1
00:00:13,180 --> 00:00:16,015
Silence. Be upstanding in court.
2
00:00:16,141 --> 00:00:19,724
All persons who have
anything to do before my lords,
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00:00:19,853 --> 00:00:24,930
the queen's justices of oyer and terminer
and general jail delivery
4
00:00:25,067 --> 00:00:28,401
for the jurisdiction
of the Central Criminal Court
5
00:00:28,529 --> 00:00:33,155
draw near and give your attendance.
God save the queen.
6
00:02:02,457 --> 00:02:06,537
What a beautiful day. I've been hoping
for a bit of sun for our homecoming.
7
00:02:06,669 --> 00:02:12,790
It's worth having the fog just to appreciate
the sunshine. Is there a draught?
8
00:02:12,925 --> 00:02:17,884
- Shall I roll up the window?
- Roll up your mouth. You talk too much.
9
00:02:18,014 --> 00:02:21,549
If I'd known how much you talked
I'd never have come out of my coma.
10
00:02:21,684 --> 00:02:23,973
- This thing weighs a ton.
- Now, now.
11
00:02:24,103 --> 00:02:29,774
We've been flat on our back
for two months, we'd better be careful.
12
00:02:39,786 --> 00:02:45,077
Lovely, lovely. It must be perfectly lovely
to live and work in the Inns of Court.
13
00:02:45,208 --> 00:02:47,746
How lucky you lawyers are.
14
00:02:48,837 --> 00:02:52,455
I almost married a lawyer.
I was in attendance for his appendectomy
15
00:02:52,590 --> 00:02:55,295
and we became engaged
as soon as he could sit up.
16
00:02:55,427 --> 00:02:58,463
And then peritonitis set in
and he went like that.
17
00:02:58,596 --> 00:03:01,681
He certainly was a lucky lawyer.
18
00:03:13,570 --> 00:03:17,437
Teeny-weeny steps, now. Remember
we had a teeny-weeny heart attack.
19
00:03:17,574 --> 00:03:19,697
Oh, shut up!
20
00:03:19,826 --> 00:03:21,866
Williams, my cane.
21
00:03:28,126 --> 00:03:30,166
Here he comes!
22
00:03:41,389 --> 00:03:45,434
Good afternoon. Thank you very much.
Everybody back to work.
23
00:03:45,560 --> 00:03:49,724
Sir Wilfrid, if you don't mind, I'd like
to read you a poem to welcome you back.
24
00:03:49,856 --> 00:03:54,020
Very touching. You can recite it
after office hours in your own time.
25
00:03:54,152 --> 00:03:56,608
Now back to work.
What's the matter with you?
26
00:03:56,738 --> 00:03:59,905
Nothing. I'm just happy
that you're your old self again.
27
00:04:00,033 --> 00:04:04,245
Any more sentimentality around here,
I shall go back to the hospital!
28
00:04:04,371 --> 00:04:07,954
They won't take him back.
He wasn't really discharged, you know,
29
00:04:08,083 --> 00:04:11,452
he was expelled for conduct
unbecoming a cardiac patient.
30
00:04:11,586 --> 00:04:16,213
Put these in water, blabbermouth!
Come on in, Carter.
31
00:04:21,597 --> 00:04:26,093
Look at this room.
It's ugly, old and musty.
32
00:04:26,226 --> 00:04:30,141
But I never knew
I could miss anything so much.
33
00:04:30,272 --> 00:04:33,558
- Missed you too, you musty old buzzard.
- Oh, thank you, sir.
34
00:04:33,692 --> 00:04:38,235
I'm not a religious man, but when they
carted you off, I went out and lit a candle.
35
00:04:38,363 --> 00:04:42,147
- Why, thank you, Carter.
- Actually, sir, I was lighting it for myself.
36
00:04:42,284 --> 00:04:46,116
If anything happened to you,
what would happen to me, after 37 years?
37
00:04:46,246 --> 00:04:49,331
37 years! Has it been all that long?
38
00:04:49,458 --> 00:04:54,453
Yes, sir. This is 1952, that was in October
1915. The Shepherd's Bush murder.
39
00:04:54,588 --> 00:04:59,499
The chemist accused of putting
cyanide in his uncle's toothpaste.
40
00:04:59,635 --> 00:05:04,629
My first murder trial.
I was more frightened than the defendant.
41
00:05:04,765 --> 00:05:09,593
First time I rose to make an objection,
my wig fell off. Where's my wig?
42
00:05:09,728 --> 00:05:11,768
Right here.
43
00:05:13,065 --> 00:05:16,849
- I've guarded it with me life.
- I hope it still fits.
44
00:05:16,986 --> 00:05:19,856
I lost 30lbs in that wretched hospital.
45
00:05:19,989 --> 00:05:23,689
Still, I suppose my head isn't any smaller.
46
00:05:28,747 --> 00:05:30,824
What's all this?
47
00:05:30,958 --> 00:05:35,537
- We've put it in mothballs.
- Mothballs? Am I not to practise again?
48
00:05:35,671 --> 00:05:39,122
Of course. The solicitors
have been breaking down our doors.
49
00:05:39,258 --> 00:05:43,007
- I've got some interesting briefs for you.
- That's better.
50
00:05:43,137 --> 00:05:47,763
Divorce case, a tax appeal,
and an important marine insurance claim.
51
00:05:47,892 --> 00:05:51,225
- Nice smooth matters with excellent fees.
- No, Carter.
52
00:05:51,354 --> 00:05:55,683
I'm sorry, but you're not to undertake
any criminal cases. Your doctors have...
53
00:05:55,816 --> 00:06:00,359
Doctors! They've deprived me of alcohol,
tobacco, female companionship.
54
00:06:00,488 --> 00:06:03,109
If only they'd let me do
something worthwhile!
55
00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:04,272
Sorry, sir.
56
00:06:04,408 --> 00:06:08,073
Might as well get a bigger box,
more mothballs, put me away too.
57
00:06:08,204 --> 00:06:11,988
- 2.30, Sir Wilfrid. Time for our little nap!
- Oh, get out!
58
00:06:12,124 --> 00:06:16,418
Beddy-bye. We'd better go upstairs now,
get undressed and lie down.
59
00:06:16,546 --> 00:06:20,294
- We? What a nauseating prospect.
- Upstairs, please.
60
00:06:20,424 --> 00:06:22,962
Are you aware that, while on my sickbed,
61
00:06:23,094 --> 00:06:28,515
I seriously considered strangling you
with one of your own rubber tubes.
62
00:06:28,641 --> 00:06:34,596
I would then have admitted the crime,
retained myself for the defence.
63
00:06:34,730 --> 00:06:40,899
My lord, members of the jury, I hereby
enter a plea of justifiable homicide.
64
00:06:41,028 --> 00:06:46,070
For four months this alleged
angel of mercy has pored, probed,
65
00:06:46,200 --> 00:06:50,328
punctured, pillaged and plundered
my helpless body
66
00:06:50,455 --> 00:06:54,583
while tormenting my mind
with a steady drip of baby talk.
67
00:06:54,709 --> 00:06:57,378
Come along now, like a good boy. Oh, no.
68
00:06:57,503 --> 00:07:00,291
Take your hands off me,
or I'll strike you with my cane.
69
00:07:00,423 --> 00:07:03,839
- You wouldn't, it might break your cigars.
- What cigars?
70
00:07:03,968 --> 00:07:07,384
- The ones you're smuggling in your cane.
- Cane?
71
00:07:14,395 --> 00:07:17,599
You could be jailed for this.
You had no search warrant.
72
00:07:17,732 --> 00:07:21,018
In hospital he'd hide cigars and brandy
all over the place.
73
00:07:21,152 --> 00:07:23,939
We called him Wilfrid the fox.
74
00:07:24,072 --> 00:07:28,283
- I'm confiscating these.
- Can't I have just one?
75
00:07:28,409 --> 00:07:30,782
No. Upstairs.
76
00:07:31,913 --> 00:07:34,784
A few puffs after meals? Please.
77
00:07:36,126 --> 00:07:40,206
I'll do it. Some dark night when her back
is turned, I'll snatch her thermometer
78
00:07:40,338 --> 00:07:44,253
and plunge it between
her shoulder blades. So help me, I will.
79
00:07:44,384 --> 00:07:50,837
Oh, no, sir. You mustn't walk up. We've
installed something for you here. It's a lift.
80
00:07:50,974 --> 00:07:54,841
A lift? I'm sick of this plot
to make me a helpless invalid.
81
00:07:54,978 --> 00:07:59,058
I think it's a splendid idea.
Let's try it, shall we?
82
00:07:59,190 --> 00:08:03,983
Out of there. I'll try it.
It's my lift because it was my heart attack.
83
00:08:04,112 --> 00:08:07,944
Here you are. Simply press this button
for up and this one for down.
84
00:08:08,074 --> 00:08:11,159
Carter, I warn you,
if this contraption should collapse,
85
00:08:11,286 --> 00:08:15,580
if the barrister
should fall off the bannister...
86
00:08:23,006 --> 00:08:25,675
Remarkable.
Smoothest flight I've had in years.
87
00:08:25,801 --> 00:08:30,712
- Upsy-daisy!
- Once more to get the feel of the controls.
88
00:08:44,736 --> 00:08:47,406
Good afternoon.
Is it possible to see Sir Wilfrid?
89
00:08:47,531 --> 00:08:50,318
I didn't make an appointment,
but this is urgent.
90
00:08:50,450 --> 00:08:55,196
If it's about a brief, I'm sorry, but we're
full. Sir Wilfrid has all that he can handle.
91
00:08:55,330 --> 00:08:57,489
I'm sure he'll want this brief.
92
00:08:57,624 --> 00:09:00,198
Serious criminal matter.
93
00:09:02,337 --> 00:09:05,671
Absolutely not, Mr Mayhew.
Sir Wilfrid is still convalescent.
94
00:09:05,799 --> 00:09:08,883
He can't accept anything
of an overstimulating nature.
95
00:09:09,011 --> 00:09:12,214
Put me on a diet of bland civil suits.
Hello, Mayhew.
96
00:09:12,347 --> 00:09:14,921
Hello. Distressing news about your health.
97
00:09:15,058 --> 00:09:18,724
It's tragic. You'd better get
a man with younger arteries.
98
00:09:18,854 --> 00:09:22,721
If you could just give us a few minutes.
This is Mr Leonard Vole.
99
00:09:22,858 --> 00:09:28,314
- He's in rather a ghastly mess, I'm afraid.
- How do you do, Mr Vole?
100
00:09:28,447 --> 00:09:31,531
Well, according to Mr Mayhew,
I'm not doing at all well.
101
00:09:31,658 --> 00:09:34,363
Sir Wilfrid! Sir Wilfrid!
102
00:09:34,495 --> 00:09:37,698
- You're dawdling again!
- Oh, shut up!
103
00:09:37,831 --> 00:09:41,995
Sorry, Mayhew. Try me again when
you've something not too stimulating.
104
00:09:42,127 --> 00:09:45,212
Like a postman bitten by a stray dog.
105
00:09:51,136 --> 00:09:56,427
I wish you could help us, Wilfrid, but
I quite understand. Take care of yourself.
106
00:09:57,518 --> 00:10:00,721
Mayhew! Mayhew!
107
00:10:00,855 --> 00:10:03,606
Oh, no. Sir Wilfrid, please.
108
00:10:03,732 --> 00:10:07,267
Don't worry, we won't take the brief,
but an old friend needs help.
109
00:10:07,403 --> 00:10:10,238
Surely I can give him a word of advice.
110
00:10:10,364 --> 00:10:14,314
Come on, I'll give you five minutes.
No, no, I don't want you, just Mayhew.
111
00:10:14,452 --> 00:10:17,156
Our nap! Sir Wilfrid! Our nap!
112
00:10:17,288 --> 00:10:19,993
You go ahead. Start it without me.
113
00:10:21,041 --> 00:10:23,959
This is your fault.
You should not have permitted it.
114
00:10:24,086 --> 00:10:27,835
It is not my fault. I distinctly told
Sir Wilfrid no criminal cases.
115
00:10:27,965 --> 00:10:30,421
Well, if it's anyone's fault,
I expect it's mine.
116
00:10:30,551 --> 00:10:33,754
Seems silly to me,
but Mr Mayhew thinks it's very urgent.
117
00:10:33,888 --> 00:10:37,838
- He thinks I may be arrested any minute.
- Arrested for what?
118
00:10:37,975 --> 00:10:40,098
Well, for murder.
119
00:10:40,227 --> 00:10:41,770
Oh!
120
00:10:41,896 --> 00:10:45,644
It's the case of Emily French.
You've probably seen reports in the press.
121
00:10:45,775 --> 00:10:49,607
Middle-aged widow, well-off,
living with a housekeeper at Hampstead.
122
00:10:49,737 --> 00:10:51,860
Mr Vole had been with her earlier.
123
00:10:51,989 --> 00:10:54,907
When the housekeeper returned,
she found her dead,
124
00:10:55,034 --> 00:10:57,323
struck on the back of the head
and killed.
125
00:10:57,453 --> 00:11:00,620
Vole seems caught
in a web of circumstantial evidence.
126
00:11:00,748 --> 00:11:04,616
Perhaps if I gave you the details you'd
suggest the strongest line of defence.
127
00:11:04,752 --> 00:11:08,335
- I'd probably think better with a cigar.
- Of course.
128
00:11:08,464 --> 00:11:12,544
No previous convictions. He's of good
character with an excellent war record.
129
00:11:12,677 --> 00:11:16,971
- You'd like him a lot.
- They've confiscated the matches. A light.
130
00:11:17,098 --> 00:11:21,309
The defence may turn on establishing
an alibi for the night of the murder.
131
00:11:21,436 --> 00:11:26,181
- I haven't got any. Let me get you some.
- Lord, no! You don't know Miss Plimsoll.
132
00:11:26,315 --> 00:11:28,985
This will take all our cunning.
133
00:11:33,781 --> 00:11:35,739
Young man!
134
00:11:35,867 --> 00:11:37,741
Come here, please.
135
00:11:37,869 --> 00:11:42,163
Your solicitor and I feel you may be able
to enlighten me on an important point.
136
00:11:42,290 --> 00:11:44,413
- Yes. Thank you.
- Sir Wilfrid!
137
00:11:44,542 --> 00:11:47,627
You're not in bed yet? Upstairs!
138
00:11:50,924 --> 00:11:53,379
- Give me a match.
- Sorry, I never carry them.
139
00:11:53,510 --> 00:11:56,464
- What? You said I'd like him.
- But I do have a lighter.
140
00:11:56,596 --> 00:12:00,012
You're quite right, Mayhew,
I do like him. Thank you.
141
00:12:00,141 --> 00:12:04,637
Can you imagine Miss Plimsoll's face
if she saw me now?
142
00:12:04,771 --> 00:12:09,100
Then let's make absolutely sure
that she doesn't.
143
00:12:09,234 --> 00:12:13,278
Splendid. All the instincts
of a skilled criminal.
144
00:12:13,405 --> 00:12:16,275
- Thank you, sir.
- Here.
145
00:12:20,745 --> 00:12:23,236
Whether or not you murdered
a middle-aged widow,
146
00:12:23,373 --> 00:12:27,157
you certainly saved the life
of an elderly barrister.
147
00:12:27,294 --> 00:12:29,535
I haven't murdered anybody. It's absurd.
148
00:12:29,671 --> 00:12:33,799
Christine, that's my wife, she thought
I may be implicated and needed a lawyer.
149
00:12:33,925 --> 00:12:37,175
That's why I went to see Mr Mayhew.
Now he thinks he needs a lawyer
150
00:12:37,304 --> 00:12:39,877
and now I have two lawyers.
It's rather silly.
151
00:12:40,015 --> 00:12:42,256
I am a solicitor. Sir Wilfrid is a barrister.
152
00:12:42,392 --> 00:12:45,512
Only a barrister can actually
plead a case in court.
153
00:12:45,645 --> 00:12:49,725
- Oh, I see.
- She shall not even find the ashes.
154
00:12:52,736 --> 00:12:55,653
- Sit down.
- Thank you.
155
00:12:55,780 --> 00:12:59,778
I saw in the paper that Mrs French had
been found dead with her head bashed in.
156
00:12:59,910 --> 00:13:04,821
It also said the police were anxious to
interview me since I visited that evening.
157
00:13:04,956 --> 00:13:08,871
- Naturally, I went to the police station.
- Did they caution you?
158
00:13:09,002 --> 00:13:12,620
I don't quite know.
They asked if I'd like to make a statement
159
00:13:12,756 --> 00:13:17,169
and said they'd write it down and it might
be used against me. Is that a caution?
160
00:13:17,302 --> 00:13:19,461
Well, it can't be helped now.
161
00:13:19,596 --> 00:13:24,009
- They seemed quite satisfied.
- They seemed satisfied, Mr Vole.
162
00:13:24,142 --> 00:13:27,974
He thinks that he made a statement
and that's the end of it. Isn't it obvious
163
00:13:28,105 --> 00:13:32,980
that you will be regarded as the principal
suspect? I'm afraid you'll be arrested.
164
00:13:33,110 --> 00:13:35,435
I've done nothing!
Why should I be arrested?
165
00:13:35,571 --> 00:13:39,818
This is England! You don't get arrested
or convicted for crimes you haven't done.
166
00:13:39,950 --> 00:13:42,571
We try not to make a habit of it.
167
00:13:43,412 --> 00:13:46,282
But it does happen, though, doesn't it?
168
00:13:46,415 --> 00:13:51,041
Of course. There was that case of
that fellow, whatshisname, Adolph Beck.
169
00:13:51,170 --> 00:13:54,455
In jail for years and they
suddenly found it was another chap.
170
00:13:54,590 --> 00:13:58,208
- He'd been innocent!
- Unfortunate, but restitution was made.
171
00:13:58,343 --> 00:14:02,637
He received a pardon, a bounty from the
crown, and was restored to normal life.
172
00:14:02,765 --> 00:14:06,549
That's all right for him. What if
it had been murder? What if he'd hanged?
173
00:14:06,685 --> 00:14:09,888
How would they have restored him
to his normal life then?
174
00:14:10,022 --> 00:14:14,399
Mr Vole, you must not take
such a morbid point of view.
175
00:14:14,526 --> 00:14:18,571
It's just when you say these things
are closing in on me, it's like a nightmare.
176
00:14:18,697 --> 00:14:23,406
Relax. You're in the hands of the finest,
most experienced barrister in London.
177
00:14:23,535 --> 00:14:27,118
Let's get this straight. I may have done
something highly unethical.
178
00:14:27,248 --> 00:14:30,866
I've taken your cigar
but I'm not taking your case. I can't.
179
00:14:31,001 --> 00:14:36,126
I'm forbidden. My doctors would never
allow it. I'm truly sorry, young man.
180
00:14:36,257 --> 00:14:39,174
But if you'd like the case
handled by these chambers,
181
00:14:39,301 --> 00:14:43,133
- I'd recommend Mr Brogan-Moore.
- Yes. A very able man.
182
00:14:43,264 --> 00:14:48,850
- I second Sir Wilfrid's recommendation.
- All right, sir, if you say so.
183
00:14:52,064 --> 00:14:54,104
Hold this.
184
00:14:57,403 --> 00:14:58,601
Carter?
185
00:14:58,738 --> 00:15:02,652
I would like to see Brogan-Moore here
as soon as he comes in from court.
186
00:15:02,783 --> 00:15:05,701
Sir Wilfrid, I have never
known such insubordination.
187
00:15:05,828 --> 00:15:08,153
Not even as a nurse during the war.
188
00:15:08,289 --> 00:15:12,073
What war was that?
The Crimean War, no doubt.
189
00:15:13,085 --> 00:15:16,537
You'll like Brogan-Moore,
he's had excellent training. Under me.
190
00:15:16,672 --> 00:15:20,622
This morning I had no lawyers at all
and now suddenly I have three.
191
00:15:20,760 --> 00:15:23,511
We should explain
that I have very little money.
192
00:15:23,638 --> 00:15:25,963
I shan't be able to pay
all the costs and fees.
193
00:15:26,098 --> 00:15:28,387
We'll get a fourth lawyer to sue you.
194
00:15:28,517 --> 00:15:31,637
He won't get very much.
I haven't had a job in four months.
195
00:15:31,771 --> 00:15:34,807
- What sort of work do you do?
- Well, uh...
196
00:15:34,941 --> 00:15:40,397
My last job was as a mechanic.
The foreman kept riding me all the time.
197
00:15:40,530 --> 00:15:43,863
- I took it as long as I could, then I quit.
- And before that?
198
00:15:43,991 --> 00:15:48,285
I worked in a department store, in toys,
demonstrating children's building sets.
199
00:15:48,412 --> 00:15:53,324
Of course, it lasted only during Christmas.
Before that I tested electric blankets.
200
00:15:53,459 --> 00:15:58,205
- Electric blankets?
- I suppose you think I'm a bit of a drifter.
201
00:15:58,339 --> 00:16:00,913
It's true, in a way,
but I'm really not like that.
202
00:16:01,050 --> 00:16:05,593
My army service unsettled me. That and
living abroad. I was stationed in Germany.
203
00:16:05,722 --> 00:16:08,426
It was fine there, though.
That's where I met my wife.
204
00:16:08,558 --> 00:16:13,184
She was an actress, and a good one.
She's a wonderful wife to me, too.
205
00:16:13,313 --> 00:16:16,017
But I haven't been much of a provider,
I'm afraid.
206
00:16:16,149 --> 00:16:20,727
Somehow, I just don't seem able to settle
down now I've come back to this country.
207
00:16:20,862 --> 00:16:24,942
- If I could just put my eggbeater across.
- Eggbeater?
208
00:16:25,533 --> 00:16:30,740
Yes, sir. I, uh, I'm a bit of an inventor.
Nothing big, just little household things.
209
00:16:30,872 --> 00:16:34,039
Pocket pencil sharpeners,
key chain flashlights.
210
00:16:34,167 --> 00:16:36,456
But my best is really this eggbeater.
211
00:16:36,586 --> 00:16:40,037
It not only beats,
it also separates the yolk from the white.
212
00:16:40,173 --> 00:16:42,581
Is that really desirable?
213
00:16:42,717 --> 00:16:45,255
If you were a housewife,
you'd see it right away.
214
00:16:45,386 --> 00:16:48,637
The trouble is, I need money
for manufacturing and promotion.
215
00:16:48,765 --> 00:16:52,810
I was really hoping that's what Mrs
French might do for me after I met her.
216
00:16:52,936 --> 00:16:58,310
- Exactly how did you meet Mrs French?
- That's rather funny in itself.
217
00:16:58,441 --> 00:17:02,225
It was 3 September. I remember
because it's my wife's birthday.
218
00:17:02,362 --> 00:17:05,197
I was window-shopping in Oxford Street,
219
00:17:05,323 --> 00:17:10,281
daydreaming about what I'd buy for her,
if I had any money.
220
00:17:57,292 --> 00:17:59,368
- You really like this one?
- Very much.
221
00:17:59,503 --> 00:18:02,041
- You don't think it's too mad?
- Mad?
222
00:18:02,172 --> 00:18:06,633
Not at all. Daring, perhaps. I wouldn't
recommend it to every woman. But you?
223
00:18:06,760 --> 00:18:09,631
- Why shouldn't you attract attention?
- You think so?
224
00:18:09,763 --> 00:18:13,179
Absolutely. But if I could
suggest one little thing.
225
00:18:13,308 --> 00:18:17,638
Perhaps we could tip it and bring it back
a bit like that. Show more of your face.
226
00:18:17,771 --> 00:18:18,934
(squealing brakes)
227
00:18:19,064 --> 00:18:21,899
- My bus. Goodbye.
- Good...
228
00:18:22,985 --> 00:18:25,523
You buy that hat. I insist.
229
00:18:26,446 --> 00:18:31,192
Actually, it was a ridiculous sort of hat -
a silly thing with ribbons and flowers.
230
00:18:31,326 --> 00:18:35,787
I'm constantly surprised that women's
hats do not provoke more murders.
231
00:18:35,914 --> 00:18:37,243
Go on, please.
232
00:18:37,374 --> 00:18:39,948
I was only trying to be nice
to make her feel good.
233
00:18:40,085 --> 00:18:42,374
I never dreamed I'd see her again.
Or the hat.
234
00:18:42,504 --> 00:18:44,746
- But you did?
- Yes, a few weeks later.
235
00:18:44,882 --> 00:18:50,552
Again, by accident. I was peddling my
eggbeaters and business was a little slow.
236
00:18:53,057 --> 00:18:55,726
(gunfire and action-sequence music)
237
00:19:14,036 --> 00:19:17,072
Would you mind, madam? Your hat.
238
00:19:17,206 --> 00:19:19,578
- Oh, it's you!
- Hello!
239
00:19:19,708 --> 00:19:23,077
It's your fault, you know.
You chose it yourself.
240
00:19:23,212 --> 00:19:25,454
- May I?
- Sure, if you like.
241
00:19:29,343 --> 00:19:34,005
Thank you. It's such a bother
taking it off and putting it back on again.
242
00:19:34,140 --> 00:19:39,181
That chap is Jesse James. They've led
him into an ambush. It's not at all cricket.
243
00:19:39,311 --> 00:19:41,802
- Don't worry, he shoots his way out.
- He does?
244
00:19:41,939 --> 00:19:44,726
- I've seen it. I got to the movies a lot.
- You do?
245
00:19:44,859 --> 00:19:50,197
I get restless so I go out. Then I find
I've no place to go so I go to the movies.
246
00:19:50,323 --> 00:19:54,534
Sometimes I see the same one
two or three times. Ooh.
247
00:19:54,660 --> 00:19:57,282
- Toffee?
- Oh, yes, please.
248
00:19:57,413 --> 00:20:00,414
At this time you had no idea
that Mrs French was well-off?
249
00:20:00,541 --> 00:20:03,708
No. Absolutely not.
We were sitting in the cheap seats.
250
00:20:03,836 --> 00:20:07,668
All I knew was she seemed to be
very lonely, had no friends whatsoever.
251
00:20:07,798 --> 00:20:10,586
She and her husband
lived abroad in British Nigeria.
252
00:20:10,718 --> 00:20:15,297
He was in the colonial service.
He died in '45, of a heart attack.
253
00:20:15,431 --> 00:20:18,717
Please, Mayhew, not when I'm smoking.
Go on, young man.
254
00:20:18,851 --> 00:20:22,054
Well, they finally
polished off Jesse James,
255
00:20:22,188 --> 00:20:25,639
and after we left the movie
she invited me to her house for tea.
256
00:20:25,775 --> 00:20:27,814
(Mrs French laughs)
257
00:20:29,570 --> 00:20:33,520
I think it's the most fascinating thing
I've ever seen. Janet, come and look.
258
00:20:33,658 --> 00:20:35,697
I've seen eggbeaters before, ma'am.
259
00:20:35,827 --> 00:20:38,911
But this beats so quickly
and it separates too!
260
00:20:39,038 --> 00:20:42,075
It must be cen-trifugal
or centrifugal, which is it?
261
00:20:42,208 --> 00:20:44,829
It's specific gravity,
but it whips cream too.
262
00:20:44,961 --> 00:20:48,081
Did you hear that, Janet?
It whips cream too.
263
00:20:48,214 --> 00:20:50,705
We must have one. Is it expensive?
264
00:20:50,842 --> 00:20:54,293
Compliments of the inventor,
manufacturer and sole distributor.
265
00:20:54,429 --> 00:20:58,426
Thank you. We'll use it constantly,
won't we, Janet?
266
00:20:58,558 --> 00:21:03,184
Come, we'd better get out of here.
Janet doesn't like visitors in her kitchen.
267
00:21:10,028 --> 00:21:11,652
Ha!
268
00:21:13,656 --> 00:21:16,906
It's a bit chilly in here, isn't it?
Shall we have a fire?
269
00:21:17,035 --> 00:21:19,074
Why not?
270
00:21:19,204 --> 00:21:21,873
This is a charming room.
271
00:21:21,998 --> 00:21:26,292
Hubert and I collected all these things
when we lived in Africa.
272
00:21:26,419 --> 00:21:28,661
Hubert was my husband.
273
00:21:29,756 --> 00:21:32,508
Well, now, there's a loveable chap.
274
00:21:32,634 --> 00:21:35,125
That's the mask of the witch doctor.
275
00:21:35,261 --> 00:21:37,752
He wore it when he pulled
our servants' teeth.
276
00:21:37,889 --> 00:21:41,638
So Hubert used to call him a witch dentist.
277
00:21:42,602 --> 00:21:45,936
- Hubert was so witty.
- Yes, I can see that.
278
00:21:46,064 --> 00:21:48,270
Oh, here's tea.
279
00:21:50,694 --> 00:21:55,439
- Let's use our good silver and china.
- Oh, no, don't bother, Mrs French.
280
00:21:55,574 --> 00:21:58,574
- This is perfectly all right.
- Lemon or milk, please?
281
00:21:58,702 --> 00:22:01,157
- I don't really care.
- Would you prefer sherry?
282
00:22:01,288 --> 00:22:03,327
- That'd be fine.
- We've no' got any.
283
00:22:03,456 --> 00:22:07,786
Oh, but we have. There's that bottle,
the one we bought last Christmas.
284
00:22:07,919 --> 00:22:12,914
If you care for an eggnog there's a wasted
egg in the kitchen ready and separated.
285
00:22:13,049 --> 00:22:17,925
Do sit down. Don't mind Janet, Mr Vole.
It's just that she's terribly Scotch.
286
00:22:18,054 --> 00:22:21,589
Oh, is she? I thought
she came with the collection.
287
00:22:22,684 --> 00:22:26,634
You know, maybe
I'll take a glass of sherry myself.
288
00:22:26,772 --> 00:22:29,559
I feel like Christmas, somehow.
289
00:22:30,776 --> 00:22:35,438
After that I saw her once or twice a week.
She always kept a bottle of sherry for me.
290
00:22:35,572 --> 00:22:38,608
We'd talk, play canasta,
listen to gramophone records,
291
00:22:38,742 --> 00:22:40,948
Gilbert and Sullivan mostly.
292
00:22:41,078 --> 00:22:45,407
It's so weird to think of her now,
lying in that living room, murdered.
293
00:22:45,540 --> 00:22:50,084
I assure you she's been moved by now.
To leave her would be unfeeling, unlawful,
294
00:22:50,212 --> 00:22:52,251
and unsanitary.
295
00:22:54,841 --> 00:22:57,546
Tell Sir Wilfrid about
the evening of the murder.
296
00:22:58,303 --> 00:23:00,925
I went around to see her
about eight o'clock.
297
00:23:01,056 --> 00:23:04,010
She fixed a sandwich,
we talked, listened to The Mikado.
298
00:23:04,142 --> 00:23:08,223
I left about nine. I walked home.
I got there about half past.
299
00:23:08,355 --> 00:23:12,483
I can prove that. I can swear to it, in or out
of court, in the witness box, anywhere!
300
00:23:12,609 --> 00:23:15,279
How much money did you get
from Mrs French?
301
00:23:15,404 --> 00:23:17,480
- Nothing.
- The truth. How much?
302
00:23:17,614 --> 00:23:21,363
- Why should she give me any money?
- Because she was in love with you.
303
00:23:21,493 --> 00:23:23,533
That's ridiculous. She liked me.
304
00:23:23,662 --> 00:23:26,699
She pampered me like an aunt.
But that's all, I swear.
305
00:23:26,832 --> 00:23:29,584
- Why didn't you tell her you had a wife?
- I did!
306
00:23:29,710 --> 00:23:33,043
But you never took your wife along
when you went there. Why not?
307
00:23:33,172 --> 00:23:34,999
- Because...
- Because what?
308
00:23:35,132 --> 00:23:38,715
Because she was under the impression
we didn't get along too well.
309
00:23:38,844 --> 00:23:41,252
- Is that true?
- No! We love each other.
310
00:23:41,388 --> 00:23:45,338
- Then how did she get that impression?
- She just seemed to want to believe it.
311
00:23:45,476 --> 00:23:48,892
- You never corrected her. Why?
- I was afraid she'd lose interest.
312
00:23:49,021 --> 00:23:52,390
Because she was rich,
and you were after her money.
313
00:23:52,524 --> 00:23:54,601
Well, yes, in a way.
314
00:23:55,236 --> 00:24:00,063
I was hoping for a loan for my new
invention. Just a few hundred pounds.
315
00:24:00,199 --> 00:24:03,484
An honest business proposition, that's all.
Is that so wicked?
316
00:24:03,619 --> 00:24:05,777
You knew it was
the housekeeper's day off?
317
00:24:05,913 --> 00:24:08,618
- Well, yes.
- You went there because she'd be alone?
318
00:24:08,749 --> 00:24:11,287
No, because I thought
she might be lonely.
319
00:24:11,419 --> 00:24:15,203
All right, lonely. You and the rich
lonely widow all alone in that house
320
00:24:15,339 --> 00:24:18,210
with a gramophone blaring The Mikado.
321
00:24:18,342 --> 00:24:21,011
Perhaps you turned up
the volume to drown her cries.
322
00:24:21,137 --> 00:24:25,763
- When I left her she was alive!
- When Janet came back she was dead.
323
00:24:25,891 --> 00:24:29,841
The house had been ransacked! It said
in the papers. It must've been a burglar.
324
00:24:29,979 --> 00:24:33,312
I didn't do it. No matter
how bad things look, I didn't do it!
325
00:24:33,441 --> 00:24:37,770
You must believe me.
You do believe me, don't you?
326
00:24:38,779 --> 00:24:40,902
I do now, but I wasn't sure.
327
00:24:41,032 --> 00:24:44,531
That's why I subjected your eyes
and my arteries to that ordeal.
328
00:24:44,660 --> 00:24:46,949
- I'm sorry.
- That's all right.
329
00:24:47,079 --> 00:24:50,994
As for things looking bad, they
don't look bad, Mr Vole, they look terrible.
330
00:24:51,125 --> 00:24:55,454
- Apparently you've no alibi at all.
- But I have. I left Mrs French's at nine.
331
00:24:55,588 --> 00:24:58,921
- By bus or underground?
- No, I walked. It was a fine night.
332
00:24:59,050 --> 00:25:02,086
- Did anyone see you?
- Christine saw me when I got home.
333
00:25:02,220 --> 00:25:07,380
It was 9.26. I know because I went right to
work on a clock I've been tinkering with.
334
00:25:07,517 --> 00:25:10,268
- My wife will tell you.
- Your wife loves you, yes?
335
00:25:10,394 --> 00:25:12,720
Very much.
We're devoted to each other.
336
00:25:12,855 --> 00:25:18,098
You realise, Mr Vole, the testimony of a
devoted wife does not carry much weight.
337
00:25:18,236 --> 00:25:20,987
People might think
Christine would lie on my account?
338
00:25:21,114 --> 00:25:25,063
It has been known, Mr Vole.
Blood is thicker than evidence.
339
00:25:26,285 --> 00:25:31,078
- Ah, Brogan-Moore. Come in, come in.
- So good to have you out of hospital.
340
00:25:31,207 --> 00:25:36,083
I didn't get a full pardon, I'm out on
parole. You know Mr Mayhew, I believe.
341
00:25:36,212 --> 00:25:38,999
- This is his client, Mr Leonard Vole.
- How do you do?
342
00:25:39,132 --> 00:25:41,504
- How do you do?
- The Emily French murder.
343
00:25:41,634 --> 00:25:44,006
- Oh, how do you do?
- Badly, thank you.
344
00:25:44,137 --> 00:25:48,181
A mass of circumstantial evidence.
No alibi whatsoever. It's a hot potato.
345
00:25:48,308 --> 00:25:50,633
- Tossing it into your lap.
- Much obliged.
346
00:25:50,768 --> 00:25:53,888
Your line of defence,
however, will be lack of motive.
347
00:25:54,022 --> 00:25:57,142
You will agree that we can rule out
a crime of passion, hm?
348
00:25:57,275 --> 00:26:00,062
That leaves us with a murder for profit.
349
00:26:00,195 --> 00:26:04,323
If Mr Vole had been sponging off Mrs
French, why cut off the source of supply?
350
00:26:04,449 --> 00:26:09,075
Or, if he'd been hoping for a golden egg,
why kill the goose before it was laid?
351
00:26:09,204 --> 00:26:12,240
No motive. No motive whatsoever.
352
00:26:13,792 --> 00:26:18,786
- You find some flaw in this reasoning?
- No, no, it's very sound as far as it goes.
353
00:26:18,922 --> 00:26:23,299
Well, it's all yours. You'll find Mr Vole
very responsive and quite candid.
354
00:26:23,426 --> 00:26:26,795
So candid, he's already told me
we'll have to sue him for our fees.
355
00:26:26,930 --> 00:26:30,762
Oh, we'll simply put a lean
on Mr Vole's �80,000.
356
00:26:30,892 --> 00:26:35,305
- What? 80,000?
- The? 80,000 Mrs French left you.
357
00:26:35,438 --> 00:26:36,601
Left me?
358
00:26:36,731 --> 00:26:41,892
They opened Mrs French's
bank vault today and found her will.
359
00:26:42,737 --> 00:26:47,067
- Congratulations.
- ? 80,000!
360
00:26:47,200 --> 00:26:50,783
And I was worried about a couple
of hundred for that silly eggbeater.
361
00:26:50,912 --> 00:26:52,952
I must call Christine.
362
00:26:57,043 --> 00:26:58,538
Oh.
363
00:26:58,670 --> 00:27:01,671
This doesn't make things
look any better for me, does it?
364
00:27:01,798 --> 00:27:05,250
- No. I wouldn't think so.
- So now they'll say I did have a motive.
365
00:27:05,385 --> 00:27:10,925
They will indeed.? 80,000 makes for
a very handsome motive.
366
00:27:11,058 --> 00:27:13,727
I thought you were crazy
but now they will arrest me!
367
00:27:13,852 --> 00:27:15,892
It's not unlikely.
368
00:27:16,897 --> 00:27:19,388
(car pulls up)
369
00:27:23,236 --> 00:27:26,652
As a matter of fact, it's quite likely.
They're on their way up now.
370
00:27:26,782 --> 00:27:31,325
I knew nothing about that will. I'd no idea
she'd any intention of leaving me money.
371
00:27:31,453 --> 00:27:35,866
- If I didn't know, how can it be a motive?
- We'll certainly bring that out in court.
372
00:27:35,999 --> 00:27:40,542
- It's our old friend Inspector Hearne.
- Chief Inspector as of last month.
373
00:27:40,671 --> 00:27:44,336
Chief Inspector? They must think
a lot of you at Scotland Yard.
374
00:27:44,466 --> 00:27:47,136
You're getting the de luxe treatment.
375
00:27:47,261 --> 00:27:52,635
- Oh, in here, Chief Inspector.
- Sorry to disturb you in your chambers.
376
00:27:52,766 --> 00:27:56,515
That's perfectly all right.
I never object to the actions of the police
377
00:27:56,645 --> 00:28:00,477
- except once in a great while in court.
- Yes, sir, I still have the scars.
378
00:28:00,607 --> 00:28:03,063
You know Mr Mayhew, Mr Brogan-Moore.
379
00:28:03,193 --> 00:28:07,772
This is Leonard Vole. You'd better search
him, he may be armed with an eggbeater.
380
00:28:07,906 --> 00:28:10,576
- Is your name Leonard Vole?
- Yes, it is.
381
00:28:10,701 --> 00:28:16,407
I have a warrant for your arrest
on the charge of murdering Emily French.
382
00:28:16,540 --> 00:28:21,535
I must warn you that anything you say
may be taken down and used in evidence.
383
00:28:21,670 --> 00:28:24,624
Well, I'm ready. Must I be handcuffed?
384
00:28:24,757 --> 00:28:27,248
That won't be necessary, sir.
385
00:28:27,384 --> 00:28:30,919
I've never been arrested before,
not even for walking a dog off a lead
386
00:28:31,055 --> 00:28:34,887
- or having a beer after hours.
- There's no disgrace in being arrested.
387
00:28:35,017 --> 00:28:40,391
Kings, prime ministers, archbishops,
even barristers have stood in the dock.
388
00:28:44,860 --> 00:28:48,858
- Somebody better call my wife.
- I will, don't worry.
389
00:28:48,989 --> 00:28:51,196
I'll go too, see you're properly charged.
390
00:28:51,325 --> 00:28:54,243
- You will see to it that he is well-treated?
- We will.
391
00:28:54,370 --> 00:28:58,154
Would you like a cigar? Pardon me.
392
00:28:59,250 --> 00:29:04,208
- That's very kind of you, Sir Wilfrid.
- I'd better not. It would constitute a bribe.
393
00:29:05,840 --> 00:29:07,879
We ought to be going, Mr Vole.
394
00:29:12,179 --> 00:29:16,177
One thing I've learned for sure, never
look in a window with women's hats.
395
00:29:16,309 --> 00:29:18,348
Good day, sir.
396
00:29:20,313 --> 00:29:22,601
Makes a very nice impression,
doesn't he?
397
00:29:22,732 --> 00:29:27,026
- Yes, rather. Give him the monocle test?
- Passed with flying colours.
398
00:29:27,153 --> 00:29:30,688
I hope he does as well in the dock.
This is sticky, you know.
399
00:29:30,823 --> 00:29:34,655
Of course. The prosecution will
blast in with their heaviest artillery.
400
00:29:34,785 --> 00:29:39,329
All you'll have is one little popgun,
an alibi furnished by his wife.
401
00:29:39,457 --> 00:29:41,533
Isn't that an intriguing challenge?
402
00:29:41,667 --> 00:29:45,665
I think I'd like it more if it was less
of a challenge and less intriguing.
403
00:29:46,547 --> 00:29:51,708
Miss Plimsoll has issued an ultimatum.
In bed in one minute or she'll resign.
404
00:29:51,844 --> 00:29:55,213
Splendid. Give her a month's pay
and kick her down the stairs.
405
00:29:55,348 --> 00:29:58,468
Either you take care of yourself
or I, too, shall resign.
406
00:29:58,601 --> 00:30:01,175
This is blackmail.
But you're quite right.
407
00:30:01,312 --> 00:30:05,440
For my first day this has already
been rather hectic. I should be in bed.
408
00:30:09,487 --> 00:30:13,401
I'd better get in touch with Mrs Vole
and have her come over. Will you sit in?
409
00:30:13,533 --> 00:30:19,737
Thank you, no. I'm in no condition to cope
with emotional wives drenched in tears.
410
00:30:20,748 --> 00:30:25,991
Miss Plimsoll, how alluring you look,
waiting like a hangman on the scaffold.
411
00:30:26,129 --> 00:30:28,371
Take me, I'm yours.
412
00:30:30,550 --> 00:30:31,131
Oh!
413
00:30:31,259 --> 00:30:35,838
About Mrs Vole. Handle her gently,
especially when you tell her of the arrest.
414
00:30:35,972 --> 00:30:40,717
Bear in mind she's a foreigner, so prepare
for hysterics, even a fainting spell.
415
00:30:40,852 --> 00:30:45,015
Better have smelling salts ready,
box of tissues and a nip of brandy.
416
00:30:45,148 --> 00:30:48,683
(woman) I do not think
that will be necessary.
417
00:30:51,738 --> 00:30:54,311
I never faint in case I don't fall gracefully,
418
00:30:54,449 --> 00:30:58,281
and I never use smelling salts
because they puff up the eyes.
419
00:30:58,411 --> 00:31:00,902
I'm Christine Vole.
420
00:31:01,039 --> 00:31:03,660
How do you do?
This is Mr Brogan-Moore.
421
00:31:03,792 --> 00:31:05,831
How do you do?
422
00:31:05,961 --> 00:31:08,997
- I am Wilfrid Robarts.
- How do you do?
423
00:31:09,130 --> 00:31:12,048
My dear Mrs Vole, I'm afraid
we have bad news for you.
424
00:31:12,175 --> 00:31:17,170
- Don't be afraid, I'm quite disciplined.
- There's nothing to be alarmed about yet.
425
00:31:17,305 --> 00:31:20,888
Leonard has been arrested
and charged with murder. Is that it?
426
00:31:21,017 --> 00:31:24,469
- Yes.
- I knew he would be, I told him so.
427
00:31:24,604 --> 00:31:27,226
I'm glad you're showing such fortitude.
428
00:31:27,357 --> 00:31:30,441
Call it what you like.
What is the next step?
429
00:31:31,027 --> 00:31:33,649
Your husband will have
to stand trial, I'm afraid.
430
00:31:33,780 --> 00:31:38,987
Will you explain the procedure?
Mr Brogan-Moore will lead the defence.
431
00:31:39,119 --> 00:31:40,494
Oh?
432
00:31:40,620 --> 00:31:43,456
- You will not defend Leonard?
- Regrettably not.
433
00:31:43,582 --> 00:31:46,155
My health, or, rather,
the lack of it, forbids me.
434
00:31:46,293 --> 00:31:51,749
It is regrettable. Mr Mayhew described
you as champion of the hopeless cause.
435
00:31:54,926 --> 00:31:58,876
Is it, perhaps,
that this cause is too hopeless?
436
00:32:05,938 --> 00:32:10,932
I'll have a serious talk with Dr Harrison. It
was a mistake to let you come back here.
437
00:32:11,068 --> 00:32:13,689
I should have taken you
to a rest-home or a resort.
438
00:32:13,820 --> 00:32:16,276
Some place quiet, far off, like Bermuda.
439
00:32:16,406 --> 00:32:19,360
Shut up. You just want
to see me in those nasty shorts.
440
00:32:19,493 --> 00:32:22,778
Come now, Sir Wilfrid,
you must not think of it.
441
00:32:22,913 --> 00:32:26,911
You must get ready for sleep,
think beautiful thoughts.
442
00:32:27,793 --> 00:32:33,249
Now, let's get undressed. Put these on,
tops and bottoms, while I make your bed.
443
00:32:33,382 --> 00:32:36,418
After your rest
we'll have a nice cup of cocoa.
444
00:32:36,552 --> 00:32:39,636
Then perhaps
we'll have a walk around the square.
445
00:32:39,763 --> 00:32:42,433
You know, I feel sorry
for that nice Mr Vole.
446
00:32:42,558 --> 00:32:47,101
And not just because he was arrested,
but that wife of his. She must be German.
447
00:32:47,229 --> 00:32:51,891
That's what happens when we let our
boys cross the Channel. They go crazy.
448
00:32:52,026 --> 00:32:56,604
The government should do something
about foreign wives. Like an embargo.
449
00:32:56,739 --> 00:33:00,653
How else can we take care of our own
surplus. Don't you agree, Sir Wilfrid?
450
00:33:00,784 --> 00:33:03,192
All right. Hop in!
451
00:33:04,288 --> 00:33:06,696
Sir Wilfrid?
452
00:33:09,501 --> 00:33:11,245
Sir Wilfrid!
453
00:33:11,378 --> 00:33:13,170
Come back!
454
00:33:13,547 --> 00:33:18,293
Yes, of course I knew that Leonard had
been seeing Mrs French quite frequently.
455
00:33:18,427 --> 00:33:19,590
Go on.
456
00:33:19,720 --> 00:33:23,469
I knew when he came home with a pair
of green socks she'd knitted for him.
457
00:33:23,599 --> 00:33:26,802
That's quite natural.
I'm sure a jury will find it endearing.
458
00:33:26,936 --> 00:33:30,933
Leonard can be very endearing.
He hates that particular shade of green
459
00:33:31,065 --> 00:33:33,223
and the socks were two sizes too large,
460
00:33:33,359 --> 00:33:36,064
but he wore them just the same
to give her pleasure.
461
00:33:36,195 --> 00:33:38,235
Leonard has a way with women.
462
00:33:38,364 --> 00:33:44,153
I only hope he has an all-woman jury.
They will carry him from court in triumph.
463
00:33:44,286 --> 00:33:49,328
A simple acquittal will do. Now, you know
Mrs French left your husband money?
464
00:33:49,458 --> 00:33:51,534
Yes. A lot of money.
465
00:33:51,669 --> 00:33:56,545
Of course, your husband had
no previous knowledge of this bequest?
466
00:33:56,674 --> 00:33:58,916
Is that what he told you?
467
00:33:59,051 --> 00:34:01,542
Surely you're not suggesting different?
468
00:34:01,679 --> 00:34:05,724
Oh, no, no. I do not suggest anything.
469
00:34:05,850 --> 00:34:11,722
Clearly, she had come to look upon your
husband as a son or favourite nephew.
470
00:34:12,356 --> 00:34:16,188
You think Mrs French looked
upon Leonard as a son? Or a nephew?
471
00:34:16,319 --> 00:34:19,984
I do. An entirely natural
and understandable relationship.
472
00:34:20,114 --> 00:34:23,483
What hypocrites you are in this country.
473
00:34:25,286 --> 00:34:27,658
Pardon me, Brogan-Moore.
474
00:34:27,789 --> 00:34:32,415
- Do you mind if I ask you a question?
- Go right ahead, Sir Wilfrid.
475
00:34:32,543 --> 00:34:36,588
You realise your husband's entire
defence rests on his word and yours?
476
00:34:36,714 --> 00:34:40,130
- I realise that.
- And that the jury will be quite sceptical
477
00:34:40,259 --> 00:34:44,388
of the word of a man accused of murder
when supported only by that of his wife?
478
00:34:44,514 --> 00:34:47,349
- I realise that too.
- Let us, then, at least make sure
479
00:34:47,475 --> 00:34:51,307
- the two are not in conflict.
- By all means, let's.
480
00:34:51,437 --> 00:34:54,107
I assume you want to help your husband?
481
00:34:54,232 --> 00:34:59,902
Of course I want to help Leonard. I want
to help Mr Brogan-Moore and to help you.
482
00:35:00,029 --> 00:35:04,157
There. Isn't that
more comfortable for you?
483
00:35:04,784 --> 00:35:08,070
Now, Mrs Vole. This is very important.
484
00:35:08,204 --> 00:35:12,119
On the night of the murder your husband
came home before 9.30. Correct?
485
00:35:12,250 --> 00:35:15,666
Precisely. Isn't that
what he wants me to say?
486
00:35:15,795 --> 00:35:17,752
Isn't it the truth?
487
00:35:17,881 --> 00:35:19,754
Of course.
488
00:35:19,883 --> 00:35:22,800
But when I told the police,
I do not think they believed me.
489
00:35:22,927 --> 00:35:26,131
Maybe I didn't say it well.
Maybe because of my accent.
490
00:35:26,264 --> 00:35:28,553
My dear Mrs Vole, in our courts
491
00:35:28,683 --> 00:35:31,969
we accept the evidence
of witnesses who speak only Bulgarian
492
00:35:32,103 --> 00:35:34,725
and who must have an interpreter.
493
00:35:34,856 --> 00:35:38,142
We accept the evidence
of deaf-mutes who cannot speak at all,
494
00:35:38,276 --> 00:35:40,648
as long as they tell the truth.
495
00:35:40,779 --> 00:35:44,148
You're aware that when you're
in the witness box you will be sworn
496
00:35:44,282 --> 00:35:47,367
- and you will testify under oath?
- Yes.
497
00:35:47,494 --> 00:35:51,361
Leonard came home at 9.26 precisely
and did not go out again.
498
00:35:51,498 --> 00:35:56,658
The truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth. Is that better?
499
00:35:58,171 --> 00:36:03,332
- Mrs Vole, do you love your husband?
- Leonard thinks I do.
500
00:36:03,468 --> 00:36:07,217
- Well, do you?
- Am I already under oath?
501
00:36:07,347 --> 00:36:10,681
Whatever your gambit may be,
do you know that, under British law,
502
00:36:10,809 --> 00:36:14,854
you cannot be called to give testimony
damaging to your husband?
503
00:36:14,980 --> 00:36:17,186
How very convenient.
504
00:36:17,315 --> 00:36:19,474
We are dealing with a capital crime.
505
00:36:19,609 --> 00:36:23,393
The prosecution
will try to hang your husband.
506
00:36:24,489 --> 00:36:27,159
He is not my husband.
507
00:36:33,498 --> 00:36:35,989
Leonard and I went through
a form of marriage,
508
00:36:36,126 --> 00:36:40,040
but I had a husband living somewhere
in East Germany, in the Russian zone.
509
00:36:40,172 --> 00:36:44,122
- Did you tell Leonard?
- I did not. It would have been stupid.
510
00:36:44,259 --> 00:36:48,387
He would not have married me and
I'd have been left to starve in the rubble.
511
00:36:48,513 --> 00:36:51,135
But he did marry you
and brought you safely here.
512
00:36:51,266 --> 00:36:53,555
Don't you think you should be grateful?
513
00:36:53,685 --> 00:36:55,808
One can get very tired of gratitude.
514
00:36:55,938 --> 00:36:58,642
Your husband loves you
very much, does he not?
515
00:36:58,774 --> 00:37:02,059
Leonard?
He worships the ground I walk on.
516
00:37:02,194 --> 00:37:04,400
And you?
517
00:37:04,530 --> 00:37:06,902
You want to know too much.
518
00:37:07,032 --> 00:37:09,488
Auf Wiedersehen, gentlemen.
519
00:37:10,577 --> 00:37:15,998
Thank you for coming in, Mrs Vole.
Your visit has been most reassuring.
520
00:37:16,125 --> 00:37:20,833
Do not worry, Sir Wilfrid. I will give him
an alibi and I shall be very convincing.
521
00:37:20,963 --> 00:37:25,957
There will be tears in my eyes when I say
"Leonard came home at 9.26 precisely."
522
00:37:26,093 --> 00:37:29,960
You're a very remarkable woman,
Mrs Vole.
523
00:37:31,056 --> 00:37:33,512
And you're satisfied, I hope?
524
00:37:34,852 --> 00:37:40,475
- I'm damned if I'm satisfied!
- Care for a whiff of those smelling salts?
525
00:37:40,608 --> 00:37:43,145
That woman's up to something. But what?
526
00:37:43,277 --> 00:37:47,322
The prosecution will break her down
in no time when she's in the witness box.
527
00:37:47,448 --> 00:37:50,947
This case is going to be rather
like the charge of the Light Brigade
528
00:37:51,076 --> 00:37:54,860
or one of those Japanese suicide pilots.
Quite one-sided.
529
00:37:54,997 --> 00:37:57,405
With the odds all on the other side.
530
00:37:57,541 --> 00:38:00,079
I haven't got much to go on, have I?
531
00:38:00,211 --> 00:38:02,784
The fact is, I've got nothing.
532
00:38:03,881 --> 00:38:06,087
Let me ask you something.
533
00:38:06,217 --> 00:38:09,716
Do you believe Leonard Vole is innocent?
534
00:38:12,681 --> 00:38:14,721
Do you?
535
00:38:16,102 --> 00:38:18,509
Do you?
536
00:38:18,646 --> 00:38:20,685
I'm not sure.
537
00:38:20,815 --> 00:38:24,397
Oh, I'm sorry, Wilfrid.
Of course, I'll do my best.
538
00:38:24,527 --> 00:38:27,314
It's all right, Brogan-Moore.
539
00:38:27,446 --> 00:38:30,116
I'll take it from here.
540
00:38:31,409 --> 00:38:36,450
I have called Dr Harrison and given him
a report on your shocking behaviour.
541
00:38:36,581 --> 00:38:39,036
- Give me a match, Miss Plimsoll.
- Sir Wilfrid!
542
00:38:39,166 --> 00:38:42,203
Did you hear me? A match!
543
00:39:13,993 --> 00:39:19,996
Mr Mayhew. Sir Wilfrid. I'm told you are
going to represent me. I'm very grateful.
544
00:39:20,124 --> 00:39:25,498
I struck a bargain with my doctors. They
exile me to Bermuda as soon as we finish.
545
00:39:25,630 --> 00:39:28,251
- Thank you.
- There's hope that we'll both survive.
546
00:39:28,383 --> 00:39:30,624
- Get into these. We need a photograph.
- Why?
547
00:39:30,760 --> 00:39:32,800
This is what you were wearing that night.
548
00:39:32,929 --> 00:39:36,843
We'll circulate a photo on the chance
that someone saw you on your way home.
549
00:39:36,975 --> 00:39:39,430
Over here against the wall, please.
550
00:39:41,938 --> 00:39:44,809
Hold it.
One more in profile, please.
551
00:39:44,941 --> 00:39:48,476
Do we really need this? My wife knows
what time I came home that night.
552
00:39:48,611 --> 00:39:51,316
A disinterested witness
may be of more value.
553
00:39:51,447 --> 00:39:54,318
Yes, of course,
Christine is an interested witness.
554
00:39:54,451 --> 00:39:56,739
I'll pick up the negatives later. Thank you.
555
00:39:56,870 --> 00:40:00,998
I don't understand it.
Why hasn't she come to see me?
556
00:40:02,167 --> 00:40:05,701
Won't they let her see me?
I mean, it's been two weeks now.
557
00:40:05,837 --> 00:40:08,458
Mayhew, give me the reports.
558
00:40:08,590 --> 00:40:11,756
Have you been talking to her?
Is there something the matter?
559
00:40:11,885 --> 00:40:17,010
I want to read a portion of the evidence
of Janet McKenzie, the housekeeper.
560
00:40:21,061 --> 00:40:24,643
"Mr Vole helped Mrs French
with her business affairs,
561
00:40:24,773 --> 00:40:26,896
particularly her income tax returns."
562
00:40:27,025 --> 00:40:29,942
Oh, yes, I did. Some of those forms
are very complicated.
563
00:40:30,070 --> 00:40:33,355
There's also a hint you may
have helped her draft her new will.
564
00:40:33,490 --> 00:40:36,491
Well, that's not true!
If Janet said that she's lying.
565
00:40:36,618 --> 00:40:39,323
She was always against me,
I don't know why!
566
00:40:39,454 --> 00:40:45,658
It's obvious. You threw an eggbeater into
the wheels of her Victorian household.
567
00:40:45,794 --> 00:40:49,542
Now, this cut in your wrist.
You say you cut yourself with a knife?
568
00:40:49,673 --> 00:40:53,373
Well, that's true, I did.
I was cutting bread and the knife slipped.
569
00:40:53,510 --> 00:41:00,224
But that was two days after. Christine
was there. She'll tell them in her evidence.
570
00:41:01,476 --> 00:41:05,640
Are you keeping something from me?
Is she ill? Was she shocked?
571
00:41:05,772 --> 00:41:09,817
All things considered, she took it well.
Though that may be only on the surface.
572
00:41:09,943 --> 00:41:13,442
Wives are often profoundly
disturbed at such a time.
573
00:41:13,572 --> 00:41:16,573
Yes, it must be hard.
We've never been separated before.
574
00:41:16,700 --> 00:41:21,029
- Not since our first meeting.
- How did you meet your wife, Mr Vole?
575
00:41:21,163 --> 00:41:23,202
In Germany in 1945.
576
00:41:24,333 --> 00:41:30,003
It's rather funny. The very first time
I saw her, the ceiling fell right in on me.
577
00:41:30,130 --> 00:41:33,879
I was stationed outside Hamburg,
with an RAF maintenance unit.
578
00:41:34,009 --> 00:41:39,549
I'd just installed a shower in the officers'
billet, so they gave me a weekend pass.
579
00:41:39,681 --> 00:41:41,721
(music and cheers)
580
00:41:42,976 --> 00:41:43,972
(woman) Come on!
581
00:41:44,102 --> 00:41:45,645
[ Join the party ]
582
00:41:45,771 --> 00:41:48,855
[ Have a hearty glass of rum ]
583
00:41:48,982 --> 00:41:52,601
[ Don't ever think about tomorrow ]
584
00:41:52,736 --> 00:41:55,821
[ For tomorrow may never come ]
585
00:41:56,990 --> 00:42:00,276
[ When I find me a happy place ]
586
00:42:00,411 --> 00:42:03,447
[ That's where I wanna stay ]
587
00:42:03,580 --> 00:42:10,461
[ Time is nothing
as long as I'm living it up this way ]
588
00:42:10,587 --> 00:42:15,415
[ I may never go home any more ]
589
00:42:15,551 --> 00:42:18,967
[ Dim the lights
and start locking the door ]
590
00:42:19,096 --> 00:42:22,382
[ Give your arms to me
Give your charms to me ]
591
00:42:22,516 --> 00:42:26,099
[ After all that's what sailors are for ]
592
00:42:26,228 --> 00:42:31,223
[ I've got kisses and kisses galore ]
593
00:42:31,358 --> 00:42:34,644
[ That have never been tasted before ]
594
00:42:34,778 --> 00:42:38,029
[ If you treat me right
This could be the night ]
595
00:42:38,157 --> 00:42:39,699
[ I may never go home ]
596
00:42:39,950 --> 00:42:41,445
[ I may never go home ]
597
00:42:41,702 --> 00:42:43,362
[ I may never go home ]
598
00:42:43,621 --> 00:42:45,115
[ I may never go home ]
599
00:42:45,247 --> 00:42:48,747
[ I may never go home any more ]
600
00:42:52,671 --> 00:42:57,380
[ I may never go home any more ]
601
00:42:57,510 --> 00:43:00,676
Hey, Fr�ulein, show us some legs.
602
00:43:00,805 --> 00:43:04,933
They rob you blind
and then throw you a ruddy sailor!
603
00:43:05,059 --> 00:43:08,594
- Come on, let's see 'em.
- We want legs!
604
00:43:09,355 --> 00:43:12,558
Come help the cabaret out of her trousers!
605
00:43:12,692 --> 00:43:16,025
All right, Fr�ulein,
if you won't show 'em, I will.
606
00:43:16,153 --> 00:43:18,193
(cheering)
607
00:43:26,622 --> 00:43:28,662
(whistle)
608
00:43:42,889 --> 00:43:47,218
All right, outside, everybody.
Come on, let's go.
609
00:44:00,990 --> 00:44:02,069
Come on.
610
00:44:03,951 --> 00:44:06,822
Bring him round to the other truck.
611
00:44:10,917 --> 00:44:13,953
We'll be back, baby! We'll be back!
612
00:44:51,374 --> 00:44:53,414
Gesundheit.
613
00:45:00,258 --> 00:45:03,010
- What are you looking for?
- My accordion.
614
00:45:03,136 --> 00:45:05,212
Oh, let me help you.
615
00:45:05,347 --> 00:45:07,386
(discordant noise)
616
00:45:08,475 --> 00:45:12,473
- I think I found it.
- Step on it again, it's still breathing.
617
00:45:12,604 --> 00:45:14,063
(discordant noise)
618
00:45:14,189 --> 00:45:16,596
I'm terribly sorry.
619
00:45:16,733 --> 00:45:19,022
You better go. We've had trouble enough.
620
00:45:19,152 --> 00:45:23,197
Well, it's your own fault. That costume
in the picture gave the boys ideas
621
00:45:23,323 --> 00:45:27,700
- then those trousers let them down hard.
- That costume went in the first raid.
622
00:45:27,828 --> 00:45:31,362
Then raid by raid, my other dresses,
and now you've bombed my trousers.
623
00:45:31,498 --> 00:45:33,537
Cigarette? Gum?
624
00:45:42,509 --> 00:45:44,798
You're burning my nose.
625
00:45:44,928 --> 00:45:47,419
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- That's all right.
626
00:45:47,556 --> 00:45:50,094
How about a cup of coffee?
I've got a tin of coffee.
627
00:45:50,225 --> 00:45:51,767
How much?
628
00:45:51,893 --> 00:45:54,052
I don't know.
What's the rate of exchange?
629
00:45:54,187 --> 00:45:58,137
- Depends whether it's fresh or powdered.
- It's instant coffee.
630
00:45:58,275 --> 00:46:00,314
Got any hot water at your place?
631
00:46:00,444 --> 00:46:03,860
- Sometimes.
- Let's take a chance. Where do you live?
632
00:46:03,989 --> 00:46:05,613
Nearby.
633
00:46:06,491 --> 00:46:08,318
Come.
634
00:46:14,708 --> 00:46:16,831
Sorry, it's the maid's night off.
635
00:46:16,960 --> 00:46:20,579
This is pretty horrible.
In a gem�tlich sort of way.
636
00:46:20,714 --> 00:46:24,297
Oh, it's fine now.
I used to have a roommate. A dancer.
637
00:46:24,426 --> 00:46:27,795
She had luck, she married a Canadian.
She now lives in Toronto.
638
00:46:27,930 --> 00:46:30,681
She has a Ford automobile.
639
00:46:30,808 --> 00:46:33,892
Make yourself comfortable,
the stove is slow these days.
640
00:46:34,019 --> 00:46:37,269
That's all right, I've got a weekend pass.
641
00:46:37,398 --> 00:46:41,016
No, not that chair. It holds up the
beam and that holds up the ceiling.
642
00:46:41,151 --> 00:46:43,523
You'd better sit down on the cot.
643
00:46:43,654 --> 00:46:45,362
The cot?
644
00:46:45,489 --> 00:46:49,024
Getting more gem�tlich all the time.
Are you married?
645
00:46:49,159 --> 00:46:51,069
- Why?
- Well, the, um...
646
00:46:51,203 --> 00:46:53,824
Oh, that. No, no, I'm not married.
647
00:46:53,956 --> 00:46:57,870
I just wear it when I'm working.
Gives a little protection with all the men.
648
00:46:58,002 --> 00:47:02,747
- Didn't work too well tonight, did it?
- No, tonight was bad.
649
00:47:02,881 --> 00:47:05,123
But it's getting better.
650
00:47:08,846 --> 00:47:12,013
- Where's the coffee?
- Ah, coffee, ja voll.
651
00:47:12,141 --> 00:47:18,345
Finest Brazilian blend. The same brand
that Field Marshal Montgomery drinks.
652
00:47:35,081 --> 00:47:37,572
Is that a fair rate of exchange?
653
00:47:37,708 --> 00:47:39,748
Very fair.
654
00:47:40,670 --> 00:47:44,963
Would you be interested
in having the whole tin?
655
00:47:45,091 --> 00:47:47,130
I would.
656
00:47:56,143 --> 00:48:00,093
- How are you fixed for sugar?
- I could use some.
657
00:48:00,231 --> 00:48:01,974
Milk?
658
00:48:02,108 --> 00:48:03,935
Sure.
659
00:48:05,695 --> 00:48:07,937
Milk. Sugar.
660
00:48:09,115 --> 00:48:11,522
It's a pleasure to do business with you.
661
00:48:11,659 --> 00:48:13,486
Yeah.
662
00:48:18,583 --> 00:48:22,580
I also carry biscuits, powdered eggs,
663
00:48:22,712 --> 00:48:27,255
- bacon, marmalade.
- I don't know if I can afford it.
664
00:48:27,383 --> 00:48:31,511
Don't worry, we'll work out something,
like an instalment plan.
665
00:48:31,637 --> 00:48:35,137
[ I may never go home any more ]
666
00:48:41,272 --> 00:48:44,273
I'm terribly sorry.
Now you have no ceiling.
667
00:48:44,400 --> 00:48:48,315
- Maybe I can fix it, I'm good at it.
- Why fix it? It's not raining.
668
00:48:48,446 --> 00:48:49,774
Ooh.
669
00:48:49,906 --> 00:48:52,990
- Are you all right?
- I think so. My head aches a little.
670
00:48:53,117 --> 00:48:55,406
Maybe I can fix it.
671
00:48:55,536 --> 00:48:57,576
I'm good at it.
672
00:49:03,711 --> 00:49:06,629
I had a weekend pass,
a month's pay in my pocket.
673
00:49:06,756 --> 00:49:10,588
- And she already had a wedding ring.
- Yes, that's right.
674
00:49:10,718 --> 00:49:14,004
We got married. When I got out
of the service I brought her here.
675
00:49:14,139 --> 00:49:18,006
It was wonderful.
I rented a little flat, Edgware Road.
676
00:49:18,143 --> 00:49:21,642
First time she saw it, she was so happy
she broke down and cried.
677
00:49:21,771 --> 00:49:26,480
Naturally. She had a solid roof
over her head and a British passport.
678
00:49:26,609 --> 00:49:32,196
You don't know her, how she feels about
me. You will when she gives evidence.
679
00:49:32,323 --> 00:49:37,235
Mr Vole, I must tell you
I am not putting her in the witness box.
680
00:49:38,204 --> 00:49:40,197
You're not? Why not?
681
00:49:40,332 --> 00:49:44,080
She's a foreigner, unfamiliar
with the subtleties of our language.
682
00:49:44,210 --> 00:49:46,618
The prosecution could easily trip her up.
683
00:49:46,755 --> 00:49:49,874
I hear it may be Mr Myers for the crown.
We can't take chances.
684
00:49:50,008 --> 00:49:54,219
Quite. We'd better be going. Miss Plimsoll
is waiting in the car with her pills
685
00:49:54,346 --> 00:49:57,845
- and a Thermos of lukewarm cocoa.
- Officer.
686
00:49:57,974 --> 00:50:02,636
- But Christine must give evidence.
- Mr Vole, you must learn to trust me.
687
00:50:02,771 --> 00:50:07,599
For no other reason than I'm a mean,
ill-tempered old man who hates to lose.
688
00:50:07,734 --> 00:50:10,403
Let us wish each other luck.
689
00:50:15,742 --> 00:50:21,531
Look, I can't face this without Christine.
I tell you, I need her. Without her I'm sunk.
690
00:50:22,874 --> 00:50:26,374
Touching, isn't it?
The way he counts on his wife.
691
00:50:26,503 --> 00:50:31,461
Yes. Like a drowning man
clutching at a razor blade.
692
00:50:46,815 --> 00:50:52,189
Leonard Stephen Vole, you are
charged on indictment for that you,
693
00:50:52,321 --> 00:50:56,449
on the 14th day of October,
in the county of London,
694
00:50:56,575 --> 00:50:59,492
murdered Emily Jane French.
695
00:50:59,620 --> 00:51:02,324
How say you, Leonard Stephen Vole?
696
00:51:02,456 --> 00:51:05,540
Are you guilty or not guilty?
697
00:51:07,711 --> 00:51:09,170
Not guilty.
698
00:51:09,296 --> 00:51:11,004
(murmuring)
699
00:51:11,131 --> 00:51:13,254
Members of the jury,
700
00:51:13,383 --> 00:51:18,176
the prisoner stands indicted for that he,
on the 14th day of October,
701
00:51:18,305 --> 00:51:21,176
murdered Emily Jane French.
702
00:51:21,308 --> 00:51:25,057
To this indictment
he has pleaded not guilty.
703
00:51:25,187 --> 00:51:28,971
And it is your charge to say,
having heard the evidence,
704
00:51:29,108 --> 00:51:32,109
whether he be guilty or not.
705
00:51:36,365 --> 00:51:39,734
Members of the jury,
by the oath which you have just taken,
706
00:51:39,868 --> 00:51:43,403
you have sworn
to try this case on the evidence.
707
00:51:43,539 --> 00:51:46,160
You must shut out
from your minds everything
708
00:51:46,292 --> 00:51:49,874
except what will take place in this court.
709
00:51:50,004 --> 00:51:53,538
You may proceed
for the prosecution, Mr Myers.
710
00:51:53,674 --> 00:51:57,209
May it please you, my lord.
Members of the jury,
711
00:51:57,344 --> 00:52:02,090
I appear in this case with my learned
friend, Mr Barton, for the prosecution.
712
00:52:02,224 --> 00:52:06,139
And my learned friends
Sir Wilfrid Robarts and Mr Brogan-Moore
713
00:52:06,270 --> 00:52:08,310
appear for the defence.
714
00:52:12,318 --> 00:52:14,643
I trust we are not to be deprived
715
00:52:14,779 --> 00:52:17,696
of the learned and stimulating
presence of Sir Wilfrid?
716
00:52:17,823 --> 00:52:22,153
My lord, may I assure my learned friend
that Sir Wilfrid is in the Old Bailey.
717
00:52:22,286 --> 00:52:25,489
He's slightly incapacitated,
but will be in his seat presently.
718
00:52:25,623 --> 00:52:30,783
My lord, may I express my regret that
Sir Wilfrid is even slightly incapacitated.
719
00:52:30,920 --> 00:52:36,341
You may, Mr Myers. You may also
proceed with the case for the prosecution.
720
00:52:36,467 --> 00:52:38,709
Thank you, my lord.
721
00:52:38,844 --> 00:52:42,794
The facts in this case are simple
and, to a point, not in dispute.
722
00:52:42,932 --> 00:52:47,060
You will hear how the prisoner made
the acquaintance of Mrs Emily French,
723
00:52:47,186 --> 00:52:48,764
a woman of 56.
724
00:52:48,896 --> 00:52:53,309
How he was treated by her
with kindness and even affection.
725
00:52:53,442 --> 00:52:56,016
On the night of October 14 last,
726
00:52:56,154 --> 00:53:00,151
between 9.30 and 10,
Mrs French was murdered.
727
00:53:01,242 --> 00:53:03,780
Medical testimony
will be introduced to prove
728
00:53:03,911 --> 00:53:07,245
that death was caused by a blow
from a blunt and heavy instrument,
729
00:53:07,373 --> 00:53:09,995
and it is the case for the prosecution
730
00:53:10,126 --> 00:53:13,329
that the blow was dealt
by the prisoner, Leonard Vole.
731
00:53:13,463 --> 00:53:15,502
That's not true! I didn't do it!
732
00:53:15,631 --> 00:53:16,580
(murmuring)
733
00:53:18,176 --> 00:53:20,927
Among the witnesses,
you will hear police evidence,
734
00:53:21,054 --> 00:53:24,886
also the evidence of Mrs French's
housekeeper, Janet McKenzie,
735
00:53:25,016 --> 00:53:27,803
and from the medical
and laboratory experts,
736
00:53:27,936 --> 00:53:33,606
and the evidence of the murdered
woman's solicitor, who drew her final will.
737
00:53:33,733 --> 00:53:37,517
I now call Chief Inspector Hearne,
Criminal Investigation Department,
738
00:53:37,654 --> 00:53:40,489
- New Scotland Yard.
- (man) Chief Inspector Hearne.
739
00:53:40,615 --> 00:53:43,699
- Chief Inspector Hearne.
- Chief Inspector Hearne.
740
00:54:01,636 --> 00:54:06,298
This is ridiculous. Just nervous heartburn.
I always get it the first day of a trial.
741
00:54:06,433 --> 00:54:09,102
240 above 130.
You shouldn't be here at all.
742
00:54:09,227 --> 00:54:12,347
- I should be in court, the trial's begun.
- Syringe, please.
743
00:54:12,480 --> 00:54:14,888
Be a good, brave boy, Sir Wilfrid.
744
00:54:15,025 --> 00:54:18,857
It may interest you to know
that I am descended from a warrior family
745
00:54:18,987 --> 00:54:24,361
which traces its brave past
back to Richard the Lion-Hearted.
746
00:54:26,745 --> 00:54:28,951
You're to have a calcium injection daily,
747
00:54:29,080 --> 00:54:32,948
- tranquillising pill every hour.
- I'll set my wristwatch alarm.
748
00:54:33,084 --> 00:54:37,082
Any pain or shortness of breath,
pop one of these nitroglycerin tablets
749
00:54:37,214 --> 00:54:39,965
under your tongue.
Oh, and I'll leave you some...
750
00:54:40,091 --> 00:54:44,338
That's enough, Doctor.
The judge will be asking for a saliva test.
751
00:54:44,471 --> 00:54:49,049
Carter, I'd better take
that Thermos of cocoa with me.
752
00:54:49,184 --> 00:54:52,019
- Helps me wash down the pills.
- Let me see it, please.
753
00:54:52,145 --> 00:54:57,519
My learned patient is not above
substituting brandy for cocoa.
754
00:54:57,651 --> 00:55:00,189
It is cocoa. So sorry.
755
00:55:00,320 --> 00:55:03,357
If you were a woman, Miss Plimsoll,
I would strike you.
756
00:55:03,490 --> 00:55:06,159
Take care of this, Carter.
757
00:55:07,828 --> 00:55:11,493
Now, Sir Wilfrid, in the courtroom,
you must avoid overexcitement.
758
00:55:11,623 --> 00:55:13,034
Yes, Doctor, yes, yes.
759
00:55:13,166 --> 00:55:15,871
Watch your temper.
Keep your blood pressure down.
760
00:55:16,003 --> 00:55:20,546
Thank you, Doctor, I shall be quite safe,
what with the pills and the cocoa.
761
00:55:20,674 --> 00:55:22,713
Come along, Carter.
762
00:55:23,885 --> 00:55:26,886
From the body temperature
and other factors,
763
00:55:27,014 --> 00:55:30,762
we placed the time of death
at between 9.30 and 10pm,
764
00:55:30,893 --> 00:55:36,397
approximately 30 minutes before Janet
McKenzie returned home and called us.
765
00:55:37,024 --> 00:55:42,647
Death was instantaneous, caused by one
blow from a heavy and blunt instrument.
766
00:55:42,779 --> 00:55:44,938
Were there any signs of a struggle?
767
00:55:45,073 --> 00:55:47,399
None. Just the one blow.
768
00:55:47,534 --> 00:55:51,484
Would that indicate that the murderer
had taken Mrs French by surprise?
769
00:55:51,622 --> 00:55:54,907
My lord, I must object.
770
00:55:55,751 --> 00:55:59,416
My learned friend refers
to the assailant as "the murderer".
771
00:55:59,546 --> 00:56:03,129
We have not yet determined whether
the assailant was a man or a woman.
772
00:56:03,258 --> 00:56:06,212
It could quite conceivably
have been "the murderess".
773
00:56:06,345 --> 00:56:12,300
Mr Myers, Sir Wilfrid has joined us just in
time to catch you on a point of grammar.
774
00:56:12,434 --> 00:56:14,593
Please rephrase your question.
775
00:56:14,728 --> 00:56:20,767
Yes, my lord. Inspector,
is it your opinion that the assailant,
776
00:56:20,901 --> 00:56:25,065
whether he, she or it,
had taken Mrs French by surprise?
777
00:56:25,197 --> 00:56:27,404
My lord, I am taken by surprise
778
00:56:27,533 --> 00:56:32,409
that my learned friend should try to solicit
from the witness an opinion, not a fact.
779
00:56:32,538 --> 00:56:35,455
Quite so. You'll have
to do better than that, Mr Myers.
780
00:56:35,583 --> 00:56:37,908
My lord, I withdraw the question entirely.
781
00:56:38,043 --> 00:56:40,713
- Is that better?
- That's much better.
782
00:56:40,838 --> 00:56:42,877
(murmuring)
783
00:56:46,552 --> 00:56:48,426
Silence! Silence!
784
00:56:48,554 --> 00:56:50,594
(gavel)
785
00:56:51,724 --> 00:56:54,641
Very well, Inspector,
let us proceed with the facts.
786
00:56:54,769 --> 00:56:59,181
After establishing the cause and the time
of death, what did you then do?
787
00:56:59,315 --> 00:57:03,147
A search was made, photographs were
taken and the premises fingerprinted.
788
00:57:03,277 --> 00:57:07,441
- What fingerprints did you discover?
- I found the fingerprints of Mrs French,
789
00:57:07,573 --> 00:57:12,034
those of Janet McKenzie, and some which
later proved to be those of Leonard Vole.
790
00:57:12,161 --> 00:57:14,367
- No others?
- No others.
791
00:57:14,497 --> 00:57:19,289
Did you say the room had the appearance
that a robbery had been committed?
792
00:57:19,418 --> 00:57:24,793
Yes. Things were strewn about and the
window had been broken near the catch.
793
00:57:24,924 --> 00:57:28,922
There was glass on the floor,
and fragments were found outside.
794
00:57:29,053 --> 00:57:34,510
The glass outside was not consistent with
the window being forced from the outside.
795
00:57:34,642 --> 00:57:41,356
You're saying that someone made it look
as if it had been forced from the outside?
796
00:57:41,482 --> 00:57:45,860
My lord, I must object. My learned friend
is putting words in the witness' mouth.
797
00:57:45,987 --> 00:57:48,904
After all, if he insists
on answering his own questions,
798
00:57:49,032 --> 00:57:52,447
the presence of the witness
would seem superfluous.
799
00:57:52,577 --> 00:57:55,032
Quite. Don't you think so, Mr Myers?
800
00:57:55,163 --> 00:57:57,202
Yes, my lord.
801
00:57:58,333 --> 00:57:59,743
Inspector,
802
00:57:59,876 --> 00:58:03,494
did you ascertain if any of the murdered
woman's property was missing?
803
00:58:03,630 --> 00:58:06,714
According to the housekeeper,
nothing was missing.
804
00:58:06,841 --> 00:58:12,464
In your experience, Inspector,
when burglars or burglaresses
805
00:58:12,597 --> 00:58:16,511
break into a house,
do they leave without taking anything?
806
00:58:16,643 --> 00:58:17,757
No, sir.
807
00:58:17,894 --> 00:58:20,811
- Do you produce a jacket, Inspector?
- Yes, sir.
808
00:58:20,939 --> 00:58:23,180
Is that the jacket?
809
00:58:26,402 --> 00:58:30,234
- Yes, sir.
- That is exhibit P1, my lord.
810
00:58:30,365 --> 00:58:32,404
Where did you find this, Inspector?
811
00:58:32,534 --> 00:58:35,107
That is the jacket
found in the prisoner's flat,
812
00:58:35,245 --> 00:58:37,736
which I handed to our lab
to test for bloodstains.
813
00:58:37,872 --> 00:58:40,328
- And did you find any bloodstains?
- Yes.
814
00:58:40,458 --> 00:58:43,032
Though an attempt
had been made to wash them out.
815
00:58:43,169 --> 00:58:45,043
What tests were made?
816
00:58:45,171 --> 00:58:49,383
First to determine
if the stains were human blood,
817
00:58:49,509 --> 00:58:51,917
then to classify it by group or type.
818
00:58:52,053 --> 00:58:54,723
And was the blood
of a particular group or type?
819
00:58:54,848 --> 00:58:57,765
Yes, sir. It is type O.
820
00:58:57,892 --> 00:59:01,178
And did you subsequently
test the blood of the dead woman?
821
00:59:01,313 --> 00:59:03,638
- Yes, sir.
- What type was that?
822
00:59:05,066 --> 00:59:07,474
- The same. Type O.
- (murmuring)
823
00:59:07,611 --> 00:59:11,395
Thank you, Inspector.
No further questions.
824
00:59:11,531 --> 00:59:16,573
Inspector, you say the only fingerprints
you found were those of Mrs French,
825
00:59:16,703 --> 00:59:19,111
Janet McKenzie and Leonard Vole.
826
00:59:19,247 --> 00:59:24,205
In your experience, when a burglar breaks
in, does he usually leave fingerprints
827
00:59:24,336 --> 00:59:26,708
- or does he wear gloves?
- He wears gloves.
828
00:59:26,838 --> 00:59:29,163
So the absence
of fingerprints in a robbery
829
00:59:29,299 --> 00:59:31,505
- would hardly surprise you?
- No, sir.
830
00:59:31,635 --> 00:59:35,632
Can't we surmise the burglar might have
entered a presumably empty house,
831
00:59:35,764 --> 00:59:38,469
suddenly encountered
Mrs French and struck her,
832
00:59:38,600 --> 00:59:41,934
then, realising she was dead,
fled without taking anything?
833
00:59:42,062 --> 00:59:44,635
I submit, my lord,
that it is entirely impossible
834
00:59:44,773 --> 00:59:49,352
to guess what went on in the mind
of some entirely imaginary burglar.
835
00:59:49,486 --> 00:59:51,728
With or without gloves.
836
00:59:51,863 --> 00:59:55,778
Let us not surmise, Sir Wilfrid,
but confine ourselves to facts.
837
00:59:58,120 --> 01:00:02,367
Inspector, when you questioned
the prisoner as to the stains on his jacket,
838
01:00:02,499 --> 01:00:06,544
did he not show you
a recently-healed scar on his wrist,
839
01:00:06,670 --> 01:00:11,415
- saying he had cut himself slicing bread?
- Yes, sir, that is what he said.
840
01:00:11,550 --> 01:00:14,302
And were you not told
the same thing by his wife?
841
01:00:14,428 --> 01:00:18,295
- Yes, sir. But afterwards...
- Just a simple yes or no, please.
842
01:00:18,432 --> 01:00:20,804
Did the prisoner's wife show you a knife
843
01:00:20,934 --> 01:00:24,979
and tell you that her husband
had cut his wrist while slicing bread?
844
01:00:25,105 --> 01:00:29,732
- Yes, sir.
- I will ask you to examine this knife.
845
01:00:33,947 --> 01:00:37,613
Just test the edge of it
with your finger. Carefully!
846
01:00:37,743 --> 01:00:41,741
You agree that the point
and the cutting edge are razor-sharp?
847
01:00:41,872 --> 01:00:44,328
- Yes, sir.
- Now, if such a knife were to slip,
848
01:00:44,458 --> 01:00:47,494
might it not inflict a cut
that would bleed profusely?
849
01:00:47,628 --> 01:00:48,826
Yes, sir, it might.
850
01:00:48,963 --> 01:00:54,087
Inspector, you stated that the bloodstains
on the prisoner's jacket were analysed,
851
01:00:54,218 --> 01:00:59,176
as was the blood of Mrs French, and
they were both found to be of group O.
852
01:00:59,306 --> 01:01:01,762
- That is correct.
- However,
853
01:01:01,892 --> 01:01:05,344
if the prisoner's blood
were also of this same group,
854
01:01:05,479 --> 01:01:08,184
then the stains on his jacket
may well have resulted
855
01:01:08,315 --> 01:01:11,020
from the household accident
he described to you.
856
01:01:11,152 --> 01:01:13,559
Yes, sir.
857
01:01:13,696 --> 01:01:17,480
Did you examine
the prisoner's blood, Inspector?
858
01:01:17,616 --> 01:01:19,159
No, sir.
859
01:01:20,870 --> 01:01:23,740
I have here a certificate
860
01:01:23,873 --> 01:01:28,167
stating that Leonard Stephen Vole
is a blood donor
861
01:01:28,294 --> 01:01:30,583
at the North London Hospital.
862
01:01:30,713 --> 01:01:34,129
And that his blood is group O.
863
01:01:34,258 --> 01:01:36,298
(murmuring)
864
01:01:38,804 --> 01:01:41,260
Thank you, Inspector.
865
01:01:44,226 --> 01:01:48,935
Inspector, granted that the cut
on the wrist was caused by that knife,
866
01:01:49,065 --> 01:01:52,149
is there anything to show
whether it was an accident
867
01:01:52,276 --> 01:01:56,356
or done deliberately after the murder
to account for the bloodstains?
868
01:01:56,489 --> 01:01:59,276
- Oh, really, my lord!
- I withdraw the question.
869
01:01:59,408 --> 01:02:00,819
You may stand down.
870
01:02:03,704 --> 01:02:06,705
- Call Janet McKenzie.
- Janet McKenzie.
871
01:02:06,833 --> 01:02:09,703
- Janet McKenzie.
- Janet McKenzie.
872
01:02:33,026 --> 01:02:35,813
I swear by Almighty God
that the evidence...
873
01:02:35,945 --> 01:02:37,985
(buzzer)
874
01:02:38,323 --> 01:02:41,692
...the truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth.
875
01:02:41,826 --> 01:02:45,029
Carter. Carter. Pill. Pill.
876
01:02:45,163 --> 01:02:48,662
- Your name is Janet McKenzie?
- Aye, that's my name.
877
01:02:48,791 --> 01:02:53,786
- When did you first come to London?
- That was many years ago. 28 years ago.
878
01:02:53,922 --> 01:02:58,418
- Where do you live?
- Now that Mrs French, poor soul, is dead,
879
01:02:58,551 --> 01:03:02,300
I've moved in with my niece
at 19 Glenister Road.
880
01:03:02,430 --> 01:03:05,680
You were companion-housekeeper
to the late Mrs Emily French?
881
01:03:05,809 --> 01:03:08,975
I was her housekeeper!
I've no opinion of companions,
882
01:03:09,103 --> 01:03:12,389
poor feckless bodies, afraid
of a bit of honest domestic work.
883
01:03:12,524 --> 01:03:17,731
I meant you were on friendly terms, not
altogether those of mistress and servant.
884
01:03:17,862 --> 01:03:20,982
Aye. Ten years I was with her
and looked after her.
885
01:03:21,116 --> 01:03:23,785
She knew me and she trusted me.
886
01:03:23,910 --> 01:03:26,781
Many's the time
I prevented her doing a foolish thing.
887
01:03:26,913 --> 01:03:31,789
Please tell us, in your own words, about
the events of the evening of October 14.
888
01:03:32,502 --> 01:03:36,547
It was a Friday and my night out. I was
going to see my niece at Glenister Road,
889
01:03:36,673 --> 01:03:41,134
which is about five minutes' walk.
I left the house at half past seven.
890
01:03:41,261 --> 01:03:45,508
I promised to take her
a dress pattern that she admired.
891
01:03:45,640 --> 01:03:49,258
- Och, is this thing necessary?
- An excellent question.
892
01:03:49,394 --> 01:03:53,807
However, it has been installed at
considerable expense to the taxpayers,
893
01:03:53,940 --> 01:03:57,605
so let us take advantage of it.
Please continue.
894
01:03:57,736 --> 01:04:01,520
Well, when I got to my niece's,
I found I'd left the pattern behind.
895
01:04:01,656 --> 01:04:05,072
So after supper I slipped
back to get it as it was no distance.
896
01:04:05,202 --> 01:04:08,487
I got back to the house at 25 past 9.
897
01:04:08,622 --> 01:04:10,947
I let myself in
and went upstairs to my room.
898
01:04:11,083 --> 01:04:16,290
As I passed the sitting room, I heard the
prisoner in there, talking to Mrs French.
899
01:04:16,421 --> 01:04:20,549
- No, it wasn't me! It wasn't my voice!
- (court murmurs)
900
01:04:20,675 --> 01:04:22,715
Talking and laughing they were.
901
01:04:22,844 --> 01:04:26,379
But it was no business of mine,
so I went upstairs to fetch my pattern.
902
01:04:26,515 --> 01:04:29,931
Now, let us be very exact as to the time.
903
01:04:30,060 --> 01:04:33,974
You say that you
re-entered the house at 25 past 9?
904
01:04:34,106 --> 01:04:38,518
Aye. The pattern was on a shelf in my
room next to my clock so I saw the time.
905
01:04:38,652 --> 01:04:43,113
- And it was 25 past 9.
- Go on, please.
906
01:04:43,240 --> 01:04:49,243
I went back to my niece. Och,
she was delighted with the pattern. Si...
907
01:04:51,123 --> 01:04:57,457
Simply delighted. I stayed until 20 to 11,
then I said good night and I come home.
908
01:04:57,588 --> 01:05:01,372
I went into the sitting room to see
if the mistress wanted anything
909
01:05:01,508 --> 01:05:03,548
before she went to bed.
910
01:05:03,677 --> 01:05:08,220
And there she was, dead.
And everything tossed hither and thither.
911
01:05:08,348 --> 01:05:11,266
Did you really think
that a burglary had been committed?
912
01:05:11,393 --> 01:05:13,433
My lord, I must protest!
913
01:05:13,562 --> 01:05:17,726
I will not allow that question
to be answered, Mr Myers.
914
01:05:17,858 --> 01:05:21,772
Miss McKenzie, were you aware
that Leonard Vole was a married man?
915
01:05:21,904 --> 01:05:24,774
No, indeed.
And neither was the mistress.
916
01:05:24,907 --> 01:05:26,946
- Janet!
- My lord, I must object.
917
01:05:27,076 --> 01:05:32,034
What Mrs French knew or did not know is
pure conjecture on Janet McKenzie's part.
918
01:05:33,540 --> 01:05:35,913
Let me put it this way.
You formed the opinion
919
01:05:36,043 --> 01:05:39,542
that Mrs French thought
Leonard Vole was a single man?
920
01:05:39,672 --> 01:05:43,171
- Have you any facts to support this?
- The books that she ordered.
921
01:05:43,300 --> 01:05:48,176
A life of the Baroness Burdett-Coutts,
and the one about Disraeli and his wife.
922
01:05:48,305 --> 01:05:52,350
Both of them about women that married
men years younger than themselves. Oh!
923
01:05:52,476 --> 01:05:56,141
- I knew what she was thinking.
- I'm afraid we cannot admit that.
924
01:05:56,272 --> 01:05:58,893
- Why?
- (laughter)
925
01:05:59,024 --> 01:06:04,232
Members of the jury, it is possible
for a woman to read The Life of Disraeli
926
01:06:04,363 --> 01:06:08,491
without contemplating marriage
with a man younger than herself.
927
01:06:08,617 --> 01:06:10,776
(laughter)
928
01:06:10,911 --> 01:06:16,250
Were you aware of the arrangements Mrs
French made to dispose of her money?
929
01:06:16,375 --> 01:06:19,875
She had her old will revoked
and a new one drawn up.
930
01:06:20,004 --> 01:06:22,411
I heard her calling Mr Stokes,
her solicitor.
931
01:06:22,548 --> 01:06:25,502
He was there at the time.
The prisoner, I mean.
932
01:06:26,010 --> 01:06:29,461
You heard Mrs French
and the prisoner discussing her new will?
933
01:06:29,597 --> 01:06:32,432
Yes. He was to have all her money,
she told him,
934
01:06:32,558 --> 01:06:36,971
as she had no near relations nor anybody
that meant to her what he did.
935
01:06:37,104 --> 01:06:40,520
- When did this take place?
- On October 8.
936
01:06:40,650 --> 01:06:43,935
One week to the day
before she was murdered.
937
01:06:44,070 --> 01:06:47,320
Thank you.
That concludes my examination.
938
01:06:48,241 --> 01:06:50,910
Not just yet, Miss McKenzie.
939
01:06:51,994 --> 01:06:55,161
Would you...? Thank you.
940
01:06:55,289 --> 01:06:59,667
Miss McKenzie, you have
given evidence about two wills.
941
01:06:59,794 --> 01:07:01,833
In the old will, that which was revoked,
942
01:07:01,963 --> 01:07:05,795
were you not to receive
the bulk of Mrs French's estate?
943
01:07:05,925 --> 01:07:07,123
That's so.
944
01:07:07,260 --> 01:07:11,554
Whereas in the new will, except for
a bequest to you of a small annuity,
945
01:07:11,681 --> 01:07:15,346
the principal beneficiary
is the prisoner, Leonard Vole.
946
01:07:15,476 --> 01:07:19,260
It'll be a wicked injustice
if he ever touches a penny of that money.
947
01:07:19,397 --> 01:07:23,726
It is entirely understandable
that you are antagonistic to the prisoner.
948
01:07:23,860 --> 01:07:26,433
I'm not antagonistic to him.
949
01:07:26,571 --> 01:07:30,569
He's a shiftless, scheming rascal.
But I'm not antagonistic to him.
950
01:07:30,700 --> 01:07:31,482
(laughter)
951
01:07:31,618 --> 01:07:33,657
I suggest you formed this opinion
952
01:07:33,786 --> 01:07:37,570
because his friendship with Mrs French
cost you the bulk of her estate.
953
01:07:37,707 --> 01:07:41,871
- I've never liked him.
- Your candour is refreshing.
954
01:07:42,003 --> 01:07:44,708
Now. On the night of October 14
955
01:07:44,839 --> 01:07:48,125
you say you heard the prisoner
and Mrs French talking together.
956
01:07:48,259 --> 01:07:51,711
- What did you hear them say?
- I didn't hear what they actually said.
957
01:07:51,846 --> 01:07:54,384
You mean you only heard the voices?
958
01:07:54,516 --> 01:07:57,351
- The murmur of voices?
- They were laughing.
959
01:07:57,477 --> 01:08:00,597
What makes you say
the man's voice was Leonard Vole's?
960
01:08:00,730 --> 01:08:05,108
- I know his voice well enough.
- The door was closed, was it not?
961
01:08:05,235 --> 01:08:08,686
- Aye, that's so.
- You were in a hurry to get the pattern
962
01:08:08,822 --> 01:08:11,739
so you probably walked
quickly past the closed door,
963
01:08:11,866 --> 01:08:14,571
yet you are sure
you heard Leonard Vole's voice?
964
01:08:14,703 --> 01:08:17,490
I was there long enough
to hear what I heard.
965
01:08:17,622 --> 01:08:23,826
Come, I'm sure you don't wish to suggest
to the jury that you were eavesdropping.
966
01:08:23,962 --> 01:08:26,500
It was him in there.
Who else could it have been?
967
01:08:26,631 --> 01:08:30,925
What you mean is that you wanted it to
be him. That's the way your mind worked.
968
01:08:31,052 --> 01:08:35,133
Now, tell me, did Mrs French sometimes
watch television in the evening?
969
01:08:35,265 --> 01:08:38,266
Yes. She was fond
of a talk or a good play.
970
01:08:38,393 --> 01:08:41,643
Wasn't it possible when you
returned home and passed the door,
971
01:08:41,771 --> 01:08:43,930
what you really heard was the television
972
01:08:44,065 --> 01:08:46,639
and a man and woman's
voices and laughter?
973
01:08:46,777 --> 01:08:51,237
There was a play called Lover's Leap
on the television that night.
974
01:08:52,407 --> 01:08:56,820
- It was not the television.
- Oh, why not?
975
01:08:56,953 --> 01:09:01,995
Because the television was away
being repaired that week, that's why.
976
01:09:02,125 --> 01:09:03,833
(laughter)
977
01:09:09,591 --> 01:09:11,631
(gavel)
978
01:09:12,636 --> 01:09:14,510
Silence! Silence!
979
01:09:16,223 --> 01:09:19,343
Odd. It's not time yet.
980
01:09:19,476 --> 01:09:22,512
If my learned friend has no further
questions, I'd like...
981
01:09:22,646 --> 01:09:25,730
I have not quite finished.
982
01:09:25,857 --> 01:09:30,484
You are registered, are you not,
under the National Health Insurance Act?
983
01:09:30,612 --> 01:09:34,361
Aye, that's so.
Four and sixpence I pay out every week.
984
01:09:34,491 --> 01:09:37,528
That's a terrible lot of money
for a working woman to pay.
985
01:09:37,661 --> 01:09:40,579
I am sure that many agree with you.
986
01:09:40,706 --> 01:09:47,124
Miss McKenzie, did you recently apply
to the National Health Insurance for...
987
01:09:47,254 --> 01:09:50,872
- (quietly)... a hearing aid?
- For... for what?
988
01:09:51,008 --> 01:09:54,009
I protest against the way
in which this question was put!
989
01:09:54,136 --> 01:09:57,220
I will repeat the question, my lord.
990
01:09:57,348 --> 01:10:03,302
I asked you in a normal tone of voice,
audible to everyone in open court,
991
01:10:03,437 --> 01:10:08,313
did you apply to the National Health
Insurance for a hearing aid?
992
01:10:08,442 --> 01:10:09,473
Yes, I did.
993
01:10:09,610 --> 01:10:12,017
- Did you get it?
- Not yet.
994
01:10:12,154 --> 01:10:17,445
However, you state that you walked past
a door, which is four inches of solid oak,
995
01:10:17,576 --> 01:10:20,779
you heard voices,
and you are willing to swear
996
01:10:20,913 --> 01:10:23,997
that you could distinguish the voice of...
997
01:10:24,124 --> 01:10:26,331
(quietly)... the prisoner, Leonard Vole.
998
01:10:26,460 --> 01:10:28,500
Who? Who?
999
01:10:28,629 --> 01:10:29,578
(murmuring)
1000
01:10:29,713 --> 01:10:31,753
No further questions.
1001
01:10:34,135 --> 01:10:36,507
Och, maybe you could help me,
Your Lordship.
1002
01:10:36,637 --> 01:10:40,717
Six months ago I applied for
my hearing aid, and I'm still waiting for it.
1003
01:10:40,850 --> 01:10:45,808
My dear Miss McKenzie, considering
the rubbish that is being talked nowadays,
1004
01:10:45,938 --> 01:10:48,892
you are missing very little.
You may stand down now.
1005
01:10:49,024 --> 01:10:51,432
(laughter)
1006
01:10:51,569 --> 01:10:54,819
(Myers) Call Police Constable Jeffries.
1007
01:10:54,947 --> 01:10:59,241
- Police Constable Jeffries.
- Police Constable Jeffries.
1008
01:11:09,795 --> 01:11:12,631
I swear by Almighty God
that the evidence I shall give
1009
01:11:12,757 --> 01:11:17,834
shall be the truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth.
1010
01:11:31,108 --> 01:11:33,979
Mr Myers, does that conclude your case?
1011
01:11:34,112 --> 01:11:39,106
No, my lord. I now call the final witness
for the prosecution, Christine Helm.
1012
01:11:39,617 --> 01:11:43,033
- Christine Helm!
- Christine Helm.
1013
01:11:54,674 --> 01:11:56,713
Christine.
1014
01:12:07,562 --> 01:12:10,267
I swear by Almighty God
that the evidence I shall give
1015
01:12:10,398 --> 01:12:14,016
shall be the truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth.
1016
01:12:14,152 --> 01:12:16,773
My lord, I have the most serious objection
1017
01:12:16,905 --> 01:12:20,985
to this witness being summoned,
as she is the wife of the prisoner.
1018
01:12:21,117 --> 01:12:23,193
I call my learned friend's attention
1019
01:12:23,328 --> 01:12:27,871
to the fact that I summoned
not Mrs Vole, but Mrs Helm.
1020
01:12:27,999 --> 01:12:32,079
- Your name, in fact, is Christine Helm?
- Yes. Christine Helm.
1021
01:12:32,212 --> 01:12:35,830
And you have been living
as the wife of the prisoner, Leonard Vole?
1022
01:12:35,965 --> 01:12:38,635
- Yes.
- Are you actually his wife?
1023
01:12:39,177 --> 01:12:40,719
No.
1024
01:12:40,845 --> 01:12:45,342
I went through a marriage ceremony
with him, but I already had a husband.
1025
01:12:45,475 --> 01:12:48,096
- He's still alive.
- Christine, that's not true!
1026
01:12:48,228 --> 01:12:51,679
There is proof of a marriage
between the witness and the prisoner,
1027
01:12:51,815 --> 01:12:54,769
but is there any proof
of a so-called previous marriage?
1028
01:12:54,901 --> 01:13:00,524
My lord, the so-called previous marriage
is, in fact, well-documented.
1029
01:13:00,657 --> 01:13:06,660
Mrs Helm, is this a certificate of marriage
between yourself and Otto Ludwig Helm,
1030
01:13:06,788 --> 01:13:11,497
the ceremony having taken place
in Breslau on 18 April 1942?
1031
01:13:11,626 --> 01:13:14,461
Yes, that is the paper of my marriage.
1032
01:13:14,588 --> 01:13:20,507
I don't see any reason why this witness
should not be qualified to give evidence.
1033
01:13:24,723 --> 01:13:29,266
You're willing to give evidence against the
man you've been calling your husband?
1034
01:13:29,394 --> 01:13:30,853
Yes.
1035
01:13:31,521 --> 01:13:35,270
You stated to the police that on the night
that Mrs French was murdered,
1036
01:13:35,400 --> 01:13:40,643
Leonard Vole left the house at 7.30
and returned at 25 minutes past 9.
1037
01:13:40,781 --> 01:13:43,402
Did he, in fact, return at 25 past 9?
1038
01:13:45,077 --> 01:13:48,243
No. He returned at ten minutes past ten.
1039
01:13:48,372 --> 01:13:53,034
Christine, what are you saying?
It's not true. You know it's not true!
1040
01:13:53,168 --> 01:13:54,627
(murmuring)
1041
01:13:56,630 --> 01:13:58,753
Silence!
1042
01:13:58,882 --> 01:14:00,922
I must have silence.
1043
01:14:02,344 --> 01:14:05,345
As your counsel will tell you,
Vole, you will very shortly
1044
01:14:05,472 --> 01:14:08,426
have an opportunity of
speaking in your own defence.
1045
01:14:08,559 --> 01:14:12,687
Leonard Vole returned, you say,
at ten minutes past ten.
1046
01:14:12,813 --> 01:14:16,348
- And what happened next?
- He was breathing hard, very excited.
1047
01:14:16,483 --> 01:14:19,188
He threw off his coat
and examined the sleeves.
1048
01:14:19,319 --> 01:14:21,526
Then he told me to wash the cuffs.
1049
01:14:21,655 --> 01:14:23,813
- They had blood on them.
- Go on.
1050
01:14:23,949 --> 01:14:26,950
- I said "What have you done?"
- What did the prisoner say?
1051
01:14:27,077 --> 01:14:29,319
He said "I've killed her."
1052
01:14:29,455 --> 01:14:33,951
Christine! Why are you lying?
Why are you saying these things?
1053
01:14:34,084 --> 01:14:38,248
- What an awful woman.
- She's evil. I've known it all along.
1054
01:14:41,508 --> 01:14:44,960
If the defence so desires,
I will adjourn for a short time
1055
01:14:45,095 --> 01:14:48,262
so that the prisoner
may gain control of himself.
1056
01:14:48,390 --> 01:14:52,139
My lord is most gracious,
but pray let the witness continue.
1057
01:14:52,269 --> 01:14:56,516
We are all of us caught up
in the suspense of this horror fiction.
1058
01:14:56,649 --> 01:15:00,516
To have to hear it in instalments
might prove unendurable.
1059
01:15:00,653 --> 01:15:03,570
- Proceed, Mr Myers.
- Mrs Helm,
1060
01:15:03,697 --> 01:15:08,490
when the prisoner said "I have killed her",
did you know to whom he referred?
1061
01:15:08,619 --> 01:15:11,454
It was that woman
he had been seeing so often.
1062
01:15:11,580 --> 01:15:16,326
When questioned by the police, you told
them that the prisoner returned at 9.25.
1063
01:15:16,460 --> 01:15:18,832
Yes. Because Leonard
asked me to say that.
1064
01:15:18,963 --> 01:15:21,039
But you've changed your story now. Why?
1065
01:15:21,173 --> 01:15:23,380
I cannot go on lying to save him.
1066
01:15:23,509 --> 01:15:26,843
I said to the police what he wanted
because I'm grateful to him.
1067
01:15:26,971 --> 01:15:29,722
He married me
and brought me to this country.
1068
01:15:29,849 --> 01:15:32,885
What he has asked me to do I have
because I was grateful.
1069
01:15:33,019 --> 01:15:36,055
It was not because
he was your husband and you loved him?
1070
01:15:36,188 --> 01:15:38,228
I never loved him.
1071
01:15:38,733 --> 01:15:41,899
It was gratitude, then,
that prompted you to give him an alibi
1072
01:15:42,028 --> 01:15:45,527
- in your statement to the police?
- That is it. Exactly.
1073
01:15:45,656 --> 01:15:49,191
- But now you think it was wrong to do so.
- Because it is murder.
1074
01:15:49,327 --> 01:15:51,450
That woman, she was a harmless old fool,
1075
01:15:51,579 --> 01:15:54,117
and he makes of me
an accomplice to the murder.
1076
01:15:54,248 --> 01:15:58,246
I cannot come into court and swear that
he was with me at the time it was done.
1077
01:15:58,377 --> 01:16:01,047
I cannot do it! I cannot do it!
1078
01:16:01,172 --> 01:16:03,414
Then this is the truth?
1079
01:16:03,549 --> 01:16:07,084
That Leonard Vole returned
that night at ten minutes past ten,
1080
01:16:07,220 --> 01:16:09,296
he had blood on the sleeves of his coat,
1081
01:16:09,430 --> 01:16:13,558
and that he said to you
"I have killed her"?
1082
01:16:15,228 --> 01:16:16,971
That is the truth.
1083
01:16:17,105 --> 01:16:20,271
That is the truth, before God?
1084
01:16:20,400 --> 01:16:22,522
That is the truth.
1085
01:16:23,027 --> 01:16:25,067
Thank you.
1086
01:16:30,284 --> 01:16:33,819
Mrs Vole, or Mrs Helm,
which do you prefer to be called?
1087
01:16:33,955 --> 01:16:35,994
- It does not matter.
- Does it not?
1088
01:16:36,124 --> 01:16:40,168
In this country we are inclined to take
a rather more serious view of marriage.
1089
01:16:40,295 --> 01:16:45,502
However, it would appear that when
you first met the prisoner in Hamburg
1090
01:16:45,633 --> 01:16:50,129
- you lied to him about your marital status.
- I wanted to get out of Germany, so...
1091
01:16:50,263 --> 01:16:53,347
You lied, did you not?
Just yes or no, please.
1092
01:16:53,474 --> 01:16:55,514
- Yes.
- Thank you.
1093
01:16:55,643 --> 01:16:58,728
And in arranging the marriage,
you lied to the authorities?
1094
01:16:58,855 --> 01:17:01,772
I, um, did not tell the truth
to the authorities.
1095
01:17:01,900 --> 01:17:04,141
- You lied to them?
- Yes.
1096
01:17:04,277 --> 01:17:08,654
And in the ceremony, when you swore
to love, honour and cherish your husband,
1097
01:17:08,782 --> 01:17:11,273
- that too was a lie?
- Yes.
1098
01:17:11,409 --> 01:17:14,659
And when the police questioned you
about this wretched man
1099
01:17:14,788 --> 01:17:17,195
who believed himself married and loved,
1100
01:17:17,332 --> 01:17:19,823
- you told them...
- I told them what he wanted me to.
1101
01:17:19,959 --> 01:17:23,791
You told them that he was at home
with you at 25 minutes past 9,
1102
01:17:23,922 --> 01:17:28,216
- and now you say that that was a lie?
- Yes, a lie!
1103
01:17:28,343 --> 01:17:32,720
And when you said that he had
accidentally cut his wrist, again, you lied?
1104
01:17:32,847 --> 01:17:37,723
- Yes!
- And today you told a new story entirely.
1105
01:17:37,852 --> 01:17:41,387
The question is, Frau Helm,
were you lying then, are you lying now?
1106
01:17:41,523 --> 01:17:45,271
Or are you not, in fact,
a chronic and habitual liar?!
1107
01:17:45,402 --> 01:17:47,893
(murmuring)
1108
01:17:48,029 --> 01:17:48,811
(coughs)
1109
01:17:48,947 --> 01:17:53,276
Carter, Carter!
The other pill. Under the tongue.
1110
01:17:53,410 --> 01:17:57,739
My lord, is my learned friend to be
allowed to bully and insult the witness?
1111
01:17:57,873 --> 01:18:02,084
Mr Myers, this is a capital charge
and, within the bounds of reason,
1112
01:18:02,210 --> 01:18:06,338
I should like the defence
to have every latitude.
1113
01:18:09,509 --> 01:18:12,083
My lord, may I also
remind my learned friend
1114
01:18:12,220 --> 01:18:16,135
that his witness, by her own admission,
has already violated so many oaths
1115
01:18:16,266 --> 01:18:20,180
that I am surprised the Testament
did not leap from her hand
1116
01:18:20,312 --> 01:18:22,981
when she was sworn here today.
1117
01:18:23,106 --> 01:18:27,400
I doubt if anything is to be gained
by questioning you any further.
1118
01:18:27,527 --> 01:18:29,650
That will be all, Frau Helm.
1119
01:18:29,780 --> 01:18:31,819
(muttering)
1120
01:18:34,618 --> 01:18:39,079
Mrs Helm, I presume you know the
meaning of the English word "perjury"?
1121
01:18:39,206 --> 01:18:42,824
- In German, the word is Meineid.
- Yes. Meineid.
1122
01:18:42,960 --> 01:18:45,036
It means to swear falsely under oath.
1123
01:18:45,170 --> 01:18:46,962
And are you aware, Mrs Helm,
1124
01:18:47,089 --> 01:18:52,047
that the penalty in this country for perjury
is a heavy term of imprisonment?
1125
01:18:52,177 --> 01:18:54,633
Yes, I'm aware.
1126
01:18:54,763 --> 01:18:59,509
Mindful of this fact, I ask you once more,
is the evidence that you have given
1127
01:18:59,643 --> 01:19:03,261
the truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth?
1128
01:19:03,397 --> 01:19:05,354
So help me, God.
1129
01:19:06,525 --> 01:19:10,938
Then that, my lord,
is the case for the prosecution.
1130
01:19:28,714 --> 01:19:32,546
- Want a tissue?
- Yes, thanks.
1131
01:19:32,676 --> 01:19:37,385
It's the first murder trial
I've ever been to. It's terrible.
1132
01:19:37,514 --> 01:19:38,463
Silence.
1133
01:19:40,726 --> 01:19:44,427
Sir Wilfrid.
Are you ready for the defence?
1134
01:19:46,607 --> 01:19:50,391
My lord, members of the jury,
1135
01:19:50,528 --> 01:19:55,688
the prosecution has very ably presented
against the prisoner, Leonard Vole,
1136
01:19:55,825 --> 01:20:00,202
a case with the most overwhelming
circumstantial evidence.
1137
01:20:00,329 --> 01:20:03,864
Among the witnesses you have heard
Chief Inspector Hearne,
1138
01:20:03,999 --> 01:20:09,076
who has given his testimony in a fair
and impartial manner, as he always does.
1139
01:20:09,213 --> 01:20:14,124
He has put before you a clever theory
of how this crime was committed.
1140
01:20:14,260 --> 01:20:18,210
Whether it is theory
or actual fact, however,
1141
01:20:18,347 --> 01:20:20,885
you will decide for yourselves.
1142
01:20:21,934 --> 01:20:25,054
And then you have heard
the evidence of Janet McKenzie,
1143
01:20:25,187 --> 01:20:29,351
a worthy and devoted housekeeper who
has suffered two most grievous losses.
1144
01:20:29,483 --> 01:20:31,809
One, the death of her beloved mistress
1145
01:20:31,944 --> 01:20:37,615
and, second, in being deprived
of an inheritance of? 80,000,
1146
01:20:37,742 --> 01:20:40,529
which she'd fully expected to receive.
1147
01:20:40,661 --> 01:20:44,493
I will not comment
further on her evidence,
1148
01:20:45,541 --> 01:20:49,539
but will express only
my deepest sympathy for her
1149
01:20:49,670 --> 01:20:52,541
in both these... mishaps.
1150
01:20:53,508 --> 01:20:59,213
And most damaging of all, the prosecution
has produced a surprise witness,
1151
01:20:59,347 --> 01:21:04,009
one Christine Helm, whom the prisoner
brought from the rubble of her homeland
1152
01:21:04,143 --> 01:21:08,852
to the safety of this country, giving her
his love and the protection of his name.
1153
01:21:08,981 --> 01:21:12,730
I objected to her testimony
because a wife cannot give evidence
1154
01:21:12,860 --> 01:21:15,351
harmful to her husband.
1155
01:21:15,488 --> 01:21:22,155
But it has been proven that her marriage
to Mr Vole was fraudulent and bigamous.
1156
01:21:22,287 --> 01:21:28,455
Therefore, her evidence must be admitted
and you must consider it.
1157
01:21:28,585 --> 01:21:31,455
For what it is worth.
1158
01:21:33,089 --> 01:21:37,502
Such is the prosecution's case.
Now it is the turn of the defence.
1159
01:21:37,635 --> 01:21:41,715
We could present, on behalf of
the prisoner, witnesses to his character,
1160
01:21:41,848 --> 01:21:45,798
his war record, the lack of criminal
or evil association in his past.
1161
01:21:45,935 --> 01:21:51,641
However, only one witness
can shed new light
1162
01:21:51,775 --> 01:21:54,645
on this tragic riddle.
1163
01:21:55,737 --> 01:21:57,776
The prisoner himself.
1164
01:21:59,240 --> 01:22:01,399
Members of the jury,
1165
01:22:01,534 --> 01:22:05,117
I call Leonard Stephen Vole.
1166
01:22:24,391 --> 01:22:27,724
I swear by Almighty God
that the evidence I give will be the truth,
1167
01:22:27,852 --> 01:22:31,019
- the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
- No.
1168
01:22:32,232 --> 01:22:36,395
- Is your name Leonard Stephen Vole?
- It is.
1169
01:22:36,528 --> 01:22:39,612
- Where do live?
- 620 Edgware Road.
1170
01:22:39,739 --> 01:22:45,030
Leonard Stephen Vole, did you or did
you not on the night of October 14 last,
1171
01:22:45,162 --> 01:22:47,403
murder Emily Jane French?
1172
01:22:47,998 --> 01:22:51,912
- I did not.
- Thank you, that will be all.
1173
01:22:52,044 --> 01:22:53,953
(muttering)
1174
01:22:54,087 --> 01:22:58,548
Have you, in fact, concluded your
examination of the prisoner, Sir Wilfrid?
1175
01:22:58,675 --> 01:23:03,966
The prisoner has endured three days
of profound mental agony and shock.
1176
01:23:04,097 --> 01:23:06,588
The defence feels
his faculties should be spared
1177
01:23:06,725 --> 01:23:10,308
for the cross-examination
by my learned friend for the prosecution.
1178
01:23:10,437 --> 01:23:13,308
This is not a plea for any indulgence.
1179
01:23:13,440 --> 01:23:16,476
I am confident that
no matter how searching this may be,
1180
01:23:16,610 --> 01:23:19,480
the prisoner will withstand it.
1181
01:23:20,989 --> 01:23:24,654
At the time you made the acquaintance
of Mrs French, were you employed?
1182
01:23:24,785 --> 01:23:26,824
- No, sir.
- How much money did you have?
1183
01:23:26,954 --> 01:23:29,030
- A few pounds.
- Did she give you any?
1184
01:23:29,164 --> 01:23:29,946
No.
1185
01:23:30,082 --> 01:23:32,288
- Did you expect to receive any?
- No, sir.
1186
01:23:32,417 --> 01:23:37,329
Did you know that in her new will,
you were the beneficiary of? 80,000?
1187
01:23:37,464 --> 01:23:38,662
No, I didn't.
1188
01:23:38,799 --> 01:23:43,675
Now, Mr Vole, when you went to visit
Mrs French for the last time,
1189
01:23:43,804 --> 01:23:47,090
did you wear a trench coat
and a brown hat?
1190
01:23:48,058 --> 01:23:51,723
- Yes, I did.
- Was it this coat and hat?
1191
01:23:53,397 --> 01:23:54,393
Yes, sir.
1192
01:23:54,523 --> 01:23:59,730
My lord, the defence, in its efforts
to establish an alibi for the prisoner,
1193
01:23:59,862 --> 01:24:03,112
circulated this photograph,
hoping to bring forth a witness
1194
01:24:03,240 --> 01:24:06,443
who had seen him leaving
Mrs French's house or entering his own
1195
01:24:06,577 --> 01:24:09,150
at the times that he has stated.
1196
01:24:09,288 --> 01:24:12,739
Apparently, this splendid effort
was without results.
1197
01:24:12,875 --> 01:24:15,247
However, the defence
will be pleased to learn
1198
01:24:15,377 --> 01:24:18,581
that, at the last moment,
a witness has come forward,
1199
01:24:18,714 --> 01:24:23,376
and that the prisoner had been
seen wearing this coat and this hat.
1200
01:24:23,511 --> 01:24:28,932
Lamentably, he had not been seen on the
night of the murder but one week before.
1201
01:24:29,058 --> 01:24:33,352
On the afternoon of October 8, were you
not in a travel agency in Regent Street?
1202
01:24:33,479 --> 01:24:37,524
And did you not make inquiries about
prices and schedules of foreign cruises?
1203
01:24:37,650 --> 01:24:40,935
Supposing I did? It's not a crime, is it?
1204
01:24:41,070 --> 01:24:45,198
Not at all. Many people go on a cruise
when they can afford to pay for it.
1205
01:24:45,324 --> 01:24:50,366
- But you couldn't pay for it, could you?
- Well, I was hard up. I told you that.
1206
01:24:50,496 --> 01:24:55,739
And yet you came to this particular
travel agency with a clinging brunette?
1207
01:24:55,876 --> 01:24:58,284
A clinging brunette, Mr Myers?
1208
01:24:59,088 --> 01:25:01,164
My lord, the lady was so described to me.
1209
01:25:01,299 --> 01:25:05,759
She was very affectionate with the
prisoner, constantly clinging to his arm.
1210
01:25:05,886 --> 01:25:07,844
Oh.
1211
01:25:08,598 --> 01:25:13,176
You then admit that you made inquiries
about expensive and luxurious cruises?
1212
01:25:13,311 --> 01:25:15,469
How did you expect
to pay for such a thing?
1213
01:25:15,605 --> 01:25:18,855
- I don't know. It was...
- If you don't know, perhaps I can help.
1214
01:25:18,983 --> 01:25:23,360
On the morning of the very same day,
you heard Mrs French change her will,
1215
01:25:23,488 --> 01:25:25,860
- leaving you the bulk of her money.
- I didn't!
1216
01:25:25,990 --> 01:25:29,074
And in the afternoon,
you started plans to dispose of it.
1217
01:25:29,202 --> 01:25:31,408
No! It was nothing of the kind.
1218
01:25:31,537 --> 01:25:34,704
I was in a pub and I met a girl.
I don't even remember her name.
1219
01:25:34,832 --> 01:25:36,955
We had a drink and walked out together.
1220
01:25:37,085 --> 01:25:43,123
We passed the window and saw the fancy
posters, all blue seas and palm trees.
1221
01:25:43,257 --> 01:25:48,548
The Grecian isles or somewhere. We went
in for fun and I started asking for folders.
1222
01:25:48,680 --> 01:25:52,547
Well, the man gave me a funny look
because I did look a bit shabby.
1223
01:25:52,684 --> 01:25:56,099
Anyway, it irritated me,
so I kept asking for the swankiest tours,
1224
01:25:56,229 --> 01:25:59,728
all de luxe and cabin on the boat deck,
but it was just an act!
1225
01:25:59,857 --> 01:26:04,021
An act? You knew that in a week
you were going to inherit? 80,000!
1226
01:26:04,153 --> 01:26:08,697
No! It wasn't that way at all.
It was make-believe and childish but...
1227
01:26:08,825 --> 01:26:13,238
it was fun and I enjoyed it. I never thought
of killing anyone or inheriting any money.
1228
01:26:13,371 --> 01:26:17,321
It's just a coincidence that Mrs French
should be killed only one week later?
1229
01:26:17,458 --> 01:26:19,914
I told you! I didn't kill her!
1230
01:26:20,545 --> 01:26:24,625
Do you know any reason why Christine
Helm should give the evidence she has
1231
01:26:24,757 --> 01:26:28,589
- if it were not true?
- No. I don't know why my wife...
1232
01:26:29,304 --> 01:26:34,547
I don't know why I still call her my wife.
She must be lying or out of her mind.
1233
01:26:34,684 --> 01:26:37,306
She seemed remarkably
sane and self-possessed.
1234
01:26:37,437 --> 01:26:41,933
- But insanity is all you can suggest?
- I don't understand it.
1235
01:26:42,067 --> 01:26:44,605
Oh, God! What's happened?
What's changed her?
1236
01:26:44,736 --> 01:26:48,816
Very effective, I'm sure.
But in this court we deal with fact.
1237
01:26:48,948 --> 01:26:51,866
And the fact, Mr Vole,
is that we've only your word for it.
1238
01:26:51,993 --> 01:26:54,911
That you left Mrs French's house
at the time you say,
1239
01:26:55,038 --> 01:26:59,830
that you came home at 5 and 20 minutes
past 9, and that you did not go out again!
1240
01:26:59,960 --> 01:27:03,126
Somebody must have seen me
in the street or going in the house!
1241
01:27:03,255 --> 01:27:07,632
One would think so. But the only person
who did see you come home that night
1242
01:27:07,759 --> 01:27:11,045
says it was ten past ten
and that you had blood on your hands.
1243
01:27:11,179 --> 01:27:14,180
- I cut my wrist!
- You cut your wrist deliberately!
1244
01:27:14,307 --> 01:27:16,347
No, I didn't! I didn't do anything.
1245
01:27:16,476 --> 01:27:19,394
But you make it sound as though I did.
I can hear it myself.
1246
01:27:19,521 --> 01:27:21,727
You came home at ten past ten!
1247
01:27:21,857 --> 01:27:26,234
No, I didn't! You've got to believe me.
You've got to believe me!
1248
01:27:26,361 --> 01:27:28,568
You killed Emily French!
1249
01:27:28,697 --> 01:27:31,022
No, I didn't! I didn't do it!
1250
01:27:31,158 --> 01:27:35,025
I didn't kill her! I never killed anybody!
1251
01:27:35,162 --> 01:27:39,740
God, it's like a nightmare.
Some ghastly, horrible dream.
1252
01:27:45,422 --> 01:27:47,878
Good evening, Sir Wilfrid.
How did it go today?
1253
01:27:48,008 --> 01:27:50,250
Oh, Sir Wilfrid.
1254
01:27:50,385 --> 01:27:55,724
I'm from Hawks and Hill, sir, and I've
brought your Bermuda shorts for a fitting.
1255
01:27:56,767 --> 01:27:57,763
What?
1256
01:27:57,893 --> 01:28:02,436
- You'd better slip these on, Sir Wilfrid.
- I'm in the middle of a murder trial.
1257
01:28:02,564 --> 01:28:06,609
It'll all be over by the afternoon,
and the boat train doesn't go until 9.40.
1258
01:28:06,735 --> 01:28:10,151
You work it out. You know my shape,
you've stabbed it often enough.
1259
01:28:10,280 --> 01:28:14,823
Upstairs. You need a lukewarm bath
and your calcium injection.
1260
01:28:14,952 --> 01:28:17,906
And there's a lot more packing to be done.
1261
01:28:18,872 --> 01:28:23,700
It's ridiculous having boat reservations.
The jury may be out for days.
1262
01:28:23,836 --> 01:28:28,165
Not on this case, I'm afraid.
It seems too open-and-shut.
1263
01:28:30,217 --> 01:28:33,835
I watched when Frau Helm
was on the stand. They didn't like her.
1264
01:28:33,971 --> 01:28:38,218
No, but they believed her. They liked
Leonard Vole but they didn't believe him.
1265
01:28:38,350 --> 01:28:41,600
And that travel agency business
doesn't help either. Cigar?
1266
01:28:41,729 --> 01:28:42,559
No.
1267
01:28:42,688 --> 01:28:45,475
- Wilfrid, do you think she lied?
- Well, don't you?
1268
01:28:45,608 --> 01:28:46,936
I'm not sure.
1269
01:28:47,067 --> 01:28:50,816
I am. She lied. Whether she calls it
Meineid or perjury, she lied.
1270
01:28:50,946 --> 01:28:55,988
The only question is why. What's
her game? What is she up to? What?
1271
01:28:56,577 --> 01:29:01,737
I hope that in your final speech you
won't become too emotionally involved.
1272
01:29:01,874 --> 01:29:04,791
- You must think of your condition.
- He's right.
1273
01:29:04,919 --> 01:29:08,453
I want to see you save yourself.
This isn't going to be your last case.
1274
01:29:08,589 --> 01:29:12,338
Yes, it is. But until it's over,
I'm still a barrister.
1275
01:29:12,468 --> 01:29:16,300
My client's life is at stake.
That's all that matters - his life.
1276
01:29:16,430 --> 01:29:19,301
He's entitled to the best that I can do.
1277
01:29:19,433 --> 01:29:23,478
If I can't stand up to make my final appeal
for him, I'll make it sitting down.
1278
01:29:23,604 --> 01:29:27,933
If I become short of breath I'll take a pill,
or two pills, or all of them and the box too.
1279
01:29:28,067 --> 01:29:30,558
(telephone rings)
1280
01:29:35,825 --> 01:29:38,909
- Yes?
- (woman) This Sir Wilfrid Robarts' place?
1281
01:29:39,036 --> 01:29:42,452
- Well, yes, it is.
- Let me talk to the old geezer.
1282
01:29:42,581 --> 01:29:46,959
- Who is this speaking, please?
- Never you mind. Let me talk to 'im.
1283
01:29:47,086 --> 01:29:50,621
I'm afraid that's impossible.
What is the nature of your business?
1284
01:29:50,756 --> 01:29:54,042
It's business all right.
I've got something to sell 'im, I 'ave.
1285
01:29:54,176 --> 01:29:55,421
Well, really, madam!
1286
01:29:55,553 --> 01:29:58,554
And what I want to sell 'im,
believe me, 'e'll want to buy.
1287
01:29:58,681 --> 01:30:02,382
- It's got to do with that Leonard Vole.
- Leonard Vole?
1288
01:30:02,518 --> 01:30:04,760
It's about that German wife.
1289
01:30:04,896 --> 01:30:08,430
I've got the goods on her and it's for sale.
1290
01:30:10,234 --> 01:30:14,149
This is Wilfrid Robarts speaking.
Now, what is this all about?
1291
01:30:14,280 --> 01:30:16,605
Well, hello, ducky.
1292
01:30:16,741 --> 01:30:19,658
What is this you said
about Mrs Leonard Vole?
1293
01:30:19,786 --> 01:30:23,653
I'm not just saying.
I've got it in black and white.
1294
01:30:23,790 --> 01:30:26,744
- You've got what?
- Listen to this carefully, ducks.
1295
01:30:26,876 --> 01:30:30,375
I'm at the buffet at Euston Station
at the far end of the bar.
1296
01:30:30,505 --> 01:30:33,921
I'll be here for 30 minutes
because that's when me train leaves.
1297
01:30:34,050 --> 01:30:37,336
If you want the lowdown on
that German bag, get yourself here.
1298
01:30:37,470 --> 01:30:40,008
What lowdown?
What do you know about her?
1299
01:30:40,139 --> 01:30:42,298
Uh-uh. Not on the phone.
1300
01:30:42,433 --> 01:30:46,680
You'd better get on over here,
and bring plenty of money.
1301
01:30:47,313 --> 01:30:50,647
Now, just a moment! Hello? Hello?
1302
01:30:52,527 --> 01:30:58,316
That's... bilge. Some drunken crank.
You get those in every murder trial.
1303
01:30:58,449 --> 01:31:02,993
Giving me an ultimatum, Euston Station in
30 minutes. Got the lowdown on Mrs Vole.
1304
01:31:03,121 --> 01:31:04,948
Balderdash.
1305
01:31:05,081 --> 01:31:10,538
I'm too old and too sick
to go on a wild-goose chase.
1306
01:31:10,670 --> 01:31:13,541
- Come on, Mayhew.
- Where to, Sir Wilfrid?
1307
01:31:13,673 --> 01:31:16,757
Euston Station, where do you think?
1308
01:31:18,386 --> 01:31:20,379
Now, sir?
1309
01:31:20,513 --> 01:31:22,340
Shortly.
1310
01:31:23,266 --> 01:31:24,808
Cigar!
1311
01:31:25,727 --> 01:31:27,766
Sir Wilfrid, where are you going?
1312
01:31:27,896 --> 01:31:32,605
Your bath, your massage,
your dinner, your injection!
1313
01:31:32,734 --> 01:31:34,774
Thank you, Miss Plimsoll.
1314
01:31:40,659 --> 01:31:43,328
(train announcement on PA)
1315
01:32:00,762 --> 01:32:03,799
- You wouldn't be Sir Wilfrid, would you?
- I would.
1316
01:32:03,932 --> 01:32:08,677
Didn't recognise you without your wig.
Lovely you all look in them wigs.
1317
01:32:08,812 --> 01:32:11,137
Two o' yer? I'm not talking to two o' yer.
1318
01:32:11,273 --> 01:32:13,811
This is Mr Mayhew,
Leonard Vole's solicitor.
1319
01:32:13,942 --> 01:32:16,978
- Well, that's all right, then.
- And your name, please?
1320
01:32:17,112 --> 01:32:22,568
No need for mine. If I did give you a name
it mightn't be the right one, might it?
1321
01:32:22,701 --> 01:32:26,948
'Ave a drink, boys.
Two whiskies for me gen'lmen friends.
1322
01:32:27,080 --> 01:32:29,654
Now what is this information
you allegedly have?
1323
01:32:29,791 --> 01:32:34,252
You realise that you're duty-bound
to give any evidence that you might have?
1324
01:32:34,379 --> 01:32:39,006
- Come off it. Did you bring any money?
- What is it you have, madam?
1325
01:32:39,134 --> 01:32:43,630
Letters. Letters that German wife
of 'is wrote. That's what I've got.
1326
01:32:43,764 --> 01:32:48,592
- Letters written to the prisoner?
- To the prisoner? Don't make me laugh.
1327
01:32:48,727 --> 01:32:52,641
Poor bleeder, he's been took in
by 'er all right. And these letters prove it.
1328
01:32:52,773 --> 01:32:57,933
If we could see these letters, we could
advise you as to how pertinent they are.
1329
01:32:58,070 --> 01:33:00,822
Well, I don't expect you...
1330
01:33:04,034 --> 01:33:08,079
Well, as I say, I don't expect you
to buy without seeing, but fair's fair.
1331
01:33:08,205 --> 01:33:12,748
If these letters get the boy off,
it's? 100 for me, right?
1332
01:33:12,876 --> 01:33:17,752
If these letters contain information useful
to the defence, I'm prepared to offer? 10.
1333
01:33:17,881 --> 01:33:21,297
What? Ten bleeding pounds
for letters like these?
1334
01:33:21,427 --> 01:33:24,262
Take that piece of glass
out o' yer eye. Good night.
1335
01:33:24,388 --> 01:33:26,511
If these help prove my client's innocence,
1336
01:33:26,640 --> 01:33:30,175
? 20 should, I think, not be an
unreasonable sum for your expenses.
1337
01:33:30,311 --> 01:33:33,347
50 and it's a bargain.
That's if you're satisfied with 'em.
1338
01:33:33,480 --> 01:33:35,853
- ? 40.
- All right, blast yer.
1339
01:33:35,983 --> 01:33:38,854
'Ere, take 'em. Nice little lot there.
1340
01:33:38,986 --> 01:33:41,026
How do we know
these are from Mrs Vole?
1341
01:33:41,155 --> 01:33:45,484
Oh, she wrote 'em all right.
It's all fair an' square.
1342
01:33:48,078 --> 01:33:50,949
I 'ope they fix 'er good and proper.
1343
01:33:52,833 --> 01:33:56,701
I've had messages from Mrs Vole.
It looks like her handwriting.
1344
01:33:56,837 --> 01:33:59,293
Good heavens, look at this.
1345
01:34:01,884 --> 01:34:03,924
Juicy, ain't they?
1346
01:34:04,053 --> 01:34:08,003
- There's one that's even better.
- How did you get hold of these?
1347
01:34:08,140 --> 01:34:11,225
What's the difference
so long as she gets what's coming?
1348
01:34:11,352 --> 01:34:14,519
- What have you got against her?
- Ha!
1349
01:34:14,647 --> 01:34:18,063
I'll give you something
to dream about, mister.
1350
01:34:19,151 --> 01:34:21,607
Want to kiss me, ducky?
1351
01:34:25,283 --> 01:34:26,065
Ha!
1352
01:34:26,200 --> 01:34:30,150
- I didn't suppose you would.
- Christine Vole did that to you?
1353
01:34:30,288 --> 01:34:35,246
Not 'er, the chap I was going with. He was
a bit younger than me but I loved 'im.
1354
01:34:35,376 --> 01:34:40,371
Then she come along, started seeing 'im
on the sly. Then one day he cleared out.
1355
01:34:40,506 --> 01:34:45,927
I found 'em together. I said what I thought
of 'er and he cut me face up proper.
1356
01:34:46,053 --> 01:34:50,431
- Did you go to the police about it?
- Who, me? Not likely.
1357
01:34:50,558 --> 01:34:56,312
It wasn't 'is fault. It was all 'ers, gettin' 'im
away from me, turnin' 'im against me.
1358
01:34:56,439 --> 01:35:01,350
But I waited me time to pay 'er back.
And it's come now.
1359
01:35:01,486 --> 01:35:06,776
I'm deeply sorry, deeply sorry.
We'll make it another? 5 for the letters.
1360
01:35:06,908 --> 01:35:11,237
'Olding out on me, were yer?
I knew I was being soft with yer.
1361
01:35:11,371 --> 01:35:14,953
Cold-blooded vindictiveness.
Read this one.
1362
01:35:16,918 --> 01:35:19,491
Unbelievable.
1363
01:35:19,629 --> 01:35:23,923
We'd better have the full name of the man
to whom these were addressed, Miss...
1364
01:35:24,050 --> 01:35:26,043
Miss, um...
1365
01:35:26,177 --> 01:35:28,051
Where is she?
1366
01:35:34,060 --> 01:35:39,849
On that train, I should think. Doesn't want
her other cheek slashed. Can't blame her.
1367
01:35:42,235 --> 01:35:44,311
- Care for another, sir?
- Hm?
1368
01:35:44,446 --> 01:35:46,485
Good idea.
1369
01:35:53,580 --> 01:35:55,371
(gavel)
1370
01:35:55,498 --> 01:35:56,993
Silence!
1371
01:35:57,125 --> 01:35:59,248
Be upstanding in court.
1372
01:36:00,295 --> 01:36:03,000
All persons who have anything
to do before my lords,
1373
01:36:03,131 --> 01:36:05,254
the queen's justices of oyer and terminer
1374
01:36:05,383 --> 01:36:09,381
and general jail delivery for the
jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court,
1375
01:36:09,512 --> 01:36:13,842
draw near and give your attendance.
God save the queen.
1376
01:36:27,697 --> 01:36:30,983
Since the defence has called
but one witness, the prisoner,
1377
01:36:31,117 --> 01:36:33,525
it has the right to be heard last.
1378
01:36:33,662 --> 01:36:39,949
Mr Myers, if you are ready, let us have
the final address for the prosecution.
1379
01:36:40,085 --> 01:36:44,462
My lord, members of the jury,
I will be brief in my final speech
1380
01:36:44,589 --> 01:36:49,298
because I think we've proved so obvious
a case of murder against Leonard Vole,
1381
01:36:49,428 --> 01:36:52,843
that a verdict of guilty
must be the only possible conclusion.
1382
01:36:53,473 --> 01:36:57,174
- I will briefly summarise these facts...
- (footsteps)
1383
01:37:02,941 --> 01:37:05,230
You'd better begin again, Mr Myers.
1384
01:37:05,819 --> 01:37:10,113
That is, if Sir Wilfrid
is at all interested in our proceedings.
1385
01:37:10,240 --> 01:37:14,701
I am, indeed, my lord. The speech
for the crown, however, is premature.
1386
01:37:14,828 --> 01:37:19,823
I ask that the case for the defence be
reopened. And that a witness be recalled.
1387
01:37:19,958 --> 01:37:23,826
I most strenuously object to the case
being reopened at this final stage.
1388
01:37:23,962 --> 01:37:27,212
Evidence of a startling nature
has come into my possession.
1389
01:37:27,341 --> 01:37:30,757
The course my learned friend
proposes is quite unprecedented.
1390
01:37:30,886 --> 01:37:34,670
I have anticipated this objection
and can meet it with ample precedent.
1391
01:37:34,807 --> 01:37:40,596
There is the king vs Stillman, reported
in the criminal appeal reports of 1926
1392
01:37:40,729 --> 01:37:43,137
at page 463.
1393
01:37:43,273 --> 01:37:47,520
Also, the king vs Porter in volume one
of the king's bench division reports,
1394
01:37:47,653 --> 01:37:51,069
1942 at page 153.
1395
01:37:51,198 --> 01:37:54,069
And lastly there is the case
of the king vs Sullivan
1396
01:37:54,201 --> 01:37:58,281
in which this issue was raised, which
I'm sure Your Lordship will remember,
1397
01:37:58,414 --> 01:38:00,987
since you appeared for the prosecution.
1398
01:38:01,125 --> 01:38:05,834
I did? Oh, yes, before Mr Justice Swindon.
1399
01:38:05,963 --> 01:38:08,205
What is this new evidence, Sir Wilfrid?
1400
01:38:08,340 --> 01:38:10,416
Letters, my lord.
1401
01:38:10,551 --> 01:38:13,635
Letters written by Christine Helm.
1402
01:38:15,973 --> 01:38:19,556
My lord, the prosecution
continues its objection.
1403
01:38:19,685 --> 01:38:23,220
If my memory serves me well,
Your Lordship's similar objection
1404
01:38:23,355 --> 01:38:27,104
in the king against Sullivan
was sustained.
1405
01:38:28,986 --> 01:38:32,569
Your memory, for once,
serves you ill, Mr Myers.
1406
01:38:32,698 --> 01:38:37,241
My objection then was overruled
by Mr Justice Swindon.
1407
01:38:37,369 --> 01:38:40,536
As yours is now, by me.
1408
01:38:40,664 --> 01:38:42,704
(muttering)
1409
01:38:46,921 --> 01:38:49,127
Call Christine Helm.
1410
01:38:49,924 --> 01:38:51,584
Christine Helm.
1411
01:38:51,717 --> 01:38:54,504
- Christine Helm.
- Christine Helm.
1412
01:39:11,112 --> 01:39:16,106
If you still have doubts about Mr Vole, I
wouldn't mind betting you a box of cigars.
1413
01:39:16,242 --> 01:39:20,240
Mrs Helm, you appreciate
you are still under oath?
1414
01:39:20,371 --> 01:39:21,569
Yes.
1415
01:39:21,706 --> 01:39:27,411
- Do you know a man named Max?
- I don't know what you mean.
1416
01:39:27,545 --> 01:39:31,543
It's a simple question. Do you
or do you not know a man called Max?
1417
01:39:31,674 --> 01:39:33,963
Max? Certainly not.
1418
01:39:34,093 --> 01:39:37,925
It's a fairly common name and yet
you've never known a man named Max?
1419
01:39:38,056 --> 01:39:40,547
In Germany, perhaps, but a long time ago.
1420
01:39:40,683 --> 01:39:47,564
I shall not ask you to go back that far.
Just a few weeks, to... October 20 last.
1421
01:39:49,192 --> 01:39:52,146
- What have you got there?
- A letter.
1422
01:39:52,278 --> 01:39:54,603
I suggest that on October 20
1423
01:39:54,739 --> 01:39:58,073
- you wrote a letter...
- I don't know what you're talking about.
1424
01:39:58,201 --> 01:40:01,700
...addressed to a man named Max.
- I did nothing of the sort.
1425
01:40:01,829 --> 01:40:05,910
The letter was but one of a series
written to the same man.
1426
01:40:06,751 --> 01:40:08,874
Lies! All lies!
1427
01:40:09,003 --> 01:40:13,131
You seem to have been, well, let us say,
on intimate terms with this man.
1428
01:40:13,258 --> 01:40:16,009
How dare you say a thing like that?
It isn't true!
1429
01:40:16,135 --> 01:40:21,640
I'm not concerned with the general trend
of this correspondence, only one letter.
1430
01:40:21,766 --> 01:40:26,642
"My beloved Max,
an extraordinary thing has happened."
1431
01:40:26,771 --> 01:40:29,725
"I believe all our difficulties
may be ended."
1432
01:40:29,858 --> 01:40:32,431
I will not stand here
and listen to a pack of lies!
1433
01:40:32,569 --> 01:40:36,401
That letter's a forgery.
It isn't even my letter paper!
1434
01:40:36,531 --> 01:40:38,820
- It isn't?
- No!
1435
01:40:38,950 --> 01:40:42,366
I write my letters on small blue paper
with my initials on it.
1436
01:40:46,458 --> 01:40:48,000
Like this?
1437
01:40:48,126 --> 01:40:49,953
(muttering)
1438
01:40:50,712 --> 01:40:56,051
This is a bill from my tailor for a pair
of extremely becoming Bermuda shorts.
1439
01:40:56,176 --> 01:40:57,504
(laughter)
1440
01:40:57,636 --> 01:41:02,096
Wilfrid the fox! That's what we call him
and that's what he is.
1441
01:41:02,224 --> 01:41:06,553
Now, Mrs Helm, you've been kind enough
to identify your letter paper.
1442
01:41:06,686 --> 01:41:11,598
Now, if you like, I can have an expert
identify your handwriting.
1443
01:41:11,733 --> 01:41:13,607
Damn you!
1444
01:41:14,110 --> 01:41:17,111
- Damn you!
- Leave her alone!
1445
01:41:17,239 --> 01:41:19,445
- Damn you!
- Mrs Helm!
1446
01:41:19,574 --> 01:41:23,074
Let me go!
Let me get out of here! Let me go!
1447
01:41:23,203 --> 01:41:24,614
- Mrs Helm!
- Let me go!
1448
01:41:24,746 --> 01:41:27,451
Usher, get the witness a chair.
1449
01:41:27,582 --> 01:41:29,622
(Christine sobs)
1450
01:41:33,755 --> 01:41:39,959
Sir Wilfrid, will you now read the letter
in question so that the jury may hear it?
1451
01:41:45,017 --> 01:41:50,307
"My beloved Max,
an extraordinary thing has happened."
1452
01:41:50,439 --> 01:41:54,104
"All our difficulties may soon be solved."
1453
01:41:54,234 --> 01:41:59,311
"Leonard is suspected of murdering
the old lady I told you about."
1454
01:41:59,448 --> 01:42:05,284
"His only hope of an alibi
depends on me and me alone."
1455
01:42:06,330 --> 01:42:12,582
"Suppose I testify that he was not at home
with me at the time of the murder,
1456
01:42:12,711 --> 01:42:16,579
that he came home
with blood on his sleeves,
1457
01:42:16,715 --> 01:42:20,629
and that he even admitted to me
that he'd killed her?"
1458
01:42:20,761 --> 01:42:24,212
"Strange that he always said
he would never let me leave him."
1459
01:42:24,348 --> 01:42:27,966
"But now, if this succeeds,
he will be leaving me
1460
01:42:28,102 --> 01:42:31,969
because they will take him away forever
1461
01:42:32,106 --> 01:42:36,851
and I shall be free and yours,
my beloved."
1462
01:42:36,986 --> 01:42:41,813
"I count the hours until
we are together. Christine."
1463
01:42:44,868 --> 01:42:48,818
Mrs Helm?
Will you go back to the witness box?
1464
01:42:59,008 --> 01:43:04,250
I now ask you again, Christine Helm,
did you write this letter?
1465
01:43:04,388 --> 01:43:07,638
Christine, tell him you didn't write it.
I know you didn't.
1466
01:43:07,766 --> 01:43:11,895
Please answer my question.
Did you write this letter?
1467
01:43:12,021 --> 01:43:13,812
Before answering, Mrs Helm,
1468
01:43:13,939 --> 01:43:19,314
I wish to warn you that the law regarding
perjury in this country is very severe.
1469
01:43:19,445 --> 01:43:23,028
If you have already
committed perjury in this courtroom,
1470
01:43:23,157 --> 01:43:26,775
I strongly advise you
not to add to your crime.
1471
01:43:26,911 --> 01:43:30,659
But, if this letter
has not been written by you,
1472
01:43:30,790 --> 01:43:34,490
then now is the time to state this fact.
1473
01:43:37,004 --> 01:43:39,163
I wrote the letter.
1474
01:43:39,298 --> 01:43:41,540
(muttering)
1475
01:43:41,676 --> 01:43:45,590
And that, my lord,
is the case for the defence.
1476
01:43:53,437 --> 01:43:56,853
I keep asking which is harder,
your head or your arteries?
1477
01:43:56,983 --> 01:43:59,141
Stop pressing your luck, you're overdue.
1478
01:43:59,277 --> 01:44:03,405
We're all packed and ready.
I hope the jury won't take all afternoon.
1479
01:44:03,531 --> 01:44:04,729
I concede.
1480
01:44:04,866 --> 01:44:08,069
- Congratulations, here are your cigars.
- Not yet.
1481
01:44:08,202 --> 01:44:11,702
Come on, it's all over,
wrapped up neat and tidy.
1482
01:44:11,831 --> 01:44:15,247
- What's wrong?
- It's a little too neat, too tidy,
1483
01:44:15,376 --> 01:44:19,504
and altogether too symmetrical,
that's what's wrong with it.
1484
01:44:19,630 --> 01:44:22,881
- The jury is back.
- You're not worried about the verdict?
1485
01:44:23,009 --> 01:44:27,172
It's not their judgment
that worries me, it's mine.
1486
01:44:27,388 --> 01:44:29,215
Come along.
1487
01:44:30,183 --> 01:44:32,222
Where's my wig?
1488
01:45:01,172 --> 01:45:03,628
The prisoner will stand up.
1489
01:45:06,177 --> 01:45:11,135
Members of the jury,
are you all agreed upon your verdict?
1490
01:45:12,684 --> 01:45:13,929
We are.
1491
01:45:14,060 --> 01:45:18,307
Do you find the prisoner at the bar,
Leonard Stephen Vole,
1492
01:45:18,440 --> 01:45:22,983
guilty or not guilty
of the murder of Emily Jane French?
1493
01:45:26,906 --> 01:45:28,317
Not guilty, m'lord.
1494
01:45:28,450 --> 01:45:30,822
(shouting / gasping)
1495
01:45:48,345 --> 01:45:49,673
Silence!
1496
01:45:49,930 --> 01:45:51,673
Silence!
1497
01:45:54,601 --> 01:45:58,385
Leonard Stephen Vole,
you have been found not guilty
1498
01:45:58,522 --> 01:46:03,100
of the murder
of Emily Jane French on October 14.
1499
01:46:03,235 --> 01:46:07,731
You are hereby discharged
and are free to leave the court.
1500
01:46:18,625 --> 01:46:21,959
Persons with anything more to do
before the queen's justices
1501
01:46:22,087 --> 01:46:24,329
of oyer and terminer and jail delivery
1502
01:46:24,464 --> 01:46:29,422
for the jurisdiction of the Central
Criminal Court may depart the area.
1503
01:46:38,145 --> 01:46:41,845
Thank you. Yes, we'll talk later.
Thank you, Mr Mayhew.
1504
01:46:41,982 --> 01:46:44,473
Thank you, Mr Brogan-Moore. Carter.
1505
01:46:44,610 --> 01:46:48,026
Thank you, Sir Wilfrid, for everything.
You were wonderful.
1506
01:46:48,155 --> 01:46:51,987
- I'd say we were lucky all around.
- Yeah.
1507
01:46:52,117 --> 01:46:55,949
I have your belongings. Sign the receipt,
Mr Vole, and we can release you.
1508
01:46:56,080 --> 01:46:59,199
"Mr Vole." They didn't call me Mr
when they charged me.
1509
01:46:59,333 --> 01:47:04,493
- I'll go with you, I have your hat and coat.
- Let's go before they change their mind!
1510
01:47:13,973 --> 01:47:17,223
Chipper, isn't he? An hour ago,
he had one foot on the gallows
1511
01:47:17,351 --> 01:47:19,474
and the other on a banana peel.
1512
01:47:19,603 --> 01:47:22,806
You ought to be very proud, Wilfrid.
Aren't you?
1513
01:47:22,940 --> 01:47:25,941
Not yet. We've disposed of the gallows,
1514
01:47:26,068 --> 01:47:30,148
but there's still that banana peel
somewhere, under somebody's foot.
1515
01:47:30,281 --> 01:47:31,905
(commotion)
1516
01:47:43,752 --> 01:47:48,414
- (woman) Every word you said was a lie!
- (man) You ought to be locked up! Liar!
1517
01:47:48,549 --> 01:47:51,883
You'd better wait here
until we get rid of that crowd, madam.
1518
01:47:52,011 --> 01:47:54,050
Thank you.
1519
01:47:57,808 --> 01:48:01,094
Ready, sir? Miss Plimsoll will be waiting.
1520
01:48:01,228 --> 01:48:06,768
Let me finish the last of the cocoa
while I'm still beyond her jurisdiction.
1521
01:48:06,901 --> 01:48:11,278
Would you excuse me,
Brogan-Moore, Carter? Thank you.
1522
01:48:38,224 --> 01:48:42,304
I never thought you British could get
so emotional. Especially in public.
1523
01:48:42,436 --> 01:48:44,974
- I apologise for my compatriots.
- It's all right.
1524
01:48:45,106 --> 01:48:49,020
I don't mind being called names or
pushed around or even kicked in the shin.
1525
01:48:49,152 --> 01:48:51,477
But I have a ladder
in my last pair of nylons.
1526
01:48:51,612 --> 01:48:55,906
In case you are not familiar with
our prison regulations, no silk stockings.
1527
01:48:56,034 --> 01:48:58,240
Prison? Will I go to prison?
1528
01:48:58,369 --> 01:49:01,987
You heard the judge.
You will certainly be charged with perjury,
1529
01:49:02,123 --> 01:49:06,452
- tried for it, and to prison you shall go.
- Well, it won't be for life, will it?
1530
01:49:06,586 --> 01:49:10,204
If I were appearing
for the prosecution, it would be.
1531
01:49:10,340 --> 01:49:14,337
You loathe me, don't you?
Like the people outside.
1532
01:49:14,469 --> 01:49:17,589
What a wicked woman I am,
and how brilliantly you exposed me
1533
01:49:17,722 --> 01:49:22,431
and saved Leonard's life.
The great Sir Wilfrid Robarts did it again.
1534
01:49:22,560 --> 01:49:28,314
Well, let me tell you something.
You didn't do it alone. You had help.
1535
01:49:29,400 --> 01:49:31,108
What are you driving at?
1536
01:49:31,236 --> 01:49:34,190
I'm not driving at anything.
Leonard is free and we did it.
1537
01:49:34,322 --> 01:49:35,733
- We?
- Remember?
1538
01:49:35,865 --> 01:49:39,530
When you said that no jury would
believe an alibi given by a loving wife,
1539
01:49:39,661 --> 01:49:43,741
no matter how much she swore
he was innocent? That gave me the idea.
1540
01:49:43,873 --> 01:49:45,451
What idea?
1541
01:49:45,583 --> 01:49:50,080
The idea that I should be a witness, not
for my husband, but for the prosecution.
1542
01:49:50,213 --> 01:49:54,163
That I should swear Leonard was guilty
and that you should expose me as a liar
1543
01:49:54,300 --> 01:49:58,547
because only then would they believe
Leonard was innocent.
1544
01:49:58,680 --> 01:50:02,380
So now you know
the whole story, Sir Wilfrid.
1545
01:50:07,689 --> 01:50:11,900
I'll give yer something
to dream about, mister.
1546
01:50:12,027 --> 01:50:14,696
Want to kiss me, ducky?
1547
01:50:18,450 --> 01:50:22,530
I suspected something, but not that.
1548
01:50:22,662 --> 01:50:25,663
- Never that!
- Thank you for the compliment.
1549
01:50:25,790 --> 01:50:29,539
It's been a long time since I acted
and I never played such a vital role.
1550
01:50:29,669 --> 01:50:32,540
All those blue letters!
1551
01:50:32,672 --> 01:50:36,291
It took me hours to write them,
to invent Max. There never was a Max.
1552
01:50:36,426 --> 01:50:38,882
There's never been anyone but Leonard.
1553
01:50:39,012 --> 01:50:41,254
My dear, could you not have trusted me,
1554
01:50:41,389 --> 01:50:45,339
worked with me truthfully
and honourably? We would have won.
1555
01:50:45,477 --> 01:50:48,394
I could not run that risk.
You thought he was innocent.
1556
01:50:48,522 --> 01:50:51,688
And you knew he was innocent.
I understand.
1557
01:50:51,817 --> 01:50:55,102
No, Sir Wilfrid,
you do not understand at all.
1558
01:50:55,237 --> 01:50:57,692
I knew he was guilty.
1559
01:51:01,118 --> 01:51:04,072
That can't be true! No!
1560
01:51:05,289 --> 01:51:07,696
Listen to me, once and for all.
1561
01:51:07,833 --> 01:51:10,538
He came home after ten,
he had blood on his sleeves,
1562
01:51:10,669 --> 01:51:14,120
he said he had killed the woman,
only I could save him. He pleaded.
1563
01:51:14,256 --> 01:51:17,376
And you saved him? A murderer?
1564
01:51:17,509 --> 01:51:19,632
Again, you don't understand.
1565
01:51:19,761 --> 01:51:21,801
I love him.
1566
01:51:27,603 --> 01:51:29,975
I told you she was an actress.
And a good one.
1567
01:51:30,105 --> 01:51:31,730
Leonard!
1568
01:51:31,857 --> 01:51:35,024
I knew she'd do something,
but I just didn't know what or how.
1569
01:51:35,152 --> 01:51:37,191
Leonard, Leonard.
1570
01:51:39,239 --> 01:51:44,744
- Fooled you completely, didn't she?
- It was you, Vole, who fooled me.
1571
01:51:44,870 --> 01:51:50,540
Oh, easy. Easy. We both got
out of this alive, let's stay this way.
1572
01:51:50,668 --> 01:51:54,167
- Where are your pills?
- You've made a mockery of English law.
1573
01:51:54,296 --> 01:51:57,546
Who did? You got me off
and I can't be tried again for this.
1574
01:51:57,675 --> 01:52:02,253
- That's English law too, isn't it?
- You can't touch him now. Nobody can.
1575
01:52:02,388 --> 01:52:05,092
The scales of justice
may tip one way or another,
1576
01:52:05,224 --> 01:52:08,344
but ultimately they balance out.
You'll pay for this.
1577
01:52:08,477 --> 01:52:12,641
Ultimately's a long way off. I'd rather
pay for it as soon as possible and in cash.
1578
01:52:12,773 --> 01:52:17,316
Suppose we double your fee? There'll be
lots of money once the will goes through.
1579
01:52:17,444 --> 01:52:20,398
I'm not cheap, I want everybody
to get something out of it.
1580
01:52:20,531 --> 01:52:24,114
There's Janet McKenzie.
We'll get her that new hearing aid.
1581
01:52:24,243 --> 01:52:29,238
And we'll get you a new one of these.
18-carat gold if they make them.
1582
01:52:29,373 --> 01:52:33,074
And when they try you for perjury
there'll be? 5,000 for the defence.
1583
01:52:33,210 --> 01:52:37,956
I don't care, just so we'll be together.
You don't know what I've been through.
1584
01:52:38,090 --> 01:52:43,048
Standing in the witness box, having
to face you, saying I never loved you.
1585
01:52:43,179 --> 01:52:44,377
What is it, Leonard?
1586
01:52:44,513 --> 01:52:48,381
The luggage is in the car and we've
only 20 minutes to catch the boat train.
1587
01:52:48,517 --> 01:52:51,091
This is a nice young lady
I met during the trial.
1588
01:52:51,228 --> 01:52:52,557
Len!
1589
01:52:52,688 --> 01:52:54,348
Oh, Len!
1590
01:52:54,482 --> 01:52:56,106
Len...
1591
01:52:57,735 --> 01:53:01,436
Oh, Len, they've been trying to keep
me away. It's had me nearly crazy.
1592
01:53:01,572 --> 01:53:04,063
Leonard, who's this girl?
1593
01:53:04,200 --> 01:53:06,905
I'm not this girl, I'm his girl.
1594
01:53:07,036 --> 01:53:08,863
Tell her, Len.
1595
01:53:08,996 --> 01:53:12,496
Leonard, is this the girl
who was with you in the travel bureau?
1596
01:53:12,625 --> 01:53:15,792
The girl you said you hardly knew,
didn't even know her name?
1597
01:53:15,920 --> 01:53:20,582
That's right. That's who I am and I know
all about you. You're not his wife.
1598
01:53:20,716 --> 01:53:25,010
Never have been. You're years older than
he is. We've been together for months
1599
01:53:25,138 --> 01:53:31,057
and we're going away on a cruise,
just like they said in court. Tell her, Len.
1600
01:53:31,185 --> 01:53:36,180
- Yes, Len, tell me yourself.
- All right, Diana, come along.
1601
01:53:36,315 --> 01:53:39,020
You can't, not after what I've done.
I won't let you.
1602
01:53:39,152 --> 01:53:42,106
I saved your life
getting you out of Germany,
1603
01:53:42,238 --> 01:53:45,441
you got me out of this mess,
so we're even. It's over now.
1604
01:53:45,575 --> 01:53:50,118
Don't, Leonard! Don't leave me!
Don't, Leonard! Don't!
1605
01:53:50,246 --> 01:53:53,117
Pull yourself together.
They'll have you up for perjury.
1606
01:53:53,249 --> 01:53:57,828
Don't make it worse
or they'll try you as an accessory.
1607
01:53:57,962 --> 01:54:00,251
And you know what that means.
1608
01:54:00,381 --> 01:54:05,043
I don't care. Let them. Let them try me
for perjury, or an accessory, or...
1609
01:54:06,054 --> 01:54:08,723
- Ready?
- Or better yet...
1610
01:54:08,848 --> 01:54:10,841
let them try me for...!
1611
01:54:10,975 --> 01:54:12,802
Argh!
1612
01:54:16,105 --> 01:54:17,932
(Diana screams)
1613
01:54:19,651 --> 01:54:21,478
(sobs)
1614
01:54:34,374 --> 01:54:38,917
- Call a doctor.
- It's no use. No doctor can help now.
1615
01:54:39,963 --> 01:54:42,370
- What happened?
- She killed him.
1616
01:54:42,507 --> 01:54:44,500
Killed him?
1617
01:54:44,634 --> 01:54:46,876
She executed him.
1618
01:54:48,513 --> 01:54:51,087
Carter, what have you done
with the luggage?
1619
01:54:51,224 --> 01:54:56,930
I sent it on ahead to the station,
and I've got a cab waiting outside.
1620
01:55:03,486 --> 01:55:07,436
- A remarkable woman.
- You can just barely catch the boat train.
1621
01:55:07,574 --> 01:55:11,358
Better bring the luggage back,
and you can dismiss the cab.
1622
01:55:11,495 --> 01:55:14,579
We are not going yet, are we?
1623
01:55:17,000 --> 01:55:19,871
Thank you, Miss Plimsoll.
1624
01:55:20,003 --> 01:55:22,672
Get Brogan-Moore to my chambers,
and Mayhew too.
1625
01:55:22,798 --> 01:55:27,091
We're appearing for the defence
in the trial of Christine Vole.
1626
01:55:27,219 --> 01:55:29,046
Sir Wilfrid?
1627
01:55:29,179 --> 01:55:31,848
You've forgotten your brandy.
1628
01:55:54,682 --> 01:55:56,591
The management of this theatre suggests
1629
01:55:56,726 --> 01:56:00,973
that for the greater entertainment of
friends who have not yet seen the picture,
1630
01:56:01,105 --> 01:56:04,272
you will not divulge to anyone
the secret of the ending
1631
01:56:04,400 --> 01:56:07,152
of "Witness For The Prosecution".