The Man Who Watched Trains Go By (1952) Movie Script
(Dramatic music)
(Bells ringing)
(Train whistling)
(Train rumbling)
(Bright music)
Good morning Mr. Popinga.
She's late this morning,
three minutes.
Is she? I didn't notice.
I sometimes think you
should be doing my job.
It's an important one.
You take a great interest
in trains, Mr. Popinga.
I'm more interested in
the places they go to.
Amsterdam, Brussels,
Paris, exciting isn't it?
I haven't thought about it.
No?
Well, I'm sorry,
good day to you sir.
Good day Mr. Popinga.
(Bright music)
Good morning, sir.
Morning.
Good morning, sir.
Nice morning, Mr. Popinga.
Quite.
(Man whistling)
(Bright music)
The following orders
are to go out this morning
without fail.
Invoice number 397,
stores for the (mumbling),
she sails at three
this afternoon.
Invoice number 398,
fuel oil for the Maria.
Invoice num...
- You can start on those.
- Yes, sir.
Have you heard anything yet?
Is there a chance, Mr. Popinga?
Well, not yet.
I thought I'd wait till
he's in the right mood.
Oh, I see.
Mr. Popinga, I hate
to pester you but...
Merkemans, the first
chance I get, I...
Good morning sir.
Merkemans:
Good morning, Mr. De koster.
De koster:
Good morning, popinga.
Mr. De koster?
Yes?
This is Mr. Merkemans,
he was managing director
of the deyonga biscuit company.
De koster: Yes?
Popinga: He's looking for
work and I thought
that perhaps...
Anything, Mr. De
koster, anything at all.
The deyonga biscuit company.
Popinga: Yes, sir.
Isn't that the company
that went bankrupt?
Some, uh, scandal.
Yes, sir, but I
was not responsible,
and Mr. Popinga will tell you.
I have here the report
of the investigation.
I've shown to Mr.
Popinga, they proved
that I was not to blame,
it was Mr. Deyonga who did it.
He falsified the books.
It is always somebody
else's fault, Mr.?
Merkemans.
You were the managing director,
it was your responsibility.
No, Mr. Merkemans, no, there
is nothing for you here.
This firm has a reputation
for integrity and honesty.
And morality, am
I right, popinga?
Yes, sir.
It took a long time to build
this reputation, Mr. Merkemans.
Good day, sir.
I'm sorry.
Can I?
Mr. De koster?
Yes?
I'm Lucas.
Ah, Mr. Lucas. Yes, yes, yes.
Of course, come in.
Well, as I told you
over the telephone,
I doubt if we have the
information you want.
But of course, I am
entirely at your service.
Sit down, sir, sit down.
The gentleman who came
in with you, your father?
Yes, the head of the firm.
But he doesn't concern
himself with the details,
if you understand.
I understand.
And the gentleman in here.
Does he concern himself
with the details?
Ah, yes, Mr. Popinga,
our chief clerk.
May I speak with him?
Of course.
(Buzzing)
He knows more about my
business than I do myself.
- Cigar?
- No, thank you.
Yes, sir?
De koster: Come in, popinga.
This is Mr. Lucas.
He's with the police
department in Paris.
How do you do, sir?
I'm very we", thank you.
Well, popinga, it
seems that a good deal
of Dutch money has been
turning up in Paris illegally.
A black market
currency operation,
is that what you're after?
Where the money comes from.
De koster: Yes, well in the
course of his investigation,
Mr. Lucas has come
to the conclusion
that some of this
money comes from here,
from groningen, right?
He'd like to examine our books.
Our books, sir?
De koster: He believes it may
help him to track down
the criminal he's looking for.
Oh.
We, of course, have
nothing to conceal,
as you know, but
I've told Mr. Lucas
that we are entirely
at his disposal, right?
Oh, yes, sir.
Our books are open books, sir.
Open books.
How far back to your
accounts go, Mr. Popinga?
They date from the
founding of the firm, sir, in 1628.
Of course, with all due
respect to my predecessors,
I can only guarantee their
accuracy for the last 18 years.
Before that, I was
not with the firm.
(Laughing)
Well, should we
take a look at them?
Certainly.
Popinga is the best
bookkeeper in groningen.
Perhaps the best
chess player, too.
Next to you, Mr. De koster.
Oh, you play chess?
- Yes.
- That is my passion.
Really?
We have a very good
chess club here.
Perhaps you'd like to join
me there this evening?
Oh, that would be delightful.
Might even find
my criminal there.
At our chess club, sir?
Why not?
Interesting thing about
criminals, Mr. Popinga,
is that they're just
like anybody else.
That's why it's possible
for us to catch them.
They're so human, so ordinary.
Anybody can get to them,
Mr. Popinga, anybody.
Even you.
I beg your pardon, sir.
No Mr. Lucas, popinga is
the one man who would never
be a criminal.
His wife, you understand, his
wife simply would not allow
it, would she, popinga?
No, sir.
Popinga: I've told you, Karl,
over and over again not
to eat your food so fast.
Karl: I'm sorry, papa.
Anything new at
the office today?
Oh, the usual.
Although there was a
man who had to look
at the books, some detective
or other from France.
Detective from France?
Oh, it was nothing.
He just wanted to
look at the books.
He was very cordial.
Very respectful.
He complimented me on
how well they were kept
and in Mr. De koster's presence.
That's very nice dear, isn't it?
That chap merkemans
was in again.
That poor man,
and the poor wife.
She's really very nice, you know,
and the children are lovely.
I tried to help him,
I spoke to Mr. De koster
about him personally.
Well, that was nice of you.
But there's nothing
to be done for him.
We have a reputation,
integrity and honesty.
And morality, right?
I've heard all of
that before, dear.
It took a long time to
build that reputation, right?
Of course, dear.
You're always right.
(Train whistling)
722 from Paris.
You and your silly old trains.
I think I'll go down to
the chess club for awhile.
- Tonight?
- Why not?
It's Tuesday.
Your evening is on Wednesday.
Mr. De koster will
have a guest there,
that detective I spoke of.
Might be a good thing if
I dropped in for awhile,
create a good impression.
Alright, I'll get your coat.
Good night, children.
Both: Good night, papa.
You won't be late
though, will you?
Of course I won't.
(Dramatic music)
It looks as though
you've got me, Mr. Lucas.
Just luck.
It can't be, this
is our third game.
Don't you ever lose?
With chess, very often.
At the more serious
game, less often.
Oh by the way, this woman.
Do you know her?
Charming, beautiful.
Not from around here.
Never been a woman
like this in groningen,
has there, popinga?
No, sir.
She doesn't look Dutch.
Thought you might have met
her in one of your trips to Paris.
(Chuckfing)
Who is she?
Your move.
Oh, nobody important.
Just thought you might
have run into her.
Not many moves left
for me, are there?
Might be better
if I gave in now.
Oh, don't do that, sir,
there's still a chance.
I'm sorry.
No, no, no, go on
popinga, you take over.
Let me refill these.
Go on.
Fill these up.
Yes, sir.
Check.
Well tried, Mr. Popinga.
Thank you.
Tell me, Mr. Popinga,
have you money of your
own in de koster's hands?
Oh, yes sir, nearly
all our savings.
Get me a schnapps.
A schnapps, sir?
Checkmate.
Don't look so
crestfallen Mr. Popinga.
Your boss made the
wrong moves, you know.
How's it going?
Checkmate, sir.
(Dramatic music)
(Train whistling)
Mrs. Popinga: Kees?
Kees?
I didn't hear you come in.
Anything wrong?
Can I get you anything,
cup of chocolate?
What is it?
Maria?
Do you think merkemans
knew that his firm
was going to go bankrupt?
What?
Do you think he knew?
And didn't do anything about it?
What is it?
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Kees?
(Dramatic music)
Mr. De koster, what
are you doing, sir?
Get out, popinga, get out!
But my books, you're
burning my books.
Mr. De koster?
It's over, it's all over.
De koster, what is it?
What's happening?
It's over, popinga.
We're through, we're ruined.
What are you saying?
Tomorrow morning, the ancient
firm of de koster and son
will be in liquidation.
Bankrupt, you understand?
Now go home.
There's nothing you
can do about it.
Mr. De koster, it
isn't true, it can't be.
My books would show it.
Oh, your books,
get out of the way.
But, Mr. De koster.
What are you doing,
where are you going?
Please tell me.
All I own is in the firm.
Everything I own.
Mr. De koster?
(Dramatic music)
Mr. De koster, please
tell me what happened.
Maybe I can help.
Is it the girl?
What girl?
I saw you with
her at the station.
I didn't mean to.
It was an accident.
It was the same girl
in the photograph.
I lied for you, Mr. De koster.
I didn't tell Mr. Lucas.
I lied for you.
You have to tell me
what you're going to do.
What do you expect me to do?
Face people? Tell them?
Tell them I fell in love
with a girl in Paris?
Tell them I stole for her?
Looted my own firm for her?
Yes, that's the truth, popinga.
Should I announce it, put an
advertisement in the paper?
There's no way out for me.
What are you going to do?
Death before dishonor?
Oh, Mr. De koster.
Tell them not to
waste any money dragging
the canal for my body.
Goodbye, popinga.
I'm sorry for you.
In a strange way, you are
the only one I am sorry for.
No, Mr. De koster, I
won't let you do this...
Let go, popinga.
Please, Mr. De koster, no, no.
You were lying.
You're running away.
Now look here.
Popinga:
You're not killing yourself.
You're running away
with the money.
With my money.
Listen kees, be a good fella.
You're running away to her.
Listen, kees, I'll
share it with you.
Half of it, half the money.
No, no, I won't let you do it.
Kees! Have a...
You're running away to her.
Liar, cheat, liar!
Kees, listen!
Liar!
(Screams)
Mr. De koster?
Help, somebody help!
(Train chugging)
(Suspenseful music)
(Train whistling)
Why, Mr. Popinga,
this is a surprise.
May I join you?
I was beginning to
dread the long journey
to Paris by myself.
You are going all the
way to Paris, I hope.
Yes, I am.
Good.
Anything the matter?
Nothing, you startled
me, that's all.
I didn't expect to
see you again so soon.
I'm equally surprised.
As a matter of a fact,
at the back of my mind,
I couldn't help thinking
that I might meet someone
I know on this train.
Can you guess who I
thought it would be?
Who?
Absurd, of course, I thought it
might have been Mr. De koster.
Did you see him buy the ticket?
It was for me.
You know, Mr. Popinga, I must
learn not to underestimate you.
Really I must.
No, as a matter of fact, I did
not see him buy your ticket.
I merely deduced from
the facts that I knew
that he would probably
be leaving town tonight.
So he's confided to you
the unfortunate
difficulty he's in.
Yes.
Well, we can talk freely then.
He told you that he's looted
the firm of its profits.
That you're going bankrupt.
Tell me Mr. Lucas, was
there anything in my records
to indicate...
No, no, no.
I'm quite sure you knew
nothing whatever about it.
The only thing that
is not explained
is what you're doing here now.
He ordered me to leave
for Paris immediately
to try to borrow some money
to keep the firm going.
He bought my ticket
for me and here I am.
So I see.
Yes, it's very simple.
(Train rumbling)
Thank you.
What about a game of chess?
Well, yes, if you like.
I've got a portable set.
I sometimes play alone
on these long trips.
Helps to while away
the time, you know.
It's never quite the
same thing, is it?
Yeah, let's play on
that case of yours.
Just about the right size.
White, you're lucky.
(Train rumbling)
You know popinga, it's a
tragedy,
your having all your savings
in the company.
I thought I was in
such a good position
to know how sound the firm was.
You had no suspicion at all?
Huh?
De koster, you never
guessed what he was up to?
No.
Well, I must say, I
admire your loyalty.
A man destroys you and you
go off on a wild goose chase
to borrow money to help him.
Well, obviously, if I
do my duty by the firm,
I'll be helping myself as well.
Oh, yes, yes, yes.
Do you know what I'd
have done in your place?
What?
If for 18 years, I'd repressed
every impulse towards
self-expression to serve my boss
and then this boss
suddenly admitted
that he was a crook,
a licentious scoundrel,
he'd ruined the firm
and he'd ruined me
but would I please run
off to Paris to help him?
You know what I
think I'd have done?
What?
I'd have killed him.
Your move.
(Train rumbling)
I've bad news
for you, Mr. Popinga.
De koster's dead.
He is?
Yes.
He's been shot.
Shot?
(Speaking French)
Better hurry, haven't we?
It would be better,
popinga, truly,
if you were to tell me now
what you know about this.
Where's the gun, in that case?
Can you stop trying to trick me?
Where is it?
Stop it, will you?
He wasn't shot and you know it.
He committed suicide,
he drowned himself.
How do you know?
Popinga:
'Cause I saw him, that's how.
You saw him?
Yes.
He gave me my ticket and
I started for the station
and then I thought, why's
he trying to get rid of me?
So I started back
and I saw him jump.
Lucas: Did you call for help?
Yes.
Nobody came?
Popinga: Nobody.
You watched him
drown and then got on
the train and went to Paris?
Yes, he sent me.
You knew he was
dead, nevertheless,
you went to borrow
money to help him?
Yes.
Alright, popinga, suppose you
tell me what really happened.
Suppose you stop the lies.
Lies?
You mean 18 years of those
dull, stupid books of mine?
Those beautiful, careful books?
Those were the lies.
What's the truth?
What's the truth?
That he's dead and I'm glad.
That he left a note,
a suicide note,
in his own handwriting,
that's the truth
and you know it.
What are you going to do now?
In Paris?
I'll be free.
Lucas: Free?
Yes.
I've always watched
other people eating cake.
That is, Mr. Lucas,
unless you can prove
that he did not commit suicide.
Can you?
Who's move?
Mine.
(Train whistling)
(Train rumbling)
Paris in 5 minutes,
monsieur, Paris in 5 minutes.
Paris in 5 minutes, monsieur,
Paris in 5 minutes.
Good morning, Mr. Popinga.
Good morning, Mr. Lucas.
Ever been in Paris before?
No, but it's a place
I've always wanted to see.
Haven't traveled much?
No, only from
groningen to Amsterdam
and back to groningen.
I see.
Uh, Mr. Popinga?
I hope you'll appreciate
that my questioning
of you last night
was merely an attempt
to be of some service to you.
Was it?
But when arrive in Paris,
my position may become
an official one.
I think I'll rinse my face.
Unless you were?
No, no, no, after you.
(Brakes squealing)
Thank you, it was clumsy of me.
No, no, it could've
happened to anyone.
Popinga, popinga!
(Dramatic music)
Popinga, popinga!
(Soft playful music)
(Honking)
(Bell ringing)
Louis?
Louis?
What?
The downstairs bell, he's here.
Who?
The dutchman, de koster.
So?
So, go away.
Listen to me, don't waste
a lot of time with him.
Get the money.
Why Louis, you're jealous?
Use the back
staircase, will you?
And press the door release.
I will.
I am at the garage
if you want me.
(Knocking)
Yes?
Mademoiselle rozier?
Who are you?
Allow me to introduce myself,
my name is kees popinga.
I'm a friend of Mr. De koster's.
May I come in?
Why?
Well, he said he
was a friend of yours
and I'm a friend of his.
Michelle:
Come in, close the door.
Am I disturbing you?
Not yet.
What kind of a friend
of his are you?
Are you a policeman?
No, I'm not a policeman.
Then take your hat off.
Oh.
And put that silly case
down and tell me who you are
or get out of here.
I'm his chief clerk,
he sent me here.
He's dead.
Dead?
Popinga: Yes, I'm sorry.
What happened?
Well, the police were
up there, Mr. Lucas,
so he killed himself.
Just killed himself,
just like that?
Popinga:
Yes, he jumped in the canal.
But why?
Well, you know.
The firm being bankrupt
and everything.
Did he, um, did he
give you something?
Something to give to me?
No, he just jumped in the canal.
Just jumped in the canal?
That's fine.
May I take off my coat?
Take off your coat?
Why?
Well I want to talk to you.
I want to warn you.
Mr. Lucas, it seems,
knows about you, too.
What does he know?
You know, that you and
Mr. De koster were together.
What's that got to
do with your coat?
Nothing.
I thought perhaps,
I... I want to help you.
You?
You want to help me?
Yes.
How?
Well, Mr. De koster
can't help you anymore
and, well, you know.
No, I don't.
What do you mean?
Are you married?
Yes, but...
What did you say you did?
I was his clerk.
His clerk?
His chief clerk for a long time.
A very long time.
Does it pay well,
a job like that?
Oh, yes.
I have a very nice
house in groningen.
In a very nice district.
And I'm a member of the
chess club.
(Laughing)
Stop laughing at me.
Wonderful, oh you're wonderful.
Mustn't laugh at
me, do you hear?
De koster's dead, long
live de koster's clerk.
- Chief clerk!
- (Slapping)
Are you mad?
Get out of here, now, quick.
No.
No?
(Laughing)
You're too ridiculous,
get out, get out.
(Laughing)
(Giggling)
I beg your pardon.
Mademoiselle?
Yes?
Are you in a hurry?
No hurry at all.
Do you know Paris well,
monsieur?
No, I've never been here before.
Your wife is with you?
No.
Oh, then perhaps
you feel lonely.
Yes, perhaps I'm lonely.
Where are you staying?
I don't know.
Mademoiselle, is it
necessary in Paris
to produce a passport
when you register?
In most places.
Do you know of one
where it is necessary?
One that is clean
and respectable?
I think I know just the place.
We can try it, anyway.
Yes, we can try.
It is a very nice room
and has a very good
view of the (mumbling).
It's on the first
floor, isn't it?
All the way on the
top of the stairs.
Thank you.
Don't forget to let me have
your passport, if you please.
Oh yes, I will.
Front desk agent:
Merci, monsieur.
Thank you.
You've been very kind.
Aren't you going to ask me in?
No, I'm sorry.
You'd better go now.
Go?
I got you into this hotel.
- So?
- So, two thousand francs.
Two thousand francs?
Don't be silly.
You wouldn't be here without me.
10 guilder, it's
a thousand francs.
I knew you were a dutchman.
What are you up to, anyway?
Nothing.
Are you in trouble?
Are you?
Tell me.
Maybe I can help you.
Will you go now?
And he didn't tell
you where he'd gone?
No.
Where is he, Michelle?
I told you, I threw him out.
That's all I know.
You mean to tell me that
a country bumpkin arrives
at your flat with
100,000 guilder in cash
and you just throw him out?
- Michelle.
- I don't know what you're talking about.
Now, please, Michelle, you
were expecting de koster
at your flat with the
money, I know that.
Alright, well popinga arrives,
and he tells you that de
koster is dead, you admit that?
Yes.
And it never even
occurred to you
that he might have
the money himself.
Has he?
You know very well he has.
How did he get it?
What happened?
Murder?
There was a suicide note.
He did kill him, didn't he?
No, as a matter
of fact, he did not.
But he believes that he did.
What makes you think that?
Because he knows
that I'm after him.
He's a hunted man.
He's taken a large sum of money.
Unless I catch him
quickly, he's gonna
to do something desperate.
That one? Something desperate?
I'm certain of it.
Now, help me with this
Michelle, please.
Do something decent
for once in your life.
This man, popinga can be saved.
You seem to be really concerned
about this man, popinga.
Yes, I am.
Alright.
Thank you, Michelle.
Keep an eye on her, will you?
If she knows where he is,
she'll lead you to him.
If she doesn't, she'll find him.
Thank you, sir.
A little man with
an attache case.
- A foreigner?
- Yes.
With a funny little grey hat?
That would be him.
He was around
here some time ago.
He went off with Jeanne.
Where can I find her?
Oh, probably around
at the Georgetown cafe.
Thank you, luisette.
You must be mad.
What do you mean,
you won't take it?
- I took it.
- I'm sorry madam.
It's worth a 1,000 francs,
the little man said so.
Why did he pay me with
Dutch man's money?
What's the matter Jeanne?
Oh, Michelle, how much is
10 Dutch guilders worth?
Where did you get it?
Kees, kees, wake up.
Mademoiselle rozier.
Did you have a nice sleep?
What are you doing here?
Perhaps I was lonely for you.
How'd you find me?
How?
Because I wanted to.
Are you sorry?
Oh no, I'm not sorry.
- We better get out of here.
- Why?
The police are outside.
The police. What about them?
Don't you think I know,
kees, that you're in trouble?
Come along, hurry.
Where are you taking me?
Hurry up.
Come on.
(Suspenseful music)
What is this?
This is a respectable hotel.
Come on.
Did you murder him?
What?
De koster, did you?
What are you saying?
Lucas thinks you did.
You've seen Lucas?
You've seen Lucas?
Yes.
What did he say?
He asked me if I'd
seen you and I said yes.
He asked me if I
knew how to reach you
and I said no.
Then what?
Then I found you
through that girl.
What girl?
The girl you gave
the guilder to.
Why'd you find me?
I told you, I wanted
to warn you, to tell you.
I have a friend,
maybe he can help you,
he can hide you, can
get you new papers.
Why are you doing this?
Michelle: I don't know why.
Must one always know why?
Louis here?
He's in the back.
Michelle: Louis?
Friend of mine, needs a
place to stay for a few days.
What's he wanted for?
Murder.
Him?
He's going to need new papers.
Maybe a way of getting
out of the country.
What's this, Michelle?
Where'd you find him?
It's alright, he's
a friend of de koster's.
A close friend.
It's a risk.
A big one.
If it's a question of money...
Certainly.
Certainly it's a
question of money.
Any reasonable charges
that are necessary, I'll pay.
We're wasting time, Louis.
How about it?
I don't know.
Quite a serious charge, murder.
Will you take my word for it?
He's alright.
Take him upstairs.
He can have goin's room.
Nice to have met you.
What?
Oh.
You'll be sleeping in here.
Will the noise keep you awake?
No.
I like the sound of trains.
(Train rumbling)
Michelle, what kind
of place is this?
You'll be safe here.
Who's Louis?
A man of action.
What's he to you?
Michelle, do I have
to stay in this place?
You'll probably want to wash.
Are you gonna stay here too?
I don't know, it depends.
On what?
Oh, things.
But you won't be lonely.
I don't like to be lonely.
No one does.
- Michelle?
- Goin will take care of you.
He's the husky
one in the garage.
Come on, make yourself pretty.
I'll get some coffee.
When we get the money,
we can get to do what
we've always wanted to do.
Travel.
South America, north Africa.
So, be patient, darling.
(Train whistling)
(Dramatic music)
I saw one of Lucas's men
hanging around this morning.
Are you sure you
weren't followed?
Nobody followed
us, stop worrying.
He's a strange one,
that new friend of yours.
They're all strange.
He makes you strange.
Oh does he?
Well, maybe I feel
sorry for him.
He's got no future.
And he doesn't seem to
have had much of a past.
Well, as long as he's
got the money. Alright.
Call him down.
Kees?
Kees?
Kees?
Didn't you hear me?
Your coffee's ready.
Oh yes, of course.
Michelle: Sit down here.
Drink it while it's hot.
Is anybody else having coffee?
Louis has gone to clean up.
He doesn't take coffee.
I saw you in groningen
with Mr. De koster.
So?
He trusted you, didn't he?
Don't you?
He had his arms around you,
he kissed you, didn't he?
Did he?
Don't you remember?
Didn't it mean anything to you?
Not what he thought it meant.
I left my handkerchief upstairs.
- I'll get it for you.
- No, no.
I'll get it myself.
She makes good coffee, huh?
Not a soul, you're crazy.
Must be there.
I looked, there's nothing.
He's got it, I know.
Louis, no!
Why not?
If he's got it, we'll take it.
If he's hidden it, he'll
tell us where it is.
It's easy.
Lucas knows I'm with him,
if anything happens...
Ah, we're wasting time.
Listen, I worked a
long time for this money.
I'm not going to lose it
because you're a hotheaded fool.
I'll get it, I promise you.
How?
He'll give it to me.
He'll give it to me himself.
He'll beg me to take it.
Why should he beg you?
You're getting soft over
this little guy, are you?
Louis, don't be silly.
Goodbye, Louis. Do your best.
Louis' worried you won't
have the money to pay
for your new papers.
Does he want me
to pay in advance?
Louis: Of course not.
Any friend of Michelle's
is a friend of mine.
Well, I'll see what
I can do for you.
Will it take long?
Couple of days,
maybe, I'm not sure.
It's rude to stare.
Is it?
You didn't finish your coffee.
I don't want any more
coffee, I wanna go for a walk,
I wanna get out of here.
I'll come with you.
You want to?
This way.
(Train chugging)
Tell me about the murder.
What?
De koster. Tell me
how you killed him.
What makes you so
sure that I killed him?
Come on, tell me about it.
Why should I?
Why not?
All you want from
me is the money.
That's all you wanted
from Mr. De koster.
I know.
What do you know?
Your friend was
searching my room just now.
So?
And you knew about
it, didn't you?
What if I did?
What have you got besides money?
What are you, handsome?
- Michelle.
- Courageous?
Please.
Adventurous, exciting?
You're a cheap little clerk.
No.
A murderer. You.
Understand this.
Whether I killed de koster
or not, I am quite capable
of killing you.
Why don't you?
Frightened? Changed your mind?
(Chuckfing)
I thought for a
moment you were a man.
A real man, exciting,
alive, capable of danger,
of loving, but you're nothing.
All you want is to hold
onto your stolen money
as if you'll drown without it.
Well drown with it!
Michelle.
Michelle, please listen, please.
Go home, kees, go
home to groningen
and take your guilder with you.
(Engine revving)
Louis tells me
you're going to stay here
for awhile.
Yes.
(Train whistling)
(Bright music)
Popinga.
Popinga.
Kees, where are you going?
Integrity, honesty, morality.
(Train whistling)
(Train chugging)
Get out!
Get out!
Don't be frightened,
I'm not gonna hurt you.
Let me go.
I was afraid you
might hurt yourself.
We can play here.
Werner said so.
Of course you can play here.
But not in the cars.
You might get hurt.
You might get cut.
Let me go.
Here.
What is that?
Money.
Good money, you can
buy chocolates with it.
I have two children of my own.
A little boy and a little girl.
Yes.
Bored, eh?
Well, that's just the way it is.
When you're hiding
out, you wait.
Yes, you wait.
Wait for what?
If Louis says he'll fix
you up, he'll fix you up.
Tonight, tomorrow, next
day, what's the difference?
How long have you known Louis?
I only met him yesterday.
How long have
you known Michelle?
Not long.
She likes Louis, doesn't she?
Who knows?
Who knows anything
with that girl?
Will she be back
soon, do you think?
Ah, so that's why
you're so restless.
It's our Michelle, huh?
I'd like to phone to
her, would she be home?
I shouldn't think so.
At night, she usually
goes to that nightclub.
The joie de vivre. She
meets people there.
People?
What kind of people?
Oh, people she knows.
As you come up,
turn out the lights, hmm?
When she met Louis,
he didn't have a suit.
(Laughing)
Good night.
You can have it.
We have a club in Chicago,
makes this look like a dump.
Chicago, that's my hometown.
Sounds fascinating.
I'd like to go there someday.
Well, if you ever do, look
me up and I'll show you around.
No, that won't be possible.
It would be possible if your
wife came along, wouldn't it?
Sure, sure.
Haven't you had any fun since,
since you've been here?
Man: Yes, [had a bit
of fun last night
at the baggali,
that's the place.
You know what the
evening cost me?
50,000 francs.
Really?
Oh, but, of course,
I can afford it, girlie.
Doesn't mean a thing to me.
I remember one night...
Michelle, I want to talk to you.
I'm busy.
I want to talk to you, please.
Scam, bud, you heard
what the lady said.
I don't want to
quarrel with you, sir,
but if it becomes necessary
to stick this into your heart,
ishall.
Excuse me.
Give me a drink, will you?
What do you want?
I want to see Paris
with you, dinner, dancing.
You shouldn't be here,
they'll pick you up.
I'm not gonna stay out
there at that garage.
It's the only
safe place for you.
I don't want to be safe.
I want to enjoy myself.
I want to see Paris. I
don't care what happens.
Aren't you worried
they'll get your money?
I'll take that chance.
Kees popinga, I like you.
You do?
You're different
when you take a chance.
Let's go.
Goodnight, sir.
Wait for us, will you?
Mind the horse, there
are thieves in Paris.
Uh, yes.
Very satisfactory.
I didn't think you'd be
be such a good dancer.
I didn't think it myself.
But I'm told I do have
a sense of rhythm.
Darling.
You know, the last
time I had champagne
was with Mr. De koster.
Oh, excuse me.
I have the phone
call you requested, sir.
- What phone call?
- Shh.
Secret between
me and the waiter.
Lucas? Guess who?
Oh, hello, Mr. Popinga.
How are you?
How are you?
Where are you,
still at the office?
(Talking over the phone)
Hope I'm not disturbing you.
Trace it.
Look here, popinga,
why not be sensible?
You know I'm gonna catch
you sooner or later.
Why not come around and
have a talk about it?
He says he wants to see me.
I know you want to see me.
What's there to talk about?
Lucas: I'm trying to keep
you out of trouble.
Says he's trying to
keep me out of trouble.
Too late.
Lucas: Popinga, listen.
Who is with you?
Who's with me?
The most beautiful girl.
What'd you do that for?
Waiter, get me
that number again.
Let's go, he traced the call.
Popinga: What do I care?
Look, kees, you made your point.
I'm impressed, let's go.
Waiter, get me my bill.
Cafe domino, champs-elyses,
do you want them to pick him up?
No, he'd have left by
the time they get there.
Alright thank you.
What are you
looking for, darling?
That guilder note
they brought in.
I have an idea
that after tonight,
they'll be quite a few
of them floating around.
Yes, I'm sorry, I'll have to go
down to goin's garage.
Put on something warm,
darling, the nights
are getting so chilly.
Good night, pet.
Back for breakfast.
Excuse me sir, are these...
Guilder, sound
currency, you take 'em,
everybody else takes
them, don't they Michelle?
Come on.
Why did he say he wants
to keep my out of trouble?
What does he mean by that?
He wants to keep
you out of trouble
by putting you in jail.
Maybe I'm not in trouble.
Maybe if I went back...
Is that what you want?
No.
Maybe if I sent the money back.
The money?
You're wanted for murder.
Yes.
You did kill him, didn't you?
I don't know.
It's all mixed up in my mind.
I wanted to kill him.
(Splashing)
Maybe that's the same thing.
Michelle?
Yes?
Michelle?
It's the most wonderful
night in my whole life.
I never thought it
could be like this.
Neven
Michelle?
Tomorrow we'll go away.
Go away, kees, where?
Anywhere.
North Africa, south
america, anywhere.
I can afford it, Michelle.
Where'd you like to go?
Wherever you would
like to go, kees.
Tomorrow, in the morning,
we'll go out and get the money.
The money?
Yeah, it's out there, you know.
Is it, darling?
When I first got
there, I hid it.
You were right.
There's no one you can trust.
No one but you.
If I can't trust you Michelle,
there's nothing there.
Trust me.
Maybe if I hadn't hidden it,
we wouldn't be here now.
I climbed out of the window
and I hid it in one of the cars.
Did you, darling?
Which one?
Tomorrow, in the morning,
we'll go and get the money.
Which one, kees?
All that lovely money
and we'll go to places.
Wonderful, exciting places.
Just you and I, Michelle.
Just you and I.
You and I, Michelle.
Just you and I.
Michelle.
You and I.
(Train whistling)
Feeling nervous, Michelle?
This what you were looking for?
It was in that car over there.
What do you want?
I want popinga, where is he?
At your apartment?
How should I know?
You know very well, otherwise
you wouldn't be around here.
Come on, Michelle, you have
nothing to win anymore.
What do I gain by telling you?
Oh, you want to come
to terms, do you?
Alright, come along, we'll talk.
Michelle?
Michelle?
Michelle?
(Car stopping)
(Dramatic music)
Are you gonna bother me again?
I didn't say that.
The deal's quite simple,
you're giving me popinga
and I'm dropping all charges
against you in this case only.
How do I know
you'll keep your word?
Because I'd lose my
reputation with every scoundrel
in Paris if I didn't.
Popinga!
He saw us.
Kees, kees!
Yeah, he went out the back way!
Hurry!
If he gets away, things
will go badly for you.
Why?
I kept my end of the bargain.
That's not what I meant.
He's been betrayed.
He's got to prove
himself to himself.
He might try to kill you.
He may try, but he won't.
Now, just you listen
to me, Michelle.
If you're so bored
flirting with life
that the only
excitement left you
is to flirt with death, that
presumably is your business
but popinga is my business.
He's not a murderer
and I'm not going
to let him become one.
(Whistling)
Well?
Stay here.
What?
Stay here, whatever happens.
We're leaving a
detective downstairs
and you're gonna promise
me that you won't attempt
to leave this place.
On one condition.
What's that?
Forget kees, stay with me.
I'd love to, mademoiselle,
but...
I'd be afraid.
Of what?
Afraid I might kill you myself.
That young lady's in trouble.
Well, she's asked for it.
(Engine revving)
(Dramatic music)
(Laughing)
(Glass shattering)
(Train chugging)
Louis.
Louis!
Careful, Louis. You see,
I have a knife. You'd
be hurt if you moved.
You didn't think I could
do this, did you, Louis?
You thought I was
nothing, didn't you, Louis?
What do you want?
You will telephone Michelle.
- Michelle?
- Yes.
You will telephone Michelle
and you will tell her
that you're in trouble
and that she is to
come here right away.
Right away.
(Phone ringing)
Yes?
Louis: Michelle.
Louis, where are you?
Louis: I'm at the garage.
Can you come out here?
What's the matter?
I'm in trouble.
Michelle: What?
Can't you tell me
what's the matter?
I... I'll tell you
when I see you.
Is somebody with you?
Louis: Yes.
(Whispering) Pohce?
I'm coming out the back way.
Tire lever, Louis?
Come on Louis, do something.
Go on.
You're not afraid, are you?
(Thudding)
(Train chugging)
(Dramatic music)
You were right, Michelle.
You told me I musn't
trust anybody, didn't you?
Why did you do it, why?
Listen to me, kees, please!
Listen to you? Listen
to you lie to me,
listen to you laugh at me?
I made a mistake.
Lucas is not after you,
you're not wanted for murder.
No, but I'm going to be.
Long live de koster's
clerk. Chief clerk!
(Whistle blowing)
Lucas promised
you'd be all right,
that's why I turned
you in. It was for you!
Yes, for me, all for me.
That's why you took the money.
That's why you kissed me.
You think you can
kill me, you thief.
You petty little thief.
Once before you thought
you could kill me,
you couldn't then,
and you can't now.
You poor, strutting
little failure.
(Slapping)
(Screaming)
Popinga. Popinga!
(Dramatic music)
(Train whistling)
No!
It's the 722 to Paris.
Someday I'm going
to go to Paris.
Popinga, it's me, Lucas.
Is anything wrong with my books?
No, popinga, no.
Everything balances.
(Dramatic music)
(Bells ringing)
(Train whistling)
(Train rumbling)
(Bright music)
Good morning Mr. Popinga.
She's late this morning,
three minutes.
Is she? I didn't notice.
I sometimes think you
should be doing my job.
It's an important one.
You take a great interest
in trains, Mr. Popinga.
I'm more interested in
the places they go to.
Amsterdam, Brussels,
Paris, exciting isn't it?
I haven't thought about it.
No?
Well, I'm sorry,
good day to you sir.
Good day Mr. Popinga.
(Bright music)
Good morning, sir.
Morning.
Good morning, sir.
Nice morning, Mr. Popinga.
Quite.
(Man whistling)
(Bright music)
The following orders
are to go out this morning
without fail.
Invoice number 397,
stores for the (mumbling),
she sails at three
this afternoon.
Invoice number 398,
fuel oil for the Maria.
Invoice num...
- You can start on those.
- Yes, sir.
Have you heard anything yet?
Is there a chance, Mr. Popinga?
Well, not yet.
I thought I'd wait till
he's in the right mood.
Oh, I see.
Mr. Popinga, I hate
to pester you but...
Merkemans, the first
chance I get, I...
Good morning sir.
Merkemans:
Good morning, Mr. De koster.
De koster:
Good morning, popinga.
Mr. De koster?
Yes?
This is Mr. Merkemans,
he was managing director
of the deyonga biscuit company.
De koster: Yes?
Popinga: He's looking for
work and I thought
that perhaps...
Anything, Mr. De
koster, anything at all.
The deyonga biscuit company.
Popinga: Yes, sir.
Isn't that the company
that went bankrupt?
Some, uh, scandal.
Yes, sir, but I
was not responsible,
and Mr. Popinga will tell you.
I have here the report
of the investigation.
I've shown to Mr.
Popinga, they proved
that I was not to blame,
it was Mr. Deyonga who did it.
He falsified the books.
It is always somebody
else's fault, Mr.?
Merkemans.
You were the managing director,
it was your responsibility.
No, Mr. Merkemans, no, there
is nothing for you here.
This firm has a reputation
for integrity and honesty.
And morality, am
I right, popinga?
Yes, sir.
It took a long time to build
this reputation, Mr. Merkemans.
Good day, sir.
I'm sorry.
Can I?
Mr. De koster?
Yes?
I'm Lucas.
Ah, Mr. Lucas. Yes, yes, yes.
Of course, come in.
Well, as I told you
over the telephone,
I doubt if we have the
information you want.
But of course, I am
entirely at your service.
Sit down, sir, sit down.
The gentleman who came
in with you, your father?
Yes, the head of the firm.
But he doesn't concern
himself with the details,
if you understand.
I understand.
And the gentleman in here.
Does he concern himself
with the details?
Ah, yes, Mr. Popinga,
our chief clerk.
May I speak with him?
Of course.
(Buzzing)
He knows more about my
business than I do myself.
- Cigar?
- No, thank you.
Yes, sir?
De koster: Come in, popinga.
This is Mr. Lucas.
He's with the police
department in Paris.
How do you do, sir?
I'm very we", thank you.
Well, popinga, it
seems that a good deal
of Dutch money has been
turning up in Paris illegally.
A black market
currency operation,
is that what you're after?
Where the money comes from.
De koster: Yes, well in the
course of his investigation,
Mr. Lucas has come
to the conclusion
that some of this
money comes from here,
from groningen, right?
He'd like to examine our books.
Our books, sir?
De koster: He believes it may
help him to track down
the criminal he's looking for.
Oh.
We, of course, have
nothing to conceal,
as you know, but
I've told Mr. Lucas
that we are entirely
at his disposal, right?
Oh, yes, sir.
Our books are open books, sir.
Open books.
How far back to your
accounts go, Mr. Popinga?
They date from the
founding of the firm, sir, in 1628.
Of course, with all due
respect to my predecessors,
I can only guarantee their
accuracy for the last 18 years.
Before that, I was
not with the firm.
(Laughing)
Well, should we
take a look at them?
Certainly.
Popinga is the best
bookkeeper in groningen.
Perhaps the best
chess player, too.
Next to you, Mr. De koster.
Oh, you play chess?
- Yes.
- That is my passion.
Really?
We have a very good
chess club here.
Perhaps you'd like to join
me there this evening?
Oh, that would be delightful.
Might even find
my criminal there.
At our chess club, sir?
Why not?
Interesting thing about
criminals, Mr. Popinga,
is that they're just
like anybody else.
That's why it's possible
for us to catch them.
They're so human, so ordinary.
Anybody can get to them,
Mr. Popinga, anybody.
Even you.
I beg your pardon, sir.
No Mr. Lucas, popinga is
the one man who would never
be a criminal.
His wife, you understand, his
wife simply would not allow
it, would she, popinga?
No, sir.
Popinga: I've told you, Karl,
over and over again not
to eat your food so fast.
Karl: I'm sorry, papa.
Anything new at
the office today?
Oh, the usual.
Although there was a
man who had to look
at the books, some detective
or other from France.
Detective from France?
Oh, it was nothing.
He just wanted to
look at the books.
He was very cordial.
Very respectful.
He complimented me on
how well they were kept
and in Mr. De koster's presence.
That's very nice dear, isn't it?
That chap merkemans
was in again.
That poor man,
and the poor wife.
She's really very nice, you know,
and the children are lovely.
I tried to help him,
I spoke to Mr. De koster
about him personally.
Well, that was nice of you.
But there's nothing
to be done for him.
We have a reputation,
integrity and honesty.
And morality, right?
I've heard all of
that before, dear.
It took a long time to
build that reputation, right?
Of course, dear.
You're always right.
(Train whistling)
722 from Paris.
You and your silly old trains.
I think I'll go down to
the chess club for awhile.
- Tonight?
- Why not?
It's Tuesday.
Your evening is on Wednesday.
Mr. De koster will
have a guest there,
that detective I spoke of.
Might be a good thing if
I dropped in for awhile,
create a good impression.
Alright, I'll get your coat.
Good night, children.
Both: Good night, papa.
You won't be late
though, will you?
Of course I won't.
(Dramatic music)
It looks as though
you've got me, Mr. Lucas.
Just luck.
It can't be, this
is our third game.
Don't you ever lose?
With chess, very often.
At the more serious
game, less often.
Oh by the way, this woman.
Do you know her?
Charming, beautiful.
Not from around here.
Never been a woman
like this in groningen,
has there, popinga?
No, sir.
She doesn't look Dutch.
Thought you might have met
her in one of your trips to Paris.
(Chuckfing)
Who is she?
Your move.
Oh, nobody important.
Just thought you might
have run into her.
Not many moves left
for me, are there?
Might be better
if I gave in now.
Oh, don't do that, sir,
there's still a chance.
I'm sorry.
No, no, no, go on
popinga, you take over.
Let me refill these.
Go on.
Fill these up.
Yes, sir.
Check.
Well tried, Mr. Popinga.
Thank you.
Tell me, Mr. Popinga,
have you money of your
own in de koster's hands?
Oh, yes sir, nearly
all our savings.
Get me a schnapps.
A schnapps, sir?
Checkmate.
Don't look so
crestfallen Mr. Popinga.
Your boss made the
wrong moves, you know.
How's it going?
Checkmate, sir.
(Dramatic music)
(Train whistling)
Mrs. Popinga: Kees?
Kees?
I didn't hear you come in.
Anything wrong?
Can I get you anything,
cup of chocolate?
What is it?
Maria?
Do you think merkemans
knew that his firm
was going to go bankrupt?
What?
Do you think he knew?
And didn't do anything about it?
What is it?
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Kees?
(Dramatic music)
Mr. De koster, what
are you doing, sir?
Get out, popinga, get out!
But my books, you're
burning my books.
Mr. De koster?
It's over, it's all over.
De koster, what is it?
What's happening?
It's over, popinga.
We're through, we're ruined.
What are you saying?
Tomorrow morning, the ancient
firm of de koster and son
will be in liquidation.
Bankrupt, you understand?
Now go home.
There's nothing you
can do about it.
Mr. De koster, it
isn't true, it can't be.
My books would show it.
Oh, your books,
get out of the way.
But, Mr. De koster.
What are you doing,
where are you going?
Please tell me.
All I own is in the firm.
Everything I own.
Mr. De koster?
(Dramatic music)
Mr. De koster, please
tell me what happened.
Maybe I can help.
Is it the girl?
What girl?
I saw you with
her at the station.
I didn't mean to.
It was an accident.
It was the same girl
in the photograph.
I lied for you, Mr. De koster.
I didn't tell Mr. Lucas.
I lied for you.
You have to tell me
what you're going to do.
What do you expect me to do?
Face people? Tell them?
Tell them I fell in love
with a girl in Paris?
Tell them I stole for her?
Looted my own firm for her?
Yes, that's the truth, popinga.
Should I announce it, put an
advertisement in the paper?
There's no way out for me.
What are you going to do?
Death before dishonor?
Oh, Mr. De koster.
Tell them not to
waste any money dragging
the canal for my body.
Goodbye, popinga.
I'm sorry for you.
In a strange way, you are
the only one I am sorry for.
No, Mr. De koster, I
won't let you do this...
Let go, popinga.
Please, Mr. De koster, no, no.
You were lying.
You're running away.
Now look here.
Popinga:
You're not killing yourself.
You're running away
with the money.
With my money.
Listen kees, be a good fella.
You're running away to her.
Listen, kees, I'll
share it with you.
Half of it, half the money.
No, no, I won't let you do it.
Kees! Have a...
You're running away to her.
Liar, cheat, liar!
Kees, listen!
Liar!
(Screams)
Mr. De koster?
Help, somebody help!
(Train chugging)
(Suspenseful music)
(Train whistling)
Why, Mr. Popinga,
this is a surprise.
May I join you?
I was beginning to
dread the long journey
to Paris by myself.
You are going all the
way to Paris, I hope.
Yes, I am.
Good.
Anything the matter?
Nothing, you startled
me, that's all.
I didn't expect to
see you again so soon.
I'm equally surprised.
As a matter of a fact,
at the back of my mind,
I couldn't help thinking
that I might meet someone
I know on this train.
Can you guess who I
thought it would be?
Who?
Absurd, of course, I thought it
might have been Mr. De koster.
Did you see him buy the ticket?
It was for me.
You know, Mr. Popinga, I must
learn not to underestimate you.
Really I must.
No, as a matter of fact, I did
not see him buy your ticket.
I merely deduced from
the facts that I knew
that he would probably
be leaving town tonight.
So he's confided to you
the unfortunate
difficulty he's in.
Yes.
Well, we can talk freely then.
He told you that he's looted
the firm of its profits.
That you're going bankrupt.
Tell me Mr. Lucas, was
there anything in my records
to indicate...
No, no, no.
I'm quite sure you knew
nothing whatever about it.
The only thing that
is not explained
is what you're doing here now.
He ordered me to leave
for Paris immediately
to try to borrow some money
to keep the firm going.
He bought my ticket
for me and here I am.
So I see.
Yes, it's very simple.
(Train rumbling)
Thank you.
What about a game of chess?
Well, yes, if you like.
I've got a portable set.
I sometimes play alone
on these long trips.
Helps to while away
the time, you know.
It's never quite the
same thing, is it?
Yeah, let's play on
that case of yours.
Just about the right size.
White, you're lucky.
(Train rumbling)
You know popinga, it's a
tragedy,
your having all your savings
in the company.
I thought I was in
such a good position
to know how sound the firm was.
You had no suspicion at all?
Huh?
De koster, you never
guessed what he was up to?
No.
Well, I must say, I
admire your loyalty.
A man destroys you and you
go off on a wild goose chase
to borrow money to help him.
Well, obviously, if I
do my duty by the firm,
I'll be helping myself as well.
Oh, yes, yes, yes.
Do you know what I'd
have done in your place?
What?
If for 18 years, I'd repressed
every impulse towards
self-expression to serve my boss
and then this boss
suddenly admitted
that he was a crook,
a licentious scoundrel,
he'd ruined the firm
and he'd ruined me
but would I please run
off to Paris to help him?
You know what I
think I'd have done?
What?
I'd have killed him.
Your move.
(Train rumbling)
I've bad news
for you, Mr. Popinga.
De koster's dead.
He is?
Yes.
He's been shot.
Shot?
(Speaking French)
Better hurry, haven't we?
It would be better,
popinga, truly,
if you were to tell me now
what you know about this.
Where's the gun, in that case?
Can you stop trying to trick me?
Where is it?
Stop it, will you?
He wasn't shot and you know it.
He committed suicide,
he drowned himself.
How do you know?
Popinga:
'Cause I saw him, that's how.
You saw him?
Yes.
He gave me my ticket and
I started for the station
and then I thought, why's
he trying to get rid of me?
So I started back
and I saw him jump.
Lucas: Did you call for help?
Yes.
Nobody came?
Popinga: Nobody.
You watched him
drown and then got on
the train and went to Paris?
Yes, he sent me.
You knew he was
dead, nevertheless,
you went to borrow
money to help him?
Yes.
Alright, popinga, suppose you
tell me what really happened.
Suppose you stop the lies.
Lies?
You mean 18 years of those
dull, stupid books of mine?
Those beautiful, careful books?
Those were the lies.
What's the truth?
What's the truth?
That he's dead and I'm glad.
That he left a note,
a suicide note,
in his own handwriting,
that's the truth
and you know it.
What are you going to do now?
In Paris?
I'll be free.
Lucas: Free?
Yes.
I've always watched
other people eating cake.
That is, Mr. Lucas,
unless you can prove
that he did not commit suicide.
Can you?
Who's move?
Mine.
(Train whistling)
(Train rumbling)
Paris in 5 minutes,
monsieur, Paris in 5 minutes.
Paris in 5 minutes, monsieur,
Paris in 5 minutes.
Good morning, Mr. Popinga.
Good morning, Mr. Lucas.
Ever been in Paris before?
No, but it's a place
I've always wanted to see.
Haven't traveled much?
No, only from
groningen to Amsterdam
and back to groningen.
I see.
Uh, Mr. Popinga?
I hope you'll appreciate
that my questioning
of you last night
was merely an attempt
to be of some service to you.
Was it?
But when arrive in Paris,
my position may become
an official one.
I think I'll rinse my face.
Unless you were?
No, no, no, after you.
(Brakes squealing)
Thank you, it was clumsy of me.
No, no, it could've
happened to anyone.
Popinga, popinga!
(Dramatic music)
Popinga, popinga!
(Soft playful music)
(Honking)
(Bell ringing)
Louis?
Louis?
What?
The downstairs bell, he's here.
Who?
The dutchman, de koster.
So?
So, go away.
Listen to me, don't waste
a lot of time with him.
Get the money.
Why Louis, you're jealous?
Use the back
staircase, will you?
And press the door release.
I will.
I am at the garage
if you want me.
(Knocking)
Yes?
Mademoiselle rozier?
Who are you?
Allow me to introduce myself,
my name is kees popinga.
I'm a friend of Mr. De koster's.
May I come in?
Why?
Well, he said he
was a friend of yours
and I'm a friend of his.
Michelle:
Come in, close the door.
Am I disturbing you?
Not yet.
What kind of a friend
of his are you?
Are you a policeman?
No, I'm not a policeman.
Then take your hat off.
Oh.
And put that silly case
down and tell me who you are
or get out of here.
I'm his chief clerk,
he sent me here.
He's dead.
Dead?
Popinga: Yes, I'm sorry.
What happened?
Well, the police were
up there, Mr. Lucas,
so he killed himself.
Just killed himself,
just like that?
Popinga:
Yes, he jumped in the canal.
But why?
Well, you know.
The firm being bankrupt
and everything.
Did he, um, did he
give you something?
Something to give to me?
No, he just jumped in the canal.
Just jumped in the canal?
That's fine.
May I take off my coat?
Take off your coat?
Why?
Well I want to talk to you.
I want to warn you.
Mr. Lucas, it seems,
knows about you, too.
What does he know?
You know, that you and
Mr. De koster were together.
What's that got to
do with your coat?
Nothing.
I thought perhaps,
I... I want to help you.
You?
You want to help me?
Yes.
How?
Well, Mr. De koster
can't help you anymore
and, well, you know.
No, I don't.
What do you mean?
Are you married?
Yes, but...
What did you say you did?
I was his clerk.
His clerk?
His chief clerk for a long time.
A very long time.
Does it pay well,
a job like that?
Oh, yes.
I have a very nice
house in groningen.
In a very nice district.
And I'm a member of the
chess club.
(Laughing)
Stop laughing at me.
Wonderful, oh you're wonderful.
Mustn't laugh at
me, do you hear?
De koster's dead, long
live de koster's clerk.
- Chief clerk!
- (Slapping)
Are you mad?
Get out of here, now, quick.
No.
No?
(Laughing)
You're too ridiculous,
get out, get out.
(Laughing)
(Giggling)
I beg your pardon.
Mademoiselle?
Yes?
Are you in a hurry?
No hurry at all.
Do you know Paris well,
monsieur?
No, I've never been here before.
Your wife is with you?
No.
Oh, then perhaps
you feel lonely.
Yes, perhaps I'm lonely.
Where are you staying?
I don't know.
Mademoiselle, is it
necessary in Paris
to produce a passport
when you register?
In most places.
Do you know of one
where it is necessary?
One that is clean
and respectable?
I think I know just the place.
We can try it, anyway.
Yes, we can try.
It is a very nice room
and has a very good
view of the (mumbling).
It's on the first
floor, isn't it?
All the way on the
top of the stairs.
Thank you.
Don't forget to let me have
your passport, if you please.
Oh yes, I will.
Front desk agent:
Merci, monsieur.
Thank you.
You've been very kind.
Aren't you going to ask me in?
No, I'm sorry.
You'd better go now.
Go?
I got you into this hotel.
- So?
- So, two thousand francs.
Two thousand francs?
Don't be silly.
You wouldn't be here without me.
10 guilder, it's
a thousand francs.
I knew you were a dutchman.
What are you up to, anyway?
Nothing.
Are you in trouble?
Are you?
Tell me.
Maybe I can help you.
Will you go now?
And he didn't tell
you where he'd gone?
No.
Where is he, Michelle?
I told you, I threw him out.
That's all I know.
You mean to tell me that
a country bumpkin arrives
at your flat with
100,000 guilder in cash
and you just throw him out?
- Michelle.
- I don't know what you're talking about.
Now, please, Michelle, you
were expecting de koster
at your flat with the
money, I know that.
Alright, well popinga arrives,
and he tells you that de
koster is dead, you admit that?
Yes.
And it never even
occurred to you
that he might have
the money himself.
Has he?
You know very well he has.
How did he get it?
What happened?
Murder?
There was a suicide note.
He did kill him, didn't he?
No, as a matter
of fact, he did not.
But he believes that he did.
What makes you think that?
Because he knows
that I'm after him.
He's a hunted man.
He's taken a large sum of money.
Unless I catch him
quickly, he's gonna
to do something desperate.
That one? Something desperate?
I'm certain of it.
Now, help me with this
Michelle, please.
Do something decent
for once in your life.
This man, popinga can be saved.
You seem to be really concerned
about this man, popinga.
Yes, I am.
Alright.
Thank you, Michelle.
Keep an eye on her, will you?
If she knows where he is,
she'll lead you to him.
If she doesn't, she'll find him.
Thank you, sir.
A little man with
an attache case.
- A foreigner?
- Yes.
With a funny little grey hat?
That would be him.
He was around
here some time ago.
He went off with Jeanne.
Where can I find her?
Oh, probably around
at the Georgetown cafe.
Thank you, luisette.
You must be mad.
What do you mean,
you won't take it?
- I took it.
- I'm sorry madam.
It's worth a 1,000 francs,
the little man said so.
Why did he pay me with
Dutch man's money?
What's the matter Jeanne?
Oh, Michelle, how much is
10 Dutch guilders worth?
Where did you get it?
Kees, kees, wake up.
Mademoiselle rozier.
Did you have a nice sleep?
What are you doing here?
Perhaps I was lonely for you.
How'd you find me?
How?
Because I wanted to.
Are you sorry?
Oh no, I'm not sorry.
- We better get out of here.
- Why?
The police are outside.
The police. What about them?
Don't you think I know,
kees, that you're in trouble?
Come along, hurry.
Where are you taking me?
Hurry up.
Come on.
(Suspenseful music)
What is this?
This is a respectable hotel.
Come on.
Did you murder him?
What?
De koster, did you?
What are you saying?
Lucas thinks you did.
You've seen Lucas?
You've seen Lucas?
Yes.
What did he say?
He asked me if I'd
seen you and I said yes.
He asked me if I
knew how to reach you
and I said no.
Then what?
Then I found you
through that girl.
What girl?
The girl you gave
the guilder to.
Why'd you find me?
I told you, I wanted
to warn you, to tell you.
I have a friend,
maybe he can help you,
he can hide you, can
get you new papers.
Why are you doing this?
Michelle: I don't know why.
Must one always know why?
Louis here?
He's in the back.
Michelle: Louis?
Friend of mine, needs a
place to stay for a few days.
What's he wanted for?
Murder.
Him?
He's going to need new papers.
Maybe a way of getting
out of the country.
What's this, Michelle?
Where'd you find him?
It's alright, he's
a friend of de koster's.
A close friend.
It's a risk.
A big one.
If it's a question of money...
Certainly.
Certainly it's a
question of money.
Any reasonable charges
that are necessary, I'll pay.
We're wasting time, Louis.
How about it?
I don't know.
Quite a serious charge, murder.
Will you take my word for it?
He's alright.
Take him upstairs.
He can have goin's room.
Nice to have met you.
What?
Oh.
You'll be sleeping in here.
Will the noise keep you awake?
No.
I like the sound of trains.
(Train rumbling)
Michelle, what kind
of place is this?
You'll be safe here.
Who's Louis?
A man of action.
What's he to you?
Michelle, do I have
to stay in this place?
You'll probably want to wash.
Are you gonna stay here too?
I don't know, it depends.
On what?
Oh, things.
But you won't be lonely.
I don't like to be lonely.
No one does.
- Michelle?
- Goin will take care of you.
He's the husky
one in the garage.
Come on, make yourself pretty.
I'll get some coffee.
When we get the money,
we can get to do what
we've always wanted to do.
Travel.
South America, north Africa.
So, be patient, darling.
(Train whistling)
(Dramatic music)
I saw one of Lucas's men
hanging around this morning.
Are you sure you
weren't followed?
Nobody followed
us, stop worrying.
He's a strange one,
that new friend of yours.
They're all strange.
He makes you strange.
Oh does he?
Well, maybe I feel
sorry for him.
He's got no future.
And he doesn't seem to
have had much of a past.
Well, as long as he's
got the money. Alright.
Call him down.
Kees?
Kees?
Kees?
Didn't you hear me?
Your coffee's ready.
Oh yes, of course.
Michelle: Sit down here.
Drink it while it's hot.
Is anybody else having coffee?
Louis has gone to clean up.
He doesn't take coffee.
I saw you in groningen
with Mr. De koster.
So?
He trusted you, didn't he?
Don't you?
He had his arms around you,
he kissed you, didn't he?
Did he?
Don't you remember?
Didn't it mean anything to you?
Not what he thought it meant.
I left my handkerchief upstairs.
- I'll get it for you.
- No, no.
I'll get it myself.
She makes good coffee, huh?
Not a soul, you're crazy.
Must be there.
I looked, there's nothing.
He's got it, I know.
Louis, no!
Why not?
If he's got it, we'll take it.
If he's hidden it, he'll
tell us where it is.
It's easy.
Lucas knows I'm with him,
if anything happens...
Ah, we're wasting time.
Listen, I worked a
long time for this money.
I'm not going to lose it
because you're a hotheaded fool.
I'll get it, I promise you.
How?
He'll give it to me.
He'll give it to me himself.
He'll beg me to take it.
Why should he beg you?
You're getting soft over
this little guy, are you?
Louis, don't be silly.
Goodbye, Louis. Do your best.
Louis' worried you won't
have the money to pay
for your new papers.
Does he want me
to pay in advance?
Louis: Of course not.
Any friend of Michelle's
is a friend of mine.
Well, I'll see what
I can do for you.
Will it take long?
Couple of days,
maybe, I'm not sure.
It's rude to stare.
Is it?
You didn't finish your coffee.
I don't want any more
coffee, I wanna go for a walk,
I wanna get out of here.
I'll come with you.
You want to?
This way.
(Train chugging)
Tell me about the murder.
What?
De koster. Tell me
how you killed him.
What makes you so
sure that I killed him?
Come on, tell me about it.
Why should I?
Why not?
All you want from
me is the money.
That's all you wanted
from Mr. De koster.
I know.
What do you know?
Your friend was
searching my room just now.
So?
And you knew about
it, didn't you?
What if I did?
What have you got besides money?
What are you, handsome?
- Michelle.
- Courageous?
Please.
Adventurous, exciting?
You're a cheap little clerk.
No.
A murderer. You.
Understand this.
Whether I killed de koster
or not, I am quite capable
of killing you.
Why don't you?
Frightened? Changed your mind?
(Chuckfing)
I thought for a
moment you were a man.
A real man, exciting,
alive, capable of danger,
of loving, but you're nothing.
All you want is to hold
onto your stolen money
as if you'll drown without it.
Well drown with it!
Michelle.
Michelle, please listen, please.
Go home, kees, go
home to groningen
and take your guilder with you.
(Engine revving)
Louis tells me
you're going to stay here
for awhile.
Yes.
(Train whistling)
(Bright music)
Popinga.
Popinga.
Kees, where are you going?
Integrity, honesty, morality.
(Train whistling)
(Train chugging)
Get out!
Get out!
Don't be frightened,
I'm not gonna hurt you.
Let me go.
I was afraid you
might hurt yourself.
We can play here.
Werner said so.
Of course you can play here.
But not in the cars.
You might get hurt.
You might get cut.
Let me go.
Here.
What is that?
Money.
Good money, you can
buy chocolates with it.
I have two children of my own.
A little boy and a little girl.
Yes.
Bored, eh?
Well, that's just the way it is.
When you're hiding
out, you wait.
Yes, you wait.
Wait for what?
If Louis says he'll fix
you up, he'll fix you up.
Tonight, tomorrow, next
day, what's the difference?
How long have you known Louis?
I only met him yesterday.
How long have
you known Michelle?
Not long.
She likes Louis, doesn't she?
Who knows?
Who knows anything
with that girl?
Will she be back
soon, do you think?
Ah, so that's why
you're so restless.
It's our Michelle, huh?
I'd like to phone to
her, would she be home?
I shouldn't think so.
At night, she usually
goes to that nightclub.
The joie de vivre. She
meets people there.
People?
What kind of people?
Oh, people she knows.
As you come up,
turn out the lights, hmm?
When she met Louis,
he didn't have a suit.
(Laughing)
Good night.
You can have it.
We have a club in Chicago,
makes this look like a dump.
Chicago, that's my hometown.
Sounds fascinating.
I'd like to go there someday.
Well, if you ever do, look
me up and I'll show you around.
No, that won't be possible.
It would be possible if your
wife came along, wouldn't it?
Sure, sure.
Haven't you had any fun since,
since you've been here?
Man: Yes, [had a bit
of fun last night
at the baggali,
that's the place.
You know what the
evening cost me?
50,000 francs.
Really?
Oh, but, of course,
I can afford it, girlie.
Doesn't mean a thing to me.
I remember one night...
Michelle, I want to talk to you.
I'm busy.
I want to talk to you, please.
Scam, bud, you heard
what the lady said.
I don't want to
quarrel with you, sir,
but if it becomes necessary
to stick this into your heart,
ishall.
Excuse me.
Give me a drink, will you?
What do you want?
I want to see Paris
with you, dinner, dancing.
You shouldn't be here,
they'll pick you up.
I'm not gonna stay out
there at that garage.
It's the only
safe place for you.
I don't want to be safe.
I want to enjoy myself.
I want to see Paris. I
don't care what happens.
Aren't you worried
they'll get your money?
I'll take that chance.
Kees popinga, I like you.
You do?
You're different
when you take a chance.
Let's go.
Goodnight, sir.
Wait for us, will you?
Mind the horse, there
are thieves in Paris.
Uh, yes.
Very satisfactory.
I didn't think you'd be
be such a good dancer.
I didn't think it myself.
But I'm told I do have
a sense of rhythm.
Darling.
You know, the last
time I had champagne
was with Mr. De koster.
Oh, excuse me.
I have the phone
call you requested, sir.
- What phone call?
- Shh.
Secret between
me and the waiter.
Lucas? Guess who?
Oh, hello, Mr. Popinga.
How are you?
How are you?
Where are you,
still at the office?
(Talking over the phone)
Hope I'm not disturbing you.
Trace it.
Look here, popinga,
why not be sensible?
You know I'm gonna catch
you sooner or later.
Why not come around and
have a talk about it?
He says he wants to see me.
I know you want to see me.
What's there to talk about?
Lucas: I'm trying to keep
you out of trouble.
Says he's trying to
keep me out of trouble.
Too late.
Lucas: Popinga, listen.
Who is with you?
Who's with me?
The most beautiful girl.
What'd you do that for?
Waiter, get me
that number again.
Let's go, he traced the call.
Popinga: What do I care?
Look, kees, you made your point.
I'm impressed, let's go.
Waiter, get me my bill.
Cafe domino, champs-elyses,
do you want them to pick him up?
No, he'd have left by
the time they get there.
Alright thank you.
What are you
looking for, darling?
That guilder note
they brought in.
I have an idea
that after tonight,
they'll be quite a few
of them floating around.
Yes, I'm sorry, I'll have to go
down to goin's garage.
Put on something warm,
darling, the nights
are getting so chilly.
Good night, pet.
Back for breakfast.
Excuse me sir, are these...
Guilder, sound
currency, you take 'em,
everybody else takes
them, don't they Michelle?
Come on.
Why did he say he wants
to keep my out of trouble?
What does he mean by that?
He wants to keep
you out of trouble
by putting you in jail.
Maybe I'm not in trouble.
Maybe if I went back...
Is that what you want?
No.
Maybe if I sent the money back.
The money?
You're wanted for murder.
Yes.
You did kill him, didn't you?
I don't know.
It's all mixed up in my mind.
I wanted to kill him.
(Splashing)
Maybe that's the same thing.
Michelle?
Yes?
Michelle?
It's the most wonderful
night in my whole life.
I never thought it
could be like this.
Neven
Michelle?
Tomorrow we'll go away.
Go away, kees, where?
Anywhere.
North Africa, south
america, anywhere.
I can afford it, Michelle.
Where'd you like to go?
Wherever you would
like to go, kees.
Tomorrow, in the morning,
we'll go out and get the money.
The money?
Yeah, it's out there, you know.
Is it, darling?
When I first got
there, I hid it.
You were right.
There's no one you can trust.
No one but you.
If I can't trust you Michelle,
there's nothing there.
Trust me.
Maybe if I hadn't hidden it,
we wouldn't be here now.
I climbed out of the window
and I hid it in one of the cars.
Did you, darling?
Which one?
Tomorrow, in the morning,
we'll go and get the money.
Which one, kees?
All that lovely money
and we'll go to places.
Wonderful, exciting places.
Just you and I, Michelle.
Just you and I.
You and I, Michelle.
Just you and I.
Michelle.
You and I.
(Train whistling)
Feeling nervous, Michelle?
This what you were looking for?
It was in that car over there.
What do you want?
I want popinga, where is he?
At your apartment?
How should I know?
You know very well, otherwise
you wouldn't be around here.
Come on, Michelle, you have
nothing to win anymore.
What do I gain by telling you?
Oh, you want to come
to terms, do you?
Alright, come along, we'll talk.
Michelle?
Michelle?
Michelle?
(Car stopping)
(Dramatic music)
Are you gonna bother me again?
I didn't say that.
The deal's quite simple,
you're giving me popinga
and I'm dropping all charges
against you in this case only.
How do I know
you'll keep your word?
Because I'd lose my
reputation with every scoundrel
in Paris if I didn't.
Popinga!
He saw us.
Kees, kees!
Yeah, he went out the back way!
Hurry!
If he gets away, things
will go badly for you.
Why?
I kept my end of the bargain.
That's not what I meant.
He's been betrayed.
He's got to prove
himself to himself.
He might try to kill you.
He may try, but he won't.
Now, just you listen
to me, Michelle.
If you're so bored
flirting with life
that the only
excitement left you
is to flirt with death, that
presumably is your business
but popinga is my business.
He's not a murderer
and I'm not going
to let him become one.
(Whistling)
Well?
Stay here.
What?
Stay here, whatever happens.
We're leaving a
detective downstairs
and you're gonna promise
me that you won't attempt
to leave this place.
On one condition.
What's that?
Forget kees, stay with me.
I'd love to, mademoiselle,
but...
I'd be afraid.
Of what?
Afraid I might kill you myself.
That young lady's in trouble.
Well, she's asked for it.
(Engine revving)
(Dramatic music)
(Laughing)
(Glass shattering)
(Train chugging)
Louis.
Louis!
Careful, Louis. You see,
I have a knife. You'd
be hurt if you moved.
You didn't think I could
do this, did you, Louis?
You thought I was
nothing, didn't you, Louis?
What do you want?
You will telephone Michelle.
- Michelle?
- Yes.
You will telephone Michelle
and you will tell her
that you're in trouble
and that she is to
come here right away.
Right away.
(Phone ringing)
Yes?
Louis: Michelle.
Louis, where are you?
Louis: I'm at the garage.
Can you come out here?
What's the matter?
I'm in trouble.
Michelle: What?
Can't you tell me
what's the matter?
I... I'll tell you
when I see you.
Is somebody with you?
Louis: Yes.
(Whispering) Pohce?
I'm coming out the back way.
Tire lever, Louis?
Come on Louis, do something.
Go on.
You're not afraid, are you?
(Thudding)
(Train chugging)
(Dramatic music)
You were right, Michelle.
You told me I musn't
trust anybody, didn't you?
Why did you do it, why?
Listen to me, kees, please!
Listen to you? Listen
to you lie to me,
listen to you laugh at me?
I made a mistake.
Lucas is not after you,
you're not wanted for murder.
No, but I'm going to be.
Long live de koster's
clerk. Chief clerk!
(Whistle blowing)
Lucas promised
you'd be all right,
that's why I turned
you in. It was for you!
Yes, for me, all for me.
That's why you took the money.
That's why you kissed me.
You think you can
kill me, you thief.
You petty little thief.
Once before you thought
you could kill me,
you couldn't then,
and you can't now.
You poor, strutting
little failure.
(Slapping)
(Screaming)
Popinga. Popinga!
(Dramatic music)
(Train whistling)
No!
It's the 722 to Paris.
Someday I'm going
to go to Paris.
Popinga, it's me, Lucas.
Is anything wrong with my books?
No, popinga, no.
Everything balances.
(Dramatic music)