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The Macomber Affair (1947)
You'll be
perfectly all right. There's nothing to worry about. Just pull yourself together. I'm sorry, Mrs. Macomber, to have to meet you like this. Uh, please, accept my deepest sympathy. Thank you. Step aside, captain Smollett. I'd like a picture of Wilson and the lady together. Please don't. None of that now. Sorry, captain. This is news. But please, captain Smollett. That's enough, Logan. That's enough. I'll drive you right to the hotel. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Raymes will take care of things here. Thank you, captain Smollett. You're very considerate. When will I see you? Later, perhaps. Uh, drop into headquarters in an hour. You'll identify the body? That's right. Hm. Hefty fellow, wasn't he? Macomber his name? Francis Macomber. Scotsman? American. Oh. Nice chap? Well, what does it matter now? Yes. Uh, when did it happen? This morning, early. They were after buffalo. Ah, that explains a lot. Remember the first one I tried to knock down... Four of us as a matter of fact, All handy with rifles, blazing away. Hm. You'd have thought we were using bird shot. They'll take the devil of a lot of killing. Yes, a lot of killing. Anyone's a fool to try a trick shot... The sort of fool who'd try to stop A locomotive with a slingshot. He was just unlucky. Let's get this over with. How, uh... How big was the buffalo? Well, I thought... No, he wasn't gored. He was shot. In the back. From the back. Accident? Accident. Uh, who was there? His wife and I, Kongoni and Abdulla. The buffalo was wounded? Wounded. Nothing worse... Head up, coming like an express train, Everyone excited, everybody firing... ooh, they... They... They're devils to kill. Yes. A thing like this could happen. It could. It did. Hello. Short trip this time? Yeah. Short. You look like you need this tonight, Wilson. When did you get in? About a half-Hour ago. Say when. What delayed you at the airfield? Oh, a formality. Bring both the guests back with you? Mm-Hmm. Both. Nice flight? Did Mrs. Macomber enjoy it? Do you care? Did Mr. Macomber enjoy it? He didn't say. Handsome man, that American. That time he was here with you, he drank a lot. How is he? When I left him a few minutes ago, He was cold sober. Think of that. Was he good hunting? Quite. Did everyone shoot a full bag? Everyone. Mrs. Macomber too? What are you getting at? I was afraid you'd get in trouble sometime, Wilson. Are you in trouble? No. Only Mrs. Macomber, huh? Not Mrs. Macomber, either. You don't call killing her husband trouble? She didn't any more than I did. What makes you think that? A woman's intuition, Wilson. A woman would do things a man would never dream of doing. I'd murder for a man I was crazy about. You must have been reading a book. You're in love with her. The thought never entered my mind. It doesn't have to enter your mind. Ah. You slipped me at the airport, chum. Now tell me all about... No story, Logan. No? There has to be. Why? Oh, the official hush-Hush? I've got to print something, so you might as well... There's not a thing. Hmm. Beautiful woman, rich husband... I can dream up the rest. You can, eh? It's easy. Why, she... "Why, she," what? I'm sorry, Wilson. I don't know what. Pipe dreams. You too. Hello, Wilson. Films I had taken at the scene. Good. I'll have them developed in time for the inquest tomorrow. The coroner released the body. Accident? Yes. Kongoni and Abdulla testify to the accident. Is the funeral arranged? For tomorrow morning. The less fuss, the better, then. Has, uh, Mrs. Macomber been informed? She was told everything. He was an odd one, this Macomber. Like the rest of his kind, but no worse. He was very rich. I think he was. You know, I liked the Macombers when I first met them. But, sometimes, when I looked at them, I felt as though I had opened the wrong door in a hotel And seen something shameful. I don't look through doors... A hunt is a hunt, and that's what I was hired for. This hunt was different. Why different? Only the end. More than the end, Wilson. Look, man, I've studied people. I know my Macombers. The world is full of them... Born to be victims. Accidents are as natural to them as breathing. Nobody is looking for an alibi, Smollett. Here's the paper for your report. Take it and answer it. Well, I made a verbal report. That's all that's needed for an accident. Not in this case. No. Here, take some more. You might spoil some. Answer it in time for the closing of the inquest tomorrow. We can't be too exact in this case. You see, the American consul needs this report For his records... That's the rub. The report is for the records, Wilson, So, uh... So go into detail. Must have been an interesting hunt. But it seems to have shaken you up. Look, Wilson... If it'd make you feel any better to talk, I'll listen to you anytime. Tell me all that happened... Off the record, Wilson. You know, off the record. Thanks, commissioner. Hello. Margaret. You've got to pull yourself together. I can't see you now. No, no. You can't come over here. You can't. Not the way things are. Not now. Don't you realize... you've got to stand it alone. You haven't any choice. Margaret. Margaret! The report is for the records, Wilson, So go into details. If it'd make you feel any better to talk, I'll listen to you anytime. Tell me all that happened... Off the record, Wilson. You know, off the record. Off the record. Uh, Mr. Macomber. Yes, sir. There he is. You must be Wilson. That's right. Francis Macomber. I'm a bit late. Oh, that's all right. I haven't been waiting long. You know what this is about... Keen on doing some hunting with you. Well, that's my business. Care to have a drink while we talk about it? Sometimes helps. Ah. What'll it be? I'll have a gimlet, mike. Righto, Mr. Wilson. Make that two. Yes, sir. Well, I hadn't realized You fellows are so hard to get ahold of. Height of the season. Our consul's been very helpful. Had to scour the town. I thought he'd scraped bottom. That's about where he found me. Do you need an advance, Wilson? I'll take money anytime. 100? Well, that'll do very nicely. You've got it. Well, see here, I don't guarantee trophies. I'm no witch doctor. I'll give you an honest hunt, though, Find the game, and back you up. The rest is up to you. Fair enough? Fair enough. Hey, there's one I don't know. What is it? Oh, that's a kudu. A greater kudu. Beautiful. There's waterbuck, Oryx, eland, sitatunga. What does it feel like to have one of those fellas On the loose in front of you? Oh, different feelings, different times. No, come on. Tell me. How does a man feel? It's wiser if he doesn't. What does he do? Then he stops breathing, and he starts shooting. Let's not talk rot. How about your guns? What did you bring? I brought a Holland & Holland from England. That's all right. What else? Well, I thought I could buy the rest of them here. Oh, good idea. We got excellent gun shops here. First, I've got to line up the boys and equipment. How long will that take? A day or two. How many in your party? Just my wife and I. Oh. Uh... women sometimes make trouble. A woman can muck up a hunt plenty. They get bored. They don't like killing. They get lazy. Still they want their money's worth. I can handle my wife. Good. I can handle everything else. Very good. Well, here's to good hunting. Mr. Robert Wilson? Oh, this is Mrs. Macomber. Oh. How do you do? I'm very jealous of you, Mr. Wilson. Ever since Francis met you, I've heard nothing but, "Mr. Wilson says this. Mr. Wilson does that." I hear about nothing but hunting. You know, you are quite a success with Francis, Mr. Wilson. I hope you don't mind my saying it gets a little on my nerves. Well, I'm sorry, Mrs. Macomber. Darling, aren't you happy to find such good company for us? Francis, darling. I'm delighted. Now, Mr. Macomber didn't tell me that he had such a lovely wife. Francis, my sweet, that's not at all like you. Wilson, you don't know what it does to a man's ego To be constantly reminded That he's married to a beautiful woman. Usually what it does to yours, darling, Air does to a balloon. Uh, we were selecting guns. Have you, uh, decided On the Springfield, Mr. Macomber? We recommend it as an excellent all-Purpose... Enormous striking power. What do you say, Wilson? Well, what are you used to? You said you've done some hunting. Well, yes. I've done my share at home... More than my share... You know, ducks, deer, some moose. Darling, why don't you tell Mr. Wilson About that time you caught that enormous shark? Uh, don't mind my wife, Wilson. She doesn't always mean what she says. Just brush it off. Brush it off. And, uh, what will it be for Mrs. Macomber? Oh, I'll let Mr. Wilson decide. A, uh, mannlicher? Yes, that's about it. She'll never use it. Oh, Francis is right. I'm a terrible shot. I never seem able to get the target And the gunsight together. Francis, my pet. There's something you forgot. Flowers for tonight. There must be a shop. Right across the street. Get something really nice for the consul's wife. He's been so sweet to us. Of course I will, dear. Now, try this for comfort. Is this good for anything? Most anything you'll meet. Tell me, Mr. Wilson, How does it make a person feel to kill something? Well, I don't know exactly what you mean. Women don't usually like killing. Well, I'm not an exception. I'm just desperately curious. You see, I'm only a woman. Oh. You feel a... admiration for the animal If you've done it according to the rules. According to what rules? Fair play, sportsmanship... When you meet an animal, You try to sort of give him an equal chance. What do you call an equal chance? You meet him in the open, on foot. And if you don't? Well, you don't like yourself much. You mean it's pretty despicable. That would be the word. Isn't there something more to it? I read in a book once, to hunt and to conquer, to kill... The savagery of it brings emotions That are tied in with, well... well, what do you think would make you a woman? I'm not talking about myself. Nothing wrong with Mr. Macomber? Nothing. He's a fine man, a very easygoing fellow. Yes, Francis is. That's the nicest thing about him. Well, uh, what's the name of this book that you read? I don't remember... One of those German philosophers. So you came out here to learn how to kill? Oh, heaven forbid. You're just like all men. You don't understand women any better than my husband does. Well, I don't have to. Three dozen red roses for the consul's wife, And this for you. Oh, you are sweet, Francis. Thanks. Let's have a little nightcap, Wilson... One for the journey. So, this is your part of town, Mr. Wilson? Something like that. Why? Oh, I don't know. Just comfortable I guess. I thought you wouldn't show up tonight, Wilson. Aimee, this is Mr. And Mrs. Macomber. How do you do? Hello, Aimee. Pleased to meet you. What'll it be? Uh, a little of the same. I beg your pardon, sir? A little of the same what? Just a little of the same. Oh. Yours. Part of the comfort, Mr. Wilson? Margo, keep your nose out of Mr. Wilson's affairs. Do you dance as well as you shoot, Mr. Wilson? I dance very badly. Since I've never seen you shoot, shall we dance? Go ahead, Wilson. You brought it on yourself. Tell me something, Mr. Macomber. I'll tell you anything you want to know. Why does anyone ever come to Africa? You jealous? You seem very sure of yourself. Nothing to worry about. Francis, you'll have to show Mr. Wilson how to dance. He may be a great hunter, but, um... you see? Enjoy dancing with her? Good partner. She's pretty. So you three are going hunting together, hmm? Mm-Hmm. That should be interesting. Who knows? This is the life. Still dreaming about lions? Why not? He's the king of the beasts. The way I feel right now, I'm more than a match for a king. Well, you'll get your lion tomorrow. The boys say there's a big one about. You get your lion, Francis, and I'll take your picture. You sound jealous. Why should I be? Because you missed today. Why, the memsahib was a sensation. No, she missed completely. But she looked good doing it. A beautiful sensation. Francis Macomber with his foot on the lion's head. That's not a bad idea. The papers will be full of it. I never dreamed I could have so much fun. Well, you two can sit here and talk all night if you want. I'm going to bed. Good night, Wilson. Good night. Good night. You know, Wilson... she hasn't been this nice to me in years. Now, see here, laddybuck. I'm just your white hunter. We never discuss our guests. That's how we hunters keep our independence. I get it. Well, I'll tell the boys to shake us out at 4:00. Good. Well, good night. Good night. Comfortable, dear? Yes, thanks. Good night. Good night. Kongoni! Ndiyo, bwana. Those boys had better cut out that racket. Ndiyo, bwana. I don't want Mrs. Macomber disturbed. Nor Mr. Macomber. Nor Mr. Macomber. Ndiyo, bwana. He's a nice fellow... Wilson. Yes, he is. I wonder what he said to kongoni. It must have been something like "shut up." Everything's quite now. Kongoni said, "ndiyo, bwana." That means "yes, sir." You speak Swahili very well. Ndiyo, memsahib. You see, there's a lot you never knew about me. There is. You know, Wilson was right today. About what, darling? About your looking so beautiful. Did he say that? He did. "The memsahib was a sensation today. A beautiful sensation." You heard him, didn't you? I did. But you'd like to hear it again? Does it matter? No. That doesn't matter. What does matter is us. Yes. Everything's working out well. Do you remember what the papers said about us in New York? How's that? "The romantic Macombers are going adventuring Into darkest Africa." I liked that. You did? When that gossiping old monkey had us on the verge... that was different. But that's all past. We'll never quarrel again, Margaret. I don't know how to tell you what a different man I am... What a different man I'll be. You know, Margo... it's almost as though we two just met. Almost. This may be silly, but... I believe I'm... I'm in love with you again. You're so lovely. Somehow I can never quite reach you. Margaret. Margo? Margo. Margo. Sounds like an old-Timer. Listen to him cough. Is he very close? A mile or so upstream. Does roaring carry that far? Sounds as though he were right in camp. Oh, it carries a devil of a ways. Hope he's a shootable cat. If I get a shot, Where should I hit him to stop him? In the shoulders, neck if you can... Shoot for bone. Break him down. I hope I can place it properly. You shoot very well. Take your time, make sure. It's the first one in that counts. What range will it be? Um, can't tell... The lion has something to say about that. Don't shoot unless it's close enough so you can make sure. At under 100 yards? Hundred's about right... Might have to take him a bit under. Shouldn't chance the shot at much more than that. Hundred's a decent range. You'll hit him wherever you like at that. Well, here comes the memsahib. Good morning. We going after that lion? Just as soon as you deal with your breakfast. Ndiyo, bwana. How are you feeling? Marvelous. I'm very excited. Well... I'll just go out and see that everything's ready. He's a noisy beggar. We'll have to put a stop to that. What's the matter, Francis? Nothing. Tell me. Don't you feel well? It's that darn roaring. It's been going on all night, you know? Well, why didn't you wake me? You slept very soundly. Oh, I'd love to have heard it. I've got to kill the thing. Well, that's what we're here for, isn't it? Sure, but hearing the thing roar gets on my nerves. Well, then, as Wilson said, there's one way to stop him... Kill him and stop his roaring. Yes, darling, it sounds easy, doesn't it? You're not afraid, are you? Of course not. You'll kill him marvelously. I know you will. I'm anxious to see it. Finish your breakfast, and we'll be moving. It's not light yet. It's a ridiculous hour. He sounds almost here. I hate that noise. It's very impressive. Impressive? It's frightful. Let's go. The gunbearer has your Springfield and your mauser. Have your solids? Yes. I'm ready. Let's make him stop that racket. Let's make him stop it right away. See the birds? It means the old boy has left us a kill. There's a waterhole up ahead. Chances are he'll come to drink before he lays up. Keep an eye out. There he is. To the left. Get out and take him. He's a marvelous lion. How far is he? About 75 yards. Get out and take him! Hurry, Francis! Why don't I shoot him from where I am? You don't shoot them from cars. Get out! He won't stay there all day! Won't the lion see him? No, poor sight... He thinks the car is a rhino. Wind's in our favor, too. We're lucky. Your safety's on. I hit him. I hit him twice. You gutshot him. You shot him somewhere forward. You may have killed him. Have to wait awhile before we can go in and find out. What do you mean? Before we follow him. Oh. One fine lion... heading into a bad place, though. Why is it bad? Well, you can't see him till you're on him. Oh. Memsahib had better stay in the car. We'll go and take a look at the blood spoor. Yes, you stay here, Margo. Why? 'Cause Wilson says to! Yes, you stay. We'll go along. Abdulla. There's the spoor. This is where you first hit him. What do we do? We'll let him think it over a bit. Then we'll go in and have a look for him. Set fire to the brush? It's too green. We can send in beaters. Suppose we can, But it'd be just a touch murderous. Kongoni. You see, we know the lion's wounded. You can drive an unwounded lion. He'll move ahead of the noise. But the wounded lion's gonna charge. Can't see him until you're on him. He'll make himself perfectly flat In cover you wouldn't think would hide a hare. Can't very well send boys in in a show like that. Somebody is bound to get mauled. What about the gunbearers? Oh, they'll go with us. It's their shauri. You see, they signed on for it. They don't look too happy about it, though, do they? I don't want to go in there. Well, neither do I. There's really no choice, though. Well, you don't have to go, of course. That's what I'm hired for, you know? That's why I'm so expensive. You mean, you'd go in by yourself? Why not just leave him there? What do you mean? Well, why not just leave him? You mean pretend to ourselves that he wasn't hit? No. Just drop it. It isn't done. Why? Well, for one thing, he's certain to be suffering. For another, someone else might run onto him. I see. But you don't have to have anything to do with it. I'd like to. I'm just s-Scared, you know? Well, I'll go ahead when we go in, kongoni tracking. You stay behind and to one side. Chances are we'll hear him growl. If we see him, we'll both shoot. Nothing to worry about... I'll keep you backed up. As matter of fact, it might be better if you didn't. Might be much better. Why don't you join the memsahib And I'll just get it over with? No, I want to go. All right. Don't go if you don't want to. It's my shauri now. I want to go. Like to go back and speak to the memsahib While we're waiting? No. I'll just step back and tell her to be patient. All right. Kongoni. Comfortable? Not especially. It's getting hot. Hot out there, too. How's Francis? He's a little jumpy. Don't send him in after that lion. I'm not sending him. I'm taking him. Don't take him, then. Well, that's up to him, isn't it? It shouldn't be. If I'd noticed earlier, I'd have sent him back. Now he's stubborn. Whatever he is, don't let him go in. There's not a thing I know about wet-Nursing, Mrs. Macomber. We shouldn't be very long now. Here's your big gun. We've given him enough time now, I think. Stay behind me about five yards to the right And do exactly as I say. Let's go. Could I have a drink of water? Kongoni. Care to take some pictures? No. Well, that's about all there is to it, then. It's a fine lion. Boys will skin him out. Ndiyo, bwana. We can go back to the car and wait in the shade. Oh, I say. Mr. Robert Wilson... The beautiful red-Faced Mr. Robert Wilson. Simba! What'll I have to give them? A quid will be plenty. You don't want to spoil them. Will the headman distribute it? Absolutely. Shall we have a drink? I'll have a gimlet. I'll have a gimlet, too. I need something. Might as well make it three. You got your lion... Fine one, too. Yes, he is a good lion, isn't he? Here's to the lion. Here's to the lion. I can't ever thank you for what you did today. Let's not talk about the lion. A very strange day. Shouldn't you wear your hat even under the canvas at noon? You told me that, you know? Well, I might put it on. You know, Mr. Wilson, you have a very red face. Drink. I don't think so. Francis drinks a great deal, and his face is never red. It's red today. No, it's mine that's red today. Mr. Wilson's is always red. Must be racial. Say, you wouldn't mind dropping my beauty as a topic, would you? I just started on it. Well, let's chuck it. Conversation is going to be difficult. No difficulty. It was a fine lion. I wish it hadn't happened. Oh, how I wish it hadn't happened! Women upset... it doesn't amount to anything... Strain on the nerves, one thing or another. Ah, I suppose I reap that for the rest of my life now. Nonsense! Let's have a spot of the giant-Killer... Forget about the whole thing. You know, the Somalis have a proverb. Would you care to hear it? "A brave man is afraid of a lion three times... "When he first sees its track, when he first hears its roar, And when he first looks it in the eye." Nothing to it, anyway. Yeah, that's my rating now... Nothing, absolute zero. I'm awfully sorry about that lion business. It doesn't have to go any further, does it? I mean, no one will hear about it, will they? You mean, will I tell it at the club? Look, I'm a professional hunter... We never talk about our clients. You can be quite easy on that. It's supposed to be bad form to ask us not to talk, though. Now, listen to me... If you're gonna act like a fool about this thing, I'd just as soon keep to my side of the camp And you keep to yours. I'm sorry. I really apologize. Lots of things I don't know. Well, don't worry about me talking. I've got a living to make. You know, in Africa, no woman ever misses her lion, And no white man ever bolts. I bolted like a rabbit. Save it. "Save it. Save it." That's easy enough for you to say! But what about my wife? She'll look at me like a rabbit for the rest of my life. Perhaps I should let you alone so that you can have a good cry. I don't want any. I don't want any. I said I don't want any! What are you grinning at?! What's so funny about me?! Kongoni! Kongoni! That's all. I went crazy. I'd kill him. They'd hang you for it, kongoni. It isn't worth it. Thanks. I'm sorry. I apologize for the behavior of these men. If there's any disciplining To be done around here, Macomber, You come to me. Francis, is so much exercise good for you? You're simply not used to it. And how is the beautiful red-Faced Mr. Wilson? Hungry. Let's have some lunch. Ndiyo. I've dropped the whole thing. What difference does it make whether Francis can shoot lions? That's not his trade. That's Mr. Wilson's business... Killing anything. You do kill anything, don't you? Oh, anything... Simply anything. Tomorrow we'll collect a buffalo. I'm coming with you. I don't think you should. I am. May I, Francis? I wouldn't miss something like today for anything. I'll put on another show for you tomorrow. You're not coming. You're very mistaken. I want to see you perform again. You were lovely this morning... That is, if blowing things' heads off is lovely. You're very merry, aren't you? Why not? I didn't come out here to be dull. Well, it hasn't been very dull. Oh, no, it's been charming. And tomorrow... You don't know how I look forward to tomorrow. That's eland he's offering you. Oh, they're the large cow-Y things That jump like hares, aren't they? Yes, I suppose that describes them. It's very good meat. Did you shoot it, Francis? Yes, I did. They're not dangerous, are they? Only if they fall on you. Oh. I'm so glad. Why don't you let up on your wit just a little, Margaret? I suppose I could, since you put it so prettily. Tonight we'll have some champagne. For the lion. The lion... Oh, I had forgotten all about the lion. Have some more eland. Care to come with us? What are you going after? Oh, nothing spectacular, I imagine... Anything we stumble across. Well, I'll wait for the big show in the morning. Don't let anything frighten Francis, will you? You're the sweetest woman. Really the nicest. Macomber? Here we go. Good shot. They're a small target. If you shoot like that, you won't have any trouble. I'm sorry about what happened. I'm sorry about kongoni and that boy I hit. Oh, that? Forget it. See, I'm not myself today. You think we'll find buffalo tomorrow? A good chance of it. I'd... like to clear away that lion business... Not very pleasant having your wife See you do something like that. Preys on my mind. Look, anybody could be upset by his first lion. It's all over with. Oh, I wish it were. But it's not with her. You'll see. Women are... Women are a bloody nuisance. And what do you do about them, Wilson? It must be difficult. Well, catch as catch can. Yes, when you're in town, but out here? See here... I go hunting with everybody. When I'm drinking their brand of whiskey, Their morals are my morals. I see. Well, that's good. That's very good. Is it a worthwhile head? It's excellent. You've got yourself a nice trophy. What is it? It's an impala. Did you shoot it, darling? Yes, I did. Splendid, isn't it, Mr. Wilson? Kongoni. Ndiyo, bwana. Well, how about some supper? I think I'll go right to bed. Yes, dear. That's best for you. I'll have something in my tent. Good night, Wilson. Good night, Macomber. Good night, memsahib. Good night. Good night. Margo. Margo? Where have you been? Hello. Are you awake? I thought you'd be getting your beauty sleep. Where have you been? I just went out to get a breath of air. You did what? What do you want me to say, darling? Where have you been? Out to get a breath of air. You are a... Well, you're a coward. All right. What of it? Nothing, as far as I'm concerned, But, please, let's not talk, darling. I'm very sleepy. You think I'll take anything, don't you? I know you will, sweet. Well, I won't. Oh, please, let's not talk, darling. I'm so sleepy. There wasn't gonna be any nastiness. You said there wouldn't be. Well, there is now. You said if we came on this trip, There'd be none of that... You promised. Yes, darling. That's the way I meant it to be. But the trip was spoiled yesterday. We don't have to talk about it, do we? You don't wait long when you have an advantage, do you? Please, darling, don't talk. I'm sleepy. I'm going to talk! All right. Don't mind me, then, because I'm going to sleep. They clean them? Yes. Where is the Springfield? Macomber. Filthy. Filthy, bwana. Start after breakfast. Good morning. Sleep well? Did you? Topping. Yes? You? Mrs. Macomber was restless in the middle of the night. Do you think we'll find any buffalo? A chance of it. Why don't you stay in camp? Not for anything. Why don't you order her to stay? You order her. Now, let's not have any ordering... Or any silliness, Francis. Are you ready to start? Anytime. Do you want the memsahib to go? Does it make any difference whether I do or not? Makes no difference. You sure you wouldn't like to stay in camp with her yourself And let me go hunt buffalo? Couldn't do that. And I wouldn't talk rot if I were you. I'm not talking rot. I'm disgusted. Francis, please try to speak sensibly. I speak too sensibly. Did you ever eat such filthy food? Something wrong with the food? No more than with everything else. I'd pull myself together if I were you, laddybuck. One of these boys understands a little English. The devil with him. Want me to have kongoni Take that out to the car with the rest? I'll keep it. As you like. Only it's a good thing to keep things Where they belong. If you make a scene, I'll leave you. Oh, no, you won't. Yes, I will. Try it and see. Why try? I know you won't. All right. I'll never leave you. And you'll behave yourself. Behave myself?! That's a way to talk... "Behave myself"? Yes, behave yourself. Why don't you try behaving? Oh, I hate that red-Faced swine. He's really very nice. Oh, shut up! Going shooting? Yes. Yes. Better take a woolly. It'll be cool in the car. I'll get my leather jacket. The boy has it. Good. You want to take a look? No. Nothing to see anyway. How do you know where you'll find the thing? You don't. A likely spot, though, if you can catch them in the open. Does it matter? They can't be dangerous 'Cause I've seen hundreds of buffalo... well, they're not the same kind. There they are. Where? Over there. We'll cut them off before they get to the swamp. Kongoni... Springfield. Not from the car, you fool! That's number one! Come on. It's too far. All right. Nice work. That's the three. How many times did you shoot? Just three. You got the first one... The biggest one. I helped you finish off the other two. Didn't want them to get into cover. You had them killed. You're sure? I was just mopping up a little. Well, let's go to the car. I want a drink. Well, I'd better make sure he doesn't get up. You take them a little broadside, Catch them in the neck just behind the ear. That does it. Ugly-Looking thing, aren't they? Well, let's get that drink. You were marvelous, darling. What a ride. You look sick. Was it rough? It was frightful. I've never been more frightened in my life. Well, how about that drink? Oh, by all means. It's frightfully exciting, But it's given me a dreadful headache. I didn't know you were allowed to shoot them from cars, though. Well, no one's shot them from cars. I mean chase them in cars. Oh, I wouldn't ordinarily, But it seemed sporting enough to me at the time. Take more of a chance driving a car across a plain like that Full of holes and one thing and another Than you do hunting them on foot. Buff could have charged us each time we shot, if he'd like. I wouldn't mention it to anyone if I were you, though. It's illegal if that's what you mean. What would happen if they heard about it in Nairobi? Oh, I'd lose my license, other unpleasantness. I'd be out of business. Really? Yes, really. Well... now she has something on you. Something on the beautiful Mr. Wilson. You have such a pretty way of putting things, Francis. We lost one of our gunbearers. Did you notice? No. Must have fallen off when we left that first bull. What did he say? Oh, the first bull got up and went into the bush. Oh? Then it's gonna be just like the lion. No, it's not gonna be one bit like the lion. Would you care for another drink, Macomber? Thanks, yes. Yes. We'll go back and have a look at the second bull. Tell the driver to take the car over in the shade. What are you gonna do? Go and take a look at the buff. I'm coming. All right. He's a very fine head. That's close to a 50-Inch spread. Oh, it's beautiful, just beautiful. I think it's hateful-Looking. Can't we go in the shade? Well, of course we can. You see that bush over there? Yes. Well, that's where the first bull went in. What the gunbearer said was, When he fell off, the bull was down. He was watching us bounce along and the last buff galloping, And when he looked up, there was the bull, Up and looking at him. He ran for his life, And the bull went off slowly into that bush. Can't we go in after him now? No, we'd better give him a little while. Please, let's go in the shade. All right. Chances are he's dead in there. We'll give him a little while, then we'll have a look. That was a chase. I've never felt such a feeling. Wasn't it marvelous, Margo? I hated it. Why? I hated it. I loathed it. You know... I don't think I'd ever be afraid of anything again. Something happened in me when we first saw the buff And started after it... like a dam bursting... It was pure excitement. Cleans out your liver. Funny things happen to people sometimes. Something did happen to me. I feel absolutely different. You look positively idiotic. You know, I'd like to try another lion. I'm really not afraid of them now. After all, what can they do to you? That's it. The worst one can do is kill you. How does it go? Shakespeare... Something I used to quote to myself at one time... let's see... "by my troth, I care not... A man can die but once. "We owe god a debt, and let it go which way it will. He that dies this year is quit for the next." That's really fine, eh? Do you have that feeling of happiness About what's going to happen? Well, you're not supposed to mention it. It's much more fashionable to say that you're scared, And, mind you, you will be scared, too, Plenty of times. But you do have that feeling of happiness About action to come? Yes, there is that... Just that it doesn't do to talk too much about all of this, Talk it all away. Well, it takes the pleasure out of anything To mouth it up too much. You're both talking rot. Just because you chased a few helpless animals in a motorcar, You talk like heroes. Oh, I'm sorry. I am gassing too much. If you don't know what we're talking about, Why don't you just keep out of it? You've gotten awfully brave. You just shut up about it. Awfully brave, awfully suddenly. You know, I have. I really have. It's a little late, isn't it? Not for me... as you'll find out. Here comes kongoni. You think we've given the buff enough time? Well, we might have a look. Have you any solids left? No. He'll have some. I hate you, Francis Macomber. I know you do. And I know why. For years, I've tried to... I know. I've tried, too, as well as I could. For years, I've been hoping What's happened to you now would happen. And now that it has, I hate you more this way than the way you were before. Because, without your knowing it, You always wanted me as a mouse. Well, now you're gonna have to get used to me as a man. I've been too easygoing with you, But things are gonna be different now. I know just how they're going to be different. So this is the sinister side of Francis Macomber. Here you are. Shall we get started? The sooner, the better. Here we go. You shoot the Springfield. You're used to it. We'll leave the mannlicher here in the car with the memsahib. Kongoni has your big gun there. Let's get started. All right. Kongoni, you take the spoor. Ndiyo, bwana. And keep both eyes opened. Both eyes, bwana. He says he's proud to be tracking for you. He'd like to shake your hand. Thank you, kongoni. Sit tight. Now, listen to this... when a buff comes, he comes with his head high And thrusts straight out. The force of the horns covers any kind of a brain shot. The best shot is straight into his nose. The only other shot's into his chest. But if you're on one side, into the neck or shoulders. Once they're hit, they take a devil of a lot of killing. So don't try anything fancy. Just take the easiest shot there is. Stop a minute, Wilson. Kongoni! You're not getting nervous again, are you? No. Just a little ashamed. Ashamed of what? You know, that feeling we were talking about. You said it cleaned out the liver. Oh, it does a lot more than that. Well, it left a lot of hatred in me... Toward my wife. Before we went in after the buff, I hated you, too. Well, I had that coming. Well, I just want you to know That I've wiped out everything now... Last night, Everything right up to this minute. Just tell me one thing. Of course. Anything. You've fallen in love with her. Yes, I have. All I want's an even break. Can't blame her alone For the mess we've made of our lives. Would you care to go back? No, I'll feel better after I get this finished. Let's go. He says the buff is dead in there. Good work. I'll just run back to the car and tell Margaret everything. Francis! Francis! Francis! Francis! Don't turn him over. Don't touch him. Not a bit of use. No! Blanket. Oh, no! I didn't mean to do it. I know you didn't. I know you didn't. I didn't mean to! It's all right. Everything will be all right. I didn't mean to! Of course you didn't. I didn't mean to! I know. It's all right. It'll be perfectly all right. Oh, I didn't mean it. Believe me. Of course you didn't. I know that. It was an accident. It was an accident. Just try to control yourself. Where's the rifle? Leave it exactly where it is. Tell Abdulla to come here And witness the manner of the accident. Then you take the truck. Go to the lake. Send a wireless. Have them send a plane to take us back to Nairobi. I'll stay with the memsahib. Ndiyo, bwana. Good morning, Mrs. Macomber. Hi. Uh, make yourself as comfortable as possible. I'm sorry to have to ask you to come here. Thank you. You've been very kind. Oh, I see no reason for making things More trying than they should be. I'll speed this thing through as quickly as possible. Thank you. Captain Smollett, just what will be needed of me? Oh, just a few questions... Routine. Maybe you won't be called at all. Of course, a lot depends upon What Wilson put down on his report. Here he is now. Good morning. Good morning, Wilson. Good morning. Good morning. Expected you an hour ago. Well, I had to be down at the white hunter's association. Were they hard on you? Well, they were fair. I lost my license. Well, buck up. You'll probably land on your feet. Do you have your report? The coroner's jury is waiting to question Mrs. Macomber. Well, you asked for it for the American consul. There isn't anything in it That shouldn't be seen by the jury, is there? No. Don't worry, Mrs. Macomber. I'll start the machinery rolling with this. Excuse me. I shan't be long. Why didn't you come last night? Well, I couldn't come over there. I'm sorry about your license. Thanks. How did they find out we chased the buffalo in the car? Did you tell them? No. They suspected. They knew everything. Everything? Everything about the hunting. We weren't alone out there. Oh, don't worry. You'll be all right. There may be a certain amount of unpleasantness in there, But Smollett has the photographs I had taken at the scene. And they have the testimony of the driver and the gunbearers. You've got nothing to worry about. You'll be perfectly all right. Why didn't you come to the funeral? It goes against my grain to be part of a farce. You're talking rot. Maybe I am, but that's the way I feel. You see, I'd begun to like your husband. Must we talk about him? No, we don't have to talk about him. I just want to say that I'm glad that at least before the end He found out what it was like to be a man. The short, happy life of Francis Macomber. No, I couldn't attend his funeral. You mean you didn't want to. That's right. You don't believe it was an accident. Is that what you're getting at? That's for you to tell me. You're the only one who knows. You mean you want to question me? You of all people. No, you put it wrongly. I'm no judge. I'm no better than you are. We're both in this up to our necks, But I've got to know for myself. Ask then. You saw me shake hands with Macomber Before we went in after the buffalo. Yes. You couldn't imagine how we two could be friends after what had happened, Unless Macomber was through with you. No, I couldn't. You knew he was through with you, and you knew you'd lost his money. He would have left you, too. Well, what does that philosopher of yours say now? How does it feel to kill something? It was an accident. What does it do to a person? What about hunting and conquering, The savagery of it, The emotions that make a man a man and a woman a woman? Are you glad he's dead? You're out of your mind! You hated him, and you were afraid of him. You became afraid of him when he lost his fear. Maybe. You hated him, and you wanted him dead. All you needed was a chance, And when that chance came, you took it. It was easy to kill him, wasn't it? Yes. Yes. It would have been easy. I did hate him. I was afraid. You were watching us with a gun in your hand. You found yourself looking at him through the gunsight. In that split second, you thought, "now! Do it now! No one will ever know." Stop! You wanted him dead. You wanted to kill him. It was so easy to squeeze the trigger, and he was... Stop! Well, why didn't you poison him? It would have been much cleaner. Stop. Please stop. All right. I'll stop now. "Please" makes it much better. Well, if Smollett comes back and takes you to the jury room, I want you to know that I said it was an accident in my report. Then why did you put me through all this? Because I've still got to know What kind of a woman you are. Tell me... did you ever love him? Yes, in the beginning. We were married in 1937. Francis had his own particular brand of charm, And I believed that he loved me as much as I loved him. I soon found out that I had made a mistake. I saw very soon the other side of Francis Macomber... The way he tried to hide his weaknesses with brutality. That was my honeymoon. Why didn't you leave him? Well, I loved him enough to marry him. I loved him enough to stick by him. I thought I could change him. I found out he was a coward By the way he treated little people. He'd take it out on them... Servants or someone who couldn't fight back. We were on the verge of separating many times, But we'd patch it up. He'd catch me by saying he was falling in love with me again And that I'd soon see what a different man he'd be. And you still thought you could change him? No, I couldn't change him. I didn't change him. He changed me and made me what I am now. I could feel the rottenness spreading through me, But by then, I didn't care. Well, you seemed to be getting along all right When we started on the hunt. We made a sort of last-Ditch bargain, And I was trying to keep my end of it. But when he ran away from the lion And took it out on the serving boy, That was the end, the absolute end. He made all that up with the buff. And he was going to tell you that... "Just give me an even break." That's the way he'd put it. And then the circle would start over again And over and over. That's what I thought when I stood by the car And watched the two of you. Then the buffalo charged. Yes, I saw him in the gunsight, but I saw the buffalo, too, And then I fired. I hated Francis. I wanted him dead. Maybe I killed him. If there's such a thing as murder in the heart, There's your certain answer. Where are you going? The jury is waiting. You're free and clear if you just keep quiet. Are you suggesting... I'm not suggesting anything. But stop and think what the jury might do. If I'm guilty, they'll send me to prison. But better that than to be free and live with this. I'll go in with you, see if I can help. You brought me this far. I'll go the rest of the way myself. Good luck then. Thanks, Wilson. |
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