Amazing Mr. X, The (1948)

[bunniefuu]

Christine...

Christine...

Christine...

Christine...

Why, Chris.

- Oh, hello, Janet.

- Explain yourself.

- Explain what?

- Brooding on the balcony.

It just isn't being

done this season.

- I wasn't brooding.

- Lying to one's sister's

out this season, too.

- Strangest thing happened.

I thought I heard a man's

voice out over the ocean,

calling my name.

- Next time he calls, ask him

if he has a friend for me.

- I'm serious.

- How can you be serious?

It was the wind,

or those fog horns.

- Perhaps, but it

sounded like...

Paul.

- It's been two

years now, Christine.

- I know.

But for a moment

out over the ocean,

I felt very close to him again.

He used to love the ocean,

you know, especially at night.

He'd go racing down to

the beach for a swim,

no matter how late it was.

And usually I'd be fool

enough to go with him.

- Any husband of mine ever

chased me into the ocean

in the middle of the

night, I'd sh**t him.

- He did a lot of crazy

things, some of them bad,

but I don't think I could

ever love another man

the way I loved Paul.

- Chris, you've gotta


stop talking like this.

You're getting morbid!

- Oh, it's not as bad

as all that, brat.

- It is bad.

Look at this dress.

You can't wear black when

you're going out on a date.

Looks as if you

were still, well...

- In mourning?

- Well, yes.

- I just happen to

like black, that's all.

- I know, but just for tonight,

it isn't exactly appropriate.

And Chris, don't wear your

wedding ring tonight either.

- Why not?

- It might make it

awkward for Martin.

- Oh, is Martin going to

propose again tonight?

- Well, he might.

And he can't very well

put an engagement ring

on your finger if

that's already there.

- By the way, what kind of a

ring has Martin bought for me?

- An enormous diamond with...

Oh, Chris, you will say

yes tonight, won't you?

- I suppose I'd better,

otherwise he might sue you

for breach of promise.

- Darling, I'm so

excited, and I've got

just the right dress

all picked out for you.

Will you wear it?

- Anything you say.

And bring out my new

ermine, will you?

- You know, Chris, I think

your cloak with the sequins

might look better

on you tonight.

- I take it you have a

date for tonight, too.

- As a matter of fact, I have.

- All right, I'll wear the

sequins, you wear the ermine.

- Well, if you insist, thanks.

I like your hair like that.

Of course, you could do

with a little more lipstick.

- And you could do

with a little less.

- Do you suppose it's Martin?

- You know Martin would

never honk a horn at a lady.

It's probably your young man.

By the way, which young

man is it tonight?

-It's...

You know, I've forgotten.

- Have a good time

and come home early.

- Well, I can't do both.

- Then you come home early.

- You come home engaged.

- Mrs. Faber's residence.

Yes sir.

Mrs. Faber.

It's Mr. Labbitz, ma'am.

- Thank you, Emily,

I'll take it here.

Hello, Martin.

Don't tell me you're

standing me up.

- No, no, it's just

that some idiotic client

came into the office at

the last minute, and I...

Well no, I know it's not

serious, but I particularly

didn't want to have anything

interfere with tonight.

Well, no, you see, I wanted

to show you that I'm not

always the lawyer with his

mind on cases and affidavits.

No, I'm really the romantic

type with my mind on you.

Yeah, I thought it

was a nice speech.

I dreamed it up this

afternoon in felony court.

- It doesn't matter if

we're a little late, Martin.

The first act's no good anyway.

I'll walk over along

the beach to your house,

then you won't have to waste

the time driving over here.

- Oh, I wouldn't do that.

- But I want to

walk over, Martin.

I'll enjoy it.

Oh, of course it's safe.

Now stop talking

like an old maid.

Goodbye.

- It is dark down there, ma'am.

- And you, Emily, stop

talking like Martin Abbott.

Lock the patio door

after me, will you?

Good night.

Christine...

Christine...

Christine...

Christine...

Chris...

Chris...

Chris...

- I don't blame you

for being frightened.

You made a decision

tonight that angered him,

and now you're

fighting to sustain it.

You have all my hopes

fighting with you, madam.

I think you were married.

I saw your husband dead,

and you were moving toward

a new marriage, but

I see I was wrong.

Sometimes I am.

Good night, goodbye.

- Wait.

You weren't mistaken.

My husband died two years ago.

- In my fate I

could not be wrong.

I saw him, dead, and

his car in flames.

I'm sorry.

- I don't understand

how you know all this.

I suppose people do talk.

Do you live around here?

- No, I wish I did

live on the ocean.

Here is my name

and where I live.

- Alexis.

Psychic consultant.

Oh.

- I see you place me

in the same category

with fortune tellers, snake

charmers, and magicians.

Oh well, many people do.

- But you must know who I am.

How else would you

know all these things?

- Perhaps because we're

very much alike, you and.

Free spirits, both of

us, like my friend here.

We like the night,

the mist of the ocean.

The wind whispers

to us and the sand

feels cool under our feet.

We're not like, oh, I have

his name now, like Martin.

- There's nothing

wrong with Martin.

- Of course not.

If only he would understand

how little he understands.

- Well, Martin is very logical.

- Yes, that's why

you should marry him.

Even free spirits

have to come in

out of the night sometimes

and put on their shoes,

pay their bills,

go to the dentist,

and of course, family

dinners on Sunday.

You really shouldn't

be so irritated

by his little mannerisms, like

when he clears his throat,

announcing that he's going

to kiss you any minute,

or when he counts

off all his plans

on the tips of his fingers.

- How could-

- How?

I can't tell you how

I know these things.

But it hardly matters, does it?

Since we're not

going to meet again.

- Christine?

Chris!

Oh,

over here, Martin.

- Hello

- But you certainly

had me scared.

What kept you so long?

- Well, I was

talking to this man.

Well, he was here.

Or I've imagined him.

He was fantastic enough.

- Well, let's get going.

- Oh, I tore my dress, Martin,

I'll have to go

back to the house.

- All right.

We'll go to your house

first, skip the theater,

directly to the Blue Angel.

What's the matter?

- Nothing, it's just

that it's so late,

and I'm a little upset, could

we make it some other night?

- Of course.

- Are you sure you understand?

- When it concerns

you, Christine,

there's nothing I

don't understand.

Here, you better take

this off my hands,

or I'll have to wear it

to the office tomorrow.

- Fix yourself a drink, I've

gotta change this torn dress.

- Right.

- Martin, how flattering.

I should have thought

of this in the first place.

This is much better

than any nightclub.

- Yes, and just think, no head

waiter, no smoke, no people.

- And at the end of

the evening, no check.

- Oh Martin, you think

in such practical terms.

- I'm a very practical man.

For instance, I just said

that to make you pout.

The better to do this.

- I've been trapped.

- Right.

Now, if you'll just step over

here to the sofa by the fire.

- Another trap?

- Definitely.

Darling, what's the matter?

- That music.

- It's just the phonograph.

- But we don't have that record.

- Of course you do.

It was right on

top of the cabinet.

- That's strange.

- What's the matter, Chris?

- I'm sorry, but that was

Paul's favorite prelude.

I've heard him play

it a hundred times

right here in this room.

Turn it off, will you?

- No, I won't.

Look, darling.

Paul's been gone too long

for you to act like this.

- I know.

- Chris...

I'm not saying this for my sake,

but your whole

life's ahead of you.

You can't waste it

probing into the past.

If I can't make you forget Paul,

well, find someone else who can.

- You're right, Martin.

I'm sorry I acted like a child.

Would you get me a drink?

- Right here ready for you.

- So you think I should

go find somebody new?

- Oh...

Only if it's

absolutely necessary.

- But I've been so out of touch

with people lately,

especially men.

- What do you expect me

to do, bring some around?

- Well, that would

be very nice of you.

Well, you know how hard it

is for me to meet new people.

- Well, I can see I'll just

have to propose to you.

- Oh Martin, I

talked you into it.

- You sure did, and very

fortunately for you,

I just happen to have an

engagement ring on me.

- Martin, it's lovely.

Yes, Paul?

Can't you

hear the ocean calling?

Come on, Chris, race

you to the beach.

- Last one in's a coward.

- Oh!

Chris!

Chris.

Darling.

- Janet.

- What happened?

- I don't know.

The music.

Paul.

- Let me help you up.

Look darling, you

must've had a nightmare.

It's all right now.

It's over, you're

awake, and I'm here.

- Janet, it wasn't a dream.

The windows blew open.

- What's so unusual about

a window blowing open?

- My engagement ring was gone.

The flowers were all withered.

- Chris, look.

- But the picture,

Paul's picture.

You see?

Just a bad dream.

- I was awake.

My wedding gown,

there in the closet.

It came toward me,

I swear it did.

- It's just your bathrobe.

You probably pulled

the door open like this

and it flung out like that.

- My wedding dress isn't there?

How

could it be, Chris?

It's been locked in the

trunk room for years.

- It wasn't a

nightmare, I tell you.

I saw those things.

I think it was Paul and he

doesn't want me to marry.

- You got some feeling

that it's not loyal to Paul

if you marry again.

It's in your conscience

and it makes you dream.

Why don't you talk it

over with an analyst?

- He wouldn't understand.

He'd think I was losing my mind.

Nobody would understand.

Except perhaps Alexis.

- Alexis?

- Just somebody I once met.

- Come on.

Get to bed.

It's after three.

You haven't got time for

any more dreams tonight.

- Janet!

While you're up, would you

get me a glass of water?

Thanks.

Janet.

- I thought I was supposed

to be the baby in the family.

Here, give me that water.

Move over, baby.

Night, Chris.

- Night.

Childish, isn't it?

- I think the ocean and the

fog were more effective.

- I agree.

But in my work, I deal with

many different kinds of minds.

Generally speaking, I

think you could say that

three types of people

come here to see me.

The first, a very large

group, come here to scoff,

and sometimes a few of

them remain to pray.

The second have childlike,

credulous minds.

They long to believe.

They're tired and

sad and need comfort.

All this helps them.

It creates an atmosphere.

You see?

Mood, like music,

and in it, they find

a few brief moments of

comfort, which helps them

to continue with their

gray little lives.

And so I do not think it is

so childish after all, do you?

- And the third group?

- Ah.

The third group is those

of us who honestly explore

the secrets of the outer world.

I feel that you have come

here today to join that group.

- Well, I did want to talk

to you about something.

- I know.

He was close to you last night.

And he's close to

you now, but wait.

Maybe I should repel him,

not bring him closer.

- Why?

- His presence is so strong,

it might be dangerous.

- How could Paul's presence

possibly be dangerous to me?

- To your plans.

You want to get married

and lead what is

termed a normal life.

- But if Paul is

trying to reach me,

then I want to help him.

- Have you thought

what people will think?

What Martin will think?

- I'm not afraid to

think as I choose.

- Then, Christine, if

you have the courage

and the will to explore,

I will help you.

Now relax.

Let your mind be

free and receptive.

- Janet, you do have a

tendency to dramatize, and-

- Stop treating me like a child.

I tell you she's been going

to see him for weeks, and-

- Shh!

- Now do you believe me?

- Hmm.

- She's been reading

psychic books, too,

talking about Paul as

if he was still alive.

Gives me the creeps.

- Let's go.

- Now what are we gonna do?

- We're gonna get a

detective, see what he can

find out about

this spook chaser.

- For 20 years,

I've been operating

among these phony mediums

as a private detective,

and I've yet to find one

concrete bit of evidence

of communication with the dead.

- But my sister's

absolutely convinced.

He's told her things

he couldn't know,

unless he were psychic.

- He's probably gone

to a lot of trouble

to investigate her past.

They're thorough and clever.

-What I can't

understand is Christine

falling for such drivel.

- You'd be amazed

what people will do.

- No thanks.

- But there's a millionaire

right in this town

wouldn't buy a bag of popcorn

without consulting his medium.

What's this one's name?

- Alexis.

- That's a new one on me.

But then they change

their names often enough.

How about a description?

- There's a picture of him

in this pamphlet he wrote.

- Oh, this?

I used to be a magician.

That's how I got

into this racket.

I know all their tricks.

Alexis.

I was called to

Chicago on a case once,

gentleman named Maru.

Swindled a society lady out

of a whole hat full of money.

If that's Alexis, he

certainly used to look corny.

If that's

Alexis, we can

report him to the police.

What charge?

He served his stretch

and that's that.

- At least Christine'll

be through with him.

I mean, if we can

prove he's a crook.

- How can we identify him?

- Well, I could go out

there and try to get

his fingerprints, but

I think the only time

that these fakes

are really psychic

is when there's a

detective around.

- Yeah, and they look in their

crystals and see you coming.

- Maybe we could send

somebody he wouldn't know.

- Oh no, I think that...

- Your name, please.

- Harper.

Mrs. Charles Harper.

- Not Mrs. Charles G. Harper.

- Yes.

I mean no.

- Now concentrate,

and soon your thoughts

will merge with mine.

Perhaps both hands

would be better.

Yes.

So much better.

I can feel your vibrations

much more clearly now.

But your pulse is racing.

Are you excited, nervous?

- No.

- Oh, but of course this

problem is troubling you.

The question you

wrote comes to me,

but faintly, almost

as though it were...

False.

But then another

question comes through,

with all the power and

strength of love and truth.

You are concerned about

someone you love, a woman.

Your sister.

Is it your sister?

- Yes.

- Older than you,

but still you have

a maternal, protective

feeling about her.

In many ways, you are

more mature than she.

- Golly, I'm glad somebody

finally realized that.

- Of course, you didn't

always feel that way.

Once you were jealous of her.

You envied her popularity

and her pretty clothes.

You used to try them

on when she went out,

and this suited you

because there is an air

of maturity and

sophistication about you.

In many ways, especially

intellectually,

you are much older than the

many young men who admire you.

- You know, I noticed that.

- Does this feel

uncomfortable to you?

- I think I'll have a cigarette.

- Mrs. Harper?

Mrs. Harper?

May I?

- An attractive case.

- Did you know

why I wanted them?

- No.

Nor do I need to.

It is enough for me to

know that you wanted them.

- Alexis, I hope that

nothing you've done

to help my sister will get you

into trouble with the police.

I mean, if they should investigate you,

or your past life,

will they find anything that

would make trouble for you?

- No.

There are there are

many things in my life

of which I'm ashamed, but,

and this may sound strange,

the memory that I cherish

is a term in prison.

Oh.

There are many brave

men who were imprisoned

in their fight for

science and truth,

and I'm proud to be one of them.

I think you may be able

to understand this.

Oh, but anyway, do with

this as you think best.

I trust you.

- Hey Janet.

- Oh, hello, Martin.

- Did you get the fingerprints?

- Yes.

- Good.

- But I erased them.

Oh, Martin, he isn't at

all the kind of a man

we thought he was.

- Ah, hello dear, did

you get the day off?

- No time to.

Yeah, Mrs. Faber,

no, Mrs. Faber.

I'm getting sick of it.

- And how is our clown?

- She's hooked good.

- Hmm, good, she is.

And does she feel that her

beloved husband is close to her?

- I'm surprised she

hasn't me to lay

an extra place at

the dinner table.

Here's a photograph

of her parents.

It was in the trunk where

I found the wedding dress.

- Oh, that will be very useful.

- When are you gonna

put the bite on it?

- Oh, Vivian, you put

things so crudely.

I imagine that very soon,

Mrs. Faber is going to

press money on me to

continue my psychic research.

- Good.

I'm getting sick of

this Swedish accent.

I need a new role.

- Oh, I have a new

assignment for you,

straight from the

obituary column.

A lonely millionaire who...

I had no more

appointments today.

Oh, here, help me get these

things out of the way.

- What do you pay for those

chunks of glass these days?

- $3 a piece, used to $1.95.

You know, somebody

ought to do something

about this high cost of living.

- You should complain.

You're selling 'em for 25

bucks to your psychic students.

- I used to, but who am

I to fight inflation?

I'm charging 50 now.

Hmm, expensive car.

Expensive clothes.

I would say no brains

and lots of money.

So long as you're here, Vivian,

you might as well

check the car for me.

There might be some

papers or something

in the glove compartment.

- Okay.

- I'll use a turban in case

you find out something.

- Oh!

This is such a pleasure,

I mean, I've heard...

- I'd rather not

tonight, Martin, really.

I'm much too tired.

Well, let's decide

about Friday later.

Call me tomorrow.

Good night.

- Will that's be

all, Mrs. Faber?

- That's all, Emily, thanks.

Chris.

- Hmm?

- Can't you and I spend

the evening together?

If you're tired we

could go to a movie.

- Actually, I'm busy tonight,

Janet, I have an appointment.

- Chris, don't see

Alexis tonight.

Don't see him ever again.

- Janet, I thought we

agreed not to discuss this.

- I'm not attacking,

Alexis, honest.

I think he'd be very

good, for certain people.

- But not for me?

- Well, you see,

when some people meet

a fascinating

personality, they're swept

right off their feet.

Like me?

- Yes.

But other people can be

more objective, like me.

It's true, Chris, in many ways

I'm more mature than you are.

- Janet, I have lived through

most of your growing pains,

and often times you've been

insufferable, but tonight-

- You see, you

can't be objective.

You're getting sore

just because I'm trying

to give you some good advice.

- Give me advice?

Janet, please.

- It is good advice,

Alexis agrees with me.

- Alexis agrees with you?

- Well, you see, I've

talked to him a few times

about your problem.

I went to his house.

- How did you find him?

- Fascinating.

Absolutely fascinating.

You know, he has one of the

most vibrant personalities.

- And you came to

this conclusion

while discussing my problem?

- Well, we talked a

little about me, too.

- Janet...

Good night.

I'll leave you alone

with your objectivity.

- Alexis, I had to see you.

Don't pay any attention to her.

- I feel a disturbance.

If we are to reach the

outer world tonight,

we must leave behind

us all thoughts

that are hostile, and on

a low emotional level.

Now Janet, this is

your first seance.

There must be some

skepticism in your mind.

- Oh no.

- Perhaps in your subconscious

mind, but nevertheless,

we shall proceed

under test conditions.

If you would be good enough

to hold this key for me?

And Christine, will you tie

my wrists together securely?

- Oh, there's no need

to do that, Alexis.

I have every faith in you.

- Oh, but I insist,

for my own sake.

- Here, Chris, you take the

key, I'll tie his wrist.

- All right, Janet,

start with the right one.

Tie one knot in the center.

Tightly.

That's good.

Now tie my hands behind my back.

Very tightly.

Thank you.

Now lock the cabinet,

so that you know

that I cannot possibly

move from this chair.

Now Christine, will you

switch off the light?

The switch is right

in behind you.

The room must be

completely dark.

Sit down on the table.

And clasp your hands

together tightly,

with the key between your palms.

If you see anything at all,

do not move around or cry out.

- Chris, look.

I'm remembering very well.

Isn't that...

- Yes, Janet.

It's Dad.

Do you feel it, Janet?

The chill?

- Cold breeze, like ice.

I'd

sure like to know

what's going on in there.

If he's staging a seance,

it'll be a good opportunity

to prove he's a phony.

- Let's sneak around back.

There may be a window

we can look through.

- Or climb through.

- Paul.

Martin, what are you doing?

- Showing you what

a phony this man is.

Where's the key?

- If you think he's

still in here...

- What is it?

- He's quick on his feet,

I'll say that for him.

How could he get

out when I locked him in?

- He could show you

if he wanted to.

You tie a knot like

this, and then...

- Martin, this is dreadful.

- Yes it is.

I'm afraid I must insist

you don't come here again.

- Insist?

By what right do you insist?

- Well, we're engaged.

- Even if we were married,

I'd think as I pleased.

And I won't close

my mind to truth

just because you don't

happen to understand them.

- Truth, poppycock.

Be logical, Chris, be logical.

- Pardon me Mr. Abbott.

Do you think you could

possibly defer your discussion

long enough to untie this rope?

- Oh, I'm sorry

Alexis, I'll do it.

- I happen to understand

more about these things

than you do.

Do you realize that man

has a criminal record?

- Alexis told us he

was once in prison,

if that's what you mean.

- Sometimes a prison record

is something to be proud of.

- I'm terribly sorry about

this interruption, Alexis.

I saw him, I saw Paul.

- Oh, we will bring him back.

- Even if you could

bring him back,

she'd be better off if he

stayed where he is, dead.

She never meant anything

to him but money.

- Martin!

- He'd been married

and divorced before,

each time with cash settlements.

If he'd lived, he'd

have made you miserable

and ended up where

he belongs, in jail.

I never

thought you'd attack

a dead man with lazycan answers.

- Chris, it's in the records.

When Martin disappeared,

did you or did you not

ask me to investigate?

Yes.

- Well, in the course

of my snooping,

I found a second Mrs.

Faber, divorced in Las Vegas

just six months

before he married you.

I think he went over

there to see her.

I never could find her,

though, and Paul was dead, so-

- Seems very strange

that, if it were true,

you didn't find it necessary

to tell Mrs. Faber.

- Yes, I suppose it is strange.

And very silly to try and

protect the girl you love.

She only runs as fast as she

can to another phony like you.

Come on, Hoffmann,

let's get outta here.

- Going so soon?

I hoped we might

stay around a while.

- You should stay.

You'd soon learn what

amazing powers Alexis has.

- I'm always willing to learn.

Perhaps you'd like

to resume the seance.

- Yes, under real

test conditions.

- And have you report me

for conducting a seance?

I should say not.

- He probably could

report you now,

but if you'll sit down

here at this table,

and while we all hold hands

like real good friends,

you can make any of your

spirits walk or talk,

I think Mr. Hoffman will

let it ride this time.

- It's ridiculous.

- Show them, Alexis.

- Yes, Alexis.

Do.

- I'm afraid under such

hostile circumstances,

any contact with a spirit world

will be practically impossible.

- Yeah, yeah, I've heard

that patter routine before.

I know it's easier when you can

run around the room in the dark.

- He doesn't run

around in the dark.

Go on, Alexis, let them see

for themselves what you can do.

- Okay let's go.

Ah.

- You know you really

ought to have a hand

on the premises for

tight spots like this.

- We checked, you see,

to make sure you hadn't.

- Shh, you talk so loud.

You mean we'll frighten

the ghosts?

Christine.

-You see?

Christine.

- It's Paul.

It's his voice.

I didn't mean

to frighten you ever,

but I had to get

through to you somehow.

I've always loved

you, you know that.

- Yes, Paul.

- And if you could only believe,

we could be together for always.

- There wasn't

anybody out there.

- 20 years, never

anything like this.

- If everybody will excuse me,

this has been a terrible strain.

- Come on, Chris,

I'll take you home.

- Let's go.

- What are you so

startled about?

You're used to raising

the dead, aren't you?

Although I guess with me,

it was a little easier,

because I'm only legally dead.

You know, I've

been watching you,

ever since my widow started

coming to you, Alexis.

I find your methods

quite amusing.

Hmm.

Excellent.

How do you get out

of that rope thing?

- Manipulation.

But how do you-

- The cabinet?

Just push a button

and the idiots

reach for their checkbooks.

- It isn't quite as

simple as all that.

There's a lot of psychology

involved, and research.

- Sounds dangerously like work.

However, your bag of

tricks can be useful to us

in our present plans.

- We have plans?

- I didn't help you out tonight

just for the fun

of it, my friend.

I can use you.

You see, I need

money, a lot of it.

- I don't understand.

If you went back to Christine,

you could have

anything you want.

- You don't seem to have

a very analytical mind.

- I know that Christine

still loves you, she...

Oh.

You mean if you weren't

dead, the police

might want to know

who it was they found

burned to death in your car.

- Mm-hmm, exactly.

- Have I been using the

wrong piece of music?

- What?

Oh no, no, no.

You have the right

one for Christine.

I used this one

for my first wife.

- Was it her ashes

they found in the car?

- It was me they found in

the car, and don't forget it.

Perhaps I should

point out that I'm

in a very curious position.

Since I'm believed dead,

I could even k*ll a man.

Nobody'd think of

looking for me.

You're in a curious

position, too, Alexis.

You can't tell anybody I'm

alive without exposing yourself.

- That's right, I can't.

It is a very curious position.

- And a profitable one.

I don't think it's too

premature to congratulate you

upon an extremely

advantageous marriage.

- Marriage?

- Come come, my friend.

You must be prepared to

make some small sacrifice.

- You don't expect me

to marry Christine?

- No, no, the little one, Janet.

She's still young enough

to be dazzled by you.

From then on,

getting that estate

will be like taking

candy away from a baby.

- I don't think

Christine would allow it.

- I'll take care of Christine.

I'm a little rusty on this

one, I'll have to practice.

Have this piano tuned, will you?

- Thanks.

- Oh, no ma'am, not

for you, not after

the night you've been having.

And that's for you.

- Hot milk?

- Yes ma'am.

- I'd rather have coffee.

- I'll see that she

drinks it, Emily.

- All right, I'll take it,

but it won't do any good.

- You should really try and

get more sleep, Christine.

-I just can't.

I'm never alone anymore.

I keep hearing his voice

now and seeing his face.

It should comfort me, I suppose,

but it's been frightening.

- Drink your milk while

it's hot, it'll help.

- Alexis, do you suppose

we've made a mistake?

That first day when

I came to your house,

you said it might be better

to repel Paul's spirit

instead of bringing it closer.

Perhaps you were right.

- Perhaps I was right.

- Then would it be

better to try to

break the contact

now, and not go-

- It's too late.

At this stage I could

never break the contact.

We'll have to finish

what we started.

- It would only bring me rest.

Well, let's begin

the seance now.

- I think that before we

start, you should relax,

and I should be more familiar

with the surroundings.

It is very difficult for

me in a strange house.

Perhaps if I walked around

the outside for a while.

- I'll show you.

We can even go to the ocean.

- Go ahead, Janet, I'm

feeling rather tired.

- Watch your step,

it's awfully steep.

You know, I think I have

talent along spirit lines.

- You do?

- Yes.

I've been reading and studying.

I think maybe I'm even a mystic.

- Oh?

- You know, that seance we had

at your house when

Paul appeared?

- Yeah.

- Was that Paul's

first visitation?

Alexis?

- Oh, oh yes, it was.

- You see, maybe it's

because I was there,

all tuned in and sensitive.

Well, it could be.

Did you ever see a better

spirit manifestation?

- No, darling, that

was an all-time record.

- Are you thinking

about my sister?

- Yes.

- She's very

attractive, isn't she?

Most men admire Chris.

- But Christine will

always belong to Paul.

- I suppose that's true.

I wish she wouldn't

be so unhappy.

Do you suppose they'll be

joined together someday,

in celestial companionship,

through all eternity,

like it says in the books?

- Yes, I'm sure they will.

- Alexis.

Do you think I'd make a

good celestial companion?

- Darling, I think

you'd be wonderful.

- And we'd love each other

through all eternity?

- Oh, even longer.

- Alexis, why don't we start

right here on the Earth plane?

- I've come for you, dear.

Hurry, Chris.

- Paul, wait.

I'm frightened.

- There's nothing

to be afraid of.

- Paul, I'm afraid.

- Race you to the beach.

- Last one in's a coward.

- Alexis, she's not badly hurt.

She's all right?

- I think she's all right.

What

are you doing here?

- Well, at the moment,

I'm opening the door,

but not very wide.

You're not exactly welcome here.

- Where's Emily?

- It's Thursday, Mr.

Abbott, her day off.

- Where's Frieda?

- Frieda left yesterday.

She said she thought

the house was haunted.

I see what she means.

I want to talk to Mrs. Faber.

- I don't think she

wants to talk to you.

- Janet.

Where's Chris?

- She left.

- She's making herself ill

with this morbid nonsense.

- Oh, it isn't that.

Chris had a fall last

night on the cliff.

She might have k*lled herself

if Alexis hadn't caught her.

What was

she doing on the cliff?

- Well...

She thought she

heard Paul calling.

- Janet?

We'll always

be together, Chris.

Together for always.

- Yes, Paul.

- You'll always be mine, Chris.

Chris, I'm waiting.

We'll be together,

Chris, together always.

- What'd the doctor say?

- Chris wouldn't have a doctor.

- You've got to be

logical about this.

- She's not badly hurt.

She's just bruised and shaken.

- Well, in the first place,

she's in a state of hysteria.

In the second place, she

shouldn't be in this house.

Everything in it

reminds her of Paul.

And finally, she shouldn't

be left alone for one second.

There's no telling

what she might do.

- But I'm with her all the time.

I haven't left...

Chris!

Chris!

Martin!

Chris.

- Martin.

- Chris, are you all right?

- Yes, of course.

- What's in that bottle?

- It's just aspirin.

I've got a headache.

- Chris, it's dangerous

for you to stay here.

You need rest and care,

perhaps in a hospital.

- You're trying to separate us.

I won't go to a hospital.

I won't leave this house.

- Only until you're better.

- No!

You'd try to drive

him away again.

Now get out.

Get out.

- I'll leave before

I upset her any more.

- I'll see you to

the door, Martin.

- They've left the room.

- Then you can

resume the treatment?

- If you hadn't tried to

play the hero last night,

all this wouldn't be necessary.

- I had to save Janet, didn't I?

- You're not falling in

love with her, are you?

- Look, if I'm going to

marry into this estate,

there's got to be

somebody for me to marry.

- Just by way of

making conversation,

that wife of mine in Las

Vegas, the one who tried

to back out on me and wanted

the cash settlement back,

I settled with her,

but not for cash.

Now, if you should

back out on me,

I wouldn't hesitate to settle

with you either, Alexis.

- I know, because you're

in such a curious position.

- Paul?

Paul.

- How long, Chris?

How long must I wait?

- Janet, get out of here.

- Why didn't you tell me

you wanted money that badly?

I'd have given it to

you just to get rid...

Paul.

- Yes, I'm alive.

Legally I'm dead, I'm

going to stay that way.

If you're alive, I

won't be able to.

It's too bad you came

down here, Janet.

- Operator, get

me Bradshaw 7425.

Martin, this is...

Martin!

- Operator.

- Chris, Chris, wake up.

I can't explain, quick,

we'll take the back stairs.

- Paul.

You forgot, Paul.

My profession is

raising the dead.

- You're losing quite a bit

of blood, aren't you Alexis?

- Spirits don't need any blood.

Do you think b*ll*ts

can harm us ghosts?

Too bad you missed.

Those were...

Your last...

Two shots.

The police are here, my friend.

Your g*n is empty.

For the police, you

have been privileged

to witness my best performance.

- You made one little mistake.

I started with seven shells.

I have one in the chamber.

- Alexis, you were wonderful.

- Yes, I guess there must be

a better side to my nature.

But now you must forget me.

- No, never.

-I don't need a

crystal to see that

your future is bright, Janet.

Don't you go

clinging to the past.

I lived by feeding people's

desire to escape the present.

But you can't escape for long.

- Alexis, I'm afraid for you.

- Oh, I'll be all right.

I'll find some spirits that

want to contact people.

Open the window, Janet, please.

Fly away, my friend.

I won't need you any more.