
He'll call his
policeman friend and...
and report me.
And get myself thrown
into the madhouse with you?
I have no grounds
except what you've told me
and the victim
has disappeared.
I can't accuse you of
killing ghosts in the night.
Who am I to say that
any killing took place?
I'm sorry, I...
I think I'm going out
of my head tonight.
But I have to know.
I must know now!
- Christian! Christian!
- Leave him alone.
He won't go far.
What do you want?
Why are you following me?
I didn't realize I was.
I was going to see a friend,
at the lighthouse behind you.
If you're checking
on the Tucania,
she pulled anchor
this morning for Monte Carlo.
Where have you been?
What's the matter?
- What's happening?
- Take it easy.
The generator
may have broken down.
It happens all too frequently.
I've had it.
Is there no way to have
a little light in here?
Shh. Listen.
Did you hear that?
It's the ghost in the tower.
Stop it.
I'm sure it's nothing.
Probably just some rats
down in the cellar.
- Should I-
- No.
I'll have a look but
there's nothing to worry about.
Why don't you pour
yourself a drink, Christian?
We have a terrible habit
of not locking up
around here at night.
Very clever.
That's all we needed.
What if...
What if the man
I shot had decided-
No, Christian.
It's impossible.
Well?
I was right.
It seems the generator
is out of order.
I'm not sure what it is,
but we'd better leave it
till tomorrow morning.
Clorinda, I want to know
who you really are.
Christian,
we can still leave.
I'm too tired, Barbara.
We'll leave early
tomorrow morning.
Alright.
Whatever you say.
And this is your room,
Christian.
The bed is just upstairs.
I think you'll find it comfy.
And this is the key
to your room.
You can go down
whenever you're ready.
Until tomorrow, then.
Good night.
Where did you go?
Were you looking for Alex?
Yes.
Are you sure
it really happened,
or was it just
your imagination?
I don't know.
I don't understand you
anymore, Christian!
I don't understand
anything!
I'm sorry, I...
I'm sorry, Barbara,
for everything.
I can't take any more!
Uh...
My nerves are on edge.
I know how you feel.
That old man,
that woman...
Doesn't it all seem
terribly absurd to you?
Well, to be honest,
maybe we seem
a little absurd to them.
Anyway...
I don't like them.
That's why I
wanted us to leave.
All night you've
been acting as if...
As if you had something
to tell me that...
that you're not saying.
You're the one
who doesn't talk.
You're the one
who's secretive.
But Clorinda,
she's so strange,
just like you.
Strange how?
I don't know, you...
You look at each other
in a certain way,
as if you met before.
I don't know.
Maybe it's me.
My nerves are just
popping out of my skin.
- Barbara-
- Please go away.
In all this stupid mess,
something beautiful
has happened to me.
Something I never
felt before.
I feel something true.
Fresh.
- Do you believe me?
- Yes.
But you must...
I'm not a strong woman,
Christian.
You must help yourself.
But believe me,
I do feel something for you.
I really do.
You'd better go now...
and get some rest.
I'm not a strong woman,
Christian.
Well, there's not
much time left.
No, it's the wrong way.
And it'd be dangerous
to involve her.
I'm serious.
Don't push it, Luca.
You want out?
No, no,
that's not the point.
The point is that I'm
beginning to be afraid.
The hell.
Afraid of what?
- I don't get you.
- You know damn well.
I'm afraid of
what could happen.
Why?
What could go wrong?
There's so much pressure.
We're not running any risk.
And anyway, we've got him
behind us all the way.
A dream?
An hallucination?
That sort of thing could
happen to anyone.
But I'm real.
But you...
Of course.
It's all clear now,
I'm sure of it.
But then...
It seems to me you
weren't called Clorinda.
You were called-
Perhaps I just resemble
someone you know.
Don't you remember, too?
My brother and I,
two years ago.
We were together,
Fritz and I.
No, Christian.
You're mistaken.
But it doesn't matter.
You are strange.
I've been watching you
all evening, you know.
I'm not strange.
It's you, all of you who-
Who what?
- Why'd you do it?
- Do what?
Why'd you come here
with your hair and
your makeup like this?
Only to tell me
that you're not...
I can tell you
that I live here.
I happen to love flowers,
and at night
I let down my hair.
What's so strange in that?
But you know
all about Malcolm.
Yes, sure I do.
Please don't
make complications.
All I'm here to do is...
to help you if I can.
It's him.
Look, there!
It's him!
He's with a man.
I don't see anyone,
Christian.
I'm telling you
he's down there with a man!
Yes.
Of course.
It was him, then, too.
And then my father.
Malcolm never goes
away from this house
without telling me.
Tell me who you really are.
- Why do you want to help me?
- You're hurting me!
Go.
No, no.
Stay.
I need you.
I don't care if you
are like the others.
Let go of me.
Not this way, no.
Just let me leave, Christian.
Please don't-
Not this way, please.
Yes.
I need you.
I think I'm going mad.
What's wrong, Christian?
Where's Barbara?
I wasn't able to stop her.
I believe she went into town.
Why?
Without telling me?
The girl has her problems
and you yours.
Please stop thinking
about Barbara and
think of yourself.
Leave. Get out.
I've been living in a
nightmare since yesterday.
And you, Malcolm,
are part of that nightmare!
Listen, if you're afraid
everyone around you
is your enemy,
you better just disappear.
What else can you do?
You're creating the nightmare.
It's up to you
to walk out of it.
Alright, alright.
But first I have
to find Barbara,
take her with me.
Excuse me,
Christian, but...
Do you need the girl
or don't you trust her?
Just a moment.
I think now I...
I really see her, Malcolm.
Last night it was as if a...
secret door to my memory
was thrown open.
I'm an old man
who's just crazy enough...
to want to help you out.
That's all you have
to know about me.
Crazy?
Why do you have
to be crazy to...
to want to help me?
Tell me the truth.
Did you try to
call Fritz again?
No.
No, you see, I...
I want to try and
get out of this alone.
For the first time in my life,
without my brother's help.
- Bravo.
- Bravo? No.
No, I'm... I'm afraid
of what's happening.
Fritz has always understood me,
has always helped me.
This time I-
I have a confession
to make, Christian.
When I first saw
you last night,
I felt I was watching
old memories.
A big industrialist's mysterious
and violent suicide.
The ensuing coroner's
inquest...
and two very young boys,
the two sons,
who witnessed the tragedy.
Yes, I know.
I know that
you were involved.
I have to go.
One child's name
was Wulfritz,
and the other Christian!
I was a reporter at the time
and I covered the case.
There was something
about it that stayed with me
long after I was
done with the story.
The face of the younger boy,
the strange look he had.
That boy, Christian,
was you.
And I found that same
look on your face again,
years later,
last night.
I loved my father very much.
When he fell we were left alone,
my brother and I.
It was horrible.
It was even more horrible
than you'd like to think!
Hello?
Is that you?
Yes, of course I'm alone.
Why didn't you tell me?
What do you mean,
There's nothing to explain"?
Something terrible
happened here.
You didn't even let me...
No use trying.
It's locked.
Now first of all...
Where have you managed
to hide Barbara?
I don't know.
I was looking for her myself.
I made a mistake.
That's clear.
I should never have let
her go the other night.
Now look, Barbara
means a great deal to me.
I don't intend to just let you
take her away like that.
So the gorilla came
on your orders.
I don't know what
you're talking about...
but I do know that Barbara's
risking a lot of trouble with you.
I'm gonna find her so
don't bother looking for her.
- Keep away!
- Let me go!
It's she who will
have to decide.
Well, she probably
has already...
So you can just return
to your brother, hm?
Don't try to do
anything stupid.
I might lose my head.
The girl has her problems
and you yours.
Please, Christian, stop
thinking about Barbara.
I'm not a strong woman,
Christian.
You need her help,
or don't you trust her?
Barbara!
Barbara!
Barbara?
They can't.
She's got nothing
to do with it.
Malcolm.
Was she in the car?
Where is she?
Malcolm,
why won't you...?
Malcolm.
Easy, this one has
real slugs in it.
You...
But that's impossible!
You and Malcolm were
getting a little too cuddly.
Malcolm paid for it.
- What'd you do with Barbara?
- I don't kill women.
The only one I've done in
is the old fellow,
if that's what you're
interested in.
Now do what
I tell you, boy,
and if you're thinking, don't.
Alright,
now get back in the car.
Go on.
Go on!
Move it!
Start her up.
Drive.
Turn right.
Nice and easy.
Watch it.
Go right up to the edge.
Go on.
Those fools, they believed
it'd be enough to just scare you.
Who's they?
But now the orders
have been changed.
I'm sending you off
on a one way flight.
Alright, time is up.
Put her in neutral.
Yes, sir?
Did my brother call in
at all this morning?
No, sir, do you want me to
try and track him down?
No, it's not important.
Barbara.
In other words,
you made a mess of things.
A complete mess!
The fact is your idea
just wasn't working, Fritz.
I had to step in and
make a decision.
Tell him, Barbara,
the way things were going.
I should have known,
but the damage is done,
so let's just let it go.
I agree.
Let it go.
All we know is that your
brother's car fell into a ravine
- and he was killed.
- You killed him.
You told me you
wanted to save him,
but he killed him.
It was all a lie.
Come now, Fritz.
I'm sure you'd agree.
It only simplifies things, hm?
- You want more money, Tom?
- No.
We agreed.
And it was out of friendship
that I did it.
Hmph.
Friendship.
I know it's a shock, Barbara.
It's no use
getting upset, though.
You told me the plan...
was to get your brother
to go to a clinic,
not force him
to kill himself.
I believed you;
I went along in good faith,
thinking it was all
for his own good!
- To save him!
- It was.
He took me to the quarry.
He told me Christian was there.
He was.
At the bottom of a ravine, dead!
Shut up!
If you had followed
my orders to the letter...
Yeah, yeah, you and that
whack shit old Malcolm.
And that Clorinda.
Not one of you
did anything right.
You three didn't get close
to provoking Christian
to a breakdown.
Instead it was he who
got you so mixed up
you couldn't see straight!
If it hadn't been for Tatum...
Now that you mention it,
where is Tatum?
Gone. I told him to take off
immediately after the accident,
just as you said.
He took the money.
He's okay.
No need to worry.
What... cowards.
Murderers.
You go on.
She's staying.
There are a few things
I want to tell her.
Now listen to me.
It was an accident
like Tom said.
There's no sense in
making wild accusations.
That friend of yours,
what's his name?
Alex.
He knows nothing.
He doesn't have
anything to do with it.
You just leave him alone!
You'd better leave town, Barbara.
The both of you.
This money, take it.
I feel I owe it to you.
As for Alex,
you'd better just say that...
Well, I'm sure you won't
need to say anything.
I don't believe you, Fritz.
Your brother was killed.
If you're in love
with Christian...
I can't help it, only...
Let me assure you,
it's better this way.
What do you mean?!
Our dead Christian
was schizoid, mad!
Crazy!
The thing is, I kept it quiet.
I tried to help him.
- But it was hopeless.
- I don't believe it.
No.
I knew him.
You can't tell me that.
You have to tell me the truth!
You wanted to
be rid of him,
in an asylum
or any other way!
You wanted
everything for yourself!
- You and your damn factory!
- He was crazy!
Mad, mad and dangerous,
Always.
He always was!
And my only mistake
was to let him run loose
and not put him in the hospital
right from the beginning.
Because I loved him,
do you understand?
- Because I loved him!
- You're mad, Fritz!
You're really mad.
Get out of here.
Forget it.
It's finished.
Over and done with.
Understand?
Don't do anything dumb, eh?
I won't say anything
to anyone.
Not to anyone.
Because nothing will
bring Christian back.
Put him in the other one.
Sorry, Mr. Bauman, but...
this is necessary.
Excuse me,
but do you recognize these?
There's no doubt.
- It's Christian.
- Inspector.
I found these clenched
in his left hand.
The brakes apparently
failed at the last moment,
and the young plastics heir
plunged to his death
over 100 feet below.
The gravel pit is
located on Route...
It wasn't him,
I'm sure of it.
Don't you understand?
It was Christian
who killed Tatum,
and now he's convinced
that we believe he's dead.
If you're right,
then we have to stop him.
Don't worry, Fritz.
There won't be any
mistakes this time.
No, my dear friend.
You've made
too many already.
I'm going to handle this.
It's the only way I'll ever
be completely sure.
Hey, Franca.
What's the matter?
Don't you ever get cold?
- Where's Nadia?
- How the hell should I know?
Nadia!
Nadia!
Well, she was here
a minute ago.
I wish that I had
brought a sweater.
Jeez, I've never heard
anyone get so upset
- over a little cool weather.
- Yeah, but look what you're wearing.
It's not my fault if
you don't dress right.
I can't take much more of this.
So go home
and go to bed.
- Going my way, sweetheart?
- Yeah.
- Thanks.
- Not at all.
Hey, you remind me
of a dying chicken.
So what's wrong?
I don't believe
you're embarrassed.
No, it's very
nice of you to...
So where are you headed?
It's still too early.
Too early.
Well, you know what I say?
I say we should go and get
ourselves a couple of beers,
somewhere it's quiet.
There's a motel
around the corner.
Motel?
Why the motel, why?!
It's as good a place
as any, isn't it?
What's the matter?
Stop here.
I'm getting out.
This is where
I want to go.
I should leave you
outside all night.
Spilling rice
all over the kitchen.
I thought you were a prowler.
What do you want?
I want to speak to you.
It's important.
Am I disturbing you?
No, not at all.
You were very lucky
to have found me.
I thought you were
with Barbara.
Playing around on
a classy rug, hm?
Let's not talk
about Barbara.
I didn't come here
to talk about her,
but about me.
Alright.
I'm all ears.
Go on.
The trouble is I don't
know where to begin.
The most absurd things
happened to me
in the past two days.
I got mixed up in a
horrible situation,
a frightful puzzle.
First the killer,
and Malcolm, Clorinda.
Listen, could you
be a little clearer?
I'm not in the habit of
solving other people's puzzles.
Still, maybe you can help me.
You know Fritz, my brother?
I met him once or twice.
Last time was
at an art show.
He's not one to rouse
a woman's desires.
I mean he's not
at all like you.
Do you think he's capable
of harming anyone?
Me, for example.
I don't know.
I thought you and Fritz...
Yes, we grew up together.
We love each other.
I love him.
Do me a favor.
Call him.
This time of the night
he's still in the office.
Yes?
Who is it?
Who am I talking to?
I didn't mean
to intrude, sir,
but I saw the
light was on and I...
I'm terribly sorry
about what happened.
Thank you.
I want to be alone, Carlo.
You're welcome to
take the night off.
You needn't bother
locking up.
You don't want me
to make my rounds?
It's alright, go ahead
and leave the gate open.
- I'm expecting someone.
- Alright, sir.
You did a perfect job.
I was right in
admiring you, Fritz.
I'm sorry to bother you,
but it's really me.
Surprised?
No, I had a vague hunch,
Christian, that you'd return.
Maybe it was that charred body.
It seemed so strange.
Impersonal.
I felt no emotions.
Not a shred of pity.
I understand, Fritz.
We have to
somehow resolve...
Our father, I...
Our problems are going
to be solved, right, Fritz?
Please don't mention
our father, Christian.
Malcolm!
Yes, you always thought that
the moral responsibility
for our father's death
was mine!
And you almost
convinced me.
The finding of the inquest
was that he committed suicide.
It doesn't matter.
There's no point in my
protecting you any longer.
I don't want explanations,
I told you.
The boy's death was
a real shock for you.
It's logical.
The whole business
was horrible, so stupid.
But you've got to
try and forget it.
Let me try to help you.
You were always
so helpful...
if it hadn't have
been for you I...
Oh, Alex.
I don't know what to do.
I don't know what to do.
Easy, Barbara.
We have to
get away from here.
Come on, let's go.
I'm going to my hotel.
The plane tickets
must be ready.
Wait for me.
I won't be long.
Or... Would you like
to come with me?
No.
I don't think so.
I don't want to
meet anybody.
You go but hurry back,
please.
It's...
it's not possible!
It's not true.
Yes, I'm here.
I'm here and living.
I want to explain so many
things to you, Barbara.
I want to tell you everything.
No, I've done some
terrible things.
I know, Barbara, I know.
I love you.
Alex is coming.
I know.
Let's go away.
I'll go anywhere with you.
Yes, the both of us.
No one'll ever find us.
I love you.
Darling?
No, Barbara.
Not you.
Christian, what...?
Not you!
Barbara.
Barbara.
Go ahead.
Go ahead.
Our files show that your
grandfather Will Baumen
died at this clinic
on March 2, 1943.
This would seem to
confirm our diagnosis.
Your brother Christian's
disease is hereditary.
I strongly advise you
have him hospitalized
before his condition
degenerates
into a dangerous form
of homicidal mania.
This should be done no
later than September 30.
If you cannot manage to...
Yes?
Yes, this is he.
Near the motel?
Are you sure?
In 20 minutes, yes.
Thank you.
Your brother Christian's
disease is hereditary.
His disease is hereditary...
hereditary... hereditary...