Delayed Action (1954)
58 min | Mystery, Crime, Drama | July 1954 (UK)
A suicidal man agrees to confess to crimes committed by two criminals before he kills himself.
Director: John Harlow
Writer: Geoffrey Orme (screenplay)
Stars: Robert Ayres, June Thorburn, Alan Wheatley
58 min | Mystery, Crime, Drama | July 1954 (UK)
A suicidal man agrees to confess to crimes committed by two criminals before he kills himself.
Director: John Harlow
Writer: Geoffrey Orme (screenplay)
Stars: Robert Ayres, June Thorburn, Alan Wheatley
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
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08:20Want something, chum?
08:22Sure. A cigarette.
08:51Oh, morning, Mark.
08:53Good morning.
08:55Is he up yet?
08:56Just coming down.
08:58Any trouble?
08:59No.
09:00Quiet as the grave.
09:02That's rather good, isn't it?
09:04I do wish he wouldn't try to be funny in the mornings. It bothers me.
09:08Did you find out where his daughter lives?
09:10Checking.
09:12Good.
09:13You know, she's our trump card.
09:15If he's tempted by this proposition, it'll be because of her.
09:19Yes, because there is another way of looking at it, Mark.
09:22She'll be extremely useful to us if he steps out of line.
09:27Sellers. You have such a crude mind.
09:31Good morning, Mr. Ellison.
09:33I hope you'll forgive us for starting without you, but I'm an early riser.
09:36Certainly.
09:37Coffee?
09:38Please.
09:39You'll find some over there.
09:40Thanks.
09:41♪♪♪♪
09:46Did you sleep well?
09:47Did you expect me to?
09:49Perhaps not.
09:50However, no doubt you had a good opportunity for thinking things over.
09:54Yeah.
09:55Have you made up your mind?
09:57Not yet.
09:59There are a couple of things I'd like to know.
10:02Oh? Well, tell me, please.
10:05How do you know I won't double-cross you?
10:07I'm pretty good at reading character.
10:10I also take precautions.
10:13Suppose I agree. How will it happen?
10:17I'll take care of all the details.
10:20The comfort of the customer is our first care.
10:24Suppose you quit fooling around and tell me the truth.
10:27I've told you the truth.
10:28Look, you don't have to pay anyone for a job like this.
10:32You can knock off any old hobo, burn the body,
10:34and rig the setup without it costing you a cent.
10:39I'm glad I am that I had no thought of taking you into my active employment.
10:44You're as crude as sellers.
10:47I always steer clear of murder.
10:50You will be your own executioner.
10:53Thanks a lot.
10:55Anything else you want to know?
10:56Sure.
10:57A $64 question.
11:00When do I touch?
11:01As soon as certain preliminaries have been arranged.
11:06You'll find some bacon over there.
11:15Well, Mr. Ellison.
11:18All right. It's a deal.
11:21Excellent.
11:23Did you hear that, sellers?
11:25Will you please take care of the details of Mr. Ellison's demise?
11:29When's the happy day?
11:31No time like the present.
11:35You wouldn't be in a hurry, would you?
11:37Oh, this isn't a physical death.
11:39Not just yet. We must be fair.
11:41I hope that you'll enjoy your life for some time to come.
11:45No, what I meant was that this morning,
11:48Ned Ellison dies and a new personality is born.
11:52You're way ahead of me, Clint.
11:54His name. We must find a name for him.
11:57It's like picking winners.
12:00Or losers.
12:03Collins.
12:05Ned Collins. How do you like it?
12:07You'll make it all neck for all I care.
12:09Ned Collins.
12:11He'll have your physical attributes,
12:13your handwriting,
12:15and my brain.
12:17To establish him,
12:19I shall require certain services from you.
12:22What kind of services?
12:24Collins must become known as the controlling mind in all my businesses.
12:30He must also become known privately to his doctor and his dentist
12:34as a means of identification.
12:36Teeth are invaluable.
12:38Maybe I should send the police my fingerprints.
12:41There are better ways of establishing him.
12:43Our first visit will be to the bank,
12:46where you will open an account for the first time.
12:49Good morning. I'm Ned Collins.
12:51I have an appointment with the manager.
12:53Certainly, Mr. Collins. We'll come this way.
12:55Thank you very much.
13:00Come in.
13:02Mr. Collins.
13:04Good morning.
13:06Good morning.
13:07This is my secretary, Mr. Cruden.
13:09How do you do, Mr. Cruden?
13:10I brought him along as he'll be in here on my behalf quite a lot.
13:13I see. Do sit down.
13:16Sir.
13:17Thanks.
13:18Please.
13:20Cigarette?
13:21No, thank you.
13:22Now, Mr. Collins, I understand you wish to open a current account with us.
13:25Yeah, that's right.
13:26Well, we should be pleased to have you.
13:28There'll be the usual formalities, of course.
13:30Specimen signature and so on.
13:32Perhaps you wouldn't mind...
13:33Oh, sure, sure.
13:34Use this pen, sir.
13:36Why, thank you, Cruden.
13:38I trust your clerks will soon become accustomed to Ned's signature.
13:42Oh, that's all right. I see they have the proper instructions.
13:44Yes.
13:45My secretary will be presenting my checks.
13:48My pen, sir.
13:50Of course.
13:59Get in the luggage.
14:07Good morning, sir.
14:08Good morning to you.
14:10Thank you, sir.
14:11Welcome to your new home.
14:12Thank you, Cruden.
14:14Say, I seem to be doing all right.
14:17You're operating on quite a big scale, you know.
14:19Oh, my taste's a sample.
14:21Your tests don't count.
14:22Marks don't count.
14:25Your tests don't count.
14:27Marks do.
14:28Oh, take those cases into the other room.
14:30Hey, Sellers, give me a pound, will you?
14:34Come on, come on. I'm a big boy now.
14:37Here you are, fellas.
14:39Thank you, sir.
14:41Leave the publicity stunts to me, will you?
14:43Talking of publicity, would you say we put Ned Collins' fair and square on the map now?
14:47The name is getting known.
14:49Yes, that account with the bookmaker was a good touch.
14:51Fine. And if everybody's happy, how about that first payment?
14:55Help yourself.
14:58Use this pen.
15:00What's the date?
15:01Seventeen.
15:04Cross that seven.
15:05Why?
15:06A little identification help.
15:08Also, it will give the impression that you've operated a lot on the continent.
15:12What's to stop me writing out another check tomorrow?
15:14Practically nothing.
15:16I shouldn't try to, have you?
15:17The first check will benefit that small daughter of yours.
15:21The second might not reach her.
15:26Oh, whilst you're at it, Ned Collins, I'd initial these letters for her, will you?
15:31Names and addresses omitted, huh?
15:33They wouldn't mean a thing to you.
15:35Just initial them M and C, then forget all about them.
15:38I don't like signing letters blind.
15:40I'm paying for your handwriting.
15:42Amongst other things.
15:43I think you'll admit I'm paying well.
15:45Human bodies available on demand are in short supply this season.
15:49By the way, read back that top letter to me, will you?
15:52This one?
15:54Dear Harry, I'm sorry to tell you your investment has failed.
15:58And to balance your account, you should make a further payment of 500 pounds within the next three months.
16:04Cross out within the next three months.
16:06Make it by the seventh of next month.
16:09By the seventh of next month.
16:17Well, I guess anyone who makes a deal with you needs his head examining.
16:20Including me.
16:21Cross that seven.
16:24There you are.
16:27Now, shall I cash this, or will you?
16:30Allow me, sir.
16:34How would you like it, sir?
16:35Five, spirit.
16:36That's a fairly large amount.
16:38Mr. Collins frequently requires large sums of ready money.
16:41It's quite all right, sir.
16:42It's just that I hope you take precautions.
16:44You never know these days, do you?
16:46I can look after myself.
16:47Mr. Collins has implicit faith in me.
16:59You don't seem to favour the cheque system, Mr. Collins.
17:02I'm rich enough to be eccentric.
17:05And this generous friend of yours, who's now dead, he's to remain anonymous?
17:09If you please, yes.
17:10Very well.
17:11Now, this thousand pounds is to be placed in trust for Miss Gay Ellison.
17:16Yeah, that's right.
17:17She's to inherit it on her 18th birthday.
17:20You see, my life expectancy is a little uncertain, if you know what I mean.
17:25Aren't you ever rating this death risk, sir?
17:27You look healthy enough to me.
17:29But appearances can be deceptive.
17:31A morbid outlook can be a dangerous thing.
17:33I want you to tie this up so that nothing can affect it.
17:36No matter what happens.
17:38Leave it to me, sir.
17:39Thanks, Bartlesby.
17:43Don't worry, sir.
17:44It may never happen.
17:46You're right. You know it may not at that.
18:01Catch, Gay!
18:02Catch, Gay!
18:08Come along, Governor.
18:23Excuse me.
18:24Mr. Collins?
18:25Yeah?
18:26I received this note from you.
18:30You're hiring?
18:31Yes, Mr. Collins.
18:32Well, I'm in a hurry, but I can give you a couple of minutes. Come on in.
18:36Oh, Harry, what can I do for you?
18:38I knew it was no use coming to Sellers.
18:40He hasn't got a spark of feeling about him.
18:42I'm desperate, I tell you.
18:43Most of us get that way one time or another.
18:45You've got to give me a chance.
18:47Find the money?
18:48Well, it didn't all belong to me.
18:51Now it all belongs to Sellers, huh?
18:53I know that Sellers takes orders and you give them.
18:55Look, brother, in my business, I can't afford to take care of all the odd details.
18:58It's out of my hands.
18:59I'll talk to Sellers when he comes in.
19:00But why don't you come back tomorrow?
19:03What do you want?
19:04I had to come, Sellers.
19:06You're not only kicking me in the teeth, but you're making me kick others who've never done you any harm.
19:10That'll do, Harry. Get outside.
19:12I'm warning you.
19:13Shut up!
19:14Are you going quietly or do I have to start getting a little tough?
19:18Quite a distressing little scene.
19:20I thought so.
19:22How much did he tell you?
19:24Not a thing. He seemed to think I knew all about it.
19:26What was he all stained up about?
19:27When people won't do as they're told, they have to be persuaded.
19:29I don't like blackmail.
19:31And I don't like fools.
19:32People are never blackmailed unless they've been foolish.
19:34Criminally foolish.
19:35But this boy had reached the end of the line.
19:37Well, perhaps this is where he gets off.
19:39Let's forget the whole unpleasant incident.
19:41I'm going to have a drink. What about you?
19:51That was the kid. Satisfied?
19:54Road accidents these days are appalling.
19:57Quite appalling.
19:58That was no accident, Cruden, and I'm telling you I won't stand for that kind of thing.
20:02What a fanciful imagination you have.
20:05Rather too fanciful to be healthy.
20:07I don't want you hanging about here any longer.
20:09That suits me fine.
20:10Tomorrow I want you to go down to a cottage I rent at Bilberry.
20:13You'll have to come up sometimes to sign things, be seen at a theatre or a restaurant.
20:18Otherwise your life is your own.
20:20You know what, Cruden?
20:22You're too generous.
20:44Well, here it is. Holly Cottage.
20:46A little off the beaten track, isn't it?
20:48A little off the beaten track, isn't it?
20:50You won't be doing any entertaining.
21:02Well, here we are.
21:04Not bad.
21:06My name's Honey.
21:07Oh, Honey, I've heard about you.
21:09Hello.
21:10Afternoon.
21:11Didn't expect you gents until tea time.
21:13Caught me in the middle of my stock markets, as you might say.
21:15Well, I'll make a cup of char.
21:17Char?
21:18Rosy leaf.
21:19Tea.
21:20Oh, I see what you mean.
21:21Help yourself.
21:22Seems like a nice guy to have around.
21:24Oh, Honey's a useful type.
21:28You know, it's an odd experience being born again.
21:31I'm trying to figure out whether you're just crazy or plain dumb.
21:34How come?
21:35You really mean to go through with this business, do you?
21:37That's what I said.
21:38Well, you're sitting pretty for the nicest little double-cross ever.
21:42You can walk out when you like with cash in hand.
21:44Mark Cruden's not going to go to the police.
21:46Did he tell you to dangle the idea before me and see how I'd react?
21:50Okay, you're smart.
21:52Now, get this.
21:53You keep your own name when you're down here.
21:55If it comes to a showdown, they'll think that Ned Collins has got a cover name and a hideout in case of trouble.
21:59But you stick to all the tricks we've agreed, see?
22:01You go on crossing sevens and accepting Cruden's hospitality.
22:04Then there's no question of a slip-up.
22:07Mark sure knows his stuff, doesn't he?
22:09Dead right he does.
22:10Usually.
22:11Here you are, gents.
22:12Service with a smile.
22:13Thanks.
22:14Honey used to fight under my management.
22:16That's right.
22:17Kid Honey.
22:18I took the knocks and he took the lolly.
22:20Now you've retired to the country, huh?
22:21You like it?
22:22No.
22:23Too agricultural, if you know what I mean.
22:24Well, we'll have to think of something to occupy our time.
22:27That's right.
22:28Start a little book on the side.
22:29No.
22:30I mean there'll be plenty of work for both of us.
22:32Work?
22:33Me?
22:34Oh, for both of us.
22:35That's done it.
22:36I resign.
22:37You'd better think again, honey.
22:38Start off by cleaning this place up.
22:39It's filthy.
22:40Look at it.
22:41Why can't he be allowed to...
22:42Get out.
22:43I wouldn't say you have a winning way with your stooges.
22:45Oh, that's not always necessary.
22:46Honey will never run out on me.
22:48I know his past history.
22:49That makes you think you won't double-crush him?
22:51Makes him scared of me.
22:53Spot of bother with the police.
22:55It's a charming thought for the long winter evenings.
23:07Well, if you're coming up soon, I'm free, we'll make a night of it.
23:10If you're free.
23:11Listen, you tell Cruden to stay out of jail.
23:13I got a personal stake in your prosperity for the next 17 months.
23:16Listen, don't worry.
23:17Cruden's always one jump ahead.
23:19Oh, by the way, there's no telephone here.
23:21We'll send you a telegram.
23:22I'll remember that.
23:34I gather you're not exactly crazy about our friend Sellers.
23:37That's my business.
23:38Now look, honey, you and I are going to see an awful lot of each other.
23:41You're going to watch me, but I'm the boss.
23:44Now, do we work together or don't we?
23:47Okay.
23:48Do me a favor, guv.
23:49Cut out that word work.
23:52Come on, let's have a drink.
23:53It's all on the house.
24:00Amalgamated trust loan policy.
24:04So they are sitting up and taking notice at last.
24:06Well, that's what you wanted, wasn't it?
24:07Certainly.
24:08As long as they do it in the nicest possible way.
24:11We must get the boys with the big guns in before we can clean up.
24:14Talking about big guns.
24:15Here's a letter from Sir Francis Henry.
24:17Oh, what's he want?
24:18He seems to be nibbling.
24:19He wants to see Mr. Collins first before he decides.
24:22This hankering off to the front in here is becoming a considerable nuisance.
24:26Look, Mark.
24:27If we play it my way,
24:28I'll make Ellison sit on your knee and open his mouth like a music hall dummy.
24:32His daughter?
24:33Oh, we've only got to threaten her.
24:34No, we must keep her for a much bigger occasion.
24:37This time I think we can play it a little more simply.
24:41You're not going to let him meet Sir Francis, are you?
24:43Yes.
24:44But without any possibility of a discussion.
24:47Send a wire to Ned.
24:48Tell him to come up to town at once.
24:51Okay.
24:55Here you are, Guff.
24:56Here's your coffee.
24:57I made it...
24:59That's my boy.
25:00How's it going?
25:01Oh, listen to this.
25:02I was walking, not because I enjoyed it, but because I had to.
25:05Life had hit me pretty hard.
25:07I'd lost not only the treasure which I held most dear in life,
25:10but worse than that, my self-respect.
25:12The road which I was travelling stretched for miles without a bend.
25:16Somebody once said,
25:17there's always hope around the corner.
25:19But my road had no corners.
25:21Well, how does it strike you?
25:23Knocks me sideways, Guff.
25:25I read a book once.
25:26Honey, you're kidding.
25:27It's a fact.
25:28Well, not like your stuff.
25:29It was all about some cutie that worked a nightclub racket.
25:31Yeah, sure. I guess I read that one, too.
25:33Had a nice cuppa.
25:34Culture, huh?
25:35Well, I'm going to take a walk for ten minutes,
25:37see if I can collect some new ideas.
25:39Want me?
25:40Honey, you are not a new idea.
25:45The Winter Miles by Ned Ellison.
25:59The Winter Miles by Ned Ellison.
26:21You had a very lucky escape, young woman.
26:24What's the verdict, Doc?
26:25Well, actually, she's got off very lightly.
26:27But she shouldn't try to move for at least 48 hours.
26:30Of course, I can send her to hospital in an ambulance.
26:33Oh, forget it, Doc.
26:34I'm on my way to town now.
26:35She can stay here until she's fit to move on.
26:37Oh, that's fine.
26:38I'll arrange for a girl in the village to come up and take care of her.
26:41Oh, no, I mean...
26:42You already owe Mr. Ellison your life.
26:43There's no sense in getting fussy about accepting his hospitality.
26:46I'll look in again tonight.
26:47No, no, don't bother to see me out.
26:49Goodbye.
26:51Goodbye, dear.
26:52Goodbye, Doc.
26:54Well, how are you feeling?
26:58I'm okay.
27:00My name's Anne Curlew.
27:01I'm Ned Ellison.
27:02Any messages I can send for you?
27:05I have no next of kin.
27:07I'm sorry.
27:09I'd rather not talk about me, if you don't mind.
27:11All right.
27:12The present tense for both of us.
27:15Mr. Ellison.
27:16Uh-huh?
27:18Thank you for saving my life.
27:21You know, now's the time for good resolutions.
27:23Such as?
27:24Never assume a boy on a bike to do the expected thing.
27:26I managed to salvage this for you, miss.
27:28Oh, thank you.
27:29His name's Honey.
27:31Hello.
27:32He's my man.
27:33If there's anything you want, just let him know.
27:34He's gonna love looking after you.
27:36And don't you forget, you'll make yourself right at home.
27:40Like a cup of coffee, miss?
27:41No, thank you.
27:42No.
27:44Oh, I know what's happened to the man.
27:48Well, switchboard says the telegram went off at 1.15.
27:51What did Honey say that girl's name was?
27:53Curlew.
27:55Well, you've been taking your time, haven't you?
27:57Good evening, gentlemen.
27:59What's the matter? Something wrong?
28:01Yes, my friend, there is something wrong.
28:02What?
28:03The man Honey telephoned us today.
28:05He told us what's been going on at Dover.
28:07Something you didn't like?
28:08Just about everything.
28:09So you think you're a hero, Mr. Ellison.
28:11Not at all.
28:12I just did what anyone would have done.
28:14Even you.
28:16What right had you to risk your life like that?
28:18Right?
28:19You were risking something that doesn't belong to you.
28:21May I point out that you are my insurance for the future?
28:24In addition to which, several thousand pounds would have been wasted if you'd gone up in smoke.
28:29I'm sorry, Cruden, but there are moments when you just don't stand around adding up the cost in pounds, shillings and pence.
28:34Well, next time you will.
28:35I'm damned if I can finance any more amateur crusades on your part.
28:38You understand?
28:39Sure.
28:40Your standing corpse is back in the filing cabinet.
28:43Well, what am I doing tonight?
28:46A certain Sir Francis Henry is interested in the affairs of Mr. Ned Collins.
28:50And he wants to meet him.
28:51He's coming here tonight with his partner, Mr. Goodman.
28:54Sellers will brief you while you're dressing.
28:56After that, you'll have a dinner date at a restaurant.
28:59With a blonde actress?
29:01Strictly business.
29:02My dear fellow, that's entirely up to you.
29:04What's this girl at Bilbray like?
29:06Fair hair, nose, mouth, two of everything that's usual.
29:09Pretty?
29:10Depends on your taste.
29:12Such profound disinterest is a little too good to be true.
29:15You forget, I'm not what the insurance companies call a first-class life.
29:18All the same, I...
29:19She'll be gone before I get back.
29:21Bilbray's the kind of place that'll bore a girl like that to tears.
29:24Come on, it's time you dolled yourself up.
29:25All right, Mac.
29:27You ready?
29:28Sure.
29:29Now, you know the drill, don't you?
29:30So long as nobody asks me leaving questions, you're off.
29:33Now, you've got as much to win as we have.
29:35If we hook Sir Francis, he'll bring his friends in.
29:37Then we'll all be respectable.
29:39And then Mark may not have to take up his option.
29:41Bribe for a good boy, huh?
29:43Yeah, but don't forget you've got my girlfriend, Angela Bentley.
29:45Have I ever seen her before?
29:47Actually, no.
29:48Have I got to know her?
29:50Over my dead body.
29:51But officially, you've known her some time.
29:53Okay.
29:54Curtains up.
29:55Have the best of luck.
29:59As Robinson was telling me the other day...
30:01Ah, good evening, gentlemen.
30:03This is Mr. Ned Collins, Sir Francis Henry, Mr. Goodman.
30:06How do you do?
30:07Mr. Goodman and I have looked forward to this meeting, Mr. Collins.
30:09I'm glad to meet you, gentlemen.
30:11Well, shall we sit down?
30:13You must forgive us calling like this,
30:15but I understand your commitments keep you out of town quite a lot,
30:19and that you were unable to make plans far ahead.
30:22That's all right, Sir Francis.
30:24Yes.
30:25So hearing you were here this evening,
30:27we thought we'd seize the opportunity of hearing your proposition from your own lips.
30:32Yes.
30:33Well, I...
30:34Well, I...
30:37Thank you, Goodman.
30:39Well, here's to our further association.
30:42I hope we can get together.
30:43Naturally, there are a few things I want to ask you.
30:47In the first place, what about the...
30:50I'm not into anyone, Cruden.
30:52Anyone, Sir.
30:54Tell me, Sir Francis, what is it exactly that you'd like to know?
30:58Ned, darling, your secretary said you weren't in.
31:01He did, huh?
31:02Cruden, if you make stupid mistakes like that, I'll have to fire you.
31:06I'm very sorry, Sir.
31:07Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends?
31:09Why, of course.
31:10Sir Francis Henry, Mr. Goodman, Miss Angela Bentley.
31:13Good evening, Miss Bentley.
31:14How do you do?
31:15Darling, are you ready?
31:16Well, I...
31:17Oh, you're not letting me down, are you?
31:19I know I...
31:20Oh, Mr. Collins is thinking of financing a new play for Miss Bentley, Sir.
31:23I didn't know you promoted plays as well, Mr. Collins.
31:26Oh, this is only a sideline, Sir, a form of relaxation.
31:29Oh, it's such a good play.
31:31You'll love it, don't you, Ned?
31:33Oh, sure, I think it's great.
31:34What's its title?
31:35The title?
31:37Cruden, another drink for Mr. Goodman.
31:39Certainly, Sir.
31:40If you'll be requiring the car again tonight, Sir,
31:42I'd better telephone Bob before he goes off duty.
31:44Oh, no, no, I won't be requiring the car.
31:47You see, Angela, I'm terribly sorry, but something very important's come up now.
31:50You know, when I was your age, Collins,
31:52if anything important came up,
31:54it wasn't a business conversation between a couple of men.
31:58No, I've never yet stood between a lady and her dinner.
32:01Well, that's very kind of you, Sir.
32:03You see, the fact is that my secretary, Cruden, and Mr. Sellers here
32:06know almost as much about the proposition as I do,
32:08so if you don't think I'm walking out on you and Mr. Goodman...
32:10Oh, no, no, no.
32:11You chaps must relax sometimes.
32:13Go on, have a good time.
32:14Thank you, Sir.
32:15Oh, you're spoiling me.
32:17The car will be round immediately, Sir.
32:18Thank you, Cruden.
32:19Well, goodbye, Sir Francis, and I'm sure we shall meet again soon.
32:22Goodbye, Sir Francis.
32:24Goodbye, Mr. Goodman.
32:26Goodbye, Miss Drummond.
32:27Oh, well, you must come and see me when the new play opens.
32:32Good night, Cruden.
32:33Good night, Sir.
32:38Well, Sir Francis, if you'll allow me,
32:40I can give you whatever information you need.
32:42I have all the details at my fingertips.
32:44Well, thank you.
32:49Honey!
32:50Not again.
32:56Hello, honey. How are things?
32:57Am I glad to see you, guv.
32:59Perhaps they'll go and we'll have a bit of peace round here.
33:01Is she still here?
33:02Yes.
33:03And who are they?
33:04Jackie, the maid of all work.
33:06Oh, I hate that word, guv.
33:08Hey, is this your idea?
33:10No, they did it.
33:11Hmm, nice.
33:12It is.
33:13Honey!
33:14Oh, good morning, Sir.
33:15Good morning. You're Jackie, huh?
33:16That's right.
33:17Run down to the village and get some more soap, please.
33:19Excuse me, Sir.
33:20Hear that?
33:21Run.
33:24Good morning, Mr. Everson.
33:25Hello there.
33:26I'm glad you've arrived.
33:27I wanted to thank you personally.
33:28Oh, forget it.
33:30Hey, is that mine?
33:32Oh, yes.
33:33I've been reading The Winter Miles.
33:35I do hope you didn't mind.
33:36Reading unfinished novels brings its own punishment.
33:39Here, let's sit down.
33:45All right.
33:46Tell me the worst.
33:48Well, in the first place,
33:50why do you hate old age so intensely?
33:53I guess because I don't belong to it
33:55and therefore I just don't understand it.
33:58You'll belong to it one day.
34:00What makes you so sure?
34:01I may die young.
34:03Will you let me give you my ideas about the end of the book?
34:06Not if I'm to catch the noon train.
34:09Excuse me, Miss, isn't it time you got ready?
34:11Miss Curlew and I have decided to invite each other to stay to lunch.
34:14I'll see about it, Sir.
34:16Thanks, Jackie.
34:18All right.
34:19Now, you got to the crossroads.
34:21I mean, Jew's crossroads.
34:24You see, it's like this.
34:26Jew is a pretty complex character.
34:28Yeah, it's one thing for Edison to amuse himself writing stories.
34:31It's quite another when he shares that amusement with a young woman.
34:34But it's only a business partnership.
34:36Not when the girl's as attractive as this Ann...
34:38whatever her name is.
34:39Honey says they work like the devil.
34:41Even he relaxes sometimes.
34:43I don't want any attachments for our friend Ned.
34:46Why worry? We've always got our trump card to play.
34:49Yes, that's true.
34:51Well, you better watch Point Cellars...
34:53and let me know if he shows any signs of giving trouble.
34:55Okay.
35:04Checkers up.
35:06Take it easy, honey. The fight's over.
35:08I thought I was in the ring.
35:10You still at it, Gov?
35:12I want to finish before Miss Curlew arrives tomorrow.
35:14That's six weekends in a row, isn't it?
35:16So what?
35:17Nothing. Only it ought to be a whale of a book.
35:19You're right, brother. It will be.
35:49Do you realize this is an anniversary?
36:12An anniversary?
36:13Yeah, the day we met.
36:15Do you always remember dates?
36:16I remember the important ones.
36:18I thought we might mark the occasion in some way.
36:22Thanks, Anne, for everything.
36:25Oh, Ned, it's lovely. Thank you.
36:29A year ago.
36:31And I know as much about you now as I did then.
36:33Ah, no life stories. That was the bargain, remember?
36:36I remember.
36:37I would like to tell you...
36:38Don't tell me.
36:39Why not?
36:40I'm not quite ready to come up with my story yet.
36:42Then I may never hear it.
36:43How come?
36:44I'm going abroad.
36:46I've been offered a job.
36:48A good one.
36:50That's swell.
36:54Turn it down, will you?
36:56Why?
36:57I have a hunch that something else may come up.
37:00Something in the secretarial line?
37:02You know darn well that's not what I mean.
37:05Then what do you mean, Ned?
37:07I'm a little tired of guessing what's in your mind.
37:10Anne, I'd like to tell you.
37:11More than anything else, I'd like to tell you, but I can't right now.
37:14Do you mind?
37:15Yes, I do mind.
37:17You can't trust me with your worries.
37:19I can't see any future for us together.
37:21It's because I can't see the future that I can't say what's on my mind.
37:26Ned, is there anyone else?
37:29No.
37:31You see, I'm under a kind of a...
37:34personal contract.
37:36The option may or may not be taken up in the not too distant future.
37:41I know it's asking an awful lot, but...
37:43I can't believe it at that just for the present.
37:47I think I'd better take that job.
37:49Just you try running away from me.
37:57Will you please get it into your head that you possess no future for another month when our agreement ends?
38:02But you've almost got everything tied up and I have a proposition to make.
38:05Well...
38:06Every cent back you paid me to wind up the agreement right now.
38:09You must have made a lot of money.
38:10Sure I have.
38:11Oh, where's the honey?
38:12I want to get married.
38:14Congratulations.
38:16But that doesn't alter anything.
38:18Oh, look, Cruden, my life hasn't been so hard up to the present.
38:20Why don't you give me a break?
38:22Certainly, when the option expires.
38:24I have no intention of getting caught now.
38:27You must curb your impatience for another month.
38:29After that, I shall be only too happy to give the bridegroom away.
38:33But until then, I expect you to stand by your bargain.
38:37There'll be the final check to sign.
38:39Final check?
38:40To withdraw my balance from the bank.
38:42Quite a worthwhile sum.
38:44Why can't I write it now?
38:46No, that wouldn't do.
38:47Would it, Sellers?
38:48No, far too risky.
38:49Anything might happen.
38:50Watch it, Cruden.
38:51Don't you think you're getting a little greedy?
38:54It's stopped bigger crooks than you.
38:56I never change my plans, Ned.
38:59But you can go ahead with yours.
39:01Provided you don't forget that there's always an outside chance of force majeure.
39:06I won't forget.
39:08Will you sell me the cottage at Bilberry?
39:10The cottage? Why?
39:11I'd like to give it to Anne as a wedding present.
39:14Well, I'd give it to you with pleasure, but I never trouble to buy it.
39:17Sellers, who are the owners?
39:18Oh, I've forgotten.
39:19Scots are the agents.
39:21Thanks a lot.
39:26Any special orders for exercising the option?
39:31Sellers, I don't like you.
39:34This idea is in my head.
39:48Fifty-four inches.
39:49Fifty-four it is.
39:51Well, that's a lot, I think.
39:53Well, if you don't want me anymore, miss, I'll just dash down to the local.
39:57Oh, I'm sorry.
39:58I didn't see the time.
40:00You must be dying of thirst.
40:01Oh, I am a bit.
40:02Hi.
40:03Oh, any luck?
40:06Plenty, and it's all coming our way.
40:08No, I mean about the cottage.
40:10I don't want to think I've been doing all this for nothing.
40:12Oh, it's ours.
40:13Just a few small details to be fixed, that's all.
40:16Tell me, do you have a lawyer?
40:18Yes, Mr. Worsley.
40:19Fine.
40:20And as the cottage will be in your name, he might as well handle the deal.
40:22I'll drop him a line.
40:25Anne.
40:26Yes?
40:27Look, now the things are straightening out.
40:29I'd hoped to be able to tell you more about myself,
40:31but, well, it just hasn't worked out that way.
40:35I'll wait, Ned.
40:36You know what?
40:38You're sweet.
40:39But before you take the plunge, I promise you my whole life history
40:42so that you can pull out while there's still time.
40:45I think you're just working out the mystery to hold my interest.
40:48The mark of a good novelist.
40:54Here you are, sir.
40:55The curl you filed.
41:00It didn't occur to you that I wanted the file belonging to Miss Curlew,
41:02who's alive and not her brother who died a year ago, I suppose?
41:05Oh, I'm sorry, sir.
41:07Just a minute.
41:11That's odd.
41:15It's very odd.
41:16What, sir?
41:19Just take those papers back and bring me the correct file.
41:22Yes, sir.
41:24Miss Brown, now see if Detective Inspector Crane is in, will you?
41:27Yeah, they're certainly alike.
41:29Well, this is a job for our handwriting expert.
41:31I'll hand them over to him.
41:32Thank you, John.
41:33I think you're chasing shadows,
41:35but I know how fond you were of young Harry Curlew.
41:38Well, I owed his father a great deal.
41:40There's not much to go on in this letter found on the body after the accident.
41:44Well, the stem of the figure seven is crossed as it is in Ellison's letter.
41:47Yeah.
41:48These initials, N.C.,
41:50they don't fit Ellison.
41:51One may be a pseudonym.
41:53That's true.
41:54Now, look, Tom,
41:55if anyone but you had come to me with this story,
41:57I'd have been politely sarcastic.
41:59As it is, I'll pull a few unofficial strings and get Ellison investigated.
42:02That is, assuming that the handwriting test is positive.
42:05Will that satisfy you?
42:06Thank you, John.
42:09Well, that's that lot.
42:11Have you swept behind the grade?
42:13Perfect Cinderella, that's what I am.
42:15Aye, aye.
42:16Well, I'm serious.
42:17Don't you go ducks.
42:18You'll strain yourself.
42:22Good morning, miss.
42:23Where's Mr. Ellison?
42:24He's upstairs.
42:25He was late getting back last night.
42:26Oh, well, tell him you're here.
42:29Good morning, miss.
42:30Good morning.
42:31Mr. Ellison?
42:32Yeah?
42:33It's Miss Curlew.
42:34Oh, she's up early.
42:36I'm on my way.
42:40Oh, Anne, you're up early this morning.
42:42I...
42:43What's the matter?
42:44Are you Ned Collins?
42:46Well, are you?
42:47Yeah.
42:48Is this your handwriting?
42:49Of course.
42:51And this?
42:52Yes, sir.
42:53I'm interested.
42:54Yeah.
42:56And this one?
42:57Dear Harry, I'm sorry to...
43:00Sure.
43:01Then Mr. Worsley was right.
43:03Right?
43:04About what?
43:05Did a boy named Harry come to see you with this letter about a year ago?
43:08Yes.
43:09Did a boy named Harry come to see you with this letter about a year ago?
43:12Yeah.
43:13He was my brother.
43:15You killed him.
43:16Your brother?
43:18You mean that he was the one that...
43:19Harry Curlew.
43:21Killed in a street accident, or so they said.
43:24I'm afraid I'm not so charitable.
43:27How a man like you can act a lie so convincingly?
43:31Now, just a minute, Anne.
43:33As a matter of fact, I was going to try and explain...
43:35Oh.
43:40What do you want?
43:44Is this it?
43:45Yep.
43:46So Cruden sent you to fetch me.
43:48Didn't think I'd come out on my own, huh?
43:50Oh, yes, he did.
43:51He wrote you that letter.
43:52I decided to deliver it in person, just in case.
43:55Don't say you haven't been warned.
43:57Time's up.
43:59I'm holding you to our bargain.
44:01Odd, isn't it?
44:03I'd often wondered what it would be like...
44:05I'd often wondered what it would be like...
44:07getting this letter and knowing I only had a few hours to live.
44:10Strange.
44:11Now that it's here...
44:13I'm almost glad.
44:15The money's been paid into your solicitors.
44:17You can check by phone when we get to town.
44:19See that everything's regular.
44:20I don't care about that, either.
44:21Gay'll have enough without touching Cruden's dome.
44:23And horse is riding in the 230.
44:25Honey, I gotta make a trip up to town.
44:27No hitch about the wedding, is there?
44:29Hitch?
44:30That's the understatement of the year.
44:32Shall I pack a bag for you, Guff?
44:33I don't even need a toothbrush.
44:36So long, honey.
44:37And thanks for everything.
44:39Come on, Ellison. Time you're moving.
44:47Time's up.
44:48I'm holding you to your...
44:51I wish you wouldn't leave your...
44:53How's the matter?
44:55Ellison's in a spot of trouble, Jackie.
44:57I'm going up to town.
44:58Hold the fort.
45:04What's the matter, Cruden?
45:05Did you think I wouldn't show up?
45:07No.
45:08I told you, I'm a good judge of character.
45:10Everything set?
45:11Yes, I've arranged with the bank about the withdrawal.
45:14You're not getting scared without good cause, are you?
45:16Things have moved fast.
45:18I can't get away now without your help.
45:20So you've decided to cash in on your insurance policy.
45:23Do you see any reason why I shouldn't?
45:25A few personal objections, that's all.
45:27Well, I don't know.
45:29Do you see any reason why I shouldn't?
45:31A few personal objections, that's all.
45:33You've had a pretty good 18 months at my expense.
45:3618 months back, I could have dropped in the river with no regrets.
45:39I warned you, there was no future for you.
45:41You know, you're a strange bird, Cruden.
45:43Do you really suppose you're gonna have fun?
45:45Yes. You see, I have no conscience.
45:47Already?
45:49What have you got in there?
45:51A gun.
45:53What's the routine?
45:55Well, there's that last check to sign.
45:57That would draw from the bank the balance...
45:59to the credit of Ned Collins.
46:03Hmm.
46:05We made a lot of money, didn't we?
46:07That was the idea.
46:09What next?
46:11Sellers will explain.
46:13You must forgive me if I'm not present, but...
46:15I hate these unpleasant details.
46:17Tell me, how do you think you're gonna get out of the country?
46:19That will hardly concern you, will it?
46:21I was forgetting.
46:23Would you like a drink before you go?
46:25I don't get as good a deal...
46:27as the man in the condemned cell, do I?
46:29At least he got a slap-up breakfast.
46:31Hey, listen.
46:33Are you planning to double-cross me?
46:35Now, what makes you think that?
46:37Your attempted humor.
46:39Ah, you forget. I can afford to laugh.
46:41My troubles are ended.
46:43Yours are just beginning.
46:45If you are planning to double-cross me, I warn you...
46:47Ah, save your breath, Cruden.
46:51You're gonna need it for running.
46:55Yes, sir.
47:09Yes?
47:15You better beat it while I clear up in there.
47:17Yes, sir.
47:23The meet has arranged.
47:25Yes.
47:27It won't be too long.
47:33Switchboard.
47:35Get me Scotland Yard, will you, please?
47:37You've got my telephone message...
47:39about the very large check Mr. Collins wishes, Mr. Cash.
47:41Oh, that's fine, Mr. Cruden.
47:43The manager's waiting for you.
47:45We'll come through, please.
47:49Come in.
47:51Good afternoon.
47:53Mr. Mark Cruden?
47:55Yes?
47:57I'm Detective Inspector Crane.
47:59I understand you wish to cash the check for rather a large amount.
48:01And you're acting under instructions from Mr. Nate Collins.
48:03Is that so?
48:05Yes, of course.
48:07Excuse me, I'm in rather a hurry.
48:09I'm not a bit surprised.
48:11I'd like you to come with me to Scotland Yard.
48:13Scotland Yard? Why?
48:15Oh, just a routine check-up.
48:17But Mr. Collins is waiting...
48:19Don't we, gal? Thank you.
48:31Oh.
48:33I guess this is where I came in.
48:35Yes, you arrived for all the longer this time.
48:37I had to hit you with a sandbag instead of my fist.
48:39Sorry, I don't get it.
48:43I need your help.
48:45I always planned to come out of the dough.
48:47Mark was useful running the show, but...
48:49I never meant him to get away with the profits.
48:51So you put him on the spot, huh?
48:53He's been taken care of.
48:55Now, all I need is your help in cashing that final check.
49:01I never liked you, Sellers.
49:03I like you even less now.
49:05I saved your life twice.
49:07Yeah, for your own ends.
49:09Now, don't be a fool, Ellison.
49:11In half an hour, you can be in the clear.
49:13And you'll have your little domestic heaven.
49:17In exchange for a signature on a check?
49:19That's right, Chum.
49:21You don't get it.
49:23I'm not going to argue with you, Ellison.
49:25But if you don't do what you're told, I start playing rough.
49:27Look, Sellers, you and Mark have got your values all wrong.
49:29The bargain concerned a body.
49:33You can't threaten a dead man.
49:35Let me try and persuade you.
49:37You better move fast, Mac.
49:39The bank's closed at three.
49:41We're on our way.
49:45Come in, Barber.
49:47I am.
49:49Why?
49:51Okay, okay.
49:55You write stories, don't you, Ned?
49:57That means you've got imagination.
49:59I'm going to give you ten minutes.
50:01And when I come back, either I get the check or the lady.
50:03Is that clear?
50:05Come on.
50:07Did they hurt you?
50:09I'm all right.
50:11How did they find you?
50:13I was coming out of my flat
50:15when a car drew up beside me.
50:17Someone pulled me inside and told me
50:19that if I screamed, I'd be shot.
50:21I can't believe you were responsible for Harry's death.
50:23You weren't, were you?
50:25No.
50:27Well, then what's behind it all?
50:29You promised to tell me all about yourself.
50:31Yeah, I didn't tell you.
50:33Now, I've got less than ten minutes
50:35I've got less than ten minutes in which to do it.
50:39Oddly enough, it began right here in this very room,
50:41or rather on the riverbank nearby.
50:45There's nothing more I have to say.
50:47Well, Cruden, we'll see what Mr. Collins
50:49has to tell us about it.
50:51I've sent a man round Appendant Court to talk to him.
50:53Inspector.
50:55Yes?
50:57I've served my employer, Mr. Collins,
50:59to the best of my ability.
51:01But there's a point beyond which I can't go.
51:03And what point is that?
51:05Being charged with murder.
51:07Murder?
51:11Unless I tell you the truth now,
51:13you won't believe that Ned Collins killed himself.
51:17How do you know he's dead?
51:19Your man will find the body.
51:21Let's have your statement, Cruden.
51:25Very well.
51:29In the first place, Inspector,
51:31I want you to understand quite clearly
51:33that I was engaged as a private secretary.
51:35So you see?
51:37Sellers is double-crossing all of us.
51:39And I just hate to see him getting away with it.
51:41Does it really matter, Ned?
51:43Well?
51:45Time's up.
51:47Don't you get tired of hearing the same record?
51:49No check.
51:51Your signature, please.
51:53I told you no.
51:55Please sign it, Ned.
51:57There's your check.
51:59Now you can let us go.
52:01Move up.
52:05You know what, Checker?
52:07Meet me at the bank at 3.
52:09Come on.
52:11Oh, no, you don't.
52:13You're going to cash that check in person.
52:15After Cruden's attempt, they'll be suspicious of anyone else.
52:17You don't miss a trick, do you?
52:19No.
52:27Beep, beep.
52:58Inside.
53:11Let's make the crane.
53:15Oh.
53:17Yes.
53:19Yes, well, let's have it.
53:21Uh-huh.
53:23Now, that's it.
53:26Now, that's all.
53:35Your suicide's walked out on you.
53:38What?
53:40Sorry, nobody.
53:42A revolver shot in the ceiling, a smell of gunpowder,
53:44but no exhibit A.
53:48So that's it.
53:50He's double-crossed me.
53:52They planned this together.
53:54A gentleman's agreement.
53:58Did someone tip you off about me?
54:00We're not mind-readers.
54:02Right.
54:04I want to add to my statement.
54:06I'm cutting my own throat, but if I can get them as well,
54:08it'll be worth it.
54:10Sellers and Collins?
54:12Sellers and Ellison. Collins never existed.
54:14They're both after my money.
54:16Your money?
54:18Yes, mine. I'm the man you want.
54:24All right.
54:48Cigarette?
54:50Yeah.
55:04I think I will have that cigarette.
55:12Nice work, kid. Get some rope.
55:14I'll take care of the champ.
55:24Okay, relax, everyone.
55:26Unto him.
55:28Lob, get that gun.
55:30Over here in the corner, honey.
55:32Follow him, Barber.
55:36Well, that's that.
55:38Now all we have to do is to wait for darkness
55:40and a pleasant little trip down the river.
55:46Okay.
55:48Time's up.
55:50Come on.
55:52No dice. You're on your own. We're staying.
55:54Oh, no, you're not. You're coming with me.
55:56You know too much. Come on.
55:58Okay.
56:00You win.
56:02Hey, Sellers!
56:20Hold him, honey.
56:44Get in the boat.
56:50Come on.
57:20You all right, guv?