I remember clearly
Everything that
happened that night.
For that was when it started
Innocently enough,
on an eastbound train.
It was in the early spring
of 1903 to be exact.
And the train was plowing
through a heavy storm.
I had been napping, and I awoke
to find her watching me.
Smiling, a birdlike
sort of little woman.
But behind that smile,
I thought I could see
Something of terror
in her eyes.
She was badly frightened
by the storm
And she asked me
if she could sit by me.
She said it would
make her feel safer.
I reassured her to
the best of my ability
And wondered vaguely
if she were mentally ill.
I found out later that
she was nothing of the sort.
But now, she seemed
to read my thoughts.
Why, you're a doctor,
aren't you?
How did you know?
Oh, I know a lot
about doctors.
There's something
I like about them all.
The fat ones, and the thin
ones, and the homely ones.
And the good-looking ones.
It's as if they were looking
at something beneath the flesh.
Something that
does not change.
As grim as that, eh?
Oh, not grim exactly,
it's rather grave, that's all.
We're lucky
we're not out in it.
Oh dear, I do hope
I'm not going to be killed.
You see, no one
knows I'm here.
I've practically run away.
And I've simply
got to be home for tea.
It will be a little rough
But there's no cause
for worry.
When and where is your tea?
New York. Sunday.
Tomorrow.
You see, it's
Allida's birthday.
Nick's wife.
He's my brother.
Allida is so sweet.
Have you been away long?
Frightfully long.
Five years.
- Are you from New York too?
- Yeah.
Isn't it ridiculous
to stay away so long?
Of course, they thought
there was something wrong
With my heart.
But Dr. Hatch
Well, he was the doctor
at the sanatorium
Said that was nonsense.
Oh! It's getting bad,
isn't it?
We'll be through the worst
in a few minutes.
It's alright now.
It'll be fine from here on.
- Oh, you've been so kind.
- Oh, nonsense.
Now, I won't take up
any more of your time.
Will I see you tomorrow,
for lunch at least?
- Of course.
- You are kind.
And so, with
this chance meeting
Began for me,
the strangest days of my life.
Come in.
A note, sir,
from a lady.
Oh, thank you.
- Oh, is it almost 2:00?
- Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir.
Oh, good afternoon, sir.
Oh, I was afraid
you'd forgotten.
Oh, no. Only the time.
I ordered for you.
Otherwise, you would've
had to wait.
I hope you like steak.
Most men do.
Steak's safe. At least they
can't serve it with mayonnaise.
And do you like tea?
I carry my own.
Oh, yes.
I think there's nothing
so friendly as tea.
And this is Nick's
smoky souchong.
He imports it specially.
You'll see.
Oh.
Tell me, really. Were you
as calm as you appeared to be
Last night during the storm?
Probably not.
A man has to pretend
that sort of thing.
I can usually tell
when people are frightened.
Nick was a very
high strung child.
And I practically
brought him up.
- Will you have sugar?
- Oh, no, thank you.
Oh, you are nice.
Sugar would spoil it.
And then, of course,
Allida was a mere child
When Nick married her.
So you might say
I brought her up too.
Oh, such a child.
Nick was years older.
Dear Allida.
Oh, she's so beautiful.
I'm writing
a biography for her.
A biography of Allida?
Oh, dear, no.
Of Nick, for my diary.
But Nick must never know
I've written a diary.
Dr. Hatch suggested I call it
"The Life and Times
of Nicholas Bederaux. "
Oh, so you are
Miss Bederaux?
- Didn't you know that?
- How should I?
And you don't know Nick?
Oh, I've heard
of him, of course.
Well, that makes it perfect.
You know, I've never had
any friends of my own before.
They were always
Nick's friends first.
But now, everything
is going to be different.
If you don't mind my asking,
how do you mean different?
Well, I've decided I'm coming
back to live on my own now.
I'm not going
to live in our house.
'I'm not even going to spend
a single night there. '
Oh, I would like to ask you
about the hotels.
Not the big ones,
but a quiet, nice hotel.
- Do you know?
- I live in that sort of hotel.
Although, I'm sure that...
Oh, why, that's
too good to be true.
And if you don't mind
I'd like to send
my luggage there with yours.
And you can come home
with me, meet Nick and Allida.
Oh, no, that's very kind of you,
but I have an engagement.
I'm sorry.
But you will see
about the luggage?
Yes, if you wish.
And then, you can meet
Nick some other time.
I can't believe
you don't know him.
No, I think I read something
about him a long time ago.
An article
in "The Manhattan. "
Things he did for people
And something about
the house on Murray Hill.
Miss Bederaux.
Oh, I'm...
I'm sorry.
I guess it was just
the excitement last night.
Oh, here they are.
If you just drop
them at the hotel.
And that one,
and that. There.
There are only five.
Now, which are yours?
These two.
Oh, if you only knew
how excited I am.
Isn't it fun?
I'll be grateful for this
all the rest of my life.
Well, I'll see you
to a carriage.
No, no, no.
I insist, I can manage.
- Goodbye.
- Bye.
And I shall see you again.
- Good evening, doctor.
- Hello.
Hunt, shine my halo.
I did get you here.
You didn't. It was
that young guest of yours.
Well, I have a power
over you, haven't I?
Hello, Elaine. What's the point
of the party? I forgot.
Come on, I'll show you.
- Good evening, Dr. Bailey.
- Good evening.
- Hello, Hunt.
- How are you?
There. Isn't it tremendous?
Get the power and strength.
Can almost see her
straining to move.
What is it?
What is it? Woman.
Woman incarnate.
It's far and away
the best thing I've ever done.
Look at the effect.
Well, the whole thing
is an absolute masterpiece.
- Modest, isn't he?
- You really like it?
- Not much.
- Why should you?
What do you
know, you mental inquisitor.
Elaine, you're
wasting your time.
- You think so?
- I do.
He looks into the eyes
of a beautiful woman
And the only thing he sees
is an inflamed cornea.
I'm only joking, Clag.
It's really very good.
Then, at last, I can
consider myself a success.
- Say, Clag.
- Hm.
Come here.
I want to talk to you.
Serpents in their hair, eh?
I'm afraid that's
how Clag sees us.
Would you like me
to get you a drink?
Oh, thank you.
'She said she was chilly. '
'And Allida poured
her second cup of tea. '
'I was sitting
right next to her. '
'And she didn't seem to be
able to hold the cup. '
'Nick spoke to her sharply. '
'And then everything
happened at once. '
'Allida jumped up, and the
flowers fell off her lap. '
She took one arm,
and Nick took the other.
I said,
"Shall I call a doctor?"
And Nick said, "Nonsense. She
has had these attacks before. "
- What's this?
- Oh, do you know each other?
John Maitland,
Huntington Bailey.
How are you?
I was just speaking of the death
of Bederaux's sister.
- Death?
- 'Yes, this afternoon at tea. '
'She had a heart attack. '
Nick came down and said
it was the excitement.
We all went right
on talking again.
And Cissie was dying then.
All by herself upstairs.
- Wasn't a doctor called?
- 'Not that I know of. '
'Nobody thought that
it was very serious. '
Too bad. I liked Cissie.
Hadn't seen her
for years though.
'She'd been out
at a sanatorium'
'Or something of the sort. '
The baboon sister
Kissed so hard
he raised a blister
- What is that?
- "I went to the animal fair. "
The old baboon by
the light of the moon
Was combing his auburn hair
I know, what made me think
of that. Bederaux's sister.
The baboon's sister.
You know him, Hunt?
No.
- Why baboon?
- I don't know.
Sort of that
quality about him.
The way he looks up at you,
rather peculiarly.
'I think, Allida is the
most beautiful woman I've ever seen. '
She is a work of art.
I don't like beautiful women,
it makes them nervous.
Hunt.
I don't remember you mentioning
the Bederauxs before.
No, I fancied myself in love
with Allida some years ago
When I first met her.
Along with a dozen others.
You forget your attachments
pretty easily.
No, one doesn't forget
Allida easily.
There's something,
something fateful about her.
What do you mean?
Have you seen
Maitland's painting of her?
In the Bederaux
wing of the museum?
- No.
- Well, see it.
Or better still,
if you're game
Next Sunday, I'll take you
to Nick's for tea.
They wouldn't be having tea
the week his sister died.
Why not? She'd
been away for years.
Will you come?
No, thanks.
I know you must be tired, Hunt.
- I'll make our excuses.
- Thank you.
What do you mean,
if I'm game?
I said Allida was fateful.
See the portrait, Hunt.
- Good evening, doctor.
- Good evening, George.
The lady I reserved
the room for, Miss Bederaux
She died this afternoon
of a heart attack.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'd suggest that you send her
luggage along to her brother.
Nicholas Bederaux, you'll
find him in the directory.
Yes, doctor.
Uh, by the way, I'd rather
you didn't mention my name.
No, sir.
- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
- Is that you, Maggie?
- Oh, good evening, doctor.
You weren't
long on your trip.
Long enough.
- Somebody sick?
- Well, a consultation.
I've unpacked
your things, doctor.
You shouldn't
have to bother.
Thank you, Maggie. I wouldn't
trouble with anything more.
Oh, no, doctor.
This fresh water, Maggie?
'Maggie?'
Oh, the water. Yes, doctor.
I've put your writing case
in the closet.
Thank you, Maggie.
Goodnight.
Goodnight, doctor.
I've simply got to be
Home for tea.
I must be
home for tea.
They thought
something was
The matter
with my heart.
But Dr. Hatch
Said that
was nonsense.
I'm not going
to spend even
A single night
in our house.
I said,
"Shall I call a doctor?"
And Nick said, "Nonsense. "
Everything's
going to be different.
Dear, Dr. Bailey,
I'll be grateful for this
All the rest of my life.
There's something
fateful about Allida.
See the picture, Hunt.
Hello, Clag? Hunt.
I've been thinking over your
invitation to the Bederaux tea.
I'd like to go.
Yes, I'm game, yeah.
Alright, see you Sunday. Bye.
- Afternoon, Frank.
- Good afternoon, sir.
Nick's prized Goddess.
Collected on their honeymoon
as I understand it.
Well?
Looks like something
out of Jules Verne.
The only place in town
where you're never sure
What century you're living in.
Alright then, Allida,
a second cup if you insist.
Clag. Excuse me.
Hello there.
- Hello, Nick.
- Nice to see you for a change.
- Have you been away?
- No, busy.
- Huntington Bailey.
- How do you do?
How do you do?
I know you.
I read your article on the
Napoleonic complex last year.
Always suspected I might
have something of that sort.
- Oh, hardly.
- I'm glad you're here.
You can meet
the rest presently
But now I want to
exhibit you to Allida.
Men of science
are rather rare in this house.
Hello, Bailey.
May I present
Dr. Huntington Bailey, my dear.
Mrs. Bederaux.
How do you do?
How will you take
your tea, Dr. Bailey?
'I think he might have
a touch of something stronger. '
But you must go through
the form of pouring tea
You do it so delightfully.
'And then, he will sit
with you for a few moments'
'And re-assure
about Alec's appetite. '
We have a five-year-old son
who refuses to eat as he should
When I'm not
around to tell him stories.
Hunt has seen
your portrait, Allida.
He thinks it has
a disturbing beauty.
Allida's so fond
of that portrait
That she still wears
the same gown.
We even must have the same cups.
Be kind to him, my dear.
Come on, Clag.
Talk to me.
It isn't the pose, really.
Nick designed the gown and it
pleases him to see me wear it.
Maitland does paint
beautifully, doesn't he?
I don't know anything
at all about painting.
Oh...
- Sugar?
- No, thanks.
As a matter of fact,
Clag insists
That I'm artistically
illiterate.
But I did say
the painting was disturbing.
Why?
'There was something
in the expression of the eyes. '
Yes?
'Yes, I, I wanted to see
for myself if it was'
'The artist's imagination
or if it was really there. '
Which is it?
It's there.
You haven't tasted your tea.
Oh.
Mmm, smoky souchong.
How do you know?
Oh, I, I suppose
I've heard.
Clag tells me you're
a quite a famous doctor.
And that you and he
play billiards together
And argue
about his work.
And I've found, the only way
not to argue with Clag
Is to agree with
everything he says.
I've tried that,
but then he says
You're not giving
your honest opinion.
Aren't you curious about
what I saw in the portrait?
Or thought I saw?
Yes, yes, of course.
First of all, I must tell
you that I came here
For quite another reason.
Not the portrait.
- I came here...
- No.
No, I didn't know that.
I knew you were a doctor,
but you didn't seem like that.
Oh, please, please.
Mrs. Bederaux.
How clumsy of me.
My dear child,
what have you done now?
I'm so sorry, Nick.
I... it was stupid of me.
Oh, let's not fuss about it.
Ring for Frank.
You must be needing something
more stimulating than tea.
- Forgive me.
- My fault, really.
Tell me, Bailey, are you
in practice or all out
For science, purely
for science sake.
I make a living
at it, I have to.
That's good,
that's very sensible of you.
Both feet on the ground,
no ivory tower.
- Sherry or Madeira?
- Sherry, please.
You may be precisely
the fellow I want.
You have seen it of course.
I can tell by your face.
I don't think
I quite understand.
Well, you needn't talk about it,
if you don't wish. Let me.
Did she mention
the boy at all?
I mean did she
bring it up herself?
No.
Well, if you're not going to be
interrupted for a few moments...
You must be used to meeting
emergencies in your practice.
Now, so am I.
In a mild way.
But they have never
before involved peril
To myself
or to anyone I loved.
- Peril?
- Yes, peril.
Allida and I are faced
with a ridiculous crisis
In our boy's life.
He suffers
from nighttime terrors.
Bad dreams of tigers
under his crib.
Monstrous fears, simply
because he's prevented
From all normal expressions
of a healthy, small boy.
Allida cannot understand that.
And there's a very good reason.
It is Allida
of course, not the boy.
You have seen that you, you're
keen enough to have seen that.
Well, I still think peril
is too strong a word.
Oh, remember the lines?
"Life is short
and the art long. "
"Decision difficult,
experiment perilous. "
No, Bailey, the word
is very well chosen.
And I need help.
I cannot go on without it.
Wouldn't it be best to consult
a children's specialist?
Oh, but it's not the boy,
you know that.
And you're the man
who can help me.
I was sure of it the moment
I looked at you.
I'll get you
at your office and...
We can make arrangements
for you to observe her.
There, I knew
we'd be interrupted.
I must be off.
You coming or staying?
- I'll go with you.
- Tomorrow?
- Will you telephone the office?
- I will.
- Goodnight, Nick.
- Goodnight.
- Excuse me.
- Certainly.
Thanks for letting me come.
I'm sorry you have
to leave soon.
Won't you
come again to dinner?
Thank you.
Well, you've seen
the portrait and the model.
- Is it a speaking likeness?
- No, I don't think it is.
If I were painting her,
I'd do it quite differently.
How would you paint her?
Well, it wouldn't
be a sullen face
Or a woman dressed up
behind a tea tray.
I'd paint her full length
for one thing.
'In a country field
with a sky behind. '
'Long grasses till her knees. '
'The wind blowing across
the field and the daisies too. '
'Well, well, daisies
too. Quite an effect. '
'I take back what I said
about you never really looking'
'Into a woman's eyes. '
We may make
an artist of you yet.
Come on, Hunt.
Thanks, Allida.
Why didn't you
tell me you knew?
Knew what?
The place you described,
grassy fields and all.
That's where she came from.
Although Nick prefers people
to think he met her in Paris.
He might've met her
in a music hall for all I care.
I don't like that house.
Something strange
about all of them.
Wish you hadn't insisted
on bringing me there.
It was an interesting
experiment.
Ah, experiment perilous.
- What?
- Oh, nothing.
- Going downtown?
- No, I'll leave you here.
- Night.
- I hope your experiment worked.
Yes, my friend
I'm afraid it did.
I suppose you think I'm one of
your group, in love with her.
Of course not.
Pleasant dreams.
' "Some men",
says Nicholas Bederaux'
'"raise horses
and race them. '
"I prefer to gamble
on human animals.
"I find my material
in unlikely places
"And get my pleasure from
doing the impossible.
'"Mrs. Bederaux's hobby
is simpler. '
'She raises country daisies
in her city yard... "'
- Grows country daisies.
- 'Yes. '
'"In her city yard that does
not go in for flower shows. "'
The article is signed,
A. Gregory.
'Shall I put the pertinent date
on her history card?'
No, it's a personal matter.
When you've
shown them in, you may go.
- Tell Dennis not to wait.
- Yes, doctor.
'Mr. Bederaux, doctor. '
- Am I too early?
- That's alright.
Thanks for finding time for me
today. The sooner the better.
Oh, no. I want this
off the record.
Entirely off the record.
Very well.
Well...
You might as well
have it frankly.
I'm afraid, I'm almost
convinced that Allida
That my wife,
is out of her mind.
What makes you think so?
Of course, this is very
embarrassing for me.
But... I must know the truth.
I will tell you about
her strangeness, and then
I want you to see her
on a friendly basis.
She took a fancy to you,
you know.
She will suspect nothing.
She thinks you were quite taken
with her as a matter of fact.
And then, after a time if, if
you think, if it appears to you
'That it is merely
a case of nerves. '
'Or she's not imagining
these things. '
Well, suppose you tell me
just exactly what it is
That she or you imagine?
I imagine?
Oh, I see, of course
that would occur to you.
And she's convincing enough.
She almost convinced me
once or twice.
Yes, there is the matter
of daisies for instance.
Daisies?
She sends them to herself.
At odd times, on her
birthday's particularly.
Here, I got this
from the florist.
It's in her handwriting.
"Four dozen common daisies
to be sent to Mrs. Bederaux.
No card. Five dollar
bill enclosed. "
Other times, messenger boys
would deliver them.
And never any cards, they would
bring them into her personally.
- Even in a room full of people.
- Why daisies do you suppose?
'I don't know. '
And then, there
are other things.
She believes doctors
have questioned her.
She believes she's followed
when she's out shopping.
And that's not new.
It began in Paris.
The first year.
I believed her then.
Why wouldn't I?
I loved her.
You know,
I've just lost my sister.
Yes, I heard.
And it was really
in relation to Cissie
That this illness
first showed itself.
Cissie was so deeply
devoted to her.
And Allida took the most
unreasoning dislike to her.
I know, I understood it.
You understood what?
Oh, I think Clag told me
they were inseparable.
Clag didn't know.
And as I said,
she's very convincing
When she wishes to be.
And then, there's this
business with the child.
This, this, nighttime terrors,
this sense of fright.
I don't know what
she's doing with him.
I, I can't tell you anymore.
It's, it's too distressing.
You'll have to see for yourself.
You will come, won't you?
Yes, I'll come.
I'll have Allida
drop you a note.
She believes you were taken
with her as she was with you.
It makes things
easier for us.
Seems so.
There are cures for this sort
of things, aren't there?
Well, I'll have to know
more about it.
I'm going through with it
no matter where it leads me.
Then, everything
happened at once.
Allida jumped up
and the flowers, the daisies
Fell off her lap.
She grows country
daisies in her city yard.
There is the
matter of the daisies.
She sends them to herself.
At odd times.
On her birthday's particularly.
- Hello.
- 'Doctor Bailey?'
- Yes.
- 'Oh, Hunt. '
'I know it's perfectly awful of
me to telephone you like this. '
Oh, certainly not, Elaine.
'I thought you'd like
the opportunity'
'Of meeting
the beautiest Allida. '
- What?
- 'Allida Bederaux. '
- 'You were so interested in. '
- Where is she?
'Just a few aisles
over from me. '
Yes, but where?
'At Simpson-Crawford's, silly. '
I'll be right there.
- This is a lucky chance.
- Yes, isn't it?
Or were you told I
might be found here?
Now, who could have told me.
Nick. He knows
I often shop here.
No, I can assure you that
Nick did not tell me.
Dr. Bailey, you must think
me a strange person.
To have become so
distressed yesterday
And now to have questioned you.
'No, and I'd rather you didn't
think of me as a doctor. '
Whatever reason you have
for disliking doctors
Well, that's your own.
But I'd like to be your friend.
I am your friend.
Thank you.
Here's your package, madam.
I've been reading
up on the Bederauxs.
I remembered an article
in "The Manhattan. "
Found it luckily enough.
Written by someone
named A. Gregory.
'You know him?'
That was a long time ago.
Yes?
Oh, I don't know,
I've forgotten.
Well, whoever he was
He gave a curiously
superficial account of Nick.
All he had to say about you was
that you raised country daisies.
Is that so strange?
- 'What?'
- That I once raised daisies.
Why, no, on the contrary
if you'll remember
That's the way I said
I would've painted you.
Dr. Bailey, I thought you
wanted to be my friend.
I do.
May I help, madam?
No, no, thank you,
I changed my mind.
You must believe me.
I am your friend,
and I know you need help.
How do you know?
It was in your eyes
and your voice yesterday
When you looked at me
and said please, please.
It was also in your
eyes in the portrait.
Nick wanted me
to ask you for dinner.
- Would tomorrow be convenient?
- Yes, delighted.
Mrs. Bederaux,
I am your friend.
If circumstances
were only different...
Shall we say 8 o'clock?
- Thank you.
- Goodbye, Dr. Bailey.
- Carriage, sir?
- Yes.
Thank you, sir.
'It is your
writing case, isn't it?'
'No, Maggie, it isn't. '
Oh, perhaps your baggage
got mixed up.
Do you want me to
report it to the desk?
No.
Whoever has my case, knows
very well to whom it belongs.
It had my name in it.
There was a note from...
From a friend of mine, in it.
That's all.
Goodnight, Maggie.
Yes, doctor. Goodnight.
"Nicholas Bederaux III"
"Was born on November
the twenty-first, 1848"
"At Landskron, the family
estate not far from Vienna. "
"I was only a tiny mite
of a girl"
"Scarcely five years old"
"Waiting for my father
to come down and tell me"
"I had a baby brother. "
"I didn't know why he
looked so hard and angry"
"Until he told me
that my mother had died"
"Giving birth to little Nick. "
"So Nicholas Bederaux
was destined never to know"
"His mother,
nor his father either. "
"One year later, my father
while returning from America"
"On the line
of Brazilian Queen"
"Decided to take his own life. "
"I swore then that I would
be both father and mother"
"To Nicky as long
as we both should live. "
"I tried, goodness knows,
but it was not always easy. "
"Sometimes Nicky seemed
to have a devil in him. "
"Allida was the sweetest
"The most beautiful child
in all the world.
"We had met her
during the long summer
"We spent at Stoneygate
in Vermont.
"Where she and her father
lived in a little cottage
"Down at the end of the field.
"From the very beginning
Nick found her
completely enchanting. "
'Nick. '
Oh, Nick, isn't it lovely?
I don't think there's
anything in the world
More beautiful
than a field of daisies.
Oh, oh, no. You are much
too easily pleased.
I think I will have to
really show you this world.
- Will you? When?
- Much sooner than you think.
But right now, we have
need of a conference.
Oh, good. Let's sit here.
What do we confer about?
Well, I've had a talk
with your father.
I told him how much
Cissie and I admire you.
Oh, you're both so kind.
And how it would please
us to do things for you.
But, you've done too much
for father and me already.
I suggested he allow us
to take you to Europe with us.
To Europe?
Would you like that?
Oh, I... I don't know.
Oh, it would be an enormously
rich experience for you.
You would see all the places
and treasures of history.
I'm afraid this would
pale slightly by comparison.
Oh, no.
Art and language
courses if you liked.
And in Paris, we might even find
a gown or two that suited you.
Who can tell?
You might grow to be quite
a distinguished lady.
Oh, I'm sure
I wouldn't like that.
Perhaps you'd become
the century's great beauty.
Oh, Nick, stop teasing me.
Would be fun maybe.
Oh, it's terribly kind
of Cissie and you.
- It's like you, but...
- But what?
Oh, I couldn't go,
of course.
What did father say?
He said he couldn't
possibly stand in the way
Of such an opportunity for you.
- I don't believe you.
- Oh, yes.
I'll ask Cissie.
I'll run you back.
Oh, no, you won't.
Come on, Nick.
"Dear sweet Allida.
"How young she was,
and how excited
"At her first view of Paris.
"Nick was simply
marvelous with her.
"Though he refused
to allow her to be spoiled.
"For a while it seemed
"The Louvre was
a second home to us.
"And none of the days
were ever long enough
"To keep pace with Nick's
ambition for the child.
"Sometimes it seemed
almost cruel to drive her so.
"And I confess,
at that time I didn't realize
"The extent of Nick's
ambition for her.
"But he knew that in that
little Vermont village
"He had found a jewel.
"He was determined
to see that it was polished
And mounted to perfection. "
No, No, mademoiselle.
Listen to the interval.
It's a perfect fit.
"And then, after two long years"
"And I shall never
forget that night"
"Allida was presented
to Parisian Society. "
"She wore a gown designed
by Charvet himself. "
"And in the ballroom
of beautiful women"
"There was none to match her. "
"And Nick,
how proud he was of her.
"Oh, he tried
not to show it. But I knew.
"I knew that little trick
of his of squinting up his eyes
"When he was terribly pleased.
Oh, he was so proud. "
My dear.
Oh, Nick. I'm so happy.
I know.
My dear, tonight is nothing.
Merely the threshold of what
can be a very beautiful
And important life.
Oh, Nick.
There is nothing we cannot
achieve, you and I.
'Nothing. '
'You and I.'
'Allida, do you know
what I'm saying?'
My dear, will you do me
the honor of becoming my wife?
Nick, you're joking.
No. I'm not.
Something I've never
before told a woman.
I love you.
Oh, I, I can't think.
You needn't answer me now.
Nick, I'm so terribly grateful.
'No, please, no. '
Once before, you told me
you were grateful.
I don't want any such
foolish notion
To color your decision now.
'Do you understand?'
Yes.
I'd like to stay here
just a minute, do you mind?
"And just three weeks
later, Nick and Allida were married
"In a little church on the
Left Bank, with only a handful"
"Of the painter friends who
marked the end of this sojourn"
"Of ours in Paris. "
"Today was Allida's birthday.
"Nick gave her a priceless
string of carved white jade.
"She seemed unaware
of their wealth
"Only pleased because
they were a gift of Nick's.
"She wore them as she played
one of her little songs
For us before dinner. "
'Allida, more. '
- No, that's enough.
- It isn't your voice, my dear.
When you sing, we can stare
at you without embarrassment.
Oh, Clag, you're a fool.
Alright, then I happen to see
your little string of jade.
Oh...
Here.
- Where on earth, Nick?
- It's beautiful, isn't it?
Did you notice each
design is different?
- No, I didn't.
- 'Hello. '
Hello, everybody.
Hello, Master Nick. What a
horrible night for a party.
- Alec.
- Happy, happy birthday.
- Look what I brought you.
- Oh!
Insignificant, but thoughtful.
As a matter of fact, Nick,
the florist wouldn't
Take my check, so I
charged them to your account.
- They're withered.
- Not at all.
- They're just a little tired.
- Oh, but they're lovely.
Thank you so much.
How did you know daisies
were my favorite flowers?
Just looking at you.
You know, there are
words to go with them.
From a writer naturally.
Say the name
and you'll know the person
By the way it forms
upon the lips.
'How then shall I say, Allida?'
Well, it's not exactly
genius but...
- At least it's short.
- Someday I'll finish it.
My, what a lot of talent
we have here tonight.
We can paint a picture,
cut a figure out of stone.
Write a sonnet.
'Or have Allida just
stand there and be them all. '
Oh, Alec, have you
been drinking?
On my honor, not a drop.
Frankly, I could stand
something now.
Dinner's served, madam.
'Thank you, Frank. '
Well, that was certainly
a quick drink.
Nick gave me the commission
to do her picture tonight.
I'm so happy for you.
And you do it
so cleverly too, I know.
He wants her in
the dress he designed.
'I'd rather paint her
as she's now. '
Yes, she should well...
What has she done
with her necklace?
She is such a child.
Nick would be terribly upset
if she's misplaced it.
Oh, Alec, help me look.
- For what?
- My necklace.
I put it down
when you came in.
It must be here somewhere.
Are you sure?
I had it in my hand
when you gave me the daisies.
Allida, I couldn't
finish the poem before
With Nick and the others there.
- Will you listen to it now?
- Yes, Alec, of course.
How then shall I say, Allida?
The single word upon
my lips will make it clear.
I love her.
You shouldn't write
things like that about me.
Of course not.
Come help me look.
Did I tell you
I've taken on a new job?
- No, what?
- Series of articles in Mexico.
- Are you going there?
- Mm-hmm.
- When?
- Right away.
Oh, we'll miss you.
I won't really go.
I, I've tried before.
Tried?
Taking the job,
whatever it was
Packed my bags,
gone to the station.
It's never any use.
Alec.
Those weren't just the words
of a poem before.
It's a stupid poem anyway.
- I, I can't write about you.
- Oh, please.
When I try, I go
off the deep end.
I wanna say how you are.
How I know you are.
Warm, simple, and bright inside.
You're not a great lady,
in a great house.
You're the earth and everything
that grows and breathes
And when I'm not with you,
it's a blank...
- Oh, no.
- Do you love me?
- No.
- You don't love Nick.
Yes, yes, I do.
No, you don't.
I'm sure of that.
Oh, Alec, please.
My dear, there is going to be
a commotion unless you go up.
Clag threatens to twirl
Cissie around by the heels
Unless he produces you.
'Clag I believe
has been drinking. '
Not a bad idea,
Master Nick.
We were looking
for my necklace.
- I thought I left it here.
- I found it.
- Oh.
- 'Here. '
Oh, I'm sorry to have
been so careless.
Oh, nonsense, my dear.
I'll keep it for you,
shall I?
Yes, Nick.
Alec was telling me,
he may go to Mexico.
Oh, when did you
decide this, Alec?
I haven't decided. As a matter
of fact, I'm not going.
Temperamental these
artists, aren't they?
Very.
- Nick, I think it's time we...
- Alec.
Alright, Allida.
Do you think I could find
where Clag loaded up?
Yes, there is
champagne upstairs.
Or if you want whiskey,
it's in the library.
Whiskey? I think you hit on
something here, Master Nick.
Tell me, does his impertinence
add to his attractiveness?
Don't, Nick.
Why did you stop him?
Frank discussion of these
matters would be interesting.
Mentality never quite makes up
for the physical, does it?
Let's not have a scene.
Not tonight.
Allida dear.
Do come and stop Clag.
He's behaving
very badly, really.
'He threatens to climb into
one of those suits of armor. '
Isn't it funny?
But we can't have that, can we?
Tend to your other
warrior, my dear.
Allida.
Allida.
Nick and Alec.
He stayed behind.
Nick! Nick!
'Cissie's fainted. '
What are you doing there?
Get her upstairs, Frank.
Yes, sir, will see to it, sir.
I'm so sorry.
I'll be alright.
Hello?
'Dr. Bailey.
It's Allida Bederaux. '
Dr. Bailey, if Nick
goes up to the boy
If he goes upstairs tomorrow
night while you are here
Will you try to follow him?
Will you see if you can...
- Hunt, what the blazes?
- Coming in. I wanna talk.
- You drunk?
- I blundered into something.
Whatever it is
Someone thinks it's important
enough to have me followed.
It's the little people
that chase you all over.
In the morning, they'll play
around the foot of your bed.
Look.
Hmm.
Tell me.
Now that I'm here,
what can I tell you?
Oh, your medical ethics.
Nonsense.
There is more
delightful scandal lost...
When I heard of Cissie's death,
I didn't tell you I knew her?
- No.
- I did.
I came back across
the country with her.
- Why didn't you say so?
- Don't ask me why.
There isn't any why.
I was surprised,
shocked if you like, but...
I wanted to think.
You mean, this has something
to do with the Bederauxs?
I don't know.
Oh, go on.
Well, she was determined
not to stay with Nick.
She asked me about a hotel
And I recommended mine,
and took her bags there.
Then, I heard she
died of a heart attack.
Perfectly simple.
She was frightened to death.
But of what?
'I sat beside her during
a near train wreck. '
'And that woman didn't have
any organic heart disease. '
Are you suggesting...
I'm not suggesting anything.
I'm just talking.
So, she died a natural death.
Who doesn't?
And I have her blasted
dressing case in my bathroom
'And a man in peculiar shoes
follows me wherever I go. '
Her dressing case?
Yes, it got mixed-up
with my things
And my writing case
went on with hers.
I only discovered
her bag tonight.
I looked into it. Perhaps,
I shouldn't. But I did.
Cissie's diaries were there.
Along with the manuscript
she was writing.
"The life and Times
of Nicholas Bederaux. "
I read 'em.
I've been living
in that diary tonight.
Living the strange, distorted
lives of Nick and his sister.
You know their histories?
Fairly well.
They're not nice.
His mother died
when he was born.
He was hated by a father who
committed suicide a year later.
He was raised by a sister,
who I believe hated him too.
Although, she certainly
never knew it.
She made a burnt offering
of her life.
And Allida.
Yes, I know.
I didn't like him the first
time I met him, I told you so.
The more I know him,
the less I like him.
There's something
out of tune with him.
Like, like a chord of music
with a basic note missing.
What are you trying to tell me?
That the man is mad?
Not what you mean by madness.
He's reasonable, logical.
Even brilliant.
But he's at war.
With what or with whom,
I don't know.
Perhaps with life.
If that's true,
it might've been better
If he'd turned down life
all together in the beginning.
From your point
of view naturally.
You're in love with his wife.
- If I could only tell you...
- What?
No, Hunt, I can't
take you seriously.
See? He's gone.
How many peculiar
pairs of shoes do you think
There are in this city?
Oh, look, you're tired.
You've been working too hard.
You've been peering
into too many weird minds.
Go home. Have the hotel people
send Cissie's bag on.
Your name needn't
come in to it.
But it has. My name's
in the writing case.
Oh, forget it.
You didn't realize
she was his sister.
That's why
you didn't mention it.
You're probably right.
Anyway, forget what I said.
- That is unless...
- Unless what?
Oh, great Scott, man!
Don't tell me you're frightened.
No, but if I were right,
I'd have reason to be.
You'll get over it.
We all have.
Goodnight, Clag.
Will you go
up to the library, sir?
Thank you.
What is it?
Can I help you?
Why, I'm looking
for the boy's Humpty-Dumpty.
He won't go to sleep
till he has it.
There, there now,
Mr. Gregory. I have it.
Ha. It's a pity for a boy to go
to sleep wanting something.
Thank you.
But you're not
Mr. Gregory, are you?
No, of course not.
I'm so nearsighted,
and I forget.
Excuse me, such a nice-looking
gentleman to be sure.
It's no wonder.
My dear, fellow, I'm so sorry.
But the child was putting
on his usual bedtime scene.
That sometimes
puzzles our guests.
We had the usual
stairway removed
In order to widen the hall.
Allida will be done
in a moment, I hope.
- How are you, Bailey?
- Oh, usual I should say.
You look a bit tired.
Having hard week?
Merely lack of sleep.
Well, you can relax now.
Here is to us.
May it be the first of many.
Oh, here she is.
Good evening.
- I'm so sorry. I had to...
- Yes, yes, we know.
Allida takes her maternal
problems far too seriously.
And I insist that she lay them
down when the boy goes to bed.
- A glass of Sherry, my dear?
- Yes, thank you.
Five-year-old must
cry it out sometimes, you know.
Don't you agree?
For myself, I'm old fashioned.
So are children and mothers.
Wait till you have
one of your own.
Allida reads every newfangled
book on raising children.
Result, one spoilt child.
Five years old, you say?
What's his name?
Alec.
Alec?
'Alexander. '
Quite a mouthful
for an infant, isn't it?
Alexander the conqueror.
'And he intends to live up to
his name, doesn't he?'
May I have another Sherry, Nick?
But, my dear child, you haven't
finished the one you have.
You know, Allida sometimes...
- Yes, Frank?
- Dinner is served, sir.
Thank you.
- Will you have another?
- 'No, thanks. '
One of the things
I've never been able to
Bring myself to change
in this old house.
Our downstairs dining room.
But perhaps, by the time
Allida and I are old
They will have one
of those small elevators
Working properly. Until then...
Cissie once gave me a coming
of age party here. Poor Cissie.
Oh, Nick, we weren't
going to think about that.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Oh, how perfectly charming.
Allida's flower arrangements
are always so delightful.
'Nothing spring
like daisies. '
But I didn't.
Nick, I didn't.
Yellow roses.
That's what I ordered.
You must believe me.
But, my dear child,
of course we believe you.
He was likely sold out. Or they
didn't seem fresh enough.
Or perhaps, they were unusual
at this time of the year.
Or the delivery boy
mixed up the boxes.
Or perhaps, you did order them.
What does it matter?
Sometimes the power of thought...
Self-hypnosis,
wouldn't you say, Bailey?
Sometimes.
There's a great deal
of hocus-pocus
And all such terminology.
Usually there's a very simple
And logical explanation
for everything.
Mr. Nick, you have to come up.
He screams at me
when I come near him.
- He'll make himself sick.
- 'This is preposterous. '
'Between the two of you,
you women are turning
'This household into a bedlam. '
I warn you, a little more,
and I shall send the child away.
I don't like to hear
a child cry. Not a child.
- Nick, let me.
- No, I'm terribly sorry.
You'll have to excuse me.
Please, don't wait for me.
I think this might be a good
time for me to telephone.
I promised a patient of mine
I'd call before nine.
The telephone
is in the library.
- 'Frank. '
- This way, sir.
Please don't bother.
I know where it is.
'All the witches go about
their business when it gets dark. '
'The witching business. '
'Ugly witches. '
'And the more beautiful
they are when the sun is up'
'The blacker and uglier
they become when it gets dark. '
'And what they want are
little boys like you. '
Not me, papa.
Oh, no, not you.
- And you know why?
- Why?
Because papa knows
all about witches.
Papa put up magic bars
to keep you safe.
But you mustn't tell.
It must be a secret.
You mustn't tell Deria
or your mother. Never.
Deria's an ugly
witch, isn't she?
Yes.
'But not do dangerous
as a beautiful witch. '
They are the really
dangerous ones.
- Mommy's beautiful.
- Shh.
Very well.
Yes. Yes, of course.
I'll-I'll be there shortly.
This is one of the reasons
A doctor makes
a poor dinner guest.
I've about
a half an hour.
You with your patients
and me with mine.
'I think Nick
maybe right, Allida. '
'You worry too much
about your boy. '
He has some fears probably.
But who hasn't?
You mentioned something
about his having dreams
Of tigers under his crib.
Well, I can't say that
that's so unnatural.
In a sense, we all have
tigers of some sort
Under our beds, haven't we?
How do you mean, Bailey?
In the boy's case as in ours,
the tiger represents
Something we don't understand.
'Or something
or someone we fear. '
I see.
And how do we rid
ourselves of these
Fanciful tigers of yours?
In the boy's instance,
by reasoning with him.
Convincing him of the
baselessness of his fears.
In our own case,
the problem's much the same.
Possibly a trifle
more complicated.
That is if we happen
to be men of violence.
And then?
'Then, well, then perhaps'
We revert to the savages' method
of dealing with the real tiger.
And actually, kill these tigers
of ours, you mean, Bailey?
No way, I cannot
agree with you.
Sound psychology, Nick.
Accept it or not,
as you wish.
You'll accept it.
- Must you really go?
- I know you understand.
You've been very kind to ask me
and I appreciate it.
You will come again?
At the first opportunity.
Goodnight.
I'm going to the club.
Can I drop you?
- Thank you.
- Goodnight, dear.
She hardly spoke
after the flowers.
And she used to talk
so charmingly.
I had to make an excuse.
Oh, I've had to make
so many excuses.
I think I've come
to the end of my rope.
Yes, I can see that.
Could you persuade her
to come to my office?
Perhaps, I could make her
take my advice.
You believe
this is serious?
Extremely serious.
Very well.
I'll do what I can.
Well, you're going on up,
I'll leave you here.
- I can take you.
- Thanks, I'd like to walk.
- Tomorrow?
- I'll do what I can.
- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
The boy's name is Alexander.
Quite a mouthful
for an infant, isn't it?
Alexander the conqueror.
Alec brought
her flowers. Daisies.
No, you aren't
Mr. Gregory, are you?
No, of course not.
The article
is signed, A. Gregory.
Alec, Alexander.
Alexander Gregory.
Allida?
Hunt.
I'm at Stanley's.
It's a restaurant, the
block west of your house.
Could you possibly come here?
I must see you.
Yes. Yes, there's
a private entrance.
I'll meet you there.
Good.
Sit down.
- Allida, do you trust me?
- Yes.
You've got to get out
of that house.
I'm frightened.
You mustn't be.
Don't you understand?
You're not to be
afraid ever again.
There are two
of us now.
What did you see when
you went upstairs?
Why, he was talking
quietly to the boy.
No. No, he's doing
something to Alec.
And he keeps
shutting me out.
- Please, don't.
- As if...
You've got to be calm,
otherwise you can't help me.
Now, tell me.
Who was Alexander Gregory?
- Oh, no.
- Please, tell me.
Nick said it was
my fault.
He said, if I pushed him
in front of that carriage
I couldn't have killed
him more surely.
What do you mean?
It was the night
of my birthday.
Yes.
Alec stayed late, and then
he insisted on walking.
It was snowing heavily.
And Nick walked part
of the way with him.
- And then...
- Yes.
I don't know.
They didn't find him
until early morning.
- He'd been run down.
- I see.
That night, Alec told me
he loved me.
It was the only time.
You didn't love Alec?
Oh, no.
But I didn't know
what was happening.
Suddenly, everything
seemed to have changed.
And then later
Nick came up
And his face
was young and fresh.
And for the first time,
we found a moment of happiness.
I understand.
And all that time, Alec was
lying out there in the snow.
It was Nick's idea to name your
boy Alec, wasn't it?
Yes. He insisted.
Oh, don't let him send
the boy away, please.
I don't send those daisies
to myself. I don't.
And Alec's dead.
He couldn't send them to me.
Do you know why I pictured
you with daisies?
Because I love you.
Because Alec loved you too,
he thought of them.
Does Nick know
how you feel toward me?
Yes, he knows.
Hunt, don't let me
hurt you too.
You couldn't.
Nothing you ever do
could hurt me.
Allida.
I wanna make sure that Nick
is still at the club.
I'll telephone Clag.
You'll be alright
for a moment?
Clag, I want you to listen
to me carefully.
Close the door
to your booth.
I can't.
It folds the wrong way.
The man who made
it is unhinged.
Listen, I want to know
if Nick is there at the club.
'Who? Never heard of him. '
- Listen, is Nick there?
- 'Yeah, sure. '
Alright, now,
pay attention.
I want you to call me
the moment he leaves.
When Nick leaves.
The very moment.
'The minute Nick leaves?
Why don't do ask him yourself?'
'He's right here himself.
He's right here. '
Clag, no, no, no.
Forget the whole thing.
Just don't mention it.
'Look, you've got
the wrong way around. '
'You say thank you,
and I say, don't mention it. '
Clag, I haven't called
you at all, you get it?
I haven't called you at all.
'What do you know about that?'
'He says he hasn't
called me at all. '
You've got to get back.
Don't be frightened.
Just for the night,
because of the boy.
- Yes, dear.
- Just for a while.
Bless you.
Come.
- I want this in the safe.
- Yes, doctor.
Tell Mitchell to see that
it's passed on quickly...
In the event that I
drop dead, will you?
Yes, doctor.
There's still no answer
at the Bederaux house, doctor.
How long has it been since
Mrs. Bederaux called?
Over two hours now.
- Lady, you had me worried.
- Hunt.
You're gonna be safe.
You and the boy.
Yes. Nick told me
to come to you.
I suggested last night
he send you to me.
He pretended
that you're not quite...
Oh, but there's nothing
wrong with me.
- You believe that, don't you?
- Yes, dear.
There's never been anything,
but a fear I couldn't explain.
I know.
- I think Cissie understood too.
- She did.
- You knew Cissie?
- Yes.
That night
she came back...
All the way upstairs
she kept whispering to me
"You must go, Allida.
You must go. "
Then, Nick went to
get some water
And she kept trying
to tell me something
Only she couldn't
get her breath.
Oh, it was terrible.
She kept saying
"I understand now.
I know now. "
And then Nick
sent me downstairs.
Please don't
think about it.
I did as you told me.
I sent out all the servants.
Except Deria.
- And Nick went away.
- Nick went away?
Yes, he had to go
to Boston.
We'll go and
get Alec now.
I've arranged a place in
the country for both of you.
Yes?
By messenger.
Excuse me.
It's nothing.
We'll go now.
I can't tell you
how I feel.
I don't have to,
do I?
No, dear.
For the first time
in my life.
"Dear Bailey, the
Boston boat is an anticlimax
"To the Brazilian queen
of my fathers.
"But it will do.
"When you read this,
I shall be in my stateroom
"Going through hell gate.
"A fitting name for it,
I think.
"Perhaps, you can
drag me back
"But that is a decision to
put your courage to the test.
"It is entirely in
your hands now to decide
"What Allida's
future will be.
If you agree with me...
- Hunt.
- Yes, dear?
Why did Nick go away?
I, I don't know.
"If you agree with me
"Allida will remember her
husband as an unfortunate man
"Who has fulfilled
his fatality
"As his father did before him.
Cordially,
Nicholas Bederaux. "
It's cold.
I'll light the fire.
We had to let the furnace
go out to have it repaired.
I'll light it for you.
Look at me.
I'm not afraid.
I'll call Clag.
There are a few things
he can do.
Shall I?
No, I'll go.
Will you get me
38th street, 3424?
Is Mr. Claghorn there?
'Oh. '
'Well, this is Dr. Bailey. '
'Will you have him call me
as soon as he comes in?'
38th Street, 7098.
It's very important.
Thank you.
It's amazing how you forfeit
every plan I make for you.
It won't be rash
of course, Hunt.
This makes hardly any more
sound than a pop of a cork.
And it will of course prevent
you from rejoining Allida.
'Oh, she's quite unharmed.
I promise you. '
Good.
Good.
I was afraid you wouldn't
fight at all.
But this is good.
Now, first of all, tell me,
where did you meet Cissie?
And how did you learn about
Alec? It fascinates me.
It's like discovering
that a whole new
Set of chessmen
have been set up.
But I can play with them
as you shall see.
The moment I found
your writing case
I knew you were in this
thing up to your neck.
You're mad, Nick.
Completely mad.
Do you know that?
Who knows which one
of us is mad?
Who said, "If any man
had one moment of sanity"
In that one moment, he would
take himself out of this world?"
But mad or not,
I am a killer.
You know that.
I first knew it when
I was four years old.
The cook of ours said, "That
ugly bird as good as killed"
His mother and his father. "
And I killed Alec too,
of course.
But you won't
kill me, Nick.
I'm just as strong-willed
as you are.
I know you. I know your mind,
and I can reason with you.
Yes. Yes.
Of course,
I've read your books.
This will be interesting.
Did you come here originally
to interfere with me?
No.
Then, it was
because of Allida?
Alec tried to
take Allida too.
I knew you were after her
when you made
That lyrical speech
about the daisies.
How on earth did you
know about the daisies?
I didn't. It came to me
when I saw her.
Then, it was because
you loved her?
Because I love her.
'Oh, no, Nick. '
You won't shoot now, you're
not through playing with me.
That's how your
mind is working, isn't it?
And I'm also aware of
how your mind is working.
And you were wrong
about Cissie.
She told me nothing.
Cissie loved you.
Yes, poor Cissie.
That was unfortunate,
she came in
Just as the daisies were
being delivered to Allida.
She understood then
what I was up to.
After that, I couldn't chance
how much she guessed about Alec.
And you did kill her?
It was more or less letting
nature take its course.
I shook her.
I'll be glad to get rid of all
women for the rest of my life.
In fact, I'll be relieved to
be rid of myself altogether.
Move cautiously, Bailey.
I shall.
My note threw you
off guard, didn't it?
You are not stupid.
Otherwise, you wouldn't have
walked right into my parlor.
No, Bailey.
You can't do it.
But I can see in your eyes
that you will try.
And that is
as it should be.
I missed out on
that with Alec.
There wasn't any time.
You and your
imaginary tigers.
That's what made me
sure you were next.
How do you propose
to be rid of yourself?
Quite simply.
Maybe I really believe
I committed suicide
from that boat.
I took care to make
it appear convincing.
And in case I shall be seen
entering or leaving this house
I changed my appearance.
These are Frank's,
the butler's clothes.
Frank himself
is far from here.
There is a method of
an old criminal record.
Deria, I sent away
for the evening.
I once said you
were logical.
'Even brilliant. '
'You are, Nick. '
But you're also mad.
Can't you realize that?
Ten minutes, perhaps.
No more.
I shall leave you quite unharmed
and walk out of this house.
That is to all appearances,
Frank will walk out.
You will be left
to rescue Allida.
They will discover we've had
trouble with the furnace.
It's gas furnace, by the way.
Can you smell it?
The gas goes on and off again,
which is bad business.
We have a small stove
next to the nursery, upstairs.
And possibly, they may
find the gas on.
Tell me, Bailey.
Is that boy mine,
or is he Gregory's?
That's what you've
been leading to?
Answer me.
You're mad, Nick.
Completely mad.
Answer me!
The boy is yours of course.
And Allida might have come
to love you in time...
'Not that way.
That's not how I planned. '
Get back. Get back to her.
You haven't any time.
Sorry, Mr. Claghorn.
The operator reports
the number out of order.
That's funny. You're sure
that's the number he left?
Yes, sir.
The Bederauxs.
Where is it do you think?
Looks like Murray Hill
somewhere.
Hurry up with that hose.
Take it through there.
- Who did you get out?
- Easy there, sir.
- Tell me. Who?
- A woman and a small boy.
Alright, we think.
Two men.
- One maybe, one no.
- Which one?
Come along.
Maybe you can tell us.
Now, this way.
We don't know yet,
you'll have to ask the doctors.
What we'd like from you
If you know these people,
is your identification.
Who are you?
McDonald, from the
District Attorney's office.
- Where's my boy?
- He's alright.
Hunt?
Yes, you needn't worry.
Sleep now, Allida,
it's alright.
You see, this witch
was a very good witch.
She wore a blue dress
and red shoes.
And had hair like yours
and deep blue eyes.
- Like my mother?
- Perhaps, she was.
At night, she'd have a lotta fun
flying on her red broomstick
Finding all the things
that were lost during the day.
- A kitten, and a puppy, and a...
- Small boy like me.
What'd she find last night?
Let's go out,
and I'll tell you all about it.
Oh, did Mrs. Bederaux say
who her guest was?
No, sir, she didn't.
When he leaves, will you
tell her to come look for us?
I will, surely.
I was told the enquiry
was finished.
Well, it is in a way.
I'm here on my own.
I hope you don't mind.
- I'm puzzled.
- Yes?
We have a disappearance
Of Mr. Bederaux from
the Boston boat.
His suicide,
if you wish.
Then, at the house,
the old woman identified
The butler, of course.
'But curiously enough,
except for his corpse'
'That butler never
seemed to have existed. '
But I've stayed with it.
Persistent McDonald
they call me.
Don't you think
you're rather overdoing it?
You see, in cases
of extensive destruction
There's one identification
that seldom fails.
Teeth.
You found
the butler's dentist?
'No, I found
Mr. Bederaux's dentist. '
You know what you're doing?
You're threatening
the future of my child.
It was Bederaux who was
killed in the explosion.
Criminally insane.
What will you do now
that you've given it a name?
You and your truth!
No. I won't let you do it.
I won't have my son live a life
of terror like his father did.
I'll fight you or anyone else.
Mrs. Bederaux...
You won't have
to fight me.
I've got too much
admiration for you.
'And you're right about the boy.
I hadn't thought of him. '
I was guessin', anyway. We could
find nothing to ask a dentist about.
We could find nothing
to ask a dentist about.
'It's alright,
Mrs. Bederaux. '