Man Who Could Cheat Death, The (1959)

[bunniefuu]

Oh, dear, oh, dear.

- Good night, officer.

- Good night, sir.

(Screams)

(Woman) Evening, dear.

(Horse and carriage passing by)

(Driver) Whoa, whoa.

(Carriage stops)

Thank you.

He's so charming and elegant.

He has such wonderful taste.

Yes, he has, when it comes to models.

Now I shan't be seeing you again.

Of course you will.

Just because the statue is finished

that is not a reason why things

shouldn't stay as they are.

But I shan't be posing for you anymore.

Surely we are past the stage

where we need an excuse to meet.

We have but what about other people?

Have you...

Are you going to tell them about us?

Let's not think of other people, hm?

Let's think of ourselves.

Excuse me a moment.

Janine.

This is a surprise indeed.

- How are you, Georges?

- I'm fine.

And you look wonderful.

Thank you.

Oh, Georges,

this is Dr Pierre Gerard.

- Georges Bonner.

- How do you do?

How do you do?

- Janine, it's getting late.

- Oh, no, we've plenty oftime.

Pierre and I are on our way

to the theatre.

I heard you had a reception here tonight

so I asked him to bring me along first.

I'm glad you did.

I was just about to show a few

friends my latest sculpture.

Please.

Georges.

This isn't my statue

you're unveiling, is it?

No.

Did you ever start it?

No, I'm afraid

I left the sketches in Italy.

Shall we go?

I'm glad Mademoiselle Dubois

brought you along, Doctor.

Oh, thank you. I've always wanted

to see the inside of your place, Bonner.

- It has quite a reputation.

- A good one, I trust.

Very. Tell me, how many patients

can you accommodate at one time?

Oh, not more than 15.

I have the house next to this one,

which I use as the clinic.

There is room for more

but I find that the patients I get

require a great deal

of individual attention.

- Difficult cases?

- Difficult people.

Their money gives them an overblown

sense of their own importance.

- Yes, I've met them.

- Yes, I'm sure you have.

But now I think

it really is time that we...

(Clears throat) Excuse me.

- Well?

- No sign of him, sir.

I waited till all the passengers were gone.

He just wasn't there.

- What time is the next train?

- In about six hours, sir.

All right.

Make sure you meet it.

Yes, sir.

I am extremely sorry

to have kept you waiting.

I would like to say at this stage

that any credit due for what

you are about to see

should be laid at the feet

of my charming young model.

An artist cannot form

a thing of beauty

unless he has a thing of beauty

from which to draw his inspiration.

And now there is

nothing else for me to do

except to throw myself

on your mercy.

- (Man) A most wonderful likeness.

- (Woman) Yes, isn't it?

Oh, Dr Bonner.

But it's...

- It's...

- A very fine piece of work, Bonner.

- Thank you very much.

- It's extremely beautiful.

You wouldn't be interested

in selling it, I suppose?

You can see I still have to cast it.

Anyway, sculpting is something

I do for my own pleasure.

Having not yet reached

the perfection I seek,

I find it quite impossible

to give up the completed work,

so I'll keep it.

- Oh? Where?

- Oh, not here.

Somewhere I can go occasionally

to look at it and...

be remindedof my beautiful

young model.

- Are you feeling all right?

- Yes, yes, of course.

It's just that I think

we ought to go, Pierre.

- Would you mind getting my cloak?

- Yes, of course.

Erm... a remarkably fine sculptor,

Bonner, don't you think?

Yes, very fine.

I wanted to buy it but

he wasn't interested.

Says he always keeps his

stuff when he's finished.

- Really?

- Yes.

I wonder where...

Hello! What's this?

I thought there'd be something

else here somewhere.

Mm, a torso. Oh, yes!

Oh, yes, a very beautiful woman

she must have...

Terribly sorry.

Very clumsy of me.

Your cloak, Janine.

Thank you, Pierre.

You are leaving?

We are already late

for the theatre.

I hope you have a very

pleasant evening.

Yes? What is it, Roger?

It's half past six, sir.

Already? Are you sure?

- Yes, sir. I've checked with two clocks.

- My watch says ten past.

It must be slow, sir.

The time is definitely half past six.

I need a new watch.

I need absolute accuracy.

Goodbye.

I am afraid I must ask you

to leave now.

You all know that my main duty

is the care of my patients.

Their needs must come

before everything else.

I would like to thank you all

for coming here

and...

and I must apologise

if I seem rude

by bringing this party to so...

to so sudden a close.

Strange fellow, Bonner.

Did you know him well

when you were in Italy?

- Why?

- Oh, I don't know.

It was just that he didn't seem

too anxious to see you again.

Yes, it did seem that way, didn't it?

Well, apparently it doesn't

worry you very much.

No.

No, it doesn't.

Oh, it was beautiful, Dr Bonner,

but beautiful.

- Thank you very much.

- Good night.

If you change your mind about selling

any of your stuff, do let me know.

Good night. It has been my pleasure,

I assure you.

What time is it?

- It's a quarter to seven, sir.

- Thank you.

Tell Roger, if he has any news for me

when he gets back from meeting the train

he can come and wake me.

- Whatever the time is.

- Very good, sir.

- Good night.

- Good night, sir.

(Gasps)

- I thought you had gone.

- I want to talk to you.

- Nobody knows I'm here.

- I'm sorry but you must go.

But I must talk to you, Georges.

Not now, later.

- I'm very busy.

- Not later, now.

I want to know

what's going to happen to us, Georges.

Look, Margo, I'll talk to you tomorrow.

It's Janine Dubois, isn't it?

You're in love with her.

- Please leave.

- I'm not leaving.

If you think you can just

forget me you're mistaken.

I won't let you.

You can't!

You know I love you.

You made me tell it to you

time and time again.

You made me humiliate myself.

I'm not going to step aside just because

you want to be with someone else.

Get out. Get out!

Your eyes.

What's the matter with your eyes?

All right, Georges.

We'll talk about it tomorrow.

Georges?

- I'm sorry.

- Too late.

Too late.

Margo.

I tried to make you go.

I tried...

very hard.

(Knock at door)

Wait a moment.

Yes?

Hello, Georges.

I saw the statue last night.

Why did you lie to me?

Why didn't you want me to know

that you'd started work on it?

Why did you start work on it?

I like to finish what I start.

Oh. Is that why you ran away

from me in Italy?

Is that what you call

finishing what you start?

My holiday was over.

I came back to work.

- So suddenly?

- Yes, so suddenly.

There was a case.

It was urgent.

I waited for you to come back to me.

I waited for you to write to me.

Then I realised that if I ever

wanted to see you again

I had to be the one

to make the first move.

Why? Why are you so afraid

of loving me, Georges?

I watched you towards the end

of the holiday in Italy

and you were like a man

heading towards something

which he wanted to avoid.

I began to think that I'd won

and that you were going to admit

to yourself that you really loved me.

Was I right?

All right, Janine.

I did fall in love with you in Italy.

This could not be so I left.

- Why couldn't it be?

- It just couldn't.

- But you knew how I felt about you?

- Yes, I knew.

And you still ran away from it.

I'm not going to give up

so easily, Georges.

Oh, tell me you don't

want me to give up.

No, I don't...

Oh, I knew I was right.

May I see your statue again?

Yes.

Yes, of course.

It's very lovely.

It's you who are lovely.

I only copied.

Is it finished?

Nearly.

Would you like to pose for me again?

When?

Now.

Georges, you still haven't accepted

that we love each other.

Yes, I have.

But it doesn't make you happy.

That's because it doesn't alter things.

- What things?

- Oh, the...

the impossibility of the situation.

(Knock at door)

Come in.

The gentleman's downstairs, sir.

Ludwig!

Oh, please excuse me, Janine.

I have been waiting so long

for Ludwig to arrive.

You'll understand.

Ludwig!

Let me... look at you.

Oh...it is so good to see you.

That's good. You look wonderful.

Just the same. I was worried.

- Worried?

- Because I am late.

I... I knew you...

you wouldn't let me down.

You have found the ultimate answer.

Is that it?

Oh, we'll talk about that later, Ludwig.

- Aren't you forgetting something?

- Yes, of course, our little ceremony.

I haven't been too well.

It has affected my memory also, I think.

Ah, you have not forgotten

how to live.

What is the point

of what one is doing

if you don't enjoy life,

what it offers?

What is the point, as you say?

The...

The usual toast.

- Ludwig, your hand.

- Oh, yes, my hand.

- Let me have a look at it.

- No, it's not necessary.

I had a stroke.

That is why I was not here sooner.

It has left me with this legacy.

- Why didn't you let me know?

- I was frightened to.

I hoped you would have found

the answer by now.

- You have not found it, Georges?

- No.

No, I haven't found the answer.

The operation is still necessary.

I cannot do it.

- With your left hand.

- No.

We must find someone else.

- But that is not possible.

- Well, try.

We always knew

if we didn't find the ultimate solution

there would have to be

another surgeon someday.

- The stroke might have k*lled me.

- But it didn't.

Three weeks I have been waiting,

Ludwig.

Three weeks!

I have been taking this fluid

every six hours now.

Six?

It is what keeps me alive.

So you see, you must operate.

You... you know

what will happen if you don't.

Yes, I know. You will die.

You're old. You can see

death staring you in the face.

But I can't... I'm not going to die.

Then you must find someone else

to do the operation.

But who?

Who can we get?

We need a young surgeon, that's all.

Just a surgeon.

We tell him just enough

to satisfy him

and I'll be with him all the

time he's doing the operation.

That's the best way, Georges.

For the first time I'll be with

him to show him what to do.

Next time, if you still

need the operation,

I shan't be here.

I'll be dead.

Find someone else? Huh.

It's easy to say.

- There is so little time.

- You are a doctor.

You must have met other doctors,

someone who will do it.

(Knock at door, door opens)

Mademoiselle Dubois is leaving, sir.

Janine.

I'm terribly sorry, Janine.

Let me introduce you

to my oldest and dearest friend,

Ludwig Weiss.

Ludwig, this is

Mademoiselle Janine Dubois.

It is delightful to meet you, my dear.

How do you do, Professor?

I'm sure that you have a lot

to talk to the professor about

so I'll say goodbye.

- Goodbye, my dear.

- I'll see you at dinner.

Janine, why not bring

Gerard along this evening?

- Pierre?

- Yes.

Yes, tell him Professor Weiss

of Vienna is here.

I'm sure he would love to meet him.

I thought we were going

to be on our own tonight.

Ludwig is here only for a few days.

We'll have so much time together.

Oh, Georges, you don't know

what it means to me

to see you again.

It means everything to me.

This Monsieur Pierre,

is he a doctor?

Even better, a surgeon.

And...do you think he'll do it?

If he's convinced that you give

the operation your blessing,

then he'll do it.

Why should he be influenced

by what I do?

Ludwig... Ludwig, you're still the same.

You just cannot accept the fact

that you are a great man.

One of the greatest in your own field.

There is no medical man in the world

who would miss the chance

of meeting you,

let alone work with you.

Half of what makes up this reputation

belongs to you, more than half.

You and I know that.

No one else does.

Listen, Georges.

Why not tell them?

Publish our findings.

Please, Ludwig, allow me

to decide when to publish.

Probably you are right.

You have invested more in this

than I have.

Yes, indeed.

Nevertheless,

I probably shan't be here

to see the consequences.

I am tired, Georges.

As you said just now,

I can see death staring me in the face.

I'm sorry, Ludwig.

Believe me,

I didn't mean it that way.

Strange, getting old.

One suddenly has no future

to look forward to

and is forced to look back and...

survey the past.

Do you remember our original toast,

the first time we knew

we had succeeded?

Of course I do.

Say it.

- For humanity.

- That's right.

For humanity.

Not for me, not for you, Georges,

but for all.

I know what it means.

Do you, Georges?

Sometimes I wonder a little.

You have changed so much

since we have started.

That is hardly surprising.

I'm talking about our original ideas,

bright, shining ideas,

full of hope for a brave new world.

What happened to them?

Where did they get lost?

Why...

Why do you say they are lost?

I think they are.

The years have brought me

an added insight

that enables me

to see more clearly

- the fact...

- Wait a minute, Ludwig.

You are forgetting something,

aren't you?

I'm sorry, I don't understand.

- Do you still have that photograph?

- Photo...photograph?

- Our photograph.

- Ah, yes, of course.

- Give it to me.

- Mm...

Look at it, Ludwig.

And what do you see there?

I see the two of us.

- As we were at the beginning.

- Exactly.

So, remember,

when you talk of this wisdom

and this insight that old

age has brought to you,

remember I too have this

wisdom and this insight.

- How old are you?

- 89.

89.

Have another look.

Let it remind you,

while you have the wisdom

that comes with a life of 89 years,

I have that

which comes with a life of...

104.

Yes, sir, I know

what you're saying is possible

but it's not proven.

(Chuckles)

Proven!

If we doctors waited

until something is proven

before we moved,

there'd be no patients left.

They'd all be dead.

Look, I have seen it done

in three different ways,

none of them completely effective.

- The first is to make an ingress through...

- Ludwig.

Just a moment, Georges.

An ingress through...

Ludwig, why not take Dr Gerard

down to the study?

- It will be so much easier down there.

- Yes, of course.

Come on. Come on, Dr Gerard.

- You'll excuse us?

- Oh, of course they will.

Come on.

I'll get pencil and paper to show

you what I am talking about.

You know, the incision

must be made directly...

Pierre seems very interested

in your Professor Weiss.

Yes, I told you he would gladly come

once you mentioned

Professor Weiss of Vienna.

He's a wonderful old man.

Have you known him long?

All my life.

We...used to work together.

A long time ago.

That makes you sound very old.

Janine, I can't tell you how much

it means to me to have you back.

I missed you so much.

You needn't have. You know that.

Yes.

Yes, I knew.

Georges, you still haven't told me

why you tried to avoid

falling in love with me.

You started telling me something

this morning but you never finished it.

Because I had to go away.

Because I have to go away again.

Go away? Where?

Where is not important.

What matters is that I shall

have to leave Paris very soon.

But you'll come back?

No.

Why?

I can't, that's all.

But Georges, you can't just stand there and tell

me you're going away and never coming back

without giving me an explanation.

My work makes it necessary.

Because you're a doctor?

Yes, partly.

I have to travel where no

one has ever been before.

I want to lift the curtain of life

and see what lies beyond.

To do this it is necessary

for me to go away.

Is it necessary for you to go alone?

All right sir, you've convinced me

but it's not something I'd care to try.

Ah, you lack the spirit

of the pioneer, Dr Gerard.

Being a surgeon is a practical business professor,

It's necessary to make a living.

It doesn't leave very much time for pioneering.

But i fyou had the opportunity

of becoming one of the pioneers

by performing one simple operation,

what would you say then, huh?

First I'd say that no operation is simple.

Then I'd want to know

what this operation involved.

If it were impossible to explain it,

if you were asked to leave it on trust?

Then I should have to say no.

Regardless of who was talking to you?

Professor Weiss,

when we started this conversation

I was under the impression

that we were speaking hypothetically.

Are we?

No.

We are not.

I see.

I suppose I should be annoyed

at this verbal subterfuge.

I don't know why I'm not, really.

Look, suppose you tell me just exactly

what it was you asked me here for.

See this?

My right hand.

The one I would have used

if I were going to operate.

I came here for one single reason.

To save the life of Georges Bonner.

- What?

- Yes.

By performing an operation

that only I know how to perform.

You see? I can't do it.

Therefore, I am asking you

to take my place.

This operation, Dr Weiss,

what exactly does it involve?

In spite of what you said,

this one is really simple.

It involves the removal

ofthe uter-parathyroid gland.

I thought you said

this was to save Bonner's life.

I haven't finished.

To remove the gland

and substitute an alternative.

An alternative? Why?

Is it necessary to know the reason

just to perform an operation?

Physically, no,

but morally, I think so.

Would you be prepared to leave

the protection of your morals

in my hands?

I...

I'm not sure.

Look at it this way.

I am asking you to perform

a very simple, straightforward operation

and I am guaranteeing to you

there can be no ill effects.

On the contrary,

unless this operation is done,

and very soon,

Georges Bonner...

will die.

I agree that the operation is simple.

I wouldn't exactly call it straightforward.

- It's never been done before.

- Actually, I've done it myself many times.

- You've done it?

- Mm.

There are no moral

or legal aspects involved.

I suppose not,

as long as the patient is willing.

He is willing.

- You will be there yourself all the time?

- I will.

- And will you lend your name to this?

- Mm.

Very well, I'll do it.

Good.

Now, come on.

I'll show you what's to be done.

Thank you.

This is Georges Bonner's laboratory,

where we will do the operation.

Wouldn't it be better in a proper

theatre next door to the clinic?

No, no, it's better here.

We don't want people to know

the doctor is sick.

It's bad for the morale ofthe patients.

(Chuckles)

- That's a fine piece of work, isn't it?

- Mm-hm.

Oh, Georges, I love you so much.

And I love you.

I've tried not to.

I've tried very hard.

Is it so bad

now you've given up the struggle?

I don't think I could have let you go.

I'm not going to let you, ever.

(Ludwig) Georges,

Dr Gerard must go now.

Yes, coming, Ludwig.

It's late.

I think you'd better let

Gerard take you home.

Whatever you say, Georges.

It's been a very great honour

to meet you professor.

My colleagues at the hospital

will be most impressed.

Please, Dr Gerard, I must ask you

not to mention our meeting.

You see, I am old and tired.

And if the medical fraternity

knew I was here,

they would request lectures,

addressed meetings.

Oh, you understand of course.

As you wish.

I'm sorry about this, Bonner,

but I have to go back to the hospital.

- Thank you for coming.

- Not at all.

- Will you see me home first, Pierre?

- Yes, of course.

(Doorbell rings)

- Dr Bonner, please.

- Yes?

I am Inspector Legris of the Surete.

I wonder if I could have a

couple of words with you.

Of course, Inspector. Come in.

Thank you.

- Evening, Mademoiselle, Messieurs.

- (All) Evening.

- We were just on our way...

- I shan't be long.

Don't leave on my account.

Oh, we can wait a few more

moments, can't we, Pierre?

- Come into the study, Inspector.

- Thank you.

- Sit down, please.

- Thank you.

What can I do for you, Inspector?

Just a couple of questions, sir.

Routine.

Relating to what?

Relating to the apparent disappearance

of a young lady, one Margo Philippe.

Did you say Margo?

But that's impossible.

- You do know the young lady, then?

- Oh, yes. Yes, of course I do.

- When did you last see her?

- Yesterday.

I had a small reception here

and she was the guest of honour.

You...you met her here, didn't you?

Oh, yes, the young lady you modelled.

Yes.

Did you see her leave?

I think so.

Why, yes. Yes, I'm sure I did.

What's happened to her, Inspector?

Well, we don't know, sir.

She has just disappeared.

It seems the last time she was seen

was here at your reception.

But that's terrible.

What could have happened?

Quite a number of things

could have happened, Mademoiselle,

and it's up to me

to find out the one that did.

This statue you did of her,

could I see it?

- Why?

- I understand it's an excellent likeness.

As I have never seen the young lady

it would help me in my investigations

if I knew what she looked like.

I...

I'm afraid, Inspector,

I no longer have the statue.

But I just...

Yes, Monsieur?

You were going to say?

Nothing, nothing at all.

It doesn't matter.

Perhaps you can tell me

who does have it.

Nobody.

A stupid accident this morning.

It was broken.

I was touching up a section of the plinth

and I knocked the whole thing over.

I'm afraid it was smashed to pieces.

I see. Most unfortunate.

Well, thank you, Monsieur.

That will be all for the moment.

You will let me know Inspector

if there's any news?

- I'll let you know.

- Thank you.

- Good night, Inspector.

- Good night, sir.

- And thank you.

- Not at all.

- What could have happened to her?

- I suppose you know the statue is in the laboratory?

- Yes. Yes, I do.

- He only wanted to look at it.

He would have wanted

to take it away with him.

I know how the police mind works

and, I'm afraid, I know myself.

It's probably very silly of me but...

I simply cannot part with my sculptures.

I see your point.

Well, thank you for the dinner, Bonner.

Janine.

Good night, Professor.

- Good night, Gerard.

- Good night.

- Well?

- He'll do it.

Oh, good.

What happened to the girl?

When is he going to operate?

It is me, Ludwig, who is talking to you,

not the policeman.

What happened to her?

What is the matter with you, Ludwig?

I will tell you what's the matter with me.

Ten years ago when I came

to London to do the operation

a girl you modelled just disappeared

and was never seen again.

Ten years before that

another of your models just disappeared.

Two could be a coincidence.

Three cannot.

What have you done to her?

You're very tired, Ludwig.

So am I. You should go to bed.

I'm not tired, I'm frightened.

Frightened for you,

what you might have done.

Good night, Ludwig.

- When is he going to operate?

- Tomorrow morning.

I thought I told you to go to bed.

Are you going to take

another dose of the fluid?

You'd better go to bed,

unless you want to see what happens

when the dose is overdue.

I have been examining the gland.

- What about it?

- You tell me.

What is the matter with it?

Oh, don't distress yourself.

It will do what is wanted of it.

- I am not referring to that.

- Then what are you referring to?

This gland is not like the others.

It was taken from a...

from a living body.

- You're talking nonsense, Ludwig.

- Don't tell me nonsense.

I am not such a senile old fool

that I have forgotten the difference

between a revitalised and a living organ.

This gland has been taken

from a living body.

All right, Ludwig.

As you say,

it was taken from a living body.

But it was because of you

that I had to do it.

Now it's my turn to say "nonsense".

You were due here three weeks ago.

As always, I had

a uter-parathyroid ready.

As always, I had removed it

and revitalised it, but...

you didn't arrive.

I managed to keep that gland

revitalised for four days.

Then another one.

Four separate glands

I've removed and revitalised,

only to have them die,

and still you didn't arrive.

I just...

I just couldn't get access...

to any more cadavers.

No.

Oh, no, this...

This was the only answer.

The answer for whom?

For you?

Or for the poor man

you have m*rder*d?

But I'm sorry.

It was my fault, wasn't it?

You had to do it because of me.

No, Georges.

I can't see how this can be justified.

You would rather

I had not been able to get a gland at all.

You would rather this was the end.

Is that what you would have liked?

Yes.

It is.

Knowing how it would happen

you still say that?

But I'm not afraid of death.

If I were,

I too could have remained young.

Do you remember how we talked about it

and you tried to persuade me?

But what is death that it

should be feared so much?

You don't know

what you're saying.

Of course I know what I am saying.

Why should the death

of the other man

be of less importance

than your own death?

By what right can you decide

a thing like this?

This is a thing

that only God can decide.

Have you become God all of a sudden,

to judge that you are

more important than the other man?

Of course I'm more important.

He was nothing, nothing at all.

A nonentity.

He had just as much right to life

as you have, more perhaps,

because he didn't attempt to tamper

with the progression of life.

While you are on this pedestal

of moral indignation

you seem to have forgotten

that you are as involved as I am.

No.

I do not forget.

That is perhaps because I am so sad.

I am sad for you too.

You have changed so much.

I'll tell you why I have changed.

It's being alone,

so utterly alone,

again and again.

Every few years having

to sever all contacts, cut all traces.

Having to disappear

and start a new life.

You knew this would be the case

when you set out.

Knowing something

and living with it are...

...are two very different things.

I often think I can't bear it any longer.

Georges?

We have come to a time

where we must consider with great care

whether what we are doing

should continue.

No, let me say what I have to.

No man can live alone all his life.

It's not natural.

It rebels against human nature.

But as long as you continue

you must remain alone.

No.

No, there is an answer.

Not to continue.

No, to continue.

But not to continue alone.

Georges, you're not being serious.

Of course I'm serious.

Do you think

I've never thought about it?

This must be the answer.

Georges.

What you are suggesting is monstrous.

But why?

Why is it monstrous to want

to be with the person you love, always?

Mademoiselle Janine?

It is she you talk about?

Yes, Janine.

I will not hear of it

and I must ask you to promise me now

not to consider it again.

I cannot promise that.

Then you are truly alone now.

For I will have nothing more to do with it.

Ludwig.

No, Georges, you mustn't do it.

Don't be stupid, Ludwig.

Give me that key.

Ludwig, give me that key.

It is past time already.

Yes, Georges, it's been

many years past time.

Ludwig, that key, quickly.

All right, I promise.

Now, give me that key.

You're lying.

I can see it in your eyes.

You are lying to save yourself.

Give me that key!

Ludwig.

Look.

Please.

No.

It is better that it end here

before further damage is done.

This must be the end.

No, you must...

You mustn't do it.

You fool! This...

- This is all I've got.

- Yes, I know.

And I know it will take you two years

to make a fresh supply.

No, no.

No, don't.

Don't do it.

(Screams)

(Knock at door)

Dr Gerard, sir.

Oh.

- Good morning, Dr Gerard.

- Good morning.

Everything is ready,

including the patient.

Where is Dr Weiss?

Oh, I'm afraid

he had to leave late last night.

He received an urgent message

from his home in Vienna.

He asked me to...

to apologise on his behalf.

Monsieur Bonner.

Without Dr Weiss I'm afraid it is quite out of

the question for me to perform this operation.

Last night you agreed.

As I explained to the Doctor, his reputation is

such that under his patronage I agreed to do it,

but if he is not here, it's...

it's impossible.

You must or I shall die.

I recommend you to see another doctor.

Wait.

- I'll pay you well.

- That's of no consequence, Monsieur.

However, if your in the critical

condition that you say you are in,

I advise you to go

to a reputable hospital immediately.

It's possible that they may be able

to do for you what I cannot do.

Good day.

- (Knock at door)

- Come in.

Inspector Legris to see you, sir.

Oh, yes. Show him in.

Good morning, sir.

- I hope you'll forgive this intrusion.

- Morning Inspector.

- Please sit down.

- Thank you.

- What can I do for you?

- This is a little difficult, sir.

Are you a particular friend

of Monsieur Georges Bonner?

No, I'm not.

I only met him for the first time

the day before yesterday.

Then there's not much

you can tell me about him.

No.

When we met last night

I received the impression

that you wanted to say something.

Yes, that's quite correct, Inspector.

Remember that statue

that he said was broken?

- Yes.

- Well, he didn't break it. It's in his laboratory.

That's strange.

I take it you haven't managed

to find the girl yet.

No, sir, we haven't.

And you think Bonner knows

something that will help you?

I don't know what to think.

The deeper I get into this case,

the more complicated

and unreasonable it becomes.

Unreasonable, Inspector?

How old would you say

Monsieur Bonner was?

- About 35.

- Yes, that's what I would have said.

Why do you ask that?

Look, sir,

I need your help,

I don't mind admitting it.

- To find this girl?

- No, it goes deeper than that.

Far deeper.

I'm going to tell you something

and then perhaps you may be able

to give me the help that I need.

Please do.

Ten years ago in London

a young woman disappeared,

later presumed to have been m*rder*d.

That's not very interesting, you'll say.

It happens all the time.

Well, exactly ten years before that

the same thing happened

in San Francisco

and ten years before that,

in Bern, Switzerland.

Three completely isolated cases.

Then, two years ago,

the international files

at the Surete were being tabulated.

A fact was noticed that tied

these three disappearances together

and pointed towards them

all having been perpetrated by one man.

In each case

the girl in question had been posing

for a statue prior to her disappearance.

In each case the sculptor was a doctor.

And in each case

the doctor disappeared shortly after.

All this is carrying coincidence too far.

You see what I'm getting at,

don't you, sir?

Yes.

I see what you're trying to get at.

But if Bonner is the man

you suspect, sir,

- he'd be over 60 by now.

- Yes.

That's where the whole thing

becomes unreasonable.

You said yourself that he was about 35,

certainly not more than 38,

and I agree with you.

I assume you haven't said anything

to Bonner about this?

What's the point?

These statues of the women

who disappeared,

- were they ever found?

- No.

That's another peculiarity.

The statues were seen by a small number

of close friends of the sculptor

and remarkably fine pieces of work

they were too by all account.

Then they were never seen again.

How can I help you, Inspector?

Well, as you've met Monsieur Bonner,

I had hoped that you might

be able to give me a lead.

I have checked

his background thoroughly.

His movements seem all perfectly normal

as far as I can trace back.

And then I reach a complete dead end.

How far back before you

reach this dead end?

Ten years.

Look Inspector, I think I may be able

to give you some sort of lead.

It may not mean anything

but it's worth a try.

See what you can find out

about Professor Ludwig Weiss.

- You've heard of him, of course?

- Weiss? Vaguely.

- He's a doctor, isn't he?

- He was one of the very greatest.

He was at Bonner's house last night.

You saw him there.

Try to find out if he was in London,

San Francisco and Bern

at the time that those girls disappeared.

You don't think Professor Weiss

could have been responsible?

No, I don't, not directly.

But you will try?

Dr Gerard, I'll try anything.

Needless to say, you won't say a word

about this to anyone, will you?

Naturally not, Inspector,

if that is your wish.

Thank you.

I don't know what reasons you have for

wanting me to do this, Monsieur Dumont,

but whatever they are,

I must decline.

I'm sorry.

But you're not making sense, Pierre.

You come here with a story

which you admit is mostly guesswork

and you expect me to believe it.

All I'm trying to do is to warn you

against Georges Bonner.

I gathered that,

but you still haven't explained why.

I can't give you all the details

until I am sure of them myself.

But... the man's abnormal.

For heaven's sake, Pierre.

Try to talk sense.

Last night Professor Weiss asked me

to perform an operation on Bonner.

I agreed, and today

Weiss isn't there anymore.

Well? What's so mysterious about that?

By itself, nothing, but added

to other things that I have discovered...

Oh, not that idiotic story

about those statues again.

I've never heard anyone talk

such nonsense in all my life.

I admit it does sound far-fetched.

That is why I want you to wait...

until I can get more information.

Spy on him.

That's what you mean, don't you?

You came here intending make an impression

upon me with your story about Georges.

Well, you've done that.

But it was about you and not Georges

that you made the impression.

You are jealous of him.

You're jealous of his work

and about me.

Well, I love him.

And I'm going to marry him.

It's unusual, Monsieur Dumont.

You will grant me that.

So is the fee I am offering you.

Yes, that's true.

Very well, then. When is it to be?

I, er...

I think I could manage next Tuesday.

It is to be now, tonight,

and at my place.

Very well, then.

I'll put my things together.

One needs many instruments

for an operation.

What's this?

This is a scalpel, Monsieur Dumont.

You couldn't be expected

to know what that is

but to us doctors

it is the principal instrument,

like a spade is to a farmer, you know.

And just about as filthy too.

Leave all this.

I have all the equipment you need.

You have? Very well.

I always have a small one

before I operate.

My hand is not as steady

as it was, you know.

Wait for me.

Oh... Oh, Janine.

Georges, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.

I hope you don't mind

my coming here like this.

No, of course not.

I was looking for you all afternoon.

- The clinic didn't know where you were.

- I have been busy.

Janine, there is something

I must tell you.

I...

Georges, are you ill?

No, no, of course not.

- Why?

- Oh, it's just that...

Pierre was here earlier this afternoon.

He said something about an operation.

He's got some fantastic story in his mind

about you and Professor Weiss.

What sort of story?

Oh, it's too ridiculous for words.

Something to do

with glands and statues.

I really didn't know

what he was talking about.

Darling?

- Are you sure you're not ill?

- No, of course not.

I'm just tired.

Yes, just tired.

I was so worried about you

this afternoon,

thinking you were ill

and not knowing where you were.

- Janine...

- Yes?

- Would you do something for me?

- Anything in the world.

Then come with me.

Georges, what a strange place.

- Is it yours?

- Yes.

There's my statue.

What's it doing here?

I'll...

I'll explain in a minute.

I love you.

But it's simply wonderful.

So many beautiful things.

- It must have taken years to do.

- Yes, yes, a long time.

Wait, I'll...I'll show you something.

This is the very first thing I ever did.

I was 12.

It's charming.

1798? Oh, Georges,

you've got the wrong date on this.

If you modelled this when you were 12

then this date makes you...104.

Georges?

Georges!

Yes, I heard what you said.

104.

I don't believe it.

Whether you believe it or not

is of no importance.

It is important that you do this operation.

My answer is the same

as before, Bonner. No.

Wait a minute, Gerard.

Listen to me once more.

Then we'll see if you feel

the same afterwards.

Weiss and I...

were fellow students.

I was his senior by 15 years.

- His senior?

- Yes, his senior.

I met him when I returned to university

for a refresher course on surgery.

Quite by accident we discovered

we were interested

in the same line of research.

And then...

finally we discovered

the secret of immortal life.

But we had to prove

what up till then had been only theory.

So...

I volunteered to be the first guinea pig.

Since I embarked on this experiment,

I have never been ill,

never had a blemish on my skin.

Sickness and disease

have passed me by.

So you see,

not only did we discover

the secret of perpetual life,

but of perpetual health as well.

Then why didn't you

publish your findings?

We haven't published because

to do so would bring disaster.

The balance of nature is such

that the population of the

world is kept at a level

where the world can adequately provide

food and living space for our people.

If it were suddenly made possible

for people to remain

alive and healthy indefinitely

the whole structure of

nature would collapse.

Within one generation

the population of the earth

would be doubled, then quadrupled.

There would be famine

on a scale never before dreamed of.

This is one reason we haven't published.

- One reason?

- Yes.

There is another.

Every ten years it is necessary

to have the uter-parathyroid replaced.

In order to replace an organ

you must first find a replacement.

With no one dying there

would be no replacement.

You told me something earlier on about a

fluid that you have to take to keep alive.

Only in the latter stages

of each ten-year cycle.

If, for any reason,

the operation is delayed,

it is possible to remain

alive for four weeks

by taking this fluid.

Not desirable,

for it has an unpredictable

effect on the mental balance.

And you have none of this fluid left?

Enough to keep me alive

for another six hours.

I shall become the inheritor

of all my 104 years,

of all the sickness I have never had,

of every pain, blemish, disease,

a lifetime of illness,

in one moment.

That is why you must perform

this operation.

I'm sorry, Bonner, but I still can't do it.

Why not? Tell me why not.

Because you are asking me to participate

in an offence against nature.

You said so yourself.

An offence against God.

That's my last word on the subject. Nothing

you can say will make me change my mind.

You're in love with Janine, aren't you?

Yes, I am.

You wouldn't like

anything to happen to her?

What do you mean?

At this moment Janine

is somewhere only I know.

If you perform this operation

and perform it successfully,

I shall release her.

If you don't perform this operation,

or if anything should happen

to me while you are operating,

Janine will not be seen

by you or anyone else again.

You have two hours to verify the facts.

Then I shall expect you at my house.

Two hours.

Remember.

Here you are, dearie.

Drink it up.

Why? What's the hurry?

No hurry, no hurry at all.

But I'm a working girl, remember.

Time is money after all.

You'll get paid so stop nagging.

(Door opens)

Cognac.

I'm sick of waiting here

for you to fill your great fat stomach.

- I'm going.

- What are you doing? What about...

What, do you think I'm a girl

who can be bought for money?

- I've never been so insulted.

- You said 50 francs.

It isn't safe for a respectable girl

to be around on her own.

My escort's here now, anyway.

(Cat screeches)

Mind the dustbins, dear.

(Woman screams)

(Doorbell rings)

Never mind, Roger.

You go to bed.

Yes, sir.

Good evening.

Everything is ready.

Please.

You agree, if I perform this operation

you will release Janine immediately?

I give you my word.

It will be extremely unfortunate

if I don't survive this operation.

(Train passing)

(Woman laughing)

No!

No, no!

Drink this.

I am very grateful, Doctor.

You can show your gratitude best

by taking me to Janine Dubois.

Of course.

You'll be strong enough to do

that by the time I'm ready.

It means nothing to you that you saved

me from an extremely horrible death?

Nothing.

Try getting up and moving around a little.

How does it feel?

I said, how does it feel?

- Did you see Mr Bonner go out?

- No, sir. I heard him, though.

- Have you any idea where he may have gone?

- No, sir, I haven't.

Find Inspector Legris of the

Surete and bring him here.

- Yes, sir.

- And hurry. It's desperately urgent.

(Train passing)

(Grunting and groaning)

- Where have you been?

- Later. Come on.

You said you wanted to be with me.

Always.

- Is that still true?

- Yes.

Yes.

Whatever it may mean?

Whatever it may mean, yes.

Janine,

I'm going to tell you about myself.

It all started 70 years ago.

Ecuse me, sir. Those are Monsieur

Bonner's private papers.

Never mind that. You leave this to me.

Now, then, sir. What's the matter?

Bonner has abducted Janine Dubois.

He's hidden her away somewhere.

Wait a minute, sir.

Please will you start at the beginning?

Earlier this evening Bonner came to see me.

- Yes.

He asked me to perform an operation on him.

- Yes.

This has been my... existence.

Not life,

existence.

Until I met you.

Now you're going to

come with me, Janine.

But first you must become

exactly as I am.

Think of it.

Never to grow old,

always to stay as we are,

as we are now,

never to be ill.

To stay as beautiful

as you are now.

- No.

- Always.

Through all time.

And this fluid, whatever it was,

affected his reason?

For the few moments bewteen his having taken the fluid

and his actual taking it he became without reason at all.

Homicidal, completely mad.

That's when he k*lled those three women

who's deaths you've been investigating.

- And at other times?

- At other times rational, sane,

charming, intelligent.

Here's a carrier's receipt.

"Unspecified crate, 3x2x2,

collect at this address,

"deliver to railway arches,

Gare du Nord."

Today's date.

The statue.

It was here yesterday. It's gone now.

We must try it. It's the only clue we've got.

If what you say is correct,

then he's all right when he doesn't need the fluid, then he

must be all right now that you've performed the operation.

I made the incision, but I did

not perform the operation.

It will be all right, I promise you.

- No, no!

- Janine!

No!

He didn't.

He didn't do the operation.

He didn't do the operation!

(Groaning)

(Second woman laughs)

I am going to die.

(Screaming)

- Janine! She's in there.

- What?

Break that door down quickly.

Get out of here.

(Woman screams)

(Bonner screams)