" Hi." " Hi." "Heavens!" "What's in it?" " Dirty pictures." " Oh." "Must be for me." "Hmm." "No return address." "Yeah, probably some sort of advertising gimmick." "I'm a deliveryman, not a customs officer, lady." "It passed and signed delivery." "Union says I don't have to open it and inspect it." "Hmm." "From London." "I wonder who'd be sending Mr. Stone anything from London." " Maybe it's lead." " Yeah." "As a matter of fact, if it was ticking, I'd think there was a bomb in it." ""Of gravest urgency."" "Eh." " Yes, who's calling?" " Mr. Stone on three." "Thank you." "Good morning, Mr. Stone." " How are you, Hester?" "Anything important?" " Just fine." "Uh, let's see." "Alberto Aluminum's contract has to be signed today, and Lion Electric, too." "Oh, Howard Tractor wants the word on their, uh, merger today." " Good." " Urn, I canceled the production meeting." " That's it." " Oh, that's fine." "Can you drop by on your way home with the papers for my signature?" " Of course." " Anything else?" " Yeah, a package from London." " Oh, from PIA Limited?" "Mmm, no." "Uh, it's from a suburb of London." "Purtfleet, to be exact." "Never heard of it." "Does it look important?" " Well, it says, "Of gravest urgency."" " Oh." "Urn, from the amount of sealing wax and everything on it," "I'd say that maybe it was." "It's awfully heavy." "Maybe it's gold or something like that." "Gold?" "You have quite an imagination, Hester." "Oh, all right." "Maybe it's a bomb, like the deliveryman said." "Good!" "Bring it with you." " See you later." " Yes, sir." "All right, sir." "Oh, gold, a bomb, I wonder what she'll think of next." "Are you referring to me?" "You're right." "Fort Knox hasn't sent us any gold this month." "No, I'm talking about Hester." "She's bringing a package over, thinks it might be gold or a bomb." "A bomb, just what I wanted for Christmas." "I hope it's painted red." " Your coffee." " Thank you." "I do so love red bomb fragments." " I wonder what's in it." " Arsenic, cream and sugar." "Not the coffee, you nut, the package." "Oh, that." "Where's it from?" "Purtfleet, that's just outside of London." "Hmm." "Did we make any friends on our trip there last year?" "Well, we met the Stewarts, but they live in Sussex." "Well, that's it then." "Don't you remember?" "You wanted a stone from Old Bailey, and Clyde Stewart said he'd send one if he had to steal it." " That could be it." " Sure." "That'd be just like Clyde." "You know, he's just crazy enough to steal" "Anne B0leyn's chopping block and mail it to me." "Oh, good Lord." "I hope her head isn't still on it." "Well, if it is, I hope she's learned to keep her mouth shut." "U' Lounge music)" "Would you get that for me?" "Well, sure, Mrs. Stone." "It's a game of pure skill." "And receives the birdie." " Hi, boss." " Hello, Hester." "Ooh!" "Finally." "Oh, boy." "Anybody want a drink?" " The traffic out there is very bad." " Hmm." "The man needs to work." "There comes a pause in the day's occupation that is known as "cocktail hour"." "You are getting there." " Ah." " Two." "One, two." "Fat ones, both doubles." "Thank you." "You know, John, you keep opening the blade when you stroke." "You are a lousy but lucky golfer." "Hmm." "Give me a ball." "I'll show you the right grip." "Well, if you're gonna show me the right grip, maybe we'd better wait until Helene gets out of the room." " Well..." " No, I might learn something." "Hey, maybe we both would!" "Listen, why don't you sign these pages now and get it over with?" "Ah, well." "And then I'll drop the whole mess in the mail on the way home." "Two copies there, please." "That goes in the filing case." "One more." "I don't know what I'd do without you, Hester." "Well, remember me in your will." "I don't wanna wind up with a gold watch and a trip to Hawaii." "Ooh, I understand it's loaded with attractive men." "Oh, really?" "Well, then, aloha, you landlubbers." "Hey, can't you just see me in a muumuu at a luau playing den mother for a bunch of beach boys?" "Two drinks of papaya juice, and you'll be doing the Hawaiian war dance." "Ah." "Men do like efficient women." "Efficient, yes." "But, uh..." "Eh, I'm afraid I'm too much a career-girl-type to be interested in romance." "By that time, anyway," "I'll probably be much more interested in clipping coupons." "Besides, I'll have worked for Stone Enterprises so long, my hormones will be rusted." "I get the message." "You're almost a partner now, although hardly a silent one." "Well, what about it?" "What about what?" "It, the package." "Oh, the London bomb!" " Yes!" " Ah." " Wait, John, don't open it." " Well, why not?" "Look, John, it might explode or something." "Helene's right." "Why don't you call the police and have them open it?" "Please, honey." "Female intuition." "Come off it." "It's probably one of Hank's jokes." "No, Dr. Tyson's too serious for this one." "OK, OK." "Get out of range while I play the demolition expert." "All right." " Well, what is it?" " Take a look." "For the love of Mike." "Who sent it?" ""Lloyd and Lloyd, Solicitors." "London, England."" "What does it say?" ""Mr. John Alucard Stone, Esquire." ""Dear sir, after some years of research, we have cleared the way to contact you." ""That you are the last descendant of Baron Vada Khron," ""Royal House of Khron of Moldavia." ""The relationship stems from your late mother's side." ""The matter of your legacy has been sanctioned by Her Majesty's court." ""A genesis of your family tree is available at your request." ""You will note grant deeds bearing your name." ""These establish you as master of Corfax," ""a sizeable estate in Purtfleet, a suburb of London." ""There are other bequests in your name." ""Trusts, art treasures and property holdings." ""It has been specifically requested" ""that the brandy-wine is to be toasted to your ancestors." ""According to the will, after a six-month waiting period," ""you will receive a letter forwarded by us, written by your original ancestor." ""If there are any questions, please contact us," ""but be aware that our instructions are quite specific," ""and in some cases, hundreds of years old." ""Respectfully, Nathan Lloyd."" "Oh, come on." "This has got to be a joke." "No, my mother often spoke of her family, although she never dwelled on it." "My father would kid her about being his royal wife." "But why wasn't she contacted?" "Or her own mother?" "If the instructions have been around for hundreds of years, how is it I'm just hearing about it?" "Well, like the letter said, you are the last heir." ""Sliv0vitz plum brandy." ""Bottled by the Royal House of Khron. 1888."" "Wow!" "This should really be smooth." "Come on, let's have a belt." "Ah." "Anyone else?" "I hate brandy." "And I still have a few heartbeats left that I want to save, thank you." "Almost like a liqueur." "Looks smooth." "Hmm." "Looks like a liquid ruby." "It looks like blood." "It smells like old brandy." "Oh." "Oh, don't drink it." "That's right." "I almost forgot." "A toast to my royal ancestor." "Poor old boy died without finishing all of his booze." " I didn't mean that." " Oh, well, what then?" "She's afraid, and so am I." "Look, the least I can do is drink a toast to the old boy." "To Baron Khron, wherever you are." "Well, what does it taste like?" "Strange." "Sort of..." "Sort of sweet and salty at the same time." "It could be habit forming." "John!" "John!" "I'll call Dr. Tyson." "It would be useless to call the doctor." "You were expecting something and, well, I had to perform for you." "You..." "That isn't funny." "I'm sorry, sweetheart." "I couldn't resist." "Don't be mad." "I'm getting out of here." "Oh, if you could have seen the looks on your faces." "Here." "Now, look." "First, you line up the shot, right?" "All right." "Now, get over your ball, keep the eye on it, keep your eye on the line, and stroke." " Oh, you're fabulous." " Don't jab." "I'll send you a bill for the golf lesson." "Ah." "What a woman." "And you, too." "This is getting to be a habit, isn't it, Johnny?" "What are you talking about?" "For three weeks now, I've been waking up at night feeling like a widow." "I haven't been able to sleep, so I come down here to work." " What's the matter?" " Nothing." "Not a thing." "Yes, there is." "Hester even noticed it." "Well, maybe I better get rid of her." "She's getting too used to her job." "Johnny, when did you ever talk that way about Hester?" "I'm sorry." "Maybe I'm not getting enough rest." "Obviously, not the right kind." "It's almost dawn." "Now I'm getting sleepy." "Let's watch the sunrise." "No, that's for kids." "I'm tired." "Oh, look." "It's so pretty." "We haven't watched it come up in a long time." " Please..." " I said no!" "John..." "What's the matter?" "I'm tired and I'm going to bed." "OK, I understand." "Aren't you forgetting something?" "Like what?" "Like a kiss." "Good night." "Johnny." "Johnny?" "Oh!" "Oh!" "John." "John, wake up." "Wake up, John." "John, wake up!" "John, please, I'm afraid." "That's not bad." "Oh, hi, Jimmy." "Dr. Tyson, Mrs. Stone is waiting for you in the clubhouse." "Fine." "Thanks, Jimmy." "Here." "Want to join us for a drink?" "No, thanks." "Got to get to the office." "Besides, when your best friend and patient comes out, that calls for a little bit of privacy." "Bad,bad,bad." " Hi." " Hi." " Welcome to the 19th hole." " Thank you." "Did you come to help me celebrate my winnings?" "No." "I think I need a friend as well as a doctor." " Hank, I'm worried about Johnny." " Oh, he's made out of iron." "No, it's a personality change." "He's weird." "Well, you know, we all kind of change about every seven years." "You ought to see me at a full moon." "Hi." "Give me two Rob Roys, please." " Would you prefer that?" " Oh, that's fine." "You taught me to drink them, remember?" "Rob Roy is fine." "Yeah, it seems like I'm quite a master at teaching people bad habits." " I never suffered." " I have." "Well, urn, let's have it." "He won't go to the office anymore." "He sleeps all day, works all night." "Well, so did Edison." "Edison took short naps." "Johnny sleeps most of the day, like a dead man or a zombie." "And he's cold, Hank, ice cold." " It could be poor circulation..." " I didn't mean that." "He..." "He hasn't made love to me." "He's different." "You mean with you?" "Yes." "Me, Hester, the office, everyone." "Look..." "When did this first start?" "I mean, when did you notice it?" "Oh, I guess when the brandy came." "Brandy?" "What are you talking about?" "The brandy from his London estate." "Sure you're feeling all right?" "You're not pregnant or something?" "Maybe you'd rather have strawberries and pickles instead of Rob Roy." "You're being funny, and I'm worried." "Please, come over tonight and see." "OK." "I'll come over tonight and see this gruesome, cold husband of yours." "And then, after we finish this drink, why don't you come over to my apartment while I clean up." " OK." " And then, we'll go to your house." "Oh, there's Helene." "Well, hello." " Hi." " Hi, Helene." " Welcome to your own house." " How are you?" "Thank you." " Hello, Helene." " Hi." "How are you?" "I want to talk to you a minute." "Listen, what have you done to John?" "Why, what's the matter?" "Well, he called the office about an hour ago and said," " "Come on out for cocktails at 5:00."" " Well, where is he?" "Oh, I think he's still upstairs dressing, as far as I know." "OK." "Thank you." "Ida and I have kind of kept things going down here." " We're just serving ourselves." " Very good." "Thank you." "I want to change." "And I'll be right back with you." " All right." "Good." " Excuse me a moment." "I'll be right back." "Happy anniversary, darling." "Johnny!" "Oh, I forgot." " This is for you." "I hope you like it." " Oh." "Thank you." "Oh, it's beautiful." "Here, help me put it on." "A most loyal and lovely wife deserves the best." "You remembered." "All this time since I first saw it." "Well, of course." "Don't I get any thanks?" "Would you like a kiss?" "That'll do for now." "Now, I'd better go see to our guests." "U' Lounge music)" " Good evening." " Good evening." "Welcome to the anniversary party!" "Thank you." " Good evening, Earl." " Hello, John." " My boss man." " Hello, Hester." " What's with you?" " Now, what do you mean?" "Well, ain't you ever coming back to the office, boss?" "Oh." "No, I like working at nights, it keeps me off the streets." "Hey, I like you tonight." "How are you?" "Oh, darling, listen." "Get Hester off my back, will you?" "She's trying to seduce me." "You leave him alone." " Yes, ma'am." " We have plans for later." "I think it's time for a drink." "I think that's a wonderful idea." " What'll it be?" " Honey, I don't..." "Never mind, I know what you drink." "Ah." "It's a lovely party." " Glad everybody could be here." " Mmm-hmm." "All right." "Here we are." " For you." " Thank you." "And now, for me." " Where's the brandy?" " The slivovitz?" "I, uh, got rid of it." "Oh?" " That must be Hank." " Hank?" "I invited him." "You know he never misses our anniversary party." " There we go." " Hi, sweetheart." "Happy anniversary." "Oh, Hester, I wonder if you'd come with me." "I just thought of it." "I've got some work I'd like you to take back to the office." "Glad to." "Helene, why don't you take Hank over to the bar, have a drink." "You know, when I got back to the office today, I found the invitation." "Oh, yes?" "Oh, look." "Say, that's beautiful." " That's really nice, honey." " Thank you." "And you were so worried." "He's the same old John." "He's warm and he's happy." "You and your fairy tales." "Cheers." "Where's that brandy you were talking about this afternoon?" "He said he got rid of it." "I don't understand." "It doesn't make sense, a complete turnabout." "Are you insinuating anything?" "No, it's just so peculiar." "A woman's intuition." "No..." "He hasn't remembered an anniversary in years." "You do." "How can I forget?" "That's the day John gave me my freedom..." "BY marrying you." "Here." " It's just a locket." " Oh!" "Oh, Hank, it's beautiful." "Well, it'll, uh, keep away the vampires anyway." "Thank you." "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts." "Look." "I got something for you too, sport." "You know how you like my deadeye putter." "Well, there's a gift certificate for you at the pro shop." "Well, thank you, Hank." "Very nice." "Oh, don't mention it." "I'll get it all back at the club anyway." "If you ever happen to show up there again." "You know, I really miss taking your money away from you." "Too bad, the way your husband plays golf." "Oh, I'm tired." "Why?" "Did your conversation with Hank wear you out?" "We really didn't talk that much." "Oh?" "How about your date at the country club?" "Oh, I suppose his office told you when you called." "Why didn't you?" "Well, I really didn't think it was important." "And the three hours you spent with him?" "John, Hank's your best friend!" "My best friend." "Why do you think I ran a bath for you?" "What a rotten thing to say!" "You knew him before me." "This was all a sham, all evening!" "Take that off!" "Does he think that sanctifies stolen hours?" "I know everything you do." "Sleep on it, my love." "Johnny..." "You know, it's not too often" "I have such, uh, beautiful company in my apartment." "But also, it's not too often that I see their husbands off to Europe." "Say, when will he be back?" "Three weeks." "With the family treasure." "Hmm." "Say, did you see the second letter he received asking him to come to London?" "Only what he'd allow me to read." "You're not gonna believe this, but it requested him to open a secret family vault." " What was the name of that estate?" " Corfax." "It's a suburb of Purtfleet." "Did he explain why he lied about the brandy?" "No." "And you said he made you feel uncomfortable." "Yes." "He knew about the last time I was up here, and for some reason, he deliberately drew the wrong conclusion." "Look, Helene," "John's always known I love you." "If he accuses us of more than friendship," "I'll just crack his thick skull." "Is that gonna change his thinking?" "You know he's always been jealous of you." "Yes, but why?" "He's got everything, including you." "All except the part I gave to you." "Do you regret that?" "No." "It's one of my beautiful memories." "Look, he'll be the same guy when he gets back, you'll see." "I hope so." "Sure." "Look, a change of scenery always relaxes people." "So stop worrying, and go out with me to dinner." "OK." "Hank, if I ever need you..." "I'll be there." "See?" "I'm clairvoyant, too." "All right." "Now, Kelly, be back for sailing time, now." " I will." " All right, then." "Has the sailing time changed?" "No, matey. 6:00 a.m., as scheduled." "Well, is my cargo aboard?" "Uh..." "Right-o, guv'nor." "Loaded this afternoon, it was, in hold number three, and separated as you requested." "Thank you." " I'll go below and check it." " All right, then." "Everything is in order." "Thank you." "Don't forget, Your Lordship, we sail at dawn." " I won't." "Good night." " Good night, sir." "Hello, may I speak to Lord Gold, please?" "Lord Gold, this is John Stone." "I was one of your father's friends." "I suppose you read about the heir to Corfax?" "Yes, I'm the American." "It seems the estate owes you some money, and I'd like to settle with you." "Well, I'm leaving in the morning at..." "Yes, good." "Well, may I have the address, please?" "Dunning Road." "Thank you." "Good evening." "It's cold and damp." "Yes, it's a beastly night." " Won't you come in?" " Thank you." "Urn, would you care for some cream sherry?" "My father used to be very fond of it." "Yes, thank you." " You're younger than I imagined." " Yes." "My father died quite suddenly." "Now I have the title." "My father used to have a billiard table in this room." " Your sherry." " Thank you." "Won't you have a seat?" "Oh, distressing news, these murders." "Did you know the man who was killed?" "Oh, yes." "We met at a party a few months ago." "It seems that Harker had some idea that, uh, the families were connected in some way." "You see, Harker, Seward and Goldning." "You see, our family dropped the..." "The "ning" off." "It seems my estate owes you some L3,000." "Yes, urn, three." "For what?" "An expedition your ancestor financed." "I wonder, could your servant bring us some more sherry?" "Ah, yes, sherry." " I'll get it." " No!" "Your eyelids are heavy." "You can't keep them open." "You're asleep." "Deep asleep." "Do you know who I am?" "John Stone." "But I'm not." "You're not?" " Would you like to know who I am?" " Yes." "Who are you?" "Wake up." "Wake up!" "Recognize me now?" "Dracula!" "His avenger." "How are ya, guv'n0r?" "Ain't a fit night for the devil." "I wouldn't know." " Is my luggage aboard?" " Right there, guv'n0r." "You're in stateroom number seven, down the deck and up the stairs there." "Through the night of misery when heard the howl of mixed banshee." " What is that?" " Old folklore." "It has to do with witches and werewolves." "Vampires, too, I suppose." "I wouldn't know." "Wouldn't be surprised, though." "That's the third time I've heard that howling tonight." "I wouldn't be surprised." "About what?" "Another killing out there somewhere." " The fog and cold are getting to you." " Might be." "I'm turning in." "What time is sailing?" " About an hour." "Good night, sir." " Good night." "Looking for something?" "I was checking cargo." "How fortunate for me, you were going to lock it." "Ah." "Right, guv'n0r, the lock was open there." " I'm glad you're thorough." " There you go." "Here's something for your trouble." "Why, thank you." "How'd he get in here?" "Here it is, honey." "Yeah, that's the stuff." "You got the claim checks?" "Yes." "But I don't understand where he went." "Oh, he probably just had some business to take care of." "Besides, I hate this cargo checking-out routine, so come on, let's go, let's get it over with, huh?" "All right." "All right, out with it." "I called the office." "Hester hasn't seen him." "Look, you know how John is." "He'll show up." "Why did he have us send the big crates to the warehouse?" "Because they were probably loaded with junk, and he did not want to clutter up the house." "No, you're too logical." "You know, I wonder what could have happened." "He'll be home and he'll have a good explanation for it." "Come on, have a cigarette, and then I'll take you home." "OK." "Mmm." "Thank you." "What time is it, Hank?" "It's 8:30." "Not even a call." "Oh, maybe he's got a golf date." "Don't be funny." "A man arrives from Europe, leaves the cargo to his wife, disappears." "No, I don't like it at all." "Honey, there's 100 things he could be doing." "He might have gone down to the office..." "Don't you think his first obligation is to his wife?" "Of course it is, darling." "And I'm sorry." "Johnny, where have you been?" "You sound like the district attorney." "Oh, I'm sorry." "I was worried." "I had some shopping to do." "I stopped off at the Museum of Art." "Oh, it's lovely." "Thank you." " John." " Hello, Hank." "It's good to see you." "Well, have you been taking good care of Helene?" "Oh, sure." "You know, dinner a couple of times, the usual routine." "Good." "I'm glad she wasn't bored." "How's Hester?" "Taking care of business." "Good." "She runs it better than I do." "Now, how come we're so formal?" "What's wrong, John?" "Nothing." "Why do you ask?" "Tell us about your trip." "Let me get some dust off my face first." "I'll be right down." "Well, he seems all right." " What did you expect?" " I don't know." "I really don't know." " He must have played an awful lot of golf." " Why?" "He doggone near crushed my hand." "You know, somehow, I..." "I feel as though I'm losing him." "I'll never understand women." "He goes away from home, you miss him." "He comes home, and you think you're losing him." " Why?" " Intuition." "And what is my lovely wife intuitive about?" "Ah, who's to know?" "It's a woman's prerogative not to tell." "Maybe she'll tell me later." "Oh, it's nothing." "Ah." "I missed you." "Spoken like a devoted wife." "Well, what about the trip, John?" "Oh, yes." "Well, the estate is valuable, but rundown." "I've put it up for sale." "I also have other property in Europe." "I've ordered it to be sold." "London was cold and damp." "I'm glad to be home." "Well, do you intend to go back?" "No." "My work in Europe is finished." "Well, uh, I've got to be going." "I have three hypochondriacs at the hospital to check on." " All right." " Goodbye, Helene." " I'll walk you to the car." " OK." "Thanks, John." "You know, I'm glad you're back, John." "What's wrong with Helene?" " Not a thing." " Oh?" "I thought you had her complete confidence." "Now, look, John," "I don't know what's eating you, but if you've got something to say, spill it." " You love my wife." " Oh, you know that." "But as long as she loves you, you don't have a worry." "Perhaps I'm jealous." "Of me?" "All of a sudden?" "Yes, you're right." "I'll make it up to her." " Well, you better start tonight." " Oh, how?" "Just by doing a little homework." "Good night, John." "What's the matter?" "You startled me." " Goosebumps." " You're cold." "I've been outside, remember?" "I'm glad you're home." "Why didn't you write or even call?" "There was much to do." "What a beautiful ring." "One of the heirlooms." "You know, if you look closely enough, you can almost see the past." "The past?" "I can see..." "I watch it sometimes." "The fog disappears." ""Disappears"?" "When it disappears, I close my eyes." "Close your eyes." "Look deeply." "The fog is gone." "Now, close your eyes." "Close your eyes." "You're asleep." "You can hear only my voice." "Repeat after me." ""I can hear only your voice."" "I hear only your voice." "You will love me forever, beyond death." "Love forever, beyond death." "Every time I turn the ring, you will go back to sleep." "Turn ring, go back to sleep." "Repeat all that I told you." "I hear only your voice." "Love beyond death." "Turn ring, go back to sleep." "Good." "When I stroke your hand, you will awaken." " The fog does disappear." " You see?" "I told you." "Oh, you must be tired." " Yes, I am." " So am I." "Let's make it an early evening." "I have a few things to do first, then I'll be right up." "Darling, make it soon." "Moldavia, September 7, 1883." "Descendant of the House of Khron, by the time the London solicitor has dispatched this personal letter to you, the royal blood of the House of Count Dracula should be coursing through your veins." "This was brought about by the marriage of the brandy casks and your ancestral blood." "As you know, our ancestor was destroyed by a stake through his heart." "The destroyers released him to eternal damnation, the name "Dracula" to be despised and feared." "You must now avenge the name." "Here's the list of the slayers." "Finding them poses no difficult problem." "Most come from eminent English families." "The Count cannot rest until avenged." "In patience, Baron Khron." "Operator." "Could I have Houston Information, please?" "Houston operator." "Do you have a phone number for a Sherri Morris or a Morris Oil Refinery?" " One moment, I'll check." " Thank you." "I find a listing for both a Sherri Morris and a Morris Oil Refinery." "That's it." "Give me the number and residential address, please." "The number is 553-4980." "The address, 1407, Aviatrix Avenue." "Thank you." "You've been very helpful." "Rest easy, my love." "Soon, our blood will flow as one river." "Open your eyes." "Do you hear me?" "I hear you." "You will sleep soundly until tomorrow morning." "You will remember that I have gone on a trip, that I will return late tomorrow." "Do you understand?" "I understand." "You will remove the locket." "Remove the locket." "Remove the locket." "Now, sleep until tomorrow." "Sleep." "Sleep." "Oh." "Well, hello." " Waiting for me?" " Yes." "Got a bed around the corner." "How about a drink?" "The price is right." "Shall we go?" "Come on, honey." "Sit down." "Scotch or vodka?" "Scotch, water only." "What's your name?" "John Stone." "My name's Viv." "Short for Vivacious Viv, queen of the grind." "You know, I like you." "Mind if I get comfy?" "Go ahead." "You only live once." "We'll have a ball, huh, Johnny?" "Yes, a real feast." "Johnny, I hurt my finger." "Come kiss it and make it well." "Who are you?" "Go away!" "Let go of me!" "Call the coroner." "Come on, Woody, get your pictures." "I'm telling you, not a print in the joint." "I'm telling you that nobody left here since she and that guy came up here." " Only a bird could have got out of here." " Well, what do we do?" "Ah, just keep digging." "We'll find something." "Like what?" "Get off my back!" "I don't know." "Just dig." "Come on, get her out of here." "Looked heavier than the last girl." "Your coffee, Dr. Tyson." " Well, thank you, Ida." " You're welcome." "Well, well, well, you look like you had a good night." "Don't be a smart aleck." "Where's John?" "Sleeping?" "No, he left on a business trip." "He'll be back tonight." "Well, now, that was kind of sudden, wasn't it?" "You know, he should be mad at me." "Why?" "Well, I fell asleep last night early and slept straight through till this morning." "A phone call for you, Mrs. Stone." "Thank you." "Hello." "Dr. Howard Helsing?" "Hello, Doctor." "What can I do for you?" "No, John isn't here." "What do you mean?" "What's that?" "Yes, please." "Please, come over." ""Howard Helsing." Howard..." "You know, that name sounds familiar." "What did he want?" "He said he had to see John." " He said John was in danger." " Of what?" "He wouldn't tell me on the phone." "He's coming over." "Hank, please stay." "Sure, honey, I'll stay." "Sure." "I'm Dr. Helsing." " Won't you come in?" " Thank you." "Right this way." " Dr. Helsing to see you." " Thank you." " Dr. Helsing, won't you come in?" " Thank you." "I'm sorry to bother you." "It's quite all right." "Dr. Helsing, Dr. Tyson." " Oh, how do you do?" " Nice to know you, Doctor." " Won't you sit down?" " Well, thank you." "What's this all about?" "Uh, I'm an analyst attached to Hamburg University." "Oh, of course, Doctor." "You know, I've read your papers on aberrations and delusions and hallucinations." "In fact, your text is magnificent." "You're very kind, Doctor." "Urn, can we get to the point?" "I believe that danger hovers over this household." "Danger to Mr. Stone, Mrs. Stone and perhaps others." "I'm sorry." "I don't understand." "Hold on, Helene." "Hold on." "Your husband did return from a trip to London?" "Well, yes." "He returned with art treasures from his Corfax estate." "Do you know the history of the estate?" "Not exactly, except that my husband is the last heir." "Well, just what is the history, Doctor?" "One of horror." " Hello." " Hi, Hessie." "Hello, Dr. Tyson." "Dr. Helsing, this is my husband's secretary, Hester Avery." " How do you do, Doctor?" " How do you do?" "What is it, Hester?" "Your husband sent me a telegram." "There are some papers in his desk that he wants me to put in his personal file at the office." "We'll get them." " Excuse us, gentlemen." " Certainly." "Gentlemen." "Look, Helsing..." "Let's have it." "What do you want?" "I want to save my life." "From what?" "Read these." "Three deaths in the same manner, so what?" "They are connected with the history of Corfax, as I am." "Yeah, go on." "It was purchased by a Count Dracula in the 19th century." "You, uh, may have heard of him." "The vampire." "And wasn't there a series of strange deaths that are still unsolved in the London police books?" "Well, they were solved by six people." "They destroyed the Count, or thought they did." "Now, three descendants of these people are dead." "And all of this happened since Mr. Stone's trip to London." "Oh, come on." "You can't be suggesting what I think you are." "Well, this is the space age." "Vampire or avenger, John Stone is dangerous." "He's the last heir of Count Dracula." "Vampirism, voodoo?" "Oh, that's all mumbojumbo." "Read this." "It happened last night." "Well, is she connected with this, too?" "No, that was a wanton murder." "Her body was drained of blood." " It starts." " What starts?" "The terror, by a killer who can't be stopped unless he's found in bright sunshine." "Oh, come on, Doctor." "There are four deaths yet to come." "Sherri Morris, Arthur Homewood and myself." "But you said four deaths." "Helene Stone." "Hers will be a living death." "He will make her as himself." "Are you going to help me, Doctor?" "I can't believe it, not in this day and age." "Time is of the essence." "We must act." "Listen, let's keep this from Helene." "Give me some time." "It's strange." "Hank, look at that." "It has something to do with the estate." "I don't remember seeing it before." " What does it mean?" " Oh, well, it's, uh..." "Looks like just a gag." "You know, urn, all castles come with ghosts and curses and secret passages." "Why would he want it at the office?" "Oh, uh..." "I suppose he wants to give it to a museum." "Well, you better get going." " I'll walk you to the car." " Thank you, honey." "Nice to have met you, Dr. Helsing." "Dr. Tyson." "Hester." "Do you still doubt?" "Well, it's..." "It's all circumstantial." "Very well, Dr. Tyson." "My life is my responsibility," "Mrs. Stone's is yours." "I'm at the Commodore Hotel if you need me." "You're leaving, Dr. Helsing?" "I thought you wanted to talk to me." "Well, I believe Dr. Tyson can explain it to you." " Good day." " Good day." "He's a strange man." "Well, he's brilliant, but a lot of ancient ideas." "What did he mean by "danger"?" "Oh, that." "Well, uh, just a curse of the castle." " Folklore, you know." " Oh, is that all?" " Would you like some coffee?" " Oh, yeah, please." "Ida." "Arthur, I apologize." "I know I'm silly." "Maybe I should go to the booby hatch." "It's just that something has come over me." "Let me see that newspaper." "I can certainly see no reason for a murder in London to bother you." "Well, now that you mention it, it does sound kind of silly." "You know, Arthur, my family has subscribed to this newspaper long before I was born, and most of the time I never even look at it." "But this story..." "It gives me the chills." "There's something about those names." "Oh, well, it might be getting to me, too." " I'll draw it up tomorrow." " Please do that, Arthur." "I'm going for a swim to relax my nerves." " Good night." " Good night, Sherri." "What the..." "It must be that repulsive Airedale down the street." "Arthur?" "Is that you, Arthur?" "Sherri Morris." "Count Dracula has at last been avenged." "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, Jesse Burns here with the news." "Sherri Morris, Texas oil millionairess, was found murdered in her swimming pool tonight, stabbed through the heart." "Houston police have no clues at this time." "Police set the time of death at 10:00 p.m. The police are searching for a man..." "Oh, Hank, why do people kill?" "Transfer of hatred or something." "What was the name of that girl?" " Uh, Sherri something." " Sherri Morris?" " Yes." "Why?" " Oh, no reason." "I wish John were home." "I'd better get going." " Oh, please, use the guest room." " I better not." "And I think you know the reason why." "I'm not here for pleasure, Doctor." "What's the matter?" "You don't have a TV set in this room, do you?" "Sherri Morris." "She's dead." " The same way?" " Mmm-hmm." "Just like the others, stabbed through the heart." "What does that mean?" "Vampires can only be killed by driving a wooden stake through the heart." "The avenger kills that way." "Here we are, two men of science, and we're supposed to..." "Still not with me." "Well, I guess I'd rather be safe than sorry." "But what about Mrs. Stone?" "I see no danger sign." "Yet." "Well, what about tonight?" "Oh, he won't be home tonight." "He'll be too pressed for time." "Even with jets." "But from now on, we'll be pressed for time." "We've got to find his crypt." " Say, I think I know where it is." " Good." "We'll go there tomorrow, when the sun is high." "He'll be resting then." "In the crypt?" "In his coffin." "Well, I hope you're wrong, Dr. Helsing." "I really do." "Well, we'll know tomorrow." " Good night." " Good night, Doctor." "on." "Johnny." "Mmm." "Hank waited for you until 12:30." " Old reliable, eh?" " Mmm-hmm." "Hester was here, too." "Did she take the brief to the office?" "Oh, you mean that silly letter?" "How did you know there was a letter?" "Well, Hester dropped the file, it fell out," "I read it and showed it to Hank and Dr. Helsing." "Dr. Howard Helsing was in this house?" "Yes." "What did he say?" ""Great danger for you and me."" "Now, forget everything but what I tell you." "Repeat." ""Helsing is my husband's enemy." "He wants to kill him."" "Helsing is my husband's enemy." "He wants to kill him." "Now, lie down." "Lie down." "John Stone told us he'd be able to pick it up later." " I see." " It's right here somewhere." "Yes, right there." "Oh, yeah, here it is." " That's it, right here." " Good." "Well, I'll wait for you while you check it out." "Well, uh, yeah, OK." " Having any luck?" " Huh?" " Yeah." " Give you a hand?" "No, no." "Thank you." "Hey, Charlie, get that phone!" "Oh, listen, I've got to go answer the phone." "He's deaf as a..." "He can't hear anything." "That's OK." "We'll take care of it." " Thank you very much." " All right." " The lock's open." " Afraid?" "Come on, let's get this over with, huh?" "Well, it's completely empty." "That sure shoots down your theory, Doctor." "Well, I'm glad that's over with." " Just beginning." " What do you mean?" "Look." " Dust." " Soil." "Old soil." "So?" "He changed his resting place." "He must have suspected something." "One man's going to carry a coffin alone?" "At night, he has the strength of 1O men." "Oh, come on, Helsing, that's another fairy tale." "Somehow he knows we're onto him." "Mrs. Stone is in great danger." " You mean he'd kill her, too?" " Worse." " He'd make her as himself." " Well, how?" "By drinking her blood three times, he weakens her..." "Then, he gives her some of his." "Then, she becomes the living dead." "Now, Helsing, either you're nuttier than a fruitcake, or I am for listening to this screwball story." "Come on, let's go." "Helene?" "Ida?" " Helene?" " Just a moment." "How well do you know Mrs. Stone?" "I'm not sure I know what you mean." "Could you detect a change in her?" "Yes, uh, I think I could." "That may be important." "Where's John?" "I'm his wife, not his jailer." "He's probably in town." "Oh, your husband did return from his trip?" "Yes, this morning, 3:00 or 4:00." "I told him you and Hank were here." "What do you want of my husband, Dr. Helsing?" "Well, I told you, I thought there might be danger." "Why do you hate my husband, Dr. Helsing?" "I don't hate." "You want to kill him!" "Now, why would you say that?" "I don't know." "I just feel it!" "Oh, you look pale." "Don't you feel well?" "I feel fine." "Mrs. Stone, I want to help you." "Then leave us alone!" "Go away!" " You're in danger." "John is ill." " You're against him, too!" "Don't you think it's kind of strange that he hasn't spent one night at home since his return?" "He had business to attend to." "Where did you get those marks?" " I hurt myself." " But when?" "I don't remember." "It's none of your concern!" "Mrs. Stone, regardless of what you think of me, your life is in danger." "What's he talking about?" "I believe your husband is a vampire." "That's not true." "Hank, tell him." "You're both crazy!" "Helene, you're in danger." "Dr. Helsing hates John." "He wants to kill him." "He hates him." " What time is it?" " Why, it's 6:00." "He's up now." "It starts." " What do we do?" " We wait." " And we don't lose sight of her." " But how can we do that?" "With this." "He'll have to come to her." "He can't fight holy power." "Oh, I know you don't believe in the supernatural, Doctor." "Before this night is over, I'm afraid that much will change for you." "Hello." "Stone residence, yes." "No, Mr. Stone isn't here right now." "Who?" "Detective Crane?" "Well, yes, she is, but I'm afraid, uh..." "Yes, just a moment, please." "Helene." "Helene." "The police, they want you on the telephone." "The police?" "Hello." "Yes, this is Mrs. Stone." "No, my husband isn't here." "Yes." "I'll be here." "Well, what did he want?" "To talk to John." "Do you think they suspect?" "Murder maybe, not the truth." "And what is the truth, Dr. Helsing?" "I didn't hear you come in." "Well, perhaps your ears and imagination aren't as good as Dr. Helsing's." "At last we meet." " I'm sorry it wasn't sooner, Doctor." " Well, I'm not." "I assume it was you who sought me in Hamburg." "I don't know what you're talking about." "How's my lovely wife?" "Something wrong, Mr. Stone?" "John." "What is it?" "I can see that flowerpot in the mirror, but I can't see you." "It's a bad piece of glass." "John." "The police are coming here." "Darling, you're looking tired tonight." "Why don't you go upstairs and rest awhile?" "Ida." "Will you take Mrs. Stone upstairs?" "Are you feeling all right, Mrs. Stone?" "She's all right." "Do you know what you're doing?" "What are you talking about?" "John, I know about the letters, the estate, and the killings." "Your great-grandfather killed mine." "Why are you turning away, Doctor?" "No willpower?" "Have you read this book?" "Religious drivel." "John, take the book." "John, for the love of God, take the book." "Yes?" " Mr. John Stone?" " That's Mr. Stone." "Mr. Stone, I'm Detective Crane." "I'd like to ask you a few questions." "Am I under arrest?" "Just checking something out." "Uh, Dr. Helsing, Dr. Tyson." " Cigarette?" " No, thanks." "Go on." "You were in Houston the night before last." " Was I?" " We know that." "When a woman worth as much as Sherri Morris gets it, things move fast." "Houston police checked the flights into the city." "You were one of the passengers." "A cabbie says he left you out not far from her house." "Ridiculous." "Have you ever been to Strip City, Mr. Stone?" ""Strip City"?" "Never heard of it." "They've heard of you." "Strip City is a bump-and-grind clip joint." "A girl who worked there was murdered." "The bartender identified your photograph as the man she left with." "All right, Crane, what do you have?" "I take a trip to Texas, a man identifies an old picture of me," "I'm accused of speaking to a girl." "What do you want, a promotion?" "I want you to answer some questions." "I've been doing just that, but I'm running out of patience." "So am I, Mr. Stone." "So am I." "I'll have to ask you to come with me." "As you wish." "Take care of Helene." "I'll be back, you know." " How long will you hold him?" " I can't answer that." "Now, what did he mean by that?" "He plans to leave with her some time during the night, and there'll be no one to stop him but us." "But he'll be in jail." "No, my friend, he'll never get there." "We'll have to guard her." "We'll stay here tonight, all night." "Ida." "Ida?" "Yes, Dr. Tyson?" "Would you make us a big pot of coffee, please?" " Of course." " Thank you." " What is it?" " Stone was too confident." "Well, I'm not." "Ida, would you get the door, please?" " Well, what's the matter?" " Where is he?" " Well, he left with you." " What happened?" "I got to the car, my partner was dozing, I started to kid about it with Stone." "We were talking." "That's all I recall." "When I got my bearings, my partner was shaking me awake." "We can't figure it out." " Stone's hypnotic power." " What?" "The rosary." "Come on." "Wake up and come." "I will come." "The second time." "If you're trying to scare me to death, Helsing, you just did it." "Hey, what's going on?" "What's with her neck?" "You wouldn't believe it." "Hey, will you let me in on this?" "Let's go." "Wait a minute." "Do you think it's safe to leave her like this?" "She's safe." "Let's go downstairs." "All right, let's have it." "Where's Stone?" " He was here and gone." " I'll get out a bulletin." "Mr. Crane, that won't do you any good." " We'll see." " Let me explain." " It better be good." " You just have to trust us." "I have documented proof of everything I say." "In the event of my death, you will find it in my hotel." "You want Stone?" "I'll get him for you." " You'll know where he is?" " I know where to look." "You'll have to wait with us." ""Wait"?" "What for?" "You're obstructing justice." "Where is he?" "Will you shut up and listen?" "OK, go ahead." "His wife will lead us to him." "The closer to dawn, the better." "If she knows, let's go now." "No, she's in a hypnotic state." "She'll wait until he calls her." "What is this guy?" "Svengali?" "Oh, let me explain a few facts." "This started almost 100 years ago." "I must be nuts." "Vampires, bloodsuckers." "Some story!" "If this guy escapes, I'm booking you for aiding and abetting..." "Here she comes." " She removed the beads." " Be quiet." "It doesn't matter." "We have to go after her." "We don't let her out of sight, or we may lose her forever." " He didn't give himself more time." " Thanks for that anyway." "Is it safe for her to drive a car?" "Yes, her instinct, in his mind." "Come on!" "We don't want to lose her." "What's going on, Chief?" "Never mind." "Just don't lose that car." "But remember, this is my party." "Agreed?" "Well, you've been right so far." "Let's go." "This is really the woods." "I hope we have enough gas." "It's 5:20." "Can't be much farther." "This better not be a wild goose chase." "You fool!" "You lost her!" "How far could she go?" "Thirty seconds out of sight is long enough to lose her forever." "Check up ahead." "There." " I don't get it." " Just drive, Patrolman." "She must have turned here." "Let's try this one." " What time is it?" " 5:40." "We've got to find her, quickly!" " Have you seen a girl around here?" " I'm out walking with one now." " Oh, no." " No, a woman in a pink nightgown." " A woman, a pink nightgown?" " Yes." " With long blond hair." " Long blond hair." "Well, now, there was somebody that come by here" " in a long peach-colored nightgown." " Which way did she go?" "Well, I'll tell you, we'll get Empy to show you now." " Well, go ahead." " Empy has..." "Wait a minute, doc, I have to explain." "She don't look like it, but from her earliest days she has showed all the attributes of a detective dog." "And we'll put her hot on the trail and run down your quarry." " Fine, fine." "Put her down there." " Yeah." "Yeah." " Down this way." " Yeah, down that way." " Come on, and show us." " Come on there, Picket..." "I mean, Empy." " Come on!" " Yeah, yeah, let's show 'em." "Come on, we'll see what's going on." "Come on now." " Wait." " Which way do we go?" "I don't know." "Ask the dog." "Gentlemen, this is an important matter." "We've got to find the coffin." "Now, look, why don't we do it this way?" "You two officers go that way." "Crane, you take this section, and the doctor and I will go this way." "Gentlemen, be careful and quiet." " He's got the strength of 1O men." " Right." "Hey, what's this?" " This way." " After them, girl." "After them." "Follow every devious twist and turn of the trail." "Ah, that's it, Empy." "Oh, you're doing fine." "A fork in the road, Empy." "Which way did they go?" "Ah, very good, pointing with your tail." "Only an insider would understand that." "After them, Empy." "Run the quarry down." "Away we go, Empy." "Away we go." "This way, girl." "Wait a minute, wait a minute." "What if we're wrong?" "We have to be right." "If we are, we'll find the coffin." "I'll need this." "Be quiet." "When she goes in, we'll follow." " It's over." " For you!" "Help me to my feet." " What time is it?" " It's almost dawn." "No need for that." "Your bullets will do no good here." "Destroy, Almighty God, with your power of light." "You're weakening, Helsing." "Your strength is almost gone!" "It's..." "It's almost daybreak." "Hold it." "No, you've done enough." "Helene?" "Come on, I'll take you home." " Oh." "Oh, Hank." " Come on, let's go." "Detective Crane, I don't know what the penalty is for killing a vampire." "Not killing, Dr. Helsing, exterminating." "Hey, what was going on over there?" "You wouldn't believe it." "In fact, I'm not sure I do." "The end of an old family feud."