The Shop at Sly Corner (1947) Movie Script
Hello, yes?
Oh, it's you.
Certainly not. We have people here.
My daughter is playing.
Oh, I see.
Yes, then it must be tonight.
Come back in an hour.
I'm sorry, I...
What's wrong with Margaret?
You see, she will be a great artist.
Already, she's temperamental.
We'll be getting along now, Descius.
- Good night. Many thanks.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night, Mr Heiss.
- Good night.
Professor Vanetti.
I'll show you.
I've never known that
happen to Margaret before.
Oh, well, you never know
how it's going to take ya.
I told you to go home
an hour ago.
It was such beautiful music,
Mr Heiss.
So even you can feel
such music, huh?
Why, yes, Mr Heiss, even I.
Specially when
Miss Margaret plays it.
Yes.
Now, I told you to go home.
Now, do as you're told.
You know, it...
it must be wonderful
to be so beautiful
and so talented.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You heard what I said?
Here, take your hat.
- Good night, Mr Heiss.
- Good night.
Che cosa a facciare a quest' ora?
What do you want?
Tell Signore Vanetti
Mr Heiss is here.
But that's impossible.
Are you telling me I don't know
who I am? I am here!
Wait!
The signore is asleep.
I cannot wake him.
No? Well, I can.
Stop that noise! Please!
You see?
Well, Mr Heiss, what is it?
Vanetti, I must speak to you.
It's very important.
- I play good, huh?
- Hmm.
Somewhat late for such artistry.
Come in here.
Why do you call at this hour?
Why do you upset my daughter?
She's crying her eyes out at home.
- Well, that's good for her.
- I know that.
But you don't have to
do it this way.
Next time you stop
teaching her the violin
and start teaching her
to be a woman,
- you consult me first, you understand?
- Sit down, Mr Heiss.
Mr Heiss,
I want to be honest with you.
To teach your daughter, you paid me
much more than you need have done.
Oh, why not?
I charge you a little more
for the antiques I sell you.
So we are quits.
Why didn't you come tonight?
Did you forget such an
unimportant engagement?
I didn't forget.
But there was no point
in my coming.
There's really nothing more
I can do for Margaret.
I know she's good.
Her technique is excellent,
but there's no emotion.
What?! No emotion?
A daughter of mine, no emotion?
- The daughter of a Frenchman?
- That's your fault.
- You keep her surrounded by antiques.
- Oh, so I'm an antique now?
A young girl needs
contact with human beings.
Well, shall we move
into a holiday camp?
- Oh, don't evade the point.
- Very well, then. Advise me.
I could arrange for her
to complete her studies with Sobia.
Sobia?
- He's even greater than...
- Than I.
And he's a great psychologist.
He could turn Margaret from
a good player into a brilliant one.
- Well, then, take me to Sobia.
- He's in Paris.
Paris?
No, she can't go to Paris.
You could go with her.
Surely you would like to see
your own country again?
This is my country.
But you couldn't deny her?
I would deny her nothing.
I would give her the world,
but my world
does not include France.
So she will go on playing
just for your friends?
Not quite, signore.
Let me tell you...
She will be the finest violinist
England has ever heard.
Maybe Europe.
We will find another way to help her.
Forgive me for intruding.
Good night.
Oh! You young horror!
Stop prosecuting that cat!
You wouldn't half cop it
if the guv'nor saw ya.
You mind your own business.
I'll do as I like, see?
Not in my kitchen you don't.
Why, for two pins I'd...
- Funny place for asthma.
- Ooh!
Good morning.
Could I possibly see the proprietor?
As far as you're concerned,
I am the proprietor.
Oh.
I've had it all my life,
and my mother before me.
How much do you want for it?
I must have ten pounds.
Yes, at least ten.
Four.
But you don't understand.
I must have ten pounds.
You see, my daughter is...
Well, you'd better try somewhere else.
I think, if you don't mind,
I'll see if that gentleman
can give me a little more.
No, you can't go in there.
I'll ask him.
Thank you.
Good morning, sir.
No violin practice this morning?
She must have been very upset.
Er... What do you want?
- Oh. Whose is it?
- The old lady's.
She wants ten pounds for it.
I've said four.
Here, give her eight.
It's worth it.
Thank you, sir.
Four.
One moment!
My assistant misunderstood.
Such a beautiful box
is worth the ten pounds you asked.
Oh, thank you!
Thank you!
We will find a nice home for it.
I'm sure you will.
What is the meaning of this?
Well, I was only thinking
of your pocket, Mr Heiss.
And you think nothing
of my reputation?
- Well, I only thought that...
- Thought, thought, thought.
Think, think, think, think.
Have you no eyes?
Can you not see what it meant
for her to part with this?
Well, I was only trying
to be businesslike...
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Businesslike. Businesslike.
Very well, you shall be.
I told you eight pounds,
you offered her four,
so I had to give her ten.
I shall deduct my two pounds lost
from your salary,
half a crown a week.
And you are very lucky
I do not discharge you.
- Well, that was...
- Don't thank me.
I can't help being generous.
Hey, Robert!
- Hello, there.
- Where have you sprung from?
Now, where do you think?
- Birmingham?
- Birmingham?
The home of the Buddha.
Let me tell you, this is
a genuine Buddha from Burma.
Ah-ah. Birmingham.
It's been right round the world,
and now it's home again, like you.
And you are the very surprise
Margaret needs.
Surprise?
Didn't you get my telegram?
No.
- Has a telegram come?
- No, Mr Heiss.
Well, no matter.
Come, I'll announce you.
She'd be delighted to see you.
Margaret! Margaret!
The fleet's in!
Aren't you feeling well?
What, do you think I'm sick?
I'm a messenger of love.
Yes, dear, I know, but I'm
in a hurry. Robert's waiting.
- You know?
- Yes, I've just seen his taxi outside.
Ah, treason!
So, while my daughter
puts on the new dress
she doesn't think I know she bought,
you may show me the presents
you bought for me to buy.
Right.
Now, then. Any offers?
Certainly. I offer to
drop it quietly in the river.
I see. No sale.
Well, now, what about this?
One savage's blowpipe from Senegambia
and three poison darts to match.
Oh, don't touch 'em.
That shiny stuff on the point is curare.
Curare?
Oh, yes, the native poison
that produces heart failure.
That's right.
One scratch from that,
and you'll be selling St Peter
his golden gates.
In the meantime, I'm to sell
poison to my customers.
What else?
Well...
Oh, here's a nice little thing.
- Oh, a netsuke.
- Yes, it's Japanese.
I picked it up in Kobe.
Wonderful carving, isn't it?
You know,
it takes a lifetime to carve that.
Must be worth a bit, eh?
Only when it's genuine.
Oh.
- Anything wrong?
- No, no, no, no, no.
Well, cheer up.
What else have you got?
You know, I don't think
I was meant to deal in antiques.
Why, if it ain't Mr Robert!
Hello, Mrs Catt.
Still a doctor in the Navy?
Mm-hmm.
Cutting 'em up and sewing 'em up.
Well, if this ain't your lucky day.
I was at the hospital this morning,
with five doctors
lookin' at me feet.
One of 'em seizes me leg,
and what do you think he says?
Hello, my sweet.
No, he wasn't that kind of a...
- Robert...
- Oh, it's good to see you again.
You're more beautiful than ever.
- Is that your taxi tickin' up outside?
- It can wait.
- Where are we going?
- Anywhere.
Jove, you look terrific.
Shakespeare couldn't have
put it better.
- Will ten pounds do?
- Fine. What for?
- The netsuke. It's quite a good one.
- But you said...
Don't take any notice
of what the dealer says.
Watch his eye.
Watch his thumb.
And watch his daughter.
See that she takes care
of her new dress.
Sure.
Of course, it's a fine specimen,
but it strikes me that
seventy-five guineas is a bit steep.
Well, you won't find another
at that price.
Have a good time.
Well, it's certainly
what I've been looking for.
Are you quite sure there can be
no reduction in the price?
Quite sure.
Very well. I'll have it.
Lucky swine.
I beg your pardon?
Yes?
Where are you speaking from?
I see.
Very well.
Then, ten minutes.
What the devil?
Why are you still here?
Oh, I've just been marking up
the new stuff, Mr Heiss.
Been so busy today
I didn't have a chance.
But this gives you a chance
to run up a little overtime, huh?
I must say I can
do with it, Mr Heiss. I'm...
not exactly overpaid, you know.
You are paid exactly
what you are worth.
Now, be off with you.
Mr Heiss, would you, um...
would you tell me the price
you want to put on this?
Ask me in the morning.
- Why?
- I'd rather like to buy it.
You? Are you mad?
I'm reserving this
for a connoisseur.
Besides, you are here to sell,
not to buy.
Now, put your things away
and go home.
- And bring your head down.
- Down?
Out of the clouds, my boy.
Out of the clouds!
Good night, Mr Heiss.
What in the name of Heaven
are you doing out there?
Catching pneumonia, I shouldn't wonder.
Me lungs is something horrible.
Well, don't leave them
hanging about in the night air.
I told you to go home.
That you did, sir,
two hours afore me time.
Well, I forgot to tell ya
I left your supper in the fridge.
All right, all right.
Go on off now.
I can't stand you
moping about the place.
Well, you're not expected to.
I can't stand meself sometimes...
- Hello, Flo.
- Hello, dear.
How are ya?
Cynthia, I would prefer
not to reply.
I don't want to make
your lives miserable.
Good evening, Mrs Catt.
What'll it be? A drop of gin?
Yes, Mr Lovegrove, I think a drop
of gin would be perfectly safe.
- Would you like the news on, ladies?
- Ta, I'm sure.
And here is a police message.
A burglary took place an hour ago
at the home of Lady Castleton.
Jewellery of considerable value
is missing.
Will anyone having seen
suspicious activities
in the vicinity of Porchester Place...
The Porchester police job, eh?
Good, Morris.
What's good about it?
It's the nearest thing
I've ever been on.
I was as close to that cop
as I am to you.
You came straight here?
I have told you never to do that.
Well, I couldn't help it.
I had to talk to somebody.
Have you any idea what it means
to rob a house?
A very nice profit,
if you are wise.
Hmm.
The watching, the waiting,
and then the getting in.
Have you any idea
what that does to your nerves?
You should be covered by
government health insurance.
Yes. The other chap's got a gun,
you get shot.
Or the police are on you
before you know where you are,
then it's three years in jug.
No, thanks.
I'm giving it up.
You're right, Morris.
It's time we retired,
both of us.
Well, can't you take a joke?
It is no joke, when you start
to develop an imagination
and try to kill it with whisky.
It's dangerous.
I'll be all right tomorrow.
I wasn't serious.
But I am.
But you can't be.
We've known each other for years.
We're... We're partners.
I know, Morris,
but now I'm
dissolving the partnership.
Well, I've done my part
of the job, haven't I?
There're jobs I'd never have touched
without you behind me.
You can't just walk out like that.
I can, and so can you.
We agreed on that
when we started.
Well, maybe, but...
But why start something
you don't intend to finish?
Why?
Why?
I'll tell you, my friend.
I'll tell you something
I've never told a living soul before.
You see,
when I started in this business,
I felt society owed me a debt.
The law no longer
inspired my respect.
It had taught me you could be punished
when you were innocent.
You see this picture, Morris?
It is the one thing in this place
that is not for sale.
A small boy once lived there.
The town was very poor.
It was a hard winter.
A hungry winter.
The boy lived with his mother.
She was ill.
He heard her calling for fruit.
Fruit in mid-winter.
He contrived to get some,
not quite legally.
But, er...
when he got home,
his mother had no use for fruit.
He got fourteen months.
One month for
each year of his age.
Then, he drifted to Marseilles.
They were a tough lot,
but fourteen months in a French prison
is a good enough passport to hell,
and visa'd forever.
Then, one night,
there was a scuffle.
A drunken sea-captain was stabbed.
When the gendarmes caught them,
two of the boys had knives.
They were guillotined.
Our boy had never owned a knife.
Violence and death were
the two things he hated most.
He was sent to Devil's Island.
What happened then?
Then he escaped,
and got to England.
But flogging leaves its marks,
and our boy was to carry them
all his life.
Look.
Horrible!
You see, Morris? I, too,
have served my apprenticeship.
And that is why
I can never return to my country,
why it is unsafe for
my daughter to go there.
You mean...
she might find out?
She thinks of me
as an honest man.
I want her to go on thinking so.
You're safe enough here.
No, Morris.
Our business is never safe.
Life has cheated me.
I shan't let it cheat my daughter.
No, this is the time to stop.
I want to devote
the rest of my life to Margaret,
and maybe a few chickens.
So, you wanted to give us
a little fright, hein?
And it looks as if you succeeded.
Now, back to business.
That stuff you just brought in.
At a rough guess,
I would say five thousand.
- Five thousand?
- Take it or leave it.
But the stuff's not worth half that.
Would you insult me to my face?
Since when did I not know
the value of diamonds, hmm?
Thanks.
Why not use it
for a little holiday?
I'm told Ireland is
very good for the nerves.
I'd thought of that, too.
- I'll send you a postcard.
- No, don't.
Everyone reads them.
It's a national custom.
- So long, Morris.
- Thanks.
What are you doing here?
No harm in having a look round,
is there, Mr Heiss?
You've no business here,
and you know it.
What did you come back for?
I didn't come back, Mr Heiss.
You've been here?
All the time. I never left.
Then you can leave now.
At once. Do you hear?
Before I get annoyed.
You won't, Mr Heiss.
People like you can't afford
to get annoyed, Mr Heiss.
- Why, you young...
- Shut up. I'm doing the talking now.
I had a hunch
there was something fishy
about these
busy evenings of yours.
I've waited a long time for this,
Mr High and Mighty Heiss.
High-class dealer in antiques.
High-class fence.
Drop it.
That's right.
Much better let me do the talking.
Quite a change, too,
and I like it.
I must never presume to talk.
That was too good for a shop boy.
It was reserved for Mr Convict Heiss
and his family, wasn't it?
You'll be sorry for this, Archie.
My place was in the shop,
licking the boots of
your classy customers,
but you weren't so high-class
as a murderer, Mr Heiss.
They got you for that once,
didn't they?
And they'll get you again,
unless you're very, very careful.
What do you want from me?
I haven't quite made up my mind.
- But, Archie, I want some new earrings.
- Shut up!
You had a bracelet
last month, didn't ya?
Now, this is one of
the fastest cars on the road, sir.
Its performance is outstanding.
- Er, the price is a little high...
- No, the price doesn't matter.
I'll give you a thousand pounds now,
and the rest in the morning.
Thank you, sir.
Oh, I'm sorry, sir.
The shop's just closing.
The shop's never closed to me.
Now, tell the old man
I'm here, will you?
I'm afraid Mr Heiss is
on the phone at the moment, sir.
Okay, I'll wait.
Daddy! Daddy. Daddy.
What do you think?
I'm going to play at St Peter's.
- You are?
- The professor's arranged it.
They're having a sort of
sacred concert during Evensong.
I'm to play the "Ave Maria".
And, Daddy, what else do you think?
My head won't think twice
in one day, my sweetheart.
- It's going to be broadcast.
- Bravo!
Oh, just think of who'll be listening!
I know one who will be.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
I say, Archie!
Another new coat?
Do you like it?
Yes, but...
That legacy of yours
won't last forever, you know.
It'll last as long as I want it to.
Er...
I've been waiting to see you.
I got bored.
I wasn't expecting this pleasure.
I'll... I'll run along, Daddy.
I've got some letters to write.
I've told you not to
hang about here.
I'm like a stick of dynamite,
aren't I?
Simply no discretion.
Well, what is it this time?
Something special
for your new flat?
That's no business of yours.
I want five hundred pounds,
and I'll take it with me. Understand?
Perfectly. But there is something
you must understand.
I've paid heavily
for my indiscretion.
I've paid you
over and over again.
A price can be too high.
Not a price, Mr Heiss.
Call it an insurance...
against my dropping in
on the police one day.
They're interested in murders
and escaped convicts and fences.
And blackmailers, too.
They are hard on them
in this country.
No, my little Archie.
Go to the police,
if it amuses you,
as well now as later.
Good afternoon, Archie.
What if she got to know
about her precious father?
- You filthy little swine.
- That kind of talk won't help.
I want five hundred pounds.
Do I get it?
Um... Now that
you mention it, I...
I could do with
something new for the flat.
Um...
Radiogram, perhaps.
Picture's still not for sale,
I suppose?
We'll have to talk about it
next time.
Goodbye, Mr Heiss.
Goodbye.
One hundred and seventy-five,
I'm offered.
Come, gentlemen. Must I remind you
that this is a genuine Athenian piece,
dated six centuries BC?
Have you ever seen
finer craftsmanship?
- Two-fifty.
- Two hundred and fifty.
Any increase on that?
Two seventy-five?
- Four hundred.
- Four hundred.
Twenty-five?
Fifty?
Five hundred?
Five hundred pounds, I'm offered.
Any advance on that?
It's against you.
Sold for five hundred pounds.
Mr Plummer.
Now, gentlemen, we come
to lot number seventy-eight.
A rare medicine chest, said to have
been the property of Charles VI...
Hello, there!
Ah, Robert!
Still thinking of setting up
as my rival, huh?
I just dropped in to see the fun.
But you've let me down.
I never thought you'd let
Plummer off so cheaply.
Oh, that. It's risky.
Since when have you dodged a risk?
Not losing your nerve, are you?
Hmm. You can't afford nerves
in my business.
- Worried about anything?
- No. 'Course not.
Margaret says you've been
a bit off-colour lately.
Not sleeping too well,
and so on.
Margaret? You mean,
she's worried about me?
Yes, she has an idea that you've been
borrowing from Archie Fellowes.
Me? Borrowing from Archie?
Yes, it sounds absurd, I know, but...
Well, he keeps on calling in.
Well, why shouldn't he wish to buy
from his old employer?
And tell Margaret,
if I'm off-colour,
it's due to old age,
and not to Archie Fellowes.
Right you are, then.
Shall I get you a taxi?
No, no, I have an appointment.
It's not too far to walk.
- Run along, my boy.
- Goodbye.
Well, I can't see anything in it, myself.
No glamour.
I love glamour. Don't you?
Archie said that picture
meant everything to somebody.
And he got it for nothing.
Can you beat him?
How much longer will Archie be?
Archie? He never says.
He just tells me, "if anyone
drops in, try and entertain them."
Well, I'm... trying.
Well, well, well. Look who's here.
What a pleasant surprise.
You've been a long time.
Where have you been?
Business.
- What is this?
- More business.
Nice way to treat a lady!
And don't let the porter
get fresh with ya!
Now, what can I do for you,
Mr Heiss?
You can listen to a proposition.
My final proposition.
Oh, you don't say?
- You have to leave the country.
- Really?
Why?
Don't tell me Margaret's
beginning to cotton on.
We leave her out of this.
I'm willing to deposit
a sum of money in a bank,
to be paid to you
over a period of five years.
That's very generous of you.
The bank will be in Canada.
Supposing I don't like Canada?
Fifteen thousand pounds.
What do you say?
Oh, not bad.
Not bad at all.
I'll think it over
and let you know.
When?
Well, um... Tomorrow, maybe?
Say around seven?
Very well.
I'll expect you.
On second thoughts...
Yes?
Well, five years is a long time.
If you can make it
twenty thousand...
Yes, I might even do that.
I'm beginning to think
I shall like Canada.
That's sensible of you, Archie.
Hello there!
When did you get back from Ireland?
A few hours ago.
I was just on my way
round to see you.
I'm, er...
I'm onto a job.
But I don't suppose
you'd be interested.
No, and I doubt
if you'll be, either.
Why, what is it?
What's wrong?
Do you remember the last night
you came to the shop?
Yes, and how the kitten
scared us both. I remember.
It wasn't the kitten.
It was Archie Fellowes.
- Archie Fellowes?
- My shop boy.
Yes. Well, what about him?
He was there,
hidden behind a screen.
- You mean he heard?
- He heard everything.
And he's been
blackmailing me ever since.
Then he knows all about me, too.
Look, Heiss. I'm not
living in the same world
- Ssh!
- ...as a blackmailer.
I know a couple of chaps
that'll fix him.
I would never agree to that,
and you know it, Morris.
Don't be a fool. I'd think no more
of killing a blackmailer than a rat.
You forget I've been
through it all.
No, Morris.
I offered him a lump sum,
on condition he goes abroad.
- You think he'll go.
- I think so.
He may haggle over terms, but...
there is a good chance
he'll agree in the end.
Well, I hope you're right.
As much for his sake as ours.
But remember,
I promise you, Heiss, I won't live in
the same world as a blackmai...
Don't get excited, Morris.
It'll be all right.
Well, let me know.
- Hang the thing.
- Ooh, nervy, ain't ya?
You'll be passing out in the
middle of your piece, most likely.
I'll be all right
once we get to the church.
A nice drop of something'd
pull you together in no time.
I could fetch it from downstairs
if you like.
No, thanks. Here, fix this
for me, will you, please?
Ouch!
There, now,
me own nerves ain't too good, neither.
I always say a nice
drop of something...
The only time for a drop
is when you've finished your job.
I have finished, sir.
- Good. Then you may go downstairs.
- Yes, sir.
And keep an ear open for the doorbell.
I'm expecting a visitor.
Oh. Yes, sir.
How do I look?
Much too smart
for a country girl.
- Country girl?
- Yes, my little one.
I'm going to retire
and raise chickens.
You mean, leave the shop?
- I'm thinking of selling it.
- But why?
You've been speculating, Daddy?
Have you lost money?
Wiser men than I
have made mistakes.
But there will be something left.
Your studies will continue.
It's not me I'm thinking of.
It's you.
Everything you love is here.
It is wherever you are, my dear.
While you need me, I ask
no other place than that.
Well, I shall always need you.
Mmm, not always.
But now we have a job to finish.
We must see that a good artist
grows into a great one.
And maybe, for that,
a good country will be best.
Listen, my dear.
These are my plans.
They'll be down in a minute,
I shouldn't wonder.
- Okay, I'll make myself at home.
- Yes, sir.
You're not one of them
what has to wait to be asked.
- Oh, Mrs Catt, will you, er...
- Yes, 'course I will.
Will you be going
to the concert this evening?
'Course I will.
The shop's closed.
You know that.
The shop's never closed to me.
So, they chucked you
out of the Navy, eh?
Well, I'm waiting to be demobilised,
if that's what you mean.
- What are you here for?
- To see the old man, of course.
- Mr Heiss is busy.
- Tell him I'm here, will you?
Mr Heiss is busy.
It's important business.
Meaning I'm not?
- Well, that's a matter of opinion.
- Are you trying to be offensive?
If I were, you'd know it.
Okay.
Er... Still no sale
for the poison darts, I see.
You know, these ought to
come in handy in your profession.
If you happen to make a mistake, mmm.
The patient conks out
of heart failure
and no-one's any the wiser.
I suppose that's
meant to be funny?
Isn't it?
Hello!
I remember this.
- Still for sale, I suppose?
- Evidently.
I'll have it. Tell the old man
to chalk it up, will you?
- Would you mind putting that back?
- You keep your blasted hands off me.
Just because I had to serve
in the shop, you think I'm nobody.
So long as I'm here, you're going to
learn to mend your manners.
I'll have to teach you differently.
Like I've taught some other people.
- Meaning what?
- Margaret doesn't mind my manners.
- In fact, she's learned to like them.
- Why, you...
If you knew what's what, you'd go back
in the Navy and leave the coast clear.
I've been looking forward to this.
Come on, out. Out.
I won't forget this in a hurry.
Remember that!
Ah, Robert!
Margaret won't be a minute.
You haven't been bored with waiting?
Well, not exactly.
As a matter of fact,
I've just been having a go
at that ex-shop boy of yours.
- Archie?
- Mmm.
- What happened?
- I threw him out.
- Robert, you didn't...
- I did.
I'm afraid I socked him
into the bargain.
- You socked him?
- Mmm.
Hard?
Well, er... hard enough.
- What did he say?
- Well, he...
Robert, tell me...
Excuse me.
Hello!
Oh, yes, Archie.
Yes, I know.
I'm sorry to have missed you.
And never mind.
Tomorrow will do.
Tonight? That's impossible.
You see, I'm going out.
It's something I can't put off.
I'll be along in half an hour, see?
If you're not there,
I know where I can find you,
and I can talk as well
in a church as anywhere else.
Very well. I'll be here.
Good evening, Professor.
I'm not late, am I?
Oh, no.
There's plenty of time.
But it seems so strange that he'd
let a headache keep him at home.
It came on so suddenly.
There must be something
behind it all,
- and Robert, I'm frightened.
- I know, darling,
but try not to
worry about it now.
Come, now.
I'll show you your place.
Ah. Come in.
It's good you're punctual.
There are some details
to discuss about the trip.
I've been enquiring
about transport.
The French have a very good line.
Comfortable ships, I'm told,
and quite fast. Sit down.
You should be in Canada
in five or six days,
- and, once you're there...
- Shut up!
You can forget Canada.
I warned you, Archie.
That's all I'm prepared to do.
It's all I can do.
Tough, isn't it?
I could cry my eyes out.
That's why I'm gonna make things
easier for you, Mr Heiss.
What is it now?
All I want is the right kind
of opportunity.
You know, some sort of
position in life.
Little business, maybe.
- Business?
- Why not? Look at yours.
Wonderful opportunity.
Something to be proud of.
Old establishment,
classy client?le,
and a sideline that's
a real money-maker.
Might be run better, of course.
You know, you could do with
someone to share the responsibility.
- I see. You want a partnership.
- That's it.
What could be more natural
than to keep it in the family?
The family?
You know...
Something happened a little while ago
this evening that gave me a new idea.
I'm gonna marry Margaret.
You don't want Margaret.
You want my business.
I intend to have both.
- My daughter is engaged.
- Engagements can be broken off.
You've a lot of influence
over Margaret.
She'll do anything you say.
And what if I refuse?
If she knew the truth about you,
she'd marry me to keep me quiet.
Think it over.
Why aren't we listening to her?
We wouldn't want to
disappoint here, would we?
She'll marry me all right.
She won't like it,
just at first.
I'm not sure that I mind that.
Hey!
Hey, what's the matter with you?
Hey, you all right?
What...?
Well, you can't die on me now!
Come on, snap out of it!
That's better.
To lighten our
darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord,
and, by thy great mercy,
defend us from all perils
and dangers of this night...
Molto bene, Margarita!
You were excellent.
Your bow control could have
been better, but...
You are not staying
for the rest of the service?
I'm sorry, no. My father's
not well and he's all alone.
You'll explain to the vicar
for me, won't you?
And thank him
for letting me play.
Thanking him? He's a vicar
who should thank me.
- Thank you, my dear. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- You've brought your car?
- Well, you told me to.
And by telephone.
I had to break a rule.
I need your help, badly.
What's the matter?
Tough spot?
You don't have to
help me, you know.
You can slip off and forget it,
and no hard feelings.
Well, what about the tough spots
you've got me out of?
Come on, what is it?
We'll both hang
if they get on to this.
Oh, dear.
I really oughtn't to have
left him all alone like that.
Don't worry, darling.
We're nearly there.
That's funny. Who could
be calling at this hour?
- You don't think...
- No, that's not Archie's car.
You'll come in, won't you?
Yes, I think I'd better
have a look at your father.
Here, what about those?
We might as well
have left our visiting cards.
Hmm. They'll be gone in an hour
in this weather. Come on.
? Qui gardait ses moutons ?
? Qui gardait ses moutons ?
You were a little sharp.
And you were a little flat.
But my breakfast is in time,
and I'm ready for it.
You're better!
I told you last night
that my walk had done me good.
Well, I wasn't just
thinking of your headache.
I've been worried
about you for ages.
You're very observant, my dear,
but you've failed to observe
that there is no sugar.
Well, I'll get you some.
Do you notice anything else?
Yes, you've been fussing with
my paper. It's inside out.
- And?
- And I don't like it.
Oh, Daddy, please read it!
"'Ave Maria', beautifully rendered
"by Miss Margaret Heiss
as a violin solo,
"was the outstanding feature of
last night's sacred concert at St Peter."
Mmm!
We are already becoming famous,
but it should be on the front page.
I shall change my paper.
Ring the newsagent!
No, get me the editor!
Don't get excited, darling.
Wait for the evening papers.
Oh, you intend to be on the
front page of the evening papers?
Yes, Daddy.
With headlines?
And a photograph, maybe?
Yes, Daddy.
- Well, please ask me why!
- Why?
The Memorial Concert on Friday.
Vanetti asked the director
to listen to the broadcast,
and he did.
And he's including me
in the programme...
as soloist.
- You?
- Yes.
- With the British Symphony Orchestra?
- Yes.
Wow!
You've always believed, haven't you?
Yes, my dear.
They are very lucky to have you.
Are you sure there's
nothing in here about it?
No, I've looked at all the headlines.
We've just got to wait
for the evening papers.
Yes, and I have to
wait for my coffee,
because my daughter's a star,
and she won't bring me sugar, hmm?
Oh, heavens, the sugar!
Hello. Yes?
Yes, that's right.
Hold on, will you?
It's Scotland Yard.
Oh, it'll be Major Elliot,
still after my Dresden clock.
Heiss speaking.
Archie Fellowes? Yes, he was.
You can't mean that, surely?
Of course I'll come.
Major Elliot?
Oh, I know his room.
We are good friends.
Goodbye.
Come in.
Inspector Robson, sir.
I've tried to convince him
that I don't need
announcing at Scotland Yard.
Watch him, Robson,
or he'll buy the Rogues' Gallery from us
and sell it back to us
at a profit! Eh, you old villain?
No, I deal only in antiques.
The Rogues' Gallery
is very up to date.
We thank you.
All right, Robson.
- Sit down, won't you?
- Thank you.
- What have you got there?
- Oh, just something I picked up.
Well, what can I do for you, hmm?
Well, it's about
the Fellowes case.
I was wondering if you could
tell me anything about him.
Well, I employed him
as a shop assistant
until he bettered himself.
Know anything about his family?
I'm afraid not.
He must have had some, I think.
Yeah, rather imagine so.
I mean, er...
that legacy of his.
Yes.
Yes, where did that come from?
I believe he mentioned an aunt.
Oh, stop fiddling
with that string!
I wanted to make sure
it was safe.
It's rather valuable, you know.
Come in.
Mm-hmm.
Thank you, Johnson.
Did he tell you
about his aunt last night?
Hmm?
No, a few weeks ago.
I hope you didn't pay too much
for this inkwell.
- Oh, why?
- It's been damaged.
I don't believe it.
The inlay has been lifted
and badly replaced.
Still, it's worth
three or four pounds.
I gave fifteen for it.
From Plummer, eh?
Pity you changed your antique dealer.
No, I didn't. I...
just happened to see it, that's all.
You didn't see very clearly.
Well, anything else
I can tell you?
Yes. Did you see Archie Fellowes
last night or didn't you?
That is so.
- Which is?
- I didn't.
Well, when did you see him last?
Oh, last week, perhaps.
One o'clock.
- Ah, the Dresden clock, eh?
- No, much better than that.
Personal property
of Lady Hamilton.
And still in going order.
Oh, go on, go on. Undo it.
Well, if you insist...
Archie's death must have been
a bit of a shock, eh?
No.
I didn't expect him to live long.
The young fool would
drive that high-powered car.
He wasn't driving a car.
- He was dumped out of one, dead.
- So I understand.
You're about to turn
green with envy.
Oh...
Lovely movement.
You found the car, I suppose?
No, but we shall.
Well, how much
do you want for it?
Well, as you're
my very good friend...
fifty guineas.
Now, you forget
I'm your very good friend
and start again, will you?
Fifty pounds, then.
- I'll give you thirty.
- Fifty.
- Thirty-five.
- Fifty.
You never give
anything away, do you?
Not if I can help it.
Amusing creatures, aren't they?
- Yes.
- Hmm?
Just about as funny
as that policeman at the gate.
What do they know at the Yard?
Nothing definite.
They're just beginning
to smell around.
They do know
he was dumped out of a car,
- and they're looking for that car.
- Yeah, my car.
- Where is it?
- Outside.
Are you mad?
Now, listen to me.
Drive it out into the country,
leave it,
and get straight back to town.
- They'll still know it's my car.
- Naturally.
All you have to do
is walk into a police station.
- Me?
- Yes, you.
And report it stolen
early last night.
Yes, well, I don't happen
to like police stations.
For once, they will be
on your side, my friend.
Well, I hope you're right.
When do we meet again?
This is goodbye, Morris.
Good luck to you,
and don't lose your head.
D'you see that number?
Hello, headquarters.
Car 5G calling.
We're following EGP 826,
proceeding west
on Kingston Bypass, over.
Calling all cars, calling all cars,
EGP 826, heading west
on Kingston Bypass, over.
Hello, old boy.
Sorry to bother you again.
It is no bother.
But the price is still fifty pounds.
No, I haven't come
about the clock.
- As a matter of fact...
- I know, I know, I have it.
Your poker face
doesn't deceive me, Major.
- I know why you've come.
- Really?
You want to know why I've
murdered my ex-shop boy, right?
Wrong.
Well, then you want my
advice about something
you are buying
from another dealer.
Wrong again.
Come on, sit down.
As a matter of fact,
I want your help.
Oh.
I want to know something
about a friend of yours.
A friend of mine?
A man by the name
of Corder Morris.
Morris, Morris?
Oh, yes. Tall, dark,
bit on the thin side, right?
Mm-hmm.
An occasional customer.
Money, a little...
but no taste.
What makes you think
he's a friend of mine?
To be frank, we're guessing.
We found out that Morris
knew Archie Fellowes.
You also knew Archie Fellowes,
so it seemed likely that
you must know Morris.
Not bad!
Not bad at all!
Pretty clever fellows, you are.
Oh, all in the day's work,
you know.
But surely you don't
suspect Morris of the murder?
We suspect everyone.
That's our job.
What are you going to do?
Arrest him?
Good Lord, no.
We're policemen, not undertakers.
We don't prosecute dead men.
Morris, dead?
Yes, car smash.
Poor fellow, how horrible.
Is there something I can do?
Now, that's why I'm here.
He's got to be officially identified.
I thought you wouldn't mind.
It's just a formality, of course.
Of course.
I'm delighted to be of help.
Yes, I thought you would be.
Well, I'm sorry to rush you,
but I've got an appointment
at the Yard afterwards.
What, not another murder?
Oh, no, no. Same one.
Now, wait here,
would you, Driver?
- Good afternoon, sir.
- Good afternoon, Briggs.
- Is Robson here?
- He's inside, sir.
Smoke?
Er, no thanks.
I have a cigar.
- Ooh!
- Well?
- That's him!
- Good.
That's one of them.
I'd know him anywhere.
Would you recognise the
other one if you saw him?
Oh, I don't know.
Is he dead, too?
He's very much alive.
Oh, I don't want
to see any more.
You're not going
to see any more.
- I don't want to.
- Now, pull yourself together.
Get a grip on yourself.
- All right?
- Yes.
Come along, then.
Ah, Miss Towser, this is Mr Heiss.
Very pleased to meet you,
sir, I'm sure.
Please, sir, I wanna
go home now.
Please, sir, let me
go home now, sir.
Now, Ruby,
I won't keep you long.
Just a few more questions.
The man in there, he was
one of the men at the car?
Yes, sir.
And the other one,
what did he look like?
I couldn't rightly say, sir.
But you saw his face,
didn't you?
Yes, sir.
Well, then, was he...
Was he old or was he young?
He was a bit of both, sir.
Yeah.
Well, let's try it another way.
Can you think of anyone
he looked like?
Did he look like me, for instance?
Or the inspector here?
Or would you say
he looked like me?
Take a good look at all of us.
No, sir, I couldn't rightly say
he looked like
any of you gentlemen.
Well, this isn't getting us
much further, is it?
Now, will you come in now?
Thank you, my dear.
You've been very helpful.
Now, Dr Graham, according
to your earlier statement,
you last saw Archie Fellowes
on the night of the murder,
about seven o'clock.
That's right.
So far, you're the last
one to see him alive.
You had a violent quarrel with him.
Not exactly.
I should call it an argument.
Well, whatever
you call it, you assaulted him.
I clipped him on the jaw,
if that's what you mean.
And forcibly threw him out.
And he deserved it, too.
Now what caused this
friendly little argument?
I don't see what that's
got to do with his murder.
You're not expected to.
Answer the question, please.
Well, I'll put it another way.
I don't see what
it's got to do with you.
You're willfully
suppressing evidence.
I'm doing nothing of the sort.
Now, one moment, Inspector.
Now, Doctor, all this
may seem irrelevant,
but a lady friend of
Archie's seems to think
that he was too fond
of your fianc e.
Oh, it's all right.
Margaret's a friend of mine.
I'm sorry.
Well...
Well, the little rat said something
about Margaret I didn't like,
so I socked him.
I rather thought
it was something like that.
Well, what were your movements
after this little incident?
Well, I took Margaret
to St Peter's Church...
- Mm-hmm.
- We got back about ten, and, er...
I left her and walked home.
And meet anyone on the way?
No.
Anyone see you enter your home?
No.
And you didn't see Archie again?
No, I did not.
Well, thank you very much.
That's all.
I'm sorry to have kept you so long.
Good Lord!
Where'd you get this?
Why, Dr Graham?
Does it mean anything to you?
I suppose it's part of the stuff
Archie carried round in his pockets.
Oh, you've seen it before,
have you?
Well, I've seen
a lot of them out East.
That's not what he asked.
Have you seen this one before?
Well, it's hard to say.
They're not uncommon, you know.
Yeah.
Archie was interested
in antiques, wasn't he?
Not that I know of.
Really? I wondered.
So many of the Heiss treasures
were found in his flat.
Oh, well,
see you tomorrow at ten.
- Tomorrow?
- You don't mind, do you?
- No.
- Well, see you tomorrow.
Good day.
Well, sir?
He's lying, of course.
Now check up on that, will you,
and find out where it came from.
By tomorrow if possible.
Very good, sir.
Hello, Joe.
Any blow from Newmarket?
Oh, sixth.
Yes, right.
A fiver each way, Liza Mandy.
All right, all right,
I ain't got skates on.
- Mr Heiss back yet?
- He is.
And if it's anyone else you want to see,
there's nothing doing,
'cause she's bathing
for the concert.
Oh, there you are.
Look, an excellent
picture of Margaret.
And quite a bit
about the concert tonight.
- I know, I've seen it.
- Oh.
Nothing else?
For what else should I look?
Well, something that's been
in the news for several days,
the murder of Archie Fellowes.
Oh, a murder against a debut.
That's competition.
I've just come from Scotland Yard.
They seem to think I had
something to do with it.
You? Absurd.
Oh, I know.
I can clear all that up.
What I'm worried about is you.
Why me?
I wish I didn't have to tell you.
You're Margaret's father
and my friend and...
Go on.
Well, it's about Archie
coming back here that night.
Oh, that.
Elliot mentioned it to me, too.
- It's nonsense, of course.
- Is it?
Certainly.
I was here most of the time.
Surely I'd know if he came back.
That's the trouble, sir.
You do know.
What makes you think I'm lying?
Oh, dozens of things.
Archie's visits after his sudden legacy,
and the change in you.
You were worried out of your life.
Cracking up.
I could see that.
And Archie was getting impossible.
It came to a head that last
evening, when I threw him out.
Then you staged a headache.
Aren't you assuming quite a lot?
Are you asking me to
believe that a headache
would keep you
from Margaret's broadcast?
It didn't stop you
from having a visitor.
It didn't stop you
from going out, either.
I thought I had explained that.
It didn't seem to matter then,
but now this new thing...
What new thing?
The netsuke, the one
I brought back from the East.
I took it away from Archie
that evening,
and I put it on this mantelpiece.
Well then, it must still be there.
It's at Scotland Yard.
They found it in Archie's pocket.
I see.
That proves he came back here
when Margaret and I were at the church.
What else can it mean?
He did come back, didn't he?
Yes, he did come back.
It was blackmail.
You see,
part of my business has been
what you would probably
call a little unorthodox.
And Archie found out about it.
Yes, I'd begun to suspect that
from the way he behaved.
He never stopped hounding me.
Money, always money.
And, that night, he wanted more?
No.
He wanted Margaret.
Then I'd have killed him, too.
You see, Robert,
I'm not a violent man.
I did not plan it.
I did not ask him to come back.
But what are we going to do?
I mean, they'll question me
again about the netsuke.
What on Earth
am I going to tell them?
- The truth, of course.
- Oh you know I can't do that.
They will get it out of you somehow.
Not if I can help it.
They are cleverer than you are.
No, Robert, you must not
bring trouble on yourself.
It wouldn't help me or anyone.
They don't want to see me till
ten o'clock tomorrow morning.
Will you trust me?
I must think this out
for myself.
For all of us.
We've only till tomorrow.
Time enough.
And now, I'm afraid
I shall have things to do.
Goodbye, sir.
Robert.
About Margaret...
You mustn't worry, sir.
I'll take good care of her.
Always.
My friend.
My very good friend.
We'll wait.
They will be out in a minute.
Keep your head up,
little one, and smile.
What, feeling like this?
- Feeling like what?
- Petrified.
Oh, that's good.
What's good about being frightened?
If you weren't,
you would have no feeling.
If you had no feeling,
you wouldn't be my daughter.
If you weren't my daughter,
I wouldn't be your father.
How sad for both of us.
That's better.
Are you sure
you won't come with us?
No, I prefer to walk.
You don't mind?
Oh, darling, of course not,
just so long as you're there.
If you weren't, I...
I think I'd just fold up.
Margaret, I want you
to remember one thing.
It doesn't really matter
whether you always see me.
I shall always be there
when you're playing.
And now, they will be waiting
to hear a fine artist.
And to put the world at her feet.
Professor Vanetti.
Good evening, Mr Heiss.
Good evening, Margaret.
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
All that sounds wonderful,
but I think there's something
even more important.
What could be more important?
To be loved so much.
Oh, my little one.
But there is something else
very important.
That is not to be late.
Off with you.
Good luck!
God bless you, little one.
Heather, lady?
Buy a bunch of heather,
lady, please.
Like a bunch of heather, sir?
Heather, lady?
Lovely heather, sir.
Heather for luck, sir?
Heather for luck, sir?
Heather for luck?
- Luck, huh?
- Yes.
I take the lot.
Oh, bit big for your
buttonhole, ain t it?
Oh no. It isn't for me.
I've had my share of
luck, and no complaints.
My compliments, madame.
Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Heather for luck?
Heather for luck?
Lovely heather, ladies.
Who'll buy a bunch of nice heather?
On the left, sir.
Upstairs, sir, and to the right.
Are you alone, sir?
Yes, I'm afraid so.
As a matter of fact,
I'm supposed to be sitting
with some friends downstairs.
But I thought
a little peace and quiet.
I don't blame you, sir.
That's the way to
appreciate beautiful music.
Can I get you anything, sir?
Thank you. I'd like a
pair of opera glasses,
if you've got them.
Going to be a big night, sir.
The real thing!
What, you know already?
Oh, it's in the air.
You get to know
after forty years of it.
I've heard the best.
All of 'em, and a lot more.
Kreisler...
Elman...
Kubel?k...
Caruso.
That's the music of happiness, sir.
She'll do bigger things than that
when she's known
the other side of it.
And, when that happens,
she'll be there,
along with them.
I want you to do me a favour.
Excuse me, sir, there's
an old gentleman upstairs,
and he asked me to give you this.
Heart failure.
Nothing else?
No, I've been
expecting it for months.
I'll go and fetch the manager.
There won't be any fuss.
Thanks, I'll look after Margaret.
Our appointment tomorrow...
I'll be there.
It won't be necessary.
The case is closed.
Oh, it's you.
Certainly not. We have people here.
My daughter is playing.
Oh, I see.
Yes, then it must be tonight.
Come back in an hour.
I'm sorry, I...
What's wrong with Margaret?
You see, she will be a great artist.
Already, she's temperamental.
We'll be getting along now, Descius.
- Good night. Many thanks.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night, Mr Heiss.
- Good night.
Professor Vanetti.
I'll show you.
I've never known that
happen to Margaret before.
Oh, well, you never know
how it's going to take ya.
I told you to go home
an hour ago.
It was such beautiful music,
Mr Heiss.
So even you can feel
such music, huh?
Why, yes, Mr Heiss, even I.
Specially when
Miss Margaret plays it.
Yes.
Now, I told you to go home.
Now, do as you're told.
You know, it...
it must be wonderful
to be so beautiful
and so talented.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You heard what I said?
Here, take your hat.
- Good night, Mr Heiss.
- Good night.
Che cosa a facciare a quest' ora?
What do you want?
Tell Signore Vanetti
Mr Heiss is here.
But that's impossible.
Are you telling me I don't know
who I am? I am here!
Wait!
The signore is asleep.
I cannot wake him.
No? Well, I can.
Stop that noise! Please!
You see?
Well, Mr Heiss, what is it?
Vanetti, I must speak to you.
It's very important.
- I play good, huh?
- Hmm.
Somewhat late for such artistry.
Come in here.
Why do you call at this hour?
Why do you upset my daughter?
She's crying her eyes out at home.
- Well, that's good for her.
- I know that.
But you don't have to
do it this way.
Next time you stop
teaching her the violin
and start teaching her
to be a woman,
- you consult me first, you understand?
- Sit down, Mr Heiss.
Mr Heiss,
I want to be honest with you.
To teach your daughter, you paid me
much more than you need have done.
Oh, why not?
I charge you a little more
for the antiques I sell you.
So we are quits.
Why didn't you come tonight?
Did you forget such an
unimportant engagement?
I didn't forget.
But there was no point
in my coming.
There's really nothing more
I can do for Margaret.
I know she's good.
Her technique is excellent,
but there's no emotion.
What?! No emotion?
A daughter of mine, no emotion?
- The daughter of a Frenchman?
- That's your fault.
- You keep her surrounded by antiques.
- Oh, so I'm an antique now?
A young girl needs
contact with human beings.
Well, shall we move
into a holiday camp?
- Oh, don't evade the point.
- Very well, then. Advise me.
I could arrange for her
to complete her studies with Sobia.
Sobia?
- He's even greater than...
- Than I.
And he's a great psychologist.
He could turn Margaret from
a good player into a brilliant one.
- Well, then, take me to Sobia.
- He's in Paris.
Paris?
No, she can't go to Paris.
You could go with her.
Surely you would like to see
your own country again?
This is my country.
But you couldn't deny her?
I would deny her nothing.
I would give her the world,
but my world
does not include France.
So she will go on playing
just for your friends?
Not quite, signore.
Let me tell you...
She will be the finest violinist
England has ever heard.
Maybe Europe.
We will find another way to help her.
Forgive me for intruding.
Good night.
Oh! You young horror!
Stop prosecuting that cat!
You wouldn't half cop it
if the guv'nor saw ya.
You mind your own business.
I'll do as I like, see?
Not in my kitchen you don't.
Why, for two pins I'd...
- Funny place for asthma.
- Ooh!
Good morning.
Could I possibly see the proprietor?
As far as you're concerned,
I am the proprietor.
Oh.
I've had it all my life,
and my mother before me.
How much do you want for it?
I must have ten pounds.
Yes, at least ten.
Four.
But you don't understand.
I must have ten pounds.
You see, my daughter is...
Well, you'd better try somewhere else.
I think, if you don't mind,
I'll see if that gentleman
can give me a little more.
No, you can't go in there.
I'll ask him.
Thank you.
Good morning, sir.
No violin practice this morning?
She must have been very upset.
Er... What do you want?
- Oh. Whose is it?
- The old lady's.
She wants ten pounds for it.
I've said four.
Here, give her eight.
It's worth it.
Thank you, sir.
Four.
One moment!
My assistant misunderstood.
Such a beautiful box
is worth the ten pounds you asked.
Oh, thank you!
Thank you!
We will find a nice home for it.
I'm sure you will.
What is the meaning of this?
Well, I was only thinking
of your pocket, Mr Heiss.
And you think nothing
of my reputation?
- Well, I only thought that...
- Thought, thought, thought.
Think, think, think, think.
Have you no eyes?
Can you not see what it meant
for her to part with this?
Well, I was only trying
to be businesslike...
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Businesslike. Businesslike.
Very well, you shall be.
I told you eight pounds,
you offered her four,
so I had to give her ten.
I shall deduct my two pounds lost
from your salary,
half a crown a week.
And you are very lucky
I do not discharge you.
- Well, that was...
- Don't thank me.
I can't help being generous.
Hey, Robert!
- Hello, there.
- Where have you sprung from?
Now, where do you think?
- Birmingham?
- Birmingham?
The home of the Buddha.
Let me tell you, this is
a genuine Buddha from Burma.
Ah-ah. Birmingham.
It's been right round the world,
and now it's home again, like you.
And you are the very surprise
Margaret needs.
Surprise?
Didn't you get my telegram?
No.
- Has a telegram come?
- No, Mr Heiss.
Well, no matter.
Come, I'll announce you.
She'd be delighted to see you.
Margaret! Margaret!
The fleet's in!
Aren't you feeling well?
What, do you think I'm sick?
I'm a messenger of love.
Yes, dear, I know, but I'm
in a hurry. Robert's waiting.
- You know?
- Yes, I've just seen his taxi outside.
Ah, treason!
So, while my daughter
puts on the new dress
she doesn't think I know she bought,
you may show me the presents
you bought for me to buy.
Right.
Now, then. Any offers?
Certainly. I offer to
drop it quietly in the river.
I see. No sale.
Well, now, what about this?
One savage's blowpipe from Senegambia
and three poison darts to match.
Oh, don't touch 'em.
That shiny stuff on the point is curare.
Curare?
Oh, yes, the native poison
that produces heart failure.
That's right.
One scratch from that,
and you'll be selling St Peter
his golden gates.
In the meantime, I'm to sell
poison to my customers.
What else?
Well...
Oh, here's a nice little thing.
- Oh, a netsuke.
- Yes, it's Japanese.
I picked it up in Kobe.
Wonderful carving, isn't it?
You know,
it takes a lifetime to carve that.
Must be worth a bit, eh?
Only when it's genuine.
Oh.
- Anything wrong?
- No, no, no, no, no.
Well, cheer up.
What else have you got?
You know, I don't think
I was meant to deal in antiques.
Why, if it ain't Mr Robert!
Hello, Mrs Catt.
Still a doctor in the Navy?
Mm-hmm.
Cutting 'em up and sewing 'em up.
Well, if this ain't your lucky day.
I was at the hospital this morning,
with five doctors
lookin' at me feet.
One of 'em seizes me leg,
and what do you think he says?
Hello, my sweet.
No, he wasn't that kind of a...
- Robert...
- Oh, it's good to see you again.
You're more beautiful than ever.
- Is that your taxi tickin' up outside?
- It can wait.
- Where are we going?
- Anywhere.
Jove, you look terrific.
Shakespeare couldn't have
put it better.
- Will ten pounds do?
- Fine. What for?
- The netsuke. It's quite a good one.
- But you said...
Don't take any notice
of what the dealer says.
Watch his eye.
Watch his thumb.
And watch his daughter.
See that she takes care
of her new dress.
Sure.
Of course, it's a fine specimen,
but it strikes me that
seventy-five guineas is a bit steep.
Well, you won't find another
at that price.
Have a good time.
Well, it's certainly
what I've been looking for.
Are you quite sure there can be
no reduction in the price?
Quite sure.
Very well. I'll have it.
Lucky swine.
I beg your pardon?
Yes?
Where are you speaking from?
I see.
Very well.
Then, ten minutes.
What the devil?
Why are you still here?
Oh, I've just been marking up
the new stuff, Mr Heiss.
Been so busy today
I didn't have a chance.
But this gives you a chance
to run up a little overtime, huh?
I must say I can
do with it, Mr Heiss. I'm...
not exactly overpaid, you know.
You are paid exactly
what you are worth.
Now, be off with you.
Mr Heiss, would you, um...
would you tell me the price
you want to put on this?
Ask me in the morning.
- Why?
- I'd rather like to buy it.
You? Are you mad?
I'm reserving this
for a connoisseur.
Besides, you are here to sell,
not to buy.
Now, put your things away
and go home.
- And bring your head down.
- Down?
Out of the clouds, my boy.
Out of the clouds!
Good night, Mr Heiss.
What in the name of Heaven
are you doing out there?
Catching pneumonia, I shouldn't wonder.
Me lungs is something horrible.
Well, don't leave them
hanging about in the night air.
I told you to go home.
That you did, sir,
two hours afore me time.
Well, I forgot to tell ya
I left your supper in the fridge.
All right, all right.
Go on off now.
I can't stand you
moping about the place.
Well, you're not expected to.
I can't stand meself sometimes...
- Hello, Flo.
- Hello, dear.
How are ya?
Cynthia, I would prefer
not to reply.
I don't want to make
your lives miserable.
Good evening, Mrs Catt.
What'll it be? A drop of gin?
Yes, Mr Lovegrove, I think a drop
of gin would be perfectly safe.
- Would you like the news on, ladies?
- Ta, I'm sure.
And here is a police message.
A burglary took place an hour ago
at the home of Lady Castleton.
Jewellery of considerable value
is missing.
Will anyone having seen
suspicious activities
in the vicinity of Porchester Place...
The Porchester police job, eh?
Good, Morris.
What's good about it?
It's the nearest thing
I've ever been on.
I was as close to that cop
as I am to you.
You came straight here?
I have told you never to do that.
Well, I couldn't help it.
I had to talk to somebody.
Have you any idea what it means
to rob a house?
A very nice profit,
if you are wise.
Hmm.
The watching, the waiting,
and then the getting in.
Have you any idea
what that does to your nerves?
You should be covered by
government health insurance.
Yes. The other chap's got a gun,
you get shot.
Or the police are on you
before you know where you are,
then it's three years in jug.
No, thanks.
I'm giving it up.
You're right, Morris.
It's time we retired,
both of us.
Well, can't you take a joke?
It is no joke, when you start
to develop an imagination
and try to kill it with whisky.
It's dangerous.
I'll be all right tomorrow.
I wasn't serious.
But I am.
But you can't be.
We've known each other for years.
We're... We're partners.
I know, Morris,
but now I'm
dissolving the partnership.
Well, I've done my part
of the job, haven't I?
There're jobs I'd never have touched
without you behind me.
You can't just walk out like that.
I can, and so can you.
We agreed on that
when we started.
Well, maybe, but...
But why start something
you don't intend to finish?
Why?
Why?
I'll tell you, my friend.
I'll tell you something
I've never told a living soul before.
You see,
when I started in this business,
I felt society owed me a debt.
The law no longer
inspired my respect.
It had taught me you could be punished
when you were innocent.
You see this picture, Morris?
It is the one thing in this place
that is not for sale.
A small boy once lived there.
The town was very poor.
It was a hard winter.
A hungry winter.
The boy lived with his mother.
She was ill.
He heard her calling for fruit.
Fruit in mid-winter.
He contrived to get some,
not quite legally.
But, er...
when he got home,
his mother had no use for fruit.
He got fourteen months.
One month for
each year of his age.
Then, he drifted to Marseilles.
They were a tough lot,
but fourteen months in a French prison
is a good enough passport to hell,
and visa'd forever.
Then, one night,
there was a scuffle.
A drunken sea-captain was stabbed.
When the gendarmes caught them,
two of the boys had knives.
They were guillotined.
Our boy had never owned a knife.
Violence and death were
the two things he hated most.
He was sent to Devil's Island.
What happened then?
Then he escaped,
and got to England.
But flogging leaves its marks,
and our boy was to carry them
all his life.
Look.
Horrible!
You see, Morris? I, too,
have served my apprenticeship.
And that is why
I can never return to my country,
why it is unsafe for
my daughter to go there.
You mean...
she might find out?
She thinks of me
as an honest man.
I want her to go on thinking so.
You're safe enough here.
No, Morris.
Our business is never safe.
Life has cheated me.
I shan't let it cheat my daughter.
No, this is the time to stop.
I want to devote
the rest of my life to Margaret,
and maybe a few chickens.
So, you wanted to give us
a little fright, hein?
And it looks as if you succeeded.
Now, back to business.
That stuff you just brought in.
At a rough guess,
I would say five thousand.
- Five thousand?
- Take it or leave it.
But the stuff's not worth half that.
Would you insult me to my face?
Since when did I not know
the value of diamonds, hmm?
Thanks.
Why not use it
for a little holiday?
I'm told Ireland is
very good for the nerves.
I'd thought of that, too.
- I'll send you a postcard.
- No, don't.
Everyone reads them.
It's a national custom.
- So long, Morris.
- Thanks.
What are you doing here?
No harm in having a look round,
is there, Mr Heiss?
You've no business here,
and you know it.
What did you come back for?
I didn't come back, Mr Heiss.
You've been here?
All the time. I never left.
Then you can leave now.
At once. Do you hear?
Before I get annoyed.
You won't, Mr Heiss.
People like you can't afford
to get annoyed, Mr Heiss.
- Why, you young...
- Shut up. I'm doing the talking now.
I had a hunch
there was something fishy
about these
busy evenings of yours.
I've waited a long time for this,
Mr High and Mighty Heiss.
High-class dealer in antiques.
High-class fence.
Drop it.
That's right.
Much better let me do the talking.
Quite a change, too,
and I like it.
I must never presume to talk.
That was too good for a shop boy.
It was reserved for Mr Convict Heiss
and his family, wasn't it?
You'll be sorry for this, Archie.
My place was in the shop,
licking the boots of
your classy customers,
but you weren't so high-class
as a murderer, Mr Heiss.
They got you for that once,
didn't they?
And they'll get you again,
unless you're very, very careful.
What do you want from me?
I haven't quite made up my mind.
- But, Archie, I want some new earrings.
- Shut up!
You had a bracelet
last month, didn't ya?
Now, this is one of
the fastest cars on the road, sir.
Its performance is outstanding.
- Er, the price is a little high...
- No, the price doesn't matter.
I'll give you a thousand pounds now,
and the rest in the morning.
Thank you, sir.
Oh, I'm sorry, sir.
The shop's just closing.
The shop's never closed to me.
Now, tell the old man
I'm here, will you?
I'm afraid Mr Heiss is
on the phone at the moment, sir.
Okay, I'll wait.
Daddy! Daddy. Daddy.
What do you think?
I'm going to play at St Peter's.
- You are?
- The professor's arranged it.
They're having a sort of
sacred concert during Evensong.
I'm to play the "Ave Maria".
And, Daddy, what else do you think?
My head won't think twice
in one day, my sweetheart.
- It's going to be broadcast.
- Bravo!
Oh, just think of who'll be listening!
I know one who will be.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
I say, Archie!
Another new coat?
Do you like it?
Yes, but...
That legacy of yours
won't last forever, you know.
It'll last as long as I want it to.
Er...
I've been waiting to see you.
I got bored.
I wasn't expecting this pleasure.
I'll... I'll run along, Daddy.
I've got some letters to write.
I've told you not to
hang about here.
I'm like a stick of dynamite,
aren't I?
Simply no discretion.
Well, what is it this time?
Something special
for your new flat?
That's no business of yours.
I want five hundred pounds,
and I'll take it with me. Understand?
Perfectly. But there is something
you must understand.
I've paid heavily
for my indiscretion.
I've paid you
over and over again.
A price can be too high.
Not a price, Mr Heiss.
Call it an insurance...
against my dropping in
on the police one day.
They're interested in murders
and escaped convicts and fences.
And blackmailers, too.
They are hard on them
in this country.
No, my little Archie.
Go to the police,
if it amuses you,
as well now as later.
Good afternoon, Archie.
What if she got to know
about her precious father?
- You filthy little swine.
- That kind of talk won't help.
I want five hundred pounds.
Do I get it?
Um... Now that
you mention it, I...
I could do with
something new for the flat.
Um...
Radiogram, perhaps.
Picture's still not for sale,
I suppose?
We'll have to talk about it
next time.
Goodbye, Mr Heiss.
Goodbye.
One hundred and seventy-five,
I'm offered.
Come, gentlemen. Must I remind you
that this is a genuine Athenian piece,
dated six centuries BC?
Have you ever seen
finer craftsmanship?
- Two-fifty.
- Two hundred and fifty.
Any increase on that?
Two seventy-five?
- Four hundred.
- Four hundred.
Twenty-five?
Fifty?
Five hundred?
Five hundred pounds, I'm offered.
Any advance on that?
It's against you.
Sold for five hundred pounds.
Mr Plummer.
Now, gentlemen, we come
to lot number seventy-eight.
A rare medicine chest, said to have
been the property of Charles VI...
Hello, there!
Ah, Robert!
Still thinking of setting up
as my rival, huh?
I just dropped in to see the fun.
But you've let me down.
I never thought you'd let
Plummer off so cheaply.
Oh, that. It's risky.
Since when have you dodged a risk?
Not losing your nerve, are you?
Hmm. You can't afford nerves
in my business.
- Worried about anything?
- No. 'Course not.
Margaret says you've been
a bit off-colour lately.
Not sleeping too well,
and so on.
Margaret? You mean,
she's worried about me?
Yes, she has an idea that you've been
borrowing from Archie Fellowes.
Me? Borrowing from Archie?
Yes, it sounds absurd, I know, but...
Well, he keeps on calling in.
Well, why shouldn't he wish to buy
from his old employer?
And tell Margaret,
if I'm off-colour,
it's due to old age,
and not to Archie Fellowes.
Right you are, then.
Shall I get you a taxi?
No, no, I have an appointment.
It's not too far to walk.
- Run along, my boy.
- Goodbye.
Well, I can't see anything in it, myself.
No glamour.
I love glamour. Don't you?
Archie said that picture
meant everything to somebody.
And he got it for nothing.
Can you beat him?
How much longer will Archie be?
Archie? He never says.
He just tells me, "if anyone
drops in, try and entertain them."
Well, I'm... trying.
Well, well, well. Look who's here.
What a pleasant surprise.
You've been a long time.
Where have you been?
Business.
- What is this?
- More business.
Nice way to treat a lady!
And don't let the porter
get fresh with ya!
Now, what can I do for you,
Mr Heiss?
You can listen to a proposition.
My final proposition.
Oh, you don't say?
- You have to leave the country.
- Really?
Why?
Don't tell me Margaret's
beginning to cotton on.
We leave her out of this.
I'm willing to deposit
a sum of money in a bank,
to be paid to you
over a period of five years.
That's very generous of you.
The bank will be in Canada.
Supposing I don't like Canada?
Fifteen thousand pounds.
What do you say?
Oh, not bad.
Not bad at all.
I'll think it over
and let you know.
When?
Well, um... Tomorrow, maybe?
Say around seven?
Very well.
I'll expect you.
On second thoughts...
Yes?
Well, five years is a long time.
If you can make it
twenty thousand...
Yes, I might even do that.
I'm beginning to think
I shall like Canada.
That's sensible of you, Archie.
Hello there!
When did you get back from Ireland?
A few hours ago.
I was just on my way
round to see you.
I'm, er...
I'm onto a job.
But I don't suppose
you'd be interested.
No, and I doubt
if you'll be, either.
Why, what is it?
What's wrong?
Do you remember the last night
you came to the shop?
Yes, and how the kitten
scared us both. I remember.
It wasn't the kitten.
It was Archie Fellowes.
- Archie Fellowes?
- My shop boy.
Yes. Well, what about him?
He was there,
hidden behind a screen.
- You mean he heard?
- He heard everything.
And he's been
blackmailing me ever since.
Then he knows all about me, too.
Look, Heiss. I'm not
living in the same world
- Ssh!
- ...as a blackmailer.
I know a couple of chaps
that'll fix him.
I would never agree to that,
and you know it, Morris.
Don't be a fool. I'd think no more
of killing a blackmailer than a rat.
You forget I've been
through it all.
No, Morris.
I offered him a lump sum,
on condition he goes abroad.
- You think he'll go.
- I think so.
He may haggle over terms, but...
there is a good chance
he'll agree in the end.
Well, I hope you're right.
As much for his sake as ours.
But remember,
I promise you, Heiss, I won't live in
the same world as a blackmai...
Don't get excited, Morris.
It'll be all right.
Well, let me know.
- Hang the thing.
- Ooh, nervy, ain't ya?
You'll be passing out in the
middle of your piece, most likely.
I'll be all right
once we get to the church.
A nice drop of something'd
pull you together in no time.
I could fetch it from downstairs
if you like.
No, thanks. Here, fix this
for me, will you, please?
Ouch!
There, now,
me own nerves ain't too good, neither.
I always say a nice
drop of something...
The only time for a drop
is when you've finished your job.
I have finished, sir.
- Good. Then you may go downstairs.
- Yes, sir.
And keep an ear open for the doorbell.
I'm expecting a visitor.
Oh. Yes, sir.
How do I look?
Much too smart
for a country girl.
- Country girl?
- Yes, my little one.
I'm going to retire
and raise chickens.
You mean, leave the shop?
- I'm thinking of selling it.
- But why?
You've been speculating, Daddy?
Have you lost money?
Wiser men than I
have made mistakes.
But there will be something left.
Your studies will continue.
It's not me I'm thinking of.
It's you.
Everything you love is here.
It is wherever you are, my dear.
While you need me, I ask
no other place than that.
Well, I shall always need you.
Mmm, not always.
But now we have a job to finish.
We must see that a good artist
grows into a great one.
And maybe, for that,
a good country will be best.
Listen, my dear.
These are my plans.
They'll be down in a minute,
I shouldn't wonder.
- Okay, I'll make myself at home.
- Yes, sir.
You're not one of them
what has to wait to be asked.
- Oh, Mrs Catt, will you, er...
- Yes, 'course I will.
Will you be going
to the concert this evening?
'Course I will.
The shop's closed.
You know that.
The shop's never closed to me.
So, they chucked you
out of the Navy, eh?
Well, I'm waiting to be demobilised,
if that's what you mean.
- What are you here for?
- To see the old man, of course.
- Mr Heiss is busy.
- Tell him I'm here, will you?
Mr Heiss is busy.
It's important business.
Meaning I'm not?
- Well, that's a matter of opinion.
- Are you trying to be offensive?
If I were, you'd know it.
Okay.
Er... Still no sale
for the poison darts, I see.
You know, these ought to
come in handy in your profession.
If you happen to make a mistake, mmm.
The patient conks out
of heart failure
and no-one's any the wiser.
I suppose that's
meant to be funny?
Isn't it?
Hello!
I remember this.
- Still for sale, I suppose?
- Evidently.
I'll have it. Tell the old man
to chalk it up, will you?
- Would you mind putting that back?
- You keep your blasted hands off me.
Just because I had to serve
in the shop, you think I'm nobody.
So long as I'm here, you're going to
learn to mend your manners.
I'll have to teach you differently.
Like I've taught some other people.
- Meaning what?
- Margaret doesn't mind my manners.
- In fact, she's learned to like them.
- Why, you...
If you knew what's what, you'd go back
in the Navy and leave the coast clear.
I've been looking forward to this.
Come on, out. Out.
I won't forget this in a hurry.
Remember that!
Ah, Robert!
Margaret won't be a minute.
You haven't been bored with waiting?
Well, not exactly.
As a matter of fact,
I've just been having a go
at that ex-shop boy of yours.
- Archie?
- Mmm.
- What happened?
- I threw him out.
- Robert, you didn't...
- I did.
I'm afraid I socked him
into the bargain.
- You socked him?
- Mmm.
Hard?
Well, er... hard enough.
- What did he say?
- Well, he...
Robert, tell me...
Excuse me.
Hello!
Oh, yes, Archie.
Yes, I know.
I'm sorry to have missed you.
And never mind.
Tomorrow will do.
Tonight? That's impossible.
You see, I'm going out.
It's something I can't put off.
I'll be along in half an hour, see?
If you're not there,
I know where I can find you,
and I can talk as well
in a church as anywhere else.
Very well. I'll be here.
Good evening, Professor.
I'm not late, am I?
Oh, no.
There's plenty of time.
But it seems so strange that he'd
let a headache keep him at home.
It came on so suddenly.
There must be something
behind it all,
- and Robert, I'm frightened.
- I know, darling,
but try not to
worry about it now.
Come, now.
I'll show you your place.
Ah. Come in.
It's good you're punctual.
There are some details
to discuss about the trip.
I've been enquiring
about transport.
The French have a very good line.
Comfortable ships, I'm told,
and quite fast. Sit down.
You should be in Canada
in five or six days,
- and, once you're there...
- Shut up!
You can forget Canada.
I warned you, Archie.
That's all I'm prepared to do.
It's all I can do.
Tough, isn't it?
I could cry my eyes out.
That's why I'm gonna make things
easier for you, Mr Heiss.
What is it now?
All I want is the right kind
of opportunity.
You know, some sort of
position in life.
Little business, maybe.
- Business?
- Why not? Look at yours.
Wonderful opportunity.
Something to be proud of.
Old establishment,
classy client?le,
and a sideline that's
a real money-maker.
Might be run better, of course.
You know, you could do with
someone to share the responsibility.
- I see. You want a partnership.
- That's it.
What could be more natural
than to keep it in the family?
The family?
You know...
Something happened a little while ago
this evening that gave me a new idea.
I'm gonna marry Margaret.
You don't want Margaret.
You want my business.
I intend to have both.
- My daughter is engaged.
- Engagements can be broken off.
You've a lot of influence
over Margaret.
She'll do anything you say.
And what if I refuse?
If she knew the truth about you,
she'd marry me to keep me quiet.
Think it over.
Why aren't we listening to her?
We wouldn't want to
disappoint here, would we?
She'll marry me all right.
She won't like it,
just at first.
I'm not sure that I mind that.
Hey!
Hey, what's the matter with you?
Hey, you all right?
What...?
Well, you can't die on me now!
Come on, snap out of it!
That's better.
To lighten our
darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord,
and, by thy great mercy,
defend us from all perils
and dangers of this night...
Molto bene, Margarita!
You were excellent.
Your bow control could have
been better, but...
You are not staying
for the rest of the service?
I'm sorry, no. My father's
not well and he's all alone.
You'll explain to the vicar
for me, won't you?
And thank him
for letting me play.
Thanking him? He's a vicar
who should thank me.
- Thank you, my dear. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- You've brought your car?
- Well, you told me to.
And by telephone.
I had to break a rule.
I need your help, badly.
What's the matter?
Tough spot?
You don't have to
help me, you know.
You can slip off and forget it,
and no hard feelings.
Well, what about the tough spots
you've got me out of?
Come on, what is it?
We'll both hang
if they get on to this.
Oh, dear.
I really oughtn't to have
left him all alone like that.
Don't worry, darling.
We're nearly there.
That's funny. Who could
be calling at this hour?
- You don't think...
- No, that's not Archie's car.
You'll come in, won't you?
Yes, I think I'd better
have a look at your father.
Here, what about those?
We might as well
have left our visiting cards.
Hmm. They'll be gone in an hour
in this weather. Come on.
? Qui gardait ses moutons ?
? Qui gardait ses moutons ?
You were a little sharp.
And you were a little flat.
But my breakfast is in time,
and I'm ready for it.
You're better!
I told you last night
that my walk had done me good.
Well, I wasn't just
thinking of your headache.
I've been worried
about you for ages.
You're very observant, my dear,
but you've failed to observe
that there is no sugar.
Well, I'll get you some.
Do you notice anything else?
Yes, you've been fussing with
my paper. It's inside out.
- And?
- And I don't like it.
Oh, Daddy, please read it!
"'Ave Maria', beautifully rendered
"by Miss Margaret Heiss
as a violin solo,
"was the outstanding feature of
last night's sacred concert at St Peter."
Mmm!
We are already becoming famous,
but it should be on the front page.
I shall change my paper.
Ring the newsagent!
No, get me the editor!
Don't get excited, darling.
Wait for the evening papers.
Oh, you intend to be on the
front page of the evening papers?
Yes, Daddy.
With headlines?
And a photograph, maybe?
Yes, Daddy.
- Well, please ask me why!
- Why?
The Memorial Concert on Friday.
Vanetti asked the director
to listen to the broadcast,
and he did.
And he's including me
in the programme...
as soloist.
- You?
- Yes.
- With the British Symphony Orchestra?
- Yes.
Wow!
You've always believed, haven't you?
Yes, my dear.
They are very lucky to have you.
Are you sure there's
nothing in here about it?
No, I've looked at all the headlines.
We've just got to wait
for the evening papers.
Yes, and I have to
wait for my coffee,
because my daughter's a star,
and she won't bring me sugar, hmm?
Oh, heavens, the sugar!
Hello. Yes?
Yes, that's right.
Hold on, will you?
It's Scotland Yard.
Oh, it'll be Major Elliot,
still after my Dresden clock.
Heiss speaking.
Archie Fellowes? Yes, he was.
You can't mean that, surely?
Of course I'll come.
Major Elliot?
Oh, I know his room.
We are good friends.
Goodbye.
Come in.
Inspector Robson, sir.
I've tried to convince him
that I don't need
announcing at Scotland Yard.
Watch him, Robson,
or he'll buy the Rogues' Gallery from us
and sell it back to us
at a profit! Eh, you old villain?
No, I deal only in antiques.
The Rogues' Gallery
is very up to date.
We thank you.
All right, Robson.
- Sit down, won't you?
- Thank you.
- What have you got there?
- Oh, just something I picked up.
Well, what can I do for you, hmm?
Well, it's about
the Fellowes case.
I was wondering if you could
tell me anything about him.
Well, I employed him
as a shop assistant
until he bettered himself.
Know anything about his family?
I'm afraid not.
He must have had some, I think.
Yeah, rather imagine so.
I mean, er...
that legacy of his.
Yes.
Yes, where did that come from?
I believe he mentioned an aunt.
Oh, stop fiddling
with that string!
I wanted to make sure
it was safe.
It's rather valuable, you know.
Come in.
Mm-hmm.
Thank you, Johnson.
Did he tell you
about his aunt last night?
Hmm?
No, a few weeks ago.
I hope you didn't pay too much
for this inkwell.
- Oh, why?
- It's been damaged.
I don't believe it.
The inlay has been lifted
and badly replaced.
Still, it's worth
three or four pounds.
I gave fifteen for it.
From Plummer, eh?
Pity you changed your antique dealer.
No, I didn't. I...
just happened to see it, that's all.
You didn't see very clearly.
Well, anything else
I can tell you?
Yes. Did you see Archie Fellowes
last night or didn't you?
That is so.
- Which is?
- I didn't.
Well, when did you see him last?
Oh, last week, perhaps.
One o'clock.
- Ah, the Dresden clock, eh?
- No, much better than that.
Personal property
of Lady Hamilton.
And still in going order.
Oh, go on, go on. Undo it.
Well, if you insist...
Archie's death must have been
a bit of a shock, eh?
No.
I didn't expect him to live long.
The young fool would
drive that high-powered car.
He wasn't driving a car.
- He was dumped out of one, dead.
- So I understand.
You're about to turn
green with envy.
Oh...
Lovely movement.
You found the car, I suppose?
No, but we shall.
Well, how much
do you want for it?
Well, as you're
my very good friend...
fifty guineas.
Now, you forget
I'm your very good friend
and start again, will you?
Fifty pounds, then.
- I'll give you thirty.
- Fifty.
- Thirty-five.
- Fifty.
You never give
anything away, do you?
Not if I can help it.
Amusing creatures, aren't they?
- Yes.
- Hmm?
Just about as funny
as that policeman at the gate.
What do they know at the Yard?
Nothing definite.
They're just beginning
to smell around.
They do know
he was dumped out of a car,
- and they're looking for that car.
- Yeah, my car.
- Where is it?
- Outside.
Are you mad?
Now, listen to me.
Drive it out into the country,
leave it,
and get straight back to town.
- They'll still know it's my car.
- Naturally.
All you have to do
is walk into a police station.
- Me?
- Yes, you.
And report it stolen
early last night.
Yes, well, I don't happen
to like police stations.
For once, they will be
on your side, my friend.
Well, I hope you're right.
When do we meet again?
This is goodbye, Morris.
Good luck to you,
and don't lose your head.
D'you see that number?
Hello, headquarters.
Car 5G calling.
We're following EGP 826,
proceeding west
on Kingston Bypass, over.
Calling all cars, calling all cars,
EGP 826, heading west
on Kingston Bypass, over.
Hello, old boy.
Sorry to bother you again.
It is no bother.
But the price is still fifty pounds.
No, I haven't come
about the clock.
- As a matter of fact...
- I know, I know, I have it.
Your poker face
doesn't deceive me, Major.
- I know why you've come.
- Really?
You want to know why I've
murdered my ex-shop boy, right?
Wrong.
Well, then you want my
advice about something
you are buying
from another dealer.
Wrong again.
Come on, sit down.
As a matter of fact,
I want your help.
Oh.
I want to know something
about a friend of yours.
A friend of mine?
A man by the name
of Corder Morris.
Morris, Morris?
Oh, yes. Tall, dark,
bit on the thin side, right?
Mm-hmm.
An occasional customer.
Money, a little...
but no taste.
What makes you think
he's a friend of mine?
To be frank, we're guessing.
We found out that Morris
knew Archie Fellowes.
You also knew Archie Fellowes,
so it seemed likely that
you must know Morris.
Not bad!
Not bad at all!
Pretty clever fellows, you are.
Oh, all in the day's work,
you know.
But surely you don't
suspect Morris of the murder?
We suspect everyone.
That's our job.
What are you going to do?
Arrest him?
Good Lord, no.
We're policemen, not undertakers.
We don't prosecute dead men.
Morris, dead?
Yes, car smash.
Poor fellow, how horrible.
Is there something I can do?
Now, that's why I'm here.
He's got to be officially identified.
I thought you wouldn't mind.
It's just a formality, of course.
Of course.
I'm delighted to be of help.
Yes, I thought you would be.
Well, I'm sorry to rush you,
but I've got an appointment
at the Yard afterwards.
What, not another murder?
Oh, no, no. Same one.
Now, wait here,
would you, Driver?
- Good afternoon, sir.
- Good afternoon, Briggs.
- Is Robson here?
- He's inside, sir.
Smoke?
Er, no thanks.
I have a cigar.
- Ooh!
- Well?
- That's him!
- Good.
That's one of them.
I'd know him anywhere.
Would you recognise the
other one if you saw him?
Oh, I don't know.
Is he dead, too?
He's very much alive.
Oh, I don't want
to see any more.
You're not going
to see any more.
- I don't want to.
- Now, pull yourself together.
Get a grip on yourself.
- All right?
- Yes.
Come along, then.
Ah, Miss Towser, this is Mr Heiss.
Very pleased to meet you,
sir, I'm sure.
Please, sir, I wanna
go home now.
Please, sir, let me
go home now, sir.
Now, Ruby,
I won't keep you long.
Just a few more questions.
The man in there, he was
one of the men at the car?
Yes, sir.
And the other one,
what did he look like?
I couldn't rightly say, sir.
But you saw his face,
didn't you?
Yes, sir.
Well, then, was he...
Was he old or was he young?
He was a bit of both, sir.
Yeah.
Well, let's try it another way.
Can you think of anyone
he looked like?
Did he look like me, for instance?
Or the inspector here?
Or would you say
he looked like me?
Take a good look at all of us.
No, sir, I couldn't rightly say
he looked like
any of you gentlemen.
Well, this isn't getting us
much further, is it?
Now, will you come in now?
Thank you, my dear.
You've been very helpful.
Now, Dr Graham, according
to your earlier statement,
you last saw Archie Fellowes
on the night of the murder,
about seven o'clock.
That's right.
So far, you're the last
one to see him alive.
You had a violent quarrel with him.
Not exactly.
I should call it an argument.
Well, whatever
you call it, you assaulted him.
I clipped him on the jaw,
if that's what you mean.
And forcibly threw him out.
And he deserved it, too.
Now what caused this
friendly little argument?
I don't see what that's
got to do with his murder.
You're not expected to.
Answer the question, please.
Well, I'll put it another way.
I don't see what
it's got to do with you.
You're willfully
suppressing evidence.
I'm doing nothing of the sort.
Now, one moment, Inspector.
Now, Doctor, all this
may seem irrelevant,
but a lady friend of
Archie's seems to think
that he was too fond
of your fianc e.
Oh, it's all right.
Margaret's a friend of mine.
I'm sorry.
Well...
Well, the little rat said something
about Margaret I didn't like,
so I socked him.
I rather thought
it was something like that.
Well, what were your movements
after this little incident?
Well, I took Margaret
to St Peter's Church...
- Mm-hmm.
- We got back about ten, and, er...
I left her and walked home.
And meet anyone on the way?
No.
Anyone see you enter your home?
No.
And you didn't see Archie again?
No, I did not.
Well, thank you very much.
That's all.
I'm sorry to have kept you so long.
Good Lord!
Where'd you get this?
Why, Dr Graham?
Does it mean anything to you?
I suppose it's part of the stuff
Archie carried round in his pockets.
Oh, you've seen it before,
have you?
Well, I've seen
a lot of them out East.
That's not what he asked.
Have you seen this one before?
Well, it's hard to say.
They're not uncommon, you know.
Yeah.
Archie was interested
in antiques, wasn't he?
Not that I know of.
Really? I wondered.
So many of the Heiss treasures
were found in his flat.
Oh, well,
see you tomorrow at ten.
- Tomorrow?
- You don't mind, do you?
- No.
- Well, see you tomorrow.
Good day.
Well, sir?
He's lying, of course.
Now check up on that, will you,
and find out where it came from.
By tomorrow if possible.
Very good, sir.
Hello, Joe.
Any blow from Newmarket?
Oh, sixth.
Yes, right.
A fiver each way, Liza Mandy.
All right, all right,
I ain't got skates on.
- Mr Heiss back yet?
- He is.
And if it's anyone else you want to see,
there's nothing doing,
'cause she's bathing
for the concert.
Oh, there you are.
Look, an excellent
picture of Margaret.
And quite a bit
about the concert tonight.
- I know, I've seen it.
- Oh.
Nothing else?
For what else should I look?
Well, something that's been
in the news for several days,
the murder of Archie Fellowes.
Oh, a murder against a debut.
That's competition.
I've just come from Scotland Yard.
They seem to think I had
something to do with it.
You? Absurd.
Oh, I know.
I can clear all that up.
What I'm worried about is you.
Why me?
I wish I didn't have to tell you.
You're Margaret's father
and my friend and...
Go on.
Well, it's about Archie
coming back here that night.
Oh, that.
Elliot mentioned it to me, too.
- It's nonsense, of course.
- Is it?
Certainly.
I was here most of the time.
Surely I'd know if he came back.
That's the trouble, sir.
You do know.
What makes you think I'm lying?
Oh, dozens of things.
Archie's visits after his sudden legacy,
and the change in you.
You were worried out of your life.
Cracking up.
I could see that.
And Archie was getting impossible.
It came to a head that last
evening, when I threw him out.
Then you staged a headache.
Aren't you assuming quite a lot?
Are you asking me to
believe that a headache
would keep you
from Margaret's broadcast?
It didn't stop you
from having a visitor.
It didn't stop you
from going out, either.
I thought I had explained that.
It didn't seem to matter then,
but now this new thing...
What new thing?
The netsuke, the one
I brought back from the East.
I took it away from Archie
that evening,
and I put it on this mantelpiece.
Well then, it must still be there.
It's at Scotland Yard.
They found it in Archie's pocket.
I see.
That proves he came back here
when Margaret and I were at the church.
What else can it mean?
He did come back, didn't he?
Yes, he did come back.
It was blackmail.
You see,
part of my business has been
what you would probably
call a little unorthodox.
And Archie found out about it.
Yes, I'd begun to suspect that
from the way he behaved.
He never stopped hounding me.
Money, always money.
And, that night, he wanted more?
No.
He wanted Margaret.
Then I'd have killed him, too.
You see, Robert,
I'm not a violent man.
I did not plan it.
I did not ask him to come back.
But what are we going to do?
I mean, they'll question me
again about the netsuke.
What on Earth
am I going to tell them?
- The truth, of course.
- Oh you know I can't do that.
They will get it out of you somehow.
Not if I can help it.
They are cleverer than you are.
No, Robert, you must not
bring trouble on yourself.
It wouldn't help me or anyone.
They don't want to see me till
ten o'clock tomorrow morning.
Will you trust me?
I must think this out
for myself.
For all of us.
We've only till tomorrow.
Time enough.
And now, I'm afraid
I shall have things to do.
Goodbye, sir.
Robert.
About Margaret...
You mustn't worry, sir.
I'll take good care of her.
Always.
My friend.
My very good friend.
We'll wait.
They will be out in a minute.
Keep your head up,
little one, and smile.
What, feeling like this?
- Feeling like what?
- Petrified.
Oh, that's good.
What's good about being frightened?
If you weren't,
you would have no feeling.
If you had no feeling,
you wouldn't be my daughter.
If you weren't my daughter,
I wouldn't be your father.
How sad for both of us.
That's better.
Are you sure
you won't come with us?
No, I prefer to walk.
You don't mind?
Oh, darling, of course not,
just so long as you're there.
If you weren't, I...
I think I'd just fold up.
Margaret, I want you
to remember one thing.
It doesn't really matter
whether you always see me.
I shall always be there
when you're playing.
And now, they will be waiting
to hear a fine artist.
And to put the world at her feet.
Professor Vanetti.
Good evening, Mr Heiss.
Good evening, Margaret.
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
All that sounds wonderful,
but I think there's something
even more important.
What could be more important?
To be loved so much.
Oh, my little one.
But there is something else
very important.
That is not to be late.
Off with you.
Good luck!
God bless you, little one.
Heather, lady?
Buy a bunch of heather,
lady, please.
Like a bunch of heather, sir?
Heather, lady?
Lovely heather, sir.
Heather for luck, sir?
Heather for luck, sir?
Heather for luck?
- Luck, huh?
- Yes.
I take the lot.
Oh, bit big for your
buttonhole, ain t it?
Oh no. It isn't for me.
I've had my share of
luck, and no complaints.
My compliments, madame.
Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Heather for luck?
Heather for luck?
Lovely heather, ladies.
Who'll buy a bunch of nice heather?
On the left, sir.
Upstairs, sir, and to the right.
Are you alone, sir?
Yes, I'm afraid so.
As a matter of fact,
I'm supposed to be sitting
with some friends downstairs.
But I thought
a little peace and quiet.
I don't blame you, sir.
That's the way to
appreciate beautiful music.
Can I get you anything, sir?
Thank you. I'd like a
pair of opera glasses,
if you've got them.
Going to be a big night, sir.
The real thing!
What, you know already?
Oh, it's in the air.
You get to know
after forty years of it.
I've heard the best.
All of 'em, and a lot more.
Kreisler...
Elman...
Kubel?k...
Caruso.
That's the music of happiness, sir.
She'll do bigger things than that
when she's known
the other side of it.
And, when that happens,
she'll be there,
along with them.
I want you to do me a favour.
Excuse me, sir, there's
an old gentleman upstairs,
and he asked me to give you this.
Heart failure.
Nothing else?
No, I've been
expecting it for months.
I'll go and fetch the manager.
There won't be any fuss.
Thanks, I'll look after Margaret.
Our appointment tomorrow...
I'll be there.
It won't be necessary.
The case is closed.