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Dishonored Lady (1947)
Just what is our trouble? That's what I want to know.
Our trouble is Miss Damien. Miss Damien again? She's a pretty as a picture and as stubborn as a mule. But this time there's a lot more involved than just her opinion. Come in, Miss Damien. We were just ripping you up the back a little bit. So I gathered. Nothing personal. It's about Mr. Courtland. Courtland? Oh, yes, he runs a jewelry store. He owns Cortland and Company. London, Paris, Fifth Avenue. You may remember he's one of our biggest advertisers. What Shirley wants to say... I know what Shirley wants to say... I always know what Shirley wants to say. He wants to know why I killed the Art layout on Mr. Courtland's famous jewels. And I understand the April number goes to press without it. That's right. In the first place it's no Art layout, it's a press agent's dream. But the result is we stand a good chance of losing the Courtland account. Am I running my department or am I not? I haven't said anything, Miss Damien. I had a talk with Courtland. He was decidedly acid about it. I'm not interested in Courtland. But if this magazine is going to submit to advertisers' blackmail, I'd like to know about it. Now, please, Miss Damien. If that's the policy, Mr. Kranish, you'd better get someone else to take my place. Please, Miss Damien, just a moment. Gentlemen, if you don't mind, I'll talk to you later. I thought I should bring this to your attention. You can't blame us for trying. No, of course not. No harm done, gentlemen. Madeleine, you've got yourself all worked up. Come sit down. I'll get you a drink. No, thanks, I don't want one. No? What is this but private blackmail of yours? Threatening to quit in order to win an argument. I'd just as soon quit. I mean it. Now tell me, what's happened? You're all wound up. What's bothering you? Oh, nothing's bothering me. You know I don't want you to quit. I won't go to my personal feelings, but you are the best art editor I've ever had. How's the insomnia? Oh, I've found some new sleeping pills. Red ones this time. Red pills to put you to sleep. White ones to keep you up. It doesn't sound very sensible, my dear. What are you doing this evening? Dining with Freddie Fancher. Oh, Freddie again. I couldn't get out of it, Victor. We're using some of his stories next month. But it'll be the last time, I promise. Madeleine, you're a bundle of lies. A very lovely bundle, beautifully tied together. I'm trying to be honest, but you won't believe me, will you? No, my dear. Because I don't really think you believe yourself. Why do you have to go back to that bore, Freddie Fancher? You haven't even given me a chance to make love to you. You've been doing all right. You know something? It's awfully hard to make love to a woman who makes more money than I do. It would be much easier if you made love to me. Would it? trying to give me the brushoff, are you? Finally we understand each other. Well, there you are, Freddie. There's your girl and no bones broken. I'll see you at the office, Madeleine. I'd join you if somebody asked me. Nobody's asking you. Fair enough. Why do you have to dance with that polliwog? Look, I told you not to drink. I always drink. Particularly when I'm with you. Oh, am I that hard to take sober? You're a voluptuous pain in the neck. I'm going home. You're not gonna walk out on me. Come on, be yourself. I told you I'm going to leave early. You can't just leave me here sitting in the snow. I'm mad about you, in my own foul way. Good night, Freddie. Any chance of getting a cab, Jim? I'll try, Miss Damien. Miss Damien, here's a person I know you're anxious to meet. Mr. Felix Courtland, one of our most prominent advertisers. How do you do, Miss Damien? How do you do? Mr. Garrett is the soul of tact, don't you think? He's just been telling me all about you. I hope he wasn't that blunt. You needn't worry. I always form my own conclusions. Can I give you a lift anywhere? My car is just outside. No, thank you. They're getting me a cab. Oh, I'm very sorry. I'm sorry, Miss Damien. There isn't a cab around. How long do you think it'll be? It's hard to say. Are you sure you don't want a lift? Well, there doesn't seem to be any alternative. Good night, Mr. Garrett. Good night, Mr. Courtland. I wasn't very polite, was I? Neither was Garrett for that matter. He always enjoys uncomfortable situations. Do you still feel uncomfortable? No. Frankly, I don't. Good, nor do I. You know, you're not at all what I imagined. No? No. The big international jeweler. I happened to inherit a business that runs itself very nicely. As a matter of fact, you don't look like an art editor. More like a work of art. That layout on your jewels is still e wretched piece of copy. I can only admire your good taste. I'm still not going to print it. I wouldn't try and persuade you for the world. Mr. Courtland, I think you're a very dangerous man. I only wish it were so. The truth is I'm a very ordinary one. Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to give you my address. My fault. I forgot to ask you. Won't you come in for a minute? No, I don't think so. But you really must see the jewels you've been insulting. They're much handsomer than the photographs. I'll need you in about 15 minutes. But I said I wasn't coming in. Oh, yes. So you did. Let me take your wrap. I'm only going to stay a minute, you know. Of course. What a wonderful room. I've had this place a long time. In fact, I'm pretty disgustingly rich. Don't you find that rather pleasant? It's not so hard to take once you get the hang of it. I think I know all the troubles that come with money. And all the pleasures. Well, have you got me all figured out? Only what I see here. Good books, fine pictures. I wonder if you ever look at them; Oh, but I do. I'm a lonely bachelor and I spend hours here all by myself poring over old manuscripts. You don't expect me to believe that, do you? Didn't my father paint that? Was Stephan Damien your father? Him-hmm. That's very interesting. Is it? I remember when he came here to paint that picture of my mother. Everybody was fascinated by him, especially mother. Father ended by chasing him out of the house. I'm afraid that's how it usually ended. My father was very much in love with life. That's a Hungarian custom, isn't it? Him-hmm. Not exclusively Hungarian. Weren't you going to show me your jewels? Oh, yes, of course. I'd quite forgotten. That's the reason we came here, wasn't it? You ought to feel real flattered, Miss Damien. This safe is one of my darkest secrets. You really want to see the jewels? Not particularly. I can't tell a brilliant from a diamond. Not one person in a hundred can. But then. very few people are intelligent enough to admit it. Thank you. How about another drink? No, thanks. You know, you need relaxing. Lots of relaxing. I can hear your nerves snapping like rubber bands. I'm not nervous at all, see? You're a very curious mixture. A highly moral voice... That's not me, that's my mind. A man's mind, I must say. Why not, I do a man's work. And desperate eyes. Eyes full of shadows. Insomnia does that. Does it? Anything doing? Not a thing. You know, it's getting me down eating in these hamburger joints. One thing you got to learn. Eat where the truck drivers eat. They know the right spot. Say, I saw a funny thing up the road just now. A good-looking dame sitting in a car all alone. Yeah? What was she doing? That's just it, she wasn't doing nothing. Just sitting there. I got a rule about women. If they arent breaking the law, leave them alone. I didn't mean to disturb you, miss. Just wanted to be sure everything is okay. Excuse me, lady. But are you sure you're all right? How is she? Luckier than she deserves. I just checked her up the road. She was acting strange then. I'd better call an ambulance. I doubt if it's serious. I'm as good a doctor as you'll find at this time of night. Let's take her inside. Well, no bones broken. Bruises, that's all. I think you'd better rest here for the night. I'm a little surprised for a beautiful young woman. You've been in an accident and you haven't asked for a mirror. I guess that fits with the way you were driving tonight. Perhaps you find the idea of living not very attractive. Is that any of your business, doctor? As a matter of fact, it is my business. I happen to be a psychiatrist. I don't need a psychiatrist. You won't mind if I disagree with you. Here's a beautiful young woman, apparently well-to-do. Apparently in good physical condition... who just doesn't care what happens to her. This is interesting. Not altogether unusual, but interesting. Of course there are the obvious deductions. It's my life, doctor, and I prefer to run it myself. And you don't want anyone to see inside of it. Perhaps you don't even don't want to take a look yourself. Many women haven't the courage to face themselves. So they look for escape in one excitement after another. Half my patients are like that. But I'm not one of your patients. If you tell me how much I owe you, I... I'll be going back to town now. Very well, I'll drive you to the station. Miss Damien, you're an intelligent woman, not an idiot. Will you promise me one thing? When you get ready to throw yourself off Brooklyn Bridge will you come and see me first? Goodbye, doctor. Miss Damien? I'll give you her secretary. Miss Damien's office. No, Mr. Courtland, she's not here yet. Shall I have her call you? yes, Mr. Courtland. Where's glamour puss? She hasn't come in yet? Well, who sent these? Mr. Felix Courtland. Mr. Courtland? Why, that's very interesting. She never misses, does she? Him-hmm... Jealous. If I'd given it any thought I could've predicted it. Gladys, I won my bet. She's got a new boyfriend. I guess those dames got to have new excitement all the time. Yeah, here today, gone tomorrow. Personally, I don't see what she sees in it all. Is that any concern of yours? No, Miss Damien. I didn't hire you to gossip about my private life. No, Miss Damien, Go get your money. You're through. Has Damien come in yet? What's the matter, sweetheart? Miss Damien fired me. Fired you? What for? She heard me talking about Mr. Courtland. Courtland, eh? Don't you worry, I'll fix that. I understand you fired June. That's right. What's the idea? I don't like people to gossip about me. You don't, eh? No, I don't. Well, it's pretty late to be thinking about a thing like that and it's a rotten trick to take it out on your secretary. Get out of here. You don't think your life is a secret, do you? The boys are betting eight to five this morning that the Courtland layout will be in the next issue. You're disgusting! Madeleine, why don't you get wise to yourself. Everybody else is. One romance after another. That's your whole life and you adore it. Get out! You try to dress it up in pretty words but you don't fool anybody. They know what you are and you'll never change. Get out! You don't care because it's too much fun! It isn't true. It isn't true. It isn't true! You're looking surprised. Here's a beautiful woman who just doesn't care what happens to her. Many women haven't the courage to face themselves. So they look for escape in one excitement after another. Perhaps you find the idea of living not very attractive. Lady, if you wanna kill yourself, why don't you try the bridge? I'm glad I was right. An intelligent woman, not an idiot. Sit down. That's it. Now, if you feel like talking, just go ahead and talk. You're afraid, aren't you? Well, it's our job to find out why. To explore the shadows and throw light on what we find there. Then you'll be able to see yourself clearly and face yourself honestly. When you can do that you won't be afraid anymore. I was living with my father. Mother had left him before we came to America. I was ten... And to me the way he lived seemed romantic, wonderful. He was a successful painter and women adored him He went his own way and did as he pleased. Just as you've been trying to do? I suppose so. But why, did it make him so very happy? Oh, I was certain he was the happiest man in the world, until... until he killed himself. Then you couldn't understand why he did it. Do you understand now? I think I do. Did you ever do any painting yourself? I used to. Why did you give it up? It didn't pay enough. And besides, I didn't want to be like my father. I wanted my own life. And have you been living your own life? Of course I have. The kind of life you really want? I don't know! I don't know!! Don't you think you've been hiding from yourself? Did you ever try to discover the person you really were. deep down underneath? I never cared to. I'm not so sure I do now. In that case I'm afraid I can't help you. Of course, that's entirely up to you. Shall we go on then? I was doing what I wanted to do, paying my own way and making the rules. Nobody was hurt. Nobody but yourself. And it didn't really make you happy, did it? Wasn't that because down underneath you knew there was something missing? Something important. I suppose so. That would worry you, wouldn't it? And then you would drug yourself with the excitement... of more excitement. Oh, I know the pattern, Miss Damien. You're suffering from the disease of the times... A neurotic malady is as commonplace as chronic alcoholism. Suppose for a moment that you were an alcoholic. They're much the same, you know. Unsure of themselves underneath and seeking reassurance from new excitement. Instead of getting at the cause, the drunkard solves his problem by taking another drink. This of course is no solution. And eventually we find him sprawled hopelessly at a bar. without the strength or even the desire to save himself. I can't go on with this. You're not helping me, you're insulting me. You've been insulting yourself, Miss Damien. Insulting your body and insulting your soul. Your life hasn't been gay and glamorous at all.. It's just been muddled and senseless. You know that now. And if you really want to change it, you can start right away. Now it's up to you. You can have the apartment, Ethel. The rent is paid until the end of the month. Darling, I feel like a vulture, wheeling over your head. I'm not in, whoever it is. Miss Damien's office. No, she still hasn't come in, Mr. Courtland. Well, I don't know exactly, later in the day I... Did he hang up? Yes. Good. Let me call him back, darling. You may be sorry later. Everything in this file return without comment. This I want to see more of their work and these you may be able to use. But you haven't given me your new address I'm not giving it to anyone.. Hello, Madeleine. Honey, would you mind popping out for a minute? Just 60 secs. you'd better talk fast. Madeleine, I'm in a jam. I gotta raise some money. I need about $5,000. What do you expect me to do about it? I thought you might talk to Courtland. I'm sure he'd let you have it if you ask him nicely. You're really quite a rat, aren't you. Look, I'm in debt up to here. I only make $100 a week and you know I can't live on that. $5,000 doesn't mean a thing to Courtland. You better get out of here before I lose my temper. You're forcing me to say things that I don't want to say but if you're going to act cold and virtuous about it you'll hear them. Suppose I tell Kranish. Tell him what? About Courtland. You know you've got a pretty nice job here, but you won't have it very long if I told Branish. I don't want to tell him, but... What's so funny? As a blackmailer you are pitiful. Go on, tell him. Tell him what a rat I am and you are and he is. Go on use my phone if you want, and my desk, and my office. I'm through with all of them. Boulevard Magazine. No, Miss Damien hasn't been back. Just a moment, please. I'm sorry, she doesn't work here anymore. You might try at her home. Waldorf Apartments. Waldorf Apartments. Miss Damien? Oh, no, she gave up her apartment. Why don't you try the Post Office? Dalgren, Dalgren, Dalgren... Damien! Care of Richard Caleb, 137, West 50th Street. I've nothing to tell you, except that Miss Damien has taken my advice as a doctor. She'd been living in an area of infection and she's removed herself from it. I take it you consider me part of the general contamination. No, you've come here for information, not diagnosis. I usually charge a fee for insulting people. I'm willing to pay for data of any kind. Yes, I gathered that. But I've nothing for sale. I suppose you're being very ethical, but I'd like to talk to Madeleine. In your presence, if you wish. Miss Damien is living under a different name and in a different world. She told me to tell you if you inquired that she was busy growing a new soul. Now would you please keep off the grass. Good-bye, Mr. Courtland. Good-bye, doctor. Didn't it ever worry you playing the Almighty in this fashion? Not particularly. I'm used to it. How does it look? It's better than torn wallpaper. You think I have talent then? You'll do better after you get the hang of it I only hope the new tenant will like it. He seems awful particular. He's a floorwalker at Macy's. Well, you can always give it back to me. You'll never sell it, you know. Take my advice and try something more cheerful. You know, like flowers and butterflies. I'll do that. Thank you, Mrs. Geiger. Thanks, you saved my life. Is this yours? Yes. Mrs. Geiger would scout me if she knew I kept mice in my room. Why do you keep mice in your room? Pathologist. Part of my homework. I really shouldn't bring these fellas out of the lab but I grew kind of attached to this one. Thanks again. Say... Women are supposed to scream. Aren't you afraid of mice? No. But next time I'll scream. Good afternoon, Miss Green. Hello, how's the work going? Oh, all right. Come in. Hello. Hello. Say, you're an artist, aren't you? Well, I don't know. Mrs. Geiger said yesterday that you were. She's an authority if ever I saw one. I was wondering, could you do a job for me? Want your portrait painted? Me, oh, nothing like that. I'm doing some research and it has to be illustrated. What do you want me to draw? Nothing fancy... just blood cells and things. Sounds fascinating. It is, really. You see, it's a lot like... You'd be surprised. it really is fascinating once you get in it. Of course I'm in a fellowship and I couldn't pay you very much. In fact I couldn't pay anything until the first of the month. That'll be all right. Oh, fine. It's all settled then. I'll see you at my place at about six o'clock. Oh, but I... couldn't I... Oh, sure you can. I just live downstairs. You know, the mousetrap. Oh, by the way, my name is Cousins. Mine is Dickson. Very glad to know you, Miss Dickson. Just what am I drawing? Am I allowed to find out? Sure. Anti-reticular serum on cell tissues. It's all I wanted to know. Say, that's quite good. I'll take it to the lab with me in the morning. You're just about ready for the next one. Do you realize it's 12 o'clock? I haven't had my dinner yet. And you haven't either. I'm sorry, but I got so wound up... So did I, but now I'm hungry. Well, I'll tell you what let's do. We'll go out and eat That's a brilliant idea. I'll get your coat. Do you do this all the time? Only since I got out of the army. I was lucky to get this job in research. Now I've got to get it finished. Then what? Then I go back to Oregon to become the usual respectable small-town doctor. No mice? No, no mice. Head colds and belly aches. Five dollars a visit. Maybe you'll like it. You'll get some rest. I'll get plenty of rest, all right, but I don't think I'll like it. You folks going out this time of night? That's right. We're meeting a few friends at the Busy Bee Cafeteria. We don't want to miss the floor show. We have to hurry. See that he eats. He hasn't got more sense than a goose. I'll feed him with a spoon. Got on to it first when I was in a little town in Germany while I was still in the Army. I met a couple of Russian medical officers who were working on anti-reticular and they were pretty steamed up about it. Pie, sir? No, thanks. We got together on the first night over a bottle of vodka. I remember the town was still burning. Maybe it was the vodka, but anyhow we got to talking about the anti-reticular well, I guess I got pretty excited. You mean you speak Russian? Over a bottle of vodka anybody speaks Russian. Care for some coffee? No, thanks, I'll have milk. One, please. At any rate, I promised myself that night that just as soon as the war was over I was going to do a job of this. And you haven't stopped to eat ever since? That's an error I'm just about to rectify. One dollar even. Here you are. Thank you. Thank you. Sure you've got everything you want? Yes, thanks. You know, I don't think you're much of a doctor. You call this a sensible diet? Pancakes and pickles. Scientifically there are two kinds of diets: the kind the doctors prescribe and the stuff they eat themselves. You're always in such a rush. You can't make scientific discoveries that way. Sure you can. Take Banting... He saw some flies eating a piece of pancreas. Figured out that there must be some sugar in it and in one minute he had the idea for insulin. You know you're a very lovely girl? You're not being very scientific, doctor. Oh, but I am. It's the very heart of science. It's the truth. Let's talk about insulin. Insulin... Come in. Hello. Hello. Did you buy these new manuscript covers? Yes, are they all right? Sure, sure, they're fine. How much did they cost? Nothing at all, something like 20 cents. Nothing at all, eh? You know you can buy a good pair of good mice for 20 cents? David, I have some wonderful news. I've just sold a picture. No fooling. Who bought it? The floorwalker downstairs. He said it's almost as good as a photograph. The man has great taste. I think it's wonderful. I'm proud of you. And I'm a little proud of myself too. David Cousins, on "Anti-reticular". Oh, David, it looks fine. It's important, isn't it? I mean, not just to you, but really important. Well, it won't cure all the ills of man or beast, but... Yes. I think it may be important. And I also think I should hand it in before I start changing it again. Like to come along? Oh, could I? Sure, why not? I think you've been drawing blood cells long enough. It's time for you now to meet one face to face. I hope your text is as good as your illustrations. I hope so too, sir. Well, that's that. You didn't tell him they were your drawings, did you? I didn't tell him they weren't. Come on, I'll show you my lab. Hm, coffee! I wouldn't try and drink it if I were you. Assistant pathologist. Well, this is me. How do you like it? I think it's wonderful. But how do you find anything in this place? Been here for six months and haven't lost anything yet. Doesn't matter anyway. If the boss okays my result I'll... out of here in a week. Back to Oregon? Yes, back to Oregon. All that way just to make a living. Is it as bad as all that? What's the use of kidding? I'm so in love with you, Madeleine, that I can't see straight. I haven't done any work in here for days. I just sit around waiting until I can see you. I know. That's just what I do, wait you see you. Darling... I never felt like this about anyone before. Tell me, when did you first know? When I first saw you, I think. Me too. I'll never forget you standing in that hall with a mouse in your hands. Only I didn't know what was happening. I thought I had the flu. Will you marry me? Oh, David... Well, will you? But we don't know each other... I mean, you don't know me. Oh, but I do. Of course I know you. Now what do you want to know about me? David Cousins, MD, University of Oregon. Captain, medical corps reserve. Young, healthy, and very much in love. Will you marry me? Please don't ask me now. I've got to ask you now. I wanna marry you now. Please give me time, David. I'm all mixed up. I'd like to go home now. All right. Madeleine. You haven't answered a rather important question I asked you. I can't say no because I wouldn't mean it. Darling... David, I do love you. Good night, darling. Good night. Hadn't you better close the door? A gentleman I hired provided me with your new address and the proper keys. Suppose someone had seen you? You wouldn't have cared, would you? I didn't think it mattered. You see, I expected to find you wretched and lonely, grafting with your complexes. Rather naive of me. Will you please go! Of course I'll go. But before I do, wouldn't you like to tell me about him? Why? I'm in love. Now, laugh if you want. I don't feel like laughing. I've always wondered if it were possible for people like you and me. And you think you've really got it, love eternal, the fireside, the slippers, the whole thing? Yes, the whole thing. I'm very glad for you, but I think I'm a little sad for myself. You haven't told him, have you? Told him what? Well, about me, for instance. Why should I tell him? You're absolutely right. You shouldn't. Men prefer to keep their illusions, don't they? Please go. If you ever need me you will let me know, won't you? And don't call the past too many names. I don't care what you say. I'm going to marry him just as soon as it can be arranged. You want to run away from your problems? I'm not running away. You are, you know. You're looking for security from someone else instead of building it within yourself. But I love him. I can't talk to you if you don't believe me. Falling in love doesn't cure everything overnight. What do you mean? Let's be honest. There's a side of you that hasn't fully changed. Isn't that true? That is true, isn't it? Yes. Have you still not told David about yourself? I couldn't tell him. You let him fall in love with an illusion. With someone who doesn't exist. I could never tell him. He might stop loving me. Isn't that a risk you have to take? You're being very careless about it. You can't build a lifetime relationship on a lie. If you're really in love, you'll tell him. With the others it was different. If you love him... Will you please stop saying "if". How many time must I tell you I love him? But real love is a sharing. If you're strong enough to face this yourself, you're strong enough to face it with David. I can't do it. I can't risk the only happiness I've ever had. That's up to you, Miss Damien. Hi. Hello, darling. You're back home early, aren't you? Well, I didn't get fired if that's what you mean. Doctor Lutz read my paper. Really, what did he say? Well, he er... He liked it. Oh, David, that's wonderful! The only trouble is he thinks it's so important he wants me to go to Chicago and read it before the Convention. Oh, David, no! It's not my idea, I don't want to go. When will you have to leave? Tonight. I'll try to catch the 8 o'clock plane. When will you come back? I don't know, in a few days. But I tell you what. Soon as I get back, let's get married, You can get a license in three days and it only takes 15 minutes to get married. You still want to get married to me, don't you? More than anything in the world. You know, I'm gonna feel kind of silly at that convention. Of course it's a great honor and all that, but do you realize I'm going to be talking before some of the biggest men in the field? What's the matter, darling? Nothing. I was just thinking how I'd feel if you didn't love me. Don't be silly. Not a chance Really? Could you ever stop loving me? That's really a gruesome thought. Of course not! Even if there was a reason? What in the world is bothering you? Nothing. I just wanted to be sure. Sure about what? That you loved me and not an illusion you dreamed up about me. Scientists can't believe in illusions. I believe in you, the best thing that's ever happened to me. Four shirts. I wonder if that'll be enough? It'll have to be. That's all I've got. Socks! There, that just about does it. Madeleine. Was there something special on your mind? Something that you wanted to tell me? Just that I love you, that's all. Write me every day? Every day. Hope you miss me. Hope you suffer like a maniac. I will, I promise. Oh, gosh, I hate to leave you. You know, I'm gonna be jealous. Jealous of what? I don't know. Nobody, everybody. Just jealous. Darling, I belong to you. Don't you know that? I'm only alive because you love me. We'll be married the minute I get back. Well, look who's here. If it isn't Madeleine! How are you? It's been a long time. David, this is Mr. Garet. I used to work with him at the magazine. How do you do? I quit the racket, or rather, the racket quit me. Garet is doing some confidential work for me now. How are you, Miss Dickson? This is Mr. Courtland, Davis Doctor Cousins, my fianc. You're a very lucky man, doctor. I think so. Well, good bye, Miss Dixson. My congratulations to you both. Thank you. Good night. Good night. I don't believe a minute of it, do you? Garet, you're a very cynical man. You don't believe in true love. You don't think Madeleine does either, do you? I don't know, but I've always been fascinated by miracles. . Come in. Telegram for you, Miss Dixson. I thought I'd bring it up myself. I thought it might be important. Bad news? He won't be back till Friday. That's men for you. You never can count on them. Oh, I forgot. A Doctor something called for you. Said you were to call a Miss Ethel Royce. She's been trying to get in touch with you. Friend of yours? Yes. I suppose you have your own reasons, but you ought to get out and see your friends. Instead of sitting in this room all day and all night. Thanks, Mrs. Geiger. None of my business, mind you. Ethel? This is Madeleine. Madeleine! Darling! But this is really a voice from the dead. I pecked at that doctor of yours for hours. I just have to talk to you. What about? Remember that Art supplement. The one you started? Well, I do need your help, dear! I'm in an awful mess. Sorry, dear, I'll never come into that office again as long as I live. Oh, but I wouldn't ask you to do that. Just meet me somewhere. It'll only take an hour. I promise. Well, if it's just the two of us... All right, I'll be there at five. Oh, I'm so relieved! We were really desperate. Wonderful. I'm just dying to see you. Bye, dear. She'll do it. Good. Wonderful thing that professional pride never dies. How did she sound? Awful. How do you expect. Too bad. Victor, I don't want you to be there. I wouldn't think of spoiling your reunion, my dear. I don't trust Madeleine, doctor or no doctor. Nor you either, my sweet. Hello, Miss Damien. Glad to see you back. Glad to see you, Jim. Hello, Luigi. Is Miss Royce here? She just came in, Miss Damien. We've missed you, Have you been away? No, but it's nice to be back just the same. Hello, Ethel. Darling, you look wonderful! A little pale, but so interesting. You know, I can't stay very long. I understand, dear. We'll get right to work. The usual, Miss Damien? Well, I don't know, Carl... You'd better, wait until you see the mess I made with this supplement. All right, Carl. Darling, I'm just dying to see what you've been up to. You must tell me everything. But there's nothing to tell. Come on, let's go to work. You're just marvelous, my dear. You made the whole project seem awfully simple and practical. Not for me, please. Darling, you used to be able to drink ten in a row! I'm out of training. No one would know it, my dear. You seem just like the old Madeleine again. It's the surrounding. What do you say we have dinner and go to a show? No, really, I've got to stagger home. Madeleine, my dear. This is a surprise! Victor, hello. What good fortune running into you like this. Do you mind? Don't let him fool you, Madeleine. He heard me making the date with you. It's true, but I'll deny it. Frankly I wanted to have a look at you. You look very dashing for a hermit. Thank you. We've all missed you desperately, haven't we, Ethel? As though our little hearts would break. What about a drink for your old boss? I've had enough. Three of whatever it is. I've got all the data we need on the supplements. Good, what about the data on Madeleine? No data. Now if you'll excuse me.... You can't go now. Look who you'll run in to.. He's seen you. Garet no longer graces our staff. What happened? He got to be utterly prolific. To say nothing of a slight discrepancy in his accounts. Mr. Garet believes that the world owes him a gay life, no matter who pays for it. Well, hello, stranger, how are you? Wonderful. Nobody here seems particularly glad to see me. Should we be? Well, it's been nice knowing you. There goes one reason for my ivory tower. What? Darling, I'm constantly running into men who adore you.. I hated them all. I know what you're thinking. I had an odd way of expressing my distaste. Not odd, darling. Shall we say just... moody. Well, here's to memory. May I speak to Mr. Courtland, please. Just a moment, sir. Just a minute. Come in. Mr. Garet on the phone, sir. All right. Hello, Garet. I have some interesting news. Do you know who's here? Madeleine. How considerate of you to call. By the way, I've just been through the stones in my safe and one's missing. It's not terribly important but you're the only person who knows about my safe. And the fact is you did have my keys for quite a while yesterday. What are you getting at? Only that I don't like thieves. You're being ridiculous. Let me come over and talk about it. There's nothing to talk about, I' taking it up with the police. Courtland, you can't do that! Mr. Garet again, sir. Tell him I've gone out. I'm sorry, Mr. Courtland has just left. Are you all right, darling? Of course I am. You're not going to disappear again? Oh, yes, back to my treetop. It's raining. Let me drive you home. Oh, no, Ethel wouldn't approve. Good luck, my dear, in your treetop. Bye, darling. Well? Let's face it. She's a changed woman. She'll never change, darling. She's just got herself a new set of words, that's all. Madeleine! Hop in. No, thanks, I'm waiting for a cab. Don't be silly, there are no cabs, You'll get drenched. Please. I'll drop you off. I'm going home alone. Come on. In you get. I hope you didn't get too wet. Your concern is touching. Quite a coincidence finding you in the rain. Is it? I can't lie to you, especially when there's no point to it. I was informed you were playing hooky. You're detestable. I'm not detestable at all, I happen to be very fond of beauty. Which shouldn't be a crime in your eyes. Please, no debates. I.... I'm a little dizzy. A good dinner will soon take care of that. Why do you always hound me? You know I despise you and everything you stand for. There's always a chance I may improve your opinion. And your manners. I'm sleepy... You know you're very lovely? Please don't bother. I'm not listening. Where are we? Don't you remember. You visited here once upon a time. You are foul. You said you were taking me home. You forgot to mention the subject, a significant omission, as your friend Freud would say. Come on, I'm getting soaked! Such luck. I'm going home! Right after dinner. Think how wonderful you'll feel when you've slapped my face. That'll take the chill out of your bones and maybe even your heart. Still cold? Not at all. It's quite warm in here. Cigarette? Thanks. There you are. Light? I'm not really detestable, am I? No. I am. Why? Because I ought to go home. In this rain? You mustn't even think of it. See, you are detestable. And you've been very annoying for months. Madeleine, we belong together, you know that. No, I don't know that. Of course you do. We feel the same way about life. You're not making sense, Mr. Courtland. Why make sense? Doesn't this make more sense than talking and lying... No sense at all. Then what would you call it? Stupid. Madeleine, you're wonderful, sweeter than ever. I'd better see who it is. But I tell you I'm gonna raise the money I'll pay you, honest. I don't like dealing with thieves. That's a job for the police. You swear out a warrant and you'll never get the diamond. Look, I didn't sell it, I just had to have some money temporarily. Here's the pawn ticket. I'm not interested in pawn tickets Good night, Garet. But Courtland, you've got to give me a chance. I said good night! You've got to let me talk to you. Let me explain. You stupid fool! I'll get the stone back to you. I promise I will. All I need is a little more time, a couple of weeks. What are you doing? Calling the police. You can't do that. I'm not gonna let you ruin me! Thank you. You're looking very lovely this morning, Mrs. Geiger! You weren't expected back till Friday! That's what I like. A cheery welcome home Is Ms. Dickson upstairs? I haven't seen her this morning. Who is it? Hi. David, darling! I couldn't wait until Friday, I just read my little piece and ran out on them. I needed you so badly. I feel lost without you. Don't ever leave me again. That you can depend on. Say, I've got big news. I'm a success. Tell me all about it. What's the matter with you? You don't look very good. Come on. I think you'd better get back in bed. Now then. First, I don't have to go back to belly aches in Oregon. You're not marrying a small-town country doctor, young lady, you're marrying a promising young research scientist. At least that's what Doctor Broders says and he ought to know. He's got a long, white beard. Oh, darling, I'm so proud of you. I think I'll take your temperature. Gee, I wish you could have been there. When I finished reading my paper... they all got together and offered me my own laboratory in California. I still can't believe it. There it is, right in the paper You'll find it on the bottom of page 10. It makes you feel like you're really important. You know what he said that... Madeleine! What's the matter? David. Darling, you're cold as ice! You got a chill. Stay right here. I'll be back in a minute. Don't go. Don't leave me. I'll only be a second. I'm want to get a hot water bottle and some blankets. Is Madeleine Dickson at home? I don't know. Friends of hers? We're from police headquarters. Where's her room? Upstairs. What do you want to see Miss Dixson about? We'll tell her. Perhaps you'd better tell me first. Ms. Dixson isn't well. Who are you? He's a doctor. He lives here. If it isn't important, I suggest you come back tomorrow. It's important. Could you get some blankets and a hot water bottle, please? Are you a friend of Ms. Dickson's? Yes, why? What is it, an accident or something? I wouldn't call it an accident. Wish you'd cut out this mystery and tell me what it's all about OK, doc, take it easy. Madeleine, these men are from the police, they... We'll take it from here. I'm Sargent Patella, this is Sargent Bartlett. You were a friend of Felix Courtland, weren't you? As a matter of fact you were with him last night. No, I wasn't... Did you see Mr. Courtland at any time yesterday? No. Now, look, Miss Damien, we wouldn't be here asking questions unless we knew most of the answers. Wait a minute, her name's not Damien, I think you've got the wrong party. I think maybe you've got the wrong party, doc. Her name happens to be Damien, this happens to be a case of murder. Take a look at that newspaper. I want to know what's going on here. This is my house and I've got to know. Sorry, madam, we'll talk to you later. As long as I've been here, there's never been police... Take her and see what you can find out. Come on, lady. Now, Ms. Damien, tell me what happened last night. What time did you leave Courtland's house? You and this guy Courtland were pretty sweet at each other, isn't that right? But it isn't, it isn't true! According to the chauffeur you got to Courtland's house at a quarter to seven. What time did you leave? I didn't go into the house. I met him by accident. - David, don't look at me like that. How long have you known Ms. Damien, doc? Not very long, only a few months. Did you know she was mixed up with this guy Courtland? It's a lie, David, it's a lie! So you didn't go into the house with Courtland? No! He wanted me to come into the house, but I wouldn't do it. I didn't go into the house. I didn't, I tell you. Who are you telling, me or the doc here? Did you get anything? She came in at about nine. In a cab? No, she was walking in the rain. The landlady said she looked kind of wide-eyed. What about Courtland? He was here all right. He visited her a couple of weeks ago. Get the date? Yeah, April 10th, around midnight. Anything else? The landlady thought that Courtland had a key to this place. She was kind of vague as to how he'd got it. I didn't give him the key. David, you can't believe that! I've got his key ring here. This one fits. He had a key all right. But I didn't give it to him. Where are you going? David, don't leave me. I didn't kill him! I swear I didn't kill him! Who cares whether you killed him or not? Could I see him for just a minute? Well, it isn't regulations Ok, sixty secs. David, please listen to me. You lied to me. You've always lied to me! But I'm not lying now. I didn't want to go with him. He'd said he'd drive me home And he made love to you, didn't he? Don't deny it! Of course he made love to you! He had a key to your room. I should have told you many things. I tried to, but I just couldn't. If this thing were so innocent, you would have told me. When I said I was in love with you, when I asked you to marry me. I was afraid, David... I was afraid you wouldn't understand. You bet I wouldn't. Before I met you I was horrible. But you changed all that. You made me sane and happy. Why keep on lying? You tried that upstairs and it didn't work. Look. I was in love with you. All right, I made a mistake. I thought you were something wonderful and you turned out to be something else. So let's just forget about it. The only thing you can do for me is to let me alone. I love you, David. I'll always love you. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the prosecution will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Madeleine Damien is guilty of the premeditated murder of Felix Courtland. We will prove that she was in his apartment the night he was murdered. We will prove that her fingerprints are on the table lighter with which he was murdered. And we will prove further that she had a motive for the murder. For after all this is a very simple story. To one man, Doctor Cousins, she was a pure and noble woman. To the other, Felix Courtland, an irresponsible light of love. Too self-indulgent to be faithful the man she wanted to marry too weak and lacking in character to break with Courtland. Her twisted soul was bent on a heartless deceit... to make one man believe what all others knew to be a lie. And when Courtland threatened to expose her she went to his apartment to plead with him in the only way she knew. She embraced him... She made love to him... In spite of that he threatened to expose the lie she was living. She silenced him forever. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, The State asks you to find Madeleine Damien guilty. Guilty of murder in the first degree. On the night Mr. Courtland called on the defendant, did you let him into her apartment? I certainly did not! How did he get in? He must have had a key of his own. A key of his own? Where was the defendant when he arrived? Out with the doctor, I suppose, pulling the wool over his eyes. Thank you, Mrs. Geiger. Your witness, Mr. Mitchell. Let me cross-examine her? No questions. Ms. Damien, I can't defend you properly if you won't let me. We've got to put up a fight. Fight? What for? And now, Mr. Garet, what was the nature of the work you did for Mr. Courtland? Most of it was personal. Kind of a confidential secretary, I suppose you could call it. And in that capacity you were in a position to learn a great deal about his private life? Yes, of course. Did Mr. Courtland know that Ms. Damien was lying to Doctor Cousins and concealing her true character from him? I'd rather not answer that question, Mr. O'Brien, you see... both Ms. Damien and Mr. Courtland were friends of mine. Yes, I understand. Let's get back to when they meet at the airport. What was the attitude of the defendant when Courtland saw Dr. Cousins? She was embarrassed, naturally. She was embarrassed, naturally... Thank you. Your witness, Mr. Mitchell. I've got to cross-examine him. If I don't we haven't a chance. Don't ask him anything. No questions. Were you a close friend of the defendant? Yes, I was. Did she confide in you on matters of a personal nature? Yes, she did. If you were asked in this court, do you think you could recall any of those intimacies? I could recall some of them in lurid detail. Your Honor, I object! Objection sustained. Let me ask you this, Ms. Royce. Would you say in general that men found Ms. Damien attractive? Definitely. And would you say Ms. Damien found men attractive to her? I'm afraid I most certainly would. You would? What were the relations between Ms. Damien and a former employer, Mr. Kranish? They were friends. In your opinion, were they anything more than friendly? I object, Your Honor, the question calls for the conclusion of the witness and is prejudicial. Objection sustained. Dr. Cousins, I'm Dr. Caleb. Ms. Damien is a patient of mine. I don't happen to think she's guilty of murder, do you? No, I don't. She may be guilty of other things but in there she's being tried for murder and she won't even defend herself. She's got a pretty good lawyer, hasn't she? She needs your help, Doctor. In her mind she's not on trial for murder, she's on trial for those other things. And it's not the judge who's trying that case, it's you. I don't want to be rude, Doctor, but I don't think you know what you're talking about. I'm sorry to disagree. You see, I've been treating Ms. Damien for some time. I happen to be her psychiatrist. Doctor Caleb. I'm sorry to have bothered you, Doctor. Your name, please. Richard Caleb. You're a psychiatrist? I am. Ms. Damien came to you as a patient? Yes. Did she come of her own free will? Yes, of course. Isn't it true that people do not go to psychiatrists unless they consider themselves... well, shall we say, not well balanced? In general, that's correct As a matter of fact, wasn't Ms. Damien on the verge of committing suicide when she made her first visit to you? Your Honor, I object! Well, no matter, we'll prove that by other witnesses. However, is it not true that people who come to you as patients come with problems? Objection! Objection overruled. Well, Doctor? There'd be no point in coming to me if they didn't have problems. So the defendant came to you with a problem. Do you mind telling us, Doctor, in your opinion, just what was Ms. Damien's problem? That is a confidential matter between doctor and patient. I'm afraid I can't discuss it. During the course of your treatment of Ms. Damien did you ever discuss her relationship with doctor David Cousins? Yes, we did. Bearing in mind the fact that she's engaged to be married to Dr. Cousins do you think she was frank with him as she should have been? As a matter of fact I urged her to tell everything. And did she? Not to my knowledge. Why not, Doctor? Why didn't she? I'm afraid you'll have to ask Ms. Damien about that. Did you ever meet Dr. Cousins? Yes, just a few minutes ago. I'm sure you found him a reasonable, intelligent young man. And yet the defendant refused to confide in him. Having met Dr. Cousins, I think I can see why Ms. Damien hesitated to confide in him. Do you mind telling us why? It's my impression that Dr. Cousins hasn't the capacity, either emotionally or intellectually, to understand a problem like Ms. Damien's. How is the trial going, Doctor? Not very well, I'm afraid. There's a Doctor Cousins in your office. He said you weren't expecting him. As a matter of fact I was expecting him. Hello, doctor. Sit down, relax. Tell me, is this a professional or a social call? Dr. Caleb, you said some pretty rough things about me this afternoon. Yes, I did, didn't I? I think I'm entitled to an explanation. So do I. As a matter of fact I'm very glad you came over. I wanted to talk to you about Ms. Damien. I'm not interested in Ms. Damien. I'm glad to see you're still in love with her. And I'm not in love with her. All the better. Then we can approach the subject of Ms. Damien as one scientist to another. I'm interested in Ms. Damien because she's a patient of mine. I believe I was well on the way to solving her problem. It would be most distressing to me if she were to die now for a crime she didn't commit. It would be as though you had lost one of your white mice. One that you had just inoculated. What's all this got to do with me? Only this... That when you testify tomorrow, you'll be asked to tell the truth. The whole truth. The whole truth about a human soul is a complicated proposition. I'm not going to tell you anything about Ms. Damien that you haven't already heard. But isn't it possible that you just picked up a few stray facts and added them up to a conclusion that is entirely wrong? Won't you sit down, doctor. Hear ye, hear ye, the Court is now in session. Call your next witness, Mr. O'Brien. Doctor Cousins, please. This will be their last witness, you've got to let me put you on the stand. I tell you quite frankly, Ms. Damien, if you won't testify we haven't got a chance. Raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God? I do. Please be seated. Your name, please. David Cousins. Under what name did you know the defendant? Madeleine Dickson. Did she ever tell you her true name? No, sir. Did she ever lie to you about her identity? Yes, sir. How long did she continue to lie to you? Till the morning the police came. Did she ever tell you about her relations with Courtland? No, she didn't. You proposed marriage to the defendant and she accepted you? Yes, sir. And still she didn't tell you about Courtland? No, sir. When did you first know of the true relationship between them. The same morning, the morning the police came. Oh, I see, Then from the moment you met her until the day she was taken into custody you didn't know the truth about her character. I object, Your Honor! Mr. O'Brien, haven't you covered your point? Your Honor, I'm merely trying to clarify for the jury the true nature of the defendant's motive. Proceed. Thank you. One more question, Dr. Cousins. If you had known the truth, would it have affected your love for the defendant? Your Honor, I must protest! Let him answer. Objection withdrawn. And now, Dr. Cousins, if you had known the truth would it have affected your love for the defendant? I was in love with Miss Damien then... and I'm in love with her now. Your witness, Mr. Mitchell No questions. Did you really mean it? Yes, I really meant it. I can't believe it... Now will you let me put you on the stand? You admit you went to Courtland's apartment that night? Yes. He made love to you? Yes. Did you have any conversation about Dr. Cousins? No. Positive? Yes, I am. Tell me, Ms. Damien, were you in love with Felix Courtland? No, I wasn't. Were you in love with Dr. Cousins? Yes. But you went to Courtland's apartment nevertheless. Yes, I told you that. You were in love with one man yet you chose to visit the apartment of a man you didn't love. Did you go of your own free will? Yes. Mr. Courtland didn't force you or threaten you? No. Then why did you visit him? I don't know, I made a mistake. You made a mistake... You've told us in several occasions that you and Mr. Courtland were interrupted by a mysterious intruder. Can you tell this jury anything definite about that person, anything at all? No, I didn't see him. You didn't see him. I only heard his voice. You seem very certain it was a man. It was a man. What did he say? I don't know, they were talking in the hall... I couldn't tell what they were saying. You heard a voice, you're willing to swear it was a man and you couldn't hear what he said. What kind of a person do you think would be calling at that time of night? A bill collector? A man selling magazines? Perhaps even a burglar? Why not a burglar? Mr. Courtland was a very wealthy man. He must have been a very timid burglar because nothing was stolen. Of course you realize Mr. Courtland kept his jewels in a vault in his store. Not all of them. He kept some at home in his safe. Safe, what safe? The one in his living room. You didn't by any chance see that safe, did you? Yes, I did. Please, this is the first we've heard about a safe! I ask for a recess to examine the apartment. Your Honor, we've been all over the apartment. And if there is a safe and it has been robbed? Gentlemen, court is adjourned until tomorrow morning. I suggest the District Attorney and the attorney for the defendant examine the apartment together. What about this safe, Mr. O'Brien? What safe? How about some pictures on the inside? You boys had better wait outside. I may have a statement for you when I come out. Mr. O'Brien! Mind if I tag along? I don't know why, fine witness you turned out to be. Can't help that, sir. All right, Garet, where's that safe? Me, Mr. O'Brien, I don't know of any safe in here. I didn't think you did. If you want an unbiased opinion I don't think there is a safe. Well, here's the learned Counsel perhaps he knows. Where's the safe, Mitchell? My assistant is checking the location with Ms. Damien. He'll be along any minute. Oh, Your Honor, waste of time. While we're waiting, maybe Mr. Garet could tell us where the safe is. I've asked him and he doesn't know. I don't understand that, Mr. Garet, you were very close to Courtland, weren't you? That's right. I'm sure if there were a safe in here I would have known about it. At least I would have seen the key to it. The answer is very simple, there is no safe. What did you find out? I got the dope on it, Mr. Mitchell. Splendid. It's over here in the bookcase. You are wrong for once, Mr. O'Brien. Could be. What do you know about that? Have you Courtland's key? Here you are. Thank you. That looks to me very much like a safe, Mr. O'Brien. Yes, it does, doesn't it? But not like a safe that's ever been robbed. I don't think a good burglar would leave those behind. I guess we're right back where we started from . Well, I've seen all I want. How about you, Mitchell? You win this round. Lock it up. See you in Court, gentlemen. Can I give you a lift, Doctor? No, thanks. Sir, I have some papers here of Mr. Courtland's I'd like to put in order. Would you mind if I stay? It's all right with me. We're finished with the place. Thank you, very much. Anything I can do for you, Doctor? Oh, I was just curious about something. I've never seen a safe like that before. One that operated with a key. Come to think about it, I guess I haven't either. Normal assumption about a safe is that the lock works on a combination. Yes, I guess most of them do. I was wondering how you knew this one worked with a key? You said you'd never seen the key to it. Did I say that? I guess I must have said something I didn't mean. Oh, I see. There could be another explanation. Really? Yes, that you were lying when you said you'd never seen the safe before. You're not serious, are you, Doc? I'm a scientist, Mr. Garet. When we get hold of an odd fact we consider every possible explanation. We make some of our most important discoveries that way. It must be fascinating work. Yes, it is. Suppose I had known about that safe, which I didn't... What would that prove. Frankly, nothing. But it does suggest a theory. You were very close to Courtland, you knew about the safe. Maybe the safe was robbed. Perhaps he found out about it. He was quarreling with a man in the hall the night he was killed. Maybe that man was you. That's a very interesting theory. Yes, isn't it? Now, as I said, I'm a scientist. When we hit on a theory like that, the next thing we do is to test it. That's all I'm doing. I see. Then you won't mind having a little talk with the police? Why, no, no, why should I? Fingerprints... But then, of course, if you'd never seen the safe before you won't mind them checking for yours. Certainly not. The number is Spring 73100. Ok, Doc. No hard feelings. Don't you think this sort of thing is rather out of your line, though? I guess maybe you're right. Bye, Doctor Good bye. Spring 73100, wasn't it, Mr. Garet? I guess I may have underestimated you, Doctor. Extra, Extra! Read all about it. Madeleine Damien cleared of murder charge! News flashes from the Associated Press Newsroom: Madeleine Damien has been exonerated of the murder of Felix Courtland. Full confession by an ex-employee, Jack Garet, is in the hands of the District Attorney. It was a trial marked by many surprises. Notably the beautiful defendant's startling disclosure of the jewel vault. hidden in the apartment of the late diamond importer. The beautiful Madeleine Damien goes free and Broadway is tipping its hat today to the young doctor who engaged the murderer in a battle royal. Mrs. Geiger, I've been looking for Ms. Damien. Have you seen her? - Foi embora, deixou-lhe isto. She's gone. She asked me to you this. Gone? Where did she go? I couldn't get a word out of her, but I know she left to the airport more than an hour ago. David, dear, I can still hear your voice in that courtroom And I'll never forget what you said. You did much more than save my life, you made my life worth saving. I can't bear to tell you how much I love you and want to marry you, but right now that wouldn't be fair. I'm going away for a while. I want to be terribly sure after all this that I can really be the kind of person you once thought I was. Maybe after a while that will be possible and then, when we're both sure, David, please ask me again. Good bye, my darling. Passengers on flight 41, boarding at gate 6. Will you try and see me once in a while? Of course. You see, I want to be sure of myself. I'm sure of you. Are you really? After what you've been through, I'm very sure. Good bye. I still think you're making a mistake. |
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