 Good evening, Evans. Dinner is served, Mr. Kessler. Thank you. Good evening, my dear. You're more beautiful than ever this evening. This is Kessler's first events. Oh, yes, sir. How's Dad taking you? All right, Mrs. Ginia. They're having dinner. I told you not to come here this evening, Ralph. Why? Didn't you want to see me? Well, it's... It's not that I don't want to see you. It's just that I don't want to see you. I don't want to see you. You're certainly acting strange, darling. What's all the mystery about? Let's go into the library. After dinner, we are taking a long walk. I'd like to speak to you, Ralph. What's come over your father, Virginia? Is that why you didn't want me here tonight? Yes. It stopped me cold. I'm sorry if I accidentally stumbled on something you didn't want me to know. I'm sorry. I accidentally stumbled on something you didn't want me to know. Well, it must seem weird to someone who's never seen it before. It happens once a year. You always appeared perfectly rational to me. Well, there's something I must tell you. It's about my mother. I don't understand. Well, it happened several years ago. My father and mother were apparently as happy as two people could be. He worshipped her. Another man. The usual best friend? They almost broke my father's heart. He seems reconciled, but he never forgets their wedding anniversary and celebrates it that way. I guess he isn't the only one who resorts to make believe, but it does give one an uncanny feeling. Well, it doesn't frighten me anymore. Now that you know... I love you. You wanted your coat, Miss Kessler? Oh, oh yes, thank you. I was going to take a drive. It's a beautiful night. Come along? Yes, of course. Sure you don't mind going? You know I'd love it. We'll be back in an hour, Cecile. Yes, Miss. That's my young man, Miss Virginia. I guess so. If it wasn't Miss Virginia, you wouldn't bother with him. Does she plan to marry him? I never discuss things on my business. If you want to stay, I suggest you don't be so curious. Well, just the same. I think this is a crazy house. Now, what about those murders? Yeah, a lot of them. And nobody's ever been able to find out who did the killing. You talk too much, Jules. But I only said that. Oh, excuse me, Miss Cecile. I'm going to show you where we keep our linens. Mrs. Kessler, I got to go home. Home? I want to go home, too. Oh, but you are home. And as soon as you feel better, I'm going to take you to your husband and daughter. But they never write to me. Oh, but they don't know where you are, Mrs. Kessler. Nobody knows that but me. I found you. I'm running away. We're running away in a car. We're going faster, faster, faster. We're going to crash. We're going to crash. We can't go home now. So please, please eat your dinner. I've got to go home. I'll be back in the morning. Good night, Mrs. Kessler. Good night. Wait again, Jules. I'm sorry, Mama. But I just couldn't get away from her. Jules, why don't you tell Mr. Kessler about his wife that you're hiding her? Oh, I haven't got the heart. Mama, it would kill him if we saw her the way she is. Poor thing. She'd be better off if she died with that man than if Carl was wrecked. I guess so. I've been thinking, maybe she had something to do with all these horrible murders. Oh, she wouldn't hurt nobody. She's like a child. She's still dazed from the accident, you know, amnesia. But she'll be better soon, then I'll take her home. But if they found out I've been hiding her, they might think I had something to do with the murder. Jules, you must tell Mr. Kessler. Oh, no, no, Mama. We must never tell anyone. No thanks, darling. I think I'd better run along. Good night, Ralph. Virginia, shall I put your car away? No thanks. Evans will take care of it. All right. Good night. Will you please put my car in the garage when you have a moment? Yes, ma'am. Hello, Catherine Nova. Have you gone crazy? The only chance I had to see you. You ignored my letters and my telephone calls. Did you think that you could get rid of me as easy as all that? Be quiet. They'll hear you. You best they will. And you're going to listen to me, too. I'm not giving up to that Kessler girl or anybody else. This is different, Cecile. I never said I loved you. Are you in love with her? Yes. Well, you're not marrying her, understand? Nothing's going to stand in the way of my happiness. Not even you. Don't threaten me. You'll have to know about her sooner or later. And besides, I'll make you a good wife, Ralph. I promise I will. Guess what? What? I'm in love. Ralph? Yes, yes. He's a fine boy. I am so happy for you, my dear. Oh, he hasn't asked me to marry him yet, but he will. I know he will. Good night, my pet. Good night, sweetheart. Good night, Evans. Good night, Miss Virginia. Can I do anything for you, sir, before I retire? What happened to your hand, Evans? Oh, nothing, sir. I heard it when I was putting Miss Virginia's car in the garage. Did anything on it? No advantage. Oh, you mean kept an infection? How's that? Just like new, sir. I guess I'll eat for a while. Good night, Evans. Good night, sir. Oh, yes, Evans. Thank you for the dinner. I'd like to come home. You'd kill me. You'd kill anybody. If there's exercise you want, there's plenty of it in the kitchen. I think she's dead. Dead? I don't know, sir. I thought she was taking her exercises. Call the police. I'll see what I can do. Well, Mr. Kessler, we're up to our ears in another one. The girl was killed the same way as the chauffeur six months ago. The only thing we could find was this note left by some fellow who wanted to give her the air. It's terrible, Lieutenant. She was so young. If we could find out who killed Cecile, we have the one who committed all the other murders. That's easier said than done. There's never been fingerprints to say nothing of motives. What gets me, Mr. Kessler, is why you refuse to move out of this place. Sentimental reasons. There's nothing very sentimental about a house where anything could happen and usually does. My mother lived here, Lieutenant. Oh, I see. You're the gardener? Yes, but I wasn't here. I went home early. You see, I live with my wife. All right, all right, all right. And please don't try to see me. Sign Ralph. Ralph? You know him? Oh, I'm certain I don't. Well, the name startled me. I'm practically engaged to Ralph. Do you notice anything unusual last night, Evans? Well, maybe I'd better not say. Let's have it, Evans. When I was putting the roaster in the garage, I saw Cecile talk to Mr. Dixon. Virginia's Ralph. Go on. I didn't mean to listen, but they were talking loud. Then I heard him say that he never loved her. And she said she wouldn't let him marry anyone else. And that made him real mad. And said nothing was going to stand between him and his happiness. Not even her. I knew Cecile a couple of years. She offered me the companionship I needed. Then I met you and fell in love for the first time. I love you too, Ralph. Surely you can account for your activities from the time you left our house until the next morning. No, Mr. Kessler. I had a lot to think about. I took a long ride into the country, didn't stop anywhere, and didn't see a soul I knew. It's most unfortunate. All I know is that I didn't kill her. There isn't any doubt about that in our minds. Don't worry, son. We do everything we possibly can. Yes, sir. Order in the courtroom. You saw Miss Word tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth? I do. Yes, I managed the apartments. We were optics and lived. Miss Nanix came there awesome. As a matter of fact, I thought they were married. I went home early and helped my wife with the house. The coroner's testimony should convince you that the defendant had sufficient reason for wanting to be rid of the victim. The truth? Said he would let nothing stand away from his happiness. Not even her. We're doing everything we possibly can. Tomorrow we're going to see the governor when I'm sure something can be done. But Governor, the man is innocent. If you would only grant the stay of execution. If you knew him, you'd realize he couldn't possibly be a murderer. I'm sorry. I've gone over the facts in the case, and unless you can present some new evidence, there's nothing I can do. Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreeth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's safe. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Yes, my brother never told you about me. Come in. I've been in South America. I flew here at once. However, I'm afraid it's too late to do any good. So you're Ralph's brother? Of course you are, but I never expected to start any resemblance. Sorry to have startled you. This is my daughter, Virginia. How do you do? Won't you join us? I've had my dinner, thanks, but I would like to talk to you. What's the matter, you thief? Did he have a good attorney? Oh, one of the very best. He's handled all of Dad's legal affairs for years. Evans, Mr. Dixon will have coffee with us. Oh, I'm Ralph Dixon's brother. Well, if you'll have me going for a minute. But you do look like Paul, Mr. Ralph. Coffee. I realize how incriminating circumstantial evidence can be, but it's never brought home to me like this before. We did everything we possibly could. You know, the trap in my daughter got quite serious about each other. Yes, he told me in his last letter. Sit up. How long do you plan to stay in this country? Haven't decided yet, Mr. Kessler, but I would like to find out who killed that girl. It's something I would like to know, too. Please consider this your home while you're here. If there's anything I can do, don't hesitate. Oh, thank you. I see that your room is put in order. Are you sure I'm not troubling you? No, no, not at all. I'm obtained for it till I come back. I'll show you to your room. Oh, thank you. Oh, I almost forgot. I must be Evan's old hot breakfast. Oh, good night, Virginia. Good night, sir. Good night, Dad. I hope you'll be comfortable. I sensed that you'd like it in the morning. It's awfully nice of you, Mr. Kessler. Really, I hope the pleasure to have you. Thank you, sir. Well, I guess I'll turn in. I haven't had much sleep the last couple of nights. Good night. Good night, sir. How long do you work for? As I guess. Ever say anything to you about having any enemies? No, sir. Were you home last night? Do you know if anybody can make a go out of the house during the course of the evening? We have a house guest. Why isn't he here? I'll get him. Oh, don't trouble yourself, Mr. Kessler. Where is he? He's upstairs in his bedroom. Let's have a look at him, Ryan. He's in the image of him. How did this happen? That's what we'd like to find out. He was strangled, Paul. Would you mind if we go into the library? No, that's all right. The prince no motive, nothing. But truly, if a man was choked to death, there would be imprints on his clothes. There weren't any on the manics, girl. And they were killed the same way, is that right? That doesn't prove a thing, Dixon. All the others got it, and always the same way. The corner's here. Okay. What does he mean by the others? Just that. Others have been killed here. Why in the world do you stay in this place? We can't leave. About these other murders. I'll put your luggage in your room, sir. I'd like to ask you a few questions. Well, it'll be a change anyhow. What's wrong with you? There's a rule I'm not a very curious person, but I'll have to begin on the getcha, huh? In a way, yes. What about these other murders? Well, there's been quite a lot of them, Dixon. Some of the best brains in the department have tried to solve them. But we all always run up against the stone wall. Weren't the other murders brought out in my brother's trial? That was different. That was a cut and dried case. Why haven't the police closed the house? Oh, they tried to, but Mr. Kessler took it to court. Carries a lot of weight around here. It does a lot of good, too. You think he'd want to leave? I guess he's waiting for his wife to come back. She left him several years ago. An awful scandal at the time. One tamed stuff and all that. Poor devil. He didn't have a chance. Well, I guess I'll be running along. Bye-bye, Maci, Dixon. Good day, Lieutenant. Well, this isn't a very pleasant way to entertain a guest. You know, Mr. Kessler, I have a feeling that somehow or other these mysterious murders are going to be cleared up. And quickly, too. Nothing will please me more. Are you a wife? Yes. She's beautiful. I rarely talk about her, but I think about her constantly. She has eyes like Virginia. Her hair, her skin. They were the loveliest I've ever seen. I hope you have the pleasure of meeting her. She'll be back someday. I was admiring your mother's picture. Father's a sentimentalist. Yes, I'd be right to be. I'll get it. Hello? Yes. Just a moment, please. It's for you, Dad. Yes. Yes, I guess I can. You know, about 20 minutes, I'd say. Surely. Goodbye. I'll see you children later. Business. That's the only information I can give you, Mr. Kirby. Have you notified his wife? Yes, Mr. Kessler. For a thing, she took it quite hard. It's terrible. Oh. I want to see the coroner. Yes. And Jewel's wife. Where is he taking? In there, Mrs. Messi. May I have one moment alone with you? Well, yes, I guess so. Mrs. Mason, you'd better take her out, Mr. Kirby. He's alive. What? I'll get the hospital. You'll be all right, Mrs. Mason. Steady now. The doctor will be here any minute. Listen to me. Did you recognize the man who tried to kill you? It was Castley. I don't believe I was ever more starred in my life than the Mrs. Mason scream. It must have been a terrific shock to see him come back to life. Yes, it was. Just a few moments longer. And I would have known who with the assailant was. I don't like to bring up the subject, Mr. Kessler. But these murders, did they ever happen in the daytime? No. I don't believe so. I see. You evidently have some reason for asking. Well, not particularly. I was just curious about that one point. Yes, sir. Sorry dinner was late tonight, sir. But the new cookers haven't quite a time getting started. That's all right. Evan's been with you long? Almost some years. Everything's gone wrong today. Now I've burned the roast. Oh, you're so flustered. You'll be all right. I was so anxious to make good, I want to say. How is that mixing spoon? It is. Right in front of me. Thanks. I like it here. It's nice. Everything's so quiet and peaceful, like... Ever read the newspapers? No. They just throw trash and murderers and stuff. But you don't know where... It's all right here. Here's your pepper salt. Help all of them. I'm afraid you have me cornered. You still have a couple of moves, Mr. Kessler. You've met your equal, dad. Oh, your father just got himself into a bad position. There's one. It's your game ball. Want to play another? Oh, thank you. Not tonight. It's getting late. Pardon me, sir. Yes? But may I speak to your mother, please? Well, yes, certainly. Who wants to leave? I thought you should know. Why? She just claimed... She feels if her work is unsatisfactory. She has so much trouble with dinner tonight. Why? That's ridiculous. Oh, I understand. It's her first day. I speak to her. I'll say good night, Mr. Kessler. Think I'll turn in. Thanks for the game. Good night, Bob. Good night, dad. Good night, child. I'll walk up with you for a while. Oh, glad to have your company. It's a long loan to climb up those stairs all alone. Where are you going, Marie? You can't leave us after cooking such an elegant dinner. Did you really like it, Mr. Kessler? Why, I never tasted anything to eat with a roast beef. Besides, you can't go now. It's going to rain in a minute. Are you sure you want me to stay? Certainly, Marie. Well, I like it here, but I thought... Or then it is set. I'll wait till you taste my apple pie, Mr. Kessler. Apple pie? Why? That will be a treat. Oh, let me take this. You might as well unpack your things. Yes, sure. Thank you, sir. Not at all, Marie. Good night. Good night, Mr. Kessler. Oh, he's a wonderful man. Now, let's see. What did I do wrong? I must have walked by sleep. Well, you did better than I. I couldn't sleep at all. It's raining. Why don't you go to bed, Bob? I'm all right. Is there anything I can do? Nothing, Bob. Thank you. I think I'll read for a while. Good night. Good night, Mr. Kessler. Well, good night, sweet Mr. Kessler. I got so tired. Who would do a thing like that? I wonder if anyone was hurt. But my father more. To questionably the work of a mad man. You all right, Evans? Yes, Mr. Kessler. Good morning, sir. Where is the new cook? She said she'd go to shopping first thing this morning. Have you looked in the room? No, sir. No, Mr. Kessler? When did she tell you she's going to the market? Last night before she went to bed. Do you think there's any connection between this and what has happened before? I don't know. Have you been through the rest of the house yet? No, sir. Good morning, Mr. Kessler. Oh, Marie. You have no idea how happy I am to see you. Thank you. Wonder why he was so glad to see me. Mr. Kessler thought she had been murdered. Oh, he's so sweet. I'm going to start to make that apple pie. Wait a minute. I don't imagine who would do a thing like that. Would you come in? Thank you. That happened last night. Didn't it fall? No. Find me the person who did it and you've got your murderer. Nobody came into this house last night. Ryan and his boys were staged outside. Lieutenant. But there's funny things going on around here. Meaning what? Well, this happened three times now. I put food on the sink, left the room. When I come back, it was gone. No. Well, you're a hired detective to watch it. That's what you get for being such an excellent cook. Oh, thank you, sir. Oh, Lieutenant. Yeah? You've got something? I don't know. I found this in the picture. Anybody else know about it? No, I wanted to speak to you first. Okay. I'll see if I can match it. Keep the others downstairs. Why not? I agree. Cheers. This yours, Mr. Kessler? Yes. Why? I thought I'd seen it on you. It was in Evans' room. Well, there's nothing strange about that. There wouldn't be, Mr. Kessler, but it so happens that a thread from this room was found embedded in the picture. Surely you're not trying to accuse Evans? Oh, it's incredible. You're just trying to make a case. Well, somebody's been doing these killings. Ryan didn't die of heart failure. Don't forget that. When did you give Evans that robe, Mr. Kessler? I don't remember giving it to him at all. But naturally, when my things need bending, he just picks them up. I don't care how he got it. He had it and he used it on that picture. I'm going to talk to him. Give me a minute, Lieutenant. Yeah? If Evans is the man we want, it strikes me you've got to have more evidence. Now, everybody wants to be a detective. Well, wait a minute. That's Paul. Here's some suggestion. All right. Go ahead. What is it? Without doubt, the murder is insane. The picture tells us that. I believe we should call him a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist? You've still got the robe. But before Evans is accused, I'm definitely in favor of giving him a sanity test. What do you say, Lieutenant? Okay. Maybe I'd better take one myself. We want to know where's the fellow's crazy. That's very easy to determine. Shall we make the examination here? If you don't mind, Doctor. Please tell Evans I want to see him and then go up to your room. Go to my room. Is it possible, Doctor, for a man to be normal, say, for two or three months at a time, then go completely insane for an hour or two? Yes. Quite common. This should be most interesting. Now what? A fuse must have blown. I like the candles. I'm down to Miss Virginia. Oh, thank you. My father wants to see you, Evans. He's in his room. Yes, Miss. We'll have to do, gentlemen, until the lights are fixed. They're not a fuses. I sent Marie over to the store to get some more, sir. That's all right, Evans. You go ahead, Evans. Sit down. We want to talk to you. All right. Sit down. Thank you, sir. This gentleman would like to ask you a few questions, Evans. Do you know these men? Yes, sir. What's this gentleman's name? Mr. Kessler. Mr. Charles Kessler, sir. Would you say that Mr. Kessler is out of his mind? I don't understand you. Would you say that he is insane? No, sir. You take it. You can't take it. It's mine, I tell you. Okay, sister. It's yours. Leave me alone. I'm going home. Home to my husband. And my daughter. Of course you are. And we know where you live, too. You do? Sure. I'm dead, you understand? I'm dead. Of course you are. I'll take you where you want to go. Now you just come with me, young lady. Hey, Evans, do you think this man is crazy? I don't ask him that, Doc. I'm beginning to have doubts myself. Please, Lieutenant. Am I crazy? I don't think so. Get on, thanks, all. I know that woman. She's a wicked. Yes, I know. She's bad. Now you come with me. Have you seen this before? What were you doing with it last night? I don't know what you're talking to us, sir. I'm dead, child. Do you hear me? I'm dead. I'm afraid to come home. You'd kill me. You'd kill anybody. See that you get home all right.