I Confess (1953)

[bunniefuu]

Who's there?

Keller.

Why are you here this time of night?

I... I wanted to pray.

Is something wrong?

I...

Can I help you in any way?

- Can I be of any help?

- No one can help me.

I have abused your kindness.

How?

You gave my wife and me

a home, a job, even friendship.

I felt you would let me be your friend.

So wonderful a thing for a refugee,

a German, a man without a home.

You will hate me now.

I don't hate anyone, Keller.

You will, after what you have done for me.

You trusted me.

You saw that my wife and I

were not common servants.

It was you who found more pleasant tasks


for us, working here in the rectory.

It was my wife, working so hard...

It breaks my heart.

What is the matter?

I must confess to you.

I must tell someone.

I want to make a confession.

I confess to Almighty God

and to you, Father, that I have sinned.

When was your last confession?

I can't remember.

Can you remember approximately?

I have k*lled Mr. Villette.

Go on.

Villette, the lawyer.

I went to his house tonight.

I went to steal his money.

I wore a cassock to avoid attention.

He surprised me.

He was going to call the police.

He was going to call the police


and I tried to stop him.

I didn't mean to k*ll him.

Alma, I'm not a m*rder*r.

It was an accident.

It was the money.

How could I watch you work so hard?

I lie awake night after night

and I think, "All we need is $2,000."

Alma, with $2,000,


we can start a new life.

Villette was rich.

But now I cannot keep it.

That's what Father Logan told me.

I must give it back.

I promised him.

It's so hard, Alma.

It's so dangerous.

They will catch me.

They will hang me.

I cannot.

I cannot.

Father Logan will go to them.


He will tell them.

He will tell them?

He cannot tell them

what he heard in confession.

The police will come.

Why, Alma?

Why should they come here?

They know nothing.

I have told them nothing, have I?

Alma, no one knows.

Father Logan.

He cannot tell them


what he heard in the confessional.

Can't you understand that?

Otto.

What is it, Alma?

You're going to the police?

What is today, Alma?

Isn't it the day when I attend

to Mr. Villette's garden?

But he's dead.

I always work in Mr. Villette's garden


on Wednesdays.

Today is Wednesday, Alma.

- Good morning, Father Logan.

- Good morning, Father.

Tell me, will it take you and Keller

much longer

to finish the painting in this room?

I don't know.

I only ask because the smell

makes one quite ill, really.

You know, I read some advertisement

about paints

and, of course, one should not judge

on so little evidence, but I...

After you, Father.

One finds it difficult to believe

that there are paints with no smell.

Do you know of any paints

that do not smell, Father Michael?

Do I know...

Oh, uh...

No, I don't.

Well, don't think of it.

It doesn't matter.

How fortunate we are

to have Keller with us.

The man is clever about everything.

Before he came six months ago,

don't you remember

how all the drains wouldn't work

and the windows would not open?

One can learn a great deal from him.

Aha.

Father Benoit and his bicycle

are in time for breakfast.

Good morning, Father Millars.

Good morning, Father Michael.

- Good morning.

- Morning.

Seriously, must you keep your bicycle

in the hall, Father Benoit?

It doesn't always fall,

and I don't seem to know where else.

It's lucky he doesn't have a horse.

Father, would you pass me

the butter, please?

Mrs. Keller, would you ask

your husband to look at my front tire?

It's flat. Could you, please?

My husband?

But it is Wednesday.

He's not here.

Thank you, no.

On Wednesdays,

he attends to Mr. Villette's garden.

Oh.

Then will you tell him

when he comes back, please?

Yes, Father, I'll tell him

when he comes back.

Now, now, Father Benoit,

you should learn how to patch a tire.

One should be able

to take care of one's possessions.

One has a face, one would shave it.

- One has a...

- Excuse me, please.

Good morning, Father.

Monsieur Villette's been m*rder*d.

Good morning.

- Good morning, Father.

- Good morning.

- I had an appointment here.

- Appointment?

With Villette? Well, he's dead.

Yes, I know. Is there anything I can do?

Well, perhaps Mr. Larrue

would like to see you. Come in, Father.

Mr. Larrue, sir. Father here says

he had an appointment with Villette.

I'll be with you in a moment.

Hello, Father.

- I believe I've met you before, haven't I?

- Yes, I'm from St. Marie.

- Yes. And how is Father Millars?

- Father Millars is fine.

Good. You had an appointment

with Villette?

- Yes.

- Anything special?

- No. There was...

- You've, of course, heard what's happened.

Father, Keller works at the rectory,

doesn't he?

Yes. He and his wife work there.

The poor devil is terrified

at the moment, Father.

Forgive me, but I have

forgotten your name.

- Logan.

- Yes. Father Logan.

You don't mind if we call on you

later today, maybe tomorrow?

Perhaps we'd like to know what your

appointment with Villette was all about.

Au revoir. Murphy, get Keller.

He's the man who found the body.

- Mr. Larrue.

- Yeah.

No fingerprints.

All right.

This was on his desk.

The keys were in his pocket.

$500.

It does not look like robbery, sir.

They usually take the lot.

You work at the rectory

at St. Marie's, eh?

- Yes.

- Good.

Now, how did you find the body?

On Wednesdays,

I work in Mr. Villette's garden.

This morning, I arrived as usual at 8:30.

I came inside...

- You have a key?

- No. The door was open.

- That frightened me.

- An open door?

- Why should that frighten you?

- The door was always locked.

I went in, and there he was.

I could see that he was dead.

I wanted to run.

Run?

There I was, a man without a country,

alone, discovering a m*rder.

I thought of the police.

I'm always afraid of the police.

That's a German fear, this fear.

There's nothing to be afraid of.

Uh, step outside for a moment.

Yes. Thank you, sir.

- Villette's been m*rder*d.

- He's dead? I can't believe it.

We're free.

- Bonjour, madame.

- Bonjour.

Good morning, Sergeant.

Is my husband in the chamber?

Yes, madame.

Mr. Grandfort is speaking now.

A very stormy debate.

That, I believe,

is the understatement of the year.

The honorable member

has used every known clich?,

except perhaps,

"Curb your dog, keep your city clean."

Equal salary

for female schoolteachers

would bring disaster to our whole economy.

Except to the economy

of female schoolteachers.

Mr. Speaker!

At this point

of the discussion, gentlemen,

I adjourn the House

until this afternoon at 3:00.

Ruth, my dear, what a charming surprise.

- Pierre, take me to lunch.

- Of course.

You're feeling better, then?

This morning, you seemed rather depressed.

- Was I?

- Yes, and not only this morning.

- I don't seem depressed now, do I?

- No.

The tire wasn't flat after all.

Of course, you and Keller

know what you are doing.

Personally, I would have preferred

an old-fashioned white.

- That's what it is, Father.

- Is it?

At least it's supposed to be.

- Mr. Keller, good morning.

- Good morning, Father.

You're back early, aren't you?

Is Mr. Villette's garden flourishing?

- Mr. Villette is dead, Father.

- Dead?

He was m*rder*d, Father.

What? Did you hear that, Father Logan?

How dreadful.

I discovered the body.

I called the police.

Then they came and asked me

a lot of questions.

A lot of people were outside the house.

Then the inspector told me I could leave.

What a terrible thing.

A very terrible thing.

Father, why did you come

to Villette's house this morning?

Father, I must speak to you.

I know what you must think of me,

but I can't give myself up. I can't.

They would hang me.

Hasn't God forgiven me, thanks to you?

But the police never would.

I don't know what you're talking about.

But it was I who confessed to you.

It was my confession.

I want you to speak to me about it.

You must tell me what to do.

I can't give myself up.

You must tell me some other way.

There... There is nothing I can add

to what I've already said.

Aren't you human?

Haven't you ever been afraid?

You are so good.

It's easy for you to be good.

Have you no pity for me?

Otto.

Oh, Alma.

Otto, Father Benoit asked earlier

would you please

mend the tire on his bicycle?

But the tire wasn't flat after all, Alma.

I don't see why you're so

damn solemn about this case, Larrue.

Anyway, why do you come

and worry me after lunch?

I've always had the greatest

admiration for you, Inspector.

You have, in the past, been faced

with tremendously difficult cases,

all of which you have solved

with remarkable skill.

And now, here you have a case

in which there are no clues,

no fingerprints, no motives, no suspects.

Ought to be very simple for you.

Shall I bring the girls in, sir?

- Girls?

- Yes.

Just a possibility.

It may be something to go on.

Oh.

Sit down.

Uh, sorry I had to

drag you away from school.

We love to be dragged away from school.

Thank you.

Are you a detective, monsieur?

Yes. And monsieur here

is the crown prosecutor.

Hello.

- Would you like a biscuit?

- Please.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

Thank you.

Now, my little ones, tell me everything.

Your mother called us saying that you

had passed the Villette house last night.

- That's right.

- And what was the time?

- 11:00

- No, it was after 11:00.

- Well, now, which one of you is right?

- Well, we had been babysitting

but we didn't go straight home.

That's why.

Well, shall we say, then,

between 11:00 and 11:30?

- Yes.

- So. And what did you see?

We saw someone leaving the Villette house.

- A man or a woman?

- Man.

- Well, what was he like?

- He was a priest.

- What?

- A priest.

Now this is very important.

Are you sure?

Quite sure.

Tell us exactly.

Well, on our way home

by the Rue Valentine

we passed Monsieur Villette's house.

We know it well.

It was very dark, and she was frightened.

- I was not.

- Yes, you were, and we began to hurry.

And then suddenly, there was this priest.

He was coming out of the house

and walking away.

- Did you see his face?

- No.

How tall was he?

Like him.

- Was he fat or thin?

- Not fat. Not thin.

Did you notice

anything special about him?

- No.

- Did he see you?

I don't think so.

But you are absolutely sure

he was a priest?

Yes.

Thank you. You may go now.

My little ones, I do not want you

to say anything to anyone about this.

- Promise.

- Yes.

Thank you.

Murphy, I want you to check

every rectory in town

and find out which priests

were out late last night.

Yes, sir.

Of course, it's absurd

that a priest would be involved.

You don't really think

it could be a priest, do you?

Yes, maybe.

- Who?

- I have to make sure.

I can't tell you

until I've checked further.

Well, don't be so mysterious.

Most of his time

is given to his parishioners.

Was he with one on Tuesday night?

I have no idea where he was

or what he did.

But I'm perfectly sure it's all right.

He will tell you so himself.

Come in.

- Good evening, Father Logan.

- Good evening.

Oh, I believe this room has given this

gentleman from the police department

the idea that we hide grime with paint,

but it is not so, Mr. Murphy.

We have made certain

that the walls underneath are spotless.

I don't question that, Father.

Sorry to bother you, Father.

It's no bother. What can I do for you?

It seems that Inspector Larrue

wishes to speak to you.

Would it be convenient for you

to come down to the office with me now?

Certainly. Certainly.

It's all right, Father,

I... I told Mr. Larrue I'd be available.

Good night.

What is it, Father? Who was that man?

The police want to ask

Father Logan some questions.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Oh, now you're bringing

your bicycle into the study.

How much further into the rectory

are you gonna push it?

Alma, have you washed the cassock?

Not yet.

Where is it?

It's in our room.

Don't wash it. I don't want it washed.

- But why?

- Listen to me.

Very sorry to have

kept you waiting, Father.

I was occupied on the telephone.

It's all right, Murphy.

I'll call you later.

Unpleasant bit of business,

isn't it, Father?

It is, yes.

- Sit down.

- Thank you.

Well, just a few questions,

and we'll get it over as soon as possible.

You've been at St. Marie's for how long?

- For nearly two years now.

- Mmm.

I have known Father Millars for...

For a... A long while.

As a matter of fact, I was a choirboy

when he was over at the basilica.

- Really?

- Mmm.

I've heard that you saw military service

during the last w*r.

- Yes.

- I believe you were awarded

the Military Cross.

Yes.

You seem to have done

a number of brave things.

Well, I survived.

Are you given to understatement, Father?

Well, that depends.

This case, this Villette m*rder,

is all understatement so far.

- You knew Villette, didn't you, Father?

- Slightly, yes.

Then perhaps you can give me some help.

What was he like?

Well, unfortunately,

I didn't know him well.

Well, did you know him

socially or in a business sort of way?

In neither way, actually.

I'd met him once many years ago.

- Cigarette?

- Thank you, no.

Hmm.

No one seems to have known this Villette.

And yet he was a lawyer, he had clients.

Not one of his clients have

any information to give about the man.

Not that you, Father,

were a client of his,

as you say, you hardly knew him.

But, may I ask what were you going

to see him about yesterday morning?

Well, that... That was a personal matter.

Or you were acting for someone?

One of your parishioners, perhaps.

I can just say that my visit didn't have

anything to do with Villette's death.

Well, of course it didn't, Father.

But you do understand, don't you,

that I must consider

every scrap of information?

- Yes.

- When a m*rder has been committed

each scrap of information

is important to the police.

Of course.

I know sometimes

it seems like, uh, prying.

- It can be very embarrassing.

- I'm not embarrassed, Inspector.

Good. Very good.

I've been wondering about the lady

you met outside Villette's house.

Quite by chance, I happened

to see you from inside the house.

Inspector, the appointment

that I had with Villette

couldn't be of any importance to you.

But we aren't discussing that

at the moment, Father.

You see, with a m*rder, one has

to jump from one detail to another.

Forgive me,

perhaps I jumped too suddenly for you.

Well, it seems maybe I don't

follow as fast as you jump.

I have a methodical mind.

I do have to take things one by one.

So do I.

So do I.

The difficulty, perhaps,

is that, well, we aren't thinking

from the same point of view.

Could it be that, Father?

That could be. I don't really know

what your point of view is.

Oh.

Well, then I've put it badly. Very badly.

Let me try again.

Now, this lady that you met

outside Villette's house...

I wish I could discuss it, but I can't.

- But who is she?

- She isn't involved.

- That is for me to decide, Father.

- I... I know, I know.

But you'll have to take my word for it.

She's not involved.

I respect your word, but I need your help.

I'm not able to help.

I see.

I see, of course.

I just don't want all this mystification

to make things too awkward for you.

Awkward for me?

A priest was seen leaving Villette's

house at the time of the m*rder.

I saw a priest outside Villette's house

the next morning.

- Well, Father?

- Well?

Too much mystification

might lead one to believe

that both priests were one and the same,

mightn't it?

What have you to say?

Well, what would you want me to say?

That is up to you, Father.

Well, then, I would say

that a man of intelligence

would not be led to believe

anything on so little evidence.

You're perfectly right.

We have checked on every priest in Quebec.

Each could account for his movements

at the time of the m*rder,

that is, each except one.

Where were you at 11:00, Father?

- I was walking.

- Alone?

No.

Good.

Now, if you will just give me

the name and the address of the person.

I can't.

Father.

Don't you wanna help me?

- I've done my best.

- But you refuse to answer my questions.

I'm sorry. I know, I...

It isn't possible for me to answer them.

Then it's a pity.

A great pity.

Good night, Father.

I'm deeply sorry.

Good night, Inspector.

Get me Mr. Robertson.

Yes, the crown prosecutor.

What?

I don't care where he is, find him.

I said, find him wherever he is.

Take it slow. Come on.

Come on.

Lower. You have to get much lower.

Willy, you're wanted on the telephone.

- That's no fair. Leave me alone.

- I'm not kidding. You really are.

See what they want, Ruth.

All right, Ruth, where are you?

I'll take it.

- You idiot.

- Thank you.

Hello. Hello, yes, this is Robertson.

It's you, Larrue.

- Fix me a drink, will ya?

- Scotch and soda?

Just scotch, no water.

Yes, hello.

You ought to be in bed with a thriller

instead of worrying people.

Oh?

Yes, yes, I'm listening.

- Drink, darling?

- I'll get it.

What? But aren't you

jumping to conclusions?

Are you sure?

Yes, I see.

Yes. Yes, Inspector, yes.

I'll be right over.

Willy, don't look so unhappy.

I can't help it.

m*rder's not particularly pleasant.

By now, you should be able

to take that in your stride.

Not this one.

- Is it about the Villette m*rder?

- Yes.

And the unpleasant part of it is,

a priest is suspected.

- What nonsense.

- Fantastic, isn't it?

But a priest was actually seen

leaving Villette's house.

Which priest?

Well, Larrue thinks it's Logan

from St. Marie's Church.

Do you know him?

I've heard of him.

Well, I must be off. I hate to.

Thanks for a lovely party.

- Good night, Willy.

- Good night, Willy.

Good night, Ruth.

- You'll find your way out, won't you?

- Oh, yes, all right.

- Good night, everybody.

- Good night.

Ruth.

We have guests, Pierre.

It was a good party, wasn't it?

- Ruth.

- Yes?

Stop worrying.

- About what?

- Logan. The whole idea is ridiculous.

- Why on earth...

- Shut up, please. Shut up.

Pierre, I'm sorry.

You're still in love with him.

That should be apparent.

- You never spoke about it.

- Well, I'm not going to talk about it now.

Yes. You are going to speak about it.

I'm not going on like this.

- You don't have to.

- What do you want me to do?

Whatever you wish.

Very simple, isn't it? What does one do

when one's wife is in love with a priest?

- You can leave me.

- How easily you can say that.

I'm not in love with you. I've never been

in love with you, you know that.

But I never wanted to believe it.

That's not my fault.

I've never pretended anything with you.

I hope he's in trouble, terrible trouble.

Michael.

My poor Michael.

Hello? I'd like to speak

to Father Logan, please.

Father Logan?

Oh, but he's asleep.

- I'm not asleep.

- It is very late.

I'll take it.

Thank you.

Hello, this is Father Logan.

I've got to see you.

No, I've got to see you.

I can't tell you now. Tomorrow?

No, not at the rectory, please.

Michael, listen.

I've got to meet you somewhere. Anywhere.

Are you listening?

I'm going to L?vis tomorrow morning

on the 9:00 ferry.

All right.

Good night.

Good morning.

Good morning, Father Logan.

We shouldn't be seen together,

for your sake.

I had to see you.

Ruth, the police have been questioning me.

They saw the two of us talking outside

of Villette's house the other morning.

- They're trying to find out who you are.

- I don't care. I've got to tell you.

You are being suspected.

I know that.

Ruth, you..

You shouldn't be seen talking to me.

There are probably police

all over the boat.

The only thing is for me to tell them

you were with me that night.

- You can't. They'd wanna know why.

- Do you think I care?

I'll tell them everything if I have to.

Ruth, you've got to think of yourself,

you've got to think of your husband.

Think of Pierre?

Think of him before I think of you?

- I've never been able to do that.

- You must.

It's too late to think of him.

We spoke of you last night.

He's still in love with me.

I'm not that good.

I love you, Michael.

I've always been in love with you.

I know.

I know it's wrong. I can't help it.

Do you want me to lie to you?

No, I don't want you to lie to me.

- But I don't want you to lie to yourself.

- But I haven't changed, Michael.

I've been married seven years,

and I haven't changed.

Are you afraid of me?

Why?

Why?

You're in love with me.

You've always been in love with me.

- You haven't changed.

- Ruth, I've changed.

You've changed, too.

You want me to pretend that.

No, I don't want you to pretend.

Ruth, do you understand?

I chose to be what I am.

I believe in what I am.

Michael.

I... I want you to see things as they are

and not...

And not go on hurting yourself.

Don't pity me.

I... I shan't bother you again.

And you followed her from the ferry

to 22 Grande All?e?

Yes, sir.

This is absurd, Larrue.

That is all, Sergeant Farouche.

Murphy, thank you.

This will be very embarrassing for me.

Why should it be, sir?

I... I shall have to apologize

to Madame Grandfort for this...

This ridiculous report

your men have turned in.

I will apologize, sir,

if an apology is necessary.

Very well.

I'll call Madame Grandfort tomorrow.

Why not get it over with, sir?

And then we can get on

with the apologies, if necessary.

Hello, Pierre. Uh, this is Willy.

Oh, no. No.

Is Ruth there? Yes, please.

Hello, Ruth.

I see.

Yes, I understand. Yes. Of course.

That's very kind of you. Thank you.

What does Willy want?

He wants me to come to his office now.

May I ask you why?

I was seen on the ferry this morning

with Michael Logan.

Apparently, I was followed by a detective.

Could you have picked a less public place

- if you had to see...

- Pierre.

I'm sorry.

Would you like to tell me

what you're going to do?

I'm going to answer whatever questions

the inspector wishes to ask me.

I'm also going to explain that Michael

could not have k*lled Villette.

Has Father Logan cleared himself

to your satisfaction?

He didn't have to.

I was with him at the time.

Would you like me to go with you?

I'm in no position to ask

any favors of you, Pierre.

- Monsieur and Madame Grandfort.

- Do come in.

I'm extremely grateful that

you are both so cooperative.

- Ruth, Pierre, I'm terribly sorry.

- It's perfectly all right.

Mr. Larrue has promised

to keep this from the press.

No, I... I will do my best.

Sit down, please.

- Father Logan's outside.

- Oh. Bring him in. Come in.

I've asked Father Logan to join us.

Father Logan,

Madame and Monsieur Grandfort,

Mr. Robertson.

- Me, you know.

- Good evening, Father Logan.

- Good evening.

- Sit down.

Thank you.

May we begin, please?

Well, Madame Grandfort...

What do you wish to know?

You met and talked with Father Logan

on the 9:00 L?vis ferry this morning.

- Yes.

- May I ask the reason for this meeting?

I don't think the reason

could help you, Inspector.

- It was personal?

- Yes.

Very well.

You also

met and spoke with Father Logan

on the morning following

Villette's m*rder.

You met and spoke to him on the pavement

immediately in front of Villette's house.

- Yes.

- May I ask the reason for that?

I had had an appointment

with Monsieur Villette.

He was your lawyer?

No.

Father Logan, knowing of the m*rder,

stopped you from entering the house.

- Am I right?

- Yes.

Of course, he did not know

that you had an appointment

with Monsieur Villette.

He did.

The night before,

I'd had an appointment with Father Logan.

I told him I was going to meet Monsieur

Villette at 9:30 the following morning.

You had an appointment with Father Logan

on the night Monsieur Villette

was m*rder*d?

- Yes.

- Where?

We took a ride in my car.

- What time?

- Between 9:00 and 11:00.

Madame Grandfort.

- Are you sure of the time?

- Oh, yes.

I got home just after 11:00. My husband

had come in five minutes before.

That's right, Inspector.

You, uh, told your husband, of course,

that you had just seen Father Logan?

No, I did not tell my husband.

Was there any particular reason

why you shouldn't have told him?

Yes.

Inspector, I beg you.

Consider if your line of questioning

has to be so personal.

That is for me to decide, Father.

- Madame Grandfort?

- Yes?

You understand, don't you,

that I must ask these questions?

Yes. But I came here to tell that you

that Father Logan could not have been

involved in Monsieur Villette's death.

I was with him at the time.

I have accepted everything

that you have said, madame.

But I must know, if possible,

the reason for your appointment

with Monsieur Villette.

Monsieur Villette was blackmailing me.

I had met Father Logan to ask his advice.

You had not told your husband about this?

- It was...

- It was what, madame?

It was nothing to do with my husband.

I'm sure he would have been concerned

had he known about it.

Yes. You see, that was it.

I didn't want to worry him.

- So you turned to Father Logan.

- Yes.

Is Father Logan your parish priest?

- No.

- No?

Yet you turned to him for advice

in a matter about which

you would not turn to your husband.

Father Logan is an old friend.

And he advised you, of course,

to tell your husband.

No, how could he? He couldn't do that.

Before your first appointment

with Father Logan,

he knew, of course,

that you were being blackmailed?

How could he? I hadn't seen him in years.

You hadn't seen him in years, and yet

you say he was an old friend of yours.

Mr. Larrue.

- Inspector?

- Yes, sir?

My wife does not have to

answer those questions.

She's not under oath.

Your wife was seen outside

Villette's house with Father Logan.

She was seen again this morning

with Father Logan.

She told us of an appointment

with Father Logan.

An appointment that took place

the night Monsieur Villette was m*rder*d.

Surely, Monsieur Grandfort

you do not want your wife

to implicate herself further.

It is you who are trying to implicate her.

My wife came here to answer questions

and to clear, as far as possible,

Father Logan of any suspicions.

She has done both of those things.

Madame Grandfort,

why were you being blackmailed?

You don't need to answer that.

Why shouldn't she, Father?

What are you afraid of?

It isn't necessary. Don't answer.

Madame Grandfort,

are you trying to protect Father Logan?

From what? He hasn't done anything.

It would seem as if he had.

Are you a human being, Inspector?

You think it's important

for me to tell you

why I was being blackmailed.

You don't care whom I hurt, just so long

as I answer all your questions.

- I only want to clear a m*rder.

- Yes, I know.

You only want everything clear.

And I want to clear Father Logan.

- Ruth.

- Willy.

May I have a glass of water, please?

Ruth.

Pierre, why must you hear

what I'm going to say?

Thank you, Willy. Inspector.

The blackmail was about

me and Father Logan.

Father Logan and I grew up together.

Have you ever been young, Inspector?

Of course, you know

that the first thing is to fall in love.

If we'd been engaged,

it wouldn't have mattered

because the w*r came.

He was one of the first to volunteer.

I hated him for that.

I was selfish even then.

He took things so seriously.

w*r and love.

Yes, even love.

Because when I said

we ought to get married,

he said there were enough widows already.

He said he loved me too much.

He didn't know

he could never love me enough.

That night, we went dancing.

It was our last evening together.

It was all too short.

That was the night Michael went away.

I thought the world was coming to an end.

I suppose there were millions of people

feeling the same way that night.

You don't think of millions of people.

You think of yourself

and the one you're in love with.

He asked me not to wait for him.

A lot of other boys must have said

the same thing to their girls.

I had to wait for him.

His letters were long at first,

but always serious.

I didn't want serious letters,

but I would prefer those

to no letters at all.

Because after a while,

he stopped writing.

Soon afterward, I...

I started working for my future husband.

Pierre was...

Pierre was...

Madame Grandfort,

perhaps if you are unable to continue...

It's all right. I...

I'm sorry.

Pierre was always so brilliant.

He was kind.

He realized I was unhappy.

And like very kind people,

he didn't ask me why.

He just tried to amuse me.

We got married.

I was happy.

I was through with...

I thought I was through with...

You know.

Well. Oh, yes. It...

It was at my wedding

that I saw Villette for the first time.

Then the w*r was over.

The men were coming home.

I knew the day when he would come home.

On that day, I went down to the port.

A boat had just come in.

Suddenly, I saw him.

He had changed, I suppose,

but I didn't notice.

We arranged to meet the next day.

It was a lovely day.

The end of summer.

Michael talked and talked.

He told me all the thoughts

that had come to him during the w*r.

I didn't want to hear about the w*r.

But the w*r had changed him.

Then a storm came up, so suddenly.

We saw a house across the field

and ran for shelter.

The house was closed.

I don't know what time it was.

But it was late.

We had missed the last ferry

back from the island.

There was no way

I could get in touch with my husband.

It stopped raining in the morning.

A man came walking down

through the garden.

He walked as though he owned it.

As a matter of fact, he did.

I was still in the summerhouse

and he didn't know who I was,

but apparently, he knew I was a woman

because he made some remark to Michael.

Michael knocked him down.

I came out and stood on the steps of

the summerhouse, looked down at him.

He looked up at me and said,

"Good morning, Madame Grandfort."

It was Villette.

What could I say to Michael?

I hadn't told him I was married.

I didn't see him again for five years.

Nor did I see Villette again,

until the day Michael was ordained.

Then I began running into Villette.

All the time.

He appeared everywhere I went.

One day in Parliament,

I was listening to Pierre.

Villette came up to me.

He said he was in trouble.

Something to do with a tax scandal.

Only my husband could help him.

I told him Pierre would never

get involved in anything shady.

Then he threatened

to tell about Michael and me.

What words could I say that would

tell him it was wrong about us?

Pierre's career would be finished.

Michael might be unfrocked.

I tried to ignore him,

but he kept after me,

kept calling up.

Then one day, I ran into him again.

And he gave me 24 hours,

or else.

Oh, I was really desperate by then.

Then I thought that...

That maybe Michael might help.

And I rang him up. We met that same night.

He was very angry.

He said not to worry about Villette,

that he would deal with him.

And we arranged to meet the next day

in front of Villette's house.

I went there at 9:30.

I wondered at the crowds.

Then Michael told me Villette was dead.

I couldn't believe it.

I was free.

Well, Inspector?

May my wife leave now?

Certainly.

Father Logan has his alibi now,

doesn't he, Willy?

Of course.

Thank you.

Would you like to go now, Father?

- Good night.

- Good night.

Good night, Father.

Well, it's over.

Is it, sir?

- Yes. Let's get out of here.

- Look, sir.

- What's that?

- The autopsy report.

Villette had dinner in a restaurant

at 9:00.

Examining his stomach, the doctors found

that he couldn't have died before 11:30.

Larrue.

Madame Grandfort said that

she left Father Logan at 11:00.

You can do a lot of things in 30 minutes.

Who is it?

Pierre.

Come in.

Sorry I woke you up.

I was awake.

Willy Robertson just called.

He's coming over.

What an odd time to pay us a visit.

Must be very early.

I'm afraid he's coming here officially.

Officially?

The statement you made last night,

it wasn't helpful.

At least not...

Not in the way you hoped it to be.

But I told the truth.

No one doubts what you said.

I don't see...

You said you left Father Logan at 11:00.

Now they have established

that Villette was m*rder*d at 11:30.

There's a time lag of half an hour.

Did they know about this time lag?

Did they know about it

before they questioned me?

Why did the inspector

allow me to say all those things?

There was no need for my statement.

- Why is Willy coming here?

- I asked him.

I want him to talk to you.

You may be called as a witness.

A witness?

Are they going to arrest Michael?

Yes.

But he hasn't done anything.

He had no reason to.

Why should they think he k*lled Villette?

Your statement answered that.

My statement?

He says you have given the motive

they've been waiting for.

I...

I should have lied, Pierre.

I lied before.

I should have lied last night.

They'll twist what I've said.

They'll turn it, they'll use it.

I've given them what they wanted.

I was going to help Michael,

but I've destroyed him.

And you, Pierre.

What have I done to you?

Willy will soon be here.

You must have your breakfast.

Would you like it here, in your room?

I will send it up.

You must do something.

They're going to arrest you.

Michael, what can we do?

I don't know.

You're not going to let them

bring you to trial?

You understand what that would mean.

You can't let that happen.

Michael.

I've done this to you.

There must be something I can do.

There's nothing we can do.

Goodbye.

I beg your pardon. I'm so sorry.

It was my fault, madame.

I've been waiting to speak to you, Father.

You have been talking to the police, yes?

What did the police ask you, eh, Father?

They asked about me?

You told them about me?

I'm going to be arrested, Keller.

You?

Why would they arrest you, Father?

You're trying to frighten me, perhaps.

You think by telling me that,

I will give myself up.

You think I am easily frightened

after what I have done?

So, what are you going to do

when they arrest you?

Perhaps you'll point your finger at me.

Perhaps you'll say, "It's Keller."

That's what you will do, is it?

You are a coward after all?

You are frightened?

Maybe they will hang you instead of me,

and that frightens you.

Perhaps you will tell them.

You can't tell them

as long as you are a priest.

Can you?

The priest is frightened, Alma.

You saw the look on his face?

He thinks he can tell the police, yes?

I am ready.

I'd like to speak

with Father Logan, please.

Father Logan is not here.

- Good morning, monsieur.

- Good morning, Father.

I came to see Father Logan,

but Keller says he's not here.

Not here? He didn't say he was going out.

He didn't say anything to me.

I saw him.

I tried to speak to him.

He seemed frightened.

I asked him if I could do anything.

He didn't even hear me.

He went out by that door

20 minutes ago, maybe 30.

Thank you. I'll be back, Father.

All right, Murphy, what is it?

What?

Stand by outside the rectory.

Logan is gone.

Give me the radio room.

Will Father Logan be in for lunch?

I don't know.

Any news yet?

All right.

Hello, Father.

- Have you had your lunch yet?

- No.

Let me order something for you.

Mr. Murphy, would you tell us

where you found this cassock?

I found it in a patent-leather trunk, sir.

Would you be able to say whether or not

the trunk belonged to the accused?

I would say that it did, sir.

His initials, M.W.L., were on the side

of the trunk. The trunk was in his room.

Would you say, Mr. Murphy, that the

cassock had been hidden in the trunk?

Did it seem as though placed

so as to, uh, escape detection?

Well, there were a lot

of other things covering it, sir.

A raincoat, a pair of galoshes

and several books.

- Thank you. Your witness.

- No questions.

That's all, thank you.

Call Dr. Bonnard.

The evidence you would give to the court

shall be the truth, the whole truth

and nothing but the truth,

so help you God.

I swear.

Your name?

Georges Bonnard.

- Your age, please?

- Forty-two.

- Your occupation?

- Pathologist.

Dr. Bonnard. You are a professor

at Laval University?

I am.

You have examined

the stains on this cassock?

I have, sir.

- Would you tell the court what they are?

- They're human blood.

Would you tell us what blood type

they belong to?

Type O, sir.

And is this the same blood type

as that of the m*rder*d man?

It is, sir.

Thank you, Doctor.

On the night of the m*rder,

you spoke to the accused?

Yes, sir.

At what time did your conversation

with the accused take place?

- A little after 11:45, sir.

- Hmm.

Would you tell the court of the events

that led up to this conversation?

Yes, sir.

My wife was asleep, sir,

and I was just about to go to bed.

I happened to look out of the window,

and there I saw someone enter the church.

I couldn't tell who it was

at that distance, sir.

So I went downstairs

and through the passageway

that connects the rectory to the church.

The light was dim, sir,

but I could see someone

who was kneeling against the altar rail.

As he lifted his head,

I recognized Father Logan, sir.

Was there anything about his manner

that seemed out of the ordinary?

He seemed distressed, sir.

Did you speak to him?

Yes, sir.

I asked him if he were ill.

He said no.

He said I should go back

and leave him alone.

- But you didn't leave him immediately?

- No, sir.

Why was that?

Father Logan had always been very kind

to my wife and to me,

so I wanted to help him if I could.

He seemed to need help?

He seemed very,

very distressed, sir.

And yet,

he wouldn't let you help him?

No, sir. He said to me again,

"Go back, Keller. Leave me alone, Keller."

So I went back to my room.

You... You spoke to your wife

of this incident?

No, sir.

- Why not?

- She was asleep, sir.

And also, I didn't like to talk about it.

It didn't seem right to me

to mention such distress

as Father Logan's to anyone.

It seemed a very private distress, sir.

Madame Grandfort,

I'm only trying to clarify your testimony.

I've told you everything you need to know.

That is hardly for you to decide.

Now, Madame Grandfort, will you please

answer my questions, "yes" or "no"?

Some questions

cannot be answered that way.

Well, I'll try to rephrase it.

I'll try to help you.

Now, it is true, is it not, that you had

an association with the accused,

which you didn't wish

to become public knowledge?

You're twisting my words.

You haven't listened to what I've said.

The witness will confine herself

to answer as to the facts.

Madame Grandfort, let me repeat

your answer to my earlier question.

You said that you were in love with

the accused before the w*r. Am I right?

Yes.

Then were you in love with him

at the time of your marriage

to Monsieur Grandfort?

- I object, My Lord.

- I refuse to answer such questions.

- You have no right...

- Objection overruled.

Madame Grandfort,

we have your signed testimony

as to your relationship with the accused.

Do you wish that testimony

read to this court?

Then were you in love with the accused

at the time of your marriage

to Monsieur Grandfort?

Yes.

And still in love with him

on the night of the m*rder?

Yes.

Then isn't it possible that you met

with him between the night

at the summerhouse

and the night Villette was k*lled?

I did not.

Madame Grandfort,

you can hardly expect the jury to believe

that a woman in love doesn't make

some attempt to meet her lover.

I object, My Lord.

This line of questioning

doesn't seem particularly relevant.

But it is, My Lord. I'm trying

to establish a motive for the m*rder.

I'm trying to discover

whether or not Villette's blackmail

was based on his knowledge

not merely of one night at his summer home

but also of a continuous,

uninterrupted, illicit...

No, that's not true! Not true!

Silence! Silence!

Father Logan,

will you examine this garment?

Is this your cassock?

No, sir.

Then did you, perhaps,

borrow this cassock from someone?

No.

It's not yours, and you did not borrow it.

And yet it was found in your trunk.

- Someone must have put it there.

- Yes.

Have you any idea who might

have put this cassock in your trunk?

I can't say.

Father Logan, when did you decide

to become a priest?

After the w*r.

In becoming a priest, were you,

perhaps, trying to hide from something?

I had never thought of the priesthood

as offering a hiding place.

I understand you to mean that priesthood

involves certain responsibilities,

- certain moralities.

- Yes.

You were aware of these

responsibilities, these moralities?

Yes.

And yet you saw nothing wrong in having

a clandestine meeting with a woman?

Are you trying to imply that I was

a priest at that time? I was not a priest.

Did you take into consideration

that this woman was married?

I wasn't aware that she was.

And so you spent the whole day

with this woman?

Yes. We were good friends.

I hadn't seen her in over two years.

Such good friends

that you spent a night with her?

We were caught in a storm.

Oh?

The storm was the villain.

Did you warn Madame Grandfort that

perhaps her husband

might not agree on that?

As I said,

I didn't know she was married.

And on discovering that she was

did you make any attempt to explain

the situation to Monsieur Grandfort?

No.

But surely there is some contradiction

between this... This secretiveness

and your vocation.

I saw nothing wrong

being caught in a storm.

If there was nothing wrong,

why did you have

such a violent argument with Villette

when he appeared next morning?

Were you anxious to protect

Madame Grandfort's reputation?

Yes.

Oh. Then her reputation was in danger?

Now, you realized suddenly,

that there was something more

than merely being caught in the storm?

Villette made an insinuation.

My argument with Villette had nothing to

do with any sudden realization on my part.

- And you hit him?

- Yes, I did.

- In anger?

- Yes.

You are capable of hitting a man

when he merely intrudes

upon a harmless situation.

Then surely you are capable

of far more violent action

when that same man blackmails

your good friend Madame Grandfort.

I'm not capable of m*rder.

You would allow such a man to destroy

Madame Grandfort's home

as well as your career?

No.

You would go to such a man and,

unable to control your temper,

unable to face a public scandal,

you would turn to physical force.

No, I would not!

Silence! Silence!

You say you and Madame Grandfort separated

at 11:00 on the night of the m*rder.

That's right. Yes.

Then it was possible for you

to go to Villette's house.

It was possible for you to arrive there

at 11:30, the time he was m*rder*d.

Yes, it was possible,

but I didn't go there.

- I went right home to the rectory.

- Ah.

And what time did you arrive

at the rectory?

About 11:15.

- Anybody witness this arrival of yours?

- I don't believe so.

You say you arrived at 11:15.

- Uh, what did you do then?

- I went up to my room.

- You went to bed immediately?

- No.

- What did you do?

- I went into the church.

Did you see anybody there?

Otto Keller.

Otto Keller has testified to this court

that he followed you into the church

and that he found you kneeling

before the altar in great distress.

He has further testified

that the time was then 11:45 or after.

Well, it could have been 11:45.

The rest isn't true.

Perhaps you are prepared,

at last, to tell us the truth.

It might have been 11:45.

The rest is not true.

Perhaps you are prepared

to give us your version of the truth.

Of course you refuse to answer

because I submit you did not return

to the rectory at 11:15.

As you say

you did not return until 11:45 or after.

And that your distress, when discovered

by Otto Keller, was caused by the fact

that only a short while before you had met

with Villette and been threatened by him

with exposure of your affair

with Madame Grandfort.

And that you had taken the first weapon

that came to hand and struck at Villette

and continued to strike

until you cracked his skull wide open.

No!

I repeat, it is your duty

to carefully examine

all the evidence that has been given

and to determine whether the charge

against the accused has been proven.

Remember also

that you are not trying the accused

for whatever views you may hold

as to his relationship

with Madame Grandfort

except as it may affect

this charge of m*rder.

One final point.

The fact that the accused

is a priest under holy orders

should not influence your verdict

one way or the other.

You may now withdraw

to consider your verdict.

But I believe what the prosecutor said.

Obviously, they didn't spend

just that one night together.

There must have been many more times.

Silence...

Gentlemen of the jury,

are you agreed on your verdict

- and who will speak for you?

- We are.

How say you? Is Michael William Logan

guilty of m*rder or not guilty?

While we attach grave suspicion

to the accused,

we cannot find sufficient evidence

to prove

that he actually wielded the weapon

that k*lled Monsieur Villette.

Therefore, our verdict is not guilty.

Hearken to your verdict

as the court recorded it.

You say Michael William Logan

is not guilty, so you say all.

Yes.

Monsieur, monsieur.

- I told you that cassock...

- They've ruined him.

Why couldn't they have said

"not guilty" simply and let it go at that?

Your Lordship, I move that

the prisoner be released.

Michael Logan,

while I have no doubt that the jury

must have reached their conclusion

in utmost fairness

and solemn regard for justice,

I cannot help expressing my personal

disagreement with their verdict.

Michael William Logan,

you are hereby discharged.

Everybody stand up. Silence.

Michael.

Take off that collar!

Preach us a sermon, Logan!

Are you satisfied, Willy?

Are you satisfied with... With all this?

Do you think I've enjoyed it?

Alma. Alma!

Alma! Alma, come here! Alma!

Alma.

Stop it!

He's innocent.

My husband...

There he goes! In the hotel.

All right. Quick, get a doctor.

It hurts.

- Could we move her inside?

- No, she should not be moved at all.

She shouted something.

What is it you were shouting, Mrs. Keller?

She said he was innocent.

- Villette.

- Villette?

What about Villette, Mrs. Keller?

What? What is it?

What is she saying?

She says, "Forgive me."

- Mr. Larrue, sir.

- Have you got Keller?

He just ran in the Ch?teau Frontenac, sir.

- Get Farouche and his squad. Corrigan too.

- Yes, sir.

- And Murphy, I do not want him to be shot.

- But, sir, he's got a g*n.

I know, I know. I don't want him dead.

I want to talk to him.

Yes, sir.

- She's gone.

- Come along, Father.

- Now, what about this Keller?

- What do you mean, Inspector?

He just shot his wife.

What was she trying to do?

Was she trying to warn you or to save you?

Now, this Keller works

as Villette's gardener.

He also works in the rectory.

Now, what more can you tell me about him?

Let me try and talk to him, Inspector.

Talk to him, sure, of course, go ahead.

But where is he?

Couldn't we have one entrance open?

At least one entrance?

No, no.

Keep these people right where they are

for their own safety, please.

I want you to start in the basement

and work your way up.

Remember, I said no sh**ting.

Now, go ahead.

Get an ambulance at once.

Well, he just shot a man,

a chef in the kitchen.

Now will you tell me anything

about him, Father?

Father, what are you trying to do?

Protect this Keller?

He's on the mezzanine going upstairs.

In the ballroom.

Tell Larrue.

Keller! Give yourself up!

Stay back!

Have them send over some tear gas.

- Keller!

- Inspector, let me go in.

Let me try and talk to him.

No.

- Keller!

- What do you want, Inspector?

I want you to give yourself up.

Why would I do that?

Haven't you done enough harm?

I could do more, Inspector.

You've already shot two people.

Now, isn't that enough?

And...

And what about Villette?

- Villette?

- Yes, what about Villette?

So the priest talked.

Hey, Logan! Where are you, Father Logan?

Keller.

Ah, there you are.

My only friend, Father Logan.

How kindly he hears my confession

and then a little shame,

a little violence,

that's all it takes to make him talk.

It was too much for you, huh?

You are a coward

like all other people, aren't you?

A hypocrite like all the rest.

Pierre, take me home.

Frank, try to get him in the shoulder

to make him drop that g*n.

It'd be easier to get him in the leg, sir.

His shoulder. The right shoulder.

- We're going to sh**t now, Keller.

- Don't make them do it, Keller!

Father, don't go in...

Coming to speak to me?

Put the g*n away.

There's been enough bloodshed already.

You must not come closer, Father.

I'll sh**t you, you know.

You won't sh**t me, Otto.

Why will I not sh**t you?

Because you call me Otto

in such a friendly way,

like Alma used to call me Otto?

Where is my Alma?

- She's dead.

- No.

- You k*lled her.

- It is your fault.

I loved her.

It made me cry to see her work so hard.

Those poor hands. Such beautiful hands.

- She can't be dead.

- She is.

Then I am as alone as you are.

- I'm not alone.

- Oh, yes, you are.

To k*ll you now would be a favor to you.

You have no friends.

What has happened to your friends,

eh, Father?

They mob you, they call at you.

It would be better

if you were as guilty as I am.

Then they would sh**t you quickly

and you mustn't suffer much.

Look...

Oh, Father!

Help me. Quickly.

Get the hotel doctor.

- And the ambulance?

- Yes.

Forgive me.