Scripts.com Sabotage By Joseph Conrad

Transcription

1 Scripts.com Sabotage By Joseph Conrad Page 1/36

2 (HORN HONKING) MAN: (PEOPLE SHOUTING) (HORNS HONKING) - Sand. - Sabotage. - Wrecking. - Deliberate. - What's at the back of it? - Who did it? I know how the law stands. You broke a contract, therefore you broke the law. But it's everywhere. Look at the street. MAN: to look at the pictures. (SINGING) MAN 1: I can do it at home. MAN 2: MAN 1: I think it's a blinking shame, robbing the poor people like that. We've got to have our money back. It's an act of providence, like an earthquake or a thunderbolt. Or a baby. Will you kindly not interfere? MAN: I'm so sorry I'm late, Mrs. Verloc, but I had a hell of a time trying to eat my egg on toast in the dark. Half of it's in my ear now. (CROWD MURMURING) They want their money back, but we can't afford it. I do wish Mr. Verloc would come. Page 2/36

3 WOMAN: Can't even see the pictures. - They're getting nasty. - Nasty? Leave them to me. Here you, what's all this about? Lend me your flashlight, Jack. Is it our fault if the light fails? Supposing you were a policeman, got hit over the nut. You think the government would ask for their money back? I paid for my seat. Yes. And what about the one you put your feet on? Carl, when did you get home? I haven't been out. You weren't in 20 minutes ago. I came and called up the stairs. I was asleep. Why are you shining the torch on me? Can't you switch on the light or something? We can't, it's failed. What, the fuse gone down? No, it's everywhere, in the streets and the trams. And the audience downstairs wants their money back. They're making a terrible row about it. Well, give it back. - We can't possibly afford it. - Yes, we can. You must be crazy. It'll clear us right out. You're always saying we don't cover expenses. That's all right. Doesn't pay to antagonize the public. I've got some money coming in. Go on. Well, it's for you to say. If we're going to be generous, let's do it properly. Come on downstairs and make a speech about it. No, no. They're used to you. You do it. Page 3/36

4 All right. I still think you're crazy. - It's an act of God, I tell you. - And what do you call an act of God? I call your face one, and you won't get your money back on that. (CROWD LAUGHING) If a plane were to come along and drop a bomb on you, that would be an unfriendly act within the meaning of the act. But if the juice dries up of its own accord, that's an act of providence as laid down in the act of William IV where an act is defined as any activity actuated by actual action. WOMAN: the blinking lights went out. (CROWD LAUGHING) - It's a moot point. - I'll moot point them. Make them pay. MAN: WOMAN: - MAN: - And how will you get it? Apply sanctions? Are you familiar with the details of the covenant? If you'd studied Article 257, paragraph 24, line 6, sanction B, - it says definitely no. - WOMAN: Yes. You didn't know that, did you? You're all ignorant. Now if you take my advice, you'll go off home because there's nothing doing here. Now go on, get off. - What do you think you're doing? - TED: I thought I told you not to interfere. Page 4/36

5 I've been delivering a little counterattack. Look, they're on the run. Well, they can come right back. Listen, ladies and gentlemen, you're going to get your money back. (ALL EX CLAIMING) Don't give in now. I'll stand by you. I'd prefer you to go and stand by your apple stall. Ladies and gentlemen, I've been speaking to Mr. Verloc, and since you're all regular patrons and good friends, he's going to let you have your money back. There'll be no money back, I tell you. Go on, get off. Please don't pay any attention to him. I tell you, you're crazy. I had it all fixed. - Will you mind your own business? - Of all the obstinate people... If you don't go away, I'll call the police. (CROWD MURMURING) Renee, start refunding the patrons their money. (PEOPLE GASPING) JACK: You haven't been here before. Hop it. Thank you for your trouble. I'm sure you meant well. Not at all. I like trouble. (DOOR SLAMS) (AUDIENCE LAUGHING) (MAN CHA TTERING ON SCREEN) (AUDIENCE LAUGHING) RENEE: WOMAN: RENEE: WOMAN: Page 5/36

6 RENEE: - How many? - MAN: Two shillings? Right. Take your change, please. - How many? - One. - How many? - None, thanks. Vegetables is all ready for dishing up. Please tell Mrs. Verloc, miss. There you are, ma'am. I've got to hurry home now because me husband's having trouble with his kidneys again, and I can't leave him for long. Your young brother's looking after them. - What, the kidneys? - No, the vegetables. Oh, Stevie, have you done all this by yourself? Oh, come on, don't be so modest. Well, we didn't have to pay them back their money after all. (MRS. VERLOC CHATTERING) Always that woman, Mrs. Jones, manages to make the cabbage brown. I'm always telling her you like things green. I'll make you a salad. Stevie, run next door and get a nice big head of lettuce. Long or round? I like long best. Whichever's freshest. Tell them to charge it. We very nearly wouldn't have been able to afford lettuce if we'd paid them back. You didn't seem very interested when I told you. I mean, why were you so keen to pay them back at all? Page 6/36

7 No, it's not that. Only anything for quiet. I don't like attention being drawn to us like that. Good evening. Forgive me for butting in your private affairs, but this bright specimen didn't appear to know whether you wanted long, round, square, or oblong lettuce. So I brought a selection. - I distinctly said long ones, you know I did. - Did you? I thought you said long ones. I said long ones. Oh, good evening, Mr. Verloc. So you came home just in time to see the trouble, eh? Me? I've been in all the afternoon. But I could've sworn I saw you come in just about... Well, you were wrong. I didn't know anything about it until you woke me, did I? No. He was lying down upstairs. I had to call him. Sorry. My mistake, I suppose. Well, here we are. (WOMAN SCREAMING ON SCREEN) I thought someone was committing a murder. Someone probably is. On the screen there. Stevie, hop on a chair and fix that fanlight. Look out George Arliss doesn't bite you, Steve. Well, good night, all. (GUN FIRING ON SCREEN) All right, lady, I'll look around the market tomorrow. Thank you. Mind if I pop off early tonight, guv? - Okay, Ted. - Thank you. Good night, boys. That fellow seems to get off whenever he likes. Page 7/36

8 All right, we'll put someone onto that. Well, Sergeant, you saw what happened tonight. - Yes, sir. - Anything your end? I'm not certain, but I could've sworn I saw Verloc come back in the middle of it all. Later when I challenged him, he said he hadn't been out at all. - His wife confirmed it. - Naturally. She would if she's in it. You better find some way of talking to her. Now, listen, Spencer, the Home Office have been on and they're scared something worse than tonight's job may happen. What's the idea, sir? What's the point of all this wrecking? Making trouble at home to take our minds off what's going on abroad. Same as in a crowd. One man treads on your toe. While you're arguing with him his pal picks your pocket. - Who's behind it? - They're the people that you and I'll never catch. It's the men they employ that we're after. Don't you know that's very dangerous? - What? - Leaving stuff like that lying about. Supposing you or me were to break our leg on that you'd be pleased with yourself, I suppose. That would depend whether it was your leg or mine. Can't tempt you, I suppose? Oranges, very nice today. Good for the feet. Hello, guv, going to the pictures? As a matter of fact, I'm off to a trade show. Well, pick us a good one then, Page 8/36

9 you know, with plenty of murders. This love stuff makes me sick. The women like it, though. He's just going. Then tell him not to come back too late 'cause we're going out. Don't come back too late 'cause you're both going out. I'll be back as soon as I can. (WHISTLING) Penny each, pineapples. Pineapples, penny each. Penny each, pineapples. Pineapples, penny each. Penny each, pineapples. Pineapples, penny each. What's them bubbles, Dad? Has the fish got hiccups? You'd have hiccups if you had to live on ants' eggs. MAN: MR. VERLOC: They're funny-iooking things. MAN: for the Lord Mayor's banquet next Saturday. MR. VERLOC: They say it's digestible. Hmm. There's a thing with a mustache. MR. VERLOC: with last night's show. Wasn't as easy as it looked. I had to spend money, too. MAN: MR. VERLOC: The sort of thing to make people sit up. Page 9/36

10 I think you'll agree I've earned my money. I hope you didn't mind my asking for it in pound notes. MAN: When one sets out to put the fear of death into people, it's not helpful to make them laugh. We're not comedians. It's not my fault if they're such fools. Londoners are not fools. They laughed because they realized what happened last night was laughable. They did right to laugh. This time. What do you mean? Mr. Verloc, you will be paid your money when you've earned it. I don't follow. My dear Verloc, I once read a sign in Piccadilly Circus calling it the center of the world. I think you'd better pay a visit there in a couple of days' time, and leave a small parcel in the cloakroom at the underground station. What sort of a parcel? I don't know. MAN: MR. VERLOC: I'm not going to be connected with anything that means loss of life. You'll have to get somebody else. I won't touch it. MAN: - Lf you think you're so well-off that... - MR. VERLOC: You know my position. MAN: You'll be paid your money when... Page 10/36

11 In any case, if you're so fussy about doing it yourself, surely you have some kind friends who'd help you? Now don't be so silly. Go and see this man. He's a very nice old gentleman and he makes lovely fireworks. I'll try and see him. And don't forget the date. Saturday next. Lord Mayor's show day. Lots of people. You want me to come and report? Thanks, no. If your report itself is loud enough, it won't be necessary. Which is the way out, please? Thank you. This bivalve's rate of fertility is extremely high. After laying a million eggs, the female oyster changes her sex. I don't blame her. - Excuse me, can I help you? - Oh, thank you. Its feet are cold. Isn't it fat? You'd be fat, too, if you were fed corn and bits of bread all day long. - Why, if it isn't Stevie and Mrs. Verloc. - It's Ted, look. Ted. Yes, it always is. Fat, isn't it? Ought to eat more fruit. You and your fruit. That's our lunch today. Is that all? How about a nice juicy steak with me? What about it? - I'm all for it. - Stevie! - Good. Where shall we go? - I'd like to go to Simpsons. A boy I know, his uncle took him there once. Don't be silly, Stevie, we're going to the corner house to a teashop. Page 11/36

12 Don't be too hard, Mrs. V, let's make it Simpsons. Come on. - Have you ever been here before? - No, never. Stevie, look what you're doing. You're pulling the tablecloth. I saw a picture once where a chap snatched the tablecloth off the table and left everything standing on it. - You ought to try that at home one day. - He did. All this is very expensive, isn't it? Yes, it looks like it, doesn't it? I've got a pound note if you want it. It's all right. Now, Steve, setting aside the steak for a moment, we have here before us oysters, caviar, smoked salmon, - fried, grilled or boiled sole. - I'll have a... Roast saddle of mutton, Kentish Chicken Pudding, boiled silverside, roast sirloin, chopped steaks, grilled kidneys or roast duck. MRS. VERLOC: a nice poached egg on toast and I'll have a mixed salad. Here, drink this. Poached egg here at Simpsons? Why, that's enough to make the roast beef turn in its gravy. Three bullocks roasted whole, and a cup of coffee. WAITER: When did you come over from America? About a year ago. Business wasn't too good over there. That's funny. People used to go to the States because business wasn't too good over here. - How are things here now, not too good? Page 12/36

13 - Not terribly. I hadn't noticed you turning people away. It's hard to make a one-man business pay these days, unless you run a sideline. Has Mr. Verloc a sideline? No, but we're quite satisfied with things as they are. Just one happy little family. Just one happy little family. Mr. Verloc's very kind to Stevie. And that means a lot to Stevie's sister. It means everything. - Now here we are. - Good morning, sir. No fat for you, as usual? You see, I don't forget. I haven't seen you for a long time. Do I look as though I don't like fat? - What's the big idea? - What idea? First, pretending never to have been here before. Second, affording to come here on your salary. That's what everyone would like to know. There's a mystery about me. Come to think of it, there's a mystery about most people. - Haven't you got some terrible secret? - Never mind about that. What goes on after hours in that cinema of yours? Deeds of darkness. Does your husband go on mysterious journeys? He does, wearing false whiskers. Aha! That means there's another woman in his life. (GIGGLING) - What's the joke? - Lf you only knew him. He's the quietest, most harmless home-ioving person. Page 13/36

14 Well, what luck with Mrs. Verloc? - She knows nothing, sir, nothing at all. - What makes you think so? She has a straight answer to everything, besides her manner... Pretty woman? - What's that got to do with it, sir? - I know, I'm too tender-hearted myself, especially where women are concerned. What about Verloc? I'm not certain, but if he is mixed up in this, he's not giving himself away. I'm not so sure about that. Your assistant, what's his... Hollingshead. Hollingshead was signaled by you this morning to follow this man. - Yes, sir. - Just reach me that paper, will you? This is his report, telephoned from a call box 10 minutes ago. "Verloc went to the zoo aquarium, evidently by appointment, "and met a certain foreign individual who handed him a paper. "He then proceeded to 465 Liverpool Road, Islington, which is a bird shop. "I'm waiting for him to come out and report again later on." - Islington? - Exactly. Doesn't mean much to me, either. But I can't understand, madam, one of my best songbirds. It sang all day before you purchased it. Perhaps in a few days it will settle down. Nothing will make it settle down. I've tried all ways, whistling to it, clapping me hands, frying bacon, no use. It just sits there and makes me look silly. - Not the bird's fault, I assure you, madam. - Isn't it? Page 14/36

15 I'll have my two and nine, please, and there's your bird back. I want a canary for company. Perhaps I can make him sing. (WHISTLING) (BIRD SINGING) There, now. - Are you sure it was him? - Listen again. (WHISTLES) (BIRD SINGING) Didn't see his beak open. Of course you did. There's a good boy. Now, don't forget, plenty of watercress and you must whistle to him. Me whistle? Perhaps you'd like me to sit in the cage and him do the housework. Yes, of course, you want something from my other department, don't you? Hmm? This way. My daughter. Much better than having strangers doing for you. Strangers too inquisitive, you know. Now, where are my keys? (TSKING) How very careless. She oughtn't to let the child play up here. A bit dangerous. There you are. No father, no discipline. What can you expect? Is the little girl's father dead? I don't know. He might be. I don't know. Nobody knows. My daughter would like to know, too. But there you are. It's her cross and she must bear it. We all have our cross to bear. Hmm? (SIGHS) Everything there looks pretty harmless. You are right, my friend. Page 15/36

16 But if I were to mix, say, a little tomato sauce with some strawberry jam, then... I gather from our mutual friend that Saturday is the day, and the hour 1: But how do I start the mechanism? You leave that to me. By the time you receive it, everything will have been set in motion. You seem a little nervous. Don't be afraid. Say to yourself, there is one man who envies you. Envies me? I've been a fighter always until now. But alas, I'm no longer wanted in the frontline. I must keep the fighters supplied. But I would rather be in your shoes. My dear, just look here. Yes, yes, perhaps you're right. I must have put it there myself. (GRUNTS) There, there. No harm done. Well, I think everything is quite clear. Slap me hard. Granddad's been very naughty. Look there. What's he doing? He might be watching me. Why not? They probably know too much already. They'll raid you one day. I shall give them a nice, warm welcome if they do. He didn't see me. On Saturday without fail, sir. Two canaries in a nice cage with a very deep tray. Don't forget, Saturday at 1:45. Good day, sir. Good day. That child again. SHOP OWNER: Page 16/36

17 MAN: (BIRDS CHIRPING) SHOP OWNER: and my dear little birds at once answer for themselves. MRS. VERLOC: he wasn't a greengrocer's assistant at all. I mean, a greengrocer's assistant can hardly afford to lunch at Simpsons, can he? He's really quite well off, and he's there to learn the business. It's one of a big chain, that shop. If you ask me, I believe he's the son of the man who owns them. How would you like a job selling fruit, Stevie? I wouldn't mind with Ted. He makes it all sound fun. Wouldn't it be grand to have steak whenever you like? Crumbs, I'd have it three times a day. - You'd soon get sick of it. - Bet I wouldn't. I don't see how you could get sick of things to eat, except poached eggs. MRS. VERLOC: with poached eggs? STEVIE: in the world. I bet Ted doesn't eat them. I'm sure he does. I bet he doesn't. They're beneath his dignity. MRS. VERLOC: so terribly dignified. Well, he's too dignified to eat eggs. - See, you're bunching it up. - It's all right, Stevie. Page 17/36

18 Do you think Ted will come with us and sail it? He might if you ask him. He's more likely to if you ask him. STEVIE: but Ted knows about all sorts of things. Gangsters and burglars and everything. MRS. VERLOC: STEVIE: He says gangsters are not nearly so frightening as you'd think. Some of them are quite ordinary looking, like you and me and Mr. Verloc. Perhaps he's right. After all, if gangsters look like gangsters, the police would soon get after them, wouldn't they, I mean? Sixpence, please. Thank you. Is Mr. Verloc in? - Was he expecting you? - Yes. - Do you know your way through? - Yes, I think so. - Pass one, Jack. - Thank you. I have an appointment with Mr. Verloc. - Do you know your way through? - No. You go right through the theater. Pass one, Jack. Thank you. GREENGROCER: A pound of those apples, please. I'll have to slip away in a minute. Maybe I won't be bothering you anymore again after tonight. MAN: Keep an eye, Jim, will you? Page 18/36

19 - One balcony, please. - Pass one, Jack. WOMAN ON SCREEN... I'm glad you found this. It's the most important of the lot. I'll burn it, too. MAN ON SCREEN... Allow me. WOMAN... Oh, thank you. Well, all our troubles are over now. Oh! (AUDIENCE LAUGHING) (MAN GROANING) MAN 1... Look out. Oh, look out! MAN 2... Come on, Ridley! Hello, Ted. Where are you going? Just going to have a word with Mr. Verloc. He doesn't talk through loudspeakers. - Is that what's in there? - Only the screen, not much to look at. (MAN CHA TTERING) (MAN GROANING) Where does that lead to? To our front room. You remember when it fell open. I'll give old Mr. V a surprise. MAN 1... Master Don. MAN 2... Come out of there. MAN 1... I'm your nephew. MAN 2... Are you? MAN 2... Don't fiddle about, that's no good. Leave it to me, I'll get it out of him. (MAN 1 YELLS) MAN 1... Don't you do that to me. MAN 2... Well, don't you talk like that to me. Remember I'm your uncle. Older... Not at all. I'm only too glad to pay what the job's worth. Well, I don't see anything against it. I'll call in tomorrow about 11:00. And afterwards... I'll settle with you when you've done the job. Of course, Page 19/36

20 if the Arsenal lose to Birmingham on Saturday, I shan't be so pleased. Arsenal? I don't follow. No, I know you don't follow Arsenal, but they're a good bet, believe me. Don't forget I filled in about 10 coupons. Stands me in at about 15 bob, so I'd better... MR. VERLOC: - What were you doing up there? - MAN 1: He's from the grocery next door. I know him, all right, but... What's happened? I was showing Ted the back of the screen and the loudspeakers. Wasn't that all right? I hope I didn't hurt you. You never know, you know. Well, Mr. Verloc, no harm done, I hope. I must be getting back to the shade of the old apple tree. Sorry. Good night, all. Good night. That is Detective Sergeant Spencer of Scotland Yard. - But who is he after? - You're having us on. What are we going to do about him? But he's connected with the fruit stall next door, I tell you. Spencer got me my last stretch, the one I'm on license from now. - What're we gonna do about it? - One thing. This job is off, out, finished. - We go quick from here and scatter. - And keep scattered. If he comes out again, tell him you don't know where we live. Say we've gone abroad, anything you like. (MUSIC PLA YING ON SCREEN) Page 20/36

21 Yesterday, at Simpsons, when you had lunch with that fellow. With Ted, you mean? Remember what he said to you? Did he ask you any questions about yourself? About me? None that I can think of. Why? Because he's a detective from Scotland Yard, that's why. Spying on us, on me, through you. But why should he? What is there to find out? I'm all right. It must be one of those fellows who came here tonight. But you said he was spying on you. No, not me. This place, I meant. If he has anything against anybody why didn't he come straight to you? You'd help him. I'll talk to Mr. Detective Ted. No, no. I'll speak to him myself. - You may clean all that. - Right-o, governor. Where's Ted? He's gone. - Has he gone to Scotland Yard? - Sorry, Mr. Verloc. Of course, I didn't like the idea, but I couldn't refuse. You see, it was official. But why? What's wrong? - Did they say what it was about? - Not so far as I know. You must have been showing some funny sort of films, I daresay, you know, perhaps a bit too hot. Was he there? Post. I was trying to get hold of him since first thing this morning. - Wasn't there anybody there to answer? - No. Well, it's too late to stop him now. Page 21/36

22 He's gone out with an order. All right. All right. An old man just left this. I thought he must have made a mistake. No, that's all right. It's only a pair of birds for Stevie. I was just phoning about it. You're terribly good to him. Not to you? If you're good to him, you're good to me. You know that. Yes, I know. - What made you think of it? - Someone made the suggestion. Go and call him, will you? (DOOR CLOSES) Stevie. What are you doing up there? There's a surprise for you inside. - What is it? - Go and see. There was no one on the door. Forgive me for busting in like this. We're getting used to it. I'm afraid we've nothing showing at this early hour. I'm sorry, Mrs. Verloc, but I'm here on business. Same business as last night? Mrs. Verloc, there's nothing personal in all this. Isn't there? You had us fooled all right. Trying to make Stevie and me think you were a friend. - Do you think I enjoyed it? - Then why did... Listen. I asked to be taken off this job this morning. You can guess why. But it's not as easy as that. In my job you have to do as you're told. What have you been told? If it's about the men who came here last night, my husband had nothing to do with it. Page 22/36

23 You'd better realize that. They came here on business about the cinema. That's just it. You've no idea what their business was. Whatever it was, I'm sure my husband hasn't done anything wrong. I hope you're right. Why do you say it like that? Because we believe there's something going on here connected with sabotage. That blackout the other night, you remember? Well, my husband hasn't anything to do with sabotage. He told me that night he'd been in all evening. That wasn't true. I saw him come back with my own eyes. I don't believe it. You're making things very difficult for me. I'm afraid I've got to ask you a lot of questions. Now, about those men. I've told you before, he's the most harmless person in the whole world. He wouldn't do anything to... TED: or one by one? Did you recognize any of them? Are you quite certain that you didn't know one of them by sight? (WHISTLING) Stevie! They're beauteous. Which one's the hen? Well, you'll have to wait till one of them lays an egg. Wouldn't it fool everybody if one day the gent laid an egg? - Gosh, wouldn't that be funny? - You're right. By the way, has that two-reeler gone over to the Canterbury yet? Page 23/36

24 There's plenty of time. I was just wondering. Maybe you could take it along now. 'Cause there's another little job I want doing at the same time. - You know, kill two birds with one stone. - Not my birds. No, they'll be here when you come back. No, it's that projector gadget wants seeing to. Harris out at Watford says he'll do it cheaper than they will in town. But he can't come right over here and fetch it, so what we'll do is this. You leave it in the cloakroom at Piccadilly Circus, and Harris picks it up at 1:30. But can he get it without the ticket? Oh, that's all right. You leave the ticket with the man. Harris knows him. We've done this before. (WHISTLING) - You'd better get along now. - Well, there's no hurry. - You'll have to walk all the way. - Walk? What for? Well, you know you can't take film tins in public vehicles. Oh, yes, I forgot. You needn't tell your sister that you are going as far as Piccadilly. You know what she is. Always thinking you are going to get run over. She needn't worry. Heads I wash, tails I don't. Tails it is. (SIGHING) For God's sake, why don't you go? I mean, hurry up. You might be late. Don't forget it's got to be there by 1:30 at the latest. Hello, Steve. What have you got there? I'm taking a two-reeler Page 24/36

25 over to the Canterbury. "Bartholomew the Strangler." That sounds a juicy one. Have you seen it? - Fourteen times. - Must be quite a wrench parting from it. - Well, so long, Bartholomew. - So long. - Careful of the crossing. - I can look after myself, can't I? - Steve, is Mr. Verloc in? - Yes, I just left him. I'm afraid I've had to impose on you, Mr. Verloc. I couldn't afford to let you in on this. Now I've put my cards on the table. I've come here to ask for your help, nothing more. I see. About those men that were here the other night, when I dropped in myself. I've been instructed to get a little information about them. We'd be very grateful if you'd help us. Well, any help I can give him, of course. About yourself, Mr. Verloc. When did you first come to this country? - Can I get you a drink or something? - Not now, thanks. Well, I've got to think now. Let's see. Perhaps it would be better if you put it down on paper. Just a formality. Could you find a pen and ink? We can start right away, you know. "I, Carl Anton Verloc..." MAN 1: I want to ask you a question. - What is it causes teeth to fall out? - MAN 2: (ALL LAUGHING) MAN 1: inevitable in all human organisms, Page 25/36

26 but decay can be arrested, instantaneously arrested, and by what? MAN 3: MAN 1: But if I may say so, by rather more than one copper, by a few coppers. I have here in my hand a tube of that remarkable preparation, Salvodon, derived from two Greek words, salvonomor and dontoupe. Sixpence for four tubes and a shilling for the large tube containing four times as much. Now let me give you just a little demonstration. Now, if somebody... I see here a young gentleman who I'm sure would be happy to assist me. - No, I wouldn't. - ALL: Come on, bung him up. - In the chair, sir, if you don't mind. - But I... - Allow me to relieve you of the toffee. - It isn't toffee. I have... All right. Stay where you are. Don't get excited. Now then, here we are. The first thing to do is to take the tube in the left hand and remove the cap. Like so. Then we pick up the toothbrush and we squeeze some of the Salvodon along the bristles. Like so. Then, I want you to observe, ladies and gentlemen that the young gentleman's teeth are very dirty. - They're not. - Yes, they are. Now, come on. Open your mouth. Page 26/36

27 That's a good boy. We now proceed to use the brush. Now with the ordinary commercial dentifrices, what happens? It is either too gritty and takes all the enamel off, or it ain't, and it don't take nothing off. But with Salvodon, that's the happy medium. Neither too strong nor too weak. It performs the functions that nature forgot. It cleanses the teeth, refreshes the mouth, and removes all traces of halitosis. Hali what? - Bad breath to you, sir. - Same to you. Thank you, I don't need it. Relax, sonny. Don't be afraid. There you are. Now, ladies and gentlemen, you'll observe that I have unfortunately disarranged the young gentleman's hair, but that is easily attended to. Now I have here a bottle of Loswell. A shilling for that size. But I have a large size, four times the size, which is only 18 pence. I will now give you a demonstration of how it's used. You put it on the hair like that, you see. It's a remarkable stuff. (ALL LAUGHING) It is guaranteed to give the appearance of patent leather to the human thatch. You are now groomed for stardom, as they say. Go on, buzz off, you little basket. Go on. What do you want? Go on, hop it. (MAN CHATTERING) Where you going? Go on, back to your place. Go on. Come on, son. Get right back. Page 27/36

28 MAN: (BAND PLAYING MARCH) (CROWD CHEERING) Pushing and shoving. What do you think you're doing? I say, do you think we'll get to Piccadilly Circus by 1:30? Yes, 1: Have you got to meet a young lady there? You can't bring those on a public vehicle. - They're films, ain't they? - Yes. Then they're flammable. Go on. Hop off, big boy. But I've got to get to Piccadilly. Can't I leave them on the platform or somewhere? It's Bartholomew the Strangler. Oh, well, as it's you, Bartholomew old fellow, you can stay as long as you promise not to set about me or the passengers. Thank you. (LAUGHING) Well, now everything seems to be all right. - Will you have your drink after all? - No, thanks. (KNOCKING ON DOOR) Come in. Oh, excuse me. Will you ring up Whitehall 1212? TED: Put me through to Superintendent Talbot please. Spencer here, sir. A whole busload of people have been blown up in the West End. How awful. - What time? - Why do you ask? Well, after all, I can't be in two places at the same time, can I? Page 28/36

29 I suppose not. I may be back later on. - Caught onto anything? - I'm not sure. Well, make up your mind. What is it anyway? (MUTTERING) Bartholomew something. That's a film tin, isn't it? I thought you said Verloc hadn't been out since morning. He hadn't. Well, you'd best go back there and see if that's one of their films. - Do you want me, sir? - Yes, yes. You better join Hollingshead at the bird shop. - Yes, sir. - Don't go inside. Just keep your eyes open. - Right-o, sir. - All right, Spencer. Is that anything to do with it, Mr. Spencer? "Bartholomew the Strangler." That's a film tin, isn't it? No. Sardines. NEWSBOY: Late extra news, big bomb sensation! He's all right. He can take care of himself. You've got nothing to worry about. Late extra news, big bomb sensation! Big bomb sensation! Give me a penny. NEWSBOY: Big bomb sensation. Late extra news. Late extra news. Big bomb sensation. Late extra news. Late extra news. Big bomb sensation. (CROWD EX CLAIMING) Page 29/36

30 MAN: (CROWD CHATTERING) I want Mr. Verloc. I want to see Mr. Verloc. I didn't mean any harm to come to the boy. Come on. We've got to think of tomorrow. You'll need all your wits about you if they get onto me. You might answer a fellow. Do be reasonable. What would it have been if you'd lost me? That swine in the aquarium. Silly, jeering, dangerous brute, with no more sense than... You didn't know. Quite right, too. I'm not the chap to worry a woman that's fond of me. You had no business to know. You'll have to pull yourself together, my girl. What's done can't be undone. You go to bed now. What you want is a good cry. I know how you feel. Do you think it doesn't touch me? Do you think I fixed it so that he'd be killed? No. But I tell you who did. Your Scotland Yard friend from next door, Ted. Blame him. I'd have carried the thing myself, but he was hanging around watching, spying. I couldn't get away. Listen, it's done now. And there's the future. Perhaps... I don't know. Perhaps if we had a kid of our own... (AUDIENCE LAUGHING) (WHISTLING) (ALL LAUGHING) (CHA TTERING) (CROONING) (GROANS) Page 30/36

31 (AUDIENCE LAUGHING) MAN... (SINGING) Who killed Cock Robin? CHORUS... Who killed Cock Robin? Everything is dished up. Young Stevie ain't in, but I've laid for him. I'll be getting along now. MAN... (SINGING) Who, who, who, who Who killed Cock Robin? Who killed Cock Robin? CHORUS... Who killed Cock Robin? Who got him with the shot? And put him on the spot? Who killed Cock Robin? Pulled yourself together a bit. That's better. Never green. Why can't that woman cook green stuff any better? Surely she's been long enough here to know how fond I am of that sort of thing. I don't think I want any cabbage. Couldn't we send next door for some... (CRIES) That hurt! (BIRDS CHIRPING) Stevie! Stevie! (FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING) - You've heard. - Yes. I'm terribly sorry. I don't know what to say. - You know why I'm here? - Yes. - I have to arrest him. - Yes. I'll help him if I can, of course. For your sake, if not for his. I'd do anything for you. You know that, don't you? It's very good of you, Ted. There isn't anything you can do for either of us. Things aren't as bad as that. The evidence is against him, I admit. Page 31/36

32 But nothing's going to happen to you. I know this isn't a very good time to tell you. I shouldn't tell you at all, I suppose. But before I take him along, I want you to know that what happens to you means a lot to me. I didn't want to tell you how I felt about you, but there it is. I guess I'd better get my coat if we're going. I can't stop shivering. - For God's sake, what happened? - He killed Stevie. I feel warmer now. Let's go. - Go where? - To the police, of course. No, hold on. Wait a minute. (MUSIC PLA YING ON SCREEN) My friends, take a look at this book. Do you realize what this means to you? Listen to me, you can't go through with this. Ted, let me go. You're not guilty. I know it was an accident. Anyway, you only did the hangman's job for him. Please let me go. I know the facts, but no one else does. What chance would you stand with the judge and jury? I don't care anymore. You're telling me you've nothing more to live for, is that it? Look at me. Ted. My dear, we're going to get out of all this. Clear out. You know it's no good. You'll just ruin yourself. To hell with that. It's Saturday night. We don't need passports for the Continent if we ask for weekend tickets. Page 32/36

33 The train leaves at 9:00. Will someone try and get in that room? Mrs. Jones or anyone? Mrs. Jones comes in at 8:00 in the morning. And you say we've got no chance. Why, we've 12 hours' start before anyone can find him. You shut up. I don't want to hear another word from you. Now go straight to that cinema and bring that birdcage right back before the police get there and find it. How could you be so mad as to do such a thing? - A birdcage with a bomb in it. - My dear, I couldn't help... Well, you can help now. Here's your hat and your coat. - My dear, but what of the risk? - Risk? Who to? You? What about me and the child? Haven't our lives been one long risk for months? Now go on, get into that taxi. And get that birdcage. Bijou Cinema, Plouthorp Road. Follow that taxi. Put this through to the Yard. - Police van... What's our number? - UDC Reporting. Man under observation just left bird shop. Is making for the Bijou Cinema in a taxi which we are following. Any instructions? Reply is, "Arrest man and Verloc on arrival at cinema. "Chief Inspector coming from Yard." I'm all right now. I just... You mustn't look as though you've been crying. - I'm all right. - Come on, then. Page 33/36

34 Ted... Whatever happens... (MAN SHOUTING) Is Mr. Verloc in? What is it? It's a policeman. - Come on. - Not that way. (BAND PLAYING) - Are you in charge? - Sorry. No time now, madam. - But I'm Mrs. Verloc. - Where have you been, Spencer? - Look here, sir... - He was just taking me along to the police station. Oh, I see. Does Mrs. Verloc know we want to question her? Yes. He's explained all that. I told him I wanted to make a statement. Statement, eh? What kind of statement? Mrs. Verloc, you can make your statement later at the station. All right, Spencer. I'm in charge of this. The statement to do with your husband? - Old man's gone through to the back, sir. - Right. I'm coming over. You wait here. Your husband will be along in a minute. - No... - TED: Yes. No time now, I'm afraid. Later. You stay here by the car, Spencer. How many men have gone round the back? Mr. Verloc? (KNOCKING ON DOOR) Mr. Verloc? Come on, Grandpa. Open up. It'll save a lot of trouble. SHOP OWNER: I'll blow the place sky-high. Page 34/36

35 - Perhaps he's got a bomb. - Half a tick. Better clear the cinema. - I'll look after the old man. - No, thanks. I'm staying here. - You've got a wife. - All the more reason why I should stop. Go on, get the audience out. He's gone to back. He's got a bomb. Says he's gonna use it. A bomb? Is Verloc inside, too? I don't know. Perhaps something happened to him. (CROWD MURMURING) Ladies and gentlemen, I must ask you all to leave. No need to get alarmed. (KNOCKING ON DOOR) (KNOCKING ON DOOR) - Mrs. Verloc, is your husband inside there? - She knows nothing, sir. - Why do you keep interfering, Spencer? - Yes, he's inside. The old man's got a bomb. What's your husband's nerve like? Can he control him? - No. - TALBOT: He's dead. (BOMB EXPLODING) (CROWD SHOUTING) (POLICE OFFICER GIVING ORDERS) The roof's gone, the whole of the back of the place, clean blown out. - Anybody... - All the audience were clear, thank goodness, but Verloc. You know, I saw some things in the war, but... - Is there enough left to identify? - I wouldn't say so, sir. You'd better get a first aid man to attend to that head of yours. (MRS. VERLOC CRYING) Spencer. Page 35/36

36 You'd better look after Mrs. Verloc. Her husband's dead. Blown to glory. You can break it to her. There'll be a few enquiries later. There's nothing against her so far as I can gather. Yes, sir. (WEEPING) Make way there. That's queer. Is that girl psychic? - She said that Verloc was... - Dead, sir? You don't need second sight in a case like this. But she said it before. Or was it after? I can't remember. (ALARM RINGING) Page 36/36