Alfred Hitchcock Presents s02e14 Episode Script

Good evening, and welcome to Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
Thank you.
See you next year.
We thought you'd like to see this.
So many of you have expressed an interest in knowing how I was paid.
Now I can afford to go back to my diet.
Tonight's play is about a body.
Not mine.
However, the title is "John Brown's Body.
" In my opinion, John, this is the type of furniture we should be making.
Remarkable.
What is it? It's a chair, made out of wrought iron and plastic.
It's the latest modern design.
And this, Harold? That's a copy of a new Swedish reversible sofa.
Hmm.
Does a set of instructions go with them? I'd be afraid to get into that thing.
Unfortunately, John, our customers are not quite so old-fashioned.
The public is demanding modern furniture now.
Take this sofa.
My boy, that is not a sofa.
That is a sofa.
Constructed, not turned out.
Quality, my boy.
That's what we're selling.
People are looking for something new.
We've got to give it to them.
Chairs made out of scrap metal? That's not what our customers expect from John Brown and Company.
We'd get new customers with a line of modern furniture.
Now, Harold, our sales are fine.
We're making money.
We'll end the year with our usual nice profit.
We could triple our profits.
And we could go bankrupt.
So you won't even consider it? I'm afraid the answer is "No.
" But listen, John, if you'd just Hello! Oh, did I interrupt anything? No, no, my dear.
We've finished.
How're you, Harold? Hello, Mrs.
Brown.
You didn't tell me you were coming into town today.
Oh, I thought it'd be fun to pop in and surprise you.
You can take me to lunch.
I'm afraid I have an appointment.
If you'd have mentioned it this morning Well, then it wouldn't have been a surprise.
I'm afraid I can't stand many more surprises today.
Maybe Harold will volunteer to take you to lunch.
I'm sure Harold has his own plans, dear.
Nothing important, Mrs.
Brown.
I'd be happy to volunteer.
But you do have an appointment.
I'll change it.
It's no problem for a junior partner.
Goodbye, dear.
Hors d'oeuvre, madame? Yes, please.
Oeufs a la russe? Yes.
It must have been a girl.
Pardon? Pate maison? Yes.
Your lunch date.
It was with a girl, wasn't it? As a matter of fact, yes, it was.
Des ecrevisses? Oui.
Now I'm going to spoil your fun.
How dreadful of me.
Don't tease the animals, Mrs.
Brown.
You might get bitten.
Du saumon? Oui.
My, we're in a bad mood.
Excellent.
Et vous aussi, monsieur? Nothing for me, thanks.
Tres bien.
Merci.
Why were you and John glaring at each other when I came in? I told him our product was 20 years out of style.
A lot of people still buy it.
Three times as many would buy furniture like this.
What's that? Sketches of a new line of modern furniture that we're not bringing out.
May I look? You can have them.
Are these your own ideas? Well, some of them.
I had a designer working on it.
Oh, I think they're awfully good.
I really do.
Well, thanks.
How about our going into partnership? Or do we have to ask John's permission? He's a charter member.
Do you have any influence with him? I never interfere in his business.
But you just got a share of it now.
You just became a partner.
Are you as conservative as your husband, Mrs.
Brown? No wonder my husband thinks your ideas are too advanced.
I just meant we could make a lot of money.
Oh, now you're angry again! Are you sorry John made you take me to lunch? I wasn't drafted.
I volunteered.
I shouldn't tease you.
Your sketches are wonderful.
And most women would like to make a lot of money.
Sure.
Some of them marry for it.
That's a low blow.
I'm very fond of John.
I'm sure you are.
Good evening, Mr.
Skinner.
Hello, Ellen.
I'm a little early, so if Mr.
Brown hasn't finished his dinner He's not here.
He left for Philadelphia late this afternoon.
Well Well, that's odd.
I'm supposed to meet him here to go over some statements.
Would you like to speak to Mrs.
Brown? Oh, no, no.
Don't disturb her.
I'll just leave these with you.
What is it, Ellen? It's Mr.
Skinner, ma'am.
Harold! What a surprise.
You're just in time for dinner.
Oh, no, thanks.
Well, I owe you a meal.
Remember, you bought my lunch a few weeks ago, under pressure.
Well, thanks.
I've eaten.
I had an appointment with John, but he seems to have forgotten all Well, come in.
I can't imagine John getting his appointments so mixed up.
Darling, your act was absolutely priceless! Darling? Mmm? What are we going to do about John? Do you have to worry about that now? Well, let's face it.
We're running out of ways to meet.
We can't pull this one again.
Ellen will be suspicious.
And if I take you to lunch once more, John is going to start asking questions.
Yes, I know.
Have you talked to him about bringing out the new line of modern stuff? He won't discuss it.
I've got to find some way to make money.
Why doesn't he just retire and let me run the business? There's not a chance of that.
The business is his whole life and he's still in his prime.
Except for his absent-mindedness about appointments.
You know, I think you've got something.
What do you mean? The old boy is losing his grip.
He doesn't know what he's doing.
When you can't remember business matters, it's time to retire.
John's got a memory like a file cabinet.
He never forgot anything in his life.
Ellen thinks he forgot about my appointment, doesn't she? You know very well you never had an appointment.
I know it.
But does John? Don't you get it? He prides himself on his memory.
If we can convince him that he is getting forgetful, then we'll be able to Oh, no! He'd be a nervous wreck in no time.
Oh, what a horrible thought.
It was only an idea.
I think it's a wonderful horrible idea.
Something I can do? Something you should've done three weeks ago.
Why haven't the contracts been sent to the Craddock people? Just waiting for you to sign them.
What are you talking about? I signed them a month ago.
I'm sorry, John.
They're still in your drawer, unsigned.
No! I know very well that I I could have sworn I signed these.
Why didn't you remind me? I did remind you.
Several times.
And there are at least three memos on your spike.
I must have overlooked it.
See that they're mailed immediately, and attach a letter of apology.
Certainly.
Well, what is it? I hate to mention this, but the safe was open again this morning.
I distinctly remember locking it last night.
Maybe it was No, I checked it.
There's nothing missing.
It wasn't a burglar.
Then it was somebody in the office.
John, you're the only one who has the combination.
Good evening, Ellen.
Good evening, sir.
I lost my keys.
Well, you left them on the table this morning, sir.
Here's John now.
I was sure I put them in my pocket.
You promised you'd be home early! Good evening, John.
Oh, hello, Sam.
I was so busy I didn't notice the time.
Why, are you working too hard? Oh, no.
I don't know.
Perhaps a little.
Dear, why don't you go up and change so we can have dinner? Oh, that's a good idea.
I'll wash and then we'll eat.
Oh, hey.
Will you stay for dinner, Sam? Well, I was.
Thank you, John.
That'd be nice.
Didn't you tell him I was coming to dinner? Doctor, it was his idea to invite you tonight.
I reminded him just this morning.
I can hardly believe it.
Why, his memory is phenomenal.
How long has he been like this? It's been months.
I kept trying to get him to see you, but he wouldn't.
I begged him to take it easy, retire, but he just goes into a rage.
What's wrong with him, Doctor? Well, it certainly can't be anything physical.
I gave him a thorough checkup only a few weeks ago.
Would you object to having a specialist examine him? A specialist? What do you mean? I mean a psychiatrist.
You don't think he's Now, now, now, don't jump to conclusions.
It may be nothing more than just mental fatigue.
But I do think you should take him to see Dr.
Croatman as soon as possible.
Now, there, there, there.
Good morning.
If Dr.
Helck thinks I'm sick, why doesn't he treat me himself? Why does he slough me off on a strange doctor? Sam thinks it's best or he wouldn't have suggested it.
Mr.
Brown.
Yes? Dr.
Croatman will see you immediately.
May I use the phone, please? Certainly.
How do you do, Mr.
Brown? I'm Dr.
Croatman.
Won't you sit down? We'll have a little talk.
There's nothing to talk about.
You want me to take some medicine, give me the prescription, let me get out of here.
I don't prescribe medicine, Mr.
Brown.
Sit down.
Just what kind of a doctor are you? Hello, Harold? I'm afraid John won't be able to come to the office today.
I've had to bring him to see a doctor.
Oh, really? What's the matter with him? Well, we won't know until Dr.
Croatman completes his examination.
Will you be able to manage things if John should have to take a long rest? If it's long enough, I'll have this business coining money.
That's what I thought.
I don't want to stay.
Let me out of here.
All we can hope is that the doctor finds nothing wrong.
He thinks I'm insane! I've nothing wrong with me.
I'm getting out of here.
Doctor? Mrs.
Brown.
Is he You saw for yourself.
Your husband needs help.
I advise you to place him in a rest home as soon as possible.
Hello? Harold, I'm afraid I can't talk to you now.
It seems that John is much worse than I thought.
Sure, I heard.
He's mad as a hatter.
Well, aren't you the busy little man? Oh, hello, darling.
Isn't lunch time, is it? It's 1:15.
And you said 1:00.
But if we hurry, maybe there'll be something left.
Good heavens.
I had no idea it was so late.
How's the new line going? Oh, fine, fine.
Where would you like to go to lunch? How about the Royalty Room? I'm afraid I have to be back by 2:00.
I have an appointment with the manager at Tilfords.
I, uh I want to persuade him to take on our contour chairs.
Darling, is anything wrong? Nothing to worry about.
It just takes time.
But I am going to put on some new salesmen.
This crew still thinks they're working for John.
Well, how are we feeling today? If you're implying I'm a split personality, both of us are fine.
You know, I just came from visiting a dual personality.
Both of them feel terrible.
You, you're doing very nicely.
Does that mean you're going to let me out of here? Well, what's wrong with this place? It's quiet, pleasant.
You have leisure time to paint.
May I look? It isn't finished yet.
Oh, it's unusual, certainly.
What do you call it? I haven't quite decided whether to call it Modern Living or simply Biography.
I see.
Tell me, John, just what were you trying to interpret here? How do I know? I'm a loony.
There it is, Mr.
Skinner.
Your capital position is badly impaired due to the heavy investment which is frozen in inventory.
Just give it to me in basic English.
Very well, Mr.
Skinner.
Unless there is a drastic increase in sales, and a liquidation of your past due accounts receivable, the company is going to be insolvent in approximately three months.
Three months? Well, I'll need at least a year.
Then I'd suggest you obtaining additional capital.
On what? The name John Brown and Company has always been sufficient collateral.
Maybe John Brown could get a loan.
The company can't borrow a dime.
These are the debits.
And here are the complete assets as of Harold, I can't even balance a checkbook.
You'll have to explain it to me.
It's very simple.
If we don't make some money in the next few months, we're out of business.
How much do you need? We need $50,000, partner.
Oh, we've gone back to a partnership, have we? We never dissolved.
Everything's split right down the middle.
Up to now it's been When do the profits start coming in? "We could make a lot of money, Mrs.
Brown.
" Remember? I remember you thought it was a pretty good idea at the time.
I was wrong.
I guess you should've stayed with John.
Darling, I didn't mean that.
It wasn't just the money.
You know that, don't you? I know.
Isn't there anything we can do? We've got to find some way to raise $50,000.
Oh, the stuff will sell.
It just takes time.
Have you tried to get a loan? All over town.
They'd lend it to John, but they think I'm just a young upstart.
Maybe if John used his influence.
Would that help? I don't think he'd do it.
He'd do anything for the company, you know that.
It's worth trying.
Come on, I'll drive you out there.
John? Oh, Vera! Come in, my dear.
Or come out, whichever it is.
I wasn't expecting you till next weekend.
Then you don't mind my surprising you? Still the same Vera.
Just the same.
You might have caught me making up to one of the nurses.
Here, sit down, my dear, sit down.
How are you feeling, John? I've quite taken to this sort of life.
It's rather pleasant.
Painting, talking, just taking it easy.
You know, I never realized how uncomfortable a starched collar could be till I started wearing these.
Of course, they'd They'd never do in business.
John, you haven't mentioned the business.
I'm sure Harold is doing excellently.
He's a very clever young man.
A little erratic, but I dare say he's learning.
Well, he's doing the best he can, but he needs help.
Maybe you could advise him.
I don't see how I could do that.
I've been out of touch too long.
Nearly a year, isn't it? Just about.
Too many things change in that time.
I don't know what conditions are.
No, no, Harold's right there.
He knows more about it than I do now.
Come back.
The company needs you and And so do I.
Oh, you mean leave here? Oh, I'm afraid Dr.
Croatman would have something to say about that.
But you're so much better, John.
You've had a long rest, and you look wonderful.
Don't you think if the psychiatrist examined you again, he'd see that? He does seem rather pleased with my progress.
Oh, good! Then I'll tell Sam about it.
He'll know what's best to be done.
If you wish, my dear.
But I'm not sure it'll do any good.
Stop pacing like a caged animal.
What if they don't let him out? Why shouldn't they? There's nothing wrong with him.
I know.
But you can go off your rocker just being in a place like that.
If it doesn't work, we're finished.
If it does, what about you and me? We just have to be careful.
Mrs.
Brown, Dr.
Helck is here.
I've just come from Dr.
Croatman.
My dear, John is waiting for you to bring him home.
Wonderful.
Well, it was a great 10 months.
This isn't the end.
We'd better go in.
We won't be able to see each other.
We can't pull this trick again.
We'll find a way.
Just as soon as he has the company making money again.
Wait a minute.
John! Oh, hello, my dear.
And Harold.
Nice to see you again.
How are you, John? All I know is what my psychiatrist tells me.
He says you're entirely well.
And it's going to be wonderful to have you home.
Isn't it, Harold? It's the best news I've heard in months.
Well, all packed, I see.
You know, I'm beginning to think that you never liked this place.
It's not so bad after you get used to it, Doc.
But you say I'm all right now and my wife wants me home.
Well, you take care of yourself.
I don't want to see you back here again, except as a visitor.
I'll see that he never comes back, Doctor.
Shall we go, dear? John, if you'll sign this we'll spring you.
Anything you say, Warden.
That's a fine way to talk.
Here, I'll take those.
Oh, I forgot this.
Well, I think that's everything.
Mrs.
Brown, I'm sorry.
Your husband won't be able to go with you just now, after all.
I don't understand.
He is not able to leave here now.
But he's completely sane.
You said so.
He gives that appearance, yes.
But in disturbances of this sort, we can't always be sure.
No, I'm afraid John has to stay here.
But he can't.
We need him.
The business.
I must take him home.
You'd only be taking home his body.
His mind is Look for yourself.
I hope that ending was properly terrifying.
What's this? Nothing but sawdust.
Oh, well, two can play at that game.
That's all I have here.
This concludes our program for tonight.
On our next program, we shall both be back.
Me and my shadow.
Good night.