A reporter and his girlfriend--also a reporter--investigate threats against a retired army officer and discover that they're linked to a series of murders and a court-martial that occurred during the war.
Source: IMDB
Source: IMDB
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Short filmTranscript
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00:01:50And unless our client receives a satisfactory reply within ten days,
00:01:55proceedings will be commenced to recover the...
00:01:59Yes, Mr. Hartnell.
00:02:04I'll tell her. Miss Robbins, will you go into Mr. Hartnell right away?
00:02:08Yes, Mr. Barrett.
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00:02:25Look, how much longer do I have to wait? I've waited two hours already.
00:02:28I'm sorry, Mr. Billings, but I did explain when you arrived
00:02:32that one cannot expect to walk unannounced into a firm of solicitors and see the senior partner at once.
00:02:36You must appreciate... Yes, yes, I know. I didn't want ten minutes. Five would do.
00:02:40Miss Robbins will call you when Mr. Hartnell can spare a few minutes.
00:02:47These are the papers of the trust brief that Mr. Staples is working on, Mr. Barrett.
00:02:51Ah, yes. I'll go through them right away.
00:02:54Are you Mr. Billings? That's right. And you, I hope, are Miss Robbins.
00:02:58Mr. Hartnell can spare you a few moments before his next appointment.
00:03:01Oh, thanks.
00:03:03Oh, Miss Robbins, you might give Barrett a hand with that trust brief, will you?
00:03:07Sit down, Mr. Billings. Yes, Mr. Hartnell.
00:03:10I'm sorry you were kept waiting.
00:03:13It's a little unusual in this practice for people to drop in.
00:03:17Yes, so your head clerk told me.
00:03:20You won't think me discourteous if I ask you to be brief. Not at all.
00:03:24It's a rather delicate matter, Mr. Hartnell.
00:03:27We're accustomed to dealing with delicate matters.
00:03:29I feel that I should explain that my visit is concerned with the larger aspects of justice.
00:03:34One does tend to regard one's own legal difficulties as a reflection of the law as a whole.
00:03:38What is your particular trouble?
00:03:40Not my trouble, Mr. Hartnell. Yours.
00:03:47Mine?
00:03:48I understand you've been receiving threatening letters.
00:03:51Go on.
00:03:53I represent the Sunday Star, a paper that could be a great help to you.
00:03:56You're a reporter. That's right.
00:03:59With your cooperation, we may be able to expose the writer and...
00:04:02And in the process, spread or smear my name across your front page for the benefit of your scandal-hungry readers.
00:04:07Oh, look. I'm afraid you're wasting my time. Now get out.
00:04:09Hey, wait a minute. Incidentally, how did you know about those letters?
00:04:12Well, the police, of course.
00:04:14But I haven't informed the police.
00:04:16Well, we have our own sources of information, you know.
00:04:19I'm sure you have. I understand there's very little sacred to a newspaper man.
00:04:23You've got it all wrong, Mr. Hartnell. Sometimes the end justifies the means.
00:04:26Our paper has always run a crusade against crime.
00:04:28Now, if I could just have a brief statement from you...
00:04:30By all means. You may quote me as saying that if you show yourself in my office again,
00:04:34I most certainly will inform the police. Now, will you? Please go.
00:04:40Goodbye, Mr. Billings.
00:05:01There's only one man in the force with hands bigger than his feet, Inspector Corcoran.
00:05:05Well, what might you be doing in these judicial surroundings, eh?
00:05:08I'm just going about my lawful business.
00:05:10Don't tell me you've actually managed to pinch somebody.
00:05:12We're always pinching criminals, Mike, in spite of what people think after reading your paper.
00:05:17Oh, so you read The Sunday Star.
00:05:18That doesn't mean I like it.
00:05:20Why don't you go about your own business, Mike, and leave the police to attend to theirs?
00:05:24Well, we have to keep Scotland Yard on its toes, you know. Besides, it's good for circulation.
00:05:27Not for mine.
00:05:28Think of the credit side. I've given you a few tips on my time, haven't I?
00:05:31Yeah, and a few dud ones.
00:05:32Oh, well, it can't be like you all the time. I've just improved with that.
00:05:35Hmm. Been sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong again?
00:05:38Oh, I wouldn't say that. Just a lead that didn't come to very much.
00:05:41But don't worry about your Sunday reading. I'll try and cook up something else for you.
00:05:44And if your inspiration fails you, there's always the unsolved murders file.
00:05:48These victims are dead, but their cases live on. What are the police doing?
00:05:52Gotcha.
00:05:53Hey, that's not a bad idea. Thanks, Corky.
00:05:59Busted answer, Mend. Tell Aunt Agatha.
00:06:02Oh, bust your head one of these days.
00:06:09Two years ago, I was in love with a man, but I refused his offer of marriage.
00:06:14I have since been out with other men, but as none of them measure up to my first love,
00:06:20I decided to return to him, only to find him cold and lonely.
00:06:25I decided to return to him, only to find him courting another girl.
00:06:30Dear Aunt Agatha, will you please advise on a course of action as I'm sure I'm going into a decline.
00:06:38P.N. of Birmingham.
00:06:40Percy, did I ever tell you that I came here to be a journalist and not to play a...
00:06:44Lots of times, Jenny.
00:06:46Then why don't you do something about it?
00:06:48I'm only a humble features editor. The boss upstairs, he makes all the assignments.
00:06:53Anyway, what are you beefing about? He likes the work you're doing.
00:06:56Well, I can soon fix that.
00:06:59No, no, no, wait, Jenny.
00:07:01Now, Jenny, be a good girl now, will you? I'll put in a word for you.
00:07:05All right, but it had better be soon.
00:07:08Look, see anything of Mike lately?
00:07:10He's down in the cuttings library doing some research.
00:07:13Well, why, is he on to something?
00:07:16My fiancé is deeply engrossed in his work and very secretive.
00:07:20He never tells me anything.
00:07:22Now, now, tell me, was he enthusiastic or was he sort of groping, huh?
00:07:27He looked like a man who'd won a sweepstake and lost the ticket.
00:07:33Ah, how sweet.
00:07:35Dear Aunt Agatha, I have taken your advice and proposed to my chief who accepted
00:07:41because he can take me off his income tax.
00:07:44I am now more in love than ever.
00:07:47Well, and I didn't think you cared anymore.
00:07:49Now, what the heck have you got there?
00:07:50That's the unsolved murder file.
00:07:52But, but I thought you were working on a, on a man called Hartnell.
00:07:55Ah, dead last. He told me never to darken his door again.
00:07:57Now, you got something else?
00:07:58The astrology page.
00:08:00Astrology? Astrology.
00:08:02Look, we've got a crime campaign, remember?
00:08:04Wish someone would switch me to crime?
00:08:06You're too young and innocent, my sweet.
00:08:08Well, Hart is a prime qualifications for writing Aunt Agatha's column.
00:08:13For instance, I bet that's never happened to you.
00:08:32Hey, Percy, how's this for Fate and the Stars?
00:08:34Significant dates and all that.
00:08:36Henry Richards, murdered July the 10th, 1951.
00:08:40David Hughes, murdered July the 10th, 1952.
00:08:43Robert Farrell, found dead.
00:08:45Open verdict, July the 10th, 1953.
00:08:48Yeah, with only 365 days to choose from,
00:08:51you'll find that quite a lot of people must have died on the same date in consecutive years.
00:08:55But not with this link, Percy.
00:08:57Each of the obituaries state a distinguished career as an officer in the Second World War.
00:09:03Hello, War Office. Please, public relations.
00:09:05I want to speak to Mr. Harold Williams.
00:09:07They might even have belonged to the same unit.
00:09:09Oh, blood-packed.
00:09:11Brother officers in the same unit agreed to bump each other off by numbers.
00:09:15The last one to commit haricotting.
00:09:18Hello, Harold. Mike Willings, how are you?
00:09:21Do me a favor, will you, Harold?
00:09:23Why don't you check back on some army list back numbers?
00:09:25Uh-huh, I want the units.
00:09:27Right.
00:09:28Henry Richards, died 51.
00:09:31David Hughes, died 52.
00:09:34Robert Farrell, died 52.
00:09:36Robert Farrell, died 53.
00:09:40Oh, well, what about records? Could they give it to you right away?
00:09:43That's fine.
00:09:45Thank you, Harry. That'll be grand. You'll bring me back?
00:09:47Good. Bye.
00:09:49All right, Percy, I'll take your bet. Three shillings to 300.
00:09:52You're on. For a long shot like that, you deserve to lose three, Bob.
00:09:56Let's see, that's three shillings.
00:09:58Uh, five...
00:10:00Fifteen quid. Fifteen quid.
00:10:02And the original bet.
00:10:04Fifteen quid. Fifteen quid.
00:10:06I'm pretty sure we've only won a bad thing here, Percy.
00:10:08Hello, there. All right, what's the news?
00:10:18No, you sure?
00:10:22No, thanks. You've been a great help.
00:10:29All right.
00:10:31Artillery.
00:10:33Signals.
00:10:36Infantry.
00:10:38Ah, you'll never get rich.
00:10:49Having trouble, dear?
00:10:51Losing my touch, Jenny.
00:10:54Oh, not you, Mike.
00:10:57No one can generate so much indignation per paragraph.
00:11:01Oh, sweet.
00:11:02I really am in trouble, aren't I, sir?
00:11:04Here. One colonel and two majors.
00:11:06They've cost me a bob apiece already.
00:11:11Colonel Richards. He was murdered a couple of years ago.
00:11:14Yeah, three to be precise.
00:11:15Yeah, and let him during the war.
00:11:18What was that you said?
00:11:20You met him?
00:11:21Yes, I was in the D.J.A.G.'s office in Cairo.
00:11:24He came in to say about some papers for a court-martial.
00:11:27He must have been the presiding officer.
00:11:28Court-martial, eh? Wait a minute.
00:11:30Give me Harold Williams again.
00:11:31Who is Harold Williams?
00:11:33Oh, public relations officer. War office.
00:11:35You know, Jenny, this could be it.
00:11:37Yes, but look, don't forget this.
00:11:39Harold? Oh, Mike again.
00:11:41Look, old man, those three names.
00:11:43Could you find out if they ever served together on a court-martial at any time?
00:11:46Certainly, old boy.
00:11:47I'll make a note of it. Ring you tomorrow.
00:11:49Hmm?
00:11:50Yes, I know it's a newspaper office,
00:11:52but dash it, Doyle, you can't go streaking about here.
00:11:55Big brows will wonder what's hidden.
00:11:57Half an hour?
00:12:00Oh, no, no, it can't be done. I'm terribly busy.
00:12:03Very well, if you insist, I'll ring you back in an hour.
00:12:06How many, Mr. Williams?
00:12:08In triplicates.
00:12:10One, two, three.
00:12:13Of course for you, Mr. Billings.
00:12:15Thanks.
00:12:16Hello, Billings here. That you, Harold?
00:12:18Yeah, I know. I'm very sorry.
00:12:22Of course, I appreciate, but what have you found?
00:12:26But that's terrific.
00:12:28Thank you very much. Thanks a million. Why?
00:12:31Percy, they all served together on the same court-martial in Cairo.
00:12:34Do you still think it's a coincidence?
00:12:35Thousands of officers served on thousands of court-martials.
00:12:38And I suppose they all got murdered on July the 10th.
00:12:40Why July the 10th? Was that the date of the court-martial?
00:12:43But of course, why didn't I think of that?
00:12:45Get out of my way.
00:12:47Give me the war office, please, Mr. Harold.
00:12:49Yes, that's right.
00:12:50What was the date, Jenny? You were there.
00:12:52But there were dozens. I can't remember one in particular.
00:12:54Percy, if this works out the way I think, we're going to call that bit null and void.
00:12:57Hello.
00:12:58Harry?
00:12:59Oh, Harry, old man. Yes, it's me.
00:13:01About those three.
00:13:04Harry, it'll only take a minute. You must still have the files on your desk.
00:13:07Well, what is it then?
00:13:09Exact date of court-martial?
00:13:13Oh, all right. Here it is then.
00:13:17Oh, no. Are you sure?
00:13:23December the 1st, 1945.
00:13:25Do you mind if I get on with some work?
00:13:28This is no good for my blood pressure.
00:13:32War office, please, Mr. Harold Williams.
00:13:34Hey, what do you think you're up to?
00:13:35Helping you out with a little feminin intuition.
00:13:38You really have nothing better to do
00:13:53than answer the telephone all day, sir.
00:13:55Well, you're a monster at holding eyes...
00:13:56So you can put that up your tunic and...
00:13:57Professor, I haven't got time to deal with this.
00:13:59Mr. Harold Williams?
00:14:01Mr. Harold Williams?
00:14:03Huh?
00:14:04Hello?
00:14:05Oh, I...
00:14:06I say, I...
00:14:08I'm most terribly sorry.
00:14:10Oh, that's quite all right, Mr. Williams.
00:14:13This is Jenny Drew of the Sunday Star.
00:14:16I wonder if you'd kindly help me.
00:14:20You would?
00:14:21Oh, that is sweet of you.
00:14:24You public relations officers do such a wonderful job.
00:14:28That court-martial that Mr. Billings rang you about,
00:14:32I wonder, could you tell me what was the name of the prosecuting officer?
00:14:38Yes?
00:14:43Goodbye.
00:14:47Well?
00:14:48Well, you can thank your Auntie Agatha for your lead.
00:14:52The name of the prosecuting officer was a Major R.K. Hartnell.
00:14:56Hartnell, eh?
00:15:00Hartnell?
00:15:02Well, well, well.
00:15:07Ah, there you are.
00:15:10I don't know whether to buy you a drink or pretend I haven't seen you.
00:15:13I haven't time for either.
00:15:14Today's the 7th of July, Saturday will be the 10th.
00:15:16You amaze me.
00:15:17On the 10th of July, a murder's going to be committed.
00:15:19Good, yours, I hope.
00:15:21I've got four men linked by a court-martial.
00:15:23Three have already been killed and the fourth is lined up.
00:15:25Do me a favour, Mike.
00:15:27Save your fairy stories for the children's page, huh?
00:15:29I'm serious, Corky.
00:15:31I happen to know that the last man has already received threatening letters.
00:15:34Ever heard of Hartnell and Staples, solicitors?
00:15:36Can't say I have.
00:15:37Well, you're going to now.
00:15:38Come on.
00:15:39I'll tell you all about it on the way over.
00:15:44Oh, you told Mr. Hartnell, was I?
00:15:45I'll deal with this.
00:15:46Mr. Hartnell gave instructions that if you came here again, I was to call the police.
00:15:49I'll save you the trouble.
00:15:53Oh.
00:15:55Yes, Inspector.
00:15:56I'll tell Mr. Hartnell.
00:15:58Right away.
00:16:01By the way, how did you know he received those letters?
00:16:03Oh, a little bird told me.
00:16:05Stool pigeon variety.
00:16:06Inspector Corcoran.
00:16:07Oh, hello, Miss Robbins.
00:16:10Nice to see you again.
00:16:11Will you come this way, please?
00:16:14Good afternoon.
00:16:15Good afternoon, Inspector.
00:16:17Mr. Billings has given me some information about some threatening letters you received, Mr. Hartnell.
00:16:21Then he had no right to.
00:16:22I think it would have been wise if you had reported them to us.
00:16:25I really don't see why.
00:16:26Just some fool trying to get his name in the newspapers.
00:16:32There were three.
00:16:33I threw the others away.
00:16:40I'd like to keep this, if I may.
00:16:42If it amuses you.
00:16:44This may be more than a practical joke, you know, Mr. Hartnell.
00:16:46It's a little too melodramatic to be anything else, don't you think?
00:16:49You were in the Judge Advocate General's Department in Cairo during the war, weren't you?
00:16:52Yes, I was.
00:16:53You were also prosecuting officer at a court-martial on December the 1st, 1945.
00:16:57Was I? I don't remember.
00:16:58There were so many.
00:16:59I can give you the names of the other members of that court-martial.
00:17:01Colonel Richards, Major Hughes, Major Farrell.
00:17:03Yes, I do seem to recall the names.
00:17:04Mr. Hartnell, in the last three years, all those men have been murdered.
00:17:08Each on the same date in consecutive years, July the 10th.
00:17:13You are the last remaining member of that court-martial.
00:17:16That's why you must attach significance to those letters.
00:17:20Yes, but...
00:17:21Mr. Hartnell, the 10th is ringed in red ink.
00:17:40Yes, Mr. Hartnell?
00:17:41Miss Robbins, my calendar is ringed for the 10th. Do you know why?
00:17:45It's Saturday, the day I leave to start my holiday.
00:17:47You asked me to mark it to remind you to get my work up to date.
00:17:50Oh, yes, of course. I'm sorry. Thank you.
00:17:57Inspector, might I suggest you check Mr. Billings' story?
00:18:01Imagination isn't uncommon among members of his profession.
00:18:16Now, look here, Mike. I've had about as much from you as I can take.
00:18:20Hold on, Corky. You know I get my facts straight. Hartnell's just been cussed, that's all.
00:18:24Well, anyway, if there's anything in this, the press will be informed through the usual channels.
00:18:28Oh, no. On Saturday the 10th, we go to press, and if there's anything in this case, it's going to break that.
00:18:32And I'm going to be here to pick up those pieces exclusively.
00:18:35I'm making no promises.
00:18:36All right, we'll give it to the evenings tonight.
00:18:39It's going to be more interesting when the murderer finds out what he's up against.
00:18:42And incidentally, you wouldn't be trying to cross-check me at the war office, would you?
00:18:46You wouldn't be trying to find out who the prisoner was at that court, Marshall.
00:18:49And if you do, you wouldn't be trying to keep it to yourself, would you?
00:18:52Of course not.
00:18:59Well, that seems to be everything. Better give me those sentences again, Mr. Williams.
00:19:04Corporal George Martin, five years.
00:19:07Private Lessing, five years.
00:19:09Private Alfred Vickery, 18 months.
00:19:13They'd all have been out four years with remissions.
00:19:16Here's something that might help on Lessing.
00:19:18An Australian army request for his record in 52.
00:19:22Probably tried to join up in Sydney.
00:19:26Perhaps I'll drop in to Australia House.
00:19:28In the meantime, you see what you can get in the other two.
00:19:30Right, sir.
00:19:31Thank you very much, Mr. Williams. I'm most grateful.
00:19:50So you see, Inspector, Lessing was aboard ship as a state-assisted migrant on the date you mentioned in 1951.
00:19:56And as their passports are withheld in Australia on arrival...
00:20:01Sorry, I can't help you more.
00:20:03But you have helped me. By elimination.
00:20:07Hello?
00:20:08Corcoran here.
00:20:09Yes, sir.
00:20:10No, sir, nothing on George Martin yet.
00:20:12But we've got a line on his brother Tom.
00:20:14Apparently he's got a tobacconist shop down near Fulham.
00:20:17I was just going down there.
00:20:18No, you keep after Vickery. I'll deal with Martin.
00:20:21Tom Martin.
00:20:36Morning.
00:20:38Good morning.
00:20:40Mr. Tom Martin?
00:20:41Yes, that's right. What can I do for you?
00:20:43I'm a police officer.
00:20:44Oh, yes?
00:20:45We're making inquiries about your brother, George Martin.
00:20:48We'd like to have a few words with him, if we may.
00:20:50If it's trouble, that's his middle name.
00:20:52But I'm afraid he's got a cast-iron alibi.
00:20:56Would you like to come this way?
00:21:06Come in, Inspector.
00:21:09I'd like to show you something.
00:21:11They, uh...
00:21:14They sent me this about four years ago.
00:21:18A death certificate?
00:21:19Yes, they must have found out that I was the next of kin.
00:21:22Did you follow it up in any way?
00:21:24No, I'm afraid my brother and I didn't get on very well together.
00:21:27When did you last see him?
00:21:28Well, before the war, we ran a business together in Preston Road, Liverpool.
00:21:33Until I found out he was fiddling the till.
00:21:36We had a stand-up fight about it, and...
00:21:38A couple of months afterwards, I was called up and I joined the Navy.
00:21:42Cigarette?
00:21:43No, thank you.
00:21:44Ever heard of a man named Alfred Vickery?
00:21:46Vickery?
00:21:47No, can't say that I have.
00:21:49He was court-martialed with your brother.
00:21:51Court-martialed?
00:21:53I always knew they'd catch up with George one way or the other.
00:21:56Well, thank you, Mr. Martin. I'm sorry for having trouble, John.
00:21:59Not a bit, Inspector. Any time you think I can help, do come in.
00:22:08I've learnt quite a bit of Vickery, sir.
00:22:10Ferry Market area.
00:22:11Okay, let's go.
00:22:47Ferry Market area.
00:23:18Hey, just a minute.
00:23:20Who, me?
00:23:21Is your name Vickery?
00:23:22Look, I know nothing about that Lewisham job.
00:23:24Thanks, I'll pass the information on to whoever's working on it.
00:23:26You mean you're not...
00:23:27Hey, you ought to be careful what you say about people.
00:23:29Such a thing as defamation of character, you know.
00:23:31Your character with five convictions in four years?
00:23:33Mistaken identity, every one of them.
00:23:35Not that I'll bear you any grudge, mind you.
00:23:36Good, then we can have a chat. Do you live here?
00:23:38Yeah, but I'm afraid I won't be...
00:23:39Well, open up.
00:23:41It's a bit untidy in here, Governor. Do you mind if we talk out here?
00:23:46Nice little clock, isn't it?
00:23:47I'm looking after it for a pal of mine, Fred.
00:23:49You don't know him, do you?
00:23:50He's away for six months.
00:23:52Holiday.
00:23:53I see, yeah.
00:23:54Can't stand the TV lock.
00:23:55And you, Governor?
00:23:56I'm looking after that for an aunt.
00:23:57Poor old soul, going blind.
00:23:58And I suppose your uncle's going deaf, is he?
00:24:00Oh, now, look, Inspector.
00:24:01Okay.
00:24:02I've got to go.
00:24:03I've got to go.
00:24:04I've got to go.
00:24:05I've got to go.
00:24:06I've got to go.
00:24:07I've got to go.
00:24:08I've got to go.
00:24:09I've got to go.
00:24:10I've got to go.
00:24:14I've got to go.
00:24:15Where were you this time last year?
00:24:17Last year?
00:24:18Beginning of July?
00:24:19Me and the missus went to the seaside for a week.
00:24:22I see.
00:24:24Tell me, what date was that?
00:24:26Well, which one are you interested in?
00:24:29The 10th.
00:24:30Lovely day.
00:24:31We went for a paddle.
00:24:32Quite a connoisseur, huh?
00:24:34Tell me, when did you last see Colonel Richards
00:24:36or Major Sparrell and Hughs?
00:24:38Oh, don't be silly. The only reason I got to be a private was because of nothing lower.
00:24:42They were members of the court-martial that sent you off for 18 months in 1946.
00:24:46Oh, them? Missy Potts. We never got no formal introduction. No man of some piece.
00:24:52And I suppose you don't know that they all met violent death in the last three years, huh?
00:24:56Oh, really? What a shame.
00:24:59You don't think I had anything to do with it, do you?
00:25:02No, I don't. You haven't the guts to begin with.
00:25:04Why didn't you get five years like the others?
00:25:06Well, it was their racket, see? I was only doing a bit of carrying.
00:25:09George Martin was number one. He swore to get every one of them when he heard the sentence.
00:25:12Why don't you go and see him?
00:25:14He's been dead four years.
00:25:17Oh, really? I wonder which way he went.
00:25:20His brother's got a tobacco shop in Fulham, do you know him?
00:25:24No. I heard him speak about him, though. Loved him like poison.
00:25:27Well, if that's all, Inspector, perhaps for the moment.
00:25:30I want to see you in the morning. Shall we say ten o'clock?
00:25:33What for?
00:25:34I want you to meet an old acquaintance of yours, Mr Hartnell, the prosecuting officer at the trial.
00:25:39Oh, there's a right one for you. Hasn't anyone thought of doing him in yet?
00:25:43Yes.
00:25:44Oh, that's why I want you to see if you recognise anybody at the office or if anybody recognises you.
00:25:49Oh, it's like that, is it?
00:25:52Uh, where do I go, Inspector?
00:25:54Oh, don't worry. We'll pick you up.
00:25:55Oh, do you have to give the place a bad name?
00:26:04PHONE RINGS
00:26:10Hello?
00:26:11Mr Corcoran?
00:26:12Yeah?
00:26:13I have a call for you.
00:26:14Yes, Corcoran here.
00:26:15Hi, Inspector. Mike Billings. So you did come round to see my friend at the war office, did you?
00:26:19Now, look, I don't want you to kill yourself with gratitude, Inspector, but I'd like to know what's going on.
00:26:23All right, then, but not a word goes into print until I say so.
00:26:27You know you can trust me.
00:26:28There were three men convicted at the court-martial for stealing army equipment.
00:26:32George Martin, Morris Lessing and Alfred Vickery.
00:26:35The first two got five years apiece and Vickery 18 months.
00:26:39Martin's dead, Lessing's in Australia and I've seen Vickery this morning.
00:26:43I've also seen Martin's brother.
00:26:46What's that about Martin's brother?
00:26:48Well, he couldn't help very much. The two of them parted after a row before the war. That's the last they saw of each other.
00:26:52You don't think that hate could be a blind, do you?
00:26:54Well, it occurred to me and I've checked. It's on the records, all right.
00:26:57Well, Inspector, what's the next move?
00:26:59Are you going to take Vickery along to Hartnell's office to see if he recognizes anybody?
00:27:03That's my business. I haven't thought about it yet and don't you try to do my thinking for me.
00:27:13Well, it's a golden egg, Percy.
00:27:16Golden egg.
00:27:17All we've got to do is to sit on it just a little longer.
00:27:20Well, let's hope that what you're sitting on is a golden egg and not a lemon.
00:27:24Still clutching his scoop to his bosom?
00:27:26Yeah, I don't know the place exactly, but he's still clutching it.
00:27:30Perhaps he's got something to hide. Some black-eyed beauty who's holding out on him.
00:27:34Black-eyed beauty. Oh, yeah.
00:27:37Black-eyed beauty.
00:27:41Jenny, you're a genius.
00:27:43Thanks.
00:27:44Get me Hartnell and Stables, will you?
00:27:47Mike, what's going on?
00:27:48They're a firm of solicitors, Middle Temple.
00:27:50Mike, I said, what's going on?
00:27:51This is business, Jenny.
00:27:52Funny business.
00:27:53Hartnell and Stables? Oh, good.
00:27:55Miss Robbins, please.
00:27:56Miss Robbins? My, my.
00:27:58You worked much faster than that when we were new.
00:28:00Miss Robbins? Oh, good.
00:28:02That's fine.
00:28:03This is Mike Billings here.
00:28:04You remember me, don't you?
00:28:07No, no.
00:28:08Mike Billings.
00:28:10Sunday Star.
00:28:12Yes, that's right.
00:28:13Now, you may think this is a little unusual, Miss Robbins, but...
00:28:17Oh, I'm sorry about that.
00:28:19But I'd rather like to see you this evening, if I may.
00:28:22Well, I always knew newspaper men had a nerve, but...
00:28:26If you think I've nothing better to do with my evenings than...
00:28:30What?
00:28:33What about, Mr. Hartnell?
00:28:36How do I know this isn't just a line?
00:28:41All right, then.
00:28:43Say, seven o'clock?
00:28:46Where?
00:28:48All right.
00:28:49Goodbye.
00:28:53Anything that concerns me, Miss Robbins?
00:28:55No, Mr. Barrett, just personal.
00:28:58Oh.
00:29:01Right, all right.
00:29:02And apart from all that, I suppose it never occurred to you
00:29:04that you have a date with me this evening?
00:29:06Oh, no.
00:29:07Oh, yes.
00:29:08But don't let me spoil your fun.
00:29:10Oh, darling, I'm so sorry.
00:29:12I completely forgot.
00:29:14You must realize that this is just...
00:29:16Business.
00:29:17Yeah.
00:29:18Tell you what, I'll send your slapper bunch to Morocco tomorrow.
00:29:21How's that?
00:29:27Percy, what do you do with a man like that?
00:29:31Why, don't you write to Aunt Agatha?
00:29:40Now, but seriously, Miss Robbins, I regard this as anything but a joke.
00:29:43That's why I was at your office yesterday with Inspector Corcoran.
00:29:46I gather Mr. Hartnell was still not impressed.
00:29:48The police are.
00:29:49Then why not leave it to them?
00:29:51If we wait for them to start asking questions,
00:29:53and one of your staff is in on it,
00:29:55we'll have plenty of time to think up an alibi.
00:29:57You really do believe in this, don't you?
00:29:59In two days' time, it may be made abundantly clear
00:30:02by Mr. Hartnell's death.
00:30:04Mr. Billings.
00:30:05The name is Mike.
00:30:07Here's to our cooperation, Miss...
00:30:10Laura.
00:30:15Well, what do you want to know?
00:30:18There have been a stranger at your office recently.
00:30:20People Mr. Hartnell wasn't particularly pleased to see.
00:30:23Well, you, for a start.
00:30:25Right, well, apart from me.
00:30:27Percy, he knows all the people he deals with.
00:30:30Any new clients are handled by Mr. Staples.
00:30:32Staples, oh, he's the partner, isn't he?
00:30:33Yes.
00:30:35Yes, go on.
00:30:37Well, there is one person who has cause for disliking Mr. Hartnell.
00:30:41Mr. Barrett.
00:30:42Oh, why?
00:30:44When Mr. Hartnell came back after the war,
00:30:46he found that Barrett had been mishandling the property account funds.
00:30:50How is it he's still there?
00:30:52Mr. Hartnell's practice is an old and very well-established one.
00:30:55Naturally, he wanted to avoid any scandal.
00:30:57So he put the money back himself.
00:30:59Several thousand pounds.
00:31:01Barrett has been paying it back ever since.
00:31:03It's a little bit irritating.
00:31:05Tell me, does he often leave the office to visit clients or...?
00:31:09Occasionally.
00:31:10Oh.
00:31:12This may be a very long shot, Laura.
00:31:14Could you find out what he was doing July the 10th last year?
00:31:17And the year before that, if you can.
00:31:19I don't know about it being a long shot, but it's certainly a tall order.
00:31:22Anyway, I'll try, if you think it's important.
00:31:24I do. Good girl.
00:31:26Who knows, there may be a thread leading back to the Vicaries and Martins of this world.
00:32:14THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE
00:32:44VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE V
00:33:14VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE VARIOUS VALUES OF THE V
00:33:44Hello?
00:34:05Yes.
00:34:06Corcoran speaking.
00:34:08Mr.
00:34:08Martin.
00:34:10What can we do for you?
00:34:12I know this might sound funny to you, Inspector,
00:34:14but you know the death certificate I showed you the other day?
00:34:17I suppose it is genuine.
00:34:21Of course not, but I'd feel more assured if you could look into it.
00:34:24I'm sorry to bother you like this, but...
00:34:28What?
00:34:30You'll send round and pick it up?
00:34:34Goodbye.
00:34:43Personally, I can't share your concern at my projected murder.
00:34:47We're beyond the personal stage, Mr. Hartnell.
00:34:50Those letters you received are sufficient grounds for reopening three unsolved murders.
00:34:55Did the victims receive letters? We don't know.
00:34:57Then I fail to see why you should link me with them.
00:34:59You're working to theories, Inspector, not facts.
00:35:01Mr. Hartnell, I've brought a man along.
00:35:04I want you to allow him to get a good look at your staff.
00:35:07By all means, who is he?
00:35:08One of the men you sentenced, Alfred Vickery.
00:35:12Oh, really?
00:35:13He's outside now.
00:35:15Well, then he'll have seen my staff.
00:35:17That is, all except Barrett and Miss Robbins.
00:35:20They're working in Mr. Staple's office.
00:35:23In that case, perhaps you can find a reason to bring them in.
00:35:25Then we can see if he recognises them.
00:35:27All right.
00:35:33So, you're Vickery.
00:35:34Mr. Vickery, if you don't mind.
00:35:37You remember Mr. Hartnell?
00:35:39I'll say. I see he hasn't broken himself with the habit yet.
00:35:41Habit?
00:35:42Breathing.
00:35:43That's enough of that.
00:35:45How about the people outside?
00:35:46Never seen anyone before in my life.
00:35:47Even if I had, I'm not sure I'd squeal.
00:35:49Not for this one.
00:35:50I'd be careful, Vickery.
00:35:52Okay.
00:35:56Yes, Mr. Hartnell?
00:35:57Barrett, bring that trust conveyance into me, will you?
00:36:00Conveyance? Going for a ride, are we?
00:36:02Save the comedy stuff. Take a good look at him. That's all you've got to do.
00:36:13Thank you. I'll send it out for copying when I've finished with it.
00:36:15Yes, sir.
00:36:16And Barrett, you might ask Miss Robbins to come in.
00:36:20Very good, sir.
00:36:25Well?
00:36:26I wouldn't like to be in the same knitting circle with him.
00:36:28Why not?
00:36:29I just don't like the look of his pain, that's all.
00:36:34You wanted to see me, Mr. Hartnell?
00:36:35Yes, Miss Robbins. I've arranged for Mr. Staples to take over the Whitworth negotiations.
00:36:39The documents are all in order.
00:36:41You might take them to him straight away, will you?
00:36:42Straight away?
00:36:43That's what I said, yes.
00:36:45Yes, Mr. Hartnell.
00:36:51Well?
00:36:52Smasher, isn't she?
00:36:53Ever seen her before?
00:36:54No, worst luck. She wasn't in my unit.
00:36:55You were looking at her rather closely.
00:36:57Well, you weren't exactly ignoring her yourself.
00:37:01I'd like to have a word with your partner, if I may.
00:37:03I'm sorry, Mr. Staples isn't available.
00:37:06Isn't available?
00:37:07No, he's away.
00:37:08He had a touch of flu. He's convalescing.
00:37:10He should be back in a day or so.
00:37:11Oh, inspector, something fishy here.
00:37:13He just sent the girl into...
00:37:14All right, Gregory.
00:37:15It may seem odd to you, inspector,
00:37:16but I told Miss Robbins to take the documents to Mr. Staples, not into him.
00:37:19That was why she was surprised at being sent.
00:37:21Of course, I understand.
00:37:23Was he in the army with you?
00:37:24No, no, he carried on the business while I was away.
00:37:27Well, thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Hartnell.
00:37:29Goodbye, inspector.
00:37:30Goodbye.
00:37:34See you in court sometime.
00:37:53Fresh air smells good after that, doesn't it?
00:37:54I'll see that you continue to enjoy it.
00:37:56I may want to see you again later.
00:37:58My time's your time, inspector.
00:37:59Don't worry, I'll see to that.
00:38:00Why, inspector, fancy meeting you.
00:38:03My name's Mike Billings.
00:38:04Hi, Mr...
00:38:05Mr. Billings is a newspaper ferret.
00:38:07Oh, one of the clever boys, eh?
00:38:08That's right.
00:38:09The person I'm trying to save is some poor devil the inspector's trying to pin a murder on.
00:38:13I think his name's Vickery.
00:38:14Eh, what's this?
00:38:15You said you wanted me to take a look at the crowd in the office.
00:38:17Thanks very much, Mr. Vickery.
00:38:19Eh?
00:38:19If I was after you, I'd have kept you in yesterday.
00:38:21Now, Harper.
00:38:22Wait a minute.
00:38:24Do you recognize anyone there?
00:38:25I've got nothing to say to the press.
00:38:29Perhaps you have something to say to the press.
00:38:32I could try Vickery with a carrot, you know.
00:38:34Now, look here, Mike.
00:38:35I'm serious now.
00:38:36If you start bribing police witnesses,
00:38:39it'll take more than the Sunday Star to keep you out of trouble.
00:38:42That's a fine way to talk.
00:38:44I thought we promised to share information.
00:38:46Now, what have you got?
00:38:47I've got a table for two at the Morocco.
00:38:49I'm sure Jenny wouldn't mind much if I take you to lunch instead.
00:38:52Come on.
00:39:12Thank you very much.
00:39:13To commence with, messieurs, may I suggest a little hors d'oeuvre,
00:39:16au melon, au pâté maison.
00:39:18And to follow just a soupçon of consommé en tasse, hot or cold.
00:39:23For fish, something light, like scampi or goujon de sol.
00:39:27Now, we come to the plat de résistance.
00:39:29We have lamb cutlets boulangères, tournes d'or Rossini, steak marchand de vin.
00:39:34Or would you like a bird?
00:39:36If so, may I recommend the speciality of the house,
00:39:40poulet au riz, sauce suprême.
00:39:43Yeah.
00:39:44Have what you like, old man.
00:39:45It's all on the house.
00:39:47Well, some pâté de foie gras.
00:39:49Pâté de foie gras, oui.
00:39:51Chicken meringue.
00:39:52Chicken meringue.
00:39:54And crepe Suzette with orange curacao.
00:39:57With orange curacao.
00:39:58Certainly, messieurs.
00:40:15And why didn't Miss Robbins tell me all this?
00:40:17Maybe you didn't ask her.
00:40:19So Barrett is repaying Hartnell out of his salary, is that it?
00:40:22Uh-huh.
00:40:23As there's no court order or official record,
00:40:26Mr. Hartnell's disappearance on the face of the earth
00:40:28would be very fortunate for Mr. Barrett.
00:40:30I see what you mean.
00:40:32That's about all for my end, Corky.
00:40:34How about you?
00:40:35Well, you may as well know we drew a blank with Vickery.
00:40:38What?
00:40:39Do you mean to say that you're getting all this under false pretenses?
00:40:42Well, not entirely.
00:40:44I had a check made on George Martin's death certificate.
00:40:47Fake?
00:40:48No, it's genuine, all right.
00:40:49But there's one thing I hadn't noticed before.
00:40:51What's that?
00:40:52The date of his death is July the 10th, 1950.
00:40:56Ooh, that date again, eh?
00:40:59You know, I must be crazy.
00:41:01I'm chasing a murder that hasn't been committed yet,
00:41:04with threatening letters that haven't even been officially reported
00:41:07in a case of embezzlement where the victim won't prosecute.
00:41:10But don't forget Barrett and the motive.
00:41:12Yeah, but how does he tie in with the others?
00:41:15Maybe Laura's found out something by that.
00:41:17Ooh, it's Laura now, is it?
00:41:20And tell me, how is Jenny these days?
00:41:23Oh, she's fine, fine.
00:41:25Oh, the understanding type.
00:41:28I hope.
00:41:36All right, so you're mad at me.
00:41:37So I apologize.
00:41:40That's all right.
00:41:41I like sandwiches.
00:41:43Jenny, Jenny, I had to send the inspector a lunch.
00:41:45He won't talk unless he's well nourished.
00:41:47I thought you were getting your information from a black-eyed beauty.
00:41:50Yes, well, I'm working on her too.
00:41:52I'll bet you are.
00:41:54Jenny, Jenny, darling, look here.
00:41:56I don't have to look anywhere to know what sort of a man you are.
00:41:58You're selfish and thoughtless and a rake.
00:42:02A rake?
00:42:03You children certainly do your courting the hard way.
00:42:07Jenny, Jenny, darling, I'm sorry about lunch.
00:42:10I know I should have phoned, but I will make it up to you.
00:42:12How about a show tonight, eh?
00:42:13There's a good new musical on.
00:42:14I know you'd like that.
00:42:16All right.
00:42:18But you'd better be there, that's all.
00:42:21Oh, I will.
00:42:22Promise.
00:42:28Hello, yes?
00:42:30Oh, hello.
00:42:31About that date you mentioned, July the 10th.
00:42:34Well, I found out that...
00:42:37I'm afraid Mr. Hartnell's booked up, sir.
00:42:40Booked up, what?
00:42:41Oh, I get it.
00:42:43Listen, you don't need to talk now.
00:42:45I'll meet you tonight, 8 o'clock.
00:42:48I'll meet you at...
00:42:50Taxi, sir?
00:42:52Yes, please.
00:42:53Sorry, I couldn't trace back more than a year, Mike.
00:42:56But I do know Barrett was on holiday on that date last July.
00:42:59Oh, that's something, anyway.
00:43:01Do you think Mr. Hartnell will be in any danger tomorrow?
00:43:04Well, not in the office.
00:43:06Even Barrett, supposing it is him,
00:43:08will hardly be fool enough to start anything there.
00:43:11And this, what about the windows?
00:43:13Any overlooked?
00:43:14I've never taken much notice.
00:43:16You know, it might be as well to find out the general layout a little better.
00:43:20You got your keys?
00:43:21Yes, look, I could...
00:43:22Your taxi, sir.
00:43:24Come on.
00:43:40That's odd.
00:43:41It's open.
00:43:42You get out there out of the way and leave this to me.
00:44:10Oh!
00:44:26Mike!
00:44:28Mike, are you all right?
00:44:31I'm all right, I think.
00:44:33Well, come and sit down.
00:44:34Thanks.
00:44:40Who was it, did you see?
00:44:42Yes, it was Barrett.
00:44:44Barrett?
00:44:47I wonder what he's doing at this time of night.
00:44:51Where's your phone?
00:44:52Oh, it's on the desk, here.
00:44:54Yes.
00:44:56It should interest the inspector.
00:45:05Where to, Laura?
00:45:06Oh, 10 Bolton Place.
00:45:07Yeah, 10 Bolton Place, please.
00:45:09Look, are you sure you'll be all right?
00:45:11Yes, yes, I'll be all right, don't worry.
00:45:14Now, don't forget, Laura, not a word about Barrett at the office.
00:45:17It's, uh, an inspector seeing him tonight.
00:45:19Look after him.
00:45:20All right.
00:45:21Good night, Mike.
00:45:22I'll call you tomorrow?
00:45:23Yes.
00:45:24Good night.
00:45:39Just a minute, Gav.
00:45:41It's you.
00:45:42What do you want?
00:45:43500 pounds.
00:45:44So do I.
00:45:45I got some information your paper would pay very well for.
00:45:48That much?
00:45:49We want an exclusive solution for the entire case.
00:45:51Well, supposing I could give it to you?
00:45:54All right, let's have it.
00:45:56Well, just like that, what do you take me for?
00:45:58I'll spill the beans when I see the shape of the 500.
00:46:01Hey, wait a minute.
00:46:02Well, where could I get that kind of money tonight?
00:46:05Well, you can get it in the morning, can't you?
00:46:06And I'll call up the office and do my talking while you're sitting on it.
00:46:09Good night.
00:46:19So, you've finally turned up.
00:46:22I've been waiting here since 7 o'clock.
00:46:25Hello, Jenny.
00:46:26Four hours.
00:46:28Plenty of time to do some pretty straight thinking about the male animal.
00:46:32And I've come to the conclusion that there is nothing lower on the face of this earth.
00:46:37I've had about all I can stand from you.
00:46:39I've a jolly good mind to...
00:46:42Mike, what's the matter?
00:46:43It's my head. It's...
00:46:45She must be quite a girl.
00:46:46Please, I've had all the punishment I can stand for one evening.
00:46:50Mike, you're hurt.
00:46:52Oh, it's nasty.
00:46:55Look, sit over there. I'll clean it up.
00:46:57Thanks, darling.
00:46:59Certainly glad you stayed.
00:47:02It's more than you deserve.
00:47:04Yes, I know. You're an angel.
00:47:07Who did it?
00:47:09A friend, Barrett.
00:47:11Oh.
00:47:13Why?
00:47:15I'm sorry.
00:47:18Yes, come here.
00:47:24Won't be long.
00:47:28Oh, God.
00:47:30How is it?
00:47:32It looks wonderful.
00:47:42I think it'll be all right.
00:47:50I'm sure it will.
00:47:52Oh, Mike.
00:47:58Oh, Mike.
00:48:28Oh, Mike.
00:48:58It's all right.
00:49:29Hello, George.
00:49:30What the blazes are you talking about? My name's Tom Martin.
00:49:33What's the big idea of breaking into my place?
00:49:35Eight years and a shaved-off moustache don't make all that difference.
00:49:39I'm Vickery, remember?
00:49:41Oh, never mind. Perhaps you don't want to.
00:49:44I've been watching this place, George.
00:49:45For the last time, my name's Tom.
00:49:47My brother was George and he's dead.
00:49:49I'm Vickery, remember?
00:49:50Oh, never mind. Perhaps you don't want to.
00:49:53I've been watching this place, George.
00:49:55For the last time, my name's Tom.
00:49:57My brother was George and he's dead.
00:49:58Yeah, that's what the inspector told me.
00:50:01What's that got to do with me? Come on, get out.
00:50:03Could have a lot to do with you.
00:50:05I could have sworn I saw George at a football match not so long ago.
00:50:08Perhaps it was me. We look very much alike.
00:50:10Now, come on, get out.
00:50:14I must have made a mistake.
00:50:17It's a pity, though.
00:50:19Because the Sunday Star was going to cough up 500 quid.
00:50:22If I could prove that George Martin was still alive.
00:50:27What are you getting at?
00:50:30I thought we might talk this over.
00:50:33Like business friends.
00:50:35If it was true...
00:50:39I figured it might be worth, say, a thousand.
00:50:43To keep quiet.
00:50:51I'd settle for 700, George.
00:50:53George is dead.
00:50:54People can change.
00:50:55But there's one thing that never changes.
00:50:57Oh?
00:50:59Fingerprints.
00:51:00They took ours in Cairo, right after the court-martial, remember?
00:51:05Why, you dirty little rat!
00:51:07George, don't!
00:51:25George!
00:51:56Hello, Mr Martin.
00:51:58Hello, Fred.
00:51:59Anything wrong?
00:52:01No.
00:52:03I just came downstairs without telling you.
00:52:06I'm sorry.
00:52:08It's all right.
00:52:10It's all right.
00:52:11It's all right.
00:52:13It's all right.
00:52:15It's all right.
00:52:17It's all right.
00:52:19It's all right.
00:52:21It's all right.
00:52:23It's all right.
00:52:25I was out of luck with some fags and...
00:52:27bumped into the cunt.
00:52:29Back on us without any matches.
00:52:31Funny, isn't it?
00:52:32By the way, do you know you left your door open?
00:52:35No, I didn't, Fred.
00:52:36Sorry.
00:52:38I forget my own name next.
00:52:40Well, goodnight, Mr Martin.
00:52:42And lock the door.
00:52:44Goodnight, Fred.
00:52:51Did you get that money I phoned about?
00:52:52Yes, yes, it's here.
00:52:53But the boss said...
00:52:54All right, all right, we'll double-check Vickery
00:52:55before anything's handed over.
00:52:56Yes, but when is he due?
00:52:57Get him out.
00:52:58Call him here till I get back.
00:52:59I'm going to see Corcoran.
00:53:00But what about your story?
00:53:01You'll get it in the biggest scoop in years.
00:53:02May I remind you this is Saturday
00:53:04and that we've got a press in five hours!
00:53:06I know!
00:53:08All right, I'll get it.
00:53:15Hello?
00:53:16Could I speak to Mr Billings, please?
00:53:17Who is it calling?
00:53:19Laura Robbins.
00:53:21Mr Billings isn't here, I'm afraid.
00:53:24Oh, I see.
00:53:26Can I help you, Miss Robbins?
00:53:28Well, it was personal.
00:53:30Personal?
00:53:31Oh, yes.
00:53:33Perhaps you could give him a message for me.
00:53:35Of course.
00:53:37Just say I was inquiring about his head.
00:53:40Oh, it's much better.
00:53:43How did you know about his head?
00:53:45I was with him when it happened.
00:53:48Hello?
00:53:49Hello?
00:53:51Oh, there.
00:53:59Why the jumping Jupiter
00:54:00don't you take notice of what I say?
00:54:01I warned you not to interfere with Vickery.
00:54:03Now, keep his shirt on.
00:54:04It was his idea, not mine.
00:54:05All right, but I want any information
00:54:06handed over directly he gives it.
00:54:08There's not much time left, you know.
00:54:09All right.
00:54:10What about Barrett?
00:54:11He got the wind up about my visiting the office,
00:54:13thought it might lead to his exposure.
00:54:15He was collecting the account books
00:54:16that showed as false entries
00:54:17when you knocked into him.
00:54:18Correction, when he knocked into me.
00:54:21When I cracked his story,
00:54:22he started squealing about staples.
00:54:24Staples?
00:54:25He's in this too, is he?
00:54:26No, it was he who started it, apparently.
00:54:28Barrett found out,
00:54:29thought it looked easy,
00:54:30and followed suit.
00:54:31Nice people.
00:54:33Does Hartnell know about staples, I mean?
00:54:35Oh, yes, he's repaying too,
00:54:36the same as Barrett,
00:54:37only on a larger scale.
00:54:39I certainly wish Hartnell
00:54:40would be more cooperative.
00:54:43Are you giving him protection?
00:54:44He won't hear of it.
00:54:45He's safe enough in daylight, I think.
00:54:47I'm putting a couple of men in his house after dark,
00:54:49whether he likes it or not.
00:54:51All right, we're getting back.
00:54:52Wait for Vickery.
00:54:57Hello?
00:54:59Yes, Corcoran here.
00:55:01What?
00:55:03No identity?
00:55:05I see.
00:55:07I'll be right over.
00:55:10The river police have just
00:55:11fished a body out of the river.
00:55:14They think it might be a friend of ours.
00:55:16You'd better come along.
00:55:21Mr. Hartnell, please.
00:55:23Yes, miss.
00:55:24Detective Sergeant Smith.
00:55:37Mr. Hartnell?
00:55:39Yes, that's right.
00:55:41Inspector Corcoran asked me to call you.
00:55:44No, no, he's out at the moment.
00:55:46I'll be right over.
00:55:47No, no, he's out at the moment.
00:55:51We found out who sent you those letters.
00:55:56He wants me to call and see you personally.
00:55:59But that's ridiculous.
00:56:00Why can't you tell me now?
00:56:03Half an hour?
00:56:05But it's Saturday.
00:56:06We close the office at 12.30.
00:56:11Well, of course I do.
00:56:14All right, I'll wait in until 1 o'clock.
00:56:16Thank you, Mr. Hartnell, I'll be there.
00:56:21You bet I will.
00:56:47There's a severe head injury, sir.
00:56:48I'd say he was dead before he was put in the water.
00:56:52Vickery.
00:56:53You never know what he had to sell now.
00:56:56Try and trace his movements last night, Sergeant,
00:56:58and find out who were the last people to see him.
00:57:00Right, sir.
00:57:01I was one of them.
00:57:03Don't look at me like that, Corky.
00:57:06Sometimes I wouldn't believe in that pasture.
00:57:10I don't believe in that pasture.
00:57:12I don't believe in that pasture.
00:57:14I don't believe in that pasture.
00:57:17Well, where to now?
00:57:19There's one person has me beat, the elusive Mr. Staples.
00:57:21Have you ever seen him?
00:57:22No.
00:57:23Neither have I.
00:57:24Neither has Vickery.
00:57:26It's time somebody did.
00:57:27Let's go down to Hartnell's office.
00:57:28Right.
00:57:29Let's go.
00:57:45Hey, wait a minute, Corky.
00:57:46Today is Saturday.
00:57:47If Staples is convalescing from flu,
00:57:49he's hardly likely to go to the office for half a day, is he?
00:57:51Well, we can always go down there first and find out.
00:57:54It's a waste of time.
00:57:55It goes down to half past twelve.
00:57:56It's more than that already.
00:57:57Staples' home is his best bet.
00:57:58Do you know where he lives?
00:57:59Yes.
00:58:00I've got his address somewhere.
00:58:01It's in Golders Green.
00:58:03Okay, make it Golders Green.
00:58:22Well, that seems to be everything, Miss Robbins.
00:58:23We should manage without too much dislocation while you're away.
00:58:26Good heavens, I've kept you late.
00:58:27Twenty minutes won't make much difference over a fortnight's holiday.
00:58:30The rest of the staff gone?
00:58:31Yes.
00:58:32Well, you get along too.
00:58:33Leave those.
00:58:34One of the girls can do them on Monday.
00:58:36Miss Robbins.
00:58:37Yes?
00:58:38I'm afraid I've been rather on edge lately.
00:58:39That's all right.
00:58:40I know you've had a lot on your mind.
00:58:41Yes, I have.
00:58:42The press in particular.
00:58:43Publicity sometimes isn't a good thing in the legal profession.
00:58:44I'm sorry.
00:58:45I understand.
00:58:46I'll be sure you have a good time.
00:58:47I will.
00:58:48Sergeant Smith, is it?
00:58:58I hope I'm not late, Mr. Hartnell.
00:58:59No, not at all.
00:59:00Do come in.
00:59:04There's no need for you to stay, Miss Robbins.
00:59:05I'd rather she did, if you don't mind.
00:59:07Not at all.
00:59:08Well, I'm sure that won't be necessary.
00:59:09You may need her to take some notes.
00:59:19Why are you doing that?
00:59:23Your life's in danger.
00:59:24I've already told Inspector Corcoran what I think of his ridiculous theories.
00:59:28Those letters were written in deadly earnest.
00:59:31You say you know who sent them?
00:59:33Yes.
00:59:34Where does that door lead to?
00:59:35Well, that's a private waiting room.
00:59:37Is there a back door?
00:59:38Yes.
00:59:39Is it locked?
00:59:40Yes, I locked it myself.
00:59:41Now, look here.
00:59:42I've had enough of this.
00:59:43Either you come to the point or I'll call the commissioner.
00:59:47You don't remember me, do you?
00:59:51I've changed quite a bit.
00:59:53My name is Martin.
00:59:55George Henry Martin.
00:59:58Is this your idea of a joke?
01:00:01Colonel Richards didn't think it was funny.
01:00:03Nor Major Hughes or Farrell.
01:00:05But Corcoran said Martin was dead.
01:00:08Yes, that's right, he is.
01:00:10My brother, Tom.
01:00:13The only decent thing he ever did for me.
01:00:15I saw him die in a cheap Manchester lodging house.
01:00:19The doctor put down the name I gave him on the death certificate.
01:00:25You'd be surprised how easy it was.
01:00:30I swore I'd get you for those five years in that stinking prison.
01:00:35You're the last one, Hartnell.
01:00:38The date is the 10th.
01:00:41The day George Martin saw his own death certificate signed.
01:00:45Keep away from that door.
01:00:47Martin, Miss Robbins had nothing to do with this.
01:00:49Perhaps not, but she's seen me.
01:00:51It's a pity, but...
01:00:53But you can't kill us.
01:00:56In cold blood is the expression.
01:00:58Can't I?
01:00:59Oh, my goodness!
01:01:10Mr. Hartnell, your arm.
01:01:11No, it's nothing.
01:01:12Excuse me, but is it always like this on Saturdays?
01:01:14I don't know who you are,
01:01:15but it was Providence that put you in that waiting room.
01:01:17No, no, it was the office boy.
01:01:19He put me in there two hours ago.
01:01:20I came to see Miss Robbins, but he said she was busy.
01:01:22To see me?
01:01:23At what?
01:01:24I came to have a look at the opposition.
01:01:31I'm sorry.
01:01:32It's all right.
01:01:33It's all right.
01:01:34It's all right.
01:01:35It's all right.
01:01:36It's all right.
01:01:37It's all right.
01:01:39Sorry we couldn't contact you earlier, sir.
01:01:41They said you'd gone to Golders Green.
01:01:47Jenny, what are you doing here?
01:01:48Do you know the full story?
01:01:49You do?
01:01:50Stand by, I'm going to give it to Percy.
01:01:52You've taken Mars into the station, sir.
01:01:54Is it bad?
01:01:55No, no, no.
01:01:56Inspector, I owe you an apology.
01:01:58And Billings, too.
01:01:59Uh, Percy?
01:02:00Mike.
01:02:01All right, Percy, this is it.
01:02:02Why, the story, of course.
01:02:04I'm sorry.
01:02:05I'm sorry.
01:02:06Why, the story, of course.
01:02:09Yes, that's right, Martin.
01:02:12Huh?
01:02:15What do you mean, Percy?
01:02:18Percy, what are you saying?
01:02:24Yes, Percy?
01:02:27He says I can put my name on it, too.
01:02:29And he's taking me off the agony column,
01:02:31so there'll be a vacancy there.
01:02:36How do you like that?
01:02:37First my scoop, then my job.
01:02:40Now what do I do?
01:02:41Short of marrying the girl, nothing.
01:02:46Marry...
01:02:48Jenny!
01:02:49Jenny!
01:03:06THE END