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The Lodger (1944)
"...murders being committed
in our midst." "Police inadequate." "We intend offering a substantial reward... to anyone, citizen or otherwise... "who shall give information bringing the murderer... or murderers to justice." Hmm. Eh! Blimey! It's been rainin'. Look at all them puddles. You mustn't be frightened by 'em. Ain't it a shame to break up the party? How about a song, Katie? Sing that "Ria all over again. Ready? Well done, Katie! Look out for Jack the Ripper. Don't let 'im get you, dearie. I'll be all right. There are plenty of policemen about. - Have you got far to go? - Only 'round the next corner. Very well. Good night. Good night. Good night, Katie. Good night, all. Hello. Who are you? What do you want? It was the Ripper all right. He done her the same way as the others. They only just found her. Isn't it awful, what's happenin'. It's hardly more than a week since the last. I saw 'im! I saw the Ripper. He ran down the other alley. - It must be him. - Did you see his face? No. Not in the dark. Like a shadow he was. She's the fourth he's done 'round here. Right in the streets... under your very noses. Whoa. Special edition! Extra! Special edition! Lord love me! They've seen him! They seen the Ripper. Murder in White chapel! Murder! The Ripper's been seen! Read about it! Read all about it! They've seen the Ripper! Murder in White chapel! Read all about it! Murder in White chapel! Paper! Ripper sensation! Jack the Ripper still at large! Read all about it! Murder in White chapel! Jack the Ripper still at large! - Boy! Paper. - Jack the Ripper still at large! - Read all about it! - Aye, boy! Paper. Murder in White chapel! Murder in White chapel! Read all about it! - Here, boy! - Murder in Whitecha... Thank you, governor. Jack the Ripper still at large! Read all about it! Paper, sir? Jack the Ripper still at large! Read all about it! Amazing. Another murder in the same district committed in the same way. Throat cut from behind. Extraordinary. - You have rooms to let? - Hmm? I saw your advertisement, and the estate agents gave me this order to view. Well, you better come in. We don't really make a habit of letting rooms, you know. Itjust so happens, at the moment, we might be able to accommodate someone. I'll call my wife. - Ellen. - Yes, darling? This gentleman has come about the, uh, advertisement. - Oh. How do you do? - How do you do? The rooms are upstairs, Mr., uh... My name is Slade. Slade? How odd. We have a Slade Walk at the corner of the square here. Now, if you'll come this way. Here we are. My Aunt Sophie occupied this part of the house before she died. I'm sure you'll be very comfortable here. - This is the bedroom. - These are the only rooms you have? I'm afraid so. - There are the attics of course. - Attics? Mi-Might I see them? Why, they're not very well furnished, but if you wish. Those are old-time actresses. Quaint, aren't they? My aunt's maid used these attics. This one is quite empty. This one was used as a kitchen. It's excellent. This is excellent... exactly what I need. You see, I'm a pathologist, a sort of medical scientist. I wanted to find a place where I could study and do a little experimental work. I'd take the other rooms as well... live in them and work up here. - Would that be all right? - Of course. This would be particularly useful... because, occasionally, I require great heat. Would there be any objection to my moving in tonight? I don't even want to go out again. I have everything that I need. We, uh... We haven't discussed terms. - Anything you suggest. - Well, I thought, with meals and attention... - Five pounds a week? - Five? You've no idea how much it means to me to find just the place I need. It's such a relief. And besides, you're not quite the usual landlady, are you? I think I should tell you why I want a paying guest here. My husband was a tea broker in the City... Mincing Lane. Not very long ago, he misinterpreted a commission... and bought an entire shipment at the wrong price. Making good the loss has left us in rather low water. So now you must let rooms. He has income from a little entailed property... so we still manage to keep our appearances. But he'd give anything to be in business again. Originally, my husband started business with a hundred pounds. Now, if I could get that much together again and hand it over to him... I'm sure he'd go into the City again as he did 20 years ago. Oh, I understand completely. We can't go on much longer as we have been. He'll break up with nothing IO do. In fact, he's had a nervous breakdown. So that times he seems a little eccentric... or irritable or even rude towards you... I'm sure you'll understand that, too, and excuse it. Why, of course. In a way, these dreadful Jack the Ripper murders are a godsend. He thinks and argues about them instead of moping. This is like a refuge. Since I am going to move in now... I think I should pay you a month's rent in advance. Twenty pounds. I'm afraid that my habits are irregular. I often need to be out quite late at night. But I'll use the back door into the mews so as not to disturb anyone. Just regard me as a lodger, not as a guest. Then you will hardly know that I'm in the house. Whatever you wish. The maid will get your meals whenever you want them. - You have a maid? - It happens to be her night out. But I'll get you some supper. You would like some supper, I expect. Yes, I should. Thank you. This is a beautiful old Bible. - It was my Aunt Sophie's. - You'll leave it here? You'd like to have it. Mine, too, are the problems of life... and death. Murder in White chapel! Murder! The Ripper's been at it again! Ripper sensation! Read it in your paper! Oh, it's you. I wondered why the door was open. - Where have you been? - Where-Where have I been? I just slipped out. There's a new edition come up, you know. I heard the newsboy shouting. People are getting really alarmed. Especially women. He only does women, you know. He cuts their throat, and then he... uses his knife. It's terrible. They say the papers don't print all the details. The frightening part about it is nobody knows why he does it... or what he's like. By the way, did you, uh, get rid of that fella? He's taken the rooms. Well, that means there's a stranger in the house. We'll have no more privacy. He'll be no trouble. We shall hardly know that he's in the house. Well, if you really want to do it. I've done it anyway. All right, old girl. Now I must get him some supper. - What, you mean he's already moved in? - Mm-hmm. Well, what about references? But, Robert, he's a gentleman... a kind of doctor, a pathologist. He insisted on paying a month in advance. Besides, I'm sure the agents would never send anyone who wasn't quite... I suppose I better make some sort of a show of welcoming him. - Tomorrow will do, darling. - Good. Well, if there's anything I can do for him. I've finished with this paper. Perhaps he might like to read the news. I've brought you some supper. May I come in? There was something peculiar about those pictures. I don't suppose you ever noticed it, but wherever you went in this room... the eyes of those women seemed to follow you about. That can... get on one's nerves. Oh, I understand what you mean. I'll have them taken down tomorrow. And they're pictures of actresses. I hope you don't really object to actresses... because there's one in the house. - My niece, Kitty. - And she is on the stage? She's making a name for herself in the provincial music halls. Next week, she opens at the Theater Royal, Piccadilly, here, topping the bill. She's brought over a dance from Paris. It's very saucy, almost as daring as the cancan. Of course, Kitty doesn't intend to stay in the music halls. Later on, she hopes to get into musical comedy. Then she'll have half the men in London at her feet. "Behold, there met him a woman, subtle of heart." Oh, I don't think Kitty's especially subtle. You'll find her very clever and charming. Wait till you see her. You'll change your mind about actresses. The four-wheeler's coming, sir. - Here's the pass I promised you. - To tell you the truth, sir... I don't fancy walking home alone from the theater late at night... even for Miss Kitty... not with all the papers saying it's about time for the Ripper to do another. He's never killed anybody up this way. - He can always decide to open up new ground. - Oh, well. Come along, darling. You're going to have plenty of time? You've got everything? - Everything's at the theater. - I'm sorry. I'm fussing. I shouldn't. You look very smart. You don't look half-bad yourself. my dear. - Are you ready for it? - I'd better be. It's my big night. Mr. Slade, you haven't yet met my niece, Kitty Langley. - How do you do? - "The woman 'subtle of heart." You must admit she really is rather charming. Oh. Are you coming to the theater too? I have a pass here if you can use it. No. I'm afraid I have work that I must do. Then you won't be in to dinner, sir? No. I may be out late, quite late. Until the early hours of the morning. I warned you of my irregular habits. You have been out rather late once or twice. Didn't I hear you two nights ago? It was past 1:00 in the morning. - What do you do out so late? - You hardly ever go out in the day, do you, sir? I enjoy the streets at night... when they're empty. - You mean you just walk about? - Sometimes. Sometimes I go down to the Thames. I... like the river. - I do, too, on a sunny day. - I like it in a different way. Have you ever held your face close to the water... and let it wash against your hands as you look down into it? Deep water is dark... and restful... and... full of peace. But... I mustn't delay you. I hope your debut is successful. Thank you. Why don't you go out by the front door? I prefer the back door. I... always use it. Good night. He's a curious fellow. - A very curious fellow. - Kitty. Kitty, we'll be late. Now that you've no dinner to get to, Daisy, you've no excuse for missing the performance. Come to my dressing room aftenuards. I'll send you home in a cab. - How's that? - Oh, bless you, miss! I'll be clapping me hands off for you, miss. Thank you, Daisy. - Piccadilly Theatre Royal. - Right you are, sir. You fascinate him, you know. He can't take his eyes off you. I found him interesting in a way. Well, I could do without him about the house. Something a bit... odd about him, don't you think? Lots of people seem odd to other people at times, dear. I thought somehow he seemed a little lost. I believe that's because he's lonely, darling. Here you are, ladies. Montague Square, ladies. Step out, please. Mind your step, dear. T's a little bit wet. Look after your self now. Here you are, sir. Aldgate and White chapel. Thank you, sir. There's plenty of room inside, sir. Evening Standard. Echo. Coppers on the watch at White Hart. Thank you. Evening Standard. Echo. Coppers on... Thank you, sir. Evening Standard. Echo. II' - N - Thank you. II' Now, listen a minute, Charlie. I'm not going to have you annoying Miss Langley. Five and sixteen. All right, laddie. Don't I always come back when someone new is using my old dressing room? I can't let you in. We'll come 'round afterwards. - Good-bye, darling. - Miss Langley. Good evening, sir. Word's going around there'll be royalty in the house. - We don't know who it is yet. - Royalty. - That's wonderful, Kitty. - I must go and tell the girls. Bless you. - Good luck. - Good luck, darling. Miss. You know me. I'm Annie Rowley... "La Belle Anne." - Look here, Annie. - It's all right, Charlie. I know Annie. You want to see your old dressing room, don't you? Come on. Here we are, Annie. You got a nice lot of flowers... more than I had when I opened when the theater was new. - Did you have this room for long? - They didn't take to me. I remember the night I looked in that mirror before I went on. I looked at myself. and I wondered how I'd go over. I didn't go over. Having talent isn't enough. You've got to have luck too. I broke my luck. I whistled to myself before I went on. Something bad always happens if you whistle in the dressing room. - Oh, Annie. - It's an old superstition. All right, Annie dear. I shan't whistle. Your luck's all right, and you've got real looks too. I saw you at the Grand Theatre, Woolwich, a couple of months ago. - They're going to love you here. - I hope so. This is me. - Are you going to be out front tonight, Annie? - No. It would break my heart to see you gettin' what I never got. Besides, a nephew of mine was married this morning... and I said I'd get back to the party. - Oh, I didn't come for that, miss. - Take it, please. A golden sovereign. Oh, miss. Have you heard the news? They're putting flowers in the royal box. Oh, I'm so excited! I don't know what to do. I've just heard, sir, there's been another Ripper murder. Kitty, congratulations from all of us. Here's to you. Here's to you. Thank you. Thank you, Marjorie, Betty, Jane, all of you. Corning from you, this... this means more than all the applause in the world. Excuse me, sir. There's a gentleman to see Miss Kitty. He says he's from Scotland Yard. I'm sorry, sir, but it's essential that I see Miss Langley immediately. Kitty- Very lovely, if may say so, sir. You may say so, Bates. - You're a policeman, Mr. Warwick? - Inspector Wan/vick, miss. I must apologize for this intrusion... but I came here directly from White chapel. You had a woman here earlier... Annie Rowley. She told some of her friends how generous you'd been. That's what led me to you. Miss Langley, were you well-acquainted with her? Not particularly. Everybody in the theater knows her. - What is all this? - I know. Jack the Ripper's got her. She stood right where you're standing now. Why would the Ripper want to go after anyone like her'? I don't know. It's funny she should have sent this. You know, I... I almost don't like to touch it. - It came just a little while ago. - It's ever so pretty. That must have cost Annie half a sovereign to have made up. We formed a cordon. The alarm spread through the district, but we couldn't trace him. Are the mutilations repeated? Oh, this is Dr. Sheridan, the theater doctor. Oh, yes. Yes, he used his knife pretty extensively. They don't call him the Ripper for nothing. My beliefs that he's a man of considerable medical knowledge. - Oh, I'm sure of it. It's proved by the deadly nature of his assaults. In the last case, his first stroke cut... the sternocleidomastoid muscle clean through. And his second stroke divided the ensiform cartilage. Does anybody know why he commits these murders? The Ripper must have a motive... but no man alive can even guess at what it might be. And the women who could know are dead. Have you discovered anything yourself... any clues to him? One rather odd thing. Each of the murdered women was at one time or another on the stage. Why doesn't somebody shoot him? It's against the law for anyone to use firearms, even the police. And we all get so jumpy down there. - We'd likely be banging away at one another. - That'll do, Bates. - Did anybody see him this time? - Some of our men thought they saw him. They couldn't describe him clearly, but, uh... they swear that he was carrying a small black bag. It says here, "The bag appeared to be made of shiny black oil cl0th..." "and was the sort of bag that doctors always use to carry their tools or their dinner... and was of a size convenient to conceal the Ripper's long knife." Well, what's the matter? Robert. Silly, isn't it, but I was thinking... that Mr... Mr. Slade came here the night of the other murder. And all he had with him was a little black bag. And he took the bag with him when he went out last night. - He did not. - But he did, dear. His bag was not black, and he didn't have it with him last night. - He did. - Would you stake your oath on that... your solemn oath in a court of law? Not only was his bag not black, but you're not even sure that he had it with him. He wasn't home but past 3:00 this morning. I heard him creeping up the stairs. Naturally he crept up the stairs. What do you expect him to do, dance and sing? Do you want him to wake the whole house, do you? You don't even read the news... and you sit there working up the most illogical and preposterous suspicions. Robert. Police. All right, Daisy. I'll go. - Good morning. - Good morning, sir. Good morning, madam. L'm sorry to trouble you so early, but, uh, it's rather important. Well, come in, but don't leave your bobbies standing on my doorstep. - All right. Keep moving, Bates. - Very good, sir. Well, what are you doing here, Mr. Warwick? I've been reading all about myself and the gentleman with the black bag. Did you know that poor woman sent me some flowers to the theater last night? Sort of a good-luck horseshoe. That was my excuse for calling. - Good morning, darlings. - Morning, my dear. I didn't see that till after you'd left. The stage doorkeeper told the local constable about it, and he reported it to us. I want to find out what florist it came from. We brought the horseshoe home if you'd like to look at it. Thank you for a lovely breakfast, Daisy. Would you like to see those, darling? We're tying to trace her movements after she left you. - Here it is. It's roses and London pride. - Hmm. Here's the box it came in, sir. The name's on the lid. I must have this address. Mr. Slade, he's going out very early this morning. He's not going out. He's coming in here. Oh, I beg your pardon. Mr. Slade, I haven't even started to get your breakfast. - Good morning. - Good morning. I just came down to get the paper. - Oh, uh, Mr. Wanlvick, this is Mr. Slade. - How do you do? Mr. Warwick's from Scotland Yard. He's engaged on the Ripper case. My men are hanging around tying to get a look at Miss Langley. Your opening performance went well? - Tremendously well. - We had royalty there. - Must have been very gratifying. - When are you coming to see the show? Mr. Slade doesn't care for the theater, dear. But why not? I must insist on you coming some evening very soon. Haven't you enough men at your feet already? I didn't intend to intrude. If I could have a paper. Oh, uh, they've seen the Ripper again. - I don't think you'll ever catch him. - Why not? White chapel was swarming with police, and yet you haven't come near laying a hand on him. You don't know any more about him now than you did in the beginning. - We have our theories though. - Theories? The favorite one is that he's a maniac and kills at random. - Do you think that? - No, I don't. Well, he's a bit of a back-alley specialist, if you ask me. He never goes after women unless they're alone and undefended. Some of us are inclined to believe that, uh... he has a grudge against a particular woman. When he finds her, then the murders will cease. - Do you believe that? - Mm-mmm. What is your theory about him then? Well, if you'd care to come to Scotland Yard sometime... I'd be very happy to explain it to you. If my ideas are right, I'll make Jack the Ripper's own fingers tie the noose that'll hang him. I don't know what you mean by that, but there's a new clue here. "Ripper. Man with bag wanted." Yes, they're very excited about that. If you'll excuse me, I have some things to do. One afternoon next week, I'll show you our Black Museum. - I shall be most interested. - Good-bye. - Good-bye, Mr. Warwick. - Good-bye. Oh, Daisy, if that's Mr. Slade's breakfast, I'll take it up. Mr. Slade! What's burning up there? Don't come up here. I'm sorry if there's an odor, but there was something I had to do. I'll open the window. Just leave the tray, if you please. - Robert. - Uncle. - We've looked all over the house for you. - Where have you been? Uh, I-I went out. I've just come in. We've something to tell you. Mr. Slade has burned his bag. I smelled burning. I didn't say anything to you at the time. When I heard him go to his room, I went up to the attic. And this is what I found. It was in the refuse pail. He was out half last night. Then he saw this morning's headlines and burned his bag. - Very sensible of him. - Why do you say that? Nobody can afford to own a bag like that now. Look here. A man was mobbed in Trafalgar Square this morning. They nearly had his life just because he was carrying a small black bag. That sort of thing's going on all over London. I came straight home when I read about it, because I remembered... I had a small black bag of that sort. SO I hid it. - Anyone who even owns one is under suspicion. - Shh. That's why he tried to get rid of his just as I've hidden mine. - It's the only sensible thing to do. - Frightening myself like this. You're all worked up. I'll get you a glass of sherry, old girl. Your uncle's right, of course. We really know very little about Mr. Slade. He's coming down. - Good afternoon. - You're going out early, Mr. Slade. Yes. I've just completed an experiment. I must test it. - Where do you do that? - It would be where you work, I suppose. Yes. At the University Hospital. You will excuse me, won't you? - The University Hospital. - That's in Gower Street. I wonder if he really works there. It's near my hairdresser's, and I'm going there now. - Charlie. - Good afternoon, sir. Excuse me. Who was it thatjust went in? - One of the doctors, miss. - I thought I recognized him. He works down in the path lab. Very pleasant gent indeed, ma'am. - Has he worked here long'? - Oh, quite some time now. He, uh, works here off and on, if you know what I mean, miss. He ain't what I'd call one of our regulars. Oh, there you are, sir. The lady was just askin' about you. - I thought I saw you go in a moment ago. - Why, Miss Langley. - I had an appointment next door. - You followed me. - Do you expect to be followed? - No, but... But I know that I arouse curiosity. I've become so absorbed in my work that I... sometimes forget what people may think. I've been asked to move several times because I was no longer welcome. I so hoped to remain on at your house in Montague Square... until my work was finished. But there's no thought of your leaving. - I rather feel your Aunt Ellen... - She had too much excitement last night. These dreadful Ripper murders are playing on her imagination. I'm sure you'll find her quite normal by tea time. Then you don't feel that she wants me to go somewhere else? But of course not. We'd miss you. See you at home. Mr. Slade. Your tea. Kitty's making a real success. She's been asked to open the new Palace of Varieties in White chapel High Street. They are going to have a music hall there? They were going to postpone the opening. Then they decided that would look as though they were afraid of Jack the Ripper. Mr. Slade, I... I think Kitty would like it... if you overcame your prejudices and saw the show. She dances wonderfully, and Kitty really does look very beautiful. Solomon says, "A strange woman lieth in wait, as for prey." She increases transgressors among men." Women of the theater... actresses... they're powdered and painted to look beautiful. I can show you something more beautiful than a beautiful woman. Something much more beautiful. I had a brother, and he was a genius. And I loved him very dearly. Here's a portrait he painted of himself. Isn't that a wonderful face? Look at that remarkable brow... lofty. See the life in those eyes. They're fine and clear. There's a sensitivity about his lips. You're looking at the work of a genius. It's as real as though he were alive. I can almost hear his voice again when I look at this. Isn't that a marvelous piece of work to come from the hands of a man? - A young man. - Oh, it is marvelous. But how peculiar to paint so small. He must have had wonderful eyes. He had strange eyes. He was a strange man. And he died? I'm sorry. He need not have died. He need not have died. Those are the death masks of various murderers... some of whom were publicly hanged outside Newgate Jail. You can see the rope marks on their necks. And, uh, over there are the ropes that were actually used... to hang some of these men. Everything here at our Black Museum... has figured at some time or other in a celebrated crime. - What's this shovel? - Oh, that was used to, uh... buy a couple of corpses in a little chicken run in the Hackney Marshes Murder. How awful. - Um, Miss Langley. - Yes, Inspector? I have a question to ask you. - Only one, Inspector? - Just one for now. - I have dozens to ask you. - Really? For instance... what's this chopper for? That was used by the Clark twins to kill Herbert Thompson in the Tufnell Park Murder. Uh, Miss Langley, would you come on Friday for tea at my mother's? I'd like her to meet you. What's that cup? That belonged to Mrs. Gately. She disposed off our heavily insured husbands. - With a cup'? - She put poison in their tea. - Will you come? - And what's this, Inspector? Oh, some poor chap beat his sweetheart to death with this. - Why did he do it? - Well, we've never known exactly... but my belief this moment is that she failed to answer some perfectly simple question. In that case, Inspector, I'll come to tea on Friday. Thank you, Miss Langley. And, uh, here are the fingerprint charts. Ah. I wanted to present my compliments to our distinguished visitor. - Miss Langley. - How do you do? This is Sir Edward Willoughby, the Commissioner of Police. I've just been to the palace about the Ripper murders. I don't think I want to go through an interview like that again. Her Majesty knows that the papers say another may be due. Have you estimated when it might occur'? He says he can predict the time of each murder. There's a strange periodicity to the Ripper's crimes. Four murders each within 10 to 12 days. Well, we know they happen regularly. It's as though the desire of the Ripper to kill surges to a peak... he's satisfied, and then he's quiet until the impulse returns. When do you think he'll do another? The night after tomorrow. Whoo! Very good, Jennie. Here, have one on the house. - Thanks, I will. - There you are, me girl. Did you see Kitty Langley often to imitate her that way? - Only once. - Good, ain't she? - Hello, Jennie. - Hello, Wiggy. You wouldn't like to lend me that concertina, would ya? Why? What do you want it for? - Play hymns down the White chapel High Street. - Oh. - Good health, mate. - Cheer-o. Have you given up pickin' pockets, Wigsy? Had to. The Rippefis brought too many of you coppers down here. I can make enough for a whole week playing hymns. And I'll bring it back in the morning. That's a promise. Well, if you want it that bad, here you are. Ah! Lord love ya, Jennie. Here, outside if you're gonna play that thing. - Out you get. - Here, I ought to be movin' too. - Toodle-oo. - Ta-ta, Jennie. Plenty of cops about tonight, ain't they? Yes. I've never seen so many. Thanks for lending me this. - Well, see ya bring it back. That's all. - I will, first thing. - Good night. - Good night, Wiggy. - Have you seen Jennie lately? - Oh, she's a good sort. She lent me this. She just went in. Aye. There's a smoking concert at the Red Lion next Tuesday night, you know. Maybe she could sing a few songs for them. - She needs work ever so badly. - Aye. I'll go right now and see her about it. Giddyap. Come on here. Oh! Oh, God. Jennie. Whoa there, Bob. Jennie. Aye, there.Jennie. Oh, my! There's been a murder! Police! Police! For the love of Mike! Police! It was the Ripper all right. - Did you see anyone come out after she came in? - Nobody came out, sir. Then he must still be about. - Form a cordon around here. - Stand men shoulder to shoulder. - Don't let anyone pass. - Search these buildings. He must be around here someplace! They don't seem to find 'im. I don't see how he c0uld've got away. That's the other side of White chapel. The Rippefs got away. - Mr. Slade, what are you doing? - Burning my ulster. Please, don't come too near. Are those stains on it? It... became contaminated... in a pathological laboratory. I have to be drastic, or the contamination would spread. You mean, it may carry a disease? The stove in my room wasn't big enough. That's why I made the fire in here. I have to destroy this completely. I smelled burning, and I came... Oh. I should have closed the kitchen door. Then perhaps the odor wouldn't have spread through the house. - That'll wake everyone in the house. - I'm sorry. Well, it's done. There's no danger now? - No. - You thought about the risk to us. - But what about yourself? - I'll be all right. - Are you sure? - Yes. I'll open the window and let some of the smoke out. It's almost daylight, and here's the milkman. Hello, mate. Heard about the Ripper? Yes. He was up to his old tricks again last night. They told me they practically copped him, but he got away. What's the news, son'? Boy. Throw the paper down here. Thank you. - We should go to the police. - What, and scandalize the whole neighborhood? We've very little to go on when you consider it calmly. - Robert, Kitty saw the stains. - But I told you what they were. You get ideas out of reading the papers. Remember how excited and upset you were over that bag? Well, you were wrong, weren't you? Has it occurred to you that he might have been telling the truth? He's a medical man, and he'd know the danger if his coat was contaminated. He was protecting us. I believe you ought to be thanking him instead of suspecting him. - Well, perhaps you're right. - Of course I am. Now I'm going to run along and get a little more sleep. Well, I've always said he's a very eccentric fellow. Robert, I think we must make certain... that Kitty's never left alone in the house with him. Just for safety's sake. You'll look exquisite wearing that, dear. Oh, these flowers came from the florist's a little while ago. Our carriage will have an escort of mounted police. - Is John arranging that? By a very funny coincidence, a squad will be going to White chapel for duty... and we're going that way too. Oh, I don't think I like this. Where's Daisy? She went out after giving Mr. Slade his tea. - I put a note on his tray. - What? It was just a reminder about the opening at the new Palace tonight. - Oh, no. This will never do. - It looks a bit overdone. What'll I do? I have to have some flowers for the opening. I know. A posy. How long will Daisy be? She'll be rather late, I'm afraid. I'll take it. - Would you, darling? - Of course. This hat has given you very good service, sir. - Yes. There's a bit of a dent here. - Oh. - I can get that out, sir. - Thank you. You're going to the opening of Miss Kitty tonight, I take it, sir. I wouldn't fancy going down to White chapel myself. Sir. That's safe enough. You'll let me have it around about an hour? - I'll get it up very special, sir. - Thank you. - Good day, sir. - Good day to you, sir. Robert. I didn't know you had come out. Ijust stepped 'round to Harris's with my hat. - Where's Daisy? - She's shopping. - Then Kitty's in the house alone. - She wanted this bouquet altered. - I thought you were in the bedroom. - I'm getting back. You didn't mind my sending up the little note, did you? I was glad to have it. I came down to thank you. Are you able to go to the theater? I'm not sure yet. I guarantee you the rest of the show will be good. I have some passes. I'll get you one. Won't you sit down? I expect that many men have told you that you're very beautiful. Oh. Well, I don't always believe them. My brother could have captured your beauty... for all time. Your brother, he was an artist, wasn't he? He was a genius. It was the beauty of women that led him to his destruction. Yours is a beauty which could destroy men. Oh, is that a compliment? Or it could destroy you. Have you ever thought of that? That's a very queer thing to say. Besides that, I don't think I'm beautiful at all. I, uh, take great trouble to give that impression. It is one thing if a woman is beautiful merely for herself. But when she exhibits the loveliness of her body upon the stage... as a lure, leading men on... Oh, you are prejudiced against actresses, aren't you? You wouldn't think that anyone could hate a thing... and love it too. You can't love and hate at the same time. You can, and it's a problem then. I take my problems to the river... because water is soothing when it runs dark and deep. And a man can think. The water answers problems, you know? You sound lonely. And the answer is... that a man can destroy what he hates... and love what he destroys. I also know that there is evil in beauty. But if the evil is cut out... Hello, Uncle. We've been having a most interesting conversation. Mr. Slade is quite a philosopher. - I do hope you'll be able to come this evening. - Thank you. I'll look forward to seeing you in White chapel. You can dismount your men. Come in, my boy. We've been watching for you. Is that you, John? I shan't be long. - Plenty of time. - Did you remember to bring my escort? Yes, the square's full of mounted police. And in another moment, he might have had his hands on her. Did Kitty realize what was happening? She didn't seem to, and we haven't told her anything. With a performance tonight, we didn't even want her to think there was anything wrong. It's an accumulation of little things, one on top of the other. Destroying his bag, burning his ulster, staying up all night. I think this thing can be settled right away. Here's a fingerprint the Ripper left in White chapel... then again in Mitre Square. If it were possible for me to see something Mr. Slade had held in his right hand... a glass or something of that sort... Has Daisy taken his toddy up yet? He always has a hot drink about now. - Lemon and spices, a sort of appetizer. - She's preparing it now. If you took it up and waited to bring the glass down... Yes. Yes? We have a little excitement outside. They're waiting for Kitty. She'll be leaving in a few minutes. I'm going out too. I shan't be in for dinner tonight. Oh, do you like my new ulster'? Oh, yes. If you don't mind, I'll wait to take down the glass. If I seem a little excited tonight... you'll understand why. If you've ever worked... for a long time... long and dangerously... you'll know how it feels when you believe... that in a little while... in a little while, you'll finish what you have to do. You're referring to your work? - Yes. - You mean you're going away? Perhaps. I don't know. I rather think I may. You'll let me know if you, uh... Oh, yes. Of course I'll let you know... if I can. - He used his right hand? - Yes. - You sure you didn't touch it'? - I didn't. That's fine. It's nice and clear. - Are you sure he used his right hand? - Quite sure. Turn it over, will you? Well, you needn't worry about Mr. Slade anymore. - These prints don't match. - Then it wasn't him. - Can't be. - John, why must it be his right hand? Obviously this print couldn't possibly have been made by the Ripper's left hand. - It couldn't, eh? - Not unless every detective at the Yard is wrong. I wonder if we could be. - Daisy, where's everybody? - That's Kitty. I've got to think this out. Could you go ahead with Kitty, and we'll follow? If you don't mind staying behind for a few minutes. I'm ready, everybody.JOhn. My men outside are going to think that you were well worth waiting for. Thank you. Mr. Slade doesn't want dinner, so you take a bus to the theater and come home in the carriage. - Honest, ma'am? I can get a bus on the corner. - Good. All ready now. We'll follow in a few minutes. Oh, aren't you coming with us? - John and I have something we want to talk about. - I'm awfully sorry. We'll follow almost immediately. They're waiting for you. The Ripper used his knife from right to left, across the throat... like a left-handed man. We never let it come out that the Ripper was left-handed. If he were left-handed Stand up a minute. Then he would take his victim like this, you see... and the cut of his knife would start on this side, from here. Now, turn around. If the Ripper faced his victims instead of taking them from behind... then he'd have to use his right hand to make that kind of cut... and it would be his left hand that made the prints I found. Shh. You going out, sir'? You might just as well have used the front door instead of coming this way. - I'll light you out. - Are you going to the theater, Daisy? Yes, sir. I'm just off to catch a bus. Daisy. I want you to have this. - You've been very good, looking after me. - Oh, thank you, sir. Thanks ever so. It's you, sir. - Was that Mr. Slade? - Yes, sir. He just went out the back way. - All right. You go along. I'll lock up. - Thank you, sir. - Good-bye, sir. - Good-bye. - White chapel High Street? - Right-o, miss. All the way to White chapel. Hop in. What's that? - Found something? - I can't be sure. This powder's so coarse, I can't see the ridges and characteristics clearly. Somehow I'll get clear prints of his left hand. I wonder if there's anything else here. Let's take a look at that. - Locked, I suppose. - Yes. That's the picture Ellen spoke to me about. His brother painted it. I've seen a miniature like this before. I think we have something here. Come on. - Do you mind going on to White chapel alone? - Why? I want to look in at the Yard. I'll follow as soon as possible. When you get to the theater, stay close to Kitty. I found this picture in Slade's room, Superintendent. It's of his brother. You remember the first Ripper murder? - Lizzie Turner, last August. - She had a sweetheart. The one who died of drink or something? After the murder, I found this picture in her room. Slade's brother again. I picked it up at the Black Museum on my way here. That's as he used to be, and this one is the same man, also painted by himself... only he degenerated, dragged down by Lizzie and her kind. Slade killed Lizzie because she ruined his brother. But this doesn't prove that Slade is Jack the Ripper. But it's sufficient grounds for action. Slade is deranged. He believes he's doing right to rid the world of the kind of woman... that brought his brother to this... and I'm pretty sure he's in the theater somewhere. If you spot anyone like him, Inspector Wawvick will come and identify him. I'm sure he's in the theater somewhere. Be quick and quiet and report back here. Move along now. Are you tired of life? Are you bored with your wife? Is a laugh really out of the question? Oui? Then I take you with me, and we go to Paris. Hmm? Hmm! May I? - No sign of him, sir. - Nobody answering that description, sir. - We drew a blank, sir. - It was a false alarm. Anybody else report? No. - Then I better get backstage. Her number's just ended. One more, Miss Langley. - Wonderful show, Miss Langley. Wonderful. - Thank you. - You really were wonderful. - Oh, there's John. - Ah, hello, John. - I'm sorry I'm so late. Never mind. I want to change and see the rest of the program. Will you wait for me? I said I'd be here. I promised I would be here if I could. - But the others are taking me home. - I'm not going home. I'm going away, and I'm going to take you with me. But... But I want to see the rest of the show, and... and I'll have to change. SO if you'll wait outside... I shan't be very long. You're so exquisite. You're always so complimentary. More wonderful than anything I've ever known. Why don't you sit here? We can talk while I change behind the screen. I can't lose you now. It is such lovely women as you who drag men down. We're missing the show, aren't we? After all, I... I don't really have to change. Let's watch it together. I'll be beside you. - Shall we go? - You know they're waiting out there to kill me. You corrupt and destroy men... as my brother was destroyed. But when the evil is cut out of a beautiful thing... then only the beauty remains. We've... talked of this before, haven't we? Those others whom you... were they beautiful? I watched you tonight... out there. You were even more lovely than when I first saw you. When you thought I was the woman 'subtle of heart"? Solomon warned me against such a woman. But that is the evil in you! The evil which must be cut out? But... But isn't it the life in a thing which makes it beautiful? If you take the life away, then... Then it becomes still. Then it is even more beautiful. I'll be still for you. I'll stand here quite still and let you look at me, if that's what you want. I want to make sure that you belong only to me. I love you... and I hate the evil in you. Love is very close to hate. Did you know that? Don't be afraid! You have no reason to be afraid of me. I have never known such beauty as yours... nor such evil in such beauty. Men will not look at you again as they did tonight! John! John! John! Mr. Slade is here! John! John! John! John! John! The police are looking for the Ripper! Come, Kitty. We'll soon get you home. They say the Ripper's loose in the audience. The crowd's half-mad. Hurry. Let's try this way. - You mustn't go out into the street. - What shall we do? Better keep her here. Be easier to keep an eye on her. - He slipped us, sir. - He could still be in the building. Bates, get some men, search those galleries. John, take charge of the stage. Right. Finish him off. Sir. Take him alive. - I know how to tackle him. - Watch out for his knife. He'll cut you to pieces. He must have been carried down this way. He said deep water was restful... and full of peace. The river drew him even in the end. A river sweeps a city clean. Carries things out to sea... and they sink in deep water. If it was him... I'm glad. |
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