THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS WARDH
"THE VERY FACT THAT THE COMMANDMEN
SAYS "THOU SHALT NOT KILL"
MAKES US AWARE AND CERTAIN
THAT WE ARE DESCENDANTS
OF AN UNBROKEN CHAIN OF
GENERATIONS OF ASSASSINS
FOR WHOM THE LOVE OF KILLING
WAS IN THEIR BLOOD,
AS IT MAYBE IS ALSO IN OURS"
Welcome!
- Hello!
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
- Hi Neil!
How's it going Neil?
Now that you live in New York,
you've forgotten your old friends
Obviously I'd like to come
home more often. Isn't it true, Julie?
Yes, especially if
Wall Street was here
But I don't have time to play tourist
Talking of which, the meeting
with Muller is set for eight.
Seems he's willing
to buy those share
you told me about
yesterday on the 'phone
I'm sorry dear, but I don't
have time to take you home
it's very important you know.
I'll call you a taxi.
Don't worry, I can get one myself.
We apologise if we steal your husband
just a few metres into Austria.
I'm not an annoying wife.
The extremely important things first.
What's going on?
Good evening.
Papers please.
Here
Excuse me madam,
it is just a formality
But why?
A woman was killed half an hour ago,
near the airport.
Another woman killed?
Yes, and cut with a razor again.
You can go, good night.
This story is becoming an obsession
it is everywhere in
the papers and on TV
about that crazy maniac.
Yes, they mentioned
it in the US as well
They should bring
back death penalty,
that's what they should do!
Then those sick people would
get the end they deserve.
Keep the change.
Welcome back, Mrs Wardh!
Antonio, it's you.
A pleasure to see
you again, Madam
Everything's in order in the apartment.
Has anyone come in
in the last minutes?
No, madam, were you
expecting someone?
The maid comes tomorrow.
I'll take care of the bags.
Don't you worry
Thank you
- Mrs Wardh?
- Yes?
These are for you
The porter also told
me to deliver your suitcases
Leave them here.
- Thank you
- you're welcome
"THE WORST PART OF YOU,
IS THE BEST THING
YOU HAVE AND IT WILL
ALWAYS BE MINE". JEAN
Yes I understand, Neil.
At least try to pick me up
not too late though.
No! I'm not angry
even if Carroll calls
me 'the Widow Wardh'.
You've only stayed with me one night
in the three days we've been here.
Don't be too late. Bye.
Julie, finally you've
stopped bothering the old man.
Look what I've brought you
He's just arrived,
fresh from Australia.
With fantastic news!
You wouldn't believe it.
George! Tell her about our uncle.
To be honest, I was
fond of old uncle.
Of course you were!
Anyway, our uncle
croaked and left
a nice nest-egg
for me and him.
We're the sole heirs.
You're family?
Yes.
At least that's the way it
is for the notary in Sydney.
Uncle's dead
without a will and the
young lady and I are the sole heirs.
What should I say?
Condolences or congratulations?
Just say: Pleased to meet you.
Pleased to meet you.
Very good. Shall we
drink something to celebrate?
- Our meeting?
- No, to uncle's death.
Without which I'd never have met you.
Oh, right.
Julie, please don't steal the most
handsome cousin I have, alright?
A Martini rosso for me.
- Are your clothes really made of paper?
- Underneath as well?
They're real, how naive.
- What would you say about having a look?
- Lets give them a tug.
It's true, they're made of paper.
Carroll! Why didn't you
say Jean was here as well?
He really pestered me
about when you'd be back.
I told him to leave you
alone but he came anyway.
Why does it matter to you?
- I'm going.
- Why, Julie?
- Because I am.
- Julie!
Wait.
- Leave me alone.
- I'll take you home in my car.
No, go away.
Why?
Nothing brings us closer
than having a vice in common.
I'm out of it, and
now you make me sick.
Leave me alone!
Julie!
No, please.
Let him go.
You don't know Jean.
He likes hurting people.
What's up?
A terrible nightmare
but it's over so don't worry.
Julie tell me the truth.
What's wrong?
Is it that man?
- Bye.
- Bye!
Next time don't wear paper,
come already naked.
- Funny! Goodbye.
...Bye!
Goodbye!
Wait a minute! Give it to me.
No parking zone, obstructing
traffic. You'll pay now?
No, for god's sake, we collect them.
Thanks.
Done!
There are more than a
thousand policemen in this town!
I want all their autographs!
It's not that easy, you know.
You're completely mad!
Why? Seem strange to you?
I once went to bed
with someone
who collected ladies underwear.
I realised he only wanted
to be with me to
steal my knickers.
Hey!
Give me the paper, will you?
- Here.
- Thank you
Let me have a look.
Another woman murdered.
We should be grateful to this maniac
for eliminating the competition.
They always write the same stuff
and I don't read it, but if I
don't buy a paper I miss it.
How I envy you, Carroll
you're always so relaxed and cheerful.
No Julie
you just take the best
wherever you find it.
A little here, a little there
and avoid thinking the worst.
I married Neil to finish with Jean.
Neil seemed so wise and calm.
But now I'm not so sure.
Neil's your husband, dear.
You can't expect to have
everything from one man.
Carroll! Please...
The fact that you put
someone between you and Jean
is already really important
Yes I know, but maybe
I need to escape from myself.
Jean would never
accept not seeing me again
because he can't stand losing.
Excuse me, madam. There's
a gentleman waiting for you
I put him in the living room.
I don't want to see anyone.
He asked for your husband.
I told him he was out
but he wanted to wait to speak to you.
Come on! Who are you scared of?
If it's Jean we'll throw him out.
Come on, it'll be fun for me
Hello.
Look who it is, the handsome cousin.
My husband's not at home.
I'm sorry, Julie. But
Carroll told me your husband
is an expert in financial matters.
I'd like to get his advice.
Yes, I see.
But I'm sorry,
my husband's not here.
I'm glad instead, because...
to be honest it was just
an excuse to see you again.
One definitely can't deny
your sincerity.
We interrupted our celebratory
drink the other night,
and I didn't want
to miss the chance
to get to know you
as well as I can.
Listen, my handsome cousin.
If you intend to woo her
take my advice:
Given the time
I recommend continuing
over a steak.
Mr...
Call me George.
Don't worry
you'll get a chance
to speak to my husband
alright?
Yes
but it's you who
should be worrying.
I like bothering women
even when their
husbands are around.
Shall we go, Julie?
In any case
thanks for the lunch invitation,
beautiful cousin.
For goodness sake, I'd never
invite anyone to Birri's.
They serve mustard
which swells your tongue.
Why did you treat him like that?
Because I wanted to!
People who are too sure of
themselves get on my nerves.
If I were you, I'd do it
cousin or not.
Lets go and eat.
I am truly sorry, Miss Baxter.
I had three tables left
but a gentleman
has just booked them.
So we'll have to starve.
Why?
The mustard's excellent here
doesn't burn the
tongue at all. Want some?
What a shame it's full.
But it isn't, I've
booked three tables.
We can choose: Here,
here, or down there.
- Did I do wrong?
- If it's that important to you.
Yes, it is.
I was worried I'd have
to give up my mustard.
Well, cancel the
other two tables.
- Here alright?
- No, the other one's better.
The usual for me.
What Carroll's
having is fine for me.
So, that's three of
what Carroll's having.
Here we are!
This way, you might
think of me when
eating an apple.
The forbidden fruit.
- For you I' II do...
...Nothing at all!
You've got it all wrong, dear.
It's always been Eve who
should offer the apple.
Excuse me, Miss Baxter.
You're wanted on the telephone.
I'll be right back.
Maybe Carroll's right.
What's this? Does it
mean you want to eat me?
No,
it means I've already eaten you.
You'll discover
I'm hard to digest.
I'm sorry, but
I've got to rush off.
In any case you're
happier alone with your apples.
Oh, Carroll!
I'll phone you. Bye!
I can take you wherever you want.
To a taxi, thank you.
So you're used to having
your own way, aren't you?
You've finally got it.
Where are we going?!
It's a surprise.
Take me home at once!
Later, Julie, later!
- I told you to take me...
- Relax.
I'm just going to make you feel ecstasy and fear!
Take me home now!
Ecstasy, fear and a pounding heart!
I kept my promises, didn't I?
I'll say you did!
I think I should apologise.
I had misjudged you.
No, no! You were
right about me.
But it's hard to resist so much.
Thanks anyway...
it's been a nice afternoon.
I really needed it.
Bye!
Hello?
Julie? Would you be amazed
if I told you I loved you?
Oh please, George,
don't be ridiculous.
Some words aren't
used any more.
I thanked you for the
nice afternoon and that's it.
I couldn't possibly want
anything else from you.
Please leave me alone.
George?!
Don't be offended
but I don't want
to see you again
because today...
because I like you.
You mustn't phone me again.
Never again.
Alright, Julie.
I won't phone again if
that's what you want.
How did you get in?!
By the door, it was open.
Why are you...
I wanted to tell you again, Julie:
I really like you
and I'm not used to hiding my intentions.
George I beg you
don't complicate my life.
Don't you understand?!
I'm not the
woman you met today.
I know nothing about you, nor do I want to.
For me you're fine as you are.
Come on, lets go into my place.
No, not now.
Let me go.
If you want
if you want.
I'll take you home.
What's wrong?
I'm scared!
Scared of what?!
Take me away, George.
- Where?
- Wherever you want!
It's not a palace, is it?
But it's good enough for me.
I practically only come here
to sleep.
They are for Mrs Wardh.
Thank you.
NOW I KNOW YOU ARE
TRYING TO ESCAPE ME
BUT YOUR VICE IS A LOCKED ROOM
AND ONLY I HAVE THE KEY.
Who's the admirer?!
Anonymous.
I'd like to think it was you, but...
they don't deal in
these items on the
stock exchange, do they?
Julie, what's the matter?
Nothing
You've been treating me as
if I'd done something wrong.
If you feel uncared for
or you need something
we should talk.
No, I don't need anything.
Hello?
Mrs Julie Wardh?
Yes. Who is it?
I have had occasion to see
that you are a delightful
lover, with interesting
perversions
And I am sure that
your honest husband
doesn't suspect it
Stop talking nonsense!
Who are you?
That's not important,
whereas I think that
you should know
what I want, Mrs Wardh.
I want twenty thousand schillings
not to tell your husband about
your affection for George Corot.
It's Jean. It's you, I know it!
It's Jean isn't it?!
Mrs Wardh, I will
expect you at sunset
at the South entrance
to Palmenhaus.
Remember: Alone, and with
twenty thousand schillings.
But...
I didn't know what to do.
When I saw that
black car I was scared
it would be Jean, and
that's why I went into George's.
Naturally. You wanted
to go to bed with him
and your fear of Jean
gave you the excuse.
Please, Carroll.
Well, maybe
it was as you said.
Anyway there's still the problem
of the phone call.
It was Jean?
Who knows? Have
you watched theTV?
They talked about that maniac.
The last of his victims
was that stupid bitch who
stripped at the party...
Could it be Jean?
He's got a black car too.
Carroll
please stop it.
I was joking.
He goes to prostitutes,
and Jean doesn't.
What was his voice
like on the phone?
Well... I've already told you.
It was a disguised,
unrecognisable voice.
Which means if he'd
spoken with his normal voice
you'd have recognised him.
It must be Jean.
He's the type.
I'm sorry but I don't see
the problem. If you like
George you can forget
about both Jean and Neil.
So what if Neil finds out?
I think he's a modern intelligent man.
Everything's simple for you.
While I don't know
what George is for me,
or what I am for him.
I wanted to call him this morning
but I don't even have his number
and I haven't heard from him.
And I don't want Neil
to find out this way.
He really doesn't deserve it.
Listen, dear, don't
have too many scruples.
If you want his
number I'll give it to you.
Neil's had you in
his bed for a year.
Don't you think that's enough
to make up for the heartache?
When you talk like
that I want to slap you.
But what do you expect?
It's the way of the world.
Don't take any notice.
I keep them in the oven
because I hate cold underwear.
In any case you mustn't
go to that appointment.
Where did he say?
At the Palmenhaus
in Shembrun at sunset
alone and with twenty
thousand schillings.
I'll go.
You?
No
it could be dangerous.
And I don't want
you involved anymore.
Don't worry
I'll enjoy it. And you'll
see it's definitely Jean
and then I'll
laugh in his face.
And if it isn't Jean?
If it's someone else?
Who?
Maybe the sadist
in the papers?
Then that means
I'm in grave danger
because I am a
bit of a whore.
You joke about everything.
Had breakfast yet?
Well come on then,
there's a coffee place downstairs
which will make you forget
all about diets. Come on,
and stop making that face!
There's the start!
The riders are already
in fierce battle for the front
...and it's number 36 first,
followed by number 122.
...at the third bend,
the final battle is about to begin.
We're closing!
We're closing at sunset!
We're closing!
Excuse me
I had an appointment
at the South entrance
to the Palmenhaus but
I've lost my bearings.
Over there
but if you don't hurry
you'll be locked inside.
They're about to close
the gates now, so be quick.
- Thank you.
- Good evening.
Help!
Help!
No!
No!
What's going on?!
- Who was screaming!?
- There...
Look over there!
Can you tell us anything?
No, I didn't see anything.
I just heard that poor
girl shouting.
She had asked me where the
Palmenhaus South entrance was.
She said she had an appointment.
I don't know anything else.
These little animals are
my only friends, inspector.
Much less repugnant
than certain people I know.
Listen...
it's been said
that you've been
Carroll Baxter's
friend for a long time.
It's very important
for us to know
everything there
is to know about her
and her friends.
Please follow me to
the police station
I need to continue
to interrogate you.
Don't worry, I'm used
to being around cages.
So...
shall we go?
Lets go.
Is all this really necessary?
So, madam...
is this the man you spoke to us about?
Yes.
Why do you think he's the
killer we're looking for?
You flatter me Julie.
Do you really think I'm capable of
cutting a lot of women's throats?
Yes, you could be.
And though it might seem silly,
he has a black car
like the one described
in the papers.
You're incredibly amusing.
But it was you who
sent me those notes.
What notes?
The lady and I were joined
in an "intimate" friendship.
That's why I sent her
flowers along with my thoughts,
hoping she'd remember the good times,
and perhaps decide on
a nostalgic encounter.
I hate you.
The only thing I can't
stand is indifference.
Hate is a good feeling,
it's fiery and violent
like love, only more so.
Mrs Wardh, you received
a threatening phone call
and that Carroll went to
the appointment in your place
thinking that you were
dealing with your friend...
Was it that man's
voice on the phone?
It was disguised,
it could have been anyone.
But Carroll told me
it must have been Jean.
A stranger wouldn't
have had to mask the voice.
Yes...
but he was in a bowling
alley on the other side of town
while someone was
cutting your friend's throat.
That's the way it is, I'm afraid.
Listen...
why don't you check
Mrs Wardh's alibi?
You're a dirty coward.
You see, Mrs Wardh
doesn't have a black car,
but she's always had
a weakness for blood.
Nobody's said the murderer
you're looking for is a man.
You're a...
...person you were keen
on for over two years.
That's enough!
I'm not interested
in your theories.
That's fine.
Can I go?
- I've got something to do.
- Of course.
You can both go.
Bring the other one in.
What's his name?
George Corot.
They called you as well?
Now I understand why my
roses no longer affect you.
George Corot!
I've got to see you.
See you at my place at five.
- Julie, at last!
- I'm really tired Neil...
Let me speak to
your husband now
then we'll go away.
Away from this city,
from everything.
No, George, not now.
Maybe when they've
found Carroll's murderer.
It was foolish to meet today.
I could be watched.
You've told me there's
already someone who knows...
but do you realise that
it should have been
you instead of Carroll?
So what?
One can't hide forever.
Does living mean
so little to you?
I don't know, George.
If you weren't around I'd
almost be happy to end it all.
Please, someone could see us.
I'll take you home.
I'd rather you didn't.
I'll call you tomorrow.
Neil!
Neil!
Julie!
The elevator was always busy
so I had to take the stairs.
Good evening.
Good evening.
Julie...
Where have you been?
What happened?
There was someone in the garage
who attacked me with a razor
Was it Jean?
Did you see him? Was it him?
I don't know. He was
dressed in black, it was dark...
I don't know!
Don't be influenced by
the stories in the papers.
Besides, we'll soon
know if it was Jean.
Neil!
What do you want to do?
Lets call the police.
Where does he live?
There's only one thing to
do with people like that.
You mustn't take
any risks for me.
You're my wife now,
and that's all that matters.
Tell me where he is.
I'll go with you.
Alright, come with me.
Wait for me here.
Neil!
I told you to stay in the car!
No, I'm coming with you.
There's no light.
Nobody's there
lets go.
There's a camera on
the ground over there...
A photo's been taken.
Julie! Julie, calm down Julie!
Neil
Neil!
Jean's car has gone!
ADAM AND EVE LOST PARADISE
BECAUSE THEY WANTED
TO KNOW TOO MUCH
Julie, wake up Julie!
I've developed that photo. Look!
Do you recognise him?
It's the man in the garage.
- Yes, it's him!
- Who is he?
Don't know. He was dressed
like that, with those glasses.
Now we know it wasn't Jean.
Which means...
he could be the murderer
of the women and Carroll?
I mean I suspected Jean
because he was your lover.
Obviously there's someone else.
Oh, Neil!
Where are you going?
- I'm scared.
- I'm going to the police.
This photo could be
useful to the inspector.
- Hello?
- George, is that you?
Why did you take
so long to call me?
I'll tell you when I see you.
Come and get me,
I can't carry on.
Come and get me,
and we'll leave.
We'll go to some quiet place
as far away as possible.
Anywhere.
Okay.
Give me time to pack a
case and I'll be with you.
I'll take you to Spain.
I know a little place
that'll make you forget everything.
FOR NEIL
When did she leave?
Just before noon.
Bye, dear. I'll call you
when I get back from Sydney.
Okay. Bye!
Hello?
Hi, how are you?
No, I'm sorry.
I'm leaving tomorrow.
I'll be back in a week.
Then I'll get the A122 toTokyo.
No. I'm not tired.
You don't sleep with the time zone changes.
The light's gone out...
it'll come back on.
Alright!
Yes, I'll bring you a souvenir.
Will a kangaroo do?
Why, what do you want?
I promise we'll meet
again when I get back.
Bye!
No, no!
Help!
Help!
Has something happened?
No, no. Nothing.
Why did you run away?
I wanted to get some sun.
Carry on going after
your prey if you want.
I've seen one who's more attractive.
VIENNESE HOMICIDAL MANIAC DEAD
- George!
- Yes?
Look, they've found the maniac.
He's been killed by the girl he'd attacked
So it's all over, for good.
Lets think about us.
I'm hungry.
I'll go on to the villa to
prepare some food while you
go and change some money.
We've almost run out.
You take my car and I'll get a taxi.
- Bye!
- Bye.
- Take them.
- Thanks.
These are for you.
- For me?!
- Yes, that gentleman gave them to me...
He was there just now.
He must have left.
SINCE THE LIVING DON' SEND FLOWERS TO THE DEAD
THE DEAD
GIVE THEM TO THE LIVING
George.
George.
What's going on?
What's wrong? Do
you feel sick, madam?
- No, no!
- Madam...
Julie!
Julie.
Julie answer me. It's George.
Julie, what happened?
Julie!
- Excuse me, miss.
- Yes?
- Where can I find a doctor?
- Down there, at the pharmacy.
Thanks.
This will make her
sleep for a few hours.
What's wrong with her?
She's in shock,
it's a powerful emotion.
When I left her down in
the village she was fine.
Well, something
must have happened
maybe she got a fright.
Know what you can do?
I'll give you a number!
Here it is.
Doctor Arbe. He's my friend,
a good neurologist.
Ring him up.
Barcelona's not far- by car
you'd be there in half an hour.
Thank you. Can
I leave her here
while I go down into
the village to call?
Don't worry. She'll sleep
peacefully until this evening.
- I'll show you out
- Not necessary. I know the way.
No, it's impossible.
I've still got two appointments
and I don't have a car.
I can come tomorrow.
Please, doctor. I'll pick you up.
Alright, in an hour.
Thank you, doctor, thank you.
- How much?
- 80 pesetas.
George...
George!
George!
So I brought her here
hoping she'd feel better
far away from it all.
Then... I don't know
what happened today.
You mentioned
blood earlier.
She didn't say
anything to me
but I understood
something straight away.
She was with that man I
told you about, for a while.
He dominated her.
Blood definitely has a
strange effect on her.
It both attracts and repels her.
Listen
it would be better not
to tell her I'm a doctor.
It'll be easier.
Julie!
It smells of gas!
Quick, in the kitchen!
The door's locked. Help me!
Julie...
Turn the gas off and
try not to breathe!
Open the window!
Lets take her over there.
No pulse any more.
Go call, quickly, get them to send
an equipped ambulance.
- Is there any hope?
- I told you to go
and call the hospital.
Get on with it!
Inspector
Doctor Arbe is here
Very well, you can go.
Mr Wardh, this is Doctor Arbe.
He did everything to
try and save your wife
but it was already too late.
And I'm telling you it isn't suicide.
My wife was scared of dying.
The room was locked and
sealed from the inside!
It wouldn't have happened
if she'd been with me.
Anyway, this man's guilty.
I want to go now.
Of course, Mr Wardh.
The funeral?
The body needs to be
available to the authorities for
a few days then you can
send someone to collect it.
George!
You're late.
The money, now!
It's too hot for me here.
A plane is leaving for Rio!
I don't want to miss it.
What are you scared of?
Nobody's expecting
you to be in Vienna,
and nobody saw you here.
Should the police discover
that the maniac didn't kill Carroll
your alibi would still be valid.
Like yours, and you're
the only one with a motive.
Even if some cop
unveils our tricks...
you're out of it.
Your passport says
you're called John McDonald,
you are Canadian,
and Julie never met you.
But you've got a
cast iron alibi too.
If they don't
get me you're fine.
They won't get you.
Julie Wardh committed suicide.
The money, now!
Okay.
Now you really are dead.
A first-rate suicide for love.
Have they paid up?
Not yet.
They want the death certificate,
it's a matter of days.
I spoke to New York.
Hope I can manage to
keep the creditors sweet
and avoid bankruptcy. And you?
No problems.
Carroll's death
means I'm the sole heir.
We've got to be careful.
If someone sees us together...
Why?
We're husband and lover united in memories.
There's no risk.
And there never was.
I told you, didn't I?
The best time to eliminate
someone is when the police
are hunting a homicidal maniac.
We can help each other.
You eliminate the cousin
and I eliminate the wife.
They're blaming it all on him...
even though that idiot was caught
before we finished the job.
The suicide idea worked perfectly.
Talking of which, our black suits?
I burned them, they
are completely destroyed.
There's no evidence any more.
Maybe it would be better
to throw these gloves out.
I burnt mine.
Why? They're almost new.
Did you like my line
at the police station?
"Anyway, this man's guilty!"
And how did poor
old Jean take it?
Like a kick in the guts!
He was so stupid he still
didn't believe he'd had it.
And if the Spanish police find him?
They'll have found the motive
for Mr McDonald's suicide.
It's crucial that the insurance
doesn't suspect anything
or they'll drag it out forever.
What do you think
they could suspect?
Your wife dies well after
she'd left you, and you were
miles away. And it was a
clear-cut case of suicide.
Julie!
That woman!
It's her, I'm sure!
What are you talking about?
I only saw her briefly...
it was her, Julie!
If you're already hallucinating
we'll end up badly.
No, it was her
I clearly saw her.
Lets go back.
You're crazy.
There was just a resemblance.
- No!
- I've never heard of the dead hitch-hiking.
Alright
just a resemblance.
So, why not?
Let's go take a look.
We are screwed!
Careful!
It's over, Julie.
Call and get them to
send a pickup truck and winch
I would have never reopened
this investigation
if our pathologist hadn't noticed
that Carroll Baxter had been killed
in a different manner
than the victims of the serial killer.
And there would have been
three more criminals at large. Understood?
I'm sorry, but I had no
other way to unmask them.
In thinking you were
dead they felt safe
and they betrayed themselves.
But most of the credit goes
to Dr Arbe, who saved you.
I'm leaving you in good hands.
You saved my life
but I feel dead all the same
You'll be able to
forget everything.
Time is the best healer, Julie.
Good luck!
THE END
Any resemblance to real
events and/or to real persons,
living or dead, is purely coincidental