This Was a Woman (1948)

[bunniefuu]

[music playing]

[music playing]

[dog barking]

Good morning, Mrs. Holmes.

Good morning, Mrs. Russell.

Arthur, dear, breakfast.

Coming, darling.

How are you this morning?

Well, I could have done
with a little more sleep,

but Ace would keep barking so.

Oh, he's only trying
to be a good house dog.

Yes.

Yes.

I suppose he is.

Fenella!

Fenella.

The blood vessels and glands
of the head, neck, and eyes

are supplied from the
thoracic segments.

Wrong, Terry.

From the connector cells in
the first and second segments.

Of course, yes.

Breakfast, children.

You must hurry.

Coming, mother.

Just doing some homework.

It's a big day.

Lecture and exam.

Yes, I know, dear.

But don't get so agitated.

Connector cells, stupid.

Connector cells.

I know.

I know.

Well, it didn't sound
like it just now.

Ace, come on, boy.

Now, I've had a
complaint about you.

I hear you've been
creating a disturbance.

Mustn't do that, you know.

Sylvia doesn't like it.

Do come along, children.

You really should
take up medicine, Fen.

You'd make a good teacher.

Terry's only worried this
morning about his exam.

Oh?

Here's your tea, darling.

Oh, thank you.

Sausage or kipper, Fenella?

Coffee, please, daddy,
and just a little bit of toast.

You ought to have more
than that, my dear.

A growing girl like you
should have a good appetite.

What about you, father?

I've stopped growing.

But only recently, Arthur.

Ooh.

Don't forget I'm coming
with you, father.

What time does the 8:33 leave?

Curiously enough, 8:33.

Isn't ever late?

Often.

But chances are it'll
be on time this morning.

I expect the engine driver
knows about your exam.

I'm sure he knows more
about it than I do.

You'll get through
all right, Terry.

I've willed you to.

Whenever mother rubs Marmaduke,
I know she's making a wish.

What are you wishing
for now, mother?

If I told you, it wouldn’t come true,
would it, Arthur?

I don't believe in
wishes or superstitions.

No.

Of course you don't, dear.

You're much too
practical and efficient.

I say, hurry up, Terry.

We shall be late.

Right, father.

I'll be with you.

See you tonight, dears.

Yes, daddy.

Anything you want
from town, Sylvia?

No, dear, I don't think so.

Oh, yes.

The library book.

Do you remember, the West?

Oh, yes.
Of course, the West.

I'll collect it lunchtime.

Your flower holder, daddy.

Thanks.

Oh, thanks.

Bye, mother.

I hope Marmaduke
doesn't let me down.

I'll be with you, Terry.

And you're going to pass.

Thank you.

Fen, this is your day at
the academy, isn't it?

Uh, yes, is it, Terry.

Oh, good.

Then you'll be
coming home with me.

Oh.

Well, I did have one or
two things I rather wanted to do.

That's all right.

I'll wait for you.
Goodbye.

Oh.

Goodbye.

Good luck.

Hello, Ace.

How was the sausage?

Daddy adores that
dog, doesn't he?

Yes.

His dog and his roses, that
sums up your father's world.

Still, they're harmless
enough, I suppose.

[bells ringing]

Excuse me, sir.

Yes, Russell?

I hope you won't think
it presumptuous of me,

but well, that was
a wonderful job.

Thank you.

I trust the patient
would agree with you.

Oh, I'm sure he will.

But you know, sir, although
I work fairly hard, I--

I sometimes wonder
if I shall ever be

able to do anything like that.

Of course you will.

It's only a matter of experience.

But you can't hurry these things.

No, sir.

But, uh, the next
step's a bit of a pill.

Your final?

Yes.

Oh, I shouldn't worry
too much about that.

I think perhaps you
will scrape through.

Thank you, sir.

Hello, Terry.

How'd it go?

Oh, not bad, Sally.

I, uh, I think perhaps the
surgeon knows a little more

about his job now.

Well, now you've nearly
finished your exams,

do you think you'll have
some time for other things?

Well, for instance?

Oh, the theater,
concerts, movies.

Oh.

There's a wonderful film
in Leicester Square.

I'm sorry, Sally.

I have to meet Fenella
and take her home.

Oh.

Hello, Sally.

How's he treating you?

Passionately.

Ah.

Look, Casanova, I have a
message for you from Fenella.

She will not be going home
with you this evening.

No?

No.

Huh.

Well, uh, what time will
she be coming home with you?

Oh, uh, just after
the movies, I imagine.

I'll be driving her home.

Well, uh, cheerio.

Bye bye, Sal.

Well, that takes care of Fenella.

Look, Sally.

I'm terribly sorry, but I don't
feel in the mood for pictures

or music or anything.

I-- I've got too much on my mind.

You, uh, you do
understand, don't you?

No.

[speaking french]

Quite good.

Very good.

Oh, thank you.

Professor.

[speaking french]

Plenty of practice.

And don't waste too much time.

Thank you, Monsieur Lefou.

Plenty of practice, Miss Russell.

[speaking french]

Like that.

Would you like to
play it again for me?

Please, not now.

Let's go.

Movies?

Uh-huh.

What would you like to see?

You.

Uh-huh.

What would you like to see?

You.

Good.

Hello, Mr. White.

Come on in.

I say, Arthur.

The garden's looking
very well this year.

Not too bad, is it?

How do you do it?

Little work, little water,
lot of fertilizer.

Oh yeah?

Well, you seem to be
having luck keeping

the mildew off the flowers.

I use an arsenic solution.

Mind you, you've got to
keep at it the whole time.

Ah, it's a lot of work.

Oh, it's worth it.

Of course, these are
just ordinary flowers

for use in the house.

Come over here.

I'll show you
something really fine.

Now, this is something
to feast your eyes on.

There you are.

My Princess Elizabeths.

Aren't they wonderful?

They are beautiful.

Mind if I take one
home to the wife?

Ah-ah!
Sorry.

Not those.

Help yourself in the garden.

I see.

You mark my words,
I shall get a first for those.

I'm awfully sorry, old chap,
but you know how it is.

One never cuts prize roses.

I understand.

How are you, my dear?

You're very late, aren't you?

Oh, just a little.

Mason and I have been
discussing politics and flowers.

Did you remember my book?

There you are.

Arthur, whatever
made you bring that?

Oh, sorry.

That's the one you asked for.

No, dear.

West?

West, certainly.

You wanted West's new book.

Oh, Rebecca West,
not Sackville-West.

Are you sure?

I-- I seem to remember--

Seem to remember.

Poor dear, with his memory.

Huh.

Oh, never mind, Arthur.

We all make mistakes.

Well, I-- I wrote
it down somewhere.

I could've sworn this
was the one you wanted.

It doesn't matter.

I've got plenty to do in
this house without reading.

It's a disappointment,
of course, but--

I can take it back tomorrow.

I shouldn't dream
of troubling you.

Well, did you have a nice day?

Oh, rather trying.

Well, I'm sorry to hear that.
What happened?

Oh, nothing to interest you.

It was just the petty
little annoyances

inseparable from housekeeping.

Trying to cover up other people's

mistakes, having to do
most of the work myself.

You ought to get out more.

Take Ace for a
walk now and again.

He's a good one to take
your mind off your worries.

Hmm.

Well now, how about a
nice glass of sherry?

What?

On a hot day like this?

I can never understand
the Spaniards

drinking the dreadful stuff.

Yes, it is rather warm.

Hello, darling.

Hello.

Hello, Terry.

Well, tell us the news.

Oh, um, Barclay,
the chief surgeon,

thinks perhaps I'll
scrape through.

Fine.

Fine.

When you know definitely?

A month or two.

Doctor Terence Russell.

Steady, dad.

Steady.

Where's Fenella?

Oh, uh, she had
to see her doctor.

What?

What doctor?

Her doctor.

What's wrong with her?

Nothing, dad.

She, uh, she's just
growing up, that's all.

What are you talking about?

Dr. Valentine
Christie, nice chap.

He's a biochemist
at the hospital.

We call him the
brutish gentleman.

Do you mean to say that Fenella--

I mean that she's gone to
the pictures with a man, mother.

Why get excited about that?

But she never said
anything to me.

Well, up to now, I don't think
there's been anything to say.

Now, just a minute, Terry.

What sort of a man
is this Dr. Christie?

A splendid fellow, dad.

He's helped me a lot.

You introduced him to Fenella?

Why, yes.

Yes, I think I did.

How far has it gone?

Oh, I-- just to a cinema.

Somewhere in Leicester
Square, I think.

It's so unlike Fenella.

I shouldn't worry, mother.

After all, I used to
take you to the theater.

[dog barking]

Oh, that everlasting noise.

It's only Ace asking
for his evening stroll.

I promised him I'd--

perhaps I'd better take him.

[dog barking]

Oh, excuse me, madam.

Could I have a word with you?

What about?

It's about my Effie.

I've taken the liberty of
asking her to come along later.

I hope you'll see her.

So you're really
leaving me after all?

Well, if I'd only myself to
please, it would be different.

But it's my husband.

You see, ma'am, he's worked
himself out as a plumber.

But just because he's
going to open a shop,

there's no reason
for you to leave me,

especially after all these years.

He couldn't manage by himself,
not the long hours.

I shall miss being
with you, madam.

I've told Effie as much.

Did you?

That was really kind.

[car pulling up]

Oh, well.

Very well, Mrs. Holmes.

I'll try to find time to see her.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mrs. Holmes.

Oh, good evening, miss.

Hello, mommy.

Hello, darling.

Mommy, I want you to meet
a friend of Terry's and mine.

Dr. Christie.

How do you do, Dr. Christie?

Good evening, Mrs. Russell.

Fenella said it was
OK for me to come.

I hope you don't mind.

Why, no, of course not.

Children's friends are
always welcome here.

Val is at the hospital.

Terry introduced us.

Yes, I know, dear.

Terry told me all about him.

Oh, did he?

Yes.

Do come and sit
down, Dr. Christie.

I want to hear all
about this film.

How was it?

Wonderful.

Terrible.

Seems to be a slight
clash of opinion.

You both saw the
same film, I presume.

Oh, yes.
Yes.

Yeah.

We were together.

Why didn't you like it, doctor?

Oh, I, uh, couldn't sort of, uh,
seem to get interested in it.

I see.

Then what did you find so
wonderful about it, Fenella?

Oh, it was, uh,
very colorful, and--

Uh-huh.

--and the music was good.

Ah.

Hmm.

Your tastes obviously vary.

What was the story about?

Well, uh--

Love.

Yes, the, uh, the usual subject.

But the way it worked
out was rather silly.

Wasn't it, Fen?

Oh, yes.

It was a bit gibberish.

Hmm.

You seem to have had
a very jolly time.

Ah.

Well, would you like to stay
and have a bite with us, doctor?

Val, if I may call you Val?

That's very kind of
you, Mrs. Russell.

I'd be delighted.

Good.

Well, I'll just have a few
words with Mrs. Holmes.

Darling.

Fancy thinking I
could be close to you

and know what the film was about.

Hmm.

Val.

Yes.

I wish--

What?

Oh, does it sound callous?

I wish, just this evening,
we could have been alone

together somehow, somewhere.

Oh.

Mother's wonderful, but--

But what?

She watches.

Even when you're not looking, you

can feel her eyes
on you as though she

was x-raying your mind.

Did you feel that?

Well, she did make
me feel a bit guilty.

Oh, darling, of what?

I don't know.
Hmm.

All those questions.

I think she just lives
for us, Terry and me.

Do you think she'll be hurt
because I love you so terribly?

What difference can it make?

You can't share love
without it making a difference.

Darling, I don't expect you
to stop loving your family.

I know.

Oh, Val, I don't care.

I know I'm selfish, but I don't
care about anyone or anything

but you, at this moment.

Mommy, Val's asked
me to marry him.

That's why the
film was gibberish.

We didn't care.

We couldn't care.

I've never been so
happy in my life.

And you?

Wonderfully happy.

[music playing]

[sighing]

[dog barking]

Wait here, Effie.

I'll see if she'll see you.

Yes, Ma.

Come in.

My Effie's here, mum,
if you'd like to see her now.

Tell her to come in.

Come in, dear.

Don't be shy.

This is my girl, mum.

Be a load off my mind
to see her settled, mum.

Well, Effie, your mother thinks
it's time you started working.

Do you?

Oh, yes, madam.

Come over here by the window.

Take off your hat and coat.

Let me have a look at you.

You're very young.

Yes, ma'am.

Soon 18, madam.

Hmm.

Raw material.

You're strong, aren't you?

Yes, madam.

Well, that's good.

A house like this needs
a lot of hard work.

You sure you're up to it?

I'm sure I am if Ma is.

Oh, your mother's had
many years of experience

in service, Effie.

You haven't had any, have you?

No, madam.

No experience of any
sort, have you, Effie?

Not really, madam.

You do tell the truth, don't you?

Oh, yes, madam.

Very well.

I'll give you a trial.

Thank you, madam.

You, uh, have got a
lot to learn, Effie.

Ma says she'll teach me.

I shall teach you.

Thank you, madam.

Tell your mother you
can start tomorrow.

Thank you, Madam.

You're forgetting your hat.

Oh.

Goodbye, madam.

[music playing]

Effie, get a vase and put
these in the lounge, would you?

Yes, ma'am.

Aren't they lovely?

Hmm.

You look very nice
tonight, Effie.

Thank you, ma'am.

And thank you for the dress.Good.

[dog barking]

Arthur, dear.

You know I don't like
the dog upstairs.

Oh, I'm sorry, darling.

It was my fault. I thought it
wouldn't matter today.

Is Terry home yet?

No, but he'll be here presently.

He telephone?
No.

Val did.

He's driving him down.

Oh, did he say if
Terry had passed?

No, but he feels quite
certain that he will.

Of course he will.
Now, then.

How about you and me
having a quick one, mother?

All right, Arthur.

You're very gay, aren't you?

Well, after all, it isn't everyday
we have an occasion to--

Oh.

What on earth's
the matter, Arthur?

My Princess Elizabeths.

Well, have I made
a mistake, dear?

Did you have to cut those?

Well, I-- I thought they'd
look lovely for the occasion.

Uh.

I'm sorry.

Whiskey, dear?

No, thank you.

[phone ringing]

[dog whining]

Good evening, sir.

Evening, Effie.

Good evening, Mr. Terry.

I beg your pardon?

Have I said something wrong, sir?

You are addressing
Dr. Terrence Russell.

Oh, I beg your pardon, Doctor.

Terry, that's wonderful news.

I'm so glad.

Congratulations, Terry.

I never had the
slightest doubt of it.

You and Marmaduke did
as well job for me, mother.

Thank you both.

Where's dad?

He's in there.

Oh.

How are you, Val?

Hello.

Darling.

Well, dad.

We made it.

Congratulations, son.

Thank you, father.

Is something the matter?

No, I'm just a bit
tired, perhaps.

Dinner is served, madam.

Thank you, Effie.

Well, come along.

Dinner.

Evening, Mr. Russell.

Here's to our honored
guest, Dr. Terrence Russell.

Terry.

The first Russell ever to
obtain a medical degree.

That's logical.

He's the first Russell
to have me for a mother.

The thing I love about
mother is her modesty.

What are your
immediate plans, Terry?

I'm staying on at the
hospital for a while.

I couldn't wish for
anything better.

I hear you've been
promoted, too, Val.

Hmm.

Yes, he's been made assistant
to the professor of biochemistry.

Hmm.

50 pounds a year more.

That ought to be useful.

Yes, perhaps I can save enough
to manage a little village

chemist shop in my old age.

With a cosy flat above.

Don't forget that, darling.

Hmm.

Which reminds me.

Would you mind terribly
if Fenella and I got

married as soon as possible?

Well, as soon as we can find
a house or something.

Or nice prefab with
modern neighbors.

But you've been engaged
for such a very short time.

Long enough these days, isn't it?

Short engagement, they say,
leads to a long marriage.

The only drawback
is finding a home.

I wonder how many delayed
marriages the housing shortage

is responsible for.

Quite a number, I should think.

Well, it didn't delay this one.

There's plenty of
room in this house,

if you and Fenella don't
mind living with us.

Oh, daddy, that'd be wonderful.

Wouldn't it, Val?

Oh.

Yes, it would.

But I don't think--

Why not?

I think it's an excellent idea
that Val should

join our happy family, Arthur.

Well, that's extremely
kind of you, but--

Oh, mommy.

That's sweet of you.

It's only your happiness
I'm thinking of, my darling.

Too late for you to
get out of it now, Val.

You're hooked good and proper.

Well, I'll have coffee
sent into the lounge.

Off you go, all of you.

Jolly good dinner, mother.

Thanks.

Good, dear.

Oh, by the way, Sylvia,
I had some interesting news today.

Cable from Austin Penrose.

He's coming over
from America soon.

Austin Penrose.

Have I met him?

No, I think he'd already gone
abroad before we were married.

We started together
at head office.

He's a bright chap,
tremendous drive.

He's been in charge
of our New York office

for a number of years.

And how did he get that?

Oh ho.

Austin's the type
that nothing can stop.

Evidently.

Did you say you
started off together?

Yes, 30 shillings a week.

Office boys.

He must have qualities.
He has.

He's quite outstanding.

Aren't you just a
little bit jealous?

Jealous of Austin?
Why, no.

Why should I be?

Oh, I don't know.

I just thought, he seems to
have gone such a very long way.

Well, I haven't done
so badly, considering.

Considering what?

We can't all be Austin Penroses.

I've no doubt that
in those early days,

my present position seemed
beyond my wildest dreams.

After all, we're quite
comfortably off, aren't we?

Oh, my dear, I wasn't
thinking of myself.

I was only wondering about you.

I know if I'd been a man,
I'd have wanted authority.

Carries a lot of anxieties
and responsibilities.

[laughing]

Poor Arthur.

You're not exactly a swashbuckler,
are you, dear?

No, I suppose I'm not.

[dog barking]

Oh, dear.

It was naughty of you
to let that dog come in.

He's certainly making
the most of it, isn't he?

Effie?

Yes, ma'am.

We'll have the
coffee in the lounge.

Very good, ma'am.

Have you finished reading
that book I lent you?

Not quite, ma'am.

I'll hurry up.

There's no need to hurry.

What do you think of it?

There's an awful lot of
love in it, isn't there?

You ought to like
that, at your age.

To read about, ma'am.

I've found another one.

I think you may like it.

It's a little bit more difficult,

but then that's how
progress is made.

Thank you, ma'am.

Translated from the French.

Yes.

French are very civilized people.

Thank you, ma'am.

[dog drinking]

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm Mrs. Russell.

Is the vet in?
Yes.

Will you come in?

Thank you.

Good morning, madam.

Good morning.

And what's the matter
with this little fellow?

I want him put to sleep.

Oh?

Wouldn't you like me to
make an examination first?

No.

Made up your mind, eh?

Quite.

I see.

I only ask because I've
had cases of an owner who

acted on impulse.

I'm not impulsive.

Ah.

How much?

Ten and six.

It's essential to get rid
of him, for health reasons.

I see.

Good morning.

Good morning.

You're a nice little
fellow, aren't you?

Ace!

Come on, old boy, where are you?

[whistling]

Come on, old boy.

Ace?

Terry, Fenella, where's the dog?

Isn't he in the house?

I can't find him.

Have you seen him, Terry?

I've only been in
about 10 minutes.

He's probably snoring in
front of the kitchen fire.

No.

What about mother?

She'll know.

She went out just before lunch.

Come to think of it, I haven't
seen Ace since this morning.

You don't think he's slipped out?

He doesn't usually.

Let's find mother.

Mother?

Oh, mother.

Where's Ace?

What a curious greeting.

Have you seen him
anywhere, Sylvia?

Yes.

Oh, thank heaven.

I was so afraid he might
have been run over.

Where is he?

I had him put to sleep.

Oh!

You what?

Oh, do be quiet, Fenella.

You know I hate hysteria.

He-- he had an accident.

No.

He seemed all right this morning.

How could he have sickened
from anything so quickly?

He didn't.

Then?

I had him destroyed.

You had him destroyed!

Why?

Why, Sylvia?

He barked.

All dogs bark.

Day and night?

No, my dear.

Day and night.

Terry, Fenella, Ace didn't
bark overmuch, did he?

No.

It's got nothing to
do with the children.

You don't know what
it's been like.

You don't know what
I've been through.

It's more than I can
stand, with my nerves.

It was not only the noise.

It's the restlessness, the food,
the runs, open the door,

shut the door, the
tyranny of dogs.

In and out.

In and out, everlastingly.

Shut up, mother.

Shut up.

I say.

We are looking festive.

Fenella and I ought have
made a double event of it,

save on the flowers.

Double event?

What do you mean, Terry?

Well, if I could have pinned
down some unfortunate

female in time.

Who are you thinking of?

Of females in the abstract.

You're not seriously thinking--

--about getting married?

Oh, good heavens, no.

Well, you might meet some girl.

I have, hundreds and hundreds.

Grade A and substandard,
alive and dead,

good, bad, and
totally indifferent.

No, I mean this seriously.

Yes, I believe you do.

But just because Fenella
happens to be lovesick,

you needn't be scared
it's contagious.

I'm not thinking of myself, dear.

It's your happiness I want.

Yes, you're ambitious, Terry.

All your life's ahead of you.

Ah, yes.

I should miss you, bitterly,
but I wouldn't stand in your way

with any girl you wanted.

Only you're clever, Terry.

And you've got a future.

He travels the fastest
who travels alone, hmm?

I wouldn't say that, Terry.

What about your mother and me?

Oh, yes, but Terry's different.

He's brilliant and--

Beautiful!

You look lovely, my dear.

Exquisite.

You do all like it?

You'll take his breath away.

Do you really think so?

No argument.

It's to be hoped he'll recover
in time to say "I will."

[doorbell ringing]

That'll be Val.

Well, he can't come in here.

No, no, no.

He's dropped in to
give me the lowdown

on how to behave as best man.

He mustn't see me.

That's all right.

We'll head him up.

Come on, dad.

You look so sweet.

Thank you, daddy.

Sit down, darling.

You look so young,
so pitifully young.

I'm nearly 20.

Oh.

Years.

Years are nothing.

You're so ignorant, so untouched.

You make me afraid
for you, Fenella.

Afraid.

Mummy.

What do you mean?

Perhaps we shouldn't
talk about it.

About what?

Why must I feel like this?

Why must my children be so
close to me, part of me?

I feel everything that
happens to them as

though it were my own tragedy.

Tragedy?

Oh, I don't understand.

You will.

But I'm happy.

I've never been so
happy in my life.

I'm glad to hear you say that.

Remember, always remember,
that tonight, at least,

you felt like that.

Tonight?

But after tomorrow
it'll be even better,

more secure, more complete.

More complete?

My poor child.

Why poor?

Fenella, aren't you afraid?

Of what?

Of marriage.

No.

Of course not.

We love each other.

Oh, your love and his.

I can't see any difference.

Can't you?

Aren't there moments when
you’re alone together when you feel--

I don't know what
you're trying to say,

but I don't want to hear.

Don't you?

Don't you want to learn anything?

Do you want to plunge into
this marriage of yours

with a child's ignorance?

Mummy, please let me go.

I'm tired.

Well, I'm off.

Good night, Val.

Good night, sir.

See you tomorrow, I hope.

Val, I--

There's no need tell me, Terry.

I know.

I'm a lucky devil.
Yes, you are.

Hope you'll both be very happy.

Amen.

If you didn't want me to get married,
why didn't you say so?

Oh, my dear.

It isn't that.

It's just that I've always
looked upon you as a child.

Until a few weeks ago,
it didn't seem to matter.

But Fenella, I've
watched Valentine.

I've watched his eyes when
he's been looking at you.

Don't you understand?

No.

Oh, my poor child.

Fenella, you've haven't let
what I've said upset you?

I don't want to hear any more.

I wouldn't have said a word.

I only wanted to spare you.

Please, mommy.

Please.

Val.

Fenella, darling.

Don't look at me.

Go away.

Too late.

I've seen you, and you're the
loveliest thing I've ever seen.

But--
But what?

Something's happened to you.

What do you mean?

I can't explain.

It's the look in your eyes.

Something odd about
you tonight, as

though you were out of reach.

Oh, darling, you're enough
to drive any man crazy.

Fenella?

Let me go.

Let me go.

Supposed to be so unlucky,
to see the bride in her dress.

But then, I'm not superstitious.

Are you?

I believe only in good luck.

Good night.

Good night, Valentine.

[church bells]

[wedding march]

Hold it.

Thank you.

It'll be a happy day for me
when I see you married.

Me too.

Tell me, Ma.

Did Pa propose to you?

If I'd waited for your
father to propose to me,

you would still be
at the starting gate.

Oh.

Morning, Mr. Parson.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mr. Russell.

Morning.

Good morning, Mr. Russell.

Morning.

Good morning, Miss Johnson.

Good morning, Mr. Russell.

That's the first train
I've missed for years.

Well, has Mr. Penrose arrived?

Some time ago.

The directors met
him at the airfield.

It was quite a commotion.

Oh, was there?

Well, did he ask for me?

No.

Strange.

Does he know you well?

My dear Miss Johnson,
Mr. Penrose and I

are very old friends.

Then why not go up to
the boardroom and see him?

Yes.

I think I will.

Yes, that's a good
idea, Miss Johnson.

Oh, and don't bother me
unless something urgent crops up.

I want your ideas
for the company.

[chatter]

--except the accommodation
of a new friendship

with our South
American exporters.

Believe me, gentlemen
confidence in an old company

is far more essential
than new ships.

I quite agree with you, Penrose.

Arthur!

My dear fellow, how are you?

Hello, Austin.

Welcome back.

Well, why, you
haven't changed a bit.

Come in.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

This is Arthur Russell,
one of my oldest friends.

Ah.

How do you do?

Both joined the old firm
together, didn't we?

Yes, 30 years ago.

A couple of the best little stamp

lickers the company ever had.

Well, I expect you two have
a lot to say to each other

after all these years.

We'll go along to the bank.
See you there.

Nice to see you, Mr. Russell.

Thank you, sir.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, sir.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Come and sit down, Arthur,
and tell me all about yourself.

Well, there's
nothing much to tell.

I'm still looking
after the insurances.

I know all about that.

I mean the family.

That magnificent
wife of yours I've

heard so much about,
and the two children.

They're very well.

My girl was married recently.

My boy, Terry, is a doctor.

Really?

That's splendid.

You know, sometimes
I envy you, Arthur.

Ha ha.

Can't imagine why.

Look how you got on.

I'm just a stay at
home, stick in the mud.

That's just it, old man.

Stay at home.

You know, I envy you
that home of yours.

I'm not sure you aren't
happier than I am.

Yes, we're a happy family.

Sylvia manages
everything beautifully.

I'll bet she does.

I'm afraid I've been so busy I've

neglected that sort of thing.

Consequence says I'm
often very lonely.

Well, you needn't be
lonely here, Austin.

We'd like you to
come to our home.

And I'd like to come.

In fact, I want to come.

Go on.

Play, my dear.

Not now, daddy.

You look pale.

Mommy said I was off color.

Your mother has sharp eyes.

Yes, very sharp.

We shall have your husband
worrying about you

if we're not careful.

Val hasn't said anything, has he?

Bless you, no.

What you need is a
holiday by the sea.

I shall have to talk
to Val about it.

After all, you haven't been
anywhere since your honeymoon.

I always thought you
cut that a bit short.

Don't let's go into that again.

What a funny girl you are.

Most brides are only too eager
to discuss the happy time.

Was mother?

Was she eager to
discuss her honeymoon?

Well, it's not the
sort of thing she'd

have mentioned to
me, perhaps, but I've

no doubt to her own friends.

I wonder.

My dear, you're trembling.

Oh, why does everybody
put me under a microscope?

I can't have a shadow
crossing my face

without somebody criticising.

Oh, I'm sorry, daddy.

I know the real trouble.

You're restless.

Once you get settled
in a home of your own,

everything will be all right.

You don't mind us living here?

Nothing could please me more.

As for your mother, it's
an answer to a prayer.

Instead of losing a daughter,
why, she's found a son.

Fenella, look at me, dear.

You are happy?

Of course.

Perfectly well and very happy.

Hello, Arthur.

Hello, dear.

Who's that hammering
on the piano?

Fenella.

She seems a little upset.

Oh.

Is that a new dress?
Yes.

Looks lovely, darling.

Mr. Penrose is coming?
Of course.

Why do you ask?

Well, after all, it's not a
very exciting place for a man

like that to come and dine.

Oh, Austin would never
let an old friend down.

Hmm.

I managed to get along
to the wine merchants.

I was in luck.

New case of Don Pedro
had just come in.

There.

Now, what on earth
made you bring that?

Well, you mentioned at breakfast.

I wrote it down.

There we are.

Don Pedro.

Quite, but it doesn't
say sherry, does it?

It was their brandy I wanted.

I'm sure you said sherry.

Oh, your memory.

I don't want you to think--

Now, don't let's
flog the subject.

You've made a mistake.

Let's leave it at that.

Oh, dear.

Now we shan't have any liquor.

There's the creme de menthe.

Creme de menthe,
for a man like Penrose?

Never mind.

Take it into the kitchen.

There's a dear.

I suppose it'll
do for the trifle.

Well, what's wrong, dear?

Nothing.

Why are you playing like that?

Why shouldn't I?

Oh, no-- no reason.

Val's very late, isn't he?

A little.

Did he phone?

No.

He's probably busy
at the hospital.

You do trust him, don't you?

Of course.

Why?

Oh, nothing.

Only men are so odd.

After all, we don't know
a great deal about him, do we?

I mean, what his life was
before he married you.

Now what was Terry's
name for him?

The brutish gentleman.

It's a lovely expression.

It's so apt.

I think it's horrible.

You're such a sensitive child.

You made me worse.

Why, darling?

You're like someone
drawing soothing fingers

along an exposed nerve.

I see you're wearing your bow.

Yes, ma'am.

Thank you.

I don't think I like the
way you've got it on.

It covers your hair too much.

Come here.

Too far forward.

Hair's very soft, isn't it?

A man would like
to touch your hair.

You're very pretty, aren't you?

Anybody else in the house
told you that you're pretty?

Mrs. Christie said I looked
nice in that hat she gave me.

No, I don't mean her.

I mean any of the men.

Master says I'm cheeky.

Mr. Terry says I talk too much.

And Dr. Christie
doesn't know I'm alive.

That hurts, doesn't
it, Dr. Christie

not knowing you're alive?

He makes me feel like a worm.

Why should you care
what he makes you feel?

Have I said anything, madam?

Oh, quite enough.

Run along.

Let your mother see you.

Yes, madam.

And tell her it was nice of her
to come help us out tonight.

Thank you, ma'am.

Hi, Ma.

Well, you do look a sight.

Sight, Ma?

Yes, in your la dee da getup.

You look like a woman.

I am.

Madam give you the outfit?

Yes.

Well, she never dolled
me up like that.

No?

She do your hair, too?

She showed me how.

Like it?

Well, the men will.

They'll be after you, all right.

I know.

I know.

Now, look here, my girl.

It's all very well for you
to be fancy, but mind you,

don't be too free.

Ah, [speaking french].

[sighing]

L'amour?

[whistling]

Good evening, sir.

Hello.

Hello.

Where's Fenella?

What?

I bet your pardon, Val.

What did you say?

Where's Fenella?

Anything wrong?

Oh.

No, no.

I was thinking about Effie.

Oh?

What about her?

I was just wondering whet
her I should get rid of her.

Why?

I thought she seemed
hardworking enough.

She is.

And she's strong.

She's got all the
energy of the peasant.

No, it isn't that.

I'm not sure it's
wise, with a young son

in the house, and a young son-in-law,
for that matter.

Where is Fenella?

Lying down.

What?

Isn't she well?

She's as well as she ever is.

Poor girl.

She lacks vitality.

We shall have a
cocktail in the lounge

when Mr. Penrose arrives.

I'd Fenella to be ready.

Evening, darling.

You're very late.

Only a little.

Got a free lunch.

Where?

Gianino's.

Why did you go there?

Why not?

I wouldn't have gone to
our place without you.

Wasn't my party.

Whose, then?

No one you know.

Male or female?

Male and female.

I see.

Oh, no, you don't.

Who were they?

Allen Travers, my assistant,
and a girl called Linda Mason.

Was she attractive?

I never look over
other people's papers.

What does that mean?

If we must be
explicit, after lunch

they got married at
the registrar's office.

Well, why didn't you say
that in the first place?

Didn't think it was necessary.

You're sure there were
only three of you?

My sweet, I may
have my limitations,

but I can count up to three.

You are telling me
the truth, aren't you?

Fenella, I believe
you are jealous.

Why not?

You come home late.

You say you've been with
someone I've never heard of.

After all, what do I
know about your life?

Anything?

Darling, I think I'm
glad you're jealous.

I used to be so sure
in the beginning.

You seemed to feel the
same as I did, about us.

But-- but from the
time we got married,

I've had an awful feeling that--
well, that you didn't care.

Oh, Val.

When you look at me like
that, I believe you do.

But every time I try
to take you in my arms,

you make me feel a brute.

Brutish gentleman.

What?

Oh, it's only a bit
of Terry's nonsense.

Well, it sounds more
like one of your mother's

neat little labels.

Oh, darling, you're so
lovely when you laugh.

I'm sorry, Val.

I don't suppose you
can help yourself.

You're-- you're speaking
like a stranger.

What are we but strangers?

Do you think I
haven't watched you?

Watched your pitiful
attempts to hide the--

the disgust in your eyes
every time I near you?

Not disgust.

Well, fear, then.

Loathing.
Horror.

Anything you like.

I love you, Fenella.

I want so much to make you happy.

But I can't stand holding a--

a shivering ghost in my
arms instead of a woman.

Hello, Austin.

Hello, Arthur.

Nice to see you down here.

Well, I've come to
your home at last.

Now, let's have a drink.

What would you like?

A sherry?

Yes.

Don Pedro.
Oh.

What a nice house this is.

Yes, left to Sylvia by an aunt.

Rather expensive
to run these days.

I'll bet is it.

Well, here's to your first visit.

Well, I sincerely hope
it's the first of many.

I drink to that.

Your health, Arthur.

Ah, here's Sylvia.

Darling, this is my
old friend, Austin.

How do you do, Mrs. Russell?

So you're Austin Penrose.

I've heard nothing but your
achievements for weeks.

Don't you believe half of it.

I was just saying what
a charming place you've got here.

It must seem very dowdy
to you, after New York.

And I love it.

Gin, dear?

Thank you, darling.

Do come and sit down.

Thank you.

I used to know this part
of the world in the old days.

Hasn't altered much.

You know, it's grand to
find something so unchanged.

But you believe in change,
in progress, and in success.

Clever woman, your wife, Arthur.

Unmasks me in a sentence.

Nothing escapes Sylvia.

Yes, I'll admit I'm
ambitious, Mrs. Russell.

When I went to New York,
I said to myself, the sky's the limit.

New York must be
very stimulating.

Overstimulating.

A city devoted to the creation of

needs, and wants, and desires.

A city to goad on the successes
and k*ll off the failures.

Oh, well.

Hardly the place for poor Arthur.

Oh, I don't know.

Why not?

Ah, this is Fenella, and
her husband, Dr. Christie.

How do you do?

Hello, Mr. Penrose.

Dr. Christie.

How do you do, sir?

But you didn't tell me
Fenella was a beauty.

Why, she's exquisite.

We think so.

My one regret in life,
not having a daughter.

Well, here we are.

Has that rich old
geezer turned up yet?

He certainly has.

You're Terry, aren't you?

Yes, sir.

How do you do, sir?

How do you do?

Your father has been telling me
great things about you.

Oh, just the manufacturer’s pride
in his own product.

Mr. Penrose, I should
like to talk to you

sometime, about Terry.

I believe in him, in his future.

I'd very much like your advice.

Well, uh, medicine's not exactly
in my line, Mrs. Russell.

No, but success is.

I suppose there are
certain ingredients, common domestics.

Well, it's so easy for a man
to get into a groove.

It seems incredible that
you and Arthur should

have started off together.

Oh, poor dear.

Arthur's done very well
for himself, if you ask me.

Lovely daughter,
brilliant son, you.

What more can a man want?

Power.

Power's an unknown
quantity, Mrs. Russell,

like atomic energy and a strong
expl*sive, or a creative force.

No, on balance, I
wouldn't say power

was a desirable factor in life.

Well, no one fully realizes
the value of a thing

if they've never had it.

I haven't got power.

Authority, yes.

A certain amount of
authority, but not power.

Authority is power.

I envy you that.

I'd have enjoyed power.

Cigarette?

Thank you.

You're not afraid of me, are you?

Afraid?
No, why?

I think you are, just a little.

Hmm.

You're a successful man.

Do you believe in magnetism?

You mean a dominant personality?

Hmm.

You can call it that.

Well, it's the basis
of all leadership.

Some women are dominant, too.

Oh.

Well, my field has
been so limited.

It's just the family.

They certainly do you credit.

I've always tried to inspire
my children, Terry in particular.

Very lucky to have such a mother.

Hmm.

I'm surprised you never married.

I was rather keen on
a very beautiful girl, once.

I guess I was too
busy to pursue it.

She was lovely, though.

Well, of course, there
are qualities of the mind.

There's character,
strength, inspiration,

that are more enduring.

You know, Sylvia,
meeting you has been one

of those random
experiences in life

that turn out to have an
unexpected significance.

How, Austin?

Well, your home life has give me
a glimpse of something

I'd almost forgotten
existed, stability,

contentment, affection.

I can't tell you what
it's meant to me.

Having you with us has meant
a great deal to me, Austin.

You're very quiet, Fenella.

I'm afraid this evening's been
rather boring for you.

Not at all, Mr. Penrose.

I just have a bit of a headache.

Oh, my dear.
I'm sorry.

We'll take her home at once.

Why, of course, darling.

I don't want to
spoil your evening.

You haven't.

I wouldn't dream
of keeping you here

if you're not feeling well.

What a pity Val couldn't come.

You knew he was busy.

I know he said so.

What are you doing in here,
stretched out like that?

Madam said I could.

Hmm.

Did she?

Ah, it's hot everywhere tonight.

It's Midsummer night.

Oh.

Is that what it is?

Yes, that's what it is.

[sighing]

What have you been
doing to yourself?

Nothing.

You look different.

Without my cap?

Oh, yes.

That's it.
Your hair.

Madam says it's nice and soft.

What's that tune on the wireless?

I don't know.

Why?

Just wondered what
it was, that's all.

What do you want with music?

Don't you want music?

No.

Why not?

What are you smiling at?

Was I?

Is your face so out of
control you don't know

whether you're smiling or not?

Perhaps it's the
moon and the music.

Effie, have you been mucking
about with my medical books?

Oh, no, Mr. Teddy.

I find them very dull.

Well, one of them's missing,
an important one, brown binding.

Well, I-- oh.

Was it something about
clinical something?

Yes.

Where is it?

Madam had it.

Mother?

Yes.

She was looking at it early
this morning in the summerhouse.

Oh.

What an extraordinary taste
in literature my mother has.

Hmm.

And what an extraordinary
taste in perfume you have.

Here, Val.

You're more expert than I am.Mm.

Obviously Fada.

Where'd you get Fada perfume?

Madam gave me a bottle.

What on earth for?

My birthday, sir.

I'm 18.

Sweetly pretty, the perfume is.

In a little drawer, with
a tassel to pull it open with.

Let's get some fresh air.

Yeah.

What have you got there?

Mrs. Beaton.

No.

Why then get thee behind me?

No particular reason.

Let me see it, then.

Come on.

Why, you dirty little cat.

I--

Unexpurgated at that.

Do you mean to say you
read this sort of stuff?

Can you make head or tail of it?

Not all, sir.

Where do you get hold of it?

Madam lent it to me.

What?

Mother?

I tell you, it's true, sir.

She's lent me lots
and lots of books.

All like this?

No, the others were easier.

Not so dull, you might say.

Dull?

You're pretty blase, aren't you?

You'd better get up to bed.

The book, sir?

Good night.

You know, that girl has the most
extraordinary combination of--

of childishness and--

And what?

And-- ah, skip it.

What are you talking about, Val?

The brutish gentleman
is in danger of becoming

more brute than gentleman.

I suppose that's your
pat little analysis, huh?

I don't get it.

I must be an interesting case
for the embryo psychoanalyst.

Man, watch the ape beneath
the thin skin of civilization.

You must have fun in your family.

My family?

Yes, Terry.

You and your mother.

She's a bit better
at it than you are.

Her knowledge is
more instinctive.

Her mind isn't so cluttered up
with labels as yours.

She watches.

She watches for the
symptoms of degeneration.

Why so bitter, Val?

Is it Fenella?

Leave her out of it.

Come in and have a drink with
us before you go, Austin?

Thank you, Sylvia, but
I think I'll be getting along.

Good night, Mr. Penrose.

Thank you so much.

And I'm sorry I
wasn't quite myself.

I'm sorry, too.

Good night, my dear.

Good night.

Good night, Austin.

And as usual, with you,
I've enjoyed myself enormously.

So have I. Good night.

Good night.

Hello, Fenella.

I'm going upstairs, Val.

Good night.

No, darling, please.

Look.

Fenella.

I'm worried, Val.

What about?

You two.

We're all right.

No, you're not.

All right, then, we're not.

Why are you so on the
defensive with me?

I'd rather not rake
over dead ashes.

Dead ashes?

Is it as serious as all that?

Serious?

I haven't kissed
her, or hardly even

touched her hand for weeks.

Why not?

Because I'm a cad.

I can't face the
look in her eyes.

I can't face the knowledge
that she hates me.

This is what I've
been afraid of, Val,

and I must be frank with you.

I feel so terribly to blame.

In what way?

Well, I ought never
to have let you marry.

Why not?

Fenella is not
meant for marriage.

She's too sensitive,
too highly strung, hysterical almost.

And when she fell in love with you,
I hoped she'd alter.

But if anything, marriage
has intensified her abnormality.

If only I could help you both.

It's up to us to
work out something.

No one can help us.

Breaks my heart.

I do love you both so much.

I'm sorry for Fenella, of course,

but I'm much sorrier for you.

After all, you're a man.

I'm going out in the
garden for a bit.

Stifling in here.

It's Midsummer night.

She said that.

Who?

Effie.

Ah.

I warned you about her.

Oh, you're not suggesting that--

Certainly not.

Only girls like
Effie are fair game.

And they consider
men like you a prize.

Just you watch her.

See how she looks at
you the next time.

You're an attractive
young brute, Val.

Huh.

Nice to know someone thinks so.

Mother.

Oh, Terry, you should have
been with us this evening.

The Savoy was wonderful.

What on earth made you lend
that "Chatterly" book to Effie?

What?

Surely not.

She said you did.

Did she?

Oh.

Ho, ho.

How awful of me.

Must have been the similarity
of bindings that confused me.

And I-- I was in such a hurry.

Well, never mind.

I don't suppose
she understood it.

She understood enough.

Well, I'm tired.

I'm going to bed.

And incidentally, mother, where's

that book of mine you borrowed?

Yours?

Yes, on clinical toxicology.

Who says I borrowed such a book?

Effie said you were reading it
in the summer house

this morning.

That child's crazy.

I wasn't in the summer
house this morning.

Good night, dear.

What are you doing out there?

Oh.

I came to lock up, sir.

Beautiful moon, isn't it?

Yes.

How sweet the moonlight
sleeps upon on this bank.

Lovely speech.

Always has been.

You're romantic, aren't you?

Does it matter?

To me it does.

You knew I was out
here, didn't you?

Why'd you come?

I told you, to lock up.

You do look different
with your hair loose.

Do I?

Yes.

It's pretty.

I'm glad you like it.

Beautiful hair, Effie.

Oh, I do love you.

I've always loved you.

Say that again.

I love you.

Oh, Effie, you're sweet
and warm and lovely.

Val!

I-- I must've been crazy.

She was right, then.

She was right.

Who?

Mother.

Darling, you mustn't--

Don't come near me.

Don't ever come near me again.

Wait, darling!

Wait, please!

Darling, look.

Val, leave me alone.

Let me go.

Here, what's happening?

What's all the row?

Oh, Terry.

I wouldn't believe her.

I wouldn't listen when mother--

Mother?

Darling, I know it's stupid
to try to explain,

but you must realize that
girl could never be--

Val, you'd better go.

I'm sorry, Fenella.

I thought I heard someone crying.

You did.

Why?

What's happened?

I think you know.

What's wrong?

No, mother.

What's the matter?

Has something hurt her?

No.

Why, tell me, darling.

Talk to me.

I don't understand.

Leave her alone.

You've done enough
damage for one night.

How dare you speak
to me like that!

Yes?

Mrs. Russel to see
you, Mr. Penrose.

Oh.

Well, ask her to come in.

Mrs. Russell, Mr. Penrose.

Hello, Austin.

Sylvia, my dear.

What a pleasant surprise.

How charming you look.

Thank you.

Come and sit down.

Well, now.

Austin, you once said you'd
do anything for me if I asked.

Well, of course.

What is it?

Well, there's something.

Something for Arthur?

I wouldn't ask for that.

No, it's for Terry and Fenella.

Terry wants to embark on
a career as a brain specialist.

Well, I do feel that before
he starts, he should have a break.

Would it-- would it
be possible for you

to get him on one of
your liners as a ship's doctor?

And Fenella?

She's on the verge of
a nervous breakdown.

And I can't think
of anything better

for her than a long sea voyage
under the care of her brother.

I'd be only too
glad to arrange it.

The best thing for both of them.

Thank you, Austin.

That is kind of you.

Not at all.

A ship's a good cure
for most things.

You love ships, don't you?

Yes.

They've always fascinated me.

Where they come from,
where they're off to,

what they carry.

Oh, but this must
be old stuff to you.

I mean, Arthur's
in the same firm.

Arthur's horizon is bounded
by glass doors, not oceans.

But surely he talked
to you about his work.

Oh, yes.

He talks about things.

Thing typed on bits of paper,
insurances, little anecdotes,

Mr. Smith has being transferred
to the Liverpool office.

And we shall seriously
have to consider

getting rid of Miss Jones.

Miss Jones' tram from
Brixton was half an hour

late this morning, not the
mail boat from Panama.

A new package of
stationary has just

arrived from Strakers,
not a consignment of nitrates

from Chile.

Ha.

The romance of shipping.

You don't know what
it's like, Austin,

this feeling of frustration,
this mediocrity in everything I

touch, knowing what
I might have been,

what I could have accomplished
with the right man.

I think I understand, Sylvia.

I understand now your
need for sublimation.

Thank you, Austin.

Well, Fen, we've
left England behind.

There's only the horizon now.

Yes.

Even a few moments ago
there was something.

Now, quite suddenly,
there's nothing.

Do you suppose memories
can disappear as easily as that?

Not as easily, perhaps.

But just as surely, if one tries.

We'll put them in the
sterilize rand examine them again

in a fortnight under
polarized light.

No.

Hello, Val.

Oh, hello, Sally.

Any news from Fenella?

No.

Not a word.

Look.
Oh.

From Terry.

Hmm.

From Panama.

Hello, Sally.

Had an exciting time removing
gallstones from third mate.

He is still alive.

Hope you are the same, Terry.

Romantic, isn't it?

From Terry, yes.

I suppose if he'd
put kind regards,

you'd have taken
that as a proposal.

Perhaps.

You see, Terry's not
very demonstrative.

But then I understand him.

I understand his soul.

And does he understand yours?

Of course he does.

I seem to have been well
forgotten by both of them.

I don't think by either, Val.

Fen?

Yes?

You left your
things on the chair.

Thanks, Terry.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Why do you always look
at me as though you're

trying to find out something?

I am.

What?

Why you drove Val
into that girl's arms.

Terry, I'd rather not.

I know.

I know.

But you can't go on like
this, the whole voyage.

You're getting worse, not better.

I'm fine, Terry.

Having a wonderful time.

Don't lie, Fenella.

There's something behind all this,
something more than grief

over Val.

Oh, I know he was
dead wrong that night.

But I'm sure he wouldn't
have done a thing like that

without cause.

And I'm just as sure he would.

Men are animals, mostly.

We're no different from women.

It just happens to be
our luck to be aggressive.

And unfaithful.

Val's in love with you, Fenella.

No, Terry.

He's never been in love with me.

To him I was just a woman.

Look, darling.

You're sick, sick in your mind.

If you go drifting indefinitely,
you'll develop

into a morbid borderline case.

Oh, don't look so
startled, my dear.

I don't think you're going crazy.

But you can't go on brooding
and brooding until the thing

becomes an obsession.

Fen, we've always shared
each other's confidence.

What is it that's bothering you?

What are you fighting?

What is it you're trying to hide?

Oh, Terry, help me.

I want to forget.

Something mother said?

Yes.

Before the wedding?

The night before.

Mother came to me,
started to talk strangely.

Her eyes were weird,
almost hypnotic.

Ah, refreshments.

Well, Fen, in two days,
you'll see England again.

Yes.

How do you think your
patient's doing, doctor?

I'd say improving steadily.

You're been marvelous, Terry.

Rot.

You're a very interesting case,
probably

the turning point in my career.

How?

Oh, I'm not fooling.

I mean it.

I've dabbled in psychoanalysis
before, but never deep enough

to show results.

You're my first case.

That's why it's up to you not
to let the side down.

I won't.

To my favorite doctor.

And to our indomitable mother.

And to dad.

To dad.

Yes, Austin?

Arthur, I've good news for you.

Terry and Fenella
arrive tomorrow.

Caravel docks, late afternoon.

Oh, thank you, Austin.

That is good.
Yeah.

Arthur?

Arthur, are you there?

Arthur, are you all right?

That's strange.

Come with me, Miss Thomas.

Arthur.

Arthur, old man, what's happened?

Huh?

Oh.

I'm afraid I've
had another att*ck.

Stupid of me.

Get my car right away.
Yes, sir.

What about your appointments?

Cancel them.

Yes.

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Oh?

That's very good of you, Austin.

I'll get in touch with
Dr. Morrison right away.

What?

They're coming tomorrow?

Uh, thank you, Austin.

Yes, I-- I am glad.

Goodbye.

[car approaching]

I can't believe we're back home
again after all these months.

Can you, Terry?

No.

[doorbell ringing]

[knocking]

Hello, mommy dear.

Fenella, my darling.

And Terry.

Mother dear.

Well, let me look at your both.

How fit you look.

Had a nice trip?

Glorious.

Terrific.

Gallstones, kidney stones,
two appendix, three broken legs.

And a stubborn mental case.

What?

And he cured them all.

I tell you, mother, we have a
wonderful doctor in the family.

Ha.

My sister, so young.

She plays a fair game
of deck tennis, though.

Goodness, mother.

The house looks gloomy.

Why not a fire and some
flowers to brighten

the old place up a bit?

Yes, it needs it.

Where's dad?

How is he?

He's not so well, I'm afraid.

What?

What?

I'm glad you snatched your
happiness while you could.

There's little enough for you
to come home to, heaven knows.

What do you mean?

What's the matter with dad?

Well, that's just
the distracting part.

Dr. Morrison isn't certain.

Morrison?

That old leech?

He's a very
experienced man, Terry.

He's been attending your father
since before you were born.

Well, that's years too long.

He must have some idea, though.

What does he think it is?

Well, first of all,
he diagnosed gastric trouble,

and then he thought
it might be an ulcer.

Has he had him x-rayed?

X-rayed?

Well, no.

No, your father's
been much too ill.

Too ill?

Ridiculous.

Wait!

Terry!

Dr. Morrison is with him now.

All the better.

But wouldn't it
be unprofessional?

I mean, another doctor's patient.

Isn't there some
sort of etiquette?

Etiquette be blown.

Mother, is he really bad?

I-- I-- I am afraid you will
both have rather a shock.

You should have sent for me.

But, Terry, he was
in good health.

I wonder.

What do you mean by that?

I haven't much faith in Morrison.

Dear.

You young people
are so intolerant.

Be patient, now.

Dr. Morrison won't be long.

Mother seems very
worried about daddy.

Very.

Oh, this room, this house,
brings it all back.

It's like a spider's web, a lot
of subtle threads tangling you

up.

Oh, Terry, I'm frightened.

Now, Fen, no slipping back.

I'm afraid of mother.

She's so strong, has
such influence, such power.

She seems more strange than ever.

Oh, Dr. Morrison.
Hello, Terry.

What about my father?

What is it?

Well, at first I
thought gastroenteritis.

All the symptoms
seemed to point to it.

But now I'm not sure.

Not sure?

Well, the pulse has fallen
to be almost imperceptible.

Severe cramp has
set in the muscles,

and there's a pronounced drop
in the blood pressure.

Have you had another opinion?

Me?

No.

I've asked Dr. Carter to
come along in the morning.

Hi, Terry.

Hello, dad.

How are you now?

Fine.

Have a good trip?

Very good.

So did Fenella.

Darling.

Daddy, dear.

Good to see you again.

Where's mother?

I'm here, dear.

Good.

She's been so-- so good.

Well, Terry?

I don't like it.

When did he have
his first att*ck?

Some time ago.

Hmm.

I think it was shortly
after you left England.

It started quite mildly,
but recently, they've been

more frequent and more severe.

Why didn't you send for me?

Your mother wanted
to spare you both.

You don't go through
years of hospital training

without a few
shocks, Mr. Penrose.

Different when it's
your own family, Terry.

Isn't that all the
more reason for wanting

to do something for him?

I feel a little guilty, myself.

I've offered repeatedly
to get a specialist,

but your mother seems to
have such faith in Dr. Morrison.

She's been magnificent, Terry.

Won't dream of having
anyone to help her.

Never spares herself,
day or night.

She's-- she's like
a woman inspired.

Hmm.

Well, I'm going to get dad
to hospital right away.

Hello?

Fenella--
Slow and steady--

--you should send
your mother to bed.

She must have rest.

You know, she's been
with your father

since yesterday afternoon.

--St. George's Hospital.

She won't move.

I've tried to get her to rest.

She never takes her eyes off him,

just sits crouched by his side.

Doesn't seem to
hear what you say.

It's as though she's in a trance.

Only her eyes are alive.

There's something terrible
about such vigilance,

as though she's waiting.

Come along, dear.

I'll get you a drink.

Here you are, Fenella.

Thank you.

I, uh, I saw Val
while you were away.

Really?

Yes.

Came to my office several times,
wanted to follow your route.

How did he seem?

Most unhappy.

I think he's still very much in
love with you, Fenella.

The ambulance will
be here in an hour.

Good.

What is wrong with daddy, Terry?

I don't know.

I don't know.

Morrison's not the only fool in
the medical profession.

I'm as baffled as he is.

Some cases baffle the best brains
in the country, Terry.

Yes, but you see, I'm smart.

I've got a future.

And I can't even diagnose
what's wrong with my own father

in time to save his life.

Terry!

Terry!

He's gone.

Poor daddy.

He certainly had a lot
of friends, didn't he?

Yes.

I hope I'm lucky enough
to have half as many.

[phone ringing]

Hmm.

Hello?

Yes.

Oh.

I understand.

Yes.

Yes.

Very well.

I'll tell her.

Who was that?

Message from Mr. Penrose's
office, saying he

might be a little late.

Oh, thank you.

I didn't know that Penrose
was coming here today.

Nor did I, mother.

Oh, he just wants to talk to me.

It's about your father's affairs.

Aren't you going to the hospital
match this afternoon, Terry?

What?

Of course not, mother.

Well, I think you should, dear.

And take Fenella with you.

Mommy, we couldn't
possibly do that.

My dears, you mustn't brood.

You haven't been outside
this house for a week.

You know your father
wouldn't have wished that.

After all, life must go on.

If you don't want
to go to the match,

why don't to go to the cinema?

Nobody would see you there.

What people would see, mother,
is not exactly the point.

It's Val.

Val?

Coming here?

Yes.

Oh, but I can't see him.
Why not?

He's still your
husband, isn't he?

Yes, I--

But Fenella, he is.

Oh, but, Terry, I--

My dears, we must
all forget the past.

Terry, what shall I do?

Powder your face.

Terry?

Yeah?

Why do you think mother acted
so strangely about Mr. Penrose,

about wanting us to go
out, and now about Val?

I wonder.

Sometimes I feel she's trying
to hide something from us.

So do I.

Val!

Oh.

Hello, Fenella.

I just thought I'd bring these.

Oh, how kind of you.

Didn't expect to see any one
except the housekeeper.

We haven't one.

Won't you come in?

Thanks.

Is Terry around?

Oh, he's somewhere.

I'll call him.

Oh, no hurry.

I just thought I'd say hello.

These flowers are beautiful.

Huh.

You, uh, you have a good voyage?

Lovely, thanks.

How was the Panama Canal?

Narrow.

Very narrow.

Yes, of course it would be.

You're looking well, Fenella.

Different, more glowing.

How have you been, Val?

Pretty wretched.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to
say anything real.

Oh, Fenella, those
flowers are a swindle.

I only brought them
because I thought

I might catch a glimpse of you.

It's no good seeing each other,
you must know that.

It's only hurting us both.

Surely we can be friends.

Too much has happened, Val.

Then suppose we
were lovers again.

Oh, Val.

Fenella, darling,
I thought of you incessantly.

I followed you on your voyage,
every sea, every port.

I've been with you all the time,
looking over your shoulder.

Oh, Val, take me away.

Take me away, quickly.

Away from this house,
from mother, from everything.

Yes, darling.

Val!

Hello, Terry.

Val, you've got to come
to the hospital with me at once.

I can't do that, Terry.

I'm taking Fenella away.

That's fine, but this
is more important.

What is it, Terry?
What?

Never mind.
I'll tell you later.

Come on.

You were right, Terry.

There is something here.

Arsenic.

Enough to k*ll?

Easily a fatal dose.

Fool.

Fool.

Why didn't I recognize
the symptoms?

Val?

Yeah.

I'd like you to have an official
report made on your findings.

Official report?

Yes.

What are you going to do?

The only thing one can do.

What do you mean?

Don't you realize it was m*rder?

Yes.

Austin.

Hello, Sylvia.

I'm so glad you came.

Well, your message
sounded urgent.

I'm awfully sorry I'm late.

That doesn't matter.

Shall we go talk
in my sitting room?

Yes.

It's much more comfortable.

How are you, Sylvia?

Oh, I'm all right, Austin.

And the children?

They're very well.

They're out this
evening with Val.

Oh?

He and Fenella are
back together again.

Really?

I am pleased.

Here we are.

I say, Sylvia, you have made it
comfortable in here.

Yes.

This is my haven, where
I build my castles.

I love to shut the world out.

Gives one a curious
sense of intimacy.

Thank you.

Do sit down, Austin.

Well now.

How can I help you?

I wanted to see you about us.

Oh, of course, my dear.

Poor Arthur's going won't
make any difference

to our friendship.

I hope you'll let me come here
just the same, let me help you,

and the children.

Ha.

There's no one listening.

Listening?

Yes.

You don't have to
pretend anymore.

We're alone in the house.

But I don't quite understand.

Oh yes you do.

You're not a child.

Neither am I. We both
know what we want.

We're strong.

We saluted the strength in
each other from the start.

But I'm the stronger.

My courage is greater than yours.

Forgive me, Sylvia, I still can't

follow your line of thought.

Oh yes you can.

I can see that by the
fear in your eyes.

Fear?

Yes.

You needn't try to evade my eyes.

I know their power.

Oh, I know I'm not young.

I'm not beautiful.

But beauty isn't important.

It's ephemeral, insipid.

Please, Sylvia.

I really don't understand you.

We'll talk another day.

I'll come back when
you're yourself again.

I am myself.

Don't be such a coward.

You want me.

You've wanted me from
the very beginning.

And I want you.

But Sylvia, to me,
you've never been

anything but my friend's wife.

You're lying to yourself, not me.

Very well.

I hoped to avoid the truth,
but since you force me,

I must tell you that
I do understand.

But truth is
unforgivably hurting.

Arthur was my friend.

Oh, that mediocrity?
Mediocrity?

He was a real person.

That's why I was so fond of him.

But you came here for me.

And the others.

Until I met you, I never
believed friendship between man

and a woman possible.

I found it was.

You were a stimulating companion.

You--

You wanted me.

My dear Sylvia,
if I'd wanted you,

I should either have taken you
or stopped coming here.

You're lying.

I assure you I'm not.

You don't want me.

No, my dear.

I'd have spared you
all this if I could.

Please go.

Hello, Terry.

Mother in her room?

Yes.

Thanks.

Oh, Terry.

What are you looking at?

Probably the most extraordinary woman
I shall ever look at.

Terry, whatever is
the matter with you?

Since you came back,
you’ve been different, so neurotic.

You're not going the same way
as Fenella, are you?

No.

I'm too strong for you.

Oh, what do you want?

To talk to you about yourself.

You'd like that, wouldn't you?

Why do you say that?

You're an interesting
subject, mother,

a study in ultimate egotism.

Oh.

You're trying to
psychoanalyze me.

Oh.

How funny.

How funny.

As if you could.

I'm not beginning on you, mother.

I believe I've finished.

You think you know me?

Yes, I do.

You read me superficially
like fortune in a teacup,

according to certain
universal laws, and--

Suppose I tell you what I see?

Oh, go on.

I see first a facade,
the animated waxwork

of a devoted wife and
mother, a kind mistress,

the sympathetic friend.

Then the undercurrent,
the brilliant woman stifled

by mediocrities, frustrated,
seeking sublimation or outlet,

the power behind the
throne, influencing

the people with whom
she comes into contact.

How far wrong am I, so far?

I-- I no idea you
understood me so well.

Now the experiments.

The humiliation you inflicted
on dad in small things.

The books, the wine, the roses,
the subtle breaking down

of his confidence in himself.

Then his dog.

You didn't really
mind its barking.

You've got nerves of steel.

You were fond of Ace,
but he happened to mean something

to dad, so he had to go.

I don't want to hear any more.

I'm afraid you've got to, mother.

Oh.

You're my son, all right.

You've got my will.

That was your first
essay in power.

It gave you a taste for it.

Then there was Effie.

I only tried to educate the girl,

make her a little less uncouth.

You succeeded admirably.

You taught her the subtleties
while most of her kind

only learned the elementaries.

Oh.

Your work on Fenella was
highly successful, too.

Then you went too far.

What do you mean?

The trouble with
power is that it's

insatiable, like blackmail,
or a habit forming drug.

Fenella, Val, Effie.

When were you going
to start on me?

You?

I worship you.

You-- you talk of sublimation.

You've been my sublimation.

I've lived through you.

Sadists get their
keenest pleasure

out of those they love.

You were waiting till
some girl came into my life.

Do you know that every
woman I've known,

I've found myself watching
through your eyes?

That's why I never bought
Sally here, because I wondered

what treatment you
would devise for her,

in order to inflict the maximum
amount of pain on me.

Terry, why are you saying
all these thing to me?

Because they're true.

You'd almost broken dad's spirit,
but not quite.

He wasn't much fun.

He suffered too silently.

Then Penrose came into your life.

Penrose had nothing to do it.

Indeed he did, a great deal more
than himself realized.

You used him to get Fenella
and me out of your way.

Then dad was alone with
you, alone in this house

night after night.

Well?

What of it?

When you took my medical book
on poisons last summer,

I thought it a rather
intelligent depravity.

It was deliberate premeditation, wasn't it?

What are you implying?

m*rder.

The medicine you gave
dad contained arsenic.

No.
No, Terry.

You're making a mistake,
a terrible mistake.

You made the mistake
when you failed

to destroy the medicine bottle.

While we were away,
you were very subtle.

You handled things very cleverly.

But you were just a bit too slow.

When you learned
I was coming home,

you realized the
danger of my finding

out and being able to save him.

So you had to hurry.

And that made you
clumsy, didn't it?

Didn't it?

The chemist!

The chemist must
have made a mistake!

Sure-- surely we can prove it.

He-- he blundered.

Don't lie, mother.

It's unworthy of you.

You're trying to trap me.

Why should I?

You're trapped anyway.

Terry, why are you torturing me?

What was your motive
for murdering father?

I'm not a policeman.

I'm your son.

Tell me.

What was your motive?

Suppression, the denial
of an emotional outlet,

the frustration
of a desire that's

born in every woman's soul.

Are you trying to justify m*rder?

No.

Only stating the cause.

The cause was Penrose.

No.
No.

No.

He was merely the
means to an end.

There's a clay for me to
mold in the petty shipping clerk.

Most men are despicable,
cowardly mediocrities.

It's the women behind
them have made them great.

Women have a seed of
greatness in them.

They know what in a man's mind,
because they plant it.

You.

There's nothing in you that hasn't
sprung from me, nothing.

You think that I love Penrose?

Yes.

No!

But with him, I could have
realized my ambitions.

I could have had power.

Power?

Yes.

I love power.

And I got it, the supreme power,
power over life and death.

I watched him day after day.

And I thought, if I
like, you may live.

Sometimes I stopped his doses.

He thought he was getting better.

But it was in my hands, his life mine,
to give or to take away.

Stop!

Stop!

I've heard enough.

You can't even stand
hearing, yet I could see,

and I could watch
and watch and watch.

You think I'm mad, don't you?

I know you're not mad.

You're just evil.

All the time you were
making your study in power,

you were busy with your
role of devoted wife.

You'd have gone on lying
if I hadn't tripped you up,

if I hadn't found the poison.

Well, what are you going
to do, have me hanged?

Oh, no.

You won't be let off so
quickly, not so easily.

I know you're not mad.

But your judge won't.

You'll spend the rest of
your life in solitude.

You're not old.

You'll have plenty of
time to think, years.

And no power to get away.

No more power, and
nobody to experiment on.

[car approaching]

Police?

Yes.

You're afraid, aren't you?

Afraid for the first
time in your life.

Afraid of your own thoughts--

[knocking]

--of the quiet.

No.

I'm not afraid.

Give my love to Sally.

[knocking]

[music playing]