Recently widowed Laura Vallance returns home to England after many years living abroad. She knows few people in England, but she desires rest and seclusion in her time of grief. However, she is more alone than she bargained for when she hires Roger Masters as her butler. With small doses of poison, the ruthless butler plans to keeps his wealthy employer incapacitated... permanently.
Source: IMDB
Source: IMDB
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Short filmTranscript
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00:00:40Leaving a position where one has been happy is always sad, madam.
00:00:43However, the splendid references which you've seen fit to sign
00:00:46are at least some consolation.
00:00:49I would like to stay,
00:00:51but I've always held the opinion
00:00:53that a man in my position should strive constantly to be extended.
00:00:57And I think we would both agree that my work here is finished.
00:01:01All that remains is to tidy up.
00:01:04Aah!
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00:02:03You're a widow on a foreign land, Laura.
00:02:05You need the protection of the American embassy.
00:02:07You forget I was born here.
00:02:09Ah, yes, but you've lived most of your life abroad.
00:02:11You married an American.
00:02:13You have no friends here in England, no acquaintances.
00:02:15You're a stranger here.
00:02:17Since when did strangers in England need diplomatic shelter?
00:02:19Charming, though, my guardian would be.
00:02:21Oh, not all strangers.
00:02:23Just a beautiful, newly bereaved millionaireess.
00:02:25I know George would have wanted me to look after you.
00:02:27After all, he always admitted he was lucky
00:02:29to have seen you six months before I did.
00:02:32Hugo, dear, there is no one
00:02:34I'd rather be looked after by,
00:02:36if you'll forgive the undiplomatic grammar,
00:02:38but it's really too soon.
00:02:40I came here to get away,
00:02:42away from Washington,
00:02:44away from people who knew me, from memories,
00:02:46anything that might remind me.
00:02:48Well, you're going to be lonely.
00:02:52Oh, Hugo,
00:02:54please don't think I'm not delighted to see you.
00:02:57I am.
00:02:59And I know that later I'll be glad you're here,
00:03:02but just now I want to be among strangers, anonymous.
00:03:06I want to become...
00:03:08empty for a while.
00:03:12Does that make sense?
00:03:14Very well.
00:03:16But you do well to remember
00:03:18what they call me in the service.
00:03:20The bulldog.
00:03:22You never let go.
00:03:24It's rather comforting, in a way.
00:03:26Excuse me, madam.
00:03:28There's a person in the hall.
00:03:30Mr. Masters says he has an appointment with you.
00:03:32An interview for Butler?
00:03:34Yes, show him in, Betty.
00:03:36I'll be on my way.
00:03:38If this fellow doesn't work out,
00:03:40I'd be a pretty mean hand at buttling myself.
00:03:42Mr. Masters, madam.
00:03:44Goodbye, Laura. Think about it.
00:03:46I will.
00:03:53Mr. Roger Masters, madam, at your service.
00:03:55It was noon you suggested, I think.
00:03:57If you'd care to sit down, Mr. Masters.
00:03:59Of course I am.
00:04:01Well, I've looked through the references you sent me.
00:04:03They're most impressive.
00:04:05Tell me, why did you leave your last employer?
00:04:07She went abroad for her health, madam.
00:04:09However, she was kind enough
00:04:11to write down her impressions of me
00:04:13before she left.
00:04:15So I see.
00:04:17Look after Mrs. Valens, Betty.
00:04:19She's quite on her own, you know.
00:04:21Oh, I will, sir.
00:04:23Don't you worry about a thing.
00:04:29Your last post was in the country, I see.
00:04:31Will you like it in town?
00:04:33I'm sure I will, madam. I'm quite accustomed to London.
00:04:35Well,
00:04:37I don't intend to maintain a large establishment.
00:04:39If you came, it'd be yourself
00:04:41and the maid, Betty.
00:04:43She also does the cooking and cleaning.
00:04:45The advertisement mentioned just yourself in the household, madam.
00:04:47That is so.
00:04:49Would it be your intention, madam, to have frequent houseguests?
00:04:51That would be very far from my intention.
00:04:53A start of two would be perfectly adequate, madam.
00:04:55I want quiet, Masters. Peace and quiet.
00:04:57Should we agree,
00:04:59I'll expect you to remember that.
00:05:01I think I can promise to provide that, madam.
00:05:03Is the salary satisfactory?
00:05:05Perfectly, thank you.
00:05:07Very well, the engagement is yours.
00:05:09You may bring your things this evening
00:05:11and start tomorrow, if you wish.
00:05:13I do wish it, thank you.
00:05:15I assure you, you won't live to regret it.
00:05:27You got the job, then?
00:05:29I was appointed to the post of butler, yes.
00:05:31I saw your references the other day.
00:05:33You move about quite a bit, don't you?
00:05:35Mrs. Valens found them perfectly satisfactory.
00:05:37I never said she didn't, did I?
00:05:57It went like a dream.
00:05:59We're in.
00:06:01No problems?
00:06:03There's a maid who'll need watching.
00:06:09Thank you, Betty.
00:06:14He's the new butler, is he, then, madam?
00:06:16Yes, I'm sure you'll get on very well with him.
00:06:18He's the new butler, is he, then, madam?
00:06:20Yes, I'm sure you'll get on very well with him.
00:06:30He drives a bit of a flash car for a butler, madam.
00:06:34Well...
00:06:36We all have our little weaknesses.
00:06:38Even butlers.
00:06:40Yes, madam.
00:06:45A cigar?
00:06:47I, uh...
00:06:49I ran into Laura Valens today.
00:06:51Laura Valens?
00:06:53Yes. Remember Mrs. Valens?
00:06:55Laura Valens.
00:06:57Yes, I mentioned her the other day.
00:06:59Oh, yeah. Washington, wasn't she?
00:07:01Married to that guy in the State Department.
00:07:03That's right, you got it.
00:07:05Just bumped into her, did you?
00:07:07Yes, yes. Her husband died, you know,
00:07:09and she's over here on a kind of a sabbatical to get over it.
00:07:11And that's how you bumped into her?
00:07:13Yes, yes. She's taking a house near the park.
00:07:15That's the lady.
00:07:17And where did this collision take place?
00:07:19What? Oh, the...
00:07:21Yes, I see what you...
00:07:23Well, no, she's, uh...
00:07:25We met over at her house.
00:07:27It was rather too big for her, I would have thought.
00:07:29Still, well, you know, she wants seclusion.
00:07:31Pretty shaken up, I suppose.
00:07:33Yes, yes.
00:07:35Well, I remember what it was like
00:07:37when your mother died.
00:07:39Takes a bit of getting used to.
00:07:41I should think the best thing for her would be to get married again.
00:07:43She was very happy with what's-his-name, wasn't she?
00:07:45No, that's the point.
00:07:47It's the people that were happy the first time around
00:07:49who have the best chance of making a go of it again.
00:07:51So when's the wedding?
00:07:53What?
00:07:55When are you going to marry Laura Valance?
00:07:57Well, that's what you were getting around to
00:07:59in about two hours' time, isn't it?
00:08:01Why, you cheeky...
00:08:03I mentioned her the other day.
00:08:05Do you realize exactly how many times
00:08:07you've mentioned her recently?
00:08:09Oh, dear.
00:08:11The house is too big for her, if you ask me.
00:08:13Too big and too quiet.
00:08:15No friends, no relatives.
00:08:17What she wants to do
00:08:19is marry that nice Mr Hugo
00:08:21and have a life again.
00:08:25This is Madam's study
00:08:27where she does all the accounts and correspondence
00:08:29and such like.
00:08:31She should have a man to do all that for her.
00:08:33Oh, she has now, Betty. Me.
00:08:35I mean a husband, not a butler.
00:08:37What's in here?
00:08:39Madam's personal papers.
00:08:41Bank things, checkbooks, documents, things like that.
00:08:43They're none of your concern.
00:08:45You've evidently not been in service very long.
00:08:47The whole house and all its problems
00:08:49are the concern of the butler.
00:08:51Is that what it was like at Chevening Manor?
00:08:54What do you know of Chevening Manor?
00:08:56Don't know nothing about it.
00:08:58Just saw it on your references, that's all.
00:09:00Prying into other people's affairs
00:09:02is one of the little habits you're going to have to get out of
00:09:04now I'm in charge.
00:09:30Thank you, Masters. The temperature is perfect.
00:09:32I think we shall get on very well.
00:09:34I shall use my very best endeavors to that end, Madam.
00:09:36You may go.
00:09:38Good night, Madam.
00:09:40Good night, Masters.
00:09:42Good night.
00:10:12Good night.
00:10:42Good night.
00:11:12Oh, you did give me a turn.
00:11:14What are you doing?
00:11:16On the contrary, what are you doing?
00:11:18I've just been upstairs to see if she wanted anything.
00:11:20Well, that's my responsibility now.
00:11:22Kindly remember your station.
00:11:24My station?
00:11:26Where do you think you are, bleak house?
00:11:28Queen Victoria's dead, you know.
00:11:30Anyway, what were you doing in there?
00:11:32I was checking the doors and windows.
00:11:34The security of the house is my concern.
00:11:36The security of the house?
00:11:38Creeping about in the middle of the night?
00:11:40The security of the house.
00:11:42Creeping about like Frankenstein.
00:11:44It's enough to give a girl curly hair.
00:12:10I'm sorry.
00:12:12I'm sorry.
00:12:14I'm sorry.
00:12:16I'm sorry.
00:12:18I'm sorry.
00:12:20I'm sorry.
00:12:22I'm sorry.
00:12:24I'm sorry.
00:12:26I'm sorry.
00:12:28I'm sorry.
00:12:30I'm sorry.
00:12:32I'm sorry.
00:12:34I'm sorry.
00:12:36I'm sorry.
00:12:38I'm sorry.
00:13:08I'm sorry.
00:13:38Come in, Betty.
00:13:50Come in, Betty.
00:13:54Betty, this is most distressing and I hope you don't think...
00:13:56Forgive me, madam.
00:13:58I know how embarrassing these matters can be.
00:14:00The fact is that a valuable ring is missing
00:14:02from Mrs. Valance's jewel case.
00:14:04What?
00:14:06Mrs. Valance went to sleep last night.
00:14:08It is not there now.
00:14:10There are only the two of us in the house.
00:14:12That will be the police.
00:14:14I didn't tell you to send for the police.
00:14:16I'm sorry, madam, but I am at a disadvantage in this matter.
00:14:18I am the newcomer.
00:14:20I therefore felt it essential in my own interests
00:14:22that the matter be investigated in the proper manner.
00:14:24If you'll forgive me, madam.
00:14:30Madam, I swear...
00:14:36It's absolutely horrible.
00:14:38There are police all over the house.
00:14:40The maid is miserable.
00:14:42I should never have let it get this far.
00:14:44Well, it's a rotten thing to have happened,
00:14:46but after all, you had Betty, what, two weeks?
00:14:48Master's arrived just yesterday.
00:14:50It's best to get it straightened out.
00:14:52Oh, Hugo, I'm so glad you're here.
00:14:54I don't think I could have coped by myself.
00:14:56Well, I thought I'd just drop by
00:14:58on my way to the madhouse,
00:15:00see if you care to have lunch.
00:15:02No, I don't.
00:15:04Ah, I think we've got it sorted out, Mrs. Valance.
00:15:06Is, uh, is that the ring?
00:15:08Yes.
00:15:10Yes, that's the one.
00:15:12Where did you find it?
00:15:14I dropped it somewhere and not realized.
00:15:16No, madam, you hadn't dropped it, not in that sense.
00:15:18We found it in your maid's bedroom,
00:15:20rolled up in a pair of tights.
00:15:22But she couldn't.
00:15:24She wouldn't.
00:15:26In any case, she's far too sensible.
00:15:28She must have known I'd missed it.
00:15:30I'm sorry.
00:15:32In any case, she's far too sensible.
00:15:34She must have known I'd missed it.
00:15:36You'd be surprised, madam,
00:15:38how careless lots of ladies are with their jewelry.
00:15:40They don't know whether it's on their hand or their...
00:15:42Well, these girls know that. They trade on it.
00:15:44Do you wish us to prefer charges, Mrs. Valance?
00:15:46No, no, no, no, no.
00:15:48Good heavens, no.
00:15:50Oh, Hugo, please, will you deal with it?
00:15:52I just couldn't face her.
00:15:54Tell masters to give her
00:15:56the customary amount in lieu of notice
00:15:58and, oh, deal with it in any way you like.
00:16:01I'm sorry.
00:16:20Please don't distress yourself, madam.
00:16:22You did the only thing you could.
00:16:24She seems such a straightforward person.
00:16:26She probably has a record of such thefts.
00:16:28She's lucky not to find herself prosecuted.
00:16:30That makes me a bit nervous
00:16:32about finding a replacement.
00:16:34Might I suggest, madam, that you leave it to me?
00:16:36I'm confident of finding a suitable person.
00:16:38Yes.
00:16:40Yes, of course, masters.
00:16:42Why don't you do that?
00:16:44I'll leave it in your hands.
00:16:46Very good, madam. Will madam be at home for lunch?
00:16:48No, no, I shall be lunching out with Mr. Fane.
00:16:50I've also asked him to dine here the day after tomorrow,
00:16:52so if you could arrange something before then.
00:16:54Of course, madam. Will that be all, madam?
00:16:56Thank you, masters.
00:17:26You're a genius.
00:17:28These are the best oeufs-en-cacao
00:17:30I've had since Brussels.
00:17:32Where'd you find it?
00:17:34I didn't. Masters did it.
00:17:36You know, he really is turning out to be quite a prize.
00:17:38No chance for me to do my stuff then, huh?
00:17:40Oh, Hugo.
00:17:42Beautiful.
00:17:44My compliments to the chef.
00:17:48But one vital ingredient missing.
00:17:52At the moment,
00:17:54the creamed spinach.
00:17:56I got that out of her when we discussed the menu.
00:17:58She adores spinach,
00:18:00but he never touches it.
00:18:02Wise man.
00:18:14Trolley.
00:18:24Trolley.
00:18:40Well, congratulations, masters.
00:18:42Where did you dig up this goddess of the kitchen?
00:18:44We've worked together before, sir.
00:18:46I remembered her, and she happened to be free.
00:18:48I can't think why.
00:18:50If it weren't you, my dear, I'd steal her away myself tomorrow.
00:18:52A little more spinach, madam?
00:18:54Yes, yes, I believe I will.
00:19:22Oh, dear.
00:19:38Madam?
00:19:40I don't feel very well, masters.
00:19:42Oh, dear, I'm sorry to hear that, madam.
00:19:44I shan't be down till breakfast.
00:19:46I know how wretched these little upsets can make one feel.
00:19:48Might I suggest, madam, that you return to bed,
00:19:50or instruct Lisa to prepare something simple?
00:19:52I'll bring up the mail and the household checks for you to sign later.
00:19:54I think that's a very good idea.
00:19:56I really do feel most odd.
00:19:58Just some coffee and a little dry toast,
00:20:00and, oh, please, telephone Mr. Fane
00:20:02and ask him if we could meet at one o'clock rather than noon.
00:20:04Very good, madam.
00:20:06That's enough.
00:20:08We don't want to kill her, do we?
00:20:28May I take the tray?
00:20:30Yes, sir.
00:20:34May I take the tray?
00:20:38Forgive me, madam,
00:20:40but I really don't think you should be up.
00:20:42I must make an effort. Mr. Fane is expecting me.
00:20:44Did you give him my message?
00:20:46I hope you won't be offended, madam,
00:20:48when I took the liberty of cancelling your appointment with Mr. Fane.
00:20:50I really didn't think you'd be well enough to go,
00:20:52and I informed Mr. Fane accordingly.
00:20:56I think you're right.
00:20:58Well, he was very thoughtful of you, masters.
00:21:00It's probably gastric flu. It's very prevalent at the moment.
00:21:02If I might venture,
00:21:04the only way to deal with it is to retire to bed
00:21:06and to remain there for a day.
00:21:08I've always found it works wonders.
00:21:10I believe you're right again, masters.
00:21:12I'm always recommending it to other people,
00:21:14always reluctant to do it myself.
00:21:16If you'll permit me...
00:21:18No, no, really, really, I'm perfectly all right.
00:21:24Here we are, madam.
00:21:26I'm being spoiled outrageously.
00:21:28I hope you'll feel better soon, madam.
00:21:48Um...
00:21:50Mm...
00:21:54Mm...
00:22:00Uh...
00:22:14Gin.
00:22:16That is the sixth time in a row.
00:22:18I know you're cheating,
00:22:20but I can't spot how.
00:22:24Just about on schedule.
00:22:30Well, go on, then.
00:22:32Take it easy.
00:22:34It'd never do to show her I was expecting it, would it?
00:22:36I should be in bed and fast asleep, shouldn't I?
00:22:44Mint.
00:22:56Mr Roger Masters reporting for duty.
00:23:00Oh.
00:23:18I'm sorry, madam. I sleep like the dead.
00:23:20Have you been ringing long?
00:23:22I'm sorry. I didn't wish to disturb you, masters,
00:23:24but I really believe I'm quite ill.
00:23:26I think I'd better have a doctor.
00:23:28Oh, no, no, no.
00:23:30Mr Fane left an embassy list.
00:23:32It's in my address book on the dressing table.
00:23:34There's a doctor's number in there.
00:23:36Of course, madam.
00:23:38Oh.
00:23:42Oh.
00:23:58Oh.
00:24:06I'm sorry to ring you at this late hour.
00:24:08I'm speaking with Mrs Laura Valance,
00:24:10a friend of Mr Hugo Fane.
00:24:12Could I speak to Dr Eastall, please?
00:24:16I see.
00:24:20Yes, I see.
00:24:22When will he...
00:24:24Not till then.
00:24:26Oh, thank you.
00:24:28My apologies again for disturbing you.
00:24:30I'm sorry, madam.
00:24:32Apparently, Dr Eastall is aware to medical convention in Bermuda.
00:24:34He'll not be back for two weeks.
00:24:36Oh, no.
00:24:38However, as I say, I do know an excellent man,
00:24:40used by a number of my previous employers.
00:24:42He's a most conscientious doctor.
00:24:44I'm sure you'll be in good hands.
00:24:46May I fetch him?
00:24:48Oh, yes, yes, please do.
00:24:50Certainly, madam.
00:24:52His number's downstairs.
00:24:54He's a minor.
00:24:56The symptoms are distressing, I know,
00:24:58but his bark is worse than his bite, if you understand me.
00:25:00I'm sorry to have been so much trouble.
00:25:02Not at all, not at all.
00:25:04I wish all my patients were sensible.
00:25:06Hit small things early, and they don't benefit to big things.
00:25:08That's what I always say.
00:25:10How long will I be?
00:25:12What, in bed? Depends on you, largely.
00:25:14If you're a sensible girl, do as you're told.
00:25:16Take your medicine. Four or five days.
00:25:18Five days?
00:25:20Well, it could be much longer if you don't behave yourself.
00:25:22I've written out some prescriptions there,
00:25:24but I'm leaving with your chap,
00:25:26and I'm relying on him to see that you play the game.
00:25:28So...
00:25:30when I'm not here,
00:25:32he is, as it were, in loco parentis for me.
00:25:34You understand?
00:25:36And I'm telling him you need lots of rest and lots of quiet,
00:25:38and he's to see that you get him.
00:25:40All right?
00:25:42Now, good. Now, take these. They'll help you to sleep.
00:25:44Now, here we are.
00:25:46All right?
00:25:48All right?
00:25:50All right, then?
00:25:52Good. Good. Fine.
00:25:54Well, that's it, then.
00:25:56There we are.
00:25:58Now, then. Yes.
00:26:00Oh, yes. And remember,
00:26:02your butler is the boss.
00:26:04I will remember. Right.
00:26:06Ah!
00:26:08Same as last time, I suppose.
00:26:10Impossible to detect,
00:26:12and gradual in the way that it hits them.
00:26:14It's the only stuff.
00:26:16As for tonight, there'll be more later, as usual.
00:26:18Well, there was a time, you know.
00:26:20Yeah. That's before you got struck off.
00:26:22Come off it, Ledworth.
00:26:24You haven't lived so well for years.
00:26:26And try and stay at least one quarter sober, would you?
00:26:28I may want you to go to bed.
00:26:30I'm not going to.
00:26:32I'm not going to.
00:26:34Try and stay at least one quarter sober, would you?
00:26:36I may want you again.
00:26:38Now, don't you push me around!
00:26:40You need me!
00:26:42I own you!
00:26:44Don't forget that, Ledworth.
00:26:46I picked you up out of your own filth,
00:26:48dusted you off and made you useful again.
00:26:50Money, the clothes you stand in,
00:26:52the liquor you pour down your gullet,
00:26:54they're there by the grace of me.
00:26:56I even put a roof over your head.
00:26:58Or perhaps you'd like to go back where I found you, eh, Ledworth?
00:27:00The alcoholic ward?
00:27:02I can't do a thing.
00:27:04I can't do a thing.
00:27:06Of course you will.
00:27:10Of course you will.
00:27:14Now, get back to the house.
00:27:24What's the matter with him?
00:27:26I think it's the time of night
00:27:28when bent doctors remember their Hippocratic oath.
00:27:32Good morning, madam.
00:27:34I trust you slept well.
00:27:36Oh, yes, thank you.
00:27:38I'm very thirsty.
00:27:40Breakfast will be up in five minutes, madam.
00:27:42What are you doing?
00:27:44Dr. Ledworth prescribed complete rest and quiet, madam.
00:27:46No telephone calls.
00:27:48I don't think that's necessary.
00:27:50He warned me you might be a difficult patient, madam.
00:27:52I'm afraid I shall have to be quite heartless.
00:27:56What do you mean, no telephone calls?
00:27:58The doctor was quite explicit, sir.
00:28:00No telephone calls and no visits.
00:28:02He said it was most important that Mrs. Valance had complete rest.
00:28:04What's the matter with her, did he say?
00:28:06He said it was a virus.
00:28:08Not serious, but it could become so
00:28:10if Mrs. Valance did not observe his routine.
00:28:30Oh, Dr. Eastow.
00:28:32Hugo Fane.
00:28:34Doctor, this is going to sound rather odd,
00:28:36but has Mrs. Laura Valance consulted you?
00:28:38And if so, just completely in confidence, of course.
00:28:40What the devil's wrong with her?
00:28:42She hasn't consulted you?
00:28:44No, no, no, nothing at all.
00:28:46Thank you, doctor.
00:28:48I'm hungry, masters.
00:28:50You hardly gave me any breakfast, either.
00:28:52I'm sorry, madam, doctor's orders.
00:28:54You know what they say, feed a cold and starve a fever.
00:28:56Is that what I've got, a fever?
00:28:58I'm afraid I know nothing about the art of medicine, madam,
00:29:00but I do have a great respect for medical men.
00:29:02Dr. Ledebeth said it's for your own good.
00:29:04Oh, did Mr. Fane telephone you?
00:29:06No, he didn't.
00:29:08I'm afraid he didn't.
00:29:10I'm afraid he didn't.
00:29:12I'm afraid he didn't.
00:29:14I'm afraid he didn't.
00:29:16Oh, did Mr. Fane telephone this morning?
00:29:18No, madam.
00:29:20I see, thank you.
00:29:34I don't see there's anything odd about it at all, dad.
00:29:38Well, I recommended our own doctor to her,
00:29:40now she's gone, gotten herself ill,
00:29:42she's called in somebody else.
00:29:44It's a privilege.
00:29:46She decided not to take your advice.
00:29:48Maybe that's what she's sore about, is it?
00:29:50I mean, after all,
00:29:52she couldn't choose her own doctor
00:29:54without starting a congressional debate.
00:29:56Yeah, I suppose you're right.
00:29:58Can I borrow your car tonight?
00:30:00Hmm?
00:30:02Yes.
00:30:06Hey!
00:30:08What's wrong with your own?
00:30:14I don't know.
00:30:44Is this all?
00:30:46I'm afraid so, madam.
00:30:54I'm starving.
00:30:56I've had hardly anything to eat for the past two days.
00:30:58I think that's why I'm feeling so weak.
00:31:00I'm sorry, madam,
00:31:02but I'm only following the doctor's instructions.
00:31:04I'm sure it's doing you good.
00:31:06I'm sorry, sir.
00:31:08I'd be wrong to disobey the doctor's
00:31:10and madam's instructions.
00:31:12The treatment requires complete rest and no visitors.
00:31:14Who's looking after her?
00:31:16He's an American doctor, sir.
00:31:18He's a friend of madam's who happens to be over here.
00:31:20Well, where can I get in touch with him?
00:31:22I'm afraid I don't know, sir.
00:31:24Mrs. Valens called him herself.
00:31:26He seems very straight.
00:31:28Thank you. There we are, madam.
00:31:32Oh, has Mr. Fane called?
00:31:34No, I'm afraid not, madam.
00:31:36Will that be all, madam?
00:31:38Yes.
00:31:42Hugo?
00:31:44It all seems very unnecessarily complicated to me.
00:31:46Hugo!
00:31:52Just tell Mrs. Valens I called.
00:31:54Certainly, sir. Goodbye, sir.
00:32:08I'm sorry, madam.
00:32:10I'm sorry, madam. I wasn't able to get away at once.
00:32:12Was that Mr. Fane?
00:32:14Yes, it was, madam.
00:32:16I asked him if he'd like to come up,
00:32:18but he said he'd spoken to Dr. Ledworth
00:32:20and the doctor advised against it.
00:32:22He came to say goodbye, madam.
00:32:24Goodbye?
00:32:26Mr. Fane's been posted back to Washington, madam.
00:32:28His plane leaves at noon.
00:32:30He called here on his way to the airport.
00:32:32Oh, no. Oh, Hugo.
00:32:34It's not like Laura
00:32:36to be so uncommunicative of me.
00:32:38She is ill.
00:32:40Well, that's true, but what does it take to pick up a telephone?
00:32:42That's what worries me.
00:32:44I'm beginning to think she's not just ill, she's very ill.
00:32:46I wouldn't worry too much if I were you.
00:32:48You say a butler's a pretty confident man.
00:32:50He seems to have a grip on things.
00:32:52Yes, he does indeed.
00:32:56Have you seen my notes anywhere?
00:32:58Notes?
00:33:00Yes, for this broadcast of mine tomorrow.
00:33:02Pretty sensitive subject, isn't it?
00:33:04Arab nationalism.
00:33:06You speak out.
00:33:10I thought they were supposed to be live
00:33:12and unscripted.
00:33:14Get it? It is.
00:33:16Twenty years in the embassy have taught me
00:33:18that a few notes never went amiss.
00:33:36Oh.
00:33:38Oh.
00:33:40Oh.
00:33:42Madam,
00:33:44what are you doing out of bed?
00:33:46You shouldn't. You really shouldn't.
00:33:48So I have discovered.
00:33:50Here, let me help you back.
00:33:54Ah, now.
00:33:56There we are.
00:33:58I don't know what Dr. Ledworth would say, I'm sure.
00:34:00Supposing you got out on the landing and fallen down the stairs.
00:34:02I wouldn't have done that.
00:34:04I dare say not, Madam, but where would I have been if you had?
00:34:06I was worried about disturbing you,
00:34:08but now I'm glad I did.
00:34:10Simply some household checks for you to sign, Madam.
00:34:12I'm sorry to trouble you, but they have to be attended to.
00:34:14Yes.
00:34:16If you'd be so kind.
00:34:30Thank you, Madam.
00:34:34I don't mind telling you
00:34:36you alarmed me just now, Madam.
00:34:38I can see you're not a bit trusted.
00:34:40I can see.
00:34:42I shall have to take precautions,
00:34:44or Dr. Ledworth will have my hide.
00:34:46There now, that's better, isn't it?
00:34:48Keep the light out of your eyes.
00:34:50I don't want that.
00:34:52Try and get some sleep now.
00:34:54What time is it? What day is this?
00:35:00Oh.
00:35:02She's a tough girl.
00:35:04She's had enough of the stuff to knock her sideways,
00:35:06but she keeps fighting back.
00:35:08More? Not yet.
00:35:10It won't be long now. She's beginning to lose touch.
00:35:32Mr. Hugo Fane.
00:35:54Mr. Hugo Fane.
00:35:56Mr. Hugo Fane has joined us in the studio
00:35:58for our live discussion
00:36:00on Arab nationalism.
00:36:02As former first secretary
00:36:04for many years in both Beirut and Cairo,
00:36:06Mr. Fane is uniquely qualified
00:36:08to discuss Arab aspirations.
00:36:12Mr. Fane?
00:36:14Yes, well,
00:36:16I've come along here this afternoon to...
00:36:18Hugo.
00:36:22You haven't gone away.
00:36:30No.
00:36:46My throat. I'm choking.
00:36:48Some water, please. Quickly.
00:37:00Come on.
00:37:22Oh, please answer.
00:37:24Please answer.
00:37:26Hurry. Hello?
00:37:28This is Laura Valens.
00:37:30Oh, please, don't interrupt.
00:37:32Tell Mr. Fane.
00:37:36Hello?
00:37:40This won't do, madam.
00:37:42This really won't do at all.
00:37:44You're not helping yourself, you know.
00:37:46This is exactly what you shouldn't be doing.
00:37:48You see,
00:37:50Mr. Fane had gone away.
00:37:52And so he has, madam.
00:37:54No, I heard him on the radio.
00:37:56It was probably recorded, madam, before he went away.
00:37:58No, it was live.
00:38:00They said it was live.
00:38:02Madam probably imagined it was live, knowing the voice.
00:38:04You're in a very weak state, you know.
00:38:06It's easy for one's mind to play tricks.
00:38:08There's nothing wrong with my mind.
00:38:10I want another doctor. A second opinion.
00:38:12I'll speak to Dr. Ledworth, madam.
00:38:14He'll be very hurt, I'm sure, but nevertheless,
00:38:16if it's what you wish, I will do so.
00:38:18Now I suggest you settle down and conserve your energy.
00:38:20You've only to ring if you need me.
00:38:26No.
00:38:34No food at all today.
00:38:36But the milk's got the stuff in it.
00:38:38Starvation's what she needs now.
00:38:40Hunger's a great little spirit breaker.
00:38:44What did she actually say?
00:38:46That's what she said. That's all she said.
00:38:48Tell Mr. Fane.
00:38:50Then she hung up.
00:38:52Does she sound all right?
00:38:54No. Sounded a bit odd.
00:38:56Very odd, in fact.
00:38:58And she said nothing more?
00:39:00Not a thing.
00:39:02Look, I thought I'd better just hang on
00:39:04and tell you in person, but now I've really got to go.
00:39:06You won't forget I'm staying in Oxford overnight, will you?
00:39:08No, sir. I'll remember.
00:39:10Fine. Bye.
00:39:24PHONE RINGS
00:39:32Mrs. Valance's residence.
00:39:34Oh, yes, sir.
00:39:38Yes, she did phone you.
00:39:40Completely against doctor's orders.
00:39:42And then she had a little fainting fit.
00:39:44Just what the doctor said might happen
00:39:46if she overexerted herself.
00:39:48She just wanted to tell you she was all right, sir,
00:39:50and to apologise for not being in touch.
00:39:54Well, she's asleep now, sir.
00:39:56I wouldn't wish to disturb her.
00:39:58But I'll certainly tell her you called.
00:40:00Thank you, sir.
00:40:02Goodbye, sir.
00:40:04SOBS
00:40:24DOORBELL RINGS
00:40:54DOORBELL RINGS
00:40:56DOORBELL RINGS
00:40:58Now, look, I had enough of your interference.
00:41:00Now, get out of my way!
00:41:06Hugo!
00:41:12Hugo!
00:41:20They made me prisoner
00:41:22and took the phone away.
00:41:24They were starving me.
00:41:26It's all right. It's all right now.
00:41:28They told me you'd gone away.
00:41:30I haven't gone away, have I?
00:41:32I'm here to look after you.
00:41:34Just sit down a minute.
00:41:36You need a doctor.
00:41:38Yes.
00:41:40And we both need the police.
00:41:53DOORBELL RINGS
00:41:59SHE SCREAMS
00:42:22DOORBELL RINGS
00:42:49Come on.
00:42:51Lisa?
00:43:21DOORBELL RINGS
00:43:40DOORBELL RINGS
00:43:42DOORBELL RINGS
00:43:44DOORBELL RINGS
00:43:50DOORBELL RINGS
00:43:53DOORBELL RINGS
00:44:06It's all right.
00:44:08A miscalculation.
00:44:11Another few days and it'll be over.
00:44:13We'll be out of here and on our way.
00:44:15Just another few days.
00:44:19I'm going to have to leave you for a while.
00:44:21I'll be all right.
00:44:23Of course you will.
00:44:25Because you trust me, don't you?
00:44:29Completely trust me.
00:44:34Don't open the door to anyone.
00:44:37DOORBELL RINGS
00:44:42No loose ends.
00:45:01CAR STARTS
00:45:06CAR STOPS
00:45:18Hello, Jeremy?
00:45:20Piers.
00:45:22You don't have my old man with you, do you?
00:45:24It's just that he didn't sleep here last night.
00:45:26No wonder.
00:45:28Don't be disgusting.
00:45:30Fine.
00:45:32Thanks.
00:45:37DOORBELL RINGS
00:45:50DOORBELL RINGS
00:45:56Hello, Peter?
00:45:58Piers.
00:46:00Look, I don't want to be an alarmist or anything,
00:46:02but Hugo seems to be missing.
00:46:04Yeah, I mean, I know it's nothing,
00:46:06but, well, he was pretty outspoken
00:46:08about Arab affairs yesterday.
00:46:15DOORBELL RINGS
00:46:22Getting to be a habit, sir, isn't it?
00:46:24Funny the way it happens.
00:46:26I've not had an inquiry on this patch for over a year
00:46:28and suddenly I'm in and out like the tide.
00:46:30What is it this time?
00:46:32Oh, certainly, Sergeant. Please do come in.
00:46:40Going away, are you?
00:46:42My employer's been rather ill.
00:46:44She's gone to Bermuda to recuperate. I'm to follow.
00:46:54This is the life, eh, Constable?
00:46:56Butler?
00:46:58Nothing but the best.
00:47:00Best houses.
00:47:02Best food.
00:47:06Of course, you are a servant.
00:47:08But then so am I.
00:47:10Servant to the public on tap, day and night.
00:47:14I'm inquiring about a Mr Fane.
00:47:18Mr Hugo Fane.
00:47:20He's not in his usual haunts.
00:47:24We heard he might have called here last night.
00:47:26Mr Fane, yes, he did call here last night.
00:47:28I told him he'd just missed her.
00:47:30He was very disappointed.
00:47:34Help.
00:47:36Somebody.
00:47:38Please help me.
00:48:06And then Mr Fane got into his car and drove away.
00:48:08He didn't say where he was going, did he, sir?
00:48:10No, I'm afraid not, Sergeant.
00:48:12Oh, thank you kindly, sir.
00:48:14Oh, thank you.
00:48:16See that, Constable?
00:48:18That's what I call the perfect butler.
00:48:20Smart, too.
00:48:22Look at those buttons. Almost regimental.
00:48:28Oh.
00:48:36He didn't say anything about anyone following him.
00:48:38Nothing like that, sir.
00:48:40He did seem a little strange, but no, he said nothing like that.
00:48:46All right, sir, thank you very much.
00:48:48Sorry to have bothered you.
00:48:50Not at all.
00:48:58Oh.
00:49:00Oh.
00:49:02Oh.
00:49:04Oh.
00:49:06Did your father get any other strange calls
00:49:08after the broadcast, sir?
00:49:10No, Mrs Valance was the only one.
00:49:12Well, that one seems to be a dead end
00:49:14with her going away and all.
00:49:16Maybe that's what she was calling to say.
00:49:20Well, why should she hang up so suddenly?
00:49:22Who knows?
00:49:24We're women, sir.
00:49:26I'm simply asking you to be sensible, madam.
00:49:28A little business before lunch.
00:49:30I'm not signing any will.
00:49:32I wouldn't dream of asking you to, madam.
00:49:34It's not a will.
00:49:36It's a simple power of attorney.
00:49:38With you like this, someone has to look after your affairs.
00:49:40Sign this and I will be able to do so.
00:49:42I'd be signing my death warrant.
00:49:44Madam is being fanciful.
00:49:46Perhaps we'd better leave you to think it over.
00:49:50My lunch. I need food.
00:49:52You're starving me.
00:49:54It's no good time, madam.
00:49:56I don't think you're well enough to eat anything at the moment.
00:49:58We'll see how you feel a bit later.
00:50:00Please.
00:50:02Please.
00:50:04Please.
00:50:14Rog.
00:50:16I wish you wouldn't go.
00:50:18I've told you I've got to clear up one or two things
00:50:20down at the manor before we leave.
00:50:22You're leaving the manor as well?
00:50:24This job's got to be too hard.
00:50:26Let's pick up sticks and clear off when we get that signature.
00:50:28When we get it?
00:50:30Another 24 hours without food
00:50:32and she'll sign her life away for a dog biscuit.
00:50:34You really enjoy all this, don't you?
00:50:38No, it's purely business.
00:50:40Now you play it cool and don't go near her
00:50:42no matter how much she rings. Got it?
00:50:44Yes.
00:50:46I'll be back this evening.
00:50:52Come on.
00:51:10Oh, no.
00:51:12I'm afraid so, sir.
00:51:14In a wood in Somerset.
00:51:16In the boot of his car he'd been stabbed.
00:51:18I've just heard from the county police.
00:51:20They think it could be political.
00:51:22Obviously nothing to do with Mrs. Valance.
00:51:24Uh...
00:51:26Yeah, I suppose you're right.
00:51:28I just can't help thinking...
00:51:32No, I guess not.
00:51:34Uh, yeah.
00:51:36Yes, I will.
00:51:38Thanks, Sergeant.
00:51:50Come on.
00:52:20Huh?
00:52:36I walked straight in here.
00:52:38The front door was open and I walked straight in here.
00:52:40All you have to do is stay here,
00:52:42sit tight and make sure no one comes snooping
00:52:44and I walk straight in here!
00:52:46I must have forgotten something.
00:52:48Oh, my trunk!
00:52:52All those advantages.
00:52:54A good family,
00:52:56the right education,
00:52:58a medical degree and you just fitted them away.
00:53:00Do you know how I was educated, Ledworth?
00:53:02Here and there and not very often.
00:53:04My father was an underporter.
00:53:06He blacked people's boots.
00:53:08He lived for 66 years
00:53:10and all that time all he ever did
00:53:12was black other people's boots
00:53:14while my mother helped out in the kitchens.
00:53:16That's my heritage, Ledworth.
00:53:18Not like yours.
00:53:20Good start,
00:53:22solid background in the upper bracket
00:53:24and yet...
00:53:26look at you now
00:53:28and look at me.
00:53:34Fetch me a drink, Ledworth.
00:53:36A drink?
00:53:38Scotch! With ice.
00:53:40In a crystal glass on a silver tray.
00:53:42Well, go on, Ledworth, obey your orders.
00:54:16Here, Ledworth.
00:54:30Here, Ledworth.
00:54:34No, no, no,
00:54:36you're doing it all wrong, Ledworth.
00:54:38You're catching my eye.
00:54:40Never look directly into the master's eye.
00:54:42Deferential, Ledworth, deferential.
00:54:44Otherwise the master might think
00:54:46you were getting above your station.
00:54:48Might think you were regarding yourself as an equal.
00:54:52No, stay where you are.
00:54:58I swear I'll chop you one day!
00:55:00Chop me?
00:55:02You wouldn't do that.
00:55:04Bring me down and you go down too.
00:55:06Besides,
00:55:08you know I'd kill you, don't you?
00:55:10Anyway, you won't have to put up with me
00:55:12for much longer.
00:55:14What?
00:55:16The valance woman. Close to the kill now.
00:55:18Then I think Lisa and me
00:55:20will take a little holiday on the Riviera.
00:55:22Relax a bit, catch our breath.
00:55:24And then, when we're both nicely rested,
00:55:26well, there's rich pickings on the Riviera, Ledworth.
00:55:28People crying out for an exemplary butler.
00:55:30What about me?
00:55:32What about you?
00:55:34Well, you can't do it alone. You need me, a doctor.
00:55:36I expect there's a French equivalent to you, Ledworth.
00:55:38The gutters of the world are filled with Ledworths.
00:55:40Oh, no, no, you couldn't.
00:55:42You couldn't leave me behind here.
00:55:44No, you're right, I couldn't.
00:55:46Slip out from under my thumb
00:55:48and you'd go to pieces, start talking.
00:55:50Just have to think of a happy solution,
00:55:52won't I?
00:55:54To stop you talking.
00:56:06Just my little joke, Ledworth.
00:56:08Just to show you how easy it could be.
00:56:12You behave yourself and I'll look after you.
00:56:14And behaving yourself means
00:56:16keep the front door locked.
00:56:20Your nose clean and pacing your drinking.
00:56:26I wouldn't leave you behind, Ledworth.
00:56:28I like looking at you.
00:56:30You're the mirror of my success.
00:56:38I like looking at you.
00:56:40You're the mirror of my success.
00:56:42I like looking at you.
00:56:44I like looking at you.
00:56:46I like looking at you.
00:56:48I like looking at you.
00:56:50I like looking at you.
00:56:52I like looking at you.
00:56:54I like looking at you.
00:56:56I like looking at you.
00:56:58I like looking at you.
00:57:00I like looking at you.
00:57:02I like looking at you.
00:57:04I like looking at you.
00:57:06I like looking at you.
00:57:16Oh, I'm ever so sorry.
00:57:18I didn't know.
00:57:20How could you?
00:57:22Mr. Fane was very nice to me
00:57:24the times I saw him...
00:57:26oh dear.
00:57:28Please, sit down.
00:57:30What did you want
00:57:32to see my father about?
00:57:34problem really. if you thought my father could help maybe I can too. well it was
00:57:39about mrs. Valance Shirey. what about mrs. Valance? perhaps another time. no please
00:57:46what about mrs. Valance? well well it was about me being sacked for stealing the
00:57:51ring. well I didn't do it and there was only me and him there. the butler I mean.
00:57:56so I knew he must have arranged it. you know tried to get rid of me to get me
00:58:00the sack. why should he want to do that? well that's what I asked myself. so I
00:58:03went down to the village where his last job was at Chevening Manor. I saw it on
00:58:07his references. yeah so you went there. well I didn't get any joy at the house.
00:58:10just an old doctor living there. doctor? that's what the locals told me. at least
00:58:14he used to be a doctor. struck off. a drunk. but that isn't all they told me.
00:58:19you see it seems there was a maid living there too when masters arrived and one
00:58:23day some silver went missing and they found it in her room so she was sacked.
00:58:26what was the name of his employer there? oh that's no good. she went abroad. what?
00:58:31she was ill for a long time. didn't see anyone. then she went abroad to
00:58:35recuperate. the village people say she must have left him in charge of the
00:58:38manor. they see him down there sometimes. right call sergeant Rayner. tell him to
00:58:42get around to mrs. Valens' right away.
00:58:47which police station?
00:58:51rut?
00:58:53I'm detective Constable Kane Rochester Road.
00:59:03sergeant Rayner about? here. I'm here. sergeant Rayner isn't here. if you'd like
00:59:14to come back later when mr. Masters the butler's here I'm sure he'd... that's funny.
00:59:17the serge said he'd meet me. said he was coming to collect his notebook. thinks he
00:59:21left it in your kitchen this morning. was mrs. Valens about? no she's gone away.
00:59:28we told your sergeant this morning. of course you're right he told me. well if
00:59:34the serge isn't gonna show up perhaps I'd better collect his notebook for him.
00:59:38which way's the kitchen? it's all right I'll go and look for it. you stay here.
00:59:42thank you very much miss.
00:59:51music
01:00:14mrs. Valens!
01:00:16poison in food then starving his signature. it's over. you're getting out of here.
01:00:28can you stand?
01:00:30no.
01:00:46door slams
01:01:17we're in the news. there's a policeman in the house. where is he? I don't know. I left him there.
01:01:25he said he was looking for sergeant Rayner. that's him. that's the man.
01:01:31here's Fane. how nice. the house is about to burn down and your charred remains are
01:01:38gonna be mistaken for mine. the gallant butler burned to a crisp trying to save
01:01:42his mistress. pity really. you and your father. you did have style.
01:01:47roger!
01:01:49oh but it will sir!
01:01:51fire is your great leveler.
01:01:53makes no distinction between master and bondman.
01:01:56roger you can't!
01:01:58shut up!
01:02:12music
01:02:42come on Lisa.
01:02:44roger!
01:02:46reminds me I shall have to find a new name.
01:02:48goodbye! it's been fun!
01:02:50music
01:02:54good evening sir.
01:02:58going out will you?
01:03:00I don't know. despair of the public sometimes.
01:03:02we keep telling him before you go out make sure you left no lighted candles
01:03:06burning down into pools of paraffin. take care of it constable.
01:03:13in the bedroom are they sir?
01:03:20what?
01:03:22they found this button in mr. Fane's hand sir.
01:03:26I remember
01:03:28admiring it when we had our little chat.
01:03:30funny you not noticing a thing like that sir.
01:03:34you being the perfect butler and all.
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