STRANGERS ON A TRAIN
by
Raymond Chandler and Czenzi Ormonde
FINAL DRAFT
October 18, 1950
Converted to PDF by SCREENTALK
FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
www.screentalk.org
FADE IN:
EXT. UNION STATION, WASHINGTON, D.C. DAY
LONG SHOT THE CAPITOL DOME IN THE B.G. AND THE AUTOMOBILE
ENTRANCE TO THE STATION IN THE F.G. LOW CAMERA
Activity of cars and taxis arriving and discharging passengers
with luggage, busy redcaps, etcetera.
We FOCUS on a taxi pulling up and stopping, The driver hands
out modest looking luggage, including a bunch of tennis
rackets in cases to a redcap. CAMERA PANS DOWN as the
passenger gets out of the taxi so that we see only his shoes
and the lower part of his trousers. He is wearing dark
colored brogues and a conservative suit apparently. The
feet move toward, the entrance to the station and out of
scene. Immediately a chauffeur-driven limousine drives up
and an expensive place of airplane luggage is handed out of
this, and the passenger alighting from the back is seen to
be wearing black and white sport shoes which, as before, are
all we see of him. The sport shoes start off in the wake of
the brogues.
INT. STATION LOBBY
CAMERA FOLLOWS the sport shoes and the brogues across the
lobby into a passenger tunnel. There is the usual activity
of passengers walking to and from, a loud-speaker announcing
trains, etc.
EXT. PASSENGER TUNNEL
As the brogues and the sport shoes emerge to the train
platform, CAMERA PANS them over to the steps of the train.
INT. TRAIN
The brogues and the sport shoes pass separately down the
aisle, the sport shoes turning in at a compartment door and
the brogues continuing toward the parlor car.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. PARLOR CAR (PROCESS)
The brogues come to rest before a chair as the owner sits
down. A moment later the sport shoes come to rest. before
in adjoining chair.
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The legs belonging to the sport shoes stretch out, and one
of the shoes touches one of the brogues.
MAN'S VOICE (over scene)
Oh, excuse Me!
CAMERA PULLS BACK AND UP to SHOW two young men seated in two
parlor car chairs. BRUN0 ANTHONY, the wearer of the sport
shoes, is about twenty-five. He wears his expensive clothes
with the tweedy nonchalance of a young man who has always
had the best. The wearer of the brogues is a fine looking
but, at the moment, a somewhat troubled young man. This is
GUY HAINES. He, too, is in his middle twenties and is well
dressed because he can now afford to be. He nods politely,
acknowledging Bruno's apology, then turns away with the
gesture implying he wants privacy.
BRUNO
(smiling with sudden
recognition)
I beg your pardon, but aren't you
Guy Haines.
Guy nods with a polite half smile. Being a well known
tournament tennis player, he has had this sort of experience
before.
BRUNO
(snapping his finger)
Sure! I saw you blast Faraday right
off the court in South Orange last
season. What a backhand! Made the
semi-finals, didn't you?
Guy acknowledges this with a modest nod and turns to his
magazine rolled up in is fist.
BRUNO
(with open admiration)
I certainly admire people who do
things.
(smiling and
introducing himself)
I'm Bruno Anthony. Bruno. See Guy
looks up. Bruno indicates his gold
tie pin which bears his name in cut-
out letters. Guy looks at it with
the faintest expression of disdain.
I suppose you think it's corny. But
my mother gave it to me so of course
I wear it to please her.
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GUY
(patiently)(a faint
smile)
How do you do.
BRUNO
(with an apologetic
grin)
I don't usually talk so much. Go
Ahead and read.
GUY
(wryly)
Thanks.
Guy tries to read but is uneasily aware of Bruno's open
appraisal.
BRUNO
It must be pretty exciting to be so
important.
GUY
(fidgeting slightly)
A tennis player isn't so important.
BRUNO
People who do things are important.
I never seem to do anything.
Not knowing how to answer this, Guy looks a little
embarrassed.
BRUNO
(still insistent on
being friendly)
I suppose you're going to Southampton --
for the doubles.
GUY
(politely)
You are a tennis fan.
Bruno is inordinately pleased by this small tribute.
BRUNO
Wish I could see you play. But I've
got to be back in Washington tomorrow.
I live in Arlington, you know.
He has taken out a cigarette case. Holds it out to Guy.
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BRUNO
Cigarette?
GUY
Not now, thanks. I don't smoke much.
BRUNO
I smoke too much.
He fumbles for a match. Guy brings out a lighter and hands
it to Bruno.
BRUNO
Thanks.
(he stares at the
lighter, impressed)
Elegant.
CLOSE SHOT OF THE LIGHTER
Showing that it has the insignia of crossed rackets embossed
on it, and underneath is engraved the inscription: "To G
from A".
BRUNO'S VOICE
(reading)
To G from A. Bet I can guess who A
is.
WIDER SHOT
Guy reacts sharply.
GUY
(coldly)
Yes?
BRUNO
Anne Burton. Sometimes I turn the
sport page and look at the society
news. And the pictures. She's very
beautiful, Senator Burton's daughter.
GUY
You're quite a reader, Mr. Anthony.
BRUNO
Yes, I am. Ask me anything, from
today's stock reports to Li'l Abner,
and I got the answer.
(MORE)
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BRUNO (CONT'D)
Even news about people I don't know.
Like who'd like to marry whom when
his wife gets her divorce.
GUY
(sharply)
Perhaps you read too much.
BRUNO
(contritely)
There I go again. Too friendly. I
meet someone I' like and open my yap
too wide. I'm sorry...
At the appeal on Bruno's face, Guy slowly relents.
GUY
That's all right. Forget it. I
guess I'm pretty jumpy.
Bruno smiles with and signals a waiter.
BRUNO
There's a new cure for that.
(to waiter)
Scotch and plain water. A pair.
Double.
(to Guy with a chuckle)
Only kind of doubles I play.
GUY
You'll have to drink both of them.
BRUNO
(grinning)
And I can do it.
(moving in)
When's the wedding?
GUY
What?
BRUNO
The wedding. You and Anne Burton.
(a gesture of
explanation)
It was in the papers.
GUY
It shouldn't have been. Unless
they've legalized bigamy overnight.
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BRUNO
I have a theory about that. I'd
like to tell you about it some time.
But right now I suppose divorce Is
still the simplest operation.
The waiter has brought the drinks. Bruno slips the lighter
into hip pocket to free his hands for the bills which he
gives to the waiter, waving away the change. He offers a
glass to Guy. Guy takes it.
GUY
(as if he needs it)
I guess I will.
BRUNO
(happily)
This is wonderful -- having your
company all the way to New York.
GUY
(forced to explain)
As a matter of fact, I'm not going
direct. I'm stopping off. At
Metcalf.
BRUNO
Metcalf? What would anybody want to
go there for?
GUY
It's my home town.
BRUNO
Oh, I get it! A little talk with
your wife to about the divorce! I
suppose she was the girl next door.
Held her hand in high school and
before you knew it -- hooked!
(proud of his
perspicacity)
Am I right?
GUY
(laconically)
Close enough.
BRUNO
(raises his glass)
Well, here's luck, Guy. Drink up --
then we'll have some lunch sent to
my compartment.
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GUY
Thanks very much. But I think I'll
go to the dining car.
(he hails a waiter
who is passing through
with a food-laden
tray)
Do you know if there are any vacant
seats in the dining car now?
WAITER
Not for about twenty minutes I'm
afraid, Sir.
BRUNO
(pleased)
See? You'll have to lunch with me.
(motions the waiter
back)
Say, waiter, bring me some lamb chops
and French fries and chocolate ice
cream, Compartment D, Car 121.
(turns to Guy)
What'll you have, Guy?
GUY
Thanks just the same, but I really
don't think --
BRUNO
Oh, go on and order.
The waiter is hovering impatiently. Guy gives in out of
embarrassment.
GUY
Well, I'll Just have a hamburger and
a cup of coffee.
BRUNO
(delighted, lifts his
glass in another
toast)
To the next Mrs. Haines.
Guy nods curtly.
DISSOLVE TO:
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INT. BRUNO'S COMPARTMENT ON TRAIN (PROCESS)
Bruno and Guy are finishing lunch. Bruno has been drinking
and his eyes are bright and feverish. An almost empty liquor
bottle is near a couple of detective novels covered with
gaudily Illustrated dust jackets. Bruno has in unlighted
cigarette in his mouth. Guy's lighter is on the table.
Bruno snaps it a couple of times, as though fascinated, lights
his cigarette and puts the lighter on the table again.
BRUNO
Sure, I went to college. Three of
them. Every time they kicked me out
my father threw me back in.
(bitterly)
He finally gave up. He thinks I'm
awfully small fry, not worth the
bait.
(wistfully)
You my friend, Guy?
GUY
Sure. I'm your friend, Bruno.
BRUNO
(a little woozy)
No, you're not, nobody thinks I'm
anything special. Only my mother.
(empties the bottle
into his glass)
My father hates me.
Guy smiles this off as nonsense.
GUY
You must be imagining things.
BRUNO
(hitting the bottom
of the bottle for
the last drop)
And I hate him. He thinks I ought
to catch the eight-five bus every
morning, punch a timeclock and work
my way up selling paint or something.
Him -- with all his money!
GUY
(amused by Bruno)
Well, what do you want to do?
BRUNO
You mean before or after I kill him?
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GUY
(chuckling)
Before, of course.
BRUNO
(leaning forward
eagerly)
I want to do everything. I got a
theory you're supposed to do
everything before you die. Have you
ever driven a car, blindfolded, at a
hundred and fifty miles an hour?
GUY
Not lately.
BRUNO
I did. I flew in a jet plans too.
(his hand traces a
swift streak through
the air, and he adds
sound effects)
Zzzzzzzp! Man, that's a thrill!
Almost blow the sawdust out of my
head. I'm going to make a reservation
on the first rocket to the moon...
GUY
(amused and curious)
What are you trying prove?
BRUNO
I'm not like you, Guy. You're lucky.
You're smart. Marrying the boss's
daughter is a nice short cut to a
career, isn't it?
GUY
(quickly)
Marrying the senator's daughter has
nothing to do with it. Can't a fellow
look past a tennis not without being
a goldbricker?
BRUNO
Take it easy, boy. I'm your friend,
remember? I'd do anything for you.
GUY
(humoring Bruno)
Sure, Bruno, sure.
(MORE)
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GUY (CONT'D)
(glancing at his watch)
We'll be pulling in soon. I've got
to change trains.
BRUNO
What'd you say her name was -- your
wife's?
GUY
Miriam.
BRUNO
That's it. Miriam Joyce Haines.
Played around a lot, I suppose?
GUY
Let's not talk about it any more.
BRUNO
(almost hopefully)
Maybe she'll make more trouble for
you.
GUY
I don't think so.
BRUNO
You mean you got enough on her to
get your divorce no matter what?
GUY
Let's change subject, Bruno, can't
we?
BRUNO
Okay, Guy. Want me to tell you one
of my ideas for murdering my father?
GUY
(indicating the
detective novels)
You've been reading too many of these.
BRUNO
(going right on)
You want to hear about the busted
light socket in the bathroom, or the
carbon monoxide in the garage?
GUY
No. I may be old fashioned, but I
thought murder was against the law.
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BRUNO
But not against the law of nature.
My theory is that everybody is a
potential murderer. Didn't you ever
want to kill somebody? Say one of
those useless fellows Miriam was
running around with?
GUY
You can't go around killing people
just because you think they're
useless.
BRUNO
Oh, what's a life or two? Some people
are bitter off dead, Guy. Take your --
wife and my father, for instance.
It reminds me of a wonderful idea
had once. I used to put myself to
sleep at night -- figuring it out.
Now, let's say you want to get rid
of your wife.
GUY
Why?
BRUNO
Let's say she refuses to give you a
divorce --
(raises a finger and
stops Guy's protest)
Let's say. You'd be afraid to kill
her because you'd get caught. And
what would trip you up? Motive.
Now here's the plan...
GUY
I'm afraid I haven't time to listen.
BRUNO
(ignoring the remark)
It's so simple, too. A couple of
fellows meet accidentally, like you
and me. No connection between them
at all. Never saw each other before.
Each of them has somebody he'd like
to get rid of, but he can't murder
the person he wants to get rid of.
He'll get caught. So they swap
murders.
GUY
Swap murders?
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BRUNO
Each fellow does the other fellow's
murder. Then there is nothing to
connect them. The one who had the
motive isn't there. Each fellow
murders a total stranger. Like you
do my murder and I do yours.
GUY
(with relief)
We're coming into my station.
BRUNO
For example, your wife, my father.
Criss-cross.
GUY
(sharply)
What?
BRUNO
(with a smile)
We do talk the same language -- don't
we, Guy?
GUY
(preparing to leave)
Sure, we talk the same language.
Thanks for the lunch.
BRUNO
(beaming)
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I thought
the lamb chops were a little overdone
myself.
He holds out his hand. Guy is in a hurry but he shakes hands.
GUY
Nice meeting you, Bruno.
BRUNO
(detaining him at the
door)
You think my theory is okay, Guy?
You like it?
GUY
Sure, sure, Bruno. They're all okay.
(he salutes a quick
goodbye and hurries
away)
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Left alone, Bruno picks up Guy's lighter from the table,
starts to call Guy back to hand It to him.Then he looks closer
at the insignia of crossed tennis rackets.
BRUNO
(smiling)
Criss-cross.
DISSOLVE TO:
A WIDE VIEW OF THE TOWN OF METCALF
METCALF RAILROAD STATION
as the train comes in.
THE TRAIN STATION PLATFORM MED. SHOT
As Guy gets off the with his suitcase and tennis rackets. A
baggage man with baggage truck is passing.
GUY
Hi, Bill.
BAGGAGE MAN
(smiling)
Guy Haines! Good to too you, boy.
You be sure to win at Southampton
tomorrow, hear me? I've got two
dollars on your nose.
GUY
(indicating his
suitcase and rackets)
Then park these in a lucky spot for
a few hours, will you?
BAGGAGE MAN
Sure thing.
He loads them onto a truck.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. METCALF STREET LONG SHOT
Guy is walking up the main street.
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EXT. MUSIC SHOP
Typical music shop of a small town, with plate glass windows
and displays of radios, records, sheet music, etc. Activity
of a couple of customers and salespeople inside. Guy comes
along the street and goes into the shop.
INT. MUSIC SHOP
As Guy enters. There are the usual counters and shelves,
pianos and radios on display, and the sound of a piano being
tuned in the back of the store. MIRIAM is finishing with a
customer at a counter. MR. HARGREAVES, the manager, is busy
at the shelves. Another girl clerk is serving a customer.
In one of the glass cubicles where records are tried out, a
customer is playing symphonic music; in a second glass cubicle
another customer is listening to a record of popular music.
A third cubicle is empty. Activity of the street is seen
through the plate glass front.
Guy walks straight to Miriam, just as she is finishing with
her woman customer, handing over a small package.
MIRIAM
(taking money from
customer)
Even change. Thank you, Madam.
(she looks up at Guy
as the woman moves
off)
Well -- hello, Guy.
GUY
You're looking well, Miriam.
Miriam's face is pretty because it is still young. She is
self-centered and inclined to be vindictive. She wears
harlequin glasses with myopic lenses which tend to make her
eyes look small.
MIRIAM
So are you. You've got a nice tan,
playing tennis with all your rich
friends.
GUY
(ignoring the remark)
What time do we meet your lawyer?
MIRIAM
(sly little smile)
What's your hurry?
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GUY
My hurry? That's funny, coming from
you! You're the one who's in a hurry,
aren't you?
MIRIAM
(coyly)
When you wouldn't give me the divorce
right away, I sort of hoped it was
because you were a little bit jealous.
GUY
(biting)
I got over being jealous, a long
time ago Miriam.
Miriam's eyes slide toward the other girl clerk who has moved
closer, within listening range.
MIRIAM
(indicating empty
glass cubicle)
Let's talk in there.
Guy follows Miriam across to the empty room. Miriam has
brought her purse along.
They enter.
INT. CUBICLE
Once inside, the sounds of the music playing from other parts
of the shop are heard but very faintly. The piano tuning
still goes on, but less stridently. Miriam and Guy are cooped
together in the close quarters.
MIRIAM
(intimately)
Now this is cosier. Sort of like
old times, isn't it, Guy?
GUY
(coldly)
Oh, skip it, Miriam. It's pretty
late to start flirting with a
discarded husband. Especially when
you're going to have another man's
baby.
MIRIAM
Do you know, I think you're handsomer
than ever?
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GUY
Let's see your lawyer and get this
over with.
MIRIAM
Did you bring the money, Guy? Lawyers
are expensive.
GUY
(taking money from
his wallet)
Here it is.
MIRIAM
(taking the money
greedily)
If I'd known what all that tennis
nonsense of yours was going to lead
to, I wouldn't have run out on you.
GUY
What are you trying to say, Miriam?
Come out with it.
MIRIAM
(tucking the bills
away)
I'm not getting a divorce.
GUY
(tense and angry)
Why, you little doublecrosser. I
didn't want this divorce, you did.
That's what you've been harping about
for the past year.
MIRIAM
It's a woman's privilege to change
her mind... Now I can shop for some
pretty clothes. I wouldn't want you
to be ashamed of me in Washington
when we go to all those dinners and
swanky parties.
GUY
And what do you mean by that?
MIRIAM
(Coyly)
Don't look so mad, Guy. You always
smile when your picture is being
taken for the papers.
(MORE)
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MIRIAM (CONT'D)
Especially when you have Anne Burton
hanging on your arm.
GUY
Let's not talk about Anne Burton.
MIRIAM
So, it's really serious between you
two? Well, you can throw your dreams
about her into the ashcan. Guy, I'm
coming to Washington.
GUY
What for?
MIRIAM
To have my baby and be with you.
GUY
Why me? It's not my baby.
MIRIAM
But people don't know that, Guy, do
they? It would make a pretty story,
wouldn't it -- the senator's daughter
involved with a married man who's
about to become a father.
GUY
(furiously)
You black conniving little liar!
A few people in the shop look around as Guy's voice rises
above the sound of the record playing.
MIRIAM
Keep your voice down.
GUY
What happened? Did he run out on
you?
MIRIAM
No man runs out on me. Not even
you.
GUY
You're a liar and a cheat, Miriam.
You've wanted to get rid of me long
enough and now I'll go you one better --
I never want to see or hear of you
again.
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MIRIAM
(demurely)
I could be very pathetic as the
deserted little mother in a courtroom,
Guy. Think it over. Who would
believe you?
Guy seizes her angrily and in so doing, knocks the tone arm
across the record with a loud screech. From outside we can
see heads turn. Mr. Hargreaves, the manager, is very
disturbed.
MED. SHOT THROUGH GLASS PARTITION FROM HARGREAVES' VIEWPOINT
We see Guy gripping Miriam's arms and apparently addressing
her in a threatening manner, although we do not hear his
words. The smile has faded from Miriam's face and something
like cringing fear has taken its place. She is drawn and
tense and seems to cower beneath Guy's rage.
Mr. Hargreaves moves forward and opens Guy's tirade.
GUY
...That's what should happen to people
like you. And if I...
HARGREAVES
(interrupts)
Break it up, folks. This isn't the
place for a family quarrel.
GUY
(his eyes blazing)
Sorry. I'm leaving.
He starts to exit from the booth. Miriam grabs his arm and
screams at him:
MIRIAM
(yelling like a
fishwife)
You heard what I said, Guy Haines.
You can't throw me away like an old
shoe. I'm coming to Washington to
have my baby. Tell that to the
senate!
Guy strides out of the store, the manager and a few customers
turning around in surprise.
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The two customers in other booths, seeing the quarrel, open
their doors simultaneously and Miriam's tirade is climaxed
by a cacophony of noise, a big symphony, loud hot music, and
the apparently unaware piano tuner.
EXT. MAIN STREET METCALF SHOOTING TOWARDS STATION
Guy is striding along angrily. He comes to the same
intersection and the same cop. The officer makes a friendly
gesture, is if he'd like to talk awhile, but Guy strides
past him without noticing.
EXT. METCALF STATION (PROCESS)
Guy comes into the scene, crosses to a row of public telephone
booths, enters one. Inside the telephone booth, he dumps
some loose change on the shelf, sticks a nickel in the
telephone, speaks into it.
GUY
Long distance.
(a pause)
I want Washington, D. C. The number
is Republic 0800. Person to person.
Miss Anne Burton.
Another pause, very long. Guy is very restless. He digs a
cigarette out of his pocket and sticks it in his mouth, then
looks through his pockets for his lighter, doesn't find it.
He looks puzzled, but about that time the operator speaks to
him.
GUY
(continuing)
Right.
Guy picks coins up off the shelf and drops them into the
telephone, then waits. He shifts the receiver and fumbles
in his other jacket pocket, then turns to the phone.
GUY
(tautly, into phone)
Anne, -- Anne darling. Yes, I'm in
Metcalf --
(gets a grip on himself)
No, everything didn't go smoothly.
She doesn't want a divorce, not
now....
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INT. BURTON LIVING ROOM
ANNE BURTON is a beautiful, high-spirited and well-bred young
woman. The smile on her face his faded to anxiety as she
listens over the telephone which is on the desk.
ANNE
(after a pause then
with unpleasant
realization)
Another man's child! But she can't
do that to you, Guy -- it's
unbelievable -- it's, it's evil!
(she listens, then
calmly)
Yes, I know how you must feel.
(pause)
But you sound so savage.
BACK TO GUY IN TELEPHONE BOOTH
GUY
(furiously)
Sure I sound savage. I feel savage.
I'd like to break her neck!
(a pause, then raising
his voice)
I said I'd like to break her foul,
poisonous, useless little neck!
(the connection is
bad and he strains
to hear)
What's that?
Meantime the noise of a through train has been HEARD, and
the horn on a streamliner locomotive. It has come up very
fast, it is now almost to the station. Guy rises his voice
and yells into the telephone. His voice fights the roar of
the train:
GUY
I SAID I COULD STRANGLE HER!
The expression on his face is frenzied and suggesting that
he means exactly what he is saying.
DISSOLVE TO:
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INT. ANTHONY LIVING ROOM
The scene opens on a CLOSEUP OF A MAN'S HANDS. One of them
is semi-flexed and turning slowly, The other is receiving
the final touches of a manicure.
CAMERA PULLS BACK to reveal that these are Bruno's hands,
and that, he is studying them moodily, CAMERA PULLS BACK
FARTHER to reveal his mother, MRS. ANTHONY, sitting opposite
him at a little table in the Anthony living room. She is
working with scissors, file and nail buffer. Mrs. Anthony
is a gentle, once pretty woman, whose pastel exterior harbors
a tigress-like determination to protect her son, Bruno is in
his robe and is unshaven.
There is evidence of long established wealth in the heavy
dark appointments of this room.
MRS. ANTHONY
Since you insisted on a manicure,
dear, I do wish you'd keep your hands
quiet. You're so restless lately.
BRUNO
(almost dreamily as
he admires the free
hand)
I like them to look just right.
Mrs. Anthony looks up, notices his moody expression.
MRS. ANTHONY
Did I file them too short?
BRUNO
No, Ma. They look fine. Thanks.
MRS. ANTHONY
Then what's the matter?
BRUNO
I'm all right, Ma. Don't worry about
me.
MRS. ANTHONY
You look so Pale, dear. Are you out
of vitamins?
BRUNO
I bought a bottle of them yesterday.
A whole fifth.
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MRS. ANTHONY
(anxiously)
But you have that 'look'. I can
always tell. You haven't got into
any more mischief, Bruno?
He denies this with a slow, solemn shake of his head.
MRS. ANTHONY
I do hope you've forgotten about
that silly little plan of yours?
BRUNO
(sharply)
Which one?
MRS. ANTHONY
(smiling)
About blowing up the White House?
BRUNO
(his eyes dancing)
I was only kidding, Ma. Besides,
what would the president say?
MRS. ANTHONY
(laughing gaily)
You're a naughty boy, Bruno. But
you can always make me laugh.
(she rises)
Now get shaved, dear, before your
father gets home.
Bruno's fist crashes down on the little table, upsetting it,
as he gets to his feet.
BRUNO
I'm sick and tired of bowing and
scraping to the king.
MRS. ANTHONY
(placating him)
Now, now, Let's not lose control.
Come see my painting, dear --
(she leads him toward
an easel)
I do wish you'd take up painting.
It's such a soothing pastime.
They look at the painting.
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INSERT
The painting is a horrible mess. Out of the violence of the
pattern a man's face can be discerned, wild-eyed and
distorted. We hear laughter from Bruno.
BACK TO SCENE
Bruno's roar of laughter puzzles Mrs. Anthony, but she is
pleased to hear his good humor. He puts an arm around her.
BRUNO
You're wonderful, Ma! It's the old
boy, all right. That's father!
MRS. ANTHONY
(bewildered)
It is? I was trying to paint Saint
Francis.
At this moment there is the sound of the front door opening.
Then immediately the telephone bell rings in the hall. Bruno
is instantly alert, as if he had been expecting a call. He
goes toward the door to the hall, as the butler enters.
BUTLER
(to Bruno)
They are ready with your call to
Southampton, Sir.
Bruno's father MR. ANTHONY, purposefully enters the living
room. He an impeccably dressed business man with an
uncompromising eye. His entrance momentarily blocks Bruno's
exit.
MRS. ANTHONY
(to her husband)
How nice that you're early, Charles.
I'll tell cook....
Bruno now exits into the hall, passing his father without
speaking.
MR. ANTHONY
Just a minute, Eunice.
(calls after Bruno)
Bruno! Come here! I want to talk
to you and your mother.
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INT. HALL CLOSE SHOT BRUNO
as he approaches the telephone.
BRUNO
(calls back to his
father)
Sorry father. Long distance.
(he picks up the
telephone)
Hello...
CAMERA MOVES IN TO A BIG HEAD CLOSEUP OF BRUNO at the
telephone as the Voices of his mother and father can be heard
from the other room.
MR. ANTHONY'S VOICE
Now it's hit and run driving! And
you knew about it all the time!
BRUNO
(eagerly into phone)
Guy?
(pause)
Bruno, Bruno Anthony.
MR. ANTHONY'S VOICE
You're going to protect him once too
often. After all we do have a
responsibility to society.
Bruno gives a look in his father's direction, before he speaks
into the telephone in a low voice.
BRUNO
I just wanted to ask how you made
out with Miriam.
INT. LOCKER ROOM OF TENNIS CLUB CLOSE SHOT GUY AT TELEPHONE
GUY
(puzzled)
What?
(listens)
Metcalf? Who'd you say you were?
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CLOSEUP BRUNO
BRUNO
(sotto voce)
Bruno, Guy. Bruno Anthony. Don't
you remember? On the train.
The voices of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony can still be heard in
dispute as Bruno listens at phone:
MRS. ANTHONY
I never permit it!
Bruno gives a significant look in direction of the living
room as he speaks into the phone.
BRUNO
(softly)
Are you getting your divorce?
MR. ANTHONY'S VOICE
I tell you he should be sent somewhere
for treatment before it's too late.
BRUNO
(into phone, with
satisfaction)
So she double-crossed you! Are you
going to see her again?
The phone clicks in Bruno's ear. He looks hurt for an
instant, then replaces the receiver. Bruno listens to his
father off scene and his expression becomes more enigmatic.
MR. ANTHONY'S VOICE
I tell you, Eunice, I'm going to
have that boy put away if it's the
last thing I do!
Bruno looks off in direction of his farther's voice with an
expression which says, "Crow while you can, you haven't
much time." He reaches into his pocket, brings out Guy's
cigarette lighter and as he flicks it on and off.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. METCALF STATION LONG SHOT DAY
This is the same shot we saw when Guy arrived in Metcalf.
We see the station and one of the main streets beyond the
station.
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LONG SHOT A NEARER VIEW
We see the train come around the curve. Again this is just
the same angle that we used for Guy. It comes to a stop in
the foreground and we see Bruno alight onto the platform.
He looks about him for a moment and then strolls away in the
direction of the town. He approaches the row of telephone
booths.
EXT. STATION CLOSE SHOT
We see Bruno enter the small booth and start to glance through
the telephone directory.
INSERT TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
Bruno's finger runs down the names until it stops at:
Joyce, Miriam Haines. 2420 Metcalf Avenue.
A RESIDENTIAL STREET IN METCALF LONG SHOT
It is now much later. It is beginning to get dark, and the
street lights are on. In the far distance we see a local
bus approaching.
MED. SHOT
SHOOTING DOWN onto a small seat by a bus stop, we see Bruno
with an open newspaper in front of him. It is held up as he
reads it.
CLOSEUP
Bruno is glancing over the top of the paper.
LONG SHOT
From his viewpoint we see a typical frame house. The upper
windows are lit as are the lower ones as well. A woman is
sitting in a rocker on the front porch. This is MRS. JOYCE,
Miriam's mother. She has white hair. A woman comes along
the street and pauses as she gets to Mrs. Joyce.
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WOMAN
(calls out as she
passes)
Hello Mrs. Joyce. Warm, ain't it?
MRS. JOYCE
That it is.
WOMAN
I've been reading where your son-in-
law's been coming right along at
tennis.
MRS. JOYCE
(sourly)
We don't have any interest in tennis
any more.
The neighbor passes on.
CLOSE UP
Bruno, still glancing over the top of his paper.
LONG SHOT
Again from Bruno's viewpoint, we see Miriam's house. At
this moment the front door swings open, emitting a long streak
ot bright light. We see the silhouette of a woman emerge,
followed by two other men. They're laughing and joking.
Suddenly they look up the street. At this very moment the
bus pulls up in front of Bruno's view, cutting off the sight
of his quarry. The bus comes to a stop.
CLOSE SHOT
Bruno rises in alarm and moves around toward the end of the
bus so that he shall not lose sight of the girl coming out
of the house.
SEMI-LONG SHOT
From his viewpoint, the girl, whom we now see is Miriam, is
running followed by the two young men. They are calling for
the bus not to go - shouting, "Hi - stop!" Mrs. Joyce calls
from the porch:
MRS. JOYCE
Don't you stay out too late, Miriam.
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MIRIAM
(calling back)
Goodnight, Mother. See you later.
CLOSE UP
Bruno watches Miriam.
MED. SHOT
Miriam comes nearer and nearer to Bruno. With her two
companions she brushes past him and jumps onto the bus. THE
CAMERA PANS BRUNO AFTER THEM.
EXT. AMUSEMENT PARK LONG SHOT
We see the bus pull up outside the Amusement Park, and the
various passengers alight. These include Miriam nd her
companions, and Bruno.
LONG SHOT NEARER VIEW OF THE AMUSEMENT PARK
We see the usual midway with its various concessions on each
side: in the distance the Ferris wheel, Merry-go-rounds,
etc., and beyond that a lake. In the foreground we see people
filling in and out.
DISSOLVE TO:
MED. LONG SHOT A GROUP BY A FROZEN CUSTARD STAND
This group comprises Miriam and her two boy-friends. They
lick their way out of the crowd and debate between themselves
where to go next.
CLOSE SHOT
Miriam's eye catches the attention of something off screen.
SEMI-LONG SHOT
From her viewpoint we see Bruno standing and casually watching
her. Other people pass around and in front of him, so that
he is the only immobile figure.
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SEMI-CLOSEUP
Miriam, with a kind of coy consciousness, turns away with
the others and they go on to some other concession.
MED. SHOT
As Bruno starts to advance in the direction of Miriam he is
momentarily held up by a small boy in cowboy uniform carrying
a gun and a balloon. The small boy points the gun at Bruno.
SEMI-CLOSE UP
The small boy pointing the gun fires it twice with a couple
of 'bangs!' He then starts to move off.
SEMI-CLOSE UP
Bruno moves on past the boy. He casually touches the balloon
with his cigarette end -- it goes off with a 'pop'.
CLOSE UP
The small boy turns and looks with dismay at his pricked
balloon, wondering what happened.
SEMI-CLOSE UP
Bruno moves on, pleased with himself, returning his attention
to Miriam who is somewhere ahead of him.
MEDIUM SHOT
Miriam and her two boy-friends by the sledge hammer concession
where the aim is to swing the hammer hard enough down onto
its target to ring the bell and register the 100 mark. Miriam
is in the foreground of the shot. The first boy steps up to
try his hand. As he swings, Miriam turns and glances about
her, obviously looking for Bruno.
LONG SHOT FROM MIRIAM VIEWPOINT
The crowds milling, but no sign of Bruno.
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MEDIUM SHOT
The first boy having failed to ring the bell, the second
stops up and slams the hammer down.
CLOSE SHOT
The register shooting up only to the hallway mark.
CLOSE SHOT MIRIAM
She looks a little disdainful and again glances around for
Bruno. Looking first to her left where she sees nothing,
she then looks to her right, and as she does THE CAMERA PANS
to show Bruno standing right it her shoulder. Miriam gives
a little start. Bruno smiles at her. With a smirk he walks
over and after paying his fee, goes to take up the hammer.
CLOSE UP MIRIAM
She watches Bruno.
CLOSE SHOT
Bruno looks down at his hands.
INSERT
Bruno's two strong hands - as he holds them palms tilted
upward and fingers curled in.
CLOSE UP
Bruno, as he smiles faintly, glancing across at Miriam.
CLOSE UP MIRIAM
She gives a faint smile in return.
CLOSE SHOT
With a studied movement, Bruno picks up the handle of the
hammer and swings.
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CLOSE SHOT
The register shoots up to the 100 mark and rings the bell.
MEDIUM SHOT
Bruno drops the hammer and glances around at Miriam again.
Her two boy-friends are calling for her from a little
distance.
BOY'S VOICE
Come On, Miriam. Come On!
CLOSE SHOT MIRIAM
She turns away and is lost in the crowd.
MEDIUM SHOT OVER BRUNO'S SHOULDER AT MERRY-GO ROUND IN
BACKGROUND
Bruno turns to follow Miriam, his manner casual. As he takes
a few steps, WE PAN ACROSS with him until, over his shoulder,
we see a merry-go-round in the background. Miriam and the
two boys are aboard and climbing onto horses. As Bruno goes
toward the merry-go-round, the CAMERA MOVES UP A LITTLE with
him. The merry-go-round starts to move slowly round as Bruno
hops on.
MEDIUM SHOT ON MERRY-GO-ROUND
Bruno begins to look around for Miriam, who is apparently on
the other side of the merry-go-round. He starts to thread
his way through the horses which are beginning to move up
and down. CAMERA FOLLOWING HIM. He passes one or two of
the oncoming heads before he reaches Miriam. She is on an
outside mount which is high in the air when she sees Bruno
facing her. Her laughter dies for a moment and she smiles
at him coyly. Bruno passes her and gets on the horse directly
behind her, Miriam glancing at him as her horse comes down.
MEDIUM SHOT BRUNO ON HORSE
With horse's head in foreground, as it is coming toward us.
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SIDE VIEW MIRIAM
Miriam on her horse, moving from left to right. Miriam,
holding the reins, glances back with a gay laugh.
SIDE VIEW BRUNO
Bruno on his horse, as though he is chasing Miriam. He is a
little more open now in his laughter.
GROUP SHOT MIRIAM AND TWO BOYS
Miriam and her boy friends begin to sing the song being played
on the calliope.
CLOSE UP MIRIAM
As she starts to sing, she glances back.
CLOSE UP BRUNO
He is starting to join in the singing.
MEDIUM SHOT
The horses of the merry-go-round are filling the screen as
they whizz by, and again we get the picture of Bruno chasing
Miriam as they rush past the CAMERA, the music and tempo at
a high speed.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
EXTERIOR OF BOAT LANDING ON SHORE OF ARTIFICIAL LAKE
Across the water may be seen a small wooded island. Between
this and the boat landing there is an artificially constructed
"Tunnel of Love".
We see Miriam and her companions approach the boat concession
and CAMERA FOLLOWS THEM onto the little landing stage. CAMERA
MOVES UP SLOWLY over the boy's shoulders until we get MIRIAM
IN CLOSE UP. She glances back. Her expression changes to a
coy smile of satisfaction as she sees:
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MEDIUM SHOT (FROM MIRIAM'S VIEWPOINT)
Bruno is approaching the pay box.
MEDIUM SHOT
Miriam and her companions are escorted to a small boat with
electric motor. Once they are seated the boat chugs away
from the landing stage and off into the darkness.
Bruno steps into the foreground and gets into the next boat
which floats alongside. He, too, moves away into the
darkness.
ENTRANCE TO THE TUNNEL
As Miriam's boat passes through, she gives another little
glance over shoulder before her boat disappears into the
darkness of the tunnel.
After a brief moment Bruno's boat comes into the picture,
and it, too, goes into the tunnel.
INSIDE THE TUNNEL
We see the silhouettes of the occupants of Miriam's boat on
the wall of the tunnel, lit dimly from the light coming from
the tunnel exit.
The silhouette of Bruno in his boat, lit by the tunnel
entrance, gradually approaches the other three. When the
silhouettes are almost touching, we --
CUT TO:
EXIT OF THE TUNNEL
It is empty. There is a sudden piercing scream from inside,
followed after a second or two by protestations and giggling
as Miriam's boat emerges into the light. She is pushing one
of the boys away from her.
MIRIAM
(squealing)
George, stop it, I tell you!
Their boat moves out of the picture, toward the island.
Presently Bruno's boat comes smilingly following and he,
too, moves on out of the picture.
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MEDIUM SHOT ISLAND
The group of Miriam and her companions are scrambling out of
their boat and moving onto the island, one of the boys trying
the boat on the shore. They disappear into the Woods of the
island.
Again Bruno's boat comes into the picture. He steps out,
lift the prow of the boat a little onto the shore.
LONG SHOT ISLAND
We see the amusement park lighted beyond the lake.
Silhouetted in the foreground, the trees and foliage of the
island. Nearby we see the silhouetted figures of Miriam and
her companions move across the scene, right to left. Miriam
is pushing George away from her.
MIRIAM
(protesting
perfunctorily)
George, no!
She backs away from him and the boys go on picture. Miriam
goes in another direction, around, the bushes. George
obviously misses her, for we hear his voice call out:
GEORGE'S VOICE
Miriam!
Miriam backs out of the bushes until the back of her head is
in CLOSEUP in the foreground of the shot. Suddenly she hears
steps in back of her and turns her head toward CAMERA. Her
face changes as she recognizes someone offscene.
MIRIAM
Oh!
She gives a coy smile of recognition. CAMERA PULLS BACK to
reveal the mad and shoulders of Bruno between Miriam and the
camera. His hand holds Guy's lighter which he flicks on as
he raises it above Miriam's face. 0f Bruno, we see only the
back of his head and shoulders.
BRUNO
Is your name Miriam?
MIRIAM
(with surprise)
Why yes. How did you --
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We see Bruno's gloved hands dart quickly to Miriam's throat.
The lighter falls down out of picture, and as Bruno's hands
grip her throat, his head moves slightly to blot out Miriam's
face. His head moves a bit farther until Miriam's face is
nearly uncovered at the other side of the screen, and we see
her glasses fall off.
CLOSE SHOT
Miriam's glasses hit the ground. The shadows of their
struggling figures over the shot.
CLOSE UP
The screen is filled with one of the lenses of the glasses.
They are of the diminishing type. Against the moonlit sky
we see reflected, the elongated struggling figures, as though
we were shooting up at them. Suddenly one of the figures
falls forward.
CLOSE UP
Miriam's head drops into the picture by the glasses.
Bruno's hand comes into the picture and picks up the glasses.
One of the lenses has been broken by Miriam's fall.
As we see Bruno's sport shoes move away, the CAMERA MOVES
PAST MIRIAM'S HEAD until it comes to Guy's lighter pressed
into the earth.
CLOSE UP BRUNO
Bruno glances back over his shoulder. He looks down and
goes back one or two steps.
CLOSE UP BRUNO'S HAND
Bruno's hands retrieve the lighter from the ground.
LONG SHOT ISLAND
We see a full view of the island again, with the amusement
park beyond. The faint noise of the calliope continues in
the distance. Bruno has been lost to view.
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Miriam's companions are still searching for her. We hear
their faint voices in the distance.
VOICES
Miriam! Miriam! Where are you?
MEDIUM SHOT
Bruno comes to the shore where his boat is moored. He gets
in and is quickly chugging away. He moves calmly, matter-of-
fact and not furtively.
LONG SHOT LAKE
Bruno's boat throbbing its way across toward the landing
stage.
MEDIUM SHOT LANDING STAGE
There are two boats unloading. Bruno's boat is approaching.
We hear a loud call from the island. Someone has found
Miriam.
VOICES
Hey, here she is! What's the matter
with her? Has she fainted?
More shouts from the island cause the people at the landing
stage to look back. The boatman's attention is also
attracted. Suddenly, as Bruno is getting out of boat, there
is a loud scream from the island.
VOICE
(crying out)
She is dead!
OTHER VOICE
(from island)
Help! Help!
Bruno by this time has stopped onto the landing stage, and
in company with the other people, is looking back as if to
see what's wrong on the island. Then he moves away, starting
off of the landing stage. The boatman turns and glances at
Bruno, but quickly returns his attention to the disturbance
across on the island. He hurries forward and with a couple
of men passengers jumps into one of the boats. He calls to
his assistant as he gets into the boat.
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BOATMAN
Got a cop!
The assistant runs off out of the pictures
MEDIUM SHOT BRUNO
As Bruno calmly threads his way along the midway, we hear
above the noise of the various concessions, a shrill police
whistle in the distance. Presently a couple of policemen
comes running from direction of the main entrance and past
Bruno. He glances at them over his shoulder, then strolls
on toward the main entrance to the park.
ENTRANCE TO AMUSEMENT PARK EXTERIOR
As Bruno comes out through the turnstile, he stands for a
moment on the street. At this moment a man hesitates at the
curbstone. He is blind and tapping the sidewalk with his
white cane. He takes one step into the roadway, then
hesitates. Bruno steps forward and takes the blind man's
arm. CAMERA PULLS BACK as Bruno escorts the blind man across
the road. With a sweeping gesture he holds back a couple of
cars to lot them pass.
Once on the other side of the road, the blind man utters his
thanks.
BLIND MAN
Thanks.
He goes off.
Bruno looks back toward the park, then glances down at his
wristwatch.
INSERT BRUNO'S WRISTWATCH
The time is 9.30.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
INT. OBSERVATION CAR OF A TRAIN NIGHT
Through the rear window we see the tracks rushing away from
us. Seated in the foreground are Guy Haines and a rather
professorial type opposite him, a bespectacled man around
forty-five or fifty who is extremely drunk.
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MEDIUM SHOT GUY
He is reading an evening newspaper.
CLOSE SHOT
The feet opposite Guy stretch out and touch Guy's feet.
CLOSEUP GUY
He lowers his paper and looks across.
MED. SHOT
The drunk opposite Guy looks down at his feet and then up to
Guy resentfully as though Guy had kicked him. He eyes Guy
up and down, then suddenly, without warning, bursts into
song, to the tune of the Barber Shop Chord.
COLLINS
There was a man, now please take
note. There was a man who had a
goat. He loved that goat, Indeed he
did. He loved that goat, just like
a kid.
(He stops singing
abruptly and addresses
Guy)
What is your opinion?
GUY
(amused)
You'll never make the Metropolitan.
COLLINS
(fuzzily -- pumping
Guy's hand)
Name's Collins. On sabbatical -
Delaware Tech. Glad to meet you. I
jus' gave a speech in New York. On
integration. In the differential
calculus a function is given and its
differential is obtained. Understand?
GUY
(solemnly)
Sure, I understand.
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COLLINS
(resentfully)
Y'do?
Again he bursts into loud song.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
LONG SHOT WASHINGTON EXTERIOR ABOUT 1 A.M. MOONLIGHT
A solitary taxi is seen driving past the Capitol Building.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
The taxi comes to a side street and stops outside a small
apartment house.
MED. SHOT
Guy gets out of the taxi with his rackets and bag, pays the
driver and goes up the steps to the front door of his
apartment.
CLOSE SHOT
As Guy is about to enter the front door and we see his name
posted on a small card as one of the several tenants, he
hears a soft call from across the street.
VOICE
(softly)
Guy!
Guy turns his head and looks across the street.
MED. LONG SHOT (FROM GUY'S VIEWPOINT)
We see a small space between two houses across the street.
Out of the darkness the voice repeats.
VOICE
Over here, Guy.
MED. SHOT GUY
He turns, and with a slightly bewildered and wary expression,
goes out of the picture to cross the street.
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MED. SHOT
Guy reaches the other side of the street and still puzzled
and cautious, approaches the dark alleyway.
MED. SHOT
After a moment a figure steps out of the darkness. It is
Bruno. He steps back into the darkness again as Guy comes
up to him.
TWO SHOT
Guy frowning in puzzlement as he looks at Bruno.
BRUNO
(cheerfully)
Hello, Guy.
GUY
(recognizes Bruno --
not pleased)
What are you doing here? At this
time of night?
BRUNO
(a little sadly)
You don't seem very pleased to see
me, Guy.
Guy stands without answering.
BRUNO
(pleased again)
I brought you a little present.
GUY
What do you mean?
Bruno's hand comes out of his pocket and he hands Miriam's
glasses to Guy.
INSERT
Guy's hands taking Miriam's glasses from Bruno. One of the
lenses is broken.
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TWO SHOT
As Guy takes the glasses he looks at Bruno in bewilderment.
GUY
What's this all about?
BRUNO
Recognize them?
CLOSEUP GUY
He looks down at the glasses, mystified. He looks up again
to Bruno.
CLOSEUP BRUNO
BRUNO
It was very quick, Guy. She wasn't
hurt in any way. It was all over in
no time.
CLOSEUP GUY
He is horrified. He looks swiftly down at the glasses in
his hand, then back to Bruno.
BRUNO'S VOICE
(bragging)
I know you'd be surprised. Nothing
for us to worry about. Nobody saw
me, only Miriam.
TWO SHOT
Guy can hardly believe what he is hearing.
BRUNO
I was very careful. Even when I
dropped your lighter there, I went
right back to it up. If It'd been
found, it would have ruined our whole
scheme, wouldn't it?
GUY
Are you trying to tell me you've --
Why, you maniac!
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BRUNO
(looks at Guy with
astonishment)
But, Guy, you wanted it! We planned
it on the train together, remember?
Guy suddenly starts to go. Bruno grabs his arm.
BRUNO
Where are you going?
GUY
Where do you think I'm going? I'm
going to call the police, of course.
BRUNO
But you can't, Guy. We'd both be
arrested for murder.
Guy turns back slowly and faces him.
GUY
We'd both be arrested for murder?
BRUNO
You're is much in it as I am. We
planned it together. Criss-cross.
I do your murder --
GUY
(suddenly angry)
You crazy fool! You think you can
get away with that?
BRUNO
(a little hurt)
Oh, come now, Guy. Why should I go
to Metcalf and kill a total stranger,
unless it was part of the plan and
you were in on it? You're the one
that benefits, Guy. You're a free
man. I didn't even know the girl.
Guy makes a move to leave, but Bruno holds on tight.
GUY
Let me go, Bruno. I had nothing to
do with this and the police will
believe me.
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BRUNO
(concerned)
If you go to the police now, you'll
just be turning yourself in as in
accessory. You see, you have the
motive.
At this moment both turn at a sound across the street.
LONG SHOT (FROM THEIR VIEWPOINT)
We hear the sound of a telephone ringing in Guy's apartment.
The top of one of his windows is open.
BRUNO
What is it?
GUY
My telephone.
BRUNO
(amused)
Someone has some news for you, Guy.
Guy still stares across the street.
LONG SHOT (FROM HIS VIEWPOINT)
We see a police car pull up outside Guy's apartment.
TWO SHOT
Bruno pulls Guy back further into the shadows. Guy
instinctively flattens himself against the wall. He looks
across the street again.
LONG SHOT (FROM HIS VIEWPOINT)
We see the two policemen go into his apartment building.
TWO SHOT
Guy is still flattened against the wall to keep out of light.
BRUNO
Tell them you know about it already,
Guy.
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CLOSEUP GUY
He looks across at the police, then down at himself with
some surprise and disgust, then over at Bruno, suddenly
conscious he is behaving like a criminal and that Bruno is
responsible for his predicament.
GUY
(muttering)
You've got me acting, like a criminal,
you crazy fool!
Bruno for a moment looks menacingly at Guy.
BRUNO
Don't you call me that.
Bruno's flare of anger dies. They both look again across
the street.
LONG SHOT (FROM THEIR VIEWPOINT)
The two policemen come out of the house, get into their car
and drive off.
Guy's telephone is still ringing.
TWO SHOT
BRUNO
You must be tired, Guy. I know I
am. I've sure had a strenuous
evening.
Guy looks at him, almost numb.
BRUNO
Now look, Guy, about my father. I
have the plans made. Two plans. A
plan of the grounds and a plan of
the house. I have in old Luger I
bought at a pawn shop in San
Francisco. My father --
Guy turns and starts to move in across the street.
TWO SHOT
Bruno follows Guy and we FOLLOW them across the street.
CAMERA ON THEIR BACKS. Guy strides ahead to the house.
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BRUNO
Wait a minute, Guy. To have to talk.
We have to arrange things.
Guy turns at the door to his apartment building.
GUY
(furiously)
Get away before I give you what you
gave Miriam.
BRUNO
(sadly)
You're not yourself, Guy. You're
tired. When you think things over,
you'll see I'm right. Tomorrow --
Guy opens his door, turns on Bruno.
GUY
(with finality)
I don't know you. I never saw you
before. I never want to see you
again.
He goes in and slams the door in Bruno's face.
BRUNO
(to the closed door)
But we have to --
He realizes there is no use in trying to talk to Guy any
further. He turns and faces the CAMERA IN CLOSE UP as he
moves away, looking sad almost to the point of tears.
INT. GUY'S APARTMENT
Guy is standing at the telephone which is still ringing. He
has Miriam's glasses in his hand. He looks down at them for
a moment, then picks up the receiver. He hesitates, then
speaks into the phone.
GUY
(hoarsely, into phone)
Yes?
(Pause)
Yes, Anne. I'm sorry, darling. I
just got in.
(pause)
Of course I'm all right.
(MORE)
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GUY (CONT'D)
(forcing his voice to
sound normal)
But you sound upset. Is anything
wrong?
(Pause)
All right. I'll come over. Right
away.
He hangs up but keeps his hand on the telephone, deliberating.
He starts to dial, then suddenly hangs up and starts out.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A RESIDENTIAL STREET, WASHINGTON LONG SHOT NIGHT
A taxi drives up and stops in front of a handsome residence.
It is the Burton home. Guy gets out of the taxi and goes up
the steps.
MED. SHOT OVER GUY'S SHOULDER
His figure tense, he rings the bell. After a moment's wait,
the door is opened from inside and Anne Burton stands in the
lighted hallway. She looks at Guy with an anxious, taut
expression, searches his face hastily, then as he takes a
step inside she is suddenly in his arms. They embrace with
wordless fervor.
GUY
(holding her close)
Anne darling, you're trembling.
Anne draws back and looks into his face as if searching for
an answer to some question in her mind.
ANNE
Guy --
(her fingers gently
touch his face)
I wonder if you know how much I love
you.
Guy takes her hand from hIs face, caresses it with his lips.
GUY
(forcing a smile)
Brazen woman. I'm the one to say
that.
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ANNE
(tensely)
But I wanted you to know, before...
(forcing herself to
be calm)
Before we go into the living room.
Father wants to see you.
CLOSEUP GUY
He looks apprehensively in direction of the living room,
conscious of what the news is to be, but covering up.
LONG SHOT LIVING ROOM FROM GUY'S VIEWPOINT
SENATOR BURTON and BARBARA BURTON are seated near a desk on
the farthest side of the room. Senator Burton is a
distinguished fifty, a man with great pride in tradition,
his family and his career. Barbara, Anne's younger sister,
is a lively seventeen who loves excitement, says exactly
what she thinks and rarely thinks before she says it.
Superficially, in height and figure, she resembles Miriam.
She also weirs glasses. By her gestures we gather she is
speaking urgently, but softly, to her father, who lifts a
weary hand to quiet her as she looks toward Guy in the
hallway, Barbara keeps quiet and also looks toward Guy.
They both wait for him to enter.
CLOSEUP GUY
He steels himself for the long walk across the hall and the
living room.
CLOSEUP ANNE
Watching Guy closely.
MED. SHOT
As Guy starts to make the long trek across the living room,
with Anne behind him --
GUY
(stiffly)
Good evening, sir. Hello, Babs.
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Barbara has been squirming in her seat, then as if jet
propelled she catapults out of it and runs to Guy, giving
him a big hug and a smack on the cheek.
BARBARA
Something awful has happened, Guy.
SENATOR
(firmly)
Sit down, Barbara.
Subdued, she sits down. But Guy remains standing.
SENATOR
(finding it difficult
to begin)
There seems to be no way of
diplomatically breaking tragic news.
I'm sorry, Guy, to be the one to
tell you. It concerns your wife.
She's been murdered.
Guy stares woodenly at the Senator, is if hypnotized.
BARBARA
The police have been using everything
but radar to locate you.
SENATOR
You're to call Headquarters at
Metcalf.
The full impact of what has happened hits Guy once more.
GUY
Miriam...murdered.
ANNE
(with inner tension)
She was...strangled.
Slowly Guy's eyes meet hers. They are remembering what he
said on the phone: "I could strangle her." He sinks into a
chair. The Senator is quite distressed.
During the following scene Barbara quietly goes about the
business of pouring drinks and serving them. She knows
everyone's preference.
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SENATOR
(wrylt, to Guy)
It happened on an island in an
amusement park. It was sort of a
lovers lane, I believe. A rather
sordid atmosphere.
BARBARA
(quickly, to Guy)
Miriam went there with two boys.
They were the ones who found her.
So they're not suspects. But you
probably will be.
SENATOR
Young lady, we can't overlook the
fact that murder is at our doorsteps.
But I forbid you to drag it into the
living room!
BARBARA
(wide-eyed)
Let's not fool ourselves. The police
will say Guy wanted Miriam out of
the way so he could marry Anne. In
a crime of this sort the police first
go after the husband, and Guy had
every motive.
SENATOR
(aghast)
Motive?
GUY
(quietly)
She's right. Whichever way you look
at it...I'm in a spot.
SENATOR
(disconcerted but
whistling in dark)
Oh come now, my boy. I'm sure you
have nothing to worry about.
BARBARA
(flatly)
If he hasn't an alibi for nine-thirty
tonight he has plenty to worry about.
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ANNE
(who hasn't taken
anxious eyes off Guy)
You can tell them where you were,
can't you, Guy?
GUY
(wearily)
At nine-thirty I was on the train
from New York to Washington.
SENATOR
(relieved)
There you are.
BARBARA
Who saw you? Did you speak to anyone?
You'll need a Witness, you know.
GUY
(as if it didn't matter)
Yes, I spoke to someone.
SENATOR
(hopefully)
Anyone you know?
GUY
No. His name was Collins. He is a
professor.
SENATOR
(brightening)
Harvard.
GUY
University of Virginia.
The Senator's expression says: "Well, that's not too bad."
CLOSEUP ANNE
Her face shows her relief that Guy can account for his time.
ANNE
Then everything's's all right.
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BACK TO SCENE
BARBARA
Not quite. Detectives play a game
called Motive, Motive, Who'd got the
Motive.
ANNE
(near the breaking
point)
I'm sick of hearing that word!
BARBARA
He'll still have to answer questions.
SENATOR
Routine. Pure routine.
GUY
I'm afraid there'll be a lot of
reporters at your front door in the
morning.
BARBARA
Daddy doesn't mind a little scandal.
He's a senator.
ANNE
(answering Guy's look)
It can't be helped, darling. It is
not your fault. It's not as though
anyone can say you had something to
do with it.
GUY
Someone might say it...I'd do anything
to keep you all out of this mess.
SENATOR
Profit by my experience, Guy. Never
lose any sleep over accusations.
(an afterthought)
Unless they can be proved, of course.
We'll help all we can. Dreadful
business, dreadful. That poor
unfortunate girl.
BARBARA
(flatly)
She was a tramp.
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SENATOR
(pontificially)
She was a human being. let me remind
you that even the most unworthy of
us has the right to life and the
pursuit of happiness.
BARBARA
(unimpressed)
From what I hear, she pursued it in
all directions.
SENATOR
Barbara!
ANNE
Father, it's getting terribly late,
and Guy looks so tired...
SENATOR
(quickly)
Of course, of course. Back to bed,
Barbara.
BARBARA
(ignoring this - to
Anne and Guy)
Well, you two. Nothing stands in
your way now. You can be married
right away. Think of it -- you're
free!
CLOSE TWO ANNE AND GUY
look at one another with a growing realization of what
Miriam's death actually means to their happiness -- they are
free.
BACK TO SCENE
The Senator firmly urges Barbara to the door.
SENATOR
(to Barbara)
One doesn't always have to say what
one thinks!
BARBARA
(sweetly)
Father, I'm not a politician.
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The Senator gives her a gentle but firm push out of sight.
SENATOR
You won't forget that call, Guy?
Captain Turley.
GUY
Yes sir. Goodnight.
Barbara pokes her head quickly around the door.
BARBARA
I still think it would be wonderful
to have a man love you so much he'd
kill for you.
(she ducks out)
TWO SHOT
Left alone, Guy and Anne embrace. Anne's nervous tension
comes to the surface in a flood of relief.
ANNE
I told myself over and over I was
being silly, but there was one
horrible moment tonight when the
news came through. I kept remembering
what you shouted telephone from
Metcalf.
GUY
That I could strang...
Anne quickly puts her fingers over his mouth.
ANNE
Don't even say it. Forget you ever
said it. Even more terrifying than
the murder itself, Guy, was the awful
thought that if you had anything to
do with it we'd be separated, -perhaps
forever. I'd never see you again.
I couldn't bear it.
DISSOLVE TO:
LONG SHOT MAIN STREET OF METCALF DAY
with its customary mid-afternoon activity.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
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EXT. METCALF POLICE HEADQUARTERS DAY
A knot of people are hanging around the entrance, including
a few newspaper photographers. There is a rush of interest
when a taxi pulls up and Guy steps out of it. Guy pushes
his way through the people. Two or three bulbs flash. There
is a murmur from the crowd and we hear Guy's name. He passes
into the entrance.
INT. CORRIDOR OF POLICE HEADQUARTERS
Guy comes into the corridor from the street and approaches
two policemen who are standing nearby.
GUY
Captain Turley's office?
One of the policemen gestures to a door at the right. Guy
crosses and enters.
INT. RECEPTION ROOM OUTSIDE CAPTAIN TURLEY'S OFFICE
At one side of the room is a young police sergeant seated at
a typewriter. A group of people are seated in chairs lined
against the opposite wall.
Guy enters, crosses to the sergeant at the desk.
GUY
Captain Turley is expecting me. Guy
Haines.
SERGEANT
Just a moment, Mr. Haines.
He rises and goes into an adjoining room.
CLOSEUP GUY
He now has time to take stock of the waiting people. He
catches his breath when he sees:
CLOSEUP MRS. JOYCE
Miriam's mother, dressed all in black, is seated in one of
the chairs. She has been staring at the floor, but brings
her eyes up slowly to glare at Guy with a look of burning
hatred.
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MRS. JOYCE
(a fierce whisper)
You'll pay for this!
CLOSEUP MR. HARGREAVES
Mr. Hargreaves from the music shop looks across at Guy,
attempts in awkward nod but is very embarrassed.
CLOSEUP GUY
Guy nods in returns.
MED. SHOT
The two boys who were with Miriam at the amusement park.
They look at Guy with interest.
MED. SHOT GUY
He looks about him uncomfortably, then turns suddenly as he
sees:
MED. SHOT
Seated behind Guy, apart from the others who are waiting, is
Professor Collins, Guy's drunken companion on the train of
the night before. The professor is completely sober now,
dignified and erect. He has removed his glasses to polish
them and does not react to Guy's presence.
CLOSEUP GUY
Guy starts with a smile of recognition to say, "How do you
do?" but at that moment he hears the door open and his name
called:
SERGEANT'S VOICE
Will you come in, please, Mr. Haines?
MED. SHOT
Guy breaks away from his uncompleted greeting to the professor
and goes through the door to Captain Turley's office, followed
by the eyes of the waiting people.
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INT. CAPTAIN TURLEY'S OFFICE
CAPTAIN TURLEY is conscientious, methodical and always polite.
He puts aside photographs and records and rises from behind
his desk as Guy comes in. A detective lieutenant, CAMPBELL,
is attending a coffee maker. Their expressions are grave by
contrast with Guy's confident attitude after seeing the
professor in the waiting room.
CAPTAIN TURLEY
Good of you to be so prompt, Mr.
Haines. This is Lieutenant Campbell.
(the two nod to each
other)
Won't you sit down?
GUY
Thank you, sir.
(he sits)
CAPTAIN TURLEY
I know you're a busy man, so we won't
detain you any longer than
necessary...Now you already been
good enough to tell us where you
were last evening, and we've managed
to locate the gentleman you spoke
with on the train.
Turley signals to Campbell to call the professor in.
GUY
(brightening)
Yes. I saw him outside.
CAMPBELL
(at open door)
Will you come in please, professor?
CLOSEUP GUY
He looks up eagerly.
MED. SHOT
Professor Collins comes in and sits in a chair opposite Guy.
TURLEY
Professor Collins, this is Mr. Haines.
He was with you on the train last
night.
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The professor studies Guy for a moment, then awkwardly turns
to Turley.
COLLINS
I'm terribly sorry, but I really
don't remember meeting this gentleman.
CLOSEUP GUY
Surprised. His confident expression fades.
CLOSEUP PROFESSOR COLLINS
He turns from the captain to Guy.
COLLINS
(apologetically)
Unfortunately, I remember very little
about the journey from New York...You
see, there had been a little
celebration --
MED. SHOT GROUP
Guy interrupts with a slight note of impatience.
GUY
But we were sitting opposite each
other in the observation car! You
were singing a song about a goat --
COLLINS
(incredulously)
A goat?
GUY
(urgently)
And calculus. You were going over a
speech you'd made.
Turley and Campbell are watching closely.
COLLINS
I was? I'm sorry, Mr. Halnes.
(shakes his head)
I certainly must have celebrated! I
can't remember you at all.
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CLOSEUP GUY
Momentarily Guy is frustrated, then he turns quietly to
Turley.
GUY
(calmly, logically)
Captain, is it so important whether
or not Professor Collins remember
me? Surely, the important thing is
that I've been able to name a man
who was on the train with me. You've
been able to find him. Isn't that
proof of where I was at nine-thirty
last night?
Guy asks this question with a look of near triumph that he
has clearly established his alibi.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BURTON LIVING ROOM EVENING
The Burtons are having coffee. Barbara has been glancing
through a new murder mystery with a lurid cover. As Guy
enters, Anne rises to greet him.
ANNE
Hello, darling. Have you had your
dinner?
GUY
On the train.
ANNE
You weren't in Metcalf all this time?
We expected you hours ago.
BARBARA
(flatly)
I didn't. They sometimes throw a
suspect in the can and keep him there
all night.
SENATOR
(after a disapproving
glance at Barbara)
Sit down, Guy. Sit down. Give him
some coffee, Anne.
(MORE)
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SENATOR (CONT'D)
(back to Guy)
You had no trouble with the police
of course, once they verified your
alibi?
GUY
(morosely)
When an alibi is full of bourbon,
sir, it can't stand up.
BARBARA
You mean the professor was boiled?
GUY
Completely. He didn't remember me.
ANNE
But, you knew he was on the train!
Wasn't that enough to prove you were
on it, too?
GUY
Apparently not at the right time.
They suggested I could have caught
the train at Baltimore after Miriam
was murdered. They had it all worked
out --
(taps his head)
in their timetables.
ANNE
(growing indignant
and increasingly
nervous)
That's ridiculous. They're acting
as if you were guilty.
BARBARA
(somewhat subdued and
trying to be
comforting)
Everything will be all right, Anne.
The police were just being thorough --
(she's unsure of
herself, and defers
to the senator)
Weren't they, daddy?
SENATOR
I certainly hope so.
(to Guy)
What is your next step?
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GUY
(wryly)
Whatever it is, the police will know
it. They gave me a present -- come
take a look.
He crosses to the window, lifts the curtain slightly, then
turns back to the others.
GUY
(continuing)
My guardian angel.
The group move to look out the window, the senator with
reluctance.
LONG SHOT EXT. STREET FROM THEIR VIEWPOINT
Through the window we see the figure of a man across the
street. He is lighting a cigarette and strolling up and
down.
BACK TO GROUP
BARBARA
(impressed)
You're being tailed!
GUY
(turning to them)
That's Leslie Hennessy. He works
sixteen hours a day. Somebody else
takes over for the next eight.
(drops the curtain,
turns back into room)
As a matter of fact, Hennessy's a
very nice fellow.
BARBARA
Shouldn't we ask him in for Coffee --
or something?
Nobody bothers to answer her. The Senator is disturbed, but
confident of his own prestige as he goes back to his coffee.
SENATOR
I'll have him called off immediately
of course.
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GUY
(calmly)
I'm afraid where I go, Hennessy goes.
Even to the Senate.
SENATOR
(Pausing with his cup
hallway to his mouth)
Is he likely to -- picket my office?
GUY
Very likely.
The Senator's cup is suddenly back on its saucer and he is
on his feet, pacing nervously.
SENATOR
I would suggest, Guy, for your own
peace of mind, of course, that you
work here at the house for a few
days.
(a pause)
It would be less embarrassing for
you.
Guy has been looking at Anne and is concerned at the worry
on her face. He nods in assent to the Senator's suggestion,
but puts his hand over Anne's.
GUY
(hopelessly)
Then what about practicing? Perhaps
I'd better forget Forest Hills?
SENATOR
My dear boy, wouldn't it look rather --
awkward -- if you suddenly canceled
all your plans.
ANNE
He's right, Guy. You mustn't do
anything that would look suspicious.
You've got to carry on as though
nothing has happened.
BARBARA
(pointing out the
window)
Escorted by Mr. Hennessy.
The are crestfallen again. RANDALL, the manservant, has
entered with the telephone.
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RANDALL
A call for you, Mr. Haines. They
say it is urgent.
The phone is plugged in to a connection and Guy crosses the
room and picks up the receiver. The Burtons watch him.
GUY
Hello --
INT. TELEPHONE BOOTH BIG HEAD CLOSEUP OF BRUNO
His face wears the most affable expression.
BRUNO
Hello, Guy. I tried your apartment,
but --
(pause)
Why, Guy, this is Bruno!
INT. BURTON LIVING ROOM
Guy hangs up the telephone quickly. He looks at the others,
awkwardly tries to explain:
GUY
Must be some mistake. It wasn't for
me.
His embarrassment grows as Anne looks at him with a puzzled
expression.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN
EXT. WASHINGTON STREET APPROACHING JEFFERSONS MEMORIAL DAY
Guy and HENNESSY are walking along the street together, CAMERA
MOVING WITH THEM. Their relationship is most friendly. Guy
carries a briefcase. Hennessy is an amiable but not gullible
young man in his early thirties. He knows his job, is well
groomed, well educated, and well liked.
GUY
Well, I suppose I was pretty lucky
to be seeded fifth, really.
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HENNESSY
I've never seen the Forest Hillss
tournament before. I'm looking
forward to it.
GUY
(wryly)
Do you mean we'll be going there
together, Hennessy?
HENNESSY
Oh, don't worry. This thing will be
cleared up by that time.
(changes the subject)
Ever thought of turning professional,
Guy?
GUY
I won't have to do that. When I'm
through with tennis. I'll be going
into politics, I hope.
HENNESSY
(aghast)
Politics! It's a good thing for you
I don't report that to the chief.
He turns to light a cigarette. As he does, Guy gives a barely
perceptible start at what he sees offscene.
LONG SHOT JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FROM GUYS VIEWPOINT
The tiny figure of a man is standing at the base of the tall
white column. The figure lifts in arm and waves. Instinct
tells us that this is Bruno. Hennessy is still mumbling his
opinion of politics.
HENNESSY'S VOICE
If he knew you were getting into
that rat-race --
TWO SHOT GUY AND HENNESSY
Guy turns his back on Bruno's figure and looks frantically
toward to street, wanting to get away.
HENNESSY
-- He'd put ten men on your trail.
He says --
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GUY
(interrupts)
Let's take this cab. It's getting
late.
He hails a taxi which is cruising by, and they start to get
in. Guy directs the driver.
GUY
Pentagon Building, please.
HENNESSY
Oh, no, not there! I always get
lost.
INT. TAXI CLOSE SHOT
Guy turns and looks out of the window.
LONG SHOT JEFFERSON MEMORIAL
from Guy's viewpoint, shot through the cab window. Again we
see the solitary figure of Bruno looking after Guy and
beginning to recede with the background as the cab starts
off.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GUY'S APARTMENT NIGHT
As Guy comes in from outside, there is a note on the floor
that has been pushed under the door. Guy picks it up, stares
at it for a minute before he opens it. He takes out a
handwritten note and reads it with an expression of disgust.
INSERT NOTE (IN GUY'S HANDS)
IT READS:
Dear Guy:
We have to meet and make plans.
Call me at Arlington ----.
Time's getting short.
Bruno
The handwriting is sprawling and erratic, embellished with
conceited flourishes.
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MEDIUM SHOT
Guy looks off for a moment with set face, then tearing the
note into shreds, crosses to a small desk, lights a match
and holds it to the fragments, letting them burn and fall
into an ash tray.
Guy looks off for a moment with set face, then tearing the
note into shreds, crosses to a small desk, lights a match
and holds it to the fragments, letting them burn and fall
into an ash tray.
DISSOLVE TO:
LONG SHOT EXT. MELLON GALLERY LATE AFTERNOON
CAMERA is in a low setup, to take in the sign across the
doorway which identifies the gallery. Hennessy stands in
the foreground in front of the building, on duty.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
INT. MELLON GALLERY
Guy and Anne are walking slowly through a more or less
deserted room of the gallery. Their manner is relaxed and
intimate.
ANNE
Well, we'd better be getting back.
GUY
We've actually been alone for an
hour. Seems almost indecent. You
like?
ANNE
(softly)
I like.
GUY
I was beginning to feel like a
goldfish.
ANNE
So was I. When we build our house,
darling, we won't even have glass
windows. No doorbells, no newspapers,
no telephone --
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GUY
No Hennessy.
ANNE
(suddenly serious)
How long can it go on?
GUY
I don't know. I suppose until they
find out who did it.
ANNE
We'll be happier then, won't we?
GUY
I suppose so.
Anne looks it him, surprised at his lack of enthusiasm.
They walk on out of the picture.
A figure steps out from behind a pillar in the main hall of
the gallery, near the spot from which they have disappeared.
It is Bruno. He calls.
BRUNO
(softly)
Guy!
Anne stops and looks back. Guy knows who it is and would
not turn but that he is forced to by Anne's action. He takes
a few steps towards Bruno.
CLOSEUP
Anne watches Guy approach this stranger. She looks downward
at Bruno's tie pin.
CLOSEUP
Bruno's tie pin, bearing his name, gleams in the light.
CLOSEUP
Anne reads the name on the tie pin.
TWO SHOT
Guy comes up to Bruno, steps in front of him.
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GUY
(muttering harshly)
Will you stop pestering me!
BRUNO
But Guy, you haven't called me. My
father's leaving for Florida the end
of this week --
GUY
(interrupts)
You crazy fool! There's a detective
outside. He'll see us together!
BRUNO
(brushing this off)
Oh, they can't have anything on you.
(looking past Guy)
Isn't that Anne Burton? Slight
improvement over Miriam -- eh, Guy?
GUY
Stay away from me, I tell you!
He leaves Bruno abruptly to rejoin Anne. Bruno looks after
him, a little hurt.
TWO SHOT
Guy rejoins Anne and they start to walk away.
ANNE
Who was it, Guy?
GUY
(unnerved)
I never saw him before. Just some
tennis fan.
Anne looks at him a little oddly. He seems unduly concerned
about a casual stranger.
CLOSEUP ANNE
Her face is troubled.
FADE OUT.
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FADE IN
INT. MORTON STUDY MED. SHOT
Guy and a secretary have set up office in the Morton study.
As the scene opens the secretary is handing Guy a large
envelope.
SECRETARY
Here's a special delivery, Mr. Haines.
It's marked personal.
As Guy is opening the envelope, Barbara speaks to him from
atop a library ladder. She is getting a book from one of
the top shelves of a bookcase, which is next to a window.
BARBARA
Are you getting in any practice today,
Guy?
GUY
(as he takes out a
large folded sheet
of paper and glances
at it, mystified)
Yes, if I can get a court at the
club.
As Guy's hands unfold the paper and hold it for moment, we
see that it is a diagrammed plan of the grounds and the
Interior of the Anthony house. There are dotted lines along
the upper hall, with an arrow which points to one room and
where Bruno has indicated in his handwriting, "My father's
room." Over this we hear the voices of Barbara and the
secretary:
SECRETARY'S VOICE
Barbara, who are you waving at?
BARBARA'S VOICE
Mr. Hennessy. I think it is a shame
Daddy won't let us have him in the
house to sit down. Have you met him
yet, Louise?
SECRETARY'S VOICE
No.
BARBARA'S VOICE
He is awfully cute.
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MED. SHOT
Guy frowns, quickly folds the paper up and stuffs it into
his pocket. He looks off abstractedly.
CLOSEUP SECRETARY
She looks at Guy sympathetically.
SECRETARY
Is anything wrong, Mr. Haines?
CLOSEUP GUY
Her voice breaks his reverie. He answers her with a forced
smile.
GUY
No, thank you, Louise.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN
TENNIS COURT AT WASHINGTON COUNTRY CLUB
There are twenty or thirty people sitting in the bleacher
seats opposite the umpire's chair. A game of mixed doubles
is in progress.
MED. SHOT AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE COURT
Guy appears, carrying his racquets. His partner for the
forthcoming game, and one or two other players, are close
by.
CLOSER SHOT
Guy looks about him. Several people are looking at him
awkwardly or avoiding his eyes. He moves self-consciously
away, and the CAMERA PANS HIM around the court to the umpire's
chair.
MED. SHOT
A couple of women players whisper something about Guy as he
goes past them.
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FIRST WOMAN
I didn't think he'd show up after
what happened.
SECOND WOMAN
And miss all the publicity?
MED. SHOT
As Guy stands at the umpire's chair, the umpire glances down
and gives him a rather embarrassed greeting.
CLOSEUP GUY
He looks across at the watching crowd.
MED. SHOT FROM GUY'S VIEWPOINT
The heads of the people in the bleachers move from side to
side, to follow the play on the court. One head is not
moving. It is staring at Guy. It is Bruno.
At this moment, we hear the umpire calling, "Game, set and
match" to the winning mixed doubles pair.
CLOSEUP GUY
His expression becomes set.
LONG SHOT
The mixed doubles couples complete their handshaking at the
net and move off the court. We see Guy move up to the base
line while the other player takes his position for the
preliminary knock-up.
MED. SHOT
As Guy casually knocks the ball across the net, he glances
again toward Bruno.
MED. SHOT FROM GUY'S VIEWPOINT
Bruno is making his way out of the small stand.
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CLOSEUP GUY
Perplexed and apprehensive as to what Bruno may be up to.
He hears his opponent's voice.
PLAYER'S VOICE
Ready, Guy?
Guy shakes off his abstraction and poises himself to receive
the ball.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
MED. SHOT PASSAGEWAY LEADING TO TERRACE
We see Guy coming alone, having fInIshed his game. He is
carrying his rackets, wears a towel around his neck, etcetera.
He walks into foreground, into CLOSEUP, and suddenly stops
short at what he sees:
MED. SHOT FROM GUY'S VIEWPOINT
The group at the table comprising Bruno, Anne and the two
French people. Bruno is preening himself as the others laugh
uproariously, obviously at something Bruno has said. Anne
catches sight of Guy and smiles at him.
CLOSE SHOT GUY
CAMERA MOVES WITH HIM as he comes forward toward the table.
MED. SHOT GROUP AT TABLE
As Guy comes into the scene. He stands staring.
ANNE
Guy, darling -- this is Mr. Antony --
a friend of Monsieur and Madame
Darville...
(to Bruno)
Guy Haines.
CLOSEUP GUY
He gives a weak acknowledgment in Bruno's direction, realizing
that Bruno has wormed his way into the group and that he
must accept the introduction.
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MEDIUM SHOT
Bruno half rises, smiles affably at Guy, reaches out his
hand. Guy is forced to shake hands with him
BRUNO
I've been a fan of yours for a long
time, Mr. Haines. In fact, I follow
everything you do.
MME. DARVILLE
Mr. Antony has been telling us such
charming stories... Very funny.
CLOSEUP GUY
He gives another weak little smile.
MED. SHOT
In response to the Frenchwoman's attentive and eager
expression, Bruno leans forward on the table and starts saying
something more in extremely fluent French.
CLOSEUP ANNE
She is staring at Bruno with a new expression.
CLOSEUP FROM ANNE'S VIEWPOINT
Bruno's coat has spread open a bit, and his tie pin bearing
the name "Bruno" is resting on the edge of the table.
CLOSEUP ANNE
She becomes aware that this is the man she has seen call to
Guy in the art museum, that they have met before. Her eyes
turn a little in Guy's direction, though she does not look
at him.
CLOSEUP GUY
He is still watching Bruno talk to the French couple. Guy
is unaware of Anne's looks. Suddenly his attention is
arrested by the sound of Barbara's voice calling him.
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BARBARA'S VOICE
Guy!
He turn his head and CAMERA PANS him to Barbara, who is
standing a few steps from the table beckoning to him.
BARBARA
(Sotto voce)
I've just been talking to your shadow.
(very impressed)
Guy, did you know Mr. Hennessy helped
crack that axe murder I was reading
about? You know, the one where the
body was cut up and hidden in the
butcher shop? He was locked in the
ice box with the left leg for six
hours!
GUY
He pulls those yarns right out of
his hat, Babs.
CLOSEUP GUY
He gives a sharp look back toward Bruno. There is more
laughter coming from the French couple at the table.
CLOSE SHOT GROUP AT TABLE FROM GUY'S VIEWPOINT
Bruno is occupied with his French joke, but Anne is looking
at Guy strangely.
TWO SHOT GUY AND BARBARA
Guy turns back to Barbara. Barbara looks with interest toward
Bruno.
BARBARA
Who's the nice looking Frenchman
with the Darvilles?
GUY
He's not French. His name's Antony.
Barbara steps toward the table.
MED. SHOT AT TABLE
as Barbara joins the group.
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BARBARA
How do you do, Madame Darville.
Monsieur.
They looks up.
CLOSEUP BRUNO
Bruno stops in the middle of some French to stare at Barbara.
Her voice continues.
BARBARA'S VOICE
How are you?
FRENCH COUPLES' VOICES
Delightful to see you. How sweet
you look, Miss Barbara.
CLOSE SHOT BARBARA FROM BRUNO VIEWPOINT
BARBARA
I hope you aren't forgetting our
little party on Thursday, Madame.
From Bruno's viewpoint, as Barbara speaks,CAMERA MOVES IN
CLOSER until to faintest impression of the merry-go-round
fills the screen with the effect of whirling around Barbara's
head. Her glasses seem to glint until her eyes are
obliterated by the glare.
MED. SHOT THE GROUP
MME. DARVILLE
We are planning on it?
M. DARVILLE
But of course.
All talk dies out as all eyes turn to Bruno, who is staring
at Barbara. Except Anne's, who is saying quietly to Bruno:
ANNE
This is my sister Barbara. Barbara,
this is Mr. Antony.
CLOSEUP BRUNO
He does not acknowledge the introduction immediately. He is
still staring at Barbara. Then he nods abstractedly.
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CLOSEUP ANNE
She is looking at Bruno, wondering what mystery lies behind
this strange individual and why he and Guy have disclaimed
any previous acquaintance.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN
INT. GUY'S APARTMENT NIGHT
CLOSEUP A LUGER PISTOL HELD IN GUY'S HANDS
CAMERA PULLS BACK TO SHOW Guy staring down at it. He is
partially dressed for an evening party, in black bow tie but
without his jacket. He leans forward to take up a letter
from among brown paper wrappings on the table.
INSERT: LETTER
Dear Guy --
Just two more days left. We must
get together for final details.
The note, in Bruno's handwriting, is unsigned.
CLOSEUP GUY
He stares down at the note. At this moment there is a knock
at the door.
MED. SHOT
Guy hastily gather together the gun, the note and the
wrappings and puts them in a dresser drawer. He crosses to
the door and opens it. Hennessy enters, carrying a topcoat.
GUY
Hiya, Hennessy. Won't keep you out
late tonight.
(getting into his
dinner jacket)
With Forest Hills coming up tomorrow,
I've got to get some sleep.
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HENNESSY
(helping himself to a
cigarette)
That's too bad. Hammond takes over
in a couple of hours. I'd like to
see him earn his salary.
Guy turns to the dresser drawer in which he has put the note
and the gun, maneuvering his body between the dresser and
Hennessy's view. He takes out a handkerchief, closes the
drawer, sticks the handkerchief in his pocket, speaking as
he does so.
GUY
Doesn't that bloodhound over relax?
He sticks so close he's beginning to
grow on me -- like a fungus.
HENNESSY
(mildly)
He thinks you're a very suspicious
character. He doesn't trust anybody!
Not even himself.
Guy is eager to get out of the room, and Hennessy is
maddeningly slow in his movements.
GUY
Come on.
(indicating at Hennessy
overcoat)
Don't forget your sleeping bag.
HENNESSY
(taking his time)
Yeah, If I have to wait too long on
the sidewalk my feet get cold. And
if I sit too long on those stone
steps, my --
Guy has the door open and eases Hennessy toward the haIl.
GUY
(quickly)
Don't worry. Since you told Barbara
Burton about the icebox, you're her
favorite charity. She'll send the
butler out with something to defrost
you.
HENNESSY
(grinning)
Cute kid.
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He's gone, and with a last glance at the dresser, Guy goes
out and closes the door.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BURTON HOUSE LONG SHOT NIGHT
The street outside the Burton house is lined with cars and
limousines. Various guests are arriving.
MED. SHOT
On the opposite side of the street we see Hennessy, now
wearing his topcoat. He looks bored as he glances across
the street to the house.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BURTON HOUSE BIG HEAD CLOSEUP OF ANNE
Her face is troubled. CAMERA BEGINS TO PULL BACK. We see
now that the reception is in progress and that Anne stands
beside her father to greet the arriving guests. CAMERA PULLS
BACK FURTHER to show us a full view of a very crowded
Washington gathering Many white ties and tails and decollete
in evidence. Many accents. Even some foreign languages are
being spoken. Music and chatter in the b.g.
CLOSE SHOT
Anne and the Senator are still greeting new arrivals. Anne's
manner is somewhat preoccupied. She glances around as she
speaks, as though looking for someone.
ANNE
(to new arrival)
Thank you so much, Mr. Lindsay.
We'll look forward to it.
PANNING SHOT FROM ANNE'S VIEWPOINT
THE CAMERA PASSES various groups of guests in conversation
including Guy and Barbara who are together. From this
distance we cannot hear what they are saying. CAMERA
CONTINUES TO the front door. It opens to admit a new arrival.
It is Bruno. He wears white tie and tails, looking very
elegant.
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We see Guy excuse himself from Barbara, cross to Bruno and
speak to him angrily, obviously asking, "What are you doing
here?" Bruno, however, greets Guy with a smile then turns
from him, unperturbed and bland. He sees Anne and moves
toward her, smiling.
CLOSEUP ANNE
As Bruno comes in her direction, Anne's expression shows her
mystification and concern about Bruno's presence and about
Guy's attitude toward him.
MED. SHOT
Bruno comes up to Anne and the Senator. He gives a slight
bow to the Senator; then puts his hand out to Anne.
BRUNO
Good evening, Miss Burton.
The Senator looks inquiringly. Anne makes the introduction.
ANNE
This is Mr. Antony, father.
SENATOR
How do you do, sir.
BRUNO
I'd like to talk to you sometime,
Senator, about my idea of harnessing
the life force. It will make atomic
power look like the horse and buggy.
(the Senator and Anne
are beginning to
look at him in
amazement)
I'm already developing my faculty
for seeing millions of miles. And,
Senator, can you imagine being able
to smell a flower on the planet of
Mars? I'd like to lunch with you
some day soon and tell you more about
it.
Interrupted by new arrivals, Bruno moves away out of the
picture, with a charming smile to Anne.
The Senator greets the new guests with open mouth and simply
shakes their hands while glancing off in direction of the
departing Bruno.
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DOWAGER
(to Senator)
So nice to see you, my dear Senator.
SENATOR
Ah yes, indeed -- I beg your pardon?
She realizes he hasn't heard a word she's said and haughtily
moves on. The Senator turns to Anne.
SENATOR
(still looking after
Bruno)
I don't remember inviting that young
man. Who is he?
ANNE
A friend of the Darvilles.
SENATOR
He has an unusual personality.
Provocative.
CLOSEUP ANNE
She looks off in Bruno's direction extremely disturbed at
this new aspect of the mysterious stranger.
CLOSEUP GUY
He is watching Bruno.
MED. SHOT
Guy sees Bruno join a group of several ladies who are seated
on a settee and a couple of older men who are standing by.
A waiter comes along with a tray of drinks. Bruno takes
one.
CLOSEUP BARBARA
She comes from the same direction that Guy came. She stops
short as she sees:
MED. SHOT FROM BARBARA'S VIEWPOINT
Bruno is now heartily joining in conversation with one of
the elderly gentlemen.
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CLOSE SHOT BRUNO AND GROUP
Bruno talking to an elderly, dignified gentlemen.
BRUNO
But tell me, Judge, after you've
sentenced a man to the chair, isn't
it difficult to go and eat your dinner
after that?
JUDGE
Young man, when a murderer is caught,
he must be tried. When he is
convicted, he must be sentenced.
When he is sentenced to death, he
must be executed.
BRUNO
Quite impersonal, isn't it, sir?
JUDGE
So it is. Besides, it doesn't happen
every day.
At this moment, Anne comes into the scene. She hesitates as
she hears Bruno's answer.
BRUNO
So few murderers are caught.
The Judge moves out of the way. Bruno smiles blandly at the
ladies. One of them speaks to him.
MRS. CUNNINGHAM
Well, Mr. Antony, you seem very
interested in the subject of murder.
Anne looks more troubled, then moves on out of the scene.
BRUNO
No more than anyone else. No more
than you, for instance.
MRS. CUNNINGHAM
Me? I'm not interested in murder.
Bruno pulls up a chair to face the two woman on the settee,
sits down, straddling the seat, to look at them over the
back of the chair and settle down for a nice conversation.
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BRUNO
(his tone is teasing)
Oh, come now, everyone's interested
in that. Everyone would like to put
someone out of the way. Now surely,
Madame, you're not going to tell me
that there hasn't been a time when
you wanted to dispose of someone.
Your husband, for instance.
MRS. CUNNINGHAM
(laughs)
Good heavens, no!
BRUNO
(playfully)
Ah ah!
(shaking a finger at
her)
Are you sure? Do you mean to tell
me there wasn't a tiny moment - when
you'd been made really angry? And
what did you say?
MRS. CUNNINGHAM
(squirms, giggling)
Well...
BRUNO
There you are, you see! There you
are! All right, now you're going --
to do a murder. How are you going
to do it? This is the fascinating
part -- how are you going to do it...I
didn't get your name?
MRS. CUNNINGHAM
Mrs. Cunningham.
BRUNO
Mrs. Cunningham, how are you going
to do it?
MRS. CUNNINGHAM
(entering into the
spirit of the play)
Well, I suppose I'll have to get a
gun from somewhere.
BRUNO
(shakes his head)
Tssk, tssk. Oh no, Mrs. Cunningham.
(MORE)
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BRUNO (CONT'D)
Bang, bang, all over the place.
Blood everywhere?
The other woman joins in:
MRS. ANDERSON
What about a little poison?
BRUNO
Ah! That's better, that's better.
Mrs.....?
MRS. ANDERSON
Anderson.
BRUNO
(he is thoroughly
enjoying himself)
That's better, Mrs. Anderson. But
Mrs. Cunningham is in a dreadful
hurry. Poison could take...let's
see...ten to twelve weeks, if poor
Mr. Cunningham is to die from natural
causes.
MRS. CUNNINGHAM
I have a wonderful Idea! I can take
him out in the car and when I get to
a lonely spot, knock him on the head
with a hammer, pour gasoline over
him and over the car and start the
whole thing ablaze.
BRUNO
(looks at her
deprecatingly)
And then have to walk all that way
home?
Mrs. Anderson laughs.
BRUNO
No, I have the best way, and the
best tools.
(he holds out his
hands and shows them)
Simple, silent, and quick. The silent
part being the most important. Let
me show you what I mean.
(MORE)
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BRUNO (CONT'D)
(he raises his hands
toward Mrs.
Cunningham's throat,
then stops a moment
to ask)
You don't mind if I borrow your neck
for a moment do you?
MRS. CUNNINGHAM
(giggles)
Well, it's not for long.
BRUNO
Oh! no.
(he takes a drink and
puts his glass down)
Now, when I nod my head, just see if
you can cry out, and I bet you can't.
(he places his hands
around Mrs.
Cunningham's neck)
Now with my two thumbs...you see
that's where I'll be able to prevent
any sound coming from you. Now,
just wait for the nod of my head.
CLOSEUP BRUNO
As he starts to Press her neck, his eyes wander from the
face of his "victim" to someone else off scene.
MED. SHOT BARBARA
She is watching this rather unorthodox demonstration. The
CAMERA MOVES UP until her head fills the screen. Her glasses
glint in the light.
CLOSEUP BRUNO
He is now transfixed. His breathing becomes heavy. A strange
expression comes over his face. He still stares off at
Barbara.
MED. SHOT BARBARA
We see the whirling merry-go-round spinning around her head.
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BIG HEAD CLOSEUP BRUNO
He now seem to have almost gone into a trance. Over the
shot we begin to HEAR a strangled cry, and a broken
exclamation, then Mrs. Anderson's voice.
MRS. ANDERSON'S VOICE
Mr. Antony! Mr. Antony!
ANOTHER VOICE
Stop him! Stop him!
CLOSEUP
Bruno's wrists and hands and the neck of his victim. We can
just see Mrs. Cunningham's chin at the top of the screen.
Her head is tossing from side to side. Her hands are
clutching at Bruno's wrists. The hands of the other two
women, also in the picture, are pulling at Bruno's wrists.
Mrs. Cunningham's hands begin to slide off. Her head drops
back.
Over this we HEAR cries of:
VOICES
Stop him!
Help, somebody!
Pull him off!
Mr. Antony! Mr. Antony!
CLOSEUP BRUNO
His body is swaying slightly at the various efforts to drag
him away from Mrs. Cunningham. His eyes begin to close, and
slowly he falls away from the picture in a dead faint on the
floor.
MEDIUM SHOT
There is a rush of people around Mrs. Cunningham, who is
breathing frantically, her eyes opening and closing. A couple
of women are feebly slapping her hands, someone else is
fanning her face.
MEDIUM SHOT
The Senator and Guy rush into the picture. They look at the
fallen Bruno. They search around for an explanation. Other
man come in ad they start to pick Bruno up.
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GUY
Bring him this way.
Guy gives a quick look in direction of Mrs. Cunningham, sees
that she is being attended to.
MEDIUM SHOT
Anne rushes into the picture. She sees Bruno being helped
to his feet; then turns her attention to Mrs. Cunningham,
who has now somewhat recovered. Mrs. Cunningham is helped
to the settee. There is a babble of women's voices trying
to explain what has happened.
ANNE
(thru the babble)
Bring her upstairs.
As the two groups pass off in different directions, the few
people who ran into the scene late are asking the others
what the disturbance is. "What's wrong?" "Did she faint?"
"I didn't see anything." "What happened to him?" "Somebody
hurt?" But one small figure stands in the clear. It is
Barbara, She is still transfixed by what she has seen. Her
hands are trembling. CAMERA MOVES SLOWLY IN ON HER. We see
that her lips are trembling, too, and in her eyes frightened
tears are welling. Her breath is heavy.
INT. STUDY
Bruno is stretched out on a settee. He is completely out.
His collar and tie are open. Two or three of the male guests
are just leaving the room. The Senator remains behind for a
moment with Guy.
SENATOR
I thought he was a bit weird when he
arrived. Who is he?
GUY
I hardly know him, sir.
SENATOR
Get him out of here as soon as you
decently can -- will you. This is a
nice item for the gossips. First
thing you know, they'll be talking
about orgies. I'd better get back...
GUY
Yes, sir.
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The Senator leaves. Guy stands over Bruno's outstretched
figure.
MEDIUM SHOT
Bruno is now half awake. Almost without seeing Guy, he
staggers to his feet and begins to make his way to the door.
Guy advances, and with a sharp thrust, pushes Bruno back on
the settee.
Bruno looks and sees Guy clearly for the first time.
BRUNO
What happened? I was on a merry-go-
round somewhere. It made me dizzy.
Guy moves forward, and thrusting his hand in Bruno's open
shirt, pulls him to his feet. Bruno ignores Guy's violence
and remain puzzled.
GUY
(disgusted)
You're a mad, crazy maniac, and you
ought to be locked-up! Now will you
get out of here and let me alone?
BRUNO
But, Guy --
Guy smashes Bruno in the jaw, in utter disgust, and knocks
him back onto the settee. Bruno looks up from his sprawled
position, a dull look in his eye.
BRUNO
You shouldn't have done that, Guy.
GUY
(subsiding)
Come on -- pull yourself together.
Do your tie up.
Bruno staggers to his feet. He fumbles at his collar. As
he crosses to him, CAMERA MOVES IN to a CLOSER SHOT.
GUY
Here -- let me.
He fixes Bruno's shirt and collar together and quickly ties
his white bow. Bruno stands swaying like a small boy as Guy
does this.
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CAMERA PANS WITH THEM as Guy starts to escort Bruno from the
room.
GUY
Have you got a car here?
BRUNO
(mumbling)
Driver's outside.
They pass trough door into the hallway.
INT. HALL MEDIUM SHOT
One or two of the guests turn their heads as Guy takes Bruno
across to the front door.
CLOSE SHOT
Barbara appears in the hallway, coming from the crowded
sitting room. She watches the two men go out the front door.
MEDIUM SHOT
Bruno and Guy going out the front door. The man-servant
does not close it immediately, so we are able to HEAR the
call for Mr. Antony's car.
CLOSEUP BARBARA
She turns her head and looks up the stairs. Barbara has not
quite recovered from her ordeal. She hurries forward to
greet Anne who is hurrying down the stairs.
TWO SHOT
CAMERA PANS DOWN with Anne as she descends the last few steps.
Barbara enters the picture and the two girls meet at the
foot of the stairs.
ANNE
What's the matter, Barbara? Did you
see it happen? Did you see it --
all?
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CLOSEUP BARBARA
BARBARA
(still shaken)
He looked at me! His hands were on
her throat, but, he was strangling
me!
CLOSEUP ANNE
ANNE
(aghast)
How do you mean?
TWO SHOT
BARBARA
He was looking at her first. Then
he looked over at me. He went into
a sort of trance
(shudders)
He looked horrible!
(reflectively)
He thought he was murdering me.
CLOSEUP ANNE
She looks away, with growing consciousness of the situation
TWO SHOT
BARBARA
Anne, why me? Why me? What did I
have to do with it?
Anne is extremely concerned and thoughtful. Suddenly she
gets an idea and with a pat on Barbara's arm, asks hurriedly:
ANNE
Do you know where Guy is?
BARBARA
He went out with that man!
Anne hurries to the front door and passes through.
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EXT. HOUSE
Anne comes out onto the steps and looks around. She stops
short as she sees:
LONG SHOT EXT. STREET FROM ANNE'S VIEWPOINT
There are cars lined up outside on the street. One limousine
is pulling up in the center, two figures at the passenger
door. One is climbing in. The other is Guy.
CLOSEUP ANNE
She calls out urgently:
ANNE
Guy!
CLOSE SHOT
Guy turns and closes the door.
MEDIUM SHOT FROM ANNE'S VIEWPOINT
The limousine moves off and Guy comes toward her.
MEDIUM SHOT
Anne comes down the steps and intercepts Guy on the sidewalk.
She leads him along a few paces and then stops and faces
him.
CLOSE TWO SHOT
Anne nods off in the direction of the departed Bruno and
speaks in a desperate, low voice.
ANNE
You didn't meet him for the first
time the other day, did you, Guy?
Guy stares at her for a moment.
GUY
You mean when you introduced us at
the club?
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ANNE
Yes. Did you notice how he stared
at Barbara that day?
GUY
(awkwardly)
Well, I didn't -- particularly --
ANNE
(breaks in)
He stared at her again tonight --
while his hands were around Mrs.
Cunningham's throat.
Guy looks at Anne with an expression of growing fear and
alarm. She goes on inexorably:
ANNE
What did Miriam look like, Guy.
GUY
(awkwardly)
Well, why do you ask me? You've
seen her pictures in the paper.
ANNE
Go on, I want you to tell me.
GUY
(haltingly)
Well, she was dark, not too tall,
rather pretty --
ANNE
What else?
GUY
What else is there?
ANNE
She wore glasses, didn't she?
GUY
Yes.
ANNE
She looked a lot like Barbara, didn't
she?
Guy suddenly begins to realize what Anne is getting at.
Anne lowers her head, deliberately avoids looking at Guy, as
she asks:
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ANNE
How did you get him to do it, Guy.
GUY
I get him to do it?
ANNE
He killed Miriam, didn't he? Tell
me, Guy!
GUY
Yes.
(suddenly bursting
out)
He's a maniac. I met him on the
train going to Metcalf. He had a
crazy scheme about exchanging murders.
I do his murder and he do mine.
ANNE
(quietly)
What do you mean -- your murder,
Guy?
GUY
Well, he'd read about me in the paper.
He knew about Miriam -- and about
you. He suggested that if he got
rid of Miriam for me, I should kill
his father.
ANNE
You must have realized he was talking
a lot of nonsense!
GUY
Of course! I didn't give it another
thought. And now a lunatic wants me
to kill his father.
ANNE
(beginning to believe)
It's too fantastic!
GUY
(grimly)
Yes, isn't it?
ANNE
You mean you've known about Miriam
all this time?
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GUY
Since the first night. He gave me
her glasses.
ANNE
Why didn't you call the police?
GUY
(bitterly)
And have them say what you did --
"Mr. Haines, how did you get him to
do it?" And Bruno would say we'd
planed it together.
ANNE
Oh, Guy -- what can we do?
GUY
I don't know, Anne...I don't know.
ANNE
(With an anxious look
across the street)
Guy, hadn't we better go inside?
Your friend Hennessy's watching us.
(she Shudders)
GUY
(sadly)
You see, Anne, that's why I didn't
want you to know anything about this.
I wanted to protect all of you --
your father, Barbara. And now that
you know, you're acting guilty, too.
ANNE
(desperately)
Oh, if we could only talk to father
or someone about it.
GUY
No, that's no good, Anne. I mustn't
drag anyone else into this mess.
Come on. Let's go in.
They go toward the house.
CUT TO:
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TWO SHOT ACROSS THE STREET
As Hennessy watches Anne and Guy go toward the house, his
relief, HAMMOND, comes up. Hammond's a zealous, hard-eyed
sleuth.
HENNESSY
(a little glum)
Hello, Hammond.
HAMMOND
You look worried. What's the matter?
HENNESSY
You'd better keep on your toes.
Something funny's going on.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GUY'S APARTMENT LATER THAT NIGHT
Still in his dinner clothes, Guy is seated in deep thought
near the telephone, wrestling with his problem. There is an
open telephone directory in front of him. He comes to a
decision, picks up the telephone and dials a number. He
waits for the answer, then:
GUY
Bruno? Yes, yes, it's Guy...I've
decided to do what you want. I'll
make that little visit to father....
(listens a moment)
Tonight.
(listens another moment)
Yes, I want to get this thing over
with, can you leave the house again,
Bruno?
(pause)
You'd better stay out till daylight.
Guy hangs up, rises and starts to move with purpose for his
night's activities.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GUY'S APARTMENT NIGHT
Guy is sitting at the table. He is dressed differently,
having changed from his dinner clothes to a sack suit. There
is only one lamp lighted in the room. Guy presents a grim
picture.
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He is studying the plan of Bruno's house, and he picks up
the key Bruno sent along with it. Finally he looks at his
watch, then folds the plan and puts it in his pocket with
the key. He rises, crosses to the chest of drawers, opens
the top drawer.
INSERT: THE OPEN DRAWER
Guy's hands take out the Luger. His hand then picks up
Miriam's glasses from the drawer, holds them a moment. He
is about to put them back, then decides to take them along,
puts them into his pocket.
MED. SHOT
CAMERA PANS GUY across to the window. He parts the curtains
slightly and looks out.
MED. SHOT ON STREET (FROM GUY'S VIEWPOINT)
Hammond is lighting a cigarette as he strolls in front of
the house.
INT. GUY'S APARTMENT
Guy crosses to his door, which he opens surreptitiously.
MED. SHOT CORRIDOR
Guy glances down the stairs, then closes the door behind him
quietly and moves away to a window at the turn of the stairs.
EXT. FIRE ESCAPE
Guy comes out of the window onto the second floor fire escape.
He creeps stealthily down and emerges into a narrow alleyway.
He steps back into the shadows for a moment when he sees:
LONG SHOT FROM GUY'S VIEWPOINT (PROCESS)
The strolling figure of Hammond on the far side of the street.
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MED. SHOT
Guy turns away and is soon lost in the darkness of the street.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A TALL PAIR OF ELABORATE IRON GATES NIGHT
We are on the inside of the gates. We see them swing open
slightly and the figure of Guy edges through them.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy leaves the gates ajar and then, taking the plan of Bruno's
house from his pocket, and the key, he looks toward the house.
EXT. STEPS LONG SHOT NIGHT
This is a long flight of steps. Moonlit. They are lined
with tall black cypress trees which throw their shadows across
the steps. Guy moves out of one shadow, into another and
carefully starts up the stairs.
AT THE DOOR
He pauses, looks about for a moment and listens. Then he
puts the key into the lock, finding it with his flashlight.
The door opens a few inches. He turns off the flash, and
enters.
INT. ANTONY HOME ENTRANCE HALL
As Guy moves in soundlessly and closes the door. He looks
toward the stairs which are in shadow.
MED. SHOT
Guy starts up the stairs slowly. He carries his flashlight
and the plan.
AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS THE DOG
A huge shadow lies it the head of the stairs. As Guy comes
slowly up the stairs, the Great Dane looks down at him.
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GUY ON THE STAIRS
He reacts to the sight of the dog, stops an instant, and
turn on his flashlight. The heavy massive face of the dog
looks straight down at him. Guy turns off the flashlight
and after a moment of indecision starts slowly up the stairs
once more, the dog watching every step he takes.
UPPER HALLWAY
Guy comes up the last few stairs and still the dog hasn't
moved. Guy slowly edges past him and the Great Dane's head
turns to watch him.
GUY
moving quietly along the hallway, approaches two doors. He
takes out his flash and identifies the door with his plan.
INSERT:
The plan shows two doors in relation to the stairway. The
first one is clearly marked: "MY room." The adjoining door
is marked: "My FATHER'S room."
CLOSE SHOT GUY
He pauses at the first door, then passes it quietly, walking
on to the next one. He turns the knob soundlessly and passes
through into the room.
INT. ANTONY BEDROOM LONG SHOT
The room is in darkness except for the dim outline of the
recumbent figure in the bed. We hear Guy's voice, in a loud
whisper:
GUY
Mr. Antony!
The figure stirs.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Guy takes a stop closer to the bed.
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GUY
(urgently)
Mr. Antony! Don't be alarmed -- but
I must talk to you about your son.
About Bruno. Mr. Antony!
The figure on the bed turns and a hand stretches out toward
a bedside light. The light goes on with a sudden glare.
CLOSEUP FACE OF BRUNO IN THE LIGHT (LOW CAMERA)
The low CAMERA throws a vast shadow up on the wall behind
him, creating a grimace of his smile.
BRUNO
Yes, Mr. Haines?
CLOSEUP GUY
His face is dead.
MED. SHOT
Bruno rises from the bed and sits on the and of it. He is
fully dressed, just as he was at the party, in white tie and
tails.
BRUNO
(politely)
My father isn't home tonight, Mr.
Haines.
(smiles grimly at
Guy's surprise)
I was about to tell you that over
the phone. But you came to such a
sudden decision. I wondered why.
GUY
(recovering quickly)
Since you sent me a key to your house,
I decided to use it -- to make a
little social call on your father.
I thought he'd be Interested to know
he his a lunatic son.
The faintest flicker of Bruno's eyes indicates the intensity
of his reaction. He stares hard at Guy.
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BRUNO
Then a I correct, Mr. Haines, in
assuming that you have no intention
of going ahead with our arrangement?
GUY
No intention whatsoever. I never
had.
BRUNO
I see. You won't have any further
use for the key, then, Mr. Haines.
(he holds out his
hand and Guy gives
him the key)
Thank you very such.
As Bruno continues to stare at him, Guy takes out the Luger.
For a moment a look of fear comes into Bruno's face as he
thinks Guy will probably shoot him. After a pause, Guy tosses
the gun on the bed.
GUY
Or this.
Bruno's relief turns again to menace. He picks up the gun
and fingers it nervously.
GUY
(kindly)
Look, Bruno. You're terribly sick.
(haltingly)
I don't know whether it's possible
for you to realize it or not. I
don't know much about these things,
Bruno. But why don't you go someplace
where you can get some treatment?
Not only for your own sake, Bruno,
but you can't go on causing more and
more destruction to anyone you happen
to meet.
Bruno pays no attention. He rises.
TWO SHOT
Guy's arguments have made no impression on Bruno whatsoever.
He fingers the gun.
BRUNO
I don't like to be doublecrossed.
(MORE)
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BRUNO (CONT'D)
I have a murder on my conscience,
but it's not my murder, Mr. Haines --
it's yours. And as you're the one
to profit, I think you should be the
one to pay for it.
For an instant his nervous hands seem to be struggling with
the urge to kill Guy.
GUY
(gives up)
Well, I guess it's no use, Bruno.
We sees to have nothing further to
discuss.
Bruno goes to the door in silent acquiescence and opens it
for Guy to pass through.
INT. HALLWAY MED. SHOT
Guy walks toward the stairs, tense and apprehensive. Bruno
is following him, still holding the gun. When the Great
Dane sees Bruno it gets to its feet, as if waiting for a
command.
Guy starts down the stairs but Bruno stays where he is, the
dog beside him. Gay turns and looks back it this tableaux
of menace.
BRUNO
Don't worry. I'm not going to shoot
you, Mr. Haines. It might disturb
mother.
(with a feeling of
power)
I'm a very clever follow. I'll think
of something better than that. Much
better.
LONG SHOT
Bruno remains in the foreground of the scene as Guy proceeds
on down the stairs. We see him open the front door and pass
through.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
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EXT. STREET ACROSS GUY'S APARTMENT EARLY
CLOSE SHOT HENNESSY AND HAMMOND MORNING
Hennessy is relieving Hammond who has kept watch on Guy's
apartment night.
HAMMOND
(in the middle of his
story)
He came back at three twenty-five.
I didn't even know he'd given me the
slip until his 'phone kept ringing
for about half an hour. Nobody sleeps
that sound. So I got the janitor to
let me in. No Haines.
HENNESSY
(to himself)
Wonder where he went?
HAMMOND
We'll probably hear of another dame
murdered.
HENNESSY
(puzzled)
Shut up. I'd better contact Metcalf.
I should think this calls for more
questioning of Mr. Haines.
HAMMOND
Questioning? Nuts! Let's take him
in.
HENNESSY
My dear Mr. Hamond, how many times
do I have to tell you that we have
nothing conclusive on Haines? There's
no evidence that he was ever at the
scene of the crime. Can't you get
that into your thick head?
(quietly)
Now stay put till I get back.
As he starts away --
FADE OUT.
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FADE IN
INT. ANTONY LIVING ROOM LATE MORNING
Anne and Mrs. Antony are in the middle of a conversation.
Anne's manner is tense and purposeful, Mrs. Antony's much
less serious.
MRS. ANTONY
Oh, now, Miss Burton, really! I
know Bruno's been in some very awkward
scrapes, but nothing so ridiculous
as a murder.
(she gives a short
little laugh)
ANNE
(desperately)
But, Mrs. Antony, you've got to make
him do something about this. Don't
you see that just one word from him
would extricate Guy from this dreadful
situation?
MRS. ANTONY
(lightly)
Oh, but Miss Burton, I'm sure this
thing must be some practical joke.
You know, Bruno sometimes goes too
far.
(girl to girl)
Of course I shouldn't be saying this
to an outsider, but sometimes he's
terribly irresponsible and gets into
all kinds of escapades.
ANNE
But don't you understand, Mrs. Antony --
your son is responsible for a woman's
death.
MRS. ANTONY
(drawing herself up
with some hauteur)
Did Bruno tell you this?
ANNE
Of course not, Mrs. Antony.
MRS. ANTONY
(that settles it)
Well, there you are.
(MORE)
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MRS. ANTONY (CONT'D)
(she sighs and rises,
winding it up)
Well, Miss Burton, it was very nice
of you to call. You must excuse me
now. I must get back to my painting.
Do you care for painting, Miss Burton?
I find it so soothing.
(shakes Anne's hand)
You must come again sometime.
She goes out. Anne is left helpless, standing in the middle
of the room. She picks up her purse and is about to go when
she hears a voice:
BRUNO'S VOICE
Oh, Miss Burton!
Anne turns back in direction of the voice. CAMERA PULLS
BACK until we can see the feet of Bruno protruding from behind
a chair in which he is sitting. He has obviously heard the
entire conversation between Anne and his mother. Bruno rises.
He is in dressing gown and pajamas.
BRUNO
I'm afraid mother wasn't very helpful,
was she?
(he strolls toward
Anne)
You know she hasn't been well for a
long time. She's a little -- how
shall I say -- confused.
(shakes his head
commiseratingly)
Poor mother.
Anne is too stunned to speak.
BRUNO
You know, I'm very upset with Guy.
He shouldn't have sent you on an
errand like this.
ANNE
Guy doesn't know I'm here, Mr. Antony.
BRUNO
He's been leading you up the garden
path, I'm afraid. He must be very
desperate to try to involve me.
I've been protecting him ever since
we had that conversation on the train
and he told me how he hated his wife.
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Bruno is now standing near the window a little apart from
Anne, with his back to him. He takes something out of the
pocket of his dressing gown and looks down at it in his hand.
It is Guy's lighter. Suddenly he stuffs it back his pocket
and turn back to Anne.
BRUNO
Why, do you know, Miss Burton, he
tried to get me to go back to the
island one night after dark and pick
up his lighter so the police wouldn't
find it? He dropped it there, you
know, when -- well, that night.
Anne's horror is growing.
BRUNO
The whole thing's been worrying me
so much. But of course I couldn't
do it, Miss Burton. It would have
been too risky. And besides, it
would have made me an accessory.
Anne stares at this insane man and sinks on the settee. She
starts to cry in sheer frustration. Bruno goes to her
sympathetically.
BRUNO
Miss Burton, I know how you feel.
He puts his hand on her shoulder. Anne flings it off. There
is an awkward pause as Bruno looks down at her. Then he
begins to look around restlessly.
BRUNO
Miss Burton, you must excuse me. I
have an urgent appointment.
(looks it his watch)
I must go up and change. Now, I
really must go...if you'll excuse
me...
He turns, starts out of the room and up the stairs in the
hall. Anne watches him.
STAIRWAY FROM ANNE'S VIEWPOINT
Bruno turns and waves to Anne from the landing, then goes on
up the stairs.
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INT. LIVING ROOM MED. SHOT
Anne slowly rises, a lonely figure in the large room, and
makes her way out.
DISSOLVE TO:
LONG SHOT FOREST HILL STADIUM
Grouped. A game is in progress.
MED. SHOT A TERRACE NEAR THE MAIN STADIUM (PROCESS)
where people get refreshments. There are various table with
umbrellas.
MED. SHOT AT ONE OF TABLE (PROCESS)
Anne and Guy are seated at the table.
ANNE
...And he said that if the police
found your lighter there, that's all
they'd need -- something to prove
you were at the scene of the murder.
GUY
(grimly)
That big lie about my wanting him to
get it back means he's going to put
my lighter on that island!
ANNE
(urgently)
Guy, you'll have to get there before
he does. You won't have time to
play, You'd better tell them.
(she nods her head in
the direction of the
center court)
GUY
Darling, if that loudspeaker announces
that I'm not going to play, Hennessy
bound to be suspicious He'd keep me
from ever getting near Metcalf.
ANNE
Then I'll go.
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GUY
(quickly)
No, darling.
(he puts his hand on
hers and speaks
firmly, with concern
for her safety as
well as for his own
situation)
You stay right here and help me give
Hennessy the slip after the match.
ANNE
But, Guy, that'll be too late!
GUY
(getting a thought)
Didn't Bruno say that I wanted him
together there one night after dark?
ANNE
Yes.
GUY
Well, that's what's in his mind now.
He's not going to expose himself in
broad daylight, If I can finish off
this match in three sets, I'll still
get there in time.
REYNOLDS, Guy's opponent, enters scene behind Guy's chair.
REYNOLDS
We're on in a few minutes, Guy.
(to Anne)
How are you, Miss Morton.
Anne acknowledges his greeting with a nod.
GUY
Okay, Tim. Be right with you.
Reynolds leaves Anne and Guy rise, and as they walk toward
the stadium, we can see Guy start to speak to Anne in a
whisper.
ENTRANCE TO COVERED STAND ALREADY SHOT
Hennessy and Hammond are standing by.
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HAMMOND
Well, if Turley said to pick him up
for questioning, let's pick him up!
HENNESSY
Let him have his game first, Hammond.
HAMMOND
(sourly)
This is the first time I ever waited
for a murder suspect to play tennis
before I pulled him in. When the
boys it headquarters heir about this
they'll send me orchids.
Guy and Anne come into the scene just as the players from
the previous match emerge. They pass through, nodding to
Hennessy.
HENNESSY
Good luck, Guy.
Guy is so preoccupied with his grim doesn't nod to Hennessy
until Anne nudges him.
INSIDE THE STAND MED. SHOT
Anne is reluctant to leave Guy who must now join his opponent,
Reynolds.
GUY
You got it straight?
(ANNE nods)
Just make sure Barbara has everything
ready as soon as the third set starts.
He goes on to the court, and Anna goes to her box.
MED. SHOT
Anne joins Barbara in the box. She starts to whisper
something to her.
LONG SHOT
Guy and Reynolds complete their warm-up as the umpire
announces that Guy is to serve. The game starts.
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EXT. ANTONY HOME
A taxi is at the front door. Bruno is descending the steps.
He gets into the cab, which moves off.
FOREST HILLS MED. SHOT ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH (PROCESS)
Over the shoulder of the announcer WE SEE the game in progress
through the window of his booth.
ANNOUNCER
--It looks like an interesting match
with Haines constantly charging the
net -- not like Haines at all -- to
press so early in the game...
MED. SHOT TEN COURT
Guy and his opponent, Reynolds, in play. Guy scores a point.
CLOSEUP THE UMPIRE
He announces game to Haines.
MED. LONG SHOT
We see the two men change ends and come toward the Umpiri's
chair. Reynolds stops to take a drink of water. Guy, with
an impatient glance at him, moves over to the passing line
and waits, the CAMERA going with him.
EXT. WASHINGTON STREET
A taxicab is seen coming along.
MED. SHOT INSIDE CAB (PROCESS)
Bruno is sitting with in unlighted cigarette in his mouth.
CAMERA MOVES IN until he is in big CLOSEUP. His eyes look
down. There is the SOUND of a click, then, Guy's lighter
comes up into the picture held against the cigarette.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
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FADE IN
LONG SHOT FOREST HILLS STADIUM
Grouped. A game is in progress.
MED. SHOT
A terrace where people get refreshments. There are various
tables with umbrellas.
MED. SHOT AT ONE OF TABLE (PROCESS)
Guy is seated. He has his rackets with him and is waiting
his turn to start his match. An official is talking to him
but Guy keeps looking around as if expecting someone.
OFFICIAL
Well, at least there'd be a trip to
Australia, if you made it.
GUY
(absently)
We'll know more about that by the
end of the week...
(his face brightens
as he sees Anne)
Anne hurries in, nods briefly to the official who has started
to leave, and sits down.
OFFICIAL
They're close to the finish, Guy
GUY
Be right there.
(turns to Anne)
I was afraid you wouldn't get here.
Wish me luck, darling.
He makes a move as if to follow official toward the stadium,
but Anne puts hand on his arm.
ANNE
(quickly and urgently)
Guy, listen to me, If I sound all
mixed up I can't help it. I -- I'm
scared.
GUY
What about?
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ANNE
That's just it. I don't know. It's
Bruno. I talked to him, Guy --
Guy stares at her, takes a quick look toward the stadium,
then gives Anne his full attention.
ANNE
He acted peculiar -- as if he could
put the murder right in your lap,
and not involve himself at all.
GUY
(shaking his head)
He'd drag himself into it, -- and
Bruno loves Bruno. I'm all right so
long as he thinks I have an alibi
for that night.
(noticing the stricken
look on Anne is face)
He knows?
Anne nods slowly.
GUY
(grimly)
Then he'll think of something. He
said he would.
ANNE
Guy, has he anything that the police
could trace to you --
(quoting Bruno)
Any little thing.
GUY
My cigarette lighter. He said once
he could have left it on the islands
as evidence
(a pause)
But he wouldn't do that. Not in
broad day light.
ANNE
(trying to think)
But he's going somewhere, Guy. He
told his mother --
GUY
(tensely)
Metcalf -- did he say Metcalf?
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ANNE
No, -- I don't think so. Oh, why
can't I remember -- he said such
crazy things!
GUY
(tensely)
Try to think, Anne!
VOICE
(OFFSCENE)
Guy Haines! -- Reynolds!
While Anne is frantically trying to remember, Guy turns
toward, the stadium and gives a signal of "Be right there."
ANNE
Something about the moon -- he said
he had an appointment with the moon.
Guy's shoulders droop with disappointment.
GUY
That's no help. But I can't take
any chances. I've got to get that
lighter -- somehow.
REYNOLDS, Guy's opponent, ENTERS SCENE behind Guy's chair.
REYNOLDS
Okay, Guy. We're on.
He walks away. Anne and Guy rise, following him.
GUY
I'll have to default.
ANNE
And have Hennessy and that other one
right at your heels?
Guy's expression says she's right, as they walk toward the
stadium.
ENTRANCE TO COVERED STAND
Hennessy and Hammond, the two detectives, are standing by.
HAMMOND
First time I ever waited for a killer
to play tennis before I nabbed him!
(MORE)
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HAMMOND (CONT'D)
When the boys at headquarters hear
about this they'll send me an orchid!
HENNESSY
We got our orders. We take him in --
after the match.
Guy and Anne come INTO THE SCENE just as the players from
the previous match emerge. They pass through, nodding to
Hennessy.
HENNESSY
(a little sadly)
Good luck, Guy!
Guy gives him a thank-you nod. Hammond rolls his eyes in
disgust at Hennessy's politeness.
INSIDE THE STAND MED. SHOT
Anne is about to turn to her box but she is reluctant to
leave Guy, who must now join his opponent, Reynolds. As
their eyes hold, in mutual helplessness, Guy suddenly stares
at her with realization.
GUY
The moon! You said he had an
appointment --
Anne looks puzzled as Guy looks up at the sun, then at his
watch.
GUY
Then he is going to Metcalf. But he
has to wait until it gets dark --
(with frantic haste,
he thinks quickly,
then murmurs to Anne)
Listen, Anne, as soon as the third
set starts, tell Barbara --
MED. CLOSE SHOT REYNOLDS
waiting at the bottom of steps to the stand. Guy joins his
opponent, and Anne goes to her box. Guy and Reynolds move
onto the court amid the rounds of applause that greet them.
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MEDIUM SHOT ANNE JOINS BARBARA
In the box. She starts to whisper something to her.
LONG SHOT
Guy and Reynolds complete their warm-up as the umpire
announces that Guy is to serve. The game starts.
EXT. ANTONY HOME
A taxi is at the front door. Bruno is descending the steps.
He gets into the cab, which moves off.
FOREST HILLS MED. SHOT ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
Over the shoulder of the announcer WE SEE the game in progress
through the window of his booth.
ANNOUNCER
It looks like an interesting match --
with Haines out to blast Reynolds
into a fast fight, -- not like Haines
at all -- to press so early in the
game...
MED. SHOT THE COURT
Guy and his opponent, Reynolds, in play. Guy scores a point.
CLOSEUP THE UMPIRE
He announces game to Haines.
MED. LONG SHOT
We see the two men change ends and come toward the Umpire's
chair. Reynolds stops to take a drink of Water. Guy, with
an impatient glance it him, moves over to the passing line
and waits, the CAMERA going with him.
EXT. WASHINGTON STREET
A taxicab is seen coming along.
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MED. SHOT INSIDE TAXI CAB
Bruno is sitting with an unlighted cigarette in his mouth.
CAMERA MOVES IN until he is in big CLOSEUP. His eyes look
down. There is the SOUND of a click, then Guy's lighter
comes up into the picture held against the cigarette.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH FOREST HILL
The announcer is broadcasting the progress of the match and
we learn from him that this first set is nearly finished.
LONG SHOT THE COURT
Guy and Reynolds in play.
MED. SHOT
Anne and Barbara sitting in their box watching the play
anxiously.
MED. SHOT
At the entrance to the covered stand. The two detectives
Hennessy and Hammond, are watching. Hammond is bored by
this game.
HAMMOND
Stupid game. You'd never get me
into them short pants. I'd feel
naked.
HENNESSY
(his eyes intent on
the game)
You'd feel naked in an Eskimo suit --
if you weren't wearing your badge.
MED. SHOT
Guy playing hard but holding his own.
MED. SHOT
Reynolds, his opponent, playing back.
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LONG SHOT
The big crowd watching.
MED. SHOT
Guy scores point over Reynolds.
MED. SHOT
There is general applause from the crowd in the covered stand
as we HEAR the Umpire's announcement.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S.)
Mr. Haines wins the first set.
EXT. UNION STATION WASHINGTON D.C.
We see Bruno get out of a cab and pass into the depot.
LONG SHOT FOREST HILLS
The game in process.
MED. SHOT
A nearer view of the game.
CLOSE SHOT GUY IN PLAY
volleying with Reynolds.
CLOSE SHOT
Reynolds playing the covered stand people are concentrating.
MED. SHOT
Guy misses a point and the game. He and Reynolds make for
the Umpire's chair. We HEAR the Umpire announce.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
Game to Mr. Reynolds. Games are two
all...Second set.
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INT. UNION STATION WASHINGTON, D.C.
Bruno is casually waiting for the train. He stands near a
news-stand reading a paper.
INSERT:
We see that the paper is open at the sports page. There is
a picture of Guy among other tennis players. WITH A DISSOLVE
the whole character of this page changes with the exception
of Guy's picture, which becomes surrounded with large type,
announcing the arrest of Guy Haines for the murder of his
wife Miriam. A sub-heading tells of Guy's cigarette lighter
found at the scene of the crime. All this DISSOLVES AWAY
and the page becomes once more the sports section.
CLOSEUP
Bruno looks up with satisfaction.
LONG SHOT FOREST HILLS
The crowd watching.
MED. SHOT
Guy and Reynolds in play.
MED. SHOT
Guy playing hard.
MED. SHOT
Reynolds playing back.
CLOSEUP
The Umpire watching the game. Suddenly he announces:
UMPIRE
Game to Mr. Reynolds. Games are
three all... second set.
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INT. CLUB CAR ON TRAIN
Bruno is now seated in his accustomed place in the club car.
His gloved fingers are quietly toying with Guy's lighter. A
passenger next to him asks:
PASSENGER
May I have a light, please?
Bruno looks at him for a moment and then at the lighter.
With great deliberation he puts the lighter away in his pocket
and takes out book-matches. Lighting a match, he holds it
to his fellow passenger's cigarette.
LONG SHOT FOREST HILLS
The game as seen from under the covered stand.
MED. SHOT
Anne and Barbara very tense.
CLOSEUP GUY
about to serve, looks anxiously across the court.
CLOSEUP THE CLOCK
CLOSEUP GUY
as he serves.
CLOSEUP REYNOLDS
returns.
CLOSEUP BALL
hits the net.
CLOSEUP UMPIRE
announces.
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UMPIRE
Second set to Haines. Haines leads
two sets to love.
There is a round of applause. We see the heads of the two
players reach the Umpire's chair. Guy, very anxious still,
as he wipes his neck with a towel.
INT. COVERED STAND CLOSE SHOT ANNE BARBARA
Anne is speaking.
ANNE
If he wins this next set -- you'd
better have everything ready.
(takes bill from her
purse and hands it
to Barbara)
Here -- give the driver this ten
dollars.
BARBARA
(puzzled)
I wish understood what this is all
about!
ANNE
(urgently)
You don't have to understand, just
do it. And for heaven's sake, act
natural.
Barbara nods and goes along.
ENTRANCE TO COVERED STAND
Barbara smiles winningly at Hennessy as she goes through.
Her interpretation of "acting natural" is exaggerated and
rather comical. Hammond's eyes narrow as he looks after her
suspiciously.
LONG SHOT
The game in progress. Guy starts the next set. He serves.
MED. SHOT
Reynolds returns.
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MED. SHOT
Guy volleys.
MED. SHOT
Reynolds puts the ball in the air.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy smashes.
CLOSE SHOT
The ball hits the net.
CLOSEUP UMPIRE
UMPIRE
Love fifteen.
LONG SHOT THE CROWD
We HEAR the smash of the ball and the voice of the Umpire.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S.)
Love thirty.
CLOSEUP ANNE
looking very worried. Again the call of the Umpire.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S.)
Double fault. Love forty.
INT. THE ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
The announcer telling his listeners that Guy Haines seems to
be a little reckless.
ANNOUNCER
-- Haines hasn't let up his terrific
pace for an instant, smashing every
(MORE)
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ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
ball with a recklessness we've never
seen in his playing. It's beginning
to look as if he doesn't care whether
he wins or loses because he's in a
hurry - an awfully big hurry ---
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. METCALF STATION
We see Bruno alight from the train. He makes his way in the
direction of the town.
MED. SHOT METCALF STATION
As Bruno comes toward us, he stands on the sidewalk and then
takes the lighter from his pocket once more. At this moment
a hurrying passenger on his way to the depot accidentally
jogs Bruno's elbow. The lighter flies from his hand.
CLOSE SHOT
We see it fall through the bars of a grating by the sidewalk.
CLOSEUP BRUNO
looks down in dismay.
FOREST HILLS MED. SHOT
The game in progress. Guy and his opponent playing hard.
Guy misses a point. We HEAR the Umpire's call.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S)
Game to Mr. Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds
leads five games to three in the
third set.
EXT. METCALF STATION
Bruno is leading a porter toward the grating, pulling him by
the arm. They reach the drain.
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BRUNO
Down there -- my -- my cigarette --
(catches himself --
not wanting to say
"cigarette lighter")
case. It's very valuable.
PORTER
(peering down)
Down here?
BRUNO
You've got to get this grating up
right away.
Two passersby enter.
FIRST PASSERBY
What's the trouble?
BRUNO
(yelling)
Can't we do something...!
(to passerby)
I dropped my cigarette case.
PORTER
(looking down)
Mightn't be any good, mister.
Probably gone down the storm drain.
BRUNO
(horrified)
Storm drain?
FIRST PASSERBY
On the other hand, it might have
lodged on the edge.
SECOND PASSERBY
Don't they have a trap down there --
like under a sink?
BRUNO
(excited)
Don't just stand here -- do something!
PORTER
(calmly)
Guess we could phone the city
engineer, all right.
(MORE)
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PORTER (CONT'D)
Worst he could do would be to tell
me to take a running jump and --
(Bruno grabs his arm.
Porter shakes Bruno
off)
Relax, mister.
BRUNO
I don't want to relax.
He goes on his knees and forces his arm down the drain.
INT. THE ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH FOREST HILLS
ANNOUNCER
(with great excitement)
This is more than a tennis game,
ladies and gentlemen -- it's a
desperate fight with Guy Haines
playing as if his life depended on
it!
MED. SHOT
Guy is volleying.
MED. SHOT
Reynolds lobs.
CLOSEUP
Guy smashes.
CLOSE SHOT
Reynolds lobs again.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy smashes.
CLOSE SHOT
Reynolds misses and the ball hits inside the line.
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CLOSEUP
The Umpire calling.
UMPIRE
Game to Mr. Haines. Mr. Reynolds
leads five games to four...third
set.
EXT. METCALF STATION MED. SHOT
A few more passersby have stopped to watch Bruno, whose arm
is pushed through the grating.
CLOSEUP
Bruno's face -- straining.
CLOSEUP
Under the grating Bruno's hand is groping. His fingers are
a long way from the lighter.
LONG SHOT FOREST HILLS
with the game in progress.
MED. SHOT EXT. CLUB
A taxi has pulled up. Barbara gets out.
CLOSE SHOT
She takes the ten dollar bill from her purse and passes it
to the driver. She gives a final look inside the cab.
CLOSEUP
On the seat are Guy's everyday pants, laid out.
MED. SHOT
Barbara hurries out of the picture toward the club.
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LONG SHOT
The crowd watching.
CLOSEUP
The tense face of Anne.
CLOSEUP
The Umpire is somewhat impressed.
INT. THE ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH CLOSEUP
The announcer is telling his listeners that the score is now
six-five in favor of Haines. That he has pulled up
wonderfully and only needs one more game to win the match.
EXT. COVERED STAND ENTRANCE
Barbara, very nervous but trying to "act natural", passes
Hennessy and Hammond. Hammond's eyes again follow her, but
Hennessy is intent on the game.
MED. SHOT FEATURING BOX
As Barbara joins Anne, she gives her a surreptitious signal
by ringing her thumb and forefinger, indicating everything
is set.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy now playing hard.
CLOSEUP
His racket smashing at the ball.
CLOSEUP
Reynolds and his racket hitting the ball back.
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CLOSEUP THE UMPIRE CALLING
UMPIRE
Advantages, Mr. Haines.
CLOSEUP
Guy serving.
CLOSEUP
His ball hitting the racket.
CLOSEUP
The ball in the net.
CLOSEUP
A second ball hitting the net. The Umpire's voice calling:
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S)
Duece!
EXT. METCALF STATION
A LOW SHOT ON Bruno bent over the grating and the onlookers
behind him.
BIG HEAD CLOSEUP BRUNO
straining and panicky.
CLOSEUP
Under the grating, Bruno's fingers get near the lighter, and
in their groping, they knock the lighter off the ledge, onto
the ledge below.
CLOSEUP
Bruno's horror-stricken face.
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FOREST HILLS MED. SHOT
Guy still playing.
CLOSE SHOT
Barbara standing with Hennessy, watching. We HEAR the score.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S)
Advantage, Mr. Reynolds.
CLOSEUP ANNE
unable to bear the suspense. She glances O.S.
MED. SHOT
The waiting cab.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy and Reynolds in play.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S)
Score is deuce.
CLOSE SHOT
Reynolds serves.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy volleys. He waits for the return ball. He misses it.
UMPIRE'S VOICE
(O.S)
Advantage, Mr. Reynolds.
EXT. METCALF STATION
ANGLE SHOOTING THROUGH the grating at CLOSEUP BRUNO'S HEAD
AND SHOULDERS staining.
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CLOSEUP
Under the grating, Bruno's fingers go lower and lower,
straining to reach the lighter, which is still a few inches
out of reach.
FOREST HILLS MED. SHOT
Guy is volleying with Reynolds.
INT. ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
He is very excited.
ANNOUNCER
-- Haines hasn't let up for a moment.
If he wins this set, he wins the
whole match!
CLOSEUP ANNE AND BARBARA
in their box. They are extremely tense.
MED. SHOT
Guy slams hard a shot that wins him the game.
LONG SHOT CROWD
applauding and shouting.
CLOSE SHOT ANNE AND BARBARA
At an urgent signal from Anne, Barbara hurries out as if she
knew what she had to do.
LONG SHOT
Guy shakes hands with his opponent, and then hurries across
to Anne in the stand. He leans over the front of the box.
While congratulating him outwardly, she whispers something
to him. He leaves his racket with her and hurries away.
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MED. SHOT STAND ENTRANCE
A block of people leaving cut off Hennessy's view. Barbara
tries desperately to keep his attention off Guy.
BARBARA
(breathlessly)
Isn't it wonderful, Mr. Hennessy?
He won! It calls for a celebration.
Anne says you must have dinner with
us. Just the family, and you, and
Guy.
HENNESSY
(awkwardly)
Sorry I can't make it. Business.
BARBARA
But Guy is your business. You'll be
with him, won't you?
HENNESSY
(a little grimly)
Yeah -- I'll be with Guy.
MED. SHOT
Guy moving along the front of the stand making for another
exit.
CLOSE SHOT
Barbara takes it for granted that Hennessy will accept her
invitation.
BARBARA
Guy says you love steak -- rare,
Medium, or well-done?
HENNESSY
I sure wish I could --
SEMI CLOSEUP
Hammond is looking off. He calls into the stand.
HAMMOND
Hennessy!
He points off toward Guy.
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MED. SHOT
Guy is hurrying toward the public entrance of the stand.
SEMI CLOSEUP
Hennessy and Hammond move off, leaving a dismayed Barbara.
SEMI LONG SHOT
Guy hurrying under the stand toward the waiting cab.
MED. SHOT
The two men hurrying after him.
EXT. CLUB
Guy goes to the waiting cab and gets in. The cab moves off.
MED. SHOT
The two men hurry out of the club and stand helplessly looking
after the departing cab. They hurry out of the picture.
CLOSE SHOT
We see them grab another car. It is a chauffeur-driven
limousine. Hammond jumps in front and seats himself beside
the driver. Hennessy hops in the back. The car moves off.
INT. LIMOUSINE TWO SHOT
Hennessy finds himself seated by an old dowager about seventy-
five years of age. She looks startled for a moment and almost
recoils from him. He shows her his badge.
HENNESSY
If you'll pardon us, madam, we need
your help. We're chasing a man.
The old lady's eyes light up.
DOWAGER
How exciting.
(MORE)
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DOWAGER (CONT'D)
(she leans forward
and calls to the
chauffeur)
Hurry, O'Toole! Hurry!
She leans back and maintains her air of excitement as she
looks across at Hennessy.
CLOSE SHOT INSIDE THE TAXI
Guy is busy changing his pants. He glances over his shoulder.
INT. CAR
The two men looking ahead toward Guy.
EXT. METCALF STATION
CLOSEUP BRUN0'S FACE - ANGLE SHOOTING UP to get the peering
faces behind him. Bruno still frantically trying to reach
the lighter.
CLOSEUP
Under the grating Bruno's fingers slowly closing in on the
lighter. They barely manage to grasp it.
CLOSEUP
BRUN0'S FACE -- triumphant.
CLOSEUP
Bruno's fist, holding the lighter, comes through the grating.
CLOSE SHOT
Bruno straightens up. CAMERA BACK as all the onlookers turn
their heads in his direction.
ONLOOKER
You sure must think a lot of that --
Whatever it is.
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Bruno doesn't answer. With the lighter in his closed fist,
he darts through the crowd, the people looking after him.
LONG SHOT
The sun is much lower.
INT. CLUB CAR
Guy is now glancing at his watch. The sun is behind him and
very much lower.
EXT. AMUSEMENT PARK
Bruno is looking at his watch and then across at the sky.
LONG SHOT FROM HIS VIEWPOINT
The last trace of the setting sun has gone.
EXT. METCALF STATION MED. SHOT
Guy is stepping off the train. He crosses to a waiting taxi,
CAMERA FOLLOWING him.
CLOSE SHOT
GUY
(to the driver)
The amusement park, quick.
As he gets in the Cab, we go to --
CLOSE SHOT MAN
watching Guy get into taxi. As we hear the taxi drive away,
the man hurries across to a waiting police car.
CLOSE SHOT
He puts his head in the side window and tells the two waiting
detectives where Guy has gone.
MAN
Amusement park.
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We see one of the detectives take up a microphone as the car
drives off.
EXT. AMUSEMENT PARK
It is now getting dark.
MED. SHOT
Bruno leaves his spot at the side of the tent and ambles
over toward the queue of people waiting for boats.
CLOSE SHOT BRUNO
joining the queue. He glances ahead of him.
MED. SHOT FROM HIS VIEWPOINT
We see the light above the pay booth go on, shedding a
downward glare.
CLOSE SHOT BRUNO
pulls his hat a little further over his, eyes. Some new
arrivals join the queue behind him.
INT. TAXI
Guy looking anxiously ahead on his way to the amusement park.
AMUSEMENT PARK ENTRANCE
We see a police car arrive. One uniformed man and two
detectives get out of the car and make their way toward the
entrance. One of to detectives stands at the entrance while
the other two hurry into the grounds.
MED. SHOT
Guy's taxi arrives.
MED. SHOT
Across the street, another police car arrives.
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MED. SHOT
At Guy is paying his cab fare, he glances around him.
MED. SHOT FROM HIS VIEWPOINT
He sees one police car.
CLOSE SHOT GUY
gives a furtive glance around while waiting for his change.
MED. SHOT ANOTHER POLICE CAR
MED. SHOT
Guy cautiously makes his way toward the entrance to the
Amusement Park.
MED. SHOT
Guy passes the waiting detective and looks off. From his
viewpoint we see:
MED. SHOT THE TWO DETECTIVES
who were at the station indicate Guy is the man.
MED. SHOT
One detective turns away and starts to follow Guy.
CLOSE SHOT BRUNO
in the queue of people. He is edging slowly along. He is
about ten people away from the entrance. He suddenly looks
ahead and sees.
FROM HIS VIEWPOINT
The uniformed man and the detective are talking casually to
the boat men in charge of the concession.
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DETECTIVE
(to boatman)
The killer is here tonight. So keep
your eyes open and the minute you
see him, let us know.
CLOSE SHOT
The boatman looks at them with an expression of alarm.
CLOSE SHOT BRUNO
begins to look a little uneasy. We see him begin to mentally
deliberate.
MED. SHOT
Guy, threading his way through the crowds, conscious that he
is being followed, but nevertheless, on the lookout for Bruno.
CLOSE SHOT BRUNO
moving along the line. CAMERA MOVES IN until his head and
shoulders fill the screen. He is now coming within range of
the flood-lit pay-box. The light seems to creep up across
his chest and slowly reveal his face. He lowers his head.
MED. SHOT
The boatman begins to look along the queue. There is an
expression of growing recognition on his face.
MED. SHOT
Bruno sees this, makes a decision and casually deserts the
queue of people.
MED. SHOT
The boatman hurries across to the uniformed man and begins
to talk to him excitedly, looking in Bruno's direction.
MED. SHOT GUY
Coming along and looking for Bruno. His eyes light up.
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SEMI-LONG SHOT FROM HIS VIEWPOINT
We see Bruno making his way from the queue of people.
CLOSE SHOT GUY
calls to Bruno.
GUY
Hey, Bruno.
CLOSE SHOT BRUNO
gives a quick glance back, sees Guy then he turns and looks
off in another direction.
SEMI-LONG SHOT
The uniformed man and the boatman approaching him.
CLOSE SHOT
Bruno hurries on. He stop short as he sees.
SEMI-LONG SHOT FROM HIS VIEWPOINT
Another uniformed man.
MED. SHOT
Bruno starts to run.
MED. SHOT
Guy starts to run after him.
MED. SHOT
Bruno is seen to jump on a merry-go-round, which is just
starting. Its pace is already pretty fast.
MED. SHOT
Guy runs toward Bruno.
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CLOSE SHOT
DETECTIVE
Haines! Hold it! Hold it!
The detective pulls out his gun and starts to run after Guy.
SEMI-LONG SHOT
Guy jumps on the merry-go-round after Bruno. Its speed is
so great that he nearly gets flung off.
CLOSE SHOT
The detective fires at Guy.
CLOSE SHOT
The man running the machine in the center of the merry-go-
round is suddenly hit in the shoulder.
CLOSE SHOT
His hand, which is on the starting lever, jerks it down.
MED. SHOT
The detective, after Guy, jumps on the machine but is flung
off on his back.
FULL SHOT
The merry-go-round has now started to increase the speed.
CLOSE SHOT
Bruno at the far side is trying to jump off, but it's going
too fast.
LONG SHOT FROM HIS VIEWPOINT
We see the hard ground whizzing past him. Everything seems
to be a blur. We get a glimpse of screaming women and the
crowds rushing up from the midway.
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CLOSE SHOT BRUNO
He turns and glances over his shoulder.
MED. SHOT FROM HIS VIEWPOINT
Guy is threading his way between the rising and falling
horses. Guy gets right up close to him.
TWO SHOT
As Guy comes near to Bruno, the latter turns on him and starts
to attack him.
BRUNO
I want to get off of here! Let me
off of here! It makes me dizzy.
GUY
Stop it, Bruno. Give me my lighter,
Bruno!
MED.SHOT
Against the whirling background of the merry-go-round, Turley
and Campbell rush up as the detective struggles to his feet,
slightly hurt. The noise from the calliope is very loud.
CAMPBELL
(to Turley, puzzled;
indicating the merry-
go-round)
Who's the man he's fighting with on
there?
At this moment the boatman rushes up.
BOATMAN
(excited)
There he is! That's the one! That's
the one who killed her!
TURLEY
Of course he is. We know that.
CLOSE SHOT ON MERRY-GO-ROUND
Guy and Bruno in a struggle. Guy has to protect himself
from a madman whose hands attempt to reach his throat.
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They are staggering across between the rising and falling
horses.
MED. SHOT OUTSIDE MERRY-GO-ROUND
A detective turns to the group around hIm.
DETECTIVE
Get somebody to come and stop that
thing!
An elderly man in soiled work clothes speaks up.
WORKMAN
I'll handle it.
Immediately the workman heads straight for the merry-go-round
and starts to crawl under it on his stomach.
DETECTIVE
(calls after him)
Hey! Be careful! Stop!
A second detective speaks to him quizzically.
2ND DETECTIVE
Well, do you want to do it yourself?
The first detective leans over and looks off toward the
workman who is continuing his slithering way under the
machine, then straightens up.
1ST DETECTIVE
(changing his mind)
No. I think he'll make it all right.
MED. SHOT GUY AND BRUNO
Bruno swings around till his back is to us. He pushes Guy
toward the edge, but Guy manages to grab the rein of the
nearest horse. The momentum of the machine swings Guy around
against the horse, whose big head towers in the f.g. Bruno,
on this side of the horse pushes forward and tries to grab
the reins from Guy's hand. He tries to slash at Guy's face.
The back of Bruno's head is toward us during this. Guy
suddenly leans out across the horse and smashes his fist
against Bruno's face. Bruno's head goes back until it is in
the f.g. in a upside-down position.
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MED. SHOT
THE CAMERA IS LOW so that we get the effect of Bruno falling
into the CAMERA from Guy's blow!
MED. SHOT
In the f.g. is a young boy of four years. He is excited by
the speed of the ride and laughs at the fight with great
enjoyment. He sees this by suddenly glancing over his
shoulder. In the b.g. Guy and Bruno are continuing their
fight. Bruno rises. Guy staggers after him. Bruno again
leaps upon Guy. The two men sway toward the CAMERA until
Bruno gets alongside the little boy. The boy now shows some
anxiety. The three figures now fill the screen with the
horses' heads in the f.g. Bruno is forced against the little
boy, who now, alarmed, beats Bruno on the cheek with one
hand, the other holding onto the brass rail in front. Bruno
stops and with a sweep of his arm, knocks the little boy off
the horse onto the floor below. The little boy, in falling,
grabs the horse's rein or stirrup.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy breaks away from Bruno and dives around the back of the
horse to grab the little boy.
CLOSE SHOT
As Guy grabs the boy, he staggers forward with him to a small
gondola. Bruno leaps onto his back but Guy manages to put
the boy in the gondola.
CLOSE SHOT UNDERNEATH THE WHIRLING MERRY-GO-ROUND
The boat man is making slow progress.
FROM HIS VIEW POINT
We see his goal. It is the wounded mechanic in the center,
who is slightly stirring. All during this the base of the
merry-go-round is skimming above the back and head of the
boat man.
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BACK ON MERRY-GO-ROUND
The two men are now in a clinch. Guy tries to fight off the
maddened Bruno. They are flung between the horses, bouncing
one against the other, almost half way around the merry-go-
round.
CLOSE SHOT BRUNO AND GUY
Again they struggles between two horses. On each side of
them are two young screaming girls. The two bounce from one
horse to the other.
CLOSE SHOT
The calliope has little figures and these boat away on their
cymbals almost as though they are applauding what's going
on.
CLOSE SHOT
Underneath the merry-go-round, the boat man has made further
progress. He is creeping inch by inch. His nose starts to
run. He starts to fumble for a dirty piece of handkerchief.
He blows his nose and then moves on.
CLOSE SHOT
Back above the two men swinging past the two girls on their
horse and they both crash to the floor underneath another
horse, upon which is riding side-saddle, a mother and her
three-year-old little girl.
CLOSEUP
The two big heads of the men, battling. The two men roll
underneath the horse's hoofs, which are seen rising and
falling. They get right underneath one horse.
CLOSEUP
Guy has turned over on his back and his eyes look up.
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CLOSEUP FROM HIS VIEWPOINT
We see the big horse's head above and its hoofs coming down
toward the CAMERA and filling the screen. We get a faint
impression of the screaming mother hugging her child to her
breast, above.
BIG CLOSEUP THE HORSE'S HOOFS
striking Guy's head.
CLOSE SHOT
Guy wrenches himself out of this position. He rolls away
from the CAMERA right to the edge of the merry-go-round. He
manages to grab a rail.
MED. SHOT
Guy's body is flung out horizontally. We see the crowd behind
back-up for fear of being knocked over. The screw of tension
increase. Over this comes the sound of an approaching
ambulance siren.
CLOSE SHOT
Bruno edges himself toward Guy. He is hanging on to the
reins of a horse. His feet manage to roach Guy's knuckles.
CLOSEUP BRUNO'S VICIOUS EXPRESSION
CLOSEUP BRUNO'S FEET
kicking at Guy's knuckles.
CLOSEUP GUY'S AGONIZED EXPRESSION
MED. SHOT
A flash of the horror-stricken faces of the spectators seen
through the whirling machine.
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CLOSEUP
Machinery and the lever that was pulled on too fast. The
Boatman's hand comes up into the picture and pulls the lever
over.
LONG SHOT
The sudden braking causes the whole merry-go-round to topple
over with a grinding roar.
LONG SHOT FROM HIGH ANGLE
The merry-go-round his keeled over. For a moment we don't
know who has survived. There is a surge of people milling
and shouting. Those who have jumped back out of the way
when the merry-go-round toppled, now rush forward again as
the cloud of dust settles. From the midway in the background
others are running forward.
MED. LONG SHOT
Distraught parents try to force their way to their children
who were on the merry-go-round, but are hold back from the
wreckage by police.
MED. CLOSE SHOT
Guy is somewhat stunned from his fall. He is helped to his
feet by some men in the crowd. His knuckles are bleeding.
In the background people are rushing about. The crowd is in
uproar as women and children are helped from the wreckage.
Officials and uniformed policemen pushing back the surge of
the crowd.
AD LIBS
Get back. Get back there. Give us
room here.
Turley and Campbell rush in to Guy.
TURLEY
Are you all right, Haines?
GUY
Yes, I think so.
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Guy is surrounded by police and Campbell stands at his elbow.
At this moment the boatman runs in. One of the detectives
is with him.
DETECTIVE
Mr. Turley! Mr. Turley!
(indicating boatman)
He says this isn't the man we want.
(with a nod in Guy's
direction)
It's the other one -- the one he was
fighting with.
TURLEY
(stops to give his
full attention to
this unexpected bit
of information)
What do you mean, this isn't the --
(turns to Guy, not
quite taking it in)
Not Haines?
(back to boatman)
But you said he was. You pointed
him out.
BOATMAN
No, I didn't, sir. I've never seen
this man before in my life. I meant
the other one.
The detective who was holding Guy instinctively relax his
hold on Guy's arm. Turley turns to Guy, puzzled.
TURLEY
What is this all about, Haines? Did
you know he killed your wife?
GUY
(nods)
He has my cigarette lighter and wanted
to plant it there on the island to
pin the whole thing on me.
(urgently)
Let me talk to him. Let me show
you. Where is he?
ANOTHER DETECTIVE
Over here.
He leads the way. They follow.
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MED. CLOSE SHOT
as Guy and Turley enter to the spot where Bruno is pinned
under the overturned machine. He is caught between two of
the horses, the head of one of them across his chest. Bruno's
head sags back somewhat, but is resting on pieces of debris.
A uniformed policeman looks up from Bruno to Turley:
POLICEMAN
This one's in a pretty bad way, Mr.
Turley.
Guy is shocked at the sight of Bruno.
GUY
(looking down at Bruno)
Can't you get that stuff off him?
POLICEMAN
No, they've done everything they can
until the crane comes.
Bruno opens his eyes and sees Guy.
BRUNO
Hello, Guy.
Turley has leaned forward to look at the helpless Bruno.
BRUNO
(weakly nodding at
Turley)
Who's that?
GUY
This is Mr. Turley, Chief of Police.
BRUNO
(with a half smile)
So they got you at last, eh, Guy?
Guy looks around desperately, frustrated for a moment as
Turley eyes him stonily. Then he turns again to Bruno.
GUY
(rather gently)
Can you talk a little? Can you tell
the chief you have my lighter?
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BRUNO
(with a faint,
quizzical smile)
I haven't got it. It's still on the
island where you left it.
Guy looks around helplessly to Turley, who looks back at him
suspiciously.
DETECTIVE
(looking down at Bruno)
I think he's going.
Turley leans over to look.
CLOSE SHOT BRUNO'S FIST FROM TURLEY'S VIEWPOINT
As Bruno is dying, his closed fist slowly starts to open.
DETECTIVE'S VOICE
He's finished.
Guy's lighter is now revealed in Bruno's open hand.
MED. SHOT GROUP
Turley takes the lighter from the dead Bruno's hand. Guy is
watching him. Turley straightens up and holds the lighter
out to him.
TURLEY
Is this your lighter, Haines?
Guy nods without speaking, and with a half look in Bruno's
direction.
TURLEY
Well, you were right.
(sticks the lighter
into his own pocket)
I'd better keep this for the time
being.
(in a friendly tone)
We can clear the whole thing out the
morning. How about staying in town
over night, Haines? I imagine you
have a lot to tell me. Nine o'clock,
all right?
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GUY
(nods)
Okay, Mr. Turley. Thanks.
Turley turns back to the group around Bruno. Guy looks down
for a moment at Bruno, then speaks to the boatman, who is
standing nearby.
GUY
Can you tell me where there's a
telephone?
BOATMAN
(indicating)
There's one up near the entrance.
(with a look back to
the dead Bruno)
Who was he, Bud?
Guy looks back sympathetically in Bruno's direction, speaks
without looking at the boatman.
GUY
Bruno. Bruno Antony.
(reminiscently and a
little
compassionately,
remembering what
Bruno had said of
himself)
A very clever fellow.
He moves off through the crowd.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BURTON STUDY NIGHT
Anne, Barbara and the Senator are sitting silently in the
attitudes of waiting. The telephone rings. Anne is instantly
on her feet. Barbara and the Senator watch her anxiously as
she goes to answer it.
ANNE
(into phone)
Hello...
(impatiently)
Yes, operator, yes!
(waits a moment, then
eagerly:)
Guy?
(MORE)
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ANNE (CONT'D)
(a pause, then she
closes her eyes with
heartfelt relief.
Another pause, then:)
Yes, darling, yes. Of course I'll
be there...Goodbye.
She hangs up, turns slowly, to face Barbara and her father.
Her expression is one of intense relief.
ANNE
Guy'll be back tomorrow.
(overcome with emotion
she has difficulty
in speaking)
He wants me to take him some things.
With a sob, Barbara flings herself into Anne's arms. As she
cries, Anne strokes her head comfortingly. Then with a half-
choked sobs Anne, too, begins to cry. She speaks through
her tears, looking over Barbara's shoulder at her father.
ANNE
He says he looks silly in his tennis
clothes.
The Senator eyes them a moment, then speaks a little wryly:
SENATOR
I presume from all those tears that
you have had good news.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. PARLOR OF TRAIN NEXT DAY
Anne and Guy are sitting quietly together. Opposite them is
a man in a clerical collar who is reading a sports magazine.
On the cover is a picture of a tennis player in action. The
man looks over the top of his magazine at Guy, with
recognition. He leans forward.
CLERIC
I beg your pardon, but aren't you
Guy Haines?
GUY
(uncomfortably)
Yes.
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Guy and Anne exchange a brief look, rise hurriedly and start
to walk away before the conversation can go any farther.
The cleric looks after them with a frown and a puzzled shrug
of his shoulders, as if to say, "Did I say something wrong?"
FADE OUT.
THE END
