Suspense!
Tonight, a banner presentation of Emeline Williams' classic, Night Must Fall, directed by Anton M. Leder and produced by Robert Montgomery.
Our stars, Mr. Montgomery and Dame Mae Whitty, with Heather Angel, Richard Ney and Matthew Bolton, in Night Must Fall.
This is Robert Montgomery. I cannot introduce Night Must Fall. I have no words in prologue, so surely do I feel that the play is the thing.
But I can introduce, with great anticipation and pride, the performance of Dame Mae Whitty as Mrs. Bramson, Heather Angel as Olivia Grain, Richard Ney as Hubert Lowry, and Matthew Bolton as Inspector Belsize.
It is our particular pride that both Dame Mae Whitty and Matthew Bolton are playing the roles they created in the original stage play in London. And I, I will play Danny.
With these performances, and with Night Must Fall, we again hope to keep you in...
Suspense!
It is a smallish place. A typical English country cottage, rambling and comfortable, with roses climbing upon the walls and the fences.
Surrounding it on every side stands the dark bulk of the forest, the massive trees, close packed, their interlacing canopies shadowing the undergrowth below.
It is an out of the way place, far from the nearest village, a mile or more from the nearest neighbor. A proper place for a murder, you might say.
Usually the forest quiet is undisturbed, but today one might hear a few scattered shouts, see strange men in uncomfortable city clothes poking about through the brush, searching.
And in the Bramson cottage, Dora the maid is receiving a visitor in the kitchen.
Oh Danny, I'm so glad you've come. I've been half off Meraka, what with that old witch in there, saying all those terrible things about you and me.
The police turning the place upside down and asking all kinds of questions. Oh Danny!
Here, here, here, steady now. What's all the rattle? What police?
You mean you haven't heard? That Mrs. Chalfont, the woman from the tall balls, has disappeared. Nobody knows what's become of her.
All that?
And there's even a man from Scotland Yard.
Scotland Yard? That is gratifying.
Gratifying?
Well I mean there being Johnny on the spot like that, shows we're getting our tax money's worth. Now, what's the matter with the old girl?
Oh Danny, she knows about us. And she says if you don't marry me, she'll give me the sack.
Oh Danny, you will. You will, won't you? If you don't...
No, I've heard about it. Always had the very same thing in mind myself.
Oh Danny.
I expect she wants to talk to me. Where is it? Through there?
Oh, you can't go in now. She's got people with her. The Scotland Yard man.
Well I can look, can't I?
Danny, be careful. If she hears you...
Cat can look at a king, you know. So that's Mrs. Bramson there. They say she don't have half a bit tucked away.
Oh, she's rich and all, but try to get hold of her.
Who's the girl with the spectacles?
Oh, that's her niece, Miss Grine. Miss Olivia Grine. Poor thing.
And the chap with her, I suppose?
Mr. Lorry. He wants to marry her, but...
I don't think she wants to, not really.
Well now, if you see anything unusual or anybody strange wandering in the woods, our men are stationed nearby and they'll just let them know.
Good morning, Mrs. Bramson.
Who's that? Just left.
The detective. Scotland Yard.
Wish I had a better look at him. Never seen anyone from Scotland Yard before.
Dora? Is that your young man, I guess, talking about out there?
No, Mum. That is... Yes, Mum.
Well, send him in here. Instantly.
Yes, Mum. Go on.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say.
Will?
Morning, all.
So your babyface's daughter calls you.
That's me. Silly name, isn't it?
What's your real name?
Dan. Just call me Dan.
You smoke, I see.
Yes. Oh, I am sorry. I always forget my manners with a cigarette when I'm in company. I am sorry.
You know my maid, Dora Parco, I believe.
We have met, yes.
You walked out of there last August bank holiday.
Yes. Excuse me smiling, but it sounds funny when you put it like that, doesn't it?
You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
Oh, I am. I've thought about it a good bit since, I can tell you.
You work at the Tall Boys, don't you?
Yes, Miss. 24 hours a day, Miss.
Oh, well then perhaps you can tell us something about that female who's been murdered.
Hmm? Well, can you tell us?
You know, there's Mrs. Chalfont staying at the Tall Boys who went off one day.
Yes?
Well, nobody's seen her since.
I know.
What's she like?
But I thought you said, or somebody said, something about to murder.
Well, we don't know, of course, but there might have been, mightn't there?
Oh, yes, there might have been, yes.
Have you ever seen her?
Oh, yes. I used to take cigarettes and drinks up to her.
Well, what's she like?
What's she like? She's on the tall side.
Thin ankles with one of them bracelets on one of them.
Fair hair and...
Well, go on.
Thin eyebrows with white marks where they were pulled out to be in the fashion, you know.
Her mouth, a bit thin as well, with red stuff painted round it.
You can rub it off, I suppose.
Her neck, rather thick, laughs a bit loud, and then it stops.
She's very lively.
You can't say I don't keep my eyes skinned, can you?
Jo, I should say you do, a living portrait if ever there was one.
Now, er...
Weren't you going for a walk?
So I was, by Jove. Well, I'll just charge off. Goodbye.
Goodbye, Hubert.
You're very observant, young man.
Oh, the ladies, you know.
If you weren't so observant, that Dora mightn't be in the flummox she is now.
Ha-ha, that's true, ma'am.
You don't sound very repentant.
Well, what's done's done's my motto, isn't it?
Or you leave and miss.
If you don't mind.
She'd be a nice bit of ice for next summer, wouldn't she?
You're a proper word to talk about next summer, when Dora will be...
Well, what is it now?
Oh, Mrs Branson, the butcher wants paying,
and he says there's men ferret in at the bottom of the garden
looking for that Mrs Chalfont, and do you know about it?
Well, they won't ferret long, not amongst my pampas grass.
Olivia? Olivia!
Oh, that girl's never there.
Here, you! Come out of my garden, you!
Come out! You there!
You! You come out of my garden!
You're the cook, I suppose.
Why, I'll never know.
Won't let me buy the butcher, so I won't know where she keeps her purse.
But I do know, so put that in your pipe and smoke it.
They do say down at the tall boys that she's got enough inside of her purse, too.
Well, nobody's seen it open.
If you have a peep inside, young fella, you'll go down in history.
That's what you'll do. Oh, something's boiling over!
Auntie, did you... Oh.
Hello, Miss.
Did Mrs Branson call me, do you know?
I'm sorry. I don't know your name.
Oh.
There is, er, not much doing around here for a girl, is there?
I'm not a snob.
But in case you ever call here again,
I'd like to point out that though I'm employed by my aunt,
I'm not quite in Dora's position.
Oh, I hope not.
Though I'll be putting it all right for Dora. I'm going to marry her and I...
I don't believe you.
You don't like me, do you?
No.
Everybody else does?
Your eyes are set quite wide apart.
Your hands are quite good. I...
I don't really know what's wrong with you.
You know, I've been looking at you too.
You're lonely, aren't you?
You know, I could see... I'm sorry.
It's a waste of time you're doing your stuff with me.
I'm not the type.
Are you playing up to Mrs Branson?
Playing up?
You stand a pretty poor chance there, you know.
What do you bet?
They say they've got permits to look for that silly woman.
Who are they, I'd like to know?
If there's anything I hate, it's these men who think they've got authority.
I don't think they're quite as bad as men who think they've got charm.
What do you mean by that?
Well, it's no good thinking she's got any, is it?
Now, young man, what about Dora?
Wait a minute, wait a minute. Are you sure you're comfortable like that?
Don't you think, Mrs Branson, you ought to be facing a wee bit more to this side.
There, towards the sun more now. You're looking pale, you know.
Pale? Did you say pale?
Washed out. The minute I saw you just now, I said to myself,
now there is a lady that's got a lot to contend with.
Well, I have. Nobody knows it better than I do.
Oh, no, I'm sure.
Oh, it must be terrible to watch everybody else striding up and down,
enjoying everything and to see everybody tasting the fruit and...
Oh, I am sorry. I shouldn't have ought to say that.
But it's true. As true as you're my witness.
Do you mind if I ask you what your ailments are?
Well, hadn't you better sit down?
Thank you, ma'am.
Well, I have the most terrible palpitations.
Palpitations? But the way you get about.
Oh?
Well, it's a pretty bad thing to have, you know.
Do you know that nine women out of ten in your position
to be just sitting down and giving way?
Would they? Yes, they would.
I've known people with palpitations.
Somebody very close to me.
They're dead now. Oh.
My mother, as a matter of fact.
I can just remember her. Oh.
As a matter of fact... Yes?
Oh, no, it's a daft thing.
Come along now, out with it.
Well, it's only fancy, I suppose, but you remind me a bit of her.
Of your mother? Oh.
Have you got a son?
I haven't anybody at all.
She had the same eyes, very wide apart as you.
And the same very good hands.
And the same palpitations. And the same palpitations.
You don't mind my talking about your health, do you?
No.
You know, you ought to get used to letting other people do things for you.
Yes.
You're a funny boy to be a pageboy.
I've taken a liking to you.
That's very kind of you, Mrs Bramson.
Aunty, shall I pack these books for the post now?
I'll post them for you. With pleasure.
Have you got to go back?
Now? Well, no, not really. This is my half-day.
Stay to lunch.
Well, I don't like to impose myself.
In the kitchen, of course. Oh, I know.
Well, there's plenty of food. Stay to lunch.
Well, I don't know.
All right, so long as you let me help a bit this morning.
Don't you want some string for this? Where is it kept?
Oh, that woman knows. In the kitchen somewhere.
Through here? Yes, that's right.
Dane, what did she say?
Sorry? About us.
Oh, it's all right. I told her I'm going to marry you.
Oh, Dane!
Here, here, here. Now, I'm on an errand for the old girl.
I want a bit of string.
Oh, yes. Brought here in the jar.
An errand for Mrs Brams?
That's right. Aha! This'll do.
Oh, Dane, she likes you.
And why not?
Here's something in the paper.
A keeper in the Sheffley Woods was closely questioned,
but he had heard nothing beyond a woman's voice in the woods
and a man's voice probably with her.
Rubbish, the whole business.
You, Dan, or whatever your name is.
Are those men still rummaging in my garden?
They're out there poking about, right enough.
I must go this minute and have a look at my pampas grass.
And if they've damaged it, I'll bring an action.
Have your package ready in half a shake now, Miss.
Thank you.
WHISTLING
What's that you're whistling?
I don't know. Some song I picked up.
Mighty Like a Rose, I think they call it.
Do you know what it says here in the paper?
About what?
The murder.
Oh? You're sure of that now, are you?
It says a keeper heard a woman's voice in the woods
on the afternoon in question
and a man's voice probably with her singing Mighty Like a Rose.
Is that a fact now?
Popular song, that one. Pretty, too.
Pretty little fella.
Everybody knows
Don't know what to call me
But I'm mighty like a rose
Do-do-do
MUSIC PLAYS
I'm sorry. Is my cigarette worrying you?
Not at all. I like it.
I can never make this horrid game come out.
Look, the red nine on the black ten.
Don't interfere. I saw that.
Now I wonder...
No, no, no, no. The other one, the other one.
Oh, yes, dear, of course.
I am sorry. Is my cigarette bothering you?
No, dear, no.
Oh, I'm sick of solitaire.
I want to be read to.
Right away now. Let's see what we have. Ah.
You old-fashioned child.
What?
It's Eastland. It's your favourite book, isn't it?
Oh, why, yes, dear, so it is.
Go on.
You old-fashioned child, retorted Mrs Vane,
why did you not put on your diamonds?
I did put on my diamonds,
stammered Lady Isabelle,
but I took them off again.
What on earth for...
That's the other lady speaking there. Yes, dear.
What on earth for?
I did not like to be too fine,
answered Lady Isabelle with a laugh.
Good, isn't it? Oh, yes, realistic.
Ah, time for your medicine.
Oh, Danny, you always remember.
Hello, hello, hello, everyone.
Any news? Hello, Hubert.
News? About what? Why, about the...
That is, the missing woman. What else?
All I know is those idiot policemen
are still potting about in my garden
and my Pampers Brass is practically ruined.
They haven't found anything, of course.
They never will.
Lot of nonsense. Well, where there's life, there's hope.
What? Ah, Mrs Bramson, time for your walk.
Oh, yes, dear. Have you got my pills?
Got them in my pocket. And my chocolates?
Got them in my pocket, too.
Here's your hat now, and I carry your rug on my shoulder.
See you later. Be good.
Right you are. Mind you take good care of her.
Hubert. Yes?
What do you think of him?
Granny's white-haired boy, you mean?
He's all right, I suppose.
He's made quite a hit with her. Yes, hasn't he?
And in such a short time.
Something I haven't been able to manage in a year.
Yes.
It was just two weeks ago today he moved in,
bag and baggage.
He came the afternoon after...
that woman disappeared.
By Jove, that's right.
Hubert. Hmm?
Have you noticed how he acts as if he doesn't care
tophans, but all the time he's watching
to see what we're thinking of him?
Oh, yes, I've thought of that.
It's his incredible vanity.
They always have it.
Who?
Murderers.
Good heavens, Olivia. Do you mean this woman
we're looking for? Yes.
But why... Oh, that's incredible.
I say... Hubert, I'm going to look through his things.
Right now, will you?
While they're out. I say, now,
that's a bit thick, spying.
We may never have another chance. Please, will you help me?
But... well, I suppose...
Come on.
Wait a minute.
Wasn't there another one?
Oh, yes.
This hat box. Old-fashioned, isn't it?
Bit heavy, too.
Suppose there's something
inside it.
It's locked. Damn!
But I've got the key
somewhere about, if you... Oh, no, no, no.
We were just... Could I have my wallet back, please?
It's the only one I got.
Oh, yes, of course. Thank you very much.
Not at all. Did you see the picture
of me when I was a little fella?
Yes, it's very jolly. Did you?
It was on the inside
of my wallet. Oh, was it?
Yes.
But I should be keeping my money.
The only bit of money I have, I always keep on me.
Safer, don't you think?
Yes.
I only keep one ten-barb note
in there at this wallet for emergencies.
Oh.
That's funny. It's gone.
I expect I dropped it somewhere.
What did you think
of the letter? Letter?
You got it in your hand.
Oh, well, I didn't.
That means well, does Lil, but we had a row.
She would spy on me.
If there's anything I hate, it's a spy.
Don't you agree? Yes.
I'd sooner have anything
than a spy. Bar
a murderer, of course.
What? What did you say?
I said bar a murderer, of course.
Talking of murder, do you know
anything about Mrs Chalfont's whereabouts
at the moment? I've got nothing to go
on, but I think she's been murdered.
Oh, you do? Yes, I do.
Who by? They say she had several chaps
on a string. And...
there was one fella, a London
chap, a bachelor,
very citified, with a fair moustache.
What are you
looking at me for?
Well, you wasn't around
these parts the day she bunked, was you?
Yes, I was, as a matter of fact.
Uh-huh. What in heaven's name
are you getting at? Well, if the shoe fits, eh?
I'm going out for a breath of air,
Olivia.
I'm sorry.
I really am
about going through your things.
Sorry you were caught at it, you mean?
Did you do it?
You know, you wouldn't be
bad-looking without them glasses.
It doesn't interest me very much what I look like.
Don't you believe it? You're very conceited, aren't you?
Yes.
And you're acting all the time, aren't you?
Acting? Acting what?
Look at the way I can look you in the eyes.
I'll stare you out. I have a theory.
It's the criminals who can look you in the eyes.
And the honest people who blush
and look away.
Oh? It's a very blank
look, though, isn't it? Is it?
You are acting, aren't you?
Yes. And what do you like when you're not acting?
I don't know it so long since I stopped. But when you're alone...
Then I act more than ever I do. Why? I don't know, because I like it.
Now, what do you say if I ask
a question or two for a change?
Just for a change.
Why can't you take a bit of an interest
in some other body but me? I'm not interested
in you.
But you... you don't talk.
That's bound to make
people wonder. I can talk a lot sometimes.
A drop of drink makes a
power of difference to me.
You'll be surprised. I wonder if I would.
I know you would. I think
I can diagnose you all right.
Carry on. You haven't
any feelings at all.
But you live in a world of your own.
A world of your own imagination.
I don't understand
you so very well.
Not being so very literary.
You follow me perfectly well.
Do you still think there's
been a bit of dirty work? I
don't know what to think now.
I suppose not. Disappointed?
What on earth do you mean? Disappointed?
Yes. I suppose I am. Why?
Oh, I don't know.
Because nothing has ever happened
to me. It's a dull
day and it's the depths of the country.
I don't know.
Dora, what is it?
I'm thinking in the rubbish bin. Well?
There's something sticking out. What is it?
A hand. Somebody's hand.
A Miss Grimes.
Somebody's hand.
Oh.
They've found her.
Yes. Where are you going?
To have a look.
In tonight's Full Hour of Suspense,
Mr. Robert Montgomery
stars as Danny,
with Dame Mae Whitty, Richard
May, Heather Angel, and Matthew
Bolton in Night Must
Fall. Tonight's study
in Suspense.
In just a moment, we will return
with Act Two of Suspense.
This is CBS,
the Columbia Broadcasting System.
And now,
back to our Hollywood Sound
stage and Act Two
of Night Must Fall,
starring Robert Montgomery,
Dame Mae Whitty, Heather Angel, Richard
May, and featuring Matthew
Bolton in a narrative
well calculated to keep you in
Suspense.
The forest around
Mrs. Bramson's cottage
had always been quiet and peaceful
until the
day they found the body.
From that day on,
there was no more quiet.
There were policemen in
questions. There were busloads
of sightseers and newspaper men and
photographers. Suddenly,
the little rose-covered cottage
was a focus of national
curiosity.
And the people who lived there
basked in the reflected glory.
And now,
the
people who lived there
basked in the
reflected glory.
And now,
the little rose-covered cottage
was a focus of national
curiosity.
And now,
the little rose-covered cottage
was a focus of national
curiosity.
And now,
the little rose-covered cottage
was a focus of national
curiosity.
The still feisty
West corner
of the Hill como
the
year-round
Times Square
him silly girl made up her mind a bit sudden didn't you oh I don't know what's
got into the girl this last week or so she's been touchy as a cat with kittens
maybe she's lost her heart to someone tell me have any more of those terrible
people called reporters police there's a definite falling off in attendance today
it's Sunday I expect this don't talk like that dear sorry mom and don't you call
me mom well if I can't call you mrs. Bramson and I can't call you mom what
can I call you well if you're very good I might let you call me mother okay I
want to be read to now your servant mother of mine what do you have now let's
see there's the Channings and Red Court farm
well what about the Bible Bible Sunday you know oh well all right dear makes a
nice change not that I don't often dip into it I'm sure you do now where I read
all at random is nice don't you think dear at random yes I the paper boys at
the back door he says your pictures in the news of the world again oh he says
he won't leave the paper until he's been paid says he hasn't been paid for a
month been paid he mad are you mad why don't you pay because you don't give me
the money to do it with well oh well wheel me over to that cupboard right you
are auntie well what what don't you think I mean wouldn't Danny
where I keep my money don't you dear since you told me of course course well
now here here's the key I wait till I get it from around my neck now help me
with it right you are dear there you are
well Olivia what you're staring at isn't that rather a lot of money to have in
the house put not your trust in banks is my motto and always will be and so
right so right but there's hundreds of pounds it don't be a silly goose here
go and get the paper yes and hurry back now lock the box up and put it back
there's a dear right what were those sort of colored folders look like
somebody's will or something all their bonds and stocks nothing you'd understand
about dear where is that girl with the paper thank you miss I'll find the place
for you there you are no mother of mine oh look
whole page headlines and all yes the victims past another picture of me
underneath Oh taken a ton bridge a year before the war really the bungalow of
death fiendish murder still at large the enigma of the missing head oh this
prints too small shall I read it to you yes dear do the let's see now oh yeah
the murderer committed the crime in the forest he buried the body shallow in the
open pit cunningly chancing it being filled which it was the next day the
11th that was the day before I come here so it was the head was severed by a
skilled person possibly a butcher the murder of what's the matter
can you hear something I forgot it was Sunday they're going to church in the
villages all got up in their Sunday best with the prayer books and the organ
playing and the windows shining shining on holy things because holy things isn't
afraid of the daylight and Danny what all the time the daylights moving over the
floor and by the end of the sermon the air and the church is tearing and gray
and people isn't able to think of holy things so much anymore only of the
terrible things that's going on outside that everybody's reading about in the
papers because they know that though it's still daylight and everything's
ordinary and quiet today will be the same as all the other days and come to
an end and it'll be night I forgot it was Sunday good gracious what's come over
you Danny I speech if I like anything when I'm roused I used to go to Sunday
school see and the thoughts are popping to my head like as if I was reading them
off a book you should have been a preacher you should I want to lie down
now anything you say mother of mine no no you'll push me about enough for one
day you might try to cheer Olivia up a bit though only too happy to try mom
that is if you like me to miss Olivia you've been drinking haven't you you
don't miss much do you no I've had a drink and I feel fine you wouldn't like
another dose of Eden I prefer talking carry on asking questions carry on are
you sure you were ever a sailor are you sure you weren't a butcher
talking's daft doings the thing you can talk to yes to hear me just now she's
right you know I should have been a preacher I remember when I was a kid
sitting in Sunday school catching my mother's eye where she was sitting by
the door and she pointed to the pulpit and then to me as if to say that's the
place for you I never forgot that I don't believe a word of it neither do I
but it sounds wonderful doesn't it I never saw my mom and I never had a dad
and the first thing I remember is the cardiff docks and you're the first woman
I ever told that to so you can compliment yourself or the drink I think
the drink you do live in your imagination don't you yes it's the only
way to bear with the awful things you have to do what awful thing well you I
haven't had as much to drink as all that you haven't a very high opinion of
women have you women don't have to drink be drunk to talk you don't talk that
much though fair play you're a dark horse you are you know this isn't that
life for you what is there to it tell me that what is there to it yes getting up
at 7 having breakfast with a Vixen ish old woman and spending the rest of the
day with her in a dreary house in the middle of a wood going to bed at 11 I'm
plain I haven't got any money I'm shy and I haven't got any friends don't you
like the old lady I could kill her oh no you couldn't not many people have it in
them to kill people oh no and what was your life at the tall boys my life well
the day didn't start so good well I just stuck up boots to clean and a lot of
silly high heels all along the passage waiting for a polish odd as odd as odd
as go here do this do that open the door for me get a move on wait in my
tea stone cold I'm not a waiter I'm a millionaire and everybody's under me and
just when I think I got a bit of peace there's somebody lock in the bedroom
door won't let me out talk talk talk won't fork out with no more money at me
at me at me calls me everything lies on the floor and screams and screams and
nothing keeps that mouth shut only
it's raining out of the window and the leaves is off the trees oh lord I wish I
could hear the better music and I do inside of myself and I have a drop of
drink and everything's fine and what is tonight go on I do fly floor for you
aren't I you'd like to know wouldn't you why would you like to know why do you
lie awake nights don't I'm frightened of why how do you know I lie awake at night
shall I tell you why because you're awake yourself you can't sleep can you
you can't sleep there's one thing that keeps you awake isn't there one thing
you've pushed into the back of your mind and you can't do any more about it and
you never will and you know what it is it's a little thing a box only a box but
it's rather heavy it's the only thing that keeps me awake mind you the only
thing but I don't know what to do you see nothing worries me nothing in the
world only I don't like a pair of eyes staring at me with no look at them I
don't know what to do I don't know don't there's someone at the door
all right anybody's there I'll deal with them I'll manage him myself you watch
oh not so bad mr. inspector good afternoon mr. how do you do if you'll
excuse me of course are you bearing up a damn yes sir bearing up you know we
haven't scared you're out of the house yet I see no fears no more news me I
suppose no sir too bad too bad you might have sat down please do sir would you
like to see mrs. Bramson's plenty of time for that how she bearing up well
it's been a bit of a shock for her then finding the remains of the lady at the
bottom of the garden you know why didn't you sleep in your bed on the night of
the 10th what did you say why didn't you sleep in your bed on the night of the
murder I did I know you didn't yes I did oh oh oh for except about half an hour
that's right I couldn't sleep for a toffee and I went up on the fire escape
it oh what time was that poor about what I go you know how it is when you wake up
in the middle of the night you don't know what time it is why didn't you tell
us you were on intimate terms with the deceased woman intimate terms now come
along old chap she was seen by two of the maids talking to you in the shrubbery
well sir it's been on my conscience ever since so you were oh no sir not that I
avoided her ever after the day she stopped me sir when they asked me about
her I got frightened to tell about her stopping me but now you know about a
certain it's a weight off my mind you wouldn't believe as a matter of fact sir
it was the disgust like I'm nearly getting mixed up with her that was
keeping me awake at nights I see you're a bit of a milk sub aren't you
am I sir yes well that'll be all for today I'll let you off just this once
but don't well there's just one thing if you don't mind I'll have a quick look
through your luggage just a matter of form oh yes well where do you hang out
right in there sir first door facing first door face you can't miss it I'll
find it it's open I think you can't miss it you can't miss it you can't miss it
you can't miss it this hat box is locked have you got the key it isn't mine not
yours no who's is it then I don't know it isn't mine oh I'm sorry I thought why
inspector what are you doing with my box your box yes it's got all my letters in
it but I found it oh Dan's room used to be the box room oh I see I'll keep it in
my wardrobe it'll be safer there if you'll give it to me please of course I'm
very sorry miss I'm afraid I've offended her she'll be all right sir well young
fella I must be off you might tell the old lady I popped in will you tell her I
hope she's better thank you sir good day sir good night good day sir
good
welcome back to the land of the living Oh daddy we thought the murderer got you
whatever come over you I don't know I felt sick I think waiting hand and foot
on madam crocodile enough to wear King Kong out here have a sip of this
is that bitter yes clears the brain no end faint and indeed is the proper girls
trick I'm ashamed of myself where's miss Olivia gone somewhere for the night gone
for the night said she was frightened just a good excuse to get away from the
old dragon if you ask me did she say why she was right not her not miss high and
mighty I've got my own ideas about where she was going let mr. you never you mind
about her and mr. Hubert maybe the poor thing was frightened she tried to get
the old lady to leave with her didn't she well not that she'd ever bunch we've
got to get on if we're to get through the woods before it's too dark well come
along then I'd come with you only I'm going the other direction
Paley Hill way you going out yes I feel a bit funny but you can't leave her here
by yourself oh no she'll scream the place dad I asked her a while back and she
didn't seem to mind you know what she is she said do me good won't hear of me
staying it's no good arguing with you have a nice long walk while you get the
chance you white on her too much
curtains painted dark out got the torch Dora good night Dan if you aren't coming
our way see you in the morning good night good night good night here good
night there anyone who sees the night before judgment day what's the matter
with talking to myself wish people wouldn't walk out of rooms and leave me
high and dry don't like it where's my chocolates that girls been at them again
what oh lord Danny Danny it must have been an owl oh thank
heaven Danny what's that boy doing in the kitchen Danny I've got the jitters I've
got the jitters I've got the jitters Danny
they've all gone they've left me here alone oh Lord help a poor old woman
Danny Danny where are you Danny Danny I'm going to be murdered Danny Danny
Danny Danny Danny there's something outside
Danny Danny Danny where are you where are you Danny Danny Danny there's something
outside oh Lord help me help me help me oh Lord forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive Danny it's all right it's all right it's only Danny it's only Danny
I am sorry really you see they wanted me to see them to the main path past the
rubbish heap in case it was frightened now that's better isn't it
yeah oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh when I saw your face I'll bet you wasn't half
glad you're the only one that understands me Danny that's what you are that's right
oh Danny dear that day you said to me about me reminding you of your mother
yes that was a beautiful thought yes when you think you're just an ignorant boy
it's startling that's right that's right I'll never forget it no not as long as
ever I want a chocolate now right you are right you are now a nice one with a
soft center the kind you like here's one straight away now now shut your eyes
open your mouth oh strong hands you have a pet my little chubby face my little
baby face my Danny I'm in a draft got to take care of myself haven't I I have I
want to be read to now okay what you have the old Eastlin no no I don't feel
like anything sentimental tonight what do you have then well I think I'd like
the Bible you were going to read from it this morning it's right here now it's
Sunday isn't that nice all the aches and pains quiet for once pretty peaceful
blessed is the man that walketh not in the council of the ungodly nor standeth
not in the way of sinners nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful you read so
nicely Danny kind of you my lady but his delight is in the law of the Lord and in
his law doth he meditate day and night what hear something yes sort of thumping
noise why Danny it's you it's your heart beating fine fine I've been running
along the path see I've been out a train and I suppose when I was at sea I never
missed a day running around the decks of course cause I remember those mornings
on some see very misty place it is with the Sun like breathing silver where he's
coming up across the water and only me about and nothing else and the Sun just
me and the Sun there's no Sun now dear it's night it's night now the ungodly
are not so but I like the chaff which the wind driveth away I think I'll go to
bye-bye's and have the rest tomorrow shall we help me dear help me you know
what I am yes wait a minute wait a minute I've only got two more verses I
don't want to wake up in the morning with a nasty cold therefore the ungodly shall
not stand in the way of judgment nor sinners in the congregation of the
righteous for the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous but the way of the
ungodly shall perish that's the end oh well it's been a long day you're quite
comfortable bit a cake glad to go to bed hope that woman's put my bottle in bet
she has to show you're comfortable wouldn't you like this cushion back of
your head no just wheel me I think you'd be more comfortable with a cushion
pretty little fella everybody knows no no what to call me funny look on your
face dear smiling like that you look so kind so kind what you're going to do
with that cushion
I'll trouble you for that key, Mum.
Thanks.
Now you'll be put to some proper use.
I'll have a proper bonfire.
What was that?
In the sun room.
Where?
No, no, she's dead.
Get hold of yourself, Dan.
There's somebody there, behind the curtains.
We'll see.
Ah, it's you.
I've never seen a dead body before.
I climbed through the window, nearly fell over it.
Like a sack of potatoes or something, I thought it was at first.
That's murder.
But it's so ordinary.
I came back expecting...
I don't know.
And here I find you smoking a cigarette.
You might have been tidying up the room for the night.
It's so ordinary.
Why don't you say something?
I thought you were going to spend the night in town.
I was.
Why did you come back?
To find you out.
You've kept me guessing for a fortnight, guessing hard.
I very nearly knew all the time, but not quite.
And now I do know.
Why are you so keen on finding me out?
In the same way any sane, decent-minded human being would want...
would want to have you arrested for the monster that you are.
Why did you come back?
I...
I told you.
Ha!
She didn't keep any money anywhere else, did she?
I've read a lot about evil.
I never expected to come across it in real life.
You shouldn't read so much.
I never got through a book yet.
But I'll read you all right.
You haven't had a drop to drink, and yet you feel as if you had.
You never knew there was such a secret part inside of you.
I hate you.
You feel as light as air, same as I feel sometimes.
Why, this is my big chance.
You're the one I can tell about myself.
I'm sick of hearing how clever everybody else is.
I want to tell them how clever I am for a change.
Money I've got to have, and people doing what they're told,
and me telling them what to do it.
There was a woman at the tall boys, wasn't there?
She wouldn't be told, would she?
She never knew it was me she was dealing with.
Me?
Because I made her think she was a chronically invalid,
this old girl who's been treating me like a son.
She's been more used to me tonight than she's been to any other buddy
in her whole life.
Stupid.
That's what people are.
Stupid.
You said just now, murder's ordinary.
Well, it isn't ordinary at all, see?
And I'm not an ordinary chap.
There's one big difference between me and the other fellows
that tried this game.
I'll never be found out, because I don't care that.
The world's got to be fair from me.
That's me.
You wait.
But you can't wait, can you?
What do you mean?
Well, when I say I'll never be found out, what I mean is,
no living soul will ever be able to tell any other living soul about me.
Can you think of anybody who can go tomorrow and tell the police
the fire at Forrest Corner wasn't an accident at all?
I can.
No, you can't.
Why can't I?
Well, I'm not against a very serious problem, I am.
But the answer to it is simple as pie to a fellow like me.
And as pie, she isn't going to be the only one found tomorrow
in the fire at Forrest Corner.
Aren't you frightened?
You ought to be.
Don't you think I'll do it?
I know you will.
I just can't realise it.
You know, when I told you all about myself just now,
I made up my mind then about you.
That's what I am, see.
I make up my mind to do a thing, and I do it.
I...
What's that light in there?
What light?
There's somebody in this room holding a flashlight.
It can't be in this room.
It must be a light in the wood.
Well, it can't be.
Look, there, the window.
Somebody's watching the bungalow.
Nobody's watching.
I'm the one that watches.
They've got no call to watch me.
I'll go out and tell them that and all.
I'm the one who watches.
Look, behind them trees, hundreds of eyes back of each tree,
thousands of eyes, the whole world's on the track.
What's that?
What's that noise?
Like a big wall falling over into the sea.
I don't know.
This is Robert Montgomery again, with very grateful thanks to you, Dame May Witte, Heather
Angel, Richard Nay, and Matthew Bolton, for your superb performances in Night Must Fall.
We all count your appearances here a distinct compliment.
It was, of course, a great personal thrill to join you for tonight's play.
Good night and thank you.
Mr. Montgomery may soon be seen in the Universal International Production, The Saxon Charm.
Dame May Witte's current picture is Columbia's Sign of the Ram.
Heather Angel may soon be seen in Universal International's The Saxon Charm.
Richard Nay's next picture is Joan of Lorraine.
Night Must Fall by Emmalyn Williams was adapted from the stage play by Robert L. Richards,
was directed by Anton M. Leder, and produced by Robert Montgomery.
Lud Gloskin is our musical director and conductor, and Lucian Morowak composes the original scores.
Next week, hear Dorothy Sayers' Suspicion on radio's outstanding theater of thrills.
Suspense!
Be sure to hear the new Shorty Bell Show, starring Mickey Rooney, tomorrow, Sunday night at 9.30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, over most of these stations.
This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.