In England, an American expat is hired by a woman to kill her ex-husband but things are not what they seem to be at first glance.
Source: IMDB
Source: IMDB
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:01:00Oh, hello, Lutz. I'm glad you're back. Didn't think you'd be home yet.
00:01:04Well, I came home for something to eat, but there wasn't anything here.
00:01:07I bought you some lovely steak for your supper. Would you like me to cook it for you now?
00:01:10It'll only take a few minutes.
00:01:12No, it's too late to eat now.
00:01:14Don't worry. We'll have the steak when I get back.
00:01:17I'm going to go out again.
00:01:21Boy, will you look at those shoes.
00:01:24Look at them. They're all gone to pieces.
00:01:27What do you expect? You're always kicking at everything all the time.
00:01:30All those stone blocks down on the way to the wall,
00:01:32you kick at them all the way down and all the way back.
00:01:35Is that right?
00:01:37Oh, well, they'll have to do for tonight.
00:01:41Where are you going, Lutz?
00:01:43Out. I've got a little work to do.
00:01:45Well, you haven't got a job, have you?
00:01:47No, I haven't. I've got a job.
00:01:50I've got a little work to do.
00:01:52Well, you haven't got a job, have you?
00:01:54In a manner of speaking.
00:01:56You're not going back to sea again, are you?
00:01:58No, baby, don't worry. I'm not going back to sea again.
00:02:02I'm glad. You ought to have a new shirt as well.
00:02:05The collar's just about gone on this one.
00:02:08I wish you could have a new one.
00:02:09There are a lot of things that you ought to have, Maisie.
00:02:11And you know why?
00:02:13Because you're a good kid, that's why.
00:02:15You're the best friend I ever had.
00:02:17I love you.
00:02:19I don't know why you get nothing but a hard time around here.
00:02:23Why? Why do you love a crazy screwball like me?
00:02:26Don't say that. You must never say that again.
00:02:29Don't be silly.
00:02:32I didn't mean that.
00:02:35Well, I've got to be going.
00:02:38Wish me luck.
00:02:40Sure. Good luck, Lutz.
00:02:43Will you tell me what for?
00:02:45If I wanted to tell you, baby, I'd tell you, wouldn't I?
00:02:48I'm superstitious, you know.
00:02:50If you tell people that something good is going to happen...
00:02:52and that everything's going to be bright...
00:02:54and that nothing happens, you look like a fool, don't you?
00:02:58I suppose so.
00:03:00Oh, Lutz, I had to buy three more packs of that soap...
00:03:02to get the rest of the flowers.
00:03:04We've got a dozen now.
00:03:06Look, they're plaster tapes, it says here.
00:03:08Don't you think they're beautiful?
00:03:10Yeah, they're lovely.
00:03:12Well, I'll see you when I see them.
00:03:18Good-bye.
00:03:48Good-bye.
00:04:18Good-bye.
00:04:48Good-bye.
00:05:19Good-bye.
00:05:28Ella?
00:05:30Oh, I've been calling Jason to tell him that I'd be home late...
00:05:33but I couldn't get hold of him.
00:05:35He shouted something from downstairs this morning.
00:05:37I think he said that he was going to be late too...
00:05:39but I didn't quite hear what he said.
00:05:41That's all right. Let him get his own supper.
00:05:43I just leave a note for Fred and tell him his supper's in the fridge...
00:05:45and he can take a tin opener and help himself to what he fancies.
00:05:47Enthusiasm, that's what that is, Doris.
00:05:49You forget our American bride has only been married six months.
00:05:51We'll soon straighten her out.
00:05:53Well, what about an ice drink?
00:05:55Oh, good idea. Do you mind if I don't join you?
00:05:57I really don't feel up to it.
00:05:59Look, let Jason fend for himself.
00:06:01After all, we only have one afternoon a week.
00:06:03No, it's not that. It's just that I don't feel very well.
00:06:06Come to think of it, you don't look very well either.
00:06:10What's the matter?
00:06:12Oh, it's just that I have a headache, that's all.
00:06:15If I have a walk in the fresh air, I'll probably feel much better.
00:06:18Are you sure you wouldn't rather we took you home?
00:06:20No, no, really. Now, look, you go on and you have your drink...
00:06:22and I'll see you some other time.
00:06:28Bye-bye.
00:06:45Bye-bye.
00:07:15Bye-bye.
00:07:45Bye-bye.
00:08:15Bye-bye.
00:08:26Well, we won't be putting any gothic pinnacles...
00:08:28on the top of your building this time.
00:08:30At least, none you'll be able to see.
00:08:32What? Isn't that Ella, remember that?
00:08:34So it is.
00:08:36I thought she was going to the cinema with a couple of her girlfriends.
00:08:39Look, I'm just going to tell her to my wife. I'll be back in a minute.
00:08:45Bye-bye.
00:08:59Ella!
00:09:01Doug! Jason!
00:09:03What are you doing here?
00:09:05Darling, I told you this morning. The Henderson deal.
00:09:08His office is right across the street.
00:09:11Hello, Ellen. What are you doing in here?
00:09:15We nipped out for cigarettes and something to drink.
00:09:17Gin and tonic, I suppose, Ellen.
00:09:19So are you, going up the side of the street.
00:09:21Hello, Ellen.
00:09:23Come on, make up, make up.
00:09:29Hello, Ellen.
00:09:32Come on, make up, make up.
00:09:34Make up, make up, make up, make up.
00:09:36Make up, make up, make up, make up.
00:09:38No, I must...
00:09:41Ellen, what is it?
00:09:43I'm awfully sorry, sir. She walked right into me, sir.
00:09:46Never mind. What happened?
00:09:48The lady couldn't hold her gin, I suppose.
00:09:50This way, sir, into my office. There's a couch you can rest on.
00:09:59Don't just stand there. Get this mess cleared up.
00:10:02I'm sorry you've been disturbed, ladies and gentlemen.
00:10:11Shall I call the doctor?
00:10:14No, it's all right. She's coming around.
00:10:18Jason.
00:10:19It's all right, my darling. I'm right beside you.
00:10:22I fainted. I've never fainted before.
00:10:27Oh, darling.
00:10:29Squeeze very hard. I'm with you.
00:10:32Just hold me.
00:10:34All the way.
00:10:36All the way.
00:10:40Now, you just lie back and relax for a few minutes,
00:10:43and Doug and I will take you home.
00:10:45Oh, no. No, no.
00:10:48I'm all right. I can go by myself.
00:10:50Really, really, I'm all right.
00:10:52Darling, be sensible.
00:10:54You gave us a terrible scare. We'll take you home.
00:10:56Please, I tell you, I'm much better.
00:10:58That's not true.
00:11:00You've been acting strangely for over a week now.
00:11:02You're probably sickening for something.
00:11:04No. No, no, no, I'm not.
00:11:06Now, please, you go and meet Mr. Henderson.
00:11:09You finish your deal. I tell you, I'm much better.
00:11:12Do you think I can concentrate on business after seeing my wife faint?
00:11:15You're not married to a monster, you know.
00:11:17But I don't want your deal to fall through because of me.
00:11:21Darling, you are a nut.
00:11:23Henderson's been a client of ours for years.
00:11:26You come first. First, last, and first again.
00:11:29That goes for me, too, Ellen. You're no nonsense. You're stuck with us.
00:11:32But I feel like such a fool fainting in front of all those people out there.
00:11:35What will they think? I won't go out there again.
00:11:38Darling, hardly anybody saw you.
00:11:42Please, Jason, I beg you.
00:11:44Go back to your appointment.
00:11:46I beg you.
00:11:49Uh-uh. Not another word.
00:11:51We'll take you home.
00:11:55Do you mind if I stay here for a little while?
00:11:57Of course. Now, not another word.
00:11:59We're taking you home.
00:12:01May I make a suggestion?
00:12:03This is a private exit. Down that hall and straight into the street.
00:12:06You need feel no embarrassment. No one will see you leave.
00:12:09Yes. How does that appeal to you? Yes.
00:12:11I'll get one of the staff to call you a taxi.
00:12:14I'll go and tip that waiter you knocked down.
00:12:20What's wrong, Ellen? I don't know. I'm afraid.
00:12:23Of what? I don't know. Let's get out of here.
00:12:31110. Stand on the green.
00:12:35OK.
00:13:02Here we are. Keep the change. Fine. Thank you.
00:13:04No hurry. Get easy along.
00:13:09Never mind, darling. We'll soon be home.
00:13:15God, darling, you frightened the life out of me in there.
00:13:18Still, you're looking much better now.
00:13:20Hello, Mr Shepherd. Hi.
00:13:22I'll go and open the door.
00:13:25You'll feel all right when you've had a good lie-down.
00:13:27Nothing like being in your own home.
00:13:29Keep your feet up.
00:13:39Come on, darling. Let's sit down.
00:13:41Such gentleness. I'm really not the crown jewel, you know.
00:13:44Don't fool me.
00:13:51Ellen, what is it?
00:13:53Nothing, really. Anyone for a drink?
00:13:56Yes, I'd love one. Scotch and soda?
00:14:00That should help.
00:14:04Thanks, Doug.
00:14:06Doug, you think a doctor could cure a wife who's withdrawn and tight...
00:14:11and won't look her husband in the eye?
00:14:16Darling, what is it?
00:14:18It's nothing. I've had a headache all day, that's all.
00:14:21It happens to the best people. Here, have a sip.
00:14:24What is it?
00:14:26Suddenly, I'm married to a queen's council.
00:14:28It's nothing, I tell you.
00:14:31Darling, this is Jason, remember?
00:14:33You have a bad dream, I wake up. That's how close we are.
00:14:36What is it? Well, it's going to sound so silly.
00:14:38Well, all right, then.
00:14:40Well, if you must know, I've had the strangest feeling all day...
00:14:43that I was being followed.
00:14:45Followed? You see, I told you you'd laugh.
00:14:48You actually saw somebody following you?
00:14:50Yes, I did. Well, who was it?
00:14:52Man, woman, child?
00:14:54It was a man. I'd never seen him before.
00:14:57But why? Why should someone suddenly start following you?
00:15:02It was the strangest sensation.
00:15:04He kept turning up wherever I went.
00:15:06Perhaps he was a secret admirer.
00:15:08No. No, this was different.
00:15:11It was his face. I can't explain it.
00:15:14It was his eyes. They were so evil.
00:15:19The first time I saw him was when I went to meet the girls at the cinema.
00:15:22He was waiting when I came out of the tube.
00:15:24And then later, on the way home, it started to drizzle...
00:15:27and I looked back for a cab, and there he was.
00:15:30You're positive you never saw him before?
00:15:32No. No. No, never.
00:15:38I want to show you something.
00:15:40Now, don't be afraid. Come on, tell me.
00:15:42What do you see out there?
00:15:45It's still sunshining.
00:15:47Anything else? No.
00:15:50No Frankenstein monsters lurking under the lamppost?
00:15:53No. I guess maybe I was tired.
00:15:56You ought to drink more water with it.
00:16:00Doug, go and phone Henderson.
00:16:02Tell him we'll see him tomorrow morning.
00:16:04Tell him our kind of architecture is well worth our waiting for.
00:16:07I'll paint him a glowing picture.
00:16:09Would you like me to call your doctor and ask him to come and see Anna?
00:16:12Good idea. Go and phone Henderson.
00:16:20Afraid now?
00:16:22I'm sorry to be so silly, darling, but I just couldn't help it.
00:16:25I... He had such an evil face.
00:16:29What do I have to do to convince you that you're as safe as Bugs Bunny?
00:16:35How about kissing your wife?
00:16:38I'd only go any torture for the sake of cementing anger in any conversation.
00:16:50I adore you.
00:16:52I adore you.
00:16:54Flattery will get you everything.
00:16:58You got me everything.
00:17:00Oh, Jason, I love you so much.
00:17:05Afraid now?
00:17:08Your arms make the world all pink and peaceful.
00:17:13Now don't tease. I did see somebody.
00:17:16I dare him to try and frighten you now.
00:17:18Did I ever tell you that underneath this English mohair of mine
00:17:21there beats the heart of a superman?
00:17:24Ah, you silly man. You could melt an iceberg.
00:17:29How about a drink?
00:17:31Mm-hmm.
00:17:33Oh, well, I'll fetch the ice.
00:17:36I'm not that helpless.
00:17:47Come in.
00:17:55What do you want?
00:17:57I'm a salesman looking for a buyer.
00:17:59You the lady's husband?
00:18:01What do you mean by breaking in like this?
00:18:03Well, answer what I ask. You her husband, yes or no?
00:18:06Yes. I think you'd better leave before I throw you out.
00:18:08That won't be necessary, friend.
00:18:17See?
00:18:19Just like I promised.
00:18:21Sweet and simple.
00:18:23Come on. Snap out of it. There's work to be done.
00:18:31Hey, you're pretty good, but save the dramatics till the coppers come.
00:18:40Hey, you're pretty good, but save the dramatics till the coppers come.
00:18:46Where's the rest of my money?
00:18:48He's dead.
00:18:50You killed Jason.
00:18:52Now, what are you trying to pull?
00:18:54He's dead! He's dead!
00:18:56Aah!
00:18:58What's going on in here? You going off your rocket?
00:19:00Helen?
00:19:02Oh, I get it.
00:19:04Helen! What is it? What's the matter?
00:19:06Helen? Jason?
00:19:08No, I want you! Watch out!
00:19:16He's dead.
00:19:25He's dead.
00:19:27You killed him.
00:19:29He's dead!
00:19:31Cut that out and listen to me.
00:19:33We're in this together.
00:19:35I did what you told me.
00:19:37It was your idea from first to last.
00:19:39I killed him on your instructions.
00:19:41So don't you ever...
00:19:43them on your instructions so don't you ever forget it together all the way that
00:19:49was the deal and nobody watches on a deal not with me mr. Shepard mr. Shepard
00:20:00are you all right mr. Shepard I gotta get out of here I still want my money
00:20:09the other 900 pounds you owe me you'll hear from me
00:20:39quick gonna be much of a job fit that's right how much you get nothing didn't
00:20:53they pay you anything at all nothing to give you something if you do the job
00:20:59they have to pay you for only got a few shillings between us we can have a real
00:21:07celebration tonight shall I cook you steak for you now no I'm not hungry what
00:21:16happened did someone get there first yeah two other guys you know something I
00:21:22hate people the worst thing that ever happened to this world they're liars and
00:21:29cheats we can't trust any of them some my best friends of people well you'll
00:21:36learn that's all I gotta say you'll get another job things always turn out for
00:21:45the best you know when I was a kid I caught a lot of birds one day I laid a
00:21:54branch of a tree on the ground and covered it with that sticky stuff that
00:21:57bird lime you know and all these birds got stuck on it there must have been
00:22:04about a dozen of them I wished I could get him off but I didn't know how I
00:22:11couldn't get rid of him so I ran around waving the branch and shaking it and
00:22:17banging it against a wall but I still couldn't get him off I busted their legs
00:22:24and everything I nearly went crazy I couldn't just throw it away and leave
00:22:29them there so you know what I did I stuck them all in a big tank of water
00:22:35and drowned him and then I ran all the way home people like I did that to those
00:22:44birds and I never got punished for it nobody ever did anything to me those
00:22:50birds hadn't done anything people are doing that all the time
00:22:54killing birds lying and cheating hurting things and just because they're
00:23:01people nobody does anything about it
00:23:07what
00:23:24ah feeling any better mr. Randall oh yes thank you
00:23:40nurse Harris tells me mrs. Sheppard's coming out of the sedative we'll be able
00:23:43to talk to her in a few minutes Oh thought you might like to come with us
00:23:46let's know you're around no I mean shouldn't she rest it's time
00:23:52for questioning later she's in no condition mr. Randall I've been at
00:23:55Scotland Yard for over 25 years I'm not one of those one-dimensional
00:23:59stony-faced police brutes you see in the cinema screen I like women I have a wife
00:24:03and three daughters I still could have to get them hot water bottles when
00:24:07they're ill I'm sorry and you needn't be now you said you were upstairs phoning
00:24:13when the shots were fired why I was trying to get a doctor for Ellen I told
00:24:17all this to the sergeant before now tell me why a doctor but she'd fainted and we
00:24:22met her in the bar this afternoon that's why we brought her home she was tense
00:24:26and very disturbed because of this man she claimed was following her yes we
00:24:29didn't believe it at first Jason tried to laugh her out of it what
00:24:33happened when you heard the shots well they were muffled I wasn't sure what I'd
00:24:40heard at first then Ellen screamed and I ran downstairs Jason was dead I didn't
00:24:48see the killer at first until Ellen screamed again then it was too late he
00:24:54came at me and hit me with his gun I hadn't a chance to thank you recognize
00:24:58him again I'll never forget his face well keep it in deep freeze it may be our
00:25:04only link anything else you remember no something he said or did no no nothing
00:25:11it was all very sudden I was knocked out for a moment well now tell me about
00:25:16Jason Shepard no any reason why someone should want him dead none he hadn't an
00:25:22enemy in the world apparently he had one now you and he were business partners
00:25:27there right we've passed 11 years we're architects Shepard and Randall we've got
00:25:32an office in Fleet Street hmm any trouble there on the contrary we've been successful
00:25:38from the beginning this would have been our best year and mrs. Shepard what about
00:25:44her you tell me I can't fill in all the details she's American as you know the
00:25:52Midwest originally Chicago I believe yes oh thank you thank you she was a
00:25:56secretary in the States when her mother died and she came in for a lot of money
00:26:00she decided to travel and see the world Jason met her one day outside a travel
00:26:04bureau she'd lost her guidebook he volunteered to show the sights oh how
00:26:09romantic it was a whirlwind courtship I never seen two people take to each other
00:26:14so quickly they were married within two weeks hmm what about her family back in
00:26:19the States her father died when she was a child she was brought up by her mother
00:26:23there's a picture of her very devoted I believe there are no brothers or sisters as far as I
00:26:31know do you and mrs. Shepard get along yes why the hesitation no hesitation
00:26:41you married mr. Randall I'm a widower my wife died some years ago hmm you go out
00:26:47much occasionally not very often my work keeps me pretty busy still you must get
00:26:52lonely at times well that's my business isn't it no mrs. Shepard will be getting
00:26:56lonely too okay inspector if you're implying we're friends that's all she's
00:27:01my partner's wife she was mr. Randall well thank you that'll be all for now
00:27:07please leave a number where we can get in touch with you
00:27:09oh your matches thank you
00:27:52hello Adam I was wondering what had happened to you
00:28:11you needed a rest so did I I needed a friend I didn't even see you at the funeral I was
00:28:27there I stayed at the back but why I've called every day to see how you're getting on the nurse
00:28:38says you're sleeping better the nurse is easy to fool but Doug why have you been doing this
00:28:44doing what you've been avoiding me why you know why I needed a friend so badly you were his
00:28:57closest friend Oh Doug I'm so lost my dad stop it Ellen these are his cufflinks I found them on
00:29:15the bedside table just where you put them the last time we came home from a party I said stop
00:29:22it Ellen you're not fooling me for a minute the killer I heard him speaking to you I heard what
00:29:30he said what it was as if he knew you as if he were carrying out some preconceived plan as if
00:29:38he were an assassin you'd hired to kill Jason yes yes that is how he acted I remember what
00:29:45did he mean Ellen why did he say he killed Jason as you and instructed I don't know the man was a
00:29:51maniac what does it matter what he said Ellen he killed your husband I saw my husband murdered do
00:29:56you know what that is I saw him die can you tell me any way I'll ever get that picture out of my
00:30:03mind and you think that I know Doug you listen to me look at me look deep at me do you think
00:30:12life has any meaning now I'm dead I loved him I loved Jason he was the sweetest gentlest man I
00:30:23ever knew do you know what I'm thinking I don't know that I can go on living without him that's
00:30:31enough Ellen the man lied whatever he said he lied I swear to you on a thousand Bibles I did
00:30:38not plan Jason's death believe me I swear it why would I want him dead for money you know as well
00:30:47as I do he wasn't a rich man for another man surely you know how much we loved each other how
00:30:55much I loved him Ellen forgive me I have to be sure he had to kill someone why wasn't it me don't
00:31:07tear it yourself the important thing now is to get the man responsible yes yes get him I give my
00:31:17soul Ellen I think it's important to tell the police exactly what the killer said to you are
00:31:26you convinced he was lying Ellen are you forgive me it's all been such a nightmare of course I
00:31:36believe you all right we'll do as you say we'll go down to Scotland Yard and I'll I'll tell them
00:31:47everything that I can remember good girl
00:31:49hello
00:32:17it's the wrong number I guess probably a repeat some people never know no don't you understand
00:32:27it's him it's the murderer it's Jason's murderer don't the killer no no no I know you must and
00:32:35then you've got to answer that phone this may be the one chance he gives us think what's at stake
00:32:39at the other end of that line is the man who killed Jason what are you waiting for
00:32:43hello don't play games with me where's your high society manners hello yes I'm still here
00:33:00surprised I didn't think I knew your name well I've been reading about you in the papers must
00:33:08have been an elegant funeral all those fancy friends of his what do you want I'm paying my
00:33:15condolences to the bereaved don't you have any feelings what do you want from me just what you
00:33:21promised the rest of my money only now the price has gone up I didn't figure I was dealing with
00:33:28the hoi polloi let's say my nine hundred quid plus another thousand I don't know what you're
00:33:34talking about sure you do mrs. Shepard we're business partners remember I did my job now
00:33:41you're gonna pay off that's why you're gonna meet me and turn over all that nice dough am I getting
00:33:47through why does he keep saying I wanted Jason dead so close make the arrangement make the date
00:33:52we've got him hey what's going on there nothing I'm still here you got somebody with you no no
00:34:00nobody all right I'll come where do you want to meet now listen good because I'm only gonna say
00:34:07it once the Hawks had tavern on Alexander Street eight o'clock tonight tonight come alone have the
00:34:16money in a paper bag no tricks because if there's a noose waiting for me there's gonna be one for
00:34:22you too okay don't let me down eight tonight be there no wait no well done Ellen we've got him
00:34:38I can't I can't go through I want to run away I want to hide I can't go through with it. You've got to Ellen. Why does he keep saying that I hired him. That doesn't matter that doesn't matter we know you didn't somebody must be behind this this may be the one chance we have of finding out who that person is now don't worry I'll ring up Inspector McMitchell
00:34:59I want Scotland Yard
00:35:11oh look latch I've gone and cut one of his feet off latch I've cut one of his feet off
00:35:21tough luck what time are you got nearly eight o'clock poor little thing they don't do them on the
00:35:31boxes anymore either I won't be able to get another one it's too bad that's what you do
00:35:39having a haircut you had a haircut on Tuesday you're too smart for me to argue with I wasn't
00:35:49arguing latch shut up been standing at that window for ages now latch you waiting for
00:36:02something I like your hair like that anyway did you think I could stick this together with spit
00:36:10why not what are you waiting for latch Thanksgiving well it won't be long now nearly
00:36:22eight o'clock don't keep our friend waiting let's hope he hasn't been creeping around and
00:36:26notice anything different hold my hand Doug I'm so frightened I don't know what to do the thought
00:36:33of having to look at that man's face again I mrs. Sheffield I can assure you there's nothing to be
00:36:38frightened about you'll have complete protection look inspector is there any reason why I shouldn't
00:36:43go there's one very good reason why put mrs. Sheppard in danger again I know what the man
00:36:47looks like let her stay here she'd been through enough we can't rely on this man being a fool
00:36:53he'll be watching now if mrs. Sheppard doesn't show up he won't show up either however if mrs.
00:36:58Sheppard feels you can't go through with it we certainly can't force her but this is something
00:37:04that I want to do it's something that I have to do myself it's probably the last thing I'll
00:37:09ever be able to do for Jason again no matter what happens to me there's one thing I can promise you
00:37:16nothing will happen to you now it's getting late I think we ought to get started here's the money
00:37:21it's been marked just in case how light it feels there's nothing to be afraid of hand over the
00:37:27money and give us the signal up we be there you remember that look latch I finished it isn't it
00:37:43nice it's Maxie mousey I think it's lovely it's funny though isn't it I don't like mice really I
00:37:53hate them nice a kid our house was always full of mice oh they used to frighten me one of them
00:37:59even used to get right into the bedroom I was scared stiff it used to squeak all night long
00:38:03why didn't you get up and oil it Oh latch that would have been cruel quiet will ya I think my
00:38:11turkeys just coming around the corner don't worry mr. Shepherd everything will be all right
00:38:28baby I want you to do something for me
00:38:58yes
00:39:19two bottles of pineapple please
00:40:50mrs. Shepherd fancy meeting you in a dive like this you said eight o'clock oh well I had to be
00:41:03sure that you were all by your lonesome I've been watching from the outside what's in the
00:41:09the paper bag mmm smells delicious you played it real smart for a change did I relax have a
00:41:35drink treats on me doll you've got your money what more do you want
00:42:05it's all right sir we've got him I take him to the car what are you arresting me for I haven't
00:42:23done anything I haven't done anything you're a lousy coppers it took three of you to do it
00:42:29and I know you all right I died it was horrible he still thinks it was me he still says that I
00:42:46hired him well he'd never be able to say that again come on I'll take you
00:43:16silencing call
00:43:23Carl Latcher you are charged that on the 6th of June at number 110 strand on the green you did
00:43:41murder Jason Shepherd do you plead guilty or not guilty not guilty is the accused represented I
00:43:49want to handle my own defense I know how to do it lawyers haven't done me much good in the past you
00:43:58may sit down detective inspector Mac Mitchell I swear by almighty God that the evidence I should
00:44:18give should be the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth detective inspector Gordon
00:44:22will you tell the court where and under what circumstances you arrested the accused at 5 30
00:44:30p.m. on the 10th of June I received a telephone call from mr. Randall asking me to go to see
00:44:34mrs. Shepherd at her flat at a hundred and ten strand on the green as soon as possible when I
00:44:39arrived she had told me she'd made arrangements to go that night to the Hawkshead Tavern to meet
00:44:43the man who killed her husband I went to the public house with six police officers in plain
00:44:48clothes and arrested the accused after a struggle he was taken to Scarborough police station when he
00:44:53made a brief statement in which he said yes I killed Jason Shepherd but mrs. Shepherd paid
00:44:58me to do it Thank You inspector that's all but didn't I say in the statement that she came to
00:45:05me asked me hired me to kill her husband and that she'd pay me a thousand pounds you did although
00:45:11you didn't mention the amount of money thank you you may stand down
00:45:19Douglas Randall
00:45:39I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth the whole truth
00:45:44and nothing but the truth will you tell us your full name and address please Douglas Arthur Rand
00:45:48one Makepeace Road Hounslow mr. Randall where were you on the night of the 6th of June last I was
00:45:53at the home of the deceased will you tell us in your own words what happened I was upstairs
00:45:59telephoning when I heard Ellen mrs. Shepherd scream I rushed on and the first thing I saw was
00:46:07Jason Shepherd's body lying stretched out in the hallway then the accused rushed at me and struck
00:46:13me with a gun I fought him but he hit me again and I was knocked out do you see that man in the
00:46:18court now yes would you point him out please it's him thank you no more questions you may stand down
00:46:30call mrs. Ellen Shepherd mrs. Ellen Shepherd
00:46:41take the book in your right hand and read what's written on the card please I swear by Almighty
00:47:05God that the evidence that I shall give shall be the truth the whole truth and nothing but
00:47:10the truth what is your full name and address mr. Shepherd Ellen Mackenzie Shepherd 110 strand on
00:47:19the green and you are the widow of the deceased man Jason Shepherd yes I am how long were you
00:47:24married six months and four days six months and four days mr. Shepherd you heard earlier in the
00:47:34coroner's court that your husband was killed by three bullets fired from a 32 caliber revolver
00:47:38were you present when that occurred yes I was is that man who fired those shots here now he is
00:47:47would you point him out to us please the man in the box Thank You mr. Shepherd now will you tell
00:48:01us in your own words what occurred well I I wasn't feeling very well and mr. Randall had gone
00:48:08upstairs to telephone for a doctor my husband and I were in the living room and I had just
00:48:14gone into the kitchen to get some ice for our drinks when the doorbell rang and a few minutes
00:48:20later I I went into the hallway and this man he had forced his way in and he was talking to my
00:48:27husband I couldn't hear too well what they were saying but I know that Jason was very angry with
00:48:31him and he was asking him to leave and then and then suddenly he he pulled out a gun and he shot
00:48:40Jason I was struck dumb I I didn't know what to do it was also unexpected if I'd known maybe I'd
00:48:52have I'd have grabbed the gun or it it was just so unexpected one moment he was he was alive and
00:49:01take your time mrs. Shepherd would you like to sit down
00:49:22after that I I can't remember I just stood there the man was saying something to me but all I could
00:49:32see was Jason lying on the floor I know I screamed mr. Randall came running downstairs and the man
00:49:43yelled something at me but my head was spinning around and I think I was kneeling by Jason's
00:49:50body mr. Shepherd can you think of any reason why anyone should want to kill your husband no no
00:49:59reason at all thank you that's all mr. Shepherd thank you mrs. Shepherd didn't you hire me pay
00:50:07me money or at least promise to pay me money a thousand pounds and all to kill your husband for
00:50:13you no well if you didn't hire me to kill your husband can you think of any reason why I want
00:50:19to kill a perfect stranger somebody I never knew until the day I kill them I don't know all I can
00:50:26say is maybe you're confusing me with somebody else oh that's it you're saying I followed the
00:50:33wrong woman home and killed the wrong husband I don't know all I'm saying is that well I can
00:50:39think of no reason why you would want to kill my husband you are double-crossing me but you won't
00:50:45get away with it you hired me we discussed it together met several times you paid me a hundred
00:50:52pounds to begin with the balance to be paid after I killed your husband never I loved him he was my
00:50:59whole life how could I ask anybody who knew us leave me alone haven't you done enough to me
00:51:09already mr. Lutger you have elected to conduct your own defense and you are fully within your
00:51:15rights in doing so but you must conduct your case as counsel would that is to say you may
00:51:20only ask questions and furthermore you must accept the witnesses answers and not add comment
00:51:26of your own but she must answer my question truthfully you swore on the Bible to tell the
00:51:31truth now did you or did you not ask me hire me pay me to kill your husband Jason Shepherd no
00:51:41may you rot in hell she planned the whole thing she's lying please be quiet you have been warned
00:51:53that you may only ask questions at this stage cannot have this sort of conduct you may stand
00:51:59down I have no further witnesses you worship
00:52:18what are they talking about I think he's having a word with his clerk to make sure he's got
00:52:23enough evidence to send Lutger for trial of course there's enough evidence he's even admitted
00:52:28Carl Lutger you are charged that on the 6th of June at number 110 strand on the green you did
00:52:39murder Jason Shepherd do you wish to say anything to the charge you're not obliged to say anything
00:52:45unless you wish to do so you have nothing to hope from any promise nothing to fear from any threat
00:52:50which may have been held out to induce you to make any admission of guilt do you wish to say
00:52:54anything to the charge I do I have nothing to hide well you may make a statement from the doc
00:53:03or give evidence on oath from the witness box but I must point out that if you give evidence on oath
00:53:09you can be questioned I want to make a statement on oath it might be months before a trial mrs.
00:53:17Shepherd is free she could go anywhere mrs. Shepherd has not been charged with anything
00:53:22however if you wish to make a statement you may do so I swear by almighty God that the evidence
00:53:41I shall give shall be the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth now what do you wish
00:53:47to tell the court everything then I'm gonna start right from the beginning it was about the third
00:53:55week in May and I stopped off in this pub on the way home from work one night and there were these
00:54:00two guys who started a fight with me on the outside just because I'd accidentally spilled a
00:54:04glass of beer I'd knocked one guy down and I had the other one up against the wall just putting the
00:54:09finishing touches on him when the first guy jumped me again boy did I like it to him but he wasn't
00:54:16much of a fighter anyway he didn't even get his hands up and by the time he'd finished in a pile of
00:54:21garbage cans he'd wish he'd stay home no I'm not mean but I just don't like to get mixed up in
00:54:27anything that I can't finish and then I turned around and what do you think the little runt was
00:54:32trying to run away so I went after him if he had headed for the road he would have been all right
00:54:38I got we were down there under the seawall and I decided I'd really teach this guy a lesson so I
00:54:47gave him a couple of three right hands and then a solid kick just for good measure and then I
00:54:54figured what the heck we're alone and I was just about to when suddenly I had a feeling that
00:55:01somebody was watching me and I looked up and here was her in a telephone box oh what are you gonna
00:55:08do I had egg on my face so I put the knife back in my pocket and walked away and as far as I was
00:55:16concerned that was the end of that I'd forgotten all about it until a couple of days later I saw
00:55:22her again I'd been in this same pub having a few drinks and I'd come out for a little fresh air I
00:55:29don't know how long she'd been sitting in the back of that cab because I never noticed it first no I
00:55:36was having a little trouble with some beer bottles as I remember it anyway finally I saw
00:55:43her and I waved and I think I said hello baby come and have a drink with me but she wouldn't
00:55:51she just told the cabbie to drive off okay that's the way you want it okay maybe she's just another
00:55:58broad down here doing a little slumming anyway there plenty more pebbles in the sea have a smoke
00:56:05and forget about mr. Lutcher what you are trying to tell the court is that this was the same woman
00:56:10you saw again yes the same woman just like I said she was sitting there waiting for me waiting for
00:56:15you yes with only a brief glimpse in the telephone box after a few drinks and at a distance you could
00:56:21recognize her yes I see no I got thinking in the back of my head that she was up to something and
00:56:32I wanted to know what it was it didn't take me long to find out because the very next day I was
00:56:38walking down the street and I saw her just getting into a cab outside the pub I figured that she'd
00:56:43been in there asking questions so I whistled down the cab and ran over to her for a few words and I
00:56:51asked if she'd been inquiring about me and she said that she had and that she admired the way
00:56:57that I'd handled that bloke and was wondering if I'd do a little job for her and I said that
00:57:04depends so she said get in the cab we ride around and talk about it so we rode off and then after a
00:57:12bit of nonsense she came right out with it she asked me there and then if I knew of anybody who'd
00:57:19be willing to kill a man for money or would I do it myself and I said sure sure lead me to it
00:57:27and then she outlined the whole plan she had it all worked out you know what I mean first she told
00:57:34me the name of the cinema she was gonna be out that Wednesday afternoon and I was to hang around
00:57:38and wait for her to come out and then follow her to this cafe where she was gonna meet her husband
00:57:43and when they came out of there I was to follow him home and after a couple of minutes I was to
00:57:49break in kill him make it look like a robbery collect the rest of my money for doing the job
00:57:55and disappear and that is the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth
00:58:00he's lying duck the man's mad this is all very interesting mr. Lutcher but what evidence can
00:58:18you bring to prove your story well I don't have any witnesses if that's what you mean
00:58:24she was too smart for that she's cunning she always insisted on meeting me in the quiet places
00:58:31it was her idea that we shouldn't get to know too much about each other anyway I was to watch for
00:58:38the man that went home with her but there were two of them and that's why I asked a bloke if he
00:58:43was a husband before I shot him I did what I was hired for if you charge me charge her too
00:58:52before everybody I take a note that she's as guilty as I am mr. Lutcher I see you describe
00:59:00yourself as a dock worker yeah off and on here are the States wherever I've been off and on
00:59:06you mean you don't work as a doctor all the year round oh no I get around yes I'm sure you do mr.
00:59:15Lutcher would you tell the court where you were working say seven months ago I don't know when do
00:59:22you mean I mean seven months ago were you by any chance working in the East India docks about the
00:59:28time that that sailor Abel Seaman Ellis was found stabbed to death don't you try to pin that on me
00:59:37I was in Blackstone at the time Blackstone you mean Blackstone mental institution
00:59:45yes but I wasn't insane they put me in there because I drank too much that's all it was a
00:59:55mistake I was let out cured I don't drink anymore I'm not mad in fact I think I'm the only sane one
01:00:04here none of you can see that she's lying why don't you believe me she's lying I tell you she's
01:00:11lying you pigs you stinking rotten pigs you think that I'm crazy I know I can tell by the look on
01:00:27your faces but you're the lunatics I'm saying I've got a certificate that says so I keep it
01:00:36under my mattress I look at it every night that's a coil spring mattress the best mattress that
01:00:44money can buy Maisie told me that I should always keep it in a safe place I got one you got one
01:00:53where's yours you can't prove one take the accused back to the dock you're all maniacs
01:00:59I find that there is a primer facey case for the accused to answer are you gonna charge her she
01:01:20did it all I'm not gonna take the rap for her you charge her if she's not guilty I'm not guilty
01:01:27you're all stupid you've all been taken in by our parents look at her sitting there all dressed and
01:01:34black she's laughing at you look at her she planned it all she came to me and begged me to
01:01:41kill her husband she hated him she wanted somebody else silence in court I direct that a plea of not
01:01:50guilty be entered and that the accused be remanded in custody for trial at the central criminal
01:01:55court take the accused away you don't know a double-cross one is right under your nose what
01:02:01kind of justice is this you call this justice well mrs. Shepherd stand please the court would
01:02:16like to express its thanks for the way in which you gave your evidence the circumstances it must
01:02:22have been a severe ordeal Thank You mr. Shepherd I hope you believe me now but don't be silly
01:02:30I never said oh I'm sorry I didn't mean that that was unkind of me wasn't it forgive me of
01:02:37course inspector I'm so glad it's all may I see this what was this taken I didn't see any
01:02:46photographers the press photographers are very adept at this sort of thing I think they even
01:02:50have cameras who take pictures around corners these days it's the first one I've seen you
01:02:54haven't given it no no last I hope I've had enough police if you'll forgive me and reporters to last
01:02:59me a lifetime goodbye inspector and thank you so much I don't mention it you look tired change
01:03:05of scenery might do you a lot of good yes yes you're right well goodbye goodbye mr. Shepherd
01:03:12strangle
01:03:23taxi
01:03:31110 strand of the green
01:03:42you
01:04:13I wouldn't mind betting some of those reporters will have followed us here what would you like
01:04:20you know I think the sooner you get out of this house the better when you go back to America
01:04:36probably how long will it be before the trial no at least a month if I were you I'd go somewhere
01:04:44where the Sun shines spend some time eating and sleeping and getting a gorgeous suntan
01:04:48don't you want that what is neat brandy best thing I know for giving you a lift you must
01:04:58need one you'd like me to get you something else no I wish I could think of something
01:05:08intelligent to say funny isn't it when you really need it you can't think of anything
01:05:13Doug you are a kind man I aim to please thank you for trying I only wish it helped it doesn't
01:05:26I'm sorry I'm not very good at this sort of situation would you like me to go in oh no
01:05:33Doug it's not your fault it's just that I I suddenly find myself sitting here and you're
01:05:40trying to be cheerful and I suddenly realized that Jason's never coming back don't tell him
01:05:45it doesn't help I know it sounds silly but I can't help it I know Jason's dead but I just
01:05:53suddenly realized what it means I know it's just suddenly hit you I mean Doug I think I
01:06:02would rather be alone do you mind no of course not but don't brood try and get some sleep I'll
01:06:10go down to the office there's a lot of work to catch up on yes I suppose there must be a lot
01:06:14to clear up would you like me to phone Doris and see if she can come around no no I'm all right
01:06:20I'd really rather be alone all right if you're sure I'll phone you tomorrow we might have a
01:06:24coffee together or something try and get some sleep I'd rather have a drink with my wife
01:06:50I adore you
01:06:54Jason I loved you so much
01:06:56I loved you
01:06:58I loved you
01:07:00I loved you
01:07:02I love you
01:07:19Flannery will get you everything
01:07:23He's got me everything
01:07:25Oh Jason I love you so much
01:07:32Did I ever tell you that underneath this English mohair of mine beats the heart of a superman?
01:07:57Ah, you silly man, you could melt an iceberg.
01:08:01She's very hard. I'm with you.
01:08:16Hello, Ellie baby, long time no see.
01:08:19Hey, not a bad layout. Elegant, in fact.
01:08:24Was this where the dear departed met his unfortunate end?
01:08:27If you're not out of here in one minute, I'm calling the police.
01:08:30You know, I could be real comfortable here.
01:08:33But then it would carry unhappy memories for you, so maybe we ought to move.
01:08:37I'm warning you, there's nothing more you can do to me, so get out!
01:08:42Sweetheart, that's the wrong attitude.
01:08:44When a woman's in trouble, it's the duty of a husband to stand at her side.
01:08:48And baby, here I am.
01:08:52Get away from me.
01:08:54Why? You too good to touch? Remember me?
01:08:57I knew you when you were nothing but a pair of legs on a chorus line in Las Vegas.
01:09:00I was there the night the joint went bankrupt and you were out of a job.
01:09:03You weren't so uppity that night, were you?
01:09:07You were a bad dancer, baby, even you knew that.
01:09:10You could never have gotten another job in that town.
01:09:12It was either the gutter or me.
01:09:14You were lucky. You picked me.
01:09:17You're through blackmailing me.
01:09:19I'm not paying you another cent.
01:09:21Your beautiful little set-up is over.
01:09:23Not quite, baby. Not quite.
01:09:27Because if I talk, you won't inherit your rich husband's money.
01:09:30You see, you're not really his widow. You're my wife.
01:09:33But I don't want to play it that way.
01:09:35I'd rather be married to a rich, beautiful widow.
01:09:38But I'm not rich. Jason wasn't a rich man.
01:09:41Well, comfortable.
01:09:43Anyway, I do still love you, though. That's never changed.
01:09:47You gave me the sweetest 30 days I ever lived.
01:09:50You call that living?
01:09:53The fights? The beatings?
01:09:56Your drunken rages?
01:09:58If I'd lived with you another day, I'd have killed myself.
01:10:01Baby, don't say that. I've changed.
01:10:04You'll see. With all this money you got coming, I'll make you a perfect husband.
01:10:08Come on. Let's be lovebirds again.
01:10:11Oh, you disgust me.
01:10:13We'll see about that.
01:10:15Let's just see about that, wife dear.
01:10:18I dare you.
01:10:20I dare you to touch me.
01:10:22Baby, I'm...
01:10:23Doug.
01:10:24Who's that? Who is this, the partner?
01:10:26Doug, I don't know what you heard, but I can explain everything.
01:10:31I'd like to hear you explain, Ellen.
01:10:35Well, it's... it's true.
01:10:38This man and I were married in Las Vegas two years ago.
01:10:41But I was broke and frantic.
01:10:44After a month, I left him.
01:10:46I thought the marriage had been annulled. He promised me he'd take legal steps.
01:10:49Oh, I didn't, though. You misunderstood.
01:10:51And after I left him, I...
01:10:53I went to New York for a while, and I danced in a club.
01:10:56And then I came to London, hoping that I'd do better.
01:10:58Oh, believe me, Doug, when I married Jason, I thought that I was free.
01:11:02And it was only a month ago.
01:11:05I met him on the street. He said he was over here on business.
01:11:08It was only then that I learned that the annulment had not gone through.
01:11:12Only then.
01:11:13Well, marriage is a sacred thing to me.
01:11:15Anyway, why are you telling him all this?
01:11:17Believe me.
01:11:19Can you understand what I felt?
01:11:21I begged him to leave me alone, to forget that he saw me.
01:11:25But, oh, no, I'd forgotten what a despicable creature he was.
01:11:29He threatened to go to Jason and tell him about our marriage
01:11:32and what I'd been doing when he found me.
01:11:35He said he was going to expose a whole scandal
01:11:37that would ruin Jason and everything he owned.
01:11:41Anyway, I met him three times.
01:11:43Each time I gave him money.
01:11:46Only it was more and more.
01:11:49And Jason?
01:11:50Oh, you know how much I loved him.
01:11:52I couldn't hurt him. I had to protect him.
01:11:54You must know that.
01:11:56So you and this person kept meeting?
01:12:00No. No, we didn't.
01:12:02After the third time, I realized how futile it would be,
01:12:05and I didn't call him or see him again.
01:12:07Oh, baby, you're making a mistake.
01:12:08Shut up. Make him shut up.
01:12:10Haven't I been through enough?
01:12:11But you did call me again, remember?
01:12:13We made a date to meet in that cafe.
01:12:15I waited for hours, but you never came back.
01:12:17Hey, come to think of it, you were there, too, that day.
01:12:19Don't listen to him, Doug.
01:12:20Get rid of him. He's evil.
01:12:22What are you talking about?
01:12:24Yeah, you and your late partner were at that cafe.
01:12:26What cafe?
01:12:27Well, you know, the day she fainted,
01:12:28and you carried her into the manager's office.
01:12:30That's why I stayed out of the way.
01:12:31I waited for hours, but she never came back.
01:12:33Ellen went there to meet you?
01:12:35Sure she did. We had a date.
01:12:37What's the matter? What'd I say?
01:12:39Leave us alone.
01:12:40Don't you order me. My wife needs me.
01:12:42Your wife wanted you dead.
01:12:44There was a murderer outside that cafe,
01:12:47waiting to follow you back to wherever you live
01:12:49and pump three bullets into your body.
01:12:51Well, you're wrong. I don't believe you.
01:12:53The wrong man was there.
01:12:55Of all the pubs in London, we had to choose that one.
01:12:58Oh, my God.
01:13:00Tell him he's wrong.
01:13:01You didn't hate me that much. You didn't want me...
01:13:08You really do.
01:13:11Oh, no.
01:13:13Wait outside.
01:13:15There's an inspector I want you to see at Scotland Yard.
01:13:25I didn't think you hated me that much.
01:13:33Jason worshipped you.
01:13:35I think, in a way, I did, too.
01:13:39Oh, help me, Doug.
01:13:41Help me.
01:13:43I was just fighting for a decent life.
01:13:45I was trying to save what was mine.
01:13:48I made Jason happy, didn't I?
01:13:50Do you think he's happy now?
01:13:52Where are you going?
01:13:54I'm going for the police.
01:13:56And this time, I don't think even your mourning clothes are going to help you.
01:14:06Doug.
01:14:08Doug, no.
01:14:10No.
01:14:11No, not the police.
01:14:13No, they won't understand.
01:14:16They don't understand.
01:14:20I loved him.
01:14:22I loved him.
01:14:26Oh, Jason.
01:14:28Oh, Jason.
01:14:32It was all a mistake.
01:14:34I didn't mean it.
01:14:37I didn't mean it.
01:15:04I didn't mean it.