Circle of Danger (1951) Movie Script

Take it easy. What do you
want to do? Ruin them?
Hey Ernie, can you hear me?
I still can't get you.
How much longer?
A couple of minutes.
Anything coming through there?
- Nah. Still nothing.
Oh, it's ten to one we've
got another dud.
Wait a minute.
Here he comes.
Okay Ernie, it's tungsten alright.
But how much is there?
The hold is full and it's brimming over.
Well?
- Just a minute.
That's the lowest we'll clear.
Say, that's not bad, not bad at all.
You sure this is the minimum?
Sure, I'm sure. Tungsten is
tungsten and salvage is salvage.
What are you doing?
- Division.
Of what?
- Wait a minute.
That's your split on the bottom, right?
Sure.
What would you give for
my share in this outfit?
Ship, cargo, charts, the works.
You must be out of your mind. Quit now
when we've just made our first strike?
Make me an offer.
Well.
Eighteen G's.
Eighteen G's .. with my cut of the
tungsten, that'll be 30,000 bucks.
Okay, it's a deal.
- I don't get it.
We've been hanging around
Florida waters for months.
Now we're all set to make real
dough and you want to quit.
When I left the Navy, I figured salvage
was the best way to make 25 grand fast.
Maybe four years isn't
setting any records, but ..
What will you do with it?
I'm going to take a trip .. to Europe.
What's the matter? Europe will still be
there in a couple of years from now.
You think so?
But I'm not waiting that long.
You're not going to tell me it's a dame?
Sammy .. I ain't going
to tell you anything.
Only going to England?
- That's all.
How long do you expect
to stay in England, sir?
Just a couple of weeks.
Thank you.
How much?
- Seven and six.
Seven and six is thirteen. You mean
six shillings and seven pence?
I don't. I mean seven shillings and six
pence. Three half-crowns will do it.
Sorry, I've only been here a week.
I haven't got it yet. Is that right?
Well, that's the fare.
How's that?
- Hail Columbus.
Ah tea, good.
Thank you.
May I come in?
Mr Douglas? Certainly.
Yes, I did say eleven o'clock didn't I.
Take a seat will you.
Fairbairn here.
What about the Holroyd insurance?
- What?
The compensation for the
accident at Greenwich.
The Holroyd papers?
I finished those last night.
They're on their way round to you now.
Anything for me today, Colonel?
Well yes, as a matter of fact there is.
Sorry to have been so long about it.
I did say a week, didn't I?
You wanted the present address ..
Of a fellow called Smithers.
Alfred Smithers.
Providing he is the same Smithers
who was in the commandos.
Yes, this is the chap alright.
But you won't be able
to get in touch with him.
He died a couple of months ago.
Results of old wounds apparently.
He died but ..
- Sorry.
Nothing I can do about it.
Wait a minute.
There is something you can do.
You can put me in touch with somebody
else. Anybody who was in that same unit.
You must take that sort of thing up with
the Inquiries Department, I'm afraid.
You mean, weave through
all that red tape again?
Why, for the love of Mike?
Regulations, you know.
Why don't you just say you don't want
to do any more than you have to?
I shouldn't have blown my
top like that. I apologize.
Perfectly alright, Mr Douglas.
What I ought to have done is explain
why this thing is so important to me.
You see, it's really about
my younger brother.
Fairbairn here.
With the reference to my
memorandum MY24.
What?
MY24.
Sorry, I haven't had time yet. I'll
get to it as soon as I possibly can.
You were saying something
about a brother?
Yeah .. mine.
It's a long story, so I'll cut it short.
He came over here and joined
your Army before we were in.
In 1940.
- Good for him.
He joined the commandos and happened to
be killed on the last raid before D-Day.
Too bad. Very sorry to hear that.
- Well.
Anyway, after I was notified of Hank's
death, my ship pulled into Portsmouth.
I found out this particular commando
unit was stationed right close by.
So I went over there to ask if
there were any buddies of his.
And that's where I ran
into this fellow Smithers.
And, well I just wanted to see
him again. That was all.
We didn't have much
time to talk that once.
No, I see.
You should have told me
all this before you know.
Now let's have another look in here.
I seem to remember a
letter from some fellow ..
Ah yes, here it is.
Now, this fellow wrote
about the service funeral.
He was a close friend of Smithers too.
He may do, I should think.
Sure he would. Thanks, Colonel.
Thanks very much.
Well, here we are.
Now this place 'Coellyd' is in Wales.
It's quite a journey.
You take a train from Paddington.
Thanks again for all you've done for me,
especially after the way I've behaved.
Oh no. My fault entirely.
I expect I seem like what you fellows
call a 'stuffed shirt' I believe.
Goodbye to you.
- Goodbye.
The first cage will be up in a minute.
Llewellyn. Idwal Llewellyn.
There is a visitor for you, Idwal.
This is your man, Mr Douglas.
What is your business with me, man?
I guess there must be a mistake.
I'm looking for a Llewellyn
who was in the commandos.
The way you talk,
you're an American then?
Yep.
Oh, it is young Idwal
you want .. my son.
Taffy .. Taffy!
This is my son.
Taffy, this gentleman has come all
the way from America to see you.
My name is Douglas, Clay Douglas.
You were in the commandos
with Al Smithers, weren't you?
You knew Alf?
Well I met him during the war. I wanted
some information from him but ..
Well, maybe you can help me?
He will indeed.
Here Taffy, are you
hearing the gentleman?
What is it about?
Well I don't think we can talk
here. Suppose you eat with me.
I will have to get cleaned up.
Well, come to the bathhouse,
Mr Douglas. Why not, man?
You bring him along. I will go ahead.
Now you boys will wish to be talking,
so I'll take myself about my business.
You know, I'm not sure I can help
you much about your brother.
He was on a raid, I know that.
In Brittany .. a little place
called San Celeste.
But tell me, how many other
casualties were there besides Hank?
He was the only one.
Unusual wasn't it?
- Perhaps.
Thinking, I was.
It would be very bad if Mr Douglas
was going back to America.
And thinking there was no
hospitality in Wales at all.
My cousin David.
Says he knows there's no such thing
as an American who is not hospitable.
They have more indeed to
be hospitable with, but uh ..
We can do our best too.
That raid .. how many men were on it?
How would I be knowing that?
You remember everything else.
I remember what I was told only.
What you were told? But you were there.
That I was not.
I was in dock with a bullet in
my leg that I got a week before.
That hadn't occurred to me.
I'm sorry for the third-degree routine.
How was your journey from America?
Oh fine, fine.
Tell me something. What do you know
about the circumstances of Hank's death?
I have told you. I was not on that raid.
But you might have heard something.
From Smithers maybe?
Look you. I am tired of this
beating about the bush.
You are wanting to say
something but you are afraid.
Make up your mind.
Alright.
My brother was shot through the head.
What Smithers said makes me believe the
bullet that killed him wasn't German.
In fact, I think Hank was murdered by
one of the other commandos on the raid.
Is that straight enough?
I see ..
Look, I will tell you what I know.
It isn't much but Alf
did say something to me.
He came to see me in hospital.
He told me what he told you.
That there was ..
Something peculiar
about Hank getting it.
When there wasn't a Jerry for miles
that hadn't been taken care of.
Alf was .. worried about it.
But we couldn't talk.
Not there in the ward.
And afterwards, when I was back in
the unit he wouldn't say any more.
What do you mean 'wouldn't'?
When I asked him about it he
said there was nothing to it.
He must have been mistaken.
Somebody got to him, you think?
I'm only telling you how it was.
But tell me something else.
Who was it in that unit that
didn't get along with Hank?
For me, they was all good lads.
I'm not doing any guessing like that.
Well .. put me on to somebody else.
Give me an address, anything.
I'll start from scratch.
No .. I'm not mixing in this anymore.
You me to tell me I've come all this
way just to get to a blind alley?
Look, you were a buddy of Hank's.
Can't you understand how I am ..
Ah, skip it.
You got a bit of paper?
This is the only address I know.
It's in Scotland.
Major McArran.
He was in command of the raid.
You know, I never saw
a country like this.
It's just ..
Why shouldn't you be liking it?
It's where you belong.
What do you mean?
You may think you're an
American, but you're not.
You're a 'Black Douglas'
man if ever I saw one.
You'll not take the love of
this out of a man's blood.
Not in a few generations.
Well, it's only two at that.
You may be right.
Well .. here we are.
Over yonder is mother McArran herself.
The mother of Hamish.
Mrs McArran.
I've brought a visitor for you.
A Mister Douglas from America.
I was at the station when I heard
him asking Forbes for Hamish.
Thank you, Angus.
How do you do, Mr Douglas.
How do you do, Mrs McArran?
I feel I should explain ..
Stop. Don't come a step nearer.
It's the bees. They are very
rampageous this morning.
Alright for me of course but
they would eat a stranger alive.
I see what you mean.
Sheila, take Mr Douglas
into the house, will you.
Forgive me, please. I'll join you when
I've got these creatures under control.
If you will come this way, sir.
Sheila. Sheila, quickly.
Will you go in, sir?
The drawing room is there in the house.
Holy mackerel.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
It's alright.
- It must have hurt you terribly.
When you opened the door
it slipped out of my hand.
And it wasn't even the
book I was looking for.
'Arms and Armour of the
Seventeenth Century'.
I'll take that one.
Full coverage.
Uhuh .. the all-American effect.
You don't look like a football player.
- What do you know about football?
Don't sound so baffled.
I just happen to be an English
woman who has been to America.
Whenever I hear an American
voice I get sort-of .. homesick.
Hey, can't they shoot you
for treason for that?
No. I'm cementing relations.
That sounds so horribly
uncomfortable, doesn't it.
Yes.
How long since you were
last in the States?
Oh, not since the war unfortunately.
I was with the RAF delegation
in Washington from '42 to '45.
What were you doing?
I was in the Navy.
South Pacific mostly. Submarines.
Uhuh.
- Cigarette?
Oh, an American cigarette.
I haven't had one of these for years.
I didn't know the McArrans
were expecting a visitor.
Funny, they didn't tell me.
- The McArrans?
Are you one?
No, I'm Elspeth Graham. I'm just
staying in the Glen for a few weeks.
Oh. Well my name is Douglas.
Clay Douglas. How are you?
I suppose you're a friend of Hamish's?
No, not exactly.
I'm so sorry to have kept
you waiting, Mr Douglas.
Elspeth, I didn't know you were here.
- Hi, Margaret. I came to borrow a book.
So I needn't have worried
about Mr Douglas after all.
You introduced yourselves?
- Yes. Didn't waste a minute.
I dropped a book on his head, poor man.
Take your coat off. Come and sit down.
- Thank you.
Now there's no bees around
ma'am, I can explain myself.
I really came to see your son.
Angus said he was away but
he'd be back this afternoon.
I'm afraid he won't.
He can't come until tomorrow.
That's too bad.
You'll stay here of course.
We'll be delighted to have you.
There you are, children.
Bring them in, Sheila.
I couldn't impose on you like that.
- Your bag is upstairs already, sir.
In the south room.
This is Andrew Dunlop.
And Meg ..?
- Robertson.
Robertson, of course.
And Jock Buchanan.
The children are going to
sing in our school festival.
Aren't you children? And we're
using my piano to practice with.
Over there, Meg. Andrew in the middle.
That's right.
This makes me think of my own mother.
She wanted to make a choirboy out of me.
Did she succeed?
- No. Not so you'd notice.
Where does your mother live now?
Well, she's dead.
She died when I was in school.
My father too. They were both
killed in an automobile crash.
How dreadful for you.
Were you all alone then?
No, no. I had a brother.
But he was just a kid then.
Where is he now?
He was killed in action in 1944.
Oh .. I'm so sorry.
That's really why I am here.
You see, Hank served
under Major McArran.
Really?
An American in the commandos?
How did he manage that?
He came over here in 1940
and joined the British Army.
He was always a great kid for getting
into fights. Any time, anybody.
I never saw him again.
As I would be in Britain
anyway on business ..
I thought I'd grab the chance to
pick up all the dope I could.
I'm sure Hamish will do all he can.
He keeps in touch with most of his men.
Now children, shall we begin?
Oh dear.
Never mind Jock, you can't help it
can you. We'll try again shall we.
Do you really want to
see me all the way home?
Sure.
Come along then.
But you have to climb a little.
I wanted to show you this.
It's called Inchladach Ca.
What's that?
It is Gaelic.
It means the sound of shore.
Listen.
Strange, isn't it?
- Yeah.
Almost as if everything was waiting.
Here.
Oh, I'm sorry .. let me take a look.
It's alright, it just startled me.
I think I will have a
cigarette after all.
Not getting cold, are you?
No .. I suffer from hay fever.
It could be that.
It's white heather, isn't it?
That's supposed to be lucky.
Yes, but not for me.
You know, I keep thinking this country
is like some place I've been before.
Then I find it isn't.
Maybe that fellow Angus was right.
Angus?
Yeah, he says I belong here. That I'm
a 'Black Douglas' if ever he saw one.
He was just flattering you.
The Douglas's are lowlanders,
unless I'm very much mistaken.
Well, what's the matter with that?
Anyway, my grandfather used to
tell us that Mary Queen of Scots ..
Couldn't have gotten along
without us Douglas's.
With all due respect
to your grandfather ..
I think the lady would
have got along better ..
If she'd never heard of your family.
Now, now. My memory isn't that bad.
I guarantee you she just couldn't
have made the grade without us.
No, Lord Boswell was
Mary's second husband.
And he wasn't a Douglas.
The man who killed
her first husband was.
You've got it all wrong. You see what ..
So, is that your house?
- Uhuh.
Oh, I like this ..
We can always look it up, you know.
In fact, why don't we do it now?
Come along in.
Oh, it's a nice room.
I'm afraid it's in a bit of a mess.
You are an artist?
- Well ..
Yes, in a way. I write children's
stories and illustrate them.
Oh.
Now .. where's that book?
It should be about here.
Would you like a drink?
- No, not right now.
This may be it.
'Scotland, Chapter 4. Agriculture'.
Aren't you in the wrong place?
It's not the right book.
Excuse me.
You know, I'm wondering. Why are we
so interested in Mary Queen of Scots?
I want to find out.
Which of us is right, I mean.
Oh sure. Yeah.
Well, maybe we can settle
it some other time ..
I think right now I'd
better be going back.
Thank you very much for seeing me home.
I suppose you think I'm silly
but I have to be sure of things.
So?
So .. I'm going to find that book.
You do that.
I often wondered what
happened to him after the war.
That fascinating girl.
What was her name?
Verma, you mean?
She's dropped out of the picture
as far as Terry is concerned.
And little Abner.
Has he married Daisy May yet?
Not until last week he hadn't.
Hamish.
Darling, I didn't expect you so soon.
I didn't wait for a train. Innes drove
me to Mull and I got a cab from there.
Who's that with Elspeth?
But here's the real baby.
Just take a look at that.
Hello Elspeth, how are you?
- Afternoon Angus. Sheila.
Hamish, we had a wonderful day fishing.
This is my son.
Hamish, this is Mr Douglas.
How are you?
Quite a fish. Who's responsible?
Mr Douglas himself.
The whole catch is his.
I don't remember a better rod
since I fished Loch Arran.
Thanks.
Angus has to keep reminding himself
it's a 'Black Douglas' he's admiring.
And not an American.
- Here we go again.
Anybody can be proud of this one.
Hamish, there's something Mr Douglas has
come over from America just to ask you.
Why not take him into the study?
- By all means.
Sit down, won't you.
Glass of sherry?
- Yes, thanks.
Now .. what was it you wanted to ask me?
Do you remember a man who served
under you called Hank Douglas?
Very well .. any relation?
Yeah, my brother.
How did he do? Was he a good soldier?
Better than good.
He was killed in that San
Celeste raid, wasn't he?
Yes.
Do you happen to know where he's buried?
- I'm afraid I can't help you there.
I was afraid of that.
He was the only casualty .. wasn't he?
Yes, come to think of it, he was.
How come?
I'm afraid I don't know.
You see we were timed to push off ..
Just as I was told he'd caught it.
Then you can't tell me anything
about his actual death?
I'm afraid I can't .. sorry.
I guess you are wondering
why the cross-examination.
Well, it's partly sentiment and part ..
Well, call it family pride.
As I told your mother, I'd like to see
if I couldn't pick up some mementos.
You know, snapshots.
Personal gear. Anything like that.
Please .. you don't have to
bother with explanations.
I'm only sorry I can't help you.
How many men were on that
particular raid? Do you remember?
Let me see .. twelve I think.
Yes, that was it.
Two officers, ten other ranks.
Mrs McArran told me that you kept
in touch with some of your men.
If you could put me on to anyone who was
on that particular operation with Hank.
I'd really appreciate it.
That's not easy to remember.
I would have to look it up.
Well, maybe I could start you off.
I know the name of one man.
It is Smithers.
Alf Smithers.
That's right.
He was a great pal of
your brother's too.
Have you seen him?
No.
No, he died a week or
two before I landed.
Did he? Oh, that's too bad.
Mrs McArran asks you come to the garden
before dinner and look at the roses.
They are covered with greenfly.
- Alright, Sheila.
Well, we're through I believe.
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess so.
If I could just get those names
before I go in the morning.
Hamish.
- Coming mother.
[ Music: Wagner ]
Well, that was quite nice I suppose.
I do not like these moderns.
It was Wagner, mother.
- He should have known better.
Well, I must go now.
I've got a lot of work to finish before
tomorrow. I shall be up half the night.
Maybe you shouldn't have come fishing.
- Any excuse for her to dodge working.
Goodnight.
Come on Elspeth, I'll walk you home.
- Goodnight, Mr Douglas.
I suppose I should say goodbye in case
I don't see you before you go tomorrow.
Well, don't work too hard. You have some
research to do, or had you forgotten?
I certainly haven't .. It just is
that I cannot find that book.
Drop me a postcard when you do. I'll be
at the Savoy for another week anyway.
Ready, Elspeth?
- Oh, okay.
Night, Margaret. Thanks for everything.
- Goodnight dear. See you tomorrow.
I hope you've got everything
you want, Mr Douglas.
By the way, did you find out
everything you wanted from Hamish?
No, not everything.
But he's given me something to go on.
Are you coming in?
I thought you had a lot of work to do.
- Not that much. Come on.
Wasn't there some question
of research or something?
You know, so that you can
send postcards to The Savoy.
Oh, don't be so ..
Come on, before I hit you over the head.
You can't expect me to wear a yashmak
and hide every time I see another man.
Just because you and I like each other.
Elspeth, who said I liked you?
I'm not at all sure I do.
But I love you .. and you know it.
Oh, Hamish.
You sit down and smoke a
cigarette while I make drinks.
You know what my trouble is, don't you?
I hate Columbus.
Why didn't he stay at home?
Don't be silly .. we'd be in
an awful hole if he had.
Where are the cigarettes?
- Box on the bookshelf near the door.
That's Mr Douglas's.
He must have forgot it.
Careless isn't he.
A pretty good hat too.
Here's your drink.
He seems rather a nice fellow.
He just happened to
see me home last night.
Well, that was civil of him.
Did you have a nice time?
Look here Hamish, if you're
going to behave like this ..
Why don't you go home and let
me get on with my work, huh?
You want I return this to Douglas?
Thank you.
Did he leave anything else behind?
I mean, I might make up a small parcel.
You're being very funny.
But this has gone far enough.
Because you say you're in love with
me and I've told you I'm fond of you.
You've no right to behave as if
you thought I was your property.
Sorry, darling. I was only fooling.
Well, I'll .. cut along. I know
you want to do some work.
Not until you've had this.
Come on, hurry up.
The train will not wait for him.
Don't worry yourself, man.
He's got all the time in the world.
It's just gone nine.
Thirteen and half minutes past.
That clock is slow.
It was just last night
that I wound it myself.
Whatever. I know my grandfather's watch
is never wrong. I'll thank you not to ..
I'll say goodbye to your mother.
She's probably out in the garden
killing off a few more greenfly.
Well look, I hate to bother you, but ..
You forgot to give me those names.
Oh yes, so I did.
But I made the list up.
Fatal casualties?
But Hank was the only
one at San Celeste.
Yes, the others got theirs later.
Martin bought his packet at Normandy.
These two, we called them the Dollis
sisters, were killed on the same day.
O'Hara died of wounds just
before D-Day, and so did Shane.
Smithers is out of course too, now.
And Piper, he ran into
a booby-trap at Lorenzo.
Lewis.
Sholto Lewis.
Haven't I seen that name
some place before?
There was an article in your
Time magazine a year or so ago.
Sholto was browned off about it.
- That was it: 'Time'.
If the article was on the level, he must
be some sort of a one-man blitzkrieg.
He was. He's a fabulous
character, Sholto.
I want some addresses.
Well, that's going to be
rather difficult to remember.
You see, I didn't happen to
keep in touch with this bunch.
How about Lewis?
You must know where to find him.
I ought to have his address somewhere.
Mr Douglas, Angus says you must
hurry if you want to catch that train.
I'll be right out.
Oh, just a minute.
That address?
- Oh yes, of course.
It's 18.
Riverview Terrace.
Hammersmith.
That's in west London, near the river.
I'm all set.
It's alright Angus. Here they are.
Goodbye, ma'am.
Many thanks for your hospitality.
Goodbye Mr Douglas, delighted to
have you. Oh, here's Elspeth.
So long. Thanks.
- Sorry I wasn't more help.
Mr Douglas, we must be leaving. Now.
Hello Elspeth. Early this
morning, aren't you?
Would you like to come out on the loch?
- That might be nice.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
If ever you're in town for a few weeks
don't forget to pick up the phone and ..
Call Douglas.
Does Mr Sholto Lewis live here?
Yes.
Is he in?
- Yes.
Well, can I speak to him?
- Possibly.
Just a minute.
Now. What is it you want? Precisely.
I want to talk to Mr Sholto Lewis.
- Well, why don't you start?
You mean, you are Sholto Lewis?
- I always thought so.
Oh, don't look at me like that.
I shall begin to doubt it.
There is a mistake. I'm looking for a
Sholto Lewis who was in the commandos.
I'm sorry you think I am miscast.
I'm ever so strong really.
Brave as brave.
Sholto, what are you doing?
We need you terribly.
In the third movement. They're
turning it into a positive goulash.
Alright, alright. In a moment.
Could we be brief. I'm busy rehearsing.
Maybe I can make a new
appointment another day?
Do you think so? I don't.
We shall have it hanging over us.
So 'doom' shaped.
I came to see you because your name
was given to me by Hamish McArran.
The rugged Scot.
And since we are using
names. What is yours?
Douglas. My brother Hank Douglas served
under you. Do you remember him?
Hank .. a large young man .. noisy.
Sholto.
If you don't come at once I positively
wash my hands of the whole morning.
Alright Oliver. In a minute.
Gerald, no, no, no.
Tempo, girls. One, two, three.
It's far too slow anyway.
Cut out the second bar
from the end will you.
What's the matter with you dear, eh?
That's a sword, dear boy. You're
not going to clean a pipe with it.
Now for the tenth time.
Take hold of the sword.
Five, six, seven, eight.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 1.
Right. Once again, from the beginning.
5, 6, 7, 8.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Don't do that. Most inadvisable.
You suggested I should wait.
I didn't bargain for overnight.
Break for ten minutes.
Let's see now.
Where were we?
No place yet, except that
you remember my brother.
What I am trying to do is to collect all
the details of his war service I can.
For the family records.
- You've come to the wrong shop.
As a matter of fact the young man didn't
impress me favourably, if I may say.
You may not, but we'll skip it.
Do you remember the
San Celeste raid in '44?
Not particularly. Why?
He was killed on that raid.
He was the only casualty.
I must find someone who was with him.
- Wrong shop again.
You and I aren't going to get along.
What an agile mind you've got.
- So, I'll cut it short.
McArran gave me the names of two
other men who might be able to help.
They were Oakshott and Stoner. Do you
know where I can find either of them?
No idea.
You see, I don't like being reminded
of the war. An untidy business.
Too primitive.
Sholto. Gerald is being terribly mulish.
You must give him a talking-to.
Well, isn't that just too bad.
If I were you I'd spank
the little rascal.
Hard.
Can you send this wire for me?
- Certainly, sir.
Mr Douglas.
- Yep?
Telephone.
- For me?
Hello. Clay Douglas here.
The name of Douglas weaves
in and out of Mary Stewart's life ..
Like a dark and sinister thread.
Hello there. Where are you?
From the time when, as a girl
Queen, she was first enmeshed ..
In the Machiavellian coils of
James Douglas, Earl of Morton.
Until after her experiences
at Loch Leven Castle.
With Sir William Douglas as her jailer.
Hold it, hold it. I want to get the
rest in person. Where are you?
London.
25 Evelyn Mews South.
What are you doing in London?
I thought you were on a vacation.
An SOS from my publisher.
A crisis about my new book.
More tea?
Yes, please.
You know that was pretty good.
Well, don't sound so surprised.
I like this room too.
Especially the bookshelves.
Oh, we've forgotten what you came for.
Have we?
- Yes, you know.
The book about Mary Queen of Scots.
- Ah.
Just a minute. I'll go and get it.
[ Whistling ]
That tune. I seem to remember it.
Don't know what it's named but it's been
running through my head all afternoon.
Say.
Do you know a character
called Sholto Lewis?
I know of him .. making quite a
name for himself in the theatre.
Ballet and that sort of thing. Why?
It doesn't make sense.
He and McArran seem to be
friendly and it doesn't fit.
I believe they were in the
commandos together.
That doesn't fit either. Not with that
character. I met him this afternoon.
You did?
On account of your brother I suppose?
Have you had any luck yet?
No, not much .. is this the research?
Yes .. look where it's marked.
Read that.
'Although the story has been
ignored by most chroniclers'.
'There seems every reason to believe'.
'That it was through the premeditated
treachery on the part of Nigel Douglas'.
'Who was credited with being her lover'.
'That the unfortunate Mary was
associated with the Babington plot ..'
'On Queen Elizabeth's life'.
'And thus took her first steps
towards the executioner's block'.
Well, well.
You see what I mean about the Douglas's?
- Oh, I certainly do.
You know, I'm surprised at you
having one in your house.
What with making love with one hand and
cutting ladies heads off with the other.
Well, perhaps you won't do either.
Give me time, just give me time.
Are you free for dinner tonight?
You can't take a Headman's
Axe into a public restaurant.
Well, that wasn't what
I was going to bring.
Anyway, I can't dine tonight.
I've got work to do.
What, again?
Yes, I make my living, you know.
I'd better get started,
so you will have to go.
Now, wait a minute. Is that any way
to treat one of the Douglas boys?
I'll make up for it.
- Tomorrow. Have dinner with me?
I'd like to very much.
- Fine.
Look, let's do this on a big scale.
You show me the town.
Why, you mean a dress and everything?
- Couldn't have put it better myself.
Where do we go?
You're the piper.
- Well ..
Not much doing in London these days,
but we could go to The Maurice first.
Have dinner, and finish
up at one of the clubs.
Sounds fine to me.
When do I pick you up?
Shall we say round about seven?
- Seven it shall be. On the nose.
Goodbye.
I really ought to warn you.
If you want to go to The Maurice
you must book a table first.
Fine.
Well goodbye .. until tomorrow.
Goodbye. Be sure you
finish all that work.
Hmm.
Because you won't have much
time in the evenings for a while.
Goodbye.
Look .. can you help me out?
I'm looking for a man called Oakshott.
- What, Bert Oakshott?
I was talking to him just a minute ago.
Look. There he is over there with
them sack of taters. See him?
Hey, Bert mate. You're wanted.
Look nippy.
Thanks.
You know, it's a funny thing, but ..
I've talked with some
of you fellows now ..
But haven't met one who was
with Hank when he died.
There's nothing strange about that.
Not on that kind of a job.
Well .. here's to Hank.
He was alright, he was.
Proper strong this morning, ain't it?
- Yeah.
Care for a cigarette?
- Ta .. I don't mind if I do.
Tell me something.
Did Hank get along with the other men
as well he did with you and Smithers?
Well, with Hank ..
You were either for him or against him.
I'd say it was about half-and-half,
and you know which side I was on.
I give him my pair of boots
when I liberated in Norway.
He gives me this watch.
Here, look at these buttons.
There's everything there.
From an Infantry Private right
up to a blinking SS General.
Ah, he was a proper boy
for souvenirs was Hank.
He'd do anything to get something
which nobody else would even try for.
Perhaps you'd better have
this as .. as a memento.
Oh, no. Go ahead. Keep it, it's yours.
I tell you what you can do though.
Maybe you could put me in touch with
a fellow called Stoner, Jim Stoner.
Llewellyn didn't have his address.
- Oh, that's easy.
He works for the Thames Conservancy.
He's a lock-keeper at Shepperton.
That is up the river.
The other side of Hampton Court.
Just a minute.
I've got to see this craft through.
I understand you were on that
San Celeste raid with Hank.
Yeah, that's right.
Anyone around when he was killed?
- No.
No, I saw him when we landed.
And that was the last time.
You see, I was liaison.
Once we got to the top of
the cliffs, there I stayed.
Well, do you know if
anyone was with him?
No .. I can't say that I do.
I suppose not.
Not on a show like that.
Oh, more work coming.
Well.
I guess there's no point
in troubling you anymore.
Oh, no trouble.
You know, you're the last of those boys.
I've contacted all the rest of them.
Most of them gone I suppose.
Who have you seen?
Well ..
I've seen Major McArran.
A freak called Lewis.
Bert Oakshott, and you.
McArran said that was all that
was left of the original twelve.
Yes, I suppose so.
Of course, there was thirteen really.
If you count the chap we was taking.
- Who was that?
Well, he was the chap that the
operation was about, you might say.
Hello, Bill.
He spoke German like he was one.
You see, there was a little Jerry
radio station at this place.
And we went in and took it
over for a couple of hours.
And this chap sent out a fake broadcast.
Told them all the wrong stuff.
Was he one of your outfit?
- Oh no.
Intelligence, blue tabs.
A Captain.
Did you get to know his name?
Well .. as a matter
of fact, I did hear it.
On the trip over.
He was talking to one of our officers.
I happened to hear him say:
'As sure as my name is ..'
What was it now?
I got it .. Sinclair.
That was it.
'As sure as my name is
Reggie Sinclair', he says.
Oh.
Know if he's still alive?
All I know about him is what I told you.
Oh.
I do recollect him saying
to this Lieutenant of ours.
As how he used to be a car
salesman before the war.
He said he wished he still was.
Oh, there's a lot coming in this end.
I'm sorry, that's all I can tell you.
Hello? Is that The Maurice?
Yes Madame. How can I help you?
Have you a table booked for Mr Douglas?
A Mr Clay Douglas?
Just one minute. Madame.
- Yes, I'll hold on.
Hello? We have no reservation
in that name, Madame.
You haven't?
Are you quite sure?
- Yes, Madame. Quite sure.
Thank you very much.
[ Buzzer ]
Hello. Gee, I'm sorry I'm
late, but I finally made it.
So I see.
I notice you didn't follow
your suggestion about dress.
Well you see, I couldn't help it.
You see, I didn't have time.
This means we shall be
awfully late at The Maurice.
I hope they've kept the
table you booked.
Well uh, I didn't .. I forgot.
Uhuh.
Well, help yourself to
a drink if you want one.
Please let me explain.
If we hadn't got stuck in
the mud or if I hadn't ..
Listened to that fellow
telling me how to get there.
I had a telegram last night.
I had to be at Covent Garden
market at 4 o'clock this morning.
That's how I came to
forget the reservations.
And then I had to go to Shepperton to
see the fellow that runs the lock.
And if I hadn't taken the guy's advice
or I'd hired a car or taken a train ..
How was I to know those morons would run
aground? How could I? You just tell me.
You'll have to forgive me
but I'm a trifle confused.
You say your train ran aground?
No, no .. the boat.
You see, I asked this fellow
Oakshott the best way to get to ..
Oh .. I can't expect you to believe it.
Which is probably why I do.
You do?
Well, if you're going to make up a story
you'd have done a better job than that.
But it's really very simple.
I explained it to you.
You see, what happened was ..
- Please.
Let's just leave it that you
couldn't help being late, huh?
Now, go and make yourself that drink.
You know something.
You surprise me all the time.
How much longer, mister?
- Oh, one moment.
What shall I do? Go home and get dressed
and come back and pick you up? What?
Well, it's getting rather late.
I would ask you to dinner but I only
have some cold salmon in the house.
Nothing I like better.
I even promise to wash the dishes.
Oh .. well.
I'll go and see what I can find.
How much?
- Six and six.
Six and six? Here we go again.
Now let me see.
That's three half-crowns
and a sixpence, isn't it?
No, that would be eight shillings.
Six shillings and sixpence.
What on earth is happening?
A peace offering.
I didn't dare produce it before.
Why not?
Well, bribery and corruption.
Oh .. hurry up.
Do you think it would
taste better chilled?
Do you have ice? Here in England?
- Lots of it. Lots.
You can't possibly drink all that.
- Oh no? You underestimate me.
Don't tell me you still
have that tune on the ..
Gesundheit.
Coffee, Madame? I highly recommend it.
Made with my own two hands.
In that case, black please. No sugar.
Thank you.
Hmm .. it's good.
Thank you, Madame.
I only hope I can give equal
satisfaction in all departments.
The dirty dishes have been dealt with.
Oh, you shouldn't have done that.
You're spoiling me.
Well, you had it coming.
Penny.
I'm sorry, what did you say?
A penny for your thoughts.
Oh, they're worth more than that.
They were about you.
I was just wondering how many women
would have behaved the way you did ..
After having had their evening wrecked.
What do I say? Thank you.
You didn't even ask me why I was late.
It's wasn't my business.
There you are, you see.
It's too good to be true.
But I want to tell you.
Some of the story, anyway.
You've probably guessed that
all these trips I've been making ..
Have been about my brother, but ..
You might have wondered why I'm
making such a production out of it.
After all, the boy is dead.
It doesn't do any good to go around
sobbing and putting up monuments.
Aren't you being hard on yourself?
No. I just want to be
sure you understand.
You see, from the time Hank was six ..
I raised him.
There wasn't anybody else to do it.
There wasn't too much money either.
So, I left college and got me a job.
It started me being a combination ..
Parent, wet-nurse, what have you.
I'm sure you managed wonderfully.
I'd love to see you darning his socks.
- Don't think I didn't.
And watched his vitamins too.
That was a cinch.
But it was the other things.
Well, I ..
I guess I wasn't so hot
on child psychology.
And I made a whole heap of mistakes.
Doesn't anyone who brings up a child?
You see, I was always concentrating on
making him able to look out for himself.
Getting him to believe he was
as good as the next fellow.
Maybe even better.
Teaching him to have
a crack at anything ..
Particularly if he thought
he couldn't make it.
But that isn't wrong.
What is worrying you so much?
You feel that being brought up
like that he was so reckless ..
That he was killed when he
needn't have been? Is that it?
Is it Clay?
Have you got yourself feeling
you're responsible for his death?
Well.
Maybe.
But not quite the way you think.
Listen to me, will you.
On top of everything else.
I should tell you my troubles.
What say we start on a bottle?
It must be a draught from that window.
I can't imagine what it can be.
If I didn't know. It couldn't be.
You need someone to look after you.
I can look after myself.
I'm a working woman you know.
Maybe you shouldn't be.
I'll have you know my
work is important to me.
Also, I'm quite good at it.
It pays me very well.
What does our friend McArran
have to say to all this?
Hamish? What's he got to do with it?
I don't know.
I'm just trying to find out.
Well, I may be very stupid
but I don't understand.
Look, you have manners, I haven't.
You don't ask questions.
I do. I'm curious.
I want to know what
gives between you two.
That's the 64-dollar question.
Is it?
That's easy to answer.
Hamish and I are very good friends.
You don't get any prize for that one.
Is that a polite way
of calling me a liar?
No, it's a general reproof for
underestimating my intelligence.
I know when I'm in another guy's hair.
Care to try that last question again?
Well, if you really want to know.
Hamish says he's in love with me.
And I say I'm very fond of him.
But you don't see eye-to-eye
on the subject of matrimony.
Shall we talk about you for a change?
And I'll ask the questions.
Such as?
Well, for instance.
You told me you weren't married, but ..
Have you ever been?
- No.
You're not a woman-hater are you?
What do you think?
- No.
But uh .. didn't you ever
get serious about a girl?
Serious?
No, I never did.
But you see 'did' is in the past tense.
Whether I have or not
remains to be seen.
You get what I'm trying to say?
I ..
Hey, wait a minute, what's the matter?
Can I do something to help you?
I don't know what's the matter with me.
Like an allergy to some sort of flowers.
But there's none in the room.
Flowers. Holy jumping Moses.
The flowers, of course. You told me.
I brought some here and put them down
in the room somewhere. Now, where ..
You brought me flowers?
How sweet of you.
Here they are.
Oh .. peonies.
That's the worst.
So what do you do for this?
- Just leave me alone.
Let me go to the drugstore. Let me
call a doctor. Let me do something.
I'll be like this or worse
for another two hours.
Are you sure you're going to be alright?
You'll come out with me tomorrow night?
Alright. I'll pick you up here
tomorrow night at seven.
On the nose.
Don't mention noses. Goodnight.
Well, I'll be ..
Has Reggie Sinclair been in yet?
It's about his time now.
Listen to this. Right at the
top of the Agony Column.
'If Reginald or Reggie Sinclair,
former car salesman'.
'Ex-Captain of Intelligence
will communicate ..'
'With Mr C. Douglas at the Savoy Hotel,
he may hear something to his advantage'.
I don't know what you think, George.
But this smells to me of L.S.D.
Fancy old Reggie.
Maybe I'll get my fiver back.
Whatever makes you think that, old boy?
Good afternoon.
Just a small mug George, please.
You don't want beer, chum.
You want champagne.
Read that.
What is it, old man? Black Market?
Or have you an uncle in Australia?
Afraid not. I had one once.
But he turned into a sheep.
A very sad thing.
Well, aren't you going to
do something about it?
Obviously, old boy. Obviously.
A cool customer, old Reggie.
People are often misled by
that phony manner of his.
They think he's a bit of an idiot.
Actually, he's as smart as a weasel.
Ah, San Celeste you mean?
Yes, I'm the fellow.
Well yes .. why?
He was my brother.
Oh.
It was your brother, was it?
And that's about all.
There were no other
casualties besides my brother.
I'm trying to get in touch with anyone
who can give me details of his death.
What about the other
fellows in his unit?
There were only four of them left
by V.E. day and I've seen all of them.
And nobody can tell me
what I want to know.
I'm afraid you'll have to forgive me.
Sometimes I'm frightfully dense.
Utterly stupid.
A very sad thing.
- Is that so?
I'm trying to find out
how he was killed.
Is that clear?
Oh, I see.
I was wrong then. A pity. A smoke?
What do you mean, you were wrong?
Instead of 'how' I thought you
were going to say 'who by'?
Asinine of me. I thought you
were going to say 'who by'?.
Well, that's a very good question.
Do you know the answer to it?
Memory is a funny thing, you know.
Very funny. Here today, gone tomorrow.
Mine is not functioning
awfully well at the moment.
Here I am Reggie ducks.
Fresh as a daisy and all relaxed.
Hello Bubbles, you magical thing.
- Don't I get an intro to your friend?
Miss Fitzgerald .. Mr Douglas.
Pleased to meet, I'm sure.
- How do you do, Miss Fitzgerald.
What's it going to be, Bubbles?
What will it be?
I'll have the same as you boys.
You know what I believe?
I believe you're an American.
And I just love Americans.
- You do?
Three of the same and make
them doubles this time.
That's to celebrate, my poppet.
Because you're on time for once.
Oh, am I really?
- Actually, you're early.
It's only 7:30 now.
Come on the floor show.
7:30?
Excuse me.
Hello?
Hello. It's Clay Douglas here.
Oh. Good evening.
All over the sneezing?
Yes. I'm perfectly well, thank you.
Fine. Look, I hate to ask you
this, but would you mind if ..
What I mean is, I'm kind of
snarled up with a fellow here ..
And I can't get away.
By any chance are you
postponing our evening?
No, no. Of course not.
I wouldn't think of it.
No. All I'm trying to do is explain
why I'm a little bit late, you see.
And I was going to suggest.
That is, if you won't mind ..
It would save time if you grab a taxi
and pick me up and we go on from here.
I'm at Geronimo's.
Alright.
Okay, fine. I'll be on
the lookout for you.
Oh, Mr Sinclair said
to give you this, sir.
For the drinks, sir.
Very thoughtful, isn't he.
Did he leave any other message?
Yes, sir. He would like you to join him
in the Grill Room. Through there, sir.
Quite a party, isn't it.
Oh, hello old boy. Take a pew.
Care for another libation?
- No, not at the moment.
You say your memory
isn't working too well.
Does it want oiling?
I was referring to my state
of mind, my dear fellow.
It's no good. In fact, it's deplorable.
Business worries. You know what I mean.
What are you scared of?
Everything dear chap, everything.
I jump at my own shadow.
A very sad thing.
You won't tell me what you
know and you're afraid to sell it.
Is that right?
I tell you I've got business
worries, my dear fellow.
Occupational tribulations.
Now, if they could be cleared up ..
Then the old mnemonic machinery
might resume normal functioning.
You're still selling cars, aren't you?
A fine job, dear fellow. A fine job.
- And you'd like to sell me one.
Well, some such thought
had crossed my mind.
Your memory works, and I undertake
to buy a car from you. Is that it?
Oh no, old boy.
You've got it a trifle wrong.
You buy a car.
Then my memory starts to work.
Very slight difference.
Waiter.
- Sir?
Two more. The same.
Look, I haven't got time for all this.
Ladies and gentlemen.
For our first show we present
your friend and mine:
Bubbles Fitzgerald.
I've got a buttonhole for baby.
Who is going to be my baby?
I've got a buttonhole for baby.
Who is going to be my man?
How do I know your memory
is worth anything?
By using your head my dear fellow.
By using your head.
Give me your money to
burn and I'm your ball of fire.
Got a buttonhole?
You realize there's no
hocus-pocus, old man.
Or jiggery-pokery for that matter.
Everything above board, that's me.
No hocus-pocus.
You may be timid and shy
of reaching out for romance.
If you're feeling that way, well
honey, now is your chance.
I hope I'm not interrupting anything.
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't think
you would be here so soon.
Obviously.
Forgive me, I forgot.
You don't know each other, do you.
This is Mr Sinclair - Miss Graham.
Delighted you can join us,
Miss Graham. Delighted.
Sit here, won't you.
I say.
This is assuming all the
aspects of an occasion.
We can only stay a minute though.
- Nonsense, my dear fellow. Nonsense.
Ah, here comes the fizz waters.
Care for a smoke?
- Thank you.
I said we can't stay.
Don't go spoiling the evening, old boy.
Don't go spoiling the evening.
Now it's getting so interesting.
Let's get down to cases shall we.
Would anybody care to give me a light?
I'm frightfully sorry.
Douglas got me embroiled in business.
A very sad thing.
I'd much rather talk to you.
Thank you .. but please
go on with your chat.
Look, I told you I'm ready
to play. All I want now is ..
I know, old boy. I know.
But what about a bite to eat first, eh?
Now then.
What would you like?
All you have to do is name it.
And that goes for everything.
Menu or non-menu.
- Nothing for me, thank you.
You'd better go on with your conference.
Call me tomorrow at The Savoy .. early.
I'm sorry, but I had
to clinch something.
I hope you succeeded.
Excuse me, sir. The bill.
- That's Mr Sinclair's.
Sorry, sir. But Mr Sinclair is ..
Temporarily out of funds.
There, keep the change.
Or does he need that too?
How much?
- Five bob.
Keep the change.
Why did you let him go?
- Because I'm coming in.
Whether you're invited or not?
- Anyway.
I'd much rather you didn't.
I've got a headache.
It's very humiliating. This is a
situation I don't know how to deal with.
What do I do to get rid of you, scream?
I had to make you understand.
Last night I thought you did.
- Last night and tonight are different.
Look, I'm only trying to find
out all I can about my brother.
If I didn't think you understood ..
- I don't.
And I don't want to.
It's either too morbid for me or there
is something else you haven't told me.
Something horrible.
Something that's making you
as cheap and as low as that ..
That repulsive man.
Stop it.
Mrs Mathews.
Mrs Mathews.
Alright, Miss. Give me
time to take my coat off.
Why, you're up early this morning.
I only just this minute got here.
Isn't it a lovely day, Mrs Mathews?
I'm expecting a visitor for breakfast so
be careful with the coffee, won't you.
Meaning as how you generally
don't like my coffee?
Oh no.
- Alright, mum.
I'll bend over backwards.
There won't be very much to do after
that, because I shall be out all day.
[ Buzzer ]
There he is now. Hurry, won't you.
Hello.
- How are you, honey?
Oh .. Mrs Mathews. Let's go in here.
Clay .. is anything the matter?
You're going to be awful mad at me.
- Am I?
Yeah.
We can't take our trip today.
Go on. Say it, whatever it is.
What's happened?
Is it some more about your brother?
- Yeah.
I know you're still thinking there's
something I haven't told you.
Well, there is.
I can't explain yet.
So you'll just have to trust me.
It's alright, Clay.
That's your business.
We should be back in a few hours
and we will still have tonight.
Now.
What's the place called Richmond Park?
How far is it from here?
What?
Oh, only about 15 or 20 miles.
Not very far. Why?
I have to drive there with
a fellow after lunch.
We'll be coming straight back.
So I should be here again by five easy.
Don't say anything you
aren't sure of. Please.
What do you mean?
I mean I ..
I wouldn't like it if
you were late again.
Or phoned when I expected you ..
To say something else happened
and you couldn't get here.
Or anything like that.
I just couldn't take it, Clay.
It's hard to explain but ..
I have to feel I'm important to you.
For my own sake, I mean.
It's more important than anything else.
Listen, nothing is going to stop
me from keeping this date.
You get that? Nothing.
It's not going to be just
a date to me you know.
It is a ..
A symbol.
That may sound silly, but I mean it.
Don't worry.
And nothing is going to stop you?
- Nothing.
Five o'clock then?
- Five.
Now you sit still.
And I'll get you a cigarette.
What on earth are you going
to Richmond Park for?
Or shouldn't I ask?
Well, among other things I'm
supposed to be trying out a car.
Oh, you're buying a car.
What kind?
I don't know yet.
This is the spot I had in mind.
Let's stretch the nethers, what.
What time is it? My watch has stopped.
Five past three.
- Okay. But we can't stay long.
What do you think of her, my dear
fellow? What do you think of her?
Specially built for the
Rajah of Radnipur.
He should have stuck to elephants.
Ha.
Why do we have to come
all the way out here?
So that we can be alone, old boy.
Absolutely alone.
I'm just selling you a car.
Nothing else.
Just selling you a car.
If we should happen to have
a conversation in a minute.
After you've put the
cash on the dotted line.
Well, I shan't remember
anything about it.
A certified check on American Express.
Is that good enough for you?
Eminently my dear fellow, eminently.
Now these are for you.
All the particulars concerning
the car, including the logbook.
Well .. deal over.
You don't know what this means to
me, as the girl said to the soldier.
You'd better start making
it mean something to me.
Let's take a stroll while
we chat, shall we?
Let's take a stroll.
[ Whistling ]
Look, I can do without
the music. I want talk.
Well, here it is.
I happened to see how the only
casualty at San Celeste was caused.
It must have been your brother.
He was shot by another commando.
At close quarters.
A gun with a silencer on it.
A very sad thing.
Who shot him?
Which one?
Oh, I don't know.
I don't know, old boy.
You mustn't forget.
I hadn't seen any of them before.
And never did again.
They were just a lot of chaps in
the dark with black on their faces.
Saw it from at least 50 yards away.
Through a window, in moonlight.
Do you know what I was doing?
Imitating this German announcer:
Achtung. Achtung.
[ German language ]
Well, while the record was playing ..
I happened to look through
the window and saw it.
A very sad thing.
You mean, you can't give me
any clue as to who it was?
[ Whistling ]
[ Whistling ]
[ Whistling ]
Getting warm, old boy?
Getting warm?
That tune.
Whoever shot your brother
was whistling that tune.
On and off right from the
time we left England.
Sort of .. to himself, you know.
Under his breath.
It always stuck in my mind.
[ Whistling ]
I think the fellow was an officer.
But I'm not quite sure.
No more questions?
No.
Well, I'm glad you're satisfied.
I wouldn't like to think
of you going round ..
Saying Reggie Sinclair
tried to pull a fast one.
Is Mr Lewis in?
Mr Lewis is out of town, sir.
Where?
Mr Lewis is in Birmingham, sir.
At the Regent Theatre.
For the new try-out.
I wonder you didn't see
it in the papers, sir.
Thanks.
Hey, you in the Dreadnought.
It's lighting-up time.
What time is it?
- Six-fifteen.
Six-fifteen?
Well, it all seems very irregular.
I tell you I don't care about a seat.
And I've driven a hundred miles.
I'd like to see what I can.
Look. I've got to get in.
I've promised Sholto.
Oh, if you're a friend of Mr Lewis's.
Thank you.
It was all too completely
marvellous, Sholto.
And that sudden rush of
Nigel's into the cave.
How ever did you come to think of it?
That, I dare not tell.
Not even to my psychiatrist.
Tell me, Mr Lewis. Although I was
fascinated by the whole ballet ..
I had a feeling there was more
significance than I appreciated.
I'd say you were very probably right.
Sholto, darling.
It was breath-taking. Absolutely.
Look at what's seeped in.
Take care of it will you.
There he is sir, over there.
Oh yes. Here, thanks.
Excuse me, were you looking for someone?
This is a private party, you know.
- You remember me. Clay Douglas.
How are you and congratulations on
a wonderful show. Just wonderful.
I'm so glad you liked it Mr Douglas.
Divinely otherworld, isn't it?
The performance was a
credit to the English theatre.
Just wait until it hits
New York. Just wait.
And that ballet music is the most
haunting melody I've ever heard.
Spell-weaving, isn't it?
And such a fascinating history.
Oh really?
What is it? An old folk tune or
something? Who dug it up?
Sholto, of course.
It's an old Scottish air,
simply reeking with tradition.
The name escapes me for the moment
but you know the sort of thing.
All about the highlands, and
bagpipes and lattes la mente.
I remember now.
'White Heather' it is called.
Hey my bonnie Scotland,
white heather in her hair.
It's the way he found
it that's so intriguing.
Oh?
It was in the war, of all things.
It was a friend of Sholto's. A Scottish
officer in the same commando unit.
Who always used to whistle it.
Whenever there was any desperate crisis.
Oliver .. it was marvellous.
That ballet music. What is it?
Isn't it too breath-catching?
I was just telling Mr Douglas ..
Excuse me a moment.
Oliver.
You know, everybody says it's a hit.
What happened to the American?
- Oh he .. just went.
What did he want?
- He's so excited about the show.
He only came round to congratulate.
- Didn't he ask for me?
Odd. He didn't .. most peculiar.
What were you talking about?
- What is all this cross-examining?
If you must know, he asked
about the ballet music.
Where it came from.
He was very interested.
He was, was he?
I don't know why you followed me here.
I don't want to see you. It's useless.
I .. I promised Hamish to marry him.
I didn't follow you.
I didn't know you were here.
Is McArran around?
- Yes, but ..
I don't know. I think he's busy.
I don't want you to say anything about
what I said. We've not told anyone yet.
It's no business of mine.
Clay, if only ..
- Look.
Since I saw you last,
everything is different.
When you walked out on me, it was
the best thing you could have done.
I can't explain, but maybe
one day you'll find out.
And if you do .. you won't
want any part of me.
I don't understand.
- Someone asking for me?
Hello Douglas. What are you
doing in this part of the world?
I finished my business early.
So I thought I'd come
for a few days fishing.
By the way, if you've a minute, I'd
like to talk to you about something.
By all means. If Elspeth will excuse us.
Don't worry about me.
Sit down won't you.
Quite a job these days,
being a landlord.
I suppose you realize that fishing
story was just for Miss Graham.
Was it? Why?
I'm here about my brother again.
Really?
Yes.
I know now how he died.
You killed him.
Suppose I denied it?
It wouldn't make any difference.
I know.
Well, there is nothing
for me to say, is there.
Except to ask what you
are going to do about it.
You know what I am going to do about it.
I just had to come and say
how-do-you-do to Mr Douglas.
Goodness, you two look solemn. I hope I
haven't interrupted anything important.
Not a bit.
I heard the car.
I had no idea who it was until
Elspeth told me. I was surprised.
Well you see, ma'am. I've sort of fallen
in love with your country up here and ..
When I found out I could get away
from London I came right up here.
I thought I'd do some more fishing.
- Listen now.
You can't have the same room as Elspeth
has it until her cottage is finished.
I wouldn't dream of
imposing on you, ma'am.
Angus told me he could fix me
up any time so I just wired him.
Why not get settled in and come
straight back for your tea?
Well, your son has suggested
an hour's hunting.
Hunting?
I'm sorry, I forgot.
You call it shooting.
Do you want a gillie?
Shall I send word to Angus?
No mother, this isn't a shoot. Just an
evening walk with a couple of guns.
Anything we flush.
Something for Sheila to cook.
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
- Mrs McArran?
Yes. Hold on, will you?
It's for you, mother.
Thank you, dear.
Hello?
Hello?
Yes, Mrs McIntyre.
I'm so glad you rang up.
I must talk to you about the
chairs for the children's ..
Go ahead. Help yourself.
Long distance stuff, eh?
Well, if that's the way you want it.
Goodbye.
Dinner is at eight Hamish. Don't forget.
Of course, you'll join us Mr Douglas.
Why on earth are you taking the rifles?
- It's some notion of Douglas's.
I got it from my father ma'am when ..
When I was just a boy.
For any sort of what you
call 'rough-shooting' ..
He'd never let me take a shotgun.
He said that ..
Anything you get with
a rifle, you deserve.
Well we had .. better be taking off.
This is the best way.
Have a good time. Don't be late, Hamish.
I'll try not to be.
Goodness, you're very
affectionate today.
Now, what's the matter dear?
Have you been crying?
It's nothing. Just foolishness.
Wouldn't you like to tell me?
I might be able to help.
You never know.
You're very sweet Margaret, but ..
[ Door knocks ]
Who can that be?
How do you do, Mrs McArran.
I'm Sholto Lewis.
Of course. Just for the moment
I didn't recognize you.
I was just driving through this divine
country. Naturally I thought of Hamish.
And here I am.
- Elspeth - Mr Sholto Lewis.
Mr Lewis - Miss Graham.
- How do you do.
What a pity you didn't come earlier.
You could have gone shooting with them.
Them?
Hamish and an American visitor.
Clay Douglas. A charming man.
How long since they left?
Can I catch them?
If you hurry.
Where were they headed?
Towards the loch?
No, the other way.
They were going up the shoulder.
Oh yes, I know.
So that's the celebrated Sholto Lewis.
Are his manners always as bad as that?
[ Whistling ]
[ Whistling ]
Well .. what happens now?
I have to figure something out, I guess.
You'll forgive me for
asking, I'm sure but ..
Just what are you planning?
A nice murder .. or a cosy duel?
Call it what you like.
- Hey there!
Enter demon King. Singing and dancing.
Good afternoon, gentlemen.
- Hello Sholto.
What brings you here?
- Hmm. Why so churlish?
You sound almost as though
you weren't glad to see me.
Anyone got a cigarette to spare?
Thanks.
Light?
I'd still like to know
what brought you here.
As I was telling your mother.
I just happened to be driving
through the highlands.
They were so rugged and Caledonian.
Naturally, I thought of you.
Not the most comfortable
thing to sit on.
That's loaded.
So it is.
How lethal.
What are you two doing with rifles?
Playing at soldiers?
Can I be on your side Hamish?
I don't think I need any help.
It's always one of my troubles.
I never seem to know
when I'm not wanted.
Do you want to postpone?
Why should he?
It's a delightful
afternoon for shooting.
Let's start ..
Over there.
You know, if I didn't know you hadn't
had time, I'd think you rigged this.
I didn't .. but it's useful.
Douglas.
Come over here for a minute will you.
Douglas.
What do you want?
Suppose we step over there.
The view is sublime.
How do you fit into this?
Let's say that I like Hamish
and I don't like you.
That will do for a start.
I thought you were going to make
trouble when I first saw you.
Then when I discovered you'd
got on to that music, I knew.
So, here I am.
What are you going to do?
I haven't made up my mind yet.
There might be one of those distressing
accidents one is always reading about.
You know the sort of thing, I'm sure.
A shooting-party death.
An American visitor
slain by a stray bullet.
I wouldn't move if I were you.
For how long?
For so long as it takes me to make up
my mind just what I'm going to do.
In the meanwhile, you can listen
to what my old nurse used to call:
'A few home truths'.
You think your little brother was
foully done to death, don't you?
Well he wasn't. He was executed.
Why?
He was endangering
the success of the mission ..
And the lives of 12 better men
than he could ever hope to be.
Because he wanted to nab himself
another souvenir, so help me.
I don't believe it.
It was about 2 o'clock in the morning.
We hadn't yet finished
the job we'd come to do.
When this ego-bound young fool runs the
risk of waking every German in Brittany.
Do you know what he was at?
Trying to get himself a
high-ranking prisoner.
Hamish ordered him back .. twice.
And he went on, deliberately.
It was the mission or him.
So it had to be him.
If you think that Hamish
McArran liked the job ..
You're an even bigger
fool than I take you for.
Why are you McArran's mouthpiece?
Can't he speak for himself?
No.
He's what the book means when it
says: 'An Officer and a Gentleman'.
You and I ..
We take an oath of service and forget it
before the words are out of our mouths.
Not Hamish.
Have you ever heard of a man
deliberately crucifying himself?
That's what that man did.
I know, because I helped
him write his report.
I know what happened after that.
After it had been from our War Office
to Eisenhower, and back again.
They sent for him.
They told him he'd done the right thing.
Then they told him that
it had never happened.
He was always to remember that.
It never happened.
Well.
Got anything to say now?
He told me.
Well?
There's only one thing I'd like to say.
If I'd been in your place I'd ..
I'd have done the same.
Oh. Hello Hamish.
I didn't see you at breakfast so
I thought I'd come and find you.
I needed some boards for my sketches,
so I came along early to get them.
Before the painters arrive.
You know, you oughtn't to miss
breakfast .. particularly today.
What's special about today?
You always ought to eat
something before a long journey.
I'm not going anywhere.
- Aren't you? I thought you were.
Clay Douglas is.
He's nothing to do with me.
I had rather an idea it had.
It's alright.
You know, I've known for a long
time you weren't in love with me.
And if I have to lose you to somebody.
I'd rather it was a Black Douglas.
But I .. I didn't think you liked him.
I've changed my mind.
Incidentally, he's about to
take off. Better hurry up.
Oh .. but he can't.
I mean, I haven't ..
I told him I was going to marry you.
- That doesn't matter .. go on.
Oh. Thank you, Hamish.
Can you give me a lift?
- I'm going the long way.
I don't mind how far it is.
- I'm travelling light.
I'm only eight stone three.
What about Hamish McArran?
- He understands everything.
It wasn't true what I told you.
About promising to marry him.
I only did that to hurt you.
..r-o..