Woman in Green, The (1945)

[bunniefuu]

I won't forget

that morning.

Not if I live to be 100.

I counted the men as they

marched out of the Yard.

They'd hardly

slept for weeks.

We at the CID had

slept even less.

For the nightmare

that kept us awake

was all the

same nightmare.

That's why we

weren't surprised

when the Commissioner

had asked us up to

the conference room

for a bit of a talk.

He would talk to us

plenty. We knew that.

It didn't help any

to know what

was ahead of us.

Must we have that

window open. Gregson?

Oh shut it if you want to.

The Chief will be in

enough of a temper

without having

a ruddy blast

down the back of his neck!

Gentlemen.

The Commissioner.

Stuffy in here.

Be seated. Won't you?

Gentlemen.

If you wish to know

what able men you are.

Read any of the works

of popular fiction

that glamorize

your achievement

but don't. I beg of you.


Read the daily papers.

They might give you

an inferiority complex.

I hate to mention it.

But we're confronted

with a series of

the most atrocious murders

since Jack the Ripper.

And in the meantime.

The CID might as well be


playing at (unintelligible)

For all the good

we've accomplished.

Now. look...

here. Here and here.

Each of these red flags

scattered through the city

stands for a woman


brutally m*rder*d.

A woman's terror.

A woman's death agony.

These are no

ordinary crimes.

These are the works of

a fiend who kills first

and mutilates afterwards.

A ghoul who hacks off a


part of his victim's body

and carries

it away with him.

A loathsome souvenir

of his butchery.

Three women

m*rder*d so far.

And you haven't

turned in one clue.

You haven't


given me one lead.

Here you sit and wait for

news of a fourth victim

with your arms folded.

Well. We hadn't

long to wait.

It was down Lamberth

Way where a young woman

was hurrying home

late last night.

She saw

something and stopped.

It was a Constable.

He spoke to her.

And he walked along

with her just in case.

He saw her go

down the stairway

to the basement

lodging where she lived.

I can only surmise

what happened after that.

So I put my

pride in my pocket

and went to see the man

that so often helped out

Inspector Lestrade

and myself in the past

Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

If ever a man

needed help. I did.

This makes

four. Inspector.

Four defenseless women

here in the

heart of London.

And every one with the

right forefinger hacked off.

Not hacked.

Inspector Gregson.

Cleanly. Expertly severed.

The work of a

skilled surgeon.

That's our only clue.

Much about the age

of my sister's girl.

Is there no way of

stopping this Mr. Holmes?

Yes. There's

a way somehow.

A fiend did this.

I promise. I promise.

We've nothing go on.

That's the

rotten part of it.

We can't get far

without knowing

the motive.

Well. At least we know

what the motives were not.

It wasn't robbery nor

passion. Nor vengeance.

Because they all came at

totally unrelated families.

Steady Inspector. Steady.

Sorry. Mr. Holmes.

I don't turn a hair

when it's a bloke that

can protect himself.

But a little slip

of a thing like that.

Yes. It's horrible.

Come on.

Let's get a drink.

Good evening.

Mr. Holmes.

Good evening. Vincent.

Whiskey and soda. Please.

And a double for my friend

here. Inspector Gregson.

There you go. Sir.

Make mine Irish.

It's noble to give me a hand

on this thing. Mr. Holmes.

Always a pleasure to be of help

to Scotland Yard. Inspector.

A little out of my line.

looking for a maniac

that murders just for

the fun of the hunt.

Or perhaps just to

get a human finger.

In all four cases.

The m*rder*r

risks capture.

By stopping to

secure a finger.

And what for?

Who knows?

He's just a madman.

Perhaps there's a

method in his madness.

If we could just trace

those missing fingers.

If?

If we could just drain

the English Channel.

We might find a penny.

Oh. Thank you.

You may keep

those. Mr. Holmes.

Thank you.

Sir George Fenwick.

Isn't it?

Yes.

Is that his

daughter with him?

Don't be so

naive. Inspector.

You know everyone.

Don't you darling?

Well. Hardly.

A week ago.

I didn't know you.

A week.

How fast it's gone.

I collect these things.

How very quaint of you.

Shall we go?

Yes.

What are you looking

at. Mr. Holmes?

Looking at a very

handsome woman.

Not fond of the purple.

But giving an

excellent invitation.

Would you like to come to

my flat for a nightcap?

Lovely idea.

Yes. Isn't it?

I wonder where she's

taking Sir George Fenwick?

Don't be so

naive. Mr. Holmes.

Good evening. Mum.

Hello. Crandon.

Any messages?

No. Mum.

Thank you.

Uh. Drinks. Crandon...

one of your

nice surprises.

Yes. Mum.

I say. you

don't mean that...

Crandon's a marvel.

Aren't you Crandon?

Yes. Mum.

You wouldn't believe

the things she can do.

Hmm.

Ah. Charming

place. Delightful.

Really. you think so?

I'm so glad.

Do sit down.

Do you mind?

Do I mind?

What a question.

I don't mind

anything. Really.

Except not being with you.

Now. you really don't want

me to believe that. Do you?

Not too seriously.

Good.

We're both quite

grown up. Aren't we?

Quite.

You're a

treasure. Crandon.

And lower the lights

a little as you leave.

I prefer a more

flattering light.

In any light. you'd be...

Would I?

And don't you know it.

Perhaps I do.

Oh. That priceless woman.

You wouldn't believe it.

But she's

absurdly romantic.

She loves dreamy music.

And she thinks that we...

But we do. Don't we?

Do we?

Well. It's rather

soothing. Restful.

Yes.

And we all need

rest at times.

Like tired children

who played too long.

You've played with wooden

soldiers. I suppose?

Funny. Hadn't thought

of that for years.

Toy boats were

my special joy.

Anything I could

set afloat anywhere.

Like this. And this.

Toy boats sailing into

the never-never land.

The land of

beautiful dreams.

Look.

Look odd. Isn't it. How

the light is reflected.

Little specks of light

that move and move.

Like stars on a

slowly-moving stream.

You know Holmes I'm very

sensitive to atmosphere.

Oh?

Yes I can tell by

the feel of this room

there's been a

m*rder committed here.

It may interest you to

know. My dear fellow.

It was at the other

side of that door

at the foot of the stairs that

the poor girl was m*rder*d.

If only I could find it.

Find what?

The one thing

these unfortunate

victims have in common

that might give us a

motive for these murders.

There must be something.

Another Jack the Ripper.

If you ask me

a homicidal maniac.

No. Watson. In the

case of Jack the Ripper.

There was one

thing in common.

His victims were all

from one walk of life.

Living in the same

section of the city.

In this case. The m*rder*r

chooses his victims

from all walks of life

and from different

sections of the city.

No. My dear fellow.

This is not the work

of a homicidal maniac.

It's something

infinitely more sinister.

You're giving

me the creeps.

What on earth are

you talking about?

Watson. I'm convinced

that these murders

are only incidental

to some larger and

more diabolical scheme.

That may be. But

why the severed fingers?

The answer to that

question. My dear fellow.

Is our only hope of

solving these mysteries.

Dear Sister. I am so happy

I had such a lovely

Holiday at Brighton

with you and Alph.

And I'm looking forward

to being with you again.

Poor little thing.

Sort of raises a

lump in your throat.

I can picture

her sitting here

happily writing

this letter

and not a bit realizing

that she's shortly

going to her death.

Hello.

Gregson.

Oh. There you are.

Mr. Holmes.

I've been looking

for you everywhere.

What's happened?

m*rder in Edgeware Road.

Not half an hour ago.

Woman?

Yes. And the right

forefinger cut off clean.

Morning Paper,

all about the m*rder,

Paper, horrible m*rder.

Another young woman

found m*rder*d, paper sir.

Korrible m*rder, paper,

paper, read all about it.

On me fancy. Mum.

There's been another of

those horrible murders.

Dear. Dear. How shocking.

Yes. Mum. I really don't

feel quite safe here myself.

Oh. Dear.

Why. Sir George!

I must see

Miss Marlow at once.

I don't know if she's...

I must see her.

Where is she?

Lydia.

Why. Sir George!

What is it. What happened?

I don't know.

You'll have to help me.

You've got to help me!

But I don't understand.

Listen. I woke up

a few minutes ago

in a cheap

boardinghouse

off Edgeware Road.

I don't know

how I came there.

I don't know when.

The last thing I remember

is being here with you.

Calm yourself. Sir George.

When did I leave here?

Well. It was

about. Uh. Uh...

It was 10:45.

Mum. Precisely.

You seemed.

Forgive me.

Just a little

bit distressed.

Detached. Not interested.

I thought I'd said

something to offend you.

I don't remember.

I can't remember.

Tell me. Has this

happened to you before?

Before?

Well. There is such a

thing as amnesia. you know?

If it was 10:45

when I left you.

It was 9:00 this

morning when I woke.

Over ten hours lost.

Ten hours that

I can't account for.

And in my pocket

when I awoke. I found.

Here in my pocket.

That... that isn't...

Oh. It's not

for you. Of course.

It can't be.

Excuse me. Mum.

But there's a man asking

to see the gentleman.

Send him away.

Yes. Mum.

No. No. No. Please.

I'll see him.

Well?

Delightful room.

Not much like the place

you woke up

in this morning.

You followed me here?

Yes.

Are you a detective?

Oh. No.

Quite the contrary.

Don't be afraid.

Sir George.

You know my name?

Oh. yes.

A very old and

highly-honored name.

And being the

bearer of such a name.

And also a

very wealthy man.

I thought you might care to

possess yourself this trifle.

Rather than let it fall

into the hands of the police.

It's yours.

If I'm not mistaken.

The initials "GF"?

Where did you get this?

It came out

of your pocket.

I saw it fall.

But you never noticed.

You were very busy.

Bending over something.

With a knife.

Then you put

something in your pocket.

Come along. Holmes.

Come along. Come along.

How many more times

must I tell you.

You're missing a treat.

This is delicious.

Little jam

tarts to follow.

Aren't you tempted?

Hmm.

You and your fish Watson.

They tell me that fish

is good for the brains.

Brains. I haven't any.

You realize that a day.

A whole day and a

night have gone by

since that bestial

affair in Edgeware Road?

I'm as much in

the dark as ever.

Hello. Here comes a client

unless I'm very

much mistaken.

Well. Attractive.

very attractive.

Obviously. She left home

under the stress of

some very great emotion.

How do you know that?

She isn't

wearing any gloves.

A startling omission on

a young lady of fashion.

Well. She didn't

put her coat on.

Open car. Too.

Furthermore. There's

something in that bag

she wants to show me.

What makes you say that?

The bag doesn't

match her dress.

And again. It

was picked for size

rather than style

to accommodate

some bulky object.

You amaze me Holmes.

Elementary my dear fellow.

Well. That's interesting.

What is?

That cab.

At the empty house.

I wonder why he's

followed her here?

Well wouldn't you?

Watson. Give

me the glasses.

Well we shall soon know.

Yes Mrs. Hudson?

It's a young lady

sir. Most urgent.

Ask her to come in.

Go right in. Miss.

Mr. Holmes?

Yes. This is my

friend. Dr. Watson.

How do you do?

How do you do?

Mr. Holmes. you must

excuse me. Please. I...

Yes. Well.

Won't you sit down?

Come along.

May I?

It's quite alright.

Now. Try to control

yourself. Miss Fenwick.

you're with friends.

You know my name?

No magic. I assure you.

I've often seen

your picture.

You're the daughter of Sir

George Fenwick. Aren't you?

Yes.

It's about my

father that I...

What about your

father. Ms. Fenwick?

Oh. I don't

know what to do.

He's always been the

nicest. Dearest person.

Only since Mother died...

Yes. yes. We know.

So I didn't think

anything of it

when he was away

the night before last.

But he didn't come home

until yesterday

at teatime.

Didn't come in

for dinner at all.

Just paced up and

down in the library.

Hour after hour.

I begged him to let me in.

But he wouldn't!

Steady. Steady.

Now. Take your time.

I couldn't sleep

a wink last night.

Then I started

hearing things.

Hearing things.

What sort of things?

I heard someone

in the garden

underneath my window.

Then I saw a figure moving

down the garden path.

And I recognized

my father.

Stealing through his

own garden like a thief.

He had a spade

in his hand.

And he stopped

by the greenhouse

where he started to dig.

This morning at daybreak.

I strolled on

to the garden.

And found this.

A finger.

A human finger.

Ring up Scotland Yard.

Will you. Watson?

Ask them to get a hold

of Inspector Gregson.

And tell him to

meet us at once at

Sir George Fenwick's

house in Kingston.

Operator?

Give me

Scotland Yard. Quick!

Where's my

father. Norris?

He's still in the

library. Miss.

Thank you. We'll

see him right away.

Will you come

with me. Please?

Thank you.

I got your message.

Mr. Holmes.

Yes. Indeed.

Dad. May I come in?

Dad?

That's funny.

He doesn't answer.

Do you mind?

Please do.

Thank you.

Watson. Quick!

Oh. No. No. No. No!

Take charge of

Miss Fenwick. Please.

Come along with me.

Dead?

Yes.

What do you make

of it. Doctor?

Shot in the back.

Between the second

and third ribs.

The b*llet undoubtedly

penetrated the heart.

Look at the powder

marks on his coat.

I was afraid of this.

What do you mean?

Don't you remember

the man in the cab

who followed Miss

Fenwick to Baker Street?

Well. you don't think

he had anything

to do with it. Do you?

Well. I think it's

reasonable to assume

that he tipped off someone

that I've been sent for.

Sir George has

obviously been m*rder*d

to keep him from

telling me what he knew.

What was the weapon used?

Small caliber revolver.

Point-blank range by

the look of the wound.

The m*rder*r came in

through those

French windows.

Look at the mud

from the garden

he brought in

on his boots.

Sir George must have

surprised the intruder

and crossed the

room to him here.

What follows.

We can't tell.

But from the

location of the wound.

I'd say that he turned

his back for a moment.

And as he turned.

The muzzle of the revolver

was placed between his ribs

and one muffled

shot fired.

And you mean to

say he kept on going

even after he was shot?

There's no

doubt about it.

Look there.

A trail of blood leads

us back to the desk.

There's something

Sir George was after.

Some thing.

I know. He was trying to

summon help. Poor chap.

I don't think so. Watson.

There's the bell pull

by the fireplace.

No. you'll notice from

the trail of blood

that Sir George

made straight

for this desk here.

I wonder...

there was something he was

desperately anxious to get.

Hello? His right

hand is clenched.

That's perfectly natural.

The left hand lies open.

Why only one hand clenched

in the death agony.

The right hand. The

hand nearest the desk.

Please note that.

If Sir George took

something off this desk.

Something so important

that he spilled his last

drop of blood to get it.

I want to know what it is.

It's nothing but an

ordinary match folder.

Where does that lead us?

I imagine to something

very important. Gregson.

This match folder is

from Pembroke House.

Why shouldn't it be?

He was there. you know?

We saw him yesterday.

Yes. But the effort he

made after he was shot

to get hold of

this match folder.

It's just possible.

He wanted someone to

remember Pembroke House.

He may have wished to recall

it to someone who saw him there.

Someone who...

like ourselves.

Saw him with a woman.

Come in.

Oh. Dr. Watson.

This came by hand

for Mr. Holmes

not ten minutes ago.

Thank you. Mrs. Hudson.

That would be the report

from Sir George's bank.

Oh. Really?

Don't you remember

his daughter told us

that he just

closed his account?

Had it looked

into at once.

He drew out his

entire balance in cash.

Nearly 10.000 pounds.

yesterday.

Just after that young

woman was m*rder*d.

What does that

suggest to you. Watson?

That he paid

it out to someone.

Precisely.

I smell the faint.

Sweet odor of blackmail.

You don't think

he paid it out to someone

who saw him m*rder

the McLean woman?

Sir George never

m*rder*d anyone.

But he did have

that woman's finger.

And he did have to

pay out a lot of cash.

That's the terrifying part

about blackmail. Watson.

The victim is afraid

to fight the accusation

no matter how false.

Once the

accusation is made.

The name is smeared.

And sometimes

his life is ruined.

Well. If Sir George didn't

commit these murders.

What fiend did?

I rather think

they're not the

work of any one man.

Oh. Come Holmes. you

don't expect me to believe

there's a whole organization

going about k*lling people

and chopping

off their fingers?

Well. It's possible.

Quite possible.

Well. Whoever's

behind all this thing

must be out of his mind.

On the contrary.

My dear fellow.

If my assumptions

are correct.

This little scheme

has behind it

the most brilliant

and ruthless intellect

the world has ever known.

You don't mean

Professor Moriarity?

I do.

Oh. Steady. Holmes. you've

got him on the brain.

This is the third time

in as many months

you've suspected him

of unsolved crimes.

He's dead. you know?

Is he?

You know he is.

He was hanged in Montevido

well over a year ago.

I heard that someone

was hanged in Montevido

under that name.

But I'll stake

my reputation

that Moriarity is alive

and here. Now. In London.

Hello?

Yes...

Dr. Watson. Wait a minute.

Who. Me?

Well. yes.

This is

Dr. Watson speaking.

No. No. I'm

afraid I've retired.

I don't practice anymore.

What?

Oh. That's a

different thing.

An emergency case.

Well. Just a minute.

Yes.

Yes. Well. See that

she's not moved.

Remember that.

Don't touch her

'til I get there.

Fractured...

in McArthur Mews

heavy woman.

14 stone.

Dust.

14 stone.

Just the sort of person

who wouldn't hoist

herself up on a stool

to feed the canary.

There ought to be a

law against fat people

keeping little

dickey birds.

So long. Old man.

I shan't be very long.

Haven't used that bag

since I brought little

Amelia Watson into the world.

She grew up to be a

very unattractive child.

Huh. Who wouldn't

with a name like Amelia.

Amelia. Huh.

Oh. Professor Moriarity.

Not that I wish

to appear inquisitive.

But to what am I indebted

to the pleasure

of this visit?

Scotland Yard

will be interested.

It's very

convenient for me

to have

Scotland Yard think

that I am still

dead in Montevideo.

I never dreamed

of fooling you.

Thank you.

The thought occurs

to me. Mr. Holmes.

That there are

some advantages

in living within the law.

You are very comfortably

fixed here. Aren't you?

As I get on in life.

The little comforts

appeal to me

more and more.

Oh. I beg your pardon.

Won't you sit down?

Thank you.

And now.

Professor Moriarity.

What can I do for you?

Everything that

I have to say to you

has already

crossed your mind.

And my answer has no

doubt crossed yours?

That's final?

What do you think?

I shall not rest

until you are hanged

for the finger murders.

You've no proof. you know?

No. Not a shred.

But I have you.

I could turn you

over to the police.

Here and now.

You could.

But if you did.

you'd never see

Dr. Watson again.

Oh. The telephone call?

Quite.

I rather assumed

you had taken

some such precaution.

Or I should have

snatched up a revolver

and indulged in

a fit of heroics

when you came in.

Very smart. Aren't you?

Not smart enough.

Or I should have

anticipated you.

But. If any harm

comes to Dr. Watson.

I shall seek you out.

I shall not rest

until I find you.

And when I do...

No harm will come to

Dr. Watson this time.

But I can't answer

for the future.

Mr. Holmes.

I should strongly advise

you to drop this case.

Don't be silly.

Think it over.

We've had many

encounters in the past.

You hope to place

me on the gallows.

I tell you. I shall never

stand up on the gallows.

But if you are

instrumental in any way

in bringing about

my destruction.

you will not be alive to

enjoy your satisfaction.

And we shall walk together

through the gates of

eternity hand-in-hand.

What a charming

picture that would make.

Yes. Wouldn't it?

And I really think

it might be worth it.

Shoelaces Governor.

Two pence a pair.

And strong enough

to hang yourself.

How many more

times must I tell you.

I don't want your filthy

shoelaces or your company.

Shoelaces. Governor?

Blasted impertinence.

Run along my good man.

Or I'll give you a charge.

Shoelaces. Governor?

Shoelaces. Governor?

For a poor bloke.

What's only got one arm?

Any luck with Mr. Holmes?

You can read

his obituary

in tomorrow's papers.

Oh. There you are.

Watson. Come in.

I was just going

out to look for you.

Look for me. What for?

I suppose you don't think

I know my way about.

Well. you're

right. I don't.

Blast all practical

jokers. Anyhow.

Know where I've been?

Oh a wild goose chase.

Exactly.

There's no such number

in McArthur's Mews.

Some fool's

idea of a joke.

Did you...

did you see anyone?

No. Nobody special.

Only a whining old

idiot selling bootlaces.

Persistent

beggar. Wasn't he?

Stuck to you

like grim death.

How do you know?

And finally

left you for someone

that looks like

Phillip the King.

Someone. My dear Watson.

Was Professor

Moriarity himself.

What?

He just called on me.

Moriarity here. And

you let him go?

But you must be

out of your mind.

Why?

Well. He bluffed

me into believing

that he was holding a

friend of mine as hostage.

Friend of yours. Who?

Oh. Nobody very important.

Just a fat. Lazy fellow.

Medical man. I believe.

Medical man.

Do I know him?

Ah. yes. I think you do.

Fellow by the

name of Watson.

Watson. Watson.

Never heard...

who. Me?

I'm afraid so. Old fellow.

Your street hawker's job

was to do away with you

under a

certain contingency.

And you let Moriarity

go because of me?

I had no choice.

I can't afford to

lose you. Old fellow.

Well. That's very decent of

you. Old chap. I must say.

But I wish

you'd nabbed him.

We shall. Never fear.

I know the motive for

the finger murders.

All I have to find out

now is the method used

for the blackmail victims.

Method?

Yes.

How does Moriarity get them

to the scene of the crime?

How does he plant those

severed fingers on them?

And how does he scare

them into believing that

they may have committed

those atrocious

murders themselves?

Curious.

Very curious.

Curious. What's curious?

That window in the empty

house across the street.

First floor front.

What's wrong with it?

It's open.

Why shouldn't it be open.

It wasn't open

half an hour ago.

I'll stake my

life on that.

Well that's not

our business?

Let it stay open.

I wonder if you'd

go over. Old fellow.

And see what's the matter.

Trespassing.

Against the law.

Very well.

I'll go myself.

Well. If you're going

to put it like that.

Ridiculous waste of time.

Going about

shutting windows

at this hour of the night.

Here. you better

take this torch.

Take what...

hmm. Dignified

job for a doctor.

Dr. Watson.

The torchbearer!

And what do

you propose to do.

Sit in a comfortable

chair. I suppose.

And read a good book.

That's a very good idea.

Hmm. very good idea.

While I play night watchman.

you have a nice read.

Good night.

Have a good time.

What on earth is this for?

Oh. Umbrella stand.

Pretty little thing to

keep about the house.

Must have been a pet.

Rat probably.

While he sits comfortably

reading a book.

Humph!

He k*lled Holmes.

He k*lled Sherlock!

Watson?

You?

But I saw him sh**t

you a second ago!

Not me. My dear fellow.

Merely the bust

of Julius Caesar.

Incidentally. you

may have noticed

that all through the ages.

Prominent men

have prominent noses.

Oh. I'm afraid

we're in for

terrible trouble

again with Mrs. Hudson

window smashed. Plaster

all over the floor.

Get up. you.

Corporal Williams.

Middlesex Regiment.

Discharged from the Army

as physically unfit.

Hmm. Papers seem in order.

Now. Corporal Williams.

you've seen service in

the Far East. Haven't you?

The East.

I thought so.

Look at his complexion.

Watson... yellow saffron.

He's been

taking atabrine.

A cure for malaria.

sn*per. Aren't you?

sn*per.

Hmm.

Why did you

try to k*ll me?

I had to k*ll him.

I had to.

Oh. Snap out of it!

Stop it. Watson.

He's shamming.

No. He isn't.

Who told you to k*ll me?

She told me.

She told you?

She told me

I couldn't miss.

Well. Luckily you did

miss. you m*rder*r.

He isn't a

m*rder*r. Watson.

Listen. Corporal Williams.

She told you you had

to do it. Didn't she?

I had to do it.

I've got it.

Watson. I've got it!

Got what?

The method used in

the finger murders.

Well. What is it?

Hypnotism. My dear

fellow. Hypnotism.

And it wasn't

against his nature.

And that's the

devilish part of it.

They picked a man

for that purpose

whose job was sniping.

Who are they?

Professor Moriarity and

his finger murderers.

Williams spoke of a woman.

I think you'll find

that she asked him home

tonight for a drink.

Nice. Quiet rooms.

Soft lights. Music.

You've got it all

packed. Mr. Holmes.

What's the lady look like?

About 30. nice figure.

Blond. Lustrous eyes.

Oh. Really?

Got her phone number?

Williams will

give us her address.

Look after him Gregson.

Don't let anyone

come near him.

He's our key witness

in the finger murders.

Well. I hope you're

guessing right. Mr. Holmes.

Get up. Williams.

Now. Go with

Inspector Gregson

anywhere he tells you.

Come on.

Ring me as soon as he

comes to himself. Will you?

I will.

Good night. Gentlemen.

Good night.

Well. If you believe

that fellow Williams

is hypnotized.

I suppose you think

Sir George Fenwick

was hypnotized. Too?

I'm quite sure of it.

Have a cup of tea?

Thanks. Old boy.

Nothing to eat?

But why didn't

these people

make Sir George

do the m*rder himself?

Because they didn't

want to get him hanged.

They wanted to

blackmail him.

Well. Who do you think

the actual m*rder*r is?

One of Moriarity's g*ng.

A diabolically

simple technique.

k*ll a woman.

Yes. yes. yes. But why

cut off the fingers?

My dear fellow.

Don't you understand?

The severed finger

is what links the

blackmail victim

to the m*rder.

He wakes.

Finds the grizzly

thing in his pocket.

Doesn't know

how it got there.

He has no idea that

he's been hypnotized.

For all he knows.

He may have committed

the atrocious crime

during some dreadful

lapse of sanity.

In that state when he's

utterly demoralized.

The blackmailers

take over. Is that it?

Undoubtedly.

You see. They swear

that they saw

him commit the m*rder.

And being human. The

victim will pay anything

rather than stand

trial on a charge

that will make his

very name loathsome.

Well. It all fits in

if you believe

in hypnotism.

The only possible

explanation.

And you think

the hypnotist

is that woman

with the blond hair.

The lustrous eyes...

the woman you invented?

I didn't invent

her. I saw her.

What on earth

are you talking about?

That woman.

My dear Watson.

Was with Sir George when

he left Pembroke House.

I saw her there.

I shall see her again.

And Williams will

lead me to her.

That's why it's so

important to keep him safe.

He will identify her.

Hello?

Yes.

Inspector Gregson?

What?

Well. Get every

constable in the District.

Yes. I'll be over at once.

What's happened. Holmes?

Williams is missing.

Great Scot!

Come on.

A lorry crashed

into Gregson's car

during the confusion.

Williams disappeared.

Escaped. Huh?

No. Kidnapped.

To keep him from

talking when he came to.

You don't think

that Moriarity...

With Moriarity.

Anything is possible.

Williams!

Dead.

You see. Anything

is possible.

Oh.

Good morning.

Professor Moriarity.

You startled me.

I'm dressing

another dolly.

A dear little nurse.

Is there anything

wrong with your finger?

Just a splinter.

Nasty things splinters.

Most trying.

One can't be too careful.

But I'll get

it out for you.

I have the very

instrument to help you.

Sharp enough

to split a hair.

Put those tools away

until they're needed.

But they're not tools.

Sir. They're instruments.

Put them away.

Is Lydia in?

Yes.

But really. you

should let me.

Get dressed.

Holmes and Watson

just left Baker Street

for the Mesmer Club.

Mesmer Club?

The meeting place

of all the top

hypnotists in London.

Do you suppose

that Mr. Holmes

is on to our method?

If he suspects.

It's merely a suspicion.

It's our business to

see that it ends there.

I hope you're right.

Williams passed away

before he could

talk. Remember?

What do you want me to do?

Go to the Mesmer

Club. Meet Holmes.

And induce him

to come back here.

Isn't that a

bit dangerous?

Every meeting

with Sherlock Holmes

is potentially dangerous.

However. you say

he didn't see your

face at Pembroke House.

And how would you suggest

I get Mr. Holmes

to accompany me here?

Kidnap him?

Oh. No.

Holmes has one weakness.

His insatiable curiosity.

If you can arouse that.

you can lead him anywhere.

It's up to you to

take advantage

of any opportunity

that may arise.

This way.

Please. Gentlemen.

I'll tell Dr. Onslow

that you're here.

Thank you.

So this is the

Mesmer Club?

If you ask me. Hypnotism

is a lot of mumbo-jumbo.

Oh. Come now Watson.

As a medical man.

you must admit that hypnotism

has its place in modern science?

That may be. But 90

percent of hypnotists

are crooks of

the worse kind.

Nothing more than

a lot of charlatans

exploiting

weak-willed morons.

Dr. Onslow. I believe.

Happy to meet

you. Mr. Holmes.

Your brother. Mycroft.

Suggested I might

be of help to you.

He's a valued member

of our little group of

charlatans and crooks.

Beg your pardon. Sir.

Didn't know you were

listening. Behind the curtain

My friend. Dr. Watson.

Ah. Delighted.

I wonder now...

you see.

We're in the midst

of a little

experimental session

at this very moment.

If you'd care to join us.

Certainly. Certainly.

Might be very instructive.

Oh. Well. Will

you follow me?

Thank you.

In treating his patients.

But today. The therapeutic

value of hypnotism.

As we now call it.

Is conceded by

numerable physicians.

Especially of value

in surgical cases

where the administration

of local or of general

anesthetic is inadvisable.

Inadvisable.

Poppycock! Oh. Sorry.

For the sake

of latecomers.

I may say that I have

placed this subject

under profound hypnosis.

In this condition.

He can feel no pain.

Even under applications

which normally

would be excruciating.

Excruciating!

Will you excuse

me. Please.

Carter. you are having

a peaceful sleep.

you feel nothing.

Your arms and your hands

are without sensation.

Mobrey. The long needle.

Carter. Give me

your right hand.

As you observe.

The needle has been thrust

completely through

the subject's hand.

No feeling. No pain.

This lack of feeling is

the one infallible test

of profound hypnosis.

Nonsense.

Fellow's full of drugs.

Well. Isn't he?

Definitely not. Doctor.

Wake up. Carter. Wake up.

You'll feel well and

rested. Remember.

No pain anywhere.

Wake up. Wake up.

I say. When are

you going to begin?

All through.

Carter. Stand up.

This way. Sir.

And. Uh. Are these all

the people that come here?

Oh. No. No.

Others keep dropping

in all the time.

I suppose it's all

right for those

who believe in it but.

Of course. I'm a

professional man myself.

Then you don't believe

in hypnotism. Dr. Watson?

Oh. I don't deny that

there's certain types

of hysterical

feeble-minded people.

Who'll go under if you

point your finger at them.

But anyone with an

ounce of character.

How right you are.

You see right through

our little artifices.

Don't you?

Right through. My

dear sir. Right through.

Quite so.

But with the

feeble-minded. As you say.

Excuse us. Mr. Holmes.

Certainly.

Step over here won't you?

Certainly.

Anything to oblige.

Let me show

you how easily

we charlatans take

advantage of them.

Now. Sit down. Doctor.

Now. We set a thing

like this in motion.

It's wonderful.

The attraction.

On the

feeble-minded. Of course.

The continuous motion.

If they just let

themselves follow it.

Of course. you

could stare at it

'til Doomsday. Dr. Watson.

With no effect at all.

Still. It might make

you a little drowsy.

Like the white

ribbon of road at night

when you're driving.

The rhythm is smooth.

Unbroken.

And the road

goes on and on

round and round.

Always the same.

Winding and winding.

And you're drowsy.

you're tired.

Let the road come

into you as it were.

The long road.

The smooth road.

The road to sleep.

Sleep.

Open your eyes.

Stand up.

Turn around.

And now. Dr. Watson.

you're on a

Holiday in Scotland.

The country is

amazingly beautiful.

We're coming to a stream.

It isn't deep.

Better take your

shoes and socks off.

Roll up your trouser.

That will do.

The other leg

is waterproof.

Turn around.

Mind the pebbles!

Sit down.

Wake up now.

See. What did I tell you.

It didn't work with me.

Why. Nobody with an

ounce of charac...

I think you'll need these.

Nothing to laugh at.

Watson. She's here!

Who?

The woman you're

looking for?

Yes. I'm going

to meet her.

Perhaps I can induce her

to take me to Moriarity.

Do you think that's

wise. Holmes?

May not be wise.

But it's essential.

After all.

I've held my own with

Moriarity in the past.

But isn't it dangerous?

She might be a hypnotist.

If my will isn't

stronger than hers.

I deserve to

be hypnotized.

Shh!

I feel I must

protest. Dr. Onslow.

I was told this

was a gathering

of serious students

of a great science.

And I find myself in

a company of buffoons.

Oh. My dear...

(unintelligible)

They're brave.

Were those men

martyrs for the truth?

But you may laugh

over your childish.

Cruel tricks.

I must say.

I'm in complete

agreement with you. Madam.

This was a most unnecessary

performance. Dr. Onslow.

Beg your pardon. Sir?

My name is Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes.

At your service. Madam.

Thank you. Mr. Holmes.

I'm afraid I've created

a rather

embarrassing situation.

But you see. I'm interested in

the serious study of hypnotism.

So am I. Too.

Perhaps we have something

in common. Mr. Holmes.

Perhaps we have.

Would you join me for a

c*ck at Pembroke House?

I should be delighted.

Good.

Thank you.

I didn't know there was such

a pleasant place in London.

It was so nice of you to

suggest our coming here.

I thought a

little pick-me-up

would do us good.

You mean. you

thought I looked...

I like the way you look.

Thank you.

I suppose I did

lose my head a little

at the Mesmer Club.

But you see.

Hypnotism is almost

a religion with me.

I know so well

what it can do

to help and heal.

And I can't bear

to see it used

for trivial purposes.

I know very

little about it.

That's why I went

to the Mesmer Club.

You see. I'm rather

puzzled just now

with a case that

I am working on.

How fascinating.

Tell me about it.

It's the m*rder

of Sir George Fenwick.

Fenwick?

Who's he?

Quite a well-known figure.

Odd. Now I come

to think of it.

The last time

I saw Sir George

was here at

Pembroke House.

Strange.

Yes. Isn't it.

He was sitting um.

I believe he was sitting

at this very table.

Cigarette?

Thanks. Do go on.

There was a

charming lady with him.

He was. Um.

He was lighting

her cigarette.

Charming.

Did you see her face?

No.

Merely her back.

How unenterprising

of you.

Yes. Wasn't it.

Afraid I'm getting

a little older.

I shouldn't say so.

That's nice of you.

Still. The first

time in my life

I've got a hold of a

case that's beyond me.

I'm actually losing

sleep over it.

You know. Mr. Holmes.

I believe

I could help you.

Really?

I should be very grateful.

You're amused?

No. Merely skeptical.

How would you go about it?

I've used hypnotism more

than once in healing.

Not for profit.

I'm not a professional.

But I do think

I could help you.

If you'd care to...

I can't think of a

pleasanter experience.

Low lights. Music.

Is that all

there is to it?

You must relax.

Mr. Holmes.

I'm afraid you're a

rather difficult subject.

So. I thought

perhaps a little help.

Materia medica

might be advisable.

Drugs?

No. I'd rather not.

If you don't mind?

As a matter of fact.

I'd rather not myself.

But (unintelligible)

He practiced in

Munich. you know.

Believed it

the best means

for difficult subjects.

Do you mind?

Well. As a

matter of fact.

I don't approve

of sedatives.

Just as you wish.

We don't have to go on

with this at all. you know?

Wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

All right.

I'll take a chance.

It's really

quite harmless.

What is it?

Cannabis Japonica. An

Oriental soporific.

You'll need water.

Thank you.

You must sit

down. Mr. Holmes.

You'll feel yourself

going drowsy.

Don't fight it.

Give in to it.

Because you do want

to sleep. you know?

Just fix your eyes on

this one white flower.

Floating on the water.

Empty your mind of

every other thought.

Follow the motion

of the water.

So smooth.

Not a ripple.

Waters of forgetfulness.

Steady.

Deep.

Strong.

Strange. Isn't it.

How the light

is reflected.

Little specks of light

that move and move.

It's restful here.

It's peaceful.

It's friendly.

And you're very close

to finding what

you're looking for.

You'll find them soon now.

The guilty ones.

When you're rested.

Gentle waters

closing over you.

Steady.

Deep.

Strong.

Drawing you down.

Down.

Down.

Sleep.

Sleep.

Sleep.

Here he is.

Professor Moriarity.

Stand up. Mr. Holmes.

Open your eyes.

Face this way.

Are you satisfied?

We're dealing

with a clever man.

He may be shamming.

There's just

one infallible test

for profound hypnosis.

You ready. Dr. Simnell?

That will do. Doctor.

He couldn't fake

insensibility to the knife.

I congratulate you. Lydia.

Turn around. Mr. Holmes.

Now. Walk to the desk.

Sit down.

Take that pen.

And write what

I tell you to write.

I've at last found a

case which I cannot solve.

I have outlived

my usefulness.

Therefore. I have

decided to end my life.

Sign your name.

Now. Blot it.

Fold it up.

And put it in your pocket.

Come. Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

Go out onto the terrace.

But it won't look

like suicide. Sir.

I'm sorry. But

Mr. Holmes' injuries

must all be

self-inflicted.

Let's walk a

little. Mr. Holmes.

It's so pleasant

here in the garden.

Just step up here

onto the terrace.

It's a nice.

Broad terrace.

Now. Turn to the left

and walk slowly to

the end of the terrace.

Don't stop.

You must walk to

the end. you know.

The end leads

to an open doorway.

You can pass through

it in perfect safety.

In the room

beyond the doorway.

you'll find what

you're looking for.

Must you drag this on?

This is the moment

I've been anticipating

for a long time. My dear.

Go on. Mr. Holmes.

Through the open doorway

you'll find the man

responsible for

the finger murders

and the death of

Sir George Fenwick.

Professor Moriarity!

Holmes!

Stand still!

What a beautiful

view. Watson.

I'm quite enjoying it.

No. you're not.

You're hypnotized!

You're under a spell.

Stand still. Don't move.

Steady. Holmes.

Steady does it.

Stand perfectly

still where you are.

Nonsense. Watson.

You don't know

what you're doing.

Of course I know

what I'm doing.

You mean. you're

not hypnotized?

Certainly not.

Then get off the

wall. you idiot.

Dear fellow.

What were you

doing out there?

Holding the fort

until you arrived.

What kept you?

Oh. I ran into

a spot of trouble

on my way to

Scotland Yard.

I was arrested

for exceeding

the speed limit.

Your luck seems

to hold. Mr. Holmes.

Well. I'd hardly

call it luck. Professor.

You see. I substituted

a drug of my own

for the one that this

dear lady pressed on me.

You are clever.

Aren't you?

A drug that.

Although it leaves

the subject conscious.

It renders him quite

insensitive to pain.

That accounted for

my lack of reaction

to Dr. Simnells' knife.

Well. Gregson.

Quite an impressive haul.

Even Inspector

Lestrade himself

couldn't have

done any better.

Thanks. Mr. Holmes.

Take them away.

All right. Put

her in the van.

I was right. Mr. Holmes.

You are a

difficult subject.

Thank you.

And now. Professor.

Our score is settled.

Au revoir until

I see you on the gallows.

The rope has not been made

that'll go around my neck.

Come on.

I'll take care

of things. Mr. Holmes.

Thank you. Inspector.

Come on.

An evil man. Holmes.

But what a horrible death.

Better than he deserved.

What are you thinking of?

I'm thinking

of all the women

who can come

and go in safety

in the streets

of London tonight.

Stars keep watch

in their heavens.

And in our own little way.

We, too, old friend.

The privilege to

watch over our city.