The Wicked Lady (1945) Movie Script

? One lovely day, tra-la-la-la ?
? Love comes your way
Tra-la-la-la ?
? Gallant and gay Tra-la-la-la ?
? Love steals your heart ?
- ? Then, when you meet ?
- ? Tra-la-la-la ?
- ? Heaven's at your feet ?
- ? Tra-la-la-la ?
- ? Life is complete ?
- Tra-la-la ?
? When love steals your heart ??
You're such a child, Caroline.
I sometimes wonder if it's fair
to marry you till you're old
enough to know your own mind.
- Oh, I'm 19. - You've seen so
little of the world and other
men.
What if you find later on
you've made a mistake?
I shan't.
You should hear what
your tenants say of you, Ralph.
Look how good you are
to your poor relations.
I can't imagine any other man
putting up with Cousin Agatha
and the twins bickering all day
long.
You're the one who
has to bear the brunt of that.
Nothing I do could repay
all you did for me...
when I first came
after Father died.
You were a forlorn little thing.
I was lonely and frightened.
You understood so well.
I only wish all my investments
paid such a handsome dividend.
- Look at the way you run my
house. - I believe that's why
you're marrying me.
- You're not in love with me,
you know. - Oh?
I'm -- I'm not the demonstrative
sort...
but... I'm very, very fond of
you.
That's because you're used to
me.
Because we agree about most
things. But that's not love.
Then I'm afraid
I'll never be in love.
I don't know
what I'd do without you.
- Moll, please let me pass. -
All in good time, Cousin Agatha.
All in good time.
Don't behave like children,
you silly old women.
- "Old"?
- You heard what I said.
- We're not as old --
- As you are.
- And if we'd a name like
"Trimble" -- - We'd change it.
Aunt Doll and Moll, I told you
not to tease Cousin Agatha.
- Well, uh --
- It's like this, Caroline.
- There's a letter for you in the library.
- Oh, we wanted to tell her!
She's coming! Barbara's coming
to be my maid of honor!
- Is she --
- Pretty?
Pretty's too tame a word for
her.
She has the most beautiful eyes
I've ever seen.
- Green, like emeralds.
- Cats have green eyes.
I don't like cats.
Barbara's always been my dearest
friend. We're more like sisters
than cousins.
Uncle Martin's a little dull,
like most merchants in the
city...
and Aunt Beatrice
is very straitlaced...
but Barbara is always one
for excitement.
When we were children, she made
everything seem like an
adventure.
She may have changed, you know.
People do in five years.
Oh, you wait till you see her.
She'll take your breath away.
- Caro!
- Barbara, darling!
I can't believe it!
Let me look at you.
Oh, it's been ages since we met.
You haven't changed.
Not really.
And your eyes are still green.
Oh. Oh, Ralph,
this is Barbara.
- Barbara, Ralph.
- Charmed.
Charmed.
Doesn't she take your breath
away?
Uh -- Well, I --
Oh, Caro, don't.
You embarrass him.
My happiness is complete. The
two people I love most in the
world.
Come, Barbara. You must be
exhausted after your journey.
We'll see you at dinner.
When you're married, you can
have everything you want.
You can fill this house
with amusing people.
You can go to London
and become a famous hostess.
I don't think Ralph
would care for that.
Oh, a clever woman can make
her husband do as she likes.
But if a woman truly loves her
husband, she'd rather do as he
likes.
Still the same
self-sacrificing little ninny.
You ought to have been sent to
live with Aunt Beatrice and
Uncle Martin.
I ought to have come here.
Fasten my bodice, will you?
Poor Barbara. Has it been so
very dull for you?
Dull, respectable, commonplace.
I loathe it.
All Aunt Beatty thinks about...
is what's going to happen to us
when we're dead.
If I can't live while I'm alive,
I'll go mad.
Oh, this is a lovely gown.
So are all the others.
I had them specially made
to come here.
Of course, Aunt Beatty
disapproved, but I got round
Uncle Martin.
He even let me have
dancing lessons...
and he took me to the theater
to see the play.
The king was there
with the Duchess of Portsmouth.
Everybody stared at her.
That's what I want --
to be envied and admired.
We'll have to find you
a nice husband.
But I'm afraid all the
landowners round here are
married...
except for Ralph.
No, not like that. Gracefully.
Then I curtsy.
You raise me up...
- and then we kiss.
- We what?
All fashionable dances
nowadays end with a kiss.
I fear I'll make no dancer.
Good morning. I expected to have
the park to myself at this early
hour.
I always visit the Home Farm
before breakfast.
I didn't know.
Barbara, I wish you hadn't
chosen Fleury. He's wild and
dangerous.
I like danger.
I believe you do.
You're very serious.
Would you rather ride alone?
Oh, no, indeed not.
Forgive me. I was thinking.
Then I must be looking very
plain.
You look lovely.
Help!
Ralph, help! He's bolted!
Ralph, help me, help me!
Keep clear of the trees!
Keep clear of the trees!
Come on, Fleury!
Come on!
Now!
Barbara! Barbara!
Ralph.
- It's very beautiful.
- Beautiful.
Beautiful.
- What are you sniveling about?
- It makes us think how
different things might have been--
For us.
You shouldn't put your
veil on --
Before the fatal day.
I'm not superstitious.
Ralph's a lucky man.
I'm the lucky one.
You love him very much,
don't you, my dear?
Yes.
Very much.
Caroline, I must
speak to you... alone.
Why, of course.
You don't mind, do you?
I certainly do,
but if we're not wanted --
- Can't we stay --
- And hear what it's about?
We might as well be serving
wenches or dressmakers. Come
along, girls.
- Oh, and it's sure to be --
- Something exciting!
What is it, Barbara?
What is it,
darling? What's the
matter?
- I must go. I can't stay here.
- Why? What's happened?
Don't ask me. I've got to go
before it's too late.
I mustn't ever see him again.
"Him"?
Is it...
something to do with Ralph?
We couldn't help ourselves. It
was stronger than either of us.
- Tell me what's happened.
- Ralph and I love each other.
We love each other!
- H-He told you?
- Yes.
Yes, but he didn't have to tell
me. I knew.
What am I going to do?
Oh, you don't have to worry.
He'll marry you.
We've agreed I must go away.
Ralph, are you in love
with Barbara?
Caroline, my dear, I -- I --
Well, I suppose I must be.
I'm attracted by her.
Dazzled by her.
You love her, Ralph.
I -- I think I've known it
ever since she came here.
- But if you felt that, then --
- I tried to persuade myself
it wasn't true, but...
well, now I can't
pretend anymore.
Oh, God.
I've tried to fight against it.
There are some things...
they just happen.
No one can fight against them.
You never pretended
you were in love with me.
- Caroline, please.
- Nor I with you.
We were just...
fond of each other.
Just give me time to get over
it.
Everything will be all right.
After the wedding, we'll go away
for a while and --
Oh! Forgive me.
I should like to leave at once.
If the coach could be ordered --
It isn't necessary. Ralph is
free to marry the one... he
loves.
Caroline!
Caro, darling, as if I could
accept such a sacrifice.
Why, I'd rather break
my own heart than --
No hearts are going to be
broken.
Ralph and I
have never been in love.
But the wedding --
Everything's arranged.
It can still take place,
but with a different bride.
- Caroline, it's unthinkable.
- Why?
- Apart from your feelings,
the-the scandal. - There'll be a
scandal anyway.
You may as well
get it all over at once.
As for my feelings...
my vanity may be hurt,
but what's that compared...
to what might've happened
if you'd --
If we'd found out too late?
I --
I hope you'll make each other
very, very happy.
- Caroline, where are you going?
- To pack.
I'm the one
who needs the coach now.
I'll go after her.
- Caro!
- Yes?
- You mustn't go away.
- But I can't stay here now.
But think what Ralph's enemies
will make of it.
They'll say he broke your heart.
If you've any feeling for him,
even if it's only gratitude, you
won't leave him now.
He'll never live it down.
All right. I'll stay.
Not only that,
I'll be your maid of honor.
- That ought to stop all gossip.
- Oh, thank you, Caro.
Oh, look how I'm dressed.
Isn't it ridiculous?
You can wear this too
if you like.
Wear that?
I wouldn't be buried in it.
Well, Barbara,
this is a proud day for me.
- Thank you, Uncle Martin.
- Sir Ralph's a fine man.
You must love him very much.
How could one fail to love
a man as rich as he is?
That's no way to jest
on your wedding day.
Our sense of humor
always differed.
Barbara, I know how deeply
you loved your mother...
how cruel a blow it was
when she was taken from you.
She was everything to me.
The only person
I've ever really cared for.
You may be sure she's watching
you with happiness today.
This is her broach.
Oh! Let me see it.
It was her dying wish that I
should give it to you on your
wedding day.
It's beautiful.
I'll never part with it.
It means more to me
than the Skelton diamonds...
Maryiot Cells, anything.
She's lovely!
Dearly beloved,
we are gathered together...
here in the sight of God...
and in the face of this
congregation to join together
this man and this woman...
in holy matrimony...
an honorable estate
instituted of God...
in the time of man's
innocency...
signifying unto us the mystical
union that is betwixt Christ --
Oh, dear.
I trust the dance
was to your satisfaction.
Oh, come, my dear. Mustn't be
jealous of our new
sister-in-law.
It's the privilege of every man
to claim a dance and a kiss from
the bride.
I need a hundred pairs of feet
and as many mouths to fulfill my
obligations.
Perhaps you could ask
Caroline to help you.
- After all, you two have shared
so much. - Henrietta --
Ralph, you mustn't be angry
with your sister.
No woman can bear it if her
husband finds another more
attractive.
- Can she, Henrietta? - Lady
Skelton, would you do me the
honor?
?? Forgive me, but --
"But"?
But of course.
Who are you?
The man who would've married
you, had we met yesterday.
You're very bold, sir.
You are the most exciting woman
I've ever met.
I fell in love with you
in the church...
as you were being led
to the altar with another man.
Jesting's in bad taste.
It's no jest that for the rest
of my life I shall find no other
woman...
who can stir my pulse or tear at
my heartstrings as you.
I believe you mean what you say.
Look at Barbara.
- It's high time she was
prepared for the marriage bed. -
But --
You and the bridesmaids
must take her upstairs.
Must I? Couldn't they... manage
without me?
No, child.
You're the maid of honor.
Don't let them guess now.
Kiss the bride! Kiss the bride!
- Barbara, it's time to go --
- To the bridal chamber.
Come along, Barbara. You mustn't
keep your husband waiting.
- It's your bedtime.
- I don't want to go to bed.
I want to go on dancing
and enjoy myself.
You don't have to dance
to enjoy yourself!
Oh! The bridal chamber!
Oh, Barbara,
don't you feel terrified?
Just look at that bed!
- The very blankets edged with
satin. - They don't look very
warm.
I warrant Barbara
won't feel the cold tonight.
Are you ready for the fray,
you lucky hound?
Don't be bashful. Knock.
- Oh.
- Go on. Say it, Caroline.
Your bride awaits you.
Oh, a very handsome man
was Lord Rashley.
Buried in the West Indies.
Married to --
- - Married to
a cousin on my father's side.
A lovely creature. Now, when I
say "cousin," I don't exactly
mean --
It's the east wind.
Always brings on
the Skelton cough.
Well, as I was saying,
she wasn't exactly my cousin.
My father and her stepmother
were cousins once removed.
I've been working it out.
She's no relation at all.
What do you mean?
Of course she's my cousin.
She was your father's
stepmother's cousin.
Once removed.
If she was a dozen times
removed, she's still my cousin.
Barbara, I appeal to you.
- Leave us.
- Yes, milady.
Those stupid old hens!
They're driving me insane!
There's no end
to their dreary bickering.
You've too much time on your
hands. If you took over the
housekeeping --
Caro, darling,
don't start that again.
Oh, but I must.
You asked me to stay
until you got used to it.
- That was more than six months
ago. - I couldn't do it.
- You haven't even tried.
- I can't swim, but I know it
without jumping in the river.
- - Well,
Hogarth? What do you want?
I came to fetch a coat
for the footman Thomas, my lady.
"Behold, I have caused
thine iniquity...
to pass from thee...
and I will clothe thee...
with a change of raiment."
Zechariah, chapter 3, verse 4.
Spare the quotation for your
servants' bible class, Hogarth.
Very well, my lady.
- Oh, Hogarth?
- My lady?
I want the key to the room
at the end of the south wing.
But my lady,
that room hasn't been used...
since we discovered the secret
passage leading to the park.
It was last occupied
by Sir Ralph's uncle, old --
I didn't ask for a history
of Maryiot Cells, Hogarth...
but for a key.
Very good, my lady.
Thank you.
Come, Caroline.
- Barbara, what on earth -- -
Now, don't you try and thwart me
too.
"Vanity of vanities,
saith the preacher.
All is vanity."
Ecclesiastes, chapter 1, verse
Or is it 3?
I don't like this room.
It's cold, clammy.
It'll be all right when it's
been cleaned and aired.
Have it done for me, Caro,
so that I can move in soon.
- I'm sure Ralph won't want to.
- Well, that's the idea.
Don't look so shocked.
It's quite fashionable nowadays
for husbands and wives to have
separate rooms.
- Ralph isn't a fashionable
person. - More's the pity.
He might take me to London
and give me a good time.
But he did take you,
on your honeymoon.
For a whole week,
to stay with Kingsclere...
and that patronizing fool
of a wife of his, Henrietta.
I want to live
in the fashionable world.
I want to be admired
and talked about.
I've got brains and looks
and personality.
I want to use them instead of
rotting in this dull hole.
"Dull"? With Ralph?
Oh, come, my sweet.
Even you must admit
he isn't exactly exciting.
But if you're in love
with someone --
Barbara, you are still in love
with Ralph, aren't you?
Yes, of course, silly.
But one can't spend all one's
time billing and cooing.
Let's change the subject.
What about the secret passage?
Where is it?
- There. - Oh, why wasn't I told
about this before?
- Come on. Let's explore.
- I haven't got time.
You better have it boarded up.
You might get unwelcome
visitors.
Wouldn't it be useful
if I had a lover?
Now I have shocked you.
I was only teasing.
I never know when you're joking.
- I've got to get the
Kingscleres' room ready. - Oh,
always the Kingscleres.
- He's a bore, and I hate
Henrietta. - Barbara! Why?
I'll never forgive her for the
things she said at my wedding.
Henrietta!
How lovely to see you again.
Thank you, my dear. But Ralph,
you've taken away her sparkle.
It's hard to believe that six
months could have changed you so
much.
I used to quite envy you. You
used to look so young and
lovely.
Is it only six months? Then it
must be the journey that's tired
you out.
- Traveling makes one look so
bedraggled. - Um, H-Henrietta...
- what's the latest from London?
- It's been a brilliant season.
Really exciting.
Never an evening at home.
Oh, poor Henrietta.
No wonder you look so worn.
Don't worry about me, darling. I
think I'd rather look worn than
dull.
There's a new card game...
called ombre sweeping the town.
- The king's taken it up. - As a
change from "find the lady"...
but I don't suppose you've ever
heard of it down here.
Oh, on the contrary.
I play it regularly.
- Uh, but -- - In that case, we
must test your skill.
It may cost you more
than you care to lose.
For a regular player,
you play a very irregular game.
Fortune hasn't smiled on me yet.
No, I should say her
expression's definitely a leer.
Why don't you stop, Barbara?
Your luck may change tomorrow.
Tomorrow you leave. At least
give me the chance to recover.
Certainly, darling.
After all, it's only midnight.
In London, that's when
we begin to wake up.
Well, I'm no Londoner.
I'm for bed.
There's no need
to wait for me tonight.
I hadn't forgotten.
Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
My dear,
why do you two sleep apart?
Perhaps because
in one's own room...
it's easier to mind
one's own business.
Your play, I think.
Oh. Ralph, I --
I forgot these things
of Barbara's.
Oh -- Oh, yes. Of course.
I -- I hear it's quite
the fashionable thing...
for husbands and wives
to have separate rooms.
Indeed.
Ralph,
wouldn't it be a good idea...
if you took a house in London
and did some entertaining?
"Good"? For whom?
Well, it is rather dull to bury
yourself in the country all the
year...
and Barbara would make
a wonderful hostess.
No, Caroline. What do you
suppose would happen here if I
were away?
Neglect and injustice. All the
things I've been striving for,
swept aside.
Good night, Caroline.
Good night.
Had enough, my dear? Or would
you like to stake your wedding
ring too?
- Oh. Oh. - Don't look so
guilty, Kingsclere.
Barbara knew we
were seasoned gamesters.
Yes, my dear, but I can't help
thinking old Ralph won't like
it.
He'll thank us if it teaches
Barbara to be content with
housekeeping...
and other wifely pursuits.
I'll play you for this
against everything you've won.
Haven't you learned
your lesson yet?
Mustn't do it, Hetty. Not fair.
How many games shall we play?
I'll stake it on a single turn
of the cards.
Cut.
Queen.
King.
Hmm. Quite pretty, isn't it? I
shall wear it next time I go to
court.
Your mother's, wasn't it?
Thank heavens I can lie abed
tomorrow after you leave for
town.
Glad to see the back of me, eh?
Women are all the same
once you're married to 'em.
You must console yourself
in her absence.
I hope, dear Henrietta, you'll
stay over the week and give him
a fair field.
How sweet of you, my dear.
But I'm afraid I have a supper
party on Friday night...
so I must tear myself away
by sunset.
Still, I shall console myself
by wearing your ruby.
It'll go perfectly
with my new gown.
Look out some highwayman fellow
doesn't steal it from you.
They say the notorious Captain
Jackson rides in these parts.
Captain Jackson?
Who knows?
It might be worth
the loss of a trinket to meet...
so bold and handsome a robber...
especially
a trinket so easily won.
Good night.
This is her broach.
It was her dying wish that I
should give it to you on your
wedding day.
I'll never part with it.
It means more to me...
than the Skelton diamonds,
Maryiot Cells, anything.
Still, I
shall console myself by wearing
your ruby.
Look out
some highwayman fellow doesn't
steal it from you.
Why not?
She's coming, Fleury.
She's coming.
Now, Henrietta!
Halt!
One move and I shoot to kill!
Oh, good sir, have pity
on a defenseless woman!
- The jewels. Quickly.
- Oh, but Mr. Jackson --
Captain Jackson --
I haven't a jewel with me.
Oh! Oh, I've heard how gallant
you are with ladies.
If a kiss would satisfy you,
a kiss or -- or anything, I'd --
- Oh, but Mr. Jackson, please! -
Thanks for the jewels. And the
offer.
After him! After him!
Shoot the scoundrel!
Oh, my jewels! My jewels! My --
Open up! Open up!
Highwayman!
My broach, my rings --
all of them gone.
It was a ghastly experience. I
shall never recover from it.
Never.
Oh, I feel quite faint.
- Drink this brandy.
- No, it would choke me.
- I thought you'd manage.
- Henrietta, calm yourself
and tell us what happened.
What is all this commotion?
Henrietta!
Why have you come back?
- She's been robbed --
- By a highwayman.
- Captain Jackson himself.
- He didn't take my ruby broach?
He did!
My rings -- almost everything.
Henrietta, you fool! Why did you
wear it? You were warned.
It's no use upsetting yourself,
Barbara. Are you sure it was
this Captain Jackson?
Oh, quite.
I recognized him at once.
- Is he very dashing?
- Romantic-looking and handsome?
Extremely handsome.
How do you know?
Surely he wore a mask.
Uh, only a very little one.
- Did he make any --
- Ungentlemanly advances?
They want to know
if he kissed you.
- Worse.
- "Worse"?
- What happened?
- I slapped his face.
Slapped his face?
I said, "You may take my jewels,
but my honor no man shall
touch."
- What --
- Did he do?
- Took my jewels.
And left your honor.
How fortunate.
Yes, wasn't it?
When I was telling him...
how disgraceful his behavior
was, he kissed me.
- Kissed you?
- From his horse?
Uh, well, you see --
The horse, like the mask,
was probably a very little one.
Barbara, are you trying
to make a fool of me?
Of course not, Henrietta.
There's no need.
This man must be found
and brought to justice.
That may not be so easy.
I should think he's very clever.
I don't think it's clever to
hide in the darkness and spring
on any defenseless traveler.
Who may, of course, be armed.
The highwayman always has
the advantage of surprise...
and the pistol in his hand
gives him mastery.
Nevertheless, he must have
great courage and determination.
And think of the exhilaration...
the excitement and the danger.
Once a man has taken to the
road, everything else must seem
tame and insipid.
I don't see
how he could ever give it up.
Halt!
Hold your hands above your
heads. One move and I shoot.
Out into the road, all of you,
and bring your valuables with
you.
Get down, both of you.
What's the matter?
Got highwayman's cramp?
Come on. Hurry up.
Get into line.
You'll hang for this,
you scoundrel.
This watch'll make sure
I'm not late for the execution.
Oh, please don't take my rings.
- They've been in my family for
the past century. - They'll be
in mine for the next.
I assure you, sir,
I'm as poor as a church mouse.
- Finished?
- Yes.
Hey! My coach!
After me!
Now perhaps you'll tell me
who gave you leave...
to trespass
on Jerry Jackson's preserves.
By my stars!
So it's a skirt
we have in the saddle.
You very nearly had a corpse. Do
you always take women by the
throat?
- No, I just take 'em.
- The gallant Captain Jackson.
So you've heard of me, eh?
Well, that stretch of road
between Fenny Stratford and
Nether Weald...
is sacred to the said
Captain Jackson.
Those who poach there
do so at their peril.
- I shan't forget your warning.
- Good.
Though I may ignore it.
I like your spirit,
my pretty lamb.
- You may poach from Land's End
to John o' Groats if you like.
- Thank you.
I thought myself in luck
tonight, I can tell you.
Nothing to do but sit back and
watch while you collected the
goldfinches for me.
- For us.
- Well, that depends.
This isn't a matter that can be
settled quickly or with dry
throats.
I know an inn near here where
the hostess is the best cook in
Buckinghamshire.
- Will you do me the favor
of supping with me?
- What have I got to lose?
That is a matter for conjecture.
Betsy?
Why, Captain Jackson, you're
welcome! And you too, sir.
Can you give us
a bite of supper in the parlor?
I've told my friend there are
two things you do better than
most women.
- One of them is cooking.
- Shame on you, Captain!
In front of a stranger.
After you, sir.
- All right, George. I helped
myself. - Very good, sir.
They seem to be enjoying
themselves. Who are they?
That's Jim Mellor
and some of his cronies.
They had a big picking on the
Portsmouth road two nights ago.
They've been celebrating
ever since.
This, then,
is a haunt of the brotherhood.
- Only the best of them, my
dear. - I'm honored.
Mistress Betsy says, sir,
there'll be stewed carp...
pigeon pie, a dish of meats,
tongues, and cheese.
Tell her not to serve till she's
called. My friend and I don't
want to be disturbed...
while we... talk.
Very good, sir.
- May I? - You're still wearing
your mask, Captain Jackson.
At your service, madam.
- You remind me of a man I knew.
- A lover?
We met but once...
and the moment
was not propitious.
Now for your share
of the bargain.
It's a damned shame
to cover up so much beauty.
There's more lasting beauty in
my pockets. Wouldn't you rather
see that?
I'm more interested in you
at the moment. Who are you?
Does it matter what I'm called?
Fleur, Dorothy, Barbara --
take your choice.
Barbara.
That suits you best.
Married, eh?
Your husband ought to know his
business better than to drive
you...
to find your pleasure
on the highway.
Or is it money you're after?
No.
Although I confess there
wouldn't be much pleasure
without it.
You're right.
If I'm to dance from a rope
at Tyburn in the end...
I must have my pockets
full of guineas meanwhile.
I can teach you better ways of
avoiding boredom than trotting
the highways.
Not so fast, Captain Jackson.
I've not deceived
my husband yet.
Then it's time you began.
The careless fool
deserves all he gets.
One moment. What of the jewels
and the money?
Keep 'em.
I can be generous if you can.
I like to drive a hard bargain.
So do I.
Gentlemen, gentlemen.
Surely our object...
is to debate ways
of trapping the highwayman.
Debating's no good to a
highwayman. I say hang the lot!
First catch your highwayman. It
seems his first appearance dates
back...
to the night my sister's coach
was held up on the Fenny
Stratford Road.
That was five months ago,
and he's still at large.
It's outrageous!
- I'm still convinced it's
Jackson's work. - No.
Within an hour
of my sister being robbed...
Jackson was holding up the York
coach, over 200 miles away.
- The ladies say the gallant
captain always travels fast. -
This is no laughing matter!
- You're to blame for the whole
thing. - I am?
Aye. By your leniency on the
bench, you encourage
lawbreakers.
And cosset and spoil
your tenants too.
Make 'em lazy and eager
for more privileges.
I'm sick of having your name
hurled at me every time one of
them...
wants his house thatched or some
of this newfangled glass put in
his windows.
- - Can't you
get it into your heads...
that these people are human
beings like you and me?
I wish I had some of you
before me on the bench.
I'd make you sting for your
treatment of your tenants.
- - As for my
so-called leniency...
it's my duty to administer
justice...
and I don't think it just to
send some poor devil to the
gallows...
for a trifling theft
committed through sheer want.
You'd rather betray
your own class.
And encourage scoundrels
like this highwayman.
Just a moment. When it comes to
violence against defenseless
people...
no one has found me lenient
yet, nor will they.
Help me to lay this highwayman
by the heels, and I promise
you...
whoever he is, he'll hang!
Come in.
- Good morning, Barbara.
- Oh, it's you.
I gave orders
I wasn't to be disturbed.
You had to get up sometime.
It's past 12:00.
I want to speak to you
about Ralph.
Not first thing
in the morning, please.
There's a meeting downstairs
about the highwaymen.
What about them?
- They're blaming Ralph.
- Ralph? Why?
For being too lenient
on the bench.
Oh. Well, what am I
supposed to do about it?
Barbara, he needs your help
and understanding.
- If you took a little interest
in his work -- -
What's happened
between you and Ralph?
"Happened"? Nothing.
That's just the trouble.
I'm sick to death of
entertaining his dreary
guests...
of listening to their endless
discussions on the quarter
sessions...
poachers, tenants, crops.
I'm sick of hearing the same
family prayers morning after
morning...
of sitting in the Skelton pew
every Sunday of the year.
Most of all, I'm sick of Ralph.
You -- You mean you don't
love him anymore?
- I never have.
- You never have?
But you took him from me.
I never could resist anything
that belonged to somebody else.
I thought it would be amusing
to be Lady Skelton --
to have money, jewels...
lead a gay, exciting life.
But all Ralph thinks about is
his duty. I hate him for it.
And you pretended to love him.
You knew how I loved him,
yet you took him from me.
You let me humiliate myself
at your wedding.
You persuaded me
to stay here when --
when every instinct
urged me to go away.
I'm getting a little tired of
having you remind me of mistakes
I'd sooner forget.
I once begged you to stay.
Now I'm telling you to go!
And leave Ralph
to your tender mercies? No.
If you think I'm going to have
you here making love to my --
You fool!
To do that to me!
- Who is it?
- Ralph.
One moment.
Come in.
- Well, they've gone.
- Were they difficult?
- Not more than usual.
- What about the highwaymen?
We've arranged road patrols.
We hope to catch them unawares.
Indeed? You must tell me
all about it later.
Is that what you mean by taking
an interest in my husband's
affairs?
I must go.
Well, Ralph, to what do I owe
this early call?
Barbara, I'm worried about you.
This lying in bed half the day--
Why should you worry,
since I'm always unaccompanied?
I've noticed a strange
restlessness in you lately.
You've not been yourself.
What is myself?
I don't really know.
Barbara, I'm afraid I've been
selfish. I think it would do us
both good...
to go to London for a change.
No, thank you, Ralph.
I don't want to go.
But you've complained so often
about being buried in the
country.
Well, I've changed my mind.
There's an interest,
an excitement in the country...
of which I never dreamed.
Oh, you devil, to take my rings!
- Now the earrings.
- No! No!
I'll never forget your
generosity.
Hmm.
- That's all I'll take from you.
- I'll do more.
I'll make her a gift.
Somebody's coming.
Quick, back to your horse.
Why did you shoot that horse?
I'd rather kill a man any day.
You won't when you've been as
near to wearing a Tyburn tippet
as I have.
Highway robbery's
a hanging matter anyhow.
You've a fairer chance of buying
an acquittal if you're not a
killer.
As for horses, no one's fonder
of a prancer than I am...
but your first aim
is to avoid pursuit.
Yes, you're right.
There's still much
you can teach me of the road.
It's not of the road that I want
to teach you tonight.
Let's go to the inn.
? Holy Lord ?
? We pray ?
? For him ?
??
I don't see why I had to be
dragged here to be godmother.
There have been Cotterills
on our land for 140 years.
I don't ask much from you, but I
demand courtesy to my tenants
and friends.
It, uh, it seems only yesterday,
but in fact it's almost a
year...
since we were here celebrating
our young friend's wedding.
Ah, that's right.
They didn't waste no time,
did ye, lad?
I -- I know it was a
disappointment to my friend Tom
Cotterill here...
when young Ned decided to
forsake farming for a more
exciting life...
but now there's another
Cotterill to carry on the old
tradition.
Ah, with more to follow!
Never fear!
And so --
And so I ask you to drink...
to the health and happiness
of this newest member...
of a grand old English family.
To the future Farmer Cotterill.
- You have no drink, milady.
- Thank you.
And what is this new
and exciting life of yours, Ned?
I'm with a coaching company,
milady. A guard.
Are you indeed?
That must be very interesting.
Aye, and responsible too.
I hope you guard
your passengers well.
We don't bother
with no passengers, milady.
I'm on the baggage coach.
We take valuables,
not human souls.
I see.
Do you sometimes guard
really precious freight?
Aye, I do, that.
Gold and bullion and all.
Well, that sounds most exciting.
When do you do
your next important journey?
Well, milady...
we're not supposed to say, like.
But it's all right telling you.
Thursday.
Gold for a London bank.
Oh.
? One lovely day ?
? Love comes your way ?
? Gallant and gay ?
? Love steals your heart ?
? Then, when you meet ?
? Heaven's at your feet ?
? Life is complete ?
? When love steals your heart ?
Where's Barbara?
Hmm?
Gone to bed
with one of her headaches.
? At end of day ?
? Love flies away ?
? Breaking your heaven ?
? Apart ?
- Caroline?
- Yes?
Oh, nothing.
? Gray skies above ?
? Sad sings the dove ?
? Where is ?
? Your love ?
? He's gone with ?
? Your heart ??
Caroline, why are you crying?
I can't bear
to see you so unhappy.
I don't deserve happiness
after what I did to you.
You couldn't help it.
A man can help doing
what he knows to be wrong.
But it wasn't wrong for you
to marry the woman you loved.
It would've been if you hadn't
-- to yourself...
to her, to me.
I don't love Barbara.
- I know now I never did.
- Then why --
How can one explain
a moment of madness?
Why I could ever have believed
that I loved her...
- or that I didn't love you.
- But Ralph --
I realized it when it was too
late. I've gone on realizing it.
I love you, Caroline.
- You mean you're -- you're fond
of me. - No.
I love you.
I long to hold you in my arms,
to have you with me always.
Oh, I've lived all my life
for this moment.
Say that again.
Look at me and say it again.
I've lived all my life...
for this moment.
You love me too?
Ever since I can remember.
Then why --
why did you make it so easy
for me to marry Barbara?
Because I love you.
You make me feel ashamed.
No, Ralph.
- If you're thinking of
Barbara's feelings -- - She has
no feelings.
Then why --
I'm thinking of us.
We're not made
for deceit and intrigue.
I'll get a divorce.
Perhaps one day that may be
easier, but you know how
impossible it is now.
I'll apply
to the ecclesiastical courts.
And get a private bill passed
by both houses of Parliament...
and the royal assent?
No, Ralph. You're blamed for so
much as it is.
Think what your enemies
would make of a real scandal.
But we're entitled
to fight for our happiness.
The things you stand for
are more important than us.
We must part.
- Caroline, no!
- We must.
Now that we know
we love each other.
Where will you go?
To Uncle Martin in London.
Good night, Ralph.
Good-bye.
No, my darling, please.
Please don't make
our parting more difficult.
Aren't you ever satisfied?
Frequently, my sweet,
but never frequently enough.
One can have a surfeit,
even of passion.
When I'm with you, it's like
enjoying a meal prepared by the
gods.
I eat and I eat until I can't
face another morsel.
And then?
Then I look at you again,
and before I know it...
I'm clamoring
for another helping.
It isn't every highwayman who
has a lady of quality for his
doxy.
Doxy, indeed!
- You're content with the
arrangement? - "Content"?
Gives me a partner on the road
and an armful of...
hungry passion
for my leisure hours.
- Yes, I'm content. - You never
long for other armfuls?
You're the only one I want,
thank you.
Keep to that.
If you ever deceive me, you'll
find me a dangerous enemy.
I sometimes think
you're a dangerous partner.
Why?
This plan of yours to hold up
the gold coach -- I don't like
it.
- Oh.
- The odds are against us.
You know they double the night
guards on those coaches.
That makes it doubly exciting.
To filch the gold from under
their very noses -- it's a job
worthy of our skill.
I'm not one of your
storybook highwaymen.
I don't boast that the more
dangerous the task, the better I
like it.
- Life's too sweet.
- You're afraid.
We'll come to the gibbet soon
enough. Don't let's race for it.
If you won't do it, I will.
- Alone?
- Yes.
I believe you would too,
you green-eyed devil.
So I ups and says...
"Pussy has drunk baby's milk."
And what do you think
the little fella did?
- I'm no hand at riddles.
- He sat up in his cradle...
and lobbed his bottle
straight at the cat.
Reach for your guns
and you're dead men!
Keep your hands up.
- Back to back.
- Come on. Jump.
Go!
Over with the others.
Drop your hands, all of you.
You boys look very pretty.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
- That's as much as we can
carry. - Oh, just one more.
I've heard you say that
in other circumstances.
One of them's following us,
blast his soul!
We'll outdistance him.
Not with this damned gold
we're carrying!
Aim low! Hit the horse!
Ned!
Ned, I didn't mean to hurt you!
I aimed at the horse!
At the horse!
Your voice --
Milady!
Mila--
Ned. Ne--
- Is he dead?
- Yes.
- I told you to shoot the horse.
- We've got the gold, haven't
we?
- Yes, but -- - It's worth
killing a man for, isn't it?
"Murder and
gold robbery near Waterbrook
Farm...
in the parish of Maiden Worthy
was committed by two men.
Robbery on the highway
to the value of 1,130 pounds.
Likewise, the said robbers
murdered Edward Cotterill, one
of the guards.
Whoever shall deliver the said
felons to Sir Ralph Skelton...
of Maryiot Cells, Maiden Worthy,
in the county of
Buckinghamshire...
shall have their charges
and 30 pounds' reward...
with a further 20 pounds
to be paid on conviction...
of the robber
who committed the murder."
So I'm valued
at 20 pounds more than Jackson.
No wonder he's furious!
Who is it?
Oh, Hogarth.
Well, what do you want?
Is this your handkerchief,
my lady?
It looks like it. Why?
I found it near the spot...
where poor Ned Cotterill
was murdered.
Well, one of the maids
must have stolen it.
I won't tolerate
dishonest servants!
May the Lord have mercy
on your unclean soul.
Hogarth!
How dare you!
There I was,
kneeling before my maker...
praying for the dear departed,
when my eye fell...
on this bloodstained trifle.
"Bloodstained"?
My soul was tortured
with a terrible suspicion.
So I turned
to the Lord for counsel.
He told me to observe
your movements, and I did.
You spied on me?
Never was a woman
more subtle in craft.
But the Lord
cannot be deceived...
and first one thing and then
another was revealed to me.
- What do you mean?
- I've seen you going...
to that den of iniquity,
the Leaping Stag Inn.
- Seen you by the lakeside
with your highwayman lover.
- Hogarth!
God cleanse my soul...
I've watched you riding forth
together on your evil errands...
witnessed your return
with your ill-gotten gains...
entering by the secret passage
leading to your room.
My own beloved master's wife --
a murderess,
an adulteress, and a thief!
You're suffering from delusions.
You don't know what you're
saying.
My lady, I've wrestled with my
conscience, asking myself...
whether it was my duty
to hand you to justice...
or whether I should consider the
noble family whose name you
bear...
hoping that
under heaven's providence...
I might be the means
of calling you to repentance...
and so save your sin-sick soul
from the eternal fire.
What have you decided, Hogarth?
What have you decided?
Alas, that you're too far
sunk...
in evil and perfidy...
beyond the scope
of my poor efforts to reform.
This highwayman
has me in his power.
He's forced me to rob,
to deceive my husband.
He swears that if I break
away...
he'll wash his hands in my
blood, as he did with poor Ned
Cotterill.
You had no hand
in that most foul crime?
No, no. I --
Oh, I may have been weak
and wicked, but -- but not that.
Hogarth, I know
true goodness when I see it.
You are good and strong.
You alone can save me.
Help me, Hogarth.
Help me to save my soul.
Poor, wretched sinner.
My heart swells with pride...
that the Lord should entrust his
humble servant with such a
mission.
I knew you were truly good.
I must save your soul
from eternal damnation.
Rise to your feet, my lady.
The hard ground
is good enough for me.
You promise to lead
a pure and blameless life?
With all my heart.
And never to communicate
with that evil highwayman again?
Never. Never.
Then no other living soul shall
ever know your shameful secret.
You swear it, Hogarth?
By the Bible?
Your secret shall go
with me to the grave.
...Holy Spirit may direct
and rule our hearts...
and that we may continue
his faithful servants...
this day and unto our life's
end.
O God,
by whom the whole world...
is governed and preserved...
we give to thee humble thanks...
for thy fatherly care over us,
beseeching thee...
to make us truly sensible
of thy mercies...
and thankful for them.
Give us grace that we may walk
as in thy sight...
making a conscience of our way
and fearing --
This column
has the household items...
and here's the list of servants'
wages, the outdoor staff --
No more today, good Hogarth.
My mind is too full
of other things.
Sometimes I doubt if heaven
will ever forgive me.
"There shall be
more joy in heaven...
over one sinner
that repenteth...
than over ninety and nine
that are pure."
You comfort me, Hogarth.
What should I do without you?
Let me give you some of
my homemade fruit cordial.
I should like
your opinion of the flavor.
Thank you, my lady.
Excellent, my lady. Just like
Mistress Caroline used to make.
It's practically the same
recipe.
Has there been any news of her
since she went to London?
- Not that I know of. - I'm told
the city's in the grip of a
great frost.
People skating
on the River Thames.
Skating and sinning, no doubt.
Yes, Hogarth.
Sinning and skating.
I think I'm improving.
I'd like to try by myself.
Be careful to fall on a soft
spot.
I intend to stay on my feet.
Thank you.
It was lucky you were here.
Very lucky... for me.
- Are you all right, Caroline? -
Yes, quite all right. This
gentleman --
- Why, hello, Locksby!
- How are you, sir?
Well, well.
This is an undersized world.
My dear, may I present
Mr. Kit Locksby.
My niece, Mistress Caroline.
- How do you do?
- How do you do?
I think we can assume we've met.
- My dear, perhaps I'd better
take you home. - No, please,
sir.
The Thames isn't frozen every
day. You'd like to stay,
wouldn't you?
- Well, I --
- Do, my dear.
Young Locksby will take better
care of you than ever I can on
these confounded things.
- I'll do my best, sir. - When
you bring her home, I'll have
something warm to cheer you up.
Speaking for myself,
I'm in excellent spirits.
Cheeky young devil.
Wastes no time.
I remember. Maryiot Cells --
that's where I saw you.
- Did you?
- Skelton's wedding.
- You were one of the
bridesmaids. - Yes.
She's very lovely, isn't she?
Lady Skelton, I mean.
Yes.
Very lovely.
I've a grove in fair Seville.
It's all for you.
Just say you will.
How did you happen to be at the
wedding? Are you a friend of Sir
Ralph's?
No, I came out to look at some
cottages he wanted rebuilt for
the tenants.
Chestnuts. Spanish
chestnuts. Lovely hot chestnuts.
Oh, buy some for the pretty
lady.
They'll warm
the cockles of her heart --
if it needs warming.
Oh, yes. I remember.
Ralph told me.
You must be the young architect
who left so suddenly after the
wedding.
Yes, something happened.
I -- I had to change my plans.
Buy an orange
for the lovely lady, sir.
- They're fresh and sweet.
- Like the lady.
Roll up, roll up in your
thousands...
to witness the greatest
cockfight of the century.
There's not
an Englishman or woman...
who'd miss
this famous spectacle.
You interested?
No, I hate cruelty.
That's unusual... in a woman.
Well, my character's influenced
by an unusually gentle man.
Roll up, roll up
in your thousands.
? One lovely day
Tra-la-la-la ?
? Love comes your way
Tra-la-la-la ?
? Gallant and gay
Tra-la-la-la ?
? Love steals your heart ?
? Then, when you meet
Tra-la-la-la ?
? Heaven's at your feet
Tra-la-la-la ?
? Life is complete ?
- How about a cut off the joint?
- No, thank you.
- ? Love steals your heart ?
- Please take me home.
Does the singing make you think
of the unusually gentle man?
It makes me think
of someone too.
You know, I think we're going
to get along rather well.
We're both sighing for the moon.
? Gray skies above
Tra-la-la-la ?
? Sad seems your love
Tra-la-la-la ?
? Where is your love
Tra-la-la ?
? He's gone with your heart ??
- You're a very refreshing person to be with.
- So are you.
- Life's been gay since we met.
- Has it?
You've taken me to the
playhouse, skating on the
river...
a drive to Chelsea Village,
Birdcage Walk...
and so many other places
I've always wanted to see.
- You've enjoyed being with me?
- Oh, yes, Kit. Very much.
Caroline, will you marry me?
Oh, Kit!
K-Kit, I-I don't know
what to say.
I'm in love with someone else.
I told you.
- I told you the same thing.
- Well, then?
The point is, they're both
unobtainable. You can't go on
chasing shadows forever.
Oh, damn!
- Is it all settled?
- Not quite, sir.
Oh. Well, keep at her, my boy.
I've got a letter for you. It's
marked "urgent," so I came along
to find you.
Oh. Forgive me.
Oh.
- Anything wrong, my
dear? - Hogarth's ill.
Barbara's looking after him.
The house is in chaos.
Ralph's asked me
to come back and help.
Couldn't those old women
do it between them?
Oh, they have.
That's why it's in chaos.
Oh, poor Hogarth.
He's such a dear old man.
Thank you, my lady.
You're like Dorcas...
and the ministering women
of the scriptures.
Shh. Try to sleep a little.
If I'm going to meet my maker...
I want to be prepared.
What did the physician say,
my lady?
He doesn't quite know what ails
you.
None of us do.
But with careful nursing...
he hopes to have you
out of bed within a month.
No man could have a better nurse
than you, my lady.
There's real goodness in you...
for all your... mistakes.
Now try to sleep.
"The Lord said unto them...
'Why sleep ye?
Rise and pray...
lest ye enter temptation.'"
I say sleep, Hogarth.
Sleep.
Oh, look.
The Skeltons' coach.
- Lady Skelton herself.
- Oh?
All the ladies of quality
patronize Mrs. Munce.
Good morning, milady. Pray what
can I show Your Ladyship?
I have the sweetest collection
of lace pinners from Paris.
Pray serve your other customers,
Mrs. Munce.
As Your Ladyship wishes.
Good morning, Lady Skelton.
How is Sir Ralph?
- Quite well, I thank you.
- And dear Mistress Caroline?
- In London.
- Only on a visit, of course.
For good, I fear.
Now, can I interest Your
Ladyship in my collection of
scented gloves?
A very nice range of colors.
I didn't come here
to buy gloves... Mrs. Price.
Come in here.
Not that name, milady.
I told you so before.
"Price" was the name
Captain Jackson used...
when he gave me details
of your criminal career.
- What do you want? - The poison
you gave me was not enough.
I must have a further supply.
And this time,
there must be no doubt.
Caroline!
What are you doing here?
Didn't you know?
Ralph sent for me to look after
the house while you're nursing
Hogarth.
Oh. Oh, I see.
If you'd like me to sit up with
him while you get some rest --
No, thank you. Please leave
Hogarth entirely to me.
My lady. My lady.
What is it, Hogarth?
I was afraid
you wouldn't come in time.
I'm going, my lady. I'm going.
Drink this. You'll feel better.
I'm not afraid to meet my maker.
It's you I'm troubled about.
What will you do...
without my spiritual guidance?
I don't know, Hogarth.
Drink this and get well.
I fear you're not strong
enough...
to bear the burden alone.
Let me tell Sir Ralph, my lady.
He's a good man.
He'll help you when I'm gone.
No, Hogarth.
You'll tell no one.
God in heaven!
What is it, Hogarth?
I know.
I know.
Help! Sir Ralph!
Sir Ralph!
- Fetch Sir Ralph.
- Yes, Mistress Caroline.
Quiet! Quiet!
Good Hogarth, you must be quiet.
- Sir Ralph, quick. I must tell
-- - He's coming.
He's wandering in his mind. He
can talk to Ralph when he's
rested.
He's dying.
Anybody can see that.
- Caroline, what is it?
- Oh, Ralph, quickly!
Hogarth needs you.
He's dying.
- You should've left him to me.
- Or to us.
- Between --
- Quiet!
What'd he say?
He's so weak I can't hear.
Well, let me talk to him.
I'm used to his voice.
Keep them back, Ralph.
He needs quiet.
Oh!
I tried to hear, but --
but it was too late.
Her ladyship is worn out
nursing poor old Hogarth.
What she needs is complete rest.
Caroline will stay with you.
Yes, I will.
No, please.
You've all been so good to me...
but I think I could sleep now
if you left me alone.
We'll go at once.
Good night, Barbara.
I deeply appreciate
all you did for Hogarth.
I wish I could have done more.
"Complete rest."
The old fool!
If he only knew what it feels
like to be free again!
- Is Captain Jackson here?
- Oh, yes, he's here.
In his usual room.
And I'll wager he's in bed.
- Won't he be surprised to see
me? - Yes, he'll be surprised.
- Oh!
- Barbara!
Where you been all these months?
I've missed you. I never thought
you'd come tonight.
- Obviously. - Oh, her. She's --
She's nothing to me.
Just a wench I brought to pass
the time till you came back.
- Here! Ow!
- You look very well together.
I warned you if ever you
deceived me, you'd be sorry.
You'll find this wench, cheap
though she looks, will cost you
dear.
- Barbara! - Farewell till our
next merry meeting.
- Hey, what's that doxy doing --
- Get out!
"If you would catch the
notorious highwayman Jerry
Jackson...
he's harbored tonight
at the Leaping Stag Inn."
- Some more beer, Ralph?
- Thank you, Henrietta.
- Another chop, Barbara?
- No.
You're making
a very poor breakfast, my dear.
I don't think our London air
can agree with you.
My London air too.
Don't forget
I was born and bred here.
"Bred"?
Oh, yes.
Yes, of course.
This fellow Jackson
can't complain of his notoriety.
The Gazette calls him...
the most popular gallows bird
in the last 20 years.
He's very lucky with the
weather.
Must be depressing
to be hanged on a damp day.
I see they give you all the
credit for his capture, Ralph.
They're wrong. Most of it should
go to the accomplice who
betrayed him.
I'll wager he's
shaking in his shoes till the
hanging's over.
Why should he? Jackson didn't
betray him at the trial.
Probably saving it up
for his dying confession.
They all like to make
a show on the gallows.
I wonder if the
accomplice will be there in the
crowd.
You bet your life on it.
Couldn't keep away.
I do wish I could be there.
I wonder if I dare put off
my fitting for my new gown.
No, I haven't got a thing
to wear for the court ball.
What a nuisance! You go.
You can tell me all about it.
Sorry. Got to see
a man about a horse.
Oh. You then, Ralph.
I don't share the popular view
of hanging as a form of
entertainment.
What about you, Barbara?
Wouldn't you adore to see him
dangling...
and hear
his last-minute confession?
You've gone as white as a sheet.
Don't you feel well?
No, it's -- it's just
one of my headaches.
I think I'll take the air. If
you'll have my carriage ordered--
Sure you wouldn't like me
to accompany you?
Quite sure, thank you.
I've told James to keep
well away from Tyburn.
- Good morning, Ralph.
- Why, Caroline! How are you?
I'm very well.
I heard you were both in town.
Good morning, Barbara.
Where are you off to so early?
- Just to take the air.
- May I come with you?
No, really.
You stay and entertain Ralph.
Oh, but it's you I came to see.
Good-bye, Ralph.
Good-bye.
Why did you force yourself on
me?
Barbara, I must talk to you.
- The last time we discussed
Ralph -- - When you attacked me.
Yes, I'm sorry.
I was angry at what you said
about him and me.
I don't know why I said it.
I didn't and still don't care
what you do together.
That isn't true. You were in
love with Ralph and could be
again. I'm sure of it.
I realize my staying on after
the marriage was an awful
mistake.
- It wasn't fair to either of
you. - Why go over the dreary
past?
But it isn't the past
I'm thinking of.
It's now and the future.
I do so want you and Ralph
to be happy together.
Suppose you stop
interfering in our lives?
I'm going to.
You see, Barbara,
I'm going to be married.
Am I supposed
to dance with glee?
No. I just wanted you
to know.
I thought it might help you
both.
- James!
- Milady?
Turn the horses towards Tyburn.
But milady,
the master's orders were to --
My orders are turn the horses
towards Tyburn...
and get there in time
for the hanging.
Barbara, why did you come here?
Well, I've never seen an
execution.
It'll be a new sensation.
I don't want to see it.
It'll be your turn next!
Good-bye!
Cheer up. Enjoy yourself
like the rest of them.
- Good luck, Jerry!
- Hello, Norma!
Ha! Thank you!
Good-bye!
Can't wear two of these.
Who wants a nice cravat?
Mind you boys don't fall down
and hurt yourselves.
We're safer than what you are.
My friends!
My friends, I don't care whether
you're for me or against me.
All that matters is that you've
come here in your thousands...
to give me a grand send-off.
To the lovely ladies...
I say don't waste your love...
your caresses...
your tears...
on villains like me.
Save 'em for someone who's worth
it -- a faithful, honest man --
if you can find one.
To the men I say...
never put your faith in a woman!
For however much
you may think she loves you...
like as not
she'll betray you in the end.
In my short and merry life...
I've loved 'em all,
but I've only once...
made the fatal mistake
of trusting one of them.
That's why I'm here now.
For believe me...
only a woman's hand would have
put a halter round the neck...
of Lucky Jerry Jackson.
God save your soul, Jerry.
May God bless all my friends.
And may my enemies
be hanged as I am.
Excuse me, madam.
That --
That unfortunate highwayman...
struggling for dear life there
asked me to give you this
letter.
Well, my bold, bad Barbara...
so you're afraid of me at last.
You needn't be. We had some good
sport together...
and Jerry Jackson's not the man
to whine now the reckoning has
to be paid.
You'll have to pay yours too.
Never fear.
In the meantime, if you feel
you owe me some kindness...
give a share of our earnings
to the girl by my coffin.
She was with me
that night at the inn.
She was my doxy
before I ever met you...
and she's stood by me
ever since.
Farewell, then,
my lovely Barbara...
till our next merry meeting.
Oh, it seems he thought
I had a kind face...
and asked me to help
that poor girl over there.
Give her this and tell her
I'm very sorry for her.
Thank you, madam, in the name of
true Christian charity.
- May I read the letter?
- You may not.
Barbara, there's something
behind all this.
- Why should he choose you? - I don't want her money!
I don't want no charity from
fine ladies in fine carriages!
- I remember you. You were the
doxy that was dressed as a -- -
Hey, you! Get out!
Hello.
What's going on over there?
Caroline!
Hey, Ted, Frank, quickly!
Drive on!
Caroline, are you all right?
I couldn't believe --
You!
Anyone would have been welcome
at a time like this, but...
this is like magic.
I'm most grateful. You managed
to avert a very unpleasant
situation.
Just lucky I happened to see
Caroline at the window of the
coach.
I can't think what you were
doing there. However, it's all
turned out for the best.
You must come back with us
to Maryiot Cells...
to take over
those building plans again.
- That's very good of you. - Not
at all, now you're to be one of
the family.
- "One of the family"?
- Didn't you know?
Caroline and Mr. Locksby
are going to be married.
No.
No, I didn't know.
- You'll come too, Caroline. - You won't entice
Caroline.
She finds Maryiot Cells rather
dull.
- I don't think I'll find it dull this time.
- My lord...
there's a person here
who says he's --
- Sir Ralph, the highwayman,
Jackson. - What about him?
A riot started
round one of the coaches...
and in the excitement, his
friends managed to cut him
down...
and get his body away before the
doctor had time to examine it.
- You mean he might not have
been dead? - It's just a chance.
"Lucky Jerry Jackson,"
all right.
Barbara.
Oh! Oh, it's you.
Why are you looking so worried?
It's nothing.
It's wonderful to be able
to talk to you at last.
Ever since we've been down here,
I've scarcely dared look at
you...
for all the watching eyes.
What are you thinking?
I feel my life is slipping away
like the water down there.
Useless, wasted.
- I wish I could help you.
- Oh, but you do.
You do.
Anything would be safe
in your hands --
a bird, a horse's mouth...
or a woman's heart.
Kit, if only I'd met you
sooner...
I'd never have married Ralph.
You're the only person except my
mother that I've ever really
cared about.
- I love you.
- And I love you.
- Oh, Barbara. - Nothing matters
but you. Nothing.
I want to be everything to you.
I want to love you,
to make you happy.
Oh, darling.
- But soon I'll be returning to
London. - Don't let's talk about
the future.
It's now that matters.
We must be together, just once.
Tonight when everybody's --
Barbara, we couldn't.
Kit, please!
I want to talk to you, Locksby.
Y-Yes, of course. Uh, but
wouldn't it do in the morning?
What I have to say won't wait.
- It's about my wife.
- Sir Ralph, I assure you --
I don't blame you, Locksby.
Barbara is a beautiful woman...
and she's pursued you
ever since you've been here.
That is untrue. Any pursuing,
as you call it, has been by me.
Hmm.
You may believe that.
I know her better.
Sir Ralph, I'm very weary.
Couldn't we please discuss this
in the morning?
In the morning
you'll be leaving Maryiot Cells.
Tonight I want your promise that
you'll never see Barbara again.
And if I don't give it?
Then I shall be obliged
to defend my wife's... honor.
I see.
You seem to have forgotten
you're engaged to Caroline.
I've seen her robbed once, and
I'm damned if I'm going to let
it happen again.
? Johnny Brown
was a highwayman ?
? Who loved the ladies fair ?
? Took their jewels
and rings and things ?
? And anything else
that was there ??
Jackson!
So you did escape!
- What do you want?
- Well!
What a question
to ask an old friend...
just back from the grave.
What do you think I want?
You think it was me who betrayed
you, but it wasn't. It --
Come, come.
That isn't worthy of you.
You always had
the courage of your iniquity.
- What are you going to do?
- Ah.
What would you do to someone
who'd sold you to the hangman?
You don't know what it feels
like to be strangled, do you...
my lady?
It's an experience
we ought to share.
You feel the rope crushing your
windpipe, choking the life out
of you...
and the whole world goes black
with spots of vivid color...
flashing against the awful
darkness. You feel as if your
head's gonna burst...
as you kick
and struggle and squirm.
It's quite an experience
to have had and survived.
After my friends
had cut me down...
it took them two hours to bring
me round, and I had a hell of a
sore throat.
How did you find me?
Easy, once I'd seen you in your
coach with the Skelton arms.
I laughed when I learned
that the lady of the manor...
was a certain Lady Barbara.
- But the secret passage --
- I searched the grounds.
Once I'd found the entrance,
I knew it'd lead to you.
And now that you've found me?
We're going to pick up our life
together just where we left off.
What do you mean?
I meant to kill you at first.
Then I began to remember
those crisp, clear nights...
when we rode together.
The thrill of the hours
that followed...
when you put aside your
trappings of the road and lay in
my arms...
warm, yielding, lovely.
I knew then that it wasn't
vengeance that I wanted.
- It was you.
- No!
- No! - Have I suddenly become
so distasteful?
Things are different now.
I'm in love.
Deeply, sincerely in love.
And my caresses
would be repulsive?
I told you, I'm in love.
It'll be a new experience
to take you against your will.
You wouldn't.
- You underrate me.
- I'll call for help.
And give yourself away?
No, Barbara.
You're as much in my power as if
we were on a desert island.
No! No, please! Please!
This must be what they mean when
they say "revenge is sweet."
Kit! Kit!
My darling, what is it?
Take me away from here.
Right away. Please, darling.
- What's
happened? - I can't.
Can't. But you must take me away
-- out of England, anywhere,
now.
Dearest, how can I? My work is
here. We'd have no money, no
friends.
Kit, I love you.
I'd face want, hardship...
anything with you.
I've got to get away from this
life.
I want a home...
children...
all the things
I never thought would matter.
It would be wonderful,
but it's impossible.
Why?
Ralph's made me see how
shamefully I'm behaving to
him...
and to Caroline.
Caroline! Oh, you can't love
that sentimental little fool!
Please, Barbara. I'm deeply fond
of Caroline, and I have asked
her to marry me.
Kit, this is our chance.
If we throw it away, we'll be
unhappy for the rest of our
lives. You must take me away.
My dear, we mustn't let love
blind us to our duty.
I leave in the morning. Ralph's
driving me and Caroline to
London.
- Darling. Darling, please.
- My dear, it's no use.
It'd be different if you weren't
married, if there were no Ralph.
Yes.
Yes, it -- it would be
different.
- Good evening, my lady of iniquity.
- What are you doing here?
- What do you want? - To renew
our partnership... of the road.
I told you last night I hate
you.
But I'm thrilled by you.
Keep out of my way.
Tut, tut. That's no way to talk
to a partner.
What's this job we're doing?
There'll be a coach along here
in a few minutes.
- Worthwhile?
- To me.
- After something special?
- A man's life.
What's this?
Some new devil's trick?
I never did like killing, less
since I felt the stench of death
in my nostrils.
- You've still got time to go. -
What's this poor devil done to
you?
He stands between me
and everything I want.
- Who is it?
- My husband.
You cold-blooded fiend!
I've ached to ride
and rob with you again...
but I've no stomach
for your kind of evil.
- I've finished with you,
Barbara. - Have you?
Aye. And if ever I want another
partner, I'll choose a weasel or
a viper.
Something reasonably friendly.
- Where are you going?
- To warn your husband.
Captain Jackson.
Now we've both had our revenge.
To our next merry meeting...
In hell!
- What do you think that shot
was? - Hmm?
Probably a poacher after
rabbits. Nothing to be afraid
of.
I'm not afraid of anything...
now.
Won't Barbara be surprised
to see us back?
No more surprised than I am
to be bringing you back.
If you hadn't given
such a convincing performance...
of being in love
with this young scoundrel...
we could all have been saved
a tiring journey.
But it's a lovely journey.
Isn't it, Kit?
I must say
I'd like a little more speed.
If you'd let the cat out of the
bag before we reached London, we
could have gone back in
daylight.
Personally, I've got nothing
against the moon.
We're being very lighthearted.
How do you think
we can arrange things?
I don't know yet, but there's
no reason why four people...
should pass their lives in
misery when they could all be so
happy.
I'll see to it
that you get your Barbara...
and I get my heart's desire...
if it takes 50 Acts of
Parliament.
Halt!
Out into the road!
- I've been wanting to meet you.
- This is your last chance.
Kit! Let's get on.
Well, I winged the fellow.
- Where's her ladyship?
- Went to bed early, sir,
with one of her headaches.
- She asked not to be disturbed.
- I think this is an occasion on
which we might disobey
instructions.
No. Let me go.
Very well. It's also an occasion
for a drink.
Barbara?
Barbara!
Barbara!
Oh, William?
William, I think
her ladyship may be ill.
- Can you break down the door?
- I'll try, Mistress Caroline.
It's all right, William.
I'll send for a doctor.
It's no use.
I'm finished.
It was Kit.
I was going
to give my life to him.
Strange he should take it away.
Another?
As you say, sir,
this is an occasion.
What shall be the toast?
Mine... is to Barbara.
Barbara's had an accident.
She's... dying.
She wants to see Kit.
Barbara!
Kit.
- Darling, what happened?
- It was an accident.
An old pistol
I kept for protection.
Have they sent for a doctor?
It's no use.
We've so little time.
- Don't let's waste it.
- But my darling --
Kit, take me in your arms.
Hold me close.
She's not only a highwayman,
but a murderess.
- Oh, no, she --
- I'm afraid there's no doubt.
But what can have
happened to her?
She used to be
so sweet and lovely.
Who can tell what strange things
go on in the human mind?
Loving you has been
the one good thing in my life.
Everything in your life has been
good. I'd stake my soul on that.
Oh, go on believing it.
Then it doesn't matter
what the others think.
No.
No.
I can't cheat you
as I've cheated everyone else.
I've got to tell you the truth.
- Darling --
- I'm wicked.
All my life I've cheated
to get what I wanted.
And then my punishment's been
I no longer wanted it.
You're delirious, my darling.
If we'd met sooner, I'd never
have done these wicked things.
I had to have excitement.
That's why I took to the road.
But I wouldn't have killed
anybody who hadn't stood in my
way.
"Killed"?
Ned...
Hogarth...
Jackson...
and tonight, my husband.
You saved him.
You shot me instead.
You?
The highwayman?
Kit...
don't look like that.
It was for you.
Don't leave me.
Don't leave me alone.
Kit!
It's so dark.
So cold.
Take me in your arms.
Hold me close.
Kit!
Kit, I'm frightened!
I don't want to die alone.
Kit, don't let me die...
alone.
When she came, a dark shadow
crept over our lives.
But it's lifting.
We shall ride again in the
sunshine, and sing and laugh and
know happiness...
and love.