1
Miss Eady. Mr. Christie.
Come in. Do.
Blessed blackout.
Well, we'll have a nice
little cup of tea first.
Come in the kitchen.
It's cozier in there.
Oh, that would be lovely.
Well.
I've, uh,
I've only just brewed it up.
Mrs. Christie's out, is she?
Uh, she's, uh, she's away
up in Sheffield at her sister's.
Oh, sit down, Miss Eady. Do.
Thank you.
Do, you, uh, do you take sugar?
No, thanks.
No.
Thank you.
Well, now...
It's, uh, been bad, has it-
the bronchitis?
At nights.
It's been bad at nights.
Mm-hmm.
It keeps you awake, I daresay.
Yes.
Well, this is the stuff
for you, Muriel.
You don't mind if I call you
Muriel, do you?
No. It's very good of you
to go to all this trouble.
Oh, not at all.
All my doctor does is keep
giving me this cough mixture.
Well... not many of them
know about this stuff.
Oh! It smells just like
friar's balsam.
Uh, well, yes, that's in it.
It's a mixture -
what we call a compound.
Now, here's the little mask
that goes over your face.
Have you finished with your tea?
Yes, thank you. Fine.
Um, when it's over your face,
you must breathe deeply
so you take in
all the vapors, you see?
You may feel...
just a bit dizzy.
What's that for?
Uh, that's the extractor.
It gets rid of what we call
all the waste products.
Now then... you put the mask
over your face.
Lean your head back.
Lean it right back.
Shut your eyes. Close your eyes.
That's it. Shut your eyes.
Now then,
start your breathing, then.
Breathe quite deeply.
Breathe. Breathe.
It smells a bit funny,
Mr. Christie.
Do you feel a bit dizzy?
I do, a bit.
Yes, well, that's all
the goodness taking effect.
Breathe, Muriel.
Breathe.
Oh!
Uhh! Uhh! Uhh!
No, Muriel!
Muriel, no!
Breathe, Muriel!
No.No.No.
Aaah! Aaah!
No. No.
Aaah. Aaah.
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
Breathe.
M-Muriel...
Muriel...
Muriel...
Oh... Muriel...
Muriel...
Ring the old bell, then,
shall we?
It's not a bad district, is it?
It's not bad.
Come on, come on.
Yes?
We've, uh -
Um, we've, um, come about
the flat.
To see it?
We just want to look it over -
You know, see if it's suitable.
Yes, well, you better come in.
Oh, that's my wife,
Mrs. Christie.
They've come about the flat.
I'll lead the way.
I'll look after him.
The baby - while you're
looking at the flat,
I'll hold him.
He'll be all right with me.
What's his name?
Geraldine.
She, I should say.
Yes.
Mr. Kitchener occupies
this floor.
It's up one more.
Man: Just the two rooms, is it?
Uh, yes.
Well, it's not what we're
used to, you understand?
We used to have
this mansion flat
overlooking the river,
but, uh, we had to move out.
Tim - Oh, gas, is it?
Yes, it works out
less of an expense.
That's what we find.
Oh, we're not too worried
about the money.
The job I do, we don't have to.
Oh, we'll take it.
Oh, Tim, I don't know.
Do we get use of the garden?
No.
I mean, just to put
the baby out.
Well, I'd like
to help you, but, uh...
...it's a question of the lease.
Once you surrender
the right of way,
I mean, it can take
an act of Parliament-
these cases.
Oh, Tim, I don't know.
There is another couple,
very keen...
Irish, as a matter of fact.
No, we'll take it.
Well, you're doing
the right thing.
Right.
Now, are you and Teddy going
to have a nice sleep?
There's a good girl.
Now, you have a nice sleep.
Oh...
Mr. Christie.
I thought you might like...
You did make me jump.
...a little cup of tea.
Well, I've just had one,
actually.
Well, that's all right.
Thank you.
It's... nice up here now.
Yes. It's not bad, is it?
I was in the police
during the war, you know.
Were you?
We had a lot to do
with medical stuff then.
Consulting.
I'm always on hand
for advice, Beryl,
if... you -
Woman: Has Beryl gone out,
Mrs. Christie?
Mrs. Christie:
I don't know. I'll go up.
Beryl! It's me!
Oh. I was looking for Beryl.
She's, uh...
Oh, I thought
it would be you, Alice.
I got you all the stuff for tea.
Oh, thank you.
Alice, this is, uh -
Who was that?
That was, um, the ground floor.
Am I late?
My tummy's been playing
me up again today.
Oh, Reg.
Tim. Tim.
Might I, um,
might I have a word?
Mr. Christie, why, sure.
There was a gentleman
at the door for you today.
He, uh, left this.
Uh, what's it say, Mr. Christie?
Oh, yes, I forgot.
Uh, well, there's no need
to read it, anyway.
It's, uh, about the payments
on your furniture.
You're 6 weeks in arrears,
apparently.
Not paid, you mean?
No.
I didn't mention it to, uh,
Beryl, worry her with that.
Well, she has the money,
Mr. Christie.
She has it every week.
I gave him 10 shillings
out of my own pocket.
I don't want this house
getting a name, Tim.
Oh, that damn girl!
Don't you worry, Mr. Christie.
You'll get that money back.
I'll be getting a new job
shortly, I shouldn't wonder.
They've asked me if I want
to train as a manager -
or as a managing director...
um, or something, you know.
Yes.
Won't you have to learn
to read and write for that?
Oh, no, no, no.
You have, uh, secretaries -
things like that, see?
Yes. Well, as long as I get
my 10 shillings back.
Oh, that damn woman.
Oh, and, Tim, there was,
uh, a young girl
in and out of here all day.
Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Christie.
What's the matter?
Oh, hello.
Hello, little one.
What you been doing today? Hmm?
Where's Beryl?
She's having a bit
of a lie-down.
She's not feeling too grand.
What's all this, then?
I'm all right.
I'm just having a lie-down.
What's all this about
the furniture money, then?
The what?
You know bloody well what,
so give me all that!
The man was here.
Six weeks, it hasn't been paid.
And I slaved my guts out
for that money, my girl.
So do I.
4 pounds 10 a week to feed you,
pay the rent,
handle the installments,
and buy everything
for the baby...
and another one on the way.
Yes, that's right-
Another one on the way.
We - We can't have
another kid yet.
Well, that's exactly what
we're going to get...
unless I do something about it.
Do something?
Do what?
Oh, never mind what.
She wants to go to bed now.
Do what?!
Tim, there are things
you can do.
Oh, no, you don't, my lady.
Well, it's my choice, isn't it?
Anyway, I've done it.
I've taken some pills.
What do you think
I'm lying here for?
You didn't even ask me!
You didn't even tell me!
Ask you?! Do I have to ask
your permission?!
Yes, you bloody do!
Does she know about this?!
Leave Alice out of this!
You knew about this, didn't you?!
No.
Leave Alice alone!
She's staying here the night
to look after me!
No, she's not! I know her sort!
What's that meant to mean?!
Never you mind!
Now look what you've done!
Get out and leave Alice alone!
I wouldn't touch her
with a barge pole!
I better go.
No! He can sleep in the kitchen!
I'm not sleeping anywhere!
I'm not coming back! Good!
Bloody old cow!
I'm not the sort of man
who can make due
with just one woman.
No? Go on!
No, it's in the family, see?
Take my brother.
He's paying out hundreds a year
in alimony.
Well, thousands.
Mind you, I'm fly.
What do you think I've got
waiting for me when I get home?
The rent collector?
Rent collector -
He's a bit of a humorist,
our Wally.
Tucked up nice and warm
in bed with the wife.
That's what I said -
the rent collector.
I'll hit you in a minute!
Go it, Taffy.
No, there's two of them, see?
There's Beryl and this other
little dark one - Alice -
just lying there waiting for it,
crying out for it.
Three in a bed, eh?
How about that?
You can have
my old woman if you like.
That will make up the set.
Thanks very much.
I'll take you up on that
one day.
Oh, well, if you're traveling
around like me,
you know, it's, uh,
Brighton one day
and Birmingham the next.
You usually manage
to pick up a bit on the way.
That's not all you pick up
if you go on like that.
Oh, no, no, no.
These aren't scrubbers
like you might get, man.
These is ladies - rich ladies.
You know, get bored -
They're wanting a bit of fun.
Elegant, but, uh, passionate.
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!
Come on, you - Out. Out.
Beryl wants me here.
She may need me here.
I don't bloody need you here,
and it's my bed!
Don't wake her. She's tired.
I'm tired, too!
I'm tired of having you around,
so get out!
And you leave us in peace!
You, get back in bed!
Just for tonight.
She may not be well.
Whose fault is that?!
Be quiet!
Come on - Out!
Let go of her!
Take your hands off me!
Don't you touch me!
What is it, Reg?
That's the Evanses again.
Aaah!
You bloody touch me again!
I'm throwing her out!
Don't be so bloody silly!
It's my bloody house!
I've got rights
in my own bloody house!
Now then, now then, now then.
What's all this about?
It's all her, Mr. Christie!
You just calm down.
It's because I've got Alice
staying here a night.
In my bloody bed!
And I'm meant to stay
on the floor in the kitchen!
All right, all right.
There's no need for language.
This is an apartment
for two persons.
That's quite clear in the lease.
What lease?
The statutory regulations.
Alice is just staying with me
because I'm not well.
Never mind about that.
/ know the law.
Now then...
you can't be guaranteed
security of tenure
if you're overcrowded.
That is a regulation.
That's right, my girl.
You put your shoes on
and go about your business.
Why should she?!
It's all right. I'll go.
Any more of this sort
of behavior,
and out you go - both of you.
I just want a bit
of peace, Mr. Christie.
All right, then.
Beryl...
Beryl, if you're not well,
you shouldn't be larking around
at this time of night.
You should see a doctor.
Lovely day today,
Mr. Christie, ain't it?
Very nice. Yes.
Oh, hello, Beryl.
How are you today?
Oh, I'm fine.
Thank you, Mr. Christie.
Have you been to see
the doctor yet?
The doctor?
Oh, uh, no.
Hmm.
Well, won't you come in a minute?
Well, I've got the -
I've just put the kettle on.
Oh.
Well, sit down, Beryl.
Do. In the deck chair.
Now, what is all this trouble
between you and Tim?
And don't try and
tell me there isn't any trouble.
No.
You're very young, you know.
Unexperienced.
Things which may seem
great problems to you
may seem simpler to
an older head, you know?
Well, it's just that I'm -
I'm going to have a baby.
Yes, I see.
Tim, I suppose,
is none too keen...
on this, uh,
addition to the family.
No. Well, I'm not, either.
I-I took some pills yesterday.
Pills?
Yes, they -
They didn't work, though.
You see, Mr. Christie, Tim
only gets 7 pounds a week.
Well... we can't afford
another baby now.
No. I understand that.
I, uh...
I do know people -
medical people -
who could help you out.
But that would cost money,
wouldn't it?
Yes, that's - That's true.
Yeah.
That's true, I'm afraid.
They're very eminent men.
One particularly I have in mind,
I used to assist him
in his earlier days.
Studied with him.
It's, uh,
it's quite a simple matter.
You - You mean you know
how to do it, Mr. Christie?
Oh, yes.
Oh, that's not a problem.
I've seen it done 100 times.
Terminations we called them.
I had to learn about that
in the police.
Well...
I suppose you c-couldn't -
Oh, I - I know
it's against the law
and everything.
Oh, no, that's -
That's all right...
as long as nobody goes
telling tales out of school.
Sugar?
No, I-
It's the moral question
that concerns me.
I wouldn't tell a soul-
honestly.
The taking of life...
no matter how rudimentary...
Well... it's not, really.
I'd be... ever so grateful,
Mr. Christie.
All right, I Will.
I didn't -
It's such a weight off my mind.
Honestly, Mr. Christie.
Honestly.
Well -
W-When do you think you could -
Oh, well, do you think
you could -
Well, you have a word
with Tim tonight, huh?
Yes.
And perhaps we'll be able
to fit you in tomorrow.
Yes.
What are you doing here?
Now then, now then.
I thought we'd go
to the pictures.
Oh, did you then? Yes.
Now, Mrs. Christie
is looking after Geraldine...
and you and I are going to have
a night out, okay?
Well, all right then. Come on.
Hold the bus!
And when the fields
Are fresh and gree-e-e-e-e-n
I will take you to your home
Ka-a-a-a-thleen
Here's out.
Did you like it?
The film.
Oh, it was all right.
I didn't see too much of it.
I like Gregory Peck.
He's okay.
You know, you're
a bit like him to look at.
Good God, girl,
you've hardly had one drink.
No, no, you are.
He's about 7'3 for a start-off.
I know,
but just around the eyes,
you look like him.
Mr. Christie
was talking to me today.
About last night?
Oh, no. He was okay about that.
He, uh...
Well, he said
he might be able to help us.
Huh?
About the baby, you know.
Oh?
Well, what's he think he can do?
Well, he's had experience
with things like that.
You mean...
getting rid of it?
Termination, it's called.
Oh, I - No,
I don't know about that, Beryl.
I don't think he wants money
or anything like that.
That's not what I mean.
Tim... we can't have
another kiddie now.
You know we can't.
Well, I - I know I could always
get a bigger job -
pays more cash.
I could go to night school -
get qualified in something.
Well, what's he do, anyhow?
I don't know.
Here.
All right then.
Mind the beer, girl.
Tim...
will you tell Mr. Christie
it's all right
when you go down the stairs?
I don't like it, Beryl. Oh, Tim.
You can't go back on it now.
Okay, okay.
Mr. Christie?
Mr. Christie?
Oh, there you are, Mr. Christie.
Oh, Tim, come in, come in.
Look, Mr. Christie,
Beryl's been telling -
Shut the door, will you?
Do you mind?
Oh, no.
Tim...
I dislike this business
as much as you do.
Well, I don't know -
It's just that I happened to
have picked up this knowledge
whilst I was in training
as a doctor
before the war.
Oh, I didn't know you did
all this medical stuff.
Oh, yes.
Yes, yes, unfortunately,
my training
was interrupted
by a motoring accident,
and, um, then the war came and -
Well, that's most-
I was browsing through some
of my, uh, medical texts
before you came in,
as a matter of fact.
Perhaps you would like to...
Um...
Yes, well, l-l-l
don't know about all -
all this stuff, see.
No.
No, no.
How do you, uh...
I mean...
how do you actually do it?
Well, that's something only
doctors and myself know about.
It has to be secret,
you understand.
I mean, we couldn't have
every Tom, Dick, and Harry
going around doing it, could we?
Uh, no, I-I understand that,
but, uh -
I won't conceal the... dangers
from your mind.
The, um...
The, um, stuff I use -
one in ten might die from it.
Die?
Well, yes, that's
an acceptable medical risk.
That's understood.
Mind you, they probably use
too strong a dose.
If only you and, um, Beryl
had come to me earlier,
I could have done it
without any risk at all.
Oh, I don't know.
I don't know, Mr. Christie.
Well... Tim...
if you haven't got
complete confidence
in my ability...
No, no.
I - I trust you, Mr. Christie.
Of course, I do.
All right then.
Good lad.
Right, well, you
cut along to work.
Otherwise, you'll be late.
And, uh, Tim... remember...
we've never lost a father yet.
No.
Uh, thank you, Mr. Christie.
Ethel?
Ethel...
Hmm?
Ethel, I want you to go
to the, uh, office for me?
See Mr. Steadman.
Tell him my back's
been playing me up,
and I shan't be in today.
Oh, Reg, are you going
to the doctor?
No. No, I'll be all right.
I'll phone from the corner.
No, you'd better go.
They'll want
these bills of lading
and invoices right away.
Go and get your coat on.
All right.
I'm ready, Reg.
Tell him I hope to be better
tomorrow.
All right.
Yes, what is it? Mr. Christie?
Yes.
Ah. Builders.
Repair roof to outhouse,
replaster where necessary,
and make good.
Now? Uh, it's not convenient.
You are Mr. Christie?
You complained to the landlord
about this outhouse.
Well, I-I-I need to be
informed in advance.
Look, mate, I just take
my orders from the owners.
It is just the, uh,
wash house, is it?
Just the outbuildings.
Well, you better come through.
Oh, thank you very much.
I was just having a cup of tea.
It's, uh, back up here
on the right.
This is it.
The wash house.
Right.
All this lot
will have to come down
for a start.
How long will it take?
Oh, it shouldn't take more
than a couple of days.
Be careful. Do you mind?
Yeah, mind the paintwork, mate.
And the priceless anti-ques.
Beryl: Mr. Christie...
are you...
I've got the builders in.
Well, it doesn't matter.
Oh.
Here we are then.
I brought you
a little cup of tea.
Oh. Thank you.
What are they doing -
the builders?
Oh.
They, um, they won't disturb us.
The baby asleep, is she?
Oh, yes.
She's in the other room.
Right. Well, uh,
we can manage in here then.
Just drink your tea and relax.
Is it going to hurt?
Just a little twinge,
but, uh, we can help that.
Open the window for me -
6 inches - will you?
And perhaps you
better pull down the blind.
Fast asleep.
All right.
Just pass me my bag, will you?
Ta.
Oh! What's that for?
Just a - a whiff of gas.
Gas? Like at the dentist's -
take away those little twinges.
But that's poisonous, isn't it?
Oh, no - not the way we use it.
Something we had to learn
during the war
for bomb victims...
that needed... urgent surgery.
It's a chemically compounded
filter, you see?
The liquid...
...takes out
the carbon monoxide,
or CO2, as we call it.
There.
Right.
Just get...
scrubbed up.
There isn't any cutting,
is there?
Oh, no, no. No, no.
Oh.
Ta.
I'm ever so nervous,
Mr. Christie.
There's no need to be -
no need at all.
Do you, um, have, uh,
undergarments on?
Yes.
Well, just slip them off,
will you?
Um, should I take my dress off?
No, no. Just the, um...
And then lie down on the quilt.
Right down?
Yes, just lie down and relax.
You ready?
Yes.
That's a good girl.
Now... just...
a little... whiff of the gas.
You've, uh, had gas before
at the dentist, have you?
You know
what it feels like then.
You'll feel
just a little bit dizzy,
I expect.
All right.
Now... breathe deeply.
Breathe - Just relax.
Breathe deeply. Close your eyes.
Close your eyes.
That's a good girl.
That's a good girl.
Breathe.
Breathe, Beryl.
That's it.
That's it.
No. No.
Aaah! No, no, no.
Quiet. Quiet!
Be quiet!
Be - Be - Be quiet!
Quiet!
Aaah! No!
Don't make me hurt you.
Please. Please.
Don't make me hurt you.
No! Please!
Ugh!
Oh, Beryl.
Oh, oh, Beryl.
Howdy-howdy-do.
Hey, come on. Come on.
Beryl!
Beryl!
Beryl?
If you don't want to see me,
you've only got to say so.
Beryl.
Geraldine: Mommy.
Mommy.
Oh, hello, Mr. Christie.
It's bad news, Tim.
It didn't work.
Huh?
Where's Beryl then?
She's upstairs on the bed...
Oh, Tim.
...lying down.
Go on up.
I'll come up with you.
Beryl?
What -
She's got... blood
all down her chin.
That's the concussion,
I'm afraid.
She would struggle, you see -
Concussed her head
against the bed-head.
It's got sharp corners,
that bed-head.
Beryl...
She's not alive.
I told you it was bad.
You - You never said -
One out of ten die of it -
I told you that.
Oh, Christ.
I'm sorry, Tim.
These things happen, though.
She should have
approached me earlier.
Oh, God, she was only young.
Yes, it's a terrible thing.
But she'd have had to be
in hospital by now, anyway.
Doctors couldn't have
helped her even.
Her tummy was septic poisoned -
all those pills she'd been
dosing herself up with.
Oh, God! Oh, God!
Them damned pills!
Don't - Don't wake
the baby, Tim.
What am I going to do?
Come with me. Come on.
Come on.
Sit down.
Would you get the doctor?
Doctors...
can't do much now,
I'm afraid, Tim.
Well, we gotta do something -
the police or something.
Yes, you may be right.
Well, that's what I think,
anyhow.
It'll be criminal manslaughter
for me, of course.
Oh, God.
I-I don't want to get you
into trouble, Mr. Christie.
Well, I'm not just thinking
about me so much.
I'm not the only one involved.
You knew all about it,
didn't you?
Well, of course I knew about it!
Well, don't get huffy with me,
my lad.
You knew about it -
that's the point.
You're an accessory
before the act.
But... well, I done nothing.
Oh, God, I done nothing.
But you knew about it, Tim.
You consented -
That's all they'll want to know.
All right.
All right, then, I'll -
I'll not tell them nothing.
I'll just say
I don't know nothing
and just keep clammed up.
You better go
and see to the baby.
You can't leave her crying
like that.
Poor old Tim, eh?
I could get you out of this
if only you didn't keep
talking so silly.
I-I just don't know what to do.
Well, we could keep quiet
about it, couldn't we?
She's just lying there.
Well...
there are ways of...
disposing of bodies.
What - not be buried, you mean?
No p-proper service?
What good
would a proper service do?
Well, she'd want it,
that's what.
And me too - I wa-I want it.
You want it? She'd want it?
You want to be hung?
Is that what you want?
You better see
to the baby's supper.
She'll be crying for it
in a minute.
They don't hang you
for manslaughter anyhow.
No.
They do for murder, though.
They'll just think
you killed her
in one of those fights of yours.
She's got that knock
on the head.
The whole street knows
about those fights you have
all the time.
The police know even.
What do you mean?
I mean... you start going
to the police or whatever,
and I'm going to have to deny
I had anything to do with it.
Oh, they'll know bec-
They'll know
from the operation you did.
Oh, no, my lad.
There are no visible signs,
not the way I do it.
All right then!
All right, I'll tell them,
and then they'll know.
Who do you think
they'll believe, Tim?
Everyone around here knows
these stories you come out with
about your father being
an Italian count and everything.
Oh, it's just storifying.
Everyone knows that.
Anyhow, he was an Italian,
my father.
Well, he may not have been
a count.
I don't know about that.
An Italian named Evans?
That's just a name he used
so as people wouldn't know
who he was.
Well, he was
in this secret business, see?
That's why he was so rich.
He had all this money
and shares and everything.
Only he lost it
'cause he was killed in the war.
So, who are the police
going to believe, eh?
You?
Or me, that was a special
constable for four years?
Me, of course! Me!
All right, then, Tim.
Well, you go to the police
and tell them.
Go on.
Off you go.
All right, I will, too.
Well, they'll have to believe
the truth.
Oh, go on then, if you're going.
Well, I can't go now, can I?
I've got the baby to feed.
Oh, I'll do that.
I'll do that for you
while you're gone.
W-Well... you tell me -
Tell me w-what to do,
then I won't go.
No, you've got to do
what you think is right.
We'll shut the door
and talk, eh?
All right.
You're gonna be guided
by me, hmm?
Yes, okay, Mr. Christie.
All right.
Sit down.
Now...
first of all, there's Beryl.
I'll look after that.
And, uh, I'll dispose of her.
I'll wait till I get a chance.
You know the, uh -
the big, uh, manhole cover
by the front door?
I'll lay her to rest there.
Oh! Oh, God!
This is no time for you
to break down.
Yes, I know. I'm sorry.
It'd look better
if you went away for a bit.
Right away, tonight-
out of London.
I don't -
Listen to me.
Then I could tell people
that you and Beryl
had gone away together.
And what about the baby,
Geraldine?
Oh, she'll be all right.
It's very lucky,
as a matter of fact.
There's a young couple
over at Acton I know
who'll look after her for you -
East Acton, to be precise.
They... can't have any
of their own,
so it's handy really.
So you just, uh,
leave all her things packed up,
and I'll get them to come over
and collect her in the morning.
But I'll... be able
to have her back, won't I?
I mean, when -
when all this has blown over?
Oh, yes. Yes.
Yes, I daresay.
Right, then.
You get the baby fed.
Oh, God, Mr. Christie.
And she was only young.
If... she'd come to me
earlier...
Come and give me a hand.
Grab her. Grab her legs.
Let her down. Let her down.
We'll put her
in Kitchener's place.
The old man's in hospital.
He won't be back for days.
She'll be all right in there
for tonight.
Take this.
What's this?
Wedding ring.
Sell it.
It'll make her
less easy to identify
if they do ever find her.
Oh.
Now you get packed...
and then g-
get a night train anywhere.
And I'll get those people
over from East Acton
first thing in the morning
for the baby.
You better go
and finish feeding her.
Mr. Christie...
Go on. Go on.
Hello, Auntie Vi.
Tim! What are you doing
down here?
Come in! Come in!
Con, it's Tim.
Tim, boy!
Hey, what are you doing
in this neck of the woods?
Sit down, Tim.
Take your coat off.
Well, me and the boss
is, uh, touring around
trying to find new branches.
Only the car broke down
in Cardiff.
There's tea fresh brewed, Tim.
You still like
egg and fried bread?
Oh, smashing!
It'll be a few days, the car.
Big end's gone, they said.
How's Beryl?
We can put you up on the settee
in the back room if you like.
Thanks, Auntie.
How's Beryl and the baby?
Oh, fine, fine.
They've got to Brighton
for a bit-
stay with Beryl's father.
I've just been upstairs.
He's gone.
Tim?
Packed up and left -
his clothes and everything,
scarpered.
And that's not the worst part.
What's the matter, Reg?
You know what
he's gone and done?
What?
He's killed the baby.
I don't believe it.
Strangled, if you must know,
with his tie.
He'd never do that!
Never mind what he'd never do.
It's what he's done.
He worshipped that child.
Reg, what are we going to do?
Nothing.
Hey.
See what I bought Geraldine
in Cardiff?
Did you go into the garage
about the car?
Oh, yes, yes.
They say it'll be a bit.
They'll let me know.
There.
Woolworth's I got it.
Oh, it's lovely, Tim.
Tim, your uncle and I
wrote a letter
to Mr. Thorley on Monday.
Thorley?
Beryl's father.
What do you want to write
to him for?!
We got a telegram this morning.
He said he hasn't seen Beryl
and the baby since the summer.
What do you want to go
poking around for?!
But where is she, Tim?
What's happened?
I don't want to talk about it.
And none of your business
anyhow!
She's - She's gone off.
Gone off?
With, uh, some fellow.
I don't know, do I?!
In a car.
But what about little Geraldine?
Look, just stop asking questions
at me, will you?!
Now then -
Don't you now then me!
She's gone off
with some... rich fellow,
and that's all there is
about it!
She's not
that sort of a girl, Tim.
I'm going out!
I'm bloody going out!
Here, I think that's the number.
Yeah, that's okay.
There is a record card.
Ah.
Uh...
Yes, sir?
Is there an inspector
or sergeant or somebody here?
There's nobody available
at the moment, sir.
Can I help you?
I'd like to have a bit of a chat
with you alone, like.
Right.
Excuse me, sir.
Well, now.
I want to give myself up.
I've disposed of my wife.
Now, wait a minute.
Do you realize
what you're saying?
I know what I'm saying.
I can't sleep for it.
I want to get it off my chest.
She was expecting, see?
And we have one already.
Anyhow, I met this fellow
in Ipswich.
He just come up to me in a caff
and give me
this bottle of stuff.
I told her not to take it,
but she said
she was going to anyhow.
So, I come home from work,
and there she is dead.
She had the empty bottle
beside her.
I didn't know what to do
so... I got -
I didn't know what to do,
so at 2:00 in the morning
I got her downstairs
and I opened the drain
outside the front door
and I put her... body...
down the drain.
And then I come down here.
Do you want to make a statement
in writing?
Uh...
Well, I'll tell you about it
and you write it down, eh?
I'm not all that educated.
I can't do this reading
and writing.
Yes. That's what he said.
Well, he's a bit simple,
you know.
Okay. I'll have another go
at him.
Yeah. Bye.
Well, now...
The drain where you said
you put your wife's body -
it's been examined.
There's nothing there.
Well, I-I put it there.
I see.
It's a manhole, is it?
Uh... I expect so.
Who helped you lift the lid off?
I did it myself.
Who are you trying to kid?
It took three men to lift it.
Well, I don't know about that.
I did it!
I don't think your wife's body
was ever down that drain.
All right.
All right, I only said that
to protect a man named Christie.
Christie?
Yes.
It's not true
about the man in the caff.
Now I'll tell you the truth.
She wasn't very good
with money, I'm afraid.
Run up a lot of bad debts.
That was one of the reasons
they were always fighting.
This was... their little domain.
What is it? Just the two rooms?
Just the two rooms, yes.
You'd only have to ask
the neighbors
about the fights they had,
I'm afraid.
One of your chaps
from the station
had to come around one night,
as a matter of fact.
You saw them go, did you?
No, they just crept off.
Who has the flat below this?
Mr. Kitchener,
an old gentleman -
worked on the railways.
Inspector, you'd want to look
at his flat -
Mr. Kitchener's - I expect?
Oh, yes.
Yes, well, he's in hospital
at the moment,
so he'll not mind.
I just found these, sir.
They're all about
the torso murder case.
Oh, yes, a bit morbid
about that case, Tim was.
Kept all the newspaper cuttings.
Can't think why.
I thought he couldn't read.
No, he used to get Beryl
to read them to him.
Ah.
I better take a look
in here first.
I've just left the kettle on
in the kitchen.
Rn just, uh...
Shoo! Go on, get out!
Get out! Shoo!
This is the back garden.
Can't seem to get this open.
It, uh, gets jammed
occasionally.
Go and get the poker, Ethel.
There's a sort of bundle
under the sink here.
What's that, Mrs. Christie?
Do you know?
Well, take a look.
It's a bundle of something.
Do you know what's in it?
No.
It's tablecloth or something.
It's all wrapped up.
Is that yours?
No, I don't think so.
Well, feel it.
Feel if you recognize it.
No, I've never seen it before.
All right, drag it out.
Let's have a look at it.
It weighs a ton.
Better cut the cord.
If you've no objection, madam.
No, not at all.
It isn't mine anyway.
Man: There's another one here.
It's a baby.
Did they ask Mr. Christie
if he could get the baby back
from the people in Acton,
do you know?
Well, bloody hell.
Are you gonna keep this up
all the way to London?
At 11:50 A.M. today,
I found the dead body
of your wife, Beryl Evans,
concealed in a wash house
at 10 Rillington Place,
Notting Hill.
Also the body
of your baby daughter Geraldine
in the same outbuilding,
and this clothing
was found on them.
Later today I was present
at Kensington mortuary
when it was established
that the cause of death
was strangulation in both cases.
I have reason to believe
that you were responsible
for their deaths.
Yes.
All right then.
She was incurring
one debt after another,
and I could not stand it
any longer.
So I strangled her
with a piece of rope
and took her down
to the flat below the same night
whilst the old man
was in hospital.
I waited until the Christies
downstairs had gone to bed,
then I took her
to the wash house
after midnight.
Then I strangled my baby
in our bedroom with my tie
and took her to the wash house.
Sign there, lad.
If you don't know
how to write your name,
just put a cross.
I know how to write my name.
Good, lad. Just sign there then.
Mr. Christie...
I have got to suggest to you -
and I do not want there to be
any misapprehensions about it-
that you are responsible
for the death of Mrs. Evans
and of the little girl.
Or if that is not so,
that at least you know very much
more about those deaths
than you've said.
That is a lie.
Did you know
that Mrs. Evans was pregnant
in November last year?
My wife told me.
Did you have any discussion
with her or Mr. Evans?
We understood from what
Mrs. Evans told my wife
that she had been taking
pills and various things
to procure an abortion.
Now, I suggest to you
that a little later
you said to Evans,
If you or your wife had come
to me in the first place,
I could have done it for you
without any risk.
No, definitely not.
Do you remember
him saying to you,
I didn't think you knew
anything about medical stuff?
No, he -
And that you said
that you'd been training to be
a doctor before the war?
No, that's nonsense.
Do you remember showing Evans
some medical books
in your flat?
I have not got
any medical books,
except the St. John's ambulance
handbook.
Did you show this book to Evans?
No, certainly not.
It's an obsolete book.
I daresay it's obsolete,
but did you show it to him?
No.
Did you not tell Evans
that you had been doing training
in medical matters
before the war
and that you stopped
because of an accident?
No.
You gave evidence yesterday
that during the night
of Tuesday the 8th of November,
you heard a thud.
Yes.
Uh, it seemed rather loud.
It startled us rather.
It woke us up.
This was about midnight?
Uh, yes, it would be.
Are you quite sure about that?
Absolutely certain.
Do you remember giving evidence
at the magistrate's court
at West London?
Yes.
You never mentioned there
this noise
of something very heavy
being moved,
did you?
Oh, yes, I did mention it.
I'm certain.
Well, perhaps
it was not taken down.
What happened after the sound
of furniture moving?
I, um -
I-l went off to sleep again.
Because of the pain I was having
with the fibrositis,
I was taking tablets.
It was the only way
I could get to sleep.
I'm still taking them,
as a matter of fact.
Are you still suffering
from fibrositis, Mr. Christie?
Very badly, my lord.
I was in severe pain all night.
I had to go to the doctor
again last night,
and he prescribed for me
and gave me some pills
to alleviate the pain.
But I was awake
for most of the night.
Would you be more comfortable
giving your evidence
sitting down?
Well, yes, I think I would, my lord.
Then you may.
Thank you.
Mr. Christie...
yesterday you remember
Mr. Humphreys asking you
if you had been in the police
force during the last war?
Yes.
In fact, you were a constable
in the war reserve?
For four years, yes.
But you are not, are you,
a man of good character?
Well, I... have had some trouble.
I apologize for having to ask
you these questions,
but I'm afraid I must.
On four occasions
you have been convicted
of offenses of dishonesty,
haven't you?
Uh, three.
Not four?
Then perhaps
I had better put them to you.
Were you sentenced
to three months'
imprisonment in 1921
for stealing postal orders?
Yes.
Bound over for false pretenses
in 1923 at Halifax?
Yes, I remember that.
Nine months hard labor
for stealing material and goods
in 1924 at Uxbridge?
Yes.
And three months
also at Uxbridge
for stealing a motorcar in 1933?
Yes, that's right.
Well, surely
you could remember that -
four offenses for dishonesty.
Well, I-I -
I had an idea it was three.
I-I just didn't -
I just wasn't quite sure.
I see.
But what is perhaps
more important-
and relevant to this matter -
are there two other convictions
recorded against you?
Yes.
The first of these being
for violence
at Halifax in 1923?
Yes.
And the second when
you were sentenced to six months
for malicious wounding in 1929?
Yes.
Yes.
Do you appreciate
that the medical evidence
in this case
which has been called
is that
this woman was strangled?
I was informed of that.
Not killed by abortion,
of which there's no sign,
but by strangulation?
Yes.
Now...
a word about your character.
What were you doing
in the First World War?
I was in the army
in the First World War.
Fighting for your country?
Yes. I-I was gassed twice.
I was blinded for three months,
and I never spoke
for 3 1/2 years.
The last time you were
in trouble with the police
for any offense was in 1933,
was it?
Yes.
17 years ago.
Yes.
In this last war,
in spite of your disabilities,
you served
in the war reserve police
for many years.
Is that right?
Yes, I did,
and I was commended
on two occasions.
Thank you, Mr. Christie.
What are you doing?
I'm going to sleep
in the front room.
Front room?
On the sofa from now on.
What's that in aid of?
Nothing, it's just that
I'm not sleeping very well,
that's all.
Now, it is you who voluntarily
go to the police
on the 30th of November
after hearing about the telegram
which your aunt had received
from Mr. Thorley,
your wife's father?
That's right.
It was because
your previous lies were exposed
by the telegram
that you decided to go
to the police, was it?
It wasn't because of the lies.
Then why did you suddenly
go to the police?
Well... I was getting worried
about my daughter.
Are you saying that seriously
to the jury -
that you go to the police
and confess to murder
because you're worried
about your daughter?
There is no confession
of murder.
He said,
I have disposed of my wife.
I have put her down the drain.
It sounds very like murder.
All he said was he had put her -
it might well be her body -
down the drain.
You made a statement
to the police,
and this is the first you made -
Exhibit 6 -
in which you talk
of meeting a man in a caf,
and of how your wife
took these pills
and died of them
and you found her dead.
You remember that statement?
Yes, I remember that statement.
That is untrue?
That is untrue, yes.
You then made a statement
in which you set out
in some detail
how Mr. Christie
gave your wife something
which would cause an abortion
and she died of that.
Do you remember that one?
Yes, I remember that one, too.
Is that one true or untrue?
That is true.
Then you made a statement
in which you confess
to murdering your wife
and your child.
Is that true or untrue?
I was told
of my daughter's death
before I made that one.
True or untrue?
I-It is true I made the statement.
Is the statement true or untrue?
Untrue.
So then that is
the second statement
you have made to the police,
in some detail, which is untrue?
Yes.
So would it not be right to say
that you are a person
who's prepared to lie,
or tell the truth,
at your own convenience?
Well, why should I tell lies?
My life is at stake here.
Now...
we have shown that your story
about Mr. Christie
giving your wife an abortion
is nonsense.
You are the person
who alleges Mr. Christie
is the murderer in this case.
Can you suggest why
he should have strangled
your wife?
Well... he was...
home all day.
Can you suggest why
he should have strangled
your wife?
No, I can't.
Can you suggest why
he should have strangled
your daughter?
No.
I didn't do it, Auntie.
Christie done it.
I didn't even know
the baby was dead
till the police brought me in
to Notting Hill.
Well, Christie said
she was in East Acton.
Get Christie -
Get him here to see me.
He's the only one
who can help me now.
Timothy John Evans...
the court has found you guilty
of willful murder,
and the sentence of the court
upon you
is that you be taken
from this place
to a lawful prison,
and thence to a place
of execution,
and there you will suffer death
by hanging.
And that your body be buried
within the precincts
of the prison
in which you shall have been
last confined
before your execution.
And may the Lord have mercy
on your soul.
Amen.
The one thing
that sticks in my mind
is I'm in for something
I haven't done, sir.
You must remember, Evans,
that we're not here to go into
the rights and wrongs
of your case.
This is purely a medical board.
Yes, I know that, sir.
See... Christie done it.
You confessed at Notting Hill.
Why was that?
I broke down at Notting Hill.
Well, I had nothing else
to worry about
when I knew my daughter
was dead.
Why do you think your daughter
was killed?
Well... to be out of the way,
wasn't it?
I see.
Any further questions?
No.
All right, thank you.
Come along then.
B-But Christie done it!
I say Christie done it!
All right, all right.
Well, I don't know -
He's not
an unpleasing little fellow.
Oh, no.
Primitive sort of creature,
but nothing abnormal-
medically speaking.
Rather meet than average
I thought.
Yes.
Nothing very much at all,
really.
Certainly no medical grounds
for a reprieve.
Oh!
Supper's in the meat safe.
I should have thought
you could have got it
for yourself.
I'm going to bed now.
I've taken a sleeping pill.
I'm going to Sheffield
in the morning.
Sheffield?
To stay with Jessy and Bob.
You can't just leave me here.
I-I can't stand Jessy,
you know that.
She talks too much.
What am I meant to do then?
We've no friends.
Not a soul set foot
in this house
for two years nearly.
Not since the Evanses.
We've no money -
You haven't worked since
I don't know when.
I can't work, can I?
Not with my back and everything.
The doctor says
I should be in hospital.
I know where you should be.
What's that supposed to mean?
You know what I mean.
Ohh.
Ohh.
You don't mind, do you?
It's migraine.
Hmm.
I get these terrible headaches.
Very unpleasant,
very unpleasant.
Mind you, um...
medically speaking, of course,
it's a very interesting
condition -
syndrome as we call it.
You're not a doctor, are you?
Well, now how did you know that?
Well, I should say I was.
Was?
Yes, I, um...
I did a favor for a friend -
a lady friend -
I expect you understand.
You know how it is.
Oh, yes.
Oh, dear.
Can I get you another cup
of tea?
No, thanks.
Are you sure?
Yes, well, of course, uh,
they won't do you any good,
mind.
What does, though?
Ah, well,
if only I was free to, uh...
Honestly, I'd do anything.
Well, you certainly do yourself
proud in here, I must say.
My wife's away.
I don't blame her.
You can keep that mattress
for a start.
It'd have the whole shop
running alive.
What's that mean?
Bedbugs.
L-Look, this is mahogany -
pure mahogany.
Oh, yeah. 10 quid the lot.
What, for everything?
Everything, bar that mattress -
It'll walk out by itself.
10 pounds - I -
Surely it must be worth 15.
Not to me, it isn't.
Well, I-l can't work.
I was wounded in the war.
That's tough luck, squire.
12's my top. Yes or no?
All right.
I'll have the van around
this afternoon.
1...2... 3...
I was, uh,
just looking through my papers.
Cuttings and things -
newspaper cuttings.
I was in all the papers
a few years back.
Murder trial it was -
A dreadful business, appalling.
Of course,
I was in the police once,
so I understand these things.
I have had a very...
varied life.
Funny, really.
In all the papers
a few years back,
and now...
Pigs.
Well, of course,
if that's the way
you're going to talk...
It's what I'd expect, of course.
Okay, just dump it here.
Really smells bad in here.
We'll soon get it cleaned up.
Cliff...
Hmm?
Go and get the police.
What are you doing,
looking for work?
My employment cards
haven't come through.
Well, what's your name?
John Waddington.
Have you got anything on you
to prove your identity?
No, nothing at all.
Take your hat off, will you?
You're Christie.
John Reginald Christie.
I shall have to take you
into custody.
Come along.