Dr. Downer, Dr. Downer!
Dr. Downer!
Upstairs.
Get the doctor.
I'm coming, I'm coming.
Shut your mouth.
You'll tear the house down.
Yes, we'll see who it is.
Why are your patients
always sick nights like this, Doctor?
Go back to bed, Winnie.
Matthew and I'll see what's wrong.
I should have never feared.
You come home dog tagged from an operation,
you no sooner flop yourself into bed
when someone flops you out of it again.
Thunder always gives somebody a stomachache.
Take my advice, Matthew, don't ever be a doctor.
Well, Gretz, what's the trouble?
It's Mrs. Sebastian, a relapse.
Mrs. Sebastian?
Why, that seems impossible.
- She- - I don't know
anything about it,
only Dr. Sebastian said to get you over as soon as I could.
Yes, yes, all right, Gretz.
I won't be long.
Good evening, Dr. Sebastian.
I can't understand this sudden relapse.
I thought Ida was out of danger,
but I'll go up and have a look.
It's too late, Doctor.
Ida's dead.
Good heavens.
Dead?
I can't believe it.
She died a few minutes after Gretz had gone for you.
Well, her heart must've failed.
I'm afraid so.
Did, did she know it was the end?
No.
She died in her sleep.
Poor Ida.
She had such faith in me.
Said she knew I wouldn't let her die.
We did all we could for her, Doctor.
You've nothing to reproach yourself about.
Poor child.
She was always a child to me.
I brought her into the world, you know?
She's in another world now, Doctor.
A better world, I hope.
She never got much out of this one.
Always seemed to give it more than she received.
She was a very good woman.
A sort of spiritual Cinderella,
who dreamed of a Prince Charming.
She did find her prince, though.
Thank you, Doctor.
You must be very tired.
Gretz, do you think you can get Dr. Downer back home?
Mm hm.
Goodnight, Doctor.
Goodnight, Sebastian.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
“The Lord maketh His face to shine upon thee
and be gracious onto thee.
The Lord will lift up His countenance upon you,
and give you peace."
Amen.
Have you any plans for the future, Doctor?
Yes, I'm thinking of returning
to my first love, psychiatry.
I prefer it to general practice.
I'm afraid that Midbury doesn't offer
much of a field for a psychiatrist.
No.
Anyway, I'm anxious to leave.
There are too many memories here.
Is that what you were so eager to talk to me about?
No, it was about, Ida.
Well?
In 40 years practice I never saw pneumonia act like that.
Like what?
Well, two days after I gave her
that sulfapyridine treatment,
her temperature was nearly normal.
She should've recovered.
Dr. Downer, you've made similar insinuations
a number of times.
I don't know why.
After all, you were attending Ida,
and I prefer to believe that you understood her case,
and had done all you could to save her.
I'm afraid I haven't made myself quite clear.
Thinking back, she seemed to have some premonition
of what was going to happen.
You're overwrought, Doctor.
Better snap out of it.
Well, here we are.
One physician might prescribe to another,
I'd fix myself a good hot toddy and get an early night.
Thank you.
No, Winnie, I don't like George Sebastian.
I don't like the way he acted or the way he talked to me.
There's something twisted in him,
something cold and hidden.
Hidden?
Yes.
Strange man.
Full of secrets.
I didn't like him when he came to town
and started courtin' Ida.
I know it was for her money.
But he was always so nice to Ida.
Exactly.
And see what happened?
I'm sure what happened beside her catching cold
like everybody does.
What happened, Doctor?
Whatever are you thinkin' of?
I don't know, something.
Winnie, do you think I'm gettin' feeble-minded?
Well, sometimes I'm often thinkin' that...
Oh, sure, no, Doctor.
You're all right.
I could kick myself for signin' that death certificate.
Why did I do it, Winnie?
She died too quickly.
Why didn't I go in that house and see for myself?
Why didn't I ask for an autopsy?
An autopsy?
You don't think that Dr. Sebastian...
Oh, no, you couldn't.
Why, he, he has such wonderful eyes, he has.
Maybe I let those eyes hypnotize me.
Maybe it's not too late.
I could get the coroner on the phone.
The coroner?
I'll get him for ya.
Poor Ida.
She loved him so.
Maybe she wouldn't like me stirrin' up
a scandal about the man she loved.
Givin' people a chance to talk.
Hello, Operator, Operator, get me Dr. Hatch, please.
Quickly!
Wait a minute, Winnie.
Perhaps we'd better let her keep her romance.
At least until I have something more to go on,
besides the wind and the rain.
Light the fire, Maurice.
What do you think he is up to?
You mean our family physician?
Yes.
Age seems to have made him a trifle clairvoyant.
Yes, but he could be dangerous.
Ah!
He's just a tired old man.
Get yourself a drink.
You should learn to bear the mark
of Kay more gracefully, Maurice.
I know that funerals can be quite a strain.
This is the last one we shall attend for some time now.
We can relax.
I'm not so sure, George.
Don't be a fool, Maurice.
The way to defeat, Dr. Downer, is by clever thinking.
A bullet is more effective.
And much more easily traced.
You should know that, Maurice.
Or have you forgotten the death sentence
they gave us in Vienna?
No.
My brains again served us well in Savannah didn't they?
Yes, but we didn't leave any loose ends lying about there.
Nor shall we here if you leave everything to me.
All right.
But I'd just as soon lay Downer away.
And maybe you wouldn't have to think so much.
Ah!
These atrocious paintings.
This absurd wallpaper.
These pathetic antiques.
They all breathe her spirit.
I can almost see her now coming down those stairs
with that foolish smile,
and the love light in her eyes.
She's dead, isn't it enough?
No.
I can never forgive her the eight months spent
in this cave of romance.
Oh, yeah?
When do we get out of here?
Oh.
We'll take a month to wind up the estate.
And we'll stay another month out of simple propriety.
And after that?
If we are still free?
After that, Maurice,
New York.
I shall hang out my sign,
and amuse myself with a fourth.
A most pleasant incarnation of Dr. George Sebastian.
Did you wanna see me, Mr. Watkins?
Yes, Gil, I wanna tell you something
but I can't remember what it was.
Was it about that Sunday feature?
No, no, no, it wasn't that.
I have a note here somewhere.
It says, "See Gil Sawyer,"
and now I can't find the note.
What's that noise?
Telephone, Mr. Watkins.
Oh.
Don't be so impatient.
I got it.
You wanted to give me that raise you promised.
No, it couldn't have been that.
If I could only remember what I forgot.
Hello?
Hello, Lawrence?
Hello.
Oh, it's you, darling.
Have I forgotten what?
Why, darling, you know I never forget anything.
Just a moment, darling.
Listen, dûr, or, Gill, I promised my wife that...
Here it is now.
Would you cover a bazaar for crippled children
on the roof of Avenue Club this afternoon?
You don't expect anything to happen there do ya?
Nothing will happen if you go, but if you don't...
Besides, Linda will be there.
Oh.
Well, of course I'll go.
Hello, darling.
Gil will cover it for you.
Where are you now?
I'm in Dr. Sebastian's office.
Dr. Sebastian, the famous psychiatrist.
What does he say about Linda?
Well, I haven't had time to outline her case yet.
I've been telling the doctor about my dreams.
Yes, I will, I'll tell him all about it.
Mm hm, buh bye.
Oh, Doctor?
Yes?
Before I take you into the very heart of my dreams,
I want to speak to you about my sister, Linda Boothe.
She's adorable.
Yes?
But she's a mass of complexes,
a veritable psychic swamp.
Oh, what seems to be troubling her?
Well, that's what I want you to find out.
She gets very low over nothing at all.
And when she broods it worries me to distraction.
Has she any serious worries?
None at all.
She has her own private fortune.
- Oh. - A very nice young man
who's in love with her and, well, there you are.
Could I bring her in tomorrow?
I'd prefer you didn't.
That doesn't mean that I'm not interested,
but I've found that the effect
of a doctor's office on a neurotic mind.
Is sometimes detrimental.
But if you don't see her, how can you treat her?
I want to see her, but I'd rather have the opportunity
of observing her without her knowing
that I'm doing so professionally.
Oh, I see!
Very clever.
Now then, let us think.
The bazaar.
- The bazaar? - That's it.
I'll put her in charge of the wheel of fortune.
Oh, Doctor, it's going to be so exciting!
You must come.
You'll just love my costume.
Yes, I'm sure I will.
I'm just dying to see it.
Yes.
This is my fifth spin, Linda.
If that wheel doesn't tell me
about Bob this time, I'm off him.
Number 16.
What can that wheel tell you about Bob
that you don't already know?
"You will soon take an important airplane trip
with your sweetheart."
And we're taking off right now.
What bunk.
Bunk is right.
How can you expect to do business
with such a commercial candidate?
Gil, what on earth brings you here?
Officially the voice of New York, Madame Watkins.
Unofficially, you.
Thanks.
Thank you.
- For what? - That smile.
It's the first I've seen in weeks.
What's the matter, Linda?
I don't know, Gil.
You haven't been yourself lately, what's wrong?
Maybe I have been myself lately.
Maybe that's what's wrong.
That doesn't make much sense.
No, it doesn't.
Frankly, Gil, I've been feeling awfully low.
I don't know why.
That's how I let Louise talk me into helping out here.
I thought being around a lotta people,
I might snap out of it.
You might be around a lotta people
but you're certainly not part of them.
Gil, please, let's not have the two of us worrying.
That's the trouble, Linda,
you can't always be alone like a somnambulist.
You oughta be willing to share
your thoughts instead of walking around in a dream.
In a very bad dream.
Right over here, Doctor.
Linda, Linda, this is Dr. Sebastian,
an old friend from Europe.
How do you do?
It was quite a feat to get him to the bazaar,
but he's not here professionally.
And this is Mr. Gil Sawyer.
He is here professionally.
He's writing up the bazaar
for my husband's newspaper.
Gil, Gil, there's something frightfully important
I want you to write about.
It's about the, let me see, about the doll exhibit.
I don't like dolls, I never did...
Of course not, silly, I merely wanted
to give Dr. Sebastian a chance to observe Linda alone.
What for?
So that he could help her.
He's a psycho, um-Psychiatrist?
Yes.
Did Linda ask you to bring him to her?
Certainly not but that's one
of the things I adore most,
bringing the right people together.
I think you're making a big mistake, Mrs. Watkins.
Linda doesn't need psycho analyzing.
Besides, I know something about that racket.
New York's full of phony mind reading quacks.
But he's not a quack.
He's a marvelous man.
In fact, I'm told he's one
of the most brilliant minds of the ages.
What about Socrates?
Socrates?
Well, if Dr. Sebastian doesn't work out, we'll try him.
Oh, there's...
Oh!
21.
I'll relieve you in a few minutes, Linda.
"A large inheritance will soon be yours."
Inheritance?
Oh, Uncle Henry must've died.
I must go tell my husband.
Strange how people take these things
so seriously isn't it?
Enough of these wheels
and we psychiatrists will be out of business.
Don't tell me you're putting yourself
in a class with fortune tellers?
That's what most people try to use this for.
I think I shall have to install
one of these things in my office.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if things
were as easy to solve as that?
One little spin and we could have an answer to everything.
Would we want the answer to everything?
More to the point, is there one?
I think so.
Your work must be very absorbing.
Exploring into the depths of strange souls.
Most of them are not very strange.
You'd be surprised if you knew
how much alike they all are for the most part.
It's rare that one finds a really interesting subject.
Well, has Dr. Sebastian fallen
for your little racket, Linda?
No, he's just acting as a come on for gullible prospects.
I wonder if Mr. Sawyer might relieve me?
I really should be getting back to my office.
I'm sure he wouldn't mind.
It would be a pleasure.
Thank you, Mr. Sawyer.
Thank you, Ms. Boothe. Goodbye.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Well, I wonder where your sister found him.
I don't know, but I found him most interesting.
I imagine women would.
Gil, I think you're jealous.
No, I'm not, I'm thirsty.
Come on and have a drink with me.
Suits me.
Thank you.
Look.
Know what all those people are doing down there?
Every one of them's waiting for "The Chronicle"
to come out to read my story about the bazaar.
Or doing something else just as foolish.
I'll have you know what I write
for "The Chronicle" isn't foolish.
Your brother-in-law proved that
by promising me two raises in the past six months.
Are you proud of me?
You're doing all right for yourself.
You mean I'm doing all right for ourself.
You haven't forgotten have you
that I promised to make good on the job
- if you promised to. - Gil?
I wanna be fair to you.
If I married you, I'd probably cause you great unhappiness.
Unhappiness?
In heaven?
It wouldn't be heaven,
but a hospital in which an invalid sat and stared at you.
Linda, I thought everything was all set.
Before long we'd...
Say,
I don't think you're even listening to me.
What's the matter, darling?
Your eyes look sad
as though they were remembering something.
Gil,
hadn't you better phone your story to the newspaper?
You shouldn't keep all those people down there waiting.
Yeah, I guess I'd better.
Don't run away, I'll be right back.
Don't let your soda get cold.
Linda!
She was standing on top of the parapet.
What's wrong?
What happened?
Let me through, please.
What is it?
She tried to jump off the roof.
She did.
Oh, Linda, dear, how could you ever do such a thing?
Let's not talk about it here, Mrs. Watkins.
Call your car, we'll take her home.
All right, and I'll telephone Dr. Sebastian.
As you lie there now so calm and quiet,
are you aware of your other self?
Yes.
Tell me what you remember.
Give me your hand while you talk.
I've tried to die often.
I don't know why.
It's as if I were really dead and only longed to live.
Someone keeps coming and reminding me.
You want to live don't you?
Yes.
But every morning when I wake,
I wonder if I'm gonna find myself standing
there again before night.
Standing where?
At the edge of a grave looking down.
When you stand there at the edge, you become afraid?
Of what?
Nothing clearly.
Like a noise far away,
coming too swiftly.
I close my eyes before I hear it.
Then I start falling into an ugly sleep.
I've been pulled into a dark room to be...
To be killed?
Yes.
Have you ever seen the one who pulls you?
No.
You're tired.
You must try and get some sleep.
That's right.
Oh, Doctor, Doctor, how is she?
Will she be all right?
I think so.
How do you diagnose her case?
Ms. Boothe is undoubtedly suffering
from nervous shock.
This condition causes her subconscious mind
to whisper evil thoughts to her.
And you've arrived at that conclusion
after a careful psychoanalysis of her soul, eh, Doctor?
Yes, Mr. Sawyer.
What treatment would you prescribe, Doctor?
Rest and quiet, no excitement.
And above all, no visitors.
Is she to have any medicine?
No medicine.
And you think you'll eventually
be able to help her overcome
this subconscious whatchamacallit?
Ms. Boothe has agreed
to place herself entirely in my hands.
You need have no further worries.
Goodnight.
I'd still like to know who he is.
Where are his credentials?
Genius carries its own credentials, Mr. Sawyer.
Ms. Boothe is asleep now.
I shouldn't let her be disturbed if I were you.
Very well, Doctor.
Thank you so much and goodnight.
Goodnight.
If Dr. Sebastian can help Linda and put a stop
to her ridiculous desire to jump off buildings,
I would certainly approve him attending her.
Well, I don't approve of Linda's handing over
the entire delicate mechanism
of her mind and emotions to a man she doesn't even know
to a half baked soul meddler.
I wish you'd think of phrases like that
when you're writing for our newspaper.
Don't worry, I will.
I'm gonna write an expose of phony psychiatrists,
and I'll prove that usually the patient
is helping the insanity of the doctor,
coddling his delusions of superiority,
and that nine times out of 10
the patient loses his own soul in the process.
Goodnight.
You're not gonna put that in "The Chronicle."
All right, I'll put it in "The Star."
Well, bless his heart.
I wish I'd have given him that raise.
Hello.
Maurice.
How would you like to be very rich?
Very rich?
I'd prefer it to sitting
like a stuffed goose in your office.
It can be done.
We will ride like Fortunatus in a coach of gold.
Now what?
It's very strange and disturbing,
as if there were a pattern to one's life,
a rhythm to one's destiny.
Well, what's happened?
We come back on the main road, Maurice,
suddenly without search.
We'll ride on.
We ride on? Where?
It will be so simple, so easy.
Of course it will entail another wedding.
Oh.
So that's it.
I met her today, Maurice.
And who is the lucky one?
Her name's Linda Boothe.
Linda Boothe, hm.
That's very pretty.
Yes, I've accepted her as a patient.
Very interesting illness.
Suicide complex.
Does that amuse you?
Amuse me?
Makes me extraordinarily happy.
I thought it would.
And if I married her and she died?
We'll be rich, innocent and respectable.
Exactly.
Ecuador is just there between Colombia and Peru.
It appears to have been the favorite spot
of the Creator of this strange world,
for He's blessed it with peace, beauty, sunshine,
and all the other exquisite things of life.
And all free.
It sounds like paradise.
It is paradise.
Oh dear, I didn't realize how fast the time is slipping.
I'm afraid I must go.
I'm sorry if I've kept you,
but when anyone starts me traveling on the evolving globe,
I forget time and space.
I hope you haven't forgotten Louise's dinner tonight?
I never forget engagements I want to keep.
I'll see you to the elevator.
You really needn't have bothered, you know?
I'm fairly safe in my own hands now, thanks to you.
Do you recall at our first meeting
my telling you that most of my patients fell
into one category or another?
Yes, I do.
Well, you're one of the exceptions.
More difficult?
No, no, no.
More interesting.
Helping you makes me feel
that I've accomplished something really worth while.
Going down?
Oh.
See you at eight tonight?
Goodbye, Doctor.
Goodbye.
I suppose I should say fancy meeting you here.
Fancy meeting you anywhere.
The earth seems to have swallowed
you these last two months.
Yeah, I've been very busy.
Hm.
I've been reading some of your work.
I don't suppose you like what I write do you?
It's not very complimentary.
It's not meant to be, but it's true.
Main floor.
Linda, you must let me talk to ya.
Now, there's nothing good or sensible
that Sebastian can do for you.
That's for me to judge.
Don't you realize he's asking
you to change your character,
and you're paying him to do it.
Gil, you're talking like an idiot.
Now, wait a minute, I've got a lot more to tell you.
Well, I haven't the time to hear it.
Now, Linda, why should you and I fall out
over a phony psychiatrist?
Because you're wrong, because I like him,
and because he's helping me.
Helping ya?
Yes.
You're not different than you were before.
Linda, if I knew he was helping ya
I'd hope and pray that everything
I've written would be disproved.
I'd even carry shark's teeth to help, but he's not.
There's something weird and wrong in that Sebastian.
You're the one that's wrong, Gil.
You should be encouraging him,
instead of starting this one man campaign
of mud sling in your newspaper.
Now, Linda, why not give me a chance to help you?
As I told you before, there's nothing wrong
with you that common sense can't cure.
You're just an ordinary hypochondriac.
Thanks.
Why don't you get out and lose yourself
and enjoy life like everybody else does?
I'm sorry, Gil, I haven't the time.
Goodbye.
Well, let's not break off like this.
Come on over and have a drink with me.
- No, Gil, I really- - Now don't be obstinate.
That's another one of the things that's wrong with ya.
Two chocolate ice cream sodas.
I'll have this with you on one condition.
And that is?
That we talk about anything but Dr. Sebastian.
All right, we'll talk about Dr. Sawyer.
Very well, Doctor, and what do you prescribe?
Well, good ol' Doc Sawyer's gonna give
you his full, complete one day treatment.
If you're not better at the end of it,
he'll return you to your Doctor...
To your psychiatrist.
And how will it begin?
We'll begin with this medicine.
After that we get on a subway train for Coney Island.
Coney Island?
Oh, not me.
You're speedin' at me.
I am.
Now!
- I missed it again! - Oh!
That a boy!
Police on the telephone, Madame.
- The police? - Yes.
Good heavens, what do the police want with me?
I haven't done anything.
They have the nerve telephoning me
like this in my own home.
Hello, this is Mrs. Watkins.
What is it you want, please?
My sister?
Oh!
Oh yes, that's right,
I did call you about her didn't I?
Have you found her yet?
Oh, well, all I know is that my sister's been gone for hours
and I thought if you put in a riot call...
Well, my goodness, there certainly ought
to be some way of finding her
with all the men you have on the force.
Give me that telephone.
Hello.
This is Mr. Watkins.
Yes, I see.
I understand.
Thank you very much.
Go on, tell me the worst.
There's nothing to tell,
they've checked everywhere and no news certainly
ought to be good news.
I hope nothing's happened to Linda.
Dr. Sebastian.
Oh!
- Good evening, Doctor. - Good evening.
Evening, Doctor.
I'm sorry I'm so late.
Oh, that's quite all right.
As a matter of fact I'm pleased you are.
Linda has been held up a trifle.
A trifle?
We haven't heard from her for hours
and I'm worried to-Distraction?
Distraction.
Do sit down, Doctor.
You needn't worry, Mrs. Watkins.
I'm quite sure that Linda's capable
of taking care of herself.
Why, Linda, where have you been?
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Why, I didn't realize the time.
It was terribly rude.
I should've at least phoned.
Don't worry, please.
It's all my fault.
What do you mean your fault?
Anyway, why all the apologies,
just because we had a little fun?
You shoulda seen her on the merry-go-round,
an ice cream cone in one hand
and trying to grab the gold ring with the other.
And she got it.
Come dear, I think we better go put your dress on.
I won't be long.
Don't go away, Gil.
Won't you stay for dinner, Gil?
Well, I'm hardly presentable.
Oh, what's the difference?
I'm sure Dr. Sebastian won't mind.
Not at all.
In fact, I'd rather enjoy the company
of a man who writes such interesting articles,
whose profound insight into an alien field
is nothing short of remarkable.
Yes, my editor thinks it's remarkable,
the way "The Star's" circulation is going up.
Anything that increases the circulation
of "The Star" is remarkable.
I've been wondering, Mr. Sawyer,
where you gather your astounding information.
Oh, from various sources.
Interviews with reputable physicians,
victims of quacks, numerous medical files,
from Savannah.
Savannah?
Yes.
One of our leading psychiatrists
was once married in Savannah.
Psychiatrists do get married you know,
even in Savannah.
But this one graduated from Boleyn University in 1912.
That would make him a man almost 50,
much older than you.
Well, perhaps he graduated very young.
It might be that he was unusually bright,
even precocious.
Undoubtedly.
You know, Mr. Sawyer,
I find you very stimulating,
and rather amusing.
Indeed?
Well, I don't know why you should concern yourself
so? Much about me.
That should be fairly easy to comprehend,
even for a psychiatrist.
Really?
Really.
You hoodwinked Linda into believing
that you're an idol, a mastermind.
You're using the science unethically,
kicking her soul around like a football.
You've got her believing in you, trusting in you,
when as a matter of fact
almost every word you tell her is a lie.
Gill.
I'm sorry, Linda.
An apology should be to Dr. Sebastian.
An apology? Not at all.
As a matter of fact he's quite right, I have lied to you.
As your physician it has been
my privilege to tell you many lies,
all of them pleasant I hope,
and I assure you most necessary for your recovery.
Very clever, Dr. Sebastian.
Mr. Sawyer, I've listened to you patiently and now-
- Now you wanna tell me that I'm a bad loser,
that I'm behaving like a blackmailer,
all of which doesn't interest me,
nor does it change my opinion
that you're an imposter whose trying to wreck Linda's life.
Gill.
It's all right.
There are some things Mr. Sawyer must learn,
even from a psychiatrist.
Come, Linda.
Well, cocktails.
Ladies, Doctor.
Uh, no thank you, not just at this moment.
You will recall two months ago
in this room I told you that Linda
had been suffering from nervous shock,
that her subconscious mind whispered evil thoughts to her.
Since that time I've been exploring her mind,
endeavoring to isolate her murderer,
so she may be released from the grip of her mania.
I have reason to believe that I've done this.
I must ask you all to sit down and remain silent,
and watch the imposter at work.
Just here, my dear.
Remember this tune, Linda?
Yes, it's,
“The Nightingale and the Rose."
Mm hm.
By Rimsky-Korsakov.
Linda, my dear, do you have absolute faith in me?
Yes.
Look at me.
Let's go back to that day on the roof at the bazaar.
What was on your mind that day, Linda?
Think.
A picture of a garden, long ago.
You were a little girl?
Yes.
It was your garden, your home?
Yes.
It was night,
and my father was there.
Yes?
Go on.
He said he was going away for a long time.
He kissed me goodbye and asked me to forgive him.
Then?
I begged him not to leave me,
to take me with him but...
What happened then?
He started to go and I ran after him and stopped him.
He turned me back and closed the gate between us.
Then he kissed him again and disappeared into the darkness.
And what did you do?
I was frightened.
I called to him.
Then out of the darkness I heard his voice calling,
"Goodbye, Linda, my child."
“Try to forgive me, try to forget."
Then?
There was a noise.
Someone screamed you mean?
No, it was a shot.
I ran out and found him, dead.
What did you say?
I shouted,
"Father don't go without me!"
No!
Is what Linda has said the truth?
Yes, but I never thought she knew.
We've never told her.
But someone should've told me.
Perhaps so, but one doesn't talk
about such things, Doctor.
At any rate I'm glad to know the cause of Linda's trouble.
Knowing the cause makes the cure fairly simple.
Linda, my dear, remember this always.
That little girl in your mind is your murderer.
She leads you out to the garden gates to death
to fulfill the wish you made.
You must close your ears to the hidden voice
that drives you to join your father.
You promise me that?
Goodnight.
Ticket to Savannah, please.
Georgia?
Yes.
25, please.
Oh, I'd like a lower, too.
My favorite melody.
Isn't it beautiful?
My favorite partner.
Isn't she beautiful?
You waltzed by me, George.
I could be an east professor.
I studied in Vienna.
Studied dancing?
Medicine and dancing.
Mostly dancing.
George, why did you bring me to this roof garden?
No, thank you.
Perhaps it was because I met you here at the bazaar.
Perhaps.
Or was it to test my sanity?
Oh, there's no such thing as sanity.
At best it's a heroic and curious little hiding place
in which we try to conceal ourselves from the devils.
Devils?
Mm hm.
The devils of time, space.
Things unknown.
And the past.
Is that why you told me you preferred
the uncertainty of the future?
Life would be almost intolerable
if we knew our future in advance, don't you think?
If I could be more hopeful,
I'd forget our footsteps of the past.
I know.
Sometimes out of the unknown rivers mountains of the mind,
strange sounds come into our hearts
and we become disturbed.
We develop neuroses, phobias, manias.
We try writing, painting, music,
or even evil as a relief.
Evil?
Mm hm.
George, have you had other patients like me?
Not like you.
Ever.
But I know a man-
- Yes?
His case might be styled something like yours.
Oh, no.
No, no, not like you.
Please, tell me.
Would you really like to know?
Yes.
All right then, come along.
Well, he was born in Europe.
His parents were cultured aristocrats
who gave him every advantage, home, money, education,
finally a profession.
He was very successful.
When he married the woman he loved,
he thought his world complete.
And suddenly out of the blue,
his world collapsed.
How?
Oh, it's the same old story.
An unfaithful wife and his best friend.
I see.
He suffered a shock that no words could describe.
Turned his brain upside down.
He killed them both.
And he became obsessed with an uncomfortable phobia.
His wife became the personification of all womankind,
and he swore to kill every woman that promised to love.
How dreadful.
And yet, I can sympathize with such a soul.
What happened to him?
His case seemed almost hopeless,
but recently his business in hate up and dissolved.
Now, once again,
he wants to be the man he was born.
He wants to live.
And so do I.
Look.
What do you see?
Enchanting lights,
like the stars upside down.
Like a parasail of stars in Ecuador.
I know.
The place you call paradise.
Yes.
You're not afraid anymore?
Not when you're with me.
Not even of me?
Not at all.
It seems nothing wrong could happen to me ever.
Nothing wrong can happen to you ever, Linda, darling,
because I love you.
- Dr. Downer? - Yes, Sir.
My name's Gil Sawyer.
Oh?
Not that Gil Sawyer from "The New York Star?"
Yes, don't tell me I have readers in Midbury?
You have one, anyhow.
- Come in, Sir. - Thank you.
This is Winnie, my housekeeper.
How do you do?
Sure, he never misses a word you write.
- He- - Winnie,
we'll have tea.
Yes, Doctor.
Sit down, Sir.
Please don't think, Dr. Downer,
that I have my literary ax out for all medicals.
I'm only after the quacks.
Oh, I understand.
But whatever brings you to Midbury?
Savannah.
Savannah?
Savannah brought me to Midbury,
and I'm hoping Midbury will take me back to New York
to a certain Dr. George Sebastian.
Dr. Sebastian?
Do you know him?
Oh, I knew Dr. Sebastian quite well,
but I don't understand your reference to Savannah.
Well, simply that he practiced there once.
Is that so?
And when did he leave there?
Oh, several years ago.
He gave up his practice when his wife died.
He was married in Savannah and his wife died?
Yes.
Pneumonia took her, I think.
Is that so?
And why are you so interested in Dr. Sebastian, Mr. Sawyer?
Well, I'd like to name him definitely
in some of my articles.
I'm checking up on some suspicions I have.
What suspicion?
Oh, I better let him go with that
til I'm more sure of my ground.
Oh, I see.
Oh, sit over here, Mr. Sawyer.
Thank you.
Can you tell me anything about Dr. Sebastian?
Not very much.
You see, he didn't even practice here.
Altogether, he wasn't here more than a year.
And he kept pretty much to himself.
Ida were the only one that ever really knew him.
Ida?
His wife.
When she died he broke up stakes and went to New York.
Well, he's quite a merry widower, isn't he?
What happened to the second Mrs. Sebastian?
Oh, she died of pneumonia, too.
Indeed?
Oh, well, there's nothing unusual
about people dying of pneumonia in these parts.
I attended her, did all I could.
When did Dr. Sebastian leave here?
Oh, 'bout six months ago.
Did you notice anything strange or weird about him?
Anyone who lives in Midbury
becomes strange and weird, Mr. Sawyer.
I see.
Well, I won't trouble you anymore, Doctor.
Thanks very much for your information,
and your very nice tea, Miss.
I'm sorry I couldn't tell you anymore.
You've helped a lot.
If ever I can be of any assistance to you,
you'll find me here.
Thank you.
I'll be looking forward to more of your articles.
Thank you, Doctor.
Good day.
Bless me soul, I'm beginnin' to think
there is somethin' wrong with ya.
Here you've been worrying your head off about Dr. Sebastian,
and when the chance comes for ya
to say somethin' or do somethin',
ya shut up tighter than an Irish clam.
Clam?
I never say that fella before.
Maybe he's not Mr. Sawyer.
I don't want to discuss Ida with a stranger.
But surely you're gonna do somethin' now?
Yes, get the coroner on the phone.
Oh.
Hi, Maurice.
Hi, George.
Hello, coffee!
Uh huh.
You seem unusually happy this evening, George.
I am.
Why?
Here, here, I'll show you.
Are congratulations in order?
They are, thank you, Maurice.
And when is the wedding?
Monday, a week.
What's that?
Quito.
- Quito? - Mm hm.
Quito's the capitol of Ecuador.
A dream city.
That's where we're gonna live.
We are?
Oh, no, no, no, not you, Maurice.
You're too material for the society of elves.
Oh.
So, you're going to turn elf and and hop off to Quito?
That's very pretty.
Yes, very pretty.
It's a little mountain city perched above a jungle.
If you stand on tiptoe,
you can almost touch the sky.
The night opens a parasail of stars over your head.
It does, huh?
Oh, dear, life's so extremely simple
in Quito, Maurice.
Even the headhunters smile at you on the promenades.
When you marry Linda your picture
will be in every paper in the country.
Mm hm.
And the headhunters of Vienna, Midbury and Savannah
will be very glad to see it.
Ah!
I'm not concerned with those bucolic centers of interest.
What I want to know is,
can a man change his destiny?
Can Lucifer climb back into heaven on his knees
with tears in his eyes
and his heart whispering.
Are you trying to tell me
that you're actually in love with this girl?
Yes, Maurice, I am.
Once again, I'm human, sad, weak, full of longings.
Once again, I'm going to live.
One again, I'm the man I was born.
And what about me?
Hm?
We're out of tune, Maurice, you and I.
Are we?
Why?
Has there ever crept into
that aboriginal skull of yours a slight wonder
as to why anyone so brilliant,
so superior as I should have gone
through life like some medieval monster?
You are a monster, Sebastian.
Spawn in the dark of the moon,
and no breath of God in your soul.
That's not true anymore.
It's not true.
Her love is breathing the breath of God into my soul.
And guiding the common sense out of your mind.
Have you forgotten that we were going
to ride like Fortunatus in that coach of gold?
Maurice,
I'm marrying Linda,
and I'm going away with her
to be enshrined in a Valentine
instead of a rose gallery.
Valentine.
Valentine of blood.
What?
Read.
What's that?
What do you think Downer's up to?
An autopsy.
Autopsy.
So, the tired old man comes stumbling after us, George.
They're not moving her for a couple of days.
It's strange.
Strange that this should happen to me now.
I'd almost forgotten Midbury,
I'd almost forgotten everything.
I hadn't forgotten Downer.
Maurice, you'd better go to Midbury.
Me? What for?
You've got to get to that grave first.
So, we are back in tune again, eh, George?
Maurice you must do this.
You've never failed me.
I have never failed you because you were my brains,
but you aren't anymore.
You are like all the other clever ones,
clever until they meet a woman,
and they suddenly become fools
and the law gets them standing still
with a far away look in their eyes.
Maurice, if you go to Midbury I'll listen to you.
I'll do anything you say.
Anything?
Anything.
Well, that's better, George.
All right, I'll go.
But when I come we'll stick to our original plans.
Mm hm.
And forget all about Quito
and Ecuador and the Valentine?
Yes, Maurice.
We'll forget about everything but our plans.
Now, come along. Go quickly.
Get yourself a car, a block and tackle, anything you want.
Here.
Here's some money.
Don't make any mistakes.
Very well.
Hello.
George.
I didn't expect to hear from you again tonight.
What?
If we're married and sail tomorrow
we can be in Quito in a fortnight.
Well, I don't know what Louise and Lawrence will say,
but I know what I'm going to say.
It's, yes.
What's the idea?
Come up outta there.
New York train!
It's almost impossible to believe, Dr. Hatch.
That's what I said when I first got the report.
There it was, I saw it with my own eyes.
Grave had been dug up and the casket taken away,
nothing there but the body of the night watchman.
Poor Ida.
They wouldn't let her rest even in her own grave.
Well, we won't rest till we find out who did it.
That's right.
All aboard!
What are you decorated for, a Christening?
A wedding.
The bridegroom must be a dressmaker.
Aw, he's a doctor but he didn't do the decorating,
his sister-in-law did.
She's a little funny- Hey, hey, hey.
- Is this them? - Yeah.
Not the kind of wedding I dreamed of at all.
The ceremony was so short,
I didn't even have time for a good cry.
Oh, I think it's thrilling.
Into a wedding ring and onto a boat.
A honeymoon before I can catch my breath.
I'm afraid I have rather rushed you.
Glad you did, makes a better story.
Congratulations, Sir.
Oh, thank you.
Are you coming with us, Mrs. Watkins?
Certainly.
You may call me Louise now, George.
Louise, come with me, darling.
I want you to help me pick out the, you know, for...
Oh, yes, yes, yes, anything you say, Lawrence.
Well, goodbye, dear, I'll see you later.
- Goodbye. - Goodbye, George.
Goodbye, Louise, dear.
Oh dear, isn't it exciting?
Louise, let the boys get their picture.
Picture?
Oh, certainly.
If you don't stop posing and talking and kissing
they'll never get anywhere.
I was only trying to help.
Goodbye.
- Bye. - Goodbye.
Oh, Doctor, just one more, please.
Thank you.
- Congratulations, Mister. - Oh, thank you.
- Want a paper? - Certainly.
You'll wanna read all about the murder.
Here, you can keep the paper.
Thanks, Mister, and the best
of luck to you and the missus.
Read all about the cemetery murder!
Read all about it!
Darling, I'm so glad they didn't come along.
I just wanna be with you, alone.
- Extra, extra! - Oh my dear.
The cemetery watchman murder.
Extra, paper!
Read all about
- the cemetery watchman murder. - Mrs. George Sebastian.
Doesn't that sound wonderful?
What?
Doesn't Mrs. George Sebastian sound thrilling?
- Extra, extra! - Thrilling, my love.
Cemetery watchman murder!
Read all about it!
Read all about the cemetery watchman murder!
It's like a dream, isn't it my dear?
Like entering a better kind of existence.
We found a new day, George, and it will never end.
Darling, what is it?
You look worried.
It was stupid of me.
What?
I've forgotten our passports and tickets.
I must've left them at my apartment.
It will only take a moment.
Don't worry.
- Henry? - Yes, Sir?
Drive to my apartment, quickly.
Very good, Sir.
I won't be a moment, darling.
Park along there, please.
Maurice!
Maurice, are you here?
Yes.
What happened?
I had a little trouble.
Yes, that trouble's all over
the front page of every newspaper.
Why did you have to murder the watchman?
What did you expect me to do?
Confide in him?
You could have run away, you could have hidden.
You could have done something!
Stop shouting.
I did the only thing I could do,
except leave Ida's body in the grave to be exhumed.
But they found out!
Be quiet and prepare yourself for another shock.
You might as well know all the bad news.
Well, what is it?
The family physician came to New York
on the train with me.
- Dr. Downer? - Yes.
And the corner took him to the Midbury station.
Where is he now?
At the Empress Hotel, I followed him.
He didn't see you?
No, I don't make stupid mistakes.
Oh, that tie.
Maurice?
He's after only one thing.
You realize that, don't you?
It's your fault.
You shouldn't have stopped me the day of the funeral.
Well, you've got to get him now.
Not me.
Maurice, I saved your life once, don't you remember?
Yes, and I paid you back last night in the graveyard.
But Downer will go after the police!
Look at you.
Look at my brainy professor.
Who's afraid now?
Yes.
Yes, Maurice, I am afraid.
It's not in me anymore.
It's gone, it's passed.
Then let's get out of here.
Downer has no evidence yet.
But he'll get it.
He's started now, he'll never stop.
He'll find out who Dr. Sebastian really is.
He's come after us, Maurice.
We've got to find him before he finds us.
George, I'll go with you, but that's all.
The job is yours this time.
But Maurice, I can't do it.
You know I...
All right then.
Come on.
Oh, come on.
- Get a taxi quickly. - Extra!
Cemetery watchman murder.
Extra!
Linda, dear,
Gretz tells me that one of my patients
has had a serious relapse and I must go to him.
We'll miss the boat.
No, darling, I won't be long.
Now you go on and wait for me, please.
- George- - I'm sorry, dear.
Empress Hotel.
Yes, Ma'am, I'll send it right up.
335.
Oh, is the Public Library near here?
Yes, Dr. Downer, at 42nd and 5th.
The doorman will direct you.
Oh, thank you very much.
Room clerk.
Yes, I'll attend to it right away.
Good morning.
I'm Dr. Downer from Midbury,
and I'd like to do a little research work.
What sort of research work, Dr. Downer?
Well, I'd like to look up somebody,
a certain doctor who went to medical school
in Vienna about 20 years ago.
Well, our medical school yearbooks
are Room 32 on the second floor.
The stairway is right around the corner.
Thank you, very much.
Is there a Dr. Downer from Midbury registered here?
Why, yes, but he's not in at the moment.
Well, what a shame.
I missed him at the station, too.
Stupid of me.
Would you care to leave a message?
Dr. Downer's a very old gentleman.
He hasn't been in New York before.
I'm rather worried about him.
Did he leave any word
as to where he might be going?
Well, as a matter of fact he inquired
about the Public Library.
The Public Library?
- Yes, Sir. - Oh, thank you.
I'll call in again later.
Here you are, Doctor.
These cover all the Vienna medical schools
for the 10 years ending 1927.
Oh, thank you, thank you.
Wait, please.
Did you find what you wanted?
Yes, thank you.
I don't suppose you have news files?
I mean, cataloged newspaper clippings?
We have files of papers but nothing cataloged.
You might try the newspaper offices.
Newspaper office?
Oh, oh, yes.
Yes, of course.
Thank you, thank you very much.
I know.
"New York Star," Sawyer's desk.
Hello, this is Sawyer?
No, this is Mikey Barnes, Mr. Sawyer's assistant.
He's not in right now but I'm taking
all of his messages.
Well, do you think you could arrange
for me to have access to your catalog newspaper clippings?
I'm a friend of Mr. Sawyer's.
Sure.
If you're a friend of Gil's I'll get ya in okay.
Oh, thank you very much.
I shall be right over.
May I help you?
Oh yes, perhaps you can.
I'm looking for a little gray haired old gentlemen.
I believe he came in here
to look up some medical school books.
I think I know who you mean.
He was looking at those reference books.
He left a few moments ago.
Oh, thank you.
Pardon me, I'd like to go to "The New York Star"
at this address.
Sorry, Mister, I'm busy.
That cab will take you.
Oh, thank you very much.
I'll be back.
I've been searching the place for you.
He just left in a taxi, "New York Star."
Is it Dr. Frederick L-A-N-G-A-M-A-N-N?
Langamann.
That's it, that's the one.
Here ya are, Doc.
That's a pretty fat file.
You'll probably find all you want there.
Thank you very much.
Be back in a minute, Doc.
"Dr. Frederick Langamann Wins Honors."
"Frederick Langamann Makes Sensational Skills."
"Frederick Langamann Wins."
"Frederick Langamann Escapes From Prison."
"Convicted of Double Murder."
Oh, son!
Find what you wanted, Doc?
When do you think Mr. Sawyer will be in?
Well, I'm not expectin' him back at all, Doc,
and if I were in his shoes,
I'd be out gettin' pie eyed.
I don't understand.
Well, if my best girl went off
and married another guy I'd bury myself in alcohol.
That's her.
Pretty bride, eh, Doc?
Dr. Sebastian.
Well, the groom's not a bad lookin' guy either.
How can I get in touch with Mrs. Sebastian, do you know?
Well, I know the number Mr. Sawyer used to call.
Well, get it for me quickly will ya, please?
Well, do you think it'd be all right, Doc?
Yes, yes, it's quite all right,
it's quite all right!
If I get fired for this,
you better be findin' me a job up there in Midbury.
Yes, yes.
Hello.
I wish to speak to Mrs. Sebastian, please.
This is Mrs. Sebastian.
This is Dr. Downer.
Dr. Downer?
I'm an old doctor from Midbury, Mrs. Sebastian,
not a crank.
I wish I could've reached you sooner,
but it's still not too late
to warn you against possible tragedy.
Possible tragedy?
What are you talking about?
I'm in Mr. Sawyer's office at the moment,
and I just found out some very damaging evidence
against Dr. Sebastian whose real name
is Dr. Frederick Langamann,
wanted for murder in Vienna.
But my husband couldn't possibly
be this person you're talking about.
How dare you make such insane accusations.
These are not accusations, Mrs. Sebastian.
They are facts.
Facts which I intend to give to the police.
Police?
Dr. Downer, I'm sure you're making
a very serious mistake but before you do anything,
will you please come to my house so that I can talk to you?
I'm afraid I wouldn't care to see Dr. Sebastian
until I've talked to the police.
Dr. I must talk to you.
I'll come to you if you like.
Or would you agree to meet me
at the 79th Street subway station?
I'll go at once and wait there in a taxi.
- Well, all right, Mrs. - Sebastian, for your sake.
I'll meet you there in a few minutes.
Where do I get the subway for 79th Street?
In the Uptown station downstairs across the street.
Yes, now there's one more thing
you can do for me and it's very urgent.
Is there anyway you can get in touch with Mr. Sawyer for me?
Well, I'm not supposed to know where he is but I do.
Yes, well, then get him and tell him
to meet me at the entrance
of the 79th Street subway station
just as soon as he can get there.
Tell him it's about Savannah and Midbury, get it?
No, but you got me so I'll get him.
Thank you, thank you very much.
There's a dime.
Hello.
Tell Gil Sawyer that Mickey Barnes wants to talk to him.
It's importantly urgent.
Paper, paper, read all about it.
Read about cemetery murder.
Paper, paper, read all about it.
- Paper, Mister? - Oh, no, no, no.
Where's the subway?
Right over there.
Paper, paper, read all about it!
Read about
the cemetery murder!
Paper, paper, read all about it!
Why, Dr. Downer!
Oh, it's you.
It's very pleasant meeting you like this.
What brings you here to New York?
I'm here on business.
I'd like to visit with you.
You shouldn't speak like that to an old friend.
I am not an old friend of yours, Sebastian.
Yes, I've often regretted that.
Why the hurry?
I have an engagement.
Well, I'm sure your business will wait
just till my train comes along.
Didn't you get off the last train?
Yes, I saw you and I couldn't let
the occasion pass without speaking to you.
Just wait here.
I have nothing more to say to you, Sebastian.
But you have something to say to the police haven't you?
What are you driving at?
You will say, "Here he is.
You're Dr. Frederick Langamann.
You've been masquerading as Dr. Sebastian.
He's wanted for murder in Vienna."
I Will.
You'll say he killed his wife
- in Midbury also won't you? - Yes.
- You know that, Doctor? - Yes.
To my shock they found a similar murder in Savannah.
Let me go!
You will say there were many others
that I must've killed won't you, Doctor?
Yes, and I'll swear it was Ida's voice I heard that night.
Sorry, Doctor.
Tell me, where is this place?
Oh, heavens!
Heavens, somebody fell!
Is he dead?
Give him some air.
He doesn't need air, he needs a basket.
Poor fellow.
Someone's been hurt.
- All right, folks, back up. - Let reception know I'm here.
Move back.
Another slowpolk's like you threw himself
in front of a train today.
Yeah, who is it?
A fella named Downer from a little town Upstate.
George!
Back up here, we need a lotta room here.
- Back up. - What'd you say his name was?
Downer.
Come on, folks, let's have a lot of room here.
Back up, lady, please.
All right, folks, let's keep the road clear.
Maurice Gretz!
Beg your pardon?
But surely you are Maurice Gretz.
I'm afraid you're mistaken.
Oh no, I'm not.
You remember me.
Furber.
Furber?
We met at Shutzmann Coffee House
on the Opernplatz in Vienna.
Opernplatz?
Vienna?
Oh, how can you forget that poker game we had?
Poker game?
With those lovely ladies.
Ladies?
Where you lose your shirt and everything?
And you, you had three aces of hearts.
Yes, I believe I do recall that.
I'm awfully sorry but you were much thinner then
and I think you didn't have the mustache.
That's right.
I only put this on since I got my new appointment.
What are you doing now, Furber?
Same thing.
Still in the police department.
Coming through, please.
Be right up, Jack.
- Okay. - Hello, Riley.
- Hello. - What do we got here?
A friend of this gentleman's.
Who is he?
Name is Gretz from Vienna.
Vienna?
What's the chance on gettin' through that mob, Riley?
Pretty good.
You come on here.
Standby, Joe.
All right.
Make way, please.
Hey, what is it, suicide?
Yeah, an old man.
Know who it is?
A Dr. Downer I think.
Downer?
Yeah, do you know him?
I had an appointment with him.
George.
I didn't hear you come in.
George...
Well, what's the matter?
You look pale.
Where did you go this afternoon?
Why, to my patient as I told you.
Well, what's troubling you?
You're trembling.
Come sit down.
Tell me.
I called to you.
Called to me?
When you were coming out of the subway.
Subway?
79th Street.
What were you doing at 79th Street?
I was waiting for someone.
For whom?
Dr. Downer.
Dr. Downer?
Here dear, drink this.
My, you're cold and shaking.
What is it?
Who was Dr. Downer, George?
I haven't the faintest idea.
Please tell me!
But I don't know.
You're lying, George.
You knew Dr. Downer and you know
why I went there to meet him.
No, I don't.
Why?
I wanted to keep him from going to the police about you.
But when I saw you coming out of the subway,
your face so white,
getting into that cab running away to hide then I knew the-
- Linda, stop!
The truth!
You killed him.
Why don't you deny it?
You can't.
He said you were dangerous and vicious.
Linda!
Linda, please try to understand.
You and I are alike in a deep way.
You've lived in death and I for darkness for a long time.
So,
that's what you meant that night
on the roof when you told me about that patient
that became a monster, Gil?
Linda!
You're that man.
You're that monster!
Yes.
But I crawled out of the depths to you.
I thought a new life was in tomorrow,
I thought I saw my dreams far away coming true.
Linda, whatever I've done, whoever I've been, I love you.
Where are you going?
Out! Out!
Where?
Anywhere!
No, no, no let go of me!
All right, go on and weep.
Your forgiving me would have done you no good.
But if you'd never known,
ah, that would've been sweet.
That's better.
I'd rather not see your eyes, nor hear your voice.
I planned it all so differently.
Oh, my dear Linda,
we'll send our hearts into heaven
where no butter fingered old men
can come stumbling after us.
We'll be together my angel for all eternity.
I'll hold you in my arms under a parasail of stars.
We're going to Quito together after all.
Linda?
Linda!
Linda, darling?
Linda?
Gill.
Where's Dr. Sebastian?
Oh, he was here.
Frank, Paul, come with me.
Jack, search the house.
Mack?
There's a Cornish around this tower.
He may have gone that way.
Frank, step outta there.
Well?
He's gone.
Oh, Gil, you should've seen his face, his eyes.
So cruel.
And yet,
so sad.